The Creative Guide: What to Do with Old Candle Jars

Homesick puts lots of time and effort into making scented candles that recall the memories and places of our lives. They are poured with love and offer hints of notes of nostalgia and sweet, sentimental moments. And our personalized candles make such a wonderful gift and thoughtful touch that it begs to be cherished forever.  So, when the wax is gone, don’t simply recycle the old candle jar. Instead, repurpose it into something meaningful. Here are some clever creative ideas on what to do with old candle jars so they can stay on a shelf for many years.  #1 Display Meaningful Ticket Stubs Wondering what to do with old candle jars from our city collection? Use it to store meaningful ticket stubs that you collected over the years. If you have an old New York candle jar, clean it out and keep ticket stubs from all the concerts, performances and broadway shows you saw during your time there. Preserve your performance tickets from the New York City Ballet or that unforgettable, intimate concert at the Bowery Ballroom. You could even place your Metrocard as a memento.  Still have some friends back in the city? Slip that Polaroid or photo strip from the Coney Island photo booth in front of all the ticket stubs. It will remind you of the people you miss too. No NYC Native Can Throw Away the New York Candle Jar #2 Create a Miniature Diorama Source: beeboys/Shutterstock.com Cherish your old candle jars by creating a miniature diorama of a memory or place to represent the candle’s significance. Seek out Z scale figurines (the kind they use on miniature model trains) and stage tiny scenery that captures one of your favorite moments. Stage the moment you exchanged vows inside an old jar from the wedding candle collection, adding a miniature couple inside with moss for grass. Or add skiers heading down little slopes of cotton batting inside the ski trip candle. Feeling ambitious enough to add a lake to your Summer Camp or hiking candle? Make a pond out of casting resin.  There are countless scenes and worlds you can build inside an old candle jar. Even magical, fictional scenes of fairy gardens and more. Looking for inspiration? Check out the whimsical and charming miniature worlds of Kendal Murray.  #3 Treat a Friend Another way to use old candle jars is to repurpose them as a treat container. Of course, you can always place your own favorite treats inside, but it also makes a thoughtful gift for a friend.  Chocolates, gummy bears, sour candies, pretzels and even some homemade, bite-size goodies can really cheer them up. Then they can get creative and learn how to reuse candle jars for their home.  While homesick candles lack a lid to keep treats preserved, it’s easy to add one. Simply cut a 5x5-inch square out of a beeswax wrapper and, placing it over the top of the candle jar, tie it securely with a ribbon.  #4 Store Your Coin Collection Are you a world traveler who brings back foreign money and coins as small souvenirs? Store your coin collections in our country candles. Whether they are Loonies and Toonies from Canada, francs from your honeymoon in Paris or a few rupees from your solo backpacking journey across India, hang on to a small token of your trip. Like the ticket stub idea, you can also collect ticket stubs, plane tickets and other mementos from your journey, keeping it all together in one of our country candle jars.  Don't Throw Away Your Personalized Candles – Use the Old Jar for Something Creative! #5 A Stationery Setup Source: Daniel K. Driskill/Shutterstock.com While most of us use emails and social media to keep in touch, letters and cards offer a sentimental message too. Whether you write the old-fashioned way to your screen-free grandmother or just need a place to stash stamps and pens as you sign and seal the holiday cards, old candle jars can act as a stationery setup. Inside you can store colorful pens, home address labels and a roll of stamps. This creative idea is perfect for The love letter candle or one of our holiday candles. Keep the label to help organize your holiday stationery, whether it’s for Christmas or Hanukkah or just to send cards to loved ones to ring in the New Year. What Creative Project Will You Make? Now that you have a few creative ideas on what to do with old candle jars, what will you make? Share your creations with us! Tag @homesick and #homesickcandles to show us how you have repurposed our hand-poured candles.

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Our Best Candles for Men: Finding the Gift He’ll Love

Looking for a homesick candle with a more masculine profile? We have you covered! Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for a guy friend or your partner, homesick carries a huge variety of candles with strong masculine scents. Leather and suede, smoke and musk, even grassy notes with hops — we have the best candles for men he’s sure to love! Take a look at this collection for ideas and inspiration.  #1 The Bud Light Tailgate Candle Have a fella or buddy who loves tailgating parties? Then get him the Bud Light candle. A collaboration with Anheuser-Busch, the Tailgate candle smells just like game day: a brand new team jersey, the smell of smoking charcoal on the grill and grassy notes of hops and lawn chairs. Ignite this Bud Light Tailgate candle and turn the living room into a stadium without leaving the lounge chair.  A Bud Light Candle’s Great for When the Guys Come Over for the Game #2 The Budweiser Backyard BBQ Candle If your guy is the unchallenged barbecue king of the tailgating party, he’s gonna love the Budweiser backyard barbecue candle. In total Americana fashion, this backyard BBQ candle smells like a summer picnic table spread loaded up with smoky seared links, shredded pork and pitchers of lemonade. Refreshing beer shandy, anyone?    #3 The Summer Camp Candle Looking for summer candles that remind him of camp? Notes of fresh, dewy grass, blooming jasmine, sandalwood and sunscreen will transport him to an evening around the bonfire. What does sandalwood smell like? Exotic, smooth and warm, sandalwood smells like taking a seat on a cut log bench and letting any troubles melt away with the glowing sunset.  #4 Ski Trip Candle Does your guy prefer powder over pools? Then check out the ski trip candle. It smells like a full day shredding the slopes and capped off with a piping hot mug of chocolate cocoa. Lending further delight to the ski trip candle are cedar and guaiac wood notes that transport you into a mighty ski lodge with a stone fireplace and beams overhead. Grab the ski wax — the ski trip candle, that is! And if he’s not a big candle guy, we offer a ski trip reed diffuser, too. Or get him the ski trip car freshener so he can’t take the great scent on-the-go! #5 Oktoberfest Candle Raise your stein and toast to the autumn harvest season with the Oktoberfest candle. With scents of pumpkin, warm doughy pretzels, spices and golden hops, this fall-inspired candle will transport you to a Bavarian folk festival filled with yodeling and laughter. #6 The Road Trip Candle Does your wanderlust guy have an insatiable thirst for travel and believe he’s Jack Kerouac reincarnated? Then meet the road trip candle. With top notes of leather and marine, it smells like cruising along the highway in a classic convertible, wind in the hair and singing to your favorite tunes with a good friend. Ignite the road trip candle to remind him of those free-spirited days. We even have a road trip car freshener — because of course we do! #7 The Black Tux Candle Make him feel like he’s stepping out in style, dressed to the nines. Dapper and robust, the black tuxedo candle is loaded with the perfect balance of gentlemanly scents. Think buffed leather shoes, oak-casked bourbon and the hint of tobacco from a celebratory cigar. This candle also makes a thoughtful gift for groomsmen, combined with a personalized message.   Allow Him to Showcase His Handsome Side with Our Black Tuxedo Candle #8 Four Twenty If the special guy in your life loves to unwind after a long work day, is the adventurer type who can’t help but attend every concert that comes into town or simply loves a relaxing evening with friends and laughter, the homesick four twenty candle may be what you’re looking for. But don’t worry, this won’t leave anyone’s home smelling like a cannabis farm. We added notes of bergamot, cedarwood, sandalwood, musk and more, making it perfect for any guy.  #9 Gone Hiking Candle Being one with the wilderness seems to be a part of every man’s core. With this gone hiking candle, it will get them in touch with their primitive instincts too. Hints of sandalwood paired with pine, cedarwood and moss will make a guy’s territory smell like a dense forest surrounded by tall pines and a rushing, trout-filled river running through.  Explore Our Best Candles for Men and More While we think these are homesick’s best candles for men, there are plenty of other candles with masculine scents too. Choose from our state candle collection to recall scents of the spruce and aspen trees of the Colorado Rockies or the fresh scent of the glacial Alaska frontier. We also carry city candles like the Nashville candle that offers hints of whiskey and Pittsburgh with steely, smoky notes. Shop homesick candles for your guy or buddy today!

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Our 7 Best Candles for Home

Homesick candles come in various scents, inspired by everything from cities and tropical escapes to fond memories and special celebrations. As a whole, homesick candles are known for transporting you to a favorite destination and reigniting long-lost memories. However, we offer so much more. If you’re looking for an everyday candle to add a pleasant aroma to the home, we have those too! Here are homesick’s seven best candles for the home that we know you’re sure to love.   #1 The New Home Candle Whether it’s to say congrats to a friend on buying their first home or to welcome the new neighbors with a housewarming candle, The New Home candle has to be our best candle for the home. It smells like freshly pressed linen sheets and new opportunities and decorating ideas with notes of jasmine, sandalwood and musk. Nothing says welcome home like a housewarming candle.  What Better Choice for a Home than a Housewarming Candle? #2 The Book Club Candle Ever wanted a home library or simply enjoy curling up with a good book on a rainy day? Then you’ll love this book-scented candle. With top notes of nutmeg and orange, paired with sandalwood, balsam and amber, book club can make a house feel like a home with stacks upon stacks of leather-bound and paperback novels.  #3 The Home Office Candle Are you working remotely these days? If you have a home office setup, like many of us, keep your desk and workspace smelling pleasant and refreshing. The home office candle offers notes of fresh air, water lilies and cinnamon to give a boost of energy along with heliotrope petals, amber and patchouli to relax the mind. In other words, ignite this candle to create a harmonious aroma that promotes calm and focus for a better work-life balance. We also carry a home office reed diffuser you can keep on your desk to emit the scent as soon as you “arrive” to work. #4 Grandma’s Kitchen Candle Grandma’s kitchen is another wonderful candle for the home, but especially the kitchen. If you love the smell of fresh-baked cookies straight out of the oven, this is a must-have candle, for you, Granny or anyone who misses grandma’s cooking. Sweet, sugary notes of apple and sugar cookie paired with savory touches of butter, cinnamon and vanilla will instantly make your home feel warm and loved. It smells like getting a big hug from Grandma. #5 The Beach Cottage Candle If you love the smell of salty breezes and afternoon tides, be sure to pick up one of homesick’s beach candles. You don’t have to live in a cottage by the shore to appreciate this driftwood and boardwalk-scented candle. Leave it on a bathroom vanity in your home to elevate your baths into a spa-like experience and transport you to the ocean tides. Transport to the Ocean with Our Beach Candles #6 The Gone Hiking Candle Love the smell of the great outdoors? Want to transport your apartment to your favorite hiking trail or camping site? Our gone hiking candle can do exactly that! With scents of tall pine, fresh waters, moss, ivy and hints of jasmine, this option is perfect for the outdoorsy type. Plus, it serves as a great Christmas or birthday gift for one’s adventurer friend.  #7 The Winter Mantel Our home candles span all kinds of seasons too — not just spring! Looking for home candles to enhance and warm wintry moods? The winter mantel candle is a must-have candle for the holiday season. Light this candle for scents of eucalyptus and fresh spruce mixed with holly berries. You don’t even need a fireplace mantel to keep this festive candle around. Simply rest it on a coffee table to transport you to an old-world, Dickens-inspired Christmas home. Explore the Entire Collection of homesick Candles If you plan to ignite one of these seven best candles for home frequently, we encourage you to grab a bundle. If you light the candle every day to keep your home smelling lovely and fresh, it’s always a wise idea to stock up while you can. Of course, you may be wondering: How long do candles last? While it depends a lot on how well you maintain your candle, homesick candles have an average burn time of 60 to 80 hours. However, you can make your candle last longer by taking care of it and trimming the wick when needed. Just something to keep in mind when ordering your favorite candles for your home and as gifts.

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Our Favorite Winter Candle Scents for the Season

With winter around the corner and the first snowflake weeks away, Chionophiles rejoice! If you consider yourself a creature that thrives in cold conditions, appreciates the crunch of freshly fallen snow or are simply content to hibernate as you watch the white blanket cover the streets outside, we get you!  And, let’s face it. While some of us enjoy the colder climates and seasons, there’s still nothing better than coming into a warm home, striking a match and lighting a fire to take off the chill. But if you don’t have a fireplace, a candle is the next best thing. And, boy, do we have the perfect candles for you. Here are some of our most loved winter candle scents for the upcoming season. Whether you love the mind-clearing scent of freshly fallen snow or your grandma’s homemade baked apple pie around the holidays, there’s a Homesick candle that will bring back a flood of memories.  Explore below our entire collection of winter candle scents for the season and find your favorites. The Nutcracker Candle If you fill your home with the classical melodies of Tchaikovsky around the winter season, the Nutcracker candle is a must! Keep it nearby on the fireplace mantel, along with your collection of nutcrackers, of course. The Nutcracker candle features top notes of spicy cinnamon and clove along with a nutty pecan, lending the aroma of spiced nuts and other winter holiday snacks. Mid-notes of sandalwood and wintermint offer a fresh, woodsy scent that breaks through the treat-like decadence, as ginger, vanilla and musk offer an earthy grounding foundation.  Have your own little sugar plum fairies dancing around? If you want to skip the candle for fear of spills and burned fingers, Homesick offers many of our winter candle scents in a reed diffuser as well. Check out our Nutcracker Reed diffuser. Keep it high on the mantel surrounded by stockings, garlands and a bowl of pecans to crack. Or keep it on the bathroom countertop for your next holiday party.    Know someone who never misses a performance of The Nutcracker, whether it’s their kids’ school play or a professional ballet production? Then they will adore The Nutcracker candle or reed diffuser. But it also makes a fantastic gift for a ballerina or lover of classical music.  Winter Mantel Candle The Winter Mantel candle smells like decked halls and boughs of holly. Top notes of Fraser fir and holly berry carry this festive scent down the stair rail, across the mantel and throughout the home to welcome in the holiday season. Invigorating eucalyptus leaves, romantic mistletoe and fresh spruce accentuate the scent even further, as subtle notes of sugar and cedar lend a sweet and warm woodsy foundation.  Just like The Nutcracker, the Winter Mantle candle is another scent that Homesick offers with a matching reed diffuser. The Winter Mantel reed diffuser is perfect for — well — your mantel, but many other places around the home as well. Place it in the powder room during a holiday party or in the guestroom for when your guests find themselves snowed-in on a winter’s eve. Wherever you place this bottle of oils and reeds, it is sure to make your home smell like winter.  The Winter Mantel candle makes an especially wonderful gift for festive occasions. Present it as one of several items in a Christmas-themed gift basket or bring it into the office to spread some festive cheer at your desk. Have a daughter away at college who misses the chilly winter seasons of home? Send them a flame-free Winter Mantel reed diffuser that they can keep in the dorm.  Make Your Home a Winter Wonderland with The Nutcracker Candle Ski Trip Candle Love escaping to an alpine lodge after a long day of shredding powdery slopes? Then you will love our Ski Trip candle. The natural soy-based Ski Trip candle offers top notes of frosted air and warm amber, lending a smell that reminds one of snow melting off  jackets while sitting by a roaring fire.  Mid-notes of cinnamon, cocoa and guaiac wood warm up the soul even further. The scent of this candle might even make you crave a cup of piping-hot cocoa straight from the Swiss Alps. Then top it off with grounding base notes of cedar, vanilla and patchouli to transport you to the grand forests of the Colorado Rockies, Utah and other cedar-lined mountaintops where the snow is pillowy and perfect.  Know someone who loves snow sports? The Ski Trip candle makes an excellent gift for skiers and snowboarders alike. Pair it with some thick merino-wool socks or some board wax to prepare them for the upcoming winter season on the slopes. Holiday Stroll Candle The winter season is practically synonymous with the spirit of giving. But you have to go shopping first! So, for those who love to hit up the pop-up holiday markets about town hunting for that perfect gift for all your special someone, the Holiday Stroll candle is for you! With mid-notes of blackberries and lemon and tart top notes of red currants and sugar plums, this candle will transport you to a bustling square with boutique markets, each stocked with various delicious gourmet treats and handmade trinkets. This scented candle is sure to get you in the generous holiday spirit.  Love the sound of our Holiday Stroll candle’s scent? Check out our Holiday Stroll diffuser too. Or get one of each, placing them throughout the home, so it smells like a holiday market filled with decadent treats and ivy-grown storefronts.  Our Holiday Stroll candle and reed diffuser make wonderful holiday gifts. The perfect way to celebrate the joyous season of giving, whether your loved ones or associates celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or just appreciate the end-of-year festivities. Taking a stroll under twinkling holiday lights can give just about anyone a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.  Grandma’s Kitchen Candle Nothing beats grandma’s cooking — hands down, plain and simple. And when you ignite Homesick’s Grandma’s Kitchen candle, you will be transported to a warm kitchen filled with the scent of a fresh-baked apple pie, pulled straight from the oven. Buttery top notes, along with apple and cream, make your apple pie slice a-la-mode with a scoop of freshly churned vanilla ice cream.  The Grandma’s Kitchen candle also offers mid-notes of cinnamon and clove, along with base notes of sugar cookies and vanilla that remind you of snickerdoodles or whatever sweet treat she brought to the holiday party. Lighting this candle is like feeling the biggest, warmest hug — while your face is stuffed with homemade treats. This winter candle scent also makes a wonderful gift around the holiday season. Slip it into a care package for someone who misses Granny’s pie back home. Or surprise your grandmother with her own candle, including a personalized message on the container’s label and a handwritten note on the box. It’s a gift the recipient will cherish forever, almost as much as their grandmother’s cooking.  Nothing Screams the Holidays Like Our Grandma’s Kitchen Candle Latkes and Lights Celebrate Hanukkah? You don’t have to wait for one of the eight consecutive December nights to light this candle. The Latkes and Lights candle features top notes of baked apple, butter and potato that smell just like your Bubbie’s savory latkes and homemade applesauce. Vanilla, sugar and musk offer a sweeter foundation that rounds out this savory scent while mid-notes of the symbolic pomegranate and buttery pound cake calls to mind a powdered sugar-dusted apple cake.  So, celebrate the Festival of Lights and light the Latkes and Lights candle, along with the ceremonial menorah candles, as the little ones play with their spinning dreidels at the dining room table.  Homesick’s Latkes and Lights candle is the perfect gift for Jewish students away at college who might be missing home. This Hanukkah-scented candle also makes a thoughtful gift for friends, coworkers and family members who celebrate their Jewish faith.  Why Homesick Candles and Reed Diffusers?  Homesick candles are the best candles you will find. Each glass container is hand-poured with a natural soy wax blend and features a premium 100-percent organic cotton wick. From wax to container, the entire product is non-toxic and free of lead, plastics, parabens, synthetic dyes, phthalates and other harmful ingredients. Furthermore, each candle offers a long-lasting burn — roughly 60 to 80 hours! This means you can enjoy your favorite candle time and time again. And when you are done, simply upcycle the glass container to remember the special occasion or holiday.   Be sure to make your Homesick candle last as long as possible. Learn basic candle care and purchase one of our wick trimmers to help maintain your candle. Like the idea of one of our winter-scented reed diffusers instead? Homesick reed diffusers are just as natural as our candles. Whether you choose The Nutcracker diffuser, Winter Mantel diffuser, or Holiday Stroll diffuser, it is handcrafted with the finest essential oils and is free of toxic chemicals.  Homesick reed diffusers come in a four-ounce bottle that should last roughly two to three months. However, this depends on various factors, such as how often you use it and how frequently you rotate or change the reeds. Homesick suggests flipping the reeds every two to three weeks for a fresh scent.  Want to keep the oils and reed diffuser around for the next winter season? Just remove the reeds, cap the bottle and store it in a cool, dry and dark place (like a closet). That way, you can bring it out again next winter. Smell Homesick’s Favorite Winter Candle Scents  Deck the halls, fireplace mantle and more with one of these Homesick winter candle scents. With aromas inspired from evergreen trees, seasonal fruits and other natural elements like snow and brisk air, these winter candle scents will make your home inviting for guests and visitors and offer a warm homey glow all winter long.  And, hopefully, we’ve provided some inspiration for gift ideas, too, whether you slip a candle in a care package or personally hand it to your friend as a hostess gift for a holiday party. Looking for more ideas? Learn what to put in a care package to create the perfect gift for someone who is close to your heart, though they may live far. Create a spa-themed care package with a candle or offer a gift basket with holiday-related items like a soothing candle, bag of fresh coffee beans and a nostalgic framed photo of the two of you together. Homesick candles were made to spark memories of special events and occasions in our lives. Whether it’s gathering around the fireplace to get warm after a day on the slopes of the Rockies or spending time with your grandmother learning a new recipe, Homesick candles will take you back to that special place in your heart.  Image Credits Flaffy/Shutterstock.com

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The Scent Guide: What Does Lavender Smell Like?

Source: Grekov's/Shutterstock.com Peer out on a field of lavender and you will see a serene landscape of purple waves. And the smell of lavender is quite similar. Restful, serene and floral, lavender is one of the most beloved scents we use today. Its soft purple buds clustered around a tall sprig symbolize grace, calmness and even luxury. Lavender is so synonymous with serenity that it is associated with the crown chakra, known for its spiritual connection.  But what does lavender smell like? In this scent guide, Homesick explores this elegant flower and offers lavender-scented candles that are sure to send you good, calming vibes.  The Many Benefits of Lavender Due to its calming qualities, lavender essential oils and scents are used in all sorts of products, from beauty products and sleep aids to candles like ours. Furthermore, they are also frequently used in wellness-related spaces such as luxurious day spas and yoga studios. But what makes lavender create this calming effect on us? The primary reason lavender works so well at reducing anxiety? In a word: linalool. Linalool is the alcohol component in lavender that puts out its unique odor. According to a study published in the Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience journal, smelling linalool produced a strong anxiety-reducing effect, similar to taking a Valium.  It’s not the first time lavender has been studied for its anxiety-reducing effects. Lavender oil, in particular, has always been known for its profound anxiety-reducing effects and the treatment of neurological disorders. However, this direct study of linalool proves how the lavender scent, alone, offers serenity. So, What Does Lavender Smell Like? Lavender has a very distinct smell. Once you’ve smelled lavender, you will recognize it instantly. Overall, it has a floral scent, but one that is light and fresh, without being too pungent or overwhelming. It can also have a sweetness to it with herbal, balsamic undertones and notes. Generally speaking, lavender is a milder scent that many find pleasant. However, it can also be camphorous or lend a subtle scent of pine.  Because lavender smells so lovely and offers a stress-reducing scent, it is used in all sorts of self-care products. From lavender-scented candles to lavender-infused Epsom salts you sprinkle in bathwater, lavender is one of the most common scents you will find. You can even find a sprig of fresh lavender on hotel pillows made to lull guests to sleep.  If you love the scent of lavender, candles can carry the scent quite nicely. That’s why Homesick uses lavender in a variety of our candles. Here is a list of our favorite natural soy-based candles with notes of lavender. Enjoy the Scent of Lavender in Our Wildflower Candle Lavender-Scented Homesick Candles Need to unwind after a long day of work? Or maybe just soothe the weary soul? Explore all  our lavender-scented Homesick candles and ignite one whenever you want to relax.  The Wildflower Candle The Wildflower candle is one of the Homesick candles that offers a sweet and subtle lavender scent. Top notes of lavender, along with jasmine and geranium, transport you to a field of wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Accompanied with grounding base notes of sandalwood and rose, as well as mid-notes of amber and vanilla flower, this candle will send good vibes and a restful aroma to your space. So what does jasmine smell like? Learn all about this scent, too, in our Jasmine Scent Guide. The Mother’s Day Candle Another incredible floral bomb is our Mother’s Day candle. With top notes of soothing lavender, bergamot and sage, this candle smells like a bouquet of fresh flowers on the kitchen table. Mid-notes of jasmine and ylang-ylang — two amazing complements to lavender — push the florals even further.  Are you giving the Thank You, Mom candle as a gift? Give your mum a handwritten note to tell her just how you feel. Homesick offers a personal message on the packaging. What Does Jasmine Smell Like? Find Out in Our Guide! The France Candle Parisians are a romantic, relaxed bunch, and it’s easy to understand why. Ignite the Homesick’s France candle and be transported to the lavender fields in the Provence region of France, where violets and purples blanket the landscape. With top notes of vanilla, coffee and butter and base notes of tobacco and musk, it will feel like you’re on a relaxing picnic in the French countryside or sipping a cafe au lait from a bistro in the streets of Paris.

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The Best Cinnamon Candles Homesick Has to Offer

Source: Agnes Kantaruk/Shutterstock.com Cinnamon is used in many treats, from drinks like hot apple cider to baked goods like snickerdoodles and crumb cake. And derived from an evergreen tree’s bark, it’s no wonder we use it in so many autumnal and winter treats and foods. Its distinct clove-like scent comes from constituent eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, which gives off a spicy yet sweet aroma that has been used since ancient times.  Cinnamon may seem like a simple common spice, but it’s so much more. Used in so many foods and drinks, it can conjure up all kinds of memories. From Halloween treats to Christmas mulled wine, this spice rack staple is sentimental, making it one of our favorite scents for candles and oil diffusers.    Here are the best cinnamon candles Homesick has to offer, from seasonal favorites to nostalgic scents that remind you of your grandma’s cooking. Take a look; there’s something for everybody!  The Pumpkin Candle If you’re hunting for the best fall scented candles and, in particular, one with cinnamon notes, look no further! The Pumpkin Picking candle will make you feel like you’re standing in the middle of a pumpkin patch with a mug of hot apple cider. As you search for the perfect pumpkin for your Jack-o’-Lantern, the vibrant leaves of the autumnal foliage crunch beneath your boots. Ignite this candle and climb on board a hayride on a cool fall day, ending with a slice of spiced pumpkin pie with nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, and sugar notes. Are you looking for a flameless reed diffuser instead? Check out our Pumpkin Picking Reed Diffuser, offering the same cinnamon-infused scent in a handy bottle filled with non-toxic, natural essential oils and reeds. Our Pumpkin Candle Is Perfect for Those Who Love Cinnamon The Nutcracker Candle The Nutcracker candle features a strong cinnamon scent with clove and pecan — like a bag of spice-coated pecans. Sandalwood and wintermint offer a contrasting freshness to the spicy warmth, while undertones of ginger, vanilla and musk offer an earthy sweetness that wafts through the home on a fall day. So break out the Nutcracker candle — or the Nutcracker Reed Diffuser! — during the holidays or any winter festivity or occasion.   The Apple Candle Miss picking apples in upstate New York? When you light Homesick’s Apple Orchard Candle, you are magically transported to a sprawling apple orchard with a cup of soul-soothing, hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks, clove, sugar cane and bright red apple juice. So what are you waiting for? Grab your basket and fill it with a peck of apples, heading home to make a scrumptious apple pie or brown sugar-dusted cobbler to start off the fall season right.   Want Cinnamon? You'll Love Our Apple Candle Grandma’s Kitchen Candle If cinnamon doesn’t remind you of your granny’s fresh-baked cookies and apple pie, nothing will! The warm and spicy cinnamon of Grandma’s Kitchen candle will make you feel like you're whipping up a batch of her famous baked goods, whether they were snickerdoodle cookies or frosted cinnamon buns. This nostalgic candle will make you feel like a kid again, no doubt. But, more importantly, it will make you feel like you’ve just been given a huge, sweet hug.  Oktoberfest Candle The Oktoberfest candle will have you cheering Prost! With top notes of pumpkin ale, golden hops and cinnamon, we can’t leave out this cinnamon candle (even if beer is the highlight!). This candle offers fall spices, such as allspice, clove bud and vanilla, along with woodsy notes of cedar bark and musk. Finally, of course, the warm pretzel finishes it off with a salty edge.  The Colorado Candle Once you take a whiff of the Colorado candle, you’ll feel like you’re standing in the Rockies, taking in a deep breath of the surrounding cedars, sandalwood and snow-capped mountain range in the distance. With top notes of cinnamon and spruce needles, the Colorado candle is one of our best cinnamon candles.  The New Hampshire Candle If you love cinnamon because it reminds you of fall, then you probably hail from the northeast, right? Hayrides and apple orchards abound, and New Hampshire is no stranger to cinnamon-coated donuts and hot apple cider. If you loved taking trips to the northeast purely for this annual, autumnal tradition, then the New Hampshire candle is perfect for you. Whether you loved your grandmother’s cinnamon apple pie or the scent of evergreens contrasted by snow-capped winter mountains, you’re going to love these candles and reed diffusers. So pick up one of our best cinnamon candles today — for yourself or a friend!

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9 Candle Basket Ideas to Make the Perfect Gift

Source: Netrun78/Shutterstock.com Know someone celebrating a special day? Candle baskets make great gifts for first-time homeowners, newlyweds and others who are celebrating momentous occasions and milestones. But if you are stumped for ideas on what to fill the basket with — besides one of our Homesick Celebration Candles, of course — we have you covered. Here are nine candle basket ideas to make the perfect gift, whether it’s for your new neighbors or a significant birthday of someone special. #1 A Wick Trimmer Along with a candle, you should also give them a wick trimmer. A wick trimmer isn’t just a piece of decor to place next to the candle. Wick trimmers have a real purpose. They can help maintain your Homesick candle so that the gift keeps on giving, lasting as long as possible. Furthermore, wick trimmers help the candle burn cleaner and safer. Just clip the wick back to a quarter inch. Present Homesick’s wick trimmer in its custom cloth bag or show off its lovely design and metal sheen in your candle gift basket.  Include a Wick Trimmer to Make the Perfect Candle Gift Basket #2 A Candle Snuffer Like a wick trimmer, a snuffer is an elegant and practical candle tool to give along with a candle. Candle snuffers allow a way to extinguish a flame, free of splattered wax or flying embers. While candle snuffers are intended for tapered candles, they work well for pillared and jarred candle containers as well.  #3 Lighters or Matches Source: New Africa/Shutterstock.com Another candle basket idea is a lighter or matches. Whether you choose a modern, rechargeable USB lighter or matches that come in a decorative container, it will ensure they can light their candle right away. In fact, you can find matches with heads in different colors to go along with the palette of your gift basket.  #4 Reed Diffusers A nice addition or alternative to a candle is a reed diffuser. Homesick offers a variety of reed diffusers designed to match the same scent as the candle. Reed diffusers are a smart alternative to a candle if the person receiving the candle gift basket has children or pets in the household. Plus, a diffuser can keep a home smelling fabulous all day long. A Reed Diffuser Is a Great Accompaniment or Alternative #5 A Framed Photo Is the gift basket for a close friend or family member? Then add a sentimental touch with a framed photo of the two of you together. This is an especially sweet touch for a sibling or a close friend. Dig through your snapshots, both digital and printed, and select something that makes them laugh or brings a tear to their eye. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to bring back fond memories of times spent together.  #6 A Bottle of Champagne or Wine Source: Dasha_Romanova/Shutterstock.com Every celebration calls for some bubbly (or wine if preferred). But, of course, feel free to change it up with a bottle of whiskey or a six-pack of beer too — whatever you think the gift basket recipient will find refreshing! Don’t forget to flesh out the bottle of champagne or wine with a bottle opener and stemware such as flutes or wine glasses.  #7 Gourmet Treats Everyone loves some delicious gourmet treats in a gift basket. Think artisanal olive oils, little jars of jams and even cheese and crackers. Basically, select foods that go together on a small charcuterie board. Heck — you can even include a serving board too! Dark chocolate offers a decadent treat also. Just remember that as you collect gourmet treats for your candle basket, consider tastes and smells that complement the candle’s aroma.  #8 Soothing Tea Candles offer a warm, comforting glow to the senses — and so does tea! Select a lovely, soothing tea that goes along with the gift basket’s theme and, as you did with the gourmet treats, make sure it doesn’t detract from the candle’s pleasant aroma. For instance, if your candle has notes of vanilla, stick with a sweet-smelling herbal tea. Of course, tea isn’t the only soothing drink you can offer them; coffees, hot chocolate and ciders are all wonderful gifts, especially during certain times of the year like autumn and winter.  #9 A Good Book Know someone who loves to read or collect coffee table books? Find a good book to slip into the gift basket alongside the candle or diffuser. Fit it to the theme of the gift basket, of course. If the basket is a housewarming gift, find a book related to the region’s history or something written by a local author. Is the candle basket for a couple who recently tied the knot? Give them a cheeky, fun read with something like The Newlywed’s Instruction Manual. Fill your gift basket with one or several of the items listed here, and you are sure to make someone’s day! And don’t forget: Many Homesick’s Celebration Candles can also be personalized with a handwritten note right on the packaging — something they will cherish forever!

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What Is the Best Wax for Candles?

Psst. Don't forget to check out our new arrivals after learning more below! Shop HERE. Did you know that candles can be created using different types of wax? Available in a wide range of substances and derived from many natural resources, all kinds of wax can be poured into containers or handcrafted into various shapes and sizes. Basically fuel for your lovely scented candles, wax is designed to melt away and evaporate, releasing an expertly designed fragrance into the air of your home.  So many people ask the question, “What is the best wax for candles?” At Homesick, we believe soy wax — or at least a soy wax blend — is a good choice, offering a more natural wax that carries a scent for a long time. However, there are many other types of wax to get to know and consider, so pinning down a definitive answer for the best wax for candles isn’t always a straight answer. There are many reasons why one wax could be more suitable than another. Here are the many different types of candle wax, along with some insight into their advantages, disadvantages and other important considerations.  Paraffin Wax Paraffin wax is the most common candle wax out there. And it’s for a good reason. Paraffin wax offers lots of advantages, making it a pretty reliable candle wax. For example, paraffin wax can hold a lot of fragrance, casting stronger scents and throwing it farther across a room. Another advantage to paraffin is that it is offered in several different grades, according to its melting point and oil content. This means that it can be molded into all kinds of shapes, from large pillar candles to long, narrow tapered candles to little origami-sized animals. Paraffin wax can also be poured into tins or glass containers.  Another reason paraffin is often used to create candles is that it’s inexpensive. However, being affordable doesn’t always make it the best wax for candles. Paraffin wax is not exactly eco-friendly. A by-product of the crude oil refinement and the oil industry as a whole, paraffin wax is not sustainable. Even though the by-product wax is not discarded, it is only temporary.  Paraffin wax has also been found to emit small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) toluene and benzene when they are lit, which have been linked to asthma and lung cancer. Furthermore, it can cause respiratory irritation when used in an unventilated space. VOCs aside, paraffin wax will also create unsightly soot. Wish Autumn Was Year-Round? Bask in Fall with Our Apple Candle Soy Wax Generally speaking, when comparing soy vs. paraffin wax, there are several differences. Soy wax is denser and has a smaller crystal structure, whereas paraffin wax has a large crystal structure. Due to this, soy wax is softer and more pliable, whereas paraffin wax is harder and more brittle. Ultimately, this offers one significant advantage: a higher melting point and slower burn time. Soy wax can burn up to 50 percent longer than paraffin, although this depends on factors like candle size, wick height, etc. Case in point: one Homesick candle jar can burn 60 to 80 hours.  Soy wax is also healthier than paraffin wax. It emits less soot and few toxins. Soy wax, a by-product of soybeans (not crude oil), is a more natural wax alternative. So when you light a soy wax candle, you can rest easy knowing it’s better for your home’s indoor air quality, keeping your family and pets safe. Not to mention, it’s simply better for the earth.  Homesick candles feature a soy wax blend that is non-toxic, lead-free and free of plastics, paraben, synthetic dyes and phthalates. Without the soot and toxins released into the air, soy wax also has a stronger scent profile. While a paraffin wax candle does hold scent better, this also depends on the oil quality used to create the fragrance. A higher-quality essential oil needs only a fraction in soy wax, compared to its paraffin counterpart. Plus, soy wax releases a scent that is more subtle and not too on the nose, letting you enjoy the fragrance far longer without it being overwhelming. Last, but not least, since the U.S. is the world’s greatest producer of soybeans, there’s a good chance your soy wax candle is supporting local farmers.  Beeswax Beeswax is another type of candle wax and one that has been around for thousands of years, even dating back to the Egyptian era. Like soy wax, beeswax is quite eco-friendly and sustainable. Derived from bees and their honeycomb hives, a beeswax candle even gives off a tinge of sweetness into the air. And unlike paraffin, beeswax produces ions, which are thought to purify the air. Beeswax also offers a hard wax substance, which makes it suitable for shaping pillar candles.  Unfortunately, the subtle, sweet aroma of beeswax is also its biggest downside. Beeswax works wonderfully when used in an unscented candle. However, this sweetness isn’t suitable for some candles that offer other scents and may not mingle well or could disrupt the fragrance.  Coconut Wax Coconut wax is a relatively new type of wax, harvested from coconuts. Coconuts are considered a sustainable crop and renewable material, unlike paraffin wax. In addition, coconut wax holds a fragrance quite well, making it an excellent substitute for paraffin, or at least offering a way to create a wax blend. Finally, coconut wax can also hold color rather well, making it nice for more decorative candles that lend themselves to your home’s color palette.  Like soy and beeswax, coconut wax doesn't produce much soot and gives a cleaner burn. However, while coconut wax comes from a high-yield crop, coconuts are used for many other things, from foods to beauty products, which drives up the cost of coconuts. So, coconut wax candles are often more expensive.  Enjoy the Smell of Grandma's Cooking with Grandma's Kitchen Candle Rapeseed Wax Rapeseed oil, also known as canola wax, is the newcomer wax that has recently entered the candle scene. Rapeseed oil is derived from a yellow flower that is produced from cabbage and mustard-like plants.  The one downside to rapeseed wax is that it isn’t common in the United States. In European countries, you can easily find rapeseed wax candles, where it is considered a locally sourced and sustainable product with a minimal carbon footprint. But here in America, it’s harder to come by. So even if you ordered it from the EU, the transportation would negate the carbon-neutral advantage.  However, for those across the pond, rapeseed wax is a nice wax for a candle and throws a far scent. A rapeseed wax candle offers a slow burn, too, making it long-lasting.  Wax Blends Wax blends offer the best of two worlds, simply put. Many candle makers and candle brands prefer to use two — if not multiple types — of wax to create their own signature blend that performs exactly the way they want.  For example, Homesick candles are made of a natural soy blend. As a result, paraffin wax burns strong, while soy wax offers a more eco-friendly material that supports American farmers and reduces our carbon footprint simultaneously. Our candles are not dyed with vibrant colors, but we’re okay with that. There’s no need for dyes. Instead, our wax offers an intentionally neutral, vanilla white hue that matches any home decor effortlessly.  Our soy wax blend makes our candles burn strong and not nearly as hot as straight-up paraffin. Reducing the harmful toxins and chemicals put into the air by paraffin wax, our candles are healthier for the home and healthier for you and your family’s lungs, too. No more soot! So, What Wax Do You Prefer? Paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut and beyond — what is the best wax for candles? Like many answers to questions, it’s not that simple. At the end of the day, it’s really and truly a personal preference. And as you can see, each type of candle wax has its benefits and drawbacks.  Candlemakers everywhere, both novice DIYers and established brands have to answer the same question: What is the best wax for candles? At some point, they too have to make a call on what candle wax is best for their image and product. At Homesick, we are more eco-conscious, so we prefer to make our candles with a soy wax blend.  However, candle wax is only the beginning. Homesick designed its candles to be environmentally friendly and green all-around, from the wick to the container. For instance, our wicks are made of premium cotton and our products are entirely free of lead, plastics, parabens, synthetic dyes and phthalates. And once you burn down your candle, even our glass containers can be upcycled to hold everything from office supplies to small succulents.  Homesick’s Fall Scented Candles Looking for some fall-scented candles to bring into the home this autumn? Get cozy with some of Homesick’s most homey, autumnal scents. Whether you know a new high school graduate headed off to college or just miss the apple orchards of the Northeast, these fall-inspired candles will make your home or dorm smell warm and inviting.  The Apple Candle Homesick’s Apple candle will transport you to a sprawling apple orchard of the Northeast. As soon as you light the wick, you're hit with the aroma of apple pie, apple cobbler and warm and soothing apple cider. Top notes of red apple and mandarin leaf linger on top of spices like clove and cinnamon sticks. Base notes of pomegranate and sugar cane add a sweetness and foundation to this autumnal-inspired candle, too. So pick up a few of these Apple Orchard candles to make your home smell like a peck of nice, juicy apples ready to be harvested.  Autumn Hayride With top notes of fresh hay, warm amber and clove, the Autumn Hayride candle will carry you on an autumn adventure to the farm on a crisp fall day. With mid notes of nutmeg, birch and maple bark, along with a foundation of tonka bean, patchouli and oakmoss, this fall-inspired candle will make you feel like you’re bouncing along behind a tractor on a fun hayride.  Pumpkin Candle Love taking a trip to the pumpkin patch to select the perfect Jack-o-Lantern for Halloween? Then you'll absolutely love Homesick’s Pumpkin candle. Ignite the pumpkin candle to call to mind hayrides with friends and family members each autumn and crisp, cool fall days that call for a mug of hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte. Top notes of pumpkin and nutmeg, along with mid notes of spices, will make you crave pumpkin pie, while sweet vanilla, tonka bean and sugar offer a more treat-like foundation.  Grandma’s Kitchen Candle If you miss your Nana’s cooking, this is the Homesick candle for you. Light a Grandma’s Kitchen candle whenever you need that down-home comfort of fresh-baked goods straight from the oven. Like a warm apple pie a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the Grandma Kitchen candle is nothing but sugar, spice and everything nice. Top notes of butter (naturally) with apple and cream, paired with mid notes of cinnamon and clove spices will make you crave snickerdoodles and apple pie.  Discover More Candles with Our Signature Soy Wax Blend Whether you pick up one of our fall-inspired candles or any other season or holiday, one thing’s for sure. Our natural soy wax blend offers a long-lasting candle that throws a subtle scent everywhere throughout your home.  Explore the entire collection of Homesick candles today. From candles that bring back fond memories and remind you of your childhood to reed diffusers that last 24/7, Homesick is here to make your home smell amazing.    Image Credits Aquarius Studio/Shutterstock.com

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Finding Your Scent: What Does Sage Smell Like?

Source: Igor Dutina/Shutterstock.com Sage has several uses, from creating a savory dish for Thanksgiving meals to banishing bad vibes. But just what does sage smell like? Homesick explores this wonderful, versatile herb and scent. Plus, we offer a few Homesick candles with sage notes and similar aromas.   What Does Sage Smell Like? There are many variations of sage. But ultimately, sage as a whole offers an earthy aroma with an herbaceous scent. Sometimes crisp and often with strong green notes and pairings, sage can come across strong to someone who has never smelled it before. However, once you get used to this earthy aroma, sage will soon become one of your favorite scents. Not to mention, it offers numerous benefits.  What Is Sage? Source: JurateBuiviene/Shutterstock.com Grown throughout the world, sage is a two- to three-foot-tall bushy plant with rough leaves. It’s these coarse leaves that we collect to use as herbs for dishes and oils for beauty products and lotions. Some cultures and rituals even call for burning a bundle of white sage to ward off evil spirits and invite in good luck. However, sage is also used in products like candles.  Since sage is grown throughout the world, as you might imagine, it comes in all sorts of species and varieties. While they all feature green leaves, they produce beautiful flowers of many different colors by mid-summer, from purple and pink to blue and white.  While there are over 900 different sage bush variations, we will break down a few of the common types and explore the subtle scents of each. Many other sages are used for cooking and medicinal purposes, such as purple sage and golden sage. However, we’re going to list sages that are mainly used for their aromas.  Let's Toast with Our Champagne Toast Candle White Sage White sage is used in many delicious dishes for a savory treat. However, white sage also has its purpose in creating scents, too. Used as a mood booster to help relax and even improve memory loss, white sage is often found in aromatherapy products, including candles, oils and more.   Burning white sage is another method that’s often used. Dry white sage leaves are ground up and smoked or even turned into incense. Herbaceous like other sage aromas, white sage is also bright and cleansing, pairing well with other herbs like lemongrass, lavender and florals.   Clary Sage While sage typically offers an earthy aroma, clary sage provides a sweeter musk-like scent to the herbiness. Sometimes a bit intense on the nose, clary sage has been known to smell like dirty socks and sweat, especially when not paired and balanced out. However, clary sage also offers a tranquil, calming scent that can help you unwind. There is one significant advantage that clary sage offers that other sage bushes lack. Clary sage offers some medicinal solutions, helping to fight infections, reduce dandruff and hair loss, and minimize anxiety and soothe muscles and pain. Using the clary sage’s gooey sclareol substance that it emits and turning it into an oil form, it’s used for eye health and even offers antibacterial properties. However, above all, clary sage lasts quite a long time and is used to carry a fragrance farther. This is why it’s often used for candles and aromatic products like soaps, cosmetics and dryer sheets. Bergamot Sage Bergamot sage is often used in all-natural items like candles, shampoos and other beauty and body products. With a slightly sweeter fragrance than most sages, bergamot also helps decrease anxiety and stress. But it’s also used in beauty products to help maintain clear skin and relax muscles in physical therapy.  Bookworms Love Our Book Scented Candle Sage-Scented Homesick Candles If sage sounds like a scent you would enjoy, explore this collection of Homesick candles with notes of sage and similar sage-inspired fragrances.  Thank You, Mom Candle Herbaceous scents come through in the Thank You, Mom candle, lovingly made for mothers everywhere. With top notes of bergamot, lavender and sage combined with subtle undertones of musk and floral mid-notes of jasmine and ylang-ylang, this candle offers a loving gesture to the one who raised you. So what does jasmine smell like? Learn for yourself and explore this delightful fragrance, too. Champagne Toast Candle Like lighting a smudge stick of sage, the Champagne Toast candle is a wonderful scent to celebrate with, banishing away bad vibes and inviting new beginnings. Notes of mandarin and grapefruit, paired with apple, bring out this champagne grape-inspired candle.  The Book Club Candle If you love to curl up with a good book on a rainy day, be sure to grab our book-scented candle. With warm notes of nutmeg and amber paired with sandalwood and balsam, this candle will transport you to your favorite library stacks.

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How Many Reeds in a Diffuser?

Homesick candles offer a wonderful addition to any home, emitting fragrances that can take you back to a place and time long forgotten. However, suppose you want to avoid candles for personal reasons or prefer to use a flameless reed diffuser instead that offers scents all day long. In that case, Homesick offers many reed diffuser fragrances in the same scents as our candles.  But if you’ve never used a reed diffuser before, you might have a lot of questions. For instance, “How does a diffuser work?” or “Can you refill reed diffusers?” Of course, one of the biggest questions we receive is regarding the number of reeds to place in the oil.  How many reeds should you place in a diffuser? That depends. Below are some considerations to make when deciding the number of reeds.  What Size Reeds Are Best? Reeds are offered in various thicknesses, ranging from 2.75 mm to 3.25 mm. Obviously, the thicker the reed, the more the scented oil is collected and dispersed throughout the room. However, usually a 2.75 mm reed is the most common size. This being said, the wider the reed, the fewer the reeds that will fit in the neck of your reed diffuser bottle.  A Reed Diffuser Offers a Great Scent 24/7 The More Reeds, the Stronger the Scent How many reeds should you add to your diffuser? This often comes down to personal preference and even how sensitive you are to smells. The more reeds placed in the oil diffuser bottle, the stronger and farther the scent will carry. Homesick reed diffusers come with five reeds, which can be added or removed, depending on how much of a scent presence you like. However, while we think five reeds should be more than sufficient for most people, you can always add more! The good news is that reeds are extremely inexpensive and easy to find.  Scent Too Subtle? Try Flipping the Reeds First If your oil diffuser isn’t putting out enough of a scent, don’t go adding more reeds just yet. First, try flipping the reeds already there, allowing the moist ends to stick up out of the bottle. Another reason your scent might not be very noticeable is that it’s in too large of a space. For larger rooms, it’s best to use several reed diffusers, ideally on opposite ends of the room.  If you do all these things and still desire a stronger scent, you can always add an extra reed or two.  The More Reeds, the Faster Your Oil Will Evaporate Okay, so adding more reeds and flipping the reeds will provide a stronger scent. However, there is one disadvantage: the more reeds in the bottle, the faster the oil will evaporate. As the reeds absorb and emit the scent, the oils will slowly dissolve away. So this is something to always keep in mind.  To give you an idea, Homesick reed diffusers come in a bottle with four ounces of scented oil. If used continuously with the provided five reeds, this four-ounce size will last roughly two to three months. However, we want you to enjoy your reed diffuser for as long as possible, which is why we suggest flipping the reeds every two to three weeks. Any more frequent and you will be sorry to see your favorite scent go.  While many oil diffuser brands recommend you flip the reeds every week, Homesick’s high-quality oils are long-lasting, so you can enjoy it for an entire season like our autumnal-inspired pumpkin diffuser that smells like a pumpkin patch. Alternatively, you can simply cap it away for the next time you’re missing your favorite destination or home.  Fall into Autumn with Our Pumpkin Diffuser Place Your Diffuser Away From Ventilated Areas One of the easiest ways to make your oil diffuser evaporate faster is by placing it near an AC unit, dehumidifier or near doorways. Of course, you might want to position the diffuser in an entryway to welcome you home with a lovely scent, but keep it far enough away from the door to prevent the reeds from drying out.  When you place an oil diffuser near these drafty areas, in the end, it doesn’t matter how many reeds you put in the diffuser. The scent will be lost.  How Many Reeds Will You Add to Your Diffuser? So, how many reeds should be in a diffuser? Everyone has different olfactory senses, so whether you have a minimal amount of reeds or stuff the bottle to the gills is entirely up to you. We just want you to be aware of how many reeds affect the oil inside and how long it can last with proper care. 

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How to Clean Candle Jars to Repurpose Them

Candles make thoughtful gifts for a wide range of occasions. You can present a candle as a housewarming gift or to someone who’s starting a new job. But once the wax is burned down and the months’ worth of scent is coming to a close, what do you do with the container?  For starters, don’t throw it out! In fact, don’t even recycle it. Instead, reuse and repurpose it into home decor, another DIY candle scent or whatever you dream up.  Whether it's a bride bouquet candle you received on your wedding day you want to display next to your wedding photos or a champagne toast candle from an engagement or graduation, Homesick candles are perfect containers for repurposing. Turn them into a drinking glass, craft project and so much more. Whatever you choose to do with them, you can keep the memory of the event or special occasion forever.  In this guide, Homesick breaks down how to clean candle jars so you can repurpose the glass containers. Learn how to remove the leftover wax, what you can do with it and how to remove the sticky label from your glass jar (if you so desire).  Ready? Let’s dive in! Step 1: Remove the Wax Out of the Candle Jar While you want to burn the wax down as far as you can to enjoy the smell as long as possible, there is a limit to what you should do. How do you know when it’s finally time to say goodbye to your favorite candle? Generally speaking, when the one-half inch of wax remains on the bottom of the candle jar, it’s time to finally repurpose your jar. Otherwise, burning it so close to the container could damage it (or even the surface it’s sitting on, such as wood furniture). If you’re lucky, the scent is still around and has not been discontinued. But still, the candle is probably special to begin with and it’s really more about the gift and memory that accompanied it. So, ready to repurpose your Homesick candle container? First, you’ll need to get out the old wax. Here are four methods you can use to clean the wax out of your glass candle jars.  Heat the Candle Jar If your candle jar has a wide-mouth opening, this method works incredibly well. Here’s how to clean candle jars using the hot water method: Since you’re going to be pouring hot water into the jar, rest it on a protective dish towel or potholder. Boil water in a teakettle and once it’s hot, pour it into the container, leaving an inch at the top. You should see the candle wax melt and float to the surface. Be sure to allow the glass container time to cool before you remove the wax and strain the water. (You don’t want the wax going down a drain.) Another way to go about this is to let the candle jar sit and soak in a sink filled with warm water. Dunk the candle jar in the water and let it soak for 30 minutes. The wax loosens and pops right out — easy peasy! Before you release the drain stopper, be sure to wipe up any bits and pieces of any wax, as it can clog a drain.  The only caveat to this method is it will remove the label from the jar. If that’s your intention anyway, go for it. But if you prefer to keep the label, use the pour method instead.   Put the Candle Jar on Ice Another method for cleaning candle jars and removing the wax uses the opposite means. Instead of using hot water, you will use cold. Placing your candle jar inside a freezer overnight has to be one of the most effortless ways to get rid of the wax. The next morning, all you have to do is turn the glass container upside down and the wax will pop right out and fall into your hand.  Sometimes, the wax might need a little help popping out. Just grab a butter knife or even a spoon and press down on the corner of the wax. This should pop up the other end, giving it some lift so it can fall out or offer enough grip for your fingers to retrieve it from the jar.  Bake Your Candle Jar Baking your candle jar is another surefire way to get the wax out of the container. With this method, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the candle jar upside down with the open end on the foil.  When the oven reaches temperature, place the baking sheet inside. At this point, you might want to keep a watchful eye on the candles. In roughly 15 minutes, the wax should melt and pool on the foil. When this happens, remove the baking sheet from the oven and rest it on a heat-safe surface like the stovetop or a couple of trivets. Next, slip on some oven mitts and remove the jars from the baking sheet. Place the glass containers aside to cool as you remove the leftover wax from the foil to reserve it for other uses. Once the candle jar has cooled completely, then you can wash and rinse it with soap and water. Give Your Candle a Blowout For more than just your locks, hair dryers can often come in handy around the home. For example, they can be used to remove candle wax from carpet, as well as wood furniture or wood flooring. A hair dryer can also be used to soften wax inside a long-loved candle so you can repurpose the glass jar and cherish it always. To do so, slip on an oven mitt, preferably one with an extra grip. Next, you will turn on the hair dryer, keeping it in a warm setting. With the hair dryer heated up, hold it near the glass where the candle wax is inside and heat the area all around. This should free up the wax inside enough for it to become soft enough to touch and scrape out with a butter knife.  Our Bride Candle Is the Perfect Gift for the Bride-to-Be Step 2: Clean the Candle Jar of Labels and Soot Once you’ve removed the wax remnants from your candle jar, you will need to clean the jar itself. However, Homesick containers come with a decorative label designed around the scent inspired by a special occasion, celebration or memory. Depending on who gave you the candle and why, you might choose to keep the label on the container as a memento instead of peeling it off. This is especially true if the Homesick candle was gifted to you with a personal, handwritten note on the packaging.  If you wish to keep the label intact, you will simply wash the candle jar carefully under a faucet with a soap scrub and avoid getting near the labels. Keep in mind that if you choose to keep the label on forever, you might want not to use the container as a drinking glass or repurpose them in a way that would require frequent cleaning. Still, if you prefer to remove the label, whether it’s one of our bottles or not, it’s relatively easy. Here are several ways to remove those sticky labels from glass candle jars, wine bottles or just about anything you might want to reuse.  Method 1: Using White Vinegar and Water Fill up a sink with hot water so you submerge the glass container and squeeze in some dish soap and a few cups of white vinegar, which adds acidity to help remove the labels.  Add the jars and make sure they sink, giving it 30 minutes to loosen the label. Peel the label off and scrape any remaining residue with a sponge. Rinse with clean water, pat dry and let air dry on the counter.   Method 2: Nail Polish Remover In this step, remove most of the label with your fingers first. Soak for 10 minutes in hot soapy water if it’s really stuck. Add nail polish remover to the corner of a rag and rub in circular motions over the label residue. (Tip: Nail polish remover works on glass jars, but be cautious on plastic types.) Rinse with warm, soapy water.  Method 3: Oil and Baking Soda Mixture In this method, peel off as much of the label as you possibly can. Soak in the warm, soapy solution if needed.  Next, mix equal parts baking soda and cooking oil together. (It can also be olive oil, canola oil or even baby oil, if you have that instead.) Take the paste mixture and rub it over the jar, honing in on areas with tougher residue. You can rub it with your fingers, but we recommend a paper towel or a cloth. Now, leave the paste on the residue for roughly 20 minutes — 30, if it’s really sticky — so it can penetrate and dissolve.  With a steel wool or hard scrubbing sponge, rub the paste off using a circular motion.  Last, rinse the jar with soap and water, allowing it to dry completely. If there’s any remnants still left behind, use a small bit of oil and a paper towel to remove it.  Celebrate the Occasion with a Champagne Toast Candle What Can You Do with Leftover Candle Wax? Whatever method you choose to use to remove the candle wax from your glass jar, you will have some leftover wax. But don’t just throw it out! You can repurpose the wax, too!  For starters, you can make a brand new candle. While there might not be enough wax from a single jar, you can eventually make an entire candle if you collect the wax leftovers from several. Using similar scents and colors, you can combine and melt the wax together in a microwave-safe dish. Take it slow and steady, heating the wax blend one minute at a time on a 60 percent power level.  Once it’s good and melted, pour your new wax blend into a jar while securing a wick in the center. Allow your new candle to come to room temperature and then place it inside the fridge for approximately 10 minutes. You can reduce or increase this time, depending on the size of your container.  Our Favorite Candles for Repurposing Sometimes, a candle is chosen for its scent. Other times, it’s chosen for the way the scent evokes a memory. Assuming you want to keep the label on your Homesick candle, here are our favorite candles for repurposing. Pick one up for yourself or gift it to someone you know will repurpose it and keep it on their shelf forever. One thing’s for sure: When you learn how to reuse candle jars and start getting creative, you’ll love doing this with every candle you have! Bride Candle The bride candle makes a wonderful gift for brides, of course. With fragrant posies and jasmine, paired with eucalyptus, it smells like a wedding bouquet. But once the scent of the bouquet is gone, the glass candle jar can be repurposed and filled with things like mementos from the wedding. You can even add a few dried sprigs of the bouquet itself, all tied up in ribbon.  Beach Candle Another fantastic candle for repurposing is the beach candle. Fill it with beach-related things, from seashells gathered along the shore during a morning walk or bits of driftwood. You could even add mementos from the boardwalk like carnival ride tickets and other fun stuff you won at the midway games. You could even repurpose this beach candle glass jar as a margarita glass for your beachside bungalow. Be sure to collect a set for when guests come to visit! Champagne Toast Candle The champagne toast candle is a wonderful candle that can be given to someone special for all sorts of celebrations. Whether it’s for an engagement, a wedding, college graduation or to raise a glass to someone who started a new job, the champagne toast candle can be repurposed for all sorts of things. Remove the label and serve up mimosas or bellinis for brunch or collect corks from your celebratory night. Whatever it is, this candle jar can hold onto memories longer than the wax inside.    Image Credits:  FotoHelin/Shutterstock.com Prisca Laguna/Shutterstock.com Lugres/Shutterstock.com Kunlanan Yarist/Shutterstock.com

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The Scent Guide: What Does Musk Smell Like?

Source:  jcfmorata/Shutterstock.com Musk is a favorite base note in all kinds of scented products, from skincare to candles and beyond. Unlike actual musk derived from animal glands, synthetic musks offer a more ethical option and a unique scent that is still used commonly today.  So what does musk smell like? Homesick reveals the origins of this helpful scent and explores the evolution and timeline of the modern musk we use now.  The Origins and Evolution of Musk Back in the day, musk was created from the glands of the wild Tibetan musk deer. Fortunately — and spoiler alert — this is no longer the case. Today, the musky smell you get from perfumes and candles is entirely ethical and is derived from a combination of synthetic and natural resources like plants.  Still, the animal origins of musk are fascinating. It helps to understand better how musk came to be in human products and how it eventually evolved into synthetics for mass consumption today. So how did we come to acquire musk? Musk was first discovered by Tibetan natives who noticed the male deer species mark their territory, spraying the scent from their musk gland during mating season. Long story short, the natives believed that they too could harness these aphrodisiacal powers.  By the 6th century, musk was discovered by Greek explorers, making its way across India into the Arabic regions. This is where the power and popularity of musk took off, turned into everything from perfumes to pomander balls to ward off smells and disease. By the 15th century, the musk trade peaked, being used even in Islamic culture and regional rituals to represent the smell of heaven.  It wasn’t until the 1880s that scientist Albert Bauer accidentally stumbled upon a musk-like odor while creating stronger dynamite. And it’s this synthesized molecule that is used more commonly for musk today.  Fans of the Tropical Life Are Sure to Enjoy Our Hawaiian Candles Today’s More Ethical Synthetic Musks Since 1979, musk deer have been protected through various laws to prevent them from being hunted to extinction. But before this ban, scientists and researchers were already developing musk-like ingredients. While each synthetic molecule didn’t quite reach the essence of real deer musk, they did produce a slightly different, cleaner odor.  Since Bauer’s accidental discovery, multiple years of research have created several types of synthetic musks and each offers a different smell, ranging from sweet and powdery to metallic.  Let’s explore each a little more in depth: Aromatic Nitro-Musks: These types of musks are derived from substituted benzenes and were often used in goods like soaps, detergents and body lotions. However, they are no longer used today. This is because research found that their compounds were disrupting the function of human cells and hormones.  Polycyclic Musk Compounds: These types of musks are only used for laundry-style products. Lending a fresh scent, there is a downside: The molecules don’t break down properly, which makes them a less eco-friendly choice.  Macrocyclic Musk Compounds: Last, but not least, these musk compounds are what many perfumers and candle makers use. The muscone molecule is most popular among these compounds, followed by floral exaltolide and power-like ambrettolide.  So, What Does Musk Smell Like? While many assume musk must smell like a rich leather, this isn’t the case. Today, synthetic musks are somewhat opposite, bringing in mellow undertones and floral fragrances, which are better suited as a binder. Powerful and at the same time elusive, musk is a versatile fragrance used in many products.  If you like the smell of musk, you’ll also like patchouli. So what does patchouli smell like? Also used as a base in candles and perfumes, patchouli has a similar sweet yet spicy, musky scent that lifts other fragrances.  Like the Smell of Musk? Enjoy It with a New York Candle Homesick Candles with Musk Smells If you are looking for the exotic smell of musk, albeit ethically made, check out these Homesick candles. Each of these candles offers a musky scent.  Hawaiian Candles Our Hawaiian candles will transport you to the lush, tropical island with ocean tides, cyclamen flowers and fruit, pineapples and coconuts. With base notes of musk, sugar and vanilla, there’s a sweet foundation that carries this candle's scent far.  The New York Candle With top notes of bergamot, lemon and grapefruit paired with oakmoss and sandalwood and musk, the New York candle captures a bustling city perfectly. It’s sure to remind you of walking Central Park on a rainy spring day or shopping in the concrete jungle.  Ready to try a musk-scented candle? Explore Homesick candles and reed diffusers that offer a musk or a musk-like scent like patchouli.

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