Autumn - Letting Go And New Beginnings

Autumn feels like it's well and truly on its way with the cooler nights drawing in. The air feels fresher and as much as I am struggling to let go of summer, I have to admit I always look forward to Autumn. The summer clothes might be packed away but it's always a cosy delight in getting out my woolly jumpers, my fluffy Uggs and putting the fire on!

There's nothing more beautiful than watching the leaves changing colour. The trees prepare for winter, and then there’s rebirth again in the spring. It’s an annual cycle we are familiar with but the seasonal shift can affect us physically too. We can become less motivated, less sociable and less energetic with a need to stay home where it's warm and cosy. Getting home and lighting candles, curling up on the sofa and watching binge-worthy TV never felt so appealing!

We can learn a lot from the seasons. Just like the trees that start to shed their leaves to make way for new life, we too need to learn how to let go. Letting go of thoughts or beliefs that no longer serve us. Letting go of bad habits or implementing new habits that help us be the best we can be. It might be to do more of something we love, catching up with friends or giving more time to ourselves. Whatever it is we choose to do, in clearing away the old we are now receptive to the new.

There is something about September that feels like a new beginning, perhaps it's the feeling from childhood of going back to school and starting a fresh. The first day of the school year with a new pencil case, pencils sharpened and a brand new page in your crisp work book. Maybe this is why we think September is a great time to focus on new beginnings - start a new hobby, invest some time for yourself or simply go through your cupboards and get rid of things you no longer need, Marie Kondo style.

Autumnal nights means lots of candles! Lighting candles is a nightly ritual in our house and given the fact that it's my all consuming passion in life, it's no surprise that I often have a couple going at the same time. I like to get the most out of my candles by doing a few things:

- I always trim the wick to 5mm before lighting the candle. Try and do this between each burn so your wick doesn't curl and drown in the wax.

- Let your candle burn to its full melt pool. This is usually for around 3-4 hours minimum the first time you light your candle. Wait until the wax has reach the sides of the candle jar - this is its full melt pool and will avoid the tunnelling.

- If your flame is flickering, blow it out, let it cool, trim the wick and re-light. A flickering flame means more energy is being used which will mean a shorter burn time.

- Keep the candle out of draughts and try to keep the doors and windows closed when it's lit.

- Try to not blow out your candle. If you have a candle snuffer then great, use that or use a candle lid to place on top of the candle. It will naturally extinguish itself this way and you will avoid the smell of smoke filling your room afterwards.

Winter Spice, a dreamy blend of orange, clove and cinnamon

So now you know how to make your candles last longer, it's time to embrace the Autumnal evenings, cosy up and light some candles!

Charlotte x