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A Reason To Smile 😊
A Reason To Smile Friday 1 st October is World Smile Day and boy could we all do with some smiles right now! As for it being on a Friday that’s perfect too, we live in a world of Friday #’s – admit it, who doesn’t start the Friday countdown from Tuesday!!! BUT smiling is not just for the 1 st of October or for Fridays! We’ve pulled together a little Smiling Guide to help ‘turn that sad face upside down’! What is a Smile? Simple hey? But it may not be as straightforward we all think! There is the physical act of smiling and then society’s interpretation given to it. A smile is one of the first things our faces do when we arrive in the world. Whilst new parents see it as a reaction to their presence it is, I’m afraid, just a reflex. We don’t actually smile in a social way until around our 6 th to 8 th week in the world. So yes, smiling is communicative, an indication of happiness and a key part of social interaction, but it has much more significance to our everyday lives than that. The Importance of a Smile We’re not going to get into the mechanics of smiling as that takes the magic away. We want to focus on why we should smile (especially with the challenges of recent times!). The ‘act’ of smiling has been proven to have short- and long-term benefits on our health and wellbeing, so we really should make a conscious effort to smile every day, whether in public or alone. Smiling Elevates Our Mood & Helps Us Stay Positive Next time you’re feeling low, smile! There’s a good chance your mood will change for the better. Without getting too ‘sciencey’, it activates neural messaging in your brain and releases mood-boosting chemical like endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. Basically, it ‘tricks’ the brain and body that you’ve so go this! - helping elevate your mood. Think of smiling as a natural anti-depressant. Fun Test: Smile – Try to think of something negative (nothing too deep!!) without losing the smile. It’s almost like trying to sneeze with your eyes open 😊 Go on give it a go! Smiling Is A Great Stress Reliever & Can Boost Productivity Stress is a powerful emotion which can ruin our mood and wear us out. Our face is the biggest giveaway when we are stressed. Even if we don’t feel like smiling, putting a smile on our face will help us take control and trigger those all-important positive mind tricks. It will help reduce stress and as a result increase productivity. If that’s not enough incentive to smile, it will also make us look less tired, worn down and overwhelmed. Positive emotions are invigorating, negative ones are draining. A Smile Goes A Long Way You know when you yawn and the person you’re with yawns too? Well, it’s the same with a smile. Happiness spreads happiness so why not brighten the days of others with just one simple smile – you could fill a room with joy within minutes. Being a light in a room lets others know you’re there for them, through the sunshine AND the rain. Be someone else’s rainbow. Smiling Boosts Our Immune System Our immune system is affected by things like stress and mental health issues. When our lives are crazy and we’re constantly running around, feeling tired we are prone to colds and illnesses. But smiles can make a difference as our immune function improves when we feel more relaxed. Smiling will prop it up and help fight illness. Smiling Makes Us Look Younger & Attractive We are naturally drawn to smiles and the people behind them. Smiles are like a big ‘welcome’ sign, letting outsiders in. Not only that, smiling is also like a workout for the face. When we smile we use the muscles to lift our face which automatically make us look younger. The muscles in your face are like the rest of your body – don’t use them they weaken, lose mass and become wrinkly. So show off your ‘happy’ by smiling throughout the day and who knows, you may stay looking young for many years. Who needs a facelift!!! Smiling Can Help Relieve Pain The biggest of ironies we know! Whilst smiling is the last thing we feel like doing when in pain a report has shown laughter causes the body to release its own natural painkillers relaxing our body and reducing physical pain. It also increases our pain threshold so we can endure pain for longer. Try a laughter/distraction technique – watch a comedy, listen to a funny film, spend time with family and friends who make you smile. So in summary, with all these perks in mind ask yourself what reason have we got not to smile Smile your way to happiness, health and helping others! Things to Make You Smile Call an old friend – you know you’ve been meaning to, and they’d love to hear from you. Make arrangements to see each other as soon as you can to give yourself something to look forward to Send a hand-written note to a loved one – just think how lovely it would be to receive something other than bills in the post! Share feelings, stories and memories and you will be sure to have a smile on your face and put one on theirs too Try a new skill – it’s good to try something new. You will hopefully enjoy the process and have a wonderful sense of achievement as you learn. Make sure you sit back and appreciate what you have created or achieved Tackle that ‘to do’ list – you may think “How on earth will this make me smile! There’s a reason I’ve been putting it off!” – but think of the end result, you will be so happy to cross something off the list and reap the benefits of doing so Read a good book – if you struggle to choose books jump online, ask a friend for recommendations. With the right book you will find yourself smiling without even realising it Make someone else’s day – it doesn’t have to be anything major. Help someone who is struggling to carry their groceries, drop a few dollars in a charity collection box, give a compliment to a stranger, offer your seat on the bus to someone in more need of it, or simply smile and share the love. Watch a funny movie – even if you’ve seen it a hundred times. Laughter is good for the soul. Daydream – allow your mind to wander and think ‘happy thoughts’ – holidays, loved ones, memories…. Look through family albums – with all the convenience of technology we sometimes forget the joy of flicking through a photo album. They hold a special magical and poignant quality you just can’t get from swiping through a screen. Run a bath - fill it with bubbles, light a candle or four (yes we had to mention candles!!!), play your favourite tunes. Feel pampered and enjoy it! Get outside – we know this isn’t necessarily as easy as it sounds but you could simply eat your lunch on the porch, go for a short walk, sit in the garden or a nearby park. Make the most of nature – Smell the roses - take in deep breaths, fill your body and mind with the fresh fragrant air that surrounds you Go barefoot - enjoy the feeling of grass, sand, water beneath your feet; feel the sun’s warmth on your skin Lift your head – stop, look around, be aware of the natural beauty around you Retail Therapy – cheer yourself up with some online or (if you can) instore retail therapy but remember to do so within your means – overspending brings a whole other world of stress you don’t need. Try to shop locally, support small businesses and help your community flourish, that way everyone benefits Playtime – okay, stay with us on this one. Go back in time to school break when life was much simpler. Try to hula a hula hoop or jump a jump rope. No matter how good (or bad!) you are it will be impossible not to smile and feel like a child again! Be thankful – write down reasons to be grateful so you can focus on the positives and get those mind tricking endorphins going. It can be something as simple as a good hair day, the sun shining through the window, a cuddle from your kids. Night night – at bedtime create an oasis of calm so your mind and body are relaxed. Place a calming reed diffuser in your room, apply soothing oils to your temples or pillowcase, dim the lights, take some deep breaths, close your eyes, relax and (of course!!) think of things that make you smile. Sweet dreams!
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LOCKDOWN LETHARGY: SURVIVAL GUIDE
There’s no shirking it, lockdown is proving to be a shocker. Daily motivation is tough to find and it’s easy to slip into the nothingness mode! But determined not to be defeated, we have put together a few ideas to help pull us all out of those feelings of nonexistence. Stick To A Routine Try to keep to a basic routine. Get up when you normally would and go to sleep at your usual time. If you disrupt your sleep pattern, your body clock is affected which can impact your mood. Plus, at some point we will return to normality, that alarm clock will need to be set and you will have deadlines to meet once again. Stay in Touch Combat any feelings of isolation by making the most of smartphones and tablets. Use them to connect with your loved ones to catch-up, share an online coffee or hold a quiz night, simply have a laugh. It’s also important to check in with the people you live with. You might think “but I’m with them 24/7” – in reality though, are you? How often do you actually sit down and chat? Make the time to talk about how you’re all feeling, be aware of help someone might need, make some form of plan for the following day, play a game together Avoid News Overload Being informed is one thing, but getting obsessed is another! Constantly tuning in to social media and newsfeeds isn’t necessarily healthy, so set yourself a daily scrolling limit. Be wary of ‘fake news’ by getting information from trustworthy sources. If the world feels overwhelming, take a break from it! Keep A Fresh Mind With A Fresh View Lockdown can make you feel demotivated, groggy and lethargic. A refreshing walk (within Government guidelines) will get the blood flowing around your body and re-awaken your mind. As you walk take in your surroundings, notice those things you would normally be blinkered to – wildlife, flowers, architecture, nature’s colours, people around you (at a safe social distance of course!!!) Give Yourself Some ‘Happy’ During moments of lethargy the last thing we want to do is move BUT exercising releases endorphins which helps ease stress, anxiety and improves your mindset. Go for a walk around the block, do a home workout and give yourself a bit of happy the natural way, and for free! Indoor Oasis If you don’t have green open spaces around you, or mobility is difficult, create your indoor oasis. De-clutter your space, surround yourself with indoor plants, order a beautiful botanical print, treat yourself to a new cushion or three! Healthy Eating Let’s be honest, it’s easy to fall into the habit of eating ‘comfort food’ to get through this. We’re the first to admit our hands easily slip into a bag of chips to accompany the large glass of wine we’ve seemingly poured – BUT we all need some balance. Try to eat regular meals, choose healthy snacks, perhaps even become adventurous with your cooking repertoire, and find new recipes you can try. If you’ve got kids, get them involved in what you choose and what you make! Support Local Business We genuinely need to be #inthistogether. The truth is, until now we may have taken our shops, restaurants and bars for granted – they’ll always be there, won’t they? The truth is, they won’t without out support. If they offer home delivery or takeaway, treat yourself. Their doors might be shut but their virtual ones are open – take a look online, see what your local stores are doing. Follow, like, comment and share on their social media accounts. Assure them you will be there for them as much as they’ve always been there for you. We will miss them when they’re gone if we don’t! You Time Juggling working from home, with the dreaded home schooling along with your everyday chores? Step back and cut yourself some slack. Take off that pressure to be the perfect employee/employer, parent, carer, partner, sibling. Simply run a bath, light a candle, get creative, pick up a book, do some yoga, play your favourite playlist – do whatever takes you to you mental ‘happy place’! The Importance of Breathing An obvious statement we know, but breathing is essential not only physically but mentally too. It’s not just the act of breathing but the method of breathing that is important. During moments of stress become aware of your breathing rate and practice conscious breathwork exercises to reduce those feelings. Give it a go … Place your hands on your heart; breathe in for 6 seconds; breathe out for 6 seconds; repeat the cycle for 1 minute, or longer if you wish Be Crafty Have you always wanted to be able to speak Spanish, knit a jumper, read a book from cover to cover, complete the 2,000 piece jigsaw you’ve had sitting in your drawer since Christmas 2016? Or perhaps your life has been so busy you’ve not had chance to even think about doing such pastime luxuries! Well, this is it, this is the time. The time to tick off that wish list, and if you don’t have one, create one!! The opportunity is there at your fingertips, jump online for inspiration Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Sane Remember, you are doing your very best, and if you have made it through the last few lockdowns, you can most definitely make it through another one. Hang in there. And finally...remember this isn’t going to last forever, summer is just around the corner and we will soon be enjoying long sunny days and BBQs again. Stay safe, be kind and supportive to each other and we will come out of this stronger.
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A Timeline on the History of Candles
For more than 5,000 years, candles were known and used as a source of light. It illuminated many celebrations in the past, including religious ceremonies like Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, and during Easter service in the 4th century — so it’s only right that we learn about its history. Who created the first candle? Did you know that the earliest use of candles is often attributed to the Ancient Egyptians? They made rushlightsh2es by soaking core of reeds in melted animal fat or tallow. Reeds are a tall, slender-leaved plant of the grass family that grows in water or marshy h2llow is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat. It is melted into liquid form and poured onto fibres of flax or cotton to be used as a wick. However, rushlights were perceived as having no wick like a true candle. Meanwhile, Ancient Romans are said to be credited when h2o the development of wicked candles by repeatedly dipping papyrus in melted tallow or beeswax. Historians also found out that many other early civilizations developed wicked candles by using waxes from available plants and insects. Candles Around the World In China, their early candles were reportedly moulded in paper tubes using rolled rice paper for the wick, and wax from an indigenous insect that was combined with seeds. In Japan, their candles were made of wax that was extracted from trees. In India, they made candle wax by boiling the fruit of a cinnamon tree. In America, their first contribution to candle making was discovering that boiling the berries of bayberry bushes created a sweet-scented wax that burned cleanly. The problem was that extracting the wax from these berries was a lot of work. Due to this, bayberry candles soon diminished. 18th Century: The First Standard Candle During the late 18th century, the first major change in candle making happened during the growth of the whaling industry. There was a wax obtained by crystallizing sperm whale oil which is called Spermaceti. It became available in quantity during that time which was then used for candle making. The reason why people liked this type of wax is because it didn’t have an odour when it burned and made a brighter light. Since then, historians noted that the first standard candles were made from Spermaceti wax. 1820’s: Development of Stearin Wax During this era, contemporary candle making had significant developments thanks to a French chemist named Michel Eugene Chevreul. He discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids. Stearic acid is a solid fatty acid obtained from animal or vegetable fats. It’s hard, durable, and it burned cleanly. Because of this, stearin candles are still popular in Europe today. 1850’s: Introduction to Paraffin Wax Chemists learned to separate naturally occurring waxy substance from petroleum and refine it. Although it has a low melting point, paraffin wax burned cleanly and consistently. It was even more economical to produce than other types of candle fuel. Its low melting point was fixed by adding harder stearic acid. 1879: The Decline of Candle Making Thomas Edison introduced light bulbs to the world through the distillation of kerosene. This led to the decline of candle industries despite its advances. It became less useful as a source of light and more of a decorative item at home. 19th Century: Candle as a Commodity In 1934, Joseph Morgan contributed in the advance of the candle industry by developing a machine that mass-produced moulded candles. The machine worked by using a cylinder with a piston that ejects candles as they solidified. Because of this mechanized production, there was enough supply of candles and made it an affordable commodity for the masses. 20th Century: Rising Popularity The popularity of candles was steady until the mid-1980s. They began to pick up again as interest for candles as decorative items, mood-setters and gifts rose. By then, candles were made available in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Consumer interests also led to the creation of scented candles. In the 1990s, the popularity of candles surged once again when new types of candle waxes were under development. Agricultural chemists in the U.S. discovered soybean wax, which is a softer and slower burning wax than paraffin. In other countries, palm wax was in the works for candle use as well. Candles Today From direct sources of light to being a decorative item, candles today continue to be all those things and more. They symbolize or represent celebration, romance, comfort, peace, ceremony and aesthetic, and buying scented candles online have become a popular method. Candles keep our surroundings lit, warm, cozy and virtually pleasing — and that’s the beauty of a candle. Common Questions: What is the Different between a Candlemaker vs. Chandler? A candlemaker is a person who makes or sells candles. On the other hand, a chandler is a dealer in household items like oil, soap, paint and groceries. Others sources might also say that a chandler is a person who trades in supplies for ships, and others say that a chandler is a maker or seller of tallow or wax candles and soap. What are the different types of Candles? A candle is more than what meets the eye. Did you know that there are five types? Scented/Aromatherapy Candles These candles come in a lot of different fragrances to fill your home or your room with a pleasant smell. These candles are often used by people who want to change the vibe of their space and make it cozier and more relaxing. On the other hand, aromatherapy candles lean more towards health benefits as these candles contain essential oil to enhance one’s well-being. Pillar Candles These are the long sturdy candles that vary in height. Just like votive candles, they have long burning time and considered smokeless. These are usually put on tables, but it also looks good when hung on a chandelier. It’s known for creating a pleasant ambience or changing the mood into a romantic one. Votive Candles These are candles that are placed in small glass containers that are usually round or square-shaped. Votive Candles are smokeless and last for a long time. Taper Candles These are long traditional tapering candles which are usually used in candle holders. They also vary in length and is often made with beeswax. Decorative candles By the name itself, it suggests that these candles are just made to make your space look pretty. These candles come in various shapes, colours, sizes, scented or unscented. You may see decorative candles have complicated designs, and some even have accessories. Other types of candles include soy candles and vegan candles. These use plant-based wax, soy wax, natural fragrance and essential oils for environment-friendly consumers who don’t use any animal products. What are Candles Made Of? Elements of a Candle Wax If you’re into candle making, you should probably know what qualities to find in candle wax and make the best candle there is. Note that scientists consider “wax” as a generic term for classifying materials to have the following characteristics: Minimal odour Low toxicity and low reactivity Water repellent Primarily hydrocarbon in structure Must be solid at room temperature, and liquid in higher temperatures Waxes prove to be useful as it holds a range of applications such as in coatings, adhesives, crayons, packaging, and yes you guessed it — CANDLES! What are the Different Types of Wax used in Candles? Candles have come a long way, and people have become creative when innovating this source of light. There are five types of wax, namely beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax, gel wax, and palm wax. Beeswax First on the list is the oldest candle making wax: beeswax. It has a naturally sweet fragrance due to the honey-infused during its creation. The fragrance depends on the flower or plants the bees are feeding on. Beeswax is a by-product of the honey-making process by bees. It is excreted into “combs” to incubate their larvae. After harvested from the beehive, beeswax is melted and filtered repeatedly. It can be purchased in blocks, pastilles or in pre-rolled sheets. Soy Wax Soy wax was developed in the 1990s as an alternative to paraffin and beeswax. Many soy waxes are made from 100% soybean oil, and some are blended with other vegetable oils and waxes. There is also a combination of both paraffin and soy blends which emphasizes the benefits of both waxes. They’re pretty similar in terms of having a variety of blends and melting points, but the most common soy waxes are container candle blends. Just remember that as long as the blend is at least 51% soy, it’s called a soy wax blend. Paraffin Wax Paraffin wax is one of the most common and versatile waxes for candle making. A lot of commercial candles you can see in stores today are made with paraffin. It comes in different melt points that are appropriate for various applications like pillars and containers. The downside of this type of wax is that it’s a by-product of the crude oil refinement process — that’s why environmentalists try to avoid using this one. Gel Wax Did you know that gel wax is often used to imitate other liquids in novelty candles like water, beer and wine? Gel wax is a combination of resin and mineral oil; it’s not actually wax. It can hold scent and colour well, and it melts and burns quite similarly to other waxes. What makes gel wax stand out from the rest is its transparency which is excellent for those who like variety. It’s commonly used for votive or container candles, but there is firmer gel wax for crafting pillar candles. Palm Wax Similar to soy wax, this is made from a natural oil — palm oil. Palm wax is a firm, almost brittle wax that is best used for pillars and votives. It is often blended with soy wax to make it harder. What’s nice about it is its crystalline or “feathered” effect in the candles. What’s the Worlds Most Expensive Candles? With social media and video tutorials running the online world, you can look up DIY candles and make one for yourself for a small amount of money. But just for fun, let’s explore the high-end candles and check what the most expensive candles there are. Tom Dixon Scent Family Candle, £100 (Medium), £175 (Large), £120 (Gift Set) Photo from Tom Dixon This is Tom Dixon’s “The Scent Elements Family”, which is a series of fragrances inspired by the medieval alchemist and eastern philosopher’s quest to reduce all matter to four elements. According to the Tom Dixon website, these have scents of extreme simplicity and individual character that reflect their elemental names. Cire Trudon Napoleon Candle, $180 Photo from Trudon This strong-looking candle makes a great home décor, especially for homeowners who love collecting exciting items. Aside from its physical attributes, the Napoleon candle carries a glimpse of history which could be a great conversation starter for visitors. Vesuvius 2.4kg Luxury Decorator CandleTop of Form $229.00 Our very own scented soy candle in artisan made glassware, has been created using the finest soy wax blend with bespoke perfumes inspired by exotic locations. Each glass is unique making it a stylish piece of décor exuding lavish extravagance to ensure a lasting statement in any room. Vesuvius 2.4kg Luxury Decorator Candle Richard Ginori Squirrel Candle (Totem), £335 Photo from Richard Ginori 1735 Squirrel symbolizes foresight and purity. Top notes for this candle are fresh citrus, middle notes are spicy woody, and base notes are aromatic musk. Nick Vinson X Perfumer H Pine Candle , $375 Photo from Matches Fashion This Pine Candle has a fresh, tangy aroma is the result of a beautiful combination of pine needles, cypress and galbanum with frankincense and cedar word, hence the sweet moody undertones. It’s created by London-based label, Perfumer H, and selected by Nick Vinson for his curated homeware collection. Lladro Scheherazade’s Quarters 1001 Lights Candle, €440 Photo from Lladro Here’s another luxurious candle that also serves as an eye-catching home décor piece, the Scheherazade’s Quarters 1001 Lights Candle. The scent is made up of special ingredients like cassis, lotus flower and frankincense. It is designed in the shape of a tower, with a translucent porcelain container and carries the colour palette of white, blue and gold. Joya Arsham Studio Exoplanet Scented Candle, $500 Photo from Joya A candle with a concept — this is what the Exoplanet Candle is all about. The Arsham Studio x Joya “Exoplanet” is a candle that you must assemble yourself. Think of it as creating your own ritualistic experience every time you light the candle. Top notes are fig leaf, coconut milk, cut grass, etc. L’Objet Mojave Unicorn 4 Wick Candle , $613 Photo from Amara In collaboration with L’Objet & The Haas Brothers and developed with perfumer Yann Vasnier, the Mojave Unicorn Candle is inspired by the Mojave Desert. Fragrance notes include papyrus, immortelle, bay laurel, cypress, Atlas, etc. The candle is enclosed by a white whimsical monster design with gold accents which would make a great home décor piece as well. Why are candles so popular? So, after knowing a lot about candles, why do people keep candles around? Take a look at this list and get to know some benefits of lighting candles! Ambience Nothing beats lighting a candle at home to make the place warm and cozy. It changes the vibe of the whole space and makes it welcoming and soft. Many people consider candles as something that has soothing and healing properties which is probably why you may see candles in therapy offices, spas and other relaxing places. The next time you’re stressed, light a candle and just breathe quietly for a few minutes. Celebration Parties like birthdays and anniversaries aren’t complete without candles! Aside from having something to blow and wish upon, it looks beautiful on cakes and as a centrepiece on the dining table! Décor As the years go by, people get more and more creative when coming up with concepts and designs. Candles are bought and kept at home for aesthetic purposes such as being a centrepiece in the living room or being a bathroom candle just to make every room in the house look pretty. Fragrance Scented candles are great for driving away unpleasant odours and replacing with its own. There are many scents you can choose: sweet, fruity, earthy, mild, and a lot more you can choose from. Health/ Relaxation Candles can be good for one’s health too as part of your self-care and relaxation time. It induces a sense of well-being through the calmness and peaceful ambience it creates. For direct health benefits, one is example is ear candling. Sparks Romance Put a couple, and some candles in a room and candles can turn that space into a romantic moment. It may be in the form of a candlelit dinner or an introduction to a really exciting night ahead. Change the mood completely by accompanying candles with roses, dim lights and some music. Remembering Memories A person’s sense of smell is said to be strongly tied with memory, that’s why sometimes we smell things and remember something from our experiences before. For example, you smell a candle with a sweet candy scent, and you might instantly be transported back to the time when you and your mum where in the kitchen getting ready to bake. Self-expression People keep things that represent themselves; and just like with fashion, food and music, people have different preferences and taste. The candles you like and keep around your house can say something about you and your personality. From being a utilitarian source of light to being a symbol of celebration and being a great home décor piece — candles continue to grow in popularity in use even until today. Shop candles online from Apsley & Co today.
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How to style a coffee table
How to curate your coffee table to lavish standards A sanctuary of relaxing, wining and reclining, your coffee table is the heart of your sitting room. But how to style it? We’ve compiled a step-by-step, universal guide to adorning and curating a collection of your favourite things. So, while you may have a little bit more free time on your hands, why not unleash your inner interior stylist? Think theme Ground yourself with a theme that guides aesthetic and feel. For snow-white glass casing and summertime cocktail-esque perfumes, immerse yourself in a Santorini state of mind. If it’s a warming, chalet-style retreat you’re striving for, opt for the amber-flecked, rich hues of Vesuvius. And for the monochrome mavens, Halfeti will indulge your affinity for a slick, suave and timeless feel. Foundations matter If you’ve got a spare marble slab (perhaps something normally reserved for antipasto platters), a mirrored tray or a colossal coffee table book, place this down as your base. If you’re opting for a book, think large, glossy and fabulous to flick through with a morning cuppa or a knockoff wine. From here, we’ll layer on. Good to be green Nothing offsets a blank space better than some lush foliage or unfurling blooms. Match your choice of indoor plant with the height and size of your coffee table. Whether it’s a divinely low-maintenance, potted succulent, or a draped fern that dangles dreamily over the table’s edge, some greenery will bring your curation to life. And if you’re more into freshly cut flowers, opt for a quirky vase and keep charming bunches on high rotation for ever-changing beauty. Make scents Personalisation isn’t complete until you add the element of fragrance. Our striking, new 2.4kg candle size is equal parts luxurious and long lasting, so you can inch closer to the dream of a perennial, neverending burn. When convening around the table with friends or reclining for a solo unwind, strike a match over our Halfeti, Santorini or Vesuvius mega-sized candles for the ultimate mood lighting and perfumerie. Layer at leisure Now the groundwork is done, adorn your table to your heart’s content. This will look different for every abode. Maybe yours is delightfully cluttered and chaotic in colour-clashing. Or, you’ve added a petite trinket and one or two more books for more understated minimalism. Play with coasters, magazines and other ephemera until you’ve hit a sweet spot. Touch and feel Go tactile with your approach and consider textures. You might gravitate to metals and angular, structural objects, or lean towards soft, fabric-bound books and leather coasters to evoke a softer, cosier mood. Shape can also be paramount. If an eclectic, whimsical arrangement is more your brief, opt for a one-of-a-kind, handmade ceramic creation or an antique, painted vase for some old world, rustic charm. We hope these tips have inspired you to conquer your own coffee table pursuits. Now it’s time to trawl Pinterest, Instagram and some glossy magazines to garner your own vault of stylistic inspiration. Until then, make a mental memo to tag us at @apsleyandcompany when sharing your final masterpiece.
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The Artistry of Adagio
Along with gnocchi, gelato and mozzarella, Adagio is one of our favourite Italian nouns. It actually translates to a slowing tempo in music. Embodying this namesake, it’s no coincidence that our Adagio Hand Cut Black Glass Sets expel a tranquil, slow-motion feeling of relaxation through bitter orange, cardamom, lavender, jasmine, tonka and sandalwood. After unboxing Adagio, you’ll soon feel the urge to slip off your heels, pour a pinot and bask in this fragrant reverie. A real show stopping feature of Adagio is its exterior. This exquisite set, available for diffuser and candles lovers alike, is uniquely crafted from two layers of glass - crystal clear and opaque black. But, how exactly do we create this art? Today, we’re delving into the meticulous mastery behind crafting our luxury Adagio vessels, walking you through the fascinating process of creating the striking, jet-black glass feature you love. Where the magic happens. All our luxurious Apsley & Company products are 100% handmade, and Adagio is no exception. The complex trajectory begins by carefully extracting glass from one of our furnaces. Inside here, molten glass has been heated to a spicy temperature that minimises the chance of any design flaws (1450°C—1500°C). In a hypnotic process, a blowing rod is then dipped into the furnace, and a small amount of molten glass is extracted and blown into a small bubble (we dub this the inner bubble). This rough form is then blown into its final shape with the helping hand of a mold located below ground. Next, this is cooled by circulating water, and the transparent part is delicately placed inside the colour glass layer. As a result, the two parts become whole. (This all means we need to blow twice for each item - one time for the colour glass layer and the other for the inner transparent glass). After the cult Adagio shape has been formed in the mold, the stem is stretched to its desired length and the base is attached. Now, we’re getting somewhere. Annealing. After the glass has been blown and formed, it is transferred to the annealing kiln (in fancy terms, this is also called a lehr). Here, the glass is slowly heated and cooled in order to reduce brittleness and promote strength. The annealing kiln at our factory is an impressive 24 meters long, through which glassware passes on a conveyor belt. On the clock, the whole process from entry to exit takes roughly 85 minutes, during which the glass is exposed to temperatures dropping from 550°C in the middle of the kiln to 60°C at the exit point. Finishing. When the glass exits the annealing kiln, it lands in the clever hands of the maestros in our working shop. The part of the glass which is processed here is the rim, which is fire-cut to an exact height. After being fire-cut, the rim has to be ground down by fine sand and water, and then baked and polished for that high-shine finish that catches the eye. Craftsmanship. What’s to follow? After the rim has been processed, the glass is then pampered, preened and polished in a myriad of other ways. This includes cutting and sandblasting, to add flare and pizzazz to Adagio’s striking black vessel. When we cut off the outside colour glass layer with different patterns, the Adagio designs become distinct and bespoke in their beautiful veining. After the glass has been cut, it’s finally polished and cleaned to be ready for your admiration. The final inspection. Perfection is paramount. Throughout this whole journey, we dutifully complete quality checks at various points of production to ensure every single Adagio piece is magnificent. Our hardworking and incredibly astute quality control staff inspect each and every vessel before packing and sending en route to your haven. Through our artisans exceptional skill, meticulous process and keen eyes, Adagio becomes the masterpiece you love. Say farewell to lacklustre designs, and say hello to the artistry of Adagio. Lustrous and refined, this diffuser set is here to dazzle and delight for copious cosy nights of entertaining to come.
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Wanderlusting? Your guide to a picturesque Santorini holiday
Summer and Santorini. A match made in heaven. Renowned for its glittering, glass-like ocean vistas, domed rooftops painted impossibly white and brilliant local fare, Santorini is at the top of many must-visit (and must-return-to) lists. For lovers of our Apsley and Company Santorini fragrance - replete with notes of black pepper, marine and patchouli - the perfumes of this cult destination are already pervading the home. Whether Santorini is your signature scent because of its nostalgic nod to past jaunts on the Greek isle, or it’s your incentive to embark on a sojourn there soon, we’ve collated a mini local’s guide to pore over (and perhaps plan from). Spliced with essential items and tips to consider along the way, consider this a capsule itinerary to enhance your upcoming escapades. MORNING Jumpstart your mornings in Santorini with leisurely strolls to Melenio Cafe. For potent espresso shots overlooking blankets of blue, park yourself here and people watch. Embrace holiday mode by indulging in mouthwatering homemade pancakes, embellished with fresh fruit and dripping in maple syrup. This local treasure is a vault of fresh, homegrown, honest ingredients that pay homage to Santorini’s delicious bounties. Remember: Slather yourself in a nourishing SPF lotion with UVA and UVB protection from head to toe before embarking on your sunrise -to-sunset Santorini adventures. AFTERNOON Post morning pool swim, don your kaftan, shades and floppy hat to tour Thera - the antique Santorini ‘city’ hosting a majestic harbour. The most incredible way to experience Thera is on foot, twirling through winding staircases and immersing yourself in all the Grecian sights, sounds and scents. For lunch, find a seaside restaurant slinging fresh fish and ice-cold sips, followed by a cable car commute to the town centre. Looking for a day trip to remember? For the vino lovers, a visit to Santo Winery is in order. We recommend arriving in the early afternoon and dining and imbibing until it’s time to embrace the crimson sunset views. Santo champions the quintessential drops of Santorini, including varietals like the deep red ‘ vin santo ’ dessert wine. Touted to have a distinct tang, the grapes harvested here are grown on rich volcanic soil. Remember: A unique way to capture your memorable jaunts on holiday is via a polaroid or film camera. While an outdated photography method, the magic of purchasing a disposable camera, snapping extraordinary moments and having them developed weeks later upon your return home only extends the enchantment of a holiday. Stick them into a photo album to immortalise your stay forever. EVENING If a modern rendition of authentic Greek feasts is what you’re craving, pull up a chair at Koukoumavlos Restaurant in Fira, the capital of Santorini. With walls swathed in pink, risotto dyed black with squid ink and a 130-strong wine list, we have a feeling you’ll want to stay here well into the evening. No European night out would be complete without a smooth, frosty scoop (or two) of creamy gelato. Lolita’s Gelato is a failsafe destination for when your sweet tooth is playing up. The charming, white facade gives way to a rainbow of classic flavours to cap your night off with. If indecision is plaguing you, don’t worry. We’re sure you’ll be back again in less than 24 hours for another fix. Remember: To end every blissful day of leisure, feed your soul with an enthralling summer read. Have a scroll through this go-to shopping list of tales and memoirs to see you through your next getaway. Holding out for your Santorini serendipity? We’re prescribing a dose of our Scented Space Azura fragrance to tide you over until the big trip. With bergamot, rose, amber and sandalwood, this fresh, summer-centric scent will only propel your burning wanderlust. After perusing this guide, we hope you’re feeling inspired to plan days filled with sun-kissed strolls, feasting and fabulous fragrance. Start the countdown.
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Curating an idyllic guest suite for your summer arrivals
A perfected guest suite is a vault of sublime relaxation and escapism, ever exuding that ‘holiday’ feeling. In preparation for loved ones or friends who’ve issued their out of office for the summer and are heading your way, we’ve canvassed a string of simple steps and tangible touches for the creation of your own private chateau. Fresh fittings Lay down dreamy foundations in the bedroom with some crisp new linen. Like walking into a veritable hotel room, your guests will want to immortalise their experience with a photo before sprawling out (or jumping on) the bed. The ambiance of a guest suite relies heavily on the main attraction of bright, subdued, soft, or layered bedding, so choose your aesthetic meticulously. Opt for buttery smooth, colourful layers to brighten up the mood. To amplify that fresh-sheet feeling, spritz your bedding with the Scented Space Botanical Room and Linen Spray in Rose Petals for a calming trace of velvety perfume. Bejewel your bedside Curate a trove of practical and functional bedside table ephemera for within-arms-reach indulgence. Leisurely stack glossies like VOGUE Living and House & Garden that ooze inspiration and fuel hours of private unwinding. For in bed and to stash in their beach bag throughout the day, we’re prescribing a couple of books for some light summer reading. In holiday-mode, visitors are sure to swallow How To Do Nothing - a manual for switching off in the throes of the digital age - whole. The strategic placement of bestseller, Three Women, won’t go astray, either. This non-fiction exploration follows the intricacies and nuances of female desire and chronicles three poignant stories.For a finishing touch, place an Apsley and Company Reykjavik Candle nearby for the uplifting burn of neroli, lime zest and vetiver. Blitz the bathroom Morph your bathroom into a luxurious R&R zone akin to that of a spa retreat. To ramp up the sanctuary-like feel, place a botanical hand balm and wash duo that feels like the perfect match for your guests. Fill bare ledges with a Scented Space Lime Leaves Diffuser to perpetuate zesty, fresh fumes and decadent bath salts to encourage a relaxing and detoxifying soak. To add a sense of ‘home’, hang a cosy linen bathrobe on the back of the door and lay out a fluffy bath mat, it’s all about those special additions that will leave a lasting impression on your special guests. It’s good to be green Sometimes, the place of rest that we toil over looking and feeling ‘just right’ can be missing a touch of life. For a bare surface or sparse corner by the window, adorn your guest room with some luscious greenery that will not only help the space look inviting, but also purify the air for that long lasting sense of ‘relaxation’. Striving for forest-like feels, trawl through your local nursery or florist to find a hardy, indoor creature that will jazz up and bring life to the space. If you’ve already emptied one of our Apsley and Company glass vessels from the festive season, simply clean any remnants of wax and reimagine them as a stunning cradle for fresh blooms. Australian natives or violet-hued hydrangeas are two of our absolute favourites for the summer season and you can scoop up both varieties are your local market, or prune straight from your garden! Dazzling your fleeting dwellers is almost complete. After fluffing those pillows and marvelling at your interior decorating prowess, it’s time to garner a collection of wines and cheeses to gulp and graze on over catch ups with your guests. Was that the doorbell?
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Scent as the finishing touch
The Finishing Touch for your festive entertaining Entertaining reaches a glorious pinnacle at Christmas time. Something so intangible, magical and palpable like the feeling of the festive season is only rivalled by the intrinsic power of fragrance. In fact, they intertwine in a jolly entanglement come the big day, when the potent smells of loved ones’ perfumes, delicious spreads and ‘home’ overcome and awaken our senses. If you’re playing host(ess) this year, we’ve put together a seamless guide on thoughtfully matching each zone of your abode to a fragrance that will enrapture your guests. Let fragrance flow, flow, flow. The Front Entrance This is where it all begins. As your nearest and dearest flood the house in a flurry of commotion, laughs, hugs and beautifully wrapped gifts, a homely and striking fragrance is mandatory to truly ignite their senses. For an inviting centrepiece to feature in the preliminary areas of your festive temple, unbox our Apsley & Company Halfeti fragrance , available in 400g , 1.7kg and 2.1kg candles. The artisan-designed, mouth blown glass vessel will fill your entrance with the captivating top notes of sumptuous black rose, laced with violet and grounded in musk, and add a touch of opulence to the space. The Guest Bedroom Christmas time is busy for everyone, so creating a zen zone for guests to retreat to during the season’s chaos is essential. Strive to imbue comfort and relaxation into the spare bedroom. Unravel a set of beautiful fresh sheets (we’re loving Cultiver’s trove of pastel flax linen sets), swathe any bedsides or dressers with the glossy covers of Vogue Living and Home & Garden, neatly place out a set of superbly soft towels and add a dreamy fragrance to fill the space and invite a sense of calm. We’re prescribing the Scented Space Black Amber Diffuser to exude aromas of patchouli and musk that will make waking up on Boxing Day a glorious treat. The Powder Room Remain minimalist yet considered when it comes to your powder room. Less is more for this space. Place a decadent hand soap and balm duo atop the basin - we’re reaching for an Aesop offering bursting with citrusy, herbaceous aromas. Next, unwrap our uplifting and invigorating Scented Space Lemongrass & Ginger diffuser for an ever-exuding veil of fresh fragrance throughout the space. The Lounge Room Opt for mood-lifting and crowd-pleasing fragrances that brighten the beating heart of the home for your seasonal gatherings. Around food, excellent company, music and fabulous tipples, the universally-adored Apsley & Company Vesuvius Luxury Diffuser will promise to delight. You’ll be convening around the Christmas tree and delighting in the sparkling scents of citrus, peach and vanilla, with this effervescent fragrance that you don’t need to strike a match for. For a quick freshen of couches and corners, spritz a light blanket of scent with our Scented Space White Lily Linen spray , infusing delicate aromas of white lily blossoms, ylang-ylang, potent peach and white musk. Pour a wine. Slip into something comfortable. Revel in your favourite Christmas songs or unwind to your favourite relaxation playlist. It’s time to embark on a home fragrance spree. Deck the halls with exquisite Christmas candles and perfumes that truly represent you, as your family, friends, and future self will be able to distil festive memories from them in years to come. We’re wishing you a very bright, safe and jolly festive season, from our family to yours.
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Unwrapping the secrets of Adagio
‘Tis the season to usher Adagio into your abode. In celebration of the latest Apsley & Company fragrance collection, we’re dissecting this emulsion of design, decadence and dazzling decor. This limited edition Diffuser Set & Candle duo is here to emanate timeless luxury for the gift giving season and beyond. We’re inviting you to go offline for a while and relish the simple pleasures of the festive season with this range of perennial presents. To unravel the tale behind the treasure, we’re taking you on a trajectory of the Adagio fragrance journey. Enjoy. Meaning matters As they say, it’s all in the name. The suave, languid Italian word, Adagi o, translates to a musical monomer meaning slow in tempo. Understanding that the veil of fragrance is an imperative in creating a calm mood and relaxing atmosphere, the Adagio collection serves as the ultimate reminder to take time out, and retreat for a while, even in the oft-chaotic throes of Christmas time. Incandescent inspiration The cadre of our innovators birthed ‘Adagio’ after seeing shelves of beautiful glassware in a London-hailing Selfridges, the Mecca for all things luxury. The notion of ‘life long after the wick’ or beyond relishing that last drop of a diffuser guided Adagio’s development from vision to reality. Musings come in many forms, whether it be fashion, fare or fabulous destinations. But when it came to encapsulating the essence of ‘premium’ quality, we envisaged ourselves in the home that the Adagio fragrance would naturally exist in, to expertly pitch a considered brief to the perfumer. Then, an 18-month development process ensued. Crafted with difference The uniquely crafted vessels of both Adagio keepsakes, are made from two layers of glass, boasting crystal clear and opaque black offerings. An element of translucence was held paramount in Adagio’s creation, allowing candlelight to flicker through the diamond shafts of its exterior and to reveal how much liquid remains in the diffuser counterpart. These aesthetic considerations culminate in a collision of both contemporary and classic style. When developing the range, a single vision was in mind; mass production is out, individualism is in. Consumers are growing ever-conscious of waste, trading ephemeral trends for long standing gems for their abode. This, combined with the burgeoning desire for more than just a bottle with reeds or glass with a lid, completely influenced the luxurious, handcrafted practicality of Adagio. Love goes on Adagio allows candle and diffuser lovers to reimagine their favourite fragrance time and time again in an afterlife as glassware, desk accessories or stylish bathroom organisation. This uncompromising focus on thoughtful consumption is bolstering in the fragrance field, along with the rise of slow fashion and minimising waste. Diamond in the rough In crafting Adagio’s intricate candle and diffuser vessels, we collaborated with renowned glassmakers specialising in this medium. With fewer young people wanting to engage in such a labour-intensive and meticulous practice, these glassmakers are growing increasingly rare. They masterfully cut the glass, decorate it entirely by hand, and skilfully use electrically-driven rotating abrasive wheels to etch artful patterns on the glass surface. Each piece is unique, thanks to this archaic, century-old artisan technique. Trials and tribulations When it came to distilling Adagio’s fragrance, intricacy was key. The vision was for it to smell like ‘liquid gold’, exuding smooth, intoxicating and luxurious warmth that envelops you like a cosy cashmere throw. Notes of neroli were added to refine – an increasing à la mode fragrance promising freshness and lightness to the richer notes of tonka and patchouli that are base notes in this fragrance. With a backdrop of bitter orange and cardamon, abundant notes of sandalwood and blossoming lavender, the romantic essence of Adagio will inspire you to clink glasses, unwind or entertain every time you enter the room. Now that you’ve come on the journey to our most luxurious creation yet, carefully peruse your Nice List to plan thoughtful Christmas gifting. Award it under the mistletoe, nestle it below the Christmas tree or treasure it all to yourself. You can shop the full Adagio range here.
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