Rachael Ray

You learn a lot about a person when you move in with them. Even though Stephen and I had been friends for years before we started dated and started living together, there is no way that I could have anticipated just how much he loves to light candles. It seems like a silly thing to mention, but when you spend $30 on a scented candle and I come home to find that he has two or three of these puppies burning at the same time, it becomes an issue. I think he loves the

I love to buy scented candles, more than any motion sensing room deodorizer or any sort of smelly spray atomizer, I would take a scented candle over the lot of them. There is something so organic about them, they way the scent softly eminates and the way the give off such a soft warm light. Honestly I can’t get enough of them.

So a while back I headed to speak the Grand Homme of scented candles, Harry Slatkin, to get some candle picking and candle burning tips. Here is what he had to say:

On How to find your signature fragrance:

BROWSE AND EXPLORE
Look for fragrances in different places, such as a tiny boutique, an open market or even on a trip abroad.  You’ll be in a relaxed state of mind when you try it on, and every time you wear it, you’ll be reminded of your experience.

REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY
When trying on fragrances, remember to engage the person behind the perfume counter and share details!  What kind of car you drive?  What kind of dog do you own?  What are your interests?  The more you reveal, the more luck you’ll have finding a scent that suits you.  If you’re the life of the party, try choosing a fragrance with a bold note, such as cassia.  If you would describe yourself as sexy, opt for jasmine, tuberose and orange flower, which all offer seductive scents.  If you’re more feminine, notes like bergamot, lavender, and rose will leave you with a light, sweet scent.

DON’T SNIFF MORE THAN THREE
Be sure not to sniff more than three scents in a row during a shopping trip, and always spray the leading contender in the crook of your arm.  Live with it for awhile.  And remember samples are a girl’s best friend.  You’ll know you’ve found the magic formula when you like both the way it smells right away and over time. The final clue is getting the seal of approval from loved ones and even strangers.  Compliments are key!  When people like how I smell, I know I’ve chosen the right one.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN BY LAYERING AND MIXING SCENTS
For a truly unique scent, consider layering two fragrances.  The trick is to blend notes that complement each other. Jasmine, vanilla, rose and citrus work well with most scents, while stronger notes such as patchouli and vetiver don’t.  I love using a classic fragrance as a base, such as Chanel No. 5, and adding something on top. Be daring and take it in a different direction — you’ll end up with something that’s truly unique and memorable.

And here are some of my tips, that I should print up and stick on every candle in my house. To help you get the most of aromatic investment:

Evette’s Tips to Getting the Most out of Your Candle Investment

1. Trim those Wicks!

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Before you light a candle, not after, trim the wicks down to about ¼ (make sure that you don’t cut them any shorter than ¼ or you may submerge the flame in melted wax, not good). The reason for trimming them is that a lower flame burns less hot and is less likely to make your candle burn unevenly, but, If your candle does burn unevenly, trim off the top, soften the edge with lighter, and shape and smooth the warmed wax with your hand, to salvage the candle.

2. Even Candles Need to Chill
A candle will burn more slowly if it is chilled in the fridge for a few hours before burning them. If you can’t spare the fridge space store them in the basement in the garage or in a cabinet that is cool dark and dry. Remember a warm candle only melts faster!

3. A Drop Of Water Goes a Long Way
If you are using votive candle holders add a drop or two of water the bottom before you stick your candle in. This will make clean up a synch once the candle is burnt out. Make sure that you don’t add more than a few drops of water and don’t add water unless you intend to burn the candle immediately afterward. Over time, a candle wick could absorb the water and won’t burn properly.

4. Burn baby burn- but for 3 Hours Max

Try to burn your candles for only 3 hours max. then snuff them out, let them cool, trim the wick and relight them. You will get the most bang for your buck out of a scented candle if you keep to the 3 hour time limit!

5. Snuff it out

Hey the snuffer was invented for a reason, blowing out a candle can make the candle spew tiny little embers on your tablecloth, carpet or your freshly dry cleaned shirt. If you don’t have a snuffer you can always try the nifty parlor trick where you lick your fingers and put out the flame with your fingers. I am not recommending this method, but it is surprisingly effective and your friends will think that you went to the Criss Angel school of mind control.

6. Hug A Candle
After blowing out large-diameter pillar candles, keeping them on a flat surface so you aren’t scalded by the melted wax in the center, apply a hugging-type pressure with your hands to the upper rim of the pillar while the candle is still warm. This way you can work some wax into a thinning area of the rim. The more even you can keep your pillars after each burning, the longer they will last!

If you are burning a pillar candle, and you’ve succeeded in keeping them even while they have burned down pretty far inside, you are probably going to see that the top edges of the candle starts to curl in. No Hay Problema! After they’ve cooled, trim the curled-in wax down an inch or so. Warm the wax with an lighter or a fire starter, and press/reshape the rim with your hands so it isn’t “ragged.” Your pillars will be shorter, but still good looking and burnable.

7. Recycle Your Old Candles
Candles that are still usable but no longer attractive I store for that fateful occasion when the lights go out. A candle that is unsightly but safe to burn, can be used in a Halloween jack o’lantern. You can also melt the wax down in a double boiler and make new candles. Check out this tutorial here!

CHECK OUT THE NEW 2010 LINE UP FROM SLATKIN AVAILABLE AT BATH & BODY WORKS (The 14.5 oz three-wick candles, shown here (not actual size) are priced at $19.50)

Caribbean Escape

“A tropical blend of melon, raspberry nectar and Italian lemon, tempered with creamy coconut milk and raw sugarcane.”

Island Margarita- THIS ONE WAS MY FAV!!!

“An exotic blend of mandarin, blue iris, and green plum highlighted with sweet tangelo and rare sandalwood.”

Seaside Escape

“A delightful blend of bright citrus, jasmine, and dark rum layered with guava, rich vanilla, and musk.”

Cool Tropical Breeze- Odor Eliminating

“Light and uplifting, this fruity blend of citrus, berry and papaya is layered with warm rum, sheer white freesia and musk.”

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