BRIGHTON UP!

Ok, so maybe I am pushing this ‘Brighton’ thing a bit too much, but with these shorter days and colder weather ahead, a bit of ‘Brightness’ might not be a bad idea.

Let’s start with candles….yes, we can and do enjoy them all year long, but they seem to take on more importance and meaning at this time of year. From setting the mood and enhancing an atmosphere to aromatherapy applications and even lighting our way, the choices appear to be limitless for colour, scent, shape and wax…..we won’t even go into the choices of ‘candle holders’!

So how to decide???…..the most important decision when choosing a candle is ‘the wax’! This is the component that is going to burn and dissipate in the air….so what it is made from and the properties it has, will definitely affect the air you breathe.

100% Pure Beeswax candles are clearly the only choice!

Yes, they may seem more expensive than the rest but consider these facts:

They are completely non-toxic, non-allergenic and non-carcinogenic.
The cleanest burning candles available.
They burn longer than any other candles, including vegetable based waxes, costing only pennies an hour to burn.
They produce negative ions, which cleanse the air of dust, pollen, dust mite feces, chemical residues, viruses.

You need more reasons…..

These negative ions also harmonize and balance the

human spirit.

6. They burn with a bright, golden halo while exuding a natural honey essence that is known to encourage ambience and create balance.

They have been proven to be beneficial for people who have allergies, environmental sensitivities and just plain too much stress in their lives.

And just in case you still aren’t convinced……

8. Paraffin-the wax most often used for candles, is a petroleum by-product, in fact it starts out as the grayish-black sludge that oozes out of petroleum factories, it is then bleached and processed with various chemical agents to form the solid wax…..enough said!

OK, but your in-laws are coming over and your mother-in-law is Martha Stewarts first cousin and you want the house to smell like a country garden or fresh baking…..

Some natural choices……..

Several drops of your favorite essential oil or blend of oils* can be added directly to the top of the candle before lighting, make sure to avoid the wick. If the candle is very thick, you can also pierce a hole part- way through the candle using a hot ice pick or similar object and put the oils into the hole.
Use pure essential oils* (not fragrance oils-too many bad things about them too) in a diffuser-avoid thick, resinous oils as they may clog/damage the diffuser.
An aroma vessel is another option, this is a small heat resistant container that is either filled with water along with 15 to 20 drops of essential oils* or a scented melting cube and then heated from below with a candle- beeswax tea lite or votive type work well.
Simmer herbs/spices* in a simmering pot or on the stove*-a couple of suggested blends follows.

*Check our web site for our popular ‘Christmas Cheer’ Simmering Blend and coming soon-Essential Oil Aroma Blends perfect for use with beeswax candles or in diffusers and aroma vessels!

One last problem you say…..I really like my dinner table to look coordinated, so how about colour?

Ok, you may have me on this one, but maybe now would be a good time to invest in a couple of really nice candle holders or perhaps incorporate your beeswax candles in a spectacular centerpiece.

There you have it! Decision made, guests impressed and healthy clean air to breathe….it just doesn’t get any better.

Simmering Blends:

Just mix all ingredients together, blend well and use ½ cup of blend to 2 cups of water in a small pot. Simmer, uncovered, over low heat. Make sure pot doesn’t dry out.

These can often be reheated several times.

Christmas Blend: Country Garden Blend:

¼ cup Cloves-whole ½ cup Roses-buds/petals

¼ cup Cinnamon-broken ½ cup Lavender-flowers

¼ cup Lemon Peel-cut ½ cup Rosemary

¼ cup Orange Peel-cut ½ cup Thyme-cut

¼ cup Star Anise ¼ cup Peppermint

¼ cup Ginger-cut

½ cup Rosemary

Essential Oils:

Single Choices:

Citrus: Lemongrass, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange

Floral: Jasmine, Rose, Ylang Ylang

Forest: Eucalyptus, Pine, Rosemary, Spruce

Mint: Peppermint, Spearmint

Spicy: Allspice, Clove, Sage, Caraway

Blends:

Breathe Easier:

5 drops each of Pine, Lavender, Eucalyptus and Lime

Disinfectant:

5 drops each: tea tree, sage, lemon, thyme

Romance:

7 drops each: sandalwood, ylang ylang, orange

Stress Relief:

10drops each: lavender, mandarin

***When burning beeswax candles, keep the wick trimmed to ¼” for smokeless and maximum burning time and always remember to never leave burning candles unattended and ensure all holders are heat resistant and suitable for use.***

A Special ‘Greeter’

Hershey, who many of you know as one of the official ‘four legged’ greeters from your visits to the farm in Kettleby, passed away this summer at the ripe old age of 13. Truly a survivor, he made it through three coyote attacks, one car collision, the arrival of Bailey (the ‘other’ greeter), along with two moves in the past year! A gentle, but strong soul, with a definite stubborn streak and a heart of gold.

Hershey will be greatly missed by all that knew him, but especially by both Bailey and I.

So what’s happening at Kettleby Herb Farms?

· Yes, finally all settled in and really enjoying my new home and town. I have been concentrating on the outside landscaping over the summer and now have grass and have even managed to plant some shrubs and the start of a front garden. Hopefully the herb garden will go in next spring.

· The web page has been partially revamped to provide easier, more streamlined ordering and another update including the 2007 Catalogue is scheduled for the end of the year.

· Thank you to our local growers who have once again provided a quality selection of dried botanicals and seeds for the coming year.

· With Christmas just around the corner, just a reminder that we would be happy to create a custom gift pack for you and can ship any items, anywhere!

· A couple of new items in the works include: A Wild Yam cream, especially good for menopausal symptoms(amazing how much real life can be reflected in a product choice) and also a selection of 100% pure Essential Oil Aroma Blends for use with beeswax candles or in diffusers and aroma vessels.

· In keeping with the times, along with increased mailing and printing costs, the 2007 catalogue will only be available on the web site- www.kettlebyherbfarms.com . Just click on the catalogue button. You can order directly on-line, using our secure ordering form or if you prefer, just complete the on-line order form (don’t hit send) print it and either mail or fax to 613-475-0230 to us. You can still order by phone using our toll free number at 1-877-727-8344.

Wishing you a Warm & ‘Bright’* Holiday Season

Sue

*Sorry, I just couldn’t resist!