The Sense of Scents

Research has shown that our sense of smell is tied to our emotions and state of mind. Our sense of smell also enhances the foods we taste. In fact, over 20 different sensations that are normally thought of as tastes are in fact fragrances! Today hospitals, real estate agents and home owners are using scents to promote a positive and welcoming environment. Keep in mind that scents can't alter one's mood, but they can be a powerful tool for those who want to relieve stress, improve their spirits, or create a warm and cozy atmosphere.

So how does this all work? When we smell a particular scent, we associate it with a memory or a mood. For example, the smell of Ocean Mist might remind you of relaxing on the beach listening to the waves lazily lap against the sunny shoreline. This can be a soothing, relaxing experience. Although scents do not have the same affect on everyone, there are some that have proven to reduce stress, such as Lavender, and some that uplift and revitalize such as Pink Grapefruit and Lemon Citrus.

Beanpod Soy Candle Recipe of the Day: Peace & Quiet

Many of our faithful in-store customers, or faithful blog readers, are already acquainted with my daughter, Ryan. She is turning two years old this week! I can hardly believe it! She's a semi-permanent fixture in our North Conway store, coming in to work with me 3 or 4 days a week. However, she's spending this week with her Grandparents, being spoiled silly no-doubt! And for some reason this inspires today's recipe: Peace & Quiet. To make this recipe, sure to transport you to a restful and relaxing place, you get to use June's Fragrance of the Month! Just burn one candle each of Beanpod's Solitude, Harmony, and Serenity in close quarters (or combine the scents using soy beads) turn off the TV, disconnect the phone and sink into the silence!

Beanpod Soy Candle Recipe of the Day: Peaceful Rest

I don't know about where you are, but it has been a sultry, dusky, rainy week here in North Conway. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to just curl up and take a long afternoon nap. So, to abandon the decadent dessert theme for a day, I give you the Beanpod Candle recipe for Peaceful Rest. Combine Beanpod's Serenity, Fresh Linen, Lavender soy beads into your melter and warm. Now go grab that blanket, a nice cup of tea and a good book. "Rest your eyes" if you like... we won't tell!

Beanpod Soy Candle Recipe of the Day: Herbal Relaxation

Ever start to feel a little overwhelmed by life? Who hasn't! Well, one of the best things about candles is that they are an extremely affordable form of relaxation! Here's today's recipe with that especially in mind: Herbal relaxation. Start with one each of Beanpod's Green Tea, Vanilla, Gingko & Ginseng candles in whichever size you prefer. Next simply light all three in the same space. The scents magically twirl together to form a fragrance so soothing and sweet it's like getting a massage - but with this you get to keep your clothes on!

Beanpod Soy Candle Recipe of the Day: Clear Harmony

"Sunny days, chasing the clouds away....." Aaaaaaah, what a gorgeous day it is today in North Conway! The sun is out, all warm and beckoning all to come out and play. It's even warm enough to go out without a coat (if you're a northerner who - after months of sub-zero temps - truly believe that 58 degrees is T-shirt weather!) It's such a joy to be in New England at Springtime. Everyone is so happy and smiling, glad we made it through the tunnel of winter and excited to welcome the warm months. In this spirit of relief and relaxation, I bring you today's recipe: Clear Harmony. Burn Beanpod's Harmony candle and season it with a few Clarity soy beads on top. It's a really mellow, relaxing smell which will make you feel the promise of sunny days.

Beanpod Soy Candle Recipe of the Day: Sweet Dreams

There's nothing like a good night's sleep... you wake rested, relaxed and ready to take on the world. But how can you achieve that calm when you are awake? Well, try this little combination: Start with a Lavender candle, and season it with Fresh Linen and Clarity soy beads - or skip the beads all together and just burn a votive candle of each scent at the same time in the same location. The scents will mingle just as they would in a soy bead metler and you get the same scent result. Whichever way you choose, this recipe is designed to ease your tensions and soothe your frayed nerves. When you can't get a full 8 hours in, try this instead!

The Sense of Scents

Choosing the right scent for your candle can do more than just make your home smell nice, it can also make you feel more energetic, or relaxed, more nostalgic or ambitious.

So what scent is right for you? It is such a personal decision as to what you like but here are some hints as to why you might find certain scents more appealing. If you want a room to be more relaxing, try one of our calming fragrances. Lavender is renowned for it soothing properties, or perhaps try the mellowness of Serenity or Harmony. If you feel nostalgic for simpler times, try one with warm, sweet overtones like Oatmeal Cookies or Apple pie. Need something to energize you and get you motivated to tackle your day? Citrus scents will energize you and help to keep you clear headed. My favorites are Pink Grapefruit and Lemon Citrus (which just happens to be the scent of the month!)

With stress levels what they are in our complicated over-stimulated lives, we should strive to keep our home lives should easy and un-fussy. Pick the scent that can help you achieve what you need most.