Paraffin vs. Soy - some facts

Paraffin candles are made with paraffin, a white waxy substance that is a bi-product of fuel. When burned and in liquid form, it emits soot and carcinogens, such as carbon monoxide, into the air. Since this is airborne, you, your loved ones and your pets can breathe these substances into your lungs. The gray-black residue that is left behind is known as "ghosting" and can be seen in excess on the tops of candles, curtains, walls, and in your air filters. High levels of these toxins have been known to cause illness in some who frequently burn paraffin-based candles. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness and nausea. Those with pet birds or reptiles should be extremely cautious burning paraffin candles since these animals are very sensitive to pollution.

Over the past few years, the soy candle has grown in popularity and for good reason. Soy candles do not contain any of the toxins or soot that paraffin candles release. This means you can burn your candles without the worry of ghosting on your curtains and walls, or clogging up your air filters. You can also breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you and your family are enjoying cleaner air that isn't polluted with carcinogens. Some allergy sufferers find that soy candles are less irritating than paraffin candles because of the absence of soot and toxins. Soy candles are easy on the environment, not only do they not emit toxins, but they are a renewable source! Unused paraffin wax is not biodegradable, but soy candle wax burns clean. You can even use the jar for other purposes after you've cleaned it. Here's some more good news, soy wax can actually hold more fragrance than paraffin wax, so you get a strong fragrance throughout the life of the candle. You can also enjoy your candle much longer because soy wax burns at only 127 degrees fahrenheit, which is a much lower temperature than paraffin candles.

So to sum up: soy candles burn longer and cleaner than paraffin. Why would you burn anything but soy?

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: Autumn Punch

It's another perfect, crisp day in the Mt. Washington Valley. We've had two frost warnings and the heat in my house tried to kick on yesterday morning, but the afternoons are warm and sunny. It's just the best time of year and I wish this weather could last all year! It's extra exciting becasue this chill in the air means it's candle burning season again! There's nothing better than lighting a cozy, spicy scented candle on a cool Autumn evening! Here's a new recipe to get you in the mood: Combine Beanpod's Orange Spiced Tea, Fruit Slices, and Cinnamon Spice soybeads in a melter and snuggle up with your favorite book, dog or person!

Beanpod Soy Candle Recipe of the Day: Afternoon Tea

The Fall & Holiday scents are officially back and it's time to work them into the recipe rotation! There's just nothing better than enjoying those warm, cozy scents as the nights and mornings get cooler and cooler! Here's one to get you in the mood to pull out your box of sweaters! Start with an Orange Spice Tea Candle and "Season" it with Pumpkin Pie and Oatmeal Cookies Soy Beads. Who cares if Summer went by in a blink? Long live Autumn!

New Vintage Poster in the Works!

Exciting News!

Dianne Mello and our friends at the Framed Art Superstore are at it again! They will be releasing the SIXTH in their series of Vintage-looking local Ski Posters this November. It's a big secret each year which local mountain will be featured and what the image will consist of, but we were offered a super-special sneak peak this week and it's AWESOME! So which mountain will it be? So far, they've featured Attitash, Cranmore, and Wildcat mountains. So what is your vote? Has your favorite mountain been featured yet? Will there be more funny hat wearing skiers in this one? Stay tuned this fall to find out the answers these burning questions!

Beanpod Soy Candle Recipe of the Day: Baked Apple

It's hard to believe it but it's almost time to be back to school, Fall & Holiday scents are slowly sneaking their way back onto our shelves and more and more leaves are turning every day up here in New Hampshire. Ladies and Gentlemen, fall is nearly hear! And that makes me start leaning toward the bakery section once again. Fall is a time of sweet, spicy, cozy scents, and with that I give you today's recipe: Baked Apple. To make this recipe, combine McIntosh Apple, Cinnamon Spice, and Whipped Cream soy beads in the melter of your choice and warm. Be careful, though, this scent might make you want to pull out your sweaters again!

Hand-carved Soapstone Candle Holders from Kenya Now Available

Soyfire is proud to offer fair-trade Soapstone candle accessories from Kenya in its flagship North Conway store. In 2008, civil war sent the peaceful country of Kenya spiraling out of control and hundreds of thousands of people ran for their lives to refugee camps in bordering countries of Tanzania and Uganda. Many innocent people lost their lives, their homes, their livelihoods.Joseph Obara (pictured) is the founder of the FATRINE SELF HELP GROUP, a registered community based group with an aim of creating self employment and creating awareness on poverty eradication. It has more that 20 members who produce quality soapstone products from soapstone mined in their local area of Kisii, Kenya.

Purchasing one of these hand-crafted candle holders helps BRING LOVE AND HOPE TO KENYA.Your purchase helps “Gifts of Life” charities in BUILDING A CLINIC AND EDUCATING WOMEN AND ORPHANS IN THE SMALL VILLAGE OF BOSINANGE, KISII, KENYA.

Come see our selction soon, and for more gifts that give back, visit the “Gifts of Life” Shop in North Conway Village.