Saturday 31 December 2011

Favourite photo{s} 2011 Link Up













favorite photo 2011

C.H.A.O.S. and burn out

I have been really feeling burned out, overwhelmed and just plain awful with very low energy levels.  I am really tired of being tired and over whelmed all the time !

I have realized that part of the cause of my burnout is that in this past year I have been suffering from C.H.A.O.S. (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) {blush}. As I poked around the net about clutter and C.H.A.O.S. I read this over at Thinking Out Loud Blog:
clutter is more of a physical expression of our emotional condition than it is about our organizational skills.”

I must agree that this statement is true for me. I have really been struggling to keep on top of life and it feels like everything is spinning out of control. Well this week I decided to grab the world and make it stand still so I can catch up.

It feels so good to be regaining my life a little bit at a time. So far I have conquered the wash pile in the laundry (now to tackle the pile of ironing before midnight!), Sir N's room, I need to do the other rooms in the house. Well the rumpus I am avoiding till I can work out what to do about it. ...... and on the to do list this coming week is the office space.

I have decided that slow and steady needs to be my motto for this task ....

I went looking for some inspiration on the net.

Here is what I found:

Fly Lady

Fly Lady
I discovered the FlyLady about 10 years ago and I love her practical ideas which make her system achievable.  Her main philosophy is: Baby Steps.  The main item you need is a kitchen timer and you are ready to start:

I must confess I do not subscribe to the emails anymore as I find there are just too many for me to read on a daily basis.  So when ever I need inspiration I visit her website.

31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha House the Mary Way.
Back in October I shared with you in New Beginnings- about 31 Days to Clean.

Sarah Mae is the author of 31 Days to clean. She inspires and encourages you to look at having a Martha house the Mary way. Each page takes less than 5 minutes to read and each day has small things to do.

31 Days to an Organized Home

I was having a poke around Follow Me on Pinterest and saw this button which piqued my interest :


The title grabbed my interest so I went over to have a look.  What a neat way to start the new year. Kelly is your host over at The Complete Guide to Imperfect Home Making.

This is what Kelly has to say about why to become organized:

I organize my home because I believe that when we clear out the things that don't matter, we make room for the things that do. Because our hearts and minds can only take so much chaos. And life has enough chaos of it's own. Because we need a daily refuge from the clutter and the noise and the blaring messages that wait on our doorstep. Because an uncluttered space creates an environment where we can learn and explore. And because when we clear out stuff, we make room for people. What are your reasons for wanting to organize and de-clutter?

31 Days to an Organised Home

Day 2: An Organized Coat Closet
Day 3: The Three Baskets Tip
Day 4: How to Apply Contact Paper to Drawers 
Day 5: Fabulous Pantries 
Day 6: A Peek Inside My Kitchen 
Day 7: DIY Pocket Organizer
Day 8: Defining Clutter 
Day 9:  Permission to Let Go, and to Keep
Day 10: Sometimes you Just Have to Live With It
Day 11: Kids' Socks
Day 12: Kid's Clothes (The Rule of Three)
Day 13: Kids' Closet Inspiration
Day 14: Sock Drawer 101 
Day 15: Master Closet
Day 16: A Place for Everything
Day 17: Command Centers
Day 18: Create an Action File 
Day 19: DIY File Basket
Day 20: Manuals and Warranties
Day 21: DIY Magazine Files
Day 22: Electronic Odds and Ends
Day 23: Pretty Tidy Desks
Day 24: How to Make Labels using Picnik
Day 25: Bathroom Storage
Day 26: Linen Closets
Day 27: It's Linky Party Day!
Day 28: Laundry Room Organization
Day 29: Sentimental Items
Day 30: My craft Closet
Day 31: Staying Organized


I am inspired to start off my new year becoming organized and in control of my home.

How will you be starting your new year ?

Blessings

Friday 30 December 2011

HSMJ - 31 622 400 is what I have


The Home school Mother’s Journal began as a single post on a Friday morning over at The Homeschool Chick, and turned into a link-up for homeschool mothers across the blog-O-sphere to share a piece of their journey with one another each week. The link party is open from Friday to Monday so join me in The Homeschool Journal and lets encourage one another on our homeschool journey.

In my life this week…
 
In our homeschool this week…

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
  • Habits are time consuming to implement but the rewards far out weigh the time it takes to train and practice a new habit. 
I am inspired by…
  • .De-Cluttering your Soul - The Secret to Peace and Rest 2012 written by Sally Clarkson. Sally wrote: I am not a person gifted in handling details—too much mail, too many catalogues, too many emails, too many options, too many things. The more there is, the more I become responsible for, the more work there is to be done, and so, the more anxious I become. Same with activities. The more I commit to, the more I say yes, the more I have to drive, the more my house gets into a mess, and the more anxious I become, the more hurried we feel, and the more weary I become. When I am not at peace, nothing in our home is at peace. Definately pop on over to I Take Joy and read the whole artical you will be inspired and encouraged. I can so relate to what Sally has shared today.
  • Jennifer over at Little Homeschool on the Prairie who wrote: The Gift of Homeschooling.  Jen asks: Is homeschooling a gift?   Or is it a chore...another thing to cross of the to-do list every day? She  finsihes saying: it most definitely is a gift- an expression of love for my family.
    If I see it as such, then I should look at each moment we have together at home  as precious, special, and a way for me to serve my family
    . I am encouraged to enjoy each day ....
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
  • This week I did not have a car which turned out to be a good thing because I stayed home and rested.
  • However we did have a couple of family come over and had share a cup of tea with us.



My favorite thing this week was…
  • Sir N's delight at being allowed to dismantle the irreparable microwave!


What’s working/not working for us…
Questions/thoughts I have…

  • Thirty One Million Six Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand Four Hundred seconds are what I have before me this new year (God willing...{James 4:13-15})   I have been thinking about that.  How and what will I spend that free gift of time on ?  I do NOT want to look back on another year and be disappointed and the only way I can accomplish that feeling of accomplishment is to plan to redeem my time.  That time is a GIFT to me.
  • How do you rank your priorities and organize your day / week ?
 Things I’m working on…
  • Planning on how I will redeem the time in the new year.
  • Hymn Study for 2012 by Nadene over at Practical Pages.  I am inspired to add this into our school room. It is something I intended to do but never got around to with my older two students.  I am inspired by Nadene and her free down loadable to add this to our school week in the new year.
  • Planning my homeschool schedule.
  • Are you a Planner?  I have never heard of a Penny Walk before and will definitely be trying this one with Sir N in the new year
  • Resting in His peace and handing over the clutter and worry in my soul.
  • A couple of DIY for blogging posts.
  • Learning to make Photo Collage's using a free program called: Photoscape. I was over at Erin's Seven Little Australians and she had a beautiful photo collage with a link.  I am so glad I took the time to take a look, the DIY step by step tutorial is excellent.
I’m reading…
Look at these beautiful bookmarks.

There are 6 different book marks available for you to download and print over at Time Warp Wife.

I’m cooking…
I’m grateful for…
  •  The gift of sight and hearing.  I love to hear the sound of worship 
  • The ability to read and write.
I’m praying for…
  • His guidance 
  • Teens and little people
  • Health and healing for my Mom who has had surgery.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today - Anonymous
Paul reading The Complete Adventures of Curious George to Sir N.


Blessings

Thursday 29 December 2011

48 ways to remain Unemployed

Following on from yesterdays post about Attitude I discovered this at the same friends house.  I am not sure which publication it first appeared in to give proper credit.  If you know please message me so I can update this post.

This is a list complied by the University of New York, taken from reports produced by 153 business, of reasons most frequently given by employers for turning down candidates applying for a job with their company.

  1. Poor personal appearance
  2. Arrogance, aggressiveness, self satisfaction, superiority complex, know-it-all attitude
  3. Difficulty in expressing oneself clearly, a weak voice, poor diction and grammar.
  4. Complete lack of any career plans, projects or aims.
  5. Lack on interest and enthusiasm, passiveness and indifference.
  6. Lack of confidence and poise, nervousness, being ill at ease.
  7. No participation in activities
  8. Very interested in money, and only interested in the best offer.
  9. Poor or borderline academic achievements.
  10. Applicant refuses to start at the bottom of the ladder or is too demanding and stubborn.
  11. Applicant makes all kinds of excuses for an unfavorable report.
  12. Lack of tact.
  13. Lack of maturity.
  14. Lack of courtesy, bad manners.
  15. Applicant criticises his/her former employers.
  16. Lack of social insight.
  17. Dislike for study.
  18. Lack of vitality.
  19. Applicant does not look the interviewer straight in the eye.
  20. A lifeless handshake, without warmth.
  21. High degree of indecision.
  22. Marital problems.
  23. Inability to get along with parents.
  24. Applicant neglects to answer all the questions on application form.
  25. Very limited job search.
  26. Looking for temporary work.
  27. Little or no sense of humour.
  28. Insufficient knowledge of his/her area of specialisation.
  29. Lets his/her parents make the decisions.
  30. No interest in the company or industry.
  31. Applicant stresses the fact that he/she is well connected with someone in the company, tries to "pull strings."
  32. Unwillingness to transfer to new location.
  33. Too cynical
  34. A poor moral attitude.
  35. Candidate displays laziness.
  36. An intolerant candidate.
  37. Limited interests.
  38. Mismanagement of personal finances.
  39. No interest in company activities.
  40. Inability to take criticism.
  41. No consideration for the value of experience.
  42. Radical ideas.
  43. Late for the interview without a good reason.
  44. Applicant has no knowledge of the company to which he/she is applying.
  45. Failure to ask questions about the job.
  46. Too aggressive and too insistent.
  47. Applicant answers questions evasively.
  48. Lack of personal initiative.

This list certainly makes for interesting reading and a great learning tool for anyone in the job application market. It was of interest to me having two teens in the house who have completed school and some tertiary study.

Blessings



Wednesday 28 December 2011

The RIGHT Attitude

I was visiting a friend recently when I noticed this little note on the wall and wanted to share it with you.

We get so hung up on academics and teaching our children knowledge that we loose focus of some of the more important things.

This was published in the Wellington Dominion 6 October 1995

Employers Look for Right Attitude

Almost half of all unemployed people hold educational qualifications but in a recent survey employers ranked qualifications at the bottom of a list of 20 desirable attributes for selecting potential employees, the Employment Service says.

In a survey of 500 randomly selected employers, qualifications came last in traits employers considered most desirable for employees. Top of the list was:

  1. Attitude followed by:
  2. Honesty
  3. Tidy Appearance
  4. Amiability
  5. Enthusiasm
  6. Reliability
  7. Communication Skills
  8. Motivation
  9. Punctuality
  10. Experience
  11. Flexibility
  12. Fast Learning
  13. Efficiency
  14. Commitment
  15. Knowledge
  16. Education
  17. Interest
  18. Personality
  19. Stability
  20. Willingness to work
  21. Skills
  22. Qualifications
 This list has really encouraged me to keep working on Attitude and to remember that there is so much more to education than qualifications!

Blessings



Tuesday 27 December 2011

52 books in 52 weeks for 2012



I love to read.  It's my idea of a good holiday and one of the best ways to recharge and refresh.  When I was at school it was nothing for me to read a 1 000 page book in two days.


In case you are wondering I did not love reading as a young child.  When I was around 10 years old I can remember my Mom offering me R10 (the equivalent of around $100 now) to read one 150 page book.  I tried but gave up after two days.

It was not until I reached high school that I started enjoying reading. I think I was around fourteen years old.  It would take me a whole week to read ONE 150 page book! After about four months I was up to eight books a week and progressed to longer novels.  The library became my new best friend.

Then ....

               new seasons in my life meant that the time was no longer available to read.

Reading for me is as essential as breathing is to live.  I was sitting thinking that I can't remember when last I read for pleasure or learning on a regular basis.  So when I read about this challenge I became inspired to start reading again.


So who is up for the challenge and will join me in the new year ?


Look at what I have in my book basket: 


Blessings








This post will be linking to: Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks.

Monday 26 December 2011

Pasta Salad

My friend Mrs S used to make this and I got the recipe from her.  I ♥ the simplicity and tastiness of this recipe.  It is great to take to a barbecue and is simply delicious.

Pasta Salad


Ingredients:
  • 250 grams Pasta (OR gluten free pasta)
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 Cup ready made garlic pasta sauce (I use Stomboli Pasta Sauce)
  • 1 Tablespoon vinegar 
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of oregano

Optional
  • 2 spring onions
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup cubed cucumber
  • 310 gram can of whole corn drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

Method
  • Cook the pasta
  • In a bowl mix the remaining ingredients.
  • Add in your choice of optional ingredients.
  • Drain the pasta and add warm pasta to the sauce.
  • Chill and serve.

This salad tastes better if made the day before and allowed to mature.   I have made the sauce the night before and left it in the fridge to mature as a different option.

Blessings






Sunday 25 December 2011

Mary Did you Know ?





Mary Did You Know 
 Written by Mark Lowry
Music by Buddy Greene

 Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that youve delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy
You’ve kissed the face of god

Mary, did you know?

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is lord of all creation?
Did you know
That your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the great I am

May you be blessed this Christmas

Saturday 24 December 2011

Homeschool Mothers Journal {6}


The Home school Mother’s Journal began as a single post on a Friday morning over at The Homeschool Chick, and turned into a link-up for homeschool mothers across the blog-O-sphere to share a piece of their journey with one another each week. The link party is open from Friday to Monday so join me in The Homeschool Journal and lets encourage one another on our homeschool journey.

In my life this week…
 
In our homeschool this week…
  • We are on holiday :)

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
  • Take the time to sit back and enjoy the moment.  

I am inspired by…
  • A blogpost over at Warrior Princess Lessons: I choose to enjoy my children. Feels so good to read encouragement from a fellow homeschooler in the trenches of everyday life and being encouraged to make positive life choices.
  • I had a visit by a friend recently who was sharing her heart with me and I in turn turned the conversation into my experience.  After reading I SEE YOU! I needed to apologize to my friend.  I am so glad I read this.  It has encouraged me to hear my friends and let THEM know I hear them and what they are sharing is important and that their feelings are valid and I care.
  • This week Paul and I watched Temple Grandin-Thinking in pictures my life with Autism..  Watch a trailer on Youtube.  What an inspirational movie.   Temple is listed in the 2010 Time 100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world in the category "Heroes".

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
  • Taking Sir N to see the Christmas lights and homes that are decorated for Christmas.
  • On Tuesday cousins Miss A and Miss Z came to play. We also baked gingerbread stars to make tree cakes. 
  • On Wednesday we went to Granny's place to ice / put together Star biscuit tree. So much fun.
  • Thursday was our Summer Solstice and we went to Mrs KW house for a solstice lunch get together.  It was great having some encouraging fellowship!
  • Friday we visited my parents and Paul helped my Dad erect a shed in the back yard before it became too hot.
  • Friday night Linda from over at Pillars of Pine and her family joined us for dinner. We were so blessed with their family.

My favorite thing this week was…
  • Sir N loosing two of his teeth and him informing me that the top teeth are for the Tooth Fairy and the bottom teeth are for the Tooth Mouse.
  • Receiving my anniversary ring back from the jewellers.  It needed to go in for repairs. 

What’s working/not working for us…
  • Going to the library once a month.  I have decided to make a once a week library day and see if that will work better.  I think it will be better to bring five books home on a weekly rotation rather than twenty books on  a four week rotation.

Questions/thoughts I have…
  • How do you find your true self when you have spent so many years adding to the mold of yourself what others are doing ? 
  • How do you discover your destiny and His vision for you ?

Things I’m working on…

I’m reading…
  •  The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I originally started this book a few months ago but shelved it as there was so much going on in my world.  I have decided to slowly read this and see what the Father wants to say to me. Isaiah 54:13  All your children will be taught by the LORD,   and great will be their peace. I am holding onto this scripture at the moment for I am weary.
  • Replevin This post has inspired me to make a list of the areas in my life that the enemy has stolen from me and to place it before my Heavenly Father and ask Him to restore the land the locust has eaten.
  • Working towards a Happy Home. I enjoyed this post.  It reminded me of the younger years with my two teens.  I had forgotten some of this information and it has inspired me to think of ways to encourage Sir N in the new year. I am also keen to read some of these books.  Might need to ask Jo if I can borrow them.  :)
  • Who are you listening to ? Wise or Fools ? by Sally Clarkson over at her blog I Take Joy.  This post has affirmed what I feel the Father is trying to teach me at the moment To Be True to Myself. and to be aware of who I am allowing to speak / guide me in life.  I am so treading water at the moment and I think it's due to burn out from not looking after myself properly this past year. ......

I’m cooking…


  • Gingerbread stars to make trees!
  • East African Chicken for dinner.

I’m grateful for…

I’m praying for…

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself (Anna Quindlen).

Blessings and Merry Christmas to you all.

12 Days of Christmas

I love the words and tune of the 12 Days of Christmas.  I discovered the meaning behind the phrases and wanted to share them with you. The twelve days of Christmas begin on Christmas day and end on Twelfth Night — January 5th, the night before Epiphany

Graphic from: Fresh Plans
Definitions of the Phrases
My true love-......... God
gave to me-......... any person in Christ
a Partridge in a pear tree-......... Jesus on the cross
2 turtle doves- ......... Old and New testaments
3 French hens-......... faith, hope and charity
4 calling birds-......... the 4 gospels
5 golden rings-......... the first 5 books of Old Testament
6 geese-a-......... laying- the 6 days of Creation
7 swans-a-swimming-......... 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 maids-a-milking-......... 8 beatitudes
9 ladies dancing-......... 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords-a-leaping-......... 10 commandments
11 pipers piping-......... 11 faithful disciples
12 drummers drumming-......... 12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed

While I was surfing looking for information on The 12 Days of Christmas I discovered: Fresh Plans Engaging learning tools for the modern K-12 classroom. I discovered a post by Rebecca titled: The Twelve Days of Christmas which contains a large variety of information and links.  She also has a few posts about Christmas around the world.



Blessings

Thursday 22 December 2011

Christmas Lights

This week we took Sir N to see some Christmas lights.  I loved seeing his delight and pleasure !

This home is new to us but started our journey off to find the lights


This lady had such a generous heart and blessed us so much chatting.

This house won 2nd place in the Australian National Christmas Light competion in 2006.



Thinking about and talking about Jesus





blessings

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Ask and you shall receive

This morning I cried out to the Lord and asked Him to please bless me with a gift.  I really feel the need of a special blessing.

This afternoon I went to my post box and found an envelope.  On the front in big bold letters

A gift for you ...

You can imagine how my heart was pounding. That's the first time that has ever happened. With trembling hands I opened the envelope and with in was a book for me ....

Title: The 10 Second Rule
Author: Clare De Graaf
Pages: 176
Published: 2011
Hardcover ISBN: 978 0 9836897 0 6

I can't wait to read it. Have any of you read / heard about this book ?  If so what were your thoughts ?

I am feeling so blessed I just had to share.  Due to the obedience of John and Sarita Holzmann I experienced the answer to a heartfelt cry to my Lord. Thank you so much.

Blessings






What others are saying about the book:

"Excellent ... helps turn down the noise so we can listen, really listen to the Savior's direction and follow! I highly recommend this small book filled with big impact!" 
- Joni Eareckson Tada
Founder / CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center

"Ephesians 2:10 tells us, ‘For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do the work that He has prepared in advance for us to do.’ In his book The 10 Second Rule, Clare encourages us to become so familiar with the voice of the Spirit of God, so in tune with His call, that we hasten to listen and obey. This has been Clare’s lifestyle for many years as he mentors other men and sees many of them grow in Christ."
BETTY HUIZENGA
Founder, Apples of Gold Ministries



Saturday 17 December 2011

Homeschool Mother's Journal {5}


The Home school Mother’s Journal began as a single post on a Friday morning over at The Homeschool Chick, and turned into a link-up for homeschool mothers across the blog-O-sphere to share a piece of their journey with one another each week. The link party is open from Friday to Monday so join me in The Homeschool Journal and lets encourage one another on our homeschool journey.

In my life this week…
 
In our homeschool this week…
  • Understanding numbers and place value is starting to fall into place with Sir N.  
  • Our home phone died this week and we handed it to Sir N to take apart.  He loved looking inside and using his Dads tools to try and take the bits and pieces off.  He enjoyed discovering circuit boards.  
  • We watched Miracle on 34th Street.  The original 1947 version in black and white.  

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…


I have been thinking about why as home school Mums we become so weary and why we constantly feel inadequate. I had the privilege of guest posting about this at Princess Warrior Lessons.


I am inspired by…
  • The new friends I am finding in the blogging world who write inspiring, challenging and encouraging blog posts.
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
  • This week we have been visiting my mom each day to make sure she is alright.  She is recovering from surgery.  Please continue to pray for her recovery with me.
  • Monday we had our last CHEF (Christian Home Educating Families) get together for the year.
  • Wednesday found us blessed with dinner at my husbands end of year / Christmas work dinner.
  • Today we have the last swimming lesson for this year.
  • Today we are visiting a friend and completing the paper mache mask we started at her place two weeks ago. (photo's / tutorial to come)
My favorite thing this week was…
  • Seeing my husbands delight at the arrival of his new fly fishing rod.  This is something that has been on his hearts desire list for the last twenty years.
Hardy Marksman II 7' 3 weight Fly Rod.

What’s working/not working for us…
  • Trying to do regular days of school during the Advent season.  Sigh.  Experience should have taught me by now.  Every year I try this and you would think after 14 years I would know better. 

Questions/thoughts I have…
  • My thoughts this week have been about my blog.  I really enjoy posting, sharing, discovering new blogs, being fed intellectually and spiritually.
  • My pondering has been on the content of my blog.  I love to encourage and discuss things and I am passionate about homeschooling and being a mother.  I started this blog as a way of documenting / sharing my homeschool journey with Sir N BUT I want more.  More depth.  So I have been thinking about the content of my little space and what I want to do with it.  

Things I’m working on…
  • Structuring my day and week. Strictly speaking I love a flexible routine but a routine non the less so that I and my children know what is happening and we all feel safer.

I’m reading…

I’m cooking…
  • I finally got around to making my ginger bread house gift.    It was a thank you gift for a friend who helped us out this last year with lifts for my husband to work.

  • I am planning to try a fruit cake recipe with gluten free flour :) If it works I will post it !

I’m grateful for…
  • Family and friends who encourage and pray for me.


A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

God is responsible for the consequences of your obedience. You are responsible for the consequence of your disobedience

Blessings

Thursday 15 December 2011

Be True to Yourself.



This weekend while spending time with my sister she encouraged me saying: “Be true to yourself.”   

I have really been struggling with feelings of insecurity, yes even after 14 years of homeschooling! 

As I went through my week my heart kept reaching for His.  “Lord why do I feel this way ?” 

and His reply kept echoing.  “Be True To YOURSELF”  


While over at Jo's place take a look around.  Her blog is full of rich lessons learned from the King.  

Lessons that will inspire and encourage you.

Blessings


Wednesday 14 December 2011

Candle Care

Ever wondered why candles you buy only last about ten hours and then wont light any more even though the sticker on the base says thirty hours of burn time ??


Did you know that candles contain a memory once you use them ?? A couple of years ago I attended a PartyLite party where I learned some really interesting things about candles.

For every inch your candle is in width is one hour of burning time.  So if your candle is 3 inches in diameter  you need to light it three hours before you need it.

If you snuff your candle before that time it will retain a memory and burn down the center of your candle creating a canyon which when it gets deep enough will mean your candle will no longer burn for lack of oxygen. This in turn will reduce your candle burn time.

These candles have only been lit for about 30 min and you can see that there is only about half an inch of the candle melted / warmed. If I snuffed my candle now it would retain this half inch memory and the next time I lit the candle it would only burn this half inch and no more.


These candles have been alight for about four hours


You can see that the wax has melted nearly to the edge and wont go further because of the previous time I lit them the memory is retained.

To blow or snuff a candle ??


It is much better to snuff a candle than blow it out.  When you blow out a candle the force of the air on the wick moves the wick in the candle which makes it lie on a strange angle and off center thus shortening the life of your candle. It also means that the next time you light your candle it will burn off center.

It is also better to place the candle where it is needed before you light it.  Do not move once lit as this will move the wick causing it to move off center.

Hug your candle

Snuff your candle and wait for around five minutes. Gently cup your hands around the top and put a slight inward pressure on the lip.

These three simple steps will mean you will get the full burn time on your candles.

Blessings