From One Candle to a Community: Our Subscription Box Journey

You know that bittersweet feeling when you're burning the last of your favourite seasonal candle? That's exactly where I found myself not too long ago. As I watched the flame of my beloved winter scent flicker, I couldn't help but wish I could bottle up that cozy feeling for just a little longer.

Then it hit me - why not create something that captures the magic of each season, all year round? Something that brings a little slice of comfort and calm into our busy lives, no matter what the calendar says. And just like that, the idea for Little Batch Wax Co.'s candle subscription boxes was born.

I still remember the excitement (and, let's be honest, the nerves!) of putting together that very first box. I wanted to create more than just a candle - I wanted to craft an experience. Picture this: you're curled up in your favourite armchair, wrapped in that perfectly worn-in sweater. There's a fire crackling nearby, and maybe a little whisky in hand. That's the feeling I tried to capture in "Woollen Sweater," our very first subscription box scent.

Each box is like a little care package from New Zealand, complete with a locally shot postcard (because our country is just too beautiful not to share). It's our way of bringing a bit of magic right to your doorstep.

In this world of constant notifications and never-ending to-do lists, we all need a reminder to slow down. To take a deep breath. To connect - with ourselves, with nature, with each other. That's what these candle boxes are all about. They're an invitation to press pause, even if it's just for a moment, and find a little peace in your day.

Every time I pack up a box, I'm filled with gratitude. For the amazing people who've welcomed our scents into their homes. For the talented local artists and photographers we get to work with. For the chance to spread a little light and warmth in the world. It's more than just candles - it's about creating a little sanctuary, right in your own home.

What's Included in Your Subscription Box:

• Premium Handcrafted Candle

• A postcard featuring framable, local photography

• Scent description card with journal prompts and a curated playlist

• Surprise gifts in special editions (latte sachets, chocolates and other cosy gifts to compliment the theme of the box)

Click here to subscribe to our next box. Let's celebrate the seasons together!

P.S. Our boxes tend to sell out quickly, so if you see a "sold out" notice, don't worry! Join our waitlist to be first in line for the next release.

Plastic Free July: 12 Cosy Ways to Create a More Sustainable Home

As we bid adieu to "Plastic Free July", I felt it was the perfect time to reflect on our daily habits and find ways to reduce our plastic footprint. At Little Batch Wax Co., we believe that sustainability and coziness go hand in hand. Let's explore 12 warm and inviting ways to make your home more plastic-free, creating a space that's not only eco-friendly but also a place you love to be.

1. Switch to Natural All-Purpose Cleaner - Make your own all-purpose spray with Dr. Bronners liquid soap. Simply mix 1/4 cup liquid with 1 litre of water in a reusable spray bottle.

2. Invest in Glass Storage Containers - Replace plastic tupperware with sleek glass containers. They're not only plastic-free but also make your fridge look organised and inviting. I even found a bunch of beautiful vintage ones at the opp shop.

3. Use a Bamboo Toothbrush - Start and end your day with a sustainable smile. Bamboo toothbrushes are just as effective as plastic ones but infinitely more eco-friendly.

4. Try Bar Soaps - Ditch plastic bottles and opt for artisanal bar soaps. They often come in lovely scents and look beautiful displayed in a ceramic dish. I love this Wouldn't Know Em - NZ made.

5. Try Shampoo and Conditioner Bars - Continue the plastic-free bathroom trend with shampoo and conditioner bars. They last longer than bottled products and often come in delightful scents.

6. Use Clothe Produce Bags - When shopping, bring along some cotton produce bags. They're washable, reusable, and add a rustic charm to your grocery run!

7. Swap Plastic Scrubbers for Natural Alternatives - Replace plastic kitchen sponges with natural loofahs or coconut coir scrubbers. They're biodegradable and add an organic touch to your sink area. I have had this dish scrubber for years. It's beautiful and works just as well as the first day I bought it.

8. Opt for Reusable Cloth Napkins - Add a pop of character and design to your at-home dining experience with clothe napkins. They're more elegant than paper ones and can be washed and reused countless times. I have found sets of 6 like-new at opp shops in gorgeous colours and patterns.

9. Choose Wooden or Bamboo Utensils - For picnics or casual dining, opt for wooden or bamboo utensils instead of plastic. They're durable, attractive, and compostable at the end of their life.

10. Use a French Press or Pour-Over Coffee - Maker Avoid plastic coffee pods and filters by using a French press or pour-over coffee maker. These methods not only reduce plastic waste but also make your morning ritual more mindful and enjoyable. Bonus: use mason jar coffee mugs. They're extra cosy and fit right into your car cup holder.

11. Light Natural Wax Candles - Of course, we couldn't forget about candles! Choose natural wax candles in glass jars or metal tins. They create a warm ambiance while being eco-friendly. (Our Little Batch candles are perfect for this!) Read why we prefer bio-degradable and sustainable soy wax.

12. Create a Cosy Reading Nook with Second-Hand Books - Put your library card to use and borrow a book to return, or swap with friends! Better yet, make notes and highlight as you read - give it as a gift and it will feel as if you're reading together!

Remember, transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle is a journey, not a destination. Start with small changes and gradually incorporate more as you go along. Each plastic item you replace with a sustainable alternative is a step towards a cleaner planet and a cosier home.

This Plastic Free July, let's commit to creating spaces that are not only kind to the environment but also warm, inviting, and uniquely ours. After all, true coziness comes from knowing we're doing our part for the world around us.

What plastic-free swaps have you made in your home? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Breathe In, Bliss Out: Discovering the Power of Conscious Breathing

I've never been great at "slowing my breath". The practice of concentrating on my breathing allured me for years, but with a busy mind, busy schedule and busy children... I didn't know how to begin.

That's when I first met Gab from Everybody Breathe at a network event. In her lovely, warm demeanour she explained how she got into breath work and the wonders it's done for her clients and her personally. I was of course, intrigued. She invited me to her live breath work session via Skype later in the week, which I of course agreed to. This was my chance to try breath work for the first time and I couldn't wait to begin.

Logging into the live Zoom, I wasn't sure what to expect. But Gabrielle from Everybody Breathe made us all feel completely welcome; the soft lighting and calming music put us all at ease. She greeted us warmly and explained the basics of breath work – a practice that involves breathing patterns to help reduce stress and increase mindfulness.

As we began the session, I closed my eyes and focused on my breath, following her guidance to inhale deeply and exhale slowly. She introduced three new breathing patterns, each feeling like a gentle workout for my lungs.

About five minutes into following her guided breathing cues, I felt a genuine connection. It's hard to describe, but my mind felt clearer and my body more at ease, almost as if I were having a massage. It was so relaxing that I actually drifted into a deep slumber towards the end of the class!

I woke up 30 minutes after the session ended, feeling a bit guilty for falling asleep. However, I also noticed a renewed sense of energy that stayed with me into the next morning. When I explained what happened to Gab, she reassured me that this was quite common. I took it as a sign that this practice was something my body and mind truly needed, and that more sessions would be beneficial.

Overall, this virtual class was a powerful reminder of the importance of incorporating self-care moments into our lives. It was an ideal introductory course that could easily fit into busy daily routines.

For mompreneurs like myself, these evening classes are perfect while the children are asleep. The virtual format means I can join in from the comfort of my own home, which is a definite plus.

Gabrielle was kind enough to offer our readers a 3 gentle cues for people to connect with their breathe.

In own words:

Take a moment to feel your breath…

In this world of go, go, go - we often become detached from the very thing that keeps us alive, our breath.

Sit and pause for a moment…

…as you breathe, draw the breath in through your nose, and sense the temperature of your breath entering your body.

…as you breathe again, place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly, and feel the breath move from the top of your chest right down into your belly.

…as you let go of that breath, let some of the tension in your body melt away, in your exhale.

and remember…you have everything you need inside of you, breathe well, trust that…and so it is.

I'm excited to continue exploring the benefits of breathwork and making it a part of my weekly routine. A big thank you to Gabrielle and Everybody Breathe for introducing me to this practice. With both online and in-person options available, she's made breathwork accessible to everyone.

If you're interested in beginning a breathwork journey, feel free to reach out to Gabrielle at Everybody Breathe, and maybe I'll see you in class (virtually)!

Have you tried a breathwork class ? I'd love to hear about your experiences and how it has impacted your life. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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