The Cozy Wick

Hey friends, When you’re starting your wellness journey, it can be tempting to want to overhaul everything at once — but that’s the fastest way to get overwhelmed and burned out. The truth is, small changes add up, and the best place to start is with the things you use every single day. Here are 5 easy safer swaps you can make this week that won’t break the bank (or your brain): 1. Toothpaste 🪥We all use it twice a day (hopefully 😅), so why not make sure it’s free from unnecessary chemicals like fluoride, artificial dyes, and SLS? I switched to a cleaner toothpaste from the wellness store that still leaves my teeth feeling fresh and squeaky clean. 2. Deodorant 🌿Your skin is your body’s largest organ — and your underarms absorb a lot! Aluminum-free deodorants used to be… let’s just say… meh. But the one I use now from the wellness store actually works and smells amazing. They offer both Aluminum Free and an Antiperspirant that uses Aluminum salts that do not absorb like the typical aluminum found in brand name deodorants. 3. Dish Soap 🍋Traditional dish soaps often contain synthetic fragrances and harsh surfactants. I swapped mine for a plant-based version that’s tough on grease but gentle on my hands (and safe if the kids “help” with dishes). 4. Laundry Detergent 🧺Your clothes, bedding, and towels touch your skin 24/7, so a cleaner detergent makes a big difference. I love that the wellness store’s formula is concentrated, affordable, and free from the usual toxic suspects. 5. All-Purpose Cleaner ✨One spray to clean counters, bathrooms, and pretty much anything else? Yes, please. I swapped my old chemical-heavy cleaner for a safe, plant-based version that actually works and smells fresh without fake fragrance. Also available are an EPA Certified Herbal Disinfectant, Glass Cleaner, and so many more. The takeaway:You don’t have to “go all in” to start living low-tox. Just pick one or two of these swaps this week and build from there. Before you know it, your home will be healthier — and you’ll barely remember the old stuff you used to use. If you’re curious about the products I mentioned, they all come from the same wellness store I shop from — American made, affordable, and aligned with my values. You can check them out here or send me a message and I’ll point you in the right direction. Here’s to one simple swap at a time,Ashley

Hey friends, It’s been a while since I’ve popped in here, but I’m excited to dust off this little corner of the internet and start sharing again. Over the past few years, my focus has been on building my candle business and keeping our busy blended family running. While I’ve shared a couple of posts this year about my candles and shop, I haven’t been writing much about wellness — and that’s something I’ve been wanting to change. Recently, I’ve stepped back into the wellness space in a much more intentional way. I started shopping at a wellness store that checks all the boxes for me — American made, low-tox, affordable, and run by a company with values I can get behind. From everyday basics like toothpaste and cleaners to vitamins, snacks, and skincare, they make it easy to make safer swaps without feeling overwhelmed or overspending. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about my journey to creating a low-tox home — the simple swaps that have made the biggest difference, the products I’m loving, and tips for making changes that actually stick. My hope is to make this space a resource you can come back to whenever you’re ready to take the next step in your own wellness journey. If you’ve been thinking about making some changes in your home but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. We’re going to take it one swap at a time — and have some fun along the way. Here’s to a healthier home,Ashley PS. If you're ready to swap where you shop, get more info here: bit.ly/AshleysWellnessBox

When choosing a candle for your home, you may not give much thought to the type of wax used. But the difference between soy candles and paraffin wax candles is more than just a matter of preference—it affects everything from air quality to burn time. At Fragrant Farmhouse, we believe in creating high-quality, clean-burning soy candles that elevate your space. Let’s break down the benefits of soy candles and why they’re the better choice over paraffin. 1. Cleaner Burn, Healthier Home Soy candles are made from natural soybean oil, making them a cleaner alternative to paraffin, which is derived from petroleum. Paraffin candles can release soot and toxins like benzene and toluene into the air, which may contribute to indoor air pollution. Soy wax, on the other hand, burns cleaner and produces little to no soot, keeping your home’s air fresh and your candle jars looking pristine. If you’ve ever noticed black residue on walls or ceilings from burning paraffin candles, soy is a much healthier switch! 2. Longer Burn Time = More Value One of the biggest perks of soy candles is their longer burn time compared to paraffin candles. Because soy wax burns at a lower temperature, it melts more slowly, allowing you to enjoy your candle for up to 50% longer than a paraffin wax candle of the same size. This means you get more hours of fragrance and ambiance for your money—who doesn’t love a candle that lasts? 3. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Soy wax is a renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It’s derived from soybeans, which are grown by farmers (often in the U.S.), whereas paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining—a non-renewable resource. By choosing soy candles, you're supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, soy wax is biodegradable, making it easier to clean up if spilled, while paraffin can leave behind a greasy residue. 4. Better Scent Throw Without Overpowering Soy wax has an excellent cold and hot throw, meaning it releases fragrance both when unlit and while burning. However, it does so in a gentler, more natural way than paraffin. Paraffin wax often requires chemical additives to enhance its scent throw, which can sometimes result in a synthetic or overpowering fragrance. Soy candles, on the other hand, allow for a clean, true-to-life fragrance experience, making them ideal for those who prefer natural, subtle scents without the headache-inducing strength that paraffin can sometimes bring. 5. Non-Toxic & Safe for Pets and Kids Since soy wax is naturally derived, it’s a safer choice for homes with pets and children. Paraffin candles, when burned, can release chemicals that may be harmful when inhaled over time. With soy candles, you can enjoy a cozy, fragrant home without worrying about toxic fumes. 6. Supports Small Businesses & Handmade Makers Many soy candles, like the ones we create at Fragrant Farmhouse, are hand-poured in small batches by artisans who take pride in their craft. By choosing soy candles, you're often supporting small businesses that prioritize quality ingredients, sustainability, and ethical sourcing—rather than mass-produced, petroleum-based alternatives. ✨ Bonus: Clean Scent Fragrances for a Safer Home At Fragrant Farmhouse, we go beyond just using soy wax—we also ensure that our fragrances are free from parabens, phthalates, and other toxic ingredients. Many conventional candles contain synthetic fragrance oils that may release harmful chemicals into the air, but we believe in a cleaner, safer way to scent your home. Our clean scent fragrance blends are carefully crafted to be:✅ Paraben-free – No unnecessary preservatives that can interfere with hormones✅ Phthalate-free – No harsh chemicals linked to indoor air pollution✅ Toxin-free – No carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins✅ High-quality & true to life – Natural-smelling, long-lasting scents that fill your space beautifully With Fragrant Farmhouse candles, you can breathe easy knowing your home smells amazing without harmful additives. Whether you love warm, cozy scents or bright, refreshing aromas, our carefully curated fragrances ensure a luxurious yet safe candle-burning experience. Final Thoughts: Soy for the Win! Switching to soy candles is a simple way to make a healthier, more sustainable choice for your home. They burn cleaner, longer, and with better fragrance quality, all while being safer for your family and the environment. At Fragrant Farmhouse, we craft hand-poured soy candles designed to freshen up and style your home without the harmful side effects of paraffin wax. If you haven’t made the switch yet, now’s the perfect time to experience the difference of clean-burning, beautifully scented soy candles! 🕯️ Shop our collection today and bring home a better way to glow!

Candles have the power to transform any space into a warm, inviting haven. But to make the most of your candles—ensuring they burn cleanly, last longer, and maintain their beautiful fragrance—proper care is essential. At Fragrant Farmhouse, we’re passionate about creating high-quality candles, and we want to share our best tips to help you enjoy every flickering moment. 1. Trim Your Wick Before lighting your candle, always trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick helps the candle burn evenly and prevents large flames that can cause soot and uneven wax pools. You can use a wick trimmer, scissors, or even nail clippers to keep your wick in perfect shape. Buy your candle care tools here. 2. Let It Pool On the first burn, allow the wax to melt across the entire surface of the candle. This creates an even "memory" burn and prevents tunneling, where wax builds up around the edges, wasting the candle. A general rule of thumb is to burn your candle for at least one hour per inch of its diameter. 3. Burn Time Matters Avoid burning your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Prolonged burning can cause the wick to mushroom, which leads to soot and a smoky flame. If you want to keep the ambiance going, extinguish the candle, let it cool, trim the wick, and relight. 4. Keep It Clean Dust and debris can settle on the surface of your candle over time. Before lighting, check for and remove any foreign material. Keeping your candle clean ensures a safer and more pleasant burn. 5. Mind the Placement Always burn candles on a heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, vents, or fans. Drafts can cause uneven burning and dripping. Keep candles at least 3 inches apart when burning multiple to avoid heat interference. 6. Safety First Never leave a burning candle unattended or near flammable materials. Extinguish the candle carefully, using a snuffer for best results. Blowing out a candle can cause wax to splatter or the wick to smolder excessively. 7. Store with Care Candles last longer when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or sunlight can cause the wax to soften or fade. If your candle comes with a lid, use it to keep dust and debris at bay. 8. Repurpose Your Jar Once your candle has burned down to about 1/2 inch of wax at the bottom, it’s time to stop using it for safety reasons. But don’t toss that beautiful jar! Clean it out and repurpose it as a planter, pen holder, or decorative piece. Extend the Glow with Fragrant Farmhouse Candles are more than just home décor—they’re an experience. By following these simple care tips, you’ll enjoy every moment of their light and fragrance. At Fragrant Farmhouse, we take pride in crafting candles designed to fill your space with joy, warmth, and memories. Do you have a candle care tip or question? Share it in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! Shop our collection of handcrafted candles here.