CLARRI HILL Blog

Eucalyptus oil, herbal medicine that offers health, dental, household, and various benefits. Learn from CLARILL HILL, Canada’s leader in the home fragrance and gift industry.

Life loves to get in the way of our wellbeing. It can be hard to find the support to indulge in self-love, but luckily we’re here to give you our top tips to get you feeling your best.

Indulge in a Cozy Bubble Bath

We’re always speeding through life, and sometimes it’s easier to take a two-minute shower and run to our next task. Give your body the love it deserves, and soak in a soft bubble bath uninterrupted. Our favourite is to add a bath bomb and light our Lavender Vanilla Candle. Transport yourself to a place of ultimate relaxation - something we all need during these cool winter months. We still haven't found our go-to bath bomb. Leave a comment on this post with your favourite small business that sells bath bombs!

Become a Bookworm

Technology, our phones, social media… At the end of a long day, we sit on our couch and scroll and scroll through those news feeds. Ditch your phone and end your day reading an uplifting book or doodling in your journal. Without realizing it, we contribute to our stress with our little gadgets, when we can give ourselves a peace of mind and sharpen our brains. Not only will reading a book before bed improve your sleep, but it will also explore that creative side and make us more empathetic to the world around. Our all time favourite book is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.

Get Outside

Spending time outdoors the best self care habit to make for this new year to increase your happy hormones, improve mood and get your heart rate up. Outdoor exercise has so many health benefits and can help you get a good night’s sleep. Incorporate other exercises into your outdoor routine like walking to stimulate the mind and improve your health. We personally LOVE doing yoga outside (weather permitting).

Aromatherapy

Breathing is the best de-stressor, and what we breathe is the key. Diffuse a calming essential oil like lavender or chamomile and trigger the ultimate relaxation response. If you’re someone who is always on the go, carry some stimulating aromatherapy oils like orange with you for a quick boost when you’re on the run. Another great use of essential oils is during meditation. Take a few minutes, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and calm your mind.

Spend Time with Friends and Family

Spending quality time with our friends and family is crucial to a keeping your mind balanced and grounded. Did you also know that laughter can improve your overall health? Plan a fun games night or comedy skits with your friends, even if it's a virtual get together. We also always encourage a fluffy friend nearby!

Try a New Hobby

Doing something you love can leave you feeling super enthusiastic and artistic, and get those creative juices flowing. With life overwhelming us, trying a new hobby you were always interested in like painting, dancing or even knitting can exercise your brain and reduce stressful thoughts. And as a bonus, it’s a great way to join a club and meet new friends!

Leave us your best tips for self-care below!

We all know that feeling of shopping for a tricky family member or a coworker. It's always the thoughts: “They have everything” or “I have no clue what to get." No need to worry anymore! We have the best ideas for the perfect gift for that tricky someone. Even better - all these ideas are from small and local businesses.

GIFTS FOR YOUR BOSS

Finding a gift for your boss is always so stressful Is this too generic? Does it look like I put enough thought into this? Or too much thought? It’s time to get them something that they will love, and might just get you a raise. A great rule of thumb is to look for items that are affordable, makes life easier, for the office or their home or something that they have an interest in or a hobby. Here are a few possible gift ideas for your boss:

1. Ceramic Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser & Good Morning Essential Oil Set
   This beautifully designed, high-frequency ultrasonic Diffuser, sprays the most refreshing mist throughout your space. Essential oils can provide health benefits such as stress relief and insomnia. Great gift for your boss, it can be useful for relaxing at the office or at home.
2. Titanium Amour Wallet
   A sturdy wallet will be a great gift for your boss. Card-holder with magnetic closure and with a pocket for 20 cards are the best option. This Titanium Amour Wallet can carry cards, cash, and more at a fraction of the size of a traditional wallet.
3. French Press & Pilot Coffee
   Nothing is better than a great cup of coffee to start your work day. Your boss will love to enjoy your smooth taste of Pilot Coffee from their brand new French Press. Definitely better than another mug that says "Best Boss Ever."

GIFTS FOR YOUR COWORKERS

Coworkers - you see them at least 5 days a week, you know more about them than you may think. Many companies will play Secret Santa during the holidays as a way for coworkers to get to know everyone and do something special. If you are participating in this game or need a gift for a different occasion, we have some ideas for you:

1. Evergreen Soy Candle
   The perfect gift for any coworker that's under $30! This classic scent of fresh balsam and pine is great for a close coworker or someone who's name you just learned this week.
2. Plants
   Who doesn't love a good plant? Your coworker will love a plant to brighten up their desk or office. Even better, get them a plant with little-to-no maintenance, like a snake plant.
3. Fresh Scents Candle & Room Spray Set
   Freshen up your coworkers office or living room with the Fresh Scents Set. The smell of clean linen and sea breeze candles, mixed with a beach room spray will be the perfect addition to their space.

GIFTS FOR YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW

It is very easy to choose a gift for your parents, husband, or siblings but choosing the proper present for the mother-in-law can be tricky. You want to make sure it's thoughtful and something she'll use. We've found the perfect gifts for her!

1. Mini Candle Set
   Your Mother-In-Law will love being able to test out four amazing scents: Lavender Vanilla, Sapphire, Amber Wood and Sea Breeze. Give her the gift of variety and let her choose her favourites.
2. Handmade Wood Sign
   She'll love a beautiful piece of home décor! Seriode Collective wood signs are for her living room, entryway or a great addition to the cottage. Even better - you can get these customized with something special to her.
3. Personalized Jewelry
   Give her the gift of jewelry that speaks will speak to her. Luv Inspired offers a variety of chic and dainty jewelry that can be made especially for her.

GIFTS FOR YOUR DAD

Dad has been there for you through it all, and you love him for it. You want to give him the best gift ever, but it's always so hard to think of a great idea. The best way to show him how much you appreciate him is with a gift that he'll love. Whether it's Christmas, his birthday, or any other special occasion, show up with one of these unique gifts:

1. Escape Room
   Doing an activity together is the best gift! Treat Dad to an escape room. If you are in Toronto, check out our favourite Escape Room at Casa Loma.
2. Leather & Suede - Soy Candle & Reed Diffuser Set
   Give him the gift of indulgence. He will love this set that includes our best-selling Suede Candle and Leather Noir Reed Diffuser. This set will be great for bringing a new scent to his office or favourite space in the house.
3. Craft Beer
   Insert info here. Another great Toronto company that we love is Black Lab Brewing. Not only is the beer phenomenal, but they are also pet-friendly! Pick up a few different beers as a gift or go visit with Dad and Dad's-Best-Friend (the family dog, of course).

 

These are just a few of the great gift ideas for the tricky someone. We hope that these ideas will help make holidays, birthdays, and other gift-giving occasions a little easier.

Leave a comment below of your favourite gifts to buy for the tricky people on your list!

Essential oils are a natural way to enhance your daily routine, boost mood and balance your life. This popular method has so many health benefits, but what most people don’t realize is some oils can harmful to our pets. Here's how to properly incorporate them into your household to keep your furry friends safe.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DOGS

A dog’s sense of smell is so powerful; they will sense even the subtlest aroma in your home. That’s why it’s super important to be cautious what you diffuse around your dogs. One versatile oil that can be a relaxation tool for you and your dog is Lavender. Lavender works wonders on the brain, promoting calm and restful moods for any stressed out pup. Another stress-easer oil that can even help with an upset stomach is Chamomile. Here's a list of oils that are safe and oils to avoid around your furry best friend:

Safe for Dogs:

Avoid Using Around Dogs:

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CATS

Cuddling next to your little furry kitty, in a beautifully scented home is the best feeling. But we have to be careful what we diffuse because cats have an even more sensitive nose than pups. Like dogs, Chamomile is a great essential oil to use around your cat (but only in short amounts of time). One of the best oils you want to try for your kitty is Cedarwood. Not only is this essential oil safe for cats, but it can be the trick for total flea control. Here's a list of oils that are safe and oils to avoid around your purrfect buddy:

Safe for Cats:

Avoid Using Around Cats:

 

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR OTHER PETS

For all other pets, it’s hard to point to any specific oils that will be safe because it really does depend on which little friend you have. It’s important to always check with your veterinarian which oils will be safe for your specific pet. As a general rule: the smaller your pet size, the lower the concentration of oils should be.

 

As with any new substance introduced to your pets, it’s important to use safety and precaution when using essential oils. When using oils, check with your veterinarian before diffusing and always keep a look out at your pet’s reaction. And no matter what pet you have, the same rule applies: Dilution is the best solution! Always dilute your oils and it will do wonders.

Lavender essential oil is the most versatile essential oil that can be used to relax your body, mind and soul! There are countless benefits to incorporating lavender into your daily routine, making it a must-have essential oil.

 

FOR YOUR SKIN

Whether you want to soothe your skin or apply this as a gentle massage tool for pain relief, using lavender essential oil topically may be just for you. There are many antioxidants in lavender oil that can help nourish your skin, leaving your skin feeling luscious and soft. Adding a drop to your favorite lotion can bring that healthy look back to your hands.

 

FOR YOUR HAIR

Help calm your scalp by massaging a few drops of lavender essential oil mixed with a little bit of coconut or olive oil, or even add a drop to your shampoo to balance your scalps blood flow, and minimize those bothersome split ends. And if your body is feeling the stresses of every day routines, massaging lavender essential oil on affected pain area can ease all that muscle pain and have your body feeling on a cloud.

 

RELAXATION & ANXIETY

If you’re feeling that holiday or end of year deadline stress, diffusing a lavender essential oil may be just the trick you need to bring you to a state of serene relaxation. Diffusing lavender has been proven to have huge benefits for treating anxiety, helping you have the most luscious slumber, and bring you the most calming atmosphere.

 

DEEP BREATHING

Not only will it relax your mind and body, diffusing lavender oils can also help you breathe lightly during this winter season. Diffusing lavender can help those of us who suffer from asthma, a cough, or sinus congestion, clear the airways and relax our breathing.

 

AROMA

With all of us staying home more than usual nowadays, unwanted odors can spread quickly throughout your home. Use a few drops of lavender essential oil mixed with water, to give you a floral and fresh aroma solution spray for your home. If you’re in the mood for a sweet sensation, try our Lavender Vanilla Room Spray.

 

Invite the calmness effects of this pretty purple flower into your home and give yourself the relaxation you deserve.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you are 10 or 35, receiving a gift in your stocking can put a smile on anyone’s face. When it comes to stockings, finding a gift that is inexpensive while useful can be a real challenge. There are many ways you can make your stocking stuffers special and fit for any person in your family this year.

No matter who you are shopping for, check out some of these stocking stuffers that can make even the Grinch happy on Christmas morning.

 

HAND CREAM

Winter is here, and with it comes the season of dry hands. The constant hand washing definitely doesn't help. Thankfully, a good nourishing hand cream can do just the trick to bring your hands back to their smooth, nourished texture. Our hand creams are the perfect size for any stocking and the shea butter will leave your dry winter hands feeling silky smooth. With many different scents to choose from, tailor it to every individual’s senses and leave hands feeling happy, healthy and hydrated.

MINI & CLASSIC SOY CANDLES

Who doesn’t love a good candle gifted to them? Fill your homes with delicious, calming and comforting scents this holiday season. Our minis are the perfect size for any stocking, and the perfect gift for anyone. They will experience pure warmth and nurturing sensations. Take a look at our candle sets and transport yourself to a world of luxury. Not to mention, these candles are great for your home. Soy-based wax and non-toxic materials make this the perfect candle.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Give the gift of relaxation. Help manage the holiday stress with a healthy set of natural pure essential oils. Not only do they smell great, but they are the perfect remedy for a stress, anxiety and many other things. Essential oils work to calm and soothe you, and after all, who doesn’t need stress relief during this season? Check out our essential oil sets Relax and Good Night for ultimate relaxation and a restful mind.

ROOM SPRAYS

Help your gift list embrace the home fragrance trend, and give the gift of a fresh smelling home. Our room spray’s compactible size makes them practically made for stockings. Whether your giftee likes a fresh crisp scent, or a sweeter more floral scent, we have different sprays to ignite any senses. Perfect for the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and your car. You might even keep a few for yourself. Don't worry, we won't tell.

Fill your stockings with not only useful, but great smelling gifts this year. Shop with these gifts for the home and leave a lasting impression this holiday season.

To help you unwind after a long day, we created the Relax Essential Oil Set. Use these pure essential oils on their own or blended together to unwind and release all your stress.

If you’re a candle lover like us, then you probably have a collection of empty candle holders scattered all over your home. Beautiful candles holders are now piling up deep in your closets collecting dust. But don't worry, we are here to take that “throwing away” guilt from you and give you some easy tips on how to reuse them!

Before you can put your lovely candle holders to use, you have to clean them out. It may seem like this is an endless process, tirelessly scrubbing that wax out of your container. Well, we’re here to tell you that there is any easier way this could be done without an hour workout session on your arms. Simply boil water and pour into into your finished candle. Leave the water in the candle holder for roughly 2-3 hours and you should be able to remove the wax from the told of the holder. Then wash out the remaining wax and rinse.

 

SMALL PLANT POTS

TABLE CENTERPIECES & VASES

BATHROOM ORGANIZERS

CUPS FOR YOUR KITCHEN

VANITY & BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

We shared just a few of hundreds of possibilities for your old candle holders. Don’t let your empty jars clutter up your place, use your creative mind and spice up your home.

Life can be stressful, and getting a good night’s sleep can seem like a challenge in today’s world. A lack of sleep is a huge inconvenience, but prolonged lack of sleep can have lasting negative effects on our health. Ranging from weaker immune systems, cognitive impairments, and mood instability, insomnia has a way of controlling our well-being. For those who suffer from an over active mind, or simply have trouble sleeping, using aroma diffusers could be a powerful tool to ensure you get the best out of your sleep. This all natural way of enhancing sleep, can help you to not only relax mentally and physically, but also boost performance and heighten your mood.

The practice of aromatherapy used for sleep has been around for centuries. Essential oils have transformed over the years to be more powerful and effective in promoting emotional, physically and spiritual well being. But why are diffused essential oils so powerful to our minds and bodies? The answer lies in our potent senses of smell. Certain smells have direct impacts on our moods and behaviours, because our nostrils carry these smells directly to the surface of our brains via the olfactory nerve. Without using too much science, this is the one sense that has direct access to our brain!

Using various essential oils with a diffuser is a useful tool in helping you to relax, fall asleep and sleep more soundly. By improving sleep quality and providing relief for sleep disruption, diffusers work as a natural sleep aid. Our minds are always very active, and for some people finding that ‘off switch’ at night can be really difficult. With constant world stresses, depression, anxiety, stress and sleep can intertwine. They can be big barriers to having relaxing and sound sleep. Using diffusers with essential oils such as lavender, chamomile or cedarwood can lessen depression, anxiety and stress effects, improving sleep indirectly.

 

But not only can diffusers do wonders for your sleep patterns, they provide benefits to the air in your home while you sleep. Diffusers cleanse the molecules in your air, purifying it and ensuring it is not overloaded with harsh unhealthy chemicals. When essential oils are diffused into the air, they can be highly effective in combating free radicals in the air. So your brain is in an ultimate relax mode, while your body is inhaling clean purified air!

A good night’s sleep is essential to our health and happiness, and diffusers can provide you with the optimal sleep environment. Choose an essential oil that pleases your nose, find a comfy pillow, and start sleeping while your diffuser works its magic.

Using aromatherapy during your yoga practice can help with elevating your experience in serval ways. Yoga is all about finding your centre, relieving stress and anxiety, and becoming relaxed and one with the universe. Aromatherapy can be used to heighten relaxation and stress relief.

We created The Yoga Kit to help you integrate these wonderful benefits in a natural way. Curated by the wonderful and talented Madison Fruitman Yoga.

Here's how you can use The Yoga Kit products for your practice:

LAVENDER VANILLA CANDLE

This candle's calming aroma sets the scene for a relaxing evening filled with gentle movement and meditation. If you're looking to take it to the next level, this candle is also the perfect tool for a Candle Gazing Meditation. Rather than closing your eyes, this meditative practice cultivates your Third Eye energy by focusing your yogic gaze on a flickering flame, thought to improve concentration and relieve stress.

Here is Madison's step-by-step guide to help you explore the Third Eye further:

1. Find a comfortable seated position, on the ground, on a cushion, or on a chair. This is best done in a dark room.
2. Set your candle on a surface that is at your eye level, about 2-4 feet away, allowing your neck to stay relaxed as you face the flame.
3. Close your eyes and scan the body from head to toe, releasing tension, especially in the face and jaw.
4. Blink your eyes open and begin to focus your gaze on that flickering flame. If you can, keep your vision steady on the flame without blinking, for as long as it is comfortable.
5. When you're ready, layer on the breath, linking your inhales and exhales with the flame itself. Inhaling to sense the light flowing in and exhaling to sense the light flowing away. Try this for at least 10 rounds of breaths, keeping your gaze focused the entire time.
6. As thoughts enter your mind, gently acknowledge them and try to come back to your breath, your physical body, and your focused attention on that flame.
7. At the end of the meditation, take a couple moments with your eyes closed. You may still be able to visualize the flame even with your eyes shut. If so, try visualizing this flame between your where your Third Eye sits.
8. Finally, reflect on how you physically, mentally, and spiritually feel after this meditation.

LAVENDER PURE ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender is known for its ability to reduce tension and stress in the body and is best paired with a slower pace Yin or Restorative practice, perhaps helping yogis decompress from an overwhelming day. This 100% pure essential oil calms the body and nervous system, getting one ready for deep, restful sleep.

How to use this oil:

• Add 2-3 drops in a diffuser to fill your practice room with a calming scent.
• Add 2-3 drops into your palms at the beginning of your practice. Rub your hands together vigorously, open your palms, cupping them in front of your face, and inhale deeply. Take in this heavenly scent and feel almost instantly at ease.
• You can also rub extra oil behind the ears, on your wrists, and on your ankles, to promote a calming effect during your practice.
• Come back to this scent at the end of your practice, before your Savasana (final resting shape), once again rubbing lavender in your palms and cupping the scent over your face as you inhale deeply. Let this carry you through a restful final meditation.

Does your perfect night in include a book, glass of wine and a beautiful candle? Ours too!

We always want to be conscious of our health and the environment, which is why we chose to create soy candles. CLARRI HILL candles are handcrafted with soy wax, a 100% cotton lead-free wick and they are non-toxic.

You may be asking yourself, why are soy wax candles better, and why is their price tag a bit heftier? 

The most common wax that candles are made from is called paraffin. Paraffin is harmful to you and the environment. It’s made from the residue leftover from oil refining. The soot from paraffin candles has many different toxic chemicals. Paraffin wax also comes from a non-renewable resource, which is why it’s much harder on the environment. Soy wax also burns on average 35% - 50% longer than regular parrafin candles. 

Here are some soy candles benefits: 

SOY CANDLES ARE NATURAL & SUSTAINABLE

We always want to make sure that we are eco-friendly at home! Soy wax is made from soybeans. It is a solid form of hydrogenated soybean oil, making it a natural and renewable product. Paraffin wax comes from petroleum. Since soy wax is derived from vegetables, it is 100% biodegradable as well. Soy wax also burns cleaner. What else could you ever want in a candle?

 

SOY CANDLES BURN LONGER

I know what you’re thinking! Why would I buy a soy candle that is so much more expensive when I could spend $10 a candle twice the size? Soy candles seem to be more expensive, but they have a much longer burn time. On average, they burn 35% - 50% longer than paraffin wax, giving you much better value for money. They also tend to burn more evenly than paraffin, resulting in more candle available to burn.

 

SOY CANDLES ARE BETTER FOR YOU

Soy wax is a clean-burning candle, which means that soy doesn’t leave behind soot like paraffin wax candles do! Soy burns produces as much as 90% less soot, reducing the amount of indoor air pollution. It also doesn't release toxins, carcinogens or pollutants, which means it’s less likely to trigger allergies. The air will be cleaner and safer for everyone. If you notice that your soy candles are producing some soot, an easy way to reduce it even further is by trimming the wick. You should be trimming your wick to ¼ inch each time before you light it. It will keep your candle from creating soot, mushrooming and providing a better burn.

 

SOY CANDLES ARE BETTER FOR YOUR HOME

Other than the heavenly scents, how could a candle be good for my home? Well, the emissions and shoot from paraffin candles tend to build up on walls. This ends up staining the paint in your home (gross). They also build up in fabrics and in carpets, which affects the air quality in your home. Soy wax is also biodegradable!

 

SOY CANDLES ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY

Soy wax is a carbon-neutral product, meaning you can enjoy your candle knowing it hasn't had a negative impact on the environment. Also, soy washes away with warm soapy water making it easy to repurpose your candle glass once the candle is done. We use ours for drinking glasses, bathroom organizers and jewellery holders!

 

MORE BENEFITS OF CLARRI HILL CANDLES

• We use a 100% cotton lead-free wick to ensure your candle is non-toxic
• Our candles are 9.2oz and have a burn time of 50 hours
• All of our products are made cruelty-free (we love our furry friends)
• Our candles are made in small batches to ensure freshness
• We only use the highest quality of fragrances that are also in compliance with IFRA / RIFM standards