As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisper, September ushers in a season of cozy moments, warm drinks, and, of course, the soft, flickering glow of candles. But did you know that September is also World Candle Month? That’s right! This entire month is dedicated to celebrating the beauty, warmth, and serenity that candles bring into our lives. At Wisco Home Goods, we’re all about embracing this special time, and we’re here to share why candles are the unsung heroes of home décor—and how you can make the most of them this September. Why Candles Deserve Their Own Month Candles have been around for thousands of years, evolving from a practical source of light to a decorative and therapeutic staple in homes across the globe. Today, they serve a multitude of purposes: Ambiance : Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, candles set the mood with their soft glow. Aromatherapy : Scented candles can fill your home with fragrances that relax, energize, or simply make everything smell amazing. Décor : Candles are versatile décor pieces that can add a touch of elegance or rustic charm to any space. How to Celebrate World Candle Month There are countless ways to celebrate World Candle Month, and we've got some ideas to help you get started! 1. Create a Cozy Candlelit Corner Designate a special spot in your home as your candle sanctuary. Arrange a mix of pillar candles, votives, and tealights on a tray or shelf, surrounded by your favorite books or a comfy chair. This will become your go-to place for relaxation and reflection. 2. Take Our Candle Making Workshop Invite friends to join you at one of our candle making workshops . Choose your favorite scents, and containers to create custom candles that reflect your style. Plus, you’ll end up with handmade gifts that are perfect for the upcoming holiday season. 3. Try a New Scent Every Week With so many scents to choose from, World Candle Month is the perfect time to experiment. Start with something classic like vanilla or jasmine , then branch out into seasonal favorites like s'mores or apple toddy . 4. Learn About Candle Care Candles require a bit of TLC to keep them burning their best. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each use, let the wax pool to the edge during the first burn, and keep candles away from drafts to ensure an even burn. Check out our candle care page . Fun Candle Facts to Share Impress your friends and family with these fun tidbits about candles: Ancient History : The earliest known candles were made by the Romans using tallow. Beeswax candles came later and were reserved for the wealthy. Candle Mass : In medieval Europe, Candlemas was celebrated on February 2nd, when all the candles used in the church throughout the year were blessed. Scent Evolution : The first scented candles appeared in the 19th century, with bayberry and cinnamon among the first popular scents. Light Up September with Wisco Home Goods At Wisco Home Goods, we’re celebrating World Candle Month by offering a range of unique, handcrafted candles perfect for any home. Whether you’re looking for a calming lavender candle to unwind after a long day or a festive pumpkin spice candle to get into the fall spirit, we’ve got you covered. Plus, keep an eye out for special promotions throughout September to make your candle collection even more fabulous! So, grab your favorite candle, light it up, and let’s celebrate World Candle Month together. Here’s to a September filled with warmth, light, and a touch of magic!

In recent years, drag queens have emerged from the shadows of underground culture to take center stage in mainstream media. Shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race" have propelled these vibrant performers into the spotlight, but the significance of drag queens extends far beyond their glittery exterior and captivating performances. Drag queens play a crucial role in advocating for social change, fostering community, and challenging societal norms. Here's why drag queens are an important part of every society. Celebration of Self-Expression At its core, drag is an art form that thrives on self-expression. Drag queens embrace exaggerated femininity, using makeup, costumes, and performances to create larger-than-life personas. This celebration of self-expression is a powerful reminder of the importance of individuality and the freedom to explore and present one's identity without fear of judgment. In a world that often imposes strict norms and expectations, drag queens inspire people to embrace their true selves. They challenge the binary notions of gender and beauty, encouraging everyone to find and celebrate their unique identity. Challenging Gender Norms Drag queens play a pivotal role in challenging and deconstructing traditional gender norms. By embodying and exaggerating femininity, they expose the performative nature of gender itself. This act of subversion encourages society to question and rethink rigid gender roles and expectations. The visibility of drag queens helps promote a more inclusive understanding of gender, showing that it is not a fixed binary but a fluid spectrum. This message is particularly vital for the LGBTQ+ community, providing a source of validation and empowerment for those who may not conform to traditional gender identities. Cultural and Social Advocacy Drag queens have historically been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ activism. Icons like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, both of whom claimed to be drag queens at the time, were instrumental in the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Today, drag queens continue this legacy by using their platforms to advocate for equality and social justice. Through performances, public appearances, and social media, drag queens raise awareness about critical issues such as HIV/AIDS, trans rights, and discrimination. Their visibility and vocal advocacy help to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and push for meaningful change. Building and Supporting Community Drag queens often serve as community leaders and organizers, creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. Drag shows, brunches, and events are not just entertainment; they are community gatherings that offer support, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. These events provide an opportunity for people to connect, celebrate, and find solidarity. For many, attending a drag show is a transformative experience that fosters a sense of pride and community. Artistic and Economic Impact Beyond their social and cultural contributions, drag queens have a significant impact on the arts and the economy. Drag is a multifaceted art form that encompasses elements of theater, dance, fashion, and comedy. The creativity and innovation displayed by drag performers push artistic boundaries and inspire new trends in popular culture. Economically, drag shows and related events generate revenue for local businesses, from bars and clubs to makeup artists and costume designers. The popularity of drag has also led to a booming market for drag-related merchandise, contributing to local and global economies. Educational Influence Drag queens also play an important role in education. Through storytelling, performances, and public speaking, they educate audiences about LGBTQ+ history, issues, and culture. Programs like Drag Queen Story Hour, where drag queens read to children in libraries and schools, promote literacy and teach valuable lessons about diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. These educational efforts help to break down prejudices and foster a more inclusive society. They teach young people the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect for differences. Drag queens are much more complex than just performers in extravagant costumes; they are artists, activists, and community builders who challenge societal norms and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting world. Their contributions to culture, social change, and the economy are profound and multifaceted. By celebrating self-expression, challenging gender norms, advocating for social justice, building community, and influencing education, drag queens play a vital role in shaping a better, more inclusive society.

As the summer sun starts to stretch its golden rays across the sky and the world blooms into vibrant hues, it's time to infuse your space with the essence of the season. What better way to do so than with the warm glow and captivating fragrances of our soy candles? Today, we delve into the world of trendy summer scents, exploring the irresistible offerings of Heirloom Garden, Kickn' Citrus, and Calamansi Breeze. Heirloom Garden: An Earthy Symphony Transport yourself to a sunny garden with our Heirloom Garden soy candle, where notes of tomato leaf, basil, and lemon zest dance playfully in the air. Let the earthy aroma of tomato leaf mingle with the fresh essence of basil, while the zesty kick of lemon zest adds a delightful twist to your space. Light up this candle and embark on a fragrant journey that invigorates the senses and brings the joys of gardening indoors. - This one has been very popular, and we can barely keep them on the shelf! Kickn' Citrus: Zesty and Refreshing For those seeking a burst of energy and vitality, Kickn' Citrus is the ultimate summer companion. Infused with invigorating citrus notes such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit, this soy candle awakens the senses and rejuvenates the soul. The zesty fragrance uplifts your mood and brings a sense of brightness to any space. Whether you're starting your day with a yoga session or enjoying a leisurely afternoon, Kickn' Citrus is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Calamansi Breeze: Tropical Paradise in a Jar Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with Calamansi Breeze, a soy candle that captures the essence of summer vacations and sandy beaches. Inspired by the exotic Calamansi fruit, this fragrance blends tangy citrus with sweet coconut and a hint of tropical florals. Close your eyes and envision swaying palm trees, turquoise waters, and the gentle caress of a warm breeze. With Calamansi Breeze filling the air, every moment feels like a getaway to paradise. Why Choose Wisco Home Goods Soy Candles? Aside from their captivating fragrances, our soy candles offer numerous benefits that make them the ideal choice for summer: Clean Burning: Soy candles burn cleaner and produce less soot than traditional paraffin candles, ensuring a healthier and more eco-friendly experience. Longer Lasting: Soy candles have a longer burn time, allowing you to enjoy their fragrances for extended periods. Sustainable: Soy wax is derived from natural soybeans, making it a renewable and sustainable resource. Enhanced Fragrance: Soy wax holds fragrance oils exceptionally well, resulting in a more intense and long-lasting scent experience.

Owning a business is more than just a financial endeavor; it's a lifestyle choice that offers numerous perks, one of the most valuable being the ability to take back control of your life and your time. In a world where time is often considered the most precious commodity, being your own boss allows you the flexibility to manage your schedule in a way that aligns with your priorities and aspirations. Students enjoying a spring day on Bascom Hill One of the most significant advantages of owning a business is the flexibility it offers in terms of scheduling. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, where you might be confined to a rigid timetable, being a business owner allows you to set your own hours. As business owners that also continue to work a full-time job, we've come to realize the importance of occasionally closing early or completely in order to maintain our relationships with each other and with family and friends. This flexibility enables us to strike a better balance between our professional and personal life, making it easier to attend to family commitments, pursue hobbies, or simply enjoy some much-needed downtime. One lesson we've both learned in our own careers is the importance of tailoring our hours around the needs of our customers. This is why we focus our hours on the weekends, when most people are out and about. Additionally, we know that not many people go shopping on 3-day (bank holiday) weekends like Memorial Day or Labor Day. Therefore, we're unlikely to be open at all on those weekends. In fact, we intentionally did not open for Labor Day weekend in 2023. Instead we pushed our "grand opening" to the following week. While we are still working to build a following here at our brick and mortar location, we are also going to be taking back a little of our time over the next few months when sales are typically lower for us. In fact, on the day of this posting, April 13, 2024, we'll be closing early and heading home at 3 p.m. Why? Because it's going to be a beautiful day. It's mid-April and we're expecting a high of 70 today and high of 75 tomorrow. As (mostly) lifelong residents of Wisconsin, we know that this means everyone is going to be at the Depot buying plants and getting started on summer yard work. We're not huge fans of just sitting in the store, because we said we would be open, while everyone else is out there living their best life. So, on occasions like this, we'll be posting to our socials and heading out early. We assure you this will not be an every weekend occasion. However, in order to charge our batteries for the winter months when we are super busy, we'll definitely be, to quote Maxine Waters, "Reclaiming [our] time!". So, get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather here in Madison, WI today and take back some of your time!

We are thrilled to introduce our jar recycling initiative! After enjoying the delightful fragrances of Wisco Home Goods's soy candles, return the 9 oz jar to our store at 4664 Cottage Grove Rd. in picturesque Madison, WI. For each jar returned, enjoy a $1 discount on your next purchase! This program aims to prevent these durable and reusable jars from ending up in landfills. We strongly believe in sustainability and environmental stewardship. By taking part in our jar recycling program, not only will you save on your next buy, but you will also contribute to a more eco-friendly and better-smelling future. Each returned jar helps us reduce waste and minimize our carbon footprint. Together, we can make a positive impact and create a cleaner, better-smelling world for generations to come.

For centuries, candles have been a symbol of warmth, ambiance, and relaxation. Achieving the perfect candle placement can be a challenge, as it requires a balance between enhancing the atmosphere and ensuring safety. Luckily, we have some great tips from our friends at The American Candle Association (ACA) to help you achieve the perfect amount of scent in any room! For simplicity, we’ve broken rooms into three main categories of room sizes: small, medium, and large. Small Rooms: Intimate Illumination Small rooms, such as bathrooms or cozy reading nooks, benefit from candles that create an intimate ambiance. Our 3 oz tins are perfect for these spaces. Place candles on stable surfaces, away from flammable materials, and consider using decorative holders. Consider using less powerful scents in smaller rooms. Our recommendations would be scents like Amber Allure, Urban Distinction or Tuscan Aurora. Medium Rooms: Balanced Brilliance Medium-sized rooms like bedrooms or dining areas require a balanced approach. Opt for a central candle arrangement on a table or mantel, ensuring it doesn't obstruct views or pose a fire hazard. Consider using decorative holders of varying heights to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. In midsized rooms, we suggest using scents like Langston’s Muse, Montgomery or Sunset Vanilla. Large Rooms: Abundance & Grandeur In spacious living rooms or open-concept areas, create a grand yet safe display by incorporating multiple candles. Position them strategically on large tables, countertops, or in designated candle-safe containers. Ensure there's enough space between candles to prevent heat accumulation. The bigger the room, the stronger the scent should be. We suggest using scents like Energize, Birch Grove, or Lulu Lemongrass in large rooms. Here's a useful rule to follow when deciding how many candles to use in a space: one 9oz Wisco Home Good's candle for every 10-foot radius. For instance, if your living room measures 15 feet by 25 feet, you should have three to four of our 9oz candles to fully enjoy the ambiance. Remember, smarts are sexy. Regardless of room size, safety should always be a top priority. Never leave burning candles unattended, and keep them away from curtains, paper, or any other flammable materials. Always use stable holders that can withstand the heat of the candle.

As we talk about Wisco Home Goods and decisions that we need to make for the business, we strive to keep an eye on a few things. First among them is our responsibility to the planet. As a small company, we don't have as big of an impact on the planet as the mega-corporations do, but we believe that starting from a position of environmental mindfulness will help us keep this in focus as we grow. Some of the steps we take to make a smaller impact on the environment might surprise you. For instance, we recycle our packing peanuts. Yes, you read that correctly, somewhere in our basement right now there is at least one large box of packing peanuts we received as packing material from an order to one of our vendors. When we can, we use these to pack your purchase for shipping. In fact in the first 2 1/2 years we were in business, we didn't buy a single packing peanut. Also, the peanuts we do recycle are soy based and biodegradable. You can wash them down the sink. Also, we've been asked before, it's perfectly safe if your pet happens to eat one. That's how safe they are. Another decision we took deliberately was to craft our candles in recyclable Double Old Fashioned glasses. We're not sure how many people recycle our glasses, but we've certainly gotten a few questions about how to clean them out, so we thought we'd share. Once you've enjoyed the candle, no matter how hard you try there is always something left at the bottom of the glass. The good news is that cleaning the glass out is very easy. Here are three methods you can use. Oven Method This is the one we use, because it's a natural part of our candle making process. Set your oven to its lowest temperature setting. Ours is 170, but you really only need something above 100. The lower the temp the easier the cleaning process. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. If you want to minimize usage of foil, you can form it into a small bowl rather than lining the whole pan. Place candle glass upside down on cookie sheet and place in the oven for at least 20 minutes. Using potholders, remove the glass from the oven and add some dish soap to the glass. Add hot water and scrub with a scrubbie. I often find I need to repeat this process before I'm done. Leave cookie sheet until the wax has cooled. Discard of foil. To remove the label you can either soak in water and finish with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab, or we just run it through the dishwasher, which usually does the trick. Sip and enjoy your favorite cocktail for years. No Oven Method Pour boiling water into your glass and let sit for a minute or two. While this is happing create an aluminum foil bowl in a glass or other vessel When the wax has all melted, pour the water/wax mixture into your aluminum foil bowl or into a non-recyclable container with a high melting point that you are discarding anyway, gas station coffee cups are great for this. Using potholders add some dish soap to the glass. Add hot water and scrub with a scrubbie. I often find I need to repeat this process before I'm done. Allow wax to cool before discarding. To remove the label you can either soak in water and finish with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab, or we just run it through the dishwasher, which usually does the trick. Sip and enjoy your favorite cocktail for years. Microwave Method Be sure to remove metal tab from the bottom of the glass. Microwave glass for 30 seconds. If the wax hasn't completely melted do another 30 seconds. Remove glass from microwave and place glass upside down on a paper towel lined saucer. Allow to drain for a few minutes. Repeat steps 2 & 3 one more time. Microwave glass for 30 more seconds. Using potholders add some dish soap to the glass. Add hot water and scrub with a scrubbie. I often find I need to repeat this process before I'm done. To remove the label you can either soak in water and finish with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab, or we just run it through the dishwasher, which usually does the trick. Sip and enjoy your favorite cocktail for years. We know we have a few loyal customers who save our candle jars as drinking glasses, and we encourage you to do the same. At the very least they make fancy glasses for drinks outside where you don't need to worry about whether or not they break. Enjoy!

Amidst the twinkling lights and frost-kissed air of the holiday season, one can bask in the warmth of friendship, weaving tales of old and reveling in the present. And what better way to enhance the merriment than with a festive punch, crafted with care and shared with all? The very essence of the holidays seems to infuse each sip, as one blends diverse flavors into a drink that is a reflection of the soul. Whether you seek to revel in nostalgia or experiment with new blends, the true magic lies in the laughter and love that permeate each sip, as you gather with your cherished ones. Season's Greetings friends! Ingredients 1cup Grand Marnier 1cup brandy (Korbel... cause 'sconsin) 1/2cup Chambord 2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice 1quart chilled ginger ale 2 chilled 750 ml bottles dry Champagne Directions to Perfection In large bowl or pitcher, combine the Grand Marnier, brandy, Chambord and pineapple juice and chill covered for at least 4 hours. In your favorite punch bowl, combine the above mixture with the ginger ale, Champagne and ice cubes if desired. Garnish punch with orange slices (if you wish, no need to be fancy if you don't want to) and serve.

This time of year is very special in many parts of the world. In the US we are about to celebrate Thanksgiving and then, just a few weeks later, Christmas. In Germany, they are already beginning to ramp up for the holidays with their traditional Christmas Markets. A few of my favorites are the Christmas Market at Red City Hall in Berlin, the Spandau Christmas Market, the Basel Christmas Market and the first one I ever visited the Freiburg Christmas Market. I need to digress here and discuss "Gemütlichkeit" for a moment. As you've probably already guessed, it's a German word. The best equivalent we have for it in English is "cozy". But cozy falls so far short of the meaning of Gemütlichkeit that it's almost embarrassing to make the comparison. You see, cozy is sitting on the couch with a blanket while a Wisco Home Goods candle burns nearby. Gemütlich is sitting on a couch with a blanket, in front of the fire place, with your dog at your side, sipping a cup of Feuerzangenbowle while you and the love of your life watch Everybody's Talking About Jamie for the 110th time. It's cozy times love times special times puppies. As I said, they aren't even to be compared. If you've never been to a Christmas Market, you're missing out. They are all completely outdoors, so you bundle up and walk amongst the lights, doing your holiday shopping and, of course, sipping Feuerzangenbowle. It's as German as bratwurst and sauerkraut. The be st part of the Christmas Market is that they are open all day. Most open around 10 a.m. and close by about 9 p.m.. So you can enjoy your Feuerzangenbowle whenever it is convenient for you. And people do. Also, there are none of those American cheapnesses added. Your cup is ceramic, and, yes, you paid a deposit for it. They are popular souvenirs, but if you don't want a souvenir you can get your money back. Well, enough of me espousing the superiority of German society. Do read on for the recipe. For your enjoyment, I've translated a recipe for Feuerzangenbowle for you. It's a little bit of work, but you'll love it! Enjoy! Feuerzangenbowle Ingredients 2 bottles dry red wine 2 oranges 2 lemons 3-4 cloves 2 cinnamon sticks star anise to taste sugar cubes 136 proof Rum Preparation Wash the lemons and the oranges well. Juice one lemon and one orange. Cut the remaining lemon and orange into thin slices with the rind still on. Combine the red wine and the freshly pressed juice in a pot and heat to about 170° F. ]Now add the fruit slices and the spices. Cover the pot and allow the punch to steep for about 15 minutes. Remove the punch from the stove and pour into cups. Drizzle the sugar cube with rum, place on an absinthe spoon and light on fire. The sugar will slowly caramelize and fall into the punch giving it an incomparable sweet taste. Once the sugar cube has fully burned, simply drop the absinthe spoon into the cup and enjoy!

In a world dominated by online giants and global retail chains, the significance of shopping local often takes a backseat. However, behind the bustling storefronts of local businesses lies a tapestry of community, authenticity, and economic resilience. In this blog post, we will explore the meaningful impact of choosing to shop local and how this simple decision can foster a stronger, more interconnected community. Shopping local is more than just a transaction; it's an opportunity to connect with your community. Local businesses are, like Wisco Home Goods, often owned and operated by your neighbors, creating a sense of trust and camaraderie. When you choose to shop at stores like ours, you are contributing to the building of a network of relationships that do more than just generate commerce. You're helping to create a stronger sense of community. Every local business brings a distinct flavor to the community, offering a unique selection of products or services that reflect the owners' passion and personality. When you visit a locally-owned shop, you're more likely to find something you didn't think you needed. We look for interesting products to offer our customers. There's a decent chance that there is something in that shop that can't be found anywhere else in town. By supporting them, you help preserve the distinct character that makes your community special. It should go without saying that money spent at local businesses has a more significant impact on the local economy compared to spending at larger corporations. When you shop at Wisco Home Goods there's a very chance that your purchase also supported another local business. Where we can we source our supplies locally. This economic boost can have a ripple effect, creating jobs and fostering prosperity. Choosing to shop local is often a more sustainable option. Local businesses typically have shorter supply chains, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution. As a matter of fact we buy our wax locally, our printer is just a mile away and our candles are made in-house. When you buy candles from those mall stores they have a carbon footprint much higher than ours. Local businesses are often founded by individuals with a deep passion and expertise in their respective fields. Whether it's a family-owned bakery or a specialized craft store, these businesses are run by people who take pride in their work. By shopping local, you not only access high-quality products but also benefit from the knowledge and personalized service that these experts provide. Shopping local is not just a transaction; it's an investment in the well-being and vitality of your community. Each purchase made at a local business contributes to a more connected, authentic, and resilient neighborhood. Your purchase may be helping a neighbor stay employed or support an ancillary business and the hopes and dreams they are working toward. So, the next time you consider making a purchase, think about the impact it could have beyond the product itself—embrace the opportunity to shop local and be a part of something truly special.

First, to quote the inimitable Fanny Cradock, "Turkey, let's face it, as traditional as it is, is a very dry bird." That's right! Someone said it. I'm not sharing this quote to discourage you, or to diss turkey. What Fanny's words sum up to me is that Thanksgiving Dinner is an uphill battle from the start. As amateur cooks we annually challenge ourselves to prepare and serve a cornucopia of dishes (see what I did there?) at their peak of enjoyability in a kitchen that, "let's face it", rarely accomplishes the same task for a nuclear family throughout the year. Don't lose heart! My name may not be Ann Landers or Abigail van Buren, but I've got some tips for you to host a "Perfect" Thanksgiving. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - Martha Stewart has engendered a cottage industry of people trying to sell you products to make your Thanksgiving table the most adorable Norman Rockwell vignette you've ever seen. But take a look at that table. This painting that's been held up as the epitome of Thanksgiving in America for decades has more than a few flaws. The silverware isn't perfectly set. In fact, one place setting doesn't have a knife and spoon (lower left). The point is, if Norman Rockwell can't set a table perfectly, you don't have to either. If your dishes don't match, or you need to serve on paper plates to accommodate that many people, you do you. You Have a Job - You're allowed some shortcuts. Whatever you need to do to make it easier, we applaud. The woman in this painting is very clearly retired. We know this from her apron, her glasses, the fact that she's presenting the bird to two younger generations of family members, etc. She's had all the time in the world this week to get this dinner ready. You don't have that time. Cranberry from a can? Most of the people I know prefer it. No time to bake an apple pie? Buy one from your local market. Don't Cut Corners on the Important Things - Pick the items on your list that you absolutely must make from scratch. Did you do that? I'll give you a minute. OK. Now that you've drawn your battle lines, I want you to find one dish where you could buy it pre-made or cut some corners on it. I always make my pumpkin pies. I refuse to do without my pumpkin pie recipe. Check out next week's blog for a fantastic pie that simultaneously wows and cuts corners at the same time! Jeremy insists on making homemade butter for every big dinner. You read that correctly, he makes his own butter for every holiday. It's a place where we refuse to cut any corners. Create a Buffer Zone - It's going to be very easy to pile tasks upon yourself to the point that you don't actually have time to engage with your guests. Try to avoid this. You need time for you. Put the green bean casserole in the oven to crisp and grab yourself a Brandy Old-Fashioned and take a breather. Seriously, give yourself a break. You could easily spend all day getting that dinner ready, serve it and then collapse in a puddle. I've done it. You've done it. We've all watched our mother do it. Find a way to create some time for you. It's Not About the Food - Period. Many people get wrapped up in serving the perfect meal that impresses everyone at the table. No lie, my mother for years baked 1.5 full pies for everyone in attendance. Much of this was borne of her love of baking, but it always felt to me like she was working herself to the bone for little return. Honestly, though, the food was never the focus for me. It was about watching the parade on the TV, enjoying a day with family as the focus. Yeah, the pie was great (have I mentioned pie enough yet?), but the rest of the meal was a symbolic gesture of love. In retrospect, I wish she'd have skipped the sweet potatoes (I hate them anyway) and taken a few minutes to sit and enjoy the day.

Team-building activities are essential for creating a cohesive and motivated team. One creative and engaging team-building activity gaining popularity is the candle-making workshop. This hands-on experience not only encourages collaboration but also allows participants to explore their creative side. 1. Fostering Collaboration Candle-making is a perfect platform for employees to work together towards a common goal. Teams can collaborate on selecting scents and names, which promotes communication and cooperation. Participants get to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate their collective success as they create beautiful candles. 2. Stress Relief and Relaxation Candle-making is a calming and meditative activity. As employees engage in the process of selecting fragrances, and pouring the wax into containers, they can unwind and de-stress. This relaxation not only promotes better mental health but also enhances team morale. 3. Encouraging Creativity Candle-making allows individuals to express their creativity. Your team will spend time discussing names for their candles' scent. Encouraging creativity in the workplace can lead to innovative problem-solving and fresh ideas, benefiting the entire organization. 4. Sense of Accomplishment Completing a candle-making project provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. Participants get to take home a beautiful, handcrafted candle that they can be proud of. This sense of achievement boosts self-esteem and motivates individuals to tackle workplace challenges with a can-do attitude.