
It all began shortly after the FedEx man delivered a special box from Young Living.
Its name is Water Lily 🪷... the newest oil blend released in our Simplified by Jacob & Kate line.
It has a light floral with an ever so distant splash of citrus scent that instantly brought me back to our AirBnB on the Maui cove, the moment I uncapped the bottle. Maybe that comes from the Jasmine, or the combination of Jasmine and Davana mixed with Lime and Basil, or any of the other essential oils in this blend... I don't know. All I do know is, being instantly transported (mentally of course) to my favorite place in the whole world is one of the best feelings. And, I didn't even have to close my eyes to imagine it, like I usually do. One of the coolest things is there are only essential oils in the bottle, no carrier. That means I can use it in my favorite diffuser just by popping the top off, putting the diffuser cap directly on the bottle, and pushing the on button thereby filling the air with the most fabulous aroma 💜
Friends, this is one of those oils I think everyone should have... SERIOUSLY!! It is definitely one I will be stocking up on before it goes away ('cause it's only here while supplies last)!!!
*** Don't know how to get this?? I'd be glad to help, just give a shout! ***
The fact is, the toxicity of candles really depends on what they’re made of.
- Paraffin wax candles (the most common and cheapest ones) are made from petroleum byproducts. When burned, they can release potentially harmful chemicals like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde — all of which are known to be toxic at certain exposure levels. Some studies suggest burning a lot of paraffin candles in a poorly ventilated space could contribute to indoor air pollution and respiratory issues over time.
- Scented candles can add another layer of risk. Some fragrances and dyes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and even phthalates when burned, which can irritate the lungs, especially for people with asthma or chemical sensitivities.
- Wicks used to be a problem too — some older or cheaply made candles had wicks with lead cores, which release toxic lead fumes. However, the U.S. banned lead in candle wicks in 2003, so it's less of a concern today (but still something to watch out for if you're buying candles from unknown or international sources).
- Soy, coconut, or beeswax candles are much cleaner-burning options. They produce less soot and typically release fewer toxic compounds, especially if they’re made with natural fragrances or essential oils. Beeswax even has a reputation for neutralizing indoor air pollutants, though the science is mixed on that.
Bottom Line:
- Cheap paraffin + synthetic fragrance candles = not great for air quality.
- Natural wax + essential oils + cotton or wood wicks = much safer.
Or, for an even healthier choice, you can diffuse essential oils. (more to come on this choice later this week)