Blog

  With everything going on in the world, it’s no wonder a shocking, 74% of people in the UK feel stressed to the point of being unable to cope. This is why taking care of yourself and making time to relax is so important. If weekly spa visits aren’t in your budget, we’ve rounded up plenty of ways to enjoy a spa retreat at home.   From regular spa nights to the art of practicing mindfulness, these tips will help transform your home into a day spa. We’ll help you relax, de-stress, and make more time for self-care. Let the relaxation begin.   Make Bath Night a Spa Night with Masks   If you enjoy a nice soak in the bath after a long day, make bath night a mask night. Give it something a little extra special with a face mask during your usual bath. Choose a new one each bath night to give yourself a new and unique experience.   Light some aromatherapeutic candles, sit back, relax, and let the mask do its magic. Not only are you getting a calming bath in, but you’re also getting the added benefits of a facial. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a spa retreat without having to leave the bathroom.   Masks come with a variety of benefits from facial cleaning, acne repair, hydration, and detox. Your face will feel smoother and fresher in just a few minutes.   Treat Yourself and a Partner to a Full-Body Massage   If you and your spouse, partner, or a friend want to treat yourselves to a full-body massage, you can do so at home. Enjoy a full body rub down with lotions, essential oils, candles, and more. You’ll have a spa experience for a fraction of the cost.   While you and your friend likely aren’t licensed massage therapists, the at-home massage is still worth a try. The time spent relaxing, taking in soothing scents, and feeling knots rubbed out of those hard-to-reach places make it all worth it.   Take turns rubbing in lotion, working on muscle relaxation, and giving soothing touches. Add in a hand, shoulder, or foot massage for an extra treat.   Add Aromatherapeutic Candles to Your Bathroom or Bedroom   Aromatherapeutic candles will turn any room of your house into a spa. They smell great, brighten your senses, and help calm you after a long day. These inexpensive treats give you a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home.   The best part about a candle is that it takes seconds to light in and transform your space. Add them to your bedroom to enjoy while you dress for bed and curl up with a good book. Put one on in the morning as you get ready to start your day as well.   In the bathroom, these are great to put on during a shower or bath. Light the candle, dim the lights, and let yourself relax. Take an extra-long shower or bath that day and enjoy a little more time alone.   Make Your Own Spa Water   One of the best things about going to the spa is the spa water. You can create your own version using lemons and limes right from the fridge. Use this special water for a post-workout treat or when you’re doing a face mask.   Try a morning yoga session, some homemade spa water, and a shower with a candle and a face mask, for example. This hour-long ritual on a weekday morning will help give you a recharge from the week. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on the weekend or continue with some rest and relaxation.   To make spa water at home, get a pitcher filled with water and add your choice of lemon, limes, and cucumbers. You can also add a sprig of mint or rosemary for extra flavor. You can keep it in the fridge to pull out after a long day, a workout, or to enjoy during a bath.   Give Yourself a Scrub Down   A face and body scrub are easy and affordable purchases to help you bring the spa home. Use a scrub to remove dead skin, boost collagen production, awaken skin cells, and more. When you’re doing a face scrub, be sure to do your neck as well.   After a scrub, rinse in the shower or with your usual face cleanser. This is a great way to remove toxins and dead skin. Your face will feel clean, clear, and smooth.   At-Home Manicure and Pedicure Nights   Spa treatments don’t always have to happen in a spa. You can give yourself a relaxing manicure or pedicure from the comfort of your own home. With or without nail polish, your hands and feet will feel great after a quick and easy at-home treatment.   Start by using a body scrub on your hands and feet. This will remove dead skin and give your hands and feet a great deep clean. From there, add lotion to soothe and re-hydrate.   If you choose to polish your nails, you can trim them, use a nail filer, or a cuticle cutter before you polish. Soak your hands and feet in a tub or bowl of hot water. Add your polish and top coat for a touch of glamour.   After your polish has dried, finish off your manicure and pedicure with another dollop of lotion. Your hands and feet will look and feel better from the inside out.   Lather on the Conditioner   The shower or a bath is a great opportunity to deep condition your hair. Between the environment, the sun, and styling, it’s easy for hair to dry out and lose moisture. Give your hair a boost of much-needed hydration.   Before you step into the shower or bath, add a leave-in conditioner. Turn on the water and let the conditioner sit in your hair for several minutes. Your hair will soak up the moisture while you get to relax in the hot water.   When you’re done, you can wash your hair as normal or rinse the conditioner. Follow the directions on the conditioner you’ve chosen to see the next steps and the recommended time between uses.   Soak it Up with Bath Salts   Bath salts are a great way to treat yourself at bath time. Pour them into the hot water and let yourself relax. Grab a good book, some herbal tea, or a glass of wine, and let the bath salts work their magic.   Your skin will feel polished, smoother, and refreshed after a bath with bath salts. This is a great way to remove dead skin, rehydrate, and wake up your skin cells.   Use a Skin Peel for Fresher Skin   A skin peel is an easy way to give yourself an at-home facial. Use a skin peel product at home to refresh and rejuvenate your skincare routine. Skin peels help to encourage collagen production, remove dead skin, and hydrate.   With a small investment at home, you can use a skin peel product every week as a part of your at-home skin routine. This is a great way to refresh your skin without the need for a facial in a spa.   Soak Your Feet After a Long Day   There’s something incredibly relaxing and refreshing after a long day. Treat yourself to a foot soak before bed. A foot soak is also one of the easiest spa treatments to do at home.   To start, fill a basin or the bath with hot water. Fill enough water to soak your feet as well as your ankles. Add some bath salts to the water as it fills.   Light a candle, turn on some music, and set the mood. Pop your feet in the water and soak them for as long as you’d like. This little treat will go a long way to help soothe your muscles and help you relax for sleep.   Use an Indulgent Hand Lotion   A great lotion is a simple way to give yourself a little spa treatment every day. Since it isn’t always feasible to get a body massage, a facial, or a pedicure regularly, a good lotion is a great substitute.   You’ll be surprised how a good lotion can transform your day. An indulgent lotion or cream is great for hydration. Run it on your hands, feet, legs, arm, and neck in the morning and before bed. Your skin will feel smooth and hydrated without stepping foot in a spa.   Spring for a Sleep Mask and Go to Bed Early   A good night of sleep is sometimes all your body needs to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. The stress of everyday life often keeps people from sleeping well. Between technology, work, kids, and everything the day throws at us, it’s become the norm to operate without sleep.   To help your body relax and recharge, make sleep a priority. Start your bedtime routine an hour earlier. It’s also helpful to remove technology earlier in the evening to help your body shut down and relax.   Use a sleep mask to let your body know it’s time to shut down and shut off. The sooner you shut off screens and create a darker environment, the sooner your body will release melatonin. Melatonin is the natural hormone that helps kick your body into sleep mode.   Going to bed early will give your mind and body plenty of time to shut down. The sooner you start, the more time you have to get ready for sleep and to soothe a restless mind.   Invest in Sunscreen   Sunscreen is like your face’s best friend. It not only helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but it also helps slow down signs of aging. Invest in good sunscreen to keep your skin looking younger and protected from sun damage.   Check the labels of make-up and other skincare items to see what SPF it provides. In the summer months, it’s important to apply sunscreen in addition to your makeup as well. Don’t forget to sunscreen your hands and neck as well.   Trick Out Your Shower   For an easy and affordable at-home spa experience, look no further than your shower. Your shower is a great opportunity to create a spa-like experience right at home. To transform your shower, you only need a few simple items.   To start, indulge in a great-smelling and relaxing candle. Next, amp up your shower supplies such as your soap, shampoo, and conditioner. For an extra treat, add eucalyptus leaves to hang around your shower.   As the shower steams up, the eucalyptus will absorb the water and give off the most relaxing smell. Your shower will instantly transform into a spa-like bathhouse.   Try a Dry Full Body Scrub Down   While you likely use a loofah or body scrubber in the shower, try a dry scrub before you step into the water. A dry scrub is a great way to hydrate and awaken your skin from the inside out. You can refresh and peel off layers of dead skin, sun damage, and everyday grime.   Before you hop in the shower, use a body scrubber on your entire body. Rub the brush everywhere from your feet to your head. After you’ve scrubbed, hop into the water and let everything fall off your skin.   Practice Mindfulness Meditation   Mindfulness meditation is a relaxing and soothing practice to get into. There are no supplies or products needed to give yourself a few moments of peace and reflection. All you need is a quiet place and yourself.   Mindful meditation is the practice of being present. Whether you’re present in your room alone with your own thoughts, listening to your co-worker explain their idea, or your toddler tell you about their day. It’s simply being there and truly listening.   Making mindfulness meditation a practice you do regularly will help you be present at other points throughout the day. Spending a few minutes being mindful each morning, for example, could help you be more present in everyday life.   Bring the Spa Retreat Home with You Today   When you can’t make it to the spa, there are plenty of ways to turn your home into a relaxing spa retreat. From body scrubs to candles and face masks, these little treatments will help transform your daily routine into a spa-like experience.   To start shopping for your at-home spa treatments, start shopping here. You’ll find all the beauty, skincare, and aromatherapy products you need to bring the spa right to your own home. Happy relaxing. 

Man's hand with burning natural white sage incense       Incense is a popular way to add fragrance to your home, but it's important to use it safely.   Here are the dos and don'ts of burning incense in your home. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of incense while avoiding potential hazards.   Incense can make your home smell wonderful and create a relaxing atmosphere. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the benefits of incense without any risk.   Make sure you read our article on the dos and don'ts of burning incense before using it in your home!   Don't Burn Incense on Improper Surfaces   Never burn incense on flammable surfaces such as wood or fabric. Doing so could result in a fire. Incense should always be burned on a heat-resistant surface.   Use an Incense Holder   Be especially careful with incense sticks, as they can easily topple over and start a fire. It's good to use an incense holder or stand to keep them upright.   There are a few different types of incense stick holders that can be considered unsafe. The most common type is the mica plate, which is often used to hold burning charcoal cylinders. These types of holders can get quite hot and cause burns if mishandled.   Wooden holders can also be dangerous if they are not made from heat-resistant wood or treated properly to resist fire.   When shopping for an incense holder, look for one made of heat-resistant materials. Holders made from crystal, metal, or ceramic usually don't get as hot and are safer to use. Always use caution when handling any type of incense stick holder.   Keep Your Incense Away from Flammable Objects   Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials, so it's important to take precautions when burning them. Never leave burning incense unattended, and make sure to keep it away from any flammable objects.   Always make sure the area around you is clear of any flammable objects before you decide to light incense. This includes things like a curtain, towels, clothes, etc.   Avoid buring around alcohol, hairspray, aerosols, and anything else with a high-alcohol or petroleum content. These objects will create dangerous fumes when burned and can potentially cause a fire.   Never Leave Incense Unattended   Incense should continually be monitored while burning. If you leave the room, make sure to put out the incense first. Failure to do so could result in a fire.   Even if the incense is placed in a holder, it could land on something flammable and start a fire if it tips over or falls out. If you're going to burn incense, make sure you stay nearby and keep an eye on it. It's better to be safe than sorry!   Never Burn Incense When You Are Sleeping   Burning incense in your bedroom while you sleep is a bad idea. If you do so, make sure the incense is extinguished before you go to bed.   As mentioned earlier, incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials. If one were to tip over in the night, it could easily start a fire. The last thing you want is to be asleep when your home is burning down!   Breathing in the smoke from burning incense can also be harmful to your health. Burning incense in your bedroom while you sleep can expose you to harmful chemicals and increase your risk of respiratory problems.   If you enjoy the smell of burning incense, try burning it in your living room or another well-ventilated area instead. You can also use an oil diffuser to enjoy the scent of incense without having to light it.   Be Careful When Extinguishing Incense   When you finish burning incense, make sure to extinguish it properly. Doing so will prevent the embers from falling on flammable surfaces and starting a fire.   You may wish to avoid blowing it out like a candle. Incense sticks have far more embers than a candle, and blowing them out can disperse these burning embers.   Extinguishing incense is simple: place the burning end in a bowl of sand or water. The embers will quickly go out on their own. You can put out incense cones in the same way.   Check Before You Toss It in the Bin   Just because incense is extinguished doesn't mean it's safe to toss in the trash. The embers could still be burning and start a fire.   Once you're sure the incense is fully extinguished, you can dispose of it in the trash. Don't forget to check the holder as well! If it's made of flammable materials, make sure it's cooled down before tossing it in the bin.   Only Burn Incense in a Well-Ventilated Area   If you decide to burn incense in your home, make sure you do so in a well-ventilated area. Burning incense in a poorly ventilated room can cause the concentration of smoke to build up, which can be a health hazard.   The smoke from burning incense contains a variety of hazardous chemicals, including benzene, toluene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and nausea.   Opening a window or turning on a fan can help disperse the smoke and reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals. Another way to improve your indoor air is to use an air purifier.   Avoid Allergies and Asthma Attacks   If you have asthma, burning incense can trigger an attack. If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, stop burning incense and leave the room immediately.   Burning incense can also cause allergies. If you experience any symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or a runny nose, stop burning incense and leave the room immediately.   Do Not Inhale Incense Smoke Directly   Inhaling incense smoke directly can be harmful to your health. The smoke from incense sticks contains chemicals that can damage your lungs.   If you choose to burn incense, make sure you do so in a well-ventilated area. Never burn incense in a confined space.   Do Not Burn Incense If You Are Pregnant   There is no definitive evidence that burning incense while pregnant is harmful, but it is best to avoid it as a precaution. During these critical months, it is best to avoid burning incense altogether.   Don't Burn Incense Around Pets or Children   Pets and children create a greater risk of fire or injuries when burning incense is present. Little hands and curious paws can easily knock over a burning stick and start a fire.   Pets   Many pets have far more sensitive noses than we do. When we burn incense, the smoke can be far more irritating and even harmful to our furry friends. If you must burn incense, do so when your pets are not present in the room.   Children   Children are curious by nature and may want to touch or play with burning incense. This can be extremely dangerous, as incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials.   Even a well-intentioned, careful child can accidentally burn themselves or start a fire when burning incense is present. Children should never be left unattended around burning incense. If you have children in your home, it’s best to avoid burning incense altogether.   Never Put Incense Sticks In Your Mouth   Incense sticks are made of burning materials and chemicals. Putting them in your mouth is extremely dangerous and can cause burns or chemical poisoning.   Be Aware of Ash   Incense ash can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. Wash your hands after handling incense ash, as it can be irritating to the skin.   If burning incense outdoors, be aware of the wind direction. If burning incense on a windy day, the ash can be blown into your face or eyes.   Incense ash can cause damage to surfaces such as wood, furniture, or floors. Ashes and smoke can cause discolouration on some surfaces.   Only Use High-Quality Incense   Be wary of the chemicals in cheaper incense sticks. Cheap incense is often made of lower-quality materials that can produce harmful smoke when burned.   When burning incense, only use high-quality sticks. Look for sticks with a low-smoke burn so that you can enjoy the scent without worrying about the smoke.   High-quality incense sticks are made of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and spices. These materials are less likely to produce harmful smoke when burned.   Common Mistakes When Burning Incense   There are a few common mistakes that people make when using incense sticks. One of the most common is holding the incense stick too close to the burner. This can cause the incense stick to catch fire and may result in burns.   Another common mistake is putting too much pressure on the incense stick when lighting it. This can cause the tip of the incense stick to break off and can be dangerous.   Lastly, people often forget to extinguish their incense sticks after use which can be a fire hazard. Always make sure to extinguish your incense sticks properly after use by bending the stick until it snaps in half or by plainly blowing it out. Forgetting to do so could start a fire and leave hot embers that could cause burns.   Burning Incense Safely   Incense is a beautiful way to create an inviting atmosphere in your home, but it’s important to remember to use it safely.   By following the do’s and don’ts we’ve outlined in this post, you can enjoy the benefits of incense without putting yourself or your family at risk.   Our high-quality incense sticks are the perfect way to enjoy the benefits of burning incense. Order your own Satya Sage Incense Sticks today!

  According to the UK Weddings Task Force, there will be an estimated 350,000 weddings in 2022. While attending a wedding can be exciting and entertaining, it can also be difficult to find the perfect wedding gifts for the happy couple.    It is especially difficult to find unique wedding gift ideas if a couple didn't register. Still, you can find wedding gifts that any couple is sure to love!   Do you need help shopping for a unique wedding gift? Keep reading this article for the top 15 gifts you should consider getting if you are attending a wedding this year.    1. Wedding Illustrations   Wedding illustrations or customized wedding photos are one of the best gifts you can give a newlywed couple! This is a special gift that will look beautiful hung up on a wall and will help the newlyweds remember their wedding day every time they look at it.    You can pay for customized wedding illustrations to be printed on a canvas or to be used digitally. Plus, these can be done in any art style. Whether you want a customized watercolour or a traditional painting, it is sure to stand out from other wedding gifts.   2. Shadow Boxes   Shadow boxes are another great option for a wedding gift that will help the newlyweds remember their special occasion. You can gift an engraved shadow box set for the couple to preserve the bouquet, photos from the wedding, and more.    While shadow boxes are typically only used for decor, they are unique gifts that the newlyweds will not get from anyone else.    You can also engrave the shadow box with the wedding date, the couple's last name, and more.    3. Custom Robes   Gifting customized robes are a great gift for any couple! They are gifts that will be used for years after the wedding and can be used by anyone of any age.    Your newlywed friends can use these bathrobes on their honeymoon, around their new home, and anywhere else where they want to feel comfortable. You can even personalize these robes with the couple's names, their wedding date, or anything else.    If you want to provide a luxurious and thoughtful wedding gift, custom robes are a great option.    4. Personalized Cutting Boards   Personalized cutting boards are another unique and sentimental gift that you can give to newlyweds. It is another gift that is sure to get good use from the newlywed couple.    Not only can they be used to prepare food, but they also are perfect serving platters for classy get-togethers. It can even be hung on a wall in the kitchen to be used as decor.    When you gift a personalized cutting board for a wedding gift, the couple will think of you every time they use it!   5. Portable Aroma Diffusers   A portable aroma diffuser is a great gift that the bride and groom can even take with them on their honeymoon. This is a great gift for couples that need help winding down.   Aroma diffusers often come with many different calming scents that will help them relax and enjoy their honeymoon.    This gift will also be beneficial after the wedding and honeymoon. An essential oil diffuser will help the newlyweds sleep better and will improve their well-being.    There are also many essential oils they can use to improve their romance. Consider finding aromatherapy massage oils that the newlyweds can use on their honeymoon and after!   6. Honeymoon Gift Sets   Another great gift for couples is a honeymoon gift set. There are many honeymoon gifts that you can buy to help the newlyweds enjoy their honeymoon together.    For example, you can buy a deluxe spa gift set with bath salts, scented candles, and more. These are ideal for newlyweds and will help them relax and enjoy their time together while honeymooning.    7. Box Sets for the Groom   Not only can you find gift sets for the newlyweds to take on their honeymoon, but you can find sets for both the bride and groom.    For example, this care package for him includes things like natural handmade soap, beard oil, shaving soap, and more.    You can also find personalized box sets that match the groom's interests. If they like liquor, you can find a set that includes a bottle opener, a glass, and a flask!   8. Box Sets for the Bride   If you purchase a box set for the groom, you should also buy one for the bride. For example, you can buy a pamper hamper that includes bath bombs, shampoo bars, bath salts, and more.    You can also include personalized gifts, like an eye mask, facials, and more.    The sky is the limit when it comes to gift sets for wedding gifts.    9. Scratch-Off Map   If your newlywed friends are interested in travelling, you can gift them a map to remember their future travels together.    Scratch-off maps are a great option because it makes it easy for your friends to keep track of the areas that they have travelled to together. Whenever they go to a new destination, they can scratch another country off of their bucket list.     You can also create a personalized scratch-off map with photos of the couple beneath the locations.   10. Wedding Photo Album   A wedding photo album is a perfect gift for a sentimental couple that wants to remember their special day. These allow them to store their wedding photos in a single place while still protecting their precious wedding photos.    You can buy a customized wedding photo album that will be the perfect piece of decor for a coffee table or a bookshelf. You can add embossed text on the cover to include the couple's names, their wedding date, and more.    This is a personal gift that will last for a lifetime!   11. Custom Coasters   Custom coasters are a great gift idea for anyone! They are another gift that is sure to be used regularly and will help your newlywed friends remember you and your gift.    You can customize coasters to meet any design. For example, you can create coasters with the newlywed's last name or their date of marriage.    These make great wedding or housewarming gifts for a newlywed couple!   12. Newlywed Cookbook   If you are attending a wedding for people that love to cook, you can consider buying them a newlywed cookbook! Not only are cookbooks great decor for a kitchen or a coffee table, but they are also very useful.    This is especially helpful for couples that are not used to cooking for each other. It will provide them with new recipes to try together, meals for two, and other unique recipes.    13. Personalized Name Sign   Because your loved ones will be starting a new life together, you can buy a personalized name sign as a unique wedding gift.    These personalized name signs can be painted wood signs, metal name signs, and more. It will also be a great addition to their new home and can be hung on the wall or even on the front door.    If you are choosing this unique gift idea, you should ensure that your loved ones will be sharing their last name. Otherwise, it may not be the right choice.    14. Wedding Vow Keepsake   You can also invest in a wedding vow keepsake to help your loved ones remember their special day for years to come. While you will not be able to give this gift until after the wedding, a wedding vow keepsake is a tangible and sentimental reminder of an important day.    This will allow your loved ones to regularly review their wedding vows and remember what they promised each other.    Plus, they can be framed and hung on the wall to act as a beautiful piece of decor in their new home.    15. Custom Wedding Ornament   Finally, you can buy a wedding gift that the newlyweds will use every year for the rest of their lives! Getting a customized wedding ornament is an easy way for people to remember their wedding throughout the year and on holidays.    Often, these customized wedding ornaments include the names of your loved ones, the day they got married, and more.    Looking for Unique Wedding Gift Ideas? We Can Help   When you are buying wedding gifts for a couple, it can be difficult to find a unique or personal present. If you are looking for unique wedding gift ideas, you can consider any of these options!   If you are looking for the best wedding gifts, Three Bears Emporium can help! We provide gift sets that will help your friends or loved ones feel pampered and loved.    Check out our gift box sets today to find the best gifts for your upcoming wedding!