Essence of Harris – Huisinis and Losgaintir Glass Candles

One of our favourite things about the summertime at The Amazing Blog is being able to chill out under an umbrella at the coast. We love hearing the waves crash against the shore and feeling the sand between our toes. It can all feel so cosy and vibrant at the same time. Unfortunately, jetting off to our dessert island paradise for now will have to remain a bit of a dream; but, we can make our homes smell like one as Essence of Harris ’s candles offers us the perfect evocative aroma.

Essence of Harris was co-founded in 2015 by Deenie MacLeod, who was born and raised on the Isle of Harris located in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. The rugged landscape, golden beaches, and clear blue waters inspired MacLeod to partner with Jamie McGowan, a Glasgow native, to design candles and home fragrances. Their mission with Essence of Harris is so ‘everyone who visits the island can take away a small piece to cherish’.

We tried two of the five candles from the company’s Classic Collection inspired by the Isle’s beaches. The first was the Huisinis Glass Candle, which has a very evident sweet and citrusy scent. It’s bubbly, taking after notes of champagne, and has grapefruit, Brazilian orange, and pink pomelo. It also has hints of rhubarb adding to its tartness and watermelon packing freshness. We found this candle was perfect to light during the late morning and afternoon for an uplifting smell. The second one we tested was the Losgaintir Glass Candle. It has an exotic mix of fresh bergamot (green citrus fruit), orange, and amber, which give the candle tangy top notes that jump out at you. However, the scent has warmth due to its coconut, vanilla, and almond base notes. We recommend using this one in the late afternoon or during sunset to create a snug atmosphere before eating dinner.

The candles are hand poured on the island and made of 100 per cent ethically sourced soy wax and natural ingredients. While MacLeod’s hometown has enormously helped and influenced her, Essence of Harris is committed to supporting a sustainable community on the Isle. The brand is ‘consciously considering the environment, investing in the local community, and creating a prosperous local economy’. Each candle comes in a simple and sturdy yet elegant glass jar and should burn for approximately 30 hours.

When we typically think of island getaways, Scottish beaches are not at the top of our lists, but after smelling these candles, we’re ready to book a ticket on the next flight. You can bring the aroma to your own home by purchasing the Huisinis and Losgaintir Glass Candles (20cl) here, each for £12.95.

Friday Favourites - Sweet Treats

The weekend is nearly upon us and so is the urge to indulge, and here at The Amazing Blog we know just how!

For something wickedly moorish pick up a packet of Ultimate English fudge which champions local produce in the Yorkshire region.

Using rhubarb grown in the heart of the rhubarb triangle itself by celebrated farmer D Westwood & Sons, the companies’ new rhubarb coconut ice gives a nostalgic nod towards the childhood-cherished rhubarb crumble.

If you fancy something more traditional check out their All Butter Fudge or the Salt Water Chocolate Truffle Fudge which combines the finest all butter fudge with the highest quality Belgian chocolate which recently was awarded a gold star in the Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards.

You can purchase Ultimate English fudge via retailers across the UK. You can find your nearest stockist here.

If you’re after a slightly healthier option then look no further as Chocolift is a lactose free, no added sugar chocolate with sweeteners extracted from plants, 38% pure cocoa, 8.2g whey protein isolate and 2g of coconut oil. The blend of cocoa, whey protein and coconut oil is a great alternative for chocolate lovers on sugar and lactose controlled diets, and at only 89 calories per half a bar we think it’s a great diet friendly option.

You can buy an 8 pack of Chocolift bars for £28.65 here.

Here at The Amazing Blog we also love Sweet Virtues’ award winning luxury truffles, which are nutrient-dense and power-packed with more than five super food ingredients in every truffle. The raw centre is made up of a blend of Maca, Lucuma, Coconut Nectar, Carob, Ginseng, Sunflower Seeds and Ground Almonds mixed with 72% Organic raw dark chocolate with Bio Live Cultures. Each truffle is hand-made and is dairy-free, suitable for vegetarians, vegans and those on gluten-free diets.

Available in three delicious varieties, Maqui, Chia Seeds & Lime and Baobab & Vanilla, the truffles come in boxes of around 10 (£13.95 for 115g), or a two truffle ballotin box (selection pack containing one ballotin box of each variety for £7.50). Both are perfect as a unique and luxurious gift or the ultimate guilt-free treat for oneself.

The Sweet Virtues range is currently available with a number of retailers, including Harrods, Daylesford, Planet Organic and Partridges of London, or from the company’s website.

Last but not least, we all know that chocolate makes you feel good, and Lovechock does just that! Made by hand from the best organic, raw cacao from Ecuador, instead of being roasted the beans are cold grounded, providing a natural source of flavonoids and ‘love chemicals’-  goodies that make you feel happy and loving.

Lovechock is milk free, soy free and gluten free and is sweetened with Coconut blossom nectar, which has a low GI value and therefore keeps the blood sugar levels more stable than common sugars. All Lovechock products are 100% vegan (recognized by the Vegan Society) and come in a variety of flavours including Goji/Orange, Almond/Fig and Mulberry/Vanilla.

We’re also loving Lovechock Rocks which are a great snack for when you’re on the go. The rocks are fruits or nuts covered in raw chocolate and a pinch of reishi, and come in three different flavour combinations Mulberry/Hemp seed, Almond/Cinnamon and Raisin Coconut.

You can buy Lovechock products from Planet Organic, Real Foods and The HealthBay.