MIRTH & HEARTH: WELCOMING A WARM WINTER WITH MILIS
Maybe it was the smell of cinnamon falling onto my vegan gingerbread hot chocolate in the cafe, or noticing that the water in the bird bath was a little cooler, while robins were beginning to start trusting us for crumbs. Perhaps it was when I reached for that extra layer to keep me warm on my morning walks. I often think it’s found in the lights that slowly start to twinkle a little brighter in home windows during evening strolls.
When I’m home with my parents it’s the sound of a crackling fire. It’s the smell of mountain air dew falling on a loved jumper, old stoves, rich wild scents of fig, brown sugar, caramel and spices while my Mam’s festive decorations begin to drape over mirrors and across windowsills and ingredients come together for a cake. It’s a poinsettia in the window ready for a big debut.
For the first time in a long time, I am truly grateful and thankful to be welcoming Winter. I used to feel a desire to skip past the season, it was dragging it’s heels between a longing for Spring and a nostalgia for Autumn. I felt that one was possible without the other; neglecting the importance of a whole season dedicated to hibernation and rest, in retrospect I was afraid to slow down.
This year in particular, and maybe that’s because of the mind frame I’m in and the collective feeling around me of a world that longs for cheer, I’m excited to embrace all of it. I’m ready for nostalgic and reflective thoughts, the love, the warmth, the chill in the air, and the moments of gratitude. I’ve decided to take it as a time for embracing as much reflection, stillness, love and comfort as possible; I will pause and be present.
I am preparing myself for a Winter of evening meditations, decadent hot drinks, journaling, phone-calls, pots of vegan stew ready to heat on the hob to save time when my hands are cold, nests of books, touches of red and gold, gentle evening yoga sessions, headspace wind downs, and hot fragrant baths swirling richly in soothing oils, and every step of it will be illuminated by one of my most favourite sustainable indulgences; Milis Candles.
When I first collaborated with Fiona I knew immediately that her gentle, thoughtful and considerate energy was exactly the kind I wanted to share with the world, she is one of those people that radiates goodness and genuinely loves what she does. From her little studio in County Waterford, when she’s not working full-time as an oncology nurse, Fiona creates the most beautiful, sentimental and fragrant vegan soy candles in gold lidded glass jars. Each one is carefully labeled, lovingly wrapped in sustainable materials and curated from a memory or event that is important to her. Something from the collection will speak to a moment in your own life and there is also a subscription service so you can gift yourself or someone you love a monthly candle.
These personal touches in Fiona’s work are like none I’ve ever really seen; and when I was given the opportunity to show all of you her new Christmas gift box (thank you so much to Fiona for trusting me with something she pours her heart into), I knew it would be the perfect moment for me to welcome Winter with open arms. The box has so many gorgeous touches like a lovely sustainable and ethical card, two scents ‘Mirth’ and ‘Hearth’, and delicate wrapping with touches of gold. I was lucky enough to get an extra few bits to try out ike the bronze wick trimmer and some gorgeous matches. Opening that box, was my first step into Winter. There is something about the simple act of offering a space for light to flourish and comfort to radiate that makes me feel confident things will be more than okay.
Whatever moment or experience signals the beginning of Winter for you, I hope you are both held and holding yourself lovingly during it. Most of all, I hope that you allow comfort, light and mirth in during the darker days; I hope your hearth burns richly with wonder and warmth.
browse the full collection here and get ready to welcome a warm winter with Milis
