Our Journal
From thoughtful tips on fragrance and home living, you’ll find guides on how to enjoy our products, the stories behind our fragrances, and glimpses of life on our island home. Our journal is where we introduce you to the team behind Essence of Harris and share the inspiration that shapes everything we create.
Journal
Transforming Your Home with Scent Layering
Want to create a bespoke scent profile within your home? Explore our guide to fragrance layering to help you learn everything you need to know...
Learn more
Create a sanctuary of calm in your home
In a time when many of us are spending A LOT more time in our homes than we are used to, it’s important to be in a space that brings you joy. Creating a happy, peaceful home can look very different for each of us; it can mean filling your home with your favourite scents, nurturing some new plants to bring clean air and life into your house, or simply adding in some decor which sparks a little colour or personality into your space. We asked some of the Essence of Harris team what they are enjoying in their homes at the moment, and here are a few of the items bringing them a little comfort in these unusual times.. - Deenie (founder) has been working around the clock to ensure that all of our Essence of Harris orders are fulfilled and shipped out to you- doing many a solo shift to keep all of the Essence of Harris team safe and well. “After a long day there’s nothing better than a hot bath and an Horgabost candle burning beside me- anything to help me switch off and relax!” - Nicola (who handles all of Essence of Harris’ ecommerce) added a Harris Sands Blanket to her home, creating a pop of colour for her living room and allowing her to feel more relaxed when she’s at home. - Beth (marketing coordinator) said that her Horgabost candle is giving her the energy boost she needs when working from home. “I’m not a morning person at all, so lighting a Horgabost candle at my desk and getting that burst of citrus has definitely helped me to feel more awake when starting the day” - Kirsty (head of production) is currently at home with her children and has found comfort in using the Horgabost hand wash as they go about their day; it’s the simple things that can help put your mind at ease during these unusual times. - Are you enjoying any Essence of Harris products in your home? Tag us on social media with @essenceofharris for us to see your beautiful pictures!
Learn more
Why are we drawn to the sea?
This month we have placed a focus on the oceans that surround us, inspire us and connect us here at Essence of Harris. We turned to adventure blogger Iona (@tentstreesandbumblebees) to tell us what the ocean means to her. She asks why so many of us are lured to the beauty and power of the sea- what does the ocean mean to you? - Being by the sea is always my happy place. I can be found exploring in my kayak or swimming with friends; other times I need to clear my head on a walk, paddling my toes in the water. The sea lures so many of us in, from all corners of the world, so I often wonder: Why are we drawn to the sea? - Peace Ever wondered why the sound of waves is so soothing? The ebb and flow of the water has a rhythm that mimics our breathing. You can try it yourself: Breathe in, as the wave rushes to the shore. And breathe out, as it quietens and flows back out. It is a calming and mindful sound, reminding us to slow down and be in the moment. It’s no wonder I often fall asleep listening to a soundtrack of wave sounds! - Connections We can connect to nature in so many ways: from smelling the flowers in a garden to hiking through a remote mountain range. But being in the sea has a deeper connection than anything else. When I'm in the sea, I am completely immersed it. Sharing a space with incredible wildlife and moving in time with the waves and tide. The salt in my hair and the sand in my toes is exhilarating and relaxing all at once. You can almost feel part of the sea itself. There is also the amazing thought that, at the other side of this huge landscape, there is probably someone else, just like you, embracing the sea. The seas and oceans of the world connect all humans, land masses and natural wonders, which is such a fascinating thought! - - Freedom The sea has a profound sense of freedom, don't you think? Firstly, there are very few rules on the ocean. Whether you're swimming, surfing, or kayaking, you have the freedom to choose your route, to try new things and to explore new places. Even on the long sandy beaches that lead us to the waves, you feel like you could walk for miles and nothing could get in the way. Just following the sand and the breeze to your hearts content. Second, the sea itself has freedom of movement in all directions. It flows out to the depths, creating shallow waters on the shores. It can also be wild and untamed, throwing powerful waves as high as skyscrapers. Other times it is silently still and glass-like. The sea has the freedom to be whatever it wants to be and feel however it wants to feel. It’s almost like it has human emotions, and I think that resonates in all of us. - - While currently indoors more than usual, I'm always looking to connect to those emotions the sea gives me. Every evening, I light my beautiful Mara candle, bringing fresh sea scents straight into my home. Closing my eyes, the smells of sea salt, driftwood and earthy seaweed fill the air, and once again I am transported to my happy place. - The sea is one of the many playgrounds for the adventures I get up to! If you love adventure and connecting with the outdoors, do come say hello over on my blog and Instagram. - At Essence of Harris, we've been raising funds for the RNLI this month, an organisation made up by volunteers which protects our coastlines here in the UK. We added a "donation" section to our checkout so if you'd like to you can donate too- we will match ALL donations made via our website and donate the full sum to the RNLI at the end of the month. If you'd like to browse the ranges and donate, find our collections here: https://essenceofharris.co.uk/collections/home-fragrance
Learn more
Staying positive in lockdown- Guest Blog
Rachel-Jayne Murray (@mumma.murray) kicks off our guest blog series this month with a wonderfully honest and informative piece about lockdown. She discusses what has kept her and her family happy, parenthood and 'exhausted pigeons'- give it a read and let us know what you think. Our next guest blog will be released Thursday, 14th May. - I read a quote today which said “We are not all in the same boat, but we are all facing the same storm” and it really hit home for me. We all have our own situations and deal with lockdown differently. I am sure, like me, life has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride recently - some up days and down days and quite frankly, some twisty-turny-all-over-the-place days! As a wife and mum of one energetic, fun loving two and a half year old, I wanted to share with you just some ways in which I have been dealing with lockdown. - Lists I keep a journal. I find it helps clear my head and helps me organise my thoughts and so by writing down even the most mundane of tasks, getting it done and ticking it off gives me a sense of achievement. During lockdown, our task list has shrunk significantly so spread the household chores over a few days and keep yourself busy, organise that cupboard you keep putting off or rearrange and organise your wardrobe perhaps. - Cooking and Baking I have always had a passion for the kitchen, particularly baking and now is the perfect time to give it a go! Maybe there was a meal you had on holiday before and you’ve been dying to recreate it but just haven’t had the time? Well what are you waiting for? I know a lot of people say they “can’t bake” – nonsense I say! You absolutely can! Don’t be scared of it, read the recipe and have fun. Get the kids involved and have fun with it and remember, licking the spoon is the best bit anyway! - Take 5 Being neither an early bird nor a night owl (but some kind of exhausted pigeon!) I struggle to find even 5 minutes in my day to put myself first. I will be the first to admit that this has been low down in my priorities but when I do make the effort, I feel like a new woman. When Georgia goes down to bed, I like to lie on top of my bed and practice 5 minutes of gratitude to just sit and be with my thoughts – think about what I have been grateful for throughout the day. Some days I am grateful for the fun and laughter, other days I am just grateful I have a roof above my head and that is ok. - Pamper This is a big one for me. As a beauty therapist myself, I understand the importance of looking and feeling good. For me it isn’t vanity – if I feel good outside, my mind feels good inside. Granted, I haven’t been wearing make up during lockdown but just getting up and blow drying my hair in the morning helps me feel like I have everything in order. Taking a bath with my favourite Essence of Harris candle burning and a relaxing playlist on whilst reading a book for me is a little oasis of calm that I suggest everyone tries. - That One Walk The government has advised we have only one walk per day and for us we have been alternating how we do our walk, depending on our moods that day. Generally we go out as a family around the block once my husband finishes work however some days are a struggle and so Martyn will take 30 mins out of work where possible and let me go outdoors and get some fresh air on my own, to clear my head and listen to nature. If you are out with the kids, why not make it fun and have a nature scavenger hunt? Write down or draw a few common sights: twigs, dandelion, butterfly, log etc and see how many you can find. - I hope you find some inspiration from these little pointers. Stay safe and be kind to yourself – some days will be tough but just remember tomorrow is a new day and one day closer to normality.
Learn more
Working from home? We got you!
Many of us have started to move our work and lives indoors these days, and it feels like everyone is trying their best to adapt to this new way of living, coping with a situation which has, temporarily, become the norm. For some, working from home is a dream- endless cups of coffee, the choice of staying in our pj’s all day, and no lengthy commutes to work. For others, it’s a difficult transition. We thought we’d compose a list that will hopefully make that transition a little bit easier for some of you- tips and tricks that the team at Essence of Harris have found beneficial when they’ve been working from home. Creating a work space We know how simple it can be to work from your bed- it’s warm, cosy and comforting. However, when you work from home, it’s important to create a work/life balance that benefits you, separating spaces in your home for work and others for relaxation and downtime. It can make a real difference to your productivity. Try to find a practical, quiet space within your home to set up your own work station. Make sure you’re comfortable, and try to let in as much natural light as you can. For those days when you're feeling a little de-motivated, try lighting our Horgabost candle on your desk- with scents of Lemon Grass and Ginger it's sure to give you that energy boost you need. Routines This is an important one! Creating routines, or sticking to routines you had been practising before, can be SO helpful in keeping us motivated. Get up at the same time each day, shower and get dressed; a simple routine you’d practice if you were heading into work as normal, so why forget about it when you’re at home? Keeping that routine going can help your brain switch into ‘work mode’ and allow you to feel more energised when tackling the day ahead. A lot of the Essence of Harris team noted how making a To Do list at the start of their day helps them stick to a routine- ticking off tasks as they go throughout the day and helping them to focus on a plan ahead. Downtime Remember that work/life balance we talked about? When you’re working from home it can be hard to ‘switch off’ from work when you’re not ever technically leaving the office, but allow time in your day to unwind- our minds and bodies need it. Whether it’s reading a book or magazine, taking a relaxing bath, doing a home work-out session or baking a cake; find what brings you comfort and relaxation and make it a priority for the relaxation period of your day. If you’re an advanced yogi, or simply like the idea of trying some yoga at home, why not follow along with our Youtube Channel where ourselves and Rachel from Eden Hot Yoga upload a free, accessible yoga session each Friday at 8pm. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI8E5TJFqOnB6CigyV2fmpA Communication This one is so important to us; social isolation doesn’t need to feel isolating. It is a real adjustment for a lot us not being able to see our friends, family and co-workers every day but with the wonders of technology we can try to keep communicating as much as possible; join online classes, skype call your coworkers who are also working from home and call friends and family. Keeping up communication can help tackle some of the anxiety you may feel building up about being isolated. If you need anything from us, have any questions or comments, or simply just want to chat, you can use the ‘messenger’ icon on the bottom right hand side of our website and one of the team will be on hand to help. - We hope this has been helpful for a few of you, and do let us know if you have any more WFH tips- we'd love to hear them!
Learn more