Homemade Candles in Mason Jars + How To Make One

As you have probably seen now, I love all things cozy and chill. Candles are definitely one of these things, and I love to surround myself with them, especially in autumn. What makes it even better is if the candles are scented. Or in cool containers. Or even homemade!

I recently came across a photo of a beautiful lavender-scented candle in a mason jar, decorated with actual lavender flowers (scroll to the end of the post to see it). I was so inspired. I immediately looked it up. You can actually make scented candles at home easily! How awesome is that?

You can mix in your own scents, choose the container and decorate them with things like pressed flowers. This is definitely my next free-time project. Here are some inspirational photos, followed by a quick how-to!

How to make a scented candle in a mason jar

You need:

• some candle wax
• a wick + wick sticker
• a stick (bigger than the jar opening)
• essential oil of choice
• mason jar (or container of choice)
• decorations

You can get the candle wax, wick and wick sticker in craft supply stores. Essential oils and mason jars can be purchased in most home decor stores. The sticks can be found in the park :)

1. Place the wick sticker on the wick and stick it to the bottom of the jar.

2. Take the other end to the wick and tie it to the stick, so that it stands up straight.

3. Melt the wax in a pot on the stove, on medium heat. Stir in essential oils.

4. Pour the wax in the mason jar. The stick should hold the wick up. Let cool.

I will post my own creation when I get the time to make one :)

Inspiration: The Mountains

This time of the year makes me yearn for mountains and forests, sitting by a fire, collecting colorful leaves, finding wild berries... Waking up with the sun, dipping my feet in a hidden lake, hiking for hours to be rewarded by breathtaking views, sleeping under thousands of stars...

Definitely going for a little hike this weekend! And hopefully on a bigger one in the Catalan mountains sometime soon. What about you?

What's your hiking plans for this season?

Flea Market Sunday

Barcelona is a cornucopia of flea markets.

They pop up all over the place for a day or two, in unexpected locations, each one with its own theme. Almost every weekend, there is a new flea market in a different place: on the beach, at the train station, in a park, on the streets...

The stuff you can find at these markets is as random an unexpected as the events themselves. Clothes, shoes and accessories, of course - but also books, toys, vinyl records, vintage home decorations, antique objects... All prices are negotiable; most can be taken down below 5 euro.

Last Sunday, I visited one of these markets and I think it is my favourite so far: the "All for One Euro" Market!

Yes, the title does not lie, everything here was one euro. In total, I spent 20 and got home with 20 objects: clothes, shoes, handbags, rings and a vintage jewelry box! Moreover, it was held in one of Barcelona's coolest rock bars - Oveja Negra (The Black Sheep).

It's organized by Two Market. Other cool flea market events can be found on their website as well.

3 Spots to Hang Out on an Autumn Day in Barcelona

Autumn is a very retrospective but also inspirational time for me. I like to chill in cozy places and read, work or just think. Here are my top 3 places to spend your autumn weekends in Barcelona.

La Clandestina.

This one is a real gem! Hidden on one of the typical Gotic streets, just behind Correos, La Clandestina is a chill, eclectic space with cozy sofas, exotic teas, shishas, organic food, fresh juices and free WiFi.

As this is a Teteria (Tea House), tea is the main event here. It gets served in plentiful amounts in Morrocan and Turkish tea pots, along with tiny glasses. It is store in huge glass jars by the wall. My favourites include Mango, Eucaliptos, and a mix called "Selva Negra" (Black Jungle). They also have the most authentic Turkish coffee I have found so far in Barcelona.

The decor is very eclectic - no two tables or chairs are alike. The low sofas are covered in cushions and throws, and there are magazines scattered around.

I bring my computer here to work in tranquility while sipping on tea and chilling on the cozy sofa.

Plaza Masadas.

I recently discovered this hidden plaza while cycling around my new neighborhood, and it was such a pleasent surprise! It is a typical Spanish plaza without all the tourists you get in the center.

Markets are held here and on some days, there are small concerts and events. However, most of the time there's just a couple of children playing around the fountain in the middle, and locals chilling in the cafes surrounding the plaza.

The Labyrinth.

On top of Barcelona, there is an old palace surrounded by gardens, which have been opened to the public. In the heart of these gardens, there is a hedge maze called the Labyrinth. It was built by a Catalan prince a long time ago. The prince was also obsessed with Greek mythology, and filled the rest of the gardens with Greek statues, columns and ornaments.

This place has a unique atmosphere of a once lavish place that was abandoned and forgotten. I love the grunge look of the fine Greek statues, now overgrown with ivy. In autumn, when the foliage turns auburn and the weather cools down, this place becomes magical.

(That´s me in the last picture!)

Photo Sources:
La Clandestina Facebook Page
Plaza Masadas's Blog
My own photos

Table-Top Water Garden

Some time ago, while looking up indoor gardening (for my tiny room) I stumbled upon the image below and I fell in love with it. A tiny water garden in a mug - how cool is that? It inspired me so much! 

Today I finally found the source: Radmegan (which is an awesome blog). Follow the link for instructions on how to make ths amazing project!

Want more? Here are some other inspirational examples.

Style Inspiration: Oversized Sweaters

Sweater Weather! The time of the year when it's chilly enough to wrap yourself in something cozy, but not cold enough to stack layers upon layers of jackets...

Warm, fluffy, soft, big, comfy sweaters that make you feel like a little kid. Isn't this the best thing about autumn?

Throw on a thick woolly one, add a chunky scarf, grab a camera and go for a walk in a park or a forest to admire the colorful leaves, with a thermos of tea to keep you warm...

Or slip into a light one, shorts underneath, and head to the beach to collect shells and driftwood - use them to decorate your home when you get back.

Or, if it's raining, snuggle up in a soft fluffy one, make some pumpkin soup and baked sweet potatoes, sit by the window and watch the rain and the city...

Images Source: Pinterest