Did you know that Chez Lapin sources it's Lavender straight from these fields?
My goal, as the years go on, is to be able to source a greater amount of ingredients from Chez Lapin's very own greenhouse and garden. From our own hydrosols, dried herbals, and essential oils- to be able to source directly with my own hands is such a dream!
Which is why I’ve broke ground on our lil’ Lavender plot this Spring, 2021! We’ve researched lots of techniques, tested the land, measured resources, and conditioned the soil to ensure that this special variety of Lavender that can thrive despite Western PA’s humidity, clay soil, and tough winters. We're starting with a 14' x 14' plot and plan to expand next Spring when we find out what worked and what didn't, in our little science experiment! It was very fun, very tiring, and very dirty. Check out our video to see for yourself. Now let’s hope we get some gorgeous lavender!
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Candles seem so simple, right?You light it, you enjoy it, you blow it out. That is the basic gist, however there are some lesser known tips that when practiced, can save you burn time, prevent a mess, and generally help you enjoy your candles to the fullest. TIP #1: BIGGER ISN'T ALWAYS BETTERWhen you light a candle, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick. This liquid wax is then drawn up the wick by capillary action. The wax acts as fuel for the wick. With time, the wick gives off more and more heat, melting more of the wax further from the wick(s). Once the wick has enough melted wax for fuel, you'll then begin smelling vapors of the excess warmed wax, wonderfully emitting fragrance. In turn, if you have a candle with 3-wicks versus 1-wick, the fragrance emitted will be fuller bodied and more robust, as it nearly equivalent to burning 3 of the 1-wick candles. A good rule of thumb that I like to go by is that you should purchase a candle with your room's size and preferred fragrance amount in mind. For example, in our 1915 Rowhouse, our rooms are small to medium with doors and walls at every turn. I prefer to burn only 1 or 2 wick candles, as a 3-wick candle is overpowering for our space. For a home with an open-layout, I'd recommend a 2-wick or 3-wick, so the fragrance can better permeate the space. Just because you like the size or the estimated burn-time of a candle, doesn't mean it's always the best fit for you! When you're buying your next candle, think about your desired fragrance amount and even the amount of time you estimate you'll be burning it for (see tip #3!).  TIP #2: TRIM THOSE WICKS!The types of wicks are practically endless when it comes to world of candle making. All brands and series of wicks differ from one another from how they're braided to what they're coated in. One thing is unanimous though- candle wicks need trimmed. A naturally occurring and unavoidable result of the combustion of a candle is carbon deposits (little balls of black build-up on the wick). Carbon deposits should always be trimmed and safely disposed of before every single burn to ensure a safe, efficient, and clean candle burn. Candles that aren't trimmed result in black soot build-up on the glass of the candle or surrounding area, combustion of the carbon deposits when lighting the candle (you'll hear them pop!), and a big potential fire hazard. Not to mention, the candle's longevity and fragrance output will be undesirable if the wicks aren't trimmed of carbon deposits every. single. time!  TIP #3: LET IT BURNCandlemakers consider candles to have a type of 'memory'. Once you don't allow a candle to achieve a full melt-pool (melted around all edges), the candle has a harder time catching up on all of the wax left behind, on it's next burn. The idea is that the candle 'remembers' it's bounds and won't melt the build-up left from the previous burn. Our guideline on how to burn a candle efficiently is to burn the candle for at least one hour per every inch of the candle’s diameter. For example: If you’re burning one of our Signature Tumbler candles (3.5" in diameter), you should burn for a minimum of 3.5 hours to achieve a full melt pool. In addition to Tip #1, this should also be considered when candle shopping. Not everyone likes to burn candles for 4 whole hours, some like to enjoy them for 2 hours or less. If that's you, you'd be better off purchasing a candle with a smaller diameter to shorten burn durations. TIP #4: WATCH THE BURN TIMERemember the pesky carbon deposits from Tip #2? Well they form and grow during the duration of your candle burn, so burning a candle all day long can be incredibly dangerous! We recommend burning for no more than 4 hours at a time. In addition to carbon deposits, burning a candle until all of it's wax has melted can result in a verrrry hot glass that has potential of shattering or exploding! Yikes. No one wants that! TIP #5: A CLEAN FINISHSmoke is inevitable. You're extinguishing a fire! However, the amount of smoke can be mitigated by using tools such as a wick dipper or a bell snuffer. A wick dipper allows you to dribble melted wax onto the candle wick to suffocate it or bend your wick and submerge it momentarily in the melted wax. It also works great to grab carbon deposits or debris that may fall off into the melted wax. Bell snuffers have been used for centuries to extinguish candle flames by momentarily preventing oxygen from reaching the flame. You simply hover the flame with the bell snuffer and wait for a small wisp of smoke to emerge. C'est tout! TIP #6: ENJOY OFTEN!Candles are best when used. I always chat with folks at markets and they're afraid to burn their candles because they don't want them to 'go away'. They collect them in their closets or cabinets instead of using them. I'm here to say treat yourself and enjoy them! Candles are my favorite way to unwind and nest- and I know that they'll enrich your life, too. Besides, I'm always coming up with new fragrances, you've got to stay up to date! ;-)  Thanks for reading. Happy Candle Burning!
January for me is hard. I have a few weeks of just straight-struggle! Trying to find motivation after the energy from holiday orders, travel, and social events has me wiped out. And for Small Business Owners like myself, the first few weeks of the New Year is arguably the most important time to be motivated and energized. It's in the first few weeks of January where I plan goals, projects, and strategies that will guide and grow the business for the next 12 months. What I depend on annually to get me back into the groove is an insider view on how Chez Lapin's contributions benefitted rabbits in the year prior. Boy, it worked like a charm this year! Reading the stories and seeing pictures of the rabbits gave me the inspiration that I desperately needed to get the year started! Check out how the following buns benefitted from your 2020 purchases. From fresh food and enriching toys, to life changing surgeries and medications; you contribute to the livelihood of these rabbits that benefit from this fantastic, foster-network of Rabbit Wranglers. We chose to highlight two stories in particular; misunderstood Imogene and pregnant Elowen! IMOGENE
ELOWEN
I was approached a few months ago by the loveliest gal, Denise Lim. She had the great idea of rounding up Bunny Owners and their Bunny Inspired Businesses into one place (*me frantically waving to be picked*) I was honored to be seated next to some of the coolest brands I've seen to date- ones that like-mindedly place importance on cruelty-free production, animal welfare and health, and believe that there isn't much cuter in the world than a rabbit! From vegan leather bags adorned with a golden bunny charm, to bunny-treat subscription boxes; there is something for every rabbit lover, owner, and advocate on Denise's round-up. Go go go! “Without my love for animals and rabbits, I don’t believe that my enthusiasm would have carried me this far,” she reflects. Committed to the healing elements nature offers, animal welfare and environmental causes, the reward is knowing that the values she holds close to her heart are translated into her creations and contributed to the world at large. 10 Bunny Owners and Their Bunny-Inspired Businesses |
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PETITE FLEUR
SPRING 2020 // RUSTIC FLORAL, DELICATE CITRUS
MIGNON
SPRING 2020 // SWEET MUSK, BRIGHT BREEZE, POP OF MANDARIN
WEATHERED BERGAMOT
AUTUMN 2019 // DRIED TOBACCO, BERGAMOT, VANILLA
CITRON VERT
SUMMER 2019 // ITALIAN LIME, WILD JASMINE
for beauty,
for meditation,
for love of bunny.
These three aspirations have guided Chez Lapin from the beginning.
We are humbled today to be focusing on the latter: 'For Love of Bunny."
Chez Lapin has been crafting candles and skin-care for years now and from the beginning, we knew how important it was for us to shed light onto these overlooked critters through our favorite non-profit Rabbit Wranglers.
With your support since 2017, we have been able to donate generously month to month but 2019 was our best year yet! We are proud to announce that with your help, we doubled our contributions and donated several thousand dollars this year that has aided in the rehabilitation and welfare of so many petits lapins!
Look below to see how you supported!
We are humbled today to be focusing on the latter: 'For Love of Bunny."
Chez Lapin has been crafting candles and skin-care for years now and from the beginning, we knew how important it was for us to shed light onto these overlooked critters through our favorite non-profit Rabbit Wranglers.
With your support since 2017, we have been able to donate generously month to month but 2019 was our best year yet! We are proud to announce that with your help, we doubled our contributions and donated several thousand dollars this year that has aided in the rehabilitation and welfare of so many petits lapins!
Look below to see how you supported!
the promised trio
HANK (white), SCORPIO (black), COPPER PENNY (brown)
Copper Penny, Hank, and Scorpio each came to Rabbit Wranglers because of various medical issues. Copper Penny required a leg amputation, Hank had a herniated bladder as well as dental issues, and Scorpio has neurological issues that cause her to get a bit over excited and run in circles.
Copper Penny was bonded to a rabbit who, sadly, passed away. We knew she needed another friend quickly and we introduced her to Hank. A few months later, Scorpio joined them. They became fast friends in just a few days.
This senior bonded trio spend all their time together. They enjoy snuggling together for naps, even inviting stuffed toys to join in. Hank loves to be groomed by his two girls. All three have limited (or no) vision so they rely on each other for comfort. Hank requires regular trips to the vet for dental trims, but the support of Copper Penny and Scorpio helps him tremendously. They are enjoying their golden years because they have the love and support of each other. And, they get lots of treats!
SCARLETT
Scarlett was surrendered to a local shelter in October 2018. The shelter contacted Rabbit Wranglers because Scarlett was unable walk. After examination by Rabbit Wranglers' veterinarian, it was thought that Scarlett may have been injured as a result of a fall. After receiving pain medications for two weeks, Scarlett began injections for the trauma caused by the injury for an additional eight weeks. In January of this year, she started chiropractic adjustments along with laser treatments.
Fast forward to the present. Because of the care provided by Rabbit Wranglers made possible by generous donors, Scarlett is a happy, healthy two year old. Due to her extensive leg injury, she will never hop like a regular rabbit, but that doesn't slow her down one bit. She enjoys giving her foster mom the run around each night when it comes time to return to her exercise pen. Scarlett loves her digging box, tossing her toys and exploring her surroundings. She loves attention, treats, hay and greens.
Fast forward to the present. Because of the care provided by Rabbit Wranglers made possible by generous donors, Scarlett is a happy, healthy two year old. Due to her extensive leg injury, she will never hop like a regular rabbit, but that doesn't slow her down one bit. She enjoys giving her foster mom the run around each night when it comes time to return to her exercise pen. Scarlett loves her digging box, tossing her toys and exploring her surroundings. She loves attention, treats, hay and greens.
In conclusion, I can't thank you enough for all of the support and love you've sent our way this year- from Facebook Likes to purchases! We started Chez Lapin as an outlet to help rabbits, and as we continue to grow, we will keep that cause at the forefront of our business.
We look forward to seeing our customers and friends at markets this upcoming Spring and are excited for what 2020 has in store for all of us!
We look forward to seeing our customers and friends at markets this upcoming Spring and are excited for what 2020 has in store for all of us!
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* A huge thanks to Rabbit Wranglers for supplying the information and photos on the rabbits above and below (years prior) *
What Non-Profit we give our support to every day.
One of the driving forces for Chez Lapin is to provide cruelty free competition to combat animal testing in commercial products but also to give to those who need it, more specifically, a SPECIES who needs it.
We choose to give to rabbits in need by donating to Rabbit Wranglers with every single one of your purchases of Chez Lapin. Rabbit Wrangler's mission is to help abused, neglected and abandoned rabbits and educate the public to improve the lives of these companion animals.
Giving Tuesday is today, November 27th. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. This year, Facebook has announced they are partnering with Paypal to match up to $7 million in donations! Which means for every dollar you donate on November 27th, Facebook and Paypal will also donate one dollar! Match donations to nonprofits start at 8 a.m. EST and will continue until the $7 million match runs out.
To get in on the action and ensure that we help even more bunnies in need, we are going to send in YOUR monthly November donation TODAY so we can get in on this donation matching opportunity!
We still have a few hours left today. Show some love and donate directly to Rabbit Wranglers or your favorite non-profit before midnight!
One of the driving forces for Chez Lapin is to provide cruelty free competition to combat animal testing in commercial products but also to give to those who need it, more specifically, a SPECIES who needs it.
We choose to give to rabbits in need by donating to Rabbit Wranglers with every single one of your purchases of Chez Lapin. Rabbit Wrangler's mission is to help abused, neglected and abandoned rabbits and educate the public to improve the lives of these companion animals.
Giving Tuesday is today, November 27th. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. This year, Facebook has announced they are partnering with Paypal to match up to $7 million in donations! Which means for every dollar you donate on November 27th, Facebook and Paypal will also donate one dollar! Match donations to nonprofits start at 8 a.m. EST and will continue until the $7 million match runs out.
To get in on the action and ensure that we help even more bunnies in need, we are going to send in YOUR monthly November donation TODAY so we can get in on this donation matching opportunity!
We still have a few hours left today. Show some love and donate directly to Rabbit Wranglers or your favorite non-profit before midnight!
Coriander, Rabbit Wranglers Alumni + now Workshop Bunny,
thanks you for helping her friends in need!
thanks you for helping her friends in need!
HIYA,
I'M CLAIRE!
I'm Mom to a Rex Rabbit
+ a Fox Red Lab,
Francophile, Gardener,
& Small Business Owner.
Enchanté!
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