Below you’ll find a selection of rituals that have helped me sleep much better, and I believe they’ll help you sleep better and feel more relaxed at night too. They include a special Yoga Nidra session from respected practitioner Alex Zalewska. Her recording is designed to invite you into a very still and clear space that’s less focused on perfection, more on what resonates with you personally. Because that, ultimately, is how we all get a good night’s sleep.
A GUIDE TO RELAXING IN THE EVENING
Consistent Sleep Routine
Finding a regular rhythm with your sleep schedule can be transformative. Going to bed and waking up at the same time will fine-tune your internal clock and help you naturally keep to a routine. You’ll drift off easier and feel fresher upon waking because your body has developed its own cycle. For an added boost, open the curtains or, better yet, step out into the morning sunlight as soon as you can. This kickstarts your circadian rhythms, your body’s natural timekeeper.
Magnesium Bath Soaks
Everyone knows that taking a bath is one of the most comforting ways to relax and unwind. But have you ever tried adding magnesium flakes to the water? These bath salts are especially good for alleviating muscle aches, stress and tension. Combine these with one of our relaxing essential oil blends such as Selene or Still. Steeping yourself in a magnesium bath 1-2 hours before sleep will adjust your body's natural temperature, telling your brain that sleep is near and it’s time to unwind, fostering a deeper, more rejuvenating rest. Magnesium supplements are also available as sleep aid tablets. The mineral is said to regulate our melatonin, a hormone the body produces when it's dark, helping us fall asleep.
Dimming the Lights
As evening falls, so should the intensity of ambience at home. Research suggests that dimming the lights is a great way to encourage our brains to release melatonin and cue that all important sleep cycle. In the hours leading up to bedtime, I like to switch on my Cedar Aroma Lamp as I read a book. Diffusing my bedroom with the relaxing scent of Selene is part of a ritual that helps me say to myself "Today is done."
Digital Detox: Embrace the Screen-Free Challenge
This isn’t a new idea, but seriously, turning off those screens way before bed can make a big, big difference to our rest. Avoiding the blue light, the whir of information, content and, let’s face it, distressing news, will give your brain time to rest rather than giving it more things to process. Resisting the temptation to stay connected and mindlessly scroll or stay up late watching another episode of something is a struggle for me, I admit it, so I’ve taken to using the Freedom app. It keeps my digital habits in check as I ease into the evening, creating a restful space that invites sleep rather than new thoughts.
Natural Bedding and a Clutter-Free Space
Sometimes the key to a good night’s rest can be as simple as what you're actually sleeping in. Using natural bedding materials such as organic cotton, linen or bamboo can keep you cooler because they’re better ventilated than synthetic blankets. This can make for a more comfortable night’s rest, especially for anyone experiencing the hot flushes of menopause. Also, don't underestimate the power of a tidy space! A clean and decluttered bedroom doesn't just look better: it can help you feel better.
Aromatherapy: Scent Your Way to Better Sleep
Aromatherapy goes way beyond creating a fragrant atmosphere at home. For thousands of years people have been using scents and aromas to alter the way they feel, whether that’s renewing focus, a sense of refreshment or helping them to chill. Lavender is particularly good for improving your sleep quality. It’s the primary ingredient in Cedar’s essential oils blend ‘Selene’. Taking its name from the Greek moon goddess herself, Selene is ideal for a pre-bedtime bath or use in a diffuser, lulling your senses into peace and tranquillity.
Bedtime Relaxation Techniques: Breathing into Stillness
Integrating a relaxation ritual into your night routine is another great way to empower sleep. Here is a super easy breathing technique for you to try either in bed or before you get under the covers. It’s called ‘The 4-7-8 method.’
Free Yoga Nidra Session
Finally, I’m really excited to share this exclusive Yoga Nidra practice from Manchester teacher Alex Zalewska. This guided meditation is a foray into deep relaxation, where the gentle cadence of Alex’s voice will help ease your transition from wakefulness to sleep. It's a perfect prelude to an undisrupted night's rest, especially when the day has felt like a whirlwind and you need to anchor yourself in stillness.
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep — Conclusion
A good night’s sleep is about crafting a night routine that’s right for you, one that gently nudges you towards sleep rather than forcing you towards it or making simple preparation feel like a chore. From regular sleep patterns to reducing screen time, small changes really do make all the difference. As you weave these practices into your daily routine, remember that your chief goal should be comfort and calm on your terms. So, try to make sure you work your method around your particular lifestyle and living space. That way you’ll more easily find a path to a lifetime of restful nights.
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What is rapeseed wax?
You’re probably familiar with those vibrant yellow fields that make up large swathes of the British countryside in summer? Well, that’s rapeseed. This bright crop is a member of the brassica (mustard) family and has been cultivated in the UK for centuries. It’s amazingly adaptable and is used for cooking oil, animal feed, bio oil and of course wax!
What do you blend rapeseed wax with and why?
When it comes to candles, rapeseed can be used in isolation, and Cedar products do prioritise rapeseed, however I prefer to blend rapeseed with a little coconut wax. Coconut has both a lovely texture and a low melting point, which helps it to soften the rapeseed and gives off a lovely hot scent throw.
What is coconut wax?
Coconut wax comes from the meat of coconuts. Yes, it’s called meat! This is refined to collect an oil that is then processed into wax. Coconut wax has a low melting point and a natural creamy colour. It’s absolutely ideal for creating candles and wax melts.
Why is rapeseed and coconut wax the perfect blend for candles?
Firstly, this blend is all sustainable and all natural. It’s made using rapeseed wax which is derived from the rapeseed plant grown right here in the UK. It’s a much more sustainable alternative to soy, the cultivation of which contributes to mass deforestation, heavy use of pesticides, as well feed for the hugely pollutive meat industry. Soy also tends to be shipped from North and South America, which comes with its own environmental implications.
Coconuts, as you will know, can’t be grown in the UK as we sadly don’t have a tropical climate. The coconut wax in Cedar products however comes from ethically sourced non-GMO coconut plants. This is a renewable and high yield crop which essentially means that to produce a large amount of wax, the farmers don’t have to grow ridiculous amounts of coconut trees.
Both rapeseed and coconut waxes are completely natural, biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals, making them the perfect blend for Cedar candles. As a blend, the low melting point results in a clean, even burn that works particularly well with essential oils. I’ve tried numerous waxes and combinations throughout my six years of candle making, and the rapeseed, coconut blend has by far the longest (and therefore best) burn time. This means that you get to enjoy your candle for longer. The blend also produces less soot than other waxes, ideal for creating a clean, soothing atmosphere.
If you want to know more about the world of candle making, aromatherapy and essential oils, I run a number of workshops through Cedar. You can find details of the where and when on the site here. Alternatively, you can spark a Cedar candle and let those natural fragrances do what they do best: transport us to a pure and tranquil place, a space for rest, peace and regeneration.
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A rundown of some of my top artisan makers in the North West which are helping to keep craft and a traditional way of working alive .
]]>It’s called Buy Less, Buy Better, Buy Handmade, and it’s been founded as a timely reminder that we don't need to fill our shopping baskets with piles of mass-produced presents every year when there are so many well-crafted handmade gifts out there. Made to last, by people who care.
Think about how you shop
I for one absolutely love to shop handmade. It’s not just because I’m a maker and these are my people, although that helps. It’s because I know that when I shop small, I support someone who’s put themselves out there to try something new and is offering a truly unique and considered product.
As a community or, ahem… ‘sector’, we makers do really all look out for each other. So when you shop smaller and independent, you’re investing in a circular economy because the people you’re buying from are passing it on and buying local in their own right. Not only that, but you’re supporting an artisan at a difficult time, helping keeping a craft and a traditional way of working alive.
That’s worth thinking about actually. How many brilliant local artisans and makers are ensuring that traditional craftsmanship that is kinder to the planet is not just forgotten but given space to flourish? When you buy smaller, independent or handmade, you really are buying better.
On that note, here’s a rundown of some of my top artisan makers in the North. I can think of no better candidates to direct you to this Christmas.
EMIKO
@emikostudios
From their studio in Stockport, Coral and her amazing team of three seamstresses run clothing brand Emiko.
Emiko takes its inspiration from traditional Japanese silhouettes and vintage utility clothing. Every item they make is so lovingly crafted and designed from start to finish. I cannot recommend them highly enough. I was recently treated to Emiko’s Kiruto jacket, and it has become a firm wardrobe favourite. It’s classy, casual, and works really well with other outfits, layering up as the weather gets colder. Just great.
DANIEL SMYTH STUDIO
@daniel_smyth_studio
Daniel is based in Wellington Studios, Ancoats, a literal stone’s throw from Cedar studio on Pollard’s Yard. And it is here that he creates all kinds of amazing wheel-thrown ceramics.
Daniel’s practice is fuelled by a fascination with the versatility of a material, and how these materials can crossover into other artistic mediums such as drawing, printmaking and painting. Retaining their context yet coming out as something totally new and fresh.
I’m super excited to have had chance to collaborate with Daniel recently. He’s designed an exclusive collection of oil burners that I will be launching this week (Monday 5th December to be exact) so do keep your eyes peeled on my IG!
ARA THE ALTAR
@arathealtar
Ara the Altar is run by Lauren, who I’ve been so pleased to meet through my work with Cedar.
Lauren has created, no, curated the most amazing jewellery brand. She makes every piece to order from her studio in Stockport using 100% recycled solid gold and silver. As a brand, Ara the Altar’s commitment to ethics and sustainability is a real inspiration to me, as is the thought and craft that Lauren puts into every part of her business, and its value-led production process.
If anyone is looking for a tip from Ara the Altar this year, the Eye Amulet necklace comes with free complimentary engraving. It’s on my Christmas list.
MADE IN THE WOODSHED
@madeinthewoodshed
Helen is the creative mind behind Made in the Woodshed. She hand-carves the most beautiful contemporary homeware in her garden studio space.
Helen works with reclaimed woods sourced from sustainably-managed forests. So her pieces are true one-offs that come adorned with some really beautiful markings and characteristics.
Her daughter Lucy is in charge of all things marketing and photography at Made in the Woodshead. She also happens to run @yourkindlifestyle, a slow living store that stocks a carefully curated range of artisanal brands and small-batch collections. An ideal place to shop this year to support all us makers and have a considered Christmas where you give a little something back in exchange for everything you get.
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Hello!
I’m really pleased to announce that I have begun a new partnership with CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity based in London. CoppaFeel! promote the early detection of breast cancer, encouraging men and women of all ages to regularly check their breasts. This is an issue that is quite literally close to my heart following my own breast cancer diagnosis earlier this summer.
For anyone who doesn’t know how this, shall we say, intense, time in my life has played out, my story began in January 2021, when I visited my GP to have a lump checked. I was 30, fit and healthy, genuinely in good shape following a lockdown health kick. My doctor informed me that everything was fine - the lump was more than likely breast tissue. I asked if they were sure. They said yes, that I could have a scan if I really wanted one. Having heard what I wanted to hear, I thought I’d save the NHS some pennies. I strolled out of that surgery and went back to my life.
Over the next few months the lump quietly got bigger. I wasn’t sure if it had at first. It was developing inside me, if that makes sense, so it was hard to gauge, and I suppose I went into denial. I was scared. I reminded myself that I was young; it was more than likely nothing. Breast cancer happened to older women, other people. Not me. Then there was the doctor. It was probably breast tissue, they’d said. I went over and over it, convincing myself that, if anything, it was just a cyst. There I was at 30, praying for a boob cyst.
Anyway, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in June 2022. I had a mastectomy the following month then went through egg preservation treatment ahead of chemo (shout out to all you ladies who’ve gone through that as part of IVF. My word!), and I’m nearly halfway through the chemo ‘therapy’, which really is as fun as everyone who’s had it says. I’ve also had an injection called Zoladex which has plunged me into a temporary menopause – hello hot flushes – and after chemo fucks off, I’ll be looking at a course of radiotherapy and maybe another operation, but fingers crossed I won’t be going under the knife again. Finally I’ll be going on oestrogen suppressing medication for at least five years. Yep. It’s been a lot.
I’m being so open about all this because I want to give a complete a picture as to why CoppaFeel! are such an important organisation. I also want highlight why I’m going to be supporting this charity however I can. My cancer isn’t aggressive. That tumour had just gotten pretty big, let me tell you, and making sure it doesn’t come back has had dramatic repercussions on my life. Neither you nor your doctor can be 100% sure what’s going on in your body until you have that all-important scan. So please get familiar with your boobs. Have some fun with it if you like… Coppa’ feel! Do not ignore changes, no matter how small, because early detection really does give us the best possible chance of surviving cancer.
The lowdown
If you’re still reading after all that, thank you! Here’s how the fundraising works. A small proportion of every Cedar sale will be donated to CoppaFeel! I’ll also be hosting sample sales and auctions for my essential oils candle making workshops. I’ll try to keep you updated on how much I (we) are able to raise via Instagram, this blog and Cedar newsletters. You’ll also find a CoppaFeel! card in every order, reminding you to check your breasts. Make sure you do it too! Give em’ a good feel for me.
Lizzy
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Tell us about your journey so far.
I’ve been practicing the ancient arts of Yoga & Meditation since my early 20’s after moving to Northern Thailand. Many years of personal exploration later and a whole lot of ‘flip flopping’ back and forth from the UK to Asia, I am settled in Manchester, where I share what I've learnt along the way.
Driven by a love of the wild, I'm passionate about eco-practices and sacred activism. Great lover of the written word, grand adventures and being a part-time mermaid. Life has been, and continues to be, an exploration of finding peace within and connection to my environment without.
What practices are nourishing you currently?
Tis’ the season for all things green and sprouting! I am tending to my garden by therapeutically digging out weeds and planting seeds (which is a perfect analogy for my inner work right now). Early morning herbal teas to accompany my morning pages. I find my mind is the clearest and most expressive first thing, so I often use this time to journal. And, as always, I am nourished by the quiet and introspective practices of yoga and meditation.
Summer or Winter living?
Summer baby forever! I fall in love with the seasonal psychedelic explosion of nature every Spring. I love to nurture my inner child with outdoor play, I adore the long evenings, bare skin and the collective smiles that summer elicits. Each season brings with it lessons and opportunities to find balance.
Self-care fiasco?
A homemade turmeric face mask moments before leaving to go to work…
How do you bring more balance into your home?
Home is a haven for me. I’m a highly sensitive person and can easily feel overwhelmed in the city. When I come home I light a candle or put the diffuser on and spend a few minutes in silence as I return to my centre. Carve out a specific space in your home to meditate, journal and breathe. The moment I step into my sacred corner, I instantly feel a sense of balance.
What draws you to Cedar Lifestyle?
The carefully curated essential oil blends in each candle evoke sensory memories from my years of travel, serenading me to places within. I also feel aligned with Cedar’s vision to create beautiful products that take care of our sweet Earth.
Words to live by?
Strong back, soft front, wild heart.
Liddy will be serenading you with a monthly newsletter, covering a range of topics and conversations to help you slow and soothe.
Make sure you are signed up to our mailing list to receive a monthly short read.
If you are interested to learn more about Liddy's work or wished to attend one of her wonderful classes then please visit her website or Instagram below.
Visit Liddy's website: https://liddyscarletyoga.com/
Follow Liddy on Instagram @liddyscarletyoga
]]>Today I want to highlight three simple ways for you to introduce essential oils to your daily routine. I’ve written about the properties and benefits of essential oils before, how they differ from fragrance oils, and what makes them special, but if this is your first time reading Notes of Cedar or if you’re entirely new to essential oils, here’s a quick recap of what they are and how they work.
Essential oils are natural compounds that we extract from plants. They’re what gives plants their unique smell and flavour.
Essential oils can be applied to the skin or inhaled. They have a distinct aroma, like a personality, and each aroma invokes a physical or emotional response in us, hence the term ‘aromatherapy’. Essential oils can be endlessly combined to produce a wonderful array of scents, but it takes a lot of patience and know-how to get the blend right.
They’re used in all kinds of skincare, perfumery and homeware products. Every Cedar candle is made with essential oils, and I also offer a bespoke collection of essential oil blends.
Want to know more about essential oils? Click here.
You can explore Cedar’s collection of candles and blends here
Trust me, essential oils can revolutionise a morning ritual. When you use them in the shower, it’s a really refreshing way to start your day. I have a couple of neat methods for you to try. The first is adding 8-10 drops of an essential oils blend to a damp wash cloth that you place on the shower floor. The second is to add 3-5 drops to a cup of water; just set this inside, out of the way of the water and your feet. As the temperature in the shower rises and you’re surrounded with all that lovely steam, the essential oils work their magic, creating a dreamy spa effect.
Recommended blend: Sulis
Perfect for clearing the airways and leaving you energised. Sulis is a light, cleansing combination of eucalyptus, lavender and mandarin.
In the afternoons I find that my concentration levels can drop. This is where essential oils come in super handy. I add a few drops of a zesty citrus or fresh conifer blend to an oil burner or diffuser, and let the scent fill my workspace. It really stirs the senses and improves my focus. You can also experiment with some drops of eucalyptus to detoxify the air.
Recommended blend: Taiga
A blend of juniper, eucalyptus, Siberian fir and vetiver that brings the freshness and clarity of a mountain forest to you, especially great if you’re working from home.
A long soak in a hot bath is an ideal way to relax, but when you factor in essential oils it takes the experience to the next level. Because oil and water famously don’t mix, you’ll need to use a carrier oil such as jojoba, apricot or even olive oil. Add a couple of drops to the carrier oil and you’re good to go. I’d recommend adding essentials oils to the water once the bath is full rather than beforehand. This way you can get the full aromatherapy benefits before any scent dilutes.
Recommended blend: Selene
A gentle combination of lavender, bergamot, frankincense and patchouli, Selene is designed to relax and soothe. It always helps me wind down and drift off to sleep.
These are just three of the ways in which essential oils can improve your wellbeing whether you’re relaxing or working. Bringing peace and tranquillity to your home. If you want to keep experimenting, you could try personalising some of your other beauty products such as odourless body oils or shower gels. A few drops and you have a personal range that works for you.
Aromatherapy is such a personal thing. It’s all about finding the scents you respond to then making work your way.
If you want to know more you can always reach me via @cedarlifestyle.
Lizzy
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]]>When I released Cedar’s Core Collection last year, I made the switch from fragrance oils to essential oils. This was a super steep learning curve for me as a candle maker that ultimately transformed Cedar products, and went on to shape my business.
It’s understandably easy to get confused between essential and fragrance oils or even work out which has been used in your candle. I mean, they’re oils. They smell amazing. What’s the difference? Well, quite a lot as it turns out! For this reason, I thought it might be interesting to unpack the differences between the two. I’ll look at the pros and cons of essential oils and fragrance oils in candles, and shed some light on why I personally enjoy working with essential oils so much.
ESSENTIAL OILS, KEEPING IT NATURAL
Essential oils are natural compounds that have been extracted from different parts of a plant. It is the essential oils within plants that give them their unique smell and flavour. Essential oils have been used in aromatherapy for centuries. We obtain them through a process of distillation, or via cold pressing.
FRAGRANCE OILS, SYNTHETIC INNOVATION
Fragrance oils are manmade and artificially created from chemical compounds in a lab. They are widely used by the majority of candle brands. Fragrance oils occasionally contain small amounts of essential oils. To confuse things further, you can also get fragrance oils that mimic the scent of essential oils.
The key thing to remember is:
ESSENTIAL OILS, THE BENEFITS.
FRAGRANCE OILS, THE BENEFITS.
ESSENTIAL VS FRAGRANCE…THE DISADVANTAGES
I’ll keep this brief because I don’t want to be too negative either way, and because I know lots of makers who make beautiful candles. Some that use fragrance oils. Some, like me, who enjoy working with essential oils. But Cedar is all about transparency and simplicity. So suffice to say that every essential oil benefit is the disadvantage of the fragrance oil, and vice versa.
Fragrance oils:
Essential oils:
If you want to know more about blending oils I run candle making workshops all over the UK. To find out more, click here .
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