Candles are a popular gift for women, but they can also be a great gift for men. In fact, there are many candles that are specifically designed for men. These candles come in a variety of scents, from woodsy and spicy to citrus and aromatic. They also come in a variety of styles, from masculine and rugged to elegant and sophisticated.

​Here are a few popular candles for men:

Woody scents: These scents are often considered to be masculine, and they can evoke feelings of strength, power, and luxury. Some popular woody scents include Oakmoss + Amber, Mahogany Shea, and Palo Santo.

Earthy scents: These scents can be invigorating and energizing, and they can also be quite sensual. Some popular spicy scents Ginger + Saffron, Cedar + Patchouli, and Whiskey Neat.

Fruity scents: These scents are fresh and invigorating, and they can help to create a sense of calm and relaxation. Some popular citrus scents Mint + Grapefruit, Bergamot + Musk, and Black Plum + Amber.

Aromatic scents: These scents can be calming and relaxing, and they can also help to improve concentration. Some popular aromatic scents include French Lavender, White Eucalyptus, and
Rosemary + Bayleaf. 

No matter what the occasion, a well-chosen candle can be a thoughtful and appreciated gift for any man. So next time you're looking for a gift for the man in your life, don't forget about candles!
Here are some additional tips for choosing a candle for a man:

• Think about his personality. If he's a rugged outdoorsman, he might prefer a candle with a woodsy scent. If he's more sophisticated, he might prefer a candle with a citrus or aromatic scent.
• Don't be afraid to get creative and include him. Consider a Pour Bar where he can blend together his favorite scents to create his own custom candle. 
  
  

With a little thought and effort, you can choose the perfect candle for the man in your life. 

Hospitality is the act of welcoming and treating guests in a friendly and generous way. It is a way of showing kindness and compassion to others. There are many ways to be hospitable, but some of the most important things include:

• Making your home comfortable and clean. This doesn't mean it has to be a perfect, social media home. Your guests will value your home because it is yours. 
• Being welcoming and friendly. When you greet your guests, make them feel like you are happy they are at your home. 
• Lighting a candle where you will naturally gather, like the counter or table.
• Being attentive to their needs. Ask your guests if they need anything, such as food, drinks, or a place to rest. 
• Making them feel comfortable. Make your guests feel like they are part of your family or community. 
• Being a good listener. When your guests are talking, listen attentively and ask questions. Show that you are interested in what they have to say.
• Offering help. If your guests need help with anything, be happy to do it. This could include anything from carrying their luggage to helping them find their way around.
• Being grateful. Thank your guests for coming and let them know that you enjoyed their company.

Remember, it's not what's in your home, it is who's in your home. Life happens inside our homes and that is what makes it worthwhile. 

​Being sustainable these days isn't an all or nothing thing. We can make small changes to our every day life that make an impact. Swapping out your paraffin candles for small-batch poured soy candles is an easy change you can make right now! 

Let's talk soy candles: 

• Soy wax is a renewable resource. Soy beans are a sustainable crop that can be grown in many parts of the world, including right here in Iowa Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a petroleum-based product that is not a renewable resource. 
• Soy wax burns cleaner. Soy wax burns at a lower temperature than paraffin wax, which means that it produces less soot and smoke. This makes soy candles a better choice for people with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
• Soy wax has a longer burn time. Soy wax candles have a longer burn time than paraffin wax candles. This means that you will get more use out of your soy candles.
• Soy wax candles are non-toxic. Soy wax is a non-toxic material that is safe for use in homes with children and pets. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a petroleum-based product that can release harmful chemicals into the air.

If you are looking for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable candle, soy wax is a great option.

​Candles are a beautiful and relaxing addition to any home. But to get the most out of your candles, it's important to care for them properly. Here are a few tips on how to burn your candles safely and effectively:

​1. Trim the wick
After your first burn, be sure to trim to ¼” the wick before each use. This will help prevent the wick from smoking and sooting. A pair of wick trimmers make this the easiest task you'll do all day. 

2. Burn for the right amount of time
The first time you burn your candle, let it burn for at least 2-3 hours, to reach a proper melt pool. This will help the candle burn evenly and prevent it from tunneling. Why, you ask? Soy is a memory wax, meaning that first burn will dictate how far your candle will be able to go. After that, you can burn it for shorter periods of time, making sure not to let it burn too long (guilty). 

3. Keep the candle in a safe place
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Place it on a heat-safe surface away from flammable objects. Don't you be leaving the house with a candle burning. 

4. Clean the candle jar
After each use and when the candle has cooled, wipe the candle jar with a clean cloth. This helps keep your candle looking clean and spiffy. After the wax is all burned up, clean out your jar! Simply use paper towels to wipe up the wax and loosen the wick. Or pop it in the freezer for a few hours and then use a butter knife to gently loosen the wax from around the edge. Wash with soap and water and you're good to go!

5. Reuse your jar
There are countless ways to reuse your candle jars. From pen holders to plant holders. Of course, you can always bring it into the shop and we will find a way to recycle it too. 

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your candles for the entire (long) life of the candle.

A big question we get here at Oak Lane is where our name came from. The most common guess is that Oak Lane is the name of the street I grew up on. While it's not the name of the street,  it is part of where I grew up. 

Growing up I lived outside of town on a small acreage. We weren't farmers, but had farm land all around us. We had goats, a few chickens, and of course a little herd of cats. Growing up in the age before the internet, we spent our weekends outside, riding four-wheelers and go-carts, stomping in the creeks, and building forts. What felt like a Saturday tradition was me waking up to my dad shouting up the stairs that we were working on a Saturday project. 

One Saturday, our project was planting saplings on either side of the driveway. This was no small feat; our driveway was about a quarter mile long. I listened as my dad explained to me what the goal was—to create a canopy of trees down the drive way, which, for Oak trees could take 100+ years. He wasn't working for that day, month, or even year. He was working for something that someone would see and enjoy when he was long gone. In 2008 my father passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 54.

Oak Lane Candle Co. is named after all that; my dad, my childhood, the house, the property, the trees, everything that helped make me who I am today. 

Always let your light shine.