I Came. I Saw. I Sniffed Every Candle

Hi, my name is Leslie, and I have a candle... situation.

Some might call it a “problem.”
I prefer “passion.” Or “enthusiasm.”
"Candle sommelier" also has a nice ring to it.

Because for me, candles are more than just wax in a jar. They’re aromatherapy. They’re ambiance. They’re self-care with a wick (the wooden ones are my favourite) A well-scented flame is basically my therapist, inspiration coach, and emotional support companion wrapped into one delicious-smelling glow.

In the past, I have been known to spend 30–60 minutes (okay, fine, 90) in a candle aisle, sniffing, reading labels, touching each vessel like it holds ancient wisdom. Will this one smell like cookies baking in the oven? Will that one erase all traces of dog from my living room? The possibilities are endless, and the stakes? Extremely scented.

Almost every night, I light a candle and sink into a bath like a moody Victorian woman recovering from "nerves." No overhead lights. Just warm water, deep breaths, and my favourite flame dancing beside me. It’s a ritual. A reset. A little slice of peace in a loud world.

So yes, I really love candles. And luckily for me (and for you!), Wren is full of them—carefully chosen, clean-burning, and absolutely gorgeous. Here's a peek at what we carry:

Wren Signature Candles

Whoa Nelly, these smells are next level! We’ve proudly offer TWO signature candle lines:

• The Literary Collection, think— a library of light: Mmm smells like a good book! A candle collection inspired by the beauty of language—each scent named after a literary term, as a fragrant homage to my love of words and the stories they shape. Handcrafted & eco-friendly, each candle is hand-poured using 100% natural soy wax, premium cotton wicks, and high-quality, paraben-free fragrance oils and no added dyes. Hand-poured in Newmarket Ontario.

• Wren’s Signature Luxe Candle Collection, The Storytellers — a poetic symphony of scent, sound, and serenity. Each candle in this collection is crafted with a crackling wooden wick that mimics the gentle lull of a distant fire, drawing you inward with its comforting whisper. Poured with creamy coconut-soy wax, these candles are clean-burning, long-lasting, and designed to evoke not just fragrance, but feeling. Think a garden in soft bloom damp with the memory of fresh rain (The Sleepy Garden) or the worn leather and linen pages of a favourite novel opened for the hundredth time (Between Pages). Softly crackling and sensory-rich, 100% soy wax hand-poured soy wax candles that burn for 40+ hours. Hand-poured in Calgary Alberta.

Flicker Candles (Saskatoon, SK)

A Saskatoon-based candle company founded and hand-poured by the delightful Shanna. Handcrafted with love in her home studio, Flicker Candle Co. offers non-toxic, phthalate- and paraben-free candles made from clean-burning soy wax. Minimalist packaging and calming scents, Shanna’s candles are thoughtfully designed to provide a serene ambiance, allowing you to unwind and relax.

RURAL Candles (Vancouver, BC)

Each RURAL candle is handcrafted in small batches using a clean-burning coconut-soy wax blend, pure cotton wicks, and high-grade fragrance oils. The scents are inspired by fresh fruits and the natural world, offering a calming and refreshing experience. Some candles are adorned with gemstone embellishments, adding a touch of whimsy and intention.

RURAL Candles is committed to sustainability and well-being. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from phthalates, parabens, lead, and zinc. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from each candle sold supports mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, so you’re lighting hope with every flicker.

Soy Harvest Candles (Winnipeg, MB)

Founded by Sheila Sorochan in 2005, the company began as a kitchen project and has since grown into a national brand, supplying over 300 stores across Canada and the United States. Their candles are handcrafted using all-natural soy wax, natural wooden wicks, and reusable glass jars. Zero waste and fully reusable. When you’ve burned through the goodness, pop the vessel in the freezer overnight, pop out the remaining wax and wash it out you have a brand new drinking glass Genius.

*Bonus, this Timberflame line of luxury candles contain dual wooden wicks that crackle when they burn and have up to 80 hours of burn time!

Candles are my love language.
They help me connect to memories, emotions, and the present moment.
They make your space feel sacred—even when it’s just Tuesday and your dog just barfed on the rug.

So no, I don’t have a problem.
I have excellent taste…in candles.

Come find your next olfactory soulmate at Wren. Your home (and your nervous system) will thank you.

Thirst Trap: Why Blume’s SuperBelly Is the Drink of the Season

Stay Cool, Hydrated, and (Ahem) Regular This Summer
feat. Blume’s SuperBelly Hydration Powders, because your gut deserves good vibes too

Ah, summer. That glorious stretch of sunshine, patio spritzes, and "why am I sweating in places I didn’t know could sweat?" energy. While we’re all chasing golden hour and pretending bug spray is a natural perfume, one thing often slips through the (sun-kissed) cracks: hydration.

Yes, water is great. Essential, even. But let’s be honest—sometimes the whole “just drink more water” thing feels… boring. Like, we get it. Water is the Taylor Swift of beverages. But even Tay remixes her hits. That’s where Blume SuperBelly Hydration Powder comes in—your gut’s new summer crush.

So, what is it?

Picture this: four fabulous flavours—Mango Passionfruit, Strawberry Hibiscus, Lemon Ginger, and Acai Pomegranate—packed into cute little tubes that are basically wellness confetti for your water bottle. These blends taste amazing and come with bonus benefits, like supporting gut health and keeping things, shall we say, moving along nicely.

In short: they hydrate you and help keep your digestion drama-free. Who knew hydration could come with a side of sass?

Why not just drink water?

You can! We love a classic. If straight-up H2O is your summer vibe, by all means, sip away, hydration queen. But if you’re looking to zhuzh things up and add a little sparkle to your Stanley (or whatever cute tumbler you're toting), SuperBelly is the move. It's flavourful, refreshing, and free of the sneaky sugars found in so many hydration mixes on the market.

Gut health: the trend we didn’t know we needed

In case you missed it, gut health is having a moment—and not just on TikTok. More research is showing that a happy gut means better immunity, mood balance, and energy. SuperBelly helps you support your insides while keeping your outsides glowing in the summer sun. And let’s face it, nothing ruins a beach day like feeling bloated and blah.

How to make hydration cute:

• Toss a few SuperBelly tubes into your bag for on-the-go sippin’

• Mix and match flavours for a hydrating flight (yes, that’s a thing now)

• Add ice, fresh mint, or fruit for spa-level vibes

• Brag to your friends about your regularity (or don’t—we support discretion)

So whether you're lounging lakeside, strolling Broadway and supporting local or just trying to stay conscious during a mid-July heatwave, remember: hydration doesn’t have to be boring. It can be bold, berry-flavoured, and gut-lovingly good.

Shop all 4 flavours of Blume SuperBelly in-store or online now at Wren.
Your water bottle (and your digestive system) will thank you.

Featured Vendor of the Month: Isla Rae Jewelry

Jewelry with Heart, Healing, and Hope

This June, we’re honoured to shine a spotlight on a vendor who holds a very special place in our hearts—Isla Rae Jewelry, a handmade jewelry line rooted in resilience, purpose, and compassion.

Created by my dear friend Leanne, Isla Rae is more than just beautiful accessories—it’s a deeply personal expression of healing and strength. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to serve as a symbol of empowerment, direction, and grounding. Whether worn as a daily reminder of perseverance or gifted to a loved one facing difficult times, Isla Rae jewelry is designed to offer more than adornment—it’s a companion in your journey.

Jewelry That Speaks to the Soul

Leanne’s path to creating Isla Rae began in the quiet, stormy corners of her own mental health journey. Out of her struggle, she found a way to bring light not only to herself, but to others walking a similar path. Her designs are intentionally symbolic—tiny anchors of hope meant to remind the wearer that they’re not alone, that strength comes in many forms, and that beauty can be found even in the hard chapters.

Each necklace, bracelet, and ring in the Isla Rae collection tells a story of resilience. There’s gentleness in the details and power in the message—making every piece feel like a meaningful keepsake.

Giving Back with Purpose

Leanne’s commitment to mental health doesn’t stop at her studio table. A portion of Isla Rae Jewelry’s proceeds is donated to mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, supporting communities and individuals who need it most.

Beyond that, Leanne generously gives her time and talent to teach jewelry making as a form of healing in mental health wards—offering creative expression, connection, and calm to those in crisis. Her work isn’t just inspirational; it’s transformational.

More Than a Brand—A Movement

Like so many of the makers we feature at Wren, Isla Rae Jewelry is not just a product—it’s a purpose. Every piece is a wearable reminder that strength looks different for everyone, that beauty often emerges from brokenness, and that healing is a journey worth celebrating.

We’re so proud to carry Leanne’s line in our boutique, and to support the important work she’s doing in our wider community.

In-store at Wren or online at wreninspiredlife.com, we invite you to discover Isla Rae Jewelry—and maybe find a little piece of encouragement that speaks to your own story.

Pride Month at Wren: 🌈 Come out. Come in. Come soak in our best-selling bath salts.

Pride Is Joy. Pride Is Power. Pride Belongs Here.

As we welcome June tomorrow, we also welcome Pride Month—a time to honour, uplift, and stand with the 2SLGBTQ+ community in all its beauty, strength, and diversity.

And let’s be honest: it’s 2025, and while we’ve made progress, we still have work to do.

Yes—Canada is considered one of the safest places for LGBTQ+ folks.
Yes—there are wins worth celebrating.
But behind the happy rainbows are still too many stories of hurt:
People who can’t come out in certain circles, children who hide who they are, people who feel unsafe at work. People who are told—implicitly or explicitly—that their identity is “too much.”

And it’s heartbreaking. It’s infuriating. It’s exhausting.
Because being queer shouldn’t be political.
It shouldn’t be dangerous.
It shouldn’t be up for debate or dissecting.

It should just be human.

Pride isn’t only about flags and parades (though we love both).
It’s about visibility, safety, joy, and resistance. It’s about saying: “You belong. Fully. Exactly as you are.”

At Wren, being an ally isn’t a campaign or a checkbox—it’s part of our brand value. We care deeply about creating a space where kindness is a given and everyone feels seen.

So, here’s where we stand:

Hate has no home here.
Not in our store. Not in our comments. Not in our culture.

We don’t care who you love, how you dress, or what your pronouns are (though we’d love to know them so that we can greet you properly!).
We care that you feel safe.
We care that you feel welcome.
We care that you feel celebrated.

Wren is a space for humans and honorary humans alike (dogs, cats, birds, that pigeon who keeps showing up outside the shop, please take caution and look up before walking through the door). If you’re a good soul seeking intentional living, good vibes, and maybe some candles and bath soaks to elevate your self-care ritual, you belong here.

We’re not just okay with who you are.
We’re celebrating it.
We’re honouring it.
We’re fighting alongside you for it.

Because you deserve community. You deserve joy. You deserve to take up space without fear—and if you want to party with bath bombs, we’ll bring the bubbles.

This Pride Month—and every month—we’re standing with our 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Not because it’s trendy.
Not because it’s expected.
But because being an ally to another human being should never be optional.

Love is love.
Identity is sacred.
And everyone deserves to exist safely, joyfully, and fully.

Let’s make space for joy. Let’s celebrate the people we love and the ones we haven’t had the pleasure of getting to know yet.

Happy Pride!