I was going through some old blog posts from my previous mommy blog and found my 40 before 40 list. I was pleasantly surprised that I had done some things on that list. Still, I was a little frustrated though that A LOT of those things weren’t close to being checked off. Did I mention I turned 40 last year? So I feel like I really want to make some progress. I saw all the stuff still left on my list as a challenge. Who doesn’t love a challenge, right? I used to always ask myself, when was the last time you did something for the first time? I’m getting back to that now!
I’m proud to say, I been checking a few things off my list. In the last couple of months I rode the ferris wheel, joined some new groups and signed up for some classes for things I’m just interested in. It’s nice to do some things because you just want to not because you need to. Months ago I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, Behind the Brilliance. The host of the show talked about a candle making class she had taken in Santa Monica, CA. I jotted down the name of the place and decided to look into it.
Lucky for me, the place she talked about, Stone Candle Company had a deal on Groupon. I snapped it up. Santa Monica was only 20 minutes from our house, so this was totally doable. Of course, before I used the Groupon we moved. Now we live an hour away from where the class is held. No matter, I blocked off some time on a Saturday and hit the road ready to make myself a delicious smelling candle and learn a new skill.
Let me tell you, I didn’t know that there is so much that goes into candle making. I learned a ton! From the different sizes of wicks and when to use them, the best wax to use and how much fragrance to use so you don’t create a fire hazard! I was soaking in a lot of info. The class was awesome and I love how hands on it was.They even had ice cream on hand to enjoy since it was 100 degrees outside! Win! I was pouring wax, adding color, mixing fragrances, positioning the wick – the whole nine yards.
Can I tell you how proud I am of my little candle? I mixed grapefruit and lavender for a really fresh scent that’s super relaxing. We were able to package our candles and make it as decorative as we liked. When it was time to name my creation, I came up with “Fly”. I took it from one of my favorite quotes. “What if I fall? Oh but my darling, what if you FLY?”
While taking a candle making class wasn’t on my 40 before 40 list, I thought it was much more easily doable than a trip to Italy (which is on the list). Ha! No doubt I could see doing this class again with my friends. It’s a couple of hours well spent. At the end of it I felt pretty productive. In the mean time, I can see doing this at home. I found some cool starter kits to look into. I’ll be nabbing one of them soon.
Have you ever taken a candle making class? Do you have a 40 before 40 list or something like it? When was the last time you did something for the first time?
22 Comments on When was the last time you had a first time?
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This is such a great post. I haven’t had a first time in a long time. Sometimes, we get so caught up in life that we end up just surviving it rather than conquering it.
Exactly. It’s easy to get caught up. It’s refreshing to step off the hamster wheel for a bit and do something different.
It’s really important to never allow yourself to lose your zest for life. I and my family had a first a few weeks ago. I took my wife to Spain for her birthday!
That’s awesome! Spain is on my must see list.
Congratulations on such a creation and just creating time for yourself. When we become mums we forget about ourselves. I’ve never made a candle but I’m learning how to sew so it’s still is having some me time.
I really want to sew myself something one of these days. I saw an event called a sip and sew recently. You leave with a skirt you sew during the event.
This is really neat, I love that you went out and tried something new. It’s so great to have a first time with something at any age. I am glad you shared this inspiration and good time you had at the candle making class.
Oh what a fun new experience. It’s cool that you found that deal and tried the class out!
I love using Groupon. It can be hard to stay focused as we age but it’s nice to refocus things once in a while.
This looks like a really fun class. I never knew so much went into making candles.
I’ve been doing a lot of firsts this year but I haven’t taken a candle making class before! It looks like a lot of fun plus you can use these new skills to make some awesome gifts for the Holidays! Love that Groupon has deals like this!
Groupon is awesome because you can sign up for classes without having to pay for the full price, so you get to experience more! I think this candle making class is a great choice, it’s so much fun to learn new things!
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’d definitely take a class like this if there was one near me.
This looks like a lot of fun. I’d love to take a class like this!
That sounds like such a great class! I have lists all over my house filled with dreams and goals. I need to step up and start marking some of those things off. I might have to start with a candle making class. How fun!
My girlfriends and I bought a coupon for a fun class. It’s been a month! It’s time to do something new. Love your candle!
I love the idea of this! I’ve been feeling a little stagnant and need to try some new things. Thanks for the motivation to get back on the grind!
I’ve always wanted to do this! My kids have in camp but I haven’t. Also I better get on that 40 before 40 list! There’s so much I want to do!
I love this! It’s a great reminder that we really do all need to take a step back sometimes, and relax and enjoy life for a second. Very interesting perspective – I need to try something for the first time again!
The last time I had a first time was hmm a few weeks ago while in Morocco I saw the goats in trees for the first time in real life. I love candle making. We used to make candles when I was younger. I would like to do this with my daughter.
I would like to learn a craft like candle making or soap making. It has been a while since I tried doing something different, it just seems my life is one big routine. I will have to check out similar activities in my area.
Candle making sounds like something I would love to do. It would make a great outing. Thank you so much for the idea.