Daily Candy Beyond the Apple: Gift Ideas for Teacher
Daily Candy features Niven Morgan Gold Hand Lotion as a great gift idea for teachers.

Daily Candy features Niven Morgan Gold Hand Lotion as a great gift idea for teachers.

Whenever I burn a candle, it completely transforms the feel of my home. I love how candles can instantly add warmth, romance, and elegance to my kitchen, bathroom, or living room. They illuminate our senses and simultaneously create a fresh and comforting atmosphere. To insure my candles have a cleaner, longer-lasting burn, here are some tricks I keep in mind:
1. Trim the wick.
For a cleaner and longer burn, carefully trim your candle’s wick using the Wickman Candle Trimmer before every use. Often times, you’ll find that cutting with scissors allows the wick to slip back into the candle. The Wick Trimmer’s attached tray catches the cut wick so you can cleanly dispose of it.

2. Avoid placing candles under air currents.
The placement of the candle is very important. Remember to avoid leaving your candles under ceiling fans or in the direct airflow of air vents. It sounds simple, but often times we’re unaware of the strong currents of air in our households that may cause your candle to smoke. Never leave burning candles unattended.
3. Always burn your candle 2-3 hours.
This helps prevent the candle from tunneling down the center of the container while also allowing it to burn cleaner and longer.
4. Properly extinguish the flame.
Using the Wickman Wick Dipper, simply push the wick into the melted wax and immediately reset the wick back in the center of the candle. This helps minimize smoke from the extinguished candle. Keep in mind that wick dippers should only be used on container and pillar candles. The Wick Dipper solves the issue of a smoky residue and odor in your household.

5. Let the wax harden for several hours before re-lighting.
Remember to trim the wick once the wax has hardened. It’s important to give the wax time to harden for several hours before lighting it again. This way, you can avoid the problem of dripping and any mess that may come along with the wax.
DFW Style Daily relishes revealing the Obsession Confessions of local tastemakers. Today, Niven Morgan cements his status among our city’s top trendsetters, sharing a sophisticated aesthetic fundamental to both his personal style and his aromatic empire.

Morgan, founder and leader of the famed, fragrance-focused label that bears his name, curates his innovative perspective through enviable travels. He explains, “Experiencing creativity and trends reflected in what people from all over the world are wearing now, I want to inspire others with my selections!”

Find out why Morgan credits statement-making accessories, movie stars, and Mustique’s mystique as the keys to his success.
The Obsession: From New Orleans to Marrakech, Morgan’s travels inspire his company’s collections. These adventures also feed his addiction to resort-worthy swimwear and shades.

The Confession: A regular visitor to Mustique, our expert collects “easy yet elegant” pieces to wear on the luxe island. He also notes this destination’s influence on his work, stating, “I always feel like I a have a fresh take on my career and my style when I leave Mustique. I feel like boundaries have been broken and anything is possible.”
The Rationalization: Morgan’s affinity for sartorial seaside style has helped establish many international friendships. In fact, he shares that, during a recent holiday party in Mustique, Hugh Grant sidled over, “tugged on my trunks, and said ‘nice shorts.’”
The Collection: This stylish entrepreneur tells us of his most covetable finds, “My current favorite is a bulldog print swimsuit from Orlebar Brown, and I adore sunglasses by Tom Ford for great attention to detail and rich colors. Mykita also has edgy, cool lens options.”

Shop It: Find trunks by Orlebar Brown, similar to those pictured here, from $250 at Forty Five Ten. Morgan also recommends swimwear by DSquared and Hermès. Snag stylish sunglasses – and custom prescription lenses - from his preferred labels at Insight Complete Eyecare.
Last month I made another quick business trip to Los Angeles. Quick or not, I always find inspiring things to share with you.
One of my first stops was to O’Gara Coach in Beverly Hills. We recently started supplying Niven Morgan products at the O’Gara Coach luxury car dealership that boasts cars everyone dreams of owning – Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce to name a few. I must say I’m proud they chose our products for their common spaces, offices and reception areas.


I managed to visit one of my favorite LA restaurants during the trip. If you want to enjoy a delicious dinner and possibly see a few celebrities make a reservation at Spago, the newly remodeled Wolfgang Puck restaurant. For the best views, be sure to enjoy your meal outside. I would also highly recommend dining at e. baldi, an Italian ristorante, pizzeria and wine bar. Try the burrata & pesto followed by veal scaloppine pizzaiola.


If you are going to stay anywhere in Los Angeles make it the The Peninsula Hotel. My recommendation would be to get room 333 if possible; it’s larger than most and has a great terrace. Afternoon tea in The Living Room is a pleasant way to relax before going out, and when lounging by the crystal clear pool be sure to reserve the first cabana to the left of the pool for optimal California sun.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff of BodyFactory LA while at market. A great company with knowledgeable people, focused on improving your health and personal well-being. With its reputation for rejuvenation, Los Angeles is a perfect fit for BodyFactory and for Niven Morgan collections. Known as a hot spot where Hollywood celebs and a-listers refuel, you won’t find a better post workout smoothie in LA. This was a great end to another west coast visit.
It’s that time of year - time for last minute scurrying by ladies and gents everywhere. Valentine’s Day is here! What to give? What to give? Here are Niven’s last minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
1. Artisan du Chocolat’s Lovebirds Heart Box – Does your loved one have a sweet tooth? A pretty red shaped box filled with all manner of chocolate delights is just what you need to satisfy them. Chocolate pearls, liquid sea salted caramels, couture chocolates and more. Guaranteed to be more than just a cliché!
2. My Man Made Collection – Hopefully the ladies have had this one on their list since we launched the collection last month. Made with men in mind, you can help the guy in your life discover a shaving experience like never before.
3. Nymphenburg Porcelain Branch Candlesticks – These stunning white bisque candlesticks truly make a statement. The blending of inorganic materials into organic shapes is one of my favorite art forms. Handmade in Germany and designed by Ted Muehling, this gift is for lovers of art and style.
4. My Jean Baptiste 1717 Collection – Fragrance is always an exceptionally romantic gift for your sweetheart. With its gentle mix of wild rose, princess lily, subtle traces of caramel and creamy vanilla, and more, Jean Baptiste 1717 evokes sweet times and love found. Among the senses involved in romance, our sense of scent is the most powerful. This gift makes perfect use of it!
5. Lydia Courteille Jewelry – It has long been known that jewelry is an all-around favorite when it comes to romantic gift giving. But not just any bauble will do. It has to be special and unique. That’s why I love jewelry by Lydia Courteille.
Valentine’s Day always brings to mind one of my favorite quotes from romantic writer Victor Hugo, in his book Les Miserables: "To love another person is to see the face of God."
No matter how you mark the day, special gifts or not, I wish you love in abundance.
A few months ago, I took a couple of weeks and spent some time in the south of France, Paris, and London touring, eating, spending time with friends, and enjoying the amazing fashion, art and culture these locales have to offer. There are many exciting things to see and do but I want to share a few of my favorites with you.
South of France For some relaxation before heading to Paris and London

Where to Stay: The Hotel Du’Cap Eden Roc in Cap D’ Antibes is at the top of my list. This luxurious hotel is 140 years old. It caters to every traveler’s needs with fine dining at on site gourmet restaurants to a variety of water sports and fitness activities. We found that we did not even need to leave the hotel choosing to stay on the grounds for entertainment and dining. Total relaxation!
Paris
Where to Stay: You can immerse yourself in luxury at the Four Seasons George V hotel in Paris located steps from the Champs – Elysees. The hotel is elegant and charming with unmatched service. This is a shot of the beautiful courtyard.

Where to Dine: le Relais de l’ Entrecote was quite a popular restaurant and one of my all-time favorites. The line to get in is always long, the menu is short, simple, and worth the wait.



What we Did and What to Do: The above picture is artist Yayoi Kusama's signature splash of dots. We were so lucky to see this installation and captured this photograph of the window display at the Louis Vuitton store in Paris.
Back in 2007 Paris established a fabulous bicycle sharing plan. You rent them at one spot, ride to your destination and return them nearby. With 1,200 rental stations, you can bicycle ride all over Paris.
No one could possibly visit Paris without seeing the iconic Eiffel Tower. Wether you choose to go to the top or simply walk below and admire this beauty, make this a definite stop on your list.
Pay a visit to The Marais district in Paris. This is a shopping, art, and dining destination. The streets are narrow and intricate and the atmosphere is lively. This is a great stop if you enjoy window shopping and people watching.
Of course I managed to find lots of time to do window shopping. I found beautiful furniture and accessories at the Du Bout Du Monde, which translates to the End of the World. What a great name for a shop. The top right photo is an interior view of the new Hermes store in Paris, not to be missed. The bottom right image is the exterior of Tom Ford’s store entirely dedicated to the brand's menswear line. Talk about great shopping options!

Where to Find Niven Morgan: Look what I found when I visited the Conran Shop in Paris-my Jean Baptiste 1717 collection! The Conran Shop is always worth a visit. Founded in 1973, The Conran Shop’s roots are in London but it has grown to be one of the premiere lifestyle retailers in the world. Offering a unique hand-picked blend of gifts, furniture, lighting, and home accessories… I always find something to take home.
London
Upon arrival in London, I enjoyed traditional afternoon tea at award-winning Claridge’s Hotel. In contrast, Claridge's bar is a wonderful, stylish champagne and cocktails venue in London. It is a great place for two or to meet friends.


Around the corner from the Claridge Hotel you’ll find Scott’s Restaurant, a seafood restaurant offering the finest oysters and fish that side of the Thames. The iced display shown in the above left image held flawless shellfish. In the image on the right is The Grenadier, a traditional British pub in operation since 1720. It’s a great spot to relax and have a beer or bloody Mary.
I know I already raved about the Paris version of The Conran Shop, but every location is different from the others. In London the Chelsea version is in the historic Michelin House building. Yes, that is ‘The Michelin Man’ there in the stained glass. Within I found lovely contemporary furnishings, lighting, plus accessories from fun to practical. Definitely a stop worth my time!
As with Paris, I found myself spending time with friends. This is my last night in London, celebrating with one last great party.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the south of France, Paris, and London. These locations beautifully flaunt their well-preserved cultural heritage. It’s hard not to fall in love with places that are the height of design, fashion, culture and style-inspiration in abundance for a guy like me.
Transport yourself to London with my London English Currant candle. This candle is reminiscent of rose gardens found throughout London.
The founder of Niven Morgan Bath, Body and Home Products finds scent inspiration around the globe, from the streets of Capri and Marrakech to the breezes of the Caribbean. His current travel dilemma: Return to favorite destination southern Africa or visit French Riviera's iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc? Read the Full Story

Do you have some hard to buy for people on your Christmas list? Don’t we all? Is it getting harder to find just the right gift for that hard to buy for person? Friends and family members who already have everything they want and need, can be incredibly hard to buy a creative or useful Christmas gift for! So how do you make Christmas merry for the folks who seem to have everything? Today we're going to share some creative gift ideas for those hard to buy for people.
Tis the season of giving! So give to your loved one’s favorite charitable organization. Knowing a bit about the person you’re giving to plays in heavily here. What topics are your receivers the most passionate about? Dog rescue? Child abuse? Education? Is there perhaps, a medical research foundation that would be appropriate? Juvenile diabetes research? Breast cancer? Alzheimer’s? Take some time to really think on this. Choosing the right charity can touch your loved one’s heart deeper than you might think. It tells them you listen. That you care about what they care about.
If you’re a bit strapped for cash, perhaps you could make your charitable gift something that’s a bit more meaningful. Consider donating the gift of time in your loved one’s honor. Or even better, with your loved one! If your mother was an avid reader, maybe the gift of reading aloud to the elderly at your local senior living center would be appropriate. Or you could head up a donation drive through soliciting children’s books donations from your other friends, family, or coworkers. Chronicle your time through keeping a journal, a framed photo, or even making a small scrapbook. A remembrance of the time you spent together in service will truly stand the test of time for your loved one.
The beauty of giving these types of gifts is that it means so much to your recipient, plus you’re doing something meaningful for the world, too. By avoiding the trap of materialism and competitiveness and focusing on gifting charitably and meaningfully, you will enjoy a much more financially sound, peaceful, and fulfilling holiday season.