DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the Nov. 20 letter about candle scents not lasting, Allica Torres has a Maine-based company that has candles with scents that last to the end. She makes a candle that is called Maine Woods, and it is wonderful.

Her website, Twinkleinme.com, will be up and running on cyber Monday, Dec. 1, or contact her at Twinkleandsign@gmail.com or 365-4755. — Sandra Morris, slmorris528@gmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots was overwhelmed by the responses to this question. She has so many letters on the topic it will take two columns to get them all in the paper. Look for the rest of the suggestions on Monday.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Nov. 20 you published a question about pine-scented candles. This person may wish to check the website for Paine Products in Auburn. They may have a candle that will meet her request. 

Paine Products Inc. is in the Auburn Industrial Park, right next to UPS, 150 Kittyhawk Ave., Auburn, ME 04210, 207-782-0931, paineprod@aol.com. — Sharon Mcgllvery, sharon.mcgilvery@yahoo.com, 

DEAR MRS. SUN SPOTS: I grew up in Maine as a child, and my sister still has a Christmas tree farm in Wales. I now live in Jacksonville, Fla., and have long yearned for the Christmas tree fragrance in my home during the holidays.

A few years ago I was babysitting at the home of a well-to-do lady in a very affluent neighborhood. Low and behold, I was smitten with the fragrance of “Christmas.” I discovered it was a Frasier fir reed diffuser. The scent from this was stronger than the scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree.

I raved about this diffuser and actually received one as a Christmas gift that year. This reed diffuser sells for $60 but lasts for an extremely long time. On looking at their website, I note they also sell candles. I would recommend trying one from that company.

In my area, they can be purchased from upscale companies, but here is the website and phone number from my gift box. This product is created in Minneapolis, Minn., www.thymes.com, 800-366-4071. They have free shipping for the holidays. — Evelyn Johnson, East Jacksonville, Fla.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: One of our employees that lives in Lewiston brought in the Nov. 20 Sun Spots where your reader was requesting a balsam fir candle. They can purchase our “spot-on” candle at Hannaford or Shaw’s. They can also order online at www.villagecandle.com.

Or they can come to our warehouse sale this weekend, Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 90 Spencer Drive, Wells, ME 04090 (exit 19 off Interstate 95).

We have balsam fir at reduced pricing with an additional sale on the balsam fir this weekend for the holiday. It is a true-to-life fragrance. — Sally Aldrich, president, Village Candle Internet, 207-251-4800, saldrich@villagecandle.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Rangeley Balsam offers balsam fir-scented spray, soap, lotion, scrubs and flameless candles (diffusers). We have a website and you can even place a custom order via email. — Priscilla Bean, rangeleybalsam@yahoo.com, 207-864-2184

HELLO, MRS. SUN SPOTS: I have had very good success with balsam-scented candles from Walmart or Kmart, but I don’t actually burn them. I buy the larger jar candles, put them on a coffee/tea mug warmer that I bought at either Walmart or Kmart at a very reasonable price ($5 to $10) and keep the candles on the warmers (turned on) all the time.

The candle aromas will keep a large area of my home very nicely scented for quite a while, and the cost is minimal. I think that by having the warmer melt the entire candle the whole scent is allowed to “drift” around the house. I find the scent much stronger and longer-lasting than when I actually burned them, plus the added benefit of no soot marks on walls or furniture. Hopefully this will be helpful for No Name. — Mary-Jane Peaco, Durham

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where can I find smokeless, dripless candles without purchasing them online? Thank you. — No Name, Poland

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not know, but this column (and Monday’s) should give you plenty of places to check out as well as alternative suggestions, such as using a diffuser or a warming plate instead of candles.

Those options may also be safer. On average, a candle fire in the home is reported in the United States every 40 minutes, so be careful with those flames!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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