Oldfield Society

10/01/2026

October is perfect nesting weather. The garden has turned, and all that’s left hanging are some unripened tomatoes and a squat franken-eggplant that grew sideways. I’ve been focusing on inside the house projects lately - fluffing featherbeds, layering on cozy quilts and extra pillows. I imagine that’s what the squirrels are doing too inside their snug dens, stuffing in extra leaves and preparing for cooler weather. Fall has certainly arrived at Oldfield, and for that I am grateful. 🐿️🍁🎃

09/26/2026

🍂🍎 "The sun was low, and the heavens glowed with the splendor of an autumn sunset. " 🍁🌾 - Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Maybe it's because her home was called "Orchard House" that I chose the crisp, bright apple as the fragrance for Louisa May Alcott's candle. Maybe it's because Jo would munch away on apples as she wrote in the garret or read the books that "turned her brain" that kept me coming back to the blend of apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, orange, and cedarwood. Could it be the annual apple harvest at Plumfield or dear Hannah's apple turnover "muffs" that kept the girls' hands warm on cold morning walks that brought forth this comforting blend?

Whatever the reason, Louisa and her writings (Little Women especially) make me think of Autumn's beauty and the love of family and home. With a nor'easter headed our way tomorrow, it seems like the perfect weather to cook up a fresh batch of Louisa candles and stay cozy inside while the storm rages outside. Happy Fall friends! 🍏🤎

09/15/2026

🍁 “I guess I’m just feeling Septemberish. It’s getting toward autumn now. And it’s so pretty up in Connecticut. All the trees change color. The days get very clear—with a little smoke on the horizon from burning leaves. Pumpkins begin to come out.” - George Selden, The Cricket in Times Square 🍂 Are your pumpkins out yet? Less than a week until Autumn is officially ushered in, and I’m loving the warm days and cool nights. It’s candle season, and Edgar Allan Poe and his oakmoss and amber scent is the perfect celebration of fall. 🍄‍🟫

08/13/2026

08/05/2026

🍁🎃🍂 I know August has only just begun, but is there anyone else dreaming of October? I was in the studio today pouring our newest edition to the candle collection. Our Autumn Pumpkins are the best of sweater weather season borrowing their fragrance from the updated aroma of our Emily Bronte candle - a crisp, layered scent with top notes of sage, eucalyptus, and pine, balanced by a base of musk and moss, all mingled with a heart of apple, peach, and juniper berries.

Available now online @ https://oldfieldsociety.com/autumn-collection-candles

05/28/2026

✨💗 Something truly magical is finally happening, and I am so excited to share it with you all!!! ✨ 💗

I've been working for months on designing an experiential literary program for young adult readers. A Novel Adventure is for students in middle and high school who are longing to connect with kindred spirits, and parents who are searching for a return to traditional education rooted in classics, character, and creativity.

We will get lost in the pages of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, participate in meaningful discussions of the book, and engage in creative pursuits related to the novel/time period. To celebrate the end of the bookish adventure, we will conclude our time together with an unforgettable field trip experience. If you know of a student who lives locally and might be interested, would you please share this amazing opportunity with them?

📚📖📚📖📚📖📚📖

Where: Oldfield Society, 206 Worcester Rd., Suite 36, Princeton, MA

What: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

When: Monday, July 20 - Friday, July 24, 9:00am - 3:00pm

Who: Students in grades 6-12

How: Go to https://oldfieldsociety.com/a-novel-adventure or scan the QR code to learn more! 💗

05/09/2026

🕯👩‍🍳 This is the part that no one sees. It takes time and frankly, it can be tedious. However, it's the most important part of candle making - wick testing. Each new fragrance created at Oldfield needs to be wick tested to check for hot throw, temperature, flame height, and melt pool as it relates and reacts to the oils. I recently changed the wax for our candles from 100% soy to a coco/soy blend which pours beautifully but has added to the testing process. Between that and formulating the fragrance, it's all taken longer than expected. The good news? It's just about finished!

The fragrance for the new Beatrix Potter candle captures quintessential Spring in the Lake District, and I can't wait to share it with you. Only a couple more test burns, and then it will be live on the website. 💗

04/14/2026

🫜”Planting a garden of any sort symbolizes hope. Hope in tomorrow. Hope that something beautiful is about to happen.” - Beatrix Potter 🫛

Spring brings such a flurry of activity and ambition. The list of outdoor projects has no end, and the reality of what can be accomplished fades as soon as the May flies begin to bite - which in Massachusetts seems to happen on the first warm day in April.

I’ve been plotting all winter for Oldfield Society’s growth. Our first newsletter, updates to the website, new products, and a Beatrix Potter candle to add to the Anthology Collection all will be rolling out in time for Mother’s Day. However, I need your help in deciding a couple of key details. Which silhouette to choose for the candle label? What elements come to mind as far as fragrance when you think of Beatrix Potter?

My inspiration for Beatrix’s silhouette came from two photos. When I think of her, she’s lingering among her gardens, overflowing with foxgloves, peonies, hydrangeas, lilacs, and wisteria vines. Although, I think she likes to have a bit of fresh mint, chamomile, and lemon balm on hand to pick for her tea as well. Maybe her fragrance should be some soft floral notes with an earthy, herbal base?

Please let me know your thoughts on fragrance, and if you wouldn’t mind voting for your favorite silhouette, that would be a great help too! 🗳️

03/11/2026

While I was in Virginia a couple of weeks ago, I had the great opportunity to visit the Poe Museum in Richmond. When I used to teach Poe’s works, my favorite part was telling my students all about the author - a glimpse into Poe’s tragic life often sparked the connection for his motivations and inspirations for writing. The “Father of the Detective Story” was credited for inventing the genre in 1841 with “The Murders in the Rue Morgue”. Best-loved Poe work for me is a difficult choice. The Raven? Fall of the House of Usher? Do you have a favorite Poe short story or poem?