From Holiday Hustle to Dutch Daydreams—and Back to a Restocked Candor Studio

After a busy holiday season, I jetted off to the Netherlands in January to spend time with my love, Wesley and his family—trading pricing labels and candle wicks for canal bridges, windmills, stroopwafels bigger than my hand and enough Dutch cheese to fill a carryon. In the glow of fairy-lit streets and clinking bicycle bells, I found the gentle pace that inspires the calming rituals we stock. 

My favorite Dutch ritual: Gezelling - the feeling of cozy, warm, togetherness —think candle-lit cafés, laughing with family around a kitchen table, or sharing tea under a wool throw while rain taps the window. It’s about atmosphere and connection.

What Happened While I Was Away

Dutch-Masters Daydreams
A highlight was lingering inside Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, tracing the brushstrokes of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals. Standing inches from “The Night Watch” felt like stepping into a living ritual of light and shadow—creative fuel that will find its way into future Candor palettes.

Family First
After I returned home in February, Wesley and his family flew over in March; together we visited Graceland, hiked Amicalola Falls and visited the tulips at Gibb’s Garden. They headed home in April, hearts (and carry-ons) full.

A Farm-Side Proposal Back Home
Soon after Wesley and I returned to Georgia, both of our families gathered at my childhood farm for charcuterie. With the families gathered around —Wes knelt and asked a question that lit up the evening far brighter than southern fireflies. I said yes through happy tears, a chorus of “aww’s,” and one very enthusiastic family group hug.

Back Home—and Back to Candor Studio

Now I’m home, ring still sparkling, suitcase finally unpacked, and Booth P2 is ready for the season. While I was away, many of your favorites flew off the shelves, so I’ve:

• Restocked Spring & Summer staples: linen throws, dry brushes, botanical tea blends, aromatic wraps + pillows, baskets + Turkish Pillows, your favorite journals + inspirational books
• Jack Be Nimble’s new candles, soaps + soaking salts from Among the Flowers, Anthro Apothecary + Nectar Republic, and your favorite wrapped books by Blind Date with a Book
• Coming Soon in Dutch-inspired finds: tulips, stroopwaffels and my favorite— Delft-blue everything

Gratitude + Next Steps

2025 has already gifted me tulip fields, new family memories, and a fiancé I adore. Thank you for letting Candor Studio (and me!) ebb and flow with life’s seasons. Your warm messages while I was abroad made home feel never too far away.

Want to feel a little Dutch gezellig in Georgia? Drop by Booth P2 this week and breathe in the new candles. Here’s to a spring and summer filled with slow mornings, outdoor picnics, and love in every form.

With tulips in my heart and fresh stocks on the shelves,

Abigail – Founder, Candor Studio