Neutral Ground: The Final Touches To Refresh Your Home After A Deep Clean

How to Refresh Your Home for Summer Using Neutrals (and Elbow Grease)

Ah, summer. The season of spicy margaritas, patio hangs, and windows open while the sprinklers run over fresh cut grass. But before we can sink into the sweetness of the season, there’s something we need to talk about:

The Great Seasonal Reset.

You know the one. Where you suddenly find yourself hunched over the shower tile, scrubbing a mystery substance that may or may not have been toothpaste... from last fall. Where your stovetop’s fine lines hold more secrets than your face, and the winter boot water stains on your floor could probably be carbon-dated.

But here’s the good news: once the deep clean is done, it’s time for the fun kind of refreshing — the kind that involves cozy neutral throw blankets, flickering candles, and decorative cushions that exist purely for aesthetics and emotional support.

Let’s dive in.

1. Candles Aren’t Just for Winter

Some people swap out Christmas candles for citronella and call it a day — but not us. Summer calls for fresh, clean scents like citrus, woods and soft florals. Our candles don’t just smell like heaven, they look good and are a part of the decor in my home. I put those little jars of heaven EVERYWHERE. Light one while you’re scrubbing the baseboards and suddenly you’re the main character in a minimalist French film LOL. Bring the crisp, fresh scents of the lake/forests inside (not right now if you live in Saskatchewan…or Manitoba—but we have a fireside candle if you haven’t gotten enough of that deep smokiness yet). Think the dreamy hush beneath the canopy of green, where sunlight filters through leaves like soft lace. The air is thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, clean and grounding, like a breath you didn’t know you were holding.

Light one of our more grounding Boreal-themed flickering lights to escape to the tranquilty of the forest while you’re still in the city. We recommend:

Forest by RURAL candles

A Walk In The Woods from Flicker Candle Company or

Foret de Coniferes from Feu & Co. Candles.

Not a candle fan? We’ve got you:

Soja & Co. Reed Diffusers are a beautiful and practical way to infuse your home with long-lasting, natural fragrance—without a flame or fuss. Hand-poured in Montreal, these diffusers reflect the brand’s commitment to clean, conscious living. Each diffuser is thoughtfully blended with high-quality, non-toxic fragrance oils and comes in a minimalist glass vessel that complements any room's aesthetic. The natural rattan reeds gradually absorb the oil and release scent into the air, creating a gentle, consistent aroma that lingers for weeks.

Benefits of a Flameless Home Fragrance:

• Safe & Worry-Free: Perfect for homes with pets, kids, or busy schedules—no open flame means no fire risk.

• Low Maintenance: No lighting, trimming, or monitoring. Just flip the reeds occasionally to refresh the scent.

• Long-Lasting Aroma: Reed diffusers typically last several months, offering a subtle but continuous fragrance without needing to be "turned on."

• Stylish & Space-Saving: Their elegant, compact design looks beautiful on counters, bookshelves, or in small spaces like bathrooms or entryways.

• Cleaner Air: Unlike some candles or plug-ins, Soja & Co. diffusers are free from phthalates, parabens, and synthetic dyes—offering a safer scent experience.

From calming lavender blends to invigorating citrus and woods, Soja & Co.’s reed diffusers are a simple, stylish way to bring a steady sense of comfort and calm to your space.

2. Throw Blankets & Cushions: The Real MVPs

After a marathon cleaning session, you’ll want to collapse somewhere beautiful. Enter: soft, neutral throws and textured cushions in linen, cotton, and other airy fabrics. Think sandy oat, warm ivory, and the kind of muted tones that say, “I’ve got my life together,” even if your junk drawer is a crime scene. It’s that glorious moment when you've spent the entire day battling weeds, trimming shrubs, and picking up pinecones — and you finally stumble inside, smelling vaguely of grass, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher please!) and happily disheveled, with the scent of fresh air and hard work still lingering..

You peel off your dirt-streaked clothes like a warrior shedding armour, shuffle to the bathroom, and slide into a warm bath like you’re sinking into a potion of redemption. Muscles…time to exhale. Your back audibly thanks you. (We recommend the Northern Sage Recovery soak from Bathorium).

Then comes the best part: slipping into your comfiest house clothes (you know the ones — soft, oversized, slightly questionable in public), wrapping yourself in a buttery soft throw like our oversized, hand-loomed Turkish cotton throw from Sultana Luxury Linens. Soft, breathable, and effortlessly cozy. The perfect blend of luxury and laid-back living., and collapse onto the couch like a garden-soiled god/goddess.

You’ve earned this level of cozy — one weed at a time.

3. Faux Foliage, Real Vibes

Let’s be honest: your houseplants didn't survive winter. (RIP, Fernie.) But all is not lost. Faux stems — like eucalyptus or olive branches — can bring the outdoors in without any of the work! Love that! Pop them in a matte ceramic pot or a beautiful clear vase (tip: add a little water for extra real effect) and voila! Space refreshed. At Wren, we have a beautiful selection of faux/preserved botanicals. Florals, thistles, greenery, even olive trees to bring the beauty of nature indoors with zero responsibility after you’ve set them up. These aren’t your Grandmother’s fake plants, these are carefully crafted with innovative materials to look and feel real. They are actually called “real touch” faux plants. They look, feel and move like real plants! No silk dusty nonsense here!

4. Set the Table Like You Might Have Guests

Even if your summer guest list includes just you, a book, and a very full glass of rosé, you deserve beautiful new dinnerware and stemware. Opt for neutral glazes and organic shapes — pieces that look like you picked them up in a little seaside town, not on sale during a Target run in January or better yet, support local and come check out Wren’s selection of antique white dinnerware sets. They are minimalist, classy and impresive plus they are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe (up to 200 degrees). AND they are on sale!!! 45% off right now. Come get em! Wren also offers fluted stemware at reasonable prices. These glasses elevate to a new level of refinement and effortless sophistication without costing and arm and a leg!

5. Rugs That Cover a Multitude of Sins

Summer is for bare feet and soft rugs — especially ones that strategically hide the ghosts of seasons past (aka salt stains and rogue ketchup blobs). Swap heavy textiles for light natural-fibre throw rugs in calming neutrals that look great underfoot and even better in photos. Wren has some bohemian and coastal vibe options to give your tootsies a little extra comfort (and hide sand/pool water and the dirt that followed you in after weeding).

Final Thought: Summer Starts in the Grout Lines

Yes, it’s about fresh cushions and breezy palettes — but it’s also about shower scum that’s been haunting you since November. So scrub, rinse, toss, and refresh. Then reward yourself with a candlelit moment of peace, your favourite drink in a new glass, and a house that finally feels ready for long days and open windows.

Need summer staples that look good and smell even better?

Come browse the newest from Wren at wreninspiredlife.com or visit us in store— no grout brush required.

Three Ships Beauty: The Skincare line That Finally Delivered

My Honest Review of Three Ships Beauty and why I absolutely LOVE it:

I’ve spent most of my life at war with my skin.

Acne didn’t disappear after high school like everyone said it would. It followed me into adulthood, through motherhood, through every hormonal shift and stressful season. I’ve battled red, sore bumps, stubborn blackheads, and skin so dry and tight it cracked when I smiled. And through it all, I’ve thrown money at every promising “miracle” brand out there—hooked by polished ads, glowing before-and-afters, and influencer promises that never delivered.

As a middle-aged woman I’ve also entered the joyous roller coaster of skin instability. Sometimes it’s dry, sometimes it’s oily. It’s getting thinner, losing collegen and becomming dull. As a result, I can tell you with almost 100% certainty—I’ve tried everything. Every influencer recommendation, every before-and-after photo that promised to erase the red bumps, blackheads, and scars that made me want to hide behind a full face of makeup. And guess what? None of it worked. Not for me. My skin didn’t magically transform like the photos. It stayed angry, irritated, and worse—I stayed disappointed and discouraged.

When I opened Wren, I furthered my search for a complete line that was made in Canada, natural, gentle and effective. This is where I discovered Three Ships Beauty.

This isn’t a gimmick. It’s not another trendy brand trying to cash in on your insecurities. Three Ships is Canadian-made, women-founded, and built with integrity. Clean, natural ingredients. Eco-conscious products in really cute minimalist packaging (check, check, CHECK!). A mission that puts people, the planet, and real results first. And as someone who curates every product at Wren with obsessive care, their values instantly resonated with me.

But let me be clear: Three Ships didn’t just align with my values—it changed my skin, it works!.

It. Actually. Works.

I started with the Fresh Start Resurfacing Treatment, and no exaggeration—it erased the blackheads on my nose. When I run out? They creep back. It’s that effective. Then I added the Boost Rosehip Oil Serum, and suddenly my skin didn’t just look hydrated—it was hydrated. Dewy, glowy, soft. I don’t even need a moisturizer half the time (but when I do, Three Ships has those too—in sleek little pump jars that don’t require me to dig into a jar leaving a mess under my nails, bless!)

For the first time in my life, I’m not hiding under layers of concealer and foundation. I wear makeup when I want to, just for fun—not because I feel like I have to. My face doesn’t hurt anymore. I don’t cringe when I catch my reflection. I feel confident in my own skin.

That’s something I never thought I’d say.

Everything in the Three Ships line is thoughtfully made—minimal, clean scents, clever packaging that keeps your fingers out of the jar, and formulations that leave your skin feeling soft, balanced, and calm.

Yes, we sell Three Ships at Wren. But we aren’t trying to sell you something, we are trying to share something with you. We carry Three Ships because we believe in it. Because I’ve lived the skin struggle, and I know the pain of putting your trust in brand after brand that breaks your heart. At Wren, we only share what we use, what we love, and what actually works.

So if you’re tired of filters, of hiding, of wondering if skincare will ever truly work for you—let us help you try something different.

Because you deserve to feel good in your skin.

Filters hide—this brand heals. Three Ships gave me the confidence to show up in my real skin. Confidence that doesn’t wash off at night? Yaaaaas please and THANK YOU Three Ships!

I Came. I Saw. I Sniffed Every Candle

Hi, my name is Leslie, and I have a candle... situation.

Some might call it a “problem.”
I prefer “passion.” Or “enthusiasm.”
"Candle sommelier" also has a nice ring to it.

Because for me, candles are more than just wax in a jar. They’re aromatherapy. They’re ambiance. They’re self-care with a wick (the wooden ones are my favourite) A well-scented flame is basically my therapist, inspiration coach, and emotional support companion wrapped into one delicious-smelling glow.

In the past, I have been known to spend 30–60 minutes (okay, fine, 90) in a candle aisle, sniffing, reading labels, touching each vessel like it holds ancient wisdom. Will this one smell like cookies baking in the oven? Will that one erase all traces of dog from my living room? The possibilities are endless, and the stakes? Extremely scented.

Almost every night, I light a candle and sink into a bath like a moody Victorian woman recovering from "nerves." No overhead lights. Just warm water, deep breaths, and my favourite flame dancing beside me. It’s a ritual. A reset. A little slice of peace in a loud world.

So yes, I really love candles. And luckily for me (and for you!), Wren is full of them—carefully chosen, clean-burning, and absolutely gorgeous. Here's a peek at what we carry:

Wren Signature Candles

Whoa Nelly, these smells are next level! We’ve proudly offer TWO signature candle lines:

• The Literary Collection, think— a library of light: Mmm smells like a good book! A candle collection inspired by the beauty of language—each scent named after a literary term, as a fragrant homage to my love of words and the stories they shape. Handcrafted & eco-friendly, each candle is hand-poured using 100% natural soy wax, premium cotton wicks, and high-quality, paraben-free fragrance oils and no added dyes. Hand-poured in Newmarket Ontario.

• Wren’s Signature Luxe Candle Collection, The Storytellers — a poetic symphony of scent, sound, and serenity. Each candle in this collection is crafted with a crackling wooden wick that mimics the gentle lull of a distant fire, drawing you inward with its comforting whisper. Poured with creamy coconut-soy wax, these candles are clean-burning, long-lasting, and designed to evoke not just fragrance, but feeling. Think a garden in soft bloom damp with the memory of fresh rain (The Sleepy Garden) or the worn leather and linen pages of a favourite novel opened for the hundredth time (Between Pages). Softly crackling and sensory-rich, 100% soy wax hand-poured soy wax candles that burn for 40+ hours. Hand-poured in Calgary Alberta.

Flicker Candles (Saskatoon, SK)

A Saskatoon-based candle company founded and hand-poured by the delightful Shanna. Handcrafted with love in her home studio, Flicker Candle Co. offers non-toxic, phthalate- and paraben-free candles made from clean-burning soy wax. Minimalist packaging and calming scents, Shanna’s candles are thoughtfully designed to provide a serene ambiance, allowing you to unwind and relax.

RURAL Candles (Vancouver, BC)

Each RURAL candle is handcrafted in small batches using a clean-burning coconut-soy wax blend, pure cotton wicks, and high-grade fragrance oils. The scents are inspired by fresh fruits and the natural world, offering a calming and refreshing experience. Some candles are adorned with gemstone embellishments, adding a touch of whimsy and intention.

RURAL Candles is committed to sustainability and well-being. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from phthalates, parabens, lead, and zinc. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from each candle sold supports mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, so you’re lighting hope with every flicker.

Soy Harvest Candles (Winnipeg, MB)

Founded by Sheila Sorochan in 2005, the company began as a kitchen project and has since grown into a national brand, supplying over 300 stores across Canada and the United States. Their candles are handcrafted using all-natural soy wax, natural wooden wicks, and reusable glass jars. Zero waste and fully reusable. When you’ve burned through the goodness, pop the vessel in the freezer overnight, pop out the remaining wax and wash it out you have a brand new drinking glass Genius.

*Bonus, this Timberflame line of luxury candles contain dual wooden wicks that crackle when they burn and have up to 80 hours of burn time!

Candles are my love language.
They help me connect to memories, emotions, and the present moment.
They make your space feel sacred—even when it’s just Tuesday and your dog just barfed on the rug.

So no, I don’t have a problem.
I have excellent taste…in candles.

Come find your next olfactory soulmate at Wren. Your home (and your nervous system) will thank you.

Thirst Trap: Why Blume’s SuperBelly Is the Drink of the Season

Stay Cool, Hydrated, and (Ahem) Regular This Summer
feat. Blume’s SuperBelly Hydration Powders, because your gut deserves good vibes too

Ah, summer. That glorious stretch of sunshine, patio spritzes, and "why am I sweating in places I didn’t know could sweat?" energy. While we’re all chasing golden hour and pretending bug spray is a natural perfume, one thing often slips through the (sun-kissed) cracks: hydration.

Yes, water is great. Essential, even. But let’s be honest—sometimes the whole “just drink more water” thing feels… boring. Like, we get it. Water is the Taylor Swift of beverages. But even Tay remixes her hits. That’s where Blume SuperBelly Hydration Powder comes in—your gut’s new summer crush.

So, what is it?

Picture this: four fabulous flavours—Mango Passionfruit, Strawberry Hibiscus, Lemon Ginger, and Acai Pomegranate—packed into cute little tubes that are basically wellness confetti for your water bottle. These blends taste amazing and come with bonus benefits, like supporting gut health and keeping things, shall we say, moving along nicely.

In short: they hydrate you and help keep your digestion drama-free. Who knew hydration could come with a side of sass?

Why not just drink water?

You can! We love a classic. If straight-up H2O is your summer vibe, by all means, sip away, hydration queen. But if you’re looking to zhuzh things up and add a little sparkle to your Stanley (or whatever cute tumbler you're toting), SuperBelly is the move. It's flavourful, refreshing, and free of the sneaky sugars found in so many hydration mixes on the market.

Gut health: the trend we didn’t know we needed

In case you missed it, gut health is having a moment—and not just on TikTok. More research is showing that a happy gut means better immunity, mood balance, and energy. SuperBelly helps you support your insides while keeping your outsides glowing in the summer sun. And let’s face it, nothing ruins a beach day like feeling bloated and blah.

How to make hydration cute:

• Toss a few SuperBelly tubes into your bag for on-the-go sippin’

• Mix and match flavours for a hydrating flight (yes, that’s a thing now)

• Add ice, fresh mint, or fruit for spa-level vibes

• Brag to your friends about your regularity (or don’t—we support discretion)

So whether you're lounging lakeside, strolling Broadway and supporting local or just trying to stay conscious during a mid-July heatwave, remember: hydration doesn’t have to be boring. It can be bold, berry-flavoured, and gut-lovingly good.

Shop all 4 flavours of Blume SuperBelly in-store or online now at Wren.
Your water bottle (and your digestive system) will thank you.