2009 was a year of many changes for me, and one of the most intimidating was my move into a new apartment. After years of living with a roommate (de rigeur in NYC) and later with a boyfriend, it was time for me and me alone to make a home of my own - and I vowed to make it an adult one. No futon. No furniture that needed assembly. No paper plates.
Admittedly, it's been slow-going. Refurnishing even a one-bedroom apartment is a pricey proposition, so after devoting a few months worth of time, energy and money on my living room, I'm finally ready to turn my attention to the bedroom.
My first purchase for the bedroom was a gorgeous set of '30's inspired mirrored nightstands and once I got them all set up this weekend, I needed a single finishing touch. So, off I went to my candle cabinet (yes, I have a candle cabinet. Don't judge.) and there, I found Casa di Francesca's Deep Lilac Diffuser Set. Included in the set is an Italian glass bottle with a small bow accent, reed sticks and a separate plastic bottle of fragrance oil, which allows you to refresh the diffuser after a few weeks of use.
Though it takes a few hours for the reeds to begin to diffuse scent, when I woke the next morning, my room was gently scented with a beautiful spring-y floral fragrance.
At just $34 - most reed diffusers are quite pricey - this is an affordable indulgence, one that makes a room feel like a refuge.
I'm always beyond thrilled to receive a gorgeously scented and luxe candle, so when the new Godiva Scented Candles crossed my desk, I was in heaven.
Led by Laura Slatkin, a talented group of master perfumers combined their expertise with the skill of Godiva's chocolatiers to create five sophisticated - but of course, totally yum - home fragrances: Milk Chocolate Truffle, Raspberry Ganache, Black Almond Truffle, White Chocolate Magnolia and Peppermint Bark.
My fave is hands down the Peppermint Bark; it smells just like the real thing and oh-so-perfect for holiday.
Retail prices for the collection range from $12.50 to $22.50, so consider snagging one as a hostess or Secret Santa gift. The box is so pretty, you may not even need to wrap it!
Looking to get yourself in the holiday spirit? Look no further than three of the candles above...with one bonus gift-y suggestion!
Caswell-Massey's Holiday Spice Soy Candle smells exactly like Christmas should - it's a traditional blend of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla and juniper berries and leaves the entire room (or apartment, as the case may be) smelling beyond festive. It's giant and packaged in a luxe box, so it would also make a perf. gift for the candle lover in your life.
Hillhouse Natural's Pomegranate Frost is a less predictable take on holiday. A rich, heady blend of pomegranates, currants and sugar plum leave your house smelling heavenly! Also available are the fresh, aromatic Balsam Wreath, classic Spiced Pear and spicy Cinnabark.
Harry Slatkin's candles for Bath & Body Works are my hands-down, inexpensive fave. The simple reason? Statkin uses a higher percentage of scented oil than any candle brand on the market so the scents have amazing throw. Not to mention, they burn evenly without any pesky maintenance. The Evergreen scent smells exactly like a live tree, giving an air of sophistication to my Target fake!
My pick from Zensual has nothing to do with Holiday, I must admit. But - hear me out! - these exotic candles would make an absolutely stellar gift for almost anyone. They're packaged beautifully in a giftable box and the frosted, gold-embossed glass is wrapped in delicate tissue. Best of all, the fragrances go far beyond the expected. Try Italian Bergamot & Mimosa for a light, effervescent scent.
If you'd like to learn more about the candles above, click through the links on the spread. Happy Shopping!
