Try This: Candles for Every Occasion

Stressed? Overtired? Looking for some romance? Hoping to perk up your mood a little bit? Try lighting a candle!! I've recently discovered how powerful an effect candles can have on my mood and general sense of well being.

Quick background... I am a person who loves to save things. That special cheese I bought at the farmer's market last weekend? I might accidentally save that for a special dinner party that doesn't occur for another 2 months, at which point, oops! The cheese is moldy. The beautiful candles we received as a wedding gift? Those could sit unused for another 2 years, waiting for a particularly special occasion.

Ridiculous, right?

So I've decided to change my ways. Rather than saving things for days that may never occur, I am using the things I love, and I'm using them whenever I want!

Since the wedding, my amazing husband and I have been doing some serious cleaning, purging and organization of our apartment in hopes of making it feel larger and more like home. During this process, I found an enormous number of beautiful candles. I always love candles when I see them, so I've purchased quite a few over the years, plus I often receive them as gifts.

One night, I decided that the bathrooms should have candles in them. I loved it! The gentle scent of lemon or lavender floating through the apartment made it feel so comforting and relaxing, plus it instantly spruced up the feeling of the bathrooms!

A few nights later, I was doing some gentle yoga at home and decided that lighting a candle and dimming the lights could feel really wonderful. And it did! I could suddenly breathe deeper and easier, and by the time I finished my brief yoga session, I was more relaxed than I had been in weeks!

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Now, we not only read by candlelight and leave candles lit in the bathrooms, but we eat by candlelight and snuggle in bed by candlelight. Instant romance!

It may sound silly, but don't knock it 'til you try it! I think you might be pleasantly surprised!

Helpful advice: I often find the best deals on beautiful candles at places like TJMaxx, Home Goods and Target - or I buy small votives at the Yankee Candle outlet store!

Some of my favorite scents? Lemon, apple, mandarin, lavender, spruce (or any other form of fir tree that reminds me of winter in Vermont!), cinnamon, and light vanilla (not too sweet!).