Scentsy & Home Fragrance Reviews

January 30, 2021Leave a comment

I feel 400 years old writing this.

I mean, look at me. I am a woman writing about candles and wax melts ON HER BLOG. In 2021. Yeah…2009 called. It wants it’s jeans from The Buckle back. But it’s okay because like so many great trends of the 2000’s (hello Juicy suits!), candles, wax other smelly-goods are totally worthy of this humbling effort.

This also necessitates a briefing on wax melts. First there’s Walmart wax, which offers a very wide variety, with prices ranging from .99 (Mainstays) to the $2 (Scentsantionals, Better Homes & Gardens) all the way up to bougie $4 and $5 bars from Yankee Candle and Woodwick.

I have tried all of these brands and there is definitely a difference. The higher priced waxes simply seem to last longer for me. Meaning, I can leave a Yankee wax melt in my warmer for 2-4 days (switched on for 8-10 hours) whereas the others will only throw for about 1-2.

Then there’s Scentsy, which is direct sales only. Scentsy wax bars tend to last the longest for me, about 3-4 days depending on the scent. They are also the most expensive at $6 a bar, but I have gotten some great deals from my Scentsy dealer Ashlee. Click here if you are interested!

Let’s start with this grouping, before I started ordering from Scentsy.

Yankee Candle Pink Sands – SUCH a nostalgic, holy grail scent for me. If you have never smelled Pink Sands before, get on it. Because it will change your life.

Yankee Candle Warm and Cozy – I thought this was going to be a dupe for marshmallow fireside and womp womp…it isn’t even close. It is woodsy, smoky and musky. Not my favorite.

Better Homes & Gardens Sugared Lavender Twist – I am not a huge lavender person, which is why I decided to try this “sugared” version. I actually did like it in the bathroom, but got a little tired of it after awhile.

Better Homes & Gardens Vanilla Cookie Crunch – This is SUCH a great vanilla bakery scent. When I first melted this, David walked in the house and said, “Oh my god you are making cookies!” It was that authentic.

Scentsationals Iridescent – This smelled great in the packaging but was such a light performer. Would not repurchase.

And my first Scentsy order! *Notice the samples included here (the scent circle, bath soak and tester cubes). She also gave me extra bars to try for free.

Christmas Cottage – This is a lovely spicy, citrusy scent that is the PERFECT Christmas smell. I gave one to my sister for her birthday.

Silver Bells – I think this is my favorite Scentsy bar so far! It is a mixture of (brace yourself) candy canes, pear, vanilla and caramel. Sounds weird but is SO amazing. And this scent lingers for days.

Breakfast in Bed – This smells like pumpkin and raspberry pastries, cinnamon sugar and vanilla. SO amazing!

I’m Snow Over It – Definitely a winter-berry scent. I love this in the bedroom but it did not perform the best in a larger space.

Amazon Rain – Love this for the bathroom. I mostly get notes of melon , coupled with a soft floral. Very pleasant, soothing and perfect for the bedroom or bathroom.

My latest Scentsy order came with a new Spring/Summer 2021 catalogue and this adorable sparkly pen!

This time, I ordered:

Sweet Plum Pastry – I was not sure I liked this when I first smelled this, but it is amazing when warmed. It really smells like a plum tart baking in the oven and there is a slight coconutty finish. I am obsessed.

Cutie Pie Cupcake – This smells like orange dreamsicle cake with fluffy frosting. Makes you want to lick the air.

Dancing Sugar Plums – I am not surprised I love this. Basically, it smells like a rich plum mixed with cinnamon spice. Perfect for the holidays!

Next up are the candles we have tried out:

Bath & Body Works Cereal Marshmallow Bar – This has such a uniquely sweet scent to it. Yes it smells like a Rice Krispie Treat, but I also pick up a limey note. I also just noticed this candle is going for like $50 on eBay. Haha!

Thymes Fraiser Fir – Our Aunt Sandi had this candle going in her bathroom one night in December when we came over for dinner. I was instantly in love! I said “What is that amazing candle!?” and she pulled one out and gave it to me. It is a staple in her house each holiday season and for darn good reason. This is the BEST tree scent I have ever smelled. It is so lovely and if Aunt Sandi likes it, you know it’s good!

Which candles and wax bars should I try next?

My 2020 Christmas List

November 13, 20201 Comment

DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH!

Alright, let’s see it! Who has put up their Christmas decor? Don’t be shy! Ours is going up this weekend and I am personally very proud of myself for holding off this long. I MEAN…(insert any 2020 meme here).

We need you, Christmas. We need you so bad.

To do my part, I will be sharing my 2020 Christmas list with you today. A time-honored tradition that, at the very least, will get me in the holiday spirit! Stay tuned for a holiday gift guide I plan to put together in the coming weeks.

And yes, this is my actual Christmas list. These are items I truly love.

Elle and Emm Troop Beverly Hills Tee Shirt – Size Medium

Give me all things Troop Beverly Hills. It is my aesthetic. Or really, give me any clothing item from Elle and Emm because all their things are right up my alley.

2. Scentsy Cinderella Carriage Warmer

I want to put this in my bedroom and look at it everyday. It really is that simple. Also you can put wax melts inside to make your place smell nice. If you need to get any Scentsy products, you can buy them from my pal Ashlee, here!

3. Donna Karen Deodorant

Yes I have deodorant on my Christmas list. I have never tried this due to the price tag but always wanted to. Figured I would ask my loved ones for it instead!

4. AE High-Waisted Jogger – Size 8 XL

I love these joggers from American Eagle but need to order them in an extra long. They are really comfortable and I do not own anything like them.

5. Davines Oi Shampoo

This is a super bougie shampoo my sister-in-law Shannon got me hooked on. It smells amazing and there is just nothing like it. You can really only buy it at salons or order it from their website, but I promise it is worth every penny!

6. Old Navy Sweater – Size Medium Tall (light or dark gray)

I have had my eye on this quarter-zip sweater from Old Navy for awhile now. It comes in a tall version but must be special ordered. Love it SO much!

7. Target Candle Stick Holders

My sister Megan has convinced me that every mantle must have these skinny black candle holders. I do what my sister tells me.

8. Maison de L’Amour Sweatshirt – Size M/L

LOVE this sweatshirt and several others from Elle and Emm. Translates to “House of Love”!

Current Favorites

August 19, 2020August 20, 2020Leave a comment

Throwin’ it back to 2015 y’all!

yes this photo is from 2015, note the cell phone case

Today I thought I would bring you a list of the things I am currently loving. I do not know why this topic stopped being “a thing” so I am bringing it back. Hope that’s alright.

Arizona Big Buckle Birkenstocks

I got these Birkenstocks a couple years ago at Nordstrom. I havethis persistent pain in my back and a physical therapist friend recommended shoes with better support. I liked them because of the larger sized, shiny gold buckle. SO much more bougie than the regular old Birks. I feel like these shoes represent me perfectly and it shows! I wear them every single day.

Vedic Botanicals Alk-Align Toning Mist

This alkaline toning mist from Vedic Botanicals has been amazing on these 100 degree days! I keep it in the fridge and spray my face anytime I need some cooling off. The Kamogawa blend is especially good for uneven skin tone.

Vedic Botanicals NouRiche Hair Serum

You guys already know about my hair loss story and the journey back to full, sumptuous locks. This stuff has been amazing when applied directly to my scalp. And since the whole brand is vegan and uses very high-quality ingredients like coconut and argan oil, I feel good about doing it!

The team at Vedic Botanicals sent a few other products my way and I am delighted to try them all out!

A Wax Warmer and Wax Melts

It is no secret that I love me a good scented candle. Give me BBW Marshmallow Fireside any day of the week! But I have a toddler. A super curious one. Of course I always put the candles out of reach, but these days she is such a climber and I would rather be safe than sorry. PLUS, I have been reading about the soot that fills the air with candles and how they can stain your walls. That is when I decided to nab this wax warmer at Goodwill the other day for $4. It is from the brand Scentsy (it is called the Windsor warmer) and was brand-spanking new! Gotta love Goodwill!

I have been trying a bunch of different wax melts out (all from Wal Mart) and these are my favorites so far:

Pink Sands by Yankee Candle is AMAZING you guys!

Humble Flower Mini Relief Balm

So apparently I am an old lady because my knees audibly CREEK when I bend down and stand up. Poor Clara looks at me like “what was THAT noise?” and I just have to explain she has a geriatric mother with old-lady veiny hands and creeky-ass joints.

I digress.

This relief balm from Humble Flower is SO good! I was not a believer of any CBD products until I tried this. I rub it into my knees and “my hump” which is basically a persistent muscle pain I get in my back. It feels amazing, smells great and always provides some relief. It is a keeper!

Goodwill and Yard Sales

I do not need to explain this one much – just feast yer eyes on these finds!

Bird prints from Goodwill – $20 (originally from Z Gallerie)

This cool gold bust from an estate sale – $5

These cool vintage birds at a yard sale – $4 for a set of 2!

And lastly, but certainly not least..

Biscoff Cookies

If you have never tried these little gems, run don’t walk to the grocery and pick some up! If you are lucky, you will even happen upon some Biscoff Cookie Butter which to me, is better than the popular Trader Joes Speculoos. I have been eating these non-stop as they are the perfect size, flavor and texture. Added bonus: you get to feel very European and chic while eating them.

*This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.