Candles for the home

Le Labo SANTAL 26 was the nicest bday gift from a couple months back. I burned through it so fast.

Grateful that fire doesn’t need to actually keep the house warm over here on the west coast… but I’ve cherished a rotation of candles in every single one of my spots simply for their aesthetic appeal and their sole ability to create a relaxing ambiance. Christopher likes to call me the ‘Queen of Cozy’ for my insistence on turning off the overhead bulbs at night and navigating the apartment from the light of my candles. That title is actually too kind, as I acknowledge I probably deserve being called something like ‘Medieval Maiden.’

Regardless, I enjoy going overboard in order to create a warm and delicious-smelling space, especially in the years before little kid hands are at risk for getting sooty. For now, bring on all the tapered, pillar, votive and tealight candles! I want to note that I’m aware of VOCs and this list below is likely not a perfect list of nontoxic finds, but its a start. Rule of thumb is to find candles made with soy, coconut or beeswax, no synthetic fragrances and hemp or wood wicks. (While beyond nostalgic) I’ve come a long way from Bath and Body Works ‘Sweet Pea.’

Diptyque is the newest fragrance shop on Fillmore St. SF

Happy Organics beeswax candles from Fort Mason’s craft fair.

Maison Louis Marie’s No.4 is also a favorite perfume of mine.