Relax & Unwind with Santa Barbara Aromatics' Candles

It has been one of those weeks. You know what I'm talking about? The kind where you don't leave the office until 7 (or 8) most nights. The kind where you come home, make dinner, but are too tired to do the dishes. So the dishes sit in the sink until you realize every dish you own is dirty.

Don't get me wrong. I love my job. Love. Love. Love it! There is nothing else in the world I would want to do. Being a lawyer is my dream job. But it is also very stressful at times. 

One thing I have learned over time is that when life gets crazy you have to treat yourself to the little luxuries -- a cupcake from that bakery on the corner, that pair of shoes you've been eying for months, or a new haircut. 

This week I discovered a new little luxury -- candles from Santa Barbara Aromatics!

I had the opportunity to sample the Montecito candle from Santa Barbara Aromatics and my goodness -- I have never smelled something so fresh and beautiful and spot on to the way Santa Barbara actually smells! I know that sounds funny -- but Santa Barbara does have a smell! (If you forgot how gorgeous Santa Barbara is click here, here, and here). 

 

The Montecito candle filled my living room with the heavenly scent of gardenia and tuberose-- two of my favorite fragrances! The fresh floral aroma danced its way through my apartment with out being too strong or over powering. The scent reminded me of warm summer days spent with friends, frolicking through the Montecito hills, making our way down to Butterfly Beach. The fragrance was warm and inviting. 

The candles are soy candles, which burn very evenly and clean. I burned mine every night this week and there is not a trace of black soot on the inside of the glass.  

I was very impressed with the packaging. My 10 ounce candle was hand poured into a thick and heavy glass container and topped with a glass lid. The label offers a gorgeous water colored image of the ocean and mountains. 

  

Shop owner and Santa Barbara native, Seana, mirrors each glorious scent after a famous Santa Barbara landmark. She hit Monetcito, an affluent area with massive estates, right on the money. 

As for other well known Santa Barabara hot spots, Seana offers  Mountain Drive, San Ysidro, Padaro Beach, Mission Rose, and Mirimar Beach. She also offers other floral and fruit fragrances -- perfect for the upcoming spring and summer months -- also perfect for Mother's Day gifts!

I know I will be back for more and I can't wait to treat myself to a new little luxury! I love Plumeria -- so probably the Padaro Beach candle! I'll let y'all know which one I choose! 

Check out Santa Barbara Aromatics etsy shop, website, and Facebook page!

XOXO

Meg

PS: Santa Barbara Aromatics gifted me this glorious candle. However, all thoughts and opinions regarding the product are my own. 

PPS: Congrats to our giveaway winner, Savannah! 

5 Unique Lingerie Shower Gifts -- That Won't Break The Bank

Wedding season is upon us, folks! And if you've been invited to the Lingerie Shower, you've probably also been invited to the engagement party, the bridal shower, the bachelorette party, and the wedding! Heck! You may even be a bridesmaid! All the festivities, while really fun, can take a tole on the ol' pocketbook!

When you get your lingerie shower invite, try and figure out how many people have been invited. If the bride is depending on her five closest friends to stock her up with some sexy lingerie, then you may want to go the more traditional gift giving route. However, if lots of girls have been invited, I'd say it is safe to stray a bit!

Here are some wallet friendly, unique, and far more user friendly lingerie shower gifts!

5 for $26 Victoria Secret Panties: Still a fairly traditional lingerie shower gift -- but as a married woman, I can promise you - these will get a lot more use then that $75 lacy bustier.  Any bride would be more than happy to have a new pair of panties for every day of her honeymoon. 

Here Comes the Bride Philosophy Gift Set: Perfect little lotion and shower gel set for the bride who likes to pamper herself. And if you haven't smelled this stuff -- it is blissful!

Mr & Mrs. Luggage Tags: Adorable luggage tags for the traveling couple! I love that these say "Mr." and "Mrs.," as opposed to "Bride" and "Groom," so they can be used for more than just the honeymoon!

Battery Operated Votive Set: For the bride who likes to set the mood with candles, this battery operated votive set is perfect to take on her honeymoon. 

Monogrammed Make-Up Bag: Have this adorable make-up bag embroidered with the Bride's new monogram! A gift that is sure to be appreciated! You can even fill it with sample sized versions of the bride's favorite shampoo, lotions, and body washes. 

Retro Apron: How adorable is this! Gift this apron with a pair of panties and instruct the bride to cook a meal in just this little ensemble.

Do y'all have any other unique lingerie shower gifts? Be sure to comment below!

XOXO

Meg