latest faves: candles

Here’s a fun fact: my very first job out of college was designing packaging for candles that were sold at Target. I really think this experience kind of… shaped me in how I view fragrances for the home. It’s sort of like perfume and let’s just say I have somewhat sophisticated tastes as a result of that first job. I tend to avoid florals and anything overly sweet. Instead, I love smokey notes, things that make me nostalgic for campfires and my grandpa’s fireplace. Lately, I’ve fallen in love with 3 specific and very different candles.

portable fireplace candle - smells just like the real thing!First up: the portable fireplace candle by D.S. & Durga. I picked this one up at a local boutique in SF and it immediately blew my mind. This one smells EXACTLY like a fireplace. To be more specific, it reminds me of sitting in my grandma’s pea green velvet reclining chair over the holidays as a kind. If I close my eyes while this candle is lit, I’m immediately transported back to that time. I can even hear my grandmother’s voice and taste my grandpa’s sausage gravy and biscuits.

campire candle by p.f. candle coNext, this campfire special candle from P.F. Candle Co. The notes are smoke, pine, soil, and a natural sweetness that reminds me of roasting marshmallows over an open fire. This one isn’t as powerful as the others, so I prefer to light it when I have guests over. It’s just mellow enough to set the scene for casual hangs and bourbon drinks.

side table stylingLastly, I discovered Lola James Harper candles while shopping at Love Adorned in New York. I picked up the Promenade in Vincennes Wood candle and find it to be totally different than anything I’ve ever purchased before. The fragrance evolves every time I burn, I swear.  The notes are described as green tea, lily, and wood. I definitely sniff out the tea notes more than anything else though, which is why I love this one for all those bubble baths I take.

my latest favorite candlesDo you have any candles that you’re loving lately? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

photography by Jojotastic

Behind The Blog

Joanna Hawley-McBride is a Pacific Northwest-based social media strategist, content creator, and former textile designer. Joanna is the founder and editor-in-chief of Jojotastic, a lifestyle blog focused on Joanna’s work-in-progress cabin, finding the best pair of underwear through #UnderwearThesis, and empowering women to explore nature — all in her signature unfiltered style. Her work has been featured in Domino, CNBC, and Eating Well.

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1 Comments

  1. 1.20.15
    Sarah Stella said:

    Sounds like we have similar tastes in candle scents. I’m already a big fan of DS&Durga’s perfumes so I’ll definitely have to check out their candles!

    My go-to fave has got to be Bitches Brew: http://www.firstandbryant.com/product/bitches-brew-candle-no-001

    Not so sure I can smell the skulls and love in that one, but otherwise A+!