Suggestions Please: Candles and Room Sprays

First off, the winner of the PureDistance White sample is MaggieCat. Please hit the contact us radio button and give us your shipping info and I’ll get it out to you.

Now here’s where I need some suggestions. I used to live in apartment that had windows on either end and that made for very good cross-ventilation. I was also an old (well, 50’s is old in Los Angeles) building and I never lit candles in it because it was an old wood structure that would probably go up like a matchstick if you even rubbed it hard enough. There was one time when AOL who had offices down the street plunged us into darkness for 24 hours and I was petrified one of my neighbors would pull an Ashley Greene and we’d go up like tinder. The bathroom also had windows as did the kitchen so any of the more unseemly odors didn’t linger (Although if I cooked something smoky it would set off the smoke detectors).

That and I was just convinced that I didn’t like candles. Maybe because my ex did, and practically anything he used to like I now don’t. (I know, bitter much? How do I stay single?)

Now I’m in a different place that has many advantages: a pool (which I never use), a gym (ditto), and central AC (which I told myself I’d never use, but have to great joy). The bad thing about it is that neither the kitchen nor the bathroom has windows, just incredibly ineffective fans. I hate the idea of Fabreze (although I admit I use it on occasion) and the orange oil stuff from Trader Joe’s is pretty ineffective. I did buy a bottle of Orchidée Impériale from Surrender to Chance, but it’s so lovely it seems like a waste to use it to try to cover up the smell of the Irv’s Burger I brought home.

As for the candles, I actually ended up winning two at two separate events: A Scent Bar Rhubarb Grass at one and a Hotel Costes at another. I was going to give them away but they both smelled so great I couldn’t bring myself to. (Cheap and greedy, too. How am I still single again?)

Then I finally decided to start using them.

I was told by someone that the best way to use a scented candle is to light it, let it for a decent puddle of melted wax, then put it out. This will make the scent waft over until the wax solidifies. So I have them on the counter of the little bar area and when I’m in the mood I’ll go light one, or both. I figure the worst that could happen if they tip over after they’re out is that I have to scrape wax off the formica.

So here’s my question to you: what do you recommend in the way of candles and air fresheners? Ones that are preferable less than the cost of a small diamond (I am shocked at what some places ask for wax) and one that keeps the chemicals to a minimum? Please share in the comments.

Photo of the fake candles my fire-phobic friend Terre gave me on groovy kitschy candlesticks my friend Kimberly gave me in my dining room. Photo taken by me, obviously.