I'm addicted to candles. No matter where I am -- at home, at work, entertaining -- I always have a candle burning. The flickering light sets the mood for a dinner party or a night in with friends, and if you've read my column before, you know that lighting is key.
Candles actually have an amazing history. The first known use of candles was during the Qin dynasty in China and were made with whale fat. Candles have been an important part of human evolution, used to set the mood in temples, for basic lighting needs and even to tell time.
Lighting and practicality aside, I am a sucker for a great scent and believe that when you find the right signature scent, you won't be able to live without it. Scents can take you away, conjure up feelings of happiness and relaxation. Finding the right one is difficult though, and candles have gotten a bad rep because they smell either too sweet or too strong, not to mention the really great ones are expensive.
If you've given up on candles, or are looking for something new and fresh, here are my favourite picks.
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