Scented Candles From Banana Republic and Delirium & Co. Literally Light Up Your Life

Maybe it's just a same-old, same-old Tuesday, but at home, a really good, scented candle, can literally, light up your life! When you're choosing a luxurious candle, the really good ones pay dividends every time you light them. Even in these economic times, just a few dollars extra can net you a wonderful candle that is high quality, comes in a beautiful container, with a scent that makes you feel pampered, every time you light it. These soy-blend wax candles are $38.00 each, but they'll last a long time (up to 55 hours of burn time). Nicely boxed, they make a special gift (weddings, graduations and Mother's Day are almost upon us).

Candle Delirium, a Los Angeles candle boutique, has a line of candles called Delirium & Co candle collection, inspired by idealistic periods in history. Each 7.9 oz. candle is housed in an elegant, hand-made translucent reflective glass votive that goes with any decor. There are two collections of scent: “The Silver Period” and “The Blue Period."

The Silver Period candles features reflective, shiny silver glass votives and pure white candles, with scent inspired by the beauty, glamour, elegance and style of Silver Screen Legends. The while candles will make you feel like putting on the Ritz (or at least putting on your favorite slippers, and taking a few minutes "time out" for yourself). There is a lot of fruit and spicy flowers, plus some herbs and tea in these scents. I tried "Scarlet Grapefruit" with a burst of bright, sparkling fruit (ruby red grapefruit, red currants, apple, mandarin, jasmine and amber) that makes me feel optimistic, like Spring and Summer are already here (There's also China Tea, Delicate Bouquet, Pear & Violet, and Sensual Camellia).

The Blue Period candles are reminiscent of ancient European splendor, capturing a time when men were brave, suave and chivalrous. The ingredients in these candles are exotic and a bit masculine, but with a soft side. There's a lot of woods, spices, sandalwood and herbs. Why not share a "Blue Absinthe" candle with your own "White Knight" and make even an ordinary evening, a little more romantic. The white candle in a commanding, shiny, black glass votive, is infused with a blend of absinthe (smells a bit like anise or licorice), vetyver, blonde woods, basic and rosemary. The overall scent effect reminded me of a man's study in a grand house, decorated in leather and rich woods (there's also Royal Amber, Samurai Woods, Suede & Smoke, and Sweet Tobacco).

Visit www.candledelirium.com to order and for more information

Another stunning, scented candle is The Banana Republic Chilled Sangria Candle $24.00 7.4 oz . It smells like a party in scented wax! A white candle arrives in a gorgeous, ruby-red glass votive with a subtle "BR" (For "Banana Republic") logo on the side. With up to a 50-hour burn time, you'll have lots of time to enjoy sniffing the uplifting, slightly tart and ripe, fruity aroma. Key notes are red currant, ripe cassis and ruby peony. The candle arrives nestled into a chocolate brown and red box. This makes a great gift for a special woman for mother's day, or use yourself, to create a happy mood. The Chilled Sangria Candle makes a party-ready accessory. I like the idea of surrounding it with "Sangria" fruits: limes, oranges and red apples, or perhaps, just some glittery glass "gems," for a perfect centerpiece on your table. These candles have a 50-hour burn time, and of course, are also beautifully boxed for gift-giving.

Visit http://bananarepublic.gap.com or your nearest Banana Republic Store *you even get a free book of Banana Republic logo matches with your candle!