"The Enchanting Aromas of Blair Cottage: A Sensory Escape"

As I hinted in my page about the tidy-up after Halloween, last Autumn, I made a promise to share my thoughts on home fragrance and my deep affection for candles and their enchanting aromas. 

There’s something so cozy and inviting about lighting a candle, especially during those crisp, cool evenings when the leaves are turning and a gentle chill lingers in the air. 

The flickering flames cast a warm glow, and each scent seems to wrap around you like a soft shawl, bringing a touch of cottage charm to my humble abode.

As someone who adores the soft glow of candles and the delicate infusion of wax melts, I’m excited to share my thoughts on curating a home filled with warmth, fragrance, and a touch of elegance.

At the heart of my fragrance journey lies my absolute favorite: the 'Scentsational' wax melts. These exquisite delights are like capturing the essence of a blooming garden, or bakery, in your own home. With their remarkably strong scents, they fill every nook and cranny, wrapping you in a comforting embrace. Whether you gravitate toward the comforting bakery aromas or prefer the fresh, airy notes of eucalyptus and cedarwood, there’s a scent for every mood and season.

Among my personal favorites are 'Happy Home' a delightful blend reminiscent of oven warmed savoury bakes, and 'Fresh Cut Eucalyptus' which brings a crisp, revitalizing aroma to my bathroom. As I unwind in my roll-top bath, the scent envelops me, making every soak feel like a luxurious escape.

Then there's 'Snuggly' which evokes the warmth of a cozy blanket and a good book, and 'Enchanted Woods', an earthy fragrance that transports you to a tranquil forest.

In my home, I’ve lovingly curated a small collection of these wax melts, contained to just one drawer in my snug! 

My mums home, on the other hand, has a vast array of these wax melts, that’s a treasure to explore! My mum is also obsessed, much like myself with all things candles and wax melts.

Each melt transforms our spaces, creating an inviting ambiance that feels like a warm hug, even with the windows wide open.

I don't like to gatekeep, and I love to share my little finds with people. The charming 'Scentsational' wax melts are from Asda, often available at 'Buy 3 for £5.00.' They are a wonderful indulgence without breaking the bank.

Beyond wax melts, I’m a devoted candle connoisseur, with a range that spans from 'Yankee Candles', 'TK Maxx' candles, to the fabulous 'Hotel Collection' from Aldi. Aldi also had an incredible and delicious collection of Autumnal scented candles last year. 

I find the Aldi candles to be remarkable, particularly their 'Lime, Basil & Mandarin' scent, which brings an air of elegance at a fraction of the price of more expensive counterparts like Jo Malone. 

For just £6.99, this luxurious fragrance enhances my bathroom, combining freshness with an inviting warmth, while in my snug and hallway as you walk through my cottage front door, I opt for cozy cashmere scents to welcome guests.

If you're like me and appreciate the finer things in life, even on a budget, the Aldi 'Hotel Collection' is worth checking out. 

This delightful range isn't just limited to candles; it also includes perfumes, hand soaps, and hand sanitizers. And can we take a moment to appreciate the packaging? 

Honestly, I can’t help but fall for beautiful packaging, whether it's for toiletries or even groceries. It's a bit ridiculous, I know, but it adds a touch of luxury to everyday items!

One of my absolute favorites from the collection is the Pomegranate or Poppy and Barley perfume. Whenever I wear it, I always receive compliments. 

The fragrance is strong, yet sophisticated, and the best part? It lasts! There's something incredibly satisfying about smelling good throughout the day without needing to reapply constantly.

What I find particularly intriguing about the 'Hotel Collection' is how the packaging mirrors that of luxury brands, specifically the Jo Malone range. I have to confess—I’m a huge fan of dupes! If a product can smell just as delightful as its high-end counterpart but comes at a fraction of the price, then it’s a no-brainer for me. 

The 'Hotel Collection' truly appeals to my love for quality and aesthetics without breaking the bank. It's a fantastic way to indulge in some self-care and elevate your daily routine. So, if you’re looking for beautiful, affordable alternatives that still offer a touch of luxury, head to Aldi and explore this collection. You might just find your next favorite scent!

Another wonderful journey I embarked on last year, as I cultivated my love for home fragrance, was stumbling upon the small, luxurious brand 'The Outrageous Peacock'. 

Hailing from Leyland, Lancashire, their handcrafted soy wax candles and melts are crafted to perfection, combining eco-friendly practices with exquisite design. Their packaging is a work of art, adorned with beautiful details that reflect the sophistication of their fragrances.

Last Christmas, I gifted my mum, from their 'Regency' collection, candles and room sprays, complete with an enchanting QR code on the packaging, that unlocks charming stories about each scent—an experience that adds a unique touch to luxury.

From the moment I laid eyes on 'The Outrageous Peacock' packaging, I knew it was something special—so beautifully crafted and utterly elegant. It felt like unwrapping a little bit of luxury every time I made a purchase, adding a personal and unique touch that truly sets them apart. 

Now, let me talk about the delivery! With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season last year, I expected delays, but much to my surprise, my order arrived promptly, wrapped in its charming packaging. And as a lovely gesture, they included a voucher discount code for my next purchase, as well as two freebie wax melts—how thoughtful!

As the new year rolled in, I was treated again to a delightful free gift: three small wax melts from one of their new collections to sample!

I was tickled to choose between 'The Peacocks Garden Spring Summer Collection' and 'The Peacocks Garden Autumn Winter Collection.' 

If you know me well, you can probably guess which enchanting sample I just had to select. Again these wax melts smell absolutely incredible, and this is just through the packaging. I haven't had the chance to burn them yet. 

In every corner of my little cottage, from the fresh aromas of eucalyptus in the bathroom to the delightful bakery fragrances wafting through the kitchen, every scent plays a role in creating a home that feels refined yet welcoming. 

Each candle, each melt, is not just a product; it’s about crafting a space filled with love, memories, and the beauty of everyday life.

So, if you’re on a quest to bring warmth and elegance into your home, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the world of 'Scentsational', 'The Outrageous Peacock' and any of 'The Hotel Collection' at Aldi. 

Embrace the comfort of beautiful fragrances; they are more than just scents—they are little moments of luxury that make every day feel special.

Warmly, Lindsay Blair

Friday 13th June 2025