I KNOW he sometimes thinks I'm crazy, this wonderful husband of mine, but he's sweet enough not to say so (even though I have witnessed an occasional eye roll or two...LOL). I am a little crazy in general to be sure...but perhaps we should refer to it as being "extremely passionate about" or "addicted to" in the case of CBV.
Oh, who am I kidding? I'm CRAZY about Candles by Victoria!!!!!!
Yes, CBV is an addiction. A harmless one to be sure...other than to Phil's wallet...but none-the-less; still an addiction. How many men would be supportive of something that they don't understand? How many would say "I don't have to understand it as long as it makes YOU happy" ? How many would sit and listen to me prattle about my next plot; smell every single scent shot that's placed under his nose; and offer a monthly allowance to feed said addiction. Mine, that's who!!
Ah, what would I do without him? This man who sometimes makes me equally as crazy as I make him (especially when expounding on time spent with his hunting and fishing cronies), but who fills my life with happiness and makes every day worth living.
They say "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach", so it will come as no surprise that the majority of Phil's favorites fall under the bakery category.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Cinnamon Donuts
Pumpkin Pralines
Country Fair Funnel Cake
Tomahawk Memories
Macintosh Apple
Get Me S'more
Leather and Lace
Apple Cobbler
Wildberry Scone
www.candlesbyvictoria.com
Marriage means commitment. Of course, so does insanity!
~ Author unknown
Those who belong to the Candles by Victoria fan club are already well aware that many of the members are incredibly creative, not only in their daily lives, but in experimenting with mixing Victoria's wonderfully fragrant scents shots; thus "creating a scent" (CAS). And, being the most customer friendly company on the web, should anyone happen to create a scent they love, Victoria offers the option of then ordering it in 16 oz. country jar at the extremely reasonable price of just $12.75...you even get to choose the color and the name!!
As if that weren't enough, it has recently been announced that April will be CAS month. Members of the Pouring Pot message board have been asked to let Victoria know which of the CAS' are among their favorites, whether their own or someone else's, (we're all proud of our accomplishment when we've successfully created what we believe is a "candle worthy" scent as it makes us feel like an even larger part of the CBV family...or at least that's how I feel...so we post them so that other members can give then a try if they are so inclined); the three with the best response will become permanently added to the Candles by Victoria line!!
Below is a brief list of some of those you may want to try. The link to the master scent list will also be provided at the bottom of this blog, so that you may look up the varying notes which make up anything you may not be familiar with.
The Bubbles Make me Loopy ( created by Pam S.) - Fruit Loops + Fizzy Pop
Watermelon Cupcake (created by Tina and Kayla) - Pink Noel + Tiffany-D
Happily Ever After (created by Jandre) - Moonlight Path + Raspberry Violet
Warm Apple Fritters (created by Ellie) - MacIntosh Apple + Cinnamon Donuts
Glass Slippers (created by Summer) - Sexy In Stilettos + Vanilla Bean Noel
Princess Peach (created by Sabrina) - Georgia Peach + Cotton Candy
Creamy Monkey Nuts (created by Chrissy J.- named by Chrissy S.) - Banana Coconut Cream Pie + Caramelized Pralines
Alice Cullen (created by Maureen) - Raspberry Violet + Fizzy Pop
Brownie Bliss (created by Kelley) - Fudge Brownie + Vanilla Bean Noel
And those I've created and love --
Eskimo Kisses -Vanilla Bean Noel + Spearmint
Soul Sisters - Sexy In Stilettos + Best Friends
More Trix Up My Sleeve (named by Ashtyn) - Trix Are For Kids + Pink & Lime
Home For The Holidays - Apple Cobbler + Pumpkin Eggnog
Autumn In New Hampshire - Deep Mountain Maple + MacIntosh Apple
Bed N Breakfast - Wildberry Scone + Peach Preserves
http://www.candlesbyvictoria.com/cbv/masterfragrancelist.html
I know that if odor were visible, as color is, I'd see the summer garden in rainbow clouds.
~ Robert Bridges
No longer will I be able to state quite so emphatically, "I do not like floral scents", for upon challenging myself to try at least one with each new order placed, I have been well and truly defeated by the awesomeness of the CBV garden.
Though there are still some that aren't entirely agreeable to my nose, I will continue to challenge myself a bit further during the course of the spring and summer, so I expect a few more may well be added to the following list:
Raspberry Violet - A cult favorite which receives a lot of love on the Pouring Pot message board, and with good reason. The semi-sweetness of the raspberry blends perfectly with the soft odor of violets.
White Ginger - Freshly soft and sweet, this is a near perfect dupe of Calgon's Hawaiian Ginger body spray.
Sweet Pea - Just what the name says. Moderately strong, but in no way headache inducing.
Neroli Blossom - The first of the CBV florals to make it's way onto my favorites list. Having spent time living in Phoenix, in an area in which there were many decorative orange trees found in the landscaping, this is somewhat similar to the delicate smell of those trees in bloom. Not tart like a typical orange, this is a warmer, more delicate fragrance.
Iris & Fern - Another of the sweet florals. Very hard to describe, but this brings to mind the beautiful purple irises that can be found dipping their heads along a warm river bank.
Sweet Rose - A true surprise to my olfactory senses as I normally find most rose scented products not only very unpleasant, but also headache inducing. A hint of vanilla adds the perfect touch making this an exception.
Cotton Blossom - I would describe this as more of a clean dryer sheet type scent rather than a typical floral type. It's one I use regularly when cleaning the house as I love how fresh it smells.
Cherry Blossom - Slightly woodsy in addition to being softly feminine. If this is what cherry blossoms smell like, I need a tree planted right outside my bedroom window!!
www.candlesbyvictoria.com
"To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat."
~ Beverly Nichols ~
With the largest selection of scents to be found anywhere, Candles By Victoria continues to enhance their candle line by adding new fragrances each month...and October was no exception. In addition to the new scents added to the "regular" lineup, CBV also added 3 new Black Label candles (which I have yet to try).
Could it get any better? Yes!
Become a member of The Pouring Pot message board and enter the "Name that scent contest", where you come up with a creative name for one of CBV's new creations, and you could be the recipient of a $20 gift certificate.
Or..... enter the blogging contest where you can possibly win $50!
And....doing a youtube review could possibly help you to become a reviewer of the new scents created for a particular month.
Customer appreciation and rewards don't stop there....
You can also now enter the newly added "You describe it, we create it" contest. Email victoria@candlesbyvictoria.com with your story of the scent you'd like to see created, and why, and if you're the lucky chosen winner...as I was...a new scent will be created specifically for you and added to the regular line!!
So, now that you're more aware of the best customer service on the web...or anywhere for that matter...on to October's new scents : )
I couldn't be more pleased with what Victoria created for me in...
*Tomahawk Memories* An earthy, green, and wonderfully warm blend of spruce, patchouli, autumn leaves, and a touch of vanilla. She essentially captured in candle form, my childhood memories of the time spent on my grandparent's farm.
"From the laboratory in the castle east
To the master bedroom where the vampires feast
The ghouls will all come from their humble abodes"
to get...
*Monster Mash* Blueberries, Granny Smith apple, butter, cinnamon and cream all rolled into a buttery crust. If you're a bakery fan, this is sure to have you dancing with delight.
*Witch's Brew* Spiced apple cider with a hint of peach, orange, pineapple and vanilla. The vibrant green color alone is hypnotically enticing.
"Out from his coffin, Drac's voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing"
He couldn't wait to sink his teeth into...
*Bite Me* A tantalizing mix of lime, orange and cherry, with a touch of fizz.
The Sanderson sisters won't need to practice their Hocus Pocus in order for you to be...
*Spellbound* by Granny Smith apples coated in maple, caramel sauce, butter and cotton candy!
Even skeptical Charlie will be in the patch with Linus waiting for...
*Pumpkin Chocolate* Creamy pumpkin resting on a base of white, milk, and dark chocolate.
And, when he's finished with this Great Pumpkin, he can celebrate a...
*Charlie Brown Christmas* wrapped in the holiday fragrance of orange, cinnamon bread, nutmeg, vanilla and raspberry.
One last note -- There's really no such thing as the typical "seasonal" scent at CBV. All fragrances are available year round : )
www.candlesbyvictoria.com
I am not ashamed. I openly and honestly admit it. I, like many others who shall remain nameless...they know who they are...have become an obsessed; addicted; crazed candle whore! Don't bother trying to deny it...many of you (just check the CBV message board "The Pouring Pot" and the enabler's names will be revealed), are equally as guilty as I am!! But.......as soon as one of these highly fragrant little pieces of Heaven is lit, the choir begins to sing and the whore becomes an angel. Okay, so maybe that IS stretching it a bit; but you get the point. The world becomes a better place...a happy, relaxed, contented place...when surrounded by Candles By Victoria. Experiment with finding the right scent group for you, and you too, will discover your own personal Garden of Eden.
Are you tempted yet? How about a quick review of my last order?
Cinnamon Donuts - Rich, warm, doughy goodness smothered in cinnamon and sugar.
Granny's Pie Crust - Sweet, buttery perfection. One sniff will cause your mind's eye to see that adorable silver haired lady with rolling pin in hand and flour on her gingham apron.
Sugared Spruce - Freshly trimmed Christmas tree to a T !!
Pumpkin Pralines - Sweet, creamy pumpkin with just a hint of spice. Mmmmmmm...mouth watering good!!
What Goes Around Comes Around - A mix of patchouli and dragon's blood, this reminds me of an ice cold, crystal clear lake in the middle of a forest. Another favorite.
Sexy In Stilettos - Sweet and fruity (like Lovespell with an extra feminine kick), Sexy In Stilettos has soared to the top of my favorites list!!
Oatmeal, Milk and Honey - There's something in here that's reminiscent of a sweet tobacco leaf in a very pleasant way.
Fudge Brownie - exactly what the name says. Rich brownie batter. YUMMY!!
Egyptian Musk - Reminds me of Peace, another CBV favorite, with a touch of sweet floral.
Caramel Apple - I truly want to love (or at least like) this one, but all I smell is apple stem and dried peel with not even a hint of caramel. Maybe I got a dud? : (
Peanut Butter Cookies - Fresh from the oven cookies made with chunky peanut butter.
Honey Spice Cake - Sweet honey, warm bakery cinnamon, and yellow cake. The perfect fall bakery scent.
Mango Sorbet - OMG...the sweetest, plumpest, most juicy piece of fruit in the garden. If the apple doesn't tempt you, this will !!
Aquolina Blue Sugar - A very sexy, woodsy, masculine scent with just enough sweetness to turn everyone's favorite bad boy into a knight in shining armor.
Sea Moss - Clean, green, soapy and manly without being over powering.
Christmas Eve - Warm fruit punch with the perfect blend of Christmas spices. This is destined to be one of my must have holiday favorites.
Spiced Pear - Another scent perfect for the holidays. Red hot cinnamon mellowed out by the sweet smell of pear.
Three Wise Men - Very musky, woody and earthy. If you like those types of scents this may be perfect for you. I picture the wooden box used to bear gifts to the baby Jesus.
Holiday Wassail - Complex, but one I really like. Imagine sitting in front of the fireplace with your favorite book on a cold and snowy winter evening sipping spiced cider.
Wintery Candy Apple - BBW dupe. Very much like Enchanted Apple, but a hint sweeter. Another of those that gives me an instant headache, I've sadly decided I just can't handle it.
Twilight Woods - Like walking through a fruit orchard in the moonlight. I adore this!!
Cleopatra's Closet - Normally not a floral fan, I was very pleasantly surprised. Sweet, slightly musky and powdery this is AH-MAY-ZING!! A slightly darker version of Bella Swan.
Mahogany - I was hoping for a manly woodsy scent, but I get a cloyingly feminine floral soap. Not a fan.
Wood Nymph - With just a touch of jasmine this is a walk through the southern countryside in the autumn.
Catchin' Fireflies - Slightly musky, green, and softly floral, I can easily picture a field full of those glowing bugs on a warm summer night.
Sweet Angel Dust - I KNEW this reminded me of something but it took a little while to figure it out...Sather's red shoelace licorice. An awesome throw...1/4 of a scent shot lasted a solid 48 hours!
Autumn Leaves - I'm in awe of what Victoria is able to recreate. This IS autumn leaves on a rainy fall afternoon.
Buttery Gingerbread - I'm starting to pick up a hint of spice and think with more cure time this will be wonderful.
Spearmint - Straight up Wrigley's spearmint gum.
Apricot Crumb Cake - *Cold sniff* Tart dried apricots soaked in brandy (?) *Warmed* Thick, hot, sweet apricot jam on top of a rich yellow cake dressed with buttery crumbles.
With over 700 scents to choose from, CBV, can transform you from sinner to saint and back again. Come on; you know you want to. What have you got to lose other than your candle virginity? However; be warned...when Victoria runs one of those awesome sales that she's so incredibly generous with, you may just have to make another trip to the dark side...........
but only until your order arrives :D
www.candlesbyvictoria.com
What? No way! Seriously? You haven't yet heard of Candles By Victoria; the most amazingly fragrant and highly scented candles known to the greater US and Canada? Well, hang on tight to your hats, seats, horses...whatever...because you're about to take a trip to candle Heaven!!
Based in Van, Texas, CBV (as we addicts lovingly refer to it), is a family run company that's been in business for the past 12 years. Victoria uses 100% fragrance oils and distributes the scent throughout, which allows for a strong lasting fragrance during the entire life of the candle. In addition to the scent strength, which in my opinion (and a lot of others) is unsurpassed; you will also find the best customer service you've ever experienced, prices that are affordable to everyone AND you'll be given a 100% guarantee. What more could you ask for? How about over 600 scents to choose from? Yes, I said 600...with more being added each month!! And let's not forget the wonderful ladies on Victoria's message board..."The Pouring Pot". These are some of the sweetest, most helpful women you'll ever come across, with each one always willing to offer advice and extend a hand in friendship.
That being said...I know the thought of over 600 scents can be a bit overwhelming. I didn't know where to start either; so I'm posting not only the link to the website, but also the link to the master fragrance list and the message board to help get you started. You'll find everything from bakery to floral; perfume and lotion dupes to tropical; Christmas to earthy and house blends...and more. You can even create your own scent if you so choose!
Want to know my top 10 favorites? Here they are, in no particular order:
1.) Sexy In Stilettos
2.) What Goes Around Comes Around
3.) Mango Sorbet
4.) Cinnamon Donuts
5.) Honey Orange
6.) Wildberry Scone
7.) Peace
8.) Coco Lime Cooler
9.) Sugared Spruce
10.) Granny's Pie Crust
Now what are you waiting for? Go check it out!! And don't forget to hold onto your...ummmm...whatever! :D
http://www.candlesbyvictoria.com/
http://cbvictoria.proboards.com/index.cgi
http://www.candlesbyvictoria.com/cbv/masterfragrancelist.html
