It’s so important that we treat ourselves well – and that we let ourselves feel the anticipation of receiving something beautiful.

I promised myself that upon launching my website, I’d reward myself with a special scented candle. For a couple of months now, I’ve had my eye on a gorgeous candle from the gift shop at my favourite nursery – Acorn Nursery. The candle I’d coveted was a soy-based, fragranced candle from the UK, packaged in a lovely tin. 

However, when I went in to purchase said candle, I spotted a range of Australian scented candles. Ecoya candles have only been around for a few months, but apparently they’re proving very popular. And I can see (and smell) why. Pictured above is the candle I decided to purchase (I’ll save the UK tinned candle for next time!) – with a sumptuous sweet pea and jasmine scent. I have it burning in front of me as I type, drawing me in with its mesmerising glow. Soon I’ll be taking it off to the bathroom, to fill the room with scent while I soak in the bath.

The candles are made from a soy wax, and have lead-free cotton wicks. They also smell heavenly. In fact, this sweet pea and jasmine scent has made me resolve to plant sweet peas this spring, in anticipation of inhaling the flowers’ sweet, spicy aroma on hot summer days, and of drinking in their glorious colour. Yes, something else to look forward to! (My research indicates that I’m going to have to purchase the older varieties of sweet pea, to ensure that the flowers are full of scent.)

Have you planned some pleasure for your not-too-distant future? Do you have something to look forward to, even if it’s just something simple? Have you thought of planning a reward for your hard work on a project – or for no reason at all? Perhaps you could plan to enjoy something that will tantalise your senses, such as a scented candle, a massage, an afternoon leafing through new books in a bookstore, or a meal at your absolute favourite restaurant?

Perhaps you’d like to share what it is that you do to add richness to your life? I’d love to hear!

 So now, I’m off to soak. Bliss…