This week was an exciting week as The Botanical Collection proudly announced the launch of the Mar Jennings Casual Luxury Home Candle Line. On Wednesday, I introduced the line on the Martha Stewart Radio show and in less than 20 minutes we were sold out. These candles are all-natural, paraffin-free, fragranced with essential oils, and boast an above-average burn time of 50 hours. And with a retail price of only $22.00 it’s a casual luxury that everyone can afford. There are currently two amazing fragrances to choose from, both directly inspired by life here at my home.

000_0751Rosebrook Gardens, named for the spectacular showing of flowers in my garden, is a captivating and inviting scent that blends two of the most abundant blooms on my property; roses–the namesake of the home–and peony, my signature home cutting flower.

As for the Jasmine Studio, well this was inspired by a special sensory memory: the delicious height of summer, when the scent of jasmine wafts through my garden studio, keeping me company while at work. This intensely floral scent is balanced by subtle, soft woods, which represent the studio structure itself. To place your order log onto: www.thebotanicalcollection.net. (Besides my candles they have lots of fantastic other botanical products, so I encourage you to browse around.)

These candles were created with you in mind; I have happy memories of how so many of you have visited and embraced the essence of my home, Rosebrook Gardens, over the years and wanted something more. There are many people to thank but one person whose dedication to me has forever changed my life both personally and professionally. Her name is Lisa Agona; a woman who recently survived a brain tumor then redirected her life to create organic and natural products through her company The Botanical Collection. She is working to change what we should expect when it comes to what we put on our bodies and what we use in our home—without giving up any of the luxurious textures or modern-day expectations for product performance. The Mar Jennings candle line is just an example of the wonderful products that the “TBC” offers and for me the Mar Jennings Casual Luxury Candle is a dream come true.

With all the excitement of the candle launch I could not help but pause for a moment and take in the pleasures that surrounded me on this glorious day. A kind smile from a stranger, a beautifully regal dog awaiting it’s master, and the sounds and colors of my garden beginning to unfold and prepare itself for Fall. All allowed me to reflect and appreciate the journey that has taken me to this great place in my life.

Violet, now 9 months supports her daddy, and offers each scent her seal of “apPAWval”. As for Mother Nature, she too approves but only wishes she thought of it first!