Pic of the Week.

Well, it’s the second day of fall, and call me basic, but yes, ’tis the season to embrace every single little thing about the outdoors — even when there’s not really fall-like weather.

In honor of my favorite holiday, I started my stockpile of fall-scented candles weeks ago, and even made a chili (recipe coming soon) over the weekend. I just love everything about fall; the colors (not only in nature, but in fashion), the ever-so-slight chill in the air, and even though it’s a signal that the year is coming to a close, I always get a sense of renewal during the fall months.

So far, I’m trying to step away from so many pumpkin-scents (although I can’t totally deny the symbol of the season) when it comes to my candle selections, and find a few different ones that still make my apartment festive and cozy.

And while I love a good Yankee Candle just as much as any great homemaker, I like to find candles that have strong scents, but are less-expensive. A candle is literally just burning, so I aim for $5 or lower in my hunt for candles.

The large jars, by Main Stays, are from Wal-Mart, and were just $3.50 each, while the smaller mason jar candles are from Dollar Tree, making them just $1 each (and they burn for a decent amount of time). The larger candles are in Fall Fruit Cornucopia, Harvest Leaves, and Mulled Cider, while the small jars are both in Pumpkin Pie.

I also purchased a candle warmer for my office, since we aren’t allowed to actually light candles. The candle warmer melts the wax in any glass jar candle, and lets off the scent, while remaining flameless. I’ve had it in my office for a week (using the Fall Fruit Cornucopia) and I absolutely love it!

Here are some other fall scented products I’ve come across in my continuous hunt:

• Pumpkin Souffle Soy Candle by Candlecopia
• 3-wick Pumpkin Harvest candle by Rustic Autumn
• Fall ‘n Leaves Pet Odor Exterminator candle 
• Soy Wax Melts: Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon Stick, Hot Cranberry Tea, Harvest
• Decorative wire Pumpkin Potpourri Holder (filled with cinnamon potpourri)

What festive scents are you filling your home or office with this fall?