Can Candles Smell Like Nostalgia?

From Bookstores to Video Stores: A Candle Scent Adventure!

2025 is off to a great start, and today I’m back with a brand-new video that dives into some of the most unique and nostalgic candles you’ll ever find. Ever wondered what a video store or a thunderstorm candle smells like? I had to try them for myself.

This newsletter is packed with curated deals on products I actually use, helpful tips, a spotlight on a YouTube Short that’s gaining traction, and a nostalgic flashback to a favorite past video.

So let’s jump right in with…

NEW VIDEO ALERT 📽️
Strangest Candle Scents Ever?

These are some of the strangest candles I’ve ever seen!

My latest video is live, and today I’m diving into the world of unique and nostalgic scents with a candle showdown! These aren’t your ordinary candles. They’re conversation starters and memory triggers. Here’s what I tested:

🕯️ Video Store Candle: Does it really capture the nostalgic scent of popcorn, carpet, and VHS tapes?

📚 Bookstore Candle: A mix of leather, books, and coffee. Can a candle truly transport you to a cozy used bookstore?

⛈️ Thunderstorm Candle: Promising the scent of petrichor and summer rain, but does it live up to the name?

👔 Leather Wax Melts: A bold fragrance that fills your house with the smell of a brand-new leather jacket.

Curious which of these delivered on their promises? Click below to find out how they performed and which one might be worth lighting up in your own home!

DEALS 🏷️
🕒FitBit Inspire 3: 20% Off

I recently picked up a FitBit Inspire 3 to track my sleep and daily steps, and it has far exceeded my expectations. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve made some adjustments that have genuinely improved my sleep. While I haven’t officially reviewed it, it’s on my wrist as I type this, and I highly recommend it for tracking sleep, steps, and even heart rate. The price tends to fluctuate, but it’s currently 20% off. I wish I had waited because I paid full price for mine!

🧹 Broom & Dustpan Set: 39% Off

You may not remember a full review of this broom and dustpan set, though they do make an appearance in this Short from early 2022. I picked up this set after seeing it trending online, and it has been a staple in my household ever since. The “teeth” on the dustpan are incredibly effective at removing hair and debris from the bristles, making cleanup a breeze. This set usually runs $25–$30, but today’s deal is 39% off, making it the perfect time to snag one if your current set needs an upgrade.

😴 Sleep Masks: 39% Off

When I tested these sleep masks back in mid-2024, I didn’t think I’d use them regularly. Yet here I am, still reaching for them every time I take a daytime nap and need to block out bright lights. Today’s deal is the lowest price my trackers have seen in months, so if you’ve been considering one, now’s the time to grab it before the price climbs back up!

Freshen your garbage disposal!
Toss in ice cubes made of vinegar and water to clean and deodorize the blades.

ON THIS DATE 🗓️
Robot Dishwasher (2022)

This robot dish washer is strange, impressive, and not in demand!

Three years ago this week, I finally posted a video I had been excited to make for a long time, testing the bizarre hand-like “robot” dishwasher. While it’s safe to say this quirky invention wasn’t destined to become a kitchen staple, the engineering behind it was fascinating. For some dish sizes, it actually worked surprisingly well!

Take a trip back to January 2022 and watch my tests of the Robot Dishwasher in action.

I’m planning to host 12 Q&A sessions in 2025, and the first one of the year is set to go live next week! If you’re a fan of this series, you’ll be happy to know that I’ve created a dedicated playlist featuring all of my Q&A videos, dating back to March 2018.

Relive the questions, the answers, and all the fun moments by checking out the playlist here.

SMART SHOPPING 🛒
Three Tips for Wiser Shopping

Shop Warehouse Clubs for Gift Cards. Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club often sell discounted gift cards for popular restaurants and retailers.

Sign Up for Birthday Discounts. Many stores, restaurants, and brands offer freebies or special coupons during your birthday month.

Use Browser Caching to Your Advantage. Sometimes leaving items in your cart for a day or two will prompt retailers to send you discount offers.

SHORT SPOTLIGHT 🎥
Transparent Sticky Notes

Today’s Short Spotlight is a throwback to 2022 and my pick for the top product of that year: transparent sticky notes. Recently, I posted a short version of this review to my channel, sparking renewed interest in this handy little gadget. Check out that Short here.

If you’d like to see the full review, it’s part of my “5 Useful Gadgets Under $10” video from September 2022 which you can watch here.

🎬 Wrapping Up

The holiday hangover is officially over, and it’s back to reality, which isn’t a bad thing! Behind the scenes, I’ve been hard at work upgrading my equipment, setting up a new filming space, and planning an exciting upcoming collaboration.

If you’ve noticed a slight slowdown in my posting, don’t worry - it’s all part of gearing up for bigger things ahead. I’ve got plenty of content coming your way, including some surprises that step outside my usual lineup. Stay tuned, as 2025 is just getting started!

Until next time,
James