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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

In Pursuit of Simple Pleasures

Most who know me know that I have a great obsession interest in the French way of living. A common theme found in the myriad of books I've acquired and read is their tendency to seek out simple pleasures in daily living. In the movie Amélie, the narrator introduces several characters by listing each's simple routines in which they find pleasure. Amélie enjoys running her fingers through barrels of grain. Her mother finds joy in cleaning her floors with her slippers, while her father's delight is stripping wallpaper off of walls. I have always been fond of this idea of living in the moment and relishing little routines, so I decided to compile a list of such that I partake of often.

1. Water

Your body craves it, and, if you succumb to its calling, you will surely reap the pleasurable benefits. Clearer skin, smoother digestion, and a plethora of other benefits come when we consume enough. What is enough? Obviously that will depend on different factors such as your weight, activity level, and where you live. There's plenty of information out there on Webmd and MayoClinic, but to start adding a bit more to your diet, Miereille Guiliano (author of French Women Don't Get Fat) suggests drinking a tall glass before bed and another first thing in the morning. I would add to re-fill your "before bed" glass and keep it by your bed so as to have quick access should you wake in the middle of the night.

2. Sleep

There may be nothing better in the world than waking up to sunshine on your face after a restful night's sleep. It has taken me almost 30 years, but the benefits of going to bed early over staying up late (to watch another episode; to "like" another picture) are really hitting home these days. I know insomnia is a huge problem in today's society, and having suffered on and off for many years, here are a few things that have recently worked for me:
1.Stop drinking caffeine by 4:00.
2. Limit alcohol consumption before bed.
3. Create a nighttime routine that helps your body know it's almost time for bed.
4. Plug in your phone across the room (or out of the room) facing down.
5. Have a glass of hot water with lemon.

3. Making My Bed

This is a habit for which I can thank my mother. Growing up, each morning we would be sent back to our rooms to make our beds if we had not done so. It didn't matter if it would make us miss the buss, she was insistent that we make our bed each morning. Looking back, I am so happy she instilled it in us. While there have certainly been times in my life when I did not adhere to this rule, more often than not I have continued to find pleasure in the morning ritual of making my bed. Straightening out the sheets came easier after Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's instructions (Pull the covers and top sheet all the way back to smooth out the bottom sheet first!). More so than the pleasure in making the bed is that in seeing a made bed throughout my day. On busy days when the house is a wreck, passing by my room and seeing the made bed calms my soul and reminds me that eventually, the rest of the house will be back in order, too.

4. Taking Early Morning Walks

Or walks anytime, really. Early morning is my favorite, as it is still a bit cool and the earth is still waking up. There is so much time to just think while on a walk, and really just be with yourself. I love taking different routes each day and often notice the changing seasons first while on a walk. Whether it be new buds popping or the first leaves turning, a walk is so refreshing to the body and mind.

5. Planting Flowers

Seeing a plant grow from a seed brings such joy to me! I love checking on seedlings every day to see how big they've grown over night. Caring for and cultivating flowers takes much patience, but it so worth it in the end. Bonus: Growing vegetables. They take time and patience, too, but nothing beats nourishing your body with something you have grown yourself. Even herbs grown in-doors on a window sill bring joy, and beat using the dried store-bought ones any day.

6. Hummingbird Feeders

My family has had hummingbird feeders as long as we've lived in the country. I've made a point to put one up at all of homes over the years. Watching the smallest of birds find our feeders excites us, and we love being on the look-out for their return each spring! Hummingbird feeders are super easy and can be cheap- our guests tend to always visit the $3 ones over the more expensive, prettier ones. We use sugar-water instead of buying the red "hummingbird food," which also helps us save. To make sugar-water, boil 4 cups of water (I do so with the lid on. That way if I walk away before it starts boiling, I've not lost much water to steam. This helps keeps the proportions in order.). Once the water boils, remove from heat and stir in one cup of sugar. Cool completely before filling the feeders. I've read that it's recommended to change the water twice a week, but we generally change ours every 10 days (which is when I typically remember I should be changing it twice a week).

7. Music

Whether it's playing the piano, going to the symphony, or simply listening to the radio, music brings joy to my soul in a way nothing else can. Many, many people I have met (musicians and non-musicians alike) have also made this claim. Music can cheer me up, calm me down, make housework (any work, really) more enjoyable, and help set nearly any mood you're going for. I enjoy listening to internet radio in the morning getting ready, and find taking breaks to play piano during my housework rejuvenates my mind.

8. Family Dinners

Growing up, family dinners were a nightly occurrence. I thought that was what everyone did, so when my husband and I were married, we continued the tradition of sitting down, enjoying a meal together, and talking about our days or plans for the next days. When cell-phones started becoming more consistently used, we quickly made a "No cell phones at the dinner table" rule, which I'm sure many of you have also done. There is something so luxurious about sitting down for even 30 minutes, nourishing our bodies, and connecting with one another that bring so much pleasure to the end of sometimes hectic days.

9. Waking Up to a Clean House and, Especially, Kitchen

Whether we want to admit it or not, what we see effects how we feel. If you wake up to sun streaming in your window, open your eyes and see your room in order, clothes put away, dresser dusted, you will likely feel a sense of empowerment to take on your day. The first place we generally venture to is, of course, the kitchen. Making sure our kitchen is in order before going to bed can help ensure that our morning continues to flow smoothly. Knowing that yesterday's chores are completely done allows you to start your morning with focus on TODAY rather than playing catch up with yesterday's responsibilities.

10. Hot Baths

When I was in high school, I started a Friday night ritual of taking hot baths. High school was the first time I was in a traditional school environment and the stress and challenges caused me to seek a way to unwind after a week of long homework sessions and tests. I feel as though I've truly perfected the art of hot water, salts (either Epson with a few drops of essential oils or bath salts), light music, soft light, and either a good book or absolutely nothing. After a long hot bath, I like to generously apply lotion and hop right in the bed for a good night's sleep (see number 2).

I would love to know, what are some of your favorite simple pleasures that you enjoy indulging in daily or weekly? Please let me know in the comments below! Throughout the time of compiling my list and writing this post, I had so many more daily pleasures come to mind, it was hard for me to limit it to just ten!

Thank you to Denise Williams for the use of her hummingbird picture!

Monday, June 15, 2015

Signature Scent Series, Part 3

In my last "Signature Scent Series," I wrote about how some of the fragrances I had been trying immediately brought to mind memories of events, places, or people. Many of us know that the sense of scent is tied to memory, but have thought about why exactly that happens? Allow me to present a brief biology review :) Special sensory cells, located in tissue found high inside the nose, connect DIRECTLY to the brain (the olfactory bulb, to be exact). The olfactory bulb connects to the Limbic System of the brain, which is responsible for memory. It is also a part of the brain which regulates emotions, which can explain why certain scents make you happy, relax you, or can even agitate you.

An update on the Search for My Signature Scent:
This week, I tried the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin, Earl Grey & Cucumber, Orange Blossom, and Red Roses. Lime Basil & Mandarin along with Earl Grey & Cucumber both fall into the "Citris" category on the Jo Malone website, while Orange Blossom is in the "Floral" category and Red Roses in the "Light Floral."


Lime Basil & Mandarin: "Our signature fragrance. Peppery basil and aromatic white thyme bring an unexpected twist to the scent of limes on a Caribbean breeze. A modern classic."
If this was the first Jo Malone scent I experienced, I probably would not have tried more. I enjoy lime, basil, and mandarin, but this scent smells dated and over-powering on me. I tried it on four different occasions and disliked it every time.

Earl Grey & Cucumber: "A British Tradition... afternoon tea. A fragrance with a burst of bergamont, distinct to Earl Grey, and the cool succelence of crunchy cucumber. Counterpoised with a sweet base of beeswax, vanilla, and musk. Reviving and refined."
Something odd happened with this one... I had sprayed it on my chest and instantly did not like it. Soon after, I smelled it on a friend and loved it- not knowing it was the scent I hated on myself. When it was time to write this post, I sprayed it again, but this time on my wrist. I actually enjoyed it on my wrist and proceeded to sniff it the rest of the afternoon! Even though it is under the classification of citris, it smells quite linen-y fresh. Maybe it's the bergamont in the Earl Grey I enjoy? While I loved this scent on my wrist, I do enjoy wearing fragrances on my throat and chest as well.

Orange Blossom: "A shimmering garden oasis. Clementine flower sparkles over a heart of orange blossoms and water lily, with warm undertones or orris and balsamic vetiver. Pure delight."
The first thing that comes to mind when I smell this scent is Honeysuckle. A huge field, a warm day, and a ton of honeysuckle. I have never smelled an actual orange blossom, so who knows? Maybe they actually smell like honeysuckle? This scent so reminds me of summer! Because of the strong summer presence, I'm not sure I could wear it year round.

Red Roses: "A voluptuous blend of the world's most exquisite roses. With crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon, it unfolds like a bouquet of freshly cut flowers."
So, I have a little confession. I had used this sample vial before beginning my official search and have kinda already fallen in love with it. It was the warmness that I crave and the Rose scent I adore. I really love how it seemed to become one with my skin and smell so very nice on me. One of my sisters (who would be the last person you would think to like a rose scent), actually complimented this scent on two separate occasions and was shocked when I said, "Red Roses."

You may wonder why I found it necessary to still go through the whole "Signature Scent" process when I had already fallen in love with this particular scent. My answer would be that even though I already knew I loved roses, even before trying the sample vials, I didn't know what some of the other scents were like. Always wanting to learn and grow, I knew I needed to give each of the scents an equal try.

This week I would love to know, have you decided to go on the Signature Scent journey? Have you already? I would love to hear about it in the comments below!


Tuesday, June 09, 2015

Signature Scent Series, Part 2

Have you ever had this conversation: "Oh my goodness, you smell so good! What are you wearing?" Upon receiving the name of the delicious fragrance, you immediately go to the store, purchase a bottle, then wonder why in the world it does not smell the same on your skin. The first time this happened, I was in my teens and was so jealous that a certain scent smelled so good on my friend, but smelled old lady-ish on myself.


Most of us probably already know that something happens to make perfume smell different on different people. I decided to do a little research on why, and found a lot of information at TheLondonPerfumeCompany.com. Basically, everyone has a unique body chemistry, and (just like our fingerprint or DNA), no two are the same. When the perfume molecules react with warm pulse points through our heart beat, it causes a reaction with our skin and hormones, which causes the perfume to give off a particular scent. Our skin is made up of a unique combination of salts, proteins, acids, hairs, fibers, fats, and water. Factors that can influence your skin type include diet, stress level, hormone level, humidity, and Herbs & Spices.

So what's our best bet to ensure that we love our friend's scent on us as much as we do on them? Ask them for a squirt. Get a sample from a department store or online. Allow it to settle into your skin for 30 minutes and see if it's still the scent you love.

This week, I've tried our four of the Jo Malone scents. They were Nectarine Blossom and Honey, Pomegranate Noir, English Pear & Freesia, and Blackberry and Bay. All of these colognes fell into the "Fruity" category on the Jo Malone website, and all four of them could not be more different from one another. Below is the website's description of each, along with a few words on my experience with each.


Nectarine Blossom & Honey: "London's Covent Garden early morning market. Succulent nectarine, peach, and cassis and delicate spring flowers melt into each note of acacia honey. Sweet and delightfully playful."
The first word that came to mind for this scent was, "Wholesome." It had such a light and sweet scent and reminded me of summer trips to Stone Mountain when I was little. Those don't even go together, but that's the memory that came flooding in when inhaling it! I felt this scent smelled exactly on my skin as it did in the bottle. Which is not bad, but I enjoy my body's chemistry interacting with scents a bit more. It seemed as though this one just "sat" on my skin.

Pomegranate Noir: "The sensuality of a daring red dress. Ruby-rich juices of pomegranate, raspberry, and plum are spiked with pink pepper and laced with Casablanca lily and spicy woods. Dark and enigmatic."
At first scent, this cologne made me think of the spicy incense one would smell at a Renaissance Festival without the added headache of it being over-powering. It is a very sensual scent and I loved the warmth of it on my skin. It did interact with my chemistry, but lacked the floral notes I tend to enjoy.

English Pear & Freesia: "The essence of Autumn, the sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears is wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias and mellowed by amber, patchouli, and woods. Luscious and Golden."
I was a bit surprised when I read the description of "The essence of Autumn," as Autumn was something that never came to mind while wearing this scent. Fiona actually tried this scent the evening before I wore it, and it smelled absolutely delightful on her. I was excited to wear it the next day and was disappointed when, again, it seemed to just sit rather than mingle with my skin. It was a beautiful scent, and reminded me of strolling through an English Garden... or, at least, what I would imagine an English Garden to smell like.

Blackberry & Bay: "Childhood memories of blackberry picking... A burst of deep, tart, blackberry juice, blending with the freshness of just-gathered bay and brambly woods. Vibrant and verdant."
I have to admit, this was the one Jo Malone scent I was most excited to try. I mentioned Jennifer L. Scott's search for a Signature Scent in my previous post, and this was the scent she had chosen! When I first applied it, the first thought that rushed to my mind was, "This smells like my Daddy!!" While it may seem quite odd that a connoisseur such as Jennifer and my father would choose the same scent, it actually made sense to me. I was the one who had purchased my father's cologne for him, and I absolutely adore the way it smells on him. Of course, I had to discover what the similar notes were to make them smell so much alike. His cologne, L'eau D'Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake has a very complex scent list, including Cypress, Coriander, Mandarin, Fresh Verbena, Nutmeg, Saffron, Cinnamon, Tobacco Amber, Musk, and Hatian Vetiver, just to name a few. The only one I could possibly consider carrying a like-smelling scent was the cypress. Am I the only one who finds this incredibly interesting??? Be sure to read my next post, where I dive a little deeper into why scents evoke memories.


The search continues! I would love to know- Have you had a similar experience with a perfume not mixing well with your body chemistry? Please share your stories in the comments below!



Monday, June 01, 2015

In Pursuit of a Signature Scent


The first time the concept of a "Signature Scent" was brought to my attention was when I was about 10 years old.  An older, more mature, friend of mine was talking about her "cool" friends and how they each wore one perfume (or body splash, probably), so religiously that they could smell one another coming before they actually saw one another.  I determined quickly that my Signature Scent would be "Exclamation," as I already had a bottle, and I then proceeded to ask for bottles of it for birthdays and Christmas for the next several years.  

As a young adult, I continued to wear perfume, but branched out of the drugstore aisle and played with department store brands- from Victoria's Secret's "Angel" to Banana Republic's "W for Women" to  to the flirty "Velocity" by Mary Kay, I simply purchased whatever I thought smelled classic and sexy and would faithfully apply it every morning.  Looking back on my journey through fragrances, I've realized that certain scents can easily be correlated with specific relationship and life-events.


My mid-twenties brought on the search for a truly Signature Scent.  I fell in love with Coco Mademoiselle and would constantly find magazine and department store samples.  I wanted to make sure that the scent was one that would embody the essence of me.  After a year of debating, I made the purchase with some birthday money I received as a gift.  The scent was truly the most delicate balance between classic and allure and helped me feel confident and beautiful every day I wore it.  I purchased several bottles over the next few years and reveled in the moment I would apply it each day.  


Through the years of wearing Coco Mademoiselle, I have found it worthwhile to re-evaluate my love of the scent before investing in the next bottle.  High-quality perfume is quite an investment, so it seems like the natural course of action to visit a few counters and try some samples before committing the next 15 months to my beloved Mademoiselle.

I recently read an article on The Daily Connoisseur about the evolution of her Signature Scent.  She spoke about Jo Malone London and her journey to discovering their Blackberry & Bay scent.  Her descriptions of the fine fragrances lead me to further investigation and I decided to purchase a set of 10 sample vials online.  I also received a vial from a dear friend and have decided to begin my study with these:

Lime Basil & Mandarin
Earl Grey & Cucumber
Orange Blossom
Pomegranate Noir
English Pear & Freesia
Nectarine Blossom & Honey
Blackberry & Bay
Red Roses
Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Dark Amber & Ginger Lilly
Oud & Bergamont



Please join me on this journey and do let me know in the comments below: Do you have a signature scent?  How long have you worn it?  What are some of your favorite scents?

Many thanks to Sheila Sim, a photographer from Edinburgh (who also did a Jo Malone photoshoot), for graciously allowing me to use the above photo for this blog!  View her beautiful pictures on her website by clicking here.

Photo © Sheila Sim Photography