Do you ever smell something and immediately you’re thinking of a certain person, or time in your life? Sometimes the memory even surfaces before you realize what you’re smelling, “What is that, smells like Christmas!” A diesel truck goes by and I’m mentally transported to Santiago, Chile. Coconut Lime Verbena body spray…I think of my sister. Chanel Chance Eua Fraiche and it’s a hot summer night downtown with Andy.

If we naturally link scents with people or events, then why not use that to your advantage and be purposeful about your scent during important times?! Since scent is so closely tied to memory, I encourage my brides to pick a new unique scent for their wedding day (bonus points if you wear it on your honeymoon too!). All of the amazing emotions of the day get intertwined with that scent. And every time you bring it out (on a special event or anniversary) you’ll be reminded of all those feelings of love, friendship, and celebration!

I do this in my own life, not just one my wedding day, but whenever there is something significant I want to remember. I recently had a birthday and we decided to celebrate by going on a cruise to Mexico! The perfect opportunity to make a scent-memory connection!

Jenn from Garden Apothecary was sweet enough to send me some birthday treats from her amazing product line. When I saw the Cacao + Cardamom Flower Essence perfume oil I just knew that would be the perfect scent for my Latina Holiday! Its like sugar and spice with a warmth. I made sure to apply it morning and night…Here is a peek into the memories my scent and I made on vacation:

I had never been to Catalina Island before so it was so great to visit a new place. We drove around in golf carts, visited the little shops, and ate ice cream. It reminded me of Sauselito a little!

Mexico was of course great! Full of shopping and delish local food! I even was surprised with a mariachi serenade for my birthday…wow! I felt so spoiled.

Halloween happened while at sea…and it was so thrilled that Andy let me paint his face! So much fun!

It’s not a vacation in my opinion without some poolside sunshine.

I love getting dolled up and going out with my husband. More formal sit-down dining happens every night on the ship, so every night felt like date night! There was a vanity desk in our cabin, so doing my makeup and hair seemed extra fun and my Cacao roller ball fragrance made me feel vintage and swanky!

Of course, vacation always ends too soon…but I returned to amazing friends and family that wanted to continue celebrating, so I really cannot complain!

I think I’m going to bust out the cacao fragrance again at Christmas and add some more memories to that scent! What about you? What scents remind you of good times?

What if you wore the same scent on every date night…or found the perfect fragrance for your wedding…or graduation…or promotion…and the list goes on and on! You’d literally be able to bottle those memories. So stay tuned next week for my fragrance hall of fame top picks so you can find the perfect one!

And special thanks to Garden Apothecary! Jenn, your special scent helped make my birthday perfect!

Cheers to Memories, Mexico, and Scent,

Beauty, Costume, Fashion, Makeup, Personal, Product review, Products, Shopping, Skincare, Trend

November 14, 2013

Scent and Memory: Holiday in Mexico

Allow me to introduce you Jenn: world traveler, professional horticulturist, and the genius behind Garden Apothecary

 

Awhile back Jenn sent me the loveliest package of treats. P&P artist Maya was with me when it arrived and we both were over the moon about how everything looked and smelled! What is so great about Garden Apothecary is that all of the amazing products are organic and hand-made in Half Moon Bay, CA.

That evening I rolled on the flower essence oil…smelled so lovely!

The French Green Clay Mud Mask made my skin feel squeaky clean. It comes in powder form, so you just add water. What? You don’t make this face when you do a mud mask?! The hubby said I looked ridiculous…perhaps, but my face was baby-butt smooth after so who cares!

The product I was most enchanted with was the Bath Tea…the bottle looks so good on my counter (I’m such a sucker for packaging!). When I drew myself a bath the aroma of rose was intoxicating!

 

Jenn is so inspiring! Whether its seeing her craft her beautiful products, taking a peek into her garden, or hearing about her far off adventures…you won’t wanna miss a beat on her blog or Instagram (@gardenapothecary)!

Garden Apothecary has a treat for P&P readers: From now through August you can get $4 off the 4oz. Lavender Face and Body mist (normally $12.50) by using the code “polishandpout” at checkout! And shipping is free on orders $60 or more! Happy shopping everyone!

Cheers to Gardens, Baths, and Organic Goods,

 

 

Beauty, Body, Health, Makeup, Product review, Products, Shopping

July 30, 2013

Product Review: Garden Apothecary