How to Create Your Favorite Destination Scent at Home
One of my favorite activities while traveling is to pop into a fragrance shop or stand. It’s intriguing to savor the scents of a local region and I often learn more about the history and culture of the place from the vendors than from a museum next door. Over and over I am attracted to scents of the Mediterranean with splashes of citrus, lavender, neroli, bergamot, rosemary, eucalyptus, peony, and more. Since travel remains on the horizon for most of us this summer, I think it’s lovely to bring the fragrances of our favorite destinations home.
One of my favorite activities while traveling is to pop into a fragrance shop or stand. It’s intriguing to savor the scents of a local region and I often learn more about the history and culture of the place from the vendors than from a museum next door. Over and over I am attracted to scents of the Mediterranean with splashes of citrus, lavender, neroli, bergamot, rosemary, eucalyptus, peony, and more. Since travel remains on the horizon for most of us this summer, I think it’s lovely to bring the fragrances of our favorite destinations home.
Benefits of using essential oils in a diffuser:
Create a relaxing environment
Anxiety reduction
Improved sleep
Improved well-being
Signature fragrance can be transportive to a favorite destination
No fire hazard (as in candles)
To create your signature fragrance for the home:
*Fractionalized coconut oil (liquid) here
*Organic Essential Oils here (My favorite - neroli here)
*Small Funnel
*Glass jars for diffusing and diffuser sticks (I’ve collected diffusers over the years to reuse)
I create my signature fragrance by adding a 1/2 cup of liquid coconut oil to a lidded glass jar. I add 15 drops of my preferred essential oil base to start building the fragrance. I then add additional fragrance oils, drop by drop, to create the signature blend. Along the way, sniff and sniff, adding drops until you have your perfected your signature scent. When your desired result is achieved, use the funnel to slowly pour small amounts of your blend into the diffuser jars. Add diffuser sticks if you like. Save any unused blend in the lidded jar to refresh diffusers on a weekly basis.
My current favorite scents are neroli, lemon, sweet orange, bergamot, lavender, and vetiver.
If you want to perfect your fragrance building process learn more The Art of Pairing.
On a side note, it’s not easy to feel inspired as a travel advisor/ blogger during a pandemic and I’m sorry for my lack of regular posting on the blog. I started several posts this month but I must confess to some writer’s ‘roadblock’. How apropos! Despite that, I hope you are staying healthy and faring well during these challenging times. Message me on Instagram or drop me a comment below and let’s keep in touch. Travel will begin again and it is sure to be more celebratory and meaningful than ever.
Ciao!!
Heather
Self-Care Tips for Stressful Times
It’s day 53 of our sheltering in place chapter and I finally polished my toenails. Is this a positive sign? I hope so! At least my toes are looking more cheerful. Overall, we are feeling more positive with May on the horizon. For now, we continue to stay home and stay safe.
It’s day 53 of our sheltering in place chapter and I finally polished my toenails. Is this a positive sign? I hope so! At least my toes are looking more vibrant. Overall, a bit of the mental fog is lifting and we are feeling more optimistic with May on the horizon. For now, we will continue to stay home and stay safe.
How are you doing during this stressful time? Now that you have likely had much more time at home are you changing up your self-care routines? As we already know, deep-breathing, exercise, healthy eating and proper rest are essential for self-care and stress reduction. I've also found that spa time at home is important for wellbeing.
Though there is less need to dress up on days like these, it doesn’t mean self-care should take a back seat. I’ll admit, I have had a few days where a shower felt like too much trouble, but I find I definitely feel better (physically and emotionally) when I take the time to care for my skin, hair, and nails.
I’m digging in my drawers for facial scrubs, masks, and serums that are half-used or forgotten. By the way, doesn’t it feel good to go through the items that have not been frontline and either use or dump them? It’s cost-effective, green and, honestly, my drawers have never looked better. Now that we have the luxury of time, I want to share a few of my must-haves for a spa day at home.
My necessities for a self-care home spa experience:
*Plush bamboo towels (2 matching sets in white for easy care laundering)
*A comfy, absorbent spa robe
*A fragrant candle like Jo Malone’s Basil and Neroli
*Facial Masque-Caudalie is a favorite that I picked up in Paris
*Body wash - Le Labo - Bergamote 22
*Skin serums and moisturizers from Peter Thomas Roth
*My Clarisonic Mia (a lifechanger for my skin)
*My DIY beauty elixir (see below)
*Cucumber and lemon water in a carafe
*Soothing, calming music (Spa channel on Satellite or anything 'Chill or downtemp' on spotify)
I’m planning to purchase this BeautyFIX box on sale that does not require a subscription right now. $24.99 for products worth over $100.00 and should come in handy since I’m no longer shopping in stores.
It’s nice to let our skin breathe (sans makeup except for business zooms) but moisture is key. I’ve recently renewed my appreciation for a household product that is a miracle in a jar. Read this post on My DIY Beauty Elixir for Thirsty Skin that I wrote a couple of years back.
I found these great tips for Self-Care from Virtuoso:
How to have the ultimate Self-Care Day
In need of some wanderlust?
Favorite Travel Spa Experiences from the Curated Travel Blog
Hello From Our Home to Yours in the Age of 'Physical Distancing'
Hello Friends,
Who could’ve known, just a few short months ago, what our current ‘normal’ would look like? Though our world feels like it’s turned upside right now I do hope you are finding moments of comfort, connection and even humor as our lives have slowed down.
Hello Friends,
Who could’ve known, just a few short months ago, what our current ‘normal’ would look like? Though our world feels like it’s turned upside right now I do hope you are finding moments of comfort, connection and even humor as our lives have slowed down.
I’m on day 19 of my ‘physical distancing’ and am hunkered down with my husband here in Chico in Northern California. We are healthy, comfortable and yet concerned about the state of our world right now. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, truth be told. How are you coping? How has this new chapter impacted your life?
I shared a few thoughts on Instagram earlier this week:
A glimpse of our world in the ‘slow life’ era.
We’ve been busy in the kitchen. Destination themed dinners have been a hit (think paella, sangria and fried plantains from Spain with the Gipsy Kings playing in the background). We’ve been trying to keep our meals fresh with lots of veggies and salads but I also broke down and baked chocolate chip cookies for the first time in years.
WOW! Hello cookies, we’ve missed you!
With all the home cooking we are now doing I must confess to missing some of the dishes at our local restaurants. We’ve ordered take out once or twice and plan to do it again soon to support the local businesses.
You will find the recipe to these soft and yummy chocolate chip cookies on my Pinterest board here. By the way, I used a light whole wheat flour and they turned out perfectly.
This made us laugh today. Does your home cooking weeks on end leave you feeling like this?
Humor from my wise mom.:)
This video popped up in the images on my phone today. We were in Provence this week last year and it is a good reminder of the beauty of that trip and to have hope that we will be traveling again someday soon.
I’ve had a number of friends and clients reach out to see how my world in the travel business is faring during Covid-19. Though I’ve had a number of changes, including my two biggest groups (one to Paris and a Med cruise) cancel within two hours of each other, many of the other trips I’ve worked on for clients are being postponed rather than cancelled. This is hugely helpful for the travel industry as well as our own peace of mind. Those of us who are energized and motivated by travel are feeling like our wings have been clipped about now. Don’t dispair! Look towards the future, plot your travels for next fall, 2021 and beyond. I share more tips in this post on How to Keep Your Wanderlust Spirit Alive.
Thank you for reading today. Stay healthy and please reach out if you are so inclined. Let me know if there is specific content I can share - Travel inspiration? Travel tips? Travel Updates? Health and Wellness? - that would be helpful. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below or by email. We will get through this chapter by supporting each other.
Be well,
Heather
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Simple Tips for Creating a Cohesive Space
You may have the picture-perfect vases and glassware that produce a glistening display in your cupboard. You might even own the most breath-taking Victorian era furniture in pristine condition. But even the most perfect of accessories can fall flat in a room lacking a cohesive space.Creating a sense of unity in your home is a top priority, especially when it comes to getting the most out of your preexisting style and decor. When it comes to designing your home, there is no right or wrong. It’s a matter of choosing what accessories, colors, and furnishings best suit you and making all of your preferences work flawlessly together.Every home is about as unique and varied as the individuals who live in it — so why not let it show? You don't have to settle for mundane color schemes or one specific style to create the ultimate look in your home.If your rooms seem to emit a sort of choppiness or you can’t quite get the looks of your room to flow, be sure to check out our simple tips for creating a cohesive look in your home below.
Simple Tips for Creating a Cohesive Space
Guest Blogger – Kacey Mya
You may have the picture-perfect vases and glassware that produce a glistening display in your cupboard. You might even own the most breath-taking Victorian era furniture in pristine condition. But even the most perfect of accessories can fall flat in a room lacking a cohesive space.Creating a sense of unity in your home is a top priority, especially when it comes to getting the most out of your preexisting style and decor. When it comes to designing your home, there is no right or wrong. It’s a matter of choosing what accessories, colors, and furnishings best suit you and making all of your preferences work flawlessly together.Every home is about as unique and varied as the individuals who live in it — so why not let it show? You don't have to settle for mundane color schemes or one specific style to create the ultimate look in your home.If your rooms seem to emit a sort of choppiness or you can’t quite get the looks of your room to flow, be sure to check out our simple tips for creating a cohesive look in your home below.
Choose Your Paint WiselyThe hue of paint you choose to color your walls in can make or break the style of your space. While extravagant wallpaper and various room colorings can offer a sense of style to any room, you may want to choose a neutral shade that will allow the furniture and accessories to be the focal point instead.Just because neon yellow is your favorite color doesn’t mean you should splatter it onto your walls. When you want to connect your room’s overall look, choose a wall color that doesn’t detract your eye from what truly matters. The color of each room should enhance your décor — not overshadow it.Keep Your Flooring Consistent While you don't want every room to look like a mirror image of the one before it, the material you choose for your flooring should remain the same. Keeping your flooring consistent is even more crucial in apartments and smaller homes because a variety of designs will impair your ability to achieve a connected look. If you want to create a cohesive look in your home, choosing the right flooring is vital. Consider the floor styles that compliment your aesthetic and compare color schemes of wood and tiles to your existing layout. Remember that you can mix up the tiles and patterns — just try to keep the appearance and style consistent. Mimic Styles Without Mirroring CompletelyYou can’t achieve cohesion in your home when your living room is shrouded in retro décor and your dining room is entirely vintage. Instead of choosing distinct looks for every room, make sure the theme and style are apparent throughout.If you’re going for a country style look, be sure to incorporate rustic accessories into every room. Be careful that you don’t replicate each room’s look entirely, however — too much similarity can cause a mundane and lackluster appearance. Realize That Less Truly is MoreWhile a quick trip to your local supercenter for a few necessities can quickly turn into a few hours spent perusing the decoration aisle, remember to put down unwanted accessories the next time you go shopping.When it comes to decorations, less really is more. A room cannot achieve a connected look when it has too many accessories preventing your overall style from coming together. Consider minimalist decorations that allow you to still add a touch of panache without going overboard in the process. Know Your Style and Stick to ItCohesion doesn't come in one size, shape, or color. If you believe a tied-together look is synonymous with basic décor and interior furnishings, think again. Research studies show that humans crave a touch of personalization in their daily life decisions — home décor included! How cozy can your home honestly be if you don't feel like you had any power over how it looks? You can decorate your home with your unique style — the key is to just stick with your favored look throughout the entire house. Intermingle the Old with the NewJust because you want a polished style doesn't mean your home has to include décor made entirely within the last year. The most beautiful homes combine a mixture of various elements that defined the different time periods. To create a cohesive look with an added interest, try pairing traditional pieces with timeless vintage accessories. When it comes to decorating your home to perfection, there is no "correct" blueprint for success. Just know your style beforehand and shape your interests into a connected look that emits the most breath-taking display.
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!
Thank you for sharing your stylish ideas with Style*Mind*Chic Life today, Kacey!
Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours!
Just a simple post on Christmas Eve wishing you a festive holiday from our house to yours. We will be celebrating at home with family, including sweet Baby Charlie on his first Christmas, this year. Thank you for stopping by and being part of our world today.
Just a simple post on Christmas Eve wishing you a festive holiday from our house to yours. We will be celebrating at home with family, including sweet Baby Charlie on his first Christmas, this year. Thank you for stopping by and being part of our world today.
What are your plans for the holiday?
![The Fine Art of a Romantic Date Night at Home [Thanks to Bacio Catering]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a66444d017db2e6975e076e/1525654624707-WLNWLS4ULRCCXZSYDEYV/16585443_1848234005389062_5041528621743734784_n.jpg)
The Fine Art of a Romantic Date Night at Home [Thanks to Bacio Catering]
The menu for the Valentine’s Day carry-out dinner was pure deliciousness . I pre-ordered the butternut squash lasagna and Scott ordered the steak medallions with red-wine reduction. Bacio clearly laid out all instructions for heating our meal and it came together in just a few minutes. There was plenty of time to enjoy sips of sparkling wine while preparing our courses.
The Fine Art of a Romantic Date Night at Home
For Valentine's Day last year, Scott had the brilliant idea of bringing home a carry-out dinner for us. It was perfectly romantic to relax at home, without fighting the crowds, and enjoy a gourmet dinner. Flash to this Valentine's Day and we thought it would be fun to collaborate with the talented chef/caterer Amanda Leveroni of Bacio Catering again.
Despite one of the rainiest seasons on record here in Northern California, the weather was unseasonably warm which allowed for another alfresco dinner. I created a colorful table with a runner I purchased in Positano, Italy, last summer. The bold florals accented the lemon motif platter, also from the Amalfi coast. I added the flowers - roses and lilies - Scott brought home the evening before, a few candles and the table was set. Scott and I headed into the kitchen to see what delicious cuisine Amanda had cooked up for us this time.
I asked Amanda about her inspiration for a romantic dinner menu like the one she created for her customers this Valentine's Day and she dished:
"Our inspiration for this dinner? Well, that’s a tricky one. It has to be easy, user-friendly, not too complicated for someone (or 2) to re-heat and figure out. It’s the trick really with all of the items that we offer in the carryout.
When we are at your house or venue, our chefs can make it all magical. When you buy food from our retail location or a special dinner like this, we have to take into account soooooo many factors. Does it re-heat well? How does it present when it’s cold in the case? Ahhhhh! It’s such a hybrid business in the food world.
Our inspiration comes from the beautiful stuff the farmers bring in our back door. We look at what’s beautiful and delicious and build from there. We’re inspired by the many ways that we all think this meal should be shared. Shhhh! It get’s kind of naughty." - Amanda Leveroni
The menu for the Valentine's Day carry-out dinner was pure deliciousness . I pre-ordered the butternut squash lasagna and Scott ordered the steak medallions with red-wine reduction. Bacio clearly laid out all instructions for heating our meal and it came together in just a few minutes. There was plenty of time to enjoy sips of sparkling wine while preparing our courses.
Tasting Notes:
*The cheese board featured just the right balance of cheese, fruit, crackers and nuts. The Point Reyes Toma is always a favorite cheese in our house.
*The Mega Glow Greens included slices of orange, watermelon radish, sweet-spiced nut brittle and golden drops of dressing.
*The butternut squash lasagna, with velvety Grana Padano cheese, was to die for, as was the Niman Ranch beef. We shared bites and were equally pleased with our selections.
*Honey glazed carrots and potatoes infused with garlic thyme browned butter rounded out our entrees.
Bacio catering paired with Tin Roof Bakery for crusty bread and Mim's Bakery for the decadent, creamy chocolate delight that was intensely rich and decadent, so much so that we had some leftover for the next night. Mim's created our wedding cake 16 years ago and that added a special touch for our Valentine's day.
Amanda Leveroni is famous for her fresh, seasonal and flavorful dishes in the north state area and it is always a treat to see what combinations she will put together for a menu. Bacio Catering definitely understands the fine art of a romantic dinner at home.
We are hoping that Bacio Catering will be offering their romantic Valentine's Day Dinner again next year. In the meantime, you can order Bacio Biz Boxes year round or stop by the shop at 1903 Park Avenue to pick up delicious dishes to carry out for lunch or dinner. For more on Amanda's inspiring story of 30 years of fresh, healthy food and community love here.
Our thanks to Amanda Leveroni and the Bacio team for creating a romance inspiring carry out dinner for us. Just as you said, Amanda, there are many ways this kind of delectable meal can be shared. Dining at home can be most romantic, especially with a menu like this one. We agree with you, "Food is Love".
Cheers to you!
Our meal from Bacio Catering was a gift to us.
All opinions are, as always, my own.
Romance inspiring travel at Curated Travel