4 New Ways to Tell Him, "You smell good!" | Smell Good Spa™

Words of attraction -- in any language....

"Hueles bien!"
"Tu sens bon!"
"Anata wa yoi nioi!"
"Wewe harufu nzuri!"

Four new signature fragrances to tell the well-groomed king, "You smell good!"

Oud Wood -- the sweet aroma that flows from the bark of trees, after a soothing rainfall.

Oud Wood signature fragrances created for the man who embraces all or any of these characteristics:

• robust Oud Black (Pepper)
• opulent Oud Galbanum
• rugged Oud Leather
• mellow Oud Musk

Shop our newest signature fragrance collection here.



Aromatically,

How My Daughter's Flight Cried and Fight Said, "Shut up!" | Smell Good Spa™

So, let me tell you about my adventure yesterday.

Yesterday, we celebrated a new year with King T.  A few months back, our daughters and I planned to gift him with a day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.  This place is grand.  You can go and do absolutely nothing and absolutely everything and will have a memorable time.

One of our planned adventures was a twenty-foot-above-ground obstacle course.  While waiting for our turn, we observed the small children and adults (including seniors) who ventured out before us. Although they all seemed to be getting through the course successfully, the concentrating eyes and clenched jaws were giving me pause.  But, it can't be that bad. Right?

"Next person," said the attendant.  I go up the steps, she connects me to the safety rope, and looks me in the eyes sternly.  "Once you begin this course, you have to finish it."  Only thing I could imagine at that moment was a steel door closing between me, her, my family and everyone else standing in line. Gulp.

Twenty feet above ground doesn't sound too bad -- when you're on the ground.


Our Shared Perspectives

Once the course was over, as a family we shared exactly how we felt about that adventure.

King T. - What have I've gotten myself into. It was great, man.  Loved it.

Me- Ditto. But also, I took on each obstacle at a time.  I did not think about the one ahead.  And after each one, I stood on the platform feeling accomplished and determine to master the next.

Warrior Princess Z. - The first step was harder than I thought.  I did not try to control the safety rope, because I knew it would come with me.  I was able to plan my strategy and not think so much about falling to the ground, because I knew that I could rely on the safety rope.

Warrior Princess T. - Well.... we did not have to ask her about her perspective, because we heard it (everyone there heard it).


Her Fight Overpowers Her Flight

My young lady snot-nose cried on the fourth obstacle.  Do I blame her?  Not at all.  She physically displayed what we ALL were feeling.  Although she was hesitant from the first step, never once did she say, "I can't do this.  I don't want to do this.  I'm turning back."  I heard her crying behind me.  And although I empathized with her, I could not, would not default to the "mommy is here" mode. Why?  Because I know my child.  Her fight always wins out.  And to be honest, she likes for me to just be there, not hover (I like that about my children).

So, there she was crying, yet each time I looked up (Warrior Princess Z. and I were finished. Woo.), she was finished with one obstacle and on to the next.  Her daddy was just heart-melting brilliant -- encouraging her.  The couple behind her were encouraging her.  And the fifty plus people waiting in line were cheering her on.  They even clapped and congratulated her when she was finished. They understood.  I was/am so proud of my girl.  I did not hug her.  I high-fived her and patted her on the shoulder and said, "You did good."  She liked that.

As we walked and talked, I said, "I bet if we come back next week, you'll be able to do that course again." She replied with a resounding, "Yup."  Back straight.  No hesitation in her response.  A determine look.

Don't you just love that?


We All Have It

Flight and Fight is within us all.

You know that feeling, that inadequate feeling.

Flight tells you to stay in bed; no one is going to support this project; you failed, why not give up; how dare you think you deserve to feel accomplished.  And it's so audible!  That was flight crying from the mouth of my daughter.

Fight tells you to persevere; get your butt out of bed, off the sofa; make some phone calls; stay present in what you want to accomplish; this project will get done; how are you going to get support if you don't do; how will you know if you don't try; so what you failed, but did you learn?

My daughter is a prime example of how if you want it bad enough, if you want to overcome obstacles in the way, if you want to get down from a twenty-foot obstacle course, you have got to let Fight propel you forward.

So many days I have felt the warm caress from Flight. Fight reminds me that it's a trick. Revolt!

Flight is needed.  It's there for a very good reason.  That reason..... Danger.  So, if you're not in danger from your aspirations, don't rely on it.  Instead rely on the safety rope called Fight.

Remember, when it comes to accomplishing goals, the only difference between those who succeed and those who don't is Flight or Fight.

When those lack-of-funds situations arise, flight says, get a job.  But fight reminds you of the wisdom to monetize on your skills and talents. 

Which do you choose today, Flight or Fight?


Below are photos of our adventure (one has a short video snippet of King T. on the Mega Zip, 46-foot drop, 1,123 feet zip).  Enjoy.

Be Whole,

My Truth On Why Girls Have the Boss Mentality | Smell Good Spa™

Girls are born with the boss mentality.

If she chooses to become a wife, it's there for her to be a helpmate to her husband.

If they choose to have a family, it's there for her to keep order in her home, and raise whole children.

If she chooses to be the employer, it's there for her to delegate and generate success.

She is a princess. Not in the knight-on-a-white-horse/damsel-in-distress way, but possessing the leadership role with compassion; and, being able to be a warrior -- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It's an honor to be a Warrior Princess.

My role in my daughters' lives is to teach them how to use that innate power for good....not evil.

One of the simple, but vital ways that I do so, is by helping them remember who they are.






Be Whole,

How to Keep Your Special Girl Winning, Aromatically

“I have a Powerful Purpose in life!” This is just one of the affirmations in the Stay Sweet Collection. Even a whole woman can struggle emotionally and mentally some days. Imagine a teenage girl with hormones going from one end of the spectrum to the next. Although her soul is already there, she’s trying to adjust and make sense of the “new” heighten surroundings. Olfaction is powerful, it has the ability to give positive and negative recall. Empower her to have many positive recalls throughout the day. A positive affirmation and beautiful scent - encourage her to remember her truth. All items in the Stay Sweet Collection are 25% off, during our back-to-school sale.

Aromatically,

Olfactory Series #7 Cinnamon::National Fragrance Week | Smell Good Spa™

It's just the first week of June for many, however, for those creative beings that pay respect to the olfaction, daily, this is the week when all things that smell good are celebrated.  Happy National Fragrance Week!

National Fragrance Week is about celebrating cologne, perfume and all things good-smelling. That includes scented candles, potpourri, soaps and lotions, flowers, and even food.

To celebrate National Fragrance Week 2014, I'll highlight seven scents that are beneficial for healthy living, in this Olfactory Series.

Yesterday was the last day of National Fragrance Week, and I am concluding this series with my
top-favorite scent.


Cinnamon

Cinnamon oil is extracted both from the bark and leaves of small Cinnamon trees. Cinnamonaldehyde is the compound within the bark, that gifts us with that beautiful flavor and aroma.  Aldehyde is antiviral, and Cinnamon bark contains 41-51% of it. Additionally, Cinnamon leaf contains 68-87% eugenol, an anesthetic, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antioxidant.  Those numbers alone give insight into how beneficial Cinnamon oil is to healthy living.  Cinnamon is recorded in the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest Egyptian medical textbooks. The Ebers Papyrus dates back to 1550 BC, and contains over 700 health remedies.






Healthy Living Facts:

• Cinnamon bark essential oil killed 92% of gram negative and positive bacterial strains out of 25 tested. (International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2006)
• Cinnamon bark essential oil scored 42.5 (out of 50) in terms of anti-fungal activity. (Saurashtra University, India, 2006)
• Diffusing a blend of cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary oils can kill 99% of airborne bacteria in 12 minutes. 

Healthy Living Benefits:

• Balancing Sugar Levels - Cinnamon oil has been proven to reduce glucose levels in those with diabetes. It has especially been helpful for those with type 2 diabetes. 
• Memory Loss - Research has shown that Cinnamon oil is beneficial in helping the brain with memory, stimulating brain activity, attention span, and being able to decrease nervous tension. 
• Purification and Circulation of Blood - Cinnamon oil is thought to remove impurities from the blood. Also, pain caused by poor circulation can be reduced when using Cinnamon oil.  Thus, ensuring the oxygen supply getting to the the cells. 
• Breastfeeding - Cinnamon oil is believed to aid nursing mothers with a healthy supply of breast milk. 
• Aromatherapy/Sex - Sex plays a major role in a healthy lifestyle. Cinnamon oil is used as an aphrodisiac, and is believed to arouse sexual desire.   

Healthy Living Trivia: 

• Cinnamon oil was a part (250 shekels or 6.25 lbs) of the Holy Anointing Oil recipe given by The Most High to Moses (Exodus 30).
• Cinnamon oil was one of the ingredients used in Four Thieves Vinegar (Marseilles Vinegar) recipe.  During the 15th century this recipe protected people from the plague. Here's the kicker: The recipe was created by thieves who robbed graves during that time. Those thieves were workers in the spice industry. 
• The original Coke® contained six essential oils, including cinnamon essential oil.  Yes, the favorite beverage of choice, now ridiculed, had healthy benefits. 

Thank you for giving your time to the Olfactory Series this week.  I hope you walked away a bit more smarter, and are able to use the healthy living benefits.  If so, thank you for letting me serve you in this way. 

By the way, if the scent of Cinnamon has benefited you, share in the Comments. 

Aromatically,

Consult a physician or certified aromatherapist before introducing essential oils into your healthy living regimen.

Source(s):

Martin, Nan, LSHC, CRTS. "The Health Benefits of Cinnamon Natural Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral" ExperienceEssentialOils.com. 19 April 2014. Web. 8 June 2014

Organic Facts. "Health Benefits of Cinnamon Oil" OrganicFacts.net.  2 October 2007. Web. 8 June 2014

Olfactory Series #6 Sandalwood::National Fragrance Week | Smell Good Spa™

It's just the first week of June for many, however, for those creative beings that pay respect to the olfaction, daily, this is the week when all things that smell good are celebrated.  Happy National Fragrance Week!

National Fragrance Week is about celebrating cologne, perfume and all things good-smelling. That includes scented candles, potpourri, soaps and lotions, flowers, and even food.

To celebrate National Fragrance Week 2014, I'll highlight seven scents that are beneficial for healthy living, in this Olfactory Series.

Sandalwood

Photo Credit: ExplorOz Places

Sandalwood oil is extracted from Sandalwood trees that are 40-80 years old. The older the tree, the more oil it yields, and the aroma is stronger. Sandalwood oil's dynamic therapeutic properties has benefited lives medicinally, culturally and spiritually, for centuries. According to a study conducted by Brigham Young University, Sandalwood oil was effective against breast, prostate, cervical and skin cancer. 

Healthy Living Benefits:

• Natural Sleep Remedy - Sandalwood oil has the ability to cause deep relaxation.  The oil is high in sesquiterpenes, a chemical that stimulates the pineal gland in the brain.  The pineal gland produces melatonin which is released into the bloodstream, regulating the sleep cycle. In addition, Sandalwood oil is also used to elevate meditation.
• Scars - Sandalwood oil is widely used in skincare products, because it is thought to help scars and spots to heal faster. 
• Repels Insects - The sweet aroma of Sandalwood oil repels those small, pesky insects. This is one of the reasons the oil is used extensively in the manufacturing of incense.  Cooking out this summer?  Light up an incense infused with this olfactory bliss.
• "I forgot, again." - When used for aromatherapy, Sandalwood oil is thought to improve memory and to boost concentration. 

Has the scent of Sandalwood benefited you in any of the above situations, or, one that isn't mentioned?  Share with us in the Comments.

Aromatically,

Consult a physician or certified aromatherapist before introducing essential oils into your healthy living regimen.

Source(s):

Martin, Nan, LSHC, CRTS. "Sandalwood Essential Oil Uses and Properties" ExperienceEssentialOils.com. 19 April 2014. Web. 6 June 2014

Organic Facts.  "Health Benefits of Sandalwood Essential Oil" OrganicFacts.net.  8 May 2008. Web. 6 June 2014

Olfactory Series #5 Lemongrass::National Fragrance Week | Smell Good Spa™

It's just the first week of June for many, however, for those creative beings that pay respect to the olfaction, daily, this is the week when all things that smell good are celebrated.  Happy National Fragrance Week!

National Fragrance Week is about celebrating cologne, perfume and all things good-smelling. That includes scented candles, potpourri, soaps and lotions, flowers, and even food.

To celebrate National Fragrance Week 2014, I'll highlight seven scents that are beneficial for healthy living, in this Olfactory Series.


Lemongrass

Lemongrass is native to Southeast Asia, and its oil is extracted from dried lemongrass.  There are fifty different species of Lemongrass; and, depending on the area and climate where the plant grows, the chemistry in certain species alters. Therefore, many species of Lemongrass are not satisfactory for internal use nor medicinal use.  Besides Lemongrass tasting absolutely scrumptious in Thai food, and its oil having one of the best aromas around,  Lemongrass oil can effectively benefit a healthy living regimen.

Healthy Living Benefits:

• Pain Reducer - Lemongrass oil is analgesic, therefore, it has the ability to reduce pain and inflammation.  Lemongrass oil is thought to relieve pain in joints; pain in toothaches and headaches from viral infections; and, pain from muscle-burning activities such as exercise.
• Aromatherapy - Lemongrass oil is noted as both an antidepressant and relaxant. When inhaled or absorbed through the skin, spirits can be uplifted; self-esteem is enhanced; anxiety is relieved; energy is boosted; and, Lemongrass oil can also promote mental peace. Properly inhale Lemongrass oil by placing a few drops on a cloth or tissue, or, using an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.

Has the scent of Lemongrass benefited you in any of the above situations, or, one that isn't mentioned?  Share with us in the Comments. 


Aromatically,

Consult a physician or certified aromatherapist before introducing essential oils into your healthy living regimen.

Source(s):

Martin, Nan, LSHC, CRTS. "The Benefits of Lemongrass are Extensively Documented" ExperienceEssentialOils.com. 19 April 2014. Web. 5 June 2014

Organic Facts. "Health Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil" OrganicFacts.net. 7 April 2008. Web. 5 June 2014

Olfactory Series #4 Frankincense::National Fragrance Week | Smell Good Spa™

It's just the first week of June for many, however, for those creative beings that pay respect to the olfaction, daily, this is the week when all things that smell good are celebrated.  Happy National Fragrance Week!

National Fragrance Week is about celebrating cologne, perfume and all things good-smelling. That includes scented candles, potpourri, soaps and lotions, flowers, and even food.

To celebrate National Fragrance Week 2014, I'll highlight seven scents that are beneficial for healthy living, in this Olfactory Series.
 

Frankincense

Yesterday, I shared the healthy living benefits from Myrrh oil.  Today is all about Frankincense oil, because you rarely see one without the other, and in some cultures there's a refusal to use Myrrh oil without Frankincense oil.  Frankincense oil is extracted from the gum/resin from the Olibanum tree, it is also called Olibanum oil. The Ancients used Frankincense oil for skin care and stomach aliments; The Egyptians also used it for kohl (black eyeliner). Not only was this aromatic commodity traded throughout North Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula, over 5000 years ago, in 1323 BC, Frankincense was found in King Tut's tomb.  Popular in cosmetics, and as a home fragrance product, Frankincense oil has numerous benefits for healthy living.

Healthy Living Benefits:

• Antiseptic and Disinfectant -  The aromatic smoke has the ability to eliminate germs, in the area in which Frankincense is being used. Frankincense oil can also be used for dental hygiene -- add it to warm water for a healthy mouth rinse, or, to DIY toothpaste (how about trying this one?), to combat germs.
• Stretch Marks - Frankincense oil possesses an interesting property for skin health. When applied topically, Frankincense oil is thought to make stretch marks, scars, surgery marks, and other markings on the skin fade at a much faster rate than any other product used.
• Anti-Aging - Amazingly, Frankincense oil helps to tighten skin all over the body, while replacing dying cells with healthy ones.  This is due to Frankincense's effectual astringent capabilities.
• Aromatherapy - Inhaling Frankincense oil when feeling stress or anxious can promote mental peace, relaxation and satisfaction.  To properly inhale Frankincense oil, apply a few drops to a cloth or tissue, or, use an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer. Adding a bit of Frankincense oil to a warm bath can also induce a state of calmness.

Has the scent of Frankincense benefited you in any of the above situations, or, one that isn't mentioned?  Share with us in the Comments.


Aromatically,

Consult a physician or certified aromatherapist before introducing essential oils into your healthy living regimen.

Source(s):

Organic Facts. "Health Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil" OrganicFacts.net. 7 April 2008. Web. 4 June 2014

Martin, Nan, LSHC, CRTS. "Frankincense Oil or Olibanum is an Ancient Spiritual Oil from the Middle East" ExperienceEssentialOils.com. 19 April 2014. Web. 4 June 2014

Wong, Cathy, ND. "Frankincense Essential Oil - What You Should Know" Alternative Medicine. About.com. 2 June 2014. Web. 4 June 2014

Olfactory Series #3 Myrrh::National Fragrance Week | Smell Good Spa™

It's just the first week of June for many, however, for those creative beings that pay respect to the olfaction, daily, this is the week when all things that smell good are celebrated.  Happy National Fragrance Week!

National Fragrance Week is about celebrating cologne, perfume and all things good-smelling. That includes scented candles, potpourri, soaps and lotions, flowers, and even food.

To celebrate National Fragrance Week 2014, I'll highlight seven scents that are beneficial for healthy living, in this Olfactory Series.

Myrrh

Myrrh oil is extracted from the gum/resin of the Commiphora Myrrha tree, native to Egypt (the Myrrha species from Somalia is said to have more powerful healing properties).  The properties that Myrrh oil possess are so dynamic, it's no wonder our ancestors also used it in their healthy living regimen. The wise Ancients maintained their healthy skin, prevented skin aging, and soothed chapped or cracked skin with Myrrh oil.  Did you know that Myrrh is recorded in the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest Egyptian medical texts on record?  The Ebers Papyrus dates back to about 1550 BC and contains over 700 remedies for almost everything, including cancer, asthma and embalming. Not only is Myrrh a reputable oil in the field of aromatherapy, it has a wealth of medical uses for healthy living, too. 

Healthy Living Benefits:

• Dental Health and Hair Loss and Wounds - Myrrh oil is an astringent, causing the contraction of body tissues. Adding a few drops to a mouth rinse or DIY toothpaste (how about trying this one?) can strengthen the hold of gums on teeth. Healthy gums are essential to heart health. Additionally, adding a few drops of Myrrh oil to a hair and scalp oil, or, infusing an oil using Myrrh resin, and applying it to the scalp, can strengthen the scalp's grip on hair roots.  Keeping a balm/oil containing Myrrh oil, in your medicine cabinet, can come in handy. The astringent properties in Myrrh oil can prevent severe blood loss when wounded (also helps wounds heal quicker). 
• Infections and Bad Breath - Myrrh oil is an antiseptic, a substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. Myrrh oil is thought to prevent small cuts from becoming infected.  Also, adding a few drops to warm water, for a mouth rinse, fights bacteria that causes sour-smelling breath; and, aid in the healing of mouth sores or ulcers.  
• Skincare - When infused in skincare products, Myrrh oil is thought to reduce the appearances of wrinkles, fade dark spots and scars. 
• Aromatherapy - Inhaling Myrrh oil can prevent colds (activates the Immune System), cough, insomnia, sore throat, and works as a calming agent (sedative).  For centuries, (in harmony with Frankincense) Myrrh's aromatic notes has significantly set a peaceful atmosphere to spiritual settings. Apply a few drops to a cloth or tissue, or, use an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer. 

This isn't even the tip of the iceberg. I encourage you to do additional research about Myrrh oil, to completely understand all the benefits it can yield to your healthy living regimen. 

Has the scent of Myrrh benefited you in any of the above situations, or, one that isn't mentioned?  Share with us in the Comments.

Aromatically,

Consult a physician or certified aromatherapist before introducing essential oils into your healthy living regimen.

Source(s):

Organic Facts. "Health Benefits of Myrrh Essential Oil" OrganicFacts.net. 27 April 2008. Web. 3 June 2014 
Martin, Nan, LSHC, CRTS. "The Benefits of Myrrh Date Back to the Ancient Egyptians" ExperienceEssentialOils.com. 19 April 2014. Web. 3 June 2014 

Wong, Cathy, ND. "Myrrh Essential Oil - Health Benefits" Alternative Medicine. About.com. 16 May 2014. Web. 3 June 2014 

Olfactory Series #2 Patchouli::National Fragrance Week | Smell Good Spa™

It's just the first week of June for many, however, for those creative beings that pay respect to the olfaction, daily, this is the week when all things that smell good are celebrated.  Happy National Fragrance Week!

National Fragrance Week is about celebrating cologne, perfume and all things good-smelling. That includes scented candles, potpourri, soaps and lotions, flowers, and even food.

To celebrate National Fragrance Week 2014, I'll highlight seven scents that are beneficial for healthy living, in this Olfactory Series.

Patchouli

Patchouli is a perennial herb native to the tropical regions of Asia.  It is thought to provide excellent benefits to a healthy living regimen. Patchouli is most commonly used in perfume, incense and bath and body care products, because of its superb topical and aromatherapy attributes. 

Healthy Living Benefits:

• Sleep Problems - Sleep is so important to overall health, daily activities and mood.  At times you can be dirt tired, but the brain and eyes just won't work in your favor.  Inhaling Patchouli oil could be the needed element to lull you to a restful sleep -- Patchouli oil is thought to have sedative effects.  
• Aromatherapy - When Patchouli oil is inhaled or topically applied to the skin, it is thought to transmit messages to the Limbic System.  The Limbic System is the region of the brain that controls emotions and the Nervous System.  So, on those days when emotions are heighten, or, the mood is swinging to the point where you are personally getting on your own nerves, sprinkle a bit of Patchouli oil onto a tissue or cloth, sit down and inhale slowly.  Using an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer can also be effective. 
• Insect Repellent - Patchouli oil is said to be great for repelling insects.  Here are a couple of applications that may work for you this summer: 1) Put a few drops into almond oil; Apply to exposed skin before heading outdoors. 2) If you prefer a non-oily method: Mix a few drops with Witch Hazel or Aloe Vera juice; Put into a spray bottle; Spray onto exposed skin before heading outdoors.  Use both methods as needed. 

Has the scent of Patchouli benefited you in any of the above situations, or, one that isn't mentioned?  Share with us in the Comments.

Aromatically,

Consult a physician or certified aromatherapist before introducing essential oils into your healthy living regimen.

Source:

Wong, Cathy, ND. "Patchouli Essential Oil - What You Need to Know" Alternative Medicine. About.com. 14 July 2013. Web. 2 June 2014 

Olfactory Series #1 Rose::National Fragrance Week | Smell Good Spa™

It's just the first week of June for many, however, for those creative beings that pay respect to the olfaction, daily, this is the week when all things that smell good are celebrated.  Happy National Fragrance Week!

National Fragrance Week is about celebrating cologne, perfume and all things good-smelling. That includes scented candles, potpourri, soaps and lotions, flowers, and even food.

To celebrate National Fragrance Week 2014, I'll highlight seven scents that are beneficial for healthy living, in this Olfactory Series.




Rose

Rose otto (attar of rose, attar of roses) or rose absolute, better known as rose oil, is the essential oil extracted from the petals of various types of rose.  Rose oil contains the rose plant's aromatic compounds, which are thought to possess healing properties, therefore, rose oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. 

Healthy Living Benefits:

• Anxiety and Stress Relief - When rose oil is applied topically, studies prove it decreases the breathing rate and lowers the blood pressure, for those who suffer with anxiety and from stressful situations.
• Menopausal Symptoms - It's been reported that women who received relaxing massages with a rose oil blend (including lavender, jasmine, rose geranium oils), weekly, significantly felt better and saw greater improvement in menopausal symptoms. Mild menopausal symptoms appear as early as 25 years of age. Introducing massages using rose oil, even at that young age, is great therapy for healthy living. 
• Menstrual Cramps - When rose oil, with lavender and clary sage oil (and almond oil - never apply essential oils to the skin without a carrier oil), is topically applied to the abdominal, research showed that only a few drops were needed to decrease the severity of menstrual cramps.
• Aromatherapy - For a zen-like atmosphere, rose oil can be used in an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.  Also, sprinkling a few drops onto a cloth or tissue will create a peaceful state of mind, when inhaled. 

Has the scent of rose benefited you in any of the above situations, or, one that isn't mentioned?  Share with us in the Comments.

Take time to smell the roses.

Aromatically,

Consult a physician or certified aromatherapist before introducing essential oils into your healthy living regimen.

Source:

Wong, Cathy, ND. "What Should I Know About Rose Oil?" Alternative Medicine. About.com. 23 May 2014. Web. 1 June 2014 

A Dope Ode to ManCave Incense | Smell Good Spa™

In April, our male VIPs got the first sniff of ManCave Incense, before this week's launch. From the feedback we received, one reigned supreme, like Eric B.'s and Rakim's "Paid In Full".  Creativity inspires creativity; I imagine that the creative spark in (MC) Derrick ignited from the first sniff, in the same way it did within me while developing this product, last year.  My smile went from ear-to-ear, because he got it!  He got the heart and soul and thoughts - the depth of my being that goes into creating an experience, not just a product.

I am going to share Derrick's dope, poetic flow with you, but first let me just share something about this wordsmith.  Like many of us, life has thrown some pretty hard curve balls at Derrick, but nothing has he hasn't limited himself.  He revolts against his physical challenges to share the words that burn deep within his soul; His creative energy flows through words like a knife cuts through warm butter.  Be inspired by this, and remember...the revolution is within You. 

A Dope Ode to ManCave Incense

To all the fellows

~who wanna keep their spot mellow

~Forget the roses & daises, "Hello!" You know!

~Because the Mancave is not a meadow

~Not to dismiss the Mrs. or Miss

~Give me your kiss & know I choose the dish from the SG menu, a proper Checklist

~So the list is the dish along with your kiss

~Now behave 'cause your man doesn't need the Mrs. or Miss to be dismissed

~But, "No Potpourri!" this is just for me, you see

~Designed for the He not She but she can enjoy all this He like A. B.aby, C.ompletely, D.efinitely, E.ffectively, F.ully, G.ee, it's just for us, Hee Hee

~Now for the collection of the selection, count 'em off

~1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ah, there's 7

~There's Bounty, na, you won't be arrested in your county

~X3, not the car but a scent that is truly magnificent

~@TheRest, one of the best I must confess, so worthy of all the press

~Then there's Oak, yeah, no joke, a most enjoyable smoke

~This "Timber!" definitively "sniff," smells like a winner

~Arganese, Gold Strike, do you know these brands? Well, add Smell Goods as they've created their own Cigar, man!

~Do you smell it, can you sniff it, it, has it finally come? Indeed, it has, here it is, welcome the Kingdom

~And no matter the moment nor how you choose to unwind, when you need to relax, blow the whistle, it's Half-Time

~So there you have it, 7 new aromatics that will become automatic, such a (sniff, sniff) lovely habit

~For the 100% man who is or desires to be, a caring, loving daddy, ignore the words of this society

~Enjoy the dance of your romance as its fragrance takes its stance, in all kinds weather, this is love enhanced

~And with a knock knock, the fellas arrive at your door

~Pick up your controller, get ready to play, avenge that loss, time to even up the score

~So no matter the day, the time, when it's your place, mark your space and do it right, the 

Smell Goods way~

©Derrick T.T., 2014

  

Check out our super dope ManCave Incense video!  Leave a comment letting us know what you think. Thanks!

And for extra dopeness: ManCave Incense are now available at the introductory price of only $6.

"But wait, I don't know about anyone else.  I'm still stuck on Derrick being a VIP and getting the first sniff.  Where they do that at?!"  They do that right here. 

Aromatically,

3 Simple Solutions for that Disappearing Youthful Glow | Smell Good Spa™

Sigh. The silent expression given after looking over those fun, summer pictures taken of you in your twenties.  Those were the days - sun, fun, laughter and beautiful skin happily displayed under shorts and sleeveless tops. “When did my youthful glow disappear?”  As the body ages, cellular regeneration slows down, and skin begins to act differently, yielding dark spots, wrinkles, and rough, cracked skin.  Thankfully, plenty of wholesome products from nature can help you maintain your beautiful skin, and this puts you on the winning side - allowing you to grow older gracefully.  

You truly are what you eat, therefore an adequate intake of water and nourishing foods work internally and the epidermis benefits from those positive effects.  

In addition to eating and drinking mindfully, consistently use these three topical steps to keep your body’s largest organ conditioned & hydrated, and have you on your way to celebrating the reappearance of that youthful glow: 

First, cleanse the skin using soap or body wash with rich emollients, such as raw butters and plant/fruit oils. The hydration process begins when water comes in contact with the skin, and the wholesome emollients seal moisture into the skin.  Forgo products with harsh surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. They strip the natural oils from the skin, and hinders the goal. 

Next, slough off dead skin cells using salt or sugar scrubs, clays, or a natural fiber sponge.  Exfoliation is one of the most skipped steps in bath and body care, but is necessary for a radiant hue. Exfoliating the skin 2-3 times a week, softens rough skin, lightens hyper-pigmented spots, and allows for better absorption of other bath and body care products.  

Lastly, apply moisturizers with liquid content and emollients (lotion/cream) to maintain skin hydration and soft skin throughout the day.  Or use emollients (no water content) such as body butters and body balms for sealing in moisture after showering, softening rough skin, and protecting the skin. Petroleum jelly is an emollient, however, it does not allow the skin to breathe as well as plant/fruit-based emollients. 

Add these simple solutions to your bath and body care regimen, and you can expect that youthful glow to reappear. Say, “Good-bye” to sigh and hello to shorts, racerback tanks & short maxi dresses.

Are these tips helpful to you?  Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Do you think your social network friends are interested in having beautiful skin?  Share these tips with them.  

Be Whole,

Super-Quick Video Recap - Itiel's Top 10 Favorite Things | Smell Good Spa™

Itiel's top 10 favorite things are available in a sampler bundle during the Customer Appreciation Event.  Stop by this Sunday (through Tuesday) and click on the Sampler Bundle category. 

Be Whole,

The Decision I'm Going Against, for a Manifesto

In 2013, the decision was made to no longer feature non-Smell Good Spa posts on this blog (that's another blog post…. or not).  Although I strongly commit to my decisions, my years of self-exploration and healing revealed that commitment coupled with sensibility are great attributes, when on a journey to become whole.

Speaking of becoming whole, women who truly desire to do so, your attention is needed for the following manifesto.

I felt pretty darn special back in December, when receiving this mixtape sneak peek from Akilah S. Richards.

I replied with:

Sista, this whole work that you created is for generations to come!


I love. Let me say it again, LOVE. Okay, one more, L.O.V.E. how you were sympathetic and empathetic, yet matter-of-fact. I've discovered that is truly a sure sign of a woman that has come into her own.  Yes, hurt; cry; wail, but eventually you have got to get up and operate your "train". 

Your mixtape made me appreciate my healing and the path that I am on.

This is some real truth, Akilah. I believe it's going to cause many of women to search themselves and heal.


So you see why I had to go against my decision?  You need to see this if you are one of those women who truly desire to become whole.

Akilah has written her fifth book, Radical Self-Expression Manifesto, 'on self-inquiry, self-exploration, and of course, radical self-expression'.  

When asked to share this with you... 

I replied with:

I got you. 

Women, a self-healing journey can get downright in-your-face ugly. It's possible that  Radical Self-Expression Manifesto can be a great heart-to-heart resource to help you along the way.  Purchase this 180 pages of poetry, protest, and prose, today. 

xo
Be Whole,

{Video #1!} Woot! Itiel's Top 10 Favorite Things | Smell Good Spa™

Gratitude to those who took the time to watch, like, comment and share.







Be Whole,