Scents of Summer

The art of making perfumes began in ancient Egypt and was further refined by the Romans and Persians. In ancient times people used herbs and spices as well as flowers. A Persian doctor and chemist introduced the process of extracting oils from flowers by means of distillation, the procedure most commonly used today. Raw ingredients and distillation technology significantly influenced western perfumery and scientific developments. In 2005, archaeologists uncovered what are believed to be the world's oldest perfumes in Pyrgos, Cyprus. The perfumes date back more than 4,000 years, and were discovered in an ancient perfumery. At least 60 stills, mixing bowls, funnels and perfume bottles were found in the 43,000-square-foot factory.



What is Perfume? It's a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds used to give the human body, a pleasant scent.



Perfume is described in a musical metaphor as having three sets of notes, making the harmonious scent accord. The notes unfold over time, with the immediate impression of the top note leading to the deeper middle notes, and the base notes gradually appearing as the final stage. These notes are created carefully with knowledge of the evaporation process of the perfume.

• Top notes: The scents that are perceived immediately on application of a perfume. Top notes consist of small, light molecules that evaporate quickly. They form a person's initial impression of a perfume.


• Middle notes: The scent of a perfume that emerges just prior to when the top notes dissipate. The middle note compounds form the "heart" or main body of a perfume and act to mask the often unpleasant initial impression of base notes, which become more pleasant with time.
  
• Base notes: The scent of a perfume that appears close to the departure of the middle notes. The base and middle notes together are the main theme of a perfume. Base notes bring depth and solidity to a perfume. Compounds of this class of scents are typically rich and "deep" and are usually not perceived until 30 minutes after application.

The scents in the top and middle notes are influenced by the base notes, as well the scents of the base notes will be altered by the type of fragrance materials used as middle notes. Manufacturers of perfumes usually publish perfume notes and typically they present it as fragrance pyramid, with the components listed in imaginative and abstract terms.

THE FRAGRANCE WHEEL

For those who know me, then you are aware of my obsession with perfumes. I even worked in the perfume department of Dillard's, where I obtained tons and tons of bottles of the newest releases. I don't really have a "signature scent", because I like variety. I prefer smelling like a piece or fruit, maybe with a slight floral scent. I do not typically gravitate towards woodsy or spicy - it's just not for me. If I can leave the house everyday smelling good enough to eat, then I'm happy! :-)




Here are my picks!





Ok, so my family totally rags me for being a Britney fan, but I don't care...I love her! And I absolutely adore all of her perfumes. I'm not exaggerating, but EVERY TIME I wear one of her fragrances, random people stop me and ask what it is! And it's not surprise because this one was honored by the Fragrance Foundation as Best Women's Fragrance. She has sold over 700 million bottles of this fragrance worldwide and it is her most successful perfume. Overall she has sold over 1 billion bottles of perfume (and I've bought all of them at least 2x). So there, everyone loves Brit Brit!


"Curious" by Britney Spears $60
The fragrance is a white floral scent. Its notes are Louisiana magnolia (an ode to Britney's stomping ground), golden Anjou pear, lotus flower, tuberose, star jasmine, pink cyclamen, vanilla-infused musk, sandlewood and blonde woods.











I'm a big fan of Jessica Simpson shoes and purses - I think they absolutely rock! So when I was in florida for vacation 2 years ago, I found this super-sweet scent at the Rosemary Beach mall, and had to buy it! Every time I wear it, it remember being at that beach,

"Fancy" by Jessica Simpson $75
This is considered an oriental vanilla fragrance. Top notes are pear, apricot and red berries; middle notes are gardenia, jasmine, almond and caramel; base notes are sandalwood, vanilla and amber.









Ok, so I purchased this scent LONG BEFORE the guidos of Jersey Shore knew about the tattoo-inspired California clothing line! No one had even heard of Ed Hardy at this point, but thought it was a really cool bottle and I loved the fruity smell.

"Love Kills Slowly" by Ed Hardy $75
This is a fruity floral with notes of apple soufflé, mango, wild strawberry, rudy red grapefruit, freesia petals, watery muguet, linden blossom, warm amber, musk, tonka bean and vanilla pudding.










I fell in love with this citrus scent when I smelled it on my former salon boss. At this time, no department store around Nashville sold it. But I found it at Opry Mills Mall and have purchased a total of 3 bottles because I love the clean and fresh smell of it!

"Light Blue" by Dolce & Gabbana $65
Combines lively Sicilian cedar with the freshness of Granny Smith Apples, and the flora allure and sponataneity of the bluebell. The freshness of bamboo softened with the intensity of jasmine and the charm of white rose. Fuses citron wood and sensual amber and the delicate caress of musk.







Now this scent was by a brand I had never heard of, Bvlgari. But when a friend (former Miss Venezuela) recommened it to me, I really came to love the soft sweetness of it! My loser exboyfriend bought me my 1st bottle of Bvlgari, but that's besides the point - I still like it!

"Bvlgari" by Bvlgari $125

This is classified as a refined, floral fragrance.
This feminine scent possesses a blend of violet, orange blossom, and jasmine.

Now, no matter what your favorite scent it, everything smells different once it's had time to mesh with your own skin chemistry. What smells great on one person, may not come off the same on someone else. It's best to test a scent for at least 30 minutes [on your skin, not one of those fragrance cards] to determine if you like it or not. Spray onto wrists, dab onto ear loboes, or spritz and walk into stream - do not rub the perfume into your skin. Doing so crushes the signature notes and doesn't give the scent it's true value.

Pint-Size Prodigies

Meet: Cecilia Cassini,
Young Fashion Maven


Cecilia Cassini is certainly not your average 10-year-old kid. This fifth grader from Encino, California just founded her own fashion line and has been dubbed, America's youngest fashion designer. She is even making a profit for herself by selling the handmade clothing for tweens at select Los Angeles boutiques. She's also been filling special orders that are coming in from around the world.





Her motto: "You don't have to be an adult to do worthwhile things."

According to her mom, Cecilia's passion has always been fashion. From the time she could point, she was putting together her own outfits, and regularly came home from preschool with designs painted or glued onto her clothing. But it wasn't until she was 5 years old that her family fully understood her level of interest in clothing, when she "redesigned" her older sister's dress. She received her first sewing machine on her sixth birthday and immediately started creating her masterpieces.

Many of her dresses are made from old repurposed clothing that she scores from the closets of her older sister, mom, and friends instead of buying new fabrics. She strives to be a very eco-concious designer and even donates dresses to charitable foundations and to homeless children around the world.

Her first trunk show was in November 2009, at Tough Cookies Childrens Boutique in Sherman Oaks, California. Thanks to a little thing called publicity, including a CBS segment AND a front-page story in the Los Angeles Daily News, people lined up outside the store before it opened. Cecilia left with an empty trunk and she's been filling orders ever since.

This young entrepreneur has caught the eye of many household names, such as Diane von Furstenburg (seen here), whom she met at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City (yes, she received an invitation!). She's even hitting young Hollywood by storm, with celebrity parents like Denise Richards ordering pieces for her own daughters, and Bella Thorne of HBO's "Big Love" requested a custom dress to be featured in an episode. Just recently, her collection has been picked up by upscale department store, Fred Segal, in Southern California.

* * *

Meet: Aelita Andre,
Young Painter Extraordinaire


Like most 2-year-olds, Aelita Andre loves to play with paints, but instead of hanging on the fridge, this Australian toddlers' works are in an art gallery. Her parents, both artists, insist their daughter's works are all her own, and that they noticed her talent on the canvas at an early age.


Aelita's parents often took her to art galleries, and gave her canvases and acrylic paints - just like other parents provide paper and crayons for their children.

Her paintings went on display in an exhibition in Melbourne, Australia, alongside works by many established adult artists. The owner of the gallery found out her age only after accepting the works and promoting the exhibit. Her paintings are a beautiful showcase of the quality of a child's imagination.

The paintings are priced at between $240 and $1,400. Her parents have created and trust in Aelita's name, and said proceeds from any sale will be placed there.

* * *

Meet: Cleopatra Stratan,
Young Singing Sensation


7-year old, Cleopatra Stratan is one of the youngest people ever to score commercial success as a singer, with her 2006 album La vârsta de trei ani (at the ripe ole age of 3). It all began when her father, also a singer, was in the recording studio and little Cleo was playfully singing along. They turned notice to his daughter, and shockingly decided to make her the lead vocals on the song, "Mama" -- after that, she recorded an entire album and performed at concerts.


She made the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest talent ever (3 years old) to perform on stage, have her own album and already record several videos. She is the youngest artist to receive an MTV award and the youngest artist to have a #1 hit in a country - La vârsta de trei ani went double platinum in the summer of 2006, with her biggest hit being "Ghiţă". She is becoming known as the "new" Shirley Temple.

Last July, she launched her own Cleopatra doll, created according to her figure and wearing clothes similar to the ones she wore in her debut hit song. After having become the youngest singer with the most albums sold, at the age of five Cleo has now become a millionaire in euros. She is included in the top of the richest minors.

Feels Like Home

Have you ever driven by the house you grew up in and wondered what your old room looks like and who is living there? Wondered if there were kids playing spot light...or having sleep overs...or celebrating birthdays...or being picked up for their first date? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back? To really go back and be in that house that you had so many amazing memories (or in my case, some instances you'd like to forget because you were a disrespectful heathen). Well, I've gone back...but this time it was different, and for a different purpose.

I was listening to the radio the other day on my way home from work, and heard this incredible new song by country artist, Miranda Lambert. The song was about just this: going back home. I just want to share a little exerpt from her song "The House That Built Me"...

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it

This brokenness inside me might start healing.

Out here it’s like I’m someone else

I thought that maybe I could find myself.

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave;

Won’t take nothing but a memory,

From the house that built me.

You leave home,

and you move on,

and you do the best you can.

I got lost in this old world,

and forgot who I am.

I feel that the lyrics in this song are so powerful. The house that built me - that alone says it! In my opinion, where you come from reflects who you will become. You may come from this incredible place, but that doesn't prevent you from straying off the right path. But what is important are the lessons you learn along the way, and that you find your way back.

People always say 'desparate times call for desparate measures' - and I've found that to be true. Sometimes when you are at your absolute weakest moment, you have to swallow that pride and do what you know you have to do to move forward. I'm fortunate enough to have the kind of family that loves me unconditionally, without judgement...and will always be there to catch me when I fall. Not everyone can say this. I am blessed to say that I had a very fulfilled childhood, comprised of so many unforgettable moments. The kind of togetherness that you just don't see anymore...the kind of family that still eat dinner around the table and pray...the kind of family laughs, plays games and truly enjoys each others company. It's rare to see a family with parents [and grandparents] who are still together, and still in love after so long.

These are the kind of things that inspire me to want the same. I want to provide this kind of stable lifestyle when I have kids. I want to show them what my parents showed me: that basically blood is thicken than water. Friends come and go, but family is here to stay.

To my parents - It may have taken me until I was an adult to realize it, but I truly appreciate you both, and thank you for everything you've done (and will do) for me! I'm thankful for the house that built me, and I love you more than I can say.

How To: Eco-Chic Wedding

Reduce - Reuse - Recycle - Respect



Earth Day falls on Thursday, April 22, 2010, and it's the 40th Anniversary of the holiday. It's a great time to learn about our planet and how to take care of it! Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. There’s a common misconception that having an eco-friendly wedding is expensive. But in a lot of areas, you can actually save money by being environmentally friendly.

It's easier than ever to lead a greener lifestyle.

Earthly Venues

One of the easiest ways to honor the planet is by using the great outdoors as the backdrop. Any open-air space, a beach (like I did, seen here), the woods, parks or hot springs in the mountains make ideal settings. A day wedding in the summer reduces the need for energy; add acoustic music and you are pretty perfect. Would you like to see a deer passing, swans parading by or hear wild parrots whistling but not be lost in the woods deep down in nature? Nature preserves, horse ranches, arboretums, Japanese gardens, spiritual and historical properties share their spaces and offer amenities like bathrooms and kitchens, gazebos and dance halls.

All over the US "green hotels" have opened up are independent from the power grid using their own solar power; they recycle, grow their flowers on-site without chemicals, thereby drastically reducing pollutants in the soil. Even better, they offer eco-comfort guest houses, so guests can rest in organic bedding.

* * *

The Eco-Dress

Wedding dresses can be expensive, and spending thousands on one purchase [that you won’t use other than your wedding day] is a little wasteful. The good news is there are numerous ways to have your dream dress and be sustainable. These days, eco-conscious designers are on the rise. Sustainable materials are getting more attention and I couldn’t be more excited about it! Dresses are available in everything from recycled plastics to hemp blends! One of my favorite fabrics is milk fiber. It enriches your skin while you wear it and even better, it's antibacterial! Organic clothing is another popular option for the "green" bride.

Something Old or Something Borrowed

Buying a pre-owned dress is a great way to think sustainably and to save money. More than likely, the dress was worn only that one day and is about half of the original price!

The After Effect

Selling your dress after you get married is a great way to recoup some of your money, or by donating you can bless another bride-to-be with a beautiful gown. I enjoy transforming something I'm tired of into something new and awesome! So why not alter your dress into a cool and sexy top to wear out on the town, or turn it into a keepsake blanket for your future child.

* * *

Recycled Paper

Your wedding stationery is a great place to set the tone of your environmentally friendly wedding. There are many options today for 100% recycled, partially recycled or completely tree-free papers from wedding invitation suppliers. If you are interested in making your own invitations, the choices are unlimitied. Consider all these places for paper on your wedding day:

~ engagement announcements
~ save the date cards
~ shower invitations
~ shower thank you notes
~ wedding invitaitons
~ ceremony programs
~ place cards
~ menu cards
~ wedding announcements
~ thank you notes

Another option is communicating electronically to cut down on paper and waste. You may be interested in creating your own unique personal wedding website.

* * *

Green Rings

Gold mining is one of the dirtiest businesses in the world. The production of one simple gold ring results in 20 tons of mine waste. Plus, didn't you ever see the movie "Blood Diamond" with Leonardo Dicaprio? The truth behind that alone should be enough to not purchase your diamond at big chain retailers. Instead, purchase jewelry made from recycled precious metals and stones. And don't forget the possibilities of transforming vintage pieces or family heirlooms into new, recycled classics. And there's always ebay!

If you don't know the truth behind blood diamonds, read this.

* * *

Use Your Green Thumb

Your wedding flowers can be a place where you can make conscientious decisions which can have big eco- consequences. Many flowers sold are imported from developing countries where pesticide use is very high and labor conditions and wages are low. Choosing a florist where organically grown, in-season, local flowers are used can be a much better earth friendly choice. This will remove the need for long-distance transportation.

~ Choose organic fresh flowers

~ Buy fresh at your local farmer's market
~ Grow your own or force bulbs

~ Use faux flowers or petals as an eco friendly alternative

Reuse your flowers that day by transforming ceremony flowers into centerpieces at the reception. And while you're at it, consider finding vases made from recycled glass or a bamboo bowl, due to its renewable tendencies. After the party, donate them to a local hospital or senior citizen center or send them home with your guests.

* * *

Eco-Favors

Supporting a local artisan is much more earth friendly than having cheap trinkets shipped half way around the world. One of the more obvious eco-friendly wedding favor ideas for couples is to give something organic. There are many options if you want to give small trees, seeds, bulbs or plants.

~ Organic milk and dark chocolate candy bars

~ Tree/ flower seedlings
~ Donations to your favorite charity in honor of your guests

Go Wild!

La la la Leopard


Every since I can remember, I've always loved anything animal print ... especially leopard. Throughout the years I've had purses, shoes, clothing, accessories, bedding, etc. I've even found leopard print thank you cards and journals. Some may think it's tacky, but leopard print is timeless, and no matter what, you will always be able to find it in the stores. You don't have to go all Peg Bundy on me, but why not channel a bit of a wild edge and play up the leopard vibe. Just a leopard print accessory, like a bag or scarf, can really give a cool rock n' roll feel (think Steven Tyler from Aerosmith) to an outfit. Just keep it to one, and I mean only one, animal print at a time. Too much of anything is not a good thing. I prefer not to mix n' match animal prints either.



These are a few leopard print things that I love and couldn't live without!


29" Expandable Leopard Suitcase with wheels



This baby rolls with me everytime I travel. My husband [sarcasm inserted here] just loves when we go on vacation and I pack our clothes in it, especially when he gets stuck unloading it or pulling it off of the conveyer belt at the airport. It's old, I've had it forever, but will never get rid of it. I like to be flashy and travel in style. It makes me think of when I ran into Bono (yes THE Bono) at the Vegas airport, and he was sporting a purple Louis Vuitton suit case. I thought that was cool. Not a boring old black Samsonite.


For Love 21 Fuzzy Leopard Hair Bands $7.99


Betsyville by Betsy Johnson
Leopard Umbrella $42


Dollhouse Leopard Ballerina Flats $29.99


Hot Topic Leopard Hoodie $29.99

Fredericks of Hollywood

Pink Leopard Pushup Bra $39

Victoria's Secret

Cheeky Panty with Faux Garters $16

Jessica Simpson

"Ann" Leopard platform $59

Jessica Simpson

Jimmy Leopard Slouchy Tote $118

Betsyville by Betsy Johnson

Hot Pink Leopard Tights $25

This is an easy at-home nail design. Apply a clear base coat first. Then make small random dots with a broze color. With a very thin brush, encircle those dots in a leopard half-moon squiggle. Voila...leopard print!

Fish Eggs & Fungus

Caviar vs. Mushrooms

For thousands and thousands of years, women have searched for the "fountain of youth" - that special something that gives that supple glow. Cleopatra, the first-known model of makeup and beauty, used kohl for her eyeliner and bathed in milk and strawberries. Bizarre beauty regimens are obviously not new, but what's unique is the recent popularity of treatments that utilize animals and animal byproducts and other all-natural ingredients.

Haven't you heard about the Bird Poo facial? Created by the Geisha, it's an exfoliating treatment that involves scrubbing the face with Nightingale droppings; the natural enzymes of the droppings break down dead skin cells...Or what about bull semen being used to treat damaged hair; the protein and moisture of bull sperm is said to revitalize and repair all types of hair.

Ok so snake massages and leech detoxification is not your cup of tea - mine either. But I have found that there are some other outlandish treatments/products that don't make my "skin crawl". The use of caviar and mushrooms has become all the rage in skin/hair care development because of the amazing results it produces.

What is Caviar? Caviar is an expensive delicacy consisting of the unfertilized eggs (roe) of sturgeon brined with a salt solution. Classic caviar comes primarily from Iran or Russia, harvested by commercial fishermen working in the Caspian Sea. A specific species of sturgeon called beluga provide what many consider to be the best caviar in the world.

Prai 24K Gold Caviar
Skin Rejuvenating Concentrate $80

The synergistic workings of bio-active peptides with some of the most effective botanicals in cosmetic science and the indulgent luxury of 24K gold, help this unique serum to jump=start your skin's rejuvenation process and super-charge its ability to de-age itself. It is formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firms skin, reduces hyperpigmentation and hydrates.

La Prairie White Caviar
Illuminating Système $1,150

This feast for your skin is an innovative three-part system that works to reveal a brighter, clearer complexion, free of future age spots and pigmentation patches. The heart of these products is Golden Caviar, sourced from environmentally-regulated farmed sources, combined with clarifying Whitening Complex with Larch Tree Extract, detoxifying Swiss Garden Cress Sprout Extract, Vitamin C and various bio-technology.
White Caviar Illuminating Cream – $450
White Caviar Illuminating Serum – $450
White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum – $250




Alterna Caviar
Anti-Aging Seasilk Hair Masque $40

Delivers concentrated benefits to your hair and scalp. Stress from the environment, the sun, aging, chemical treatments, and everyday styling damages hair leaving it brittle, dull, and lifeless. Revitalize your hair with this intensive restructuring treatment. It will protect your color and completely rejuvenate your hair leaving it glowing and with a renewed radiance.







What is a White Truffle? Truffles are a kind of subterranean fungi, meaning they are a mushroom that grows underground. Most commonly found in Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa, truffles tend to grow in forested areas around the base of trees.

Philip B White Truffle
Nourishing & Conditioning Creme $75

A rich, reparative nourishing cream for hair in need of intense hydration and repair. Specifically designed for parched, dry, coloured and chemically- treated hair, it restores moisture levels without weighing hair down, whilst injecting body and bounce to the hair. White truffle oil from Italy repairs and hydrates each strand, leaving a soft, silky sheen on even the driest of hair.

Alterna Private Reserve
White Truffle Shampoo & Conditioner $68.99

Experience the ultimate in luxury. This product is formulated with White Truffle Extract, one of the planet's richest sources of B vitamins, also known as "the beautifiers". B vitamins are critical for the assimilation of proteins and amino acids, and are vital to the promotion of healthy, beautiful hair. They enhance the strength of the hair, reduce split ends and protect the hair from breakage without causing buildup.



Skin Food $30

Enriched with mushroom extracts, ant-aging retinol, and arbutin to lighten skin tone; this dual-action cream improves the appearance of wrinkles while brightening skin tone.




Signature Club A One Cream Solution $25.50
Precious Truffle & Magical Mushroom Complex

This Night Cream contains four different kinds of mushrooms, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, lipids and beta glucan. This formulation helps increase hydration, offers excellent moisturization and helps create a firm appearance.




Dr. Weil for Origins
Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Cream $60

This remarkable face cream with Hypsizygus ulmarius and Chaga mushrooms immediately helps quiet and calm skin. By mirroring the amazing process that sends Narcissus Lily Bulbs into dormancy as a means of “self-protection”, it signals skin to conserve its energy to optimize its defenses against age accelerators. Skin has the ability to maintain a stronger, healthier, more youthful appearance.