"WOW! It smells so good in here!" No, I'm not in a bakery. That's the typical response from my first-time house guests. Initially, I'm pleased. But then, I'm a little embarrassed about my secret life - as a fragrance fanatic.

Seriously, even my car has sachets in the glove compartment. My closets hold bottles of cedar oil for instant refreshing. Why do I have to inspire my inhales? My obsession with emulating spa serenity. Because what do all spas have in common? Well, you can bet they all smell wonderful.

Imagine lounging by a garden of jasmine, walking in a dense forest, or having a massage by a beach. Well, fragrance can take us on a little mind escape anytime! And we have all the tools right here in Cincy to bring the spa to our abodes.

How? One very strong candle or spray will not work. Sort of like one super bright light in a room, it's too much and not enough at the same time. For a super-spa nosefest, let's go back to our bakery analogy. (Aww man, I'm going to need a cupcake after writing this article!)

Layer 1 - Emulating Euphoria

Just like baking a cake, you need a base layer that will hold its own and complement the top layer and the yummy icing. First, identify what you'd love your home to smell like. This is my fave part!

Because spa living means feeling healthy and relaxed, focus on that. What makes you happy? What's your dream vacation? Your disses? For instance, I can't stand patchouli, so any fragrance with that is banned from my bungalow. Some examples to get you started are:

• If you love the beach, go for aqua fragrances with citrus notes.
• More of a skiing or hiking hottie? Woodsy tones will be your choice.
• Trying to lose weight? Keep away from sweet, foodie fragrances.

Now you have your scent. C.O. Bigelow at Kenwood Towne Center recommends reed diffusers as the simplest way to waft that scent into your room and maintain it. Just change when the oil is gone. My favorite base is Agraria Pomegranate, also at Bigelow's.

Layer 2 - Scentsational Scrubbing

Did you know that we have a world-class linen and home spa boutique right here? The ladies at Gattles know fragrance, and they are as finicky as I am. Thus, phase two of our mission: cleaning. Yes, I know, I hate it too, but using fragranced natural products makes it sooooo much more bearable, and your room will resonate yum for at least a week. Just choose a scent that doesn't clash with your base.

Even the laundry can be lovely with The Laundress dryer sheets, detergent and fabric softener, available exclusively at Gattles. Kitchen chores are brightened with Mrs. Meyer's dishwashing liquid and surface cleaners. Gingerbread is my personal pick, but don't use it if you're trying to lose weight. Get it at Fresh Market.

Layer 3 - Frosting the Cake

Finally, the piece de resistance: When the bases are in place and perking up your palace, sometimes you just need a jolt of candle caffeine! For example, in my office I burn Henri Bendel's grapefruit candle to revive my workday. Why do I look so happy when I open my wallet? I keep a flat cotton square sprayed with perfume between my bills!

In addition to candles, consider room sprays, scented stones, sachets and oil burners. If I'm having trouble sleeping, I'll spray Bath & Body Works' Lavender Aromatherapy on my pillow. Scent-ual shopping around the Tri-State includes, Anthropologie, Bath & Body Works, TJ Maxx, and Nest in Oakley.

Have fun, and I'll see you at the Spa! (Now for that cupcake!)

PHOTO CREDITS
Photographer: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Model: Candace Sylvasy
Location: The McAlpin

Candace Silvasy
		About the author:
		Candace Silvasy is Cincy Chic’s "Spa Chick." A spa PR consultant, author of Art of the Spa and creator of Spa Around the World, she is one mod Spa-shionista.
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Last update: 23-03-2009 22:35

Published in : Magazine Items, Health