You can consider this blog very late or a day early. Your choice! Last week was very, very busy.
scents
Apparently, 75% of human emotions are triggered by smell. Aromachology, is the science of how fragrance effects your mood. In 1997, Clinique launched a new fragrance called ‘Happy’. Apparently this scent could make you feel happy. Scent triggers the part of the brain that processes emotions., releasing endorphins, the happy hormones and GABA, a relaxation agent.
I was in New York when Clinique released ‘Happy’. We were bombarded with ads for this revolutionary perfume. Every department store, bus, train and gallery seem to be scented with ‘Happy’. I actually bought a small spray but don’t remember using it very often. Surprisingly, I recently found the atomiser and a refill vial when I was sorting through a drawer. I suspect the scent has deteriorated in the past 18 years! It is very strong. Instead of making me happy it made me sneeze! It’s a nice scent but too intense for me now.
There’s a whole new selection of scents available now. Brands talk about a ‘wardrobe’ of fragrances to suit different occasions and emotions.This is alongside a plethora of home scents and body sprays and mists. These scents are intended to make you feel invigorated or relaxed or happy. They are aimed at emotional well being and claim science backs the impact the scents can have on how we feel.
I’ve used the same perfume for years so thought I’d try some of the lighter, fruit based scents. The brand I chose offers scents based on energising citrus, grounding wood and calming florals. One also has notes of burnt caramel but I don’t know what emotion that evokes, except it is very strong! Unfortunately, these ‘mists’ are very strong and actually awful. They linger for hours with an overbearing scent. Made me think of air fresheners. These scents are often called ‘mists’ as they are generally a lighter version of traditional perfumes. There’s also a range of stick on fragrance pads for your car. They’re very strongly perfumed, too. None of them for me.
glass recycling
I wasn’t really sure if glass face cream jars should go in the glass recycling bin, so went looking for more information. ( www.recycleright.wa.gov.au) In our area, this bin has a yellow lid, the general rubbish bin has a red lid and the plant matter bin has a green lid. Glass things you can put in bin for recycling are glass jars with the lid removed, glass drinking glasses, cleaned, empty glass cosmetic jars and glass bottles. Any bottles with the label saying 10c can be taken to the Containers for Change depot.
Here is a list of things which shouldn’t go in the yellow lidded bin:
Pyrex and any other heat resistant glass ceramics, light bulbs, nail polish bottles and spectacles. Spectacles can be dropped off at many optometrists or contact your local Lions club if you’re in WA.
anzac day
Commemorated on the 25th of April, ANZAC ( Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is to remember those who fought in all wars. Many of us have parents, grandparents, greatgrandparents or siblings who have served in the armed forces.
We used to go to the local ANZAC memorial for the early morning service, but that ended during Covid. Like many people, we stood out on our driveway with a candle and listened to the service on a radio. By the end of the service the sun had risen and it was a very beautiful beginning to the day. One of our neighbours suggested we all sit on her verge. We got our folding chairs, she brought out her coffee machine, we sat, properly distanced and a new tradition began.
This ANZAC Day was held, as usual, in a neighbour’s carport. It was a cold, clear morning and we stood together listening to the service, each with our own memories. Then the breakfast began! My husband worked the coffee machine and we all brought treats to share. Lovely to catch up with everyone’s news and plans and neighbours who have moved away but came, too. A special way to begin the day.
All images used in this blog supplied by Pixabay.