I look at all the fabulous photos my friends posted on Instagram and Facebook on the first day of Advent: creative, fun, colorful or minimalist, candles, and decorations. So, what is missing? Scented Christmas candles, of course.
I wonder…how these homes – smell? Is the scent complementing the visual effect? Does it conjure the atmosphere and enhance the occasion? I wonder…
I am drawn to candlelight, candlelight during every season of the year. That flicker of the fire contained is fascinating (yes, there is a little pyromaniac in all of us), soothing, meditative and very emotional. And I’m attracted to niche candles!
I could just stare at candlelight for hours, thoughts swirling like candlelight on the wind, feeling…well, it certainly makes me feel safe somehow. Reflective. Attractive.
An atavism, I know it is, dating back to times when controlled fire meant life. It made me think about occasions and emotions lightning some has stirred, just this month: I lighted birthday candles for dear people, to celebrate life. Commemorative candles, for those who passed away.
Candles symbolizing hope. Spiritual ones, like a prayer. Scented candles, at home, to calm and relax, tune senses, create a certain atmosphere. And there are some divine smelling niche candles, made by fine perfume brands!
There’s a short, little cobblestone paved street in the center of Zagreb, Croatia. At its end, there is a funicular. The shortest cable car route in the world, having only 66 meters in length, connecting Tomiceva Street with Upper Town’s Tower Lotrscak.
The latter is a very special place, as it is the home of the renowned Zagreb cannon. Every day, precisely at noon, it fires a blank shot which is heard to the farthest reaches of the city, signalizing the middle of the day. Let’s take a tour of niche perfumeries in Zagreb!
“We walked in the cold air
Freezing breath on the windowpane…”
Cold wind blowing over the Danube, this means nothing to me.
Oh! Vienna!
In the complex and fascinating world of artisan perfumery niche brands, shops are places of olfactory hedonism, a gateway to a different Universe. Just recently, on a rainy day, I found myself in one, soothed by soft lights, meticulously displayed perfume bottles, and obligatory “lounge” corner – in Zagreb, Croatia.
What a difference a small fruit made! Tangerine!
Yesterday, on a rainy Autumn Saturday, I went briefly to the nearest open market, desperately in need of Vitamin C. The past week was hectic, and while I tremendously enjoy workout and dancing, the last training I had with long series of side abs obliques workout left me feeling my each and every rib, my whole rib cage sore with muscle pain.
As I walked into the market and lifted my umbrella, a sudden rush of orange color was all around me. It is the season of mandarins, fresh, bright orange, citrus’n’honey smelling, little balls of sunshine and sweetness! The benches in the open-air market were filled with them, big heaps of mandarines, some still with leaves and branches, just picked, brightening up the day.
On my way home I peeled one tangerine and left the peels in the open bag: that sweet smell in the car already made me feel better. It took me away, bringing back an old olfactory memory.