The sense of smell, more than any other sense, has the power to recall memories. Memories, imagination, old sentiments, and associations are more readily reached through our sense of smell more than any other of our senses.

One of my earliest childhood memories is playing in my grandmother Blanche’s bathroom and going through her beauty items. I adored my grandmother and treasure the images in my mind of those private moments surrounding myself with all things ‘her’. I can even recall the feeling of the warm breeze and hearing the sound of the birds chirping in her yard through the open bathroom window. She wore two perfumes most often, Chanel No. 5 and Shalimar by Guerlain. The differences in these fragrances, not only instantly bring the comfort I felt around her to the forefront of my mind and heart, but they epitomize two sides of who she was: the complex, elegant and strong Chanel No. 5 woman and the sweet, feminine and fun-loving Shalimar woman. It always amazes me how strongly the smells of my past remain in my mind...and how they help recall the beautiful time spent with people no longer with me. 

A few years later after receiving a fragrance kit as a gift, I immediately wanted to recreate my grandmother’s Chanel No. 5 scent (as I already had my own small bottle of Shalimar). Something about physically mixing each aroma together and recalling my fond memories really solidified these facets for me.

Looking back on these moments, I’m certain this is where my love of fragrance began. To this day, the slightest hint of Chanel No. 5 and Shalimar hold a special place in my heart...as they have somehow captured for me a bit of Nanny Blanche’s soul.  

Happy International Fragrance Day. 

Wishing you all a ‘scent memory’ moment that fills your heart and your soul.

xLisa