Home scents Part I - Santa Maria Novella, Diptyque, and Muji

As the days get colder and colder, my favorite thing to do on a weekend is to curl up on the sofa, have a warm cup of tea, and read a good book. What's essential to the whole ritual, however, is to make sure I'm surrounded by the scents that are soothing, relaxing and helping me to ease into the mood. I have tried and tested different home scents, from the scented candles, home diffusers, to home sprays and incense. Here are a few of my favorites that have become an integral part of my daily life.

Muji ultrasonic aroma diffuser. I've owned this for over five years now. Still works like new and I know I should probably get a bigger one, now that I think about it, but honestly the size of this one doesn't really bother me. I usually leave it in the entry way corner which adds some perfect light and scent when you first enter the home. My favorite essential oil to use is the Aesop Isabelle Oil Burner Blend which combines spearmint leaf, sage leaf and rosemary leaf. Super calming and gives the room a nice cooling scent. 

Santa Maria Novella Potpourri. I've bought boxes of the Santa Maria Novella Potpourri for... I'd say years, before I actually started using them. Why? Because I couldn't find anything that I love to put them in! My original thought was to get a vintage silver plate to house them....but I've been searching for years and still haven't found one that I like. So when I finally discovered Santa Maria Novella had opened up a store with full line of products in New York, my heart almost exploded. I picked up this super simple ceramic plate from the SMN store - I think the plate was supposed to be used for soap or something. Sometimes the simplest thing is the hardest to find. It fits perfectly with the potpourri that has been made using the same method and recipe for over three centuries. The mixture of buds, leaves, and flower petals typical of Tuscan hills now gives my home a distinct aroma and brings me back to a century old apothecary like no others. 

Diptyque scented candle. This one needs no introduction. It has appeared in many of my interior photos. I'm not a floral scent lover, so naturally, my favorite scent of Diptyque are Figuier, Santal and Baies. Either woody or fruity, depending on my mood, Diptyque has accompanied me through many nights and days as a loyal friend.  

Fog Linen Handkerchief

I just came back from a two-week Asia trip (okay, I've been back for more than a month now but don't people say that you need a vacation to recover from your vacation? I did just that). Anyhow, thought I'd share some of the stuff that became so essential on my trip, so much so that they also became an inseparable part of my everyday life.

We went to China and Japan in the last two weeks of September. Unfortunately the weather in Japan during that time was still unusually hot and humid. We had to walk outside for a good amount everyday under 90% humidity and were always completely drenched in sweat. The best decision I made for the trip was to have brought these Fog Linen handkerchieves with me. They are 100% linen, light and thin, so easy to carry around. And boy, did it help wipe off all the sweat and help me to stay cool. It can also be used as a mask under pollution - I found myself reaching for it all the time when we were exposed to the terrible pollution in Beijing, and I know a few instances where I even used it as a face towel. It's the most eco friendly item to carry on a daily basis and, in my opinion, is so much cooler and more chic than the disposable tissues. It's very easy to clean - takes two minutes to wash every night and the next morning, voila, you have a clean, soft, and wonderfully smelling hankie to use! The pastel blush and blue colors are so in now that every time I take it out from my pocket, it becomes such a compliment to my outfit as well. 

I remember I always carried a hankie when I was a little girl. And then somewhere along the way, it was replaced by the disposable tissues for convenience. Now in light of the eco movement and the zero waste lifestyle I'm trying to adopt, I can't think of a better way than carrying this little guy again with me everyday as an essential. 

Marimekko Tea set

It's no secret that I'm a coffee snob - I'm very serious about my coffee and I can't function without my first cup in the morning. However, in my off days, a.k.a. the weekends, I like to have some tea for a change to help me ease into the weekend mode. Like what I do with everything else, before you become a pro, you start with the gears. 

Marimekko, the Finnish brand established in 1960s, is nothing but the direct opposite of a typical nordic design. They use all kinds of bright colors, bold stripes, large flowered prints, and distinctive patterns. Going into their store is like a kid going to a candy store - your mood will be instantly lifted 3 levels up. It's always a treat and happy experience browsing through their clothing line and home furnishings. However, being a minimalist that I am, when I decided to pick up a set of tea pot and tea cup from Marimekko, I naturally went with this black and white Rasymatto pattern. First instinct was that it would match the white backdrop of my interior and I'm always a sucker for polka dots. After getting it, I realized the clean line and serene character of the tea pot was actually inspired by Japanese design. It's made of stoneware with wood handle, which, unlike those delicate bone china, is something that's more suited for everyday use. It's simple, cute, and is the best compliment to any home and interior. And most importantly, every time you use it, it brings out a smile on your face. 

Smythson Diary

When it comes to stationary, I'm completely old-school. I like using fountain pens, notepad that has a vintage kick to it, and, diary that you actually need to write in (the i-calendar is only for work). For someone who likes to keep my work and my life separated, I like to use a diary to keep track of the things that matter to me in my personal life, such as, dental appointments! We all know how important that is!

I've tried many different diaries throughout the years. From the cute Japanese diaries to moleskin daily, to now my favorite Smythson diary. I came to realize that my life isn't as exciting and packed as I thought it was, so instead of a daily diary, Smythson's weekly diary is perfect for me. It's compact enough that you can throw into your purse. The light blue pages with Smythson watermark lightly printed, the perforated corners that can be torn off once the week is passed, silk back pocket, soft calf leather cover, and if you feel fancy, you can even monogram it... All the details are so spot on. I picked up this violet blue Panama diary for 2015. Putting in my personal to-dos, travel plans, appointments and writing a few words for the week has become my favorite thing to do to end/start the week. 

I've been trying to get a different color for each year and thinking that it must be satisfying and sweet to look at a stack of colorful Smythson's that have loyally recorded my life through the years.