/1. Wake up earlier / Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier than normal. Embrace the early morning and give yourself 15 extra minutes before the mad rushing begins. Have a slow cup of tea, meditate, or just simply enjoy 15 minutes of your own company. /2. Have a bath / How often do you let yourself just soak in the bath? Take the time and slow down with your favourite album playing and maybe a candle burning? /3. Exercise / Increase your endorphins with a rising heart rate. Even if its simply picking up your walking pace on the school run, or getting off the bus two stops earlier: movement is clinically proven to boost our mental health. /4. Laugh / Did you know that laughter has a proven connection to boosting our immune system. Find your chuckles however works best for you. For us, Schitts Creek binges. /5. Talk more / Voice notes, phone calls or, best of all, face to face chatting – we process our internal conundrums through verbalising through. Meet your friend, or turn off the telly for the evening and get chatting.
]]>To celebrate the launch of our brand new Canyon Floral scent, we share our top 5 canyon must-sees for 2022.
/1/ Vikos. In Greece’s wild north west Pindus mountains, follow 20km of lush green and limestone. /2/ Colca Canyon, Peru. One of the world’s deepest, under the distant eye of snowcapped peaks. /3/ Gorges du Verdon. North of France’s Côte d’Azur. Find lakes, ravines and even a 2,000 year old juniper tree. /4/ The Zion Narrows, Utah. The Virgin River path between cliffs of up to 2,000ft either side of you. /5/ Tahquitz Canyon, California. Sacred to the Agua Caliente people, a beautiful trail for all to explore.
]]>/ Discover Spring/ Our March excitements and inspirations.
eat / Loving Nigel Slater’s sweet spring suggestions with blueberry oats and sweet buns. / drink / Elderberry coolers / flowers / rhs spring flower show in Malvern / escape / The Mojave desert enjoys perfect temperatures through March; Valencia’s Las Fallas festival / music / Fragments by Bonobo; new Haim / watch / Pieces of Her (Netflix), Against the Ice / podcast / Wild Boys (campsite media) /
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]]>To celebrate the arrival of our Wild Winter scent - inspired by escaping into snow-captured nature - we share five of our must-visit winter destinations that are the definition of 'wild'...
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming USA / For steaming natural geysers and hikes through evergreen trails we dream of getting our Yellowstone on.
2. Greenland / The world's largest island that isn't a continent is a festival of unspoiled icescapes. White blanketed lands where fjords are dotted with picturesque villages.
3. The Dolomites, Italy / Powdery alpines and mountain vistas that will take your breath away.
4. Torrodon, Scotland / If you're brave enough to discover Scotland in the deepest of winters, a stay at faraway Torrodon will satisfy your need for true escapism. Whiskey-warmed nights following snowy hikes on rugged routes.
5. Salzberg, Austria / If you can catch the birthplace of Mozart when the snow chooses to visit, you're in for a fairytale-like dream city. Pastries and hot chocolate to while away the afternoon, please.
To evoke your snowy side, light up our Wild Winter scent.
]]>Listening to... Montero by Lil Was X, Solar Power by Lorde
Watching… Squid Game (Netflix), Midnight Mass (Netflix)
Podcasting… Brixton: Flames on the Frontline (BBC Sounds), Wake Up / Wind Down (Spotify)
Dream visiting… Nantucket, Massachuessetts for autumn colours, walks and seafood by the crab-bucket-load; Celebrating 'sagre' (harvest festivals) in golden Tuscany, Italy.
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Watching… Your Honour (Sky Atlantic), Line of Duty (iPlayer)
Listening to… Jorja Smith ‘Addicted’, Japanese Breakfast’s 80s-tastic 'Be Sweet'.
Coveting… Fjällräven’s new Samlaren tote bag – made from recycled cuts of their other backpacks.
Dream visiting… Pre seasonal crush Greek islands of Andros and Evia for blue sea-view hikes.
Podcasting… Welcome to Your Fantasy (Gimlet)
]]>Reading… Midnight at Malabar House by Vaseem Khan, Shuggie Bains by Douglas Stuart, The Shooting Party by Isabel Colegate.
Watching… A teacher (iPlayer), A Perfect Planet (iPlayer), The Inventor (HBO)
Listening to… The Weeknd for keeping things upbeat and lashings of Joni Mitchell for calm.
Dream visiting… Whale watching in Maui, thanks.
Podcasting… Brown and Black
Coveting… Uplifting vibes in Colourful Standard leisure wear.
]]>It's never too early for a winter Wonderland.
Meet our brand new seasonal scent, Wonderland. With creamy coconut, warming chestnut and perennial favourite sweet vanilla, we're taking a trip to childhood Christmas memories with our new festive offering.
Wonderland is sweet, cheerful and uplifting. I think we could all do with some uplifting right now, yes?
Enjoy in a variety of sizes, from stocking filler tins to 285g grand candles ready to burn bright through the season.
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We're obsessed with photography that can capture the magic of an illuminated night sky, but nothing can really come close to experiencing it in real life. This incredible video from National Geographic shows the difference in the skies in our air polluted cities and the deserts where pollution has not been allowed to follow.
You can find out more here about air pollution and what we can do to try and help reduce its impact.
]]>Tales of Us album from Goldfrapp
‘Stars Over Yosemite’ guided walk in Yosemite valley.
Wildlife at night – loop watching badger foraging footage. (See below)
The Midnight Folk by John Masfield
Nightwalk by Chris Yates
Waterfall Eyes EP from Laffey
Night-blooming jasmine
Nocturnal from @Wilderpoetry, a collection of poetry inspired by the night.
The Nocturnal Brain by Dr Guy Leschziner
Desert skies at night.
Sharpe’s Wood exhibition from photographer Liza Dracup. Images of the wood at night.
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Desert skies illuminated by stars, with notes of sandalwood, cardamom and night jasmine, the vastness of the night sky is the muse for Nocturnal No.1. Into the woods and watching the forest come to life at night, Nocturnal No.2 is the hushed awakening of nature from dusk to midnight. Magnolia, clove and cedarwood lead a path to night-time ebullience.
We know that losing daylight for many is hard, and how our positive outlook is so often dependent on the sunlight. But with Nocturnal we’re aiming to face the winter ahead with a mindful appreciation of moonlight, magic in the stars and the nocturnal life of our beloved great outdoors.
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What did we discover of Palm Springs? That the desert breezes through this city like a comforting blanket. The Joshua Tree and Indian Canyons so close, hiking, meditation and desert calm is never far from reach. The vibe is mellow, purposefully slowing down rather than a sensory overload. We discovered hot water springs, lush valleys of palms, Native American heritage, snow capped mountains overlooking yuccas and cacti. It's a city that's as much a dichotomy as perfectly balanced and comfortable with itself.
We stayed at La Maison, a small family run hotel that felt like home instantly. We felt chi-chi having brunch at the Ace Hotel one morning, and healthy and calm up in the San Jacinto Mountains the next. We ate cuban food at Rick's and drank jalapeño margaritas at every junction.
We urge you to visit in your lifetime. To experience a slice of it, try our new Palm Springs scent. Inspired by the way desert air blends with the light hedonism of the city's joyfulness. Vanilla, patchouli and spikes of exotic fruit underpin this charming little journey to a place where poolside and mountaintop are not at odds with each other...
]]>Watching… Ratched (Netflix), King of Staten Island (iTunes), The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4)
Podcasting… Revisiting Dolly Parton’s America for some soothing good energy among the chaos.
Dream visiting… Hiking the Gorropu Canyon in Sicily. Autumn in New England.
Listening to… ENERGY by Disclosure, Izibongo by Boohle.
Reading…My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante.
Coveting… Moxon London’s unique wall art and stationary.
]]>Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
We admit we bought this book purely because of the gorgeous cover illustration. But thankfully the pleasures in this book were far from small. The story of suburban journalist Jean, who lives with her dependant mother and whose world feels increasingly small. When she covers the story of Gretchen, who claims to have produced her daughter Margaret through immaculate conception, Jean’s world is turned upside down. A fantastic read, successfully evocative 1950s suburban life.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
You will be desperate to discuss this novel once you’ve read it. When African American nanny Emira is accused in a supermarket of kidnapping the white child in her care, a chain of events is sparked that will change her life forever. Funny, smart and nuanced, we loved this book.
Olive by Emma Gannon
What happens when you decide you don’t want children? This semi-autobiographical novel by journalist Gannon explores why choosing to be child-free is such a taboo.
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowsi
1980s Poland is the setting for this coming-of-age story of love in the shadow of communism. Beautiful and eye-opening.
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
If you’ve read and loved Circe by Madeline Miller, you will enjoy this female-skewed take on the mythical Trojan War. A series of connecting stories from the voices of women whose lives are impacted by war. We whizzed through this in super quick time!
On Chapel Sands by Laura Cumming
This non-fiction book tells the story of Laura’s mother and her unexplained childhood. The mystery of her kidnapping on a beach and return to her parents a few days later has long been shrouded in mystery and silence from the community she grew up around. This book explains what really happened and why. You will be stunned by this incredible true life tale.
Leading Men by Chrisopher Castellani
A fictional imagining of this life and death of Frank Merlo, the real life long time companion to troubled playwright Tennesse Williams. Largely located on Italy’s Amalfi coast, this glamorous and witty story is a treat for anybody who is a fan of the likes of Williams, Truman Capote et al.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
We came to this book shamefully late. When we finally picked it up, we finished it in days. Twelve different characters (‘mostly women, black and british’ as the blurb reads) take the reader on an interconnected journey from rural Northumberland, to a women’s commune in the USA. Engaging and surprising, it’s a must-read this year.
What have you been reading this summer?
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Say hello to our four essential oil mists, inspired by travel, and designed to transport your mind:
WILDERNESS / Calming is a blend of vetiver, lavender, orange and neroli to deliver some forest-bathing meditation.
BIRDSONG / Soothing gives you a spray of rose, geranium, lavender, lemon. Inspired by quiet dewy mornings in a wall garden.
BIG SUR / Uplifting takes us to the coast. Begamot, cedarwood, grapefruit, lemon, evokes the road trip where forest meets ocean.
HIMALAYA / Relaxing. Try our blend of sandalwood, ylang ylang, rose, mandarin. Invite that Nepalese sunrise into your home.
Each 100ml bottle contains only essential oil and distilled water. Spray to your heart's content and enjoy the journey of scent...
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With amazing glimpses of San Francisco and later a family road trip down Route 1, we are completely captivated by this film. We have no information about who the family are, which is a shame, but what great memories they must have of this!
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With contributions from over 70 people on the islands of Mull, Iona, Ulva and Gometra, it gives a glimpse into what life was like for the residents when the islands closed for business. From delivery of food from volunteers and online schooling to observations on how the time was affecting the landscape and nature of Scotland's Hebrides.
The film was the project of film maker and podcaster Alasdair Satchel: “I was really interested in the idea that we are all in isolation together in the islands, but also in the fact that everyone has had their own experiences. It’s almost been like putting humanity under a magnifying glass."
Alasdair also creates the podcast 'What We Do In The Winter' which is a fantastic look into island life.
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READING: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski.
LISTENING TO: Sleep On The Wing from Bibio, What's Your Pleasure by Jessie Ware. Women in Music Part III by HAIM.
WATCHING: The Sinner (Netflix), Little Fires Everywhere (Amazon Prime), Disclosure (Netflix). The Days of the Bagnold Summer (iTunes and Amazon).
DREAM VISITING: Seville, Spain for summer city shenanigans and oranges in peak July sweetness! Isle of Harris for summer hikes in remote serenity.
PODCASTING: Munroe Bergdorf's appearance on Table Manners.
]]>Di Amalfi, our brand new scent, is inspired by our own sun-soaked days on the Italian coastline. With its hidden coves and picture-perfect towns and villages, it’s a popular destination for any traveller in such of la dolce vita.
To celebrate the launch we share our 5 must-see spots on the Amalfi…
1. Positano. Busy, hard to get to and, yes, you won’t be able to move for tourists taking selfies in front of the famous town built into a cliffside. But you just simply can’t not experience Positano. Soak up the harbour glamour, explore the tiny winding streets of family-run trattorias and shops selling local limoncello.
2. Dine with style. From high end eateries to a slice of pizza by the shore, Amalfi’s food options are wide. If you’re feeling fancy try michellin-starred Zass in Positano, or La Sponda at the Surenuse hotel. For that classic Napolitan pizza, make the trip to Da Maria Trattoria in Amalfi town.
3. Take to the sea. Get out into the reassuringly blue Salerno gulf to truly admire the coastline’s rugged majesty. There are many boat options – day hires with your own guide from Sorrento, or simple boat taxis from town to cover. However you do it, get out into the water…
4. Fornillo beach. Because of its popularity even the most secluded of the Amalfi’s many coves and beaches will be busy in the summer. Fornillo is worth the journey. Accessed via a cliffside walk from Positano, Fornillo is a beautiful cove for wiling away an afternoon in the sunshine. Grab lunch at Da Ferdinando beach bar.
5. Hike the coast. With such stunning scenery it would be a shame not to explore Amalfi with your hiking boots. Try the Il Vallone delle Ferriere pathway. A 4-mile route above the town of Amalfi. This walk will find you by streams lined with ferns, taking in waterfalls and through shaded woodland.
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What's been inspired and exciting us at Lost in Scent into June...
Reading… Sun-lounger-friendly reads, Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny and My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell.
Watching… Dead to Me (Netflix)
Listening to… New Jessie Ware, Modern Anxiety by Josef Salvat
Podcasting… Grounded with Louis Theroux
Dream visiting… The Amalfi – where else? – with our new scent.
Coveting… These vibrant prints from @josaundersdesign and Fresh’s NYC edition kombucha facial treatment.
]]>As we journey the stunning Amalfi coastal road with our new scent Di Amalfi, we celebrate 5 of the most amazing coastal roads in the world. Take a trip…
CALANQUES DE PIANA Corsica’s D81 highway takes drivers on a journey through unique red-hued granite cliffs. At sunset the rocky, dramatic landscape is breath-taking.
BIG SUR The most iconic road trip of all time? This journey is timeless and unforgettable. (A bit like our Big Sur candle… just saying.)
CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE Northern Ireland might not have the travel tourism pull of California but this road gives Big Sur a run for its money. With picturesque harbours and golden coves along the way, don’t miss the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
HANA HIGHWAY On Hawaii’s island of Maui this highway takes in 50 miles of lush, tropical coastline, with waterfalls, bamboo forests and bright blue surf along the way.
SERRA DA ARRÁBIDA Just south of Lisbon is this Portuguese gem of a journey. Pack a pasteis de nana and stop to enjoy those Atlantic views.
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Say hello to our brand new scent, Di Amalfi (fig, lemon thyme, olive leaf).
Inspired by Italy's golden and iconic coastline, this scent completes our summery, uplifting Into the Blue collection.
From olive grove to hidden cove, an adventure on the Mediterranean breeze. Under the shade of the lemon tree, bundles of figs ripened in golden sunlight. Sweet thyme and olive leaf in the air, where citrus and herbs delight under warm coastal skies. Dream back to the beauty of the Amalfi coast...
Available now in 285g grand candle and 180g amber jar.
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To celebrate our brand new summer scent, Aegean, our top 5 greek island escapes.
We’re missing the endless blues of Greek island hopping this summer, but we can dream about long days and blissful sunsets on our five favourite Grecian getaway places…
SKIATHOS
Conde Nast Traveller recently named Skiathos as THE Greek island to visit in 2020 (a pipe dream currently!). Its easy to see why. With some of the most stunning beaches in all of the Greek islands, it is a sun worshiper’s paradise. It’s also still possible to find quiet spots for quiet adventure, like the northern coves accessible only by forest trails. Emerald seas and white sands, Skiathos will never let us down.
KOUFONISIA
Just 10 square miles in size, Koufonisia is only accessible with a two hour boat ride from Paxos. It’s mood is firmly set to ‘relaxed’, where long lunches at wooden tavernas extend into sunset cocktails. If your thrills are peace, quiet and calm, this is the island to find it. Remote and rugged, a true escape.
HYDRA
This island has been a muse for artists for generations. From Chagall to Leonard Cohen, the architecture and landscape has inspired many visitors. Serene and less frenetic than many Greek islands, vehicles are banned in the main town, where donkeys are the only means of transport.
CORFU
Green, leafy and lush, Corfu remains one of Greece’s most popular island for british travellers. Brits have long been associated with the island – the Duke of Edinburgh was born there, the Durrell’s famously moved to Corfu in search of a quieter life, and even Shakespeare has connections with the place and modelled his island in The Tempest on descriptions of Corfu. If you are looking to avoid the brits, perhaps give the North East coast a miss: it’s often described as Kensington By The Sea!
ITHACA
The home island of mythical Odysseus is surprisingly not spoiled by tourists eager to follow the path of the gods. It’s a wonderful island for hikers, with dramatic and quiet hiking trails into the forested hills. If you are looking for Homer’s hero, don’t miss the 8th Century BC ruins of Odysseus’ palace.
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