That Tropical Feeling…..

Ever wanted to bring some of that tropical feeling into your home? When you just can’t get away for a vacation, or even a quick break, some quick and relatively inexpensive ways to turn your home into a caribbean paradise may not be as hard has it looks.

So I turn my thoughts to warm tropical breezes, a Mai Tai by the beach, coconut suntan oil, flirty little sun dresses, (hey, a girl can dream can’t she?). And started my plan to turn my little apartment into a weekend oasis.

Experts say that a certain scent can provoke an age old memory. The smell of apple pie baking can bring you back to your grandmother’s porch. The scent of roses can make you remember the first dozen roses you got from your first love…….So, maybe we can make scents provoke the memory of a Bahama’s vacation. To make my home and my soul a tropical paradise for at least one day.

Only one problem.

I’ve never been to the Bahama’s.

First off, my house needs a little lift. It’s musky, damp, dreary. So I start off with a pack of $1.00 incense sticks from the local swap meet. In Vanilla. Put one in every room (call me desperate), but my neighbor in about 10 minutes bangs on my door. (THIS is part of my tropical day???) Only to comment on “What’s that great smell coming from your apartment???” Ah, it’s already working, (just didn’t think it would affect the neighbors!)

Feeling a little more like splurging? Try the “Aroma Sticks” by Donna Karan, super chic incense in a black wooden container that inspires that oriental express feel…..

Next, to my kitchen. The kitchen you say?? Okay, I’m on a mission……I take orange & lemon peels and throw them in my garbage disposal…along with some ice cubes (to sharpen the blades they say),and my kitchen now smells like paradise. (Better than the garlic tomato sauce smell from last night!)

AH, my house and home are beginning to smell heavenly. Now, how about me?? My soul could use a little R&R. A tropical spa day it is. I burn some candles from the Attractions Collection from Aroma-Vera in “Attractions”(Orange & Ylang Ylang) and “Bliss” (Orange & Rose), and start….

As the bath is running, I start first off, with Philosophy’s “On a Clear Day” facial scrub. A great facial polisher, just note that you really don’t need that much. Then, on to Borgheses “Fango Active Mud” for Face & Body. This dark green slimy mud, went on okay, tightened, and left my skin feeling taught and great afterwards! Nothing like sliming on some mud to feel ‘tropical’. The bad part, is I chickened out on the ‘body’ part. What do you do for 15-20 minutes while it’s working? You really can’t sit down you know….maybe I’ll get the guts to try it next time….

While the mud was working it’s magic, I poured some “Citrus Dream” Aromatherapy Bath Salts by Essential Elements. I didn’t think I’d like this, (quite strong directly from the jar) but as the hot water mingled, it actually had a nice tangy, wake up scent about it. Perfect for first thing in the morning! Some other new bath salts to try are Sebastian’s new herbal and body line, like their “Body Cavier” bath salts, and Avon’s Fragranced Bath Sparkles….

Next, I lather on the new Rainbath “Awakening Shower & Bath Gel” by Neutrogena. In the “Citrus Marine” scent. I’m a long time fan of their oils and body lotions, so I decided to try this new Shower & Bath Gel. A cool aqua shade made me buy this one, and again, it performed. Lathered great,smelled cool and wonderful. Like a rainforest gone south…..

Ah, a hour or so in this bath, and I’m already a new person. Next, “Sheer Lotion Spray” by Parfums de Coeur, in Pineapple….pineapple you say? I know, me too. I’m more a rosy, floral scent kinda girl, but heh, this is a Bahamas bathroom! This creamy lotion actually sprays on, and then you massage into the skin. It left my skin silky, soft, not sticky, and the scent was actually nice! Slightly tangy in that pineapple sort of way…but not overkill…nice! I’m awake now!