Favourite Seasonal Aromas

The four seasons are often associated with pizza, hotel names, artwork or Vivaldi. They also have something to do with nature and the changing scenarios that nature provides for our delight four times a year. Each season has its own particular mood and aroma. 

Can we extract the various aromas, fragrances, nuances and feelings of the seasons and bundle them into one compressed article that will conjure up the evocative atmosphere of the desired seasonal moment by pushing a button? Actually, we can; it is called air freshener spray and lasts all of seven minutes. For a more lasting effect, instead of pushing a button, we can light a match and apply it to a wick. Indeed, only candles can contain the scents and fragrances from nature at a particular season and release them for our enjoyment and appreciation when a flame is applied, with a romantic effect that lasts for hours.

According to the dictionary, an aroma is a distinctive, agreeable odour and/or a pervasive subtle quality. An intriguing aroma suggests taste as well as smell; indeed, when something is cooking we can almost taste it.

When an aroma invades the atmosphere through the medium of a candle we can almost see it: that flicker of the flame or the hint of smoke in the air. Sometimes a heavily scented set of candles create an almost tangible atmosphere. All this fantasy resides in the perfumed candle; gaze and admire it and savour the mood that it evokes; you will find that all your senses are involved.

Each season offers its particular aroma and each aroma can be romantically captured in a candle to bring nature into the home. As autumn looms, we have the harvest odours of grapes, pears and pomegranates; autumn is also rife with chestnuts, mushrooms and pumpkins.

As winter moves in, woody and evergreen aromas abound, perfuming every corner from strategically placed perfumed candles.

Christmas candles naturally smell of good cheer: sugared plums, candied fruits, cinnamon and other festive spices. As pine-scented winter turns into spring, fresh and subtle early flowers lend their sweet scents to the task of perfuming the home. Then, the headier blooms of summer, particularly roses and lavender, create lush sweet-scented gardens; their fragrance also pervades every room by means of pretty, slow burning, perfumed candles.

Throw out the sprays and the air-wick; candles have so much more going for them.

Tim Aldiss writes for Yankee Candle UK where there’s a world of scented Christmas candles!

Gray Over Cast and Weird Weather

I woke up this morning feeling a wee disoriented because normally at this season, it's already sunny around 6 a.m.  The sky was dark gray and there was a slight drizzle. I was hoping it would rain briefly so we could feel the cool breeze once again before it finally bid adieu to welcome summer.

The weather system this year is so unpredictable. Well, it's never predictable really but it is so odd. Spring was short-lived and we are already entering the grueling summer season. It's not fun but we have to brace ourselves because it can get hotter, I pray not but I do hope we can bear the scorching heat once again.

Autumn is Coming

The hot season will soon come to a halt as we welcome with open arms the coming of autumn. Though, not weather-wise yet.

I am feeling some changes on the weather where it is normally hot becomes a bit breezy. I find that bizarre because late July up to August is the peak of the summer heat here in the UAE. Last week, it was cloudy on some days and you could actually feel the welcoming breeze we all missed. Some plants in the Dubai municipality areas have been replaced with a the kind that thrives on colder season. The dates are well-riped. Humidity is still bad but becoming bearable. And this is my favorite part, the shops or boutiques have already changed their collections from summer to autumn. Most of the summer collection have been put on major sale.

I reckon it won't be long and we will be feeling the nice, cool breeze of fall. My warm clothes are just within reach :)

Valentine Flowers

February is just around the corner. Next thing we know it, we are already in the 2nd month of the year 2011. And what is so special about February? Well, for me, it's the month of my daughter's birthday and she will be turning 13 - an official teener. Globally, February is also the month of love and romance.

What is the better way of enjoying Valentine's day? Candle-lit dinner date for 2? A fabulous ring or necklace gift? A night in one of the fanciest hotel? A stroll on the park while holding hands and whispering sweet nothings? Or a box full of chocolates? Perhaps, flowers - beautiful Flowers of February? It is anyone's choice.

I prefer the flowers. It speaks a magnitude of emotion. It is not very expensive and it is beautiful. February is also the month where beautiful blooms of flower grow. February flowers include the following selections: Alstroemeria, Anthurium, Aster, Cattleya Orchid, Freesia, Hyacinth, Lilac, Tuberose, Tulip and Vanda. These flowers grow well in the season and will make good and interesting flower-cuts if arranged well.

Your Valentine's need not be expensive and fancy. Buying expensive things is not very practical anymore. Your love and affection will be appreciated as long as you convey your emotions through your beautiful flowers. It's classic and timeless just how a love should be.

Health Nut - Boost Immunity this Cold Season

Winter is upon us and not long from now, we will be experiencing seasonal changes that will affect our immunity.

People here always get sick when the seasons change because the wind coming from another region brings dusts, pollens, migrating birds and their bacterias and what-have-yous. The sudden change in the temperature also exposes people to other natural elements like extra moisture and cold draft. The human body have to adapt to all these and re-adjust to be able to battle the coming of the colder months.

So, even before the cold weather bites, try to follow these simple tips to boost immune system:

1. Eat apples - why you might ask? Well, apples contain pectins which are good in boosting the levels of immune-supportive proteins.

2. Get inoculated - I cannot stress this enough. Be prepared and have yourself and family vaccinated for influenza and other boosters which can aid immunity.

3. Wear warm clothing if the weather is cold and keep the head warm by wearing cap if you have to do a jog at the park early morning or in the evening because of the cold draft.

4. Exercise - a quick strut can boost one's immune system and the sweat helps in releasing toxins out of the body.

5. Have a good night's sleep - getting at least 8 hours of sleep a day will help stave off the sniffles during the cold season. Why not enjoy your comforter and bed a little longer?

Here Comes Autumn!!!

The past week has been slightly breezy in the morning except on some occasions.  I woke up at 5:30 a.m. today and went to church. It was humid and foggy at the same time making it difficult to drive. 

I know that with the weather changes happening soon, autumn is just around the corner giving all of us here in the Mid-East region a preview of what to come. Hopefully, not regular fogs because people drive crazy here.

With all my heart, welcome Autumn. Cool weather... I LIKE!

Weather is Weird

I felt the hot wind blew on my face today. It was quite weird because the previous days were pleasant and very manageable. I could walk a block without breaking a sweat last week but today was different.

The signs of season change is everywhere; from the dry sandy patches of land, to the hot air blowing, to the early setting of the sun to the cool breeze in the morning.

Fall is coming soon!

Rainy Days and Memories

Philippines is entering the typhoon season. Unlike the hot and very humid weather condition here in the Middle East, Southeast Asian region have only 2 seasons - wet and dry.

I remember my childhood days in the Philippines. My siblings and I used to wait for the rainy season because we would play and take a bath in the rain showers. My mom would take out the stainless steel drums as reservoir for rain water. She used the rain water for our garden and when she cleaned the patio.

I miss the rains back home. Although I do not like the torrential rains, I do love the smell of freshly watered plants. The sunny weather here in Dubai may be inviting to some people but I still like to see the rain once in a while.

Sunny with a Chance of Sandstorm

I didn't check the weather forecast today. I am not certain if there will be a sandstorm but the wind is blowing and it is hot. Unlike the previous days around the same time as now, the days were breezy and still a bit cool. Other countries are experiencing the onset of spring. Here in the Middle East, there is nothing as such. All we have is a brief winter season from December to February (and if you're lucky, it can extend to until late March) and then the dry, hot and very humid summer months.

So, my forecast will be sunny with a chance of sandstorm. But don't quote me for that ;)

Good morning everyone from sunny Dubai!

Waking up on a Rainy Sunday

Much as I miss the rainy season back home and love the winter feel of the new climate, it is different when you wake up on a rainy Sunday morning.

It has been raining for the past three days now. It was the same situation last year around this time when Dubai and neighboring Emirates were submerged due to the non-stop torrential rains. It is nice to be relieved of the scorching heat once in a while. However, there is not good drainage system here so we expect flooded thoroughfares again and it is going to be one hell-of-a-traffic in the busy streets of Dubai.

Although it is gloomy and all and the sky is very bleak, I still find a recluse in the coming of the new season. After this season comes a spring of hope.

Oh Christmas Tree

The Christmas air is here, silently announcing the arrival of the holiday season. It is time to put up the Christmas decors and everything related to the Yuletide season.

Winter season here is rather short. One would even barely notice its passing if not for the cold breeze on your face and the longer nights. Last week, we put up our artificial Christmas tree. It is the only one we can have since we live in a very hot and humid region in this part of the globe. It is for that reason that we cannot put up real christmas trees much as our hearts desire it. The trees must be able to survive the climate here in the Middle East so they can carry on until New Year's.

I am really fascinated with live christmas trees. I enjoy seeing Christmas photos sent by our families and friends in the US specially when they are next to their real Christmas trees. I imagine the fresh scent of these trees filling their abode. It must be wonderful!

I am so tempted to get a real one this time and check out the christmas tree delivery service if I have the tree shipped here in the Middle East. I have yet to try it though and see if the live tree will withstand the humid conditions of this country.

Oh well, it is not bad to dream of having a real Christmas tree this time. We may not have a real one now but who knows. Maybe in few years time, we will be celebrating our white Christmas in the US with our very own real Christmas tree.

Spring with New Hope

Winter posed itself longer than usual this year. We did not experience heavy rains on March but this year was different. Spring has taken a back seat for a while and now it has sprung!

I welcome the entry of this wonderful season called Spring. Although here in the hot climate of the Middle East, we are not privileged enough to enjoy Spring season in its full scale. We don't see enough verdant greens and natural blossoms of beautiful spring plants. Most of the plants here are artificially cultivated because they won't survive the harsh summer months.

Spring brings new hope after a gloomy season. It beacons new life. With all the problems the world is facing right now, the "seeming" pandemic around us because of the H1N1 virus, the dissent of other countries, the oppression of the poor, the compromising of peace talks, the global recession and the increasing number of poverty, we could only pray and hope that Spring brings a bright future as it enters the changing of the season.