Whiff Announcement #9

The Good Smell:

Coffee

I love love love this smell! I know many people who love the smell of coffee, but hate the taste. Well, I am a taste and smell fanatic for coffee. I have always wanted to work in a coffee shop so I could drink as much coffee as I wanted! Waking up to the smell of coffee is a real delight and a great start to a long day!

The Bad Smell:

The mystery smell in the fridge

Have any of experienced opening your fridge and smelling a foul odor and not knowing where it came from? I have. When I was in college, I neglected my fridge and smelled the moldy sour smell that lurked in it. Now I know to always keep my fridge clean so the "mystery" smell will never lurk in my presence.

Whiff Finding #8

The Good Smell:

Cigarette smoke

A memory is the reason that cigarette smoke is a good smell. When I was little, my grandpa was a regular addicted smoker. Whenever my family went to visit the grandparents, I always looked forward to the comforting smell of cigarette smoke. My grandpa used to leave cigarette butts in his recliner, so, as a young child always seeing my grandpa smoke I wanted to smoke as well. I took the cigarette butts and pretended I was smoking in my grandpas recliner. I am really thankful I never took that habit and ran with it like my grandpa. Still to this day whenever I smell cigarette smoke, it reminds me of my grandpa and the memory of smokin' in the recliner.

The Bad Smell:

Robitussin Cough Syrup

It's the middle of the night and I cannot stop coughing. Seeing the light come on in the other room, I know that my mom is getting out the "medicine" that will help me stop. The bedroom door opens and there is my mom with a spoon and ROBITUSSIN cough syrup in her hands. Pleading for a cough drop instead of this taunting red liquid, my mom pours the cough syrup onto the spoon... there is not turning back now. The lingering smell of this liquid is like poison and the taste is just as revolting. My mom's hand guides the spoon toward my mouth and I have no choice but to open my mouth and swallow. Plugging my nose, I swallow the foul liquid. Let me know if you have experienced this before... the smell and taste of Robitussin can never be forgotten. Thank goodness they made cough gels so we don't have to experience the wrath of the syrup and spoon.

Odorific Discovery #7

The Good Smell:

Campfire

I am sure all of us have experienced camping in one way or another. We all know that camping is not complete without a campfire! The aroma of the "Campfire" loves to infiltrate your clothes with a smoky outdoor smell. This smell has a special place in my heart!

The Bad Smell:

The stuff inside of trash cans

We all know the smell of a stinky trash can. The trash can itself does not smell but the things inside all mixed together leave a cringing odor. Whenever I smell the garbage, I always smell old bananas. I might even conclude that the odor of all the things in the trash end up smelling like old bananas. Unfortunately, I only have my own nose to make this conclusion. What do you think? Does your trash smell like old bananas?

Smell Encounter #6

The Good Smell:

Gasoline

Every-time I fill up, I always enjoy the smell of gasoline. I couldn't tell you why, but it always brings back good memories when I take a whiff.

The Bad Smell:

Stinky Feet

This smell makes me gag. Whenever I smell stinky feet, it reminds me of mold. I'm not really sure why, but it just does. I actually know a couple people to like the smell of stinky feet... the reason I will never know. To those of you who have stinky feet -->wear a pair of socks with your shoes and use Febreze.

Smell Observation #5

The Good Smell:

Fresh Cut Grass

Whether it's waking up to a person mowing the lawn or doing it yourself, no one can resist the smell of fresh cut grass. Some people don't like it, but I think it's a refreshing smell that is accompanied with spring and summer. I cannot describe how it smells, but I 'm sure everyone has experienced it.

The Bad Smell:

Cooked Cauliflower

This is a great veggie with an odor that can linger in your mouth and in the air... especially when it's cooked. Some people say it smells like sour milk and the best way to stop the smell while cooking is putting in a bay leaf. This is one of my favorite veggies, but it packs an odorous punch.

Smell Revelation #4

Good and Bad Smell:

The Skunk

Yes, all of us have experienced this smell. Most people experience this smell in their car, but I am sure people have had a share of their close encounters with this black and white nightmare of a creature. The truth is that I like this smell, and I know others who like it as well. I also know people who loath this smell. So, I decided to list it as both a good and bad smell. Here's a couple facts about these odorous creatures.

The skunk's scent glands are mature at less than one month of age.

Most animals avoid skunks. However, a notable exception is the Great horned owl, which does not appear to be deterred by skunk spray while foraging at night.

Not all skunks are black and white

The skunk's defensive spray contains sulfuric acid

Skunks will face a threat rather than run away. Unfortunately, their defense does not work against cars. Because of this, many skunks die on roadways (hence, that is why we smell them while we drive)

Smell Research #3

The Good Smell:

Dry Erase Markers

Not only are they fun to write with; they smell great too. I must warn you, they can be addictive, so I wouldn't go smelling them 30 minutes at a time. Just take a little wiff.

The Bad Smell:

A Wet Dog

I do not think anyone would disagree with me on this one. Something happens when a dogs fur and water combine... a gross odor. In addition, a wet dog smell does not like to dissipate quickly. This foul lingering smell can haunt the air in your home for days. That is probably why they invented Febreze.

Smell Analysis #2

The Good Smell:

Rain

How you ever smelled the air before a thunderstorm? Well, it is one of my favorite smells. It's rain. I love the smell of rain. Rain is used metaphorically all the time, and there is a reason why. The smell of rain takes you to a different place. It changes your personality for the day (good or bad) and forces people to buy umbrellas. When I smell rain, it takes me to a place of cleanliness and renewal. Where does it take you?

The Bad Smell:

Love Spell Perfume from Victoria Secret

Now, many of your may think this perfume smells divine. "Why would you put is as a bad smell?" you might say. Well, remember how smells can remind you of a memory? This smell definitely reminds me of one. I will not go into details for it is too embarrassing, but I will say this. This particular perfume does not mix well with other smells. That is all I'm gonna say.

Smell Exploration #1

The Good Smell:

Vicks Vapor Rub

If you have never experienced the menthol-induced smell of Vicks Vapor Rub, I do suggest purchasing this product. Whenever I see that beautiful cobalt colored jar with the green lid, I have to get a sniff. This smell reminds me of my childhood. My mother would rub it on my chest and under my nose when I had a cold. That smell offered relief from my annoying runny nose.

The Bad Smell:

Pear tree blossoms

Yes, these beautiful blossoms are the first sign of spring in the Midwest, but they surprisingly have an odor that's in it's own category of disgusting. They smell like a trash can, sewer and dog poop all in one. Although the most fragrant smells come from flowers these blooms do not have that luxury. Beware... you can look but I strongly suggest that you to think before you smell.

What is a smeller?

Oh the sense of smell. I have lived for 24 years on this earth and cannot get enough of the wonderful world of smells.

I noticed my love for smells when I was a young girl. My grandmother made me a baby blanket that I carried around with me constantly. It was what you call a "security" blanket. The point to this rather embarrassing story is that I loved to smell it. I cannot tell you what I liked about the smell of my blanket but I know that from them on, smelling was one of my fortes.

Now, I know that I am not a legitimate "professional" smeller, but I would be confident in saying I was a pretty good amateur.

Some of you, I know are thinking "She is a big dork!"

The truth is... I am a big dork! But I do not doubt that you yourself have experienced a smell that means so much to you. Smells can bring back memories, good and bad. Smells have the power to relax and comfort. I know you can think of just one :)

Everyday, this blog will post a good smell and a bad smell. That is about it. Sometimes it might come with a personal memory or story of mine. Sometimes it might just say "I like the smell of my laundry!"

I must warn you, some might be weird and strange but if you think about it... smells are weird and strange.