Oh, happy day — summer’s on its way!

happy blahs calyx
The end of May is rushing toward us like a Japanese bullet train and in the blink of an eye we’ll be arriving at destination: Summer. With the end of school in sight for many, graduations, weddings,
vacations, and the like, it can be a busy time of year, when it seems we’re in such a whirl of activity that the days pass by in a blur. But sometimes it’s just nice to take a moment, stop and enjoy a little something that makes you happy, you know?

Now Clinique’s aptly named Happy may or may not do it for you, but I do know their Calyx puts me pretty close to the top of the world with its bright, bubbly, fruity green-ness. As does Aerin Lauder’s Mediterranean Honeysuckle for its seaside garden vibe. And for a sexy kind of happy (for me at least), it’s hard to beat Carnal Flower, or beautiful but somewhat less-sultry Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Citronnier. I’d throw SL’s Fleurs d’Oranger in there, too, but it’s dab o’ cumin does not play nice with my skin, so hope it can make someone else happy. 😉

There are probably quite a few more fragrances that take me to a happy place, but I can’t think of any more right now.

So what about you? What makes you a happy camper with just one sniff? Or what other things give you a pleasant pause and put a smile on your face? A hug from your significant other or little one? A cuddle with a beloved pet? Or a gorgeous sunrise or sunset? What makes you happy to stop and count your blessings?

  • cheryldec says:

    Well, the weather here on the eastern seaboard has been ridiculously volatile lately, hot one day, cool and rainy the next, so it’s been kind of a fun game picking out my SOTD based on the weather. But my overall happy place fragrance, rain or shine, cold or warm, is Diptyque L’eau. Whenever I spray it, it just makes me smile and go ahhhh. On the really hot days, of which there’ve been several recently, I’ve been grabbing The Different Company’s Sens en Bois, and Eau d’Hadien. I should add that Sens en Bois is another one that makes me happy just whenever! Thanks for letting me share! 🙂

  • Monika says:

    One perfume that almost makes me giddy with happiness is FM’s Carnal Flower. Such a pity that it’s price tag makes me sad… 🙂

  • Sarah says:

    Hi Ann-
    Purchased Calyx online-mistake 🙁 I just tried again at Ulta and it is SO lovely and reasonable priced. I love all declensions of bergamot – The Different Co. being my favorite. Getting one that stays around longer than 15 minutes I have yet to find. Had forgotten 4711 and will try that and all the other good suggestions put forth here. Thanks!

    • Ann says:

      Sarah, so glad you were able to enjoy Calyx now. I’m with you — wish some of these great bergamot scents lasted longer, but at least they’re nice to re-spritz as needed. I’m getting some 4711 for the fridge too!

  • Stephanie says:

    Carnal Flower is a bit of sexy happiness for sure! My go-to scents in the hot summer month are usually pretty simple. I keep Florida water and 4711 in the fridge to splash on liberally when I need a cool-down, and I end up wearing Philosykos a lot for the sun-baked Mediterranean fig grove vibe. This post has me wanting to go out and give Calyx a shot!

    • Ann says:

      Great idea, Stephanie! That way you just pull it out of the fridge, splash and go! Do try Calyx when you get a chance, but maybe just do one spritz to start. It’s great but can be a little potent if you get too happy with the sprayer. It’s definitely not a shy, retiring violet.

  • HeidiC says:

    Oh, yes! Carnal Flower and Fleurs d’Oranger! Salome if I’m feeling particularly sultry. And Seville a L’Aube or Songes are just happy-making no matter when you spritz them.

    Also, drinking gin & tonics on the deck at my in-laws’ lake cabin while playing a geeky board game after the kids have been put to bed is my own personal happy space.

    • Ann says:

      Howdy, Heidi! I know those smell great on you. I’ve not tried the Salome (frankly, I’m a little skeered of it, ha!) but maybe one day. And your cabin evening sounds so fun and relaxing! Can I come next summer? 😉

  • Doc Sinister says:

    Aftelier … Lumiere & Palimpsest.

  • rosarita313 says:

    Rosine Un Zest de Rose is a happy and serene summer rose that makes me happy. Our cat is a rescue that we’ve had for a year and a half so it’s taken time and patience but he’s become a sweet and playful lap kitty who loves to snuggle. And my rose bush is starting to bloom 🙂

    • Ann says:

      Hiya, dear! I need a serene and happy rose so I’m up for trying your pick! And aren’t you a sweetheart for giving your cat a forever home — gotta love a snuggle kitty!

  • Neva says:

    YSL Paris always makes me happy…and giggling with my girlfriends whenever we meet 🙂

    • Ann says:

      Yep, Neva, the YSL one and I bet the city, too? And a giggle session is such fun!

  • The Perfume Baby says:

    Sweet Dreams 2003 from A Lab on Fire, Xerjoff 40 Knots, Ostara, Mohur.

    • Ann says:

      Yum to your Ostara and Mohur! I haven’t tried the others, but look forward to sampling them.

  • zadig & Voltaire, THIS IS HER..only because i cannot find CALYX anymore, here, in Greece

    • Ann says:

      Oh, no — hate to hear that, Maria! Surrender to Chance carries decants of Calyx (I think — they used to), and maybe they ship overseas? But your Z&V sounds nice — is it at all similar to Calyx or completely different?

  • verbenaluvvr says:

    L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Summer, it’s my ‘Calgon take me away’ scent

  • Suzy Q says:

    Oh yes, this is the perfect time of year for Calyx: the promise of summer + scent of fecundity.

    • Ann says:

      So glad you love it, too, Suzy Q! We’ve had quite a few days in the 90s here already and Calyx just seems to cut through that heat and humidity so beautifully. Used to love the shower gel for its spot-on scent and gorgeous green hue (waves at Musette!), but not sure if they still make it anymore. Need to find out and will report back. 🙂

  • Claudia S says:

    31 Rue Cambon makes me happy! Love that iris!

    • Ann says:

      Yes, Claudia, that is a good one! And speaking of Chanel, I really should have listed their Eau de Cologne, too — it’s pretty darn happy-making!