If you asked me to describe my life using only scents, I think I could.
Some smells instantly make me smile.
Others bring back memories I hadn't thought about in years.
For me, scent is one of the most powerful ways to relive a moment.
Without a doubt, my favourite smell in the world is roses.
I simply love everything that smells like roses.
Rose perfume.
Rose body butter.
Rose lemonade.
Rose sweets.
Even rose skincare products.
There is something soft, elegant and calming about the scent of roses that I never get tired of.
Whenever I smell roses, I instantly feel relaxed.
Another smell I absolutely love comes from my kitchen.
If you've ever cooked with cumin, you'll probably understand.
The warm, rich aroma fills the whole kitchen and immediately makes me hungry.
I use cumin in many of my dishes, from curries to eggs, because it adds so much flavour.
To me, it's one of the best spices in the world.
Every morning starts with another favourite smell.
Coffee.
Before I even take my first sip, I always smell it first.
That first aroma somehow tells my brain that a new day has started.
It's one of the small rituals I enjoy every single morning.
I also love the smell of rain on a warm summer day.
Especially when I'm walking through a park.
The fresh air, the wet grass and the smell of the trees create a feeling that's difficult to describe.
It's peaceful.
It's refreshing.
And it reminds me that some of the most beautiful things in life are completely free.
When I think about Morocco, one scent immediately comes to mind.
Incense.
That warm, slightly smoky fragrance always reminds me of the atmosphere there.
It's a smell that feels calm and familiar.
The scent that reminds me most of my childhood is masala.
Whenever I smell Surinamese curry spices, I immediately think of my mother cooking.
The kitchen would be filled with wonderful aromas, and those memories have stayed with me ever since.
Nature has its own beautiful scents too.
I love the smell of freshly cut grass and the fresh scent of trees.
Whenever I'm surrounded by nature, I automatically feel calmer.
I wear perfume every day.
Most of the time I choose floral fragrances because they suit my personality.
I simply enjoy smelling fresh before I leave the house.
One smell that always gives me a warm and cosy feeling is a wood-burning fireplace.
Walking into a house where the fireplace is burning instantly feels welcoming.
It's one of those scents that makes a house feel like a home.
If I had to choose just one scent for the rest of my life, the answer would be easy.
Roses.
No matter how many beautiful fragrances I discover, nothing will ever replace the scent of fresh roses.
Sometimes the smallest things leave the biggest impression.
For me, those little moments often begin with a beautiful smell.
Love,
Shavida
