I’ve heard time and time again lately that one of the best ways to bond and grow as a couple is to pick up a shared hobby - to create something together, have something new to discover and discuss. I think the same thing can be said of how to date in current society. It’s not just about dinner and a movie anymore, it’s about a more involved, shared experience…maybe with some wine or beer to help things along.
Here at Scent & Sip, we have come across a ton of couples creating scents together, and having a ton of fun! Whether it’s a sweet, loving couple who encourage each other and create a scent together or a quirky, snarky couple who enjoy egging each other on, everyone ends up finding their fun over wax and wine. We tend to be pretty good at meeting you wherever your energy is at, and are happy to give you as much help or as much freedom and independence as you want.
Looking for a first date idea? Is it your turn to choose the date? Are you tired of dates revolving around restaurants and you’re looking for something not primarily involving food? (I know I am, is that just me?) Here are some tips if you are curious about having a date night at Scent & Sip or want to improve your next date night experience:

• Try to be on time. I know lots of people can’t help it, that’s just how they are, myself included. But why would you want your date to start with stress? Plus, the more punctual you are, the more you will have the full amount of time to enjoy each other and the experience.
• You know what helps you be on time? Planning ahead! Have a date night planned for a workday? Wear something you’re ok with wearing for date night as well, or bring a change of clothes so you don’t have to run home. Pick up your bottle of wine in advance. Pack snacks in the car that morning, or call for a pickup order from a restaurant that’s on your route. You can bring whatever food or drink you want, so sky’s the limit!
• With that in mind, we have lots of restaurants and bars right on Main Street. Seriously, we have about a dozen within walking distance! Feel free to ask us for recommendations as well. Since you’re here, you might as well extend your night.
• There are so many fun and surprising smells to discover here! Half the fun of it is sharing them with each other, whether it’s something crazily accurate, something you think is gross (we have all heard “Oh my god, this is awful, you HAVE to smell this”), or something so good, you just can’t keep it to yourself.
• When it comes to smells, everybody reacts differently. Personally, I would say don’t yuck someone else’s yum. Just because you hate something, doesn’t mean they have to. Part of what brought you two together was probably your differences as much as your similarities. Playful poking is all well and good if that’s your relationship style, of course (we LOVE sassy couples) but that’s different than keeping someone from choosing scents that are perfect for them. If you live together and you’re making a Scentable that will be communal like a candle or a reed diffuser, forget what I just said. Joint household, joint decision!
• On the other hand, some people will openly admit they don’t have a great sense of smell. In that case, feel free to help your partner out and seek a professional opinion as needed :)
• Making candles? If there is time, you’re going to need to give that candle additional time to set before you can take it home. Have fun, drink, and enjoy, but create your candle and then start chatting in earnest, so your candle has the best chance possible to be ready for you to take home and your time will pass quickly as you finish off that bottle of wine and have little to do but write your labels and talk with each other.

Most importantly, have fun! Laugh, drink, share smells, share stories, create new memories together, and discover something you can come back to experience again and again.

If it is that thought that counts then handmade gifts are the best.  How to approach it can be nerve racking for some. The key is to keep it thoughtful.  Here are some quick tips on how to give the gift of scent.

1) Keep it personal.  Create a scent that creates a sentiment that you want to share.  How do you do this - First, think of a personal experience that brings you happiness, joy or peace.  Is it baking cookies? Trimming the tree? Enjoying a mimosa on the beach at sunrise?  We all have them, think of yours and recreate it with scent!   Next, convey that message with your personal label.  Let the recipient know why this is special to you. This gift creating approach works well for teachers, coaches, hostess gifts, and your work friends.

2) Total Recall.  Thanks to our neuro receptors, our sense of smell is our longest lasting of all our sense memories.  We all have those moments we share that are surrounded by scent.  It could be the smell of cedar, tobacco and a clean shave that reminds us a Grandpa.  Maybe it's the smell of the ocean with a hint of caramel popcorn that brings you back to that time in Ocean City.  Is it the smell of roses and hydrangea growing in Mom's garden?  Think of a special memory of a person and recreate it.  They will be brought right back to that place with you every time they experience this highly personal scent blend. This is the most scentimental of all the approaches and is perfect for those special people in our lives: Your BFF since grade school, family, dear-friends, and your significant other. 

3) Funny always works!  First, let me say that just because it is funny doesn't mean shouldn't smell good.  Bacon & Whiskey is wonderful! Looking for a great bathroom scent - anything with a strong citrus will work. All the single ladies love a "mandle".  Some of the more memorable Scentables include Daddy Issues, Not Tonight, Tonight is the Night, Repellent, Coffee High, & Hoppy to see you.  I will let pictures do more of the talking for this one...

4) Gift Cards Rule! I admit it, normally I am not a fan of giving gift cards.  I like to shop too much :) A gift card that I get to have an experience with someone is different. So, if you are still hesitant to create a personally scented gift, get them a gift card for Scent & Sip.  In the card just let them know that you would like to share this experience with them. See you then!   

What's the best smelling gift you have received?  We want to know!

Let us know what you have used with Clean Freak! We would love to know what you think of it. 

Let us know your favorite Apple Ale scent blend!  We would love to hear from you.

I would love to hear what you have concocted with Bourbon!  I don't love the drink but I sure do love the fragrance.

All you Bamboo lovers, I would love to know your favorite blends.  Please let us know what has worked for you.

I would love to hear your favorite Awapuhi blends!  This is one of our more popular in-store fragrances.  Let us know what you think. 

Please let us know if you have used this fragrance and what you thought!  This fragrance may not be our most popular but it sure does get people talking.  

If you have had the drink or used the smell - I would love to hear what you think!

If you like a soft, masculine scent - we do not think you can go wrong with this choice.  Have you used this one? We would love to know what think!

Designing your fragrance may seem daunting to some.  Don't worry about a thing! Here are some helpful tips to get you started. 

1) Determine how, when and where the scent will be used.  Is this a personal fragrance item, like a lotion? A body mist for a special occasion? Or are you shooting for a reed diffuser for the bathroom? We think of fragrances differently for different uses. The answer to these questions will begin your scent journey.

2) Start with what you love.I know, you probably want other people to instantly love what you do and if they don't it can be worrisome. The truth is that we all born with different scent preferences and then build upon those preferences with every memory made.  There is no universally loved smelled.  Statistically, Vanilla is the most loved scent.  That's not to say that everyone loves it.  We have had plenty of guests let us know that they didn't care for it.  Assuming that you are making this for you to enjoy - start with what you love.    

3) Mix it up.Start by pairing an opposite scent type with your favorite.  These types of blends will highlight each scent. When you get it right - both will shine.  
Next, pair your favorite with something similar.  Generally, you will get a rounder blends where you don't smell the lines as clearly between the fragrances.  

From here, pick a path and run with it!  Mix in a third fragrance to see if you can make it even better!  A 3 fragrance blend is where most people end up.  This isn't a rule, it is just where we are seeing our scentologists find their perfect personal fragrance creation. 
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There is no "wrong" way to create your scent.  Do what smells great to you!  Have fun & enjoy the experience.

We would love to hear from you!  Please share your thoughts on this fragrance below.  

We would love to know how you have used this fragrance! Please comment below.

Have you used Butter fragrance in any of your blends? I would love to know how it worked out!

I would love to if you have used our Bubble Bath fragrance and how it worked out! 

Let me know what you think of this one! Would you use it in blend?

Imagine yourself opening up that little seasoning packet in your favorite soup from college.  That is this scent exactly! It is a little freaky at first.  It is loaded with dashes of garlic, basil and cumin mix with a dry sage base note to create an appetizing fragrance. Now, where are the noodles? 

Personally, I am not lover of the food smells - but I do not judge! If a bubble bath full of flavor makes you happy - go for it!

Please let me know your thoughts on this one! 

I would love to hear from you if you have use this one! Truly one of my favorites.  I guess I love a good smelling man :)