In an ongoing series, Keren Weinstein, our Guest Life-Balance Editor, took a much needed trip. More than the need to go on vacation to a new locale, she wanted to find her own sense of balance and thus Project Detox began. Last week, we horsed around and found our senses! Today, Keren shows us our need for our inner ink.

All good things must come to an end.

Or not!

In yoga, you practice being in the moment in order to truly connect to your breath, body, inner self. Once you are ‘there’ and let all the positive energy you created fill every part of your being, you then focus on taking it into your every day life.

‘Intraconnectedness’. Interconnectedness.

I may be leaving Arizona but the Journey within Myself continues.

Since I utilized my senses and was mindful each step of the way, my experiences on this trip run deep and true to my inner self, making a lasting imprint on my being.

An internal tattoo.

But I cannot depart without paying tribute to the scent that carried me throughout my journey.
I was first introduced to Creosote when I booked my trip. I was immediately intrigued. And, like you would for any potential prospect, I Googled it!

The Creosote (pronounced cree'-uh-sote) Bush is mostly found in the Desert Southwest. It blooms at the end of the monsoon season and is mostly known for its distinct after-the-desert-rain scent. (I LOVE the smell after the rain!). The plant is used by Native Americans, Mexicans and other cultures for medicinal use, ointments and healing teas. It can tolerate extreme drought stress and lives a long life.

Excited to begin ‘Experiencing my Tucson Experience’, I was sniffing for the indigenous Creosote from the moment I stepped off of the plane.

The obsession began.

Our first encounter was on my nature walk through Desert Oasis. Enjoying that desert dry heat. Strolling through a shmorges board of aromatherapy. Fresh desert inhales for a NYC girl. Even though I had already heard about this after-the-desert-rain scent, smelling that unique rain scent in such an arid locale was unexpectedly pleasant.

I was swept off my feet.

(Now I understand why many refer to it as the “heavenly essence of the desert”).

And you Know it must be love at first [sniff], when you fall for a scent that means ‘little stinker’ in Spanish!

I soon found myself asking the locals about it. Tracking its every step.

I admit. I might have been stalking Creosote.

But, I was a few weeks short from being there during the core of this plants’ bloom season and I wasn’t going to let that get in the way! My intention (AKA Horse Power) was set. I was destined to experience it.

And I wasn’t going to just take it all in! This full time working mother on a Project Detox trip was going take it all back. To live. To share. To last.

I literally ‘followed my nose’ chasing Creosote through Tucson. And it lead me to Salud Spa Bar.

Salud Spa is a very chic scent studio located in Tucson and one of the very few places that have bottled the essence of the after-the-monsoon desert scent. Their Creosote Blossom perfume is a refreshing blend of dewy agave, earthy creosote blossom and a hint of desert musk. Unique and fresh, I love it on but it also works great as a home scent.

The master blender Kelly Podorsek Founded Salud to create trend-setting, boutique perfumes and haute tonics custom scents that people can afford. She left a flourishing corporate career to follow her passion (and her nose) to create Salud and inspire people to savor the everyday essences of their lives.

But it’s in speaking with Kelly and reading the quote she posts on her site that made me realize that finding Creosote ‘captured in a bottle’ at Salud Spa Bar was like coming full circle with the essence of my trip.

It was my message in a bottle.

"the average person looks without seeing, listens without hearing, touches without feeling, eats without tasting, & inhales without awareness of odor or fragrance." Leonardo Da Vinci

Not me Leo. I’ve been inked!

With my life changing experiences at hand and bag of desert scented products for me to re-live back home, I was ready to depart AZ.

California here I come.

Salud!

Keren Weinstein is a seasoned professional in Fashion & Beauty with over 12 years in Integrated Marketing, Advertising and Celebrity Fashion Styling