The Heat of Summer 2008: Bright New Perfumes

Store away the exuberant winter fragrances and get ready to feel the breeze of summer. It's the season to try light, airy, citrusy scents that will make you feel virtually weightless. Just like the air, water and sun bottled in one.

[L'Occitane] Verbena Harvest Citrus Verbena Summer Fragrance

verbena summer This is an incredibly invigorating and stunning perfume from L'Occitane. Most of the ingredients come from Italy or nearby Corsica and Sicily and the overall scent really evokes the beauty of an Italian summer, with rolling meadows, dark blue waters and refreshing cuisine.

Key notes: lemon, grapefruit, verbena, cedar

You will feel: alive, young, delicious

Buy it now: L`Occitane - Verbena Harvest Citrus Verbena Summer Fragrance

Opium D'Ete Summer Fragrance for Women [by Yves Saint Laurent]

opium Opium is traditionally a spicy, exotic and heavy perfume. Not this version. It's light and airy, yet still sensual and elegant - it will make you into the sun goddess.

Key notes: lemon, amber, patchouli, Italian bergamot

You will feel: radiant, weightless, sexy

Buy it now: Opium Summer Fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent for Women 3.3 oz Eau d'ete Spray 2004 Limited Edition (Gold Box)

[Calvin Klein] Eternity Summer Perfume for Women

ck eternity summer This scent reminds me of an old movie where a starlet is swept away by her love on a seaside weekend. They sit in the dunes watching the blue skies in their white summer hats, and the air carries a light breeze of the sea, the grass and romance.

Key notes: grapefruit, lily of the valley, fig, verbena, jasmine, magnolia

You will feel: romantic, hopeful, happy

Buy it now: Calvin Klein Eternity Summer

[Stella McCartney] Sheer Stella

This is not entirely a new scent, rather an updated version of the old favorite. I am a huge fan of Stella's designs and her scent collection is no exception. Sheer Stella is very sensual and warm, yet light and crisp, with a slight taste of berries - perfect for summer nights out.

Key notes: white freesia, morning rose, raspberry, peony, white musk, pink pepper

You will feel: playful yet subtle, tantalizing and elegant

Buy it now: Stella McCartney Sheer Stella

[Estee Lauder] Pleasures Delight

By far my largest perfume collection is from Estee Lauder. Each scent is distinct and very special. Pleasures Delight is the perfect companion to your summer day - refreshing, vibrant, full of joie de vivre. This scent can even make you feel more confident and assertive, because who can resist you now?

Key notes: freesia, pomegranate, strawberry meringue, peony, rose, vanilla

You will feel: quirky and sweet, energized and flirty

Buy it now: Pleasures Delight

Written by Claire White.

Mommy Mail

Latest Question

My daughter is barely 2 but she is really eager to try sledding. She sees older kids at the park and wants to join in on the action but I am not sure it's safe at this age. Any suggestions?
Kate, IL

Answer:

Walking toddlers can try sledding at 2 or younger, as long as you are careful and teach your little one a few rules. First, make sure your tot is dressed for the weather. It starts with a warm and waterproof ourfit - snowsuit or snow pants, winter jacket, waterproof boots and warm (waterproof) mittens/gloves and hat. Bring an extra set of clothes in case you need to change her after getting wet or cold. Make sure you yourself are wearing waterproof pants and boots, so you can follow the little adventurer in the snow. Next, get the right gear. Pick a sled that is small enough for a child under 2 (round ones would work better) and check it for any broken parts or sharp edges if it's been used. It's a good idea to start by sledding along the flat surface before moving on to a very small and non-steep hill. Pick a hill that levels off nicely so the sled doesn't come to a sharp stop. Obviously, if you have a choice, find a sledding area away from the road. When you find a nice hill, check for any bare spots and obstacles (trees, branches, rocks, telephone poles) and look for areas with more even concentration of snow. Finally, little toddlers love danger, so make sure you explain that sledding is always sitting or laying down on the back with head up and feet down, never with head down, to avoid head injury. If you can fit on a sled, try a few runs together and then your daughter will be more comfortable sledding alone. Have fun!

Submit a question for Mommy Mail

Subscribe to the newsletter to get the answers.