By John Curtis, Executive Vice President, Scentsy Fragrance

I had the pleasure of being with my two grandsons over the Christmas Holiday.  My two-year-old grandson spent much of the time watching YouTube videos of “The Wheels on the Bus” on his mom’s smartphone.  He watches them over and over and in various languages and musical styles.  He was totally focused on that phone and was having a great time until his mom took the phone away so he could have a restful and recharging nap.  This sweet boy suddenly began to scream, cry, rant and rave.  There was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.  My dear wife pointed out that is how I would behave if someone took away my smartphone.

It’s true.  I MIGHT be a bit obsessed with technology and staying connected.  And when I misplace my phone, I get shaky and weak in the knees.  But after the technology withdrawal wears off, I find moments of tranquility and peace.  It’s quite refreshing.   When I find that place of harmony and balance, I connect more with family and friends rather than Facebook and Fandango.  

As someone who is overstressed and over-connected at times, my New Year’s resolution this year is to seek simple moments where I can unplug and unwind – preferably in my underwear.   (Oh, come on. You know you stress too much about what you wear and being in your underwear is when you are most relaxed and comfortable.)

I suspect my stress has less to do with technology and more to do with my attitude and making time to reconnect with the things that matter most.  I also find I can be a happier me when I am out in nature enjoying the clean breeze and the soothing sounds of water in a gentle brook.  I love that.   And I leave more relaxed, recharged and revitalized. 

But I can’t get to the mountains or to my favorite Hawaiian beach very often, so I have to find other ways to unplug when I veer off course from my stress-free commitment.  Other ways than hiding in the bathroom with a good book, that is. Fortunately, Scentsy’s ScenTrend 2013 gives me a fragrance note I can use to help create those relaxing, renewing moments. 

Violet Leaf is a fresh, modern and soothing fragrance that takes you to a place, far from the stress we face everyday.  Scentsy’s President, Heidi Thompson said it best, “In our fast-paced society, people yearn for simple, disconnected moments. Violet Leaf’s pure expression of nature is the perfect backdrop to unwind and decompress in today’s increasingly connected, digital world.”

The earthy Violet Leaf fragrance note is extracted from the heart-shaped leaves of the violet plant.  Unlike the fragrance of a violet flower, which is sweet and powdery, Violet Leaf exudes an organic, green fragrance with a subtle floral undertone and watery accents of melon and cucumber.  It’s unexpected and refreshing.   Mix it with other fragrances to create a greener and gentler version of your favorite fragrances.

We all have within us a centered place of harmony and balance. And we all veer away from that place again and again. Violet Leaf is the perfect fragrance note to help you find that place. And after a harried day at the office, after I've set aside my phone, and after I've recovered from my weak knees, it's the perfect fragrance note for me.