YIAYIA'S BAKLAVA SCENTED REED DIFFUSER
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[The diffuser with a cult following]
The prequel to and partner in crime of PAPPOU'S GARDEN.
A syrup-soaked concoction of honey, spices, nuts and of course, crisp filo pastry - almost as warm as a hug from Yiayia herself.
The deep [both figuratively and literally] accord is a dedication to Grandmother's alike and a warm nod to generational philoxenia.
Equal parts sweet and spicy which of course, sits in stark contrast to her green and earthy spouse [and diffuser counterpart].
Top // Caramelised sugar, cinnamon dust
Mid // Nutmeg, clove
Base // Vanilla, honey
200ml of fragrant diffuser oil. Includes 10 dacron fibre reeds to enhance scent throw.
INSPIRATION
I had been to Greece before [you know, the trip everybody does in their early 20s- island hopping and drinking to the point of dreading the next day's ferry] but I never fully experienced Greece for what it was until 2018.
A mechanical fault meant my ferry made an unexpected stop on the island of Tinos for a night - a quaint Cycladic Island known for its churches.
I sat at this small Kafenio [café] near the port to Facetime back home and complain about my unexpected [and unwanted] lay over. As I finished complaining, I looked up to see the Kafenio's Yiayia walk straight towards me. She looked me dead in the eyes and said - "I should be offended that you sit our family's shop and complain but instead, I will change your mind about our island".
Yiayia [who insisted I call her that by the way - Yiayia], brought plates and plates of food and we shared stories. The best dish was the one at the end - her Baklava. Equal parts spicy and sweet - a bit like her really.
Tinos and Yiayia taught me 'Philoxenia' - a sort of sacred bond between a host and guest. Something there is no direct English translation for that would serve as a fair equivalent.
I now try to be a little more like Yiayia.
- Open glass bottle and place all the reeds in the bottle such that the bottom of the reeds sit in the fragrance oil - the more reeds, the more scent throw;
- Due to the quality of our fragrance blend and reeds, you do not need to turn the reeds over to ensure a consistent flow of scent;
DIFFUSER CARE
Failure to follow instructions could result in fire, hazard or injury.
- Keep diffuser and reeds away from flames and out of reach of children and animals;
- Keep diffuser and reeds away from things that can catch fire;
- Always place on a tray;
- Do not put reeds on a fragile or varnished surface;
- Spills should be cleaned up immediately as staining or stripping of finishes may occur;
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin;
- Do not ingest fragrance;
- Keep away from naked flame or heat at all times; and
- In case of accidental consumption, please contact Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.