Olfactory Senses - Writing About Smells

This skunk looks so cute, right? I woke up at around 1:30 last night, and as I was trying to fall asleep again, the smell of skunk spray filled my room and invaded every breath I took. It was not cute at all. Thankfully, I've been practicing mindfulness, and after acknowledging that there was nothing I could do to stop the smell, but that I did want to rest, I was able to fall asleep again, but that took some work.

I wonder about the most effective way to write about smells in my novel. When I think about narration, I don't ever want my writing to feel like I'm just checking off a list of sensory information ("Okay, I included what someone looked like, what they heard, what they smelled, etc.). I want sensory details to be included when they should. This means that I need to spend more time putting myself into the characters' shoes and setting, and writing about what's noticeable, and relevant to character and plot development.

I think I need training wheels, though. It'll help for me to think about powerful smells for me:

Smells I enjoy:

• Wood burning in a fireplace
• Rain approaching
• Freshly cut grass
• Pine trees (especially in our house at Christmas time)
• Apple Flower and Oahu scented candles (Bath and Body Works)
• Incense
• Freshly baked bread, cookies, or cake
• Carol's Daughter's Chocolat Shampoo and Conditioner (discontinued 😔)
• Lilacs
• Clean laundry
• Coffee brewing 
• New books

Smells I don't prefer:

• Fuel
• Burning rubber
• Bleach
• Public restrooms

Smells I loathe:

• Well . . . skunk spray
• Vomit (😫)
• Sour milk
• Our dog's farts
• Something rotting (like a dead mouse)

What are some of your favorite and least favorite smells?