The first three questions are poll suggestions from readers, the last two questions cover my own personal concerns — after all, man cannot live by perfume alone. Answer as many or as few as you like.
1. Name a great perfume for a first date.
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church.
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets.
4. Had any good chocolate lately?
5. What book are you reading?
My answers...
1. Name a great perfume for a first date. There are different ways to go about this. You could look for something inoffensive, or you could wear your absolute favorite as a screening mechanism: if your date can't stand it, that's the end of that.
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church. Here, I'd say go for relaxing yet inoffensive, which for me means a dab of Egyptian musk or a very light classic cologne.
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets. Still Philosykos, after all these years.
4. Had any good chocolate lately? My son and I agree that the raspberry M&Ms are not as good as the cherry M&Ms. The Madécasse cinnamon & sakay bar (63% cocoa with cinnamon and sakay pepper1) is excellent.
5. What book are you reading? All Our Worldly Goods by Irène Némirovsky.
Note: top image is AYP0850084 [cropped] by miyukiutada at flickr; some rights reserved.
1. Sakay is a hot pepper condiment from Madagascar. Madécasse was founded by two former Peace Corps volunteers who worked in Madagascar; they source and produce the bars there, which is rare even with companies who try to follow fair trade practices. I will review a few of their bars soon.
Today I smell Histoires de Parfums 1725 (I wish I had a bottle), and also some new perfume is about to join my collection in a week or two (I’m a frag-hunter)
Answering the poll questions:
1. Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense to make a great entrance or Dsquared2 Potion for a more suble attitude.
2. Prada Infusion d’Homme for me. Very clean, classy and wonderful.
3. I normally don’t wear perfume to bed and don’t spray on sheets, but Pour Un Homme De Caron would be suitable. Lavender and vanilla should bring a nice dream.
4. I’m in love with almond-coconut pieces white chocolate. Dark one is also great.
5. At the moment I’m too busy to read for leisure. At the moment chemical technology studentbook is waiting for me
Pour Un Homme is a great choice — really like that one.
I sometimes wear Caron’s Pour Un Homme to bed when I feel restless, it’s wonderful for calming you down. My favorite sleep time secret weapon.
BPAL also makes a Panacea blend called TKO that features lavender and I think vanilla, that reminds of strongly of Pour Un Homme.
I don’t love Pour Un Homme as much as I should, but there’s no doubt it’s a good fragrance for those who like to smell in bed.
Happy sunny weekend, all! (It’s an Oregon conspiracy, I think, that it’s often sunny on Friday and raining on Saturday!)
1. Well, since I’ve (slowly) started dating again, this is not hypothetical for me. For one date, it was Lipstick Rose–friendly and a little different without being offensive (and I feel pretty when I wear it). For another, it was Bvlgari Omnia (which I consider inoffensive, but seems universally appealing to guys).
2. I am not a church-goer, but when I ran my brother’s memorial, I wore Ubar, and it seemed perfect.
3. I used to spray my bed with Gris Clare. Lavender seems so obvious. However, lately I’ve been using B. Paris–the fresh violets feel very “spring-y,” and I’ve been needing that!
4. No. Not nearly enough chocolate in my life lately!
5. I have been listening to the audiobook for I Am Legend in my car this week. It is really well-performed and the book feels so current, even though it’s 60 years old. Loving it!
Marjorie Rose, Gris Clair is one perfume that I find *absolutely amazing*, but I cannot wear it at all because it disagrees with my skin and its scent changes completely. Your idea of spraying it on bed linens is really making me reconsider it!
It really is lovely, IMO. And it lasts for several days on linens, which I enjoy! I can imagine it not working well for certain skin chemistries–it’s a complex enough scent that it changes dramatically on me from wearing to wearing. The uncertainty keeps it from being an entirely “safe” scent to me, and I mostly wear it when I know I won’t be around a lot of people for a little while, just to be sure that I don’t smell like grape bubblegum or stale lavender sachets!
I think my slightly-more-North-West weather patterns are quite similar to yours, because the weather here always seems to be such a tease. On that note, are you still planning on your trip to Hawaii or did you already go?
Hello, Meg!
Yes, I went to Hawaii for a week. Seems so long ago, already! I had a good trip. I must have said I’d need my own time enough that Mom was really pretty good about it. So, every morning, I spent a few hours doing my own thing and every afternoon, also. This made the time together much nicer! (Especially important, because our “condo” was really just a single room that acted as kitchen/bedroom/living room–tight quarters!) It felt so good to get warm for a few days and to not think about work stuff. (And to snorkel and hike and walk on the beach!)
1. I haven’t been on a first date in so long… I guess I’d choose an option that’s at once something I love, something that can hardly offend, and something interesting. Traversée du Bosphore fits all three criterias.
2. I haven’t been to church since I was a child, and anyway Catholic churches (the ones here at least) smell so much of incense that I wouldn’t need to wear anything. Something comforting, maybe.
3. My foodiest fragrances are almost exclusively worn to bed, I realize. Praliné de Santal and Jeux de Peau, mostly. But Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée is also a great choice.
4. Yes. Those red Lindor truffles by Lindt, delicious.
5. I’m trying to start Marguerite Yourcenar’s Archives du Nord, which a friend recommended, but I’m too distracted these days to really read.
I love those Lindt trufles!! yummy!
I’m often most comfortable in gourmands if I’m at home just relaxing. Something about them just doesn’t suit being out of the house, to my mind.
1 – I love the idea of using perfume as a way of screening suitors – must like Bandit and Tubéreuse Criminelle! In reality, it would depend more on the nature of the date since I’d choose something different for a quick coffee (say, Ambre Narguilé) than a trip to a modern art exhibition (perhaps an iris scent)
2- I’m not a church-goer so it’s not something I’ve given any thought but if I had to attend then my first instinct would be to go for something inoffensive too. Is a light incense like La Fumée too obvious?
3- I prefer to use scented body products rather than perfume before bed but I’ve worn Spiritueuse Double Vanille in the past and it worked very well.
4- No! Last chocolate I tried was Montezuma’s dark chocolate with Orange & Geranium and it was a disappointment.
5- Just finished re-reading The Great Gatsby. Not sure what to pick next, I have Richard Feynman’s autobiography-of-sorts looks fun so I might go with that.
Incidentally – and this has nothing to do with perfume but I know that many people here are avid readers – I’m seriously considering finally getting an e-reader. Specifically, I’m eyeing up Kindle Touch and I’d really love to hear from those who have it (or any other e-reader) about their impressions and general experience of switching from traditional books.
I have a second generation Kindle. Not the touch. Mine has the buttons and the keyboard on it. I love the thing. I can only read form a backlit screen for so long (like the iPad or the kindle fire or a computer) before my eyes get really tired. I like the fact that my Kimdle screen is not lit. If I need more light I use a book light so it’s a lot like reading a regular book. For novels and such it’s great. I prefer cookbooks or anything with pictures on the iPad. I love the 3G/wifi feature because I can download anywhere. The free books are great. I’ve read a lot of things I never would have if it weren’t for the fact that they were free. Also if a book is just awful I don’t feel so bad about throwing in the towel and stopping reading at page 25 when it didn’t cost me anything to begin with. Another bonus is the storage situation. I only have room for so many book cases and ebooks do not take up precious storage space in the house. Granted, I can’t loan them to people when I’m done but I don’t do that much anyway and they just end up piled on a shelf.
Hope that helps a little.
Thank you! It helps a lot since you touched on a couple of things that were on my mind.
One of the reasons why I felt indecisive was because I wasn’t sure if I would be better off just buying an iPad and wondering what the advantages of Kindle were. Plus right now I’m in the habit of buying second hand books for pennies from Amazon Marketplace but I also notice that while many new releases are not necessarily cheaper as e-books, many classics (which is what I like to read) are either free or very cheap. And you make a good point about not feeling guilty about abandoning a book after only reading a few chapters.
I love my iPad too but for different reasons. I don’t have a laptop so it allows me to be online and on the couch at the same time. I have the Kindle app on the iPad and on my phone so if I’m in a pinch i can access my books anywhere and read them on those devices. The app is petty cool because it synchs across devices so if I get to a certain page on say, my phone, the next time I pickup my kindle it will ask if I want to go to that last page. I got the Kindle Fire for my hubby and he likes it because he wants to check sports scores and read articles on ESPN more than read books.
Thanks! I have a laptop and an iPhone so while I keep thinking that I’d love an iPad I know that realistically it’s not a necessity right now.
I received my Kindle for Christmas, and it’s my second e-book gadget. It beats my first Sony e-Reader by virtue of a much better interface, and the Amazon link which delivers books fast and direct without needing a PC intermediary. I use it mainly to take books on holiday as ryanair looks askance at the pile needed for a fortnight. However, my son has just acquired an iPad, and I am thrilled that my newspaper subscription delivers that morning’s paper (including the funnies) at 6.00 am so it really depends on what you want to use it for. BTW I am posting from the UK, and I think you’re here too!
Yes, another poster from UK, hello! 😀 And thanks you for chiming in with Kindle and iPad opinions.
I’ve used all of them (for work). The iPad is heavy for a heavy reader. The Touch – I accidentally turn the pages too much. The Fire is superfun but the battery wears down and the screen is not as good for real reading. I still love the regular 3rd gen Kindle the best. And I love the sample feature on books – and get 3G if you can, it’s SO satisfying to be traveling and decide you want a book and just be able to GET it!
Abyss, I’ve said this on here before, but I’ll say again that as a book lover and collector, I was appalled at the notion of digital books… until I finally broke down and bought a Kindle. What convinced me was that I was running out of space to store books in my condo. I LOVE IT!!! I can’t put it down – since June 1, 2011 when I received my Kindle, I’ve read 191 books on it!
Between the deals for Kindle, the great Kindle features (not back-lit so it doesn’t strain my eyes, font size is variable, etc.), the convenience, space-saving, etc., I think it’s the greatest thing ever!
Let us know what you decide.
That’s quite an endorsement, thank you! I read about a recent report which found that people who read e-books tend to read more than those who read traditional books and it seems that your experience is in line with that.
I would agree with that. A woman I work with tends to read romance novels or what she calls her “dirty lady books”. She feels odd bringing certain titles to work or to the kids sporting events/practices so she got the Kindle so no one knows what she’s reading. Lol. Not sure if that’s a selling point but I thought I’d mention it.
Lol, I didn’t think about being able to read embarrassing books discreetly. I guess that counts as a plus too 😀
I bought a 2nd generation Kindle in 2009, just like Rappleyea, because we simply have no more space for paper books in our house (we have floor to ceiling bookshelves running the length of our living room, double stacked – not to mention the books shelved in the bedrooms). I still buy plenty of out of print paper books (but donate or trade most of them after reading), but my Kindle has over 200 books on it now and I borrow plenty of library books on my Kindle. I must be among the converted, since I just bought a Fire! I prefer reading on the 2nd generation Kindle and carrying the Fire with me in my handbag for internet, games and reading.
It’s really good to see that so many people who love physical books (as I do) are just as happy with their e-readers. I doubt I’ll ever stop buying books but it seems that there’s definitely a place for both. Thank you!
Totally self-serving, but I have an unused Kindle Fire I want to unload for that same price, if you’re interested.
But will also add that I am under the impression that if all you want to do is read books, it’s not as good as the lower end Kindles.
Fire is a tablet, right? I’m pretty sure it’s not out it in UK yet. Heck, they haven’t even released the Touch here; it’s available for pre-order but doesn’t officially ship until the end of the month.
I don’t know much about Fire so I’ll have to read up on it and – provided you are okay with selling to someone abroad- get back to you that.
It’s the color tablet. Don’t know if it would be a good idea for you to buy it from me though — forgot you were in the UK! Seems like that might be problematic if you ever had problems with it.
That’s a good point. I was trying to figure out if there was any reason why it wouldn’t work in UK but I didn’t think that I might have little/no recourse if there’s a problem with it in the future.
Abyss, I like to wear SDV to bed, too. Even though I love it–and some other gourmands–I can’t wear them all day long. A few hours at night is perfect!
Yes, that’s exactly it. I find SDV a little linear and *wispers* boring so it’s not a scent that I’d necessarily want to wear for an entire day but the simplicity and the cozy feel is what makes it so suitable for a night-time scent for me.
I love my Kindle too. Another plus is that it’s so easy to handle — when I travel for work, I like to read while eating out (alone, obviously) so it’s great for that – no flopping of pages, no cracking of the spine. It’s so light weight and comfortable too.
That’s funny because ease of handling was something that occurred to me a few months ago when I was reading Steve Jobs biography. It’s a beautiful book but a massive and unwieldy hardback doesn’t make for the most comfortable of reading experiences.
I don’t have a kindle, but I do have iPad, iPhone, and I use them for books. I thought the idea of anything but a traditional book was repellent; now I love iBooks.
My point: a relative who has vision problems has both a Kindle and an iPad. She says the iPad is much easier for her to read.
I like being able to read the iPad books in bed with lights out, certain I’m not disturbing my partner.
The iPad also has a number of special functions for the visually impaired. My father is nearly blind from macular degeneration, and he uses one. But the Kindle is better for reading outside, and I know some people say it feels “easier on the eyes”.
Thank you. Hearing about different features and pros&cons of each device from people who are using them is definitely more helpful than just trying to compare the spec lists.
Abyss, I just bought a Kindle Touch a couple weeks ago. I couldn’t make up my mind until I saw a display of Kindles in a local Staples store and had a chance to try them out. I like the Touch very much – the size, weight and functionality are great. Someday, I may also get a Fire or iPad for magazines, etc., but for straight reading, this is just right.
Now, I still have more books than shelf space – if only there were a way to trade some of them in for ebooks!
Thank you and I’m glad you are enjoying your Touch. I should probably try to do the same and find out if there’s anywhere in the area where I could see and handle the different models in person.
1. Something that makes you feel great.
2. Simple but pretty, and low sillage; Stella, Infusion d’Iris
3. Can’t spray the sheets bcs DH hates is, but vintage Coty Wild Musk is my go-to bedtime fragrance.
4. Baking some brownies right now, bcs imho they’re the best I’ve ever had (trying not to sprain my arm patting myself on the back 🙂
5. Just started The Forsyte Saga after watching the series on Netflix.
I read the Forsyte books before I saw the series, and loved it.
1. Stella – the original rose one.
2. Chant d’aromes
3. Passage d’enfer
4. Lindt Blueberry Lavender
5. Lots of wacky old psychoanalysis books for grad school.
Have not had that Lindt bar, is it fabulous?
It is! My boyfriend brought it back from Germany.
Aha — will have to see if it’s available here. Thanks!
Oh my, Blueberry Lavender Chocolate sounds lovely and refined, and like something I wouldn’t even feel guilty eating!
1. Name a great perfume for a first date.
Date? What’s a date?? In the far distant past when I *did* date, the perfume that was always complimented was Je Reviens in extrait.
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church.
Like going to the theater, I’d wear whatever I felt like, but would be discreet with application.
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets.
GAH!!! I can’t stand smell, light, or sound when I’m going to sleep!
4. Had any good chocolate lately?
No, but I may break bad here soon and buy a dark chocolate with raspberry bar.
5. What book are you reading?
Just finished two: Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey, which caused Amazon to recommend The House at Tyneford. The first is non-fiction, the second fiction but excellent.
Robin, I’m looking forward to that chocolate review.
I’m with you on the church scent – something I like, discreetly applied.
Rapple, thank you for going first on question number 1!
There is really something about raspberry and chocolate. Occasionally, I will dust a raspberry chocolate bar with VERY finely and freshly ground black pepper. 🙂
Oh wow! I love the sound of the black pepper. I can see a bit of bite really enhancing the other two flavors. Now I wish I had picked up that choc./rasp. bar at the store yesterday! Next week. 🙂
Hi Rapplyea,
I LOVE Downton Abbey and was looking at those two books. I’m going to place an Amazon order soon!
I love me some No. 5 to bed, and coincidently, I love to wear to it while snuggled in bed eating some earl grey truffles from just down the road. I think I’ve completed this indulgent ritual enough that my wooden headboard is slightly infused with the scent of N.5, making my whole room delicious.
Just started reading Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates, which looks like its going to be a total hoot.
It’s my birthday today but I have a 13 hour workday ahead of me, trying to pick a scent that will stick with me throughout it. It also occurs to me that I haven’t treated myself to a birthday perfume purchase yet, hmmm… some online browsing may be in order.
Happy Birthday!!!
Adding to the birthday wishes, and do come back and tell us what you buy!
Happy birthday, Meg!!!
Happy Birthday Meg! And I love the image of a woman in No. 5 eating truffles in bed! So decadent and perfect self-care!
Any ideas for a birthday splurge?
Happy birthday, Meg! My beloved big sister Meg gave me a Dove dark chocolate solid bunny for Easter, which I’m still happily munching on. Sleep fragrance is definitely Tam Dao for me–need that calming, grounding sandalwood. First date, it would be good if I would get into an optimistic enough frame of mind to think I’ll ever go on a date again, but I’m kind of liking the go bold or go home approach, e.g. wear what you love and never mind aiming to be inoffensive. Am reading today _The Foul and the Fragrant: Odor and the French Social Imagination_. First couple chapters decidedly on the foul…looking forward to when the fragrant rears its head.
Happy birthday, Meg. Buy something that makes us drool with envy.
Happy birthday! Hope you treat yourself to something great!
Happy Birthday! I hope you get a fragrant treat!
Best Birthday Wishes, Meg! Planning to self-gift yourself with a new scent?
Happy birthday, MEG! (((((to you))))).
Hope you enjoy your birthday, Meg – and let us know if you pick a new perfume!
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday!
Thank you all! I am leaning towards a decant of Luctor et Emergo, I’ve had my eye on some for so long!
happy birthday dear Meg :)))))
Happy birthday, Meg, and happy online browsing.
I am late, but hope that your birthday was happy!
1. Moment de Bonheur by Yves Rocher– a spring floral designed for maximum romance by Annick Menardo.
2. Kenzo Parfum d’Été — demure, sweet, and sheer as a tulle veil.
3. Absolue Pour le Soir: rowwwwr.
4. No! I desperately wanted a Butter Krak Egg (produced only at Easter by Zitner’s of Philadelphia) but alas, I was too late to secure the prize.
5. “Secrets of Marie Antoinette” by Olivier Bernier. No secrets really– just a collection of letters exchanged between the Dauphine and her steamrolling guilt machine of a mom, Empress Maria Theresa.
Hey, I live near Philly & have never head of those eggs!
I’m a former Philly girl and just picked up a few Zitner’s coconut creme and butter creme–excellent!! Robin, how have you missed them? Check your local CVS or Acme if you have one!
Beats me — you’d think I’d know.
They are SO good… and SO cheap… and SO ephemeral. Around these parts, they’re on store shelves for a day or two at most before they sell out. Then we have to wait another year…
“steamrolling guilt machine of a mom”. That must have been my mother-in-law in a previous life.
Oh nooooo!… Maria Theresa was a total piece of work. Every few pages I find myself blurting out loud, “No you didn’t!” at another of her masterful mind games. Sheesh!
I didn’t know Annick Menardo did Moment de Bonheur! Yves Rocher has included samples with my last couple of orders, and I ignored them because I’m not really into happy springtime florals. But I love every Menardo creation I’ve ever tried, so maybe I should give this one a chance.
Annick Menardo appears to have composed several others for YR as well. I love that they attract this type of creative talent… and we get to enjoy the results for next to nothing! It made me realize how much I had fallen prey to the belief that quality is naturally proportionate to price. How happy I am to be wrong!
1. First date – Kelly Caleche – feminine confidence
2. Church – Un Jardin Sur Le Toit – fruity floral green (don’t know how else to describe it)
3. Night / Sheets – none, I need a break. I just got the Philosykos (unsniffed I have to say so I will blame it on this site) and I can’t wait to try it when my sense of smell comes back after this darn cold.
4. Chocolate – I only eat it for its health benefits — Dagoba Drinking Chocolate (Unsweetened), Green & Black’s Dark 70%, Lindor Truffles (Dark, Extra Dark, and my secret white chocolate indulgence Straciatella), Sweetriot Chocolate-Covered Cacao Nibs (Flavor 50, 65 and 70); these come in cute little tins that you can just throw in your purse and have a quickie chocolate/coffee fix.
5. Book – Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult. I have read every single one of her books and they are all good.
eReaders- I have the original Nook and also the Nook Simple Touch. While I don’t regret buying them and I had high hopes that I will carry an eReader around with me everywhere I go (and I have a mass transit commute to work that makes it ideal), I still really love the touch and feel of real books and you’ll likely see me 9 out of 10 times reading a real book. Also, I tend to borrow from the library and usually have the latest books on reserve. eBooks are just so expensive and some cost more than print; hoping that this price fixing lawsuit will bring the prices down).
I have a hard time with the transition to digital reading too, especially with magazines — I like the paper, and I like to flip back and forth.
1. Name a great perfume for a first date.
Ormonde Woman
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church.
JHAG Miss Charming
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets.
AG Songes; French for dreams, so I feel it’s appropirate and it is also a comforting scent (for me, anyway)
4. Had any good chocolate lately?
My daughter made chili chocolate truffles for me on Mother’s Day (it’s in March in the UK). It was devilishly good.
5. What book are you reading?
Just finished reading The Secret of Chanel No.5. Such an interesting story. Will be starting on Lacuna.
Love the idea of Ormonde Woman on a first date! Maybe I’ll keep it mind when the next one comes along! (Confident, unusual and yet, not over-powering!)
Let us know what you think of Lacuna. I thought I would love it, but it became a bit of a slog. It has some very evocative sections that are still with me, however.
1. I think I’d go for something green and light, perhaps Mandragore.
2. A light spray of Jaisalmer.
3. I love to spray my pillow with Gaultier2 – musk, vanilla, and amber.
4. Chocolate-covered potato chips. Sounds weird, but I find them addictive.
5. The Emperor of all Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, by Siddhartha Mukherjee. And I want to thank whoever recommended David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas on a similar thread. I read it recently and loved it!
Seconding chocolate covered potato chips! A decadent treat!
5. Thanks for the suggestion, looks interesting.
Have you tried any of the potato chip chocolate bars? I know Chuao & Chocolove both make them.
Haven’t tried them but know to look for them now. Thanks!
My mistake. Chuao makes one — we’ve had them. But Chocolove only makes a pretzel bar.
I read The Emperor last year, after it first came out. I found it a brilliant book and very informative. As a doctor I found it quite an easy read, but have since wondered how accessible it would be to non- healthcare professionals.
1. Haven’t had a first date in ten years, but I believe I wore a lotion called Dirty Girl, which was the most amazing comfort scent, no skank whatever, and anyone who hugged me relished it. These days, dates with DH focus on food, so I try and choose a scent that says Yay! And that won’t clash with a fabulous meal.
2. No church for me, but at memorials, nothing. Naked to grief.
3. Night: I am drawn to voluptuous florals heavy on rose. Sometimes Chanel No. 5 because it seems to balance me. Sometimes I imagine myself curled inside a vintage rose as I drift off.
4. I am allergic to cane sugar, so I don’t get to eat much chocolate unless it’s Vosges sugar free Barcelona bar. It has toasted almonds and salt crystals, and is quite lovely for a milk choco.
5. Just finished Jitterbug Perfume. Silly good fun, but I had to cut Tom Robbins a lot of slack for his smarty-pants intrusive authorial voice. He uses the wildest–and most far-fetched– similes of the 20th century.
Ereaders: love my Kindle non-fire. The e-ink tech is easy on the eyes. As a librarian I do prefer to borrow books but my reading habits have become so erratic that I need my own books so I’m not constantly accruing overdue fines or getting a requested book when I don’t have reading time. Still, Amazon should play better with libraries.
Wow, I think that’s the first time I’ve heard of being allergic to cane sugar. That must be hard to avoid.
You’re not kidding!
*First Date: maybe PG Eau Rare Matale. Might have to try the Omnia suggestion.
*Bedtime: Anais Anais or TF Tuscan Leather, the latter to imagine being read a bedtime story
*Chocolate: Just tried Dolfin’s violet chocolate, which, like a lavender chocolate a while back, reminds me of soap…
Oh, didn’t know Dolfin made a violet! I need a better source for Dolfin. I really miss the cumin squares.
First date – gosh, what’s that? I’ll have been married for 20 years next month, but if I suddenly became single and started dating again, I’d pick something I like and feel attractive in, discreetly applied so that it doesn’t interfere with dinner or an audience situation. A lot of the choice would depend on weather, too. It might be good to pick a favorite so that I feel like myself: Le Temps d’une Fete, Mary Greenwell Plum, vintage Emeraude.
For church – well, I now attend a non-traditional, nondenominational church that meets in a high school auditorium and has contemporary music, and a good half the congregation wears jeans… it’s not the formal situation that I grew up in. I have managed to wear jeans to church exactly twice though we’ve been going there five years now. But if I were, say, going to church with my parents, I might wear something like No. 5 Eau Premiere, or a bit of DK Gold. Or any aldehydic floral, really, but just a tad.
To spray on the sheets, Kenzo Parfum d’Ete, the old one with all the LotV. Or Shalimar Light. Or AG Eau du Ciel, which smells like sheets dried on the line to me.
Chocolate: Ritter Sport Dark Chocolate with Hazelnuts.
Reading – just finished rereading all the Hunger Games series so I can discuss them with my teenager.
And I just finished the HG series in time to see the 1st movie with my son. Enjoyed the books right up to the very end, which seemed rushed, like she didn’t know how to end it or like she didn’t really care about the ending all that much.
And liked the movie, although it could have been better.
Agree – the third book seemed rushed and… a little contrived, maybe? I mean, by the end of the first book I knew whom Katniss would wind up with, but I don’t think the author gave us enough of K’s emotional process to get readers to that point. Also, way way too much time elision going on in that third book (“weeks went by and pretty much nothing happened” – that sort of thing). Overall, though, I enjoyed the series.
I enjoyed it too. One of the enjoyable things about YA lit is that you get all these great series…not so many of those in modern adult lit except in the mystery & sci fi genres. Or maybe I’m just not thinking of them right now.
What? Ritter Sport choco with hazelnuts?? We are sisters! LOL..that’s what I put down too! LOVE that bar! Don’t look at the fat content though, LOL.
Oh and I go to a non-denominational church too and wear jeans often…mmmm:).
Jeans and Rittters Sport..yup:D. I do like to throw on somethin special for Easter/Christmas/Good Friday services.
Good Friday is always a serious reflection for me, for what Jesus did for me..so I decided to go scentless, just wanted it that way I guess.
Then Easter I wore that BVL Omnia Coral like I stated below. I felt like it was almost the perfect Easter scent. Liked that pomegranate note.
I haven’t tried the milk choco with hazelnuts yet btw..too satisfied with the dark..I could eat so many of those darn things…and I could talk forever about chocolate.
I just tried this one, I forgot what it was called, something French but it was very dark chocolate on crunchy cookie biscuit thing. Pretty good.
Now I have to eat some chocolate..I will blame you ladies if my pant size gets a little bigger:D.
Barely on topic – I scored a 30 ml bottle of DK Gold EDT at the outlet mall yesterday for $8, and I just have to interject that here among people who might care. (Well, I was shopping with my sister and she was impressed too.)
Very nice! Love Gold and the EDT doesn’t get enough love.
First Date — well, I’ve been married over 35 years, but for one of our hikes around the bird sanctuary, I like a quick spritz of Blue Grass just to stay fresh.
Church — well, I don’t go much, but if I go to a memorial or funeral I wear something very light and close — Bulgari Blu Notte has a soft comforting insensy scent and stays very close to the skin.
I first fell in love with fragrances at Church — 50 or 60 years ago my family went to a small town Catholic church where Sunday mass was filled with Portuguese women who had come to work in the canneries. They dressed in their absolute Sunday best — silk dresses, gloves, elaborate hats, even fur martin stoles (Mommie, Mommie, that lady has a dog around her neck — from my little sister, one time.) They wore the most wonderful perfumes, with lots of sillage.
Sadly, I am reading several books on nutrition to fend off Kidney Disease, Fatty Liver, and Prediabetes. Hey, you younguns, watch the salt, sugar, and lipids, cause it’s easy to actually wear out your organs with excessive and unbalanced eating!! Eat fresh!
Bedtime: Green Tea Lavender. Best sweet comfort drowsy making scent I can imagine.
Chocolate: Just discovered IKEA chocolate bars — on sale last week, three 3.5 oz bars for less than three dollars. The dark chocolate (70% if I recall correctly) tasted pretty good, for the price. Good ‘everyday’ treat. I didn’t care so much for the milk chocolate — too sweet to my taste, and not as creamy as I would like, but OK. I would buy again — I wish they would bottle the cinnamon bun scent from their deli!
Sadly, I am reading several books on nutrition to fend off Kidney Disease, Fatty Liver, and Prediabetes. Hey, you younguns, watch the salt, sugar, and lipids, cause it’s easy to actually wear out your organs with excessive and unbalanced eating!! Eat fresh!
Did not even know Ikea had chocolate — interesting, will have to look.
Poppie, I looove your church memories 🙂 thanks for sharing 🙂
Poppie, it’s true, eat fresh and green 90% of the time and for the most part, your organs will last longer and you’ll feel better! As someone who has health issues, and spends too much time in hospitals, so many troubles are reduced or reversed by consistent and straightforward dietary modifications and exercising a bit more.
Unfortunately, most people don’t change their diet unless they have to.
First date? Those days are long gone. Not sure what I would wear. I think if he trades me in for a new model I don’t think I could deal with the stress of dating. So I guess to take myself out I’d wear whatever the heck I wanted.
For church, something low sillage, which on me is almost everything. A light floral maybe or something classic. No. 5 maybe? I’ve always associated classic scents with church because growing up all the women used to get on their Sunday best and that included those pricey perfumes they only wore on those dress up days.
To bed, almost anything soft and cozy or cheap and short lived. I like body sprays before bed because they are never strong enough to be offensive and usually fade fast. I like things with vanilla at bedtime too.
Chocolate, lately I’ve taken a liking to the Lindt dark chocolate bar with the chili pepper in it. I have to hide them from myself. I’ve always been partial to those Ferrero Rocher things in the gold foil. In a pinch a jar of Nutella and a spoon do just fine too.
Reading, nothing at the moment. I just finished reading a book on gardening to get me in the spring yard work mode. I’m not sure if next I will read “The Girl Who Played With Fire” or The Alienist” .
I couldn’t date again either. Ugh.
The Alienist by Caleb Carr? Harrowing but fascinating, a good read.
I’ve wanted to read it for a long time now and finally picked up a copy at a bookstore that was closing. I may actually take the day off from yard work and start it this afternoon.
5. Just finished Peace Like A River by Leif Enger. Fabulous, highly recommended novel!
Off to look it up, thanks!
Just seconding the recommendation for Peace like a River – such an amazing book!
Peace Like a River is one of my all-time favorite books.
Right now I am reading Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. The author takes the few known facts about Caleb, the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College, and weaves them into a fictional story narrated by a Puritan minister’s daughter who becomes friends with Caleb as their cultures collide on Martha’s Vineyard in the 1600s. Just great.
Ooh, that one sounds great! …(checks library availability)… yay, our library has the ebook version!!!
I love Geraldine Brooks’ other books but haven’t yet read Caleb’s Crossing – will have to add that to my long to-read list.
I just finished this. She is one of my favorite writers (I remember reading her pieces when she was a reporter for the WSJ – back when I had a “real” job). Bits and pieces of “People of the Book” keep coming to mind, and almost everyone in my book club loved “March”. Can’t recommend her highly enough!
I love that book, it is one of my all-time favorites, and I did not think I’d like it based upon description. Some wonderful quotes are in store from that book, what a great author!
Sorry, referring to Peace Like a River…
It was just the same for me, Amarie. My father recommended it, and I was sure, from reading the back cover, that it wasn’t “my kind of book”. I’m very glad I didn’t let that stop me from trying it!
“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is an apt saying!:-). (Sorry, I could not resist!).
First date? I barely remember those days, but if I went on a date today, I’d wear whatever makes me happy. On a dinner date, I’d go with something low-key so that I could enjoy the food with perfume distraction.
In the Catholic church of my youth, I’d wear Avignon on the theory of “if you can’t beat the incense, you may as well join it.” 😉
I’ve worn Yves Rocher Orange Blossom Honey to bed once in a while. I usually wear a scented lotion – I was given a set of Boots body butters at Christmas and find them to be nicely scented.
Chocolate – not until I lose a few more pounds.
Books – I recently finished “Arcadia” by one of my favorite authors, Lauren Groff. It’s about a boy who grows up in a commune in upstate New York. Very good.
Good luck on the weight! I put on a few too many pounds a couple years ago, and finally have them all back off. I allow myself a half an ounce of chocolate every day after lunch, and it’s amazing how much more I appreciate it now. (And I no longer feel guilty about my high end chocolate since a bar lasts me for 4 or 5 days)
Half an ounce a day of the dark stuff is the key!
You may be doing your body a good turn by having chocolate so frequently, too. A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who ate chocolate more frequently had a lower Body Mass Index—or BMI, a measure of body fat. They don’t know why yet but in the study they didn’t differentiate between dark or milk chocolate — the subject ate both/either.
I enjoy Lauren Groff but haven’t read that one… must find at library…
On a first date I’d wear something I find comforting because, before I married, I found the first dates sooo stressful! Something with vanilla- like Bois 1920 Sushi Imperiale or Lush 25:23.
As a regular church go-er, I haven’t given this too much thought I guess. I try to wear something with low sillage that’s fitting for the season — however, I’ve broken that rule on both Christmas and Easter and wore FM Portrait of a Lady and it’s been perfect because it complimented the incense and cold, cold weather.
If cost weren’t a factor, I’d wear By Kilian Amber Oud to bed every night. It’s so comforting and beautiful. Alas, cost is definitely a factor with this one.
Lindt Chili Chocolate. Dark chocolate with a kick of heat. Yum!
Just finished “A Three Dog Life” (heartwrenching and uplifting at turns) and just started “The Virgin’s Lover” by Phillipa Gregory. Love her novels.
Love chili in chocolate!
1. Name a great perfume for a first date.
– wear what you love and feel comfortable in. That aside, something calm but …cuddly like Facy by Jessica Simpson, lancome Tresor or Penhaligons Artemisia would be my scent of choice. Or Angel, if you love it.
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church.
I don’t do that, so I wouldn’t know. Whatever you wear to work , maybe?
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets.
Guerlain L’heure bleu, very calmig. And beautiful.
4. Had any good chocolate lately?
All chocolate by fair trade company Divine is great. I love the white chocolate eith strawberries. And the dark with orange.
5. What book are you reading?
I’m re-reading The secret history by Donna Tartt. It’s still magical.
Great book!
Yes. Not a feel-good sort of book, but compelling.
Compelling, indeed. I read it in two marathon sittings because I couldn’t put it down (and this was during my last quarter of college, when I should have been working on my thesis).
Another vote for the secret history. Need to reread it.
Love that book!
First date – I’d wear Ormonde Woman for stand out uniqueness and beauty, or Le Labo Tubereuse for sheer radiant gorgeousness! Depending on my mood that night!
Church – La Myrrh or Dzongkha or Passage D’Enfer
Bedtime – Bois Farine or Rahat Loukhoum. Comforting sweet things for sure.
Chocolate – Rabot Estate’s Dark Chocolate with chilli flakes (they also melt it down into a hot chocolate drink…….mmmmmm)
Current book – Michael Lewis’ Boomerang, about the European financial meltdown. It’s easy to understand for an economics ignoramus like me, well written, fascinating, entertaining – and it is radically changing the way i view money and my own relationship to it.
You probably don’t need it now, but This American Life did a great radio series called something like “The Giant Pool of Money” — really made me understand it for the 1st time. I’m an economics ignoramus too.
Thanks Robin – I found the website and downloaded the transcripts. It’s lovely to share our love of perfume and financial educational awareness at the same time!
Oh nice, I didn’t even know they did transcripts! My son & I listened to both shows on the US, and later they did a 3rd on currency & inflation (more about Brazil, IIRC) that was also really interesting.
Feynman wrote several books about his life. They’re addictive, if somewhat repetitive. He was a fascinating — and sexist — dude. There’s a soppy Matthew Broderick movie, Infinity, about his early life, while his wife was dying.
Happily married for several years now, but think Ormonde Woman would be a great first date scent as it makes me feel happy and confidant. SJP’s Lovely was my go-to, back in the day, and I still like it – the body lotion is a frequent bed-time choice. For church I weat something light and pretty, often floral – hunting down my decant of Diorissimo for tomorrow, actually. I try to be careful of sensitive noses around me for church, symphony, crowded meeting, etc. For bed, I’ve been enjoying Body Shop’s White Musk and other musk scents lately, and I often spritz pillows with L’Occitane’s Lavender perfume spray (or Jo Malone’s Vetiver during the warm summer months). Fun poll!
Go Diorissimo 🙂
First date: Hmm, those days are long past, but I’ve been trying to find a fragrance that appeals to both me AND my partner (mostly what I wear either smells “too strong” or “like incense”). Strangely, without even thinking about him, I put on some Tubereuse Criminelle, and, unsolicited, he said I “smelled good”. Success! Which is great, because it’s such a fantastic fragrance.
Church: Also long past are my days of going to church, but I was raised Catholic and did enjoy the heavy air and musky scents in those old Cathedrals, so when I first smelled CdG Avignon, I was enchanted. If ever there was a perfume that makes me feel holy, it’s that.
Bed: Well, it’s cliched, but I like some drops of lavender essential oil on my pillow before I go to bed. It’s relaxing and helps me sleep. Anything else I find distracting.
Chocolate: I had a Lindt Salted Caramel and Milk Chocolate Bar recently that was pretty good. Also, my mom sent me a huge box of chocolate recently for Easter (despite my attempts to retain my girlish figure), including a bag of Reese Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs. I’m a sucker for chocolate and peanut butter, so they didn’t last too long… But Robin, I am going to hunt down that Madécasse Cinnamon and Sakay bar – it sounds magnificent!
Book: “Adam and Eve and Pinch Me” by Ruth Rendell (for a book club), as well as a saucy demon romance novel (for my down time ha ha).
*musty* I mean…
Oh yay, he has good taste, too!
I think Whole Foods has the Madecasse. If you find the brand, try the Pink Pepper & Citrus too!
1. Bois de Turquie by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier – A soft iris / sandalwood fragrance with a subtle sweet note. Not to strong, but not to quiet either.
2. Santal Massoïa by Hermès – A light woody and milky fragrance with hardly any sillage.
3. Eau de Cologne Impériale by Guerlain – A charming citrus cologne, fresh and crisp. I love to spray it all over my bed.
4. A few days ago, I bought two chocolate bars. One of them was milk chocolate filled with mousse noisette. The second one was white chocolate filled with mousse au chocolat blanc. Both of them were the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted!
5. After I finished re-reading “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden and “World without End” by Ken Follett, I started to read “The Hunger Games” and “Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins. These are pretty good, not your typical, trashy books for young girls (like the Twilight-Saga). They contain quite a lot of social criticism mixed with science fiction.
I loved “Memoirs of a Geisha!” This probably sounds strange but I remember feeling so sad that the book had to end- like I was saying goodbye to someone I care about.
I liked that book too. I saw the film first and that made me want to read the book. Both were good.
I’ve just finished “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed. This is her account of hiking the Pacific Coast Trail alone, ignorant of its physical and emotional demands. At about the same time, I read the Alexandra Fuller books, including “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” and “Scribbling the Cat”. She describes her family’s British expatriate life in Rhodesia, Zambia, and other African countries; they farm, they drink, they party, they make war, and they move on when they must.
Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs is one of my desert island books (actually, along with The Secret History, mentioned upthread!). It’s so beautifully bittersweet. I recently read Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness, which covers a lot of the same ground, but from her mother’s viewpoint rather than hers.
1. Paul Smith Rose
2. Burberry Weekend
3.Lanvin Arpege
4. Whittakers Ghana Peppermint
5. Daphne Du Maurier Rebecca 🙂
Rebecca is a fun read 🙂
1. Guerlain L’Instant Pour Homme
2. I dont go to church
3. Tauer Cologne Du Maghreb
4. I love me some Ferrero Rocher.
5. Elminster Must Die
The Tauer is a nice choice! It would work for church too.
1. First Date – have not had one of those for 9 years, being happily married, in the unfortunate event that it ever happened again – maybe Laura Tonatto – Sandalo per Teti, Guerlain – L’instant, Lorenzo Villoresi – Garofano.
2. Church – high church with incense – SL Se Majeste la Rose, PG – Brulure de Rose, SL Chene, Montale – Aoud Lime. High church without incense – CdG Zagorsk, SL Encens et Lavande, Heeley Cardinal. Not in church but want that incense atmosphere – CdG Avignon.
3. Bed – sleep – Creative Scentualization Perfect Vanilla, Calypso St Barth – Lea. Activity – Ava Luxe Kretek, Montale – Patchouli Leaves, I Profumi di Firenze – Estratto Muschio Nero, Parfum d’Empire – Cuir Ottoman.
4. Lindor Dark chocolate balls, Nina’s Chocolates, Gymea (Sydney) – Belgian bombs.
5. Stephen Booth – Scared to Live, Patricia Highsmith – Deep Water, Emma Mason – William II (William the Conqueror’s son and successor on the English throne)
How is the Highsmith? I’ve read the whole Ripley series but I don’t think any others by her.
Hi Robin, thanks for asking, the Ripley series is terrific. First got hooked into her writing as a by-product of working my way through the Hitchcock films. Hitchcock did her a huge favour with Strangers on a Train (1950) (adapting it the following year), which allowed her to get established as a novelist. This particular tangent has led me to chronologically reading her books and enjoying them immensely. Love how films can open up literary discoveries, we might never have otherwise read. Last year I stumbled onto Val McDermid (The Wire in the Blood series) and Michael Connolly (The Lincoln Lawyer). There is plenty to read with just these 3 writers alone 🙂 Hope you get some time to read more Highsmith. 🙂
Adding to my list, thanks!
will try to answer the questions later, but have an important OTS question. Will be in Boston for the Marathon (spectator) and was wondering if any places to shop around Boston Common while waiting? thanks!!!
Walk through the common and the Public Garden and you’ll come to The Chanel boutique at the top pf Newbury St (the expensive shopping street). On Boylston St, a block away, and also across from the public Garden is the Hermes boutique. The race doesn’t go near the common–the finish line is at Copley Sq. Near Copley Sq, which is about 4 or 5 blocks from the Public Garden are two malls connected by a walkway. Copley Place has A Barneys and a Neiman Marcus while the Prudential Center has a Saks
Also, if you’re rooting for. (And travelling with) a specific person who isn’t one of the elites, they might want to write their name on their shirt or arms or legs so that people will scream out their name in encouragement when they go by
P.S.Feel free to email me–my yahoo address is the same as my screen name if you have any other Boston questions
Thanks so much!! If I have any questions I’ll be sure to do that. Will bring a sharpie for my DH. Pray for us to get off the ground from Texas/DFW before the bad weather hits!
That’s a great tip – that kind of encouragement can be a real moral booster.
For a first date: Perhaps unfortunately, I am still very much in the stressful world of first dates (and with silly, high-school and college guys no less!). I think Traversee Du Bosphore is perfect for the occasion – its interesting but highly likable, and it makes me feel pretty.
For church: Well my church is not at all churchy in the traditional sense – no incense, and not at all formal. I tend to wear whatever I’m in the mood for but, as many have said, apply lightly out of respect for those around me.
For bedtime: Laan Ael by Lostmarc’h. The most comforting thing I’ve ever smelled. And since I’m going to be asleep soon, the poor lasting power doesn’t matter a bit.
Chocolate: Lately I’m overdosing on regular old Lindt dark chocolate bars – 75% is my fave.
Books: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I’m not too far into it yet, but I’m already enchanted by both his writing style and the title character.
p.s. I’m loving getting to sample all of your suggestions from the Monday Mail (:
Great book! Thanks for reminding me, I have to re-read it now.
One of my all time favorite books!
1. First date = highly improbable, but I think it would depend on the person. I’d go with Chanel 28 La Pausa if I wanted a no-fail perfume.
2. Church: I can remember wearing Coty Muguet des Bois.
3. A soothing jasmine like J’Adore l’Absolu works a treat for actual sleep.
4. Recently I’ve been mixing Ghirardelli cocoa with mashed banana and vanilla for a healthy and yummy chocolate pudding.
5. Currently enjoying a few pages a day of Sylvia Boorstein’s It’s Easier Than You Think: The Buddhist Way to Happiness. She illustrates the basic principles of Buddhism with anecdotes about people she knows (she’s been called the bodhisattva bubbie), and it becomes crystal clear.
Noznoz I love your answers! The muget sound perfect for church.
yeah, I would also go for Chanel 28 La Pausa. the play safe scent : )
I love the pudding idea!
1; If my memory serves me correctly I wore Chanel No 5 for my first date with my husband-I think. It was so long ago.
2; I havent been to church, except for weddings and christenings, for years but I would wear something soft.
3; I love a spray of Kiehls Original Musk on my sheets.
4;I havent been able to eat chocolate for a while now. It plays up with my reflux problems-oh the joy of aging! But my husband and son have discovered Coconut M & Ms and think they are the best.
5; Re-reading a collection of Maeve Binchy short stories, that Im sure I was reading the last time we had this poll- I wish I had more time!
Kiehl’s Musk on the sheets sounds lovely.
Wait a minute – where does one get this M&M’s Robin is talking about???
Ya, seriously, where?
1) Armani Mania 2004, of course.
2) I wore BLV Omnia Coral to Easter service and loved it for that day especially.
…then I just wanna get to the chocolate. I love dark choco, I like those Ritter Sport bars..the dark choco and hazelnut. But the other day I went on a choco splurge..dark choco Raisinettes, Pnut M&Ms and a dark choco Hershey bar..so yeah. I need to try more exported stuff, since they know how to make the good stuff.
Target or CVS.
First dates I like something happy and pretty–usually Anne Pliska or Chinatown.
For spraying on sheets I like Lann-Ael since it’s comforting (and also because it doesn’t quite agree with my post-menopausal chemistry but I don’t want to waste a perfume I liked)
For the best chocolate I adore Martine’s in NYC (on the 6th floor of Bloomingdales). They have these highly perishable truffles there with real whipped cream fillings. I especially adore getting dark chocolate with chocolate filling (essentially choc mousse). Mmmm…….
Anne Pliska would be a lovely choice. I need a decant of that, at least (not for first dates, though, LOL!).
I’m sure it would be just as lovely for datenumber 50 or 500. It just makes me feel like happy spring
Hm, no dating or church for me, but if I ever get around to getting that divorce and can be bothered to date.. something stand-offish. I need all the help I can get, since I come across too friendly. It gets awkward.
Good bedtime/linen scent: L’Ete en Douce
All my good chocolate sources have vanished, courtesy of the recession. 🙁 As for books, most recently the Hunger Games trilogy, but haven’t had a chance to see the movie yet. Having recently remedied my shameful ignorance of Leonard Cohen’s music, I think I’d like to look up some of his books next.
You’ve just nailed one of the many uses of perfume, Boojum!
I know the LC music but not the books…I should investigate too.
1. I wouldn’t go for something overtly sexual or strong. Something along the lines of Hermes Osmanthe Yunnan seems like it would be a good choice. It’s a moot point, though, since I’ve been married six years (husband and I dated for 5 years before marrying). Incidentally I can’t remember what I wore when I first met my husband – it was a blind date and I wasn’t thinking about it that hard – but I remember him smelling of Jergens lotion.
3. You can’t beat the scent of freshly washed sheets that have been drying in the sun, but the weather hasn’t been conducive to that lately. I like a light powdery amber (such as L’Artisan L’Eau d’Ambre).
4. I’m not exactly a chocolate connoisseur. The last chocolate I had was in the form of chocolate coins from Caesars Windsor.
5. I just finished reading 100 Years of Solitude and now feel like I need to read it again.
100 Years of Solitude is in my all-time top ten, Amy!
Ditto.
tritto : )
1. Name a great perfume for a first date.
La Chasse Aux Papillion, Nuit De Tuberose, and maybe even Coromandel, it always gets compliments. I just got Lea from Calypso St Barthes, I might consider that though I’m so far from the ‘first dates’ part of my life I can’t imagine.
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church.
Iris Poudre, Ce Soir Ou Jamais, Kelly Caleche
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets.
EAU DUELLE every single night before bed and a combo of La Maison de la Vanille Vanille Divine Des Tropiques and Antica Farmicista La Parfum a la Moana on the sheets every day for at least the last 2 years.
4. Had any good chocolate lately?
Yes, they’re called Macha Bars (?) in the Acai and Chocolate flavors. Not that bad for you and really good. Weird, but they grew on me to the point where I must have one in the house at all times. They also make a rose flavor and gogi berry.
5. What book are you reading?
Ha! I read NST before I fall asleep and rarely make it to the bottom of the page before the ipad crashes into my face as I pass out! The last book I read was for school, and I imagine the next one I read will be too.
Amanda – I, too, try to catch up with NST and a couple other perfume blogs before I go to bed, and that’s one of the reasons I don’t finish books these days. (I can also blame the gym, my commute and earning a living, which must include perfume.) The combination of good writing, perfume and congenial perfume commenters is hard to beat!
The perfume blogs do take up some reading time but they are so darn much fun and you’re right, the people are great.
Nice to know we also work as a sleeping aid, LOL…
1. Beyond Paradise, because it is pretty and perhaps universally likeable. If I felt more racy about the first date, I might wear Dior Addict or Gucci Rush!
2. Haven’t been to church for ages, but I grew up Protestant, so somehow EL White Linen comes to mind, for being so prissy.
3. Patou’s Joy or Chanel LE No 18
4. A Boots sugar free chocolate – yes, been trying to shake 5 kgs for the past 9 months.
5. Doris Lessing – The Golden Notebook. She is a Writer, with big capital W!
Ida, Beyond Paradise and the Golden Notebook are such great choices!
What’s this? A sugar-free chocolate? Tell me more, please!
1. My last first date was in 1985, so I do not remember what perfume I wore, but it might very well have been no. 5.
2. For church I just wear whatever I am in the mood for, but try not to overdo the application.
3. Tauer Zeta is pefect for bedtime, as linden makes me sleepy. I will put it on if I think I may have trouble getting to sleep.
4. Godiva dark chocolate with sea salt.
5. I wish I had more time to read. DH has just started reading War and Peace, which really makes me feel guilty for not reading more.
I loved War and Peace when I was a teenager, but I bet no novel has induced more guilt! 😉
It’s not on my shelf, and therefore induces no guilt here (yet). Crime and Punishment, however… is staring at me. I’ve just realized that when my life is hectic and stressful, I simply cannot read serious books, and as a commuting single mom of 2, that seems to be always now. So, I read the Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and similar. I’ll read real books again some day… after the kids move out.
Like many people, I read the peace part and skimmed the war part. I keep meaning to go back and *really* read it. Like Anna Karenina better though — and that one I have read all the way through several times.
DH recently watched the Russian movie version, which takes slightly less time than reading the book (a little over 7 hours) and I watched some of it with him. Like you, I found the peace parts quite interesting, the war parts less so. The battle scenes were quite impressive, however. One of them involved over 100,000 extras, all in historically accurate uniforms.
Aha…maybe I’ll just get the movie!
1) First date: Pleasures for men, Estee Lauder. I always got compliments on that one… I feel it icreased my chances of a second date.
2) anything citrus or green. Churches smell dusty and too much like old candles to me.
3) nothing… I cannot sleep with perfume on, or on the sheets. My mind wanders 🙂
4) no , I am stalking the lindt shop on the local shopping center… I really like the chili one. And also the one with pistachio .
5) I just started reading Cold Vengeance, a thriller by Preston & Child. I like their books, and the Agent Pendergast character.
Pleasures is a great idea! I loved the original when it came out. I’m curious, Kaos: have you ever tried the Beyond Paradise for men?
I like to wear perfume to bed, but I have to be very careful – if it’s too new or interesting, it does keep me awake just wanting to smell it and reflect.
I have a bottle of BP for men and have enjoyed it, but that central note, which must be the dihydromyrcenol, once you recognize it, appears disconcertingly often, most commonly in (sorry!) cheap-smelling cologne on guys, and I am afraid it is getting into some janitorial products. I can’t enjoy it like I used to.
Oh, dear! Reminds me of LT reporting that some of the loos in Thailand smelled of L’Air du Temps (the original with chemicals currently restricted for perfume by IFRA)…
Yes, and I love it! 🙂 It does smell like paradise to me 😀
1) I would wear either Fracas or Rien. It seems pointless to deny one has a personality. I would wear them lightly though, which is quite a challenge esp. with Rien.
2) I never go to church.
3) Caron Pour un Homme, Caldey Island Lavender, Les Plus Belles Lavandes de Caron.
4) I am not overly fond of chocolate. My favourite still remains the Nestlé cooking chocolate I buy in France.
5) I have just finished reading Romain Gary’s La Promesse de l’Aube. It was just beautiful.
Love your answer to #1!
“It seems pointless to deny one has a personality” – love that!
1. I am so glad I don’t have to think about first dates anymore because I always found dating so awkward. I would probably wear something pretty and comfortable, like Fendi Theorema or OJ Frangipani, depending on the season.
2. Bottega Veneta has rapidly become my all-occasion scent – I’m never sure what to wear when I’m around a lot of other people that I love but is unlikely to offend anyone. (I used to have a friend from church who was very sensitive to fragrance, so I tend to worry about bothering people with perfume in church more than in other situations.)
3. I don’t usually scent our sheets, but when DH was out of town a few weeks ago I wore Coco to bed, to give it a run before the weather gets too hot and because I could.
4. Theo Chocolate Spicy Chile. And we drink Lake Champlain Aztec hot chocolate when we watch movies after the kids go to sleep.
5. I’m slowly working my way through the Oxford History of the United States series and am currently on What Hath God Wrought, which covers 1815-1848. It’s 800 pages and reading for sustained periods is hard with two small children rampant, so I’ll probably still be reading it the next time anyone asks.
Good for you — I mostly gave up heavy reading once I had a kid.
1. Name a great perfume for a first date.
Lolita Lempicka Fleur de Corail
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church.
L’Air du Temps
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets.
Songes by Annick Goutal
4. Had any good chocolate lately?
Yes.
5. What book are you reading?
My organic chemistry textbook, unfortunately.
Fleur de Corail is a nice choice.
LOVE Fleur de Corail it’s a quirky fragrance and don’t know anyone else besides me who likes it.
Nice to see it has more fans …
Someone else mentioned Songes yesterday, Laureno, which inspired me to put it on last night. It’s perfect!
1. Beyond Love in summer, Theorema in winter.
2. I don’t go to church, but if I did, at this time of year I’d wear something with hyacinth or lilac (En Passant, if I had it!)
3. My boyfriend is out of town, so I sprayed down the entire bed with Lolita Lempicka au Masculin, which smells like licorice and vanilla.
4. I really like the Lindt dark chocolate with sea salt.
5. I’m reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed (a memoir) and Open City by Teju Cole (a novel)
LOL — almost sounds like you’re “cheating” with the LL 😉
Ha!
Great date choices!
Why thank you! I’ve worn them on “dates” in the past year, though they were probably our 300 or 400th date 🙂
Hi Robin,
Your questions
1. Name a great perfume for a first date.
I’d go with something that wears close to the skin because I like to smell HIM and see if our pheromones match 🙂 Examples of a great frag for a 1st date include anything by Hermes, pref. Eau des Merveilles, that wonderful Cellular Regeneration Body Spray from La Prairie, Bronze Goddess or Narciso Rodriguez in the winter.
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church.
Prob smth incensey, like Messe de Minuit or Voleur de Roses. My fav would be Nu by YSL, except I can’t find it anymore
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets.
None – but I’d spray either the Verbena or Lavender waters from L’Occitane. A few years ago Lancome had a series of great body sprays called Aroma Tonic (lime and green tea, wonderful), Aroma Fit (tomato leaves carrot and orange, also pretty nice) Aroma Relax (lavender and a little musk) and Aroma Source with cedar – did not buy this one. Aroma Relax was great for bed.
4. Had any good chocolate lately?
Yes, last week I had some French clusters of cornflakes and candied orange peel in 70% chocolate, forgot the brand.
5. What book are you reading?
“Awaken the Giant Within” by Anthony Robbins, and nibbling bits of Charlaine Harris’ latest Sookie Stackhouse novel.
Phew! Hope you’re happy 😀
I *would* be happy if I knew the brand of the chocolate, LOL…do come back if you remember it later!
Ohhh excusez -moi … deepest apologies, the chocolate was Belgian.
The brand is called Jacques, just in case you’re able to source it, here’s the link
http://www.chocojacques.be/fr/la-gamme/croquer
I had the Flakes – Orange 😛
Thank you! Adding it to my list. I’ll find it someday…
1. First Date: Encre Noire pour homme-Lalique -some poisonous elixier that apologizes any primary uncertainty
2. The gloom of Messe de Minuit by Etro will convince any convent
3. I easily fall asleep with red aoud by montale
4. Besides other brands I favour Chocolat Bonnat
5. Hinterland by Feridun Zaimoglu
I like Bonnat too…not so easy to find here though.
1- First Date calls for Bvlgari Black. Strange yet simple and not scary. Plus it’s an easy comfortable scent to wear. You must be comfortable on a first date.
2- To church… it’s been ages, i would probably go with Passage d’Enfer (just for the shock of the name) but I think Eau Sauvage would fit the bill. Classy, elegant, chic… unless it’s for Christmas’ midnight mass. Then it would have to be Etro Messe de Minuit or Caron Nuit de Noel!
3- To bed: something simple. Lately been wearing some Marc Jacob splash. The scent is light and quickly gone.
4- Good chocolate, sadly no. ODed on cheap Easter stuff.
5- Book: Nemesis. Been rereading all the old Agatha Christie Novels
My 11-year old nephew recently discovered Agatha Christie. He recommended “And Then There Were None” which I promptly borrowed from the library. I have not read it yet but will likely take it with me on vacation (San Antonio, TX) week after next.
LOVE Agatha Christie.
I love Agatha Christie too–in fact, I have read ALL of her mystery novels and short stories. That is one reason I don’t read as much anymore. I just haven’t found another mystery writer that I like nearly as well.
Me too! My grandma used to buy them, and then she’d pass them along when she’d finished. She died when I was a sophomore in high school, though, and I don’t think I’ve read any since then. Like many of my favorite reads, they aren’t books I would ever choose for myself, but I really enjoyed reading them.
1. Not sure what I wore on my last first date (with the now-husband) but based on my perfume habits at the time, it was probably Hanae Mori Butterfly or Narciso Rodriguez for Her. Whatever it was, it seems to have worked.
2. I don’t do church, but (as others have noted) Avignon seems suitable. If I were attending some sort of churchy event, I might go with Estee Lauder Private Collection or ELdO Like This, depending on the season and occasion.
3. Pacifica Tibetan Mountain Temple is my default bedtime scent, but I’d go with Rochas Femme if sleep weren’t in my immediate plans.
4. I don’t really do chocolate. Fancy cheese is my vice, and my current love is a Brie with black truffles.
5. I’ve been reading everything I can find by a British author named Penelope Mortimer. She had a fascinating life (1918-1999) and, as one reviewer has noted, she seems incapable of writing a banal sentence. I’ve read two of her novels (The Pumpkin Eater and Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting) and just finished the first volume of her autobiography (About Time); not sure what I’ll start next.
Sad to say that fancy cheese is one of my vices too. I have too many vices. I am always saying I should start a 2nd blog just for cheese, tea and chocolate.
I would avidly follow the cheese- and tea-related posts!
Also love cheese – it would be a great poll question sometime, at least!
Another cheese lover! (I grew up in WI, it could hardly be helped.) I was so disappointed last weekend: I bought a cheese I’d been wanting to try since at least Christmas and took it to my parents’ house for Easter. Didn’t take it out… and then forgot it there when we left. Sob. (And no, I can’t remember what it was called.)
Oh, so sorry! Hope you find it again, whatever it was.
YES to cheese! 🙂
Add me to the cheese lovers list! I love tea too.
So, I’m late to the party.
I like to let ’em know what they’re in for, so first date, I bring out the Absolue de Soir by MFK.
Church. Why hasn’t anyone suggested Andy Tauer’s L’Air de Desert Morocain? It seems, like Luca said, holy. And cleansing.
Bed: This is ultra-indulgent: Gold Man by Amouage. Heavenly. Like baby powder on steroids.
Chocolate: I like Milka. I think it’s German. Don’t see it around here much. Stand-by is Lindt.
Reading: autobio by Keith Richards and novel about the poet Gerard Manley-Hopkins. And a nightly tale from 1001 Nights. Covers a lot of bases.
1. Haven’t had to think about the first date for more than 20 years, but I’d likely choose Ormonde Woman.
2. I wear my loves to church, sprayed discreetly. Six days a week I’m in jeans running after kids, and often sampling something new. Sunday I get to dress up a bit, which I enjoy, and wear a favorite.
3. For bed I wear the warm and snuggly oriental perfumes, partly because they’re strong enough to cancel out the vestiges of whatever I put on in the morning – I have scent-glue skin. Give me spices, amber, incense and patchouli, and my sheets smell yummy the next day.
4. Count me in as another lover of Lindt’s Dark Chocolate and Chili.
5. Just finished “The Thirteenth Tale” for book club, and Tad Williams’ “Memory, Sorrow, Thorn” for my brain chocolate fix, and I’m in the middle of “Those Who Save Us” by Jenna Blum. Next is likely “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” which I requested from the library after reading about it over at the Posse.
1. Name a great perfume for a first date. Vintage Fendi extrait or Magie Noire extrait.
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church. Bandit
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets. Pre de Provence Linden, edt
4. Had any good chocolate lately. Lindt Mint truffles
5. What book are you reading?
Ashtanga Yoga. The practice by David Swenson.
1. Date: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, but that’s my answer for many situations.
3. Bed: Auric Blends Egyptian Goddess and/or Amber perfume oils – dirt cheap and comfortable.
4. Chocolate: My sweet mother recently gave me an easter egg filled with the best chocolate I’ve had in ages, but there’s no info on what company produced it! It was simple milk chocolate, but it was very tasty simple milk chocolate.
5. Book: A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin. I watched the series. Now I will read the books.
1) Bulgari – Soir or Dior – Homme Intense
2) Gurlain – Veriver or Lalique – Encre Noir
3) Dior – Eat Savage or Gurlain – Imperial
4) Andy’s Candy – (Western NY) or Lindt Truffles
5) The Choice – Og Mandino
I thought I’d read through the comments, but there are so many!
I thought Lipstick Rose and Traversee du Bosphore were good date recs. Lumiere Noire by Francis Kurkdjian would also be good on a date, I think.
I go to Mass regularly, and love to wear strong classics like Mitsouko. I wore Odalisque to Mass recently. I thought it was too strong, but DH didn’t smell it. I just sat there and drank it in. Odalisque is so gorgeous. I love sitting quietly in the pew, tucking my nose into my chest as discreetly as possible, and enjoying my perfume.
To bed, it’s either gourmand comfort like Angel or 100% Love, or something simple like Preparation Parfumee, which seems light, but still lingers when I wake in the mroning.
Chocolate – Green and Black dark is a regular fave.
Reading Catherine the Great by Massie and it’s very good. For some reason I like to wear Iris Silver Mist when I read it in the evening.
I’m going to respond, dang it, even though I’m always so late!
1. Name a great perfume for a first date. If this had screened out my husband (who hates perfume) I would have been very sad. I would say wear something pretty that makes you feel pretty but isn’t too noticeable? Like Daisy, or Parisienne? Light applications of gourmands often pass below the anti-perfume radar, I find. A dab of SDV? If you’re dating men, I understand that most men love vanilla.
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church. God deserves big, no? Homage Attar!
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets. I love, love, love sleeping in Tihota.
4. Had any good chocolate lately? I’m a devotee of Green and Black’s 85% dark. Bought some Sweet Riot recently but haven’t tried it yet. Scharffen Berger is also getting some testing; the 82% is not as good as O&B and the 70% is too sweet.
5. What book are you reading? Just finished The Hunger Games, and Katie Puckrik’s Shooting from the Hip. Enjoyed both. Planning to start Moby Dick next; doubt I will enjoy it as much.
1. Name a great perfume for a first date.
Kelly Caleche – light floral…but leather underneath…
2. Name a great perfume to wear to church.
Chanel No 5 Eau Premiere
3. Name a great perfume to wear to bed or to spray on sheets.
Depends on what I’m doing there…SL Daim Blonde if I’m not sleeping.
4. Had any good chocolate lately?
Lindt Sea Salt. Heaven.
5. What book are you reading?
Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders Trilogy.
Late as usual…
1. Unfortunately still in the first date era as well. I think on my last one I wore Traversee du Bosphore as well!
2. Haven’t been to church/temple recently but something light and pretty.
3. Pacifica Tibetan Mountain Temple if I’m going straight to bed or PG Praline de Santal if I have a bit of time to read.
4. Easter chocolate! Love those Cadbury crisp eggs.
5. Currently reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. Interesting writing but haven’t been able to get to into the storyline yet.