Apologies for the lack of posts earlier today — I am on vacation, and internet access has been harder to come by than I expected. Hopefully I will catch up next week.
Meantime, a repeat of a poll we did last June:
Please recommend a great book to add to our summer reading lists, and tell us what fragrance we should wear while reading it.
Note: top image is Reading a book at the beach [cropped] by Simon Cocks at flickr; some rights reserved.
Heavier than Heaven using Prada Infusion de Fleur D’Oranger.
I have not read that, is it good?
Actually I have not finished yet. It’s about Kurt Cobain’s life but also mix some ficctional stories what confuses me sometimes. I’m liking it and recommend to anyone interested in rock and auto-destructive minds. I feel compassion to these kind of people despite they usually cause aversion on others.
Thanks!
I am finally reading Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall from a few years ago (she just published the sequel), about Tudor England under Henry VIII. I’m thinking SSS Vintage Rose is the perfect thing to wear while reading it, although it’s not very summery—a sort of amber-leather rose scent.
I am working on the sequel, Bring up the Bodies. It is excellent.
I’m very interested in reading these. They sound fascinating! Got excellent reviews in the NY Times and in The New Yorker.
I loved Wolf Hall–one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Fascinating in that it casts Thomas Cromwell as the protagonist, when he is usually the villain of the Henry VIII / Anne Boleyn story. Really vivid picture of 16th century life that makes me glad to be living in the 21st. Confirms one of my personal maxims–that decent plumbing is one of the pillars of civilized life.
Well, I’ve been catching up on some classic post-apocalyptic fiction this spring/summer–but I’m not sure the genre really suits itself to scents! I listened to the audiobook for I Am Legend–and it was AMAZING! The voice-acting was incredible, totally engrossing, and really added to the story. But how do you scent a book in which all of humankind has been transformed into vampires? Do I choose something reminiscent of decay? Verdant to represent the overgrowth of the cities? Comforting and consoling to help during the frightening parts? Maybe that’s my choice–maybe something friendly like Traversee du Bosphore, which feels like walking down the street past a bakery. That way, you’ll be reminded that you’re not the last one on the planet!
Good to know about the IAL audiobook. I like your thinking about TdB.
Taking a different approach, might another perfume for I Am Legend be the as-of-yet to be released Comme des Garcons Amazingreen?
Oh, that’s a great thought! Something green and yet oddly industrial, which is how I imagine Amazingreen!
Do you listen to many audiobooks? Any recommendations? I like them for background when I’m puttering around the house or taking a long drive.
Not that many especially lately but I’d like to start again, and the voice-acting is SO important. I’ve wanted to read I Am Legend but haven’t made the time, so the audio seems like a great idea. But if I hear about any other good ones I will make a point of passing along the recommendation.
I only have one audiobook. It’s called The Return of the Native. I only bought it because Alan Rickman is the narrator. I love love love that man’s voice. I know I sound like a lovestruck 12 year old but seriously, that voice…
I rent audiobooks to pass the time during long commutes and will add Return of the Native to my queue. Totally agree with you about Alan Rickman’s voice and Alan Rickman in general 😉
I get all mine from the library–I can’t imagine buying all of them!
But, OH Alan Rickman! He’s absolutely deserving of a crush! You’re right–it’s that amazing voice! Now I know he’s read at least one book, I will have to seek him out at my library! 🙂
AND I started listening to The Dresden Files books because they were read by James Marsters (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame). Now I’m a legitimate fan of the books, too!
marjorie, I hope you’re still checking for responses, I’m so behind on my reading (and commenting) here. I do a lot of audiobooks in the car as well. The absolute best book I’ve ever listened to is water for elephants. Even if you already read it, I highly recommend listening it to anyone! I even think it won an audie award. I always try to keep the audiobooks more light since I may get distracted, for example I got through all of the stephanie plum series by janet evanovich in the car – it was so fun to listen to, but I couldn’t imagine actually sitting down to read them (no offense intended to anyone who has).
David King’s Death in the City of Light, about a serial killer in Nazi-occupied Paris, may not sound like relaxing summer reading. But I love its evocation of wartime Paris, while thinking about Edmond Roudnitska creating Femme for Rochas in 1943, with what materials he had to hand.
Ooh, that sounds like a good read! Is it terribly gruesome, though? I can handle a little violence, but if it’s too graphic, I get uncomfortable.
Oh hell yes, it is as gruesome as it comes. Sorry!
Hmm…strange premise for a book, considering Paris at the time was crawling with serial killers. If the Nazis can’t be considered serial killers, I don’t know who can.
True story though, and it is about a Frenchman, not German. Like a lot of true crime it is a bit over-padded with detail, but it is still fascinating, in an awful way!
I love a good serial killer book. Some can be a bit far fetched though.
Not really much of a reader 🙁 I am more of a coffee table picture book kind of guy ! Top of the pile “Grandiflora” celebrations . A exquisite book on flower decoration ! Just wanted to wish u a great vacation Robin ! Hope u are finding joy and inspiration where ever you may be !
Scent , no 4711 !
Thank you! I am in the Grand Tetons and it is spectacular. But Wifi is thin on the ground 🙂
Lucky you — hope you’re having a great time. (I grew up in Wyoming, and the Tetons are one of my very favorite places.)
Emily, we really are, and bet this was a great place to grow up.
Indeed. I grew up here in WY, too. 50 years of it. There’s a shortage of perfumistas…well, I can only think of 4 people who WEAR perfume in my town. And two of them I got to wear non-Walgreens scents. I turned them onto Memoir Woman and Andy Tauer. They were just amazed such perfumes existed. Whenever I enter their stores, they ask what I am wearing and write it down. I’m thinking of offering a Continuing Ed class for Beginning Perfume Appreciation. The new music director wore some god- awful airport duty free stuff, and so I (maybe arrogantly) gave him a couple extra samples I had of Amouage’s Epic Man and Opus VI. I thought he’d be thrilled to have a little variety, and having lived in Palestine, I thought the scents would be familiar or somewhat positive. Hated both of them. “Too indigenous” was his reply. OK. Nevermind. I’ll stick to my own business from now on…
I read Keith Richards’ autibiography. No need to read another musician’s memoir, now. It’s just fantastic. I wore, as a joke, Cuir de Russie, as that was supposedly M. Jagger’s scent.
Carloz Ruiz Zafón “Marina”, really great book, something from between the world of magic, mystery and crime. Really good read.
What perfume would be good for it? Hmm… I would say anything that is not too loud, the book is the greater pleasure to enjoy this time 😉
By the way – let me share my happines. Since yesterday I’m officially an university 1st degree graduate with a chemistry eurobachelor title!
Congratulations ! U must be very proud, what a great achievement . What are your plans for the future ?
I’m going to continue my studies for another 2 years to get the university 2nd degree. Then, If I’m lucky, I’d like to attend a perfume school
Well that’s fantastic ! Don’t stop following your dreams and create your own luck ! I hope u are toasting this milestone , and well done again mate , I can’t wait to see your name on future bottles of edt, edp and and entire line of room fragrances/ candles ,
Thanks Sinnerman! That really is my dream to create a perfume one day. I was a totall mess yesterday, a lot of nerves you know. I’m celebrating with some cold drinks and a home-made strawberry cake.
Oh my goodness! That’s wonderful news! Like Sinnerman, I can’t wait for the day when I can wear one of your creations. Haooy celebrations.
That should read “happy” celebrations! (Cat sitting on my head and obscuring my view.)
Yes! Now I can sleep peacefully and start thinking about my vacation. Once I create something, you’ll know it as quick as possible!
That end the one chapter of my life, in October another one will start when I’ll begin 2nd degree studies.
And as you can see, my NST nickname is a link now, I’m starting something new.
That’s so great for you! Congrats! Treat yourself to something nice. Enjoy your time off too. Like Jillie, I can’t wait to wear one of your perfumes. Just remember when you need people to test them out I’m here for you. :). Me along with a whole bunch of others I’m sure.
Thank you! You’re all so great! No worries, I’ll have you in mind when the time comes.
I already treated myself with Van Cleef & Arpels Bois d’Iris right after passing my last exam. This perfume is my degree treat too. Time to target a new must-have and stock some money 😉
First of all, a huge congratulations to you Lucasai!!
And secondly, Zafon is probably my most favorite author. Have you read his Shadows of the Wind? Best book ever. I’m anxiously awaiting the sequel (The Prisoner of Heaven) which is to be released here a week from Tues.
Thanks for congratulations!
I think he’s a great author too! I read Shadows of the Wind last summer. The entire book which is quite fat took me a week, but as I was reading it I just couldn’t stop, really.
Now that I’m starting my vacation I’ll read his other books.
I think that Prisoner of Heaven was already released in Poland, will have to check in out later.
Loved “The Shadow of the Wind!”
same here
I’ve got a Word document with quotes from it I loved it so much. Brilliant writing!
I just got Shadows of the Wind from the library, in English and in Spanish. The Prisoner of Heaven is on my reserve list!
Enjoy the book! Need to find Prisoner of Heaven
I “read” Shadows of the Wind as an audiobook and was distracted by the musical interludes and the overwrought voice of the reader. The story was strong enough to stand on its own. Has anyone else listened to the audiobook? I’d be curious to hear your reactions. Would recommend wearing EL’s Tuberose Gardenia while reading this one.
Congratulations 😀 I also saw on Facebook that you won a couple things from our local niche shop, or I think it was you, so it looks like the past few days have been good to you 🙂
Thanks!
That’s correct! Lucas they were talking about was me. I just don’t know what I won, suprise.
Oh, congratulations!!! I wish all the best in your future.
I am certain it will be a bright, fragrant one.
Thanks a lot!
I hope you’re right!
Congratulations! It’s a great achievement.
I’ll be checking out Zafon’s books…my library currently does not have Marina but it does have Shadows of the Wind and I will be picking it up this afternoon.
By the way, based on your exuberant endorsement, I bought myself AG Nuit Etoilee and I am looking forward to using it…will probably be SOTD. Right now I am testing Andy Tauer’s Vetiver Dance and it is just meh on me. Also, on my visit to Aedes de Venustas NYC a few weeks ago, I made a beeline to the Histoires section and this line is wonderful (except for the Tubereuse which I didn’t care for at all) — I see one (or more!) FBs in the future. I have samples of 1969 and 1725.
Hi Hajusuuri! Thanks, I’m very happy and proud of myself.
Definitely do check Zafon books! I’m currently finishing “Marina”. “Shadows of the Wind” was my best read during last year vacation.
I hope you’ll find it great like I did! Please, do report back after your first wearing. Would love to hear your initial thoughts. Never tried anything from Tauer, but just got Eau d’Epices in a sample swap, but it’s too hot to try it today. Maybe on a cooler day.
I’m also a big fan of Histoires de Parfums. Ordered two sample sets from their website and they’re great. My favourite are those two you mentioned + 1889 Moulin Rouge. I’ve got a travel spray of 1725, would like 1969 and 1889 to join my collection one day.
Zafon’s books are great. “Shadows of the Wind” was my best read last summer, now I’m finishing “Marina” then I’ve got one more waiting for me and I may hunt Zafon’s newest book – “the prisoner of heaven”
Oh! I really encouraged you to buy Nuit Etoilee? Glad to hear that! Please do report back once you wear it, I’m curious about your initial thoughts.
I’m a huge HdP fan myself. After I ordered two sample sets from them I fell in love with 1725 the most (bought a travel size), 1969 and also 1889 Moulin Rouge.
Nuit Etoilee indeed became SOTE. I got an initial burst of citrus and mint…then the mint stuck around, along with an almost licorice/anise-like and green scent. Now, after almost 5 hours of wear, it is mostly gone, with remaining traces of something lightly pine and salty. I love it for summer and summer is here in the Northeast U.S. with a vengeance.
Glad to hear you like it! After few hours I get the scent that remind me of a campfire.
Congratulations! Now kick back and enjoy your summer!
I’ll definitely enjoy it, I’ve worked hard for that one!
*clap clap clap*
Thanks Robin! Having a good time on your holiday?
Wonderful, thanks!
Congratulations, Lucas! That’s terrific.
Thank you! I’m so happy!
Lucas, I’ve been enjoying your posts for months now, so I sort of feel like I can share in your happiness over your degree — congratulations!! And thanks for the Zafon recommendation; I’ve never read any of his books, but with all of the endorsements here I think I’ll have to get started on them soon.
I’m honored to hear you’ve been enjoying my posts! I just started a blog (link in my nickname) if you’re interested.
Thanks for the congrats. And be sure to try Zafon’s books. As you can see many of us have great opinion about them
I am just trying to catch up with all my perfume blog reading at the moment. Trouble is, I want to wear something different every minute or so, as each description makes me think “Oh, I want to smell that now”.
In fact, I am wearing Jo Malone’s Grapefruit as I feel a bit hot and it’s quite fresh and relaxing – I’m lucky that I don’t get from it the cat pee/sweat odour that some people do. Later on I might wear my latest buy – Givenchy’s Eau de Givenchy, which is again light and airy, with a lovely note of honeysuckle.
Grapefruit sounds good! I’ve never tried anything from Jo Malone, up ’til now. Yesterday my samples from a swap arrived, two of them are Jo Malone’s.
What JMs did you get, Lucas? Obviously one of my favourites is Grapefruit. Another is Vetivert, and I also like Lime Basil and Mandarin. I think the general opinion is that they are quite simple concoctions and don’t last very long on your skin (although I would say that the three I like are pretty tenacious). Some people also think the quality is not as good as when Jo actually owned the company – she sold it to the Estee Lauder company about seven years ago, I think. Oh, nearly forgot, my husband is quite fond of Pomengranate Noir – and that really does last! Hope you enjoy testing them.
In this swap I got Lime Basil & Mandarin and French Lime Blossom. When they arrived yesterday I gave Lime Basil & Mandarin a quick whiff, my nose picked Basil as the strongest note, although it’s concept is veru subtle and airy.
I really would like to try that Grapefruit, Amber & Lavender and from Tea Collection Assam & Grapefruit. That last one sounds like a perfect summer scent
Lucasai in spite of the black tea suggested by the name Assam & Grapefruit is to me an earthy mate` tea scent. Certainly light enough for summer with its citrus overtones.
Great! Thanks for this feedback 🙂 Too bad I have no acces to JM myself.
Lucasai,
I was a former JM hoarder, so have lots of samples and some bottles I no longer use as much. Would be HAPPY to send you some. Email me at mou7gh at gmail dot com and we can talk further about my holdings.
‘The Family Fang’ by Kevin Wilson, wearing Jacomo Art Collection #02.
Just read a review — looks worth reading, thanks!
I hear that Nicole Kidman is looking hard at it for a film version… please, Wes Anderson, jump on board…
That’s such a fun and quirky scent — now I want to check out the book. (Speaking of Wes Anderson films, have you seen Moonrise Kingdom yet? SO. GOOD.)
YES. Both my spouse and I loved it so much– Wes A’s movies hit the most wonderful emotional nerves, and I always feel so thankful for the experience.
I’m reading something called, “The Seeker’s Guide,” which so far (about a third of the way in) is basically a guide on how to meditate written by a former hippie with a long history of dipping into various faiths/movements/spiritualities… It’s interesting and not too bad, for what it is, but I suspect people who’ve already read a bit on the subject will find this a bit boring. For me, the parts about the history of psychology, the background and the info on the author’s own past were a bit dull, and unnecessary.
My decant of Quarzazate, an incense perfume from Comme des Garcons, would be perfect to wear with this book.
But instead, I’m wearing Hermes Vanille Galante, which I bought back in January at a Hermes boutique and which I haven’t worn since yesterday.
I bought it blind. I was getting the travel pack (four bottles at 15 ml each,) and I got two bottles of my beloved Ambre Narguile, and another one to gift my mom. It seemed excessive to get a third mini bottle of AN, so I opted to try VG instead.
It’s lovely. I’d call it an “edible lily,” that feels delicate but also creamy like a pudding desert, but not heavy. The problem is that it lasts about an hour on me, and it doesn’t even bloom in heat and humidity. I spritzed generously before going to a Germany vs. Italy match (it was a work thing,) but even in the heat and excitement of the stadium I could hardly smell it.
Try VG on fabric? If you did and it still disappeared, try Lys Soleia? Less “galante,” more edible, should show more intensity in the heat. I think with *some* of the Hermessences (AMbre Narguile excluded), disappearing scent is considered good etiquette. Anyway congrats on your Ambre Narguile!
I’ll give it a try on fabric… I don’t mind fleeting scents if they’re as good as this, but for me the price is too much for something that lasts about an hour.
That Guerlain sounds good. I think I’d like a more edible version of VG. Maybe lily could be my gateway flower into florals, because I’m normally all about orientals 🙂
I am reading Smilla’s Sense of Snow because I hate summer and everything about it. I hate the oppressive heat, the fiery sun, the feeling of being suffocated by a blanket of humidity. Perfume to wear: L’eau d’hiver of course!
I am a winter person – love snow falling, roaring fires, candlelight and blackness outside. Hate being frazzled by the sun and feeling too hot. My husband thinks I am a vampire …… Not many people like us about, Elizabeth!
May I join the club? I despise the heat, and as a red head, regard the sun as my worst enemy. Summer to me is something to be endured until the glory of Autumn and Winter arrive.
I love long, cold nights, and we seldom turn on lights after dark, regardless of the season, because my husband and I are both candle freaks.
I should probably try that L’eau d’hiver…….Bvlgari Au the Vert is what usually gets me through The Season From Hell.
Another winter lover here. This summer is already killing me, as I’m sure it is a lot of the U. S. A humid triple digits is insane weather!
You know as kid I loved the summer; going to the beach, no school. But as an adult, it’s just too hot. I think I am becoming a winter lover or at least a fall lover. Cool crisp days and no sweating through you clothes before you’re even at work!
That’s a really good book. I don’t think Smila is a summer person either.
I’d also like to add that I hate summer as well although I do enjoy when it’s not too hot and I can putter in the garden and yard. If it weren’t for snow shoveling I’d be a total winter fan. That stuff is heavy though. I will say that it does burn calories because we had almost nothing to shovel this past winter and I gained more weight than I usually do.
Love that book and the accompanying fragrance! I just finished The Indian Bride by Karin Fossum, a Norwegian mystery writer. It is part of The Inspector Sejer Series. Was wearing Infusion d’Iris Absolue because I just purchased a bottle of it not because of any tie to the book.
I thought the first half of that book was brilliant! The atmosphere of Denmark and Iceland so well portrayed. The second half kind of fell apart for me, but I still really enjoyed the whole experience.
All you summer haters can swap places with me-i live in the southern hemisphere and hate winter- hate the wood fires, the long nights, the frosty mornings and not feeling all the warmth that the summer sun brings.
Reading an Australian book -Barra Creek-set in nothern Queensland where its always warm-so perfect for winter reading.
I almost didn’t post this book rec, thinking no one would want to read this in the summer–The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey is a wonderful book about a couple homesteading in Alaska in the 1920s. They are battling both the harsh environment and their own depression over not having a child. One night, during a snowfall, they build a snow girl outside their cabin. The rest is magical. Based on a Russian fable of the same title.
To cool off while it’s hot: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey, wearing L’eau D’hiver.
Adding: Elizabeth, I’m with you on summer. You will enjoy The Snow Child if you want to remember the cooling breezes of other seasons!
And Lucasai: Congratulations on your degree. Chemistry is one difficult major to graduate with. I bow down to you!
Hey MelissaJane,
I replied to Elizabeth before I saw your recommendation. I second your nomination. The Snow Child is a special book.
Have to say that a lot of the time I’m in agreement with other commenters about summer, especially here in the South–August has become my least favorite month of the year. Which brings me to my question.
I store my perfume in an enclosed cabinet in my bedroom, which is upstairs. So it’s dark, but it gets hot (upper 80’s) in the daytime as we turn off the air conditioning while we’re at work. This made me nervous–especially after mentally totting up what it would cost to replace the perfume if it was damaged by the heat–so I moved the bottles to storage our cool, dry basement and made little decants to keep upstairs and use while dressing. Am I over-reacting?
Open for comment. Please share your expertise!
I don’t you’re overreacting. To us, perfumistas, every drop of juice os precious. I think that your bottles would be alright where they were upstairs, the worst place to keep ’em is a bathroom, as temperature changes there “drastically” after a shower or so.
Kismet, I am also under stress about my huge collection! I keep the bottles in boxes within boxes in a cupboard in the coolest room of the house, but I am still concerned for them. And it’s not just heat, light and extreme changes of temperature – I find that bottles with stoppers (ie non sprays) let oxygen in and spoll the perfume even faster. I am trying to make myself use my perfumes instead of “saving them for best”, or just gloating over my hoard muttering “my precioussssssss”. Use them or lose them, I guess.
Sometimes I wonder if putting a ziplock around a stoppered bottle – obviously one from which you’ve already decanted and won’t be needing to get at regularly – discourages air transfer b/c you’re restricting the volume of transferable air around the bottle (yes I know a ziplock isn’t airtight). Any thoughts people?
LOL! It’s a tenuous battle between hoarding and enjoying in the moment, isn’t it?! I have some vintage, harder-to-find stuff that I just adore, and I don’t want to “waste” it, but then again, what is it there for but to be used and enjoyed? And I would be HEARTBROKEN if some of them spoiled and I didn’t even get to make good use of them first! Sigh. It is poetic and challenging how ephemeral this hobby is, isn’t it?
Yes move them to the basement. Couldn’t hurt.
One of my late Aunts lived in the tropics. She kept all her perfumes in a full-size refrigerator temperature-controlled specifically for perfume and other cosmetics and lotions. She had two other refrigerators for food and drink.
Thanks, all! Think the bottles will summer in the basement while we swelter upstairs.
Lucasai – congratulations on attaining your degree!
And Jillie…. yessssssss……..
Wearing Bijou Romantique, a gorgeous scent wich works in the heat despite being a gourmet oriental. Just finished a book in Swedish called “Twilight in the Kalahari” about human evolution, wich was very interesting. Thinking of reading the new novel by Liam Hearn next (Blossoms and Shadows), I really liked her fantasy “Across the Nightinggale floor”.
Just finished reading Stephen King’s “The Wind Through The Keyhole” . It is part of the Dark Tower fantasy series. Really good if you like King.
My scent…. Odorless Deodorant!!! I am not wearing scent yet today… But I am planning on indulging with Chanel 28 La Pausa.
Currently reading ‘The Night Circus’ and ‘The Omnivore’s Dilemma’ ( the latter I keep in the car for when I am waiting to collect my girls from school). I’ve only just started Night Circus, like on page 10, so not sure of the fragrance yet…need a magical realism fragrance I guess…hmmm….
‘For the Omnivore you don’t want to wear anything really as some of the descriptions of what goes into our food, both the process and the actual product, are just nausea-inducing.
I just finished ‘The Angel’s Game’ by Carlos Ruis Zafon which needs a sort of dreamlike fragrance with cool incense so I ended up layering Avignon with CN 21 and it wasn’t bad! Happy reading all!
Did you like The Angel’s Game? I have a copy of that and haven’t gotten around to it yet. I was actually thinking of bringing it on our trip. I had gotten it a while ago from a woman I worked with whose husband had a bookstore. She would bring in boxes of old advance reader copies of books and let us take what we wanted. I loved having a free book source. Sadly she no longer works where I do. It was nice while it lasted.
I did, yes. The writing is great and the plot good but I did wish it had a more ‘definitive’ ending though. But after you process it a bit after that final page, the ending does suit the novel. It makes me want to read more of Zafon, certainly. I hope you like it!
Ooh, I’m a big Michael Pollen fan. Have you read In Defense of Food, too? Very practical suggestions for his argument to “eat food, not too much, mostly plants.”
Surely Dzing for The Night Circus!
I just finished “Still Life with Murder”, a mystery set in Boston following the Civil War. I think for the heroine and the time period, Bourbon French’s English or French Lavender would be perfect.
I’m in between books at the moment. Not sure which one I’ll be starting next but I did have a wonderful clearance bin score today on a book. I got Weber’s Charcoal Grilling cookbook for $1.80. I need another cookbook like I need a hole in my head but at that price… The best part is I thought it was on sale for $5 but when I got to the register it rang up for less. That will most likely be the high point of my weekend.
I have to go and put a face on for the graduation party we have to go to. Then I get to start packing for a trip to Maine. I hate packing. I either bring too much or not enough and I always forget something.
Enjoy your vacation Poodle! I hope you don’t end up in a B&B with strict fragrance rules.
I hear you 100% on the bargain surprise! A few years ago, I went to a Sears in Portland, OR and there was a clearance bin of jewelry. I found a very nice necklace with a pink cubic zirconium solitaire pendant, originally priced $24.99 and marked down to $8.99. I went to the cash register and had my credit card out to pay…and it rang up at 89 cents, no tax (OR has no sales tax)…the credit card went back in my wallet and a dollar bill changed hands 🙂
There are B&Bs with fragrance rules?! Whoa. I guess that’s not surprising, though, given how many other public places have instituted similar rules.
Yup. We once stayed at a place that had a no perfume in the rooms policy. We of course found this out after checking in. There was nothing on their website about it. So we spritzed in the car instead.
I too am a cookbook addict! Who can resist the lure of them? Especially when they are reduced?
I love Maine! One of my very best friends lives there and I grew up in NH so it’s familiar territory. Whereabouts are you going? And what perfume are you bringing?? Eau de Merveilles would be great for the more northerly coastline, I think.
We are staying in Ogunquit and visiting friends in Wells and York. Hubby used to vacation there as a kid a lot. I’ve never been except for a day trip to go outlet shopping. I’m one of those people who likes the beach but not in the summer so I can’t say I’m looking forward to this. He desperately wanted a beach trip so I gave in. The sun and I do not get along. I like the beach when there’s no one else on it to ruin it for me as well. Plus, owning a fish tank gives you a whole new perspective on what your swimming in.
You are in a nice area but it will have lots of holidaying people, it’s true. Our friends are near Cumberland Center, and very near to Freeport and its lovely shops, nicer to wander and browse outlets there than all the strips of Kittery. Have a great time and have some sea scallops for me!
For reading through a book on charcoal grilling, how about Memoir Man? To me, it smells like a mixture of charcoal and grass clippings, as if someone mowed the lawn and then fired up the grill.
I haven’t sniffed Memoir Man but that description makes it sound eminently sniff-worthy!
I just finished reading Year of the Gadfly by Jennifer Miller. One of the central characters is a teen-aged budding journalist whose inspiration / imaginary mentor is the chain-smoking Edward R. Murrow, It just so happened that when I first started reading it, Tauer Tableau de Parfum Dark Passage came in the mail. It turned out to be the perfect companion scent to Year of the Gadfly – smoky, bittersweet.
Just finished The English Patient – the book, written by a poet, is beautifully written and I savored each line of text. A very plum plum, but different than the movie.
Now almost finished with Five Quarters of the Orange by the same author, JoAnne Harris, who wrote Chocolat.
Lots of scent themes to work with!
“The English Patient” is one of the most beautiful novels ever. If you want the prequel to it, read his book “In the Skin of the Lion.” You’ll get the back stories to several of the characters from “The English Patient.”
Also highly recommend his Running in the Family — really a wonderful book.
Anil’s Ghost, set in Sri Lanka, is also a beautifully written book by Ondaatje.
Any thoughts on: The Book of Lost Fragrances: A Novel of Suspense?
I’m reading it now, and it’s enjoyable so far. I’m maybe 20% into it. The premise is that a an old perfume house is failing financially, and the heirs are not in agreement about what course to take. One of them wants to decode the ancient Egyptian sample/shard that is reputed to evoke memories of past lives.
I have been coaxing my young nieces in to reading by reading some of my old favorites with them, and I am thoroughly enjoying myself. Does one ever grow tired of Anne Shirley, Jo March, or Laura Ingalls??
Annick Goutal Rose Absolue seems perfect for all of the above ladies; there is an air of tenderness to the scent that I just love.
Anne probably needs a little violet, however and I bet Jo would not be above huffing something a little more masculine and bracing, or maybe the extreme drydown of Parfum Sacre, which is deliciously inky to me.
Maybe Encre Noire for Jo? And though I don’t think it would quite suit her personality, Smell Bent Prairie Nymph instantly came to mind for Laura Ingalls.
I like the idea of a rose-violet scent for Anne Shirley — something romantic and dreamy, but I would also want it to have a bit of sass. (Or maybe something with carrot, to commemorate her schoolroom smackdown of Gilbert?)
Yes! Some carrot for Anne!
I recently read Floating Gold: A Natural (and Unnatural) History by Christopher Kemp. I learned a lot. I was disabused of my notion that ambergris is whale barf. It’s not. I also learned that Chanel and Guerlain still use the real thing. Recommended reading!
Ooh, I’ve been wanting to read that! Ambergris is so lovely.
Thank you bluepinegrove for mentioning Floating Gold. I was prepared to recommend it but was not surprised when I found you got there first. I think many readers of NST would be highly entertained by it. Kemp, a biologist, gives himself to a growing compulsion to comb remote beaches in all weather for a lump of precious ambergris. You get his descriptions of the (apparently) ineffable aroma, and , yes, the full skinny on how ambergris forms, with appropriate reference to Moby Dick. And, as you note, anonymous testimony that the big houses buy and use it now.
What to wear while reading it? Something expensive, I’m sure, but I definitely don’t know. I would love to read comments on what current fragrances might actually still contain ambergris, and I’m sure some of you know, or think you know.
Two books I read over and over that changed my life – they have changed every person I have given them to:
Clear your clutter with Feng Shui – Karen Kingston
This book really, really changed the way I look at my house, my health, my thoughts, my friends, and my entire life. We have so much clutter in our lives and don’t even realise it. There’s a bit of Feng shui in here, but to those of you who find that “fluff” – trust me, there is very little blah in this book, and much more wisdom than most feng shui books I have read.
Wear something clean and light, like Elie Saab Le Parfum.
The Choice for Consciousness – Eloheim & the Council (Veronica Torres)
This book… Just wow. It’s pretty short and has a bunch of “tools” to help in life in general. Here are two of my favourite tools with a short summary:
“No is a sentence”: Don’t feel the need to give excuses when you say no to someone; you do not owe people anything – someone who does not accept a polite no from you (and a possible “because I cannot / it isn’t right for me”), is someone who does not respect you. (According to the previous book, that person might be part of the clutter in your life)
“Don’t be mean”: Catch yourself when you tell yourself off or put yourself down, and imagined yourself saying that to a 4 year old. Would you? If not, then stop saying it to yourself.
Wear something deep that takes you far away when reading this.
It’s also interesting how much money I save because of the first book. Unless I love an item or use/look at it often, it goes to someone who will love it more than I do. When buying stuff, I ask myself if I will use/love it frequently. If not, forget the “just in case” – I’m not buying it. This book is so amazing, and I hope I get at least one of you inspired to read these books, as they have changed my life so much.
Both of those books sound fascinating! And interestingly, I have spent the weekend working on Feng Shui cures for my living room. Thanks for the recs.
Two of my very favorites are:
The Far Pavilions (M. M. Kaye) and Zemindar (Valerie Fitzgerald), both set in 19th century India. sweeping, sumptuous romance, both are entrancing…..
recommended scent: myrrh and frankincense, the best you can find.
Oh, its’ a pleasure to meet another Zemindar fan! Probably my favorite in the historical fiction category.
Ohh, M.M.Kaye is one of my favorite writers of all time!! Fell in love with her books as a teenager, and still enjoy re-reading them from time to time. And I must get a copy of Zemindar — I expect I’ll love it. Thanks to you and Apparatchik for reminding me of it.
The Ordinary Princess was one of my favorite books as a girl. I had no idea she wrote books for adults too. Off to Amazon I go!
Nickel and Dimed…wearing the cheapest coty from drug mart….
That’s a great, if depressing, book! I have wondered if the economic times require a second edition to update for the newly impoverished. (And good match for the perfume. I’m imagining Navy for the scent.)
Yes! an updated edition in these times would be interesting…wonder if she would find it harder to find jobs and if they pay even less now! wow. eye opening book!
JolieFleurs – your home with candles sounds marvelous. I live in a place where we have power outs a lot – and I kinda get disappointed when the lights come on again – there goes the atmosphere, the magic night with its silent candles and hissing kerosene lamps.
Oh, it IS marvelous, if I do say so myself, lol.
I lived way back “up the holler” without any electricity til I was about 10, and to this day, I still find the glare of electric lights to be harsh. I am deeply grateful for air conditioning, washing machines and electricity to listen to my music but I seldom turn on lights.
I loved nightfall as a child, and lighting the candles every night at dusk remains one of my most cherished daily rituals.
I recently finished “Lifeboat” by Charlotte Rogan. Edwardian-era shipwreck? Check. More people in a lifeboat than it can hold? Check. Moral dilemmas? Check. Psychological manipulation? Check. Unreliable narrator? Oh, yes, indeedy. Read it on the beach, just don’t take it with you on your cruise. Any good salty/sea-air fragrance will work here.
The other book I’ve read recently and enjoyed immensely is “Cloudstreet” by Tim Winton. It explores themes of luck, loss, family, and spirituality by telling the tale of two families who end up sharing a rambling, possibly haunted house. It’s filled with wonderfully descriptive writing and is hilariously funny in parts. I’m sure our Australian commenters can give us an idea of what perfume would complement this masterpiece.
Glad to hear that you enjoyed Lifeboat! I read a review of it a while back and thought it sounded intriguing.
Both of these sound right up my alley! Thanks.
An almost similar plot oldie but good book – “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie. Surprisingly, it was my 12-year old nephew who recommended it to me and I tremendously enjoyed it! A salty / sea-air fragrance would work too since it is set on an island.
Those books sound great!.
For anyone with an interest in popular music from the ’60s and ’70s, I highly recommend Out of the Vinyl Deeps by Ellen Willis. Before she started focusing on political journalism, she was the New Yorker’s first rock critic, and this book draws heavily on her work from that period. It’s some of the most intelligent and engaging cultural commentary I’ve read, well, ever.
I suppose something with lots of patchouli would be the obvious perfume choice, but it’d have to be one that doesn’t feel like a head-shop cliché. Aromatics Elixir is one of my enduring favorites, and it’s roughly contemporaneous with the material in the book.
Volelur de Roses? Sounds like an interesting book – especially for a “woman of a certain age” who lived those times! 😀
Rappleyea, I can’t recommend the book highly enough. It’s launched me on a mission to read everything else by Ellen Willis that I can get my hands on.
Funny you should mention Voleur de Roses in this context — I wore that to a Justin Townes Earle show on Friday night. It’s another of my favorite patch scents.
I’m currently reading Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster, which is interesting and enlightening, but also inevitably depressing. I feel like I have to wear my richest Amouage scents while reading to comfort myself with the realization that there are still a few fabulous extravagances left in the world.
That was a very interesting book. Yes, sad in many ways.
While working on a quilt featuring a hand-painted batik dragon, I am listening to Kafka on the Shore by Harukami, wearing Aftelier Shiso. Very enjoyable.
Hmmm…just finished 1Q84 and thought it was badly in need of an editor although I enjoyed it. It was my first Harukami. I thought I might try Norwegian Wood next while wearing Femininite du Bois (Sheseido version naturally!) Has anyone read it?
I’ve read Norwegian Wood! Murakami is my favorite author and I’ve read almost all of his books. Norwegian Wood was one of his most popular books in Japan, but it is a considerably more realistic love story than what you find in 1Q84. If you like the more surreal elements of 1Q84, I would recommend reading Kafka on the Shore, The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, or Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.
thanks, Jirish, for the Murakami recommendations! I did enjoy the surreal elements of 1Q84, so I might save Norwegian Wood until I’ve read some of the others first.
Glanced at _A Discovery of Witches_ at Costco and got lost in it so I had to buy it. Great summer reading – and I think Ormonde Jane Woman would be perfect while reading it! Have a wonderful trip Robin!
Oh – you must have a look at this:
http://perfumeposse.com/2012/05/27/random-sunday-dior-grand-bal-all-souls-trilogy-books-scents-vero-kerns-new-scent-game-of-thrones/
Thanks so much Maggiecat!
I just finished “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, which has been getting a lot of buzz, and loved it. It’s a very dark tale of a marriage gone wrong — a wife disappears and her husband is blamed. It’s like modern-day Hitchcock and told from two different points of view. I’m having a hard time coming up with the perfect pairing but will go with Bulgari Black — to me it’s a great blend of sweet notes with a dark
underbelly.
I’ve been rereading a lot of classics since getting my Kindle Fire, because…well, just because! There are a lot of books in the classics catalog I haven’t seen in years, nearly decades! And I can’t read just one at a time, of course. I’m a bit shy of halfway through G.A. Henty’s The Treasure of the Incas (which should be a quicker read than it is, but…) three quarters of the way through H.G. Wells’ The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth (which demands something big and juicy and fruity, but leafy) and coming near to being 30 percent through The First Men in the Moon, also Wells. No more idea what would be good to wear with that than the Henty. And have just finifhed a Phonogram freebie from the comics store app, and am thinking about getting some others. That begs for a bubblegum-pop type makeover of one of the big 80s scents, but other than that, I can’t say. Other than I think Penny wears Ex-cla-mation (or however the hell they wrote it on those ugly little bottles.)
Oh, and no scent. It’s just too damned hot today. I’ve spent most of it sitting on the floor in front of the fan with a wet towel on my head. Far from the best conditions to wear…well, anything in.
I can never find the time to read books. My husband, however, is an avid reader, and usually has several in progress at any time. Right now he is working on reading War and Peace, and is about 1/4 of the way through. Not your typical summer reading material. For a perfume accompaniment, I suppose the obvious choice would be Zagorsk.
W & P is going to be my next Kindle download! I’ve been researching the various translations to figure out which is supposedly the “best”.
Rappleyea, please share with us the translation you think is best! I’ve never taken on W & P, but keep meaning to…someday…
Originally, I was leaning toward the Maude translation, but I’m pretty sure now that I will get the translation by Pevear and Volokhonsky. Several reviewers have said that it is better and reads more fluidly. Also, more in the syntax of Tolstoy’s writing style. Hope this helps.
Rappleyea, thanks for replying. I see that this is a very recent translation — and available on Kindle — so I have no more excuses…
My thoughts exactly! 😉
Reading TheTiger that Isn’t – by the two producers of the BBC Radio series More or Less – about numbers, data, trends: how to read and interpret them correctly, understanding the nature of chance – I love it, and it should be compulsory reading for any journalist. Because of the cerebral nature of the book, I’d opt for any perfume in the Amouage Opvs range. Bookish bliss
Ida, have you read the two Freakonomics books? Same idea and very interesting.
Love that programme. 🙂
My summer reading is the Web that has No Weaver:Understanding Chinese Medicine in preparation for acupuncture school. My SOTD is L’Heure Convoitee, a full bottle of which will be my reward for actually starting class. I find the book simultaneously interesting and a little challenging so Shiseido Inoui is its perfume match
Congratulations on going to acupuncture school! I’d also recommend The Complete Book of Chinese Health and Healing by Daniel Reid and Carolyn Myss’s Anatomy of the Spirit. Good luck!
Thanks for the suggestions but I’m trying NOT to buy anything right now since I have more than enough books to pack for my out-of-state move:-)
Oh, and on the topic of Inoui–I bought a backup bottle off ebay and when I opened the package today, I discovered that the seller had included a free bonus bottle of White Shoulders cologne! Now I have a backup of another perfume I love. I am thrilled by random generosity that matches my interests!!! Wow.
I’ve fallen into a fun and easy reading category this summer – English Regency period mysteries and spy books – the C. S. Harris St. Cyr mysteries, Ashley Gardner Captain Lacey mysteries, and M. M. Bennetts and Joanna Bourne for Napoleonic War spy stories. Great fun and very addictive!
I think a dark rose scent would work – the only one I personally have in that category is Voleur de Roses.
I recently read “Love, Life, and Elephants” by Dame Daphne Sheldrick. It’s the story of her life as a conservationist and wildlife rehabilitator in Kenya — and details her own personal love story as well. The first perfume that popped into my mind for the book was Kenzo’s Jungle Elephant – natch – but with the extremely hot weather and power outages we’re experiencing here in the mid-Atlantic, I can scarcely bear to even think about anything warm and spicy.
I’d love to lie down right now in a chilled pool of 4711…
I’ve just added that to my reading list!
Another triple digit day here in Southeastern Virginia. That means you break out the big guns! Today I am layered in Jasmine and coconut body wash and lotion and then spritzed generously with Esprit de Oscar. The heat really does make white florals better. I will sit in the shade with my lovely companion Sophie(just do not tell her she is a parrot, since she considers herself a full fledged member of the human race)and our wonderful hose attachment will bath us both with a fine cooling mist. I will hold an appropriately pulpy romance in the dry hand, because it really is too hot to focus on anything more substantial!
L, I just saw your comments on The Snow Child. Being a fanatic reader since I was a child, this novel is probably among my top 10 favorite novels of all time. The author is a clerk in a bookstore and this is her first novel, although she has an interesting blog, “LettersfromAlaska”. I pray her writing talent brings us more books!
Me, too. It really is a triumph. Nice to hear from another fan. I recommended it to my book club and we’ll be reading it for an upcoming meeting.
Ole, ola! GO SPAIN!
I want to read Great Gatsby before the movie comes out. I’d read it wearing a Guerlain – can’t you just imagine Gatsby in Vol de Nuit or Daisy in Apres L’Ondee in the beginning or Vega as the romance thickens?
A Guerlain or a Caron, definitely!
I just ran across this tonight. You’ll certainly find something worth reading here (even if it’s just the flowchart) :
http://www.upworthy.com/101-books-to-read-this-summer-instead-of-50-shades-of-grey
Screwtape Letters by C.S.Lewis (He wrote the Chronicles of Narnia) could change ya.
Have a great vacation. I’ve never been to the Grand Tetons but I hear they spectacular!
Thanks Tara! Really was beautiful. We’ve just finished Yellowstone now (we’re moving quickly) and tomorrow we’re off to Zion.
Oh, come on. I’m 62 and hate the whole idea of ‘old lady’ perfume.
A Chanel jacket or dress is considered timeless, and so too should the perfume. If old ladies are thought to smell of mothballs, god bless them, so would I If modern pheremone traps weren’t available to save my expensive pure wool, cotton and linen items.
When I cuddle my grandchildren, they might smell Chanel 5, Bulgari Black, Angel, Tea for Two, Mitsouko–whatever they smell when they press their faces into my neck, I hope they think I smell interesting, which has nothing to do with age.
I try not to smell like an old lady but I get my posts muddled like one–sorry!
No worries, I do that all the time!