Usual open thread: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the perfume that turned before you could use up your bottle, whether you've finished your taxes, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: image is Yellow Tulips in a Blue Bottle [cropped] by chefranden at flickr; some rights reserved.
Yup, finished my taxes, just this minute; very depressed by them (anyone else)? I feel like I won’t ever be able to buy perfume again. 🙁 (Though A. this is not true and B. I already have more than I could possibly wear and C. if I hadn’t bought so much perfume this last year taking the hit for paying the taxes wouldn’t have been quite as painful.) 🙁 🙁 🙁
Someone talk about something cheerful, like perfume and kittens. Or perfume and turtles.
Sorry, Unseencenser!
I have to say, my taxes were an unexpected relief this year–I now understand when people say you save money when you buy a house! Made filing more complicated (never had to itemize before), but the return was nice. (But maybe I’m a jerk for mentioning it? Sorry!)
As for kittens . . . let’s see. . . My “new” kitty, I adopted him last year, has gained SO MUCH weight! He’s now 21.5 pounds!!!! I have him on measured portions, he never gets snacks, how does this happen?! He’s beautiful and sweet, but I’ve NEVER had a cat who was so fat!
Holy moly, he’s a porker! Switch foods? Make sure the food isn’t too much corn or grain? Unless he’s very long, it might not be good for him to be so heavy. But a healthy happy kitty is a wonderful thing! I dreamed of my cat the other night – made me more sad since she died than anything else.
Hey, I’m glad someone out there got a good return! Usually I do get a refund; it’s OK for it to be someone else’s turn!
Yeah, I have wondered if his food is too high carb. Mostly, I feel like folks tend to micromanage such things, but he does show signs of being extra sensitive or something!
I don’t mind a bit of a rolly-polly kitty, but he is definitely too big. He could lose 5-6 pounds and look much healthier.
I like the Blue Buffalo cat food.
I like Wellness brand. But if he’s a non-picky eater, it shouldn’t be too tough to change food and see how it does.
I’m afraid it’s pretty much all down to the food. But I’m glad he’s got you looking out for him!
Maybe someone else in the neighborhood is also feeding him. This happens all the time.
I was going to say exactly the same thing. If he’s allowed outside and is food-oriented then he’ll be going around, making hungry eyes at the neighbours. In which case, some kind of (easy release) collar with a note asking people not to feed him might in order.
If not, then an unexplained weight loss might be something that’s worth asking the vet about.
Unfortunately, I can’t blame the neighbors! He’s indoor only. 🙁
When I worked for the vet there was a kitty that came in that was too heavy for the owner to lift in the carrier so she would bring a wheelchair to put the carrier on and wheel him in for his appointment. He weighed in at 32 pounds. He was a very big kitty and thankfully very sweet.
Yikes!
Poodle, we had a 26 pounder dropped off at the humane society where I volunteer. Gorgeous, sweet kitty that we put on a diet immediately. Her owners said they fed her every time she looked at her food dish!
Oh dear!
We eventually convinced the owner that the cat was a wee bit overweight and he did drop a few. There was another cat that weighed 29 pounds and he really wasn’t fat. He was a huge cat. I think he may have had some Maine Coon in him but based on his size we used to joke that he was a mountain lion cross. That’s too much cat for me.
Yes just imagine the task of cleaning out the litter box daily!
I hate even to mention this, because I can just hear the sound of the perfume budget draining into your vet’s bank account, but I think sometimes hormonal or thyroid things can make pets (or humans!) gain a ton of weight even on a normal diet. Personally, if the kitty doesn’t seem to be in distress, I wouldn’t necessarily worry about it (not worth the strain on your wallet or your pet to go through the testing), but if there starts to be some reason why it’s a problem, that’s something you could ask about…
I’m willing to mess with food and such for a while before going down the testing route. He doesn’t seem uncomfortable, and his fur is lovely and healthy, but he certainly can’t keep putting on half a pound a month!
Hi Marjorie Rose,
You might also have your kitty checked for diabetes. Our family’s cat had it and it was very easily (and affordably) controlled with the same type of insulin humans use. She adjusted well to the daily injections & feeding schedule, and lived in great contentment until age 20.
Meg
Had to respond to the kitty food question.
I’ve had cats for, oh, 30 years? I’ve learned that they don’t need grains at all, and if they get them it causes all sorts of problems like weight gain and other health problems that can lead to diabetes, etc. I have a 15 year old with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and getting educated on her diet saved her life when she was wee.
Also, they are desert critters and get most of their water from their food – even if they drink a lot due to dry food they still can be less than optimally hydrated.
So – I feed canned or frozen raw only, and grain free only. I have not found a dry food that is good in the long run, even if it’s low carb. Wellness makes a great grain-free canned and Rad Cat makes a great frozen that some pet stores carry. It’s well worth transitioning to, IMO.
Second the Wellness canned. It’s great! I need to check out the Rad Cat. Thanks.
I am not done — this is one of my worst years for tax procrastination. So, quite possibly I’m in your shoes, but don’t know it yet.
Oh dear. I knew I was going to owe taxes, so I just didn’t want to do it, for the longest time. But getting it over with was by far the best possible outcome. (It would have been just as much trouble to file for an extension as to just do it.) Good luck!
I’m feelin your pain Unseencenser,
We did our taxes in early March and ended up owing 4K. Like ripping off a bandaid quickly, we paid it immediately and the bank account boo boo is healing up nicely now.
I was seeing clients this morning so did not put on perfume, but got a wonderful surprise when I put on a silk scarf from Winter that was still scented with L’ambre des Merveilles. Such a beautiful soft silk-ripened fragrance.
We’re off to TJ Maxx to get the hubby some PJs and socks and I’ll be checking out the discount perfumes! Have a great day and weekend everyone!!
You are wise Sajini! I put on a sample I have been enjoying this morning (Angel Taste of Fragrance, I will admit) and some nice uncomplicated Apothia this afternoon, and have been trying hard to remind myself I don’t have to assuage my pain over paying the tax bill by shopping. In fact, it would be stupid.
Of course, we DID go to the Container Store and get some binders for the CDs to help reorganize the living room. BUT, I’m going to consider that productive housekeeping, not splurging.
It’s nice to enjoy what you already have instead of buying new things. And organizing materials get a free pass because they are all about sorting and appreciating what you already have Nice job.
I’m not really walking my talk here actually. I had a late night online shopping trip and bought a bottle of the new Yves Rocher Neroli that I’ve been lusting after ever since I got a sample a few weeks ago Put on some of the sample today for my pilates session and it is oh so beautiful I think that one will be my spring and summer go to fragrance.
Tried the new Kerosene yesterday. Pretty Machine is very, very pretty–it opened with a gorgeous honey note on me and then lots of linden. It is a very beautiful perfect spring scent. Think I’m definitely getting a bottle once MIN has them in stock
I haven’t heard about that one. I love Kerosene so I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for it.
This sounds nice…will have to try it!
Oooh, that sounds terrific. Love Kerosene, but hadn’t heard about that one yet.
Happy weekend, all!
I’m going to a costume party tonight, and I can’t decide which scent to accessorize with! The theme is the Salon des Refusees, which was a celebration of early Impressionist artists after they were disallowed from the “good” art houses for their controversial works. I’m going as Cezanne’s Still Life with Apples. 😀
Any suggestions?
Oh, then something that would be good with apple pie! Theorema? 🙂
That’s hilarious.
Outrageous! would do, in terms of the subject matter and the angularity/physical tension reflected by the piece.
Fun! Thematically, perhaps Be Delicious could work–a novel take on apples when introduced, now ubiquitous??
Good one!
Thanks Unseencenser!
And Marjorie, you must tell us–what does a Still Life with Apples costume look like??
Good recs already, just wanted to say what a great idea, & do have fun!
Thanks, Robin! It should be a good time.
That’s great. I’m wondering what your costume looks like too. For scent, you could daub a little linseed oil behind your ears.
Hahaha! Love the idea of linseed oil! 😀
My costume is not too dramatic this time, I fear. For last year’s Titanic Party, I went all-out and tried to dress as period-appropriate as I could put together. This year, with all my various other obligations, I’m taking the easy route–a fancy hat! I replicated the still life into a sort of crown, and I will wear a party dress. 🙂
I love the idea of a Cezanne still life hat. You can wear it for other occasions too I hope. We just got back from some fun shopping. My favorite thing of the day was a tea infuser called “teatanic” in the shape of a miniature Titanic. When you put it into your teacup it kind of sinks at an angle.
So fun!
Just chiming in to say that you got to some great parties – that sounds like fun!
*go to
Ditto! What wonderful party themes. I hope you had a great time!
How cool! What about L’AP Traversee du Bosphore (apple loukhoum leather)?
This is almost certainly too late, but why not go with some which would have been avant garde for the impressionist, (Jicky)? or something “avant garde” today?
Good afternoon!
This was an intense week. There was a Festival of Arts and Sciences at my university on Wednesday. My chemistry department had some open lectures, stands and some workshop. My thesis promoter asked me to help during that day. She didn’t tell me earlier what I was going to do there – it turned out she asked me if I could take care of a stand with fragrant compounds. I felt awarded as there was no other student who worked at the stand that day.
What else? Last week I bought (blind) a decant of LM Parfums Vol d’Hirondelle. I’m wearing it today and I’m super happy I bought it. It’s an amazing scent, ideal for spring which seems to be slowly appearing in Poland. I managed to changed my winter boots for spring shoes.
I’m having an exam on face creams next Friday, I’m sure I’m gonna get the top score. It’s one of my favourite subjects this semester.
And at the end – a weekend question. Yesterday I started a thread about our favourite spring fragrances. Do you have favourite spring perfume? If you do, please visit my blog and join the discussion. That would be great!
Happy weekend!
Face creams? So what can I use to make me look 20 again?
Excellent question!! 🙂 I’d also like to ask–eye cream suggestions??
Poodle, C.H., I guess nothing can make you look 20 again (apart from scalpel) but I highly recomment drugstore creams from middle-priced shelf.
We’ve been shown some serious studies that proved that creams (and anti-aging creams too) from middle-priced shelf are the best. Not those super expensive ones.
That’s good to know because I usually buy the mid range stuff. I always wonder about the pricey ones and whether I’d be better with them. Good to know they aren’t that much better.
My professor showed us some scientific results of experiments about how well the different price range anti-wrinkle creams work and it showed that middle-priced are the best, the high-end being far behing them.
The explanation for that is that in middle-priced range there’s the highest competition between the brands.
Wow, that really is good to know! Thanks for the info!
Good to know. Excellent info, thanks for sharing!
Excellent info, Lucasai, Thanks!
I have always bought the mid-range skin care products as well because when I have had samples of the high price products, I never saw a difference–even though I had enough samples for 6 weeks use–which should be enough time to see some difference.
Maybe someone’s already said this but the best thing you can do is use a well-formulated SPF of at least 15, one that protects against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. I always tell people that there’s no need to use an expensive one (Olay Complete 15 is just fine, as is the SPF 30 from CeraVe ) because if you do, you’re less likely to use as much as you should. Slather it on people; a teaspoon is the amount you need for your face, or if we’re talking head to toe protection, enough product to fill a shot glass. Yup. A shot glass. Anything less and you’re not getting the sun protection you should. Also, products labeled SPF 50+ are just overkill; there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to warrant such a thing.
Ah, thanks! Yes Olay is what I use, glad to hear it’s approved!
And don’t forget to take your vitamin D…
This is a good question! I feel like when I get a drugstore lipstick vs. a YSL one, I can readily tell what the difference is, and sometimes it’s good to go cheap, and sometimes I want the higher quality stuff. But for face creams… since the effects show over such a long time, it’s really hard to tell if the more expensive things are worth it. I have used a variety of Olay products, and was pretty happy with them, as well as some fancier stuff. Anybody have any great loves for face creams, expensive or otherwise?
Korres products work really well for me. I use their wild rose line. I also really like a local company called Suki. They make wonderful face creams and serums from natural products. I often get complimented on my skin.
I’ll gladly sing the praises of Korres’s yogurt face cream, especially for skin that is both oily and dried out (sounds counterintuitive, but it does happen). And if anyone from Korres happens to see this, bring back the cedar shower gel!
Yay Korres! I’m always raving about them to anyone who’s interested (and probably several people who aren’t!) I love their wild rose range and the jasmine body milk is fantastic too
Loved the cedar shower gel!
I use Tolpa, it’s a Polish brand that uses a lot of natural substances for their products. I have never tried any Korres products but judging after the ingredients they make fine creams too.
I highly recommend the 3Lab BB Cream. Not cheap, in fact the line is outrageously expensive. The SA at my Nordies gives tons of samples and the eye cream is the best ever, but I will never be able to afford it. I did pop for the BB and get compliments on my skin daily. It has SPF40, as well. I think I clock in at least 15 yrs younger than my actual age.
Worth investigating.
Love the sound of SPF 40.
Yup, the SPF 40 or 50 should be provided in any daily face cream. It’s often not this high but anything above SPF 10 does the trick in basic UV-A and UV-B protection.
I’ll add that Maybelline has a BB cream with an SPF 30 (and it’s mineral rather than chemical sunscreen) that has worked surprisingly well for me this winter for those days that I don’t want to bother with moisturizer, primer and foundation.
I’ve been looking for a daily face moisturizer with a decent SPF for oil skin. Anyone have any recommendations?
Hm, yet another thing, all these BB creams popping up all over the place. I was reading about some online, and the Clarins one was one of the least expensive per ounce. Clarins products always smell heavenly, too. I used the Olay Regenerist spf 15 for a long time, and recently could only find the spf 50 but I like it less. SPF is the best thing you can do for your skin, I’m sure. I think my skin looks quite good, but I think it’s because of daily SPF use, frequent exercise, and lots of fruits, veggies, and tea.
Lucasi, I often go to the CosmeticCop site when I a m researching a product. Its supposed to be a relatively objective and scientifically orientated comparison of brands. The interesting thing is that she is quite disparaging to many brands that tout natural ingredients for the reason that ‘natural’ is not automatically good for the skin. Many natural ingredients can actually be irritants and such brands put them in without any real research.
At the moment I am interested in Badger products – not their sunscreens but maybe face-cream…
I’ve been using the Badger Headache Soother balm. I don’t know if it does much for a really bad headache but it does have a nice lavender scent and has worked great on my cuticles.
The Night-night one also has a lovely lavender scent Really though some lavender essential oil on my pillow works better to put me to sleep!
Good luck with your exam, Lucasai!
SOTD – is Dia, just because.
What are everyone’s favourite Histoires de Parfums? I have no experience with the brand and I like the sound of 1740 but what else is a must try?
Ooo ooo! I love 1804 – such a pretty girl party type of fragrance, that one’s my favorite, especially spring and summer. And Blanc Violette is pretty for spring too, and Vert Pivoine is a gorgeous green peony, and of the tuberoses I like Virginale, which isn’t virginal at all.
I like 1740 and just got some, in fact. It is a VERY spiky amber – if you’re in the mood for leather cuffs with metal spikes on them, and amber, that’s the way to go.
LOL censer you just killed my 1740 lemming, I’m an “unsweetened leather” leather fan so spiky cuff with amber is so not happening. But fewer lemmings = happy me.
Excellent! Money saved! (Did I mention I’m now poor?) It’s definitely amber, and though I wouldn’t call it sweet, I have a very high tolerance for sweet.
I can do sweet but I can’t do amber which is kind of funny. It turns very “old man” on me altho I am neither old nor a man.
The Guide describes is as immortelle leather and I usually think of immortelle as quite sweet and boozy. I’m a leather freak, though, so any mention of it makes my ears perk up.
I like leather too but I don’t think there’s as much leather in 1740 as in some other things … it’s just not what pops out to my nose. It’s part of what imparts that spiky quality, but it’s not the main show. Well worth a sample but not to but a bigger bottle unsniffed, perhaps?
Oh, I never, ever, ever, ever, ever buy unsniffed, ever. As I mentioned below, I’m trying to pick 6 for the sample set to get an idea about the house style.
Thank you! 1804 is the George Sand one, right? I’m terrible with these sorts of numbers only names. Marjorie recently mentioned the same thing about the Amouage Opus collection. That’s another one that sounded like my kind of thing so it goes on the short-list.
Indeed, I think I started with the florals primarily because they had words for names and I could remember them! Yes, George Sand. (Unfortunately 1740 is the Marquis de Sade one – another reason not to want it. 🙁 )
I also have a hard time keeping the Opuses straight unless I fall in love with them (I, VI).
I have also been testing my way through this line recently and will be interested to see what responses you have. Please share with us! Of the ones I’ve tried so far, I liked Mata Hari, 1740, and Rare Ambrarem the most, and bought bottles of the latter two. I really can’t understand the comment that 1740 is amber-ish or sweet. It has no amber listed in its notes and I find it a very dark smoky fragrance, not sweet at all. I recommend that you keep it on your decant list and try for yourself. In fact I tried it today side by side on two hands, with amber on one hand (I tried the MPG version) and 1740 on the other, and I got no comparison whatsoever. The 1740 smelled mainly of smoke, leather, and PATCHOULI. Big-time patchouli. I’m a patchouli fan and this is like, to me, some of the darkest ones such as Borneo 1734 or CDG Luxe Patchouli. It’s divine. DO try it!!
Abyss, at the beginning of my niche exploration (that started one year ago) I ordered two discovery sets from Histoires de Parfums. I fell in love with 1725 Casanova which I own now. Also found 1826 Eugenie de Montijo and 1828 Jules Verne to be very solid fragrances.
Their Ambre 114 is one of the most lasting ambers available nowadays (+14 hours of longevity) and 1969 is ideal for gourmand lovers, best chocolate & peach perfume I know.
Neither of three Tuberoses stole my heart, 1889 is a fun in a bottle though.
From Edition Rare I fancy Rosam and Veni.
Ooops… that’s a lot of perfume to try.
Yes, Victoria just reviewed the 1826 at EauMG and now I’m thinking I’d like to try it. Obviously I started with the lighter florals of the line (which are, for lighter florals, really well done. Especially 1804, which I’ve said before is like a Regency romance of a perfume.)
I love gourmands, chocolate and peach, and still don’t like 1969. Psychedelique from Jovoy is what I wish 1969 had smelled like. But just considering 1969 by itself, aside from its name – I want to like it but don’t.
Thanks, Lucas. I am thinking of finally ordering a sample set from them which is why I need some help narrowing down my options.
EauMG – ha!
Hope you’ll enjoy them, good luck!
I, too, was disappointed by 1969 – I’ll have to try Psychedelique. Is that line available anywhere in the US?
Think I’ve seenJovoy at Henri Bendel and maybe also MIN New York. MIn has a sampling program but I don’t think Bendel’s does
I adore 1740, I get leather, immortelle, but the best part for me is the soft smooth amber drydown which lasts a very long time.
I also like 1725 (Casanova, a mild anisic lavender amber), 1876 (Mata Hari, a lightly spicy rose), 1828 which I can’t remember well enough to describe, Noir Patchouli, Ambre 114 ( lovely elegant amber, somewhat reminiscent of MPG’s Ambre Précieux), and I have an on/off relationship with Tubéreuse Animale. They share an accessible elegance and I find them very wearable.
I love 1969.
I’m still sitting on the fence about whether or not to buy a fb of 1969. It seems to be missing that special something that makes it feel like it’s a good fit. It’s delicious, but never really bonds with me, if that makes sense.
I have a sample of Mata Hari, which turns powdery on me. It’s very nice, but I’m not really into powdery fragrances.
Yes, it is a little powdery. I got my bottle very cheap on ebay. I like it wear it quite a lot, but I doubt that I would have bought it at full price. I think the only one I would have been willing to pay the full amount for is the 1740.
I must have sniffed 1969, but cannot remember it. I still have a sample so will try it again.
I like Collette.
SOTD is Seville a l’Aube, to hang out with my mom–she read the Wall St Journal review of The Perfume Lover this morning and wants to know what it smells like. I think she might be catching the mania… 🙂
You smell great!
totally off topic..but I’ve changed my mind about most of the Ramon Mongal line..totally synthetic musk bombs most of them..please tell kevin to read my latest comments..lol..think he was right lol, thanks robin!
i’ve so been wanting to try that one! i love me some orange!
It’s really beautiful, and feels very original and distinctive to me–I’m hard-pressed to think of another perfume that does anything similar (although maybe someone with a more extensive set of references can suggest a comparison!) Def one to try if you get a chance.
Hi everybody. I don’t know if I thanked the people that gave me the advice to spray-clear the line in my Missoni bottle some time ago, but THANK YOU. I thought mine had turned (which in turn actually made me back up my back-up preemptively), but it was just the juice in the tube. My Missoni fragrance is as psychotically happy as it was when I opened it. >=D
Oh good!!
Decided to try EL’s Bronze Goddess this yr. But upon reading disgruntled reviews on the EL site of the 2013 edition (BG, not a flanker), wondering if I should seek out an older bottle. Has anyone tried this yr’s version and compared it to previous years’ versions?
I would be interested in hearing the answer to this too!
Good to know, I’ll have to go give it a sniff — haven’t yet.
I smelled this today and the whole thing just smelled like a vat of chemicals disguised as perfume. Yuck!
Oh no! I have and love BG in the summertime. Why did they go and mess up a perfectly good scent?
I wore BG yesterday on a lovely first date (art museum followed by picnic and lakeside hike in state park) and was complimented on how good I smelled. I always think BG might not appeal to men as much, but to me it is summer in a bottle.
I think BG seems like a great first-date scent! Not too challenging, but still interesting! More important, though, how are you feeling about the fella? 🙂
Oh, the fella was wonderful. Interesting, intelligent, thoughtful, progressive, ambitious, handsome. We lunched on homemade guacamole and a salad he’d made of wilted kale, caramelized onions, and mushrooms, and homemade limoncello and bourbon (which was a nice touch as I’m from KY).
I met him on Friday night at a contra dance while wearing Le Parfum de Therese. He asked me to dance right off and he taught me to waltz as well. My friends all thought he was into me, but I was convinced he was gay or had a girlfriend as usually happens with the best ones. But then he asked me out! Even if it doesn’t go anywhere, I will always now associate Le Parfum de Therese with the sweet memories of the night I met him.
Oh, that sounds like a very promising start! A good-looking, intelligent man who can dance AND can cook! Is the next meeting planned?
That sounds like a great first date. Hopefully there will be more to come.
Oh no! Now I *have* to go find some to check! My bottle (purchased two summers ago) is over half-empty. I had assumed I could spray with abandon and easily replenish as needed. It *practically* counts as a cheap thrill! I’ll be really bummed if I have to start buying up old bottles off the internet.
Hi there, I have a question for you today, I am in love with Chanel No5 soap which smells -obviously- more soapy than the fragrance itself. Does anybody know if any of the other body products come close to the scent of the soap?
Beautiful here today. Backyard full of doves. Their cooing is a reminder that summer will be here soon. 90 degrees today! Yikes!
My three cats like to do a number from West Side Story after their breakfast. They have just calmed down now with fat one on my lap supporting my tablet so I can type. Thanks, Hope!
SOTD, Opardu. You all raved about it and I found a sample on eBay and nabbed it.
It is a beaut!
90! I am jealous.
It will be 110 for three months or more; you wouldn’t be jealous of that. When May hits, all we can dream about is Halloween.
Jealous? I’ll trade you! It’ll be 90 tomorrow. It barely even got cold! Oh well, that’s life in Houston.
Sometime in the next few years I’ll own a bottle but I’ll just have to get by on samples for now (it’s a little extravagant for grad student me). Gorgeous, gorgeous stuff though
Not to rub it in, but I did our taxes over two months ago and got our refund less than two weeks later. It is now stashed away in our vacation fund.
I have been testing the MDCI samples I ordered recently. So far, none of them are really speaking to me. Vepres Siciliennes turned into an absolute scrubber. The rest seem fine, but nothing spectacular. I had thought if there were several I really liked, I could get the coffret, but I don’t even need to do that. All the discussion of the Histoire de Parfums line above has reminded me that I have not really given those samples a thorough testing yet. I may remedy that this coming week.
I have HdP samples languishing. I got Luckyscent’s too-many-at-once sample pack when they first picked up the line.
Nice term for those sample packs! I just got the April one – yes, too many at once… but a luxury of too-muchness!
If I get too many I reliably stash them. I think I only got through two of the Xerjoff Ouds.
(too many samples at one time, that is)
Hee, me too…and I always get 2 sets because I Iike to decant them into sprayers and one .7ml vial is just not enough.
Hajusuuri, I do the same thing…of course 🙂 Spraying is a much better way of testing.
LOL, Farouche. It seems like we have the same habits too!
Nice! My grad student/freelancer status (and related lack of withholdings from my paycheck) means that I’ve basically never had this refund experience–anything I overpaid from last year just stays in the bank of Uncle Sam toward the estimated taxes I have to pay for this year.
It’s not as much fun as getting money back!
No, “refund” is just getting back a loan you gave to the govt.
Fear not, I’m also lending money to the government, but repayment is just diverted directly to the next line of credit 😉
Not rubbing it in at all – be proud!
I have yet to get a handle on the MDCI line at all. Too many letters? (Letters and numbers, I can’t hack it! I need WORDS!)
Forgot to write that I tried the newish Grasse line at L’Occitane and first impressions are very good. The bottle design and print images had me fearful that they would be wussy, but they seem well-sourced and interesting, a good replacement (and not a redo) of the Voyage line. More “composed” than the Voyage line, less raw, but very nice. First impression meaning only on paper, so would have to do a real test since L’Occitane drydown can be iffy.
Vanille & Narcisse reminds me of a Guerlain, without the drama and more simplified but maybe like a Guerlain in haiku format.
Ah thanks for this reminder–yes I smelled on paper also and thought it’d be worth returning to try on skin. Will have to do that!
Ooo, good info! I tragically skipped buying a perfume in a truck stop in Provence many years ago and have ever since been trying to find something that approximated it.
Don’t know if this will approximate that but it does seem to highlight the materials in a way that is thoughtful.
SOTD = Puredistance Opardu – absolutely lovely
Taxes – filed Federal electronically last week, sad that I gave Uncle Sam a tax-free loan, happy I’m getting it back :-). State – will file the old-fashioned way because I refuse to shell out $20 for the privilege of filing electronically. I now have to do my parental units’ taxes but I’ll probably take the easy way out and file an extension.
Last week, I was at Nordie’s and saw that the Florabotanica tester bottle was almost empty (literally barely 5 spritzes left ) and decided to ask the SA if I could have the bottle. She said that normally they just throw out the empty testers (you should have seen the horrified look on my face!) but she actually just gave me the bottle AND she gave me two minis! I now just have to hunt for the 1 oz bottle and my collection will be complete. It’s too bad I hate the juice but the bottles are GORGEOUS!
I’m one of the few who like the juice, but the bottles are gorgeous – the boxes, to me, even more so!
Wow that is a score! I know some places SAs have to turn in empty tester bottles in order to open a new one–I assume it’s to prevent fraud but it really is a bummer since I’m sure eventually they do all end up in the trash. What a waste, I would likewise be very pleased to have an empty Florabotanica bottle!
You always see those “testers” up on eBay.
True! Unfortunately I’m at once too penniless and also too itinerant to justify spending money to collect bottles (moving my book collection is already sufficiently nightmarish! …literally I have anxiety dreams about packing them, ay yi yi.) But if someone wanted to give me one that was destined for the trash heap… 😉
I think my sample stash is more of a nightmare than my FBs. The FBs take up more room, but the stash is surprisingly massive and unlike the FBs it expands outward into all spaces.
Well observed! Yes I am better at staving off clutter in some areas than in others… 🙂
Like unseencenser I really like Florabotanica – it smells really distinctive on me and has great sillage/longevity.
That’s a good SA you have. I’ve now come across two SAs who, when they realize I’m holding a tester of something that’s been discontinued at their store, yank it away and throw it in a drawer (literally, throw it!). That’s really bad. Your SA will go the extra distance!
She absolutely goes the extra mile. For the discontinued perfumes, she would make me several spray vial samples (then put away the bottle) and, depending upon how recent it was discontinued, offer to call several stores to see if it is still available. She’s the BEST.
Is your SA at Nordies? Any chance in the Boston area? Looking for a good SA there. James is great at Bloomies in Chestnut Hill; haven’t found anyone knowledgeable at the Barney’s in Boston, which seems a shame (they had to look up the accord in SL’s Tuberose Criminelle); at Saks, Joe is wonderful, great with samples and knows the juice.
Nordies in NJ!
Ann at the Boston Neiman’s is extremely knowledgeable. She’s been the fragrance department manager for years and really knows here stuff. HTH! (No relation!)
Great score my dear!
The store I shop in has the policy of not just trashing empty testers but crushing them. When I work there, the only way to get an empty or discontinued bottle is to get the rep from its perfume company to sign it out, and then you have to get a form from the cash register printed out and signed by the dept. manager. Then you sign it, plus your name and address is also printed on it. I guess the security premise is that people will try to return a partially empty bottle and say they were allergic. I have, in the past, taken the empty bottle I wanted for an audience with the head of security and requested taking it out of the store. He gave his blessing, stating that there was nothing I could do with an empty with no box or bill. Whew! But each new security guy has different ideas about policy!
Actually, I can imagine something you could do with an empty bottle which would be fraudulent and damaging to the brand. However, I decided not to post the scam on line, because why give some lurker the idea.
Did my taxes about a month early becasue they owed me!! Used a bit of the return for a F. Malle bottle of En Passant.
Congrats!!
Taxes finished & filed; stashing away part of the refund for Sniffa Fall Ball and will add to it monthly until October.
Excellent plan! I would have done the same, if I had been getting a refund. Sigh.
Hi friends. I have been looking for signaturescent for years! I finaly found it!! Dia amouage.. I am very happy!! No more searching, sniffing.. And buying!! It is clean, but not cold or green or watery, just classy. And.. A bodyline which is fabulous!! So, thanks again for helping me about a year ago!!
Jacqueline from Holland
I keep seeing Amouage Dia over and over …must try!
How wonderful for you! If I could only pick one fragrance, it would be Black Aoud from Montale, but I like to have different scents for different moods, etc., so the collecting continues. Epic Woman and Opus V are my favorite Amouages (so far).
Jonette from Holland
The British tax year goes from 6th April to 5th April and the deadline for filling in returns is 30th October so no rush…
I am slowly falling in love with La fille de Berlin. (I really wish it was called something else, though.)
Re: the Fille de Berlin – really? I did smell it, and it smelled like such a generic rose to me. What are you loving about it? I would love to know more!
I’m stunned myself because most rose scents make me queasy. So far the only other one that I can take is Creed Fleur de Thé Rose Bulgare, but I don’t want to wear it. I find La fille de Berlin intoxicating without being cloying. It’s warm and I go ‘Aaah!’ when I smell it. Very few perfumes have that effect on me. I’m using a sample at the moment. I get these delicious whiffs from time to time.
I wore Tubéreuse Criminelle exclusively for five years (until I couldn’t smell it on me at all). I was addicted to the top notes, but no one else in my ‘entourage’ was. I wouldn’t mind wearing smthg that others like too, for a change.
Hmm. I know it’s supposed to be more than just rose, but I can’t smell much more to it. I wonder what the “warm” element is? I know it’s a Lutens, pepper is listed in the notes – I just get none of it.
Anyway, great if you love it – a rose for you, money saved for me!
SOTD= Sous Le Vent – heavenly. Taxes are being done as I write (shudders).
Lucky! Love Sous le Vent.
I’ve had a bad cold all week, this is the first day I’m feeling all right and up to wearing perfume. SOTD Sweet Redemption.
I have the taxpapers on my desk but haven’t taken the time to check them yet, although doing the taxes in Sweden is extremely easy, all the papers come already filled out and you can approve them by texting a code on your mobile, takes all of five minutes generally. Probably I’ll spend some of the return on perfume 🙂
Eva, you know, I was wondering last week why the U.S. Internal Revenue Service doesn’t offer something like that as an option, since it seems like they should have enough information to fill out the form for most people.
Taxes done! I just got a small Jour d’Hermes in the mail, and I am delighted with it. I feel alert and rather cozy at the same time, each time I put it on. I want to be wearing Diorissimo for Spring, but it is such a chilly blustery day here in Michigan that this Jour d’Hermes is much better under the circumstances.
I love Jour d’Hermes, it makes me so happy.
SOTD eau de Rochas. My question: if I have Aromatics Elixir do I need Paloma Picasso? (Currently it’s very cheap at TJZMaxx…)
I would also be interested in hearing about Paloma Picasso vs. Aromatics Elixir. I love me some AE and have been curious about PP for some time.
Emily, if I take the plunge ($12.99, I think,) I’ll let you know…
Thanks, Nancy!
PP announces your arrival. AE let’s them know your were there.
Ooh, nicely put.
Answer depends on the size if your collection.
I am a connoisseur of neither but to my nose Paloma Picasso is a more open composition while AE is more labyrinthine and full of dark passages.
AE is far too bitter on me, I can’t wear it at all. I enjoyed PP but I had to give it away because for some strange reason it made me sneeze!
I would try it for that price and if it doesn’t work you could always swap it out for something you might like better someday.
Going back to the kittens up top …
I’ll try to make the story short – but there is also a perfume connection …
In January I picked up a straggly street kitten – was just feeling so sorry for him, because he looked like he was about to die, and I thought he had broken his leg(s) or part of his spine. He was using his front legs to walk, and was dragging his back legs along across a muggy pavement. My office is in town, so I took him in – thinking he was going to die before I could get home – my “rescue” was just about giving him a dignified last hour or so, I thought. Fast fwd – the next morning, the vet said we could take XRays, but that it could also just be a calcium deficiency. Lo! every day there was less dragging, and by Day 10 Mr Leggings was gingerly walking on those hind legs. Now, he is unstoppable and driving the two dignified mesdames cats mad. What a difference some milk makes! – and a bit of calcium powder for the first 3 weeks 🙂 The perfume connection – because he was so weak and couldn’t lift his tail in the beginning, I’d have to “bath” him every day after his visit to the catbox. He now seems to have developed a love for almondy/honey/milky soaps, like his mom – waiting eagerly to be bathed every morning – even though the tail problem has been sorted!
Aww. That’s a nice story. Poor little guy. That is so cute that he wants to get a little bath every day.
That story warms my heart. Happy to see he’s found a loving home. A cat who likes baths? Who would have thought?!
That story darn near made me cry. So glad you and your little guy had a happy, sweet-smelling ending! (er, so to speak . . .)
Thank heaven for people like you, Ida! I hear so many sad stories when I volunteer at the shelter, that stories such as yours remind me of all the good people out there who are filled with kindness.
I love it. We had a cat who ate the majority of a stick of butter as a kitten. She couldn’t have been more than 3 lbs. and she was sick as anything, resulting in a bath. She was so good natured that she purred, but I still can’t imagine a cat actually looking forward to getting bathed! Your kitty must smell extra sweet.
Great kitty story! You made my day; thanks for sharing. <3
Awww- smart little fellow! He smelled those soaps while you were making him feel better – who WOULDN’T want to smell them again? How kind you are, and I hope both of you keep enjoying how it worked out! Lovely story.
Bless you, Ida! You’re a hero.
Three of my five cats love water and regularly jump in the bath (I’m always afraid it’s too hot for them, or the bath oil/bath foam will hurt them somehow) and one of the three also likes to sit at the side of the shower compartment, where he gets very wet. Two of these are Turkish Angoras (and they swim in the bathtub!) and the other is a Siberian Forest Cat. It takes forever to dry them off, and when there’s bath oil involved, their usual big plumey tails look horrible.
I love the name “Mr. Leggings”. How lucky he is to have landed up with you.
Oh, that’s a lovely story Ida. And so adorable that he likes a bath; my kitties are fascinated by water, but the time one of them had to be bathed she wasn’t at all impressed!
I’ve been waiting all week for this chance to mention the new PBS show “Mr. Selfridge” because of the perfume bottles displayed in the store. Dept. store magnate Harry Selfridge had the idea to place the perfume dept. at the entrance of his new London store to ward off the smell of horse manure which found its way in from the street on the soles of the customers in 1909. The counter showed some lovely wrapped soaps, lots of 4711, and Guerlain bee bottles. There were also many L’Heure Bleue bottles in varying sizes but interestingly the prop dept. saw fit to have no labels on any of them except the tester which was used by an actress playing an SA. Well, the label was for a contemporary EDP of Mitsouko. The LHB bottle came out in 1911 according to the Guerlain “bible” so putting it in the display is incorrect historically since the store’s birth predated the bottle’s.
Also another scene showed Selfidge’s wife applying LHB or Mitsouko from a giant bottle in a box while a row of Guerlain watch bottles sat on the window sill behind her. The watch bottle debuted in 1936 so it could not have been there.
Although I think the quality of the vast majority of the Masterpiece Theater offerings has been superb, I’ve been terribly disappointed with Mr. Selfridge. I’ve continued to watch hoping it would get better, but it has not, alas, so far… Too bad — great sets, some good individual performances (although not from the American lead), but even the writing doesn’t seem up to snuff.
It doesn’t, dreadful all the way through.
My SOTD is DSH Mirabella. Just got a sample with a couple of dram bottles I ordered. It’s nice, but I’m not sure I love it. My cat likes it, though. He got in my lap a little while ago and started licking my wrist. I can’t imagine it would’ve tasted very good, but he kept doing it.
Oh, that’s so funny. I have a purse spray of Mirabella, and I’m tempted to round up the kitties and see how they react to it. (Husband loves it, for whatever that’s worth.)
My dog does this for me/to me sometimes, and I wonder why. I think it’s more likely that he thinks he’s washing some awful stink off of me so that I can smell like myself again.
The only perfume my cat has ever licked – believe it or not – is Mitsouko! He hates citrus and aldehydes, ignores the rest.
I think my cat might have a thing for green chypre-type scents because the other ones I remember him reacting that way to were Patou Eau de 1000 and maybe Eau du Soir, and I think they have some similarities with Mirabella. My other cat doesn’t seem to care about any of it, or maybe I just haven’t worn one she likes yet.. I don’t know. The only one that made them both react negatively was Aftelier Trevert. They both backed away from me when I sprayed my sample.
Maybe oakmoss is palatable to them? They’ll chew on leaves and grass outside. I previously had a cat who could eat peace lilies and/or violets down to the nubs! His cat-brother didn’t eat plants but slept in the dirt in the big pot that held a huge ficus. They were a pair!
One of my cats (the Balinese) is crazy about some perfumes. I haven’t paid attention yet to which ones. When I wear a scent he likes/loves, he will follow me everywhere and as soon as I sit down, he’ll join me and start licking my wrists.
My cat likes Bois des Iles. Which really is a shame, since it doesn’t last very long and I only have a decant. I keep trying to explain it to him that I need the fragrance to last as long as possible!
MR – I’ve got a Chanel boxed sample (4 mls.) – it’s yours if you want it. Email me at rappleyea11 at yahoo dot com.
Oh, you are amazing! I will send that email right away! (And my cat thanks you, too!) 😀
It’s Sunday morning here in Sydney Australia and I’m up super early! My partner Mike and I are 2 weeks off alcohol and we are feeling great, getting slimmer and saving money ! We are kind of learning how to live again, the drink can be very habit forming and we needed to break the cycle, last night we went for a walk to get ice cream after a beautiful chicken salad . I’m feeling very normal and I kind of like it !
This week I bought a bottle of Shalimar and…….. L’heure bleu, they are both beyond Devine! On my stroll last night (wearing shali)I had my nose down my shirt for about half the time and I discovered a subtle leather note which bought to mind Dzing. I’m going to layer them together today !? Vanilla Barnyard is what I’m hoping for. I was so impressed with L’HB. After my first wear I also discovered it had similar facets to Cuir Mauresque, a pleasing surprise! I just love Guerlain. I’m dreaming of a trip to Paris,
Thanks to all comments from everyone today, sharing this and that and allowing me to do the same ! We are so lucky to have this site and my life would not be the same without it, x
Congratulations on L’Heure Bleue! One of my very favorites.
(and, of course, congratulations on all the other good developments in your life, too. I tend to develop a one-track mind when L’Heure Bleue is mentioned!)
Congratulations on giving up alcohol and treating yourself to Guerlain.
Thankyou to the both of you , your encouragement is very thoughtful ! I’m off visiting family smelling like heaven ! Shalimar with a sprits of Dzing is a fab combo . Amps up the animal and sweetens it out a tad . Totally enjoying the warm autum day here, very sunny and mild ! Enjoy your weekend 🙂
Yes, agree, good for you for getting healthy. You’ll never regret it! And I laughed at “vanilla barnyard”! I can see them working like that.
Thanks Rapp , it’s amazing how great I feel and I’m loving the extra $ for perfume ! When I did the maths I was surprised how much money goes on bottles of wine and lazy schooners . It’s going to a greater cause now ! He he ,
Another congrats at replacing a bad habit with a more enjoyable and healthier one!
Thanks Merlin
Good for you giving up the alcohol. Its always good to have more money for perfumes.
Agree 100%
I don’t drink at all (never have), and I often use this as my “excuse” to friends who think I spend too much money on fragrances! They say silly things like, “but you just bought a bottle LAST month!” And I can say, “well, how much did you spend on bottles of wine and Mike’s hard lemonaid in the past month or two?” It’s probably not quite even (especially when that bottle was Ubar last month), but it usually reduces the good-natured haranguing!
It all adds up !
Good for you. I’ve met a lovely friend through the swap. She’s so generous. I’ve got to get some vials or decant a and idea other than sephora where I can get them? I just dropped her vial of SMN ZAGARA!
Good for you, Sinnerman!
Thanks x
SOTD (so far) is Institut Très Bien Cologne à la Française. Ordered a sample of it and Cologne à l’Italienne without realizing that the line had apparently been discontinued. They’re both nice enough, but I’m not devastated by their unavailability. Once this fades (so, when I finish with this comment), I will probably switch to Chamade.
I have a question for anyone who knows the fragrances of the ’80s — what’s the deal with Privilege? I was browsing eBay for another perfume when I saw a mini of something called Privilege, and out of the blue I remembered that someone had given me a mini just like that when I was a kid, maybe seven or eight years old. I didn’t know its name then, but I thought it was the most divine thing I’d ever smelled. (This made sense when I looked up the notes — jasmine and tropical fruit.) Do any NSTers remember this fragrance, and does anyone know what the current version is like? I’d love to smell it again, but I’m kind of afraid to ruin my happy scent-memory.
Well I’m certainly old enough, but it’s not ringing any bells with me. I was heavily into chypres in those days though.
Probably a good call. Thanks anyway, Rappleyea!
wearing lolita lempicka midnight couture. a blind buy. i like licorice and really liked those cool leaves. in person, the leaves aren’t that great..they are plasticy/rubbery..when I was expecting something like metal maybe? I did end up liking the juice. The leaves also come off easily..’cheaply’ twined on there. The leaves aren’t that big either. Was expecting more appearance wise. Still glad I got it though. the pics were so much better than the real thing!
I thought the bottle looked really different in real life than it does in the photos. I have Midnight Passion, same scent, with red metal and tassel. Tacky = love.
I have the red bottle with tassel too. I love Lolita’s scents and collect the apple bottles although I don’t like the very black ones. I was interested to read about the Midnight Couture version because that’s the one black one I would like to get. However, if it’s as tacky as it sounds, I won’t be as fervent in my desire for it.
In a bit of a dilemma. I got Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit from the Sugar and Spice collection and not so sure it’s a keeper. It seems to get just a bit too cloying. Might be the buttery note (I didn’t do well with Jeux de Peau at all). Anyway, I kind of hate to just return it. Am thinking of swapping for Vanilla and Anise, but not sure if it’s too close to Pacifica Island Vanilla, which I already own. Or for Dark amber and Ginger Lily, though I find that close to the original Bvlgari Omnia, which I also have. The new Osmanthus Blossom is fresh and pretty, though a little generic (bottle is awfully cute, though). What do y’all think?
I also managed to score the Bitter Orange and Chocolate. Love that one. It starts like Robin said like orange-flavored dark chocolate and dries down (I think) to smell just like the drydown to Back to Black (which is the best part of BtB, IMO).
You shouldn’t feel bad about returning it, especially since you also bought and are keeping the Bitter Orange and Chocolate. The Ginger Biscuit is weird. Do you have to exchange or can you just do a return? Sounds like you aren’t sure about which one you’d like in its place so maybe it’s not time to make that purchase yet.
I didn’t like the way the Osmanthus Blossom dried down but I’m a tough sell.
I probably can return if I really can’t love any of the others (that would be the wisest thing, I’m sure). I just feel a little guilty about it since I bought it while some kind of special promotion was going on (although I really wasn’t trying to cash in on the promotion and don’t like the Lime Basil Mandarin that came with it). I did try on the Osmanthus and just recall it being light and going away pretty quickly. Will try to get my spine in order. Thanks!
Hi Sapphire – I hate having to return anything to a store – even if I know I’m totally within my rights to do so, it still makes me squirm so I understand your dilemma!
I have a bottle of Vanilla & Anise that I enjoy; I haven’t tried the Pacifica one, so not sure if they are too similar. I don’t find it to be too vanilla / gourmand though.
If the store allows returns, I don’t think you should feel any guilt. A policy like that is a business decision they’re making on the theory that easy returns will make most shoppers feel freer to buy more stuff in the first place, and ultimately lead to more profits for the store. They may even really want you to take them up on it–if you return the bottle you don’t like this time, I bet you’re much more likely to buy from them again in the future, whereas if you really regret being stuck with it, you’d probably think a lot harder about the decision going forward.
Thanks, C.H. Stiffening spine.
I believe in you! 🙂
Strange, I don’t recall the Dark Amber smelling much like Omnia. Perhaps I need to smell them together! Omnia to me is a dry and transparent spice while Dark Amber is an amber fused with an exotic floral (I may be overly influenced by the name!) Could you mean it is similar to Bulgari Black?
From the Spice and Sugar range I have been most tempted by the Gooseberry and Elderflower…but wouldn’t say no to the Redcurrant and Cream either!
I bought this today at Walmart (USA-VA) for about $4 a bottle! https://moroccaninfusion.suave.com/moroccaninfusion_colorcareshampooandconditioner
I just used it and it smells so GREAT! OMG! the scent reminds me of baby oil crossed with the perfume Poison or Obsession without the spiciness-really nice! and my hair is very silky soft without being limp. My husband said it smells soooooo sexy! And it does! It smells more like a perfume than all these fruity apple shampoos! WOW! I think I am going to love this stuff! Argan Oil, for color-treated AND Suave! And they do a Styling Oil too–I have been using Argan oil on my hair and skin for months and it is the best thing I have ever tried!
I thought you all might be interested–if you are like me you are sick to death of fruity “herbal” shampoos that make your head smell like green apple Jolly Ranchers….
Ravyn
Thanks for the recommendation on this one ! Feel the pain with fruity cordial cocktails they keep churning out. The same for body washes, fallen in totally full blown live with Flying Fox from lush after reading about it on here, I would kill to have it in perfume form .
Actually throwing out a question now , are there any good perfumes that smell similar to Flying Fox that anyone knows of. Jasmine , honey ect ?
Have a great hair day !!!!
I find Lush’s Lust perfume to be very similar to Flying Fox (I love me some Flying Fox too… just bought a bottle yesterday). Both have jasmine and ylang, and to me they both smell like there’s orange blossom in there too, but it’s not listed on the labels on either.
Thanks for the recommendation, i will stalk it this week for sure.
I am yet to find orange blossom and Ylang in FF, lucky you for a great nose. I get JASMINE JASMINE JASMINE and Honey. Will be up for another bottle soon. Cheers
Last year, I bought a pricey bottle of ICON India Oil from my hairdresser because I thought it smelled fabulous. For the first couple of months, I really, really liked it. After that, I just couldn’t stand to sniff it at all — too strong! Because a few drops go a long way, I’ll be stuck with this stuff forever. It works well to make hair silky, but man is that scent strong!
Argan and Immortelle oil are my beauty secrets.
Argan makes your eyelashes grow like weeds. Also if you can get some Jose Maran, she still makes the radiance argan oil for a shimmer especially for the hair. I love this stuff and push it on my friends. It’s a miracle acne suppressant. It’s made me look 15 years younger. All my kids’ friends think I was 12 when I had my brood of 5. They say you look so young and kids don’t lie. Or at least not here. It fills my kids with pride and me. Keep on using it. Sephora markets Maran products but she has a good site with great cleansers infused with Argan. One is salve and one is oily liquid. Both are great but the salve is a deeper clean and comes with a wiping cloth that you throw in the wash. Amazing results’n just days. You won’t be sorry. Enjoy
Just back from TJMaxx. Has anyone used MOR soaps or lotions? I saw a tube of their Blackberry and Iris handcream that tempted, but I didn’t buy it. Odd that I can spring for a bottle of Serge Lutens, but have so much hesitation about a five dollar handcream. Can anyone relate to that?
Yes …… But do u love hand cream as much as perfume ???
Good point Sinnerman. I submit that I do not.
After TJMaxx I came home and put on Amouage interlude Man.
Bravo !
I got a Mor Kumquat soap once at my TjMaxx and it was quite nice.
I got some MOR lotion and soap – also at TJ Maxx, I think – and stuffed them in my gym bag not knowing anything about them. The scents are quite pretty for toiletries, and I later found out they are sold at full price in places like Nordstrom. The quality of the lotion is pretty good (meaning, it helps keep my skin from coming off) and I like the scent.
Don’t know if that helps, but there ’tis…
I haven’t tried their soaps or lotions, but I kind of like the white carnation note in their Marshmallow perfume.
A friend just scored a bottle of Traversée du Bosphore for me at Winners in Montréal, yay! Today I am wearing a long-discontinued favorite, Antoine et Lili Holy Champa by Mark Buxton. Not long-lasting, but lovely for a few hours. Switching to Wazamba shortly for the evening.
Cazaubon, thanks to you and 50 roses commenting a couple of weeks ago on the Jumping Off the Cliff poll, I have that discounted 100-ml bottle of Amouage Dia from Beauty Encounter. So wonderful!
Congrats !!!!
I am so happy that worked out for you! I love Dia.
This is going to sound totally random… but hear me out. So, I’ve been waiting to hear back from the school in our neighborhood about a tour and whether they have a place for my younger son. Yesterday I finally got a call from the principal’s office… but there was a moment of terrible confusion. They wanted me to go to the school right then and there. My CAT was in the office. Apparently he’d been going in and out of the kids’ classrooms all morning distracting the children. They kept shooing him away, and someone would walk him down the street… you know the tune… but the cat came back… so could I PLEASE, asked the woman from the principal’s office ,COME GET the cat and take him home. I was so astonished, and laughing so hard, that the woman hung up before I could mention my son! I sent my older son up to the school to pick up the cat. He said a teacher and a student were waiting at the gate holding the kitty… when he arrived. Now I know what it is like to have a child in trouble with the principal!
Forgive me. With all the cat stories…
SOTD– a random mixture of about 10 scents on sale at Anthropologie where I was killing time this morning waiting for another store to open. They’ve all faded… Every last one. Poof. Means I can put something lovely on for this evening.
That’s too funny, Oakland Fresca!
Another good cat story! You’ve got a very sociable cat!
Kitty wants to go to school! I could see it. All the cool kids are doing it.
Savann by MCDI is great!
Actually our cat looks a lot like your black cat icon, but he has very round yellow eyes… Kids have been walking by the house all day talking to our cat telling each other that “he was the cat in school.” I know there is a children’s book in there somewhere! A la Six Dinner Sid…
Now wearing Timbuktu….
Too funny! My neighbor across the way used to look like the Pied Piper when she went out. Her two dogs walked on either side of the baby stroller and two cats trailed behind. They would all wait for her outside the supermarket or other shops (the cats would disappear, but then reappear as she came out). Now the baby is a toddler and one of the dogs is too old to walk far and there is only one cat, but the procession still continues.
My mother used to tell me that they had a cat that would know to meet her bus when she came home from work. (That had to be about 70 years or more ago.)
The neighbours have a cat called Maya Karolina Glitter. I swear that cat somehow got the soul of a dog. It follows the kids to school and waits in the forest till they come out again at 3. It goes with them when they do their paper route or to the park to play. It’s a little predator that exhibits dog-like aggression towards marauding beings on her property, just waiting to pounce! Well, now they have a lovely rough collie. Ever since it arrived you can read on the cat’s face, “Did you have to get a dog?” Maya looks so angry! My husband says that cat has ten lives, not nine. Other cats get eaten by coyotes.
The dog is the one I’ve been asked to stay away from when I’m wearing perfume because it gets on her fur and the kids don’t like it. Perfume is on my neck, not my hands, so I have to stop hugging the dog. I think it’s just a flimsy excuse not to share their dog.
I’ve been trying out the Amouage Opus sample set that came in the mail this week. I’m up to number V and so far have not found one I like much, which is probably all for the best, given other recent splurges. When I sprayed (just a bit of) Number I, the cat on my lap sort of looked up with shock in his face and then just jumped off the chair like he couldn’t wait to get away (and I am sure I didn’t get any on him). Number III, the mimosa one, was a total scrubber, it was like some nasty bubble gum/marshmallow combination. It literally made me gag. Number IV was the best so far, I thought, but I don’t like it enough to buy. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Interlude, which I prefer, but I don’t like it either enough to buy it. (So far Jubilation XXV woman is the only one I felt compelled to get.) I guess I just have one left from the set to try tomorrow morning–Number VI. (SOTD was Monegal Mon Patchouly and that stuff is very tenacious so no more testing on skin tonight.)
P.S. I forgot to say, I mailed my tax form today, and if I’ve calculated everything right and don’t get audited, I should have a reasonable return coming. But for this one I’ve got a piece of jewelry in mind instead of perfume. After all, April is diamonds month. 😉
Do it, tell us about the diamond????
And since we are telling some kitty stories today here’s the cat who doesn’t like Amouage Opus I.
The only other time a perfume generated a very strong cat reaction was when I tried out Musc Ravageur and one of my cats came over and started peeing on the bed where some had gone!
That’s probably not the reaction you were hoping for from that perfume.
Sorry link didn’t show, sorry to post so much in a row, but I want to try again.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/94283635@N00/6987203439/in/set-72157610806352190
Handsome cat! But from the look on his face, it looks like you got the picture right after he smelled Opus I!
Oh, gorgeous kitty! Too bad we don’t agree on perfumes (I LOVE Opus I) but he is so gorgeous he can do as he pleases, I’m sure. (Plus *you* two agree, which is probably most important.)
Dusty is beautiful! I have a special fondness for long-haired cats. I love his markings.
What a beautiful and distinguished cat! The white ruff around his face is a special touch.
One more question: any Nashville area perfume stores I should check out?
Not any strictly perfume shops in town that I know of, but in the Green Hills Mall Absolution carries Yosh, Odin, SMN, and a few other random niche lines, and the Nordstroms there has Creed, Bond no. 9, Jo Malone, and Diptyque, along with the usual suspects. I’d love to know if there are more places around too 🙂
Thanks, Heather. I’ll report if I find anything new. Stay tuned!
Spent 4 hours in a car today going to my nephew’s wedding. But I smelled good (if I do say so myself) – wearing vintage Vol de Nuit extrait. Turned out to be a good choice for a breezy, cool Spring day.
And I’m almost embarrassed to admit this since you all are testing such current stuff (I bring this up because I can *still* smell remnants on my scrubbed-raw hand). Yesterday I got around to testing Kilian’s Liaisons Dangereuses. Definitely meh, and you know me, I hated the musk dry down (still hating it!). I predominantly got the same strong butter note that’s in SL Jeux de Peau. I just don’t want to smell like buttered popcorn.
Vintage Vol ! Very envious .
I recently bought some Vol in the gold bottle with the holes in it ! It’s lovely and very Guerlain but it is just short of a whisper on me , sadly . I think it’s the EDT, I wish it had a little more guts , galbanium is one of my favorite notes and I want it to blow my hair back. Still , love and respect for this classic.
What is the vintage like , I’m very interested to know ?
Oh , and I love getting into a warm car after a sprits of something lovely ! It creates a lovely scented space and u can concentrate on the aroma as u drive. I wonder what the bride chose as her wedding SOTD ?
Good question about the bride, and do you know, when I hugged her, I didn’t smell anything! It wasn’t a traditional wedding, very casual, but she wore some killer heels – sort of a tan with black lace/netting over the shoe.
The edt has *much* more galbanum than the extrait, which opens with a strong bergomot and petitgrain note. The warmer the weather (and thus one’s skin), the more the floral heart of iris and narcissus blooms. Drydown is a lighter version of the Guerlainade (to my nose) – sandalwood and a little vanilla. Once in a while I get a whiff of the leather that I’ve read others get. But it is very light.
VdN shows the most difference of the Guerlain scents between the extrait and the edt.
Beautifully described !
Seems I got it right with the galbanum after all. It’s sound like you are very familiar with the way it plays out, I’m sure whom ever was sitting around u were wondering who smelt so good.
Bride is forgiven for killer shoes, otherwise no excuses ha!
Wow, Liaisons Dangereuses doesn’t smell like that to me at all. I do like a lot of the things you like (such as Vol de Nuit) very much, yet those original Calice Becker Kilians are some of my all-time favs. There’s really no substitute for carefully testing perfumes on one’s own skin, is there?
So right! And I really like the other original Becker Kilians and assumed I’d love this one too. Not! I noticed that I on the sleeve of the sweater I wore while testing, I don’t get the butter note, just musky floral. I’m assuming the “butter note” on skin was a combination of some of the fruit and musk.
Worst tax year ever. I need to drink heavily, I think. Or put on more perfume!!! But certainly not BUY ANYMORE EVER!! I am riffling through old samples, looking for salvation…….
I hear you. Taxes suck.
Fortunately one can go a really long time on samples and swaps!
Tora, we are waiting (still) to hear from the accountant, and fear the worst. Last year was a bloodbath, this year thought we would come out even-steven but the silence seems ominous.
No SOTD yet. Bought the Puredistance sampler thinking it would make a nice gift, but after reading comments here maybe Opardu will help me chase off the tax dread. Yesterday went back to trying to love Prada Infusion D’Iris; it’s growing on me. Alas Marni is not, and the wonderful SA Joe talked me into the large bottle. What to do? Keep if it in mind for the next swap, folks. No creepy doll, but darling mini and a very large bottle.
Yes, my kitty just has positive associations with those soaps! Everyone, it’s been so uplitfing to read your Lazy Weekend Posts – honestly, NST is a big highlight in my life, because of everyone’s thoughtful comments, new ideas, musings on our favorite topic – and an occasional stray into other related great topics, like good coffee/tea/chocolate and beloved pets.
My cats and dog also occasionally lick at perfumed arms – seems they just find it pleasant … I may be imagining it, but there’s a slight bias towards gourmands 🙂 .
Agree, Ida – I’ve learned about a lot of interesting things here, as well as great perfume!
I love this forum!! Thanks to ALL WHO MAKE IT WHAT IT IS. YOU’VE EDUCATED ME VERY WELL!
My taxes are done (turned in late, but I got a dispensation). Whew! I was better organized with my papers this year, so didn’t have the frantic hunt that usually occurs.
SOTD is Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon. I hadn’t worn it for at least a month and forgot how much I love it. I think it’s wonderful. I wore it to sleep last night, too.
Yesterday, I test drove two scents from Designer Shaik. My last major buying expedition, I got to try nr. 30 and nr. 33 and really loved them both. The perfumista-in-training friend who was with me thought nr. 30 was a better fit for me. I waited an hour and still loved them on me, so I bought nr. 30 and a Travelo of nr. 33.
My report: They are in no way good enough to justify their enormous expense and I rue the day. 🙁 I actually prefer nr. 33, which is soft and just pleasant and would probably be a good innocuous office scent. Nr. 30 has a note that I can’t identify but definitely something used in orientals. These both lack complexity and I don’t know why they pleased me so much on buying day.
What I do need to comment on is the packaging. Nr. 30, also called Chic Shaik Arabia, comes in a very decorative gold-designed box with a pretty ribbon embossed with gold “SHAIK” and medallion designs. So it looks like an expensively wrapped gift box.
I will have to return to continue this. I need to take care of my dog.
I’ll be back to report further on the bottle, etc., which is nothing short of remarkable (although I leave it up to others to determine whether that is a good or bad thing.)
I’m back. Here’s the continuation. The box is decorated with a lavish gold design on the interior. The cheezy-ness begins with the golden colored gift card, which is blank on the inside, but on the outside says, “Expressing his love… inspiring emotions…It has to be you”
The bottle is encased in a (leather?) covered case, that is quite a nice way to protect your bottle. Engraved into the case are the words: From the prince in your life. (I cringe from the cheezy-ness! I feel this would appeal to an unsophisticated, lovesick teenage girl.) There is a metallic medallion on the outside. The top reveals the jeweled top of the perfume bottle. I have several Middle Eastern fragrances, so I’m familiar with the way they like to get creative with their “gold” ornamental bottles. This looks like Jean Paul Gaultier might have designed it while partaking of the hookah in a hash den in Arabia. I’m sure you can all google to see what it looks like. There is a large blue glass jewel on both sides of the cap. Apparently, there is an option for having bottles adorned with real jewels (diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, etc. ) I actually do like the case, which opens on a hinge, like an eyeglass case.
All in all, I give them high points for the novelty packaging and presentation, which has to be enjoyed in a tongue-in-cheek way.
What a shame that the juice (an edp) is so bland!
I’m curious as to whether anyone else here has had experience with the brand?
Jonette, I googled and am in awe of the presentation, which I would have been unable to resist, I’m sure. It’s interesting how it’s both anthropomorphic and dagger-shaped.
There are reviews on Cafleurbon by Mark Behnke, who liked the men’s No. 77 best, and also prefers No. 30 to No. 33, but the latter sounds good during most of its development, actually. The bottle is spectacular!
The idea of adapting an eyeglass case for a lay-down bottle is really clever. I will poach this idea for traveling with decants. 🙂
Nozknoz,
Thanks for telling me about that review. My nose is not in agreement with Mark Behnke, who says these are anything but demure fragrances. I find them very demure! The one I prefer is the Opulent nr. 33, which is the dagger-shaped one. I bought a Travelo of this. I have a fb of Chic nr. 30
I decided to experiment this afternoon and sprayed a fleece jacket with nr. 30.. Hours later, my jacket smells wonderful! My skin must eat these perfumes. I’m going to spray a different garment with the 33 tomorrow and see how I perceive that.
I’m wonder whether you’re now so curious that you’ll order (pricey!) samples?
I forgot to add that the bottle is crystal and the metal is pewter or pewter and silver. They do refills (probably as costly as buying a new bottle because you have to use a courier to and from Bahrein) and also repairs of bottles. The bottle is certainly a conversation piece, or would be if I didn’t keep mine in my dark perfume closet.
Yes, you’ve piqued my interest, Jonette. I’ll see if these turn up at my favorite decant service, but you’re right, anyone who cares about the perfume doesn’t get the full benefit of the bottle.
Never heard of them, but thanks for the report! I’ve been dipping into the world of oil perfumes more commonly sold, I think, in the Middle East (Rasasi, Swiss Arabian), and they are interesting but not particularly high quality. Aside from the occasional Amouage attar, I wondered what else was out there – and these are exciting presentations, even without interesting juice (and the juice sounds plenty interesting). So thanks for the education!
I will take it off your hands!!!
I was wondering whether anyone here uses Badger balms? I know they’v been around for a while but I only got round to trying one recently and liked it so much I’m thinking of starting a collection…
Sorry, just realised I asked about this higher up, earlier today… Any good memory balms out there? 🙂
Hahaha–just now seeing your above, yes I was going to recommend the sleep one, but I see you’ve already tried it!
Actually I’v only tried the Night Night one, but I do want to try the Sleeping balm too!
Oh, yes, I’m seeing now these are two different products. Do try the sleep one, I find it really nice and actually works (on me at least) pretty much as advertised–very calming.
Yes, I’ll be interested in seeing/smelling the difference!
I used to buy gift sets for friends because I found the packaging so adorable. I don’t know if they still do the same kind (I recall children’s illustration-type badgers, reminding me of the Sleepy Time Tea bear family.) It was pleasant stuff.
I think its the storybook quality of the tins that has seduced me! I bought my first little one ‘Night-Night’ because it contained lavender and Roman camomile (among other oils) and I find these helpful for sleeping and sometimes breathing easier (I’m prone to hay-fever).
Then, when I realised how much I was using it I went back to look at the others only to find that the shop had discontinued it. The head office of the distributer is a little far so i’ll only be able to go in a few days.
But, when a bee is in my bonnet, a few days feels like forever. So I went into a nearby health shop that is also discontinuing it. Unfortunately they didn’t have the particular ones I most wanted: the Sleep Balm and Aromatic Chest Rub. Because they are discontinuing them they said I could buy what they had left for just over half price. The drawback was that there were no testers. I ended up buying 4 from the ‘mind’ range, which I was curious about, but which I didn’t really ‘need’.
Now I have one for focusing, one for meditation, one for stress and one to cheer me up –
Unfortunately there wasn’t one to make me less impulsive/ more prudent with money:)
My dog, cats, and I are enjoying a lazy Sunday morning on the back patio. The sun is streaming through the branches which are sprouting tiny leaves. There isn’t a cloud in the sky and the birds are all singing and sound so happy!
I am wearing a sample of Bond No 9 Earth Day that I received from a generous NSTer during the swap. It is a beautiful happy scent, very florally sweet and feminine! It is considerably sweeter than I generally prefer. I would definitely not call it unisex as some were wondering, and as I was hoping it would be.
I am a big fan of Bond No 9 Earth Day. (I also like the green bottle.) To me. it’s a good spring time perfume.
Hello all, has anyone here ever purchased one of the 50ml Kilian refill bottles?
I’m pretty set on getting a full bottle of Sweet Redemption, but not prepared (or wealthy enough) to pay for the fancy black bottle. My question is, does the refill bottle come with a spray attachment, or should i invest in some of those muji atomizers to decant into?
Scent of the day is YSL’s Paris, to welcome the first proper spring weather we’ve had in the UK. Hope everyone’s having a great weekend
Yes, they have a spray.
Emma, I was just visiting your website and notice that perfumista Leopoldo the Fox has a Miller Harris in a blue box – La Pluie? I love that one. I’m also curious about La Fumee, and wonder if you’ve tried it.
Hi Nozknoz, yes it is La Pluie – one of my favourites, which I tried out on a whim last summer (I liked the name) and fell instantly in love.
I’m intrigued by La Fumee too but haven’t tried it, I’m afraid – and alas, the only store that had Miller Harris near me no longer carries the line, so it looks like I won’t get chance to try it anytime soon. If you do sniff it out, let me know what you think!
Being so impressed by La Pluie, I’m curious to try more Miller Harris in general, Terre d’iris and Fleur Oriental are also on my ‘to try’ list
One more post before I go to bed. (I know I’ve been very chatty today.)
Any knitting perfumistas here? Are you on Ravelry? I looked but the two Ravelry perfumista groups have been inactive for a really long time. If anyone wants to “meet” me there, my Rav name is “Jonmarie”.
Hi Jonette! I learned how to knit this past fall. I am on my second potato chip scarf. I would love to learn some new things but think I need to master the basic potato chip scarf first. I will have a row of 20 then somehow make it into a row of 22…not quite sure how that happens….
Hi Erink,
See my post to Rappleyea. Ravelry has lots of experienced knitters who can help you with questions about mistakes, etc. Usually, if you have extra stitches on your needle, you haven’t passed a completed stitch to the other needle and in the next row, you knit into the wrapped yarn, creating a knit stitch. This is probably as clear as mud.
I encourage you to join Ravelry. They have tutorials that walk you through everything and groups that can help. It’s all free! You can look for me there if you search for “people” and then type in “Jonmarie”.
I’m a perfumista who would like to learn how to knit!
I learned how when I was a young mother, many, many decades ago. After my illness struck, I had a great many cognitive and physical challenges. My neurologist encouraged me to knit and although it was really, really difficult for me with all my disabilities at the time, I learned by watching DVDs I ordered from Lucy Neatby. Knitting helped my brain/eye/hand coordination immensely and now I knit all kinds of wonderful things and am still learning new techniques, etc. I can also recommend books from Sally Melville (start with Book 1/knit). You can take classes online from Craftsy, or find a class through your local yarn shop. I recommend joining Ravelry.com where you can find all kinds of info and a very supportive community. Maybe I’ll “see” you there. Knitting rocks!
Addition to my post: I learned to knit as a young mother over forty years ago, but had to completely relearn four years ago when I became chronically ill, at the encouragement of my neurologist.
I’m a visual person, so learning from DVDs was the best method for me. I can’t tell you how many times I had to hit “pause”, then replay yet again, but I learned!
Knitting and perfume keep me sane. I’m collecting yarn faster than perfume!
Jonette, thank you so very much for all of the great references. I really appreciate it. I pray your health continues to improve.
Donna
Hi Jonette, I’m a knitter, but I don’t belong to any knitting online groups. I’ll check out Ravelry. I think I’d describe myself as an intermediate knitter, as I’ve made a few sweaters, but they never seem to fit right! Also, I love the knitting, but hate blocking. Thus I’m making lots of scarves!
Hi All! I arrived late to the party as usual and have enjoyed reading all the posts- My taxes were done in Feb and I had a nominal return which is better than having to owe anyday!
As for fragrance, I have a question for all you long time perfumistas:
If you had a choice between Shalimar EDP and Shalimar extrait, which would you choose and why?
Thanks all and have a lovely monday (which is usually an oxymoron =P)
Hi Deva! I’m always the last one to post to a thread (except for this post – very unusual to me) and I’ve lost count of the types of Shalimar I have, so let me answer you:
I would probably choose the extrait, because I didn’t “get” Shalimar till I tried some extrait and got the full effect of the creamy vanilla with that weird bergamot-vomit note and the citrus top. It just never worked for me. That said, I’d suggest smelling them both and seeing which one works best for *you*. Have you gotten to wear samples of both? My favorite Shalimars are Shalimar Light, Shalimar Ode a la Vanille, and vintage Shalimar extrait, in that order. But the Shalimar you’ll be happiest with is the one that works best as far as your nose is concerned.
Not that you have to buy any Shalimar at all. But it sounds like you’re quite set on it!
Enjoy and congrats on finishing the taxes so early!
Don’t neglect trying Habit Rouge edp. To me, this smells like vintage Shalimar from the 40’s/50’s.
Thanks to you both for your input. I have tried the EDP Version and it was love at first sniff! Have not been able to try the extrait as of yet. I have read that the extrait is more gourmand-ish but I have to admit I really like to “spritz” a perfume rather than dabbing it.
Thanks for the Habit Rouge heads up as well. I will definitely give it a sniff as well!
No taxes yet. The forms still sit reproachfully atop my filing cabinet, just waiting for me to snap out of procrastination-mode. It’ll happen!
My fragrance today was my summer mainstay, Mugler Cologne. Some days it’s all lime and sunshine; other days it’s orange blossom and smooth musk; still other days it’s shower steam and vetiver. I’m continually surprised and fascinated by this seemingly simple scent, which always hits the spot when nothing else will do. I have yet to smell anything as quietly, cheerfully optimistic as Mugler Cologne. I find it borderline unwearable in the cooler months; for me it’s summer in a bottle, and always will be.
This is true. Good luck kitty and master!
Sotd is Rochas FEMME, smells like summer. I love this. I’m wanting ONDA, Mitto, and Opus 4-6, from Amouage. That’s going to do me in. My great enabler Mary L, is bestowing such wonderful gifts on me. I’m getting Carnal Flower and Nuit de Tuberose in decants. Where can I find empty decants for sale?