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Lazy weekend poll ~ open thread, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birthday 2015

Posted by Robin on 7 February 2015 148 Comments

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on this day in 1867.

We're celebrating with our usual open thread: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the perfume you wish you could find on markdown, whatever.

Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…

And two quick reminders. Tomorrow we're doing a special scent of the day to mark this blog's 10th birthday: wear a fragrance you learned about on Now Smell This, whether from a review, another reader, a swap, anything.

The next splitmeet will be on Saturday, 21 February.

Filed Under: poll
Tagged With: open thread

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148 Comments

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  1. thegoddessrena says:
    7 February 2015 at 9:54 am

    SOTD is Costume National 21. I did manage to score a mostly full bottle of Moon Dance for about $130 less than full new. Loved it when I tested it but it was way too highly priced for me so I’m glad I found it discounted at auction .

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    • Robin says:
      7 February 2015 at 10:16 am

      Congrats! I need to score some CN 21.

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      • thegoddessrena says:
        7 February 2015 at 10:27 am

        Mine was a partial bottle off ebay. I don’t care if I’m buying partial bottles because a) they’re usually a lot less expensive and b) I’m unlikely to finish even a partial bottle in my lifetime

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  2. galbanumgal says:
    7 February 2015 at 9:55 am

    Note to Hermes fans: not perfume related, but on the Washington Post’s Home Front Chat, saw an image of the Chateau 150 Range by La Cornue in Hermes orange. Shudder to think of the expense & real estate it occupies, but it’s striking!
    On the same site, was charmed to read that Haruki Murakami has an advice column, Mr Murakami’s Place. Made me think of other authors from whom it would be entertaining to seek advice.
    Will have to peruse my collection for perfume buys enabled by NST. Know there are a few!

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    • Robin says:
      7 February 2015 at 10:19 am

      For anyone else who wants to see it:

      http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/whats-new-in-kitchen-design/2015/01/30/1086b5f0-a721-11e4-a7c2-03d37af98440_story.html

      Looks like those ranges are $20,000+. Ha!

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      • Oakland Fresca says:
        7 February 2015 at 1:34 pm

        Thanks for the link. Always a relief to see high end kitchen design that I do not covet!

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        • Robin says:
          7 February 2015 at 2:00 pm

          :-)

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      • Jonas says:
        7 February 2015 at 3:00 pm

        I think that looks awful. Somehow I can’t imagine anyone with a kitchen like that would be very good at cooking anyways.

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        • poodle says:
          7 February 2015 at 9:11 pm

          It’s a strange fact of life. The people who can afford the best kitchen appliances and tools are the ones least likely to ever actually cook with them.

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          • Jonas says:
            7 February 2015 at 9:20 pm

            True enough.

      • hajusuuri says:
        7 February 2015 at 5:16 pm

        I like the mid-century modern look with orange, brown and gray accents! I would actually add mismatched drawer pulls to make it quirkier.

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      • Marsha says:
        8 February 2015 at 12:57 am

        A completely retrofitted Chambers stove, in a color like red, would cost a tenth of that.

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  3. allgirlmafia says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:10 am

    On the go from 7am til 10pm today non-stop and I wanted something solid. and comforting. SOTD is Black Cashmere.

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    • Robin says:
      7 February 2015 at 10:19 am

      You smell great, hope the day goes well!

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  4. AnnieA says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:20 am

    Feeling quite disgruntled with 1000 Flowers: they had an Indiegogo campaign back in November, which I contributed to, and I have been expecting the parcel they claimed to have sent in December. When I recently wrote to say my perfume hadn’t arrived they didn’t respond at all, a marked change. I am admittedly feeling ripped off at this point.

    Has anyone else had troubles with fundraisers? I hadn’t heard anything bad about the Tauer/movie fundraiser, for instance…

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    • Sajini says:
      7 February 2015 at 10:26 am

      Aw sorry that happened. I hope it was an honest mixup and they respond soon. I did an indigogo donation once but it was for a friend’s project and I didn’t want the perk.

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      7 February 2015 at 11:55 am

      Oh, I’m sorry! Not fun to go from the happy-positive-contribution-feeling to the what-the-heck-ripoff-feeling! I hope they fix it soon!

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    • C.H. says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:55 pm

      Do you know if the business is still operating in general? I know US law is actually kind of restrictive about crowd-funding because of the risk a business will fail altogether. (The idea is that even for relatively small sums, all for-profit companies seeking funding from the public should be held to the same regulatory standards of disclosure, etc., to protect investors.)

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      • Jonas says:
        7 February 2015 at 3:13 pm

        I think that a lot of crowd funding campaigns are not really about investment at all. Oftentimes, these businesses are well on their way to bringing their product to market and the crowdfunding is more part of an advertising/selling strategy than seeking investment.

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        • C.H. says:
          7 February 2015 at 3:26 pm

          Yes I think “crowdfunding” can mean so many different things, and I have to say I’m sympathetic to the concern that the differences among these ventures (with varying levels of risk, realities of where the business stands at present) may not be adequately conveyed to the individuals who are putting their own money on the line. I know for instance that Kickstarter requires projects soliciting funding to disclose risk factors to their donors, but I just saw a super flippant, joke-y one (paraphrasing: ‘climate change may trigger a series of superstorms that destroy civilization and make it impossible to air our podcast’) that reminded me, this is really not the same as the systematic disclosures required for a public offering…

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          • Jonas says:
            7 February 2015 at 3:57 pm

            Very good analysis. In my case, if I suspect that they really do need my money, I don’t give it to them. It’s too much of a risk. It’s safer to stick with the faux investments (aka purchases).

            Anyways, my sympathies to AnnieA.

    • MikasMinion says:
      7 February 2015 at 4:38 pm

      The poor customer service thing can strike anywhere, not just crowd funding projects. I would be really irritated with the lack of response and have been there before. I am still happily waiting for a Kickstarter funded item that has been delayed by months because they are keeping me I formed, but will never again order from a certain indie perfumer who completely blew me off about an order I never received. She flat out told me she didn’t have time to look into it and would get to me when she wasn’t busy then didn’t answer any more of my inquiries. People are really strange. Sounds like 1000 flowers doesn’t want any more of your business to me.

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    • AnnieA says:
      10 February 2015 at 5:38 pm

      Tuesday update: 1000 Flowers got back to me and will be sending another parcel in the mail. Thanks to everyone’s sympathetic comments.

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  5. Abyss says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:29 am

    A beautiful, sunny day today. Still cold, but there’s a hint of a feeling that spring might be on its way. After some deliberation I chose Cuir de Russie EDT and there is something quite joyous about it today.

    I have a £5 voucher which I was hoping to put towards a 10ml spray of Carnal Flower (assuming Liberty sell them), but now I’m wondering if En Passant might be a better choice for now since I only really wear Carnal Flower in the depths of winter.

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  6. kindcrow says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:30 am

    When I was in the fifth grade, our teacher would read to us from Little House on the Prairie when we returned from lunch. Nice.

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    • Kelly Red says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:20 pm

      So did mine! Little House books, Treasure Island, Black Beauty. Back in the good old days when teachers actually had some time during the day to slow down :) We got a chapter every day right after we returned from recess. I think the idea was to get us calmed down from all our activity outside. Of course recess has also gone away in most cases.

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    • eswift83 says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:48 pm

      My mom read them all to us before bed growing up. Loved them!

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    • kindcrow says:
      7 February 2015 at 7:06 pm

      Yes, I do think that the goal was to calm us down :-)

      As an adult, I think it’s still a treat to have someone read to you.

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  7. Sajini says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:30 am

    Hmmmm just saw here that Bronze Goddess is back at Macy’s. missed out on that last year and feeling like there’s no better way to say “FU, weather!” Than to march right over there and buy a bottle.

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    • Sajini says:
      7 February 2015 at 10:43 am

      SOTD is Imperial Opoponax. DH just said I smell like a creamsicle.

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      7 February 2015 at 11:56 am

      Hahahaha! Bronze Goddess is one of my favorite ways to say “FU Weather!”

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    • Robin says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:01 pm

      I am still waiting though to see what the full BG lineup is for this year!

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  8. burntsiennna says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:31 am

    I was wondering if someone might be able to recommend a rose perfume for me. I always thought I hated rose, but lately I’m craving it. I think I like Bulgarian rose… smooth, rich rose scents, maybe with spices (especially cardamom). I love aftelier’s parfum de maroc, but it only lasts a few minutes on my skin.

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    • PriscillaE says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:03 pm

      I am also just discovering rose scents, and so far my favorite spicy rose is Rose Anonyme.

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      • Sajini says:
        7 February 2015 at 4:38 pm

        My favorite too. It has a beautiful musk and oud note in the dry down.

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      • burntsiennna says:
        7 February 2015 at 5:14 pm

        Thanks, I will definitey check that out – bonus that it’s from such an accessible line too!

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:35 pm

      WELL. . . if it’s spicy, dark roses, I think I might be able to help you out! (Or totally overwhelm you with options!!!) This is a category that won me over a few years ago, and I haven’t turned away from them since!

      My two faves: OJ Ta’if: A green-tinged, dark rose. Full and sweet but not innocent-feeling. If you like OJ Woman, this one has a similar green base with the rose humming in soprano over it.

      Amouage Lyric: Gorgeous, heady, deep rose with spices and resin-y incense. I get compliments nearly every time I wear this one, and while it’s expensive, I purchased mine off a discounter’s site, so “deals” can be had.

      I bought a whole bunch of rose samples a while back, and there several in my purgatory bowl, awaiting final decision. I think I might really like Tom Ford Noir de Noir (roses and dust and earth). I also keep retesting ELd’O Rossy di Palma (dark rose perked up with citrus) and Le Labo Rose 31 (rose with minty? cedar). I haven’t entirely given up on Gucci L’arte di Gucci, either!

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      • Kelly Red says:
        7 February 2015 at 1:22 pm

        I think Le Labo Rose 31 is tinged with a dirty cigarette smell. And I say that in a good way LOL I love it.

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        • Marjorie Rose says:
          7 February 2015 at 3:49 pm

          Wow. I hadn’t noted that in my testing dabs, but I admit, I’ve always tested it with a little of everything else, too! It *does* give an impression of depth that I find intriguing, and I really aught to give it a proper testing some time!

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        • burntsiennna says:
          7 February 2015 at 5:22 pm

          Rose 31 is a great scent! Not a heavy enough rose for this craving, but a fool proof rose imo. Clean, but with enough dirt to make it interesting.

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      • burntsiennna says:
        7 February 2015 at 5:17 pm

        Thanks for such a detailed response! Great suggestions too. I love OJ woman, so I guess ta’if is a must try. I only wish OJ was easier to get in the states. I’ve been very curious about amouage, but overwhelmed by the selection. I think i know where to start now!

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    • Sapphire says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:39 pm

      My favorite is Aerin Evening Rose. Second the Amouage Lyric, though. FM Portrait of a Lady is also nice.

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    • AnnS says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:51 pm

      If you like a smooth and spicy rose, all the rec’s above are great. I’d also add Tauer’s La Maroc pour Elle, Paestum Rose, and Parfum’s Delrae Bois des Paradise. Good luck finding the one!

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      • C.H. says:
        7 February 2015 at 1:42 pm

        Yes the Tauer roses prob offer a number of good options!

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        • Marjorie Rose says:
          7 February 2015 at 3:50 pm

          Yes, I considered including Une Rose Chpree in the list, but I wasn’t sure if it was “spicy” as much as just oddly beautiful and complex. A wonderful rose, in any case!

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      • burntsiennna says:
        7 February 2015 at 5:27 pm

        Thanks! I tried Tauer’s maroc pour elle last year and could not handle the enormousness of it (or of any of his other scents in the sampler). I figured I’m just not woman enough, but maybe my tastes have changed? I should give it another go.

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    • Oakland Fresca says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:40 pm

      All great suggestions. Just want to add the very reasonably priced but smells like luxury is Sonoma Scent Studio’s Velvet Rose… Rose petals stowed in a fragrant wood box.

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      • C.H. says:
        7 February 2015 at 1:43 pm

        Mmm yes a couple good SSS options too!

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      • Marjorie Rose says:
        7 February 2015 at 3:50 pm

        I LOOOVE SSS Nostalgie–a dark rose with sparkling aldehydes. Big and beautiful!

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      • burntsiennna says:
        7 February 2015 at 5:28 pm

        Ooh, SSS is a line I am very curious about. I have a sample order in the works, so I will add these. Thanks!

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    • C.H. says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:44 pm

      Great options already mentioned! Would throw Agent Provocateur into the mix, and maybe Lady Vengeance also?

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      • burntsiennna says:
        7 February 2015 at 5:29 pm

        I keep hearing about AP! I need to smell this fabled scent…

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    • pyramus says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:28 pm

      Serge Lutens has three roses, all amazing, but these days I am particularly taken with La Fille de Berlin, just roses roses roses with a bit of black pepper and incense. Utterly beguiling.

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      • burntsiennna says:
        7 February 2015 at 5:31 pm

        I’ve always wished I could find a lutens to love. Maybe I will have better luck with his roses than I did with vanilla and Lily.

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    • Jonas says:
      7 February 2015 at 3:20 pm

      Hi. This post from Jessica may be of interest to you.

      https://nstperfume.com/2012/12/21/25-rose-fragrances-every-perfumista-should-try/

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      • Marjorie Rose says:
        7 February 2015 at 3:52 pm

        I’m clearly a big rose-lovin’ fool, but oddly, I find very little crossover between my tastes and Jessica’s! It is so surprising how much variation there is in rose as a note and how it is used (and of course, our perceptions of it!).

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      • burntsiennna says:
        7 February 2015 at 5:32 pm

        Fabulous article, thank you!

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    • burntsiennna says:
      7 February 2015 at 5:07 pm

      Oh wow, thank you everyone! You all are a treasure trove of information and tempting suggestions :)
      Amouage lyric sounds just like what I had in mind – I will have to seek that out. I’m also glad to have somewhere to start in exploring that overwhelming line.

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      • burntsiennna says:
        7 February 2015 at 5:11 pm

        I also want to add my own cheap thrill in this category: a perfume oil I got at whole foods for less than $10 – Valentina’s home brew True Love. The notes are cardamom, chocolate and rose. It’s fantastic, but doesn’t quite fill my craving for a full bodied perfume (not very complex or long lasting)

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        • kindcrow says:
          7 February 2015 at 6:44 pm

          I have True Love perfume oil and the body spray. Good stuff!

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  9. cazaubon says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:40 am

    Tauer Orange Star for me on this gorgeous Saturday morning!

    I loved the house on the prairie books when I was a kid, read them all multiple times.

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  10. katrina says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:40 am

    I came across an ad for a local discount perfume shop in the coupon clipper ad and checked it out. Behind all the typical stuff, there were some treasures; things I wanted to try: A mostly full tester of original Fendi, seemingly every Estee Lauder, YSL and Dior made but no tester bottles to try! Nooooooo!! Meanwhile, I am wearing my sample of Chanel 31 Rue Cambon.

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  11. Lisa D says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:45 am

    I had a very cool dream last night, in which I was wandering around various department store perfume counters, testing to my heart’s content.

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:36 pm

      Nice!

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      • Marjorie Rose says:
        7 February 2015 at 12:37 pm

        And should ask–find anything wonderful! :)

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        • Lisa D says:
          7 February 2015 at 5:39 pm

          I didn’t – but it was fun testing. I had an interesting conversation with a dream SA about a new scent called Asian Water, I vaguely remember. She hated it – I liked it. Weird.

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    • AnnS says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:53 pm

      I’ve had fragrance dreams about 3 times. Normally the setting is that I’m wandering around some antiques or estate type shop and I discover a large cupboard or armoire that is stuffed full of “neglected” vintage frags. It’s a very nice dream.

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    • Jonas says:
      7 February 2015 at 3:32 pm

      My fragrance dreams generally go something like this. I’m in my local supermarket where much to my surprise, I find that they’ve started selling high end perfume. Not only that but by some chance they have exactly the perfume that I want in real life at an incredible discount. I happily pick up a bottle of Tam Dao edt for 26 dollars. I wake up thinking that I’ve finally added that coveted fragrance to my collection but as the truth and on me, my heart breaks at my loss.

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      • AnnS says:
        7 February 2015 at 4:31 pm

        Very nice dream!

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      • Jonas says:
        7 February 2015 at 4:35 pm

        *Truth dawns on me

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  12. Aparatchick says:
    7 February 2015 at 10:56 am

    So timely! I just finished reading “Pioneer Girl: the Annotated Biography” which annotates the original manuscript from which Wilder’s Little House books came. Fascinating reading for fans of the books or those who are interested in life on the prairie in the 1800s.

    I think the SOTD will be Kenzo Jungle Elephant.

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    • Deva says:
      7 February 2015 at 11:13 am

      Pioneer Girl sounds wonderful! I will have to hunt it down.

      As for Jl’E, that’s a beauty, especially in cooler/colder weather =)

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      • Kelly Red says:
        7 February 2015 at 1:26 pm

        Good luck. Get yourself on a wait list now and MAYBE in a few months you’ll get the book! It’s published by a small historical printer and they totally underestimated the demand. My local bookstore got 30 copies right before the holidays, sold them out in ONE day and are now waiting for another shipment with a waiting list of over 200 people. YIKES. Granted, this is in Minnesota, one place she lived, but seriously who knew Laura would still be so popular? You go girl LOL

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        • Aparatchick says:
          7 February 2015 at 6:16 pm

          Someone at our county library system is a genius at knowing what their patrons want to read. They ordered 5 copies of it when it was published, so the hold list is only 5 holds per copy right now; a friend in another state says the hold per copy at her library is 135 because they only have two copies. Yes, the publisher really underestimated the interest from Little House fans.

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        • Deva says:
          7 February 2015 at 7:28 pm

          I did order it from Amazon, which says “out of stock” but at least I am on the waiting list. I was surprised to see that it’s a hardcover book, but at a vet reasonable price.

          Hopefully it will arrive before I am 6 feet under ;)

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          • Deva says:
            7 February 2015 at 7:29 pm

            “Very” Sheesh!

          • nozknoz says:
            7 February 2015 at 7:59 pm

            Deva, it wouldn’t hurt to check Powell’s and Alibris, too. I’ve had good luck with both in the past.

          • Deva says:
            7 February 2015 at 10:45 pm

            Noz, it’s on back order at Powell’s and Alibris has it in stock…

            …For $200! =0

    • austenfan says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:14 pm

      I read about that in Le Nouvel Observateur of all places. I read all of the Wilder’s books so I am quite interested in reading in the reality behind them.

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    • Robin says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:04 pm

      I have not decided if I want to read it. I read the collected journals of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of the Anne books, and it was fascinating but sort of tarnished the joy the original stories gave me. I might be happier sticking to the PG version she put in the children’s books :-)

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      • nebbe says:
        7 February 2015 at 4:25 pm

        Interesting – i suppose it is the power of wonder that Anne and Laura inspire in youth, i would have difficulty letting go of what i never dreamed was a softened, fantasy version.

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  13. Deva says:
    7 February 2015 at 11:11 am

    No SOTD yet as I’m immersed in housework (yuk!) and plan to jump in the shower when I’m done, but thinking of Zelda for later. a beautiful day here in Swampland- blindingly sunny and temps in the low 70’s with very low humidity! That combo always makes for a good hair day ;)

    I loved the Little House books and read them all as a child. I remember being disappointed in the TV series because it didn’t follow the books, but eventually came to love it, too. Who couldn’t love Michael Landon?

    I never saw the posted picture of LIW, but she was really a beautiful woman-wish I had those cheekbones.

    Happy Weekend to all :)

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  14. Gi says:
    7 February 2015 at 11:14 am

    Cuir d’Ange this morning. I can’t seem to remove my wrist from my nose!

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    • floragal says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:58 pm

      I really like this one too but still wish it would last longer.
      I had emailed Hermes for a couple of samples, which they said they’d send me, but instead I received samples of 4 other Hermessence scents. So disappointed!
      I’m trying the Amber Narguile today which is not bad… a bit sweet and just a whisper of amber. I’ll give a few more goes before I decide.

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  15. Eleebelle says:
    7 February 2015 at 12:11 pm

    Not sure yet what I’m going to wear today, but I’m in the mood for something civetty or maybe leathery.

    I NEVER find any good perfumes (and rarely find perfumes at all) but I’m hoping to go antiquing this weekend. Even though there’s nothing I really want to buy at the moment, I seem to be itching to spend money. Maybe this will give me the joy of shopping without actually finding anything I want… although I wouldn’t mind finding something wonderful and vintage either.

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  16. austenfan says:
    7 February 2015 at 12:15 pm

    SOTD is Une Fleur de Cassie. My first purchase of this year which I’ve been wearing a lot. It seems to fit a lot of different moods and occasions.

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  17. minteacup says:
    7 February 2015 at 12:23 pm

    Happy weekend, everybody! I’m wearing Teo Cabanel Alahine for the second day in a row because I was craving it and I think my lil’ decant is just a tiny bit leaky, so I may as well go to town. I’m warming up to it fast… I’m trying not to get too smitten, but it is so easy to love.

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    • AnnS says:
      7 February 2015 at 12:57 pm

      Alahine is just gorgeous! I’d be spazing out if my bottle seemed to be evaporating. You could always get a boring but reliable “boston round” bottle and decant it?

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  18. Marjorie Rose says:
    7 February 2015 at 12:40 pm

    Well, I now have 7 rose scent samples on my hands so that I could offer a slightly-educated reply to burntsienna above! They blend together nicely, actually! Eventually, I will need to shower and make a choice. Perhaps I should take one of those samples and give it some proper attention. It is a stormy, crazy, not-quite-spring day here (warm, wet, bulbs pushing up, hellebores blooming!), which sounds like good weather for a rose!

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    • C.H. says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:45 pm

      Oh nice! Did this round of sniffing give any clarification (for better or for worse!) on any of the ones in the purgatory basket?

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      • Marjorie Rose says:
        7 February 2015 at 3:56 pm

        Why yes, as a matter of fact! As a result of this morning’s retesting, Rosine La Rose, Paestum Rose, and L’Ombre dans L’eau ended up in the “storage” pile (where scents go to linger in case I need them for reference some day or want to convince myself that I actually *do* want them). All three are nice enough–La Rose is the least interesting–but amongst the pack, they just didn’t stand out.

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        • C.H. says:
          7 February 2015 at 4:14 pm

          Yes–just saw your comment about Jessica’s list, and likewise here, I wouldn’t have guessed these would be your thing. Well good to have crossed some off the list!!

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  19. galbanumgal says:
    7 February 2015 at 12:49 pm

    Can anyone compare the body butters from Pacifica vs. Body Shop?
    L’Occitane’s shea butter is very effective, but can’t deal with the overpowering scent.

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    • Oakland Fresca says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:43 pm

      I prefer Pacifica, but more for aesthetics than anything else.

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  20. unseencenser says:
    7 February 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Went to see the play “Black Angels Over Tuskegee” last night and I’m still wrapped up in it. Not sure what scent goes with “emotionally and intellectually full.” Might be one of the few days there’s no room for perfume in my brain at all!

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    • nebbe says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:38 pm

      Sounds like a well spent evening!

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  21. AnnS says:
    7 February 2015 at 1:00 pm

    SOTD is Prada Ambre (the original womens), but after about 10 minutes even the smallest spritz became so rich and overpowering – I know why I don’t wear this as much as I should. I had to “cut” it with some gorgeous, lemony rose in Sa Majeste la Rose…. so that is making it very interesting indeed.

    I do have a question for anyone who wants to chime in: has anyone smelled the reformulated versions of AG Eau de Monsieur or Eau de Sud? I am trying to figure out if I should drive myself crazy buying the older versions, or if I should just embrace the current. Thanks & cheers!

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    • galbanumgal says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:10 pm

      My guess is the drydowns are very similar, but if you love the topnotes, you may want to seek the older bottles. My old bottle of Eau d’Hadrien smells nicer than the current version–can’t speak specifically to the 2 you mention, though.

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    • austenfan says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:05 pm

      From the notes Eau de Monsieur must be a completely different scent as in the old one there is quite a prominent immortelle note. And it has loads of moss. I haven’t found a review comparing the two yet but reading about the notes on ALzD I think the new one is a whole lot fresher. For one mint is listed.

      Some links:

      http://persolaise.blogspot.nl/2013/08/persolaise-review-eau-de-monsieur-from.html

      http://perfumesmellinthings.blogspot.nl/2007/04/for-boys-part-deux.html

      http://perfumeposse.com/2008/04/22/annick-goutal-for-monsieur-and-me/

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      • AnnS says:
        7 February 2015 at 4:35 pm

        Thank you both so much for commenting – I’ve been doing some notes research too, but there is very little to see except for the obvious and disappointing lack of oakmoss. I’m sure I’d like the new versions, but I really wish I’d had it together about 5 years ago to get some of the Eau de Monsieur before it was kind of hard to get and then gone. I’m not as worried about Eau de Sud…. Thanks, etc.

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  22. meredifay says:
    7 February 2015 at 1:03 pm

    SOTD Oscar de La Renta Live in Live which I just picked up at TJ MAXX for $9.99. This is widely panned, but I bought a small bottle when it first came out and used it up, so I am happy with this bargain. On me it is a light but tenacious green floral, not sweet, which has nothing I have an allergic rx to in it, and I enjoy it’s cheerful quality. It seems like a harbinger of spring, even tho we still have a foot of snow on the ground…

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    • Squirrely says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:27 pm

      I was pleasantly surprised by Live in Love. Nice score.

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  23. meredifay says:
    7 February 2015 at 1:04 pm

    Live in Love…stupid spellcheck…

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  24. nebbe says:
    7 February 2015 at 1:36 pm

    Morning, all! Headed into work this morning to catch up on some things, and wearing new sample of Coco Mademoiselle. It’s really hitting the spot, much to my surprise! I haven’t sniffed this since it was a friend’s signature ten years ago.
    It’s a nice blend of weekend at the office mixed with those were the days ;)

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    • nebbe says:
      7 February 2015 at 1:37 pm

      Also, love that photo of Laura. Those books were a big part of my childhood, too, and is fun to celebrate the memories. Thanks for bringing it to our attention, Robin!

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  25. Oakland Fresca says:
    7 February 2015 at 1:47 pm

    Pre shower am in Hermes Epice Marine, from a largish decant I ordered. It is so much more cumin-sweaty than I remember from when I tested it at an Hermes counter. Anyone else have this experience? Post shower and dressed for dinner tonight, I think I’ll go w Carnal Flower.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      7 February 2015 at 4:33 pm

      I recoiled after one sniff of Epice Marine – the cumin was very strong. I don’t like cumin in food and I don’t like it in perfume. Blech.

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      • Laurels says:
        7 February 2015 at 10:57 pm

        I’ve found that cumin in food can be good in small amounts, I.e., if I reduce the amount in a recipe to 1/4 tsp.

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  26. eswift83 says:
    7 February 2015 at 1:52 pm

    Question: I’m looking for something new for my husband. He currently wears and likes Lonestar Memories. I love this one him, but in the summer it’s a bit overwhelming for me. Is there anything in the same category that has a slightly modern tilt to it, or at least something a little more summer friendly?

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    • Oakland Fresca says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:38 pm

      Two thoughts. One of my favorites and I even own an FB is Naomi Goodsir’s Bois d’Ascese. The other is Le Labo’s Patchouli 24 (which is an addictive smoky leather–not to fear you’ll smell the patchouli… Not really a patchouli at all.)

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    • nozknoz says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:39 pm

      This sounds interesting:
      http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2015/01/histoires-de-parfums-petroleum-edition.html

      Kevin also reviewed it on NST:
      https://nstperfume.com/2012/06/20/histoires-de-parfums-petroleum-fragrance-review/

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    • C.H. says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:56 pm

      Kevin reports that PdE Ambre Russe is a more genteel version of Lonestar, maybe that could work? https://nstperfume.com/2007/01/12/tauer-perfumes-lonestar-memories-fragrance-with-an-aside-on-parfum-dempire-ambre-russe/

      Are you on Facebook? One of the split groups is doing a split of some large PdE coffrets including Ambre Russe, such that 30ml is only $35 (inclusive of shipping). So that could be one way to try it. International Fragrance Split Association. Caveat emptor, the first split I’m doing with them has only just closed so I can’t yet attest to a successful split with them, but it’s a large group that has been functioning for years so it seems reasonably reputable.

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    • Merlin says:
      7 February 2015 at 4:53 pm

      I find Lonestar Memories similar in feel to SMN’s Nostalgie which has a more gasoline vibe, but is also quite balsamic. I think its less dense and sweet than Lonestar M which I also adore!

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      • C.H. says:
        7 February 2015 at 6:36 pm

        Oh! SO glad to see you mention this one–it’s actually the first one I thought of too, and then I kinda second-guessed myself, since I do think of Nostalgia as more gasoline-y, and Lonestar as more of a firepit scent. But obviously they must have similarities, since they’re connected both our minds!

        (And anyway, Nostalgia is great, totally worth a sniff for anyone who hasn’t smelled it yet. Got a thumbs up even from a friend who’s usually only into the girliest florals.)

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    • eswift83 says:
      8 February 2015 at 1:28 pm

      Thank you all so so much!!! You’ve given me a treasure trove of scents to try out on him. I can’t wait to get started. Muah ha ha, he’d better watch out!

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  27. HemlockSillage says:
    7 February 2015 at 2:12 pm

    I need your advice. My nearly full bottle of FM Une Fleur de Cassie has a malfunctioning sprayer. I know others have dealt with this problem. I tried searching for the NST thread, and came up blank. I’ve already removed the cap and made sure that is not plugged. There is something wrong with the mechanism within the stem. Eeek!

    I’ve been so upset about it, I just put it in a drawer, and stepped away for a couple weeks. What say ye? Is there an article about this? Any advice will be much appreciated. (BTW, I’m helping a friend apartment hunt this afternoon, so will be out of pocket until this evening…)

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    • C.H. says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:32 pm

      Oof I relate to this so much, just having to put it down lest frustration overtake me! (Related note: never trim your own bangs in anger! ;) )

      More practically: on this thread (https://nstperfume.com/2014/11/29/lazy-weekend-poll-whispering-to-santa-or-the-gift-giving-entity-of-your-choice-2014-edition/) Sajini had a nifty method for taking the whole sprayer off and transfering the contents to a new bottle, if it comes to that. Maybe someone else has a plan for fixing the sprayer though, so you could keep the original packaging? Barring that, at least this is a way to get at the juice! :)

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      • HemlockSillage says:
        7 February 2015 at 6:32 pm

        Thanks, I knew that folks had talked about this recently. This would be a way to at least get the juice out. I may try to ask the nice people at FM counter before I mangle it, though. Thanks!

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        • C.H. says:
          7 February 2015 at 6:50 pm

          Smart, it does seem like something they might be able/willing to make right for you. Will cross fingers!

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    • galbanumgal says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:36 pm

      it couldn’t hurt to call one of the FM boutiques in NYC or a Barneys to see if they’d send you a new sprayer.

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      • HemlockSillage says:
        7 February 2015 at 6:34 pm

        I will have to be brave, but the entire top would have to be replaced, so it’s asking for a replacement bottle. I think it is worth asking. Thank you!!

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    • nozknoz says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:38 pm

      You know, with FM, I think I’d send it back to them (or wherever you bought it) and ask for a replacement.

      With vintage perfumes, I’ve used wire cutting tools to cut and pry the sprayer off above the glass so that I could decant the perfume. I have small wire cutters used in jewelry making that work well for this.

      I’ve also soaked caps in alcohol to remove residue. That usually works. Good luck!

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      • HemlockSillage says:
        7 February 2015 at 11:45 pm

        Thanks, Nozknoz. These are good suggestions. Part of my problem is not wanting to be a bother or have a weird interaction by asking the FM counter folks for help. I will though, before I go to the nuclear option and uncrimp the sprayer to move to another bottle. Your encouragement here helps. Thanks!

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    • Oakland Fresca says:
      7 February 2015 at 2:40 pm

      Aaargh. Very frustrated on your behalf.

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      • HemlockSillage says:
        7 February 2015 at 11:49 pm

        Arrgh is perfect. If you’d seen me with the pliers a couple weeks ago, eyeing the bottle, you’d understand why I needed to step away for a bit. I didn’t want to do something stupid in haste and frustration. (Hemlock smash! Oh, no ;) )

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    • AnnS says:
      7 February 2015 at 4:38 pm

      I have one very vintage bottle that has a broken sprayer. I am lucky b/c in this case, I can upturn the whole bottle and compress the “stem” straw like part… enough of the juice dribbles out on my wrist that I can still get to it. But I’ve had total sprayer disfunction, when I’ve basically demolished the sprayer top and decanted into another bottle.

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      • HemlockSillage says:
        7 February 2015 at 6:39 pm

        I think that’s where this is headed. I can’t even get perfume from the little stem. I asked here before I did anything drastic. Thanks for your answer…and for understanding :)

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    • tavogels says:
      7 February 2015 at 6:15 pm

      Did you happen to get this in Chicago at the PP meetup with Portia? (This is Terri, btw, if you remember me. I was the short blonde who also talked about getting Une Fleur de Cassie… I went back and got it later that day!)
      Anyway, if you did, you might want to email Kristina at Barneys. I think she’s the manager of the Malle boutique there, and I’ve always found her very pleasant to deal with. Let me know if you need her email (tavogels at mac dot com).

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      • HemlockSillage says:
        7 February 2015 at 6:45 pm

        I bought it a while ago. It’s so powerful that one spray is usually enough for me. I love it, and hope you thoroughly enjoy your purchase. I remember debating with you what FMs we should grab before re formulation! I am the proud owner of a Dans Te Bras travel set after we talked ;) Thanks for your advice and encouragement. Be well!

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        • C.H. says:
          7 February 2015 at 7:36 pm

          Ohhh so on this note: do you have any sense of whether things have started to be reformulated? I was about to order myself the En Passant set, but am I already too late?

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          • HemlockSillage says:
            7 February 2015 at 11:40 pm

            I honestly don’t know if or when reformulations will start. That was our discussion, really. My fear was that the really odd ball scents would be either cut or altered. After agonizing a bit, DTB was my first grab. I would be so sad if it were gone, and I didn’t have some. I have others on my radar, like Angeliques Sous la Pluie, that I want to get as budget allows, but this may all be fear and scarcity paradigm thinking, which I really try to avoid!

  28. foxbins says:
    7 February 2015 at 3:55 pm

    Although the Green Gables books were well-loved in my house as a child, us kids did not care for Laura Ingalls Wilder. We called it “Little House on the Dreary.”

    SOTD is Homage. Rose galore, and what I thought Lyric should be, but spicier and with more sillage.

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      7 February 2015 at 4:00 pm

      Wooo! Sounds like I need to try Homage! :)

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      7 February 2015 at 4:09 pm

      And I think Little House was ruined for me by Michael Landon!

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      • Deva says:
        7 February 2015 at 7:34 pm

        No! Really? I LOVED Michael Landon as a girl but had some confused emotions about him- I didn’t know if I wanted him to be my “Pa” or my husband!

        Freud would have a field day with that conundrum! Lol

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        • Marjorie Rose says:
          8 February 2015 at 10:49 am

          Haha, yes! I used to watch “Touched by an Angel,” but I felt guilty about my poor taste and ridiculous! He had a sort of appeal and yet also a sort of sticky-sweetness that repelled me–like pink, fluffy, girly things!

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    • HemlockSillage says:
      7 February 2015 at 11:52 pm

      Love Homage! It’s my favorite Amouage, by far. There is a bright almost lemony citrus rose up top, along with frankincense, but the whole thing has a sunnier tone than most incense rose fragrances. Gorgeous stuff, superlatives intended:D

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      • Marjorie Rose says:
        8 February 2015 at 10:50 am

        Wow. Are you an Amouage fan in general? Can you compare it in style to another? It sounds a little like the fullness of Memoir, or does it stay a little more polite, like Lyric? . . .

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  29. Jonas says:
    7 February 2015 at 4:09 pm

    I just dabbed on some Hermes Brin De Reglisse. So far it smells mainly of Bassett’s Allsorts which is definitely a good thing in my books. I’m hoping the lavender starts to come through a little stronger though.

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  30. hajusuuri says:
    7 February 2015 at 4:55 pm

    SOTD = Guerlain Cuir Beluga en plus

    Just one spray and it seemed to bring out remnants of yesterday’s Kelly Caleche pure perfume.

    The en plus is I just finished decanting 17 perfumes for a long long overdue swap package with a dear NSTer…so I smell like a perfume shop where perfumistas ran amok trying out, well, 19 perfumes! I will be working on my freebies, reverse freebies, and another swap.

    Question for those who have the Hermes lock spray to hold a pure perfume refill — my refill has a styrofoam piece stuck to the bottom – can I rip this off or does it need to stay on to fit snugly in the lock spray? I haven’t yet bought the lock spray although it looks mighty tempting for my birthday coming up next month! Thank you.

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  31. FearsMice says:
    7 February 2015 at 5:08 pm

    Wearing Infusion d’Iris today.

    The other day I was browsing in my public library and came upon a book called “The Cocktail Lab” by Tony Conigliaro. In it he has a recipe for a cocktail named the “Lipstick Rose.” And yes, indeed; Tony writes that the drink was inspired by the Ralf Schwieger perfume for Frederick Malle! It has several special homemade ingredients–rose vodka, raspberry and violet syrup–(and Tony himself sounds like the Ferran Adria of drinks), so it seems like a fittingly niche tribute to its namesake!

    End of trivia.

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    • sweetgrass says:
      7 February 2015 at 7:52 pm

      Neat!! I want to drink that cocktail! I have a book on making liqueurs and infused spirits that my friends got me for Christmas, and I think I need this one too.

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      • FearsMice says:
        8 February 2015 at 3:32 pm

        He has lots of other interesting recipes in the book. He even has a recipe for homemade lipstick to use as a garnish on the glass for the Lipstick Rose cocktail!

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  32. Dawn says:
    7 February 2015 at 6:14 pm

    I have been up since 3 this morning because I had to be at my job by 5 and it was Cuir de Russie EDT today. Right now, I am gazing at by new back up bottle of Shalimar Ode a la Vanille. Now I can’t wait for my full bottle of the original Lolita Lempicka. I really did enjoy the mini I had and Fragrance net was having a decent sale.

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  33. sweetgrass says:
    7 February 2015 at 8:01 pm

    SOTD is EL Sensuous Noir. I’m going to be spoiled for choices tomorrow.. I think most of my perfumes are ones I found out about through NST.

    I was at Home Depot earlier today, and in the garden department, they had alyssum, narcissus and hyacinths in bloom all together. It smelled fantastic. I just circled around that area inhaling deeply.

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  34. Laurels says:
    8 February 2015 at 12:00 am

    SOTD is Mauboussin Histoire d’Eau (Topaze). I first discovered this perfume on Michael Edwards’ Fragrance Finder. I remembered seeing it here in a Top 5 Perfumes for Fall by Erin, which convinced me to buy it blind, since I couldn’t find a sample. I thought the Top 5 list might even have linked to a full review by Erin. I couldn’t find either of those in a search, though. (My memory is so inconsistent that I sometimes feel as though I’m moving between parallel universes. I mean, what other explanation can there be?) She did list it in a Top Perfumes for Summer post though, so I’m still giving her and NST credit. I also bought a lightly used bottle from a (an?) NSTer.

    And the Jour d’Hermes Absolu from yesterday has amazing longevity–I was still getting whiffs in the shower this morning.

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  35. johanob says:
    8 February 2015 at 7:44 am

    Couldn’t wait for the thread to start:HAPPY ANNIVERSARY NOW SMELL THIS!!!!!!!Hope your day is fabulously fragrant Robin!xo

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  36. nancyg says:
    8 February 2015 at 11:14 am

    Happy birthday, NST! I’m wearing Azemour les Oranges and Bang – I first learned about AO from NST and that’s what pushed me to order the sample set from P d’E. Don’t need an FB of it , but it’s pleasant enough. And Bang? I’d seen it in discount stores for awhile and would not have bothered with it had I not read some comments about it here. Sniffed at Duty Free – purchased at Marshall’s…

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