Hanukkah starts at sundown tomorrow.
Our standard weekend open thread: talk about anything you like — the perfume you’re wearing today, the fragrance that you recently rediscovered in your own collection, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is Last Night of Chanukah [cropped] by MAD Hippies Life at flickr; some rights reserved.
#saturdaylibrarian wearing L’Heure Bleue.
You smell great!
A lovely thing to wear to the library. 🙂
The last month or so has been chaotic. My mother passed away suddenly in mid-November. I was not entirely surprised, as she had been in poor health for some time, and the last couple of times I saw her she looked really bad, but still there was nothing to tell us that it would happen right now. The funeral was two days before Thanksgiving, so Thanksgiving itself was rather a somber affair. We just got together at one of the few local restaurants that was open that day.
Our sewer backed up the day before the funeral, so while I was running around taking care of last-minute arrangements my husband stayed home all day to wait for the plumber. I know we are not supposed to ask why–stuff just happens, that is all–but still I had to ask “why right now?” If it had happened some other time I could have handled it better. As it was, I was nearly having a meltdown.
I had had an eye infection earlier in November, which was a little scary, but it healed up OK. Now one of our kitties is not doing well, and we may not have him much longer. He has high blood pressure and blood clots and is having trouble using his hind legs. He is nearly 19, so he has had a good long life, but it is still hard.
I had been mostly avoiding perfume lately, partly because I was afraid of forming negative associations with a beloved scent and partly because everything I did try to wear just seemed to annoy me. A few days ago, I was getting out of the shower when I spotted my neglected bottle of Aftelier Ancient Resins. I put some on, and immediately felt just a little bit calmer and more peaceful. The resins used in it (frankincense, elemi, labdanum, and benzoin) all have a long history of use in incense and for meditation, and I understand why. It doesn’t make me feel “normal” again, but it does help. I usually shower at night, so using it in the evening helps me to get to sleep better. I think it is such a cruel irony that the very times when we most need good restorative sleep–when we are ill, grieving, or overstressed–are the very times it is hardest to get any. I really hope she never stops making this one.
So sorry for your troubles! When it rains, it just pours sometimes. Very happy you have Ancient Resins to calm you 🙂
Good gracious, that’s more than anyone should have to bear all at once. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother, and am thinking good thoughts for your kitty.
I am so sorry for all you have had to go through recently. The loss of a parent is always so difficult. I lost my father suddenly and my mother slowly, over a long illness, but even when you ‘think’ you have had time to prepare, you really can’t. And to have to take care of your kitty now adds a whole other layer of hard. Hope that he manages to hold on for now. Please take care of yourself. Ancient Resins is lovely and comforting.
Well, dang! I’m sorry to hear you’ve been having such a rough patch and grateful that you found a little relief in perfume! I hope you continue to find moments of peace. I imagine everything is gonna just seem harder for while here–the way those stressors always seem to compound!
Perfume. Maybe an evening bath? Perhaps a really lovely piece of cake. Yup, that’s my prescription (not that you asked for one)!
Wishing you well!
Yesterday I happened across a macaron shop in Houston, so I bought a dozen. They are all gone now–a little confectionery therapy.
I am doing better now than I was a week or two ago, but I am still having trouble getting motivated to do things. I don’t consciously feel as if I am going to fall apart, but I don’t feel like doing much of anything. I have managed to get most of my Christmas shopping done, thanks to the internet. I don’t think I could have mustered the energy to traipse through the malls and department stores.
Ugh, no! I can’t imagine wanting to put up with crowds and malls and such when life was throwing me so much crud! I barely can put up with it on a good day!
Yay for macarons! I think sometimes confectionary therapy is just what’s needed!
Condolences. I hope that the powers of macarons + Ancient Resins, and other restorative forces start to do their work. I recommend phone calls to far away people and some good distractions as well.
I’m very sorry for your loss and hope things improve greatly for you. The sudden loss of a parent is devastating and losing a pet is always hard, even when it’s time. We have an old girl who is the same age as your cat and is getting close to her end as well, so I can relate.
Hang in there! My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I am glad you have found some comfort with Ancient Resins.
Strength and hugs to you
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear what an awful time you’ve been having. I’m so sorry about your mum. I dont think any kind of preparation can really prepare you for losing such an integral part of your life as close family is. I know it’s something almost everyone will go through so you are not alone, but it doesnt make it easier. Much love and comfort and virtual hugs being sent your way at such a difficult time.
I totally get not wearing fragrance, but how perfect Ancient Resins seems to be. I have a solid of a natural incense/woods/resin blend and I wear that to bed too when I need comfort.
My thoughts are with you 50roses
I’m so sorry to hear all this, 50Roses. I have no words for what you’re going through, but I’m glad to hear you’re finding some small everyday comforts. I don’t know this Ancient Resins at all, but if it has the capacity to offer gentle calm, it’s worth its weight in platinum. All good things now to you and yours.
Ancient Resins is a body oil from Mandy Aftel, and it is wonderful. She makes all-natural fragrances, so the frankincense, etc. resins in the oils are the real deal, not synthetic substitutes. IIRC, you are down south, in New Zealand? It looks like she does ship to NZ, but it would not be cheap, around $30-$40. Maybe if you were buying several items it would not seem so bad, but for a single bottle of AR it would nearly double the price. I would at least hope that maybe the customs issues would not be too bad, since it is an oil, not an alcohol-based perfume. If you do ever get a chance to try it out, do so, especially if you like incense fragrances even a little. I always think the people in NZ are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place, but I am sure the difficulty and expense of shipping goods in must be a nuisance.
Thank you! I will try it despite the shipping costs. I do love incense perfumes, and it must be good stuff if it can lift your spirit a little, given what you’re dealing with.
I’m so sorry to hear of all you and your family have been enduring. Rest can be so elusive in times of grief, I hope you can find some tranquility.
I am so very sorry to hear all of this. I do hope your kitty pulls though and I hope you find solace in the perfumes you feel able to wear.
<>
Well, that turned out weird. Was meant to be “hugs.” I hope things settle down for you soon.
Just hang in there, I’m sure things will eventually get better. Glad you found a fragrance that gives you some comfort.
I’m sorry for your loss.
I am truly sorry for your loss. I don’t know the perfume you are wearing, but I am glad it is helping you. I believe in the power and comfort of scent.
I am so sorry to hear your November was so difficult and grievous. Praying that December brings more joy and peace and calm. I know how it is with pets too. Mine are so dear to me. Hope yours gains strength.
What a lot of worry and sorrow. Perhaps you’re suffering from a spell of depression caused by the accumulation of stress and sadness. Both my parents died suddenly in their sleep. It was traumatic. But you will get through it with friends and perfume.
I am so sorry to hear about all your troubles, just reading it I could feel how overwhelming it must be. How lovely that you were able to find comfort in Ancient Resins. Sending you cyber hugs!
I am so sorry to hear about all that has happened over the last month. It must have been completely overwhelming.
50_Roses, somsorry for your loss and all the other stresses that piled on. Stay strong (and fragrant when you’re ready).
So sorry that all this is happening to you. Hopefully your luck will start to turn and some good things will happen to balance out the bad. Losing a parent is so hard. I hope the happy memories can help you move past the grief you must be feeling.
Sorry that your kitty isn’t doing well.
Ancient Resins is wonderful stuff. I hope that you won’t have any negative associations with it.
Adding my sympathies — that’s a terribly heavy load — and my adoration of Ancient Resins.
L.,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mother. Sending light and hugs to you and yours.
Donna
So sorry to hear about your loss and all the other calamities happening at the same time. It does seem like things come in groups that way. I hope that 2016 brings healing for you.
Condolences on your mom’s passing, and prayers for your kitty.
Your mention of Ancient Resins caused me to think how necessary it is to align our sensory stimulation with the state of our nervous system. Seems obvious, but still… It’s similar to people starting with light fragrances after a physical illness.
Anyway, better times are ahead. Hope you find an abundance of comforts till then. 🙂
50_Roses, you are a strong person to get through all of this without having a meltdown! Almost having one doesn’t count. You kept it together for everyone else around you. 2 thumbs up to you for going through this without having one.
My sympathies on the death of your Mom, and love and prayers for your sweet cat.
So sorry for the loss of your mother (and perhaps imminent loss of your kitty.) I think people don’t realize how exhausting and de-motivating grief is and how it has its ups and downs, easing up and coming in waves again. My mother died suddenly and my father three years later. Even though it has been many years since, I am still surprised how a sudden wave can strike.
Please do not let anyone tell you it is depression. There is wisdom in the age-old customs of a year(or more) of grieving. Seems these days we are expected to be over it in a few weeks or else it is considered depression.
Good to hear that Ancient Resins is providing some comfort.
I have struggled with depression on and off for most of my life, and I do know that this is not it. The utter hopelessness, the feeling of trying to walk through wet concrete, the enormous amount of effort needed to do even simple things–I hope I never experience that again. This is just normal grief, and normal frustration at all the stuff that has been happening. I have felt sad, angry, tired, anxious, restless, and irritable–sometimes all at once. I know that all of that is perfectly normal. It doesn’t all go away in a few weeks, and it is ridiculous for anyone to think that it should.
So sorry to hear about your losses; wishing you comfort. It does all seem to land at once, doesn’t it? A few years back, we had a rough patch, and my sister-in-law said “well you know bad luck comes in three’s, so you’re all done now” to which I had to reply “yeah, but we’re up to about NINE”. Ha! Sometimes you have to laugh (or you’d cry) (not that there’s anything wrong with having a good cry, either!)
Ancient Resins is sooooo lovely, isn’t it!
Yeah, I find that bad things tend to come in large groups, not paltry threes. I know that nothing that has happened is unusual; it is nothing more than the same things or sort of things that happen to everyone. I just wish they were spreading themselves out a little more.
Hello 50_Roses,
My condolences on the passing of your mother, it is difficult but you will find the good memories comforting soon.
Here is to hoping the new year offers better times.
Ancient Resins is wonderful. I recently blind bought it and used it in my beard (and on my body) and kept thinking, I know this aroma. Turns out it is quite similar to the original formula Etro Messe de Minuit. It is calming and a joy to wear.
Bear
I hope things start looking up soon, for you and your kitty. It sounds like he has had a good long life, and hopefully he will have some more 🙂 I am glad that Ancient Resins was able to help a little!
I am sorry for your loss and for the rest of your very difficult November. I’m sending thoughts and hopes that you find whatever necessary (Ancient Resins or otherwise) to comfort you in your grief.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that. I really hope things turn a little easier for you soon. Thinking of you.
So sorry. Try to take extra care
of yourself during this stressful time.
I can only add so sorry for your loss! And I hope December is much much better!
I want to thank everyone for the expressions of sympathy. Perfume people are the best.
It’s the Soft Leather Challenge this morning – I have Kelly Caleche on one arm and Heeley Cuir Pleine Fleure on the other. I didn’t care for Kelly’s fruitiness the first time I tried it, but this morning the apricot note is rather nice. Might have to move it out of the purgatory heap. The Heeley is nice, as usual, but wan in comparison to the Hermes.
A couple of hours in now, and things have reversed – the Heeley has warmed up and become an iris-leather wonder, and Kelly is paler and less interesting (although still very pretty).
Interesting. I love leather perfumes but have only worn KC. A new research project needed!
Managed to escape early from work this evening, looking forward to my 2 days off. Then got rear-ended on my way home. Im fine, but so p****d off :-/ The car in front of me stopped to turn without indicating and I had to slam my brakes on to avoid hitting it- missed by about 3 inches! but the poor girl behind me didnt stop on time. The impact actually opened the ashtray filled with parking money and coins rained down around me.. not one left in the ashtray.. Such a nuisance having to make reports and claims and it’s just bad timing before xmas. But we are both ok just a bit shaken. And furious at the guy who caused it then when he saw what he’d done drove off! And there was a witness so hopefully it will be an easy process insurance-wise. Oh well. These things happen.
SOTD Fate. Irony not lost 😉
You smell fab and glad no one was hurt! Hopefully not much damage to your car?
It’s a station wagon, so just rear bumper and the door. Still drivable. Still have to pay the bloody excess until i can claim it back and not have a car while it gets fixed. Grrr.
But yes. I smell fantastic. Pink and happy. A fb of Fate will have to wait a bit longer..
In my head, that guy got a big dose of karma about a block later when a cement truck accidentally dumped its load all over his car. 😉
Thanks Sheri. Such a great thought isnt it? 😉
Oh, the bingle-causing beastly bloke (substitute any word you like that starts with “B”!). What a rotten driver and human being. I hope his rear tyres wither (how does rubber die–it doesn’t wither, does it?) and that his beer is always flat.
Perish! That’s the word I’m struggling for! Rubber doesn’t either, it perishes, and if it were not six a.m. after a sleepless night, I would have known that.
And may he go to the doctor’s office and be an “interesting case!” (If I were a genie, this would certainly be my worst curse!)
That’s a powerful curse, waterdragon, and well-deserved by that jerk!
I’m sure he’ll never smell even 1% as good as Perthgirl, either. 😉
What rubbish behaviour (although stronger words are more the case) from the other driver. Glad you’re all ok but sorry you have to deal with all the admin hassle that will ensure. At least you smell rather wonderful.
Grrrr. Wish you had his license number!
Curses on that twat of a driver! Glad you are okay.
Twat! I haven’t heard that word since my mother died! It was one of her favorites idioms.
How frustrating. Glad no-one was hurt – people are much harder to fix/replace than cars. Well, that’s what I’ve told myself in similar circumstances, but it’s not very calming in the short term 🙂
Glad you’re OK!
ARG! I’m really glad you’re ok but I know it’s not exactly fun! I was rear-ended a couple years ago and it was really a scary experience even though I was also basically uninjured. Hope all the repairs, insurance, etc. resolve as quickly as possible!
Happy Almost Hanukkah to those who observe.
SOTD is Nirvana Black Body Oil w/ a blast of Vanilla Flash to complete the package. T-Rex is wafting a whole lotta puppy breath and we both smell great!
Apropos of nothing, I had no plans to buy Fate Woman at this time as I still have about 5ml left from a 10ml decant, but I found it at a great price and you know what they say about the “best laid plans”! Anyway, this is so random, but I was just enthralled by the beautiful bottle and the MAGNETIC CAP!! Maybe I am a juvenile at heart, but that cap spinning into place just tickles me to death. Next to T-Rex, it the best this in the past week 🙂
Have a happy, safe weekend and beautify the world by smelling fabulous!
You know, from what I’ve heard, those Amouage bottles can just sorta *happen* to people. You know–without planning. That’s what I’ve heard, anyway. . .
As can so many nice bottles. I find they just pop up suddenly in the most unexpected places, although normally I have tried to make them do that…
Ha!
Must report that no Amouage bottles have happened to me at all 😉
It’s your magic force field. 🙂
Well I wish it would let in just a little tiny bottle of vintage Ubar!
You guys!! I’m scared to read this, do you think it’s contagious?? Sure seems like something a person could catch electronically… <>
Pretty sure NST has been a vector for way more than one bottle to someone!
It’s the little things 😉 For the record, the lipstick I wear the most often has a magnetic cap and it is 100% better that the almost identical, possibly slightly more flattering one that doesn’t. Sometimes the packaging makes all the difference.
Yup. I have been known to just remove and replace the lids on Chanel Exclusif bottle and my By Kilian travel spray more times than necessary just for the magnetic thing 😉
🙂
Deva, I know! I play with my bottle of Fate periodically too! But I long ago gave up any pretense of being properly grown up. I think I realised I wasn’t fooling anybody…
,
There’s good news and bad news. The good news is the magnetic caps have a nice feel to them and the newer Amouages are in this type of bottle. The bad news is that if you got an Amouage that came out several years ago and now have magnetic caps, it may have been reformulated…no issues of course if you love the newer Amouages or the current formulation ofnthe older ones.
Not sure what iteration my decant is, but the juice in the bottle smells the same to my uneducated nose. I didn’t even know there were reformulations happening! Fate seems like it just debuted yesterday, but I guess it’s a couple of years now. Thanks for the update
I’m wearing a decant of Magnolia Grandiflora Sandrine from TPC’s bogo sale. I’m not disappointed; it’s beautiful. But it has a similar effect to White Linen, with a flash of bright aldehydes. I wish it was a bit murkier honestly but I am glad to have picked it.
So glad it is working for you! I look forward to trying their new stephanotis.
I think Lonestar Memories again today! I love it in the cooler weather.
I finally ordered my fb of this- been wanting it for years! USPS tells me it’s languishing on a postal facility floor somewhere very nearby where it’s been for 4 days. Im hoping Monday is the day it makes it to the delivery van 😉
MY husband wears this, but only in the cooler weather. I love it!!
*My
I am wearing Musc Ravageur this morning, and what a beauty!!
I’ve been playing with my new Malle toybox for 3 days, trying a new scent each day. So far, I’ve tried this one, Angelique Sur La Pluie, and Eau de Magnolia. All lovely, but the MR is a near swoon!
Unrelated, but interested in sharing–I have been reading Cuckoo’s Calling, Robert Galbraith’s (aka JK Rowling), first mystery book. I am enjoying it, but it’s taken me a while to get into. Any other fans out there with insights?
That arrived quick! 🙂 MR is divine. I also think le Parfum de Therese is ‘more juice’ worthy 🙂
I know–I was amazed at the quick service! In fact, in the past three days, I’ve received 3 of my 4 presents to myself. I feel very spoiled. 🙂
Ooh you have the coffret! What’s it like -tell me just how super is it? I am really trying to ignore it’s appeal…
The packaging is lovely and solid. There’s a black, cardboard presentation box. When you slide it open, there’s the perfume “book”–with pretty much the same bios and perfume descriptions you’d see on Malle’s website. It’s bound, heavy paper and pretty, but not sure it’s something I’d put out, unless maybe I had a dressing table where I could put pretty things like that?
Each bottle is nestled into a slot in the box, and they are quality glass sprayers. So far, I’ve been happy with them–I have a FB of Lipstick Rose and L’eau d’Hiver and I find the sprayers on those a bit enthusiastic. I often transfer to smaller bottles so I can distribute my fragrance with more control. There’s a travel case included, and it’s pretty and functional-seeming.
I am having fun choosing a scent each day to try. I only know a handful of Malle scents from samples, etc., and it feels very luxurious to “sample” from a 10 mL bottle! It includes 20 fragrances–all but Dries Van Noten, I believe.
I think if I lived where I could sample all of these at a Barney’s or such, it would not be “necessary,” but as my nearest such source is 8 hours away, it is a very fun way to play and explore at my leisure. 😀
Yay! You FINALLY got the coffret! It’s about time. You seem happy with your purchase so I’m guessing there are no regrets.
Haven’t received my credit card statement, yet, but I keep reminding myself that I don’t splurge often! Then there’s the matter of that blind buy of Beloved I made last week, too. . . the jury’s still out on THAT decision!
Thank you so much for the detailed reply. It certainly sounds fabulous and the fact the sprayers are different to the travel ones you can buy adds to its appeal. Glad you are really enjoying it and I am worried you might need an enabler pin soon????
In addition to what Marjorie Rose said, each of the travel sprays come with a cap…the ones you buy in singles or trios do not have caps.
It is a very nice set and fun to have the breadth of choices.
I have a FB of Iris Poudre and travel sprays of several but I felt this was good value overall.
You are only adding to the temptation????I am trying to work out how many of them I really would enjoy using but overall it is a generally exceptional range. It’s something I regretted not having got the first time around so we shall see his time! Glad you’re enjoying it.
Woohoo! Just learn from my mistake and if you’re seriously considering it, don’t delay too long. I was deeply disappointed when I’d finally given myself permission to buy one and none could be found!
Ooh: caps on the travel sprays is a pretty nice bonus. Thanks for pointing that out.
MR makes me swoon, too. It would be nice in cool weather, if we ever get any down here…
Thirded–I have been immensely pleased with my new bottle, and I think a lot of it owes to the fact that it arrived just as we started to get some (slightly) cooler weather.
*Sous La Pluie, not “Sur” 😀
It took me a while to get into Cuckoo’s Calling as well, I think it was the problem of tone – she seemed to be unable to decide what it should be. But it got better towards the end and in the second book (that I found stronger overall) it didn’t bother me. I haven’t dared to read the third, it’s said to be even darker than the second.
Ah, good to hear. I agree–there’s some shiftiness with the tone! I couldn’t tell what sort of book I was reading for a while there. By now, it’s mostly from the perspective of Strike and feels like an old-fashioned murder mystery, and that is enjoyable to me. Thank you for the reply!
Whew! I’m back to wearing perfume and enjoying Grandiflora Madagascan Jasmine again today. I managed to seriously knot up my neck/upper back the other day to the point that I would have gone to the ER for relief if I wasn’t intolerant of every painkiller except ibuprofen. I’m feeling better but still a bit stiff and have my fingers crossed that the knot didn’t just migrate to the other side, which is feeling a bit twingy. The weather has been beautiful and I have stuff to do so I’m really ready to feel well now, thankyouverymuch.
I must try that one. And good luck…hope it gets better soon.
It’s nice. Very much a pretty tropical white floral scent with none of that throat-tightening stuff.
In the gorgeous Vanille d’Iris today. The iris here is blowing my mind.
If only those OJ perfumes were easier to access and the price was not so steep…
I only buy mine during the Black Friday events nowadays. I went a few years refusing to buy since the postage was so steep. Not sure what it’s like for European buyers, but shipping to the States was prohibitive for a while there!
Got my sample of this yesterday. Might have to take a break from the Malles to give it a go this weekend.
Reporting back: Only a few minutes into giving it a spray, but I’m a bit relieved to report I’m not really liking it so far! I’m getting a wan, rooty iris with something sweet like “apple accord”–fake and thin. I think this one’s gonna be money saved for me! (I could really use some saved money these days, too! 🙂 )
Really!! I know you and I are sometimes scent evil twins but I would not have guessed you’d find this thin or wan! Compared to so many of the light, delicate irises out there, I found this one fairly rich. No? Wonder what accounts for the difference. It did trigger my allergies a bit–I wonder if that’s why it felt more stronger to me…
While I have some big loves in the OJ line, I have found that the scents fall into two distinct camps for me–big love or “pretty but faint (or merely pretty faint).” I have often wondered if I was anosmic to some of the components that she uses to fill out the heart notes with, as others seem to respond to them on me with more apparent notice than I’d expect.
Gi, thanks so much for enabling me on the OJ. I sprayed this morning and really am enjoying huffing my arm. I think I love it.
As hajuusuri said, it really isn’t vanilla nor iris, although I get more iris. But it’s just nice….so who cares?
Speaking of packaging… It came in a beautiful packing box that itself is almost worth keeping and then the orange box holding the sprays themselves… The whole thing makes it so special.
I’m so glad you are enjoying it! I’m glad we were able to enable each other 😉
I get a lot of steely iris, but the vanilla just reads as a smoothness to me. I don’t really get any sweetness or distinct vanilla at all.
Must try this!
Wearing Mary Greenwell Plum, thanks to a lovely swapper in the last Swapmeet. It was great for running errands this morning.
Love Plum.
Tried Cross of Asia and Ylang in Gold a few days ago and now I’m wondering about other ylang-ylang scents I should try (already tried and loved the one from Lorenzo Villoresi). Any recs?
SOTD is Donna Karan Liquid Cashmere
Even if you’re not typically a Chanel person, Eau Premiere is ylang heaven to me. Would like to try Perris Monte Carlo Ylang Ylang Nosy Be and Korres Heliotrope Ylang Ylang Citron–please report back if you ever happen upon them!
oh, and I get a nice ylang out of Alahine.
What about Songes? It’s also the note that gives that unusual twist to the rose in Amouage Lyric.
The Black Narcissus fell in love with ylang ylang flowers in Indonesia and bought some ylang ylang oil that he uses to doctor his vintage perfumes (sacrilege!) – his posts on ylang ylang are delightful.
(Sheepishly) I had to stop reading his blog, I couldn’t handle the sacrilege.. :-/
Hahaha wow usually I am very very firmly in the camp of “However you like to wear your fragrance is the right way to wear it” but gosh it may be that I’ve found my limit on that outlook 🙂
Wearing Black Orchid body lotion from a mini, I seem to prefer it in the body lotion form, it feels smoother and less overpowering but definitely no need for anything else (although I am sure it would be great for layering, just trying to think what the right sort of layering perfumes would be).
There are a few I like better in cream form too.
Wearing Amouage Beloved, which is one of those fragrances that I totally adore but would wish had another name.
My nearly 20-year old nephew helped me install some new software on my laptop which was very kind of him. He is turning into this articulate, thoughtful person and though incredibly tall these days (6ft9), I well remember him as an 8 month old baby trying to stand up on uncertain legs.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Isn’t it great when a child you’ve known all his life suddenly turns into an actual “person”? I don’t have children of my own, but I have two stepsons who were teenagers when my husband and I met, and both boys have become wonderful and interesting adults.
Nice! I have a 16 year old nephew whom I’ve asked to do stuff for — sorting through junk mail, shredding, compiling my savings bonds. One of these days, I will ask him to organize Mt. Sample and Mt. Decant.
Best of days to everyone! I’m still in bed, trying to pretend that Sunday hasn’t happened yet, and I’ve just applied a cream perfume sent to me by the wonderful and generous Kanuka. It’s made in Wanaka, a town in the South Island, in a place so beautiful that it can make you cry. The scent is gentle and warm, and I’m catching a memory of old-fashioned carnations from my childhood, the pink leggy sort that couldn’t ever seem to stand up and always ended up spilling out of their bed and sprawling in a gangly way over the hot concrete path. I love it.
And now I have to start thinking about this party! I still don’t know what to cook. Or what to wear. Botheration. And everyone’s responses to Kanuka yesterday made me realise that I’m not in the mood for people either. Double botheration.
Waterdragon, I dreamt about your party last night. A friend of mine was there and she was wearing MJ Honey. ( she is a bottle person, rather than perfume ) The party appeared to be going well. lol. I hope you have fun!
Heavens! Then it behoves me to stop drooping about and get organised! It will be fun…only, it’s my husband’s colleagues rather than mine, you know? Mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers. We don’t really speak the same language.
If it’s any consolation, we geeks and nerds *know* we don’t socialize the way the rest of you people do! (And if only there were more studies to educate us in how to make it work more smoothly, surely we could figure it out!)
I’m just back, and I did have fun, though I got stuck in an earnest conversation with someone about quasars. He had a marvellous time telling me all about everything– once he discovered my ignorance, he treated me like a Year one lecture theatre. I felt like asking if all this would be in the test, but I forbore, because he was honestly very sweet. The beach was spectacular, there were tui lumbering about drunkenly in the tree tops, and people were very kind to me, which amused me rather than anything else. Could have done with some red hens, though, Kanuka.
I hope you reciprocated with a Perfume 101 lesson on 5 star perfumes. Hope you managed to lay your hands on a fine red wine to compensate for the lack of hens. I have to meet someone for coffee today…will this socialising never end? Have a good work week!
im glad you had a nice time.
Glad you like it. They do nice candles: French Pear, and Havana are good. I love carnations. Have fun today!
Did you have fun yesterday?
I had a lot of fun yesterday apart from one brief glitch…see below! I’m a tough old boot though …. So all is well. Enjoy yourself today!
To end a week I can only describe as ” time to put on my big girl panties…again” I am wearing NR Narciso. which feels like a big girl scent.
Just put on my new samples of Vanilla Smoke EDP and perfume, and *gasp* I love them! Of course, I fully expected to, but I’m so happy they lived up to my hopes. So far, I’m preferring the EDP, but we’ll see how they develop through the day.
Oooh!! Tell us everything! What’s the main difference, would you say?
The lapsang souchong note really smells like the tea to me and it mixes beautifully with vanilla. I can’t smell mandarin in either, but the EDP is still bigger/brighter, while the perfume seems to have a lower register. Neither is incredibly complicated, but they’re lovely. Of course, SO haaaaates it, so I guess it’s ok that neither lasts very long. Oh well, no bottle for me, I guess.
Finished Christmas shopping this morning – Yes!!! I smelled good doing it wearing Chanel #5 Eau Premiere.
I am going to a wedding this afternoon so know the scent will be appropriate for that.
Completely envious of anyone who’s able to finish this early. I’ve begun, but have a ways to go yet.
Wheeee! I just finished my on-line shopping — including the obligatory phone call from the credit card company (“Is that really you melting your credit cards?” “Yes, sadly”) That’s most of the holiday shopping done, since family is across the country. Phew!
Ha! Got that CC card after my THIRD Black Friday splurge last week!
Got a bit pacey before the party yesterday and ended up spraying Fig extreme, Cristalle, bulletproof and Sweet. Realised I had overdone it as I started to get wheezy on the drive over. Upon arrival was introduced to a psychologist and a pychiatrist and I immediately launched into a rant about my favourite sport, white water kayaking. Spent next ten minutes on the couch cursing myself and questioning my wisdom re. My enthusiastic descriptions of foaming white water and shooting the Rapids to men who know their Freud from their fridge. Went out to the garden and loitered by the vege patch, talked about broad beans to a stranger ( we both hated them , but now love them). I started to do a spot of weeding, looked up and noticed the psychiatrist was watching me…jumped up and initiated a conversation about paraquat (!!!). He went inside and I snuck through the hedge , got in my car and came home. 45 minutes at the party…almost wept.
Well, if it’s any consolation, most psychiatrists are very “flawed” and, as a way to cope with that, they decide to study the flaws in others to make themselves feel better.
That means you were probably the most interesting and “normal” one at the party, understanding of course that “normal” doesn’t really exist.
Simply said, we are all crazy, so no point in getting upset when comparing ourselves to others. I’m crazy too, and much prefer time spent with good books, music, and animals rather 99.9% of the bipedal population. 🙂
Well said.
Sadly I talked so much and so fast that I don’t think he got a chance to open his mouth or display his flaws. He wore a cool shirt though.
The hens were nice. Very chooky.
I’ve had some excellent conversations with chooks. I find them well informed on many subjects, and amazingly close to my own political and social views! In fact, chooks are good neighbours, upright citizens and remarkably free of annoying attributes. I’m not surprised you found them entertaining.
As for the psychiatrist, I betcha he was wishing he had your resourcefulness in getting away from the psychologist.
These were little red hens so I asked them: Who will help me eat this bread? And we had a good laugh about that.
His flaw was that he made you feel flawed.
Like a diamond!
Hear hear. You must feel so happy and relieved now that it’s over; I always do.
Kanuka, if psychologists and psychiatrists in NZ are anything like up here, they learn to turn off the clinical radar in social settings and did not analyze your white-water kayaking fervor as anything more than you intended.
I would have happily talked to you about white water rafting…something I LOVED doing and wished I had the opportunity to do again. I never considered any Freudian undertones. Frankly, I’m almost always ready to leave a party after 45 minutes, but I’m married to someone who generally has to be shown the door by hosts who’ve changed into their pajamas…
I keep wanting to try Canoe Skive just because of its name. A lot of our rivers are glacier fed and have a wonderful metallic scent ….especially on hot days when the sun heats up the schist on the river banks and the mica sparkles in the light. Bliss.
Smelled that the other night. Very very leather and got quite nice I thought.
I don’t suppose it would help to say that you would have made an impression in those 45 minutes 🙂
Kanuka, I loved reading your party experience 🙂 Ive been to a few parties where I would’ve loved a hedge to escape through 😉 It reminded me of a good friend who hates parties because he says everytime he joins in a conversation everyone dissipates. I adore him to bits and can’t really understand that, and he is a lot like me so I wonder what that says about me.. lol.. he told me he went to a party at a new girlfriend’s place and her behaviour around others terrified him, so he escaped over a back fence and ran away! I tried to tell him off for his bad manners but couldnt stop laughing 🙂
And I often find myself talking to the animals. I dont care what kind they are- whatever I can find! 🙂
At least we can make ourselves laugh, eh?
Good afternoon all!
I’m wearing Rose Flash from Andy Tauer’s Tauerville line today.
I’ve been a bit busy with work lately as at the end of December I’ve got to close all the fragrance projects I’ve been working on but it seems like I have a good pace and that I should be able to relax.
I can’t believe that tomorrow is St. Nicolas Day, a day for sharing small gifts with family and friends. And Christmas is just behind the corner and still no idea what I’d like to get and what am I going to get for my parents
That Rose FLash is so nice.
I’m wearing Parfumerie Generale Un Crime Exotique, a lovely spicy fragrance that seems to bring out my holiday spirit.
Yesterday I went to the local ASPCA and adopted a 3-year-old cat who apparently was dumped on the street by her former owners, as she had already been spayed when found. She is in the quiet guest room as she was so scared. This morning I found she had urinated all over the bed pillow, but used the litter box for her other need. I hope this is a one-time occurrence and not the reason she was abandoned.
I noticed on the Twitterfeed that Soivohle is having a sale. I have not tried anything of hers and I’d like to. Recommendations, anyone?
ConCATulations, hope it all works out for both of you! You may want to have her screen for urinary tract infection if it happens again.
Yay for shelter animals finding a loving home!! Most of the animals are so traumatized by the shelter environment, not to mention what they may have gone through prior to that, they are a complete wreck when first adopted. I have never heard of an adopted animal not finding its equilibrium once it feels safe in its surroundings. Have patience, remove soft surfaces and use a waterproof mattress cover and give it time. You never know what the cat may have smelled and responded to regarding the pillow situation. Hope all works out for all parties involved 🙂
Thanks for saving a shelter cat! And I want to ditto what cazaubon and Deva have said – she may need a while to adapt to her new setting, but if the behavior continues, ask your vet to check for an infection. Sometimes peeing outside the box is the only way your cat can tell you that something is wrong and she’s hurting.
Of her current offerings I like Amun Re, Carpathian Oud, Oudh Lacquer and Twelve Keys but it’s a house that I like most of what I’ve sampled
Many of the things I used to love at Soivohle are now gone, so I can’t offer any recommendations. Sad.
But I think her samples are reasonable, so just try some things.
You might also need to change the litter you are using in her litter box. My cats have definite preferences in brands and types of litter.
As mentioned above, in the new OJ Vanille d’Iris. Also have the Blanche Vermeil Volupsa candle going. Silver cypress, cedar and pine.
Still not dressed. And I got up before 8 am!
Cold, windy and grey here – perfect for Absolue pour le Soir.
Love! ????
It has been a wonderful lift to smell it today – when you put on just the right thing it’s magic!
You smell fantastic–I love that one.
Wearing a sample of Stella. It’s just OK on me….nothing to write home about.
Enjoying a quiet Saturday just puttering around the house with the fam….Just the way I love to spend my weekends! 🙂
I like Stella, but yes, never felt the need to own it.
I have an iffy tummy today so am unscented – but somehow I keep getting whiffs of Memoir Woman from SOMEWHERE. Can’t be this t-shirt. Can’t be my jeans. I haven’t even worn it in weeks.
It’s lovely. Don’t think I could manage even a tiny application, but the phantom whiffs are nice.
I had a scarf for YEARS that smelled of an application back when I first sampled Memoir. Made me happy every time I put it on!
Dull and wet here, which is a real shame. Today is the annual Thorndon Fair, a school, fundraiser which has got so big that the road is closed and there are hundreds of stalls. Lovely day yesterday, and exactly the same thing happened last year. Weather in Wellington is always iffy -if there is one nice day, you really can’t expect another.
I’ll have to rely on perfume to keep me warm and cheerful at the Fair, I’m thinking Memoir, I’m sure it’s powerful enough to set up a protective force field.
What fun! Enjoy, even if the weather is acting the fool. You’ll be the best-smelling person there for sure.
The Vancouver meetup was quite a success, even on crutches and in the middle of downtown xmas shopping. I got sprayed with Le Labo The Noir, which was figgy/woody/spicy on me for the first few hours. And then…it turned into a rose when I was home. It had a definite hours-long rose phase, before coming back to something woody.
Anyone else try this?
Now wearing Narciso Rodriguez (don’t know which one) from yesterday’s sample haul.
What fun! Did you make it to the new Nordstrom? I’m wondering what their fragrance selection is like.
Yes! That’s where the Le Labo corner is. There’s also Diptyque, Byredo, and a few others. Not as many different lines as Holt’s, but good selection nonetheless.
Thanks. It sounds worth a visit for sure.
By comparison, MY Nordstrom is boring! It sounded like you had a great time!
WOW. Great work Nordstrom…now…if they’d just expand this approach to other stores…
Hey jjlook. That perfume crawl was so fun! Thanks to AnnieA for making it happen.
Bummed I haven’t made it up there recently to catch up with you Vancouver folks! Good to know that there’s now a Nordie’s to add to the sniff-list on my next visit.
I’m wearing TF Tobacco Oud – not among my favourite Fords, but I was craving something rich and sweetish and this fits the bill. I’m trying to get my Christmas presents sorted this weekend (mostly online shopping), so making lists and researching. I’m reading Joseph Roth’s The Hotel Years – it’s a collection of his short journalism pieces from between two world wars. Great writing and some scary parallels with the current times.
Zipper and his Father is my favourite Roth. His writing is so lean and spare and yet so powerful. Love his essays. Have you read His life in Letters ( Granta ) …also great.
I must admit that this is my first Roth, although I have been thinking about reading Radetzky March. His language is so impressive, even in translation – I would like to give it a go in German, but I’m afraid my German is simply not good enough for this.
If you like memoirs from a similar period and place you might also like Elias Cannetti’s memoirs written in Vienna…The tongue set free, Torch in my ear, or Tongue set free …all good. I can’t manage German so have only read in translation.
Roth’s Zipper is very short but poignant and beautifully written. Hotel Savoy is also great. One of my favourite writers.
I’m in my newest purchase: Huitieme Art Shermine and I I have Lucas to thank (or blame) for this lemming. The tester at Osswald was damaged earlier in the day so I basically bought this on the strength of Lucas’ review. It reminds me a lot of FM Iris Poudre, one of my favorite perfumes with the most wonderful drydown. I am not getting any vanilla but it could be because I only spritz lightly (2 tiny ones). I’ll re-up later when I leave for dinner and a performance.
In other news…do I need 200 mLs of Chanel Sycomore? Ha! I just bought one as part of the Rewarding Beauty Event ($s off based on total spend). The smaller size was not available so I was “forced” to get the larger, more economical per mL size. I am willing to split so if anyone is interested, please drop me an email.
Nah, I’m good on the Sycomore. I still have about 180 ml left of my bottle. Got mine before they started selling the 2.5 ounce bottle.
Definitely interested in some Sycomore, I’ll e-mail.
I would be interested in 10 mls or so. I will email you!
I’m such an enabler these days. Hope you will enjoy your bottle of Shermine and that you won’t come up to a conclusion that you made a wrong decision buying it unsniffed
No regrets whatsoever! I ended up wearing Aftelier Bergamoss EDP since I was wearing green. Oud Palao, that’s another story…I sniffed this on paper twice and each time, I couldn’t take it.
Something that is similar to the drydown of Iris Poudre? THat’s the absolute best part of it.
Oh, hey – even with my intestinal distress, I bet I could manage Iris Poudre. So fluffy.
The beginning smells just like Iris Poudre. I did not get a chance to let it dry down as I showered to get ready for dinner with friends. I’ll report back on the drydown.
I’ve already been to one party this morning and have a second tonight. Usually I would be overwhelmed but I know the hosts and guests very well and they are all such kind, generous people.
I’m wearing Bois des Iles and it feels quite perfect. Helping get me in the holiday spirit after a stressful week at work!
Ohhhh, you smell wonderful.
Wearing Memoir before I hit the shower. This whole four day stretch of having to get up at 3:30 am to be at work by 5 is kicking my butt. Almost got into it with a coworker today over freaking garbage. I work in a bakery and there are things we donate and things we throw out. She whined about the weight of the bag of the stuff we throw out and told me I either take it to the dumpster and throw it out along with the baker’s stuff or I create two smaller bags. She claimed she can’t lift a 10 pound bag of garbage and she had to have one of the guys do it for her. My response was either she was going to develop the muscle power for one bag to do it herself or gripe about two 5 pound bags, I will not tolerate someone who does next to nothing critique how I do things. Not when it’s Christmas time and there are 5 orders that have a 7:30 am pick up. The joys of a grocery store.
Wow! My stepmother was a baker, and while not exactly a physically fit or active person, she had ARMS from years of kneading, pastry manipulation, and the general physicality of the work! Hard to imagine someone in that line of work not being able to handle trash.
I’m happy to hear that you at least have the strength of Memoir to count on!
We had the memorial today for the family member who died on Thanksgiving. It was lovely. I think it helped her husband. Sara Hickman, a well-known Texas singer-songwriter, sang.
I was sorry to hear about your loss on Thanksgiving. Glad to hear the memorial went well. I looked up Sara Hickman on YouTube – her song “Simply” is really lovely.
Very sad news. Just be extra kind to yourself fro the next while.
I had a great day–discovered a new-to-me thrift store, went to a holiday bazaar and an estate sale, had fun lunch out, and did it all wearing Coromandel. Then got to show my 6 year old the original Star Wars for the very first time. She loved it, but quickly got to the issue that there is only one real female part in that whole movie (not counting the aunt who has three lines and then dies.)
You’ve obviously raised her well. 🙂
Well, at least it is a strong female role, not a damsel in distress! We also watched Star Wars today, with our twin 2 year old daughters. They love all the movies – or at least watching them for 10 minutes here and there, then going off to play, then watching again. R2D2 and Yoda are their favorites.
🙂 Lovely.
Sounds like a perfect day, missionista!
Continuing my new Big Girl fragrance theme and wearing Poison. Unfortunately, for me not vintage. I am sure though that the people around me will find it fortunate for them.
LOL, imagine hosing down with original Poison these days, when everyone’s sense of smell has not been toughened up by constant cigarette smoke. You are inspiring me to don Gucci Rush someday soon, lillyjo!
Oh gosh I hope you do. Rush really is in a class of its own. I realized the other day that most of my current fragrances were to be pleasing to other people. ( although I never gave up my Rush or Alien ) I decided to go back to my perfume roots (big and loud, even though I am neither of those things) I feel like they help me stand a little taller.
Last night I wore AG Songes, after thegoddessrena brought it to mind. I usually think of florals as warm weather perfumes, but this one is excellent in cold, dry air, and I’m adding it to my unwritten list of winter perfumes.
This morning I’m testing Diptyque Essences Insensées 2014 (the mimosa one) and really enjoying it. I love the vintage bottle with the feather design, so I’d probably be ordering one up if I were feeling more profligate. I might yet – we’ll see how the sample goes.
There is a interesting article in the Atlantic about how French Revolution-inspired imagery has crept into ads for products as diverse as breakfast cereal, perfume, airlines, and, now, energy drinks. “Though usually tempered by humor, these images play on fears as much as fantasies, alternately inviting consumers to identify with the angry peasants and the pampered aristocrats.” With respect to perfume, the article highlights the 2013 ad campaigns for Katy Perry’s Killer Queen and Nicki Minaj’s Minajesty.
http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/12/french-revolution-advertising/418920/
OK, I admit I clicked on it initially to see how on earth Kim Kardashian could possibly be cast as Audrey Hepburn (and Queen Marie Antoinette – in the same ad!). 😉
Is KK a UN Goodwill Ambassador yet? Looking forward to that day.
Oh, Kanuka, I really did laugh out loud. 😀
Just read the article, or skimmed it, which is as much as I’m willing to do for this subject matter — weirdness! Actually, just the image of KK as Audrey Hepburn is enough weird to last me through the week.
Enjoying this gorgeous morning in Le Labo/Opening Ceremony Geranium whateveritscalled. Was really thrilled that STC offered this on sale last week as I find it so pleasant. Shame the thing I like best from Le Labo was so limited release.
Anyway, I was wondering, since I know lots of online shopping has been done here lately, if anyone else has been having several-week-long shipping delays with UPS? Nothing I have ordered since the first of Nov has arrived. That’s close to a dozen packages, all sitting on trailers or in warehouses someplace in Texas, with no available delivery estimate. Some have been “out for delivery” multiple times then magically reverted to “not yet unloaded” several hundred miles away. Amazon cust. svc. says its Texas only and weather related, but it seems odd since its been mostly sunny and warm here. UPS doesn’t say anything except to transfer me around their phone systems until my calls are dropped. I’m not meaning to rant, just wondering if I’m jinxed or if others are having trouble. Seems to be happening with some incoming USPS packages too, presumably the ones transported by UPS.
I’m having to change travel plans to be here for packages and my irritation level is rising steadily.
No problems in the swamp. Ordered my bottle of Fat Woman this past Sunday and it was shipped FedEx, delivered to my local post office on Tuesday morning, the delivered to me Wednesday via USPS. Super fast delivery!
Whoops! That would be Fate, no fat lol
LOL, I totally breezed past Fat Woman that assuming it was a new ELDO or similar niche offering.
oh good! I just figured it was something I hadn’t heard about yet. lol.
That would be an unfortunate name for a fragrance!
Good morning, good morning. Monday and work! I have a quiet day in my office, no meetings, just editing and reading. I recently bought a red silk shirt that expels me forcibly from my clothes rut, and I’m going to wear it with jeans and Coromandel. I wouldn’t have thought of Coromandel but that last week I was drifting aimlessly around a store waiting for Richard and discovered that Chanel does a red lippy and a nail polish called Coromandel! They are pretty much the same colour as my shirt and I seem to have set up an indelible association, so that wearing shirt is likely to always attract Coromandel perfume. I may even buy the nail polish, though not to wear together, lest I look too “matchy”. My great niece recently announced to me, with all the solemnity that I might reserve for a discussion of world peace, that it’s deeply uncool to be too matchy. I promised I would avoid matchiness forever. Who am I to upset the aesthetic sensibilities of a 13 year old?
Great story in the Guardian a day or so ago: the woman employed to sniff out gas leaks for the gas company is given the task of blind testing perfumes. Interesting results!
http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2015/dec/02/the-christmas-perfume-test-a-british-gas-engineer-gives-her-verdict
LOVE this article, thanks!
Her response to Arctic Jade makes me wanna give it a try!
Thanks, Kanuka – very interesting!
Retesting Bois des Iles EDT this morning. Someone here (oh, maybe a year ago) said the secret of this one is to apply more. Whoever that was, you were spot on! BdI is a shape-shifter, and so far I’ve loved all of its shapes. Am considering a large-ish decant at this point … although maybe I should investigate the extrait first?
Ah-ha! Apply more and apply in warmer weather, would be my advice. Love this one in summer especially.
I’ll keep that in mind! One more reason to look forward to summer. 🙂
I have the extrait and I love it so much, I have also tried the edt it wasn’t that long lasting on me but I sprayed a little. I should go back and try to spray more and see the results.
Be sure to report back – in the name of research, of course. 😉
If you like to work out, this smells even better (if you can imagine that!) when you are in a good sweat! Delicious 😉
Oh, Deva – I used to love jazzercise (and the way fragrance would bloom with the heat of it), but my knees just can’t take it anymore. I do pilates now, but really really need to find something aerobic to supplement it. You spin (IIRC) – do you love it? Or do you have to force yourself to go? I hate the gym, but if I were going to a class, maybe it wouldn’t be so horrible?
Went to the mall and did some perfume testing. I tested Dune, #5, and J’dore. All surrounded by the Poison I sprayed this morning. I smell disgusting, and should know better.
Dune is one of my “cheap thrills.” How’d you like it? (Or could you not tell through the cloud of Poison?)
I really like Dune. It is so original, I used to wear it when it first came out. The only problem I have with it, is I am a chronic oversprayer, and well….I always end up dizzy from it. lol. If I could trust myself to remember that, I would get it again. Btw, Dune has outlasted everything I had on, even the Poison. I smell pretty good now.
Even by a sillage queen like myself, Dune must be handled with care! It can go from lovely to overwhelming so fast!
I’ve thought in the past that I should mark a number (for optimum spritzes) on the tops of perfume bottle caps, especially for the scents or versions that deviate from my tolerance norm. (looks for permanent marker)
Just said good bye to my guinea pig, Maple, who went to join a happy new home where she will have a piggy buddy and loving new humans including 2 sweet animal-loving kids. I am SO glad I was able to find her such a great home but all of a sudden my apartment feels much quieter!
Not sure what perfume might be able to fill that particular piggy-sized hole right now. Might go unscented for today.
I’m coming to the post so late, but here’s a hail Mary for anyone who may be reading this:
My question has to do the original Kors by Michael Kors. I’m looking for something similar, since I can’t even find old, questionable bottles of Kors by Michael Kors on eBay anymore. I adore this perfume, and I took the “smells like” suggestions on Fragrantica and found that Ralph Lauren Love IS similar, but since THAT fragrance is also discontinued, I’m hoping that one of you may have another alternative. I just can’t get enough of those rose, leather, and boozey notes.
Huge, heartfelt thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.