Happy Easter, everyone! It's time to fill your (fantasy) Easter basket:
1. You can pick one perfume, new or old: what is it?
2. And you can have one other scented product (a candle, a body lotion, anything): what is it?
3. Your favorite candy?
4. And any random present you'd like the Easter bunny to bring you.
Note: the Easter Brooding Hen Biscuit Box is £12.50 at Fortnum & Mason.
I’m looking forward to the new Hermessences and the Maison Lancome 3 new ones, so I would pick one of those. I would like another bottle of the Byredo Suede lotion.
Favourite candy is dark chocolate but lately I’ve been enjoying mint scotchmallows from Sees.
I would love for the Easter Bunny to bring me a brand new Bottega Veneta purse. 🙂
I saw the Scotchmallows at See’s the other day. I was very tempted to buy one, but I resisted . . . Didn’t see MINT flavor, though. That sounds pretty great–like the old Grasshopper Oreos they used to sell.
scotchmallows are delicious! See’s dark chocolates are among my most favorites.
And thank you for sharing ????
Yum – please tell me about the Byredo suede lotion. Is the fragrance similar to any of their perfumes?
It isn’t exactly like any of them, but it reminds me a bit of Bal d’Afrique mixed with Bibliothèque. It’s fresh with a bit of leathery undertone. Unfortunately it’s $$.
Yes, on the $$. Which is why I haven’t tried it yet. Thanks for the info!
See’s is my favorite too! There’s a store only a couple of miles from my house, which is wonderful and fattening.
Their dark chocolate raspberry creams are my downfall. Good thing for me there aren’t any stores in my state, or I’d have to do a lot more exercise than I do!
You prompted me to go into See’s today. No mint scotchmallows, though. But I picked up a few other things. Yum.
Hello Bunny, I’ve been very good this year. Please place the following items in my basket:
1. A very old, preferably original release, Guerlain. I don’t care which one–surprise me!
2. Chanel No. 5 body oil. I know they don’t make it anymore, but please check the back of your warren. I’m sure some will pop up!
3. Cadbury’s milk chocolate bars (a sampler of flavors would be nice), from Canada. I really like the caramel popcorn variety, if I must choose only one.
4. Another week of spring break, this time with sunshine please. I’ve finally got all my neglected chores done, and now I’d like to putter in the garden and relax.
Thank you.
Hi I have a bottle of unopened no 5 dry body oil if you want to swap. Marianna_r at yahoo
Sweet of you! Not sure I have much to swap away lately, but I’ll dig around and see if anything’s going unloved. . .
you may have some competition as it looks like at least one other person below is looking for it too!
Good morning Y’all…
I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend!
My fantasy Easter basket? Bring it to me Bunny! 🙂
1. Perfume: I’m greedy. Can’t pick one….I’d like the entire Jo Malone English Fields collection, pretty please….
2. Scented product: Lush April Showers bath bomb
3. Candy: M&Ms plain. Or a Hershey’s bunny. Really, anything chocoalte will be fine, thank you kindly….
4. Random present: I’m still greedy. I’ll love the entire OPI Summer 2018 Grease Collection.
Hop to it Rabbit! Spoil me please…. 🙂
1. Chanel’s 31 Rue Cambon
2. 31 Rue Cambon body creme (it doesn’t exist but I can dream, can’t I? Chanel: Get on that!)
3. Payday – the combination of salty/sweet is irresistible to me.
4. Continued good health!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Happy Easter to those observing! – Julien
They used to make a chocolate Payday. That was the best!
I am in chocolate mourning. I love Paydays and had no idea they ever had them with chocolate! ????
Paydays are delicious.
Payday?
They’re kind of a thick, sugary caramel log center, coated in whole salted peanuts. Pretty yummy.
Paydays were my moms favorite, too. ????
OmG+1 Deva!!!
Perfume~Velvet Gardenia or Deneuve, neither of which I’ve ever smelled, but sound intriguing. Someone on Fragrantica says the Ford is to be re-released this year.
Candle~from Malle, either 1ER Mai or Un Gardenia Nuit. If the Easter bunny’s feeling more frugal, Guerlain’s Hiver en Russie.
Chocolate~a baker’s dozen of Chocolove 73% organic dark bars.
Fantasy gift~when NST was running Pantone week, received an email from Tiffany about Elsa Peretti Color by the Yard pieces, and was taken by the bezel set tsavorite earrings. Alas, the total carat weight is something infinitesimal like .14. So what I want are those earrings, but featuring 3-4 carats of gemstone.
Hello,
As I can see, you love gardenia. So do I. Velvet Gardenia is very odd. There’s a huge mushroom note in it. It’s a great scent but not a lovely perfume IMO.
Un Gardénia la nuit is very pretty. I wish it was also a perfume.
Happy Easter.
Oh, another tsavorite lover! I must send you a picture of the 6-carat tsavorite ring I’ve been lusting after! If you want to see it write me, cfreeland and quadruple nines in yahoooooo land.
I am testing Amouage Reflection Woman today, and it is not my thing. Unfortunately, all I get from it is artificial grassy greenness. Freesia and magnolia are difficult notes in perfumes for me (especially freesia), so this is probably why this one does not work on my skin.
I am not sure about my Easter basket… If I decide on anything, I’ll post a reply to this comment.
Nemesis note twins with you…neither of those work for me either.
Freesia and I don’t get along well either.
Glad to hear I am not the only one. Freesia and magnolia do not necessarily ruin a fragrance for me – as long as they are in the background, it’s ok. But they seem to be the main notes of Reflection, so…
My local Bath & Body Works used to burn freesia oil (or similar substance) and stunk up the entire store plus the space right outside. Yuck!
Sending my wishes of the happiest and loveliest Easter to everyone across our perfume universe.
In my basket from an Easter bunny you will find:
1. Hermes Agar Ebene (getting next week) / NVC Niral (smelling it next week)
2. Another Yves Rocher Mimosa Cotton Flower shower gel + body balm (they should make one, really)
3. Goplana Caramel Easter Bunny
4. A blessing of a good Spring weather. It’s raining now…
SotD is Atelier des Ors Rose Omeyyade.
A very happy Easter to you, too, Lucas!
1. perfume, new or old: Guerlain Vol de Nuit vtg
2. And you can have one other scented product: Tyler candle – vanilla
3. Your favorite candy? Reese’s pb cups
4. And any random present you’d like the Easter bunny to bring you: the VdN extrait
And wearing VdN from a decant today. I’ve seen the edt but not sure how those compare. Maybe I’ll sniff next week.
Hello,
Vol de Nuit has always been a favorite of mine. Used to wear it a lot when I was a teenager in the 80’s. It was Arletty’s favorite. I was very fortunate to call her a friend.
Now that I live in Texas, Reese’s is my favorite candy here.
Happy Easter.
Happy Easter rebieFR. Isn’t VdN fabulous. I hope you have happy memories from it. I’m in the Texas Hill Country!!
Glad you mentioned you were from around here because I couldn’t remember who said that before and forgot to answer back then. Sorry about that.
Oh yes, only wonderful memories about Vol de Nuit.
I live in Williamson County. Last week, we went to Llano and we loved it. Also hiked at Inks Lake State Park.
Have you tried Justin’s peanut butter cups? They have ruined me forever for all other PB cups. I buy them from Vitacost as they’re a bit cheaper there. I also prefer the mini size – the ratio of PB and chocolate is perfect.
I’ve not seen the Justin’s. I like the almond butter packets from Justin’s, so I’ll look for the pb cups. Yum.
Justin’s are the best! The dark especially.
flopper, sorry this is so late: I noticed you said the other day that you wanted to order a JHAG sample set from luckyscent. If you’d like my (slightly used) boxed set, please send an email to my avatar name at the geeeeee mayle.
Hey,
I wouldn’t mind another bottle of my favorite perfume for spring/summer : Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia !!!
When I was in Singapore, I bought a wonderful oil diffuser for the house and bought their signature scent called White Pagoda. It’s a blend of cedar wood, citrus and nutmeg.
Here in Texas, I love Reese’s peanut butter cups. In France, I would have a Carambar.
Wish I could also eat my favorite French gateau : Paris-Brest.
Happy Easter ????
#1 and #2- Nothing…I am grateful for all the goodies sent to me over the past year by very generous perfumistas and am wearing newly discovered oldies but goodies 🙂 However, I will take extra of #3 to make up for not including #1 and #2
#3- chocolate covered marzipan
#4- continued well being of family and friends (and some warmer weather thrown in would be nice!! It was 25 degrees this morning!)
And today I have paired Fig & Cassis with Philosykos and I smell really good! Had Banana Fosters French Toast for a lovely brunch with Mr. CM8, the three mini marzipans (eldest home for spring break) and my parents at a local restaurant.
Wishing everyone a happy Passover, Happy Easter and Happy Spring and Happy whatever you celebrate 🙂
Hey CM8, was wondering what you thought of Dame Lime, gardenia, benzoin? It recently caught my attention.
I love that one…it reminds me a lot of the original Marc Jacobs (the first one I think)…I think it would make a great late spring/summer scent……I also really like the Bergamot, Jasmine and Labdanum (my mom was wearing it today and it smelled SO GOOD on her) and Mate, Heliotrope & Patchouli (one of my dad’s favorites)……
Ooh, I love the original MJ, I have a mini, with just a drop left. Thanks for the info!
Also, have you ever tried Pacifica’s Tahitian Gardenia? One of the younger marzipans has both the solid perfume and hand lotion and every time she wears it she smells amazing…also, it is reasonably priced. Not sure if Ulta still carries it but I think Target might.
and the Pacifica also comes in a hair and body mist 🙂
Mmm…chocolate coated Marzipan does sound good and you sure smell good in that Philosykos!
Those are my favorite treats (although I never met a candy or any sweet I did not like 🙂 ). The Philosykos is amazing and I cannot believe that I never wore it before. I may stay with it for a couple of days.
In my basket
1. Sycamore EDP
2. Incense from the silver pavilion temple in Kyoto
3. Sees toffee
4. A facelift.
Your No. 4 made me laugh! If you’re serious, I say, go for it. 😀
I’m not embarrassed to say I had cosmetic surgery a few summers ago. After losing a lot of fat, I have extra skin, the worst of it (most noticeable, anyway) was hanging off of the triceps area of my arms. So, I had the extra skin removed, and now I have “normal” shaped arms, a pale scar running down each on the inside, AND I can fit into fitted jackets and such. It feels like such a dramatic act of self-care. I have no regrets!
Of course, maybe Easter Bunny can provide the change without any scarring, bruising, or swelling, and at a reduced price. :-/
Marjorie Rose, I am totally down with fixing things and have had a few tweaks here and there!
I’m pretty sure this was in my basket last year, but by this time next spring I hope the appointment is on my calendar.
Great! I hope you’re able to schedule it in and you love the results. 🙂
Ha! I’ll take #4, too, preferably in the form of some fillers but also with some tightening in the neck, if you please.
No shame! I want to do the Kybella that zaps the blasted double chin that I’ve had for years through “thick and thin,” if you will.
1. Iris Nazarena, vintage Fendi, and vintage Envy. 2. Many moons ago YSL Paris came in a body scrub, I would love that. 3. Dark chocolate truffles. 4. More than anything I would wish for good health for myself, and even better health for my children. It’s a crappie rain and wind day here, heading to work wearing SL Cedre. This is so fantastic smelling to me, although a little fleeting. I guess I will reaply on break ????
Wishing you get ‘at least’ 3 & 4 🙂
#1. I really want to get my paws on Iris Ganache. Guerlain keeps doing a limited release in Paris and I keep missing it.
2. I want Tihota body oil. I know I can make my own with the perfume, but feels like a waste to use perfume for it.
3. LA burdock chocolates.
Ditto on those Burdick’s chocolates!
I Hear there will be another batch in May.
Ha, I assume you are in touch with Shopfrance 🙂
I can send you some of the new IG if you haven’t tried it yet. I got a travel spray from the first batch and am hoping to get a FB come May too. Email me: sherainsocal at the gmail if interested.
Hello Easter Bunny, here are my requests if you please:
1. Beeeg bottle of vintage 1985 Chanel Coco EDP
2. A bottle of Shikai Yuzu shower gel
3. Umm, I’m on a bland diet, so…
a. Find the giant shark bed for kitties
b. Stuff it full of dark chocolate bars
c. Ship it all to my swap buddy in NYC!
4. Uuurgh, see above. Would a little bottle of Tea for Two be a worthy substitute?
5. Hmmm, would love another three weeks of this lovely weather we’re having today.
SOTD = PdE Le Cri from the splitmeet.
Oh. Dear. I added an extra. Ok, delete the TfT and gimme the weathah! ????
Hahahaha! Imagining the sharkbed full of chocolate bars going through an x-ray during shipping somewhere….
Heh heh, yep, makes me giggle, too!
???????????? You really know how to make a gal happy and just what I needed to see today. 2 bars down… (This would be super embarrassing if you were talking about someone else, ha!)
Love that Shikai and their other products, too.
Aww, always glad to add chocolate to sweeten up a swap. I hope your weekend gets better! ????
Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring Break – and just be happy to all NSTers!
1. Hi Bunny! I’ve been following you down the rabbit hole for a while now (hm… I wonder if this can be considered as mixing one’s metaphors? Anyway…) I do not need any perfume bottles at the moment, but could I please get a set of samples for perfumes I wanted to try for a while? Hiram Green Dilletante and Slowdive, NVC Rahele and Niral, Vero Profumo Naja, two latest from Berdoues and Le Labo; and maybe some of Floraiku?
2. Other scented product? Not that I need it now, but Jo Malone Grapefruit body wash was always my favorite, so I wouldn’t mind getting it now.
3. Favorite candy? Any good dark chocolate with whole hazelnuts.
4. Random gift? More energy to do all the things I need to do or think I want to do 🙂
I hope I wasn’t too greedy, Bunny.
Oooh…I’d be happy with any of the items you”ve asked from the bunny. I hope that at least some of them find their way into your basket!
Do you have any dark chocolate + whole hazelnut faves? I like the Ritter Sport bars but wish they came in smaller packages. Every time I eat one I tell myself I’ll just have part of it, then eat the whole thing. Oops. Also the dark isn’t the best chocolate. The quality of the milk is better, but my preference would be for a higher quality in the dark chocolate version.
I have a FB of Rahele and would be happy to send you a sample. In fact I wore it yesterday! I am cfreeland followed by quadruple nines in the land of the yahoos. It’s very beautiful and great for spring!
Fun poll!
1. Lush Cardamom Coffee – delicious. In my dreams if they ever made it I would have Lush Olive Branch in eau de parfum.
2. Chanel No 5 body oil.
3. Terry’s Dark Chocolate Orange – even though they have been very naughty and reduced the size of the segments by making them concave. Bad Terry’s.
4. An end to winter here in UK…
3. Are you serious! I’d be so mad! Probably not nad enough to stop eating them but yeah…that’s just wrong!
That is seriously not cool.
1. A sample, decant or bottle of Byredo Bal d’Afrique from 2009 or 2010— I think that shortly after that they changed it to include bergamot and I am DYING for the original. Anyone know a source how to identify an older bottle?
2. Ooh. I love perfumed soaps like the Cologne Atelier so maybe those? Or a candle by them? Or the perfect incense candle
3. I love Cadbury mini eggs (so much that I don’t buy them). Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Chocolate bar is also amazing!!
4. Nothing. I am content!
So far I’ve only smelled Atelier soaps but I’ve been contemplating getting one for a while. Maybe I should do it as a gift for myself (or my vSO? 😉 ) for the next Christmas season?
Get the soaps. last Easter I bought a whole bunch of them from Ari’s shop to place in Easter baskets. Not only do they smell divine but they last forever. Worth every penny 🙂
This. With every day use mine last 3 or 4 months. I am actually shocked at how quick dove and other cheap bars go away, after using them. Well worth the money. I typically buy from Saks (or is it Nordstrom’s?) and get free shipping and some samples too. They vary in terms of strength of smell. I find the Grand Neroli to be the strongest smelling out of Trefle Pur, Vanille Incensee, and Oolang Infini which I have smelled.
1. Byredo Accord Oud. It’s been on my wishlist for a while.
2. Pretty much any Diptyque candle would be welcome!
3. See’s dark chocolates.
4. Hmm, how about two Diptyque candles?
Wearing the original Miu Miu today – I’ve been ignoring this Sephora sample for at least a year, and the joke’s on me, because I really like it.
Happy Easter to those who celebrate!
It is a good one! I think it got a bit of a bad rap at first and it kept people away.
1. A new scent: Ciel de Gum. Sigh.
2. Absolutely anything coffee related that’s also dry? Black Vetyver Cafe ancillary products? Some of the perfume itself?
3. I won’t be picky. Any lovely European milky/hazelnutty chocolate will do. 😉
4. More time for the 6 grants/apps I have due this week (!) Thanks, bunny!
I am applying for a grant for classroom supplies this year for the first time–due Tuesday. How do you do this so regularly?! It’s like applying for college, but in 250 characters or less. . .
It is, like anything, something you get better at? But it isn’t ever fun. I do think it’s a good skill to learn to articulate things as efficiently as possible. Good luck with your app!
I haven’t tried using it but I recently bought it as a gift and smelled it: a very believable coffee-scented (and looking) soap: https://www.amazon.com/Kalastyle-Coffee-Soap-3-5-Oz/dp/B00W85UW4E
ooh la la
Hey jjlook, i have a new bar of the coffee soap that I would like to send to you! Please email to confirm your U.S. address!
Yikes! Good luck on #4 – that sounds really overwhelming. Also hope #1-3 come through for you 🙂
1. Chanel 1932
2. Clarins bodylotion with sorbier bud. No idea what that is but it smells heavenly.
3. We’re all chocolate eaters here, aren’t we? ????????????
4. I didn’t wait for the easter bunny and bought myself a beautiful ring. So I wish for love, peace, good health, happiness for all of us. Do I have to pick one?
SOTD is Frederic Malle Iris poudre. Unfortunately ISM was not for me, so I appreciate this one even more now.
Funny enough, I just finally clicked with 1932 edt. I found a pack of 5 manu sprays at 2ml each for $20 with shipping on eBay. Seemed like a good deal to me— 10mls would last me a few years given that I am a light sprayer and have a big collection.
Let’s hear more about your new ring!
Let’s see:
1) Basket fragrance: How about a bottle of the new Lancome Iris Dragees?
2) Other scented item: The Coffee Shop of JP candle from Lola James Harper
3) Favorite chocolate: Fran’s salted caramels
4) Random gift: Does the Easter bunny help out with landscaping?
Hop to it, Mr. Bunny!
If he does (#4), please send him my way after he’s done with yours 🙂
He’ll pitch in on #4 by munching away on everything!
Good morning once more with feeling for us: today we will take our friend to the airport, so no lolling around late abed for us today.
To the poll….ummm….I would like a backup bottle of 31 Rue Cambon, bought at 31 Rue Cambon. I will be able to achieve this, because the dear-but-sometimes-very-irritating man decided unilaterally that our overseas travel this year is not to be to the Pacific Northwest in June, but to Europe in December. He’s bought tickets and everything. I found out about this about a week ago when I mentioned casually that I keep forgetting to book my leave and I’d better get things sorted because the Head of School was going away in June too. He’s totally convinced he’s done something wonderful for me. My reaction to this well-intentioned high-handedness is….complicated. But back to perfume: so yes, a backup of 31 RC.
One other product? For sure, Roger and Gallet carnation- scented soap. One good thing about the dear man’s decision: I will be able to buy as much as I like at their little shop in Paris.
I don’t eat sweets and lollies, but I love marzipan, so maybe I’d make some, very easy on the sugar, and coat in with 90%cocoa fat chocolate. Whittaker’s Chocolate, a local company, does a nice version. Or I would weaken entirely and eat a hot cross bun. I adore all the sweet spices.
One other thing? Well, actually, NOT to go to Europe in December. But much better than that would be clever solution to Eric’s heart problem.
SOTD is Rabat Loukoum. I love the almond/ cherry sweetness. The morning is cool-ish and it suits well.
Be happy and well, all.
A belated welcome back! I’m seem to be generally a few days behind on NST these days, and didn’t see your post from a few days ago. I’m very sorry to hear about Eric’s health problems.
That may not be the holiday you had in mind, but at least there is compensatory perfume shopping 🙂 I think my reaction would also be “complicated”…
Hi! Long time since we spoke! Wish we could sit down In person. Yes, it’s sad about Eric, but he hasn’t out-grown his heart yet. He will eventually, but he seems to pace himself a little, which is quite clever of him.
And as for perfume, it’s very nice to like it again. I had begun to eye my perfume shelves and wonder how to dispose of my collection. It’s a relief not to have to do anything about it, except go back to enjoying it.
Your holiday disaster is my good fortune as I will be in Auckland on June 4 (Queens Birthday Monday) for the day and maybe we can go perfume hunting?
We can! We can! I’m not going anywhere W’sBdE.
Have you ever been to Europe in December? I haven’t, and it is one of my dreams. I would really enjoy seeing several of my favorite places in Christmas decorations (though, I would hate being cold – I’m so spoiled in NorCal).
Look at it this way: you’l have more time to plan what you want to buy while you’re there.
Mr. Spicebomb and I did Christmas in Italy this year. It was a lot of fun, although I admit, not quite what I imagined! We (Americans, or at least the PNW version of them) do a lot more, and earlier, leading up to the holidays, as far as I can tell. We didn’t see Christmas markets, lights, etc, until basically just a few days before Christmas Eve. My understanding is that the season is defined more from Christmas Eve to Three Kings Day (January 8th?, something like that). It *was* cold–near freezing at night and most mornings. When it rained, it was misty, soaking rain, too. On the other hand, we had almost no lines at any sightseeing locations, and there were fresh chestnuts roasted for sale on many roadsides. Delicious!
I have been four or five times in December and last time simply froze. I’m now buying the sort of underings my mother would have approved: they’re made of merino tulle. I’ll invest also in a puffer coat because it’s light to travel with. I suspect wool is warmer, though.
My reaction does indeed run pretty much the full gamut of emotions. The dear man knows I’m very tired, and he knows the big projects I’m working on will be finished about a week before we leave. He wants to take me away from everything and everybody do that I can make some peaceful and un-influenced decisions. I’m not sure why he thinks I need 12,000 miles between and my ordinary life to achieve these decisions, though. Of course, he happens to love Europe, which may have something to do with it…I was very cross for a bit, but I’m too tired to maintain that level of emotion for long, especially about a fait accompli. It’s bound to be fun, at least in bits, but I was really looking forward to the PNW. Oh, well.
I’ll admit that I would be furious. The only possible way that that situation would be kosher with me is if we’d agreed beforehand that my H was to plan a surprise trip, and book the travel and all the rooms. But I’m not down with any kind of unilateral decision-making in my relationship, so I might have a more extreme reaction than most. (But when one plan has been made and agreed upon, then completely scotched and replaced with no input or warning… uh uh.)
That said, he clearly has the best intentions, and once December rolls around you’ll be thrilled for the getaway.
Yep, I started at furious, but it didn’t last long. After 45 years, he does have some wisdom about me, and a lot of his logical argument is right. My brain tells me this. My heart, however, well, it’s still a bit of a mess of conflicting emotions: grateful, resentful; anticipating fun, bored by the sheer effort of getting there; happy to shop for perfumes on their home turf, so to speak, conscious of not needing more than I have; looking forward to the cultural richness, sad to miss the natural beauty of the PNW. And so on. And on. And on. When I found myself feeling a degree of wry amusement, I stopped thinking about it too much. Probably better that way…it’s done now. I might as well relax into it.
I have been to a good number of European cities right after Christmas so the streets were still quite festively decorated and the Christmas markets still going strong. Among the cities I would like to visit around the holidays are: Paris, Vienna, Prague and Rome. I may be a blue to tick one off the list this year but I won!t know for sure until summer.
Oh stupid fat fingers! The last sentence should have started as “I may be able to” not the junky phrase above.
My reaction would be complicated too. I think that is an entirely reasonable response.
Hmm. I’d be pretty ticked off, myself. But I admit, I seem to be getting less patient or tolerant as I age. 🙂
Oh I’d guessing ‘complicated’ runs the whole gamut of the emotional spectrum and ticked off is definitely a part of it.
If you DO make some chocolate covered marzipan please pass some to me 🙂
Well, I too would have been somewhat shocked about his planning but then excited. As for cities of Europe at Christmastime, I vote for Vienna with no contest. Unbelievably beautiful place with the most elegant people anywhere. Just to be able to walk around those streets and visit those delightful little coffeehouses with the pastries. Oh my. Have fun! And you are quite right to plan your wardrobe to include warm underwear!
I’m interested in the Avestan line. Conceptually, it sounds very appealing to me.
As for candles, I always love the Diptyque holiday candles.
I will pass on dessert as beach season is near.
No random gift is necessary.
Oh, had to look up Avestan. Didn’t know that DECIEM/The Ordinary is launching into perfumes… Thanks for the tip!
I can’t get past the name “Avestan”. See sounds too much like Avastin which is a chemo drug ????
SOTD is the delicious Lavandes Trianon from the kind cazaubon! For those of you who were asking for the supported slipper recommendation from my podiatrist, it’s Powerstep.
1. Perfume: Niral!
2. Scented product: PoaL body butter OR l’Occitane Amande velvet serum or whatever that thick, wonderful balm used to be called (not the milk concentré)
3. Candy: Froofy chocolate truffles from overpriced chocolateries!
4. Random present: Feet that aren’t literally broken/without neuromas/without plantar fasciitis and bursitis and all the other nonsense I’ve been dealing with for the past couple years 🙁
Happy weekend!
My sister has the Lavande Trianon. Gorgeous.
I’m looking forward to trying Niral, I like all the Neela Vermeires. Have you tried it, or is this an unsniffed request from the Easter Bunny?!
Unsniffed request! But people seem to like it so far!
Ugh, so sorry about your feet! It’s hard for people that don’t have any foot problems to understand. When just standing up is painful, life can quickly get very small and depressing. Hope there are some treatments available to help with your specific foot problems.
Thanks for saying this. It’s so true! Until a few years ago, I couldn’t imagine the agony that standing up could bring. It’s given me a lot of empathy for my 60+yo parents, who have mentioned foot pain for years. I didn’t really get it until my own problems started.
I’ll be curious to hear how your foot issues sort out. I’ve had a neuroma for over a decade.
Sure, I will! I’m terribly sorry you’ve been dealing with it for so long. My doctor told me my symptoms should dissipate in about a month if I’m careful, but perhaps she failed to mention that the symptoms might come back if i wear narrow shoes or heels or go running or something. I will say that the pain has been MUCH MUCH more manageable since she put in those metatarsal pads on Friday. The relief was almost immediate!
That’s good to hear! I didn’t have as much luck with those pads. I do better with the half-foot arch supports for some reason. Whatever works! Exercise, dance, etc has never bothered it, thankfully.
1. I think I want to ensure a lifetime supply of Cuir de Lancôme.
2. I miss the candle we used up called Tahoe Cabin. And Diptyque Baies candle
3. Favorite candy are LOOK candy bars, which are increasingly hard to find. Nougat covered in dark chocolate. (Like a Big Hunk but covered in chocolate)
4. I wouldn’t mind having the Gucci bag my friend bought yesterday. Living vicariously. But am stunningly grateful everyday for what I have that I don’t deserve. (I say that as I sit in pleasant sunshine in my old neighborhood in Nor Cal)
Mr. Spicebomb buys a Big Hunk every time he sees one at a grocery store. I think he thinks it’s his responsibility to keep them financially viable and on the market. My guess is he’d like Look bars, too, if he came across one. 🙂
I found some LOOK bars today and will take them back home with me (if I can resist long enough).
Ha! That’s what I say to myself every time I go to Canada and “stock up” on Cadbury . . .
April 1st here and the leading story in the newspaper is that the city is changing one of its street names (Anzac Ave) to Ed Sheeran st.
Dunedin started making chocolate in 1868 and the factory employed 350 people – one of the city’s biggest employers. It was bought out last year and production is going to Australia. Last week saw the final run of chocolate , the pineapple lump, before doors closed for the last time. When I was heavily pregnant and living in Germany I decided to defrost the freezer and found a pineapple lump ( a packet from NZ was given to me by a visiting poet called Bill Manhire) frozen in the ice . They are sweet, chewy pineapple flavoured, covered in chocolate, and I hacked it out and ate it. It was one of the most memorable ‘ meals’ of my life…it snapped in my mouth as it was frozen…but instantly took me back to NZ, childhood movie visits, home.
Wearing Lale. I would love the ( unsniffed) Paul Klee inspired perfume by YsUzac.
I wouldn’t have been surprised if that story had been true!! I’ve seen a lot about Ed Sheeran hysteria in Dunedin, but he has otherwise entirely passed me by.
It’s a shame that Cadbury is closing, I have memories (not exactly fond) of holiday jobs packing chocolates, and working as a kitchen hand in the staff cafeteria. That’s nearly 40 years ago now!!
What? No more Pineapple Lumps? What a blow to national identity! Should the government intervene? Will the sun rise tomorrow?
I join you in your grief re: the chocolate factory. 🙁
Hogarth makes some really lovely chocolate bars, you should try them out! The chocolate club I belong to in Montreal had some flown in specially from NZ. No pineapple lumps though.
Hogarth vanilla tea chocolate is great . A crowdfunded chocolate factory using ingredients from the Pacific recently opened here in Dunedinq , called OCHO. It’s a really interesting story that your chocolate group might like.
Ocho make some distinctive flavours using NZ native plant flavours like horopito ( pepper tree) so quite interesting…they will ship overseas.
Thanks for the tip on Ocho! I had a bar of the Hogarth rose tea I think it was, lovely stuff.
You belong to a chocolate club??? Oh how wonderful!!
You must be a serious chocolate connoisseur to belong to a chocolate club!
It’s a club especially focused on bean-to-bar producers, who roast, grind and make their own chocolate bars from start to finish. We have several excellent ones in Quebec but the club leader does research to find others around the world for us to taste. I love really good dark chocolate. 🙂
Chocolate Club?!? This sounds wonderful! So far mine only has a membership of 1; more participants would be great 😉
Happy Easter everyone!
1. Either Sillage Blanc from Dusita, or Dryad from Papillon Perfumes from my list of future FBs. They are both green, but quite different. I will likely eventually get both, but I need to show some restraint and commonsense.
2. I like nice soaps and shower gels, but prefer to spend my dollars on perfume, so might add another perfume to the basket, Fort and Manle’s Suleyman le Magnifique. This was the first I tried, which prompted me to get the discovery set, and it is still my favourite, even though I could easily add half the set to my list of FBs (see note above on restraint and commonsense).
3. Maybe Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, if the Easter Bunny has enough for me and Flopper.
4. Random present – maybe some dress fabric I’ve had my eye on for while, but which I need even less than more perfume!
And forgot to mention that my pre-shower perfume on a lazy Easter Sunday is a dab of Caron’s Montaigne. I’m working my way through my latest set of tiny decants from TPC. Montaigne seems rather nice so far.
Re: #3 I just polished off a package of 2 DARK CHOCOLATE. Reese’s Peanut Butter cups. They were by the cash register at Walgreen’s a few weeks ago and I bought ALL the dark chocolate ones (the milk chocolate is so common).
I’ve not tried the dark before. I do like Brad’s dark chocolate PB cups, however. My brother LOVES the Easter egg Reese’s cups. Something about the shape & size he thinks is just perfect.
I just bought a bag of dark reese’s for the girls (who prefer dark) and stole a few myself…I like them better too.
I always make a beeline to dark chocolate versions of drugstore chocolates, which are often limited edition, but lots less expensive than le perfumes, by gum.
Want! I can see I need to go to Walgreens.
I’ve tried the dark chocolate ones too but even though in general I prefer dark chocolate to milk chocolate, in the Reese’s cups I find the old classics to be the best.
Happy Easter! Have you tried Whittakers Peanut Butter chocolate? I like it a lot more than Reese’s .
On the strength of your post, I’ve just ordered the discovery set of Fort and Manle’s perfumes. I really really AM back down the rabbit hole…smells nice down here!
Sillage Blanc is amazing. I personally prefer it to a Dryad but both are swoon worthy
1. Jicky Parfum from the 20’s…so I can fantasise more about being the glamorous Hon. Miss Phryne Fisher…
2. The No. 5 Bodycream sounds super plush.
3. Ooooh! Dark Chocolate Coated Orange Slices from Haigh’s please!
4. Nah I’m good. I was *this close* to getting sprung being the Easter bunny early tjis morning when my 7-year-old little dude got up unexpectedly to look for me. Kind if feel like I’ve used up my luck lol. Would have hated to spoil it for him when he’s still so into the fantasy of it. This year is the most excited about it he’s ever been.
I’m also a fan of Miss Fisher series. I wish they did a couple more seasons though…
Glad you were able to retract your bunny ears before being spotted 🙂
Ha! yes to Jicky and I could definitely see Phryne wearing that! Like Undina I would have loved more seasons. But I also really enjoyed the Dr Blake series as well which took place in Ballarat….have you watched that one? Can’t remember who from APJ recommended it to me…perhaps it was you!
I miss those days when the holidays were magical for the little ones 🙂
No it wasn’t me who recommended it but I should check them out. I did love the tv serues if Miss Fisher but I fell in love with the books long before that and in the books she wears several perfumes, including Jicky, Floris Stephanotis, and the the long discontinued Parfums de Rosine Le Fruit Défendu which I was fascinated to read Victoria describe from her sniffage at the Osmothèque as ‘a banana sundae extravaganza’ so clearly fruity gormands are not all new lol. The books are really excellent by the way. Each one is a romp of a read 🙂
OOOO! I need to get my hands on those books 🙂 And I am really missing APJ 🙁
I know 🙁 Me too! The author is Kerry Greenwood and the first one is ‘Cocaine Blues’.
Thank you! I am sure I will be able to get them at my library 🙂
I agree, but I enjoyed the Corinna series even more. I very much liked the sound of that eccentric apartment building and its assorted residents. Phryne’s very insouciance began to grate a little, for some reason, but I did like her clothes in the TV series.
I love the Corinna books too. I would agree that the earlier Phyrne books were better than the last couple. Have you read the Phyrne short story collection? I enjoyed that very much.
The Doctor Blake series of shows are playing now on our local PBS station and in fact, Mom and I watched one last night. I like them a lot!
1.You can pick one perfume, new or old: what is it?
Oh, Easter Bunny, I’d like a sampler set of some interesting stuff–I can’t think of any one particular scent I’m particularly lemming for at the moment, so I need some inspiration!
2. And you can have one other scented product (a candle, a body lotion, anything): what is it?
Lily of the Valley soap, please, in time to celebrate Spring!
3. Your favorite candy?
Chocolate covered toffee–we can go low-end like a Skor bar, or high-end like the homemade variety from Li-Lac chocolates. I’m flexible. 🙂
4. And any random present you’d like the Easter bunny to bring you.
Easter Bunny, thankfully I have sufficient. But as long as we’re in the realm of fantasy here, I’d really like it (and it would save me such time and aggravation too), if some new pairs of work-appropriate pants for summer and for the other 3 seasons could show up in my Easter basket. I hate shopping for pants.
Happy Easter, Passover, Spring and everything to all NSTers.
BTW, does anyone have any perfume recs for Mexico City? I’ll be there for almost a week, leaving on Monday!
Li-Lac is the best! I love their chocolates and so happy to see they’ve opened new shops throughout the city.
Have fun in Mexico City!
It’s true. Pants shopping is the worst…which is why I am grateful I can wear dresses to work every day otherwise that’d be my Easter Basket wish too!
I like to wear dresses in summer, and can do so most of the time, but for the other seasons, pants all the way!
Missionista, are you in the US? I have a Vilhelm discovery set I could gladly send your way, if you are interested. My email is pkwisdom in the land of yahoooo.
I will e-mail you momentarily!
Have a wonderful time in Mexico City!!
Send me a note (my e-mail is on the About page under my avatar), and I’ll be your Easter Bunny with inspirational samples 🙂
Happy Easter to those celebrating like me!
Beautiful blue sky today, a little cold but in the sun it’s in the 50s.
SOTD: Samsara, but an older version from the recent swap meet and it is just exquisite. Very different than what you’d buy today and in fact I’m not a fan of the current version at all.
No Easter basket for me this year as I’m really trying to cut back on sugar. I do love Easter candy, however, especially the Cadbury mini eggs, jelly beans and peeps!
And a happy Passover too!
You smell great! I just recently got a late 80’s bottle off eBay and agree that it is exquisite.
Late 80s Samsara plunged me to a vintage Guerlain blackhole ???? You smell amazing!
SOTD = Jo Malone Honey & Crocus
W00t! It deserves the love it gets from NSTers. The notes mention lavender and saffron but I do not smell them at all! Instead, it is a honeyed almond cream; I also smell heliotrope and musk although they are not listed. The bottle itself is also nicely made, two-toned, with a smooth top 2/3 and a sandy bottom third.
I have an extra bottle of Honey & Crocus which I bought specifically to swap for donations to apolitical not for profit organizations. The plan is to swap 2 x 5mL, 1 x 10mL (all 3 in heavier gauge atomizers) and 10mL (or a fraction less due to decanting spillage) with the bottle. I figured that my $70 (+ sales tax) investment will yield at least $170 in donations (my own additional $70 plus at least $100, hopefully more, from the good NST people). U.S. only please. Let your conscience be your guide as I am not asking for proof of donation but would like to get an idea of the return on investment. Please email me with your donation swap offer. I will consider all offers. If you already regularly donate to an organization, the swap should result in an incremental donation. This swap is a win-win-win all around! Game on!
Great SOTD. I broke my rule of staying away from Jo Malone and got this one.
I just bought Honey & Crocus this week, lovely stuff!
Spent the morning putting items together for our Seder today. Aromatics Elixir felt just right for the sunshine coming through our kitchen windows.
Thankfully my father is doing the heavy cooking, but I am in charge of finding the Haggadahs (I wrote our family Haggadah in 2000, but copies disappear every year and I have to print new ones!), setting up the Seder plate, and making my famous Haroset (or Charoset). For those not in the know, Haroset is the ceremonial Passover dish of chopped fresh fruits, dried fruits, and nuts that are supposed to represent the mortar used by the Jewish slaves when they constructed buildings for the Pharaoh. Since there is zero historical evidence that Jews were ever slaves in Egypt, I like to think of the Passover ceremony as a parable about the preciousness of freedom for all people. Anyway, my Haroset, if I may say so myself, is delicious. I stew dates and dried apricots and cherries in sweet red wine until they become a thick, lumpy syrup. I then hand chop the syrup, and add it to chopped crisp apples (and sometimes I throw in a pear if it is sweet and crunchy), and chopped almonds, pecans, and walnuts. I then add honey and generous portion of cinnamon. Mix it together, and voila!
As for holiday wishes:
1. Coco Chanel edp circa 1990 (I think someone else wished for this as well!)
2. Miu Miu soap.
3. Ginger ice cream with super dark chocolate fudge.
4. Random present? Health and peace for all!!
Your number 3, Mmmm
Your Haroset sounds wonderful. It must smell good
I have a super-amazing activist haggadah I could email you.
(not to slam your own personal one! I realize this sounded presumptuous after hitting send, more that I think you would dig this thing 🙂 )
Hi JJ, My Haggadah is pretty contemporary, reflecting on the world as it is as much as the world to which we aspire… That said, I am always up for looking at different Haggadahs! I am ann dottie eisenberg attagirl comcast dottie net
Chag sameach! Your charoset sounds delish!
A miu miu soap sounds great. I think there is a body wash.
NST caused the whole dust up for me: https://nstperfume.com/2018/02/24/the-daily-lemming-324/
Yes, that was me hankering after the Coco Chanel. ????
Whoaaaaa is there really no evidence that Jews were slaves in Egypt?!??? This is blowing my mind.
There is a lot of scholarship on the Biblical story and it’s originals, but here is a pithy summary from one of Israel’s leading papers. https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/were-jews-ever-really-slaves-in-egypt-1.5208519
1. Tam Dao edp.
2. I’ve been eyeing the Hinoki Body Wash and Moisturizer over at Luckyscent, so sure, I’ll take that.
3. Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. The peanut butter is even creamier than you know who’s. If they came in almond butter too that would be sooo delicious!
4. A new pair of Birkenstocks please.????
Ooh, almond butter cups would be great! I thought I saw some hazelnut butter cups the other day at Starbucks and about lost my mind until I realized it was just chocolate hazelnut butter, aka nutella.
Wouldn’t that be a great combo?! I am an almond butter convert since doing my first Whole30 challenge two years ago. I actually prefer it over peanut butter now, but I can’t pass up those TJ pb cups!
I switched after realizing that I have some difficulty digesting peanuts. Now I prefer almond butter as well (my favorite is TJs crunchy salted.) But ya, come to think of it, I pretty much avoid peanuts and peanut butter except when they’re in desserts 😉 Resistance is futile!
There’s a company in Canada that makes all kinds of gourmet nut butters: cashew, hazelnut, almond, sunflower seed, etc. I love trying them all.
1) Dior Mitzah or MDCI Fetes Persanes
2) FM Iris handcream
3) Tiramisu from Palmieris Bakery
4) A new Ipad would be nice
I just bought Fetes Persanes, nobody ever talks about it so I’m glad to see another fan. Josie at Osswald says it doesn’t sell well, wonder why.
I just got a same with an order. I’m not sure why. I really like what I”ve smell so far. I really need to tezt it more.
Sample…not same…
Wearing Eau de Shalimar (from the wonderfully kind tiffanie) which I am head over heels for. It is a distinct possibility that there is no version of Shalimar that I do not love. I tried the Initials many years ago and fear I wrote them off too quickly, thus I need to try them again.
My easter basket would contain:
A bottle of Guerlain Meteorites
A bottle of Chanel No 5 Elixir Sensuel
An assortment of pastel foil-wrapped Frans chocolates and a bag of pastel-colored almond M & Ms
That would really do it for me, but if the Easter Bunny is feeling extra flush this year, do feel free to throw in last season’s Vince sweater robe in taupe.
All of that said, my bottle of Insolence edt arrived today, which is already the perfect spring gift. And I told my H last night that I might like some chocolates, then took it back. I’m not sure why exactly – perhaps some residual guilt about getting an expensive box of chocolates from Frans every holiday got to me. Maybe I need to retract that and tell him to pick up something easter-y and cute from See’s.
I vote yes on the Sees!
Psst EB, over here!
#1 – Vintage Bois des Iles
#2 – I would LOVE either soap or shower gel in Atelier Cologne Sous le toit de Paris. I KNOW there’s a candle but I don’t burn candles chez moi.
#3 – Dark chocolate anything
#4 – lighter workload
Mmm…I like the smell of your Easter basket!
I would like some of your #2 as well. Love Sous le Toit!
That’s a wonderful idea, your #2
Oh and SOTD is Zoologist Civet which so far is gorgeous…
EXPERT ADVICE NEEDED: People who own Byredo Bal d’Afrique bottles… does yours say that it’s made in France, Sweden, or not say at all?
Hi! My travel spray bottle has “Made in France” printed on it.
Hmm let’s see…
1. I really don’t need anything right now due to the swap meet and a few purchases made recently, but I wouldn’t say no to a vintage bottle of Caron Narcisse Blanc.
2. Since I can’t imagine spending more than $40 on a candle, I’d love to be gifted a Cire Trudon or Frederic Malle candle.
3. Kirkland dark chocolate peanut butter cups please
4. How about the perfect new dresser that I don’t have to spend time picking out. Just the right size and Art Deco would be great.
My SOTD earlier was Paul & Joe Blanc since my bottle appears to be evaporating. I think the humidity in Seattle is mostly to blame for all this evaporation lately. Maybe the age of the bottles too? I just know I didn’t deal with this as much in Ohio. Not sure what I’ll put on post-shower.
I popped into a shop so I could try out Blackbird Y06-S and Anemone. I liked them both, but Anemone reminded me of this Korres Jasmine Gaiacwood something or other that I already have a bottle of.
I have been anxious all week about a hard conversation I need to have tomorrow. I just have a hard time with potentially awkward situations and tend to think about it too much and build things up for myself. I can’t wait until it is behind me!
Art deco new dresser sounds splendid. I hope you find a good one.
A few Cire Trudon seasonal candles are on sale at $50ish at Barneys warehouse, though that’s a bit over your mental ceiling. I adore the Etoile candle from this holiday but read mixed reviews.
Good luck with the convo!
Thanks on all accounts!
So sorry about the anxiety, I tend to do the same thing. Hope it goes better than you expect.
Thank you!
Hope it goes well tomorrow. I’ve had a few of those myself and it stresses me out, too.
I also just tried Anemone in a shop that now carrie’s them in my hood and liked it, too. Not sure I *need* it, though.
It went well! Better than I expected because I, of course, expected the worst.
Next time we swap I’ll send you some of my Korres that I *think* is comparable to Anemone.
Sorry for the stress. But please report back on the Blackbird YO6-s.
I really liked it. I’d like to try it out again. Anemone was the stronger perfume, so that’s the one that got in my nose the most.
1. Neela Vermeire Niral
2. Frederic Malle Dans Tes Bras body butter (which doesn’t exist, but WANT)
3. Vosges PB chocolate eggs
4. Two weeks adriatic cruise between Venice and Dubrovnik.. one can dream 🙂
Uh…pretty sure #2 does exist:
https://www.neimanmarcus.com/en-au/Frederic-Malle-Dans-tes-Bras-Body-Butter-3-4-oz-200-mL/prod185540013/p.prod
(Although your wallet may not thank me for telling you…)
I own #2 and it most definitely exists. 🙂
1) Onda VdE, of course!
2) Some of those nice fluffy FM Body Cream would be nice.
3) ummm, I guess the Peanut M&M’s I’m currently eatingin Easter themed pastels. I accidentally picked up the almond ones and they are delish.
4) Not to be selfish, but more days like today! Exploring forest roads in Shadey Lady- she did great considering she’s long and low with street tires and RWD only! Then a nice hike to a waterfall, full-on sun paired with cool mountain breezes, spring busting out all over with blooming trees and plants, visited by flitting colorful butterflies, and then playing chuck-it with T-Rex in the lake in a futile effort to wear her out. I’m pooped! ????
No scent of the day because BUGS, BEARS, and PUMAS.
Scent of the day was waterfall, mountain breeze and excited dog 🙂 which sounds amazing TBH!
????
Nice!
I am in TN and am very afraid of bears. You were probably joking but does perfume attract bears? I assume it would chase them away.
Well, according to testing perfume attracts all kinds of critters including bugs, bears and mountain lions. Toothpaste, too. I think maybe the novel smells pique thier curiosity rather than their wrath. Hope I never find out in person! I do carry bear spray when I hike, but to be honest, I’m more concerned about two legged predators.
I love the idea of your using FM body butter post-shower at a public restroom at a campsite 😉 I want you to have some just so I know someone in the world is doing this.
Some of rest rooms could certainly use a bit of freshening up, but most of them (the one with running water and flush toilets as opposed to pit toilets) are pretty immaculate. Depends on what the client base is, I suppose.
1. Cuir de Russie edp
2. Bar of oakmoss soap. Make that infiniti bars of oakmoss soap.
3. Cadbury mini eggs
4. Plane tickets! And extra paid time off ????
Lucky me, the Easter Bunny brought me Chanel no 5 EdP twist n spray set !! Quite unexpected. It dries down to a warm, vanilla floral with musk on me. Very nice. Love having the iconic purse spray in my bag. Fancy stuff 🙂
Nice job, Easter Bunny! A little No. 5 in one’s handbag is never a bad thing.
Mmm the oakmoss soap sounds gorgeous…might have to try to track some down.
I found some handmade oakmoss soap at a flea market in FL when visiting with the inlaws. I bought 2 bars, they were wonderful. I look on etsy, havent pulled the trigger yet. Maybe today…lol
RABBIT RABBIT RABBIT
( I remembered this morning 😉 )
Dang it! I completely forgot until I saw this.
Geez, of all days to forget this! I’m ashamed lol.
IKR? derp
1. A litre of the original 1989 Samsara extrait.
2. Bois des Iles body cream.
3. Handmade raspberry and thyme, basil and lime, and blackcurrant and violet chocolates.*
4. I’d like Ginger and myself to live another forty or so healthy years together, please.
I‘m easily pleased…
*These actually exist: http://www.chocami.de
Oh lord, you just created a chocolate lemming for me.
Oh-oh…
Just seen there are very limited options online. One of the two bricks-and-mortar shops is in my town… am more than happy to play Easter bunny!
Here‘s my enabler address: kayDOThennSQUIGGLYfreenetDOTde
Happy Easter! ????????????
1. Chanel Bel Respiro EdT.
2. Any Diptyque candle.
3. The iranian Sohan. A crunchy, buttery saffron, rosewater, cardamom confection. Very addictive.
4. Peace and hope.
Your number four is so, so needed right now! ✌????
Happy Easter and Passover! May everyone have a peaceful and joyous holiday.
1. Dans tes Bras or Sotto La Luna Gardenia
2. The diptyque iris candle
3. Trader Joe’s peanut butter cups
4. I’d love it if my husband’s spring break (university) and my spring break (high school) could happen at the same time for once. Since that won’t happen, I’d like a new pair of black Doc Martens. I have to replace them about once a decade, and it’s time.
I’m in Montale Oriental Vanilla this morning, from She-ra and the swapmeet. Mmmmm, this is thick and rich, perfect for a cool morning.
???? ???? ***HELP NEEDED: Can anyone recommend shoe brands that are comfy, have a padded arch and a generous toe box?? They don’t have to be cute. ???? ????
I have a terrible time with shoes; high arch, wide in the front but narrow heels. I refuse to wear uncomfortable shoes, so I’m in flip flops most of the time, but I need to stop wearing them. I hope it’s okay to splash out this question here. ????
Oops, and I’m mainly looking for sandals for summer. I’ve had luck with Merrell and SAS shoes, for example.
Another vote for SAS.
Aren’t they the best? So comfy.
Naot scandals are great. Some of the Dansko’s work for me. I need a wide toe box because if a neuroma but don’t have wide feet so it’s always a challenge for me.
I really want these this year:
http://www.naot.com/products/ProductDetails/1469?dept=1003&coll_id=62
Maybe their “scandals” are great, too ????. And I’ll add that they have good arch support and a Birkenstock-like foot bed in most.
Those are super cute, and come in several colors! I just spent some quality time on the Naot site – thanks so much for the tip. It looks like they have a nice assortment of shoes in wide widths. Sweet!
I’d recommend Naot and Dansko too – very comfortable sandals from both lines. Also would add Papillio which is brand licensed by Birkenstock… Funkier and more colourful styles. And Taos… they are heavenly!
I get them from Shoes dot com though since they are somewhat discounted.
I am a loyal Birkenstock wearer, have you tried them? They do come in a thong style also.
Some of my co-workers swear by Alegria or Dansko for comfort and I know both brands make sandal styles. Good luck!
I have a pair of Birkenstocks for water (all rubber and some sort of rubber-like straps), and they fit, but the regular Birkies seem to be a bit narrower. But it’s been awhile since I’ve tried them, so maybe I need to try again.
I’ve tried the Algerias in the clogs, but not the sandals. I’ll do some research on who carries these; it may be time to get brave and finally order from Zappos.
Thank you for the suggestions!
OMG, Zappos is THE BEST! I order one day and they are on my doorstep the next! I love them.
I’ll 2nd elisap and mtg with the Birkenstock and Dansko recommendations. I also want to say that Birkenstocks make wide-width sandals? Dansko also has some really cute sandals out for the summer.
I mostly wear clog sandals in the summer, but most brands are actually quite narrow so that’s probably not an option. I also love my Mephisto Helens, but again, I prefer them because they’re more narrow than Birks.
But ya, you need to get out of those flip-flops! Your feet will thank you 😉
So true, the flip flops need to go!
I’ll look at the Mephistos, though, they might have something that would work. Thanks for the suggestions!
These are my shoe needs, too! I have purchased two pair of Ziera shoes in the past few months, and I’m very happy with them. Not cheap, but they seem very well made and *fingers crossed* they will last a while.
https://shoemill.com/collections/ziera
Sadly, my favorite Merrill clogs are no longer being made–I keep hoping to find a pair on some warehouse site, but so far, no luck!
Oops. Just realized that my sandals are another brand–Abeo. I wear something similar to these about 6 months out of the year. . .
https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/abeo-bijou-neutral-black/64572
Thanks, Marjorie Rose, there is a Walking Company at the mall downtown. I had totally forgotten. Methinks I need to take a day trip!
And thanks for the Ziera suggestions as well. Those look sooo plush, like they were custom made.
Hey, what is it with Merrell, anyway? They do discontinue styles way too often. I like the clogs that have the netting, for lack of a better word, and they still seem to make those.
I know it’s a hassle to buy online and from overseas, but a local company, Ziera, once called Kumfs— that’s the real clue— was started by podiatrists for people who have to wear orthotics. Their shoes usually have a fashion element— my red boots are Kumfs —and are designed for feet as well as the current “look”. I have a nuisance of a neuroma in my right foot and don’t wear heels at all these days, but I usually manage to find something slightly stylish at Ziera. The company is very good to deal with. You might have some luck there, maybe.
Hey, great minds! I buy my Ziera shoes here in the States at a local shop called Shoe Mill. I agree, they do a good job of balancing fashion and comfort.
Great minds indeed! I have a lot of options to explore now. Thank you, waterdragon!
It looks like Ziera has an online shop in the US, too. I’ll have to browse… Although I’ve recently started wearing small-sized men’s shoes to suit my wide feet, at least for athletic shoes.
Taking notes from this. I have wide, wide feet, low arches, narrow heel. Birkies and Naot seem to taper too much for me. I do have some Ahnu sandals, which tend to run wide and have elastic backing. Gonna check out Ziera.
Good morning all, happy holidays, happy spring.
Here are my responses:
1. Calling All Angels by April Aromatics
2. Any Archipelago candle, possibly Charleston for spring (jasmine, tuberose, and hyacinth).
3. Harry & David’s dark chocolate truffles (I already bought myself two bags of Reese’s peanut butter eggs for Easter!)
4. ?? Maybe a 6-carat tsavorite garnet ring I have seen in a jewellery store–the most beautiful shade of green ever–even prettier than an emerald imho, and probably more expensive, too!
The Easter Bunny brought a present to my mom this week when the pigeon eggs in Nest #1 on her condo balcony hatched. Now we get to watch parent birds feeding the scrawny little fluffy yellow and gray babies! I can’t quite say they are cute, but it’s interesting to watch. The eggs in Nest #2 on another ledge have not yet hatched.
I’ve never seen a nest in action. Sounds super sweet!
Good morning all. This has become a testing weekend – yesterday’s sample was Slowdive, and this morning I’m sampling Trayee. Slowdive is going to require more time to see if I come to appreciate the honey note and whatever the oddness in the top notes is (tuberose? maple sap?). Trayee is quite pleasant, but much less complex than its notes listing would suggest. Could be it just needs a heavier dose than is easy to get out of a one ml sample.
My poll answers:
1. Perfume: A bell jar of Boxeuses.
2. Other scented gift: FM Iris Poudre or L’Eau D’Hiver body butter or cream.
3. Favorite candy: I don’t really have a favorite, but I always enjoy caramels. Especially the square, chocolate-covered ones with sea salt sprinkled on top.
4. Random gift: Well, since this is fantasy … I saw a gorgeous, very simple, oval-cut, pale green amethyst ring years ago while waiting for a watch battery to be replaced, and have been looking for something similar (but affordable) ever since. Bunny, if you could time-travel, or just conjure it up, that would be wonderful.
Trayee is growing on me quickly. Is it too late to change my fantasy?
Happy Easter to those who celebrate.
1. I would love to have a bottle of Rose de Nuit.
2. Amouage Epic body lotion is my pick.
3. I bought myself the Harry and David chocolate covered Bing cherries for Easter. I also got myself tons of Malley’s chocolate as well.
4. The random thing would have to be somebody to to replace my Nano’s battery or get me a new iPod touch.
I know that I have some expensive tastes. Wearing vintage Bal today.
1) The only thing crossing my mind is my most recent sniff (in a coffee/plants and other artisanal stuff place near me) is a perfume oil by Cavern NY called Atrium. It’s smoky, a little sweet/a very. Just in time for Spring, lol. They had a tester but no product in stock so $ saved!
https://www.cavernnewyork.com/shop-1/atrium
2) Above comes in a candle which they have in stock.
Or my longtime lemming Cire Trudon Balmoral candle.
3)Working my way through a selection of dark chocolate from nancyleandros from a swap. Loving Endsngered Species 72% dark with cacao nibs. My absolute favorite dark still remains Taza stone ground chocolate in coffee and guajillo chile.
4) We trapped the feral sick cat from our colony yesterday after a 2 day vigil ordeal! It was emotionally exhausting. Someone has it at the vet now. My random wish is that it’s something easily treatable so he can go back to his contented life by the Eadt River.
I’m glad to hear you managed to help the kitten get to a vet. Hope you can relax today
Thanks, but the relax part didn’t happen,lol. The vet wouldn’t keep it overnight and sounds like they just wanted the poor, smelly creature out, so we had to try a hospital but same. I ended up taking it to this guy not-very-close-by who takes in ferals and will take it to the vet Tues. I suspect the kitty is sicker than just an infection so might have to be euthanized in the end.
Wonderful Women’s Month event at Arielle Shoshana yesterday! Ari organized an interview by Skype with 4160 Tuesdays founder and perfumer Sarah McCartney, which was so much fun. Sarah was charming, insightful, and witty. In addition to explaining how some of the 4160 perfumes and series themes were created, she showed us around her London studio, including her wall of perfumes — a reference collection of vintage and current perfumes stowed in her mother’s 1950s kitchen cupboard. (I could have spent an hour on that.) I gained many insights into her creative process (often scents that recreate happy memories) and what it’s like to start and grow a business as an indie perfumer (one of your fragrances might end up partnering with Tinder in a promo, which seems sort of meta to me). She composes fragrances for private individuals and companies, as well as her brand, and one often leads to the other.
I was intrigued to learn that her place/time fragrances (such as London 1969) use only ingredients that were available at the time — vintage for our time.
Arielle Shoshana now carries several 4160 Tuesdays, so we were also able to sample. I think I’m in love with Black Velvet Cafe, and I brought home two more samples to try, The Sexiest Scent on the Planet and What I Did on My Holiday.
I’m also glad this event prompted me to read Sarah’s short novel, Scent of Possibility (available on Kindle or paperback), which I recommend. You might say it came true, because it led her from writing about a mysterious problem-solving perfumer to founding 4160 Tuesdays when friends begged her to create the fragrances described in the book.
Ari also featured Brooklyn-based Hi Wildflower by another creative woman, Tanwi Nandini Islam. I found these scents intriguing and, as you can see, the packaging is attractive (and better in person):
https://www.arielleshoshana.com/collections/vendors?q=Hi%20Wildflower
As always, it was a great opportunity to reconnect with other area perfume lovers and make new perfume friends. If you couldn’t attend, don’t despair — Google! There are many good interviews with Sarah online, and, as Jada pointed out, she has a YouTube channel.
Thanks for the recap! I’ll be in the DC area later this year and will see if I can arrange my schedule to be able to do a meet up!
That would be amazing!
BTW, was reviewing my notes again and see that her parents’ 1955 kitchen cabinet is actually her perfumer’s organ.
The wall is another cool piece of 50s looking furniture, though.
Happy Easter / Passover / whatever you celebrate or not.
SOTD = L’Occitane Immortelle de Corse
I searched for this high and low after Kevin reviewed it. I finally found it, after I have pretty much given up, when I was in Brussels over New Year’s ringing in 2012. Honey, immortelle, benzoin, musk, kinda powdery. Good stuff, but, of course, discontinued.
In this episode of All Kinds of Wrong:
– Texting while walking across an active parking lot
– It’s 55 degrees outside, everyone in the family walking outside wore their coat, except for a little girl of no more than 3 or 4 years old who wore a a sleeveless pink tutu
– A toddler on pretty sturdy and steady legs let loose in the parking lot
– By the way, I observed all the above yesterday within a 1 hour span!
There are animal all kinds of wrong as well:
– a smallish adult cat chasing a squirrel. The chase must have been going on already before I saw them. First, I saw the squirrel scampering off towards the tree (not an uncommon sight). Then a cat stopped in front of my car (already parked), looked me straight in the eye, then proceeded to chase the squirrel. I rooted for the squirrel and saw him climb up a tree to a branch and it kept hopping higher and across the row of trees. I didn’t stick around to see what happened.
– Wild geese flying low and one got thisclose to my windshield. I think I would still be screaming if the body went splat against my windshield.
We are looking for more snow so spring has sprung but has also sprung a leak back to winter!
Dang, I didn’t know geese flew that low! I’ve only ever really seen them overhead in formation (and quite a few lately.)
About a year ago my H & I were sitting outside eating pizza at a busy, semi-controlled intersection (stop signs going E-W, nothing N-S) and happened to be talking about changes in cell phone use. Because it was the topic of our conversation, I started watching all of the pedestrians going through the intersection. Almost 100% of them did so while staring down at a phone.
I had half listened to a documentary regarding apps. The texts and the tones and visuals that accompany them were designed to keep people addicted. And yes, all the texts and user behavior can be tracked and AI applied to learn how to keep people hooked.
15-25 cm of snow predicted this week in Quebec. Looks like I’m going to be able to wear my winter fumes for a while longer!
You can’t fix stupid – I cannot believe the number of people I see in Montreal cycling and walking with headphones on and /or face down in their phone. I am always on full alert when I am vulnerable to moving vehicles.
This. Agree that you can’t fix stupid.
As annoying as the ambient noise from commuting on the train, I never have my headphone on while riding mass transit; the only exception is while flying.
To be fair, it’s possible the parent of tutu girl tried to make her put on a coat and the child pitched an absolute screaming fit. 🙂
That was my first thought as well. Mom decided to pick her battles.
Yikes!! I saw a similar thing while traveling out of Oregon. Stopped at a rest area at a high elevation, wind was whipping, with occasional flurries. And coming out of the rest room was a family all bundled up in winter coats except for the BABY!! Who was in a short sleeved onesie!! Even T-Rex was sporting her puffer jacket ????
Sorry this was a response to hajusuuri above!
Don’t even get me started on what goes for reasonable clothing in winter… I am one of those people who is always cold, and when I see people underdressed for the weather it actually makes me really angry. I remember in particular being out one (cold, wet) evening last Nov or Dec and seeing numerous women dressed in what I would consider to be sundresses, with bare legs and strappy open shoes. And no coat – if anything, a light wrap (which around here wouldn’t even keep you warm on a summer night.)
You see a lot of that in Canada. Canadians are tough. As soon as it hits 5C you will see people out in shorts. My neighbour was out barbecuing on his balcony last year in shorts and no shirt at 10C (that’s about 50F).
I heard the latest trend is letting babies sleep outside in the cold!
Chanel No. 5 in several forms: elixir decant from the lovely Nancyleandros, vtg parfum and edt. Probably will top off with L’eau later. Happy day to all ????
zomg that Elixir is soo good. I’ve been wearing layers of No 5 the last couple of weeks, too. You smell divine.
Thank you!! Why oh why didn’t I buy the Elixir when it was around for the buying!! Hopefully it’ll be rereleased!!
Love your avatar!
Thank you!! He’s the cat (at the time a kitten) who jumped into my son’s truck (wheel well(?)). He was discovered after they stopped at their destination.
Birthday day today in my house: my darling Dotter is 11 and I’m 52. :-0. I am wearing Piguet Casbah. Hoppy Easter!
Dot and i will be taking our annual birthday photo out in the backyard in front of the wisteria. I have a little hawaiian lei for her to wear and I am going to wear the new pair of diamond huggie earrings I bought for myself. 🙂
Happy Birthday(s)!
Thanks!
Happy birthday! I hope you both have a wonderful year. Enjoy your pretty earrings!
Happy birthday to both you and Dot! ????
Happy birthday to you both! Enjoy!
Happy Birthday to you! Do you get teased for being an April Fool’s baby?
And congrats on the diamond huggie earrings. Huggies are my favorite style of earrings!
Mom says I was her easter bunny. 🙂 I know we both love huggie earrings! So comfy.
Happy Birthday to you and your daughter! Enjoy our special day together.
It’s also my FIL’s birthday. He”s the first to poke fun at himself and has a great sense of humor. Obviously great people are born on this day.
Wow, double trouble happy birthday to you both????
Have a fantastic birthday and a happy year!
Thank you to everyone for the birthday greetings! We are both silly and opinionated (Aries).
Happy birthdays to both of you!
I had to look up huggie earrings, but those are my favorite as well and almost the only kind I wear.
Happy Birthday to you and your daughter! Enjoy the weather before you get to enjoy your winter perfumes 😉
Happy birthday!
I enjoyed the Lira until morning. ???? Thanks again.
Happy birthday!! ????????????
Awww, I love that you both have the same birthday! Happy happy to you both ????
Morning, all. The catstge dear man, and I are lolling—that’s the only way to describe it—in bed, with second cups of tea, a book, NST (the DM and me), the Purple Fur of Destiny (Eric), a new blankie (Alexander) and a purple clothes peg (Titus). We are each, in our own separate ways, entirely relaxed and content. Furthermore, I’ve just found a very pretty shirt in the online store of my favourite clothes shop up home in Whangarei. It’s perfect for what I want, and I shall ring them tomorrow and ask for it to be sent. One minor form of happiness is clothes shopping that is accomplished successfully and effortlessly.
But to perfume: when I made the tea this morning, I sprayed a little Queen of the Night on my wrist. You would be quite correct not to associate QotN with breakfast. However, I’ve been working my way round to it slowly, because I’ve been nervous about it. It’s particularly potent and idiosyncratic, and I’ve been worried that I might have taken against it during my days in the perfume desert. Happily, I still love it. I definitely don’t think it goes with pyjamas covered in grey butterflies and no makeup, but it’s beautiful, rich and creamy and assertive. And, now I come to think of it, not a perfume that makes you think immediately that it’s floral. Result! I really do think I am fully able to live down the rabbit hole again.
Hope allyour weekends are going as well as mine. Be well, all.
That sounds like a gorgeous weekend morning. I’m so glad to hear that you and the Queen of the Night can be friends again.
Looks like you’ve got your perfume mojo back!
I hope you get a chance to spoil yourself later with both if the easter bunny doesn’t come through!
Rats..this was for Filomena below.
Joliday monday hete so testing Jo Malone’s Oud & Bergamot on one arm and Diptyque’s Vetyverio EdP on the other. Pretty nice layering effect between them actually so far.
My Easter basket would be filled with dark chocolate and a new spring perfume. However, although I have purchased some goodies for others, this year I didn’t even buy a chocolate bar for myself let alone a new perfume.
You are so virtuous. 🙂
I hope you get a chance to spoil yourself later with both if the easter bunny doesn’t come through!