It's Monday and World Bicycle Day. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm in good old Carthusia Mediterraneo.
Reminder: on 6/7, wear a fragrance by Ineke, Imaginary Authors, il Profumo or i Profumi di Firenze, if you have one. Partial credit for any other small-ish brand that starts with the letter I.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2019, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image is Las bicicletas también se divierten [cropped] by S. Alexis at flickr; some rights reserved.
Just drenched myself in Saint Julep by Imaginary Authors in the interest of thunking the sample.
I recently rearranged and dusted all my FB’s and was surprised there are several within thunking territory!
wow..I think I only have one in thunking territory..
Thunked my Brin de Reglisse in March. It had been less than 10mls for maybe 3 years. Feels great to be free of it, though I do love it.
I like that one.
Wow. I hardly ever get in thunking territory on anything other than decants. What are you close to?
Getting close to thunking makes me rather anxious.
Some of them were partial to begin with, stuff I got in swaps — I’m close to bottom of a 30 ml bottle of Marni Rose. Also close to bottom of a 30 ml of Sensuous Noir, but I bought that new! (I have a backup already.) When I look at what gets low fastest it’s usually mainstream stuff — I must spray with more abandon because it doesn’t seem precious!
When I was setting up to move, I discovered several bottles that were practically empty. I have drained most of them, since I left them out the longest for that purpose. I am wondering, would there be an interest in the bottles/boxes by folks if the juice is done? Freebies or swaps? I know that Chanel always has collectors, but there are less well-known brands, too. . . What do you do with your empties?
I’ve just tossed mine because the bottles didn’t seem collection worthy but I probably would save vintage bottles…
Yeah, I kinda figure they’re garbage, but the tree hugger part of my brain keeps hoping *someone* would want them, so they don’t end up in the trash immediately. . .
They go straight into the recycling.
L’Infante by Divine
SipOTD latte made at home with the help of chubby Buddha
Pairing this delicate perfume with a thift store dress I purchased..lovely blue and white flowers by MK
At sephora I went in for my tinted moisturizer purchase and decided to smell the new Hermes Jardin perfume that is out, I was disappointed. Then I smelled the flanker to Si, I think its Si passion? Looks like a bottle of red nail polish. Needless to say I was craving cotton candy after smelling that one..
I am a fan of Divine perfumes – I think they are really, really well done. You smell gorgeous.
You smell good and Chubby Buddha is a good helper.
I’ve heard several people express disappointment with the new Hermes Jardin. I haven’t sniffed it yet myself but I’m not in a hurry considering what others have said.
Oh, L’Infante how lovely! Such a summery and radiant gem.
Sadly, not a big fan of the new Hermes Jardin–2 minutes in and I wanted to scrub. That never happens to me with Hermes.
Yay Mediterraneo. I would like my whole day to smell like that.
But I am in another fave of mine: Micallef Gaiac.
You smell great!
My whole week might smell like it, am still out of town and as usual did not bring much with me.
You smell great, Robin.
All I have for this CP is two Ineke samples, so I am saving them for later. Today I am wearing Serge Lutens La Myrrhe. Sadly, I have only a sample of this amazing perfume.
Thank you!
Sadly I tried La Myrrhe very early on and did not appreciate it, I should try it again.
I’m wearing Tom Ford Grey Vetiver & I’m back to work after a week off. I like this one so much I recently purchased a decant. A full bottle may be in my future if I continue to like it. Of Tom Ford’s fragrances I only have this one, a sample rollerball of Black Orchid, which I like, and Youth Dew Amber Nude, from when he was with Estee Lauder. Any more I should sample?
The only TF I have ever loved was Fluer de Chine.
Maybe others can chime in..
Ooh well, no, none of them, because they’re all ridiculously overpriced. But actually I’m a big fan of many of his scents. I love Shanghai Lily, Santal Blush, Tobacco Vanille, Cafe Rose, and probably a bunch more I’m forgetting because I’m realistically never going to buy any of those super-pricey scents.
A second vote for Santal Blush but also agree on the pricing (and marketing bothers me too). I own none.
I *almost* like Shanghai Lily. Something in the heart notes annoys me after a while. . .
I still love his Noir de Noir, the fragrance that helped me learn to appreciate patchouli (at least sometimes).
That’s my favorite of the bunch, but still I do not love it enough to buy it.
Grey Vetiver is a favorite of mine; it smells great on men and women. As to other Tom Ford fragrances you should sample:
1) Venetian Bergamot
2) Noir pour Femme
3) Tobacco Vanille
4) Violet Blonde (if you can fid it)
Cafe Rose is a very well done rose, coffee, patchouli perfume, the rose note in the opening is especially natural smelling to my nose.
I, like lillyjo, am a big Tom Ford fan haha. I know they’re priced high, but oh well.
I really love Noir de Noir (my husband’s fav), Cafe Rose, Santal Blush, Soleil Blanc. My husband wears Tuscan Leather right now and I love it also.
Ha!, I was trying to not get involved. ?
KellyC, have you tried the Tom Ford Noir for men? It’s in the regular line, not the extreme. I think you would like that one. To my nose it shares a similarity to Shalimar.
Big TF fan so I could go on and on, but won’t! One of my summer favs is Rive dAmbre. Big compliment getter. I broke my no buy for a great deal on Vanille Fatale and have zero regrets! It’s fab. ?
I’m a Tom Ford’s fan (perfumes not a person
), but some of my favorites has been discontinued.
Fleur de Chine
Champaca Absolute
Amber Ansolute
Black Violet
Vert Fleur
Tobacco Vanille
Arabian Wood
I didn’t know TV was discontinued.
I listed my favorites, not necessarily discontinued
I really love the following Tom Ford scents: Jasmin Rouge, Champaca Absolute and Lavendar Palm. (Of course the discontinued one is my very favorite.). My husband wears Ombré Leather and smells amaaaaazing in it.
I’m one letter off from the CP this week in Jul et Mad Terrasse à St Germain. I got a purse-sized sample as a freebie with some order or another recently, and did something I never, ever do — sprayed it on skin, unsniffed, on a work day. What’s happened to me? Anyway, it’s actually very nice, and I think I’ll go spritz on a little more, daredevil that I am (apparently). Happy Monday everyone!
Doooo it! Spritz more!
I did it! More spritz equalled more young, tangy rosebud. It’s mid-afternoon for me now and the scent is all but gone … but that slightly sharp rosiness held on to pretty much the end.
in MFK Aqua Celestia. I find it surprisingly uplifting on this warm, clear day
I haven’t tried that one. I’ve only tried the Aqua Vitae Forte. How would you describe the Celestia?
Byredo Gypsy Water for a sunny and unusually cool ~60F day in June. I’m really digging this weather!
I’m dealing with some serious Monday-brain this morning. I just sent the incorrect date for a software update to a vendor. Then, when I attempted to correct myself, I sent them ANOTHER incorrect date. Facepalm.
In other news, I had some unexpected cash come in and finally decided to treat myself to a bottle of Tauer’s Wowilla body oil! It should show up sometime this week. Can’t wait to add it to my small-but-growing (oh dear) hoard of body oils, lol.
Oooooo can’t wait to hear what you think of Wowilla! I’ve been meaning to get myself a bottle of that, too, but I want to use up some of the oils I already have first. (I’m still sad it’s not called Wowzilla.)
I’m really not a fan of the name, but agree that Wowzilla would be an improvement! I’ll post my thoughts about it once I can give it a try.
We are having similar weather here and I am digging it too! Cool at night for sleeping and low humidity and sun during the day- it’s perfect!?
You smell great in Gypsy Water. I’ve had days like that at work – like the time I set up a conference call and entered the number to dial incorrectly in the meeting invitation TWICE – and both of them different mistakes. Oy.
I really like Gypsy Water. You smell great. Hopefully your brain fog lifts soon!
hope you love Wowilla! I adore it.
I love Gypsy Water. You smell fabulous!
Glad to hear that you are having nice weather too!
Oops, forgot about the CP and am smelling pretty in Diptyque Fleur de Peau, which was the only scent that seemed appealing at 5am this morning (which is about 2 h earlier than my usual waking-up time and therefore felt utterly ungodly). I wonder if people will give me strange looks if I have lunch at 10am.
Thanks to everyone for your reading suggestions this weekend! I’ve got travel coming up later this week, and I was thrilled to have stocked up on a few books for my flights.
Mmm, you do smell pretty!
2 hours earlier than usual IS ungodly. Hang in there!
5am as a wakeup time is pretty harsh.
It was pretty miserable! I didn’t want to complain too much, though, because I know there are people who do that regularly
SotD is Profumum Confetto. I caved and bought a small decant.?
We had gorgeous weather over the weekend and The Bigs (my college kids) are both home for a few days before my oldest leaves for a summer job. I am reveling in their company.
Hey! I’m sending my son on a overnight trip to Wisconsin, Wednesday and Thursday. What’s the weather going to be? I need to know how much to worry ?
I think you’ll worry regardless ?
True, but if I can scratch weather off the list I might be able to get a nap!
Exciting! What part of Wisconsin?!
We are going to have great weather here, mid to upper 70’s with a small chance for storms Wednesday. It’s always cooler in Milwaukee, or anyplace right along the lake this time of year, so it’s about 10 degrees cooler there.
Try not to worry lillyjo.?
He will be going to Milwaukee with a arts program he is in. This is his first trip ever out of state. It’s a good opportunity for him, but it was hard signing the permission slip, I gotta tell ya..
Oh fun! If he’s going to the Art Museum, the Calatrava addition is really cool to see in person.
I hear you-sending kids out into the world is hard. I still get teary (when I don’t actually breakdown in tears?) every time I say goodbye to my college kids.
Enjoy your kiddos, mama!
Thanks KellyC! You’ll see your son soon, right?
Yes, in about 3 weeks and they’ll be here for 12 days! Yay!
Creed Aventus. Great perfume, but definitely not for me.
Happy first week of June everyone!
I went to the Creed counter for the first time about 2 months ago. People talk so highly of them and the sales clerk really went in on the background of the fragrances….how it’s worn by the Totals, First Ladies, etc. I can’t remember the 2 scents he gave me generous samples of, but I was disappointed that they didn’t “wow me.
I have tried some from Creed, including Virgin Island Water, which is a cult and none of them have caught my interest. Definitely, the brand does not work for me. Money saved!
Agree about Aventus. It’s really interesting and has a lot of depth, but not for me.
You are right! Their perfumes are good, I just can’t wear them.
I’ve never tried any Creeds. The only one that has me interested is Spice and Wood. If I’m honest though, I might be more interested if I liked the packaging.
Packaging kept me away from Montale for years. I can’t explain it, but I hate those metal bottles! Now, I own a couple Montales. . .
I am still afraid of the Mintale bottles — they look like a science experiment gone wrong and may infect me if I spritz from the bottle. That said, I have many of the curated sets but have not opened a one as yet ???
That’s funny. Does keeping them sealed keep you safe?
I really hate Montale packaging too! I’ve never seen one irl, but I kinda don’t want to.
I agree that the packaging is not appealing. For the price they should have been more creative and present something more decent.
Another member of the “never tried any Creeds” club.
You have not missed anything special! ?
Pamplelune, and it’s behaving very nicely today.
tea: Harney & Sons Tropical Green
Candle nearby (not burning): Chesapeake Bay Love + Passion, which is a grapefruit/mango combo. I sent my small one back to campus with my daughter last week, because she loved it, and then bought a larger replacement.
Fruit!
I am a day late, but that candle sounds tempting!
I’ve got some Imaginary Authors samples I’ve been meaning to break into, so that’s my project for the week! Today is Memoirs of a Tresspasser, which is a lovely woody-resinous-vanilla, but maybe not seasonally appropriate. I don’t think it’s strong enough to gas out my coworkers, though!
I like that one.
That sounds good! Is it bad that some days I WANT to gas out my coworkers?
I have those days too, don’t worry!
This is a completely reasonable desire. We’ve all been in that mindset.
Do it!?
Today I am wearing Fresh Citron de Vigne and drinking a cup of black tea.
On a side note, we are leaving for Ireland (Dublin, Cong, Dingle) on Friday. I am very excited ! I have never visited Ireland before this. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Especially regarding perfume, food and shopping
Exciting!
The only Irish perfume line I know of is Cloon Keen. Ireland is lovely though!
Have fun! Ireland looks like it is so beautiful.
Have a wonderful trip!
Ireland is AMAZING! I have no tips other than enjoy every minute! I didn’t shop much- mainly just sightseeing etc.- but you will have a great time. The people are SO warm and friendly. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Ireland is great, and such an easy and pleasant place to travel in. You can’t go wrong with any of the food–it is so fresh and delicious.
Thank you
I am very excited about visiting !
Have a wonderful trip–I am starting to get excited about my July vacation….is it too soon?
Nope! ??
Not at all
!!
Good Monday Morning All! Well, we have come to yet another Summer….time for me to catch up with all my NST peeps. Hope everyone is well. I am moving to a new school /campus for the upcoming school year and am super excited. It was time for a change. I also have a new beau in my life who I have been seeing for about 3 months now. So, for the most part, life is good.
My SOTD is Honeysuckle and Davana by Jo Malone. The high today in Houston is supposed to be around 96. We are in for a hot one.
Hooray for your happy life updates!
Love your life updates! Try and stay cool in that Houston heat!
What an uplifting and awesome post! ?
two thumbs up for changes! and the new beau!
What a great series of changes and new chances! Stay cool. You smell lovely.
SOTD is Chanel Paris Venise lotion and fragrance.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Yummmmmm
I don’t know the lotion but the perfume… you smell fine!
Smelling ready for a nice vacation over there! ?
so ready
sooooooooooooooooooo ready
I must get to a Chanel spot and test these…
They might be at a Nordie’s near you.
Hermes Eau de Neroli Dore this Monday.
Do you think Chong will venture into creating his own fragrance brand after resigning from being a creative director at Amouage?
Before I read the whole post, my thought was Tommy Chong is making perfumes? Lol. Obviously, I can’t weigh in on the question.
Giggle
Yeah, me too. Lots of patchouli and “herbs,” in that line.
OMG, that was my first thought too! And then I wondered if Cheech Marin would be setting up a competing line.
Maybe they could reunite for the movie version!
??? I’ll be 1st in line for his perfume!
My mind went there, too.
I am guessing he will.
You smell wonderful! I wore Neroli Dore over the weekend.
You smell super good.
If the recent several years were indicative of the direction of his efforts, I’d better keep an eye to know NOT to try his new venture’s creations
Omg at this sentence but I do get your point my dear. Last couple of years must have been disappointing for someone like you who is a fan of Amouage and who owns several scents from the brand.
I fear these were my sentiments, as well. I love “old school” Amouage, but have enjoyed very few of the newer releases. Beloved was the last I felt was FB worthy.
I go even farther back…I loved both Jubilation scents but other than, prefer pre-Chong Amouage .
I don’t have anything for this weeks CP. I think I will do a Mugler week. Yesterday I wore Aura, and today I am wearing Alien Essence Absolu. Looks like I’m going to have to give in and get a new phone. It’s starting to do weired things like half the screen disappearing. I’ve lost the number zero, and now the letter p is going in and out.
Ugh, I hate having to get a new phone.
Oooof. Good luck with the phone shopping.
Happy Monday!
1) Weird and backed up commuting, systems going haywire at work and I forgot my wallet at home! ARRRGGGHH
2) Am in Kai body lotion and a bit on the wrists. I smell very Hawaii.
3) Appointment today at the IKEA kitchen planning department. Sure I live on a diet of yogurt, tofu, salad and soup, but if I am to live on such a diet I should be able to cook in a nice, functional space! The kitchen as it is now is fine and I was lucky to have an open layout with an island. But the wood laminate is dark, feel dated and sucks light in the area. So I would like to get an idea of how much the kitchen cabinets would cost and an new kitchen Island. There are really good deals with the kitchen appliances at Home Despot(tm), so I will see with that.
Oh, I’m so curious to hear how that goes for you! Our new house has an IKEA kitchen, and I’m thinking about buying matching cupboards for the laundry we’re putting into the basement. I was sort of hoping I could figure out how to install myself, though. . .
Either way, beautiful spaces really do matter. I hope you can make it what you want!
I will keep you post and tell all tomorrow!
You smell great in Kai, and I love that you call it the Despot, too!
Thank you! And yeah- they seem to reign supreme over so much lumber and appliances!
Hope your appointment goes well today. IMO smelling like Hawaii is a good thing!
FWIW, I had a great experience with IKEA for my kitchen.
Rather cold and windy here today, supposed to rain too, but not yet. Wearing Tiger’s Nest.
I hope your weather will improve.
It’s certainly an extremely late spring! At least the lilacs are blooming (nearly a month late).
In Eau Premiere which I hadn’t worn in a long time, the lemon in it always makes me happy, I heard that the version now available is less lemony and more vanilla, that doesn’t sound too good and I’m glad I had got the 150ml tall bottle of it.
You smell great.
Thank you Kelly, so do you in the elegant Heure Exquise.
I find the current version heavy on the vanilla. I never tried the original.
Thank you for answering Lillyjo. The original’s lemon is so lovely and refreshing in spring and summer, I really wonder what made Chanel temper with it
as it is not IFRA related in this case.
SOTM is leftover PHI from yesterday afternoon’s 2 spritzes. I love it, but this one sure has a slow half-life!
I am totally worn out this morning. I hope I wake up eventually! I slept 11 hours, and I feel like I could easily take a nap. All this healing is exhausting, apparently. Maybe it’s time to find a show to watch–I’ve avoided Netflix/Hulu/Prime so far in my convalescence. I haven’t watched anything on “TV” other than Handmaid’s Tale this year. Feel free to shoot me a suggestion or two! I like meaty, (although preferably not too violently graphic) British dramas and mysteries (Mr. Spicebomb says I’m a snob). For lighter fare, I like the comic book redos like Jessica Jones.
Shetland is an easy watch, especially the first two seasons. Season 3 is more intense (violence is off screen).
Shetland looks good, thank you!
I have to say I’d avoid the series Marcella though (There’s just one season). Maybe you’d like it…it left a bad taste for me.
The Fall with Gillian Anderson is quite well done. If you like serial killers… I enjoyed the first season of Broadchurch a lot also.
I cannot believe that Jessica Jones counts as “lighter fare” for you!!! I watched the first season of that, and it was so harsh and dark and scary that I’ve never watched any more of it. (I still have nightmares of David Tennant yelling out, “Jessica!”)
Haha! Yeah, that’s fair. I think the notion of magic or superpowers keeps it from feeling too *real* for me. Like Xmen or Harry Potter–I can ignore the obvious genocidal implications and just go along with it for a while, although I appreciate the deeper ideas behind them.
I watched seasons 1 and 2 of Daredevil, but only got a few episodes into the first season of Jessica Jones. All the PTSD and such she had from being in the Purple Man’s control was just too much for me to watch.
I watched the first season of Luke Cage. There were apparently a lot of songs and singers and other musical references in there that my brother would appreciate, one of our cousins said. I appreciated the references to the history and art of Harlem. I’d read a good bit about the Harlem Renaissance, especially about the authors, and read some of those authors’ works.
I also appreciated the references to aspects of the comic book Luke Cage. There was a yellow shirt costume visual reference that was hilarious, and other Easter eggs for comic book readers.
I only got a couple of episodes into Iron Fist, because it was just not clicking with me. Along the way in the first seasons of the shows, I would get excited about the introductions of characters like Patsy Walker, Misty Knight, and Colleen Wing.
I tried to explain to a non-comic-book-reading watcher of Netflix Daredevil about Frank Miller’s art and writing, and about the Orientalism in it, but it was lost on her. Iron Fist had the Orientalist conceit that Westerners could learn Asian martial arts better than Asian practitioners could. Miller’s Orientalism had that, plus deeper prejudices.
From a white person’s perspective, I thought Luke Cage did much better about Black culture and the history there than Daredevil did about Asian cultures by fighting against hordes of faceless ninjas. It’s where you can go with the source material, and Luke Cage had a lot more room to take it in a variety of directions, including humanizing Black characters.
Ooh, I love British mysteries too! Some good ones that I’ve watched in the past year are: The suspicions of Mr. Whicher, Endeavor and The ABC Murders with John Malkovich- all on prime. We also just finished watched Les Miserables on PBS, which obviously isn’t a mystery, but it was excellent.
I never got into “Les Mis” when it was a big deal on broadway–do you think it translates to folks who aren’t already familiar with the story?
I do. I was one of those people, lol. I have never seen the broadway and didn’t have any desire to see the movie a few years ago. I’m a sucker for PBS Masterpiece and the actors were really, really good.
Am almost through The Bodyguard on Netflix and am enjoying it.
Also Catastrophe on Amazon Prime is hilarious (and NOT family friendly.) PSA-Language and situations might offend.
The name “The Bodyguard” raises images of Kevin Costner and Whitney Huston. . . no relation, I’m assuming?
No! British suspense. drama
Nice. Thanks! ?
The Bodyguard is so good!
3rd-ing Bodyguard. It’s really great.
I don’t know if you have HBO but I’m enjoying Gentleman Jack on it.
To be honest, I do not know if we have HBO, either! I will have to ask my husband. ?
How about the new Good Omens?
+1! What I’ve heard about it sounds very intriguing.
Broadchurch on netflix is an easy British detective mystery
I’m completely addicted to the British cop show Line of Duty. One of the best ever TV series, right up with The Wire. Tense, surprising, literate, with brilliant acting.
I also second Broadchurch. First two seasons are excellent! Third is ehhh.
I agree – the third wasn’t great
I’ve been craving florals lately; today I have on a light layer of Body Shop ananya oil and some Dame Gardenia.
Speaking of Gardenia, does anybody have words for good or ill about Jovan Island Gardenia? Great? Terrible? Meh? I watched Paris is Burning last night and am thinking about getting a little bottle in tribute to Venus Xtravaganza, who says in the movie that she wears it.
What a great cultural reference! I’m afraid I can’t advise about the Jovan. I remember watching Paris is Burning as a sheltered, rural-small-town kid and feeling like I was peeking into an entirely different world. I love when a documentary can do that!
Flower twins! My perfume today is also centered around gardenia.
I haven’t smelled it but I’d get it for that reason!
Heure Exquise today for no reason other than I love it.
I was super busy this weekend, but hope to get around to reading everyone’s book recommendations from Saturday!
I love this perfume too. You smell wonderful!
Best of reasons to wear a perfume.
Heure Exquise is gorgeous!
Wearing Equistrius today, in homage to the smart NSTers who wore it last week.
Chugging coffee (usually a pm no-no) in an attempt to stay upright at my desk.
Num. You smell good!
Smelling fabulous, and good luck with staying vertical!
I hope that the coffee worked! ☕☕☕
You smell fab! I may have worn it last week.
Going to work a little later than normal today but working a shorter shift today. Wearing Miss Dior original today to get me through.
Yay for shorter shifts!
Hey I like that schedule: Late in/ Early out! ??
You smell great!
Good afternoon….FInally getting around to NST….YAY!
Wearing Hermes Eau de Rhubarbe Écarlate, or at least I was! It has faded at this point to a whisper, so I’ll reapply once I’m in the car heading home (away from the Perfume Grinch).
I don’t think I’ve ever eaten rhubarb and definitely never cooked with it, but it smells great in fragrance!
My mom grows rhubarb in her backyard and makes a killer rhubarb custard pie. Rhubarb has a super tart, acidic flavor – Once I chewed on a raw stem and it make my mouth pucker like I’d just bitten into a lemon. Goes wonderfully in pies and crisps though!
The ingredients for a rhubarb custard pie are waiting for me at home to be cooked this very night! It is my absolute favorite pie.
I’m going to have to try ASAP!
Rhubarb pie is the best! Sometimes I mix in some strawberries too.
I tried rhubarb raw once, as a kid. I did not do that again!
I grew up eating rhubarb pies and crisps from family gardens, and absolutely love the taste. Unfortunately, this vegetable/fruit can cause pretty severe digestive challenges, so I’ve had to do without it in recent years. It makes me so sad.
Cap Neroli. We’ve entered the time of year where I tend toward dry, green or light florals, sunny citrus. This is in the dry and green category.
I’d be set for the CP if I hadn’t given my niece my set of Ineke samples I purchased five years ago. I hadn’t gone through them, so decided she might get some use. I have two IA scents waiting for Friday. Maybe I’ll give Soft Lawn another try. I still consider it a mistaken impulse buy….
Todays photo reminds me of Mackinac Island. And summer, of course.
In the non-summery Safran Troublant today and loving it. Three more shifts done and only eight more to go. I won’t be mad if I get called off for any of them!?
Also, in the spirit of traveling as long as I can, as cheap as I can this summer, I’ve bought a small instant pot. I figured I can cook up 2-3 days worth of entrees and eat out less frequently, hopefully saving some money. Does anyone have experience with this gadget, and how do you like it? I’m simultaneously excited and terrified by it…?
I am obsessed with my Instapot! If you like Indian food get the cookbook that made this pot famous thanks to a New Yorker article
Good to hear! I’m a bit intimidated, but looking forward to exploring it. Love the fact you can brown and sauté, then pressure cook all in one pot. That’s a big plus for me, as I have little room, and my water supply is limited for cleaning up multiple pots/pans. Do you know the name of the cookbook, or the article that mentions it?
It’s called the Indian Instant Pot Cookbook and the New Yorker article has “Butter Chicken Lady” in the title – 2018.
The instapot doesn’t have a steep learning curve at all and is pretty magical
I don’t have many tips other than finding a few Instapot recipes that sound good to you. After you try a few, you’ll get the hang of t and can easily alter other recipes to fit. I like mine a lot!
When I saw you could do CHEESECAKE!! in the Instant Pot…well, that sealed the deal?! Planning on some great salmon when I’m getting some Northern Exposure, too. Happy to know you like yours.
You smell perfect.
Thanks, as do you in HE!
I was just thinking of Mackinac Island this morning. I haven’t been there in 25 years, but it still has to be a wonderful place. Very relaxing.
I was there as a kid of about 8. It has been in my mind all these years, and I’m hoping to get my next assignment somewhere in the upper Midwest this fall. Such an under-appreciated area of the country…
*ears perk up* Did you say Midwest?!
Ha! Yes, was talking to my recruiter about assignments after my Alaska trip, and she informed me of the high need in that area. I would totally go for fall/early winter in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin… even my old stomping grounds in Illinois as long as I’m not stuck in a big urban area. Then, after that, heading back to Crazy Land to hopefully offload my house…!
Yes, do it! Traverse City Michigan in the fall is idyllic. Blue sky and water, every type of fruit available in the orchards, warm breezes, pumpkin fields, wineries, parks, few tourists, brilliant autumn colors.. my idea of heaven!
Wow, not long now until your Great Northern Adventure! Safe travels!
Thank You. I’m getting very antsy and inpatient. Are you going fishing with Mr J, or are going to enjoy some alone time?
Fishing is Mr. Jalapeno’s thing, not mine. So alone time it is! This will be a single day trip, though.
Sotd is Urban Decay Go Naked perfume oil. If this had better sillage it would be a contender for a summer no brainer. But I do enjoy it when I get the occasional whiff of myself. ?
There’s something very nice about catching a whiff of oneself. ?
Ineke Hothouse Flower for this beautiful sunny Monday (which I spend glued to my computer in the office
).
I am planning a the whole week in Ineke!! You smell great.
I dug into the sample stash and am in Imaginary Authors The Soft Lawn. I did a very light application since I had to be near a couple coworkers in the HR department this morning and wanted my perfume to fly under the radar. It really does remind me of a tennis court paired with bitter greens and linden. I think I can only handle it dabbed.
IIRC, Josh lists “tennis ball” on the list of notes. I remember thinking that was funny and not too far off.
Chiming in a bit late today. I can only participate in the CP once this week. So today I’m wearing an old favourite in Nina by Nina Ricci.
Same, regarding the CP.
You smell great Robin! I love Mediterraneo but wish it lasted longer on me. Wearing Profumum Ninfea today.
I was surprised to learn that Marni fragrances have been discontinued. Perhaps I haven’t been paying attention, but I thought they did well. Well enough to generate two flankers anyway. Sigh.
Late reply, but I think those flankers get planned so far in advance that they go ahead even if unwarranted. I don’t think they sold well, which is really too bad.
I wore Astier de Villatte Grand Chalet for an exemplary spring day.
That is a gorgeous scent!
I really like it and Eau Chic, but no one in the US seems to carry the line anymore! I was too late in these. I do wondering if they’re discontinuing their perfumes
They still seem to be carried by a lot of shops in Europe. I tried all their colognes in a shop in The Hague and was very smitten with most of them. I remember Grand Chalet the best because it smells of Linden trees.
SOTD = SSS Pacific Forest
I am participating in this week’s “I” challenge by wearing either Indie perfumes or perfume names that begin with I or any brand that begins with I.
I did it for my Amalfi Coast trip and will be doing so going forward just to simplify packing. For tops, other than a sleeveless black with red white and blue embroidery for a more formal look, I packed these JJill Pima Cotton v-Neck shirts. I also have a 3/4 sleeve cardigan and a shawl collar sleeve cardigan (the ones from UNIQLO I mentioned several weeks back). The shirts are casual by themselves but when paired with the right cardigan, transition to something appropriate for theatre and/or dinner at a nice restaurant. You can even wear the shirt backwards to show the rounded neck for a different look.
https://www.jjill.com/product/pima-short-sleeve-v-neck-tee
I have been inspired to embark on a project to further downsize my clothes. It won’t be radical down to 30 pieces but I have a better sense of which pieces are more versatile and the rest will get donated. Besides a full walk-in closet, I have a closet annex in the basement and I will tackle both in a reasonable amount of time – slowly but surely through around Thanksgiving or so. There, I’ve said it and I will make it happen!
Enjoy your closet weed-out! I’ve hauled out eight trash bags of clothes, shoes and purses in the last two months, and I think I can do more. It feels good to pare down to just the things you really love and use.
Wow! I have too many just in case clothes and the just in case time never gets here. I have a feeling I will end up giving away half.
You will feel so good weeding out the closets. When I retired in 2016, I started with the suits–donated to Dress for Success. Followed by a thousand cardigans and more little black dresses than you can imagine. I am still thinning things out, but if you pace yourself it is great.
Also, love the j jill tops–I’ve just added a few dresses that roll up and pack really well for my upcoming cruise. I am hoping for the Amalfi coast next year.
Enjoy your cruise! Depending upon the length of the cruise, I tend to end up using the laundry service and my clothes end up getting mordered. I have a set of cruise clothes that I would not cry over were they to become too tattered to wear.
Good luck with your downsizing project!
I won’t get down to anything even approaching a capsule wardrobe, but, lord, I need to clean out my closet. It’s so full right now that it’s barely possible to get a piece of clothing in or out. I needed a reminder (and maybe some competitive inspo?)—thanks!?
Competition? Nah. My closet will be the hardest to purge as, like yours, it’s a struggle to get something out. That said, I’ve set a loose (lose? Heh) goal of 1 tub a week plus a sliver of the closet.
I know that you have already cleared a fair amount of stuff from your closet. I remember the posts from the last time. I guess you are making up for the fact that I haven’t done a closet clean out in who knows how long. Someday. Right now, I am dealing with ooodles of magazines that are headed for the recycle bin.
I did but there’s a lot more. I will leave the shoes to last since I must have donated 20+ pairs the last time!
I took 75% of my clothes out of my bedroom and put them in my garage a few months ago. It’s been liberating and exhilirating to have less and find that each item means more.
Time to empty the garage.
Loved reading your travel updates!
Thanks. Shifting clothes is very tempting to me but I will stand firm with an open garbage bag (for donation) next to my work area.
You’re like me, in that if I don’t say something outloud, im less likely to follow through. I have no doubt project closet downsizing will be a success!
Thank you. Just saying it took a load off my shoulders!
Good luck with the downsizing; it’s such a great feeling.
I am constantly purging clothes. The mind-set is if it hasn’t been worn in a year then it should go. It’s a work in progress.
I too loved your IG pictures!
Thanks! I have more to share but it will be a slow drip. If I use the same rule, I would probably get rid of at least 75% of my clothes!
You smell great! Good luck with the downsizing- it’s painful and liberating at the same time. ??
Thank you. I should have a tiny house mindset when I purge!
I went with Guerlain l’instant for a cool Fall-like day. Summer where art thou?
Same here! Feels like summer is still far away.
It feels like fall, but a better fall than we actually get in Michigan.
Hello NST! It is a drop dead gorgeous day in my little patch of the world. I wouldn’t mind if there were a month of days with this kind of weather. ???? A person can dream, right?
I took a quick day trip down to the Shore on Saturday. Mr. Jalapeno was reconnoitering for a fishing trip that he will be making later on in the month. I don’t blame him for wanting to know where he was headed… he’s getting up at 4am for said trip. Ugh. ?????
So after checking out his destination, we ended up walking the boardwalk in Ocean City NJ. Perfect weather for that! There are a lot more coffee shops down there than I remember. ☕
SOTD = Diptyque Tempo, from the sample stash and Hajusuuri. I still have some left of this. It sings in warm weather, IMO.
Enjoy that good weather while you’ve got it!
Ooh, ?&? . If I weren’t so stuffed from my lunch, I’d be salivating from the mere thought.?
I am, for sure!
? and ? are delicious! Unfortunately, they seem to have become rather expensive lately. ? It will be interesting to see what, if any, fish Mr. Jalapeno brings back with him. After all, it’s called “fishing’, not “catching”.
Wasn’t today gorgeous!!! Especially after last night’s storms (I waited till this morning to put out the recycling!) I want to sit out after dinner and just sip some sangria!
Yes it was! Last night was something else, though. I recall at least 3 different bands of stormy weather rolling through.
Enjoy that sangria!
Your day trip sounds wonderful and you smell great too!
Thank you Petunia! It did us both some good to get a whiff of sea air, I think.
I love Ocean City!
It’s been a few years since I was last there. It was nice to get back!
?for a great day! I only tried Tempo in cooler weather, I probably should have waited for it to warm up. You smelled great!
Thanks lillyjo! I’ve tried Tempo in all sorts of weather, and for me (at least) it was at its best in warmer weather. In cooler weather, it would disappear.
How is it already Monday again? Sheesh.
SOTD is a good spritz of Chanel Beige from a MF sample to complement my mom’s N°5 L’Eau for her birthday lunch.
You smell pretty!
I’m plan to wear Ineke all week–today in Briar Rose, one of the Floral Curiosities that I picked up for a song on the discount table at Anthropologie. Raspberry jammy and on me long lasting.
Raspberry jammy rose sounds pretty darn good!
Crazy day at work. SOTD was Eau de Magnolia. Love!
Sometimes, wearing a scent you love takes the sting out of a Monday.
Very true.
Hope it’s a calmer tomorrow.
Thanks lillyjo. I sure hope so.
Things have been absolutely bonkers busy lately. I’ve been wearing l’eau no 5 a lot – it’s composed yet relaxed. I hope I get a chance to breathe soon!
I’m with you sistine!
SotD = Chanel No. 5 edp because Monday and because Chanel
I had the weirdest Sunday ever. Planned to spend the day with a friend, friend planned to spend the day relaxing. Then friend’s ex called to say they were on their way to ex’s child’s birthday party, “see you there.” My friend said “HUH?” as birthday party had not been confirmed, only mentioned as a vague possibility.
Argument between friend and ex ensued, tears and recriminations, abruptly ended phone calls, vaguely unpleasant text nonsense, and refusal by ex to confirm time and location of party. Sheesh! So, ok, at least friend can try to relax as planned and in good conscience? Nope!
Next my friend’s daughter (not the birthday child, another child) called my friend’s ex to ask if they still had daughter’s surfboard. Ex doesn’t have it, they said to my friend, as it was tossed because it was broken. Daughter was very sad.
My friend and I decided to take an evening walk to get fresh air. Walking down the street we noticed a neighbor putting something out on their lawn, saw it was a surfboard with a “FREE” sign on it. It was another surfboard but one EXACTLY like the lost one. Asked neighbor, “why are you giving this away?” Because a different neighbor gave that neighbor’s daughter a better surfboard that they no longer needed. WOW!
tldr: the universe seeks balance
Wow, sounds like there was a whole bunch of drama in that weird. Not fun.
yah, we named the drama “Sunday Strangeness”
What’s great is, that if your friend hadn’t been with you, the free surfboard wouldn’t have been seen. I think the magic is around you, tiffanie! Curious, is this the friend who is scent-phobic?
yes, this is the scent-phobic friend
I’m being careful, friend is being open-minded, and it’s working out nicely.
Lots of stress today with my mom who just doesn’t remember anything or anyone and it kind of drives me crazy even though I try to be patient. When I left the senior center, I drove across town to join friends at a fun restaurant party for our neighborhood with free fancy cocktails and multiple snacks! They were mostly steak-centric but included some crab cakes and tuna and other tasty items, and I was glad to join in the crowd gobbling the nice free food. My SOTD was LL Poivre 23, which is striking, subtle, and seductive. Might need to buy a small one.
Wearing a bit of Hiram Green Shangri La from a sample. My Etiket goodies arrived today so i will probably not be following the CP this week. Wow, this is potent and I just put on a few tiiny dabs.
Happy Monday everyone; glad today is done!
You smell great! And I’m glad today is done too!