Happy Monday and happy Midsummer’s Day! What fragrance are you wearing?
I am heading off on (another) vacation today, going north to spend time with family in Massachusetts and Maine. Today will be a driving day, so there won't be any more posts and I won't be able to chime in with comments until late, or possibly tomorrow.
Reminder: 6/28 will be Time Travel Friday...wear a perfume that takes you back in time, or reminds you of something / somewhere in your past. It does not have to be a perfume you wore in the past! Suggested by chocolatemarzipan8.
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 View of lake, near athletic field, Branch Brook Park, Newark, N. J. by Boston Public Library at flickr; some rights reserved.
Woman in Gold today
Ooh, I like that one – you smell gorgeous. I am also a big fan of Gold Knight.
On an evil bay account I get emails from “shop france” in France they have By Kilian travel sets, one is Good Girl Gone Bad, Love Don’t be Shy, Woman in Gold and Moonlight. The other is traight to Heaven, Gold Knight, Black Phantom and Intoxicated. I haven’t jumped on it because well the price and two I haven’t smelled love don’t by shy or Moonlight..
I love Straight to Heaven, it’s on my “Stranded on a desert island” perfumes list (along with 300 or so other bottles).
One of my favorites!
Aqua Universalis today, from my sample grab bag. We are having one of those long, slow rain days, so often needed in Texas in summer. So the name works at least.
Glad you’re getting some good rain.
Creed Virgin Island Water. Reminds of a journey to a tropical island I have never made.
ha! I’ve never smelled Virgin Island Water, but I can imagine you smell fabulous, just like the fantasy of an island vacation is always fantastic. 😀
Thank you! Yes, it’s a real vacation scent. Mostly coconut + lime.
I should probably try that one if it smells like an island vacation!
Have a great vacation time, Robin!
Wearing Guerlain 190 Ans Absolute Extrait (thanks to a very generous NSTer!) Sample finished. Citrusy opening. A bouquet of yellow and white flowers with a benzoin drydown. Gourmand, but not sweet. Just fabulous!!!
Sound like a lovely perfume
It is beautiful! And the price also! ?
Oh, that’s the bummer. The price on some of the newer Guerlain’s is ‘so very’ special. 😯
I would have to win the lotto to get a bottle of it. I understand it was a limited edition, so I am not sure if it is still available. Better if it is not! ?
This sounds quite dreamy! I tried looking up, but couldn’t find anything on it.
I think it was a limited edition for the 190 anniversary of Guerlain. I guess is not available anymore?
Here two links:
https://www.perfumemaster.com/guerlain/190-ans-de-creations-1828-2018-unisex-fragrance
https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Guerlain/180-Ans-de-Cr-ations-1828-2008-33479.html
Cool, thanks!
The Bergdorfs SA gave me a large tube sample… If only I could find it!
Hopefully, you will eventually find it and enjoy it!
I’m wearing Parfum de Therese. Yesterday I put on some of the Ocean Rain I am holding onto for when I feel like smelling some of Roudnistka’s weirder work, and it felt sort of sad and angry to me and I had a sad dream, so today I am wearing his happier creation and hoping I get some good vibes back.
Amazing perfume luck this weekend! Driving home from Saturday breakfast I spotted an estate sale sign and persuaded Mr. Doublemint to turn the car around. There I plunked down $16 for a sealed box of Gucci 1, sealed Givenchy III parfum, and Hai Karate Oriental Spice which comes with a hilarious(ly offensive) insert explaining how to use karate to fend off the horde of attractive women who will attack you if you use too much. This amazing windfall finally gave me the motivation to list some things on eBay, which I’ve been meaning to do forever. It’s a little nerve wracking and a little exciting! I can tell I have a lot to learn.
“a hilarious(ly offensive) insert explaining how to use karate to fend off the horde of attractive women who will attack you if you use too much.” ha that’s hilarious.
Ocean Rain sounds fascinating but I hope you feel better today!
It is fascinating! If you’re a fan of his it’s worth tracking down a mini. I mostly think perfume should smell good, but sometimes if something is interesting enough or evokes a certain mood, I can get into the mindset of “art doesn’t always have to be pleasing.” Rarely, though.
I have never smelled it and offhand can’t even think of anybody ever mentioning it! What is weird about it?
I don’t know quite how to say it… I mostly get calone and pine/cedar, and some herbs but the overall effect is just dissonant somehow. Maybe weirdness in the same style as Diorella, but with all the light gone out of it.
Interesting, thanks so much Regina!
Great finds!
The best kind of estate sale, what a windfall! Enjoy.
Great finds! I really should seek out estate sales. It’s tough though since I usually work weekends.
They often start on Thursdays or Fridays and I am jealous of the people who get to go before they are picked over!
Congratulations on the estate perfume finds.
Sounds like you had some good finds there. 🙂
I’ve been reading some older perfume books. Some of the ancient books scanned into Google (and/or on Project Gutenberg?) are interesting to me.
I got a library book on perfume by Roy Genders that was published in 1972. In the first few pages, he talks about how cigar smoke makes women nymphomaniacs. I tossed that one right into the book return bin when I read that. Nope! I found it offensive, and not particularly in a funny way. I would have thought that someone writing in the 1970s would have been somewhat more enlightened, but sadly, no.
Oh noooo! (Also, I can’t believe his sample size was large enough to warrant such a decisive statement.)
I’m paraphrasing, but it was something like, “Men, when women smell cigar smoke, it turns them into nymphomaniacs,” and then along the lines of, “You’ll have to pry them off you.”
I’m not sure why he proclaimed that so decisively. But he seemed very sure. I really don’t know how he came up with that.
Made me laugh. Considering I had to sit in a room full of men with cigars when I was in my 20s. Only impact on me was a massive migraine headache. To this day I can’t abide cigars. I guess to his way of thinking, men would retreat to another room for brandy and cigars not out of courtesy but because they were afraid the women would become uncontrollable. Hah!
BLEAH! Cigars have always made me want to hurl, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Yuck! Horrible stink! ??
Yup, I agree with you there. It’s unlikely to surprise you that Mom has the same opinion about cigar smoke. So I also agree with Mom about that smell.
What’s your eBay user name? Asking for a friend…
it’s untilthe 🙂
Congrats on those estate sale finds, Regina!
In Guerlain Nahema extrait. Oh so good, even on a wet grey day 🙂
Nahema extrait is gorgeous. You smell wonderful!
Haven’t worn Nahema in a long time. I don’t have the extrait version but the current EDP.
Ohhhh you smell wonderful 🙂
Another beauty from Guerlain, the extrait is exquisite.
I’m thinking I’ll wear Jicky or Samsara tomorrow.
Oh, I bet you smell wonderful. I’ve been enjoying my EDP a lot lately.
That extrait has to be out of this world!
I’m all orange and yellow today in MCG Hanbury and L’Occitane orange blossom balm.
I love Hanbury! You smell delicious!
Lanvin Arpege
Gorgeous!
Another glorious sunny day, wearing Tauer Le Maroc pour Elle. Enjoy your vacation Robin!
ooh, one of my favorites. You smell great.
Beautiful SOTD!
I am in Lubin Kismet which just flourishes in warm weather. I get the comparison to Shalimar, but while I admire Shalimar in theory, Kismet is more wearable for me.
I like Kismet in warm weather too (as well as Black Jade).
Black Jade is fabulous! I drained the sample a kind NSTer gave me and added it to the FB worthy list
You smell wonderful! I agree it is great in the heat.
Kismet is very close to discontinued Shalimar Light to my nose but with more patchouli.
Thanks She-Ra! That’s interesting about the patchouli. I think I have more patchouli scents than I would think since it’s not my favorite note. But I love Coromandel and Arbole Arbole – so maybe I do love patchouli?!
5 years ago I would have told you that I didn’t like florals. Once I started paying attention to the notes I realized that oops, I love florals, lol.
Given my love for Shalimar, I should probably try Kismet!
Inspired by hajusuuri’s Instagram post yesterday, I’m in PdE Tabac Tabou from the splitmeet a while back. Rained overnight and it’s a bit cool this morning, so it’s working perfectly. Now to get some coffee in me! Happy Monday to all! ✌?
Happy trails!✌️☕️
I am living for your Instagram! Keep posting!
Love your Instaposts and I’m glad I inspired you!
Delrae Wit! A garden in a bottle…
Yes, that’s a lovely one!
two thumbs up! you smell fantastic 😀
Lovely!
Mmm you smell wonderful.
Hi all! My SOTD is Dune, slightly over-applied but oh well! Getting another espresso, need to wake up!
😀
Dune is such a great perfume, over application sounds like a good thing.
You will make everyone else happy with that over application!
I received a few complements but the Department’s Executive Assistant is giving me the stink eye. 🙄
LOL!
You are making me want to make an espresso and I just made a pot of green mint tea..
Oh, I love green mint tea, have you tried the Tropical Green Tea by Mighty Leaf? It’s so delicious iced with crushed mint leaves or a squirt of lime.
For a fun cocktail, I add a splash of fizzy water and mint/cucumber-infused vodka. But you didn’t hear that from me.. 😉
Mmmm espresso and Dune! Two wonderful things lol!
Ooooooooh, time to find my bottle maybe?
My morning has been interesting to say the least. I confused my days and thought a doctor’s appointment was tomorrow instead of today so I had to reschedule my appointment. Then my Old Navy credit card left a message and they said that there was an issue regarding my account. Called them back and the lady was just as confused as I was. My account is in good standing and I am working on paying that off. I am tired of all of these robocalls about health insurance and other credit cards companies looking for someone else. Found an old decant of De Profundis and I am wearing that today. Hopefully work goes by much easier than my morning. What a Monday!
UGGGGHHHH.
1)Robocalls are literally a waste of the human spirit I swear.
2) And why do credit cards give you increases that you do not ask for? UGGGH I don’t use the increase but still STOP.
No increases I am totally okay with the credit limit I have. I wouldn’t have called any way to drop the credit line. I thought that they were questioning a charge. I remember when Discover did that and I didn’t make that charge. It was a huge charge too.
I requested a freeze on my max. credit limit with my credit card company many years ago. I always pay off my monthly balance of so I don’t need a huge limit. It also makes me think twice before buying something. ?
I’ve kept the higher credit limit to be able to use the credit card for large expenses and earn points!
I thought one could pay enough to get to an available credit position higher than the credit limit. Nope!
OH how annoying, those robo calls totally annoy me. I received one about my mortgage about a month ago and it totally got me concerned; I hear so many horror stories of people in FL discovering mortgage fraud so I tend to be a worry wart.
Hang in there!
Some of those credit card robocalls are actually scammers. I’ve gotten calls about credit cards I don’t even have!
I will keep a look out if there is anything funky. I have never received a call about a credit card I don’t have.
Same!
Wearing Dior Addict today for no particular reason except that it smells great. An unexpected tornado touched down briefly in a nearby city yesterday and flattened a daycare, I’ve spent some time this morning just being grateful it didn’t happen on a weekday ?
Oh my gosh! That’s terrible!?Was anyone hurt?
Amazingly, no one was hurt although it happened in a very congested commercial area. People’s pictures of the twister itself are really scary. It wasn’t even a bad thunderstorm, just a freaky weather phenomenon.
Yikes, thank goodness it was on a Sunday and not a weekday; or the news would have been catastrophic. I’m sure many buildings have tornado shelters (or at least I hope they do!)…
Between hearing about the tornadoes and floods in MO, I hate to think what’s next for the Mid-west.
So glad no kiddos or teachers were in the building.
Oh my goodness!
Safe travels Robin, enjoy your vacation and family time!
I am off work until July 8 now. Woo hoo! For my first day of staycation I decided to go big or go home in Carnal Flower. I am not usually a bwf girl, so a spray behind each knee to start.
It’s dreary here so today’s agenda may include cleaning out a couple of closets. Exciting stuff, lol.
Happy staycation! I love days at home doing domestic tasks and blasting big clouds of favorite perfumes 🙂 Enjoy!
Thanks! I love days at home too, staycations are the best.
Enjoy your free time! ?
Thank you pl67!?
Man, 2 weeks off! Enjoy!
Thanks! I know, right!? I’ve been banking/saving my PTO and plan to use as much this summer as I can. We midwesterners have a short window of enjoyable weather.?
I can attest to the truth of this as someone who lives in the midwest
Staycation twins! Although I only have a week, but I’ll take it. You smell great today!
Thanks! Staycation twins! We should get together for coffee.? Enjoy!
Awww. Wish we could ? Enjoy your time, nonetheless ?
Enjoy your staycation! I was just thinking about Carnal Flower this morning, and go big or go home is exactly the phrase that came to mind. ?
Woohoo for staycation and BWFs!
You smelled wonderful today!
Monday!
1)In Blue FIg today! Somewhat cool morning today and a mild week overall!
2) Garden news: All of my herbs are thriving EXCEPT the basil. The basil is very very sad! I gotta figure out what is going on? The basil was i the front yard last year and was extremely happy; that backyard get more sun and so it should be happier???
Dear Ede, I am on my 3rd basil plant this year. The other 2 didn’t make it and I didn’t do anything different than last year. Finally, I bought another one, repotted immediately and this time took it out of the sun and brought it inside infront of sunny window. The other 2 I had in direct sunlight outside on our terrace.
People keep telling me that rosemary and basil are hardy herbs to grow, and then I come along with my brown thumb. 😯
Oh sweetie! The rosemary can be temperamental!
I’ve had rosemary plants that looked fine, and then suddenly died because they were dried out. I second the opinion that they can be temperamental. I like the flavor of the leaves with chicken or pork, so most years I try to grow one.
I am going to replant with some seedlings and some lovely specimens from the nursery as well. ARGH. I will try what you did- indirect sunlight- and see if that helps.
In my experience, basil LOVES heat and sun, but needs a whopping load of water when it’s outside. Like seriously tons of water. Usually more than I remember to use, so mine ends up dying, too, if I’m not extremely vigilant. LOL.
Indeed! I have been giving my basil plants almost daily drinks. but they are unhappy all the same! 🙁 I am going to replant for the third time- I have some new seedling AND some handsome plants from the nursery as well, so we shall see.
All of the other herbs- burnet, borage, cilantro, parsley, chervil, thyme, jamaica, mint, thai mint, lemon balm, sage- are going gangbusters.
Can I just come sniff around in your garden?!
Thumbs up. 🙂 Seconded.
I’ve got rosemary, sage and thyme growing in containers. Also I have lemon thyme this year. I think that might go particularly well with chicken. I asked the Herb Society of America, Philadelphia Unit, people about caraway thyme, and they said they hadn’t had it at the sale this year. Even if I hadn’t gotten there late, I wouldn’t have found it.
I’ve got several kinds of mint, but not Thai mint. I really like having lemon balm around. I’ve tried to grow some of the French fine (fines?) herbes like chervil, but they get eaten by the animals. So does the cilantro. “What would eat cilantro?” I wondered. Burnet is one of those plants that dies quickly when I try to grow it. So you’re doing better than I have with several of your herbs, Ede97005. 🙂
Please do! I made a syrup with thyme and rosemary to add to lemonade or iced tea. Have been using the burnet as decor in salads. Chervil has been going salads and in eggs. Oh I forgot- tarragon! Been using that in salad dressings. The borage has flowered and it is so pretty.
Yes, borage does have very pretty little blue flowers — another favorite of pollinators, if I am remembering right.
I like the flavor of salad burnet, and use the leaves with cream cheese and such. I do have a couple of plants of lovage this year, and use the leaves of that as something of a celery flavoring. Also I like a bagel with cream cheese, tomatoes and bits of lovage leaves.
Chervil is very good with eggs, yes. That’s one of the finer things in life. 🙂
For me, a little tarragon goes a long way, but I like it in a mix of herbs in salad dressings.
We have lots of recipes for cooking meat and vegetables with culinary herbs. I’ve got to break out some of those recipes.
The other day I made mint tea from a recipe from author Valerie Comer. It just involves boiling water with mint in it, straining out the mint, and adding more water and sweetener. I used apple mint, because I like that flavor and we have a ton of apple mint. But it’s also good when you use one of the milder varieties of spearmint.
The bees are loving the borage- as they should! However it is a bit of a thug in the garden space. The upside is those big leaves partially shelter the chervil from too much sun.
I like mint tea morrocan style- mix of fresh mint and black tea, steeped very hot and with a leaf of stevia. Good hot or iced.
Summer cooking is really wonderful with herbs- and even better if you are able have your own space for herbs.
My basil plant is doing quite well this year. I just picked off some buds on the top where it was attempting to go to seed. It’s in a big rectangular-shaped pot with sage and thyme, and I think the soil stays fairly moist, but has enough drainage that it’s not super-soggy. Some years I’ll get a basil plant that dies right away, or that struggles briefly and then dies. I know that often the problem is that I haven’t transplanted a basil plant yet, and it gets all dried out in the little pot it came in.
Well, we had some really cool evenings this spring, so my first plants shivered and died. Then the second line of seedlings died- i think that it was due to maybe and infection? We shall see!
The bees love the flowers.
Yes, I have a lot of plants that the pollinators like. But I don’t want the basil to get all leggy and put all the energy into seeds.
Herbs like well-drained soil. We have a raised beds. When I prepared the bed, I spread sand and gravel at the bottom for drainage. Herbs like a mixture of loam, sand and peat moss in equal parts. I turn the soil around the plants periodically to keep it loose. My herb bed is fairly small raised bed approx. 2′ x 4′ so it’s pretty easy to care for. I don’t usually have problems with badil unless the temps drop too low at night. This year has been a little slower due to our endless rainy gray weather.
Sounds like you’ve got it very well organized. I think I used a light potting mix in the container the basil is in. But I’ve noticed that basil seems to be unhappy when the temperature goes below 60 degrees F, and if it goes below 50 F, it’s had it. This year’s basil seems to be appreciating the hot and humid weather we’ve had lately.
One year I planted two packets of basil seed, and I think every seed must have sprouted. I learned how to make pesto, and I still do my little homemade version of bruschetta. 🙂
I make my own pesto too. Have you tried making it with parsely? It’s nice to have on hand in the winter when fresh herbs are scarce.
I think of these things in the summer, when I have the fresh herbs growing. But the grocery stores around us do offer fresh leaves of some herbs in the winter, and hydroponically-grown basil. I’ll have to think about using fresh culinary herbs more in the winter. We have many, many bottles of dried herbs, but for certain herbs, dried does not compare.
Where I am, parsley, thyme, oregano and shiso all overwintered (parsley is a biannual) so a nice fresh herb mix was to be had all winter and spring. I make a pesto based off a recipe from an British cook, Hugh W (can’t remember) made with toasted walnuts, parsley and garlic. The flavor is super good and great with buckwheat soba or whole wheat noodles.
You know, I did everything you just said- and my other herbs are going gangbusters! I have been making salad and flavorful omelettes like crazy. But the basil…basil…
Talk to it and call it baahzil like Gordon Ramsey does.
?
Ha!??
My basil seems to do well with morning sun and shade in the afternoon.
We have had some cool nights so hopefully by the end of the week we will have warmer nights.
In Mugler Aura today. Having a looooong Monday, not enough sleep and sore from a steep hike yesterday. Need more coffee.
How do you enjoy Aura? I love many of Mugler’s scents…
I’m a big fan. It isn’t as loud as Angel or Alien (I love them, but there’s a time and place for it!), and has an interesting medicinal coolness to it.
Oh, that sounds intriguing! Thanks! I adore Angel and Alien (in small doses, one squirt will do) as well.
It is very vanilla in case you are trying to avoid that.
Hang in there! I’m also feeling a little stiff from a hilly bike ride over the weekend.
I only had one coffee today and it certainly didn’t do the trick. Hope you get some rest tonight!
I need to try Aura again.
It’s a bad, bad Monday.
First I was informed that I didn’t succeed in getting my dream job.
Couple of hours later my mom told me that my godfather died few hours earlier. Can it get any worse?
Right now I feel broken, sad and disappointed with myself.
Perfume won’t help today.
I am so sorry, lucasai. Hugs.
Oh lucasai, I am so so sorry for your loss. Please don’t feel disappointed with yourself. I have no doubt you did everything “right” it’s awful that you got hit with so much at once. A big hug to you?
So sorry for all your sad news today, lucasai. That’s a lot at once. Hugs to you.
I’m so sorry, dear Lucas. Sending big hugs to you and prayers out into the universe.
Oh, no! Sending you lots of good thoughts.
Oh no! I am so sorry for the sad news, Lucasai. Sending you peace and hugs. ??
No, perfume would not help. Love, several deep good cries and a walk will begin to sooth.
So sorry you had bad news.
I am sorry 🙁 little can help at the moment but i hope this is the last of your sorrows
Oh, I’m so sorry you are feeling this way, and wish I could say something to make you feel better. Hopefully the fact of not getting this job will open the way for something even better to come into your life, but I know that it doesn’t seem like it right now. Hugs.
I am so sorry for both your losses.
I’m sorry for your disappointment about not getting the job and feel for you for the loss of your godfather. I saw your updates about various interviews and the process you were going through. I had the feeling you were trying as hard as you could. I hope another position that appeals to you comes along soon.
*virtual hugs* if you’d like them
I’m sorry to hear your bad news.
Hugs!
So sorry, lucasai. Sending hugs.
I’m so sorry that today was filled with such bad news. I’m especially sorry for your loss. I’m sure the right job will come through, though.
Sending hugs your way.
oh, lucasai, I am so sorry – your day has absolutely been a stinker.
My condolences for your loss, much hugs to you.
So sorry to hear about your terrible Monday.
So sorry for your godfather’s passing. As to the job opportunity, when one door closes, another one opens.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your godfather Lucasai, that’s so hard.
But please, when you done being upset about the job, I hope you will be proud of yourself for making it so far through the process!
Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. That was a difficult day.
I am so sorry. :-(. Sending you consoling hugs.
So sorry for your loss lucasai.
Sending my condolences to your family as well.
Also hoping that you feel better about the job situation in time. I think Robin said it so well. Better to have strived for your dream job than not to have tried at all. You did well.
I am so sorry to hear about the job and your godfather. Maybe there is an even better job waiting for you around the corner. And now you might have a guardian angel.
They probably don’t deserve you. I know you will find a dream job where you are fully appreciated.
(Reading terribly late) So sorry to hear all this bad news, Lucasai. Wishing you solace and comfort in this difficult time.
Very sorry to hear it, lucasai.
That job is missing out a dream employee! And very sorry to hear about your godfather.
I’m home today, waiting on storms to come through. It’s not hot, but still muggy. I’m wearing Orange Sanguine, thanks to a kind Nster. My daughter said why does it smell like oranges here? I said it’s my perfume, then she put some on for herself.
I love OS. You smell great and your daughter has good taste. 🙂
Thank you!
OS has the BEST fresh orange note in the beginning… very yummy!
Best orange I’ve smelled so far, for sure.
I am so tempted to get that blue bottle!
I wondered if you had gotten it. It’s featured in this month’s Marie Claire magazine.
I’m giving my Chanel’s Paris-Venise sample its third and last chance, but I have to say that unless it suddenly blooms later on, it will go into the pass-it-on pile. It’s very pretty, but I have used four sprays and can barely smell it. I’ll try multiple sprays from a bottle in store when I get the chance. I have Paris-Biarritz on the other arm now, and it’s not for me. On my skin, the lotv is in the background and I’m getting something piercing, probably from the citrusy top notes. So Deauville is the winner of the first trio for me, and I am looking forward to trying Riviera because I’ll try anything with orange blossom. Really. Anything.
Robin, I hope you have a wonderful vacation!
Deauville is my favorite too! I will try the Riviera at Nordstrom. I love that this line is very accessible!
Smelling good in Vert d’Encens
Yes you are. I liked that series… I need to revisit my samples/decants.
My favourite of the Vert series, you smell great!
OJ Frangipani for a warm day and it smells glorious! 1st day of my week off and my work phone has been ringing more today than it has all of last week! Of course.
We had a beach weekend on Long Island which was lovely. I tried out my new sample of Dusita Fleur de Lalita which I think is such a beautiful white floral. Slightly animalic, creamy, with a drydown very reminiscent of La Douceur de Siam. My hubs even commented positively on it!
PSA for any NYC folks. There’s a Masque Milano launch reception tonight for their new perfume at Perfumarie. Not sure I’m gonna go, but in case anyone else is interested…
https://www.scentspaces.com/events/lovekills
Enjoy your week off!
Thank you! I will, even if it’s a whole lot of doing nothing ?
I have never heard of this Masque Milano house..how is it?
It gets mentioned here, or at least used to. L’Atessa, an iris perfume, is probably the most mentioned. I like some of their stuff, including L’Atessa. And they have cool packaging. A bit spendy for me, though.
I love Masque Milano! I think that their iris, L’Attesa, is stunningly beautiful and I also love their narcissus Romanza, and Tango which is imho similar to APLS but I probably need to spend more time with it to confirm my first impressions.
I like Romanza, too. It has a cozy horse stable smell to me.
Oh I would love to know if Tango really is similar to APLS, please report back.
To me, they are different. In fact I didn’t even think of APLS when I smelled it, but I want to wear it again now and see if it does.
Enjoy your week off! You smell wonderful!
Thanks KellyC!
Glad to hear that you got some beach time in with the nice weather that was around for the weekend. Enjoy the staycation!
Thanks Jalapeno! We actually went to the Long Island sound, which is less crowded on the weekends. Verrry rocky and shell-y. Not good on the feets ?
I was in Eau Premiere but it faded so I applied Terry de Gunzburg Rouge Nocturne this evening (I finally got a bottle when I found a good price), the patchouli is delightfully old school in that one.
Not familiar with the second one, but you smelled great in Eau Premiere.
Thank you Kelly, EP is so easy to wear.
About Rouge Nocturne: it’s a patchouli rose, the patchouli is not cleaned up as it is so often nowadays and I believe there is actual rose essence in the scent the same one as in Rose Infernale which is a rose incense, sister to RN.
I don’t know Rouge Nocturne, but I love the name.
It’s a patchouli rose, Lillyjo and if you like that combo it’s a very good one. I waited long and hesitated but finally purchased, one more confession to Donatella… sigh 🙂
I like Rouge Nocturne, I actually bought the Infernale one, but they are both nice.
Oh, Rose Infernale is such a great incense rose, I have it too, we’re twin owners 🙂
I did some yard work earlier, watering my newly potted herbs and flowers and pulling weeds. I came back in and washed up, and then sprayed some Elizabeth Arden Green Tea on my arms. Oddly, it seemed strong to me. Maybe I’ll try a light incense. I find lavender to be a cooling sort of scent, but the bees love it. Right now they’re very happy with the flowers of the anise hyssop, which is also purple-flowered in its original form. Anise hyssop flowers smell like root beer.
I have bees ALL OVER my Spanish broom. I can’t blame them, it smells heavenly so I assume it must taste just as good to them!
A couple of times I’ve managed to get a hold of a sweet broom plant to grow in the summer. More often I’ve seen the unscented ones for sale. They also have pretty yellow flowers, but it’s not the same as having one that has that lovely fragrance.
Someone should bottle the scent of Spanish broom. I encountered them in the wild at the Amalfi Coast and oh my word!
I have the Green Tea body lotion, and I find it extremely strong smelling. It’s strange because I can wear alot of the Big perfumes.
I ended up copying Koyel in Middle East Peace. It sounded refreshing.
Flowers that smell like root beer would be very distracting if I were walking by and didn’t know what was up. I’d wonder where the smell was coming from. ??????
Love the emoticons! It’s more when you rub the leaves or the flower spikes, but definitely root beer. 🙂
My rule for if (realistically, “when”) things have gotten kind of weedy is that if the leaves of a plant smell really good, I’ve probably planted it there on purpose or it has spread from its original place but I still want it. This is definitely related to growing so many plants that are in the mint family.
Hey good friends, I’m smelling summery in the last of my sample of 7 Virtues Middle East Peace. I had a perfectly magical and romantic anniversary/engagement celebration weekend, during which I kept my work phone in airplane mode (I didn’t have the courage to leave it at home). I’m now paying for it with a mountain of stress, but I think it was still worth it.
We went to a wonderful and fancy restaurant on Saturday night, and as we were being led to the table, the lovely hostess asked how my fiance had proposed to me. I gave the quick version: “He took me to a favorite mountaintop spot where we like to go watch the stars, and snuggled with blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate.” She seemed impressed by my fiance’s romantic move and gave him a high five.
As we were getting our coats to leave (it’s SF and therefore ALWAYS chilly), she handed each of us a little to-go cup and said, “Our bartender made you hot chocolate as a reminder of your romantic proposal.” I squeed so hard and still think it is the most thoughtful gesture a restaurant has ever made.
What a lovely weekend, Koyel! I’m so impressed by the staff of the restaurant you went to – these random acts of kindness and attention can make such an impact and always inspire me to be more attentive, thoughtful and generous.
Yes, exactly! It had already been an amazing night, but that really pushed it into magical territory 🙂
What a wonderful story!
Wasn’t it just so lovely of them? <3
I’m glad you had such a good time this weekend! 🙂
Thank you, neyronrose 🙂 it was really nice!
I am so happy you had a wonderful weekend! And I love that the restaurant celebrated you both in such a thoughtful way. Inquiring minds want to know, though- what did you eat (you know I love food haha)?
Haha! You ask the best questions. Well, they printed these lovely, lovely menus with congratulations printed at the top, so I can tell you! We started out with lovely canapes focusing on squid, wagyu, tempura purple artichokes, and carrot chips with a Green Goddess dip. Then there was a gorgeous Tsar Nicoulai caviar dish with salmon and flowering chives. Then we had white asparagus with morel and a lovely vin jaune sauce. Then there was a wild nettle and potato soup with smoked oysters. Then there were young peas in gorgeous little green ravioli tossed goat’s milk butter. Then there was agnolotti with porcini (shaved onto the plate from a gorgeous teeny porcini forest), Iberico, and fava bean. Then there was a delicious meaty ravioli with really just the best parmesan I’ve ever had, topped with copiously shaved truffle. Then there was spring lamb with zucchini, black garlic, and dehydrated sungold tomatoes. Then there was a blueberry palate cleanser with yogurt and sorbet, with lavender and Riesling. Then there was a strawberry dessert course of mousse and soft cake with cilantro “dippin’ dots.” Then finally there was a mignardise cart covered in pates des fruits and macarons and chocolates and teensy cakes. I didn’t manage the mignardises, but they packed some up for me to take home, and I ate them yesterday and today. Then as a good-bye present, they gave us a couple canneles and the best Kouign Ammans I’ve had in America. So there you go 🙂 I’m going to copy and paste this into an email to you, just in case you don’t see this, because this was a lot of typing!
What a feast, Koyel, so glad that the restaurant made it so special
It was certainly an incredible feast! Totally extravagant but worth it to mark the special occasion 🙂
That’s such a sweet story! Glad you had a magical weekend ?.
Also, I always bring my work phone with me when I’m off, partly because people text me mostly, rather than call, so don’t hear my “I’m away” message. I’ve had people complain in the past that I was ignoring their texts when I was off ?
My sister has a thing on her phone for people who text after a certain time. It sends a text saying she is away, and a code to text if it’s very important.
Hmmm. I need a millenial to come show me that feature, lol.
I can manage it with email but we don’t use email to communicate.
Oh bummer! I’m sorry people respond that way. As a recovering workaholic, I’m trying to not care if people don’t reach me during times when I don’t want to be reached 🙂 I’ll get there someday.
And thanks!
Lovely story, Koyel!
Thank you, lillyjo 🙂
All the best feels are in your post today, Koyel!
<3 their little goodbye gesture gave me all the best feels!
Very heartwarming story, Koyel!
🙂 Wasn’t that just so sweet of them??
Wow, what a thoughtful thing for her to do! Top notch service. Glad you had a wonderful time.
It was really and truly top notch service from beginning to end, and the food was so great, too. Thank you!
We’ve finally just about completed our renovations, the carpet was laid yesterday. It was well overdue. When I told people that the old carpet was worn into holes, I don’t they really believed me, but it was! I’ll be wearing Trayee to celebrate.
Hooray you’re done! Such a good feeling to have new squishy carpet.
Yay! I’m waiting for some furniture to be delivered for our lounge and new blinds. It’s so nice to refresh things.
I tried some “essential oil” scents I found on clearance..lol total junk haha. There was one called Sweet Jasmine..um…no jasmine..just a green musk thing. Ewwww. Lol.
I see these a lot at Marshall’s and have been tempted. Thanks for killing my interest!
Aw, what a shame…
Lumiere Dorée today, very hot today today in Germany and it is getting hotter the next days….
Now some cooling Chanel Nō 19.
Sheetpan dinner with chicken legs, potatoes and asparagus and lots of lemon.
Dinner sounds great.
I hope that you can stay safe and cool tannina.
Big european heatwave, hope you can stay cool!
It’s my Friday, and I am so ready for a day off. Hot and muggy here, so wearing the lovely, cool green No
19.
Have a wonderful vacation, Robin!
You smell perfect.
I chose Bvlgari Jasmin Noir since it reminds me of a perfume my grandma used to wear. However, I smell mainly of smoke because we had a Native American smudging/cleansing ceremony in our office today to commemorate our 1 year anniversary in this building. Apparently, we were interested in having it done before we moved in but couldn’t find anyone to do it at the time. The materials burned were sage, tobacco, sweet grass, and cedar. They also brought in a NA food truck for lunch, so I ate a really delicious piece of smoked salmon and a shrimp taco.
That sounds so interesting and the food sounds delicious!
Oh, how cool re: the ceremony and the food!
How interesting! I love smudge sticks and palo santo.
Shalimar Souffle today basically because I love all things Shalimar! Over the weekend I was in Blackberry & Bay and Geisha Vanilla Hinoki.
It was a busy but good weekend. The author George RR Martin owns a theater in Santa Fe that mostly shows independent films. They were having a screening Saturday of “Framing John DeLorean”- documentary with reenactments with Alec Baldwin playing John DeLorean. Anyway, we have a DeLorean and they reached out to us asking us to bring it and park it outside of the theater that day so we did. It was a beautiful day in Santa Fe, plus we got to see the movie. And GRRM even left me 3 autographed books so that was super cool.
Yesterday spent the day really cleaning the house since I know I won’t be doing much cleaning later this week since my son and his GF show up Wednesday night. Woohoo, let the fun begin!
How cool! Gosh, I don’t think I know a single person who owns a DeLorean (except for in Back to the Future, lol) but I thought those brushed metal things were the coolest back in high school.
They’re my husband’s favorite car lol. He’s had several. This one is in such good shape. We took the cutest pic of it this weekend and little Nacho posed so good in front of it haha. I’ll post a pic on Insta.
You smell great! Excited for your son to visit!
Congrats on those autographed books! What a neat keepsake.
Cool story! DeLoreans are nice but need a lot of clearance…I saw one picking up passengers at the airport and it was a production!
It only seats two so it couldn’t have been picking up many passengers! ?
Ha! Luggages as passengers, maybe?
That is such a cool story Kelly!
And you smell great, I enjoy Souffle very much too.
Oh Monday. Wearing the lovely Essences Insensees Tiare. At first I was put off by the vanilla but it’s a subtle one, a delicate vanilla sponge cake in the best possible way, topped with soft tiare. Delicious.
Ah, that does sound tempting! Did you buy the bottle or are you just sampling?
Sampling. Quite tempted because it is nice, I have nothing like it in my collection and pretty pretty bottle. But I really don’t need 100mls of anything. But very tempted. ?
I know that feeling!
Muller Cologne today from a decant. Nice and refreshing but no lasting power. Oh well. Maybe I’ll just keep in my summer purse…,
Mugler….sigh.
Kind of bumming that I bought a scented candle that really doesn’t work for me. I stupidly ignored that there’s eucalyptus in it. Makes me feel a bit allergic. Oh well. Maybe in small doses….
So sorry…nothing makes me madder than buying a candle that doesn’t work out.
Can you return it? I normally don’t if it was buyer’s remorse but if it caused a reaction, I would not hesitate to return the offending item.
I had a chance to smell some of the Mugler colognes over the weekend, and wasn’t able to smell anything with the bottle I picked.
Wearing Wrappings scented lotion today. It’s a step back towards perfume after going commando yesterday.
Sometimes I like to just enjoy a scented lotion. Even if it smells like the perfume, it feels different.
I couldn’t decide on any perfume today, so the lotion was a nice choice to have.
Oh, but Wrappings lotion is wonderful. I gifted my MIL with some and she really enjoys it.
The lotion IS wonderful. It has a place on my FB list, and I will be keeping an eye out for sales/bargains.
Mmmmgood. The Clinique website has nada.
Sadly, I’m commando today due to a double ear infection and a very stuffy nose. Ugh.
I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and their Monday went by quickly. ?
Wow, that’s painful! I hope it clears up soon!
Hope you feel better soon. Sending healing vibes.
Yowtch! Ear infections are horrible. I hope you get rid of it ASAP.
Ouch…it could be worse – you could be flying and that could just about do someone in. It happened once to me and I do not wish it on anyone…well, OK, maybe my worst enemy or the rude Wegmans customer in line behind me the other day.
LOL!
Oh no! Hope you feel better soon.
I hope you feel better soon!
We’re finally getting seasonally appropriate weather so Eau de Rochas. Fleeting and pretty.
Like my looks when I was young…
Lol
?
SotD = Chanel No. 5 EdP
happy vacation to Robin and all the NSTers who are taking time off. Good for you, it’s important to change gears. 😀
I’m glad it’s Monday. I had four piano students today including one brand new student. So fun to see a young mind tune in to music education. Then errands, a routine doctor appointment, gas in the car, yadda yadda yadda.
Time to sit down and read all these comments!
Yadda Yadda! Brand and EDP twins!
Oy, I thought I left my SOTD! Chanel No.19 EDP. Why not? Ha!
In other news, I think I’ve had my printer for at least 6 months. I ended up buying an HP OfficeJet 6958 from Costco and it is working out very well for my needs. I did not purchase an ink subscription and a good thing too because I’ve done spurts of voluminous printing. One of the best features of the printer is the ability to handle scanning and printing of legal-sized paper. I was also able to actually use the fax feature successfully which I had never done with previous printers with this feature!
The whole time I was scrolling through, I kept thinking I was missing your Sotd, lol.
I had a little HP inkjet printer for years. When it died, I had to replace it with a different brand. I still miss it.
We are in Zanzibar today, laying by the Indian Ocean surrounded by a gentle breeze wafting the most delicious scents.
No fragrance for me on this entire trip as the tsetse flies have found me especially tasty.
Zanzibar has lived in my dreams for so many years as a place I must see… along with eastern/southern Africa… Hope you and your sis are thoroughly enjoying your trip (despite the flies)!