Saturday is Hippo Day, National Flag of Canada Day, Susan B Anthony Day and World Whale Day; Sunday is Almond Day.
We're celebrating all the holidays with our usual open thread poll. Talk about anything you like — the fragrance you’re wearing today, your favorite almond (or Canadian) fragrance, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
(And I am still on vacation, and still behind on comments; as of Saturday morning, I have read through Thursday. We leave late tomorrow and will arrive home on Monday.)
Note: top image is Whale tail tales [cropped] by Rajeev Rajagopalan at flickr; some rights reserved.
Wearing Elie Saab No. 4: Oud. First oud fragrance I’ve owned because oud scares the bejesus outta me. This one is polished and smooth, two words I never thought I’d use to describe that material. OG oud lovers may find it too polished and quiet, but luckily, there are lots of other things for them to wear!
I have not tried Saab’s Oud, but I tried Neroli and Gardenia from the same collection, and polished and quiet seem to be the common traits. Their Gardenia is a good scent for those who want to wear gardenia but afraid of that note.
This is my third bottle of the collection. I own No. 1: Rose and No. 9: Tubereuse, and I’ll have to agree with you there. They’re not room-filling fragrances but I do think they’re beautifully put together with excellent materials. The tuberose is my favorite, so far.
I agree, I own ES gardenia, I have several other gardenias, the share an absence of tuberose which is so often present in gardenia perfumes and which I fear.
That is good to know! The tuberose in most of gardenia perfumes is what keeps me away from wearing them. I need to check this line!
We feel the same then, tuberose ruins the gardenia for me. There is also VC&A Collection Extraordinaire Gardenia Petale which to my nose is also a gardenia without tuberose as is Arquiste Boutonniere No 7 which is original.
Enjoy the last days of your vacay Robin!
I went with Terre de Lumiere by l’occitane. It’s from a mini and I’m glad that’s all I have cuz it’s too sweet for me.
So Valentines came and went and Mr. yasmina didn’t get any of my hints to buy How You Love by Jazmin Sarai. Grrr. I decided I am just gonna gift it to myself.
To soften the blow I can split up to 20 ml if there is interest – it would be around $26 total for 10 ml decant shipped to you.
Here are the notes: cardamom absolute, grapefruit, Indian jasmine absolute, Moroccan rose oil, honeycomb, beeswax absolute, sandalwood and musk.
It’s a very happy and natural smelling scent. It’s become my liquid winter sunshine.
Email me in the land of the gemale at yasminazsquared if you want some!
That is how I get all my own best gifts from my husband, ha…
Ha! My Theorema mini came in today – ohmygod why hadn’t I tried this before?! It’s lovely. I promptly decanted into a little spray since I hate dabbing. Gonna give it a proper wear this evening
Oh yay, I am so glad you like it!! I suspect that it ages well in the bottle.
I’ve not heard of Jazmin Sarai…runs to look it up! The notes sound beautiful. Believe it or not I’ve not sniffed Theorama either!
It’s an artisanal line – I haven’t tried everything but How You Love is really exceptional
I’m going to write you now about the split!
Great just emailed you back!
Please let us hear back when you wear it Calypso, I am curious.
And I would like to get the 2nd 10mL split if it is still available. Thanks.
Yes there is! You are in
Woo hoo. I just sent you an email!
Safe travels back home, Robin!
Wearing Amouage Lyric🌹.
Busy day running errands and stopping by at my sister’s later to see the babies. Bright, sunny day, but freezing!!!. Thanks God tomorrow is back to the upper 40’s.
Happy weekend, everyone!
You smell lovely.Love Lyric.Happy Weekend!
Thank you, my friend! Peace and love to you! ❤🌹
Lyric is perfect a cold busy day!
It is very comfy and uplifting! Perfect for winter time!
Very sunny and cold here too. Babies!!! ❤️💕😍
Hopefully, we will be welcoming spring soon! 🌻🐣🐇🦋🦜🦢🌞.
Nothing more cheerful than babies, especially in cold weather! 💗💖
Enjoy those babies! I’m going to hopefully see my grand niece tomorrow.
Thank you, Lillyjo! Hope you have a lovely time with your grand niece tomorrow! 🌸🌻
You smell lovely, Lyric is great in the cold.
Thank you, Gaynor! 😊
Thank you!
Enjoy the sunshine and your baby nieces!
Thank you! It was a nice afternoon!
SOTD La Danza delle Libellule
I love all things Canadian, especially Trudeau. But his beard look is not for me. I prefer home clean shaven. Doesn’t he know this displeases me..
Ha!
I’m the opposite- I was so happy when mr. Yasmina grew a beard!
There was a column in this morning WSJ just on Trudeau’s beard. Of course I read it. Not for political reason but more just because he is so handsome.
I am happy you are happy with Mr Y’s beard! ❤️❤️❤️
Is he trying to look more serious? That was my assumption.
It’s awfully cold up there! Maybe it’s for warmth!
I’m not a fan of Trudeau’s beard either.
Would you take a picture with him in spite of the beard?
🤣
Oh yes.
Yes.
Beard no beard, however he presents himself.
Cold here too! I’m all cozied up in a heavy turtleneck, scarf, warm socks and my favorite throw blanket, and wearing Ummagumma for extra warmth. I expect a hot flash any second now? 🤣
Isn’t that the way it always goes? Get snuggled up with a blanket and a hot drink, and…..boom! Hot flash!
Exactly!
😂
😭
Yes, always. Or when I try to cuddle with fhe boyfriend….
Appreciating the last faint wafts of yesterday’s SOTD, Papillon’s Bengale Rouge, from my wrists! Yes, it does last that long. Haven’t put on a new SOTD because I’m nursing a cold that came on last night. I can still smell things, but it feels silly to use a nice fragrance when I’m in bed sniffling and blowing my nose. I may set up a diffuser with some soothing essential oils, though. I don’t feel so sick that I HAVE to be in bed, I’m just enjoying a lazy interlude and catching up on reading and commenting!
BR lasts like that in me too, especially in sweaters. Cozy in bed sounds delicious.
You smell amazing! Hope you feel better soon! Stay warm and cozy!
Well wishes
Hope you feel better soon.
I hope it passes quickly (the cold)! I loved Bengale Rouge when smelling it on a Kleenex that someone brought to a DC area sniffa, and bought a partial bottle just on that remarkable smell. On my skin, though, I can only smell cinnamon. It’s lovely, and lasts forever. Alas, I don’t think I can wear it, though. Salome on the other hand… oh wow.
I think a number of people may be interested in swapping for or $$ for the partial bottle… (I already have one).
Yes, I’ll probably list it next time NST has the swap meet!
You smell lovely – hope the cold passes quickly!
I hope you feel better soon. If anything could help a cold, it would be the remnants of BR. 😊
So true Nancyleandrous! ‘She’ perfumes my entire perfume cabinet. I think BR felt some competition from a newer arrival and had to announce her stature. I am pretty sure that my bottle of Eris NightFlower is to blame’;) I didn’t pack either of these and I miss my girls!
Smelling good. Sending you well wishes. Also, thanks for the info on cardamom powder.
I hope that your bug passes quickly!
Sunny and hot Saturday in South Africa…and I missed it all.We are a culture of being outdoors in the sun,having bbq’s and playing rugby,swimming and hiking in the bush…
Many years ago I was diagnosed with serious depression,and yeah,it hits hard when it hits!Wish there was some way to predict when I might feel like this,at least I could be better prepared then to deal with feeling like crap.
Hope everyone has a good weekend!
No scent today.
XO
I’m so sorry to hear you live with depression. And when it’s sunny outside it makes it worse.
I had have several major depressive episodes in my life. Felt like a bug in a cup, getting to the edge and falling down again.
It took many tries of meds and a loving caring therapist and doc working together to lift me out.
On really bad days I would watch old movies since it didn’t require much of me.
Hugs to you, johanob.
Thanks apsara,virtual hug accepted!🤗
Thinking of you. Try to get outside anyway even for a few minutes. 💗
Thanks springpansy,enjoy your last bit of holiday!
Outside:maybe tomorrow.It”s 19:23 here and already dark.
X
I hope this passes quickly johano. Try and keep the drapes open if you can. I’m going to use my Mom voice to say that it will all be okay. ❤, promise.
Thank you my friend.It usually does,I just get frustrated and irritated with myself for feeling this way,when I’m actually fun and always up for a laugh.
Happy Weekend Lillyjo!
Johanob, you are not alone. You will come out of this depressive episode very soon. Life has hit me very, very hard recently and I know how difficult it is to come out of severe depression, especially on days, when there is no option to stay home and have some time for yourself. You are strong, you are loved, you are wonderful, you are special and you have this great community to cheer you up. Sending you my friend hugs, kisses, love, and healing vibes! 💕💖🌹❤🦋🌻🦚🐬💐🌺🌴
Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful message,my dear M!I’m sorry you had a tough time as well,I hope it has become better already.I love and missed(!!!!) being here for the most part of last year.Perfume people really are the best.Hope your weekend is WONDERFUL.❤️❤️❤️🌹
P.s,even if I am scentless today,perfumetalk is really therapeutic!Feeling better although it is already past 8pm.Phew.✌🏻🤗
Yay for feeling better!
Maybe curl up with a good book in a cup of something delicious.
Even though the sun is out, I am sending you some inner ☀️ to help you through this time
Thanks lovestosmellgood,I glanced at some reading material earlier,but not today.
NST made it a bit better,so for that I am grateful.Happy Weekend!
P.S,what are you currently reading?
Oh..I don’t want to bore you with my books (so I will try to keep it short)
I just finished Daisy Jones and the Six, its a fiction book about a band from the 70’s. Its written like an interview between the band members is a lot of about sex, drugs, rock and roll, and rehab. An easy read, I think I read it in a day.
Now I am reading a memoir called “From Scratch”. I just started, so far so good.
Do you have any book recommendations? Anything that moved you?If you lived closer to me I would exchange.
Sorry that you have the blues. I studied Buddhism for a bit and this is one of my favorite quotes, if it helps: “Your up and down emotions are like clouds in the sky; beyond them, the real, basic human nature is clear and pure.”
I love that quote!Thank you!Daisy Jones and the six goes on the list!I love your suggestions,thanks!
It seems you are a prolific reader,not sure if anything I might suggest might interest you!Lol!But keep those suggestions coming,Winter is around the corner and I’ll need a good stack to get me through!
XO
Dearest johanob…
If you like Aciman you should read Enigma Variations by him next. At least the first chapter and then find me to discuss…before Daisy J & the six.
I do devour books, its because I have two small kids and when they are sleeping so early in the evening is when I settle down with a good book and “me time”. Don’t feel that just because I read so much you can’t share. I am a pretty open person and love to know what other people are reading, even though its sort of an intimate exchange. What I mean by that is, I would never lend just anyone my beloved Aciman books if I knew they were not open to his style, and subsequently letting them also know that I enjoy his writing. Exchanging books that you really enjoy with someone is like letting them know what makes your heart beat faster, a window into you and what you like. This is very intimate to me.
I love what you said about the intimacy of sharing books that we enjoy,because it does say a lot about who we are as well.
I have not read any new and fresh releases recently,except for Find me that you suggested(still busy!)
Two memorable books that I really did enjoy was Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks(a study on the therapeutic effects of music on people with brain disorders/injuries,lots of case studies,and truly fascinating to a music lover like me).The other book was A brief history of the dead,by Kevin Brockmeier.After death,people are “living” in a place called The City,but only as long as they have living relatives who remember them.A virus outbreak worldwide through contaminated coca-cola wipes out the entire race,and with that The City also disappears little by little.Except for one lady,stranded in Antarctica…it was a fun,interesting read,and kinda seems very relevant,given what is going on in China and the world currently.If you do seek them out,let me know your thoughts!
Very interesting!
Funny you mentioned music..I am having music “therapy” currently, I am missing my Dad today and listening to his favorite band Pink Floyd.
Sorry you struggle with depression, it makes everything dark, how brave to acknowledge it, hugs.
Thanks Aurora.I’ve had a cup of Earl Grey and a spritz(or 3) of L’Occitane’s Eau d’Iparie AND Lush The Voice of Reason since the last time I was online.Feeling much more myself!
The power of tea,good perfume,and awesome perfume people.
🤗🤗
I’m really glad you are feeling a little better. Every little delight helps
That is so true,and we forget the little pleasures so easily.Thanks yasmina!xo
I’m sorry to hear that, I echo all the encouraging comments here.
Thanks Gaynor.Hugs.🤗🤗🌹
Hugs and XXs back at you. Hoping the burden eases soon.
Thank you LizzieB!
Happy Weekend to you!🤗🌹
My son has been struggling this past year too. If you like, I can email you all the useless advice I give him
Meanwhile, just remember you are loved, and you have been depressed before and lived through it.
Thank you so much for saying that,Robin!It is exactly something that my Mom used to say to me,the fact that I did survive it in the past.
I hope your son is doing better also?
Feel free to mail me,free advice is always welcomed!Haha!
Your Now Smell This blog IS such a great place to vent,to talk,and just express how we all feel,so thank you so much for keeping it up as well.This has always been a safe place to be.
Enjoy your last bit of holiday!
🤗🌹❤️
My son is up and down, really for almost 2 years now. I will send you a Mom nag email next week when I am home. You will be feeling better by then, but you can file it away for next time you are feeling down.
Well tell him to hang in there,and he is definitely not alone.
Appreciate the kind gesture of your email!
🤗🤗❤️🌹
Your last sentence is really good advice, thank you!
Sorry to hear the black dog is visiting you. I have episodes like that too, that seem to descend out of nowhere. I hope you feel better soon. Sending lots of fragrant hugs.
Thank you T!Today was pretty okay.
Hugs!
🤗🤗🌹
So sorry you are feeling down, johanob. Does your workplace offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? My company has been highlighting employee challenges and how using EAP has helped. For this coronavirus outbreak, the FAQs for employees include information on EAP and encourage them to contact EAP.
Hi H,yes we do have a similar wellness program running,I never thought about approaching them!Maybe I should include that in my “attack” on this!Lol!
Thanks!
🤗🤗
👍👍👍 Hope you’re having a good day!
Thinking about you johanob. Admitting you have depression is an incredibly brave thing to do. A burden shared is a burden lightened. Hugs.
Thank you Jalapeno!🤗🤗🌹
That is true. My sisters and I look back and think my mom likely struggled with depression much of her life without realizing it.
Would a beautiful flower make you smile when you feel like this? Maybe try going to a nursery or botanical garden either indoors or not, the colors and textures and smells may lift you up. I just met an exquisite orchid and it has all those qualities, who knew?
Peace to you johanob.
I am trying Fleuve Tendre by Les Liquides Imaginaires. The opening was rather nice albeit unremarkable – fresh, watery floral. Then it became too sweet. The dry-down is animalic, and not in a good way – it smells kind of like old fur lined clothes. I will try again later, but so far I do not like it.
Just from your description I am done with it already.
But in the opinion of Fragrantica users the most intense note is orange!
(I did not notice any orange, but maybe it’s me.)
You killed it already! Money saved! 🙂
World Whale Day!! Perfect – we have seen whales from a boat, from the pool and from our balcony this week in Maui. So incredible to see them.
Today is our last day and I am still in Un Jardin Sur le Nil and totally on Island time. It will definitely be an adjustment getting back to my real life…
So glad you had great island trip!
I see them off the coast where I live in SoCal. They never cease to amaze me and bring tears to my eyes.
It’s also World Pangolin Day. These shy beauties are the most poached animal on earth, and I did not get to see one in Africa or Asia. Many guides have never seen one.
I’d also love to see a pangolin!
Maybe Zoologist could do a pangolin perfume, I’d certainly try that
that would totally rock!
Brilliant idea!
Did you read that illegal pangolin trade is now suspected in the coronavirus? The silver lining, if any, may be some crackdown on that trade.
I read that, too!
I did read that. yes, they are contraband everywhere and tons of their beautiful scales end up for nothing.
Chantecaille Beauty – no affiliation- does great partnering in Africa for elephants, rhinos, cheetah and pangolins. They work with the Tiki Heywood foundation and this past year their color palette included a beautiful eye shadow called pangolin. the proceeds go to support the foundation.
That’s remarkable.
Your holiday sounds wonderful!
Oh how cool! I have not seen a whale since I lived in SoCal.
Safe travels back! ✈
Aloha springpansy. I too am in Maui and know how hard it will be to go back to the cold. Where were you on the island?
Post shower some tea for two or vetiver and black cafe.
Interesting thing about fragrance. When I moved three months ago, my collection went into cupboards as opposed to having my favorites out. Out of sight, out of mind and I have to look in the back to see what I have!
Im constantly surprised! That’s good since it’s a no shop year!
My current storage situation is basically the same,I have to reeeallly look for things to wear them.And then you are like super-surprised when you discover things you totally forgot you had!(a BUB of Aromatics Black Cherry was discovered,still in cellophane,quite recently.)
Do you still have a perfume room in mind for the future?
Yes,I do,but it turned into a perfumed apartment project when I chose a one bedroom place when I moved.Still cannot decide exactly how to execute displays etc,and that is what is holding that project back from moving forward.Some days I feel like packing everything out,throwing away the storage boxes and just enjoying it all!
Unpack, spray on those perfumes lavishly and enjoy everything with reckless abandonment! If not, I will go there and get them all for me! 😉
Donatella’s head will explode when she hears what I amassed over about 10/11 years of actively collecting perfumes,even after selling some/thunking a lot/giveaways.🤯
On the contrary my dear, I think Donatella would be clamoring to hang out with you. 😊
Donatella would probably give you a big hug and kiss for being such an appreciator of the perfumed arts!
What nancyleandros said 🤣. I think a number of us here are in the same boat.
We ran out of nesting comment boxes! Also meant to say that I have a feeling you were naughtier.
Sitting around on a very cold day waiting for one of our building guys to come in and unclog the bathtub. Sigh. I did wash my hair in the kitchen sink… I will get up and vacuum soon…I promise.
Wearing Mitsouko again. I must be going through a bit of spice phase, since I’ve been drawn to Oeillet Bengale also of late. Mitzy isn’t really doing it for me today, though, oddly enough. A bit musty for some reason. Maybe I’ll throw some Allure in there to ramp up the peach and liven things a bit.
Yep. The Allure helped, although I’m wafting pretty strongly….
Hope that tub is fixed now!
Nope. Outside company has to come tomorrow morning. What was entertaining/disconcerting was to find out that our next door apartment washing machine is bubbling up into our tub….. The handyman and I witnessed it and had to go next door to have them turn the cycle off and warn them the plumbers may need access tomorrow. So strange…
I hope their not using your water as well!
No. And that’s a shared building cost anyway…
They came, they fixed it by 9:30 am on Sunday. Hope it lasts….
Fingers crossed!
Hello weekend! I’ve been busy since the morning. Helping at home, doing the shopping. Then I went for a 2 hours long bike ride which was great.
Today I’m wearing Jul et Mad Fugit Amor.
My 30th birthday is getting really close. Now how do I decide with what perfume I should treat myself…
30!Wow!That is a milestone,and you should definitely treat yourself to something awesome!Do you have a shortlist of candidates?
It is! I’ll be no longer in my twenties.
Potential cadidates include:
Chanel Allure Homme Edition Blanche
Amouage Love Mimosa
Ormaie L’Ivree Bleue
Parle Moi de Parfum Orris Tattoo
Masque L’Attesa
Orris Tattoo seems interesting, I still haven’t sniffed the Mimosa but that cheery, yellow bottle looks delightful
My vote is for either L’Attesa or the Mimosa.Have you smelled the new-ish Amouage Tuberose yet?That is on my “treat yourself list” this year.
I’m not a tuberose fan so I didn’t seek it out.
I vote for l’Ivrée Bleue.
I would throw them into a hat and pick 3.
I haven’t tried all of your contenders, but my vote is for L’Atessa. I’ll even wear it today to send a louder signal to you through the Universe :).
I like Jul et Mad, I am going to dig out my decant
That’s a significant number, I don’t see why you should limit yourself to one perfume
All of the cozy talk made my hand choose Organza Indecence. Six sprays! I guess days off from the gym enable me to overspray.
Taylor’s Scottish Breakfast tea and biscuits with homemade lemon ginger curd to start the day. 😋
Happy Saturday, everybody!
Lemon ginger curd? That sounds downright dreamy.
Thanks! I end up using ginger juice in a lot of things, especially smoothies.
Yum love ginger, trader joes has this candied ginger I love very much
I just got in the door from TJs and saw that very box of candied ginger!
Also drooling over the thought of lemon ginger curd! 😋
I read it as lemon ginger crud 😳
I got hit with one of those short-lived virus illnesses this week–36 hours of a fever and a splitting headache, now I’m fine. I had a lovely day yesterday with another perfumista who regularly visits Goodwill and comes away with a lot of treasures. She gifted me with several, so today I am wearing Crabtree & Evelyn Oeillet. The box says it was made in 1988, and the original price sticker was $12.50. It’s lovely stuff.
I did some thrift shop shopping yesterday. I don’t want to confess! (Only clothes)
but not at the Goodwill..another store
Oh wow,that sounds like a good find!I would love some other carnation suggestions as well.
Cartier L Heure Convoitee probably didn’t spell that right..but a good one nonetheless.
Thanks!I shall seek it out!Other than Iris,Carnation perfumes are really calling my name at the moment to investigate!
My two favorites are DSH Oeillets Rouges and vintage Caron Bellodgia, but lots of perfumers make a carnation. I’ve been wanting to try Acqua di Colonia Garofano.
Oh!The Garofano I did see at Skins in Johannesburg,but was in such a hurry I did not test.Will remedy that asap!Thanks!
Prada’s infusion de oeillet is pretty nice
L’Artisan used to have a carnation perfume, but I think that it’s discontinued now.
Sampling Kaff by TT. A spicy iris, well done imo. Not into iris much but when it’s warmed up some I like it more.
I am so behind that I don’t even know the brand!
tiziana terenzi, him and his sister run it, she’s the nose I guess behind the scents. I think
I have that thought at least once a week, with a different brand each week.
Ah, I have heard of that then.
Have a nice last day of vacation, Robin!
I’m wearing Carnal Flower, oil and edp. Wafting Tuberose.
Went to see an exhibition in The Hague about two Dutch painters. It was good, but not great, some wonderful paintings though.
I have been to The Hague twice..I really love it there..and I love Holland in general.
Out of the 3 big cities The Hague is my favourite. It’s a lot less busy than Amsterdam which these days is completely taken over by tourists and not as “cold” as Rotterdam.
I remember that you’ve visited the Netherlands. Didn’t you try Bosse bollen once?
Dear one- I try to eat a bosse bollen everyday when I visit Holland!
We usually stay a few days in Den Bosch..
I have a huge soft spot for The Hague. We lived there for a year in 1968/69, if you can imagine. I’m sure it hasn’t changed at all…. 😉🙂
Thank you! We have a half day tomorrow too but it is never enough.
There is a storm going on outside but I am now back from the library and enjoying my snug living room. After my traditional wearing of Sun I am now enjoying VC&A Ambre Imperial.
Yay, hope you got some good reading material.
I did. A very voluminous biography of Marie-Antoinette
Fun!
Snow or rain storm? Do you get alot of snow? Either way stay safe and cozy. 🌞
Rain, it hasn’t snowed at all yet this winter. Yes, it’s good to be inside while the wind blows outside.
Is that storm named Dennis by chance? I heard a bit about that one, and it sounded nasty. Time to hunker down and stay safe!
Yes, Jalapeno it’s Dennis indeed. Second storm in one week, flood announced in rural western and northern parts as the earth is soaked already. The wind was really spectacular, it has calmed down in the last hour or so. Thank you, I went out yesterday but came back before the storm really got bad.
A dull morning here after a really lovely summer’s day yesterday, we’ve had so few of those this year. I’m starting the morning with a couple of Scentspirit’s samples. I’ve got By Kilian’s Vodka on the Rocks on one arm and Tobali’s Spring Snow on the other. It’s a long time since I drank much vodka, so I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the rendition, but it’s a light fresh scent. So is Spring Snow, they are both appropriate for encouraging me to get off the couch and on with the day.
Summer has been completely odd this time around.We’ve had monsoon-like rains for days with no sunshine,since October.I did not spend one second at the pool last year,and so far this year the weather has just not been playing along either for that.
Wearing Memo Lalibela from a sample today. I like it very much.
Fragrantica designates it as a chypre floral. To me it smells like a floral oriental (no oakmoss or citrus, mostly vanilla and flowers, maybe some coconut), but what tortures me is that I cannot figure out what perfume from the 80s it reminds me a lot of.
I love that one! If you decide you need some, I have the travel sprays and we could discuss a deal or swap!
Oh, that’s good to know Calypso. Thank you.
I will let you know as I am still trying to make up my mind weather I “need” it or not.
Because of you, I made this my SOTD today, Sunday, and am very happy in it!
SOTD = Memo Tiger’s Nest I love this alternately fresh and spicy incense scent.
Book of the Day – Book 2 of a very interesting and entertaining murder mystery series set in Laos, by an Aussie/American named Colin Cotterill who worked for an NGO helping trafficked children in South East Asia before writing the books. Protagonist is this old physician who sort of randomly gets appointed the Laotian National Coroner, and the wild sorts of problems he has to solve. First volume is called The Coroner’s Lunch, and it is very funny, and describes a culture I am totally unfamiliar with, and the main characters are quirky and charming. So I just got the second book, called 33 Teeth, and I am going to eat toast with marmalade and drink coffee and read this book instead of doing my house chores today. Yay for spare time!
That series sounds like fun,I will also seek it out!Between you and lovestosmellgood I got a couple of great suggestions today!
Oh me too, I love to read murder mysteries set in exotic places!
well that got downloaded to my kindle asap
I think my hubby would love this series, thanks so much for the review. I hope your day was splendid!
And I adore Tiger’s Neat, you smell fabulous.
Yay for National Flag of Canada Day! I’m wearing Mendittorosa Archetipo, a nice outdoorsy scent with woods and incense.
I should go and find my Hudson Bay t-shirts, and put one on. I love Canada
Totally Yay!My best of best friends lives in Saskatchewan,I miss her physical presence here so much!
Happy Weekend!
What a coincidence, my family is from Prince Albert, Sask. Hope your weekend is going well!
Oh cool!My friend lives in Regina.
Seriously? I just got back from there; it’s my hometown!
Yay for National Flag of Canada Day! I’m wearing Mendittorosa Archetipo, a nice outdoorsy scent with woods and incense.
Yay Canada! 🇨🇦 I’m hoping to head to the northeastern US this summer/fall and hit up Canada in a big way. That perfume sounds wonderful 👍🏼
Don’t forget us, Deva.
Girl, you’re my homie! No forgetting over here. ✌🏼
Luckyscent, free shipping no minimum this weekend only but includes Monday, US only, code WEEKEND
Beautyhabit 20% off FRESH20 on a $100 order this weekend as well.
I just noticed the code..help me donatella! Lol
I stimulated the economy last night at 2 places. There may be 2 more before day’s end…
Brooklyn Candle has 20% off through Monday also. They’re good candles. Santorini is my favorite. Summer in a candle.
I currently have Antica Farmacista Santorini liquid diffuser in my powder room and it is divine!
I’m still cavorting around the jungle with l’Elephant. Can’t stop, won’t stop! 😉
In other hood news, I just got a notification from my mortgage holder which stated I overpaid in 2014 (!) and since I never cashed the check they sent me in 2014 (!), the money was going to the state of Florida unless I claimed it…! I claimed it lickity-split and am now waiting for an extra $900😀
In other great news, the hospital I’m currently at asked me to extend until June, and it was with great satisfaction I said “No bueno, amigo.” I won’t go into why, but it isn’t because I don’t love this area!
So, for all the healthcare workers out there (or really anyone in an industry that churns through workers due to stupid systems), this one’s for you. Keep your chin up!
https://youtu.be/L_1PNZdHq6Q
Yay for a $900 windfall!
Hoping your next contract is better.
They’re all the same. It’s hospital systems nationwide. If I wanted to take care of a computer for a living, I would have gone into IT. 😜
It’s all about the bottom line…and people die. I realize this was more about calling it like it is with the healthcare professionals not accepting the victim label. I’ll speak for the patient and say “the system” was a strong contributing factor to my mom’s death and as you know, I’m fighting for the principle of it and making the patient’s voice heard.
Thanks for sharing.
The system is completely broken. I’ve watched it change since I was a new nurse in 1988 to now. The stories I could tell you. ..I do think he is speaking for the patient as well, though. It’s very sad to see healthcare devolve to the current state of affairs. Physicians hands are tied by the insurance industry, which is making money hand over fist. Hospitals are so top heavy with “administration” and “management” who make six figure incomes and yet, as a nurse, I can’t find a manual BP cuff to double check a labile BP after spending 20 minutes looking on three different units. In those 20 minutes, three patients are wondering why no one is answering their call light or addressing alarms. It’s disgusts me to no end.
I’m sorry about your mom. It’s devastating to see a family member die, but when that death may have been preventable, that’s a whole new ballgame. Obviously, I don’t know the details, but from your comments, I get the impression that you feel your mom’s care was poorly managed. I’m very sorry your mom didn’t get the very best of care, and also sorry you have to go through everything that’s followed. And kudos to you for taking on a jacked up system 💪🏼
Unfortunately this is a worldwide problem within nursing.I’d rather go to a state institution locally than to one of the exclusive private hospitals these days.Too many horror stories of people being “nursed to death”…sadly.
Speaking as a Theatre Nurse working in the private sector,I should add!
Thanks, Deva. It was indeed very poorly managed. We were with mom as much as we can and for a good portion of the time, the nurses stood by their rolling cart typing into the computer, the CNAs were running around like chickens with their heads cut off with 2 covering 20-24 patients, maybe even more, with some of the patients requiring 2 person assists. It usually took anywhere between 30 minutes to a little more than an hour before a request for help was addressed…they’re quick to stop by to say they will be back but it’s so they can turn off the call light. In any case, we ended up engaging a private duty aide to stay with mom from 8am to 8pm every day and gave explicit instructions to begin asking for help at 6:45pm and to keep asking for it every 10 minutes so that by the time the aide was ready to leave, mom was already ready for the night. When we asked if x was done, the response we always got was along the lines of “our protocol is to do it …”. We eventually got wise to it and began to ask when was x performed for mom and then half the time, we were told it will be done later at night or early morning, to which we also got wise to insist it’s done between 8am and 8pm so our aide can assist and also confirm it was done. We also experienced situations where what should have been done more frequently was actually stretched out for far longer than PRESCRIBED which angered us even further. The bottom line is that patients need to have advocates due to the system’s failures and of course the advocates should have thick skin because we are looked at as interfering. By the time we moved mom she was too far gone but at least her last days were at a facility where she got the best care and attention.
Hiring that private duty CNA was the smartest thing you did. It’s impossible for the nurse or CNA to be at the bedside whenever a patient calls. There’s just no staffing for that, because that kind of staffing costs the hospital money, and eats into their profits. I don’t think it’s a failure of individuals, I think it a failure of the system, which is supported by corporations and individuals that don’t give two hoots about patients or staff. It’s all about the profit margin.
Well yay for that windfall!!
I am really lucky to be working for a pretty awesome private sector hospital at the moment.It will be 13 years with them March 1st!
Unfortunately we are an Ophthalmology hospital only.There is such a huge need for reallly good specialized units in this country,in other fields as well.The big privates are only about the money,unfortunately that includes most of the staff as well.Nursing seems to not be “a calling” anymore.
This,in the Year of the Nurse(Florence Nightingale turns 200 this year!),makes me sad.
It’s all about money here, too. I don’t think you have to worry about those new nurses who think they are going to make a ton of money. They don’t realize that salary is based on heavily specialized units like ICU, on night shift , on weekends, and on call. Lol. 🤣
The average lifespan of a bedside RN here is 2-5 years, then they realize what it’s all about, and either go into “management” or get out of hospital nursing all together.
I don’t think nursing has to be a calling per se, but I do think you have to have a deep desire to help the human condition. There’s a lot to be said for job security, regular paychecks, etc., especially if you’re a single mom, or raising your grandkids. But if there is a complete lack of empathy and caring, well, those nurses just aren’t going to last. 🤷🏻♀️
All very true.But that has lead to the retirement age of most oldschool nurses being shifted from 60 to 70,sometimes 75!Over here at least!My company’s retirement age also shifted from 55 to 60 last year,due to lack of new candidates for key positions.We can still work after 60,but “on contract”,which is fine with me.Quite recently the thought of retirement seemed way in the distance for me still…but I am turning 44 this year!!Scary thought!!Lol!
Hello from the land of itching, burning right shoulder, and neck (and arm)… I would be in a terrific mood, but for!
Celebrated St. Valentine’s Day with my beloved this morning (he was at yet another fundraiser last night–not for him!–but as part of his job). Coffee and presents in bed, with the doors open out onto the deck… honestly, these days I think of VDay as my personal Thanksgiving day–never would I have thought when I was in my lonely teens up to my late-20s that I’d be so happily married one day. This AM I scored a bottle of 19-69’s Rainbow Bar–which I all but bought for myself so obvious were my “hints”. I love it, and I love the way it smells on my husband as well. Let the sun shine in!
Hang in there Oakland Fresca!I’m sending a careful,half-body hug your way,seems we both need it this weekend!
XO
🤗🤗🌹
Hey Johanob–no kidding about those blues. It has taken me years to accept that there are days I just do not have it in me to get dressed, maybe I’ll watch a movie in bed–or just do stupid web surfing (I have trouble reading too when I am down). I used to apologize for those times profusely–actually, I still do. BUT I understand what is going on so much better. It is like the flu. I need to be alone and shuttered– sometimes just for a day, sometimes longer. Its okay. It is totally okay.
Yes,It is really and truly ok to NOT be ok sometimes.Hope you have an awesome Sunday!
🤗🤗
So glad you got your Rainbow Bar!
Sounds like a great Valentine’s day. Really hoping you feel better soon.
https://youtu.be/ozwO_HX8rf8
🌞
Thank you to everyone for your kind words of encouragement,sympathy and advice today!I appreciate you all,and even if we are worlds away and oceans apart,I feel your genuine concern.
22:58pm.
I feel blessed,and wayyyy better.
Off to bed.Tomorrow is a new day.
XO
Glad to hear you’re feeling better!
Tomorrow will be a better day!
I’m pulling for you johanob.
Please know you are loved and cherished <3
You guys are the best.
Today was a pretty good day.
Wearing my No.5 Elixir Sensuel and feeling good.
Happy Sunday!
XO
I am wearing Lyric today. Spent the morning cleaning but mostly vacuuming. I am finished with cleaning for the weekend. Good news is that I actually have a date for when my federal refund is coming to me. I am leaning to the travel set of Viktoria Minya on Luckyscent. Could I get the full travel set through her website? Probably, I am not seeing anywhere on her website that she ships to the US. If she doesn’t, that’s okay, the set of three will be enough.
It’s World Pangolin Day…the little animals that could be kitten, cat and large cat size mammal with scales, linked to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak,
SOTD = Vilhelm Parfumerie Dear Polly
musky smokey tea apple- quite nice overall!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8mqvJxBdgU/?igshid=2uso1bvfkhjn
Now off to have dinner with my sister, BIL and nephew.
Have a great dinner!
Thank you. It was wonderful!
Enjoy your family time!
Thanks!
Enjoy your dinner tonight!
Thank you. Someone came in wearing BIG Angel. Thank a god I was almost done eating but I can still kinda taste it.
Oh no! I had to lol though at BIG Angel 😂
You’re absolutely right with the 😝
OH hahahaha!!You regularly make me chuckle H!😆😆
Glad I was able to make you laugh!
To a restaurant? I guess it’s all about them huh? I was at a symphony performance a few years ago and had to sit by a bottle of LVEB wearing the woman sitting next to me. 😖
Ugh. How selfish was that!
We have beautiful weather today! I went for a nice walk in my neighborhood, which includes the beautiful Menil Museum, its park, and a lot of immense old live oaks. Many azaleas are in bloom too. Since live oaks begin to drop their leaves in spring, the air has an odd mix of smells: spring-like breezes with humid Gulf air, plus the autumnal scent of crispy fallen leaves. Mmmm. I wore Marfa today. I took something over to my neighbor (ironically, I was giving her some fresh garlic and ginger I had on hand for a stir-fry she’s making tonight), and she could not stop commenting on my beautiful perfume.
Nice to get a perfume compliment!
Its so nice to wear a perfume that get complements.
Always nice to get a perfume compliment!
Darn they are outta Bee samples on the luckyscent
Feeling a bit surly today so perfume is more Bogue Maai than anyone has any business wearing I think 5 sprays? I had to work today.
When I got home I was feeling in the mood for a woody scent, so I scrabbled through my little box of samples (which I categorize by main note). I saw Miel de Bois, just a tiny bit of syrupy evaporated juice left. Usually I open the vial, sniff it, enjoy the honey but get a nose-searing, decide that wood perfumes will always be a struggle, and put it back. But today, I finally got it! An almost cherry-blossom top note, honey, fuzzy bees, and a golden radiant oaky wood made smooth with iris. Maybe it aged in the vial, I’ve had this sample for years. I’d be sad it was discontinued, but honestly the next time I get the vial out it’ll probably burn my nose. I put some on to see what it’s like on my skin and it’s very enjoyable.
Anyone ever have one of these scent- mandala moments, where the perfume is perfect but only that one time?
I probably have, but I can’t recall any specifics right now.
Hey everyone! Cold and snowy here. Today I wore Aedes de Venustas signature. I smelled great 😀
A little bragging moment: my son made the honor roll for the past semester. I’m really proud and so is he. Both my kids are good learners when it comes to facts and figures.
Congratulations to your son and you Lillyjo!!! 🎉🎊🎉🎊Many wonderful reasons to be very proud of your kids! Sending happy hugs!
Big congratulations to your son (and to you!) for making the honor roll! That’s quite the achievement!
Congratulations, lillyjo!
Congratulations!
proud mommy moment!
Congrats!
Thanks All!❤
Well congratulations to both Mom and Son!
You have every reason to be proud!
🤗🤗🌹❤️
Congrats to him and you!
Congratulations to your son (and to you)!
Well done to your son, it’s natural that you feel like a proud mother.
Cold and snowy actually sounds better than the buckets of rain we are getting with storm Dennis. It actually stopped raining two hours ago in time for the sunset.
A beautiful bright sunny day, but EGADS was it ever cold this morning! It did make for great sleeping weather, though. 🌞🥶
A confession: one of my music choices for yesterday was partially tongue-in-cheek. I was sitting on a wonderful secret when I posted, and was sworn to silence at the time. A friend of mine was planning to proposed to his VSO at dinner last night! And she said yes! I wish them all the happiness in the world. 💞🌎
SOTD = Felanilla EdP, from the sample stash and a generous NSTer. This is a somewhat melancholy scent for me, though, since it smells exactly like Pixel kitty’s fur did. So I breathe in and remember her.
I had to wear a down vest over my hoodie to keep warm inside my down puffer jacket which usually keep me plenty warm. Congratulations to the engaged couple!
Wow, you were seriously geared up yesterday! Today was SO much nicer, wasn’t it? Thanks for the engagement well-wishes!
Congratulations to the happy couple!
Thank you lillyjo! They were so excited about it all…
RIP Pixel Kitty! 🐈
Thanks Deva.
In Akro Dark and having a fairly disappointing Saturday – two apartment viewings in three buildings, neither right for us, and a cancelled tea date with a friend.
I feel like I need to put something a bit bitter on so my perfume can commiserate with me instead of being so delicious! 🤣
I shall console myself by layering on a little Santa Maria Novella AdC Russa and making some astringent tea, instead of the reishi cocoa that’s been my standby this week.
When do you have to move?
May 1 is our ideal moving date – so it’s not as though we don’t have time to sort out finding a new place.
I do NOT want this hunt to drag out for the next 2½ months is all!
I am still halfway convinced we should be looking to buy a condo rather than renting, but teebearman is not, so it’s just frustrating doing a lot of legwork for a solution I am not sure is the right one.
But our current apartment is old/cold and not well maintained so I do agree that after 5 years here we need to upgrade somehow…
My shot of Russa cologne and a VERY nice cup of longjing tea (hardly astringent in the end! So buttery) are definitely soothing my pique though.
Glad your SMN Russia cologne and tea helped! I had the Akro sample set in my cart but took it out; which one would you recommend as worth sniffing?
I actually haven’t gotten to try more than Dark as I was particularly in the market for a cocoa based perfume then and it won my heart over quite rapidly! Although with reflection and more sampling I do also want a bottle of Bruno Fazzolari Corpse Reviver. Both of them are quite different.
Someone else a while ago on a SotD thread said Awake was another lovely one to try though!
I’ve tried all of the Akro scents and they all merit a try. Perhaps the whiskey one (Malt) is the most original.
I love Akro Dark. The best chocolate.
This means zi have to try them all. Thanks!
Back again and wearing Hedonist today. I have forgotten how good this one smells. I am trying to muster up the motivation to create my weekly shopping list.
Love Hedonist! Plus, the bottle 😍
The bottle is fabulous but wish there was maybe a little more juice and a little less beads.
I will put on some Prada Amande later today. Right now I’m wearing a spray of Diorissimo, just had to! I think it may be the springlike temperatures out there.
I have my chypre scents all pulled out and am ready to make a few decants for my sister and niece. Think there are about 10 (maybe more), but I don’t want to send that many.
Plus I will also send a few iris frags as well since I know my sister is a big fan. This all started because of Chanel La Pausa that I let her try last week; I may have inadvertently unleashed the dragon.
🐉 you did and I bet you’re not sorry 🤣
At least it wasn’t a perfumed Kraken that you unleashed! 😉
You know you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time when some dude sees you putting your scrubs in the washing machine at the laundromat.
“Are you a nurse?”
Before I can even lie, he launches into a long and convoluted story about his sinuses, which leads to his back, which leads to his bum leg.
I’m going to dump the remaining half bottle of l’Elephant over my head. That should keep EVERYONE away. 😀
Oh, yeah, I’ve been there too. I once made the mistake of telling my seatmate on a plane that I was a psychologist. I heard about his problems, plus his wife and kids’, for six hours. Now I say I’m an administrative assistant for a bookkeeper.
Omg! Poor you! You were trapped at 30,000 feet with him- no escaping. At least I can run to my van and lock the doors. 🚐
Eeek…this is why I have a stone mask on when I’m flying…I just want to do my thing. As long as I’m not rude, I don’t have to go out of my way to be friendly.
I think this happens to women, more than men as well. Both men and women feel comfortable querying a woman ad nauseum… !
Oh boy. I think you needed doggy to distract him!
You should have interrupted him to say you were a morgue technician who does autopsies, or a vet tech. Thankfully I actually was an administrative assistant to an engineer so no one ever wanted to pick my brain for free advice.
Ha ha, try telling your seatmate that you’re a philosopher! You get one of two responses, either (a) they think it’s the same as being a psychologist and tell you all their problems (see below), or (b), they ask, Oh, so what’s your philosophy?” Eek!
In Elie Saab Essence Gardenia because I spoke of it with PerfumeLover67 yesterday. It is one of my wearable for me gardenia along with Jo Loves Gardenia and VC&A Gardenia Petale. Of course Ma Griffe vintage is in a category of its own
Thank you for the info Aurora! I am taking note of those gardenia perfumes to get samples. Tuberose has been always my nemesis.
You’re most welcome, I’ve enjoyed finding out that we are twins in being weary of tuberose. I have one last recommendation: Annick Goutal Un Matin d’Orage Eau de Toilette, be sure to go for the EDT as the EDP is quite different, the EDT is a watery jasminy gardenia, quite ethereal in the Annick Goutal style, while the EDP is quite dense with tuberose and I didn’t care for it and another AG Gardenia Passion is very heavy on tuberose.
Les Nereïdes Fleur Poudrée de Musc on this quiet sunny Sunday. Baking bread, when that is done, will head out to get a birthday present for my dad and the Jo Malone Lavender & Wisteria.
I can smell remnants of last night’s Organza Indecence, but I haven’t yet figured out what to spray on top of it today. Sunday is usually for grocery shopping, relaxing, and doing a few chores and today will be true to form. Last night my boyfriend and I watched Honey Boy on Amazon Prime streaming, which is the movie Shia LaBeouf wrote and starred in about his life with his dad as a young child star. I’d heard good things, but the movie was still better than I expected it to be. His performance was outstanding, and it really makes you look at him in a different light.
I’m very focused on finishing The Goldfinch by the end of tomorrow, as I have the day off and less than 120 pages left to read (of 771 pages total!). It’s so very good.
Early swap proposal since I think the swap meet is sometime in March. I have a 5ml travel spray of the ScentTrunk January collaboration with Miss Layla, the perfumer of Füm Fragrances. It’s a winey, fruity, rose perfume with a truffle note. I just rarely fall for rose perfumes, so this will be great for rose lovers. I’ve only sprayed it a few times and am very open on what I’d swap for it. Just email me at gmail using my NST username if you’re interested!
Emailing you about the füm!
I am wearing Serge Lutens Santal Majescule which I bought a long time ago. I have no idea what the current version smells like. I did not want to check in case that upset me.
I think it still smells really good, I bought one of the new 100ml bottles.
SotD = CdG Kyoto (left wrist) and Avignon (right wrist)
I’m going through samples today, trying to see what I can use and what I can pass along. I need to get organized.
So it was fun to find these CdG incense samples. I just read a fun article about Eau Sacree (and Avignon) over at CaFleureBon. Check it out.
I love almonds, eat them every day. The only almondy scent I can think of is maybe one of the Prada Infusions, but which one? Or perhaps it’s something with heliotrope I’m thinking of, that note reminds me of almonds sometimes.
Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!
I love almonds too, for eating and in perfume. Acqua di Parma Mandorlo de Sicilia is a great almond and citrus, Armani Sensi is a green almond I love, and I feel the same way as you about heliotrope smelling like it, Etro Heliotrope smells of bitter almond, quite enjoyable.
I love almond scents as long as they don’t go buttered popcorn on me. Sweet, fresh almond is Elie Saab L’Eau Couture. Lancôme Jasmins Marzipane is beautiful, PdN Kiss Me Intense is more bitter almond. Love the Prada but don’t own. Am looking forward to trying the new VCA almond.
I’m wearing Rihanna Reb’l Fleur, a gift from my thrift-store-loving friend. It reminds me a lot of Angel Muse. A little more fruit in this, a little more caramel in the Muse.
It warmed up today after being in the single digits the past couple of days, so wore Amouage Sunshine to celebrate. Two thumbs up from me.