Happy Leap Day! We're marking the occasion with 4 questions. As always, answer as many or as few as you like, or just talk about something else. (And don't forget to rabbit on Sunday!)
1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
2. Go back to the beginning, and tell us about the fragrance that sent you down the rabbit hole.
3. Tell us about the fragrance that changed your perception of a note or accord or fragrance family.
4. Tell us something wonderful — a great new recipe or TV show, something fun you did recently, any fantastic plans you have for the future, really, anything.
Note: top image is Multi Cat [cropped] by Mark Chinnick at flickr; some rights reserved.
1. PdE Corsica Furiosa-
https://instagram.com/stories/vantasticviews/2254638291068857512?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=aw7huvt07wg8
2. Old news, but I was looking for a replacement for the VS Vanilla Lace line, which had been pulled from the shelves for many years and then reappeared, reformulated and anemic.
3. Biggest revelation is that I CAN LOVE certain floral perfumes- wowza!
4. I have my next contract signed, starting the end of March in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Looking forward to spring ?
Corsica Furiosa! I wanted to revisit it a while ago only to find out that my decant has fully evaporated and only few oily drops were left on the vial.
I bet those last oily drops are AMAZING! ??
Did you ever find a replacement for Vanilla Lace? They truly butchered that scent.I did find a dupe for it that is passable if you are interested.
Never really found a dupe, although I did go on somewhat of a vanilla quest and found some lovely scents. What have you discovered? I’d definitely love to know!
I found a dupe called Vanilla & Pearls from somethinspecial.com when I was looking for some Lush dupes.The one I ordered is several years old now but most of the reviews are positive.You can order a mini (5/8 dram)sample duo if you find another scent you might fibd of interest.I got the Lush Vanillary dupe that is good also.Disclaimer this was a few years ago so it could have changed.Hope it works for you.
Wow, it actually says it’s a dupe for Vanilla Lace! Interesting. Thanks for the info✌?
I’m wearing Vanilla Vibes today. Save your money.
Ha! I have been saving my money regarding perfume lately, so this comment works for me!
Congratulations on your new gig. I hope it goes smoothly.
Thanks!
Do you get to choose assignments? That location sounds really nice for spring.
Well, yes and no. It depends on what’s driving you: location, pay, shift, or specialty. Some people are motivated by the highest paying positions, which are usually in major urban areas like Detroit, Chicago, Knoxville, etc. Northern states (usually) pay better than southern states. Some will only go where they can find a day shift position, pay is secondary, and location is “who cares?” Then there are people like me, who are location driven. I wanted to be in the eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia, Western North Carolina area this spring to get closer to home. I submitted to 3 different facilities and the one that interviewed me first is the one that got me. So. It all depends on what’s driving you. I have enjoyed my current location more than I ever thought I would. That’s being said, I wouldn’t want to be here in summer, late spring, or early fall, because seasons are also a factor for me.
More than you ever wanted to know! ?
Really glad you got a location you wanted, Deva.
Thank you!
The Western part of North Carolina is lovely! Glad you got a location you wanted.
I lived in Asheville about 18 years ago, and loved the entire surrounding area. Beautiful part of the country. Looking forward to hiking through rhododendron tunnels ?
I don’t know about Lizzie, but it was interesting for me to read about your reasoning for choosing the next stop.
Deva, were those wolves I saw as ‘friends’ from your last nite’s campsite? I couldn’t make everything out, I saw at least one human.
Not wolves, just deer. You can see their white fannies as they start to bolt away. We were at a bit of a distance with a lot of trees in the mix, so it’s not the clearest video.
I have seen wolves in the wild, but I would classify them as “friends.” Not enemies either, but maybe “acquaintance”?! ?
“Wouldn’t” even!
I would agree. They are special creatures for sure.
Yay for your next contract! You smell great.
Hello everyone and happy weekend!
1. I’m wearing Suede et Safran from Nishane today.
2. I went down the rabbit hole because of Prada Amber Pour Homme (mainstream) and Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme (niche)
3. I really used to dislike the green notes but some time in 2019 I tried again Atelier Cologne Jasmin Angelique (which I really disliked upon first test) and at that point it smelled very appealing.
4. I met a bunch of friends for coffee/dinner together to celebrate my 30th birthday (which was on Monday the 24th). Aaand… not trying to jinx anything but I might have found a love interest…
? “Love Interest”?…!
Yay for Love Interest!!!! ??
Last week I ordered a decant of Suede et Safran in my hour of saffron need ?. Looking forward to it!
Oohhh, I’m excited for you! Crossing my fingers to undo any jinx!
I wish the best for you and will throw salt over my left shoulder when I go back into the kitchen in order to undo any jinx.
????
#4 – keeping our fingers crossed (but we’ll demand pictures at some point 😉 ).
❤️! ? I hope this love interest story gets a happy end!
Yippee for the possible love interest! ❤️
??!
Yes. YAY for ‘love interest’!
And Yay to the whole ‘don’t want to jinx it’ thing.
I am smiling. Go ‘H’ – and Happy Birthday.
Pray tell there MUST HAVE BEEN a new bottle of something captivating that you acquired to celebrate the event?
Oh, and high five for #3.
Okay I’m so late to the party, but the one and only time I have ever practically *ran* after a guy on the street to ask what fragrance he was wearing: it was Prada Ambre pour Homme! Great pick!
1. Commando so far. Will decide soon.
2. It’s hard to pinpoint or remember, since I’ve worn perfume since college. The first one I bought then was by Germaine Monteil. It was a tangerine -based one. I still love citrus scents.
3. Agonist Isis made me fall in love with ylang-ylang.
4. Minor good news: I have an appointment to have my flu shot in an hour. Better late than never, they say. More fun news: our little group of self-designated crazy cat ladies will gather at our favorite Thai restaurant for dinner tonight!
High five for the flu vax!
Enjoy your Thai dinner and the camaraderie of fellow cat lovers! ? I’m loving your cat family on Instagram?
Well as for my #4, I got to the store (Walgreen’s) and they told me sorry, they were out of the special version of the flu vaccine for people over age 65. They might have let me know earlier! The only one in town that has some is a long way away and I’m not sure if I should try to go out there or seek another option. Phooey.
As for my #1, I solved the problem by visiting a cute French boutique run by a very nice and chic lady who also has some neat perfumes there, and purchased Patchouli Eau de Parfum made by Les Ecuadors. Never heard of this company or line before, but they have a small bottle (1 fl oz) for just $30 and it smells good–quite rich. She also carries one called “Sous le soleil” and another just called “Musc.” I liked the Soleil one a lot also.
Hi Calypso! You might ask if they have the FluBlok version of the flu shot. It’s three times stronger than the regular flu vaccine (“high-dose” is four times stronger). It’s covered by Medicare and most other insurances. Might save you a wild goose chase or two.
Did you have a good dinner with your kitty peeps?
Yes! Very good Thai food, and fun conversation! https://www.instagram.com/p/B9LRR77pLyQ/?igshid=1f3z3gp7j1wic
1. Nothing so far. Will pick something later.
2. I guess it was Arpege. I have loved and worn perfume since I was a young girl. My mother had a fairly large collection (~20), and I was fascinated by the assortment of bottles on her dressing table. I noticed how Chanel no. 5 and Arpege were similar but different. It was much later that I learned that they were both floral aldehydes, but no. 5 smells cold to me, whereas Arpege is warm.
3. Attrape-Coeur taught me that I don’t always hate iris.
4. We paid off our mortage last month! I was determined to do it in 20 years, and made it happen. In fact, today is the 20th anniversary of the day we closed on our house.
Nice to see you back!
I guess I have been MIA for a while. Last year was rough. My father passed away after a fall resulting in brain bleeding that never really resolved. He was in and out of the ICU for 12 days. Around that same time, I was experiencing a series of respiratory infections, one of which I had to have picked up in the hospital (I hadn’t been anywhere for days except at home and in the hospital). It all pretty much wiped out my sense of smell for several months, besides leaving me exhausted. Then I was diagnosed with hypertension, and I have had issues with the meds. I’ve been neglecting a lot of things, just trying to get by day to day. So far, 2020 has been a much better year.
Hugs – I’ve had times like that, too – everything at once. I hope 2020 continues to be better.
I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing and all the health issues you have been going thru. I hope 2020 is a better year for you. Sending hugs! ?
I’m sorry 2019 was so rough; here’s hoping 2020 will be better for you. You started off well, with paying off the mortgage!
I hope this is a very healthy year for you, my sympathies for all you’ve been through.
The sun is always shining in here, even when things are rocky. Plant yourself!
Glad to see you back here, and congratulations on paying off the mortgage! That’s very impressive! I’m so sorry to hear about your hard year, and hope things are now looking up.
My mother had a small bottle of Arpège also. I thought it was beautiful.
Congrats in the mortgage and glad this year is seeming to be better. So sorry about your Dad.
Huge congrats on the house, that’s lovely! Sorry you had a tough year though.
Congratulations on paying off your mortgage! I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad, and your rough 2019. Here’s hoping that 2020 is better for you.
It’s good to see you back, 50_Roses! I’m sorry to hear about your father passing; I lost my dad last year also. Let’s both make 2020 a better year. ❤️
I hope 2020 is much better for you. It sounds like 2019 was rough for you in a number of ways. *hugs*
Congratulations on being mortgage-free! My sympathies for the loss of your father and multiple health challenges. May 2020 be a much better year for you!
Happy Leap Day everyone!
1) I think I shall be wearing Slow Dance later on today.
2) Not any particular fragrance, but hanging out at the perfume counter as a child while my mother perused and purchased her Clinique stuff (which took a long time, btw) in a long-defunct department store. I think my single-digit-self just felt the glamourish-ness of the whole cosmetics dept. back then, and since I always loved scent, well it just kind of fell into place.
3) JM’s English Pear and Freesia. I used to hate freesia with a purple-headed passion, but then someone sent me a sample of EP&F and was floored, humbled, sang love songs, etc. etc. (I still don’t like Freesia, but at least will try some with less animosity)
4) Umm, something wonderful….next month will mark 11 years as a vegetarian? I suppose that is something to open a channel to the homeworlds about.
My goodness, I feel like I wrote a novel. 🙂
I am also vegetarian, but not very strict, I would say. I think it became harder after having kids. For one of the big holidays we hosted, and decided to cook a ham. Neither myself of Mr L have cooked meat in a very very very long time. We both were like, uh..do we just put it in the oven with some cherries and hope for the best? Our guests were very pleased (thank goodness). Ironically, one of my kids loves meat. Give her some pepperoni pizza and its like the world disappears. So funny!
Congratulations.
I too, just wrote a novel!
My aunt once made an Easter lasagna for the family with meat, and also made a separate, smaller meatless one for me. It’s nice when everyone’s food oddities are acknowledged. Also, there’s 4 other people at my work that are veg-heads, so i’m not alone there, either.
Congrats on your 11 years!
thanks!
years ago I loved the Clinique counter, I’ll never forget the smell of that facial toner that came in different colors.
JM scents can be so wonderful. I love fresh freesia flowers but have yet to find a freesia perfume I can wear, tho like you I will keep trying.
Go veggie! I was vegan/vegetarian for most of my adult life. Now that I’m getting older my wonderful doctor begged me, with tears in her eyes, to start eating more protein. She felt strongly it would help with some minor chronic health issues that could become major. I tweaked my veg diet to try and get my health to a better place, but after a year it wasn’t better. So I’m eating more fish these days, sigh, and hoping others will take up the slack for me there, ha ha, so thank you! 😀
hey look, I wrote a book too! hope you’re having a fantastic Sunday, GateGirl.
I was never a big meat-eater in the past – I always had 3 or 4 helpings of veggies on Thanksgiving as opposed to like 3 slices of turkey – but I still eat seafood, which I don’t think I could give up. I love clam chowder, and salmon, and popcorn shrimp, and now I’m getting hungry, 😉
I hope everyone had a nice day today!
Congratulations on 11 years of vegetarianism! I made that same commitment 26 years ago.
Yayyyyyyyy1 That’s a long time! It is a commitment, isn’t it? That is how I see it.
1. Lagerfeld’s Chloe
2. Serge Lutens Fluers d’oranger
3. Orientals we have had a slow burning love for one another.. I finally embrace the Queen Shalimar.
4. I am reading Nine Perfect Strangers and so far I like the book.
Not sure I can completely confirm this, but I was in a taxi going up Madison and saw that the Annick Goutal store was empty? Maybe my eyes are not seeing this correctly…could this be true?
Annick Goutal at Bleecker St. is permanently closed. So sad!
1. Cap Neroli.
2. I can’t think of a single perfume that sent me down the rabbit hole. I loved perfume so much for so long. It was after I read Perfumes the Guide, by Luca Turin and Tonya Sanchez, that I realized I was not a freak of nature! That book helped me get out of the perfume closet, so to speak.
3. Bois D’Ascese—suddenly I loved smoky notes.
4. Lemme see. Last night Mr. Oakland and I saw the Chieftains in concert and had a blast. Mr. Oakland was born and raised in Scotland and I was pleased for him that they played a few old Scottish tunes as well. And I enjoyed mortifying him singing “Bell of Belfast City” (“I’ll Tell Me Ma”) waiting for our Lyft to show. I’ve lost 17 pounds (dozens still to go) but even better, I have been getting outside for walks almost every day. And I am enjoying the book I am reading at the moment, Inland by Tea Obreht.
Eerp. That would be Belle of Belfast City! ?
Love the Chieftains. Liked the book you’re reading, too. Congrats on the 17 lbs!
Congratulations on the weight loss–you are 10 pounds ahead of me, but it’s encouraging to hear of someone else’s success.
Aren’t you Nooming too? I actually prefer the slower weight loss. The new eating patterns feel more sustainable. I LOVE to cook, and I LOVE to drink wine or cocktails when I cook—so this has been a bit of a life make-over for me. I still have a long way to go–I think the bigger you are, the easier it is to shed pounds at the beginning. My breakfast this AM was half a cup of cooked millet, half a cup of tomato/pepper (TJs, not homemade) soup, and one farm egg….
Yes, but I’m frustrated that the group is a total waste of time. Also, my readings and assignments aren’t coordinated with the group so it constantly tells me to make statements to my group when no one Else is on the same topic. Honestly I think the best thing is just recording calories every day.
Congrats on your weight loss! Keep going!
What a treat to see The Chieftans! And congrats on that weight loss.
Oh wow, 17 pounds is really something to be proud of! ?
What fun — the Chieftains are great! and 17 pounds is amazing.
Perfect timing on seeing The Chieftains… I’ve heard that this is their farewell tour.
It is?! Oh no! My folks will be heart broken! I grew up listening to their music! Maybe we can still get tickets in the States?!
Congrats on seeing the Chieftains! They are so great. Now I have to go and find their CDs in my stash. Congrats also on your weight loss! ?
I Googled your “BoBC/ITMM” song and can imagine you singing it to tease your husband. And huge congrats on the weight loss – I just do not seem to get any traction on my want-to-lose-weight journey. I thought Apsara had inspired me, but no.
It’s a great song, isn’t it? I even like the punky version by Sham Rock (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So1qiyLaypk)–it most matches my personal delivery 😉
? Hi almost book twin, I am reading “Tracks”, your selection will be next.
Congratulations of the weight loss.
I have some extra Bois D’Acese if you can wait bit I would love to send you some. I am just not wearing it as fast as my collection has increased in the last year.
Email me@renee.romana@GEEEmayle if you’d like to play.
disregard the ‘me@’ stuff – my texting shorthand always gets me in trouble when I am in a hurry.
Wait, which Tracks? Australia or North Dakota? How’s the book?
North Dakota. I just started it but I really like it. I learned of Louise Erdrich here at NST and wanted to download many of her books when as I heard of her background. She really resonates with things that I find very important and powerful. Was it you that recommended her during our last reading poll? I recall it went back and forth with good discussions about her and her characters in various books.
Congratulations on your weight loss! I love Bois d’Ascèse and the Chieftains too.
. SL Santal Blanc for another rainy, dreary day. I don’t particularly love it while I’m wearing it (sounds strange), but I seem to want to repeat the experience over and over!
2. AG Ninfeo Mio. I hated perfume as I knew it (sickly sweet perfumes sprayed with abandon), but this smelled like a garden. Of course, now I’m starting to wear all those sweet perfumes…
3. SL FdO – I realised BWF could be interesting. Also now, much later SL TC.
4. My youngest son, who hated his previous school and whom I had to pick up from school with “abdominal pains” at least once a month, is doing extremely well at his new school. He gets up first in the morning and is ready to go to school at least 40 mins before he and his dad needs to get going. I remember sitting in my car, fervently praying that he would pass his entry exams into this school (his old teacher had said “Good luck with that” when I told her I was going to move him to a different school) and my prayers were answered. We are still so very, very grateful.
Love ? your #4!
That IS wonderful – #4!
I’m so happy this new school is working out for him!
Happy to hear about your #4!
Hi Calypso! You might ask if they have the FluBlok version of the flu shot. It’s three times stronger than the regular flu vaccine (“high-dose” is four times stronger). It’s covered by Medicare and most other insurances. Might save you a wild goose chase or two.
Thanks!
Ack! Accidentally posted twice. So wonderful about your #4, Amyitis. The right school or boss makes all the difference.
#4 is truly wonderful. Can’t imagine a teacher saying that. Enough reason to leave right there.
Perhaps she contributed to his prior abdominal pains.
I’m so glad your son is doing well at his new school!?
Wonderful to hear that your son is thriving at his new school!
Great news about your son! We changed our son’s school when he was seven; the old school was supportive of the move, but they should have been more supportive while he was in one of their classrooms with a problematic teacher (who quit teaching not long after; I like teachers, but this one didn’t like kids). Like your son, he thrived in the new school and none of us ever looked back. It is such a gift when you are able to get your child into a school environment that’s right for that child. I’m happy for you, and most of all for your son!
#4 – I’d let her know. And perhaps the parents of other kids in the class? What an attitude.
Hallelujah for #4! It made all the difference for me too.
Happy Leap Day everyone!
(1) Akro Dark is still combatting the winter doldrums for me, it’s been on a roll three days now.
(2) Not a particular scent but my rabbit hole was the wonderful shop in Barcelona called La Basilica Galeria. It’s an insanely eclectic store with handmade jewelry of every variety imaginable from grotesque to kitsch to delicate, some lovely sculptural art, and a large niche perfume collection where the testers are all glass bells made from old wine glasses. I first went into the store with a friend in 2014 and was enchanted. The shop is meant to be slowly explored, savoured, wandered… It was the first time I saw perfume in a context completely other than sales pitches from harrassed-seeming ladies at department store counters and it opened my mind to the idea of how many perfumes were out there waiting to sing on the right person’s skin.
(3) Wasn’t always the biggest vetiver fan to begin with but Hermes Jardin Après La Mousson won me over.
(4) Mr. Teebear and I found an apartment we’d like to transfer into on the right timeline, and the current tenants like us and want to give us (and the kitties!) priority, so we may if all goes well be upgrading our living situation in May!
Love your #2 and great news on #4!
What a great way to fall into perfume!
Fingers crossed for your apartment 🙂
Ooh, I loved that store when I visited! Such an incredible array of niche fragrances, and nice staff. And Apres La Mousson is my favorite of the Jardin series, so I’m glad it helped you with vetiver.
Yes the staff there are so chill but also love what they do!
Jardin Après La Mousson has such chill-out vibes! It’s my go to at the moment when I need to create a nice calm headspace for the day.
What other vetiver fragrances do you like?
Pink Vetiver by Jo Loves and Gardener’s Glove by St. Clair Scents! Especially the latter. I wrote a long review of it on my blog if you’re interested (Serenity Now: Scents and Sensibilities, http://www.scentsandsensibilities.co).
I hope your #4 works out.
I loved that store when we visited, I think, 3 years ago. After going through ALL perfumes I didn’t try before, I found perfume to leave with me.
Which did you get, Undina?
Ramon Molvizar Sol/Sun – a round bottle with golden flakes in it.
Congratulations on #4!
1. Today: CK Obsession Sheer
2. Rabbit hole: It’s was a bit of a developing process. I liked Love’s Baby Soft and Wicked Wahine (!!) in junior high – this was maaaany years ago in a galaxy far far away.
But I think my real entrance into the rabbit warren was Worth Je Reviens which I wore throughout high school for special occasions (orginally because a beautiful and sophisticated – also nice – senior girl wore it and I was smitten with the hope of becoming like her and later because I just really liked it).
3. Changed my perception: so many perfumes along the way opened my mind and nose to the amazing and varied world of fragrance and what I might end up loving. If I had to choose, I’d say fragrances like Bvlgari Black, L’Artisan Tea for Two, PG Bois Blond and many CdG that made me realize all kinds of scents could make wonderful fragrances.
4. Something wonderful: well, I already posted here about our recent trip to Maui, but it was truly wonderful – all three adult sons and even a girlfirend joined us and we all had a blast – lots of water activities and relaxing and cooking together and a morning run on a gorgeous coastal trail plus sea turtles and whales. It’s still keeping me going!
Enough about me – I want to hear about all of you. ♥
I know what you mean about “still keeping me going” — I am a convert to February vacations. How lovely that you had all the family with you.
#2 Strange how some of the nicest girls that I’ve known have been beautiful and sophisticated. And they get such a bad rap in movies. I sometimes think the nastiest people are the jealous ones. (And I am solidly mediocre, so don’t read anything into my comment!)
#4 So glad for you. I have a good relationship with my boys, but have heard the saying “A son is a son until he takes a wife” too often.
Yes to #2 comment – interesting that I felt the need to clarify that the beautiful girl was also nice!
Re #4 – I do realize they won’t all attend family gatherings forever, but all three sons are good friends so my hope is that their bond continues and we can join in at times!
I’m starting my Sunday morning with cleaning the bathroom, so right now, I smell of white vinegar and baking soda.
It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day, first day if autumn! Already! I’m planning on wearing Le Temps d’Une Fête, a summer favourite.
Good for you! I need to do some serious cleaning but lack motivation 🙂
Me too! I keep using my garden as an excuse to avoid housecleaning, lol! But my roses really do need to get pruned RIGHT NOW, so I’ll finish them this weekend and try to get motivated for at least some housework.
Well, at least you are coming up with an excuse! I’m not even that far 😉
Divine, You smell simply divine.
1. VC&A Lys Carmin
2. I’ve always loved perfume but it was Coming to My Senses that alerted me to niche/indie perfumes. Then I found The Guide and I was lost 🙂
3. I dislike green perfumes. Then I smelled Chypre Mousse and fell in love instantly. I still don’t like greenies, but now I’ll try them rather than rejecting them unsniffed.
4. Something wonderful–life is wonderful every day. I’m retired and do pretty much anything I want. Everybody is healthy and I have a rhinestone tiara if I need to cheer myself up. Also a chocolate bin in the refrigerator.
I do have something that’s peeving me–what is going on with people who back into parking spots in lots designed to be hood first? Are they thinking they need to make a quick getaway? I have no problem with someone who can back in taking the same amount of time as parking front first, but when it takes a driver three tries I think that is excessive. More and more people are doing it here–is this some craze that I’ve missed?
In my town, I can almost see the point: in general people treat parking lots like the Indy Speedway, and so backing out of a parking space generally means assuming that even if you start with the coast clear, someone will whip around a corner and nearly — or actually — sideswipe you. What I have to watch for is people pulling through from the other side — driving front-first into a space and then crossing to the space in the adjoining row, where they will end up parked rear-in. Of course this maneuver also happens at top speed, so when I am pulling head-first into my space I worry that someone will zip in from the other side and hit me head on.
Legitimate peeve! I see that a lot as well. It always amuses me that these reverse parkers don’t seem to mind having an audience for their parking incompetence. You’d need a decent opinion of yourself to pull that off, I reckon.
I see the backing into parking spaces more and more, too. I think some of it is not wanting to back out semi-blindly (understandable). Some is probably that back-up cameras have made it easier, but some folks (me) may still need practice. I do pull all the way through to the adjacent spot if it’s feasible and not a slanted spot, but can’t do the backing in thing.
Lol, do you really have a rhinestone tiara??
Yes I do. I usually wear it while cleaning. I like the juxtaposition of fancy me vs mundane chores.
Haha! That’s awesome.?
I now have a tiara lemming. I am hopeless! ?
That is fabulous! I’ll have to dig in my daughters’ old dress-up trunk and see if I can find a tiara! Maybe I’ll wear it while gardening, lol.
My sister and I have an assortment of tiaras. They are always worn on birthdays. My mom wore hers all day on her 90th birthday at Disney and it was tucked in next to her at her funeral.
I know of only one person who has a legit reason to back into a parking space, and that is my brother. It’s a work requirement for him: if one of his work sites blows up (oil well), he needs to get outta Dodge as fast as humanly possible. He does it off the clock because habit.
It looks like I back in all the time too, because I have a long a$$ van, and backing out of a parking spot can be pretty close to impossible is smaller parking lots. California has parking lots that you could MAYBE fit a roller skate..! I pull THROUGH so I can pull OUT without any problems.
I just realized that I came off sounding rather strident in my comment. Sorry about that Deva.
Gosh, I didn’t take it that way at all, so no worries. Just illustrating that people may look like they’ve backed in and really haven’t, and/or may have a very good reason for doing so. Like your brother! If I were him, I’d wear a jet pack that flies at 500mph to get outta that oil well if happens to blow… ?
I drive an ancient and humongous SUV, and do the “pull through”, because pulling out of a standard space is just scary. I do make a habit of parking way out in the boonies, which makes me walk farther. Every little bit helps!
I have witnessed plenty of people who are not skilled at backing into a spot, and it is annoying. It always seems like they’re driving huge trucks….
I drive a tiny SUV and just cannot seem to get the hang of parking it going in nose-first – it’s never lined up with the lines, never centered in the space. I can’t even imagine how big a mess I would make of trying to back into a parking space. Backing OUT of one doesn’t seem to be a problem though, luckily enough.
#3. Enjoy your retirement. A retired neighbour invited me to a meeting of her social group of retired friends yesterday. They call themselves the red hatters (they actually go all out and wear red clothes to their meeting too!) and some had funky combos of RED and purple on. But they keep their meetings super organised and informative, yesterday’s talk was on wills and how to get through the process of settling an estate – sadly as two ladies had lost their husbands recently. But the meeting was a blast and they tell little jokes and tease each other. And cake and gifts too!
1. Commando at the moment but will put a healthy dose of Coco Mademoiselle on in a little bit.
2. Chanel Cuir de Russie edt. I don’t know why they messed the Les Exclusifs line.
3. Had a hard time with aldehydes but have come around to them.
4. I am happy that a new season of Call the Midwife will be showing at the end of the month.
Ooh, I’m excited about #4!
@ 2. I dont get it either.
I was quite happy when I discovered this line. I bought Sycomore edt.
And then they changed all the formulations to edp, raised the prices ? (and they made them less exclusive haha, but thats the part that does not bother me)…
Channel has gotten incredibly ridiculous. They seem to have reformulated everything. When I got that mini travel set of no 5 EDP, it smelled like the no 5 EDP but did smell reformulated. Even Coco Mademoiselle smells reformulated. I know if has orange but the citrus smells a little more like a lime. It still smells like Mademoiselle but not like it used to smell. I will agree that the prices have gotten out of hand. When the Les Exclusifs line was released, for 6.8 ounces, it was $200. To pay $200 for 2.5 ounces of something thinned out with less lasting power is mind boggling.
Its ridiculous.
I am a perfumista for only 4 years now, but in that short period of time….price hikes everywhere
1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
Eau de mandarine ambrée. I just got a traveller set for spring. They are the cutest little things in their little orange sleeping bags and bright rainbow colours!
2. Go back to the beginning, and tell us about the fragrance that sent you down the rabbit hole.
This is a tough question. I loved perfume for as long as I remember…trying to make perfumes out of rose petals as a kid, Love’s baby soft in grade school, and the like. My first ‘grown up’ scent was Chanel 19 and I love it still. But I’ll give credit to Eau des Merveilles for being so different from anything I’d tried before, that sent me on the journey of trying (and buying) as much as I could.
3. Tell us about the fragrance that changed your perception of a note or accord or fragrance family.
Prada Candy was my first sweet (still not my favorite genre) but there are some gourmands that I now like once in a while.
4. Tell us something wonderful — a great new recipe or TV show, something fun you did recently, any fantastic plans you have for the future, really, anything.
I’ve gone back to an old employer after a few years of being like Goldilocks with new jobs, now I’m feeling that I found my “just right” place & couldn’t be happier.
I had lost my interest in perfume for a while but went on a little spree to celebrate ??
Nice to see your post Gi.
Hi Petunia!
Hooray for finding the right job!
Thanks Robin!
Hiya Gi! Good to see you!
Hi Jalapeno!
Congrats on the new job with the old employer! Being happy at work makes such a huge difference. Re the perfume: you can claim to have had a successful extended “no-buy”, lol.
True! Now I have to make sure I don’t try to catch up all at once ?
I did the same – worked somewhere for a few years, left for a higher paying job that I ended up hating, went back to the previous employer and stayed another 16 years. I realized it was my happy place.
1. Wearing Nomenclature Iri_del.
2. Not any perfume in particular. Calvin Klein Obsession opened all my senses to perfume beauty when I was a teenager and I smelled it for the first time.
I started going down the rabbit hole around 2007 when I started reading perfume blogs. The more I tried the more I wanted to explore and the more I bought. The rest is history!
3. None so far. I wish I could find a straight sandalwood, tuberose or ambergris perfume that could make me change my perception of those notes.
4. Nothing great happening lately. Just waiting for the arrival of Spring so I can dress up lighter and spend more time outdoors. I also finished decanting today for some NSTers, so whoever is still expecting packages from me they will be out next week.
Waiting for spring here too! At least the sun was out today and tomorrow should be 50 degrees!
Crossing fingers! It has been very cold here the last couple of days. We were in the 30’s today feeling in the 10’s. We will be back to the 50’s on Monday.
Cold enough here to make my eyes water when I went to check the mail around lunchtime. I decided that groceries could wait until tomorrow.
Same here! I postponed all my errands until tomorrow. Nice and quite day at home, instead!.
A quick PSA: Soivohle is having a half off sale on their Modern/Classic Perfumes and $10 off their perfume oils:
https://bit.ly/2VyoxR3
Yeah, BIG link. [editor note: link fixed!]
I’ll be back later to answer the poll questions.
What are you buying? I’m bummed that Honeysuckle Bird and Iris et Narcisse are sold out, but I’m planning to get Lilacs and Heliotrope. And maybe an oil or two. I know you’ve tried some of the oils. Do you have any favorites?
Busted! ? I got three of the perfume oils that I couldn’t stop thinking about. They’re blind buys, but I went ahead and rolled the dice, so to speak. The two oils I already have and love are Vintage Chypre and Incense & Myrrh. I also have a 10mL bottle of Lilacs and Heliotrope from a couple of years back.
I ended up talking myself out of any purchases, but I’ll enjoy hearing about the oils you bought as you try them.
I am giving serious thought to getting a couple more of the perfume oils, since they are being discontinued.
Have you tried the Daybreak Violin? I’m tempted to blind buy it.
Yes, I have an older sample from StC. My testing notes say “Mint Lifesavers and lily of the valley. Mostly spearmint from this.”
It does end up becoming a LotV scent on me. YMMV, of course.
Thanks for the info!
1. Maison Violet Tanagra
2. Bois des Iles and Sycomore
3. Carnal Flower and Tubereuse Criminelle (white florals/tuberose)
4. I recently adopted a cat! A sweet special needs rescue who’s turning one in a few days. I adore her and am completely obsessed with her ?
Congrats on your furry feline adoption!!!!! ?
Our current two are rescues and one is very mildly disabled – missing one femur head; was hit by a car while a stray – but despite that she’s our alpha. So her inability to jump as high as the kitchen counter has made every other cat believe it’s 110% no-go territory, what a bonus!
May yours be equally queen of her castle!!!
Thank you! She has cerebellar hypoplasia and her head wobbles when she’s excited, curious or nervous. Sometimes it’s mild and it adds to her adorableness, other times it’s pretty severe and I feel bad for her. Other than this she gets by quite normally.
My brother had a kitty with cerebellar hypoplasia! “Tumbelina” was closely bonded with his now-OG senior cat, Miles who must be going on 16 or 17 now. They were adopted as a pair and she had a very happy life! Welcome to your new furry love!
Awww?
It sounds like your kitty found the perfect forever home. ?
What’s your darling kitty’s name?
ConCATulations!
That’s a good one!
Yay for rescues❣️
1. SOTD is Black Opium, which has grown on me.
2. Rabbit hole moment was discovering NST when I was having a hard time finding a citrusy floral just testing things at Sephora and decided to look up a review of Gucci Flora when it first came out.
3. Never would have predicted I would love iris as much as I do. VCA Bois d’Iris (and Robin’s review) got that started.
4. Happy dance for my older son earning his Eagle Scout and deciding on the University of Alabama. They offered him a nice amount of scholarship money so we won’t have to worry down the road about funding grad school or law school or something.
Congrats to you and your son!? Well done!
Oh yay for your son!
Congratulations to your son!
Congratulations! I too have a high school senior heading to college in the fall. Hurray for scholarships!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to your son!
Wearing Sensuous Noir today for no other reason than it caught my eye and seemed appropriate in a very cold day. It works!
I have been drawn to scents since I was a kid, so have always had an interest. My first “signature” was Somewhere by Avon. My guess (since it was a long time ago) is that it was somewhat green. But the scent that absolutely knocked me back was Le Temps d’une Fête. But from back in early or mid ‘90s. I found it in a French store in SF (La Bouquetierre) and swooned. The bottles back then were ornate and beautiful, quite fancy. Wore it until the the store closed and I couldn’t find it. I happened to walk by Aedes on a visit to NYC and saw the bottles in the window. Bought it there and in the Nicolai store in Paris until it was briefly discontinued. (My next Aedes scent was La Chasse au Papillons,but it’s didn’t satisfy in the same way.)
But, honestly, the rabbit hole opened up through NST. That’s when I started shifting scents around the same way I change earrings.
VC&A Orchidée Vanille opened my eyes to vanilla.
Nothing especially wonderful. I like my new haircut, but it will take some time to get used to. Bangs and a lot shorter and more feathered. My husband and I went to a matinee of The Straight Story today. Hadn’t seen it since original release in 1999. Still a lovely story, but this time it was harder emotionally for me. It was like seeing my Dad on the big screen, which kind of surprised and threw me. Not wholly, but much of the mannerisms, movement and attitude was so much like my dad the last couple of years of his life. A mix of emotions. Hard, but sweet at the same time.
Congrats on the haircut!
Sorry the movie brought up mixed emotions for you…I can understand that.
We are Avon Somewhere twins! I remember having the powder in a shaker tin.
I have a sample bottle tucked away and need to see if it still is good.
Scent of the evening is Kelly Caleche EDP, I’m a leather wimp so have enjoy what I call ‘baby leather’ scents.
L’Heure Bleue extrait made me want to try all the classic perfumes, I still base my perfume loves on what I tried back then.
I recently discovered that solar notes are something I enjoy in perfumes, a favorite is Alaia Blanche.
A colleague at the library where I volunteer has written and had a book published. I am so impressed by his achievement and feel proud for him.
I’m not much for leather scents either. Have you tried Hermes Agar Ebene? Leather isn’t listed but I swear it’s there, at a subtle level though.
Oh then we’re sisters about leather scents. Thank you, I’ll put Agar Ebene on my to try list,
I like all kinds of leather scents and think that Kelly Caleche EdP is lovely!
I wish I were like you but strong leather scents intimidate me, The citrus in KC’s opening is so good, it reminds me a little of the opening of sur le Nil, they’re both from JC Ellena of course.
It would be rather boring if we all liked the same things. ?
So true.
Same here! It is difficult for me to wear leather. Lancome Cuir de Lancome was a no, no for me. I gave my full bottle away. Chanel Cuir de Russie is another one, however for very special sentimental reasons I have kept the bottle and wear it once in a while. I love Kelly Caleche though, especially the citrusy opening. I finished a bottle a while ago and I will repurchase it later on.
I’m like you that even really admired leather perfumes don’t work for me. I have Cuir de Lancome but only keep it because it’s the same bottle as Magie which I love.
Congratulations to your colleague! That’s really cool!
Thank you Lillyjo, I think so too.
I’m a KC EdT girl myself. I never really think much about leathers, but I love KC and Cuir de Lancôme (esp the dry down on that one) and Bottega Veneta. Oddly, I struggle with Cuir d’Ange, which apparently Ellena was very pleased with.
I am with you all the way LizzieB, and Cuir D’Ange was too meek on me sadly.
Boy do you smell great!
1. Jubilation XXV
2. Fille en aiguilles
(That happened 3 years ago after a no-perfume-phase that lasted more than a decade. It was not a very conscious choice..it just happened. And before that I wore mostly floral / woody / balsamic designer fragrances (stuff like Lei by Emporio Armani, Narcisse by Chloe, Hugo Boss Woman, Dolce&Gabbana).
3. Bond T made me realise a gourmand does not necessarily needs to be sugary sweet. Gourmand is still not my favourite genre, but I dont stay away from it anymore.
4.
I went to party yesterday. Theme was Karl Lagerfeld.
I had so much fun assembling my outfit.
@2.
Nooo, t wasnt 3 years ago, It was 4 years ago…how time flies!
I still remembsoer purchasing that bottle. I was so excited!
And it almost felt magical…wearing perfume again after all those years.
Now i really feel bumped out when i leave the house without ?
Me too JiJi- it was 4 years ago for me too, the other part to rabbit hole was that I had just learned that I would lose both my best friend and mother to cancer within the next couple of years. NST was an amazingly powerful diversion for me that I desperately needed. (My dear friend just passed a month ago, mom in the fall of 2017.)
Oh no, that is devastating to lose two loved ones in such a short period of time, so sorry!
But yes, NST is a great diversion and NSTers are sweet and funny!
What type of outfit did you wear?
I was a Karl-look-alike
White blouse with prominent collar. Black tie. Black blazer. Hair in a ponytail, sunglasses.
?
…and black shorts with black suede overknee boots for that ‘runway feeling’ ?
Ha! Awesome!
1. Sage Onyx
2. POTL and then also some of the Annick Goutals
3. Not sure if I’ve really changed my mind about any note(s) or fragrance family that much.
4. A good thing – It feels like spring! Where I live, it is always good when the temperature makes it up into the forties on the last day of February, and it was 42 degrees today.
Spring is always a good thing! We are supposed to be over 50 tomorrow!?
Onyx! Haven’t seen that one mentioned for a long time. You smell wonderful.
1. Vanille Insensee.
2. Like pl67, Obsession was a big love for me back in the day. It was the first perfume I considered my signature scent. It was looking for a new, modern version of Obsession in 2013 that sent me down the rabbit hole.
3. My very first sample order from luckyscent 7 years ago included Le Labo Labdanum 18 and Ambre Sultan in search of my “new” Obsession. They both blew me away, they were just so GOOD.
4. We watched a documentary on prime last night called This Mountain Life. Three minutes into the movie my mind was officially blown.? It was video of snow artist Simon Beck, who I had never heard of. If you have the time, watch this link. If this isn’t wonderful, I don’t know what is.
https://youtu.be/dDMuN6YOWFs
That’s amazing! I wonder how many miles he snowshoed to make it?
I know right?! It’s seriously one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. In the movie we watched he made a snowflake and he said he spends 8-12 hours!
That’s fabulous! I’m flummoxed as to how he can make it so symmetrical?! Does he use a computer to create a pattern and then follow the directions like one would in cross stitching?
This also reminded me of my recent obsession with triple crown thru hikers. Their “steps” are critical to them, and if they have to skip a certain section, say, due to fire activity, they are driven to come back in another season to “connect”’their steps so they have hiked the entire trail…amazeballs!
We wondered the same thing. If you have time, watch the first 3 minutes of the movie (which is not about him but it’s how the movie began) he made the most intricate and beautiful snowflake.
Ambre Sultan! I am hoarding whatever is left in my full bottle. Such a great perfume. Instant love!
Vanille Insensee is fabulous! You smell great. 😀
Thanks for the movie recommendation. Artists and thru-hikers are fascinating people to watch. I wish I could be one or both of those someday. 😉
1& 4
I took my parents to the opera, or rather a live simulcast of the Met Opera of NY at their local theatre.
I wore Costa Azzura Acqua. This is the first time I’ve worn one of Tom Ford’s “aqua” or cologne type scents. I am very impressed, fresh but sophisticated when first sprayed with a base that is still lovely about eight hours later.
The opera was amazing. It was Handel’s Agripina and apparently the “oldest” opera the Met put on. I tend not to be too fond of most 18th and 19th century operas (and really prefer late twentieth and early 21st century ones) but this was amazing. All the singers, especially Joyce DeDinato (sp?) sang these really complex baroque trills with both precision and warmth. The staging, as nearly always these days, was “updated” but for once it worked. The story is about how deceitful and mistrustworthy everyone in political circles is, and how ultimately all their machinations are for nought, which was a theme of imperial roman history, probably true in the early 18th century when Handel composed this piece, and rather true today. (The emperor, as my mother noted, wore long red “trump” ties)
A very special shout out to mezzo soprano Kate Lindsey, in the trouser (male) role of young Nero. She note only sang beautifully but danced and pranced the posture and gestures of a disturbed adolescent male. At one point she did an aria while snorting massive amounts of coke (even it was just stage flour, she was singing through some type of powder storm). In another scene she was literally hitting high notes while doing an arm plank and sit ups on a stair way.
Wow, the opera sounds amazing! I love that the Met does those HD broadcasts, my late mother used to go to those with friends when they couldn’t do NYC any more.
They usually do a Wednesday rebroadcast about two weeks after the Sunday simulcast, and a summer rebroadcast as well.
I have a ticket to go to the Encore presentation on Wednesday at an area movie theater. Can’t wait!
1. What fragrance are you wearing today?
Commando — will put a fragrance on at bedtime.
2. Go back to the beginning, and tell us about the fragrance that sent you down the rabbit hole.
I got a book about perfumes published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art that included several small bottles of fragrances that were supposed to represent specific eras when certain types of perfumes were popular. I liked the rose and the millefleurs the best.
3. Tell us about the fragrance that changed your perception of a note or accord or fragrance family.
Iris Silver Mist introduced me to powerful iris scents. 🙂 That got me into trying more samples of iris perfumes.
4. Tell us something wonderful — a great new recipe or TV show, something fun you did recently, any fantastic plans you have for the future, really, anything.
I’ve been enjoying bird-watching through the kitchen window. We’ve been putting out suet. We’ve seen woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays and a number of “little brown jobs” (sparrows or wrens) on the suet, and juncos on the ground beneath. The little brown jobs hop around on the ground, too.
LOL, one of my offline friends also uses the expression “little brown jobs” to refer to certain birds. That made me smile.
“Little brown jobs” is a popular phrase among bird-watchers to describe birds that are challenging to distinguish by species. Not exactly scientific, but useful. 🙂 We’ve got one sort that has a more russet-colored back, reddish brown, and one kind that has black and white stripes on the top of its head. That one scratches in the leaves below the suet feeder. I usually wear my reading glasses around the house. When I see birds at the suet, I run and get my distance glasses so I can distinguish them somewhat. 🙂
Bedtime scent: The “anti-unicorn” perfume I got yesterday — Chanel No. 5 EdT. So much more reasonably priced than quite a number of niche brands. I was shocked that that was the case.
Scent this evening: Got a little sample of “vintage” (1980s? Earlier?) Coty La Rose Jacqueminot, which I’ve been very curious about, from Surrender to Chance. Rosy burst at first, then kind of isopropyl alcohol with rosiness. Mostly back to perfume-y rose, still a bit of alcohol scent going. It’s hard for me to realize that the 1980s were a few decades ago — I remember them well enough. I guess it’s a relatively long time for some liquids with an amount of natural material in them to last.
That sounds really perfect. Did anyone carry a pet cat??(stuffed animal of course)I just so love ur #4. It is astonishingly addictive.
Oops – my first sentence was for JiJi and got appended onto my post for you!
I so LOVE your #4 and it is astonishingly additive isn’t it? The house wrens (a.k.a. ‘little brown jobbers’ )are truly my favorites because they sing so dang loud and if perched atop your chimney their song resonates through the house like a choral rehearsal.
You make me smile!
1. What fragrance are you wearing today? Guerlain Meterorites
2. Go back to the beginning, and tell us about the fragrance that sent you down the rabbit hole. Like others, it started nearly in infancy. My Mom used to get Avon products, so I believe the first product for me was “Somewhere” powder. Sweet Honesty may have been the first ‘fume I picked out for myself (a million years ago). After that, I remember my Dad getting Mom a bottle of Chanel No. 19 when it was new. My sister and I knew that was something wonderful!
3. Tell us about the fragrance that changed your perception of a note or accord or fragrance family. I’m learning to like rose in fragrances if it’s blended well, as in EL Knowing or Phi Une Rose de Kandahar.
4. Tell us something wonderful — a great new recipe or TV show, something fun you did recently, any fantastic plans you have for the future, really, anything. Very excited that the new season of “Better Call Saul” has finally started. And I made a good banana bread earlier this week from a new recipe.
mmmmm, banana bread is wonderful! 😀
Robin, I love today’s picture for Leap Day! It’s adorable.
1. Back in SSS Incense Pure today. Mr. Jalapeno found a crack in our bathtub recently, which means that it needs to be fixed. That news means that I want my calming perfume force field back.
2. I definitely wore perfume in junior high and high school… I went thru more than one bottle of Love’s Baby Soft, Charlie, and Jean Nate back in the day. I couldn’t afford perfume in college (had to pay for books, etc.) but still enjoyed the occasional sniff. When I started getting real jobs after college, as opposed to temp jobs, then I began buying perfume for myself. I seriously went down the rabbit hole in 2009, blind buying my first perfume then (Samsara. Don’t remember if I got the EdT or EdP first.)
3. No. 19 and Heure Exquise were among the perfumes that convinced me I liked iris. I had initially been left cold trying Prada’s Infusion d’Iris.
4. Bright sunshine today, even if it was cold and raw outside. More sun is in tomorrow’s forecast. I’ve also noticed that the days are definitely longer than they were back in December. The spring equinox isn’t far away! ???????
Jean Nate! I used to wear it a lot when I was a teenager and I couldn’t afford any perfumes. I have a huge splash bottle that I only wear when it is extremely hot or after taking a bath and I want something simple and comfy that doesn’t last long.
Jean Nate..
Do they still make that?
Yes, available everywhere.
And there is a dusting powder as well! I believe I found it at CVS.
Incense scents make me feel calm too.
Sorry about your tub! I just had to regrout part of the tile above my bathtub. Pieces had cracked and then fell out! whoopsies.
Wasn’t Baby Soft so good? Makes me smile to think about it. My mom kept a bottle of Jean Nate in the bathroom my sister and I used as kids. It was so fun to splash it around.
I’m loving the longer days too. 😀 😀 😀
AFAIK there hasn’t been any water damage because of that crack, and I hope and pray it stays that way! Ugh.
I’m stunned at how much I love that Incense Pure. But a larger amount will have to wait… I’ve been naughty this weekend.
If you see this, go look at the original picture…it is actually 3 shots stitched together, but I could not fit cat no. 1.
1. Wearing today: several samples of House of Matriarch. Really enjoying “Epiphany”, which is described as a lavender chypre.
2. It wasn’t a perfume that sent me down the rabbit hole, it was a book! Chander Burr’s The Perfect Scent. I always enjoyed fragrances and always had a few in rotation, but it was after reading that book that I become obsessed.
3. The fragrances that changed my perception of citrus notes are Atelier des Ors’ White Collection. Marie Salamagne’s use of citrus notes as a uniting thread, but with each of the three fragrances highlighting a different citrus, is so creative and beautiful. I used to think of citrus notes as a boring obligatory top note in most fragrances, and now I pay much more attention to them.
4. It was chilly here today again, but when I went outside to check on my roses, they were leafing out enough that I knew it was time to prune them, so I did; and then I enjoyed seeing which different varieties of daffodils had bloomed in my garden. I love spring, and spring flowers! I have a pot of blue hyacinths on the island in my kitchen, and they are scenting the whole room.
Have a great weekend, everyone, and happy Leap Day!
The Perfect Scent was a fun read! I loved it.
Your hyacinths and daffodils sound lovely.
Spring flowers make me happy too. 😀
I’m looking forward to more of my spring flowers blooming, hopefully when the danger of frost is over. I have a lot of kinds of daffodils and jonquils now, and a fair number of tulips, depending on how many got eaten. I planted a bunch of tulips near Christmas time in 2018, and I think they all came up in the spring of 2019. I had planted a bunch of ‘Couleur Cardinal’ (red) and its parrot tulip sport ‘Rococo’ (red with bits of various other colors), and that patch of tulips made a very bright showing.
1. SOTD = Delrae Mythique.
2. Falling down the rabbit hole: like many others, I loved Sweet Honesty, Love’s Baby Soft and Charlie when I was young. My mother had a big, round dabber bottle of Chantilly that was a little too much for me, and EL Youth Dew, which was a bunch too much for me. I love it now!
3. SL Tubereuse Criminelle helped me make friends with tuberose.
4. My grandson’s first birthday is in a few weeks, so I get to go buy baby clothes!
Enjoy the birthday party! 🙂
I remember trying my mom’s Youth Dew one time and it refused to leave. Felt like it lasted for days, through various washings. Way too adult for me.
Several rabbit holes over the years…
First was watching my mother apply fragrance and smelling her closet.
Second was early marriage and what my ex husband bought me starting with Joy, Vivre, Ysatis.
Third was BIG rabbit hole via Chinatown. One I still love. The buying has slowed but the thrill remains. SOTD was box of eels. My mom died three years ago yesterday and I remember I started wearing it right around that time. It was comforting and beautiful.
Foot slowly improving, went without boot two days this week.
Glad the foot is improving. Plus a hug for you?
I dreamt last night about my mom. These dreams are always bittersweet.
Bittersweet is the single word that best describes life to me.
Good news about your foot!
Sendings hugs! ?
Thanks! Even got a pedicure!
Yay!
1. Most of today I was in Ormonde Man, to see if I like it better than Ormonde Woman. Nope! Now it’s b3dtime and I’m in a light spritz of Prada L’Eau d’Ambree.
2. Technically, I guess it was Jil Sander No. 4. I used to be perfume-monogamous, and JS4 was my daily wearer for 10 years or so. Then one day I went to replace a near-empty bottle and the SA at Nordie’s said it was no longer available. (That was before I learned about perfume discounters.) In the course of hunting for a new daily scent, I discovered perfume blogs, which led to perfume samples, which led to so many beautiful scents – no way could I wear the same thing every day now!
3. Still waiting for some kind of epiphany as to big white florals. They just don’t suit me, and I’m afraid that will never change.
4. Part 1: Less than a year to go to retirement, and I’m finally beginning to look forward to it instead of dreading it. Yay?
Part 2: My ANCIENT sewing machine (truly – it’s older than I am) still works, and today it got me through hemming a new pair of pants.
Part 3: I finally found the perfect paint color for the bedroom.
SheriG, have you tried the Elixir version yet? If so what do you think?
No I haven’t – I just now read a review on cafleurbon’s blog, and it sounds gorgeous but possibly something one would have to be in the right mood for. A sample might be in my future.
And on manatees, did you know there’s a website co-founded by Jimmy Buffet called savethemanatee.org? No actual manatee song, but it does have Jimmy Buffet strumming a guitar. I bet if you asked, he would write a song for them. ?
Ha! That’s great to know, I will have to visit.
I do have Elixir and I would love to share, I am even playing with layering OJ Woman on top of it to see what that does. (I get different impressions w/Elixir) I’d like your opinion. As many do I love OJWoman. If you can wait a little while for me to send it to you, I’d like to hear what you think. I am back and forth on travel now. Send me your email to renee.romana@gmail.com.
I’d love to take you up on your kind offer, and have made a note of your email address (so Robin can disguise it now if she wants to). 🙂
Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit!
I am still reading all the great comments from Friday’s Unicorn CP and now am hopping back and forth from that ?to today’s poll. What a great idea the Unicorn theme was, I really enjoy reading every post.
I LOVE this picture, Siamese are my favorite cats! I have had 3 out of the many I have owned. So mouthy. My next one will be a rescue.
Ok I am going back to the top to read but here are my comments:
1.Today I am wearing Le Labo Jasmin17.
2. My rabbit hole perfume was Un Fleur de Cassie. I was sitting under a huisache (sweet acacia/mimosa) tree in Arizona and HAD to find the scent that came from that tree, which led me to this perfume, and so it began….
3. My note is Violet, the perfume that changed my mind about it was (can you believe …I have never worn it in any form) Mugler Angel, Garden of Stars Violette. It is a lovely perfume and now I am on a violet scavenger hunt. I am learning to differentiate between the leaves, the powder and the green notes. It is not a straight path for sure but a fun adventure.
4. There are manatees right here in our creek (on vacation) that come up to visit you and snort and blow thru their blow hole and you can gently nudge up against them in a kayak without them batting a whisker. It is so cool. There is a baby shark song, a baby beluga song but no manatee song, what gives?
Your no.3 is cool, learning the different violets. The garden of stars is really a great collection.
Thanks lillyjo.
Rabbit rabbit rabbit!
1. Soivohle leather krem.
2. I have loved perfume since childhood but when I was 18 my aunt brought me a bottle of Ysatis from Paris. I had never felt so fancy and it sent me on a search for more of the same.
3. I think probably Orange Sanguine changed my perception of citrus scents. It’s fabulous.
4. This May, my son will graduate high school. I have been hoping for this day for 18 years. I’m not the type of person to outwardly show giddiness but I really can’t stop smiling about this. I almost feel like a real grown up, with making all the arrangements and plans. I’m so proud of him.
Congratulations I know just how you feel!
psst- re: Ysatis they had it on sale at STC for 30% off, last nite – vintage/retro, maybe they will extend it? It dovetailed perfectly with the unicorns CP. it’s worth a try.
Congrats! You have all the right to show giddiness! We are all very happy for your son and you!
I adore Ysatis. I have an old manufacturer sample vial, very large, that still smells like heaven.
Congrats, mama! You and your son both deserve many hugs. 😀
Congratulations to you and your son!
Well congratulations to the both of you!
Parenting seems like such a huge commitment and responsibility!
It’s mostly worry for me. My biggest goal in life is to get my kids to independence. My son is slowly getting there, my daughter, not so much. I pray every day.
I used to joke that my parents spent much of my early years preparing me for independence and then once I was on my own, spent the rest of their time trying to get me back in the crib. Which I found sweet and understandable.
Thanks everyone!
Fantastic news about your son lillyjo! You have every right to be giddy and proud. Congrats! ?
Congratulations, lillyjo and son! I am doing the happy ?!
You re making me smile even bigger now?
Perfume today:Zegna Acqua d’Iris.Such a lovely smooth iris,I think even people who dislike iris in general will like this.
The Rabbit hole was opened by CK Escape for Men,actually!(Wore Le Male for years,but what got me exploring was Escape!)I wanted to explore different options to my signature Le Male,so Escape was followed by CK Be…and most mainstream male fragrances back then.Then THE GUIDE happened…lol
Rochas L’Absolu changed my thoughts about fig/fig leaf perfumes,I rarely wear it these days,but still love it.
I’ve been feeling “weird”lately,don’t know how else to describe it,but it is probably tied to my depression/insomnia/workload that is not getting better.
Sometimes I don’t even know what to say,even commenting on this lovely site seemed like an arduous task.
I’ll hang in there.Hope everyone had a great weekend!
XO
Being overworked when we are depressed, sometimes is unbearable. My own experience. But nothing we are not able to overcome. You will be fine. You can! We can! ????
Yes we can.Thank you M!
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johanob, I’m so sorry you’re going through rough times. Sending some virtual hugs.
Thanks Undina,any hug is appreciated!
Hope your weekend is great.??
I get the weird feeling sometimes too, I call it “the ick.” Take care, johanob, it will pass and things will feel better.
Stealing your word!
It sure feels like “the ick”,and I hate it!
Thanks Tiffanie,happy weekend!?✌??
We are here for you, johano! I get that way in the fall. It’s a very melancholy season. Some days, I don’t want to comment because I feel like I’m too negative, but reading the comments and being a part of the conversation lifts me up.
That is so true,Lillyjo.And I have so much to be grateful for,including awesome NST friends,that it seems ridiculous to be feeling down.Fall is approaching fast here down south,and it definitely is a contributing factor.I dread the coming Winter.
Alas…
But I’ll be fine,eventually!
Hugs!??✌?
I’ve felt weird for several years now. I put it up to depression, insomnia, anxiety and lack of purpose since I retired. I need to find a way to enjoy my unstructured life more. I can totally relate to not knowing what to say, sometimes I don’t post for the same reason. Hoping we both find joy soon!
You know it is a bad day when even perfume cannot cheer you up!
I can only imagine feeling kinda lost after retirement,I hope the transition will be smooth for me when that arrives!
Finding joy in the little things is what we need.
Happy Sunday T!
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I totally agree about finding joy in the small things. A nice cup of tea, a snuggle with my dog, a spritz of great perfume, being outside in the sun. Happy Sunday to you too (what little is left).
Retirement and lack of structure have also been surprisingly stressful for me.
sending you some inner sunshine.
This too will pass
Abbraccio!
Sending you hugs, johano!
I’ve been in the “weird” place too johanob. It can be hard to roll with the punches sometimes. I’ve gotten better at it over the past 5 years or so. Hugs, and know that you are not alone.
I can’t add anything to all of these lovely comments above, they say it all!
but +1 ?from me to you.
Sorry you’re feeling this way. Do you have a sunshine perfume…or even an armor perfume?
Maybe getting one of those lights that’s supposed to be like sunlight but without all the UV, and using it in the morning will help the “weirdness”? I take melatonin at night, and that helps me sleep.
SotD = Infusion d’Iris EdT
today, rabbit, note, wonderful . . . ok, here I go.
aaaah, Infusion smells like the trail of luxe bar soap left behind on clean skin after a long shower.
Pink jasmine, jasminum polyanthum, restarted my fragranced life. The flower’s scent is citrus-jasmine-ylang ylang with a touch of green leaves. Terracotta le Parfum is in the same neighborhood, but I’ve still not found it in a bottle. My pink jasmine vine started blooming on Friday, so it’s all good.
l’ambre des merveilles made me love amber. I had a hard time with something in the base of many amber scents. They often smell harsh to me, so I avoided them. Now I’ll try anything.
something wonderful, I just don’t know. I’m reading the novel “Henry, Himself” by Stewart O’Nan. I’m enjoying it but not sure if I’ll ever finish it. I don’t read as much as I used to.
Your Pink Jasmine sounds devine,I wonder how it compares to our African Jasmine?
Infusion d’Iris is such a beautiful perfume,I really should dig out mine as well.
Happy Sunday!
Your Pink Jasmine vine sounds like the cure for the wintertime blues!
Jasmine polyanthum does have a lovely scent. I don’t own a plant of it myself, but I have smelled it blooming. I’m trying to keep a little “royal jasmine” (Jasminium nitidum) alive in the house through the winter. The leaves are a pale green. I have chelated iron, and should use that on it when I can take it outside on a warm day and spray the leaves. The ‘Maid of Orleans’ sambac jasmine is doing well.
I’m wearing 4160 Tuesdays Lightning ridge, a boozy incense scent.
POTL was my first niche scent that sent me down the rabbit hole.
El Attarine taught me I can enjoy cumin in small well blended doses.
I’m feeling happy and excited about two week-long camping trips I’ve scheduled for this summer. I want to spend a LOT of time outside this year.
I think a camping trip would stress me out!
Same! Funny story, I work with a nice lady who came from a third world country, and is married to an American. Her MIL wanted her to go camping, and my work friend refused to go, which made the MIL angry. Finally my friend yelled at her saying don’t you know where I’m from!? I didn’t come here to go camping! I want to stay inside and take a shower! Lol, so the MIL dropped it.
LOL. My husband didn’t believe me when I told him I loved camping because I am otherwise such a civilized urban girl. But my family camped constantly when I was a kid so I recall it as fun happy times. Being able to see the stars and sit outside by a fire makes me really happy.
Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit! ???
Back in Incense Pure again today. ?
Some good news: my engaged friends are probably going to have a late autumn wedding at the Jersey Shore.
Wedding at the Jersey Shore in Autumn sounds very romantic! Happy for them!
It does, doesn’t it? The pictures I’ve seen of the site that was picked look lovely.
OMG, I forgot to Rabbit. And yay for an autumn shore wedding for your friends!
Here’s hoping that the weather will cooperate! And I rabbited more than once, so I think you are covered, too.
It’s nice to have something to look forward to when summer is over.
It’s gonna get interesting when I have to step up with the maid of honor duties.
Very late and did not rabbit ? ? ??!
SOTW:
– Diptyque Eau Capitale
– Kilian Single Malt
– Aedes de Venustas Iris Nazarena
Hmmm, I’m not as precocious as some here but when I was around 8, I thought I could sneak a spray of Tatiana without anyone knowing ?. Then I was fascinated by The Body Shop’s perfume oils; however, I turned out to be allergic to it (itchy hives). And then I saw Burberry Baby in the rocker bottle and thought, if it’s good for babies, it should be hypoallergenic and thank goodness it was. But I wasn’t quite there yet. Then came the trio of Shu Uemura perfumes in 2008ish (unicorn perfume I posted about on Friday). It was 2 – 3 years past that before I plunged in. Bottom line, there really was not one turning point.
Patchouli and I used to be enemies but I now love it! Could it be Andy Tauer’s Dark Passage that did it – I don’t recall!
And something good – A friend of mine celebrated her birthday yesterday. She had a party at Nai on the lower East Side. Fabulous tapas, unlimited sangria (the only drink I had) and a flamenco performance!
Here’s my IG post on Iris Nazarena:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9M3lkMhzIF/?igshid=2fijcvm3awjl
I’m bummed that the perfume line has been discontinued.
Oh,I hadn’t heard that . All of them? I love the signiture one.
Really, the whole Aedes line discontinued? I knew about Pelargonium and had heard Iris Nazarena was being reformulated. But I noticed they no longer had the whole line at First in Fragrance when I ordered my replenishment bottle of Oeillet Bengale. So glad I bought it if that’s the case. I still see them at Aedes.com.
That sucks. I was hoping to try Copal Azur sometime.
That original Tatiana bottle was hard to resist. My neighbor’s older sister had it, and I would sneak sprays myself!
Sounds like you had a great time yesterday!