Saturday is International Fragrance Day and the International Day of Forests. Sunday is World Water Day. With so many of us stuck at home, though, this weekend's poll is on a topic we usually only cover once a year, in the winter: visual media. (And we'll do a spring reading poll soon, in April.) Tell us...
...what fragrance you're wearing today?
...any great tv shows or movies you've discovered recently, and/or
...anything else fun you've been streaming to stay occupied (exercise videos? music? anything),
Or, as always, just talk about something else. And if you can think of anything else you'd like us to talk about in a weekend poll, do speak up!
Note: top image is DAM1959 - Lago di Neves [cropped] by Damiano Pappadà at flickr; public domain.
I want to thank you all for your beautiful words yesterday regarding my old aunt. I appreciate them greatly and hope she stays well. I will speak to her over the phone later today and I will read all your messages about her. I am pretty sure she will be delighted and very grateful. It will be also a way to keep encouraging her to stay so bright and positive as she has so far.
I am wearing AdV Palissandre d’Or, thanks to a very generous NSTer. So pretty!
Beautiful, sunny spring morning. I have been listening to the birds outside singing more than usual. Less people and traffic outside is allowing Nature to have a break to bloom and breath better. Let’s take advantage of it and enjoy it, even from inside.
Have a healthy and peaceful weekend, everyone!
It is almost as if nature is trying to reassure us, that in spite of this awful epidemic there is still beauty around us. Gorgeous, crisp and sunny weather here as well.
Agree! In the middle of these dark times Nature is surrounding us with its beauty and giving us hope. That’s a good reason to have a smile on the face!
The earth 🌎🌍
laughs ☺️
in flowers 🌻🌺🏵️
Perfection!
Yes, I also woke up realizing that all I could hear was birds — and no background traffic hum, here in the middle of the city. So glad you’re checking in with your aunt!
Even walking my dog on empty streets very late at night has allowed me to listen to crikets, cicadas and other insects more clearly than usual. Party time for them! So glad Nature is so alive now!
Add my best wishes to your aunt!
Thanks!
We both noticed the birds! What a nice idea about sharing the posts with your aunt. She sounds like an amazing person.
Thank you! She is!
I wish I could take a walk on the beach now. I am sure marine birds and ocean life in general are flourishing also. Such a blessing!
It’s my daughter‘s 12th birthday today, and your aunt inspired me to set our dining room table with our best China and glassware, since it’s just us
we’re not having the kid party we planned for, so this will be an extra special celebration for her. We will also wear lipstick and jewelry 😊
Happy birthday to her!
What a wonderful idea and plan! It will be very memorable for her, I’m sure.
Many happy returns to your daughter.
marvelous! My mum got out the best china and crystal often when I was a child. You’re making special memories for you and your daughter.
What a lovely idea for her birthday,!I will always remember how special it made me feel when my mother would get down the fancy green glass goblets for us kids birthday dinners. I hope she has a wonderful day!😊
Extra happy birthday wishes!
Happy, happy birthday to your daughter! 🎁🎈🎉🎂. So uplifting to hear my aunt was an inspiration for you today. She will love it!
Have a great time together!
Aww, happy birthday to her!
Meditarraneo today since I didn’t wear it yesterday. I’m going to go do the 5k I signed up for earlier (canceled due to COVID-19) – by myself. I’m celebrating spring anyway and listening to the birds while I drink my coffee.
Just watched Ford v Ferrari last night, really enjoyed it. I enjoy lots of British shows (River, Endeavour, Shetland, and of course, the British Bake Off).
I’ve also worked out with online videos for the last couple of years vs spending time in a gym (saves time and money) –lots of great youtube stuff: popsugar, POP Pilates, PopSugar, Adrienne yoga, Sarah Beth yoga. I try to get in 30 minutes (even if I need to combine two videos for the day) plus a good walk or run most days, although I’m not always successful.
Thanks for your polls, Robin and for NST. It’s a spot of joy right now when things are difficult. Yay for International Fragrance Day!
LOVED Endeavor and Shetland. Thank you for all the yoga recs!!! Now that my teacher cannot teach I’ve been slacking off.
Hi CM, we’ve been missing you!
♥️😘♥️
Hello hello! Welcome back!😊
Thank you, Nancy 😺
Thank YOU for the polls — the polls are everybody, being nice to each other and providing moral support to whomever needs it. This is just one small piece of caremongering.
go you! I appreciate the yoga recs too. My yoga teacher let me record the audio of her last class. I’ve been doing the same routines almost daily since then. I like Adriene and forgot about her, so now’s a great time to get back to it.
A good friend was supposed to do a century bike ride last weekend. It was called off, but she and her bike buddies drove out to the site, stayed in the hotel they had booked, and had their own race.
Makes me happy that people are doing their thing to stay fit and happy.
Thanks – just back from the run and it was great. Gorgeous day and ended up going almost 5 miles.
A friend of mine flew to Baltimore last week to do a marathon, only to find out that it had been cancelled. He contacted the race director, got a map of the course, and ran it by himself, with his wife driving ahead to leave water for him.
I’m wearing nine sprays of Rhubarbe Ecarlate. I smell very rhubarb-y.
I’ve been waiting for some of my favorites to come back, and Top Chef, Outlander, Westworld, Call the Midwife, and Making the Cut are all on my list. I just finished watching Project Runway, always fun for me because I have none of that type of creativity. I watched The Crimson Field on PBS, a drama set in a French field hospital during WW I, but the BBC only made one season but it’s available on DVD and on some streaming services. It’s a good show and I’m sorry it didn’t last longer.
Looking forward to reading other people’s recommendations!
I love call the midwife! That’s a good one to catch up on today!
Project Runway is one of my most favorite guilty pleasures. I feel like it’s a ridiculous way to spend viewing time, but I’m also enthalled by the work they do. I can follow a pattern and sew a hem by hand, but the spontaneous artistry on PR boggles my mind! Gonna check out Mkaing the Cut and The Crimson Field. Thank you for sharing.
I received my samples of Pont des Arts today. I’m wearing A ce soir today which is a beautiful, abstract vanilla in true Duchaufour style. I think I’ve found another lemming.
Completely forgot about the rest of today’s poll in my enthusiasm for my new fragrance.
There is a wonderful French espionage series which is called Le Bureau des Légendes/ The Bureau. It’s not very uplifting but it is a very clever and gripping series. There have been four seasons so far and I think they are currently filming/have finished filming the 5th and last.
On a more cheerful note I watch Chunk the groundhog. His lip smacking and chewing is strangely soothing. Another page I visit regularly is Wolfgang 2242’s instagram. He is very witty, apart from being great with just about any animal.
Adding The Bureau to my list, thanks!
https://www.nytimes.com/watching/recommendations/the-bureau
Awww, wolfgang2242 is in senior dog rescue. I’m a fan now! Thanks for the heads up!
Yep, his animals have the most wonderful names. My favourite dog of his, now dead, was called Edna. She was wonderful. And his pig Bikini is great at social distancing: https://www.instagram.com/p/B90O5CvgW3T/
I really like A Ce Soir – do you get though a strange vegetal top note?
No, I just get tobacco at first and the dry down is similar to Havana Vanille but more floral. The middles shares some pollen with Ostara. All in all I’m very, very smitten. Have you tried any of the others?
I think I will get a bottle of A ce soir.
I tried A Chaque Instant but didn’t appreciate it as much
Good morning! The Wild One and I had a walk this morning in the 52 degree weather and it was lovely. It’s supposed to get into the low 90’s next week, so I will take the cool!
I’m happily oversprayed in MdO Nuit Noire, thanks to clarissa and the last swapmeet. It’s arm day at NL Fitness gym today, so I’ll overspray again before my workout.
Here’s a little laughter to start your day. Enjoy, my friends!
https://youtu.be/jpRhey9mm04
Oh Nancy, love ❤️ it!
Pluto rocks!
So lovely! Thank you! 💙
That was a good laugh, thank you!
It’s almost uncanny
Holy crap, the low 90s? Wow! Now if only you could’ve averaged out the cooler and warmer weathers.
I know! A few weeks in the 70’s would be lovely right about now. But really, as long as it’s not raining, I’m fine. I just need to be able to walk outside for my mental health!
Went for a lovely long walk today: the city feels nearly deserted but the air is crisp and cold, the sky perfectly clear. I’m so glad this is all happening in the spring instead of in the very depths of winter.
Wearing Rose Jam again today: it’s become a can’t-do-without staple.
As for entertaining myself, some of you will not have heard that the Metropolitan Opera, which has closed its doors, is streaming a different opera every evening, free of charge: each stream is available from 7:30 p.m. EST until I think 3:30 p.m. the next day. Two of this first week’s offerings were La Bohéme and La Traviata, both operas about young women dying of a lung ailment, but they’re standard repertory, what can you do? Just go to https://www.metopera.org/ and scroll down a little to access the current show.
This is bringing us closer to history and to our ancestors in so many ways, isn’t it?
Wow! La Boheme! I actually performed in that opera with the Metropolitan Opera Company at Lincoln Center as a child. Thanks for this information and the link!
Amazing! Do you remember which production you were in? Maybe they recorded it!!! Are you still singing? I have some colleagues in the Met Chorus right now!
Oh gosh no! That was in the late 1970s and early 1980s! I was a member of both the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus and NYC Opera Children’s Chorus. Performing at Lincoln Center was surreal. The size of the stage at the Met!!! Unbelievable!!
However the production of Werther that I was in was indeed on the radio and recorded.
I love how big those opera stages are, it’s amazing! I haven’t been on the Met stage, yet
Werther is a beautiful one too! Thank you for sharing!
No scent yet, but that picture above and the fact that we’re going to try to get out on a hike today makes me think I should find something woody.
We’re not huge TV watchers, but we started the new season of Babylon Berlin just as the crisis was taking off here. I had to pause watching it for a bit — Weimar chaos was hitting just a bit too close to home — but I think I’m ready to come back around to it. Otherwise, we watched “The Big Lebowski” and “Spinal Tap” this week for some much needed levity (and because comedy is about all I have space for after working all day and well into the evening).
I’ve had to take my visual media in smaller chunks — following the stories of calves being born and the beautiful pictures of the Lake District on @herdyshepherd1’s Instagram feed, photos of Swiss sheep on @aswissshepherdswife’s feed. Life goes on still on farms, and I miss my grandpa’s.
Thanks ockeghem, and hope everyone will feel free to share their favorite instagram feeds!
For great kitten pix, try love.and.hisses. !
oooooh, lovely! now I’m following both farms on insta. thank u!
Sampling Memo Oriental Leather on one arm and Twilly Eau Poivree on the other. Don’t need either one. Stuck at home means I can do more sampling. Maybe this is the year that I finally eliminate my samples backlog.
With so much time, I’m obviously going to be doing more baking. Currently letting the dough rise for chocolate cinnamon buns. Must always have something chocolate handy!
What do you think of Oriental Leather. How is it different from Italian and Irish? I’ve got a banana chocolate chip cake in the oven for my husband’s birthday. That and prime rib will make a party for 2.
Nice party! Happy birthday to Mr. SS.
Happy birthday to the hubs!!!!!
Happy birthday to your husband! Sometimes we make that cake, delicious!
Oriental Leather starts off cool on me then gets more patchouli. Can’t remember if I sampled the other two you mentioned
Happy birthday to the hubster! 🎂
I’m baking focaccia today. Bar chocolate chip cookies yesterday.
😋
Can I come over?
I’ve heard focaccia is really easy to make. I have the ingredients and a rosemary bush, so maybe tomorrow I’ll make some.
We’re about done with the chocolate chip banana bread I baked on ….Monday? Tuesday? How did it last that long?? Whatever. I agree, need to figure out what to bake next.
Hello nsters
All the power went out last night- a total apocalyptic feeling for a minute there till it came back on.
Wrote crisis communications from the minute I got up till I finally took a shower at 5pm yesterday. Did place an order with Whole Foods to deliver outside my door.
Have elderly neighbors so will check on them later. The sun is out and my foot almost healed, a walk later is in the plan.
I broke my no purchase rule last Saturday and got a bottle of le labo tea noir body lotion. It’s super delightful.
So many sales hitting my inbox, but retirements is so close gotta stuck to the straight and narrow, especially now. I haven’t looked at account all week.
I did buy a ticket to Hamilton at the Pantages for a birthday treat for May, but who knows if anything will be back to normal by then.
Post shower something I’m not worried about using up. Maybe memoirs of a trespasser.
My sister in Florida I worry about. Everything seems to still be open there.
Robin, thank you again for this wonderful place to connect.
Anything super delightful is a good reason to break your no purchase rule!
Oh, good luck with the Hamilton tickets apsara — and of course hope your sister is well and stays well.
I worry about my parents in Florida too. They are in a condo til the end of April, but like you said, things aren’t as closed down as they are in my state. I wish they could just teleport to their isolated home in the north woods of Wisconsin, but they got word from their county health department urging snowbirds to stay where they are and not come home because there are very limited medical facilities where they live. We text and FaceTime almost everyday, guess that’s the best we can do for now.😔
Can they stay where they are right now past April?
Yes, luckily they can if they won’t be able to come home when they originally planned.
With you on writing crisis communications…that has been the last two weeks for me. Enjoy the walk! And Tea Noir body lotion sounds fantastic!
It’s is!
Usually my hives keep me away from scented lotions but I haven’t had a flare up in 5 weeks.
I am thinking about all the stories my mother and dad told us from the depression and World War II
Wear it out
Use it up
We can come out the other side if everyone works together
You made me curious about that body lotion!
Enjoy the walk ☀️🌼
SOTM is AdP Iris Nobile EDT, because Glannys reminded me yesterday that I have it and love it. She and I might be close to scent twins – I feel like I’ve been following her around lately, scent-wise.
Mr. G and I haven’t found a new tv show that engages us both since The Good Place and Stranger Things wrapped up. He likes Ozark and Better Call Saul, but I’m finding both a bit too dark for me. My television habits lately have been reruns of Monk (which was wildly popular and deserved to be) and Chuck (which should have been wildly popular but only ever found a niche audience).
I’m going to try virtual pilates sessions with my regular instructor using an app called Zoom – any of you have experience with that? She (my instructor) says it works well, but we’ll see. And I plan to get out in the yard today and do some badly needed spring clean-up!
Am trying to enjoy the quiet while it’s here – this phase will be over eventually and the usual noise of society will return. Stay well, everyone.
Scent twins!! My middle one brought her bottle ( gift from Cazaubon ♥️) home from college and I am stealing spritzes every so often.
Nice! Does it last at all on your skin? I seem to recall that you have trouble with that, in general. I’m five hours in and it’s still with me.
No it doesn’t but that means I get to reapply throughout the day 😁. She has a 100 ml bottle and it’s still quite full. When she unpacked all her fragrances upon returning home from university she announced ” mom, I think we may have too much perfume” 🤣
We still quote Monk all the time. And I’m starting to feel like I’m becoming with the sanitizing wipes! “Inheriting money? I could be good at that.” And the one where he says he has to get his “45 minutes” of sleep at night? Mr. SP and I used to say that to each other when the boys were younger and life was a bit crazier.
“You’ll thank me later.” Hee.
“It’s a gift. And a curse.”
Yes!
“Lobby, lobby, lobby…”
Another favorite! That one pops into my head often in the elevator at my office, as I’m pressing “L”.
SherryG – we might be TV show twins! I’m still searching for a good series myself…
Let me know if you find one!
My husband and I have that problem all the time — I never was big on dark violent shows, and am less so the last couple years.
Shows we both like: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Billions & Succession (both are dark and have *some* violence but are more focused on money & power).
I’ll have to try Billions – that’s the one with the redheaded guy from Homeland … what’s his name … Damien Lewis, right? Curb is one I can’t watch – too much yelling and things going wrong all the time. Odd, because I loved Seinfeld and it was basically that as well.
Yes, that’s him! And Paul Giamatti.
Paul Giamatti ~ Sideways~ amazing.
My H can’t deal with Curb, either. It makes him too uncomfortable. I find it hilarious (though one episode this season was so cringe-worthy even I had a tough time finishing it) and watch alone.
Same! He can’t take it. I find it cathartic, lol. He basically does/says things I’d like to say out loud, but, filter! I mean, sometimes he is just a total embarrassing jerk.
He also couldn’t watch the British version of The Office because of the Ricky Gervais character.
Ooh, the British The Office sounds like a good idea. I never did watch it but Extras is hilarious. Love love Ricky Gervais. His first appearance on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is *me* as a car passenger doing and saying the things I’d like to scream out loud but filter
The British version of The Office was amazing. I remember when they started the US version, Gervais explained that Americans won’t watch anything that doesn’t have hope…I think that might be true? The British version was much tougher to watch. I loved it though, and it took me awhile to warm up to the American version.
My sister sends emails signed Mrs. Bobby Axelrod!
Excellent!
Ditto. I can’t watch the constant torture and violence that so many shows have. And I prefer comedies that aren’t always about sex. There’s so much more to be creative about.
I just got zoom today! I had been using FaceTime for most interactions, so I will see if I like this better.
I did a meditation class last Sunday on Zoom, and had a virtual PT home visit yesterday on FaceTime.
The Zoom one was mostly looking into computers and sometimes talking. It was easy to use, and you could choose who to have fullscreen. Only one part was movement, and in that case the teacher just stood up in front of her computer.
There is probably away for an instructor to position the camera for abetter view. You’d have to really experiment to figure out how to position your phone or laptop camera for her to see you. I’m going to try to figure that out next time for PT.
Anyway, I’m an old neo-Luddite and found Zoom easy to use.
Please let us know if you have tips after trying it!
Good information – thank you! I experimented yesterday with my iPad in the room with my Pilates set-up, and found that I had to reorient everything so as not to have the camera pointed at the window. Even with the blinds closed there was too much glare. Our first virtual session will be Monday, and I’m really hoping it works.
Keeping the worst clutter out of view is my main challenge!
Hello, everyone!
Coming out of social media exile for a brief moment because a dear friend informed me that a few NSTers were concerned about my well being. Thus far, still alive and kicking 😁
Two of the mini Marzipans are home and not happy about it because they were doing extraordinaryly well academically and in the midst of pledging and everything came to an abrupt halt. I am most concerned about my eldest who is a newbie nurse in a very small hospital in an impoverished town. She is already “recycling” her masks and gowns and very much socially isolated as literally everything is closed. Even her apartment is forbidding visitors and her roommate has moved out.
And I am navigating the challenges of working from home which seems almost silly (those of you who know what I do for a living would understand this statement). I am asked to complete tasks that are completely foreign to me with zero training and when I ask for help everyone passes the buck 🙃. But I am healthy and alive with food in the fridge and two of my dear ones home as well as my furry granddaughter who is such a love and a pip so I have much to be thankful for!!
I hope my friends on NST stay healthy and safe and have a calm and peaceful 2020 once the dust finally settles🦉☮️☯️
Yikes for your daughter! I could not imagine doing that level of intensity at that age and with that level of experience. I hope the admins are looking out for them…
Luckily she has a senior nurse with 30+ years experience both hospital and travel nursing who sees her as a “daughter” and helps her out ( they are on different shifts but they text). Plus, my daughter is so in love with her career and really wants to learn as much as she can that she watches videos and reads on her own time constantly. I am immensely proud of her for her contribution during this crazy time but at the same time worried lol 😬
Oh gosh, your poor daughter. I’m so glad somebody has taken her under her wing, so to speak. Nurses (I’m ashamed to say) have a reputation for “eating their young.” I haven’t experienced this on my unit, but have observed it when I float to other units. It’s a shame.
I’ll be thinking of her and hoping she stays well!!
Ha! This was pretty much the case when she started out ( senior nurses weren’t so nice) until she met this woman who was her precept briefly. They just clicked and now have a wonderful mentor/ mentee relationship.
good for your daughter, CM8. My sister is an NP on the front lines, too. Special place in heaven for the caregivers.
Awww, she sounds like a special kid 🥰 Happy she has a mentor to reach out to!
She is!
And I am happy too!
So glad you checked in, thank you! Will be thinking of your daughter and hoping she stays well and safe.
Thank you Robin! Life has been crazy lately! And thanks for the well wishes for my daughter.
On a positive note I scored two four packs of toilet paper early this morning!! Life’s little blessings 🙏💞❣️
Yay!
😁😁
+1. Sending her fortitude and surrounding sanitation.
Thanks , Angela!
Good to see you here and I admire your daughter very much.
Thank you, Aurora! Figured I would pop in while I can.
Definitely some challenges, but glad the kids are home (even if they aren’t). Thankful for your nurse daughter.
Congrats on the TP.
Did you ever think we would be so thrilled to be able to buy TP?
I too am thankful for all the nurses. Hats off to all of you!
Hope it all goes well. We will need nurses more urgently every day. Stay safe!
Thank you, tannins! And you as well!
I did type your name properly but my autocorrect hates me! Sorry, tannina!
I hope your daughter stays safe.
Thank you, Gaynor.
And PSA-
I guess it’s National Fragrance Day and SSS is having a 20 percent off on everything including 5 ml travel sprays.
Nice!
Have you tried the SSS scent that is supposed to be vanilla/mask? I can’t think of the name and if I bounce out of this browser I’ll lose everything I wrote – also are the formulations exactly as they were before? I’d like some insence pure
And so nice to see you! You always inspire me to WEAR perfume 😊
Sienna Musk? I think that one is discontinued ☹️. But I would recommend Incense Pure. I have mentioned before that a Buddhist nun stopped me in my tracks in an Indian restaurant to ask what I was wearing and had my write down the website on a napkin. My full bottle is the last of Laurie Erickson’s stash but from what I’ve been told Brenda has stayed true to the formula. Sitting on my hands to not order a bottle for my birthday next month. I have been really good with my no buy this year!!
Yes that’s it! I think I’m going to go for the sale – boy has my age to purchase increased since Quarantine
Yup!
Carpe diem
Buy that perfume!!
See code below 👇
I have been wondering if the formulas are the same, thank you for the 20%off tip!
The code is
FRAGDAY20
No scent yet, but maybe some California Reverie, which is always uplifting.
We did our drumming class with Zoom for the 1st time last night which was an hour and a half of banging (on the couch arm, because, neighbors!) and excellent stress relief.
Still committing to weekday, daily morning meditation from 8-8:30 via Zoom. I’ll repost the link for anyone interested (and glad to hear you wenymt Nancyl! I’llkeep a lookout next time!). It’s pay if you can, donation. And Eastern time.
https://www.dharmapunxnyc.com
I’ve neglected my binge watching, but the last 2 things I watched were The Stranger (psychological thriller) and AJ and the Queen, because Ru Paul always makes me smile.
In other news: 1 of my friends tested turned up covid positive. She and her partner, also sick, are home, but doing ok. She was telling me last night that she was calling anyone she may have had contact with in the last 2 weeks to let them know. A common friend got voicemail-to-text and he said it translated to text as: “Hi Bob, just calling to let you know I tested positive for cocaine” 😂 We both had a good belly laugh with that one.
My 26 yo niece and her boyfriend, who is Type 1 diabetic, rented a car and are driving to Colorado today. His parents want him close-by and feel that he’d get better medical care in CO than in NYC right now, which is likely true. They drove by at 6am today to drop off their perishable food items at my place. Boy, these kids eat a lot better than we do!
Thank you for this link!!!!!!
Sure! Meditation is especially helpful to me right now.
I agree. I used to have an extraordinaryly rigorous daily meditation and yoga practice that I let go by the wayside. Now is the time to resurrect some of it. I am very grateful for your little push ♥️
I’m so glad you were able to have drumming practice! You always look like you’re having a blast in the IG drumming vids.
The meditation was so nice, but my mind wanders a lot. I did some meditating when I was a teenager (everyone dabbled in it in the 70’s), and practiced taiji in the 90’s, but left it behind. So I need to start back with some form of meditation practice.
That’s bad news about your friend who tested positive! Yuck! Please take care and eat well and take your vitamins. Okay, I’ll stop with the mothering now. 😊
Any distractions are welcome right now. I do enjoy it and miss meeting in person, but thos is second best.
Awww, thanks Mama 💕 I am trying to be vigilant and taking extra vitamin C every day.
I used to gey frustrated with the wandering mind but I learned from my teachers that the goal is not to have a blank mind. It’s to gently notice the mind’s activity and not engage the thoughts that arise. Also, to acknowledge them with compassion rather than self-beratement. The whole goal is greater awareness, so being aware that you’re trailing off is a victory!
One of my teachers used a useful metaphor that I still refer to: All your doors and windows are open, people are passing through, but you don’t invite them in for tea.
Even long-time meditators say they still have “monkey-minds”.
I find this kind of insight meditation so much more feasible and helpful than trying to shut out all thoughts.
Oh, the tea metaphor is great! Thanks for that one, Elisa, and thanks for the encouragement. I’ll try and remember about the “tea” tomorrow. 😊
I have been wearing mostly all Solstice Scents the past several months. The line is extensive with lots of vanillas and gourmands and I have been sampling away. Today I will wear Violet Mallow probably.
I finished Shrill a couple weeks ago on Hulu and loved it. Took the Lindy West book it’s based on out of the library right before everything went to hell in a handbasket and with the shelter in place in effect the book isn’t due back any time soon now.
I will start up Westworld soon and wish I still had Showtime to watch the last season of Homeland.
I will have to look up Shrill, I have not heard of it. I shut the door of my office when my husband watches Westworld or Homeland though
Woke up in Chanel no 22 this morning and did some cleaning. Now that I have taken a shower, I am commando. I am thinking of Une Rose Vermeille but I have to really think about that one though. Lasting power on that one is like nuclear waste. It takes at least 2 showers to fully wash it off, even with Tide but I love it though.
Wow, did not know RV was so powerful!
It is that powerful. In the end I went with vintage BaV.
Chanel 19 edp on my left arm, from a generous nst’er ! And Chamade on my right arm
I wish my husband liked channel 19 – I would love to get a bottle of this – he loves the 70s because of his childhood nostalgia, so I’m trying to sell it by saying “it’s a 70’s scent”
Hah! It is a ‘70s scent! I really need to try Chamade. I love the name and it always sounds so beautiful. How does it compare to 19?
Chamade is more powdery to me – the aldehydes make it brighter and there are more florals I think. Overall it’s a much cozier scent – not a gourmand at all but I can’t help thinking about chocolate when I smell it
Question:
I like terra-cotta, but I’d like to find something similar without the coconut and less sweet – any ideas?
That’s a great question. I would love to know also.
Me too, I swapped away my bottle of terracotta. Couldn’t take the coconut.
EL Sensuous Nude, maybe?
I just looked it up, good recommendation kpaint, thank you.
Saks has Diptyque on sale—looks to me like the whole line is 25% off, but I didn’t check too thoroughly as cabin fever decisions were being made and I had to get off the website. Apologies if this is duplicative info, but I just stumbled across it and thought I’d share!
SOTD is Jardins d’Ecrivans Wilde.
I am perhaps the last but we have been watching Killing Eve, which is great. Also, a lot of kdrama on Netflix—Crash Landing On You (A+) and Itaewon Class (B) have just wrapped.
That’s funny because Neiman Marcus just had a HUGE 25 percent off sale on just about EVERY fragrance- Diptyque, Malle, Creed, Killian, Estee Lauder, Jo Malone, Guerlain….. skin care and make up too!! Wonder what’s going on? I have also noticed the high end niche popping up on fragrancenet for relatively reduced prices.
Normally, I’d think it meant stock rotation, repackaging, reformulation, discontinuations, upcoming new launches. Also, some department store chains have closed some of their brick and mortar stores. Don’t know about Neimans, specifically.
Interesting. I was wondering if perhaps future closure might be the case for NM.
I also noticed that fragrancenet is selling Chanel which I thought was odd, given that I was under the impression that decanters are no longer allowed to? Or am I wrong about that?
That’s what I thought, too.
I’m think that’s maybe to encourage on-line sales since people aren’t going shopping, or some of their locations had to close or reduce staff because of state mandates? I’m getting lots of emails for online discounts right now.
Yes, I imagine they can project out how much closures will reduce sales and how much they can afford to discount in order to at least get some online sales. In addition, they sometimes switch up which brands are featured most prominently in-store, or stop carrying brands, and the remaining stock might end up in the gray market (this is a guess based on the watch industry).
Hello all,
SOTD is Osmanthe Yunnan on this beautiful spring day with trees in bloom and I’m sure, pollen levels to match. But let us not dwell on the pollen.
I’ve enjoyed The Kominski Method very much (it’s a comedy starring Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin among others, it streams on Netflix and I believe there have been 2 seasons released so far). No action (which is no surprise considering the age of the protagonists), just sharp, witty dialogue.
Take care everyone!
I really liked the Kominski Method. Both great actors, but I especially enjoy Alan Arjun. And it took me quite a while to realize that was Paul Reiser 😱
Hi all, I think I may be emerging from the fog of my really awful cold which has been dragging me down a full week now with coughing and stuffiness. I am wearing MFK Oud Satin Mood this morning and it’s so smooth and wonderful, rather comforting on this gray day. I am almost at the end of watching a good Swedish noir TV series on Amazon Prime called “The Truth Will Out.” It’s very slow and dark and cold (very Swedish, in short) and has wonderful acting and some quirky characters. For something lighter but very clever and engaging, I recommend the Brokenwood series set in New Zealand. It is a mystery/cop show set in a beautiful little area outside of Auckland. The main cop also has a vineyard. The characters are fun and each story is also nicely developed. It has the virtue of going for (I think) six seasons and many of the characters recur and it’s fun to see how they come back. Not much else going on here. My cat Dusty is acting normal and has a good appetite and I’m glad he is still able to enjoy things despite his huge tumor. It’s a strange situation to know his time is limited, but I’m glad at least he does not know that. I hope everyone is managing to carry on as best we can.
Glad you’re feeling better, Calypso.
I am glad that you are feeling better and thank you for the TV show recommendation, I think we’d really enjoy Brokenwood.
You enjoy Dusty.
Also, glad to hear you’re on the mend!
Poor Dusty, but happy he seems to be unaware, which means he probably feels ok.
I’m glad you’re feeling better! I’ll check out Brokenwood. It sound like it would be just my speed. 😊
LOVE Brokenwood!
Today’s poll answers:
what fragrance you’re wearing today? – Fate. Yesterday was Opus 1.
…any great tv shows or movies you’ve discovered recently, and/or loving – Pennyworth. Very dark but compelling – it’s the story of Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred, and how he evolved into that person. It’s on Epix, and makes a nice change from Harry Potter reruns.
…anything else fun you’ve been streaming to stay occupied (exercise videos? music? anything) Listening to a lot of Grateful Dead, mixed with Tame Impala, Big Thief, Beach Boys and Sparklehorse.
Also just finished William Gibson’s dystopian novel Agency, the sequel to The Peripheral. Loved it. I’m a dystopian kind of gal, and it fits the times well. Now back to Sherlock Holmes.
Stay healthy all, and thank you Robin and NSTers for a daily dose of kindness.
Tame Impala! My daughter and I have concert tickets for the end of May. I am so hoping it doesn’t get canceled.🤞She’ll be crushed.
Such a great band to see live. Fingers crossed. Bring good ear plugs
Could one read Agency without having read the Peripheral?
It won’t make as much sense, but will still be entertaining/distracting.
Sometimes I really like dropping into the middle of something with no clue. When things get resolved and the mystery is gone, the reveal is often so much less meaningful than I imagined. Apparently, this has to do with how our brains are wired up.
Although he can be hard enough to follow even when I’ve been taking notes, and you miss the emotional resonance of the characters’ story arcs.
I’m in Musc Bleu by Il Profumo from a sample. Ever in search of the perfect musk, this one is close but not quite it. The sun is out today and we have a beautiful blue sky. Took a walk after breakfast and my face got cold because it was only 25 degrees out, but the sun felt so good!😎
We’ve been bingeing Endeavor on prime and it’s really good. We try to solve the mystery as we’re watching but haven’t been successful yet. I love British mysteries. Also watched Knives Out this week, but then you already knew that.😉
Something fun? My girls make me laugh every day, in spite of everything else going on.
We finally watched Knives Out last night! Very enjoyable.
We watched it last night, too.
I love Endeavor, as much for their excellent props dept and costuming as anything else. Apparently the US/PBS versions are edited and cut and missing 10-15 minutes from the original UK broadcasts. If one wanted to go the crazy superfan route, the UK originals are available on DVD on amazon.
[SPOILER ALERT: maybe those missing 15 minutes would explain why his relationship suddenly ended without explanation between seasons (season 2 to 3 or thereabouts?) I could never figure out why their interactions got so awkward and no reason was given for the breakup.]
Copious amounts of Orchidée Vanille today after showering. Zoom call from 7 am to 8:45. Wanted to buy some coffee at Starbucks but they’re closed. So, went into grocery briefly and got a few things. Then decided to head to the general store across the street…one of those classic NYC stores (sadly disappearing) that has virtually everything (and what they don’t have, they will order for you.). He had toilet paper, so I got a bit for back up as well as an extra box of Kleenex.
Thanks for TV suggestions. I don’t have any. Maybe I would if I’d actually hook up our Roku.
Toilet paper twins !!!!
You smell lovely and calm.
We had the same idea earlier this week with the Kleenex – marine toilet paper is an option if you can get to a store. (very thin single ply easily biodegradable )
We had a Zoom happy hour with my girls last nite @ 5Pm. It was such fun.
I am wearing Iris Pallida from L’Artisan Parfumeur. This discontinued goodness fits the crisp spring day.
I can highly recommend Sex Education series on Netflix.
And if you are up to some home excercises, Popsugar Fitness on Youtube is awesome. I’ve been doing those excercises for over a year and I’m never bored.
Ooo I remember Portia from the now defunct Australian Perfume Junkies raving about Sex Education. I should put it on my watch list.
I had so much fun watching Sex Education.
I really love the costumes, music and decors in that series, so uplifting. Its a nostalgic mix of 70s 80s and 80s stuff, but it still makes sense in its own way.
I also love Sex Education. One of my favorite shows I’ve watched in a while.
I’ve been reading about the challenges so many of you are dealing with with huge sympathy, and it’s starting to bite here too. New Zealand has had very few cases so far, but the numbers are increasing. We’re now asking people not to travel, and advising the over 70s to isolate themselves as much as possible. I had booked a trip to see my mother next weekend, but I’d left it a bit late, and I’ve cancelled. We’re both disappointed, but if these measures work, she’ll be fine.
Meanwhile, the streets are quiet, the supermarket is crazy and we’re enjoying sunny autumn days. I’m still working my way through the samples from Scentspirit, and I’m wafting Aftelier’s Lumière – it’s beautiful.
Hope you both stay safe and healthy Gaynor!
I’m wearing Cap Neroli this morning. It has been delightfully sunny if a bit on the cool side. Enjoying the cherry blossoms that are starting to bloom.
Have been watching My Brilliant Friend lately which is a lovely italian drama that follows two girls and their friendship along with their families and neighborhood. Really excellent.
Part of my daily workday ritual has been to watch an episode of Schitt’s Creek. I’m a big fan of Eugene Levy who makes me laugh with his facial expressions alone, and have now become a fan of Daniel Levy from this fun, warm little show. Watching this instead of news in the morning is definitely more inspiring.
I think I have to start watching Shitt’s Creek. I became a fan of Daniel when recently watching The Great Canadian Baking Show; he’s hilarious!
I am watching My Brilliant Friend too! Loved the books, and seems like they did a really good job on the series.
Hi All, I missed yesterday’s post sadly as we decided to cut our vacation short & head home, so much scrambling about ensued.
One lovely surprise was that I received my sample from Berceuse Parfum. I saw a YouTube video unboxing Antonio Gardoni’s new scent and I was mesmerized. I am such a Gardoni Fan Girl. You all probably know already that this is a collaboration – and a new company for Antonio Gardoni and Will Carius.
The new perfume is called ‘Allegretto 7.2 Grace note’ and it definitely has the Gardoni signature as advertised. The bottle is soooooooo adorable, very artsy and I will certainly buy this once I have money again. Did I mention that I love the bottle?😍
Here is the link for those who are curious: no affiliation just thought it would be fun & new: https://berceuseparfum.com
Now back up I go to read all your posts. Be well.
What a lovely perfume line!!! Everything about this line is adorable. I am a big fan of the intersection of classical music and the modern world (and a big fan of the second movement of Beethoven’s 7th symphony specifically), so this makes me really happy
For a quick uplifting experience, recommend checking out the audio short story “Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story” over on Open Culture (a mere 16 minutues, and narrated by the author Paul Auster who’s got a soothing voice).
Never saw the series the 1st time around, so am dvring and watching The Good Wife–better than expected.
Super envious of those of you with nice weather. Been getting out for brisk walks every day, but it’s not so pleasant at 35-40 degrees with a stiff breeze blowing right off of Lake Michigan!
Hang in there, everyone.
The Good Wife was a fun watch. Plus, Alan Cumming.
It opens like Mem, then soon afterwards it reminds me of Bengale Rouge, that yummy rose and balsamic middle mix which I enjoy very much. I must admit that I was so tired that I fell asleep ☺️ after that point so I am wearing it again today and hoarding my small 2 mls.
The packaging is really well done too.
Vintagw Miss Dior for a rainy and cold day. Now wearing some MKK. We spent the day with some spring cleaning and watching the news.
I need a haircut and bleach and the salons are closed. Maybe I will give me a buzzcut myself.
I’ve been pondering the same. I color my hair myself & have a backup of supplies, but by the time I can get it cut again my pixie might have turned into a bob.
Bvlgari Omnia, because I love it!!
Stayed in a horse camp last night and woke to the nickering of horses. T-Rex was smitten! Now about 40 miles east, still in Tennessee in a wonderful FREE campground. Chilly, as it’s higher up but no bugs! I hit up a dollar general on the way and stocked up on coffee, oatmeal, and some canned goods. We’re set until we decide to move on. ✌🏼
Stay safe out there! A traveler friend of mine took care of the first confirmed covid-19 patient in her facility yesterday. She’s having to reuse masks and shields… 😢
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AguPYJvcQ/?igshid=zsa391mbe8sw
That sounds like a lovely way to wake up. I’d be smitten, too! 🐶
Which state is your friend in? I actually put out an APB in a local, neighborhood FB group for anyone that has unopened masks to collect for my husband’s hospital and am going to pick some up shortly. They had 4 confirmed and 5 r/o on the unit yesterday. They have N95 that they are wearing all day and “protecting” by using masks with face shields over them and throwing those away in between patients. So those are going fast! And the sweatiness factor, ugh.
She’s in Arizona, Tucson area. This is just unacceptable! I think of your husband all the time, working in ICU with intubated patients. I hope you can find a boatload of masks. I don’t know if I’m more disgusted with this situation or more worried about fellow care givers who are being used like cannon fodder. The CEO’s and upper management who have FAILED caregivers AND patients in these hospitals make me so I angry I could spit!
I think I need to go meditate and find some ohmmmm 😉
My husband and I were just having the exact same conversation regarding the failure of hospital management to raise to this occasion (to put it mildly; you actually nailed it). Some of the hospitals in the Atlanta area have completely run out of PPE, others are instructing staff to reuse theirs and not be “wasteful”. Clinics and medical offices have not had any of the approved PPE to begin with and cannot get any as its on back order.
See how the blame always comes to land at the foot of the medical people?! So sickening! I’ve heard of staff being threaten by management with “disciplinary action” for not following facility “guidelines” on PPE usage. Guidelines including wiping PPE down with bleach wipes (sorry, wipes are “unavailable”) and reusing for multiple days. On a very basic level, it’s bullying behavior By management 🤯 I’m getting more and more reluctant to start this contract because I’m pretty sure I’mma get fired for telling some jacka** WFH administrator to shove it 😃
When I talked to my recruiter yesterday, she told me that hospital management is reporting travel nurses to the state board for “patient abandonment” if they do not fulfill their contract…!
BTW, I read that imports of these supplies from China are down 40%, presumably because some of their factories were down, and they have needed them for domestic use. Also Italy is a major source of cloth-based supplies, and their factories are down. We needed a strategic reserve.
I find it hard to believe China can build a functioning hospital in a week and yet the US can’t emergently make PPE?! what a bunch of slackers we are…
Deva, I don’t know how we’ll ever be able to repay our debt to health workers. That’s always been true, really. You should have adequate protective gear as a baseline condition. I’m angry, too, that it got to this point.
Time to start cutting up the high thead-count sheets and organizing (virtual) sewing circles? Has anyone seen patterns?
Haha! No, it’s time to bring MANAGEMENT in to help answer call lights, help patients cut up their food, help answer phones, help empty trash…I bet they’d find PPE lickity split. From my understanding, we HAVE a reserve but the GOVERNMENT has not authorized the distribution of that reserve yet…I have no clue what they’re waiting for…
Someone released a .pdf of the patterns. Either the CDC or FDA, iirc.
It’s like the new victory garden.
Will also add that a lot of sewers have hundreds of yards of unused fabric sitting around.
SotD = Eau de Guerlain
🤣 autocorrect thinks I’m wearing Way Dr Germaine today 🤣
Eau de Guerlain made me so happy yesterday I had to do it again. It has a cool feeling, there’s a hint of mint that is lovely in the spring. 🍃
Many thanks to the perfume pals who commented on my SotD post yesterday. Your kindness and sweet words mean a lot. Feeling overwhelmed a bit, like many others I am certain, so NST is a real treat right now. 🥰🤗♥️
I’ve been watching very little visual media lately. My daughter is taking a film criticism class thru her college. For her homework we watched a 1950s film noir called Nightfall with Anne Bancroft and Brian Keith. It was fun, I’d like to watch more from that genre and era. 🎥
I have never even heard of that movie, thanks!
ETRO Heliotrope for my self-imposed “quarantine”…NOT SICK!
Hi everyone!
CRAZY week…I am so out of words and thoughts and stories and suggestions…
At work we are hanging in there.Despite having the best intentions,things do go a-wire sometimes,but so far so good.
We might be on the verge of lockdown,but I’m not sure what the impact will be on my movements and also whether our “specialist” Ophthalmic Hospital would be operational should this happen.
Stay safe out there guys!
Youtube:Jeffree Star and the Dolan Twins,with some Rich Lux drama and a couple of Tati Westbrook tutorials.I have become fascinated with the world of makeup,not that I wear any!
Lol.
Love you guys.
XO
Hi johanob! May I ask what country you are working in?
Hi Susannetta,I am in South Africa,in the province of Gauteng.We have the largest number of cases of all the 9 provinces so far…also the largest number of local transmissions.
Oh wow! Please be safe there! One of my best friends lives in Lusaka, Zambia, do you have any advice on how to prepare there?
Currently the spread in Africa is totally unpredictable.All I can say is try and avoid large gatherings,but they need to try and stock up on fresh produce and water/emergency kits of sorts.
The scariest part is this:the virus will slowly die down up north now because its starting to get warmer
We are facing the start of Flu season in the Southern Hemisphere…God have mercy.
Glad you are NOT SICK! 😉 I hope they close down everything but emergent surgeries. And hope they continue to pay you if they so. Be careful, Johanob!
Thank you Deva.Not worried about salary,as that has been discussed and made very clear salaries will continue as normal,luckily,should we be in lockdown.
Hang in there,I read it is really getting tough in the US!
Good, I’m glad you don’t have to worry about income on top of everything else. 25% of Covid-19 positives in Philadelphia are health care workers. I hope SA protects nurses, physician, and other essential hospital personnel better than the US.
We had an official announcement from the Dpt of Health of my province that all elective cases are immediately cancelled.That means 99% of surgeries at the Eye Hospital.Tomorrow will be interesting.
Thank goodness I have friends in the PPE industry also:she secured 10 000 boxes(50/box) of masks.I might be taking around 50 boxes for now…She is luckily also big on equal distribution,at a very fair price.Wish I could send you some.Fellow Nursing staff are in my thoughts always….
The Year of the Nurse,hey???Lol.
XX
On YouTube, I watch Lisa Eldridge, for great make-up tutorials and her soothing voice. Also fun to watch are are Zabrena, Michelle Wang and Wayne Goss!
I could spend a whole day doing just that! 😊 🤗
Haha!Awesome!I will check them out as well.
It all started with the James Charles/Tati Westbrook “drama” last year…since then I’ve been hooked!It’s like a soapie in the Beauty Community on Youtube!Lol!
Stay safe!XO
Hi, Johanob!
I used to really enjoy LetzMakeup by Siobhan on YouTube, although I haven’t watched for a few years. She’s Irish and has enormous green eyes and a wonderful accent.
Oh that sounds like fun!
I also starting watching Nikkietutorials,mostly because she is Dutch,and does some reviews in Dutch which I understand as it is very similar to Afrikaans(my home language)
Fun thing she does is “Dutch word of the day” at the end of her reviews.Little pleaseures that keeps me going.xo
Nikkie sounds delightful!
This pandemic is sort of within my technical field of international public health, and the nature of my mind is that I have to know what is going on, as deeply as possible. Consequently, I waste too much of my time following political, economic, and coronavirus news and analysis. I won’t get into any of that here, naturally, but this is a heck of a time to be alive for a junkie of this sort of news.
More to the point of the poll, I was delighted to find that the insight meditation classes I used to attend, but had fallen away from due to the travel time, have now gone online. Teachers who were too distant or always oversubscribed are now readily accessible to me, too.
Some of them don’t have much bandwidth yet, but I assume Jonathan Faust’s classes on Facebook or YouTube should be accessible. He’s a wonderful teacher, and insight meditation is so helpful for coping with stress and distress.
Monday, March 23, 2020
“Understanding Worry and Restlessness”
7:30 – 8:45 pm EDST
Live-streaming on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/foustjonathan/
Live-streaming on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHDVc7mqJEl3iIv901uKG-Q
thanks for the links! I set a reminder in my phone for Monday.
Thanks for the link! I may join you Monday!
That will be wonderful, fragrant friends!
Oh goodie. Thanks for sharing!
Hi nozknoz, you must be following this? https://www.medrxiv.org/collection/infectious_diseases
Fascinating. Many papers on using data science to predict vaccine research prospects, but of course the training data isn’t reliable, which is the dirty secret of data science. Also, on Twitter, @DrEricDing.
Thanks, will look him up!
Here’s an excellent Twitter thread on why we urgently need to figure out how long immunity to novel coronavirus lasts and who is immune, not only who has a current infection, the difference between the tests for each, and the great impact that knowing who is immune will have on how we can mitigate the pandemic.
https://twitter.com/NAChristakis/status/1240689935557865472
Looking now. Thanks!
I can’t help but wonder which part of a pandemic doesn’t fall under the international public health rubric
Be well!
I just mean that my training is a lot more generalist and limited than would be really useful right now; I’m not an MD, immunologist, or epidemiologist. I can follow what the experts are saying, and the policy issues and dilemmas, and can’t take my eyes off that oncoming semi-truck.
I am wearing Dia right now.
Its really a beauty, though I doubt it ‘fits’ me. But I am just one hour and we’ll see how it develops…
I just watched Yesterday.
Its on Amazon Prime.
A sweet and funny movie. Maybe a bit too sweet, but right now I can use an extra dose of sweetness.
Its the perfect escape in these troublesome times.
I also watched Westworld s3, ep 1.
I dont think that series is for everyone but I love it! i also love how this new season has another setting, it starts of in futuristic LA. I think parts of it are filmed in Singapore.
Stay safe, healthy and sane everybody!
About Dia, as it develops further….
This may sound weird but my mother used to wear a scent waaaaaay back early 80s that has the same ‘feel’. I think it was First.
I bet it has other notes, and for people who know both scents well i am probably not making sense at all haha.
Also, I havent smelled First in decades.
But still, this reminds me of my mother’s hugs, not bad right?
While I find Dia lighter than First — not light as in short-lasting or wimpy, but full of light and breath — I can definitely see the resemblance: both are grand, symphonic, classical floral perfumes.
Also, both were composed by Jean-Claude Ellena, who certainly got THAT out of his system! 😀
ooooh, symphonic florals make my heart flutter.
Thank you!
I did not know Ellena created Dia…
its one of the lighter Amouages I’ve encountered.
I wonder if he will ever return to making compositions like this 😄
First has quite a strong narcissus note which makes it a lot darker than Dia. Interesting that you “felt” a link between the two. I’ve never consciously made the connection myself, although I knew both were made by JCE. I’ve always linked Dia to Gold. A lighter, less opulent sister.
Twins…I am watching Yesterday today, in bits and snatches between doing chores & cooking & whatnot. Very cute.
Inspired by other NST’s this week, I’m wearing my sample of
Nicolai Le Temps d’une Fete on one arm & Parfums MDCI Promesse de l’ Aube on the other! Promesse de l’aube I had forgotten about for years, but it’s a perfect yellow Spring floral, esp. for anyone who loves ylang-ylang! It reminds me of something I can’t put my finger on, I think the nose was Francis Kurkdijian for this!
I’ve had a few friends suggest Schitt’s Creek as a guilty pleasure so I’m going to start streaming that comedy tonight!
Also apologies to AnnieA & tiffanie for my very late reply on Thursday night! Please let me know if the FB Musician group didn’t work and I would be happy to add them
hi Susannetta! thank you for sharing the FB Musician group.
I took a look a moment ago. It really boosted my spirits. I’m missing my students very much, and now I know there are things I can do until I can be with them again.
I’m so glad it was helpful! There might be some technical hiccups at first with the online lessons, but it’s worth it for sure! We are all in this together and anything to help bring light and joy to children (or adults!) is a good thing
I like FaceTime but I have heard good things about Zoom too!
S, have let my friend KH know about the group. While she is on FB she might not be convinced about newfangled teaching technologies…
SotD: Layering Jorum Studio Phloem and my Viktoria Minya bespoke perfume, which has a pepper/black currant top and orange blossom heart that gets even brighter and peppier with the nasturtium of Phloem. Super happy I tried combining them!
Got three new eBooks from the library today – nothing magnificent I’ve been waiting on, just whatever was available and new in my usual fantasy fare, but I’ll holler if one is extraordinary.
I don’t watch TV but have been catching up on some feeds of 2019/2020 gymnastics competitions.
I love watching but am **heartbroken** at the almost-certainty that the 2020 Olympics this summer will have to be canceled or delayed, and for some athletes (like gymnasts, whose careers are short) this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try to peak in their athletic field – but many of them can’t leave their homes right now, much less participate in intensive training and international competitions.
With you on the Olympics — heartbreaking!
My apartment is starting to be really clean. I might tackle the silverware even.
In Lyn Harris for M&S La Rose, a mossy, patchouli rose.
Aurora, I hope you can sleep well after so much cleaning. I think it’s the middle of the night?
I know you smell great 😀🛌
Thank you Lillyjo, I slept very well and am up early.
I am up early twin with you!! I have a work related virtual class today for the entire day so I decided to pop out of bed and just relax in the kitchen with my feline granddaughter who is visiting with us as my eldest works extra hours at her hospital. She doesn’t want to leave her baby alone for extremely long stretches.
Oh, wonderful that tou have a kitty-granddaughter with you, you can spoil her and lavish her with care, how thoughtful of your daughter and you to arrange that she’s not left alone.
Also, I’ve been meaning to ask, how is your brother doing?
The restrictions in France are very stringent, they closed cafes, restaurants, cinema, theaters… etc earlier than they have here, but maybe it’s a good thing. Thank you for asking, he is doing very well working from home.
mmmm, mosy patchouli rose sounds delightful!
the tidying is almost constant around my home
glad we’re in this together!
It’s a very good perfume, it is regrettable that it had such a limited release (it did make it to Fragrantica though).
We’re the cleaning twins
As a hermit, I should surely now get around to this massive cleanup and reorg I’ve been planning for the last 10 years! 😂 🤣
Nozknoz, I found it quite therapeutic, just do it
you know you can.
I know it’s interrelated with being overweight, too, and both are unhealthy. A time of complete change like this is ideal — thanks for the encouragement!
No time like the present for spring cleaning.
I’m also getting a jumpstart on putting my winter wardrobe in storage. It’s a bit early for that where I am, but I realized that my sweaterdresses and such that I only wear on date nights will get no further use. Lounge pants and fleece stay in rotation
I need those in the summer AC, too!
Cassis en Feuille . To my nose it has a fantastic tomato leaf note! I may be wearing this one a lot and thunking the bottle because it’s very cheerful to me.
Hope everyone stays safe and healthy over the next few months. Those who have my email feel free to PM if anyone wants to chat ( that includes you, Robin! ♥️♥️).
Au revoir, for now! 😘😘😘😘😘
Be well everyone.
Stay safe B!
XO
Oooh just read some notes and reviews of Cassis en Feuilles… Sounds great!
Take care chocolatemarzipan!
Be safe, chocolatemarzipan, and thanks for checking in with us! I’ll be saying prayers for your daughter. 😊
If anyone needs cheering up today, just watch some Colman interviews and thank you speeches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fLdvRRsSqU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0BWXXM8Q9o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUytvAg_hE4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H5GIju91hk
Great idea, thanks austenfan! She is just a doll.
I am watching a Netflix Spanish series, called Locked up. I wasn’t expecting too much, but it’s really catching.
Thanks Sebastian! Off to look it up — is it violent?
It has violent scenes. It’s with female inmates, but much better, interesting and different than Orange is the new black, if you know that one.
Thank you Sebastian!
I had posted another comment earlier today, but as it is still awaiting moderation I’m posting again in another form (without the Youtube links).
If anyone needs cheering up, I highly recommend watching some Olivia Colman, either interviews or acceptance speeches will do. She is hilarious as well as incredibly talented.
oh goodness yes, Olivia Colman is a treat. I watch things just because she is in them!
Think it got held for all the links, but it is up above now
And will add, her interview on the David Tennant podcast is great fun! Think I’ve mentioned it here before, or else someone else did and that’s how I learned about it, who knows!
Yes, I had noticed. I had guessed it was due to all the links.
Kanuka posted the link, I think, with that excellent podcast. I loved it. She is such an interesting actress as she just does not seem at all interested in all the fame and fortune that goes with her trade but seems solely in it for the love of acting.
Another comedian who rarely fails to lift my spirits is Bill Bailey. His is such a good natured wit.
Well I just had my much needed laugh of the day…someone on Instagram selling decants wrote: as part of the notes,this perfume contains Lily of the Alley….LOLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!
It was about Orto Parisi’s Seminalis,by the way!
😆😆😆
Ha! Sounds like someone’s street name 😆
Hysterical 😂
As a ‘Brit’ I have been both informed & entertained by the mention of various British television programmes being enjoyed by those of you across the pond! I feel I should return the compliment by saying here in the UK we are just coming to the end of the first series of Yellowstone, which I have thoroughly enjoyed, & I do hope it will continue to be shown here. Cracking cast, including Ryan Bingham, whose Mescalito I bought solely on the strength of hearing South Side of Heaven on a US television programme (can’t remember which one!) & Cole Hauser, who I became aware of from K-Ville which I thought was terrific but ended too soon. Haven’t seen any of Kevin Costner’s more recent work, but I loved him in No Way Out & of course Dances With Wolves – the mere mention of this latter film makes my husband groan, but I tend to watch it whenever it’s on!
I liked Kevin in Tin Cup, Such a great character…they let him be kind of stupid. But a charmer.
If you’re a Kevin Costner fan, I’d recommend Open Range, with Robert Duvall and Annette Bening. I’m not the biggest fan of westerns (with the exception of Silverado and Tombstone), but I found this one to be a very satisfying watch.
Oh I LOVED Open Range!!
It was very good, indeed.
I am back again and had a Sunday brunch with family. There was an interesting debate on how they don’t want grocery store employees to be paid $15 an hour but now other than health care workers, we are the most vital people in this country. In vintage Shalimar today.
I was at the grocery store yesterday, and everybody working there looks like they’re about to fall over from exhaustion.
I was out for a walk this sunny Sunday morning. As I turned a corner onto a main street that has a grocery store, a semitrailer truck for the store was driving by. I waved and gave the driver a thumbs up. He responded with a smile, thumbs up, and tooted his horn. Other people noticed and waved and honked too.
We are grateful for you!
Hi friends! I’m in PW Tea Rose. I’ve been on a real Tea Rose kick lately, and I fear I will finish my little decant too soon. Why not buy more? you are asking. It is cheap as chips, is it not? Well, I think it is, but having lost 35% of my life savings (which I acknowledge at 32 isn’t the biggest deal ever), I’m not sure even cheap-as-chips perfumes are the right way to spend my remaining money.
I’ve been doing Yoga with Adriene every day as a way to make sure I stretch properly! Where by “every day,” I mean I’ve done it four times and am therefore immensely proud of myself. Adriene is lovely.
I’ve also only just started watching the Marvelous Mrs Maisel. OMG! This show is brilliant! It’s quick and funny and incredibly clever. I can’t believe I haven’t watched it all this time. My only consolation is that I now have three seasons to watch all together.
Can’t wait to read all your posts to see what else I’ve been missing out on. Stay well, dear friends!
Hey there! *waves*
I owe you an email (sorry!) and can send more Tea Rose. We’re in the same boat. Hopefully the feds can get it together to provide some support beyond UI to those who are temporarily furloughed. It’s not just restaurant workers who are affected, and not everyone can work from home.
Chin up, I guess
Kpaint, you’re back! It is so nice to see you back on NST. Looking forward to your email when you get to it
and that is so kind of you; I would love that. Agreed on the financial support. These are scary times.
Tea Rose is a gem! You smell fab.
I think Mrs. Maisel would have enjoyed it too, she’s such a fascinating character. I love the whole thing with the makeup going off and on in the wee hours.
Good for you for keeping up with Adriene. She is great but I find myself a little exhausted if I yoga with her more than two days in a row.
I try to do an hour of yoga every other day, then some combo of bike/walk/jump-rope other days.
I found the makeup thing to be completely bewildering! She is a wonderful character. I dislike many of the characters in the show, but I adore watching every single one of them.
I am used to exercising vigorously every day, so I thought adding in yoga would be no big deal, but it appears to stretch out parts of me that no strength training or cardio ever touches. As a result, surprising parts of my body are extremely sore today
Greetings, all. I am a hermit all winter (I have CFS/ME and it’s quite debilitating when the weather is cold) so staying in is nothing new to me. Hope the rest of you are adjusting well.
I thought I’d pop in for some respite from the news and to check in with everybody. I’ve also been worrying about our nurses and those of you in NYC and other hard-hit areas. I see some of you here today, which is a relief.
I’m in Guerlain French Kiss.
I am always looking for viewing recommendations for anything that’s not dark, apocalyptic, true (or just grisly) crime, or just overly stimulating or depressing.
My recommendations fit the above, but are also more specific since I’ve been mentally compiling a list of documentary-type entertainment that are about musicians over the past couple of days:
Country Music (amazon/PBS)
Now Hear This with Scott Yoo (PBS)
What Happened, Miss Simone? (Netflix)
Quincy (Netflix)
Score: A Film Music Documentary (amazon)
Talent Has Hunger (iTunes)
Pavarotti (Showtime)
American Masters: Itzhak Perlman (PBS)
Stay safe and be well.
As to other weekend poll ideas, I’d also love to get recommendations for podcasts. I recently also scoured some past polls about bath products as I’ve found myself obsessing over scented bar soap. Maybe a Small Pleasures convo? I’m sure my family’s not the only one who’s had a financial hit now and into the foreseeable future. New perfume purchases are out of the question, but I’m still jonesing to smell new delightful things that can be ordered online inexpensively.
hi kpaint! my good friend has cfs, it’s hard for her in winter too. Spring is a welcome relief for so many of us.
I’m avoiding news except in small controlled doses, so thank you for the viewing suggestions. Scott Yoo and Miss Simone are now on my watch lists. I’m always up for fun, but it’s a big ol’ nope to overstimulating and depressing for me as as well.
I was at Target recently and they had the Harry’s bar soaps again. They’re $3.99, last a long time, and have very good scents. There’s three in stock at my store – Stone, Shiso, and Fig. I like all three, especially the Shiso. Ordering online from Target right now is nuts, but they have drive up or in store pickup if you order ahead online.
Hi, Tiffanie! Good to hear from you. Hope you’re otherwise well. Ordering online from Target right now is indeed nuts. Actually that goes for ordering online just about anywhere right now
Fingers crossed the soaps I already bought arrive tomorrow as scheduled 🤞
(As a music teacher, you might really enjoy Talent Has Hunger if you have a way to watch it. It follows a master cello instructor as he works with his students over +/- 10 years. He was a world class cellist and his students are of the same caliber. I found it fascinating. Both the instructor in this film and Itzhak Perlman in the American Masters documentary talk about what a critical role teaching is for them in elevating their own musicianship.)
oops! meant to add that I recently watched and enjoyed Kim’s Convenience (series) and Strictly Ballroom on Netflix.
I’ve been listening to the Dolly Parton’s America podcast, very interesting even though I was not really a big Dolly Parton fan (not a NOT fan, mind you, just not a huge fan).
I’m a fan after watching the Country Music series though my interest was piqued before then when “Here You Come Again” was used in a commercial & I finally realized what she was saying in the lyrics. Brilliant songwriter; amazing voice.
Will look into the podcast. I happened to come across it recently but wasn’t sure if it was linked to the Netflix series. I’m guessing not.
No…it’s by one of the 2 guys from the podcast Radio Lab, Jad Abumrad, and he explains his reason early in the first episode.
Added to my list. Thanks!
I decided to dig around samples today looking for Equestrian and Champagne du Bois because I’m feeling the 20% off call for SSS. I so love my Jour Ensolleille, that I can’t help but think others might be worth a try. So far, I’m liking Equestrian. Will try C du B later today.
Must. Clean. Apartment. My niece told me she spent the day cleaning yesterday and could now perform surgery, if necessary, in her kitchen. Since she works in a lab, I’ll take her at her word.
Main indulgence today was a good breakfast. Offered to make waffles for my husband. He declined. So I made myself scrambled eggs, with some shredded cheese and salsa on top. A side of sliced red bell peppers and avocado and a warmed, rolled tortilla. Finished with an orange. Husband is having a Pop Tart.
PSA to those of you with nearby Walgreens, they’re expanding their monthly Seniors Day (aged 55+ Get 30% off) to every Tuesday, with the first hour open solely to Seniors.
Gonna toss the sample stash at my house today too. It will be good to toss out evaporated stuff, find old fragrance friends I’ve forgotten, find some to give away.
I hear you on the cleaning. I feel like Dory in Finding Nemo, tho I’m not swimming – – – we just keep cleaning, just keep cleaning, just keep cleaning, what do we do, we clean clean clean
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/20/18683085/echo-canyon-review-laurel-documentary-jakob-dylan
A documentary I really enjoyed was Echo in the Canyon about the Laurel Canyon /Californian music scene of the 60s (The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Mamas and the Papas etc). It is fronted by the slightly inscrutable Jakob Dylan and includes younger musicians such as Cat Power, Beck, Norah Jones also playing tributes. I rarely listen to music during the day as I can’t think and listen simultaneously, just as I can’t read books and watch sub-titled movies at the same time….a fact I tend to forget. It is a holiday weekend here but Alex is working ( immunologist) so I will go for a good walk. I was surprised, yesterday, to see a group of US tourists ( baseball caps, maps) around the gardens. I wonder if they had completed their 14 day self-isolation ( put in place before the borders closed). We still have no community transmission here so all our cases are linked to returning/visiting overseas travellers/ residents.
Anyone read Hilary Mantel’s latest? I couldn’t get into it. There was so much dialogue, and visual scene setting that it began to feel like a playscript in style. I will give it another go.
Wearing Copper again, again. This perfume really ‘fits’ me somehow. Chin up everyone!!
We really liked Echo in the Canyon too, agree about “inscrutable” JD, and also felt it was a bit rushed in some areas…wish a Ken Burns type would do a whole series before the principals are gone. Actually wish Ken Burns was just doing 10 episodes on Bob Dylan.
Have not started Mirror & The Light, was putting it off til I finished the 3 books I’m in the middle of, but was really looking forward to it, so bummed you are not getting into it.
Ha! I watched Echo in the Canyon as well and agree with you as to the younger Mr Dylan and with Robin as to the elder
Am reminded that the documentary the CNN did on Linda Ronstadt was very well done, if not rather heartbreaking.
A quick PSA for now: Soivohle/Liz Zorn is still operating the online store, and there is a code for free shipping on ALL orders: FREE2020. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.
Also, I was really happy to see CM8 posting!
Be back later when I can.
Just a quick pop in to tell you guys THIS:Inspired by a youtube video of a guy playing piano on his balcony while in lockdown,the girl that lives below me did the same!Her bf helped her to push the upright onto the balcony and she played us some fabulous tunes!My direct neighbour was in tears.I had a looong glass of Rosè and thought about my Mom,and all if the days ahead….
Stay strong guys and girls.We can do this.
XO
Beautiful! Glad you were able to witness such kind event😊
💛🧡💜
Thank you so much, Johanob!
Wonderful about the music on the balcony, thank you for sharing. I have good neighbors too who reached out to me.
Stay well and safe.
Hello, NST folks! Virtual *hugs* to the perfumista health care workers here and to those who have families that include doctors, nurses and other medical personnel. I am thinking of you.
And *hugs* to those who are feeling intense anxiety. For those of you who like to read, I am still finding many e-books offered for free, Kindle books and books from various publishers that are offered elsewhere as well, plus some self-published books I got from Smashwords. Organizing the ones without DRM into my to-be-read files took a good part of the afternoon.
One of the (many) authors whose e-mail newsletters I get put in a link to explore.org (https://explore.org/livecams), which has live cameras in different places in the world, mostly focused on wild animals and birds, but also some on cats and puppies. I spent quite some time late last night watching the puppies and their dams. (Mostly they were sleeping, like I should have been!)
Another link she gave was to virtual tours of museums, which I’ll be looking into. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner
I was commando perfume-wise yesterday, but cut some magnolia blossoms in case we lost them to frost. Fortunately, we didn’t. I also picked some more daffodils, and cut a couple of winter honeysuckle twigs that had flowers open all along them. The winter honeysuckle flowers sweetly perfumed the entire lower story of the house. When I went downstairs, I wondered what smelled so strongly of floral perfume, and then realized it was the actual flowers.
Early this morning, I put on a bit of SL A la Nuit from a generous decant from Koyel. (Thank you!) I found that very soothing.
I have a nearly full bottle of PW Tea Rose that I got a couple of years ago, and would be happy to share, like your perfumista friends above said. 
Take care, lovely people.
Thanks for the wonderful links!
Our neighbors have a lovely magnolia, makes the whole street smell nice.
Happy Sunday everyone.
I’m went with a spritz of Galop today. Really lovely rose leather.
I started watching Self-Made on Netflix. Hair is my second hobby after perfume as my IG follows attest so I’m finding this show very interesting. And Mr yasmina who has alot less hair then me is also loving it!
Oh! I heard Madam C. J. Walker’s grand-daughter, A’Lelia Bundles, speak at a Hillwood Estate lecture series. She signed copies of her book, On Her Own Ground, on which this is based. To me, it was the most interesting lecture in the series, and they were all stellar.
Ms. Bundles cautioned that the story had been given the “Hollywood treatment” but was really excited to see the series launch. It’s almost enough to make me get a television or (more challenging yet) figure out streaming. So glad to hear Netflix has done a good job!
It’s excellent and has made me curious to find out more about this remarkable woman – her granddaughter’s book seems like a good place to start
I am wearing Lush Breath of God today and intermittently diffusing a Thieves Oil essential oil blend in the house.
I have been binge watching the Magnificent Mrs. Maisel and loving the NYC of the 50’s.They do it so well.
I’m getting close to reaching a decision about leaving nursing after 35 years of being a hospital staff nurse in post surgical units.I am past retirement age and I never thought I would be expected to work without needed protective equipment to keep me safe.It is a hard decision to make.Stay safe everyone.
I don’t blame you one bit. I may be following in your footsteps because the present situation is inexcusable.
We are in not normal times here.Nursing in normal times isn’t the easiest career path,but the rewards of being a good patient advocate and being part of a good team have kept me in the field.I don’t know what I would do at this point if I were a younger nurse just starting out.There are some amazing people doing direct patient care and hanging in there.
What a dilemma!
Thanks Robin.I am more fortunate than some others so I will be fine.I have a feeling I’m not the only person needing to make a decision like this.
andshewaz, it is just tragic that anyone is having to make such a decision for such a reason.
I’ve been wearing Le Labo Ylang 49 this weekend. It was one of the samples I picked up when I met up with neyronrose at the King of Prussia Mall. I’m definitely liking this one a lot! Something about it recalls Chanel No. 19 to me.
I don’t stream any shows. Having said that, I have been binge watching “Too Cute” for most of the afternoon today on TV. Plenty of cute puppies and kittens to stare at. I also watched the latest sumo tournament from Osaka. That was a strange experience… no spectators were allowed, so it was just the wrestlers, the judges and referees, the support staff, and the NHK journalists covering it all.
I’ve been listening to my Queensryche CDs lately. They seem to fit the tenor of the times.
I’ve survived the first week of Mr. Jalapeno working from home. How many more to go? 🤷♀️
Be safe, and be well everyone.
A friend of mine says her CAT seems annoyed at her being home all day!
Now that’s kind of funny! Our 2 cats are rather blase about the whole thing.
Operation Mindcrime is a masterpiece of metal, imo. Rock On Jalapeno 🤘🎶
And a few more…
Appetite for Destruction
High n Dry
Slide it in
Back in Black
Master of Puppets
“Operation: Mindcrime” is actually one that I’ve played a few songs from recently. So is “Promised Land”. I haven’t been able to find my “Empire” CD for a while, much to my annoyance. I have also played most of Metallica’s “Metallica”, and some Blind Guardian.
You mean you let HIM survive a week of working at home…ha, that is how I put it to my husband, anyway
Today I have doused myself in L’Eau de L’Artisan in the hope the lemon zestiness will pick me up and motivate me to start my assignments… not a great start so far obviously…
If I was stuck at home I would be getting into Dr Who re-runs but since I work in a hospital I am fortunate enough to be able to continue working. Trying times we’re in, I hope everyone is doing their best to stay optimistic and appreciate the little things- like perfume!
You smell great Stacky!