Five questions for the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, answer as many or as few as you like, or just talk about something else. (And a few PSAs: the damage poll is coming up on Wednesday! And huge congratulations to Dr. Jessica, who has been nominated for Perfumed Plume awards for her articles 5 Perfumes for a Moon Landing and Perfume in Donna Tartt’s “The Goldfinch”.)
1. Rate the virus-related restrictions in your area from 1 to 5, with 1 being complete freedom of movement and 5 being complete lock down.
2. What's your favorite hand soap at the moment?
3. What's your favorite hand cream at the moment?
4. What's blooming in your local area at the moment?
5. Tell us about something good that happened last week, or share the funniest thing you saw online, or just tell us how you're staying sane and calm during these rough times.
Note: top image is Cherry Blossom [cropped] by Jeff Kubina at flickr; some rights reserved.
Yay for Dr. Jessica!!
1) Virus restrictions: 3.5? I’m ok as long as I can get out and walk or run.
2) Hand soap: JR Watkins Lemon or CO Bigelow Lemon
3) Lotion: I usually use Cetaphil, but my FAVORITE splurge is Molinard Creme 24 (but see my next post)
4) Blooming: lots, but cherry blossoms!
5) There HAS been good news – thousands of great mask/glove donations to UW Medicine. Lots of generous people wanting to help! And my sons made dinner for us twice.
Cherry Blossoms here too
double yay for Dr. Jessica
I’ve been reading the Perfumed Plume winning articles when I need a mental break.
Another yay for Dr. J!
1) Complete lock down here unless you’re on “essential” business.
2) Antibacterial. I usually avoid this kind of soap because it kills good bacteria too.
3) My hands are always trashed because of the alcohol based gels used in healthcare and the frequent pre-Corona washing we always did anyway. Nothing helps my hands, and especially cuticles and nails, which chip, spilt, peel, crack, and bleed on the regular.
4) Everything! Rhododendrons about to bust open any minute. It’s supposed to be 85F today.
5) I found a cute little cabin to be locked down in, right on a National Forest boundary, with the Mountains to Sea Trail crossing my backyard. Also, for fun, just watched this:
https://youtu.be/M5azNpTwVk8
Wearing SB Gypsy in honor of my vagabond ways, which are also on lock down.
I’m glad you found a place to stay!
Thank you! Me too?
I saw your cabin on your insta. It looks great, and it must be such a relief to have this little haven to weather the storm.
Keeping my hands in one piece is hard!! So I hear you.
Yes, it will be a little island of stability in an unstable world. I think we all need that right now. T-Rex is already in love with the yard. ?
❣️
Yay for your cabin and extra yay for being cute AND a beautiful backyard!
Thanks!
Yay for finding a place to stay!
Indeed!!
Glad you found that cabin! I saw it on insta and it looks like a fab place.
????
It’s adorable! Built in 1922 so, a bit creaky, just like me. ?
That cabin is the cutest! So jealous, I would love to be in a cabin in the woods right about now.
I’d invite you over for a little vacay if I could! ✌?
Hey let’s all social distance at Deva’s!
But then we’d all start sniffing and it would be ruined…. a great dream for a minute there….
Happy for you and TRex.
Ha! Sounds like a great idea to me! T-Rex, being a true extrovert, would be unable to maintain social distancing AT ALL! ?
Such a great place to be at right now! Very jealous! And so glad T-Rex loves it too!
She does. Take care!
Love your cabin in the woods! T looks very happy?
Doesn’t take much to make her happy. I picked up a big 40# bag of kibble a couple weeks ago, so she will be quite happy for a good long time. ?
Very Emerson/Thoreau, it looks son snug.
Yep, except for the Blue Ridge Parkway that is near by and seems to be oddly very busy..?
I loved the cute cabin, hope its nice there
Nice indeed, but was just approached by a “neighbor” further down the mountain wanting to know if she can access the trail from behind the cabin. ??♀️
Oh, how I’d love to be out in a cabin somewhere right now. Enjoy your solitude!
Welp, solitude has already been destroyed. See above…^
Nice cabin, Deva!
Thanks!
Like your new avatar. And jealous of your great skin. Mostly of your cabin as both hubby and I are working and things are crazier than ever.
Ha! It’s just an Instagram filter. I’m waiting for them to come out with one that de-fluffs me by about 50 pounds?
I can imagine it must be very stressful. Are things ramping up there? We never get any news about that part of the world, so I’m clueless on how the area has been affected.
I like lavender soap and Library of Flowers ? hand cream
What is keep me sane:
is having a Shalimar Sunday tomorrow! ? ?
Drinking Prosecco ?
Reading
Happy Birthday! It’s Sunday here so I will wear a bright liostick in your honour (Guerlain kiss kiss) as I don’t ve shalimar. I hope your next 21 years are as good as your first!
Awww! Thank you
Which color
I have a Guerlain lipstick also somewhere ..
564 Pearly Pink. I think it was a limited edition one a few years back because it was in a cool white but iridescent ( pinky sheen) plastic bullet. It is quite sheer but looks bright when on.
AH I see a swatch online!
Beautiful
Tomorrow I will wear my only one that I found. Guerlain in the black case in color Mauve Gloves
Oh my gosh Kanuka, you just gave me the greatest flashback of my little white Avon bullet lipsticks!!
A bright red color first and then a pink just like you were describing.
And super sharp edges, all perfectly formed. I was mesmerized at the time. I can smell them
Too!
I’ll join you for Shalimar Sunday, I’ve been wearing it a lot lately.
which version?
Edc, I like the extra lemon ?
Happy early birthday!!! Likewise no Shalimar for me but I put on Ambre Éternel as a Guerlain nod.
How is Ambre Eternel?
And thank you!
Birthday twins???
Buon compleanno domani!
Wearing Shaal Nur in your honor. Closest I’ve got to Shalimar. Happy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday!
Joining you with vintage Shalimar edc
Happy Birthday and Shalimar Sunday Lovestosmellgood! Joining you in Shalimar, which is quite nice – not as much Lemon Pledge as I recalled. The bottle is at least 20 years old, EdP, and smells very little like the 1970s version, which was lovely.
Happy Birthday! I unfortunately lack Shalimar, so Oriza Legrand Horizon instead. I can’t say Horizon really has anything to do with Shalimar. I hope everyone’s healthy in you family?
we are all healthy and well!
Thank you!
I have a very first world/privileged, etc. question. I want to buy Mon Guerlain body lotion (even Victoria at Bois de Jasmin mentioned that it’s lovely). I want something to report to Donatella!
I have a GC to Nordstrom, but unfortunately they are sold out on their website. I don’t want to buy from eB*y. So – would you purchase from Sephora or Neiman Marcus/Bergdorf? Is either better than the other in any way? And thanks for offering me an opinion.
I have ordered from both with no issues.
Thanks!
Or better for me to support one than the other?
Well NM I think filed for bankruptcy, so I am sure they will appreciate your business.
The other day Saks and BG’s had 25% off all their beauty except Chanel
I know!! I saw that I missed that 25% off. Darn.
Wow, NM chapter 11? Geez, great store.
I know, my jaw dropped. They have the best perfume selection in the area by far.
Fingers crossed they can survive now.
I’d heard rumors about NM filing for Chapter 11, but nothing concrete.
Macy’s has it available on the large pretty bottle for about $44 right now
I don’t see it on Saks right now
Do you never purchase from eBay as a rule? I am sketchy about purchasing fragrance, I did get a fake bottle once it was awful – but now I think if I met the buyer more I would probably feel OK about it.
Do you have the perfume? If you wanted the perfume they do have kits at fragrancenet, which I have only had positive experiences with, but it’s a 2.5 ounce tube which is not very attractive
Thank you, thank you! I just wanted the lotion for now. Hugs to Coin-op – not only on sale, but I also found an old Macy’s gift card to use and saved another $30. ♥ It will be fun to get a treat in the mail!
Not opposed to eBay at all – I’m just not very familiar with it. Although I need to GET familiar – I have some fragrances to sell there. Which I’ve been saying for a year now…that inertia thing.
Oh nice! ?? and just in time to help dry hands!
1. I guess level 4. Severe restrictions but not a complete lock down. This is the Netherlands.
2. Not an actual soap but I use a cleansing oil (Uriage huile lavante) for just mild cleaning while I’m inside my house, and use a double cleanse whenever I return from leaving my house. The soap I use is a Sonett hand soap.
3. I use a whole variety of creams, B5 cicaplaste baume from La Roche Posay, a Louis Widmer cream for dry hands, Atoderm hand cream, Eucering Ureum cream for dry chapped feet, works great for dry hands as well and finally 2 Deciem creams, hand hydrator and hand chemistry.
My hands are still in a rather pitiable state. ?
4. Daffodils, daffodils and daffodils. And some other shrubs and trees whose name I don’t know.
5. Take it one day at a time. And when stressed listen to some nice music or watch some silly clips, or call a friend.
I admit to several silly clips a day! And one really ridiculous one (a British mum doing I Will Survive, complete with filthy language and gin and whatnot) I have watched several days in a row.
She is young-ish but in a 80s aerobics outfit that is oddly fascinating to me; I have not seen anybody in a leotard over tights in years & years — where did she get it? Do Brits wear leotards for yoga?
That is very funny, I esp. love to see her family just stoically doing their thing while mum is having a melt down. I don’t know if Brits still wear leotards for yoga, I don’t even know if the Dutch do, having never attended a yoga class in my life.
My favourite clip is in Dutch so not that interesting to you. It’s a song by a young Dutch comedian (the same one who did the famous clip called The Netherlands Second?) about a one night stand he had with an ex of one of our more controversial politicians.
Plus Python always picks me up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_JUBgPHYmY
Excellent, had not seen that in years & never gets old.
I’ve seen this clip too. I’d like to confirm that the British do not wear leotards for yoga! ?
Thank you, I was getting seriously concerned! ?
Thank you!
Outfit reminded me of Jazzercise, which I assumed no longer existed but just checked and indeed it does!
1. We are on about level 3 — we can still go outside for walks & whatnot.
2. Using mostly Dr. Bronner lemongrass sugar soap.
3. Weleda Pomegranate! Also keeping a pump jar of argan oil by the sink and mixing it into whatever lotion is handy .
4. Daffodils, magnolias, forsythia.
5. Bob Dylan released a new song on Thursday.
Yes, Bob did!
?
https://youtu.be/-gsDBuHwqbM
Shelter from the storm
Kind of how I feel right now
Try imagining a place where its always safe and warm…
Do you like the new song?
Yes, but I would, right? It is 17 minutes long and if I disappear it means my husband really didn’t need to hear it again.
?
HAHAHA
I’ve been using argan oil followed by a heavier cream at night. My hands and cuticles look better than they did last winter.
My other trick is to spray rosewater on my hands before putting on the cream. Really does make the skin feel nicer/softer.
I’ll have to try that!
Me too – I have a bottle of rose water that was gathering dust
Tee hee — I do this to my face every morning!
Can you still order things online….like takeaways, clothes, books, perfumes? We can’t as there is no shipping until after the lockdown ( the exception is supermarkets have some home delivery services).
We can order things online, yes! Delivery from Amazon and supermarkets is slower than usual (this is esp. hard for my mom as she is on total quarantine by herself, and having trouble now getting fresh fruit & veg. but I am sure she has enough food to last her for weeks, and if it gets bad enough I will drive down there and do her shopping).
Restaurants are delivering, and many here are doing curbside pickup.
Plus regular mail is coming every day too, and the post office is open.
And one more post for fun – hope this link works – it’s the cutest ever! (especially if you like dogs and cats – and who doesn’t?)
https://i.imgur.com/lw5zgxW.gifv
(A store owner who asks his pets to move to the back of the store if customers are afraid of them.)
Too dang cute!
Lol.? too cute.
Lovely! Thanks! ?
Super cute!
Awww love it!
Love this! So sweet!
Tee hee! They look like show dogs. Such silky shiny coats!
That cat! “I am not moving, you will have to drag me from this spot.”
And the dog is like “where’s that weird black and white dog? he’s gotta come, too.”
LOL.
And the dog does all the work and gets a treat, while the cat does nothing and still gets a treat.
Adorable and so sweet! It made me smile for a little bit.
So adorable!
This is ADORABLE! Thank you for sharing springpansy!
I’ll go second.
1) 2, I guess. People here can move around as much as they want, it’s just that everything’s closed, so there’s really no where to move to. But most folks here are pretty good at sheltering; whenever i venture out for food/supplies, the stores are quite empty.
2) The peppermint stuff in the downstairs bath.
3) Sticking with my St. Ives oatmeal and shea butter.
4) Lots of crocuses, violets I think? but they don’t look like the violets of my youth, and daffodils. I love daffs.
5) Sane and Calm? What’s that?? jk, haven’t lost it ‘yet’. Long walks are very good for me. Watching cat videos. My own cat when he gets the daily crazies. Not watching the news. Walking to CVS and sneaking in for about 20 minutes to flip thru home design mags (while keeping an eye open for other are-you-getting-too-close-to-me-shoppers). Watching my favorite shows (Supernatural, Madame Secretary, Gilmore Girls, Jeopardy, Two and a Half Men) Getting in the car and just taking a leisurely drive with my favorite cds (yes, i am a dinosaur i still listen to cds). It’s the little things right now. Hope everyone else is good.
Oh, not second.
Fellow dinosaur CD listener here?
Me three.
Another member of the “CD Dinosaur Club”! Although I have ripped quite a few of mine to my computer, so I can listen to them that way as well.
long walks are my favorite sanity saver.
I’m trying not to watch the news either.
I know it, girl.
Oh, 2019*. I miss you so.
*the year, not the bug.*
We complained so much about 2019, myself included and here we are wishing to have it back. Such a big lesson! I should not complain any more, it could always be worse!
HA, isn’t that the truth!
But I will go on complaining, complaining is therapeutic.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/02/complaining-for-your-health/385041/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/caveman-logic/201604/the-value-complaining
Best quote I’ve heard about 2020 so far was a tweet by 50 Cent saying that it had been organized by the same people who did the FYRE festival.
Ah, must be true.
SotD = Sarah Horowitz Parfums Shades of Green + Stay Safe Sanitizing Spray
hi friends! I’m smelling green and safe today.
Shades of Green is a “sparkling green citrus” scent, perfect for springtime. It reminds me of something from Dior I smelled long ago, or maybe the green one from Parfums DelRae. It feels polished and smells well-finished. I’m glad I received a sample.
Stay Safe smells like my mum’s collection of essential oils, a smell I adore, with lavender and lemongrass most prominent to my nose.
1 – Here in SoCal I feel like we’re a 4.5 We stay home except for essential trips for medical care and groceries. We can go outside for exercise if we keep our distance from one another. Beaches and hike/bike trails were closed last night.
2 – I wash my hands with Trader Joe’s dishsoap. I dilute it with water and keep it in a foaming pump bottle by my kitchen sink. I like both scents – they have Lavender Teatree or Citrus.
3 – I use Cerave Moisturizing Cream following every hand washing. I also rub olive oil or coconut oil on my hands a few times a day. It really helps.
4 – Purple iris are abundant in my neighborhood right now. So beautiful, and they remind me to stand up straight.
5 – I’m enjoying #songsofcomfort when I need a little boost. Yo-Yo Ma is posting daily. Amazing. Many styles of music, instruments, vocals.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/songsofcomfort/top/
Our public park is still open but when we went over the other day my husband (probably wisely) said he did not want to walk around the lake because there were too many people on the trail. So we did a different part of the park.
If they close the park I will think of us as level 4.
And thanks for that link, I am smiling now!
Thank you this is a wonderful follow!
Beautiful music, thank you! Stay well.
1. Rate the virus-related restrictions in your area from 1 to 5, with 1 being complete freedom of movement and 5 being complete lock down.
I would say we’re at a 4. I personally am at a 5.
2. What’s your favorite hand soap at the moment?
La compagnie de Province olive wood scented liquid soap
3. What’s your favorite hand cream at the moment?
A local brand made here in Montréal
4. What’s blooming in your local area at the moment?
Nothing, everything I can see from my apartment is dead, brown and partially covered in filthy snow/ice
5. Tell us about something good that happened last week, or share the funniest thing you saw online, or just tell us how you’re staying sane and calm during these rough times.
Nothing good here- the next door neighbour in my building was taken away last night in an ambulance with suspected Covid19. I am hiding in my flat and praying. Listening to music and wearing L’Air du Désert Marocain to maintain my sanity.
Oh gosh, please stay well, Caz.
Oh no, I would stay in my flat too. Stay well!
Cazaubon, are they testing in your area?
There are some public testing places set up, drive up and walk up.
Stay safe! I hope your neighbor will recover and be ok.
Be well! I hope your neighbor tests negative. So stressful!
So sorry, and thinking of your neighbor of course.
So sorry, that’s a scary situation. You are making the best choice to stay inside.
Sending my love. Hope this coming week is brighter.
Thank you, and thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts.
He waka eke noa!
Oh jeez…. I live in St Henri so we are basically surrounded by city hot spots, and we can hear anytime that our neighbours cough through our walls – it’s definitely stressful!
But knowing for sure that your next door neighbor is very unwell is next level.
Sending well wishes to both your neighbor and to you. LMK if you need anything while you’re in lockdown.
Thanks teebear, that’s very kind. A friend brought us more food today, hopefully that will get us through the end of our quarantine. We also found a local bakery that delivers. Hope you and yours are well!
These are sad and scary times. But sounds like you’re keeping yourself safe. Wishing you some calm in the storm.
I hope your neighbor is ok.
Very glad you are staying inside. Today was the first day I went outside in a week; got a few groceries and now back home.
Fingers crossed for both you and your neighbor cazaubon.
Very sorry to hear it, cazaubon. Best wishes to you and your neighbor.
Yikes about the neighbor. Stay safe!
Oh gosh cazaubon, that must have been awful to see. I am sorry. Hang in there, you picked the right perfume, I did the same the other day and it was a great companion, it did lift my spirits, I hope the same for you.
1. We are supposed to stay home except to do essentials like buy groceries – being outside for exercise still allowed. So I guess a 4? What would a 5 level be? I don’t want to imagine
2. I like ECOS liquid soaps – non drying.
3. Not really a hand lotion person but Weleda skinfood is my go to for dryness
4. It’s Michigan so spring is still a ways away
5. I’m grateful for my work right now – it’s been keeping me sane to focus on writing and thinking about nothing related to this pandemic for a few hours each day
To me a 3 is you can still go out to exercise; a 4 is you can go out to store but can’t wander about without an excuse like store or meds or something, and they don’t even want you taking a walk; a 5 is complete lock down & can’t even go to store.
A 2 is what we had a few weeks ago, when they politely suggested you might go out less than normal.
But as always everybody can rate their own way!
1. We are between a 4 and 5. I think walks are still allowed. People got alerts on their phone yesterday telling them to stay home. Funny enough, I didn’t get it.?
2. Mrs. Meyers hand soap in Lavender scent. Mmmm
3. Hand cream, what’s that?? Between work and home I am washing and sanitizing my hands so much I can’t remember the last time I put lotion on them.
4. I’m not sure if anything is blooming yet but it was raining when I left for work this morning so hopefully soon.????
5. Be forewarned, you will have The Darkness playing in your head.?well, I did anyway…
https://youtu.be/JOT_8wHvcY8
Loved i! It’s a bookend to the Adele parody I linked in my comment. ??
Supposed to be rainy all day in our shared area. We were told we could walk or ride bikes, but we are not allowed to take a drive, which I don’t get. If you’re in your car alone just driving around, why should that matter?
That is wierd. Alone in your car is one of the best places to be!
Especially funny if you watch it directly after watching the original song.
And the vocals are quite good.
1. I’m on lockdown here, except for necessities.
2. Dial White Tea.
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost body gel cream, which I also use for hands. It’s light weight but really works well.
4. As far as I can tell, nothing is blooming here in my immediate area. A few neighbors have some green grass, most of us still have brown.
5. I went to pick up a prescription and scored some clearance make up for a dollar a piece. Brought home a few things for my daughter. I’ve been watching perfume collection video’s, and old commercial video’s. I found a quiz on theme songs from the seventies and can’t believe I missed Starsky and Hutch! Lol.
Sotd is Gucci Rush.
Scent twins! We smell great, Rush is a happy perfume imo.
It’s been awhile since I’ve worn it, and when I put it on it really cheered me up!
Remember when everyone wore thise Starsky-like cardigans? So funny.
Snow!!??
No snow, it got changed to lot’s of rain and thunder storms.
I can’t say I miss those cardigans!
Gucci Rush is one of the perfumes that I can picture as a signature for you lillyjo.
Yeah, I kinda ignored it this past season, and it felt really good to wear it again. It made me feel more ” me” if that makes sense.
It absolutely makes sense!
SOTM is Bandit, belatedly participating in yesterday’s CP. I smell great.
Poll answers:
1. Rate the virus-related restrictions – I’d say it’s about an 8 here. Those LED signs on the highways are all programmed to read “stay home, save lives”, and traffic is way down. But I was still able to go to the office to adjust some computer settings that couldn’t be done remotely, and Mr. G has been out to obtain various grocery and other supplies several times. He wants to go downtown for a walk today – not sure how I feel about that.
2. Favorite hand soap at the moment is Crabtree and Evelyn Goatmilk and Oat. It’s not antibiotic, but since I take care to sing to myself for the prescribed 20 seconds, I think it’s okay.
3. Favorite hand cream at the moment (really, of every moment) is Carthusia Mediterraneo. Delicious and effective.
4. Blooming in my area: all the flowering plum trees, and just a few of the flowering cherries. I took the scenic route when I snuck into the office (first time out of the house at all in a week) specifically to enjoy the blossoms. It was lovely.
5. How I’m maintaining sanity? Well, IF I am, it’s by reminding myself that I can sleep later, that we still have hot water and electricity and wifi, that I don’t have to put on makeup every day, that modern technology is allowing me to stay at home and still draw a paycheck. Oh, and my first grand-niece was born this past week, and she and her mom are both healthy. So, lots to be happy about.
Be well and safe, everyone!
Congrats on the Grandniece! I can’t go and visit mine right now, of course, but my sister keeps sending me the cutest pictures.
Thank you! I can’t go visit either, but my niece and her dad (my brother) are texting pictures of the baby regularly. She’s so tiny!
I’ve been reading everyone’s posts, and wondering why all the ratings are so low. Then I realized that my brain read the scale as 1 to 10 instead of 1 to 5. Oops. Guess my true assessment of our lock-down level is 4, not 8.
Congrats on your Grand-niece! Hopefully, you will have time to share with them soon!
2nd that!! Hope they are home already safe and sound.
Congratulations to the great aunt. Hope it won’t be to long before you can go visit.
Congrats on your first grand-niece!
And jealous of your Mediterraneo hand cream. I bet it is fabulous.
Congratulations on your first grand-niece! ????
1. The situation here in New York is very scary right now. We are the epicenter of the pandemic in the country and we are in lock down. Like almost everywhere else we have stores open like pharmacies, supermarkets, some bank branches, restaurants for delivery and pickup and many other essential places. The order is to be inside all the time and go out for walks or to take care of the basics. I would rate this as 4, since so many people still do not understand the seriousness of the situation and in certain areas they are still outside socializing and not keeping the right distance. Let’s see what the situation at the parks is going to be this weekend. They may close soon for good.
2. I have never been too crazy about fancy soaps or hand creams. I usually buy them from Bath and Body Works and I have plenty that I have been accumulating for years, as well as their hand sanitizers, so I keep using them as usual.
3. I have always been a fan of Nivea cream for my hands, especially at bed time. I am also using Bath and Body Works creams. I keep a bottle on each room of my apartment. I have always been obsessed with hand creams and I apply them every single time I wash my hands, so the rutine has not changed at all.
However, my hand lotions when I wear perfumes have to be unscented or very light scented like Nivea, Skin Milk or Canus Goat Milk moisturizing lotion.
4. Magnolias, crabapples, callery pears, red maples, hawthorns are in full bloom, as well as hyacinths, narcissus, daffodils and forsythias. Tulips are starting to show up also. I wish I could go to the botanical gardens as planned, but that has to wait until next year.
5. I am keeping my sanity by reading my local news only once a day late in the afternoon. Being on top of the news all day was already making me feel very emotionally sick. I usually do not have time to watch TV, except for the news, so I am replacing them by watching anything else that does not mention COVID-19 at all.
Wearing Kyoto from my new bottle that I finally bought last week and arrived this morning. I have few things to confess to Donatella. I hope not to break my no buy commintment again this year.
Have a healthy and peaceful weekend, everyone! ?
And congratulations to Dr. Jessica! ?.
Robin, are you answering the questions to the pool? Would love to read your answers ?.
Sorry! Didn’t see your answers above Robin.
No worries! I was too late this morning to include them in the post itself.
Yay for your new bottle!
I feel like if the stupid people would just for one day, stop being stupid.. a whole bunch of progress would be made.
Thank you. Lillyjo! ?
I don’t see that happening here at all. Last night around 11pm, when I took my dog for a short walk there was a group of 10 teenagers walking outside having fun like the world is the same. They were the only ones outside. Also adults have been irresponsible. I don’t know how our curve is going to flatten here with people like them. So concerning!
I live in western CT, so we get the NY news channels/affiliates and always hearing the worst things (which is why I don’t watch it). Please stay safe, ’67.
Thank you GateGirl. I am in an almost complete lockdown because my mother who is 80 years old and have very serious health issues lives with me. I only go out to the supermarket, pharmacy and take my dog out and still I feel unsafe.
You too stay well and safe!
Thinking of you and everyone in NY! I would love to rail against our “leader” because he is the reason this is so OUT OF HAND! But, I don’t want to get too political ?
Yeah, best not start! Plus, a number of leaders all over the place are [ed. note: self-censored rest of my comment].
LOL for sensoring yourself! ?.
LOL
Robin, you are an excellent example to us all. But it’s so haaaaard! ?
Really, really hard. But here we all are, still speaking to each other! So it is worth it.
Totally agree with you Deva! We just have to watch for ourselves!
I totally dig your anger, Deva (tho I wish the reasons for said anger were gone). I know it’s not meant to, but I actually get a chuckle from it. Rail away, girl!
So scary – I hope you and your loved ones remain safe.
Thank you Cazaubon! As hours pass I just wonder if here we will come out of this untouched. So scared for my mother. I am leaving everything in God’s hands!
Ooh yay for Kyoto!
Thank you ringthing! After so long, I finally pull the the trigger on Kyoto!
Please take good care.
I love the scent of Nivea! I wish i could get a bottle of their perfume, it’s only available in Germany I think.
I’m avoiding news except for a brief update in the mornings. A few evenings ago someone at home asked me to read a very good article in the Atlantic about Generation C, the kids being born now, who will grow up in a very different world. I couldn’t sleep that night, spent hours online shopping.
Congrats on your Kyoto! It’s a beauty.
Thank you, Tiffanie!
Sleeping was not an issue for me, but for the last two nights I have been waking up from deep sleep many times during the night and falling sleep again. Very restless and feeling tired the rest of the day. I am thinking about my twin nieces who were born 2 months ago. They will not remember this pandemic, but I am wondering how many things that will be worse than this they will have to face in the future. Devastating!
Besides that I live 10 minutes away, driving distance from 2 hospitals. The ambulance sirens have increased a lot and especially after midnight they sound more eerie. I live in a very quiet area. I have been enjoying for many days the birds and insects singing without any other noise disturbances and now sirens and Nature singing do not sound compatible anymore, especially at that level. Wonder if my nieces and all that generation will not have the privilege 50 years from now to listen to Nature, but only the sound of sirens or the sound of silence. I try to keep myself positive, even though is not easy, so let’s hope for better times!
In the mean time online shopping seems to be a good therapy for many of us. We need to survive in some way, right? ?
They actually have more than one – they have the regular Nivea edt and also Nivea Sun edt. Not badly priced – I think 25 euro. Didn’t buy it, but when we are in Berlin (and I so hope I get to got this summer), we always go to the Nivea House and go crazy.
I’m with you on Nivea scent. Every night when I put it on, I’m amazed how great it smells, and how much it improves any remains of whatever scent I had on earlier.
Sending you best wishes. NYC is pretty cray, I know I have several friends who are positive but only displaying minor symptoms so far…. At least new perfume shall be there to comfort you!
Thank you Teebear! I hope your friends recover soon! Stay well!
Kyoto is a,great scent for troubled times, i think. Hope you stay safe
Thank you Tannina! You too stay well!
I need more comfort, so I am thinking about wearing my incense perfumes almost every day now.
My # rating is lower, and think we actually should have people enforcement of the social distancing rules. I’m also staying off the news, mostly, except to watch Cuomo updates. I get enough alarming emails from work ? I hope you and all your loved-ones stay well!
Thank you ElisaP. I think I was too nice when I say 4. I agree with you on 3. What you see outside is unbelievable. I even stopped watching live Cuomo and De Blasio updates. I read them very quickly in the afternoons to keep myself informed.
I have been thinking about you a lot. You have my respect, admiration and gratitude for being in the front line. I hope you stay well, healthy and in the best spirits possible. The same goes for your family. Sending hugs!
Thank you my dear. I actually don’t watch De Blasio, lol. Not a fan. Hugs to you!!
Hey, good for you on getting that Kyoto! I know that you had been missing it a lot.
Thanks Jalapeno! It has been a couple of years since I wanted a full bottle again. I am glad I finally got it!
Just showered and sprayed on Perry’s MC Mandarino di Siciliana. I think later I will be spraying on Allure…I am veering to older school classics of late.
1. What is NYC? 4? We go out for walks and groceries.
2. Hand soap… I’ve moved to bar soap because I have found liquid to be more drying. Just finished a Soap & Paper Company Green Tea, which I loved. A friend gave me a set of their soaps in different scents, so I think I’ll be using them for hands as much as possible.
3. Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream, which is on my end table by the couch
4. All sorts of trees are blooming here. We need to get to Central Park again to see if the past week has resulted in more blooming.
5. Zoom has become indispensable. Spent almost three hours this morning on Zoom with about 35 other women, sometimes in smaller groups. Our church is doing a 20 minute Zoom prayer call at noon each weekday, and my WW workshops are via Zoom, as is my small community group from church. My circle of contacts with those experiencing the virus or losing friends is growing.
Sanity is being tested by this stupid hat I’m knitting, but I’ll get through it soon. Been downloading a lot of other patterns.
You know what, though? I wouldn’t be anywhere else on earth than NYC at this time. I’m a transplant, but I love it dearly. I could actually hear all the clapping and cheering for all the healthcare, delivery and other workers last night at 7 pm. As the songwriter said, “It’s a wonderful town.”
Thankful for the lessened traffic allowing me to zig zag into streets when approaching those fools walking three abreast…
Your last paragraph reminds me of the Sex and the City episode that was shot and aired right after 9/11. It was essentially a love letter to NYC. Carrie Bradshaw wouldn’t leave it, either.
Yes, I love that episode!
Can you suggest a basic knitting pattern for a beanie? Something simple like a ‘Me Too’ shaped one, or similar. I can’t access wool so it will be a mixture of yarns on Number 8 needles.
http://www.purlsoho.com has lots of free patterns under “Create” on their website (their fluffy brioche hat is the ine giving me fits…). Most of the ones I have are for circular needles and 7 or 8 is a pretty normal size. I also got some patterns from here but haven’t tried them.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/KnotandStitchDesign?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=776313135
I do have a very basic ribbed hat that I’ve made using size 9 needles. It’s so forgiving that you could use pretty much any size. I can email you pdf if you like.
Weaving Wonder on Ravelry has a Honeysuckle Beanie I liked. But it was circular needs. The ribbed one I mention above uses straight needles.
Brilliant , thank you! I think I can manage something that is basically a folded in half rectangle , with rib .
Let me know your email here or send it to me at eabrit on the geemail platform. I can send you the pdf.
I agree..
There is no place I would rather be than NYC!
Though everyday I grieve for my sick city, I will stay and waft in it with over spraying of Shalimar..
Aww, yeah, I do enjoy this city despite all my complaints. My husband heard some clapping ladt night. I missed it! I’ll keep an ear out…
You smelled great! Love that PMC Mandarino.
So sorry for #5 LizzieB.
Please let us know how the hat turns out, you made me smile at that one.
We are all routing for you and I never miss a Cuomo update!
Stay well & safe. We are all clapping for you guys.
Have you sniffed PMC Arancia di Sicilia? I can’t get that anywhere and wondered if Mandarino would be a good substitute.
I haven’t. I got my samples of the two PMC scents from Indigo Perfumery in Ohio. They have Arancia di Sicilia in stock it seems. Don’t know where you are, but that’s an option. Reasonable price on samples.
I’m in Canada and Indigo doesn’t ship to Canada.
1. The Netherlands here
I guess a 4. We are still allowed to go outside, but there are lots of restrictions when it comes to getting together. Most of all the non-food-stores are closed. It was pretty quiet in city centre today. But I was still able to get some sketching paper!
2.
I use ‘Boszeep’ (translates as Forest soap) from Bottema en Van Bennekom (a Dutch brand), its a soap bar.
And a Palmolive liquid soap
3.
L’Occitane Shea butter hand cream
Chanel (the one in the white pebble-like flacon)
a few drops of Jojoba or coconut oil
Or the body cream from Uncover Skincare
4.
I spotted daffodils, glory of the snow/snow glory, magnolias.
5.
This afternoon I spent an hour in the sun, reading (in my living room, i just opened the window). ☀️?
I felt like a battery being charged. ?
Btw
Ive sent cards to some family members and friends.
Usually I never ever send cards, not even christmas cards.
@2. When cleaning out a closet I found a Diptyque Do Son soap bar. (Totally forgot I had it).
now I use it when I shower, though I usually prefer liquids this is quite lovely.
“Battery being charged” – yes! That’s exactly how I felt while out in my yard last weekend, doing battle with a long-standing weed patch. It was wonderful to just be out there – the patch is right next to some daphne and the scent was very soothing.
Wweeding is perfect to forget about everything for a while!
I dont have a yard, but maybe I can help my parents out next weekend (of course there will be social distancing).
I’m so enjoying the sun at the moment. I did a really long walk today which was pure bliss. Isn’t it odd how quickly we adapt to these strange new times?
Yup,
It did not take that much effort to adapt to this new routine.
But I am the type of person that has always been able to entertain myself for days with movies, books, perfumes, games….
I know some folks who are more socially active and who often need other people around to feel good. I bet they have a harder time right now.
I am beginning to miss visits to the bar/pub with friends though….
And of course I had a few moments when I was overwhelmed by stress.
But I decided to stop check headlines all day haha. News at the moment is not very helpful.
You are probably right. I’m not really struggling to adapt either. I would have a much harder time if I could not go for walks anymore, but I can see that some people really need more company than I do.
What I’m missing most is my trips to Antwerp, I love wandering around that city, and usually a few times each month, and I miss going to museums.
I went through a few anxious days this past week, but I’m fine again now.
The organisation I work for is still adapting, and imho adapting too slowly, which is putting us, care workers at risk.
Have you watched any of the Dominee Gremdaat clips on Haenen’s YouTube channel? Highly recommended!
Yes I miss museums too!
?
I will check out the Dominee!
Like al folks growing up in the 80s I learned about Paul Haenen first
because of Bert and Grover in Sesamstraat.
?
Later I learned about Buster Fonteyn, Dominee Gremdaat and Margreet Dolman of course!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3McPhvG51k
My absolute favourite!
Yes – sending cards. I am going to do that too. I am furloughed three days this week, so I have some time to write.
Hi! Im in Spain.
1. 4.5 we can only go out for groceries.
2. I make a nice foaming hand soap with Dr. Bronners and lavender.
3. Lá Roche Possay body cream, use it on my hands.
4. My tulips!
5. I am taking care of my immune system and mental health with aromatherapy. Very worried about my loved ones in Brazil, it will be tough over there.
By the way, anyone from Sweden? How is there? Curious to know.
Take care everyone and be well.
My son lives in Barcelona and said it was extended another week?? Wishing you well!
People are talking about lockdown until July, I just live each day otherwise we go insane!
Greetings from the opposite side of the world!
So sorry that things are so tough in Spain, sending you lots of warm thoughts!
Stay well Gabriela! The situation in Spain is so critical! I have old family members living in Alicante and I hope they are all fine during this crisis. I wish the best to your dear ones in Brazil!
Lots of virtual hugs Gabriela, Spain is suffering really badly.
Hugs Gabriela! Also sending hopeful thoughts for Spain.
It’s good to have a positive outlook. Be well and stay safe.
Thank you everyone for the hugs, stay well and wear lots of perfume.
Hmm, let’s see.
I’m in Spain, so we’re at level 5 since March 11. That means you’re allowed to go out only for groceries, to the pharmacy, gas station or work transportation. You’re allowed to take your dog out for a maximum of 10 minutes. And if the cops see people on the streets, they’re allowed to fine you if you have no obvious reason to be out. Nightmare…
Hand soap, well we’re using just about anything. Antibacterial soaps have been out of stock for a while so washing is essential with any kind of soap.
As for hand cream, the body shop hemp hand cream; it soothes like no other.
I haven’t noticed many blooming trees but cherry blossoms are glorious. Most trees are covered in pale pink blossoms.
Funny things, well your typical memes and gifs. Not much to laugh about lately, stress and anxiety of the roof but patience is a virtue so I hope this ends soon.
Stay safe all!!
My son lives in Barcelona. He is growing a quarantine beard.
I’m doing the exact same thing! Plus, quarantine hair! ?
Hope he’s keeping safe.
Yes on the quarantine hair! Sending you lots of positive thoughts.
Sending positive vibes! Be well!
Be well and be safe!
Sotd:Organza Indecence ?
We are on a lockdown similar to most states. Essential travel only.
My fav hand soap atm is Trader Joe’s orange blossom. So lovely!
My current hand creme is Ahava Dermud intensive hand creme.
Nothing blooming yet ☹️
The funniest thing was when my daughter tried to show me how to change the background on Zoom. I tried to use a pic of our dog but something went wrong. I looked like a ghost floating around the dog??
We were both laughing so hard we were crying.
I would like to know how to change the background on Zoom!
Somewhere in your profile settings you can go to virtual background. You can upload photos.
A professor friend of mine kept posting hilarious photos of herself on Facebook with different backgrounds on Zoom, like the Golden Gate Bridge, bit in each one, her head was missing!
?
Unfortunately, I can’t help you with that. If you know any millennials, I’m sure they can show you how to do it. ? She has a bar picture that she uses for Zoom happy hour with friends. It’s awesome.
Too funny! What a good time!
Thanks, Robin and all! It’s fun.
1. Between 4 and 5…we have a curfew, the parks are closed, but we’re allowed to go out for necessities at grocery stores, pharmacies, and the few take-out restaurants that are open. DH and I are keeping our outside trips VERY limited.
2. C.O. Bigelow liquid hand soap in a scent called Aqua Melis.
3. LUSH Snowflake at bedtime; Dr. Bronner’s lavender hand/body lotion throughout the day.
4. Lenten rose, forsythia, daffodils, hyacinth…
5. Catching up on “Schitt’s Creek” has helped me to laugh. Our two cats always make me smile. Coffee!!
Congratulations Jessica!
Well done on the awards. Go girl!!!
#5 twins with you Jessica! I only have one cat but otherwise, these are some of my top joys.
Gosh I forgot to say congrats! Well deserved
Congratulations Jessica! You deserved it! ??
Huge congratulations from me as well!
Congrats! That’s awesome!
As much as I think they need more restrictions here, I do hope they don’t do the curfew bit because nights here are the least populated time and the best time to go out for a walk or to the drug store.
I agree
Congratulations, Jessica! ?
Congratulations, Jessica!
Joining in on the congratulations to you! I loved your article on ‘The Goldfinch’. Oh what a great book it was. I hope the movie does it justice.
I second all this, only I’m not sure I’ll even watch the movie because I’m scared it will lessen my enjoyment of the book if it’s not good.
Congratulations! I really enjoyed both of the articles.
Congratulations Dr. Jessica!
My SOTD is Odalisque. I started out in Fresh Hesperides, but it was gone by the time I finished my walk.
1. I think we’re at a 4.5. Everything except “essential” businesses is closed, including parks, though we can walk outside if we want.
2. I’m using a Mysore Sandal soap I bought at the Indian grocery and Dawn dish soap after I come in from outside.
3. I don’t use hand cream but probably should, my hands are dry and starting to crack.
5. Walks are saving my sanity, and music. Freddie Mercury cheered me up yesterday. Limiting the news to the Times, Post, WSJ, and the local paper. I don’t watch TV news at all.
Thank you! and I loooove those soaps. Sometimes I get a few at the Indian grocery too!
I saw you mention a Rocky Mountain vet show and wondered if you might like an Australian vet show called Bondi Vet, if you don’t know it.
Thanks! I hadn’t heard of it. He’s very cute, isn’t he? Kind of like a young Robert Redford.
All Australians around Bondi look like that! There is a British show called Supervet ( my mum watched it) which is mostly highly technical stuff/ prosthetic limbs etc.
It so irritates me that international licensing, I guess, keeps me from watching the actual BBC online (not just the limited selection we get in the US). I had access to the BBC food channel when I was in Southern Africa, and loved the diverse, intelligent, and eccentric programs. I was so bitterly disappointed by the US food channel when I returned, I’m sure that’s the main reason I never bothered to get a television again.
(I am prepared to learn I’m just not using the right app. This is the disadvantage of not having children.)
A nice thing is that people have placed teddy bears ( and messages) in their front windows ( or in cars) so that the little kids who go for walks around the block with their parents can do a ‘teddy bear hunt’ and count all the furry animals they see.
We are allowed to walk from our houses but are not allowed to drive anywhere except to medical centres, supermarkets or essential services..so we can’t drive to forest walks, or the beach. I haven’t heard a car for days so that’s nice, it also means you can walk on the road when doing the 2 metre side-step…plus a bonus for hedgehogs crossing the road.
I have never worn hand cream but I do have Mon Guerlain body lotion. It disappears into the skin easily but it very strongly scented and long lasting, so it will compete with any perfume you wear. It tends to become very lavender-centric as it wears.
My favourite bushes at the moment are the hedges that would have been planted here by the early European settlers, from around the 1850s: hawthorne and holly, both laden with shiny red berries. I love that cultural history, thinking about the ways people transported their lives across the ocean, and brought familiar plants. Also all the bright red risehips in the graveyard and some straggling roses. So…lots of bright red!
The thing that actually makes me smile is the grave that I walk past most days for someone with the family name ‘Nelson’. No dates or other information( but I think it would be around 1900) , just the words “ALL’S WELL”. I like his spirit.
Years ago I saw a grave in Mystic, Connecticut (right on the edge of the water, gorgeous place to be buried) that said something like pete@heaven.org — and IIRC, nothing else at all. But perhaps I have improved it in my memory. Anyway that would be the modern version of your ALL’S WELL, maybe.
Funny!
You help me to not want to hold my breath when I pass a graveyard.
LOVE the teddies. That’s wonderful
We live near a primary school and playcentre so it is pretty cool…tons of bears
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/teddy-bear-hunt-city-streets
Love the teddies as well, reminded me of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxFIGWm9M6w
That song takes me back to my childhood and early morning weekend radio when it was chikdren’s hour with stories like Little Flick, Hopalong cassidy, captain pugwash and songs like that and I’m a pink toothbrush or My old man’s a dustman….it became kind of dull after a while …sparky and the train “right front wheel loose” , liitle toot the tug….
I first heard this song when I was watched the Singing Detective.
Love the teddy bear idea. And I’ve just bought some Mon Guerlain body lotion (my post is a ways above) – really looking forward to a little treat. I think you are the one who mentioned it not too long ago, so enabler pin for you.
I have Mrs Meyer’s Rhubarb in the kitchen and it smells like spring. My favorite little soap shop in my town is closed of course, but the owner is doing “virtual shopping” weekly so that if you order soap online and are local, they’ll add other things if you text her. I just got an incense holder recently so I am going to look at the Japanese incense tomorrow to add to my lilac soap order.
3. Eucerin but my fingertips are splitting and peeling from washing.
4. Jonquils and hyacinths have broken ground but won’t bloom for a while, it’s all dead grass and bare trees in March.
5. I’m enjoying reconnecting with friends that I don’t get to see often enough. I’ve been writing letters and texting a lot. My daughter called to FaceTime with her grandmother while I was there this week and that was fun for all of us.
Forgot to answer – it’s a level 4 here. Essential travel only and you can be outside but playgrounds are closed.
my fingers a splitting also, and I have eczema so all this hand washing does me in
Love Mrs. Meyers stuff. Hang in there!
I love the Rhubarb and also geranium scented hand soap by Mrs. Meyer’s they are so refreshing!
1. 4 Only allowed out for getting groceries and one walk per day
2. Mysore Sandalwood large soap bar from India
3. Yves Rocher Arnica hand cream
4. Daffodils and and som white bluebells
5. You could eat from the floor of the apartment, never did as much spring cleaning as now
Scent of the day is AdP Mandorlo di Sicilia over Rouge Bunny Rouge Tenera, usually I layer it with Mechant Loup but MdS works just as well.
coming over to eat off your floor..
?
?
1. I would say no. 4, I can go out for a walk, but that’s it
2. I am using SMN rose hand soap
3. A Derma hand cream
4. Nothing is blooming
5. It’s like everything is going bad right now, my daughter didn’t get accepted to the university program she was working soo hard to enter! my father in law is in a retirement place and they are saying someone in their building got infected!
Trying to stay strong !
Sending conforting hugs Hera. Very difficult times! Hope things improve for you all soon and your father in law stays healthy. Stay strong! You can do it!
thank you very much
Oh no Hera. So sorry for your daughter, how disappointing. And so worrying for your FIL. Sending uplifting and calming vibes.
thank you very much
I am so sorry about your daughter..
HUGS
Thank you
Thinking of you and your family Hera.
Thinking of you and your family. ?
That’s so much at once! Please be sure to take good care of yourself right now, Hera — put your own oxygen mask on first, as they say.
Yikes. That is a lot to cope with. Hugs.
1. I’d say that here in Houston we’re at about a 3.5. We have a shelter in place order but can go out for walks and to parks. The governor just announced a self-quarantine for anyone coming into Texas from outside. I suspect part of the motivation is concern about people fleeing New Orleans to come here.
2.I have a bar of some kind of cheap plant-based soap that is in stores but I can’t think of the name. It’s corrugated. It has a strong rosemary scent.
3. I’m out of hand lotion now. I only like unscented ones like Trader Joe’s Aloe for super dry skin.
4. We are semi-tropical, so the list is long: hibiscus, roses, lantana, geraniums, pansies, petunias, Japanese Iris, amaryllis, and these red things: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-SYyD6JiKk/?igshid=axy6oql3evfp. I just yesterday saw a couple of gardenias and some star jasmine starting to bloom. When the jasmine comes out it’s in vast hedges everywhere and the air smells wonderful!
5. I saw this on Facebook yesterday, and it’s hilarious! Enjoy! https://wgnradio.com/john-williams/husband-and-wife-write-coronavirus-themed-rendition-of-simon-garfunkels-homeward-bound/
Excellent! ?
your #4..so jealous
OMG, love that video!!!
SotD Guerlain Ambre Éternel from my decant. Ambergris love.
(1) 4.5 – Montreal seems to have become the epicentre of COVID in Canada currently. I’m hoping it’s because our testing has been fairly rapid and our spring break earlier than the rest of Canada so we’re seeing an increase now but will taper off soon. But no lies, it’s alarming to see the numbers keep going up. We have a local state of emergency declared, but no police checks on when and why you’re outside the house as yet.
(2) We just use soap from one of those Dial refillable eco bags. I think the last scent was Coconut Water Mango? It’s empty now so we’ll switch to another scent soon!
(3) No hand cream for me, I need calluses, but wearing strengthening nail polish (to my surprise) has made a huge difference in the health and condition of my parched cuticles where careful dabs of moisturizer and/or oil never helped before.
(4) As Cazaubon already noted spring has not sprung. We’ve got nada.
(5) Started taking Yale’s “The Science of Happiness” course online last night (available free). I figured that trying to learn and implement some behavioral science at this early stage of what promises to be a challenging year couldn’t hurt.
What a great idea (#5), I need to go look at that!
Regarding your #5: my husband and I signed up for the course a few days ago, watched the introductory video and then quickly realized that it is a real course with lots of assignments and homework, LOL.
The course is very well rated and no doubt useful but I guess we were hoping to just sit on the couch, watch videos and slowly ease into happiness ? We’ll see how it goes…
Ha yeah I got to the “GI Joe Fallacy” part of the video and went awwwww dang…. You mean I’m going to have to try to conscientiously change my habits, not just passively sit and take in information. Fark.
At least she was upfront about it!
The Week #1 rewirement is challenging, to say the least… I looked at all the ways to use what were labeled as my two greatest strengths and promptly thought I HATE ALL OF THESE IDEAS.
I suppose it’s good to identify your strengths if you hadn’t before; I had a good sense of what mine were and am SO tired of them being my default/only coping mechanisms. I grabbed some ideas on how to lean into strengths #3-4 instead.
Good luck!!! Maybe we can be accountability buddies in trying to stick with it ?
I’m wearing one of my top most loved today…Mohur.
I guess we are at about a 3.5. We can go for walks but beaches & parks are closed I think. Being Canadian we seem to comply with rules nobody has even made yet so most stay home. I did hear of a $1000 fine someone got yesterday for driving with someone not in their household so the rules may be more stringent than I’m even aware of.
My favorite handwash is La Florentina Arancio Mediterraneo which is a lovely bitter orange. I’d picked up a bottle at Winners once and liked it so much I hunted down another bottle. Alas it is all gone now, and I wonder if I’ll be able to find more.
My favorite hand cream is Malle Iris hand cream. A luxurious treat that I’m now rationing out.
Spring is amazing here, everything is blooming but my favorites are cherry blossoms and magnolias.
I actually whelped and raised my hands when I managed to luck out on a jumbo pack of toilet paper today. I was getting down to my last few rolls and was discouraged that I hadn’t seen any on the shelves for weeks. I never would have thought I could be so excited for something like that.
Had a little zoom party last night with some friends. It was fun but also a bit heartbreaking.
Gi, sorry the meal was also heartbreaking! We are planning a zoom family meal next weekend, joining people in 3 time zones, hope it works out.
And now I want that hand wash too! I see the bar soap online but not a liquid.
Thanks for reminding me about Malle Iris hand cream! This is *the* time to Shop Your Stash…
I did a layering of Coriandre with vintage Ma Griffe today that toned down the bitterness of Ma Griffe. The result was quite nice. Now wearing Evoke for her after shower. A bit like a mx of Perles de Lalique and Bottega Veneta.
1. We can leave the house to work, shop and go for walks or biking. So i think its a 3.5. The farmers markets are still open for business. People are starting to wearing masks. The commercial ones are sold out, so i sewed some for me and my family.
2. We mostly used Savon de Marseille bars, and have a big stock, because i love buying soap bars. They should last us at least 5 years…
3. Hand cream is Neutrogena, a Roche Posay one or simply Vaseline. When i do my evening skincare i use all toners and serums on my hands too.
4. Daffodils and magnolias are blooming, and the plum and cherries too.
5. I am still sane and safe, my family copes well with the situation, so i hope we will get out of this. The chinese did, so we will too!
We still have a sort of farmers market, although it involves pre-ordering and pre-paying, and then picking up at a specific time — so not really a market in the end. But at least we can continue to buy from local farmers.
That is actually a really good solution.
OH, Coriandre is lovely! Do you have the edt or edp?
I’ve layered it L’ Artisan’s Patchouli Patch.
I have the EdT, it’s cheap as chips and nice for warmer weather
We are pretty much on lock down. If you are an essential worker, you can go to and from work. If you aren’t going to the grocery store or getting gas, you really aren’t supposed to be out and about. Wearing vintage BaV right now.
I am going to need gas soon, and a quick trip to the PO.
I’ve been wearing BaV at night to help me sleep – it’s the perfect musk/powdery scent for bed time.
Hi all!
1. I think Poland is somewhere between 3 and 4. We are not locked at homes but the movement is restricted.
2. Yves Rocher Golden Tea liquid soap. It was a limited edition for Christmas and I still haven’t used it up.
3. From Avon, Planet Spa Eucalyptus hand cream.
4. I think I saw mirabelle plum tree in bloom few days ago.
5. I’m continuing my weightloss and doing a lot of excercises at home now that I can’t go swimming. Popsugar at Youtube is really useful to do that.
Sotd is Diptyque Eau des Sens.
Twins! Stay safe Lucas!
Got the Golden Tea liquid soap and lip balm, and still working on the latter. Good, just not a wow as some of their previous holiday LEs.
SOTD is a couple tiny glugs from my splashbottle of Miss Dior as I was putting away bottles sitting on my dresser
1 We are able to go out to get groceries and the pharmacies are open. There was a security guard at the grocery store entrance; probably limiting the number of people inside and just keeping an eye out. Most things are closed now and people just seem to be staying home.
2. I have Watkin’s lemon soap at the kitchen sink and a Carnation scented Fine Florentine Soap in “my” bathroom (where all my makeup is).
3. I have several L’Occitane tubes – Shea butter, Date Bouquet, Honey, and Violet. I also have a tub of Burt’s Bees Baby multipurpose ointment (super thick) for those extra rough moments. I did splurge this week and use Frederic Malle Iris hand crème at bed time.
4. My maple tree seems to be waking up and I noticed a few crocuses blooming last week.
5. This morning I heard the robins chirping away. They should be “setting up shop” soon in one of the trees outside my bedroom window. Staying sane by watching very light tv, HGTV or the Food Channel. Maybe Netflix this afternoon, something fun like Shitt’s Creek.
How is the L’O violet hand cream? I am thisclose to buying some as I get slightly violet-obsessed at this time of year.
It’s not overly-scented, more f!oral than woodsy. I’d probably get it again when this one runs out.
It’s a grey, drizzly day which called for Gris Clair, of course!
1) I’d rate us at a 3 and think we need to be at a 5 in NYC right now. They are recommending staying home except for walks, neccessities (which people will interpret however), appointments. The parks are still open and people are still hanging out, kids playing in the playgrounds, soccer games going on all while they set up “hospitals” in convention centers in every borough and our facility converts empty space into patient “rooms”, including the cafeteria. My friend who works at Mt Sinai upper east said they are using their large atrium lobby to set up patient cubicles. That’s my rant. On to smelly things…
2) Soap of the moment: in my bathroom dispenser is Love Beauty Planet body wash in the lavender scent. It smells very much like Lush’s Sleepy products with the tonka in it.
I’m using a dollar store soap at the kitchen sink that my niece left with me ladt week. It’s blueberry flavor and I’ve caught whiffs of it and couldn’t figure out where the pleasant smell was coming from ? It’s growing on me.
3) I also can’t keep up with handcream since I sanitize and wash so often and actually don’t like using sanitizer on top of hand cream. But, still have my tube of Compaignie de Provence grapefruit and Eucerin hand therapy stuff.
4) Blooming: lots of weeds!!!! I spent a good chunk of last weekend tring to uproot the chive weeds and violet which is super tenacious. But the rose bush is foliating nicely, and outside I’ve seen some ginko trees starting to bud (one of the funkier smells in nature).
5) Happy my friends that I know who had covid-19 are recovering well and were in no serious danger. Other good things: so many people in my community looking to help out people. There are signs everywhere with phone #s for people who need help with shopping, Rx pickup, or just a friendly voice to keep them feeling less isolated.
I binged 2 shows: Feel Good with comedian Mae Martin which was entertaining enough. And Unorthodox, which I really enjoyed. Both on Netflix. Watched a livestream of an aquaintance last eve during dinner- she’s a luthier by trade, but plays blues guitar and sings/writes. 1st time seeing her perform and it was really great!
(Here’s an old one, but I love the song)
https://youtu.be/ecS0iCJ0GGU
Hope you feel better. Thinking about all of you in NYC right now.
Take care of yourselves.
Thank you! We will try!
How do you feel about the complete lockdown of NYC and the boroughs that’s being discussed?
I think they need to just do it and rip the band-aid off. They’ve been reminding people for weeks about park congregating, etc but won’t close the small parks. I do hear they took the basket rims down from some of the courts to prevent groups from playing basketball.
Just realizing maybe you meant NYers not being allowed to leave the state/city?
This?
I think it shouldn’t be indiscriminate. I’m sure there are people who need to get back to families or take care of older family members.
My niece and her boyfriend drove from Brooklyn to Colorado recently. They are isolating for 2 weeks and staying in his sister’s (vacant) apartment. So maybe how you travel is key.
Hope you have what you need so you feel at least a little bit safe and secure now having to put on a different nursing cap. It must make you feel a bit off kilter to not only have to deal with this virus, but now also in a different capacity. I think of you and your hubs often and wish you both continued good health and N95’s!
Also, very happy your friends are recovering well!
Thanks Deva! I just finished doing my online Omnicell training so feel like an old pro now ?
My coworker and I were joking about retirees showing up to work in white dresses and caps and not realizing you can’t smoke at the nurse’s station anymore, lol.
LOL! My mom became a nurse in 1962 so I can picture all this.
Exactly ?
Oh my gosh that would be awesomely hilarious ?
You smell wonderful in Gris Clair. If I really think about it, it may be my favorite Serge Lutens. It’s also grey and drizzly here today, though as I just stepped out on the balcony, the temp feels pretty nice. I’m definitely not taking fresh air for granted these days.
Thank you! It’s my most worn one, though I don’t have many. I own the non-Lutensian ones, probably because they’re not the sweet ones.
Great you have a balcony to get out without having to go out! Thankful for my sliver of a backyard for that, too.
I’m super grateful for the balcony, even if there’s only space enough to stand there. It’s better than nothing. I’m glad you have your little backyard.
Nice to hear that your friends are on their way to getting well!
It is good news, and none of them were that sick, thankfully ?? One has rheumatoid arthritis so was worried about her, but she’s recovering faster than her partner, I think!
“It’s hard to find even slivers of levity in this horrible coronavirus crisis that is killing many, isolating millions and devastating the global economy. But every now and then, needs must. So picture this: Tom Ford scrubbing a toilet.”
https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/bridget-foleys-diary-talk-tom-ford-1203546377/
No photos, but I would assume the brush has a sleek steel canister and black bristles, wouldn’t you? ?
?? I like that the interview wanted to clarify that point “toilets?”
Haha! That actually describes my exact toilet brush! I guess I’ve made it ? It was from Home Goods.
Be sure to spritz on some TF the next time you deploy it!
Well, maybe I haven’t made it then. I don’t own a single TF!
I have often wondered what TF himself ACTUALLY wears, lol!
I just briefly wondered what kind of petals Tom chooses to use in his bath.
Perfect, priceless black orchids from his own private green house, or flown in from a secret location in the Amazon rain forest.
I’ve read through all the comments this morning, and am wishing all of you all the best. This is so strange and awful, a few weeks ago we were living our normal lives, and now we are all somewhere very different.
Our weather is very suitable for encouraging people to stay at home, it’s windy, wet and cold enough to be the middle of winter. I’m trying to feel spring-like, rather than autumnal, in Jour d’Hermes Absolu.
We’re probably a 4, we can go for walks, and go to essential places like pharmacies and supermarkets, but anything else is strongly discouraged. We’ve taken this step a but earlier than some countries, so hoping it helps.
I know, right? I’ve lived long enough and travelled far enough to have seen a lot, but this feels more… serious. And standing, yet, at the very edge of the temporal discontinuity — it’s a very strange feeling.
I’ve been thinking of Thomas Cahill’s Hinges of History series — which I never read, TBH, but 2020 sure seems like one.
Now, my fondest hope is to feel profoundly silly next year when I reread the above, because the virus really will have dissipated with warming weather and scientific breakthroughs, and we will all enjoy a booming economy and full employment again!
I will toast to that last part, Noz, *clinks virtual champagne glass*.
1. Between 3 and 4. Public transport is either down or severely restricted, non-essential businesses are closed or work online (if they can). Supermarkets, drugstores and banks are open, vets work. You need to wear a mask if you enter a shop, although there are some shops which do not enforce it yet. In theory you can still go for a walk without restrictions (as long as you stay outside and keep your distance from other people), but there are some angry posts in local Facebook group: “From my window, I have just seen two people without masks feeding the birds!”
2. Enjoying Scarecrow in the Pumpkin Patch by Future Primitive Soap. Slightly sweet (pumpkin) and earthy (wet soil notes) But is going so fast.
3. Usually I am not very much into hand creams, but I have L’Occitane Verbena Cooling Hand Cream Gel gifted by a friend and I look forward to trying it.
5.
1) Something funny:
You probably saw it already, but in case you did not:
Coronavirus Rhapsody – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KPbJ0-DxTc
Beatles Corvid19, I gotta wash my hands! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60M7R3S1e7U
2) Something good.
My choir began online practice sessions via Zoom. It is good that I can finally join them.
OMG, some people are so creative!
I am benefitting so much from all the online options!
Oh, maybe my choir will do that! But the sound quality is poor…
The biggest problem with Zoom is that the sound lags when a lot of people talk/sing at the same time.
So here is what we do. Only the director has her mic turned on, everyone’s else mic is off. (Unless we need to say something, although discussions are usually held at the end of the session.) So we do not hear each other, the director does not hear us, but we hear her and oruselves, so essentially you sing along with the director. Or she plays on the piano, while we sing (again, you can only hear the piano and yourself, of course). She sees us on the camera, so she can at least give some feedback based on our visuals.
We are given some home assignments – usually learn our lines, record a track and email her. Once she even joned our tracks in one – virtual choir-style. It was fun.
So no, it is not the same as practicing live, but we still spend some time singing together and learn something.
I love to see how creative people are getting with the mashup of music and covid19! ?
I have the verbena hand gel and I will say, it smells great, but is absolutely not moisturizing, for me anyway. I use it as a scent pick-me-up in the heat.
Happy to hear about your Zoom choir! The ukulele meetups and drumming practice I’ve been to have moved to only one person playing/singing with everyone playing along, but on mute. It’s not as satisfying, but better than nothing! Though last night with drumming we unmuted at the end for a “jam”. It was just noisy chaos, but it felt good, nonetheless ?
Coronavirus Rhapsody cracked me up, thank you Glannys!
I giggled a lot thru Coronavirus Rhapsody. Thanks for posting that Glannys!
I love this story of the 102 year old man in Italy, born during the 1918 pandemic, witness to a century of progress and devastation, and now…
https://www.thelocal.it/20200327/italian-101-year-old-leaves-hospital-after-recovering-from-coronavirus
Looking for stories that don’t sting so much! Thank you. I just shared on FB as well.
I shared this too. It is a wonderful story. We have an independent living apartment near us, where my elderly parents lived before they passed away, and there are a dozen or more residents above 90 and one 103 who get up for breakfast everyday and love life.
Yesterday a friend of mine who lives in St. Louis posted a photo of a tree she’d seen that looked like a magnolia but was yellow! Her friends including me were all puzzled. I googled it and sure enough, there are quite a few varieties in yellow, ranging from a fairly ivory-toned one to a true butter yellow (gorgeous!). I also came across this fascinating article: https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/magnolia-with-purple-and-yellow-flowers/.
(All this was suggested by reading about what’s blooming now where.)
Recently a friend of mine has also posted a pic of a yellow magnolia. And I was not aware they exist either. Amazing!
One of my neighbors has an absolutely gorgeous dark purple magnolia in the garden. Very unusual! It is the only one in our area. There are very few yellows also.
The first time I ever smelled a real magnolia in bloom, I was blown away. What a gorgeous scent!
No perfume today. In between finding out that my dishwater has developed a leak, and learning that somebody in my mother’s assisted living facility has tested positive for COVID-19, I’m a mess. It means that both my mom and my brother could have been exposed.
1. I’d say that New Jersey is a 4.5. We have a curfew, beach closures, essential travel only. My dentist appointment in April was cancelled. It’s OK to get groceries, pick up Rx’s, get gas for the car, etc. State parks are still open, but any amenities on site are closed like bathrooms, visitors center, and such. Mass transit schedules are being adjusted to reflect lower ridership and the lockdowns. Personally, my neighborhood is like a ghost town. I hardly ever see anyone outside anymore.
2. The Savannah Bee Company’s Blackberry Honey Hand Soap. It’s a fairly mild liquid soap, and it’s down to the very last dregs. So I will switch to Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash.
3. I have a couple favorites from Eucerin that I mentioned recently.
4. Daffodils, lots of forsythia, and crabapple trees. Probably other spring bulbs, too, but I haven’t been out driving around the area to have a look.
5. Sanity? What’s that? ? Having this little oasis here on the Internet is an enormous relief. So is not watching the local or national news. I can limit my intake of that by reading. Sometimes, discussing wedding stuff with my engaged friend helps.
Sorry to hear about your mom and brother. I don’t think any type of congregate living is safe right now. Thank god for spring flowers! ?
You’re right about communal/congregate living. On the plus side, the assisted living facility closed down their dining room 2 or 3 weeks ago. The residents have been getting meals in their own rooms.
Hope from the bottom of my heart that your mom and your brother stay well. What a stressful situation. Sending hugs.
Thanks for the hugs! I appreciate them so much.
That’s a lot at once — please take good care of yourself, Jalapeno!
Wedding stuff is really the ideal diversion, isn’t it?
Wedding stuff can be a great diversion, but sometimes it has its own drama. There are some flamboyant personalities in the wedding party…
?? Looking forward to anecdotes!
Here’s a quick one: the bride-to-be asked her side of the wedding party for suggestions about a headpiece/veil. One of the bridesmaids came back with several fascinators that were “Alice In Wonderland” themed mini top hats. Apparently there had been one brief comment in passing that AIW was the groom-to-be’s favorite movie. So she had assumed that was going to be the wedding theme.
Sending you big hugs Jalapeno! I hope they are ok.
Thank you Gail. I hope so too.
Keeping your family in my prayers, Jalapeno.
Thanks lillyjo.
Hoping your mom and brother stay well! Good about stopping communal dining. Still, must be unnerving for you! Any little distractions are welcome, here, too.
Thanks, Elisa P. Definitely unnerving, especially being far away from them. My tea stash has been heavily used as of late.
Big hugs, jalapeño. I hope and pray that your mom and your brother are ok.
Thank you hajusuuri.
*Hugs* I’ll be thinking about you and your family.
Thanks neyronrose. I’ve had you and your parents in my thoughts, too.
Thinking of you Jalapeno — that’s all stressful.
Thank you Robin.
Great big hugs, Jalapeno.
Thanks, She-ra. You all are gonna make me cry with gratitude.
Sending hugs and protective prayers that all will be well for your mom & brother.
Thank you cazaubon.
Oh no about your mother’s facility! That is my worst nightmare about my mom’s place! I really hope she will stay well–and your brother too. It’s very very frightening when someone you love is at risk and also out of reach. I can’t visit my mom and she can’t manage phone calling so it’s stressful. I’m not the praying type but I will hold her and your brother and you in the light.
Thoughts and prayers to all who are separated from their elderly loved ones at this time.
Thank you Calypso and MossyBerry.
I’m adding best wishes for your mother and brother. Glad the wedding plans provide some relief, and stopping by on NST. Thinking of you, hugs.
SOTD = Guerlain L’Heure Blanche EDP
Whoa! Beautiful bee bottle and the juice is a wonderful powdery, musky, milky, whisper of flowers and a sweet ambery drydown. Be warned that it stays very close to skin – I used double the hajusuuri therapeutic dose ?. I will split this but will wait until this whole COVID thing is over.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Svry7hZAo/?igshid=1xbnv88rano59
In other news, yesterday, I mentioned that my 2 sisters and I are going to donate our share of the reimbursement from the sub-acute rehab facility to my mom’s estate sometime after we actually receive it, hopefully mid-April. We will be donating to the nursing home / nunnery that took care of my mom during her last days; they are really hurting right now. My brother decided to help locally in Portland, Oregon, including helping the medical assistants in his practice, keeping them employed with a small stipend. He is in private practice with 4 other surgeons and he gets paid based on the surgeries he performs and right now, most have been deferred. Yesterday, he had to perform emergency surgery which took 3x longer than normal due to the extra precautions associated with COVID-19.
I’ll answer the poll questions under a separate comment.
That bottle is stunning! A major contender for your bottle porn week.
Yes it is…Guerlain has a few in the bottle porn category!
ITA with lillyjo about that bottle. Oh. MY!
I was surprised upon seeing it live!
ZOMG that bottle! *swoons*
I swooned as well!
What a wonderful family! What a beautiful bottle!
Thank you.
So you wore 16 spritzes?
lovely bottle.
Yes ?
Are you OK about your brother’s decision? It sounds all right to me.
100% ok with his decision.
Yay for Jessica!
1. Seattle is about 3.5-4 like springpansy said. I’m just supposed to go out for essentials and exercise.
2. Like Laura, I’m using Trader Joe’s orange blossom honey hand soap. I don’t get to TJs often, so when I was there a couple months ago I bought 3 bottles of this soap. It’s coming in really handy now!
3. I’m using my usual Neutrogena Hand CreM. It works pretty well for me.
4. Lots of daffodils, grape hyacinth, hyacinth, daphne is coming and going and its scent still fills the air
5. I’ve managed to buy quite a few pairs of earrings from some of my favorite jewlery makers. Once quarantine is over, I’ll have fun putting together outfits to take out into the world.
Showered with Crabtree & Evelyn Sweet Almond Oil Shower Gel and put on Léa afterwards. So now I’m wafting powdery almond play dough goodness.
I love that C&E and use it often.
I think they’re not making it anymore since they rebranded, but I snagged both my large bottles at two different TJ Maxx stores. I love it too.
I love that trader joe soap!
It’s a very good soap!
Who’s the jewelery maker and do they have an online shop? I do miss my in-store browsing even if I ought not be spending, given the current status of my pension fund!
So these are all the places I’ve bought from recently:
http://www.alchemillajewelry.com
http://www.susanalexandra.com (haven’t made a recent purchase, but I’m very close to buying a couple pairs while they’re on sale)
Etsy shops: Ukaome and Jupiter Oak
Earrings by Kim Baise(sp?) sold on http://www.coasttocoastvintage.com
Thanks! I’ll enjoy exploring these!
Léa! You smell wonderful.
Thanks! It’s such a beautiful, comforting perfume.
That’s a lot at once — please take good care of yourself, Jalapeno!
Wedding stuff is really the ideal diversion, isn’t it?
1. Probably 3, but because I’m a worrier and trapped in my neighborhood with a little kid every day, it feels like a 4.
2. Mrs. Meyers Geranium. So good.
3. Rotating between L’Occitane Shea butter, Weleda Skin Food, and Beautycounter body lotion.
4. Trees and weeds. I feel like my neighborhood has a dominant weed each year. Seems to be some sort of flowering, hostile clover this year?
5. It’s my mom’s birthday, so we had a long Zoom call with her, my two sisters, and our husbands and kids passing in and out around us. It reminds me that we could do this more often, even when we’re not forbidden to see each other.
Considering ordering about 1 million perfume samples to distract me. Probably a bad idea, right? I hope everyone is well.
I’m very curious about what a hostile clover does?
I’m all in favor of a lot of samples. They take up less space than bottles, and you don’t get bored.
It’s hostile to my efforts to keep my beds weed-free! Their roots don’t seem to be very deep, but they are popping up everywhere.
Hostile Clover would be a good band name, though.
*Hugs*
I’ve seen a lot of recommendations for Mrs. Meyers soaps lately.
I’ve slowed down a lot on ordering samples, but enjoy trying them. Whatever helps with your mental well-being, I think.
I love the basil Mrs. Meyer soap!
I say go for it, distraction=sanity these days. Plus, they are a real perky pick-me-up!
Actually, I could drop off a bunch of samples from several feet away from you…I’ll be doing another trip to Wegman’s or a trip to the Thorndale Acme (on Bondsville Rd.) within the next few days, I’m sure, and could meet up with you at a social distancing distance somewhere in D-town that doesn’t require me to parallel park (or attempt to do so).
Also! RIP Terrence McNally ? Survived lung cancer, but died from covid complications. This was sad news, indeed. Just watched a documentary about him fairly recently, too.
Will try and watch Kiss of the Spider Woman, one of my favorites.
I had the intense pleasure of seeing Ragtime in recent years. (Just after the 2016 election, actually.) It was wonderful, if not unsettlingly timely.
Didn’t get to a SOTD — went fairly minimal on grooming overall this morning, beyond the shower. Just…too…tired after yesterday, a communications nightmare dealing with an early morning announcement by the PM of programs that didn’t actually exist, and then all our clients calling us to learn more about these programs and no one ready to speak to them. Plus this morning I was headed to the farmers’ market, where we all had to line up 2m apart in the pouring rain and wait 30 minutes to get into each zone of the market. So the goal was to get out of the house as early as possible to line up.
1. We’re a 3.5, I guess? They haven’t officially closed non-essential businesses, but few are still open (those that are only let 2 or so in at a time). Transit is still running, and free, but rear-entry only on the buses. Schools are closed and everyone is working from home. A lot of people were in the States for spring break when they told everyone to come home, so lots of people finishing out their quarantine now.
2. My favourite hand soap is any hand soap I can get. Can’t be picky! I have generic Target soaps in my dispensers, nothing fancy, but it works, and thank heavens I was stocked up on that because who knows when I’ll get to the States again.
3. Same on lotion. I will admit to being caught by surprise on the lotion front, and by the time my hands were raw all the stores were sold out. So I’ll take the Aveeno we were able to finally get.
4. Cherry blossoms, daffodils (not in my dark backyard yet, but elsewhere).
5. A bunch of people at work, on the WhatsApp chat we set up to socialize, recommended “Tiger King.” I’m a fairly selective TV / screen person in general, but this sounded like just the thing after an insane day. I’m two episodes in, and it’s exactly what I needed (completely nuts, not related to the real world now). Otherwise, I’ll go with the fact that (with many caveats) our provincial health officer said yesterday the curve in our province seems to be flattening.
Otherwise not much good news. The big milestone trip this summer is almost certainly off, and the kid’s sleepaway camp cancelled yesterday. I’m an extreme introvert and parent to an extreme extrovert, and having no time to myself in my house for the next six months is not a good prospect. Fingers crossed things get back to normal-ish, at least in our province, soon (if we have to keep everyone else out to do it, so be it).
Tiger King has been A JOY.
Interesting that a summer camp has cancelled already, but I guess it is probably going to happen everywhere. Sorry!
Too bad, summer camp was the one bright spot my parents looked forward to (so they could get a break from me, apparently). I think a lot of parents are going to be super exhausted, between home schooling and working from home. There are so many hours in the day…
Which province are you in? I’m in Québec.
I was just notified of a new blog post by KyaraZen, a renaissance man in Singapore who writes mainly about incense and tea.
“Incense in the Times of Covid-19”
https://www.kyarazen.com/incense-in-times-of-covid-19/
Some may remember that I posted his incense wheel (like a color wheel for the notes of incense) and tea wheel.
His Instagram is wonderful, too.
Thanks nozknoz!
1. What jalapeño said – 4.5. It seems like we may be in for a 5 along with NYC and CT. I ventured out today to pick up Latin American take out (I was going to order Chinese but the place was actually closed as of March 23) and shopped at Wegmans for myself and also got a few things for my elderly neighbor. As compared with last week, more people are wearing masks and gloves this time, including myself. The shelves were not as bare and there was plenty of over-priced TP.
2. Molton Brown Pomegranate and Ginger Hand Wash in the powder room, Method Tomato Vine and B&BW Vanilla Chai in the master bath, Rituals The Ritual of the Happy Buddha in the hall bath and B&BW Vanilla Latte in the laundry room. And I use them all.
3. Yu-Be Advanced Formula Pure Hydration Cream (packaging is green and white), Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream, Whole Foods 365 Moisturizing Lotion, Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream, Weleda Skin Cream Light and Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream.
4. No clue
5. I’m a COVID-19 news junkie and I am getting more and more horrified. Earlier tonight and every night going forward, I’m joining a bunch of friends via Zoom to say the rosary. I’m not Roman Catholic but went to Catholic school most of my life so I’m familiar with it. I don’t have a rosary so when it was my turn to lead a segment where we have to recite a prayer 10x, I used tally marks on a post-it ?. Now that I think about it, I can assemble a 10-bead Brighton bracelet.
I love Molton Brown products, have used them on and off for 25 years!
I’m a Covid-19 junkie also. I’m not religious, (raised Jewish/Episcopal in the South) but I send happy thoughts to the universe.
Number 5 is really striking a cord with me, hajusuuri.
Hello, folks.
1. Rate the virus-related restrictions in your area from 1 to 5, with 1 being complete freedom of movement and 5 being complete lock down.
Robin says 3.5, and I live in the same county, so…
I’ve been out to grocery stores, Walmart, a restaurant to pick up takeout, the gas station, and taken a walk in the neighborhood in the last few days. Dad has gone outside the house on the nicer days to do yard work, help me with the yard work I wanted to do, and barbeque dinner a couple of days this past week.
2. What’s your favorite hand soap at the moment?
Mostly using Softsoap or the Equate version of it, milk and honey. It was out of stock at Walmart for a few days, at least by the time I got there, but they had some Softsoap left the last time I was there. Yay, soap!
3. What’s your favorite hand cream at the moment?
Vaseline Intensive Care lotion or the Equate version of it, Crabtree & Evelyn hand therapy creams in various fragrances.
4. What’s blooming in your local area at the moment?
Winter honeysuckle, daffodils, hyacinths, early tulips, ornamental fruit trees, magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana (sp.?)), mahonia, forsythia, and other things that I’m forgetting.
5. Tell us about something good that happened last week, or share the funniest thing you saw online, or just tell us how you’re staying sane and calm during these rough times.
Finding the “Dog Bless Us” livestream cameras on explore.org, including the cameras showing puppies. Because puppies make everything better. Also, seeing the Twitter thread that listed a whole bunch of animal cams, leading me to watch the sea otters of the Monterey Bay Aquarium when they’re on, and the oddly soothing drifting of moon jellyfish. There’s even a meditation that goes with a moon jellyfish video. Otherwise, it’s soothing music. I also enjoy the bat cams of a bat sanctuary in Texas. I like watching the fruit bats.
Oops, Robin said 3, other people elsewhere said 3.5. I was skimming the comments before I posted. Irisjasmine says 3, and she lives in a town about 5 miles from where I live, so I’ll go with 3.
I would never have thought of drifting jellyfish! I get it, though.
https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams
I was looking through the comments on posts earlier in the week, and saw a mention of the Monterey Bay Aquarium cameras. I watched the sea otters for little bits at a time during the day today. After dinner here (Pennsylvania), it was still light out there. The cameras are live 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Those are around the times I’m active as well.
Mom and I remembered to watch “Call the Midwife” tonight on PBS. It was inadvertently timely, with one of the plots of the episode having the medical personnel of the show trying to trace the origins of the spread of diphtheria infections in that part of London. Mom hides her eyes if there’s a gory part, though intellectually she knows it’s makeup and effects. Dad usually flees the room a minute or so in. I can’t remember the names of half the regular characters, but their faces are familiar to me.
Commando except for the scent of baby lotion now and then on Sunday. I’ll pick out some soothing fragrance tonight.
The Judd viburnum is in bud. It comes from a cross of a Korean spice viburnum with another sort of viburnum. It takes after the Korean spice viburnum in fragrance. Also, the wallflower I got last year is in bud. I was all excited to find a ‘Bowles Mauve’ wallflower because I’d read E.A. Bowles’ books My Garden in Spring, My Garden in Summer and My Garden in Fall and Winter.
A couple more thoughts: My usual bar soap is Dove Green Tea and Cucumber, as something Mom can stand, but I have dozens of sorts of scented bars of soap that she doesn’t like. A scent I like in general for lotions is cocoa butter. I found that little container of Bath & Body Works Moonlight Path hand sanitizer the other day. I was more excited to find a couple of boxes of Wet Wipes hand wipes in the house on Friday. I knew they were *somewhere* in the house.
Although I don’t have any educational certifications, I could informally tutor tweens and teens online in English, social studies, and the soft sciences. I could tutor well up into college levels for English and history. I could do this for free, I mean.
Some of you may know a parent who’d be interested. neyronrose at gmail dot com
Sunday bedtime scent: Nobile 1942 Le Petit Chocolatier 1: Confiture. I certainly find a fruity chocolate fragrance to be comforting, although it made me kind of hungry for chocolate. lol
Joining LTSG on her birthday wearing my vintage Shalimar Parfum. I broke out the good stuff in her honor. Happy Birthday LTSG! I hope you have a fun-filled family celebration! ???
Same here! Happy Birthday ltsg! May the streets waft with Shalimar today.
Checking in wearing Shalimar! Happy birthday to ltsg, and anyone else having a birthday this weekend.
Hey twin, I pulled on my vintage parfum too!
I would rate myself as a three. Limiting my outings to work and the market.
C&E Iris hand soap. Love this scent. Although it’s discontinuefd, I found it at TJ Maxx and scooped it up.
I am happy that my employer didn’t lay anyone off. They could have but found a way to make it work.
My bestie gave me a tube of B&BW lavendar cedarwood aromatherapy hand cream. It’s very moisturizing considering it’s scented.
Only snow peas as of yet but the flowering trees are almost there.
My employer didn’t lay off anyone. They found a way to make it work and maintain safety as much as possible. Lots of folks working from home . Now if my office mate would only stop inviting his kids over for dinner..
Just talked to an RN I know at my contracted hospital who stated they are minimally busy and have 3 positive inpatients and about 11 rule outs. Hospital is very slow, with management calling off staff, canceling contracted personnel first so staff can still get their hours. Usually, it’s the other way around because the hospital system has already paid for contracted staff. I think (and hope!) most businesses are trying to continue to pay employees if at all possible.
Maybe in this case it’s good not to be on the front lines? Be safe.
If I got called off every day, I wouldn’t be mad about it. My hours are guaranteed, so it’s all good to me.
❤️ the new avatar Deva.
Wearing vintage Shalimar for LTSG birthday, joining the Shalimar Sunday. And it’s perfect for t h is cold and rainy day. I made a rhubarb cake today to lighten my mood.
❤️❤️❤️
Wearing Shalimar extrait de parfum for LTSG’s birthday. I hope she is having a good time, in spite of it all.
It’s still sunny out, but a lot colder than yesterday so I’m not going for a walk just yet.
I wish it was sunny here! Two days of gloom is not helping…
I’d say that we are at 3.5 but about to ratchet up to at least a 4 in the DC area.
Soaps range from any dial antibacterials in the pump to lavender fancies from HomeGoods and I am covering many of yours now but sadly no mad money to spend.
Creams are mostly Aveeno Baby frag¶ben&etc free- this is easily to apply but goes on deeply into the skin and truly lasts for hours, I think it is the colloidal oatmeal in it.
Also Aveeno makes a cracked skin Cica balm that I keep by my sink during winter as our house turns into a hot air fryer no matter what I do. It is also drag free and leaves no film. Coconut oil, Neutrogena sesame oil and olive oil are all in heavy rotation.
Daffodils, cherry blossoms, redbuds are prevalent. It is an early spring here. and my flowerbeds are sprouting.
Everyone I know is safe and healthy, including you all and that’s enough for me.
How have I never heard of that balm? I will investigate for sure.
1. 4.5 I’d say. Only groceries, medical visits and gas. No walking the dog, post offices and restaurants are shut (no take out allowed) no online shopping. Lots of military and police presence to enforce the lockdown. We have about three different pieces of documentation to carry if you have to go out or travel for work. 2. Any bar soap. I find it less drying than liquid. 3. Body Shop Hemp Hand Treatment 4. My circle of friends all have an excellent sense of humor. They keep me chuckling. With the occasional “thinking of you and praying for you.” When this is all over, I plan to rent a house for a weekend in a beautiful spot, invite all my friends – be damned if they don’t all know each other, and have good food and lots of wine. A feast of gratitude, so to speak.
Wow. May I ask where you are?
“A feast of gratitude” – what a great statement!
I thought that, too, Gville. That’s very extreme. Not even dog walking? Poor pups.
Hi all, hello from Malaga and day 15 of lockdown.
Today I am wearing Gabriella Chieffo “Hystera”, kind of rooty iris that I am enjoying as I catch little wafts of it. It is a sunny day, although cool, so we have slid open the triple door to our balcony for the illusion of barrier-free living. Lots of birdsong (or birdscreech, from the parakeets) – we wonder idly what the birds and other animals make of this quieter life we are leading now. I have seen pics of wild boar down on the seafront :^)
1. virus-related restrictions rating: I would say 4, as we cannot leave the apartment for exercise, only for essential journeys including pharmacies and food shopping. We’ll be moving to 4.5 tomorrow as most people are sent home from work for 2 weeks. Only essential jobs will continue, e.g. medicine, banking, food industry, transport.
2. Favorite hand soap at the moment? I’m using “Heno de Pravia”, which is supposedly inspired by the smell of hay in a northern Spanish village. But, I’m using it because it was the only bar soap in the supermarket that wasn’t glycerine based, and I fundamentally don’t think or care about soap, really. :^)
3. What’s your favorite hand cream at the moment? Don’t use it. If I did, I have Nivea moisturisers so would probably get theirs.
4. What’s blooming in your local area at the moment? Orange blossom is coming to an end. Self seeded nasturtiums are making the most of a cool rainy period before they are parched by the Andalusian summer. In our communal gardens, the banana tree (badly battered by the freak hailstorm in late January) has put out a blossom – amazing pendulous thing with a purple-mauve flower.
5. Something good/ funny/ calming.
I am able to work from home and – although I am way more distracted than normal – this forces me to focus on normal project-related stuff.
Here are some resources I’ve bookmarked, that people might like:
Cirque du Soleil is sharing free videos: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/
Many museums and libraries are offering virtual tours and exhibition visits:
Pompidou Malaga: https://centrepompidou-malaga.eu/
Russian Museum, Malaga: https://www.coleccionmuseoruso.es/legal/museo-virtual-ruso/
Marsh’s Library, Dublin: https://www.marshlibrary.ie/
Thanks for those links!
Malaga is so beautiful!! One of the best meals I ever had was at Pez Tomillo down at the water. Glad your job is letting you keep busy during these trying times.
Thanks for all the neat links! We also have banana trees in Houston, and their blossoms are indeed wild and crazy-looking!
Oh Lordy, look ? who’s _____
Shalimar Sunday ??????
40?! If I understand properly, happy birthday!!!
Happy Birthday! I will be joining you in Shalimar shortly.
???❤️Happy Birthday ltsg!!❤️???
I’m joining you and everyone in Shalimar today, and hoping you have a lovely day!
Happy Birthday! I’m twinning with you, as I imagine a whole slew of people will be. Hope your day is filled with joy and happiness!
Wishing you a lovely day??. Joining you in vintage Shalimar extrait topped off with a few sprays of edt.
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday LTSG! ?????. I am joining your celebration in Shalimar EdT. Hope you have a wonderful day today!
Happy Birthday LTSG!! Shalimar Parfum Initial L’eau here
Hope you ave a joyful day with your family!
Happy Birthday! Well, I was wrong. Couldn’t find any Shalimar. Thought I had a small decant or sample. Hope you will accept Samsara as a substitute…same house at least and starts with S. And, it smells darn good on me.
??????
Happy birthday, lovestosmellgood!
In honor of your birthday, I wore a Shalimar Ode a la Vanille Sur la Route du Mexique ?
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-UxgUkBMhH/?igshid=1q25wo3zqsnb2
Many happy returns!
The vanille is my favorite flanker!
??? glad you’re having a good birthday!
Lovestosmellgood, Happy Birthday!?
Have a wonderful day and celebrate it the best you can under these surreal circumstances.
I put on from a sample a tad of vintage Shalimar (I think, EdT) from 40s.
Happy birthday! In 8 sprays of Shalimar Light for you and NY today.
I am from CT originally and have family there and in NY and NH…sending all the love and light to you, your family and that entire area.
Happy birthday!
happy birthday, ltsg! you smell delightful
many happy returns!
I’m celebrating in vintage Shalimar cologne and a smidgen of Shalimar parfum, thanks to a lovely NSTer who shared both with me years ago.
Many happy returns. I’m participating in Shalimar Parfum de Toilette.
Hope you’re having a great birthday.
Happy Shalimar-Scented Birthday, Lovestosmellgood! ❤??
Happy birthday! Loving sharing this Shalimar Sunday with so many of you. I’ve got my vintage extrait/parfum spray on. I found a slightly less than half full 7.5ml spray with box for $5 from a vintage vendor at a Sunday market a few years back.
Happy Happy Birthday to You! You look so festive and pretty in your dress on the balcony with a view on Instagram!
I don’t have any Shalimar but am wearing three major sprays of Mitsouko in your honor! I hope the monkeys and husband manage to find some nice ways to help you celebrate today!
yes, last night I had a little surprise and received so many beautiful beautiful gifts
Happy Birthday! Joining you with vintage Shalimar edc.
Happiest of Birthdays to you my friend!
????
wow wow
I am feeling the love!
I am so touched
Late to your party, but I did wear Eau de Shalimar last night. HBD!
1. A 3, sadly. Restaurants are closed and non-essential workers are doing shelter in place, but apparently something like 75% of workers are considered “essential,” so it is a toothless order.
2. An orange blossom soap I got at Marshall’s that it’s hard to tell the brand of (Olive Grove? Hoboco?) but that smells absolutely wonderful, juicy orange over orange blossom.
3. Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. It is truly lifesaving.
4. We have a dusting of snow this morning. I’m so jealous of friends posting flower pictures from everywhere!
5. My feminist Facebook group had a remote dance party on Friday, where we all synced up the same playlist and danced to the same songs at the same time in our own homes. It was the most joyful I’ve felt in a long time.
I especially love your No.5!!
Me too, what a great idea!
Long time no post! Things had been very hectic for a while before this COVID 19 pandemic, and I had checked in to read but didn’t have time to post.
1. DH and I work in 2 different states, so we had to choose a place to hunker down in case of interstate closures or state quarantines. We chose Florida due to family. Like Regina, we have a stay in place order but 75% -80% of businesses are exempt. My office (property management) is still open but I was already approved to work remotely so I continue to do so. Most people are still working in the building at my company. We are staying with my in laws (in their 70s) on a farm and we are verrrrry isolated. We have a weekly grocery run but otherwise stay here. My son is being tested for some immune issues, so between him and the in laws, we have some high risk folks in the household and are acting very conservatively. We only go out for groceries, doctors and walks. That said, I don’t mind it one bit if it keeps everyone safe.
Perfume- I’ve been losing Rose Ikebana and Amouage Beloved.
2. I love the Kitchen Lemon (now discontinued by BBW). Like some others, I usually prefer bar soaps— especially Cologne Atelier, Roger and Gallet, and Hermès. These relatively small luxuries last a looooong time and bring lots of joy.
3. I’m like mixing oils and squirting in some of my favorite perfume. I use jojoba, sunflower, argan, etc. recently I’ve been putting in LL Rose 31.
4. I’m loving the green leaves against the blue sky in FL. We were living in TN before the pandemic and there weren’t any real leaves yet at our house. It’s so beautiful here!
5. We all need some joy, so here’s my list.
TV- Netflix Tiger King. Good gosh is it distracting!
Music- Alabama Shakes is the perfect music right now. It’s raw, beautiful and has some real joyful melody.
Quote “while you are rushing to get back to life as normal, take a moment to ask yourself if that life is worth rushing back to”
I’m an introvert and nature lover, and the current situation has given me a moment to slow down and think a bit. There’s more walks, more music, more time checking in with extended family and more time spent with immediate family. Yes, we are worried for people’s financial and physical health— but I try not to think about it all day, since it is out of my control outside of our own choices. Is it bad that I am focused on the small (and large) blessings during this time? I hope that you all find moments of solace too!
I agree, best to focus on the blessings, intense worry will only harm you and solve nothing.
What a great quote! I’ve realized how much I don’t miss. It’s much easier for introverts, though.
I’ve missed your posts! So glad to hear from you! I’ve checked in with family in FL (Naples, Palm Beach and Sarasota), they’re doing ok so far!
Enjoy your time in Florida!
As a natural introvert, I am taking the time to practice restoration and self care. Working from home, but practicing yoga and reading more books!
That’s a beautiful quote, Gville. Do you know who said it? (unless it’s yours).
I don’t know who said it. I saw it on Facebook.
Another step for joy: DELETE FACEBOOK!
I don’t know if it’s ok to post a link so I’m not going to, but for those interested:
There are 2 interesting TED talks about COVID and epidemics featuring Bill Gates. Just google TED and Bill Gates.
Hi Austenfan ~ I watched those, thanks!
You’re welcome.
This is another brilliant clip, less sophisticated, but this lady knows what she’s talking about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwaOR2oas7s
Also very good!
It is always ok to post links. If you post too many at once, your comment might get held for moderation, that’s all.
Thank you, TED talks are great!
Hi everyone, hope all are safe and healthy.
1. I’m in the SF/Bay area, our virus-related restrictions are at a 4. I’m immune compromised (Crohn’s, Celiac, and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis) and am under doctor’s orders to shelter in place starting 3/5 and will do so until at least 5/1, and perhaps longer. When I say shelter in place, I mean, I haven’t left my apartment building. As someone whose been sick most of her life, this kind of planning and organization is always good to have tucked in my back pocket.
2. My favorite hand soap is Roger & Gallet’s Bouquet Imperiale. I’m down to my last three bars. I’m keeping the boxes, the outside decoration is so beautiful.
3. My favorite hand cream is linden-scented l’epi de Provence. It absorbs well, smells beautiful and has 20% shea butter. I’ve used it for years.
4. Apparently, all the flowers I’m allergic to are what’s blooming in my local area!
5. Something good: I was able to find disinfecting cleaning supplies, my husband finally ‘gets’ why I’m so attentive to proper cleaning and hand washing (those who have immune issues will understand it’s not just about the illness but managing family’s expectations when they don’t understand why we’re so careful), and I found a very informative Youtube video, produced by an ED physician about proper handling of products. You can find that video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjDuwc9KBps
I’m staying sane and calm by reading/watching the news once a day, and looking at the CDC and NIH website for accurate information or Covidi-19 updates. Reducing my FB time (I had to block a a few folks) and doing multitudes of free Youtube workout/yoga videos.
I am working from home and have set a dedicated work space and structured my work day (including breaks) as if I were at work so there’s a sense of normalcy. I’m also face timing with friends to check in on how they are doing. I’ve moved most of my mail to online notification to reduce contact with paper products (C-19 can live on paper/cardboard for 24 hours), and gone to online pharmacy and increased my prescription refills to 90-days (vs. 30-day).
This sounds like a lot, but my husband still works at an apartment complex (thankfully, we both still have jobs), but he has to walk the property, deal with vendors, and go into apartments to fix broken toilets, clogged sinks, and interactions are possible vectors of transmission, so he leaves his shoes at the door, loads his work clothes into a dedicated hamper at the entrance hallway and showers with antibacterial soap before he walks into the apartment.
It sounds excessive and a little crazy, but he just had heart surgery and with my health issues, we can’t risk it. And we don’t know enough about this virus to play it lose and fast.
Robin, sorry for the very long post, but this is a day in my life, perhaps for the next few months, I posted what I do so it may help others.
None of that sounds excessive to me. It simply sounds wise and reasonable, given your situation. Sorry you will miss April…maybe we can just wish for rain in the Bay Area. Always needed and a reason to stay inside.
We have rain!
I’ve added loads of books to my kindle, latest three are The Iron King, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Once Upon a River. I’m avoiding dystopian-type stuff for now.
No need to apologize SmokeyToes — keeping you and your husband in my thoughts.
I had forgotten that I have a friend with a bowel syndrome; she who moved away several years ago and I should drop her a line.
I’m glad you and your husband are taking such good care and wish you all the best. I always appreciate your posts, so much, SmokeyToes. Admittedly, I could be showing fellow feline bias. ?
I read through all the posts late last night and it brought me so much comfort to see the strength and bravery of my fragrant comrades.
1. I am in San Diego so I think we are a 3 to 4…essential travel only but I go out for walks. Walks are keeping me sane…I think…
2. I don’t have any fancy hand soaps right now. I had a big jug of a Target brand that was clear and smelled like vanilla and I just replaced it and it was reformulated and smells good but not the same.
3. For hand creams I mostly choose unscented b/c I sometimes have eczema on my hands especially during stress as I do right now. Some I enjoy:
Gold Bond Eczema Relief Hand Cream
Dove Dermaseries Fragrance-Free Hand Cream for Dry Skin
Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisturizing Cream
4. Everything is in bloom in southern CA right now and the birds are so damn happy…chirping and singing all day.
5. I read news but I don’t watch any news. I stopped going on FB during the 2016 election and never went back. I think some friends who are active on social media seem more stressed and anxious during this crisis and, I would argue, in general before it started…I do not mean this as a value judgement just something I have noticed. Walking helps me tremendously and talking to my brother whom I am very close to. We joke, complain and try to keep our respective spirits up.
My father passed away the end of 2018 and my mother a couple months later in early 2019 and while I am grateful they are not experiencing this, it is very strange and sad to not be able to talk to them and feel their love and support during this crisis. Good times and bad times both make me aware of how much I miss them.
I am so very grateful for this community and the candor and insights shared by all of you…thank you for your kindness and support.
Isn’t it amazing how birds, and I’m sure other animals are just getting one with things and are living their normal life, just as if nothing is happening to them.
I even saw a warning on a Dutch traffic website that birds are venturing on our motorways as they are getting less crowded.
Sorry to hear that you are missing your parent so much, I hope you can keep on finding comfort in the fact that they haven’t had to live through this.
Yes, the birds are wonderfully oblivious.
I saw a story on rats taking over the streets of New Orleans and my brother in SF said coyote sightings are way up in that area too. Fewer cars and people about and the animals are coming out to play.
True on the coyote sightings, I live at Ocean Beach by Sutro Park, we see them all the time. Neighborhood cats keep disappearing yet people still let their fur babies outside, unattended.
Oy.
A friend in VT noticed with the reduction of traffic on the roads, there are more animals about…
Yes, w/ fewer cars and people the animals are reclaiming a bit of territory.
I, too, read a lot of news and analysis, but I had to stop listening to NPR in order to avoid being ambushed by news on the hour. I have to be in control of when I listen and to what.
Oh, my peeps. This is the first day for about 3 weeks that I’ve had the time to sit down at my computer with some coffee, and feel as if I genuinely had the time to check in and post.
1. We’re somewhere around a 3, maybe 3.5. I’m really not that sure, since I’ve been doing practically nothing but work (from home, of course) for what seems like days and days and days. I am in the rather surreal position of feeling envious of the folks who are sitting around trying to find something to do during their various levels of self-imposed quarantine.
2. Prior to this, I was trying to avoid a lot of harsh cleansers on my skin, and my skin was thanking me for it. Now, I’m not a fan of any soap.
3. I am going to buy stock in Cerave Moisturizing Cream.
4. I haven’t been outside for more than the few minutes it’s taken to go to the grocery around the corner, and check the mail. Also, desert. I have, though, taken to the occasional view of YouTube aquascaper tutorials. Dreamy.
5. Confession. I have a big crush on Greg Davies, the comedian. I highly recommend his Netflix special, You Magnificent Beast.
Also keeping me slightly buoyant is the fact that about a week ago, I went on a blind bargain buying binge (not sure of the proper word order, there) at Fragrancenet, and I’ve got a good-sized perfume package coming my way. Might run out of toilet paper (Amazon cancelled my usual Subscribe and Save order, depressingly), but I will be knee deep in perfume.
I want to give all of you the biggest damn hug.
Fellow Davies fan here! Hugs right back at ya! Do update us on your purchases as you go through them. We all need diversion and what’s better than perfume?
I totally understand your #1. Work has been manic (I will be logging in soon)… I could do with a little downtime too.
pixel, it’s been nothing but hit the ground running every morning, and workworkworkwork all day, for an incredible number of days on end. I suppose I should be giving thanks that I’ve got a job, though, insanely busy as it has been.
Hang in there!
Another Davies fan here, this is one hilarious clip showing him at his funniest:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuXGpUR7fXA
austenfan, I’ve watched that specific clip more than once. And, it’s just as funny the 6th time as the 1st.
He is such a good storyteller, and just so naturally funny.
I am fuming at what Amazon did. The regulars are being shafted and phooey on the TP hoarders – may they sh-t enough to run out ?. Also, the big box stores, or at least Costco, should be able to check a member’s purchase to see the last time they bought a 30-roll warehouse pack and refuse the sale if the last purchase was within the past 30 days or maybe I’ll be generous and say last 3 weeks in case it’s a largish family that goes through more than one roll a day.
Your Fragrancenet pack sounds like a lot of fun!
I think Amazon managed poorly their Subscribe & Save program for those items in high demand: they should have reserved the required quantities for at least March deliveries! I used up several extra of my alcohol wipes when I was on my trip in the beginning of March AND didn’t even attempt to get any alternatives knowing that a new pack was coming in 10 days (I checked the order!). And then they casually informed me that they didn’t have them any more. So, not only I didn’t get them, but I missed time when I still could have found an alternative. Not happy.
I second this complaint! I have regular subscriptions for essentials like gloves, kleenex, and tp to be sent to my mom’s place for her, and they suddenly announced they were all canceled as out of stock! It’s pretty serious as now I have had to scramble to find these things and get them out to her place. I hate to think of her going without these key items, and I too felt reassured they’d be coming, so I was blindsided.
Agreed, hajusuuri. My S&S order has been set up for quite a long time, and I was counting on it coming.
Happy Sunday all!
1. We’ve been on shelter-in-place for almost 2 weeks now. We’re getting used to going out only a few times a week for groceries and the like. I’d call this a 3.5.
2. Favorite hand soap… just using whatever the liquid stuff is that I got at Costco.
3. Lotion… Body Shop body butter applied just before snoozing.
4. Blooming! Daffodils. Madrone trees. Bay trees. My bird of paradise plant has chosen this time to bloom for the first time ever, and my freesia is blooming too. Oh, and the ceanothus bush I planted that is visible from my bedroom window is just an enormous (6 ft x 6ft x 6ft) purple ball of flowers.
5. Random fun things… started working on a puzzle yesterday, husband and I are both obsessed now. Saw a bobcat this week. Got some yeast, so I can bake now. Watched a couple of good movies this weekend (Knives Out, Ford v Ferrari). (Re)Reading a good book… How to Cook a Wolf, by MFK Fisher. And playing with Kooky the cat (who is very curious about this puzzle thing but NOT AT ALL helpful)
Yeast and flour seem to be hard to obtain in some places….
I’m about to insist my husband and I work the puzzle he got for Christmas.
Bobcat!
I have yeast and flour and was able to bake too, yay!
“Not at all helpful” this way?
https://cutt.ly/NtRpekr
Yes, exactly!
Celebrating with ltsg in Shalimar EDC, I’m wearing it over Korres basil and lemon body cream. I finally tracked down the shampoo brand that smelled like Giorgio. It’s L’envie by Agree shampoo from 1986. Finally, my brain can rest, lol?
I wish!
Is it the same brand that you said had Poison, Obsession, etc shampoos?
That’s the one! It was making me crazy to not remember.
Well…I wanted to join in Shalimar but it seems I have none. So, I’m wearing Samsara, which is hitting the spot.
About to go roll out some cookie dough for baking. It was in the fridge overnight. Dark chocolate wafer cookies from Miette bakery in SF. It’s quite easy and they are delicious. Deep chocolate, flaky (because butter!!) and not overly sweet.
Had a delicious steak dinner with mushrooms and roasted asparagus last night.
Yum to both your cookies and your dinner! I baked cookies the other night–first time since Christmas. They are peanut butter ones, also with real butter, and so good! I shared with my neighbour and told her to nuke them for 10 seconds, partly for safety, but also because they’re so good warmed up!
I have mushrooms…may have to follow your lead!
Half batch. Rest of dough is frozen.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-VMRfiJnXK/?igshid=82ebmrryrvy3
Wet and windy here, listening to music and doing wash. Spritzed on Omnia Madera and a bit of Shangri-La (since I have no Shalimar) to celebrate Lovestosmellgood’s birthday!
Hope you are feeling a bit better today, Cazaubon!
Yes, feeling less anxious today. Hope you are well also!
I am, thanks!
Hi cazaubon! Started off pretty wet and yucky here in Toronto but now it’s pretty nice out there – 12C and sunny so maybe it will make its way east! ?☀️
I’ve been finding since WFH these past 2 weeks that it is not me I want to scent, it’s my environment. I’ve been diffusing essential oils, and burning incense & candles. Anyone else doing the same? Also, is anyone using a Lampe Berger?
Heavy rain here in Montréal, don’t expect it to let up until Tuesday. 6C here.
I can’t open the windows (too cold) and am paranoid of creating indoor air pollution, so no candles for me. Hopefully next month better weather will allow opening windows!
Yes hopefully and it’s only a few days away! The spring here has been much earlier than we are used to.
I’m using one! Do you know whether it really does purify the air, or does it just get rid of odors? For some reason I suspect the science on this dates from ca. 1895…
I have one but haven’t been using it as I’m low on the ‘fuel’. It does date back to being used in hospitals to purify air and get rid of bacteria. Don’t know if it works against viruses. I have seen websites saying you can make your own fuel with 94% alcohol and essential oils but LB says not to as the oil will cause the wick/ceramic part to stop working. I may try just the alcohol by itself as I find their fragrances too strong and too expensive. I’ll be careful when lighting it though… I don’t want to singe my eyebrows like Wile E. Coyote! ?????
Thank you!!!
I am incredibly touched
A musical PSA posted on Twitter; caveat: abundant F words!
https://twitter.com/DarkStarF2/status/1243611798541963264
ZOMG this was so funny!
Thank you, that was my laugh for the night!
Hilarious! Thanks! ?
Saturday I wore Noir d’Epices, which really hit the spot.
My county is at, I would say, 3.5 out of 5. We have our “Safer at Home” but on Saturday I got an amber alert basically saying “Please don’t go out and mingle unless you really need groceries”. Not gonna lie, I have thought about going and just hanging around the grocery store. Mine get delivered right now.
I don’t have a favorite handsoap, just whatever’s there, but I prefer unscented. And for hand lotion I like Cetaphil because 1) unscented so doesn’t interfere with my perfume, 2) has the appropriate level of greasiness. If i want scented hand lotion I’ll mix a little something into my Cetaphil (i also hoard essential oils)
My nice thing was: Saturday was my birthday, and because I got sick with a fever/cough last Friday, I am self-quarantined. It’s really bumming me out, but not as much as if I gave someone, especially my parents who are both nigh on 70, a disease that could, you know. So my Dad brought over and put on my porch some of my favorite food items so i could make myself a birthday dinner: a little filet steak wrapped in bacon, a homemade twice-baked potato, a martini in a jar, and a mini key lime pie, also homemade. there was also a bottle of cabernet and a little cyclamen. It really made my day! And made me cry. All I had to do was add a vegetable and I was set.
Today I’m wearing Oriza Legrand’s Horizon, a patchouli scent I really like but doesn’t last very long.
I don’t have anything cute or funny to share but I wish I did; which makes me think I take life way too seriously. It’s not that I’m spending all my time watching the news, but I just have a few blogs I read and that’s about it.
Take care folks!
Belated Birthday Wishes! And big hugs for staying at home when you aren’t feeling well.
Happy Belated Birthday! ????. Feel better soon!
Even a martini in a jar — that is making me tear up too! A very happy belated birthday to you, and you are lucky to have such great parents.
What a lovely gift that was! So sweet! Happy belated birthday!
Aww, what a sweet birthday gift! Take care and remember to stay home for 7 days after the end of symptoms.
Belated happy birthday! What a delicious and sweet gift.
Congrats on your birthday! And I wore Noir Epices yesterday. Isn’t it glorious?
I love the very well thought out gift from your parents. You made the right decision, be proud of yourself!
Many happy returns.
That is one of the sweetest stories ever. Hope you feel better soon and happy birthday! (Saturday was also my nephew’s bday
)
Commando again today. Still too upset for perfume. Things are a little better today, though. I have talked with both my brother and my mom in the last 24 hours, and they are feeling OK physically. So far, so good. I will be checking in with them a lot over the next 2 weeks.
On the downside, Mr. Jalapeno has gotten a bug up his anatomy and is now wanting to clean up stuff and take other stuff to Goodwill! Why the bleep couldn’t he have done this when Goodwill was open?
Thanks for listening to my rants, NSTers, without any judgement. You are the best!
Ha, ha poor Mr. J. I am in the same boat. My guest bedroom is hideous obstacle course of boxes of things to “export.”
As long as he is keeping himself busy by cleaning up and not nagging….?
Unfortunately for me, there was plenty of nagging too.
?
Sorry about the nagging,
Glad you were able to talk to your family.
I’m with you on the hubbys wanting to clean up, mine is the same. We recently had to get a new printer, so the old one is now in the crawlspace with all the other old electronics and anything not working with an electrical cord. My hubby FINALLY said let’s take this stuff in. Umm, what about when I was harping about this months ago! And he also wanted to take all the recycling (cans and water bottles) in. Normally his Dad does this for us, but we haven’t seen them for a long while. Needless to say, neither of these things happened. Men, lol!
It felt like I had TONS of weight drop off my shoulders when I heard that my brother & mom were feeling OK.
Oh, I bet! I’m glad that they’re feeling okay.
I wish my husband would get that bug. We have two bags I wish I’d taken to Goodwill earlier this year.
Ha, I would loan you Mr. Jalapeno if it weren’t for social distancing! ?
Glad you were able to talk with your family. Do you have a garage you can put the donations in for the time being?
Nope, no garage. We do have a basement, which is Mr. Jalapeno’s man cave. We also have 2 spare bedrooms, which is where a lot of the stuff had been sitting quietly and unmolested.
Glad you were able to talk to your mom and your brother. I hope they continue to be ok.
Thanks, me too. On the plus side with my brother, he works nights at isolated job sites, so his chances of picking up something are low.
So glad for your good news and thank you for the laugh about Mr. Jalapeno.
I’m wearing Shalimar…Mexique for ltsg’s birthday. In other news (only partially tongue in cheek) you know it’s bad in Oregon when they allow you to pump your own gas. New Jersey is the only other state where it’s not allowed. A couple of years ago they allowed people in rural counties after regular business hours to pump, but in cities you have to wait for the attendant. So which is worse? Exposing the gas station attendant to many potentially infectious people, or having a whole lot of people with varying concepts of hygiene touching the gas pump handles? I think I will ponder this while I eat my lunch. I made some truly delicious cookies yesterday and I’ll have one for dessert.
I discovered doggie poop bags make great impromptu gloves for pumping gas, opening door handles, etc. I keep rolls of them everywhere now!
What a truly excellent idea! I always have at least one roll in my pocket and one in the car.
Thanks for the tip! I have plenty of those rolls here at home!
Added to my shopping list. I was looking for fresh ginger and my sister said she got hers in a Korean store so I went today. Good news: got ginger, got zucchini (Wegmans had been out for the past 2 weeks) and the store provided thin vinyl gloves (better than nothing and it works just as well)….Bad news: some people ( of various ethnicities) did not get the social distancing memo.
It’s level bare toilet paper shelves and meat cases with only chicken feet left here. I’m staying out of the stores until my fellow south Floridians stop hoarding like selfish jerks.
I’m working from home and am no longer abusing my hands with soap and alcohol 20 times per day. I have about 3 bars of my normal ivory soap. Olive oil to rehydrate my abused hands.
My job entails helping seniors telephonically. They survived pandemics much worse than this will end up being, including smallpox and polio.
My pet peeve is calling this “the coronavirus”. This particular coronavirus is called SARS Cov2. The original SARS circulated in 2003.
Let’s start a trend. I will make a pact to use SARS Cov2 going forward.
You are so right it is SARS Cov2, there are many different coronaviruses.
On the hand cleaning issue: washing with soap and water is plenty efficient. This virus does not like soap and water and will die, as I’ve been reliably told by a virologist and a consultant on the ICU. So no need for alcohol, unless you have no access to soap and water and need to clean your hands.
Good to know about soap & water versus hand sanitizer.
Actually soap and water is better, because hand sanitizer doesn’t kill everything (for example, clostridium difficile).
Yes, and COVID-19 is the disease syndrome it causes.
But I can never remember the correct punctuation of SARS…. and incorrect punctuation is my pet peeve ?
Isn’t coronavirus a series of virus and Covid-19 is a sub set of the virus?
This is all ‘so’ confusing.
Coronaviruses are a subset (maybe a species??) of viruses with some common features. The common cold is caused by any of several coronaviruses.
“In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.
(CDC) Plus 19 for 2019, when it was identified.
It’s like the difference between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the latter being basically what the virus does to the body. One can be HIV positive for many years without manifesting AIDS yet.
But the term COVID-19 was formalized first and is easier to write and remember, so that’s what you often see in the news regardless of which is meant.
“The novel coronavirus” is also correct in referring to the virus.
Yep, SARS-Cov-2. No wonder we can’t remember exactly how it’s written.
I wore Midnight in Paris today after a long time. I am not crazy after it, but today felt right.
1. I’d say 4. Allowed to groceries and pharmacy.
2. Local made with different flower aromas.
3. Herbalife hand/body cream.
4. Daffodils in the garden. Magnolia in the neighborhood.
5. I don’t watch cable TV but last week spend more time on news on my phone. I am trying to read less news, spend more time on perfume blogs/forums. But I can’t escape it, it’s everywhere, including here ?
LOL! I agree! ?
1. We have freedom of movement, but most non-food businesses are closed. As a small college town, once the students were sent home, social distancing was easy.
2. No changes in hand soap. I use whatever is in the dispenser at work which at one time was GoJo. (I am working every other day so that about half our office is furloughed or working from home). We still use Soft Soap Milk and Honey at home.
3. Hand cream is B&BW Velvet Tuberose at work and Jergens at home.
4. My peach tree is blooming and our daffodils.
5. Last night, a neighbor suggested we all gather in front of our houses and say The Lord’s Prayer at 9:00 a.m. today. It seemed to catch on and neighbors of all faith persuasions came out in the lovely windy morning to waive and/or bow our heads.
I would love to have a peach tree!
Do peach blossoms have a scent?
Oh!
A fun poll during a not-so-fun time!
Let’s go!
1.)I think me personally am at about 2,just because of my job(theatre nurse),and also where I stay.We are 3 days into LOCKDOWN(!!),but I am an essential service which means I get to go to work on Monday(Thank.God.)Also,I live on a golf estate,where we are allowed to take short strolls daily,also the country club on the estate has been converted into a small grocer,with the option of delivery to your door.How lucky am I!!
2.)Favorite handsoap?Bioscrub(most healthcare workers should know this one,lol!)It basically smells like hospital,but I love that smell.
3.)No handcreams,only D-germ,which if used correctly,has an emollient that really softens your hands and keep them clean
4.)It is the start of Fall,so all the earthy,ochre-red colors are appearing everywhere.
5.)Not gonna lie,this weekend was tough.I do not wanna get sick,so self-isolation and instagram kept me off the radar this weekend.Lol.Too many healthcare workers are getting infected,and I don’t want to be one of them.We have enough and adequate PPE at work,so I should be fine.
Hope everyone is doing great under these horrible times.Our figures have been soaring in South Africa,but only 2 deaths thus far.The invisible enemy that is Corona.
I am scared.
Stay safe guys.
Love you all!
XO
I’m glad you checked in, Johano! Look at all the comments this weekend!
I know you are scared, but we are all scared together. A big virtual hug for you ?
Oh… what does theater mean when you say theater nurse? Is it the same as operating room nurse?
Yes,I guess in the US I’d be called an ORN?(operating registered nurse)
Thanks for saying Hi!
Hope you are well!
XO
Glad to see you back after not hearing from you for a while. I can imagine how busy you must be. Please, take very good care of yourself and stay healthy. We are all scared, but this shall pass, hopefully sooner than we think. As I said to ElisaP you have my respect, gratitude and admiration for being in the front line. Sending lots of hugs and love! ????
Thank you M!
Reports from friends in NY says it is crazy for you guys over there.
I hope 3 weeks lockdown whixh started this past friday for us has a positive effect.
Hope your Mom is also doing well!
I miss NST and wish I could comment on every post this weekend!
This too shall pass.
Sending love and hugs!!??????
Hiya Johanob! Happy to hear from you. I agree, these are scary times. So glad we have this group of people here as support.
Yes!
And Hi!!
Wish I could comment more,hopefully this coming week I can come by more often.
Stay safe and healthy!XO?
So nice to hear from you! I hope you remain safe and well. Your golf estate setup sounds great.
Good to hear from you. Stay brave and safe.
Glad you stopped in today. Indeed scary times now.
And just letting you know I ‘may’ have to report to Donatella this week.??
..this response was for johanob.
Hi everyone! It’s been a while but I’ve been missing y’all!
1. Reckon about a 4 — we’re allowed to walk around our neighborhoods and make limited trips for essentials like groceries and medicine, but everything is shut down and the roads are basically empty.
2. As a linden fan, I love the Pré de Provence linden soap and love the way a fresh bar will waft its fragrance down the hallway.
3. Totally lacking in hand cream at the moment.
4. California poppies, trillium, violets, fritillary lilies, vetch, wild radish and mustard, my lemon thyme, early grasses, oak tree bloom is just wrapping up.
5. My yoga studio did a live-stream class today with live music during savasana — a wonderful guitarist played and sang “Here Comes the Sun,” and the actual sun came out mid-song after several grey days. Moments like this are literal nourishment right now.
Sending love and hugs to everyone!
I am a big fan of Pre de Provence Linden soap. The whole line in general is really good and I have some soaps from them.
There’s a bar in my shower right now! I like the green tea as well.
Hi, Isabella! So good to see you popping in! Love and hugs back and your blooming environment sounds lovely.
It’s been ages since I’ve commented but I’ve been reading most avidly.
I think we we are on a 3/4 here in UK but I’ve been ill so I’ve strictly stayed inside for almost a month now. I don’t think it’s the Coronavirus but as I can’t get tested no point risking others.
I had a lovely time wearing eau de Rochas for spring last week but this week I’m having a wonderful winter time in Bijan for men and a big jumper.
Moisturiser- I’ve started using Elizabeth Arden visibly different on my face- does anyone else use it? I have a love/hate relationship with the smell.
Astral moisturiser on my hands- it’s great stuff.
Hand wash we use anything you can get a refill for.
The wonderful news is my family are all thriving so far and are enjoying their hibernation as much as possible.
I hope everyone on NST and their loved ones are safe and well.
Stay safe and stay inside!
I spent the weekend reading and researching everyone’s favorite products, so after catching up, here are my late Monday morning entries:
1. 3? Essential businesses closed but we’re encouraged to go outside for exercise and mental health, and to support local restaurants. “Essential” is self-defined at this point, which seems to be rather broadly interpreted. We had landscapers out a few days ago, for instance.
2. Switched to bar soap a couple of years ago when I discovered how much more nicely it lathers up. Plus it can scent surrounding areas.
Faves: South of France Orange Blossom & Honey. It’s more honey than orange blossom (and more orange than blossom) and the scent stays through the entire bar. It’s what I’ve kept in the kitchen; it’s also very reasonably priced.
Currently also have Pre de Provence Linden, Panier des Sens Violet and Mistral Lychee Rose in use, all recently purchased. Pre de Provence is particularly nice (creamy, highly scented.)
3. I’ve been using the same 2 hand creams for eons:
Herbacin Kamille (I buy the little tins, then refill from larger tubes so I can carry it in my purse) and Out of Africa in either verbena or unscented. This also comes in little tubes, which I appreciate. Cannot recommend either the vanilla or almond scents – they ended up in the trash. I recently remembered that the Josie Maran Whipped *insert lots of other words* hand cream was an old favorite so I’ve just bought some of that.
I also always have a tub of scented shea butter around (which I also use on face & feets.) Currently it’s Nubian Heritage Hemp & Vetiver (smells lemony to my nose.) Prior to this, I had the Patch & Buriti, which smells like Angel – specifically the Liqueur one in the silver (or gold?) bottle.
I’d forgotten about the adding oil to lotion/cream trick for extra moisture/occlusion. Thanks, everyone, for reminding me! I mixed up a bit of shea oil with Penhaligon’s Violetta for my bathroom to apply after using the violet soap. Perfect!
4. Both side neighbors have daffodils blooming. Haven’t ventured beyond home for a few weeks.
5. Picard! Why can’t he be in charge of the galaxy right now? Make it so!
Wore Insolence edt yesterday for extra violet goodness, then Eau de Shalimar in the evening to celebrate LTSG. Stay safe and sane, all.
2nd the vote for Picard!
You smell wonderful in all that violetty goodness! Speaking of orange blossom and honey, Trader Joe’s used to carry a liquid orange blossom and honey soap — maybe they still do? I don’t buy liquid soap anymore due to the packaging, but I LOVED that one — it was really, really hard not to squirt it on toast and eat it!
Hi everyone —
Not a newbie by a long shot, but a long long time reader and very very infrequent commenter (I’m not shy by nature, but the internet makes me (very) shy. Why? Don’t know.). But I’m using confinement as a stepping stone to putting myself out there a bit more. Particularly in forums about which I’m passionate. Which is the case for perfume and NST! So here we go … I’m hoping to make it a daily commitment!
1. I live in Bordeaux, France, and we’ve been in strict confinement since Tuesday, 17 March, though we, as a family, really started on the previous Saturday. Confinement here means we are only allowed to leave the house for a small handful of reasons (grocery/pharmacy, physical activity, helping a vulnerable person, going to “essential” work, walking the dog) and we are obliged to carry an “attestation,” or a permit, stating the reason and including our name, address, birthdate, etc. We also have to carry ID. The text of the attestation is provided for us. We can’t just make it up. If we are caught without an attestation, the consequences are severe — a 140€ ticket, to be paid on the spot. If you can’t pay on the spot, the amount goes up to something like 400€. For physical activity, we can stay out for 1 hour and we are obliged to stay within a kilometre of the house. Sport activity must be done alone. However, two people from the same household may walk for up to an hour and within a km radius of the house. I guess I’d put that at a 4.5? Or maybe a 4.
2. Favorite soap, always always always, is made by 2 beloved soap ladies in Provence. They make sublime bar soap — rose, jasmine, tuberose, fleurs d’oranger, peony, tomato leaf, thyme, verveine, figue, osmanthus.
3. Fave hand cream is … well, pretty much any of the plethora of tubes I have lying around. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mains is probably the most “nutritious” for my skin. It’s good stuff.
4. I’m eternally grateful for our backyard garden which, at the moment, is full of wisteria, rosa banksiae, primrose, bluebells, wall flowers (I think that’s what they’re called), daffodils, and the most extraordinary swath of tulips I’ve ever seen, thanks to a most remarkable gift from a most remarkable friend who lives in Holland!
5. I’m not sure I can come up with anything good that happened, but I can say that after 2 weeks of confinement, it feels like the country has settled into a routine. People are (mostly) respecting the confinement regulations. We are indulging in a steady round of Really Good Food, and cooking/baking daily. The freezer is full. The pantry is stocked. We’re doing okay.
And … wow, Jessica, congrats! I know we don’t actually know each other, but wanted to shout out about your two pieces — they’re both marvelous!
Mamabrico, welcome! I do hope you will post again on a daily poll — you would have had a bigger welcome here if people had not already moved on to the Monday poll by the time you posted.
I am jealous of your flowers! We won’t have wisteria until May, probably.
Thank you so much for this lovely, warm welcome! I was sort of aware that my post on the weekend exchange was already a little past its prime, but wanted to chime in. I will definitely contribute to the weekday polls. What an amazing outlet!
And you weren’t even that late, only this post had so many comments that I bet a bunch of people never made it to the end
Anyway, good then and I’ll see you around!