Tuesday (or Blursday, the fortyteenth of Maypril, as my sister said to me yesterday in a text). PSA: we'll be receiving a visit from Donatella tomorrow. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm in Diptyque Volutes. Tea at the moment is Upton Tippy Black Colombian, with some nutmeg shaved on top.
Reminder: April is Poetry Month. On 4/3, tell us about a favorite poem (or link to the text) and wear a fragrance to match.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2020, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: shown is the Magnolia range from Love Milo. You can find the Large Cup and Saucer ($22) and the Large Mug ($15) at Ark + Nomad in Houston.
I’m wearing Sud Magnolia in honor of the beautiful picture on yesterday’s post.
Nice! I wish I had a magnolia fragrance that I loved.
Have you ever tried Sous les Magnolias? I have a feeling you might like that one. Not that it is available in the US. It was part of Pierre Bourdon’s line of fragrances.
No, that one is on my list. Do you think it’s the best ever?
The only other magnolias I have tried are the two Grandiflora’s which I liked allright, but did not really wow me.
Victoria is very complimentary about it, Denyse from Graindemusc loves it, and Angela bought it in Paris a few years ago.
So I guess it’s good! I love it, it shares some of its structure with Diorella. https://boisdejasmin.com/2018/12/parfums-de-rosine-le-magnolia-de-rosine-fragrance-review.html
https://graindemusc.blogspot.com/search?q=Bourdon
https://graindemusc.blogspot.com/search?q=Bourdon&updated-max=2016-07-15T08:00:00%2B02:00&max-results=20&start=2&by-date=false
Thank you austenfan!
There’s also Malle’s Eau de Magnolia, which is lovely. And I believe Laura who posts here regularly has also tried and liked Acqua di Parma Magnolia Nobile (or something like that).
Thank you SheriG! I have tried both of those and would say I like them both, but not even close to love.
Good One! You smell
Fabulous.
Lol, that text is hilarious and tragic at the same time! Beautiful tea set.
It is yet another in a long string of chilly gray, wet days here and I am bracing up for a day with my mother, being necessarily cheerful, so wearing Allure edt. It doesn’t feel right and I can’t take it off so I’m looking forward to a soothing spritz of Kyoto this evening.
I like the tea set too.
Weather is NOT HAPPY MAKING.
Hope your visit with your mother goes well ringthing.
Weather here is the same. That said, I’m incredibly grateful that we’re summer- rather than winter-bound, unlike those poor folks on the other half of the globe. I really can’t imagine, ugh.
Oh, no, I can’t either.
I’m in a li’l spritz of Angel Philtre Volupté, which is meant to be a base for the Angel of your choice but sometimes all you want are the low notes, amirite? Slightly dirty sandalwood, slightly spicy vanilla: that’ll do for this gloomy, about-to-snow-and-then-rain day.
I should have bought this, when I had the chance. It sounds pretty cool.
That sounds perfect, especially for gloom, and for bedtime.
Oh yum… putting this on my incredibly long list of scents to try one day!
My decant order arrived and I’m in SL Feminité du Bois, comparing it to my (admittedly distant) memory of the Shiseido original.
I was too stupid back in the day to register the original Feminité du Bois, but I bought a bottle eight years ago (at the duty free in Narita — Santal Majuscule had just come out, I tried it in Ginza but didn’t buy it, and I had to have *something* to commemorate the trip). All I can say is, whatever relation it bears to the Shiseido formulation, it’s awfully good, kind of an ur-Lutens: the fruit, the wood, the dark notes, the strangeness.
I wore it as a young student, but I was not my favorite, I liked Zen better
All week I will do poems from my book The Erotic Spirit: An Anthology of Poems of Sensuality, Love, and Longing by Sam Hill.
Today I have a little taste for you dating thirty five centuries ago Egypt:
The little sycamore she planted
prepares to speak- the sound of rustling leaves
sweeter than honey.
On its lovely green limbs
is new fruit and ripe fruit red as blood jasper,
and leaves of green jasper.
Her love awaits me on a distant shore.
The river flows between us,
crocodiles on the sandbars.
Yet I plunge into the river,
my heart slicing currents, steady
as if I were walking.
O my love, it is love
that gives me strength and courage,
love that fords the river.
[ed note: I think I removed the repeat?]
For Isabella who said wrote yesterday that she is separated from her love.
well..I guess I posted the stanza twice. Alas, technology..
Beautiful
I think I fixed it? If I messed it up just email me.
Thank you Robin!
Next time I won’t post before tea or coffee
Lovely, thanks.
I am just not with it today,
Making tea with caffeine
SOTD Chant D’aromes
Tea is French Breakfast
Hi LTSG – I wore L’Heure Bleue yesterday in your honor – a day late and not quite Shalimar, but thought of you. Hope your birthday was happy!
It’s the thought that counts. You smelled gorgeous I am sure
French breakfast tea? Who makes it?
MF!
Ah, nice. I do love a breakfast tea; didn’t know the French had one
What a lovely poem!
Its hard to pick just one poem
My heart was all a-thrill by the second line! This rings so tender and true; thank you so much for posting and for thinking of me.
Prego!
I’m not usually one for poems, and especially love poems (I dread sappy stuff), but this and the one yesterday are both wonderful!
Great..This book was a gift from my childhood from in the early 2000’s. She wrote me a note and the year so that’s how I remember. Its traveled with me many places. I keep it in my night stand if I need something sweet to read before bed.
That is a lovely poem AND just as lovely a thought. I could
visualize it very well.
(I can’t wait to see what else you have for us.)
???
that’s a lot of pressure!
? I have faith in you ltsg!
SOTD is Dior Tendre Poison as a match to this poem:
A Poison Tree
by William Blake
I was angry with my friend;
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I waterd it in fears,
Night & morning with my tears:
And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.
And it grew both day and night.
Till it bore an apple bright.
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine.
And into my garden stole,
When the night had veild the pole;
In the morning glad I see;
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.
Love this!!!
❤️❤️❤️
“And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.”
Yikes!
WoW! What a lesson here.
Musc Ravageur. Gosh it’s good. Gosh it’s expensive. I’d love to hear people’s cheaper musk faves!
Meharees is a distant cousin of MR, I had decants of both and sold them, they were not me. My animalic musk is MKK and I bought a used bottle of it.
I second Meharees by L’Erbolario, but I’m not sure how easy it is to find in the US these days. I have some though, Regina, so I could send you a decant sometime.
I’ll 3rd and say I prefer it (MR is a bit much for me – it’s quite heavy) and that I’ve had a bottle in my amazon cart for ages. Not sure if it’s still available, but there is a L’Erbolario distributor in the US and that’s who had the bottle listed if one prefers to (and still can) buy direct.
Well, I have Montale White Musk, but that’s because I am a musk wimp, and it doesn’t seem much like MR.
I think Le Labo Labdanum 18 is a LOT like MR. That’s not saving much (any? maybe it’s more expensive!) money, however it does come in lots of sizes.
Musc Nomade is really original, I think, I’m not into strong musks, also Chanel No 18 I liked when I tried it.
My favorite is Mugler Over the Musk, but it’s also pricey and smells nothing like MR. More like a modern Coty Wild Musk, which still smells good to me, but dated. Also Narciso Pure Musc is very nice.
Oh, you smell like heaven! I don’t have a cheaper suggestion for this one — some days only Musc Ravageur will do.
No scent yet – probably Fate – but the poem Wild Geese by Mary Oliver never fails to move me:
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Gorgeous
And appropriate for these times too …
Yes, I love this one, too.
Mary Oliver is the bomb diggity! One of my favorites, thanks for posting.?
You are welcome. Thanks one million times for being a nurse
Just stunning. ❤️
Love your avatar, SheRa! My daughter had all the SheRa swag as a little girl. So empowering, especially for the 80s.
❣️
Preciously beautiful… if I had to match a scent to this one, it would be Regime des Fleurs, Falling Trees… le sigh
SOTD is Nanadebary Bronze, to go with my rather cinnamon-y ensemble today (black tights, burnt sienna sweater, earth-toned flannel shirt). Scents have been really long-lived on me for the past week or so, which has me wondering if air movement (which I don’t get much of lately) has a lot to do with scent longevity (or the lack thereof). Probably a really obvious thought, but it’s never occurred to me before.
And on a different note, I have an anthology of short-ish stories that I bought about 30 years ago called “Great Detectives” and that I haven’t even cracked open in about 25 years. Took it to bed with me last night and read my first Father Brown story. Any of you familiar with that series? It was too short but very intriguing, and made me want to read more of them.
I love Father Brown stories and re-read them from time to time. Which one did you read?
The Invisible Man. It was all about how people don’t notice certain kinds of people (like mail carriers), even when specifically told to watch for people entering a building.
I remember it. Good one!
I am a fan of Father Brown stories, in both print and in the new series, which I think is quite good.
Good to know – I’ll have to check into that!
I have been watching the tv series too – cozy crime!
In Teo Cabanel Barkhane, thanks to a swap with a wonderful NSTer. Enjoying it greatly on this cold, grey, gloomy weather.
What a challenging working week I am facing. Didn’t even have time to read comments yesterday. I will try to catch up on the posts late at night time.
Be well everyone!
That’s good stuff. I was excited to wear the last of my sample this winter but couldn’t find it. Which can only mean that I was also excited to finish off said sample the winter before.
Does anyone know if it’s been re-formulated ala Alahine?
It is indeed a great perfume! I have no idea if it was reformulated, but Alahine reformulation was a disaster for me.
In case you get to read tonight, waving hello ??????
Waving hello back! ??????
Hope your evening was good. It’s been a very challenging week for me as well. My work is always busy but this pandemic has taken over every aspect of our daily function. Definitely adding to daily stress. Hope you make it through the rest of the week unscathed. Hugs.
Thank you KellyC! Just reading comments at this time. Working from home is proving to be very challenging, especially when you can’t separate your personal life from work. I am glad that I still have a job and I am not suffering like many other people who is not able to work due to the pandemic. Hope you have a bearable working week. This also shall pass. At least we smell great!’
Wearing Goutal Chevrefeuille. Because it’s spring.
Yesterday was a stressful frenzy at work and I was anxious and crabby all day with no time off and no exercise and really, didn’t get much accomplished. But I realize that I let that happen so today, I got up and had my yoga practice and I am enjoying one cup of coffee before starting. I will let the email go and actually work on a project for an hour or two. I will not let the frenzy of others determine my life, right? Fingers crossed.
“I will not let the frenzy of others determine my life“
Mantra for the week or month!
Maybe the year.
Yay for yoga and coffee!
I also love…”I will not let the frenzy of others determine my life”…words to live by.
I’m doing better today so far!
Good luck!
One thing I’ve learned as an adult and a professional is that everyone is more than happy to pass their frenzy on to you if you’re willing to accept it. I constantly have to build little invisible barriers between myself and other peoples’ stress, and when they hold I feel so much more capable and strong. May yours be effective!
Yes, ITA with all of this!
Great Motto. I would almost write in on my forehead to help others do the same.
I let my hand choose, and it chose L de Lolita Lempicka. I guess I’ve been in the mood for sweet perfumes with this and yesterday’s Santal Majuscule.
Sometimes a little sugar is just the thing
You smell wonderful ?
Smelling sweet and good!
I had truly expected to be wearing nsfw scents all the time at home, you know, the big hitters, but I have been on the soothingly mild side. Today it’s Prada Infusion d’Iris Absolue on one arm and AG L’Heure Exquise on the other.
Susanetta, my music-teacher friend is up and running her lessons on Zoom! We’re talking later today today so I will get the skinny.
Holy cow I love both of those. You smelled great today.
SJP Covet, because it feels like spring, even if it’s very cold today. Got the afternoon free, took a walk. Tea today is Fortnums and Mason’s Countess Grey.
Now I layered Covet with Jicky, you must try this, really good!
Oh I will try that!
I’m in Salomé today. It doesn’t really go with my chosen poem, but both are a couple of my very favorites, so there’s that.
Theme for English B
Langston Hughes
The instructor said,
Go home and write
a page tonight.
And let that page come out of you—
Then, it will be true.
I wonder if it’s that simple?
I am twenty-two, colored, born in Winston-Salem.
I went to school there, then Durham, then here
to this college on the hill above Harlem.
I am the only colored student in my class.
The steps from the hill lead down into Harlem,
through a park, then I cross St. Nicholas,
Eighth Avenue, Seventh, and I come to the Y,
the Harlem Branch Y, where I take the elevator
up to my room, sit down, and write this page:
It’s not easy to know what is true for you or me
at twenty-two, my age. But I guess I’m what
I feel and see and hear, Harlem, I hear you:
hear you, hear me—we two—you, me, talk on this page.
(I hear New York, too.) Me—who?
Well, I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love.
I like to work, read, learn, and understand life.
I like a pipe for a Christmas present,
or records—Bessie, bop, or Bach.
I guess being colored doesn’t make me not like
the same things other folks like who are other races.
So will my page be colored that I write?
Being me, it will not be white.
But it will be
a part of you, instructor.
You are white—
yet a part of me, as I am a part of you.
That’s American.
Sometimes perhaps you don’t want to be a part of me.
Nor do I often want to be a part of you.
But we are, that’s true!
As I learn from you,
I guess you learn from me—
although you’re older—and white—
and somewhat more free.
This is my page for English B.
LOVE
thanks for sharing..
Learning new poems today is such delight!
Great CP Robin
You smell amazing and that poem is awesome!
This is a great cp!!!
I was so busy i forgot to think about a poem… ?
I am not familiar with oyur scent, but this is a good, hartfelt poem.
*heartfelt
Wow! I need to revisit.
This is so great!
Great poem!
Are you guys in the US OK for PPE? At least there are very specific instructions here now, which stopped the free for all.
Visitors, if allowed, must bring their own masks (or scarves or whatever). Nursing staff issued one new mask every five shifts, old mask must be returned. Bins for N95 masks to be cleaned and recycled. Partners allowed for the birth, if symptom free, and two hours afterwards, then not again until after mother and baby discharged. Harsh, but necessary. Good luck with your new job. Our first ventilated Covid pt, that I thought was doing poorly last week, is still hanging on.
Oh gosh, here’s hoping it lasts.
Best of luck Amyitis. Stay safe.
Haven’t actually worked the floor yet, but when I questioned manager yesterday, she told me “We have what we need.” Not sure how she is defining “need,” though. This hospital serves 10-12 rural counties, so if it blows up here, we are in trouble. Absolutely no visitors, unless in labor and partner cohorts with pt. All masks are being collected in a “used” bag and sent for recycling. N95’s lose efficacy if damp/wet and actually act as a wick, which is not ideal! I was told all elective surgeries were cancelled, but then I found out cardiac/VAT surgeries (non-emergent) are still happening. My unit is post VAT/open hearts, and there is a positive ON THE UNIT! I don’t know when he was tested and/or resulted. They are trying to keep all positives on a pulmonary step down unit, except for the one on my unit who is post CABG. They are only testing symptomatic pt’s. Starting today, they are screening all staff with temp and screening questions as they arrive for their shift. I asked about the spread related to asymptotic patients/staff and got the deer in the headlights look, and the subject was downplayed and quickly changed. I was called “paranoid” by another nurse yesterday, who ignorantly said “oh I don’t pay any attention to the news.” When she sat next to me, I got up and moved. Nobody else said a word to me for the rest of the day, and that made me very happy! ? Careless Idiots are everywhere. I feel sorry for her patients since she has such disregard for the current reality. I’m telling you, what bothers me the most is that I’m petrified of carrying from patient A and leaving it at patient B, which may end up killing B. That’s my biggest fear. As for myself, I want to get tested for antibodies, trying to figure out how. I was incredibly sick in January after taking care of an atypical PNA pt who was having fevers >102F after being on mult. IV ABT’s for >72 hours. I thought I had a viral bug because it was typical symptoms (incredible fatigue, head cold that then moved to my chest) until I got very SOB. Then I went to MD because I was concerned about that. I missed 2 weeks of work. This was when I was in Arizona, which was a state with one of the first diagnosed cases. IMO, the powers that be don’t care, attitude being “if we don’t test, we don’t know, and if we don’t know, we can’t be held responsible.” Health care personnel here have approx 20% higher rate of infection than the general population, which is in reality probably much higher because we’re only testing symptomatic people. I’m totally disgusted by the complete mismanagement of this on every level: from hospital management to the jacka$$ “leading” this country. But I don’t want to get political, so I’ll stop there. ? South Korea lost NO HEALTHCARE WORKERS at all. But then, they have head to toe hazmat suits, which is what we ALL need if taking care of sick patients right now.
I’ll not comment on your colleagues. As to your possibly having had Covid already, a friend of mine in London, that I spoke to tonight, said exactly the same. That they’ve had cases as far back as December, which seems probable with the UK being so popular with tourists and the Brits loving those package holidays. There are lots of antibody kits being touted by different companies, whether they purport to check IgM or IgG I don’t know. As SARS-CoV-2 is a notifiable disease, mainstream medicine is sticking with PCR at the moment, but I’m pretty sure these companies will start marketing their tests directly to the general public soon. Will let you know should I get some info on a “more” reliable one! PS There are a bunch of infected drs here, but whether they contracted it from their patients or from their very many overseas conferences is an open question.
Oh, Deva, what this stress must be doing to your psyche! I hope I don’t offend when I tell you I pray for you every day.
Thank you, of course I’m not offended! How could anyone when you are actively caring for them? I’m very lucky I don’t have children to worry about. Imagine all these MD’s, RT’s, nurses, food service and housekeeping people who have young children? I’m going to share your prayers with them, if that’s ok? If I kick it, I have already arranged for T-Rex. But if I had kids-! Oh my, then yes, I would be very stressed. Who would take care of my kids?!
Oh my gosh Deva, what a day. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully things will improve by tomorrow and then exponentially more so throughout the week.
Stay safe and thank you for all you are doing.
This is all horrifying and what’s might be even worse is how utterly unsurprising it is at this point. I can’t imagine being a health care worker in these conditions – well I can’t imagine it in any conditions, but these especially. Take all the care you can. Like you, but with less urgency given my work, I can not imagine having children right now.
Inspired by Dawn’s SotD yesterday, I’m in Kyoto.
The lease expires on my car today, but the dealership is closed so?♀️ I guess I’ll just keep driving it, lol.
Your conundrum is cracking me up. What’s a person to do, then? Yup, keep driving
I know, right?! They are supposed to reopen next week so I guess I’ll just take it back. I hope they don’t charge me a penalty fee, these are kind of unique circumstances.
Remind me, I am behind, are your daughters out of school the remainder of the year?
Pretty much. My college daughter came home March 13 for what was supposed to be a 2 week spring break but quickly turned into get your stuff out of the dorms, the rest of the year is online. My teenager has been off since then too.
I am in Solstice Scents Postprandial today….notes are Vanilla, Irish Cream, Coffee, Chocolate, Bourbon, Pipe Tobacco.
I am working at my kitchen table and can also smell remnants of Mon Precieux Nectar leftover from yesterday, Estate Cacao from the jacket on the back of my chair from a few days ago and I just lit a Voluspa Saijo Persimmon candle in the living room.
Quite a wonderful melange of scents going on in this house.
wow..your place must smell nice
Ours smells like incense
Excuse me while I go pour myself a big bowl of vanilla, Irish cream, coffee, chocolate, and bourbon, break out a spoon, and light some pipe tobacco…
niiiiiiice, I would like Postprandial for breakfast.
SotD = Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
happy Blursday, friends! Maypril is my new favorite month. I had a good laugh over that one, thank you to Robin and sister.
swoooooon, I’m spending the day with my new perfume love, Tobacco Vanille. It’s been a long time since I fell so hard at first sniff. The opening is fabulous. Hope things develop nicely thru the day.
Thank goodness for the luckyscent sample that was marinating in the perfume cupboard for who knows long! and thanks to NSTers who love tobacco-inflected scents. It’s fun to be inspired by you.
We need to have a “ridiculous fake day name” contest
ha! that would be fantastic ?
Tobacco Vanille is so good!
After reading the above, I realize I really need to read more poetry…
I am wearing vintage Diorissimo EdT (courtesy of floragal) with a light spritz of Ta’if on top. I’m offering up a selection from the Song of Solomon, chapter 2.
She:
I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
He:
As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women.
And…found an acorn on the bath mat this morning. As I was drinking coffee, Agnes jumped onto the coffee table, moved one of the velvet pumpkins and tossed an acorn onto the floor….
Agnes is getting to be a little daredevil! ?
Yeah. She’s also a bit of a nipper. She will nip at my arm and then run if I hold it a certain way as she’s next to me. Or, she might do a light bite, which I think is more affection than anything else.
Love bite! My Kayla does that too. I don’t mind even if sometimes the nips are a bit harder than others. If I sweet-talk her and put my face up close to hers, she will give me the gentlest little nip on my nose! So sweet!
My late, beloved Penny used to nip me on the nose and cheek. I don’t think it’s wise just yet to get my face close to Agnes. I moved the wrong way last week and she got my hand with a swift swipe. I didn’t take it personally…
Great poem!
Smelling fabulous! That little Agnes is hilarious!
Agnes is a sassy little thing, isn’t she? ?
I’m in a bad mood today. It will pass eventually.
Wearing Puredistance Sheiduna.
Is Sheiduna your favorite Puredistance, Lucas?
You are reminding me to get out their first, which is mine.
Black is my favourite one, but I also have a travel size of White and Gold.
I treasure my samples!
Popping in with a vote for Antonia!
I found it very hard to choose between I and Antonia!
Sorry about your bad mood. I hope it passes soon. There’s so much bad news these days, times are tough.
Good and honest Lucasi.
SOTD is Le Parfum de Therese. Gorgeous!
Tea this morning was MF Montagne de Jade (a flavored green tea with flowery and fruity notes); nothing special about this tea but I’m trying to finish it so I can move on to another.
Best wishes to all of you!
You smell great! And I know that tea. It’s not my favourite MF, but I realised by the time I had finished it, that I liked a whole lot better than I thought.
For MF green teas one of my favourites is Festin d’Or. Mint with flowers, very good.
Thank you Austenfan and I am sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she does well all things considered.
I have not heard of Festin d’Or. Will look it up next time I get a chance.
I did pick up Dammann Frères Paul and Virginie (at your recommendation) and Bali last time I was in France but have not opened those yet. Too much tea on my hands and I’m having to pop antacids daily to keep up with it ?
Thanks, I’m not even sure it is breast cancer, but that is what her other colleagues mentioned yesterday. She herself only mentions an axillary lump that turned out to be an enlarged lymph node. I didn’t want to bother her by going into too much detail, I’ll find out eventually. Also it’s by far the most likely explanation given that around 1 in 7 Dutch women get it. I just feel so sorry for her. She only lost her dad relatively recently and was just more or less recovering from that, and she is so modest and undemanding.
On the more cheerful subject of tea, I also really like DF Thé bleu rhubarbe, DF Jardin du Luxembourg, MF Thé des Impressionistes and Thé Vert Provence. Don’t you just love the Damman Frères shops?
Lovely shops, to be sure (the one on Place des Vosges comes to mind). And I’ve liked the teas you mentioned above as well with the exception of the Thé bleu rhubarbe which I have not tried. Thank you for all the recommendations.
Get ready Donatella! You’re gonna need to sit down for my confession this quarter….YIKES!
Wearing Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue Italian Zest. It smells great, but do y’all know what smells even better? The petrichor smell that is wafting right now from a cool morning spring rain. It’s washing away puddles of thick yellow pollen, and that earthy smell from all the new spring grass is just amazing! Ahhhhhhhhhhh…
Jada: don’t feel too bad about it, you’re not alone
Love that smell!
I was just looking into Italian Zest last night, on the hunt for happy fragrances.
You won’t be sitting alone on THAT bench!
SotD is Rahele, three big sprays!
Its so tempting to work from home in pjs or in sweatpants. But I always get dressed in the morning. It makes me feel more awake and ‘at work’.
But I i do wear stuff I would never wear to work, like a maxi dress with flower print. ?
I also have created a work space for myself in our small junk room.
My husband has no problem working from the living room. But i feel the need to keep work and private separated…
This really works for me.
But all day every day communicating via skype-zoom-whatsapp…phone, chat and mail is tiring though.?
Yep, I can imagine it is. I’m actually enjoying work more than I usually do. Probably because we can’t keep to protocols as strictly and I have to improvise more, which really is my forte. So when I get home, I’m tired, but work is done for the day.
You smell lovely, it’s one of those gorgeous, not attention seeking scents that one ends up wearing a lot.
Thank you, yes Rahele is easy to wear but always interesting, probably in my top 10 most worn fragrances during last 12 months ?
Re: dressing up
Maybe you should read this article a girlfriend sent to me (No affiliation)
https://www.vogue.com/article/lynn-yaeger-personal-style-essay
Hmmm yeah I guess I will be one of those women who buys half a loaf of bread wearing her best coat and trendy sneakers and maybe some lipstick?.
To some this may seem vain or posh. But imho putting effort into styling or dressing up (or dressing well) is about self expression and a sense of self-worth. Even when you are in or around the house.
Like the article states, it makes you feel alive and human.
But hey, i can also spend a whole day on the couch wearing sweatpants with holes in it and an old hoodie and feel fan-tas-tic about myself! ?
I have been at home with the kids for a bit but I have never had a “mom outfit”. I also never save things for special occasions. In NYC you can never be over dressed. I still enjoy nice things and I love a good hat and shoes
“In NYC you can never be over dressed”
?
I wore Rahele last night. You smell good!
Thank you! ?
I am in preventive quarantine after traveling and can’t leave my flat. I’ve been wearing sweats for 9 days. But I’m wearing my diamond jewelry, expensive perfume and fancy French lingerie.
Does that count? LOL.
You bet it counts! Good for you Cazaubon ?
Of course!? I love it ??
On my days off I often wear sweatpants as well (when i stay at home that is).
Its just that when I need to work I try to get that wake-up-and-go-to-work- feeling by getting dressed.
Now…on webcams/online meetings you usually only show your upper body,
I am willing to bet most people are wearing sweatpants or yoga pants when they work from home ??
Love this!
I did wear my pajama bottoms and a nice top for a call early Saturday morning…
But I have been maintaining appearances, even at home. I knew I was going for a walk today, so I had on my leggings jeans, a long blouse buttoned up and a brooch covering the top button, with a long red, light wool sweater. I’m still doing some light makeup and lipstick, especially if I’m on Zoom.
Haha a call early Saturday morning just begs for pajama bottoms! ?
I consider myself lucky I seldom need to work in the weekend.
I had an early Saturday morning Zoom call too! I wore a cute sweater and sweatpants ?
I keep wanting to settle down with a cuppa and NST, but there is always too much going on. Anyway, I am in the much beloved SSS’s Champagne de Bois, my favorite sandalwood. Sending best wishes to all.
Are you wearing the new Champagne de Bois? I’ve thought about buying more but I have a nearly-empty bottle from ~5 years ago, and one that’s much older, in different packaging. The newer one I looovvve. The older one I can’t wear. Thus I’m apprehensive about buying another.
Hmmm… Mine is about three years old, I would hazard. What is the issue with the older one that you have?
Kind of a long story, but I started having olfactory issues a few years ago and almost all my vintage, and some newer, perfumes smell overwhelmingly animalic now (rather like being suffocated by a cat.) The older CdB is one of the new ones I can’t wear for that reason.
I’m wearing Bucoliques de Provence, mostly because I could not find my bottle of La Panthère. Don’t ask me why I wanted La P. but there it is.
The weather is lovely, and I’m just back from a 2 hour walk which did me a world of good.
Had some sad news yesterday. A colleague and friend whom I hadn’t seen in a while, will start chemo this Friday, for I think a breast tumour with positive lymph nodes. Keeping everything crossed for her. I hope her outcome will be good.
So sorry about your friend. I am glad that your walk helped you.
You smell lovely!
Bucoliques is lovely and my favourite out of that particular series.
Oh, that is tough, maybe there will be radiation treatment too, I’m sure you will be a great support for her.
If this is breast cancer she’ll most likely get all three, depending on what kind of surgery they will be able to perform. Poor thing, she will be 55 this year, I’m hoping she is post menopausal as women in that group tend to do better.
Oh I am sorry for your friend and a doubly tough time to go through treatment. All best luck to her!
Thank you! It must be very hard for her.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. Wishing her strength and a speedy recovery!
Thanks! I so hope she does.
Very sorry to hear about your friend. That is rough, especially in times like these. Paying her a visit anytime soon will probably be out of the question….?l ? I hope she recovers and you will be able to keep in touch via skype or zoom or whatever! (Yay for modern technology)
A 2 hour walk sounds great, I hope I will be able to excercise tomorrow.
The walk was wonderful. Lovely weather and so few people. I hate how crowded the woods have become over the past few weeks. I know I shouldn’t but I’m usually the only one there, except on Sundays. But I’m most definitely not the only one who needs some fresh air so I should not be selfish.
No, I won’t be able to visit any time soon, but I’ve sent her a really nice card and intend to ring her next week, to hear how the first chemo went. The 1st one is usually ok, people often start getting sicker after they have had 2 or 3. All depending on what kind of chemo they are receiving.
Best wishes for your friend to be healed!
So sorry austenfan, I know just how you feel. The support of friends is everything during this time. I hope she has it.
Don’t count her out yet, I received the same diagnosis a year ago last Christmas, went through 2 surgeries, chemo and radiation. It wasn’t a fun year but I am fine now. I know it is a fine line between pessimistic and realistic, but in my experience she will need you to have a positive outlook. Your support will be so appreciated (and I hope you have some support too.)
I don’t at all. I’m just so sorry that she has to go through all of this, esp. right now.
Yay!! So happy that you’re doing well. I agree that positivity is so important when facing a health battle.
My favorite poem is Prufrock — probably too long to post in a comment. Suppose I should wear something peachy on Friday!
SOTD is Agent Provocateur
And your trousers rolled, of course!
If you dare…
Or IUNX l’ether . . .
Ha ha ha!
Facing a day of Zoom meetings. Gonna do it fortified with some triple espressos and two gigantic sprays of Perles de Lalique, a favorite cheap thrill.
I am also drinking a lot of caffeine today
Zoom meetings are really exhausting, aren’t they? I have to caff up like crazy.
Coffee is a lifesaver.
I think we went through almost a kilo (more than 2 pounds) of coffeebeans past two weeks!
(With two people working and zooming and skyping from home)
I am not much into poetry but really enjoyed reading those posted above.
I watched a video on You Tube today. It was made by a doctor and the topic is about sanitizing your grocery containers/wrappers and any areas they touch when you bring them inside your house. I have cleaned my fruits and veggies for years but I didn’t think about cleaning the food wrappers, etc. Not to mention the bags…
SOTD is Box Of Eels. What a beauty.
I just came back from the grocery store and totally did not whipe anything down. Ugh.. I guess I will go do so now, if it’s not to late.
My H & I watched that together last week and developed a protocol for when we bring things in from outside. Very time consuming! That said, I used some of the last week’s produce today and it was really nice to be able to pull it out and not have to wash it during the cooking process. Cut way back on my labors.
I tend to just stow them, wash my hands, and then leave them for a day or two before using to give the viruses a chance to expire. The less handling the better. I shield surfaces with paper towels and then discard those. Same with mail and packages: set them aside for a couple of days, although there is a lot less risk with absorbent paper and fabric.
Anthony Fauci was asked about groceries and packages, but I forget which interview. Maybe the one with Trevor Noah that’s on YouTube, which is great.
He emphasized the greatest risks are getting too close to people, especially anyone who is coughing or sneezing, shaking hands, high contact surfaces, and touching your face.
Social distancing, frequent thorough hand washing, and not touching your face are the critical interventions. Also disinfecting surfaces, I guess, but you have no control over public surfaces.
I also follow Laurie Garrett’s practice of wearing fabric gloves when out of the house. I bought 24-packs of cheap cotton knit gloves on Amazon and throw them in the laundry when I return to my apartment.
I saw that video also, but since it came out and went viral, have also read various experts commenting that one should NOT was fruits and veggies in soap, at least, nothing porous. I suppose oranges and bananas might be ok, but not your strawberries and raspberries.
You can just spray them
With Lysol and wait 2 minutes.
(Not your fruit & veggies obviously) I haven’t done so myself but it does cause one to wonder how far you have to go to stay safe. ‘Experts’ say it is highly unlikely that you would catch it this way.
If only I could find Lysol…
True?
A friend of mine who is a scientist said that that video about cleaning your groceries is wrong and should not be followed, especially about soaking your produce in soapy water. Here is a rebuttal by a food microbiologist:
Rebuttal of over-the-top treatment of groceries, see this from a food microbiologist: https://twitter.com/bugcounter/status/1243319180851580929.
Anyone know if Twisted Lily is going out of business?
They seem to have taken most of their stock off the website, and are offering final sale on a few items.
Yes, they are alas. This predated the current situation and I think I read was just a life-style choice for the owners. I can’t remember where I read this though . . .
I read the same thing, their lease was coming up for a renewal and they wanted to move on and do something else.
Yes, they are.
I got a shipment from Lush last night. It took several weeks, and I forgot about it, so it was a nice surprise! Just shampoo bar refills and a couple of soaps + a sample of R&B hair moisturizer which I never tried before. It smells pretty great! Mostly gardenia to my nose, so chose OJ Frangipani to keep with the tropical floral theme. Nice antidote to cool and grey again.
Still waiting for my covid test results so I can be cleared to go in to my facility. I’m in no rush, really. From my coworkers reporting, it’s kind of chaotic and not well thought out about how they’re using us non-clinical nursing staff. The regular RNs aren’t thrilled since having staff with no experience on how they function to look after is actually more work for them. We’ll see how this plays out…
Gosh, have no idea how this ended up here?
So that SarahN would know where to shop now that Twisted Lily is leaving us?
Seriously, congrats on your Lush package. I am waiting for a good new shower gel scent to tempt me…
Ha! Well, Lush doesn’t quite fill the TL void for me, though I’ve really given them a whole lotta business these last few months.
I’m curious about the Almond Blossom naked shower gel, but it was out of stock when I ordered.
That happened to me yesterday, too.
Overworked and stressed out people always feel it’s too much work to bring on new people. Big mistake. It may be bumpy at first, but they’ll soon be very grateful for you.
I agree, if this ends up being long term. But they also don’t seem to be listening to the suggestions of affected staff, who have some helpful ideas where everyone might win. My institution is a bit “quaint”, not very organized, or tightly run. I think this situation is emphasizing the flaws that already exist.
I love R&B, congratulations.
It’s nice for hair scenting! I think it may be too heavy for my finer hair. Probably great for coarse/curly.
Almond Blossom you say? Lemming.
I haven’t smelled it in person, but sounds nice from the descriptions!
Shedding a tear for Twisted Lily, but glad it’s their choice. Glad I got to visit them once — it was a wonderful experience!
+1
Going to Costco right now. I hope they have what I need. Woke up with a headache and took something for it. Wearing vintage no 5 right now.
I hope the headache eases.
Testing out Libertine Soft Woods, one of my recent Tigerlily purchases. It is soft, which is fine by me today. So far getting mostly fir, which is fine by me any day.
Coronavirus etiquette survey: yesterday we received a wedding invitation for mid-June. The bride is the daughter of some of our dearest friends, and we love her like a niece. The wedding locale is in our state but hundreds of miles away. At the moment, hotels are closed by state order, and a large gathering like this 250+ person wedding would also be banned. I know the bride is hoping that this will all be over by then, but that is not likely; even if by chance the peak is past, there will be no vaccine by then, and assembling hundreds of guests from across the country is simply ill advised. I am disappointed that the hosts are putting the onus on the guests to decide what to do, and I know that the bride’s mother is not likely to take a ‘no’ answer with good grace. Sigh. So they have put all of us in the position of risking health by saying yes, or causing a rift in the friendships / family by saying no.
We plan to wait until the last minute (May 10) to RSVP, but surely by then we will not be in an ‘all clear’ state. We will not be able to say yes.
I suppose I am looking for more sympathy than advice
Groan. Why do people not make their own hard decisions….
Dearest pixel-
One day at a time
Hugs!
Oh my goodness, send regrets sans guilt. Betting they’ll realize a reschedule’s in order soon enough.
My thought is that a lot can happen between now and mid-June to the arrangement that might make them change the plan. I might wait even beyond the RSVP date to respond, and tell them why. I can’t believe the caterers/bakers/florist/officiant haven’t said anything.
I am hoping the governor will make the whole issue moot anyway. We’ll see…
This is a difficult situation for you, pixel.
I would probably wait a little and then air my concerns to them the way you told us here: that you really want to be with their daughter on her special day, but feel that a large gathering of people in June is still a bad idea. Deep down, they are probably worrying about it too. But you know your friends, and I do not. Sorry you have to make this decision.
I’m dealing with the same kind of thing except it is my brother’s wedding! He and his fiancé plan to continue with the wedding on May 15 unless the venue shuts down. And based on the venue’s website/Facebook page, it doesn’t seem likely they will unless explicitly required by government order. Add to this that I live in Washington, and the wedding is in Ohio. I sent in my RSVP last week at the last possible minute. I may have to just risk it and go alone without my boyfriend. I think he would have to self-quarantine for 2 weeks before going back to work, and he just can’t do that with his job.
This is giving me a lot of stress every day, so I’m sorry you’re dealing with it too.
Family! Even harder! and May!! yeesh, how thoughtless.
And you have my fullest sympathy. So hard! I would definitely leave the BF at home. And wear your mask…
May 15! No way!
Mass gatherings (50+) are banned and no more than 10 are what’s being advised by the state.
The gov & lt gov also talked about the possibility of a travel ban (either today or yesterday, not sure.)
It seems unnecessarily risky to me to travel or gather right now, but the restrictions might be the deciding factor here anyway.
There is an exemption for funerals, weddings, religious gatherings, and First Amendment gatherings. ?
And I saw a tweet from Ohio’s governor on the 26th saying that while weddings and funerals aren’t prohibited, “we ask that we don’t have large gatherings. Postpone the big ceremony – get married, but the big party should be after this is over.” However, since this is an ask and not an order, I have a feeling this venue will remain open and my bro and future sis-in-law will continue on…
I think the situation and consequences will unfortunately be a lot more evident in Ohio two or three weeks from now, and they will decide or have to cancel. By accepting, you’ve already shown your good will. I think you did the right thing.
This.
Lord, Pixel. How ludicrous to put you and other guests in this position. Talk about living in denial!
My sister’s niece, a dangerous and volatile Bridezilla, is going this route too with a big, hugely expensive, tacky wedding in Connecticut in June. She will not back down on date. So incredibly selfish, and the height of bad taste. She will wind up being mentioned in the Insta account NYTVows, one of my fave snarky accounts.
Ugh that is awful. I’m sorry anngd. I really don’t understand what people are thinking.
So many young people – sub 30 years of age – seem to think they are immortal. The evidence of how many in this age cohort infected with this virus is staggering.
My husband asked if they really want all their wedding pictures to be of guests in N95 masks.
And the bride’s grandmother is 90! Why would they ask her to fly across the country at this time…!
I suggested to my friend (MOTB) a month ago that perhaps a tiny wedding was in order. With a big party later. She would not discuss the possibility that coronovirus might still exist come June. SIGH
Since you already broached the subject with her, might as well cancel with a note that you look forward to attending the rescheduled gathering. Everyone else will cancel eventually, including the caterers, venue, etc.
Hope they can get their deposits and prepayments back.
I wonder if they are in denial as a reaction to fear that they can’t deal with, very self-centered, or just truly oblivious — a lot of people don’t pay that much to the news.
Yeah, I don’t think you should have to be one to break it to them but no way this is happening. I am surprised that vendors and venue aren’t already cancelling, but I realize that people are in various states of denial and wishful thinking. I had a number of conferences and work trips for spring and summer and every single one has been cancelled, mostly at least two weeks ago or more. It’s hard for me to imagine anyone thinking of a gathering of 250, including a wide range of ages, for as early as June. So all my sympathy.
Yeah my work travel and conferences through June have all been cancelled too.
I read an article a few weeks ago in which a wedding planner was interviewed, and was encouraging people to go ahead with their plans (but to be prepared for older folks to skip the occasion.)
It struck me as incredibly irresponsible at the time, and even moreso now.
So maybe the BTB & MOTB are being encouraged to go forward by said vendors… At any rate, not going to happen.
Wow. Just wow.
This is a dark thought, but is it possible the vendors have contract clauses that state they get to keep the deposits if the event is cancelled? Easy way for them to make a buck… ?
Ugh. That does stink to be put in that position. But, agree, waiting til late to RSVP is the way to go. I’m sure they’ll have many “No” responses. I would rather feel guilty than risk my health…
Arggh – here is the sympathy – I’m sorry you have something else to worry about.
Here is the (hard to follow, I’m sure) advice: Don’t think about this until April 30 or May 10th! You can make your decision then, and it might be made for you and nobody’s feelings will get hurt and you might not have to explain yourself at all.
I do agree with others that June is a long way away so it might be hard to really predict anything.
Wise advise. This is a good time to strictly partition worries and decisions according to when they really need to be dealt with — and when you’ll have enough information to do so. Lists, calendar planners, and reminders are great stress savers.
June is not going to be possible, we will be lucky if things settle down by July or August. All you can do is write a nice note saying how much you would love to be there but it’s not possible at this time. She will surely get the same response from many others, and hopefully the whole thing will be postponed.
I agree to set it aside, not think about and RSVP yes or no at the last minute. I’m a huge believer in recognizing when a decision is required or not…if it’s not required or I don’t have enough info, I set it aside and don’t worry about it. The reality is…you may not need to make a decision. You’ll have a lot better sense of what to do on May 9, if a decision is required.
Oh wow…
But I bet there are state or federal regulations in place? So you can always refer to those if you need to cancel, but I hope they will soon understand why its not a good idea…
(I think here in the Netherlands funerals and weddings are only allowed for small groups and only when it is possible for all attending to maintain a safe distance at all time (1,5 meter at least)
Oh my lord. I get so angry when I hear about things like this because healthcare providers are so overwhelmed, we really MUST do whatever we can to help them by preventing spread, and that means no large gatherings! I’m sorry that you are being put in this position. But I can’t help but think it’s on them if their wedding is poorly attended because they held it in the middle of a pandemic! They’ll be married forever, it wouldn’t kill them to wait a year if a large wedding is important to them.
I feel like if they can’t wait, somewhere is a feeling that they won’t be able to sustain the relationship. A hurry up and lock in down mentality.
Hmmmm, good point!
If it were me being me, I would send my regrets along with a gift. But then again, I just took a survey where the result was that one of the areas I need to work on is empathy. I am sorry you were placed in this position.
Hajusuuri, as far as I can tell, you have bucketloads of empathy – you just bestow it very judiciously. I approve.
Joining everyone else in sending sympathy.
Hermes Le Jardin de Monsieur Li
Nice, I might wear that this afternoon.
For a second, I had that stepping off a curb feeling that I missed ? ? ? and then realized it’s not until tomorrow. I’ll probably forget.
I am doing Guerlain Week!
SOTD = Guerlain Gourmand Coquin
?
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-aBZdNhIVv/?igshid=1lgwgevrl5uco
Need I say more?
Also, have you seen this?
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-X8hIwhVEP/?igshid=1cg5xi79fkv8f
Will be back later. Toodles.
I woke up this morning thinking it was the first day of Maypril before I realized we’re still stuck in Mmmmmaaaarrrrrrrccccchhhhhh. The longest month ever
(until Maypril begins in earnest)
Too funny kpaint.
Love it!
House twins!
And so we are! Thanks for joining Guerlain Week!
You smell yummy! And love the owl cup.
Thank you!
I have some fresh ginger in the refrigerator and have been thinking of using it in carrot soup. But even with some good, immune boosting rabbit food, I don’t think I’d ever remember rabbits upon awakening unless I had a giant, glowing, rabbit shaped waking up light.
LOL…may this be a reminder ?
Wow, that perfume looks like a properly aged sipping spirit! ?
I sampled Beach Hut Woman this morning before my walk. The opening was not bad, but the drydown has something aromatic that makes it smell like some kind of aftershave, so it’s a no-go for me. So I scrubbed it off and now I’m wearing Jour d’Hermes.
I had exactly the same response to Beach Hut Woman foxbins.
I love anything “beachy” but not sure that one will be for me!
No perfume yet. It’s that kinda day. Going to make a strong cup of black tea with cardamom and heaps of sugar.
I’m contemplating buying a bottle of perfume on evil bay that is listed “new” but has no box. All of the seller’s perfumes have no boxes while being new. Why would that be you think?
Testers, I would guess.
New, doesn’t necessarily mean unopened, i don’t think. Also could they be testers? They don’t always have a box.
One often sees unboxed testers advertised as such. You could ask the seller, too.
I will usually opt for boxed, especially with vintage, to avoid light damage, even if it’s a few dollars more.
OTOH, I have bought unboxed partial bottles of rarer things if the price is right. I’ve found they are almost always still good.
I examine closely and try to intuit whether the item just came out from the depths of a bathroom vanity or drawer or was sitting out for years and years. For example, if it’s got a lot of dust lingering somewhere, or the label looks faded by light, I don’t buy.
Some sites cater to collectors of bottles and minis, and I usually stay away from those because I figure they’ve been on well-lighted display.
(I’ve obviously spent WAY too much time on ebay!)
Thanks all this is helpful! But now I’m wondering why the seller has 80 testers of different perfumes that are unused. How does one acquire such a stash? I’m guessing from a store that went out of business or something?
Or they worked at a store and got them for free or dirt cheap.
Are you ESTJ because you remind me of me ?.
I have never taken the test but looking up ESTJ it fits me to a tee!
Caron Aimez Moi, and I’m back to asking myself, “DO I like violet after all?” I’m a real waffler on this note.
I love, teach, and write poetry, and a former student and I are trying to revive our regular writing practice that we started a few years ago. Here’s my obligatory quarantine poem:
Yard Time
These sidewalks hum with distrust.
I long to run my hands along the chipping stone
of this old bridge and wonder how many cars have
rumbled over its pavement,
rushing to all the urgent somewheres
before time stood at attention.
I fantasize:
This cracking skin tracing the lines
of masons long dead, their sweat and ignorance
etched into cobbled texture.
When their grandmothers died
they didn’t know why.
I am lucky to breathe this moving air.
I am lucky to return to stillness,
even though its air is stagnant,
a stifling electricity.
I will stand guard and keep these idle
hands for another day.
I love violets! And your poem.
Thanks! What are your favorite violet perfumes?
I enjoyed your poem,
especially:
‘rushing to all their urgent somewheres before time stood at attention’.
What is your reference for:”when their mothers died they didn’t know why”?
It’s an old bridge, so I was thinking of those who built it losing loved ones, often without the science to explain why or to protect them in ways like we’re trying now.
Probably my two favorites are The Different Company I Love Violet and Cire Trudon Bruma. There are also some different violet, violet leaf, and pansy options from CBIHatePerfume that I really like. Names lost at the moment as I am not with that stash of perfume. And I really love the violet, iris, bit of rose mix of things like Chanel’s Misia.
I love your poem. Love it.
Love the scent and the poem!
Hello my fragrant friends! I started today in Eau Noire — its deep, creamy, anisey strangeness was the perfect complement to the morning’s drenching dew and lowering fog. Now the sun is burning through the clouds and I’ll likely switch to something much more blithe for the afternoon, maybe Lush Orange Blossom.
Here’s a snippet from an e e cummings poem that I’ve turned over and over in my mind for most of my life. It’s a love poem, the first from the book tulips and chimneys, but this bit rings true in any challenging time:
“…but a rain frailly raging whom the hills
sink into and their sunsets, it shall pass.
Our feet tread sleepless meadows sweet with fear…”
True during this time, very good poem
I got the sample set of Prissana Parfums from Luckyscent before the craziness began and have been working my way through them the past couple of weeks. Today I am wearing the last of my favorite, Mohragot, a lovely swampy green thing. I have no idea what betel leaf, chalood bark, and pandan leaf smell like, but they play well with the oakmoss and woody notes that I do recognize. I am uncertain about the purchasing of nonessential items, getting different indications about the ethics of it all, but in this case I succumbed and purchased. I’ve bought a few non-essentials from small businesses who are shipping and that I desperately want to keep alive.
Oh that sounds fun — the Mohragot. I like swampy green things.
It is excellent in that category, although a little pricey.
Wow, I have not heard of that perfume, but it sounds like it might be the perfect scent to accompany my favourite poem of all time, “Of asphodel, that greeny flower,” by William Carlos Williams. It’s very long, but here is a link to it. I was trying to think of a perfume that might go with these flowers that live in hell or Hades (the Underworld).
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/asphodel-that-greeny-flower-2/
There is a great poem.
I like that Luckyscent said they are keeping their employees on even while having to close their brick and mortar stores. I’m definitely also buying some perfume and incense from small businesses that I want to keep alive.
Agreed.
Ooooh Pandan leaf! That’s going straight on my must-try list, thanks for mentioning it!
I clearly need to know more about Thai cuisine and flora! Just looked it up and given the profile not a surprise that I love it.
Sometimes you can find the fresh leaves at bigger Thai or Vietnamese supermarkets, but they’ll also often sell Pandan extract in the baking section which totally works.
Pandan is an amazing way to subtly flavor plain water, and Hainanese chicken rice is famously made with it as well.
I like the rice more than the chicken itself, and you can cheat making it alone!
It’s rice cooked in ginger and spring onion infused chicken stock with extra fried chopped ginger/garlic and Pandan leaves to really boost the flavor.
Second day in Organza!It’s lovely in the pre-fall weather!
I am off today and tomorrow,in lockdown still.People have been arrested for blatantly ignoring the lockdown rules,and I am glad about that.
Life is moving at a slower pace,and I can appreciate this time to “just think”,you know?
I have survived way worse than a stupid virus,so I’ll be fine.
Hope everyone is safe and healthy still!
I love those cups in the pic of today.
Time for tea and a chocolate hot cross bun(or 3…)
Hugs!
XO
I was here in NYC during hurricane sandy, we had no electricity or running water for 5 days. And two cats on top of it.
I call it “stupid virus” too
That sounds wayyyyy more depressing than what we are dealing with now!
You also survived,and elegantly so.
XO
People have been arrested and fined here too. I am happy to stay in and stare out the window and think.
Got some delicious hot cross buns delivered from the bakery yesterday, will be enjoying one with tea this evening, twins!
Oh yay!Enjoy your tea and buns!
Hugs to you!
And hugs to you!
I’m about to see what supermarket shopping is like during the lockdown. We’ve been asked to avoid weekends, which are generally busier, so early Wednesday morning seems like a good bet. I’ll perfume the experience with FM’s Une Fleur de Cassis.
And I don’t usually comment on the teapots, but I love the magnolia pattern. It reminds me a bit of a Carltonware range from the 1950s.
And meant to add that I’m looking forward to reading the poems during the day – they will make a lovely change from work emails
I hope your supermarket trip will be uneventful.
I love your choice of scent today. Cassie is one of my favourite Malles.
We will be venturing out early next Tuesday for our first time after quarantine. I hope it won’t be a crush.
Good luck. I think Tuesdays are good days as stores tend to stock up then but who knows what normal is these days!
A piece of good news for anyone who needs it:
Neil Gaiman, HarperCollins grant Levar Burton permission to livestream readings of their catalogs
https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/490411-neil-gaiman-harper-collins-grant-levar-burton-permission-to
Wow! Thanks, Robin!
Thank you!
In the rather melancholy (but lovely) SL Bois de Violette. I have a vegetarian lasagna in the oven and enjoying listening to a French radio segment on poetry month.
Oh, could you please post a link to that French radio segment? Thank you.
I’m hopeless to transfer from the email my brother sent me with the link but you will find it at http://www.franceculture.fr. It’s the Emissions des Auteurs/des Oeuvres poems are by Victor Hugo
Ah, thank you, I love France Culture.
Your perfume sounds lovely.
I think it’s my best violet perfume, powdery and woody, Lillyjo along with Guerlain Meteorites first version from the 2000’s.
You smell wonderful.
Thank you Cazaubon, it’s not cheerful but quite beautiful.
Thanks for reminding me of Bois de Violette. It’s perfection at the right time.
You’re most welcome.
Violet and lasagna sound good to me:)
Ah, that might be another sample for me to pull out of my stash! Thanks for reminding me that I have it.
Robin, you smell wonderful! I wore Volutes yesterday and could still smell it on my wrists last night and this morning. But my question is, which version are you wearing, EDP or EDT? They’re rather different and I’m still not sure which I prefer, after trying both yesterday (after I found the missing spray cap that had fallen from the top of the EDT after I pulled off the top yesterday). I am trying Dzing! today for, I believe, is the first time. Strange I have not tried it before. I recently read a philosophy article about perfume (Yes! It’s good!) and it discussed Dzing!, making me want to try it, and so I ordered a sample. I like it a lot but don’t at all get why it’s controversial. Hmmm. To me it’s quite fun and cheerful. I kind of need that because I’m afraid my cat Dusty is going downhill. After doing very well for three weeks after his cancer diagnosis I think today he is showing signs of not feeling right, and I’m just so worried. Hoping I can still get the pet hospice people to come here despite the troubled times we are now living in.
PS: Here is a link to the article, “Are Some Perfumes Works of Art?”. This is a, or perhaps the, major journal in our field, so it’s significant that it was just published. It’s open access, and I think might interest some readers here. I don’t know the author, but she obviously does really know a lot about perfume and has chosen some interesting examples to discuss.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jaac.12687
Very interesting article!
I’m sorry about Dusty
Oh I am going to read this as soon as I get through reading for class tomorrow! I am sorry about your kitty and hope things slow down a bit.
Sorry to hear about your cat – that’s awful anytime, but it’s even tougher now! I hope he can rally!
Sorry to hear about Dusty Kitty. ?
Very sorry Calypso.
Hoping for the best.
Hugs to you and Dusty, such a hard time.
So sorry about Dusty, Calypso. I hope you can get him the care you want for him.
So sorry to hear about Dusty…my deepest sympathies and hope that you are able to care for him as you wish.
sorry about Dusty! hugs..
So sorry Dusty is declining. I’ll be thinking of you.
So sorry to hear about Dusty.
Sending hugs and hoping you can arrange the care he needs!
Very sorry for you and Dusty. I hope he gets the care he needs.
I’m sorry about Dusty. I hope the Hospice pet people are able to come.
Thanks everyone. The pet hospice doctor will come to my home tomorrow afternoon. It’s time.
Thoughts are with you tonite.
Hugs to you Calypso. So hard, but glad they can come.
Hugs for you and kitty.
Thinking of you Calypso and comfort for Dusty. Than,s for sharing the article…will check it out this weekend.
Sending love to you and Dusty!
Sorry about your kitty
I’m so very sorry about Dusty. Sending you both hugs.
I don’t find Dzing! controversial either. To me it’s the smoothest leather! Massive apologies to everyone else — you’re standing to close if you can smell this, anyway.
Ah, so sad for you about Dusty. Take care of yourself.
So sorry to hear about Dusty kitty! Hugs for you and him Calypso.
Calypso, sorry I am so late getting down this far in the comments! I am wearing the EdT, and my memory is that I preferred it to the EdP but I would not swear to that. I do remember quite well that I preferred the EdT of L’Ombre dans L’Eau, can’t remember on the subject of Philosykos.
And so sorry — meant to say I am so sorry about Dusty!
I’m sorry about Dusty. I love the idea of a pet hospice so much. Our vet just let it’s clients know that we can no longer be with our pets when they are euthanized. So so upsetting to read that. ?
So sorry about Dusty’s decline. Sending you good thoughts and comfort. You did smell wonderful in Voluptes. Now that it’s a new quarter I think I’m “allowed” to buy a bottle of the EDP, which is my preferred concentration.
I’m playing with samples today while willing myself to do some grading – I was all dressed up on top (cardigan, pearls) with sweatpants on the bottom for a meeting and then the host forgot! I pretended style for nothing!
Anyway – late b-day present to myself was a bottle of Haute Provence from Luckyscent, and they sent me – so generous- the 4 samples I asked them to choose from (I was eligible for 2). Tried Bombay Bling this morning, it reminded me a bit of Pichola, which I have a decant of. Must try them side by side soon. Tried Cuir Ottoman, beautiful, perhaps a bit much on the violets for me. On Trayee now, I smell rose pudding for now. Still waiting to be tried: Parfum Sartori.
My routine for handling packages is to let the mail sit for a day. I tore into the package this morning!
Loving all the poems!
In lieu of putting a written one here, here is a link to the Atlanta Master Chorale performing a song set to an ee cummings poem. Our choir performed this less than a month ago – seems like forever!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdZbA-HoHYA
I generally do the same but if it’s only a few, I rip them open. I usually ,et packages sit for a day.
I’ve been doing the same thing with my mail — maybe paranoid, but it’s making me feel a little safer. I’ll have to dig out my sample of Trayee; rose pudding sounds like heaven!
Love Cuir Ottoman, but probably better for the fall. Keep it until then, at least, please!
I have been letting mail sit in quarantine for 3 days, but I also admit I frequently let mail pile up anyway so it has not been a big deal…
What a spectacular performance.
Thanks so much for sharing.
The ‘greeny leaping forests’ lyric brought a smile to my face as it reminds me of many perfumes.
Calming and inspiring too.
Glad you liked it!
I am
Commando today but left with remnants of my new partial bottle of Ambra Aurea that just arrived yesterday from Italy on shirt. Comforting and comfortable and perfect for a dreary day.
enjoy your perfume on your shirt
Random samples of the day are Wrapped Up in You from Wylde Ivy and Amo Ferragamo. Baked good of the day is chocolate chocolate chip cookies. Massachusetts is now on stay at home until May 4th. Two months of not working is going to make me buggy
Mmm, your cookies sound wonderful!
I would like some of your cookies. These dates keep going further out, don’t they? Bleh. Here’s to chocolate though and wishing I had some:).
After two dark days of rain, brilliant sunshine today. The trees are starting to bud. Life goes on.
I’m wearing Kilian Black Phantom, will switch to Cuir Ottoman for the evening.
Oh sunshine improves everything, glad you seem enjoying your day. Cuir Ottoman must be so elegant.
I am praying for sunshine tomorrow.
Haven’t tried the first one but Cuir Ottoman is so wonderful!
While today was spent largely perfumeless, I’m now ready for bed and am sporting a little spritz on each wrist to accompany me towards sleep. Chose Auphorie No. 15 as tonight’s fragrant accessory. Truly one of the strangest perfumes in my collection, it features orris layered over a blend of wood and leather. To be honest, I’ve never worn it outside of the house. It’s that weird. I like it, but I can’t figure out why. Maybe for its weirdness?
Today was full of warmth and tulips and jasmine and wisteria. The garden continues to enchant. Ever grateful for it, and today’s sun (especially after yesterday’s brief but shocking snow flurries!).
Be well, everyone.
Tulips! Wisteria! Jasmine!
Your garden must be amazing.
?
I honestly cannot exaggerate the beauty of the garden right at the moment. March into April = absolute garden magic! Such good flower months. At least we have springtime right now (at least those of us in the northern hemisphere) … I hope you’re able to indulge in some good flower time!
Wow, I love the first Auphorie. Must sample this iris one!!!!
Oooo, is Miyako the first one? Golly, I love that perfume. Still have a bottle and use it sparingly. No. 15 is equally as startling, though (in my opinion) not quite as breathtaking. It really is weird. The top notes are almost unpleasant. I don’t know how feasible it is to get your hands on it (I don’t think it’s still part of Auphorie’s ongoing catalog. Once the CoVid madness has passed and things are back up and running, maybe I could make a little échantillon vial for you. Any chance you’re in Europe?
Today’s shoutout is for the grocery store and drug store workers, plus the folks who drive all the trucks bringing the goods into the stores. Many thanks!
Song of the day = Back In The Saddle Again, by Aerosmith.
SOTD = Chanel No. 19 Poudre, from the sample stash. I wanted a low key perfume today. This was close…
One of the best songs, imo.
Isn’t that a great song!
I join you in that shoutout. So thankful. I’ve been sure to be extra appreciative when talking to the employees who are still working.
When I first started sniffing perfume regularly, I thought I preferred No. 19 Poudre to No. 19 edt or edp. Not the case anymore, though I still love it.
You smell wonderful.
Joining you in the shout out!
Agreed. My brother is in a warehouse that stocks Sam’s and although it isn’t the work he dreamed of doing, we are all grateful for him and the people working with him these days!
Yes to all the folks keeping us supplied! A huge thank you!
A couple weeks ago when we went to the grocery store there was a young worker walking around with packs of tp handing it out to shoppers, rather than stocking the shelves. He was probably the most popular employee!
Love both of your choices Jalapeno❣️
And now
a welcome ear worm.
Today I wore Paul Emilien “Une belle journée”, although it has not been a beautiful day weather-wise. A big wave of cold Scandinavian weather is intruding rudely into our lives, bringing snow to Madrid and a day of rain here further south. However, I picked the perfume to match a poem, Pangur Bán (white Pangur). There’s nothing much to the poem, jotted down 1100 years ago by an Irish monk studying in what is now Austria, and comparing how he and his cat are contentedly using their respective talents. Today I like to imagine them working on a bright Spring day, to match the perfume, but you can equally imagine them sheltered from the rain outside:
‘The scholar and His Cat, Pangur Bán’
I and Pangur Ban my cat,
‘Tis a like task we are at:
Hunting mice is his delight,
Hunting words I sit all night.
Better far than praise of men
‘Tis to sit with book and pen;
Pangur bears me no ill-will,
He too plies his simple skill.
‘Tis a merry task to see
At our tasks how glad are we,
When at home we sit and find
Entertainment to our mind.
Oftentimes a mouse will stray
In the hero Pangur’s way;
Oftentimes my keen thought set
Takes a meaning in its net.
‘Gainst the wall he sets his eye
Full and fierce and sharp and sly;
‘Gainst the wall of knowledge I
All my little wisdom try.
When a mouse darts from its den,
O how glad is Pangur then!
O what gladness do I prove
When I solve the doubts I love!
So in peace our task we ply,
Pangur Ban, my cat, and I;
In our arts we find our bliss,
I have mine and he has his.
Practice every day has made
Pangur perfect in his trade;
I get wisdom day and night
Turning darkness into light.
We could do with a bit of “turning darkness into light”, in ways both natural and metaphorical. :^)
Lovely poem!
??
Wonderful and I love to imagine that monk with his cat in some attic room!
The POEM! Love it!
Oh I like this one and I am not a poetry person:). Makes me feel right there with the writer and Mr. Pangur.
I like that poem very much! Thanks for posting it.
Marvelous! I am grinning.
A little down today. It’s been a good smelling day, though. Violet Blonde this morning and Memo French Leather this evening. I am SO looking forward to tommorows Donatella confessions!, no holding out everyone!?
Sorry to hear you’re feeling down today.?It was dreary here again today, which certainly doesn’t help. Hoping for sun for tomorrow for us both!?
Thanks. It was super gloomy today. They say Thursday will be warmer with some sun.
Smelling great Lillyjo! Hang in there. Hugs to you!
Thank you! I will take it!?
Whew, you are smelling GOOOOOD today! Hang in there, sending you hugs.
Thanks, KellyC.
Cheer up, Lillyjo! Glad to hear you will have warmer temps this week. We have not seen the sun here for a while and it has been too cool. ☹. Let’s hope for a better and more cheerful day tomorrow! ???????
Yeah, it’s just gross here. Tomorrow should be better.
It’s dishwater gray out there but perhaps I should think of it as foggy mirror which has a little bit more blue in it. I hope you were able to overcome your down day.
I think I just need a good night’s sleep.
Hugs lillyjo. I hope that tomorrow is a better day for you.
It was not my happiest day either. I have been enjoying staying up late reading, but combined with the gloomy weather it is not good for my mood.
Yes we need some sun! The gloomy weather combined with covid news is so depressing.
Another “new to me” scent today- Field Notes from Paris, which I am loving so much I may just douse myself in the remainder of the sample when I get home lol. Can’t stop sniffing myself today.
You all smell wonderful. Reading your comments and seeing what everyone is wearing is one of the highlights of my day. Hugs.
Hope your boo boo is healing well. You smell nice!
Thank you! It definitely looks worse than it feels at this point. I look like I was in a bar fight. ?
Love that one, & really wish I could get it in a travel size.
I’m having a Delrae Day: Bois de Paradis on the left arm and Mythique all over the right.
I know BdP is very popular, but it’s just a little too tropical for me. I tried it several times though! Sample is thunked. Now Mythique…lovely iris, sort of a soft skin scent in the dry down. Really pretty. It’s not readily available anymore, but nice to try it.
I did not love BdP either…
Commando all day but it’s okay! Shower and Lubin Korrigan soon.
Poem by Rumi (Coleman Barks translation):
____________________________
Drumsound rises on the air,
its throb, my heart.
A voice inside the beat says,
“I know you’re tired,
but come. This is the way.”
____________________________
Mevdevi Sufism isn’t that widely practiced anymore but Sufi dervish dancing was traditionally a way to seek enlightenment through physical movement.
A nice reminder for me, as it’ll be months before I’m in front of an audience again, that physical movement has its own rewards beyond what it lets me do and communicate onstage, and beyond even just keeping fit during this period.
Thanks, teebear! I’m loving all the poems and especially Rumi.
My insight meditation teacher frequently quotes one called The Guest House (welcome the guests).
You’re right: movement is more profound than we realize, and rhythm connects us to our most ancient ancestors. Only humans and birds have rhythm! (Not sure what to make of the bird connection.)
Korrigan is so fantastic!
I was looking at the posts with the past year’s confessions to Donatella, and saw someone say they’d gotten Guerlain AA Ginger Piccante. Hajusuuri had done one of her spontaneous freebie offers on a regular day, and was kind enough to send me a small decant of Ginger Piccante to try. I remembered liking it quite a bit, so sprayed a bit on tonight.
As for confessions about the 1st quarter of 2020, right at the moment I’m kind of tired and mentally discombobulated. Nothing serious — it just feels like it’s been a long week already. Two (three?) days of Blursday so far. I didn’t end up buying that much perfume, considering. I’ll get a little list together tomorrow morning.
I was kind of bad about getting books — the words “Inventory clearing sale!” worked their magic, and I’ll be getting a package of half-a-dozen paperbacks sometime in the next couple of weeks. Or whenever…
I’ve gotten some Kindle books that weren’t free lately too, in among all the free ones. I was looking for ideas for meals someone might make using at least some ingredients that could be stored for some time without spoiling, and ended up getting a couple of books about soul food. I think I wandered there by way of mentions of rice and beans, and of cornmeal. Fortunately, Donatella doesn’t care about book-buying habits.
Also, when non-essential shipments are allowed from Michigan, I’ll be getting some summer-blooming bulbs — lilies and irises and I think a crinum. This in addition to the lily-of-the-valley and bleeding heart and such that I got a few days before non-essential stores closed. At least I got the lily-of-the-valley and bleeding heart planted a couple of days ago, when we had two or three hours of sun in the afternoon.
Good night, folks!