An update of a poll we did in late March. As always, answer as many or as few as you like, or just talk about something else. (And a PSA: the splitmeet will be a week from now, on June 6.)
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. If your area is opening up, are you continuing to restrict your own movements / exposure? What number would you assign to your own freedom of movement?
3. Are there any fragrances you bought, or didn't buy, just because of the pandemic?
4. Did your general fragrance-use habits change during the pandemic, and if so, how?
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.
* You can interpret this however you like, but I will repeat a comment I left on the March poll: "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." So 1 would be no restrictions at all, and a 2 would be some restrictions (have to wear a mask? some types of establishments still closed? limiting number of people in a store, etc).
Note: top image is Castelluccio di Norcia - Fioritura 2008 [cropped] by Carlo "Granchius" Bonini at flickr; some rights reserved.
1. We are at a 3. My county will move to something closer to a 2 on June 5.
2. I have already been between a 3 and a 4 through most of the pandemic, other than one short camping trip on Memorial Day weekend, and I will probably stay that way for the time being. I have been in a couple small stores and I go to my farmer’s market weekly, but I have not been in a supermarket or box store since this started — we are doing mostly delivery and curbside delivery. I have not seen anybody in my family in ages.
3. Nope!
4. Nope again!
4. My fringe tree (my favorite thing) is blooming, and so are peonies, viburnums, rhododendrons, some Japanese irises. My holly tree is blooming, as it apparently has every year since forever without my noticing — thanks Kanuka! Lilacs are mostly over here.
5. I finished painting my kitchen, which makes me very happy, and am starting more painting projects: front and back door, hallway, maybe my pantry. I started watching Lovesick this week, that made me laugh, and I’ve also been watching Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, ditto. I need to exercise and meditate more.
Oh, yay for kitchen painting! I’m just beginning to paint the bedroom walls, and I think you’ve inspired me.
Oh good, what fun!
I am planning to do my bedroom this fall, and I really want to redo my living room & dining room. We’ll see if I really do, or if I run out of steam 🙂
Hooray for finishing projects! Somehow, new ones always pop up… 🙂
Holly Tree: yes! Mine hums with all the bees and wasps enjoying it, and tiny stars drift on the lawn. It also diffuses a white pollen scent, which is not quite sweet, but like Kenzo Flower, when you are down wind.
1. I think we are at about a 2-3. We are in phase 1 of opening as of May 26, even though apparently we have met the guidelines for phase 2, which I’m taking as a good sign. We will be in each phase for 2 weeks and if criteria is met, we will continue to open up.?
2. I’m also at about a 2-3. It’s nice that the weather is getting warmer and we can enjoy outdoor activities like bike riding and canoe rides.
3. I bought 10 Corso Como, just because! It’s my SotD.?
4. Nope. Continue to wear perfume everyday no matter what.
4. Everything is blooming! My allergies tell me this is so.? My eyes have been so itchy lately.
5. I’m picking up my new car today!? My lease was technically up at the end of March but the dealers were closed. Finally getting around to taking care of that now that some things are opening up. It paid to wait, lots of good financing deals going on.
Today my college daughter and I were supposed to be on our way to the Tame Impala concert.?Don’t know when it will be rescheduled to. Our plan is to find a concert to watch on YouTube tonight and just pretend we’re there.
Good weather here too, we are planning a nice hike this afternoon.
Sorry about the concert, but enjoy your new car, that’s fun!
I always get compliments when I wear Corso Como. I only discovered it when kpaint I think sent me a decant.
Enjoy your concert tonight! You smell great.
We are opening very slowly in Los Angeles County.
I haven’t been a model of cheer or light or yoga or baking or anything. I fully admit to being sad, horrified, mad, bleak and now heartbroken over these past weeks and months and last three days.
I haven’t worn fragrance most days. Only a very few have felt right on a few occasions. I can’t focus on reading right now.
I am old enough to have seen the riots in the 60s and can clearly remember walking to high school one morning with my sister and saying the world is coming apart. Bobby Kennedy has just been assassinated.
I watched the streets all around me in Teheran unfold in marches and riots during the revolution.
My neighbors are elderly. The husband took a fall yesterday. I put on my mask and along with another neighbor helped him and his wife get him up. It was all too close to my fathers’ last year of life.
I work for an organization that is on the front lines of shelter, mental health, children’s services and addiction care. To say there is grief is a fair statement. To say there is grace is also a fair statement.
Maybe after my shower I will spray on some pure grace, cause it sure can’t hurt.
Ack that’s alot to deal with all at once. I’m sorry and I hope things get easier for you soon
You describe a full life. I don’t think one can truly live without grief and disappointment and strife. But there is ALWAYS (undeserved) grace.
Yep, as James Taylor would say, I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain. I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end.
Most of us have. Most of us will.
Apsara, I am so sorry. I have not been any sort of model of cheer either. But I have less exposure than you do, I live in a small town with no riots and the pandemic was not dire here.
Wishing you peace.
thank you for your kindness. I hope I didn’t ruin anyone’s good day by being sad mad.
On the other hand, we had a successful launch of SpaceX and there is magic in the stars.
Please, we all know that not everybody is going to have a good — or bad — day at the same time. Everyone should feel free to share how they are doing, that’s what we all come here for.
Very sorry you are having to go through all this. I hope you can find some comfort in some nice fragrance. Small comfort I know.
Sending comforting hugs ?.
Thank you for reminding us of both the grief and the grace. I’m sending you all the comfort I can.
Apsara, thank you for sharing this. I haven’t experienced heartbreaking times the way you have, but I really appreciate getting your perspective. I am so sorry for your grief. I wish things were different.
Thank you all for your hugs. Everyone has different lived experiences.
Today I went to Trader Joes’ for some things and there are fresh cherries and SOTD is Passage d’Enfer because I love it so.
My husband remembers the Watts riots too, living in the San Fernando valley, we talked about it this morning. Sending you hugs.
I’m feeling you, apsara. Some daus it’s all just too much. Sending you hugs.
SOTM is Costes. I woke up all sticky because of a thunderstorm and pelting rain, and Costes has a nice dry herbal/spicy feel that counteracts the damp nicely. My poll answers:
1. Rate the virus-related restrictions in your area from 1 to 5 …
In March I rated them a 4, and in retrospect that might have been a bit high. Perspectives have shifted now and restrictions seem to be getting both higher and lower somehow. My office building has far more rules to follow than in March, but there is talk of reopening salons and the like, albeit with rules about masks, personal contact and people-density. March was more wild-west, and the current atmosphere is more … I don’t have the right word. Prison library maybe?
2. If your area is opening up, are you continuing to restrict your own movements / exposure? What number would you assign to your own freedom of movement?
I’m staying home as much as possible – I’d say 95% of my time is spent in my house or yard. Mr. G does all of our grocery and supply shopping that can’t be done online, and I mostly venture out to do work-related tasks.
3. Are there any fragrances you bought, or didn’t buy, just because of the pandemic?
Not really. My purchases have been a bottle of Dryad because it’s so beautiful, and a backup tube of Mediterraneo hand cream because … hey, that one might have been just because of the pandemic!
4. Did your general fragrance-use habits change during the pandemic, and if so, how?
Yes – I spray with much more abandon these days, and I’m less afraid to try samples of things since I’m always near a sink, to scrub, and my collection, to re-scent.
4. What’s blooming in your local area at the moment?
My peonies!
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…
I’ll have to tell you something funny-not-funny that happened last night. Our oven was possessed, all of a sudden. Mr. G was cleaning up after dinner and noticed the oven display had two lights on that we had never seen before. One said CAKE and the other said BREAD. And the oven was warming slightly. We couldn’t figure out how they got turned on, or how to turn them off, and the user manual was beyond useless. I suggested turning the circuit breaker off and back on, which worked to turn those lights off, but caused the oven door to lock (which, of course, turned the OVEN LOCKED light on). Manual still useless. We finally turned to the internet and found the remedy. Phew. Mentally exhausted, we retired with dark chocolate and single malt scotch. ?
Lol, that’s too funny about your oven. Mine has a PIZZA light, but I would love a CAKE one!?
I wish I knew what triggered those lights – I might be able to make use of whatever feature that is!
Scotch and chocolate is the answer to so many problems!
???
So very true. 🙂
If only your possessed oven actually produced cake and bread!
That’s what I was thinking! 🙂
?
Yeah … too bad our exorcism was successful. ?
LOL re: mysterious oven lights!!! Thanks for sharing!
1. We are at level 2 I think (the Netherlands). There are still some restrictions but they are easing off progressively.
2. Probably 2 as well. I have to go out to work and I will do my own shopping at the supermarket and my dairy farm. I have not visited any other shops since all of this started.
3. I bought more, mostly because I want the companies to stay in business. So this explains my purchase of A ce soir (Pont des Arts) and some Nicolaï bottles (mostly bubs but I got Angelys Pear as well).
4. Nope, I can’t always smell what I’m wearing because of obligatory mask wearing at work. Plus my hay fever is having a field day with this drought.
5. Lots of things, don’t know their English names, but mostly we need water and lots of it.
6. I’m not struggling that badly at the moment but the situation in my country is calm considering all that is at stake. A very dear friend came over today and we had a really nice long walk (4 hours) in very sunny weather. It was a bit hot towards the end but we really enjoyed complaining about our various discomforts in great detail.?
There was an article about our prime minister in The New York Times. If you google Mark Rutte and NYT you will find it. It’s not too politically charged and explains some things about Dutch culture very well. So for those of you interested in my tiny country it might be an informative read.
Hi Austenfan,
Glad to see that you are doing well, all things considered.
I just read the NYT article about Mr. Rutte. He sounds like a great leader. How refreshing!
I have always been quite critical of him, but he has gained a lot of respect dealing with this crisis. I’m just glad he is keeping his cool.
Well, clearly the author of the article is a fan.
I have fond memories of The Netherlands as I visited a few times between 2000-2004. My best friend lived in Utrecht at the time and we would go see her and her family at Christmas and New Year. I remember seeing young children on the back of their parents’ bikes dressed as if it were late spring while I was piling on every single item of clothing I had. I also remember the lack of ostentatious display of wealth. And a bare bones, what you see is what you get kind of attitude of the Dutch.
Of course we visited Amsterdam and all the great museums and had a marvelous time.
I’m hoping once the pandemic subsides and travel resumes, to be able to return. This time my destination will be The Hague, where my niece is a student at the Royal Academy of Arts.
Who knows, maybe one day our paths will cross, somewhere in The Netherlands. And I will bring you some Rose de Petra to try ?
The Hague is actually my favourite of the 3 big Dutch cities. Some really great museums there as well, and it’s not as crowded as Amsterdam
And I’m looking forward to our paths crossing (and of course the Rose de Petra 😉 )
I fell in love with your tiny country on a visit a few winters ago. The bike culture is amazing and everyone was so friendly
To us cycling is so normal,but I’m aware that this is not the case everywhere. I’m glad you had such a good time here.
The Dutch bike culture really annoyed me in the end, because I am used to the principle “the pedestrian is king” – by which I only mean, king of whatever margin is left after the real kings in their cars are catered for. I spent 3 months with neither car nor bike. I just found it annoying that cyclists are *always* catered for in NL but pedestrian footpaths just disappeared or went on long detours. Plus cyclists expected pedestrians to give way even off cycle paths. I prefer how it’s done in Germany: God help you if you stray onto a cycle path, but on a footpath you are safe.
Grrr, just thinking about it now, I want a big hand to reach down from Heaven and give Dutch cyclists a slap, and tell them “have some respect for pedestrians, you self-satisfied bozos!” :^D
Cyclists have never bothered me, not even in the big cities, but I guess having grown up with them it’s easier to navigate Dutch traffic. Interesting that you felt pedestrians were not well catered for. Again, I’ve never had that experience myself. You must be really glad you are no longer living in the Netherlands then 😉
Oh, you know how it is, now I’m not there I want to go back to Scheveningen beach and eat bitterballen and poffertjes. :^D
I think The Hague is built in the expectation that people will cycle medium distances, and the medium distance footpaths often do crazy things. You wouldn’t notice if you cycle. And my God, what is it with the (extreme) centre of town, where the cycle lanes are brown brick, so you can tell them from the pedestrian precinct which is, um, brown brick, not to be confused with the vehicle lanes which are, oh, brown brick?
Thanks, very interesting. Would love to visit.
Maybe one day, you will be able to.
That is lovely that you bought more to help the companies. Wish I could do that, but can’t right now.
I will try to remember to find that article when my NYT free article quota resets!
Well your blog inspires many people to buy stuff, and I found reviews of some Pont des Arts scents on here, so at the end of the day it’s almost as if you bought those scents yourself.
HA, yes, so it is 🙂
Oh, yes – your blog inspires people to buy stuff, in an informed way, and that is a good thing.
your library may give you free unlimited access to nytimes online, my library does via the library’s website 😀
AFAIK, you can always read the NYT in our library on their computers or your own while on their wifi. I should check and see if they’ve done anything to expand that to home use, thanks!
I will not be able to go to the office sooner than September or October. And even then probably not full time.
As for the NYT article…. i always love to read what foreign press writes a about our country. I will check it out!
It was written by Thomas Erdbrink, but it is kind of neat to see a big article in an American newspaper about this tiny swamp that we live in.
Haven’t read it yet, but pulled up the article and will read later.
Since we’re sharing memories of your country: oh, that’s where I learned to love mayonnaise with my frites. My favorite now is to mix a little Siracha in the mayo.
Would love to make it back to Europe one day. Who knows when that will be, now?
indeed, that is a marvelous combo for frites.
I’m in a community group from church with a Dutch family living in NYC. It amuses me that I lived in The Hague for a year before they were even born. Would love to go back. I really enjoyed that year as a kid.
1) Restrictions in my area (Chicago’s north burbs) are at 4. Barbers/salons are supposed to be able to be opened next week with masks & distancing. Would prefer to see if someone can cut my hair outdoors.
2) Will continue to restrict my own movements/exposure to still one grocery store visit/week and socially distanced walks w friends/neighbors. Still don’t want anyone in my house, nor restaurant outings or public transportation use. I do go down to the beach (Lake Michigan) almost every day; only skip it if there are too many people milling about. They have banned groups of greater than 10.
That said, I did break down & got my teeth cleaned last week after cancelling a March appt. They’re being cautious with no one in the waiting room, temperature checks, air purifiers, etc. They aren’t using the polishing machine because it aerates anything in your mouth.
I took the stairs instead of the elevator!
3) No fragrance bought. Am tempted by a few samples, but sitting on my hands.
4) Fragrance habits pretty much unchanged, though I’m far less concerned about gassing anyone out.
5) We jump from winter to summer in my neck of the woods, so my lilac’s currently out. The trillium in the ravines are plentiful & gorgeous this year.
6) For a chuckle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYOylensN40
Same here, want someone to cut my hair outside! But I also need to go to the dentist soon, so thinking that through.
Yesss more poppies! I love them!
q1.
I estimate we are at a 3 going to a 2. Restaurants and cafes are allowed to open but with restructions.
Q2.
I guess 2
I am staying in a B&B in my own country, right now, somewhere away from the crowds.
And I just went horse riding in the woods.
So yes I travel and i enjoy activities. But I avoid indoor meetings/activities. I keep my distance and wash my hands everywhere (they are rough like sandpaper now haha). And I dont travel to other countries. And I avoid public transport if possible.
Q3..and q4
No
Q4 (there are two questions 4)
Poppies, in my hometown. Yesss poppies, i love them.
But not here at the B&B. Here i spotted buttercups ?? i also love how cheerful they are.
Q5
The B&B we are staying at right now is fantastic. A perfect place at the Veluwe. And riding a horse again feels awesome as well. i temporarily forgot all about the pandemic and other horrible news .
I did some dressage and jumping long long time ago. But right now i think i prefer just to ride through woods, heathland and meadows. And on beaches of course…best feeling ever: to galop through the water, wind in your hair ?
Ah the Veluwe, that must be nice.
It’s interesting that I scored our country at 2 and you scored it at 3. I guess we are somewhere in between ?
I used to go horse riding. I have particularly fond memories of riding an Icelandic horse on Vlieland. They are great little horses and a good canter along a beach is great.
I’m just really glad that I live so close to a large nature reserve that I can take walks in. It helps with feeling isolated.
Icelandic horses are awesome!
And gotta love those icelandic names. I used to ride one named Drott.
Yeah i think living in the city is harder during this pandemic. And living near a nature reserve is not a bad idea anyways, pandemic or no pandemic ?
But I still love the city.
More poppies to come!
Enjoy your trip, how lovely to forget everything.
I miss riding, as a quiet kid who had trouble making friends, my horses were my refuge.
My first two horses were retired Thoroughbreds, I loved to scare the bejeesus out of my parents by going hell bent for leather (more than a few times).
And yes I promptly got a whuppin’ when I got home after I did it – but entirely worth while. My mom was ever so grateful to just have one of me!! 😀
? Horses are wonderful animals! Glad you were able to connect with them in such a vulnerable episode of your life.
I am not a real daredevil…
Though the best riding experiences I had involved a quite some speed and/or action. ?
I am trying Dame Black Flower Mexican Vanilla which I somehow have not sampled before. I slathered my forearms w/ the oil and am enjoying it. A powdery, citrus vanilla to my nose. Solstice Scents has kind of ruined me for other houses for vanilla I think b/c they do it so darn well.
Walking first thing in the morning is keep me sane (mostly) during quarantine and is probably helping me the most in terms of self-care.
I have also been binging on the Ruth Galloway book series by Elly Griffiths and just finished the 4th book and have the lovely springpansy to thank again for the recommendation! Reading is wonderful escapism.
The violence and unrest going on in the US right now really makes my heart ache. Great big hugs to all of you during these times that are truly trying our souls. ?
I love love Black Mexican Vanilla!
I just started the first book in the Ruth Galloway series – it’s fun. Reading detective fiction is definitely an escape for me too.
I just finished Kate Morton’s The Lake House and highly recommend for Elly Griffith and Tana French fans
😀 I’ve made my way through all the Elly Griffiths and am missing them. Just put a hold on an e-book copy of The Lake House – thanks!
?
Did anybody read the Elly Griffiths gothic novel thing, The Stranger Diaries? I have it on my kindle but never seem to feel like reading it.
Yes I did! I loved it! It was the first thing I read actually by this author
Thanks yasmina!
And I will add this on to my list too…thanks!
thanks for this suggestion…added to my list!
I ordered several of the Solstice scent Vanillas, but the burnt sugar openings put me off them:-( I am out of BFMV. Thanks for the reminder- I should get some more of that.
Yes you should.
It’s an amazing fragrance.
Yes there are several SS vanillas I love but many others I found to border on scented candle territory at times ? …kind of more atmospheric than I would want to wear as perfume.
I also know from pouring over the reddit group Indiemakeupandmore, that most indie perfumes benefit from considerable resting where you just let them sit a few/several weeks/months and then they reveal their true scents. I was skeptical of this idea of “resting” at first but it has proven to be mostly true I think. Some of my SS samples, in particular the oil based ones, smell much better after waiting a few weeks. The notes can be off/harsh etc. at first, is the belief, but resting gives them time to find their way and bloom accordingly and as intended…if only the rest of the world worked this way… 😉
I read through all of the Ruth Galloway books earlier this year and enjoyed them greatly. More for the characters than the plots. Enjoy!
Very much agreed. The plots get a bit contrived, which perhaps is the nature of the mystery novel somewhat, but I am completely invested in the characters.
Hello all!
1.
I’d say 2. As of today we don’t need to wear masks outdoors, we only have to put them on when entering buildings: shops, churches etc.
2.
Two again. I was working in the lab quite regularly during the most strict time of pandemic in Poland.
3.
I bought Amouage Love Mimosa but not because of pandemy.
4.
Not at all!
5. Acacia is blooming now, it smells lovely!
6. There was this random video where they used google translate to say some French words that happen to sound the same and then they made a sentence with them and it all sounded like “ver ver ver ver ver”
SOTD is Bois d’Iris from Van Cleef & Arpels
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA0D-oEBj7_/
You know what, I don’t even know if we are supposed to wear masks outdoors! Everyone wears them at the farmer’s market, and I wear one when getting curbside delivery, or gas, or whatever. When we go on hikes I bring one with me and put it on if I need to. I never wear one in my neighborhood because it’s quite easy to stay far away from everybody.
We are still mandated to wear masks. So I do, always, except when walking.
When I read our local and state regulations (CA), it does not say you must wear when outdoors, but you must indoors and under certain circumstances outdoors (queueing up outdoors to go into a a building or get on public transport).
That said, many people are wearing them outdoors. It is by no means 100%. Maybe 50-60% depending on location. Not that I’ve been so many places to call my sampling scientific.
Where I live they are mandated outdoors, not that everyone complies.
Wearing today: TDC Jasmin de Nuit. Didn’t wear anything yesterday as I wasn’t feeling well, so I’m participating in the CP today instead.
1) Don’t know. Slowly opening up. I’m just tired of talking about it – since I work where it is discussed nonstop. We are being furloughed (just for a couple of weeks). Also so sad about recent news events.
2) I’m very careful. Have only been once to a doc for my ankle tendinitis (finally better now!) and a few times to small stores. We’ve been mostly isolating and always using masks. Exercising and reading have kept me (mostly) sane.
3) Bought some samples and my Mon Guerlain lotion which I LOVE, and yes, it was likely to cheer myself up during the pandemic. May also buy the new Chantecaille Lip Tint Hydrating Balm just because: https://www.beautyhabit.com/collections/home-page-new/products/chantecaille-limited-edition-lip-tint-hydrating-balm
4) I think I read about fragrance more, but ironically, wear it a bit less.
5) Everything is blooming.
6) The whole “NINJA loan” episode from Arrested Development makes me laugh every time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5uyw2HeLPU
I got the Chantecaille balm! It did lift my spirits, picked up the Verbena shade and am pleased. And a friend is in the midst of revisting Arrested Development–may have to do that too.
Oh good to know about the Chantecaille! How do you like the Verbena shade? I’m trying to decide between Beach Rose and Verbena (I’m looking for My Lips But Better type.)
I actually find Arrested Development very hit or miss for my taste. But that ep was a hit.
It’s a light berry with a bit of shimmer–the only one that really appealed, the other shades are too “warm” for me. The photo looks darker than the actual product.
Thx!
I am with you in not wanting to talk or read about it anymore. One of the reasons I have been MIA.
Hi CM! ?
???
Well I’m wearing both Carnal Flower Eau de Parfum and body oil and if I had the body butter I would that as well and think of you!
Oh I love Arrested Development and forgot about that episode, thanks for the clip!
1. I would say 3, considering that there are still so many places that are closed. In terms of people outside in the street I would say 1 to 2. With warm temps, everybody seems to be outside.
2. I am still at 4. I only go outside for essentials and a walk at least 3 times a week.
3. As I confessed to Donatella previously, due to the pandemic I bought full bottles of CdG Kyoto, SSS Incense Pure and Gallivant Istanbul.
4. No.
5. Dogwoods, Azaleas, Alliums, Irises, Bleeding Hearts, Japanese Snowballs, Peonies, Rhododendrons.
Those are all great buys
Thank you! ?
I’m so happy for your bottle of Kyoto!
I don’t have it, my mum does, but I think I should have my own bottle 🙂
Yes you should ?
Thank you! You should definitely have your own bottle. It is such a beautiful and relaxing scent.
You should, it’s great when the temps are in the 90’s.
Love Kyoto in hot weather 🙂 incense in general is kind of warming and cooling.
We are at a 4 and slowly moving to 3. I am personally at 3. I made for example a doctors appointment and have started doing more in person grocery shopping.
I think my relationship with perfume has intensified during the pandemic. I spend alot more time sniffing through my collection.
And while I have cut back drastically on discretionary spending, I did buy SSS Incense Pur during the sale. I also just bought a bottle of Gallivant Brooklyn in anticipation of the splitmeet. Hopefully there will be interest!
I don’t many flowers on sight but I have a lilac bush that smells great
Oh you are lucky. My own lilac bushes are doing very poorly, they barely bloomed.
We are at a 2, headed toward no restrictions. Stores, restaurants, salons, etc. have been open for some time, and pools, public daycare, etc. opening on 6/1. I plan no further restrictions in our lives and life nearly back to normal here. I did not purchase or order any perfume because I was not inspired by the offerings, plus Ulta and Sephora (our only local places to sniff) were closed for a long while. Since we moved to a telework model at my job, I have hardly worn any perfume, I work from home in my pajamas! Lilacs are beginning to bloom here, and the last of the iris, and hordes of Dames Rockets, with their lovely scent on the air. Working at home has brought me much peace, being able to enjoy the company of my family and simple joys of doing things together. A whole lot less stress being out of the work environment, traffic, and rat race of outside activities. Coping just fine and appreciating life more than ever.
I’ve been working in my pjs too lately. For a while I made myself get dressed but over time that has gone out the window! I’m resolved to make dressing a part of my routine again ?
I love the silver linings, too – no work commute, less rat race, company of family. Are you in the US?
Hello all! SOTD is Bigarade Concentrée.
1. I’d say we are at level 2 here in Atlanta.
2. Level 2 for me as well since I’ve been going to work and grocery shopping this whole time.
3. I’ve bought a few things, about the same as in previous years.
4. No change in my perfume wearing habits.
5. Magnolias, gardenias and jasmine bushes are in bloom right now. We have the first two right here in our back yard which makes for some fragrant evenings on the patio. It’s gotten hot and humid though. Summer is definitely here.
6. Trying to stay sane by walking whenever I get a chance, meditating and not watching the news any more than absolutely necessary. And going to work really helped. I’m beginning to think that retirement is not all it’s cranked up to be ?
Wishing you all a peaceful weekend!
That is a gem of a fragrance!
I hear you on the news. I’m so glad to be living where I am.
Just found this article I thought I’d share with you all.
It’s about Serge Lutens’s residence (palace?/compound?) in Marrakech. Quite impressive!
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/beauty-products/a31291307/serge-lutens-marrakech/
Wow, must be stunning
Oh my – his house/palace is amazing!
Technically we are still very restricted because we are lumped in with NYC which doesn’t make sense to me because we are rural and have very few cases. I only go out for food and have been walking daily 2-3 miles.
Good news is things are normalizing at eldest’s hospital. The younger two had an excellent academic semester of straight As. For my son, that is two semesters in a row which is a huge accomplishment because his university is rated fourth as the hardest in the nation to get an A in classes. Because of his grades he will now be able to apply for a dual major of Computer Engineering and Computer Science.
Haven’t really bought much except backups of Brit for the eldest who stole my bottle of extrait. It smells amazing on her. Will gift them to her for birthdays/ Christmas.
Mr Marzipan and I decided that any discretionary income will go towards the no kill animal sanctuary where my eldest adopted her seven year old feline. Our furry granddaughter lived there her entire life and she was extremely thin because they have little to feed 200+ cats. We already made a monetary donation and moving forward will send food and detergent.
It sounds like the (not so) mini marzipans are making you proud ? Good for them!
I cannot take credit. They do it all themselves. Honestly, sometimes I wish they were less driven , but they are content, so that’s what counts.
2nd that! And I think you must get some credit.
??
You did a good job raising your mini Marzipans! Glad to hear they are doing well.
Thank you, my friend. They are good kids.
1. Going from a 4 to a 3 soon. Will then be able to exercse all day and most shops will be open. Restaurants, salons, gyms are still closed. Children are starting to go back to school.
2. I’ve been working all along except for one week off due to not enough work for everybody in the practice. I go to shops for groceries as I’m a “on special” shopper/hunter. Haven’t seen any family except my mom at a distance once when I took her things that she needed and couldn’t find locally at that time.
3. Sadly yes and Donatelle will have an earful on July 1st.
4. No.
5. I thank God for His grace and help every day and for my friends who recently rallied around me during a very difficult time. Which made me aware that one should at least PHONE people and talk to them, rather than just sending messages or forwarding interesting/uplifting snippets. People need REAL PEOPLE in their lives.
So glad your friends helped when you needed them, Amyitis! And totally agree about real people.
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 in our county. As I’ve commented, I’ve been to various grocery stores and Walmart pretty frequently. I’ve also been to pharmacies to look for “Wet Ones” hand wipes and the like, and for the OTC allergy meds we take in this season. Mom and I have taken walks in a local park or in the neighborhood on some nice days, keeping distant from others, and carrying masks with us in case people get close.
2. If your area is opening up, are you continuing to restrict your own movements / exposure? What number would you assign to your own freedom of movement?
I think I’ll still be pretty cautious as far as wearing a face mask when there are people around, and trying to keep some distance from others. I’d rather get takeout still than go to a restaurant and sit down to eat.
3. Are there any fragrances you bought, or didn’t buy, just because of the pandemic?
Didn’t buy online, department stores and Sephora are still closed here. As I’ve mentioned, Mom said she would have to kill me if I bought perfume during this time. I have bought scented soaps here and there, but Mom accepts that they have a functional purpose.
4. Did your general fragrance-use habits change during the pandemic, and if so, how?
Still trying some things at bedtime, but less fragrance use in general.
5. What’s blooming in your local area at the moment?
Old Herbaceous and some others will appreciate this: David Austin English rose ‘Teasing Georgia’ was the first rose to bloom in the yard, now followed by Damask roses ‘Mme. Zoetmans’ and ‘Ispahan’ and the sweet briar (eglantine). ‘Fantin-Latour’ and the Bourbon rose ‘Mme. Isaac Pereire’ are in bud.
The sweet bay magnolia is blooming, and our azalea. We’ve enjoyed looking at rhododendrons and azaleas in the area from the car, and also saw wisteria and princess trees in bloom earlier in May. My sweet woodruff was in full bloom a couple of weeks ago. The lily-of-the-valley has gone by. The columbines are blooming, and a couple of kinds of irises are still blooming.
6. 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.
Calm has been kind of tough, especially when I’m feeling hormonal. (To the guys here, sorry I went there.) I planted a bunch of flowering plants on Memorial Day, and felt like I’d accomplished something. I’ve been enjoying working with all the plants with fragrant flowers or leaves. I find that calming.
I was avoiding the news for a few days and watching the explore.org service dog puppy cams, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium sea otter cam. Maybe I should have stuck with that. Watching puppies is definitely something that helps my mood.
Aww puppies! We are getting a puppy – a Maltipoo
Best hybrid dog-name ever.
Nice. 🙂 I’m sure the puppy will be good company. Just be sure to get one that’s not too nervous or high-strung. There must be some relatively laid-back specimens among dogs of that type.
Good advice!
Fragrances today: 4160 Tokyo Spring Blossom and then later Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit. The smell of decants. I was able to open my window this evening, but I’m sure there’s some concentration of floral and citrus scents in my room. 🙂
Scent this morning: CSP Vanille Abricot. (Thanks, Nancy!) I thought it smelled yummy. 🙂
Awesome! I’m glad you’re enjoying it. ?
At the Rockaways ? beach
Shalimar cologne
Could buy a full bottle
There is a haiku sort of
Will answer the other questions later
Making Aperol spritz tonight
On the beach! Lucky you
My parents walk on Rockaway several times a week for miles. They’ve been doing it for years.
And we are scent twins! I am wearing 1960 vintage Shalimar EDC.
hello twin!
1. Probably a 1 here. Almost everything is open, some businesses have signs regarding masks, but hardly anyone pays attention☹️
2. I’m still limiting my “excursions” to grocery stores and Lowe’s/Home Depot for van rehab supplies. And work, of course. Employees have gotten so lax at the hospital, doctors complained to management. Which carries a lot more weight than when I complain to management ?
3. No
4. No
5. Lucky for me, EVERYTHING is blooming here- roses, peonies, mountian laurels, and anhost of others I don’t know the name of
SOTD = https://instagram.com/stories/vantasticviews/2320475981541740080?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=10jnpo1av8mh3
6. Forgot to add about the Good Thing, which is very subjective. A couple days ago, I was washing dishes when T-Rex started making a ruckus on the front porch. She’s not a barker, so when she talks, I listen. Got to the porch just in time to see a Big Black Bear Butt sauntering around the corner of the cabin. Very leisurely like. He/she didn’t seem too impressed by doggo.
The pandemic for the bipedal population has been heartbreaking, but it does my heart good to see wildlife really enjoying our absence.
I love the idea of a black bear strolling through the hood, saying high to all the neighbors ???
Me too?
We had a moose lounging in someone’s swimming pool here this week. 🙂
Oh wow!
?
I had to google that, there is a video…. ? Its hilarious. Glad the moose made it out without getting injured.
I love moose! Until I saw one irl during last summer’s road trip, I had no idea how regal they are!
That is so interesting Deva. I have yet to see an unmasked person in a place where they should be wearing a mask.
Interesting is one way of putting it. I think it’s regional and cultural, and the fact that there is no accountability for non-mask wearing people here.
I saw a video in which NYC shoppers were screaming at a woman who came in the store without a mask…I mean just SCREAMING. If I were her, I would have been afraid.
My small town appears to be behaving. It would not surprise me at all if small towns in PA in more rural areas were not behaving.
Also read something by a woman in Austin talking about how different covid-related safety was dealt with even 15 minutes outside of Austin.
Well, I think you hit the nail on the head there. There is no consistency nationwide because there’s no leadership at the higher level. Enough said. ?
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.*
We’re around a 2 now. Restaurants/shops/salons have been opening up over the few weeks.
2. If your area is opening up, are you continuing to restrict your own movements / exposure? What number would you assign to your own freedom of movement?
I’m also around a 2. I even waited in line to shop at Winners. I needed sheets and ended up with new cushions too. Truth be told I also needed a little piece of normalcy by just browsing around with real people! I’ve been working from home since March though and I’m not sure if we’ll ever be going back: it was announced this week that we’ll be remote until at least 2021.
3. Are there any fragrances you bought, or didn’t buy, just because of the pandemic?
Let’s see, I’d give my purchase of Dilettante (bub) to covid. I was holding out for a sale but in a moment of desperation went for it full price. This week I got a 15% off coupon code and that made me a bit sad, if I’d only waited a bit longer…
4. Did your general fragrance-use habits change during the pandemic, and if so, how?
At first I was wearing more of my heavy hitters but have gravitated back to my “office scents” for the daytime.
4. What’s blooming in your local area at the moment?
Everything! I love this city so much this time of year. Amazingly lush and floral.
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.
Tequila!
Wow remote until 2021?! I’m an extrovert and like face to face interactions. That’s so long.
I know! It was so shocking to see that number in writing. I honestly don’t believe we’ll ever go back to the office full time after this.
A lot of companies are starting to talk about this. They could save so much money not renting office space, and could just give workers a set sum to properly set up an at-home office.
It will be very interesting to see how this develops. Personally, I think a fully remote model will not work where company culture is important. I think some companies will effectively kill themselves by saving money on office rent and then wondering why morale is low or teams don’t react well to further changes down the road. By which I mean: it’s easy enough to sit at home and do a well-defined job that doesn’t change, but I can’t see a fully-remote model being sustainable long-term.
As ever, YMMV. :^)
tequila! made me smile 😀
Hallooooo from a cold-ish South Africa!
Yes,Winter is here.
We went into basically total lockdown on March 26th,and moved to a less strict 4 at the beginning of May.
June 1st we move to Level 3,which still comes with many but neccesary rules(social distancing,wearing a mask is COMPULSORY in public,but the 8pm-5am curfew is lifted and excercise can happen more freely)
South Africa did AMAZING with flattening the curve,but also giving our healthcare system a chance to get ready for the inevitable barrage of infections that will come with Winter.
That being said,happy to have a safe workplace,getting my full salary and being able to continue my life as normal as possible.
As you guys know,I quit smoking after 26 years on May 9th!
Still smoke free,no cravings,and I don’t use any nicotine substitute either!Yay me!And yes,I am SUPERproud of myself!!!
The changes in my sense of smell…that is a whole other essay!All I can say is WOW!!I.missed out while being a smoker…
Happy Weekend guys!
Oh!SOTD KORRES Vanilla/Freesia/Lychee…yum.
XO
Yay on sticking with your no smoking!! Probably one of the hardest habits to quit.
You smell amazing too! I love several of those Korres and they rarely get mentioned. They are very affordable too!
Unfortunately I do not see them in shops around here any longer!
My favorite was the Cotton/Iris one!
Congrats on being free of ciggies from a fellow ex-smoker!!’
Thanks!
Curious,was your sense of smell also improved?
I’m not sure. I quit when I wasn’t yet so into smelling. But what I do know is that I myself definitely smell better
J, Congratulations on being smoke-free!!!! ???. So glad to see you here again and know you are doing well! ❤?
Doing good,hope you are as well!We should email asap!xo
Congratulations on quitting smoking! That’s a really big thing!
Thanks darling!
Thank you my friends!
I NEVER thought I would be saying I am a Non-smoker,but thanks to lockdown and a ban on the sale of tobacco products since March 26th,here I am!
XO
Congrats! That’s a great prompt, lol. Curious as to why they banned tobacco sales- is that somehow covid related or outside if that issue?
It was a 100% covid-related decision,along with the ban on the sale of alcohol.We had many harsh restrictions,some are being lifted from tomorrow.Tobacco ban stands under level 3.
Congratulations on kicking the habit! The best thing you’ve done for yourself in years. ??
Thanks!I totally agree!
Congrats on quitting smoking!
?
Thank you Jiji!
Congratulations on quitting! I’ve been glad to see that South Africa has been doing well so far with flattening the curve. Still hoping I’ll be able to visit next year (had a trip planned for this July, but that of course had to be postponed).
I hope we see you soon then!
Congrats! Quitting smoking is a huge accomplishment. Glad to hear you are safe and healthy.
Thanks,and despite my complaints about the cold snap,all good!
thank you for sharing your good news 😀 A few close friends and extended family members have also quit recently, it really is a wonderful thing to do! I’m so happy for you and for your nose. 😉
Haha!Thanks!
I cannot stress enough how different(better) my sense of smell is!!
One thing though,I am eating like a horse,and smelling all the dishes like it’s a Jacques Cousteau discovery!Lol!
Big congratulations on quitting smoking and sticking with the quit! I am always so happy when I hear that somebody has done that.
Thank you Jalapeno!
Good job, Johano!❤??
??
Well I am super proud of you too. That is just amazing.
Thank you Robin!
Congratulations on quitting smoking! My husband did the same in March, cold turkey.
???
Wowzers,good job on going cold turkey!I had the nicotine gum and patches as backup,but I am surprised how little I eventually used!
Chiming in a bit late, but that is fantastic! Congratulations!
Oh good for you, you should definitely be proud of yourself! Smoking is a hard habit to quit. Maybe take some of the money you were spending on cigarettes and put it towards new perfume to celebrate your new sense of smell?
1. Our area is at a 2. Many people think Texas has opened up too soon, and we’re waiting to see what effect this will have on our disease statistics. Hair and nail salons, gyms, etc. are now open, but with many restrictions. Some places are still all locked down, such as nursing homes and assisted living centres.
2. I’m probably also at a level 2. I did go into one favourite little boutique last week. It’s small and I love the selection which is all from France, and not expensive (not too anyway). The owner is very chic and sweet and I wanted to help keep the place going. She was so happy to see me. We both wore masks and used hand sanitiser, and I got to try on some tops and bought three plus a necklace! What fun! I also finally went to eat dinner at my nice neighbours’ house. We have all been fairly careful in other activities, and I just felt OK about it. People can go out on walks or to parks, but they’re being fairly good here at least about keeping at a distance in small groups, wearing masks into stores, etc.
3. I think I did buy a few things just because I felt so shut-in and did more online buying than normally, including some sandals, t-shirts, and cropped pants. I bought the small bottles of both Eve and First Cut, plus new samples, from St. Clair Scents. But no, my fragrance-wearing habits didn’t change.
4. We’re well into summer now and have big oleander bushes and borders, hibiscuses, lantanas, and hydrangeas, plus the usual things like geraniums and begonias.
5. Something good, I think I already mentioned that I’ve been really enjoying the Australian series “A Place to Call Home” on Acorn/Amazon Prime. I’m just now into Season 3. I have also been trying to cook more healthy and low-cal, mostly vegetarian, and nice-looking food, since I have not gone out to eat at all and only bought take-out twice, but find that kind of inconvenient. So I’m trying new recipes all the time and it’s fun.
Have you seen the series Janet King, also Australian with the same leading actress as A Place to Call Home. She plays a lawyer.
I am glad you got out to your favourite boutique.
No. But I’m glad to know about it. She is so fantastic in this!
Your #2 sounds so nice! Turns out that not going anywhere doesn’t really have any noticeable effect on my desire to buy new clothing 😉
I’m exactly the same!
Indeed. Turns out having to wear a mask for the foreseeable future doesn’t really have any noticeable effect on my desire to buy new lipsticks. 😉
That really is funny!!
Also, masks. I admit to buying at least a couple more masks than I needed because the fabric was so fun. Ha.
1. Michigan has drama about opening, not opening. Most people at the grocery store, and the farm store wear masks. Most people at Menards don’t. I don’t go anywhere else.
2. I work at the hospital every other week, and go to the grocery store each Saturday morning. Adorable hubby works from home all the time, and goes to Menards and to the farm store, when he needs to get out of the house. Our lives haven’t changed that much, except I get to work from home every other week. This will continue for the foreseeable future.
3. Scents bought due to COVID… Gissah Miral – Middle eastern style Iris oud sample (very smoky oud with lots of Iris- not sure if I will grow into it or not) which I bought when I saw the fabulous bottle it comes in, while I was impulse purchasing La Liturgie des Heures (If you can call buying something you have been wanting for 3 years an impulse purchase…), which I bought because I saw a Jovoy Europe ad, with what turned out to be a good price, letting PayPal do the $ to € exchange, while buying a bottle (the last bottle, if you believe what they tell you about that sort of thing) of Mon Precieux Nectar for 10% off from the Saks desperation sales, which would have only happened due to something like the COVID economic fallout…
4. I wear what I like and adorable hubby comments. Fav’s in heavy rotation- Durga, Mon Precieux Nectar, Vous la Voute Etoilee, J’ai Fait un Reve Obscur, Mohur Extrait. Summer scents Fiori de Capri, Apres l’Ondee, La Chasse aux Papillions…
5. Blooming here- dandelions , crab apple trees, blueberry bushes (which are late this year, the little white bell shaped blueberry flowers smell sweet and lovely) the end of the late daffodils and the three tulips the deer missed, my irises are also delayed and won’t be blooming for a couple more weeks, it looks like. The dogwood trees, the trillium, the redbuds, a quiet riot of beauty we have happening here.
6. We have been enjoying “The Windsors”, the slapstick sendup series on the English Royal Family. The guy who does Prince Charles has a rubber face, Camilla has a heart of evil with expressions to match, Beatrice and Eugenie are hilariously incomprehensible with their rolling accent, Wills, Kate, Anne and Fergie are great good sports, and the actress who plays Pippa chews up the scenery and steals every scene she is in. Total escapist good fun.
congrats on your new bottles! Mon Precieux Nectar is beautiful 😀
and thank you for mentioning The Windsors, I saw an ad then forgot about it, onto the watchlist it goes.
Same, totally forgot about Windsors! That could be fun.
I snatched up a BUB of Mon Précieux Nectar at the Neiman Marcus sale too! Such a beautiful scent.
SotD = Luci ed Ombre
Hi weekend friends! hope everyone is finding a reason to smile today. 😀
1. I guess we’re at a 2, or slowly moving to a 2? Restaurants and hair services can soon open with social distancing measures in place.
2. I’m at a 3. I go out often to exercise, infrequently to shop or whatever. When I’m out in public I wear a mask indoors. I also mask up outdoors if there are others near by.
3. I recently broke a very very long no-buy for a 35 ml bottle of Masque Milano Luci ed Ombre.
It was a satisfying moment of self-indulgence and self-care. For me this perfume has perfect pitch in every way. I adore it. I’ve been wishing for a bottle since I first smelled a sample a couple years ago.
I ordered from Smallflower, and will order from them again someday. They sent me a surprise spray sample of Luci ed Ombre with a note to enjoy the sample before opening the bottle, a nice way of saying they take returns on unopened perfume.
I also bought some Malin+Goetz samples from Smallflower, they are generous 3 ml or so sprays. Very excited to try them along with all the fun things swap friends have shared. (Ended up doing a lot more swaps of decants than I expected, which makes me very happy!)
4. Staying home so much has been interesting. I thought I would get so much done, like wear more perfume, but every day is an adventure in strangeness. I have not really worn lots of scent each day, but I have worn more variety. I speed-sniffed a ton of samples and decants, tossed empties, and gave away a bunch.
4. My neighborhood is covered in blooming magnolias, gardenias, honeysuckle, and night blooming jasmine. It’s heavenly.
5. Something good: live cams from Cornell Bird Labs and Monterey Bay Aquarium, yoga with Adriene, playing board games with my family. We have the Sorry! board game my mother was given for her 10th birthday, it’s vintage fun.
Something funny: got nothing at the moment, need help here. 😉
Some things to stay sane:
— a nap when my body wants one, even though I’ve never liked to nap,
— more exercise when I’m feeling energetic and have extra time (it’s liberating to walk/bike/yoga for as long as I want without worrying I should be doing something else),
— writing letters and postcards to family and friends far away and to some nearby who are distancing for health reasons,
— taking time to do small things thoughtfully, whether it’s wiping the kitchen table or choosing a menu for a lunch at home by myself,
— and finding easy ways to make things last, or doing without, to keep myself from going shopping more often than necessary.
Today I’m thinking about shampoo bars, does anyone have a favorite, or have tips on how to store them, make them last, and lessen the mess?
Your number five reminded me that I used to play Monopoly with my three from my very old game , copyright date on the instructions is 1973! My kids always got a kick out of the fact that it’s been with me since childhood.
how fun for you and your kids. 😀 I used to play Monopoly with my sister and mom, good memories.
Just wrote a bunch of letters last week! Calls and emails are nice, but there’s something about a letter.
agree! friendly mail is a nice surprise.
I love the Lush shampoo bars for the fragrance, but I couldn’t use them every day. My hair got a little dry…
good to know! I had my hair highlighted for the first time about a year ago. the texture is actually better now (weird but true!) but I do have to watch out for dryness. I never used conditioner until after the highlights, now I sometimes use it instead of shampoo 😉
Your neighborhood smells amazing!
thank you, yasmina! 😀
I solely use shampoo bars. I’ve tried some less expensive, all natural ones and didn’t like them. Too oily, no lather.
I really do love most of the Lush ones I’ve used. Currently Seanick and “New” are my favorites. I also use their solid conditioners in Big and American Cream. The combo makes my hair soft and tames any frizz. I store them on the wire rack I have so they can dry. The soap holders with little nubs or spikes are good, too, so the bottom dries as well.
thank you for good advice, Elisa P! 😀 I will most likely start with Lush shampoo and conditioner bars, they have a good reputation.
Perfume-wearing during The Interim, as I am calling, started out surprisingly light, with Eau Parfumée Au Thé Bleu in high rotation. It seemed have the message “everything will be fine”. Light perfume preference continued with Douceur de Siam, and then started to work on my samples
I bought a small bottle of PN Baikal Leather Intense from local indie company Scentrique and got to-the-door delivery. From Fragrancebuy I bought a couple of fun decants and a mis-buy of Teazzura, which smelled like a synthetic carpet on me – eek! Fortunately, I passed it to a friend, who passed a bottle of Meteorites to me, so that’s better.
Just out of curiosity, did you ever receive my package?
Alas, no, it is still safely tucked away in the U.S. it is hard to be patient…
Haha ?. I love this. Something to look forward to then. But tell her to open it to make sure nothing is leaking or evaporating!!
Oh, I like “The Interim”.
1. I would go with 2.5 or a 3. Not everything is open open.
2. I am getting out a little more but not a lot.
3. Broke down and got that Viktoria Minya travel set and Les Annees 25 BIS. I will see what that bonus pay looks like and I will assess what I can do. That depends to if Congress passes another stimulus package too.
4. My perfume habits haven’t changed a whole lot. I am typing this as I am taking advantage of the STC coupon.
5. The funniest thing is Sydney, the 2 year old Lab, scared away a deer than ran away herself.
Spent the morning cleaning up a little bit. I am trying to use some candles to make more space. Problem is that about 85% of them are the BBW straight up apple scents and my mother hates apple candles and said a few choice words when I finished one today. She hates most of what I like but I will find a way to use them. Wearing the original Hedonist right now.
Congrats on your new bottles!
Thanks!
1. My area is at a 2, as Calypso said. My gym opens on 6/2, and the neighborhood amenities with the exception of the weight room are either open, or will open in a day or so.
2. Personally, I’m at about a 3. I walk a couple of miles a day in the early morning, and take trips to the grocery store every two weeks. Although I did return something at Sephora this week, picking up some shower gel and spending all of my points. I just don’t see much of my money being spent there anymore.
3. The only fragrance related spending since Covid started has been shipping swap packages. We are on a strict budget. Robin, can I say thanks so much for having the swapmeets!
4. I’ve probably worn a wider variety of scents than I usually do, and I know I’ve burned through more samples. I often apply something loud for the morning walk. It’s just fun, for some reason. The little things are the big things, y’all.
5. Blooming here: wow, lots of stuff. Magnolias, honeysuckle, jasmine and hibiscus especially are big and blowzy.
6. I’ve really had fun with my baking. Still tweaking my bread recipe and getting the egg wash the way I want it. Also, my Texas Star hibiscus will be blossoming soon! I can just see inside several of the buds. I feel like I’m standing in front of a store, nose to the glass, OPEN, OPEN, OPEN!
Well, maybe not the nose to the glass part.
I’m in two Parfums de Marly samples, Safanad and Athalia. Need neither of them, but they are nice.
Heartened to see Sephora is FINALLY allowing the use of 500 point increments to get $10 off per online order.
Congrats on perfecting the egg wash–love good bread, but am way too lazy to put in the effort.
I got the email about that yesterday.
I saw that, too. Too bad I blew all of my points on tiny containers of moisturizer! ?
Ditto on your #3. Swapping this time helped me put my mind on something else and also saved me money on some perfumes I wanted to try and wear for a long time. Thanks to Robin for making it possible and to all the NSTers who participated and swapped with me.
Ditto this
Yes! My first Swap Meet was a major feel-good social outing!
So glad people had fun! That’s what it’s for.
We’re a 3 I think, only essential food stores open, schools still closed, bars, restaurants, theaters… etc closed, but we will move towards a 2 soon.
3 for myself as well, weekly shop and 1 daily walk in the park
I haven’t bought much but now wear 2 or 3 perfumes per day
Roses are everywhere
I cook much more, that’s a big improvement
Today wearing Carita, almondy, powdery, very enjoyable.
How is your back feeling today? Better, I hope.
Thank you Lillyjo, still hurting and stiff, but I am noticing an improvement this morning.
Hope it is even better tomorrow! Nothing worse than back pain.
Thank you Robin, it has somewhat ruined the weekend, moremedication tday helped.
Pretty sure we are at a 3 and 3 same with me. I believe we open up June 4th and it could not come any sooner! I plan on being a bit careful if I go out more..will likely keep it lighter in month of June. Will definitely be keeping hand sani close.
My perfume purchasing has gone way down for a while now, so covid didn’t really effect things much with that. Definitely effected sampling, however.
I was worried to wear perfume for several weeks just cause it can make me sneezy sometimes and didn’t want any irritants. Lately, I am more comfortable wearing and sniffing.
I just moved to this area six months ago and I have no idea about the names of any of these blooms! Except for one that was around for a while..pretty sure a Mountain Laurel which blooms smelled like grape candy!!
What keeps me sane..my friends, blogs and chat rooms! perfume, God, my cats, music and laughter:). I reunited with an old friend during covid..and I am very happy about that..so definitely not all has been bad.
One thing I heard yesterday that made me laugh was..a lady said her friend was wearing ear plugs for covid protection. I couldn’t help but giggle a bit. Kinda sad that ppl can go to those extremes but funny nonetheless.
Sotd, I haven’t decided..but having a more rare craving of vanilla:).
Mountain laurel does smell wonderful.
SotD: Arielle Shoshana Sunday, even though it’s Saturday. It’s rainy and I’m baking bread and cleaning today, and Sunday felt like a better match.
1. I’d say we’re getting to a 2. We won’t get to a 1 until there’s herd immunity or a virus, according to the provincial government. Restaurants and salons can open. My medical test that was called off during the last phase was just rebooked. Stores were never required to close, but most did / went to curbside pickup, and that’s not changing much. Schools are reopening in the coming week, and swim lessons restart tomorrow. Provincial parks have reopened and camping reservations opened up (for BC residents only) on Monday…50k people hit the server all at once trying to book and it all crashed.
That said, all of this is happening with a ton of restrictions. The kids don’t have to go back to school (about half of little Ockeghem’s class is staying out), and those that do are only going two days a week in small groups, with staggered drop off and pick up times, no backpacks allowed. The rest of the time it’s online learning. Restaurants that have opened are supposed to be distancing tables 2m apart, taking names and phone numbers of everyone who comes in the restaurant for contact tracing, installing plexiglass, having staff wear masks, etc. Most restaurants are doing a good job of that, but one of my (now ex) regulars doesn’t seem to get it, from what I’ve seen from outside. They have plexiglas barriers on their communal tables but are seating parties right next to each other at the barriers. Nope.
2. I’m at a 2, I guess. I’m still doing a lot of grocery pickup and takeout food. I do visit a local general store (masks are required, which is good). I would love to go to the farmers’ market, but am put off by having to wait 45-60 minutes in line. But we went to one of our regular restaurants this week to support them. They were doing a very good job of sticking with the protocols. I’m feeling a bit better about things as we’re two weeks into this phase, and yesterday the province reported the lowest number of cases since this all started.
3. I was thinking about buying a couple of fragrances off my list with money I got for my birthday, but shipping to Canada is so expensive (think: almost as expensive as the fragrance itself) that I didn’t pull the trigger. I am still thinking about ordering Nicolaï New York Extreme and just sucking up the shipping cost. (I usually ship to my sister’s in the States — much cheaper, so I am having shipping sticker shock.)
4. Yes. I can wear scent every day when I work from home! Our offices are a scent-free environment. I doubt I’ll be back in the office for the rest of the year, so I’ll just keep on enjoying my perfume collection.
4. What’s blooming: Rhododendrons, roses, my star jasmine, pretty well everything.
5. Wish I had more on the good or funny front, but I don’t have much. I’m trying to stay sane by getting out and walking when I can, or working on my patio on the nice days when it’s starting to get warm (around 21C / 70F).
**waving from the Okanagan!**
Hi there! Really hoping to get out there in a couple of months!
Scent-free environment. Ieeek! Can’t imagine what that’s like. Is it an actual policy?
Yes — both because our customers may have chemical sensitivities and some of our employees do.
Did you check the price of PdN at Scentrique.com? They are in Vancouver.
I didn’t know anyone in Vancouver carried PdN! Thank you for the tip! Ordering now. 😉
Wow, wonder why the long wait for the farmer’s market? Ours is doing lots more pre-orders, so the pickup is actually pretty quick and orderly.
1. In Germany, 3 Restaurants and shops (other than supermarkets and pharmacies) opening, very limited international travel, home office for the foreseeable.
2. 4 I think. Only go to shops for food, otherwise anything I do is outdoors (so thankful it’s spring / summer).
3. Yes, since I haven’t traveled, gone to restaurants this felt like an (important) indulgence: samples, Hiris, En Passant.
Very, very tempted by Passage D’Enfer (yes, I am an Olivia Giacobetti Fangirl) and Bois des Iles, but am trying to be reasonable in expenditures.
4. Yes! I spray 5 to 6 times and sometimes refresh or switch up during lunch break. I also wear fragrance to bed more. This is made possible by the home office, I wouldn’t spritz much or refresh when I go to the office because I respect other people might not enjoy a fragrance. Have been enjoying my collection and avoiding sampling a lot which I did otherwise (comfort?).
4. The irises have just finished and now I smell elderblossom on my morning walks which is beautiful.
5. Work has been crazy busy, because of the impact of the virus. So have been enjoying the space to be calm when not working. Have gotten back into painting via some online courses which has been great. Also have enjoyed the reduced activity to read, which I do a lot of anyway but now more so.
Oooh, love En Passant. 🙂 I’ve been wearing that a lot here on rainy days, but I only have a deluxe sample so have to be careful how much I spritz.
I miss all of the lovely smells this time of year in Germany — especially linden trees, which we don’t have many of here in my part of Canada. Glad you’re out and enjoying them!
I love the linden trees! Although that is sth I will miss out on by not going to the office as they are on my cycling route there.
Favourite Linden Parfüm??
I’m very literal, I guess — I like Frau Tonis Linde Berlin, because it reminds me so much of the smell of walking my daughter to school in Nürnberg.
Really like Linde Berlin ? and nothing wrong with a literal straightforward solitaire in my view. My favourite is probably Heeley’s L’Amandiere.
Schöne Grüße ?
Roget and Gallet linden soap always reminds me of my street in Wurzberg. JM French lime blossom is also very linden
Roger & Gallet Linden Soap? Sounds super good. Unfortunately can’t find it on their website…
@ka_rina., they definitely used to make a Tilleul (linden) soap but I don’t see it anymore either.
1) I’m in South Carolina, so it feels like -1. In reality it’s probably 2, because schools and state institutions are still closed.
2) Ironically, I’m trying to go out less now that the stay at home order has been lifted. One trip downtown to see hundreds of people without masks or social distancing was enough to make me a hermit.
3) My spending has increased? I bought Lush’s 1000 Kisses Deep and Breath of God, by rosie jane’s madie, West Third Brand’s Lost California, and three sample sets.
4) I reapply more, change scents midday and have used a ton of samples to scent my (many) relaxing baths. I really love taking baths.
5) Blooming? Lots of stuff. But I smelled a magnolia for the first time this season yesterday and it blew my mind.
6) I almost shut down this week because of how horrible the news has been and because of pandemic-related stress and anxiety. But last night we had our drive through senior celebration at my school and seeing so many amazing students and my incredible coworkers was such an amazing boost.
magnolia blossoms are mind-alteringly beautiful! so glad you got to smell one.
I had to take a day off this past week and just be a grumpy sad lump, it’s better to get it out of my system I guess. Very glad you got a boost!
my school is doing the drive thru thing next week, really looking forward to it. 😀
Magnolia blossoms are incredibly uplifting. One of the first to bloom around where I live in the spring. Arriving early to the spring party.
Hi all! My SOTD is De Ma Mere by Shelley Kyle, with notes of linden blossom, amber, acacia, and beeswax. This is a sample but lovely linden perfume.
1. Right now, we’re probably at a 3, moving towards a 2. I work at a local University and it was just announced we’d be teaching remotely for Summer and Fall semesters. Which I think is prudent. and reasonable.
2. Mr. SmokeyToes and I are continuing to restrict our movements even if SF/Bay area fully opens. Given my immune-compromised status, I think we don’t know enough about the virus and there are too many variables for me to chance it.
3. I purchased a bottle of vintage Jessica McClintock and a box of Roger & Gallet Figuer soaps. It’s a shame the Roger & Gallet isn’t widely available, it’s such a beautiful line. I have a few vintage sandalwood and Linden soaps in their original packaging – even the Mr. commented how lovely they were.
4. My fragrance-use habits are still the usual. Every day sometimes twice a day if it’s not a long-lasting scent. I’ve refined my skin care routine to include a few Japanese and Korean skin care items.
4. What’s blooming? It feels and smells like everything! 🙂
5. Something good? SmokeyToes is fully weaned off the Prozac (he had behavioral/aggression issues and at 22 lbs, that’s not a good thing) – and his quirky & funny personality has returned. He Zoom-bombed a work meeting and gave everyone a laugh. I found a great Youtube channel, Brett Larkin Yoga – you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytVtpRDpY8zREuA37DzTmw
Another channel I enjoy is Redefining Strength – her audio and visual queues are excellent. https://youtu.be/PykwIQpHDJo
I love the RG soaps too although they are not as moisturizing as I like
I am thinking about getting Olay’s hyaluronic acid shower gel, I’ve heard it’s wonderful and highly fragranced!
Will check it out – i love shower gels
Hi Yasmina! Here’s what the bottle looks like, it’s a lovely shower gel!
https://www.olay.com/cleansing-nourishing-body-wash-with-vitamin-b3-and-hyaluronic-acid/
Glad to hear about this – I will look for it, too.
https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/16639/view/trumpet-lichen-sem
We came across these wonderful looking trumpet lichens the other day, on a grave. They are tiny really, imagine a very newly sprouted seed. Autumn leaves are still the predominant scent here: silver birch, oak and poplar but the gum trees are still beautifully fragranced. It has been such a settled autumn that the leaves have not blown off the trees and so everything is still golden dappled.
So, we have one active covid case in the country, with no new cases for over a week ( and none down here for a month) and we are at level 2: universities closed and all online ( though eesidential halls have reopened), schools open; restrictions on gatherings, social distancing, border still closed , signing in if you go to a shop but more freedom for domestic travel than before and hospitals beginning elective surgery. Apparently 89% of those surveyed say they prefer working from home . Winter is approaching so there is an awareness of the flu season.
I have probably worn less perfume as I am sharing the house during the day but Alex should go back to the lab soon.
I have read some terrific books:Philippe Sands East-West St He is an international lawyer and the book is about the origins of genocide and crimes against humanity in the Nurenberg trials, and his personal family connection through his Jewish family.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/22/east-west-street-origin-genocide-crimes-against-humanity-philippe-sands-review
Those lichen are adorable.
I keep reading about your ONE case and thinking how weird it must be to be that person!!
It is interesting…whether it will be eliminated here and stay at zero or whether the decrease in restrictions ( distancing, gatherings, travel), might bring an increase in cases. The pressure is on between those who want to keep restrictions for another three weeks to monitor the “tail” of the virus and those who want to open up businesses etc. The country has been pretty united in its response so far but there are cracks.
I wish we just had “cracks”, but no, more like chasms.
Songs of the day:
https://youtu.be/wzEzpCx8p74
https://youtu.be/VWg_g7-sIn0
1. I’d say that New Jersey is at a 3. Beaches were re-opened for the Memorial Day weekend, and it seems that people behaved themselves for the most part. Schools are still closed, although now outdoor graduation/commencement ceremonies are being permitted in July for K – 12 schools. Salons, gyms, and restaurants are still closed, although some restaurants and breweries are doing take-out.
2. I am still at 4.5 personally. I haven’t even been taking walks outside in my neighborhood, which is probably not so good. However, between the roofers and increased people traffic on the sidewalks, I have decided that being antisocial is probably a good thing.
3. Sort of? I did buy perfume from both Soivohle and SSS during lockdown, to try and support their businesses. Another perfume buy was strictly too good an opportunity to pass up.
4. Not really. The amount of perfume and scented body products I use has stayed constant. However, I have noticed I’ve gravitated toward comforting scents, and avoided challenging ones.
5. Our blackberry canes started blooming when they were in the back of our truck. And everyone’s car is covered with pollen from the Pine Barrens.
6. Something good and/or sanity saver? Cutting WAY down on news consumption. My engaged friend used her stimulus check to pay for her wedding gown. I haven’t seen it in person yet, since those kinds of visits are still being discouraged. But the pictures she posted were gorgeous. Hopefully soon! And a successful launch for Space X earlier today. I got goosebumps seeing that rocket lift off.
I enjoyed watching your song of the day video! It’s been forever since I’ve seen it.
I see that Def Leppard video quite a bit!
Glad people behaved! Could not believe the images from Ocean City MD.
Pictures I saw from the NJ Boardwalks down the Shore had too many people for my personal taste. But a lot of folks were wearing face masks.
Rehoboth looked partially masked, and way less crowded than Ocean City.
Was thinking I might go to Rehoboth in June but not at all sure…I want to get on a beach, but I also want to do things I won’t be able to do, like eat in restaurants and shop. Might be less frustrating to stay home.
1) We’re at a 3
2) I’ve taken walks and gone to the store and had to take the subway for work, but always wear a mask (usually an N95) when out, and use hand sanitizer like it’s a nervous tic.
3) a couple of Lush solids when I ordered my Lush hair and soap staples. I also got a Lush gift card from my sibs for my bday this week, so I have my eye in Big body spray (I love the conditioner. One of my favorite beachy smells).
4)I stopped wearing perfume when I worked in-patient, and now wear close-to-skin scents wfh since the asthmatic kitty is always close by.
5)Lindens are starting their thing. Lots of weeds! A few lilacs and roses in the neighborhood.
6) It’s been a tough week emotionally and felt similar to apsara, but I had some nice catch-ups with friends, and have enjoyed going through Maria DeCotis’ Instagram page. She lip syncs Gov Cuomo with some added ohysical comedy, and she’s hilarious.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CAaR5QDn896/?igshid=1seablfbihskj
Maria DeCotis is wonderful! A friend who has a teenaged daughter loved this one:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_puE8HH1s7/
I sent that to my brother because he has a 20 yo daughter ehose name is Moriah!
Those clips are so clever! ?
She’s pretty funny ?
Happy Birthday to you! I hope the year ahead brings lots of good times and happy moments as life ooens up again.
Thanks Kanuka! I hope so, too!
How has your kitty been doing with the recent pollen counts? Does that bother her?
We did let her go ourside in the back on a couple of nice days and she seemed fine, but then her wheezing episodes started increasing, so no more outside ? We did get an air purifier, and I have no idea if that’s making a difference. I think she’s sensitive to mold because her episodes seem more active after rainy days.
Arlington just moved from Phase 0 to Phase 1 of reopening. As an old lady perfumista, I’m still self-isolating.
Why, yes, I have bought a few things because of the pandemic; why do you ask? ?
I saw beautiful peonies earlier in the week, and some lovely roses, too.
Some people are making creative use of the extra time on their hands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss-P4qLLUyk
I also loved this news item:
In Key West, Florida, graduating seniors in caps, gowns, and masks picked up their diplomas by riding a Jet Ski out to a boat where their principal, also masked, hands it to them via a reacher-grabber.
https://twitter.com/craigtimes/status/1266353731622391808
Whoever thought this up deserves a prize!
EXCELLENT. Don’t see why you couldn’t do something similar on land…skateboards, mopeds, bikes?
I was thinking Key West had a huge advantage (and they do), but you’re right! Clever people could make socially distanced graduations fun and special anywhere if they set their minds to it. ?
I should clarify: on Arlington’s scale, 0 was everything shut down except essential services. You could get curbside pickup or delivery from restaurants, and you could walk outdoors, but many parks were closed. (So we were always less locked down than countries where you couldn’t go outdoors except to buy food or walk a dog.)
I think elective surgery was allowed to resume during phase zero when hospitals had capacity.
In phase one, masks are mandatory indoors (except in your own home). Restaurants can have outdoor seating, with tables six feet apart and other precautions. You can get a hair cut by appointment, with masks. Nonessential businesses can open but need to maintain social distancing; telework is still encouraged. Gyms can have outdoor classes.
1. Probably a 1.5? Everything is open. You are legally supposed to wear masks but many people don’t. One of the bosses at my company apparently makes fun of people who wear masks (even though it’s legally required) at the office, so most people in my circle have sadly succumbed to the peer pressure and stopped wearing them. I’ve never realized until now how important laws are that protect employees from their employers.
2. A 4? I’ve only been to doctors appts for my son and twice to the grocery store in two months. But I return to work Monday. I was supposed to return before but got a reprieve while we waited on some medical news.
3. I have bought lots of art supplies for the kids and me, but no perfume- yet! I think it’s coming.
4. I’m wearing waaaaay more. More sprays, applying more often, really present in the wearing. Perfume has been a pure joy lately and brought so much comfort.
5. We don’t have flowers really on the farm I’m staying on but the greenery of the trees is amazing.
6. Good things: i was able to try a virtual reality headset this week. We took a day off mid week and went kayaking in the inter coastal and managed to find a spot with no people to launch from— super great. So much fun! And best of all we finally received normal test results on my son, who has had some unexplained medical stuff for months and odd blood results. Feeling quite thankful.
That boss sounds really irresponsible
#6 Super
#1 it’s called bullying and he should be reported. Also, someone should rat out to OSHA for a surprise visit. We call them “dawn raids” and have strict protocols on what to say and do (if possible, hold them off until legal counsel can be present).
I feel your #1. I won’t go on about how hospitals nationwide have put the lives of staff and patients alike at risk. I have become very embittered by the entire handling of this pandemic. As have many others, I’m sure.
People like your boss should be held accountable for that type of behavior. It has deadly consequences.
Same.
Wonderful news about yours son. ❤️
That’s great about your son!
Excellent news about your son!
Went kayaking again this morning. The weather looked not so great at my house and forecast was 60F and cloudy. Thought about cancelling. Went instead, and had a delightful paddle, clouds and all.
Enjoying my new purse spray of HdP 1740 today. That was a good discovery during my leather week.
1. I think we’re a 2.5.
2. A 3. I’m going out to exercising, but still avoiding stores and will WFH indefinitely. I live with my 85 yo grandmother, so we are very conservative. We have some friends and relatives in our yard for very small social-distanced gatherings. 1-2x a week we go to our neighborhood outdoor social distanced happy hour (which happens every night).
3. Well, I’d had a good no-buy run for about 4-5 months pre-pandemic. (That said, I fell down the rabbit hole last spring, so 2019 was a year of massive fume acquisition.) I will be making a big confession to Donatella for my post-pandemic purchases. I will partly attribute all of these acquisitions to COVID in the sense that as my world has become more limited (and spending on other activities lessened), scent is a realm of joyful experience even more available to me in lockdown.
4. I’m re-applying more throughout the day with abandon, often changing scents, and have no concerns about wearing my most obnoxious perfumes.
5. I’m very bad with identifying flowers. We have lots of roses in our yard. Our California poppies are out-and-about. Saw wild irises a few weeks ago on a hike. We have giant shrubs of something called Speedwell (Veronica) with spiked clusters of purple flowers (took some google sleuthing to come up with the name for you). Lots of other gorgeous things in the neighborhood.
I love veronicas — the purple ones, but especially the white ones — don’t know why I have never planted any.
That is so cool that your neighbors are still doing happy hour every night.
Our neighborhood is older, a lot of retired people and those of us still working are in our forties and WFH, so everyone is very conservative about exposure… plus we live on a cul-de-sac. All of that has produced a very dedicated nightly happy hour crowd!
1. I think I am at a three. We can go outside. Regular retail is allowed to be open, but by appointment only with ten people or less. Restaurant’s are take out only. Salons are still closed. Masks are required. Not everyone wears one though. I do.
2. Personally, I think I’m a four. I only go out for essentials. I am dreading going back to work once my store opens. All my coworkers are ready to go back. I do not want to be around so many people, even with a mask.
3. I haven’t bought any perfume, but not for lack of trying. I just keep talking myself out of it.
4. I’m reading more about perfume than before and watching way to many YouTube perfume video’s. I still wear perfume every day. At least 2 times a day. I am sampling more.
5. I’m not good at identifying flowers,but I’m pretty sure I saw lilacs next to the Wendy’s the other day, and I have dandelions in my back yard. Lol.
6. My mom has been gone almost 9 years , and I get upset with myself for not listening well enough to her, when she would try and teach me cooking skills. Every Christmas, I want to try and make her fudge and cherry cobbler but I can’t recall the recipes. The other day attempting to clean the basement Again, I came across a paper bag. In it was all newspaper clippings of Ann Landers, Erma Bombeck, Cartoons, and 2 pieces of paper holding my mom’s recipes, hand written! You guys, I’m typing this through tears. It was such a gift. If I can’t make the fudge turn out right, I will give you bakers here the recipe and you can just send me some, lol! ?
Sotd Tocca Stella.
That is such a gift to find your Mom’s treasured recipes. Childhood memories! Sending you hugs, lillyjo!
What a find, lillyjo! That paper bag is a time capsule, and the recipes are priceless. Enjoy!
fingers crossed on the fudge! And glad you found those hand written recipes to give you comfort.
How wonderful to find those recipes!
So happy for you to have found your mother’s recipes, I’m sure you will do her proud when you try them.
That was nice to find your mum’s recipes. It is amazing how powerful an emotional trigger handwriting is (compared to typed ).
Wow, that’s absolutely incredible. Congrats on finding those recipes!
I tried making fudge once, and it was an epic failure. It came out more like hot fudge sauce. Never did set up.
How wonderful to find those recipes of your mom’s! Please update us when you try them.
1. Well by Robin’s Rules, we were at a 3 and are moving to a 2, more or less.
2. But I’m at a 4 and sticking with it. I left our little residential community twice in May, once to go to Costco and once to rescue husband when he had gone on a too-long bike ride 🙂 He goes out grocery shopping about every 2 weeks. We will both be WFH indefinitely.
3. Errrr. Not ready to confess yet. But I will say that, uh, 100% of my purchases so far this quarter have been blind buys. That’s my version of living dangerously.
4. I’m wearing fragrance just as often and at the same dosage as usual, but I will say I can’t muster up the interest in trying out the samples I have sitting here. Dunno why, because it’s not like I’m sticking to wearing only old favorite scents or comfort scents or whatever, I just have not been in the mood to sample.
5. Blooming! Well the daffodils are about done. My hummingbird sage is starting to bloom. It’s a California native, and I have two colors: fuschia and pale yellow. Sticky monkeyflower is blooming too — I have orange, yellow, and two-tone pink versions of that. And my most favorite native tree is starting to bloom too — California buckeye. I love the white candles of flowers.
6. The best food discovery I’ve made during this stay-at-home time is powdered buttermilk. Works like a charm in baked goods and even pancakes when you don’t have fresh milk or buttermilk on hand. For fun, just finished reading/re-reading the Murderbot series by Martha Wells. Just finished watching Orphan Black, and just started The Durrells in Corfu. Have been working WAY too much (not helpful for sanity) but did get out for a hike on one of our local trails last weekend. Saw 4 banana slugs down by the creek. Go slugs!
Heh … Mr. G graduated from US Santa Cruz. The Fighting Banana Slugs, or something. Those things are really gross. 🙂
Oops – UC Santa Cruz. Stupid autocorrect.
How has living dangerously in the perfume world worked out for you? Happy with the blind buys?
Our local is the bottlebrush buckeye, which I adore but which is really too massive to plant in my own yard.
And on #4, just wanted to say that the things I can’t tolerate, get interested in, or worry about during the pandemic are all surprises to me.
I went to BC when I was twelve and stayed near Mission in the country and was absolutely astounded by banana slugs. They were huge! Like yellow courgettes and everyhwere. Why????
SOTD = CDG Series 2: Red Carnation (16) and Papillon Anubis (I was decanting and I got blowback)
I wanted to see how long 16 sprays would last because it has very very poor longevity on me but the experiment will need to be repeated.
For those wondering about visiting the dentist, here’s an article you may want to read:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/amid-coronavirus-concerns-dentists-face-a-fraught-road-to-reopening/2020/05/28/187f5e30-9909-11ea-ac72-3841fcc9b35f_story.html
I wouldn’t. At Family Zoom this afternoon, my brother said his dental health was helped by 2 things his periodontist recommended: using 2 different electric toothbrushes (switching every few days or so) and using G.U.M. Expanding floss.
As to the poll questions:
1. We’re at a 4 and moving quickly to a 3. Restaurants are still takeout only and malls are still closed but stores can do curbside deliveries. More people can now congregate indoors; my church is still only holding services online but have begun to let us know what steps they’re taking when it opens up, including possibly no singing ?.
2. I’m at a 4.5 and may continue to be so for a while. I do make the rounds of groceries, sometimes just 1, other times as many as 4. I also try to only shop 1x per week and I’ve managed this perhaps 50% of the time. I’ve gone out for walks although not this week as I’ve been busily decanting for swaps. I will not be eating at restaurants for a long while. I wear a mask every time I am outside for longer than a few minutes.
3. I’ve been my usual naughty self. I do pounce on discount codes.
4. I’ve used a minimum of 8 sprays of whatever fragrance I decide to wear for the day (normally, the 8 sprays is reserved for a small number of office appropriate perfumes). I typically don’t re-spritz during the day, similar to when I’m at the office.
5. I’ve decanted all swap perfumes EXCEPT for the Jorum and Maison Lancôme discovery sets, which I will do tomorrow and during the week if I don’t get around to finishing. I had intended to mail all packages today except for the ones with a discovery set; however, I had to join a meeting unexpectedly this morning and managed to prepare and mail out 4. I went to the post office and there was a long line; thank goodness a worker asked if there were people just dropping off prepaid packages and I whooped. The next time I can get to the post office is next Saturday so tomorrow, I will drop 2 relatively easily replaceable packages into a mailbox at the train station as that seems to be the only mailbox around here where the slot can still fit a package.
16 sprays!!!
I live in an area that is a cluster of towns and there is no uniformity. So we were at what I guess is a 3 or a 4, where you were only supposed to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, but you could also exercise near your home outside. A town over was at a 5. In fact in both towns people were out much more than that and in my town they instituted a masks always law, but it isn’t really enforced. Some restaurants are doing delivery and we have shifted a bit so that curb side take out is possible.
All of that said, I have gone almost no where. I was around a lot of people in March, a number of whom turned out to have the virus, and I really did not want to spread it to elderly neighbors or others. Other than going to another place we have that has outdoor space, haven’t gone farther than the yard. It’s amazing how much I don’t mind. And I know how lucky I am to be able to do this.
I do get panicky, but I think that’s the situation – all the situations – as much if not more than the staying locked down. My person goes to the store once a week, and he goes out to pick up our CWA. So I am also lucky to have him. (He even did some deliveries for students of mine who have health issues that require them to stay safely away from stores. Although the distancing protocols now in place make shopping much safer than it was.)
I really worry places are opening up too soon, but very much hope that I am wrong.
Perfume is a refuge and a delight. I’ve been wearing the same three things for almost three months, but I smell good!
Not buying a lot because of other expenses, but I’ve got plenty hoarded. And I have bought from smaller stores on line.
Irises are coming up, lilacs smelling great even though they don’t look like much, and poppies!
That’s my cheer!
Same three items of clothing. Many many different perfumes!
? same clothes, different perfumes!
Amy, sounds like you had lots of exposure, so lucky you didn’t get it! I still don’t know anyone personally who has had it. My husband got tested on Friday for no real reason that I understand, and said afterwards that waiting in line for an hour (6 feet apart, but still) was as much exposure to other people as he’s had this whole time, so that’s sorta funny.
1. Here in the UK we are less ‘united’ than I think we’ve ever been in my lifetime, sadly. I live in the north east of Scotland & our esteemed First Minister seems to be having a pop at the UK Prime Minister every chance she gets. Lockdown here was ever so slightly eased at the end of the week, but the message is still ‘stay at home’ & people in our area appear to be abiding by that, so I’d go with a 4.
2. Since the slight easing of lockdown is so new, we are still being cautious, but equally as we are both retired, there’s no need to go out the same way as it was when we were both working.
3. it’s been a long time since I bought anything – being retired means I don’t use perfume on a daily basis – I do miss doing so, &
think I’ll start using again for my weekly supermarket trip!
4. We have bluebells in the woods at the back of our house – gorgeous! My favourite flower, & we have some poking through the fence from our neighbour’s garden – assume this is courtesy of birds/insects pollinating as she’s no more a gardener than we are!
Current liquid soap in the kitchen is a Carex one – macadamia oil & vanilla – it’s absolutely lovely, & although vanilla doesn’t usually sit well on my skin, though I love the scent, this one seems fine. Rose doesn’t sit well either, though again I love it, & the only rose fragrance I’ve tried that doesn’t smell horrible on me is Perfumer H’s Rose Green.
Hope everyone here is coping OK with the current situation. I feel very fortunate that we are both retired, & that my husband, who worked in our local supermarket after being made redundant from the oil & gas industry (& there’ll be a lot more of that coming) is no longer doing so.
Carolyn, pretty much the same here in the US. I have been reading and listening to podcasts about the Spanish flu pandemic, and was surprised to learn how much the same it was…bickering between countries, protests in the streets against masks and other restrictions, etc etc. Made me feel a little better, at least it isn’t a sign that things are worse, perhaps?
I love bluebells ; they seem magical somehow.
Catching up on posts right now. My family and I were thinking of going to Holden Aurboratum today but realized that it’s pretty much by appointment right now and you have to schedule it a week in advance. So that’s out. So we are trying to see if there is a Plan B. Spending the morning in vintage BaV but will switch to either Lyric or no 5 or no 22 today.
That is similar to what Winterthur Gardens in Delaware is apparently going to do, starting Monday. Hoping it is not too hard to get a last minute weekday reservation.
Hope you found a good plan B!
So funny! Some of the Winthurs have b&b in CT, under a different name. The family is really nice.
Ah, here, Winterthur is one of the old DuPont estates 🙂
Had my morning walk and have upped it to three miles. That and staying away from all news and mention of the pandemic is keeping me sane which is not easy given my average of 50 teleconferences per week ( that’s correct…FIFTY per week ????).
Starting to kinda lose interest in perfume these days. I’ve been wearing it pretty much daily for 50 years but I’m just not that excited about it at the moment.
Be safe everyone.
Until next time.
Any thoughts on why you might be losing interest?
Honestly I don’t really know. At the onset I was doing lots of testing and plowed through and thunked a whole bunch of samples. But now I am just staring at my perfume bottles. I forced myself yesterday to put on a dab of vintage Shalimar EDC. Maybe it’s the pre-work ritual and now that I am working from home it’s less of a necessity?
I’m avoiding the news too. Hopefully when things calm down at work (I know that could be a long wait…) your perfume mojo will come back. But if not, there’s always chocolate and marzipan to bring us joy! 🙂
I’m sure it will come back eventually. I love this idea of focusing on food though ??. Especially chocolate and marzipan. Yum!!!!
I experienced the same loss in interest in perfume quite recently,I think it does come and go…glad to have my enthusiasm back,and enjoying what I already have in my collection.
Don’t be a stranger,B!
XO
I won’t! I promise to pop in every once in a while.
hiya, cm8! your perfume mojo is just taking a break. It will be back and better than ever. 😉
I had a period when I thought I was finished with perfume a couple years ago. After a few scentless days I really missed perfume but didn’t have the mental energy to choose. So I put a few bottles on my dresser, hid the rest away, and enjoyed the same few scents over and over again for a while.
Yes, I expect it’s a temporary glitch. Thanks for your insight ???
I hope your walk brought you the calm you need. 50 teleconferences a week sounds absolutely dreadful. Maybe that’s why you’re losing interest in perfume? You’re too stimulated in vision/ hearing and your brain needs less input?
(Wild speculation. I just know that I find virtual meetings far more exhausting than in person meetings of the same length.)
Yes, virtual meetings with different people and technological glitches is exhausting. I would much rather do in person.
I think you may be on to something with the overstimulation.
Hugs, chocolatemarzipan!
Hugs back ?❤️❣️
I noticed that sometimes when I feel bored with perfume I will start getting into the olfactory through other mediums- like incense or spices. Are you experiencing something like that? Just done with perfume but not other kinds of scents?
Yes!! Very into eating these days…food is my new source of comfort. Also really enjoying the scent of nature every morning. And my Vitabath green gelee in the shower or even the simplicity of Dove Soap.
I think Montreal is at a 2/3. Individual stores with entrances to the street are open, no malls. Salons, gyms, restaurants, public restrooms, pools, libraries, all still closed. Masks are recommended in enclosed spaces but not required.
I’ve been mostly staying home, the only real change to my activities since I am retired is no more yoga studio classes. We still go to Costco, but less often. I walk the dog every day in the park.
Perfume use is a bit less, since I’m not meeting up with friends or going anywhere, but I still wear it every day. I bought a few things at the Neiman Marcus sale. Honestly my desire to shop for anything at all has pretty much cratered. I wear the sme things all the time and feel like I have too much of everything. I have several boxes of stuff to donate.
The lilacs are blooming and I’m enjoying them as usual. And I made my first pie of the year last week, apple, and it came out perfect! 🙂
No perfume yet but I’m feeling like something floral, maybe Hiram Green Voyage 2019.
Ooo pie!! Please pass me a virtual slice ?. Voyage 2019 was my favorite followed by Slowdive.
I really miss yoga. I guess I’m going to have to give up and try online yoga, I just can’t seem to do more than 20 minutes on my own.
Points for trying!
🙂
Miss yoga classes so much! Just got an email from my gym that they’re going to have some outdoor kickboxing and boot camp sessions, neither of which interest me. Hope they’ll offer outdoor yoga soon.
The few times I’ve done Yoga with Adriene at home, I’ve liked it fine, but lack motivation to keep at it.
??
This was meant for Lillyjo underneath my post!
Sotd!Mugler Miroir de Majestes…so cozy in the colder weather!
Thank you for all the awesome messages yesterday!Much appreciated!
Level 3 lockdown with the easing of restrictions starts tomorrow,and you can feel a sense of excitement in the air.There is still a lot of restrictions in place,but as I mentioned,SA is handling it pretty well.
Stay safe everyone!
??
You stay safe, too!
SOTD: Fracas, the newer black label, a surprising find at “Plato’s Closet.”
1. Rate the virus-related restrictions in your area: maybe a 3.5? Lots of masks, but a push to get restaurants and small shops going again. We are a small college town and many people depend on local businesses.
2. If your area is opening up, are you continuing to restrict your own movements / exposure? What number would you assign to your own freedom of movement?
I am ready to go. I am “high risk” in some ways, and keep a mask on in small spaces, but overall I am a 4.
3. Are there any fragrances you bought, or didn’t buy, just because of the pandemic? I suspect I bought Mon Guerlain Florale because of the stay in place, IDK???
4. Did your general fragrance-use habits change during the pandemic, and if so, how? As others have said, I got more edgy at work, because our (essential) office was appointment only, and we were spread out in the building so I was more than 20 feet away from any co-worker unless we were talking.
4. What’s blooming in your local area at the moment? I have been nursing along a dictamnus and it filled out and bloomed very nicely. It is known for being fussy and slow to establish, so I am hoping it will take off next year. Also, my holly tree, as I mentioned above. They are wonderfully fragrant and attract so many bees they hum on a warm spring afternoon. They also have a funny habit of loosing their leaves in the spring! While they are blooming and growing new leaves!
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. I am going light with this one: I have kept our suet feeder full, and we are seeing so many beautiful woodpeckers this year!
Had to google dictamnus, that is gorgeous!
Hi all!
1. Restrictions around a 2. Not much has really changed. Things about to open up to a 3-4 very, very soon. I’m nervous.
2. I’m around a 1.5. I leave the house for a walk with my dog. I will change to go to an important appointment that I put off.
3. Not intentionally not purchasing perfume, but reading a lot more about perfume. Saving up for a bottle of POAL. A lot of saving! Recently purchased three perfumes after a long dry spell. Vintage Sacre de Caron, Oceana and LaVanilla Vanilla.
A lovely lady sent me an almost empty bottle of a vintage Sacre once and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head for years.
And I cancelled my Scentbird subscription, so that should count.? I did get to try lots of different fragrances but don’t need any more and storage?
4. I’ve been spraying lots of old fragrances that I have found from decluttering. So, same spritzing, different perfumes.
5. Dandelions are blooming!!!!
Lilacs and some lily of the valley are popping up! Fragrance!
6.
Fun and happy.
I finally bought a scanner and am going to do all the slides and negatives. I have a LOT! It ought to be an interesting project.
Have a fantastic, fragrant weekend!
What a great idea to scan all your negatives…good luck!
I attended a virtual perfume event this morning organized by Tigerlily in SF. There were 60 attendees—maybe some fellow NSTers were there?
We were all sent (for a reasonable fee) something like 15 different perfume ingredients, test strips, and samples of two perfumes from the house hosting the event: Villa de Parfums in Grasse. The perfumes were actually created and manufactured by Molinard. Villa de Parfums is a charitable venture benefiting at risk children in Grasse.
I really enjoyed the event. It was so helpful to be able to sniff some of the individual components so I can better identify them in the future. Often perfumes have so many ingredients, including florals I’ve never sniffed in real life (or don’t have a scent memory of), that I really can’t pick everything out.
Anyway, they said they’d be doing more events in the future with other perfumers, so recommend getting on the email list if you’re not already and you have interest.
That sounds like a lot of fun. I should look into it. Thanks ?
That sounds really great! Will get on their list
First day of winter!! And rabbits! Went for a nice stroll along the Leith (river) yesterday and saw trout and lots of swallows skimming and darting abive the water. It is windy this morning and the leaves are blowing about.
One of the minor things I miss about lockdown is carrying nice bags. I have always like bags for some reason and have quite a few …everything from vintage tooled leather with horses to backpacks to Jerome Dreyfuss . I always carry a notebook, book to read , money, cards, “essentials” like coloured pencils …i.e. 5kg of junk. It is difficult to justify carrying a bag when you are spending most of the day on the couch or at the kitchen table.
Twilly. Forgot to mention perfume!
Wow, very sorry I googled Jerome Dreyfuss and hope I forget all about it by the end of the day!
Hello all! Greetings from Malaga, where we spent most of the day with a grey sky and occasional thunder, with the sun finally breaking through in the evening just in time for mys escape into the open air.
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.*
So, Malaga city and province is about to go into Spain’s ‘phase 2’ de-escalation tomorrow. I guess this is somewhere between 3 and 4 on Robin’s scale. The big difference for us is that, instead of exercise being confined to 06:00-10:00 OR (not AND) 20:00-23:00, we can go out any time except for the hours reserved for old folk (10-12 and 19-20). The beaches will open, with social distancing, yay! (no swimming though). We can also go out any time to any shop or restaurant that is open. Shopping centres may open with 30% occupancy – don’t ask me how they calculate. I think restaurants will be able to have inside tables at 50% occupancy and 2m distancing – up to now, only takeaway allowed (since phase 0) and outside seating with restrictions (since phase 1).
However, we still can’t travel within Spain outside the province, while international travel – for me anyway – is out of the question until 01 July when the borders will open to inbound flights. That is, even if I could fly out right now, I would not be allowed back in.
2. If your area is opening up, are you continuing to restrict your own movements / exposure? What number would you assign to your own freedom of movement?
I am working from home so, practically, I’m chained to the laptop Monday to Friday anyway. At weekends I don’t think I’ll do need to add any additional restrictions as Spain is quite strict anyway. I’m probably more fussy about wearing my mask at all times than 50% of the locals, who ‘only’ wear masks on public transport or crowded areas. But the other 50% are just as strict as I am.
3. Are there any fragrances you bought, or didn’t buy, just because of the pandemic?
Both the alarm of the pandemic, and the initial worry that my job might go, put me off thinking about new perfume altogether and I’m still disinclined to buy any. I have loads already in any case. :^D
4. Did your general fragrance-use habits change during the pandemic, and if so, how?
A few nice bottles are now stuck in Dusseldorf, but I have been rotating though the majority of my collection here. I have been very bad at keeping up with NST and doing the Community Projects, which I used to enjoy.
4. What’s blooming in your local area at the moment?
We are just past the jacaranda trees, which were beautiful – we are lucky enough to have two right by our apartment block.
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…
I walk on the beach, through the surf, almost every evening, or stand motionless watching the waves for ages. It is so relaxing – I used to love Scheveningen beach for the same reason. Anyone living near The Hague, go and have some fried fish and a glass of wine in Hart Beach for me. ;^) Here, the local chiringuito has just re-opened after being closed since March. I am planning to tip extra all Summer as our favourite restaurants will have had a shocking 2nd quarter.
I enjoyed following some NST links as I caught back on days I missed. Jiji’s “ice saints” took me on a meander through late Roman Gaul. When I was younger I didn’t care for anything after Marcus Aurelius but Peter Heather’s excellent history of the late empire brought it to life for me.
Austenfan’s comment on Jane Austen made me smile. @austenfan – did you ever read Thackeray’s “Vanity Fair”? Jane Austen likes her heroines but laughs at their foibles. Thackeray, I feel, ends up thinking his heroine is a goody-two-shoes drip (spoiler: he’s right, she so is, and the proof is I can’t even remember her name) and has more sympathy for the vivacious, scheming villainess Becky Sharp :^D
I spend more time on Twitter than is good for me. It is not always edifying. I am trying to edit my feed, dropping UK content and looking for Spanish or international stuff that is more relevant to my future than my past. I recommend the @131 weeks account for ‘live’ tweeting the Irish war of independence 100 year ago. Virtual hugs to all in the US for what you are going through now, and to the UK for the resurgence of the pandemic that must surely be on its way. Was it @Cazaubon who shared the word ‘kakistocracy’ on Friday? I will name no names, in line with wise NST policy, but until very recently turning a developed country into a failed state was an ambitious strategy for foreign governments, not the daily boast of one’s own.
Anway, a long post, sorry. Tomorrow is a public holiday in Germany so my client is shut and I have a day off that is not a holiday here in Spain. Looking forward to hitting a few shops and buying some clothing basics to replace unglamorous stuff that literally fell apart from old age during the lockdown. I hope y’all have a good week. :^)
Correction – we are heading to a 2 on Robin’s scale, which I should have read before referring to it. :^D
I think I may have read VF when still at school, but I can’t remember much about it. I do remember reading Tom Jones, which was a lot of fun. Did you find my quote from Persuasion that I put after your comment of Fridays SOTD post?
Spain has been hit particularly badly, but then again so has the UK. It must be nice to get some freedom of movement again.
And good for you for trying to keep your favourite restaurants afloat!
Yes, thanks, its is a very ‘austenesque’ quote, and I am sure we have all done our fair share of pretty musings on our way to getting our bubbles burst for us. :^)
It was a great quote. So many great lines in the novel.
Restrictions all seem to be relative – I would put my area at a 3. Most people are wearing masks in the grocery store. I work in healthcare so I have been wearing a mask for months.
I would put myself at a 3-4. My life has not changed much for routine, still going to work. I go to the grocery store fairly freely but not other places for the most part – though work and the grocery store were 90% of my outings, even before the pandemic. I ate in a fast food restaurant once in the last 2 weeks. I have taken to eating a snack in my car for lunch since I drive around all day and there is no place to eat.
No change in perfume buying. I just ordered a bottle of Narciso Rodriguez Musc – white bottle. I have the EDT and EDP but the original musc version was off the market when I first got into perfume. I wanted to try the white version and bought it untested, so could be a bust. I am trying to buy 1 or 2 bottles a year only, since I have so much already.
I went scentless much of the last week, since I had a few days off and spent them working in the yard getting dirty and smelly but otherwise no real change.
I have noticed some beautiful cactus flowers on my walks in the neighborhood.
Good recently – I am finally – with literally years of intent- starting to landscape my yard. I am working hard on my husband to hire a company to help us. He is very reluctant to hire anyone for any reason, resulting in lots of angst and unfinished and undone tasks.
Good luck with the yard, Zephyr2! I know that battle well 🙂