Hump Day, folks, plus National Lipstick Day and International Tiger Day. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm in Terre d'Hermès Eau Très Fraîche.
Reminder: on 7/31, we're doing best of summer...wear the perfume you're reaching for the most this summer. (If it's winter where you are, wear the perfume you're reaching for the most this winter.)
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2020, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image is Pablo Fernandez for Hermès Spring Summer 2020.
I’m wearing Vetiver Tonka, from a sample. Maybe it should be sprayed.
I enjoy vétiver tonka, but it is not very intense even when you spray it.
Definitely sprayed. Multiple hajusuuri-like sprays, and you’ll be good!
Isn’t everything better sprayed?
I love vetiver Tonka, but it’s subtle, like the whole hermessance line. You smell great!
Not trying to be contrary, but there are a number of fragrances I prefer dabbed.
Really? Can you name some and why?
Off the top of my head, Parfums de Nicolai Balle de Match — perhaps sprayed I find the top notes overwhelming? Not really sure why but I have always decanted before wearing.
Hi all!
I’m in Twilly Eau Poivree today. I know pink pepper can be a dreaded inclusion sometimes but this one is truly lovely and combines with a gorgeous transparent rose. One could do a lot worse in a department store.
Stay safe all!
That sounds nice, I’m partial to a little pink pepper sparkle, myself.
I have almost finished my Twilly and I have the body lotion which is really good ( neither are the pink pepper version, but the original). The lotion creates a nice background that lasts all day.
Hiram Green Moon Bloom from the sample pack. Very nice this one.
Not usually a white floral sort of person, but this one I like. It’s stays pretty close to the skin on me, which is a positive in my book. I don’t like the massive projection on many jasmin / tuberose / gardenia perfumes.
However – it’s not ‘ME’. As with all tuberose / jasmin / gardenia scents I’ve tried, my impression is that it wears me more than I wear it.
“Very nice this one,” makes me think that is how Yoda would describe a perfume.? I’ve never tried that one, tuberose scents wear me too.
? very nice this one is. wear it again i must.
I have yet a non-bossy bwf, with the possible exception of Arquiste Boutonniere.
I’ve decided I like the bossy bwf’s best! Carnal flower, Jasmine Full, etc, etc. It’s their maximalist nature that appeals to me!
go you! I envy you your perfume style.
Maybe it’s admirable. Or maybe it just means I’m not as considerate as I could be. ?
bossy bwf is a great description for them!
Have you tried Ostara? Not bossy on me at all. It’s one of my favorite bwfs. It’s like a mediumwf.
Tuberose scares me
this made me laugh
I know exactly what you mean. With most BWFs, I just feel like I’m wearing someone else’s perfume. The exception is Tubereuse Criminelle, but it took me awhile to find it and be ready for it.
glad you found your bwf. maybe the is one out there just for me. a good excuse to keep looking and trying, don’t you think?
There is definitely one out there for you. Enjoy the scented journey of exploration! ?
Oh, been meaning to try it for ages!
I’m with you on BWFs. I’ve said before, tuberose talks trash about me and gardenia listens to everything she says.
Legit LOLed.
?
I love this!
You smell awesome. I love Moon Bloom, it has a laid back vibe to me.
I have mixed feelings about bwf
Sometimes I need a bit of oomph in my life..then i wear tuberose. But tuberose also has the ability to overstay its welcome.
Gardenia is seldom on top of mind, i dont have any gardenia scents. ?
But jasmine is well represented in my collection!
Finding a white floral that suits you can be a lot of fun. Means that you get to sniff more samples. ?
Too hot here! ?Guerlain Vetiver to the rescue! I keep forgetting how good it is. I should wear it more often.
Happy Wednesday!
The Guerlain Vetiver is so good!
It is! So refreshing and one of the few vetivers I can wear without annoying me.
Nice choice for a hot day (or any day!).
Thank you! It definitely works on any season. It is a great scent!
It is so good and I was thinking the same thing, should wear it more often. I wore it yesterday and it was fantastic in the heat we are having!
I already moved the bottle to the front of my perfume cabinet. I see myself wearing it a lot for the rest of the summer.
I did not know that vetiver was a tricky note for you.
I don’t dislike vetiver, but we are not close friends. Annick Goutal Vetiver was too challenging for me. It was a “no, no”.
Gotcha. I’ve tried a couple of massive vetiver perfumes that were definitely for vetiver lovers only. Very smoky!
Profumum Roma Acqua Viva (lemon, lemon, lemon!) over Deep Steep Lavender Chamomile Dry Oil, so there is a light layer of lavender under lemon.
That one IS lemon! You smell great!
Yep, a great 3x lemon!
I am grumpy!
Le labo tea noir post shower to teach more zoom classes and some
Ysl lipstick for lipstick day
Oh no! I have days like that. Hope it passes.
Which color for YSL
I am grumpy too, mostly do to my complaints from yesterday
YSL Tatouage number 39 its a matte chestnut color
I need more color now that hair is gray.
Workshops went well, but still kinda grumpy.
Oh. This — the need for more color — is a concern for me, too, in letting my hair go gray, which is my current plan. My skin is really pale, my brows are still almost black, but without my naturally dark-Brown hair…ghostly.
Hooray – grumpy twins!!! ?
Lots of Hermès today! I’m in Un Jardin En Mediterranee from a decant. I ordered this remembering how much I loved it after I went through a travel spray a few summers ago. I threw a decant of Sur Le Nil in at the last minute too and ironically I’ve been wearing and liking that one more.
Was up early again, a run and more turkeys. The lake was like glass and it’s a gorgeous day so far.? Today is the last day of my 8 day staycation. I’ll work for the next 3 days (which is a week for me) and then on vacation again for another 10 days.?
Enjoy!
Thanks!?
It seemed like those eight days went by at the speed of light! Enjoy the upcoming 10 days of freedom!
They sure did! (always do?)
Thanks!
That really seemed fast! Glad you are getting another ten!
It was!☹️I’m loving this weather, so hoping for more of it next week!?
Sounds like a beautiful run! I’m considering heading over to the river for my run this morning. The water won’t be like glass, but it can be very pretty, with downtown Portland as the backdrop.
Somehow, pretty environs makes the running easier.
Oh I totally agree! Believe me I don’t run for the sake of running, lol. I love being outside and a sunny morning just sets my mood for the day.?
Enjoy your day! And you smell great.
? Double thanks!
Frangipani by Lili Bermuda
A beautiful Chypre fragrance for summer…
National Lipstick Day
I am in a nude Chanel lippy, I can wear it at home and I forgot how much I love lipstick!
I’m in a fuchsia Tom Ford lippy with a little nude blotted over it to tone it down for work haha.
your TF lippy sounds sexy
Chanel lipsticks are lovely every time. I always feel fancy wearing them!
I love lipstick and go all out on my two Zoom meetings each week but I don’t see the point of wearing it under a mask. It’s too bad because I look 100% better wearing lipstick and sometimes I wear it at home but not often. At twice a week my collection will last the rest of my life.
I’ve never tried a a Chanel lipstick. I dug out a Besame mini (1970, which I think they also call Chocolate Kiss). It’s okay but has a little bit of an orange undertone that doesn’t completely work for me. Besame made my all-time favorite red, Merlot, which seems to have been discontinued. But most days — that is, most days when I wear lipstick, which is not many anymore — I wear Nars Bahama pencil, often with Nars Velvet Lipglide Bound on top, or I wear Pat McGrath Blonde Venus MatteTrance.
Nars Bound! I love that one. Perfect MLBB, perfect texture. ?
Not sure if you will see this, but may I ask what color your Chanel lippie is? I have an Rouge Allure Ink Fusion 802 Beige Naturel but for some reason think I don’t have enough nude colors!
I have 2 nudes I love , one is mademoiselle the other cecile, for pinky nude legende
Thank you so much!
Woke up in Cormandel, blogged a little bit and working on some kind of game plan. My vacation starts on Saturday and making a shopping list among other things. I did my budget and will be on some limited means until next Thursday. That’s ok, my dad and one of my friends has a birthday that week and I got their gifts already. Spending the afternoon in no 19 edt again. Trying to finish this decant.
Smelling great in Coromandel and No. 19!
Is no 19 going to be a FB purchase after you are done?
I have multiple bottles of no 19 in various formulations. Just have a decant I want to finish off.
Two of my favorite perfumes!
Two wonderful scents!
At least today I put on a proper warm weather scent, or at least not a depths of winter scent— in Promenade des Anglais.
Must. Write. Today.
Have been procrastinating terribly this week, and getting very little done. I will pay for it next week, so have to get my brain in gear.
I’m right there with you on the writing woes. May the muse be with you today
I am back in a reading rut again (not the same as what you are experiencing with writing for work I assume) I am have contemplating more Mary Renault books. I seem to have read most of the “big hits”
) that there is a book out that is very Andre Aciman like (another favorite author of mine) that is set in Poland. Trying to get my reading mojo back. I am reading now one book in the 6 Tudor Queens series by Alison Weir. It’s good, but I am not inspired.
Also a friend mentioned to me yesterday over coffee (from a distance
Oh, I loved Alison Weir’s book about Eleanor of Aquitaine. I read it ages ago, but remember really enjoying it. I think I’ve read others by her, although not the ones you’re currently reading. Maybe your brain just needs a book break? I hope the mojo is just taking a little siesta…
I just want a book that is juicy to sink my teeth into
Have you read Kate Morton the River House? Check it out
I could recommend a series to you that is excellently written and researched, though it’s fiction because the truth is unknown. It’s a series by Edith Pargeter about Llewelyn Fawr, who was the last independent Prince of Wales. It’s “The Borthers of Gwynedd Quartet.” The books are sold individually or bound in one huge 900 page tome. If you’re interested in the Middle Ages at all, give it a whirl. The details of daily life, speech, politics, and courtly intrigue are outstanding.
Thanks all!
In the realm of historical fiction…
I assume you know / have read the Madeleine Miller books? If not they are worth checking out.
I also think Patrick OBrian’s Aubrey-Maturin series is wonderful.
Yes , I have read Madeline Miller, which lead to Mary Renault
For hybrid (vivid historical novel with junky hook that draws you in) reading, have you tried the CJ Sansom’s Shardlake books? I ran out of reading mojo myself after White Tiger, and am now really enjoying the most recent Sansom. The first is Dissolution, which takes place during the period when Henry VIII began deconstructing the monasteries in his bid to wrestle power from the old religious orders. These are fun reads.
If you want something ridiculous, funny and engaging, I would go with Crazy Rich Asians. There are 3 books and it is best to read them in sequence.
There’s a third book now???? Jonesing. Loved the movie adaptation too.
Yep. Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend, Rich People Problems. I liked the movie too. Overall, I think they’re easy reads to reset.
I was going to say exactly what teebear did! I only knew about 2 of the books.
CF for the win today!
NPR News below:
So, life plans are in flux, and I have decided I will do this Travel Nurse gig for about two more years. (If covid doesn’t kill me first!?) Then, I am going to get a 3500 dually, plop my favorite truck camper on top, and do work camping in state and national parks and at National Forest campgrounds. I will be completely debt free, (having paid for the truck and camper upon purchase) the operative word being “free!” The truck will allow me to get where most “regular” camping folks can’t get to, and when I’m in civilization, I won’t have to pay to park a camper (travel trailer, fifth wheel) somewhere.
Ever since I was a kid I’ve wanted to live in a little log cabin in the woods, so it’s strange how these things happen, (with slight detail changes) without really planning for it.
I follow someone on IG who has spent this whole pandemic in national forests, off grid, only going into “civilization” for gas, water, food and to empty his tanks. I’ve quizzed him with all my truck camper life questions, and he’s been a font of information.
I’m sure I’ll be considered a complete nutter by most people, but I don’t care. I’m so excited to start my plan! And I’ll be the best smelling person out in the boonies! ?
Stay safe out there, fragrant folks! ?
Loooove this!
This sounds like the greatest plan ever!
My BFF modeling SOTD-
https://instagram.com/stories/vantasticviews/2364048321722856328?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=gbj0dpc9jigr
Such a gorgeous puppy! I hope she has a bit more of a spring in her step now. ?
I admire your adventurous spirit, Deva. I enjoy my creature comforts enough to know I couldn’t do what you’re doing, but it sure is fun to watch from afar! I hope this comes across right. ?
This is what we’re planning to do next year – get a new truck to put our camper on and go live in the woods. This pandemic has cured me of my attraction to the big city.
Ohh, I’m researching trucks now… I already know what camper I want, and guess what? It’s made in ??! ?
Make sure the truck you get has plenty of room for all your perfume bottles. I’m imaging a HUGE collection! ?
Which camper did you pick? We have a Lance Light. Do let us know what truck yo7 pick too. Currently we have an old Chevy Silverado that needs to be replaced.
I’m looking at Northern Lite campers. I’m still waffling between trucks: gas or diesel? Chevy, Ram, or Ford? It’s definitely going to be a dually for payload and stability. I need to test drive, too. Both Chevy and Ford have new 7.3l gas engines which are unproven, so there’s that. Chevy also has a 10 speed Alison transmission, which is a plus. Ram has the Cummins diesel, but crap 6 speed transmission. I did read that they would also be utilizing and Alison tranny next year, and if that’s true I’ll probably go with that…decisions, decisions…
Ok I did not really know about truck campers and have now looked at Lance and Northern Lite, and I want a truck camper. Only so far we do not even have a truck.
Is your new truck going to need a 5th wheel for the camper?
No, I’m going to get a slide in style truck camper.
So brave, Deva. On all fronts.
I developed a loathing of camping in all its forms as a Girl Scout. My goal is to live near the beach on Cape Cod. Hubs wants Maine, but it’s just too isolated there.
SoTD is PdN Haute Provence, which has been in rotation with No 19 EDP. Trying to achieve calm and chill. This summer is forcing me to have only one of those at a time
I developed a loathing for organized religion because I was forced to go to catholic school, so I get you.
Cape Cod sounds grand! I hope you get there. Maybe you and the hubs could alternate Maine/Cape Cod? ?
I paid for much of college by waitressing in Mt. Rainier National Park. I made good friends with several of the maintenance guys, many of whom lived the off seasons just as you describe–in little cabins off the grid. They were all a bit nutty, but wonderful, creative, interesting people, too. Showed me my first Lehman’s catalog, which became a source of inspiration as I learned to be more self-sufficient in my cooking and lifestyle choices.
I’m definitely not off-grid, but I think there’s somethine wonderful about being truly able to *do it yourself.* Sounds like you have a wonderful vision of autonomy to look forward to!
Sounds lovely…and not nutty at all! My aunt had a plan like this for retirement, though she already lived in Montana and just bought a small place in a town there instead. I’d love the freedom of it.
There’s a small town in Montana that if I ever needed to go into witness protection or something, I would run away to! It has a PERFECT diner, where I’d hope I could work, or at least eat at on a very regular basis.
Wow! That’s really cool – I’m too much of a city girl to ever do this but the idea is nonetheless appealing
Just make it happen if it makes you happy!
That’s going to be a great adventure! Love it! ?
Deva, I admire your bravery and drive to live life on your own terms. You are an inspiriation!
What a great plan!
If anyone can do it, YOU can.
Question – are you viewing camping as work or will you do ad hoc work while camped at National Parks or wherever it is that you’ll be staying?
There is work camping, which is an actual job where you are paid by having free camping and access to power/water/dump stations as well as a smallish hourly wage. There is tremendous variety as different campgrounds need different services- hosting, maintenance, grounds, registration, etc.
If I’m camping on BLM land, which is public land, I can stay for free for a period of time, usually 14 days. No work required, these are public lands, although the government is starting to limit access to these places in certain areas.
Neat. Here’s your moving cabin if you ever want to diversify from your camper or actually, tow this along!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDPD9XBJv9B/?igshid=f91878cr60n8
I love tiny houses and I’m also researching them, and some little piece of land somewhere. But, I really enjoy being small and mobile. I would invest more into the van, but it doesn’t have the clearance I need or the 4X4 option I need to get where I want to go.
I reckon you might enjoy a season working at McMurdo station in Antarctica. The buildings are all pretty ugly ( everyone says it is like an Alaskan mining town) but the surrounding environment is incredible and I think the jobs are really well paid. The down side would be that you would be a bit limited in terms of travel and no dogs. But it is a place that could be good for a summer. No trees though!
Oh, I’ve always wanted to go there and stay for at least a year to get a taste of all the seasons.
The love for Antarctica started after reading this book:
https://blpress.org/books/water-ice-stone/
https://www.amazon.com/Improbable-Eden-Dry-Valleys-Antarctica/dp/1877333077
There is a terrific photographic Bill Green /Craig Potton book of the Dry Valleys. I loved Green’s description of his tent blowing away, leaving him sitting on the ground …it was more funny than scary. I really like his writing. One of the drawbacks of McMurdo – from my brief visits – is that it seemed quite military and large ( couple of thousand people in summer) and noisy compared to Scott Base ( about 100 people). I haven’t been to the South Pole but I think I would miss the wildlife . I would love to spend a year there, too. Everything down there is extraordinary
Ohhh, I’d love to see that book! I bet it’s stunning. ? I love the austerity of both poles. And I love the fact human beings have found ways to live in these inhospitable lands that at first glance seem barren, but upon further investigation, are teeming with life, though it may be only microscopic. I was quite smitten with the “barrenlands” in Canada when I was younger, and the Inuit culture, before it was sadly erased.
This is an amazing plan Deva!!!
EL Sensuous Nude today. It’s a summer fav for me. I’d love small bottle of this, just haven’t gotten around to grabbing one. Definitely don’t need the big bottle but it’s a great, easy scent- a perfect “grab and go”!
Sounds like you need a bottle
Yep! I’d like to stick to 50 ml though!
Hey Kelly C, I have a bottle I got from a freebie meet, if you aren’t in a hurry I’m happy to send it to you. Contact me at opponatrix g mail.
Oh my gosh are you sure? I’d be happy to pay you for it! Emailing you now!
CdG Black for yet another day under the AC. So tired of summer and we have another month to go…
Last night I had a crazy dream I sprayed on 50ml of Memo Tiger’s Nest and could hardly smell it. I even asked others and they could barely smell it either. LOL!
Oh dear, that sounds like an anxiety dream! I hope you get a break from your hot weather soon somehow.
I was thinking the same thing. Common COVID symptom is loss of smell (and I’ve read sometimes it is couple with constant low-grade scent of chemically burning fire). Terrifying!
Not likely, but thanks for the kind thoughts.
???
Here’s to both of us not having any crazy or upsetting dreams tonight!
Back to truck campers ? Have you looked at Host? They wouldn’t work for me because I don’t want slides, but these things are EXPANSIVE! They are understandably quite heavy, so you’d need a dually for sure, but with all the slides open, it’s like a small apartment. You’d be able to fit your entire perfume collection! ??
I heard Lance makes great campers, and the truck camper dude I mentioned also has a Lance. Another to look at it Arctic Fox. Or are you planning on keeping your current Lance, and just looking to get a new truck?
Pop-outs are nice but heavy! My parents had an Arctic Fox and really liked it. We are planning to keep our Lance and just get a new truck. Personally I’d love to have a fifth wheel but my husband is the driver and he hates pulling (parking) any sort of trailer. We have talked about a Sprinter van as well, but the camper is still in good shape so the best choice is just to get a new truck I think.
Dame Mate, Heliotrope & Patchouli and Bite lipstick in Sugar Flower today. Lipstick, blush and perfume all make me happy.
https://www.temptalia.com/product/bite-beauty-crystal-creme-shimmer-lip-crayon/sugar-flower/
No affiliation to Temptalia but she does the best swatches and reviews from high-end to drugstore brands.
Debating getting a couple Becca lipsticks in coral colors from Macys as they have buy 1 get 1 free. Tempted by Blaze and Nectar. Both bright.?I feel like I need all the brightness I can get right now. Big hugs to all of you.
That’s a gorgeous lip color She-ra! I used to read Temptalia a lot more than I do now, since my focus has shifted. ? Love the posts on her colorful hair adventures though.
How do you find the Dame fragrance?
It’s very nice but Dame Minty Man has even more mate and is probably first on my list of FBs from Dame. I also really like Earth Mother and Peach Blossom, Violet & Vanilla. BFMV is also very good but I have so many vanillas. ? decision, decisions. Which are your favorite Dame perfumes?
My favorite Dame is Dark Horse, with BFMV a close second. His face cream is really nice in the winter too.
I do love the Becca lipsticks and lip liners, for what it’s worth!
Thanks for that link–she looks fun! I have bought a bunch of the Color the World lipsticks that get advertised on Facebook a lot for “older women.” They are a pretty nice quality and not at all drying, which I usually have a big problem with (Nars for example, can’t wear them at all.) Unfortunately they are not strongly pigmented, but I have onein a really pretty coral color, Coral Reef, and Foxy, which is a nice true pink.
We must be evil lipstick twins, because I seek out lipsticks that are less pigmented. Have you tried Guerlain Rouge G? They are pricey, but apply like a dream and are moisturizing. The cases are heavy, too.
Yes, I used to do on,y Guerlain products, but it just got too expensive! My one real makeup splurge has been a couple of Dior lipsticks. They are to die for!
AdP Magnolia Nobile.
I’ve only ever smelled this on paper, but I liked it. What do you think of it?
I really enjoy wearing it.
Oooo, you smell good.
Thank you
I’m thinking about giving myself a spritz of vintage Chanel No. 5 edc before my run. . . I like how it blooms when my body heat rises! No. 5 is definitely one of my faves for summer, in any iteration.
Yesterday, I wore a couple summer faves–started in new No. 5 edp, then later, after a shower doubled up in Bronze Goddess body cream plus a heavy spritz of edc as well. I smelled really good. ?
We’re having a consult with a seismic retrofitting company this afternoon. Our house is from 1907, and it’s got all my savings in it. I teach about earthquakes to my 7th graders and every year we learn about the big Cascadia quake that likely we will see in our lifetimes. Every year, I think about retrofitting the house and getting insurance. Hopefully, we can afford both. It would be a huge reassurance!
Good work on checking off such a big item to the To Do list.
Thanks. If I don’t do it during the summer, it will be put off until the next one!
Enjoy your run!
Thanks!
No 5 is wonderful, especially the vintage.
Agreed! I’ve liked it in every formulation I’ve had the opportunity to sniff. My bottle of edc was an antique store find–$100, brand new in box. Took a chance, and it smells absolutely incredible still. Not certain its vintage, but based on the box and that it’s an edc rather than edp, I’m guessing it’s from the ’60s.
My childhood home, my first adult home and all my childhood/teenage schools were all destroyed in an earthquake…as was most of the city where I grew up. It was a pretty eye opening experience. So much depended on the land under the building – whether it was solid rock or soft gravels, building material, type of earthquake etc etc. And then there are insurance nightmares, quality of assessment and repairs ( my mother’s house was unihabitable for 6 months during repairs). Certainly makes you edgy in tall buildings . So good luck!
Oh, I can’t imagine the amount of uncertainty caused by so many losses! I’m so sorry.
You are right, of course, that the ground underneath plays a huge role. Nothing about that that I can control. The hope with retrofitting is to create a stable enough home that you can continue to live there while repairs are happening. Way better than the imfamous FEMA trailers people were getting sick in after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. And my husband works for our insurance company, so with any luck, he can help navigate any challenges along the way!
It’s a good plan. A lot of the sewerage and water pipes were also destroyed …my parents in law had to make do with a portaloo on the street and then a portable toilet that needed emptying every day…for months and months. It was extremely tough. The city has changed completely …just amazing to see.
Hope that your consult re: your house went well!
Decided to layer TDC Sel et Vetiver and CB Memory of Kindness today…two oldies out of the cabinet that make a nice summer combination. The Memory of Kindness lasts only about 5 min, just enough for me to get my hit of summer farm memories, and then it’s all Sel et Vetiver, one of my summer go-tos. (I’ll probably spray Memory of Kindness again the next time I head upstairs.)
Sel de Vetiver is one of my favorites!
Interesting, would never have thought to layer those two!
SotD = Jasmin Angelique
because tannina wore it yesterday
and it is so pretty and I really enjoy it. The jasmine + citrus reminds me of Le Jardin de Monsieur Li. I should wear that next.
Lately one perfume leads to another. It’s fun to free associate.
I’m heading out into the garden to water and pull weeds. Later I have a piano student arriving for an al fresco lesson in my backyard. Such an odd thing to do, but this student and her mother are highly motivated to get lessons going, so uh-uh-ohh-here-we-go!
Happy Winds-day, fragrance friends.
Enjoy your garden work and the piano lesson!
thank u, KellyC! It was fun, both gardening and teaching, tho the masks make things interesting!
Garden piano lessons sounds so perfect
it was lovely
and I’m grateful for a motivated and talented student!
Al fresco piano lessons! My piano teacher and I have been Zoom-ing since March. We both agree that it’s not ideal, but better than no lessons at all! ??
That’s wonderful, NovemberRose!
I have teacher friends who are doing Zoom piano lessons and find it works well.
I haven’t been brave enough to try it yet.
I’m working with young beginners currently, so it really helps to be in the same space, even with all the hand sanitizing, surface cleaning, masks, and keeping our distance as much as possible. Sigh.
But I feel it’s worth it to give these children something “normal” like music lessons in these odd times.
I’m in Volutes edt this morning. It smelled lovely on the morning walk, and there was actually a light breeze today, thank goodness!
Haven’t seen any signs of Noz lately, I hope she’s okay.
Yes, I hope Noz is ok too..
And I am always wondering about Bear!
Me too, Bear seems to make an appearance every once in awhile. He definitely has an audience! ?
If you are worried you can always reach out to Noz by email maybe. Hope she is OK!
I love what these comments say about the community here–it is so wonderful that people make real connections at NST!
Letting NSTers know that I heard from Elisa P recently. She is OK, but dealing with a very heavy workload.
Nancy, I just saw your comment about Bvlgari The Blue earlier tonight. I have not tried it. Thanks for the offer! I’ll email later on.
Hello all! SOTD is Timbuktu. I don’t wear it frequently and I find it a bit weird (for lack of a better word) but sometimes I’m just in the mood for it and today is one of those days. I sprayed about 6-8 times this morning and it’s lasting pretty well but in a very unobtrusive way.
Timbuktu is weird. I only tried it a few times when I had just discovered L’Artisan and didn’t quite feel the love then. I should try it again, as I love many Duchaufours.
It is weird but it grew on me
I don’t find Timbuktu all that weird, but then again, I am. So we fit together very well. ?
In Bulgari blue tea, as I have been for much of The Interim.
The Interim . . . sounds like a movie I’m not sure I want to watch.
In Pampelune. Lovely salty grapefruit.
The puppy is waking twice in the middle of the night and I’m so tired during the day as a result. At least he no longer cries in his crate – but he does have to be able to see me. I want him to eventually sleep in the living room so every night I’m putting the crate a little further away
Hope this works out with the puppy, and Pamplelune is a great summer choice
Puppies and kittens are very much like babies, so this is not a surprise!
Yes everyone told me that and now I definitely believe it
Scent twins! I am enjoying this so much more this year than I have in the past — there used to be a sharpness to the drydown that bothered me, but I do not get that now.
Looking forward to mushroom risotto for dinner — my husband claims that his farming childhood has given him excellent body-temp regulation, so he is happy to turn on the stove and stir…and stir…even in this humidity. TBH, it’s not so hot here today (just upper 70s), but super muggy.
Isn’t it funny how our perception of the same scent can change so much over time? That’s why I’m so wary of buying huge bottles of anything
My cats were crazy little terrors when I got them, and they were already 10 months old. Your puppy will calm down eventually.
??
SOTD = Berdoues Assam of India
Refreshing lemon tea ❤️
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDO7TbhhfIn/?igshid=t6monhgpibj2
My brain always starts with “March of the Elephants” before it adjusts to the actual name ?
In other news, it seems like Olfactive Studio will be offering 15mL travel-sized versions of the Shot series (Iris, Violet, Rose and possibly Vanilla). I am so there!
???☕?❗?
I love Assam of India! You smell super good.
And Yay for 15 ml bottles, they make my heart go pitter-pat. ♥️
We should start a petition for travel sprays and send it to all the brands that don’t offer them
Lol. This!
yes! 15 mls is always enough for me
I wish I could say this was true for me, but it’s not. I like to spray lavishly, and I get so much anxiety when a beloved fragrance gets down to half a bottle or so. I begin to troll for back-ups, for fear I’ll run out.
This. But I am quite sure they have already heard from countless people.
Thank you and thanks for continuing the elephant ?❤️.
Will you be getting the entire set of 15mL bottles? ?
Maybe ?
Prada Infusion d’oeillet from a mini. I love this one: the slickness of carnation with that “luminous veil” quality of the infusion series.
I really like that one; I like it best in spring time!
A good carnation scent is hard to find, and that is a good one! You smell beautiful.
Sounds like that one is well worth seeking out.
Hi, all. Wearing Voyage d’Hermes today.
Can anyone recommend me a soft jasmine (not fecal, not loud)? I had The Pour un Ete and thought it was nice, but too much tea for my preference. Any other ideas?
You smell great!
Jasminora from AA Guerlain is a very soft but not soapy jasmin. I also sampled Jasmin de Cherif from Grand Crus and liked.
But the best BEST soft non fecal jasmine I found is a jasmin sambac absolute I picked up the last time I was in Egypt. I mix it with jojoba oil and it’s fantastic. I am happy to send you some!
Thanks. I’ll email you.
Have you tried Hermessence Cedre Sambac? Or Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge? They both come in travel size bottles ?
Thanks – have not tried those. I’ll keep an eye out.
Thymes used to make a jasmine scent that was soft and pretty. It was called Temple Tree Jasmine. However, I don’t know if it is still around.
Thanks!
California Reverie? Le Labo Jasmin 17?
Thanks. I do have a sample of LL Jasmin – I’ll go put that on!
I second California reverie although it doesn’t last at all on me
Margiela Untitled L’Eau for today. Came home and my boyfriend was making dinner, Vietnamese bun noodle salad. It turned out very good and I ate a big bowl of this.
Now wearing a bit of Terracotta for the evening
Tannina I think you eat better than anyone here!
In California Reverie today. Thinking of baking some oatmeal cookies but turning on the stove is not appealing in this heat, but better early than later.
Enjoy the baking.
Mmm. Fresh cookies can certainly outweigh any downsides to a hot oven!
Glad you are doing well. And all positive (good) here.
Did not wear a scent earlier, this evening I have chosen Cacharel Anais-Anais Premier Délice, chocolate over flowers and pear ?
We are no day scent twins. I will put some Eden on tonight so we can be evening house twins ?❤
Hello no scent twin and evening cousin?
Dzongkha after a long day at work. My day starts at 5am, so I’m done for the day.
Wow, that’s an early start! You do smell great.
Wednesday!
1) SOTD: BeautyPie’s Brazilian Lime & Tea , which is lovely for a hot summer day.
2) Lipstick: i have been wearing lip balm since WFH and wearing masks, but today I am wearing Frieda’s Red by l”oreal- very bright hibiscus red!
I actually know that shade and love it
Yes! So bright and really flattering (on me!)- I think of it as a perfect summer shade!
You might like then Sangria by Bite. Long lasting but moisturizing
Bite did a reformulation and a soft relaunch of the brand- so many of their offerings have changed. I will look for this though!
I thought of you when March (Perfume Posse) was explaining the Beauty Pie model on her post from a week or two or maybe three ago. Very interesting business model and it could go very right but could also end up costing more depending on one’s access to the same products elsewhere, kind of like going to a place where you have a choice of buffet or a la cart for the same thing.
Hey lovely person!
It’s a very intriguing model for sure- and you are absolutely right. when you figure the cost of shipping AND the cost of membership, buying a department store brand cosmetic may be equal to buying a cosmetic from BP in some areas. In other areas, BP is superior. I find BP to be superior with the fragrances (very light and fresh, for the most part- more skin scent/musk fashion that is popular these days) the skincare (effective and gentle) and lipsticks/lip glosses/eye shadow sticks.
I stick with BP mostly for the skincare offerings and the fragrances/candles are a nice treat every so often!
Funny people talking about tuberose up above when I have been wearing my McQueen Parfum (in the black bottle) both yesterday and today. It is definitely a bwf with tuberose and jasmine but also ylang ylang and some spicy note (I was thinking cinnamon but just looked it up and it’s clove). Despite all these things I find it soft and light, like a very comforting silk and cashmere scarf. It was love at first sniff for me, as Nancy can attest! (During our smell outing to Saks last autumn.) I need comfort because we were notified yesterday that two residents at Mom’s facility have tested positive for Covid-19. These are the first residents, though some workers had previously tested positive. They are following very strict protocols for quarantine, cleaning, and PPE, etc., and keeping all residents in their rooms, and have been since early March. My brother went into a panic and felt we should move her out but I convinced him she is still probably safest there, where they have all the right equipment and procedures, and regular testing. If she were to come to my house I would have to hire caregivers because I can’t manage on my own–she’s tiny but I still could not lift her and carry her around, get her cleaned safely, and so on, not with my still-bad hip. I know it’s scary this way when you just feel like people in assisted living or nursing home facilities are sitting ducks. I won’t get political here but the lag of testing results times is a very unfortunate thing. The director there said they do tests on a rolling basis and re-test anyone positive before letting any workers come back, but sometimes the second test results come back before the first ones. It’s absurd! Please send your best thoughts or prayers for her and all the others now at risk. Thank you.
Oh no! I am so sorry Calypso- sending your mom and her fellow facility mates all my prayers
Wishing the best to your mom. She and the rest will be in my prayers.
Such a challenging situation! I’m so sorry. Sending good vibes to you and your mother. ❤️
So tough for you and your brother. We’ve all had to become armchair statisticians, home economists, and infectious disease scientists to make decisions, large and small. Sending my best thoughts to you and your mum.
Keeping you and your mom in my thoughts, Calypso. Hugs and best wishes.
Yikes. Sending good thoughts to your mom and to you and your brother to make the right decision. Unless you can guarantee a 24 x 7 contracted caregiver (which means you’ll need 2) and that the caregivers will isolate themselves during their time off, your mom is truly better off at the ALF.
Sorry to hear about the situation in the facility. Best wishes for your mom.
I’m sending up prayers for you and your family, Calypso. I was running the options through in my mind, and I can’t think of any good solutions. No matter where she stays, there’s still the fear centered around who cares for her and how careful they are. Hold on to the fact that she’s in a top notch facility; you know that for sure. Still, this is so hard!
I remember that day in Saks…it seems so long ago. You were smitten at the first sniff! I just used some of the McQueen body cream you were kind enough to share and it is beautiful. Take care, my friend!
How worrying for you, I hope your mother is alright.
I’m sorry you are having to deal with this, Calypso. Can’t offer any words of advice or wisdom, just sympathy.
Sending you lots of love, Calypso.
Calypso, I am praying for your mother’s health and safety, and for you.
Oh, no!!! Fingers crossed for your mom, Calypso. It’s probably little comfort, but my FIL’s facility has had a handful of cases — three residents and perhaps six staff? — since all this started, with no deaths. They have around 1000 residents in a multi-building urban campus. My FIL just turned 96, so the full isolation period was really hard on him, but I’m sharing this experience to attest that outbreaks in senior/nursing care CAN be handled well.
Thank you so much. Yes that helps.
Sending positive vibes to your mother and you.
May your mother stay safe and well!
Ah Calypso! I had a CV-19 scare with my mom earlier this year, so I can only imagine how much more frightening confirmed cases are in an assisted living facility. I hope and pray that your mom stays well. Hugs to you and your brother.
Echoing what Jalapeno said. *Hugs*
More fingers crossed for you, Calypso! So much stress.
I am wearing Iris Nazarena, as I have got my bottle yesterday. My first purchase this year.
It’s gorgeous and I’ve been wanting a bottle since a couple of years.
The opening is breathtaking and then there is the iris combined with the leather and incense over a bed of fruity juniper.
Not that is similar with Sycomore, but I get the same feelings when I wear it. It sets a mood!
I am wondering how Iris Silver Mist is… Been thinking about it for a while and never got the chance to smell it.
Congrats on the new bottle! The bottle itself is sooo pretty
Thanks! Yes, the bottle is cool and pretty unique looking.
You smell amazing! And the bottle is gorgeous!
Thank you!
Wow, your description makes me want to get my sample of Iris Nazarena out now! Thanks for the mental nudge to check it out.
Curious about your thoughts on it when you’ll check it.
Cristalle EDP for me today.
Nice. I will wear it later, too.
Thursday! Pretty much Friday without the responsibilities of deadlines so a good day in my book. Still dark, still winter but the witch hazel has bloomed and the sparrows are nest building and buds!!! I haven’t really worn winter perfumes at all this year and today is no exception CDG Sherbert Cinnamon which is kind of like a cinnamon version of Issey Miyake. Missed lipstick day but wondering if there is an international mascara day? I have a troublesome bright blue YSL one …most of it ends up on my glasses or my cheeks.
I’m pretty sure there is a mascara day. I think it might be in February or March.
Really? Whatever next!!!
With my big cheeks and longer lashes, mascara ALWAYS ends up on my face rather than staying on my lashes. I’ve switched to the types that you have to wash off to get them to go away, but still end up with flakes all over my face. Or, I did, when I still wore make-up! Haven’t bothered once with make-up since we entered The Pause.
Everyday is ‘International ‘I look amazing without makeup day”
Yes!!!!
I love witch hazel. Every year I say I am going to plant some myself.
I tried once, but the place I planted was too shady, I think, and it was kind of crowded in with other plants.
I likely mentioned seeing witch hazel at Longwood Gardens in February or so, before everything closed down. I also really like witch hazel. I’m glad I went to Longwood Gardens then.
My friends and I saw the Orchid Extravaganza in the conservatories at that time, too, and that was very pretty.
That’s exactly where I see witch hazel, of cours!
I can only wear waterproof mascara, or it will end up all over my face and glasses.
I’m a little further north than Kanuka, so it’s lighter a bit earlier here. I’m so glad the days are getting noticeably longer, spring is not so far away.
I’m wearing a cream jacket today with embroidered black roses, which calls for a rose perfume, so I’ve decided on La Rose by Le Galion.
That is such a wonderful part of the late winter/early spring–seeing more light can be such a joy and source for hope!
I’m starting to see summer’s light fade earlier where I am at.
It’s a beeyootiful summer day and I’m wearing Zoologist Bee. See what I did there? Happy hump day! ?
You smell beelicious ?
Wearing Eau d’Eté, summer scent par excellence!
https://www.thelondonmagazine.org/interview-chris-mccabe-poems-from-the-edge-of-extinction/
I bought this anthology the other day and thought of you. It is called Poems from the edge of extinction and it is a bilingual poetry book with poems from ‘ endangered’ languages from around the world. It is more fascinating from a language point of view than a poetry point of view . I think you would find it really interesting .
Thanks for that Kanuka, that is interesting.
I’ve been wearing Memo Winter Palace today.
And yesterday it was Paris-Deauville, though I didn’t find the time to chime in.
Both very nice!
Late today. I had a bad night’s sleep with nightmares to boot. One was intense enough that I laid awake for about 30 minutes afterward, trying to shake it off. Ugh.
SOTD = back in Wrappings again. Cooling, and calming for me. It is definitely on my full bottle wish list, but it probably ought to be moved up higher!
Was just chatting with a colleague who is down to about 3 hours a night sleep due to stress and bad dreams. She looked really drained.
Not sure that this week has been any more stressful than recent ones. It’s a puzzlement.
So sorry about the nightmares. You reminded me that a couple of nights ago I dreamed about dreaming. It was weird.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve had them, and I don’t miss the experience!
Oh no! I hope you’re over the hump and will have a good night’s sleep starting tonight!
Fingers crossed that it was just too darn warm in the room last night. I might tweak the thermostat for the night program as a bit of insurance.
SotD JSP Selperniku Extrait which seemed like a bit much for the heat initially, but you know what, it made me happy…
I’ve got a new Otto Lenghi pulled pork recipe in the oven with an hour left of braising. Nothing makes you anxious quite like $21 worth of pork and an 8-hr cook time, but it’s already falling apart and samples seem promising. Pizza dough is also rising for a garlic oil, ricotta, pancetta and spinach pie.
Tomorrow I want to try a blueberry lavender cobbler: I have a cobbler recipe that I love so it’s pretty much just going to be powdering some dried lavender and adding it to the fruit.
I’m coming over ?
Going to spray myself silly with Calyx; it’s usually is a summer go-to for me. In honor of National Lipstick Day, I wore my Lisa Eldridge Go Lightly into the office this morning.
Yay for Calyx!! ?
Yes, it’s such a fun scent!
Making the leap to comment on my SOTD after much lurking. I’m wearing a sample of Eau Des Merveilles today.
I’ve worn perfume on and off for years, but it’s become a hobby in the last five months or so, complete with a spreadsheet
Many thanks to Robin and everyone at NST who have provided a wonderful resource!
Hey Birdy16! Because you posted late and I did not review comments til this morning, your comment has just now been approved and possibly almost nobody will see it but me. Welcome, and please do comment again — your future comments won’t be held for moderation and I’m sure you’ll get a bigger welcome than just mine
No perfume for me today. Rose geranium scents on my hands for a bit as I took off dead leaves. I’d take any of them as an inspiration for perfume.
I’m done with my couple of weeks of doctors’ appointments and lab tests to go with. It was routine check-up stuff, and I’m all right. I saw Dr. K. in person today. Next time we’ll do the tele-medicine (Doc-See?), again, like in late March, but it was kind of reassuring to see a medical doctor in person.
He listened to my lungs and such, and I’m sure he would have said something if he’d heard an issue. I hadn’t noticed any problem with my lower respiratory system. (*knocks on wood*) I’m pretty sure I would have noticed.
I complained of an ache around one side of my lower back and hip, and asked it it was my kidney. Dr. K. said, “Your kidney is here,” and touched a spot several inches higher on my back. “You have a pulled muscle,” he said in reference to the sore area. I’m glad it wasn’t my kidney, but it looks like I’ll have to start up again with what stretching and strengthening exercises I can do for my back and legs.
For a couple of weeks, I didn’t really feel much like talking to anyone because I was trying to finish up my taxes, and then I didn’t feel much like communicating when I had that batch of medical appointments. I’m hoping to feel more sociable again soon.