It's Tuesday and Pinot Noir Day. Happy 84th birthday to Robert Redford! What fragrance are you wearing?
I am 99% better, but I'm taking one more day perfume-free after feeling sick on Sunday. Tea at the moment is a mixed blend of Upton black tea samples that I'm trying to use up, brewed with a sprinkle of cardamom.
Reminder: 8/21 will be Captured Unicorn Friday. Wear a perfume that you thought would be impossible to get, but you managed it. If you have not yet captured a unicorn, wear anything you like and tell us about the unicorn you'd like to catch. Suggested by Undina.
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: the Yoho green iron teapot ("Square shape with softened corners, this elegant cast iron teapot from Japan with its beautiful green patina is equipped with a filter for the preparation of your tea. Existing in two capaciteis [sic], this teapot is also available with a dark grey patina finish") is €238 at Dammann Frères.
Unicorn day two: I am in Le Feu d’Issey. It is in my favorite part of its development–the warm toast with lingering sour citrus marmalade stage.
Yum yum!
Sounds delightful
Did someone say TOAST?! ?
Oh, that really is a unicorn.
I have a mini of Feu and it is soooooo yummy! Cannot believe they dc’d it.
I too have a mini, and it’s among my most treasured perfume possessions!
I can completely believe it did not appeal to their regular customer, but they really ought to bring it back in some sort of limited distribution form.
You make that sound wonderful!!!
Love that one! The day I found my bottle I could hardly believe my luck!
I’ve just read back the posts from the past couple of days, as it’s been a while since I visited here – good to hear you’re feeling better, Robin!
No fragrance unicorns for me. I did have a nail polish unicorn a few years back, which, in retrospect was a bit pointless. It was a shade of red… Like, the most wide selection of shades available in the world for this color, but I needed this particular discontinued shade. My friend assisted me with getting it because the seller didn’t ship to my location. I did get a lot of compliments for it, so there’s that.
I’m seriously considering getting a bottle of Dear Polly by Vilhelm Perfumerie. I’m working through my second 2 ml sample and it’s growing on me more and more. I loved it from the beginning but I thought at that price I want to be stunned. But actually, most fragrances in my collection that do stun, I find them a bit difficult to wear, or suitable for a particular mood or occasion only. Dear Polly to me is an all-season, all-occasion no brainer type of scent, it’s got freshness but also warmth, and I might actually use up a bottle.
But before I commit I have some more sampling to do. I just discovered Lalibela from MEMO which I didn’t expect to like but it has made a big impression on me. And I also ordered a few samples from le Labo. No local stores here and I’ve heard so much about it. I want to test Thé Noir before deciding on Dear Polly.
I get what you’re saying about “wow” scents being difficult to wear. There’s many scents that I find fascinating and like real ART, but don’t/wouldn’t wear with any regularity. I’ve gotten pretty good at selecting those out before I buy them, or seeking out a travel size, if one’s available, so I just have a little to play with. Of course, there’s also plenty that I own more of than I will ever use!
Yeah, I agree that keeping just a small amount of them around is the best tactic. I need to get better at this.
It’s hard. Especially when something really moves you!
I feel that way about some scents. Onda, for example, was stunning, but I just couldn’t wear it. Mona di Orio, and lots of Zoology scents strike me the same way.
I agree, a lot of the Zoology scents are fascinating concepts but absolutely not something I would wear.
I remember liking Lalibela when I had a sample of that. I don’t know why I didn’t get more. What is it that attracts you about this scent?
The tobacco and incense I think! They’re not dominant on me but add some depth to the composition even in the dry down.
Ah, tobacco – allergic. Thanks for reminding me!
I have the tubes of Lalibela and we might come to an arrangement. I tried to organize a split last time but it didn’t go through. Cfreeland with quadruple nines in the place where Yahoos live.
Thanks Andrea!
Restless sleep was had here. Up before Alexa said so.
At least coffee tastes good, I have a job, a home, the most important things to be grateful for as we had to September. I am sad I won’t see my sister for a little visit for her upcoming birthday.
Today is going to be the hottest of the week. We are spared some of the highest temps here by the coast, but still hot.
Made an appt for flu shot next Monday. Most places are asking for appointments and fill out paperwork before coming.
I think le labo tea noir today fragrance and lotion. And no bra to help keep hives away.
Unicorn thinking today is bub of Shanghai Lily cause it’s not available anymore. I’m sure I’ll have another one tomorrow
AND our lillyjo has four more pebbles!
Sorry about your restless sleep~
When I can’t sleep I do the Smokeytoes trick and add some powder to my sheets and snuggle in for a scented slumber
that’s a good idea! I usually spray my bed with lavender sleep spray.
Sorry for your heat! Thanks for mentioning the flu vax, I didn’t even realize it was out yet, will have to get it before I hit the road! ?
Under normal circumstances, I drag my feet for the flu shot. Seems like such a hassle for just a shot. But I’m someone advised to get it every year. . . guess I’d better start thinking about getting mine, too!
It is out and even though I am working from home, my employer is mandating it and I am over 65 so I am getting it out of the way on Monday.
Birthdays spent apart really suck, sorry you can’t see each other!
thank you, andrea.
Hope you can stay cool.
Shalimar Parfum Initial
It seems they have re-issued this but its a unicorn fragrance for me.
I have a small travel sized and this is my second one.
Robin, I am so happy that you are feeling much better. Go easy on yourself.
Tea is a cappuccino with almond milk made at home,
outfit is a dress I bought of the real real (no affiliation) https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/dresses/moschino-jeans-striped-midi-length-dress-7quy7
Looking forward to Sept 1st when Elena Ferrante’s new book is coming out. They had an interesting article in the Times the other day on the communication with her/him for the excerpt for the book for this weekends paper. Also, not sure there is any Aciman fans here (I am a huge fan) he is coming out with a new book at the end of January. Something to look forward to in 2021
I am so glad you mentioned the Shalimar. I gave my bottle and lotion to my cousin, she loved it and then could not replace it. I see that perhaps I can. I am currently reading The Overstory by Richard Powers, a galley copy of the new Susanna Clarke and getting ready to delve into Elizabeth Hand’s new Cass Neary book. I will add the Ferrante to my list.
Wow, so you are reading 3 books at once?
I stash books in every room of the house! When I am supposed to be vacuuming or dusting, I read instead!
That is what Cinderella should of done
Ooo, new Susanna Clarke? I keep meaning to reread JS&MN….
Thank you for the book news, need to update all my library holds!
Jealous of your library holds, our neighborhood library is still closed.
Yes, me too! All my library holds are on hold.
Maybe they’ll be opening my local branch next month?
Mine is open but I am still not going in…I am using curbside delivery, and if they stop doing that — which they have said they might — I am back to not using the library.
WHAT? I’ve been out of it for too long; did not know about Parfum Initial re-issue! Hope to avoid my earlier stupidity in not buying it ASAP.
I believe I saw parfum initial l’eau at fragrancex today.
Have asked myself if the L’eau would be a good blind buy…
I believe that’s what we call an extra large sample.
Ditto!
Plus the bottle is beautiful
HA! Good one Marjorie Rose!
https://www.guerlain.com/fr/fr-fr/p/linitial-eau-de-parfum-P018055.html
Ahhhh… in the Bee bottle…
You can pretend you never saw it if you want
I have never smell the l’eau flanker, but maybe someone on here can give you some pointers
You smell marvelous.
I love this one too..
I will have to find that one!! What is the title?
I am dying to know who she/he really is. There are so many wonderful Italian authors to read.
Here’s my guess: I think that she is already a well known & accomplished author and a man.
Home now from an appointment that I showed up for on the right day at the right time! Go, me! ?
Then went to UPS to try to intercept some mail that had gone from Jacksonville, FL, to multiple towns here in NC, including the one I’m in, then to multiple towns in Texas, then to multiple towns in TN, back to my current town in NC, then transferred to another town on the NC coast. OY! The 3 day mail option that cost me $18 and only took 15 days to get to me, and only because I happened to catch it at the UPS sorting facility here in town at just the right moment. I was a little aggravated because my escrow refund check was in there and I didn’t want it ending in Siberia!
Now in the lovely Bengale Rouge because it’s perfect in every way. I have a scent for Friday, but the one I really WISH I had ia
S, of course Onda VdE. No longer even a Unicorn, it’s become a Mighty Myth that I will forever regret no buying. ?
Excellent!
I’m with you on a Vero Kern. Rubj extrait in my case. A serious case of dithering too long.
?? <—-this is me kicking my own a$$ for not getting a bottle! Sorry you missed out on Rubj! ?
I couldn’t wear Onda, but Rubj smelled SO GOOD on me.
Angela did a great review of it and said it smelled like a ravished ballerina. It is gorgeous, I also like the Voile de Parfum.
Take heart, I was able to find a used bottle of Mito and it just came today! Make sure to check out the selling pages of Facebook Fragrance Friends. I think there are Unicorns lurking there.
Yeah, I’m probably the last person on the face of the earth not on facebook, so I think I’ll have to live without dear Onda…
No Facebook twin!
No Facebook triplet!
Quadruplet!
I hated FB and don’t use it anymore. I’m missing out on some good sales news but I don’t care.
No Facebook here either.
I am with you. Just can’t do FB.
Another member of the “NO Facebook!” club here.
Glad you finally got your mail!
Bengale Rouge is so luxurious; you are smelling wonderful.
Luxurious is the perfect adjective! ??
Uugghhh I feel you on the mail issues.
Frustrating for sure, but the check was worth the agro! ?
Glad you’re already starting to feel better Robin!
SotD Jorum Studios Nectary. They’re doing some giveaways on Instagram at the moment, for those that do the social medias.
I’ll have my second post-COVID-shutdown performance on Thursday, another outdoor show for a neighborhood green-alleyway. It’s certainly not regular work or income, but it’s nice to do something at least.
Yay! for performance anything! I’m sure the audience will truly enjoy it.??
Hope you enjoy your performance!
Hope it goes well, and it must be nice to do something!
Good to hear you are on the mend Robin.
Love today’s teapot. I wonder what the removal people will make of all my teapots, not to mention all my tea, perfume and SOAP!
SOTD is the no longer to be found Diorella extrait. Or perhaps it can be found at a premium. I’ve nearly finished my small bottle but I’ve still got plenty of vintage EdT and Thérèse.
HA, removal people have presumably seen everything, right?
I love the look of that teapot but have learned I do not need iron teapots.
I don’t drink tea much at all but am particularly drawn to iron teapots. Are they not functional? Is ceramic better for some reason? My mother was a big loose leaf Irish tea drinker and always used a stainless pot. Is there a “best” pot to brew hot tea in?!
IMO: iron teapots are heavy, hold too much heat and tend to cook the tea too much for my taste, and if your living space is at all humid, rust. I think I remember reading originally they were used to boil water and not used to brew tea. I prefer glass or ceramic for everyday brewing.
Thanks!
I actually like using them and have got a few. My really delicate white and green teas I brew in porcelain or ceramic pots. But my most used tea pot is stainless steel. It always travels with me. I have a particular dislike of glass teapots as they start looking awful really quickly.
So you see, every tea lover has different preferences.
Thanks, I do remember my mothers stainless pot being very stained on the inside. Every time we went through duty free on the way home from ireland, she bought multiple boxes.
https://www.teadog.com/blog/lyons-tea-a-brief-history/
Mine is a Bodum Columbia:
https://cookinglife.nl/bodum-theepot-columbia-mat/?channable=e3679.Q0wuMTU1MjI&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-O35BRDVARIsAJU5mQUul4nK-X3QGC7Bvr79TCdo2x1nn39W7oRk1ArLO8SoRP7gr-GTZycaAuIaEALw_wcB
I’ve been missing shopping for tea. I have enough to last me through this period for at least another year, but still. It’s at least as much fun sniffing and trying as perfume and a lot less expensive.
Deva, they require more care than I am interested in for tea, even though I love all our iron cookware.
One of my unicorns came today. Many of us have regrets on missing out on Vero Kern perfume, and despite the many rumors that her company might be resurrected, it has not come to pass. I found a used bottle of Mito EDP, I did not have to sell an organ, in fact, it was practically free. Wearing it today!
Oh nice, congrats!
Good for you in hauling in your unicorn!!! Kiki was the only VK that I ever got to try, and I really liked it. Am sure that Mito is purely marvelous!
w00t w00t for the Unicorn Capture! ?
SOTD is Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme, which caused Mr. G to pull me closer so he could sniff my neck and go “mmmmm”.
So far my unicorn captures have been entirely inadvertent and only discovered post-purchase. For instance, in a few cases I simply stumbled across the last of their kind (Azemour and Alahine in the older packaging, and VB just about the time it was discontinued). Known unicorns that I have been chasing fruitlessly for years (e.g., vintage Diorling and Tabac Blond, but without having to forfeit a limb) remain unicorns.
I keep almost getting pour femme. I better go for it soon, as it looks like it might be discontinued.
TF is famous for discontinuing all the really good ones – I say go for it!
I’ve had such a yucky day today, I’ve definitely earned it!
I will use Alahiine in the old packaging this week
Ahh, lovely. Does your bottle leak just a bit? I have to keep mine in a ziplock – not sure exactly where the leak is, but it definitely has one.
Oh, you smell beautiful! I usually wear this in winter, but I forget how much it blooms in summer heat and becomes this incredibly sexy aura of a scent.
“Sexy aura” is definitely the stage it’s at now. Good thing I’m working from home!
My husband likes Noir Femme also
you smell great.
Thank you! The “pour femme” in the name might be a bit of a misnomer since it seems to really appeal to men.
You smell great!
Thanks Kelly!
How is Noir pour Femme different from Noir de Noir?
I don’t know – haven’t tried Noir de Noir … but it sounds like the kind of thing I would like.
No SOTD, yet. Coffee, geriatric cat on my back. He’s being especially batty this morning. Every time he seems to degrade a bit more, we start to give him side eye, “is THIS the time he’s leaving us?!” He tried to climb my shoulder earlier and fell off. He failed to get onto the couch last night, too. His limbs are not doing what he wants them to, poor thing. I keep hoping he’ll tell me when he’s really done.
Thinking about this community project, the closest I’ve got is a lantern bottle of Attrape Coeur–not a scent I typically wear when it’s 95 degrees out. Maybe I’ll give it a light spritz on Friday and see how it goes. Today, I think I’ll stick to more typical summer fare–Fico di Amalfi or BG cream.
I love Attrape Coeur/Guet Apens. You will smell fantastic.
It’s one of my Holy Grail scents, for sure. I love it and find it very reassuring to have so much on hand!
Aww, poor sweet kitty. So hard to see them struggle.
Yeah, it’s especially stark since he used to be so springy! When he was younger, he could jump straight up from the floor to the top of the refrigerator. It was incredible!
that must be tough to witness.
I have no doubt it’s harder on me than it is on him. Like most cats, he’s so stoic! I didn’t start giving him pain meds until about 6 months ago–when the vet and I confirmed he had 2 deformities causing him trouble, a couple vertebrae with no cushioning between them AND a twisted hip. Wouldn’t have known it, but I’m guessing they hurt him for years before it became bad enough to show. Poor little darling. He just kept doing his thing!
I had a tiny Cornish Rex, she could jump to the fridge from the floor. Amazing!
It defies physics! Like a bumblebee flying.
I love to watch cats jump! So graceful. My middle-aged torbie still leaps around a lot. Hugs to your geriatric cat!
Enjoy your time with your sweet old kitty. ??
Thanks. He demands a lot of together time these days. I try to remember to be grateful for it.
SOTD is SL Nuit de Cellophane, thanks to the last swapmeet. Light, pretty and easy to wear. The perfect scent for a day where I will start completing 7 overdue online mandatory training courses. I have been busy to get into it, but I already received a email from HR that they need to be done no later than Thursday! ?. Well, tons of coffee to the rescue ☕☕☕! I already finished the first one and I may squeeze a second one today, if work allows.
Happy Tuesday! ?
Oh, good luck with all of those training courses. Those can be a pain! And typically not very engaging, at least where I work.
Thank you! I still don’t understand what we have to take the same 7 courses twice a year: Sexual Harassment, Conflict of Interest, EEO Awareness, etc, etc, etc….They are 2 hours each. I wonder why not to do it at least every year or so, but better not to waste my time thinking about it…
These sound like the same ones I take! I wish they could somehow be incorporated more into regular meetings so that they would be more an integral part of work life rather than a separate training course.
We joke that some of the courses actually teach us how to do the bad thing we’re supposed to avoid?.
It is a pain with the certificate but thank goodness our learning tool seems to be handling it well. That said, does a picture of the certificate count?
Unfortunately, a picture doesn’t count. Why? I have no idea. As long as HR has the image it should. They want the certificate in pdf format. Wonder what the difference is.
I have to do the same (In fact, I’m here now precisely because I’m practicing safe social avoidance practices..*sarcasm*). On tap for today’s mind-numbing enjoyment are Covid-19 training, Sexual Harassment, Conflict of Interest, EEO Awareness.
Online training is so mind-numbing.
Even worse, they expect you to take at least 2 hours, if you complete the training at 1:59, you get a message from the training/timing police.
Ours are supposed to be 1 hour 45 minutes, but in reality, without any interruption they all last 2 to 2 hours 15 minutes. No matter what you do, it is definitely designed to make sure you do finish it in less than 2 hours.
We have not being scheduled for Covid training yet, but I am sure that will show up in the very near future.
I do not miss those. There was one on proper workplace behavior that was especially egregious. It was filled with stereotypes that were unintentionally offensive. I think I told HR how awful I found it. I can’t even express how awful it was.
I have found so many nonsense rules on those trainings regarding workplace behavior that no one follows. As you said, there are inoffensive and I don’t think anyone, including HR personnel is aware of such behaviors when we all incur on them. Besides, nobody ever complains about it, which is a sign that despite being considered legally inappropriate, nobody sees them as such.
That sounds like my life every time I start a new contract! First I get the “must be done by” date, then I have to keeping emailing because no one gives me access to the courses! By the time I get access, I’m already Getting rude reminders that have “only 48 hours left to complete mandatory training!” Ugh, so annoying. I hope you get yours done lickity-split!
It is indeed an annoying process. After 2 hours each course, I have to download the certificate of completion and mail it to HR. It is always an issue to download it, because I always get the message that access is denied or I do not have permission to perform that action. I always have to spend extra time trying to figure out how to do it, because every certificate behaves in a different way! And HR does not help at all with that issue and IT doesn’t understand why it happens!!!!
I’ve had that happen as well, so I now will save a screenshot of the certificate on a Word document just as evidence that I finished it, in case something inevitably goes sideways before I attempt to download it.
Hope you have a smooth week ahead!
Oh! I completely forgot about the screenshot option in case something goes wrong! Thanks for the reminder!
Ugh we have so many online trainings we have to do at my company too. My thoughts are with you lol.
Thanks! You already know how tedious it is! ?
Online training should be considered an otc sleeping aid. Soooo boring! Good luck!
Thank you! That’s why I need to reinforce my caffeine intake. My eyes are already closing! ?
Ugh. Those online training courses are the WORST! Good luck with them.
Thank you! Still 4 more to go!!!!
Happy birthday to Robert Redford – such a heartthrob as I was growing up!
I’m in Origins Ginger Essence thanks to a lovely NST swapper. This is perfect in warm weather.
You smell refreshing! I love that whole line!
Mmmm, Ginger Essence is delicious!
That sounds delightful, though I’ve never tried it!
I wore Ginger Essence frequently, back in the day. Who knew it could smell so wonderful!
I think I smelled that ages ago, and really liked it. This was before I was keeping notes on all my perfumed sniffing.
Pinot Noir Day! An excuse to drink wine in the middle of the week. Ditto on iron teapots. I love them, but not enough to remember to dump the extra tea immediately, and then watch them sadly rust from the inside out later…
SOTD = Durga, timeless tuberose soliflore bomb to my nose. I love this, and in other times, it would probably be my signature scent.
Doesn’t take a lot to get me to have a teeny glass in the middle of the week anyway, so I’ll definitely use this as an excuse haha!
Mugler Cologne for another day that feels like the devil’s armpit lol. 108 and so smoky it kinda looks foggy. This ol’ girl just isn’t used to this haha. I can take the heat but the smoke adds an ominous vibe. But hey, at least I smell fresh!
Headed to a retina specialist this morning. Went for an annual eye exam just for contacts and glasses and during the exam they found a hole in my retina and some fluid around it. Possibly from where I hit my head so hard in the spring- they’re usually caused by trauma. I was taken aback. That eye has been a little blurrier/cloudy than usual but I just thought my prescription changed. I guess we will see what the specialist says. Good vibes appreciated!
Oh dear. Eye issues are so disconcerting. Hope there is a good outcome.
Definitely thinking of you. Please let us know!
Best of vibes being sent your way, KellyC!
Sending good thoughts for you! I’m going for a long overdue eye appointment today as well.
So glad the issue was found quickly it’s getting tended to! In 2013, I had an almost complete detachment which was misdiagnosed. Luckily for me, I finally got to a retinal surgeon who was able to return that eye to a functional level of sight. So grateful! Keep us updated! Hoping your fix is easier than mine was ??
The best of good vibes to you!
Good vibes to you! I had an ocular migraine recently and it was scary – lost vision in one eye for a little bit. I hope your eye issue will be easily fixed!!!
I get those occasionally when I’m really stressed out. They are really disconcerting. I hope they are behind you now! ?
I’ve had them only twice, and the cheerful eye doctor told me they’re super common…but the second one felt very disconcerting.
Sending good thoughts, KellyC!
Good vibes to you!
Sending healing and positive vibes, KellyC! Hope everything goes well with the retina issue. You also smell great in such hideous temperature! ?
I am not sure if you got my email yesterday. I am saving the Terracotta for you. Please, send me your info ?.
Best of wishes and good vibrations to you! I hope it’s something that’s easily remedied.
Positive vibes sent your way, KellyC!
Hope the specialist will be able to fix everything! Best wishes!
Lots of vibes! I had a vitreous detachment in June that has left me with blurry vision in my one good eye. Hoping it improves someday.
KellyC I am probably too late for more good wishes, but do tell us what happened!
Yikes! I hope that your eye appointment with the specialist went well today.
I hope the appointment went well today. Sending you big, vanilla hugs.
Hope everything went well for the medical visit, sending good vibes your way.
Pinot noir day! Sign me up!! Today is supposed to be 105 again, ugh. It’s also my son’s 5th birthday, so I’ve taken the day off and we’re going to play outside as much as we can before we have to start hiding from the heat. Had to bake his cake last night in the relative cool of evening so that I wouldn’t heat up the house today.
It’s cologne weather, so I’m in Cologne du 68 and may rotate through a few favorites throughout the day.
Happy 5th Birthday to your son! I read a little fast at first and thought someone was turning 105! Lol.
Stay cool if you can!
Happy Birthday to your son, Isabella. Enjoy that cake! ?
Aw, hope he has a wonderful birthday!
Happy birthday to your son!
Woke up in Shalimar Ode a la Vanille and ordered more flipping candles. Bath and Body Works had another good candle deal. Dabbed on vintage no 5 edt for work today.
I have a feeling we are in for a lot of excellent deals the rest of the year.
Especially around Christmas because of the pandemic.
I am waiting for the 3 wick candles deal. I prefer them to the other sizes.
I still do love the 3 wicks but I am starting to prefer the single wicks.
I ordered three of the 3 wicks a week ago or so b/c I had a $10 off coupon and they were $10 off each at the time so $14.50 each plus the coupon. I got Marshmallow Fireside, Hot Cocoa & Scream and Lemon Lavender Shortbread. Which are your favorites? I haven’t had any of their candles in some time so I am curious.
I saw a recommendation for Homeworx which Ulta sells and they are 2 for $40 right now regularly $25 but larger size-wise I think. I am curious about these too.
My spring favorite is Lilac Blossom. Fall favs are Honeycrisp Apple and Apple Weather. Winter faves are Frozen Lake, Evergreen and Winter. Year round is Mahogany Teakwood and Lavander Cedarwood.
I have the Christmas Lilies. Bought it as a Christmas gift for my aunt. Smells a lot like stargazer lilies.
Tuesday!
1) SOTD: Cap Neroli , of course!
2) The heat! the past few days it has been straight up Arrakis here- than goodness for fans and heat pumps!I have to take out my lettuce – they are now finally too bitter for even me to eat, and they are starting to flower. Tomatoes are now coming in like gangbusters, and I am thinking about some fall plantings for spring flowers soon.
Same here with tomatoes, but we have not had decent lettuce since June. Soon enough we will start fall lettuce.
I hope you continue to feel better! One of my sisters is in the midst of COVID- such a horrible disease. Feeling better is always good news.
My unicorn is YSL’s Nu, or “David Bowie Incense” as a long ago blogger once called it, perfect name for it. Incense, iced orchids, cardamom, and sandalwood. I was over the moon to find both the EdP and EdT about a decade ago. It’s still wearable, and I love it as much as when I discovered it.
Any reference to David Bowie peaks my interest!
Me, too, I miss him!
Whoops. Should’a said “piques.”
David Bowie was such an icon. I found him so . . . reassuring. . . growing up. I think because he was weird without being a circus act. Like, people actually liked him for who he was instead of just gawking at him. I’m sure it helped that he was so talented.
Sending healing thoughts to your sister!
Best wishes for your sister’s complete recovery! I think COVID-19 is terrible, even if the case is relatively mild.
With all the damage it does even in mild cases, I think we can safely say COVID sucks.
Sending healing vibes to your sister. Hope she recovers soon!
So sorry about your sis. I hope she is doing okay and she recovers soon.
I hope your sister feels better very soon!
Thank you everyone for your good wishes for my sister. (I teared up when I saw your responses. I’ve been scared.) She got out of bed today to eat and drink a little. Still quite sick, but awake and aware! Every little thing is progress.
How long has she been sick Masha7?
Wishing her more strength every day.
Oh geez. So sorry to hear that your sister is going thru CV-19 recovery, and you are dealing with the associated worry and uncertainty. Hugs and strength to you both.
Sending good thoughts for your sister’s recovery.
I am wearing Hove Camellia today. Tomorrow we are leaving for California for a few days, and I am packing for this getaway. My perfumes I am packing are Hermes Eau d’Orange Verte and L’Artisan La Chasse aux Papillons. Maybe I’ll pack a third one, but we’ll only be gone for five days. Yes, I think I need a third one
Hove’ perfumes were my favorite part of New Orleans when I was a little girl. I have some of their vintage minis that are several decades old and in good shape. My favorite has always been Rue Royale.
Always happy to see a Hove reference. I bought a little dabber bottle of their Lilac the last time it was there, and it is just delightful. Like that little store is. I go there every time i am in NOLA.
Have a fun trip! I hope you won’t be too hot while you’re here!
Safe travels Barqs! Bring something that works well in very hot weather.
Enjoying a gorgeous sunny day here, after days of sullen, albeit cooler, weather. Wearing a touch of Montale’s Vanille Absolu.
What sort of vanilla is this on you? I haven’t tried any Montale perfumes, but I am always looking for a vanilla so there is always a first time.
Oof, I went to look up the notes — and now I think that maybe this is actually Vanille Chypre and not Vanille Absolu! I bought manufacturer’s dabber samples of both years ago. I lost the box this one came in, so now I’m a little uncertain which it is. Anyway, it may have mellowed over the years — and I’m sure that spraying from a fresh bottle/cannister would make a difference, too — but for me this is a comfortable floral vanilla, not too sweet. My notes from when I tried Vanille Chypre initially indicate I thought it was a dry strong amber, and I didn’t love it. My initial notes on Vanille Absolu indicate that it was somewhat spicy. I don’t get spice (or strong amber, for that matter) from what I’m wearing now, so that’s why I think it may be the Chypre. But whatever this is, now I do enjoy it!
Gorgeous sunny day twins! Isn’t it wonderful?
Not a unicorn, but not widely available either–Hongkong Oolong, which I really did not like at all when I first tried it, but it has snuck into my psyche and heart! I am reminded of Timbuktu, for some reason, when I wear this one. I think its the petrichor that toggles into almost a soapiness…
Feeling quite virtuous and a little sore, as yesterday I dragged myself and both my sons to the pharmacy for our 2021 flu vaccinations. I figure, no time like the present to bulk up our immunity.
Non-perfume question. Anyone listen to audible books? Do you have a favorite? I am looking for engrossing, easy listening to escape–for my afternoon walks. Key word: Escape. Extra points for humor!
In perfume news, I am now the happy owner of an FB of Vivacious, courtesy of my not in the least subtle prompting, and my husband. Aug 15 was our 22nd anniversary. At the bottom of the gift bag was a small packet of five April Aromatic samples from Luckyscent. He hadn’t purchased the Vivacious from Luckyscent, so we were confused. My guess is that he used the same gift bag a year or so ago when he gave me a bottle of Unter den Linden (which he did purchase from Luckyscent) and it must have come with extra samples–and he forgot the packet was in the bag, and I hadn’t seen it.
Happy Anniversary to you. Congrats on getting Vivacious!
Also, I was worried after seeing your weather news. Glad you are well?
It was strange here certainly, weatherwise. When the thunder and lightning started, I had to go outside (it was about 3 AM on Sunday) and see and feel it firsthand. It wasn’t until about 7 AM that the rain really started coming down in torrents. By 2 PM everything was once again as dry as kindling.
I have an audiobook recommendation – Rob Lowe’s autobiography, read by him, called “Stories I only tell my friends” or something along those lines. Our library had it on hoopla…I’m fairly neutral re. Rob Lowe, but it was really entertaining to hear about the 80s especially. I found the book after searching for audiobook recommendations on goodreads. Husband and I both really liked it.
Perfect! Exactly the level of intellectual discourse I am looking for. Random extra–but my husband was in high school with Lowe. They weren’t friends though.
Wow! He talks mostly the school in Point Dune, which I think was the middle school (with tough surfer kids who didn’t let you surf if you weren’t cool), but your husband must have been in school with a few of Lowe’s compatriots then as well! I am suitably impressed!
When my husband started at SAMO high, he was fresh off the plane from Scotland and still marveling that he didn’t have to wear shorts and a tie to school every day. His one bona fide “famous” actor friend he actually met in London when he and said friend were both doing a year in college there. But LA (and Santa Monica) are full of people who sort of/almost know the famous. It is a geographical hazard!
I might look that one up, too. I’ve been listening to Lowe’s new podcast. Kinda fun to hear him interview all his famous friends. It’s totally earcandy, with no substance or deep thoughts, but I can use the break these days!
Oh, I have to check that out, thanks!
Happy Anniversary. You can celebrate it again when Angels’ Share becomes available.?
I have a couple of audiobook recommendations for you!
“The Switch” by Beth O’Leary – a grandmother and her granddaughter swap homes in rural Yorkshire and London for a few months in order to get out of their ruts. Adventures ensue! The two British narrators are excellent, it’s quite funny, has romantic elements but also touches gently on harder issues of grief and loneliness.
“Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise” by Ruth Reichl – The memoir of the NYTimes food critic at the time that she was dressing in costume to keep from being recognized. It’s really funny, and she reflects on how she was treated differently depending on the disguise. And of course, there’s all the delicious food descriptions!
Thank you! (Just went to add “The Switch” and “Stories” to my wishlist. Too late I noticed I was logged into my son’s account. Wonder what he’ll think?)
I read Reichl’s “Comfort me with Apples” years back and really liked it. Noting “Garlic and Sapphires” for my to-read list!
Happy Belated Anniversary! ?Vivacious is so beautiful! Enjoy it!
Happy Anniversary! Enjoy your new & not so new scented goodies!
Happy Anniversary and yay for finding forgotten samples…what a great day!
Day off today, but busy and stressful.
I’m wearing Coramandel. I love it more every wearing.
You smell great – I love Coromandel!
Hope your day improves, Lillyjo! You smell great!
Love Cormandel!
Time to start a “Coromandel Savings Account” then?
Lol! I wish. The universe always knows when I’m trying to save, and will give me a car repair bill or toothache instead.
Mmmm…Coromandel…
Ciel d’Opale, not a unicorn although I think dc? At any rate, the “Sweetenia” body lotion from the Body shop matches this fairly well.
Another day with rolling blackouts looming and the air a bit smoky – I have some friends in town without AC, and I don’t know how they manage right now.
Gorgeous, I wore it last Saturday. The house no longer exists, alas.
I’m wearing Vanille 44 today – a unicorn for me because every September when the Le Labo city exclusives are available, I say I will buy it, and then don’t, repeat the following year, and watch the price go up.
Maybe this will be the year? It really is so good.
2020 for the win!
No unicorn, but good old Aromatics Elixir. I did bike again today. My resting heartbeat got down from 72 to 64bpm in the last month. All that cardio seems to do at least something.
Scent cousins today.
SOTD = MFK Ciel de Gum
On theme – see my post on IG. And the color of the juice is ??.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CECfmmiBtsN/?igshid=1osy0626b6dp9
I had a brutal morning with 5 back to back meetings but I think for some this is normal. And then it starts all over again tomorrow. When can I get my work done? ?
I know. It’s so ridiculous when it’s like that. I think companies need to change that kind of culture. Everything shouldn’t be a meeting and more thought about who specifically needs to be in the meetings. Etc.! It’s a pet peeve of mine.
We have a group that is racing to get things done and has 4 different groups working separately to get the whole thing done. Problem is they are required to solicit feedback from all lines of businesses and representative corporate functions. Our group is teeny tiny which means 2 of us back each other up and end up in all the meetings.
Morning meeting twins! But I only had two.
Lucky you. Tomorrow I have 2 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon…
This was my husband’s life at work. Meetings all day, then all evening spent actually doing his work. 12 hour days were standard.
Nowadays, I cut things off at around 5:30 and check my email on phone in the evening. I had someone from California pinging me at 7pm (nope, you got your chance when I pinged you at 1pm Eastern). Previously, someone in the Philippines would randomly ping me between 10pm and 7am – nope, and I told him of he wants to meet with me my morning (starting at 8am Eastern), he needs to set it up 24 hours ahead of time. (I have a standing meeting with this guy every Monday morning and he reschedules 75% of the time. I will stop these meetings at some point…it’s for his benefit, not mine.)
Time to start drinking Bear’s triple strength coffee to get thru that gauntlet. ☕☕☕
Which reminds me, I believe he has a birthday this month.
Does anyone stay in touch w/ Bear? I hope he’s ok.
I hope so too.
Surprisingly, I only have one cup and I don’t even finish it!
I love Ciel de Gum!
It has a great drydown too!
I am completely over meetings. And the sound of certain co-workers’ voices too.
Ha ha, same here. I have not had the time but I have to research what I heard last Thursday when the facilitator let out that the meetings are recorded ?. As far as I know, he is required to let everyone know at the beginning of the meeting that he’s doing that and he has never done that!
Hello Y’all!
I started the day in Guerlain Eau de Fleurs de Cédrat, but it lasted my commute and not much longer! LOL Next time I’ll bring it along or layer it with something that sticks around a minute…
It lasts me about 5 minutes! I love it, but….
Hi all!
I feel a bit bad for my continual absences. I hope you are all safe and well.
After a snag with my new car, I got it on Saturday. I haven’t had one in 10 weeks so it’s been fun driving again. I got a manual for the first time in 10 years and I really had missed it.
In Gucci Envy EdT today, quite a unicorn and I never ever wear it. I found a little bottle for a song on one of my expeditions. I love that green bite all the way down but wish it lasted longer.
Take care everyone!
You don’t have to feel bad! Post when you can and when you want to, dearheart.
Glad you have your car now am are enjoying excursions! ?
I appreciate that, dear friend. It’s hard to read all the comments on mobile and I rarely need my desktop these days.
Congrats on the car, nothing like that new car feeling! I used to have a little manual Chevy S10 pickup back in the day, and it was a hoot to drive! ?
I’m in love. My last car was a 2020 so this feels so luxurious.
That’s a great unicorn!
I think the last time I drove a manual was 1992, I could never get the hang of it.
It is! The only other time I’ve seen it it was stickered $300 .
I miss driving a stick. Nobody seems to make cars with a manual transmission anymore. ?
Or you have to pay even more if you want one.
It’s ironic because manual is technically less on the MSRP but since there are fewer models, one can do much less haggling!
They’re very rare in the US!
And getting even scarcer! My brother keeps up on things automotive, and has told me about the decline of the manual transmission.
Manuals are getting harder to come by! I have always had one but wondering if I should give up and switch to automatic next time.
The last time I was looking at new cars, there were some models that had “hybrid” transmissions. They were automatic as a default, but you could switch to a mode where you would manually shift gears. I specifically remember Acuras and Mazdas having that feature.
Interesting, did not know about that!
My last car was automatic, but I found myself getting bored driving. Not the best when you are trying to stay focused. So far I’m loving being on manual again.
Oh, I can see that. Hmmm.
It’s not a unicorn but someone dare say I don’t smell good when I’m wearing Azemour
Sorry, can’t help ya – I bet you smell wonderful in Azemour.
Clean Sueded Oud and Amber Saffron. Yep, sample stash. These are nice together, but they are competing against the pot of beans I cooked this morning.
Making blinis for supper, trying to use up the two bags of buckwheat flour in the freezer. Not sure what to top them with, though. Any suggestions are welcome!
Okay, I’m cleaning out the spare room where I keep books, photos, keepsakes, etc. Apparently I am the reigning queen of food rags. Y’all, I have stacks of them. I’ve separated them out by title and organized them by date, but omg, I don’t want to throw them away!
Sorry for the scream of consciousness post. ?
You mean food magazines, right?
Keep them! Put them in nice magazine boxes. They are clearly sparking joy.
Yes, food magazines! They are sparking anxiety now, but you have a great suggestion. Maybe they will spark joy when they are properly organized. ?
Traditionally, I think sour cream and smoked salmon are used as blini toppings, along with caviar.
I googled it, and you are right. We had none of those items on hand, but they were great with turkey sausage + havarti, blackberry jam and peanut butter + banana + honey.
Plus, I have a ton of leftovers. ?
So your leftovers might work great for fajitas… ?
Little bitty fajitas! Excellent idea! They would work for pulled pork, too. Yum.
Just quickly stopping by as I’ve started packing, so nervous, in the ambery Que Sais-Je? I got a BUB very recently (I’ve been very reasonable these past two months) for an amazing price.
I’m sorry you are nervous. Sending you some peace and calm.?
Appreciated, thank you Lillyjo?
Joining you in packing nerves.
It feels better that there are two of us, strength and calm for your traveling.
Safe travels Aurora!
Thank you Jalapeno. I’ll be happy when I get there.
Packing strength to you!
Thank you She-ra, I’m finishing this morning.
Hi all, SOTD is Annick Goutal’s Eau Camille – honeysuckle, ivy, jasmine, and syringa.
The hubby had his post-ASD repair follow up this morning at UCSF, the cardiologist thinks everything is going well and he’s progressed nicely.
Happy to hear he’s doing well! ✌?
Hurray for that good news! ?
That’s good news! Glad he is doing well!
Oh good. Thanks for telling us.
So glad he’s doing well!
Yay for your husband’s progress!
No unicorns in my cabinet, as far as I’m aware. Baiser de Russie today, which I think is better in cooler weather. Although the bit of pine is nice.
“Road trip” for us. Caught a morning ferry to Brooklyn for some grocery shopping. A nice excuse to get outside. As a result, we will be having flounder for dinner. Cooling down for a few minutes and then heading out to help deliver all the knitted goods my group has completed over the summer. I kid you not, I think one woman did something like 30 hat/scarf combos.
I think I am in the same situation re: perfume unicorns.
A bit of a unicorn for some people with one of the limited editions of Alexander McQueen’s Kingdom, 2004 I think. It hasn’t got the cumin of the original, and not as interesting. It’s not a personal unicorn, I bought it on sale about 15 years ago way before I developed a serious perfume problem.
Commando today as I deal with the nightmare of finding a moving company. Every last one has the most horrific reviews on Yelp. Has anyone actually had a GOOD experience moving in Canada/US?
I am about ready to ditch all my furniture and start over.
I wish I did, but sadly, I’m also looking for one, so I sympathize! I’ve been trying to get quotes from the more reputable places in town for when we have to move everything out into storage during our renovation, but can’t get anyone to respond. (Have to replace all the floors…it will be a nightmare.) We’ve always just used the little local guys who handle the moves across the city (well, except for our big cross-country move 20 years ago), but that’s harder now when we need storage and have a piano.
Sorry I can’t offer any moving advice but am joining you being commando today.
I had an eye appointment today in order to get new glasses and was a bit apprehensive about it. Thankfully all turned out ok and my new glasses will be ready next week. Plus they didn’t give me cr@p about being so overdue.
I hope you find an agreeable option and if not, then buying new may be the answer on the other end.
The guys we hired to help with our move last year were hardworking, careful and really busted their butts to help us out with some tricky furniture. Local Portland business, though, so not likely useful to you for me to recommend them by name. Good luck in your search! It’s such a stressful thing. So much uncertainty.
I’m also commando today, as I had to rush to get out of the house so I could get the kid to camp and spouse to work, and then have the car to run an errand. I didn’t think I had a unicorn, but now I’m thinking it’s probably the Feu d’Issey mini I have. Or maybe PdN L’eau à la folie? It wasn’t a unicorn when I bought it but I heard it was discontinued…it’s one of my summer go-tos.
Gorgeous weather here today, so thanks to madtowngirl and lillyjo for sending it my way! I also saw a migrating Monarch butterfly this afternoon, so that’s my first sign of fall. ???
SOTD = back in Wrappings. Just the fortifying fragrance force field I needed for grocery shopping earlier today. Why are Q-tips so hard to find now? ?
I was in Walmart the other day and they had a good stock of Q-Tips. I think grocery stores are well stocked with non-food items right now. Enjoy your excellent weather!
Next time I go to either CVS or Target I will look there for Q-tips. More things were out of stock today at the grocery store than usual.
Yay for good weather!
????
Nice today. I went for a walk this afternoon starting at 5:45…quite a difference from 2 weeks ago from a weather and lighting standpoint!
I’m wearing Chay, a mimosa-coconut mix, which may be an inadvertent unicorn because you can scarcely find mention of it anywhere. Later I’m going to my neighbors’ home for dinner, grilled shrimp with sweet corn and she has a cake for me. Yay! The Spanish professor’s peach and lavender jam came yesterday and is worth every penny of the postage he expects me to pay. Divine! I opened it up to try a little taste and just kept spooning more into my mouth!
I’m glad the jam turned out to be worth the postage, but still, what a cheapskate! I’m guessing you have morning toast planned?
Hooray for the jam!