Happy Friday! Today is the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington. Our community project for today is Dealer's Choice, edition 4: propose a theme for a Friday community project, and wear a fragrance that fits your theme.
What fragrance did you pick? As always, do chime in with your scent of the day even if you’re not participating in the community project.
My project: wear a fragrance that you'd recommend as a good introduction to a note that some people find difficult. My note is tobacco, and my scent is Diptyque Volutes.
Reminder: the project for 9/4 will be chosen from this week's suggestions!
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 Monochrome Output [cropped] by Alexandru Gonta at flickr; some rights reserved.
My theme is Antiquities: wear the oldest scent you own. This of course is open to interpretation; the one that’s been in your collection the longest (that bottle of Escape you never wear but can’t part with), the scent with the earliest launch date (Jicky has been in production since 1889!), the oldest bottle you own (you lucked into a vintage bottle of Giorgio Wings at an estate sale).
I’m wearing Molinard Habanita, launched in 1921, although my version is the opposite of that, the most recent version from 2012. It’s one of the most successful reformulations I know of — not the original thing, but the idea of it, tobacco and a bit of leather and armloads of flowers and balsams, modernity’s idea of Cuba in the twenties.
By an amusing coincidence, Robin, my choice also fits your theme, because I think Habanita is an excellent introduction to the tobacco scent (because it’s more about the idea of tobacco than about the scent of the leaf).
I like that idea for a CP. I don’t know perfume history at all, but I like learning about vintage frags!
excellent! perfume is a perfect excuse to deep dive into memory and history.
Habanita and Volutes are legendary, you and Robin smell beautiful.
Oooh – sounds like I must sample this one!
May I ask whether you’re wearing the EDT or the EDP? I once spritzed Habanita as an afterthought in a perfumeshop in France – it was very green and tobacco-y at first, but I was intrigued and it dried down into the best of everything I had tried. I DID NOT, however, check whether it was the EDT or EDP and couldn’t go back to the shop. Later I bought a bottle from Notino, as far as I know a reputable discounter. They only had the EDP, and my bottle is VERY powdery and I am wondering what the EDT is like.
This is the EDP, the complete reinvention from 2012. It is very very powdery indeed, and certainly not a copy of the EDT that I remember from the nineties, but if you smelled them together you’d recognize the kinship, I think.
I never smelled the new one I don’t think…the old Habanita is not introductory to anything
i like the CP idea
I would participate in that theme! I like this type of multi-dimensional interpretations. And the “winner” would be someone owning from when they were kids the grandma’s bottle of Vol de Nuit or such
Gabrielle as I continue to go through samples. Less successful in thunking them, but it’s been good to try ones I haven’t worn.
Just a couple of spritzes because I’m off to actually serve the sandwiches I make each week. So, I’ll likely go for a sample I’ve never tried when I’m done later today. And be more aggressive in spraying.
How do people decide on paint? I followed a rabbit hole link just for kicks yesterday and was fascinated by the options. Not that we are painting…it’s just mesmerizing.
That’s a good question! I marvel at people who can design a room and pick colors that go together.
I’m all thumbs on that one!
I found a horse shoeing channel that I follow for the same reason. I have had and never will have a horse, but this farrier channel is fascinating!
Deva – is it Youtube? please post the link if you can!
Yes, it’s YT. Young farrier currently in vet school based in Washington state. Most recent video is linked below, while visiting family in AZ and doing some clinical practice for vet school and taking care of a couple horses his family rescued . I love his humble demeanor, he explains everything well. The occasional video bombing by various dogs to snatch the discarded hoof wall is hilarious! I hope you enjoy!
https://youtu.be/s_KYwYL6ddg
Oh, as a horse person I signed up, too. Thanks for posting this link!
Thanks for posting the link Deva! I miss the peace that being with large animals (both horses and farm animals) brings.
We had a few barn cats and dogs who were hilarious.
And a retired Thoroughbred who loved Black Cherry Cola.
That is a good question. When we started repainting the inside of our house a few years ago I feel down the Internet rabbit hole too, after a lot of looking and comparing, finally found the (imho) perfect gray.
I fell, I mean.🙄
I love grays and also muted sagey greens. What is your perfect gray?
SW Repose Gray. I also like greens, our downstairs bathroom is SW Sea Salt.😊
When I bought my first house 8 years ago, one of the big downsides to it was that previous owners’ paint color choices were really horrible–think bright, green apple in the living room next to a dark, mustard yellow office, followed by a pepto bismol pink bedroom with matte black trim. I took pictures of the rooms and was able to put them online with one of the big paint companies–Sherwin Williams, maybe? And I could “paint” the walls different colors. It worked pretty well to help me reimagine the spaces. I assume the technology has improved since then!
Oooh, we had that. Thinking about that today as I had the interior designer in, and we haven’t had him in for 10 years. 10 years ago, our changes were too small to engage him, but he did suggest painting the walls of our tunnel townhouse light blue, which totally did open it up.
We had to paint because the previous owner had a preference for strong colour. We had a blood-red accent wall in the dining room, with a brown and gold wallpapered accent wall in the living room (which is completely open to the dining room…). This was all up against a purplish-black wall behind the staircase, and then she used purplish-black in both her kids’ rooms. And she went with deep purple, lilac and purplish-black in the master bedroom. It worked for her, I guess, but was seriously depressing in a dark tunnel townhouse.
Wow. That paint sounds very dramatic!
I actually used a paint consultant once – her deal was that if you bought her paints, the consultation (via video/phone) was free. I didn’t have much time – we were subletting the house for a year and I felt the old paint job was too shabby – and this worked out really well. My daughter’s room is this great shade of tiffany box blue (daughter, admittedly, wants to change it 7 years in).
It’s time for a new paint job soon, though…
When I moved here it was new construction white, which I lived with for nearly a year as things settled and I learned how the light hit each room in different seasons. I found a pottery tile with all the colors that suited by pottery collection, art and aesthetic and used that as inspiration for paint colors. I found the color strips helpful in that I used different shades of my favorite color to add depth and contrast. Then, I hired a scenic designer (house painting was his side hustle) to help me finalize choices and paint everything–10 years in and I still love it.
You are living my dream! I do like the colors I have right now but the first order of business is to downsize my belongings!
Wow…love all the paint comments. And I will be watching Deva’s videos.
Back home and grabbed a different sample. Hothouse Flower by Ineke. Lovely.
Commando
Yesterday, best day ever. Picked up the new Ferrante book! They called and I flagged down a taxi and went to the bookstore pronto (OaklandFresca would approve)
Nice! I’m interested to see what perfume you pick for later on.
Are your libraries open there? Ours have been closed for months, madtownteen is really longing for them to open again.
Wow. Closed entirely? Our libraries started by increasing their digital offerings in the spring. Now, you can pick up holds by appointment. It’s a pain in the patootey, but you can get them if you’re patient.
Our public libraries in SF are entirely closed, have been for months as well.
I work in an academic library and attend meetings for partially reopening the library. Keeping areas monitored, clean, and safe, even in a small library, is complex and difficult.
We can’t go inside our libraries to pick up holds. They meet you at the door and they step back before you take your book. They “quarantine” books after you return them before they put them into circulation again. I feel like they’re being really responsible.
1 or 2 libraries in the city are open. My local one has remained closed and I only do books, not Digital/Kindle anything..
I know ours is open but I have not found out more other one can pick up books. Hours are limited in that it used to be open on Saturdays and now it’s not. I hope it changes once school starts as I hardly ever drive somewhere on a weekday if I am working from home.
I had previously thought that I may never check out a physical book ever but I may change my stance on that.
That is the way to go after new books!! I’m being VERY good and only reading what the e-lending system at my library can provide right now but I admire the hustle.
Hat tip to you being VERY good…
Theme idea from Karina: “Just use that sample already!” SOTD, then, is Ramon Monegal Entre Naranojos. It came in a nearly forgotten niche grab bag from StC. I don’t know the why of the name: I tried some Google and I think it translates as “the torrent.” First time I’ve ever sniffed from this house, and it’s unlike any of my go-to’s. We shall see what the day brings.
I think it’s Naranjos…
Yay on the theme 😁
“Naranjos” is spanish for orange trees and “Entre Naranjos” sth like ‘among / between orange trees’
Thanks Robin and Karina – “Entre Naranjos” was Greek to me
I did *try* to find it – funny it would not pop up, and I was afraid to click on some spammy translation site. It is perfectly named then, because it is a green, green woody orange, from living oranges in the hot sun. I can still smell it 7 hours later; it seems very natural and it is very enjoyable.
My theme is the unusual or unexpected: wear your favorite fragrance with a surprising note that makes this fragrance memorable.
SOTD is Jasmin et Cigarette by Etat Libre d’Orange. The cigarette in this fragrance is not only the tobacco but also the dirty ashtray. This combines with creamy jasmine in a most pleasing but unexpected way.
This perfume reminds me of my mother, who loved her floral fragrances but was seldom found without a cigarette in her hand and an ashtray nearby.
I was always interested in this scent, but never managed to get a sample
If you like, I’ll send you a sample. Click on my name for my email address.
So nice of you, but I live in Germany….. But thanks
J&C is one of those scents that I think of as “art” that I can’t wear. I can’t do that ashtray note. Blech!
I like J&C more and more. Tea for Two is way more ashtray on me than this one.
Interesting. I get more “lit cloves cigarette” from Tea for Two.
And I can’t do Tea for Two. Swapped my bottle away :).
I love Jasmin et Cigarette, I think it’s the ashtray note that makes it work on my skin. Jasmine isn’t an easy note for me to wear. Some versions are throat-clenching, while others, such as the one in Samsara works beautifully (thank goodness!).
The ashtray note is what makes it work for me, too, SmokeyToes.
By the way, I love your avatar name, do like Farouche perfume?
Yes, it was my signature scent in my twenties and brought me down the rabbit hole when I googled it around 12 years ago in an attempt to find it again. A whole world opened up!
Jasmin et cigarette is so good. It’s in my top 10 favorites for sure. You smell great!
Thanks Sistine!
I hadn’t heard of Farouche until I read a review by Gaia The Non Blonde. It’s exquisite, complex and oh so beautiful.
I was fortunate enough to find the Lalique heart-shaped perfume bottle and I treasure it..
I’m not doing the CP today. I am wearing Cristalle.
You smell marvelous!
The matching CP is how to smell classy
She’s got classy in spades!
You are on a theme–it counts as one of MY favorites!!
Wearing Neroli Outrenoir.
I invented a theme just for this scent (unless we did it before and I forgot). I call it Zest and Smoulder. Wear a scent with citrus and smoky notes, if you have it. Or create one by layering a citrus scent and a smoky scent.
Zest and smoulder sounds good!
I like this theme. Vilhelm Parfumerie Morning Chess, which I wore yesterday, fits the theme!
Ooh, that’s a category I want to explore!
Another day, another neglected bottle. today I am in a drop of Chanel No. 22 parfum. It is a bit much for a day destined to be in the 90s, but it has calmed down to incense, orange blossom, and a bit of vanilla.
I love No. 22, you smell wonderful! I love the far dry down.
You smell good!
Like Pyramus, I’m wearing Habanita, but my theme is different. This week I’ve been revisiting fragrances I sampled when I first began as a perfumista to see if my thoughts have changed over time (and sure enough, they have). I had recently ordered samples of Prada, Dior Addict and Habanita (and the old Lauren from back in my college days).
It’s been a fun week. Prada is still a no (but I don’t hate the patch any more, I find it more ambery now. Just not something I need). Dior Addict is still a no (but it’s fun to have a sample, it’s loud and rich and fun to wear). Lauren didn’t bring back memories like I thought it would. Habanita is the winner although I have to wait for about 30 minutes (too powdery at first) when it evolves into an interesting tobacco suggestion (or idea, as Pyramus says).
Happy Friday, all!
I love Lauren, I have a bottle of the old stuff, the marigold note is wonderful. It brings back fond HS memories.
I love Addict, but boy is that one strong!
I don’t normally like tobacco in scents; for today’s SOTD, I am wearing a perfume with tobacco in it, it’s quite enjoyable.
I need to revisit Lauren and see if it brings back memories. That was my signature scent in hs. I loved the recent post on perfumeposse about it.
Yep, that most reminded me that I needed to smell it again.
thanks for mentioning perfumeposse – I’ll take a look at the post.
Another Lauren fan here, I went through a few bottles back in the day. The new version is nothing like the original.
This was the vintage version of Lauren from STC. But it still didn’t ring a bell. It wasn’t something I wore a lot back then, but I thought I’d recognize it.
Yes, I agree, the new version is totally stripped down. It makes me glad to have a bottle.
I went through a 4 oz. bottle. Only fragrance bottle I’ve ever completely finished!
I love this theme! I also clearly need to try Habanita – tobacco is one of my favorite notes. Perhaps once my current SOTD wears off, I’ll add Elizabeth & James Amethyst, which is one I picked up early in my fragrance journey (and oddly enough, also has a tobacco note)
I’ll join you in E&J Amethyst. I bought some travel roller balls recently from a discounter and I like all of them. Black perhaps the most.
Amethyst is really nice. Wish I’d grabbed a bottle when it came out.
Hi all, my SOTD is Tauer’s Dark Passage, with notes of cacao, patchouli, tobacco, birch and beeswax. It’s Tama’s bottle and it reminds me of her.
Until now, I don’t think I’ve ever liked a perfume with a tobacco note until this one. It’s perfect.
The smoke from the fires is bad today, the windows are shut and air purifier is on, full blast.
I won’t walk today, instead, I have chosen a resistance band and body weight workout. Seven pounds lost and counting. It seems intermittent fasting is also helping nudge the needle downward.
Yesterday evening, I started reading The Lost Girls of Paris, by Pam Jenoff. She authored The Orphan’s Tale, which I enjoyed.
Happy Friday all, we made it!
Oh, boo on the air quality. I hope it improves soon for everyone and also for all my friends in Colorado. I’ll walk for both of us – heading out in about 30 minutes for 4 miles. Your fragrance sounds really interesting – I don’t remember hearing about that one. Who is Tama?
Dark Passage was a Women’s Picture Series film project.
Tama Blough was a perfumista whom I met through Now Smell This, I think around 2005 or thereabouts. She one of several folks who organized a series of SF/Bay area perfume meet and greets. She passed away in 2014 from cancer. A few NST members (Daisy, SuddenlyInexplicablly, Rustic Dove) may remember her. Wearing her perfumes of which I have a few, is not easy. Tama was a larger than life and very colorful personality.
Cafleurebon Article
https://www.cafleurebon.com/in-memorium-tama-blough-october-18-1954-january-9-2015/
Dark Passage perfume bio
https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Tableau-de-Parfums/Dark-Passage-14678.html
I never met Tama, but I remember her on NST…so glad that you keep her alive in her scents. Stay safe, and best wishes on your active health regime!
Thank you for the info about Dark Passage and about Tama. I love that you wear her perfume – I think she would like it very much. I haven’t seen Daisy for a long time, either. Hope she is fine. Or maybe I’ve just missed her posts.
Daisy is doing well. I ‘see’ her on FB perfumista groups.
Yay – happy to hear that.
That’s a touching memory association. You smell mighty nice! I have 4 of the travel sprays acquired through Kickstarter (1), swap (2) and freebie (1).
Robin ~ forgot to mention, I love today’s blog picture. I grew up on Eastern Long Island, close to a large field of Sunflowers. My favorite memory of my grandfather is of he and I taking a long walk with my beagle Suzie, among a huge field of sunflowers. It was late summer, and close to sunset, you could see the fading sunlight as it reflected off the petals, pollen swirling in the air.
Magical memory. If only I could bottle that experience.
Oh how cool! Longwood grows a field of sunflowers near me, but you can’t walk in them…I wish you could.
I sooo want to go for a walk, but the Weather app’s air quality data in my area doesn’t encourage it
Last night it was much better, so we left some windows open – and woke up to a smoky smell in those rooms. Now everything’s closed, and a couple of air purifiers are working hard.
Ahh, I was wondering how the smoke was in your area. Sorry to hear it’s so bad.
Getting thunderstorms all day today and most of tomorrow. Went to bed late last night trying to accomplish a load of laundry (work uniform was getting gross), dishes making sure that casserole dishes were filled and random bills paid if we lost power. Last night’s and this morning’s theme was wear something you thought you didn’t like and I wore Ubar. After work it will be Coco Mademoiselle. I was window shopping on Luckyscent last night and under their discontinued page, it looks like URV is discontinued. If I get some money together, I will get another backup bottle, even though I have 2 bottles total already.
It’s important to me to have back-ups of much-loved scents! I think it’s strange how reassuring I find it, understanding that “it’s just a perfume,” but recognizing that it’s a feeling and an experience, too, and that those are things I value a lot.
I’m in Papillon Bengale Rouge, another Boudoir to Boardroom scent. Top scores all around for this one! 👍🏼
Here is 2020 summed up in a dance. It’s herky-jerky, inelegant, disjointed, and bizarre. The guy on the right foreground is going give himself an intracranial bleed whipping his head around like that. It’s not dissimilar to seizure activity. But like the train wreck 2020 has been, it fascinating and impossible to look away. Enjoy. Sort of😉
https://youtu.be/P2v8IgJdsm4
I know you are such a kind person and mean no harm, just a giggle. But, the description of that video was painful to read.
Offering my 2 cents as someone who is posting for the first time in a while, and will post below to those who have supported me.
I really know how kind you are (and funny!). I almost didn’t post, because of that, but maybe someone else might think twice or have a conversation.
AP, I’m so sorry you were offended by that! Not my intention at all. 🙁
There was absolutely nothing wrong with or offensive in what you wrote in your initial post. If someone gets offended, it does not automatically mean that you did something wrong.
Here, I thought about it and having a conversation.
Deva, 🥰 , you are caring. I know you mean only good things.
I shouldn’t have commented.
AnniePerfumes, I’m glad you commented. I think that you were being kind to let Deva know your feelings, and you were highly sensitive and respectful in your response. I am certain she had no idea that someone could find her post painful, but as you say she is kind and caring and I suspect that she respects and appreciates that you spoke up. We never know what someone’s story is, and I don’t know what yours is, but I can see now that a particular population could find this painful. I appreciate your speaking up as I needed to hear this.
Deva, I’m just now getting a minute to watch. That song is one I’m sure my mother listened to. Remember when the oldies station meant 50’s early 60’s? That’s all we could listen to in the car. Unless my dad was driving, then it was Paul Harvey! Lol.
Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Nil. Continuing with my theme of just grab whatever I’m in the mood for.
I ran my butt off at work yesterday and as a result slept like a log last night! I think it rained…? Today is supposed to be another hot one and then into the 70’s with sun for the weekend. Just perfect.😎August, please don’t go.
Having lunch with 2 former colleagues today. They both work in the department I applied to, so they’re going to give me some inside tips for the interview I have in a couple weeks.
Oh, best of luck with that interview. Meanwhile, you smell wonderful!
And I don’t want August to leave either. It’s been gorgeous here (Seattle) but I can already see that the light is different and autumn is coming.
I’m with you on not wanting summer to be over this year. It’s been gorgeous this year.
But isn’t the autumn light through the trees beautiful?
It is. And I love autumn. But soon, there won’t be enough light – I can handle the rain, but the darkness is hard.
You smell wonderful, and yes, August please don’t go!!
Best of luck with the interview! And enjoy a wonderful lunch.
I’m glad you’re getting the inside scoop! Enjoy your beautiful August days.
Hope you got some useful tips!
I am wearing Clinique Blue Sky Neroli. It reminds me of vacation because the bottle is so small, I can just throw it in my bag and enjoy. Another one that reminds me of vacation is Hermes Eau d”orange Verte for the same reason. Small travel bottles are great
I was interested in trying this one. What’s the longevity? If you’re carrying the bottle around, perhaps short-lived?
*post, not most!
Argh. That was for madtowngirl above.
Feeling peaceful in OMnia, on a Friday morning, last day of Stressbusters week. 😊
Ommm… Sadly not working for me.
SOTM is leftover OJ Orris Noir from last night, which I bought on sale this week. I have liked this one since my very first sample set down the rabbit hole. I don’t know why I never let myself get a bottle–maybe because it’s not that flashy? Just a really pretty scent that’s easy to wear, imo. Easy to wear, but nuclear–I bet I could sniff it all day, if I don’t take a shower in a little while.
This one would fit into a CP along the lines of “Finally!: scents you waited too long to purchase.”
Or maybe I’d call it “Where have you been all my life?!”
No. I think I’d call the CP “Resistance is Futile.”
Could also be something about Under the Radar: Pretty and Easy to Wear. Those fragrances are underrated IMO! We all need some.
I agree, it’s important to have easy to wear scents. I think a lot of my “mall scents” end up in that category–they’re safer, in general, but pretty enough.
I think I’m sometimes kinda offended when a niche line puts something out that’s like that, which is dumb now I think on it. A really nice, well-made, easy to wear scent matters, too. They don’t all have to be Art, capital “A.”
I think Resistance is Futile is a great CP!
Resistance is futile! For anyone who knows “Dr Who” I read this in the voice of the Daleks 😂
I always hear it as Patrick Stewart as Locutis of Borg (Star Trek Next Generation).
😝
YES!
All this past week, Mr. SmokeyToes and I have binge-watched STNG.
You smell great! I was looking at that sale, but I still have at least one of the 10 ml travel sprays of Orris Noir (after 6-7 years?), so I decided against buying a bottle. But I enjoy this perfume, mostly in cooler months.
Following some of you on the Use it Up project, I am finally thunking my full bottle of my beloved Cristalle EdT. Perfect for another hot and humid day.
I am so glad is finally Friday! Planning on sushi and sake for tonight and relax for the rest of the evening. I need some rest!
Happy Friday! 🌻
Mmm. I miss sushi. I’m not willing to eat in restaurants at this time, and takeout sushi seems weird. Sushi and ramen might be my first meal out whenever it feels safe enough to do that again!
I have been a customer for many years of this japanese restaurant. The food is excellent. The take out sushi is as fresh as if I were dining in the place. You can connect now with their sushi bar via Zoom. I always have a fun and nice talk with the guy while he makes my sushi order. Right now, I am not willing either to eat in any restaurants, even though I have been tempted many times. But better safe than sorry. Hope we can get back to normal soon.
Maybe a year and a half ago at our favorite place, we watched a couple sit down at the sushi bar and invite the chef to make whatever they wanted to showcase and share that night. I think that’s a very romantic idea–not like romance but gauzy and ideal. Maybe some day I will be brave enough to try it!
My husband and I have done that! It was such a fantastic meal.
I have done it and it was wonderful! Hope you have the chance to do it too!
Sushi, nice treat and enjoy the sake!
We have a local Indian restaurant in SF (Dosa Masala) we occasionally order take out from. The food is hot, fresh, and they know I need to be gluten free. Since the SIP, they’ve done well, for the most part as the mainstay of their business is take out – tiny restaurant. I’ve ordered twice since the shelter in place but feel safe that I can nuke the food to kill any germs.
I love indian food! I have not ordered from my favorite place since the lock down. The food there is great! I may order take out this weekend. Thanks for the reminder!
You’re welcome! Indian food is so comforting. I didn’t care for it until I moved to the Bay area and discovered a few good restaurants!
Shalimar on Polk St in SF is another favorite.
I love Indian food, but unfortunately the place that I liked and used to go to didn’t raise to the situation: food we got for the take-out was noticeably inferior to what we used to have there. I’m not sure I’ll go back even after they re-open: they shouldn’t have cut corners like that!
Our favorite sushi place, on other hand, is as great as it used to be, so we are doing take-outs every 2-3 weeks from them.
Hope you are resting now!
Thanks God, I am! 😊
SotD = La Chasse aux Papillons
I looked back over the past week at scents I’ve worn (Hiris, Breath of God, Jour d’Hermes, Apres L’ondee, Eau de Fleurs de Cedrat).
In retrospect it seems my default theme is “always makes me smile perfumes.” La Chasse always makes me breathe deep, and I feel joy.
I hope you find joy today, NST friends!
Anyone have a favorite dutch apple (crumb topping) apple pie recipe? Do you cook your apple filling before assembling and baking it?
I’m gonna bake this weekend.
I like precooking apples before I make an apple pie, but it’s absolutely not necessary. A benefit of a Dutch Apple Pie is that there’s no top crust, so you don’t have to worry about the apples shrinking and leaving a big gap between the fruit and the crust. OTOH, if you find that your crusts tend to burn while you’re waiting for the apples to fully cook, precooking them will help you avoid that problem. If you go that route, I suggest you cook them until *just* softened, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
What kind of apples are you using?
Thank you for the good advice. I usually precook apples for pie too. But I usually do a two crust or lattice top pie. This time I have a request to bake a crumb top for the first time. Guess it’s all the same idea, precooked or not, it will still work out fine.
Mutsu (crispin), Jonagold, Braeburn, winesap, pink lady, and honeycrisp are the apples I look to for baking. And I like to eat all those varieties, so I take whichever the grocery store happens to have on hand.
I would like to try autumn glory apples, they are supposed to be great for eating and baking. My most favorite for eating is Opal, not sure how they would do for baking, though they are crisp and tart so I think they would work.
I love apples, can you tell? I eat one almost every day, except in summer when berries, stone fruits, and melons take over.
Winesaps! We used to grow those (I grew up on an orchard) but I haven’t come across them in a while. Love all the different apple varieties – so many great ones.
agree! I love apples, it’s fun to find and taste new to me varieties. It must have been fabulous to have your own trees to pick from
In normal times, we have an apple tasting at the Portland Nursery in October–nearly 100 varieties to try, most of which can be purchased on site. They bring them in from local orchards around Oregon and Washington. It’s a really fun event, and I always buy way too many apples.
oh, goodness, I would want to buy one of each
It would take me about three months to eat them all, but it would be worth every bite.
Oh wow, I’ve been dying to find some Northern Spy… wonder if I can buy a tree somewhere?
Joining you in the “always makes me smile” theme! I am in 4160’s Who Knew? which I’d first sniffed in a now-gone perfume store in York, visiting with my cousin.
woot woot! welcome aboard the perfume train to memory lane! I am glad you’re smiling and beautifully perfumed today.
You shared some of that with me in the last swap meet and I thunked it already – so you smell good!!
oh, thank you, E! La Chasse is thunkworthy indeed
I don’t pre-bake the apples but I use two varieties, Granny Smith for texture and Green apple for the tang. I add lemon zest to give the filling some zing. My Dutch crumble topping (9-inch pie pan) is:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of softened butter
pinch of ground cinnamon
In a small bowl, combine all topping ingredients; mix with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly. Sprinkle over filling.
I usually mix varieties, too. I like Granny Smith, Yellow Delicious, and maybe Fuji.
mixing up the apples is good for sure. Usually I go with about a pound each of three different kinds. I like the three you listed!
fabulous! thank you for the crumble recipe.
I like lemon zest so will add that too.
It’s a good theme!
Good luck with your baking.
thank you, and thank you again, Undina! I appreciate the well wishes, it’s been a long time since I baked an apple pie from scratch.
I’m commando! Now I will yammer away here as I tend to do!
My perfumes have been packed away in boxes for several months (some even longer eek!) and right now I don’t have many opportunities to wear any anyway so pretty much all I have here are decants from the last split meet . When thinking about finally having the time to unpack, I’ve been wondering what I will want to wear. I guess it depends on the season, or perhaps I’ll have a hankering for a particular something when the time comes. I’m really looking forward to it.
Anyway, I just wanted to say hello. I miss having the time to participate here and find out how you all are doing. This community of kindred spirits the world over is so special to me, and I’m grateful for every one of you.
I’d like to share a couple of things I saw that I find inspiring in many ways, and perhaps you will too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Byv-qBXlA0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KqciL20fro
Hi Holly! What are you doing that your perfumes are packed in boxes and you don’t have opportunities for perfume anyway? I’m intrigued!
Glad you stopped in to say hello – hope things are good. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi honey! Things are good – hope they are with you as well.
Thanks for your interest – that’s so touching. To answer your questions – I moved twice in the last year and since the pandemic arrived I’m working a lot and volunteering a lot as well. The last move in July was hell, and I had to hit the ground running so no time to unpack yet. I’m in healthcare and am also an advance care plan educator and death doula so I’m often on call 24/7. Since I’m around people who are very ill and/or at the end of life and their loved ones, perfume is often not appropriate anyway (although sometimes scent turns out to be welcomed.) I also just finished a pilot program designed to educate first responders, health care providers, social workers, chaplains, attorneys and the public regarding the importance of advance directives and we met the goal of ensuring that the technology is now available to have a card that will inform the above via a QR code stating your wishes in a 60 second video. As you can imagine, since the pandemic arrived there’s a huge shift in both healthcare and the public’s desire to think about, discuss and plan for a graceful end of life so I’m working a lot. Thankfully, I am very passionate about what I do, and I have a wonderful community of colleagues who are very supportive. I was supposed to have August off to take an internship up in Canada, but that has been postponed ’til next year. I plan to wind down quite a bit in September! Perhaps I will relapse into reeking havoc!
Thanks, Holly, I find all of that super interesting. What an amazing job/volunteer project/life you have. I work for University of Washington Medicine (administratively) so all these things are at least familiar topics and so important. Best of luck with your unpacking, settling in and hopefully reeking havoc again soon. xox
Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words and I do feel very lucky. xoxo
What is a death doula?
Oh gosh, lillyjo. If you’re interested, I can email you as it’s a bit complicated. I’m at harukirumi in yahoo land.
I really like the word “yammer.” I think I need to incorporate it more fully into my vocabulary. Thank you for reminding me!
You’re welcome! I can’t recall the last time I used that word, but I suspect I usually save it for people “of a certain age” like myself as I don’t think it’s currently in circulation. Then again, what do I know?
Nice to see you Holly! You are moved but not unpacked, is that it?
Thank you, Robin, I appreciate that! Yes, the short version is that I moved and haven’t unpacked. The long-winded version is in response to the now long-suffering springpansy. 😊
Ha, saw that! Sounds like you are doing good work. Hope you do get enough of a break to at least unpack, though!
Oh yes, I will definitely have a break!
Good to see you, Holly!
You’re doing something that makes a difference – you have my deep respect.
Would you like to get a care package with something to try/play with until you have time to unpack? If yes, please send me your shipping address (my email is in About through the avatar), and I’ll drop something in the mail on Monday or Tuesday since I plan a Post Office run then.
Good to see you too, Undina! Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate it. You are such a sweetheart to offer me a care package, but I truly couldn’t do it justice. It sure would be fun if I could though as I know you have such excellent taste in perfumes. Stay well, big hug.
Theme is: First a scrubber, then a love…
The first time I tested Chypre Mousse I was horrified and quickly tried to scrub it off, which was nearly impossible.
Then I tested it again, because it gets some love here and now I bought a bottle to share it. Funnily the sharing on parfumo was completed very fast, because a guy ordered 30 ml of it! He must be a fan too.
Nice! It’s a polarizing fragrance for sure, but I’m in your camp! Just a beautiful fragrance. ✌🏼
Interesting… I couldn’t get through the “scrubber” phase with this one – maybe I didn’t try enough?
But I was too traumatized with the couple of times I tried it before sending it to the next vict… perfumista 
My theme for today is “monoletter” wear a perfume for which all words in its name begin with the same letter.
I was deciding between Impossible Iris (Ramon Monegal) and Modest Mimosa (Vilhelm Parfumerie). The latter one won today.
When I was in grad school it seemed like at least a quarter of my classmates had alliterative names…
Interesting! It’s not very common in Poland to have both name and last name to start with the same letter.
And we have quite a few people where there last names are first names (for other people; I don’t think I’ve ever met someone whose first and last names were the same).
I knew a Shannon Shannon once. She married into it. But wow – had to explain every time she introduced herself!
Wow, initially I couldn’t even read that correctly – my brain insisted on seeing it as Sharon Shannon.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_Major_Major_Major
Which reminds me, I need to find a way to see the miniseries they did last year.
I know an Evelynne Evelyne, it’s her married name.
My mother’s first and last name both begin with M.
My name was given to me because it was my mother’s high school BFF’s last name, though as a last name it was spelled Tiffany.
I like the idea but cannot think of any now. Will have to look it up if we have that theme
It’s more challenging, isn’t it? You have Impossible Iris
Scent of the day in my “I didn’t expect to like this” CP is once again Akro Dark because it’s comforting, and today promised all-day rain (although bizarrely of course, right now it’s sunny).
Kate came home from the vet at 7pm yesterday – just two teeth needed to be extracted, yay! She’s in recovery mode, so sleepy still, but already last night she was eating and grooming, and the local swelling seems to have done down a lot overnight.
Thank you all so much for the kitty love and reassurances!
Yay for Kate!
Hooray! I’m glad she’s doing so well. Your descriptions of Dark this week have made me curious to try it someday.
So glad to hear that. Give her a pet from me!
Good news on Kitty Kate! Best wishes for her speedy recovery.
That’s great news!
Yay to Kitty Kate!
SOTD =Shalimar by way of Mexico.
So happy I got a bottle of this when it was available. Wish I had bottles of the other “‘ Odes to…” There was Ode to Madegascar, and one other one, wasn’t there? Maybe only two? Not really doing a CP, other than what I felt like wear this morning… 
Madagascar was the only one besides the Mexico.
Did you hear of the new Shalimar flanker for this fall?
My theme is nostalgia – something that takes you back to a happy moment in your childhood. I am wearing The Seven Virtues’ Vanilla Woods, which has a nearly plasticky vanilla scent that reminds me of the way my toys smelled when I was a kid. (You should have seen the poor store employee who heard me say that out loud when I bought it!) It’s a lovely, comforting scent, although perhaps not the best for a warm, humid day.
I’ve been thinking about those childhood scents a lot recently: a few friends and I were chatting about the smell of Strawberry Shortcake and other toys, and I realized that the toy smell stuck with all of us more than even the look or feel of the toys. I suspect a lot of us have smells we recall fondly from childhood, and there’s a level of comfort to that.
I like that theme!
I love this! I am definitely the same, even down to being someone who would blurt out what you did. Gotta put Vanilla Woods on my sample list! CBIHP made a “Doll’s Head” perfume that is no longer available, and I often think of visiting the store in the hopes of getting just one whiff from the secret stash.
yes! I have vivid memories of the way toys smelled to me.
Wonderful idea for today’s project.
Rounding out my “Finish it up!” CP by thunking my sample of L’Artisan Fleur d’Oranger 2005, the first perfume in their Exceptional Harvest series. Even though I’ve always been a big orange blossom fan, I wasn’t taken with this one like others were at the time. I think by the time I sampled it, it was already sold out. It starts off with that classic orange blossom brightness with heady and bitter green notes. Sadly, that all fades away pretty quickly, and then I’m left with nondescript soap. I think I’ll need to put on a different perfume by lunchtime.
P.S. There are two bottles of this on eBay right now – one for $2800 and one for $5000! Only 2990 were produced, and I believe they retailed around $300. That was A LOT for perfume back in 2005-2007 before niche and luxury markets exploded.
$5000 — holy cow.
I know. It’s absurd.
I don’t know… Even $500 would be much for almost any perfume. $5000… Oh, well. I don’t think they really want to sell it. They are just bragging
Ha, totally agree! It’s a ridiculous price.
Great theme, Robin! In fact, lots of interesting CP themes.
SOTD: Couleur Vanille
Heading out for a lunchtime jog followed by more work. If the rain holds off the plan is to picnic at sunset with friends. Taking advantage of the long days as I see they’re starting to shorten.
It is very distressing how early it is getting dark…never get used to it.
Wearing Lost Cherry for the 2nd time today. The travel spray blind buy has been successful. I really enjoyed it the first time I wore it and am looking forward to the different stages today. I had read reviews on Fragrantica prior to buying and some complained of a lack of cherry and development but I got quite the opposite…plenty of cherry and interesting stages as the day progressed.
I have 2 episodes left of Fleabag and honestly it’s probably the best TV series I have watched to date.♥️
I love Lost Cherry..and have lemmed it for a couple years now lol. You smell fab.
Thanks! I am surprised by how much I like it in fact. People on Fragrantica often seem most concerned that it is by Tom Ford and then have feelings about him/the brand/price too.
But I was pretty open-minded and just curious about it and then the travel spray is quite chic looking which helped seal the deal.
He’s got several really great(or fabulous lol) scents imo. I wasn’t enthused about Rose Prick..the scent just smelled too familiar to other roses out there.
Ugh, I loved Fleabag. Didn’t want it to be over. If you have access to HBO, you may also enjoy the series Run. In a similar vein, there’s Dead to Me on Netflix. The first season is very good, and the second is pretty good.
I shall check out Run and I have watched both seasons of Dead to Me too.
Have you watched Catastrophe? On Amazon and excellent writing w/ dark humor too.
I am going to drag my heels on the last 2 episodes…also don’t want it to end.
Catastrophe is SO good, thank you for the reminder. I think I forgot to watch the latest season, oops!
I’ll watch Catastrophe next, thanks!
Fleabag and Russian Doll both really stuck in my head as fantastic use of the medium. I watched Russian Doll twice and will probably watch Fleabag again eventually.
I will check out Russian Doll. Yes, I am already planning a Fleabag rewatch. Catastrophe is also very good…great writing w/ dark humor.
And I realized I haven’t tried Volutes in either concentration…
😱eek!…went back and read your review from a few years ago and will order samples of the EDP and EDT. Leave no stone unturned.
I kind of forgot I still need to watch Russian Doll. Will get on that soon.
Thumbs up for Fleabag and Lost Cherry! I have to admit that I almost gave up on fleabag after the first episode but then was sad with the incomplete feeling ending of season 2 (did they lose funding? Is another season being made? What’s happening?!?!).
Lost Cherry is an easy love for me.
I had the same experience with Fleabag. Was not quite sure if I would continue to watch after the first episode. But I kept watching and it grew on me so much that I was truly sad when the second season ended. I don’t think a third season is in the cards.
Yes, I am loving Lost Cherry. Going to savor the last 2 episodes of Fleabag.
I was really sad to have it end, but I do agree with all the people who said she resolved the central problem and ended it at the right time…
https://www.vulture.com/2019/05/fleabag-season-2-fourth-wall-ending.html
Hello
Just a reminder, there are still 10 mls available to split off in the Iris Torrefie split, if you are interested, please email at kalliela11 at the hot male.
Theme, 90s favorites…sotd Tresor.
Can anyone describe the difference between the original SL Gris Clair and the “eau Politesse” version?
So far as I know, he just reorganized the collection names and packaging.
That’s not to say it hasn’t been reformulated — but they’ve all been reformulated.
Thanks, Robin! I didn’t grab a BUB when it was being “discontinued,” and I’m regretting it. Maybe the Eau Politesse is worth the risk. . .
As Robin said. I have the old version and absolutely adore it. Warm lavender that’s not at all sweet. Smoky. It’s my cashmere jumper scent and I find the the best way to wear it is with a cashmere roll neck in the middle of winter.
Right. I love it and find it very comforting. But I went through several years neglecting it, so I decided I didn’t need more. Now, I’m not so sure! Have you tried it in the new bottle?
I have not, so can’t really compare.
Still piling it on for my “pile it on week” community project. Today I am awash in saffron in Rose Opera. Also burning incense my mother bought in Japan. Also a candle, ‘Goji Tarocco Orange.’ Think I’ll put on some rose hand cream. . . .
Smoke in the air outside? Can’t tell.
Love your theme and execution 😀
Take care, OF. Thinking about you and hoping for some good news on the fire front.
My CP today is “Where/Wear in the World…?” –wear something that you purchased in a far from home location. I am in Jasmin from Lili Bermuda, which I purchased from their lovely little shop in St. George, Bermuda. This week was difficult for so many with weather issues, ongoing health issues, civic unrest, work/school….so much to challenge us. Take a moment to sit in peace and offer your strength of spirit to those in our universe most in need, including you and yours.
I love that reminder; thank you
I would love to go to Bermuda some day. Thanks for painting a lovely picture.
Those are good thoughts.
What a great idea! Will totally do a loving kindness meditation when I get back home today.
Good theme, and good thoughts.
Have a wonderful weekend!
where attention goes,
energy flows
thank you for the gentle reminder, Jepster!
Thank you for this lovely post Jepster, will be focusing on lovingkindness meditation this week.
Sotd is Narciso for her L’absolu, for my tuberose week. Tuberose is the listed note, but honestly I think it smells more like a jasmine perfume. Jasmine, rose and musk is what I get. I love it regardless.
Waiting on a cold front after some storms later today. The trees are already losing leaves.
oooh, good to know that about Narciso L’absolu. I adore both jasmine and tuberose, so it might be a winner. Musk is a little dodgy for me tho.
Out of all the Narciso’s, I think it has the least detectable musk.
My project: Wear a fragrance I love that the fiance loathes, and do it quickly while he’s out on a run.
My pick: Zoologist Bee. I love this scent so much. If the fiance weren’t such a grump about this one, and if I thought he and I would stop being in a small house together all the time anytime soon, I’d want to buy a travel spray of the stuff.
Other fragrances that would fit my CP include Passage d’Enfer and Winter Woods. The list of scents he dislikes is long and varied. Almost the only note that he and I adore uniformly is orange blossom. (He loves l’Artisan Parfumeur Histoire d’Orangers, as do I, so I wore it a lot during early quarantine. Therefore of course I’m out of it now and we are back to having almost no common ground.)
I’m laughing at your project! I guess it’s a good thing that the Zoologist scents don’t typically stick around all that long. My hubby is generally a man of few words; if he dislikes my fragrance, I’m not sure he’d ever say anything. In fact, the best evidence I’d have he doesn’t like something if likely that he didn’t compliment it.
Haha wow! I wish I got more compliments from my fiancé.
AQI here? 161.
I’m sorry to read that
I saw in your post above that you’re dealing with continued smoke. We had 1.5 days of great air (<40), but now it’s back up to 90. Not great but less awful than yours. I really hope yours (and ours) clear up ASAP!
What does he think of 10 Corso Como?
He doesn’t like it but he doesn’t mind it as much as Passage d’Enfer!
😂 good project!
Your project is hilarious!
Mr. Teebear doesn’t wear any scents – he has tons of skin allergies that will trigger eczema – and I suspect doesn’t particularly like some of mine.
I’ve given him the option to veto if he really dislikes something but so far he is holding out!
It’s a funny project. I’m not sure I could participate (my vSO doesn’t mind any of my perfumes since he can’t smell half of them because of allergies), but I would love to read everyone’s stories of sneaking in a wear of something that their loved ones couldn’t stand.
super fun theme, Koyel! I agree with Undina, it would be fun to hear some true confessions. How far will a perfumista go to get skin time with a perfume that someone else can’t stand.
Theme is “comfort”.
Aromatics Black Cherry.
I needed a cozy hug of a perfume today.This is so plush(juicy??)
Happy Weekend!
Hello Johano!🤗
Hello Lillyjo!😎🤗
Howdy, I am excited to be getting a sample of this after you mentioning it as a ❤️.
You have a spectacular memory!
Would love to know your thoughts!✌🏻
My theme is “I can’t wear this in an actual classroom but it’s cool for virtual school.” My choice is Lost California by West Third Brand – the cannabis note doesn’t last long, but it’s definitely there.
I was originally going to wear Gris Clair because every time I’ve worn it to school in the last 3 days there was a major fight. But it’s too muggy to wear it, and I don’t want to waste it in less than perfect conditions.
Friyay!!!! I may take a bubble bath at 3:30 pm. It’s been that kind of week.
Sigh. Years, not days. Lonnnngggg week.
Hope it’s a stress free weekend!
1 – I lol’d at your theme, it’s awesome! Also laughed because I used to run away from the smell of cannabis, but it’s become so commonplace in my boring little neck of the woods that I’ve come around to thinking it can smell nice (sometimes).
2 – Gris Clair = a fight a school? Another laugh, but geez, what could it be in there that incites fights?
3 – I took a post workout cold/warm/cold/hot/warm/cool shower at 1:30 today. I hope your bubble bath was ah-MAZ-ing for you. Every teacher deserves a Friday afternoon treat.
I think the Gris Clair became associated with fights because the energy in a school will be off the few days before a fight breaks out and I like to wear Gris Clair when I need grounding and peaceful energy. I always seemed to wear it one day too late!
SOTD = Bruno Fazzolari Au Dela Narcisse
My theme in short is wear something that joined my collection from June 1st in that I have not posted about other than when I first sampled it.
Au Dela Narcisse is a heady floral that smells vintage and modern at the same time 😍.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEcWErVh8Wp/?igshid=17aud5z7bjo2t
Freebie offer for U.S. peeps who posted sometime this week in a SOTD post prior to this one – 6 Maison Margiela Replica manufacturer’s carded samples, all sprayed 3x to tester strips but there’s still enough for a full wear even if you hajusuuried 🤣🤣🤣. Dibs below and send me an email with subject Replica freebie. You can refer to my comment to jalapeño late late yesterday for the list of perfumes.
In other news, Inhave the tracking number for Chanel Le Lion. It is supposed to arrive on Monday! Inexplicably, Suzan said I have to sign for it 🤷🏻♀️. I emailed her back just to say that with contactless delivery, I don’t know how I’m supposed to sign for it 🤔. I’ll be home so that’s not the issue; it’s more the lack of practical sense. All I can say is it better not delay delivery!
I missed a package from Etsy yesterday because it required my signature. The postman rang the bell, told me he had a package for me, I went downstairs right away and to my surprise he had left a notice in my mailbox saying nobody was available to receive the package, but it could be picked up at the post office. If he was scared to get my signature, why he just not left the notice, instead of letting me know he had the package? So weird. I rescheduled delivery for today, it was approved and he delivered all the mail, except for the package. A trip to the post office is in order now for tomorrow!
That’s a pain in the tuckus.
Lol at even if you Hajusuuried!
I may have to copyright that!
Do that!
When one of my packages required a signature, my mail carrier rang the bell and when I answered the door, asked if it was all right if she signed for me. I was okay with that, seeing she was right there with the box in her hand, and my signature on those screens is illegible anyway.
True about the illegible signatures. My mail carrier has not given me a lot of confidence with his helpfulness so I am hoping he at least rings the doorbell and wait for at least a minute.
It’s a good personal theme, but it’ll be hard to run it for the whole group – even taking into consideration how much you split or share
My theme is: “Look what I’ve got you!” – wear perfume that you bought for somebody else (your spouse, partner, child, etc.), but keep “borrowing” it.
I’m wearing Atelier Cologne Oolang Infini, which I bought because my vSO likes tea AND kind of likes this brand (as in “owns and sometimes allows me to spray it on him”). I wear it more often than he does
Haha! Memo Kedu fits that CP for me…
Good one! For me that would be Bigarade Concentrée.
LOL. When I visited the Elizabeth Street Atelier Cologne boutique for the first time In January 2017, it was my first time smelling the line. For the life of me, I couldn’t detect Oolang Infini! I ended up buying a coffret of three 30mLs which came with a 4th 30mL and I ended up with 2 x Sous le Toit de Paris, 1 x Rose Anonyme and 1 x Vanille Insensee. I also got a soap of Oolang Infini which I was able to smell (and it became my first soap that wouldn’t die).
sotd: Mitsouko edp
CP to go with that is: wear a classic!
Mitsouko = 😍
I continue to discover new facets when wearing this.
It’s always a good theme. I participated in it yesterday with Vol de Nuit
I discovered that it’s impossible to buy it in the US in the modern extrait form now. 
I wonder, if it’s still produced and sold in Europe.
Finishing my week of Things That Are Soothing with Tam Dao EDT.
That theme is perfect.
I think of Tam Dao as one of my “breathe deep and smile” perfumes.
Yes! Exactly.
You smell marvellous!
Broke my theme – it was not a Shalimar day, it was a Eau The Noir kinda day. Supposedly, my vintage rebottled Shalimar Edc is arriving today, but I think it’s stuck in Florida (I get the USPS notifications of what’s going to be in my mailbox. Very cool, but often a little incorrect). I will report back when it gets here!
I’m actually headed out tonight – hoping to meet two colleagues outside for a beer, after being smoked out last week. It’s a little hot, so hopefully we can manage (the place closes at 8, so waiting until dark won’t really work).
Looking forward to your Shalimar report!
Hope the beer was cold, and the air was clear enough for you to enjoy the eveing.
I picked at random from my cabinet and chose something green to go with my pretty light green top. Every so often I want a perfume with a color. The juice is green and from Hermès. In Jardin sur Le Toit. Not sure if I’m proposing colored juices for a CP but it might be fun. I mean, weird colors, not normal colors. Like Squid or Sarrasins. Of course, you may also have your own color associations with various scents. Lots of them are pink as I imagine them.
I was just thinking about green perfume! I saw an oldish bottle of Angel, and it had turned a horrible greenish swamp color. I’ve also seen this happen with Chopard Wish. I wonder if it’s something in the composition or they just were not stored properly.
It’s the composition. I have a small bottle of Angel EdP that has started to change color, and I keep it stored in its box away from extreme temps and light.
As a seasonal fragrance wearer, my SOTD choices are often inspired by my desire to be in harmony with nature’s beauty just outside my window. And so my theme suggestion is to wear a fragrance that best reflects ‘name of month’ where you live – or somewhere you’d rather be. By ‘name of month’ I mean whichever month features this theme.
So, since it’s August, that’s what I’ll use. Here, in the Chicago area, in August the days are often very hot and humid and the nights are sultry. The garden is bursting with vegetation, even blowsy. The potted jasmine that summers outdoors on the deck outside my bedroom blooms profusely, and I bury my face in its perfume each time I step outdoors, and it scents our bedroom through an open window at night. On the other side of the house, outside our screened porch where we enjoy sitting in the evening and watching the fireflies, my favorite late summer flowers – Nicotiana sylvestris and Nicotiana alata – save their intoxicating fragrance for the night air. In August we attend as many outdoor concerts as possible, knowing they will end soon. For all of these reasons, my August scent of choice is AG Songes, and that’s what I’m wearing today.
And this reminds me of another theme: Wear a fragrance that you would wear on both a hot summer day AND a cold winter day. Songes is the only fragrance I would choose for this theme, too. Its beauty provides warm comfort for me as I look out my window at the snow-covered landscape in January as much as it reflects the tropical lushness of a late summer day.
I’m hoping that despite all that’s going on in the world these days when you look outside your window this weekend there will be something to bring peace and comfort to your heart.
Your post conjured up such beautiful images!
Songes is always beautiful. And harmony with nature is a lovely theme!
The new athletic shoes I bought online are too short. If they were dress or casual they would be fine, but for fun/walking I need a little more big toe room. Going to UPS this afternoon to return them. I didn’t really participate in the CP this week although if I had, the theme would seem to be “Perfumes that make me feel better no matter what.” Rhubarb, jasmine, and citrus fruits always make the world seem a little brighter to me. Today I picked Rhubarb Ecarlate.
Not “fun/walking” RUN/walking, although I think run/walking is fun.
That’s the problem with buying shoes online!
Feeling better no matter what, that’s the perfume magic.
Thanks to my sweet swap/split/any and all who have been so kind and patient with me.
I’m recovering and really trying to be positive. My memory isn’t so hot and I can’t remember my email password (yet!) so forgive me for making this public.
And assuming I don’t have a brain bleed, since no one will get back to me. 🤬
Perfume:
Discontinued scents. As recent as yesterday or 1800.
Calvin Klein Reveal
Nice with some lotions.
Thank you for your kindness, again.
Eek, hope you’re ok!
Thanks. 💕
Sending healing vibes! 🌻
Appreciate every one of them. 💞
So sorry you are having a tough time AnniePerfumes!
Thanks, Robin, just am so very grateful for the kind people I have known on here.
So many people have so much worse going on. I feel bad whining. 😔
Hope things start to turn around for your health (and medical communication!!!!) soonest!
Thank you for your kind words. My doctors, nurses, A.P.R.Ns are all such wonderful, intelligent and caring people. And my dog is my best medicine. 💗🐾
I’m going to try one more time, with our state’s only other health care system. Maybe I will receive my records electronically or in writing. 🙏
Really, thanks.
Finishing my gardenia week with Sotto La Luna:Gardenia
Yum!
“It’s raining, it’s pouring, the Old Man is snoring!” And thunder and lightning, too. I just saw one of the cats running for a hiding place out of the corner of my eye. ⚡🙀
Today’s theme is: “It was PerfumeMath Free!” Wear a full bottle (30mL or larger) of perfume that you purchased for $55 or less. Bonus points if that includes shipping and handling. I do understand that PerfumeMath Free is a moving target, and just picked $55 arbitrarily.
SOTD = Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose, which, yes I did get a 30mL bottle of. I’d forgotten how good it is in hot and humid (now really humid!) weather. 🌹
Oh that’s a great cp! My perfume math free depends on the perfume. Something great is fifty, but something just ok, twenty, and my celebrity collection is capped at ten, including tax. Lol.
So there was a 10% inflation on perfumath free but you are right that it is a moving target!
PerfumathFree is perfect for a CP theme, and Nirvana Rose is a good one. Really good!
I thought about this theme! But I think it will be even more fun if you were not to name the sum, but instead let everyone to explain why perfume they chose fits that category: some people get extremely creative
No theme just a gorgeous fragrance with a lovely name and a great backstory: Le parfum de Thérèse. I didn’t even like it when I first tried it. Now I love it. Have a great weekend! I’m going to do some more packing
Was it the melon that put you off?
No, not at all. I’ve always loved melon. I guess it was the whole structure of the fragance. I got into perfume through pretty florals like Anaïs Anaïs and Paris so the whole chypre thing had me a bit baffled.
I’m wearing Virgo by Strange Invisible. I am a Virgo! I LOVE this baked earth/palo santo/neroli perfume and it really is the perfect scent to wear this time of year. Fun fact – Years ago, when I was in the SI shop in Venice, CA, testing out perfumes, a trio of men came in and announced they were on a smelling tour. I got to meet, smell, test, gossip and laugh with Portia Turbo from the Australian Perfume Junkies blog. And yes, they all approved of my choice! What a thrill!
Portia is the best 👍.
Great story!