We're marking the last weekend in August with our standard-issue open thread poll. Talk about anything you like — the fragrance you’re wearing today, the fragrance you've worn the most in August (or plan to wear the most in September), whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is Un tournesol détourné !!! [cropped] by marion beraudias at flickr; some rights reserved.
Hi everyone, headed out to Costco – fun!…. My SOTD is Lancome Sikkim, a bone-dry woody Chypre with a touch of leather.
Happy Saturday all!
You smell great!
I haven’t been to Costco in 3 or 4 months, I think. I need to go to get my yearly cash back, but I’m not sure how busy they are these days.
Thanks !?
A lovely gift and many thanks to you for the perfume.
It’s very smoky today, it smells interesting with the Sikkim.
We go to Costco every four weeks or so.
I will report back on how Crazy (or not) it is..
Someone told me the one in Mountain View was nearly empty, but I don’t have the courage to find out.
Costco was insane. Wall to wall people.?
I got bumped by carts several times.
Why folks can’t say ‘excuse me, may I get through?’
is just bewildering but oh well. We managed to get everything we needed accomplished. So there’s that.?
That sounds awful. I totally agree, why can’t people be courteous? I am not even aiming any longer for ‘polite’!
I’ve been to Costco twice since March. First time was in May and they were still limiting people. The second time was in early August when they stopped limiting the number of shoppers. Both times I went on a weekday. I will never go on a weekend.
I didn’t even go on weekends before the pandemic. Even the parking lot would be nuts.
Wow, Sikkim sounds lovely. I’ve long wondered about it, and now I think I’ll have to try it.
I can send some to you. ?
hope your Costco run was a success. I was there this past week with my sister. We both have a love/hate feeling about the place. Sometimes they have the best things – this week it’s fresh organic figs, tooth-achingly sweet! 😀
I had figs with balsamic vinegar, Parmesan and prosciutto for lunch today plus 2 small bags of chips – balanced meal ?
That sounds delicious. I adore the salty/sweet/juicy combination of figs, parmesan and proscuitto.
oh my goodness, yes to all of that! i adore figs, especially with salty and sour. 😀
I think we’re related tiffanie.
I’m wearing Child on a muggy Saturday. The weather was so nice this morning and now it’s just yuck.
we’ve got overcast skies,
the sun is about to peek out here.
everything is strange,
even the weather. 😉
SOTD is Nishane Tuberoza…. BFF gifted it to me! So ? lovely. A little bit banana-Kors original-ish… but richer and longer lasting. I think it’s divine. So grateful and happy ?.
This sounds right up my alley–nice gift!
Hello:)
Just letting everyone know the Iris Torrefie split is filled and have emailed everyone for payments, thanks for your participation!! Again, my email is kalliela11 at the hot male if you have any questions.
I have barely touched fragrance this month. It just wasn’t a great month for me with my cat passing and things..didn’t want any fragrance associations?.
Sotd, Youth Dew powder again.
Im sorry about your kitty
((Omega)), I am so sorry about your kitty ? cat’s passing.
Smokeytoes and I send our condolences.
Sorry to hear about your kitty.
So sorry about your loss. I bought Killian’s Straight to Heaven, when my cat passed. I spray it and think of her, because I know she went Straight to Heaven.
Sounds weird, I know. Just saying, it helped me a lot. Still does.
I love that association! What a creative solution. I have been known to wear Eternity to funerals or memorial services.
So sorry your month was terrible and of course sorry about kitty 🙁
Hope the IT will bring some cheer.
My sympathies about your kitty. Hugs, and hope that this next month will be an improvement. ?
Wearing MDCI Vepres Sicilliennes as I prepare to go to friends’ backyard for brunch this morning. It should play well with waffles. 🙂
I just learned that it is the name of a Verdi opera as well whilst Googling the spelling. Haven’t seen that one!
That’s a consideration for selecting perfume that I can get behind: “Does it play well with waffles?”
I wonder have we ever done a CP for perfumes that work well with food? seriously, there are some scents that should be banned from restaurants 😉
That’s a great idea for a thread topic. I second the nomination!
Love that idea!
Agreed. Waffles are very important.
I’ve been drowning in dark roses all August and today is no exception: Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme, my absolute favourite from the whole line.
Come September I vow to wear nothing but samples, a different one every day, and file them under “Wear again” or “Give away”. It’ll be weird to ignore my entire collection for an entire month but I need to deal with them! I know some of you can relate.
Oooh! You smell fantastic. I’m a fan of Rose Anonyme as well!
Ohhh, dark roses…. glorious
I love L’Artisan’s Voleur de Roses.
I have no earthly idea what your talking about. ?
This shows great self control- I think I will copy you.
I love the idea of simply a wear again or give away pile.
It takes the pressure off the Thunk! I could use this approach.
I bet you really feel lightweight afterwards.
It’s like ‘perfume-fasting’.??
I agree – great idea. I quickly learned how easy it is to build up more samples than you can, well, sample! I think my favorite Atelier is Silver Iris, but Oud Sapphir haunts me. I have not tried any of the rose ones yet.
Great idea but probably won’t split discovery sample sets.
You inspired me to wear Rose Anonyme myself! Unfortunately, it joins the Scents the Fiancé Loathes club. (This is an illustrious club.)
I’ve been dark rose twins with you this weekend, but I’ve been wearing Nirvana Rose.
I like Rose Anonyme! But its original advertising copy reminded me of Carmen Sandiego, lol: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2020/05/25/roses-de-mai-marathon-rose-anonyme/
Wearing Parfum d’Empire Corsica Furiosa to cut the extreme heat and humidity we have today.
I finished all my weekend errands very early this morning. We are expecting at any time the leftover rains of Laura. The humidity outside is brutal. I could barely breathe with the mask on.
I will have a quiet weekend at home, resting and going thru my perfume cabinet to purge a couple of things that need to be rehomed.
Mom asked me this morning to start making the holiday shopping list because once the “er” months arrive the year is over. First time she asked for it so early, but I understand her situation right now.
I placed a small order of BBW candles. I will wait until the big sale in December to get few more.
Getting up of the sofa now to indulge in some green tea pistachio ice cream. ?
Have a safe and healthy weekend, everyone! ?
Which candles did you get? When they had that really good single wick candles, I loaded up on Apple Weather and Honeycrisp Apple. I am waiting for the monster sale too.
I got Harvest Gathering, Leaves, Cranberry Woods, Pumpkin Cloves and White Pumpkin. I also stocked up on hands soaps last week during the $3 sale. They have had nice sales lately.
They have had their normal buy 2, 3, 4 or more for a certain price but that’s no bargain when you have it all the time. But they have had really nice sales the past couple weeks. Bath and Body Works will have to wait until Candle Day before they get any more of my cash.
I never get into the 2,3,4. I don’t see it as a real bargain. I am ok for now with soaps and hand sanitizers and I got enough candles to burn this fall. Like you, they will see me again on Candle Day.
It’s pretty much buying in bulk. I really missed the percentage off plus free shipping sales during the shutdown.
Corsica Furiosa!! Mmm… great choice.
Thank you! ?
I’m starting Christmas shopping tomorrow for my daughter. ULTA is having their 21 days of beauty event.
I hope you and your mom have a nice weekend ???
I started mine a couple weeks ago. But made an Ulta purchase this morning. Had to use the 20% coupon that was expiring.
Thank you, Lillyjo! ?
Enjoy your shopping! I am usually late for the holiday shopping, but I may start earlier this year if I get the energy to do it. I am always lazy about it, even though I purchase most things online.
You can do what I do is get gift cards and hang onto them until Christmas time. Or every month until December, get one or two gifts. It’s a little easier on the bank account.
For the last couple of years I have been relaying on gift more often. I always include small items with them. My mother always get a present and it is not easy because I have to get to the stores and physically make sure she will like it. But as you said, it is easy on the wallet to get the presents in advance and this year in particular I think I need to do that.
I do that too. It’s like a version of layaway for me.
Hello, hello, hello!
I’m in Jul et Mad Fugit Amor, a perfume I classify as a “transition fragrance” because it’s a perfect one for the weather between summer and autumn – as we happen to have this kind of weather today.
I haven’t gotten my dream citrus and now I’m starting to wonder if it makes sense anymore if soon the weather might change for good and I won’t be wearing my new citrus that much until next summer… Oh well, I should’ve decided earlier…
Hope you are going to enjoy the weekend. I have a bottle of rose cider for my drinks-o-clock 😉
I recently saw rose cider at my Trader Joe’s.
Please, do tell us how you like it?! 🙂
I just had a first glass. Chilled! Very crisp and refreshing mix of apple sweet and sour flavors.
nice! on to my shopping list it goes.
thank you for the review 🙂
Mmm rose cider would be a good perfume!
Yes! You’re right!
What a great suggestion!
I don’t know your SOTD or D’OC treat 🙂 Rose Cider sounds lemming-enabling, though. Cheers!
I’m in Eau Sauvage; needing a citrus with more heft today. I really like this. The last time I tried it, it was a bit too masculine for me. Somehow, it’s now just right!
Working on a second attempt at jam buns with sour cream glaze. I gathered up my oddball jars of jams, jellies and preserves and will try to use them up. First attempt was yesterday morning, and the yeast was too old. I was wondering why the dough felt like play-doh…
I think I’ll make lentil bolognese later today. Feed my face and feed the freezer! ?
Sounds like a fun day in the kitchen!
We’ll see how they turn out!
You smell great! Eau Sauvage is so good. I used to grab a spritz from a tester at Sephora.
mmmmmm, jam buns. 😀
Thanks! I love the classic bottle, too.
You smell good!
My husband has a bottle of the vintage. He mentioned that he was getting tired of it and was going to toss it.?
I think the look I gave him scared him a little bit….??
Lol, nooooo! Do not toss the vintage juice! ??
I’m wearing Jacomo Art Collection No. 08, and smelling deliciously of chai, while clearing out the garage. I’ve cut down a ridiculously large amount of cardboard boxes in order to fit them into the recycling bin. It’s a beautiful day so far, but it’s going to heat up very soon, so I’m trying to get the more onerous tasks of the day done early.
Happy weekend, everybody!
We are doing major household reorganization today too…unfortunately we did not get it done early! I am taking a quick break but then have to get back to it.
Hope your garage is looking spiffy!
There is nothing like a good clearing out imho to boost mood and gain clarity
After several days of 90 degree temps, it’s 75 today–heaven!
Did you see Estee Lauder’s done some limited-ed cosmetics for The Met Store? Packaging’s cool, but I don’t care for any of the products. Lauder’s donating all the proceeds to The Metropolitan, which is good.
Also saw on Temptalia that Byredo is coming out with some makeup later this year–the lipsticks are modern & sculptural –attractive, but the makeup-istas were kvetching that they won’t be easily organized (no doubt true).
Despite masks, I still gravitate toward lip products.
Will delay scent choice, since I’ll probably hike at the preserve and spray down with Cutters.
Happy Saturday, all.
I saw that post as well, and have to agree with the comments. Storing lipstick tubes with angled packaging would be a big no from me. I really have no business buying any more lip products anyway, but that’s another discussion entirely!
I do love aspirational makeup designs but storage is certainly an issue, especially when you have cats who presume it’s their toy.
Happy weekend everyone!
I’m testing Perris Monte Carlo today from an Indigo sampler that just arrived. Jasmin de Pays is nice although a tad too indolic for me, the Vanilla de Tahiti was way too sweet, and the Arancia is very wearable but I still like Bigarade Concentree more as a citrus.
Inspired by an NSTer (rabbitsflower maybe?) I’m committing to a fitness regimen this Fall. My back will thank me for it. The trick is sticking to it even with the crazy Covid teaching term but I’m committed!
your Indigo sampler sounds delightful!
I am also worried my teaching schedule will make it hard to get enough exercise. Your commitment makes me feel more committed. 🙂
Let’s encourage each other!
yes, please! Koyel got me motivated to set exercise goals over the summer, let’s all keep the momentum going into autumn 🙂
Yes! NST fitness gang! I think the best thing about working from home might be how many of my meetings I’ve been taking on the elliptical ?
I see a potential CP – best perfume to wear while working out
Yeah, fitness buddies! I can always use some encouragement.
I find that the key to surviving September with a workout routine intact requires that I a) be very realistic about what I can actually do, and b) schedule it onto my calendar at least a week at a time so that it stays a priority. If all I can do is 3x a week, that’s fine, schedule it and do it. Then, life becomes a little more reasonable in October and I’m not restarting from scratch. I will be lifting and running in September; I’ve already scheduled the next two weeks. ?
Yes to this- it’s all about the pre-scheduling for sure!
Are you still moving to Texas for the winter?
Yes, after Thanksgiving ! So excited
Excited for you!
Where in Texas?
Right outside of Houston, your home town
Oh boy! Where? We have gotten together some for either lunch or shopping and would love for you to join us if things settle down!
That sounds fun Calypso and Nancyleandros – I have never met anyone from NST in real life and it would be so cool to do so when circumstances permit!
So happy to hear you’ll be moving to Houston! Seconding Calypso in hoping we can get together once you get settled in and the world calms down. We’ll have four NSTers in Houston! Happy ??
Wow, so nice to hear, yasmina! Good for you! Two things: 1) your back really will thank you. I need to incorporate more back and shoulder stretches and exercises, but I’ve definitely been able to tell a difference since I started being more active. Sitting in my uncomfortable chair all day during WFH time has not been good to me. 2) Sticking to a routine has been super important to me. Even if I don’t do as long of a walk as I’d like some days or don’t do lots of reps or whatever, I’ve focused on being active 5 days a week to build the habit. This is up from the 3x a week I initially did. It’s good to have your own goals and realistic expectations. It will be fun to be in the fitness gang together!
Yay to NST fitness gang and thanks for the advice and encouragement!
I packed Morning Chess by Billhelm in my bag, I tried it today and my SIL really liked it so I gave the remainder to her.
I think I qualify in both of pyramus’ categories today.
Ps it was Really good! Leans masculine but sharp and powerful.
It’s a nice one!
I think it’s really unisex. The opening sprays at mid morning were ‘awakening’, initially I thought a perfect men’s aftershave effect and it is crisp, it settles in quick and the was dry down is very nice too.
My husband is still looking for that perfect aftershave and I think he’d love it. Off to get another sample at Ari’s tomorrow.
I’m super tired today, and working nine hours. Ugh. Yesterday was the most humid day ever, but today it’s getting better by the hour. Sotd is Shalimar Souffle edp. I thunked my daughter’s Riri by Rihanna perfume by using it as a room spray. I was just getting tired of looking at it. Lol.
I hope you get some rest soon lillyjo
Thanks. I won’t though. I ended up being scheduled 7 days in a row. I’m on day 4.
Ugh that’s hard – I hope then the days pass quickly
Ugh. Hope your day goes fast! The humidity is gone, sending good weather your way.?
I just got the weather relief. Thanks!
I hope your day goes fast and you get some well deserved rest later. ????.
The humidity here is also awful, you can touch it!
Just like my yesterday. It was so awful, it gave me a splitting headache.
U deserve a perfect Saturday.
Aww thanks!
I hope you get some good sleep tonight. Hang in there.
SotD = maybe No. 5 EdP?
hi NSTers, I’m dithering this morning. Can’t make up my mind about wearing a perfume, while I decidedly ignore the chore list.
I’m warming up to the idea of No. 5 for the day. I liked @ka_rina.’s “wear a classic” idea for yesterday’s CP. Maybe I’ll line up all the old school perfumes, then wear one per day until I run out.
Yesterday’s CP was delightful, the comments were a fascinating peek into what makes us tick as individual perfume people.
Let’s see, last night I enjoyed the film Safety Not Guaranteed on Netflix, a quirky romantic (?) comedy about time travel. I like Aubrey Plaza.
My morning reading about our brains on covid:
https://elemental.medium.com/your-surge-capacity-is-depleted-it-s-why-you-feel-awful-de285d542f4c
Looking forward to watching the titan arum at the Huntington Gardens, thank you to Robin for posting the link.
And thanks to everyone for smelling beautiful today. I wish I could give each of you a hug. 😀
Thanks for posting this article- many parts really resonated with me. My place of work keeps on spewing nonsense about how we are going to be “extraordinary” in these times and I am like nope! Extraordinary times don’t call for being extraordinary but for surviving and doing one’s good enough. Glad to see my knee jerk reaction validated by this article!
ha! “nope” is a good answer to a lot of the extraordinary things going on lately. 😉
I’ll add my thanks for posting this article. “Anxiety-tainted depression mixed with ennui that I can’t kick” is where I live a lot of the time. The article gives some good ideas to deal with it. ??
What a perfect phrase.
you’re welcome! and yup, it’s often the same for me.
The best line !!
Thanks for the article. I unknowingly have “coped” with the moving target new normal by adjusting my priorities, taking breaks when I felt I needed to and pretty much refused to engage with people who exude negativity or those who refuse to budge from their “truth”.
Don’t get me started on people and their truths…
(Saying this in a funny way, not negative?)
? and it’s why I put truth in quotes
I thought so, but being tired… I couldn’t trust my own reading, lol.
exactly. My coping alternates between long periods filled with must-do-lists and getting-things-done-right-now followed by doing “nothing” at all. My nothings are taking a walk or bike ride on empty streets, calling a friend or family member, exploring new music, feeding the birds and squirrels in my backyard, napping, and reading.
Hug accepted and sent right back to you!
I can always count on you, lillyjo! 😀 😀
Thanks for the article. I felt like it explained a lot to me. 🙂 *Hugs*
hugs to you, neyronrose. I felt better after reading it, I’m glad the article helps us both. 🙂
Adding my thanks for that article link tiffanie. I sent it on to my BFF. Danke schoen!
😀 cool! very glad the article resonates with many of us.
Thank you for the recommendation to watch Safety Not Guaranteed! We watched it last night and I loved it. Quirky, weird, and touching.
hee hee, so quirky! 😀 I actually watched the middle of the movie again on Sunday, the part where the lead couple is getting to know each other, especially that scene in the restaurant, so charming.
Probably what I’ve worn most in August is Dryad – very soothing and beautiful. I’m on the fence about September – part of me wants summer to go on a bit longer, and the other part always starts longing for crisp fall days right around this point on the calendar. No pleasing me. ? SOTM is Thé Pour un Été, in honor of some lovely jasmine shower scrubs sent by an even lovelier NSTer. Have a wonderful Saturday, everyone!
Aww <3 you smell splendid.
I feel like I never got the best part of summer, but perhaps like everything else it was canceled this year…so no pleasing me either!
Dryad is so beautiful. I think of it more as a September scent these days; it’s just so darn muggy here all August. And the mosquitoes have been ferocious.
The last weekend in August, noooo!?Woke up to perfect weather! The humidity has lowered, the skies are clear and it is sunny.
I’m in Samsara edp. Finished up some homework I had been procrastinating on this week. I don’t like the class I’m in right now. It’s so uninteresting and dry compared to my last class. On the bright side, it’s only 6 weeks long so I’m already a third of the way done.
Today is record store day. I’m gonna head out and see if there are any copies of The Cure’s Seventeen Seconds left.?
Happy shopping!
Woke up and vaccumed my house in vintage BaV. I am finishing up that Winter Candy Apple candle, it’s nice enough but doesn’t move me. I have since showered and ate lunch, I am commando at the moment. Wondering if I should put on some Coco Mademoiselle or wear Theorema.
I too enjoy housework with a liberal side of a vintage bombshells. 😀
Ditto!
??very clever!
SOTD is Mahora. I thunked the last dab of the shower gel, then topped off with the edp post yard-work. It was humid, cool and cloudy this morning and I got three bags of things clipped, chopped and raked from around the house. We are having some cooler air move in from somewhere, but it also got sunny, so I was glad I got the work done early. Stay safe, all – thanks for checking in with perfumed updates.
PSA eBay code HAPPY25 which worked for me for $25 off a minimum $25.01 purchase this morning. I bought a decant and sample w/ it…not sure how long the code will work. Saw some people in a Reddit thread said the code didn’t work for them but it worked for me and my brother so worth a try.
Going to try out some Black Flower Mexican Vanilla body cream today from a generous NSTer.
Not a huge vanilla fan, but that’s a nice one
Oh dang I just bought something on Ebay and didn’t see this!
ENABLER! Now I have to see if I can use the code!
Many people seem to used it successfully based on the comments below too…it’s a crazy good deal and somewhat perplexing. 😉
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/ymmv-ebay-25-off-25-01-with-promo-code-happy25/
It didn’t work for me, even though I tried with many different items! ?
Code didn’t work for me?
Today I’m wearing Salt by Ellis Brooklyn, because I’m feeling very homesick for California and it reminds me of ocean air.
Plans for today: reading a very large stack of magazines and rewatching Black Panther in honor of Chadwick Boseman.
Magazine reading has been even more of a pleasure these days.
Sounds like a wonderful Saturday to me. Enjoy! ?
What a horrible and very sad loss.
I did not see the news about Chadwick Boseman until after I’d already put up the poll. That is just tragic.
His death is so incredibly sad. I think I’ll have to wait a while to do a Black Panther rewatch, or I’ll be a mess.
What a terrible loss – he was only 43. He seemed so grounded and down to earth. I think his career was just getting started.
I know it isn’t fun, but get those colonoscopies folks. I have two friends, both men in their 40’s who were recently diagnosed with colon cancer; one friend was diagnosed with stage IV and the other stage II.
I did not believe it at first when I heard about Chadwick Boseman.
Song in my head this morning is “Higher Love” by Little Stevie Winwood. I’ve loved his music from the Spencer Davis Group, through Traffic, and Blind Faith. Remember “John Barleycorn Must Die?” It was the first album I bought with money from a paycheck instead of an allowance.
It’s a glorious summer day here and I’m back from a walk. I thought about cleaning the garage and decided against it, why ruin a nice day? I can wait for a dreary day to do that.
Forgot the perfume! I’m wearing Lys Carmin.
I did not even remember that “John Barleycorn Must Die” was by Traffic, but I bet I could still sing every word of the song! I always did like Stevie Winwood’s voice – so evocative of those times. I have never tried Lys Carmin; looked it up and a few on Fragrantica thought it was like Vitriol d’oeillet. I love that one!
Wearing Reglisse Noire. It’s much cooler and there’s even a breeze today. For most of August I’ve worn citrussy, fresh scents or just eau du sunscreen so I wouldn’t attract many bugs when outside.
Our bee has been still hovering around huffing my zinnias and we now have a huge spider that has set up a web under the eavestrough and stuck the other end to the maple tree. As long as the web is out of the way he won’t get evicted!
I am going to make banana bread this afternoon. Had to make a quick trip to the store to get milk for this recipe; this one is supposed to be the “ultimate” according to the recipe.
Happy Saturday everyone!
I need to wear this when weather cools down. It’s so beautiful.
How’d the banana nut bread work out?
Banana bread is pretty yummy! I think it was extra good because it called for butter rather than oil.
Oh, yep, butter will do it that’s for sure! I like using butter and brown sugar (no calories there..), with 1/2 cup of 5% Greek plain yogurt. It is so moist and yummy.
It is all brown sugar in this recipe too! So glad to hear its no-calorie?
Would you mind sharing the recipe? I have tried several, but still looking for the one recipe to rule them all. ?
“And with bananas bind them?” ??
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1. Stir together bananas, buttermilk and baking soda. Let stand 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, beat butter with brown sugar until combined. Add beaten egg, vanilla and banana mixture. Stir in the flour mixture until combined. Scrape into a greased loaf pan.
3. Bake at 350 for 60-70 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before turning out onto rack.
Mine was done in an hour; of course you can add chocolate chips or any choice of nuts into the flour mixture. Enjoy!
Ran out of space on the thread. Thanks so much for posting the recipe, Gail! ❤️
I’m just back from a walk on a sunny, if windy, Sunday morning. Very pleasant. I accompanied that with generous sprays of Rose Alexandrie. It doesn’t last long, but it’s lovely while it’s there.
SOTD = Gucci Memoire d’une Odeur
I wore something light so I could probably smell the Initio perfume samples that was part of the OsswaldNYC x Initio Masterclass which was conducted via Zoom (much better than IG Live IMHO). The $50 class fee included getting a 14 sample set and a coupon for $50 towards a FB purchase. It’s a modest investment for a fun class with like-minded enthusiasts.
I sprayed everything on tester strips and at least half were a hard no but some were possibilities, such as Side Effect (which I kept calling Side Car), Rehab (how ironic ?), Absolute Aphrodisiac and Mystic Experience.
I managed a 5 mile walk late afternoon / early evening as the morning yuckiness went away.
I hope everyone is having a good weekend!
When I first tried this Gucci, I had a hard time smelling it. Now though, I find it pretty potent. 2 sprays lasts the whole day. I don’t know what changed to my nose.
Is it true Initio is owned by Parfums de Marley?
Now that’s a Zoom meeting I can get behind ?
That is such a gorgeous bottle!
I like Side Effect a lot. Really nice vanilla for summer.
Hello, NST folks!
Nothing to report perfume-wise for this past week. I’ll try to catch up on what’s been going on for others. I had a few days of not wanting to go anywhere or do anything, but I did some necessary grocery shopping here and there as needed, and got a line editing job on a novella done yesterday. I got a “drive-through” flu shot on Wednesday. (You just needed to stick your arm out the car window.)
I didn’t go anywhere yesterday or today, and it felt kind of good. 🙂
I’m still enjoying the C.O. Bigelow lemon shampoo and conditioner. 🙂 The sample bottle of body wash is actually called “Aqua Mellis.” I didn’t remember the name right the other day. I’m still enjoying that, too. I tried the sample of cinnamon-mint toothpaste, and I guess it’s an acquired taste?
I’ve been mostly quietly reading when I haven’t needed to go shopping, and I think that helps me to recharge. I may have mentioned that Mom recently got her own basic Kindle e-reader, and is doing pretty well with using that. She can read the books that are in my Kindle “library,” but I reclaimed my Kindle Paperwhite. lol.
Things in general are still strange and stressful, but I remind myself that a lot of other people feel that way, and that many people are having a harder time than I am. *virtual group hugs*
Since it’s supposed to be a relatively nice day tomorrow, Mom is talking about going for a walk in a local park. That sounds good. I’m all right if I can get out into the yard and enjoy my fragrant plants. The ‘Maid of Orleans’ jasmine had several flowers open today, and still has lots of buds. That’s thriving in the hot and humid weather. I could smell the fragrance of those flowers really well today. I put one of my heliotrope plants outside again recently, and that’s blooming nicely. The couple of repeat-blooming roses by the front porch are trying hard. 🙂 I picked a bud from the ‘Mme. Isaac Pereire’ rose and brought it in, and enjoyed that from when it opened up through when it was full-blown.
I couldn’t figure out how to halve a pancake recipe that called for three eggs, so we were eating pancakes at assorted meals from Thursday through today. lol. Next time I’ll remember to get a bigger bowl for mixing, because that was a *lot* of batter.
Take care, perfumed people! 🙂
What books are on your reading list? I love my Kindle, I have difficulty with reading at night and finally had to make the switch from regular books to a Kindle.
Life is far easier now that I have one!
Yes, our house is pretty dark, especially when it’s cloudy out, so it’s much easier for me to read on a device that has a built-in light source.
So many different sorts of books…hmm. I’ve been reading books by Gail Carriger/G.L. Carriger. The G.L. pen name is for paranormal set in the modern day. The Gail pen name is for paranormal/historical/comedy of manners books with some steampunk flavoring. It took me a while to get into the first in the Parasol Protectorate series, Soulless, but once I did, I read through the rest of that series pretty quickly.
I’ve been reading gardening books and cookbooks old and new. The gardening books are mainly about spring-blooming bulbs. The cookbooks are focused on soul food. I’ve also been reading histories of the development of Southern cooking.
I read The Missing Lynx, about mammals that had become extinct in Great Britain. I’ve been reading about “Pre-Code” movies and how daring some were — way too daring for some of the audience at the time.
Back to fiction, I recently read a new book by K.J. Charles. It’s the second in a series set in the 1920s: https://kjcharleswriter.com/will-darling-adventures/
Ms. Charles writes books set in different historical time periods, some paranormal, some sans magic. For paranormal, I especially recommend The Magpie Lord series, starting with the book of that name. It took me a while to get into the first book, because of Lord Crane’s mood at the start, but his typical personality and attitude turned out to be much more entertaining. He’s what I believe would be called “bloody-minded.” He’s very practical in some ways, quick-thinking, and very creative in other ways. Though he doesn’t have magic powers himself, he can call on many other resources, and his adversaries come to regret antagonizing him.
Hi neyronrose, thank you for the recommendations and short reviews! I will make notes of all the books mentioned.
Headed out for a hike now, but will post later with books I’ve recently enjoyed. 🙂
You’re very welcome. 🙂 I’ll look forward to your list of books.
The history of Southern cooking/soul food books include books by Michael Twitty and Adrian Miller. The cookbooks include those by Carla Hall, Edna Lewis, and Mildred Council (“Mama Dip”). I know I have my own copy of Craig Claiborne’s Southern Cooking around somewhere.
The older gardening books include ones by E.A. Bowles, Elizabeth Lawrence, and Louise Beebe Wilder. Some are out of print. I got some of the books by E.A. Bowles and Louise Beebe Wilder when they were reprinted by Timber Press in the 1990s. The books by Elizabeth Lawrence were reprinted by the University of North Carolina Press.
Oh, I forgot to say that The Magpie Lord is free at e-book sellers, and that the first book in the Will Darling series, Slippery Creatures, will be 99 cents/99 pence in September if that sounds interesting.
If you’re not into murder mysteries and/or descriptions of the results of dark magic, depending on the series, Ms. Charles’ books may not really be for you, but I enjoy the historical aspects of the books, and how they subvert the 19th century/early 20th century attitudes and prejudices that many male British authors of those times put in their books.
Hi there! Good to see you! Got any planting/gardening that you will be doing in September?
*waves* 🙂
Good to see you, too! I’ll be trying to figure out where the colchicum flowers come up before Dad mows in that area in September. The flowers come up without leaves, and look rather like crocus flowers, so, confusingly, a common name for them is “autumn crocus.” This is as opposed to “fall-blooming” crocuses, which are actually crocuses. Anyway…
I marked where the hardy cyclamen is planted by the front porch, so at least I know where to look for those flowers. They’re about the size of a violet blossom, but pink and shaped like a tiny version of florists’ cyclamen.
And October will be my time to figure out what tender perennials I can nurse through the winter on windowsills and plant stands. Early October is also when I’ll be trying to figure out where to plant *all* those heirloom spring-blooming bulbs I ordered. Fortunately, all but one(?) of those bulbs is hardy here and needs a chilling period in the winter to bloom properly. I’ll put the antique freesia bulb in a pot and keep that on a windowsill.
The scented geraniums I got this spring are enormous now, so I’ll see which of them I can fit inside. Probably not all of them. I should be able to find places for the jasmines. The pineapple sage and lantana that lasted through the winter inside last year have also gotten through much of the summer outside. The heliotropes have gone between inside and outside since I got them. The main thing seems to be that they need plenty of water. I think the crinum should be able to overwinter in the garage, along with corms from the Abyssinian gladiolus. Lots to figure out.
Here’s a very handy ingredient weight chart that has helped me a lot. My hubby doesn’t like leftovers, so I cut down recipes frequently.
One egg is 1 3/4 ounces or 50 grams. If you have a digital scale, you’re good to go.
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/ingredient-weight-chart
Ah, very cool. 🙂 Thank you! I thought there might be a way, but I didn’t know how. Now I know. 🙂
We freeze pancakes! They are not as good after, but they are still better than no pancakes at all.
Your garden sounds wonderful. Our sweet autumn clematis started blooming today so that makes me happy. One plant, put in the ground about 10 years ago, is now all over the place…bits in trees and bushes all over the front yard. I love it.
Ah, that’s an idea, about the pancakes. Thanks! To some extent we’re good with eating a certain kind of food a couple of days in a row, though we’ll look for a change now and then. I think we would have been getting pretty tired of pancakes if we’d been eating them for the fourth day in a row, though! lol
The sweet autumn clematis sounds very nice. 🙂 I mention specific garden plants of mine that are behaving and haven’t been eaten by animals, and don’t tend to talk about the weeds and brush and brambles.
I think we’re close to qualifying as a wildlife sanctuary, though. lol. On two mornings out of three the other week, I saw a tiny bunny run out from among the potted plants I have in the front yard when I opened the door. Another day recently, I looked out the kitchen window and saw a fawn not far from the house. It was very beautiful, but I assume it was also hungry. I opened the window and said, “Shoo!” and it bounded a few feet farther into the back yard and looked at me again.
Oh, we are bunny central, every year! And groundhog central.
Saw lots of deer this spring but none lately; assume they’ll be back soon.
I adore sweet autumn clematis! Mine was torn down in accidentally due to ice heave and never recovered. They are such uncomplicated and happy vibes.
That scent is heavenly..
Enjoy it for me.
Ours has reseeded so intensely that I don’t think we could get rid of it now if we tried…I have seen clumps in the neighbor’s yard, they probably hate us for ever planting this thing.
Forgive me Donatella, for I have sinned: I blind-bought two FB’s from D.S. and Durga during their sample sale this weekend. Here’s hoping I like Foxglove and White Peacock Lily! If not watch for them in an upcoming swap meet ?
Heh I did the same! I bought Isle Ryder and Poppy Rouge. I’ve wanted to try Poppy Rouge for a very long time, so I’m hoping it and Isle Ryder are winners.
This makes me feel better. Fingers crossed for both of us!
Yes, otherwise we may end up swapping with each other! ?
Hey Luna Green,
How’d you fare with your D.S. & Durga blind buys? I’ve got one winner and one that I plan to swap or sell. Isle Ryder is my winner and Poppy Rouge I may try once more before putting in the swap/sell pile. I am trying to be more discerning with my collection these days.
P.S. I wasn’t sure how to get in touch, so I decided to come back here and post. 🙂
Hey there therabbitsflower! I don’t read the blog as often as I used to so I’m glad you reached out!
I like both perfumes I bought, though neither is life-changing. White Peacock Lily is quite sweet and floral, I’ll probably wear it more in the spring and summer and put it away during the colder months. Foxglove is pleasant, unobtrusive, and clean. It’s a good office scent. I plan to keep both. In all, a fairly successful blind buy.
I’m glad they were both successful! Boy, that packaging for the Hylnds line its really intense. That box is gonna take up a lot of storage space.
I know right? ?
Spending the day just hanging out but taking the dogs to the park for a walk. I am wearing no 5 body lotion and wonder if Eau Premiere would work wonderfully or not with it.
Only one way to find out! I could go for double chanel lol
Started the day in Fiori di Capri and then switched up to Jour Ensolleille. Thankful for the switch to beautiful weather. We headed out yesterday to do an outside visit with friends, and it was hideously humid. One of the worst days ever. Today is one of the best. We had breakfast outside at our local diner after church, which was nice to do again. And we got to see the new bells being delivered and hoisted by crane to the top of our church, as one of the last last steps in a much-needed renovation (you know you need to do building work when the scaffolding is up simply to protect people from a crumbling facade.)
And I need to continue my investigation into a package I received from Vermont Country Store that I’m quite sure was sent to me in error.
Must decide what scents to being on vacation….just continue with samples or make a few little decants. Decisions, decisions….
Fiori di Capri is so lovely. I’ve been enjoying a sample.
Oy about the package! Did it have your name on it or just the address? Hey, maybe it’s a gift?
I’ve been checking with friends. Dknt think so. My name, prior apart,ent in this same building.
Oooo what was in the package?
My question too.
A few random things such that it doesn’t seem like a gift. At first, because it included Evening in Paris, I thought it might be. But…a fair amount of $$$ was spent. No one I know would spend that on a gift for me. It included a knit black dress, a German knick knack, a small cloth ice pack. Seemed like something someone would buy when shopping online, but not when shopping for a gift.
Gorgeous weather twins with a few of my fellow NSTers today. And more in the forecast for a little while, so that’s a bonus! I’ve gotten a few errands done today that I didn’t have any energy for yesterday. Gotta take the ebb and flow as it comes.
SOTWeekend = back in Nirvana Rose. ???
I should take mine out. Yes, gorgeous in these here parts; consequently, I got a 4-miler in with breaking a sweat (well, just a little bit).
Unfortunately, tomorrow’s forecast has gone downhill since I posted this afternoon… clouds and rain are supposed to be back later on. ? Phooey.
OH, so sorry I read that. Hope it is fake news.
I’m feeling very low-energy lately. I’ve even lost my cooking mojo and resorted to frozen dinners. Just tedium plus heat. I’m wearing Paris-Deauville for a little pick-me-up.
Hope you get your cooking mojo back soon.
Thanks. I need to go grocery shopping. For tonight I’m trying out a new bean soup recipe!
I need to do the same, or do a curbside order, before we get too deep in the week. Don’t want to fight the hordes getting their Labor Day supplies.
Good luck with the soup!
I really should make bean soup…I stocked up in March in case protein was difficult to find with the meatpacking plant COVID. That said, I do enjoy your food posts!
Bean soup is amazing!!!! Hope it turns out great and gets your cooking mojo up and running!
I’m kinda jealous because I can’t make many bean dishes in our household… Mr. Teebear insists he “doesn’t like the texture of beans” but mysteriously loves chili, garbure, and red bean paste desserts… ?
This made me laugh!
Mr Teebear sounds like my husband.
I am so sick of cooking right now, too. I have zero inspiration.
Sorry to hear about the lost mojo for cooking; I run out of it too. What keeps me going is a meal subscription service I use for two meals a week. I mean, after 30 years of marriage and putting healthy dinners on the table for ourselves and three children for decades, I run out of mojo too. At least the meal boxes give me some new techniques and recipes, and the ingredients to go with them.
I had the bright idea to wear my hair down at work today. I look like Lorraine Newman from original SNL.
?
Sotd is Eldo eau de Protection because I got into it with grumpy gus coworker yesterday, and thought it would protect me today.
It’s HOOMID in San Francisco today, I’ll take your Lorraine Newman and up it a Rosanne Rosanna Danna. HA! ?
Sorry about grumpy Gus coworker. He had vinegar in his cornflakes this morning. Oof.
Yeah, Gilda was my first thought, but my hair is really long so the weight keeps it laying down.. slightly. Lol.
I need to get rid of all this frizz!
I hope gus isn’t being mean to your son again.
No, he’s being mean to me directly now. Grrr…
Ugh. I’m really sorry you have such a stinker of a coworker.
Boo hiss on grumpy. Re: the hair…have you had it cut since THE BEFORE? (Somehow The Pause just never felt right to me ??♀️)
ITA about “The Pause”. Somehow it comes across as my aunts trying not to talk about menopause when I was a kid.
Lol!
I don’t like Pause either.
This September will be 2 years since I’ve had my hair cut! My hairdresser moved, and I tried someone else, who didn’t work out. Then time just got away from me. I’m definitely getting it cut this month though, it’s a priority at this point.
SOTD is original Fendi by Fendi. Headed out for a socially distanced hike (Presidio) with friends and then Indian for dinner.
Eight pounds total lost. Woo Hoo!! 😀
Wow! Your doing great!
*you’re!
Impressive!
Hello everyone!! I just kind of “jumped in” on this post because it has been a while since I last posted. I had to because… I am a proud owner of a bottle of my MOST beloved EVER fragrance EVER. Well there is 2 of them, but I would all five… They are… CdG Series 7 Sweet… My 2 HG forever and ever are Sticky Cake and Nomad Tea. But if I could I want all 5 to be with me forever!! It’s been like 14 years since I fell in love with Series Sweet (especially Nomad Tea and Sticky Cake) and smelled hundreds perfumes throughout all these years and… My absolute best of best, most veloved and HG will always be those two. I am so happy because when I fell in love with them, many years ago they just got discontinued and it was Soo hard to hunt these bottles down… Since CdG re-released my Nomad Tea and Sticky Cake again I am the happiest person ever. Thanks for reading!! BTW I LOVED the original bottles so much however the juice is what I am really so strongly in love with… So who cares if they are now sold in the white, opaque flacons?
Nice!
Yay for getting one of your “most loved” perfumes!
So happy for you! Hope they will bring the others back in the next round….if there is a next round, I thought it would happen by now.
Yay for finding favorites!
More thunderstorms and rain this evening. I guess this is better than the summers when we had a drought, but I’m really grumpy about the humidity. Have consoled myself by buying some vintage Bal A Versailles EDC online, so I can find out for myself what all the fuss is about! Especially since I work from home now, like so many others, and don’t have to worry about the impact on co-workers!
Oh, I adore vintage Bal a Versailles, I love the cozy feel of it for bed time.
Thank You so much!! I know they were released back in 2017 as I remember but meanwhile I had a baby and just overlooked it… So I was shocked and soooo happy to find my TWO most favorite got re-released!!