It's Zest and Smoulder Friday! Our community project for today: wear a fragrance with citrus and smoky notes, or, layer two fragrances to achieve the same affect, or interpret the theme in whatever way works for your collection. Thanks go to Glannys for the suggestion!
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.
Points for me: I'm zesting on my left arm (Imaginary Authors Mosaic) and smouldering on my right (Imaginary Authors City on Fire).
Reminder: on 9/11, wear a perfume with cardamom, if you have one.
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 Reopening of 23 St on F, M Lines [cropped] by Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York at flickr; some rights reserved.
Friyay!!!!
And I am the first to comment?
The only thing I found was LADDM, which has a bit citrus for my nose and a lot of smolder.
Now waiting for my weekend to start. The wineries are waiting and maybe I will buy a used recumbent bike on the way home.
Have a nice weekend!
I like my recumbent bike (although it is stationary). I just can’t sit on a regular bike seat for very long.
You smell great! Have a nice weekend.
Yay for wineries!?Happy Friday!
I need a new bottle of LADDM. I keep hoping that I can actually walk into Fumerie and buy one, but it’s not happening anytime soon it appears.
In any case, you smell terrific!
I say give them a call and ask them to drop off a bottle on your porch…
I think they’re open limited hours.
LADDM is a must! Give Tracey a call, I’m sure she can organize a contactless handoff.
Wineries ?
Embarrassed. Can you share the name of the perfume? I’m not sure I remember the acronym (yay for a big word!).
Thanks!
L air du desert marocain by Tauer
Another Yay! for a weekend winery visit ?.
Yay for wineries and long weekends! Enjoy!
I think I’ll do same as yesterday with a combo of Mandarin Basilic and Winter Woods. It worked.
PSA for candle folks. Brooklyn Candle Studio (no affiliation) has their limited First Friday candle available. I’m calling it out because this month is Sevilla, which is, amusingly, on point for the CP. (These are smaller than their usual escapist candles @ 7.5 oz)
“ Orange blossoms and incense create an intoxicating blend of citrus and smoke as you walk down a dimly lit cobblestone street, plucked flamenco guitars enlivening your step, as revelers share tapas and laughs along Calle Betis.”
Finding it hard to pack for next week, given the weather will be cooler and rainier. I’m out of practice!
Uh oh, I am absolutely not supposed to be any more candles for a while because I went a little crazy buying them this spring and summer, but that Sevilla is very tempting. Do you think you’ll buy one? And which candles from this brand are your favorites? Asking for me 3 months from now when I may allow myself to buy more again…
I won’t buy one. It sounds really nice, but I’m trying to be frugal. I have purchased their Rosa Botanica and the Tobacco ones. As well as Ojai and Santorini in the Escapist. They’re not cheap, but I’ve generally found they have good throw. Santorini is my favorite for summer. We blasted through the Rose One, because it was very nice. If I am tempted, it might be to try the room sprays.
Thanks! I am holding off too. Maybe around the holidays it’ll be time to buy more candles.
Guerlain Vetiver.
TGIF! Looking forward to the long holiday weekend!
Happy Friday, everyone! ?
Happy Friday!??
?
Happy Friday M!??
??
Hurray Friday!
??
Shalimar , my ?
I have been busy, moving and finished the new Ferrante book ?
So for this one ☝️ and Euphoria are my favorite summer reads of 2020..
Now on to a Mary Renualt ?
Catch up with you all soon
Wait. You’re moving?
Yes ??
But I still make time for reading
What is the move you speak of?
We are moving , but not out of NYC
Never leave NY as they say. ??
New neighborhood?
Love Mary Renault! Have a great weekend.
Which books do you love?
OaklandF is to blame (or thank) for my obsession
I loved the Theseus cycle and the Alexander trilogy. Mostly her historical novels. I know she’s come in for some criticism, but still think the books are beautifully done.
Moving to…. New York City??
Sorry that was meant for someone below.
I have read the Last of the Wine, Charioteer, King Must Die, and my favorite the Persian Boy. Now I will start Fire from Heaven.
Is the move finished, or still in progress?
With COVID everything is at ? speed
?
Ciao Bella.✌??
Ciao!
How are you my bello ragazzo?
I’m good!How are you?Haha!
Crazy times,also moving!
XO
Moving to… New York City? ??
Haha I wish…back to the countryside where I moved from in 2017.
?
Did you like the new one as much as My Brilliant Friend?
That series of 4 books is one of the best ..
I think her/his new novel will give readers a little taste of the writing style and nature
Thanks, good answer
Good luck with tour move!
Grazie
Good luck with the move! I just bought the new Ferrante book.
Wearing Guerlain Eau de Cashmire that I ordered back in early March from NM and finally arrived in August. It’s nowhere near the theme but just a soft and lovely calming scent that you need to get through another day of policing my son’s online learning while working. Cheers to all!
Well that sounds just lovely.
Yay for online policing!
I have heard of that Guerlain and will look up reviews.
That sounds really nice!
That didn’t take too long ?
I am Zesting and Smouldering in my new bottle of Five o’clock Eau Gingembre,. Was this a COVID panic purchase? Why yes, yes it was. Donatella will understand.
Springpansy! I found a bottle of Fendi EDT (.85oz), do you want it?
YES! (I mean as long it’s not a million dollars…) You can contact me via my screen name above. Thanks, ST.
Excellent! I wasn’t sure if you liked the EDT version but figured I’d ask.
No charge, just pay it forward.
Is that yahoo, gmail, hot mail?
Just in case, I can be found at ldetrich in the land of yodeling dawt com.
Oh sorry, I should have said click on my user name and it takes you to my Gravatar page with email. I will contact you. Thanks so much!
Oh, I made a few purchases I’ll have to report to Donatella, the damage isn’t too bad but it’s either skin care or perfume.
At least I smell good for my cat! SmokeyToes approves!
Ooo! What did you buy
Shalimar, body cream, Shalimar Souffle Intense, and Shalimar Parfum de Toilette.
Forgive me Donatella, for I have sinned. But I had a 35% off coupon.
I have sinned too! Two bottles of Shalimar L’Intial! The original, a tester from a lovely lady downsizing her collection, good price and perfect condition and then the super special L’Intial in the bee bottle that Guerlain recently released because so many of us wept and wailed when it was discontinued. The bee bottle could not have happened without the intervention of our favorite Perfume Fairy Godmother, Hajusuuri! I am eternally grateful.❤️
I don’t know if it’s pent-up lack of exploration and/or pandemic related boredom, OR if it’s just the fact that I’m back hanging out with all of you, but I’ve purchased more fragrance in the last few months than all of last year. Oh well. Guess a person needs a hobby!
Repeating yesterday’s zesty smoulder in Nicolaï Vanille Tonka.
Happy weekend everyone!
You have a great weekend too @ka_rina!
Perfect choice for the CP, you smell wonderful
I am in Amouage Fate. I has a crispy citrus-floral opening and a lot of sweet cuddly incense. Maybe not a lot of zest or smoulder, but it fits both the CP and today’s cold weather.
Thank you for participating in the CP. I enjoy reading about your picks, even though I do not comment a lot.
Oh, and I am very excited about the cardamom project. I made a list of my perfumes with this note, and it turns out I have enough for three weeks.
LOVE cardamom.
MeTOO!
me three!
Ha, same here! I then went back through the list I made and highlighted those that should work in the hot weather we’re getting next week.
?
I did not highlight but made a mental note of those which would work in the hot weather. According to the forecast, we will have hot, warm and cool days, so hopefully I will be able to wear all kinds of cardamom next week.
Nice!I also have a good couple of options for the Cardamom cp.
Cardamom is in many Guerlains!
I got curious and ran a quick google search of ‘cardamom’ on ‘guerlain.com’. It looks like the only cardamom Guerlain I tried is Rose Nacree. None of my favorite Guerlains have this note.
Oh – do share your list?! ☺️
With pleasure! I actually used therabbitsflower’s idea and split the cardamom scents I own and tried into three categories by weather:
Suitable for hot weather:
Versace Versense (did not find this scent on Versace website to confirm)
Paul Emilien Pure Addiction
Suitable for warm weather:
Jo Malone White Moss&Snowdrop
Jacomo Art Collection #8
Penhaligon’s Malabah
Diptyque Eau Duelle (cardamom not listed on Diptyque website)
Amouage Beloved Woman
Suitable for cold weather:
Lush Cardamom Coffee
Kenzo Jungle Elephant
Guerlain Songe d’un Bois d’Ete (cardamom not listed on Guerlain website)
Teo Cabanel Oha
PG Indochine (cardamom not listed on PG website)
Majda Bekkali Mon Nom est Rouge
Laboratorio Olfattivo Vanhera
Untested cardamom scents:
Hayari FeHom
Neela Vermeire Pichola
Neela Vermeire Mohur
Neela Vermeire Trayee
I do not think Songe d’un Bois d’Ete actually has cardamom, to be honest. Versense, Eau Duelle and Indochine probably do.
Did you make your own list, @ka_rina?
Thanks! The List is still in the making. I find that although I‘m Cardamom obsessed in my cooking, I do not own that many cardamom scents.
My list includes so far
Eau Duelle and Oha (both of which I saw on your list and happen to have samples of)
Maison Lancôme Santal Kardamom
Kenzo Jungle ? (Of course!! Lucky for my co-workers we are all still at the home office or they’d be subjected to this whether they approve or not )
And YSL La Nuit de l’Homme as I have a sample around somewhere (I think) and it has cardamom according to Fragrantica.
Otherwise I will watch what others post for inspiration ?
Have a great Sunday Glannys!
Thank you, ka_rina! I should try that Santal Kardamom. Have a great Sunday too!
Oooh, I love Fate. You smell wonderful! I didn’t choose it because I don’t smell citrus. It is my favorite calming scent.
Fate is gorgeous! I thunked my sample of it long ago.
Layered Stash SJP (definitely smoky) over a generous spritzing of bff Eau d’Hadrien edp. Not bad at all.
I love Stash! I need a new bottle actually.
Oh, I should have thought of Stash!
Can you still find Eau d’Hadrien anywhere? I’ve wanted it in the butterfly bottle forever and fear I missed the boat. I’d happily grab a normal bottle, too.
I love your CP idea. A local place here sells clementine body products, spritz Bombshell Summer and Humboldt. Its It’s been a very regular combo this summer. I’m really nervous I’m draining that Humboldt. Not able to find that at Luckyscent, anymore. If you like Hadrien, you’d love Humboldt.
You might be able to find Eau d’Hadrien at some of the online discounters.
Thanks ?
Hi all!
Perfectly fitting with the poll, I’m in Shalimar parfum. Maybe not everyone’s pick for a summer perfume, but I love how it blooms in heat.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Oh, I prefer heavy Shalimar in hot weather! You’re a bombshell!
Yes to Shalimar in hot weather – modern air conditioning had barely got off the ground when Shalimar came out.
Hello twin ?
Shalimar along with Chanel Coco and Guerlain Vétiver (and probably many others I can’t think of right now) belong in the category “always right”! So go you with Shalimar.
On project in my sample of Black Citrus from Vilhelm but it really doesn’t do much for me
I am curious about this one…lackluster then?
It’s smoky at first, then gets a little more balanced but yeah, not particularly compelling. Also, after sniffing a couple of hundred perfumes/yr for several years, I’m kind of hard to impress
? I hear you.
Not sure if I’m earning any CP points by wearing SMN Citta di Kyoto. It’s a bit zesty and the woody drydown has a bit of smoke to it but I don’t have the convincing powers today to argue ??
I remember it! It fits, in my opinion.
I’m wearing Mugler Cologne from a new decant.
Always perfect!
My husband stole my decant but I think I’m going to take it back.
Friday
Payday
Going with Chergui because I love it plus some gold bond powder for hives.
PSA Beauty Habit offering 20% off fragrance some exclusions.
Yes – yay! Code is SCENT20
And hope the hives improve soon. They are so uncomfortable.
I used to have hives a lot and it’s awful. Do you have any idea what triggers them? I had to make a number of ER visits for mine and get steroid shots. I spent about six months on prescription antihistamines before things finally got better.
Yeah steroid shots with bad flare ups
Last 6 months has been good except for this week.
Sun can really set me off. I am a cover up person.
I’m doing the CP in stages – zest was yuzu shower gel, and now I’ve got the smoulder going on with Feu Secret. Happy Friday, everyone!
Ooh, you smell great!
Thanks sistine! I think so too.
Oh I love a showergel with yuzu!
I don’t know if it’s available where you are, but it’s the one from Shikai and it’s very nice. Lots of fans of it here at NST.
That is a good one. Just added to my shopping list!
Happy FriYay all, we made it! My SOTD is Diptyque’s L’ Eau Trois, with resinous incense, myrrh, and herbal notes – this wears close to the skin and is so comforting, the dry down is beautiful.
Getting ready for a holiday weekend, the Cuban pork roast is marinating in the fridge, black beans soaking on the stove.
I’ve signed up for my Fall classes for the HR certification series, getting my planner/organizer set up and ready to go.
That pork roast sounds delicious.
Let me know if you’d like the recipe. It’s some prep work but really, not that bad. I have a recipe that is from a Cuban friend, and it’s so flavorful.
Of course, as per my usual talent of wrong day/wrong time, I chose a weekend with an pending heat wave on a day the roast will be in the oven for six hours.
I don’t have to renew till late spring next year, thank goodness.
Did little Smokeytoes sit at your feet and gaze adoringly when that roast was being prepped?! I have a little smokey toes who knows the sound of meat being unwrapped, LOL! Cuban pork roast is good; I made it once years ago, but not sure what inspired me.
Smokeytoes was a Velcro kitty! He wouldn’t leave my side until I gave him a piece of ham. ?
Have you seen the movie Chef? With Sofia Vergara, John Leguziamo, Bobby Carnnavale, Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman. It’s a wonderful (foodie) movie.
Video below of SmokeyToes begging – he’s a ham….
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCtahSmB13l/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Thanks for the video, S, – I love it. That’s a happy kitty! Will have to check out “Chef.”
Wow, your holiday meal sounds very tasty!
Sorta zesting, and sorta smoldering in OJ Nawab of Oud. Like all of the OJ scents (for me, at least) the top notes and first 30 minutes are just heavenly.
Then it’s worth it, even just for sorta
I’m in Chanel Biarritz, the favorite from the Les Eauxs for me. Points for zest anyway. It doesn’t last long, layering with the lotion would probably help.
Another gorgeous day here.?
Hope you’re enjoying yourself madtowngirl!
SOTD is Estee Lauder Azuree: I feel the zest and smoulder, though maybe the notes don’t say that. I used ONE spray, from a circa 2017 bottle, and it blooms wonderfully. I read Angela’s 2007 review of Azuree – it and the comments are great. Someone (this is one of the older posts where most people became “Anonymous”) wrote that Azuree “smells like stale Budweiser in a brass goblet.” I understand that comparison, but Azuree was love at first sniff for me.
It’s fun to back and read old NST perfume reviews and comments.
I have an older bottle of Azuree, only one spritz though, it’s a real powerhouse!
I never got the Root Beer dumped on a leather jacket (Tama Blough’s description) – it’s all base notes on my skin, herbs, amber, patchouli, leather, and oakmoss. Very sexy scent!
That description fits, too; it’s soda-pop cocktails, ashtrays and leather and all is somehow idealized! But I get the florals, too. Your comment reminds me that amber, patchouli and oakmoss sent me down the rabbit hole!
Azuree is all dryness, leather, herbs and oakmoss on me. Nothing sweet or fizzy at all.
Azuree is one of the few less-sweet ‘fumes I just love, but maybe the amber in my batch is sweeter. I have a part-time co-worker who actually wears Azuree – what a treat on the days she in. I tried to bring up perfumes but gathered that she is one who *doesn’t think about perfume.* She said her DH gives her perfume for Christmas every year, and she didn’t remember the name. Can. You. Imagine.
Isn’t she lucky that her DH has good taste, though?? I love Azuree, and wrote about it here: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2016/11/25/fragrance-friday-daily-post-aromatic/
Yes; my DH is tolerant of perfumania but leaves the purchases up to me. Fabulous co-worker was the Head of Nursing at our local hospital and Azuree fits her very well. (She’s retired and is a Paralegal at the law firm where I work.) Thanks for the link – glad to know another fan of Azuree, and I concur with the review. I love most Estee Lauder fragrances. and EL’s life story. RE: Aromatics Elixir, I might do a shout out at Swapmeet: I have most of the Aromatics: Black, White and Black Cherry, but NOT the original.
Happy Friday!!! Just thunked my decant of Tihota.?
I used up a sample then bought a decant. While I do think this is quality stuff, it is a pretty straightforward vanilla and I haven’t felt the urge to acquire more but the day isn’t over yet.
I have some 4160 Tuesdays samples coming from Indiescents (my first order from them) along w/ a sample of Dolce Passione which is very tough to find to buy/sample in the U.S.
I also have a decant of Perris Monte Carlo Vanille de Tahiti that just arrived and a sample of BDK Rouge Smoking to break into this weekend.
Work has been very busy w/ some department transitions I think I mentioned previously and there has been some further drama this week…like Game of Thrones but far less blood and nudity.
There is a bastardized Darwin quote that comes to mind…”it is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.” So true.
Have you tried Outramer Vanilla? it’s a strait up vanilla cheap thrill that I read it as cotton candy, my husband smells it as pipe tobacco. But I find that makes it a perfect scent for travel/long car rides. ?
I have and it is quite good and very cheap. I have a 10 ml spray that I received in a good Beautyhabit GWP. I will eventually use it up. I used to pack it on weekend trips when those were still happening. ?
When I tried Pacifica Island Vanilla, I thought it was a ringer for Tihota. It doesn’t last on me the way Tihota does, but for the price I can just keep spraying.
I shall check that one out. I haven’t worn Tihota in a while and today it is reminding me of Kyse Bonbons à La Vanille which I have a FB of…never made that smell connection before.
Happy Fri-yay and sorry for work drama! It will end!
You smell wonderful! Sorry to hear about the work drama. I call it “workplace musical chairs.” Hate it.
Happy day all! Smolder and zest,hmm? ?I’m not into smoke so I hade to really look, but I found a teensy bit of smolder in my small collection after all. I’m in one spritz of Tralala and another of Oyedo. It comes across a bit like a whiskey sour in an old bar, which is quite nice. However I colored my hair yesterday, so I predominantly smell of grape bubblegum. ?lol.
Grape bubblegum goes perfectly with Oyedo…I bet you smell great.
Crazy it’s Friday already..this week seemed to go by fast.
I received the bottle of Iris Torrefie, now just waiting on the atomizers to come in. I will not post my thoughts on the scent yet until the splitters get a chance to sniff:).
No points for me as I am in my rose body butter from Natural Grocers.
Meh, highs of 110 the next few days..summer ain’t no joke here lol.
Beverage of the day, Watermelon Cucumber cooler from Trader Joes.
Oh, but I think you should post your thoughts!
I think Mona di Orio’s Lux would fit this nicely. Honeyed lemon over burning opoponax. I haven’t worn this (too hot now) but maybe later tonight.
I thought of Lux for this CP too, though I ended up choosing something else for today.
On of my favorites. Good pick. You smell lovely.
Not really sticking to the CP in Songe d’un Bois d’Ete.
Feeling stressed about all the changes today. This just comes and goes. It will be good to be finally settled in. It’s nice to read all the comments in here. This bit of life is not changing, fortunately.
I’m also in a transition period and NST is the one constant I can count on.
It really is, everything seems to be constantly different. So this peaceful spot in the web is just wonderful.
Also am I crazy, but for whatever reason, the percentage of people struggling on any given day seems relatively constant — there are always enough people in good enough shape to be cheerful and consoling. Sometimes I feel like we’re all taking turns.
Anyway, so sorry you are stressed. When is your actual move date? (or you moved already and I missed it??)
17/18 September, it will be spread across two days
And youbare probably right about us all taking turns ?
Aha, that is soon. September seems a good time to move (I personally hate moving in winter), but moves are never fun.
I have “waves” of stress that come and go, too.
I hear you about the waves of stress. Moving is emotionally and physically draining.
So far my only zest and smoulder is the orange chunks I mixed in with Greek yogurt and the earthy, smokey notes to my dark roast Sumatran coffee. Not sure what I’m in the mood for wearing today.
It is technically a day off, but I have already put in a couple hours. There’s so much to be done before I start seeing kids online in a week! At least I can do my work in my pajamas today.
Hey, that works!
And enjoy the last pj days.
Trying to do the CP by spraying a bit of PoTL and adding a drop of Anne Pliska. I may need to take another shower. Not what I was expecting, feeling a headache coming on.
Waving Hi!!
Hope your headache is Not a migraine.XO
Hi Johano! Hope you are well and safe! We may be in migraine territory, feeling a bit nauseated too. One more conference call then back to the shower. xo
Oh no!
Did anyone have that weary feeling. It’s a tired and unmotivated type. Just one more day before I have a day off. I was thinking of Sycomore today but accidentally sprayed Au Coeur due Desert. I think I will spray Sycomore after work.
Yep, I think a lot of people have had a Majorly Blah day, or even more than one…
Yesterday was that for me, though it sounds like more people are having it today. Yesterday I got hit with 10 different projects and was just totally scattered, and of course everything is last minute and urgent given these times. Today I’m looking forward to a few hours off this afternoon as compensation for the long hours yesterday.
Here’s to a great weekend for everyone, enjoying the end of summer (northern hemisphere, at least) before the skies and walls close in.
I was really tired and dragging this morning. Much better now.
Zest for the day is the tangerine I am currently eating(juicy and sweet,bursting with a tarte freshness,straight from the chiller)
Smoulder for the day…oy…I started smoking again…oops.
SCENT of the day is all thos combined with La vie est belle…fruity iris.a no-brainer-never buying-again-thunk…
Happy Labor day weekend all who celebrate!
I am moving as well,LTSG!
Back to the countryside,I loathe this city for living,but love it for work and everything else.
Here.We.Go.
XO
P.S,the Amouage question I had has been resolved,two new releases coming out 3rd week of September!One is called Enclaved(or Enclave,now not sure)
Seems smell-worthy!The bottles are STUNNING colors.
You’re moving? Best of luck! Nice seeing you here again.
Thanks Gail,nice to see you as well!
Yes,hopefully by the end of October everything is arranged for the move
Johanob, quit smoking!!!
When are you moving? Did you find a place already?
Haha!Yes Mother!(just kidding,I know I know,such a bad habit…and I’m a Nurse…no excuses)
I have a shortlist of three places so far.
The one place really stole my heart already,but there is some logistics I need to consider.
The end of October,but packing/wrapping starts already,I like to be prepared.
✌??
*not too sure about the grammar in that answer,also….LOL.✌??
Good for you, there is nothing worse than packing.
Hope you will get the place you want!
All the moving! Good luck. October is really just around the corner.
Thank you!Yes,like this year that went by in the blink of an eye….
Hi johano! I wish I was moving to the country with you. I’ve come to hate the city. Good for you!
Thanks Lillyjo.Better quality of life/air/sanity in the countryside,even if I will have to drive 20-odd miles to work.
Hang in there!✌???
I’m moving to the country too – the pandemic seems to have killed my love for the city.
Hello Johano! I’m going to second Robin and also say “Quit smoking!” I want to keep my friends around for as long as possible, thanks.
Good luck on your upcoming move!
Thanks Jalapeno.To a degree,smoking calms me,but I know that is not a good enough reason to NOT quit permanently.
Maybe after the move I can do it.
I chose Jicky for today. Not sure if it actually counts for the CP, but it was the first perfume that popped into my head when I read the CP instructions.
Keep smelling fabulous!
There’s a definite smokiness to vintage Jicky,and I LOVE it!Smelling good Sistine!x
Not feeling up to any experimentation, I’ve just gone with Cuir de Lancome for the past couple of days.
TGIF! — hope everyone has a happy one.
Such a beauty and very wearable. I hope your weekend will be good!
Gorgeous SOTD!
For zest, I am wearing gingery Twilly and for smoulder, it’s supposed to be 90F today. I have walked and now I’m drinking Crystal Light and watching golf.
Not wearing perfume at the moment, as I plan to head downtown to see the new storefront for Scentrique.
Do tell!!
How was it at Scentrique?
OOOOH! Was it cool?
Portia xx
I’m sure everyone smells wonderful, and hope everyone is well, I will read the comments tonight. Not participating this evening, as I have Un Jardin après la Mousson on, Bien Etre Eau de Lavande and Lyn Harris La Rose are my only other options here in Drôme Provençale.
Just back from a long hike in the mountains surrounding Nyons, saw so many butterflies and bees, tomorrow we’re going to Valreas, the ancient summer residence of the popes.
Oooh, envious! So beautiful! But even on a walk just now in my city I saw a ton more butterflies flitting around the gardens, so I’m appreciating that local pleasure.
My spouse has been watching the Tour de France lately, so I’ve been getting my fix of south France and castles remotely!
We’re butterflies twins?. Yes the Tour de France passed through Nyons, glad you enjoy the scenery on TV, it’s taking place late this year.
Hi Aurora! I’m glad you are having a good time! Yay for butterflies ?
Thank you Lillyjo, I’m really enjoying contemplating nature and its creatures, and also the fruits from the market are fantastic, red peaches, grapes both purple and white, green gages (reine-claude plums in French), figs.
Hiya Aurora! I’ve started to see the migrating monarch butterflies where I live. They head south for the fall and winter. ? So you and I are kind of butterfly twins…
How wonderful to be in the path of the monarch butterflies, Jalapeno, here I’m astounded at the variety, blue, yellow, black and white, orange.
How lucky you are to be travelling and seeing the world. Enjoy every minute. Stay safe and well,
Portia xx
Just got home from work and sprayed on some Etro Messe de Minuit. I imagine people think of this as a Winter perfume, but it came immediately to mind when I read about today’s Friday theme. It’s an odd one and I’m not often in the mood for it, but I think it’s nice for this time of year! Thanks for the inspiration!
MdM is one of my summer favorites, it smells like sitting on a stairway of a very old stone building when it’s hot outside.
I know just what you mean ringthing – MdM is on my try list! Thank for weighing in, sllat & ringthing!
No scent for me either. I’m off today but are heading out of town again. My hubby is golfing and I walk the hilly, steep course so I want to be scent free since the wasps are out like crazy now.
Hubby is caddying for his brother for the rest of the weekend who is actually in the golf tournament. Lots of walking ahead for me. We may also get to the beach one more time, fingers crossed.
On the way home we are stopping at my friend’s house to pick up peaches from her. She said her tree was extra good to her this year. And it’s my birthday tomorrow, but I stopped counting them years ago!
Happy long weekend all!
Sounds like a great weekend!
Peach crumble for your birthday cake!
Happy Birthday Gail! ?
Happy Birthday! Hope it’s a great weekend!
Happy Scented Birthday Gail! ???? Enjoy those peaches!
Happy Birthday Gail! And peaches were fabulous this year. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Gail!????
Happy birthday to you!
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood – bright sunshine, clear blue sky, very cool temps and low humidity. To complement what certainly feels like fall today, and in gratitude to the yoga live-streams and practices that have helped keep me sane during these difficult months, I’ve chosen Pacifica Mountain Temple for today’s cp. Orange on top for zest and incense on the bottom for smoulder – I’m loving it!
The highlight of my week was celebrating my grandtwins’ 13th birthday. Although she’d never shown much interest in Grandma’s perfume tray previously, my granddaughter listed ‘perfume’ on her birthday wish list. So, for part of her present, I put together a package of 5 different groups of samples including vintage so she could learn about scent notes and perfume structure. Each group of samples was numbered and corresponded to a written Fragrance Primer I prepared, explaining the concepts and listing additional resources for further info. She loved it, and a few days later she texted me a copy of her Perfume Scent Chart in which she rated each fragrance I gave her on a scale of 1-10. I was delightfully surprised and can’t wait to continue her perfume education!
Wishing everyone a great weekend ahead and, for those of us here in the U.S., a relaxing labor-free holiday weekend!
Oh, what a lovely story! So nice to have you to guide her, and that she’s interested! If only I could get little Ockeghem to get interested (she’s almost that age), but she still doesn’t understand why her bottle of Zara Star Wars perfume for girls makes me run away every time she sprays it (and she sprays liberally, ugh!).
Oh wow, this is so exciting! I hope you report back on what captured her interest.
You smell ?
Great story and what a thought-out gift!
Hope you have a good, labor free weekend as well?
How lovely! And now you have a budding perfumista in the family!
That story makes me so happy, that you could share perfume lore with your granddaughter!
Just catching up on comments now. What a great story. Glad you were able to be instrumental in her perfume education!
Not getting any points today. Brought a few decants with me for the travel weekend- Heure Exquise edt, Orris & Sandalwood, and Vanille Insensée. Haven’t put any on yet. We crashed in the camper at a truck stop last night and I haven’t showered yet haha. Will probably go with Heure Exquise. We have two hours left to go. Have a good weekend, all!
Enjoy your son’s birthday celebration!
A serene selection
Love the pic!
SOTD = Tauer Les Annees 25
Zest and Smoulder, check and check. Lemony top and the rest are smouldery notes without ? or ?. ?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEt9XJHBUqw/?igshid=sghx5788glqu
I was a decanting machine yesterday and have 25 decants. Now I’ll be a packaging machine. I always try to add a little extra but the extras this time around will need to be manufacturer’s samples or I will never get these out the door!
Looking forward to reading who’s zesty, who’s smouldering and who’s both!
I’m neither zesty nor smoldering but I’m in awe of your patience and dedication to these splits. We are forever grateful ?
I do enjoy doing them ?
You are the Decantinator! Perfumes fear you!
Perfect !
LOL – good one!
25 decants is a big deal Hajusuuri.
Portia xx
Probably doing this in stages today, as I grabbed my sample of CdG Kyoto first thing this morning. Though I didn’t think of Les Annees 25 (thanks, hajusuuri!), and as I was reminded here earlier this week, I should probably use that up before it evaporates (noooooooo!), so maybe that’ll come later instead of a straight-up citrus. I’ve been thinking more smoke & incense.
Friday! Yay! I was longing to get away outside the city this weekend but there’s been nothing left (camping, Airbnb, etc.) for some time. I fear the trails will also be crowded…maybe a bike ride somewhere is the best we’ll do.
Then on to the next week of two unexpected days of no school (so the teachers have extra time to prep), and of course no camps available since this was unexpected, plus a half day of school Thursday, and the spouse returning to his classroom full time. And everyone in my office back at work…sigh. Trying not to think about it…
That’s a lot to absorb!
I had no ideas for the CP but now I’m wearing Fate since Glannys said she did. Smells good! I made a new kind of fried rice last night, with salmon plus cooked a new way for me (the cover of the latest Bon Appetit), and it was so good I ate the leftovers for breakfast! Admittedly this was at 11:15 a.m. because I am slow. It looks like we will get some rain this afternoon, but we need it, within reason. Unfortunately the hot weather is predicted to continue at least another week.
I like breakfast for dinner, and dinner for breakfast too! Amouage is on my horizon but I’ve never tried any. Bet you smell good, though.
Hope you got that needed rain today.
I had picked out Nicolai New York for the CP today, I think it’s perfect with the fresh lemon open and spicy drydown, but Angel Muse caught my eye. I probably don’t wear it a dozen times a year but it just sounded so good and I’ve enjoyed it all day. Enjoy the weekend, everyone.
In Hongkong Oolong, about which I was quite pleased for its compliance with the CP— until I got smacked sideways by work.
Off topic whine: I stood up for what I felt was the best course of action, but got a bollocking from my boss in doing so. I still feel I made the right call for folks on the other side of the planet who are going to have to deal with the issue–but made no friends at home. I could really use a three day weekend!
Oy about work! I considered wearing Hong Kong Oolong. You smell good!
Bletch on the work drama!
Sorry Oakland Fresca!
I’m reading VERY late, so don’t know if you’ll get to see this. I’ve learned that one should always give one’s honest opinion, even if you know that it is not the popular one (even work related). In my younger years I was too confrontational, now I’ll just say (in a meeting) to please let the minutes reflect that I don’t agree and for these reasons. And that is that. I don’t argue and if someone gives me a dressing down, that’s fine too. I have been right on many occasions and see that I’m not invited to many meetings where they know that I’ll disagree – after nearly ten years working at the same place and always being honest, people kind of know where I stand on most things.
That’s my theory as well. I don’t think I am ever confrontational, but after years of being given conflicting instructions and direction, and finding myself defending how well I followed the last instruction I had been given instead of defending what I felt was actually the best course of action, I decided to be truer to myself and at follow what I think is best. I still never appreciate being taken to task–but at least I have the satisfaction of feeling I did the right thing and feel at peace defending it.
Zest and smoulder – what a great idea! I immediately thought of Comme des Garçons Daphne, with its bitter orange and incense. This was an early love for me, but I haven’t worn for a long time; thank you for the reminder!
I’ve always been interested in Daphne.
I think it’s sadly discontinued — I was trying to think of what Daphne reminds me of that’s still available, and although it’s not really the same scent, it feels like a distant-but-friendly cousin of Anne Pliska, with the semi-sweet orange smokiness (if you subtracted a lot of amber and added a bunch of tuberose). Pilar and Lucy’s Tiptoeing Through Chambers of the Moon sort of reminds me of Daphne a little bit, too.
This week I’ve been missing Geranium Pour Monsieur, a summer staple. Then it dawned on me that AdV’s Pelargonium has zesty bergamot and their signature smoulder lurking in the background. Well uh yep, they’re still packed away, but! I remembered I have a rose geranium hydrosol in the fridge, so I just gave myself a blast of it to start celebrating my time off for the next three days – the first days off I’ve had since mid-March. Freedom! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and find something to celebrate!
That’s tough about the no days off since March! I have been taking a few days here and there. I just put in for 3 days in mid-September and will do these mini time off series several more times because I have many use it or lose it days.
I hope you will be able to do some enjoyable stuff during your mini time off series! (Hey, that could be a reality show. Just sayin’. )
Hi Holly! Glad to hear that you have some very well deserved time off this weekend. Enjoy!
Hi Jalapeno! Thank you, hope you enjoy your weekend too!
Rose Geranium hydrosol sounds wonderful. The only fragrance in my fridge is my bottle of CK1. It is really very refreshing to spritz about when one gets overheated from mowing. Enjoy your time off!
CK1 is a wonderful choice for the fridge! Thank you, hope you enjoy your weekend too!
Enjoy it Holly! What exactly is a hydrosol?
Basically, a hydrosol is a product that results from the distillation of plant materials. Essential oils are rendered and separated out, and the remaining water is the hydrosol. Thank you, hope you enjoy your weekend too!
I am wearing L’Ame Perdue today (thank you Pixel, glad you’re back home and hoping you’re enjoying your retirement).
I did however learn today that *smoldering* is the American spelling of the word, while *smouldering* is how the brits spell it (I hope Wikipedia is correct).
Looking forward to a long weekend. Hope everybody has a good one.
Wiki is right. And you smell good,you seem to like your fruity chypres.
Thank you Austenfan!
When I was a young teen, I used to spell as many words as I could the English way. Because all my favourite musicians were/are from England ?
I stopped doing that.. mostly.
I moved to Canada eventually and all the British spellings became permanent! Now I can’t remember the American ones anymore…
Ohhhh I KNOW you smell AmaZing! I am going to copy you tomorrow. It is a special day.
I used the spelling Glannys used when she proposed the topic…figured everybody on both sides of the pond would figure it out
I am very inconsistent about such things. Sometimes I use British spelling, sometimes American… As a non-native English speaker I find these differences so confusing! ?
I use both interchangeably too, and I’m a native speaker! No worries at all…
I didn’t even think about the British-American spelling issue, but my fingers did choke once and I let my American spell check rule. It’s not a common word, and I’ve read many British novels…..
Zest and smoulder for me today is St. Clair Scents’ Frost. Lots of citrus in the opening notes, and a strong smokey note. I like it very much but not as much as her Gardener’s Glove and First Cut. TGIF! Happy Labor Day weekend if you’re in the US!
You do smell wonderful.
Thanks! I hope Diane St. Clair is doing okay; this is a tough economy for artisans, small farmers, and small businesses. And she is all three.
It’s a gorgeous sunny Friday on a long holiday weekend! Whoo hoo! ???
I’m a little tired today, though… I spent FAR too much time last night reading one of my favorite long-running online comics, and didn’t really look at a clock until well after midnight. Then Mr. Jalapeno had a world class snoring bout last night. So it might be an early night for me.
SOTD = Vilhelm Parfumerie Morning Chess, from the sample stash and an awesome NSTer. Yes, I am CP compliant! Lots of smoke and smolder for me.
You are zesty and smouldery!
Thank you hajusuuri!
Rest well, Jalapeno. ???
Thanks lillyjo! I am making sure not to poke around in any archives tonight… ?
I’m sitting under a tree by Lake Washington listening to the sound of waves. I spent late morning and early afternoon driving over to Seward Park, which is a peninsula out into the lake. I’ve walked 5 miles so far and will walk another mile to get back to my car. At my coworker’s urging on Wednesday, I decided to take today off to have a four day weekend. It’s been a really fulfilling day so I’m really glad I did this.
Taking points in Chris Rusak Timbre EDP, which has mandarin and yuzu paired with smoky oud, among other things.
You smell marvelous. I love Chris’s fragrances.
Oh, that sounds like a lovely day!
For the cp, I went with Opium edt, current version. There’s a lot of citrus in this one. It’s not very smoldery, but I decided that the advertising for Opium is.. so I’m taking points! Today was my Monday, it’s going to be a busy holiday weekend.
I like this version too. I think it is a lot more user friendly than the original. Heresy, I know.
Some of those older ads for Opium were VERY smolder-y and racy!
You smell so good, I like current Opium very much, I find it cinnamony if there is such a word. Good luck for the busy weekend, hope your son is settling in nicely too.
Happy to read NST’ers’ comments on the current version. I have a vintage “Bath Silk” that needs to be used up and “thunked.” But I’d like to be able to move on away from the nostalgia and enjoy an easy to find current version!
Pacifica Tunisian Jasmine Lime layered with L’Artisan Passage D’Enfer, a fragrance I find so cooling and comforting I often end up spraying it about my person with abandon at any time of the day or night. It is not very forceful nor very persistent until the very end stages, about 6 to 8 hours in, marvelous. It layers beautifully with flowers and citrus.
I’ve gone for L’Artisan Tea for Two in honour of citrus and smoke. Feels like a perfect fir as the Southern Hemisphere has a sunny but cool spring day.
Portia x
That’s a terrific choice, you smell great.