It's Tuesday and National Brownie Day. Birthdays: Diego Rivera, Sammy Davis Jr, Gregg Allman. What fragrance are you wearing?
I went with Hermès Calèche, in vintage Eau de Toilette, because Aurora mentioned it yesterday. Tea at the moment is a (much needed) latte.
Reminder: on 12/11, wear a perfume with violet, 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: the Haviland Imperatrice Eugenie teapot ("...based on a pattern created for the Empress Eugenie of France, who helped create the Napoleon III style. The original pattern is on display in the Haviland Porcelain Museum in Limoges. Each piece is decorated with violets, a symbol of modesty, and edged with gold.") is $473 at Gracious Style.
SOTD is YSL Paris (after wearing Verte Violette for a while)
Unfortunately my decant of Verte Violette is off. I noticed that something was wrong in July, but I did not want to believe it. The scent is not totally ruined (there is a bit of violet in it) but very nearly. As therabbitflower mentioned yesterday, it is a discontinued perfume, so there will be no replacement. I do not want to use it anymore as a perfume, but I do not have the heart want to throw it away yet.
Another disappointment, although not related to perfumes. Every morning in winter we put some grain on the air conditioner near the window for pigeons to eat, because my cat loves watching them. Today the lady from the apartment below complained and asked us not to do it, because pigeons make her window and sill dirty. I am sorry for my cat, because she had so much fun, and I cannot explain her why we will stop doing it. She will have to get used to it, and I will try to play with her more to distract her.
You smell beautiful!
You smell totally wonderful!
I know exactly what you mean about things going off, because I have had two bottles go to their graves this year, both irreplaceable. But at least we still have the memories of them, right? And there are other scents to love….
Oh, no. So sorry to hear about your Verte Violette. Also sorry for your kitty’s entertainment to be taken away. But I think you’re right that you can still entertain her through more playing.
Can you drop some seed on the ground just below your window instead? it should be easy if they are already trained to come to that location and I bet some spills to the ground anyway. Any doves would probably already know about that.
Would kitty be able to watch that?
We are going to drop the seeds on the ground so that birds coud still get some food, but no, it is too far for the cat to watch.
Well those are both disappointing. I love Verte Violette too, need to check my bottle.
Aw, both of those are bummers.
No SOTD, yet. Mr. Spicebomb woke up early in a snit and inadvertently woke me up, too. So, here I am with my computer on an hour and change early.
My post on Fragrance and Fitness Activity Pairings is up over at the blog Fit is a Feminist Issue, if you want to read it. Thank you for those who helped me with ideas! It really made it better.
Well, I guess I should take advantage of this extra time and get some planning and grading done. I’m NOT going to put on real clothes, yet. WAY too early. I’m drawing a line!
An interesting read, thank you!
Thank you! Glad you like it! It’s not really what they normally talk about over there, so thought I should start with something easy and lighthearted. Of course, the first comment is from someone who seems to believe the world should be scent-free.
….and it’s a bit of the “I’m curious” comment when it’s really a finger wag. (the comment, not your post). Nice perfume shelves!
Right.
Thank you! I have an Amish jelly cupboard for my perfume cabinet. I love it!
Decided to wear Une Rose Chypree. It isn’t quite right at the moment, but I look forward to the drydown!
Une Rose Chypree is gorgeous stuff. You smell wonderful.
Thank you! Someone (maybe you?) commented about it last week, and I think I needed to scratch the itch that conversation brought on!
If you had to pick just one rose, could you ST?
And which one would it be? I am forever searching for a favorite go to rose scent. I want it soft as it gets screechy too easily on me – I think I prefer just fresh cut soliflor version. I would repurchase Mohur and I do love Phi.
Other than that (neither of which I currently have even a dabber of) I find most others too much too powerful or not enough of a prominently deeply inhaled rose.
I am curious what you think.
That’s a great question, AngelaB! I love many rose scents, but I tend towards the dark, spicy roses over the bright, cheerful ones. I think my favorite, most-versatile rose is my older bottle of Lyric. I haven’t smelled the reformulation, but I think I can wear the version I have any season and still find something wonderful and beautiful to enjoy about it.
Mohur Extrait or Portrait of a Lady are the unscreechy roses to my nose. Most roses are screechy and make my nose itch… Un Fille en Berlin is ok, I think. POAL is better to me. Mohur Extrait is the best but soooo spendy.
I really enjoyed reading your blog post! I should start re-spraying my scent of the day before I go on my after-work walks. That’s about the extent of my fitness regimen these days. Though, I also like to be barely scented so I can push my mask down and smell the crisp fall air. I live in a populated, urban neighborhood so I wear my mask when out walking.
Yes, that’s become commonplace in my neighborhood, too, for the same reason. I struggle with wearing a mask, so I’ve taken to walking down the middle of quiet streets at odd hours so I can avoid concerning anyone. I do like wearing a scent while I walk, but I also like the crisp air! I think whichever helps you relax and enjoy the moment is the right choice for that day.
ha! I walk down the middle of the street too. Better to avoid other pedestrians than the very few cars that pass by. Tho I admit I’m wearing a mask more often when I walk because it helps my allergies.
Wow, really? My husband is allergic to nearly everything, and he’s having to wash his masks after every usage or experiences breathing/ asthma difficulties. We think it’s trapping the pollen or dander or whatever and magnifying their impact.
great advice on the rose, thank you.I will check out Lyric.
I’ve been wearing and enjoying lots of fragrances while walking. I always bring a mask, but mostly can avoid populated areas.
I seem to remember someone joking here early in the pandemic about using their fragrance to encourage a 6 ft/2 meter social distance in public places. Still cracks me up to think on it!
I wish I could. There’s always *someone* around in Capitol Hill, so I find it easier to just keep the mask on and lower it occasionally for fresh air. Otherwise, I’d constantly be switching between on and off.
Nice blog post, I am now following you
Thanks! I don’t normally write about fragrance. It was fun to give it a try.
Loved that post. The description attached to each fragrance made me want to smell it again! While you say it was easy and lighthearted I think it was also pretty substantive. You covered a nice range of scents and overall it was very accessible. Great explanations of common perfumista terms too!
Secret (not so secret) hope to invite a few more people down the rabbit hole!
cool! thank you for sharing your blog post here.
I’ve been looking forward to reading it.
My fave rose lately is PHI. I also enjoy PW Tea Rose from time to time, but I spray very very lightly, otherwise it goes on and on and on.
Oh yeah, Tea Rose can be nuclear! I have a bottle I use for modeling diffusion to my students in class because one spritz goes on and on. . .
perfume makes for great science lessons.
re: mask wearing for alleries – I agree, the mask can soemtimes make it harder to breathe. I wash mine after one use too. And sometimes I switch to a thinner disposable mask when a fabric mask feels like it impedes airflow too much.
For a few years, I brought in a few dozen bottles of perfume for my kids to explore on the last day of school. I’d spray a little on some cotton, put it in a baggie and invite them to sniff them. Then, if they had fun, I let them take a few samples (just random freebies). It was a lot of fun to invite them into the sniffie world!
I double mask – inside is cloth, outside is disposable. I usually use them for a weekend. I don’t typically have allergies though so there’s that.
Harney & Sons Irish breakfast
SOTD la Danza delle Libellule
I blinked and today my oldest is 6. I am sure some of you remember when I posted when I gave birth. My SOTD is one of her favorites because of all the vanilla!
Thrift store: Blue Pringle of Scotland cashmere sweater, Armani black jeans.
Yay! Happy birthday to the little one!
I do love a nice Irish or English Breakfast tea.
And Yay to your oldest – happy Birthday!
Aww, Happy Birthday to your oldest!? Wasn’t she your crazy monkey once upon a time? Time does fly. I remember six, my girls loved reading Junie B Jones. She was such a character that I even I laughed out loud sometimes.
Have a wonderful day with your birthday girl.
Happy Birthday to your oldest!
Your outfit sounds very chic. I love black jeans.
Time really does fly! A very happy birthday to Master LTSG.
Wow. Happy Birthday! Six is a good age.
Happy birthday to your baby girl!
oh, happy day!
Enjoy all the sweetness of 6 years old.
Time does fly! Happy Birthday to your eldest!
Happy Birthday to crazy monkey!
what a darling name.
Wow, 6 years old already! Happy Birthday to your oldest! ???
Hello all!
This morning I’m in Nahema PdT, one of my favorite vintages. I almost went with the parfum today but it would be a shame to miss out on its full effect by wearing a mask all day.
I baked another loaf of bread last night, with a portion of einkhorn flour and studded with cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and Aleppo pepper. It smelled so incredible baking and went perfectly with my eggs. ?
Stay safe all!
I LOVE Aleppo pepper! I put it into anything I want just that right kind of spicy. Your bread sounds delicious!
Me too! It’s perfect in everything.
That sounds wonderful!
It was! I’m going to cook some beans tonight and put them over the top. ?
That bread sounds amazing.
It is! I made a mental note to write the measurements of the add-ins next time.
Oh man am I bad at this. I cook without a set recipe all the time, and when it comes out amazing, I really do MEAN to record what I did. And then I don’t. And then I don’t remember. Mr. Spicebomb gives me a hard time about it on a fairly regular basis.
Maybe he should do the baking next time …
This is exactly what I do. Very often my cooking approach is “what can I throw together from what is left from this week’s groceries before it rots?” and the results are usually good but hard to recreate.
I bet vintage Nahema is gorgeous!
i’m in Azemour, from a sample. Luckily, I bought a decant of this, because the splash sample is just not as strong as spraying it. But I wanted to use the sample up. Not yet, but soon.
Yum.
House twins
Turns out Bal d’Afrique has violet in it so I rolled a bit on (I have the oil version). It’s very soft and sometimes just perfect. I’ll add something different midday when I’m more awake. Yoga, then work.
And I think I’ll make some pecan bars today. Because it’s Tuesday.
Yes to pecan bars! That sounds delicious. I have a recipe somewhere for salted caramel pecan bars, I must drag it out…
Yum.?
Bal d’Afrique is my favorite in that line. You smell great.
Hello all, my STOD is Dali Parfum de Toilette by Salvador Dali. This perfume nearly defies description it’s so gorgeous. I’d say, a honey’d orange blossom and tuberose, with an incense, spice and resins dry down. It’s amazing stuff.
Everyone have a wonderful day, looks to be another busy one filled with Zoom meetings.
Ugh on the zoom meetings, but at least you smell fantastic!
Ditto!
I wore Dalí *so much* back in the eighties, and got a shocking number of my friends, male and female, wearing it, too. It’s astoundingly good, and therefore you smell astoundingly good. I still have a tiny bottle of it, which I think is not quite what it used to be back in the day but is still gorgeous, and a promotional 5-mL mini of the parfum in the black bottle, which has unfortunately gone somewhat sideways.
Me too, Dali is a real gorgeous one, I’m certain that I oversprayed it (I was a teenager in the 1980’s….). It’s warm this afternoon, so it’s blooming beautifully.
Tuberose! and that bottle! Lemming hard.
same here! ?
an open bag of chocolate ? doesn’t last long ☺️
Ooh, I love Dali! You smell wonderful!
I’m in Dune, because SmokeyToes mentioned it yesterday. Mine is not vintage, but I still smell pretty good imho.?
My dh and I were sitting at the breakfast table when my ipad started ringing with a number I didn’t recognize. He did a quick google search and it was coming from the financial aid office at my university. My husband asked me if I paid my tuition and I said yes, I paid that weeks ago, maybe they were calling to give me some free money. Ha! Sure enough, the voicemail said I have been identified to be eligible for a scholarship based on my county of residence and gpa. Woo hoo!? Like I always say, if it’s free, it’s for me.
Congratulations! That’s your 3rd good luck happening!
I guess that means no easy winter for us though, lol?
Plus.. smelling great!
Oh no!?? I still want that mild winter! That’s not too greedy is it, lol.
Thanks!
You’re on a roll! Keep it going!?
nice and congrats! I’m wondering why I haven’t received my tuition bill for next semester yet – maybe it’s my GPA?
(no – I think it’s just too early).
Yay for free $ and yay for your good grades!
You do smell fabulous! And yay for your achievements and for having them acknowledged!
Congrats! My mom is the queen of free money in our family.
Oh, how do I enter into that kind of royalty? I could really use a queen of free money from time to time.
Nice to hear, congrats
Awesome – congratulations!
Wow! Congratulations! That is wonderful news, and well earned.
Ohhh, you smell wonderful! After trying vintage from a sample, my current seemed so watered down. I still love it though.
Those calls must been going out to everyone, I received two yesterday. Such an annoyance. I also received a fake call from the IRS. Robo callers are out in force, that’s for sure!
I misread – oops. I read that as you were getting a financial aid robo call!
I guess I’d better pay more attention next time!
Congrats mtg!
Wow, that’s amazing! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.
Congratulations on the good news from the financial aid office!
Hurray! Congratulations!
Today I am wearing Christian Dior Dolce Vita and drinking a cup of green tea.
Dolce Vita is so sparkling and classy smelling.
Great choices!
Wearing Amouage Epic right now. I think family members are going to Costco this afternoon but I think I will just stay home. Gave a friend a call to discuss something but I think he will give me a call later. After my shower, I will wear Shalimar for some warmth.
When I was new to my perfumistahood, I tried Epic and got a strong feeling of “pine needles.” Every other try since then, though, no pine or resin. I’ve wondered many times if I misread it all that time ago, or was actually sampling something else and mistook it for Epic!
happy birthday Greg! From 1972 until his last concert, the Allman Brothers have been part of the soundtrack of my life.
Today is Philosophy warm cashmere body cream and a spritz.
I would not go so far as soundtrack of my life, but even just for Melissa I will do a moment of silence for Gregg Allman
And Dickey Betts’ birthday is on the 12th, and he wrote my absolute favorite of the Allman Brothers, Jessica.
?❤️The Allman Brothers and the extended family of superb musicians. They are close to soundtrack status.
Betts &allman have another band now that carries on the legacy, and they are really fun.
Tedeschi/Trucks?
I saw Derek Trucks at their 45th anniversary run at the Beacon. Last night that Greg performed with the group. Derek is amazing.
YES I have mad love for Tedeschi Trucks
and I was also referring to
Greg’s son Devon Alman and Dickey’s son Duane Betts have a band called the Atman-Betts Band
and Melody Trucks has her own band as well. Many are still based out of Jacksonville Fla.
She has a brother who is just a virtuoso guitar player who occasionally plays with her but otherwise is in a jazz fusion band and he would give Derek Trucks a run for his money! Cousins, uncles, siblings and next generations. Such talent.
You can still hear the old original sound in their work. Probably some ‘Warren Haynes relatives’ are scattered in the crew too.
I’ve heard some stuff from the Allman-Betts Band on the radio recently. ??
Warren Haynes! Love the guy. This is an insanely talented crew. And the bonus is you never know who else is going to join the party!
Oh you smell COSY. Just delightful.
thank you… I feel cozy. Yesterday I sat in front of my laptop from 5am to 6pm went to post box and got a jury summons.
The icing on the cake.
Somehow we are shut down all over LA but jury duty is okay?
UGH.
1) I think that is usually my workday as well!
2) How…how does jury duty work during a pandemic? Even if that is automated, who gave the okay to send those letters out?!
I remember distinctly when Greg married Cher. Love “Melissa” of course.
yes we remember that marriage.
HOLY COW I cannot believe I totally forgot that happened.
Wearing Songes, another stunning Goutal without violets.
We had a little bit of snow today. It made the world white for all of 30 seconds.
You smell marvelous!
Naomi Goodsir Cuir Velours. I like to think it has violet leaf in there somewhere. But I checked the notes – nope. It’s immortelle! Needless to say, I really like it. If I stay super focused today, I should be able to get a lot of grading out of the way…we’ll see how that goes.
You smell fabulous! Happy grading.
This is such a rich winter scent! You smell wonderful.
Luck with your grading! I’ve taken to telling my students to assume it will always take me a week to get it done and recorded. Just too much and too slow these days!
Practicing for the CP.
Today I’m wearing Balanciaga Paris.
Yesterday was Nirvana Black. I’ve got enough choices, I could probably do a different Violet each day for a week. Perhaps tomorrow SL Bois de Violette? Smelling great while working from home. Take care, everyone. Be safe & keep well.
I didn’t know Black had violet in it. I will put some on later.
I like B. Paris in the spring and early summer. So cheerful and clean, in a good way!
Thanks for the reminder that Nirvana Black has violet!
Waldina80, just before I read this, I had just finished rummaging around for my BP sample — it was no easy thing to find.
I’m warming up with Parfum d’Empire Ambre Russe today.
It’s addictive?
Love that one, and you’re right – it is really warming and addictive.
I like to wear it for Silvester, it’s so festive
Must be the vodka accord it has! ha!
I’m waiting on a sample of that – very excited to try it!
No violets: I’m in Demeter Licorice, which smells startlingly like those black-licorice pipes and cigars. It’s one of the most realistic Demeters I’ve ever smelled (and I own an embarrassing number of them). I put some on and went out for a while — masked, of course, which generally disguises any scent you’re wearing by the scent of your own exhalations. When I got home and demasked, I was startled by the distinct smell of vanilla, which I didn’t even know was in there. A new discovery! An upside to mask-wearing!
I know how ineffective my masks are by how much I can still smell my own scent.
Yeah, that seems like a bad sign.
Oeillet Bengale to enjoy the spicy, carnation-like rose. One of my favorite chilly weather scents.
Love that so many NSTers are also fond of Joe Allen. Good news is they will reopen at some point…
Madly finishing a cowl to turn in tonight at my knitting group. We will do a small, distanced dinner for Christmas and exchange white elephant gifts. I’m bringing various scented soaps, bath gels and a couple of fragrance samples in a cute, heavy cotton bag.
You smell great!
You do smell great! Enjoy your evening; it sounds like fun.
Almost all violet, in Penhaligon’s Violetta. Now I remember why it stays relatively far back in the perfume cabinet. It’s a little too strong. Weird, right? How many intensely violet perfumes are there? This one opens with a blast. I’m not opposed to the note, but in Violetta, it’s too much for me.
Thanks for all your good wishes yesterday for Otto Mi Gato. Surgery went fine, but the old guy also had to have 3 extractions. Spent hours last night spooning and gently brushing. Looks like he is going to spend the day on the mattress warmer.
Otto is a very lucky boy to have you for his human.
Hope your kitty recovers well from his traumatic vet trip!
So glad the surgery went well!
Poor kitty. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
I am saving Violetta for Friday. I get your point about it potentially being too much, but I love it so, so much. It was one of my first “perfumista” purchases.
skalolazka, are you in the U.S.? If so, remind me after the holiday season is over, and I’ll send you my bottle, so you can have a back up!
OMG really? Yes, I am in the U.S., and I would be delighted. I’ll ping you in the New Year. (And if you have second thoughts, no worries.) Thank you.
Absolutely. I’ve had this for a few years, and it just never really suits. It’s one of the smaller bottles (50 ml), about 90% full, comes with the pretty box, and with that annoying cap that never stays on.
Send me a holla in 2021 at lisadarty in the land of the haute mayle!
Awww, poor kitty. Hope he has a relaxing day.
Lisa,
So sorry for you and your Otto! I’m so glad the surgery went well. Some spooning and extra loving you deserved! Here’s to a quick and as painless as possible recovery for little Otto.?
Oh, poor Otto, poor love – please give him a gentle squish for me.
Otto your gatto will get special meals, methinks.
Best of Luck to kitty!!! Love his name.
Is he by chance your 8th cat?
Nope, his name just rhymes with gato, so that’s what I callz him.
Glad to hear that Otto is back home with his loving person. ?
Snuggles to Otto from me and my cat Teemu.
No violets today since my Smell Bent order arrived yesterday. I’m happy to report that the re-released Elf-Fulfilling Prophecy is just as enjoyable as my 10 year old decant. It’s a little less strong, but I’m sure it will grow stronger with age. Gourmand lovers should really give this a try. It’s a warm, spiced cookie with cola to my nose. Listed notes this time around are aged tobacco absolute tossed with incense, blood cedar, vanilla and mulling spices. I’m definitely getting that vanilla cedar combo too. Oh, and Smell Bent offers 4ml travel sprays! How wonderful is that? I can never resist ordering at least one travel spray when I buy a bottle from them. This time I got their other winter release, A Scent Called Home, a replacement for my recently emptied Hungry Hungry Hippies, and Modern Love, which is based on the David Bowie song.
Sounds like I may need to place an order!
Yes, I think you’d enjoy many of their perfumes. Definitely try Elf-Fulfilling Prophecy, Hungry Hungry, One, Prairie Nymph, Never Never Land… probably more but those are my faves that are in the current lineup. Will report back on Modern Love and A Scent Called Home after I try them.
Elf-fulfilling prophecy is such a cute name!
I went back to bed this morning after my daughter left for therapy. I slept until almost 11! It’s going to be a lazy day. My boss said we couldn’t have overtime anymore because he got in trouble with corporate, so I won’t be going in tonight.
I’m wearing Misia for the cp. It’s lovely. I would like to smell it in a shower gel or body powder.
Enjoy your day off! You smell lovely.
Yay for extra sleep!
Woo hoo for the extra sleep. So instead of overtime for people who want overtime, he has to schedule more people to work who may not to go in to work?
Actually, he was told to cut payroll throughout. My son’s hours got cut also. I don’t know the numbers, but I can tell it’s not as busy as usual. We have less people working too. The crazy thing is, we have extended the late hours. They could save money by just letting us go home at a decent hour, and turn the lights off.
Ugh. That’s so illogical, and therefore so frustrating.
Yay for extra sleep and a day off! Enjoy!
Exultat for my violet today. I am suddenly, weirdly thinking of moving to Hawaii for a couple of months. Saturday there was a Nor’easter here and my husband is getting anxious about rising covid levels and the fact that I’m a massage therapist, so he suggested that we should get away from it all and move to Hawaii. I’m not quite willing to permanently move someplace I’ve never been so instead, we’ll spend 2 1/2 months there starting sometime in January. We have to book a place and then I have to figure out what perfumes to take.
not weird, that’s genius.
I wish I could make the same move.
It’s just weird to me how fast this is all going. I was thinking that I was going to want a tropical Caribbean vacation in Feb or early March, especially if Massachusetts locks down again. Hawaii wasn’t even in my thoughts let alone to move there!
I love Hawaii, if I didn’t have a dog I’s go there!
You smell lovely!
Good luck with that move!
We had friends here in NYC up and leave to Hawaii
Wow. I think that’s brilliant!
weirdly,
I once had a massage therapist who I really liked but then could no longer go see because….she moved to Hawaii!! (however, I believe she was quite familiar with it).
Probably can’t get a license in time for me to work there, so I’ll just have to work on my tan while being unemployed for three months
Sounds awesome! There’s a reason why there’s fewer infections there.
Wow. That’s definitely a bolt from the blue, but it also makes sense.
Wow, what an adventure! That sounds amazing.
Wow, that’s exciting!
SotD = Barbara Bui Le Parfum EdP
A gentle dose of powdery amber for this Tuesday-bluesday. It must have been more than five years ago I bought this bottle unsniffed. I still enjoy it very much. The lightly musky base hangs on and on in a way that is almost too much for my nose. I’m generally musk averse, but musk lovers should be delighted.
Love that teapot up top today. Reminds me of picking wood violets in the spring, a lovely memory on this gray December day.
Yay for brownie day! I almost bought some brownie mixes the other day, then remembered that I have too much flour, sugar, and cocoa powder at home already. Homemade brownies are easy-peasy. I like cakey brownies best, but fudgy works too.
Chocolate = ?
I will eat it out of the bag ?
It’s been ages since I’ve made brownies.
My daughter usually bakes the brownies at our house.
She prefers boxed mixes, but it’s past time for me to introduce her to the joys of baking from scratch.
Commando.
Thinking Ambre Narguille. I crave Christmas scents to keep me in the Christmas spirit.
We are also painting the kitchen trim – this is still such relaxing work, and reminds me of my dad. We did a LOT of painting together.
Now back to Christmas Cards.
Last year’s holiday was such a disaster that I didn’t send any at all. This year is a epic freeforall and spreading cheer is mandatory for all.
Oof. I’m late starting my Christmas cards. I probably should go dig those out of a drawer some time this week. At least I figure I can blame late arrivals on the post office this year! (No offense intended to our hardworking postal carriers, but there’s still lots of stories of slowed down delivery times.)
I used to send cards mainly as replies to those who have sent cards. I did not do it last year and the previous years after I stopped torturing myself, I only sent to 2 people that my mom said were mandatory.
My mom said that she is not doing Xmas cards this year, just phone calls.
an epic
Be Merry.
Gotcha.
Lotsa Merry making to be had. Need to be thankful for all of the good things that have happened in 2020, too.
SOTD = Hiram Green Vivacious
Woohoo! In theme with violets! Green, spicy violets.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIi61asBMIG/?igshid=u7h252ztzcc3
In other news, I am awaiting a package today from Scotch Porter for a FB of Miami Duppy, the gourmand out of the 4 initial release. I may wear it tomorrow because I bet the bottle is beautiful!
I so wish Vivacious had worked on me, all I got was violet leaf and rubbery powder, like L’Heure Bleue. Enjoy your new perfume!
More for me ?. That said, I just got an update that the Scotch Porter package is coming tomorrow and not today. Oh well ??♀️
enjoy your new perfume
Thank you. Looking forward to it!
Got mine last week! But, I paid, for it, lol.
LOL. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to post a picture for a chance to win a FB.
Smart woman! Good advertising for good perfume!
That bottle does look like it would be pleasing to hold. Lovely!
Thank you. ?
I’ll be your twin come Friday!
We’re twins, a few days apart!
Some perfume bottles are just a joy to have in hand, and Vivacious looks like it is one of them.
Yay! Your prize has come very quickly.
Had a craving for Salome today, so I did just one spray for work. I smell fabulous, I dare say so. Some day I will have a bottle of this
You do smell fabulous!
I recoiled from Salome. More for you!
That one is on my fb list.
And Anubis.
Wearing a bit of Mûre et Musc, had to drive to SF to deliver some medical equipment to my parents. Hope to be back in range of a violet scent on Friday.
Extreme or original? I think I find the original more wearable…
Original, which I prefer as well.
From all descriptions I should prefer the Extreme but gosh, that mure is insistent…
I read this as Hope to be back in a rage of violet, LOL ?
Now that would be dramatic.
Tuesday!
1) Am in Laura Mercier Amber Vanille Eau Gourmand – again, I got this at TJ Maxx for $17 over the weekend. It’s fantastic! Not sugar sweet, but a really well done mix of vanilla, spice and amber. Again, i only knew about the body products and the caviar eyesticks, but not the scents, and I would have bought this at full price! Perfect for at home dressing, which for me is Cuddl Duds, socks and a turban.
2) I need new glasses and getting a safe appointment is GRRRR!
Laura Mercier made a few really nice scents, The Amber Vanille is good, and she formerly made an Amber oil that was practically edible.
I love her Minuit Enchante – it’s an exquisite resinous, spicy, woods, vanilla perfume. I wish they’d re-release it.
Oh wow! I really missed something- I loved the bath products, which makes you feel like a sexy cookie. But about the scents now! ARGH to that amber oil- I would have LOVED it, as well as the Minuit Enchante!
You sexy cookie, you! snort.
Have you and Marjorie Rose met? If not, you should…just sayin’
Not yet. I would LOVE to host a Portland sniffie event whenever we get this dratted virus under control.
Caviar eyesticks = ❤️
I was thinking of Bois de Violette, but I had a sudden urge for Rose de Petra. I think that was prompted by AngelaB’s comment about looking for the perfect rose. I’m still looking too, but I’ve picked up some awesome perfumes on the journey. Rose de Petra is one of those.
Wearing Lush Kerbside Violet and a little dab of Sikkim Girls solid at the pulse points! Lush solid perfumes are fabulous! I have a tiny bottle of Le Dix and I am going to use it up for the rest of the week and the CP.
Nice combo with Sikkim Girls! I wore Kerbside Violet yesterday; it lasted all day on me as I could still smell it at bedtime.
I will join you in Le Dix later this week.
P.S. Kerbside Violet is the 30ml clear bottle. I liked that all black packaging because it protected the juice better.
I am o-fer in the CP thus far. Yesterday was a late-in-the day spritz of 31 RC (the perfect scent for folding laundry). Today is Bandit. I smell great, but not a trace of violet to be found.
Started the day with my first end-of-term student portfolio conference, and it was one of those experiences that reminds me that sometimes it all works. Really uplifting, and it will be a pleasure to enter the A grade that this student has earned.
Yay for the successful portfolio conference! I wish we did something like that at my school. Love giving students a chance to really show what they can do.
I am one of the few people here who does it (the course is self-graded — that is, by the student; I give feedback on every assignment but I never have to enter a grade other than “complete/incomplete” until we get to the final course grade). Some of my colleagues are horrified when I tell them about the system, but it has improved every course in which I’ve used it, has made my students conscious of what they are learning and why, and yes, I have had students give themselves low B’s and C’s. I was inspired by Starr Sackstein’s book _Hacking Assessment_ (no affiliation); although that book is directed toward K-12 and I teach at the post-secondary level, I used a lot of her principles to structure my “gradeless” courses.
I think that makes a lot of sense, especially with older students. My kids struggle with honest self-reflection. Basically, there’s two camps, those who assume they’re always right and those who assume they’re always terrible. Even with detailed rubrics, it takes months of practice to get a 7th grader to be able to assess themselves consistently to a standard. It’s a skill I like to teach, but it’s a big time commitment.
I did one self grading assignment worth 10% of the overall grade this semester, for a project where I was too busy with all the other moving parts of it and because I couldn’t really assess their preparation and breakout room performance. Most students got what they argued for, save a couple who totally undervalued themselves and a couple that overestimated their input. I’m definitely going to have some self grading components next semester as well! I love the portfolio idea and it actually would work reasonably well in my course, but I’m not sure I want to invest all the prep time as this might be the last time I teach it…
Always rewarding to have a good student!
Yes. And I have been exceptionally fortunate in that way this semester — just two small classes, one of which is in my top two of the past twenty years.
I’m such a huge fan of self-grading and portfolios. There’s a huge investment up front, but I think the students really get so much more out of it than a grade that I assign them.
Celebrated my dog’s birthday in sassy style yesterday. She had many rides, walks and sniffs. A lot of chicken disappeared and more treats than usual. I had a nice dinner and dressed up and had some hot chocolate when she had her presents.
Matched my perfume to my girl. Amazing Grace.
Love the heck out of her. And as someone who knows a lot of people with loving non-human children, I know I am over the top.???
Over the top is much appreciated. Woof!
The birthday hat wasn’t her favorite. ?
well….does YOUR dog have TWO advent calendars like ours?
That’s awesome!
Tell me more. Where can I get her some?
Everyday is Christmas with ? love.
Costco has (had? they sell out of this stuff) a big one for about $20. Trader Joe’s has a smaller sized one that was perhaps $7 or so. Both much bigger than the kiddie chocolate ones! I think our TJ still has the dog one.
A happy pet story was a nice treat for this human today!
Thanks for reading!
No judgement from this dog and cat mom. Both are terribly well-loved (some might say spoiled).
Well-loved, I say!
It is a good place to be among pet and perfume lovers.
?
happy birthday to your furry darling!
I have to admit that my love for my fur babies has a different dimension than my love for my human children. Both are endless and everlasting loves, but one was always returned unconditionally. I bet you can guess which one that was?
Wearing Guerlain Meteorites today.
goodness gracious, that one has a pretty bottle.
It is a good bottle and fits nicely in the hand!
Pacifica Sugared Amber Dreams which is a cheap thrill that Hajusuuri introduced me to!
? I wonder how cheap thrills make a FB? ?
No other Voile de Violette wearers today? Hmm. Well, I smell pretty
Today and yesterday have been gorgeous days with highs of 72. I had a ton of work yesterday, but I’m feeling lazy today–maybe I’ll go for a little walk to enjoy the warmth and sunshine!
Go for it–just got back from my walk: 34 deg (25 w wind chill). Down coat and leggings underneath fleece pants made it bearable.
Going to be a looong winter!
Sounds like me all bundled up. I somehow lost my fleece caps – I’ll eventually find them but in the meantime, the hood is up!
Wow, good for you! I’ve done that kind of thing on the east coast but I’m a California softie now
I have been scheduling walking time for an hour anytime between 3 and 4:30 but I only do that in the early afternoon in case a meeting pops up.
Oh that’s awesome. I should start putting a walk in my work calendar so I can keep a block of time free every day!
Nice to hear that you finally have some decent weather after your long, hot, and horrible summer.
Aww, thanks! It’s great
I wore VdV on Monday and decided it’s no longer something I need to have. So my older 17ml bottle will show up at the next swap meet.
I’m jealous of your sunshine walk. I only go for walks after work, other than my weekend walks, and it’s pretty much pitch black when I go out at 5:30.
Oh no, that’s a bummer
pitch black walks are even less satisfying in the cold. Well, the sun will be in at 5:30 in a short…six months or so 
A travel spray of Memoirs of a Trespasser arrived on my doorstep yesterday, so of course that’s my SOTD.
Yep, you smell great SheriG!
Continuing SL gourmands with Louve. It’s too much. Going to my doctor in an hour after a truly horrible cat bite Sunday night. Accident. Hand is badly swollen and infected. I saw him yesterday and got two antibiotics but he wanted me back today. Might have to go to hospital for IV antibiotics. Cat bites can be VERY serious, folks. If you get one go see a doctor right away. Hard to type so this is all.
Oh geez, IV antibiotics are no fun, until you consider the alernatives. Hope you beat back the nasty buggies and heal up healthy and hearty.
Oh my goodness, hope your doctor’s able to stave off the IV. Sending healing mojo.
Hope you won’t need the IV! Yikes!
Oh no! I really hope you are better soon Calypso and the oral antibiotics are enough.Ive had bites and scratches too that needed AB (never IV) before and I can imagine how uncomfortable you must be. x
Oh no! I hope the treatment is effective and you recover quickly.
Eek!
Hope you get better and home quickly.
saw your photos! eek, that’s painful.
Please take good care, and please keep us updated on how you are feeling.
I hope you get good treatment and the hand heals quickly. I got a bad cat bite once while bathing a cat, so I know something about how bad they can be.
I hope the antibiotics kick in quickly and this is just a memory.
When we got our cat years ago, he snagged me with his nail on my hand. I had to get a tetanus shot for that!
Glad he will see you again tomorrow, you do not want to mess around with a cat bite.
Jeez, hope you didn’t need the IV!
Continuing SL gourmands with Louve. It’s too much. Going to my doctor in an hour after a truly horrible cat bite Sunday night. Accident. Hand is badly swollen and infected. I saw him yesterday and got two antibiotics but he wanted me back today. Might have to go to hospital for IV antibiotics. Cat bites can be VERY serious, folks. If you get one go see a doctor right away. Hard to type so this is all.
Indeed Calypso – my sister ended up in hospital, take care of yourself.
Ouch. Be well. At least you are getting medical attention.
Oh no. That sounds rather scary. Hopefully it won’t come to IV antibiotics.
Another in your line of perfect teapots, Robin. Where do you find those images?
SOTD today is Amber Oud, a favoriate. Toward teh end of the week i can do at least a couple days of violet scents.
Our friend google image search…but it is not always a fast process.
Forgot to check-in!
Still wafting a bit of Prada Infusion d’Iris….definitely in my top 5 for many years!
Infusion d’Iris is in my top 5 too. I should wear it more often, it’s perfect after an evening shower before bedtime.
Productive day today! I ended up making 5 phone calls today, most of them for upcoming medical appointments for 2021. I was also able to resolve a glitch in an application on my laptop. Get ‘er done!
SOTD = AdV Grenadille d’Afrique EdP, from the sample stash. More sampling today…
Well done on the productive day. and fixing the glitch.
SOTD was a combination of Vanille Mona di Orio and HG Lustre. Rose and vanilla is definitely a good mix!
Yes it is!
Wearing Elie Saab Essence Gardenia.
I’d heard good things about the Elie Saab Essences but never saw any of them.
I’m wearing A.N.Other’s FL/18. The jasmine/saffron/leather/ cotton candy is just such a delightful combination.
Be safe and healthy, everyone!
You smell incredible.
I have been dying for a bottle of Winter Palace… first I was mesmerised by the bottle and after reading about it and the list of notes… I almost blind bought it a few times but it is pricey… then after ordering a sample I knew for a fact it is “my” perfume 100%. The tea in it is amazing. It reminds me a little of my love for SL Mandarine Mandarin. Yes they are two different perfumes but they both share a beautiful, antique- chinese vibe with gorgeous smokey tea and both are “candied” by sweet citrus… both cost about the same however looking for Mandarine Mandarin everywhere without luck, I am glad I found maybe not a replacement but a new love in my style, Memo has like the best quality of their perfumes. I would list both MM and Winter Palace as one of my HG perfumes. Love them. Have to get that bottle of Winter Palace soon!!
So nice that you were mesmerized by the description and bottle and then did love it! So often turns out to not live up to the description (or, my imagination).
Yes, that is very true. But I had this real gut feeling Winter Palace was just going to be “it” for me. And it perfectly was. Just as the notes and story behind the scent describe it.
Today I have been wearing my sample of Good Girl Gone Bad and I have to say it is a very pleasant perfume, it was very refreshing to put this “forbidden fruit” on right after shower. The lasting power is great and I like how I still keep smelling it in my hair after so many long hours.
SOTD was Guerlain Attrape-Coeur. I am taking at least partial credit for the CP, as I am pretty sure A-C has violet in it somewhere. I could probably wear a different actual violet scent every day for almost two weeks, but most of them feel like spring/summer scents to me. Not that I object to wearing them in December, but I just can’t pass up the chance to wear some of my winter scents while the chilly weather here lasts. I can wear a summer fragrance in winter, but a winter fragrance in a Texas summer can be suffocating.
Mmm. You smell wonderful. AC is definitely a rose-violet scent!
DSH Smudge Nebula for me today! I needed something serene, which it is.