It's Tuesday, and there are 9 days left in 2020. Birthdays: Lady Bird Johnson, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Ralph Fiennes. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm in Fendi Theorema, and I may just stay in Fendi Theorema for the rest of the week, we'll see. Tea at the moment is a 50-50 mix of Kusmi Violette and Halmari Estate Assam from Upton, with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Reminder: 12/25 is Christmas. We will not have a community project, but there will be a holiday open thread (it will probably start on the 23rd or 24th).
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2021, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: shown is the Copper & Silver Coffee/Tea Pot #6 from Coppermill Kitchen. "A regal pot that features a hand-carved bone finial, a fully etched design around the entire pot and lid, bone inserts in the top of the handle, embossed detail to the spout and handle beaded detail around the top and bottom, and silver interior. C. 1880 Coppermill Kitchen is the preeminent curator of one of a kind luxury European heirloom copper, blending old world elegance and modern functionality." $1,565 at Neiman Marcus.
SotD is Arso, two big sprays
Its the best I can do to compensate for not having a christmas tree ?
I have news:
i found a new job. ? (within 2,5 weeks time)
Well the job found me i guess
I was not looking around because i am enjoying my current work, but this was one of those opportunities…too good to let it just pass by.
I celebrated with a bottle of ? ?(Veuve Cliquot)
I am also working these days.
And i am terribly busy (it explains why I am not commenting much here right now, sorry! ?.
Looking forward to a short staycation in the 1st week of January!
Oh ad this weekend I tested Bianchi’s Sticky Fingers and Tyger Tyger…. first impression: Both are lovely scents.
Tyger Tyger reminds me of an 80s tuberose. Though its not really THAT 80s. It has a modern niche feel to it.
And Sticky Fingers is a yummy slightly gourmand patchouli…. (I had my husband wear it, because i was already covered in Tyger Tyger).
Congratulations on your new job! ?. You smell great – Arso is such a nice scent.
Thanks and yes Arso is amazing.
I dont know if id wear it to an office, i bet some co-workers will find it overwhelming or weird
I do amit, i feel like a huge pine tree with MS Office skills right now ?.
But hey this is month 9 working from home…and counting…. ?
That’s wonderful news!
Congratulations on the job!
Thank you ?
You smell great, love Arso, very Christmasy! And wow, another job already, that’s awesome! Congratulations and enjoy your January staycation. I have Sticky Fingers and am testing Tyger Tyger. I think Sticky Fingers is more « me » though they are both good.
Yup i came to the same conclusion.
Sticky Fingers has depth and development. And its snuggly, whereas
Tyger Tyger was good but also very loud (especially first 30 minutes), but it fell kinda flat on my skin. Or maybe my nose was already numb from the big opening. ?
Congratulations Jiji! Lemming Tyger Tyger now!
Yup I recommend it a lot if you like tuberose.
Though i had a small issue with it (see my reply above to Cazaubon).
Nevertheless i only had 1 try, so dont let that discourage you. ?
Congrats, Jiji!
Profumum di Roma and Veuve Cliquot – the girl knows how to celebrate! ? ? ? ?
Thank you!
?
Congratulations Jiji! ?
Congratulations! That’s great news!
Yay, that’s great!
Congrats!!! And thanks for the scent thoughts; I definitely want to try Tyger Tyger (though in part because of the name).
Congratulations, that was quick? Are you moving to another organisation?
Yup, but its a governmental department/organisation as well.
And thats a good thing, it means my employment contract does not need to be terminated. So all the benefits I acquired will be preserved ?
Still working from home? Is the new job more to your liking?
Yup still working from home. ?
But it does have some benefits.
New job is more challenging, its a big project. Its in The Hague though, but I dont mind the commute. I also expect working from home will be accepted and enabled more when this covid19 crisis ends….
This sounds so exciting! Very good news. 🙂
Congrats on the new job! That’s so awesome, especially since you didn’t have to go through the slog of multiple applications and interviews to find something. ?
Well, i did had to apply actually. But i had one nice meeting/interview.
That’s the way to conclude a year! Congratulations on your new job!
A big project from The Hague sounds VERY interesting!!!! Well done!
Congratulations on the new job! What a great way to kick off a brand new year.
Congratulations on the new job!
Congrats on your new job!
Adding to the well-wishers’ chorus: Congratulations!
CONGRATS!!
All best wishes for your new job and congratulations.
So happy for your new job!
Congratulations on the new job, Jiji! I love Sticky Fingers. I am supposed to get a partial bottle (remaining 5mLs) of Tyger Tyger in January.
Adding my congratulations!
Congratulations on the new job! Veuve Cliquot is an excellent choice for a celebration like that.
Congrats on the job!!!
Congrats on the job and yum on the Veuve! Haven’t tried anything from FB yet.
Tea a Persian style earl grey and a tumeric latte on my way to cat sit this morning.
So, crossing my fingers I got Mr L’s book off of the evil bay, and I am paying through the nose on shipping.
SOTD Chance Fraiche
Grey shirt and gray tartan pants. Red lipstick
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the book arrives! Your outfit sounds fabulous. I love tartan anything.
Hoping your book arrives!! Your tea and outfit sound great.
Keeping fingers crossed the book arrives in time! The outfit sounds lovely! 🙂
Eating confession: I had 2 pieces of toast this morning , with a soft le pico cheese spread on top
I am addicted to this Goat Cheese soft rind Pico from France – I can’t get enough of it! It’s delicious on toast with a little sweet smoked ham.
Me too, that is the exact cheese I am eating ? ? ??
Thank you!
? ?
I too have a couple of presents that are still on their way, and I hope to get them in time, but with the holiday mail (and especially this year) you never know. Good luck!
I hardly wear lipstick anymore.
It sometimes looks weird on video calls (depending on camera/application used).
We had an online xmas drink last week and i applied a sheer somewhat glossy Chanel. Its a “my lip colour but better” shade. And it did not look funny on camera
I teach online and used to wear red, strong fuchia and even on occasion black 😀 But over time I came to the same conclusion – that the camera was increasing the colour contrast… so now I the my lips but but a better thing…
Sending you good juju for book shipping! Can I ask what makes an earl grey Persian style?
Here is the tea that is similar to the one I am drinking https://www.basilurtea.com/products/persian-earl-grey
Thanks for the link. I was going to ask the same thing that teebear did.
I’m wearing Dans tes Bras today – I really wish I’d remembered this in time for the violet CP. It’s so lovely.
My husband asked if I had a bottle of this and when I replied that I had a travel spray he said “Make sure you buy a bottle when that spray runs out.” He’s a fan.
Just relaxing today. My only items on my to-do list are to paint my nails and to go buy a chew toy for the dog.
You smell lovely! And what a nice compliment. Enjoy your day.
You smell great! When Malle changed hands to Estee Lauder, I bought two backups of DTB I was so nervous it would be discontinued or ruined.
I love hearing that significant others are enabling a perfume habit. Good for him.
Your husband is sweet! And you smell nice.
Isnt it nice when someone compliments you on your perfume?
especially when its someone you love.
I do not wear fragrances for someone else, but its still joyable when i receive comments like that ?
Aww.. lovely hubby comment.
Mine said something similar for Guerlain’s Mandarine Basilic. Your wish…
In SL Arabie. Another scent that I always enjoy greatly during the holidays. It reminds me of my grandmothers baking the days before Christmas ???
I am so frustrated this year with mail delivery delays. I finished my holidays shopping 3 weeks ago and many packages are still in transit. Amazon prime is not delivering on time anymore. I have books from Barnes and Noble on the way for 2 weeks already and delivery time has changed now for after the holidays. The same with other stores. My greeting cards will never arrive on time, either. This is not really important, as long as we are all healthy and in good spirits. My family agreed that if we don’t get everything on time for Christmas we will exchange presents on New Year’s Eve instead and keep enjoying in peace and happiness the rest of the season, despite these crazy unexpected or expected 2020 changes!?♀️
Beautiful day outside. Looking forward to a nice walk on my lunchtime and glue again to my work desk. 2 more days and free for the rest of the week! ?
Happy Tuesday! ?
You smell delicious! Just got the last of my packages but I know the cards will be late. Same attitude here, Christmas technically runs to January 6th so the festivities can just continue!
Thank you, Cazaubon! As you said, we have time until January 6. Let’s be positive and enjoy the love of family and friends present and distant!
Have had a few bad experiences with the PO during the pandemic. Paid through the nose to get my important Christmas package delivered on time via UPS. Hopefully their reliability improve next year.
I am also having delivery problems. Fedex lost my boots, although they claim to still be looking. I think someone stole them.
Oh no! Are those the ones you got with your award money? ?
No, these from a different store for a gift. I Ended up using my gift card in store for super cute boots for my daughter.
Awww, that’s sweet of you. I hope she likes her boots, and I hope FedEx finds yours!
Fedex lost a package for me also. I got a refund from the store and I had to place the same order again, but it will never arrive on time. This year deliveries have been worst than usual.
You smell great!
All delivery services are overwhelmed, so let’s hope we’ll get everything we’ve ordered. Period. Specific date is less important.
Yupp, thats my mood as well.
Imo those poor delivery guys and girls are not getting paid enough for the essential work they do.
i saw a picture today of the haul one courier has to deliver in 1 day.. it looks mega exhausting. ???
Thank you, Undina!
I agree! This year there are more important things to enjoy than presents. Let’s celebrate Life!
Hoping that everyone’s wayward packages show up soon! ???
Crossing fingers! ?
I’m wearing another Alkemia extrait, this time Yule Rose. Rose, balsam fir, frankincense and myrrh. Pretty.
Oh that sounds pretty!
Robin, that tea combo sounds yummy, must try it tomorrow. I’m joining Sistine in Dans Tes Bras.
I do like Violette but sometimes I am not in the mood for the strong violet…this cut it nicely.
Hi all, my SOTD is Theorema Esprit d’Ete by Fendi – perfect for today’s cool weather. I’ll switch to Guerlain’s Shalimar Souffle Intense later when the Fendi wears off.
Shoes on and I’m out the door for a walk.
I’m officially off work after tomorrow and I can’t wait to have some downtime and just read all day!
I love to get lost in a book.. with my small kids it’s impossible to read all day but I do at night
One of my favorite things to do — spend all day reading a good book.
Last Holiday, I read several books over the break, it was so refreshing and energizing.
As a child, I was reading under the bed covers, some things haven’t changed. 🙂
Happy Teaday to everyone! No tea for me yet; that’s my afternoon treat. Today it will most likely be my new favorite, Kusmi St. Petersburg.
SotD is a layering of L’Artisan Safran Troublant (thanks to a lovely swapper here) and L’eau d’Ambre. Because what’s better than one comfort scent? Two! ?
Ooh, I bet that’s a nice combo!
It was, but the Safran was vanquished pretty early. ?
Love St Petersburg, excellent choice.
Why, thank you! What’s your favorite?
I remember an earl grey, with orange blossom, I think the name was Anastasia, it was such good quality but then Kusmi has so many good teas it’s an embarrassment of riches.
That sounds wonderful! ?
10 Corso Como.
Today is a great day because, 1. Today the days start getting longer again! And 2. I am on the way go get my college girl!??
? yay for picking up your college girl
Hooray! Have a safe trip.
Ahhh, enjoy the ride home with your girl.
1. We gain 3 seconds today, and it only gets better!
2. Yay! Drive safe!
Have fun catching up with your college girl! ❤️
Yay on 1 & 2!
You smell elegant, enjoy your time with your daughter.
Glad for 1 &,2 ?.
You smell great!
w00t w00t w00t for your Items 1 & 2!
Post shower I think some Pharoahs Passion
No meetings today so plan to catch up on work take an online class
Also do my nails later since salons closed
Ack, it has been a LONG time since I have done my toenails.
Heard a PSA on the Austin radio station today that basically said — take a shower! Just because you’re in quarantine, you should still bathe. Could not tell if they were kidding, but I did think that was funny.
You talked me into it, Robin — I have a couple of millilitres of Theorema left and I should wear it before it decides to go haywire on me, so that’s my SOTD. It’s so multifariously wonderful; I still can’t quite believe it was just thrown away by the company. There’s just nothing quite like it.
Wear it! I’m going to the perfume cupboard right now, to join you in olfactory celebration.
It is crazy that some company doesn’t just do a copy and sell it as a niche product.
Since perfumelover mentioned SL, it prompted me to haul out Tuberose Criminelle–been a long time since last use!
You smell fantastic. TC was the first tuberose that completely hit the spot for me.
You smell wonderful!
Showered with MB Muddled Plum, then layered on OJ Ta’if body lotion (which has lost 90% of its scent since it’s been kicking around a few years), followed by multiple sprays of Ta’if and a little Stella.
Was at Bloomies yesterday to find a candle for my friend who got a new job, and I also wanted to spritz on Libre Intense. They were sold out, and had pulled the sample bottle. Oh well. Went to buy a Bloomies ornament that was 20% off, but I misread the original price…by a lot…so laughed and told the SA I couldn’t afford to spend that much on pure whimsy. (If it goes to 60-70% off, I’ll consider it…). Bloomies wasn’t usual Christmas crowd, but there were a decent # of shoppers – especially in their perfume area.
Not sure what caused it, but my eyelids were all red and swollen last night. Washed up and applied a light layer of cortisone to the skin and took an allergy pill. Better today, but still rather puffy. Back to no eye makeup I guess.,..
I had the same happening to my Ta’if shower gel: it still has a nice texture but the scent is gone. It’s good that we both have actual perfume to top it off. You smelled great! I plan to wear it for Christmas Eve.
I’m a puffy eye twin with you today 🙁 I tried some makeup yesterday, and either that or something else didn’t agree with my eyelids. So, it’s cold cubes now (I repurposed a couple of plastic cocktails cubes that I got from some conference) and cortisone after that.
I thought about ice cubes. I did use a bit of green tinted coverage to tame the red…. hope yours recovers quickly.
I noticed that Bloomies has stepped up their perfume-game. Le Labo and other brands are new.
Not sure how much more intense Libre can get..
Hope you get some relief for your eyes.
Thanks. I was curious after reading an article in Fragrantica.
Lizzie, thank you for your info on the trigger thumb. I read your comment last night and it was very helpful. I have to get the shot soon. I need to get some relief!
Good! It really feels almost back to normal. I hope the shot helps you. Keep me posted.
Ouch on your poor eyes! I hope they are feeling back to normal soon.
ToTD is PG tips + Republic of Tea biodynamic holiday chai. I like this chai because it’s caffeine free and star anise free. Cracked open a powdered creamer from the hurricane supplies. It’s kind of icky, but I’ll doctor it up and use it.
SoTD is Santal Kardamon, from a lovely swapper. Am I the only person who is ever so slightly annoyed at the spelling? The word cardamom ends in an ‘m’, not an ‘n’. If that’s the only thing I have to be concerned about today, it will be a great day. ?
Wait, so the beginning “k” doesn’t bother you, but the final “n” does? 🙂
If you read a section Etymology here https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardamom , you’ll see from where that “n” came. For me it took some time to get used to the “m” in the end since in my native language it has always been “n.”
I’v always read it as cardamon – no idea why as I’m first language English!
Well, the “k” doesn’t bother me because it comes across as a stylistic choice. The “n” struck me more as just a misspelling.
Thanks for the wiki link! I didn’t know of the alternate spellings. Is Greek your native language? I can see that it would take time to adjust to the difference in spelling.
It bothers me when words are repeatedly misspelled. For instance, many people spell “losing” with two “os”. As in: “I’m loosing my mind.” I’ve noticed it a lot, and it bugs me, because it’s incorrect. I’m also afraid that the word “losing” will go away, and “loosing” will be accepted as correct all around, because everyone is doing it. Yes, I’m definitely a word nerd. ?
Don’t get one of my close friends started on “anywayS” or “should of”….
Now when I speak, it sounds like “should of”, but that’s just my Texas drawl. But yes, those errors are annoying.
That “loosing” bit drives me right up the wall. I always see “I’m trying to loose weight”, as if the writer were literally grabbing some extra pounds of fat from his/her body and turning them loose. Another one that irritates me is “definately”. No no no no no! “Definitely” definitely does not have an “a” in it. Then there is all the there/their, your/you’re, its/it’s (my husband’s pet peeve), and to/too confusion. And I sometimes think we are the only two people on earth who know how to spell “inconvenience”.
I’m not alone! I also see people use “defiantly” instead of “definitely “. It’s annoying.
And don’t get ME started on irregardless…
That bugs me too, h.
My peeve is apostrophe abuse… putting them where they don’t belong!
Or how about “unnecessary” quotation marks in “random” places?
I just hate that it takes 17 tries for autocorrect to accept Kardamon instead of Kardashian or Cardamom!
??
I’ve noticed people writing Aswell instead of as well.
Oh, yuck. I went to school with someone by the name of Aswell though, and I’m not kidding.
Just a few hours and one more Day to go and then I can finally rest. I feel like I need months of sleep.
SOTD is Le parfum de Thérèse.
You’re almost there! 🙂
Can relate to “months of sleep”.
Insatiable is the word that comes to mind.
Enjoy your rest.
Enjoy your rest. When I left my last job, I slept at least 9 hours a night for months.
You smell great. Hope you get a good rest!
Enjoy your upcoming break from work!
Smelling cozy in Vetiver Tonka. Cranking through classes and grading. We all need a break: kids, teachers, and parents alike.
I usually sing in a community chorus which performs a big Christmas show in December every year. Since there’s no show this year, I realize I haven’t even listened to any Christmas music. I think I’ll have to soundtrack this evening’s house cleaning with some holiday tunes.
Haha. I’ve been playing Christmas music all day for weeks now — started right after Thanksgiving 🙂
Mostly classical but other varieties too.
I say turn it up!
I do exactly the same! Love Christmas music.
I am in Miss Dior Original to get through work today. Dreading wrapping gifts, which I always do but will have time on Christmas Eve to do it. I am happy that this year’s Christmas and New Years will be spent quietly at home.
You smell great!
Have you tried to do something about that part that you don’t like about gifts? If it brings you any negative emotions, maybe you could try to find a way around it? How about using paper bags and tissue instead of wrapping? You can buy quite inexpensive ones in stores like World Market. Or, if they need to be wrapped, make it into a more pleasant tradition with a music or movie, nice candle and a glass of mulled wine.
I even cheated last year – I used the orange Amazon Go reusable bags and did not bother with tissue or any Christmas bag!
Sampling Both Sides of Clouds today and maybe prefer it to Clouds.
Has anyone heard of the house below please? No affiliation. I stumbled upon reviews on Fragrantica as one does. They are out of Sweden and they have a few vanillas.♥️
https://niche4all.com/
Both Sides of Clouds is louder on me because of the synthetics, but I still prefer the quiet glory of Clouds. Haven’t heard of that Swedish company. My bottle of Les Indémodables Vanille Havane arrived today, thought of you. 🙂
The tracking for my 4160Tuesday package is not updated so not even sure I am going to get it today. Grrrr
Hope it shows up anyway!
Congrats on the new bottle. Vanille Havane is beautiful…need to wear my sample again soon. I am trying to not buy FBs too quickly and pace myself but it’s an internal battle. ehaheeh 😉
My o’ my–that is a pretty tea pot!
I pulled out an old travel sprayer of Champagne de Bois–and am now wafting sandalwood, resins, and flowers. Ahhhh. Perfection.
You smell very festive!
I love that teapot, but have zero desire for a copper teapot. Luckily, because also do not have the $ for a $1500 teapot.
Wearing the Scent Trunk December 2019 release, which was composed by DSH. Featured ingredient is coriander, but I also get a lot of rose, musk, leather, and forest notes. Listed notes are: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Black Hemlock, Vodka, Coriander, Cardamom, Russian Rose, Orris, Labdanum, Tobacco, Leather, Musks. And I think this description from the website is spot on:
This scent evokes sensory impressions of Russian Coriander and Rose, dense forests of fir and spruce, warming spirits of cognac and vodka, the wearing of fur to brace against the cold and, of course, references to Russian Leather—at once ethereal, earth-bound, celebratory, and sensuous; a perfect complement to all that December holds!
In other news, Seattle got its first snow of the season yesterday evening. We had heavy rain for much of the day, which turned to snow around 5, and then turned back to heavy rain. The snow here is already washed away from that rain, and we’re left with street flooding at the bottom of the steep hill I live on. My car is down there, so I’m glad I don’t have to drive anywhere these days. The perks of working from home and living in a walkable neighborhood.
Finally, I know many of you have been watching Great British Bake Off for years, but my boyfriend and I just started watching it last week. It’s such a delight! Seriously, it’s a bright spot in the dark and cold monotony of the beginning of winter and working from home since March. So glad to have so many seasons to watch!
It’s wonderful how something like the Great British Bake Off can be a lifeline in these times!
Do you ever bake anything from the show’s recipes?
Yeah, I’d like to think I somehow knew to save the show for this particular time in my life. ?
And no, I’m not a baker in the least. But it’s fun to watch others do it.
Much more fun to watch others, I agree!
Snow in Seattle?! I wouldn’t mind getting some down here in Portland for a few days. Nowhere to go. . .
The snow here was not predicted! The temps dropped so fast while in the heavy rain period. It was only 35 degrees around 5:30 yesterday while the prediction was 43. It was nice to see a little snow since I didn’t have to go out in it.
I’m also a latecomer to The Great British Bake Off.
SERIOUSLY, somebody should have funded an extra season, or maybe 2 extra seasons, of the GBBS this year as a public mental health service.
Chanel No 19 edt
Perfection! 🙂
I am in Shiseido Saso, from a bottle I picked up on the ‘bay. The bottle caught my eye this morning and made me feel guilty for not having worn it. As far as I can determine, this seems to have been one of their Japan-only releases. This is listed as a floral aldehyde, and I have no reason to dispute this, but the aldehydes here are very subtle. Really it is, to my nose at least, a very soft, lovely floral. I had not particularly cared for this one the first couple of times I tried it, but I am now thinking that I simply had not put on enough of it. This one definitely benefits from a heavier hand in application.
Just looked it up — pretty bottle!
Ever since Robin mentioned Paul Scott, I have occasionally been looking at transferware on ebay. Juust looking!
And I came across something else: odd little cube teapots. They have an interesting history:
https://www.worldcollectorsnet.com/articles/cube-teapot/
Pretty sure I saw them in cafeterias, decades ago. There are a few modern versions with diffusers on ebay, too.
Side note: Their website doesn’t explain, but I’m pretty sure those Coppermill Kitchen items were originally silver plated.
Here’s the modern version of the cube teapot — on sale! (No affiliation.)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Make-My-Day-Ceramic-Tea-Cube-Modern-Teapot-Stainless-Steel-Loose-Leaf-Infuser-1L/333832575653?hash=item4db9f8daa5:g:PmMAAOSwH3Ff4Jxq
What have you done?! Now I want it! But I have absolutely no space for one more teapot. But I want it 🙂
I want a few things that I probably have no room for and that, unlike a teapot, would be of no practical use. I want an antique cash register–one of the really ornate ones with all the scrollwork decoration. I have no idea where I would put it, but I want it.
The teapot is really quite small, too, and the square shape stores more efficiently. Just noting this for no particular reason. ?
I already have a beautiful teapot that I never use — and I, too, want this little cube one! ? Just thanking my lucky stars it doesn’t have a cat on top!
It’s free shipping
ooooh, that’s a cute teapot! I used to collect teapots the way some people collect perfume. 😉
I love transferware, it’s one of my favorite things to look for at old antique malls.
And you are probably right about the silver plating! That would be a smart thing then, to remove it, because I think silver plate is not popular anymore.
Okay, y’all are a bunch of teapot enablers. Hugs all around. ?
Sycomore EDT for me today. Went back for some extra sprays 😉
Last day of work for the year for me. Got some gift wrapping, baking and other fun things to do tomorrow and Thurs. Nice to see the temps warm up a bit for being out and about and 60(!) on Thurs.
May it go by fast 🙂
It’s cool here where I live (around 52 now), but sunny and quite pleasant.
I am wearing SL Rousse, it’s been a long time I haven’t wore this and enjoying it a lot.
Staying at home cooking ( trying to figure out how to cook the turkey since my oven is not working), wrapping gifts, reading .
Enjoying your cooking
How big is the turkey? Do you have a grill? Do you have a slow cooker or a stock pot big enough to hold it? You could poach or braise it.
Nice to see you Hera! You smell lovely.
I’m off work until the next year: I decided to finally “use up” that stupid “unlimited vacation” my company imposed on us a couple of years ago. Whoever came up with this racket originally was an evil genius: since you always have more work than can be done by whatever team you have, the most conscious and loyal employees feel bad about taking too much time off. And then when they leave, the company doesn’t owe them anything. [rant off]
After a shower, I plan to wear Chanel No 19 EdP because hajusuuri wore it yesterday.
Later today plan to check out the new place to where my favorite hummus place moved during the pandemic. Hopefully, they are open at that new location for a takeout.
Huh. I’ve never worked one of those “unlimited” vacation gigs. The not having to pay out unused vacation never occurred to me. I agree it seems like a racket.
My company did that too, but their evil plot didn’t work. I still took off 5 weeks a year, my regular allotment. 🙂
Excellent.
Glad to hear that you are taking some time off, despite the evil “unlimited vacation” plot hovering in the background.
I’m taking advantage of my two weeks off from work to get some organizing tasks done around the house. I have been going through my samples and decants and thunking those that are empty, evaporated, or clearly off. Those that I definitely don’t want to wear or sniff again are going into the giveaway box along with some unloved bottles. I am also intending to compile a list of things I want to try, so I will probably do some swaps and some freebies.
yay for organizing the house! December is my favorite time to tidy up. I need to organize my perfume cupboard again, it looks like a crazy person runs amok in there every time I look away. 😉
I love that there are people in the world who don’t go “Huh, what?” when someone uses the term “perfume cupboard”. Yes, this is perfectly normal. Nothing to see here, people.
Ambre de Merveilles and topped up with Eau Duelle, not bad at all. We did some vegetable shopping at the market and in the afternoon I cut out a new dress with a fun lipstick print on a background of black and grey. Will finish it tomorrow, I think.
We had beef stifado for dinner, because someone from remindede of that. Turned out great and we have leftovers to freeze., which is always a good thing.
Your dress sounds fun!
Nice teapot but I wouldn’t be buying it anytime soon ?!
SOTD = Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy
I have a travel spray which I got as part of the end of year $25 off coupon (min. $75 purchase) so it was effectively 1/3 off because I spent $75 which included other stuff.
This is a musky sweetened sugared caramel vanilla marshmallow with a tiny bit of floralcy. I like it quite a bit and happy with my travel spray for now.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJG_YfphQJM/?igshid=169ickf9cwusw
In other news, I remain very positive despite an attack I expected from a call yesterday. Bottom line, her person is a piece of something nasty stuck on the bottom of a dirty smelly shoe and I think she actually found out for herself after I asked her to speak to her person. I wanted to tell her that the world does not revolve around her but that would not have been good.
Onwards and upwards!
How is this BK you are wearing today ?
It is very nice if you’re in the mood for sweet musky vanilla. I have not even explored a FB and will be unlikely to do so as I think my travel spray will last me quite a while.
Nice photo! I have a FB of that scent and like it a lot, but then I am a gourmand fiend. Sorry about your nasty call but you definitely did well taking the high road!
I will definitely enjoy my travel spray! The high road is the only way!
Bletch on having to deal with a nasty phone call today. As if the holidays aren’t stressful enough…
The nasty call was yesterday. There was a follow-up today and I am still waiting for the guy to finish what he was supposed to almost 4 weeks ago!
Ooops, sorry. It all still sucks.
SOTD, 80’s vintage Mitsouko again. Really loving its cozy warmth these days. Hard to believe I didn’t like it at all for the first few years!
So, I just got my letter from my doctor stating that I can’t return to working in-person for the “foreseeable future.” I know there are other folks here who are dealing with chronic illness, so maybe they can relate to how even potentially life-threatening conditions can, after a while, sort of become “normal” and not alarming. After all, we can’t live our lives every day aware it might be our last forever. I have had a condition that could act up and further disable or kill me for about 20 years now, and it is “normal” for me, something I just manage. I developed a second potentially life-threatening condition about 10 years ago. I mostly just live with them, take my meds, and move on with my day. But there’s something about seeing it in writing, from someone who isn’t attached to me, just making a mathematical decision, that makes it feel different right now. I know I will return to just carrying on and living with the uncertainty, but I’m feeling it right now. Not sad or scared, just AWARE of the uncertainty I carry with me all the time, whether I acknowledge it or not.
Marjorie Rose, I too live with several life-threatening conditions, and I can understand how one manages to adapt and live, with the occasional ‘zap’ doctors and the universe send that can be destabilizing. I was forced to retire, which was galling. I’m a cynic by nature, but the illnesses, and Covid, have pushed me firmly into a new dystopian phase – not resignation or anticipation or sadness, but more realistic and bleak. I’ve done the DNRs and all the MOLST forms. Yet still it was a bit of a shocker to have two docs tell me if I got Covid they would not be able to do anything for me. Worst, it has changed vital relationships: my kids are keeping their distance. They say they don’t want to kill me, but I really think they just don’t want to watch a slo-mo car wreck. It is the most difficult part. I manage the uncertainty with reading, perfume, conversations with a few friends, a nightly cocktail and a healthy amount of ‘lalalala’ singing. And NST.
I’m so sorry you are going through this. Virtual hugs, and kudos for your strength.
Hey anngd! Thank you for the reply. I’m so sorry to hear that you were forced to retire. That is my biggest fear, actually, that someone else will decide I just “shouldn’t” be working, decide for me which risks I can take and whether or not I’m still useful. I’ve had more than one doctor intimate that perhaps middle school education isn’t the safest choice for me!
I have been really torn over the year about which “long term thinking” I should prioritize. My husband knows my burial wishes. I nearly bought us a plot at my favorite cemetery as a gift to us, but haven’t actually done it, yet. No one will give me life insurance, so that’s not on the table.
There is something very lonely about being ill that no question COVID has exacerbated. There’s literal isolation on top of the general alienation that can arise from having an unusual condition. I’m sorry you’re really feeling that right now. I’m sure your family struggles with how to “deal” with it all. My mom vacillates between denial and obsessive worry, neither of which is useful.
I’m letting myself dive into the dystopia and listening to one audiobook after another about the end of the world. Just finished An American War and began yesterday The Dispossessed!
Virtual hugs back at you!
You show a lot of courage, it’s a lot to deal with, sending a hug.
Thank you, Aurora!
Sending many hugs!
I can’t know what this is like but it definitely seems like it must be a lot to carry some days, especially when hearing it reiterated from medical personnel.
I admire your strength in already looking ahead to when it’s just part of your “new normal” and hope that many more wonderful things await you in the future, but am likewise sorry that right now you’re feeling it!
Thanks, teebear! I’ll be fine. I’m fine now, just super aware that I need to stay careful.
I never thought about how isolating this would feel. All I can say is that I’m very glad you and anngd on NST!
(are here on NST) And hugs!
Thank you, noz! Others have written more eloquently than me about the isolation of chronic illnesses; it’s a pretty common experience from what I can tell. I do hope folks dealing with COVID are able to safely connect/reconnect with community.
I developed a heart condition about ten years ago. I’m told every year that the flu or pneumonia would at the very least put me in the hospital and could kill me. When I asked about returning for work after the lockdown, I was told to just follow the cdc recommendations.. which made me feel extremely uncared about. I can’t get regular life insurance, but get a little bit through work. Even though you said your not sad or scared, I think it is pretty scary , and I’m sorry you had to see that in writing. ?
Thank you, lillyjo! I’m so sorry about your heart condition and the lackluster response from your medical team! I do feel really good about how my immunologist has supported me. As for being scared, I think it’s sometimes easier to be afraid for other people than it is to be afraid for myself. Does that make any sense?
It does. I’m actually not scared for me. I’m scared for my kids. The thought of them not having me around to look after them terrifies me more than anything. If I think about it too much I would lose my mind, and not be good for anything. I think all any of us can do is take life as it comes, and let our loved ones know they are loved.
Lillyjo, you are brave for going ahead and doing things, even though you are scared.
For all of you dealing with these kinds of conditions, I hope you stay safe and I hope we all do our part to help keep you safe while ALSO trying to stay as connected as possible ???
Thank you, Merlin! It’s amazing how much having this connection at NST is making me feel better already! ❤️
Not similar to what you’re dealing with, but when they first announced the Covid pandemic and we watched the horrible scenes playing out in Italy, I think a lot of people (definitely me) got a big wake-up call about impermanence and our own mortality, something that you have been facing every day. You and anngd and lillyjo are strong and courageous.
Oh, I totally agree, cazaubon! It’s something most people, thankfully, don’t have to think about most of the time. COVID has made more people aware of how random life and death can be. I’ve been saying it for years, that random awful things can happen and you don’t have any control over it. Not to be a downer, and I’m not usually fatalistic, but just recognizing that our sense of control is an illusion, or at best, temporary.
thanks for sharing, Marjorie Rose, and thanks to anngd and lillyjo too!
I understand from personal experience how living with long-term health concerns adds an extra layer of complexity to many aspects of life.
Sometimes I get sad about it, then I remind myself that if I’d been born a hundred or even fifty years earlier my life would have been harder and probably shorter.
Let’s cherish each day. 🙂
I would have given up and died in the snow, a hundred and fifty years ago. I’m a wimp!
Ha! Seriously glad I don’t have to handwash all our laundry in lye soap!
I am glad people bathe regularly so that perfume is a pleasure and not a dire necessity!!!
Yeek! My grandma used lye soap, and apparently it was brutal on her poor hands. So glad we have other things now!
I have loved ones who are dealing with chronic health issues such as diabetes and dementia. Sometimes it’s harder being the person who observes what is going on, rather than experiencing it directly.
Sending belated hugs and extra strength to you.
I’m not wearing any perfume yet, I’m waiting for my samples from The Perfumed Court to arrive. I thought delays would be very likely, but I’d started to think the package might have gone astray. The last tracking report was 5 December in New York, then when I checked this morning, it showed Auckland yesterday and out for delivery this morning!
I ordered a couple of newer things (I’ve been keen to try Guerlain’s Embruns d’Ylang) and a few things I’d tried years ago and liked, but need to check again before making any purchase decision. Those include Aramis Calligraphy Rose, which gets lots of mentions, and SL’s Mandarine Mandarin. I can’t get the SL until we can travel again, but I’m planning ahead 🙂
I here you on the package tracking. Our tracking is often no better here, and I’ve had packages take an inordinately long time to go even a short distance. I saw a meme that was something like “USPS tracking: 1. We’re not sure it exists. 2. It’s arrived.”
ZOMG. I ‘snort-laughed’ at that USPS meme.
SOTD is Atelier des Ors Iris Fauve. Getting into the golden Holiday spirit with it.
Your picture was very elegant!
In zombie mode, I’ve been living on tea and coffee today after trouble falling asleep.
The price of this teapot is rather aspirational but it is lovely anyway, wonder whether copper keeps water hot longer…
In Baiser Volé Essence de parfum, basically a vanilla bomb.
Actually, a pot made of copper (or any other good conductor of heat) will cause the water to cool faster. The reason a thermos can keep liquids hot (or cold) for a long time is because it is made of materials that conduct heat very poorly.
Ah, thank you, it definitely makes the teapot quite useless.
Now if there if the teapot is made of something else inside (such as porcelain or glass) and simply has a copper exterior, then it would work just fine. I think this one is mostly for show.
Sampling Jardin de Monsieur Li
Pretty and simple thing.
Today I feel like a misfit on the land of misfit toys..yes, even more so than the spotted elephant lol.
Lately, some communications with ppl have been disappointing….i externalize it and somewhat internalize it. Time to let it go I guess…maybe imagine myself in this garden of Monsieur Li, a colorful and serene setting with ponds, vines, with yellow and purple blooms throughout. Yep, I like this scent lol.
Someone recently asked about my high school experience which was not very good. She asked, referring to the particular school, ‘why? Were they a bit weird?’ And all I could say was – ‘no…I think I was the weirdest…’ ?
Excellent.
Monseiur Li is a good friend of mine, lol, his garden welcomes all of us misfits. 😀
I’ve had a few things go awry recently, too. It *is* disappointing, especially with how this year has been overall. Sometimes it takes a little while to let things go, even when I know it is for the best.
Hugs Omega.
Late check-in, but it’s the holidays, so whatever! 🙂
Surprised and impressed with Kim Kardashian Pure Honey! It’s a skin scent now, but it’s lasted all day and smells like amazingly true-to-life honey for the $15 price tag. This one is a goodie!
Ooh, I love a good honey scent! I have a rollerball of DSH Lush Honey, now discontinued, and I feel so happy whenever I wear it! Not sure if I can stomach to give KK any of my money, though. . .
I’m not a KK fan either, but I am of her Pure Honey now….LOL
I’m reading this a day behind, but just wanted to wave at you for being a fellow owner of a DSH Lush Honey roll on. I love that stuff!
Finally scented for the day in Jorum Studio Phloem. Today feels weird and so does Phloem, but it leans into it and makes it work somehow.
Did a nice 5k round trip to/from the Korean supermarket today, and have a banana, peanut butter and dark chocolate bread pudding in the oven – not QUITE the last of the carb fest, but we’re getting there!
That teapot is stunning! My plain stainless steel teapot is jealous.
Your bread pudding sounds amazing.
2nd that!!
OMG, here is the sugar bowl of sugar bowls for the perfume lover — “Historical Staffordshire Quadruped Sugar Bowl Tibetan Musket Deer 1825 Transfer.” You can even see the tusks of the little musk deer!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Historical-Staffordshire-Quadruped-Sugar-Bowl-Tibetan-Musket-Deer-1825-Transfer/323853280452?hash=item4b6728e4c4:g:BHUAAOSwX6NdFC7T
Would cut into the perfume budget, though, unfortunately.
Wow, so bet there are more pieces in that pattern out there in the universe. How cool.
Yes!
The series is labeled “Quadruped,” so I found that if you search ebay for “quadruped transferware,” many pieces come up featuring everything from porcupines to lions and hyenas (no elephants that I’ve seen, though).
Then you can look for the musk deer. None of the pieces are cheap, though, perhaps because they’re from the early 1800s.
Day 2 of the slothful staycation. I have a few chores for myself today. It’s nearly 2 pm. I’ve done one. Oh, well.
SOTD is Le Lion and Shalimar to compare. They have a passing resemblance as they’re both orientals with bergamot and lemon in the top, but after the initial opening they diverge, the labdamun coming out in Le Lion having much more bite than Shalimar with its florals.
Enjoy your staycation. You smell great in Le Lion. I apparently have to wait for Santa so I can wear mine ?
Now I’m thinking I must sample Le Lion to better appreciate Shalimar. I’m wearing Shalimar now and am mostly picking up the skanky labdanum and bergamot-Vanilla…
Relax to the max!
Back at work wearing Dolce and Gabbana Pour Femme. It’s still busy. My son told me he wants to start a journal. I am going to look for a nice one for him tomorrow.
Wishing you an easy shift Lillyjo ?
Hope your shift is easy and you find a nice journal for your son.
Is it the perfume with a red cap Lillyjo? I’m not familiar with the scent
What a good idea about the journal.
It has a burgandy cap. It’s different from the coveted original Red Cap. That was mostly aldehyde. I like the pour femme because it’s very perfumy but still smells modern. It’s supposed to have a marshmallow note, but I don’t smell it.It’s more sweet floral.
How cool that your son wants to start a journal! I hope you find a nice one for him, and I wish him the best of luck with it. ??
Maybe he wants to journal online?
What a nice gift that will be! When I was living in CA I knew a # of men who carried around various-sized Moleskine journals.
Last week’s snow is gone as of today. Looks like I will have a wet Christmas, rather than a white one. I’m not terribly upset; after all, the weather is going to do whatever it will do. The lack of snow and salt did make getting groceries today much easier than it otherwise would have been. ☔?
SOTD = Oriza L. Legrand Reve d’Ossian EdP, from the sample stash. Mixing it up a little bit in some seasonably appropriate incense today.
That scent is so beautiful and lasts all of 30 minutes on me. So I wear it to bed. 🙂
Aw, that’s a shame Reve d’Ossian disappears so quickly on you. But yeah, it is gorgeous.
Still lots of snow around here! I think I need to shovel out my deck!
The only snow left here is what the snowplow piled up when it plowed the streets!
Wow, our snow is not as deep, but I still can’t see lawn anywhere front or back.
Remembered to post before midnight — that’s better than I’ve been doing! I got a bottle of Jeffrey Dame Mimosa Mixte on Sunday. That was my Monday morning fragrance. Very nice! Last night/this morning was Musc neutre. I thought it might be another one that would be soothing as I fell asleep, but it wasn’t really soothing for me. That’s not a love, but that was a sample that came with the bottle of Mimosa Mixte, so I didn’t pay for a bottle of the Musc.
My original blind buy the other week was JD Labdanum Doux, which I’m glad I like. That came with a Mimosa Mixte sample, which I think I mentioned at the time, so the bottle of Mimosa Mixte wasn’t a blind buy.
We’re hanging in there. Mom had a crying fit the other day, but I think we’ve all done that these past few months. She’s moderately depressed. Part of it is that my brother won’t be able to visit for Christmas. Probably part of it has been the weather and not getting much sunlight. Part of it is that Dad and I had a fair amount of random stuff that has been on the first floor of the house for a while and needs to go to other places that aren’t the family room and living room.
Yesterday, I cleaned up the gardening-related stuff that had ended up *temporarily* staying on the floor when the etager (sp.?) in the corner of the family room had fallen over. Some of the things had made it back to the etager, but I still don’t know why all of our gardening gloves ended up in a shoebox. I’m just trying to be glad I have sets of my gloves back where I can find them. As far as Dad’s concerned, “temporarily” and “indefinitely” are the same. I get a “where do I start” frozenness for some projects, but we’d been picking at that project for a while, and I was motivated. It’s much better now. Back to stage three or four of “clean up the living room” this week, I think.
keep on hanging in there, neyronrose! 🙂 Feeling a bit disjointed and slightly emotional is my “normal” during December. The return of the light will do us all some good. Hugs to you and your family.
Thank you! Hugs to you, too!
December has been somewhat of a leaden lump for me this year, too. I keep saying that the days are getting longer, now that the Solstice has passed.
Yes, there’s a little more sunlight each day. That’s what I keep telling myself.
SotD = Tauerville Amber Flash
good golly, I forget about this perfume, then sample it again and am gobsmacked by how good it is. One little spritz and I’m a walking spice market. LOVE!
Helped my daughter hand deliver holiday goodies to her college buddies today, socially distanced of course. It made us both feel a little bit more upbeat.
Have so far this afternoon ignored my to do list in favor of reading everyone’s comments and imagining how good you all smell. Fantastic! 🙂
The only Flash I tried was Rose Flash. Aren’t most of the Flashes discontinued now?
oh goodness, I hope not, they are so good! I love Tuberose Flash, only have a sample.
That Flash series is really quite good, and I forget to wear them too. Nice pick!
thank you, cazaubon! Mr Tauer knows how to build beautiful perfumes. 😀
In Nahema. I grabbed it this morning and I’m glad I did. It has some definite staying power. The name apparently means “sweetness” and “pleasure” in Arabic.
Looking forward to vacation starting tomorrow at 4pm!
Nahema is one of my “Holy Grail” rose perfumes. You smell beautiful.
Thank you! I would love to try a vintage version of course but this reformulation tells me that the original must be heavenly.
Theorema seems like it might be your most frequent SOTD!
I have never kept track, and since I often wear more than one scent a day, the polls are no help. But I do bet it is my most worn scent in December, historically.
Started to copy Hajusuuri from yesterday and go with No. 19 but since I’m making a conscious effort to enjoy my decants, I decided on Heure Exquise. Sooo good. I’ve enjoyed it all day.
I’ve been so blah today. I stayed so crazy busy the past 4 days maybe I was due for one lol. Ordering some food for dinner and watching some reality TV so that will help I’m sure lol.