It's the weekend, and we're celebrating with our usual open thread poll, extended for an extra day — I will be on the road Monday, off to see my sister for the first time in over a year. I'll be back on Tuesday. (Meanwhile, the swapmeet is open, and the spring reading poll will be coming up next weekend.)
Talk about anything you like — the fragrance you’re wearing today, the perfume that makes you feel free as a bird, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is Lilac breasted roller perched [cropped] by Steve Slater at flickr; some rights reserved.
How wonderful to be able to see your sister, Robin! Enjoy your reunion
Excited to do some biking today with my husband. Our destination is Economy Candy on the Lower East Side as I’ve always wanted to check this shop out and yet, 20+ years in NYC and somehow have never made it there. On the way I’ll be making 2 pit stops to return online clothing purchases (my success rate is under 10% at this point, not good).
SOTD: although I just noted in the swapmeet I’m not an iris fan I am trying Tears of Iris by Gucci, and it’s actually quite lovely! Subtle and close to the skin but def iris.
Oh my goodness, I would tear it up in a shop called Economy Candy. I have such a sweet tooth! Enjoy your Saturday outing with your hubby!
Thank you, I am really excited we are going to have a whole week together
Meanwhile, my plan for today is likewise biking with husband…most unfortunately NOT with Economy Candy as a destination.
On a side note regarding your online order returns — me, too! Ugh. I hope that we always have some brick and mortar to try things on. It makes a huge difference to see myself in the mirror with the item.
I share your frustration, sp. I’ve ordered the same exact T-shirt style from Land’s End over three seasons, and the fit seems to change each time. A simple T-shirt shouldn’t be that complicated!
I hope you find some things that work for you.
many years ago Lands End was so incredibly consistent with sizing (and quality!).
I agree! They used to have clothes that wore like iron. I’ll still order from them, but I do read the reviews first.
Oh I’m sorry to hear that! I’m plus size and have been so pleased with Land’s End’s consistency in sizing and their sales over the years. I recently bought four t-shirts and figured ok, this takes care of summer.
I hope your shirts are consistent! I’m plus size also. It seemed like the feel of the fabric was pretty consistent within a season, but I bought three t-shirts last summer and they all fit a little differently.
I ordered two t-shirts for summer, still waiting for them to ship. We shall see. I hope we’re both pleased with our tees! ?
So frustrating! I’m amazed how often the color you see on the website is not the actual color. Probably should stick to black, white and gray only for online purchases.
Yes, but then even that can be tricky. I ordered a shirt described as white that looked white, but in reality it was a cream color and didn’t work with my coloring. Argh.
Same. Happened for me with COS. Said it was white on the site and looked perfectly white but when it came it was totally off-white! What?! Waste of time, money, environment. Ugh.
I hate returning things and usually wind up giving them to a sister or niece. Also wondering about color adjustment on my monitor. I need to recalibrate. Bought two green decorative pillow covers that appeared to be green with blue undertones, and lo and behold they had a yellow undertone, definitely chartreuse. Those will have to go back.
Economy Candy is a hoot. Have fun.
I wasn’t an iris fan either until Iris Poudre
Yasmina, I love No 19 EdP. Is No 19 Poudre worth the investment? Or maybe hajusuuri has an opinion.
Do try a sample first. 19 Poudre has a lot of musk, to my nose, and while I love all of the other iterations of 19, I didn’t care for the poudre version.
2nd!
Oh, a lot of musk is a no. Thanks SheriG and ringthing.
3rd.
I meant the Frederic Malle one!
Ah, I’ll have to try it.
That one is so beautiful!
I found No. 19 Poudre to smell more like Infusion d’Iris than No. 19 for what it’s worth. I agree with sampling it first, though if you did buy a bottle and didn’t love it, it would be easy to swap or sell.
I can’t believe that next weekend is already May and that we’ll be having a “long” May weekend, although this year it’s poorly short and only extended by a Monday. When the dates of 1st and 3rd of May are nicely placed in calendar it can result in 4-5 off-work days. Oh well.
My temperature from yesterday dropped to 36.7*C today which means I’m on the mend, I hope, without a second wave of what i hope is just a spring cold. I’m feeling much better anyway.
I opened the package that was sent to me by Parfums Dusita – it was a launch box for the new perfume named Cavatina. It featured a mini bottle of a perfume as well as some jasmine tea, a tuberose bulb and paper blotters. If you fancy muguet notes you’re gonna love Cavatina – it’s very floral, pure and a realistic LOTV fragrance.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COC5L1hB1cu/
I’m in Memo Argentina from a sample today. It’s a lovely oud-ed rose and I could get some of the perfume just to admire a lovely bottle.
I just was reading about Cavatina! Excited to try that one as LOTV is my husband’s favorite scent! What a lovely package they sent you
Happy you’re feeling better!
Hope it’s a hit for you. I don’t get along with muguet so I don’t think I will get along with Cavatina.
I hope you recover quickly! It’s never fun to be sick.
Enjoy your lovely package!
Thank you
Feel better!!
Our streak of sunny weather has broken at last – it rained overnight and the plants and trees are very happy about that, as am I. (I used to drive my coworkers crazy when I lived in L.A., watching the rain. ?) For the cooler temperature this morning, I’m basking in Soivohle Paracelsus.
Hopefully I have stolen your streak of sunny weather ???
I hope so too – you deserve some nice weather!
Yay, Saturday and swapmeet! We’re back to rain again, but with leaves on all the trees and lots more light it’s much less depressing. I don’t want the time to go too fast, but I’m happy that it’s almost May.
I put on CK Be due to Robin’s post about Maya Njie below. But I think I’ll go with AG Le Chevrefeuille later as I think the Be is going in the swap/sell/give away pile.
Have a wonderful time with your sis, Robin!
Thank you!
I honestly can’t remember CK Be, which is weird…maybe I just stuck to CK One right through the Be era?
It’s just kind of soft herbal musk. Very nice, but not something I reach for anymore.
Technically, a bit of a fougere. I like it better than CK One. Not such a big deal now, but it would have been a revelation to encounter a unisex perfume when she did.
Scarlet Poppy
Not a huge Jo Malone fan, but this is very well done! Perfect for spring and to take you from day to night. I am surprised how much I like it. Not offense and easy to wear. Well done! And thank you to a generous NSTer for this!
Binge watched Shadow and Bone last night. The Shadow and Bone books and Six of Crows books were much better (books are always better than movies shows etc IMHO) but the actor they chose for The Darkling is how should I say, maybe in Italian, un bel pasticcino

Enjoy your trip Robin!
You smell great!
You smell great!
Love Scarlet Poppy! Good longevity for a Jo Malone too!
Happy weekend!
Robin, enjoy your week with your sister!
Speaking of perfume that is “birdy”, I am in Zoologist’s Nightingale. I adore this perfume so so much. Its got this delicious plum note and the perfume as a whole has this throwback classic vibe which I loooove.
Robin I also have another idea for the Friday CP:
Love At First Sight (or Bottle P*rn Friday ?) – Wear a perfume that you bought because of the bottle or wear something from your collection that has the prettiest bottle!
I like your cp idea!
We have not done a bottle porn project since 2017, so added to list, thanks!
I have candidates!
Probably a months worth!
You smelled great in Nightingale yesterday! That’s one of my favorite Zoologist perfumes up there with Civet. Nightingale reminds me of a soap or bath product I smelled as a child in the 80s.
I’m in Mandarine Basilic today. It’s warm and getting humid out there, so it’s time to break out the citrusy good stuff!
I got my hair cut yesterday, first cut since February 2020, in a new salon near my house that is very safe. Only three people working at one time, and they clean the chairs and shampoo chairs/bowls while you watch. I felt secure, and now I feel so, sooo much better. I had that urge that I often do after a haircut, to go and find a bright lipstick to apply.
Followed it up with a quick trip to Ulta and TJ Maxx for some new house slippers. I hope everyone is having a lovely Saturday!
I got my hair cut last week first time since Dec 2020. Wow. It feels (and looks) so much better. What a great feeling. Agree on the lipstick!
My outlook improved a bunch! Glad you were able to get a trim.
I really could use a haircut! At this point, I’m just going to wait until school’s over so I can investigate salons – I’ve never had my hair cut up here.
Good luck with the hunt! Hope you find a salon that suits you. ?
Oh. yes, that’s a great feeling! Yay! I hope you found a good lipstick!
I found a pinkish coral in my stash that worked nicely!
Hurray for a haircut! It probably feels even better than it did in the Before Times.
It absolutely did feel better! Quite a relief.
You smell lovely! I am scheduled for a trim 5/14 and I can’t wait! My hair is so long, it takes 16 hours to dry. I’m looking a little frizzy!
I’m glad you were able to schedule an appointment! And wow, I’d love to have thick, curly hair. Seriously.
I bet it felt good! My COVID haircuts had both been six months overdue. I can’t imagine waiting 14 months!
Well, I trimmed it myself a couple of times, and the hubster hacked at it, too. And there was liberal use of ball caps. Lots of ball caps. ?
What a nice day! I haven’t been to TJMaxx since the before times, that sounds like fun.
It wasn’t busy since the weather was bad, so I wasn’t too nervous about dipping my toes back into the public sphere again.
I cannot find the right house slippers to replace my favorites, which I’ve worn to pieces. Did you find anything good?
Noz, I have to admit I went the cheap route. I got Easy Spirit scuffies that were $8. I was going to spend more on either LL Bean or Land’s End, but the reviews were all over the place. Not really interested in spending $50+ on house slippers!
I bought a gift set of SJP Lovely for a good price thinking I liked it..at least I did like 10 yrs ago. I sprayed it on..immediately returned. Idk if reform or what but I really dislike it. So that is sotd..likely not again haha.
I agree, SJP isn’t what it formerly was… And with new restrictions on the horizon, more change is coming…
https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2021/04/21/perfume-makers-raising-a-stink-over-new-safety-rules/?fbclid=IwAR2eimTn58sswkgM-2cYPTKSg_XpwUoUt1o8ZgmVOQrDRVCkPl5_gAoOy-w
Feeling cheerful this AM after 13 hours yesterday trying to sort out why my camera/mic that I have been using for a year was suddenly incompatible with Zoom and Skype—crashing both apps on my desktop, but not on my son’s computer. Won’t bore you with the blow by blow, but it was a slog. I am about 70% sorted, or at least I was last night at 11pm when I signed off w my third remote tech person. In fragrance news, my Jo Malone orange blossom body cream arrived yesterday, and it smells divine. In other cheering news, I’ve made reservations for myself and a dear college friend for two days at a resort and spa in Newport RI when I am back East helping my son move out of his college digs. The resort thing is a crazy indulgence, but I am so looking forward to it and getting caught up with my friend. My little health scare (20 stitches later, but now entirely sorted except for the healing) told me to WAKE UP, spend time with friends now.
Oh, that resort is a must after dealing with your tech debacle!! I’m so glad you’re taking that time to connect with your friend.
I love the Jo Malone orange blossom candle. My late mother-in-law used to give me one each Christmas and I would make it last all year.
Yes, doesn’t sound like a crazy indulgence to me at all. It’s called self care and you absolutely deserve it! Enjoy!
After the hideous year we’ve all had, your weekend is not an indulgence, it’s a must!
I second the comments – you deserve to have a couple of days at a spa. This year has been trying in so many ways. I’m so glad you’re done with the surgery, and on the mend!
Glad it is a cheerful morning, and the spa trip sounds wonderful!
The resort will be lovely — you deserve it! Definitely enjoy the time with your friend!
So odd – on Friday I had numerous zoom problems that seemed to come and go. So did some of the other participants.
Enjoy your time away. Life is precious. Hugs to you.
Enjoy the visit w/ your sister, Robin!
Trying Un Obvious Patchouli today…nice but nothing terribly exciting/noteworthy to me. Sampled Un Vanille from this line the other day and it was ok but not groundbreaking.
Perhaps my expectations for new lines/houses are too high…? My nose is jaded…? Many new houses are mediocre…? The correct answer is D. All of the above!
Lol. I do think many new houses are mediocre.
Agreed!
I agree with D
I’m finally relaxing on a rainy Saturday. It’s been a crazy week.
My birthday was yesterday and earlier in the week I treated myself to three Scent Trunk sprays for a gift. They arrived today! I’m wearing “Salt” today (the April 2021 release that’s inspired by the Utah Salt Flats). I really like it but it’s driving me crazy because it reminds me of something I used to smell in California but can’t place.
I hope everyone is well – I’m about to sit down with some Blackberry Sage tea and read 2-3 days worth of posts.
Robin, have a fabulous trip! How wonderful to see your sister.
Happy birthday! Fun gift
Enjoy your time of relaxation.
Happy Birthday!
Happy (belated) Birthday sistine!??
Happy Birthday!
Happy belated birthday!
Happy birthday for yesterday!
Happy Birthday sistine! Enjoy your new treats.
Happy Birthday Sistine! ?
Happy birthday weekend!
Belated Happy Birthday wishes! ????
Happy birthday Sistine! Enjoy your new goodies.
Hope it was a wonderful birthday sistine!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Thanks everyone! It was a very nice birthday.
Hope your birthday was a deeeeeeelightful day.
Salt sounds like a good one – I adore perfumes that remind me of familiar past places.
I hope everyone is doing well. I am in one of my heavy duty comfort scents today, Shalimar. My daughter and I spent the wee hours of the morning in the veterinary e.r. parking lot while my 8 year old pup who has a heart murmur was evaluated. Turns out it was a stomach thing, and with fluids and a shot he is much better. Now he is on a chicken and rice diet which he loves. He is ok, I am still a wreck.
Oh gosh! I’m glad your pup is okay!
Thanks, Madtowngirl.
Sorry about your stressful night but glad your sweet puppy is doing better!
Thanks, cazaubon!
That would have been a difficult night, I’m glad it’s all OK.
Thanks, Gaynor.
Wishing a speedy recovery to your puppy! ?
Thanks, perfumelover67.
Ohh, how worrisome! Wishing your pup a speedy recovery! ((squishes))
Thanks, smokeytoes. Purr.
Oh, that’s a rough night! Glad your doggo is going to be okay. Gentle hugs to you; I know it’s very nerve wracking to have a sick pet.
Thanks so much, Nancyleandros.
Oh man, that is so stressful! I’m glad it was a stomach thing. I hope you and your pup are feeling better today!
Thanks, Sistine.
Shalimar Eau de Cologne for me today.
Got my replacement vacuum tube from Dyson today. I backed the car over ours when moving. So, I happily vacuumed the bedroom carpet and floors. Trying to get motivated to unpack more boxes. Sigh.
Dinner tonight with some HS classmates of my husband’s. Best part is the restaurant is a two-minute walk for us. Love that. And, we discovered the beach is a very quick walk for us. We thought it was farther than it is. The downside is I will likely need a swimsuit. I don’t even own one.
Oh, and best wishes for a lovely visit with your sister Robin!
Thanks!
How lovely you can walk to restaurant AND beach, that sounds perfect.
It was several years ago, but I’ve had good experiences ordering from Miracle Suit.
Thanks! I saw a couple of cute ones up at a local general/hardware store also. But the thought still horrifies me.
Safe travels Robin! Enjoy seeing your sister!!
I’m in EL Bronze Goddess. Eau Fraiche on one wrist and the EDP on the other. The Eau Fraiche starts out with a realistic boozy note to my nose. Reminds me of the highballs my grandparents used to drink. What even are highballs? Does anyone drink them anymore? I’m a very unsophisticated beer girl myself. lol. The edp has a distinct ‘80’s vibe to my nose.
The weather man really miss forecasted, luckily! The sun is out and it’s lovely. I have no pressing school work this weekend for a change so I’m enjoying a true day off. Headed out to the big mall this morning and got a pair of jeans at BR for 8 dollars. Score! According to the WSJ skinny jeans are out. I’m in trouble. Stopped into Sephora and promptly got scolded.? Now I know what toddlers go through. I just can’t. not. touch! I did get the Beachy Scents sampler set with scent certificate for a travel size of TF Eau de Soleil Blanc. Enabler pin to lillyjo!?
Woohoo! Glad you got the deal!
Hopefully I will get some of your sun later ?
That really is a great deal! Plus, I had a gift card to use so it was free.?
Sorry you got scolded, but you make it sound funny!
I will have to dig out my Eau Fraiche roller ball. I remember I liked it but not much else about it. I for one am glad to see skinny jeans go. I never cared for the look though some people (and not just skinny people) look right in it. I still don’t like stretch jeans of any kind, BTW, but 100% cotton is nearly impossible to find.
It was kinda funny, considering I had just been warned about 2 minutes before it happened. That info went into my brain and then right back out again.?
Sweet deal on the jeans! I haven’t shopped for jeans in a couple of years, and I’m afraid I’ll get sticker shock when I do.
I plan on asking for forgiveness rather than permission when I finally get to Sephora. Heh heh…
Haha, yeah one of my coworkers uses that phrase often.
My standard drink, a vermouth & soda, would be considered a highball. If the drink has some alcohol but a higher proportion of something non-alcoholic like soda water or tonic water, it’s a highball. So a gin & tonic is also a highball, so is a rum & coke.
But also a highball refers to a tall glass, and not all highball drinks really end up being served in tall glasses.
Ah, I think my grandparents drank scotch and water.
Skinny jeans are out?!! Oh no. So what’s in?
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/15/business/denim-cycle-loose-jeans.html
Apparently high waisted “mom” jeans- which don’t look good on me.?
When I went to Sephora last month I had to keep my hands clasped behind my back to keep myself from touching. I feel so bad for the SAs because it is not normal behaviour to enforce!
Agree! Not normal, and not fun.?
Not touching makes sense, of course, but how do you even begin to choose something? I always tested the lipsticks on the back of my hand, at least, and perfume, too, of course. It’s almost impossible to figure out lipstick colors on line, so I really miss Sephora. What are they recommending instead?
They offer to try lipstick or blush on a piece of tissue.?
I’ve been in Sephora’s where they will clean it and let you swipe on your hand. It must vary by store.
It’s cloudy and drizzly here so I will find things to occupy myself indoors. I have library books to read and maybe I will make cookies. I’m wearing Promesse de l’Aube. Happy weekend everyone and Robin I’m so glad you can see your sister now.
Drizzly here and I too was inspired to bake – bran muffins in my case.
SotD Ferre by Gianfranco Ferre. Very nice and found a rather glowing review at Bois de Jasmin. I got a partial bottle in an Ebay cheapie lot. The bottle is lovey and BdJ notes it is a Serge Mansau design. One to look out for if you haunt antique malls and thrift stores!
https://boisdejasmin.com/2006/06/ferre_gianfranc.html
Oh, good to know — thanks!
Violetta again today. We had an outing to a new bbq and bakery (takeout only) that is on the western shore of the next lake east from us — only 13 miles but a solid 25-30-minute drive. We took our lunch to a state park and ate at a picnic table on the lake’s edge. Lots of people out but everyone keeping their distance. Sunny, low 60s, and a much-needed small indulgence. (And my rib sandwich, with sliced pickles and caramelized onion, was delicious!)
Robin, have a great trip!
That sandwich sounds delicious!
Day 15 of quarantine because the government can’t get their sh*t together and get our Covid test results back, grr.
Wearing 4160 Tuesdays Waft from the Loft for its calming properties.
You smell fabulous! Did you see that 4160Tuesdays has a new Clouds EDP macerating right now, the “darkest” to date. I asked about a parfum version and Sarah is investigating.
Thanks! I ordered the edp, let me know what she says about parfum, I’m interested.
Will do!
Ugh… I’m sorry. Hope the results are back soon.
I hope your results get sorted out asap! Can’t imagine your frustration.
I am happy to announce we are now FREE! Just took the puppy out for a walk, we were both very excited. She peed on the fire hydrant for both of us.
Wearing PHI Rose de Kandahar to celebrate.
I’m so excited for you! I hope you get full freedom soon. I really admire you for moving in this crazy time and having to deal with the regulations of multiple countries and provinces.
But wait, you had to keep the dog inside for 15 days???! (Looks around and realizes nothing would still exist if young German Shepherd was kept inside for 15 days.).
Well, it probably wasn’t a very good idea to move now, but it’s too late to back down at this point. We were able to take the dog in the back yard to pee, but no walks. Fortunately she is only 7lbs and not destructive.
Oh, YAY! Very happy for you! ?☀️
Yay, terrific news, and you smell beautiful!
Yes!???
GREAT news! So glad to hear this.
Oh finally!!!
OMG this is great! I am so glad the trip back worked out!
That’s the BEST news! Congratulations!!
Today, storage rental, tomorrow post office box and car registration. We are sooo happy to be out!
Hooray!!!
Another beautiful autumn day here. We’re getting the settled sunny weather now that we didn’t get during summer. It’s not as warm as it would been in summer, but seems more precious with the knowledge that the cold weather is not far off.
I bought a bottle of Fort and Manle’s Amber Absolutely yesterday. I had hoped to get it in the actual shop, but had to get it online. No shipping costs – such a treat to buy niche perfume in New Zealand
Inspired by the purchase, I might wear my other online purchase from the same place last year, Anima Dulcis.
Yay! I love Anima Dulcis too.
It’s always wonderful to be reminded that the opposite season is happening, too. Mmm, Anima Dulcis!
Robin, so glad you will have a great time visiting your sister again! Have a safe trip!
Wearing Bvlgari Au the Bleu.
Nice, warm beautiful day in the 70’s. I ran errands in the morning and now back home feeling lazy, despite so many things that I have to accomplish this weekend at home.
We were notified yesterday at work that starting May 3rd we will be back in the office twice a week. If things go fine, after one month they will increase the amount of days, until we are back to our regular 5 days a week. That should be happening during summer time. I am very stressed about it, but I need to patiently readjust to go back to normal. In the meantime I will enjoy the time left working from home, especially the long walks in the park at lunch time ?♀️
Happy weekend, everyone! ?
We haven’t been told anything yet other than we’re “low priority” – woohoo. Our return to the office advance warning is supposed to be 3 weeks – yours is way too short in my opinion. Some people may need to adjust their Transportation Spending account and it is too late for that, at least for May.
I hope it goes well for you.
You are very lucky. I am so glad you don’t have yo return to the office any time soon. I agree that they didn’t give us enough time to plan our return. My first day will be May 11th. I am scheduled to be in on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, until further notice. Transportation Spending account will not have funds until June, which has annoyed many of us already. I just hope that everything goes fine, but it will definitely not be an easy transition for many people.
I hope all goes well in that you can do your work more easily, and that the stress melts when you are back in a familiar place!! Seems good that you have two days in a row, rather than split schedule?
Thank you, MossyBerry! I definitely appreciate the 2 days in a row, but not sure if that will change the following month.
I hope your work transition goes smoothly!
Thank you, Lillyjo! I hope so, too.
Oh wow! We were just told we won’t be back in the office until after the end of the year. Doesn’t matter for me much, anyway, as my current team is scattered across the country, but it would be nice to see people again. I hope it all goes well for you!
Thank you, Ockeghem. I wish we would have stayed working from home longer, but I knew it was not going to happen. The end of the year sounds more reasonable to me. I hope everything goes fine.
Best wishes for a smooth and safe transition!
Thank you, Sistine!
Yikes, that is imminent! My response to stress is to make lists of what I need to do to deal with whatever is stressing me. Maybe that will help some?
Absolutely! Sometimes I make a list too. I think it is time to make a new one.
That’s pretty short notice, hope it goes well!
Thank you, Cazaubon!
That is extremely stressful. Hope it goes fine!
Thank you, Koyel!
I sprayed on Chanel Paris-Deauville today from a nice-sized decant I bought from someone else here, thanks very much. I’m not particularly into any Chanel scents, and far prefer Guerlain on the whole, but the minute this goes on you just suddenly feel, well, classy. Mmmm. Meanwhile, my bottle of Amouage Love Tuberose arrived and the whole package is so pretty I haven’t even opened it yet! Yay! Our weather is sunny but already got too hot (86), yuck, portent of things to come later on with the steering wheel of my car too hot to touch. I visited Mom but she wasn’t feeling well and just wanted to nap. I talked at some length with two nurses there, and they feel that she’ll really benefit from the planned move to their Memory Care wing, where there’s more staff contact and more group activities. I hope that’s true. We’re just waiting now for a vacancy there.
Yay for Love Tuberose! The packaging and scent are both so pretty. Fingers crossed for your mom’s move.
Thank you very much!
Chanel isn’t my top brand either, usually, but whenever I need the double Cs — chic and class — that’s where I turn.
I hope your mom gets to move to the memory care wing soon. The increased engagement will do her a lot of good.
Will she be sharing a room? I hope a vacancy opens up soon!
Good luck in getting your mom moved over to Memory Care.
Hope there’s a vacancy soon for your mom.
SOTD = Theodoros Kalotinis Coffee EDP and Vanilla EDT
I’ve done this layering before and it was successful. I did it again today as I was (and did) meeting up with family for a BIL’s birthday. Perfect!
https://www.instagram.com/p/COEN6t9h5G1/?igshid=1wi8f2ylf68x5
In other news, if you are still getting newspapers delivered at home, what time do you typically expect to receive it? Today, I got mine at 10AM, quite late in my opinion. I was going to call the NYTimes but did not want to waste my time!
Happy Birthday to your BIL!
Did you get the other newspaper issue resolved?
Thanks, lillyjo!
I decided not to bother calling separately to see if the note I asked the CSR to document actually landed. I will ask the next time I’m offended ?.
My mother gets the NYT print edition and she’s probably one of a handful that does, in our Midwest town. Very often it doesn’t show up until the afternoon which just makes her furious but I’d think carriers would be difficult to find and that’s the problem. I subscribe online but it’s truly not the same.
When I was overseas, the Sunday NYT took about two weeks. ?
There is an article about reformulation and IFRA in the Washington Post Magazine:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2021/04/21/perfume-makers-raising-a-stink-over-new-safety-rules/?itid=hp_magazine
Apologies if someone else has already posted this.
Nice article (and well-written). Some of the readers comments are hilarious.
Thanks, I’ll have to go back and read them!
WaPo comments sections usually turn into a political cesspit, so exercise caution!
Sounds like the NYTimes comments section ?
Oh, there’s no comparison. NYT does moderation. There may be 10,000 or more truly vile comments in a WaPo comment cesspit. I suppose they allow it because it generates clicks for the ads that they earn their revenue from. NYT depends more on subscriptions.
We ran out of nested comments! Nice article. Nastiness abound. I even now hate some of the commenters. Anyway, I suppose there are different degrees of cesspool stink. By the way, my online NYT reading is limited to curated articles on the pandemic (and other related links) so the WAPO comments on fragrance is a stuffed teddy bear.
Yes, the comments on the perfume article were mostly great. None were that bad. NYT comments aren’t what they once were, for sure.
Mr. G sent that to me yesterday. I agree the comments are, um, interesting. I had no idea so many people were so violently opposed to fragrance.
It’s hard to tell how representative the comments are. Sometimes, too, there are people who just like to troll particular issues.
But I had stopped wearing perfume to performances where I’d be in assigned seating right next to someone I didn’t know (back before Covid).
Robin, I hope you enjoy the time with your sister!
Rainy day here, returning to our normal spring programming after two weeks of near-summer weather. I’ll miss being able to eat on restaurant patios, the only way you can eat at a restaurant here until late May.
SOTD started as En Passant, but that lasts about 2 hours on me, so then I switched to Bogue Mem later. Not sure it’s perfect for today, but it’s what called my name as I was trying to get out of the house to get the kid to her writing class.
Walked around an empty downtown area today, hoping to see some of the lamps my designer is recommending, but none of the design stores are open on weekends any longer…guess they’re only selling to designers. I did peer through windows and see a couple of the fixtures, so that was helpful. I’m both looking forward to this reno and not…so much upheaval.
Renos are a true pain in the behind. I’m doing a modest kitchen one and it’s taken every weekend since February
Oh, but I hope you have a lovely kitchen now!
True dat. And truth be told I kinda like decorating
Currently in Coco Mademoiselle Intense right now. For some strange reason now, I get up somewhat early on days off but don’t really do that on days I have to work. After I do some cleaning and take a shower, I shall wear Coromandel. It’s funny how I haven’t worn it since I got a full bottle. Time to start wearing it.
Oh you got a FB! Yay! Coromandel is so beautiful and inmho fit for any occasion
I kind of save Coco, because I want it to always be magical. And then I realize I’ve let a year of so has go by. ?
In a second dose fugue so no perfume but enjoying reading these comments in bed.
If I were to wear something it would be an aromatic citrus. Maybe Bigarade Concentree? Or Ginger Piccante as I associate ginger with health
I’m commando too but will be dousing myself with something in a little bit.
I will see what you choose over on IG
I hope your fugue is over soon. Congrats on the second dose!
I was feeling much better already by 2 pm — so a very short fugue!
Happy to hear you’re already feeling better! Congrats on the 2nd dose.
Yay — and congrats, too!
Oh good!
I just read that Alber Elbaz, Superstitious co-creative director for Frederic Malle, died of COVID-19. He was so young – 59. We know the virus does not magically discriminate. The article does not mention his perfume collaboration.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/25/obituaries/alber-elbaz-dead.html
Man, that is so young. I feel so bad for his family and friends.
So so many dead ?
Just saw this – so sad.
Geez. That’s a shame.
Oh how sad.
I found him sweet and endearing.
Oh, that is a shock.
This is very sad.
So, my parents forgot my birthday.
But my brother sent me a lovely gift card and I used it to buy Dame Perfumery’s Chilehead (and some stuff for the dog) because I shop my feelings.
Today I’m wearing Lubin’s Epidor. It’s just so pretty. And I had a great experience while grocery shopping today – I’m wearing my “Murakami Radio” t-shirt and a fellow Murakami fan saw it and stopped me to talk in Trader Joe’s. We talked about books, cats and whiskey for about 15 minutes.
Happy Birthday, Sistine! ?
Happy birthday! My mom always forgets mine and it sure hurts
Many happy returns, and how nice to meet a like-minded person.
Happy birthday, Sistine. What a nice birthday encounter at Trader Joe’s!
Happy Scented Birthday sistine! ??✨
How can your parents forget your birthday? If I forgot my mother’s birthday I wouldn’t live to see another one. My husband gave me nothing this year, not even a card, but I will get revenge later with his credit card. ;-). Hope you are having a nice day with your husband and doggie!
My husband and dog and cat treated my like an absolute queen. It’s just my parents that forgot, and it made me sad.
But honestly, I moved away 23 years ago. I can’t expect to always be in the front of their minds.
I moved away 35 years ago and mine still manage to remember so I feel sad for you too, but so glad your husband and furries have spoiled you properly.
Okay, a parent forgetting a kid’s birthday is just wrong. I’m sorry that happened. I’m glad you received some good words here and were properly celebrated at home. Sooo…
??❤️❤️?? H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y ! ! ! ??❤️❤️??
Well, it’s been quite a year, so anyone might be a bit discombobulated.
I hope you had a happy birthday! After my parents divorced when I was in my 20’s, my dad asked me when my birthday was. Seriously. He only has 2 kids, and I’m the oldest; you’d think he’d remember when his first child was born, but nope. Make your own fun birthday, I always say
Awww sistine, I’m so sorry! Happy belated birthday!
Robin, enjoy your week with your sister! It was so nice for me to hang out with my sister for a bit this week when I was at my parents’.
Home now and feeling rejuvenated from trip yet tired. There’s unpacking and laundry to do!
I spritzed on Samsara (non-vintage) this morning, but now I’m sampling Orris Tattoo from the very generous hajusuuri. I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday.
Thank you! Glad you were with family too.
SOTM is Sycomore, from a mfr mini. I will doubtless finish off these 4 mls, but not sure that I need a FB … although if one fell from the sky I would definitely use it!
In Rodin Bis and really enjoying it. It’s fading a little now so I’m off to re-up with another 8 sprays
Trying to talk myself back from the ledge. There’s a Shalimar edp (in the fancy bottle) in my cart. I have tons of vintage edt and an extrait already. Someone here mentioned bottle p*rn recently and this is calling me! I don’t need it though!
Idk.. fancy bottle kind of tips the scale for me.
?
Me too!
Have you ever tried the EdP? Might not be a safe blind buy.
I don’t think I’ve tried it. Is it quite different than the edt?
I’m not a fan of Shalimar, so I am not the person to ask. However, maybe some people who are will chime in?
Thanks Jalapeno!
To be honest, once you get past 2-3 bottles of perfume it’s not a need. But will it make you happy every time you see the bottle? Will it give you a wee spritz of joy every time you spray it? To bring brightness into your life is a glorious thing.
Very wise words, sistine! Thank you!
You only live once so I say go for it! Bottle porn is just icing on the cake. See, I just pushed you off the ledge ?.
Today I wore Tuberose Flash; I got more patchouli than tuberose when I first put it on, but then during the course of the day it softened a bit into a pretty floral.
That sounds great!
I’ve been digging through all my samples and decants this weekend seeing what I might have to swap. I think I overwhelmed myself though. I am sure a lot of you have way more than me, I don’t know how you keep it all straight. My sotd is Cafe Tuberosa.
Oh… safe and fun travels Robin!
Thank you!
You smell wonderful! Cafe Tuberosa is on my (longer) FB list!
I always start in on my collection with great intentions. But I do get overwhelmed. I want to pare down to just the most loved. I’m not sure swapping is helping, but it’s fun. And I’ve enjoyed making perfume friends.
Before I discovered NST, if I didn’t like a sample I would throw it away! It never occurred to me that someone else might want it. Lol. I try to keep them in sections now of if I want to keep trying or to give away. When I go through the give away section though, I start having second thoughts and move more over to the keep trying section?
Me too!
It might make sense for you to just pick 1 or 2 things and offer a swap in the SOTD thread.
Off topic, but this is my favorite thing today:
Tomer Hanuka asked third-year illustration students to come up with a post-pandemic New Yorker magazine cover, and they are wonderful!
https://twitter.com/tropical_toxic/status/1385704742903586817
Oh thank you, very wonderful.
Saw this on the Twitter of Astead Wesley, one of the young NYT reporters (unusually, as he mostly writes about soccer and politics).
Oh that one with the missing grandma made me get all choked up.
Safe travels Robin, and enjoy your visit with your sister!
SOTD = Histoires de Parfums 1740 EdP, from the sample stash.
Thanks Jalapeno!
Starting spring florals week in Opardu
Beautiful!
I’ve been looking around the zoologist website and just hearing a lot about them. I was positive that when I finally decide to order something it would be the Snowy Owl. Well I just placed my first order and I finally settled with Squid. I love ink (CdG 2) and I love salty notes (e.g. Eau des Merveilles). Squid doesn’t seem like Your typical aquatic – sounds like it’s got more “ooomph” to it and that it’s a very interesting, unusual scent. I guess I never put a stop to ordering perfume stuff…
Looking forward to hearing what you think of this one. I haven’t tried any of them, but they all sound interesting.
Squid is great but I am allergic to it. I’ve moved on.
I do like Squid a lot. Snowy Owl was a big disappointment. Chameleon is very nice. I bought Musk Deer FB because I loved it.
Late to the party!
Another Monday, and another chance to get happy with perfume. I’ve got my second Vietnamese coffee slowly filtering away here on my desk (it is a daily lesson in practicing patience), and I’m trying to remember the last time I felt as free as a bird. It’s been a while.
Nonetheless, I’m game to try and capture that feeling with a couple of hefty spritzes of Ciel d’Opale, by Ann Gerard. Not a bad choice.
Smell good, everybody!
That’s a pretty scent!
Wore Coromandel this morning but now in Noontide Petals. Tomorrow I get my 2nd Covid and heard that the 2nd Moderna really kicks your butt the next day. So I am doing whatever needs to be finished up tonight and tomorrow morning. Just in case my butt gets kicked.
Smart. My 2nd dose of Pfizer kicked my butt for a day. Hopefully your experience will be better!
Good morning, all! Well I pretty much lost Saturday to covid-2nd-shot, but I’m about back to normal by now. Glad to be done with that; now I wait for 2 weeks then I can venture out into the world again
SOTD is Vilhelm A Lilac A Day.
Boy I’ve been binging on new perfume lately. Gonna have stuff to whisper in Donatella’s ear this quarter….
I’m taking everyone’s second shot experience into consideration for when I get mine. I’m hoping that I won’t get flattened by it.
Hooray for 2nd shot and venturing out again!
Do tell what interesting things you’ve been finding.
Oops = that was for Pixel, above!
I’m in BK Amber Oud today. I’d try a couple more of his ouds if I happened to run into them (which I likely won’t). This one is pretty wonderful. I had lots of fun with the swap meet, thanks, Robin.
Not venturing out yet, since I just had the 2nd shot on Friday. Gotta wait 2 weeks
BK Amber Oud is pretty wonderful, isn’t it? I haven’t tried any of his other ouds.
Recent purchases here have mostly not arrived yet! I will report when they show up…
Looking forward to the report(s).
PdE of the Day is 3 Fleurs. Not sure if it’s contributing to my headache. 1st World problem.
Robin, I hope you are having a delightful time with your sister! I’m hoping to see my two in the not-too-distant future.
It is lovely to be here, thanks FearsMice! Hope you will get to see yours…and hope that headache is gone by now.
SOTD = Frederic Malle Superstitious
Alber Elbaz, who died from complications of COVID-19, died last Saturday. I am wearing Superstitious in his memory.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COI2m8KBH8N/?igshid=13zso87xnpx2i
In other news, thanks for those who mentioned when their physical paper gets delivered. I ended up calling the NYTimes and was told that the paper is guaranteed to be delivered by 8am. For both Saturday and Sunday, it got delivered between 10:00 and 10:15, a clear departure from the guarantee. It was escalated; let’s see what happens next week!
It’s a good thing we’re not supposed to have discourse over anything “political” or thereabouts. I won’t link to it but you can read the comments for an opinion piece in the NYT with the title that starts with “Private Schools Brought in …”
You smell great. Thanks for mentioning Alber Elbaz, I did not know that. May he rest in peace.
That owl looks like a laughing face to me.
Good afternoon! Hope you are enjoying your trip, Robin!
Sniffing like Zoologist Bee! Thanks to the generous NSTer who is a hoot. Must. Get. Bottle.
I put a bunch of vintages that I just put up for swap if anyone is still interested.
Off for coffee.
Very much so far, thanks AnniePerfumes!
I went with Rose de Siwa for manic Monday!
Nice!
I am sampling The Harmonist Desired Earth, I think that is the name, too lazy to check. If you remember, do you think it smells a tiny bit like a softer version of Chergui or some other stewed-fruity Lutens? Wow, that was a mouthful! ?
LOL. It’s probably Royal Earth and I don’t see a resemblance to Chergui nor do I think it’s particularly fruity. I smell powdery iris, violet, sandalwood and neroli.
? I just checked the name. It was Desired Earth.
I really liked Royal Earth so I remember that name. So I guess DE did not leave a lasting impression.
Dovana by Sylvaine Delacourte today. Blustery and rainy here, so I continue to unpack and fight the cold my husband gave me. Thankfully, I’m always stocked with tissues. Dry cough and throat. I’ve unpacked teas, so maybe I’ll make some using some local honey I got this weekend.
Very sad about Elbaz. Too, too young.
Drat, so sorry about the cold! And hope the place is coming together.
Hope you have a great time with your sister, Robin. My parents visited me this past weekend and it was great to see them. First hug from my mom in over a year!
Tried both Kelly Caleche EDP and Le Jardin de Monsieur Li this weekend. The KC EDP was more powdery than I’d like; I definitely prefer Bottega Veneta over this for a leather scent. Monsieur Li I want to like, but I don’t seem to “get” whatever it is that so many people love about this one. It is all jasmine on me, which makes it quite bitter on my skin. Maybe if I could get more of the kumquat it would sweeten and lighten it for me. I have several more wears in my tester, and I got a small bottle of it in the Hermes coffret during the Sephora sale, so I’ll have more opportunities to try to figure this one out.
Also tested (and then bought :D) RdF Waves over the weekend. I may have been a bit giddy from seeing my family, but I don’t regret the fast buy.
SOTD today is CdG Yoyogi. Fresh, soft evergreen and aquatics. A lovely warm weather scent.
Mom hugs… ??
Echoing Jalapeno.
Miss Mom.
And I’m thrilled you love your mother so much and got to hug and hold her. Hope you have many more wonderful times with her soon ❤.
It’s a Monday, everybody! I started out the day in Eight & Bob Cap d’Antibes. It’s definitely a masculine, but it works somehow. Green and woodsy, fades to the drydown pretty quickly.
I spent a good chunk of the afternoon chasing down a referral for OT and for gait training. I think the OT part will go through. I just love dealing with insurance. ?
I’m going to take my frustrations out on the freezer. It needs to be deep cleaned. ?
Bletch on having to deal with insurance!
Sorry about those frustrations. I’ve been lucky in my own case but trying to deal with Mom’s insurance is a nightmare. When you mentioned the freezer I though you were heading for ice cream!
Hahaa, I can see how you’d think that, but I’m not a big ice cream fan unless it’s Haagen-Dazs vanilla bean. ?
I’m sorry you’re having such trouble with your mom’s insurance. Hopefully it will get sorted out soon!
H-D Vanilla Bean is my #1, tied for first place with TJ’s vanilla.
Oooh, isn’t it good? You can just barely detect the little vanilla bean caviars when you eat it.
I’ll have to try the TJ vanilla. Thanks for the tip! I think…
Robin, how wonderful that you get to visit your sister! I look forward to traveling and seeing family again soon, too
In the amazing DSH Gingembre today. One of my favorites!
You smell wonderful! I have a tiny dram of it.
It is wonderful, and just taking a long car trip — not something I usually enjoy — felt kind of cool and almost-back-to-normal.
I totally get that
I have gotten shot #1 so far, and we went to a beach recently and went to a public bathroom on the way. It felt amazing to only be regular-afraid of a public bathroom!
regular-afraid is fantastic
Yes! Agreed! It’s marvelous!
Bright and sunny Monday here! But a chilly one. The cats are parked on the heat vents again.
Mr. Jalapeno gets his first shot tomorrow!
SOTD = back in HdP 1740.
I love the cats!
And congrats to the Mr. J.!
Oh yay for shot 1!
Hooray for Shot #1!
I opened my beautiful package with Amouage Love Tuberose and have worn it three days in a row now! It’s not only beautiful but such a comfortable scent.
I’m trying to cope with a male foster cat who isn’t yet neutered. He is beautiful and sweet but has gotten into several fights. A friend was going to take him but she’s been very ill. Just hanging in there for now.
Do you have a local NextDoor app? Maybe this little fellah can be with a group that works with cats that require more special attention? And you won’t get hurt? We need you safe.
Sotd is Boucheron Iris de Syracuse from a generous NST split. It’s a springy fragrance for this bright green day.