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Monday scent of the day 7/12

Posted by Robin on 12 July 2021 164 Comments

Happy Monday and happy Simplicity Day (Henry David Thoreau’s birthday). What fragrance are you wearing?

I was planning to start accruing community project points early with Andrea Maack Coal, but I was also planning to avoid catching my husband's summer cold. I'm feeling some twinges, we'll see if I head it off...but I'm commando today and planning lots of rest.

Reminder: 7/16 will be Nordic Friday...wear a fragrance inspired by, or made by a brand from, one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden).

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: top image is Republic of Iceland - Landscape - Hiking Trail [cropped] by Onasill ~ Bill - 95 Million views at flickr; some rights reserved.

Filed Under: poll
Tagged With: sotd

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164 Comments

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  1. Lovestosmellgood says:
    12 July 2021 at 9:50 am

    SOTD Omnia
    Other than Omnia I haven’t really tried anything else from the Bvlgari line, let me know if I should sniff something else out..now that things are more open in the shops.

    I really enjoyed the reading poll over the weekend. Love to know what others are sticking their nose into…I just started Black Leopard Red Wolf by Marlon James.

    Went for a walk this morning and did one of the YouTube videos SmokeyToes recommended, it was 15 min abs and it was much needed. Now off to make my 3rd coffee..its Monday

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    • Dorsey says:
      12 July 2021 at 9:56 am

      I’ve tried some of the Omnia flankers, nothing too interesting. Omnia Crystalline was a bestseller tho so opinions will vary. The 20ml of Mon Jasmin Noir I got in a swap long ago doesn’t appeal to me much either, but I keep it around for the memories because my dog took it out of my purse and chewed the cap when he was a puppy.

      I’d say you’re not missing a lot.

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      • Marjorie Rose says:
        12 July 2021 at 12:37 pm

        I remember a couple of the Omnia flankers had NO smell for me. Musks I was anosmic to, perhaps? In any case, I didn’t find any I liked other than the original.

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    • SmokeyToes says:
      12 July 2021 at 10:06 am

      Hi L2SG! I’m glad you’re enjoying the Youtube videos! I like that Jessica Smith has videos of varying lengths, perfect for a 10 minute quick break or 30 minute for a lunch time blast.

      Regarding Bvlgari, I love several.
      Au the Blanc – beautiful white musk with Ambrette, that is discreet and relatively long lasting.
      Au the Vert – refreshing green tea, lasting power is four hours but it’s nice palette cleansing fragrance, perfect for hot days.
      Bvlgari Pour Femme (discontinued)- exquisite iris and violette, dainty and refined.
      Bvlgari Black – smokey leather, iris, vanilla, woods, and greens. It’s not for everyone, but I find it edgy and chic. sits perfectly unisex.

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      • Oakland Fresca says:
        12 July 2021 at 12:07 pm

        Bvlgari Pour Femme is discontinued? Wow. Such a crowd pleaser, I’m surprised. I have just a small bottle, one of those ones that looks like an Easter egg and lies on its side. I keep it because it was a favorite of my mother in law and it reminds me of her. I wore some just this past weekend! I had no idea that it was now in limited and disappearing quantity.

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        • SmokeyToes says:
          12 July 2021 at 4:36 pm

          I looked up Pour Femme, it was created by Sophia Grojsman, no wonder I love it!

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      • Marjorie Rose says:
        12 July 2021 at 12:38 pm

        I have a love/hate relationship with Black. I love that it is so weird and risky for a “mall scent,” but that same quality makes it hard for me to wear more often than not. The days it smells like pink rubber eraser on me, I cannot wash it off fast enough!

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        • Lovestosmellgood says:
          12 July 2021 at 1:28 pm

          “pink rubber eraser” OMG

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          • Marjorie Rose says:
            12 July 2021 at 3:50 pm

            It’s an especially evocative note for a teacher. :D

    • pyramus says:
      12 July 2021 at 10:15 am

      The tea fragrances were fairly interesting, and the first one, Thé Vert, was a sensation that essentially created a whole new fragrance category, even more so when CK One (modelled after the Bulgari, but in a nineties American style, louder and flashier) became an even bigger hit.

      None of the Omnia flankers that I’ve smelled is worth a damn. I know some people love them but I think they’re uniformly dull and bandwagony. (I haven’t smelled every single one, but the first four flankers in particular I just didn’t get.) The original, though: that’s really something.

      Black is discontinued but if you can find it, it’s an amazing thing: aggressively modern, rubber and leather, smoky black tea and rough wood, and then at the end a soft comforting vanilla. I don’t think there was ever anything like it on the market.

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      • AnnieA says:
        12 July 2021 at 2:03 pm

        Seconding the the Bulgari The possibilities. The Bleu has helped me get though over a year of wfh. I’d accidentally bought a very large bottle of it, but am now very glad I did.

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      • SmokeyToes says:
        12 July 2021 at 10:04 pm

        I remember being part of the focus group who tested Bvlgari, back when it was first released. It garnered interesting reactions from the group, that’s for sure!

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      12 July 2021 at 11:19 am

      Ok, if I am in a department store sound like The Vert is the place to start…

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    • Oakland Fresca says:
      12 July 2021 at 12:13 pm

      The Bvlgari Le Gemme line has some beauties. The cost is stupid, but I have found travel sprays (8 ml) at various times at reasonable prices. The one I have now is Amarena–a powdery cherry rose.

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      • SmokeyToes says:
        12 July 2021 at 4:29 pm

        Powdery cherry rose sounds interesting!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:56 pm

      I liked the Omnia Coral and Omnia Crystalline L’Eau EdP flankers, plus the Au The Bleu.

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  2. Dorsey says:
    12 July 2021 at 9:52 am

    SOTD is Bal D’afrique. Byredo is Swedish. I’ve been going back and forth on this sample.

    Hope everyone had a nice weekend! I spent too much money on camping supplies for this coming weekend.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      12 July 2021 at 3:51 pm

      Oh good, I may end up wearing Byredo too!

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    • SmokeyToes says:
      12 July 2021 at 4:30 pm

      Bal D’afrique was one of the first from that line that really moved me, and smelled great on skin.

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      • Dorsey says:
        12 July 2021 at 9:20 pm

        I haven’t sampled them extensively but the only one so far I’ve really dug was Black Saffron. I’ll gladly use this sample up tho.

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    • therabbitsflower says:
      12 July 2021 at 4:57 pm

      Thanks for mentioning Byredo. I don’t know why I forgot about them when trying to think of brands for the CP.

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      • Dorsey says:
        12 July 2021 at 9:20 pm

        I had to do a search and dig through my sample drawer!

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    • LizzieB says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:39 pm

      Bal d’Afrique is a good one. You smell good.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:54 pm

      I’m going to thank you for the mention of Byredo, too. I’d totally spaced that I have a few samples from them.

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  3. sistine says:
    12 July 2021 at 10:00 am

    No SOTD yet because I have a mammogram appointment this afternoon, but I’d like to be wearing Lys 41.

    Hope everyone has a good Monday!

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    • Nancyleandros says:
      12 July 2021 at 11:22 am

      Good luck with the mammogram, sistine! ?

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      12 July 2021 at 12:40 pm

      You will smell great after your mammogram! I love Lys 41 in the summer! Hope the mammo goes smoothly. I really need to schedule one, too. . . I was due mid-COVID winter, and I was not interested in going into the hospital at that time.

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      • Robin says:
        12 July 2021 at 3:59 pm

        I had mine recently, and and booked into one of the offsite radiology clinics. They were not letting anybody in without a mask, and they were enforcing it strictly, and also scheduling so that the waiting room was not full, etc. I barely saw another patient once I’d checked in. But I probably wouldn’t go in a hospital right now either if I could help it.

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        • Marjorie Rose says:
          12 July 2021 at 4:33 pm

          Robin, that does sound like a good setup. I’m glad you were able to do it in a way that felt safe!

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          • sistine says:
            12 July 2021 at 7:21 pm

            My situation was exactly like Robin’s. They were extremely cautious about social distancing, masks, and underbooking.

    • hajusuuri says:
      12 July 2021 at 3:51 pm

      Hope it went well!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:32 pm

      Fingers crossed that your mammogram was relatively painless and that your results will be boring!

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      • sistine says:
        12 July 2021 at 7:22 pm

        It was painful, but I’ll take double of the uninteresting please.

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  4. pyramus says:
    12 July 2021 at 10:01 am

    Still determinedly burning through my ridiculously overstuffed box of samples and decants: I want it empty by the end of the year (for no particular reason, they’ve just been there forever and I feel as if I should deal with them).

    So I’m in my last few drops of a decant of Van Cleef & Arpels Gem, a glorious old-school floral chypre with an overdose of stone-fruit in the top, an armload of mostly indistinct flowers in the middle (mostly rose and tuberose, I guess), and of course huge dollops of oakmoss.

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    • AnnieA says:
      12 July 2021 at 2:04 pm

      Same here! DONE with the samples, but have barely made a dent in the decants…

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  5. SmokeyToes says:
    12 July 2021 at 10:17 am

    Hi everyone, my SOTD is White Tea perfume oil by Remedy North West. Pretty much an exact dupe for Bvlgari au the Blanc but less expensive. Comforting, green, powdery – it’s a favorite when the allergies are acting up. It’s simple, not challenging but it works.
    Met up with a former bank colleague for a lunch yesterday at Mingbala Burmese food in Burlingame. I worked out hard at the gym, I treated myself to coconut rice, with spicy asparagus/tofu. I stuck to the proper serving size and enjoyed a glass of wine with lunch. We seated outside, it was fun to watch people with their dogs. I observed several mini doxies (many long haired), which made me wistful for my three doxies I had years ago. Also popular, golden doodles and Frenchies.
    I’m in a dry spell with books, nothing seems to satisfy.

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    • AnnieA says:
      12 July 2021 at 2:06 pm

      Had to look up the breed, ‘cos where I’m from “doxies” has a very different definition indeed…

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      • Marjorie Rose says:
        12 July 2021 at 4:34 pm

        *snort*

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      • SmokeyToes says:
        12 July 2021 at 4:34 pm

        :shock: Ohhhh, I had no idea! I wonder if I should ask? :grin:

        I have an affinity for Dachshunds. When I was married to my first husband (early 90s), we had three. Chocolate long-coated (Slinky), wire-haired (Jake), and Smooth-coated (Stretch).
        It was a three-ring circus, all were strong willed, but Slinky was a love, super snugly and sweet, and Jake was sharp as a whip. Fun dogs.

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        • Jalapeno says:
          12 July 2021 at 6:31 pm

          In some historical romance novels I read ages ago, a “doxie” was a woman with loose morals. ?

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          • SmokeyToes says:
            12 July 2021 at 10:06 pm

            Thanks for the explanation!

  6. floragal says:
    12 July 2021 at 10:33 am

    Do hope you head it off, Robin!
    Rest is a good idea.

    SOTD: Blue Agava & Cacao

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    • MossyBerry says:
      12 July 2021 at 11:37 am

      I am standing close to the fence, on the not-for-me-side, with Blue Agava. Are you a vetiver fan? It seems like a vetiver bomb to me; I will have to test it again – but do you get much cacao?

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      • floragal says:
        12 July 2021 at 12:06 pm

        So interesting! No, no vetiver. It’s a really bizarre fragrance but I love it. I do get a good amount of cacao. Not sure how I’d describe the scent, however. I remember reading it smells similar to Coca-Cola and I would agree this is true, but it’s not a strong Coca-Cola smell.

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    • Robin says:
      12 July 2021 at 3:53 pm

      Thank you floragal! I am just up from a long nap, really surprised how long I slept. Hope that did the trick.

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  7. galbanumgal says:
    12 July 2021 at 10:45 am

    Good luck getting rest & sleep, Robin–hope you’re stocked up on olive leaf extract. Has your family tried Zicam? Found it does make the dang thing go away faster if the cold isn’t averted.

    Since I’m feeling salty about not having jumped on the Chanel limited edition body products, am in vintage no 5 edc. Know I could probably hunt items down in boutiques, am going to ignore the FOMO.

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    • SmokeyToes says:
      12 July 2021 at 11:51 am

      I adore the vintage-look of the packaging. So tempted to pull the trigger but I will refrain…. I’ve done enough damage this previous quarter.

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    • Robin says:
      12 July 2021 at 3:53 pm

      I took olive leaf first thing! I have given up other remedies, it usually works best for me.

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      • SmokeyToes says:
        12 July 2021 at 4:38 pm

        I hope you feel better soon Robin! I woke up stuffy with a sore throat, but I was in for the cash register, next to the mice, rats, and guinea pigs at the pet store (I’m allergic to rodents).
        Smokeytoes was nearly out of food, I’m sure paying the price today.

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        • Robin says:
          12 July 2021 at 10:41 pm

          Ugh, so sorry!

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  8. Nancyleandros says:
    12 July 2021 at 10:53 am

    Good morning all! I’m in Byredo Gypsy Water, from a sample. I still remember opening the box from a kind NSTer with all of the Byredo samples enclosed: beautifully wrapped in a cute box with a note. It felt like Christmas.

    Well, the project to empty my folks’ house is aaaalllmost finished. The company we used needs one more day to get everything, but we were pleased with how smoothly the process went. It only took two 24-foot trailers, two days and three big guys with young backs to get (most of) it done. ? Feelings came up for all of us, but we were okay. There are items we’ll need to take to Goodwill and the veteran’s organization, but I’m grateful the hard part is done.

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    • galbanumgal says:
      12 July 2021 at 10:58 am

      Congrats on the house emptying!

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      • Nancyleandros says:
        12 July 2021 at 11:23 am

        Thanks galbanumgal!

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    • MossyBerry says:
      12 July 2021 at 11:40 am

      Sounds like a job well done! Happy for you to have it behind you, and I am sure many people are benefitting from and enjoying the things you could not use.

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      • Nancyleandros says:
        12 July 2021 at 6:30 pm

        That’s what I’m keeping in mind…things need to go to the folks who can enjoy them.

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    • Vee says:
      12 July 2021 at 12:24 pm

      That’s a big job. Congrats on getting done! Also, you smell great

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      • Nancyleandros says:
        12 July 2021 at 6:31 pm

        Thanks Vee!

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      12 July 2021 at 12:43 pm

      Wow! That’s got to feel good to be at that point! Every time I walk into my mother’s house, I look around at all her things and think about the HUGE project it’s going to be some day.

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      • Vee says:
        12 July 2021 at 1:52 pm

        My parents are moving and we all hoped it was going to involve a lot of downsizing, but my dad is refusing to let go of any of his “stuff” :x So, huge project kicked down the road…

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        • Marjorie Rose says:
          12 July 2021 at 3:49 pm

          I totally get that. Mom is slowly needing more and more assistance, and if it comes to that point, I hope she will move into my brother’s one-story house and maybe then we can begin whittling things down. I’m sorry about your dad. Would he go in for a storage unit? I keep thinking if Mom didn’t look at it all every day, she would let go of some of her attachments.

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          • Vee says:
            12 July 2021 at 4:48 pm

            The current plan among my mom, sister, and me is for any “stuff” my dad wants to keep, he has to pack it himself, and then unpack it himself – no help from us. Our hope is he gets sick of packing and leaves behind a good % of it, and then at the new place, never gets around to unpacking it, and it thus stays neatly contained in plastic bins in the basement. We shall see.

            I agree that out-of-sight => out-of-mind => diminished-emotional-attachment.

      • Nancyleandros says:
        12 July 2021 at 6:34 pm

        Seriously, once this is done, I’m picking up the Swedish death cleaning book and getting to work on my stuff. Well, except for perfumes.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      12 July 2021 at 3:52 pm

      ? good job you!

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      • Nancyleandros says:
        12 July 2021 at 6:36 pm

        Thanks hajusuuri! It’s a big relief.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:29 pm

      I was thinking about what was up with you over the weekend. Glad to hear that you are almost to the very end of the Great House Cleanout!

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      • Nancyleandros says:
        12 July 2021 at 6:38 pm

        Thanks for thinking of me! ?

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    • sistine says:
      12 July 2021 at 7:24 pm

      That’s a huge job, with a lot of emotional pitfalls. Yay you!

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    • lillyjo says:
      12 July 2021 at 8:41 pm

      You are a stronger woman than I. I couldn’t do it, and regret it now.

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    • apsara says:
      12 July 2021 at 9:55 pm

      I’m glad this work is behind you. It’s hard emotionally and physically, especially if you are still working. My dad kept everything. My mom, nothing. She made it easier for my sister and me.

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    • SmokeyToes says:
      12 July 2021 at 10:09 pm

      That is really, so much work. And layers of emotions. Be gentle with yourself… :)

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  9. apsara says:
    12 July 2021 at 10:59 am

    Early Monday my smoke alarm went off at 5:15 grrrrrrrr
    oh well had to get up at 5:30 anyway and move the earrings I wanted on my Nordstrom anniversary sale wish list into the shopping bag and purchase them.
    Testing OJ Xandria today.
    My elderly neighbor returns from visiting her brother and sisters in Denmark on Friday. I wonder what treat she will have for me.

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    • Vee says:
      12 July 2021 at 12:26 pm

      Thanks for the reminder on the Anniversary Sale. I had forgotten all about it. I don’t have buying “privileges” until later this week, but I just did some browsing and added a few items to my wish list.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      12 July 2021 at 1:11 pm

      I bet those earrings are nice. My preference is huggie style and the fine jewelry person has 2 in stock. I used to be pretty cut throat about being first in line for the Anniversary Sale, figuratively. I was cured of this since I skipped last year. I will check things out though but will not be disappointed if I miss out on something!

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      • apsara says:
        12 July 2021 at 5:38 pm

        This is my last year with Icon privileges. I want to retire soon
        (< 2 years) and need less and less. I did want the earrings, though.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:28 pm

      Ugh. I hope you can figure out why that smoke alarm went off at such an ungodly hour, so it doesn’t happen again anytime soon.

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      • apsara says:
        12 July 2021 at 9:57 pm

        New battery.
        Done.
        I get up at 5:30 for work anyway, but much prefer Alexa awaking me with Adele singing…..hello…..

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  10. foxbins says:
    12 July 2021 at 11:12 am

    Infusion d’Iris Absolu this morning. Starting Andy Weir’s latest while I wait to see if I can get a haircut appointment today. Thanks everyone for the book recommendations yesterday, I added a bunch to my library holds list.

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    • Lovestosmellgood says:
      12 July 2021 at 11:20 am

      I added a bunch too! I love book recommendations

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      12 July 2021 at 12:44 pm

      My to-read list always gets a boost with the NST book polls! You all are my favorite way to find new things to read.

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  11. Dawn says:
    12 July 2021 at 11:41 am

    Wasn’t up to posting this weekend for some reason. It’s going to be a long week since my folks are leaving for California this weekend. It’s always the last minute crap that gets you. I am planning a grocery shopping trip later on in the week. Wearing Deneuve edt today.

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    • Robin says:
      12 July 2021 at 4:00 pm

      Hope the week goes better than you’re expecting, Dawn!

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  12. Deva says:
    12 July 2021 at 11:44 am

    I wore Kyoto to work overnight.

    But, the real reason I’m jumping back on here is because I forgot to mention another book I’m loving by a new to me author, Adrian McKinty, who hails from Northern Ireland.

    So, this is the first in a series that introduces us to Sean Duffy, a very over educated (he went deep into the realm of psychology) catholic copper in Belfast (!) in the early 80’s, when DNA and other now standard forensics were just a gleam in science’s eye. The book is apolitical, and the “troubles” serve as a perfect backdrop to the hunt for a serial killer who decides to add to the human turmoil by murdering gay men on and around Belfast in the very conservative country of NI. It’s noir at its best, fast-paced and gritty, but with just enough brightness and humor to prevent the reader from jumping off a tall building. McKinty has written a couple dozen books by now, only a few that follow this storyline, and I’m really looking forward to exploring them all. I rarely find an author who really grips me, so I’m thrilled. I’m audiobooking it, and the narrator has all the Irish accents, slang, and wryness down pat. Linking a review below, cheers!

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/books/2012/jan/06/cold-cold-gound-adrian-mckinty-review

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    • Oakland Fresca says:
      12 July 2021 at 12:26 pm

      Oh I forgot about those. I read the first three-ish and really enjoyed them. I spent a summer in Belfast working on a children’s rights report when I was in law school, and loved it and everyone I met. On that theme, if anyone is a Northern Irelandphile or just wants a very good read, Milk Man (ever so slightly a mystery, but really more about the worldview of a young woman in Belfast (although Belfast is not named)) is definitely one of the best books I’ve read in a decade at least.

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      12 July 2021 at 12:53 pm

      Wow, that sounds great! I read a non-fiction book about the troubles from the perspective of the early members of the IRA, based on the Boston College oral histories, and it really helped me understand the issues from another point of view. (Although a quick google search just now shows me that those histories were not well-received in all of Ireland. It’s understandably complicated.)

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      • Vee says:
        12 July 2021 at 1:48 pm

        Keefe’s Say Nothing? I thought it was very good, but I have mixed feelings about the fact that he (or anyone else) was able to access the BC oral histories so soon after they were recorded.

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        • Marjorie Rose says:
          12 July 2021 at 2:07 pm

          Yes! I thought it was very interesting and well-written, but I agree, it seems that not enough time had passed. So much trauma yet to be mended.

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          • Vee says:
            12 July 2021 at 2:37 pm

            If you are interested in something lighter from him, O’Keefe did an 8-episode podcast called Wind of Change that digs into the rumor that the Scorpion’s song was written and/or promoted by the CIA as a psychological tool in the Cold War.

          • Marjorie Rose says:
            12 July 2021 at 3:47 pm

            Oh, I listened to Wind of Change!!! I didn’t realize it was the same author, how funny! I really liked it. Did you come to any conclusions about the Scorpions? When I lived in Madagascar, Scorpions was one of the most popular American bands. Wind of Change gave me a whole different way to process those conversations!

          • Vee says:
            12 July 2021 at 5:00 pm

            My take away was that, after a lot of investigation, he had a handful of rumors and loose threads that, unfortunately, didn’t add up to enough evidence to justify an article or book about it. But that the rumors and loose threads were interesting enough to put out into the world, so he used them to make an entertaining podcast. If I were forced to bet on it, based on the podcast I’d wager that the Scorpions wrote the song, but that the US government saw it as an opportunity to promote pro-democracy sentiment and thus funneled some money or resources into promoting it on the other side of the wall. What did you think?

          • Marjorie Rose says:
            12 July 2021 at 5:21 pm

            I like your hybrid interpretation–some CIA involvement but not the force behind the original song-writing. I definitely feel like there’s reason to believe there’s some kind of US government interest, and maybe you’re right, maybe it was just money. I found the overwhelming popularity of Scorpions abroad really strange. (For comparison, the other big hit at the time in Mcar was Celine Dionne and the Titanic soundtrack. Which to me seems like should be totally at another league in terms of global influence.) I have no doubt that we (the US) are still engaging in soft diplomacy of this sort; we gain influence and communicate our values through movies, music and other cultural tools all the time, whether or not it’s intentional. It only makes sense that there would be some smart folks out there doing it intentionally.

        • Zephyr2 says:
          12 July 2021 at 9:34 pm

          I haven’t read any books these last few months but Say Nothing is my next read and it is poised on my nightstand pending vacation time to be cracked open. (I know I really need a vacation when I look forward to the plane ride because I can read undisturbed for 3 hours.) My daughter loved it. She also liked Keefe’s other book, Empire of Pain, about the opioid epidemic – that will be later this year for me.

          I started out the day in Narciso Rodriguez Musc for Her (white bottle with black cap) but went to Sephora and sampled Ouai North Bondi – was good and I might try it again.

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    • hajusuuri says:
      12 July 2021 at 1:14 pm

      Thanks for the recommendation, Deva!

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    • She-ra says:
      12 July 2021 at 7:41 pm

      Lovely to *see* you, Deva, and will check out that book!?

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  13. Isabella says:
    12 July 2021 at 11:53 am

    Robin, I hope you can avoid getting sick and that your husband feels better soon!

    My son and I are headed to the Central Coast today for a well-earned week’s vacation to visit family and let someone else cook for us. :) Since my dad’s the sort to yell “What’s that smell??” any time anyone walks into the room wearing fragrance, I’m packing only a rollerball of Malibu Lemon Blossom, which I’m guessing will be entirely unobjectionable. Lots of last-minute snack-packing and garden-watering at the moment but we’ll get out of here before too long!

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    • Vee says:
      12 July 2021 at 12:27 pm

      Have a great time and enjoy that Malibu Lemon Blossom!

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    • Robin says:
      12 July 2021 at 4:02 pm

      Thank you, and hope you will have a wonderful trip Isabella!!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:26 pm

      Safe travels, and enjoy your trip!

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    • Nancyleandros says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:57 pm

      Enjoy your family visit Isabella!

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    • sistine says:
      12 July 2021 at 7:46 pm

      Have a fantastic trip! Where are you headed? I love the central coast.

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    • lillyjo says:
      12 July 2021 at 8:38 pm

      Have a safe and fun vacation!

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  14. MossyBerry says:
    12 July 2021 at 12:01 pm

    Hope you stave off that cold, Robin. SotD for vacuuming is Cinema. I will have to do a bit more vacuuming this week because our new kitten came with fleas. Not too bad, but the vet thought he is too tiny and maybe not yet old enough for the drops. We treated our adult cat, and gave the kitten a Dawn dishwashing liquid bath. He vociferously objects to a bath but is too small to wiggle away. Happily, he forgives us instantly when wrapped in a big soft towel.

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    • Robin says:
      12 July 2021 at 4:03 pm

      Thank you MossyBerry, and good luck getting rid of those fleas!!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:25 pm

      Congratulations on the new kitten! But “Oh Noes!” on the fleas. ?

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      • MossyBerry says:
        14 July 2021 at 6:37 pm

        We have not had flea issues in over ten years, with our indoor kitties. Just have to keep a stiff upper lip :) Extra laundry and vacuuming and kitty baths until he can get the drops.

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  15. Oakland Fresca says:
    12 July 2021 at 12:21 pm

    My heater is back on! What is this heatwave you speak of? It has not come to the Bay Area. Geesh. All my hot weather beauties are puffing out their chests and doing high kicks, but I continue to crave perfumes for colder climes. Today I am in Imperial Tea, By Killian. Even this one I prefer when I am warmer. Brrrrrr…. It’s just after 9 AM and 56 degrees outside. (My younger son is in Fair Oaks near Sacramento this summer, and it got up to 110 on Sat :oops: )

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    • Robin says:
      12 July 2021 at 4:04 pm

      You may happily have 10 of our extra degrees F, which would put us both at about perfect weather :-)

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    • hajusuuri says:
      12 July 2021 at 5:41 pm

      You can also have 10 from me. It feels like a swamp outside, even worse than a typical height of summer NJ swamp.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:24 pm

      I’d be willing to chip in 5 degrees!

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  16. Vee says:
    12 July 2021 at 12:46 pm

    SOTD is Guerlain Nahema PDT courtesy of the very generous SheriG, who sent me the last few drops she had as part of a swap because she wanted me to smell how beautiful it is. And wow is it beautiful! I get the creamy peach and rose, and some sparkling passionfruit, but everything is so well blended it is difficult to pick out individual notes. This feels like a perfume to wear to a gala, but I’m happy to glam up my Monday with it.

    Drinking Clipper Ship Earl Gray.

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    • SheriG says:
      12 July 2021 at 3:28 pm

      So happy you’re enjoying it!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:24 pm

      Nahema is gorgeous! I have a sample of the EdP that I pull out ever so often. ???

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      • Jalapeno says:
        12 July 2021 at 8:17 pm

        Sigh. “EVERY so often”.

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    • MossyBerry says:
      14 July 2021 at 6:38 pm

      You smell wonderful!

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  17. Marjorie Rose says:
    12 July 2021 at 1:21 pm

    No SOTM, yet. Yesterday I sampled DSH Piment et Chocolat EDP, which was pretty literal and linear, but very pretty, and it lasted most of the day. I might stick some into a small spray bottle and try it that way, since that’s how I’d be more likely to wear it, I really liked it!

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  18. Ede97005 says:
    12 July 2021 at 2:01 pm

    Hello!

    1) No plumbers means doing things yourself: I installed the kitchen sink & faucet this weekend (easier than I thought) and had set up an appointment for a plumber to do the dishwasher (the bits are kinda fiddly) but missed the appointment (they called while I was in meeting early this morning and simply did not show up). Argh. I may fiddle with the damn thing and install that as well.

    2) In keeping with the weeks theme and the last episode of ‘Loki’ , I am going to wear a scent inspired by MCU Loki himself, a villain demi god I love to see spanked.

    Today is a combo : Aesop Geranium Leaf & Melanin body oil, which is very much when he was at Odin’s court- fresh herbs and subtle juniper woodiness.

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    • Robin says:
      12 July 2021 at 4:08 pm

      Oh yay, can’t wait to see the pictures!!

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      • Ede97005 says:
        12 July 2021 at 5:14 pm

        YES!

        Pictures will be up later on tonight or tomorrow morning! I want to clean a bit first- so much dust!

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  19. Calypso says:
    12 July 2021 at 2:26 pm

    I’m wearing Arctic Jade by Agonist, and thus complying with the CP. This week will be a fun one for me since I’m a fan of the Agonist line. But no, I have never indulged in one of their very fancy (and pricey!) glass bottles.

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    • sistine says:
      12 July 2021 at 3:09 pm

      Those bottles are stunning! If I ever win the lottery…

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  20. majokkobiachan says:
    12 July 2021 at 3:16 pm

    Wearing opposite of Nordic and cold Scandinavia…
    SotD = Ashoka. Figs, lotus flowers and exotic wood.

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    • SmokeyToes says:
      12 July 2021 at 4:40 pm

      You smell marvelous! :)

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  21. Gaynor says:
    12 July 2021 at 3:24 pm

    My only Nordic perfume is Andrea Maack’s Coven, and it doesn’t feel like a weekday work perfume. With all the talk of Omnia this morning, that is what I will wear.

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    • Robin says:
      12 July 2021 at 10:45 pm

      Coal doesn’t feel like a Monday in July either…probably just as well I did not wear it.

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  22. SheriG says:
    12 July 2021 at 3:30 pm

    Non-CP-compliant in SMN Eva today. Doing some random laundry loads and procrastinating on some yardwork. :D

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    • Robin says:
      12 July 2021 at 10:46 pm

      I have been successfully procrastinating yardwork for some years now, if you need any help just holler!

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      • SheriG says:
        12 July 2021 at 10:56 pm

        ?

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  23. hajusuuri says:
    12 July 2021 at 4:07 pm

    SOTD = Maya Njie Les Fleurs

    ? musky, fruity, woody and a little floral. With all this yucky humidity, It worked out well for when I reached for my mail and a package. I stopped and chatted with my next door neighbor for 2 minutes and quickly went back inside. It is brutal!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CRPHdU9BV8s/?utm_medium=copy_link

    In other news:
    – I ended up buying the Coach bag I had my eye on. I do this bargaining with myself that if the item is still available when I go back, it’s a sign that it’s meant for me to buy.
    – an IG person I follow did a calculation of how much the contents of a bottle of TF Amber Absolute cost. I supplied the pictures and a few other tidbits. Do take a look at his YouTube account. I am linking to the post and you can find your way to his YouTube account from his profile:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CRPH05qhwG1/?utm_medium=copy_link

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:21 pm

      I thought that Coach bag was rather cute!

      Sharing the same grody weather as you today. Bleah!

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      • hajusuuri says:
        12 July 2021 at 6:46 pm

        Bleah is right. And that bag truly is a work of art, IMHO.

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    • tulipani says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:40 pm

      Thanks for sharing this interesting cost calculation exercise, so fascinating to see, even if we’ve all been anecdotally told about this.

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      • hajusuuri says:
        12 July 2021 at 6:47 pm

        It was eye-opening for sure!

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    • LizzieB says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:56 pm

      I do the same thing when buying. Enjoy the bag!

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    • lillyjo says:
      12 July 2021 at 8:36 pm

      I do the same head bargaining!
      I also watch your YouTube friend on occasion. He is one of the reliable one’s!

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  24. austenfan says:
    12 July 2021 at 4:33 pm

    No Nordic perfumes in my collection so I will just please myself. Started the day in Diorella, a wonderful mix of decent and indecent, ending my day in Vanilia, LAP, unabashedly trashy and one of my favourite vanillas.

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  25. ockeghem says:
    12 July 2021 at 5:06 pm

    Hope you are able to avoid the cold, Robin!

    SOTD is Calyx, just because. I’m not sure I own any Scandinavian scents, though I did try Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land some years back, and liked it, though not quite enough to justify buying a bottle. I do have one very random bottle that I bought at Sephora back before I got into perfume…will probably save that for Friday.

    Annnnd…just realizing now I typed this early this morning, and never got around to posting.

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    • Gail says:
      12 July 2021 at 9:00 pm

      Smelling so good in Calyx! It’s such a fun scent for summer!

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  26. FearsMice says:
    12 July 2021 at 5:19 pm

    Wearing OJ Osmanthus Elixir today. Makes me sigh for the magnificent kinmokusei that bloomed outside my window when I lived in Japan. Wonder if I could get a tea olive to thrive here — I’m kind of on the edge of the zone for them.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 5:54 pm

      Does your yard have a sheltered spot for a tea olive to hang out in?

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      • FearsMice says:
        12 July 2021 at 6:41 pm

        Hmmm. I was thinking that it would need full sun… but if I could get one to survive in a container, then I could move and shelter it in the winter…

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    • apsara says:
      12 July 2021 at 10:00 pm

      Tea olive…ahhh
      My sister has one in north Florida zone. Does well.

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  27. Jalapeno says:
    12 July 2021 at 5:51 pm

    Song of the Day: https://youtu.be/RbmS3tQJ7Os

    A bad night of sleep last night. All broken up into small chunks that weren’t satisfying. ?

    Some nasty weather has moved in this afternoon, with thunder & lightning, plus all sorts of Warnings, Watches, and Advisories for my area, courtesy of the National Weather Service. I did some quick errands outside, but scurried back indoors when I heard the first rumbles of thunder. ⚡☔

    SOTD = Givenchy Very Irresistable EdT. I got a bottle of this shortly after it came out, and it still smells good to me. It’s a nice rose perfume for hot, muggy weather. ?

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 5:53 pm

      Edit: “Irresistible”. My spelling is NOT Very Irresistible as of late! ?

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      • hajusuuri says:
        12 July 2021 at 6:49 pm

        LOL! I did not even attempt a walk. Temps after 6pm were lower than yesterday bit the humidity is like pea soup.

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        • Jalapeno says:
          12 July 2021 at 7:39 pm

          Tons of rain and lightning here earlier. Poor Teflon kitty is still a little freaked out from the “BOOMS”.

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    • lillyjo says:
      12 July 2021 at 8:31 pm

      One of the greatest songs ever!
      Sorry about the poor sleep. I can sympathize.

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      • Jalapeno says:
        12 July 2021 at 9:18 pm

        It was running thru my head last night as I was trying to fall asleep. So of course, it had to be my Song of the Day today.

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    • Gail says:
      12 July 2021 at 9:09 pm

      I hope you can get some quality sleep tonight!

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      • Jalapeno says:
        12 July 2021 at 9:17 pm

        Me too! I’m getting fed up with seeing 3am on the alarm clock… ?⏰

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        • MossyBerry says:
          14 July 2021 at 6:39 pm

          I hate it when that happens – and it does too often…

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  28. tiffanie says:
    12 July 2021 at 5:54 pm

    SotD = Cologne du 68

    Cd68 makes me especially happy in summer. It’s the perfect in-between for days when simple cologne is too little and a big perfume is too much.

    I like this week’s theme very much! My Danish grandmother would be pleased. I must rummage through the sample pile in hopes of finding something for Friday.

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    • Marjorie Rose says:
      12 July 2021 at 6:22 pm

      I cannot imagine my Danish grandmother wearing perfume. She was very austere.

      Maybe for the CP I will seek out something that reminds me of traditional Christmas sweets instead.

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      • tiffanie says:
        12 July 2021 at 9:24 pm

        awwwwwesome, my memories of grandma bring back the smell of homemade bread and spice cookies. ;) Still looking for that recipe!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 7:37 pm

      Glad to read about you getting your delayed eye surgery taken care of in the Weekend Poll. Hope that you heal easily and quickly!

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      • tiffanie says:
        12 July 2021 at 9:24 pm

        thank you, Jalapeno! I feel better each day. :D

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  29. tulipani says:
    12 July 2021 at 6:21 pm

    Hello all! I loved reading all the book recommendations from the weekend. Thank you for all the diverse titles mentioned.

    I’m wearing Aedes’ Copal Azur. Quite the opposite of Nordic! And I realize the only Nordic scents I have are a few Byredo travel sprays, the scents themselves don’t strike me as particularly Nordic in any way. I’ll save them for later in the week.

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  30. LizzieB says:
    12 July 2021 at 7:04 pm

    Chamade EdT. Green and dry on me but a hint of sweet floral in there.

    Lazy day doing some cleaning, laundry and finishing a digital book from the library. I stopped by the bigger library and checked out a physical book. I love libraries.

    Hope your nip that cold in the bud Robin.

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  31. She-ra says:
    12 July 2021 at 7:37 pm

    Just doused myself in Korres Midnight Dahlia which was a blind buy based on the Fragrantica Best Cheapies of 2021 so far article and it’s great…sweet yet tart w/ raspberries, litchis, patchouli and amber.

    https://www.fragrantica.com/news/Best-in-Show-Good-New-Affordable-2021–15142.html

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 8:11 pm

      Looks like Korres is doing some nice stuff as of late!

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  32. lillyjo says:
    12 July 2021 at 8:28 pm

    Late late late!
    I hope you are resting well Robin!
    It was kind of a stinko day, but I wore Alien eau Sublime to help keep my spirits up.

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 9:16 pm

      I bet that your SOTD blooms magnificently in hot & humid weather.

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    • Gail says:
      12 July 2021 at 10:12 pm

      Sorry about your day, lillyjo! Hope that tomorrow is better.

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  33. Gail says:
    12 July 2021 at 10:16 pm

    I was mostly unscented for the day until my bottle of Iris Dragees showed up! I treated myself to that gorgeous bottle; it’s even more stunning in person!

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    • Jalapeno says:
      12 July 2021 at 10:39 pm

      Is the perfume worthy?

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      • Gail says:
        12 July 2021 at 11:08 pm

        I think so! It’s light and fluffy to me. I sprayed twice on each arm and can still smell it 8 hours later.

        I’m getting more Dragee and almond; it’s lovely.

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