It's Hump Day, National Sponge Cake Day and the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. What fragrance are you wearing?
Points for me again, in Hermès Vanille Galante.
Reminder: 8/25 is National Banana Split Day. Do whatever you like with the theme!
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2023, where I'll try (but usually fail) to have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image is Vanilla orchid flower [cropped] by Geoff McKay at flickr; some rights reserved.
Digging through my decamples (what do you call those little ones that are too big to be called a sample but not really a decant?).
Came up with what must be an early version of Egoiste. This is perfect. ❤️
Egoiste is wonderful, enjoy!
I am, very much!
Like the idea of calling them “decamples”.
Me too!
And a new Nst word is coined!👍
💃🏼
You smell great, makes me want to wear it, and I love the perfume neologism.
Ok, I went down the goog… rabbit hole looking up neologism. Thanks!
I think decamples is just 👌
Great portmanteau word: decample!
Another dive down the word nerd rabbit hole! ❤️
The funniest definition I’ve heard of “portmanteau” is a collision between two previously unrelated words that results in a brand new one.
Also ❤️ decamples! 🙂
Trying another of my travel sprays from a local perfumer, called La Note de Jazz. This will be a good fall scent.
It really felt like fall here today too…
Hello.
Sotd is Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain edp. Probably one of my favourite from Diptyque. It contains vanilla so maybe half a point for me?
Has anyone tried the new Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Forte Bosca Vanilla? Out of the 3 this is what has my attention.
I am so far behind with the AA line. They were everywhere in duty free and I just closed my eyes and kept my eye on walking to the gate. I knew if I stopped to sniff anything I would probably purchase.
You are brave! I have never done that before.
The reviews on the Bosca Vanille have been mixed Rosa Palissandro seems to be quite popular.
I am trying out a new tea I picked up in London from a small postcard tea shop, is called London Rose and from the packaging the notes are “a blend of Sri Lankan (Ceylon) tea from small farms in the Galle district in the south west of the island, and whole rosebuds from the Soffi cooperative in Morocco’s Valley of the Roses”
I am in Jersey again today after yesterdays comments between Aurora and I about this under the radar exclusif
The lavender is hitting the spot for my post vacation blues
I have been drinking Rose Lemonade herbal tea from Taylor’s of late. It makes a nice iced tea.
And you smell wonderful again, and your tea sounds very attractive too, London has the best selection of teas from around the world.
In Caron Coup de Fouet, all peppery carnations. Not as potent as I feel it could be, doesn’t last as long as I’d like — my bottle is from the early 2000s, and I expect it was a real barn-burner a couple of iterations previously — but I love it nonetheless.
That sounds lovely…carnations are wonderful.
I can never quite decide if carnations or roses are my favourite flower in perfumery, but I lean towards carnations — so multifaceted, and so intense, almost angry, when the perfumer wants them to be. I have four carnation-heavy scents that I love unreservedly (CdG, Old Spice, Guerlain Terracotta Voile d’Ete, and the Caron), and sometimes I wonder if I should have more….
Great selection, I will add Floris Malmaison to your list and Roger & Gallet Oeillet Mignardise.
Shalimar called to me this morning and who am I to ignore her?
A day off today, so I’m going to be spraying more since I’m home alone and Larry kitty doesn’t care.
you shouldn’t ignore the queen lol
You smell wonderful.
I will do Shalimar this week too
I figure the vanilla can be the vanilla ice cream in a banana split.
Points!
I have had an on/off headache since last night, so I am still commando. Maybe later.
I hope everyone is safe from wildfires.
Get well soon, maybe some caffeine would help.
Thank you, Aurora. Yes, coffee can help. My favorite treatment plan though is a painkiller, water, rest and having a purring biscuit-making kitty by my side.
Feel better soon. 🤕
Thank you!
Wearing SL Nuit de Cellophane. Despite only having two sprays, it is going very strong today. I’m so surprised since it has always been a skin scent on me, and it usually disappears pretty quickly.
Having my second cup of coffee with a dash of black pepper and a piece of baklava.
Happy Wednesday! ☕️
Happy Wednesday!🌷
Thank you, Lillyjo! 🌻
I haven’t tried that Lutens, is it very fruity? I bet you smell great.
On my skin, it is very fruity with the osmanthus note very prominent until the end. It is a fresh fruity floral scent, but I only get some jasmin and leather in the drydown. I think it is a no-brainer scent and nice for the last warm days of summer.
Thank you for the mini review, it sounds lovely.
Coffee with black pepper? That’s a new combination to me.
It makes the coffee a bit spiced and enhances the flavor nicely.
I’ve had chocolate with black pepper in it, and that was a nice combination. Sometimes coffee and dark chocolate behave similarly.
I haven’t heard of it either, but now I want to try it.
I finally found my bottle of Pamplelune, after looking for it all summer. So that’s what I’m wearing.
A Grapefruit with character!
Lovely little photo this morning, Robin — what fun you must have hunting out eye candy for us.
SOTM is TF Noir Pour Femme. I chose it because it’s chilly this morning and NPF usually works well in cool temperatures, but this morning it’s not quite right. Will switch to something else post shower.
I have a decant of NPF somewhere, I recall really liking it. Sorry it’s not the right thing today.
Usually I love it, so was surprised at my own reaction this morning. Ah well, no real harm done. 🙂
I hate it when I choose wrong. It goes to show though that perfume is so much more than its smell.
Indeed it is! It’s almost a mood-altering drug sometimes. The trick, I guess, is learning how to use it beneficially.
Picking the wrong perfume is like having a pebble in your shoe.
Now that is funny Jalapeno.
It is funny, because Vanille Galante is not really a vanilla scent, or hardly, but it matches that image perfectly.
Claiming CP points in my ylang-centric essential oil blend, although now that Robin’s mentioned Vanille Galante, it’s calling to me…
I’ve worn Bronze Goddess on three first dates recently, and boy do people seem to respond to this scent. Lots of compliments, but also flips some switch and the vibe gets all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrp-K0D_SuA
Thanks for all your kind and supportive comments yesterday. Thankfully, and totally unexpectedly, the surgeon told me that the pain I’ve been experiencing is just due to scarring around my joint and that I just need to stretch more. I can’t tell y’all how relieved I was to hear that!
Delighted by your good news, now stretch away😀.
Yes, but don’t over-stretch! That’s a bad habit that I’m working to overcome.
That’s great news! I can imagine the relief.
Very glad that you got a good report from the surgeon.
Excellent news!
Oh yay. (Although it hurts, so maybe not yay, but still, better than other possibilities!)
Yay for that hip news! What a relief.
Heat index is going to be 114 degrees in the Midwest today so I think I will stay inside most of the day though I did have to get out and water my flowers. I am anxious for the heat to break.
Wearing No 5 L’eau as I can spray with abandon with this one. Eventually, I am going to get this second bottle thunked. Getting close anyway. I think I bought my third bottle about a year ago with the thought I would be done way before now. Oh, well.
Keep cool.
I am also ready for the heat to break! You smell great! We are house twins today.🙌
Yes, we are.
114! UGH! Stay safe and cool! 🥵
It’s called stay in the air conditioned house.
And try not to go stir crazy?
I read a lot.
I’ll make my smoothie just before bed, it will be fresh strawberries and yogurt. Had a medical appointment so chose the inoffensive JLow Still, I enjoyed it and once back home as it had faded I spritzed SJP Dawn which is fast becoming a favorite and that one lasts. Now I have my bottle of Rochas Absolu next to me, it will be my bed scent.
I’ve never heard of Dawn and had to look it up. Pretty bottle. How would you describe it? Hope your appointment went well.
It was part of a trio of SJP perfumes, the other ones were Endless and Twilight but Dawn was the more memorable one. It’s a light fresh musk, not too sweet on me with good longevity.
And thank you very much, all is well on the health front.
Glad to hear that your medical appointment was routine!
Thank you Jalapeno, my medication is being reduced as my health has improved.
Fantastic news!
I am not familiar with Dawn so had to look it up.
It’s been around a good while but is less popular than Lovely.
I’m in Biarritz. Again. Heat warnings today and tomorrow. It is supposed to get up over 100 and the humidity is brutal. It felt like stepping into a rainforest when I walked out the front door this morning.🥵
We are having new carpet installed today in our lower level. I’m excited to get home and see how it looks. This was waaaayyy overdue and I finally got sick of looking at how old and gross it was. I got a text yesterday confirming the installation window along with instructions that someone over 18 needs to be present. Sorry Charlie but you didn’t tell me that when I scheduled it so my teenager will have to do. She’ll be 18 in 3 weeks. Close enough.😂 She signed when they came and did the measuring so I know she can handle it.
Enjoy your new carpet! It’s amazing what a difference it can make.
You are right. These heat warnings are brutal. We may be getting a little better tomorrow.
Woke up this morning wearing no 5 edt and probably have 1 more spritz before I thunk the bottle. Currently in Mitsouko. I couldn’t ignore her.
Do you have a backup ready?
I have boat loads of no 5 and Mitsouko.
spiderplant inspired me to douse myself in 1990s Miss Dior. I’m in Chypre heaven!
🙂
I’m wearing Histoires de parfums 1740 which has no discernible link to banana splits.
Live today’s choice of photo, Robin and I’m sure you smell great. I never tried Vanille Galante and don’t know if Hermès still makes it.
That’s a wonderful leather perfume.
Pretty sure they do still make it. It is very Jean Claude Ellena.
I am having a laser facial and botox later today so a light spray to wear to dermatologist appointment.
I think I will go with Mohave Ghost.
Good luck with the appointment.
I’m contributing chocolate to the banana split today with my SOTD, Strangers Parfumerie Cachouli. It’s got a very pleasant toasted cocoa note accompanied by serious spices and honey, and combined with a VERY strong patchouli note. I’m staying home today so could spray on plenty of it. It’s not necessarily an easy fragrance to wear out amongst company.
Lucky me, I’ve got dinner plans at nice places for both tomorrow night and Friday! Some friends of mine and I have decided to take advantage of the good deals of Houston’s Restaurant Month before the end of August.
I have mixed feelings about banana splits. First I just don’t like bananas at all, ever. But for two summers in high school I worked at our local Dairy Queen where we sometimes made banana splits, and it was kind of a fun thing to do. They were kind of expensive then, comparatively speaking, and so we didn’t do them very often. It was something you could be a bit arty about with the sliced banana, three scoops with three different sauces. They looked impressive.
Even though I hated working there, I have some funny memories and did learn things there about life. One of the other girls was 17 and had a baby and was married to a carnie–a guy who went on the circuit for fairs and circuses. A regular customer came almost every day and bought a 15cent cone (which was then a medium size!) and shared it one lick at a time with his white toy poodle. We also got quite a few Amish families who drove up in their buggies. Not surprisingly, it was a big treat for them since they don’t have freezers in their homes.
When we were in St Lucia on our honeymoon I ate a banana-it was so different than how it tastes in the US. I loved it about 100% more…
So bananas are a no for me. Occasionally when I make a smoothie I will add half of a banana and then other fruits. For my potassium intake I prefer dates.
The only thing I ever remember seeing my Dad get at Dairy Queen was the banana split. It was a special treat for him.
My Dad’s was an A&W rootbeer float.. back when they still had the carhop.
Calypso, you mentioned an Opus fragrance, maybe last week? I am trying to remember which one and do you think it’s a safe blind buy? I have the most tremendous urge to buy something new.
It’s Opus VIII. Let me ponder a minute if it’s a safe blind buy.
Not sure if it’s discontinued.
Kafkaesque wrote a very elaborate review of it that you might want to consider before deciding. It’s a very complex fragrance.
https://kafkaesqueblog.com/2014/03/16/amouage-opus-viii-optical-illusions/
I just sprayed some on and have been sniffing my arm. My honest answer is that no, it is not a safe blind buy. I’m so sorry! It starts out pretty strong with white florals and some pretty intense spices and a bit of what might be the West Indian Bay note, which is unusual. I love it more once it has softened and developed a bit, when a beautiful incense note and some amber come into the equation. But I’m afraid that when you first spray it on you might really recoil from it. It is NOT fruity or sweet, not gourmand, and not loud (after the opening). It’s a more poetic, reflective scent. I truly love it but it’s not one I want to wear every day, because it’s not an easy scent, and it does want to occupy some of your mental space as you wear it. You will keep noticing it. It lasts a very long time on me.
It sounds like a sniff is needed before buying. Thanks!
I worked at a Dairy Queen for several years in high school. I loved it! Our DQ was privately owned so we had great steak sandwiches and bakery buns for our burgers. I gained 15 pounds the first year I worked there. We didn’t make a lot of banana splits either, but the regular toppings used were strawberry, chocolate and pineapple unless something else was requested. Those were the days.
Commando right now because of a dentist appointment this morning, but I’m thinking maybe I’ll pull out Fat Electrician when I can get out of my office to my perfumes upstairs. Partial CP points for the vanilla and the fact that a Fat Electrician may be a banana split fan? Anyway, it feels like fall here today — overcast and supposed to hover around 20 C, so Fat Electrician works for me.
I like your logic and your scent!
That’s a good scent. Sometimes I think I should add it to my collection.
I’m going classic today with Diorling.
When I wrote about sunshine yesterday, no sooner had I written that, it clouded over and remained that way all day. A nippy morning followed by sunshine is lovely, a nippy morning and a dull day is not. I have hopes for today 🙂
Isn’t Diorling darling?
Hopefully you got some sun today.
I’m doing the vanilla element of the CP today with DSH Coeur de Vanille. Cooler weather moved in here and with it sinus irritation for me. So I needed perfume that wouldn’t further inflame my nose, and vanilla is usually a safe bet. This is a chewy vanilla amber from the way back days of DSH Essence Oils, though this one isn’t an oil. You can’t find any info about it online, last time I checked, but it might be one of those perfumes she could make upon request. I’ve got about 10-12 ml left in my bottle, which will last me a while.
A group of book lovers at work (me included) had our first virtual book club today. It was fun! We read The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, which had been my suggestion. I think we all enjoyed it and had good discussion. Today we’re voting on what we’ll read next month.
Sounds yummy
That is great that you are part of a bookclub. I am always thinking of starting one
Yay for cooler weather, but a big Boo Hiss for sinus irritation.
That was one of my favorite books a few years ago. If you like that one then you should read The Woman in the Window by A. J Finn.
Oh, I’ve read that one too and liked it fairly well. Have you read the second book by the author of The Silent Patient? It’s called The Maidens.
I have read it and did not like it that well.
Ah, I will temper my expectations when I do get around to reading it.
I have been cudgeling my brain to come up with a match for Friday, and I finally have an idea: Prada Candy, for the caramel sauce.
Currently in Xerjoff Bouquet Ideale, and the sample is almost gone. Do I need a bottle? Oh, maybe…
Great idea!
No points for me. I wore Divine Spirituelle, and I will need a bottle eventually. This house just works for me.
I’m glad to see another Divine fan. I love that house. I highly recommend the extrait de parfum of Spirituelle, it’s softer and deeper than the EDP.
Oh wow! Thank you for the tip. That sounds lovely.
Divine has some absolutely gorgeous scents.
Do you have a favorite? Also, I love your new jalepenos.
I fell hard for the Divine EdP. It’s been on my Full Bottle wishlist for a few years now.
Thanks! That was a great harvest from several years ago.
This sounds good. I may have to try some of the scents by that house.
Thanks for posting a picture of a vanilla orchid flower today, Robin. I’m familiar with the dried pods but had never seen the bloom.
Took care of a few assorted errands today to take advantage of the gorgeous weather. Some days I have a burst of energy and optimism, and other days not so much.
SOTD = commando today. I have the far drydown on Paris-Deauville on my T-shirt though.
Gorgeous weather helps with energy and optimism. I’m glad you are getting some.
I made sure to enjoy it while it was around. The next couple of days are supposed to be stormy here, weather-wise.
Glad you were able to do errands!
Thanks! I also had time for a nice walk this afternoon.
So glad you are enjoying good weather.
A summer day without humidity here is a rare treat!
I punched out 30 minutes early, just so I could sit in my car and be alone with my thoughts. My son is having some problems right now and my heart is breaking for him. I almost didn’t put any perfume on and then I saw No. 19. I hajusuuried my sprays and prayed for strength.
Hi lillyjo. I hope your alone time was peaceful and that you do feel strength. Being a parent is very challenging at times. Thinking of you!
Hope everything goes well for your son. Sending hugs and strength. 🌻
Sending great big hugs to you, lillyjo. Agree w/ SP…parenting is very challenging on multiple levels…sending you strength.
Oh lillyjo, I am so sorry to read this. I understand the heartbreak, and understand the need to be alone with your thoughts. More prayers for strength friend.🙏
Very sorry to hear that your son is having issues. And being a good mama, you are heartsick about the whole thing. Hugs, dear friend.
Oh boy. I hope it helped whatever ails your son.
I’m sorry to hear about your son. Sending you great big hugs, and the strength to be there for him!
Lillyjo, I’m so sorry. Hoping things improve soon for both of you.
Hope the introspection helped you Lillyjo and sending good wishes to your son.
Thinking of you my friend.
Hang in there lillyjo.
Been there with you, still am there some days. Take the time to think it through and persevere.
No points for me today. AG Eau d’Hadrien. Having a frustrating day, but soldiering on.
I hope tomorrow is a better day, Springpansy! 🌻
Sorry to hear about the frustrations.
I am eating ramen for lunch and wearing Oolong Infini. It’s all right, does well in heat, but mine is from the Advent calendar a couple of years back and I don’t need more.
Money $aved!
I was catching up on yesterday’s comments and just realized I posted today under yesterday’s (Tuesday) thread accidentally. 😉 eheheh but I have pasted it below for your enjoyment. The Berrylicious wound up being better than I thought…got creamier and almost tangy at the end. And I never did have that damn 2nd cup of coffee! 🙂 The carbon monoxide detector went off around lunch time and thankfully read the fine print instructions that indicate it will 2 beeps every 30 seconds after about 10 years to indicate end of life and realized I didn’t have to flee the house w/ two non-complaint cats….a good day as they say. 😉
______
Trying Private Mood Berrylicious today. Notes are Sweet orange, lemon flower, red fruits, blackberry, white rose, vanilla absolute. Kind of smells like Sweetarts so far but slightly more refined. 😉
I too am in a post-vacation slump and need a 2nd cup of coffee stat. ☕️
My smoke detector / Carbon Monoxide detector beeped several weeks ago but I did not know which one. Last week it beeped again and I traced it back to the right by the kitchen. Surprisingly, the MM/YY matched exactly what I wrote 9 years ago giving me a year to replace it. Clearly, this one was an anomaly as none of the other ones had beeped as yet. I have the replacement and will install this weekend!
SOTD = Jo Malone Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense
Sounds like large shrimp if you ask me …. Anyway, it’s very very good. The red bottle – even better!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwTa44hRwiF/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
I stopped by Wegmans to see if they were carrying the Eggo Brunch drink that galbanumgal provided a link to yesterday. Nope and they are not sure if they will have them at all. I learned that some liquor stores only work with distributors and if the distributors don’t carry the product, the stores don’t carry it as well. I have never worked retail and don’t know the inner workings. You learn something new everyday.
I may have mentioned that EZ Pass was going to suspend my account for non-use and gave me until early September to use it or lose it. I used it today! Wahoo!
My liquor cabinet isn’t as stuffed as my Perfume Stash, but I could probably not buy anything for years and still be well stocked.
I did the sprinkle of almonds and the required cherry on top with Black Perfecto EdP.
Was happy to log off work. Too much time spent trying to update a document only to keep having it revert to a prior version.
Ooh, great choice for the CP!
Great scent!
Excellent, I will steal this idea for sure.
I’ve been dealing with a lot of stressed out people at work lately. That, along with energy-sapping weather, made me reach for something strong and cleansing, Aromatics Elixir. Quite the opposite of a banana split!
You smell wonderful.
Seconding this!