Happy Holidays (and if you're reading this on Saturday, happy Festivus for the Rest of Us)! I'll be back on Wednesday.
In the meantime, feel free to talk about whatever you like: what perfume you’re wearing today, what you're cooking (or eating) over the holidays, anything at all.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is Merry Christmas! [cropped] by Nikos Koutoulas at flickr; some rights reserved.
p.s. had a terribly busy day yesterday and never got to the comments last night. I will hopefully catch up this weekend…
It seems like everyone was trying to cram everything into this last week!
Yes, it always seems that way!
Happy Holidays to everyone.
I know I haven’t been very present this year.
Right now I really would just rather fall asleep for a couple of days. I’m not in the mood to catch a cheerful spirit this time around.
Sotd is Eau de Gloire.
Lovely scent, lucasai. Sorry you’re not feeling cheerful, but I don’t think that’s a requirement to be here. 🤗 You’re among friends.
Enjoy your time off and be well, Lucas!
Not feeling super cheerful myself, so I’m just accepting and going with a very chilled out end of the year.
Great to see you, Lucas — I hope 2024 is brighter!
Nice to see you and wishing all the best to you in 2024😊
Hoping you get the relaxation and restoration you need!
Fingers crossed that you have a quiet, peaceful holiday season.
Happy Holidays! Wearing the original Omnia today.
Cooking nothing…just hanging with my three feline grandkids today
2024 will be as insane as the end of 2023 work-wise so you won’t be seeing much of me but I resolve to wear one sample per day for the entire year…..there’s gonna be a whole lotta thunkin’ going on!
Hope y’all have a very happy 2024!!!!
Classic!
I think of you and Socks when I wear it
That’s quite a resolution! Happy 2024 to you!
I’m going to do it!! And in 2025 I will work on my bottles
You rock! 👍🏻
😃
Happy Holidays CM!
Thank you! Same to you!
Merry Christmas and happy thunking!
Im thunking for you!!!! Happy holidays!!
Happy Holidays cm8!
Same to you dear!!! I hope it’s restfully peaceful for you!!!!!
You obviously have a lot of samples. Good lucking getting through all of them😉
Thanks to someone here I do! I already have a bag of 40 ready to go!! One per day!!
Happy Holidays to you, CM8!
Same to you my friend!!!!
Just got back from errands plus Christmas groceries, so that’s all dealt with. Christmas Eve will be charcuterie and cheese and good bread, and the next day’s dinner is fairly usual except we’re having a rotisserie chicken because we could not be bothered to roast an entire bird for just the two of us. And fruitcake was on sale so we got a slab of that: I know a lot of people hate it but we both love the stuff.
Not a speck of snow on the ground and we’re expecting 6°C on the 25th: I don’t mind but it’s kind of a shame — I think there’s something nice about a white Christmas. (I generally think it ought to snow on the 24th and melt on the 27th. Not really a fan of snow.)
Today I’m in L’Artisan Safran Troublant, which perhaps unaccountably has a Christmas vibe for me — soft warm spices and rosy vanilla seem very winter-fireside.
I hope you all have a lovely holiday.
Your plans sound wonderful and I love Safran Troublant. Have a gorgeous holiday!
Happy Holidays Pyramus!
What qualifies as good bread in your house? I do love a good French baguette myself, fortunately in good supply in Montréal. I like fruitcake too. 🙂
There’s a small local bakery that frankly has some dud products, but they make very flaky croissants and a tender and flavourful cranberry-walnut bread, which is what we’re having with our charcuterie. We were out early this morning, because making sure we got a loaf was our first errand of the day!
Just put on a spritz of Safran Troublant too
Charcuterie and cheese has to be a top 10 dinner. I love this plan. Enjoy tonight!
I like fruitcake! My mother makes a good one. Well laced with brandy!
Wrapped presents to give to my coworkers today. Probably will visit my grandmother in skilled nursing tomorrow. Christmas day will be spent at my aunt and uncle’s house. But still have presents to wrap and not looking forward to it. Since I couldn’t decide on a perfume, I just chose Clinique Happy.
Merry Christmas Dawn! You smell lovely.
Sorry you’re not looking forward to your Xmas Day plan (or maybe the gift wrapping?), I hope it manages to be as enjoyable as possible.
Hope you had a good visit with all your loved ones.
Luctor et Emergo today which for some reason always feels like a holiday fragrance to me. My line up for the next few days: Bois des Iles, DSH December, Ava Luxe Madeline, and CK Obsession Sheer. Of course, that may change with the wind…
Trying to get in the mood for one last run to the store. Flight was delayed for the “kids” who live on the east coast but their plane just took off and I’m so excited to see them.
I have a few chores to finish up this morning and then I’ll bake stollen and finish wrapping. I hope everyone has a wonderful next few days whatever the plans may be.
Bois des Îles is in my line up as well.
Merry Christmas and have a wonderful time with your kids!
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you!
You’re going to be smelling good! Perhaps LeE was released around Christmast-time? I have that memory association also.
Have a wonderful holiday with your family!
Thanks, AnnE. Have a great holiday!
I’ve always been curious about your fragrance because I am a lover of almond
It’s (for me) more of the cherry part of the almond fragrance, with a little incense and amber. I have to be in the right mood.
Well that sounds good for me too!!
You would love it, sweet cherry almond. 🙂
Haha ! I thought so!!!
But you know I’m wondering if Jergens Original Cherry Almond Scent EDP might satisfy the itch…..because I already have it 😀
Well, it’s perfume, so the smell lasts longer than the lotion, but same general idea. 🙂
No they turned the lotion into an EDP!! But it’s always sold out! But I snatched two bottles lol
Luctor et Emergo is pretty unfindable these days, but see if you can get a sample of Serge Lutens Rahät Loukoum, which (to my nose) is extremely similar, a sweet cherry-almond marzipan, absolutely charming.
Thanks to cazaubon I have a sample of the SL and agree that it’s absolutely charming
The perfect holiday fragrance😊
I have a sample of this somewhere, but it’s either discontinued or no longer being exported to the US. You smell great!
Glad I had the chance to sample Luctor et Emergo when I did.
Hola perfumed people! Happy Festivus! So, when does the Airing of Grievances start? And the Feats of Strength? I’m ready! 😉
Still raining! I’m going to guess there will be some flooding in this parched, dry land. While it hasn’t been really heavy, it’s been continuous. We’ve been camper bound for too long. T-Rex, being the dainty soul she is, doesn’t really like to go out in the rain for fear of messing up her hair-do. I had to gently apply my slippered foot to her behind and inexorably but tenderly push her out the door for potty time. The quickest wee there ever was.
All this to say, in order to keep busy yesterday, I oiled all my woodwork in the camper and oh my! How she gleams! Then started to reorganize my sample/travel/small bottle collection because they are in a separate location which I hardly ever peruse. They are now up front and center! I have a small bottle of SSS Tabac Aurea which is what I decided on for today. I have just a couple cc’s left of this beauty. This “reorganization” also lead to the complete cabinet declutter and reorganization, which I didn’t complete before bedtime. It’s looking a hot mess this morning. 😁
Robin, please don’t stress out about catching up here! My goodness, take a day off! We won’t start the Airing of Grievances without you! 😉
I am unaccountably in good spirits this past week and have no idea why, but I going with it. I hope everyone who dreads this time of year finds a little peace and quiet, and possibly a bit of joy, even if it’s only vicariously through friends and pets. Smell well, y’all!
Deva, as always, you crack me up!
Happy Holidays and may your next job assignment not suck as badly as you expect. Think about France.
Best to you and T-Rex!
Happiest of Holidays to you and yours, too! I’m expecting high levels of suckage based on the double digit number of openings available. But, as you say…FRANCE! 🇫🇷
Never look a good mood in the mouth, just roll with it! 🙂
No kidding! It must be all the sunshine I’ve been exposed to. Honestly, I don’t know how I managed two winters in the PNW..! I’ve missed winter in the desert so much!
Yay for reorganization! A feat of strength in itself!
Ha! More like a feat of boredom, but I like your spin on it better!
Your good spirits are contagious! And I love your photo of the giant saguaro last week, it was so huge yet adorably cute.
I’m happy you liked it! 🌵Sometimes as I’m walking along, I have to stop and really give thanks for the many beautiful landscapes I’ve seen and people I’ve met since I became a nomad..! The saguaro are MAJESTIC!
OMG, I completely forgot about Tabac Aurea, in it’s inconspicuous box on a low shelf. Thanks for reminding me, and all the best for 2024!
Oh, it’s so good! I’d forgotten about mine as well, because it was in a box in a totally separate area. Hope it’s as good as you remember!
Wait, what? We must confine the Airing of Grievances to a particular timeframe? I did not get the memo. 😂
Ha! I Air my Grievances non-stop. Doggo doesn’t care…👍🏼
So glad you are in good spirits Deva! I am doing my best to join you 🙂
Robin, you feel whatever way you need to feel. It’s hard, and there’s no way around it except to go through it. We’re all rooting for you and your family, today and always! ✌🏼
We did good. We had 3 days of merry making, today with my husband’s family, and very proud of my son especially because yes we went through it and we made it, and now I am quite exhausted and ready to return to routine.
You being unaccountably happy right now is making me smile as I type. Enjoy!
Hello everyone!
Going and blowing today. I have gougeres in the oven, lunch with friends in a few hours, and game night with some other friends. Since I’m not doing anything Christmas Eve I’m going to make this count!
I haven’t put any perfume yet since I’m baking. I honestly have been mulling what to wear to lunch all last night. Honestly maybe Wonder Bouquet, which has a very slight toasty note.
Have a great weekend everyone. I can’t wait to read all your comments tonight!
I adore gougères! Ah, holiday baking…
They turned it so tasty though I could have used a hair more salt! Nothing like being in a warm kitchen during the cold months.
Hope game night was great fun!
Thank you, it was! Hope you’re having a lovely holiday, Robin!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
I’m wearing Dior Mitzah at the moment and love it to bits. Got a decant in the last splitmeet and I’ve already used half of it. I read somewhere that it’s still available at the Dior boutique in Paris and if that’s true, I will most certainly get a bottle when I’m there next.
Now off to make my annual chocolate and orange babka. For anyone interested, I will post a link to the recipe below.
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chocolate-orange-babka
Wishing all of you peace and comfort for the remainder of the year and beyond.
I love Dior Mitzah! Have fun baking!
Thanks, that recipe looks delicious. I love chocolate and orange.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Your perfume and baking smell wonderful!
That babka looks stunning and sounds delicious.
Oh my! Chocolate and orange babka. WOW
I read on Basenotes today that someone made the rounds of the Dior boutiques in Paris and Mizah is discontinued and no longer available. 🙁
Oh, no! Thank you for letting me know.
Oh no!!! That’s a gorgeous scent
One of these days I will find and try babka!
Sotd Clinique Wrappings.
Having my third cup of coffee and plum pudding.
Tomorrow we will go to church for mass in the morning, then to the cemetery and early in the evening we are meeting at my youngest sister’s place for Christmas Eve dinner. This year we are not in the holiday mood, so no cooking involved. We are ordering Uzbek food and deserts from a nearby favorite restaurant. We will not be exchanging presents. We already donated the money we were going to spend on them to charity, in my mother’s memory. Only my 3 year old twin nieces will get presents from us. Christmas day will be at home by myself relaxing and watching movies. A very quiet, but peaceful Christmas time for us. We are counting our blessings!
Wishing all who celebrate a very Merry Christmas! Hugs!🎄🎅🍷
You smell great in Wrappings. In your own way, you’re celebrating and making lasting memories.
Thank you, Hajusuuri! 🌹
Oh, Wrappings! I bought mine in New York in November of 2009 and I treasure it. I must wear it over the next few days: it’s as bright as a Christmas tree. Thanks for reminding me — and you smell great!
Thank you, Pyramus!
I hope Wrappings makes a come back some day. Such a beautiful and festive scent!
Oh my goodness!!! I still have photos of when they were babies!!! Can’t believe that they are three!!! God Bless!
Wrappings I bought when it first debuted. It will be forever etched in my memory as winter on Broadway in Manhattan with the snow falling and Christmas trees on sale on the street. Beautiful memories of a bygone era
I can’t believe it either! They will be four in January. Time flies!
I love your memory of Wrappings. It is so cozy and beautiful!
What???? Four? Amazing !!
I know you appreciate my memory because you are still there
💕
What a beautiful memory!
Back in those days the Big Apple was magical!
You smell fantastic! I have my bottle of Wrappings ready to take with me; I’m not sure if it will be worn tomorrow or on Christmas Day.
I hope you have a peaceful and comforting few days ahead.
Thank you, Gail!
You will be smelling fabulous in Wrappings! I am going to wear it again on Christmas Day. And most likely Tabu tomorrow (my mother’s signature scent).
Sending you hugs and warm thoughts as we both remember our recently departed mothers.
Sending hugs back, Cazaubon. My thoughts and prayers for you on these holidays.
Merry Christmas and lots of hugs to you, M!
Thank you, A. Hugs are very welcome. It has been very difficult the last couple of days.
Thinking of you, pl67
Thank you, Apsara. 🌻
I’m sorry this has been such a difficult year.
It is so touching that you think of charity in light of material gifts.
Joining you visiting the cemetery and spending Christmas alone. Well, my wild new dog with me, but he’s quite a handful.
Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas, Annie! I missed you have a new doggie. So wonderful! Enjoy him! 💕
Merry Christmas, pl67. ♥
Thank you, Springpansy! Have a wonderful time!🎄
I know you have had a difficult year this year. Hugs to you and be sure to take of yourself. I can understand not being in a holiday mood, but I bet those nieces will bring some smiles to your face. Take care my friend.
Thank you, Kris. Looking forward eagerly to seeing my nieces. I am sure they will bring lots of joy and smiles tonight! 🌹
Quiet and peaceful is a good thing. Adding my hugs.
Thank you, LizzyB! Hugs back. 🌻
Merry Christmas!💙
Thank you, Lillyjo! Merry Christmas to you too! 🎄
Merry Christmas to you, perfumelover67!
Thank you, Jalapeno! Hugs! 🎄
Merry Christmas and perfumed hugs, pl67 – yours sounds like an excellent family-time holiday <3
Thank you, MossyBerry! We had a very nice and quiet time. The girls had so much fun opening their presents. That was the best part of the day!
I’m wearing JAR Golconda. I was cleaning off the top of the perfume cabinet and found a sample, still sealed with parafilm. I have no idea where or when I got it. More than 10 years ago, I’m sure. It’s nice, but I have DSH Oeillets Rouges and C & E Carnation edt that I like just as much or more. Money saved! With the money I saved by not lemming after a bottle of Golconda, I bought a 30ml bottle of Akro Bake as a Christmas present to myself. I’m making baked custard this afternoon and that will be the end of the baking until after Christmas. I am planning on playing some carols today and doing some closet cleaning.
That Arko is getting good press here on NST! Hope your custard turns out superb. Doggo is volunteering to be a taste tester. ☺️
The Akro smells like lemon meringue pie, and the custard came out beautifully. T-rex could have her own cup, I made six.
Custard sounds yummy! I ordered a sample of Bake, need to dig through my bags and find it to test it out. Nice to hear they offer 30ml bottles, perfect size!
We’re going away for just a couple of days, to visit my beloved’s family in Hawke’s Bay. It’s summer here and we always hope for beautiful weather, but it’s wet. We can expect warm temperatures, but also lots of rain and possible thunderstorms.
The important thing is visiting people, so the weather shouldn’t really matter, but I always look forward to an opportunity to wander around the garden and maybe jump in the pool.
I’ll take a few travel sprays with me, possibly including Diorling and Idole from Lubin, which is rich and boozy, but also sheer.
Hope you get a chance to go for a dip! I remember going to the beach on Christmas day in South Africa. 🙂
I just finished a series classes by Victoria of Bois de Jasmin on spices, citrus, and dark woods. She teaches about the materials plus exercises that perfumery students do to commit notes to memory and to unravel the composition of perfumes and discover the nuances of materials. Really illuminating, and fun!
Gaynor, I meant to post this separately, but I couldn’t resist trying to get closer to the beaches, I guess.😸 Hope you get a chance to swim!
The class sounds fantastic.
I was in that class too. It has been such a delight! I’ve been away from perfume for a few years, and the class feels like a fast-track back to some level of comfort putting words to smells. And more than that, to the joy of smelling.
Hello there ! Long time no see!
Hiya chocolatemarzipan8!
Yes! I can remember thinking early on commenting on this blog how hard it is to talk about perfume because we have almost no vocabulary for the sense of smell. I was fascinated to learn that creating a vocabulary is one of the first steps in perfumery training. 🥰
Her classes look like they would be really good. I think most, if not all, of the classes are full now.
They are all sold out
I think Victoria has offered them before, and so might again
Yes, they didn’t sell out immediately, though. I subscribe to Victoria’s emails and acted right away when I saw the announcement.
SOTD = Papillon Perfumes Bengale Rouge
I am starting my myrrh project! Bengale Rouge is up first!
https://www.instagram.com/p/C1NN-c-xlcS/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
I had a good visit with my aunt yesterday. I timed it so that I was there the same time as my sister and BIL. I was originally going to Whole Foods to get the flower arrangement and changed my mind and got it from Wegmans instead. They did a great customized one!
My aunt looks great despite having started her radiation and oral chemo regime. Admittedly, she was told that weeks 3-4 will be worse; she just finished her 2nd week.
And the stories! My dad barely passed along family stories, esp. the ones that involve family. Anyway, as I may have mentioned before, I have more content for a book about the family if I chose to write it. I have previously thought that one of my uncles is evil and I am more convinced that he is worse than the worst! The nerve!
Oh, I love it when you hear stories from other members of the family. My dad was like yours, spoke very little about himself or his experiences unless directly asked. I think you should write that book!! It’ll be a best seller. 😀
You smell great. I love scandalous family stories.
Aah, yes, family stories can be very entertaining.
Hope your holidays are merry!
Sounds like you had a great visit with your aunt. Juicy family stories are the best!!
Write the book, hajusuuri — it sounds like you could sell not only the book but the film rights, too. 😈
Great scent!
I agree with Nozknoz. Write the book!
I wish I had grilled my dad more thoroughly about his childhood. He had some fun relatives in Montana.
I am still learning this about my relatives, too.
*SIGH*
“Things” not “this”!
Big sigh. How I have missed NST! Lots of small crises, petty grievances (Airing of Grievances shall not commence now, tempting as it may be😇), aggravations, and work-related angst have kept me from ye’ fumies.
Enough said on that account.
I’m in a slathering, bathed in it really, of Timbuktu. Both of my sons arrived home last night and set off this morning to hunt for the best boba, the spouse is in good cheer and out on his bicycle, and the cat has stopped his Vesuvian sneezes and has decided to reattach himself as my shadow–so things are good. I. Must. Let. Last. Week. Go. Hello gratitude. Contemplating a nap before the games begin. 🤔😴🛌🏼🩷
Wishing one and all a fragrant, peaceful, and kind weekend!
Welcome back, you were missed! I’m contemplating a nap as well. You smell fantastic.
You smell great, OF. Have a lovely time with your sons!
You were definitely missed and you smell wonderful! Enjoy your festivities💃
You smell fantastic!
Ho, ho, ho, Seasons Greetings to you! I hope your weekend brightens up and Christmas turns out to be good fun with your family. There’s always movies and wine!
Welcome back!
Boba – I never thought of it as a Christmas treat, but that seems perfect. I may get some this afternoon. Perfumed high-five for getting through work drama – shudder. A few tasty treats and a kitty should help for sure.
Mostly commando, but wearing some Crabtree & Evelyn Almond lotion. We are cleaning up and packing to head out tomorrow.
I’ve pulled a few of possible scents for the next few days. Of course, Wrappings (plus the lotion), Shalimar MI, La Curie Ossuary and Trimerous.
Sampled my spinach/artichoke dip for lunch; it’s pretty good. Then had to re-test the shortbread (for quality control, of course).
Happy Holidays to everyone!
Bon voyage! Are you settled in to your new place now? Any trips south of the border planned?
Thank you, at least we don’t have to go too far. We haven’t moved yet!
We don’t have any trips planned atm.
Safe travels, Gail! Have a wonderful time!
Thank you! I’m hoping for low-key.
You smell yummy
Thank you, cm8! Happy Holidays to you!
Love your iris-centric line-up!
I noticed that too😉
Almond lotion. ‘Nuff said. You smell great with just that.
I’m currently in SL Encens et Lavande, will be topping up with Hush Hush once it burns off later tonight. Finally got myself together to put up a few decorations, wasn’t feeling it up to now. It feels good though. I put out some things my mom gave & made for me.
I also put up very few decorations this afternoon. It wasn’t easy, but they make the place feel cozy and more inviting now.
Sending you warm thoughts and hugs.
Thank you, it’s been tough this week in particular.
I love that you have some things up from your mom. Sending you a few more hugs.,
How are you liking Hush Hush?
It’s really interesting and lovely. There is a powdery violet, some greenness and papery notes that she said was supposed to smell like cigarette papers I think. It’s dead on. I’m smelling the parfum btw, I believe they are only commercializing the edt, but I bought all three versions because I was curious, edt, edp, parfum. Will report on the others when I’ve compared them.
I love the Parfum! I haven’t tried the EDT yet. The EDP was fine.
Beautiful tribute to your mom
Hugs for you, as you remember your Mom.
I’m in AS Sunday today, even though it is Saturday. I was hoping for a nice, chilled out day, which it sort of is, except…the crowds! I went to the butcher to pick up my pre-ordered goose today, and stood in line for 30 min. with everyone else in this part of the city who wants a turkey. And then I needed a gallon of milk, and all the lines at the supermarket were 15 people deep. My plan for the rest of the day is to stay in. I would say “and relax”, except that I need to make dinner and do all baking I didn’t get to earlier this week.
Looking forward to going to the botanical garden for the lights, and then dinner tomorrow — no cooking! Of course, it’s beautiful out today, and forecast to be raining tomorrow. Happy holidays, everyone!
I’ve never had goose and really wonder what it’s like, properly done. I do like duck very much.
How do you like to prepare and serve the goose?
Well, as I’ve only made it once before, and that was 8 years ago in a foreign country probably using a different recipe…we’ll see if I like the way I’m doing it. But the recipe I have is off Seriouseats and the goose is dry brined and then there’s an apple / prune / chestnut stuffing to go with it. It sounds good, if I can pull it off!
My dad was a family doctor and I remember him coming home with a huge, dead Canada goose that a patient had shot and it was my job to pluck it. It took forever and the feathers stuck to everything ( did it in the garden), and the goose, roasted, was greasy and stringy. In Germany we had goose at Christmas a couple of times and it was also greasy, with not much breast meat. The Canada goose was much tastier, being wild I suppose, more duck-like than chicken or turkey. The supermarket goose was a bit blander. Personally, I prefer goose fat ( schmaltz) to goose.
Oh my goodness, thank heavens I didn’t have to pluck it! This one was brought in by a butcher from a local farm but apparently this year they were quite small, which they were calling everyone in advance about because they were worried, but for 3 of us, that worked fine, though when I got it, it did seem awfully small for a goose.
The recipe I have has a bunch of techniques to render the fat while cooking so it won’t be greasy. We’ll see later today, I guess!
I saw that line on your Insta! Wow, reminds me of the old days when we waited in line for concert tickets. 😀 I hope the next few days are calm and serene, and all your guests, family included, bow down and give thanks to you for all your hard work this holiday (and really, every day, right?)
Concert tickets would have been a lot less work! 🙂 And I miss the old days of actually having to be in line to get concert tickets, rather than constantly getting beaten out by the bots the minute tickets go on sale.
Goose! So funny that it appears in so many historical literary feast scenes and yet no one anymore seems to eat it. I’ve never had it, don’t think I know anyone IRL who has. I look forward to hearing how it turns out!
We tried making goose for Xmas dinner a couple of times. It rendered an unbelievable amount of goose schmaltz, and was still oily.
Duck worked out much better.
Happy holidays to Robin and everyone!
I had been commando so far, for a day of tidying up and running errands for my mother in law. Sat down for a minute to read comments and decided to try Wrappings, with so many mentions of it today. Wrappings has never quite worked for me, something vegetal and sharp in the background, so hard to describe, almost an extreme soapiness? BUT lo and behold, it’s working today. The sillage is great and I’m sensing a resemblance to Cristalle, which I never got before. Hooray! Glad I didn’t get rid of my bottle.
We were supposed to host an informal cousins get together tonight, but one of the families has been exposed to Covid and the other has a sick little one. I’m secretly relieved to have extra time to clean for other family who are coming to stay on Monday, and also to just have some chill time with my son and husband tonight.
Enjoy your unexpected quiet time! I love it when that happens.
Bonus chill time is wonderful 🙂
I wore Wrappings on Christmas day, and I had the same deeper appreciation for it this time.
Checking in to say I wore Cristalle edp for a crazy work day. I have to be back at 7am tomorrow, and am off to bed.
Sweet dream, lillyjo and hopefully a good day tomorrow!
dreams😴
Thanks allo!
Hope today goes well, lillyjo!
Woot!!! You smell amazing!! You know that I love Cristalle in any form in the cold!! Good luck with everything today!!!
Happy Christmas! Hope you make it through work and have lots of fun later.
Hope your day is not too crazy!
Had some friends over last night and made a really great german chocolate cake. We’re leaving town in a few hours so we gave the half cake that was left to our next door neighbors and in return we got a plateful of fresh tamales.
As a reward for surviving this semester, I got myself Panah The Legends of Mysore (sandalwood,carnation, spices) and January Scent Project Chengmen (an incredible champaca oud scent)
Congrats on surviving the semester!
Plus bonus tamales!
Still not finished wrapping presents but will finish tonight. Going to see my grandmother in skilled nursing to give her her gift and visit. Wearing Coco Mademoiselle Intense today.
Hope you had a lovely visit with your grandmother Dawn.
Happy Christmas everyone, from the summer side of the planet…where I’m once again shrouded in mist and drizzle. The only things awake are the dogs, both fed and lounging on the bed, and the birds in the garden chirping away. All the lilies are now in flower: the tall Himalayan lilies and the highly scented Christmas lilies. We have fresh cherries, strawberries and apricots but nothing else is planned for the day, yet. Will just cruise through as the day takes us. I hope everyone has a harmonious day with lots of laughing. And thinking of you, Robin. I hope your day goes well. Wearing Tresor, a present from days gone by.
Sounds like a nice relaxing day!
Thank you so much Kanuka! Your day sounds perfect.
Ginger Biscuit today
Tomorrow might be vintage EL Private Collection. That and Wrappings always remind me of Christmas in the city
I can hardly remember Christmas in the city but I did used to love it! Perfect scent picks.
Merry Christmas to all that celebrate. Thankfully, we are having a pretty low-key Christmas as the weather is rainy now, but looks like it will turn to ice and snow over the next few days. We will be going to my 90-year-old mother in law’s tonight. Tomorrow my hubby and I will stay home and watch football so will probably just put a roast in the crockpot. Tuesday, I turn 65 and I can’t believe how the years have flown by. Luckily, I have a husband that honors my wishes so there will be no big birthday celebration🤣
SOTD is Chanel No 5 L’eau with Hajusuuri’s number of sprays!
Happy Scented Birthday wishes to you!
Thank you my dear❤️
The happiest of birthdays to you, Kris!💐
Thanks so much my friend!
Happy Birthday – sounds like a wonderful day!
Thanks very much MossyBerry.
Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you 😊
Happy Birthday, Kris! I hope you are having a lovely day!
It has been a nice day. Thanks.
Happy Christmas Eve (or whatever you celebrate)!
I’m wearing Casmir from a decant, which seems like a good scent for the day before Christmas.
Late getting started today for no good reason. Two hot cups of coffee, a bagel with a side of cheese cake, and now we’re off on a walk. The sun is absolutely blinding, temps are cool, life it good! ❤️
You reminded me I have to take the cheesecake out of the freezer.
Merry Christmas!
LOL! Good catch.
Feeling gourmand today, so wearing Giardino di Toscano Biancolatte. Tomorrow will be Chpard Wish, like every Christmas.
Very nice!!!!!!!
My gosh that’s a mouthful of a perfume name!
Just looked up your fragrance, it sounds so lovely!
Happy Christmas Eve from a snowless northern Wisconsin. Foggy instead. I’m wearing Tucson by Astier de Villatte from a sample I picked up at Scent Bar. It’s one I can smell!
Thankfully my package arrived from them with my husband’s gift. Stupidly, I left the packing slip on the counter, but I’m hoping he didn’t notice it. Relying on the old trope that men aren’t very observant….
About to start making my mom’s cranberry bread recipe, if I can read her handwriting. Will make deviled eggs tomorrow to take to friends’ place. We are heading to late afternoon services today then home to have cheese fondue and fried potatoes.
We went to see Godzilla Minus One yesterday and eat lunch at our favorite Thai place. A very enjoyable movie. A throwback really – it felt like a much older movie…sensibility from the old original and all those 1950’s monster movies. Godzilla was pretty terrifying, and the human story was compelling. Much more so than recent Hollywood Godzilla movies.
Yes, the human story is what made that movie. I really enjoyed it, too. My Dad read that they matter it for only $15M, which is amazing. The art direction choices (the throw-back monster aesthetic, for c example) clearly helped them stick to budget.
I heard that budget number too. Lots of movies suffer creatively when budget is too big. (I personally loved how they handled Godzilla’s radiation/heat ray…scary!)
Godzilla movies scared the daylights out of me as a kid.
Day 2 of my parents’ 3-day visit. It’s just us three, so the holiday is very relaxing and easy. Last night we got Thai takeaway from a restaurant that recently opened a few miles away. 3rd time ordering from them, and the food is consistently excellent.
Tonight is stout-braised beef short ribs and horseradish mashed potatoes. Yum.
Oh my. Thats lots of good food. The Thai we had was delicious. We have to drive a long way, which the owner notes when we walk in.
Reporting in that I tried Vanagloria a couple days ago and it’s lovely. I got leather w/ my first testing which I don’t think is a declared note…maybe it’s the saffron and smoke I am conflating. So far it’s a like and not a love. Leather is not my favorite note but I think it’s beautifully done and loved the dry down when the leather (to my nose) receded a bit. I also got samples of Vanhera and Nectar…might try one of those later today. I have also tried Tonkade which was good and have to revisit that sample.
And yay to consistently good Thai food and short ribs! We had a good Thai place that was close by that sadly closed during Covid but then a couple doors down a yummy, East coast style pizza opened which seems to be doing well….some rebalancing of the food universe I suppose. 😉
Hello after a long time away. What a delight to see the blog and comments and wonderful atmosphere all going strong!
Later today I might bathe with a bit of Youth Dew.
Here’s a query. Any thoughts on in-production orange blossom-forward perfumes for someone who’s not that into florals or citrus?
Long story short, I want to sample something orange blossomy on short notice. My taste these days has narrowed in on woods spices balsams resins amber patchouli incense smoky foresty chypre medicinal and/or leather-oriented perfumes, plus jasmine if it’s full-throated.
I’ll probably go to Scent Bar, where I think I can buy a couple vials on the spot. Azemour les Orangers sounds different and might be there, but I feel skeptical about a note in it I’ve seen described in marine terms. Lutens seems to have left NYC.
Failing new samples, I could use my vial of La Chasse aux Papillons, or Hanbury, though at the moment they don’t suit me as they did. I’d be quite interested in your thoughts on the uses of orange blossom notes in either of those two perfumes, especially within the grand scheme of orange blossom scents.
I’m sorry Miss Goldsmith, I forgot how to post separately
LOL I did exactly the same thing a few days ago!
Was going to suggest Azemour as it’s the most overtly orange in my personal collection, so popped into head. I don’t see anything aquatic listed in the notes, nor do I remember it that way. Been a while since I wore it.
Might with work for you since you like chypres and leathers (though I don’t recall getting a strong leather vibe from it).
Thank you, I will try to banish “sea air” from my thoughts of it
Very good to “see” you!
Likewise, lillyjo!
Hi! My favorite orange blossom is Robert Piguet Baghari. It’s like incense and orange blossom with aldehydes. No help for a Scent Bar sample though.
Ooh, I like that one and had forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder!
Glad you enjoyed Vanagloria, but yes, not everyone will love everything to same degree. I read it as incense, but generally feel like incense and certain leather notes (particularly when soft or “suede”) are very adjacent. I wonder if sometimes the same aromachemicals are used to create these accords.
Hi everyone and best holiday wishes! I’m about to make my annual Christmas cookies which are a rich butter cookie with pecans on the bottom and tart lemon icing on top. My grandma always made them for Christmas. Tonight I’m going over to a friend’s for a big meal–I always celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my Jewish friends, ha ha! I may go to a candlelight church service a bit later this afternoon–I’m not religious but I love all the music at Christmas time, and having been raised Methodist I sometimes miss all the hymn-singing at the holiday times. It’s kind of gray and rainy but supposed to be nicer tomorrow. I’ll also go visit Mom tomorrow out at her place. As always I am wearing Nuit de Noel for Christmas Eve.
Have fun celebrating, Calypso! We’ll have to get together soon for a sniffathon.
Yes and include Coumarin if he has time before classes start up again! Merry Christmas! I want to share with you and him my new perfumes from Riyadh!
Totally agree! Let’s get together very soon. Happy Boxing Day!
Fantome Coyoacan was my travel scent this morning. Was snowing in Denver and raining in Texas. Seems so humid right now
Hello, and Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! I’ve been finishing up some baking today, mainly small batches of cookies for neighbors. 🍪
Headed to my sister and BIL’s house tomorrow for a scaled down celebration. I’ll also see my other sister. They went to Costco and picked up stuff to nosh on tomorrow.
I’ve been in Dame BFMV the last couple of days, from a sample. One of these years, I might actually buy a bottle of this juice! ❤️
The oil version is 30 percent off but expires today
Eeep, I’m tempted!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Merry Christmas, Nancyleandros! Nice to see you post.
Merry Christmas, Nancyleandros – I did not do much holiday baking this year, but I had to have a mincemeat pie, and yesterday afternoon, I made good ol’ oatmeal raisin cookies. Right before I started, our neighbor and one of his daughters came over with cute decorated cookies, so we did end up with Christmas Cookies after all and I bet your neighbors were delighted too!
I’m done with work and my back is not feeling so great. Thank goodness I have the next 2 days off. I gave my daughter her one Christmas Eve present and now I have to fight with her to not fall asleep early. She does this every year. Goes to sleep early due to Christmas morning anticipation then wakes up at midnight and just sits looking at the Christmas tree waiting for everyone to get up.
I am wearing Prada d’Amande tonight for the calmness of it. I think I will spray my daughter’s sheets with it.
Merry Christmas, lillyjo, you smell lovely! Glad you are off for a few days; and best of luck getting your daughter to sleep all night.
I hope Santa Claus is good to you! 🎄🎁
Merry Christmas Gail!
I hope Santa is good to you too!
I hope you get a good nights sleep, my friend!
Thank you! Honestly I could fall asleep right now.
Have a good rest and merry Christmas!
I hope you are having a restful and peaceful day!!!
About half and half, but I will take it!
😂😝😻
Did your daughter get any sleep at all last night?
No. I’m throwing in the towel and will open all presents on Christmas Eve next year.
We had Christmas Eve dinner and present unwrapping with the kids (I say kids, but they’re all very much grown) this evening. Santa has been very good to me so far, and Christmas morning Mr. G and I will be opening our scented gifts to one another. I’m giving him a FB of L’Air du Desert because he has been going through the travel spray like wildfire, and he is giving me the bottle of Omnia Ambra that I’ve been going on and on and ON about to you all for about a month now. And we’ll have hot cocoa with whipped cream in our favorite mugs and basically laze the morning away.
What a lovely time.
Sounds perfect
Merry Christmas SheriG!
That’s doing Christmas right!
Wearing Chopard Wish for Christmas day as usual. Having delicious pastries and tea, then will spend the day making butter tarts for DH’s birthday tomorrow and going for a long walk.
Yum!! I’m coming over!!!
Merry Christmas!
Every time I mention butter tarts to a Canadian friend of mine, she gets this dreamy look on her face.
Merry Christmas to you!
You smell wonderful! *off to find out what Butter Tarts are*
They’re like little mini pecan pies, with raisins as well. 🙂
I have never heard of them either, that sounds delicious.
Happy Birthday to your hubby! I’m sure a few butter tarts have been enjoyed already!
Oh yes! And Nanaimo bars too. 🙂
Good morning and Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope it’s fun. Last night I had a delicious meal at my friend’s house and enjoyed hanging out with all her cats while we binge-watched episodes of British Baking Show Holiday Specials. Some of them were quite funny!
Later this morning I”ll go visit my mother for a noon meal out at her place. I am wearing Parfum Sacré and loving it. I keep it in the cupboard with Nuit de Noel and when I got it out for Christmas Eve I also brought this out and I actually prefer it. Some spice, some incense (including myrrh!) and LOADS of florals. It feels very French to me. I sprayed with abandon. It’s cold here (ha ha), 50–after 73 yesterday it does feel chilly–so I get to wear a red sweater for the day.
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Xmas Calypso!
https://youtu.be/Zt1_-rC9kac?feature=shared
A little comedy.. a little music.
Merry Christmas!
Lillyjo, I hope you and the kids are having a very happy Christmas! T-Rex and I send you out very best! 🎄
Thanks Deva!
Merry Christmas to you and T-rex!
Merry Christmas sweet lady!!!
Merry Christmas!
I wore Eau Verte today. Love it!
Woot!!! It’s a bit different but still great!!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, lillyjo!
Sampling Floriental today which is quite nice, smooth and a good fit for cool weather
Can’t remember who makes that! But hope you had a lovely holiday thegoddessrena.
Very low key day today. Just spritzed l’Elephant and now heading out with doggo for a walkabout. Warm and sunny here today! Wishing everyone who celebrates a lovely Christmas Day with family, friends, and pets! 🎄
Enjoy your weather! It’s 50 degrees here.
Sounds like a lovely day! Our kitty has enjoyed all the boxes and ribbon, so it’s a successful Christmas for her.
😻did you get her presents? My three feline grandchildren got presents and a big box of Churu. My human children are jealous lol
Yep, we got her a new cat toy, some catnip, and some wet food I thought she’d like (but has now turned her nose up at). The most successful gift was the 5 yards of ribbon I tied around Ockeghem Teen’s skis, though she has played a bit with the new toy.
(In previous years, she went nuts for the catnip / valerian root, but apparently she is now too dignified to claw open the package. 🙂 )
Hahaha!! She had a wonderful Christmas! I love how they play with the ribbons!!
You smell amazing!! I need to dig out my elephant 🐘 from the basement
Warm & sunny hear too, heading out shortly for our sunset walk to the ocean lookout point.
Yay for a low-key Xmas!
I was packing up my perfumes and samples today. So could you wear an extra spritz for me, please?
I know you must be getting close to the move!
Low-key Merry Christmas twins. I love a big party and have many memories of such, but a quiet day is not less in my mind.
Merry Christmas to one and all!
SOTD = Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Ambre Precieux
A powdery amber EDT with myrrh that packs a punch, appropriate for Christmas 🎄!
https://www.instagram.com/p/C1SVi41RaDu/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Merry Christmas!!!!
Merry Christmas!
You smell great! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, friend!
Merry Christmas, h, and Happy Boxing Day – or in your case, maybe an “unboxing” day?? 😀
Merry Christmas 🎅 to all and to all a Happy Monday!
SOTD is Guerlain AA Winter Delice, my favorite Christmas Day fragrance. Pine trees 🌲 + gingerbread = Mmmmm!
Last night’s Polish Wigilia supper was wonderful and now we’re off to my son’s house to continue celebrating. Can’t wait to see my three grand-😻😻😻. For the shy little female, a soft cozy bed that converts to a soft, cozy cave for hiding, and for her two brothers who love to ‘dress up,’ one gets a red Santa Paws sweater and the other a bright blue bow tie complete with jingle bell.
Sending a holiday 🤗 to all!
Aww.. too cute!
Merry Christmas!
Awwww!! We spoiled our three grand 😻😻😻too! Hope yours love their gifts
Adorable!
I can’t put anything on Teflon kitty. She freaks out. Good thing she’s chipped!
Popping in quickly to wish all you NSTers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I had a couple of friends take me out for lunch yesterday. Had the leftovers for Christmas dinner today. I asked what I owed, and they said that lunch was on them. This, on top of Xmas gifts, too.
SOTD = gratitude.
Nice friends are ones to hold onto.
When do you leave for Colorado?
So glad you were able to spend time with them! I hope all is going well with the preparations for Colorado.
Merry Christmas Jalapeno!
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you – I’m thinking of you and Teflon kitty, and hoping you and all your goods make the move safe and sound! Have you staked out good rest and overnight stops along the way?
Merry Christmas and all the best for 2024!
Happy holidays! Love your SOTD
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!
We did presents last might, stockings this morning, and then saw “Poor Things”, which was excellent.
Tonight is steak with the leftover mashed potatoes from last night, plus a roasted Brussels sprouts with pear recipe my Mom is trying for the first time. Very curious to see how this one turns out. Will report back tomorrow.
Those Brussel sprouts do sound good – I have been thinking of preparing some in some way, so let us know.
The recipe was not a winner, at least not as written and in the opinion of my palate. I do think the pear, citrus and Brussels combo is still worth exploring, though.
Firstly: I love Brussels sprouts. Properly roasted with olive oil and adequate salt, and I’m a happy camper. Adding onions, garlic and/or bacon rarely hurts. Beyond that, you might be holding the lily.
The issue with this recipe was that it called for the addition of some orange juice as well as the pears, during roasting, result being too much liquid, so you didn’t get a really well-roasted, crispy sprout. They weren’t swimming or soggy, but they were NOT roasted, even though they did achieve some browning.
So what I’d do is roast the sprouts as I normally do, roast the pears separately, and then do a final tossing of pears, sprouts, and just enough of the orange juice to add some flavor but not drench them.
I do think the combo shows some promise, so I’d try the above, and then if I didn’t love, never try again.
Belated Merry Christmas and peaceful holidays to all! I enjoyed Wrappings, courtesy of the lovely Socks who sent me a sample some time ago. It really clicked with me this time. Mr. Mossy and I had a nice Christmas Eve visit with some friends and their family, then a quiet day at home. This year, I seemed to find balance from the giddy side of the holidays by suddenly deciding it was time to go through Christmas cards from years past, and the sympathy cards, which ended up in the same drawer, that I got when I lost both my parents in 2019. I tossed the envelopes and moved the sympathy cards to a new drawer – I won’t always save them, but now was not the time to reread and/or say goodbye to them. The Christmas cards (I last did this about 5 years ago) I sorted by family, friends, and co-workers, then picked the prettiest one from each category to put in a little woven sled for display and nostalgia. I love Christmas letters and the picture cards that people make. Scent of the morning is a spritz of cozy Nebras, which was one of my favorites from this year. After some housework and a shower, I’ll pick something less sweet – I haven’t visited my Dior “shelf” in a while, so maybe Dune or Diorella.
Merry Christmas MossyBerry!
Thank you 🙂 I hope your back is rested and you still have holiday treats to nibble on! I moved some furniture and ended up a bit stiff too. It lasted for about two weeks then rather suddenly got better!
Merry Christmas! I vote for Dune
Wearing one of my favorite purchases this year, Meo Fusciuni Viole Nere. Happy boxing day! Husband has gone out for a birthday bike ride with his son. I’m baking bread.
Happy birthday to hubby
Have a nice birthday celebration with your husband.
Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! I wore MVP yesterday to celebrate and smelled fantastic. 🥰 🎅🏻 Cannot believe 2023 is almost over. 🙀
Today I am wearing Pistachio Biscotti perfume from the Pistaché Skincare line. I saw an article on Fragrantica below about their pistachio body butter and ordered the Pistachio Biscotti perfume blind from their website and it’s delicious…smells like pistachio cookies. I also got a sample of the body butter which is a very nice too. And b/c I have been buying w/ reckless abandon 😉 , I also got their lip balm and lotion bar but haven’t tried those yet.
https://www.fragrantica.com/news/Another-Article-NOT-About-Perfume-19420.html
That does sound nice!
Hoping a very Happy Christmas was had. For those just getting through, missing loved ones and any other difficult time or issue, I wish you found some solace or peace.
My new puppy and I spent Christmas together. We are going to our second behavioral trainer lesson this week.
Has anyone tries embark?
SOTD:Like lots of others, Wrappings.😊
What is the new puppy’s name?
Focker. J/K.
I will say Dog for now. Its kind of a messy situation.
I have had a tough enough to at it this year, I never thought it would get harder. I know I sound awful.
Had coffee at one shop, lunch at a restaurant and tea at another and brought home a fig and marzipan tart after spending the day with my childhood girlfriend of 56 years who came up from the city to visit. Wore Melograno because she bought me two sampler packs when she visited the SMN store in Florence last month. It was a splendid day!
So glad it was a splendid day and that you got a marzipan tart!
The tart is beyond amazing!!!! I just ate a slice
I might go with the Elephant today…. inspired by Deva
Robin, have we ever done an Inspired By community project? As in wear a fragrance inspired by/worn by someone else here. I know folks do it a lot 🙂
Go to bed!🌞
We have done a “pick a fragrance someone else wore” project…
I don’t like anything though that singles out more popular commenters, just because I worry it makes some people feel left out? Maybe that’s silly.