It's Monday and World Monkey Day. What fragrance are you wearing?
I stayed up too late reading and then I slept later than I have in ages. I will chime in with a fragrance after I've had some caffeine.
Reminder: on 12/18 we're doing Best of 2020...wear one of your favorite fragrance releases of 2020.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2020, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image is Monkey [cropped] by F Delventhal at flickr; some rights reserved.
Good morning Y’all,
It’s a cold dreary rainy day, but I’m warm and cozy and snuggly in Hermes L’Ambre des Merveilles. Too bad the whole commute and work thing came into play…..LOL 🙂
Yes, how dare work interrupt a cozy day best spent on the couch snoozing and reading! At least you smell wonderful. 😀
And yet work continues to do so with no regard for our discomfort…
Ugh, deadfully inconsiderate, isn’t it?? 😀 *sigh*
That is the only Merveilles I don’t own. Will have to correct that someday. You smell great!
I have a decant from a NST split, and I NEED a full bottle too! Ebay has some pretty good prices….my wish list never ends! 🙂
Work really gets in the way of my cozy, relaxation time also haha
Work & commute is the opposite of cozy! At least you SMELL cozy!
You smell great! So cozy.
Horrible sleep last night, I was up at 4am and wide awake.
I have my Italian lesson soon and then my physical therapy and then afterward I think I will just relax until its time to pick up the kids.
Chanel 1957
Makeup Guerlain eye shadow, Louboutin Rose du Desert lippy. Grey soft cashmere sweater and leggings..Canada eaton’s vintage hat
I think a poor night’s sleep is contagious, I tossed and turned quite a bit yesterday. On cup #2 of espresso…
me too, I am onto number 2 espresso
Thinking about an expresso machine for Christmas this year….
Wow, that’s exactly what I did two morning’s ago–woke up before 5am, AWAKE, and the day was started. If that’s contagious, I’m sorry that I likely spread it to you. I am a morning person, so once I’m awake, that’s it. I actually enjoyed the extra quiet time in the morning, it’s a pretty creative time of day for me in general, but I’ve been behind on sleep and could have used the catch-up.
House twins, but I went with Coromandel from a sample. Very Shalimar-ish, but the Lemon Pledge note is replaced with an extremely bitter orange, and the patchouli is just beginning to make itself known. Not sure I like it. I’ll try 1957 tomorrow.
Sorry about the short sleep. Covid dreams have been waking me every two hours for the past week, so perhaps another shot of espresso is called for. Then maybe I’ll hunt for the lipstick that escaped its containment zone in my purse.
I woke up unexpectedly early, also.
So, I took the opportunity to give my brother a call and we went for a walk at the beach. It was great! Sunrise over the Monterey Bay, with all the other dogs and their people.
Wearing Flashback today, the tangy rhubarb with the warm vetiver is just right for an autumn day.
Yay for cashmere (i am wearing a dark blue cashmere sweater with a v-neck right now),
and yay for grey (i have 4 grey woolen sweaters ??)
I liked Chanel 1957, it was so effortless to wear and I bet it is great with cashmere. Have you got any book suggestions? I got stuck on Patricia Highsmiths biography and then ended up reading Glaswegian crime novels for a bit and would like something completely different.
Yes rainy day, 1957, cashmere =cozy happiness
What kinds of books do you like.
Right now I am reading a YA novel series, its helping me escape.
What series are you reading?
Some of those YA books are really compelling.
I am reading the Eldest curses, starting with the red scrolls of magic which I finished over the weekend and now onto the book of white. There will be a 3rd book too. This is fantasy fiction.
Next is the more of along the same lines, the cruel prince. Then I will go back to my “adult” books 🙂
Do you have any favourite New York writers?
Or Italian writers?
Have you read Family Lexicon by Natalia Ginzburg?
Agostino by Moravia, this book was censored during the fascist regime.
Carlo Levi is another author.
If you haven’t read Ferrante, she/he is ah-mazing
I’ve been sleeping horribly for weeks, finally tried melatonin last night, it helped a bit. Hope you do better tonight!
I am so tired and just want to nap, but I can’t. So strange..
This! I have not had a good nap in many months….
Bad sleep twin – but I popped awake at 3 am. I hope we both have great sleeps tonight!
I am in Naomi Goodsir Cuir Velours. Such a comfy leather scent for winter!
oh yes you smell great!!
Love Cuir Velours!
Hi all, my SOTD is Chanel Coco EDP, consuming espresso #2 and headed out for a walk in GG park, it’s a brisk 45 degrees in SF, wearing leggings and cashmere.
I’m bummed, I just heard that the Cliff House, one of SF’s most iconic restaurants is closing their doors after 157 years. We loved going there for a nosh and cocktail, and watch the sunset.
Lovestosmellgood – I just started reading A Certain Age, by Beatriz Williams, set in 1920s New York and Southampton, I’ll let you know how it goes!
Wow! 157 years and closing. That is very sad. We just had news of 21 Club shuttering after a 90-year run.
The news about 21 really saddened me. I treasure being able to go there. We can still see it in Sweet Smell of Success, though.
I am very sad about the Cliff House, that was my go to place to take my friends when they came to visit me. We would stuff out faces and then walk along the beach and head into GG park.
In NYC I was sad that Balthazar closed, but then I heard it may re-open 2021. Now that there is not indoor dining in NYC not sure about its future..
I am adding that book to my list, but keep me posted
yes, loved Cliff House.
Oh no! Loved Cliff House. Great brunch spot. I’ve pretty much given up hope of visiting SF in the next year or two. Too many restaurants are closing.
You smell amazing.
Sad to hear about the restaurant closing. I fear more will follow…
That is so sad about the Cliff House, it was a SF landmark. Damn Covid.
Very sad on the Cliff House. 🙁
I’ve been hoping to make it to SF for months now, but with COVID, I just hate to waste a trip when so much is closed. Sorry to hear about such a great restaurant. You smell great.
KellyC – We live down the street from the Cliff House, GG, and Sutro park. If you wind up making it to SF, reach out, I’d be happy to meet up! The hubby is a SF native – he has all sorts of recommendations/places to go.
I would love that!!! I will definitely make it at some point soon! I’ll keep you updated. 🙂
1) You smell lovely, and my outfit is very similar to yours up here in PDX.
2) 157 years! Sad that it is going- but that is a VERY good run.
Sad about the restaurant- I wanted to go there at some point!
Oh, a moment of silence here. I ate there on my very first trip to San Francisco, when I was in graduate school. I can still remember what I ate, which is weird because I’m sure I can’t remember what I ate for dinner last Tuesday.
Robin, what did you have??
Yes, it’s tough. It’s so close to the house, when we first moved to the neighborhood, we had a ritual we’d go there every other Friday evening after work for a cocktail and appetizer. The bartenders took great care of us. There were a slew of us who would meet up.
There’s cafe Trieste cafe in North Beach that is also a favorite. Kevin and I would take the train to the Financial District then walk to North Beach and enjoy a glass of wine and talk with the locals in the neighborhood, some of whom, knew Kevin’s mother when she worked for Columbus Salami factory way back in the day when the slaughter houses were located there. She remembers when Bullitt was filmed downtown. Lots of great memories and stories.
I’d add, I’ve only lived in SF for 21 years, but there are lots of fond memories and ghosts on certain corners of the city of dear friends gone by. I could tell stories, let me tell ya.
I had prawns, possibly tiger prawns…I only remember that they were huge and I was not familiar with them and it was a little daunting — maybe that is why I remember! 🙂
But generally I just remember being charmed, as I was by everything else about San Francisco. I am glad I was able to spend as much time there as I did over the next few years, because now I have not been back in eons.
Our little town had some closures, too; so sad but I have done my part to order take out and dine in when possible. Just a reminder of how so many American family-owned businesses are a labor of love and operate on the thinnest of margins.
I’m not shopping often, but I’m choosing small owner/operated businesses when I do. It’s difficult given our budget but I feel this is so important.
I agree with this. The one thing I love about my town is the plethora of locally owned shops and I’m so worried about them. I made a rule in my house that we can’t order anything on Amazon without first checking the shops in town
That is so sad. I can’t imagine someone won’t reopen a restaurant in that spot. It’s just too special. I still mourn Playland at the Beach closing….(yes, I’m that old…)
I’m in the very last drop of my decant of Caron Tabac Blond extrait. So warm and bright — I’m sorry to see it go, but I sure loved having it.
Such a fantastic scent…I only have a few drops left myself.
I only have samples of 2020 fragrances, but I can still participate. Today I have DSH Sweet Pine Tar on my left arm and DSH Adrenaline and Scorched Earth on the other. They sound intense but they’re really not and I like them both.
First day back at work after taking Thurs and Fri off so I’ve got my shovel and I’m off to dig through email. Happy Monday, all!
I can barely participate, I tried almost nothing! But I have DSH samples too, and the Maya Njie Vanilj.
Oops, Vanilj isn’t even new! Well I have the DSH, ha. And surely other things I haven’t thought of yet, but I certainly didn’t try enough to have any idea what is best.
Tried Givenchy Monsieur this morning. Kind of reminded me of Jicky but have to spend more time with it. Wearing Happy right now.
Hurrah! My semester is officially over and I got straight As. I have a whole month off, and am using it to catch up on housework and read for fun. Just finished Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K. Massie (excellent), which segued nicely into my current read, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, which I am enjoying immensely.
Have to go into work this afternoon, so must wear something under the radar. Probably will be Perles de Lalique again.
Have a great day, everyone!
Congratulations on getting straight As! That’s really fantastic.
Enjoy your time off and do read Towles’ Rules of Civility as well — such a fun read (especially for those of us from NYC). I heard he is making both into movies :)))
Just checked and my library has it! Have tagged it.
congrats!
Congratulations on your grades AND on your choice of perfume. You smell wonderful.
Nicholas and Alexandra is a wonderful book. His book on Peter the Great and Catherine the Great are good too.
I liked Catherine very much. Will no doubt get to Peter, but I think I may need a break from Russia.
Congratulations!
Congratulations! ???
Congratulations! You smell wonderful!
Congratulations!
Whew, well done on that!
Hurray! Congrats on those straight As ?
Congratulations!!
Wow, congratulations!
Congrats on such great grades!
Congratulations!
Congratulations! What a feat to get straight As in such a weird semester.
Congrats on the straight A’s!Now you can relax a bit!
Thank you everyone!
More congrats! Straight “A’s” is quite the accomplishment.
Iris Nazarena, for comfort.
Work is still crazy busy
And covid19 cases are increasing again.
So…..our country is heading towards a pretty strict lockdown, starting tonight until january 19.
No official announcement yet but media say these are some of the new restrictions:
All non essential shops must close.
All museums and theaters and amusements parks must close (again…)
Day-care and schools close
Restaurants and bars were already on lockdown here (take away only)
Jiji, where are you located? Sorry to hear about lockdowns. Hopefully they will achieve what they need to achieve. Here in California it’s similar, though non-essential shops allowed to be open at 20% capacity.
The Netherlands.
I’m sorry Jiji. Stay safe!
Thank you!
I’ll manage, i am in a good spot (mentally and physically and I still have a job).
But my heart goes out to all those heavily affected by this pandemic. From the patients (and loved ones) and the hospital workers, to the shopkeepers and restaurant owners…
Its rough for so many people ?
The « non-essential » shop closures make me very irritated, the big box chain stores will be the only thing left after this pandemic. I am glad here in California they are allowing stores to remain open at reduced capacity.
Yup it hurts.
But I get why they do this, because shops attract so many crowds. Streets here are mostly small and narrow.
The black friday pictures of crowds were not a pretty sight.
Also it attracts shoppers from our neighbouring countries. In Belgium and Germany shops were already closed (or planning to close) so they just hop over the border to shop here (which leads to even bigger crowds ?)
I just hope there will be another emergency fund for all those who need to close down.
You smell wonderful. Stay safe!
You smell beautiful. I’m very sorry to hear about your lockdown, and can only hope it has its desired effect.
Stay safe, Jiji! More restrictions and possibly lockdowns are coming where I live, too.
Last work week in 2020 for me.
Today I’m in Abel Grey Labdanum. Smokey and very incensy.
Congrats on last work week! I was almost going to say, “Me too!” Then remembered I am working between Christmas and New Year’s.
I liked that perfume when I tried it.
Yay for last work week of 2020!
Spritzed heavily in Carner Barcelona Tardes again. I am so glad I got the big bottle. No idea when this was released, but it’s new to me this year, and definitely on the list for favorites!
2010, but you get to things when you can, right?
I finally unpacked perfumes that I had put in a suitcase when maintenance work was done in my apartment months ago and am happy to be wearing Miller Harris Geranium Bourbon again. It’s one of my fall through spring favorites.
Our first full week of cold weather is going to test my commitment to outdoor exercise. Perhaps I’ll finally assemble that exercycle I over paid for back in April, lol.
Ciao Nozknoz-
I feel like I haven’t seen you in a bit! Hope you are doing well
Hi, Lovetosmellgood! I’ve been fine, just off on other tangents. It’s amazing how busy one can get when there is “nothing to do” during Covid. ?
Wouldn’t a Virtual Reality headset be great if you coukd choose a walk through the streets of Paris, or a walk Along a coastal path in Ireland, or a mountain forest path in Japan… and you have to stoop down to collect mushrooms, or climb steps , or scarmble up hills…all from the safety of your home, with no ice to worry about. Keep well!
Now that sounds like fun! Virtual travel!
I would definitely visit New Zealand, Kanuka!
I wondering if producing scent modules for VR will ever be a thing?
That would be great, if you could walk through a series of scented gardens
Count me in for this idea!
SOTD: Alahine; it’s been a while and can only handle a small amount with working from home and you know who.
Trying to stay focused on work these last remaining weeks of the year but it’s tough. Back to using Focus Keeper timer, lol.
Made two soups this weekend and rugelach which turned out wonderfully. I just love that cream cheese dough. I’m reminded of my Italian grandmother who made these at Christmas when I was a kid. So grateful for all the ways she loved on us over the years.
Yum! I’d love to drop by and eat your food 🙂
You smell great. I need to break out that bottle
Yes, I’ve missed it too!
Yummm your food sounds so great. I made a big batch of vegetable beef soup this weekend and some cornbread to go with it and it was so good. I also made a pan of mixed berry and lemon sweet rolls and goodness they were good!
You smell great!
I love making soup. I could have soup and a hunk of bread for dinner every night.
Oh you smell grand!
I’m wearing Do Son edp while trying not to go crazy; something in my wing of the school has been beeping for 5 hours straight.
I’ve been craving white flowers, and this is almost scratching the itch, but it’s not quite rich enough.
The forecast is for heavy snow later in the week, which makes me wonder if 2020 is just laughing at us at this point. At least we all smell good!
It’s probably a battery operated smoke alarm with a low battery. Can’t the janitors track it down?
There have been electricians and facilities managers aplenty, but it’s still beeping!
Oh that is just maddening.
We had that at home the other day, turned out it was a carbon monoxide detector. Hope it’s fixed soon!
2020 is DEFINITELY laughing at us.
Ugh. Annoying sounds while you’re trying to teach are the worst. They were drilling through the walls in Friday during my third period class and the kids (all online) asked me to please make them stop. I had to take my laptop and go teach in the media center.
Yikes!
Well, I think you smell great anyway! Do Son doesn’t sit well on me (most tuberose perfumes don’t) but it’s one I always adore on other people.
Thank you! I do think Do Son smells awesome on others, too.
Chanel le Lion opened and sprayed.
Lovely so far.
Vicariously sharing your new FB joy. ?
thank you!
+1
Enjoy every spritz
Sampling Myrrhder from Tsvga which smells like slightly overly burnt sugar on me. Yes it’s from this year but it’s not a keeper
I kind of like the smell of burnt sugar, but maybe not all day.
In Hiris this morning.
I’m experimenting with ways to increase longevity in general – hydrating with unscented cream first. I’m jealous of Mr. allo – everything seems to stay on him longer and he does 0 hydrating.
Also, I just learned the French verb Raffoler (de) – to crave; to be mad/crazy/wild about something. Therefore, Je raffole du parfum!
Getting a bit of scent on your clothing helps too!
TF Lost Cherry. New to me!
I will have to do some research to see if I am even in possession of any new 2020 launches. Le Lion is the only one I am certain of.
Same here.
Same here!
I think I’m in the same boat, but I don’t have Le Lion.
I think Iris Torrefie from the NST Split Meet might be my only 2020.
Oh! I have a decant of that. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll have to revisit it. It wasn’t an immediate love. A tepid like. I’m learning I may be picky about Iris.
I am usually the one complaining about poor sleep, but last night/today I actually slept pretty decent. I’m surprised and a little relieved that I can still do so.
SOTD will be Nanban.
GateGirl, I did too…unfortunately right straight through to 9:30, which is crazy late for me.
Cold and rainy day. Wearing SL La Couche du Diable from my cute mini bottle. I find it comfy and relaxing. Love it!
Back to work after taking Thursday and Friday off. Feeling good, but the stress is mounting again. So many issues trying to meet two deadlines by the end of the week and there is some lack of organization this time. I hope things get solved before Friday, otherwise, management will go insane. Crossing fingers!
Happy Monday, everyone!
?for things at work to improve!
Thank you! ?
I really, really liked Couche. It’s the only oud scent I’ve ever been tempted to buy a whole bottle of.
I have also been very tempted to buy a full bottle. It is a great oud scent. After I finish my mini I will decide!
Good luck with your work week! ???
Thank you, Jalapeno! ?
Best of Luck with it all PL67. You always rock it!
Thank you AngelaB!
Good morning. Today I am wearing Chanel Cristalle EDT.
house twins
A beautiful still morning and the sun rising above the hills is golden. I was in the gardens yesterday and the lime/linden trees were in flower and everything smelled soapy clean. Such a heady smell when it is warm, and a sure sign of Christmas. Lots of heady roses, sweet azalias, and the boronia and osmanthus in flower too. Town is peaceful as we have no cruise ship invasions this year…usually there are mobs of people and if they are European or American they step in front of you as you try to pass ( because they step to the right, instead of the left). Long days now, dark after 10pm. Wearing At the Beach, don’t know why. Still haven’t started Christmas shopping…I don’t think summer Christmas feels ‘necessary’ the way a cold, dark , winter Christmas does especially if you don’t have family/kids around. A picnic in the park or a day at the beach makes more sense
Is summer Christmas represented differently? For instance.. Do you hear snowy Christmas songs? Is Santa’s sleigh redesigned to work without snow? I’m not being facetious, and I know I sound hickish. I’m just curious how it differs.
I would say that is has changed quite a bit in the last ten years. It used to be that you could only get snowy Christmas merchandise, so all our Christmas cards, wrapping paper, advent calenders, were all snow, red robins ( which don’t live here) sleighs etc. now, about 10% is santa at the beach type stuff. In shops Santa is still traditional, music is mostly jingle bells, decorations are traditional trees/ tinsel. Food is roast turkey, roast potatoes, gravy. Christmas pudding (hot) or Pavlova (cold). Ham on the bone for cold option. Most of the action happens christmas day, not christmas eve. But there a lots of variations on all that…lots of people just have cold meat and salads and hang out in their gardens, or spend the day at the beach, or have family BBQs. We still get the Queens message on christmas day…my mum loved it. But mostly, if you went to a shopping mall you would think you were in the northern hemisphere, decoration wise. It snowed down our end last week!!!! Thought of you.
Fake snow everywhere…haha.
Not really,but Christmas in South Africa is usually an outdoorsy occasion.My family did the traditional carvery and salads each year,or cold meats and fruit,esp watermelon.Fruitcake is essential(I don”t eat raisins so thanks but NO,lol)
It usually rains on Christmas day over here though,and on Boxing day there is always an epic Cricket match happening(not sure it will happen this year)
It was just announced that most of the popular beaches are closed this year due to covid,so all in all it might be more indoorsy also.
You and my older sister, just say no to raisins!
I spent two Christmases in South Africa, it was interesting going to the beach and having barbecues on Christmas day. We still had Christmas pudding though. 🙂
Christmas pudding is essential.My Grandmother used to make the one with the coins hidden inside.So much fun until you break a tooth,haha!
I found it a bit challenging to feel that it was really Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere — it was too sunny to appreciate the lights, and traditional Christmas food became too heavy and required turning on the oven — ugh! New Years champagne outdoors under palm trees was an easy adjustment, though. ?
I would like to move Christmas to July
I can appreciate the idea of a white Christmas also!
I remember reading that there is a small town at a relatively high altitude in South Africa that does that. There must be places in New Zealand where that would work very well.
I found Christmas felt very different even in Southern California…
Christmas feels different in south Texas as well, depending on the weather. Some years it is at least somewhat chilly, but other years it can be 80 degrees, with mosquitoes, and the A/C running in the house. Most years here, you could easily have a barbecue if you wanted to–except for 2004, when we had 8 inches of snow on the ground.
Great report – I will have to do a Southern Hemisphere Christmas one day….
Accidentally, I am about as on point as one can be for the CP this week– can’t beat this!!:
Penhaligon’s The Favourite (2020)
(Did y’all see me drop the mic?)
Ha! But what will wear on Friday!?
No idea! I wonder if I have any other frags that were launched in 2020? (What a strange trip this has been!)
Standing ovation from the cheap seats!
Why thank you. (Bows deeply.)
HA!
Ha!!
Excellent.
Win! ?✨
Hahahahaha!
I spent my whole morning watching concert videos on YouTube. Journey, Reo, Bob Seger, J Geils band. I have so much to do yet zero motivation.
My daughter sprayed something that smells awful. I can’t figure out what it is, and she won’t tell me. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be something I thought I liked. Lol
Sotd is a favorite from the 90’s. Givenchy Organza.
That has happened to me–a perfume I was super excited about–I didn’t understand I was holding a sample of the very same and expressed great dismay at the sample. The nose is fickle indeed. Let us know what your daughter is wearing when you find out (but I can hardly blame her for not sharing!).
Sometimes my day to day world is so perfume-free, I wish someone would douse themselves in something I don’t like, just so I’d feel the perfume habit is alive!
Oh, I so understand this!
Sampling Rirana Cherry on Top today which was a 2020 release and first one from this house I have tried.
The description on the brand’s website below is spot on…it’s quite nice. Different from Lost Cherry and Rouge Smoking…more floral plus leather in the background.
Anyone tried anything else form this line? Appears to be based in Malaysia.
“a sweet aphrodisiac gourmand fragrance open with delightful vanilla, cherry and caramel deep in to floral musky leather vibe”
Not smelled this or any from the brand, but it’s going on the same list. I’ve finally gotten on the Lost Cherry bandwagon and am now very curious about cherry as a note. Only other cherry I have is LPRN Black Perfecto.
I’m wearing VC & A Moonlight Patchouli and trying to tire the kitten out with a laser dot, otherwise he keeps trying to chew the laptop cords.
Thinking about getting a kitten. My 7 year old daughter *really* wants a cat…has been asking since she was about 4. eaheheh Now I am further debating getting 2 kittens to keep one another company/occupied. Some of the contenders are below…I am particularly smitten w/ Bennett and Greta. I adopted 2 cats before from a rescue…one was a kitten and the other may 1 or 2 so I know the hilarity and work than ensues and both have gone on to the Rainbow Bridge. Maybe someone will talk me into or out of this…? 😉
https://www.facebook.com/pg/whiskerswithoutborders/photos/?tab=album&album_id=169404664535332&ref=page_internal
Oh, wow – what cuties! Thanks for kitten pictures. ❤️
Two is way better! Or three. ?
“Whiskers Without Boarders??!!” Now the cockles of my cat-loving heart are toasty warm. I would adopt an entire litter for sure if the occasion called for it, but I must add that some kitties do want to be your “one and only.”
I think 2 is a good idea. One bored kitten equals trouble. 🙂
If you are considering more than one kitten, siblings are usually a good choice. But it really does depend on the temperament of the cat. Some of them are truly happiest as a solo kitty.
I highly vote for two, and a bonded pair if you can find them at an age you’re happy with! But lord, Bennett and Greta are adorable.
We always adopt adult cats (1+) and they’re still able to be crazy little energy machines.
My current kitties are 9 and 10 and spent the weekend losing their minds with the laser pointer ?
Yes always two too!!
You smell fabulous!
Giggle! You smell wondrous. Oh how I love that one.
Wearing 4160 Tuesdays Eau My Soul today, it smells boozy to me. Had a decent night’s sleep for the first time in weeks, I think I am going to live. Woke up to light rain, which has stopped but it’s still cool and grey outside. Lots of things to do but still sitting in my PJs at 10am. Better get moving!
Yay for a good night’s sleep!
How do you like Eau My Soul?
So tempting that one!
I like it a lot, but then i like boozy frags. :-). Can’t drink but I can pretend.
VCA Bois d’Iris just because it’s a fav and it’s Monday.
Didn’t sleep well AT ALL last night. I tend to sleep too late on Sunday and then can’t go to sleep early enough then have to get up super early on Mondays. Ugh. Powering through with the help of some espresso!
You smell Fabulous!
This will be my tomorrow as the clock strikes 1:23am. Ugh.
But I still smell good.✌️?
JM Wild Bluebell from a sample, different enough to wear. Very windy today, wonder if a light rain storm will be moving in.
We had a whole day of rain…
A sunny morning – maybe our summer is finally on the way! I’m suddenly in the mood for incense, so Bois d’Encens comes to mind. I haven’t bought much this year, and what’s new to me isn’t necessarily new to the rest of the world 🙂 I’ll fossick through my samples and see what fits the CP. I have tried Iris Torréfié, and I quite like it but it needs a bit more testing before I could see if it grows into love. No rush to decide, I can’t get a FB in this country.
Ha!We got your rainy chilly weather this side of the southern hemisphere,expected for the rest of the week!
Monday!
1) SOTD is Philosophy Soft Suede. Perfect for a day of holiday gift boxing and shipping!
2) Feeling anxious about my induction range purchase, I went to NW 23rd Williams- Sonoma to check out induction safe pans. To be honest, I did not see how the pans were any different than the Caphalon pans I have had for almost 9 years, and they were almost $900 AMERICAN DOLLARS.
Yes, they are made in Italy or whatever but yeah, ha ha no. There are pans for 1/2 as much at Macy’s.
Ha…yes, I am sure you can do better than $900!
Think of all the perfume we can buy for $900!
Coupons, lots of them! I didn’t know you need special pans!
L’Air De Rien today, just because it is the closest to a signature scent, that I have. Just 4 more days until my stay at home holidays. We won’t even visit our parents, so just a week of lazying around.
You smell great. Enjoy your time off!
You smell wonderful. Might glom on L’ADR tomorrow.
It’s definitely a Monday over here. I mistook my bottle of glossier Future Dew for my hair serum and so applied two generous pumps of facial serum/ highlighter to my hair, and then had no time to wash it out. Google was down when I was supposed to start first period (by google meet). It’s pouring, so I paced around inside my classroom for 30 minutes instead of walking outside. Although I should have gone out into the rain to try to get the shiny peach stripes out of my hair.
SOTD is No. 5 L’Eau. At least I smell amazing!
So sorry for your manic monday…
….and now there is that song stuck in my head. ?
Love that song!I was a big Bangles groupie!
I am always ready to Walk Like an Egyptian.
YESSSS!!
Same
Yes, i love The Bangles!
One of my old bosses sprayed hair spray under his arms by accident. Your story just reminded me of that. 🙂
??!
Oh, my family story is the time my grandma super glued her lips together, because of course you store your Blistex-like super glue tube in/on your bedside table…
Pro tip: acetone.
If it makes you feel any better, this morning I tripped while trying to walk up the escalators of the metro station under-caffeinated, and full on front planted with my backpack going up and over my head. In front of 5-6 other people.
Mondays!!! What can you do ?
Happy Monday!
Had the day off,it was a chilly rainy one.Slept in and then had my own mini-sniffathon at the local biggest mall in my city(people WEAR A DAMN MASK!!).
I think I tested “a” best of 2020:Memo Sintra.OMG.Instant love,LOVE!!
Totally unwearable on me personally,but oh my,I cannot stop sniffing the blotter I took home(unwearable=I know by now which types of fragrances might be migraine inducing to me should I wear it,like Bois Farine which I ADORE,But Sintra is GORGEOUS!!)
Sotd Bendelirious.Always on a Best Of/Desert Island list of mine.
Some other interesting smellies I tested from Vilhelm,Amouage,and I totally love the hair perfumes from Memo.Despite the overcrowding,a pretty good day at the perfume counters!
XO
Sintra is very pretty (the bottle too), would not mind a bottle of that!
I’d buy it for the bottle alone myself!Memo does packaging really really well!
That must have been great, johanob!
I was out walking on Saturday and stopped at a lawn sale that (unusually) had really nice things, such as beautiful coffee table books. I was surprised to realize it was my first shopping experience since March!
It was my first 2020 visit to this particular mall,which I jokingly used to call “my Saturday church” because on Saturdays I was always there!How things have changed in a year.
I love a good interesting coffee table book,did you buy one?
Yes, “at home — the domestic interior in art” by Frances Borzello, with 160 color illustrations. I can’t decide whether this choice is entirely fitting or somewhat ironic.
Loving “Saturday church”! Years ago a friend reassured me that department stores are “museums of modern culture.”
You tested a lot!
How does your nose handle it?
big love & baci
I did,yeah!
I do get smell fatigue after about ten or so perfumes,but then I usually just leave for a bit or shop something entirely different and then return.
Ciao Bella!
XO
Thanks for your opinion on Sintra. A sample of it should come to me this week, and I am looking forward to trying it.
I had a fun time reading about your perfume sampling!
I thought I was getting Sintra from Bergdorf but I ended getting various diffusers, Sintra can be for the next batch. The real Sintra is gowrgeous – I really should post more pictures!
SotD oddball: Rochas Fleur d’Eau. Got the very pretty bottle on an antique mall tour. It is similar to Geoffrey Beane (an Ebay find in a cheapee lot), a fresh amber with fruity notes and melon and sweet florals. It does not give me a thrill, but I like it. If you see it on your thrifting or antiquing tours, and it’s cheap, get it for reference because you could pass it along with honor after your “get” it.
Nice find!
Rochas’ contemporary perfumes sneaked up on me; I was surprised to see I liked several quite a lot.
Hello friends, we had a dreary rainy weekend that was also exhausting because I spent it baking up a STORM. I baked 320 cookies to give as presents, and that sounds like a lot, but actually turns out to not be so many when you have as long a list of people to give them to as I had. Sigh.
My Clinique Wrappings package came today! I was so excited that I sprayed it on immediately. It definitely has a solid dose of Cliniqueade, a pleasant chypre business. Wrappings is less raucously joyful and fizzy than I had imagined. It’s nice, but is it gift box nice? I’m not so sure. At least it was only $35, and I’ve been eager to try it for years, so I’m still glad I got it.
Wow, 320 cookies! Bravo. That’s dedication.
Thank you, if I am quite honest I’m pretty impressed with myself! But somehow all the cookies just disappeared into all the boxes :-/
Wrappings is a really unusual scent. Definitely a great purchase!
Thanks so much for the Wrappings report!!!! I have been tempted this year, but I went with some samples and scented candles in “that” part of my budget. I might yet try to sniff it at my local counter if possible; but I think it can wait to join the shelf.
I’d say that Wrappings is a cousin of Aromatics Elixir. If you’ve ever smelled it and liked it, then you will probably like Wrappings. My $0.02 worth.
Totally agree, they have a lot of shared DNA!
My Mom is trying to convince me that I should help her with the Great Bake this year. I say a dozen cookies per individual is plenty, but she thinks everyone should get two dozen. I should probably just accept my fate. . .
Good job!!! I’ve been baking one round of cookies per week for, well, pretty much me. Mr. Teebear gets 1-2 if he’s lucky. 320 is heaps impressive!
Wow, 320! How many did each person get? Maybe get smaller containers next year? I don’t know kf I am getting any this year, but my sister-in-law and niece used to bake up a storm too and I got … 4, and then 2 other frilly thing (chocolate-dipped pretzel rods).
Testing a few scents here: By The Fireplace..sooo yummy. Bel Ami Vetiver test 2, such a manly, leather y, spicy goodness scent! And Miami Duppy, which smells like a boozy, woody tobacco all yummy goodness mmmmm.
Duppy reminds me a bit of Chergui which is nice:). I smell warm and toasty!
I wish the name was something else ?. Maybe I’ll just call it Miami Guppy.
Monday and cold rain today. Yuck. What a combo. At least it made for good sleeping weather.
SOTD = more Reve d’Ossian, from the sample stash. It’s wafting wonderfully today.
Jalapeno, I tried Paracelsus last night, and my reaction was the same as yours – swoon! Holy cow, that’s a gorgeous scent! Now I need to go back in time and change one of my answers to the weekend poll. 😀
To me, it is one of the most beautiful dark roses I have ever come across. And yeah, I might have to add a small bottle of it to the “Jonesing” list…
You are enabling! Must resist, must resist …
What were you up late reading Robin?
In Ginger Piccante. I’m having the Monday blues. Finding it hard to focus on work for some reason. I’m overdue for a staycation
Hilary Mantel’s Mantel Pieces, which is a collection of her essays from the London Review of Books.
So, no suspense there and no reason I couldn’t have turned the light out at a regular hour!!
So sorry for your Monday blues, yasmina.
The essays must have been riveting. I used to read the LRB regularly when I lived in the UK. In my fantasy life I would subscribe again and read each issue over a leisurely Sunday coffee with scones (made by someone who is not me) in my vintage dressing gown and furry slippers.
Ha, wouldn’t that be nice? I never read the LRB but in a more leisurely time of my own life I used to sit (in flannel pajamas and socks, probably, so not quite the same) and read the New York Review of Books — I imagine them as a similar thing but perhaps they are not.
Anyway the essays are entertaining and I am enjoying the book, but I would not go quite so far as riveting, and I should have gone to bed on time 🙂
As mentioned above, Soivohle Paracelsus is my latest scented obsession. Today I’m trying Illuminant Debris on the left wrist and Twelve Keys on the right. Illuminant Debris is beautiful, but it’s something I’d rather have in a candle than on my skin – white florals don’t usually suit me, and I guess the tuberose in it is too much for me. Twelve Keys, on the other hand (so to speak), is VERY nice – the combination of star anise and apricot in the top notes comes across somewhat like hoarhound candy, or a really fresh licorice. Still not as wonderful as Paracelsus, but awfully nice. The dry down is less interesting than the opening, but I’ll try it again in a slightly heavier application and see what it does.
Thanks to you, I was reminded that I have some Soivohle samples that are of scents released earlier this year. I didn’t think I had anything from 2020 in my stash.
Ooh, star anise & apricot sounds interesting. Enjoy!!
Philosophy Fresh Cream Soft Suede, which is nicely boozy in initial blast. Good on a rainy day.
Slept 9.5 hours last night. Didn’t sleep too well both Friday and Sat nights. Was up to attend 10 am church and then went back for sidewalk caroling in the early evening and stopped for final night of indoor dining on the way home. Guess that all wore me out. ??
Would love it if we got a nice snowstorm later this week.
You may just get your wish for snow! The forecasts are all over the place right now, though.
I think we’re getting a blizzard. I hope I’m wrong.
Wow, 200 posts already!
SOTD = Mugler A⭐️Men Pure Malt
Meh, for now … has some possibilities but not today. I’ll be wearing some of my ambers the next few weeks. We’re expecting snow in these here parts!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIy6wUaBxlv/?igshid=fbkfqfb3a3f3
I also saw and bought these L’Occitane Eau des Baux bath and body products:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIy-KukBpxs/?igshid=l7c89bet6sfp
In other news, I was looking for some cards at Target and saw one that I think should never be sent. Care to take a guess?
Give up?
Give up?
Give up?
Give up?
Here goes:
“Will you be my bridesmaid?”
Seriously? People, if I got this card, I would have said no. I mean, you don’t just ask anybody to be your bridesmaid! Do you? I would have picked up the phone and asked! And if this feels awkward, she is not the right bridesmaid – not your or her fault but you’re just not close enough to have someone give up time, $$$$ to help you plan and make your special day even more special. SMH ??♀️ when I first saw the card!
Yeah I hear ya Hajusuuri.Who would write this and who would approve it?
I should have complained to customer service!
Wow, there’s literally a card for everything. Even if that isn’t such a good idea…
Literally! Sadly, I wish they would separate the Get Well cards from the Sympathy cards…
Does the bridesmaids card come with a response card and prestamped envelope? Lol
This! Brilliant, lillyjo!
Nice L’occitane find. I like Eau de Baux, but not enough to buy a bottle. The shower gel might be a nice substitute.
The wedding industry has taken a weird turn in the last decade or so.
Hello NST’ers! How are you?
it’s the most wonderful & weary time of the year.
Go forth and gather and celebrate. We need some mirth (and myrrh ?) we need to lift our spirits and energy.
Okay, so on the 3rd wearing of Les Indemodables Vanille Havane (cool weather too) I am loving this fragrance. It took me a time or 2 to get the feel of this one.
This opening is perfect vanilla bean, rum, cigar….cocoa OH MAN!!
Wow it’s a holiday leather and then some, It’s all there, the amber too, in just the right frequencies and perfect balance. You want to keep checking in w/this one.
Antione Lie is a MASTER.
Anybody else tried this?
Don’t let anyone stomp on your holiday.
So many Scrooges about.
Mirth & myrrh yes! 😀
Haven’t tried it but I am planning on getting a large sample ?
That scent sounds wonderful! *adds to sample list*
I’m having a very slow day since I slept until 12:30 p.m.! Pain meds + antibiotics with crummy side-effects. It’s so awkward to do everything left-handed. I’m oncomed to frozen dinners. After a very late shower I sprayed on Caron Parfumerie Sacre, edp. It’s one of the first “serious” perfumes I ever bought. It’s a tad too sweet but I do enjoy the rose-spice combination. It’s elegant! Trying to maintain some standards here! It’s finally cold enough for my new winter white sweater.
Glad you stopped by – I was hoping to confirm that you are still healing from the cat bite. Frozen dinners have their place! AND I tried to get a winter white cardigan for visibility on early morning walks but it sold out. I’d bet you look and smell wonderful! =^v^=
I don’t do early morning but for just in case I get caught out when it gets darker, I have an orange reflective vest which I bought at a hardware store. I just need to remember to wear it over my coat ?
I agree frozen dinner have their place, but I do know you miss cooking! Hugs!
I have a few back-up frozen dinners. I always cruise by the frozen dinners aisle and only buy the ones on sale.
So glad you are able to sleep late, and so glad you’re ok!!
I do not mind confessing that this weeks CP will be hard for me! I have definitely departed the never ending new release train and have started working in a more backwards looking exploration of fragrance. The only 2020 fragrances in my stash are Chronotope samples and some Chris Rusak Relief and Beast Mode. Today I wore Caron En Avion from the original bottle, from Paris in the 1930’s. My cousin found it for me at an estate sale in Northern Virginia a few years ago. Always task the perfume neophytes in your life to look for vintage fragrance for you! They have much better luck than I ever do. It is mostly full and smells pretty wonderful and has a $5.00 sticker on it. I also have some quite old Caron Nuit de Noel which is lovely and some vintage Joy and 1000 I want to wear.
Has your cousin found anything else like that En Avion?
Some vintage No. 5 and some Shalimar Talc.
I only have one perfume that was a new release for 2020, and that is Violet Ambrosia. I am saving that for Friday for the CP, so the rest of the week will be whatever I feel like. Today was some vintage Jovan Frankincense and Myrrh from a little bottle I picked up on eBay. The weather has turned chilly again here, so I am planning on wearing some more of my winter perfumes this week.
Very winter-ish here too, 50_Roses.
Hello, everyone. Its evening time in FL and a package with my christmas gift has arrived… it was Tango edp my mom bought for me and since she just saw it in my face, she just knew I wanted to go ahead and open it since it was a total blind pick. Well I am now sniffing my wrist and luckily it is an absolute masterpiece I can add to my collection. It smells very spicy, but aromatic and actually smells like nothing I have ever smelled before. Not an amber You will find everyone else wearing. There is a bit of smooth, yummi gourmand to it as well. But the orchestra of amber and spices is an absolute masterpiece on my skin. Wow, what a great pick. I knew it would kick butt and it has. Now I am real ready to try Russian Tea, Kintsugi and L’atessa by this perfume house!!
Oh so glad you loved your present, and you have a nice mom!
Congrats on your acquisition! Tango didn’t work for me, but Russian Tea is fantastic and Luci ed Ombre is doubly fantastic.
I’m in January Scent Project Vaporocindro as my “go to bed” fragrance tonight. It starts fruity on me and then warms up and is just a very soothing & restful scent on me. Stay safe & healthy everyone!
And you as well Catanosmia!
I don’t wear that one enough. You smell great!
So late! I often start typing in the morning and then get distracted by other things.
Alien Musc Mystérieux and a lovely Monday to everyone!
I fully tripped and fell up the metro escalator this morning, thankfully offering amusement or schadenfreude to at least 5-6 other commuters and only getting a little bruised! I don’t mind making a fool of myself as long as someone can enjoy it at least ?
Made borscht with porcini vushki (little tiny dumplings) today. It’s a traditional Ukrainian holiday dish, but I was craving it this week, and there’s even enough left to freeze a small batch and pull it around Christmas if I want.
Ohhh how wonderful!! I am from Poland originally and yes, borscht with dumplings (we call them uszka or uschka) is a very traditional holiday – christmas – new year’s dish. My mom always freezes some of her borscht or soups so we can enjoy them later!!
Ouch, glad it was not worse than a little bruised teebear!
Hello! I missed the whole weekend, and here I am late (by East Coast time) in the evening, trying to catch up on blogs and such.
Scent of bedtime last night/all this morning was Caron Bellodgia, the EdT that was my grandmother’s. I’d guess it’s from the 1980s or 1990s. I more remember the scent of her moisturizing lotion — in a yellow bottle with white writing, I think. Odds are it was an Avon product.
I went to Sephora on Sunday, and will confess my sins to Donatella soon enough. Second and third quarter this year I didn’t buy anything, but I’ve gotten a few things this past month or so. One of the things I got at Sephora was a Jo Malone sampler pack. I rearranged the cardboard boxes that I store perfume in — they’re mostly samples and decants — on Sunday to try to get them somewhat into order so I could locate things more easily. (LOL. I tried.) I found the Jo Malone samples I already have, thanks to some lovely folks here (Thank you! <3). Then I couldn't find the sampler pack I just got. Oops. Also I found the bottle of Pacifica Island Vanilla that I'd lost some months ago. Now I have two bottles. I got a box of 7 Virtues samples, and then realized that I already had that very same discovery set box. Also an "oops," but at least I hadn't opened the new box and I don't *think* I lost the receipt…