Happy Easter, everyone! It's time to fill your (fantasy) Easter basket:
1. You can pick one perfume, new or old: what is it?
2. And you can have one other scented product (a candle, a body lotion, anything): what is it?
3. Your favorite candy?
4. And any random present you'd like the Easter bunny to bring you.
(5. And an extra, pandemic-related question: what is the first thing you are looking forward to doing when this is all over? Or, if your life is already back to normal, tell us about something fantastic you've been able to do.)
Note: the Waitrose Chocolate Pomegranate ("Sweet, sharp and fruity. The irresistible flavour of caramelised white chocolate combined with fragrant pomegranate creates a beautiful and intriguing Easter centrepiece") is £3, if you can still find one.
Happy Easter to dear NST family! Tomorrow I’m going to post my Easter-themed instapost so stay tuned.
Today I’m in Le Lion de Chanel, from a tiny cute decant that I bought. I find it quite animalic but in an elegant, Chanel way.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNMtdD_Bc0y/?igshid=15egjf0ac8h84
1. I’ll take Masque L’Attesa to finally have it.
2. Candle in a tea cup from Memo. Wish they had them in Italian Leather but they don’t, so I’ll pick French Leather.
3. Marzipan-nougat choco eggs.
4. Some good, grainy face peeling.
5. Can’t wait to be back at the pool for a good swim. Gosh how I miss water.
Happy Easter and you smell great! Le Lion is one of my favorites.
I recently added your #1 to my collection ?
Thank you and Happy Holidays.
Congrats on getting L’Attesa! I used all samples I had, maybe time to get a bottle finally.
Your #2 sounds awesome! I didn’t even know MEMO offered candles.
They do! In beautiful porcelain cups you can then use for tea or coffee ??
?coffee and tea cups!
Happy Easter Sunday!
For today I chose Ashoka and Bombay Bling as my sotd.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNO8RUVBLWN/?igshid=16qfi1kzlct9v
Happy Easter lucasai!
that IS a beautifully made decant. I know it’s what inside that counts, but my aesthetic eye does enjoy when things are beautifully presented ?
1. Something old and wonderful that I’ve only sniffed a drop or two of, like Emeraude.
2. No. 5 bath oil
3. A box of See’s milk chocolates, but only the ones I like: caramel, mint, lemon, milk chocolate butter, California brittle, mocha.
4. Plane tickets to Minnesota for maybe October? and, while you’re at it bunny, make my school magically set a re-do on the 20 year college reunion that got cancelled due to COVID.
5. See above for my fantasy. Otherwise, I really miss wandering around and just looking at things without worrying about it. A lame mall, downtown, along the river, not real picky. Just want to feel like I can go where I please, when I please, without a mask.
I feel you on that #5. Just to be able to go anywhere without thinking twice about it.
And I hope your school will make that reunion happen!
Wouldn’t it just feel so free and wonderful to WANDER without concern?! Shoot, right now I would settle for going through the bulk bins at my grocery store without wondering about the lady next to me getting raisins. 😉
Nearly all of my closest and best friends were made during college, and then we all diaspora-ed throughout the world. Reunions and weddings are the only times we’re likely to get together. I miss so many of them right now. Somehow, even though it’s rare we get together, knowing we *couldn’t* get together this last year has made the distance harder.
Yes, having even the possibility taken away must be hard. Is there a way for you to initiate the re-do with the school?
Oh lord. I have so many projects on my plate right now! I need to delegate that one to someone else. 😀
1. Vintage Mitsouko Extract.
2. Pacifica’s Tibetan Mountain Temple candle.
3. Reeses White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.
4. Apple pencil for my new iPad.
5. I am looking forward to visitng my family in Austin. I haven’t seen my family in close to two years.
I would take your #2!
I didn’t get a chance to post yesterday, but I participated in the CP. I chose L’Eau d’Hiver to pair with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – particularly the first part of the book when Narnia was in “always winter, never Christmas”.
For the poll:
1) A bottle of Caligna. I’ve been craving it lately.
2) If the bunny is feeling generous, I’d love one of the giant Baies candles from diptyque. If he’s on a budget, a normal sized one would be lovely.
3) Candy? I’d love some salt water taffy.
4) Random present? I’d like a nice set of highball glasses.
5) The first thing I’m looking forward to when this is all over is seeing my family, either in Canada or here if they come down. On a more day to day note, I would love to see people without masks on and be able to see smiles again.
Good choice on the CPs!
2nd that!
1: vintage L’Origan parfum. I was once lucky enough on ebay to buy a quarter-ounce bottle of this, in its lovely original packaging. It’s wonderful.
2: Chanel no5 body lotion. (A staple, but I happen to be out of it).
3: a dark chocolate Bordeaux from See’s. Just one.
4: surprise me.
5: I want to wander through one of San Francisco’s art museums and then cap the day at a good restaurant. Or, like Marjorie Rose, I’d just like to wander around and look at things without worrying about it.
Just one?!
Believe me, just one. They are so special, so richly flavored, that I can slice one and eat it in several sittings over a day or two.
Mmm. Nope. Remaining incredulous. 😀
Same same. I’ve never eaten a single piece of chocolate, and stopped there, in my entire life. My sister often sends me two pounds of See’s Vanilla Nut Caramels (she cleans them out when she goes to the store), and I eat the box in the same time that ggperfume eats that one Bordeaux.
LisaD, do you live somewhere where you don’t have Sees shops locally? I could totally see myself digging into a 2 lb box, if it was something I hardly ever had a chance to enjoy! I just sent a couple pounds of chocolate to a friend, and the shipping from their website is brutal. Definitely recommend picking up your own (or your sister doing it)!
Oops. And meant to say my usual “serving” would be 3-4 chocolates in a baggie when I was at the mall or otherwise near a shop. None this year, though, since I don’t go out anymore. Definitely have some pent-up demand!
1.It would probably be nice to get a backup bottle of Iris Ganache
3.Scotchmallows and Chocolate covered marzipan from See’s
4.High altitude baking cookbooks
5. Can’t wait to not wear gloves while doing massage and would also like to be done with masks. I would also like to be spontaneous with museum visits rather than having to get tickets in advance for a timed entry
Iris Ganache is a very good idea!
High altitude baking cookbooks? Could you elaborate? I‘m very curious about what that might be ?
I’m moving to Denver in May. It’s a mile above sea level and apparently lots of recipes that work at sea level fail when you get above a certain altitude, hence my desire for cookbooks.
I see! I didn’t realise there were cookbooks specialising. Hope you find / get some good ones ?
I always wondered about this when I was a kid, because my mother’s American cookbooks (she had a lot of cookbooks and I would read literally anything) always had adjustments for altitude. So here’s the deal:
The higher you go, the lower the air pressure is, which has lots of interesting effects on cookery. Water boils at a lower temperature (it’s *boiling*, but it isn’t 212°F/100°C), so you need to boil things like eggs for longer. Ditto with baking: water evaporates faster at the directed baking temperature, so you have to alter the amounts of sugars, liquids, and other texturizing agents to account for this. Anything leavened rises faster and more, so you have to adjust for that, like reducing the amount of leavening and punching down your dough twice instead of once.
Ofcourse – I just never really thought about it. I can see how your tried and tested baking might get all muddled.
The new King Arthur All-Purpose Baker’s Companion cookbook has a high altitude cooking section. Lots of conversion tables.
There’s a cookbook called “Pie in the Sky” which covers the topic of high-altitude baking (not just pies) aptly, with various adjustments and recipes for various elevations: 5000 feet above sea level, 7500, even 10,000. Search it, you’ll love it.
That is such a great book title! AND I have high-altitude family in Utah, so you may have given me a gift idea!!
It *is* the perfect title, isn’t it? Glad to have given you a serendipitous gift tip.
Happy Easter everyone!
Wearing Nawab of Oudh. Already done the cleaning, trying to figure out what to do with the rest of the weekend. Contemplating a wardrobe organization to get ready for srping season.
1. Diptyque Orphéon
2. Something with Oolang Infini, not sure if they have it in candle or room diffuser or both – one of those
(5. Meeting friends.)
Do you like Orpheon? I haven’t yet tried it but I’m curious to do so.
I really do! I agree with Persolaise’s review on his channel on it being intriguing. I also agree with the reviews on fragrantica that the opening is smells like a gin tonic (which happens to be my choice of beverage when going out is a thing). I also get florals, powder and smokiness. It’s a lot of things at once but it’s not overcomplicated. I also get a sense of nostalgia from it which I’m not really able to explain, but it’s definitely one that triggered emotions.
I will give it a try at some point. I like my Oud Palao and Eau Capitale too.
SOTD is Chanel 19 EDP, for a haircut appointment this morning. I’m so thankful that the salon is able to be open at all, and is doing it the right way.
My poll answers:
1. You can pick one perfume, new or old: what is it?
I think I say this every year, but … oh well, so I’m predictable. Bunny, please track down a pristine bottle of the original formulation of Tabac Blond. Heaven.
2. And you can have one other scented product (a candle, a body lotion, anything): what is it?
Well, I hadn’t seen the Memo tea service collection, but now that I have (thanks, lucasai!), I would choose the candle-in-a-teapot in the cedar scent. I love the depictions on it of little people with their little umbrellas. Thank goodness they’re all sold out.
3. Your favorite candy?
Caramels. Any kind. Yum.
4. And any random present you’d like the Easter bunny to bring you.
Hmm … a cure for hot flashes?
5. And an extra, pandemic-related question: what is the first thing you are looking forward to doing when this is all over?
Hugging my hair stylist. And my Pilates teacher. And my mom, for crying out loud. Gaaahhh.
Isn’t that Memo tea set with candles so cute? And so darn expensive ?
Adorable! And covet-able, but only as a gift, from a rich uncle or Easter bunny – very pricey indeed.
Re: your #4… have you tried sage tea?
No – does it work? I think sage is the ingredient that makes me dislike turkey dressing, so sage tea would have to be really effective to make me drink it. ?
Ah. Not liking sage could be an issue for something that may work a little bit. The Republic of Tea has a Blackberry Sage Black Tea that tastes mostly of the fruit and not so much of the herb. I’ve had some success with diet modification for dealing with hot flashes.
I’ll give that one a try – it sounds yummy, and Republic of Tea does herbal teas pretty well. Thanks for the tip!
Happy Easter!
1. Puredistance Opardu*
2. I’m all set as far as candles go. My most recent acquisition was the highly praised (by Robin and Kevin) Salta candle from Cire Trudon. I have not burned it yet but it smells divine in the jar.
3. Orangettes.
4. A nice, luxurious lip balm.
5. I look forward to traveling again as I have not seen my family in almost two years.
* I am considering purchasing a 60 mL bottle of Opardu from Luckyscent. This is way more than I need, especially considering that Opardu is an extrait de parfum, but the price per mL is $5.4 for the 60 mL bottle versus $10.8 for the smaller, 17.5 mL option.
Would anyone be interested in a split?
How much are you splitting? Is this USA only?
I would probably split 30 mLs ( in 5 or 10 mL decants) US only.
I would be interested
Great! Stay tuned ?
I would be interested too
Oh, good! I will post more info once I order the bottle ?
Hi adanst!
Just to let you know that Puredistance is going to reformulate Opardu so try to grab it while it’s still the one you fell in love with.
Thanks for the heads up! I will get it, for sure, just debating over the size of the bottle ?
Hey adanst, have you tried the Sara Happ Dream Slip lip balm? It’s in a pot, but is absolutely the best lip balm I’ve ever used. The price is disgusting, but it’s worth it.
I have not. I will definitely look it up. Thanks Nancy!
That Salta might be my favorite candle ever, really.
That is indeed high praise.
Happy Easter, NST! ????
SOTD Heeley Eau Sacree.
My answers:
1. Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose or The Different Company I Miss Violet.
2. Philosophy Cinnamon Hot Dots shower gel. For an unknown reason I have been craving a lot for it lately and it is not available anywhere, not even during the Holiday season.
3. Peeps, always for Easter! ?
4. A bigger perfume cabinet. The one I have is about to run out of space.
5. Go back to the beach to take a very long walk and without wearing a mask.
And for a moment I read it as “cinnamom hot dogs” and I was like… What the heck is that!? ??
LOL! ?
I also read hot dogs and was a bit… What???
Cinnamon hot dog shower gel, for those special occasions when only a spicy cured-meat fragrance will do!
Seconding the I Miss Violet!
It is so beautiful!
I’ve seen the cinnamon buns shower gel from Philosophy recently, but not the one based on the Red Hots candies.
The Cinnamon Buns is sold almost everywhere. I am thinking that probably the Hot Dot was discontinued, since the prices on Ebay are ridiculously expensive.
? EASTER FREEBIE (US ONLY) ?:
1. Serge Lutens samples, slightly used of:
Daim Blond
Nuit de Cellophane
Le Participe Passé
Chergui
Feminite du Bois
Dent de Lait
Anyone who got freebies from me recently can claim this also, if interested.
Please, place dibs here and email me at monica67 at aol dot com
Dibs please? Thank you:)
Missed this! It hadn’t loaded yet. Still very happy to send along a decant of I Miss Violet. I have a big bottle and will never finish it.
Oakland, please go ahead and have the samples:) I was mainly wanting to try Passe but no biggie! Enjoy!
I just emailed you.
It’s yours! Please, send me your info.
Heya! I’d love to swap you a decant of I Miss Violet for your samples! The only one I’ll pass on is the Chergui, as I have tried it already. Emailing you.
I emailed you.
1) Please may I have a 100-mL bottle of vintage Paco Rabanne La Nuit. I didn’t discover until decades later how genius it is.
2) A tub of Parfum d’Hermes body cream, equally vintage. Holy cow that stuff.
3) Anything licorice, except the salty kind, which I cannot comprehend. I bought myself some licorice all sort for Easter so I’m all set.
4) Guaranteed winning lottery ticket? A few million bux wouldn’t go astray.
5) We so badly want to travel, even if it isn’t very far. We had a trip to Tokyo pulled out from under us last September, and we’ve been wistfully planning trips for months now, even knowing we won’t get to take them. We were hoping to go to Toronto this October for the Scriptus pen show, but things are going so badly in Ontario right now that we’re pretty sure we won’t get there this year.
SOTD is I Profumi di Firenze Limone di Sicilia, which I actually bought in Florence. It’s so nice, an explosion of citrus fruits on a subtle woody base. It smells like happiness.
Sigh. I think I’d like to smell like happiness.
Your SOTD sounds perfect. On the sample list it goes.
If you can get your hands on the Concentrato, that’s the way to go, as far as I’m concerned. It’s *very* concentrated, a bit oily. The EDT spray is all well and good, and probably more practical, but wouldn’t you rather have a tiny bottle of distilled bright-yellow Florentine sunshine?
I bought six of their scents when I was in Florence a few years ago and if I ever get back, I’m buying like ten more.
Florence is an amazing perfume-shopping town! We encountered several little perfume shops with local perfumers while wandering around looking for a different one!
The Concentrato sounds lovely! I’d love to go to Italy someday. ❤️
1. It’s a cross between Avignon or Liu.
2. I have all I need at the moment.
3. Harry and David chocolate covered bing cherries.
4. An Amazon gift card.
5. I looking forward to not having to wear a mask when I go out to do anything.
Spending some time in Zagorsk today.
Ooh, chocolate covered bing cherries! I seem to be shopping other people’s lists today…
Happy Easter to those who celebrate.
SOTD before shower Jersey, after shower Twilly
Vaccine update news: the small independent pharmacy near my home called and I getting my vaccine in a few hours.
Reading A Court of Mist and Fury, I am reading this series out of sequence. Her writing is not the best but I love being lost in her fantasy fairy world and I keep having dreams of dark hair men with wings and tattoos wearing leather pants.
For Easter I would just like some books and dark chocolate in my imaginary basket and to be able to hug someone other than my Mr Lovestosmellgood.
Yay! Good luck!
Thank you! It’s the one shot so after this I am done ✔️
Crazy to think I will be vaccinated before my in-laws
Lucky! I wanted the one shot too. Hope it all went welk
I have read the entire series from Sarah J. Maas and I loved it! I think there’s another one that is already out but polish translation will take some time.
From same author you might like Crescent City.
HI Lucasai-
I read Court of Silver Flames, her newest book, first. Now I am reading the second book. After reading COSF I think I dreamt of Cassian for nights and nights. He is what I would call in Italian “un bel pasticcino” 😉 🙂 No translation needed 😉
I will put Crescent City on my list as per your suggestion…
I started from The Court of Thorns and Roses and moved forward. Now need to wait for Silver Flames until it’s translated. I xould probably get an English copyright but I think I would get lost in it easily.
I will read the Court of Roses soon, though it’s not a new book it’s wait listed at the library!
I just love how flourished the sexual scenes are in these books ?
Me too, and I have only read 1 and a half.
I hope Crescent City doesn’t disappoint in that regard?
Congrats on getting the vaccine sooner than you expected! It seems like you were going to have to wait a couple of weeks? Glad something came available sooner. ??
Yes, I was on the list for a couple weeks but the site is all the way across town .
Now I can walk less than a block and I am all set.
I hope you’re feeling okay today. ??
Yay for getting the vaccine sooner than expected!
How are you feeling today? Is your arm sore?
11 hours sleep was wonderful
I actually received an Easter basket gift from a dear friend last night full of little loving treats! The chocolate truffles were my dinner, and I’m not apologizing!
Haircut cancelled, damn. Mani pedi later.
Some bunny could leave a bottle of Indochine, since I have recently opened my back up bottle.
On May 14 I will be able to hold my sister close. That is the best gift.
Apsara what’s your secret for these wonderfully long hours of sleep?
Well, I am old. And I get up at 4:30 or 5 weekdays for work and the project I am on is very long hours and intense.
So I am wiped out by Friday.
Wow that’s so early! Although I can imagine I would get so much more done if I got up a little earlier then my usual of 7:30
Happy Easter to those celebrating!
1. Either Le Lion or Rose de Jamal. Both definitely FB worthy
2. Another jar of Diptyque’s body riche soin cream. Obsessed with that stuff and I’m almost out.
3. Anything with coconut and dark chocolate
4. I will take an en-suite bathroom and walk in closet please
5. Visiting my family abroad. The plan is to go this summer.
Robin, do we have a splitmeet coming up?
Your #5
We also have family abroad and north in Canada. I also haven’t seen my family that lives just in the next state!
Hopefully we are nearing the end of this pandemic tunnel…
We will probably do a splitmeet in May. Sorta waiting to see how the swapmeet goes and whether we have enough interest. I have no idea if enough people are comfortable going to the PO or not.
I don’t think we’ll do a freebiemeet this spring/summer, and people should just keep giving things away in the polls when they feel like it.
Got it – thanks!
I’ll take a bottle of Tom Ford Bitter Peach, please. Actually I’d prefer a travel spray but so far they have not released that size. Wonder if I can make myself keep waiting for it. I don’t think I need any other scented products (got enough shower gels to last years…) I’m on a diet which is going well, so no candy for me at the moment.
Woo hoo! I got my first shot yesterday! WOW my arm is sore, but it’s worth it. My vaccine SOTD was VCA California Reverie.
We are eyeing TRAVEL after I’m done with all my shots & waiting periods. Probably a Yosemite trip first, then maybe Hawaii… But the first thing we will do for sure is to get together with also-vaccinated friends for dinner at someone’s home. Can’t wait to see humans face to face.
? congrats
Hoping to join you soon with your sore arm
🙂
Congrats on getting the vaccine, Pixel!
Were you the person who recommended A Gentleman in Moscow a few weeks ago?
If so, thank you! I absolutely loved it. I’ve now downloaded Rules of Civility as well.
Yes! I read it based on some other NST-ers recommendation (don’t recall who…) It was lovely, wasn’t it? I have Rules of Civility sitting on my shelf, waiting to be savored.
Happy Easter, NSTers! My SOTD is MFK Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait, thanks to a lovely perfumista here.
My poll responses:
1. I’d love a bottle of Bond 9 Chinatown. I tried this a couple of years ago and was indifferent to it. Tried it recently and was bowled over. Maybe I’m finally a perfume grownup now.
2. Any of the L’Occitane Verveine Mandarine body products.
3. Reese’s Thins Milk Chocolate peanut butter cups. The ratio of chocolate to peanut butter is just perfect. ?
4. Please Mr. Bunny, can you tuck a pair of custom made walking shoes in my basket? Thanks!
5a. I really want to see my sisters and give them a big bear hug. I’ve seen them this year, but we’ve kept physical distance. With masks on, it’s just weird and sad.
5b. I can’t wait for a professional haircut. Hubster and I have cut our own, and each other’s hair, and this bob isn’t working for me anymore.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FBoy-Portrait-Buster-Brown-Knee-Pants-Dutch-Boy-Haircut-Real-Photo-Postcard-RPPC-%2F133101940346&psig=AOvVaw2Kcl6QAuzId9RZXvq_zeOw&ust=1617548544765000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCIiY3Yas4u8CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAU
Chinatown
My gateway drug. mmmmmmmm
Please ping me! I have a bottle of Chinatown that does not get enuf love. I’m guessing there is still 25-30 mls in it. I have a ton of work this weekend, and am out of town next weekend, so it may take me a little while to send it too you (I think it is too heavy for me to just pop it in a padded envelope)–but I’d be happy to. I am still enjoying your Jicky!
ann dottie eisenberg attagirl comcast dottie net
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much! Emailing you now.
I made a haircut appointment for end of this month and almost shed a few emotional tears. Light at the end of the tunnel.
Oh I want to do that sooo bad! I’m trying to get up the nerve. You inspired me ?
I get it! My second shot is 4/12, and two weeks after that, I want to be in the chair, and with a blow dry, baby! ?♀️
Really good walking shoes is a great ask! It’s taken years for me to find running shoes that don’t squish my feet and give me the right amount of support. It’s tempting to buy like 5 pairs, because I just KNOW they will change them. They always change them.
What kind to you like? On the lookout for a nice pair…
My current running shoe is Hoka One One (Hoh-kuh Oh-nay Oh-nay) Clifton 7. They are very lightweight, but still sturdy. Give me enough space in the toe-box without my feet sliding around. I do add my own arch supports, as I have higher-than-average arches. And no blisters. That’s a bonus!
SOTD is Aromatics Elixir.
If I could choose a bottle I think I would like Salome or Corsica Furiosa.
A fig scented candle would be nice, Philosykos or something like it for summer.
For Sweets I love belgian truffles or everything nougat.
The Natasha Denona Glam palette would look good in my Easter basket.
I would like to travel again, even a small trip to a French supermarket would be great! We need more cheese, wine and rilette!!!!
I am surprised I’ve never had a fig candle, now that I think about it.
1. Les Indemodables Fougere Emeraude
2. Fancy soaps (Buly1803, Oriza L Legrand, Dyptique – I‘m not picky ?)
3. Marron Glacee (wrong season, but I love the stuff)
4. A beuatiful kimono robe
5. Seeing family abroad and travelling
Yes to fancy soaps! I finally opened my box of Bruno Fazzolari soaps that purchased for myself for Christmas–I got the mixed selection and began with the lilac–LOVELY! Even my husband, who could care less about such things, commented on it. No affiliation but https://fzotic.com/all/3xsoaps Also, the packaging is truly beautiful.
tempting!!
Ooh your number 4! I’m obsessed with the robe Nicole Kidman wore in the Undoing
This is the model I‘ve been drooling over for weeks… (make that months! ?)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/774616417/womens-apricot-orange-cashmere-silk-bath
Wow that’s gorgeous ??
We are experiencing a glorious day here in Minneapolis, sunny with warming dirt smell in the air. Wonderful.
1) the stunningly beautiful LE china bottle of Guerlain Mitsouko from years back
2) I love soaps and candles, I’d like a gift certificate for Aedes! They already get my money?
3) Swiss dark chocolates, preferably Laderach! Yummmmmm
4) A pair of new ankle boots. Nice but not dressy, low heel, comfortable for walking, I think it’s a pipe dream.
5) Travel! A trip to Africa, originally last fall has been rescheduled for this September. We love to travel and plan on making up for lost time as soon as we can. So much world, so little time!
You mean that hand-painted porcelain bottle (https://www.ifitshipitshere.com/limited-edition-porcelain-mitsouko-bottle-for-guerlain/)? SO desirable! And not even outrageously expensive at €350! (You can buy an empty one on eBay for a thousand dollars….)
Lol, that’s the one! And Mitsouko is the rare Guerlain I don’t care for, I just want the bottle.
Yay for spring in Minneapolis! It’s always so hard-earned over there.
Where in Africa are you going?
South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania. Ending with 4 days on Zanzibar, the vacation to recover from the trip! ?
We are going for an entire month, mid September to mid October, and mostly staying in small locally run camps.
It’s been a dream trip for years and we were crushed to postpone it last year. Our SAfrican travel agent has been a rock.
That sounds amazing!
Wow.
Ohmygod what an amazing amazing trip
Happy Easter/Resurrection Day weekend:).
1) I would love L’heure de Nuit or some Black Vines
2) hmm other scented product..probably something from the Lush store
3) Black licorice or chocolate covered licorice:)
4) I would like a new car lol
5) looking forward to taking off these stupid masks and seeing ppls smiles again
I’m super-curious about the chocolate-covered licorice Robin posted yesterday, but not enough to spend $20 on a little bottle. Maybe I’ll be lucky and run into it in a fancy grocery store some time.
I would be very interested to try the chocolate covered licorice. My dream Easter candy is malted milk eggs, but any licorice is a close second. I love it.
Chocolate malt balls are delicious! I used to work at an old diner that still served malted milkshakes. They were amazing! Chocolate malt was a favorite treat.
I always liked the malts more than the plain shakes. That reminds me, I have a layer cake recipe that uses malted milk powder. I haven’t made it in forever.
Ooh, malted cake sounds delicious! I hope a person can still buy the malt powder somewhere? Never have seen it at the grocery store.
We ran out of nested comments. Carnation has malted milk powder, regular flavor and chocolate. HTH.
1. I thought I’d not miss it too much, but have been craving En Passant. I emptied my bottle late last year. Tried the Highland Lilac, which just made me want the En Passant more.
2. I’m in a lilac groove, so a heady lilac candle (if there is such a thing).
3. Gosh it has been so long since I’ve had candy. I miss all of it–from fancy, hand-crafted chocolates to Swedish Fish. Those Waitrose chocolate pomegranates would do me as well!
4. Last week, doc took a biopsy of what she thinks is melanoma. I should find out Monday or Tues– would really like it to be nothing at all.
5. My husband and I are heading to Providence in late May to help my son move out of his dorm and drive to Ohio to empty his storage locker of all the things he left there in the pandemic rush. I am so excited. A dear friend from college lives in Providence, and I cannot wait to see her and her family.
PS my SOTM is Arquiste’s Misfit.
May your number 4 be nothing worrisome. Hugs! (I’ve had several small skin cancers removed.)
Fingers and toes crossed on your #4. I hope it’s not serious. Hugs to you!
I have a decant of En Passant (probably about 15 mls) that I don’t wear much. Email me at foxbins in the land of aol if you’d like it.
Wishing you an uneventful #4!
I hope the results of the test comes out fine. Hugs!
Fingers crossed for the pathology report to come back normal.
So sorry Oakland. I hope it turns out to be no more than a nuisance.
Sorry to hear about that. I hope that turns out to be nothing to worry about.
Hoping that your no. 4 is nothing.
Hoping your #4 is nothing and that the Easter ? bring you something frivolous and delightful to celebrate
Echoing all of the good wishes:)
Hoping #4 comes back negative!
Fingers crossed it’s nothing
Hope it’s nothing and that they tell you first thing Monday.
I hope that you get good news with #4!
1) One perfume: Mx. by Eris. (If anyone has a partial bottle that they don’t want, please connect with me for a swap–you can find my email by clicking on my screen name above.)
2) I’ll take the Astier de Villatte Naples candle that’s forever in my online shopping bag.
3) I like lots of high end candy (Fran’s caramels, Theo chocolate) but I still love peanut M&Ms as well.
4) I’d love a remodeled bathroom if the Easter Bunny runs to that sort of thing.
5) We just bought airline tickets to go visit best friends in Colorado in May. All of us are vaccinated and we’ll still mask, eat outside, etc. But I am super excited to see everyone.
Yay for your #5
Mr. Spicebomb and I went to the Theo chocolate factory on a trip to Seattle a few years ago. We left with entirely too many bars of chocolate.
I understand!
They have special, limited run bars at the factory, and I was like “I’ll never get this one again, or this one, or this one. And golly, that one would make a good gift.” 😀
1. You can pick one perfume, new or old: what is it?
I am lucky enough to own everything I want, so nothing.
2. And you can have one other scented product (a candle, a body lotion, anything): what is it? Nothing again, don’t use candles or scented body products.
3. Your favorite candy? Almond Joy candy bars or See’s Pecan Buds.
4. And any random present you’d like the Easter bunny to bring you.
I’d like a condo in Honolulu. (Hey, the bunny is magical, right? Nothing is out of bounds.)
(5. And an extra, pandemic-related question: what is the first thing you are looking forward to doing when this is all over? Or, if your life is already back to normal, tell us about something fantastic you’ve been able to do.) I want to walk outside without a mask and eat inside a restaurant.
Today I’m wearing Azemour and continuing to break down the branches that fell in the winter ice storm. I have to cut them small enough to fit in the city compost bin, and the big branches I will have to take to the main waste station in the car.
The damage from that storm has been so immense! We’ve finally composted the biggest branches we lost, but there’s just a sort of twiggy messiness to the back yard where we have trees that is going to take a while to sort out.
Do you think this summer is likely still too soon for a Portland perfumista get-together? I’ve been trying to decide how comfortable I’d be with that. Maybe if we were mostly outside? Maybe if we were mostly vaccinated? I’d like to wander about and talk about not-COVID for a change.
I think probably summer will be okay for a get-together if everybody is vaccinated.
Another reason to hope the vaccine roll-out goes as needed!
I will take a condo in Hawaii too please
1. Oriza L. Legrand Royal Oeillet
2. More Hermes Orange Verte face and body cream I adore it
3. I miss Tootsie Rolls and Almond Joy
4. Plants for my balcony
5. Going to the movies
I love the Orange Verte perfume in the summer
It is such a refreshing staple of a summer wardrobe.
Almond Joy bars are one of my favorite Halloween candies!
Happy Saturday.
1) I can’t decide but would be happy with a bottle of Opardu, Chanel Boy or a perfect vintage Arpege.
2) I always wanted to try Frederic Malle iris hand cream.
3. Nothing specific but I like good chocolate, preferably dark.
4. That’s between me and the rabbit. ?
5. I’d love a vacation cottage in Vermont. It’s such a beautiful state. I could hike to my heart’s content.
Yes to your 5. In my case, must have proximity to Lake Champlain (used to spend summers there as a child, so nostalgia’s a factor).
Back in the day, the rustic rentals were called “camps,” and one summer we had to run around placing pots & pans throughout anytime it rained. Memories!!
That sounds like such a nice memory. I was there the late summer 2019. It is a stunningly beautiful area. We usually stay in the Stowe but always head to the Lake Champlain for a day trip. Thanks for sharing.
There are so many things on my list of possible future purchases, it’s hard to pin down one. Maybe The Dark Side from Francesca Bianchi – they are 30ml bottles in modest sized packaging, so maybe the Easter bunny could fit two into the basket 🙂
I’ll pass on the other scented products and bank that for future perfumes!
Sweet treats – it has to involve chocolate, I think a box of chocolates from Bohemein, a local artisan place.
Another random thing – shoes, something fun and impractical, but with a low heel, my feet aren’t as young as they used to be.
Life is very normal here, other leaving the country. We’re free to leave, but getting back means two weeks in an isolation hotel, at considerable cost. Just knowing I can’t travel means that I want to – a weekend of perfume shopping in Sydney or Melbourne would be fabulous.
The grass is always greener, isn’t? At the moment, normal life but difficult to travel because of having to isolate in a hotel on return, that sounds FANTASTIC to me. But of course if it’s what I had, I’d be like you and itching to travel.
Meanwhile, I am fervently wishing for both: normal life + easy travel. And a real haircut!
1. You can pick one perfume, new or old: what is it?
I want a bottle of Uncle Serge’s De Profundis, preferably in the bell jar, but I will take whatever I can get at this point! I have a small decant that is running out and it’s my favorite! 🙂
2. And you can have one other scented product (a candle, a body lotion, anything):
I burned through Cire Trudon’s Abd el-Kader and it’s glorious. I’ll take another one. I wish I hadn’t fallen in love with their candles!
3. Your favorite candy? Anything with chocolate usually, but a good black licorice would be great!
4. And any random present you’d like the Easter bunny to bring you.
Cash. Just cash. 😉
(5. And an extra, pandemic-related question: what is the first thing you are looking forward to doing when this is all over? Or, if your life is already back to normal, tell us about something fantastic you’ve been able to do.) I want to walk outside without a mask and eat inside a restaurant.
I miss concerts badly, I have one scheduled for July in Boston, but I think there’s a chance it might not happen. So I hope that I can still attend, and we get more people vaccinated by then! 🙂
DeProfundis is beautiful.
It will be so nice to ditch our masks!
1. I suddenly crave Ungaro Desnuda. I haven’t smelled it in 20 years or so but now I want it.
2. Tree house candle from Byredo.
3. Anton Berg marzipan. Or chili lime popcorn.
4. A blue moon ring from Maria Nilsotter.
5. Today I got to hug my father who is now fully vaccinated for the first time since the pandemic started so I’m content.
How nice you got to hug your father!!
Dear Easter Bunny, I would like:
1. A bottle of Kilian Apple Brandy
2. A Cire Trudon candle, Salta would be great
3. Fun-sized 5th Avenue bars
4. Fantasy gift: for the bathroom Mr. V and I are about to remodel to be magically and beautifully designed and finished without my having to look at any more tile samples or light fixtures. Realistic gift: a sampler of black teas from fortnum & mason.
5. I’m really looking forward to going to Trader Joe’s and getting a haircut. 2.5 weeks until I’ve received my second shot and passed the waiting period, so I am almost there!
Am with you on a magically-renovated bathroom! First up: a soaker tub…
I’ll second that #5 TJ trip!
You’re getting a haircut at Trader Joe’s?! 😉
Hah!
1. I’m going to have to go with a full bottle of Theorema. I still have some left, but I’m going to be genuinely sad when I finally run out.
2. I’d like a Santa Maria Novella terracotta pomander. Wait — is it a pomander if it doesn’t have holes in it? Or is it a diffuser? I’m not sure. In any case, I’ve always lusted after this pomegranate-shaped, scented object.
3. Home-made salted caramels. Nicely chewy, made with all of the good stuff: butter, heavy cream, sugar, and a sprinkling of tasty sea salt flakes.
4. I’m going to call Vee, and raise with a kitchen reno on top of the bathroom re-do.
5. Life isn’t back to normal just yet, but a friend of mine (also fully vaccinated) came over to my house yesterday, and we sat on my couch, talked, and drank tea — just like real people. It was strange and prosaic and glorious, all at the same time.
Theorema is so lovely and easy to wear
Mmm. I make my own salted caramels sometimes. I use coconut milk, since I’m fairly lactose intolerant, and it gives them a slight coconut flavor, but I think they’re delicious!
1) SJP Lovely. Still my favorite.
2) Laura Mercier Almond Coconut milk body lotion. That stuff is just
so divine, you just want to dive into the bottle.
3) Dark chocolate w/coconut filling. Real coconut, not the creamy
stuff.
4) Maybe an all-expenses paid beach vacation? Hey, a gal can dream
amirite?
5) I look forward to the day when a grand total of zero people need
to worry about this virus rubbish. For now, I am content with
bringing home my paycheck, window shopping, visiting the
bookstore and the newly re-opened library, and my walks,
and catching up on my shows. Basically what I used to do pre-
pandemic; the simple life.
(S)oup (O)f (T)he (D)ay: Dame’s Dark Horse. I used two samples, and it smelled great.
That’s so wonderful your library opened. I really miss spending time in mine
1. You can pick one perfume, new or old: what is it?
MDCI Fêtes Persones
2. And you can have one other scented product (a candle, a body lotion, anything): what is it?
Cire Trudon candle
3. Your favorite candy?
Dark chocolate covered marzipan
4. And any random present you’d like the Easter bunny to bring you.
A great new house with no bidding wars or nasty hidden defects.
(5. And an extra, pandemic-related question: what is the first thing you are looking forward to doing when this is all over? Or, if your life is already back to normal, tell us about something fantastic you’ve been able to do…)
I want to never ever wear a face mask again.
My SOTD is Spiritueuse Double Vanille.
Typo! That is Fêtes Persanes of course.
Ahh the bidding wars. We have them in my town too. Crazy stuff happens
It’s nuts, I see houses selling for 50-100k over asking price. No thanks.
Same here. With all cash offers! It seems unsustainable
That’s what we had to deal with when we bought our house in Portland two years ago. We offered $40K over asking and were the 2nd highest bid for the place we got. Apparently bidder #1 annoyed the seller in the first 12 hours, because they called us the next morning and asked if we were still interested.
We couldn’t compete with all-cash offers, and you could just *feel* when a house was likely to get that sort of attention. It was pretty heartbreaking at times, but I love the house we finally got!
I will be making an all-cash offer, but I can only go so high. Interesting tidbit about buyer who annoyed the seller, do you know what they did to annoy them?
My understanding is that they asked to take another walk-through before they’d sign the papers. Sellers took that to mean that they weren’t really interested and would drag their feet.
1. You can pick one perfume, new or old: what is it? Vintage Chanel No. 19, edp.
2. And you can have one other scented product (a candle, a body lotion, anything): what is it? I loved my Diptyque Christmas candles – maybe a rose-themed one.
3. Your favorite candy? For Easter? Chocolate malted milk eggs.
4. And any random present you’d like the Easter bunny to bring you. Calorie-free *magic* chocolate malted milk eggs!!
(5. And an extra, pandemic-related question: what is the first thing you are looking forward to doing when this is all over? Or, if your life is already back to normal, tell us about something fantastic you’ve been able to do.) Family reunion at the beach planned for June – all attendees are either vaccinated or will be by then – so hope is everyone will come.
Happy Easter and Spring and off to read everyone’s comments….
Calorie Magic! I saw a poll online the other day, what do you want to be magically calorie-free (later updated to “consequence free” since several folks commented about other challenges of overeating certain foods). For me, it will always be homemade brownies.
SOTD = The Harmonist Royal Earth
Very nice primarily iris scent!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNNk0a_BvL_/?igshid=1x2jx0j0534hr
Onto the poll!
1. You can pick one perfume, new or old: what is it? Vintage Molinard Habanita.
2. And you can have one other scented product: Cire Trudon candle – jumping on the bandwagon!
3. Your favorite candy? For Easter? I’m easy – very dark chocolate anything.
4. And any random present you’d like the Easter bunny to bring you. A cleaning genie.
5. And an extra, pandemic-related question: what is the first thing you are looking forward to doing when this is all over? Or, if your life is already back to normal, tell us about something fantastic you’ve been able to do: Travel – I’ve had 2 trips last year cancelled or rescheduled (to 2022) and I didn’t even get a chance to sign up for a New Year’s trip like I usually do. Also, I would like to go an cruise with nary a worry.
More bottle porn!
It’s a good thing Robin did a poll today, so I have something to post other than whining about work!
Questions:
1. Cristalle edp and/or Gucci Envy
2. Coco body lotion or shower gel
3. I love almost all chocolate. I really like chocolate truffles that taste similar to brownies. I don’t know the name.
4. The same thing I always wish for, the health and well-being of my children.
5. I hope that someday I get to watch a stand up comedian do a bit about this part of history and I laugh so hard I cry. I really miss laughter.
Sotd is Angelique Noire.
1. Large bottle of No. 19 extrait, please!
2. A fragrance garden with a David Austin roses and a pink magnolia tree
3. Lindt 70% cacao truffles
4. I’m stealing someone else’s brilliant idea: a winning Powerball ticket! Then I can rent all the vacation homes I want, in different places!
5. I’m really looking forward to international travel again. Those trips are also when we indulge in concerts, theater, museums, so it’s really all of those.
Yes to travel with concerts, theater and museums! My husband and I were discussing that last night. It would feel ok to go on a road trip, but once we got there, then what? If it’s not warm enough to entertain ourselves outside, not sure there’s much we’d want to do once we got to our destination.
We’ve driven to the beach twice and stayed in rented condos during the pandemic, which were wonderful breaks. Just a different sort. I have a feeling we’ll be doing more outdoorsy vacations in this country at least in 2021. We will fly to a family wedding in June, so we’ll see how that feels. We should all be fully vaccinated by then.
Happy Easter:)
Commando but thinking about a L’Artisan something or other. Lol.
Bloomingdales has a 50 off 200 with code Spring for those who are interested…I kinda wish I could snag me some Cuir Beluga. Lol.
I meant to mention..Ethel M Chocolates as one of my top candies. Sooo good.
I love Ethel M too! Their lemon filled chocolates are sooo good.
They are:) First time I went to Ethel, I sampled a chocolate and bought a box on the spot. Didn’t last long either haha.
Final day of packing, tomorrow is D-day! Wearing Attrape-Coeur to soothe myself.
Mmm. You smell AMAZING! Yay for almost being done with packing! Those last handful of boxes are always a mess, in my experience.
The vehicle is full to the roof, just enough room left for me and the dog to get in!
Glad you kept room for the dog! 😀
So hard to drive with no rear-view mirror. Hope the trip is a short one.
It will be a 3 day trip, but my husband is used to driving without a rear view mirror (truck & camper). 🙂
3 days. Yikes! I drove a moving van from Minnesota to Oregon over 5 days one summer, with 3 cats in the cabin. It was an ordeal for all of us, but we made it.
Hope your trip goes smoothly!
Wishing you the best of luck!
There wasn’t a space to respond up above about annoying the seller, so I will post here. I’m sure things are different now, but I wanted a house where the seller just didn’t like me. They demanded to be present at all showings. Apparently, I had made a comment about the furnace being old, and the seller took offense. (the furnace was ancient, it was an old octopus style) I put my bid in and they immediately rejected it. Months later they sold for almost twenty thousand less than my offer, because they had to move. The realtor told me that they didn’t like me. Lol. I get it though, I took a loss once selling my car, because the buyer seemed like a jerk, and I didn’t want the guy in “my” car.
I totally understand, we had good luck in that the couple who bought my condo were exactly the kind of buyer I was hoping for. We had some dodgy offers and shoppers before them that I did NOT want to sell to.
Sending you good packing vibes. And I bet you smell absolutely amazing!
You smell fabulous!
You’re almost there! I hope you have some time to decompress a bit this evening.
Yes, I have a hot shower and a relaxing evening planned, I am basically done except for a couple things in the wash right now and my toiletries kit. Whew!!
Safe moving travels!
Best of luck with last steps of packing and with the road trip!
Good luck and safe travels!
Good luck on your move!
Hi Everyone!
1. La Pausa, L’Attesa, Royal Earth all sound good.
2. Frederic Malle Iris hand cream (a BUT – back up tube)
3. I join the malt fans – malted milk balls are one of my favorite treats.
4. To live in France for an extended period of time and be able to speak French more proficiently.
5. Travel!
Sotd is Iris 39.
Oh, I love the idea that the Easter Bunny could help me speak French better!
While dispensing malted milk balls! Un mariage parfait!
Absolutement!
1. Chanel No. 19 edt in pristine vintage condition.
2. A matching Chanel No 19 lotion (I thought I saw this long ago for a second on a website somewhere, never to be seen again) so I don’t even know if it actually exists!
3. Lindt chocolate truffles – almond was pretty exceptional!
4. Warm weather so my flowers and plants can get growing.
5. Visiting with family and friends without masks. My niece texted me that she wants to come visit here this summer; hopefully we will get the vaccines by then so they can come visit! And I’d like to go shopping in person!
I’m hoping we can make it out there this summer! My husband is already fully vaccinated, I’m still waiting (too young).
Great! Wishing you guys very good luck with your house-hunting.
Hey all! Hope everyone’s doing well.
1. I’d like Le Labo Patchouli 24, please.
2. I’ll take another Gardenia Rose candle from December Creative. I’ve been judiciously burning the one I have since I want it to last! It’s so great! I just went looking for it online and can’t find it. I bought it at the Renegade Craft Fair a few years ago, so it was from some small business. Either they’re no longer around, or they changed their name, wah.
3. My favorite Easter candy is the chocolate covered marshmallow eggs from Russel Stover. So pillowy soft. My other favorites are the SweeTarts chicks, ducks, and bunnies :).
4. Another random present? A new couch! My old one is sagging and messy.
5. I want to be able to travel again, but also just to go places without wearing a mask, and without having to wear one at work all day. They fog up my glasses something fierce, although it’s getting better now that it’s warmer outside.
The fog on the glasses is really annoying!!
1. Daphne by LARO (natural line of L’Aromatica Perfumes)
2. Astier de Villatte Grand Chalet
3. Some of those chocolate eggs with the pastel shells
4. A new just-right mattress
5. Really just having the options back for the things I most like to do – go to concerts, movies, and eating in restaurants, especially for brunch.
A new just-right mattress is a tricky one to get right! Good request for the Easter bunny!
I’m in Parfum Sacre today. We’ll be headed to the dog park shortly, but I’m having an early dinner of brown rice and the last of the black eyed peas I made on New Year’s Day. ?
Have fun with the pupper! We just went on our last, favourite walk out to the ocean lookout point.
Aww, that sounds poignant. Good luck and safe driving on your trip north. ?
Happy Easter to the NSTers that celebrate it!
It’s a quiet, low key day for me and Mr. Jalapeno. We made a ham and snacked on that. Plenty of leftovers!
1. Maybe a small bottle of ELdO’s Fils de Dieu Riz et des Agrumes? I’ve noticed a faint but lovely basenote of incense in my recent wearings of it that I haven’t encountered before.
2. LUSH would bring back its Flying Fox showergel!
3. Favorite candy for Easter? Jelly Belly jelly beans. But leave out the Buttered Popcorn and Pear ones, please.
4. I’d have to think on this one for a while.
5. I have friends and family I have not seen since 2019. I miss them, but right now it isn’t safe. I’d also like not feeling uneasy if the grocery stores are a little busy.
Re: your number 3, you can pass the buttered popcorn jelly bellies to me–I love them! I’m with you on the pear ones, though.
Happy Easter Sunday to all who celebrate!
My poll responses:
1) A Serge Lutens bell jar – probably La myrrhe.
2) Lush sparkling pear soap (a Christmas seasonal item). The soap itself is a hot mess (sparkly orange mess) but the smell is yummy!
3) Favorite Easter candy would be Cadbury mini eggs
4) Could the Easter bunny bring me a helper to clean and declutter? I would like that very much!
5) Like most of you, I can’t wait to get back to traveling. And not just traveling but a more relaxed traveling. I’m already a slightly nervous traveler to begin with, but add in the layer of pandemic worries, and it just feels overwhelming.
And finally, my Tea Escape and Matcha Meditation comparison, I’ve been wearing both all weekend. I will begin by saying, the notes for each really do spell out the main differences in the two perfumes. Tea Escape, for me, is a jasmine tea with mint in the beginning, and then drying down to milky sweet green tea. Matcha Meditation is mainly jasmine and orange blossoms (very much a floral), but with a very interesting opening of dusty matcha powder and what must be the white chocolate note in the dry down. I’m not sure it smells like white chocolate to me, but it’s a sweet creamy dusty note that balances the sharpness of the jasmine and orange blossom really well. While their differences are very obvious when trying them together, in the middle notes, these two fragrances do resemble each other. They are definitely cousins, if not sisters. I’m so puzzled that MM Replica would discontinue one to release the other. I’ll never understand the perfume business!
Omg, so late to the party! Happy Easter everybody!???
1. MLM No 4 Bois de Balincourt or Diptyque Eau Duelle.
2. Some more of the IKEA osynlig candles. They are lovely. And a deal! The jar itself is worth the cost imho and I will keep them even after the candles are gone.
3. Dark chocolate or Reese’s peanut butter cups.
4. Plane tickets and an Airbnb rental in Salt Lake City to see my son.
5. I will see my parents at the end of this month for the first time in…too long. We have all been fully vaccinated for weeks now. There will be hugs, and I suspect there will be tears as well.
SotD is Beige. I’ve made to Chanel on The Perfume List.
In other exciting news, my daughter came home from college for the weekend!?
Oh Boy, I haven’t been much in the mood for perfumes of late. I think things are improving now.
Happy Easter.
Begun the day in Anima Sancti, then AuDeLa Narcisse to cover both aspects of the holiday celebration..
My random gift in would be: Patience.
My favorite candy: chocolate coconut candy (add almonds. make it dark chocolate)
My bottle of perfume: Xerjoff Renaissance.
I would like to visit my relatives again, in Italy.
Waving hello AngelaB!?
I hope you are well!
?? hello back lillyjo!
I am well, thank you and I hope that you are too!