It's the weekend, and there are 22 days left until the March equinox. We're whiling away the time with our usual open thread poll. Talk about anything you like — the fragrance you’re wearing today, the fragrance you'll put away when the seasons change, whatever.
Or, ask a question about fragrance, then see if anyone else has asked a question that you can answer…
Note: top image is Schneeglöckchen - Galanthus nivalis [cropped] by Ralf Wimmer at flickr; some rights reserved.
Happy weekend!
SOTD!
Chanel Misia.Continuing a Chanel weekend.
I went on a mini-sniffathon this morning at Arc store and Skins cosmetics.Sniffed everything and anything from Roja Dove to Memo.I also got the 3 discovery sets from Aqualis London,there is a South African connection as the brand owner is originally from SA.Also the names are references to historic and significant people and places here(Kruger,Brenton,Namaqualand,Kalahari,and Blom!(afrikaans for flower)).Eager to start sniffing them as well.
In other South African perfume news,I ordered the two new ones from Wick fragrances,they should arrive next week!Superexcited as I adore the first 2:Reine du Volcan and Night Call.
The new ones are Fabulous Human and Vanille de la Terre.I shall update you guys with first impressions once they arrive.
Roja Reckless elixer de parfum is SO PRETTY!Love it!
Diptyque Kyoto underwehelmed me,and finally tested Berdoues Assam of India-not my “thing” either.
Be well all!
XO’s
Wow, you are an early bird! Or really it is probably late where you are…?
Have fun with your discovery sets. How I wish there was good perfume sniffing near me. I have yet to sniff Diptyque Kyoto, thanks for your report.
Haha!It’s 18:12 Saturday early evening over here!
Thanks!Happy Saturday!?✌??
That gives me an ear worn! ?10:15 on a Saturday night?
Happy Saturday!✌️
Fabulous Human and Vanille de la Terre are both great names for perfumes. I will look forward to seeing what you have to say about them.
I cannot wait to sniff them!
Wick is planning international distribution,I hope you guys get to sniff them asap as well!
?✌??
I like Fabulous Human, too.
“What scent are you wearing?”
“Fabulous Human!” 😀
Misia is a good one!
Interesting perfume news from you, thanks! And I love that one of the perfume names is “Blom”. It reminded me that “Bloemfontein” was an answer to a question on “Jeopardy!” in the recent past. I got a smile from that. ???????
I’m in LL Rose 31. Pretty. It’s Saturday and the sun is out in full force.? Doesn’t get much better than that.
I rearranged my perfume tray yesterday. Yes, I have a perfume tray. I guess I am not a true perfumista keeping them tucked away in boxes away from the light. Looking at them and sniffing gives me more pleasure.
We watched the movie Land last night with Robin Wright. It was an okay story, not the best movie I’ve ever seen but certainly not the worst. The scenery was beautiful. I’ve read it was shot in Alberta Canada.
I’ve become a bad perfumista,and threw most of my boxes away recently!Let them live in the (dim) light(inside dark cupboards!)Haha!
Only BUB and travel sets are still in boxes,and I kept the prettier boxes like Amouage.
You smell fabulous!
✌???
Same here, I only keep special boxes, perfumes are on shelves in dark closet unboxed for easy access and enjoyment.
It was all about the easy access for me!Finally I have that!??????
I have my perfume on bookcase shelves. I like to look at and rearrange them. I also like walking by and randomly spraying whichever one catches my eye.
The sun is just now coming out here. It’s glorious!
I love that you do random spraying! I really need to look at a better storage solution.
I like to do that too. Plus I like to rearrange/pull out/ put away decants depending on the season or what kind of phase I’m in.
The sun WAS glorious today, such a mood lifter.
I have a glass perfume tray that I keep all the perfumes on that I am currently wearing. I change perfumes on it twice each year – in the Spring and in the Fall. Almost that time of the year again.
Wearing DSH’s Oeilets Rouges today. Rich cozy perfume for a 24 F day grocery shopping.
Pray for all those in harm’s way today. The world needs more good people actively choosing to think good thoughts.
I’ve reached out to Victoria from Bois de Jasmin,she still has family and many friends in the Ukraine.I’m glad to see her highlighting the beauty of her country of birth on Instagram and her blog as well.
Undina’s blog too – she is Ukrainian as well. Such a terrible situation.
Of course,Undina!And Lucasai is in Poland.So many fragrant friends!
Unnecessary and evil what is happening.
Yes, holding all of them and other friends as well in my thoughts. It’s very distressing.
Yes, her pictures were gorgeous.
YES to good thoughts. What we think matters.
Trying to maintain emotional equilibrium with everything going on is hard, not sleeping well and having lots of painful muscle tension. I’m wearing 4160 Tuesdays Complicated Shadows, it seemed appropriate.
??
Thank you JB, I send hugs back!
I am also restless too
Take care, cazaubon. Hope you feel some relief today.
I had a tension headache yesterday for the first time since I can’t remember when. Realized I have to moderate my media consumption for a time.
Thank you, you too!
Hugs to you, Cazaubon.
Thank you so much.
Sending comforting hugs, Cazaubon ?.
Wish I had something profound to say to ease your anxiety, but I don’t. So, I’ll be thinking of you and your darling Mila. Usually, giving extra love and affection to my doggo helps me be less anxious and always lifts my mood.
I am also sleeping badly and having painful muscle tension, especially in my shoulders… My morning run helped a bit, and for the sleep, well it’s time to try some chemistry that doctor prescribed ?
Hope you feel better soon! ?
I hear you on the not sleeping well as of late. It sucks. Hopefully you will get a good set of Zzzzzzzzzzzz’s soon.
My parents just came back from a trip to Malta and I bought some cake we’re about to eat as a late celebration of my birthday that was on Thursday.
Also something very personal that happened a few weeks ago – I came out to my mum. I just turned 32 and I struggled with my orientation for years, some of them I was in denial of who I was. But I don’t want to hide so much anymore. My father still doesn’t know but I’ll have to tell him too at some point.
I’m testing Musc Panache from Maison Crivelli. I’m enjoying it.
Dear L- I this must feel like a huge weight off your shoulders and I am so happy for you. Sending you virtual perfume hugs ?
Thank you
Good for you lucasai!
Enjoy your celebration today!
What kind of cake?
Its called Rafaello, so chocolate and coconut too.
Thanks for all the wishes and kind thoughts!
Self acceptance and self love!
Amen
Happy belated birthday! Joining LTSG and everyone else in sending virtual hugs and being happy for you in your ongoing journey. ?
Much appreciated!
There is never a “perfect” time to come out to your parents.I was very glad that my “coming out” was kinda organic,also mostly suspected by my Mom already,I just validated it with words.Good for you for taking your time and having the courage to do so now!
Welcome to the gay club lucasai!(bad joke,sorry!)
If you ever want to talk,let me know!
XO’s???️?
Thanks for your kind offer, I’ll keep it in mind.
The best gift you can give to yourself is to be you.
Good for you…to thine own self be true. 🙂 Happy birthday and enjoy that cake!
Belated happy birthday and best wishes. As a mother of 3 sons, I appreciate that you talked with your mom. We love our sons and want them to be true to themselves.
I think you are brave and wonderful. You are loved!
Echoing “brave and wonderful and loved!”
Thank you for sharing with us:)
Happy belated birthday! And ditto on LTSGs thoughts. Have a wonderful cake day!
Happy belated birthday. You gave an amazing gift to yourself – I hope you feel like a weight is off your shoulders.
A belated Happy Birthday!
Have a wonderful belated celebration, and well done you.
Happy birthday and congratulations! I too am happy for you.
yay for cake! and for the love you most certainly share with your mum. One of my children, barely old enough to be considered a young adult, came out to me recently. It feels good.
Very happy for you!
Happy birthday and congratulations! Big hugs for you 🙂 I am wearing Purple Rain today since it makes me think of you.
Thanks for all your wishes and kind thoughts
Happy birthday! I am so happy for you, life is best lived when true to yourself.
Happy belated birthday, Lucasai! Hugs, peace, and love to you! ?
Sounds like a double birthday Lucas. Enjoy the cake and weight off your soldiers!
You are such a brave man! Good for you! One is always most comfortable in their true skin. Hope you feel freed in every sense of the word. ❤️
Lucasai, thanks so much for sharing with us as well! I hope it all goes well for you. I’m sending you some supportive hugs.
Happy late birthday! And congratulations on taking another step in your journey to be your own true self.
Oh yay, good for you, lucasai!
Hope you had a lovely day with your family ?
Wow, that took a lot of courage for you to tell your Mom. Best of luck going forward for you!
Good for you. I bet you are feeling a lot better after confiding in mom.
Happy belated birthday wishes to you, and I hope that the courage and self-truth you showed in your revelation to your mom gives you added strength whenever it is revealed to your dad -and acceptance from both of them as the beloved son you are. ?
And as a person of Polish heritage, – all of my grandparents immigrated from Poland, my maternal grandfather from Poznan – I am deeply concerned and in kinship with my Slavic brethren and praying for peace and safety for all. ✌️
Happy belated birthday and congrats on coming out to your mom!
Happy Birthday!
I spoke with my uncle the other day, and he never shared he is gay to my grandparents. Granted he is more than twice your age and my grandparents were very, …don’t want to speak ill of the dead. Such a shame our society makes life so isolating and scary for gay people to be themselves. He removed himself from our family. I feel terrible. I could have met his partner, been there as he got sick and was dying. Years later, in our experience, there was no coming out. He just spoke about the love of his life. We’ve become really close, he’s more a dear friend.?
Sorry for the rambling. I know the situation and family members are different, but lots of wonderful things happen and new relationships can blossom.
Ciao Amici
Over chai tea this morning my father in law said to me: last time I came to visit you near March the whole world shut down, now I am visiting you the same time 2 years later and there is war. I just responded, the world need more of your chai tea! For the health benefits and the peace of mind if brings. Not to mention the aroma ?
If Kanuka is reading this, Kanuka if want the poster pamphlet for Intersects I can send you one. Let me know
yes to chai! and perfume, and chocolate, and all the small comforts that make life so rich and rewarding. Your FIL is a gem. 🙂
I think so too
Aw. He is right, isn’t he? So glad he is there…family should be together when there is trouble.
More chai, less war!!
That is the sweetest offer. Thank you but I am fine with reading about it and downloading the images. You are too kind and I appreciate it.
I just thunked a decant of Poudre de Riz from Huitieme Art. So far it’s very pretty.
Rice Powder is such a pretty name and I bet you smell great
I love Poudre de Riz. I’ve gone through 2 sizeable decants and was just contemplating a FB yesterday. You smell lovely.
Birthday adjacent with lucasai (mine’s today), and I’m spending the morning in Hermes Bel Ami. Mr. G and I will go out for ? this evening.
Happy birthday, SheriG. I hope it’s a wonderful and fragrant day!
Thank you, springpansy — so far so good!
Happy Birthday SheriG!!Hugs and balloons from Africa!?????
Thank you, JB — both hugs and balloons much appreciated!
Happy birthday and enjoy the sushi party ???
Thank you, lucasai, I certainly will!
Happy birthday!
Thanks, apsara! ?
Happy Birthday!
Thank you, lillyjo!
Happy Birthday!
Thanks, Gail!
?
? ?
Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Gaynor! Someday I’m going to get to visit your beautiful country … hopefully.
Happy birthday!
Thanks, sistine!
Many happy returns, have fun tonight.
Thanks, Aurora — we had a wonderful time!
Happy Birthday SheriG!
Thank you, adanst!
many happy returns, SheriG! 😀 I hope the coming year brings you much joy.
Thank you, tiffanie — I hope so too!
Happy almost birthday! Going out sounds wonderful.
Thanks, pixel — it does sound great, doesn’t it? We had a very nice time, and the sushi was fabulous!
Happy birthday to you!
Thank you, cazaubon!
Happy Birthday, SheriG! ?
Thank you, PL67!
Happy Birthday, SheriG! Enjoy the sushi ? ?
Thanks, hajusuuri — the sushi was perfect. Even the service was perfect, and that’s a bit hard to find these days!
Adding Happy Birthday wishes! ?
Thank you, Deva!
Happy birthday, dear SheriG! I hope you had a great day and dinner!
Thank you, tulipani — it was all just perfect!
Have a fabulous day and take time to enjoy it.
Thanks, Kanuka! I did, in fact — ended the day with sea salt and caramel ice cream in front of the fireplace. Not much better than that!
Happy birthday, and enjoy your dinner!
Thank you, ockeghem!
Happy birthday, SheriG! ?
Thank you, NinaV!
Happy birthday!?Have a wonderful evening.
Thanks, MTG — it has been a perfect day. ?
Happy birthday and enjoy your dinner!
Thank you, She-ra!
Happy Scented Birthday, SheriG! Enjoy that sushi repast! ???????
Thanks, Jalapeno — I did!
Happy Birthday to you!
Thank you, Kris!
Slightly belated but nonetheless sincere Happy Birthday wishes from a fellow vanilla-lover. Your evening sounded wonderful, a great beginning to what I hope is a year filled with good health and happiness for you! ?
Happy belated birthday! I hope your sushi dinner was wonderful. Sushi is one of my favorite foods.
Happy Birthday! No Dryad?
It’s scary on what is happening in the Ukraine right now. Little bit more rested today with Sunny. Rested enough to catch up on some chores and file my taxes. Did it in Coromandel. Currently in no 5 edt.
I hope you don’t get any bad associations with Coromandel (my HG perfume) from doing your taxes in it!
?
Clockwork by Roads…a hefty citrus with oakmoss…love it.
go team citrus! 😀 and that’s a fabulous perfume name.
It’s an extrait so I only do 10 sprays ?
LOL!!
and 10 is a nice round number, so why not? 😉
Hello there cm8!
11 hours sleep.
I read an article in the New York Times that said wearing socks to bed can help you sleep better. So, have been wearing socks.
New laptop here for new project. Have today and tomorrow to enjoy.
Taking a week off was really good. Went to an exhibit, had dinner with a friend, slept, read, walked, cleaned the house, tidied my office for new work. Mailed cards to people I love. Rolled over 401k.
Bought some samples. Mancera Saharian Wind..here’s looking at you.
Tax papers uploaded for appointment.
Lunch with friend next Sunday afternoon.
My sister visiting helped me get back out there…carefully of course.
Sounds like a great week – productive AND fun!
I’ve slept with socks on for a long time! I have tried without them but have always feel chilled somehow; I would wake up and have to put some on.
I wish I could sleep for 11 hours! Is it you that has that special pillow?
it is that special pillow. Plus age.
Age has had the opposite effect on me, more’s the pity. I would kill for a solid 8 hours of sleep a night.
Same!
Sadly, I’m part of this club, too.
Socks in winter definitely always!
Summertime I’m not even IN bed,only ON it,haha!
?
Are the socks working?
I recently started wearing socks to bed and will never stop! I do sleep better, though I sometimes get overly warm and kick them off in the night. 🙂
Sounds like a lovely week! ??
Too funny, my husband recently read that article too and told me about it. I have worn socks to sleep for as long as I can remember, except in the summer.
Your week sounded great.
I can’t sleep WITHOUT socks on! It seems like I’ve been that way forever.
Nice week for you.
Wearing Piguet Baghari (although it wasn’t intended. I thought I had grabbed a different sample.) However, it smells nice — airy and clean. Lots of aldehydes which aren’t generally my style but okay today.
Did a live but online cardio/weights workout this morning which felt great (despite dragging myself out of bed for it) and now finishing coffee. I love Saturday!
My trainer always reminds me that no one ever regrets a work out.
Words of wisdom!
Happy Saturday ? you smell great today, I love Baghari.
Thanks, A. Happy Saturday.
I’ve got walk/yoga/bike/jump-rope on my to do list for today. Sometimes I choose one, sometimes all, and I always feel better after. 🙂
Awesome to do list!!
Wearing Chanel No. 5 L’Eau.
Soon will be putting away Coco Noir and Black Orchid and getting out the Spring/Summer scents.
I often put on citrus in the afternoon, but admittedly it is nicer to do so when it’s over 70…over 80, even better.
I agree Robin.
I have all my perfumes out because I need to catalog them and also make new lists for what needs swapping or giving away. Wish me luck — it feels daunting!
No perfume yet but I am sure by the end of the afternoon I will have be wearing multiple different ones as I get distracted from data input…..
I don’t have any direct ties to Ukraine but the whole situation has really shook me up. I felt so sad reading Bois de Jasmin and looking at those beautiful peaceful images of her relative’s house and garden. I can’t imagine how scared everyone must be right now, including dear NSters with family there or living close by.
Thanks for mentioning the Bois de Jasmin post. It’s a beautiful tribute and post. I highly recommend reading it:
https://boisdejasmin.com/2022/02/where-my-jasmine-forest-blooms.html#more-31079
Does anyone know, is V’s grandmother still alive? (I should know this and have probably forgotten.)
Yes, Valentina is alive.
Thank you.
Weren’t her pictures beautiful? I loved seeing them. Looks so peaceful when they were taken.
Yes I felt peaceful just looking at them
That really is beautiful. I haven’t followed her blog — just have dipped in now and then when it comes up in a search — but I should.
Good for you to take on cataloging your perfume. I’ve been meaning to build an Excel spreadsheet of mine but still haven’t gotten around to it. I also have a few that I’ve been on the fence about keeping so should try and make up my mind about them before the next swap meet.
I’m using Evernote to do it and it’s already giving me clarity about the collection
A morning of housework, after several lazy weekends. I’ll save perfume till after I clean the bathroom.
I’m still testing samples, I might try Ambre Supreme from Les Indémodables again. So far, I like it, but it needs more thought.
It is a weekend of chores here too, Gaynor!
I woke up with this earworm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_ElZaDt2D4
Just luminous, and I miss Aaron and Linda’s music. They were great together. I have banana bread in the oven and it’s supposed to be sunny later on. I’m wearing Mohur, and hoping it will be a good day. Hugs to anyone who needs them.
Beautiful duet. Great voices.
Hmm, it’s smelling good at your place, banana bread + Mohur!
I love Linda. She’s great with Emmy Lou as well. Hope your banana bread turned out well!
I’m feeling very anxious, so I chose Smudge today. Biggest hugs to everyone who is having intense feelings right now.
Hugs back to you! Definitely having intense feelings.
And back to you, sistine. Intense feelings is a good descriptive phrase.
Hugs Sistine! ?
Feeling the same, sistine! Hugs to you ♥️
Hugs back!
Joining in the hug train!
Adding more hugs. I’m in Bois Blond today which I’m finding very comforting. ♥
Gucci L’Arte.
We now have curfew from 5 pm till 8 am. Most shops are closed, ATMs are empty. Sounds of distant explosions.
Be safe Glannys!!
Sending love!!??✌?
Please stay safe Glannys! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Ukraine. Do keep us posted if you can.
Stay safe!
Our thoughts are with you! Hope you stay safe.
I am praying for your safety.
Stay safe, these are terrible times.
Thinking of you. So worried.
So concerned about you and your countrymen during such a challenging time.
We are all thinking of you Glannys!
Glannys, you are in my thoughts and prayers! Sending hugs and love to you and your dear ones! ❤️
Love and prayers for you❤
Stay safe, Glannys.
Stay safe. I am praying for you.
Sending lots of sympathy.
I wish we could whisk you and yours away to safe, sweet smelling space! Thinking of everyone impacted by this latest ______! (geez, I don’t think I can type a polite word here, so I’ll leave it blank!)
Wishing you all the best and hoping you can find safety.
Glannys, I’m praying for you and sending lots of support!
Stay safe Glannys!
Praying for you and your people, Glannys. Stay safe ♥️
Also praying for you…please stay safe.
Be safe, and be well!
My heart goes to you and your loved ones. Stay safe, dear Glannys ??
I hope your loved ones are safe and well.
My heart is with you, Undina.
Stay safe Glannys!
Please be safe — sending you all the positive thoughts I can. It’s heartbreaking.
Echoing everyone above — definitely lots of positive thoughts going out to you and yours, most definitely including mine. ?
i hope you stay safe
Thank you so much, everyone!
Adding my thoughts and prayers and positive energies to the others’ for your safety. I cannot express how deep my admiration is for the bravery and resilience, even heroic self-sacrifice, shown by the Ukrainian people and their president. We stand with you.
Glannys, I’m so sorry for what you and your country people are going through. Sending you all the good thoughts and hugs I have and hope you, your family, and friends remain safe.
Good gosh. Glannys! My heart and ? are with you.
Please stay safe and hug your family as much as you can.
Started the day early but don’t think I’ve done very much apart from laundry.
Spent the day in Yardley Iris but tonight I’m in my most animalic scent Weil Zibeline parfum de toilette, it’s a commitment but I felt like it. It and other winter perfumes will be stored on the balcony in a month or so to be replaced by spring and summer perfumes. The problem is that having only half of my perfumes in the house I can blissfully be unaware of how many bottles I really have.
LOL. I have half in a cupboard, so I am unaware of the number I have. I switch every spring and summer too. It’s coming up soon!
?Here we are the two of us not facing reality, but it really makes sense to put away the past seasons perfumes I think.
SotD = Vol de Nuit EdT + Hiris
Goodness, I love VdN. My bottle is nearly empty, and I’ll be sad when it’s gone. I dropped it, now the sprayer is wonky, so I’m sure it’s evaporating.
Today’s Hiris was a happy accident. I wanted to spritz a bit in the air but the sprayer was pointing at me instead of away. 😀 That’s what I get for reaching into the perfume cupboard before I’m fully awake.
Have a lovely Saturday, fragrant friends. I still believe smelling beautiful is our superpower, and the world needs us now more than ever.
Amen to perfume’s superpowers! You must smell amazing!
thanks, Gail! 🙂 It’s an odd combination that works.
VdN is amazing stuff — you smelled gorgeous.
agree! VdN is a treasure. 🙂
SOTD is Prada Purple Rain. Got a good deal on a tester… anyone interested in a split? I will never use 100ml of this.
Oooof, I am tired of living in interesting times.
Our window project is nearly done. The windows have been in for a while, but husband has been patching and painting. Today he’s cleaning the windows. Can’t wait for the scaffolding to GO.
Holy cr*p am I also completely sick of these interesting times as well! I am looking forward to some calm and boring, if we ever get that lucky again.
Calm and boring is exactly what I want. Bring it on.
THIS. Most definitely this.
Purple Rain is a standout iris IMHO. 🙂 I think everyone should try it!
Congrats on the window project. I love nice windows.
Oooh, did someone say iris? I should try this…I should have read this earlier before I walked the mall during Ockeghem Tween’s orchestra rehearsal. 😀
Also fed up with living in interesting times. I’ve cut WAY down on news consumption this week.
We are definitely living in unsettling times and it’s normal to feel tired and over it. Perfume is a welcome distraction, I feel like I’ve fallen in love with scent all over again in the last month or so. Today I’m wearing lots of Patchouli Antique and contemplating what to layer with it. I might try a couple dabs of Angel. I’ve been a little obsessed with Thierry Mugler perfumes since his death; just blind bought a small bottle of Aura and I’m kind of wanting Angel Sucree, along with a couple of the AMens. What are some of your favorites? I barely recall Womanity and I know Alien was a scrubber for me.
agree and agree! I’ve fallen hard for my perfumes in the past few weeks. Some old favorites feel new. It’s like love all over again. 🙂
I had angel supreme and it is very sweet, sugary and powerful but fun. I couldn’t wear it after a few attempts . Glad you are enjoying perfume. Nice to hear!
Sucree
It sounds like it would be fun to wear.
I’m pretty interested in Iced Star right now, but haven’t tried it.
Angel Innocent is really good and I have heard the Angel in the round bottle with the puffer is very good.
Iced Star sounds great, a tropical Angel!
Some of my favs from TM are limited editions: the Taste of Fragrance Alien, and the leather versions of Angel and Alien. I also am happy that I grabbed the Comet version of Angel EdT before it was discontinued.
I loved Taste of fragrance Angel and especially Angel Cuir, I wish I would have bought a bottle while it was available. If I understand correctly, Angel Comet is the original Angel edt?
Yep, you got the perfume right! It had less of the fruity notes than the EdP, and had a camphor note that I enjoy a lot.
Angel EdT is one of my most-worn fragrances, right up there with Shalimar and Chanel No 5. (The older EdT – I think they recently did a reissue? – and what I believe Jalapeno is referring to as the comet bottle) It’s a very toned-down, softened, easy-to-wear version of the original EdP.
I also love Etoile des Reves, which is closer to the liqueurs (and Amen, for that matter), and has a nutty accord running through it.
I was totally unaware he had passed. Nor that he was as old as he is. Very sad.
Hi! Thanks for your recommendations, I love that Etoile des Reves bottle.
I am commando. Perfume is not giving me the comfort and distraction that it used to during difficult times.
The latest events in the world, the lifting of mask mandates, my mother in serious condition in the hospital again after her ileostomy reversal on Monday, my doggie Yei not recovering and getting worse as days pass and the stress at work is more than enough to feel extremely overwhelmed, anxious, depressed. I am struggling deeply to keep functioning every day and I hope there is a light of hope in the near future. It is very difficult to see suffering around and experience it at the same time. That’s why I have been absent lately. I am taking a break until things improve in some way.
I am with you all facing tough times. You are in my thoughts. Hugs to you good NSTers! See you again later. ?
There’s so much going in the world around us but you have a lot going on with you and your loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
please take good care, pl67. I’m sorry about your troubles. I’m glad you shared here. We care about you.
For the past many months I’ve been a lurker here at NST. Perfume was still part of my daily routine, but it felt hard to find words to share on NST with so much going on IRL.
My heart goes out to you, PL67. That is quite a lot you’re going through. Sending hugs and love your way.
I’m so sorry about your mother, Yei and all the other worries pressing on you, pl67. You’ll be in my thoughts, sending a hug.
That’s a lot to deal with, hugs.
Sending love your way
PL67, ugh! I’m so sorry you’re getting inundated right now with all this. My only advice it to narrow your field of concern to your mom and your beloved Yei. Don’t watch the news. You have no control over anything outside of your small sphere. Sending lots of love to you, your Mom, and Yei. We’ll be thinking of you all. ❤️
Oh, pl67! I’m sending you lots of hugs and any possible comfort. Having both your mom and Yei unwell at the same time must be very very trying. Know that you’re in my thoughts!
I had noticed your absence pl67. I am so sorry to read all of this. That’s a lot. I’ll be thinking of you.?
Big hugs to you pl67! I look for you everyday. I am sending you as much strength as I can.❤
Sending you hugs and prayers, m! I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom and Yei; I wish I could make this all go away!
Dear PL67, better days will come soon! Sending you lots of hugs and strength ??
Big hugs to you. You and your family are in my thoughts. Be as gentle with yourself as you can.
I’ve noticed your absence and hoped that things weren’t horribly dire. I’m so sorry that you are in such a stressful situation now. Hugs to you, Yei, and your Mom. Be safe.
Hang in there, PL67! The world is extremely tough right now and your immediate world is very stressful. I agree with Deva to narrow your focus and take a break from the news. I would let things go in your life and at work as much as possible and focus on yourself, your mom and Yei. Please take good care of yourself and post when you feel up to it. Sending you big hugs, love and light!
Hugs to you as well,dear M!
Of course we understand if you need a break,you have a lot to deal with!
It’s not healthy to “put on a happy face” when dealing with what you are having to right now.Just know we love and appreciate you here!
?✌??❣️
It all sounds terribly stressful. I agree with others’ suggestions to avoid the news for now. I’m trying to remind myself to do that too. I hope things improve for you soon.
And you are in our thoughts, PL67! So sorry to hear about all that is going on. Hugs to you, your mom, and Yei.
So much at once! I hope things get better for you soon pl67.
Adding lots of love and hugs to all those above — we are all here for you, anytime. ❤️
sorry to hear this. this seems to be a bit too much at the same time.
I am so sorry you are going through all of this. Self care is important, so get help if you need it (therapy, counselling).
I am so sorry for the personal tribulations you are experiencing in addition to the existing general anxieties and stresses of this difficult time we’re living in right now.
I’ve found that spending at least 10 minutes a day outside in nature, regardless of the weather, helps to provide perspective for me. Yesterday it was cold and I sat bundled up outside – the air was calm and quiet, except for the birds at our feeders, the sky was a clear bright blue, and the sun was shining brightly – but it was 4:15 pm! I suddenly realized that just a few short weeks ago my world would’ve been dark by 4:15, and my heart felt a surge of hope at that thought! I am sending that surge of hope your way so that you can find at least a small measure of comfort, peace – and hope – to soothe your soul. ??
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through such a hard time right now. I hope you can find solace and comfort in some way. Sending you hugs and encouragement.
Everyone else has already said all the good things I’d like to say. So I’ll just say that I’m sending love and thoughts your way as well. Hang in.
Hugs to you back.
It seems as if you have great, loving advice and support here. I do have one suggestion and I hope you see this.
Barbara Karnes on Instagram deals mostly with hospice. Not all of her work is all about that. I didn’t get her caregiver set of books/videos, because I’m not currently in that position. Her pamphlets were ones I wish I had when my parents were dying. It is a tremendous help with my girl. Not that you are in those positions.
? for you.
SOTD = Marissa Zappos Annabel’s Birthday Cake
I had 2 teeny-tiny spritzes and it was quite vanilla❣️
https://www.instagram.com/p/CacomwVu94O/?utm_medium=copy_link
Lunch was wonderful at Seasons 52. I did not really mind it but the server must have soaked in perfume I couldn’t quite place because I may end up giving him a back-handed compliment. My opinion is servers should be discreet in perfume wearing and never enough to mix with the food.
My heart is heavier knowing an ex-friend’s (yes, that one) son had been deployed to Poland. I’ll know for sure tomorrow night if he is one of the ones who is part of the NATO armed forces. The ex-friend ACCUSED me of wishing her son to be deployed in 2020; I did not even dignify that with a response because it was a deranged thought. The son, whom I knew ever since he was a toddler, decided himself that he wanted to be in the military. He got his college costs covered by Uncle Sam even though his parents have the means to pay without need to borrow. He made a commitment in exchange for that and also decided to stay on past the committed time. “I” had zero to do with that decision and “I” had zero to do with ANY decision to go / not go into war theater. I just pray that he stays safe regardless of to which human materiel he belongs.
Gosh, glad that person is now your ex-friend! But also, hoping her son stays safe and unharmed!
I’ve been curious about that one! I like the name and the bottle.
I hope the Son stays safe.
I saw a youtuber talking about your sotd awhile back. It sounds good. Perfect Owl match as usual ?
Ack. I can’t even. I hope that young man stays out of harm’s way as best he can.
I saw that one on Luckyscent but don’t know anything about the house/backstory on it.
Big hugs to you…her belief does seem deranged in a word.
Take care of YOU perfumelover. We all will be thinking of you. Hugs.
Manipulative people always try to make others feel guilty, we have to resist their games.
It seems that your heart is in the right place and that is the most important thing. ♥️
I’m very curious to try your perfume and the rest of the line. Will have to order a sample set (it’ll go on the long list) at some point.
Annabel’s Birthday Cake caught my eye as well. Might you be splitting it at the split meet? 😀
2 spritzes! I just fainted.
Seriously. That little guy all grown up has nothing to do with his mother. Of course you want him safe and would never want to see this.
Lots of big things happening in the world today. In my small orbit, my knee survived the night fine, so thanks to you all for your well wishes and concern. I was in one of the Covid ICU’s so didn’t have a ton of walking since it’s a compact space. I’m hoping Calypso’s knee heals quickly as well.
I’m in Amouage Fate today, not really because I believe in “fate” but because it’s a nice big “perfumey” perfume as lillyjo would say.
Got a knock on my van door this morning from a very rigid ranger. Wanted to know if I had “camped” overnight where I was parked (it’s perfectly legal to park where I am, and I even have a parking pass hanging from my rear view mirror)?
Me: No, I didn’t park here. I just got here a little while ago (I arrived at 8am and it was now around 830am)
Ranger: Well, that’s not what your radiator told me! (With a curl of his lip).
Me: I work nights, I’m a traveling nurse at the local hospitals (blah, blah, blah. All said very politely)
Ranger: *giving me major side eye* Huh. Well, sorry to wake you up. (I had been sleeping). That’s a nice looking dog ya got there!
What?! I mean really, what?
Small beans in todays world, but I really don’t like people, any kind of people, including dictator-wanna-be’s throwing their weight around. I was doing NOTHING suspicious and couldn’t have overnighted here if I wanted to because they lock the gate on the road at 7pm…
I hope it’s not considered too political to show support like this. If so please delete. ??
When is your next time off? You have certainly earned it! Hope tonight goes well.
We are perfumey twins today!
Re: fate… I used to believe in it, then I came to realize I was just making really bad decisions ?
Ha, I have made some fatefully bad decisions as well! Not off until mid April. ?
Hope your knee continues to do well and heals quickly.
And sorry for that ranger’s intrusion.??
Thank you! I think my knee will live. As for the ranger, he has hassled me before, when I was legally camping on BLM land here last year. I could see him trying to recall that meeting this morning. I can’t remember a name to save my life but I never forget a face.
It’s been interesting watching omicron take hold here. We’ve gone from no Covid for 22 months to the highest R value (reff 3.75) in the world in the matter of a fortnight. Still some time to go before it peaks. The younger student population seems hardest hit where I live … they live in larger shared housing, are still partying. The vaccination rate is around 95% but booster shots lower at around 70%. Lots of anti mandate protesters and abuse of the Prime Minister. Nothing compared to the hell on the far side of the world. Didn’t feel like wearing perfume.
It was only a matter of time before it arrived, but that time allowed such high vaccination rates, which is commendable! You will not see the loss of life as has been seen across the rest of the world. Also, the terrible sequelae that people can suffer even after surviving and clearing the virus. Stay well!
Stay safe Kanuka!
Hugs Kanuka.
Big hugs, Kanuka. My sister is doing well and has gained 5 pounds!!!?? Stay safe.
I can only assume Deva is right…lots of people will get sick but the death rate will remain low? At any rate, hope it will stay away from you.
Working tonight. 3 other female employees and I were able to stop a $350 dollar run off theft by using good ole fake out trickery! We had one get away earlier but it’s still a win imo.
My sotd is Jil Sander #4. Smelling grand.
I wish you all some peace tonight. I know we are all heavy in heart.
People are unbelievable. What kind of trickery did you use?
We are not allowed to actually stop anyone. So the best we can do is deter. We basically scared him into thinking the cops were outside so he left empty handed and we recovered the merchandise. After I posted this though we had a group of girls run out. Sigh….
Oh wow, you clever and brave ladies! But you can’t stop them all, it must feel very frustrating.
Omg! Some people just suck! Please be careful! I hope you didn’t do a full flying body tackle..?!
No tackling!
It’s getting ridiculous though and I am about fed up!
Great job! My hubby used to work as retail security a million years ago. He had some pretty good stories. Amazing how awful people can be.
Those were the days when people were scared of getting caught.
Sending a big “You GO girls!” to you and your coworkers for pulling off a Charlie’s Angel’s stop to that nonsense!
Thanks Jalapeno. It’s the little things sometimes.
Yay for trickery but do be careful! My 8 year old said to me earlier today…”Mama, thinks her job is to worry…” ehaeheheh kind of, yes and about your theft prevention tactics too, lillyjo! 😉
Lol! My son made a similar comment to me once. I am careful. I am really a big scardy cat.
You go girls!Well done!
????❣️✌??
Thanks!
Love your SOTD! Just got a sample of that; it’s what I wore in the early ’90s when I lived in Germany. It was better than I remembered (I had been assuming it was probably boring because I wasn’t much of a perfumista back then).
There is a big sign outside the door of a Forever 21 in the mall near Ockeghem Tween’s orchestra rehearsal that makes me laugh every time: “All Forever 21 merchandise must be paid for prior to leaving the Forever 21 store.” Like…uh, obviously? Apparently not. What are people thinking?
I do routinely see shoplifters getting stopped by security at a little mall near me, but it’s a very weird, scruffy place with a discount supermarket, provincial liquor store and some downscale retailers. It seems like the shoplifters are usually stealing from the dollar store or the liquor store, and in that case I have…well, not more sympathy, but more understanding, I guess? I feel badly for them, at any rate.
Ohhh, you smell(ed) marvelous! Jil Sander No. 4 was my daily wear back when I was perfume-monogamous. Hard to recall those days now. ?
Wearing Profumi di Firenze Vaniglia del Madagascar…need all the comfort vanilla brings.
Have you tried hajusuuri sotd?
It looks pretty vanilla filled.
I have not tried it but it is on my Vanilla-dar®…Vanilla radar… 😉
Oh, that’s such a nice one. I haven’t smelled it for a long time. Maybe need to rectify that.
I am in bed in Diptyque L’ombre dans l’eau ??
This is not my usual goodnight scent, but for some reason I’ve been craving it tonight.
Unusual days bring unusual desires, it seems, at least for me.
Happy Sunday, everyone!
You smell beautiful.
It is maybe odd that I never wear it to bed, since Tam Dao and Philosykos are evening standbys. I should try it!
It’s been an anxious week for me, with the devastating situation in Ukraine and also with our house hunting. We put in our first offer, and didn’t get the place. I’m not as heartbroken or upset as my husband is, but it definitely feels like a defeat.
Fragrance has been a good distraction for me. Last night, I went sniffing at my local Nordstrom. They now have a Byredo counter, and I haven’t been to one in many years. I’m not the biggest fan of the house, but I had fun chatting with the SA and sniffing a few things. Slow Dance hasn’t been on my radar at all, but I quite enjoyed it. It felt like a guilty pleasure, in a sense that it’s not terribly original or sophisticated but has many notes I enjoy. I’m wearing my sample of it today. The house hunting has really made me hide my purse this month, hahahaha! So I’m not in any mood to buy a new scent, but I’m very grateful for samples.
Still have several George Harrison songs stuck in my head!
I sniffed at Nordies recently too. 🙂 It was fun. I got stuck at the Jo Malone display for a long time.
George is still playing in my head today. It was interesting to think about his music and perfume this past week.
The right house will come. My stepdaughter went through the same thing. She was so disappointed when she didn’t get the first house she bid on. They the house she did get ended up being better than the first one. Keep your chin up. It will happen.
Been there — you’ll get the right house eventually!
Nothing wrong with a fragrance that has lots of notes you enjoy whether ‘original’ or not. Best of luck with house-hunting. It’s stressful but wonderful when you finally get settled.
As tough as it was then, and very rushed for us, we ended up with a house.
She’ll make it. I’m not sure if she lives near the coast or her timeline, but we ended up doing a winter rental of a beach house. It was cute and a quick, freezing walk to the beach.
Househunting is a slog, even when times aren’t crazy. Hang in there, and try not to get discouraged.
I’ve only put on some perfume now, Iris Dragees. I needed something soft and beautiful as I can’t really concentrate on anything with all the pain and suffering going on; it’s hard to shut things out.
I may have to start cleaning, as that seems like a project that I can work on for a long time. Pick a room..lol
go, Team Iris! You smell lovely.
My family can tell when I’m feeling a little anxious. I start cleaning things that don’t really need it. 😉
Thank you, tiffanie! Yes to Team Iris! I started to clean out my closet so I am feeling a bit better.
Cleaning my apartment,sorting out “stuff”….my therapy since March 2020!!
True story!????✌?❣️
I rearrange furniture for the exact same reason. ?
Wise words, j! I am good at sorting out but I have to get a bit more ruthless with the excesses.
I think that part of it is when we were at our condo in Florida, I realized how much “stuff” I don’t really need. Returning home, there’s SO MUCH here. That plus the world’s state just seemed to all catch up with me. I really need to pare down and simplify.
Yes to simplified living!
I was forced to re-evaluate my life when my Mother passed away in 2016.That one moment in time,when something happens that changes you forever.It’s been a LONG arduous process of paring down,getting rid of excess…
My ” capsule wardrobe” has been a great success,I love all my things in my apartment,and sentimental and neccesary “excess” stuff is safely in storage.Hell,even my perfumes are finally LOVED,out of their boxes!
Once you start,it does get easier.And so joyful!And lighter.I feel lighter.
XO’s
How did you do that? I won’t even tell you how many years since my parents have passed. Ugh. Guilt.
Paring down is terribly therapeutic for me, too. Literally lightening one’s load. I try to be really careful about what I buy, but it’s hard not to get bogged down.
Iris Dragees is my favorite of that Lancome line. If I were to run across one of the smaller bottles at a reasonable price (no danger there!) I’d be sorely tempted.
Did the line get discontinued?
Big hugs, Gail. It is hard to shut things out. I vacuumed today and it helped a bit. 😉
Thank you She-ra! I’m feeling a tiny bit better today.
My house is at its cleanest when I am worried. Least clean when I am feeling depressed and good enough when I am content.
Same 🙂
Yes! I need to go through each room and start small; something manageable at least.
One box a day can be a good place to start.
Making regular runs to the thrift store & dump is also critical.
Sunday 3:04 am.I have a sunrise hike in two hours’ time,that’s why I am awake so early!Getting ready in a bit,and it’s about an hours’ drive from me to The Cradle of Humankind area.Gorgeous area of the Magaliesberg mountains,lush vegetation and beautiful ravines.
I need an escape.
Grey flannel it will be!
XO’s
??
Sounds like a wonderful day!
Have a great time! But be safe!
Oooh, sunrise hike! Sounds so amazing! I’ve been reading about that area, too, but I don’t think we’ll get up there in our limited time this summer.
Have a wonderful hike!
Hike was pretty swell,clear skies and an African sunrise always lifts my mood.
Testing Aqualis Kruger.If you wanna have a good old laugh at verbal diarrhoea from a reviewer,head over to Fragrantica…
It’s a pretty well done Spicy-Rose-Amber.Named after Paul Kruger the founders’ apparent great-grandfather and one of the first presidents of the South African Union,wayyyy back when.Nicely done,but “familiar”.
XO’s??✌?
Wow, that sounds wonderful, but I’d have a beast of a time trying to drag myself out of bed at that hour.
Oh,usually me too,but it was well worth it!
✌??
A place named “The Cradle of Humankind” sounds like it would be a gorgeous place to unwind from current stressors. Glad you got out even if it was at oh-dark-hundred! ?
Saturday evening here, still. SOTD was Le Jardin de Monsieur Li, which I sprayed at Sephora while walking the mall today. I meant to put on Lyric this morning, to see if I maybe want a FB (I got my bonus yesterday and am weighing whether I should buy a FB of something as a reward), but then I got caught up in single parenting and getting the kid out of the house and Lyric slipped my mind. The kid had two activities today, back to back, on different sides of the metro area, and then a long overdue haircut. Doing this all by myself, and remembering to pack a lunch in between (the activities haven’t been back to back for the last couple of months due to COVID restrictions, lifted just now), and get everything to make dinner, and then make dinner, has made for a full day. Kudos to anyone who single parents full time. I haven’t had to do it since before COVID, and I’ve forgotten how much energy it takes.
Note to self: Never try a new perfume in a mall where masks are required. I missed the whole opening of the perfume…apparently N95 masks do block well.
You smell great in Monsieur Li!
SOTD Guerlain Ginger Piccante.
On some chilly days like today, the rose note is very noticeable, and that is when I enjoy this perfume the most.
Wishing you all a calm Sunday, and to those whose serenity is shattered by war, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
That’s one of my favs of that line