It’s Hump Day and National Graham Cracker Day. (And don’t forget that Donatella will be dropping by shortly.) Birthdays: Jean Cocteau, Bill Watterson. What fragrance are you wearing?
I'm taking partial credit for Guerlain Mandarine Basilic, since I like both orange and basil in chocolate.
Reminder: 7/7 is World Chocolate Day, and shockingly enough, we've never done a chocolate project (I don't think, anyway). Wear a perfume with a chocolate note, with bonus credit if chocolate (or something related to chocolate) is in the name. If you don't have a perfume with a chocolate note, partial credit for wearing something with a note you like to eat with chocolate.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2023, where I'll try (but usually fail) to have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: top image is Chocolate muffin [cropped] by Susanne Nilsson at flickr; some rights reserved.
Still not with the programme in Acqua di Parma Colonia Essenza.
I read the book-length essay “Proust contre Cocteau” by Claude Arnaud recently. It looks at the close but fraught relationship between the two writers. I followed that up with Cocteau’s “La Machine infernale”, his version of the Oedipus story.
Proust’s birthday is coming up on the 10th of July. I already know what I will be wearing on that day: Guerlain L’Heure Bleue.
That sounds like an interesting essay/ book.
It is. I picked it up quite by chance on clearance not too long ago from a bookshop that was, sadly, closing down. While I have long admired Proust, I hadn’t paid much attention to Cocteau — but this book has changed that.
I am in Coromandel, because it has white chocolate note.
That is the only fragrance (sample) I have that has a chocolate note. I may wear it soon. I remember being delighted with the delicious drydown.
I have two, and it is white chocolate in both cases. Although I love eating chocolate and have a lot of perfumes with sweet resins, apparently I am not really into chocolate scents.
The only other fragrance I have that has a chocolate-adjacent note is Habit Rouge Dress Code with its praline note and vanilla-tonka base that can come across as dark chocolate.
I am not much for chocolate or gourmand scents in general, preferring those with a citric bite!
Glannys, you smell like paradise 🙂
Thanks! This scent is like a sweet hug. 😃
I’m in Mona di Orio’s Musc, and since I wanted to wear all my MdO’s, I also have a microscopic amount of Suede de Suede on the back of my left hand. I love this house. Used to be able to find it at Etiket in Montreal but not sure any CDN distributors still carry the line.
After Fri two huge work projects will be finished, and I feel like my summer can begin. Thankfully weather has been gross so feel like I haven’t missed out on too much. But I did eat too much candy so I’ll have to taper off my sugar addiction 🙂
Yay, you’re not that far from starting summer! But agree about the weather, sure hope it improves.
Tried on the JPG Scandal Pour Homme and oh, it is not good, but I’m not here to rant (I’d love to but nobody needs that). I’m wearing Hermès Bel Ami Vetiver, a fairly recent and not-bad variant of the original, although obviously it can’t measure up because really nothing could.
JPG unfortunately has not done anything in a good while that would interest me!
I didn’t hate Scandal Le Parfum, but I wouldn’t call it good: it’s a generic sweet scent, very average, like dozens of things you’ve already smelled. This, though, was just dreadful, in a 2020s-generic-men’s-scent way. JPG used to be a trendsetter and now it’s just bandwagon all the way.
Lemon, chocolate, musk? SotD must be SJP Covet! Our part of town has many fireworks enthusiasts, and every year I am amazed at the giant skyrockets that go off, along with many other small and medium types. I like them, and our kitties don’t mind. Besides the fact that everything is still drying out from the recent 3″ of rain, it seems people are being careful. Sort of. Last night, Mr. Mossy was sitting outside around 11:30pm and heard someone say: “Let’s move the gas can before we light this one.” 😮
Gas can?? OMG.
🫨🔥🚒
Every time I start to think that people might be ok after all, something like this makes me change my mind real quick.
Bwahahahaha! The gas can comment made me laugh!
My cats were mostly unfazed by the amateur pyrotechnicians last night, too.
We got a big laugh out of, too. But more so next morning after all was ok…
I think Covet will be my Friday pick.
Gas can, that is unreal!
I finished up a sample of Ligea by Carthusia. Meh.
That must be why I don’t even remember it!
SotD is Tabac Tabou
Another Upside when working from home: wear any fragrance you want haha
I love Tabac Tabou but I bet not everyone in office will share that sentiment. When I read some comments on fragrantica, it seems its not a crowd pleaser.
A Whole day of video calling, now checking some mail and Tour de France is on TV in the background (i watch it for the scenery as well haha, Pyrenees are just gorgeous!)
We’re watching the Tour too. 🙂
I’m wearing Nomenclature Minted today, to combat the mugginess of the current weather. Green tea with mint and what seems to be a sneaky rose note…!
The chocolate CP brought back an old MUA memory…Léa, which was some kind of chocolate and musk thing. It was all the rage for a while!! I only owned a sample, not a full bottle.
I have Lea! I love it but I don’t get any chocolate. On my skin it is all musk, vanilla and almond. Maybe I’ll wear it tomorrow and look for the chocolate.😀
Oh, I forgot Lea too!
I’m in LL Bergamote 22.
We have painters starting some work in our house today, including a much needed and overdue kitchen update. They will be painting our old tired cabinets. Yesterday we did some furniture moving in preparation and of course I strained my lower back.😩 I forget how old I am until my body reminds me. What?! I’m not 30 anymore??!! But I don’t *feel* any different. Doing some warm compresses and counting the minutes til I can go home and take an epsom salt soak.
Good luck! Are you able to switch up the pull knobs?
Thanks! Our cabinets are currently “naked” lol but when they’re painted I plan to finish them off with some stainless steel pulls.
Hopes your back eases off soon, and cheers for a kitchen update!
Thanks! I know, I can’t wait!🤩
Feel better, soon!
Thanks pl67!
Ouch! A sore back is no fun at all.
It sure isn’t! I did several warm packs throughout the day and it does feel a bit better.🤞
Not sure if anyone answered your question about Dame 100 club, but I guess one is automatically enrolled once you’ve purchased $100 cumulative since 2014, doesn’t have to be annually.
Thanks for the answer about the Dame 100 Club. Someone did answer last night, but I didn’t see it until today.
Spent a pleasant early morning cleaning our elderly neighbor’s balcony with the hose, spritzing each other in the process. Reminded me of running through the sprinklers in the summer as a kid. 🙂 I’m wearing some B&BW coconut lotion as I wait for the window washers and the AC repairman to show up.
Sounds like you’ve had a pleasant morning, so far 🙂
Songes
Going to visit a new to me bakery that has a Middle East influence.
Yesterday I didn’t answer the question about the books-I will get to it later today.
Hope you got something delicious!
I am wearing Chanel No. 5 EDP and drinking a cup of black tea
Smelling gorgeous, Barqs.
I’m in SL Borneo 1834 from a sample spritzer so I’m CP compliant. We’ll see how long it lasts (the compliancy, not the scent). That first spritz/whiff is a monster though! 🙃 Probably not the best thing to wear on a 90+F day, but I’ll be indoors most of the time.
For the ankle bracelet I mentioned yesterday, I went with a peach, cream, bronze and gold theme. I have a lot of maxi dresses that have peach so I can throw it on and leave it on. I have to put the clasp on and it’s done. Already started on the next one. These Tila beads work up so fast and are so much easier to see than the 11/0 Miyuki Delica beads used in previous peyote stitch projects! 😁
I did indeed find a spray sample of Chocolate Greedy yesterday. Very big blast of cocoa up front but as it settled down I got an unpleasant “human in need of a good bath” odor. Not BO per sé, just someone in in need of a bath. That lasted a hour or so, then it reverted back to the dusty cocoa again, just a bit tamer. I have a bottle of CSP Amour de Cacao, which smells much more refined and never goes through the “I need a bath stage,” so I can easily pass the Greedy on!
I also tried Montalé Soleil de Capri, a bit cautiously as the note list contains “white flowers,” my nemesis! All I got from it was citrus and honey and good vibes. Perfect summer/hot weather scent, but it lasted a nanosecond on my skin, so it’s not the typical Montalé. Lasted longer on my shirt, but still had to get my nose right on top of it to actually discern it.
I have chores to do and I’m hoping to get them done this morning before the blast furnace turns on. 🔥
I’m glad you made an anklet with those beads because I thought they were really pretty! Hope to see the finished piece on Insta soon.
Yes, I’ll post it as soon as I put the findings on. I had to run up to Michaels to get a pair of chain nose pliers. I’ve already started on the dark metallic one and it’s going to be a beaut! I’ll probably do a matching wrap bracelet, too.
Deva, you smell delicious.
Thank you!
Those Delica beads can be a bear to work with! I used to know someone who did beadwork.
Yes they’re quite small but really, so beautiful. It’s worth the effort and I may start peyote stitch again, I just need to find a mag lamp that’s powerful and small enough to fit in the camper and doesn’t require 110 electricity.
Another warm day, and another day of Vetiver Pour Elle.
Perfect, again!
I was up way too late on account of all the faux “bombs bursting in air” in my neighborhood (they went on until about 2 am), and it’s already too hot for anything heavier than Le Dix dusting powder, so that’s my SOTM. Le sigh.
Ugh. Hope everything is quiet tonight although here at least, it often goes on for a few days before everyone runs out of ammo.
In Hermes Osmanthe Yunnan for a 90 degree day.
I took the day off from work today. I decided it when I was on my way to the office. I have not even notified my boss of my absence. My mother is having terrible crises everyday in
the middle of the night that last many hours. We have been told by hospice that she might go any day now. I am feeling sad, exhausted, overwhelmed. I needed to stay away from home and came to the beach to just walk and breathe some fresh air. I feel guilty for not being at home with her now, but I just can’t. My youngest sister is by her side at this moment. I am trying to make sense of everything, but I can’t understand so much suffering. God will provide and hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Sorry for venting this here. I just needed it to let it out.
Wishing a healthy day to everyone! 🌻
I posted in the wrong place, see below.
This is very hard, pl67. I’ve been thinking of you and your family often. I’m so glad your mother got to take the trip that she really wanted to when she was able. Sending love and hugs.
Sending you the biggest hug.
It sounds to me that you needed some reflective time in nature, so understandable.
Oh, no, I am so sorry. It’s very very hard to just sit and wait for someone to die. I am sure your boss will understand. It is important, even essential, to give yourself some breaks to regain your equilibrium to continue coping with such a sad situation. I’m glad you at least have a sister to help, and hopefully others as well.
I hope this day off brought some relief to you. While I cannot really know how you are feeling, I am familiar with the need to be alone when things are hard.
It is brutally hard to sit and watch someone disappear and you should do things like taking a walk on the beach to breathe and also be reminded that there is life, and the world in its beauty
Hear, hear! 🩷
To be able to be there for your mother you also need time to breathe. Take care and hugs!
You have a sister, you take turns. It’s okay.
So many of us have been where you are, before and after; and are with you now in spirit.
You needed the break, obviously, and she has a daughter with her, so she is being taken care of right now. Enjoy the beach and your lovely fragrance, just for a few moments, at least. Even the best caregiver needs to come up for air sometimes. 🩷
Oh, this is heart wrenching! I would suggest talking to the hospice nurse and MD about her difficult nights. There are many things that can be done to help decrease her anxiety, pain, and emotional distress. This is exactly what hospice is for- to help patients and the family have a gentle and comfortable transition. I hope your break helped to bring you some peace.
That’s rough. Good decision to take time off.
Take care!
Hugs.
Having those overwhelming emotions is something I remember from when my Mom was in hospice care. Remember that there is no “right way” to do things, just options that are “right for the moment”.
Also remember to treat yourself gently at this difficult time.
I’m so sorry, pl67. I agree with what Deva said, talk to hospice, that is what they are there for.
Lot’s of love to you, friend.
Vent away — I very much echo the other commenters; it sounds like this day off and beach time are EXACTLY what you need. Hugs.
Thinking of you, pl67. My sister and I helped each other in this same way.
Hugs, and more hugs, pl67. That is so hard. I am really glad you were able to take some time for yourself today.
There is nothing more difficult than what you are going through. I’m glad that you were able to take some time for yourself today.
Sending you hugs and all my prayers.
I think of you and your mom often so it’s good to see an update even if the latest is crushingly sad. I’m so sorry for you, your mom and your family. It’s good to take a break, especially in nature, you have to put on your own oxygen mask before you can help someone else. My prayers for your strength.
Oops this is meant for perfumelover67.
I have quite a few for the CP, but most are better in cool weather for my nose. However, today I am in Chabaud Lait et Chocolat, and yesterday I wore JM Blue Agave and Cacao (I’m assuming cacao = chocolate).
First guests arrive later today so I’m on a last minute cleaning mission now. I’ll check in on the Donatella poll every so often–priorities!
Have fun with your guests!
Taking full CP points for Angel. It’s a hot sticky day but I’m inside in air conditioning and Angel smells so good, esp when I haven’t worn it in ages.
Sometimes Angel smells GREAT in summer’s heat and humidity!
Happy Wednesday!
This has been a Byredo week so far.
Monday was Oliver Peoples,Tuesday I went with the weirdly wonderful 1996 and today I’m wearing Flowerhead.
I’ve got a good one for Friday!
XO’s
I love 1996!
Still non-chocolatey (and also non-headachey) in La Haie Fleurie today. Heading out for a site visit to a pretty bit of pasture this morning, and then hoping to swing a run up to my favorite peach farm on my lunch break to spend too much $$ on my first peaches of the year. They sell out fast when they open their farmstand, so it’s always a bit of a trapeze act to get up there in time — fingers crossed!
Oh, I love La Haie Fleurie. You smell wonderful!
Beautiful scent!!
Yay for being non-headache-y in any way, shape, or form!
Binge watching junky junk (first episode of Suits anyone?) Spent a lovely afternoon last week with Calypso and Nancyleandros in Houston, and picked up a bottle of something from the house of (new to me) Thomas Kosmala, No 5 Frenesie. Also picked up COVID in Houston and am now on Paxlovid, which is working but I feel like a 1984 Chevy Nova that’s been rusting away at the dump is parked in my mouth. Fortunately my sniffer is still working! My order of Anatole Lebreton samples arrived. I like all of them! Even Grimoire, which has a cumin note, which normally means a HARD no. I’ll wait until the COVID/Paxlovid period has passed before I make any real perfume judgments. 😳
Get well soon.
We enjoyed your company so much, and I’m glad to hear. you found one good scent to buy at K-L! Remember that by Foxbins’ perfume math, bottles bought on a trip and outing with NST friends count as souvenirs and do not need to be factored into Donatella’s poll! Lol! I’m so sorry about Covid and really hope you’ll feel much better soon and get rid of that nasty old Nova.
I hope you feel better soon and the Chevy Nova finds a new home
Hope you feel better soon! (and when you do, let us know your judgements on the Thomas Kosmala line.)
I hope you are feeling better very soon.
Sorry to hear that you caught COVID on your Houston trip. But your comment about the rusting Chevy Nova gave me a much needed chuckle today.
Get well soon!
Get well soon! I am in Suits binge right now.
Get well soon!
I had that chevy nova…the actual car AND the feeling of it in your mouth while suffering from covid. Hope the paxlovid does its magic!
In Iris Silver Mist, a scent for funerals.
Deeply saddened by the obituary of Coco Lee, the singer of “A Love Before Time” from Ang Lee’s movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. She committed suicide after long suffering from depression. *sigh* RIP.
Oh, that is very sad.
I loved that song and soundtrack and still have it on my lists.
I saw this from someone’s Insta. So sad …
High of 97F today so I am staying inside. I’m still testing Kerosene, and just by chance picked a sample with a cocoa note, Sweetly Known. It’s mostly cardamom but if I try I can pick up the cocoa. The other notes are burnt caramel and musk. Not really my style.
I should probably try that one. I really liked another one of their gourmands, now can’t remember the name, and I think Kevin liked Follow.
Everything is fresh after the long rain episode yesterday. I spent the day in Eau de Patou which was really uplifting and tonight switched to Insomnia for the CP. Now I was putting back some bottles in the cabinet and on impulse sprayed some vintage Obsession.
I had an acquaintance who wore Obsession beautifully back in the day. I never could. It always smelled like men’s aftershave on me.
Well, it does have strong herbal notes for sure.
Mmm, vintage obsession is the best.
I was reminded of that, so complex too.
I’m doing the CP with Cachouli from Stranger Parfumerie. It sort of goes on like a rather bad head shop patchouli but then evens out and becomes a delightful gourmand-y scent. It’s got all sorts of notes but the cacao note definitely registers. The patchouli-chocolate combination seems fairly common. Was that invented by Angel or did some of the other ones do it first?
Afraid that I’m joining in with some of the rest of you in a sad time today because I’ve been watching a recorded video of the memorial service in Australia of a good friend of mine there, who died from a recurrence of breast cancer last month at age 67. She was still writing and doing wonderful work after a productive career. I’m going to write a memorial notice about her for our professional newsletter and so wanted to watch her funeral and hear the speeches, but when one of her sisters broke down while speaking, I did as well. What a sad and horrible thing that disease is.
I think Angel at the very least popularized this combo. Patchouli and cocoa blend seems to be common as well (less sweetness, more earthy and dark facets).
I am sorry for your loss. Hugs.
I am so sorry about your friend, Calypso. Sending peace and comforting hugs.
I’m very sorry about your friend and your loss.
So sorry about your friend.
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, Calypso.
I’m so sorry, Calypso. It’s hard to lose friends. Sending you a hug.
My sympathies about the loss of your friend Calypso. Cancer sucks.
So sorry for the loss of your friend.
I’m so sorry.
So very sorry, Calypso. I am glad you were able to watch the funeral and that you will remember your friend in the newsletter.
Thank you everyone for such kind messages of sympathy and support. I’ve known about my friend’s death for a little while now but watching her funeral with her husband and Don there hit me pretty hard.
I’m very sorry Calypso.
I ate some lovely hazelnut chocolate last night and am wearing JM English Oak and Hazelnut, which is not as good as the chocolate unfortunately. I have been enjoying watching the gulls that roost at the end of the valley tackle the very strong winds as they fly past my window. The way they soar and tilt, and bank and dip is just amazing to watch. The rescue helicopter which also flies past from time to time was really battling and drifting sideways by comparison.
Gulls are amazing air acrobats, aren’t they? I was actually attacked by one in Normandy when I was eating an ice-cream. Fortunately I didn’t get hurt and the bird didn’t get any ice-cream.
Shades of Alfred Hitchcock!
I thought of Birds as well, when it happened. Mind you,I get very cross if anything gets in between myself and any food I might be eating. So that gull didn’t know what hit it.
Haha, me too.
Still no chocolate but sporting banana, vanilla and iris today. I love Felanilla and don’t wear it often enough.
Yum, you smell great.
Vanille 44 for a hump day work day. I am so glad I took Monday off.
And you smelled good doing it 🙂
Racing by after a lengthy confession to say that I’m wearing Noir Supreme from Ausmane, one of my confessions. I’ve realised that it has cacao, so fits the CP in my book 🙂 .
I don’t know it, but points for you today Gaynor!
Still playing my own Project Vetiver. Today it’s PdN Vetyver. It’s definitely a pass. I thought immediately that there’s some kind of weird herbal note in there. I looked it up, and I think it’s caraway. I say no,no,no.
Ew caraway. Not in perfume. I agree, agree, agree.
😄🙌🏻
Like caraway on rye bread. Not sure that it works for me in perfume.
Groggy and grumpy today. I had an interrupted night of sleep last night. And today was the day that the countertop installers were coming by.
It did not go smoothly.
The template that was used to fabricate the new counters made the gap for our stove 3/16ths of an inch too small for it to fit back in after the new counters were installed.
Mr. Jalapeno is “discussing” this with the lead installer. The lead installer is insisting that no mistakes were made, and that this is the first time he has ever encountered something like this. Things continue in this vein for at least 15 – 20 minutes.
Eventually the installers take the new countertops outside and trim enough off that the stove and new counters can coexist.
The kitchen sink is still waiting to be installed in the new countertop.
I am SO over these bleeping projects.
SOTD = commando. With a healthy dose of frustration and irritation.
Oy! Who did the measuring? For the lead installer to argue about it doesn’t make sense at all. I hope you get a better outcome with your sink.
Someone else besides the installers did the measuring and template fabrication. I’m assuming that person was also an employee of the same business.
Ugh for you. I hope the rest of the projects go smoothly.
Thanks lillyjo. Would be nice, wouldn’t it?
Oh my goodness, just what you don’t need! Sorry about all the trouble.
Yep. Stuff like that makes adulting downright unpalatable at times.
Ugh. Hope you sleep much better tonight.
Thanks Robin.
So sorry, Jalapeño. I hope you have minimal trouble with the rest of the projects.
So aggravating, maybe carve out some me time with a nice shower or bath and scented products.
SOTD = Mugler Angel Muse
I was trying not to wear it but it was within easy reach. Plus points!
Update on my friend with pancreatic cancer: She went to see several doctors last week, with what she thought was going to be a recommendation combo of surgery, chemo and radiation. The tumor is on the tail of the pancreas and has impacted her spleen, part of her liver and her spine. The doctor recommended chemo only and she will have a round of five (not sure of the schedule). Unless she gets a 5th opinion, this is considered palliative care. I hope to have heard wrong but it is not good. Anyway, we’re all hoping for the best and that whatever pain she’s in will be very minimal. She could use our prayers. Thank you.
Ooooooooof. So sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. “Palliative care” is a grim prognosis.
Hugs to you, and her.
Sending my prayers hajusuuri. I am sorry.
Oh, no. This is really a rough time for the NST community. Wishing your friend comfort and love.
Sorry to hear this and I will say a prayer.
Oh no. That’s really tough. A lot if people here seem to be struggling right now. I’m sending out hopes and hugs for her.
It’s a bi*ch of a disease. Ask me how I know…so sorry to hear it and I hope she has a good support system.
Adding my prayers for your friend. I’m sorry to hear this.
That is what happened to my sister. Sending my very best wishes.
So very sorry at the grim prognosis.
My sotd is Chance eau Vive. It is super muggy here. Storms tonight should change that though.
Super muggy here as well. I am amazed that there weren’t any thunderstorms this afternoon.
I was so excited today: I got a compliment on Covet! I was at the checkout at an international market, and the young women at the cash registered hesitantly asked if I was wearing a perfume, then said she really liked it!
Congrats on the perfume compliment!
That’s awesome!
That’s the best, a compliment in the wild!