The swapmeet is open for business! Meanwhile, a lazy weekend poll. As always, answer as many or as few questions as you like, or just talk about something else.
1. Describe a perfume that you wish existed but doesn't, so far as you know, and tell us what brand (or what perfumer) should make it.
2. Name a book that has stayed with you years after reading it, and what's the best matching perfume? (And PSA, our fall reading poll is coming up next month.)
3. You can have one bottle of perfume from any store in the world, top price $350. Don't overthink it, it's just a fantasy — name your pick!
4. Share something wonderful with us! It can be anything — any bit of good news, a fantastic TV series you're binge-watching, something delicious you cooked recently, something fun you did — really, anything.
Note: top image is Grape Season [cropped] by Michael Pardo at flickr; public domain.
Can’t think of a perfume that I wish existed because I already have my lilac custom blend created for me by Sarah Horowitz in 1998.
A book that has stayed with me for years is the Bible. I’d pair it with pure frankincense
I’d love a bottle of vintage Nocturnes de Caron extrait
Something wonderful? For me it’s always about family. Eldest is opening a health clinic soon ( Aspara, you would be excited about its location lol)with a friend, middle one has embarked on a sort of new career but still within the field of medicine and youngest still employed and doing what he loves. Feline grandchildren still alive and doing well. And I’m on my 29th year as an SLP!
This is all so great! I’m glad your family is doing well!
I hope yours is as well , dear friend!!!
Hi cm8!👋 Eldest is an NP, correct? Curious what kind of clinic she’s opening and what middle is doing, if you’re willing to share!
I shared in a PM 😻
I would be excited? moi?
Can hardly wait to find out!
😂
I would be excited? moi?
Can hardly wait to find out!
🍕🍕🍕🍕🍕
👌
I loved reading about your something wonderful. 🩷
Awww, thank you! It’s always wonderful when our family is well both human and fur babies
Great news about all your family members!
Thanks dear
Happy weekend! This morning I’m testing Marissa Zappas Petrichor from a dabber and enjoying it quite a lot. It does a fair job of evoking petrichor, one of my favorite outdoor-fall scents, and is a bit like a lighter, slightly more floral-fresh version of Encre Noire.
Meanwhile, the poll:
I’ve been hunting for a perfume that conjures evergreen forest, and so far there’s something not quite right in everything I’ve sampled. Either the base is off-putting, or there are other elements that, while lovely, get in the way of the desired result. Fir needles, pinecones, damp soil, petrichor, moss, tree sap. I think Papillon could come up with something like this.
A book that has stayed with me … too many, really, but two immediately come to mind. They have one element in common, a kind of literary jump-scare of a plot twist that wasn’t telegraphed in advance in the least (at least, not to me). One is Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and the other is Mary Stewart’s The Ivy Tree.
For perfume, I’m going to cheat a bit and choose Dior Cuir Cannage. There is a bottle on the evil site right now that, if I split it with another frustrated soul, would come in under the poll’s price restriction. Or, since it’s fantasy, I will have offered substantially less than asking price and miraculously been accepted. 😆
For something wonderful, I’ll go back to my SOTM — I’m *this close* to putting a bottle in my cart. Gah!
I might have asked you this before but have tried anything from the Icelandic perfumer, Fischersund? The whole line is pretty earthy. I have their fragrance “101” and it’s very piney/earthy.
No, never heard of the brand — will check it out. Thanks!
I’m happy to send you a sample of 101. Ping me aaat gee male l e s l i co rthe ll
So kind! They look really interesting and unique.
SheriG, you’re in Portland, right? Fumerie carries the Fischersund line now.
Oh, no kidding? I should go visit them!
Never heard of this brand. Will have to check them out.
Don’t know if it is what you dream of, but I always feel “forest-y” when I wear Ineke’s Idyllwild. Worth a sample.
Funny, I’ve wanted to try Idyllwild for years, and somehow got the impression that it had been discontinued. But your comment sent me down a rabbit hole, and I succumbed to immediate availability. Bottle ordered, and enabler pin is now yours. 😂
Damp soil and deep green, I suggest Zoologist’s King Cobra. While it doesn’t straight up conjure a whole forest, it does capture the essence/elements of it.
Today I’m in SL Rahät Loukoum, because I felt like something sweet but also wildly complex and this is the perfect example. As for the poll:
1. I want something completely dominated by tarragon. I wrote to Demeter once and asked if there might be a Tarragon in the works (because they have a Basil) and the owner wrote back and said he’d been trying for years to make one but couldn’t get it where he wanted it to be. They never did, either. VC&A Tsar has some tarragon, but I want more — an old-school herbal fougère with tarragon as the star player and a bunch of oakmoss in the base. It would be made by either Boucheron or Chanel, who knew their way around a men’s chypre.
2. A stupid answer but Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind. I’ve read it at least a dozen times, and even got a copy of the German original and fought my way through it (with the English translation by my side at all times). The best matching perfume is the original 1990 Lancôme Trésor, which smelled like warm glowing skin — readers of the novel will know why it’s such a good match.
3. Someone somewhere has a vintage 1984 bottle of Chanel Coco in perfect condition for $350 or less, and I’m putting my name on it. Holy cow was that ever good.
4. Two wonderful things. First, autumn is on its way. Went out for a walk by the lake today and some of the trees have begun to turn, just a little, and the air was cool and fresh and breezy. It reminded me yet again why the fall is my favourite season. Second, I’ve decided to pull the trigger and order some vintage things, almost all chypres, and among the seller’s goods is the original Molyneux Quartz. My little sister wrote me a while back reminiscing about a bottle of Quartz I gave her decades ago: she’ll be visiting my city next month, and I mean to surprise her with it. She’ll be so thrilled!
Oh I wish I still had my 1984 bottle of Coco–I loved that scent and probably used about half a bottle before I moved on to something else. Don’t know how I got rid of the bottle, but back then you had a signature scent and when you moved on, so did your previous perfume. I miss that big shouldered energy of the 80’s perfumes. I also wore the original Armani, that was another heavy hitter!!
Ooh, Quartz is so good!
What a lovely surprise for your sister.
I met my husband the night I bought my 1984 bottle of Coco, I wore it to the end of the bottle. I would love to replace it.
How sweet is this, ringthing!
Another tarragon lover here. I especially love its anise note. I chop its fresh leaves into all sorts of grain and rice salads. Adds so much flavor. Interesting about Demeter.
Your sister will be so happy. Being an only child, I always am a little envious of sweet moments like this.
Fall is also my favourite season with winter closely behind. Time seems to slow down and remind us to appreciate the world around us.
Nice find for your sister! I have a fairly recent bottle of Quartz; it’s lovely. The vintage has to be even better.
Hi, everyone, and happy weekend! Today I’m in Coriandre and, while I’ve never smelled it in its original form (Robin, I know you have) I do enjoy it a lot, especially after the slightly cheap smelling top notes subside. On to the poll:
1. I’ve been on a green/leather chypres kick, and the only house that could, to my mind, recreate what I have in mind, would be Parfums d’Empire.
2. Besides Life after Life, which I adore to bits, Milkman is the one that has stayed with me the longest. Now, finding a perfume match is tricky–something darkly funny, out there yet poignant? A swirl of pink hues, perhaps? Rose Tonnere leaps to mind.
3. This one is a no-brainer: a bell jar of La Myrrhe or Chêne.
4. No news, just the fact that I’m thoroughly enjoying fatherhood.
Your #4 is wonderful Dusan!
Ditto
Thank you, lillyjo and Lovestosmellgood! 😊
For a green leather chypre, have you sampled Diorling?
Sadly I haven’t yet, but I know I’m going to love it!
Yay for Milkman! My book club read that last summer…that book is a memorable trip.
I’m glad you too loved it! 😊
It *does* have cheap smelling top notes now, and the green is less bitter than it used to be.
Glad you are enjoying it!!
I am, but on some days it just smells, well — cheap 🤷♂️
Yay for #4 !
Thank you! 😊
Congratulations on your #4!
Thank you, Jalapeno! 😊
I am in Hermes Oud Alezan and trying to stay away from the Nordies beauty sale…
Lippy is Wine with Everything by Revlon (another great fall color)
I’m currently reading two books: The Pursuit of Love (still!) and Sunflower Boys. The second is a coming-of-age story about a boy who develops feelings for his best friend—who is also a boy—against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I just hope it doesn’t make me cry!
Shelving sunflower boys- I think it gonna be too sad and I need escapism
Sotd Iunx Talc.
1. Nothing really comes to mind, but I would choose Olivia Giacobetti to make that perfume.
2. The Bible. I would pair it with April Aromatics Calling All Angels.
3. A bell jar of Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist.
4. Nothing beautiful or interesting is happening lately. Today I am doing my fall decoration, but a very simple one this year, since kitty Kito is jumping and knocking over almost everything around. But I am so happy and enjoying immensely that he came to my life! 😺
You smell wonderful! I also like your responses to the poll!
Thank you, Hajusuuri! 🌻
I was wondering about your kitten – glad you are enjoying your sweet boy! We are also having kitten mayhem here. Our guy is turning out to be huge and floofy – I have never seen a cat gobble food – any food – like he does. I was so spoiled with our other cats, who amazingly had/have no interest in people food. I could turn my back on the cutting board whilst fixing meals. Not now…
I am glad you are also happy with your boy, despite eating like crazy! Mine doesn’t show much interest in any food, despite trying different brands. There are days when he eats normally and others where he barely eats. He is very picky! I spoke to the vet and he told me not to worry much about it since Kito is healthy, very active and his weight is fine. I just have to be patient! 😸
Aw. That’s lovely.
😊
Yay for kitty Kito! His arrival is a vicarious joy for us all! 😻
Thank you, She-ra! 😸
Hurray for baby kitty Kito! I hope he has many happy and healthy years ahead with you.
Thank you, Jalapeno! 😻
SOTD = Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier Parfum d’Empire
A mouthful for sure! I was on the main level and did not want to go upstairs where my collection is and decided to pick from my mostly decanted perfumes. Somehow, I don’t think I’ve ever worn this one and had to look up the manufacturer. It is a winner! I also don’t know who sent it but whomever did, thank you!
In other news, I got my hair cut this morning and as usually is the case, I did not wear a perfume. Now I feel like a human being!
In more other news, the daughter of a friend is having a baby shower in early October. The invitation was sent via text with a link to the evite. No issues except we may have plans for my sister (b-day) and ? on my BIL’s back surgery (it’s been a year – no kidding), so my response was Maybe. Last week we got an email that the venue was full and couldn’t accommodate any more people. Today, I received an email saying oh please RSVP because a Maybe is a response (not quite a No). After discussing with sis, we decided to respond with a Yes, except the site did not cooperate. I just told my sister that if she ends up calling our friend to let her know. I am still waiting …
Whoo hoo for the haircut!
I hadn’t found time to look at NST for the last few days, but I’m back home and catching up today. My mother had another fall and is in hospital in a rehabilitation ward, and I’ve been visiting her and sorting out things while trying to keep working.
It’s been a crazy few days, but the good news is that my mother will probably get back home. She will likely need to go into to a care home soon, but it will be so much better if she can get home for a few months.
I’m wearing Rose d’Arabie from the Armani Privé line, and I’ll pop back later with some thoughts on the weekend poll.
Wishing your mom a full recovery soon!
Wishing her a full and quick recovery!
Oh Gaynor, you have had a lot on your plate! I hope your mom is doing better soon and that things get sorted easily.
Speedy recovery ❤️🩹 to your mom
You are a caring daughter and I hope she recovers in good time.
Hoping for mum’s speedy recovery! 🙏
Best wishes to both you and your mom!❤️🩹
Adding more wishes for your mom’s recovery!
Wishing an easy recovery to your mom and to you as you journey with her. Tis hard.
Sending you strength and hugs, Gaynor! And a speedy recovery to your mom! 🤗
Gaynor so sorry about your mother but glad she is on the mend!
Best wishes for your Mom! That’s a difficult situation to be in.
Happy weekend! I’m avoiding R’s if possible.
Sotd Abel Laundry Day for sunny optimism.
Back w questions but To Do List now.
I really need to try that one, I see you mention it frequently. I’m a fan of clean and/or skin scents. I went through a bottle of their Nurture and liked that one.
Nurture is very very lovely. I also liked Pause but changed the bottle so I wouldn’t buy it now. Re Laundry Day, I urge you to sample it. no more 50 ml bottles just 100ml. I’m almost at a thunk with my bottle so I’m going to have to exercise physical discipline to pay the $180 for the larger bottle. MTG when I get more I’m happy to send you some.
1. Nothing comes to mind right now.
2. White Oleander. CK Obsession is the perfume of one of the foster mothers but fits the book as a whole.
3. The only fun thing that I have done recent was the Natural History Museum.
4. Gris Charnel extrait would be the perfume I would love to get.
Currently wearing Gris Charnel in edp form. In today’s mail was LADDM Noir but it came after I applied Gris Charnel.
Do report back on the LADDM Noir after you try it please!
1. Can it be a perfume that existed but no longer does? I would love a bottle(s) of Acqua Di Parma’s Profumo. The bestest chypre I have ever smelled.
2. I am usually one to read and forget, other than coffee table books that I keep. Then there are recipe books. They are my babies. I’d wear L’Artisan Jour de Fete, gourmand but light and airy so it wouldn’t affect my mental imaging and mental smelling of whatever recipe I’m reading.
3. Fragrance du Bois Voyage a Paris. I think it’s going for $355? It’s $5 more but it’s allowed right? 😉
4. My papaya tree is still bearing LOTS of fruits and they are soooo sweet and delicious. I have the tropic-like heat to thank for this.
Wow, I thought they’d brought back Profumo at least once and maybe twice, but I see from the online prices that it must be pretty scarce.
OF COURSE nobody is going to quibble over $5!
1. The perfect skin scent. I have no idea who’d make it, but I’m constantly on the look out.
2. Hmm….not sure.
3. One of the Chanel Les Exclusifs. Not sure which one though, it’d be a toss up between 1932, 31 RC, Bois des Isles or Cuir de Russie. I probably just need one of those “bespoke” sets.😅
4. Since madtowntwenty is taking a gap year and back home from her summer camp job, we’ve resumed watching Northern Exposure. We’re on season 5 and I never want it to end.🥹 I love that show so much and love that she does as well. Every show makes us laugh and we love admiring the early 90s fashion. Next weekend we’re headed to Minneapolis and taking both girls to a concert at First Avenue, another nod to the 90s as it was one of my favorite venues and I saw lots of good shows there. I’m sure it’s gonna be deja vu for me, never thought I’d return 33 years later with two daughters.
I am watching NE very slowly, in between other things, and still in the later part of season 4. It is fun to see it again!
Happy Sunday everyone! Still in my pajamas and Gris Charnel. Just waiting for some groceries to arrive so I can put them away. After my shower, it will be a Number One Intense sort of day today. I think I might binge watch Call the Midwife since I don’t like football.
Call the Midwife never fails me, Dawn.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Enjoy Call the Midwife! I try my hardest not to, but inevitably cry at almost every episode.
Hello NST. I’m sure enjoying the swapmeet. What a great opportunity Robin offers for us to find new fragrances and pass on under-loved beauties.
1 – I would like 1990s era Serge Lutens to make a perfume that’s a cross between Boxeuses and Sarrasins because it might be a jasmine that works on me. what brand (or what perfumer) should make it.
2 – Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are books I’ve read repeatedly to myself and to my kids when they were small. The books encompass a world of forests and mountains, cozy villages, swamps, and dead lands where only fire belches. So there are numerous possibilities, but I will go today with forests and pair Tolkein with Lutens’ Chene,
3 – The one perfume I’d like (for now at least) is the original Daim Blond by Lutens, in the Palais Royale bottle. So I’d need a time machine or a repeal of IFRA and some corporate mergers as part of the fantasy.
4 – Something wonderful follows me around all day and keeps us active – our blue heeler mix rescue dog we adopted from a high desert shelter two years ago. She had languished there for more than a week because she presented like a very abused dog, terrified of everything, and she was probably going to be put down soon – the shelters are terribly overcrowded. But I’d seen a video of her being affectionate with a lady who brought in treats and video’d all the dogs to post online for adoptions, (bless her!) and I knew there was another side to her. As soon as we got her home and she felt safe, that side bloomed and has flourished ever since. Love her so much and I tell everyone who compliments us on how beautiful she is where we got her and how there are many like her there that need loving homes. (They have a lot of cattle dogs and cattle dog mixes for some reason, prolly backyard breeders).
For #1, have you tried Perris Monte Carlo Jasmin De Pays? It’s a very interesting jasmine w/ clove. I love jasmine and that one is a novel slice to my nose that is still a powerhouse jasmine.
And thank you for sharing the wonderful story of your sweet rescue pup and companion!🥹
Thank you She-ra. A lot of NSTers love this line but I’ve not tried any yet. I shall put it on the list.
Happy Sunday NST! Sotd John Varvatos Artisan layered with both Oribe Desertland and Desertland body crème for an outdoor so long summer potluck.
1. A fragrance that makes you go Up and At ‘Em without any medicinal stimulants. Like double latte you wear but without a coffee scent. Citrus I think with some herbs like Rosemary. When I think of treatment fragrance I think of Clarins. Maybe this would be Eau Dynamisanté to the power of 10!
2. Nicholas Nickleby. I didn’t read it until I saw the 8 hr Royal Shakespeare Company play. But now I’ve read it multiple times. I think Creed Irish Tweed because Nicholas is kind, virtuous and resilient like a dependable tweed, getting better either way age.
3. I’ve been in Angela Bassett mode on 9-1-1 watching back episodes and the latest season multiple times where her husband, the underrated actor Peter Krause, sacrifices himself for his team. When I heard that Krause and Bassett were meant to be a couple on the show, I couldn’t imagine it. They magnificently proved me wrong. And how has she not got an EGOT- you name it she can do it, including saving an overturned cruise ship and landing a disabled 727 with no pilots or rudder for that matter. Angela Bassett- Action Star! (Although she did play the POTUS in the latest Mission Impossible film)
4. From the September issue of Real Simple (from my darling auntie’s subscription), I dialed up the usual salmon with a Roasted Carrots and Salmon with Pistachio Gremolata recipe. Delicious, easy and some different tastes to chase away salmon boredom.
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/real-simple/20250901/282097757761952
A beautiful beautiful day to all! Enjoy the swap meet.
That recipe sounds amazing. Now tell me where I can find someone to make it for me. I fantasize about this a lot when I read a yummy recipe but don’t have the energy to get cracking on it. Also, I love the idea of the pistachio gremolata. A dish I’ll never forget in a humble cafe in Rome was pasta tossed with caramelized eggplant and tomato and each strand of pasta was coated in powdered pistachio crumbs. The depth of flavor was amazing.
Do you have a friend where you could buy all the groceries and she will do the cooking (or he for that matter). The recipe will feed 4.
Hello, fragrant friends.
Yesterday was a treat. I have a very dear friend who live out near Joshua Tree and she was LA for the weekend for some workshops.
She texted me and we met for a very long, very lazy, very chatty lunch in Manhattan Beach.
I have been wearing a sample of Carthusia Meditteraneo for the past three days. Not a summer fragrance person, but this one is delicious and I am considering it for next summer.
Books:
Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan.
All the beauty and mystery and sorrow that is Burma.
Desiree by Annemarie Selenko.
The story of a young French girl who was engaged to Napoleon and ended up as the Queen of Sweden.
I still have my aunts’ copy of the book from about 1963? My sister and I visited her house in Djurgarden in Stockholm as well as her and her hubands tombs.
A bell jar of Daim Blond would work well! It’s currently 320.00, but I want the older version.
Have a good and safe weekend, all!
Ah, Apsara, we have the same wish for vintage Daim Blond. Best of luck to both of us.
Sigh
What a fun time in Manhattan Beach! Was it as humid in MB as it was in West LA?
Not at all. It was foggy all day by the water and the sun never broke through.
It may be just me and all the time I’ve spent in San Francisco, but I find fog so romantic. I just got a sample of Brandt London Fog and am looking forward to wearing it.
Wearing Shalimar L’Essence today…very good stuff. I get lots of tonka, vanilla and powdery suede.
Wonderful stuff below in no particular order!
1. Reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler at bedtime with She-ra Mini which was one of my favorites growing up. I got a hard cover copy w/ the original illustrations…throughly enjoyable.
2. Watching Orphan Black on Netflix which my TV-obsessed friend highly recommended a while ago but no one had the rights in the U.S. for a few years I believe. I’m in the middle of the 1st season…highly diverting and entertaining thus far.
3. Listening to BBC Radio 3!!! So. Damn. Good. 🇬🇧
Long-winded backstory: I usually stream WQXR which, for those who may be unaware, is a NYC classical station that my dad loved and I listened to growing up. I work from home and often have WQXR in the background which is calming for these particularly troubled times. A couple weeks ago, NYPR (which owns WQXR) had streaming issues so their feed was somehow disrupted and I could not play WQXR. I investigated other options and came upon BBC Radio 3 and it is spectacular! BBC Radio 3 broadcasts classical and opera but they have other stuff including jazz, culture and arts. They have lots of live performances, concerts and shows where they discuss composers, music, etc. and give commentary too. I have been missing out! I joked to Brother She-ra…It’s like WQXR went off to war and I shacked up with BBC Radio 3! 😆 I have found the love of my life…there’s a movie there I think 😉 ehaeheh note the streaming disruption was resolved a week or so later so now I don’t even have to choose. 😘 A perfect parable of how losing something near and dear can set you on the path to something new and wonderful!
She-Ra, delighted you’re enjoying your Shalimar L’Essence! SLE has gotten a lot of NST live since its launch.
FTMUFOMBEF was my favorite book for years of my childhood. Mom and I would take turns reading it aloud. It was thrilling when we finally visited The Met years later together!
The WQXR and BBC3 story was a classic! How awesome is it you now have both! A surfeit of riches!
Love not live
Thanks, LesLiesse! Yes, the book is great…have to plan an NYC trip w/ She-ra Mini!
Glad you are loving L’Essence too…I wore it on Saturday when it cooled down in San Diego to about 75 w/ some impromptu rain and it was beautiful in slightly cooler weather.
I wore LeLabo Ambrette today for a breakfast out with a group.
1) I am still hunting a rose scent to love. There are a lot of contenders but nothing that knocks it out of the park. Maybe that is just my being picky. I have moved away from rose scents that are totally rose-forward and towards ones which are mixes of rose and other notes.
2) I think the best books change how we perceive the world and for me a book that did that was Wilding by Isabella Tree. Even in my backyard, I think in terms of how to enhance what is already there rather than destroying and replanting. Gypsy Water would go with the book.
3) One line I have not explored, mainly because I have never seen the perfumes in person, is Serge Lutens. I would like a bottle of Fille en Aiguilles since the description sounds like something I would like. It would be very unusual for me to buy without sampling but if it were fantasy purchase, I would be able to do it.
4) Nothing too extraordinary going on. Wrapping up my vacation it was good to have home-cooked meals, even if I was the one cooking.
A hearty second for Wilding by Isabella Tree. That consumed my thoughts for a long time.
I’ve had a relapse of not feeling well today. I’m going to leave early from work. It’s very humid here today and the A/C has already been shut off at the store for the season. I’m not wearing any perfume but did use BBW Off the Vine shower gel and lotion.
Sorry about the a/c, lillyjo, and it’s awful when you’re already feeling poorly to have to battle humidity on top of it. May you feel better tomorrow.
Thanks Denise. I was already clammy and with no A/C I thought I might faint.
Please do get some extra rest lillyjo! We all want you feeling better.
Thanks LesLiesse. I think I tried to go back too soon. I just don’t rebound the way I used to.
I’m sorry, lillyjo. I hope you feel better soon.
I hope you are feeling better today, Lillyjo! 🌹
Sending more well wishes for a better day today💐
Oh, no I hope you feel better today!
Boo hiss for still feeling poorly! If you have more sick time, please use it.
Happy Monday!
We’re having one of those last warm days of the year – the kind that feel almost like summer. So I’m wearing my vintage Joy, which makes a perfect transitional fragrance.
Vintage Joy is sublime!
I second allo! You smell divine!
Enjoy your beautiful golden day!
Enjoying the Swapmeet and the chance to try new things and rehome others😊
1. I want Christoper Sheldrake and/or Marc-Antoine Corticchiato to create another fragrance for Roberto Greco because Œillères and Rauque are such masterpieces.
2. Missing Out: In Praise of the Unlived Life by Adam Phillips. I could read this book over and over and always find more “words to live by”. Phillips is a British Psychoanalyst and author whose work has helped me to think about my personal life and work as a psychotherapist.
3. A bottle of Roberto Greco’s Œillères
4. Doing some fall planting of Hostas and Hellebores🍂🍁
I forgot my Sotd – a layering of SL Fille de Berlin and Nez Editions Adorem – I like FdB much better with the depth Adorem’s smoke give it.
I am giving LADDM Noir a good for my last day before I go to work. I do detect some vanilla but the inedible type. I will probably blog about this tonight.
Happy First Day of Autumn as well as First Day of Spring in the SoHemi and for those who celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Shanah Tovah!
Sotd for Monday, Zara Cocoa Bliss, an impulse purchase right after I picked up its Gourmand Coffee.
May the change of seasons invigorate everyone!
May the change of seasons
Sounds like you are going on a bit of a Zara tear. 😉
Yes it’s been a slippery slope from GC to CB and now I’m receiving in the mail the definitive sample of Leather Jardin to determine if I get a Zara trifecta.
I’ve been really engaging in retail therapy since I’ve entered Stage 4 Depression for my sweet sweet aunt. Saturday humid afternoon I was outside Office Depot blubbling away (I think I need more valet parking as there’s no time to cry in the loading zone- it’s just car, tip and go!) and the woman parked across from me tooted and waved a box of Kleenex to indicate I could have some. I waved my Starbucks napkins back at her, grateful for strangers doing kind things, and smiled, blew my nose and put the car in gear.
P.S. My aunt loved Zara, and when I’m strong enough I’m going to have her Zara things altered to fit me.
Aww sweet LesLiesse. Sending hugs 🩵
The dream perfume godmother would send me a bottle of Montale Arabians Tonka.
Simon Mason’s Finder series is absorbing, depicting a moving sense of loss after a person goes missing. It reminds me of the ca. 2000 TV show Cold Squad, showing how murder, especially an unsolved one, affects so many people.
Have to skip the first 3 poll questions because I don’t have any brain power left after this weekend, but here’s number 4: Saturday’s party was a wonderful success! My anxiety began to dissipate that morning when my calendar told me it was the International Day of Peace. This party was so special because it was a house concert with one of my musical heroes, the Chicago folksinger/songwriter/storyteller/troubadour. He, along with several others, compromise a not-for-profit organization that gathers communities and its resources to support neighbors in need, especially via food pantries.
Earlier this year we won a raffle for a free house concert. We decided to make it an indoor block party and invite all our neighbors and a few others from our community. Everyone brought an appetizer or dessert to share as well as food donations for our local food pantry. The music and communal fellowship that flowed restored my faith in humanity! Two other volunteers from the organization came to help, and one told me this was the best house concert she had been to.
I’m aiming to keep those feelings of peace ☮️ and hope🤞going today in my SOTD , YR Ode au Reve, a ‘blue’ scent, soft and powdery sandalwood with a touch of incense.
Hope to catch up on posts soon. Here’s to a wonderful week ahead for all and a blessed Rosh Hashana to those who celebrate. ✌️
Quite pleased to hear that your event was a smashing success! But I bet the kittehs are happy to have their house back.
Just noticed in the first paragraph ‘ compromise’ should be ‘’comprise.’ I hate those automatic changes!
Hiya NST! Welcoming the first day of Fall here with an apartment inspection. My complex does them 2x a year. Teflon kitty was NOT a fan of the CO and smoke detectors being tested.
Was AWOL on Friday because my brother needed more help with his computer. I was also running around doing errands throughout the afternoon. Then on Saturday I went over to his place so he could change the oil in my car. Yesterday (Sunday) was a day of rest.
Onto the poll answers!
1. How about Clinique bringing back the sadly discontinued Wrappings?
2. Books that have stayed with me for a long time? George Orwell’s 1984, for obvious reasons. On a lighter note, The Hobbit and the LOTR trilogy. I was a little different after my trip to Middle Earth.
3. Bottle of perfume for $350? Chanel No. 19 extrait
4. Something wonderful? Teflon kitty’s shoulder has healed up, and I have become used to my progressive lenses. Should have done the lenses sooner!
Intermittent SOTWeekend = Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme.
Yay for #4!