Quick PSA: the damage poll is coming up on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, are you making any perfume-related resolutions for the New Year? Fragrances you'd like to buy, fragrances you'd like to not buy, perfume projects you'd like to complete, anything? Tell us!
Or feel free to share anything you’d like to accomplish this year.
Or, as always, just talk about something else.
Note: top image is White Amaryllis [cropped] by gporada at flickr; public domain.
The weather continues to be awful, bitterly cold and windy though bright and clear (the two generally go hand in hand during the winter here — overcast = not too cold but possibility of snow, clear = brutal but usually no snow). And it’s getting worse: on Monday the windchill will be -31ºC! So I’ve been wearing warm scents for days now, and today I’m in the sunshine-on-soil Terra di Siena by I Profumi di Firenze.
I don’t really make resolutions any more: I’ve failed too many times. I started trying to do weights three times a week starting in December, and succeeded, so now I hope I’ve set the habit. I thought I’d try to read more actual books, but that just isn’t going to happen and I know it. I’m fairly confident I’ll keep exploring my fragrance collection and won’t buy any this year, although! I popped into Lush yesterday and they finally had Posh Chocolate, which I hadn’t even had the chance to smell: it was so good, even fighting through the olfactory cacophony of the store, that I bought the body wash (the thick paste in the tub). I’m about to go clean the bathroom and then have a shower, so I’ll get the chance to try it out. I expect good things.
The weather here is nowhere near as bad as yours, but is definitely colder than usual and I am not going to enjoy my heating bills this winter.
I have sustained my new exercise program for quite some time now and even though I don’t enjoy it, it has really helped my bones so I keep at it. I wish you luck!
I am almost out of my second tub of Posh Chocolate and then will move on the Shower Gel which I bought as soon as it came out. It is easily my favorite shower layering agent…it goes nicely with so many other shower gels. Hope you loved it!
Posh Chocolate is absolutely wonderful! And a small bottle of the shower gel makes a great surprise gift I’ve found even for non-perfumistas.
Good luck with the 3x per week program! I managed to keep exercising through the rough waters of last year, even if just an “exercise snack” of five minutes. All efforts add up! And as Robin said your bones will thank you!
Minus 31 Celsius (-24 degrees F) windchill is heinous!
No resolutions
No purchases
No projects
Just enjoying what I have which is more than enough
Well in terms of accomplishments I would like to continue what I started six months ago…. Eating well , exercising regularly and Christian pursuits.
You’re doing great cm8!
I wish you success in all of your endeavors!
I am trying my best, dear friend. It is not easy at my age to stay healthy but I am giving it my best shot. And thank you for the encouragement.
Sending 🙌 and a (virtual) Ritter Sport Marzipan!
Yum!!!! I will happily accept it!!! 🍫 🍄🍄🍄thank you MB!!!
I have to echo Lillyjo CM8, as you’re going great and great things for your body! Bravo and good luck keeping it up!
Thanks for the encouragement!!! I hope you can do the same in 2026 as I know you’ve mentioned it. Baby steps!
Keep on keeping on CM8! You can do it.
No resolutions, although if my ortho decides that I need shoulder surgery I’ll be doubling down on healthy in the next few months. Trying really hard to no buy most everything in 2026. I did a decent job of working on downsizing belongings until the fall. Need to get back to paring down and enjoying a smaller, more curated life!
You reminded me that I did have a resolution this year of using up decants and I made a good dent in them. Also did a little general paring down, but this year two other friends have been making a real effort, e.g. actually clearing out a storage room, and both were talking about how happy it made them.
MMKinPA, that’s a powerful narrative to me that it’s not mere downsizing, but you’re curating! TBH, I haven’t even begun working on my aunt and uncle’s home. Inspired by you, I’m going to strive to curate their belongs so I’ll have deeper insight on what to keep.
Excellent plans and I hope your shoulder will get the right treatment. We at Chez Mossy are also looking forward to more clearing out of extra “stuff” this year.
As I’m already scheduled for shoulder surgery soon (the 15th), I’ll be interested in what you find out and willing to offer any advice or ideas that you might want–and support!
SOTD is Maxsim Cologne d’Agar. LT liked it so I bought a travel size.
Top Notes: Bergamot, Sichuan Pepper
Heart Notes: Rose, Saffron, Frankincense
Base Notes: Burmese Oud, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Benzoin, Labdanum, Virginia Cedarwood
It’s nice, a bit punchy to start, but it settles pretty quickly and it is definitely not a cologne-weight scent.
The only resolution I have is to get stronger and more flexible. The Covid years I walked loads to keep from going stir crazy at home and I have kept it up, so my cardiovascular system is in excellent shape, but I haven’t done any weights and very little stretching for a few years now and I am starting to notice it. I have access to the fitness room at the community center and they have all the equipment anyone could want. Starting out twice a week, wish me luck!
Excellent resolution foxbins! And good for you for keeping up with a positive pandemic side effect.
Good luck foxbins!
I wish you luck!! It is worth the doing!
That perfume sounds so interesting! I like the sound of it. I hope the cedar note isn’t too strong.
Best of luck with your fitness goals foxbins!
Sampling PdE Madagascar Le Baume Vanille today and notes are below. Got lots of rum in the opening…it’s kind of sharp to my nose so far but in a good way…maybe peppercorn?…will see how it develops.
Last year I wanted to start meditating and tried out the Insight Timer app and love it. 😍 I have no affiliation and it’s free. I used it on and off in the first half of last year but started to use it almost daily in August and definitely feel the benefits. I am less reactive and less anxious…most days. 😅 I highly recommend the app. I will probably sign up for the paid version this year to get more content from certain teachers I like but there’s a ton of stuff even w/ the free version. It’s definitely the best thing I did for myself last year and will continue in 2026. 🎆
Notes: Cinnamon, Clove, Cocoa Beans, Hay, Leather, Madagascar Vanilla, Peppercorn, Rum, Tobacco, Wood
Wanted to add that NYT Wirecutter reviewed meditation apps and they liked Insight Timer as well and give good info on other apps too
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-meditation-apps/
Your sotd sounds gorgeous.
You smell great!
She-Ra, I think the Insight app is wonderful! I’ve been using the free version for the timer with different gongs indicating time passages. (If I didn’t have the timer prompts, I confess my mind would wander away. It’s a gentle call to be present for me.).
Does anyone have any insight on Insight Timer vs Headspace? I’ve had Headspace for some years, with a desire to meditate more, and it doesn’t inspire me. It feels like you can choose any of their “goals” for the meditation (most kinda BS) and in the end it’s the same meditation…which, yeah, but then don’t give me all the BS. I finally stopped paying for it two years ago but they keep bugging me to re-up. I’ll give Insight Timer a look.
No resolutions but like MMKinPA I’d like to downsize a bit. Today I tested Horizon by Guy Laroche, a man’s scent that came out in 1993 and mixes slight aquatics with heavy fougere, tobacco, herbals, patchouli, woods, & oakmoss. The oceanic blue crackled bottle (kindof cool) might have fooled the guys into thinking it was a freshie a la Cool Water, but it’s a strange and unsettling mix of mostly basenotes and almost medicinal herbals. It bombed, as people didn’t know what to make of this creation that was neither fish nor fowl. Goes for a song on the resale sites, even the Cosmair vintages, so they must have made scads of it. Maybe D.S. Durga could pull off something like this today if marketed right, but for now it remains a strange but valiant footnote in perfumery. It’s raining in Los Angeles until Thursday. I hope the hillsides don’t get saturated and lead to mudslides, Stay safe and warm everyone!
Horizon sounds intriguing. Safe and warm wishes to you, DeniseH!
I got a bottle of Horizon in a swap once and I did not like it AT ALL. Pretty sure I just swapped it right back out, or at least gave it away. I wonder what I’d think of it now. You’re right that it goes for a song: I just found a bottle on a Canadian site for under $15 CAD, not that I intend to buy it.
It IS perfumath-free, so there’s that 😇.
How did you like your Horizon day DH? Your description was so very intriguing and I would have been enabled except it’s no fragrance buys January (as well as Dry January for me).
We just got home from a wedding. I was restrained and wore just a quick spritz of Coco Noir. There was no reception, just a dinner for family so my husband and I had made a pact to be home and in sweat pants by 4:00pm. We actually made it by 3:30 😂 The things that make you happy when you’re old!
Wearing copious amounts of vintage Coco, happy in my sweatpants.
Same here sans wedding…Coco and sweatpants!
Excellent taste ☺️
This all sounds and smells great!
Coco Noir(a favorite with me) strikes me as an excellent wedding perfume. A follow on of vintage Coco at home with comfy clothes: golden!
Your husband sounds like a dear to make such a pact with you! Glad your accomplished your joint goal with time to spare!
Sounds like you had a great Saturday!
In OJ Woman this morning, and doing chores in between crossword puzzles. On resolutions, well … I made one and promptly broke it (yes, already). It was to stop blind-buying and enjoy what I already own, and then Courreges Blanc tripped me up. I didn’t know I wanted to buy it, and there are probably going to be more this year that I currently have never heard of but will end up chasing down anyway because I Have No Self-Control. Obviously. Yeesh. 🙄
You hardly need to count that if you were able to get it cheap😂
Under $30, including shipping? Yep, perfumath free. 😁 Thanks for the inspiration!
SG, I must agree with Kris’s perfume-math. I think your resolution is still intact in spirit. 😉
Some of my best perfumes are/were blind buys. Maybe consider a reset of your resolution and try again?
Today is the last day of my summer holiday, the weather hasn’t been very summery, but it’s been great to be away from thoughts of work.
I’m wearing a souvenir of Paris from a few years ago, Rose Impériale from a small brand called Ausmane. We ran across the shop by chance near our hotel, so I couldn’t resist a serendipitous purchase. This is what I think is meant by a “jammy” rose – it’s sweet and rich.
Once again, I have no specific resolutions, other than to try and have some commonsense in purchasing perfumes and sewing fabrics and everything else!
Sorry your holiday is over Gaynor!
What an ideal souvenir of Paris to remember your beautiful trip!
Oooh, as I’m headed to Paris again in March — is Ausmane worth going out of my way for? (Everything = out of the way, as Mr. Ockeghem will be at a conference in the 13th.)
Happy Saturday NST!
Sotd 2025’s #2 fragrance Abel’s Laundry Day for its sunny optimism. It’s pouring again here, so I will probably slip into Cocoa Bliss for the evening.
Perfume goals: wear fragrance daily unless sick & notate online. And to be basking & basking rather than parsing & parsing. Lastly, no fragrance buys in January.
Whatever your plans, goals or dreams for 2026, I wish you all the support of your family, friends and fellow perfumistas! May the wind be at your back encouraging you forward! 🖖🏻
I’ve been keeping track of all my fragrance wears since January 1st, 2024, in a free online database called Airtable. It’s really interesting to look back and see what I wore when, and you can ask the database questions like, “What did I wear the most this year?” (in 2025 it was Mitsouko), “What did I wear on Valentine’s Day each year?”, and “How many Serge Lutens scents do I own?”
I’ve been using Fragrantica’s, but was thinking of switching to excel so I can integrate my buy lists and wishlists better. Your thoughts? So you use airtable for work?!I see it’s good for teams.
No, not for work, I just stumbled across it when looking for a database and it does exactly what I need it to do. Not completely intuitive but I don’t mind a little trial and error. (I also record everything I wear in my journal in case the database disappears some day. I know all too well that if you need the internet to use a thing, you don’t own it — it can be snatched away from you at any moment with no warning.)
I love excel (yes love) and use it extensively, so I’m intrigued at the idea of shifting software. N
I do the same, but just use a journal I write in each day. I note which fragrances I have on my tray for the month (I change some each month according to my perfume themes for that month) and then also note which body products I’ve used with my SOTD. It’s fun to look back!
I have just one small tray worth plus a cute dish with samples. I’m wowwed that you change your tray monthly by theme!
I tend to be a seasonal fragrance wearer and my themes tend to reflect what’s happening outside my window and the feelings/emotions I experience then, and since I have way too many fragrances collected over the years changing some monthly enables me to try and use as many as possible.
LesLiesse, pyramus, and Laila, you inspired me to start perfume tracking again. Or should I say nudged me — I’d been planning to do it but kept procrastinating. I used to keep logs in Excel but stopped in 2022. Now I’ve tried Notion, and everything looks neat so far. I will slowly add other perfumes in my wardrobe as I wear them. And as I add more views, I should be able to use the database similar to how pyramus uses Airtable.
https://www.notion.so/Perfume-Tracker-2deeef83fa8f80c59fa2cab95da10459
Well Glannys the first time I ever used AI deliberately was when you inspired me. You were layering fragrances and had your AI come up with a new for the combo. I was struggling with wording for a personal project and used it, unartfully but usefully, to break my mental logjam. If I take your link and sign up for notion will I be able to use your template or have to create my own?
Try this link:
https://mangrove-mammal-cf0.notion.site/Perfume-Tracker-2deeef83fa8f80c59fa2cab95da10459
I’ve enabled “Duplicate as temple”, so if you click on “Duplicate” (top right, icon showing two sheets) and sign up for Notion, you should be able to use it as a template. A bit of warning: if you’ve never used Notion before, it can be rather overwhelming first. I would not call it difficult to learn, but it’s not completely intuitive either. You might need either ask AI, read help or ask me if you are stuck.
Hi Glannys,
I downloaded Notion as an app on my laptop. And copied your library and ytd log. Boy am I having trouble. Quickly figured out I would need to make am entry for library to enter it on log. But having difficulty. I thought i could just click on a cell that was formatted, then enter my data. e.g., I was trying to enter today’s date, but I can’t get it proper column. it’s in the wrong place, but highlight/delete isn’t getting me anywhere. i will have to look for a tutorial. Thank you for sharing!
Replying here, since I cannot reply below.
1) You can definitely start in the wear log – then it will add the perfume to the library. But you will need then to go to the library and fill the other columns. Starting in the library seems more logical though.
2) I am afraid I do not understand what’s going on. Are you trying to change the contents of an already filled cell? It should be possible. And you can move the columns (called “properties”) by dragging.
If you’ve got anymore tips you can email me at:
L S H A T U M @ G M A I L . C O M, with no spaces obviously. I was trying to write over your entries for the start of the year. By mistake I erased Jan 6 but finally got it back in.
Email sent!
No perfume (or other resolutions) for me, only hope for a better effort to reconnect with a few friends I haven’t seen in person in quite awhile except for occasional texts or messages. Time – and the years! – seem to go by way too quickly.
A gray and gloomy day today, a good day for the spicy warmth of YSL Black Opium. I ❤️ this one, but then I never met a fragrance with a coffee note that I didn’t love. We ran some errands this afternoon and will be tucked in the rest of the night with PBS.
Hope you’re all having a lovely evening!
I am mostly tucked in with PBS too…taking a quick break from the newest season of Astrid to look at the comments.
We’ve been watching the George Gently series on Passport, only recently became aware of it.
I’m a weak-kneed wobbler when it comes to coffee anything, even fragrance! If I may, I have dear friends on the east coast and we zoom monthly. It’s been wonderful to keep in closer touch!
I recently pulled out my bottle of Black Opium Neon. I should try it with these mild temps I have currently. It was not happy when I tried it in the depths of Winter last year.
sotd = CdG Avignon
The mentions of incense scents in yesterday’s CP made me crave Avignon. So beautiful!
I’ve been satisfied with samples of it for years, maybe this year will be my year to buy 🥰 (or avoid buying 😬) a FB.
Other goals are to use up old samples and rehome unloved lovelies from the perfume cupboard. And for sure I must spend more time talking about scent here at NST. 💕
Rehome them now…I dithered too long, now many of the ones I meant to rehome are spoiled.
Excellent advice, thank you! 🙏 😊
My mom and daughter are going to get a few bottles for sure. 💕
If you need more lmk. PM me over at instagram
thank you, cm8! 🥰 you’re wonderful.
🎉 all lovely inspirational fragrance goals TF! Especially spending more time talking about fragrance!
thank you, LesLiesse! 🥰 It is always fun to spend time with fragrant friends.
NST will be glad to see more of you!
🥹😍
Last night I did one spray of Chierosa 62. How is this a body spray? It’s nuclear! Can’t do my usual 32 sprays of this one. Maybe that’s a good thing? Still going strong this morning.
32 sprays? So tell more please as one of my goals is basking & basking in scent as opposed to one modest spray on one wrist, as I have been doing.
I have scent devouring skin so 32 sprays on me is not for a normal person!!! But I do encourage basking!!! Wear it and enjoy it, whatever that means for you and your skin type.
I’m basking in TF Noir Pour Femme this morning and reading through fragrantica’s “readers’ choice” awards for 2025. There sure are a lot of them.
I always vote on what I know, which is usually not much about the new releases. I always look to upvote my favorites when I see them disparaged such as Youth Dew and Angel 😹😹.
😱 People disparage Angel??? Nooooo! 😉
I was too under the weather to vote, but was shocked that Shalimar L’Essence only won in the best bottle category. I sure hope I misread that result and it was feted elsewhere.
TF Noir Pour Femme was gorgeous. Such a bummer that it got axed.
I missed posting my delightful yesterday’s SotD, Bobbi Brown Bobbi’s Party. It got my attention years ago because numerous ‘Fume Fans likened it to my beloved Je Reviens. I see that but BP stands on its own as a fun and festive scent. SotD today is Dioressence, from the Les Creations era. I have a travel sample from Frag’net. I had a hard time deciding which of these to get and in the end went with FB’s of Diorama and Diorling. No regrets but ‘essence and Doirella could land on my shelves to my delight. Speaking of my shelves, I won’t be making any no buy resolutions this year. But I am focusing on what I have and realizing there is a lot of good stuff languishing such as Bobbi’s Party. Roasting a corned beef for lunch and looking forward to a trip to Florida and time with family there. 😸💕🎉☀️🌊
Ears perked – likened to Je Reviens you say? I will look for this one.
I think you have my email; let me know if you want a sample. I really enjoyed it and would be curious if you see the JR connection.
I started wearing Bobbi Brown makeup in the 90’s but not her fragrances. Her new line Jones Road has 2 scents: Shower and Bklynn. I really like Shower and will layer it w YSL Libre L’Absolu Platine for a double orange blossom dose. I haven’t smelled the other yet. She has only released 2 scents in 5 yrs of JR existence.
I noticed when I made No Buy resolutions that my willpower failed much easier than when I didn’t. Weird how that works.
My top (one of those fitness quarter zip tops) has some really pretty lingering fragrance on it that I can’t quite place. I also have a dab of Guerlain Cuir Beluga on my wrists.
My fragrance resolution is to spray more and enjoy the wonderful fragrances that I have. Not sure why I always think I need to be looking for the next best thing! (Although I am sure I will continue to sample as it’s just fun.)
I think I had three resolutions last year. They were something like this:
1) A real commitment to working out and in particular to using weights and increasing them
2) Find a church community
3) Go through stuff and work to clean out/pare down.
I was pretty successful with #1. Less so with 2 and 3. But they can continue on for this year.
SP, 🎉🎉🎉 congrats on achieving such a worthwhile resolution! That’s terrific for your health and your long-term enjoyment of life!
Thanks, LesLiesse!
Sampling is fun! Even when a scrubber pops up.
I’m wearing a tiny spritz of MFK Grand Soir. It smelled so good on New Year’s Eve that I had to wear it again! Fortunately we’re having some clear cool weather. (Cool for us = 60’s.) It’s definitely a scent that’s simply too overpowering for warm or hot weather.
I did my usual Sunday visit to Mom today and she was in such a fine mood, laughing, smiling, telling stories… You can’t understand what she’s saying but it’s awfully nice to see her being lively. On other days it’s pretty difficult to see her. Today she reminded me more of her former self, with her special brightness.
Oh that’s so nice Calypso. Enjoy it while you can, right?
Very happy to hear you had a nice visit with your Mom on a good day.
No perfume New Year’s resolutions, I know I’d break them.
I’ve already bought two perfumes, but I’ll try not to get more than ten this year.
I’d like to exercise more regularly and spend less time on social media, but again: no resolutions, just intentions…
Good luck with all the intentions NinaV! You never know 🙂
Thanks Robin!
New Year’s resolutions by their nature are tough!
Yes, and I don’t like to be tough on myself 🙃
LOL!
Your reply reminds me of a favorite “Calvin and Hobbes” cartoon. Calvin walks into the kitchen where his parents are sitting, wearing his Dad’s glasses. Then Calvin says “Go do something you hate! It builds character!” The final panel shows Calvin’s Mom almost falling on the floor, laughing.
I know I am a little late to the party right now. Yesterday I wore Cheirosa 62 and wearing Narciso Rodriguez for her edt today.
My goals for the next 6 months is to pay off my Afterpay balance (will be paid on in mid February) and save money for a trip to California. That means no perfume buying and I say that while I bought a Rose Jam set off of Ulta. I am going to have a fair bit to answer for to Donnatella this quarter.
My other goal is to use up some perfume samples and full bottles of perfume. While I work on that, I plan to start working on using more of my candle collection.
Good luck Dawn! A trip to California is worth giving up some perfume, right?
Where in California, if you don’t mind my asking?
Somewhere near Temecula to visit my sister and nephews.
Temecula has great antique malls where I have found some nice fragrances tucked away in glass cabinets when I’ve had to travel to San Diego, but I haven’t been there in years.
Staying with my ‘white’ January theme today in vanilla, enjoying LMDLV Vanille Noire du Mexique. The opoponax and patchouli base notes have a chocolatey feel, and layered over BBW’s Hot Cocoa and Cream body products they make a great combo.
We went to see ‘Marty Supreme’ today, starring Timothée Chalamet , a favorite of mine. Critics loved it and voted it one of the best movies from 2025 but much of the public didn’t. Yes, it was frenetic, chaotic, often brutal and violent, and filled with unsavory and unlikeable characters, of which Marty (Chalamet) was the main one. Not the kind of film that normally appeals to me, but I thought it was fantastic! Absolutely riveting, filled with twists and turns, and Chalamet was incredible in his role as the ping-pong player from 1952 NY. So glad I saw it.👍
Wishing all a great week ahead! ☮️❤️🤞
Oh good, that’s wonderful to hear…I will see it on streaming some day!
No resolutions at all…I learned years ago that if I’m going to make a resolution to do something, the time of year when I decide means nothing at all.
I will get on the bike and out jogging more, but I’m going nowhere near a gym in January. 🙂 I will continue to keep drinking more water, which I was strongly reminded of on this last trip to the Midwest, when I didn’t have much water while on flights.
Just got back from visiting my grandmother. It is very good to see her, as she’s nearly 100 and still at home, but her mobility has become much more limited in the last year. Getting there and getting back, though, is no picnic, at any time of year. Last night our second flight was delayed by 3.5 hours and we got home at 4:45 a.m. this morning. Minor jet lag plus a stupid delay mean that I don’t really know what time it is right now, though I kind of do…it’s an odd feeling.
Perfume-wise, I don’t really have any…well, I won’t say resolutions, but goals. I’m waiting to get some samples from Mendittorosa (just got the bill for duty…sigh) and Wild Coast Perfumery (though they seem to be on an extended vacation). I have to figure out what’s worth smelling this time in Paris. (I did just book a cheese tasting tour for me and Ockeghem Teen, which she’s very excited about, but that’s more of a sweat sock smell 🙂 .)
I’ve been on a low- (or small bottle) buy for a long time. No small bottle, you’d better knock me out.
Wow, that is impressive that your grandmother is still living on her own at that age, even with limited mobility! Glad you got to visit even the the travel part sounds dreadful.
Yes, after all that’s gone down with other members of the family, she wants no part of assisted living / nursing homes, and we all agree. We’re fortunate that she’s still very sharp and we’re making it work as long as we can.
Hydration is SO important. I’ve discovered that if I am even a little low on water intake here, I get nasty headaches.
I didn’t drink enough on the planes out, and the first night there in the hotel (which was not a great hotel, par for the course there, and I forgot my water bottle and there were no glasses in the room), I was SO dry. Dry lips, dry mouth, dry everything. And somehow that led to me mouth breathing when I slept, so when I woke up my mouth was horribly sore. It’s taken days and MUCH water to fix. You’re right that it’s SO important!
sotd = Hiris
The rain is back today, skies are gray, and I feel a slowness. Blue bottle Hiris feel comforting. 💙
I’m heading back to work on Monday after a long break. I had a nap today, and finally feel fully rested. 😊
Hope NSTers everywhere are enjoying a sweet Sunday. 💕
Love Hiris. Smelling fabulous!
aw, thank you Kris 🥰
Iris scents always make me smile.
Good luck with your Monday!
thank you, Jalapeno, I’m actually looking forward to Monday (for once!). 😆
Oops, never posted. So Happy First Sunday or as we’re calling it here, Happy Restock All the Homemade Frozen Meals. I’ve got chicken stock, potato leek soup, and a super healthy vegetarian broth called Bieler Broth, very alkaline, all freezing. Now simmering organic San Marzano tomato sauce w organic ground beef. I got those Souper Cubes in multiple sizes (as seen on Shark Tank) and they’re excellent.
Sotd a crazy combo: Zara Cocoa Bliss + Guerlain Encens Mythique. Perhaps an experienced perfumista can tell me why this combo works!
I can see your combo working.
I restocked homemade foods for the freezer last week. We have chili, vegetable beef soup and lasagna.
I would love to have chili in the freezer but all my recipes are too complex. Is yours straightforward? If yes, might I induce you to share it?
Why a perfume combination works can be a very personal thing, dependent on your chemistry. The fact that you enjoy it is the most important data point. 😃
PS. Your potato-leek soup sounds delicious!
No resolutions, but I do have a couple goals for this year.
1. Joining a new church.
2. Buying fewer perfumes and wearing the ones I already own.
I also would like to mention that I just finished one of Denise’s books titled The Jasmine Trade. It is a crime/suspense novel about the “parachute” kids in San Gabriel, California. Fascinating book. She has other books as well. I have three of them, but this was the first one I had read. I would highly recommend!
I will get on board with your number 2
Kris, late reply to your question about Bake and Devotion: at first I also thought they were almost identical, but after wearing them a lot, the difference is noticeable. Bake, to my nose, has a prominent lemony-salty accord that I don’t get in Devotion. The latter is sweeter, the citrus note reminds me less of lemon and more of orange, although I’m not 100% sure what they used. They are both beautiful, definitely “sister perfumes,” and I guess only true fans need both 🙂
Thanks Nina!
Kris, good luck w your resolutions! I looked up DH ‘s book (you’d be excellent at PR!) and am going to read it. I’m actually 3 books behind right now with reading projects for my book club and some friends. But I’m fascinated by the plot and we already know that DH is a superb writer from her posts alone. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
I sort of made perfume-adjacent resolutions for 2025. I have used up a few of my body butters, and will continue doing that. Showergels regularly get thunked. I’ve noticed that a lot of the new LUSH ones are super sparkly, so if that’s not your thing consider this a heads up.
I did rehome a couple of perfumes last year, and would like to find new homes for some this year. Got some aquatic scents that are So Not My Thing.
Not at all perfume related goals are:
1. Continuing my stretching routine. I can now touch my toes. Also doing some balance work.
2. Get Teflon used to hear allergy medicine dispenser so I can eventually start dosing her.
3. Become consistent with weight training.
SOTD = commando today.
Do you follow a video for your stretching routine?
No, I don’t. Some of my stretches are from my high school days when I was in cross country and track. Others are from college when I had PT. And the latest is one I just started last month to stretch out my calves and Achilles tendon.
I mix things up by not necessarily doing the same ones every day.
Just back from our holiday. I only brought No. 5 L’Eau with me, so I’m happy to be reunited with the rest of my collection. Today I’m wearing Maxim’s de Paris, a chypre.
Sad that Canada lost the Junior Championships last night. The game was everywhere on TV in Canada, but the moment we crossed the border, it was impossible to find unless you were willing to pay.
Welcome back!
Happy Monday!
No real perfume-related resolutions – just being careful not to overspend or overbuy, which I actually did quite well in 2025. Oh, and I’ve started tracking my perfume wears again.
Today I’m wearing ELDO Jasmin et Cigarette. Several websites mention an apricot note, but I barely detect it – and only after learning it’s supposed to be there. I’m not sure it really counts for the CP.
Frankly, the only perfume with a truly prominent apricot note that comes to mind is CSP Vanille Abricot, and I don’t have it.
Happy Monday Glannys! I will be downloading the Notion app you recommended tomorrow. Thank you for offering to answer my questions on it. I started my weekend off with a major scheduling snafu- thought tomorrow was the 5th. The 5th is Mom’s annual physical and there’s a lot of moving parts to get her out of the house there, put together properly. I’m leaving shortly and no time for the loveliness of fragrance although I did spritz (no basking) my Xmas gift to myself so as to not bother the Dr or nurses. LV City of Stars. So I smell like spring.
Good luck with your Mom’s physical!
I do love to smell like spring in winter, too.
Sure, feel free to ask about Notion when you are ready to give it a try.
Apricot in ELdO Jasmin et Cigarette? I’ve never noticed any in there either.
A nice warmup for us this week; temps in the mid-40’s and going up to 50 on Thursday; we even had 🌞 today.
SOTD is the warm, ambery, woody with a touch of incense Barbara Bui Le Parfum, a wonderful skin scent I love in winter. Got a good start on putting some holiday decorations away but many are ‘winter’ decorations and will stay out til Valentine’s Day.
Wishing all a wonderful week ahead!❤️☮️🤞
Enjoy the warmer weather!
I am unscented today, woke up with a headache. 🤕 Maybe it’s the change of weather as the rains end.
You all smell wonderful!
Sorry to hear that you woke up with a headache.
thanks, Jalapeno 😄 a little Aleve and I’m all good again this evening. 🌝 Time for 🥱💤!
Quick post for me today! Still around 60 degrees for high temperatures here. Given that it’s January I expect that to change sometime soon, though. Teflon kitty has been loving this warm weather and has been thundering around the apartment every so often the past couple of days.
SOTD = Guerlain Black Perfecto by LPRN EdP, from The Sample Stash.
My youngest 😸thunders through the house when she knows I’m getting their food ready. She’s hysterical to see! The other two 😻😽just sit quietly and watch me.
Sometimes Teflon’s thundering is the post-poop zoomies. Other times I think she’s chasing invisible prey. And sometimes it’s just “kitteh felt like it”.
LPRN almost-twin as I am wearing the OG!! I am really enjoying it but I do usually reach for Black Perfecto. We are almost weather twins, too and I enjoyed a long walk today.
Hiya, scent sibling! I am pleasantly surprised by how much I like Black Perfecto. A 50mL bottle is pretty much Perfumath Free at the moment… 🤔
I just shake my head at the low price, but I know I don’t need back-ups. At one point when it hit the discounters, I thought G. was going to discontinue it, but whether or no, it remains a fabulous bargain if you like LPRN at all. The bottles are so pretty, too. Here’s your enabling 🫸🏻 if you want one!
The Thunder of Tiny Paws is something I miss from the days I was bossed by my cats. So fun! 😸
Hello, everyone!! Since I have decided Chanel is the ONLY perfume brand I NEED in my life back in September which concludes by 25+ year perfume “hobby” search and quest I have purchased over $3000 in Chanel perfumes. Crazy. I couldn’t count everything I bought: too many. I just have a sizeable collection. I have some Chanel on the way every single week ever since September including multiple bottles a week. Most recent purchases: Chanel #18 is on the way – ordered from Chanel website.
Yesterday just got 2 x 7.5ml each parfum bottles of Coco Mademoiselle and Allure. Also in the mail to me (just like #18 is on the way) is 7.5ml of Coco parfum.
Coco parfum looks like should be delivered tomorrow. My Chanel #18 along with some nail polish should be here Thursday.
I forgot to add: my economic class by standards = poor. Haha but my hobby = costly.
Glad you’ve found “the one” and hooray that you can trust yourself to realize it. May I ask if you decided to sell or otherwise share most of your non-Chanels, or just freeze the collection? I totally relate to your completist in form, edp, perfum, but what about flankers? Are you doing all those, too? Are you seeking any D/C’d unicorns? Enquiring minds want to know! 😺
Sure You can ask. I have decided to “freeze” it for now.
I have a 6 year old little girl who loves looking at the collection and listen to me tell Her what is what.
I realized I have a few good ones like Tea for Two, or some unopened Shalini bottles. Maybe She will acquire them from me!!
I am dreaming of owning a bottle of Chanel #46 one day.
A little funny situation was when I found (yes found!! Meaning bought and forgot, literally) a tiny bottle of Orris Wakan oil. In my head I said : “I really must be crazy” to myself.