Today is Black Friday, the official start of the holiday shopping season in the United States and one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Of course, it’s also Buy Nothing Day. Choose your poison…
A holiday favorite (not least because it’s hard to find the rest of the year): Clinique Wrappings. The gift set includes 25 ml Perfume Spray and 100 ml Body Smoother, $35 at Clinique…
“While traveling the Silk Road between Asia and the Mediterranean, explorers ate almonds to maintain health. Thought to promote fertility, the Romans showered the bride and groom after a wedding with almonds.” (from the Claus Porto description of the Alface candle)
The almond tree (prunus dulcis) and its blossoms and fruit have had symbolic meaning for cultures in Asia (the tree’s native habitat), the Middle East and Europe. The long-lived tree represents endurance and the wish for a long life. The abundant, fragrant almond blossoms of late winter convey the promise of coming spring and proclaim the ability of the earth to renew itself. In China, white almond blossoms symbolize feminine beauty…
Claus Porto is a Portuguese soap manufacturing company that, since its inception in 1887, has become one of the most prestigious soap makers in Europe. As of recent years, they have began to offer their products to American consumers in fourteen fragrances ranging from Favorito (Red Poppy) to Lelite (Orange Amber) and Ilyria (Honeysuckle), all encased in the most beautiful vibrant art deco packaging.
Being somewhat of an almond addict, the first scent I had to try was Alface. As Kevin found in his experience with the Alface candle, it is actually quite an unusual almond fragrance…
At imaginationperfumery, the Hermes Eau des Merveilles gift set, with Eau de Toilette spray, Body Lotion and Bath & Shower Gel. $46.99…
The white clusters of acacia flowers redolent of jasmine and orange blossom with a touch of coconut lend themselves to being reproduced in a perfume. For the time being, I am happy to discover it in a candle form. The black wax of Claus Porto Voga is saturated with this magnificent aroma that is reminiscent of late spring when the tall trees covered with feathered leaves suddenly blossom, only to lose their finery a few days later in a white, fragrant rainfall. The rich scent of the Voga candle conjures my walks through the acacia-lined streets in the city where I grew up…