¡Ombligo!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Demeter Gin & Tonic
Demeter Gin & Tonic
I first tasted a gin & tonic two years ago. My friends and I were going to the local amusement park and we were waiting for other people to arrive so we could go together as a group. As my best friend and I had been waiting for a while, she decided to make us some drinks. As she opened up the gin I mentioned that it smelled like a pretty perfume so I wore it as such. Several gin & tonics later everyone arrived and off we went to the amusement park where the two of us went crazy. We kept going on the water based rides and then would run off to the other side of the park and get on the fast spinning ones to dry off. We convinced the others to do the same but after a while they couldn't handle it, especially the ones that have motion sickness. Weaklings! That was by far the best day I had all that year as earlier that year I had been in the hospital.
Demeter's Gin & Tonic tries to recreate the scent of the drink. I get primarily juniper berries from this fragrance with a few spices that is slightly citrusy. Very true to gin but would be even better if it were slightly more citrusy. On my skin, it seems very dry but that seems to get better over time.
A nice unisex fragrance that can easily be worn all day, year round. It's the perfect fragrance for today where it's 105°F and my head has been killing me all day! I could really use a real gin & tonic right now. The staying power is pretty good on my skin which is rare for a Demeter.
Demeter's Gin & Tonic retails for $18/1 oz. at Sephora but it's an even better bargain for $19.89/4 oz. at Scentiments.
I first tasted a gin & tonic two years ago. My friends and I were going to the local amusement park and we were waiting for other people to arrive so we could go together as a group. As my best friend and I had been waiting for a while, she decided to make us some drinks. As she opened up the gin I mentioned that it smelled like a pretty perfume so I wore it as such. Several gin & tonics later everyone arrived and off we went to the amusement park where the two of us went crazy. We kept going on the water based rides and then would run off to the other side of the park and get on the fast spinning ones to dry off. We convinced the others to do the same but after a while they couldn't handle it, especially the ones that have motion sickness. Weaklings! That was by far the best day I had all that year as earlier that year I had been in the hospital.
Demeter's Gin & Tonic tries to recreate the scent of the drink. I get primarily juniper berries from this fragrance with a few spices that is slightly citrusy. Very true to gin but would be even better if it were slightly more citrusy. On my skin, it seems very dry but that seems to get better over time.
A nice unisex fragrance that can easily be worn all day, year round. It's the perfect fragrance for today where it's 105°F and my head has been killing me all day! I could really use a real gin & tonic right now. The staying power is pretty good on my skin which is rare for a Demeter.
Demeter's Gin & Tonic retails for $18/1 oz. at Sephora but it's an even better bargain for $19.89/4 oz. at Scentiments.
$15.50
iTunes
A while back I won some codes for iTunes so I finally downloaded it and checked out the site. I submitted all the codes and now have $15.50 in my account. I feel so powerful now! I've been looking at the site for at least four hours now and still can't decide how to use my power! Listening to all the clips makes it even harder. I really liked the world music section and listened to belly dancing clips for an hour.
I noticed on the site they have Celebrity Playlists which was a lot of fun to look through. Note to KBee - they have Michael Bublé's Playlist. I was thinking of what songs I'd choose if I were asked to come up with a playlist. I narrowed it down to 30 songs and this is what I chose:
(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame - Elvis Presley My absolute favorite Elvis song in the world, it makes me sad that the masses don't know it!
These Dreams - Heart Growing up, I always wanted a voice like Ann Wilson's and a body like Nancy Wilson's plus the ability to play the guitar.
One Way or Another - Blondie I love Deborah Harry and her voice. All Blondie songs hold a special place in my heart but this one is just a bit brighter.
We All Sleep Alone - Cher It took me forever to decide on which Cher song got picked as she has so many great ones through different decades but this one brings the best memories. At the time she was dating Richie Sambora who wrote this song.
Pleasure, Little Treasure - Depeche Mode Too many songs that I love but this reminds me of dance class freshman year where I was forced to the back of the class, for both my own and the safety of others.
Love to Hate You - Erasure Also, too many songs that I love but this one brings a flood of memories with it.
Hangin' Tough - New Kids on the Block Personally I could easily have thirty NKOTB songs but I chose this one because it shows street cred both for me and them! Word!
You Can't Hurry Love - The Supremes Don't even get me started on how much I love The Supremes and Diana Ross! *sobs* I'll never tire of any of the songs!
People's Revolution; Death of Chou Yuan - The Red Violin(Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) I chose this for so many reasons. I love this movie, I love Joshua Bell. At this particular part of the movie the violin is in China at a time where all western influences are being destroyed. This song starts off cheerful and full of life with the children's chorus singing the song but fades into such sorrow and despair with the violin solo. Breaks my heart every time.
Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls Yeah baby, it's all about the spice! My favorite Spice Girls song hands down! When I watch Spice World, this part gets played at least ten times!
Reflection - Lea Salonga Mulan is my favorite Disney Movie! Growing up none of the characters in Disney movies looked like me but in the late '90's they came out with Pochahontas and Mulan - which is more me. Love this song for so many reasons and this song rings true now for me more than ever!
Hit - The Sugarcubes For many many reasons, also brings a flood of memories both the absolute highs and incredible lows!
No Ha Parado de Llover - Maná MTV Unplugged Fher's voice and lyrics are what made me fall in love with Maná. My favorite version of this song which makes me cry every time. To choose one song was particularly hard as I love so many. A very close second was Rayando el Sol which brings out so many emotions as well.
We Belong - Pat Benatar As a child I actually believed that I would one day sing like Pat Benetar. I love too many of her songs but this one in particular I'd sing over and over. She once said in an interview that she recorded this song the day she found out she was pregnant with her daughter.
Numb / Encore - Jay-Z & Linkin Park Such a great collaboration! I really love Chester Bennington's voice. Such a beautiful voice but filled with so much pain. He writes what I wish I could say.
If I Had a Hammer - Peter, Paul & Mary My Dad's influence, such a hopeful political song that easily fits into this time period!
War? - System of a Down I love SOAD! Because my Dad forced me to listen to his political songs, I made him listen to mine. He's got a copy of Toxicity in his car that he listens to on occasion. He makes fun of the fact that I listen to this full blast but I can guarantee he does the same when he listens to it!
Dammit - Blink-182 I had such a crush on Mark Hoppus back then! This song puts me at a time where I felt all was right with the world. I had so much hope back them. I hope to regain that back in time.
In Bloom - Nirvana My teen years wouldn't have been as good without Nirvana. I remember seeing them on SNL with my Grandma. Kurt's gone, my Grandma's gone and I'm left alone with my memories.
Coat of Many Colors - Dolly Parton I love Dolly Parton for so many reasons! She's such a great singer and songwriter but still so humble. She gives back to her so much to her community. I wish others who had as much power followed her example.
Need You Tonight - INXS I loved Michael Hutchence so it was hard to pick a particular song but this pulls at my heart a little bit more.
When You Say Nothing at All - Alison Krauss & Union Station She'd make even the worst song sound beautiful. I love too many of their songs but this one I declared as my wedding song, provided I get married. Keith Whitley's original version was good but Alison's voice made this song so much better.
Silent All These Years - Tori Amos The song that introduced me to Tori Amos. I heard it several months before it became popular and remember telling all my friends how much I loved Tori who they thought was a "one hit wonder." Years later she's still going strong! Why don't they ever listen to me?
Breathe - Melissa Etheridge They didn't have my favorite Melissa Etheridge song "Don't look at me" so after much dilemma I decided on this one. I love her voice and lyrics!
Take My Breath Away - Berlin I wanted to be Terri Nunn who's eternally cool! Such a beautiful song and voice! A hex on Jessica Simpson for releasing her version of this song!
You Spin Me 'Round (Like a Record) - Dead or Alive I remember my sister and I dancing around my room to this song whenever the video would come out on Mtv. Years later I still dance whenever this song comes on!
Do You Hear the People Sing? - Les Miserables Soundtrack There are too many musicals that I love! I couldn't decide on a movie musical or Broadway musical to include but this one stood out in my mind for many reasons, especially now.
Top of the World - The Carpenters A song that has been a part of me all my life. I even do the hand wave that Karen did when I sing it. Too many songs that I love. Karen died too young because of her demons. I hope to conquer mine before it's too late.
Holding Out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler This and the Dixie Chick's "I believe in love" are the songs that don't make me feel too bad for being single and alone. Loved this song since I was young and have attempted this and "Total eclipse of the heart" one time too many on karaoke. In my mind I didn't sound too bad, in reality people were drinking more to drown out the sound!
Rise Above - Chuck D & Henry Rollins Oh Henry! Another political song that was made even better by the influence of Chuck D!
Note: I wanted to add a Madonna song but they don't have the majority of her songs on iTunes! That sucks! If I had to choose one song in particular it would be "Dress you up (in my love)" I used to practice that dance over and over. In the 2nd grade I wanted lace bras so I could dress like Madonna. As that was unlikely to happen I instead wore whatever lacy items I could get my hands on to be like Madonna. I'd put lace ribbon around my pony tail and wear my lace gloves and thought I looked totally "Boytoy!"
A while back I won some codes for iTunes so I finally downloaded it and checked out the site. I submitted all the codes and now have $15.50 in my account. I feel so powerful now! I've been looking at the site for at least four hours now and still can't decide how to use my power! Listening to all the clips makes it even harder. I really liked the world music section and listened to belly dancing clips for an hour.
I noticed on the site they have Celebrity Playlists which was a lot of fun to look through. Note to KBee - they have Michael Bublé's Playlist. I was thinking of what songs I'd choose if I were asked to come up with a playlist. I narrowed it down to 30 songs and this is what I chose:
(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame - Elvis Presley My absolute favorite Elvis song in the world, it makes me sad that the masses don't know it!
These Dreams - Heart Growing up, I always wanted a voice like Ann Wilson's and a body like Nancy Wilson's plus the ability to play the guitar.
One Way or Another - Blondie I love Deborah Harry and her voice. All Blondie songs hold a special place in my heart but this one is just a bit brighter.
We All Sleep Alone - Cher It took me forever to decide on which Cher song got picked as she has so many great ones through different decades but this one brings the best memories. At the time she was dating Richie Sambora who wrote this song.
Pleasure, Little Treasure - Depeche Mode Too many songs that I love but this reminds me of dance class freshman year where I was forced to the back of the class, for both my own and the safety of others.
Love to Hate You - Erasure Also, too many songs that I love but this one brings a flood of memories with it.
Hangin' Tough - New Kids on the Block Personally I could easily have thirty NKOTB songs but I chose this one because it shows street cred both for me and them! Word!
You Can't Hurry Love - The Supremes Don't even get me started on how much I love The Supremes and Diana Ross! *sobs* I'll never tire of any of the songs!
People's Revolution; Death of Chou Yuan - The Red Violin(Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) I chose this for so many reasons. I love this movie, I love Joshua Bell. At this particular part of the movie the violin is in China at a time where all western influences are being destroyed. This song starts off cheerful and full of life with the children's chorus singing the song but fades into such sorrow and despair with the violin solo. Breaks my heart every time.
Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls Yeah baby, it's all about the spice! My favorite Spice Girls song hands down! When I watch Spice World, this part gets played at least ten times!
Reflection - Lea Salonga Mulan is my favorite Disney Movie! Growing up none of the characters in Disney movies looked like me but in the late '90's they came out with Pochahontas and Mulan - which is more me. Love this song for so many reasons and this song rings true now for me more than ever!
Hit - The Sugarcubes For many many reasons, also brings a flood of memories both the absolute highs and incredible lows!
No Ha Parado de Llover - Maná MTV Unplugged Fher's voice and lyrics are what made me fall in love with Maná. My favorite version of this song which makes me cry every time. To choose one song was particularly hard as I love so many. A very close second was Rayando el Sol which brings out so many emotions as well.
We Belong - Pat Benatar As a child I actually believed that I would one day sing like Pat Benetar. I love too many of her songs but this one in particular I'd sing over and over. She once said in an interview that she recorded this song the day she found out she was pregnant with her daughter.
Numb / Encore - Jay-Z & Linkin Park Such a great collaboration! I really love Chester Bennington's voice. Such a beautiful voice but filled with so much pain. He writes what I wish I could say.
If I Had a Hammer - Peter, Paul & Mary My Dad's influence, such a hopeful political song that easily fits into this time period!
War? - System of a Down I love SOAD! Because my Dad forced me to listen to his political songs, I made him listen to mine. He's got a copy of Toxicity in his car that he listens to on occasion. He makes fun of the fact that I listen to this full blast but I can guarantee he does the same when he listens to it!
Dammit - Blink-182 I had such a crush on Mark Hoppus back then! This song puts me at a time where I felt all was right with the world. I had so much hope back them. I hope to regain that back in time.
In Bloom - Nirvana My teen years wouldn't have been as good without Nirvana. I remember seeing them on SNL with my Grandma. Kurt's gone, my Grandma's gone and I'm left alone with my memories.
Coat of Many Colors - Dolly Parton I love Dolly Parton for so many reasons! She's such a great singer and songwriter but still so humble. She gives back to her so much to her community. I wish others who had as much power followed her example.
Need You Tonight - INXS I loved Michael Hutchence so it was hard to pick a particular song but this pulls at my heart a little bit more.
When You Say Nothing at All - Alison Krauss & Union Station She'd make even the worst song sound beautiful. I love too many of their songs but this one I declared as my wedding song, provided I get married. Keith Whitley's original version was good but Alison's voice made this song so much better.
Silent All These Years - Tori Amos The song that introduced me to Tori Amos. I heard it several months before it became popular and remember telling all my friends how much I loved Tori who they thought was a "one hit wonder." Years later she's still going strong! Why don't they ever listen to me?
Breathe - Melissa Etheridge They didn't have my favorite Melissa Etheridge song "Don't look at me" so after much dilemma I decided on this one. I love her voice and lyrics!
Take My Breath Away - Berlin I wanted to be Terri Nunn who's eternally cool! Such a beautiful song and voice! A hex on Jessica Simpson for releasing her version of this song!
You Spin Me 'Round (Like a Record) - Dead or Alive I remember my sister and I dancing around my room to this song whenever the video would come out on Mtv. Years later I still dance whenever this song comes on!
Do You Hear the People Sing? - Les Miserables Soundtrack There are too many musicals that I love! I couldn't decide on a movie musical or Broadway musical to include but this one stood out in my mind for many reasons, especially now.
Top of the World - The Carpenters A song that has been a part of me all my life. I even do the hand wave that Karen did when I sing it. Too many songs that I love. Karen died too young because of her demons. I hope to conquer mine before it's too late.
Holding Out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler This and the Dixie Chick's "I believe in love" are the songs that don't make me feel too bad for being single and alone. Loved this song since I was young and have attempted this and "Total eclipse of the heart" one time too many on karaoke. In my mind I didn't sound too bad, in reality people were drinking more to drown out the sound!
Rise Above - Chuck D & Henry Rollins Oh Henry! Another political song that was made even better by the influence of Chuck D!
Note: I wanted to add a Madonna song but they don't have the majority of her songs on iTunes! That sucks! If I had to choose one song in particular it would be "Dress you up (in my love)" I used to practice that dance over and over. In the 2nd grade I wanted lace bras so I could dress like Madonna. As that was unlikely to happen I instead wore whatever lacy items I could get my hands on to be like Madonna. I'd put lace ribbon around my pony tail and wear my lace gloves and thought I looked totally "Boytoy!"
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Slatkin & Co. Kabbalah Spiritual Cleansing candle
Slatkin & Co. Kabbalah Spiritual Cleansing candle
Since Katiedid suggested that I wear my Slatkin & Co. Kabbalah Spiritual Cleansing candle instead of burning it I decided to do just that as it sounded like a nice fragrance to wear anyhow and the wax is incredibly soft in this candle making it incredibly easy to apply.
The notes in the Spritual Cleansing candle are: red frangipani, heliotrope, musk, vanilla, and creamy sandalwood.
The fragipani is the primary note in this fragrance with a light heliotrope following it. The musk, vanilla and sandalwood blend nicely in this mix. Not too strong, just strong enough to make an appearance but light enough not to take over the fragipani. The staying power is incredible at first and part of me wishes that some fragrances came in a similar waxy format. After a while however it falls flat and I had to re-apply more of it to refresh the scent.
It's a nice fragrance but nothing that blows me away, there are other fragrances in the Kabbalah collection. The one that I'd be more likely to wear because of the notes would be sexual energy.
Passion: A blend of red jasmine, apple, mahogany with patchouli, and heart of patchouli.
Happiness: A blend of orange, bergamot, green tea, jasmine, and galbanum.
Sexual Energy: A blend of amyris, saffron, red plum, red pepper mixed with rose, clove, and red leather.
Evil Eye: A blend of Italian bergamot, nutmeg, wild berries, chamomile, cedar, honey with myrrh, and vetiver.
Dreamstate: A blend of oceanic breeze accord, melon, grapefruit, passion flower, and white tea.
Power of Prosperity: A blend of luscious plumeria, daffodil, frangipani, and sensuous ylang.
DNA of the Soul: A blend of lemon, lemongrass, tea, cinnamon, and myrrh.
The Kabbalah line retails for $22/6.3 oz. candle and is sold through at many major retailers including Sephora and Neiman Marcus.
*Note: The Ci-Boy is now sporting the red string.
Since Katiedid suggested that I wear my Slatkin & Co. Kabbalah Spiritual Cleansing candle instead of burning it I decided to do just that as it sounded like a nice fragrance to wear anyhow and the wax is incredibly soft in this candle making it incredibly easy to apply.
The notes in the Spritual Cleansing candle are: red frangipani, heliotrope, musk, vanilla, and creamy sandalwood.
The fragipani is the primary note in this fragrance with a light heliotrope following it. The musk, vanilla and sandalwood blend nicely in this mix. Not too strong, just strong enough to make an appearance but light enough not to take over the fragipani. The staying power is incredible at first and part of me wishes that some fragrances came in a similar waxy format. After a while however it falls flat and I had to re-apply more of it to refresh the scent.
It's a nice fragrance but nothing that blows me away, there are other fragrances in the Kabbalah collection. The one that I'd be more likely to wear because of the notes would be sexual energy.
Passion: A blend of red jasmine, apple, mahogany with patchouli, and heart of patchouli.
Happiness: A blend of orange, bergamot, green tea, jasmine, and galbanum.
Sexual Energy: A blend of amyris, saffron, red plum, red pepper mixed with rose, clove, and red leather.
Evil Eye: A blend of Italian bergamot, nutmeg, wild berries, chamomile, cedar, honey with myrrh, and vetiver.
Dreamstate: A blend of oceanic breeze accord, melon, grapefruit, passion flower, and white tea.
Power of Prosperity: A blend of luscious plumeria, daffodil, frangipani, and sensuous ylang.
DNA of the Soul: A blend of lemon, lemongrass, tea, cinnamon, and myrrh.
The Kabbalah line retails for $22/6.3 oz. candle and is sold through at many major retailers including Sephora and Neiman Marcus.
*Note: The Ci-Boy is now sporting the red string.
"Your blog would be better if you stopped talking about fragrance!"
Tarina Tarantino Hello Kitty Ring
I was talking to my sister the other day who mentioned that my blog would be better if I stopped talking about fragrance. I asked her, what do you want to hear about and she said "Anything but fragrance, it's so boring!"
Later in the conversation she asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told her there are two things I've have my eye on so she asked what they were the first being a Hello kitty ring from Tarina Tarantino - I'm haven't even picked a specific one as I want them all. The second being L'Artisan's Extrait de Songe so she asked for links for the two items. She said "Are you crazy spending $100 on a fragrance!" and she also said "Why can't you pick some real jewlery, not something with Hello Kitty on it!" and then she said "I'll get you the Hello Kitty ring if you buy me the Audrey Hepburn tiara!"
Mind you my sister already has an Audrey Hepburn tiara , a replica of the one she wore in Roman Holiday and she's not talking about the other tiaras sold through Tiara Town she's referring to one she saw in In Style Weddings, a replica of the one Audrey wore in My Fair Lady made by Excalibur Jewelry which retails for$750!
In other news, I saw How To Deal starring Mandy Moore this past weekend. The plot is that her parents get a divorce and her dad gets remarried and her mom starts dating. Her grandmother smokes weed (because she's sick - or something). Her sister's getting married, calls off the wedding then goes through with it. Her best friend falls in love with a boy who dies and then after he's dead she finds out she's pregnant with his baby. And Mandy Moore falls in love with a boy. The End! So now I know how to deal! Take that society!
I got two small prizes yesterday, a trading card holder from a NBA contest and a bottle of Aussie Dual Personality Anti-Frizz Cream + Leave in Conditioner from Allure Magazine. I already tried the Aussie product and it's pretty good and it didn't weigh my Charlie Brown hair down!
I hadn't yet posted my goals for this summer or chosen a power color. I was going to pick red but at the final moment hot pink took over my mind. As two of my favorite Hello Kitty bags have hot pink in them I figure it's a good choice.
My goals for this summer are to continue working on myself and also cut out or reduce all my bad habits such as being a procrastinator or keeping things organized. Being the Queen of Denial seems to be the easy way out of things but the past always catches up with you and that's what I hate the most. It's time to face my fears!
I suggest that anyone who's been procrastinating on their life goals and are too afraid to face their fears to join in this movement! There are power in numbers and we'll stand stronger together! It's never too late to accomplish anything! No matter how big or small your goal is you can do it! Believe in yourself!
I was talking to my sister the other day who mentioned that my blog would be better if I stopped talking about fragrance. I asked her, what do you want to hear about and she said "Anything but fragrance, it's so boring!"
Later in the conversation she asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told her there are two things I've have my eye on so she asked what they were the first being a Hello kitty ring from Tarina Tarantino - I'm haven't even picked a specific one as I want them all. The second being L'Artisan's Extrait de Songe so she asked for links for the two items. She said "Are you crazy spending $100 on a fragrance!" and she also said "Why can't you pick some real jewlery, not something with Hello Kitty on it!" and then she said "I'll get you the Hello Kitty ring if you buy me the Audrey Hepburn tiara!"
Mind you my sister already has an Audrey Hepburn tiara , a replica of the one she wore in Roman Holiday and she's not talking about the other tiaras sold through Tiara Town she's referring to one she saw in In Style Weddings, a replica of the one Audrey wore in My Fair Lady made by Excalibur Jewelry which retails for$750!
In other news, I saw How To Deal starring Mandy Moore this past weekend. The plot is that her parents get a divorce and her dad gets remarried and her mom starts dating. Her grandmother smokes weed (because she's sick - or something). Her sister's getting married, calls off the wedding then goes through with it. Her best friend falls in love with a boy who dies and then after he's dead she finds out she's pregnant with his baby. And Mandy Moore falls in love with a boy. The End! So now I know how to deal! Take that society!
I got two small prizes yesterday, a trading card holder from a NBA contest and a bottle of Aussie Dual Personality Anti-Frizz Cream + Leave in Conditioner from Allure Magazine. I already tried the Aussie product and it's pretty good and it didn't weigh my Charlie Brown hair down!
I hadn't yet posted my goals for this summer or chosen a power color. I was going to pick red but at the final moment hot pink took over my mind. As two of my favorite Hello Kitty bags have hot pink in them I figure it's a good choice.
My goals for this summer are to continue working on myself and also cut out or reduce all my bad habits such as being a procrastinator or keeping things organized. Being the Queen of Denial seems to be the easy way out of things but the past always catches up with you and that's what I hate the most. It's time to face my fears!
I suggest that anyone who's been procrastinating on their life goals and are too afraid to face their fears to join in this movement! There are power in numbers and we'll stand stronger together! It's never too late to accomplish anything! No matter how big or small your goal is you can do it! Believe in yourself!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
DSH Poivre
DSH Poivre
Dawn Spencer Hurwitz's Poivre is a fragrance that I have lusted for a year now. I am so blessed because Jayce from MUA floored me with a random act of kindness gift that included a bottle of Poivre!
Poivre is part of her Les Rouges Collection wish she describes on her site as PASSION, POWER, LUST, RAGE, ECSTASY... such are our associations with RED; our wildest emotions and greatest HEAT are bound to this primal color. Inspired by the radiance and intensity of RED my Les Rouges Collection enters Perfection Connoisseur Fragrances label.
Poivre is described on the site as:(Les Rouges No. 4) (deep ruby red) This perfume is a fiery melange of captivating spices, resins, and a hint of sultry rose. Not for the faint of heart and, oh, does it sizzle!
The notes in Poivre are:
Top: Spice Notes
Middle: Sultry Rose
Bottom: Incense/Incense Notes
It starts off very spicy with notes of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and a subtle hint of cardamom. The rose in here is an incredibly mature rose that is rather dry which allows you to focus more on the spices. After wearing the fragrance for a while, the spices lay low and the incense comes out with a hint of amber.
Iabsolutelyy love this fragrance! It's not a fragrance that one wears everyday. If this fragrance were a dress it would be Fran's red dress in Strictly Ballroom and if this fragrance were a dance it would be the Paso Doble! The staying power is incredible and it's a perfect evening fragrance to wear on special occasions, suited more for evening use in colder weather but is easily worn in warm weather like today where the high was 104°.
Poivre retails for $60/.33 oz. or $135/1 oz. and is sold at DSH Perfumes. 10% off with code: MUA.
Speaking of codes, B-glowing is having a 20% off sale from Saturday July 2nd to Monday July 4th with code: america
Dawn Spencer Hurwitz's Poivre is a fragrance that I have lusted for a year now. I am so blessed because Jayce from MUA floored me with a random act of kindness gift that included a bottle of Poivre!
Poivre is part of her Les Rouges Collection wish she describes on her site as PASSION, POWER, LUST, RAGE, ECSTASY... such are our associations with RED; our wildest emotions and greatest HEAT are bound to this primal color. Inspired by the radiance and intensity of RED my Les Rouges Collection enters Perfection Connoisseur Fragrances label.
Poivre is described on the site as:(Les Rouges No. 4) (deep ruby red) This perfume is a fiery melange of captivating spices, resins, and a hint of sultry rose. Not for the faint of heart and, oh, does it sizzle!
The notes in Poivre are:
Top: Spice Notes
Middle: Sultry Rose
Bottom: Incense/Incense Notes
It starts off very spicy with notes of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and a subtle hint of cardamom. The rose in here is an incredibly mature rose that is rather dry which allows you to focus more on the spices. After wearing the fragrance for a while, the spices lay low and the incense comes out with a hint of amber.
Iabsolutelyy love this fragrance! It's not a fragrance that one wears everyday. If this fragrance were a dress it would be Fran's red dress in Strictly Ballroom and if this fragrance were a dance it would be the Paso Doble! The staying power is incredible and it's a perfect evening fragrance to wear on special occasions, suited more for evening use in colder weather but is easily worn in warm weather like today where the high was 104°.
Poivre retails for $60/.33 oz. or $135/1 oz. and is sold at DSH Perfumes. 10% off with code: MUA.
Speaking of codes, B-glowing is having a 20% off sale from Saturday July 2nd to Monday July 4th with code: america
Monday, June 27, 2005
WW: The scale is fighting me back.
I stepped on the scale today and my weight stayed exactly the same, which would be great if I had already hit my goal weight but I haven't! Bastards! I'm not really that upset about it in actuality because I have been talking about starting pilates and I haven't done it yet so my body is clearly telling me to step. So I will this week, I'm going to do it tomorrow and I'm scared. I've tried pilates a few times in the past and walked away mangled and sore. But that's the price I have to pay to make the scale move.
As Madonna sings in American Life "I do Yoga and Pilates. And the room is full of hotties. So I'm checking out the bodies. And you know I'm satisfied."
As everyone probably knows Madonna by now that she Kabbalist and all the proceeds of her moral based children's books go to charity. I've only read The English Roses and Mr. Peabody's Apples. I really liked Mr. Peabody's Apples as it was about not making assumptions about others.
In my Fifi Award gift bag, I received a Slatkin Kabbalah Candle in Spiritual Cleansing which has notes of Red Frangipani, Heliotrope, Musk, Vanilla, and Creamy Sandalwood.
Anyhow, inside the packaging of the candle was the famous red string which is supposed to be worn on your left hand to guard against evil until it falls of by itself. The color red for Kabbalah symbolizes power and energy.
As I'm basically on a journey of cleansing my spirit should I burn the candle and sport the famous red string?
Pilates-> Madonna-> Red String-> Guard Against Evil -> Happy Me?
I don't want there to be rumors that I've gone all "Hollywood" and I certainly don't want to have to defend myself on the Today show on what the virtues of Kabbalah are. I just want to burn the pretty red candle and find out how long that red string really lasts. I have issues with wearing things on my wrists and don't wear bracelets or watches and I hate when people grab my wrists so I question if I should go forward with this.
You tell me, should I burn my candle and sport the red string?
I stepped on the scale today and my weight stayed exactly the same, which would be great if I had already hit my goal weight but I haven't! Bastards! I'm not really that upset about it in actuality because I have been talking about starting pilates and I haven't done it yet so my body is clearly telling me to step. So I will this week, I'm going to do it tomorrow and I'm scared. I've tried pilates a few times in the past and walked away mangled and sore. But that's the price I have to pay to make the scale move.
As Madonna sings in American Life "I do Yoga and Pilates. And the room is full of hotties. So I'm checking out the bodies. And you know I'm satisfied."
As everyone probably knows Madonna by now that she Kabbalist and all the proceeds of her moral based children's books go to charity. I've only read The English Roses and Mr. Peabody's Apples. I really liked Mr. Peabody's Apples as it was about not making assumptions about others.
In my Fifi Award gift bag, I received a Slatkin Kabbalah Candle in Spiritual Cleansing which has notes of Red Frangipani, Heliotrope, Musk, Vanilla, and Creamy Sandalwood.
Anyhow, inside the packaging of the candle was the famous red string which is supposed to be worn on your left hand to guard against evil until it falls of by itself. The color red for Kabbalah symbolizes power and energy.
As I'm basically on a journey of cleansing my spirit should I burn the candle and sport the famous red string?
Pilates-> Madonna-> Red String-> Guard Against Evil -> Happy Me?
I don't want there to be rumors that I've gone all "Hollywood" and I certainly don't want to have to defend myself on the Today show on what the virtues of Kabbalah are. I just want to burn the pretty red candle and find out how long that red string really lasts. I have issues with wearing things on my wrists and don't wear bracelets or watches and I hate when people grab my wrists so I question if I should go forward with this.
You tell me, should I burn my candle and sport the red string?
L'Artisan Drole de Rose
L'Artisan Drole de Rose
I wore Santa Maria Novella's Melograno today, my summer fragrance for the year and I just adored it all day however I was looking to test something new and different for tonight so I decided on L'Artisan's Drole de Rose.
The notes given for this by Luscious Cargo are roses and violets and iris and a powdery note which I believe is heliotrope. On my initial application I could smell the iris and rose right away but that was overshadowed by the heliotrope that seems incredibly sweet. Once the heliotrope dries down you are once again able to detect the rose and violets.
I like this fragrance but don't love it. I wish that the rose and violets were more predominant to the heliotrope. The staying power is fair but I felt I had to apply it heavily to really take in all of the fragrance.
I think this is a beautiful fragrance that I think anyone could pull of as an all day fragrance year round. I however would prefer to wear it as an evening fragrance in colder months on days to break away from my usual spice heavy fragrances.
Drole de Rose is sold through Luscious Cargo and retails for $75/1.7 oz. and $110/3.4 oz.
I wore Santa Maria Novella's Melograno today, my summer fragrance for the year and I just adored it all day however I was looking to test something new and different for tonight so I decided on L'Artisan's Drole de Rose.
The notes given for this by Luscious Cargo are roses and violets and iris and a powdery note which I believe is heliotrope. On my initial application I could smell the iris and rose right away but that was overshadowed by the heliotrope that seems incredibly sweet. Once the heliotrope dries down you are once again able to detect the rose and violets.
I like this fragrance but don't love it. I wish that the rose and violets were more predominant to the heliotrope. The staying power is fair but I felt I had to apply it heavily to really take in all of the fragrance.
I think this is a beautiful fragrance that I think anyone could pull of as an all day fragrance year round. I however would prefer to wear it as an evening fragrance in colder months on days to break away from my usual spice heavy fragrances.
Drole de Rose is sold through Luscious Cargo and retails for $75/1.7 oz. and $110/3.4 oz.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Violettes de Toulouse
Violettes de Toulouse
I've never been to France, let alone Toulouse but I'm familiar with it. For years my sister has had pen pals from all over the world and her longest pen pal relationship been with her friend Fabien who lived right outside Toulouse. Several years ago, Fabien came to visit. He brought with him a gift of a Occitan cross pendant and a handkerchief embroidered with violets.
His visit here was certainly interesting, um to leave it as interesting would be an understatement. As I was still in college at the time, he went to campus with me one day. My sister who was also in school at the time couldn't really take time away so we asked him what he wanted to do and he mentioned he wouldn't mind staying at the house while everyone was gone. We figured, he had cable and the internet so how much trouble can a person get into right?
Well, I noticed on the computer that there were cookies for certain porn sites. Um, gay porn sites. At first I asked my sister if she and Fabien were just having fun with the computer but she denied any knowledge of it. So, I cleared the cookies and left the computer clean for the next day.
Come the next day Fabien went shopping with my Dad, so my sister and I checked the cookies on the computer and we found more cookies to porn sites. We really didn't know what to do with that information and we were comfortable with keeping it to ourselves.
Until my sister went out to dinner with Fabien and my Dad as I went out with friends and my Mom was out of town. At this point my sister and Fabien weren't really hitting it off as well as they expected. So they started fighting and yelling at the restaurant and then my sister yelled out at him "Well, at least I wasn't looking up gay porn."
Oh the shit hit the fan that day! Fabien had never mentioned his sexuality but my sister always suspected that he was gay. As both my sister and I have had many gay friends it's never been a problem with us. Fabien had kept referring to his friend who we assumed was his boyfriend but as he never brought up the subject, neither did we.
After the fiasco at dinner, Fabien decided to take an early flight home in the morning. As he and my sister weren't on speaking terms I had to act as the "middle man" between the two parties. It turned out that this was the first time that Fabien had ever been confronted with his sexuality for he had been in the closet this entire time. He'd never told anyone before, not even his friends. That was a really long and tear filled night. We tried to convince him to stay longer in the morning but he decided that it was time to go back home.
I don't know if he ever told his family but he is for the most part out of the closet is now living in England. My sister and him aren't as close as they used to be but still on occasion write to each other.
Now back on topic with the juice, Violettes de Toulouse. I can't find any other additional notes to this pale purple fragrance other than violet. It starts off a bit alcohol heavy on me which dries down fast on me. There are hints of sandalwood and anise on me which seem to take over the fragrance for a while then the violets reappear.
It's a lovely fragrance and I think I prefer this one to Violetta di Parma which starts off too green on me. I wish the staying power were better for this fragrance, perhaps layering would solve this. I think this would be a beautiful year round from dawn to dusk fragrance.
Caswell Massey has the Eau de Toilette on sale for $16.50/3.7 oz. and the Parfum de Toilette on sale for $27.00/3.3 oz.
I've never been to France, let alone Toulouse but I'm familiar with it. For years my sister has had pen pals from all over the world and her longest pen pal relationship been with her friend Fabien who lived right outside Toulouse. Several years ago, Fabien came to visit. He brought with him a gift of a Occitan cross pendant and a handkerchief embroidered with violets.
His visit here was certainly interesting, um to leave it as interesting would be an understatement. As I was still in college at the time, he went to campus with me one day. My sister who was also in school at the time couldn't really take time away so we asked him what he wanted to do and he mentioned he wouldn't mind staying at the house while everyone was gone. We figured, he had cable and the internet so how much trouble can a person get into right?
Well, I noticed on the computer that there were cookies for certain porn sites. Um, gay porn sites. At first I asked my sister if she and Fabien were just having fun with the computer but she denied any knowledge of it. So, I cleared the cookies and left the computer clean for the next day.
Come the next day Fabien went shopping with my Dad, so my sister and I checked the cookies on the computer and we found more cookies to porn sites. We really didn't know what to do with that information and we were comfortable with keeping it to ourselves.
Until my sister went out to dinner with Fabien and my Dad as I went out with friends and my Mom was out of town. At this point my sister and Fabien weren't really hitting it off as well as they expected. So they started fighting and yelling at the restaurant and then my sister yelled out at him "Well, at least I wasn't looking up gay porn."
Oh the shit hit the fan that day! Fabien had never mentioned his sexuality but my sister always suspected that he was gay. As both my sister and I have had many gay friends it's never been a problem with us. Fabien had kept referring to his friend who we assumed was his boyfriend but as he never brought up the subject, neither did we.
After the fiasco at dinner, Fabien decided to take an early flight home in the morning. As he and my sister weren't on speaking terms I had to act as the "middle man" between the two parties. It turned out that this was the first time that Fabien had ever been confronted with his sexuality for he had been in the closet this entire time. He'd never told anyone before, not even his friends. That was a really long and tear filled night. We tried to convince him to stay longer in the morning but he decided that it was time to go back home.
I don't know if he ever told his family but he is for the most part out of the closet is now living in England. My sister and him aren't as close as they used to be but still on occasion write to each other.
Now back on topic with the juice, Violettes de Toulouse. I can't find any other additional notes to this pale purple fragrance other than violet. It starts off a bit alcohol heavy on me which dries down fast on me. There are hints of sandalwood and anise on me which seem to take over the fragrance for a while then the violets reappear.
It's a lovely fragrance and I think I prefer this one to Violetta di Parma which starts off too green on me. I wish the staying power were better for this fragrance, perhaps layering would solve this. I think this would be a beautiful year round from dawn to dusk fragrance.
Caswell Massey has the Eau de Toilette on sale for $16.50/3.7 oz. and the Parfum de Toilette on sale for $27.00/3.3 oz.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
BPAL Milk Moon
Dude, I need to stop taking photographs!
BPAL's Milk Moon which was part of the Lunacy Collection of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab "BPAL" and it only sold for 24 hours on April 24th of this year.
Milk Moon was described on the site as: May marks the apex of the year’s fertility, expresses the reawakening of the sexuality of the Earth and her inhabitants, and May’s full moon celebrates both the fecundity of the creatures and flora of this world and the vibrancy, rejuvenation and life-affirming energy of Spring. Milk Moon is its warmer, gentler cousin; it is a scent that emulates the closeness of child and mother. In it, cream and warm honey soften our traditional blend of lunar oils.
Like Flower Moon I was unimpressed sniffing this in the bottle to me it smells like a mixture of buttermilk and peppermint oil. On my skin it smells like a bowl of melted butter pecan ice cream minus the pecans a bit like a little drizzle of honey that's been left to boil to create a thicker syrup blended in. Imagine spoonfulll of mint ice cream left to melt in that same bowl. There is a tiny hint of musk in here and is only detectable when I try hard to find it.
The staying power of this scent isn't as great as Flower Moon, it doesn't seem to change after time either. This is a nice fragrance but I think I like Flower Moon a bit more. I can see this as a comfort fragrance to be worn year round from morning to night. I think I'd wear this fragrance more in colder months when I flock more toward gourmand fragrances. I'm wearing The People of The Labyrinths Luctor et Emergo "POTL" EdT today and the scent of the two fragrances go well together so I think I'll further explore layering possibilities.
Milk Moon retailed for $15/5 ml. and like Flower Moon it is more than likely people will have them up for swap on MUA or Ebay.
BPAL's Milk Moon which was part of the Lunacy Collection of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab "BPAL" and it only sold for 24 hours on April 24th of this year.
Milk Moon was described on the site as: May marks the apex of the year’s fertility, expresses the reawakening of the sexuality of the Earth and her inhabitants, and May’s full moon celebrates both the fecundity of the creatures and flora of this world and the vibrancy, rejuvenation and life-affirming energy of Spring. Milk Moon is its warmer, gentler cousin; it is a scent that emulates the closeness of child and mother. In it, cream and warm honey soften our traditional blend of lunar oils.
Like Flower Moon I was unimpressed sniffing this in the bottle to me it smells like a mixture of buttermilk and peppermint oil. On my skin it smells like a bowl of melted butter pecan ice cream minus the pecans a bit like a little drizzle of honey that's been left to boil to create a thicker syrup blended in. Imagine spoonfulll of mint ice cream left to melt in that same bowl. There is a tiny hint of musk in here and is only detectable when I try hard to find it.
The staying power of this scent isn't as great as Flower Moon, it doesn't seem to change after time either. This is a nice fragrance but I think I like Flower Moon a bit more. I can see this as a comfort fragrance to be worn year round from morning to night. I think I'd wear this fragrance more in colder months when I flock more toward gourmand fragrances. I'm wearing The People of The Labyrinths Luctor et Emergo "POTL" EdT today and the scent of the two fragrances go well together so I think I'll further explore layering possibilities.
Milk Moon retailed for $15/5 ml. and like Flower Moon it is more than likely people will have them up for swap on MUA or Ebay.
Friday, June 24, 2005
BPAL Flower Moon
Further proof that I am the worst photographer ever!
Flower Moon was part of the Lunacy Collection of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab "BPAL" and it only sold for 24 hours on April 24th of this year.
The description the website gave on Flower Moon was: May marks the apex of the year's fertility, expresses the reawakening of the sexuality of the Earth and her inhabitants, and May's full moon celebrates both the fecundity of the creatures and flora of this world and the vibrancy, rejuvenation and life-affirming energy of Spring. Flower Moon embodies the unrestrained bliss, energy and color of the season: a bouquet of vivid, sexy blooms, tulip, daffodil, violet, dewdrop, rhododendron, iris, daisy, and a mix of California wildflowers.
In the bottle it smells a bit medicinal and I was almost certain that I wouldn't like this one. On my skin it started off with a melon fragrance with a hint of amber. I hate melon! I thought this was going to be a basic fruity/floral fragrance and I was disappointed to say the least. It smelled like another BPAL I've tested in the past and I don't remember it's name. When you test dud after dud, they all sort of smell similar until you hit one that really strikes your fancy.
Several hours after I applied the fragrance the flowers seemed to blossom out of nowhere, however it's not really a fresh floral fragrance. More of a dry floral fragrance bouquet. You know how fabric softener sheets smell? This is what I get from this fragrance but it's better.
When I was little I had a doll by Fisher Price that was in a blue outfit and she had a string you'd pull and she'd say "Night, Night" and some other things. I used to call her Baby Cindy and she was my favorite doll. My parents bought me several of them because I had a habit of losing them. When I finally got a Cabbage Patch Kid, my Mom got rid of Baby Cindy. While I adored my Cabbage Patch Kids, it still makes me sad that she did that. Anyhow, whenever my Dad would do laundry I'd collect all the used fabric softener sheets and make a bed for Baby Cindy because I loved how they smelled and how she'd smell after sleeping in her bed.
I love this fragrance! The lasting power is incredible being that it's an oil I can apply it a number of different ways. I'd wear this year round as a comfort fragrance from morning to night. I really adore it and am glad that I purchased this one.
Flower Moon retailed for $15/5 ml. more than likely people will have them up for swap on MUA or Ebay.
Flower Moon was part of the Lunacy Collection of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab "BPAL" and it only sold for 24 hours on April 24th of this year.
The description the website gave on Flower Moon was: May marks the apex of the year's fertility, expresses the reawakening of the sexuality of the Earth and her inhabitants, and May's full moon celebrates both the fecundity of the creatures and flora of this world and the vibrancy, rejuvenation and life-affirming energy of Spring. Flower Moon embodies the unrestrained bliss, energy and color of the season: a bouquet of vivid, sexy blooms, tulip, daffodil, violet, dewdrop, rhododendron, iris, daisy, and a mix of California wildflowers.
In the bottle it smells a bit medicinal and I was almost certain that I wouldn't like this one. On my skin it started off with a melon fragrance with a hint of amber. I hate melon! I thought this was going to be a basic fruity/floral fragrance and I was disappointed to say the least. It smelled like another BPAL I've tested in the past and I don't remember it's name. When you test dud after dud, they all sort of smell similar until you hit one that really strikes your fancy.
Several hours after I applied the fragrance the flowers seemed to blossom out of nowhere, however it's not really a fresh floral fragrance. More of a dry floral fragrance bouquet. You know how fabric softener sheets smell? This is what I get from this fragrance but it's better.
When I was little I had a doll by Fisher Price that was in a blue outfit and she had a string you'd pull and she'd say "Night, Night" and some other things. I used to call her Baby Cindy and she was my favorite doll. My parents bought me several of them because I had a habit of losing them. When I finally got a Cabbage Patch Kid, my Mom got rid of Baby Cindy. While I adored my Cabbage Patch Kids, it still makes me sad that she did that. Anyhow, whenever my Dad would do laundry I'd collect all the used fabric softener sheets and make a bed for Baby Cindy because I loved how they smelled and how she'd smell after sleeping in her bed.
I love this fragrance! The lasting power is incredible being that it's an oil I can apply it a number of different ways. I'd wear this year round as a comfort fragrance from morning to night. I really adore it and am glad that I purchased this one.
Flower Moon retailed for $15/5 ml. more than likely people will have them up for swap on MUA or Ebay.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
BPAL
BPAL
My first BPAL order arrived today, I placed it on April 24th so it took almost two months. I ordered 10 ml. of Whip, a 5 ml. of Milk Moon and a 5 ml. of Flower Moon. The other two were purchased unsniffed as they were part of the Lunacy collection which is only sold for around 24 hours on a certain day of the month. The Moons were $15 each and Whip was $19.50. I was charged $8.50 for packaging and shipping of which $3.85 went to actual postage.
They included several Imps Ears (samples) :
Black Annis
Dana O'Shee
Dragon's Hide
Laudanum
Nephilm
Snake Oil
Szepasszony
I also placed an order last month for Honey Moon and Strawberry Moon but passed on yesterday's Buck Moon as it sounded too masculine for me. My new year's resolutionwas to not buy any fragrances unsniffed and this was the first time I broke it - so we'll see if it was worth it or if I just bought into the hype!
Here is a calendar on the other moons as posted by Gummybug on MUA:
2005
August: Fruit Moon / Available July 21
September: Harvest Moon / Available August 19
October: Blood Moon / Available September 18
November: Beaver Moon / Available October 17
December: Snow Moon / Available November 16
2006
January: Holiday Moon / Available December 15
February: Budding Moon / Available January 14
March: Sleepy Moon / Available February 13
April: Peony Moon / Available March 14
May: Dragon Moon / Available April 13
June: Lotus Moon / Available May 13
July: Hungry Ghost Moon / Available June 11
My first BPAL order arrived today, I placed it on April 24th so it took almost two months. I ordered 10 ml. of Whip, a 5 ml. of Milk Moon and a 5 ml. of Flower Moon. The other two were purchased unsniffed as they were part of the Lunacy collection which is only sold for around 24 hours on a certain day of the month. The Moons were $15 each and Whip was $19.50. I was charged $8.50 for packaging and shipping of which $3.85 went to actual postage.
They included several Imps Ears (samples) :
Black Annis
Dana O'Shee
Dragon's Hide
Laudanum
Nephilm
Snake Oil
Szepasszony
I also placed an order last month for Honey Moon and Strawberry Moon but passed on yesterday's Buck Moon as it sounded too masculine for me. My new year's resolutionwas to not buy any fragrances unsniffed and this was the first time I broke it - so we'll see if it was worth it or if I just bought into the hype!
Here is a calendar on the other moons as posted by Gummybug on MUA:
2005
August: Fruit Moon / Available July 21
September: Harvest Moon / Available August 19
October: Blood Moon / Available September 18
November: Beaver Moon / Available October 17
December: Snow Moon / Available November 16
2006
January: Holiday Moon / Available December 15
February: Budding Moon / Available January 14
March: Sleepy Moon / Available February 13
April: Peony Moon / Available March 14
May: Dragon Moon / Available April 13
June: Lotus Moon / Available May 13
July: Hungry Ghost Moon / Available June 11
Violetta di Parma
Violetta di Parma
I recieved the mose purplicious from the Violet Femme herself Lil' SSG so today I pulled out the first of the many violet fragrance samples she sent me. This is opening me up to a whole new world of violets and the fans of violets. A great site on violets is The Violet Society which also has a page on Maria Luigia Duchess of Parma and the history of Violetta di Parma.
I wasn't able to find any notes on Violette di Parma but when I first applied it the fragrance smelled very green to me, almost like grass and violets (think Paula Dorf's Zita) after a while I could smell lilac and jasmine they were subtle but still evident. Finally, after wearing the fragrance for hours it smells earthy and rooty.
I wasn't too crazy about it when I first applied it, because I felt it went on a bit linear sort of like body spray. Once the lilac and jasmine come into play it altered the fragrance making me appreciate it more. Once the entire fragrance dried down, that was when I really started to like it. It came across as very dry and a much deeper fragrance than it did before. A bit like violets that have been around for a while.
In the early stages of this fragrance I would have labeled it as a warm weather only fragrance but when it does dry down it's a perfect all day fragrance for year round use. I think this fragrance would layer really well with MPG Fleur D'Iris. Next time I test this fragrance, I'm going to layer the two and see how they mesh together. They staying power of this fragrance is about average, as time went on the fragrance seemed to appear a bit stronger as it warmed to the skin.
While it is a vintage fragrance, I find something very modern about it. As fashion always comes full circle, so will fragrance.
Violetta di Parma is sold at Luckyscent for $34/1.7 oz.
I recieved the mose purplicious from the Violet Femme herself Lil' SSG so today I pulled out the first of the many violet fragrance samples she sent me. This is opening me up to a whole new world of violets and the fans of violets. A great site on violets is The Violet Society which also has a page on Maria Luigia Duchess of Parma and the history of Violetta di Parma.
I wasn't able to find any notes on Violette di Parma but when I first applied it the fragrance smelled very green to me, almost like grass and violets (think Paula Dorf's Zita) after a while I could smell lilac and jasmine they were subtle but still evident. Finally, after wearing the fragrance for hours it smells earthy and rooty.
I wasn't too crazy about it when I first applied it, because I felt it went on a bit linear sort of like body spray. Once the lilac and jasmine come into play it altered the fragrance making me appreciate it more. Once the entire fragrance dried down, that was when I really started to like it. It came across as very dry and a much deeper fragrance than it did before. A bit like violets that have been around for a while.
In the early stages of this fragrance I would have labeled it as a warm weather only fragrance but when it does dry down it's a perfect all day fragrance for year round use. I think this fragrance would layer really well with MPG Fleur D'Iris. Next time I test this fragrance, I'm going to layer the two and see how they mesh together. They staying power of this fragrance is about average, as time went on the fragrance seemed to appear a bit stronger as it warmed to the skin.
While it is a vintage fragrance, I find something very modern about it. As fashion always comes full circle, so will fragrance.
Violetta di Parma is sold at Luckyscent for $34/1.7 oz.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Sensual Spice
I was testing fragrances last night and came across a sample of Dawn Spencer Hurwitz's Sensual Spice *waves to Trina*, one that had been recommended to me highly in the past. As I love spicy fragrances I knew that I had to try it on!
The notes in Sensual Spice are:
Top: Honey
Middle: Nutmeg
Bottom: Vanilla
As soon as it's applied, the spice is the main note. On me it's more of a mixture of nutmeg with a hit of cinnamon and a touch of sweetness. I can't say that I smell honey in this because I don't, it's just a sweetened spice fragrance. After it warms to your skin, the vanilla comes out more making the entire fragrance smell like Snickerdoodles or Mexican Bischochos.
It may seem too spicy to those who aren't used to wearing spicy fragrances but it really softens as time goes on, especially once the vanilla comes into play. This is a great all day fragrance that could work year round but I'd wear it more in colder weather. The staying power could be better in this fragrance as I had to reapply a few times. This would be a great comfort fragrance and may just replace Origins Ginger Essence as such. I know that this would layer beautifully with Nanadebary so without a doubt I'm going to have to cave for a bottle of it come autumn.
Sensual Spice is sold through DSH Perfumes and retails for $44.50/1 oz. EdP or $34/1 oz. EdT, $2 more to include the fixative which increases the staying power.
Biscochos
1 pound lard
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
½ cup wine or brandy
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground anise
4 cups flour, slightly more if needed
In medium bowl, mix dry ingredients, flour, baking powder, and anise. Set aside. In large bowl, cream sugar and lard until light, add eggs and wine until well blended. Add dry ingredients, mix well.Roll dough on lightly floured surface, to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with small size cookie cutter. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 350º. Ready when color is brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. While still warm, cover cookies with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Maybe Baby
Maybe Baby
After having worn Floret yesterday I decided to wear Benefit's Maybe Baby today to distinguish between the two fragrances. As I mentioned yesterday, both are white floral fragrances with apricot being a primary note.
Written on the bottle in black script is the following in lower case: is this seat taken? haven't we met before? going my way? do you want to know a secret? should we? do you dare? would you like to? want some company? promise not to tell? am i dreaming? are you kidding? dinner tonight? remember me? Maybe Baby
The notes in Maybe Baby are:
Top: apricot & white ginger
Middle: fresh water blossoms of cyclamen, lychee & bergamot
Base: white musk, Himalayan poppy & warm peach
This has a lot more apricot than Floret and the ginger gives it a soft kick of spice. I think that if Maybe Baby were layered with Origins Ginger Essence or Ginger Souffle it would smell even more incredible! If you find white floral fragrances to be too heavy or you're just looking for a different fruity fragrance this fits the bill. Both fragrances are unique enough on their own but I think they would layer together really well.
The lasting power of Maybe Baby isn't as strong as Floret (which lasts all day on two sprays) but it's still really good. While it can be worn in colder months, I like to wear this only in warmer months as an all day scent.
Maybe Baby retails for $46/3.4 oz. and can be purchased at most department stores or through Benefit or Sephora.
After having worn Floret yesterday I decided to wear Benefit's Maybe Baby today to distinguish between the two fragrances. As I mentioned yesterday, both are white floral fragrances with apricot being a primary note.
Written on the bottle in black script is the following in lower case: is this seat taken? haven't we met before? going my way? do you want to know a secret? should we? do you dare? would you like to? want some company? promise not to tell? am i dreaming? are you kidding? dinner tonight? remember me? Maybe Baby
The notes in Maybe Baby are:
Top: apricot & white ginger
Middle: fresh water blossoms of cyclamen, lychee & bergamot
Base: white musk, Himalayan poppy & warm peach
This has a lot more apricot than Floret and the ginger gives it a soft kick of spice. I think that if Maybe Baby were layered with Origins Ginger Essence or Ginger Souffle it would smell even more incredible! If you find white floral fragrances to be too heavy or you're just looking for a different fruity fragrance this fits the bill. Both fragrances are unique enough on their own but I think they would layer together really well.
The lasting power of Maybe Baby isn't as strong as Floret (which lasts all day on two sprays) but it's still really good. While it can be worn in colder months, I like to wear this only in warmer months as an all day scent.
Maybe Baby retails for $46/3.4 oz. and can be purchased at most department stores or through Benefit or Sephora.
Kirk Cameron
Monday, June 20, 2005
WW: Trying to burn off the next 25lbs!
After hitting last week's milestone I declared I was going to start pilates - well that didn't happen this week but I still lost weight - 1.4lbs down this week and got this message:
WAY TO GO! Congratulations for losing weight this week. We hope you're thrilled with the result.
Here's a quote by Aristotle that we thought might strike a chord with you: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."
Keep practicing your excellence and have a great week.
So far this change in my lifestyle is kicking in as I'm making healthier eating choices and exercising on a regular basis. I just wish it didn't take forever to see results.
Floret
Floret
I was only able to find a teeny tiny picture of Floret by Antonia's Flowers which I uploaded and then removed, so I decided to take my own picture of it. I tried to take a picture of the bottle alone but it looked so sad posing alone so it posed with it's friend Ci-Boy wearing my tiara. I first heard of Floret after I had already bought a bottle of Benefit's Maybe Baby as a there were a lot of reviews comparing the two as they are both white floral fragrances with apricot.
Described on the site as Floret, inspired by the rambling sweet peas in her Grandmother's gardens and convinced of the power of the "living flower" Antonia created Floret to recapture the memories of her childhood. The site also mention that this is singer Eve's favorite fragrance.
The notes in Floret are sweet pea, lily of the valley, marigold, apricot, rose and tuberose.
The sweet pea and tuberose are the primary notes in this fragrance followed by the apricot which smells a bit like canned peach juice on me. There is a hint of pear in here as well. It's sweet but not overly sweet (think a drink cocktail). The staying power of this fragrance is incredibly and remains true the entire time.
A beautiful fragrance that I feel is best worn in warmer months, absolutely perfect for summer and wonderfully worn from morning to evening.
Floret retails for $125/2 oz. for the Eau de Parfum and can be purchased through Antonia's Flowers, I bought a new bottle for around $55 on Ebay.
I was only able to find a teeny tiny picture of Floret by Antonia's Flowers which I uploaded and then removed, so I decided to take my own picture of it. I tried to take a picture of the bottle alone but it looked so sad posing alone so it posed with it's friend Ci-Boy wearing my tiara. I first heard of Floret after I had already bought a bottle of Benefit's Maybe Baby as a there were a lot of reviews comparing the two as they are both white floral fragrances with apricot.
Described on the site as Floret, inspired by the rambling sweet peas in her Grandmother's gardens and convinced of the power of the "living flower" Antonia created Floret to recapture the memories of her childhood. The site also mention that this is singer Eve's favorite fragrance.
The notes in Floret are sweet pea, lily of the valley, marigold, apricot, rose and tuberose.
The sweet pea and tuberose are the primary notes in this fragrance followed by the apricot which smells a bit like canned peach juice on me. There is a hint of pear in here as well. It's sweet but not overly sweet (think a drink cocktail). The staying power of this fragrance is incredibly and remains true the entire time.
A beautiful fragrance that I feel is best worn in warmer months, absolutely perfect for summer and wonderfully worn from morning to evening.
Floret retails for $125/2 oz. for the Eau de Parfum and can be purchased through Antonia's Flowers, I bought a new bottle for around $55 on Ebay.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Une Folie de Rose
Une Folie de Rose
I had every intention to wear a peach fragrance today and was busy trying to decide between Maybe Baby or Floret when my hand somehow became possessed and sprayed me with YSL Rose Rnchantees. Since I was already wearing a rose fragrance I decided to sample a rose I hadn't tried before thus Une Folie de Rose by Les Parfums de Rosine.
The notes in Une Folie de Rose are bergamot, coriander, ylang-ylang, jasmine and tea-rose.
It starts off a sort of dry citrusy scent (you know when you buy tea which contains a few dried slices of orange or lemons in it - that's what I'm thinking of while smelling this) which is soon followed by the tea rose and spiced up by the coriander. After I've worn it for a while the jasmine and ylang-ylang finally came out changing the composition of the fragrance slightly. A really lovely tea rose and one I'd like to further explore.
I think that this fragrance would be beautifully worn year round from morning to evening. It's dramatic enough to be worn in cooler months where a very fresh rose fragrance might seem like too much yet not too dramatic where you'd stand out in warmer months. What I like about this is the fact that it is both citrusy and slightly spicy, such a unique fragrance!
Une Folie de Rose retails for $98/3.4 oz at Aedes or $77/1.7 oz and $100/3.4 oz. at Luscious Cargo.
I had every intention to wear a peach fragrance today and was busy trying to decide between Maybe Baby or Floret when my hand somehow became possessed and sprayed me with YSL Rose Rnchantees. Since I was already wearing a rose fragrance I decided to sample a rose I hadn't tried before thus Une Folie de Rose by Les Parfums de Rosine.
The notes in Une Folie de Rose are bergamot, coriander, ylang-ylang, jasmine and tea-rose.
It starts off a sort of dry citrusy scent (you know when you buy tea which contains a few dried slices of orange or lemons in it - that's what I'm thinking of while smelling this) which is soon followed by the tea rose and spiced up by the coriander. After I've worn it for a while the jasmine and ylang-ylang finally came out changing the composition of the fragrance slightly. A really lovely tea rose and one I'd like to further explore.
I think that this fragrance would be beautifully worn year round from morning to evening. It's dramatic enough to be worn in cooler months where a very fresh rose fragrance might seem like too much yet not too dramatic where you'd stand out in warmer months. What I like about this is the fact that it is both citrusy and slightly spicy, such a unique fragrance!
Une Folie de Rose retails for $98/3.4 oz at Aedes or $77/1.7 oz and $100/3.4 oz. at Luscious Cargo.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Allure Play Safe In The Sun Beauty Box
Allure Play Safe In The Sun Beauty Box
I first heard of Allure beauty boxes three years ago and was lucky enough to order one that year, it had a lot of really great products in it and I was incredibly satisfied. Last year, I ordered another box but because they sold more than the supplies they had my order was cancelled. This year I ordered two boxes but only one arrived, I was charged for two so hopefully the other once arrives soon.
The contents of this years box include:
Blue Lizard Sun Cream 1.25 oz
No ad sun care face .65 oz
St. Tropez Self-tanning lotion 4 oz
Chapstick lip balm .15 oz
Prescriptives Super line preventor 1 oz
Physicians formula light bronzer .3 oz Face Powder
Jane Iredale lip gloss in soft peach .12 oz
Ban Solid deodorant in shower fresh scent 2.6 Oz
Johnson and Johnson Body wash 20.3 oz
Schick quattro for women
I expected there to be more sunscreen in the box as part of the proceeds go to the Skin Cancer Foundation, I believe it's $5 for every box sold. As I am at a high risk for skin cancer I am a bit disappointed in the box.
The Allure Beauty Boxes are available every year around April/May and for the past three years have retailed for $19.99. I'd purchase a box again because it gives me an opportunity to try new products but again I wish that it was focused more on the protection of skin especially this time of year.
I first heard of Allure beauty boxes three years ago and was lucky enough to order one that year, it had a lot of really great products in it and I was incredibly satisfied. Last year, I ordered another box but because they sold more than the supplies they had my order was cancelled. This year I ordered two boxes but only one arrived, I was charged for two so hopefully the other once arrives soon.
The contents of this years box include:
Blue Lizard Sun Cream 1.25 oz
No ad sun care face .65 oz
St. Tropez Self-tanning lotion 4 oz
Chapstick lip balm .15 oz
Prescriptives Super line preventor 1 oz
Physicians formula light bronzer .3 oz Face Powder
Jane Iredale lip gloss in soft peach .12 oz
Ban Solid deodorant in shower fresh scent 2.6 Oz
Johnson and Johnson Body wash 20.3 oz
Schick quattro for women
I expected there to be more sunscreen in the box as part of the proceeds go to the Skin Cancer Foundation, I believe it's $5 for every box sold. As I am at a high risk for skin cancer I am a bit disappointed in the box.
The Allure Beauty Boxes are available every year around April/May and for the past three years have retailed for $19.99. I'd purchase a box again because it gives me an opportunity to try new products but again I wish that it was focused more on the protection of skin especially this time of year.
Sha
Sha
I have a love/hate relationship with Sha, the first time I ever smelled it I loved it. I had a decant that I hoarded and clutched to it even tighter as the news hit that it was no longer in production. I wore it less as panic set in that I would be unable to find a bottle. When bottles were hitting Marshalls and TJMax last autumn, I rushed to buy one of my own. I wore it a few times until I finally admitted to myself that it just wasn't working between us. Maybe it was just a temporary separation I needed from Sha. So, I gave my bottle to my Mom who wears it so beautifully and figured I'd be able to buy another one should I change my mind. But today I wanted Sha, I needed Sha, forget the separation I had to have Sha!
The notes in Sha are:
Top: Waterlily, Spring Muguet, Ylang, Dewy Ivy Vine
Middle: Frangipani, Jasmin, Sambac, Blooming Lilac Tree, Hibiscus Nectar
Bottom: Cedarwood, Soft Musk, Heliotrope Flower
This is a soft, sweet and slightly tropical fragrance with lilac being the primary scent. I seem to be finding that tropical fragrances are getting to be too much for me. I love those scents in the air but on my skin, that's a different story. Sha to me smells more tropical than ever before, not to say that this is an entirely tropical fragrance because the lilac softens it a lot. As it dries down, it's not quite as tropical and the lilac comes out more.
It's a beautiful fragrance that is beautiful worn from morning to evening, especially in warm months. At this point I'm not sure if I'll cave for another bottle. Part of me always wants Sha around and the other part of me is saying it's time to move on.
Sha retails for $68/3.4 oz. but can be found at TJ Maxx and Marshalls for $19.99 for the same bottle.
I have a love/hate relationship with Sha, the first time I ever smelled it I loved it. I had a decant that I hoarded and clutched to it even tighter as the news hit that it was no longer in production. I wore it less as panic set in that I would be unable to find a bottle. When bottles were hitting Marshalls and TJMax last autumn, I rushed to buy one of my own. I wore it a few times until I finally admitted to myself that it just wasn't working between us. Maybe it was just a temporary separation I needed from Sha. So, I gave my bottle to my Mom who wears it so beautifully and figured I'd be able to buy another one should I change my mind. But today I wanted Sha, I needed Sha, forget the separation I had to have Sha!
The notes in Sha are:
Top: Waterlily, Spring Muguet, Ylang, Dewy Ivy Vine
Middle: Frangipani, Jasmin, Sambac, Blooming Lilac Tree, Hibiscus Nectar
Bottom: Cedarwood, Soft Musk, Heliotrope Flower
This is a soft, sweet and slightly tropical fragrance with lilac being the primary scent. I seem to be finding that tropical fragrances are getting to be too much for me. I love those scents in the air but on my skin, that's a different story. Sha to me smells more tropical than ever before, not to say that this is an entirely tropical fragrance because the lilac softens it a lot. As it dries down, it's not quite as tropical and the lilac comes out more.
It's a beautiful fragrance that is beautiful worn from morning to evening, especially in warm months. At this point I'm not sure if I'll cave for another bottle. Part of me always wants Sha around and the other part of me is saying it's time to move on.
Sha retails for $68/3.4 oz. but can be found at TJ Maxx and Marshalls for $19.99 for the same bottle.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Yosh Stargazer 7.71
Stargazer 7.71
Because of the hefty price tag associated with Yosh fragrances, I have been reluctant to test them as I fear I'll fall in love. The good thing about Yosh fragrances is that they are incredibly concentrated and the scents are very true. Stargazer 7.71 is no exception to this!
Stargazer 7.71 is described as a wonderful fresh green fragrance that can be worn from day into evening, and its charm is irresistible on both men and women. This beguiling concoction is inspired by the intoxicating aroma of the stargazer lily and late summer nights spent watching shooting stars - a timeless beauty with infinite appeal.
The notes in Stargazer 7.71 are: Kenya lily and white ginger
It opens up incredibly green on my skin and so true, it is hard to believe that I'm not surrounded byliliess. It takes a few minutes for the fragrance to warm to my skin and then it a huge burst of ginger takes hold of the fragrance. I love ginger, I really do but I find that the ginger takes too much control of this fragrance. The lilies are still present but they seem buried by the ginger. As time goes on the lilies seem to surface a bit more but nothing like how it was when first applied, before the ginger stepped in.
This is a lovely fragrance that would be perfect year round from morning to evening. I think that in cooler months, the lilies would probably be more evident.
Stargazer 7.71 retails for $130/8ml and is sold at Luckyscent.
Because of the hefty price tag associated with Yosh fragrances, I have been reluctant to test them as I fear I'll fall in love. The good thing about Yosh fragrances is that they are incredibly concentrated and the scents are very true. Stargazer 7.71 is no exception to this!
Stargazer 7.71 is described as a wonderful fresh green fragrance that can be worn from day into evening, and its charm is irresistible on both men and women. This beguiling concoction is inspired by the intoxicating aroma of the stargazer lily and late summer nights spent watching shooting stars - a timeless beauty with infinite appeal.
The notes in Stargazer 7.71 are: Kenya lily and white ginger
It opens up incredibly green on my skin and so true, it is hard to believe that I'm not surrounded byliliess. It takes a few minutes for the fragrance to warm to my skin and then it a huge burst of ginger takes hold of the fragrance. I love ginger, I really do but I find that the ginger takes too much control of this fragrance. The lilies are still present but they seem buried by the ginger. As time goes on the lilies seem to surface a bit more but nothing like how it was when first applied, before the ginger stepped in.
This is a lovely fragrance that would be perfect year round from morning to evening. I think that in cooler months, the lilies would probably be more evident.
Stargazer 7.71 retails for $130/8ml and is sold at Luckyscent.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Wishingfish
I'm such a procrastinator and instead of doing what I'm supposed to be doing I'm checking out Wishingfish's site.
Mini Fast Food Erasers $4.99
Cinnamon Pencils $7.99! They also have Orange Blossom ones.
I think this is creepy! Be Nice Elf Soap $2.99. They also have a Be Good one.
Queen Bee Lollipop $2.95 for the sucker bees out there! You know I'm talking to you KBee!
Mini Fast Food Erasers $4.99
Cinnamon Pencils $7.99! They also have Orange Blossom ones.
I think this is creepy! Be Nice Elf Soap $2.99. They also have a Be Good one.
Queen Bee Lollipop $2.95 for the sucker bees out there! You know I'm talking to you KBee!
Rose D'Homme
Rose D'Homme
I was curious as soon as I heard that Rosine had created a fragrance for men and couldn't wait to try it as I just adore rose fragrances.
The notes in Rose d"Homme according to Aedes are:
Top: bergamot, citrus, patchouli and vetiver.
Middle: vanilla, lavender and leather.
Bottom: jasmine, mandarin and rose.
Luscious includes woods in the top notes and hay in the middle.
On me it starts of citrusy with hints of wood that is soon taken over by the patchouli. I wasn't ready for the patchouli so soon and I thought I can't wear this. Suck it up and wait out the hour that it takes for that to dry down. The citrus and patchouli stick around but they aren't so bold.
Once it does dry down, you are in the world of lavender, which is incredibly vibrant and leather. It seems like an odd combination but it works. You know when you get that feeling of comfort and familiarity when you're walking through a library or vintage book store - that's the feeling that this fragrance inspires. The bottom notes are incredibly subtle and I really can't detect them which is a shame because I was looking forward to smelling them in this fragrance.
I'd describe this as heavier on the leather followed by lavender with hints of citrus and patchouli. This would easily work well on women as well as men. Incredibly sexy and certainly able to be worn year round, especially as an evening fragrance on women. For myself however, I find the leather to be too much for warmer months and would reserve this for cooler ones.
Rose d'Homme retails for $98/3.4 oz at Aedes and $77/1.7 oz. or $100/3.4 oz. at Luscious Cargo.
I was curious as soon as I heard that Rosine had created a fragrance for men and couldn't wait to try it as I just adore rose fragrances.
The notes in Rose d"Homme according to Aedes are:
Top: bergamot, citrus, patchouli and vetiver.
Middle: vanilla, lavender and leather.
Bottom: jasmine, mandarin and rose.
Luscious includes woods in the top notes and hay in the middle.
On me it starts of citrusy with hints of wood that is soon taken over by the patchouli. I wasn't ready for the patchouli so soon and I thought I can't wear this. Suck it up and wait out the hour that it takes for that to dry down. The citrus and patchouli stick around but they aren't so bold.
Once it does dry down, you are in the world of lavender, which is incredibly vibrant and leather. It seems like an odd combination but it works. You know when you get that feeling of comfort and familiarity when you're walking through a library or vintage book store - that's the feeling that this fragrance inspires. The bottom notes are incredibly subtle and I really can't detect them which is a shame because I was looking forward to smelling them in this fragrance.
I'd describe this as heavier on the leather followed by lavender with hints of citrus and patchouli. This would easily work well on women as well as men. Incredibly sexy and certainly able to be worn year round, especially as an evening fragrance on women. For myself however, I find the leather to be too much for warmer months and would reserve this for cooler ones.
Rose d'Homme retails for $98/3.4 oz at Aedes and $77/1.7 oz. or $100/3.4 oz. at Luscious Cargo.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Boheme
Boheme
I wasn't wearing any fragrance today because I had a minor headache. Because Deb asked me a question about Boheme earlier, I was wondering why I haven't worn this fragrance in a while. Boheme is one of my favorite fragrances and was in heavy rotation during cooler months but I hadn't worn in in warmer ones.
Flora Napa Valley is a line created by food writer Susan Kenward who started working with fragrances in 1998, her goal was to create scents that evoked the allure of the Napa Valley here is a great article on the products by Flora Napa Valley
The notes in Boheme are:
Top: Bergamot, Lemon, Pepper, Rosewood, Neroli and Galbanum.
Middle: Rose Geranium, Orris, Lily, White Rose, Bulgarian Rose, Carnation, Grandiflorum Jasmine (Egyptian), Honey, Lilac and Clove Bud.
Base: Tolu and Peru Blossom, Benzoin, Siam and Virginia Cedars, Amber, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Patchouli, Myrrh, Tobacco and Tree Moss.
It starts of spicy floral, carnation being the main note on my skin with hint of citrus. Those notes don't last on me very long, it's the woods, clove and incense that makeup this fragrance even more. I just adore everything about this fragrance!
When I wear it, I imagine myself as an understudy doing summer stock in a theatrical company in the late 1920's to early 1930's. To me, it just gives off a very vintage vibe to it which makes me love it even more
I love this fragrance so much that I have two bottles of Boheme one purchased from Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, the creator of Boheme and one from Beautyhabit. I also have the Body Cream *waves to Jonna* which seems to be less woody and has a bit more clove.
I believe that this fragrance will always be in my collection and I am forever grateful to Andrea (Kate8) who first introduced it to me.
Boheme retails for $65/3.3 oz. at Hampton Ct. and $70/3.3 oz. at Beautyhabit
*Note to Sali: I haven't forgotten you!* :)
I wasn't wearing any fragrance today because I had a minor headache. Because Deb asked me a question about Boheme earlier, I was wondering why I haven't worn this fragrance in a while. Boheme is one of my favorite fragrances and was in heavy rotation during cooler months but I hadn't worn in in warmer ones.
Flora Napa Valley is a line created by food writer Susan Kenward who started working with fragrances in 1998, her goal was to create scents that evoked the allure of the Napa Valley here is a great article on the products by Flora Napa Valley
The notes in Boheme are:
Top: Bergamot, Lemon, Pepper, Rosewood, Neroli and Galbanum.
Middle: Rose Geranium, Orris, Lily, White Rose, Bulgarian Rose, Carnation, Grandiflorum Jasmine (Egyptian), Honey, Lilac and Clove Bud.
Base: Tolu and Peru Blossom, Benzoin, Siam and Virginia Cedars, Amber, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Patchouli, Myrrh, Tobacco and Tree Moss.
It starts of spicy floral, carnation being the main note on my skin with hint of citrus. Those notes don't last on me very long, it's the woods, clove and incense that makeup this fragrance even more. I just adore everything about this fragrance!
When I wear it, I imagine myself as an understudy doing summer stock in a theatrical company in the late 1920's to early 1930's. To me, it just gives off a very vintage vibe to it which makes me love it even more
I love this fragrance so much that I have two bottles of Boheme one purchased from Dawn Spencer Hurwitz, the creator of Boheme and one from Beautyhabit. I also have the Body Cream *waves to Jonna* which seems to be less woody and has a bit more clove.
I believe that this fragrance will always be in my collection and I am forever grateful to Andrea (Kate8) who first introduced it to me.
Boheme retails for $65/3.3 oz. at Hampton Ct. and $70/3.3 oz. at Beautyhabit
*Note to Sali: I haven't forgotten you!* :)
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Beautiful/Fighter
I think I fucked up, I posted a link to my friend Ang's blog last week. She's had problems with an online stalker in the past but I believed all of that was in the past, apparently it is not. I apologize with all of my heart if the stalker did indeed get the link from this site!
If I lived closer to Ang I'd pop over with a huge bouqet of Red Roses (both of us hate recieving red roses), a tiara, feather boa or fake jewelry and glitter for the cheeks of course (face cheeks, not the other kind...dirty mind!) and break out with Christina Aguilera songs. Usually, Spice Girls does the trick but she needs something with an edge. Thus, Christina Aguilera! Then I'd make her eat fish eyes and chicken feet and then we'd call all over Australia to hunt down Hugh Jackman.
I'll do Dorito Hair if it'll cheer you up or "More Cowbell!" If you don't cheer up I'm going to call you "Debbie Downer" from now until eternity so cheer up Matthew, you're the cute one!
Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, it's hard to breatheNow and then, I get insecure
From all the fame, I'm so ashamed
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me downI am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today
To all your friends, you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The piece is gone and the puzzle undone
That's the way it is
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words won't bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words won't bring you down
Don't you bring me down today...
No matter what we do(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say(no matter what they say)
When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won't stay
And everywhere we go(everywhere we go)
The sun won't always shine(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times
We are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down
We are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words can't bring us down
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
Fighter by Christina Aguilera
After all you put me through
You'd think I despise you
But in the end I wanna thank you
'cause you made me that much stronger
When I, thought I knew you
Thinking, that you were true
I guess I, I couldn't trust
'Cause your bluff time is up
'Cause I've had enough
You were, there by my side
Always, down for the ride
But your, joy ride just came down in flames
'Cause your greed sold me out of shame, mmhmm
After all of the stealing and cheating
You probably think that I hold resentment for you
But, uh uh, oh no, you're wrong
'Cause if it wasn't for all that you tried to do
I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through
So I wanna say thank you
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
Oh, ohh
Never, saw it coming
All of, your backstabbing
Just so, you could cash in
On a good thing before I realized your game
I heard, you're going around
Playing, the victim now
But don't, even begin
Feeling I'm the one to blame
'Cause you dug your own grave, uh huh
After all of the fights and the lies
Yes you wanted to harm me but that won't work anymore
Uh, no more, oh no, it's over
'Cause if it wasn't for all of your torture
I wouldn't know how to be this way now, and never back down
So I wanna say thank you
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
It makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
How could this man I thought I knew
Turn out to be unjust so cruel
Could only see the good in you
Pretended not to see the truth
You tried to hide your lies, disguise yourself
Through living in denial
But in the end you'll see
YOU WON'T STOP ME
I am a fighter and I (fighter and I)
I ain't goin stop
There is no turning back
I've had enough
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
It makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
Thought I would forget but I
I remember
Yes, I remember
I remember
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
It makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
Lucky Chick!
I'm so lucky! I won this killer keychain from one of my favorite websites, Peep *Accessories for Chicks* ! I first heard of Peep*Accessories for Chicks through The Sampler, which is another one of my favorite sites and one I've talked about in the past.
Peep*Accessories for Chicks sells hand knit items such as bags, iPod cozies, pins, barrettes and other unique items as well as hand crafted jewelry. Here is a sampler of my favorite items on the site.
Chocolate Sachet Truffles set of 4 for $25
Vanilla Frosted Cupcake Sachets set of 2 for $25
Chocolate Frosted Cupcake Sachets set of 2 for $25.
Peep*Accessories for Chicks sells hand knit items such as bags, iPod cozies, pins, barrettes and other unique items as well as hand crafted jewelry. Here is a sampler of my favorite items on the site.
Chocolate Sachet Truffles set of 4 for $25
Vanilla Frosted Cupcake Sachets set of 2 for $25
Chocolate Frosted Cupcake Sachets set of 2 for $25.
Demeter Angel Food
Demeter Angel Food
I never really cared for Angel Food Cake before, I always felt it tasted too much like egg whites. As I don't care much for eggs, the last thing I wanted was a cake that tasted like eggs. I hated eggs even more when I tried the Atkins diet while in college, a diet I may add that I never lost weight on and felt sick the entire time. I'm not much of a meat eater so it really wasn't an ideal diet for me.
However, since joining Weight Watchers I've come to appreciate Angel Food Cake that is low in points and doesn't taste half bad. Earlier this week, I made my first egg white omelet and I liked it - am I now and egg lover?
While the staying power of Demeters are incredibly low, the fragrances for the most part are really good! This fragrance smells exactly like the Butter Crème Cake Honey & Shea Hand and Body Lotion that I had Earthen Treasures ($8.99/8oz.) make up for me. It's a mix of Sweet Crème Cake and Buttercream fragrances. I like to layer that lotion with Annick Goutal's Eau de Charlotte, it's like a buttercream cake that has a thin layer of blackberry jam in the middle.
So it is my opinion that this fragrance would smell gorgeous layered with Eau de Charlotte fragrance or something similar. I have on cranberry lip lip balm from The Body Shop and think that too would be an incredibly mix (Escada Ibiza Hippie + Demeter Angel Food).
This is a perfect comfort or bedtime fragrance and can easily be worn year round, especially on days when you are blue.
Demeter Angel Food retails for $18/1 oz. and can be purchased through Sephora or for a better bargain $19.85/4 oz. at Scentiments.
I never really cared for Angel Food Cake before, I always felt it tasted too much like egg whites. As I don't care much for eggs, the last thing I wanted was a cake that tasted like eggs. I hated eggs even more when I tried the Atkins diet while in college, a diet I may add that I never lost weight on and felt sick the entire time. I'm not much of a meat eater so it really wasn't an ideal diet for me.
However, since joining Weight Watchers I've come to appreciate Angel Food Cake that is low in points and doesn't taste half bad. Earlier this week, I made my first egg white omelet and I liked it - am I now and egg lover?
While the staying power of Demeters are incredibly low, the fragrances for the most part are really good! This fragrance smells exactly like the Butter Crème Cake Honey & Shea Hand and Body Lotion that I had Earthen Treasures ($8.99/8oz.) make up for me. It's a mix of Sweet Crème Cake and Buttercream fragrances. I like to layer that lotion with Annick Goutal's Eau de Charlotte, it's like a buttercream cake that has a thin layer of blackberry jam in the middle.
So it is my opinion that this fragrance would smell gorgeous layered with Eau de Charlotte fragrance or something similar. I have on cranberry lip lip balm from The Body Shop and think that too would be an incredibly mix (Escada Ibiza Hippie + Demeter Angel Food).
This is a perfect comfort or bedtime fragrance and can easily be worn year round, especially on days when you are blue.
Demeter Angel Food retails for $18/1 oz. and can be purchased through Sephora or for a better bargain $19.85/4 oz. at Scentiments.
Monday, June 13, 2005
L'Artisan Extrait de Songe
Extrait de Songe
I must admit that I tend to overlook L'Artisan fragrances and don't try them often enough. After hearing raves about Extrait de Songe I was reluctant to cave in trying it but once Meg started raving about it I knew I had to try it.
The notes in Extrait de Songe according to Beautycafe are:
Top: Mint Leaves, Rose Essence
Middle: Orange Flower Water, Lime Tree, Green Hay
Base: Botany, White Wood, White Musks
I don't get any mint in here which I was thankful for and I've read notes of orange blossom in this fragrance but I don't smell orange blossom either. There is just a hint of rose. This fragrance is incredibly subtle with soft lime. I can swear I smell a hint of milk in here. The primary note on me is hay, think POTL but light, really light and a tiny bit of wood and musk. If you don't like hay in fragrances, odds are you won't like this one.
I never took much notice to how much I love the scent of hay but I adore it! Somehow, this fragrance reminds me of freshly washed clothes left outside to dry in the summer sun. Such a beautiful fragrance which is clearly meant to be worn during warmer months, but I think it's beautiful enough to spray year round. Without a doubt one that can be carried through from dawn to dusk. Ah, to the top of the wishlist this goes!
Extrait de Songe retails for $111/3.4 oz which also includes a refillable purse spray and is sold through Aedes, Beautycafe and Luscious Cargo. At Beautycafe you get 10% off with code MUA and free shipping over $80 bringing the final price down to $99.
I must admit that I tend to overlook L'Artisan fragrances and don't try them often enough. After hearing raves about Extrait de Songe I was reluctant to cave in trying it but once Meg started raving about it I knew I had to try it.
The notes in Extrait de Songe according to Beautycafe are:
Top: Mint Leaves, Rose Essence
Middle: Orange Flower Water, Lime Tree, Green Hay
Base: Botany, White Wood, White Musks
I don't get any mint in here which I was thankful for and I've read notes of orange blossom in this fragrance but I don't smell orange blossom either. There is just a hint of rose. This fragrance is incredibly subtle with soft lime. I can swear I smell a hint of milk in here. The primary note on me is hay, think POTL but light, really light and a tiny bit of wood and musk. If you don't like hay in fragrances, odds are you won't like this one.
I never took much notice to how much I love the scent of hay but I adore it! Somehow, this fragrance reminds me of freshly washed clothes left outside to dry in the summer sun. Such a beautiful fragrance which is clearly meant to be worn during warmer months, but I think it's beautiful enough to spray year round. Without a doubt one that can be carried through from dawn to dusk. Ah, to the top of the wishlist this goes!
Extrait de Songe retails for $111/3.4 oz which also includes a refillable purse spray and is sold through Aedes, Beautycafe and Luscious Cargo. At Beautycafe you get 10% off with code MUA and free shipping over $80 bringing the final price down to $99.
WW: First Major Milestone!
WW: First Major Milestone!
I lost 1.4 lbs this week which isn't a lot but it was more than enough to earn a star! Not just any ordinary star but a milestone star!
I logged in my weight and got this message: CONGRATULATIONS! You've worked hard and achieved your 25-pound milestone! This is a major stepping stone in your weight-loss journey!
You must be enjoying a better feeling of health and well being along with a great sense of pride in your accomplishment. B-R-A-V-O! In the words of Calvin Coolidge: "Satisfaction does not come from indulgence … it comes from achievement."
You're achieving great things, so keep on keeping on! We're really proud of you!
Have a great week.
OMMFG!!! I still have a way to go but my focus is more clear than ever! My sister lent me her Winsor Pilates set so I'm going to incorporate that into my workouts which I've been lax about lately but it's something I've come to realize is necessary in my life.
I lost 1.4 lbs this week which isn't a lot but it was more than enough to earn a star! Not just any ordinary star but a milestone star!
I logged in my weight and got this message: CONGRATULATIONS! You've worked hard and achieved your 25-pound milestone! This is a major stepping stone in your weight-loss journey!
You must be enjoying a better feeling of health and well being along with a great sense of pride in your accomplishment. B-R-A-V-O! In the words of Calvin Coolidge: "Satisfaction does not come from indulgence … it comes from achievement."
You're achieving great things, so keep on keeping on! We're really proud of you!
Have a great week.
OMMFG!!! I still have a way to go but my focus is more clear than ever! My sister lent me her Winsor Pilates set so I'm going to incorporate that into my workouts which I've been lax about lately but it's something I've come to realize is necessary in my life.
My sister, the terror...ist?
My sister and her friend Ann from England have been writing to each other for years and send each other packages which usually contain fashion magazines and candy. So, when she received the latest package from Ann, she was annoyed to find out that her package had been opened by customs.
What was in this suspicious package? A small book, postcards, a teddy bear, a magnet and of course a fashion magazine and candy!
Just a little heads up to know what the government is up to. Busy catching bad guys like my sister who's a terror and likely to set off a bomb, a stink bomb!
What was in this suspicious package? A small book, postcards, a teddy bear, a magnet and of course a fashion magazine and candy!
Just a little heads up to know what the government is up to. Busy catching bad guys like my sister who's a terror and likely to set off a bomb, a stink bomb!
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Random Thoughts
Random Thoughts
Why did I spend six hours watching movies on Lifetime last night? I saw a movie A House in the Hills , A Cry in the Night and A Mother's Justice. Each one was worse than the one before!
Why did it take me so long to learn how to make an egg white omelet? It's so easy to do and actually tastes good and I don't like eggs!
Who coined Brad Pit and Angelina Jolie's relationship: Brangelina? It sounds like an odd fiber supplement!
Why did I place two orders last week after publicly declaring that I was no longer going to buy anything until the fall?
Why didn't I measure the vanilla I added to the strawberry ice cream? It now tastes more like vanilla than strawberry!
When did Walmart start selling the 17 oz. container of Tony Chachere's Seasoning?
Why did I spend six hours watching movies on Lifetime last night? I saw a movie A House in the Hills , A Cry in the Night and A Mother's Justice. Each one was worse than the one before!
Why did it take me so long to learn how to make an egg white omelet? It's so easy to do and actually tastes good and I don't like eggs!
Who coined Brad Pit and Angelina Jolie's relationship: Brangelina? It sounds like an odd fiber supplement!
Why did I place two orders last week after publicly declaring that I was no longer going to buy anything until the fall?
Why didn't I measure the vanilla I added to the strawberry ice cream? It now tastes more like vanilla than strawberry!
When did Walmart start selling the 17 oz. container of Tony Chachere's Seasoning?
BPAL's Dana O'Shee
BPAL's Dana O'Shee
The first time I had ever heard of Black Phoenix Academy Lab (BPAL) was in reference to their fragrance of Dana O'Shee. It seems like Dana O'Shee is a universal favorite when it comes to BPAL fragrances. I had heard it compared to Serge Lutens Rahat Loukhoum and a series of other fragrances and had not had the opportunity to test it, until now.
This is what BPAL writes on Dana O'Shee: In Irish folklore the Dana O'Shee are a fae, elven people that live in a realm of beauty, their nobility akin to our that own Age of Chivalry, eternally beautiful and eternally young. They surround themselves with the pleasures of the Arts, they live for the hunt, and to this day can be seen riding in procession through the Irish countryside at twilight, led by their King and Queen. However, the Dana O'Shee are not benevolent creatures, despite what their unearthly beauty may imply. They are vengeful and treacherous and possess a streak of mischievous malice, and many have whispered that their true home lies deep in the shadowed groves of the Realm of the Dead. Hearing even a single chord of their otherworldly music leaves one stunned and lost to the mortal realms for ever, finding themselves prey to the Dana O'Shee's hunt or enslaved in their Court as servants or playthings. Offerings of milk, honey and sweet grains were made to placate these creatures, and it is that the basis of the scent created in their name.
It opens with a maraschino cherry scent but that is soon taken over by the scent of almonds and oats. I don't really get a milk or honey scent from this fragrance and it reminds me of this mask I make for my face. The oat fragrance cuts through the sweetness of this fragrance and without it, it would probably be too sweet.
It's a very pretty fragrance but I wish that the cherry fragrance lasted longer than it did. One major drawback of this fragrance is that it fades so fast. After three hours, I couldn't detect it on my skin and had to re-apply. This would be a nice fragrance year round and would be perfect as a bedtime fragrance.
Face Mask for combination/dry skin
3 T Oats
2T Milk
1 T Honey
1/2 t Almond Oil
I warm the milk and honey and then add the oatmeal and almond oil and mixed it all together, let it cool and apply to the skin for 20 min, rinse off and moisturize. It makes enough for 2-3 masks so you can refrigerate the rest and use later in the week.
If you have oily skin, add a egg yolk and omit the almond oil, you'll probably have to add a tablespoon more of oatmeal.
Dana O'Shee retails for $12.50 per 5ml bottle.$19.50 per 10ml bottle and is sold through BPAL.
The first time I had ever heard of Black Phoenix Academy Lab (BPAL) was in reference to their fragrance of Dana O'Shee. It seems like Dana O'Shee is a universal favorite when it comes to BPAL fragrances. I had heard it compared to Serge Lutens Rahat Loukhoum and a series of other fragrances and had not had the opportunity to test it, until now.
This is what BPAL writes on Dana O'Shee: In Irish folklore the Dana O'Shee are a fae, elven people that live in a realm of beauty, their nobility akin to our that own Age of Chivalry, eternally beautiful and eternally young. They surround themselves with the pleasures of the Arts, they live for the hunt, and to this day can be seen riding in procession through the Irish countryside at twilight, led by their King and Queen. However, the Dana O'Shee are not benevolent creatures, despite what their unearthly beauty may imply. They are vengeful and treacherous and possess a streak of mischievous malice, and many have whispered that their true home lies deep in the shadowed groves of the Realm of the Dead. Hearing even a single chord of their otherworldly music leaves one stunned and lost to the mortal realms for ever, finding themselves prey to the Dana O'Shee's hunt or enslaved in their Court as servants or playthings. Offerings of milk, honey and sweet grains were made to placate these creatures, and it is that the basis of the scent created in their name.
It opens with a maraschino cherry scent but that is soon taken over by the scent of almonds and oats. I don't really get a milk or honey scent from this fragrance and it reminds me of this mask I make for my face. The oat fragrance cuts through the sweetness of this fragrance and without it, it would probably be too sweet.
It's a very pretty fragrance but I wish that the cherry fragrance lasted longer than it did. One major drawback of this fragrance is that it fades so fast. After three hours, I couldn't detect it on my skin and had to re-apply. This would be a nice fragrance year round and would be perfect as a bedtime fragrance.
Face Mask for combination/dry skin
3 T Oats
2T Milk
1 T Honey
1/2 t Almond Oil
I warm the milk and honey and then add the oatmeal and almond oil and mixed it all together, let it cool and apply to the skin for 20 min, rinse off and moisturize. It makes enough for 2-3 masks so you can refrigerate the rest and use later in the week.
If you have oily skin, add a egg yolk and omit the almond oil, you'll probably have to add a tablespoon more of oatmeal.
Dana O'Shee retails for $12.50 per 5ml bottle.$19.50 per 10ml bottle and is sold through BPAL.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Bathed & Infused Honey Harvest
Bathed & Infused Honey Harvest
It's not summer yet and I already have a second theme to my summer fragrances - honey! I was floored when Trina who had ordered from Bathed and Infused (the new e-tailer who are the new owners of what used to be Underground Scent Plant.) during their interim period.
Honey Harvest is described as warm beeswax, fresh honey, hints of almond and oatmeal make this scent different from the rest. Sweet, warm, and inviting (L’Occitane Type).
To me it smells different from L'occitane's Honey Gentle Water, this starts off with a lot of honey sweetness which soon dries down to a nutty oatmeal scent on my skin. It's remains sweet on my skin but isn't as sweet as when it was first applied. I could swear there is a touch of maraschino cherry in the top notes. There is a smokiness in here that I suspect is the hemp oil. I think this fragrance would smell different in other formations as the perfume on the site does not contain hemp oil. It has really good staying power and you don't have to apply a lot of the fragrance.
It's a very comforting fragrance and perfect year round as a morning to evening fragrance. It's a perfect fragrance to wear on days where you don't really want to wear a fragrance. It's a mood shifter like when you get home and change into your pajamas and watch a comforting movie.
This fragrance in roll on formation retails for $8.95/10 ml and is sold through Bathed and Infused.
Bathed and Infused is having a Grand Opening on June 16th.
It's not summer yet and I already have a second theme to my summer fragrances - honey! I was floored when Trina who had ordered from Bathed and Infused (the new e-tailer who are the new owners of what used to be Underground Scent Plant.) during their interim period.
Honey Harvest is described as warm beeswax, fresh honey, hints of almond and oatmeal make this scent different from the rest. Sweet, warm, and inviting (L’Occitane Type).
To me it smells different from L'occitane's Honey Gentle Water, this starts off with a lot of honey sweetness which soon dries down to a nutty oatmeal scent on my skin. It's remains sweet on my skin but isn't as sweet as when it was first applied. I could swear there is a touch of maraschino cherry in the top notes. There is a smokiness in here that I suspect is the hemp oil. I think this fragrance would smell different in other formations as the perfume on the site does not contain hemp oil. It has really good staying power and you don't have to apply a lot of the fragrance.
It's a very comforting fragrance and perfect year round as a morning to evening fragrance. It's a perfect fragrance to wear on days where you don't really want to wear a fragrance. It's a mood shifter like when you get home and change into your pajamas and watch a comforting movie.
This fragrance in roll on formation retails for $8.95/10 ml and is sold through Bathed and Infused.
Bathed and Infused is having a Grand Opening on June 16th.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Betsey Johnson
Betsey Johnson
I have loved Betsey Johnson for several years, her style and designs are very original and very different from other designers. I remember seeing her and her designs on MTV and in many fashion magazines, both her and her daughter Lulu. Now, there isn't as much fanfare not like the 1990's. She has since overcome breast cancer and is moving on (in keeping with today's theme).
Trina from MUA bought the Betsey Johnson fragrance but couldn't hunt down any notes so she started "The Betsy Johnson Project." I had an emotional morning and didn't feel like wearing any fragrance until Trina's package arrived. It made me smile and changed my attitude. I was eager to see what Betsy Johnson was all about.
As there are no notes but this was what I believe I smelled when I applied it:
Top: Red Berries
Middle: Juniper, Jasmine
Bottom: Sandalwood, Incense, Amber, Vanilla and Musk
It starts off a fruity scent on me at first I was thinking cherries but after a while settled on red berries. I could be wrong, maybe it's red grapes that I'm smelling? I'm getting myself confused! There is something in the top notes that smells a bit medicinal on me but that went away after a while. Then I could smell evergreen, at first I thought pine but it was too soft for pine so I settled on juniper. There is something in the middle notes that I can smell but I can't figure it out just yet - I think it's jasmine! There is a hint of wood in here, maybe sandalwood? I'm really not sure but it's a dry wood that has a bit of smokiness to it, that is why I put down incense - these notes are very soft and didn't come out until wearing it for a while. The bottom is sweet with the vanilla, amber and musk.
This reminded me a little of BPAL's Tintagel, of course that is based on a memory of that fragrance from several months ago so I'll have to compare the two after I locate the sample. I think this fragrance would be nice year round, certainly as an evening fragrance in warmer months.
I sent an e-mail in the hope that they'll reveal the notes to this fragrance. It retails for $50/4.5 oz. and is sold at Betsey Johnson.
I have loved Betsey Johnson for several years, her style and designs are very original and very different from other designers. I remember seeing her and her designs on MTV and in many fashion magazines, both her and her daughter Lulu. Now, there isn't as much fanfare not like the 1990's. She has since overcome breast cancer and is moving on (in keeping with today's theme).
Trina from MUA bought the Betsey Johnson fragrance but couldn't hunt down any notes so she started "The Betsy Johnson Project." I had an emotional morning and didn't feel like wearing any fragrance until Trina's package arrived. It made me smile and changed my attitude. I was eager to see what Betsy Johnson was all about.
As there are no notes but this was what I believe I smelled when I applied it:
Top: Red Berries
Middle: Juniper, Jasmine
Bottom: Sandalwood, Incense, Amber, Vanilla and Musk
It starts off a fruity scent on me at first I was thinking cherries but after a while settled on red berries. I could be wrong, maybe it's red grapes that I'm smelling? I'm getting myself confused! There is something in the top notes that smells a bit medicinal on me but that went away after a while. Then I could smell evergreen, at first I thought pine but it was too soft for pine so I settled on juniper. There is something in the middle notes that I can smell but I can't figure it out just yet - I think it's jasmine! There is a hint of wood in here, maybe sandalwood? I'm really not sure but it's a dry wood that has a bit of smokiness to it, that is why I put down incense - these notes are very soft and didn't come out until wearing it for a while. The bottom is sweet with the vanilla, amber and musk.
This reminded me a little of BPAL's Tintagel, of course that is based on a memory of that fragrance from several months ago so I'll have to compare the two after I locate the sample. I think this fragrance would be nice year round, certainly as an evening fragrance in warmer months.
I sent an e-mail in the hope that they'll reveal the notes to this fragrance. It retails for $50/4.5 oz. and is sold at Betsey Johnson.
B-Glowing
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Moron of the year here who was going to upload a picture of my order from B-glowing that I took before I opened up the box. Of course I forgot to upload the picture before I replaced the batteries so I lost that picture and pictures of Hope when she came back from the beauty salon! I was really bummed about that!
I was asked by Lisa the owner of B-Glowing to write a small article on fragrances. There are no perks involved, never have been so I can be a neutral party to all online boutiques and e-tailers.
When I committed to it I also had to submit a picture. *gags* The last formal picture I took was for high school graduation which was eleven years ago and I didn't order any of those pictures.
I have issues with how I look, both with the Vitiligo and my weight and I'm not in a comfortable place right now but I submitted the picture anyhow because that's what I look like now. As time progresses so will the shape of my face, there is nothing I can do about the color. Actually, I was wearing a foundation that was at least four shades darker so I wouldn't look so pasty - um, as you can tell it didn't work!
So, that's me: A mixture of Ronald McDonald, Michael Jackson and Rosie O'Donnell. I'm seriously considering applying to MTV's I Want A Famous Face! Maybe then I'd look like Catherine Zeta Jones? I'm kidding! I'm kidding....um, maybe not!
Anyhow, that's the deal with B-glowing and my mug. The B-glowing package was really nice and came with three MPG samples and some makeup wipes. So, what did I order? Fleur D'Iris which is my birthday present for myself. I think it's a bit like me, subtle.
So what did I learn about this experience? B-glowing always has 10% off with code: MUA and I look CREEPY!
Update: I found the picture and on B-glowing my current picture was replaced by a childhood one, which suits me just fine for now! :)
Moron of the year here who was going to upload a picture of my order from B-glowing that I took before I opened up the box. Of course I forgot to upload the picture before I replaced the batteries so I lost that picture and pictures of Hope when she came back from the beauty salon! I was really bummed about that!
I was asked by Lisa the owner of B-Glowing to write a small article on fragrances. There are no perks involved, never have been so I can be a neutral party to all online boutiques and e-tailers.
When I committed to it I also had to submit a picture. *gags* The last formal picture I took was for high school graduation which was eleven years ago and I didn't order any of those pictures.
I have issues with how I look, both with the Vitiligo and my weight and I'm not in a comfortable place right now but I submitted the picture anyhow because that's what I look like now. As time progresses so will the shape of my face, there is nothing I can do about the color. Actually, I was wearing a foundation that was at least four shades darker so I wouldn't look so pasty - um, as you can tell it didn't work!
So, that's me: A mixture of Ronald McDonald, Michael Jackson and Rosie O'Donnell. I'm seriously considering applying to MTV's I Want A Famous Face! Maybe then I'd look like Catherine Zeta Jones? I'm kidding! I'm kidding....um, maybe not!
Anyhow, that's the deal with B-glowing and my mug. The B-glowing package was really nice and came with three MPG samples and some makeup wipes. So, what did I order? Fleur D'Iris which is my birthday present for myself. I think it's a bit like me, subtle.
So what did I learn about this experience? B-glowing always has 10% off with code: MUA and I look CREEPY!
Update: I found the picture and on B-glowing my current picture was replaced by a childhood one, which suits me just fine for now! :)
Moving On
Moving On
There was something that had been bothering me for a while and I had been feeling overwhelmed by it and the longer I kept it in, the more it bothered me. It was taking a toll on my spirit, so this morning I spoke up about it. I let everything out and now I'm good, I'm moving on.
There was something that had been bothering me for a while and I had been feeling overwhelmed by it and the longer I kept it in, the more it bothered me. It was taking a toll on my spirit, so this morning I spoke up about it. I let everything out and now I'm good, I'm moving on.
For Sar who returned to Denver a different person than when she left.
I've lived in this place and I know all the faces;
Each one is different, but they're always the same.
They mean me no harm but it's time that I faced it:
They'll never allow me to change.
But I never dreamed home would end up where I don't belong.
I'm moving on.
I'm Moving On
Rascal Flatts
For Ang who is stepping out of her comfort circle.
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.
So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while.
Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)
Green Day
For Lucia who emerges victorious!
Call in three months time and I'll be fine I know
Well maybe not that fine, but I'll survive anyhow
I won't recall the names and places of each sad occasion
But that's no consolation here and now.
So what happens now? (Another suitcase in another hall)
So what happens now? (Take your picture off another wall)
Where am I going to? (You'll get by, you always have before)
Where am I going to? (Don't ask anymore.)
Another Suitcase in another hall from Evita
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
For both Barbaras who have been tested in ways I could never imagine.
She's an everlasting shoulder
She's the leaning post of life
She hurts deep and when she weeps
She's just as fragile as a child
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies.
Eagle When She Flies
Dolly Parton
For Jonna who's afraid of losing herself when she moves on to a new life.
We've been together for a long time, baby
Do you have to leave?
Please don't go girl
I just can't live without you
Please don't go girl
So listen to me... (don't go, girl)
Please don't go girl
You would ruin my whole world
Tell me you'll stay
Never ever go away
I love you (I love you)
I guess I always will
Girl, you're my best friend
Girl, you're my love within
I just want you to know
That I will always love you
Please Don't Go Girl
New Kids On The Block
Thursday, June 09, 2005
L'Instant de Guerlain
L'Instant de Guerlain
Guerlain describes L'instant on their site as the awakening of the senses and emotions. A new form of magic slowly envelops and transforms me. An unsuspecting feeling of femininity overcomes me. Time can stand still. anything can happen...
"L'instant de Guerlain", an unsuspected and fresh eternity, which moves, enchants and surprises.
For a few seconds of eternity.
The notes in L'instant de Guerlain are:
Top: Citrus Honey
Middle: Magnolia Inclusion
Base: Crystalline Amber
It's a softly sweet amber on my skin with a hint of a white floral bouquet. I swear I can smell a hint of honeysuckle in here. A very pretty fragrance but one that would smell better on me in cooler weather, amber always smells much better on me in cooler weather. I think this would be a wonderful all day fragrance.
L'Instant de Guerlain retails for $82/2.7 oz., $62/1.7 oz. or $45/1 oz. and can be found anywhere Guerlain is sold or through Sephora.
*Update: I couldn't figure out what this was reminding me of and finally it came to me, it reminds me like a soft version of Anne Pliska!
Guerlain describes L'instant on their site as the awakening of the senses and emotions. A new form of magic slowly envelops and transforms me. An unsuspecting feeling of femininity overcomes me. Time can stand still. anything can happen...
"L'instant de Guerlain", an unsuspected and fresh eternity, which moves, enchants and surprises.
For a few seconds of eternity.
The notes in L'instant de Guerlain are:
Top: Citrus Honey
Middle: Magnolia Inclusion
Base: Crystalline Amber
It's a softly sweet amber on my skin with a hint of a white floral bouquet. I swear I can smell a hint of honeysuckle in here. A very pretty fragrance but one that would smell better on me in cooler weather, amber always smells much better on me in cooler weather. I think this would be a wonderful all day fragrance.
L'Instant de Guerlain retails for $82/2.7 oz., $62/1.7 oz. or $45/1 oz. and can be found anywhere Guerlain is sold or through Sephora.
*Update: I couldn't figure out what this was reminding me of and finally it came to me, it reminds me like a soft version of Anne Pliska!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Ya-Yas In Bloom
Ya-Yas In Bloom
I've never read any of the other Ya Ya books by Rebecca Wells but I did see the Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood movie starring Sandra Bullock and Ellen Burstyn so I wasn't completly lost when I read Ya-Yas In Bloom.
The story is told from different narrators from how the Ya-Yas came to meet to the memories of the Petites Ya-Yas (their offspring) growing up finally ending with the next generation of Très Petites (the Grandchildren).
The book seems rushed at the end with a strange subplot that occurs. It wasn't a bad book in all, but that last part really bummed me out!
This part made me smile however:
All the other Ya-Yas chimed in. Mind you, these women had been sipping bourbon or martinis for hours. But they were still sober enough for the show to go on. I could smell liquor on their breaths, mingled with their Chanel, My Sin, Joy, and Mama's signature scent from Hovet Parfum, along with cigarette smoke. For years I thought of that mixture as the essential aroma of womanhood.
*Note: I believe there was a misprint with Hovet Parfum and think that the writer was referring to Hové Parfumeur, then again I could be wrong.*
Ya-Yas in Bloom retails for $24.95 but can be purchased at Books a Million for $16.09 (the lowest price on the web.)
I've never read any of the other Ya Ya books by Rebecca Wells but I did see the Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood movie starring Sandra Bullock and Ellen Burstyn so I wasn't completly lost when I read Ya-Yas In Bloom.
The story is told from different narrators from how the Ya-Yas came to meet to the memories of the Petites Ya-Yas (their offspring) growing up finally ending with the next generation of Très Petites (the Grandchildren).
The book seems rushed at the end with a strange subplot that occurs. It wasn't a bad book in all, but that last part really bummed me out!
This part made me smile however:
All the other Ya-Yas chimed in. Mind you, these women had been sipping bourbon or martinis for hours. But they were still sober enough for the show to go on. I could smell liquor on their breaths, mingled with their Chanel, My Sin, Joy, and Mama's signature scent from Hovet Parfum, along with cigarette smoke. For years I thought of that mixture as the essential aroma of womanhood.
*Note: I believe there was a misprint with Hovet Parfum and think that the writer was referring to Hové Parfumeur, then again I could be wrong.*
Ya-Yas in Bloom retails for $24.95 but can be purchased at Books a Million for $16.09 (the lowest price on the web.)
Crabtree and Evelyn Starlights
Crabtree and Evelyn Starlights
As I move into stage 2 of the cheering up process, I cave to the glitter. Last December at Crabtree and Evelyn, I first noticed Starlights. Starlights was their limited edition Eau de Toilette fragrance, the sales associate also directed me toward the Starlights shower gel and lotion but those had different notes from the Eau de Toilette.
Starlights is described in a press release as: Twinkle Twinkle. Dress your skin in a veil of fragrant, soft sparkle with Starlights Eau De Toilette. The limited edition fragrance is a delicious blend of French vanilla, white chocolate and butter cream topped with seductive notes of white musk. One whiff and he will be salivating.
The lotion in the shower gel and lotion however contained lavender. Starlights smells sweet but like a burnt sort of sweet, think Creme Brulee with a light hint of musk. It's a subtle scent and can be easily masked by something much stronger if necessary as it sounds much better than it smells.
The glitter in the bottle sits on the bottom and you have to shake it before spraying. It's a very fine gold glitter which clings to your skin, you can't really tell that it's there unless the light hits it so I only sprayed it on the skin that was exposed.
The Glitz line is created by Soular Therapy and they make other sprays in other glitter colors which is apparently unscented. Apparently, Starlights wasn't limited to only Crabtree and Evelyn as Maiden American Style was also selling it for $15. It's a kitchy, fun fragrance that is more suitable for evening use that daytime. I don't care for the fragrance much so I'm happy when it fades away after about an hour.
Starlights retailed for $20/2 oz. at Crabtree & Evelyn. Both the Holiday Glitz and other Glitz sprays retail for $15 on up/2 oz. and can be found at: Sesto Senso, Sensia, Facefxonline and Nreagan.
As I move into stage 2 of the cheering up process, I cave to the glitter. Last December at Crabtree and Evelyn, I first noticed Starlights. Starlights was their limited edition Eau de Toilette fragrance, the sales associate also directed me toward the Starlights shower gel and lotion but those had different notes from the Eau de Toilette.
Starlights is described in a press release as: Twinkle Twinkle. Dress your skin in a veil of fragrant, soft sparkle with Starlights Eau De Toilette. The limited edition fragrance is a delicious blend of French vanilla, white chocolate and butter cream topped with seductive notes of white musk. One whiff and he will be salivating.
The lotion in the shower gel and lotion however contained lavender. Starlights smells sweet but like a burnt sort of sweet, think Creme Brulee with a light hint of musk. It's a subtle scent and can be easily masked by something much stronger if necessary as it sounds much better than it smells.
The glitter in the bottle sits on the bottom and you have to shake it before spraying. It's a very fine gold glitter which clings to your skin, you can't really tell that it's there unless the light hits it so I only sprayed it on the skin that was exposed.
The Glitz line is created by Soular Therapy and they make other sprays in other glitter colors which is apparently unscented. Apparently, Starlights wasn't limited to only Crabtree and Evelyn as Maiden American Style was also selling it for $15. It's a kitchy, fun fragrance that is more suitable for evening use that daytime. I don't care for the fragrance much so I'm happy when it fades away after about an hour.
Starlights retailed for $20/2 oz. at Crabtree & Evelyn. Both the Holiday Glitz and other Glitz sprays retail for $15 on up/2 oz. and can be found at: Sesto Senso, Sensia, Facefxonline and Nreagan.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Phantom of the Opera
Phantom of the Opera.
I can't believe it took me so long to see The Phantom of the Opera! Phantom had been one of my absolutely favorite musicals for years so I couldn't wait for it to come out on film. Chicago, one of my other longtime favorites however left me feeling a bit disappointed.
For this girl who grew up singing the counteract over and over, pretending to be Sarah Brightman I didn't think that anyone would be a perfect fit for the part of Christine. I'm so glad that I was wrong, Emmy Rossum sang as though this part was written for her. She has an amazing voice and I can't wait to see her in other movies.
I want Gerard Butler to be my Angel of Music!
I want Patrick Wilson (who happens to also love Chick-O-Sticks) to be my Raoul!
I can't believe it took me so long to see The Phantom of the Opera! Phantom had been one of my absolutely favorite musicals for years so I couldn't wait for it to come out on film. Chicago, one of my other longtime favorites however left me feeling a bit disappointed.
For this girl who grew up singing the counteract over and over, pretending to be Sarah Brightman I didn't think that anyone would be a perfect fit for the part of Christine. I'm so glad that I was wrong, Emmy Rossum sang as though this part was written for her. She has an amazing voice and I can't wait to see her in other movies.
I want Gerard Butler to be my Angel of Music!
In sleep he sang to me
in dreams he came
That voice which calls to me
and speaks my name
And do I dream again
for now I find
the phantom of the opera is there
Inside my mind
I want Patrick Wilson (who happens to also love Chick-O-Sticks) to be my Raoul!
Let me be your shelter
Let me be your light
You're safe, no one will find you
Your fears are far behind you
This movie couldn't have been more perfect, it was like my dream cast and I didn't know it! Well, there was one person I would have recast, that was Minnie Driver as Carlotta. I don't know what it is about her but I dislike her for some reason. Although, I'm sure she's nice.
Cinematic versions of Rent and The Producers are already in the works!
Attention Hollywood, please, please, please make a cinematic version of Les Miserables, preferably with Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean!
I also wouldn't mind seeing a cinematic version of Side Show! Pay no attention that it was the second biggest failure of a Broadway show! Pay no attention that's it's incredibly politically incorrect! Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner were the first two women in the history of the Tony awards to be up as a duo for Best Actress in a Musical!
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