2013 is almost Gone!

  

   Well, tomorrow is the last day of 2013. Amazing! What the heck happened to this year anyway???       That aside, I'm still in a state of sensory overload from the holiday season. If I don't smell another cookie, cake or candy for a month or so ~ I might recover.  The scent of evergreens  (one of my favorites) was in short supply around here. Very few Yule trees for sale this year. And they looked pretty rough. Something about a disease affecting them and making them dry out rapidly. What a shame!
    Went back on the no-buy quite a while back. And I had been doing really well. (pat self on back)  Then saw a small bottle of  Perfumer's Workshop Tea Rose Jasmin. For $4.!  Lovely fragrance. Reminds me of some perfume oil I used to get many, many years ago. Nice incense vibe to it.
    My after-Yule present to myself was a very small shopping spree at Mermade Arts. Got one of her tripods for placing over the lit charcoal. Never tried that before.  Purchasing a new electric heater will have to wait a bit longer!
    The relatively new metaphysical store down at the corner carries a little bit of incense. What a lifesaver that was at Christmas! Guess what my daughter got as a gift? hahaha        Am trying a couple of scents from the HEM corp..   Sandal King and Horus Eye.  Sweet, but nice. They also carry a "Seven Chakra" incense by the same company. There are seven packages containing 5 incense sticks each. Of course, the fragrances are supposed to match up with the corresponding chakra. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to use them. Guess it would be good if I asked at the shop where I got them! hahaha   Did I forget to mention that I have a case of the brain-fog because of all the sugar I've been ingesting! And I swear its affecting my sense of smell!!!  NOT in a good way either.
    Oh goodness.... just realized how late it is. Had better run and try to get some sleep. Haven't heard much this evening, but tomorrow night my neighbors will be setting off loads of fireworks..... and I will be up most of the night reassuring my dogs and cats!   Remember to keep your pets safe and as calm as possible. Good luck to all the fur parents out there!!

Fragrant Silk....

Straight from the thrift shop. So light and ethereal.

   I just love bopping over to the Hospice thrift shop down at the corner. Its a change of scenery and pace. Occasionally I find absolutely nothing...... other times I hit the motherload!  It really doesn't matter because the important part is the treasure hunt.  But every once in a while I come across something that truly intrigues me. Today it was a scarf. It wasn't a color I'd normally be drawn to. The design is nice enough, but nothing of special interest. Soft silk... that's a plus in my mind, not a definite reason for purchasing.  
   This one just had a "feel" about it. As I ran it through and over my hands and forearms I got the mental image of a woman. Small to medium height and built. Dressed in a very classic and stylish manner. Tailored dress, heels (sensible heels, mind you!), perfectly coiffed hair, simple and elegant gold jewelry, purse on her arm and this scarf around her neck. A breeze is blowing gently as she walks through a European style plaza. Theres salt water nearby, I can smell it in the air. A Mediterranean vacation perhaps?  Nice lady, I like her. Has a warm and kind vibe around her.   I wonder if she donated this or if her family did. I can't get a clear I impression about it. Seems I've all ready got an emotional investment in this gal! She had such a loving heart.     (Hmm, that just came out in the past tense. Maybe that answers my query.)
    Anyway, at some point I realized I was smelling just the faintest hint of perfume. And a lovely one at that! Oh my, its the scarf. She had good taste in fragrance as well. It has a Chanel vibe to it. Oh, by the skirts of the Great Mother!!! I do believe its vintage COCO!   hahaha   No wonder I like this lady so much! A kindred soul! 
   I keep sniffing and I think that there may be another perfume as well. Over time they have blended into the silk fibers. I get an image of scarves folded neatly and layered in a dresser drawer. What a magnificent fragrance it creates! 
   Yes, this is one of those intimate little vignettes in life that I cherish. I may not know the name of the woman who wore this scarf, but I've been graced with sharing just a moment of a memory of her..... and its been a very comforting feeling. Its like reaching out delicately into the Universe and feeling someone else's fingertips gently touch mine.   A reassurance that these physical bodies of ours are only fleeting, but our true Self lives on.

Ambre Sultan. Nice for Protection.

   While speaking to a friend on the phone about protective fragrances and my need for them, especially at that particular time, I spotted this on the internet. (Which I was cruising at the same time I was talking.... I admit it!) Anyway, it caught my attention because the amber in perfumes is actually composed of resins and oils, some of which have the exact energetic properties I was seeking.  And I think many of us can appreciate how something will just "pop" up out of seemingly nowhere when we need it the most. So it was with Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens.   And it was less than half the regular price!    So glad I decided to go for it.
    I just ADORE the opening. The first 30 to 40 minutes are my kind of magickal potion, Resins, herbs and spices. All dancing around a sacred fire, weaving in and out. For a time it creates an underlying scent of tobacco.... lets send those prayers up! There is an incense note present that resonates waaaay back in my memory file! (I wonder which lifetime its from?) And one of the unnamed resins just HAS to be my beloved breuzinho! Here its burning as a sacred offering. Billowing clouds of smoke rising to embrace the breezes. And that wonderful tang of burnt resin on the altar stone. Oh, how I wish this stage of Ambre Sultan's development could last forever. But all things change. It transmutes to a warm glowing ember of fragrant myrrh and vanilla laden amber. Earthy, yet etheric as it dries down closer and closer to the skin. Wondrous.
     It lasts for many hours.... quietly. That's what you want when you're seeking protection, especially if you are "out and about". There is nothing "weird" about this that would make people question why you're wearing it.
    Its those opening notes that help fortify my defenses. They seem to purge my energy field of unwanted and negative particles. Then it morphs into this lovely and discreet perfume. What more could one ask for?
    Note: This one is quite unisex.

Ambre Sultan  by Serge Lutens                   2000

Notes:  Coriander, Sandalwood, Bay leaf, Patchouli, Angelica, Resins, Myrrh, Amber, Oregano, Myrtle, Benzoin, Vanilla.

A Reminder About Wearing Fragrance with a Purpose!

Not a very good photo, will have to change when I get one with better lighting.

   Well back to the subject of utilizing perfumes with a purpose in mind. Some you just instinctively know what to use them for. The fragrance as a whole conducts energy or creates a pathway for energy to flow through. But then there are the times when you are looking for a specific note. You know you need to be wearing a perfume with cedar for example.... or frankincense. That's when being able to look up the notes comes in really handy! But you still need to try the fragrance first in order to see if it really suits your needs. Is that particular note prominent enough so that you can work with it? 
    You can charge any fragrance with a specific use in mind, but I find it works better if the scent correspondences match up. (Theres a reason why certain plants and resins have been used for specific purposes for hundreds, if not thousands, of years...... its been PROVEN that they WORK!)
   Here is a personal example that covers several aspects of this. Things have been a bit tough lately... and I'm trying to function at what I call  "overload capacity". (Like a lot of other folks!)   So I asked my guides what perfume I could wear to help better sustain me. In answer I received a mental image of my bottle of Esprit d'Oscar. My first thought was along the lines of "really? you've got to be kidding". But then I remembered that it turns into a huge heliotrope bomb on my skin.... with a strong dose of tonka bean.  And I used to use heliotrope oil back in the day for protection and dreaming. So hmmm, time to look up a few notes in this perfume.
   Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) aka cherry pie plant, turnsole. Lets see, it is said to increase psychic abilities, aid in prophetic dreaming, assist in meditation, used for protection from physical harm, and for success and wealth. So WHY am I not wearing this ALL THE TIME? chuckle
   And an obvious question came to mind~ if a fragrance note is reproduced by synthetics in a perfume will it still be able to call in the same energies? My answer is that it certainly seems so. At least it has in the fragrances I've worked with so far. And heliotrope in Esprit d'Oscar is a good example... it works! And it is a synthetic. The flower's almondy, vanilla like scent is recreated by something called heliotropin.
   Tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata) aka cumaru fruit. This is where coumarin comes from. The scent is described as "new mown hay with bittersweet almond". Well yeah, if you put in some vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon and cloves. Very pleasant smelling. These always went into mojo bags for making wishes come true and to help give you courage. And as we all know, sometimes those two things go hand in hand!
   Lemon cleanses away negative vibrations.  Use for purification and healing. Well, it looks like you can't go wrong with lemon! (I wonder if a lemon meringue pie would do the same?  Or is that just wishful thinking haha)
   Oakmoss (Evernia prunastri) is a species of lichen. Long used as a fixative. It lends an earthiness to perfumes. Its the wondrous note that my beloved chypres all have in common. I just love this description of its scent from an article at Fragrantica... "an inky, bitter smelling forest floor evocative". Mmm, doesn't get much better than that!
   Now, due to some extremely narrow minded restrictions that have made it almost impossible to use in fragrance, the perfumers have had to get creative... down to the molecular level. Just enough to get around the restrictions or they go the synthetic route. I know they're trying, but if you get a chance to sniff a vintage chypre.... please do!  An older perfume loaded with true oakmoss is a thing of beauty!
    But back to the subject at hand. Oakmoss is traditionally used for clairvoyance and divination. Also inspiration and prosperity. Another case where the two often go together!  AND its used in breaking hexes and even exorcism! Pretty darn useful if you ask me!
    Of course there are lots of other notes to this particular fragrance, but I chose the main ones that bloom on my skin... and the oakmoss! chuckle    I have to say that since I've been wearing it my overall mood has greatly improved.  I don't feel as "beaten down" as I did before. And that's after only three days. So in the future I intend to be much more mindful of what fragrance I use. Its so easy to forget things like this in the hustle and bustle of everyday life!
    Have you done any research on the fragrances that you love and surround yourself with? Give it a try!

Kanon for Men.

   Here is one of my comfort fragrances. I've always loved the smell, feel, appearance and energy of wood. Trees are some of my favorite people!!! Back in the day I spent 14 years making a living doing pyrography. And in that amount of time I handled a LOT of wood slabs, plaques, boxes, etc. If it was made from wood it wasn't safe from my woodburner. 
   I came across an opened bottle of the aftershave in one of the local discount stores. Some liquid had been splashed out and had soaked into the wooden part of the cap. Took one sniff and I was hooked! It starts out with a little bit of a bang, then settles into a nice clean woody fragrance. The patchouli is noticeable, but well blended. At one point I always think I smell leather, but its very discreet on my skin. Is that a drop of amber? There are some fir needles or cedar in there. Very nice.  As it dries down the oakmoss becomes more evident. And it gets a bit of a powdery feel. Just lovely! Now don't get me wrong, this is a classic masculine fragrance all the way through. Kind of like walking through a heavily wooded part of a forest on a dry, cold day. But with an elegant touch.

   The boxes look like this one in the photo. I put the bottle of EDT in the background. It has a drier feel to it. As I said, I personally prefer the aftershave. Did a little research and couldn't really find out much about it. One reference had it listed as a woody aromatic. DON'T THINK SO! And they listed notes as being: Virginia cedar, Woody notes, Oakmoss, Patchouli and Citruses.  Another had it in the leather chypre group... that's more like it. It came out in 1966. Some folks think it smells "dated". I think its perfect!
    This can be used in rituals addressing any woodland Diety or spirits. I do a lot of energy work dealing with the efforts for the reforestation of Mother Earth. This fragrance helps open up pathways for my prayers to flow on. Plus I find it very soothing and comforting for sleep.
   Usually can be found very inexpensively priced, I recommend giving it a try!

On Incense and Who is that Smell?

  

The last little bit of my "stash".

Well, I discovered that my old stick incense stash is running out faster than I thought it would. Oooops!  And since there is nothing close by in the way of shops that sell incense of any decent quality around here, I started searching online again. (No. I don't want to drive an hour in heavy traffic. And if I can avoid going to the city for any reason, I'm quite content!)   As for online shopping, I didn't know you could type in what you're looking for and add "best price".... then hit search. Wow, I like that feature a lot! Found a five pack of Blue Pearl Majmua at 36% off an all ready low price.  Its a gorgeous fragrance. I use it on my altar a lot. The Nature spirits certainly seem to enjoy it.
    In the mornings that I work I'm usually in a bit of a hurry, what with trying to get the animals straight and all.  Plus its still dark when I leave!! Anything I use has to be quick and easy.   And its almost always dark before I get a chance to do my evening prayer work. Yep, stick incense is the way to go most of the time. 
   I really don't think that life should be so harried. Every time I'm standing out there under the stars I can feel the energetic pace of the land. Calm and steady with currents like soft breezes blowing through and around everything. I try and make the time so that I'll be able to slow my pace and watch and listen to the signals that inevitably appear.  
   Last night I was outside walking around while talking to a friend on the phone about a variety of subjects. Mostly the need for the realization by people that we are all spiritual beings. And that's how we should approach our physical existence, etc.. You know, the usual. When all of a sudden the smell of vetiver appeared out of no where.... and "followed" me wherever I went. I never got a fix on who it was, but it felt immensely reassuring.  Funny, I use scent to tell me when certain "folks" are stopping by to visit! I can smell my one grandfather's cigarettes.... that's our signal. My other granddad arrives with the scent of his old  flavored pipe tobacco. When I smell just regular tobacco I know its one of my Native guides. And of course that Tibetan monk smells like... you guessed it!...  Tibetan incense! chuckle    Orange blossom  always heralds an angelic visitor.  The list goes on.   I'm still not sure who it is when the fragrance of freshly sliced, perfectly ripe cantaloupe starts. I'd love to know. They have really happy vibes!
   On a funny note: Someone comes to see my youngest aunt and they smell like cinnamon buns! But none of us can think of anyone it might be. haha Does anyone else have this happen to them? I feel certain that they do, but do they notice? 
    Everyone take care and sweet dreams to all.

DIVA. Goddess fragrance!

   You know how some people just seem to be born with it? Class, I mean. Refinement is a natural part of their lives.... like breathing. So effortless! Sophistication graces everything they do. Thats the old DIVA. A true Goddess of a fragrance.
   Richness! It exudes it! Magnificent, lush honeyed roses. With a velvety civet curled up on a deep bed of oakmoss. Beautiful florals spiced to perfection. Mmmm... the carnation. I'll say it again ~ Perfection!  (And yes, a coriander note that I can love without restraint. Imagine that!) I adore this fragrance!
    Then theres the newer version.... she tries soooooo hard! A little too much so. But I love her for that. In the end her rough edges are exposed. Her lack of depth is a bit of an embarrassment, but she still manages to hold her head up. What with all the regulations against certain ingredients, what else can she do? At least she has the balls to get out there and try to follow in the footsteps of her Goddess mother. She may have more brass than class, but is still so much better than most of the perfumes nowadays.
     I enjoy wearing the modern DIVA. Those honeyed florals are still there. The roses are still beautiful. The drydown seems to suffer the most. But with the banning or limitation of ingredients that's to be expected. Wearing this fragrance.... you WILL be noticed! (Try it on at home first. If you're shy about your perfumes, this one might not be for you.) And both versions last for hours!!! hahaha   Anyone who likes/loves chypre florals should definitely give DIVA a try.

 



   If you aren't certain if a perfume is a new or older version, hopefully you have a box to reference to. Companies are now required to list "all" of the ingredients. (Yeah, right.) Older perfumes will only list a few or none at all.

DIVA   by Ungaro                Jaques Polge    Chypre floral    1983

Notes (gathered from various internet sources)
   Top: Aldehydes, Coriander, Mandarin orange, Indian tuberose, Bergamot, Cardamom
   Heart: Carnation, Orris root, Turkish rose, Ylang ylang, Moroccan rose, Narcissus, Egyptian jasmine
   Base: Honey, Iris, Amber, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Musk, Civet, Vanilla, Oakmoss, Vetiver, and according to one source ... Opoponax 

Histoire d'Amour.... my precioussss!

   Finally, I managed to take a half way decent photo of one of my favorite fragrances!  Histoire d'Amour by Aubusson.  In another post I complained about how it had been reformulated. That alteration should have been considered a criminal act and someone should be doing jail time for it.  At least that's my opinion.   I've been reading through reviews and there are people out there that like and appreciate the newest version.  I'm obviously NOT one of them. hahaha
    I have a real soft spot for woody chypres and this is one of the best. I find it to be an enchanting scent. The top notes are a bit "zingy" and lots of fun. The basil note in this is just perfection!!! The base notes come in very early and create a solid foundation for the evolution of the fragrance as a whole.  The florals are a joy to experience. A bit old fashioned, but gloriously so! The galbanum and ylang ylang melt together to create a resinous incense note that seeps into the olfactory pores of all the other flowers in this delightful composition. I just can't sing its praises enough!
   Guess you can tell when I REALLY like something! chuckle 
   Anyway, I should have added a third bottle to the photo above. The newest version is extremely pale! (The box design has stayed the same on the front. But on the back it will say made in the USA.... not France. You've been warned.)  The bottle on the left is the formulation before the last one. Its wonderful. As a matter of fact, I'm wearing it today. LOVE it! The bottle on the right is one that I bought online this week. I was simply trying to get in some back-up. Imagine my delight when I unwrapped the package and was left holding a bottle from the 80s! AND the juice turned out to be pristine!!! I kid you not, I wanted to weep with joy. It seems the further back you go in Histoire d'Amour's production, the better it gets
   As you can see, the glass bottle has a matte finish and the cap is made of a much better quality plastic then the more modern versions. I cannot fathom why they went with the plastic cap.   I really like the overall design. Someone described it as being Victorian in appearance. I'll agree with that, just wish they'd done the whole thing in glass... like they did with the parfum version. Note: The parfum is magnificently smoky!
    Oh! where is my brain this week? I should have taken a photo of that presentation too. Oh well, will have to add that later. In the mean time, keep an eye open for this under appreciated jewel of a perfume. And give it a try. (For me it has the extra benefit of helping with spirit communication and creativity. Plus the happiness factor. You can bet I'll try to always have a bottle of this around!)
     

Histoire d'Amour   by Aubusson     Woody Chypre   1984

Notes (according to various internet sources)
  Top: Mandarin orange, Osmanthus, Basil, Bergamot
  Heart: Orange blossom, Galbanum, Jasmine, Ylang ylang, Rose, Narcissus
  Base: Patchouli, Musk, Oakmoss

Carolina Herrera. Voluptuous White Floral.

   

Notice the difference in color?! The Edt on the left is a newer version, not sure if its actually the reformulation. It still smells pretty good to me. On the right is the old Edp, in the older style bottle. What a beauty!

 Hmmm, I seem to be in another white floral phase. I really need to document whether this is a common full moon occurrence or not.
   Found my Carolina Herrera by Carolina Herrera is just the fragrance I was looking for. Its rather exquisite!  So rich and complex. Lovely composition of florals. Sweet honeysuckle, jasmine, orange blossom, a rich buttery tuberose....  funny, I never used to like tuberose very much. It had to sit in the background in order for me to tolerate it. But not anymore! *At least not when its well done.   CH has a nice animalic  facet also. Thanks to a very well done, smooth civet note.  Classy and refined with a resonant note of sensuality. What more could one ask for?
   This is a true 80's fragrance. A powerful potion! Yes, it can be a bit loud. Just apply with a softer hand.... the way most folks should with a big white floral. On fabric it can last for days!!!  Try it on a scarf, just wonderful! Rich and classy smelling.  I want to describe it as feminine, but "womanly" is a much better way of saying it. 
   Definitely a Goddess scent!   I wore it out under the full moon last night. My prayers danced on the evening breezes in a luscious mist of flowers! Simply beautiful.

    I researched it this morning and found it has been reformulated. I can't imagine anything good will come of that. So try and find an older bottle.


Carolina Herrera  by Carolina Herrera     Floral   1988

Notes (gathered from various internet sources)
   Top: Apricot, Orange blossom, Green notes, Bergamot, Brazilian Rosewood
   Heart: Honeysuckle, Tuberose, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Ylang ylang, Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Spanish Jasmine
   Base: Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Civet, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Cedar

Did I Mention that I Love Incense?!

   Well, when I've had the time I've been on a bit of an incense high lately. I went ahead and ordered from that catholic supply catalog I mentioned. Two pounds of frankincense and a pound each of  Adoration and Mylapore.  
   The frankincense is lovely, as always! The first blend is described as "Cassia enhanced with a hint of cinnamon, ingredients in the oil of unction (Kyphi)." Its ok, can't say I'm overly impressed with it. Will stick to the Kyphi that I purchase elsewhere.
   The second blend I haven't had a chance to try... keep getting sidetracked somehow. Its described as "beautiful scent of  rosewood and Frankincense that comes to us from India is reminiscent of the ministry of St Thomas the Apostle."   I'm not sure what that has to do with this fragrance, but I'll be consulting with a friend who is my go-to to find out about "all things Catholic". hahaha   She has SO MUCH patience with me!
    Anyway, I've been on a frankincense binge....  and loving every minute of it! Years ago I used to sell smudge herbs and resins at Moon ceremonies and the occasional Native gatherings. I carried a variety of incenses and essential oils. I'd be sitting up late at night at my kitchen table with my old fashioned scales weighing out benzoin, patchouli leaf, myrrh, copal, sage, TONS of lavender and so much else! Sorting through smudge sticks and sweetgrass braids. It was wonderful! Then in 1994 it ground to a halt when I developed sensitivities to all the beautiful fragrances that I loved so much. Oh well, 17 years of not being able to surround myself with them just makes me appreciate them more!
    Sad to say, a lot of my old contacts aren't in business any longer. But that doesn't mean there is a shortage of such places. Just one glance at internet listings and I see that the whole world is there within reach. Can hardly wait to start trying some of the Arabian perfumes and such. What an adventure... revisiting some old favorites and trying new things!  I am reawakening my "good scents" and LOVING IT!!!!

Deseo. Yep, I bought it for the bottle.

   Meet one of my guilty pleasures! I originally bought it for the bottle, but have since gotten some more for back up. No, it isn't earth-shatteringly original, but it has some nice twists to your average floral woody musk. And its just so danged pleasant!!!  Plus it holds up really well on my skin in the Florida heat and humidity.
   Well, most of the time! I had an "incident" with this fragrance early on. I'd been wearing it for several days running, trying to get a better sense of its seeming ability to morph at a moments notice. One day it would be a floral, next day more fruity, another day it would get soapy, etc.. But I was really enjoying it in all its forms. Then came the day! I'd had a horrid morning at work. I was in an even more horrible mood! I could tell my hormone levels were flying off the charts because of how impatient and down right nasty I was acting! So what did I do when I got home? Did I bathe, relax and drink a little herb tea to smooth myself out? Hell no. I walked in, changed out of my uniform and spritzed on some perfume.        Turned out to be a really BAD move on my part. Yes, Deseo morphed again. This time it decided to react to my anger and tension. Wow, did it ever react! It became this hideous alien creature on my skin. Damp, slimy and aggressive as a scent can be! And, OF COURSE, it wouldn't wash off!!!!! It latched on to the cellular structure of my flesh and wasn't about to let go.    But I'll tell you, that changed my mood dramatically. I felt like I was fighting for my life for a few seconds there. Really, that's no exaggeration. Somehow it was as if the energy of the fragrance attacked the negative and "bad" energy that I was feeling and expressing. That's what I was truly fighting with.  And whatever the energy is that is attached to this particular fragrance.... it abhors negativity!
    Needless to say, I was surprised by that turn of events. But you never know when, and how, help will be there for you.
    As a fragrance to wear, its a lovely scent. Really does remind me of a semi-tropical garden. The florals are quite nice. The bamboo note is a great addition. And longevity is good too! A winner all the way around. Be sure and give it a try if you can.

 

 

DESEO   by Jennifer Lopez                          2008

 

Notes (gathered from various internet fragrance sites)                   

 

Top: Bamboo, Yuzu, Freesia, Bergamot.

Heart: Orange blossom, Rose geranium, Mimosa, Star jasmine 

Base: Sandalwood, Amber, Patchouli, Musk, Atlas cedar, Oakmoss 

                    

This is obviously MY bottle!!!

   I'm not normally one to purchase empty bottles... unless I figure I can put something in it. Or its just so stunning and affordable I can't say "no".   Then came the day I saw this one!  And I just KNEW I had to have it.
   You see, my first name is Alice and my middle name is Mae.  Spelled with an "e" ~ but considering how unlikely I am to find another perfume bottle with my name on it... I decided I could overlook that tiny detail. Hey, I  figured this was as close as I was ever going to get!   
   And yes, I adore honeysuckle!  chuckle!

All it took was a hint of Autumn....

 

   For all of three days we had a tiny glimpse of Fall. It didn't smell like Autumn, but the humidity levels dropped and the breezes were almost cool! chuckle   Hey, I'll take whatever I can get this time of year. Now we're back to hot and muggy ~ and another month to go before it starts to actually dry out and our night temperatures begin to become something verging on comfortable. 
   But you know, those three days were enough to send me digging into the boxes of perfume I reserve for cooler weather! I just get SO EXCITED!   My heavy Orientals and spice bombs! Darn near everything from the '80s! Resins that bite and entice! Lush incense! Has it got lots of civet? Open it up and slather it on! Patchouli? OH YEAH!!!     Even some of the lighter fragrances... I can apply MORE.    I love it when those resinous waves arise from my skin and wrap around me like some vaporous magickal cloak.
   And with the arrival of Autumn I will finally be able to open the windows! Smudge herbs burning, clouds of smoke purifying my little dwelling. An iron pot that I use to burn resins in will be put back to work full time. (Have to keep things safe around here! I have cats and dogs.)
    Need to stock up on some supplies. Find out whats still out there! I know I can still get Blue Pearl. That's been one of my favorite stick incenses for decades. I hear Sat Sai Baba Nag Champa has been altered. (tears  will fall if that's true) Thankfully I have a jar of my beloved breuzinho resin left!!!! Wonder if the Palo Santo is still any good? Still have myrrh and frankincense, but I'd like to get some more. You can never have too much of those. Got a Catholic supply catalog a few weeks ago with some really nice blends. And they were on sale too! (I was drooling over some of the censers they had pictured in there. They would look just lovely hanging from my ceiling!) 
    Oh my, I'm feeling grandly overwhelmed!  And I love it! hahaha
  
   

And then there are the bottles!

   I've been on a  vintage Chantilly kick lately. Since I all ready broke my no-buy, I purchased these two bottles. The one was supposed to be bath oil, but it turned out to be bubble bath!  And it had lost most of its bubble and fragrance! So I decided to empty it out. It will make a lovely bottle for a potion or something of the sort.
   Saw an idea the other day using mini perfume bottles as pendants. Loved the way they were crafted. Will post photos of my attempts soon. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go dig around for some more bottles. haha
  

OH NO on my NO-BUY.

  Well, my no-buy didn't last as long as I'd hoped. Found a bottle of pre-reformulated KNOWING on ebay. That DID IT!    At least I didn't dive right in. I fought the urge for over five hours..... I REALLY TRIED!  I gathered up all the will power I could find and held it up in front of me like a shield. Yet all my efforts proved futile.
   ~ The oakmoss and roses kept calling to me. Softly at first..... whispers of Spirits from an era long passed. It was almost a lamentation. Then they grew stronger and soon became a siren's song. I could actually smell the fragrance. It gently wrapped itself around me like a gossamer cloak... then slowly transformed into rich, heavy velvet. I had such a sense of longing. ~
   Yes, this perfume creates a strong emotional response in me. How could I resist? So I just stopped. Laid down that shield and let go of the feelings that had driven its creation. The worries, the self judgement, the guilt and the fear.   This fragrance helps me to defy fear. It aids in introspection. It provides a strength that I can use to grow emotionally and spiritually. Its always been one of my strongest ritual scents.  Why should I deny myself this assistance?  So I let go.... and accepted the promptings of the Spirits. Together we'll perfume the breezes with Knowing and let it dance into the heavens. Just as its truly meant to be.

Introducing My New Coco!!!

   I'm very happy to introduce Coco Kitteh! She is my latest rescue... and I decided to name her after one of my favorite fragrances! As you can see from the photo she was quite taken with it herself. Immediately started rubbing her face on the bottle. hahaha  This kitten has good taste! She certainly likes her purrfume!   And of course, I'm going to make her a collar with purrls on it.
    Instead of having an iconic LBD (little black dress), she IS a LBC (little black cat). Which is better than a dress any day!  chuckle

 

   As you can tell she is a cutie! Considering her interest in my perfumes and incenses I feel like I chose her name well.   So I'm sure she'll be popping up on this blog every now and again.  And in case anyone out there is a black cat enthusiast.... Yes! I gave Coco her own Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/CocoKitteh
She will be addressing basic feline issues and the rampant discrimination of black cats in particular. And of course, just being cute! Please feel free to stop by and check her out.  (I can hardly wait to take Halloween photos!)

AV. My August fragrance.

   (Apologies for the off center photo! I've pretty much given up on figuring out how to crop my photos.)
   I don't know WHY this perfume works so well for me in the hottest, muggiest part of our Florida summer. But I'm so thankful that it does! AV is actually a very simple fragrance. Sweet and clear with a gentle musk to soften any edges. Sometimes the jasmine is the predominant floral note, other times the freesia takes front and center. Either way they blend beautifully with the lemon note.
   If AV were a woman... she'd be wearing a lovely little handkerchief linen sundress (vintage '50s) with a wide brimmed woven straw hat on. Riding her bicycle back from the open air market with it's basket filled with bread, wine and cheese. She probably purchased some fresh figs too! Arriving at the little courtyard of her cottage, she pauses to deeply inhale the jasmine blossoms that cascade over the walls. Then after seeing how heavily laden with fruit the lemon trees are, she decides to make a pitcher of sparkling lemonade to serve. So the wine gets tucked away. A bouquet of fresh sweet flowers on the table.... and there!  She awaits her companion.  Its all so effortless... and graceful. That's AV.

AV by Adrienne Vittadini      Floral    1994                                                      
Notes (gathered from various internet fragrance sites)
   Musk, Freesia, Jasmine, Oakmoss, Bergamot, Lemon

Krasnaya Moskva

   Stumbled across this bottle up for bid on Ebay. Had no idea what it was. The seller didn't either. Basically they weren't quite sure if it was perfume or not! They figured it was Russian and they were hoping for the best.  Well, let me tell you, the moment I saw the photo I was compelled to acquire it! Luckily, the only other bidder didn't want to go very high.... so I didn't have to pay much.
    I was thrilled when it arrived in the mail! I could feel this warm, soft vibrant energy coming off the box. And when I started to unwrap it I was greeted by this luscious spicy floral fragrance! For a moment I was afraid it had leaked out, but no. There it was.... still sealed with the original onionskin paper and string. No seepage found. It was just THAT POWERFUL!!   It took me forever to remove the paper because I kept stopping and smelling my fingers and the bottle!!!  I swear I should have filmed myself, that would be so hilarious to watch!! The excitement! The ecstasy! hahaha   This juice is magnificent!
    Now, finding out about it was the hard part. First of all, I don't read Russian. That put a little roadblock in my way. Luckily I thought to post it as a question onto one of the perfume forums (Fragrantica). And yes, someone knew Russian and they had smelled the perfume. Well from that point I could start researching....... and still found some confusing information on when it was created.  Heck, I'm still not sure what era my bottle is from. I know its vintage and folks have told me that I'll probably be disappointed in the modern version. (As I am with a lot of the newer versions!) But of course, I want to get a bottle so I can compare.  Plus try some of the others from the same company. I know it sounds very small minded to say it, but I never thought of Russia when the subject of perfumes came up. Now I know differently!!
   I haven't had very many occasions to wear this with the intent of spiritual work, but I can tell you that I sense a very old, very strong female presence as I put it on. Until I get the time to approach her with the proper respect I'm not going to speculate. I'll just sniff my lovely bottle of perfume and wait for cooler weather to arrive. When I update I will include more information on this gorgeous fragrance!

Krasnaya Moskva by Novaya Zarya 

Notes (gathered from various internet Fragrance sites)
   Top: Bergamot, Coriander, Orange blossom
   Heart: Jasmine, Rose, Carnation, Ylang Ylang
   Base: Iris, Tonka bean, Vanilla

About that no-buy..........

  


    I decided to seriously apply myself to a no-buy this time!  At least during the Summer months. I'm surprised at how well I'm doing..... sort of.  One of my tactics was to divert my attention to other things. Seems logical, right?  Well, I have two vintage hats coming in the mail this week!!! Just two. But that isn't counting the one that came last week and the three that I'm watching closely on Ebay.   Guess I should have made that a no-buy on EVERYTHING!!!
   I keep telling myself that vintage perfumes need some vintage fashion to accompany them. Obviously I can be very persuasive. Or I just don't have enough will power to resist my more impulsive side. hahaha     Think I'll go with persuasive, it sounds a lot better!!
    But seriously, have you ever considered how energetically protective a hat can be? First of all, it covers your crown chakra. Under certain circumstances, that's a very good thing. So why not ramp it up a bit? Using a permanent marker or fabric paint to apply whatever religious, spiritual or magickal symbology you wish on the inside.  Those come in some gorgeous metallics and jewel tones nowadays. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. And, of course, you can apply objects to the outside. A feather or charm representing one of your totem animals for example. Raven feathers are always "in fashion". chuckle
    Its nice to know that I can take a regular hat and turn it into a magickal headdress! Remember, its all in your intent.

What fragrance to Wear in the Heat and Humidity?

    Before, I never gave much thought to what folks referred to as "seasonal fragrances". But my understanding increases with the arrival of Summer. And its now that time of year again. The temperatures are climbing higher and so are the humidity levels. As a result, a great many of my perfumes just aren't wearable. I have to choose from a few light, bright florals and citruses.  I haven't really explored the fragrances that are classified as aquatics. Perhaps that would be a wise move on my part. chuckle   I was never really fond of the citrus ones either. But the older I get, the more appealing they become. And they do hold up in the heat fairly well.
    Anyway, in July I have to start shifting over. Last year I found that Jennifer Lopez's Deseo for women held up really well ..... until August arrived!  THEN the going gets tough!!! This is Florida after all, and the humidity can be a frightening thing. Combine that with the fact that I'm not one of those ladies that "perspires" ..... I'm a gal who just flat out "SWEATS". (An inherited trait from my father.)   Then I found AV, which I want to review on my next post.
   But what to do when I don't want to wear even that? Whats a woman supposed to do under these circumstances?  Well there is always the tried and true use of Floral waters. They've been around for ages! The first to come to mind is Rose water. Wonderful stuff! And theres also an Orange blossom water out there. Really pretty to use. Just spritz some on throughout the day.  Leaves a nice, delicate fragrance.  And if you keep it in the refrigerator so that its nice and cool when it makes contact .... then all the better!! You can stay cool and smell good. Oh, and I've seen Jasmine water too!  Wonder how I could make my own? It ought to be simple enough. And I have lots of honeysuckle blooming right now. Hmmm!
    Ooooh, maybe with a few mint leaves!  Guess what I'm going to try? hahaha

     

Chantilly in the rain.

   Rain showers have been hit and miss all day.  With each one I keep hoping it will linger a while. That way the temperatures stay down at least a little bit!  But no, the rain passes through and the sun comes out. Then the steam starts to rise off everything! Its hot and ridiculously muggy.  But then again, its Summer in central Florida.... and this is what happens! hahaha
   This time of year presents me with challenges when it comes to picking a fragrance to wear for the day.  The humidity can make certain perfumes mutate into hideous monsters on my skin!  (And of course, those NEVER wash off easily)  August is the worst month. I usually wind up using AV by Adrienne Vittadini  for the whole month. For whatever reason, it stays "clean" smelling on my skin.
    But today, the last day of June, I've chosen to splash on some vintage Chantilly eau de cologne by Houbigant. Now I'm asking myself why I forget about this one so often. Perhaps because the newer version by Dana seems so coarse. Its a bit difficult to like and impossible for me to love. The older version however, is a whole different story! And the edc is turning out to be a great choice for this weather.
    Chantilly! Now theres a perfume that brings back memories for a lot of people! Created in the early 40's, it has graced dressing tables and school lockers for years. I meet women who still use it as their signature scent. A lot of people refer to it as "old fashioned". Well if that's the case, then we need more old fashion perfumes on the market!  I wish someone would resurrect this in it's original formulation and with quality ingredients. I'd love it if everyone had a chance to experience this nowadays!
    On my skin it starts out with citrus notes. I hear a lot about the lovely fruity notes in the top, but I barely recognize them. Perhaps they're the sweetness that I detect immediately upon applying. Maybe they are more pronounced in the stronger concentrations.   The beginning is very crisp! That soon mellows as the floral notes rise. Spicy flowers. A hint of carnations.... love that note! Powdery flowers, lots of them. Roses especially. Blended beautifully with the rest of the blooms. Soft musk and even softer leather mellow out the composition. Even the benzoin is soft. Not quiet..... soft ....and gentle. The spices give this a delicate "sparkle". The sandalwood and oakmoss give it a luscious depth! And yes, the vanilla will remind you a bit of vintage Shalimar. Its a joy to wear.
   Chantilly is intricate and yet gracefully simplistic in its overall effect. Its fragrant metamorphosis is a joy to experience!  A testament to the beautiful perfumes of the era it was created in. A classic!

Edit on July 2nd: Seems I got so carried away I forgot to mention how comforting Chantilly is. This is one for soothing the nerves and calming yourself down when the world has been treating you harshly. Enjoy!

Chantilly by Houbigant                         Oriental           1941

Notes (gathered from various internet Fragrance sites)
    Top: Fruity notes, Neroli, Bergamot, Lemon
    Heart: Spices, Carnation, Jasmine, Ylang ylang, Rose, Orange blossom
    Base: Leather, Tonka bean, Musk, Benzoin, Oakmoss, Vanilla, Sandalwood
   

Soooo Frustrating!!! Also a small update.

    Just when I thought I had this whole "photo posting" thing under control, it would seem that the computer gremlin has changed the rules on me.  Yep, I'm blaming a gremlin!  When I follow all the same steps on several different occasions and get a different response each time ..... then something is wrong! And I refuse to take all the blame! hahahaha
    The worst part is that its probably just a simple thing that I'm not computer savvy enough to understand. My "savvy" is in horrible short supply! chuckle
    Lots going on. Have acquired a couple of bottles of vintage Arpege by Lanvin. That led to receiving a sample of My Sin, also Lanvin. I was so smitten with that one, that I purchased a bottle from a dear Etsy shop owner. Holly has some wonderful vintages! I bought my Chantilly cologne by Houbigant from her.  
     Then there was my trip to the zoo. While I was there it became apparent that the male Clouded Leopard really liked my vintage Magie Noire perfume! Have some good pictures of him ~ that I would LOVE to share! BUT I'll have to slay the photo gremlin first.
     Was one of the winners in a vintage perfume sample give away. Got that package in the other day. I get to try and review 1. Vol de Nuit, 2. Chanel No. 22 edc and edt, 3. Fendi, 4. Bal a Versailles and 5. Parfum Sacre.  Thank you to Dana for her generousity.
    FINALLY found my Ruffles edp! There seem to be a couple of notes that are a bit off. But once it starts drying down its fine. A partial bottle of Rochas' Femme pdt has started me on a whole new "love affair". hahaha
     But my most ambitious effort is to try to go on a NO-BUY!  Haven't been doing very well with that so far........ but I keep trying to get back up on the wagon! lol   The money situation gets tighter in the Summer, but my animals still need food and care! So I chose my furry children ahead of perfume.  Anyway, I all ready have a lot I can review.    I just want to be able to post photos to go with them!!!    Love & Light to everyone!

Vintage Camot Soir

   I have a tendency to purchase things I know nothing about. hahaha  Then I try and research them. I find it really interesting! This lovely little bottle of perfume is one such item. The label on front says Camot, the back says Soir. I know the latter means "evening" and that's about it. I haven't had time to investigate further.

   It measures three inches high and just shy of two and a half inches wide. Approximately five eights of an inch deep. And its what I refer to as a "stucker"! Because the glass stopper is stuck like heck!!!  Since its arrival yesterday I've tried some of the basic tricks to unlodge the top, but no success .... yet! I've learned to be very patient. And persistent. That helps tremendously. Presently its sitting in a cool, dark place where it can just relax. I'm reading up on some suggested techniques for stopper removal and planning my next attempt.

   You see, its all a bit of an adventure. Vintages are, in the first place, a gamble. The bottles may have been poorly kept and the notes have gone "off" or the contents have just outright spoiled. If the name is not commonly known, then that adds a bit of mystery. If research pinpoints what the perfume is, then you have discovery, which is very gratifying!
   My warning stands: This can become addictive! chuckle  
  

Oh, the DESIRE TO ACQUIRE.

Third warning: You start looking around for what you can get rid of... so you have room for more perfume!

 
    I'm telling you, its all starts so innocently. But doesn't stay that way for long! I knew when I started getting back into the whole perfume gig that I wanted to get a good number of them to compare, research and write some reviews on.  Little did I know THIS would happen. I refer to it as the DESIRE TO ACQUIRE.   I keep reasoning with myself along these lines.... as long as I can keep it from becoming an out and out addiction then I feel like I'm retaining enough stability to continue purchasing every once in a while. hahaha  Yeah, right!
   Humans are funny creatures. We can convince ourselves of darn near anything. So it is with me and my perfumes. Its been quite a journey of self-discovery. I had no idea how good I was at making excuses!!! I can get really creative at times!
   Luckily I feel I'm at a point where I can start to organize and downsize. Yes, there are soooooooo many left to try!!! But I have a few favorites that I truly do cherish. And ones that are appropriate for certain social events in my life. Usually that does NOT overlap with my favorites. (I was a teen in the 70's and a young adult in the 80's, no one should be surprised that I usually like 'em  strong and loud.) 
   And that reminds me..... its just begun to really sink in that what I used to wear is now considered "vintage". How the hell did that happen??!!! When I say that word I'm talking about perfumes from the 20's, 30's and 40's.  Hmm, guess I'm back to that whole self-discovery thing. Ageing is an interesting process.....
   But back to the perfumes! You see this photo? That's only three boxes. There are five more like these. chuckle  And some random bottles here and there. Does this means that I've quit buying fragrance?  Of course not! The mass is great enough now that an ebb and flow motion has started.......  so its just beginning to get truly interesting. And since the moon is almost full, that means the tides will be more extreme.    Perhaps that explains the box that arrived today with eleven bottles of vintage Emeraude! Oh what fun!!!

Yes. It has begun.

Second warning: You'll notice you need more room for your perfumes.

   Hmm. And so it begins. Quite innocently enough. A few blind buys that you find at a good discount. A perfume you know you love on SALE! (And this little voice in your head yells "Score!") Then you start looking on purpose..... even making up some benign excuse to go out to your local discount retailer. "I need new bath towels! Yeah, thats right. New towels!"
    And when you first peruse through an online business that sells fragrance at below retail. Watch out! Its really easy to go overboard on spending.
    Places like Ebay are overwhelming! They have SO MUCH! And if you get caught up in a bidding frenzy...... with your adrenaline coursing through your body like a wildfire.... you're toast!  Or should I say, your credit or bank account is toast. 
    If, however, you're one of those folks that gets really nervous and your stomach starts churning and threatening to erupt when you are under that kind of pressure ~ in other words, you have a built in safety switch that shuts you down in order to keep you from doing harm to yourself ~ then go ahead and check out Ebay! Its great fun and a wonderful place to learn about fragrance.... and damn near every other thing ever made on the face of this planet.
    Think I'm kidding? Someone had a box of Kotex sanitary napkins from the 1950's or 60's up for auction. If I'm remembering correctly, the price was up over $50.00 last time I checked. It was just too absurd!!!!!!!  I know some people want to buy things that remind them of their past, but really? Sanitary napkins?? Who wants to remember THAT?!
    Anyway, the point I was trying to make with this post was that Fragrance Foraging can be lots of fun. Just use common sense and stick to your budget. It helps to save up some money JUST for this purpose. Get a friend who loves perfume too and plan an afternoon devoted to the hunt! Or if you have the stamina and the wallet... the whole day! Do some research beforehand. Know what you're looking at, have an idea of the prices (so you know if it really is a bargain or not) and make use of those tester bottles in all the stores!!! That way you really know if you like something or not. Most of all, ENJOY. 
   
   

I Really Need More Sleep!

Warning: This is what starts to happen!

   Oh my, spent last evening looking at perfumes on the computer. When I looked up and realized it was almost 1:00 a.m., I popped off an email to my friend that introduced me to Ebay. Told him he was "evil"! Spritzed on some Quelques Fleurs l'Original and went to bed.
   Its always interesting to see whats out there in the world of fragrance. So I typed in "vintage perfume" ..... there were over 10,000 listings! Whoa! I can only make a very tiny dent in that over the course of a few hours. But I never fail to learn new things. I find perfumes and perfumeries that I never knew existed. Heck, I could spend hours just looking at the bottle designs. Would love to educate myself enough so that I could tell what year(s) a fragrance was from just by looking at the bottle. And the box. Lets not forget that. With reformulations the box usually changes. Sometimes only in subtle details. Fascinating stuff!! Thats where online forums come in so handy. You can ask other people about such things. More often than not, someone has the answer!
    I can easily see where perfume can become an all consuming obsession! Make that "passion". Sounds so much better. Not nearly as desperate and with such a positive, life affirming connotation. haha 
    Life is an adventure and a learning experience. I say ENJOY it!