December Birchbox

My December Birchbox arrived today with a Porefessional sample from Benefit, Ageless perfume from Harvey Prince, a Birchbox pink lipgloss from Jouer, multi purpose oil (Beauty Elixir) from Orofluido, fashion tape from Showstoppers, and a powdered energy booster from Eboost. I'm not sharing any of these ;)

If you'd like to try Birchbox, use this link as your invite Birchbox

First Birchbox

I received my first month of Birchbox the other day. The samples included were as follows...

Kate Spade Twirl perfume, for the perfume junkie that I am this is a fav, I've been wanting to test this scent away from a store setting to get the full range of it.
Zoya nail polish, I think from the holiday jewel collection
Jouer lip enhancer, this is also a favorite sample, as I'm also addicted to lip balms. This one has a light rose water scent to it, but it's not too much.
Coasters from Two Paperdolls
A ponytail elastic from Alex and Isabelle
And finally a JR Watkins peppermint foot salve

I really can't wait to get my next box!! If this sounds interesting to you check it out here Birchbox

Birchbox

A friend of mine invited me to try Birchbox, as she knows I'm a beauty junkie and I love to try new products, so what's not to like, right??

Here's a link to check it out

Happy trying 😃

Eversave Daily Deal - Sweet Tooth

Today's Eversave deals are for your sweet tooth...check them out here


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Sweet Anthem - Annabelle

Annabelle is a fall limited edition. I'm actually really liking this one.

It's dry and clean, but as usual from Meredith, complex. I'm thinking the notes are green, grassy, or water. With some slight floral.

Here is the description from the shop...#026: ANNABELLE – Sweltering jasmine flowers cling to a cloud of osmanthus, and the spray of sea air and salty musk will surely keep you oceanside even though the summer respite has left us. (Marine)
• Top Notes: Sea Salt
• Heart Notes: Jasmine, Osmanthus
• Base Notes: White Amber

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The Dirty Housewife - Light Workers

Light Workers is the last of my three samples from The Dirty Housewife, and at first I thought this isn't my favorite, but I've totally changed my mind.

It started out sharp, but that was gone really quick. Now it's really clean, but not soapy.

Here is the description...Essence: an ethereal blend of a deep and mystic wood that holds the secrets of cassis, ylang & spicy carnation with white amber, incense, moss and patchouli and a touch of sweet vanilla. Kudzu blossoms and chamomile shine brightly in the sunshine while notes of absinthe add a magical quality. A symphony of bright white Edelweiss blooms will remind you to "bloom and grow


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The Dirty Housewife - Soulmates

This one started out like a cinnamon cookie. Now it's moved on to something else, I can't quite place.

Right now this is a gourmand scent.

Description from Etsy shop...Find yours with this rich and decadent blend of a pheromone increasing, soul stimulating, comfort loving pumpkin and lavender. That's right, I said Pumpkin and Lavender! Studies have shown that this scent combination is one of the most stimulating for men. Certain fragrances are extremely popular among men and are recognized as being aphrodisiacs. Believe it or not, these scents have nothing to do with pheromones. Instead, they're usually sweet, decadent, rich scents that either evoke a special memory or affirm a sense of security.

Essence: rich, sweet, and almost foody-like perfect pumpkin starts out bold and thick. It will lead you into a cool Autumn night that is spicy warm and inviting with a heart that has notes of lavender(essential oil), vodka, and heliotrope-jasmine, gardenia and honeysuckle and ends with a rhapsody of amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood and pralines.

Like i said, this one is ultra rich...at first, kinda like lust then dries down with the comforting sweetness of love.
While this certainly starts out as a foody type fragrance, it magically transforms itself into an everyday perfume.

Absolutely perfect for Autumn/Winter but will be enjoyed all year as well



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The Dirty Housewife - 9

Another new find for me is The Dirty Housewife, also an Etsy shop found here The Dirty Housewife

I picked up three samples to try from this shop located in New Hampshire.

9 is awesome!! I smell fruit, maybe vanilla. It's a really nice blend that just suits my mood today.

I'm in love with this

Here is the description from the shop...According to Numerology , the number 9 is the most magical number and also one of the luckiest.

Essence: sweet, soft , and sexy orchid vanilla beans with saucy valencia oranges, Sparkling Bergamot, Tangerine Zest, Tart Cassis, Neroli, Ground Pepper, Fiery Chili Pepper, and Sheer Musk. A touch of tuscan aged lace, white magnolia blooms and edelweiss.

This a perfect and bright combo of floral and citrus and grounded by velvet vanilla. Just lovely and magical, really

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Wiggle - Tupelo

So I'm a fan of Van Morrison, so much so that I once purchased a lipstick called Tupelo Honey, because Van has a song of the same name...needless to say the color didn't work for me, but the song is great!

So of course when I purchased from Nani at Wiggle I had to get Tupelo, and I'm really glad I did.

Tupelo starts out as a honeyed musk, nice. Then moves on to something bitter that I'm not too fond of, and finally a musky vanilla, yum!

Liking this scent very much right now and it's really early in the day, so it'll only get better.

Here is the description from Etsy...I am a sucker for honey scents. I'm also a sucker for Van Morrison and hopeless romantics, and some combination of these factors led to the creation of this perfume. The base is a mix of warm honey and a sultry, spicy musk. Touches of almond and orange blossom flesh it out, along with tiny kicks of tomato leaf and spanish moss. Basically, it's a lady version of 27, but with a bit more citrus and a softness all its own.

I've used a nice dose of tangerine essential oil in this one, so do be careful in the sun at first. Citrus essential oils may cause some skin types to burn more easily. Ever the cautious one, I just make sure to put it in hidden, fun-to-find places. ;-)



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Wiggle - Selene

This one is one of my favorites from these samples.

It started out a little like marzipan for me and now I smell a little chocolate with a musk. I'm hoping this will continue to be like this all day. Yum!!

Haha, I got the musk right, but totally off on all the other notes. I am a fan of the blood orange in general and this blend of notes in particular.


From the Etsy shop...I've blended rich golden myrrh with red musk (the proper Indian stuff I used to get from the Gypsy Market in Atlanta) and blood orange essential oil. Heady lotus, night blooming jasmine, and olive blossom lend a narcotic femininity. Selene is all moonlight and warm breezes, perfect for pairing with gladiator sandals and a gold bangle or two.

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Wiggle - Nicosia

Hmmm...this is nice. I smell wood, with some spice.

My husband actually said I smelled good, which is rare.



From the Etsy shop...I've always had a longing to see the mediterranean. There's just so much history there, so much art, such gorgeous, passionate people. And the food! This scent embodies one of my favorite escape fantasies. A blend of fig, olive blossom, clove, golden honey and sandalwood, this scent is all fresh breezes and dusky-haired women draped in sun-bleached cotton.


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Hearts & Bows - Mediterranean Fig

So this one is SO not for me. It's a really perfumey and sharp for me. All the notes are ones that I like, but the mixture doesn't work for me.

Here is the description from the shop...Mediterranean Fig! Sounds intriguing right?

Aromatic notes of amber, fig, lemon and sandalwood. Aphrodisiac yet clean-smelling!



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Eversave

Today's online save is a great deal! I love the Martha Stewart magazines.

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Hearts & Bows - Sand and Saltwater

I'm still on my quest to find the perfect beach scent and Sand and Saltwater from Hearts & Bows comes extremely close. I think the only thing missing is the suntan lotion scent.

It smells an awful lot like Beach from Bobbi Brown, but not exact, as well as either Beach Walk or Sun & Sand from Yankee Candle.

It's that crisp saltwater note with a beach rose.

From the Etsy shop...Behold.......my most popular perfume oil, Sand & Saltwater. A customer who recently purchased this in a perfume oil said that it reminded her of honeymoon in Tahiti. Well, memories of the ocean, white sand, blue skies and salty, clear blue waters and memories of being with someone that you love (am I being cheesy?!) that's what this is about.


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Hearts & Bows - Oatmeal, Milk & Honey

I found a new bath & body shop on Etsy with a nice selection of lip balms, soaps and some perfume oils, visit Heartsandbows494.Etsy.com.

I decided to try 3 perfume samples from the shop, the scents are pretty simple and straight forward.

Today I tried Oatmeal, Milk & Honey...it smells very nice. It's clean and creamy. Kind of old fashioned or young, that probably sounds strange, but it just reminds me of something from when I was a kid.

In fact the girl wanted to wear perfume today and I put it on her, too, since it was a mild scent that didn't smell too much like perfume.

I would love a candle or tart melt in this, too.

From the shop...I confess. I finished a bottle of this perfume oil after I made it, I put on my body, my sheets even on my bathroom rug! The smell of yummy oatmeal, vanilla, milk and honey is so addicting! I also have a matching Body lotion with this, as pictured.


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Wylde Ivy - Myrrh & Spice

The last of the new fall perfumes from Wylde Ivy is Myrrh & Spice. From this collection I've got 3 that I really like and 2 that are still nice, but not favorites.

On first sniff I felt like I smelled like a apple pie. This would make a great tart melt or candle, as a perfume for me not a favorite.

It started out very spicy, but not masculine spicy, more food spicy.


Here is the scent description..."Myrrh & Spice" ~Wylde Blend~
Ancient myrrh, smoked vanilla beans, dried cedar, bergamot, sandalwood, musk, black currant, and dried cinnamon



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Wylde Ivy - Being Cleo

So I was totally expecting something bolder from this. Being Cleo is Ashlee's salute to Cleopatra, and my understanding of her is she was bold and ahead of her time. I guess Ashlee went for the softer side. With that said the fragrance is a nice fall scent.

I smell some citrus underneath a lightly spicy vanilla. So I wore this all day and I found it nice but not as fantastic as Not Falling or Kiss Me in the Park. I actually thought it was similar to them, but not as vibrant.

Here is the description from Ashlee...Told and untold stories of antiquity. A woman of grace, beauty, and power lazed in daily in baths of milk an honey. The beautiful soft scent of wholesome sweetness lingering on the skin mixed with warm amber and plucked jasmine.
Notes of oat milk, steeped vanilla, precious amber, jasmine petals, dry woods, and white musk.


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Wylde Ivy - Kiss Me in the Park

Another of the five new scents from Ashlee at Wylde Ivy...and this one is fantastic! Yesterday, by the end of the day I was in love with Not Falling, but now I may be obsessed wth Kiss Me in the Park.

I can't even describe how much I just love this one right now.

So I smelled, right away, a floral mixed with a creamy vanilla and a little cinnamon, maybe. Now after a little dry down maybe some ginger with the vanilla.

Here is the description from Ashlee...New!"Kiss Me in the Park" ~Wylde Blend~
A slow stroll under bare limbed trees. A cozy warm scarf nestled around your ears. The rustle of leaves fallen long ago. The strong arm entwined with your own. The shoulder that your head rests upon. The first hints of frozen breath at your lips.
A sweet, earthy tinged blend of amber, sandalwood, and white musk with a touch of caramelized vanilla, and jasmine petals.



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Wylde Ivy - Not Falling

New fall scent from Ashlee at Wylde Ivy.

Very nice fall fragrance all the things I like a little spice, but not too much, I don't smell like old spice, and vanilla.

I'm going to have to wear this again to get the whole fragrance, but the blend is fantastic! I'm thinking the wood notes temper the spice notes or I'm just changing.

By the end of the day I was in love with this, it mellowed out to a honeyed vanilla, with what I'm thinking was the beeswax mixed in. So very nice!

Description from Ashlee...The golden autumn sun enveloped her in its rich warm light. She laughed and then closed her eyes and breathed deeply. A breezed stirred at that moment and it loosened several of the crimson oak leaves above and sent them spinning wildly to the ground. They landed silently, bold colors on the emerald grass. She laughed again, twirled like the leaves, and outstretched her hands to the autumn sun.

Deep, golden, warmed with a touch of spice, and grounded by dry woods.

Notes of: Dry wood, Tonka bean, sandalwood, vanilla, beeswax, raw honey, teakwood, cinnamon, cardamom, amber, and cedar.





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Wylde Ivy - Bonfire Tea

The newest addition to Ashlee's Monsters in Love collection is Bonfire Tea.

Bonfire Tea starts out smoky with a bitter tea undertone, then moves on to a cinnamon note with the tea still in the background.

So this one had to grow on me, by the end of the day I really liked it. It had to mellow out over the day. I'm a fan of tea scents, so, the smoke was cool, like campfire, but not too much.

Im going to be in trouble with this collection; when you see my next two reviews you'll understand why. Ashlee has knocked my socks off

Description from Wylde Ivy...She sits by the fire, a large dusty black cat with amber knowing eyes lounges contently on her lap. His tail swishes against black taffeta of her dress. The trees creak softly, stirred by a cold breeze. She raises her large cast iron cup to her nose, the purple tinged steam curls around her face as it playfully caresses her skin before vanishing into the night. She smiles slightly, playfully, as the fire gives off a sudden crack. It sends a burst of sparks into the air that dance and flicker and seem to linger an impossibly long time. It is beginning.

As she stands the cat gives an angered cry before disappearing out of the firelight. She straightens her skirt with a rustle over her white stripped leggings. Only the crooked pointy toes of her boots peek out from the long billowing fabric. She hears them rounding the walk by the gate and takes one last sip of her tea. The steam that escapes the cup is now green and sending off little sparks of it’s own into the night. She puts down the cup and picks up the old sack. She walks out into the garden, crunching over gravel paths to gate to greet the horde that have gathered there. The all come here for one thing and only on one night of the year. They stand massed before her. Their eager eyes waiting silently for the cue. She opens sack and bends slightly as she is overrun by miniature monsters, tiny vampires, little ghosts, and undersized goblins. It is over in seconds and the pack run off into the night. She smiles to herself again and the cat reappears at her feet. Witches do give out the very best Halloween candy.

A Halloween delight. As mysterious and captivating as the new moon rising in the star strewn sky. Black tea steeped by the fire. Of coarse no one knows what is in it. A bit a whimsy, a touch of magic, something sweet, and a bit of intrigue.
Notes of: Black tea leaves, cedar wood, dried amber, sweet Halloween licorice, bergamot, wood smoke, currents, and black heliotrope.


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Wiggle Perfume - Manora

On to another perfumer this time it's Wiggle Perfume. Early in the summer I got 5 samples from Wiggle and I tested Selene, but then it got too hot and humid for me to continue.

I also think I've realized that I may not be able to sample as many perfumes as I'd like. I'm getting overwhelmed by the samples and the amount I have back logged...but we'll see how it goes.

So onto Manora...this scent is kind of sweet and floral, for me, but I also smell a musky undertone. Right now, I just put it on, it's actually too much...I'll see how it wears. I've been saying that a lot lately.

Here is a description from the Etsy shop...Late this past summer, I was sitting in a lovely Thai restaurant, pondering the creamy glory that is Thai iced tea. I knew I couldn't do it justice, but I had to try. This scent is a blend of cool black tea and various sweet creamy notes. Because I tinker a bit complusively, I added little hints of lotus and coconut to round out the gourmand nature of the fragrance. Manora is sweet but fresh, creamy but not cloying, and about as summery as it gets

And I must say, I also love the Thai Iced Tea...been looking for a recipe for it to see if I can make it at home.


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Share the Save with Eversave

A friend of mine suggested I join the Eversave blogger affiliate program...so I had to actually figure out what Eversave was

Eversave is a daily deals site, like Groupon or Living Social. They have deals for local, online and nationwide.

I'll try and post my links daily or I think you can save my personal page which is http://Sharethesave.com/patriciajmason

Here's hoping my link works...I really suck at this


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Scent By The Sea - Barberry Belle

Hmmmm...another one I can't quite decide on.

Up close it smells woody like cedar or something similar, but there might be a little sweetness underneath, a little masculine to start.

This is a stronger scent than the others. I will see how it develops over the day. After wearing Barberry Belle all day it mellowed out to a vanilla.

Not my favorite of the Scent by the Sea selections, but still a decent selection.

I have to say that the selections from Scent by the Sea were all very good. I had a couple that I really liked and a few that maybe weren't my favorites, but I didn't have a single one that I hated and had to scrub off before I could move on with my day.

Couldn't find a description


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Scent By The Sea - Green Tea

Green Tea is slightly fruity and dry with the tea undertone.

I like this one better than other green tea scents I've tried, but it's still not a favorite. I think this is an aquired taste and it's growing on me since it's a clean scent

Description from Etsy shop...I've been on a decade-long search for good green tea perfume. In sniffing others' blends, I've come to realize that when people talk about a green tea perfume, they can mean one of two types. The first type actually smells like green tea--musty, earthy--and the second type is more like how you *wish* green tea would smell--light, fresh, and tart. My green tea blend definitely belongs to the second category--it's an incredibly airy light accord of green tea fragrance oil, yuzu (japanest grapefruit) essential oil, and lemon essential oil. It's one of my Diva scents (stand-alone, single note or simple blends) and perfect for spring.


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Scent By The Sea - Gidget

I think Gidget is supposed to smell like fun in the California sun, but for me it smells like soap. Really clean and dry...I guess I'm really missing something, maybe it will develop over the day.

So I didn't get much change over the day and I'm not saying the soap smell is a bad thing, but I just hate it when I don't smell what I'm supposed to, plus I really love the beachy smelling fragrances.

Description from the Etsy shop...Does summer have a scent? If it did it would have to recreate the season's sweetest memories: cutoff shorts and tiki torches; salt breezes and Coppertone; daring each other to walk out to the furthest rock on the jetty; late nights borrowing his anorak; talking until midnight under the deserted lifeguard station. All the traditional joys of a too-short summer season are wrapped up in this perfume, blending sweetness and floral with citrus-y floral fresh air/water notes.


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Scent By The Sea - Farnese Garden

Hmmmm...this one is tricky. It started out sharp and slightly bitter, with a woody note, and if I sniff it closely I still smell that. But from a distance it wears as a much more complex fragrance.

I think I'll have to see how it wears all day to make a decision.

I did end up kind of liking it if only for the fact that it gave me a scent memory. There was a slight floral to it in the end, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

Definitely a whole garden scent, started out woody and then moved onto a floral.

The whole time I've been wearing this I've been thinking the scent reminds me of something and I finally figured it out...it reminds me of a fragrance the mother of my best friend from elementary school wore. I have no idea what it was, but every time I get a whiff of this, I see my friends mother.

Here is a brief description from the Etsy shop...Farnese Gardens – Roman fever, cypress-lined walks, stolen kisses


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Scent By The Sea - Cioccolata

So I'm not usually a fan of chocolate scents, they are either too strong or too fake smelling, this one however, is really well done. The chocolate smells true to chocolate not fake.

For me I'm not getting the other notes, but I also, think that the blend is what keeps the chocolate from smelling fake. If you sniff the sample bottle you get the citrus note from the description.

All in all I like it.

Description from the Scent by the Sea shop at Etsy...This fragrance blends a milk chocolate scent with a citrus top note and a touch of floral in the drydown, creating a sweet and fresh accord inspired by La Serenissima.


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Scent By The Sea - Tehura

Hello tropical island!

First sniff was jasmine, I think, now it's on to an orange or neroli, with another floral.

Again a really nice scent. I think it could get cloying if applied heavily, but as an oil on the pulse points very nice.

Here is the description from Etsy...Tehura – named for Gaugin's favorite Tahitian mistress – combines the powerful and hypnotic scent of gardenia with other white flower notes to create a heady and memorable melange

So, the gardenia is the tiare flower, I think.


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Whirlpool HE Washer

For any of you that know me well, you may have seen the wonderful picture I posted yesterday on Facebook of my 5 y/o Whirlpool Washer. If I can ever figure out how to get it from my iphone to my iPad I'll add it here until then you can see the lovelyness in my Facebook photos.

Anyway, said washer is in my best guess a lemon of the highest caliber. From day one, after it was delivered and installed by Lowes, it shook the entire house, made fabulous banging noises and spewed water from the drain tube, all the while twisting our clothing into knots.

This washer was purchased on my 6th anniversary, before we had the monkey, b/c as you all know little monkeys make lots of laundry. In all actuality my monkey is far messier now than she was as an infant, but that is neither here nor there for this. And yes the joke was the washer and dryer were my anniversary presents, haha. Ladies never accept appliances or home goods as any type of gift, unless your also receiving a nice piece of jewelry, too.

So back to the story....washer and dryer arrive get installed and get put to use. Washer goes nuts. Husband and I, very pregnant, watch the washer shake, rattle and roll, and fear that it's going to chase us out of the laundry room, actually out of the basement, of our split entry home. So we try every thing to cure this. Husband builds pedestals for the set. Bolts the pedestals to the basement floor, we think you could park a car on this pedestal, the washer will be fine, nope.

We call for service, which BTW, never buy from the store, they just want your $$$ they don't actually want to do the service you want. But while under warranty they were fine, the guy came out replaced one or two of the shocks, all seems fine....then it starts again, we call again and again and again. Each time the repairman opens the bottom of the washer and reconnects the shocks, well hell I can do that...once a week for the next 4+ years.

Now it's shimmied and vibrated so much that the panel where the shocks were hidden is now popped open and the door panel that covers the drum has fallen down, if we could get the bottom panel to stay closed it might fix the door problem, but who knows.

So off to purchase a new washer. Yesterday I spent hours doing research and for every washer that was recommend at certain websites there was a pattern for say every 2 good consumer reviews there was 1 horror story about how bad the product was and on top of that the overwhelming theme was how terrible the manufacturer customer service was. So I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter what we buy the product will suck and so will the customer service.


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Scent By The Sea - Sandalwood Vanilla

I could smell this everyday. So nice.

I always thought sandalwood was maybe a super strong note and over whelmimg...I'm wrong. This blend is great!

At first sniff I got the vanilla, then onto the sandalwood...at least that's how it worked for me, although every once in a while I get the vanilla again. Again SO nice! I want to carry this around with me all day.


Would totally wear this again!

I have a feeling I'm going to be placing a big order here when I get done with my samples, and I wish I hadn't waited so long to test them.

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Scent By The Sea - Cote d'Azur

I'm really liking this one. It's a clean but complex scent. Maybe a little lemon, ocean water, grass.

I'm kind of at a loss for notes because they blend to make a really nice scent, that isn't over powered by one note.

So I got this totally wrong...here is the description from the ladies at Scent By The Sea...This perfume invokes the hedonistic vibe of the French Riviera in high summer, with notes of lavendar, champagne, vanilla and a hint of coconut.

But I like it and I'd wear it again.



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Scent By The Sea - Frangipani

Hello tropical island floral.

This is a vibrant, and by vibrant I mean a blast of fragrance, creamy floral.
I smell an undertone of vanilla, but the floral is the majority of the scent.

I'll see how it wears.

Couldn't find a description for this one to compare. If I do I'll update.


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Wylde Ivy - Woodland Cider

You guessed it another apple scent

So out of the test tube I smelled McIntosh or MacIntosh apple, you know those crisp sweet apples. They happen to be one of my favorite apples.

Now I'm on to a sweet cinnamon note, and I'm happy to say that my skin is not having it's usual reaction to the cinnamon, which is burning and redness. Yay!

Nice scent, but for me not as complex as She's so Flirty, which is one of my current favorites.

Here is a note list from Scent Base (www.scentbase.com) Fresh pressed apples, cider spices, aged oak, dry amber, rustic wildflower honey, and whips of late autumn blooms.

Ashlee at Wylde Ivy didn't have a scent description up at this time, since this scent is seasonal.


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Wylde Ivy - Apple Festival

Lately I've had a love affair with apple scents, in particular She's so Flirty, and 50's Diner, well to be honest 50's Diner is rhubarb, but the note to me is similar...anyway, this affair with the apple or crisp top notes prompted me to try Fall Mountain Festival and today's scent Apple Festival.

So Apple Festival started out with a crisp blend of apples, not one particular apple. Now I'm at a creamy blend of apple and vanilla, and maybe some sugar.

I found that over the day the scent was light and would have to be reapplied, but still a nice scent.

Here is the scent description from Wylde Ivy...When fall starts to paint the leaves in a wash of color, it is time for the apple festival. The warm autumn breeze carries the scent of all things apple as vendors prepare their luscious treats. Apple pies and apple dumplings, vanilla milkshakes, and the scent of the surrounding trees. There is just a hint of other fruited delicacies like strawberry pie and peach cobbler mixing with the apples and oak leaves.


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Wylde Ivy - Fall Mountain Festival

I'm going to start off by saying this would make a fabulous candle or tart melt to scent a home. For me right now I like this, but I feel like I smell like a candle. I don't know if I could wear this as a perfume all the time, but I'd love to scent my home with this for the fall.

So what I'm smelling is a little spice, like a light cinnamon, with a dried apple, a little grass, and a warm sugary vanilla.

Here is the scent description from Wylde Ivy..."Fall Mountain Festival" ~Wylde Blend~ Customer Commission A Scent Creation
If you travel deep into the heart of the mountains on a beautiful autumn weekend you are sure to find at least on fall festival celebration. Kettle corn and woodsmoke mingle in the air along with the scent of dried oak leaves and hay bales sweeten with crushed Granny Smith apples, a touch of vanilla, and caramelized sugar.

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Back to School...Back to Testing

Well I have to say this was a fantastic summer! The girl and I went to the beach at least once a week and had so much fun together. I don't think either of us is ready for the fall. It was a struggle to get her to shop for back to school clothes.

I'm also trying to get back into the swing of things. I haven't tested a scent in I don't know how long, but it didn't keep me from accumulating a huge backlog.

As long as we don't have 100 degree heat or humidity, I plan to test frequently until I get through my backlog and accumulate more while doing so.

Look for new "reviews" soon.

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Scent By The Sea - Fiori di Roma

Let me start by saying that testing scents in the summer is difficult for me. I just feel like the scents disappear in the heat and humidity. With that said we're having a grand day to day little or no humidity so I took the opportunity to try out a new scent.

Scent by the Sea is, of course an Etsy shop, scentbythesea.Etsy.com. I picked up a 10 pack of samples about two weeks ago now, tried a couple then the heat and humidity set in and I went straight for the Wylde Ivy body mists.

The scent I tried today is Fiori di Roma, and it's fabulous! A light white floral, that reminds me of maybe honeysuckle, I'm not sure, though. I put it on and immediately had that experience of I've smelled this before some place, when I was a kid...an olfactory memory, I just can't place it. It's kind of making me crazy, trying to sift through my memories to place this scent, and I keep sniffing myself...anyway here is part of the description from the Etsy shop.

It's a light, fresh, white floral blend with touches of herbs and citrus

If it's low humidity tomorrow, I'll be back


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She's So Flirty...again

Well I'm going to change my mind about this one. I reviewed and rated it here



I'm wearing it again now, and I'm in love!!! Must be my body chemistry today, or maybe I got this confused with another scent. All I know is I just really like it so the rating is going to , huge change right.

Before I described it as overly floral, but now I'm really getting the apple, citrus peel, and vanilla musk.

So, I was just checking my notes and I'm very sure I did confuse this with Just A Kiss, when I did my first go round. Ack, sorry folks, my bad. Don't know what happened. 

And I can't figure out why my links won't work either. Ugh.

Idea...

I'm a blogging fool today, guess that's what happens on a rainy afternoon.

So, I was browsing around Etsy, shocker, and I found this http://www.etsy.com/listing/62939473/heirloom-locket-in-sterling-silver-sweet, and I thought 'wow, how totally cute, and something I would wear, but I'd love my initials engraved on it. Then I did a search for an engraved locket, and didn't come up, with anything as traditional as my first item, but I did find this...http://www.etsy.com/listing/61121703/two-disc-stamped-letter-and-photo-charm. I've ordered from MetalPressions before, so I know that their items are nice quality. And the addition of the other charm is a nice touch.

Then I had another brainstorm!! My favorite charms...Rembrandt Charms has photo art charms, too, Charm Detail - Rembrandt Charms

Only thing I'm not sure about is if they are specifically made for charm bracelets, or if you can wear them as pendants...since my charm bracelet is kind of clunky, and this would get lost in the shuffle on it. Rembrandt also has engraveble discs is multiple sizes to get the same look as the MetalPressions item...or traditional lockets, hmmmm, really the possibilities.

Outfit Obsession

Today when I checked my inbox there was a message from Piperlime, and when I opened it I saw this outfit http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=67892&tid=plembl5639&ev=PWSAB6222011&di=14114306

Which I immediately became obsessed with, so in the style of one of my favorite blogs J's Everyday Fashion (http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/) I decided to try and copy it, because really as a mom that works one or two days a week and has a five year old that will ruin my clothes in a instant, why would I pay $136 for a trendy shirt, or $99 for denim shorts.

Here is what I came up with shorts from Old Navy, I ordered these yesterday, http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=68348&vid=1&pid=810101&scid=810101002
And this top from Forever21, http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=top%5Fdressy&product%5Fid=2000008712&Page=all&pgcount=25

How did I do?

Looking at the Forever21 website there are lots of other options, too. I purchased the top at the store in my local mall, but I may shop online more, so I can see the bigger selection and so I don't feel like an old lady shopping in the kids store


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Wiggle - Selene

Today I'm wearing Selene from Wiggle Perfume.

Description from the Etsy, Wiggle Perfune shop, wiggleperfume.Etsy.com

Because I've always been desperately envious of those linen and lapis draped ladies in the frescoes, and because I just got my hands on the most exquisite red musk, I've created Selene as a love letter to the Nile. Named after Cleopatra's daughter (and accompanied by a matching men's scent named after her son, Helios) this perfume will make you feel positively regal. I've blended rich golden myrrh with red musk (the proper Indian stuff I used to get from the Gypsy Market in Atlanta) and blood orange essential oil. Heady lotus, night blooming jasmine, and olive blossom lend a narcotic femininity. Selene is all moonlight and warm breezes, perfect for pairing with gladiator sandals and a gold bangle or two.

So, first sniff, in the tester, is a lovely white floral, probably the jasmine, then it's gone. Now I'm getting the musk and myrrh definitely as a spicy scent, but not in an overwhelming old spice kind of way.

I think this is just ok for me.

Rating today



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Wiggle Perfume

A while ago I found another interesting perfume seller on Etsy...well not really found, I kind of stalk Meredith, from Sweet Anthem's Etsy activity feed and she always finds them first ;)...anyway...Wiggle Perfume (wiggleperfume.Etsy.com)

I picked four samples from the line up and received five...have to say I love all Etsy sellers that send an extra sample, I think plenty of times I find that I like the extra, as much as my picks.

Today from Wiggle I'm wearing/testing Manora.

Manora is based on Thai iced tea, quoting Wiggle shop owner Nani, the notes are cool black tea, various sweet creamy notes, with a bit of lotus and coconut.

When I first sniffed this in the test vial, I kind of got a almond, marzipan scent, even on my skin for the first bit it was sweet and creamy. Now I'm down to a dry tea scent.

Wasn't even sure today would be a good day to test, since I started the day cleaning up after my dog, and wondering if I'd make it to the gym.

I have to say this is growing on me, at first I wasn't sure if I liked it, but now I could wear this occasionally. Will definitely try it out again..

My rating for today




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Winning...again

I love it when I win stuff ;)

A while ago I entered a contest  to win a ring for an Etsy seller that I just love onegarnetgirl.etsy.com. Madelynn's jewelry is beautiful, but usually out of my price range for this mostly stay at home mom. Now don't get me wrong, her stuff is not outrageously priced, but I'm bad at saving and what I do, do for work is seasonal and dependent on others expendable income.

Anyway...I entered the contest, and I won.  I was/am really excited to get the ring. Here is a link to the ring http://www.etsy.com/listing/61157061/argentium-sterling-silver-and-conflict?ga_search_query=rolling&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5263754

So...
Thanks again Madelynn from One Garnet Girl!!

I think I'm going to try and get better at saving so I can add other pieces from the One Garnet Girl shop to my collection. :)

The 5th Birthday - Toy Story

I know I usually blog about perfumes, jewelry, and other mostly shopping stuff, but I feel like I must blog about my daughter's 5th birthday party.

My daughter, Paige, turned 5 on June 4th, and wanted to have a Toy Story party theme. So I hit the internet and Etsy to plan it and look for ideas to make it fun and unique. Paige was super involved in the planning and picking of almost all the items for her birthday, I guess I'm raising a control freak, like myself.

First I found this fantastic invitation on Etsy at uprint4less.etsy.com

Then I found a really great custom t-shirt at this shop on Etsy funpersonalitees.etsy.com

The picture doesn't really show it great, but it's Jessie with Paige's age and her name.

Now on to the cake, since it's in the picture.

Paige and I reviewed pictures on the internet and found this fabulous cake...http://www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com/coolest-toy-story-birthday-cake-9.html

it's awesome!! And here is my version

Not quite as spectacular, but I think a good first try at cake decorating and fondant rolling. I think the kids loved the candy letters the best. The Toy Story figurines came from the Disney Store.

We also found two other great ideas at the Disney Family Fun website for Hamm cake pops from Bakerella

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-recipes/recipe-907639-toy-story-hamm-cake-pops-t/

Here is my attempt at the cake pops.

Some of them came out great and some of them look like rats, and we had lots of fallen soldiers, but they tasted yummy. I would do plain round cake pops again, the shaped ones were pretty difficult for me, but with more practice, who knows.

Also at Disney Family Fun, were Jessie cookie hats, I ran out of time and steam before I could make them, but they looked like a great idea.http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-recipes/recipe-787983-jessie-cowgirl-hat-cookies-t/

So all in all it was a fun experience and I learned a lot about cake decorating and how to use my former project management skills to plan a kids birthday party. Plus this is the most creative I've gotten with one of her parties this far. And I think she loved it, when her friends were singing to her she gave me the biggest smile  I think I've ever seen, and that made it all worth it.

Wylde Ivy - Pale Vanilla

Pale Vanilla is a very nice light vanilla. This would be a good vanilla perfume for someone that wants to try out a vanilla scent, but nothing too heavy.

Faded out by the end of the day, so you might need to reapply.

I have several vanilla type perfumes, so for me this was a nice scent, but I like a stronger vanilla. I actually prefer Ashlee's Bella Vanille, it's a little more creamy.

Rating today

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Wylde Ivy - 50's Diner

50's Diner is a commissioned scent that Ashlee came up with for a customer. Here is the description from the Wylde Ivy site..."Fifties Diner" ~Wylde Blend~ Customer Commission A Scent Creation
A play on a 50's Diner treat, ice cold sweet tea with a touch of peach and a nice slice of strawberry rhubarb pie. This fun scent is delicious and fresh all at the same time!

Wasn't expecting to like this one, but I do, I really like the apple, top note and the crust note I'm getting now. There is supposed to be some peach in here too, which is subtle, which is good b/c when I smell peach all I can think of is schnapps.

So maybe it's not apple, probably the rhubarb, which is also a crisp note.

Going to add this to my really like list.

Rating today




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Wylde Ivy - She's So Flirty

So I've worn She's So Flirty on two different days on May 19 and May 23. On May 19 I thought it was...way too much floral for me. Today, on May 23, I'm having a similar reaction, but I'm getting more of the other notes. First sniff was fruity, like berries, then it was gone. Then I got, the musk...now I'm onto the florals.

This, for me, is a complex scent, that in the end I don't really like.

This is the description...Outgoing and fun, a flirty blend of jasmine and orange peels, warm sandalwood, emerald ferns, shimmering white florals, bluebells, and sheer musk

I'm going to rate it , for me.


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Wylde Ivy - Just a Kiss

WOW!! This one is a surprise for me, I love it!!

It's crisp and green, with a creamy undertone, and some floral. The blend is so nice that I can't pull out specific notes, it just smells good, really good.

It's light, fresh and...I'll just stop...I really like it, and going on and on won't do it justice, so here is the description from Ashlee.

Sweet, playful, warm, and sexy.
Chilled green apple, smooth vanilla musk, white amber, sandalwood, a hint of jasmine petals, and citrus peel.


Rating today

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Wylde Ivy - Island High Tea

Island High Tea description from the Wylde Ivy shop....Sun brewed red tea infused with fresh coconut and vanilla beans and a touch of sugar cubes and lemon.

So, I'm currently getting just the coconut and vanilla. I was expecting more tea. I'm not complaining I like the coconut vanilla, but I also really love the tea scents from Ashlee, so I was looking forward to another astringent tea with the addition of the coconut and vanilla.

Right now it's early in the day and in wearing this scent, we will see how it wears

After wearing all day Island High Tea has dried down to a nice vanilla.

Rating today
I'm giving Island High Tea this rating because I like the vanilla coconut, but I wish I could have smelled the tea stronger.




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Wylde Ivy - Of A Citron Sea

I really thought Of a Citron Sea would be one of my favorites, but right now I'm finding it just ok.

It's really light, so light I think I'd have to reapply at some point. It does remind me of a lemony drink, not so much of the beach or sea, more like a lemonade.

After wearing for most of the day now, I really need to reapply, really light scent, so it would be great for a hot and steamy summer day. At one point earlier today it had dried down to a light floral. Not a tropical floral, more like a country house floral, like daisies or similar. I liked it best at that point.

Today's rating

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Wylde Ivy - Black Sands Coconut

So I already have two summer coconut perfumes from Wylde Ivy, Wylde Summer and She Sells Seashells, and it looks like I'm going to be adding a third....Black Sands Coconut is great!

First sniff out of the tester vial, I smell a little lemon sugar, then it's gone. Straight on to the coconut, with a smoky twist, this does not smell like a beach drink. It smells dark and a little woody, like the beach after dark.

After wearing for most of the day, this has dried down to a warm vanilla coconut, so nice!

Rating today



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Wylde Ivy - Muse

So for those of you that loved Lemon Lollipop's Pink Vanilla, and are sad that Michelle closed up shop... Muse is your answer!

Muse smells SO yummy!!!

Vanilla, sugar, candy sweet, a little caramel, and sugared flowers, maybe. All I know is it smells great!

Can't say it enough great, great, great!!!


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Wylde Ivy - She Walks Delicately

So, She Walks Delicately is a light floral, with green notes.

I smelled lily of the valley, violets, and other sheer florals that I can't determine. The lily and violets were the predominant notes. The green note, was fresh, maybe grassy.

Right now it has faded away, so I'd need to reapply.

The notes I smelled blended very well together and balanced out, for me. Since I'm not a huge fan of all out florals, I liked it, but I'm not in love with it.

If you're familiar with Ashlee's fragrances, I'd categorize this one with Simple Love and Simple Wish, since these are also fairly light scents.

I was at Whole Foods today and the cashier asked me what I was wearing for perfume though, so it did carry some punch when first on, since I only applied it to my wrist and elbow pulse points.

Rating for today

Here is the description from Wylde Ivy - Delicate and demure, hauntingly feminine. Sweet and fresh without being cloying or heavy.
Notes of lotus blossom, bergamot, bamboo leaves, summer apples, jasmine, white amber, green musk, and sparkling narcissus

So, I converted the jasmine and narcissus to lily and violet. And the green musk or bamboo to grass.

Ah well, I never said my nose was perfect.

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Wylde Ivy - Green Tea Sorbet

Green Tea Sorbet is zippy, green, and clean smelling. I thought I was going to have all this stuff to write about it, because I really do like it. I can see myself spritzing it on at the beach in a body mist, having chilled it in the cooler.

I think I definitely like Sun Tea better, but this scent is fantastic a great addition, going to add it to my list.

Rating


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Sweet Anthem - Rebecca - update

So I found the description for Rebecca, here http://www.sweetanthem.com/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/qogs/managed-mt/mt-search.cgi?search=Rebecca&IncludeBlogs=27%2C+41&limit=20, hoping the link works...this is the description too,

Rebecca - A concoction of the deepest black oud and smoke, mulled with a perfect autumn blend of honey and amber, and livened with pepper, ginger, and coriander. Candied pears, Texas flowers, and late summer blooms are strewn throughout.
Notes include: agarwood, amber, black pepper, blue bonnets, ginger, honey, pear, and tobacco

So I confused the tobacco with leather, and I got the spices wrong, too, but I got the sweet from the honey.

The scent is growing on me, I'd wear it again.


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Sweet Anthem - Rebecca

I'm flying blind with this one. I haven't read a description of this scent recently so I'm totally going by my nose. We'll see how I do. Also, this scent is going to be slightly reformulated, read the Sweet Anthem blog for updates.

So...I'm smelling leather, cinnamon, cloves, a pretty masculine scent for me. But maybe a little sweetness, too.


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Forgot to Mention...

Good Charma is having a Mothers Day discount MOM2011...if you're shopping there


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New Obsessions...Back for More Good Charma

I have, maybe, two new obsessions...first is this awesome tassel bracelet from Good Charma






And second, doves, swallows, or other small birds in jewelry.
This is coming from purchasing a niece a confirmation gift that, I think, is a beautiful dove pendant
Like this one





So I went to Etsy and made a treasury

Then I found these, the first one is from Tiffany and Co. and the second I found at Amazon.com











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My Custom Scent

So excited and happy!! I received my custom scent yesterday. I'm wearing it today, and I love it!!!
The notes I picked were
Top - Orange Peel - I think this one is self explanatory
Middle - Pink Pepper - can't find a good description for this, but I find it spicy, but milder smelling than black pepper
Base - Tonka Bean - definition from Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipteryx_odorata

So right now a smell a little like an orange blossom, I think. I smell the orange, but it's light and lingering. It mixes well with the tonka bean, which smells slightly vanilla. The pink pepper blends in well, too, all in all, I love my scent and plan to wear it often. Also, not sure if Meredith blended anything else in, I would say no, but sometimes I don't trust my nose.

In addition Meredith sent me two samples, Emily and Rebecca. I will test Rebecca, when I'm ready to switch from my custom. I tested Emily a while back.

And my other favorite perfumer, Ashlee from Wylde Ivy has some new scents coming out, so look for those.

On a Winning Streak

Nope I'm not Charlie Sheen, so I won't be going around yelling WINNING!!!, but I did just have two contest wins.

While away on vacation without really having to do anything I won another bracelet from Rembrandt Charms, in their spring contest, so for me it paid to become a member of their charm collector club.

And, just today I won a $25 gift certificate to one of my favorite perfumers (did I spell that right?) Sweet Anthem. Meredith had a quick contest for the paint colors for in her new shop in Seattle. Being on the east coast, I hope to visit that fantastic city someday soon and Meredith's fabulous shop.

So I picked a design your own perfume session, where I picked fragrance notes, and Meredith will blend them for me. My notes are...
Top - orange peel
Middle - pink pepper
Base - tonka bean

Can't wait to see how this turns out


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Opulent Alchemy

So, a while ago I blogged about what to do with some replica samples I received from Opulent Alchemy. I wasn't sure how to review, if review at all. I'm going to stick with my initial feeling of testing but not reviewing since these are replicas.

The scents that I'm familiar with are dead on!

I tried all my samples and found a couple that I really liked and have either ordered or plan to get.

Anyway...what I will say is this...if you are looking for a replica scent, whether it be still in production, discontinued, or a cult scent that is out of your budget, check out Opulent Alchemy.


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Baroni & Club Med Spa

While I was at Club Med I made a couple visits to the onsite spa. Once for a couples massage with the husband, by far one of the best massages I've had, and once for a facial. They had a small but nice selection of items.

The two things that stood out for me were the staff t-shirts and the jewelry collection.

The t-shirts where an organic white cotton burnout, short sleeved t, with a Club Med Spa screen print on it, very cute! The price was a little steep for me, so
I skipped the t.

The jewelry collection was from Baroni and consisted of hand stamped charms, which we all know I'm a fan of, birthstone charms, and a few other hand-stamped icon charms. All in all a really nice selection.

My interest in the Baroni collection prompted me to look the up on the Internet. I found their wholesale website, with links to online retailers.

Here: http://www.baronidesigns.com/Where_to_buy_Baroni_handmade_sterling_silver_jewelry_s/4.htm

I also found that I am just loving this bracelet http://www.jewelrycrossings.com/store/BR_SA-B-43_MATTE.php

I think my jewelry obsession is getting out of control!

Back From Vacation

So, I'm just a couple days back from a fantastic vacation at Club Med Sandpiper in FL.

If you're looking for an all inclusive, family friendly vacation in the US, that doesn't require you to go on rides or wait in long lines, try Club Med Sandpiper. We had a great time!

I will say there were a few bumps, but overall a great vacation.

Visit the resort website here http://sandpiperbay.clubmed.us/resort

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The Brightside Project & Bead For Life

Just a quick post today...

I think I've been reading The Brightside Project for about two years now, it's a great blog! They introduced me to the wonderful world of Etsy, and many other sites just like the one from today...Bead For Life.

Now I'm not going to go into all the details for Bead For Life since the fantastic ladies at The Brightside Project did, but please check them both out!!

The Brightside Project here http://thebrightsideproject.com/

and

Bead For Life here http://beadforlifestore.org/

I think I'm going to pick up a bracelet or two for the spring vacation and the summer, they look so cute and you're supporting a great organization!


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Pegasus Soaps - Sugar Scrub Cubes

The scent was Honey Almond Oatmeal, which was great! I love the smell of almond oil, it just smells nice.

The cubes them selves were not what I expected. I guess what I expected was a cube that when you got it wet crumbled into the sugar and you scrubbed. These melted, and exfoliated. Not a bad thing and won't stop me from using them, since the scent is light and won't conflict with perfumes.

In fact I'm going to compare these to Lush's Buffy the Backside Slayer, which I really like, but the huge block is a pain to take in and out of the shower every time, with this you take one or two in at a time, I took two and one would have been fine. Also, they don't leave a slippery, oily residue on the bottom of the tub.

Oh, and my skin feels smooth and moisturized, which is the goal when using one of these treatments.

So, to wrap up, since I feel like this has been all over the place...great scrub cubes that melt rather than crumble, so it depends on what your looking for in a scrub.


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Replica Samples

So, I have 10 or 12 replica samples from Opulent Alchemy, and I'm just not sure what to do with them...now you're thinking use them, and I am, but I'm not sure how to review them.

Since Nicholette does such a fantastic job of replicating, what I'll call commercial scents, I'm not sure I can comment on them.

Some of the scents are hard to find, maybe even out of production.

I'm still stumped...


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Orange Thyme - mon petit secret

So, mon petit secret...this is going to be a long one.

This smells to me like the most traditional perfume I've tested in a long time.

It's sharp, with floral notes, but something softer underneath. This is a hard one, since it smells really good overall, but something else about it is old fashioned.

Going to have to see how this wears through the day.


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Orange Thyme - Lip Balm

With my perfume samples from Orange Thyme, she included a lip balm in Raspberry Sorbet.

I have to say that this is a really nice lip balm. The scent of the balm is right on raspberry with a little something else as an undertone. Maybe a little citrus.

A really nice lip balm. You can find at orangethyme.etsy.com


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Orange Thyme - Thai Coconut

Emmm, this one is really nice. Light coconut scent. Totally beachy, but not pina colada, as close to the suntan lotion scent as I've found.

Don't know what else to say. If your looking for a scent to mimic beachy, suntan lotion, this might be it.

This scent just melted into my skin and is totally mellow. Really nice!

I might be purchasing this...From orangethyme.etsy.com



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Orange Thyme - Olive Blossom

Ok, so I have a little confusion with this one. When I ordered samples I ordered Olive Blossom, but the seller labeled the sample Orange Blossom. I think it's just a typo, since the scent doesn't really smell citrusy.

What I do smell is maple sugary, with an under tone of green. Really a unique scent, not sure if I could wear it alot, but still nice.


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Removing a couple posts

Ok, I'm going to remove a couple posts. I'm doing this at the request of the Etsy seller, themefragrance.

She has sent me a couple convo's through Etsy, and instead of paraphrasing her I'll copy her convo's here so there isn't any misunderstanding. Also, as of now I haven't responded to her convo's since it's Sunday and I've been busy grocery shopping, doing laundry, you know all those things mommy's do. Well I know that non-mommy's do those too, since I did that before the monkey came along.

So anyway here are the convo's...
Your sample purchase was made in 2009.
It is now 2011.

Fragrances can change in character.
I would happy to send you another sample so that it is reviewed properly.

I feel that perhaps this should not be a review.

themefragrance
30 January 2011 10:57am EDT


by themefragrance profile shop contact
Patricia,

Seashell is made with real essential oil- all essential oils have a shelf life where they change dramatically in character.
I didn't know if you knew that. You really cannot a sample from 2009. Also citrus oils are. Of a more delicate nature than
Other essential oil added to blends. If you would like more information feel free to contact me.
Anyway, I don't think your review accurately reflects the fragrance, due to the amount of time that has passed.

Also I am unlike other sellers- unless you are a very very expeiernced nose, there is no way to test 12 samples from a store.
Sellers that do that are not doing anyone a service. I test one fragrance, and work on one fragrance at a time as the nose
Becomes fatigued rapidly.

Themefragrance
30 January 2011 3:03pm EDT


I plan not to take her up on her offer a new sample.

So, if you have been reading my blog for any period of time, you know that I've never said I have the perfect sniffing nose, or that I'm doing this for anything but fun. Also, I'm pretty sure that I've said how I store my samples, but if I haven't here it is...I store them in a dark place, a drawer in my bedroom that never gets above 72 or below 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's obvious to me that Theme's owner has looked through my posts and sees that I have a few favorite sellers, that I have 'reviewed' and ummm well her comment about them is not cool with me.

When I 'review' I wear the scent for an entire day. I sniff if straight out of the tester vial, then on my pulse points at several different times. If I am in doubt I say so and I often retry on another day.

So with that I'll remove the posts, when I can get to my computer, so I don't mess up my blog page by trying to do it from my mobile.

Here is my response to Theme...
Hi, I'll be happy to remove my thoughts on your fragrances from my blog. When I can get in front of my laptop. Also, I plan to explain to my readers why some of my posts have been removed.

I have been blogging for a short period of time for fun. I've never had anyone unhappy with my thoughts on their products, but I guess there is a first time for everything.

Patricia

So to anyone that I have mentioned here please know that my opinion is just that and I'm doing this for fun. I hope that I'm sending a few people your way so they can make their own judgements.

Thanks


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West Avenue Jewelry Monogram Disk Necklace - Max and Chloe

West Avenue Jewelry Monogram Disk Necklace - Max and Chloe

Check out this great monogram Necklace. I just love it...I bet I can find something almost like it on Etsy for less.


I knew I could here is something similar at Gaudy Baubles. gaudybaubles.etsy.com.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62824719/monogram-pendant-necklace-triple-initial
This one is a 5/8 inch disc, but she has other sizes from 1/2 inch up to 1 full inch

LuckyScent - Costamor - Dulcess

Dulcess, is a nice warm musky vanilla fragrance.

If I was just starting out testing scents for my self, I'd really want this one. But since I've been trying perfumes for a while, for me anyway, this one is not doing it for me.


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LuckyScent - Parfums de Nicolai

This one is Kiss Me Tender, and oh does it smell great!!

It's sweet and creamy, and lightly floral. It reminds me of the Tiare flower oil that I have, but more complex.

The scent lasted all day and wasn't overpowering or cloying. Totally a keeper.

At $60 for a 30ml bottle, it's a little more expensive than what you might find at a department store.


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LuckyScent - Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier

The scent from Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier is called Bahiana.

At first sniff it smells really clean, almost bitter. After a little wear it mellows out and just smells clean with a little sweet to it. It reminds me of something I've smelled before.

So after most of a day wearing this I say I like it, but it faded away to almost nothing.

And at $120 for a 100ml bottle, yikes!! But the sample will last a bit.


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LuckyScent - Parfums De Nicolai

Today's sample is from LuckyScent, Parfums De Nicolai - Violette in Love.


First sniff is a lightly sweet floral, with a little berry. Right now I really like this, but I think too much of this could be overpowering.


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LuckyScent - Untitled #2 - Tristian Brando

So, the first of my Lucky Scent samples is from, what I'll call a commission line that Lucky Scent is doing with perfume designers. When I picked this sample there were maybe five of these scents. I picked #2 because the notes appealed to me.

So first sniff I got salty lime and tequila, so a margarita, with wax. I feel like a margarita candle.

After a while to dry down...I'm smelling vanilla, a little smoked wood, and maybe cake or cookie.

Not one of my favorites, but an ok fragrance.

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LuckyScent

So LuckyScent.com is a huge online perfume shop that has what I'd call couture fragrances that you definitely won't find in your local department store. These perfumes are not inexpensive, but you can get samples for most of them.

I recently broke down and purchased five samples, that I received the other day. Look for my thoughts on those soon.


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Pegasus Soaps - Liquid African Black Soap

So Pegasus Soaps is a new Etsy find for me. I was looking for a sugar scrub in cube form, so I can take a single cube in the shower per use.

I also found the liquid black soap and thought it looked interesting. Several years ago I used a product from Philosophy, called Power Shower, it's been discontinued, but this soap seemed similar. I purchased a 1 or 2 oz sample.

So I tested it today and I really like it. It smells earthy, you can pick a scent, I picked Caribbean therapy, which I thought was the Aveda version. So mine may or may not be scented, can't tell, but whatever it is I like the earthy scent.

Also, I need to add that this Etsy seller shipped SO fast!!

I'll review the sugar scrub when I use it.


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Wylde Ivy - Monoi de Tahiti Oil

Monoi de Tahiti oil also know as Monoi de Tiare is oil infused with Tahitian gardenias, and it smells fabulous.

To me it smells like a vanilla flower, that's the only way I can describe it. It's a light feminine floral, with a creamy undertone.

I'm not usually the person that likes florals, but this oil is just one fantastic flower.

I'm going to need a giant bottle of this stuff for the beach this summer.




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New Samples...

Excited!! I just ordered three samples from an Etsy shop I found called Orange Thyme.

Can't wait for them to get here.

Orangethyme.etsy.com


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