Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all!!

Wanted to say it's been very hectic here, but fun!

I have a couple samples to review, but it's been SO busy that I haven't had time to even try them out.

One is from Ophelia's Apothecary, called Black Raspberry Vanilla. I sniffed the sample and it smelled fantastic, but I knew I couldn't do the review, so look for that to come.

Happy New Year!!


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Tea

Hey all...just found a great Etsy shop for the tea lover, teaforallreasons.etsy.com

Now I'm not really a tea connoisseur, but I do like to drink mostly herbal teas when I do.

I really went looking for a gift for my mother. You know the older woman with everything.

Just through a category search for black tea, I was able to find this great shop.

It has some really unique blends. I plan to try the Back Porch Blend in the summer as suggested, for iced tea.

So, for my mother, I got personalized gift set, of five types of coffee and a four cup tea ball.

The shop has a unique option for brewing, tea sacks. You use them like tea bags. I just chose to go the reusable option.

So, Marsha, the shop owner was great to work with.

Hoping my mom likes the teas!!



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WyldeIvy - Holiday Sale!!

10% off December 1 & 2 at the WyldeIvy website http://www.wyldeivy.com/

Check it out and get some stocking stuffers!


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Emma Stine

One of my favorite daily reads is the brightside project, and today they posted about Emma Stine jewelry. Really pretty stuff!!

Check out the website!

http://www.emmastine.com/


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Burberry Brit Gold (type) - Opulent Alchemy

So I posted about Opulent Alchemy awhile ago. The shop is on Etsy, opulentalchemy.etsy.com, and the shop owner creates replicas of current and vintage fragrances for a great price and with out all the synthetics.

This time I ordered one of my favorite scents Burberry Brit, and received a sample of Burberry Brit Gold.

So Brit Gold, smells powdery, with a little vanilla on me.

For me it's just ok.


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Check this out...Roberta Chiarella

Just found this great site...http://robertachiarella.com/

Really cool hoops, called Hippie Hoops here http://robertachiarella.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/products/s80.html?L+scstore+wrsm8628ff64cc64+1293084820

Want them
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Hampton Jewels

So, some time ago I wrote about handstammped mommy jewelry at Etsy.

Today I'm going to talk about another mommy jewelry option, birthstones.

Some of the handstammpers offer birthstone dangles as an option, but I found a great option in Hampton Jewels, hamptonjewels.etsy.com.

I did a custom birthstone trinket necklace, based on this listing, http://www.etsy.com/listing/60826873/build-your-own-family-birthstone

I really like look of the little cluster, that is what drew me to the shop to begin with.

The picture and the price in the listing are just samples. You get to build your own by convoing the seller, Nancy, and discuss what you would like.

I chose to use the birthstones for myself, my husband, and daughter. I think the three look great together.

You could even have the stone from your wedding month.

Here is my finished piece



I used my own chain, and sometimes I mix it with my handstammped pieces, too.

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Blog Makeover

Woohoo!! My blog is getting a makeover.

I've been thinking about this for a while now and looking around for a designer that fit my style and budget.

I found Brittany from Peachy Keen Designs http://peachykeenblogdesign.blogspot.com/

Brittany is fantastic! Super talented! Quick to respond and turn around. Asks great questions for the blog illiterate, like me. I can't wait to see what we come up with.

We're going to be using components from this fabulous site for digital scrap-booking http://www.theshabbyshoppe.com/homepage.asp.

Take a look around at the great kits and pages. I'm inspired to start a digital scrapbook on my blog...hmm...maybe I need to figure out how to do that once the redesign is complete.

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Lip Balm

I've been meaning to post about lip balms for a while now, I'm finally getting to it.

So, I'm a lip balm addict! I have probably five or six tubes going at one time. And my stash of unopened balms is huge! Plus I have a special balm for when I run and for bedtime. Yes! I'm crazy!

I'll start off with the ones I use for running and bedtime, since they are from the same company. I'll say I'm not usually a fan of the balms you find in regular retail outlets, but these two are specialized.

So for running I use Neosporin® lip health daily hydration therapy. It has SPF 30, so for running outside in all kinds of weather it's great. It's thick and rich, not at all waxy.

For bedtime, I also use a Neosporin® product overnight renewal, also thick and rich for the dry overnight hours.

Now for daily wear I have found a few that are just great.

My all time favorite place is My Lip Stuff, http://www.mylipstuff.com/

Brea the owner of My Lip Stuff is fantastic, she has four or five hundred, yes I said hundred, flavors of lip balm, and she is always adding flavors.

There is a balm of the month club option, a great gift for the lip balm addict in your life. Or you can personalize your tube. I have one saved from my baby shower, now I wouldn't use the balm now since it's over four years old, but it's a great keepsake.

Now for those of you that shop Etsy I have a few shops there, too. Usually the flavors are more limited, you won't find hundreds of flavors, but you'll find organic and vegan options.

Here is my Etsy list...
Ophelia's Apothecary opheliasapothecary.etsy.com
Long Winter Farm longwinterfarm.etsy.com
Balm Mom balmmom.etsy.com
Petite Threla petitethrela.etsy.com
Flourish Bath and Body flourishbathbody.etsy.com

As with perfumes, you want to store unopened balms in a cool dry place, out of direct sunlight, it will last longer and keep the flavor fresh.

Until next time...


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And now...

back to regular programming...

Berry Crimson from WyldeIvy. Berry Crimson is a holiday scent and it's returning from last year.

So I'm smelling sweet fruit, you'd want to say berries of course, but it's actually pomegranate.

It's also a little woody and earthy.

My chemistry is bringing out the fruity notes the most.

I would wear this again, but it's not one of my favorites of this group of samples.

Rating today


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Another Off Topic

So, I'm sure everyone wants to hear more about my mommy group drama. It's SO interesting, that grown women can undermine each other so they can feel better about themselves.

Earlier this week one of the moms mentioned in my rant sent an email to our entire group, raising the white flag, and trying to clear the air. Her intentions were good, that I believe, and I for one was glad, I really wanted to know what happened.

Well I got my answer!

A little back ground, our core group was a group of four, myself, the two mentioned earlier, and another. Then two more were added. The group seemed good, we clicked, our kids got along, too.

Well it turns out that one mom was not all that she seemed, obviously. She took advantage of one friend so much that this friend stopped helping her out, it was excessive.

I pegged her from the beginning, you know this girl...you invite her to something and she can't give you an answer, you wonder why...then you figure it out she is waiting for a better offer. She'll get another invite and weigh her options, which one will advance her more socially. Yup we had that girl in our group. So, she's a user and a social climber, recipe for disaster in a group of women.

So this mom, so insecure in herself, decided to burn our group to the ground. She took normal comments made in conversations and turned them into hurtful gossip.

Now, I'm not totally blameless here, during the group bonds and connections were formed. Some people clicked better than others, our kids, our families in general, and we did private get togethers in the spur of the moment.

In my opinion, and since I'm the author, well...we didn't hide or flaunt this. We also saw other connections similar to ours being formed, so we just let it be.

Honestly, I could go on and on. Make myself out to be perfect but I know I'm not. I also know that I wouldn't take normal conversations and turn them into exaggerated hurtful gossip to hurt my 'friends' feelings and ruin other friendships. That is not a friend!

During the week there have been many emails between our group, but none from the person that started all the trouble. I can just picture her sitting at home reading the emails, cackling as our group imploded. She must feel really good about herself now.

The emails got so bad that I finally told the mom with the money trouble to stop emailing me, when she went so far as to make up a story about my closest friend talking about me.

I've been good not mentioning names in this one, but if any one runs into Amy Taylor from Billerica MA, watch your back! And hopefully karma will get her.

Now I have closure!!


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Made Her Think

Haven't posted about a new Max & Chloe designer in a while, but this one caught my eye. Not really my style, but interesting.

Take a look at Made Her Think

http://www.maxandchloe.com/details/brandid/314



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The Pale Moon - WyldeIvy

You guys are going to get sick of hearing this, but...The Pale Moon is another fabulous fragrance.

It starts creamy, a little sugary with vanilla, and ends with a white floral.

Right now I really like this, the floral is different for me, but because it's mixed with the vanilla and sugar it works for me.

Rating today


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Autumn's Promise - WyldeIvy

This is another WOW fragrance. I want to take a bath in this!

So warm vanilla, cinnamony sugar, wood smoke, and something else I can't quite put my finger on, but it's great.

I thought Raven's Keep was great, but this one...ahhh

Rating for today


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Stats and Thanks

So, other than the fact that I can post to my blog, I'm pretty much blog illiterate, so you'll imagine my surprise when I found my stats on my blogger dashboard.

I was very surprised at them, and (haha) the all time most viewed post was my rant from about a week ago. I'm smirking.

I was, also surprised that people from all over the world have stopped by a time or two, my guess is I can thank Lady Umbrella for those hits thanks!!

So to those of you that read and or follow my blog...THANKS!!!


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Raven's Keep - WyldeIvy

Wow! I'm having a really great run here with these samples. Raven's Keep is awesome!

First sniff is a smoky vanilla, hence the reason I really like this.

After a little dry down a little dry berry, still the vanilla, and some smoky wood.

This one is a keeper! Adding to my wishlist!

Rating today

Black Patch - WyldeIvy

Today's sample is Black Patch.

First sniff was patchouli and vanilla.

Dry down is vanilla, slightly woody, smoky, and peppery.

Like this scent, too. I'm having a good run here.

Rating today


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A Little Lighter Than Usual - WyldeIvy

A Little Lighter Than Usual reminds me so much of Crush, also from WyldeIvy. So I'm really liking it!

So first sniff is vanilla sugar and berries. A little later it's vanilla and a sheer woody or musky.

Like this one!

Rating

This scent along with She Deviled is part of the Monsters in love collection, and will only be around until Halloween.

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Pumpkin Masquerade - WyldeIvy

Sample three from the fall collection is Pumpkin Masquerade.

Pumpkin Masquerade has spice to it, so all I'm getting is the spice.

I feel like, for me, it smells masculine, like old spice. I always have this happen with scents that have certain spices in them. Doesn't mean it's a bad scent, just not for me.

If you like baking spices this is for you.

Rating for today


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She Deviled - WyldeIvy

Sample two from the fall/winter collection is She Deviled.

This one has me a little crazy. It is so well blended that I can't pick out a specific note.

Also, it's another one that reminds me of something else. I guess I find those the hardest, because I'm trying to remember what that is, instead of concentrating on the scent right now.

I smelled a little cinnamon at the beginning, now I smell a sugared berry, with an under tone of musk or vanilla.

Can't wait to see if it develops more. In the end I liked this.

Rating


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Gingered Vanille - WyldeIvy

The first of my ten fall/winter samples from WyldeIvy is Gingered Vanille.

As a lover of vanilla scents I'm glad this was my first pick, as I pick randomly.

So on first sniff I got the creamy vanilla, sugar, maybe a cookie or cakey note, but I'm actually missing the ginger.

I'm not unhappy with the scent, in fact I really like it and I think it would make a great candle or tart for a tart warmer. It's also not a bad fragrance overall, either, I was just expecting more ginger, like what I smell in Modern Zen.

Rating today


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Lotion - Sweet Anthem

Today I'm reviewing the scented lotion from Sweet Anthem.

The scent is Caroline, which I reviewed back in June, in a group when I first started. Caroline is a grown up scent. Sort of sweet and musky, but not over powering. In my past review, I thought the blend was great, no overwhelming notes, just a great overall blend.

So, onto the lotion review...the lotion is thinner than the other two that I reviewed. Still absorbs quickly and moisturizes well. The scent strength is good, so much so that I didn't need to add any roll on oil.

Visit Sweet Anthem at sweetanthem.etsy.com

Pink Vanilla Body Frosting

Next up on the lotion review is Pink Vanilla Whipped Body Frosting from Lemonlollipop.

This lotion is a super thick body butter, but it absorbs quickly. The scent is a favorite of mine, and the lotion has a nice amount of fragrance. Reviewed here http://randomramblingmommy.blogspot.com/2010/07/pink-vanilla-from-lemonlollipop.html

You can check out all of the offerings from Lemonlollipop at Lemonlollipop.etsy.com


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Scented Lotion - WyldeIvy

Ok, the topic seems kind of silly, but no sillier than the rest of my blog, haha.

So I was going to review/compare the body lotion from WyldeIvy and Sweet Anthem, but then I remembered I have lotions from Lemonlollipop and Ophelia's Apothecary.

So, I'm just going to review the WyldeIvy today and each of the others separately.

On to the review...the lotion is thick and creamy, it absorbed easily, and the scent strength is great. I like my lotions to moisturize, but not leave me greasy. Quick absorption is key, as a mom you can't wait around for your lotion to sink in.

Ashlee got it right!

Ashlee let's you choose your scent from her extensive list, I got mine in my latest fav, It's My Party, Bad Girl. I reviewed it in August, I think.

So rating for fragrance strength is

Rating for the overall lotion is

Visit wyldeivy.etsy.com


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Esther -Sweet Anthem

My free sample from Sweet Anthem is Esther, it came in a solid form.

I smell almond, musky wood, and maybe a little chocolate.

Right now I like this. The scent is light, not sure if it's how much I applied from the pot or if it's just a light fragrance in general.

Will try it again to see.

Rating today


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Back on Track

Today I'm back on track!!

I'm trying to start up a project with Paige's preschool and Bears on Patrol. For those of you that don't know about Bears on Patrol, here is a brief description..Direct from the Bears on Patrol site, so I don't mess it up.

The idea for Bears on Patrol started in November of 2008 when I realized that the teddy bears that we sell at Blake's Sublime Designs have so many possible uses. To explain the program very simply, we provide free teddy bears for police officers to use in any situations where small children are involved. Psychological studies have proven that stuffed animals have a significant calming effect on children in stressful or traumatic circumstances.


My hope is to get the parents at the preschool to contribute so we can get a case of bears for the town, in the name of the preschool.


Hoping to get the project off the ground in the next week or so. Hoping to get our local police department on board. 


Wish me luck!! 


And check out Bears on Patrol!!

Off Topic

So my blog has been about me having fun, trying to keep my mind occupied since I feel like it's turning to mush.

This post is going to be a rant of sorts, so if you don't want to read stop now...

First, why can't women just say what they mean and stop being nasty!

My issue is with two so called friends. We were put into a play group together when our kids were 18 months old, and until about June all was well. So most people would call this a situational friendship and just move on. Most of me is ready to do this, since I have very little in common with these two moms, and their kids are out of control, large boys, that consistently run my little girl over. One playdate with these two and it takes all day to get her back on earth.

So I have no idea what happened in June to cause the rift.

All of a sudden the playdate invites stopped, for myself and another mom in the group. I actually confronted one of them and she gave me a lame response that she could be picky about who she had for friends, and that since I had branched out to other moms at our preschool, she didn't want to put the effort in, in our friendship or in making new ones.

The other mom is just rude, recently at a birthday party for a mutual friends son, she just gave nasty looks and let her son pummel kids in the bouncy house.

This past week I put in what is going to be my last effort. I invited them to our annual Halloween party, and of course they both declined.

So for me this is my closure, since I can't say it to them I'm venting and I'm done!!

So Kelley and Tiffany, screw you and your out of control kids!! I don't miss Tyler and Josh beating Paige up and you ignoring it. With attitudes like yours, you and your kids won't be invited to playdates.

And Tiffany, I gave your name to the producer from Super Nanny because you need it and the $5000 that came with it since you always complain about money and how you never have any. Really who goes to Mohegan Sun with $20 to gamble? I was so pissed that I had to eat crappy Chinese food that night instead of at a good restaurant at the casino.

And Kelley, you really need a clothing intervention. What Not To Wear will be calling you! And you can't dance at all. Guess what you can't be picky if someone wants to be your friend then count yourself lucky.


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Colleen - Sweet Anthem

So Colleen is one of those middle of the road scents for me. I like it, but I'm not sure I love it.

So the notes from Meredith's description are amber, linden blossom, mahogany, mint, musk, osmanthus, and white magnolia.

So it smells nice and I might wear it again.

Rating today


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WyldeIvy Fall - Winter Collection

So I'm expecting, within the next week or so sample of 10 of the fall/winter collection from WyldeIvy.

I'm also going to be trying the hemp and green tea body lotion in one of my favorite scents, It's My Party, Bad Girl.

My feeling on scented body lotion is that you get similar scent as a perfume spray, but the benefit of a moisturizer, for a great price.


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Cordelia - Sweet Anthem

Let me start by saying Cordelia is one of my favorite names. I wanted to name Paige, Cordelia, but she is a Paige....so anyway on to the review.

Cordelia, smells like water, and clean to me, maybe dryer sheets.
This would make a fantastic sachet for a closet or drawer.

Can't say I would want to wear it every day, but occasionally yes.

Rating

This is the fifth sample from the fall collection, so one more to go and a free solid sample.

Also, Ashlee from WyldeIvy has a fall collection debuting this week. You can read about it here http://wyldeivy.blogspot.com/

Not sure how her samples will work for the collection, but I'll get what I can and review the seven new scents, plus the Monsters in Love collection if available.

I definitely want the two new Monsters.

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Wendy - Sweet Anthem

So, Wendy from Sweet Anthem was so not for me.

It smelled bitter and medicinal. I actually had to wash it off.

I was looking forward to trying it. The notes from the Sweet Anthem site are black currant, civet, gardenia, matcha tea, peony, and white cedarwood.

Sounds good, right, not so much for me.

Rating

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Beth -Sweet Anthem

Sample number 3 from the Sweet Anthem fall collection is Beth.

Beth is really nice. For me the best so far.

I smell sweet, woody, vanilla; with a little berry.

This one is a keeper!!

I just realized what Beth reminds me of...Lush, when you walk by and get slammed with all the smells that come out the door. Beth is alot like that but much more subtle. Now I'm really in love with this scent.

Rating


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Marianne - Sweet Anthem

Really like this scent!

Marianne is a great scent. It smells slightly sweet, with a light floral of mild roses, with a little musk or patchouli.

Great blend, nothing too strong.

That is key for me if a scent overwhelms me it doesn't work for me.

Rating today is



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Mimi - Sweet Anthem

The fall collection from Sweet Anthem is available at sweetanthem.etsy.com.

Meredith has added six new scents. Today I start with Mimi.

So first sniff smelled of caraway seed to me. Now it's kind of medicinal, and masculine.

Not really for me.

Rating

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White Honey

White Honey is my last sample from WyldeIvy.

The scent is really nice. I wasn't expecting to like it but I do.

I smell clover honey, vanilla musk, and maybe lily of the valley.

It actually could be old fashioned, but it's very unique.

Rating


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AppleFest

AppleFest is one of the last two samples I have from WyldeIvy.

So with the name you would expect apples, which is the first thing you smell when you open the sample vial.

After that, I smell berries and pie crust.

Rating


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I have a comment

OMG, I was checking here today and I saw that I received a comment on my last post about t-shirts.

So I'd like to thank Rob, from Lady Umbrella, for his comment.

On that note, I'd also like to say that I received my t-shirt from Lady Umbrella today, and it's great!!

Really cute and fits well! Great graphic. The Umbrella Tree is next on my list.

Indie T-shirt Companies

For those of you who know me, you know I'm pretty much a jeans and t-shirt girl. When I picked out my wedding dress the key was it had to feel like I was wearing a t-shirt.

So I'm kind of bored with the plain white t-shirts from the Gap and Old Navy and I'm lucky enough to have a friend who has a roommate with her finger on the pulse of the indie t-shirt industry. Check out the Tee Gazette here http://teegazette.com/. Kelly has all the best t-shirt designers on her blog.

My recent favorite is Lady Umbrella from Ireland, check them out here http://www.ladyumbrella.com/. I picked up the Lady Umbrella and The Wise Old Owl. My next purchase will be The Umbrella Tree.

Crystal Amber

Crystal Amber from WyldeIvy is a creamy powdery scent. I got a little citrus in the beginning, too.

From the description on the website of this scent I should really like it, but I don't. I'm finding it just ok. Maybe it's just my mood today.

Rating


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Black Vanilla

Black Vanilla from WyldeIvy is a pretty pure vanilla, with a little smoke to it.

No sugar or sweetness, just dry. Light, not cloying.

Thinking I like this one, since it is a different vanilla. Kind of a grown up vanilla. Will try it again.

Rating

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Indigo Moon

Indigo Moon from WyldeIvy starts off with a berry, dry fruit scent, I smell a little wood, smoke, musk, maybe a little sugar.

As the day progressed I felt I smelled like a candle.

I can understand why others like this but it wasn't right for me.

Rating


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What did I get myself into...

So my husband turned 40 earlier this week, and I thought it would be a great idea to have a party for him. So now I have about 40 people coming tomorrow for a cookout.

Yes I was smart enough to ask people to bring a dish, so that has taken some of the pressure off, but my list keeps growing.

Right now I'm feeling so unmotivated, probably because the list is so big.

I went to the grocery store yesterday and I thought I'd gotten everything I needed, boy was I wrong. How many hotdogs, sausages, and burgers do you need for 40+ people?

Oh, I need a nap...


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Simple Love

Simple Love from WyldeIvy is another light scent that would be great as a body mist.

Light floral, lily, not the over powering kind. A little sweet, a little orange, but not creamy or citrus.

Like it but not as much as Simple Wish.

Rating for today



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White Cashmere

White Cashmere from WyldeIvy is a warm scent. Definitely for fall or winter.

I smelled vanilla, a little sugar, a little wood, and sheer or light musk.

I like it but not as much as Wylde Vanilla.

Rating for today


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Simple Wish

Simple Wish from WyldeIvy is a sheer and light scent.

It started out a sheer floral, then moved on to a light blackberry, with a little sweetness. Not too overwhelming. I could see this as a body mist or oil and having it smell really great since it is light.

Rating today


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