Blogs

Nuclear Winter

Annihilation. The ice, desolation and barrenness of nuclear devastation shot through by a beam of radioactive mints. Reviewed 03/21/2008 In the imp: Minty, but a different mint than the other minty BPAL scents I like (Snowblind, Tokyo Stomp, etc.) Wet: This is a spicier mint than I'm used to, and it is amazing. I love this. YUM. Drydown: This kept the spicy mint scent, but a tiny bit of greenness has come out under it, like the first little sprouts of grass peeking up through the snow. I want buckets of this, gallons and gallons of it so I can bathe in it. It feels so cool and fresh. I wish it had a bit more throw, but that might be my oil-drinking skin.

March 21, 2008

Arkham

Category: Picnic In Arkham In the imp: Wow. It really does smell like an old person's house. Like...cleanser and very artificial air fresheners trying to cover...something gross. Eeek. This scent morphs quite a bit. When first applied, the florals are predominant, in an almost sickly-sweet way, though having them in open air on the skin does wonders for the geriatric-home smell. Then, there's pine, trees, woodsy scents...perhaps the moss as well. Definitely a sense of earth and loam and undergrowth there. When dry...it actually smells a lot as if you'd come to a halt on a forest path, and were scenting the trees and ferns around you. I'm not familiar with Eastern US trees, but there's definitely a pine smell like Douglas Fir, cedar, redwoods...that's what it reminds me of. I don't believe it's for me (and it didn't last long on me at any rate), but if you like nature scents perhaps you should give this a try. I rather like the way that it morphs around, as it's an interesting phenomena. However, the florals are just too...artificial-seeming, to me. I compare them to something like Aeval or even Amsterdam, and they just don't stack up.

March 21, 2008

The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife

Seaweed, honey, white mint, and ambergris. Reviewed 03/20/2008 In the imp: This is an exact dupe for Zest soap! And it's strong, too. Wet: This is an eye opener. It still has that Zest soap smell, and if I sniff it too closely it makes my eyes water. Drydown: That strong soap smell never really leaves. I might wear this if I was dragging and had to wake myself up, but I can't picture myself reaching for this very often. I may try it on my SO to see if it smells better on him.

March 21, 2008

Harikata

Osmanthus, honey, golden musk, vanilla flower, and ginger. Reviewed 03/20/2008 In the imp: I have no idea what I'm smelling, but it 'feels' golden. It doesn't smell particularly musky or floral or spicy or sweet. Wet: Now there's floral notes. Something is making my nose twitch if I sniff too closely, maybe the ginger? Drydown: I have such hit-or-miss luck with honey notes. Sometimes it's gorgeous, sometimes it turns into cat pee. Sadly, this is the latter kind. I really enjoyed this scent until about 45-60 minutes into the weartime, and then it turned bad. I probably won't be ordering a bottle of this before it comes down, but I'll hang onto my imp for use in my scent locket.

March 21, 2008

Parlement of Foules 2008

Medieval romance and courtly love. White rose and soft resins. Reviewed 03/20/2008 In the imp: Flowers, but not roses specifically, and a hint of incense. Wet: Now it's rose, a light, tangy rose with fresh greenery. There's nothing that says resin or incense anymore. Drydown: This is my perfect rose scent. Not a touch of powder the way many roses go on my skin, light and fresh, simply gorgeous, never overpowering. It has a long wear time and a decent throw, which surprised me since it's such a light scent. I *love* this one, and I think it will become a mainstay of my spring scent wardrobe.

March 21, 2008

To Helen

Electric ozone, opaline notes, moonflower, white amber, beeswax, and three roses. Reviewed 03/20/2008 In the imp: Is there something in there? I can't smell anything. How weird. Wet: Powder, but not baby powder. There's something swirling around underneath that is threatening to turn evil on my skin. Drydown: Powder, but a creamy powder. I'm not getting any floral notes at all. This is pretty, but it's not something I'll wear often at all. I wanted so badly to hoard this one because of the name, but I think I'll just stick with my imp.

March 21, 2008

Arcana

Category: Bewitching Brews In the imp, there is the sweetness of the lavender, spiced around the edges with the prickly sharpness of rosemary. As it goes on, there's still that very sweet tone with the herbal note throughout...I think I can detect the neroli now. As it dries, it gets light and peppery...herbs and perhaps frankincense. While I'm not exactly a huge fan of lavender, it's a nice, soothing, pretty scent, and would make for a great room scent IMHO. Unfortunately it evaporates pretty quickly on me. But if you're a fan of lavender, well, here you go.

March 20, 2008

The Apothecary

Category: Illyria In the imp, it smells very strongly of tea and ginger, with some sugar thrown in. As it goes on, a more herbal sort of tone comes through. As it dries, though, I smell the tea/ginger again. It's a lovely smell -- I really like the smell of tea. Unfortunately, this scent is so light and fleeting that it will not work for long on me. I think I actually like this better than Aizen-Myoo. The grapefruit in the other scent isn't necessarily unpleasant, but I rather like the gentleness of the ginger in this one better. Just wish my skin didn't suck up tea so well!

March 18, 2008

vultureguy's Blog

Can it be better now?

Still really down. I'm having a hard time with Freeway not eating much. I worry about him. He ate a bit more tonight because I put it on my finger and encouraged him. I'm exhausted. I'm worried. But it was nice to see him get a little playful when I put the catnip around. He even played a bit in the box with Morgan, a bit with the possum ball. So it's good to see him play but I think I'll still worry because he just isn't eating much and he's not in a position to loose much more weight. Tonight we did try to feed him first then pill him, in case pilling him was putting him off his food. Another day, another hill to get over.

vultureguy

March 17, 2008

The Dodo

Red musk, lemon peel, sugar cane, cassia, white sandalwood, mango, and agarwood. This was the All-Cassia-Channel on my skin. I like cassia, so that didn't bother me, but I wish I could have gotten some other notes from it. I didn't get to give it a fair trial, though, because I started to get burning, itching welts after only a few minutes. I tested it on the back of my hand, which is one of my least reactive zones, so this is definitely a no-go for me.

March 15, 2008

Caliban

The scent of the salty seas, bittersweet wine, palm and tropical ferns. In the imp: Something about this reminds me of one of those "After The Rain" air fresheners. Wet: Yep, definitely an air freshener. It's very green and fresh, but something about it comes off artificial and chemical to my nose. Drydown: Wait, where did it go? This was completely gone after only 35 minutes. I put more on, and it disappeared again. I applied it a third time, very heavily, and again it vanished. Apparently I am not meant to smell this for more than half an hour. How very odd.

March 15, 2008

Sugar Moon 2008

Sugar cane, blue musk, mahogany, black orchid, black currant, violet, blackberry leaf, teak, strawberry, and dusky rose. In the bottle: Sugar, tart strawberry and currant, something herbal. Wet: I get a boozy note mostly, and something under it that smells like...barbecue spices. It's not pleasant. Drydown: This stays very dark and boozy. Whatever is giving me the barbecue impression sticks around too, with a hint of maple syrup added in. This is not good for me. One bottle will stay in the box to age and retest eventually, but one is definitely going to the swaplist.

March 15, 2008

Anubis

Category: Excolo In the imp, it's pretty light and unobtrusive...but once you lift that wand up and expose it to the air, it reaches out and latches onto your senses. It has a very sweet, almost candy-like scent to it, yet there's also an herbal touch to it. As it goes on, it morphs rather dramatically again. To be quite honest, my first thought as it touched my skin was, "Oh god...it's mummy parts and wet jackal butt." Not exactly the most charming scent...and yet it seemed so appropriate, somehow, to the theme of this particular god...and don't worry, it gets better. The scent becomes dry -- still pungeant, but there is a sandy sort of air to it. The incense and herbs are quite fragrant and there is the sweetness of the balsam all around the edges. This scent has a pretty healthy throw -- the first day I wore it I may as well have worn a sign that said "HEY, COME MEET ANUBIS!" As time passes, the scent retains these same qualities, just with gradually-decreasing strength. The sweet tones are at times reminiscent of sacrificial wine, left in a bowl on an altar all day long. Now, when I say that those rather unflattering components are appropriate, I mean that it really does conjure up funerary rites, an ancient temple, bandages scented with myrrh and packed with spices. It is *very* evocative. I'm reluctant to set this scent aside, but ultimately I don't think it's for me. I would highly recommend it to any Egyptophiles, however, or to anyone who likes to conjure up a little sweet, dry decay now and then. And I definitely give it kudos for its strength and longevity. What I liked: It's an incense scent with throw. And really, if I were to somehow meet this god, this is what he would smell like. What I didn't like: Something is just off, and I don't know what it is! I'm really conflicted about it...I hate the thought of actually getting rid of it. It's not a bad scent by any means, it's just...not perfect for me, somehow.

March 15, 2008

circe_blue's Blog

Obligatory "X-Files" Post!

Why is this entry called an "obligatory" post? I suppose it's because it my favorite show of all time and I'm sort of surprised I haven't posted properly about it yet. Seriously, I remember watching the premiere of the very fist episode when I was ten, sitting in front of the big TV in my parents living room. I was bored, and fully prepared for the show to be lame. Little did I know, I would continue to watch every week until I finished up my freshman year in college! That still baffles me sometimes. This entry wouldn't be complete without a for the sequel coming out this summer. So, in anticipation I present to you a list, all in good fun (note: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FOR THE SERIES!): Top Three Unintentionally Funny Moments on The X-Files 3. "Scully Performs Science-Magic" in Redux-Okay, so you might be asking yourself "Why this episode? The X-Files has always tried valiantly to at least be scientifically feasible, but it's a sci-fi drama, why knock it?" I blame it all on freshman year biology in college. I had the privilege to be taught by Dr. Anne Simon, who coincedentally was also a science advisor for the show. She called our attention to this episode. Specifically, she mentioned that Agent Scully needed a Southern Blot (a method to check for a DNA sequence) results "by 7pm". "But that's impossible!" says the lab tech, there isn't enough time and they'd need a "blazing hot probe." So Scully does it herself. Cut to the next scene, and sure enough it's done! Science-magic! Dr. Simon kept telling us that she tried to persuade the writers to change it, but of course they didn't. Turns out, at various conferences other scientists wouldn't let her live that one down. And knowing how nitpicky and snarky scientists can be, I can't help but laugh/grimace every time I see this scene. Also: "Blazing hot probe" Heh heh heh. 2. "Mulder Shows Us His Ugly-Cry" in The Field Where I Died-C'mon you know the one. He's going through regression hypnotherapy to find out who he was in a past life, then out of nowhere, BAM! His face scunches up comically and then it's an Ugly-Cry, complete with close-up. Yikes. I don't care if you're super dignified Helen Mirren, if you pull an ugly cry I will giggle uncontrollably (and most of the time, inappropriately!) 1. "Scully Gets Attacked By Puppet Cats" in Teso Dos Bichos-Ah, yes, this one. (In)famous among fans for extremely fake looking cats Scully gets attacked by. Seriously, they looked like hand puppets. Supposedly, Gillian Anderson is allergic to cats, so fake "stunt" cats had to be made but damn, the prop department must've been on vacation that cold week in Vancouver, becuase those weird furry, stiff puppet thing? Not a cat! I submit this piece of evidence for your viewing pleasure (not much in the way of lighting-this is The X-Files after all, but still hilarious):

circe_blue

March 13, 2008

vultureguy's Blog

Really Down

(Copied from my post in All Things Pet). Feeling really low. The picts have helped me not completely loose it, thank y'all for sharing. We took Freeway to the vet for his blood tests. He's a Chronic Renal Failure kitty. We haven't had the results yet (preliminaries tomorrow) but I've been worried about him. This will be the second set of tests since he was diagnosed. He's down to 4.35 kilos (just over 9 pounds), has lost 325 grams since Jan. He's cut down on his food, went off the Renal stuff and we are trying Fancy Feast to tempt him. I worry about him and it's starting to affect me at work and my sleep. I've been lurking over on a Yahoo CRF kitty group, reading stuff over there and trying to learn more. Up until now my BPAL has helped me stay up, feel better but tonight it's not. I don't know, maybe it's a couple of potentially lost packages (one from a forum person and a Possets package as well as no CnS/recent word on my 10/2 order although I thought Bill had said they were working on it when I emailed last week Edited to add that not even 5 minutes after I posted this I've had the CnS. Thank you Labbies. You are psychic and sent this exactly when I needed it) as well as Kitty, work and home stuff all getting to me. I've got my 'comfort scent' on now, Western Diamondback. Tomorrow is Friday. I have an appointment with my counsellor on Saturday and hold out hope that the MIA packages will be at the PO Saturday morning along with a couple of expected decants.

vultureguy

March 13, 2008

Moon of Ice 2008

The Moon of Ice shines its pale white light on snow-blanketed hills and barren fields. Icicles dangle from skeletal branches, and the desperate howl of starving men and beasts echo through the darkness. Frost-crusted winter flowers, white pine, eucalyptus, and traditional lunar oils. Reviewed 03/12/2008 In the bottle: I can't pinpoint what I'm smelling, but it smells like something I used to use to mop my floors. Very cleaning-fluidish. Wet: This is so sharp and cold it almost hurts! I can definitely pinpoint the eucalyptus and something else herbal. Drydown: After a few minutes this settles into something that reminds me of Jabberwocky. It's citrus, almost creamy, with a hint of flowers lingering in the background and a tang of eucalyptus giving it all an edge. It's got a light throw, but it lasts a long time. 12 hours and multiple hand-washings after I put this on I could still get whiffs of it if I lifted my hand to my nose. I really didn't expect to like this, but I *really* do. I wish I'd gotten more than one bottle while it was up.

March 13, 2008

Diplomatka

International Women's Day

March 8 was International Women’s Day, although few Americans knew it. All over the world, women were dressing up in their best clothes, receiving chocolates and flowers from men, and drinking themselves silly. In Ethiopia, the day passed with little fanfare—a rally in Meskel Square against gender-based violence, some isolated gatherings celebrating women as “mothers, sisters, daughters” and the usual claptrap which accompanies the day. The events only started to scratch the surface on the hardships women in Ethiopia face. The statistics are alarming and disheartening: 71% of Ethiopian women have, at some point in their lives, experienced sexual or physical violence at the hands of a family member or intimate partner. (Demographic and Health Survey, 2005) About 80% of Ethiopian women have had their genitals mutilated. Some of the girls are as young as seven days when they have their inner labia and clitoris cut off and sewn shut; some are as old as 15. As a result of this practice, girls experience psychological problems, difficulty giving birth (resulting in fistula), and increased susceptibility to HIV infection. (Demographic and Health Survey, 2000) Female Genital Mutilation is practiced throughout Africa, and in some parts of Asia and the Middle East. 69% of marriages in Ethiopia are the result of abduction. In parts of Ethiopia, 46% of girls are married under the age of 15; for the country as a whole the average stands at around 31%. (UNICEF/NCTPE 2004). Ethiopia’s fertility rate is the highest in the world at 5.9 children per woman. (World Bank, 2007) The maternal mortality rate is 871 for every 100,000 live births; more than one-fifth of all deaths of women aged 15-49 are pregnancy related. (Demographic and Health Survey, 2005) But aside from the statistics, I can’t tell you how horrible it is to be driving down the road and seeing a woman bent over under the weight of fuel wood; how devastating it is to see women begging while breastfeeding their children, sitting on the side of the road; and how awful I feel when I hear that just last week a four-year-old girl was raped by the guard at her expensive, international preschool. So although International Women’s Day has passed for another year, be thankful for the women who came before and made all of your freedoms (and my freedoms) possible. Understand there is still a need for feminism in this world, no matter what the media or the Republicans try to tell you. There is still need for action and advocacy and agitation. We have not arrived. “Enabling Communities Abandon Harmful Traditional Practices”. UNICEF/Ethiopia and the National Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices, 2004. World Bank, Ethiopia: Accelerating Equitable Growth Country Economic Memorandum, Washington DC, June 2007, pp. 5-6. Central Statistical Agency [Ethiopia] and ORC Macro, 2006 and Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, Addis Ababa, 2005

Confection

March 11, 2008

Antony

Category: Illyria In the imp I can detect incense with a great deal of sweetness to it...the sweet herbs and grasses, perhaps. As it goes on, it gets more of a woodsy tone to it -- the frankencense, perhaps? Over time, as it dries, it turns spicy (and most stereotypically manly) to me. Overall, it's a nice scent...while it does not scream 'HI I'M A DUDE' to me, that's fine with me, as most of the 'mainstream' male scents have a nasty overspiced air to them, while this is a lot more mellow and subtle...and besides, I like wearing it. I'm half-tempted to smear some on the BF and see what effect it might have. What I liked: It's nice and mellow. What I didn't like: Nothing in it really seems to stand out for me. Like the vast majority of these scents, it's nice, but not a must-have. Then again, isn't half the fun having something new to experiment with all the time? So I guess I shouldn't feel so bad about not going OMG MUST HAVE BOTTLE for more of these guys.

March 11, 2008

KyrieArashi's Blog

The Smell of Steampunk

My bottle of Kataniya, the Clockwork Woman arrived with an imp of Mechanical Phoenix. I was so excited to see these two in the packette together! I tried Kataniya first, of course, but was saddened by the immense perfumey scent on me. Today I added Mechanical Phoenix to the mix, and together they form a blend that is trully the scent of steampunk. Were there parchment in the mix, it would so completely Victorian! It is powdery and light, flowery and soft, but with an undertone of metal against metal. I must hunt myself a bottle of Mechanical Phoenix!

KyrieArashi

March 9, 2008

Cheshire Moon 2008

A lunatic's blend of lunar herbs and blossoms, with lemongrass, guava, pink grapefruit, banyan fruit, hibiscus, and cherry blossom. Reviewed 03/08/2008 In the bottle: Creamy fruits. Wet: Heavy on the guava and the grapefruit. It's very crisp and clear. Drydown: The longer this sits on my skin the more the floral notes come out. The florals come forward and ground the fruit, while the fruits keep this from becoming too floral. It's a relatively non-foody fruit scent, IMO. It 'feels' very cool and it's appropriate for the coming spring season. I like this a lot.

March 9, 2008

Milk Moon 2005

May marks the apex of the year's fertility, expresses the reawakening of the sexuality of the Earth and her inhabitants, and May's full moon celebrates both the fecundity of the creatures and flora of this world and the vibrancy, rejuvenation and life-affirming energy of Spring. Milk Moon is Flower Moon's warmer, gentler cousin; it is a scent that emulates the closeness of child and mother. In it, cream and warm honey soften our traditional blend of lunar oils. Reviewed 03/08/2008 In the bottle: It smells like a certain milk candy I used to eat when I was young. Wet: Milk, but it's barely there. It reminds me a bit of Chaste Moon. I put on quite a bit, just this short of slathering, and I still have to put my wrist all the way to my nose to smell anything. Drydown: It gets a bit minty, and then suddenly it turns into sour milk and cat pee. Oh skin chemistry, you have failed me once again. *sigh*

March 9, 2008

Treat #1

A super-sweet, glittering mountain of crushed hard candy: watermelon, pink lime, lemon, strawberry and piles upon piles of crystalline sugar. Reviewed 03/08/2008 This is absolute silliness in a bottle, and I adore it. A mountain of hard candy is the perfect description for this. I don't get much watermelon, but there's tons of lemon and lime with a dash of strawberry thrown in, with a few pounds of sugar piled on top. It smells like rock candy. I think what I love most about this scent is that it's impossible to sniff it without smiling, you just can't be sad if you're wearing it.