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  • Silvertree

    Mod post: No wishlist posts in blogs

    By Silvertree

    Please be aware that we do not permit swap-related content on profiles or in blogs. Please post this content only in the For Sale, Swaps, and Wanted forums, or in the Wishlists topic. ~from Swapping 101  Thanks!
    • 5 comments
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Maps and Legends
 

13 Nights of Halloween 2016

UPDATED 9/14/16

Anything here: http://paintboxsoapworks.com/ look like something you'd like to try (assuming that you're not already ordering it)?
My own answer is that I need just about everything in Red Right Hand, but I will probably be taking care of that myself.

Do you like stuff related to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?
I love Day of the Dead conceptually and have been fascinated with it ever since reading Ray Bradbury's stories about Mexico as a kid, but the mass commodification of it makes me a little uncomfortable as a lily white atheist. I do have some beautiful sugar skull items which were given to me by someone sharing her culture which I treasure and I would absolutely welcome more in that vein.

Knitted Items?
Absolutely! I would particularly be interested in fingerless gloves, but just about anything, really. <3

Fandom/Specific Items?
Harry Potter, Ghostbusters (especially the new one), Doctor Who, Star Wars, also happy to take any My Little Pony stuff off your hands for my 6 year old (or me l).

Fall/Halloween Icons?
Bats, owls, gargoyles, skeletons, ravens,

First, talk to me about soaps- do you like them, and what kinds of scents/lather/varieties do you like?
Love soap! I tend to prefer hot process to glycerin, scents I think I cover pretty well in my questionnaire.

Second, tell me about teas! Favorites? Anything you'd like to try?
I love chocolate flavored and other sweet flavored teas, all the apple, pumpkin, chai this time of year.

Lastly, I go to Renn Faire- is there anything from there you might like?
It has been so long since I've been to one, I'm not even sure what I might like - jewelry, maile, that sort of thing is always good, I guess.

What Weenie of year's past are you seeking from the lab?
Nothing in particular. In terms of what I'm looking for and didn't purchase, my wishlist is in my sig.

Are you a shawl wearer- and if you don't wear one now, would you?
I would happily be a shawl wearer.

Tell me about LUSH- do you like them? If so, what are some of your favorite things from there? Particularly fond scents or products? Stuff you can't stand?
I don't care for their soap and I don't have a bathtub, so I don't currently have a use for bombs or melts...so, basically, I like Lush conceptually, but I don't actually use most of their products right now. I do love me some Lemony Flutter. Maybe lotion?

Japanese goodies?
I love Japanese sweets and Sanrio/Kawaii cuteness.

So, in this swap, you open a goodie every day. I have seen this gift direction done several different ways, but I am interested in which you are most keen to do. Would you rather:

A. have strict direction as to which gift is to be opened on which day(aka the number system)?
B.have a few gifts that are meant to be opened on specific days (ex: *this* one is for Halloween night only), but the rest be your choice?
C. have a free-for-all, grab bag-style box of goodies, where you are the sole arbiter of your goodie grabbing destiny(everything is wrapped but you pick the gift you want to open each day)?
D. be surprised?

I have received and given all of these ways and love them all. I know that is totally no help.

The Witch is In/Out sign?
That is super cute! I could definitely find a use for something like that.

Pumpkin Spice or No Pumpkin Spice?
ALL THE PUMPKIN SPICE!!!!! Although I prefer caramel apple Oreos and Milky Ways.

Milk, white, and/or Dark Chocolate?
Milk or white. If there is something amazing and on the sweet side that only comes in dark, I don't dislike it, but I prefer rich chocolate tastes to bitter ones.

Do you like Yankee Candle? Anything you want from there?
I'm not opposed and I love autumn scents, but I'm not familiar enough with their current line to have strong preferences.

Anything you have your eye on at BPTP?
Not in particular, but I'm always happy for decants from my wishlist.

Bath and Body Works - yay or nay?
Personally, I am a fan of their lotion and body wash, but not any of their perfume/body sprays/etc (unless you have a stockpile of their dry spray that came in an aerosol can that's been out of production for a couple of years). I also really like their handsoaps for the sink, but have a ton. Likewise, candles.

Tell me of your Sock Dreams, please!
Link to my wishlist is in the post below this one!

I'd like to make some baked goods, would you like some? And if you have any food allergies what can I use as substitute?
Absolutely. No allergies, but I definitely want full sugar, no stevia or anything.
Anything special you want from the Target dollar spot?
I haven't checked it out recently, but I often find fun sticky notes or magnetic notepads there, fun pens, little art supplies.

I live in The Netherlands. If there's anything in particular that you'd like to get from here, now's the time to tell!
Struphwaffles (I am sure that I just butchered that), and I still covet more of the chocolate covered salty licorice that you, Nemi, sent me in another swap.

I'm sort of collecting Lush showergels.Regular collection, but also many Kitchen items. Are there any showergels you'd like to try? I'd be happy to make you samples!
I have no idea about any of these, so sure! I do like shower gel.

What is your stance on Glitter?
I have a 6 year old child who loves anything that sparkles. Thankfully, my stance on glitter is essentially bring it on or I would have already become homicidal.

Also, if you have a Goodreads or other online reading log, does it include a wishlist? Otherwise, is it safe to assume books on the 'to-read' section are wishlist items? Or are you less into keeping a physical copy of the book, and instead prefer to turn to the awesomeness of the library to get your to-read need accomplished.
My Goodreads is pretty comprehensive and I try to be good about noting whether I already have a copy or whether I want a copy as part of my sub-shelves - generally speaking, if it is marked as want-a-copy, I specifically want to own it, not get it from the library. If it is marked as on-my-shelves, I have a copy, I've just yet to read it. Otherwise, things are fair game. If I have neglected to note that I already own something that is on my to-read shelf and you end up sending me something that I already have, well, that's my bad.

Tea lovers, what do you like from Whittard?
I have never tried them, but would happily do so!

how about art? (Small/mailing safe sizes, course)
I have fairly limited space in our new house due to the layout, so while my answer is always yes, I'm a little less enthusiastic than I might otherwise be just due to circumstances.

Dearest Pumpkin - how much are you wedded to wishlists, say I have some read once books which I think you might like based on what you've read in the past, but there is nothing of the sort on your current Goodreads "to read" list?
I am not at all wedded to them. I do suggest checking my "read" shelf at Goodreads before investing in off-wishlist books, but I am always thrilled to receive new options that I may not have thought of or discovered yet!

How do you feel about reading series out of order? Obviously not in situations where the subsequent books are part of the same story arc where you will be totally lost and frustrated if you haven't read all of them, but say, standalone stories which are technically part of a series and which might obliquely reference past books, but not in such as way as to spoil the plot of the book which I happen to have in my possession that you might like.
In the situation I'm describing, I am totally fine - if you have, say, the 4th Tana French novel, send it on. If the story relies heavily on past action, I'd rather not, but especially for long detective series and others where the basic plot is wrapped up in each book, that's fine.

Would you be interested in a Halloween themed short story anthology?
Absolutely. I have Halloween edited by Paula Guran, but not any others.

Is there a limit to the number of books you'd like to receive?
I wouldn't want to only receive books, but I would be happy to have 3-4 nights of them if there's stuff you think I'd love.

Movies in 15 Minutes?
Why yes, I have read it and have a copy I'd love to pass on to a fellow forumite.

Question: What kind of phone do you have? I need to know....
I have a Galaxy S5 Active at present, but will hopefully be upgrading to a 7 at some point during the swap.

Have you seen the horror film The Babadook? If so, did you like it? Would you want something Babadook-themed?
I haven't seen it. Based on the description I googled I can't decide if I would probably love it or spend the entire time feeling ill over kids in danger.

Those who are amenable to yarnie things--ok, two questions: Any undesirable fibers (wool allergy, vegan so no critter hair at all, etc.)? and how do you feel about cowls/infinity scarves?
I'm not allergic or vegan or otherwise totally opposed to anything, but wool is definitely not my favorite fiber unless it is super soft. That's really my biggest requirement - I like things super soft. In terms of infinity scarves, I've never really gotten the knack for them. Which doesn't mean I'm opposed to them, I just don't have any.

Motherhood update:
Haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but will update!

So who likes incense? and is there a preferred scent? and cones or sticks? Would you like a burner for it?
Not sure if I mentioned this in my survey, but ABSOLUTELY NO INCENSE PLEASE. It will never ever get used unless I send it to someone else and is frequently a migraine trigger. So please no thank you.
Em-

Em-

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Anita's Blog
 

13 Nights Questions

Anything here: http://paintboxsoapworks.com/ look like something you'd like to try (assuming that you're not already ordering it)?
I would like to try their 221B scent, and the englishman, and it can be in any form, but I think I would like it in the wax tarts the best

Do you like stuff related to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?
Yes I do, very much. Anything would be appreciated.

Knitted Items?
Yes please! I crochet mainly but have done a few knitted items, but don't have any real talent for it- my pieces usually look fairly wonky. And by having done small amounts of it myself, I truly appreciate the work that goes into every item.

Fandom/Specific Items?
There is alot to choose from when it comes to me... Dr who, Sherlock Holmes, Labyrinth, the Dark Crystal, anything disney,

Fall/Halloween Icons?
Bats, owls, pumpkins (so much so I have a tattoo of one), witches, skeletons, ravens,

First, talk to me about soaps- do you like them, and what kinds of scents/lather/varieties do you like?
I do like soap, and am willing to try news ones all the time.

Second, tell me about teas! Favorites? Anything you'd like to try?
I am open to anything, no real preference except I don't like chais very much.

Lastly, I go to Renn Faire- is there anything from there you might like?
I love Ren Faires!! I would happily accept anything my swapper wants to gift me, it's all so much fun

What Weenie of year's past are you seeking from the lab?
PAn Dwardowski and the devil <-- big want!!Theme in Yellow, October, Tattie Bogle, Anything with Hay or Wood or leather would be nice, but steer clear of cinnamon...

Lush? I love their flying fox scent.

I live in Japan, is there anything from there you would specifically want? Since I have never been to Japan, I don't know exactly what there is to want But, if my Scarecrow thinks there is something particularly awesome that needs to be shared around the globe I'm all for it. And, I don't mind Hello Kitty

So, in this swap, you open a goodie every day. I have seen this gift direction done several different ways, but I am interested in which you are most keen to do. Would you rather:

A. have strict direction as to which gift is to be opened on which day(aka the number system)?
B.have a few gifts that are meant to be opened on specific days (ex: *this* one is for Halloween night only), but the rest be your choice?
C. have a free-for-all, grab bag-style box of goodies, where you are the sole arbiter of your goodie grabbing destiny(everything is wrapped but you pick the gift you want to open each day)?
D. be surprised?

Just Surprise me. Maybe my scarecrow isn't the kind to be all methodical and stuf and I don't want to have them losing their straw ( <--- see what I did there) stressing out about it.

Scarecrow/pumpkin? I vote yes, as this post clearly indicates lol.
Pumpkin Spice or No Pumpkin Spice?
"To be clear, I like the SPICE. And I like fresh, actual pumpkin things- pumpkin pie, etc.
BUT, I do NOT like pumpkin+spice *perfume*. All the Pumpkin Patch scents go wrong on me, sadly. And if you have some Pumpkin King that you'd like to send me...well, I would NOT turn that down! ;)" Quoting because it applies to me as well

Milk, white, and/or Dark Chocolate?
Anything but white please.

Do you like Yankee Candle? Anything you want from there?
I like their witch's brew, but the black magic that I have smelled is better to me.
Trading Post Goodies?
But of course!

Bath and Bodyworks?
B&B is not for me, except for their hand sanitzers, but no foody scents in those.

Tell me of your Sock Dreams, please!
http://www.sockdreams.com/_users/wishlists/64647964795ad23

i'd like to make some baked goods, would you like some? And if you have any food allergies what can I use as a substitute?
Well I am allergic to wheat and although Quinoa or tapioca or rice or a combination of those flours work , it really depends on the recipe and what you're making. It doesn't always translate well. If you still want to bake me something, the 6 other beings in my house wouldn't have a problem with it! I wanted to let you know that it wouldn't go to waste.

What is your stance on Glitter?
Yes. I do glitter

Goodreads/book wish list:
I do not have one, sorry.

Witch In/Out Sign
Sure!

Art
Absolutely.

Dearest Pumpkin - how much are you wedded to wishlists, say I have some read once books which I think you might like based on what you've read in the past, but there is nothing of the sort on your current Goodreads "to read" list?
Yes, please!

How do you feel about reading series out of order?
If they aren't tied to one another in an absolute way, but can stand alone as stories on their own, then that is ok.

Would you be interested in a Halloween themed short story anthology?
Yes

Is there a limit to the number of books you'd like to receive?
Nope

Have you read Movies in 15 Minutes by our very own Cleolinda? Would you like to?
I haven't but would like to.

Those who are amenable to yarnie things--ok, two questions: Any undesirable fibers (wool allergy, vegan so no critter hair at all, etc.)? and how do you feel about cowls/infinity scarves?
I am good for any fibre as long as it isn't rough and scratchy, and I would be grateful to receive anything my scarecrow makes for me.

Motherhood update: Good Morning London, Plush Viscera- These are both needs, in my opinion lol.

So who likes incense? and is there a preferred scent? and cones or sticks? Would you like a burner for it?

I would love to burn some incense. And I would take either cones or sticks and a burner would be nice, but not necessary.
Anita

Anita

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In the Land of Olfactory Sensation
 

Testing Notes: Rome

Rome (Wanderlust)
Refined, austere and graceful. A recipe gleaned from Classical Rome: cypress, juniper, chamomile and rose.

I was definitely intrigued by the chamomile note. I grew up drinking chamomile as the Italian cure-all. Got a sore stomach? Drink chamomile. Have a cold? Chamomile with some honey and lemon. Puffy eyes? Use cold chamomile bags.

Wet: At first Rome is overwhelmingly green. It's fresh, slightly earthy. Almost pine-y. There's a hint of something herbal lurking but the rose is nowhere to be found. I don't mind it, although it's possibly a little more masculine than I would normally wear.

Drying: The rose comes out within the first five minutes and then I like Rome a lot more. It's a fresh, green rose but there's still something herbal about it. I'm not sure i really smell the chamomile, to be honest. But there's something here that stops Rome from smelling like a basic fresh-cut rose and grass type of scent. It's a little more complex than that.

Dry: Soft, pretty and dry green rose. There's something almost hay-like in the dry down. It's very wearable. I think I'm a fan. Will definitely be giving this imp another try in the future.
Ms.L

Ms.L

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LittleBellAmy's Blog
 

Shipping Info for US to Outside US

For all countries outside the US, Priority Small Flat-Rate is $34.95, weight doesn't matter.

Below is countries listed alphabetically with First Class International prices: ​Australia First Class International is $14 for 8 ounces or less; $23 for over 8 ounces to 2 pounds Canada First Class International is $10 for 8 ounces or less; $16 for over 8 ounces to 2 pounds France First Class International is $14 for 8 ounces or less; $23 for over 8 ounces to 2 pounds Germany First Class International is $14 for 8 ounces or less; $23 for over 8 ounces to 2 pounds Great Britain & Northern Ireland First Class International is $14 for 8 ounces or less; $23 for over 8 ounces to 2 pounds Mexico First Class International is $12 for 8 ounces or less; $21 for over 8 ounces to 2 pounds Sweden First Class International is $13.50 for 8 ounces or less; $22.50 for over 8 ounces to 2 pounds


I will add more once I go through my sales! This can be used as a reference, for those in the US selling & those outside the US buying!!!
littlebellamy

littlebellamy

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LittleBellAmy's Blog
 

Just Some Ramblings

I've been reselling BPAL since 2009, and until recently I didn't realize that how I was storing the BPAL was affecting it. I've heard from one person who reiterated that the bottle they purchased didn't smell right. Only one. I will never be a perfumer. I have asthma & allergies, and my nose is constantly slightly stuffy because of those facts. But I am a Taurus and love luxurious items to take care of myself and my body. However I don't have the money for it. So I have recently looked into perfumery, and creating my own homemade bath salts, scrubs, and lotions.

I finished reading "Perfume: The Art and Craft of Fragrance" by Karen Gilbert (ISBN: 9781782490449). I think a friend gave me the book. It definitely reiterated what actual perfumers and aromatherapy persons will reiterate. One: That the oils/scents put into the creations are sensitive to heat, light, and the fluctuations of the place where the oils/scents are being stored. Two: That it's better to store original oils and finished products by scent family.

So unfortunately I will be discarding the rest of my BPAL. I wish I had a lot of female friends and family around me, but I don't. Otherwise I would have had a party or get-together and passed out the BPAL among them. I believe I have enough containers to empty out the bottles, recycle the glass, and take a container or two of the liquid to Hazardous Waste for my community.

I live in South Florida. It's hot here during the summer. Sometimes the AC can't even keep up with us keeping our house at 78*F, and goes up to 80*F. Also, I stupidly put the BPAL in bags & plastic boxes, and kept them according to year. The Pumpkin scents definitely overwhelmed a lot of the other scents. To those who were actually happy with your purchases, that's great. To those who weren't, my sincerest apologies. I truly wish I'd read more about perfumes sooner, preferably before being given them by a friend and starting to resell them. I don't know for sure what I'm going to do for money yet, since I'm also Diabetic, have PCOS, and an under-working thyroid, which is genetic.

I just wanted to let you all know, especially the moderators why I'm taking my list down soon, and why I will no longer be selling such an obsessive scented item. I still plan on reading "Essence & Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume" by Mandy Aftel, and "Fragrant: The Secret Life of Scent" by Mandy Aftel. I hope that the sellers and buyers on here do understand what you're getting into by buying BPAL from re-sellers who aren't licensed. I didn't and I regret it. Enjoy what's left of your summer.

Sincerely,
Amy Elizabeth
littlebellamy

littlebellamy

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In the Land of Olfactory Sensation
 

Testing Notes: Venice

Venice (Wanderlust)
A complex, voluptuous scent that captures the robust beauty of the Italian Renaissance: lemon, red currant, wisteria, red rose petals, heady jasmine, Florentine orris root, waterlily, red sandalwood, violet plum, and violet leaf.

I'm testing this from an imp I recently purchased. Colour me intrigued. I'm not sure how I feel about this scent or whether I would wear it out, but it's interesting.

There are two distinct feelings going on with Venice:

One side is heady and lush. Bold and rich and colourful. Red. There's a mixture of florals - rose and jasmine playing up most on my skin - combined with sweet, ripe fruits. It's sexy and decadent.

But there's another side that's oddly fresh. Out of place. It peeks out from under the flowers and surprises me. I have no idea what it is - perhaps the violet leaf? For some reason it makes me think of the underbelly being hidden by all the jewels and silks and powders of the renaissance. Something that those things were trying to cover up.

The longer I wear this the more I think it's not for me. I don't love this strange combination, but I am fascinated by it. It's a creative scent, maybe one for activating the mind rather than the nose.
Ms.L

Ms.L

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In the Land of Olfactory Sensation
 

Testing Notes: The Lotus Tree & Blossoms in Springtime

Blossoms in Springtime (Lupercalia)
Vanilla bean and vanilla blossom, golden honey, antiqued amber, beeswax, copal, lotus blossom, and helichrysum.

I bought a bottle of this blind a while ago based on the notes list (vanilla and honey? Sold!) and it did not disappoint.

It's sweet and musky, almost like an old-fashioned cosmetic scent but it's made richer by the honey and amber notes. Beautiful scent, definitely something that makes me happy when I wear it. I had someone comment that it smelled like baby powder on me, which I get. For me, that's a positive because I love powder scents. Very happy to have this in my collection.

Two things to note: one, the liquid is very red so I need to remember not to wear this if I've got anything white on. Secondly, the oil irritated my skin a little because I applied it about an hour after I'd worked out (after a shower) and my skin must have been a little sensitive then.

The Lotus Tree (Rappaccini's Garden)

Honey-sweet and soporific.

Testing this from an imp and it's totally my jam. I feel like Rappaccini's Garden is my BPAL happy place, I've tried so many scents from that group and I'm finding winner after winner. Man I love florals.

Wet: Honey and honeysuckle, with a touch of something fruity. Maybe apricot. I'm getting a very 'golden' vibe from this scent and I really like it. It's warm and rich and sticky sweet without feeling too candy-like.

Dry: Sweet musky honey and a touch of woods. I get a little vanilla creaminess from it as well. It's cosy, comforting and more subtle than the opening.

Overall: Big thumbs up on this one. I'm going to wear this again and possibly put it on my FB wishlist.

Ms.L

Ms.L

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In the Land of Olfactory Sensation
 

Testing Notes: Queen of Hearts

Lily of the Valley, Calla Lily, stephanotis and a drop of cherry.

I remember testing this when I first got the imp a few years back and not loving it. Cherry and I have a rocky relationship.

Wet: actually better than I remembered but still VERY sweet. The cherry note doesn't have that strange medicinal/syrupy feel that it usually has on my skin, which is a positive. But it also doesn't smell like real cherries. It's more like a cherry-flavoured candy at this point. The lilies have an almost desert-like feel to them and none of that heady richness that I normally love in a lily scent.

Dry: Queen of Hearts becomes quite powdery on my skin when it dries, which I do like. But it's still too sweet, unfortunately. It's also very simple, not a lot of development on the skin and it doesn't feel very layered or complex.

Overall: Not as bad as I remembered, but still not for me.
Ms.L

Ms.L

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In the Land of Olfactory Sensation
 

Testing Notes: Boo 2010 (Halloweenie)

Eerie billows of spun sugar, fluttering white cotton, and sheets of cream.

This is decanted sample from a swap.

Wet: There's something instantly that I dislike about this, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I feel like I should like it - it's simple, creamy, slightly sweet. All the things I look for in this type of scent. But there's something strange and off-putting about this when it's first applied. I would be curious to try another version of Boo and see if it perhaps that the sample hasn't aged well.

Dry: I like it much better dry than wet, that funky note seems to have now disappeared. It's a soft milky scent with a hint of vanilla, but I don't really get the cotton/linen notes at all. While it's not earth-shatteringly unique, I enjoy how calm and comforting Boo is. It's the kind of scent I reach for when I'm having a day at home and I want something easy and pleasant. I find myself reaching for these types of scents often.

Overall: I'm keen to try another version of Boo and see if that weird opening note is present.
Ms.L

Ms.L

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In the Land of Olfactory Sensation
 

BPAL FB Collection - June 2016

Now that I have all my precious little bottles back, I'm going to log them here for safe-keeping. I'll update as I acquire more goodies. Angeronalia 2007 (Yule) - 1/2 full Black Lily (Rappaccini's Garden) - 1/2 full Black Rose (Rappaccini's Garden) - full Blossoms in the Springtime (Lupercalia) - full-ish Follow Me Boy (Bewitching Brews/Conjure Bag) - full Grindhouse (Carnivale Diabolique) - full Honey Mone (Limited Edition) - 1/2 full Hope and Fear set Free (Limited Edition) - full-ish La Befana 2007 (Yule) full-ish Love in Idleness (Rappaccini's Garden) - full Picture Books and Pleasure Toys (Lupercalia) full Rose Red 2007 (Yule) - full-ish Zarita The Doll Girl 2006 (Carnivale Diabolique) - full-ish

Bottles that have been used up: Snooty Rose (Alice in Wonderland)


Ms.L

Ms.L

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In the Land of Olfactory Sensation
 

Testing Notes: AEVAL

A raven-haired Fairy Queen of Ireland. A judicious yet powerfully sensual blend, a mingling of justice and sexuality: sage, sweet pea, bold pale musk and warm tonka.
I'm testing an imp of this, but I'm not sure where it came from. Might have been an extra in a swap. The notes really intrigued me, especially the sage and tonka combination.

Wet: Initially there's something a little 'fabric softener' about this, which I think might be the sweet pea note. It kind of screams 'fresh' at you. There's a hint of green behind the sweet flowers and musk, but it gets lost and I wouldn't have picked it to be sage without reading the description first. Definitely not my kind of floral on first impression.

Dry: I like it much better dry than wet, although still not enough that I would hunt a bottle down. In the dry down, the musk comes out. It's slightly powdery, slightly creamy. There's a soft nuttiness from the tonka and florals feel much more balanced and less soapy than in the opening. It's pretty, but it's not a scent that really sings to me.

Overall: I would play around with this imp again, but at this stage I won't be trying to track down a bottle or any further imps.
Ms.L

Ms.L

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In the Land of Olfactory Sensation
 

Long time no sniff & Black Rose

It's been a while since I've spent any time enjoying perfume. Over two years, in fact. Partially this is due to a huge life change - new career, new home in a new country. new life, essentially.

All good things.

But it has left little opportunity to do more than spritz on my old faithfuls before I fly out the door. Also, most of perfume has been sitting at my parent's house back in Australia. So when I finally got the chance to bring my box of perfumes to Canada with me, I felt all the old excitement coming back. It's a creative passion for me, and I'm not the type of have a signature scent. Why limit yourself when there are so many wonderful scents to explore?

My collection is an eclectic mix of higher-end and mainstream EDP/Ts, some treasured indies and a small-ish (but hopefully growing) stash of BPAL perfume oils. It's floral heavy, but with a few orientals, classics and warm amber/vanilla scents thrown in for good measure. Something for every mood and whim. I have a bag of imps that's like a lucky dip, since it's been so long since I looked up any of the descriptions or reviews.

I'm hopping a little blogging here will be a good way to keep track of what I try and of how the scents make me feel.

Since all the names of the imps are a bit lost on me, I picked a full bottle since that was sure to be a safe bet: Black Rose

Testing Notes: BPAL Black Rose (Rappaccini's Garden)

Exquisitely melancholy. The background scent to an ancient exequies. Heavy, dark and floral: a blend of roses, with a touch of amber and musk.

Black Rose smells exactly like I thought it would when I first tried it a few years back: deep, rich, musky with a hint of sweetness. It's a big, bold rose. Slightly old-fashioned (which I see as a compliment) but doesn't feel dusty or soap-like. It's juicy, ripe. Voluptuous. Like a rose that's almost past full bloom.

I don't really get the amber from the description, which is a shame. On my skin it's definitely heavier on the musk. But there's a hint of something darker, almost incense-y. It's definitely sexy in a red-lipstick and all-black outfit kind of way.

Wear notes: it's heavy, definitely not a summer scent. Dry down is more musk than rose, smells great right through.

Definitely worth my full bottle. I love this scent!

Edited to add: I saw quite a few people on the thread about this perfume mention incense, and when I wore this out of the house two separate people commented that they thought they could smell incense while standing close to me. So perhaps that's the 'darkness' I'm getting from it.
Ms.L

Ms.L

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Blog de meaganola
 

Virtual Vacation Summer 2016

Question for the audience! Makeup. Especially eyeshadow and lipstick. What's your stand on it? Color preferences? Formula/finish? (Yes, I have a specific reason for asking this.)
I'm a huge makeup fan and will use pretty much anything color and finish wise. Except black, because that's kind of expected of me, and I like to confuse people, especially when it comes to makeup.

This thursday I will go on holiday to two Asian countries. Would you like it when I'd shop (some of) your souvenirs over there? As in: do you like Asian stuff? Or would you prefer souvenirs from The Netherlands only?
Souvenirs from anywhere are neat! Asian stuff is awesome!

Ring sizes? Any kinds of metals you don't like?
I don't wear any jewelry.

What about general clothing sizes? Unisex shirts?
Unisex xxl! I have boobs *and* hips.

Shoe (sock ) size?
US women's 10/men's and UK 8.

Do you collect anything, or is there anything like a theme, animal, character etc. that you MUST HAVE when you see it?
I've kind of accidentally started a magnet collection! I dream of having a robot magnet army, but I think that I only have two so far. I have lots of other kinds of magnets, though, and I'm always on the lookout for the next one to be added to my collection. The kitschier the better!
ETA Black cats! How in the world did I forget them?

New Question: I come from Texas, where we love our spicy food! Do you like hot food? How do you feel about both salsa (like you dip tortilla chips in) and hot sauce (like Tabasco, only better)? Would you like to try a classic hot Texas treat like peach jalapeno jam? Is there any Texan or Southern food you've been interested in trying, like pecan pralines, or pecan brittle, etc?
I don't do spicy stuff. Like at all. Nacho Cheese Doritos are about as spicy as I can go. Even Taco Doritos are sometimes too much. Salsa is out of the question due to spice *and* cilantro (I'm allergic to that stuff). No hot sauce, ever. Basically, as far as spice goes, I'm an eighty-year-old man with a chronic ulcer. Anything nut-related is awesome, though (at least as long as it's not spicy)!

Being in DC and working at a semi-tourist attraction with gift shops I have relatively easy access to a wide variety of souvenir goodies, particularly related to the performing arts. Would you be interested in something like a flask with a costume design from the Washington National Opera Ring cycle? Or a mug that says "Diva" or a pretty cherry blossom print tee? (Just to name a few. ;-)
Yes! I love touristy trinkety things. Probably not something with "Diva" on it, though, because I have a coworker who will sulk and pout until I give whatever it is to her (she's too old to sulk and pout, but she does it anyway).

Would you say you were in any 'fandoms' or at least what are some of the popular books/tv shows/etc you are into?
Fandom-oriented programming is where I spend most of my leisure time, so my list is massive, but I'll try to narrow things down to just a few of the main ones: the Marvel movie/tv/Netflix universe (including Deadpool and the X-Men franchise in this even though Marvel didn't actually make them), Game of Thrones (show only), any tv show or movie based on a comic book or graphic novel (except the Snyder DC Murderverse. Yes, I know I also specified Marvel. That's because it's my biggest obsession!), Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Supernatural. Oh, and horror movies (not any particular one. I just love horror movies in general. The scarier and creepier, the better)

My locale is known for its cheese. Are you interested in receiving some cheese? If so, what kinds do you like?
Ugh, I LOVE CHEESE. Except for blue variants (Gorgonzola, Roquefort, etc.). I hate those due to migraine issues. I've been known to just cut off a chunk of cheddar or mozzarella and call that dinner. I'm trying to decide whether I like goat cheese, and I'm not a huge fan of brie, but I'm always up for trying new cheese (as long as it's not spicy or blue).

Another from me (Em) - Would you be interested in books from local authors or music from local bands and if so, any particular genres you particularly love or hate?
Those would be fun! For books, I'm a particular fan of thrillers, horror, science fiction, graphic novels, and cookbooks. I'm not big on romance or high fantasy (or whatever you would call things like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. I'm intrigued by the idea of urban fantasy, but I'm not sure I've actually read any, so I'm not sure). For music, yeesh, just about anything except contemporary country and opera, although I mostly listen to rock and rock variants (right now, iTunes is playing the Dead Kennedys while I load the Tragically Hip onto my phone before I take off to see Paul Simon). I'm a sucker for catchy tunes you can sing along to (summer jams are a particular weakness for me).

Dark or milk chocolate?
Yes! Oh. Wait. That's probably meant as either/or. Hmm. Dark.

My question: pickles? Here in the south everyone does their own pickles. And pickled pole beans! Bread and butter, sweet, and dill! Yes or no? Any you hate or love?
Hmm... I like dill pickles. Not sweet (I think bread and butter are sweet for me), not spicy. Garlicky stuff is awesome! And now that I think about it, I don't think I've had anything pickled aside from cucumbers.

Netherlands snacks?
Pretty much anything! I had a bag on Johnny Doodle salty fudge one time that tragically emptied far more quickly than I would have liked.
meaganola

meaganola

0
Ephemeris
 

Review Format for Emphemeris

REVIEW FORMAT for EPHEMERIS (RFE)

A comprehensive guide to the ERS including measurements for review: Grading Criteria, Review Categories, Review Format, etc.
It is a format that I created to provide consistency throughout my reviews from 2016 onwards.



Review Format
Reviews will follow specific review formatting and will be based on several grading criteria in using the following format and colour scheme:
Title: (Description)

| Initial Notes | Wet | Dry | Verdict | Other Recommendations |

Initial Notes : Otherwise known as "in the bottle/imp". This criterion notes initial thoughts about the scent in relation to listed notes and components; prior to contact with any skin chemistry reactions.
Wet: This criterion describes thoughts about the fragile top notes; mainly scent reactions upon active contact with skin chemistry when wet.
Dry : This criterion assesses the drydown, and comprise mostly the middle and base notes; the extent the scent has reacted to the author's skin chemistry.
Verdict : Grade class and Rank Listed in the following format: [several word summary] X (n )
Other Recommendations: Similar BPAL scents that may appeal to those who like components found in the reviewed scent will be suggested here, based on my own personal opinion.


Review Categories
To simplify the process, reviews have been limited to three categories:

| Limited Edition | Permanent Line | General Catalog |

Limited Edition (LE ) : Scents that are available for a sensitive period of time or offered as a limited run with numerically specific units.
Permanent Line (PL ) : Scents that are available under the extensive BPAL catalog alongside the GC range but are not offered in 1ml samples. They often do not have a fixed period of time they are available, but not part of the GC range
General Catalogue (GC) : Scents which appear as part of the general catalogue list.


Grading Criteria
The 2016 grading system for reviews takes advantage of the classical 1-10 scale and assigns a 'grade class' in the form of a letter.; the higher the number, the greater the overall rank and result.

| S+/S (10) A+ (9) A (8) A- (7) B+ (6) B (5) B- (4) C+ (3) C (2) C- (1) F (0) |

F-Class results are acquired by scents that do not appeal to me or react to my chemistry. It is important to note that this system is purely graded by the author's personal opinion and taken with half a grain of salt. As always, YMMV. Reviews will rarely procure S-Class results as they reflect scents that transcend beyond my control to grade them any less. They are reserved only for scents I find are elite scents that rise above the rest in my opinion.


BPAL signature icon
Collection of Impressions in image form.

Scents I have written under this review system will have an attached signature icon for rotational use on the BPAL forum. The signature icon will describe the overall theme and feel of the scent, summed up as a picture. This is an alternate form of describing and rating; instead of simply indicating a colour, suggesting the mood/emotion, or writing an anecdotal memory the scent reminds me of, all scents which I review under this system will sum up my collection of thoughts into a single BPAL signature icon to represent my general impression.
celestia

celestia

0
Elspethdixon's Blog
 

Vast Imp List of Doom

So many imps, so very many.

GC Imps - Keepers:
All Night Long
Antikythera Mechanism (travel imp)*
Bastet
Bensiabel
The Chicken-Legged Hut
Chimera (travel imp)*
The Deep Ones
Eclipse
Elf
Half-Elf
Haunted (2)
Jack
Jezebel orange blossom honey & okay-ish rose on hair. Will trying it on skin produce bad!rose sorrow? ETA: No! Is also okay on skin.
Miskatonic University
No. 93 Engine (2)
Obatala*
Paris
Red Rider (2)
Redoul Honey*
Skuld
Smokestack
Tamora
Tenochtitlan
Tezcatlipoca
Titus Andronicus

GC Imps - To Test
Anathema (tested - honeysuckle & vetiver take a while to play nice together)
Centzon Totochtin
Chokecherry Honey
Daphne Honey
Dragon's Milk (sweet & cloying, must re-test)
Grog
Harlot
Hedylogos - alas, Hedylogos is the bad rose
Scarecrow
Snake Oil (re-test after aging)

LE Imps - Keepers:
Mars Ultor
Two Old Men*
The Avenue*
Beanman and Beanwoman*
The Gift*
Hidden Pearls*
Priala the Human Phoenix
Saw-Scaled Viper
Boomslang (must test on wife)
Australian Copperhead
Western Diamondback
Death Adder (maybe will improve with age?)

LE Imps - Not keepers
Impressions of the Floating World
Faiza the Lady of Serpents
Behemoth

GC Imps - Not Keepers
Alice^ (gone)
Al-Shairan^
Beer from the Marsh Woman's Brewery
Bewitched
Black Rider^ (aged)
Blood Rose
Bon Vivant
Brown Jenkins^
Calico Jack^
Cheshire Cat
The Coiled Serpent
A Countenance Forboding Evil
Dana O'Shee^ (gone)
Death Cap^
Deep in Earth^
Defututa
Destroying Angel (aged)
Dragon's Heart^ (aged) (gone)
Dragon's Musk (aged)
Embalming Fluid (aged) (gone)
Endymion
Evil
Fire for thy Stepmother's Daughters^
Gaueko
The Ghost
Gomorrah
Hedylogos^
Kali
Laudanum
Mary Shelley (gone)
Masquerade
Mata Hari (2)
Neutral (2)
The Night-Raven
Nyx
Queen Alice
Queen Gertrude
The Raven
Satyr
Sherlock Holmes (gone)
Sin
Squirting Cucumber
Somnus
Sybaris (gone)
Vial of Holy Water (aged) (gone)
Wicked (aged)

*Also have bottle
^Tested/Used
Elspethdixon

Elspethdixon

0
Elspethdixon's Blog
 

Masterlist of BPALS Owned/Tested/Still-to-Test

All bottles bought from the lab unless otherwise specified. Pink text for faves.

Bottles Owned:
GC:
O (aged 4 years)
Tombstone (aged 3 years)
- Tombstone backup (aged 6 months, BNNU)
Velvet (aged 3 years, nearly empty) empty
Black Pearl (aged 2 years, nearly empty)
- Black Pearl backup (aged 6 months, full-to-shoulder)
Chimera
Drink Me
Antikythera Mechanism (aged 1.5 years, 1/4 bottle)
Light of Men's Lives
- Light of Men's Lives (back-up)
Redoul Honey
Cockaigne
Obatala (2016, full-to-shoulder)
Mouse Circus (2016, BNNU)

LE:
Pumpkin II 2014
She Perishes That She May Live (burns skin)
El Dia de Los Reyes 2014 (1/4 bottle left)
- El Dia de Los Reyes 2015 (backup, BNNU)
Lovers and a Fan ('15 Lupers)
Mars Ultor ('15 Lupers)
Clement I's Phoenix
Bartholomaeus Angelicus's Phoenix
Dead Leaves, Vanilla, and Myrrh (triggers asthma, must get rid of) Gone!
Frosted Pumpkin Spice Cookie ('15 Weenies)
Satan Summoning His Legions ('15 Pickman's Gallery)
Thirteen (13) November 2015 (TOL)
Palmyra
Channukiyh 2015
Giljagaur ('15 Yules, TOL)
- Giljagaur backup (BNNU)
Stekkjarstaur ('15 Yules, TOL)
Adrastea (Moons of Jupiter Jan '16, TOL)
- Adrastea backup (full, bought from forumite)
Love's Philosophy ('16 Lupers, TOL)
- Love's Philosophy backup (BNNU)
Dark Chocolate, Black Tobacco, and Vetiver ('16 Lupers, TOL)
- Dark Chocolate, Black Tobacco, and Vetiver backup (BNNU)
Beanman and Beanwoman Climb Genital Mountains ('16 Lupers, full-to-shoulder)
- Beanman and Beanwoman Climb Genital Mountains backup (full, bought from forumite)
Volcano in Springtime ('16 Lupers, full)
Blossoming Vulva ('16 Lupers, full-to-shoulder)
Hidden Pearls ('16 Lupers, full-to-shoulder)
The Avenue ('16 Lupers, TOL)
The Initiation ('16 Lupers, full-to-shoulder, like but don't love)
The Bride ('16 Lupers, full)
The Two Old Men ('16 Lupers, full)
Bunraku Theater ('16 Lupers, full-to-shoulder)
Pumpkin V (2012 Weenie, half bottle, bought from forumite)
Wooden Bullet (OLLA line, 1/3rd full, bought from forumite)
Mommy Fortuna (Last Unicorn, age unknown, just below top of label, bought from forumite)
Fresh and Blooming as a Rose (Trading Post 2015 Yule, full) - turns into soap on skin, swap/sell
The Strange Old Woman (Trading Post 2015 Yule, full)
Bulgarian Tobacco single note (full)
Thirteen (13) May 2016 (full)
Europa (Moons of Jupiter, May '16) BNNU
Ganymede (Moons of Jupiter, June '16) Full-to-shoulder
Guatemalan Coffee Bean single note BNNU
Amicitia (Liliths '14, bought from forumite)
Callisto (Moons of Jupiter, July '16) top-of-label
Meshkenet the Vulture Maiden (Carnival Diabolique '16, 1/4 bottle, from forumite) swapped
SN: Haitian Vetiver (1/2 bottle, bought from forumite)
The Malignant Dreams of Cthulhu in Love (1/4 bottle, from forumite)
Giant Vulva (2009 Lupers, TOL, from forumite) swapped
Priala the Human Phoenix (Carnival Diabolique '16, full-to-shoulder)
SN: French Vanilla
De Vos's Unicorn (Unicorns '16, BNNU)
St. Clare (Unicorns '16 BNNU) vanishes in minutes on me, need to swap swapped
Allegory of Chastity (Unicorns '16 BNNU)
Wulric the Wolfman (Carnival Diabolique '16, full-to-shoulder)
Lilith and the Four Sons of Horus (Liliths '16, full-to-shoulder)
Honeyed Apple ('16 Weenies, full-to-shoulder)
Caramel Apple Cookie ('16 Weenies, full-to-shoulder)
Samhain ('16 Weenies, full-to-shoulder)

Disc. GCs:
Tobacco Honey (partial, age unknown, bought from forumite - chemical/cleaning fluid smell, not the honeyed tobacco of my dreams)

GC Bottles Needed:
Antikythera Mechanism backup
Bensiabel?
Velvet
Mouse's Long and Sad Tale? (Delicious vanilla & sandalwood)
Bow & Crown of Conquest (snuggly vanilla-leather) bought!

CD bottles Needed:
Wulric the Wolfman bought!


Unicorns Needed:
Allegory of Chastity bought!

GC Imps Needed:
Tested, need more, contemplating bottle-
- Moar Jack
- Moar Miskatonic University
- Moar Titus Andronicus
- Moar Paris (is fresh as good as 4-year-aged? Will it last longer than 1 hour? fresh not as good as aged, still short-lived)
- Moar Smokestack (do Black Tobacco & Vetiver, Priala, and the new 13 fill the smoky resin spot enough for me, or do I need more?)
-Moar The Lotus Tree
- Moar Bow & Crown of Conquest (delicious but do I need a bottle or do Tombstone & Blood & Judgement suffice?)
- Another Old Demons of the First Class(why did I give it away to my cousin before retesting?)
Never tested, want to try -
Brown Jenkins (coconut husk) No coconut on me, only musk
Shub-Niggurath ("evil gingerbread")
Shoggoth (coconut & lime) Too much lemongrass. Gave to my mother.
Robotic Scarab & Galvanic Goggles (because there seems to be no Steamworks blend that isn't amazing except Aeliopile)
Hellfire (tobacco & leather)
Hellcat (gourmand to end all gourmands, apparently) All almond, all the time
Bordello (plum, currant, wine) cherry musk and bakewell tarts, like but don't love
Intrigue (black palm, cocoa, wood) inexplicably smells like stale sweat
Athens (honey, wine, flowers)
Eden (honey, almond, fig, coconut) cloying - damn you, almond, you do this every time
Dragon's Milk (vanilla/milk,but will the dragon's blood ruin it?) tested unsure about
Bard (cousin scent to Antikythera Mech?)
Gnome (ginger ale/rootbeer, nutmeg, machine oil?) tested - mostly ginger ale, effervescent and crisp but not for me
Halfling (pastry) oatmeal raisin cookies!
Good (sugar/honey/vanilla, but reviews mention baby powder, also worrying mentions of lemon)
Faustus (frankincense & cinnamon - GC cousin to Priala?)
Roses, Pearls, and Diamonds (will it be the good rose, or the bad rose?) (good rose)
How Doth the Little Crocodile (chocolate and mint, for wife)
Mouse's Long and Sad Tale (vanilla) Delicious vanilla & sandalwood. Bottle-worthy?
Tlazolteotl (cacao, copal, maize)
Kurukulla (rose & lotus, is it the good rose or the bad rose?)
Lawful (fruity oak, tried at NYCC but need to get imp for full-day test)
Katarina (apricot)

GC Imps - To Test:
Eat Me(cake!)
Centzon Totochtin (chocolate & wine)
Perversion (rum/tobacco/leather/champagne/tonka) - tested, leather takes over
Penitence (frankincense & myrrh) - tested, starts off funky but becomes soft/powdery sweet and comforting (but similar to Clement I's Phoenix which I already have)
Baron Samedi (bay rum)

GC Imps Tested (Liked but don't need bottle):
Bengal (glorious but burns skin)
Elegba
Eclipse
Kill-Devil (meh when fresh, improves with age)
Bastet
Red Rider (leather single note)
Jezebel (good/okay-ish rose & orange-blossom honey, glorious on hair)
Tezcatlipoca
Tenochtitlan
Tamora
Haunted
Fighter (harsh, new leather)
Halfling (delicious oatmeal raisin cookies)
Chicken Legged-Hut (horse feed/hay/sweet feed)
No. 93 Engine
Hunter (Neverwhere) half dry grass and dusty-warm cat in the sun, half lovechild of The Lion and Bow & Crown of Conquest


GC Imps Tested (Okay, but not *great*):
Queen Alice
Black Rider
The Lion
Al-Azif
Elf
Half-Elf
Dragon's Heart
Dragon's Milk
Morocco
The Deep Ones - an aquatic I can actually wear!
Azathoth - weird combo of orange & vetiver. Not sure I like it but can't stop sniffing it.
Antony - amazing when wet, vanishes within half-hour
Bordello - half sexy leather-tinged berry wine, half bakewell tart
Penitence - morphs from weird stale/funkiness through decent church incense and into cozy soft/warm powder
Perversion - leather with hints of rum and tonka, dry-down is entirely leather
Door (Neverwhere) - gentle honey-chamomile-scented LUSH bathmelt

GC Imps tested (Disliked)
Aeliopile (orange-scented dish detergant/floor cleaner)
Alice
Endymion
Dana O'Shee (too cloyingly sweet even for me)
Spellbound (the bad rose)
Defututa (jasmine ruins everything)
Al-Shairan
Dragon's Bone
Calico Jack (aquatics = not for me)
skekNa the Slave Master (harsh leather)
Sudha Segara (raw, fresh-sliced ginger, no milk)
Fire for thy Stepmother's Daughters (starts out lovely fruity white musk, ends up dryer sheets)
Intrigue (smells weirdly like sweat)
Shoggoth (lemongrass too strong))
Y'ha-nthlei (soap and dryer sheets)
Great Sword of War (citrus and red musk take over everything, avoids floor-cleaner effect but still not great)

LE Imps Tested - liked:
My Baby and a Baby Goat (wonderful! Snuggly fur musk and honey!)
The Vine (smells like fresh, juicy pear when wet, turns into delicious sweet/sticky BPAl honey as it dries)
Boo (vanilla cream and clean laundry)
Mother Shub's Spiced Lait de Chevre (goes on tangy yogurt, dries to warm milk with clove syrup, gentle and soft)
A King Pursued By a Unicorn
Good Morning London (lavender & amber)
My Little Grotesque (sweet/creamy cardamom SN)
O the Joy of My Spirit (hazelnut/tonka/pine)
First Cry of the Warbler on the Plum (wisteria, plum, and honeyed green tea, lovely spring floral)
Poor Monkey (pleasant creamy fig/lotus/ylang-ylang that almost smells like there's coconut in it, but bad during shark week)

LE Imps Tested - (Okay, but not *great*):
Joyful Dalliance in the Underworld - dead ringer for pit barbecue
Faiza - surprisingly pleasant for a white floral-type scent but burns my skin
Australian Copperhead (all acia-berry, all the time)
Leda (like a less complex De Vos with strawberry instead of apricot & more white musk)
St. Clare (too faint & fades too quickly, not as sweet as I'd hoped)
Himalia (like a less-sweet Chicken-Legged Hut)
Spiced Apple Cider ('16 Weenie)
A Commentary (apricot and vetiver and red musk, like a less-barbecue-ish Joyful Dalliance)

LEs Tested - Disaster:
Delight and Consternation - horrible floor cleaner/cleaning solvent scent
The Unicorn Rushing... - Lovely in the imp, turned feces-like on my skin (first jasmine to do so)
LEs and Discontinueds I'm Curious About:
Blood and Judgement so Well Commedled (really nice and pleasant)
Avunculus
Apple I
In the Time of Plague (buy before it's out of stock or be strong?)
All That I Possess (buy before it's out of stock or be strong?)
Amicita (everything sounds good except the carnation) - glorious!
Tarantula Fascinator
Captain Cully
The Lilac Wood
The Last Unicorn
Mommy Fortuna (The sexiest BPAL I've ever worn. Sticky honey & salty gunpowder)
Aristocratic Couple
Arana
Haloes (as a Dark Delicacies blend, might as well be a disc./LE for me) (like the lighter, spring/summer version of Antikythera Mechanism!)
Adante con Fantasia (why did I not order a decant when I could?)
Ivory Vulva/Glowing Vulva (haha, good luck!)
Katrina van Tassel (yeah, like that's gonna happen)
Question Mark
Atlas Moth
Gypsy Moth
Grievous Swarm - wonderful gritty vetiver/myrrh, my holy grail vetiver scent
Bjugnakraekir
Perilous Parlor

Notes that ruin things:
Jasmine (star jasmine is apparently a different plant)
Dead Leaves note/accord
Carnation (except in Bow & Crown of Conquest)
Ozone/aquatic notes
Narcissus (the most cloying white floral of them all)
Lily of the Valley (except in Audumla)
Patchouli (very occasionally okay if the other notes drown it out/you can't smell it in the blend)
Nag Champa (bad "headshop" associations)
Hemp accord/Weed (reeeeaally bad associations)
Lemon verbena (horrible lemon cleaning solvent of doom)

Notes that are iffy:
Rose (wonderful in Adrastea and Lush's Rose Jam, okay in Jezebel, Roses, Pearls & Diamonds, and Allegory of Chastity, awful in Hedylogos, Harlot, The Rose, and some other rose blends)
Ylang-Ylang (sometimes okay, sometime too white floral-y)
Orange Blossom (same as Ylang-Ylang)
Champaca (will it be too reminiscent of Nag Champa?)
Lily (high risk of soap)
Lavender (will it remind me too much of my mother's bath products?)
Dragon's Blood (was this the note that rendered Dragon's Heart too perfume-y?)
Red Musk (or was it this one?)
White Musk (high risk of dryer sheets)
Black Musk (possibly what turned Black Rider into baby powder?)
Basically all musks except "skin musk" nope, all musks
White sandalwood (similar effect to white musk)
Most florals
"Dirt"/"Loam" etc.
All citrus notes
Oude/oud (can smell sour/fecal)


Notes of Win:
Vanilla
Marshmallow
Honey
Coconut
Tobacco
Myrrh
Amber (black, golden)
Teak
Benzoin
Cream/milk
Goats Milk
Nutmeg

Notes of Like:
Leather (like but amp)
Vetiver (would be under "love" if Joyful Dalliances in the Underworld hadn't smelled like pit barbecue and Death Adder hadn't been... weirdly and inexplicably unpleasant)
Cocoa (love but can vanish or be cloying)
Almond (like but can be cloying)
Cake
Cinnamon (love but amp liek woah)
Clove (love but amp)
Coffee
Pumpkin
Peach (like but skin eats it)
Pear (hard to find, often paired with icky florals)
Lilac
Frankincense (like but skin eats it)
"Resin"
"Smoke"
"Spices"
"woods"
Beeswax
Hazelnut
Orris/orris root + coconut
Sage
Fig
Oak
Lotus (possibly the glorious crisp, fruity note in the wet phase of Paris, possibly also what caused Paris to vanish off my skin in under an hour) - confirmed, Lotus is the wonderful crisp/juicy sweet fruit note from wet/freshly applied Paris.


Notes I Amp:
Leather
Cinnamon
Possibly Rose
Possibly Clove
Possibly Honey?
Possibly Jasmine (or maybe I just hate it enough that any jasmine is too much jasmine)
Elspethdixon

Elspethdixon

0
Aiobhan's Blog
 

BPAL Collection

Updated: 7/26/2016

Scent Name (Year)
# of Bottles / Imps
Preference - Highest, High, Medium, Low
Lab Description
Thoughts

---

BOTTLES:

Aradia
#: 1
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: "A veil of smoked patchouli, sweet oak, and opoponax sweetened by bourbon vanilla."
Thoughts: Sweet woodiness, just slightly smoky/dry, very deep vanilla darkened by opoponax. Sits close to the skin, very sensuous, but excellent throw.

Aristocratic Couple
#: 2.5
Preference: High
Lab Description: "Bourbon vanilla, preserved apricot, and cardamom"
Thoughts: Beautiful vanilla and apricot, with just a little dry spiciness from the cardamom. Very warm and comforting scent. Not overly foody.

Boomslang - (2016)
#: 1
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: "Snake Oil with cocoa, teakwood, and rice milk."
Thoughts: Warm, creamy vanilla-heavy Snake Oil is prominent. Teakwood and just a breath of deep, dark, dry cocoa ground the scent and keep it from going too powdery or sweet. It's a very dark, warm, gentle scent.

Chaos Theory: Gourmand #8
#: 1
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: None given
Thoughts: Melted milk chocolate and cream, macadamia nut, vanilla. Very warm, gently sweet, buttery macadamia, extremely creamy. Subtle foody scent with low throw that sticks close to skin.

Dorian
#: 2
Preference: High
Lab Description: "A Victorian fougere with three pale musks and dark, sugared vanilla tea."
Thoughts: Black tea, sugar, a little musk. Beautiful, dark, delicate, sweet, not at all foody. Very calming. This is my go-to "chill out" scent.

Eat Me
#: 1
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: "Three white cakes, vanilla, and red and black currants."
Thoughts: Buttery, sweet cakes and just a ribbon of juicy redness. Extremely foody.

Edith (Crimson Peak 2015)
#: 4
Preference: Highest
Lab Description: "Pearlescent vanilla musk with white sandalwood, grey amber, white patchouli, ambrette seed, and oudh."
Thoughts: This is my ideal vanilla scent. I could wear this all the time. It's a very delicate, white vanilla. Just a little touch of airiness from the ambrette seed and white sandalwood, and a little warmth from the grey amber and oudh - reminiscent of the scent of sleep-warmed skin. Ultimately, it's a white, delicate, almost fragile vanilla.

Giljagaur
#: 1
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: "Coconut cream, sheep’s milk accord, and a drop of Ceylon cinnamon."
Thoughts: Creamy, warm, just a little sweet, and just a little touch of cinnamon to really enhance the coziness. This is what the "a hug from your mom wearing a warm sweater on a cold day"-feeling smells like.

Gingerbread Snake
#: 1
Preference: UNTESTED
Lab Description: "Gingerbread and exotic Indonesian oils sugared with vanilla."
Thoughts: UNTESTED

Gingerbread Sin
#: 1
Preference: High (during Christmas!)
Lab Description: "Gingerbread with amber, sandalwood, black patchouli and cinnamon."
Thoughts: Gingerbread, brought dark and sensual with amber, sandalwood, and patchouli. This is somehow both very sexy and very festive at the same time.

Gypsy
#: 3.5 (plus one almost empty bottle)
Preference: Highest
Lab Description: "Bourbon vanilla, Egyptian musk, tonka, white sugar, and cardamom."
Thoughts: Sugar, vanilla, and cardamom are the notes most obvious on me. I can smell the delicate sugar crystals infused with vanilla bean, and the cardamom keeps it a little spicy and a little dry.

Harp of Cnoc I'Choisgar
#: 2
Preference: High
Lab Description: "Gilded amber, tiare, golden sandalwood, vanilla, cardamom, and tagetes."
Thoughts: Amber heavy, spicy-sweet tagetes, dry and hot cardamom, warm and creamy vanilla, golden warm sandalwood. Beautiful scent, long lasting, excellent close to the skin.

Harvesters, The
#: 2
Preference: High
Lab Description: "Pear trees, boiled oats, and wine beside a ripe field of wheat."
Thoughts: Smells exactly like a warm, carmelized pear crumble with oatmeal streusel.

Hesiod's Phoenix
#: 1
Preference: High
Lab Description: "Golden amber, bourbon vanilla, and sweet oudh."
Thoughts: The three notes blend seamlessly and change very little, just warming up and encompassing me in a cozy cocoon of amber, dark vanilla, and oudh.

Hymn to Proserpine
#: 1
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: "The darkening amber of faith’s sunset, deepened by the dark fruits of Proserpine."
Thoughts: Deep, dark, smoldering amber that's sweet and warm. Fruits that bring to mind midnight purple and black juciness without being tart.

Imp
#: 1
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: "White peach, amber, golden musk and patchouli."
Thoughts: Juicy warm peach (not fresh peach so much as roasted/warmed peach), darkened a little by spicy woodiness, gilded with the musk and amber.

Ivory Vulva
#: 1
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: "Marshmallow root, coconut, macadamia milk, cream accord, and a drop of golden amber."
Thoughts: Buttery cream and coconut with just a little sweetness from the marshmallow and warmth from the amber. Just pushing the line of gourmand.

Mouse's Long and Sad Tale
#: 1
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: "Vanilla, two ambers, sweet pea and white sandalwood."
Thoughts: Woody, warm, sweet - amber and vanilla heavy, sweet pea for a little softness and gentleness.

Peach V (2016 Dragon*Con)
#:1
Preference: High
Lab Description: "Peach caramel with blackened vanilla, patchouli, and teakwood."
Thoughts: Overall, this is a beautifully balanced blend. It's warm and sweet, not foody, not particularly "fresh peachy" - but the peach is still a solid foundation for the scent. The vanilla makes it a darker scent, the patch is very subtle (just lending a little earthiness and spiciness), and the teakwood is woody and dry in the background, but not too strong. It reminds me a lot of a blend between Aradia and Imp.

Phantom Queen
#: 3 + 1 10ml
Preference: Highest (SIGNATURE SCENT)
Lab Description: "Black orchid, apple blossom, meadowsweet, and rue over Irish moss, hawthorn and red clover."
Thoughts: Wet, hot, warm, sweet, sensual, sexy. This DEFIES description. This is the smell of my wedding, of the beginning of my career, of meeting my best friend, of moving into my own home. This is the scent of my Irish heritage, and of Ireland, which can bring me to tears even from just listening to the music or seeing photos of the magical greens and purples and greys and blues. This is the way my soul - my life - would smell. This is MY scent.

Pleasant Embrace
#: 1.5
Preference: Medium
Lab Description: "Lemon-silvered musk and white pear."
Thoughts: Crispy, sweet, juicy pear with no greenness. Perfectly ripe. Just a little bit of crystalline lemon-musk to add some shimmer. Very gentle scent, low throw.

Pumpkin Latte
#: 2
Preference: High
Lab Description: "Espresso, pumpkin syrup, smoky vanilla bean, milk, raw sugar, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg."
Thoughts: Warm milk, caramelized pumpkin, dark and smoky vanilla bean, sweet dark sugar, spices - and holding it all up, DEAD RINGER for espresso oil. This fades so beautifully into a perfect representation of espresso oil. I love this.

Reapers Gonna Reap
#: 1
Preference: High
Lab Description: "Musky vanilla sandalwood."
Thoughts: Cool, dry sandalwood with light musk and white, not-sweet, not-warm vanilla. This is probably the least sweet vanilla I've ever smelled from the lab.

Serving Fish
#: 2
Preference: Highest
Lab Description: "Gilded sweet pea, pink musk, and vanilla sugar."
Thoughts: LOVE this. Sweet, not too floral, sugary, pink, girly.

Smut (2015)
#: 2
Preference: High
Lab Description: "Three swarthy, smutty musks sweetened with sugar and woozy with dark booze notes."
Thoughts: Dark sugar (think raw sugar), smooth deep musks, and sweet, sexy booze with none of the acrid or sharp alcohol notes - like if rum and vanilla and sugar was all cooked down into a syrup with the alcohol burned off.

Snake Oil (2009)
#: 2
Preference: Highest
Lab Description: "A blend of exotic Indonesian oils sugared with vanilla."
Thoughts: Spicy, warm, deep, dark vanilla!

Some Strangeness in the Proportion
#: 2
Preference: Highest
Lab Description: "Rich vanilla sandalwood elegantly distorted by oudh, labdanum, scarlet saffron, and pink pepper."
Thoughts: Deep, dark, sweet vanilla. Pink pepper and oudh give the scent a top note that is heady and intriguing. The perfect dark and sensual vanilla, in contrast to my perfect crystalline vanilla (Edith).

Stekkjarstaur
#: 1
Preference: High
Lab Description: "Woolly sugared marshmallow root."
Thoughts: Marshmallow and sugar - but somehow, not foody. It's very organic. Very soft and cozy and delicate.
aiobhan

aiobhan

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Arcy's BPAL Blogging
 

The reason I have a ton of BNNU aged stuff...

This is BPAL. We love long, rambling stories as long as we get to sniff lovely things at the end, right? So, buckle in.   (This isn't either too long or too rambling, but be forewarned that I do tend to trend towards both of those things.)   About 8 years ago, my husband and daughter both tried to die on the same day - she swallowed a quarter which got stuck in her clavicle and that also needed to be surgically removed under full anesthesia, and his tonsillectomy scab fell off while we were in the Children's Hospital ER. Both of them were gushing blood from their noses and/or throats within mere hours of each other, and I'm a useless fainter in the presence of gore. Luckily, we were in a hospital and the surgeon who did husband's tonsillectomy was in residence. They both lived (yay!)...   ... but I started having anxiety attacks the very next month due to a combination of preexisting mental instability and worsening physical health problems, which somehow combined with the PTSD from that day to give me agoraphobia (Monty Python and the Unenthusiastic yay). I overcompensated for some time after that by attempting to use perfume, makeup, and bath and body products as a sort of "shield" to give me confidence against the outside world. It backfired spectacularly, and those products actually ended up triggering more attacks just by using them as my brain eventually made the links from "using products" to "going outside" and finally to "melting down". I gradually stopped buying anything other than what I could use up quickly, my "holy grail" products (basically the ones that didn't cause attacks), and the occasional little present with scent notes I already knew that I liked here and there; birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, tax return splurges. I stopped frequenting the websites and forums related to those products to prevent impulse buys. I stopped hanging out with people I genuinely care for because I associated them with those products.   (If you're one of my old BPAL friends, first of all, my most sincere apologies for shutting you out. I did it to everyone outside of the literally inescapable immediate family members. So, shoot me a message! I'd love to know how you're doing lately!)   That's the long and boring tale of my hoard. I'm trying to reclaim my life recently, as much as I can. Little by little, day by day, let's make some progress together!
Arcy

Arcy

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Teamama's Experimental Experience
 

Vanilla for remembrance

Today I'm testing a decant of Love's Philosophy. I ate an entire tube of mini M&M's in the morning around 9:30, alas. However, at lunch time I made much better choices, focussing on protein (hummus) and vegetables (celery & cukes,) to feel full & satisfied. I've enjoyed the vanilla creaminess of LP and Boo HG all day. I think it helped me to be mindful after dinner, because I caught a vanilla whiff as I was preparing to put away leftovers. I felt my stomach, and noticed that I felt satisfied. As a result, I did not pick at the leftovers and mindlessly overstuff myself.
Teamama

Teamama

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Teamama's Experimental Experience
 

Day at home with laundry, minestrone and a windstorm

Today is turning out to be pretty sedentary, except for some laundry. After my shower, I put on Snake Oil, Revenant Rhythm HG, and a cozy sweater and jeans. Since we're likely to lose power some time today due to high winds, we made minestrone.

I'm knitting, drinking black tea, and haven't felt a need to supplement the tea with goodies. A couple of times while watching my family eat nibbles, I've thought about making popcorn. Each time, I've had a little more water or tea, and felt my belly. Since I'm not getting hunger signals, I've waited for the impulse to pass, and each time it has.

Of course now that I've written about popcorn, my mouth is watering a little. I'll see if water makes it pass, and if not, I'll have a little bit .
Teamama

Teamama

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Teamama's Experimental Experience
 

The Experiment

I have decided that I'm going to use BPAL as an incentive to make healthier choices. My weight has gone up and up and up over the last several years. I do not like what's happening to my endurance, strength, agility, blood pressure, or my risk for developing diabetes!   My plan is:   1. Associate the pleasure I take in smelling great with healthy behavior. (I'm wearing a different BPAL to my Weight Watchers meetings each week, so I can tie what I'm learning to scent.)
2. Reward myself with BPAL purchases for healthy behaviors (like increased fresh fruit & vegetable intake, exercise, drinking more water, increased flexibility & strength, reduced body measurements, etc.)   I haven't yet figured out what the criteria for rewards will be, and would love wisdom from the room :-).   Ideas:
Walk 1000 steps farther each week for X weeks = a bottle?
My resting heart rate goes down?
Accomplish a physical activity without huffing and puffing?
Low blood pressure number goal?  
My hope is that by using BPAL to say "atta girl!", I'll train myself to feel rewarded without involving caloric overload.
Teamama

Teamama

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Zeb's BPAL Blog
 

Switch Witch 2016 Version

Last updated: 9th March

WIshlists
Amazon: http://www.amazon.co...t/388AMHU9X80YL
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com...ef=favs_index_1
SockDreams: http://www.sockdream...00c60af6506718d
Crocus: http://www.crocus.co...9f1e770b612b092

BPTP: https://blackphoenixtradingpost.com/my-lists/view-wishlists/?wlid=1963 - this doesnt seem to be working properly as its only showing one thing - have asked Puddin to have a look at the website, but if you need a real wishlist, just ask



I keep all my wishlists up to date, but ignore the 'shops' bit on Etsy as sometimes those are things for other people.

Do you like colouring? yes but dont really have the time right now

Crochet goodies yes or no? If yes, what kind of goodies? socks!

Do you have any allergies to animals/smoke/food etc? no

Graphic novels: we have a huge collection, only really want the ones in my wishlist or something local I couldn't get over here

Nail Polish: I only wear it on my toes (because gardening) and I only wear BPTP stuff these days. I have Moth Shadow, Dream Awake, Titan Toadstools, Oneiroi and Temple of Dreams


BPTP: yes, love the bath oils, like some atmos, can't use hair gloss. Would kill to try some Floof if it becomes available

Nail Wraps: not for me, they would die too quickly

Teas/Spices/Spice Rubs/Specialty Ingredients from a local tea & spice shop? yes to all

In Regards to loose/bagged tea: bags preferred because I'm lazy most of the time

Speaking of spices - where's your spicy/heat threshold? (scale of 1 - 10 - 1 being nothing more than black pepper, 10 being ghost pepper+) 7

Preferred book format? Physical, PDF, Kindle, etc? Kindle preferred except for graphic novels, gardening and art books - but no problem with real books

Would you be interested in any handmade critters? Stuffed animals, knit or crochet beasties, or anything remotely similar? Yes, especially if amiguri type. I'd love one (only one, I'd have to lock it away from Luna) Geeky things related to my fandoms, Studio Ghibli creatures, cats, lizards, dragons would all be good Or cat toys!

Since this is the Spring Fools' round, is there anything that goes with the theme of April Fool's Day or spring that might be fun to add to your package? Garden related stuff

Pet owners - would you like any kind of toy or supply for your pet? Cat toys without cat nip

Geek paraphernalia! Almost everyone here has SOME sort of geek-love, whether it is Harry potter, Horror movies, graphic novels, science, etc. So would you be interested in any kind of items related to your geek-ish interests? Always

Any yarn, plastic, metal, or fabric sensitivities? I have to have sterling silver earring wires


would you like pretty stationery/note cards, etc, for writing snail mail? I don't write snail mail but I'd love a pad of cute paper for putting notes in swap packages

If you could have any BPALs right now (GC, LE, HTF) what would they be? Give examples of at least a few of each category
HTF: Tea, Trick (no. 2)
LE: Snow at Midnight, Needlework, Alias, Blue Carbuncle
GC: Fairy Bites, Machu Piccu, Gomorrah

Any places you would like gift cards from? Sock Dreams, Crocus


Do you wear make-up? Any brands you like? Color preferences? I only wear eyeliner of the self sharpening kind, mostly Clinique. I like black, grey, brown & green

Junk food and candy? Trying to lose some weight, so not very much of this please! I like the tea and coffee candies and tortilla chips

Witchee, regarding your fave TV shows, would you be interested in the associated DVDs? Fan books? I pretty much have all of the DVDs and books

Do you need any items for your kitchen (linens, gadgets, cooking supplies, etc.)? I always need more spatulas, tea towels are also useful

Gardens/plants: I am dreaming of spring, dear witch: Do you like plants? Do you have any? Indoor potted plants? A balcony bed? A yard? Do you want/need anything? I have an entire allotment and always want stuff BUT I don't think you can send seeds here from the US/Canada If someone ever found geeky gardening gloves I'd love them!


If I were to make you something based on one or more interests mentioned in your Q'aire/blog, would you prefer something you could wear, something that hangs on a wall, or something that sits on a shelf (or couch or wherever)? Wearable is favourite, with wall hanging second. Killer kitten destroys things left on shelves :(

Are you in need of BPAL storage? Nope.

Do you like candles? Incense? Wax melts? I like candles but am short of room for them now

BAGS! Do you like/want/need any kind of bags? I would be happy to get tote bags that I could use for gardening stuff, especially the type made from reused feed bags that someone switchywitchy makes/has family that makes, or other ones that can stand up to dirt. Plus in answering another question lower down I found at least one messenger bag I love!

I make handmade journals/albums/smashbooks/junk journals. Would you be interested in anything like that? I love them but end up never using them

What's your favorite animal/totem? Would you be interested in a small figurine of said animal from this etsy user? cat, dragon, lizard ... I wouldn't like a figurine due to Killer Kitten, but those Toothless bags are adorable <3

Anything exciting to you in PBSW's Spring Collection? Bath streusel or sorbetto in Lemony Biscuit or April Fools

Witchee, are you interested in this kind of music (it's one of my favorites)[Tartanic - uncivilized]? I can take it or leave it

Oh dead Witchee, how do you feel about Sakura Matsuri? Do you like Green Tea and Sakura flavored desserts/treats? Decorations or jewelry with a cherry blossom theme? I like cherry blossom as decoration but can't stand the taste, and dont really like green tea either

Hey, witchee! If I were to send you a garment, what size would I send? Difficult, as I'm busy dropping a load of weight. It's really best, outside of XXL crew t-shirts, to ask me specifically


It's Hottie Friday, witches and witchees! Name a famous crush or five Tom Hiddlestone, Alan Rickman, David Mitchell, Tom Ellis, Morena Baccarin


Also - what are the last 5 songs that appeared on your random or shuffle music list

Jethro Tull -Heavy Horses
Slayer - Angel of Death
REM - Losing My Religion
The The - This Is The Day
Inequality Street - Skyclad


If you should happen to be my witchee, are there any items in my store that you would like? Nut-Made by LisaNut
I like the look of the cowls

Oh Witchee, have you seen the kimono tops that are all the rage right now? Would you like one? I will sew you one if you do, just tell me if you're a fringe or lace edge or plain edge type of person- I have your color picks from your questionnaire, unless you'd like it in something different than those? Plain edge please

I was thinking about busting out the sculpy clay - I sometimes like to make cute little fantasy miniature sculpture, like fairy doors, or miniature garden gnomes for potted plants, or I've even made a couple of tiny smaug's based on this cartoon. If you were my witchee, how would you feel about receiving some tiny fantasy art for your home? Any preference between a fairy door, or a garden gnome, a tiny fairy box, or something like smaug? All the Smaugs!

If you won a gift certificate for $100 (Or similar amount in your country) that could be used ANYWHERE what would you get? either clothes from Nomads or BPTP, or garden stuff from Crocus

Something that you look forward to each spring, or that when you see it (hear it/smell it/taste it, etc) you think "Yes! Spring is here!" or something along those lines! seeing catkins appear
ReallyZeb

ReallyZeb

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