MY TOP PICKS FOR NEW PERFUMES 2017

As the year draws to a close it’s natural to feel reflective. I had the best of intentions to try as many as possible of the 200 plus new perfumes  that were launched in 2017. While I didn’t get to sample as many as I’d hoped to, I was able to sniff a number of … Read more

MY FAVORITE VINTAGE PERFUMES

Earlier on in the month, I posted Going Retro: The Allure Of Vintage Perfumes when I talked about the appeal of what some might call the “old stuff” that is vintage perfumery. For me, when it comes to vintage scents, old is gold. You don’t have to wonder why my favorite vintage perfumes are still … Read more

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

It’s almost that time to say goodbye to 2017 and usher in the new year. All in all it’s been a very good year with a few unexpected challenges. I’m relieved that the Thomas Fire in California is getting closer to containment and my family members living in Santa Barbara have been able to return … Read more

PERFUMES THAT CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS

  When I think of the smells that epitomize the holiday spirit what comes to mind is peppermint,  hot cocoa, a burning fire, mulled cider, pine, potato latkes, gingerbread and candles. Candles are my go-to smell fix which is why I keep them burning so often this time of year. Hearth candle by Nest is … Read more

10 STOCKING STUFFERS THEY’LL LOVE

Done all of your major shopping but still stumped on stocking stuffers for your nearest and dearest? Fret not my friend. Stocking stuffers can be the most fun and creative part of your gift giving and the best part is that they won’t cost a lot. A well-picked little goodie or two is sure to … Read more

SANTA BARBARA STILL BATTLING THE BEAST

If you read my post just before Thanksgiving you know how excited I was about being able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends in my hometown of Santa Barbara, CA. It turned out to be an especially wonderful time and I was still relishing the memories until December 4, when the Thomas Fire hit … Read more

HOLIDAY FRAGRANCE GIFT SETS FROM AMAZON

Has holiday shopping got you feeling stressed? If the answer is yes then you are certainly not alone. The sad reality is that many of us feel way too much anxiety in our effort to procure those gifts we hope will delight. If the thought of battling department store crowds causes your heart rate to … Read more

GOING RETRO: THE ALLURE OF VINTAGE PERFUMES

With the thousands of new perfumes being launched every month you may think that you can’t be bothered with the “old stuff”. But if you choose to ignore vintage perfumes entirely, you will be missing out on a very important part of perfumery. Vintage perfumes smell very different from today’s popular fragrances and reflect how … Read more