Penhaligon’s Artemisia – my undercover business perfume

World of Perfume April 16, 2012 Comments: 14

And when I say undercover, I mean that it works for me without anyone noticing anything. πŸ™‚

Because, where I work, no one ever comments on perfume (two comments in 5 years don’t count). But I noticed people tend to smile more and feel helpful toward me when I’m wearing Artemisia. So now, I count it as my undercover perfume when I need business situations to go my way.  πŸ˜‰

The strange thing is, I know this perfume and can recall its smell without wearing it, but trying to put it into words – no deal.
I’ve been meaning to review it since I started my blog (which was 3 years ago) but the words i.e. notes eluded me. They still do, but I’ll give it my best (people should  be aware of this little gem).

Head Notes: Nectarine and Green Foliage
Heart Notes: Green Apple, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine Tea, Violet and Vanilla
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber and Vanilla

I would be lying if I said I can smell the fruity notes. The only way for me to know there is some fruit in there is by taking into account the whole I’m smelling – which is florally, powdery sweet with a hint of bitterness and something not letting it be dry and powdery but giving it warmth and joyful sweetness (at points interspersed with fresh burst of an orchard fruity smell).

Oh, I don’t think I’ll get it right this time either.

On the whole, the perfume doesn’t change much, which is completely fine with me, as I love the calming effect it has. And for a perfume that seems so very mellow to me, it has some serious longevity.

My best description of it could be summed up with a creamy, lightly powdery, intricately floral, charming little minx of a perfume.

And for some reason, it reminds me of Paris. The smell of Artemisia never fails to conjure Paris in my mind.

Notes and pic y: http://www.penhaligons.com/

Suzanne Collins: Catching Fire and Mockingjay

World of Books April 10, 2012 Comments: 8

As you already know, I don’t really review the books in the usual sense but talk mostly about what I enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy).

And I REALLY enjoyed The Hunger Games series. πŸ™‚

The books are actually incredibly dark and well, pessimistic but you kind of lose sight of that while reading, as the story is gripping and the setting, although on Earth, is a future we are not familiar with so it’s easy to forget the madness, grayness and cruelty going on.

One of the things that I always consider a sign that the book is good is when I cannot guess what will happen next. And although it wasn’t difficut to guess there will be some rebels against Panem (there are always rebels in societies like that) and that the District 13 is probably alive, I didn’t know what to expect from the rest, or how the story might resolve.
Both in Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

The only thing I guessed was the political fallout in Mockingjay (I was very proud when that turned out to be like I imagined). But just that, the fallout, nothing of the story around it.

And speaking of the story, I must say Mrs. Collins is an incredible story-teller. Oh, she surprised me there, I admit.
You’re reading and reading, and cannot stop and you’re completely in the story and then when the emotional turmoil hits you (the reader), you’re left wondering where did that come from?!
It came from Mrs. Collins’ incredible words.

The fact is, her words convey more than just the plain story, there are emotions hidden deep in there so until they burst forth, you have no idea they were there in the first place.

Somewhat like the rebellion Katniss causes without realizing she is the spark that was missing. The girl on fire, or a well placed word, and before you know it, your world rocks on its axis.
But not to worry, the rocking is for the good. Albeit the process is bloody and tragic.

And yesterday I saw the movie and I must say I am impressed with how much they stuck to the story and elaborated some points that become clear in Catching Fire.

The problem now is, when is the next movie coming out?

The last week of The Lies of Locke Lamora read-along

Uncategorized April 7, 2012 Comments: 8

Well, the book has been behind me for some time now but it’s still fresh in my mind. It’s not one you would forget soon. πŸ™‚

This week’s questions were provided by Lynn from Lynn’s Book Blog and here they are with my answers:

1.       The Thorn of Camorr is renowned – he can beat anyone in a fight and he steals from the rich to give to the poor.  Except of course that clearly most of the myths surrounding him are based on fantasy and not fact.  Now that the book is finished how do you feel the man himself compares to his legend.  Did you feel that he changed as the story progressed and, if so, how did this make you feel about him by the time the conclusion was reached?

I don’t think the legend is far from the truth. I mean, Thorn’s/Locke’s intellect moves in different planes than my own and I know I’d never be able to come up with the solutions he comes up with. And that thinking at the spur of the moment? Incredible.
I don’t think he changed through the story, I just think life forced him to become all that he can be.

2.       Scott Lynch certainly likes to give his leading ladies some entertaining and strong roles to play.  We have the Berangia sisters – and I definitely wouldn’t like to get on the wrong side of them or their blades plus Dona Vorchenza who is the Spider and played a very cool character – even play acting to catch the Thorn.  How did you feel about the treatment the sisters and Dona received at the hands of Jean and Locke – were you surprised, did it seem out of character at all or justified?

Nothing concerning any of the women seemed out of character. I’m guessing you’re thinking about the violence?
The society of Comarr strikes me as very much balanced and democratic when it comes to sexes and no sex is allowed the upper hand. Fair dealings or if it’s not, you better watch your back, whoever you are.

3.       Towards the end we saw a little more of the magic and the history of the Bondsmagi.  The magic, particularly with the use of true names, reminds me a little of old fashioned witchcraft or even voodoo.  But, more than that I was fascinated after reading the interlude headed β€˜The Throne in Ashes’ about the Elderglass and the Elders and why their structures were able to survive even against the full might of the Bondsmagi – do you have any theories about this do you think it’s based on one of our ancient civilisations or maybe similar to a myth??

Good question. I have no idea why Elderglass survived but I’m guessing the Bondsmagi power somehow comes from the Elders. I sincerely hope we’ll learn more about it in the next book.
As to true names, I came across that type of magic in some other books, and I find it both intruguing and terribly frightening from the perspective where everyone knows my name. πŸ™‚

4.       We have previously discussed Scott Lynch’s use of description and whether it’s too much or just spot on.  Having got into the last quarter of the book where the level of tension was seriously cranked up – did you still find, the breaks for interludes and the descriptions useful or, under the circumstances did it feel more like a distraction?

I think the interludes work great for two reasons. One is, you learn important stuff in order to build a good background, and secondly, it works wonders for the intensity of the story, making you read faster and faster to get to the part where it continues after the interlude.

5.       Now that the book has finished how did you feel about the conclusion and the eventual reveal about the Grey King and more to the point the motivations he declared for such revenge – does it seem credible, were you expecting much worse or something completely different altogether?

I didn’t know what to expect honestly. It was clear to me quite soon I had no idea who Grey King was and couldn’t even hazard a guess (which makes Mr. Lynch a really good writer for me). It seems credible as some people really get hung up on revenge and that is the only purpose of their lives. Whether it’s a justified revenge or not, doesn’t matter, because for them it’s more than justified.

6.       Were you surprised that Locke, being given two possible choices (one of which could possibly mean he would miss his chance for revenge on the Grey King) chose to go back to the Tower  – especially given that (1) he would have difficulty in getting into the building (2) he would have difficulty in convincing them about the situation and (3) he would have difficulty in remaining free afterwards? Did anyone else nearly pee their pants when Locke and the rest were carrying the sculptures up to the roof garden?

Not really. πŸ™‚ Like I said, revenge is not a rational emotion. Plus, by that time, I didn’t doubt Locke could do pretty much anything he set his mind to.
Carrying the sculptures was for me like watching a movie where they still have second to defuse a bomb before it goes off. Scary.
 

7.       Finally, the other question I would chuck in here is that, following the end of the book I was intrigued to check out some of the reviews of LOLL and noticed that the negative reviews mentioned the use of profanity.  How did you feel about this – was it excessive? Just enough? Not enough?

I believe I mentioned this in my first post, I live in a country where profanity is so much a part of language I no longer notice it most of the time (unless someone is being imaginative).
I don’t think the use of profanity deserves a bad review.  I mean there are many different cultures in our world and some of them use profaity as everyday speech, does that mean those are bad cultures and peoples?
I think it should be put in proper context, because societies whre profanity is used never truly mean those words, they are more a part of the colorful background and that is how I interpreted it here.


8.       Okay one further, and probably most important but very quick question – having finished, will you pick up the sequel, Red Seas Under Red Skies?

Of course!! πŸ˜€
Although I believe I’ll wait for the next read-along, it’s way more fun like that.

The read-along is hosted by these blogs:

The Little Red Reviewer

Dark Cargo

SF SIgnal

My Awful Reviews

Perfume shopping in Zagreb – Parfumerija Lana

Perfume shopping April 4, 2012 Comments: 10

I admit it freely – I cannot stick to my resolutions. There, it’s out. Now on to more interesting subjects.

It’s been awhile since I had a new perfume shopping destination to tell you about.

This perfumery has been around for quite some time (I believe around 20 years or so) and over the years I’ve been hearing good things about its cosmetics department. Only recently (in the last 6 months) have I heard that it is also the place to go if you are interested in shopping for some “niche” perfumes.

So today I went to check. πŸ™‚ And buy a mascara. That was it. The problem was, I wasn’t expecting to get blind-sided by Ananas Fizz. There is so litlle left in my bottle, and now it’s discontinued, I had to buy it. Which reminds me, there are 3 more bottles left although not exactly cheap I must say (you know, if someone is a hoarder like me).
Anyway, I got to smell some things I didn’t expect to and I foresee my visits there continuing with me bringing paper strips of my own to take away with me when I leave, so I have some remembrance of everything I smelled (it felt stupid to ask to take with me the lovely cloth strips they have, and I didn’t know what was on them anymore).

Everyone was nice and very generous so my experience was completely positive.
So, without further ado, if you’re looking for the following brands in Zagreb, they can be found in perfumery Lana (Bartola KaΕ‘iΔ‡a 8):

Tom Ford (the regulars and the exclusives, and the new exclusives)

Serge Lutens

Creed

Juliette Has a Gun

Hermes (although not the Hermessences and Elixirs)

L’Artisan Parfumeur

Van Cleef and Arpels (Collection Extraordinaire)

Annick Goutal

CdG (some)

Balmain

Acqua di Parma

Balenciaga

The Different Company

Etro
Montale (some)

I probably forgot some but I’ll update the list with those once I visit again.

And if you’re wondering if I bought any other bottle of perfume, the answer is – Hiris. πŸ™‚ I wanted that one for ages.

Pic taken from their facebook page.

The Lies of Locke Lamore, read-along, week 4

Uncategorized March 31, 2012 Comments: 7

So, we’re into week 4 and there is only one week left and I admit, I read the book last weekend. πŸ™‚ I just couldn’t stop.

This week’s questions are provided by Ashley of SF Signal and here they are with my answers:

1.      In the chapter β€œA Curious Tale for Countess Amberglass” we learn of the tradition of the night tea in Camorr. I found that not so much fantastical as realistic – how about you?

I found it intriguing as it made me realize the women are very important to the smooth running of Camorr. Hm! That does make it realistic quite a lot. πŸ™‚

2.      When Jean meets with what will become the Wicked Sisters for the first time, the meeting is described very much like how people feel when they find their true work or home. Agree? Disagree? Some of both?

True work? True love? It does seem like he’s found himself. I am enjoying his character immensely, especially since he’s the one you are most likely to overlook (along with the rather small and thin Locke), and of the most deadly opponents to face.

3.      Salt devils. Bug. Jean. The description is intense. Do you find that description a help in visualizing the scene? Do you find yourself wishing the description was occasionally – well – a little less descriptive?

Oh, yes, it certainly helps with visualization. And keeping one at the edge of the seat (or wherever you’re reading).
And I did wish there were some less descriptive parts as I really felt awful seeing them in my head. Which brings me to the obvious conclusion they were extremely well done.

4.      This section has so much action in it, it’s hard to find a place to pause. But…but.. oh, Locke. Oh, Jean. On their return to the House of Perelandro, their world is turned upside down. Did you see it coming?

Oh no, I did not! As a matter of fact, the end of the previous section had me read further to see what happens and I read to just somewhere about here. Which is why I was so UPSET last week with Mr. Lynch.
I learned to live with it, as someone last week mentioned Jean makes it into book 2, so that made me feel a bit better.

5.      Tavrin Callas’s service to the House of Aza Guilla is recalled at an opportune moment, and may have something to do with saving a life or three. Do you believe Chains knew what he set in motion? Why or why not?

Good question. I wish I knew more about Chains to answer it. πŸ™‚ I think we are going to learn more about Chains and his motives (I sincerely hope so) as that seems to be the way the books are written – you learn everything at the right moment.
I see this more as good thinking on Mr. Lynch’s part. πŸ˜‰
And it obviously fits Jean.

6.      As Locke and Jean prepare for Capa Raza, Dona Vorchenza’s remark that the Thorn of Camorr has never been violent – only greedy and resorting to trickery – comes to mind again. Will this pattern continue?

I do believe Dona Vorchenza was correct and when I read that, I instantly had a high opionion of her. But honestly, after someone murders what is obviously your family even if you’re not blood related, I would never expect Locke to remain non-violent. I’m sure in any other scenario, he would be because his intelligence is best displayed in complicated schemes.

7.      Does Locke Lamora or the Thorn of Camorr enter Meraggio’s Countinghouse that day? Is there a difference?

I’d say Locke Lamora tries to enter twice but then it’s the Thorn who actually manages to make things possible. Or, more precisely, at the point when Locke has the plan in his head, the one that sounds more like a true Thorn plan, that is when it works.

And our hosts for the read-along are:

The Little Red Reviewer

My Awful Reviews

Dark Cargo

SF Signal

I’ve been thinking

I've been thinking, Perfume thoughts March 28, 2012 Comments: 13

As the title says, I’ve been thinking about discontinued perfumes all day today, prompted by Birgit’s find of a perfume shop with vintage treasures.

My mind went mostly the way of discontinued Guerlains but it could be applicable to any company still in existence and producing perfumes.

The way I figure it, it all revolves around money and economy. Economy being the operative word here. One I hate sincerely. Because you cannot possibly convince me it’s in my best interest to follow economic principles that can’t be understood through common sense (which is most today). And honestly, the banking and economic systems in effect today seem very far away from common sense to me. That especially includes banks. Basically, any institution that makes you pay for the mess they made of the world we live in today.

Ok, I’ll stop with the rant – this really is about perfume. πŸ™‚

So, I was thinking, most discontinued perfumes went that way because of lack of sales (making enough money as the company deems profitable). I say most, I’m aware some can no longer be produced due to unavailable ingredients.
But basically, the perfume goes into alcohol so you don’t need that much of the original formula to make several hundred bottles.

What I’ve been thinking is, many discontinued perfumes have fans that would love to get access to bottles of their favourite perfumes.
So, why not make smaller batches of those perfumes and  not place them into boutiques but make them available at order? You wouldn’t need to ship them to boutiques and basically, only hardcore fans would buy them straight from your headquarters. I’m pretty sure you could even put those in simple bottles, just as long as fans would get the juice they wanted.

And I believe even eBay wouldn’t be a problem because anyone could order a bottle for themselves and those that went on eBay would mean that the seller would have to go below the original price, otherwise anyone could get a bottle for the usual price from the company. So, I don’t think many of those bottles would appear on ebay.

Basically, this sounds sensible to me (bear in mind I have no economic knowledge).

What do you think? Are there huge holes in my idea I can’t see?

Visiting India III – Bombay Bling by Neela Vermeire Creations

World of Perfume March 28, 2012 Comments: 13

Or, saving the best for last. πŸ™‚

I really thought I loved Trayee and Bombay Bling the same, but there is just no getting around the fact that mango is my thing. In any way you can imagine.

The problematic thing with Neela Vermeire perfumes is that each time you smell them, something new pops up in your head as association to what you’re smelling (ok, that’s not really a bad thing, only when you’re trying to describe it). πŸ™‚

So, for me, this is a happy, smile-inducing mango perfume. In the beginning. The opening reminds me of a fizzy mango drink, as it were made with tonic, you know, lightly herbal (or green) and citrusy but mango is still the most prominent note.
At some point I started wondering if I were smelling tea again, but no, that turned out to be a black currant/cardamom combo. When you start smelling this combination, the whole perfume seems to get another twist – it gets a gourmandy background. Well, at least that’s the way I see it. Or better smell it.
It’s hard to explain but that whole creamy base of ylang-ylang, white woods, sandalwood and vanilla makes for me a gourmandy base for the fruit (probably because it reminds me of Thai food coconut/spicy dishes which automatically transfers anything into a gourmand for me).

Later, you lose the mango prominence and the whole perfume is a riot of smells (in a good way) – not too sweet, not very juicy, lightly flowery and spicy.

Notes: mango, lychee, blackcurrant, cardamom, cumin, cistus, rose accord, Turkish rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, white floral tuberose accord, frangipani, gardenia, patchouli, tobbacco, white woods, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla

P.S. I’m not a cuminophobe, quite the contrary, and I can easily smell it in a perfume usually, but I don’t smell it here at all.

Pic and notes by: http://www.neelavermeire.com/

The Lies of Locke Lamora read-along, week 3

Uncategorized March 24, 2012 Comments: 16

It’s time for the third part of the read-along and this time the questions were provided by Bryce of My Awful Reviews.
So, without further ado, my answers and some venting of frustration regarding Mr. Lynch and his treatment of characters.

1. This section is where we finally get to sneak a peek at the magic in The Gentleman Bastards books. From what we read, what are your initial impressions of the magic Lynch is using? Is there any way that Locke and Company would be able to get around the Bondsmage’s powers?

I sincerely hope so (about Locke and company getting around it). I hate it when people are full of themselves in real life so that one particularly got on my nerves (the Falconer). Although it doesn’t hurt Locke to understand sometimes he might not be the top intelligence in something.

2. Not a question, but an area for rampant speculation: If you want to take a stab at who you think the Grey King might be, feel free to do it here.

Can’t answer this one as I got a bit further so I know, but any guess of mine wouldn’t have come close. Although, I’m still wondering what’s the reason behind it all?

2.5 (since 2 wasn’t really a question) Anyone see the Nazca thing coming? Anyone? Do you think there are more crazy turns like this in store for the book? Would you like to speculate about them here? (yes, yes you would)
Ok, first off, it wasn’t fair in the week 2 to point us in the wrong direction speculating about possible Nazca/Locke future. πŸ™‚ And no, I didn’t see that coming. Especially after that question in week 2.

I wasn’t really contemplating possible future shocks but in retrospect I should have. I am SERIOUSLY UPSET with Mr. Lynch for what comes up in the read-along in the week 4. I sincerely hope he makes it up to both characters and readers in some way (and if you know, feel free to ease my mind with hinting at that).

3. When Locke says “Nice bird, arsehole,” I lose it. EVERY TIME. And not just because I have the UK version of the book and the word arsehole is funnier than asshole. Have there been any other places in the books so far where you found yourself laughing out loud, or giggling like a crazy person on the subway?

Oh yes, chuckling for me is part of the book, as well as the shocks. At the moment, I can’t come up with the chuckles part (as I’m still upset with Mr. Lynch). πŸ™‚

4. By the end of this reading section, have your opinions changed about how clever the Bastards are? Do you still feel like they’re “cleverer than all the rest?” Or have they been decidedly outplayed by the Grey King and his Bondsmage?
Oh, they’ve been outplayed. But, as they are all still young, I’m hoping it’s Mr. Lynch’s way of making them learn they are never the smartest thing around and should stop thinking of themselves in such a manner.
Unfortunately, I cannot answer the questions as I would have if I had stopped reading where the read-along stopped for this week.
I mean honestly, did anyone stop who’s first reading this is?

5. I imagine that you’ve probably read ahead, since this was a huge cliffhanger of an ending for the “present” storyline, but I’ll ask this anyway: Where do you see the story going from here, now that the Grey King is thought to be dead?

I now see my point from question 4 is addressed. πŸ™‚ (I didn’t read all the questions ahead before starting to answer them)
Point for Locke for guessing it correctly. I was a bit shocked about the whole drowning thing to be able to coherently think ahead.

6. What do you think of the characters Scott Lynch has given us so far? Are they believable? Real? Fleshed out? If not, what are they lacking?

I find the characters believable enough. What I still struggle with is understanding Locke.

7. Now that you’ve seen how clever Chains is about his “apprenticeships,” why do you think he’s doing all of this? Does he have an endgame in sight? Is there a goal he wants them to achieve, or is it something more emotional like revenge?

Hmm, I have no guesses to offer why Chains might be doing this, and I wouldn’t say revenge is the deal, unless the revenge is againt the state of affairs (ruling families).
This book just opens more and more questions without giving us answers.

The read-along is hosted by these blogs so hop on over and check them out:
The Little Red Reviewer
My Awful Reviews

Dark Cargo

P.S. I’m still upset with Mr. Lynch.

Suzanne Collins: The Hunger Games

World of Books March 20, 2012 Comments: 12

I admit, I am quite late to this party, but what’s even stranger is, how did this party happen without me catching even a hint of its progress?

I mean, considering my taste in books, this one falls right in – except for the freshly discovred post-apocaliptic worlds I used to avoid. That might be the reason. πŸ™‚

Anyway, after hearing about the movie, I checked the books and decided to give it a go at first (luckily for me, there are three).
And here I need to give you a word of advice:
DO NOT start reading that book unless you have enough time to finish it. Reading until 2 am when you have to get up in the morning is not very appropriate if you have to stay awake the whole day after. πŸ™‚

But it’s been a very long time since that happened to me.

So, the story. The basics are probably familiar to everyone interested in either the book or the movie.

What I’m wondering though is whether the movie will be able to display the bleakness of the lives in some of the districts and the non-smiling faces of the contestants (and in some cases aggresive and blood-thirsty).

Possibly the practicality of Katnyss’  character?
The world she lives in calls for practicality if you want to survive. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t have feelings, her family means everything to her but that is also where practicality steps in – she needs to keep them alive and well.
She’s as strong a girl (she’s 16) as you could imagine.

I must say I’m wondering which parts of the book are not going into the movie, and also how are some parts I’d like to see transfered onto the screen possibly being delivered?

I plan on seeing the movie and then reading the following 2 books (if I can wait that long). πŸ™‚

I can’t help but wonder if someone will be able to do something to bring down the awful world they live in.

Locke Lamora read-along, part 2.

Uncategorized March 17, 2012 Comments: 20

This weeks read-along questions were posed by Susan from the Dark Cargo and here are my answers:

1) Do you think Locke can pull off his scheme of playing a Midnighter who is working with Don Salvara to capture the Thorn of Camorr? I mean, he is now playing two roles in this game – and thank goodness for that costume room the Gentlemen Bastards have!

Ok, for me the answer to this question is something that solely is author’s choice. I’d say Locke can pull it off by taking into account his previous (and further) accomplishments but you never know what obstacles might be put in his way by the author.

2) Are you digging the detail the author has put into the alcoholic drinks in this story?

I’m always digging any alcohol details. πŸ˜€

3) Who is this mysterious lady Gentlemen Bastard Sabetha and what does she mean to Locke?

I’m wondering the same thing, and this being my first reading, I’m wondering if she will even appear in the book – although I’m guessing at some point the childhood parts will catch up with the beginning of Locke’s adult life, so I hope Sabetha will appear at some point.

4) Are you as creeped out over the use of Wraithstone to create Gentled animals as I am?

Oh yes I am. What I’m left wondering if that is really so easy to accomplish, how come nobody uses it as punishment? Or just for showing their evilness?

5) I got a kick out of child Locke’s first meeting with Capa Barsavi and his daughter Nazca, which was shortly followed up in the story by Barsavi granting adult Locke permission to court his daughter! Where do you think that will lead? Can you see these two together?

Nope, I have a hard time seeing them together – but then again, it’s too early to say so in the story.

6) Capa Barsavi is freaked out over rumors of The Gray King and, in fact, us readers are privy to a gruesome torture scene. The Gray King is knocking garristas off left and right. What do you think that means?

I must say I have no idea what will be the Gray King’s part of the story (which makes it a good story for me, I hate it when I already think I know what will happen and it proves correct). Although, as soon as I saw the mention of the Gray King, I knew it was him following Locke’s troop in their shenanigans.

7) In the Interlude: The Boy Who Cried for a Corpse, we learn that Father Chains owes an alchemist a favor, and that favor is a fresh corpse. He sets the boys to figuring out how to provide one, and they can’t ‘create’ the corpse themselves. How did you like Locke’s solution to this conundrum?

Ingenious! Especially the part where they earn back the money they needed to pay for the corpse. πŸ™‚

The read along is hosted by these great blogs:

Little Red Reviewer

Dark Cargo

Ashley at SF Signal

My Awful Reviews