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Notes to myself and anyone else

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Chene, revisited

You just never know, sometimes I end up loving the ones I didn't like at first. I'm talking about Serge Lutens Chene. I wore it a few more times and pretty quickly fell in love, and now I have a full bottle on the way. Way to splurge! No more big perfume purchases for me for a while! (yeah, right....)
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Yule Bottle Wish-List

I just have to narrow these down a little. Of course this will probably change when I get my decants. But for now, here's what I'm speculating......   The Nutcracker Midnight Mass The Phoenix In Autumn The Arabian Dance The Russian Dance   BPTP Frankincense & Myrrh bath oil Victorian Virgin With Cherubs bath oil Vespers atmo spray   For gifts: Peacock Queen soap Snow White soap   So, all in all, not too bad or scary. 5 bottles, 2 bath oils, 1 atmo spray, and maybe 2 soaps. Of course, I may be adding more to that list after trying decants and reading reviews. We shall see.
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Yule breakdown!

BPAL Yule breakdown 2010......”interest scale” of 1-5   Edited after more thought, 10/23 (bold means decant ordered)   Klara....”Honey dusting powder, mandarin, iris, ylang ylang, tea rose, and carnation” Pass. 1/5   Herr Drosselmeyer 2010....”Pipe smoke, sweet leather, woods and linen” Pass. Never was very interested in this one. 2/5   Harlequin And Columbine.....”French vanilla, red currant, sage, balsam, rosewood, mandarin, lemon peel, pomegranate, and cedar” Probably pass, maybe a decant. 3/5   The Soldier.....”Red musk, vanilla cream, black tea, black pepper, leather, and pie” Has potential but I don’t like black pepper in perfume. Makes me think of Lawn Gnome? I think I'll have to try this, so I guess I need to look for a decant. 4/5   Grobvater Tanz.....”rice porridge, candied fruits, heavy cream, powdered clove, and Lebkuchen” Have to find out what Lebkuchen is. This might be good, I have been wanting a candied fruit scent lately. 4/5   The Nutcracker.....”frankincense, black mission fig, and galbanum” Oooh, this sounds good....I’m not always crazy about galbanum but it can be okay in the right proportions. Love the simplicity. This is possibly a bottle unsniffed. Thinking about it today. 5/5   The Clock Strikes Midnight.....black currant, frankincense, blue musk, mugwort, and wisteria” Awww....I love the name and concept! Too bad the notes don’t appeal. Might be worth a sniff. 2/5   The Rat King 2010.....”Dust, wood and feral musk with a fang-sharp undertone” Never was really interested in this one. Might be worth a sniff. 2/5   The Waltz Of The Snowflakes.....”vanilla-laced snow, graceful and sweet, with fir needle and black pine bark” I’m all over the pine! Very interesed! 4/5   Ebenezer Scrooge....”neglected leather, oakmoss, tonka bean, black pepper, cumin, and vetiver” Potential.....but again, black pepper. Hmmm. 3/5   Christmas Eve In The Counting House.....”Creaky wood, thick fog, and dying embers” Hmmm, maybe an ozone scent? Love the concept, I’m interested. 4/5   A World Of Fools......”Figgy pudding with a stake of holly through its heart” Yes! I must smell this. 5/5   Marley’s Ghost.....”grave-cold phantasmal iron links” Well, the metal scents are a little harsh sometimes....too cologne-like....but this does have some potential. Worth a sniff. 3/5   Incessant Torture Of Remorse.....”opopponax, lavender, blackberry, patchouli, olive leaf, myrtle, and white cognac” No clue. There is potential here. 3/5   The Chained Phantoms.....”ice-limned white wine grape, balsam of peru, and chamomile” This sounds good, but it sounds like The Shivering Boy and I already have that, and don’t wear it enough. Possible decant though, pending reviews. 3/5   The First Of The Three Spirits.....”Shimmering white amber, voluminous vanilla, white musk, zdravetz, and summer flowers” Sounds pretty but not really for me. Might still be worth a sniff! 3/5   A Cold, Clear Winter Day.....”Winter tuberoses bending gently in a crisp, cold breeze” I think I can pass on this one. 2/5   The School.....”In the corner of a desolate, dismal schoolhouse, all lonely stone walls, beeswax, and dusty wooden writing desks, stirs the scent of gold coins hidden in forest outside Baghdad, waves crashing against the hull of a Salé pirate ship, the lofty halls of Pépin le Bossu’s court, and a wild child’s home in the woods” Ooooo.....this has a lot of potential.....definitely worth a try. This could be a good 'work' scent, and possible bottle. 4/5   Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball......”Mince pie, dark beer, a well-loved spruce wood fiddle, and bow resin” Sounds really good if the beer is not too strong. 4/5   A Golden Idol.....”antiqued amber, English lavender, vetiver, and tea rose” This would have potential except for the tea rose. No thank you. 2/5   The Second Of The Three Spirits.....”Pine boughs, plum pudding, spiced pears, sugared chestnuts, punch floated with oranges, boughs of holly, and myrica berries” Wow, that sounds awesome. Kind of like Knecht Ruprecht, which I love, but maybe even better? 4/5   Bob Cratchit’s Hearth.....”Glowing firewood and sherry-cobbler” Hmmmm....not even sure what sherry-cobbler is. Is this a boozy scent? Could have a lot of potential if it’s not too boozy. Edit: sherry-cobbler is sherry with orange. Still think this might be good. Reminds me of Philosopher's Meditation. 4/5   Christmas Eve On The Moor.......”Windswept moor grass, grey moss, mud, and stone warmed by a small, comfortable fire” Think I can pass on this one. 2/5   Ignorance And Want.....”Bog myrtle, wormwood accord, carrot seed, lovage, Roman chamomile, orris root, myrrh, and patchouli” I want to try this. Could be another 'work' scent. 4/5   A Game Called Yes & No.....”Mulled wine and marzipan” I think I can pass on this one. It might be nice enough but the mazipan could be a little candy-dusty. 3/5   The Last Of The Spirits.....”Blackcurrant, myrrh, and vetiver” Maybe. Just maybe. 4/5   An Altar To Cold, Rigid, Dreadful Death....”Black cedar, frankincense, and dust” Has potential, might be kind of harsh. 3/5   Shadows Of What May Be.....”A deserted, dismal grave: upturned earth, overgrown grass, and dead weeds” I think I can safely pass on this one. 2/5   Changing The Shadows.....”vanilla, orange blossom, white sandalwood, mate, red tea, and carnation” Sounds very pretty! Maybe a little girlie. Edit: I think this will be one of the more popular, maybe sought-after scents. I will keep an eye on reviews, in case it becomes hard to find some day. Wouldn't want to miss out. 3/5   Whoop.....”crisp winter air, shimmering amber, sweet honey, with a touch of pumpkin pie, pine cone, cranberry, and bayberry” Oooooooh, I want to try this. Sounds totally yum! 5/5   Autumn And Winter.....”Bitter currant and dry leaves. Winter wind at dusk” Might be good......I like leafy scents. Worth a try. Decant first. 4/5   Chanukkiyah 2010.....”Olive oil, beeswax, glowing amber, sweet sufganiyot, pomegranate, and fig” I never tried the previous one. I’d like to try this. 4/5   Egg Nog 2010.....”Sweet brandy, dark rum, heavy cream, sugar, and a dash of nutmeg” The previous Egg Nog that I tried disappeared instantly on my skin leaving behind almost no scent at all. Those notes sound good, but I probably will pass on this. 2/5   Gelt 2010.....”Dry cocoa and golden amber!” I’m not a fan of cocoa scents. My friend really likes this so I know I can always sniff hers if I feel a burning desire to. 2/5   Gingerbread Poppet 2010.....”Warm, cozy gingerbread spiced with nutmeg, clove and cinnamon” The last version of this was just a little harsh for me, a little too scorched. I still have my decant of that and I’ve barely worn it at all. I think I can pass this year. 2/5   Haloa 2010.....”Wine grapes, pomegranate, myrrh, frankincense and olive leaf, and the warm scent of offertory cakes” I love Haloa! Yet another scent that I don’t wear and appreciate often enough. I only have a decant from way back when. Could be time for a bottle? 4/5   Jacob’s Ladder 2010.....”golden amber, galbanum, benzoin, ambrette, rockrose, costus and tonka” I tried this waaay back in 2006, and I remember that it went straight to powder. Now, I have come to appreciate powdery scents a little more. Still, with so many other wonderful things in this update, I think I can pass for now. 2/5   Jolasveinar 2010.....I have enough Jolasveinar. It’s one of my favorite scents and I don’t wear it enough! 1/5 just because I have more than 5ml already.   Lick It Vigorously......”This is a candy cane perfume, minty, sweet and sugared” Never was really drawn to these, although I love the name! 2/5   Midnight Mass 2010.....Possible bottle, one of my favorites. Never bought a bottle before but I have 2 older decants. 4/5   Noche Buena 2010.....still have some of this from before, don’t wear it very often. The lily comes close to being soapy but I still like it. Pass this time around. 2/5   Peacock Queen, Rose Red, and Snow White 2010......have decants already, don’t need more. I do like Snow White an awful lot but I don’t wear it enough get a botte.   Winter-time.....”Sweet, soft snow” Interesting! I would like to sniff this. 3/5   Woods In Winter.....”Wild hemlock and juniper berries scattered in the snow beneath leafless trees bedecked with glittering icicles” I am all about woods! Hope it’s not too much like November. Maybe another 'work' scent. 4/5   Yule 2010.....tried an older one, didn’t like it so much. 2/5   The Last Unicorn......I can skip this whole section. Never read this story so it doesn’t carry any associations for me, and none of the scents sound all that appealing to me.
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bleh.

I have been feeling like crap for the last few days. I don't know what's wrong with me but it reminds me of the way I used to feel when I drank a lot. I've felt kind of spaced out a lot of the time, achey, irritable, about to cry at the drop of a hat, and......just not myself. It really sucks and I don't know if it's the full moon, or if I'm fighting a cold or something, or just allergies, but I don't like this. Do not like this. It's almost like when I had mono, so maybe that is flaring up again. I've read that it can come back after being dormant for a long time (would be years in my case).   Anyway, I apologize for my behavior to anyone who happens to read this.
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Vacation time coming up

I have over a week off work coming up soon. That makes me happy but I also want to make the most of it! I'd like to maybe make a list of things to do. Just fun things, hopefully cheap or free things, too.   I can go to the zoo, of course, but I can do that any time. I live right next to the zoo and I have a yearly pass so it's always free, and I just walk there. This is one thing I'll definitely be doing.   I can go to Newport On The Levee, which has lots of things to do. AMC Movie theater, for one thing, which isn't free or cheap, but is a nice splurge. Also the Newport Aquarium is there. I have a yearly pass for that too, so that is a free option. What would be best is if I could convince someone to go with me instead of going by myself for once!   I really should start walking every day, not just for exercise, but for my mental well-being also. There are more benefits to this, besides just burning calories, but I need that, too.   Thanksgiving falls at the end of the week so I want to find a good recipe, something to make and bring to my mom's. I have a couple ideas but I want to atually try it out first, earlier in the week, so I know for sure I'm making something good. I have so many cookbooks and don't use them enough! I really need to go grocery shopping. My refrigerator and cupboard are bare!   So.....that's all I got right now. I need more things to do!   Thrift shopping Thrift donating Sell some stuff on ebay? Get my camera working again Visit Kevin and Charlie in Columbus....not free but could be cheap Visit Sally Get together with Alan Get together with Luke Visit David Pack Cross-stitch Go to Ikea (but don't spend a whole lot of money?) Organize closets Go out with Jen   Okay.....that's enough for a start. I'll have homework and laundry to do but I was mainly trying to list fun stuff. I mean, it is a vacation, and I can't really go anywhere (mainly because of school and lack of spending money), but I want it to be worth it. And I've had this thing lately where I want to get rid of a lot of this material stuff I've accumulated. I feel like it's encumbering me, if that's the right use of that word. I feel a bit stifled, spiritually. I need room to breathe. I have a fantasy of getting rid of everything and roaming the country. Wouldn't that be awesome? I might do it if I had unlimited funds for travelling and accomodations. I guess I could get really creative and find ways to do it anyway. Something to think about.
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Just to keep track...

Here's what I've ordered from the Yule update, so far.   Decants: Großvater Tanz, The Nutcracker, A World Of Fools, The School, Mr. Fezziwig's Ball, The Second Of The Three Spirits, Bob Cratchit's Hearth, Ignorance And Want, The Last Of The Spirits, Whoop   Autumn & Winter, Haloa, Woods In Winter, Herr Drosselmeyer, Rat King, Ebenezer Scrooge, Christmas Eve In The Counting House, Marley's Ghost, Incessant Torture Of Remorse, Chained Phantoms, Christmas Eve On The Moor, Altar To Cold Rigid Dreadful Death   Bottles: The Waltz Of The Snowflakes (along with The Infernal Lover)
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Sigh of relief

I am finally done with early fall term, and I think I got some good grades. I know I passed CPT coding, which I was really worried about for a while. I was worried because I just wasn't getting it and I bombed a test and a couple quizzes, but I finally got the hang of it more or less, and ended up doing okay. So I am on a short break until late fall term starts (a week from today, I think), and just enjoying that even though I'm at work right now. I placed an order with the lab and I'm impatient for that to arrive, but it won't be here for a couple more weeks. It's just a relief to be done with those 3 classes. For the last 2 or 3 weeks I've been really stressed out and was having trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
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Wolf Moon '11

Well, indecisive as usual....   Wolf Moon '11....."Winter air, Terebinth pine, black spruce, long-dead maple leaves, juniper berry, dusty orris, deep amber, white sandalwood, brown musk, blue cedar, ambrette seed, benzoin, and tonka". I like Wolf Moon '04, and I love Wolf Moon '07, so I pretty much have to get this! It's possible I won't like it as much, or that the brown musk or something else will ruin it for me, but I just have to find out.   Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse...."A voluptuous and brittle blend of lunar oils and white chypre shimmering with darkly glowing red musk, golden amber, black currant, patchouli, rose peppercorn, blackberry, ylang ylang, and daemonorops astride Yuletide’s holly berry, white pine, winter rose, and myrrh". Well, this is quite a mixture of notes, which sound kind of hit and miss for me, and I'm especially concerned about ylang ylang and winter rose. Really have to think about this one. I like the idea of white chypre. I just don't know!   WILF....."Warm fur coupled with red and black musk, vanilla bean, patchouli, champaca flower, juniper berry, chocolate peppermint, frangipani, browned sandalwood, ferntop ash resin, and massoia bark". I typically don't like "fur" scents, or most things with chocolate, or "browned" anything, especially after the failure the was Howl In The Darkness when it touched my skin. But.....but.....it's forum-only! Inspired by Lycanthrope! Will I be able to resist? I don't know!   So that's one pretty definite 'Yes', and two 'I don't know's. Looks like I have some thinking to do!
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Ajmal, Torque

Smells like something from the 80's. A little spicy, woody. Smells good, I can use up my sample and probably forget about it, unless it really grows on me. Not likely....I have a dozen or so other scents that are like this and better.
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Guerlain, Eau de Guerlain

I may have already reviewed this. Citrus, slightly minty, faint. It's nice but I like New York better, and I just got a bottle of that. So I'll use up my sample and be done with it.
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Knize Ten

Acceptable powdery leather scent. BPAL has better. I'll keep the sample unless I think of someone who would like it who I can give it to.
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New York, Parfums de Nicolai

Well, this was a happy discovery for me. Warm, sweet and woody citrus/ambery scent, light in throw, some kind of vanilla sweetness going on, kind of a simple scent, excellent for work. And reasonably priced! Hallelujah! I bought a bottle and this could be my new signature work scent.
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Planning a Lupercalia order (mini breakdown)

First of all, quoting myself:     .....looks like I got my wish with a few of these. I also noticed a fair bit of chypres or chypre-like scents. I'm excited but I think I can narrow these down to just one or two bottles, and maybe a handful of decants. There were quite a few scents that I was able to remove from the list without hesitation.   Color key: Bottle Decant Shimmery Chypre Black text means still up in the air about whether to hunt down a decant, put it on wish list for later, or let it pass by altogether   OLISBOS 2011 – polished wood, well-loved leather, and olive oil. This has possibilities, but I'm not very hopeful. It's a possible decant just to try it because I don't want to rule it out completely. Olive oil will probably make this smell strange and not for me. We'll see, maybe.   RED LANTERN 2011 – Golden amber, blonde tobacco, Sudanese black coconut, rich caramel, black currant, white opium and delphinium laced with a sensual blend of Asian spice. This sounds so sensual and appealing. I'm almost positive I've tried one of the older versions, but I don't own any and I may want a decant this time around.   TIME DOES NOT BRING RELIEF – Remembrance: Parma violet and leather accord with beeswax, Egyptian musk, orange blossom, white tea, lavender, myrrh, and copal. Kind of a half 'n half list of notes, some I like and some I don't like. It's worth a try. I think it could be too soapy or perfumey.     ++ LUPERCALIA: NOVEL IDEAS FOR SECRET AMUSEMENTS   BURNING VULVA – Vanilla-infused amber, leather, beeswax, cyclamen, oakmoss, peru balsam, orange blossom, red ginger, tonka, opoponax, myrrh, and black pepper. This is in the running for a bottle! I will watch the will-call posts for impressions.   COUPLE ENGAGED IN LOVEMAKING – Honey, lemongrass, black tea, white ginger, and grains. Well, this is a possible decant but it might get squeezed out by others with higher priority. There is something appealing in the combination of notes but honey might be a sticking point. I used to think I hated honey in perfume but now I'm not even sure any more. Sometimes it's okay.   COPULATING MICE – Bergamot, clove, hazelnut, pecan, lavender, tonka, and thyme. Perfectly cute scent, would be a good decant choice. I don't like nuts in my perfume but I want to try this. And who knows, it could surprise me.   DANCING KOI – Brown musk, leather accord, toasted sandalwood, clove, labdanum, and champaca. Brown musk worries me but I want a penis scent, and this looks like the one most likely to work for me. Toasted sandalwood in combination with brown musk might be too fuzzy and.....brown. I know I have to try this, for sure, and it might be a bottle purchase.   FESTIVAL MASK – Rubbed sage, ti leaf, osmanthus, immortelle, patchouli, amber, and mandarin. Could be nice, interesting notes, worth a try. Decant but not bottle (unless it surprises me, of course, but that goes for all of these).   HARIGATA II – Coconut, white amber, hazelnut, and anise. See above note about me wanting shimmery white scents. Hello, here is one! Could be odd, but it's worth a try.   LOOSENING OF THE OBI – Rice wine, white sandalwood, vanilla bean, and white musk. Again with the shimmery/white scents for spring. I want to try it!   SPRINGTIME PLAYFULNESS – Green and brown musks, coconut husk, wisteria, lemongrass, hydrangea, cranberry, woody sandalwood, and ripe squash. Hmmmm...another penis possibility (I love trying the penis scents). Can't imagine what this will smell like, so obviously I need to try it, right? That artwork is simply too much. I may have to get it for the label alone. That is high quality comedy.   TEA – Darjeeling tea, lemon verbena, star anise, and honeycomb. Hmmm....sounds like a nice, fresh spring scent. Not my usual thing (and there's that honeycomb.....), but looks to be worth a try.   YOUNG PINE SAPLINGS – Cream, clove, ginger, and honey. Have to really think about this one! I love spicey scents and this looks like a good one. I'm not afraid of the cream as much as the honey, but combined with spices that honey might be tamed. Definitely need to try this one.     ++ LUPERCALIA: ODE TO APHRODITE   APATOUROS – Deceptive One – Black fig, green tea, opoponax, ciste absolute, myrrh, carnation, nutmeg, and Brazilian vetiver. I'm guessing this will have a citrus vibe, grounded by spices and vetiver. It's worth a try but might be too much like some other scents I have. I might have to compare this to some of last year's Lupers that did not work, so I can compare notes and decide if I want to even try it.   APHROGENÊS – Foam Born – Orris root, iris, white honey, white sandalwood, coconut, and cherry blossom. Again with the white and shimmery. I have discovered that I like white sandalwood (I used to think I didn't like it). Yup, probably have to try this one. KYTHERIAN – She Who Conceals Love-Affaris – Black narcissus, purple orchid, neroli, white sandalwood, ambergris, plum musk, jonquil, thyme, oakmoss, and grapefruit. I'm curious bacause this sounds like a floral chypre. It looks interesting.   NIKÊPHOROS – Bringer of Victory – Black currant, patchouli, blood orange, oakmoss, galbanum, benzoin, and white mint. Another chypre? Want to try.     ++ LUPERCALIA: VENUSTAS   MALE NUDE, ARMS UPSTRETCHED – Dark musk, linen, and red chypre. Yes please! My number one choice for immediate bottle purchase, unsniffed. Wasn't there a white chypre in one of the Yule scents? I wish the lab would give us a whole series of chypres of different hues. I'd have to try all of them! MANILUS HURLED FROM THE ROCK – Frankincense, leather accord, sandalwood, Himalayan cedar, nutmeg, and violet leaf. I've been flip-flopping on wanting to try this, but I think I'm going to have to try a decant. I almost want to pass it up but it has just enough potential.   THE RING – Antiqued amber, frankincense, patchouli, hay, oakmoss, skin musk, and white mint. Hmm, another chypre-like scent?? Sounds pretty interesting, and I think I'll definitely have to try this.   WRESTLERS – Vetiver, guiac wood, peru of balsam, two musks, labdanum, saffron, and rum accord. Another must try, but it may not work. This is another scent that I'm having trouble imagining what it will smell like. I'd like to find out!
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Non-bpal wish list

I need a place to keep track of this. These are bottles I want....   Baghari....tried this again, not sure if I need a whole bottle, but it would be good for special occasions. Bleu de Chanel....waiting for delivery! Bois de Iles EDP.....waiting for delivery! Borneo 1834....lovely patchouli Chanel Pour Monsieur (probably the Concentree).....been back and forth on this, wanted the older formula EDT, but the concentree is good too, can't decide which one I like more, or if Heritage would be just as good. Dior Homme Intense......got it! Dior Homme Sport.....I like this because it's more accessible than Dior Homme but I can smell the spirit of Dior Homme in there, underneath the "Sport" part. Would be good for work. Eau de Guerlain.......keep forgetting about this, would love a large bottle! Again, a good one for work! Egoiste.....old formulation.......got it! Encens et Lavende.....this is gorgeous, need to test it a couple more times. Fille en Aiguilles......have wanted a bottle for quite a long time. Just bite the bullet and get it. Heritage (not sure which formulation though).......okay, tried the older formula, and yes it's very good. Bottle would be nice. Jeux de Peau..........scrumptious! Want it! Either this or 5 O'clock Au Gingembre, not sure I would need both.   More to watch for on ebay: Caron's Third Man Guerlain Samsara Platinum Egoiste.....need to at least try it Serge Lutens, Santal Blanc or Santal de Mysore (either or, both maybe)   ......   7/29/11.....don't feel like editing above right now but I want to add these to my wishes/interests.....   Timbuktu Body Kouros Rochas Man Beyond Paradise Men Dior Homme backup Original Santal by Creed Joseph Statkus Eau de Parfum Querelle by Parfumerie Generale
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Last minute Carnaval breakdown, selected possible purchases

Just like the title says. The Carnaval is leaving for a hiatus until maybe later this year. I'm getting a little panicky at the thought of these going bye-bye. These are my possible purchases, out of the whole Carnaval.....   Doc Constantine....."Sheer musk, cedar smoke, fir needle, black amber and leather" I have a partial bottle, and hardly ever wear it. I think I may have enough. I do love this blend, but maybe it will be reformulated when it's brought back, and that is more exciting to me than getting a new bottle right now.   The Parliament of Monsters....."Dust, incense, wet tobacco, and a curl of opium smoke" I had a decant once upon a time, but swapped it away because I didn't love it, and ever since then I've been just a little curious. Maybe I should give it another chance? Possibly, but I think I'll pass for now.   Faiza, the Black Mamba....."A sensual blend of twisting, exotic, serpentine oils: black amber, caraway, oakmoss, green sandalwood, bergamot, jasmine sambac, gardenia, orange pulp, vanilla, blackberry, black musk, white honey, ti leaf, and ginger" Another one that I used to have a decant of but swapped away. I remember it as being complex, lush, and fruity, almost like a deeper cousin of Men Ringing Bells? But there was some funky note that rubbed me wrong. Still, this is the kind of thing I've been in the mood for lately, so it's a possibility.   Stormclouds Over the Midway....."Thunder-charged ozone, plum-colored incense smoke, opium tar, and wormwood" I tried my decant the other day, and it's much better than I remembered, but still didn't last very long. I think I like Midnight On the Midway just a little better and I have plenty of that.   The Torture Queen...."White amber, vanilla musk, white tea, ambergris, gardenia, and chrome" I think I tried this briefly at Moonarcana's house. Still calling to me, although I haven't done anything about it as of yet! Really should just buy it and be done with it.   Sir Hugh Ockram's Winding Sheet....."Rotting linen, white sandalwood, hyssop, and dust" This has never really been on my radar and I've never even sniffed it. Looking now at the description, I think I stand a chance of really liking it. Hmmmm....   ......and that's it. I do want to get Egle as well, so it would be a 2 bottle order of Egle and something from the Carnaval. I think I have about 3 hours to decide..... : /
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Fourreau Noir-Serge Lutens

Fourreau Noir by Serge Lutens......tonka bean, lavender, musk, almond, smoky accents   When I first put this on I could tell right away that it's an unusual, striking creation. I wasn't sure if I actually liked it but, like many other Lutens perfumes, that didn't seem to matter.....just the experience of trying it reminds me of why I got into this habit.   So, up close, Fourreau Noir is a little scary, almost harsh and chemical smelling. It reminds me of hot rubber or maybe leather. But the throw is quite beautiful and I think I mostly get the lavender, but the musk is very nice too. It's almost like what I wanted from Miel de Bois, but in the end couldn't love that one. But I do love this. It also reminds me a bit of the tonka in my beloved Chene but this is more.....what's the word....not really sinister, but more like this has a dark secret. This is more of a dressy occasion type of scent.   *sigh* Only problem is, there are already at least 3 other Lutens that I want full bottles of! Guess I have to add this to the list!
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HALLOWEENIES! (ahem. A breakdown)

So it's that time of year again, the thrills don't stop until Lupers, and sometimes not even then! There's just something wonderful about sitting down to a brand new bpal Halloween update, ready to break it down. This is just one of my favorite things! Onward.....   A Nocturnal Reverie...."Violet musk and oudh with black amber, ambergris, agarwood, black currant, dark musk, fig, and lavender incense". It's funny, I have been wishing for an elegant, chic, purple incense kind of scent, and what do you know....seems like this could be it! I'm pretty sure I need to try this. Probably a decant, first.   Araw Ng Mga Patay....."A cheerful, raucous celebration of life and death: bouquets overflowing with gerbera daisies, waling waling, sampaguita, ylang ylang, hibiscus, night-blooming dama de noche, santan, and everlasting flower with piles upon piles of bibingka, ube halaya, rice muffins, champorado, purple yam cake, and turon, and plates of gooey kalabasa leche flan". Okay, I don't know what most of those notes are. The description makes me think of Diwali, which I do like, but hardly ever wear. I think I can let this one pass, there are many more grabbing my attention.   Autumn Cider...."Fermented apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove, lemon zest, butterscotch liquor, and orange slices". Not sure about this, sounds very rich, and I don't think I'd like a butterscotch liquor note. I have full bottles of Egg Moon, Spicebush Swallowtail, and Plunder, Blood....and probably other spice scents I'm not remembering. I think I can let this one pass.   Boo 2011....."Eerie billows of spun sugar, fluttering white cotton, and sheets of cream". Not really of interest to me but I would sniff it if someone handed it to me!   Devil's Night 2011...."This is the scent of autumn night, fires in the distance, with a touch of boozy swoon, playful sugar and thuggish musk". I love Devil's Night but I never wear it! I still have a mostly full bottle from 2006, and 2 decants from other years, so I think I can pass. But I might like a decant just to compare to other 'vintages'.   Elegy IX: The Autumnal....."Red maplewood, plum leaves, fir needle, wildflower honey, patchouli, hazelnut, and green cognac". Something about this list of notes is quite seductive to me! There are a couple of 'iffy' notes but I love taking a risk and being sweetly rewarded. This is a possible blind buy for me, considering it.   Ghosts In Love....."White sandalwood, tobacco flower, lily of the valley, white carnation, and magnolia blossom with tea rose, labdanum, and oudh". Tea rose and lily of the valley, in the same scent? This would soap me to the moon.   John Barleycorn 2011....."Barley, beer, blood, and whiskey". I am going to pass on this one. No interest in a super-boozey scent. Sounds yucky to me.   La Calavera Catrina....."The Lady of the Graveyard! Autumn leaves, wild roses, bourbon vanilla, dry chamomile, and a bouquet of bright chrysanthemums and Mexican marigolds". Hmmm.....probably a pass for me, just because of the roses, but I wouldn't mind sniffing it if the opportunity presented.   Le Revenant....."A shroud of gardenia, narcissus, and sandalwood with ambrette seed, white cognac, muguet, davana, and white musk". Hmmm.....probably not for me, but I am attracted to the elegant vibe.   Mictecacihuatl 2011..."Copal, precious woods, South American spices, agave nectar, cigar tobacco, and roses". I tried this before and it's not bad, but just a little too much rose for me to truly enjoy. Pass for now.   Nothing But Death....."A dark purple river swelling with tears of rain, damp violets, and specks of bone thick with green scents that speak of mortality: black dried fruits, opopponax, moss, violet leaf and petal, tobacco absolute, saltwater accord, niaouli, and brushed sage". Hmm, more purple incense-y chic? With saltwater? Sounds very interesting, but I think a decant first would be prudent!   October 2011...."Dry, cold autumn wind. A rustle of red leaves, a touch of smoke and sap in the air". I love October, have a bottle from the first time it was released, and just never wear it, for some stupid reason. I'm tempted to get another bottle but I think it might be edged out by other new stuff.   Pumpkin Latte 2011...."Espresso, pumpkin syrup, smoky vanilla bean, milk, raw sugar, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg". I have a decant from last year and I think I tried it twice. Maybe I should try it again but it's not the kind of scent I'm after this year. It was too strong and sweet.   Pumpkin Princess....."Bright, sweet pumpkin with vanilla fluff, guava, chocolate-dusted white amber, tiare, red currant, raw honey, and meringue". So cute! I'd love a decant, but I know I don't need a whole bottle.   Samhain 2011...."Truly the scent of autumn itself -- damp woods, fir needle, and black patchouli with the gentlest touches of warm pumpkin, clove, nutmeg, allspice, sweet red apple and mullein". I have been thinking about another bottle for my collection, one of the few scents that I have multiple bottles (and decants, too). I don't wear it much but it truly is....the scent of autumn itself. Probably one of my top 5 bpal scents, ever.   Samhainophobia 2011....."Menacing Haitian vetiver, patchouli, and clove with a shock of bourbon geranium, grim oakmoss, and dread-inspiring balsams pierce the innocuous scent of autumn leaves". I have a bottle from 2006, and I have worn it quite a few times, and always end up getting tired of it. It's very strong and lasts and lasts. There's something not quite right to me, and maybe it's the geranium, because I usually don't like that note. Who knows, but I think I'll pass.   Sonnet D'Automne...."Tenebrous Love: a shivering white musk with vanilla-infused white cocoa, amber incense, and dead, dry leaves". Oh, this sounds beautiful. In my mind I'm convinced that it will be great! Seriously thinking of a whole bottle, unsniffed.   The Vampire Bride...."Icy skin touched by a perfume of violet leaf, white tea, olibanum, elemi, myrrh, wormwood, crypt dust, and saffron with a dribble of blood red musk". Hmmm, very interesting, but I'm having trouble imagining how those notes will all fit together. I'm intrigued. I may have to find a decant.   The Nymphae Avernales...."The nymphs of the Underworld: pomegranate, lilac musk, red rose, red sandalwood, honey, and frankincense". I am not a big fan of pomegranate, and with the red rose I guess I can skip this one.   Regina Erebi...."The Queen of Hell: pomegranate, spear mint, black mulberry, and myrrh". I'm weirdly attracted to this, even though I don't like the smell of spearmint, and myrrh is about the only note listed that I do like. Thinking about a decant, for some strange reason.   Askalaphos...."The daimon that tends the orchards of the Underworld: pomegranate, wonder-flowers, asphodel, and black soil". I am pretty sure I can pass on this one!   The Silver Apple Of The Moon...."White apple with orris, agave nectar, moonflower, white sandalwood, and lotus root". Not a big fan of apple scents, but I do like white sandalwood, and I think I like moonflower but I'm not sure. Sounds like it could be soapy or too floral. I'm undecided on this one.   The Golden Apple Of The Sun...."Golden apple with amber, hibiscus, carnation, frankincense, golden spiced tea, ginger, and champaca flower". Mixed feeling on this one....I like the list of notes but at the same time, I feel like it's a kind of scent I've smelled before and never end up liking much. Undecided.   The Black Apple Of Saturn...."Dried Arkansas black apple, opoponax, cypress, myrrh, tobacco absolute, quince, black musk, and galbanum". The most interesting of the apple scents to me, this is a possible decant. Not sure yet.   The Green Apple Of Venus...."Sweet green apple, apple blossom, sweet strawberry, pink pomegranate, violet leaf, tea rose, and red sandalwood". Never have wanted a scent with strawberry, and not a fan of tea rose either. I shall pass!   The Glittering Apple Of The Stars...."Heirloom Malus, ylang ylang, white and blue musks, crystallized vanilla, tiare, frangipani, and bergamot". Not much of interest to me here. I'll skip it.   The Changeling...."Blonde wood, linen swaddling, pumpkin rind, and bourbon vanilla". I'm kind of interested in how these play together, and I may seek out a decant.   Death Embraces A Young Maiden...."Three dry white sandalwoods with gurjum balsam, guiac wood, ambergris accord, and tea rose". Gurjum balsam sounds like something that has turned out bad before, and paired with tea rose I'm going to say........pass.   Expressive Head...."Teakwood, patchouli, green pepper, clove, white cognac, vetiver, and champaca absolute". Wow. That's quite an image! And quite a weird list of notes. Maybe a decant.   Garden Of Death...."A harvest of plants that symbolize death in myriad cultures: belladonna accord, iris petals, red poppy, acanthus, manioc, parsley, yam, urd bean, chrysanthemum, acacia, and cypress wood rooted in dark, rich loam". Hmmm....I dunno. Sounds very complex and I'm not really feelin' it, for some reason. But for all I know it might be awesome. Undecided.   An Incubus Leaving Two Sleeping Women...."Vanilla-infused white honey, magnolia, skin musk, ylang ylang, and beeswax with patchouli, olibanum, kurundu, and a feral brown musk". Ylang ylang and brown musk are a turn off, and together the whole list of notes sounds....odd to me. Undecided for sure but probably I will pass.   La Morte: Mon ironie depasse toutes les autres!....."Pomegranate accord, red rose accord, opopponax, benzoin, champaca flowers, and star anise". Not really interested in pomegranate and rose.   The Mandrake Charm...."Mandrake root, olibanum, myrrh, hyssop, basil linalool, and lemongrass". I think I'll probably pass, but I'm not completely sure. It could be great. Sounds kind of like a spring scent to me? Come to think of it, a lot of these Halloweenies sound kind of springy. Undecided.   Muse Of The Night...."A soft, resinous indigo musk with black currant, ylang ylang, Tunisian jasmine, opoponax, rose otto, benzoin, Tahitian vanilla bean, and opium tar". That painting is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. But I just can't get excited about the notes. I might have to get a decant just because I love the art.   The Night Hag Visiting The Lapland Witches...."Black sandalwood, woodsmoke, Terebinth pine, blue cypress, styrax, frankincense, chamomile maroc, and nutmeg". This is the kind of thing I was after last year, and before that....but now it makes me think of The Montauk Project which I never wear. Undecided but I may get a decant.   Nightmare...."Vanilla-soaked linen accord with lavender, opium poppy, Moroccan jasmine, golden amber, white honey, and blackened fruit gums". Ah yes, a very familiar painting, it reminds me of the movie Gothic. This is what I love about all the Salon scents....I want to smell this concept in a perfume. Might be a decant.   Post-Mortem Laureatus...."White sandalwood and twining ivy". I always love the idea of the dual-note scents! And I happen to like these two notes, so this is absolutely worth a try. Probably a decant.   Sentimental Initiation...."Red and black musks with bamboo, myrrh, bitter clove, patchouli, vanilla orchid, and king mandarin". Could be great but I don't know....I might like a decant just to try. The notes sound like they don't really go together for some reason. Maybe a decant.   The Triumph Of Death...."East Indian black patchouli, red sandalwood, dark musk, peru balsam, ambrette seed, vetiver, and ambergris accord". The list of notes does sound great, except I think balsam sometimes turns against me. Still, this is definitely worth a try and I might get a decant.   The Gorobble....."A scent redolent of the crusty exterior of burnt marshmallows". Strange....interesting.....kind of want a decant, but my decant list is getting long.....   The Seekim...."Cacao absolute, hay, black pepper, patchouli, and incense ash". Another very interesting list of notes. I may have to try it. Sounds clever and weird, maybe something really different.   The Ta-Ta...."Boiled leather, carnation blossom, coffee absolute, and tobacco". More weird notes.....this one is not calling to me. The notes don't sound good together but I will watch reviews.   The Two-Tailed Sogg...."Pink grapefruit, swamp moss, green musk, orris root, cypress, and honey". More weirdness. Maybe not for me.   The Wiley Grasser...."Pine needles, wildflowers, and cotton candy". Too, too weird. I kind of want to sniff this but I doubt I'd end up liking it? Maybe??   The Zoom...."Lime juice, bergamot, Himalayan cedarwood, helichrysum, and dragon’s blood resin". Okay, getting to the end of this breakdown and my mind is a little worn out from all the possibilities!! This one is just not calling to me. Not a huge fan of cedar and I don't really feel like a citrus scent right now. I'll watch reviews and perhaps change my mind.   Blood Moon 2011...."A Lunacy inspired by the magnificently morbid fantasies of Edgar Allan Poe: laudanum-stained linen scented by an ink-smeared tobacco musk and phantom bloodstains illuminated by monstrous moonlight". Blood Moon has been hit-and-miss for me, and this one looks to be totally unrelated to the previous ones? So, I'm just not sure. This is one of those wild cards that I may order at the last minute just because I don't want it to get past me. I am attracted by the description, I have to admit.
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Halloween breakdown, 2011...the sequel.

The update so nice, I have to break it down twice!   I had so many wild cards and maybes I have to go over this again. This time I'll leave out the definite passes.   Blood Moon 2011...."A Lunacy inspired by the magnificently morbid fantasies of Edgar Allan Poe: laudanum-stained linen scented by an ink-smeared tobacco musk and phantom bloodstains illuminated by monstrous moonlight". Since this is a totally different Blood Moon, doesn't seem much point to comparing it to the older ones. Actually, the description reminds me a lot of Male Nude, Arms Upstretched, which I already have. I am attracted to the laudanmu note because I really enjoy the sassafras of Laudanum, the GC scent. So........yeah, still undecided on this one. : /   A Nocturnal Reverie...."Violet musk and oudh with black amber, ambergris, agarwood, black currant, dark musk, fig, and lavender incense". Looks promising, but could tip the scale over into sweet and fruity. Probable decant.   Boo 2011....."Eerie billows of spun sugar, fluttering white cotton, and sheets of cream". I might try to track down a half decant or sniffie. I may have tried this at Moonarcana's house but I can't remember.   Devil's Night 2011...."This is the scent of autumn night, fires in the distance, with a touch of boozy swoon, playful sugar and thuggish musk". Might like a decant just to compare to other 'vintages'.   Elegy IX: The Autumnal....."Red maplewood, plum leaves, fir needle, wildflower honey, patchouli, hazelnut, and green cognac". This is the kind of scent that is promising but could go either way. I love picking out one or two scents to gamble on a full bottle, unsniffed, just to surprise myself. I'm really curious about this!   Nothing But Death....."A dark purple river swelling with tears of rain, damp violets, and specks of bone thick with green scents that speak of mortality: black dried fruits, opopponax, moss, violet leaf and petal, tobacco absolute, saltwater accord, niaouli, and brushed sage". The combination of aquatic and other stuff makes me think of Eanach Dhuin, for some reason, even though they don't really share any notes. Well, I have that one already and never wear it. Still undecided, may have to try a decant.   October 2011...."Dry, cold autumn wind. A rustle of red leaves, a touch of smoke and sap in the air". Maybe a decant? I love my old bottle, and I really just am curious if the new one is different or the same.   Pumpkin Princess....."Bright, sweet pumpkin with vanilla fluff, guava, chocolate-dusted white amber, tiare, red currant, raw honey, and meringue". Well, I do love Pumpkin Queen, so I think I want a decant of the Princess.   Samhain 2011...."Truly the scent of autumn itself -- damp woods, fir needle, and black patchouli with the gentlest touches of warm pumpkin, clove, nutmeg, allspice, sweet red apple and mullein". Possible bottle but I can wait on this one. The Halloweenies will be up for a while and this one isn't urgent, but I kind of want a bottle to go with my collection of Samhain bottles and decants.   Sonnet D'Automne...."Tenebrous Love: a shivering white musk with vanilla-infused white cocoa, amber incense, and dead, dry leaves". Pretty sure this is a bottle for me, without trying first. Sounds really lovely.   The Vampire Bride...."Icy skin touched by a perfume of violet leaf, white tea, olibanum, elemi, myrrh, wormwood, crypt dust, and saffron with a dribble of blood red musk". Kind of curious....maybe a decant....having trouble anticipating what this would smell like, but I like the description.   The Black Apple Of Saturn...."Dried Arkansas black apple, opoponax, cypress, myrrh, tobacco absolute, quince, black musk, and galbanum". This is the apple scent that stands out to me, possible decant but it might get edged out. Just too much in one update and I can't try everything!   The Changeling...."Blonde wood, linen swaddling, pumpkin rind, and bourbon vanilla". Too tantalizing to pass up. Probably a decant.   Expressive Head...."Teakwood, patchouli, green pepper, clove, white cognac, vetiver, and champaca absolute". Possible decant.....undecided.....could be good but might not work for me. Wild card.   Muse Of The Night...."A soft, resinous indigo musk with black currant, ylang ylang, Tunisian jasmine, opoponax, rose otto, benzoin, Tahitian vanilla bean, and opium tar". I'm in love with the painting, and so I want a decant.   The Night Hag Visiting The Lapland Witches...."Black sandalwood, woodsmoke, Terebinth pine, blue cypress, styrax, frankincense, chamomile maroc, and nutmeg". Very curious, but it could be too strong or sharp. Makes me think of Montauk Project which I have and don't wear. Probable decant because it has huge potential.   Nightmare...."Vanilla-soaked linen accord with lavender, opium poppy, Moroccan jasmine, golden amber, white honey, and blackened fruit gums". Very curious, very promising, probably a decant.   Post-Mortem Laureatus...."White sandalwood and twining ivy". The thing I like about this, is that the will-call reviews so far are all over the place. It's like everyone smelled a different scent. And I like the notes so this is another probable decant.   Sentimental Initiation...."Red and black musks with bamboo, myrrh, bitter clove, patchouli, vanilla orchid, and king mandarin". Another wild card but sounds promising. Undecided.   The Triumph Of Death...."East Indian black patchouli, red sandalwood, dark musk, peru balsam, ambrette seed, vetiver, and ambergris accord". Again...not sure....maybe a decant. Sounds kind of 'been there done that', and I'm interested in some different things this time around.   The Gorobble....."A scent redolent of the crusty exterior of burnt marshmallows". Interesting, possible decant but I'm more interested in the burnt part than the marshmallow part. Undecided but possible decant.   The Seekim...."Cacao absolute, hay, black pepper, patchouli, and incense ash". Very, very interested. The description makes me think L'Instant de Guerlain pour Homme, or Serge Lutens' Chergui, because of the cacao and hay. So, I'm excited that this could be an elegant unisex perfume. Probably a decant.   The Ta-Ta...."Boiled leather, carnation blossom, coffee absolute, and tobacco". Could be a hidden gem....not much into leather scents but there is potential for this to work for me. Watching reviews for now.
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Yule breakdown (initial)

Wheee! Keeping in mind, we still have an anniversary update coming.   OAK MOON – Eternally evolving, blooming in power and grace: acorns, oak leaves, oak bark, and oak sap rising through a mist of traditional lunar oils. Yes! I'm pretty sure I need this. One of my favorite perfumes is Chene by Serge Lutens, so Oak Moon is kind of a no-brainer for me, hope I really like it.   ++ YULE 2011 AUTUMN AND WINTER 2011 – Bitter currant and dry leaves. Winter wind at dusk. Hated this last year, smelled like piercing bathroom cleaner. Sorry.   CHANUKKIYAH 2011 – Olive oil, beeswax, glowing amber, sweet sufganiyot, pomegranate, and fig. One of those things that I've always wanted to try, but never got around to. Decant, maybe.   CLOTH OF GOLD – Vibrant yellow petals bursting exultantly through a patch of snow. I never really fall in love with the snow and flower scents, probably pass on this one.   DIABLE EN BOÎTE 2011 – A strangely sinister, unnerving holiday scent: redwood, bitter clove, tonka, hemp accord, and tobacco with peach blossom, black currant, and red musk. The notes look interesting, can't remember why I wasn't interested before. Will have to look up some reviews.   DUST OF SNOW – Snowflakes and hemlock leaves with snowdrop, iris, and Peruvian lily. Sounds soapy, especially the lily. Pass.   EGG NOG 2011 – Sweet brandy, dark rum, heavy cream, sugar, and a dash of nutmeg. I have an older decant, smells like slightly spicy air on me. Pass.   FROST AT MIDNIGHT – The liberating glory of nature, a celebration of wildness of spirit: fierce musk and immortelle, clary sage and oud, terebinth pine and ambrette seed, ivy and tobacco, honeysuckle and orange blossom. Sounds interesting, might be a bit harsh. Will watch for reviews.   GELT 2011 – A bounty of chocolate coins! Dry cocoa and golden amber! I can safely pass!   HALÔA 2011 – Wine grapes, pomegranate, myrrh, frankincense and olive leaf, and the warm scent of offertory cakes. I have enough of this, especially since I never wear it. I like it, though. Pass this time.   JACOB’S LADDER 2011 – The meeting of Heaven and Earth: golden amber, galbanum, benzoin, ambrette, rockrose, costus and tonka. Maybe it's time to try this again, since my tastes have changed so much since I first tried it in '06. I'll have to think about it.   JÓLASVEINAR 2011 – Their scent is a mishmash of snow, dirt, Icelandic moss, marsh felwort, and the smushed petals of buttercups and moorland spotted orchids, with the barest hint of the scent of pilfered Christmas pastries. Another one that I have, like, and never wear. What's up with that?? Pass this year unless the reviews are really different.   LICK IT DISCREETLY – This year's minty double ententre! A sticky, chilly peppermint candy cane with sweet vanilla and an extra jolt of sugar. What will we see next year, Lick It On The Down Low?? LOL! Pass, not my thing.   MAISON EN PAIN D'ÉPICES – This is the scent of a freshly assembled gingerbread house, with swirls of multicolored icing, spice drop lights, meringue snow, pinwheel mint accents, chocolate roof tiles, candy wafer pavers, and jelly candy stained glass. We used a French translation for ‘gingerbread house’ as the name to make it sound fancier. French adds +40% Fancy! Well, this is a possibility, but it's one of those things that sounds good, but I may end up not wearing. Will have to think about it.   MIDNIGHT MASS 2011 – This perfume is a traditional Roman Catholic sacramental incense, most often used during a Solemn Mass. Traditionally, five tears of this incense, each encased individually in wax that has been fashioned into the shape of a nail, are inserted into the paschal candle. This is, of course, represents the Five Wounds of Our Risen Savior. Symbolically, the burning of the incense signifies spiritual fervor, the fragrance itself inspires virtue, and the rising smoke carries our prayers to God. I do not need more Midnight Mass.   MIDWINTER’S EVE 2011 – A melancholy, deep scent, poignant and brimming with nostalgia. The perfume of sugared plums over a breeze of winter flowers. I do not need to try this again.   NOCHA BUENA 2011 – A celebration of the Nativity: the light, uplifting incense of the Misa de Noche Buena, purple sage, and a vibrant bouquet of plumeria, chrysanthemum, tuberose, Angel's Trumpet, Mexican tiger lily, dahlia, and azucenas. I have either a decant or bottle of this already, and don't really wear it. Pass. That seems to be a recurring theme here.   ÖNDURDIS – The Ski Lady, jötunn goddess of winter, bowhunting, mountains, and skiing. The scent of winter wind blowing over snow-capped mountains. Well, hmm....worth a try. Possible decant.   PEACOCK QUEEN 2011 – In dramatic contrast to the soft innocence of Snow White and the dew-kissed freshness of her sister, Rose Red, this is a blood red, voluptuous rose, velvet-petaled, at the height of bloom. Haughty and imperious, vain, yet incomparably lovely to the eye, but thick with thorns of jealousy, pride and hatred. I really don't need to try this again. Pass.   PINK SNOWBALLS 2011 –A lighthearted winter scent: chilly vanilla rose snowballs! Dainty, soft, and certainly unfit for flinging! Pass. Still have an old decant.   PUMPKIN MASALA ROOIBOS – Rooibos tea with red ginger, green cardamom, fennel, peppercorns, almond, and licorice, sweetened with coconut sugar and jaggery. This is a possibility but the sugar and spice scents don't always work for me (see Egg Moon and Spicebush Swallowtail). Worth a decant but I won't get my hopes up.   ROSE RED 2011 – The perfected winter rose, dew covered and freshly cut. I like Rose Red but never, ever wear my old decant. Pass.   SNOW WHITE 2011 – A chilly, bright perfume: flurries of virgin snow, crisp winter wind and the faintest breath of night-blooming flowers. Don't need more Snow White. Pass.   SUGAR COOKIE 2011 – The Devil's Bake Sale returns! Never been interested in this one. Pass.   WINTER HEAVENS – Black midnight winter skies glittering with points of light: chill air, champaca flower, white musk, fir needle, papyrus reeds, and grey amber. Could be interesting, could be soapy. Worth a possible decant. Maybe.   WOODS IN WINTER 2011 – Wild hemlock and juniper berries scattered in the snow beneath leafless trees bedecked with glittering icicles. I get this one confused with Snow Storm, which I actually like better. This scent is very earthy and cold without a drop of warmth or sweetness. I think my decant from last year is enough for me.   YELLOW SNOWBALLS – Because I am very, very crass this year. Slushy white mint, vanilla cream, lemon drops, grapefruit, and yuzu! I want a bottle of this to give to my mom! She would laugh.   YULE 2011 – It is Yule, and the Holly King has slain the Oak: blood red holly berry, mistletoe, wild thyme, verbena, cinquefoil, hemp, winter rose, evergreen, frankincense, juniper, and myrrh. Didn't like this when I tried it, pass.   ++ FRANKENSTEIN AMIABLE AND LOVELY CREATURES – honey and rosewater with fig, patchouli, night-blooming jasmine, and white almond. Kind of turned off fig after The Nutcracker, pass but I'll watch reviews.   BEAUTIFUL AND ADORED – rose musk, white gardenia, English pear, vanilla bean, red currant, and honey. Pass.   A BLOT UPON THE EARTH – black plum, Spanish moss, opoponax, davana, vetiver, and opium poppy. I'd like to try this, it sounds rather promising, but who knows.   BREATHLESS HORROR – icy white musk and thick olibanum with niaouli, carrot seed, white mint, and camphor. Pass, I think. Something else had niaouli but I can't remember what. I'll watch reviews of this.   A COMPANION OF THE SAME NATURE – skin musk, red rose petals, mums, carnations, white linen, and sunlit amber on a bed of soft dry leaves. Sigh.....probably pass, not 100% sure though.   THE COUNTRY OF ETERNAL LIGHT – icy wind, depth hoar, and frost-limned lichen. Might be kind of nice, might be kind of soapy. Not sure about this one, but sigh....yet another icy scent? Eh.   DAYS AND NIGHTS IN VAULTS AND CHARNEL HOUSES – grave soil, necrophagous insect chitins, moss, mold, dried blood, rot, dirt-smeared wool, and sweat-drenched citrus lilac aftershave. Sounds rather horrid, will watch reviews of this one.   THE DEEPEST MYSTERIES OF CREATION – wild frankincense, rose otto, hyssop, and oude. Pass. Thankfully I have not caught oude fever like so many.   A DENSE AND FRIGHTFUL DARKNESS – black musk, vetiver, myrrh, opoponax, hemp, crushed sage, oakmoss, and tobacco. Don't know, could be nice, will watch reviews, maybe a decant.   A DREARY NIGHT OF NOVEMBER – bone-white sandalwood, ink-black vetiver, Spanish moss, bitter clove, beeswax, and lotus root. Sounds like a strange one. I'll watch reviews.   THE HORRORS OF MY SECRET TOIL – vetiver and rose. Eh, no. Pass.   INEXTINGUISHABLE HATRED – red ginger and black opoponax with black pepper, stinging neroli, myrrh, and tobacco absolute. Sounds harsh. Will watch reviews.   INSUPPORTABLE MISERY – violet leaf, saffron, gunpowder tea, bruised lilac, and despairing lavender. Not calling to me. I will watch reviews with interest.   THE MOON GAZED ON MY MIDNIGHT LABOURS – Moroccan musk, black opium poppy, clove, and orris root. Now this, this could be interesting. I'll have to think about this one.   MOCKING THE INVISIBLE WORLD WITH ITS OWN SHADOWS – olibanum and murky ambergris accord with verbena, white sandalwood, and wisteria. Olibanum scares me, makes me think of one of the Gaiman scents that was horrible on me, either Ligur or Hastur or whatever they're called, I always get them confused. Will probably avoid this.   PALE STUDENT OF UNHALLOWED ARTS – fading Georgian cologne and split O3 molecules. I think there was some chatter surrounding this one, I'm kind of interested but the notes aren't calling me? We'll see.   PRIDE OF WISDOM – Roman chamomile, rosehips, ginseng, and fig. Ginseng stinks. Not crazy about chamomile, either. And fig....touch and go. I'll watch reviews.   THE REWARD OF MY BENEVOLENCE – boneflower, olive blossom, white sandalwood, clary sage, Himalayan cedar, and oakmoss Boneflower? I think not. Sounds soapy and/or papery, especially with white sandalwood. I'll read reviews.   SOLITARY AND ABHORRED – carrot seed, East Indian patchouli, white tea, and peru balsam. Could be interesting, sort of on my radar, but I'm not going to rush to get a decant. We'll see.   SORROWFUL AFFECTION – lily of the valley, tuberose, pink carnation, green tea absolute, orange zest, bourbon geranium, and blue musk. Nah, pass.   TILL DEATH – white rose, black locust blossom, French magnolia, globe amaranth, iris root, and honeysuckle. Hell to the naw.   A TORRENT OF LIGHT – eucalyptus petals, white mint, white amber, and ozone. Does not sound appealing.   WORKSHOP OF FILTHY CREATION – electricity-scarred cypress beams, ancient stone slabs, damp metal, the coppery tang of coagulating blood, and ozone. Pass.   ++THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL THE LAST EVENING OF THE YEAR – Snow settling on cold skin, tea rose petals, and dusty, threadbare linen. Pass.   COLDER AND COLDER – Peppermint, spearmint, white musk, and elemi settling into a deepening darkness. Pass.   A WONDEFUL LIGHT – Three radiant ambers with honey, linden blossom, bourbon vanilla, and orange zest. Pass, possible decant but pass for now.   THE MOST MAGNIFICENT CHRISTMAS TREE – Spruce pine with hints of silver birch and warm, dark woods. I want a decant.   THOUSANDS OF LIGHTS – Indian ambrette seed, beeswax, champaca flower, saffron, Italian bergamot, frankincense, oak bark, and vanilla orchid. I want to try this because the notes resemble Egoiste. Possible decant.   IN BRIGHTNESS AND IN JOY – Divine mercy: sweet winter berry, orange blossom, frankincense, golden sandalwood, angel's trumpet, and red rose. Sounds pretty, possible decant, even with the rose.   THE COLD HOUR OF DAWN – Esprit de eucalyptus, blue musk, davana, frosty iris, and tagetes. Pass again!
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Yule 2015 breakdown

THE BEAR PRINCE
Shaggy fur, snow-flecked and rose-touched.
I am interested, but I will have to read some reviews first. Bit of a wild card.
CHANUKKIYAH
Olive oil, beeswax, glowing amber, sweet sufganiyot, pomegranate, and fig.
Nah, never had an interest in this one.

THE CROSS OF SNOW
Cypress, Spanish moss, and clove bud with labdanum, Italian bergamot, and white tobacco flower.
This sounds nice until I get to white tobacco flower - I have a feeling that will be soapy on me. I'll read reviews.

DED MOROZ
Light, darkness, kindness, and malice: golden amber, white amber, redwood, teak, bois du rose, sage, tree moss, and snow.
1 bottle is enough. I do like this one.

DIABLE EN BOÎTE
A strangely sinister, unnerving holiday scent: redwood, bitter clove, tonka, hemp accord, and tobacco with peach blossom, black currant, and red musk.
I haven't been interested in the past, I will read some reviews but for some reason the peach blossom turns me off. It doesn't sound like it goes with those other notes. Perhaps I am wrong.

EL DIA DE LOS REYES
Hot cocoa with cinnamon, coffee, and brown sugar.
I had a decant once upon a time, wasn't crazy about it. Too gritty or something.

FAUNALIA
The scent of a thick, starlit, unspoiled forest, with a burst of wild musk, opobalsamum, black bryony, mandragora, and hemlock.
Sounds good, but I already have a decant somewhere, tried it and it didn't work all that well for me at the time. Maybe I'll dig it up and try again (if I still have it, which I'm not sure of).

FRAU HOLLE
Snow-covered pines, witches herbs, bestial musk, flax, and ethereal flowers that represent both birth and death.
Pretty much same as what I wrote for Faunalia above.
GELT
A bounty of chocolate coins! Dry cocoa and golden amber!
Nah - not interested in this one. It smells good on my friend Moonarcana, though.
IN WINTER IN MY ROOM
Pink, lank, and warm: grapefruit, yuzu, tuberose, peony, violet leaf, pikaki, Indian frankincense, and tonka.
Hmm, I'd try this if it was in front of me but I'm not going to pursue it. Just not grabbing me.

KRAMPUS
Sinister red musk, black leather, dusty rags, and wooden switches.
Yes! I want a bottle. I have a decant from a few years ago and I've always liked it.

LA BEFANA
Candy charcoal, winter lilies, parma violet, a sprig of cypress, a poof of chimney dust, and holiday sweets.
Again - I have a decant somewhere, wasn't crazy about it. Maybe will try it again but not really on my radar.

La Cloche fêlée
- - -
Bitter and sweet it is on these long winter nights
To sit before the fire and watch the smoking log
Beat like a heart; and hear our lost, our mute delights
Call with the carillons that ring out in the fog.
What certitude, what health, sounds from that brazen throat,
In spite of age and rust, alert! O happy bell,
Sending into the dark your clear religious note,
Like an old soldier crying through the night, "All's well!"
I am not thus; my soul is cracked across by care;
Its voice, that once could clang upon this icy air,
Has lost the power, it seems, - comes faintly forth, instead,
As from the rattling throat of a hurt man who lies
Beside a lake of blood, under a heap of dead,
And cannot stir, and in prodigious struggling dies.
- Charles Baudelaire, translation by Edna St. Vincent Millay
A new interpretation, inspired by Millay's translation-
A soul, cracked across by care: blood and ruin, smoke and sorrow, incense and ice.
This sounds promising and interesting. Maybe worth tracking down a decant or partial, and I'll certainly be watching for reviews.

Père Noël
Bright Sicilian oranges and sweet tangerines with a clink of lavender candy and a drop of anise.
Hmm, this sounds bright and pretty. Maybe too candy-sweet? I will watch for reviews.

MIDNIGHT MASS
This perfume is a traditional Roman Catholic sacramental incense, most often used during a Solemn Mass.
I have a bottle and some decants, I have always liked Midnight Mass, but I don't think I need any more right now, unless it's different this time. Some of my decants are different, so I'll be watching reviews.

NOW WINTER NIGHTS ENLARGE
Shorten those tedious nights with a surge of body heat: vanilla-infused red musk, champaca, petitgrain, ylang ylang, patchouli, nutmeg, honey, galbanum, and traces of caramel.
This sounds not quite for me. I don't like very many scents with honey or caramel. Both together = probably not for me.

NUCLEAR WINTER
Annihilation. The ice, desolation and barrenness of nuclear devastation shot through by a beam of radioactive mints.
Never really had an interest in this one.

PAYSAGE
The pale moon pouring magic: Tunisian opium and mugwort with blackened bourbon vanilla, tuberose, glittering white musk, datura accord, wild plum, and tobacco absolute.
Hmmm.....this has potential but I usually don't like opium in scents. I'll watch reviews but will probably pass on this one.

THE PEACOCK QUEEN
In dramatic contrast to the soft innocence of Snow White and the dew-kissed freshness of her sister, Rose Red, this is a blood red, voluptuous rose, velvet-petaled, at the height of bloom.
My one decant of this is enough, although I will try it again to be sure.

POOR MONKEY
cold first winter rain
poor monkey, you too could use
a woven straw cape
Compassion: pink lotus root and fig milk with ylang ylang, bourbon vanilla, soft myrrh, fir, khus, and sandalwood incense.
Ok I love the concept and list of notes, although it's a little sweet and cuddly for me, this time I'm looking at the name, concept and description as a whole, and really have my eye on this one. Possible bottle and I'll be watching reviews for sure. Kind of reminds me of the notes in Chintamanhi Dhupa (which I don't wear that much).

ROSE RED
The perfected winter rose, dew covered and freshly cut.
Same as Peacock Queen but I do like this one a little better and actually wear it from time to time. Not enough to want a bottle.

THE SEASON OF GHOSTS
A scent created to burn away sorrow: bergamot, frankincense, rose geranium, ginger, lemongrass, and blood orange.
Well, I do like citrus but bpal's citrus has a way of smelling like candy on me, for some reason. I'll watch reviews.

THE SNOW-SHOWER
Flake after flake - All lost in the dark and silent lake: a snowflake dissolving into an indigo pool of blue jasmine incense and violet leaf.
This sounds really nice. It would be hard to pass up something with blue jasmine incense. I enjoy jasmine and that sounds especially good. I'll watch some reviews first, I have a feeling some people will get jasmine single note from this.

SNOW WHITE
A chilly, bright perfume: flurries of virgin snow, crisp winter wind and the faintest breath of night-blooming flowers.
Once again, my decant is enough. I like how it smells but I rarely ever wear it.

++ THE YULE LADS
Askasleikir
Favorite pastime: skulking under dining tables, waiting to abscond with unsupervised food bowls. Don't blame the dog!
Dregs of cinnamon and cocoa.
I love cinnamon, but not cocoa. Probably pass on this.
Bjúgnakrækir
Favorite pastime: hiding in the rafters, ogling your smoked sausage. Eyes up here, mister!
Sweaty pear and honey with leather, coconut meat, tonka bean, and castoreum accord.
I will pass for now because of honey, but I'll be watching reviews because Quincey Morris has: "tobacco, vanilla, white pear, cedar, rugged musk and saddle leather". Sounds at least a little close to me and I love Quincey Morris.

Gáttaþefur
Favorite pastime: sniffing doorways. Everyone needs a hobby!
Baked bread, apricot, mandarin amber, and CO2 of butter.
Sounds interesting, warm and sweet, but maybe not really my thing.

Giljagaur
Favorite pastime: creeping around gullies until the opportunity to steal milk appears. You do you, buddy.
Coconut cream, sheep's milk accord, and a drop of Ceylon cinnamon.
I don't really go for bpal's cream or milk notes. This isn't calling my name.

Gluggagægir
Favorite pastime: peeping in yer windows. What a creeper!
Spiced rum leather, frankincense, black cedar, sweet tobacco, and honey-gold sandalwood.
On my first pass-through this one stuck out to me, but I'm not completely sure. I'll have to read some reviews.

Hurðaskellir
Favorite pastime: slamming doors. What a drama queen!
Booming carnation, iced mint, white fir, and itchy patchouli loudly disrupting a dreamy bed of lavender.
Not calling my name. This combination of notes sounds a little strange to me.

Kertasníkir
Favorite pastime: stealing candles from children. Such a scamp!
Beeswax, strawberries, and bits of hard candy.
Never been interested in bpal's strawberry note. I shall pass.

Ketkrókur
Favorite pastime: collecting meat hooks, sharpening meat hooks, polishing meat hooks. Sleep with one eye open?
Labdanum, patchouli, dragon's blood resin, and clove.
Not into dragon's blood these days. Once upon a time I would have been really into this.

Skyrgámur
Favorite pastime: indulging his yogurt fetish. Whatever floats your boat!
Berries, skyr, and oats.
Really don't want to smell like oats and I have a feeling skyr might be a yogurt note? Or cream? I will pass.

Stekkjarstaur
Favorite pastime: harassing sheep. Nobody's perfect.
Wooly sugared marshmallow root.
Don't really care about marshmallow.

Stúfur
Favorite pastime: stealing crusty bits from used frying pans. It takes all kinds.
Chunks of sweet carrots and dates mushed with nuts, topped with crumbles from a pie-like spelt and barley crust.
This is a big 'No' for me, definitely pass.

Þvörusleikir
Favorite pastime: licking spoons and ladles. There's no accounting for taste.
The scent of well-worn wooden utensils, lightly fondled, and a wisp of kitchen herbs.
So wood and herbs? Sounds ok but not really calling me, I will read reviews though.

Pottaskefill
Favorite pastime: eating the scrapings from unwashed pots. Waste not, want not?
Salt licorice, birch tar, black pepper, and leather.
Sounds good, but I'll read reviews first. Licorice sounds good but often doesn't work for me, but I do like the combination of these notes. I'll have an eye on this one.

++ YULE SINGLE NOTES
Ah, the scents of the season! Mix and match to create the perfect perfume to accompany any awkward family gatherings!
FAKE BAYBERRY CANDLE
Not really
IRRESPONSIBLY UNWATERED CHRISTMAS TREE
Not into fir like I used to be
UNSUCCESSFUL CRANBERRY GARLAND
Don't really like cranberry or berry scents
DAY-OLD HAM
Doesn't sound appealing in the slightest
FIREPLACE CINDERS
Probably not but there was a time I would've been all over this. I'll watch reviews
DUSTY ACCUMULATED MENORAH WAX
Nah, I'll pass
RAPIDLY DISINTIGRATING POMANDER
I like the pomander smell but disintigrating sounds dry and powdery, I'll watch reviews
DRUNK UNCLE
??? Not really? but I'll watch reviews
UNMANAGEABLE SNOWDRIFT
Nah, not really into snow notes any more.....

++ SNOW FALLING FAINTLY
THE SNOW AT DAWN
Snow afire with the morning's first rays of orange blossom, neroli, and rose gardenia.
Nah

THE SNOW AT NOON
Blinding white in the noonday sun: white mint, eucalyptus, glittering elemi, white tea, silver fir, and camphor.
No

THE SNOW AT DUSK
Swirled grey and purple in the gloaming: snowdrifts shadowed with opium tar, wild plum, Siamese benzoin, champaca resinoid, muguet, and carnation.
Nah

THE SNOW AT MIDNIGHT
Silence: frozen blackcurrant bud, myrrh, ciste absolute, frankincense, and oudh.
No.

SO........Krampus and Poor Monkey? And a lot of review-watching!

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