OctoberGwen

Note: this is the 2012 version. Ugh, these Haunted House scents really fit the bill! There is something about Lurid Library that's slightly repulsive, despite the sweetness on its surface. I don't get 'old book' smell so much as 'nasty b.o. covered with cologne' odor, lingering with old newpapers and covered by sweetish incense. This is one library I would not spend time in.

I would recommend Great Vampire Bat, if you can find some, and The Lurid Library, which is a current Weenie. Good luck and enjoy the search!

Mmmmm...a smoky Lab scent that doesn't smell like a filthy ashtray! Beautiful campfire/bonfire burnt wood and rich dark treacly smoky sweetness. This is not a scent I'd choose to wear, but I love the experience.

This is the 2012 version. Holy fuck, this is so weird. Is that what brimstone smells like? This smells PRECISELY like the description. I definitely get rotting wood and a sharp nastiness with a metallic twang that has got to be brimstone. Occasionally I get a whiff of cognac, which promptly fades into nothingness. Wowza. Beth is crazy good. I have to scrub this off, as it is freaking me out a little bit.

This review is for the 2012 version. Atrocious Attic smells exactly as it is described: dusty, faded, dried flowers and the hint of a child's perfume and perhaps a touch of mustiness. If I huff my skin and close my eyes, I could be standing in an attic in front of a trunk filled with Victorian ladies' memorabilia and broken toys. It's very pretty, but also slightly unsettling.

This is very pretty, slightly creamy and sweet - not cloying sweet, but gentle and faded sweet. It's what I imagine you might smell in a little old lady's front entry: a whiff of the delicious baked goods she took out of the oven hours ago, and a sense of her sachet that she keeps in her clothes drawer as she greets you. It's not something I would wear, but it's very nice.

As the poster above said: a very woody green scent, without rosemary's usual distinct smell. It's pretty much what I would expect to experience if I stuck my face into a hedge and inhaled. I quite like it, but it's not something for me to wear.

I love Third Charm, as it is smack in the middle of the red musky/spicy/dry scent family that I adore. (Note: when I say "spice", I don't mean cinnamon, I mean exotic spices.) Of which none are listed in Third Charm's notes, but it calls that type of a scent to mind for me. In my opinion, it could be a sweeter cousin to Mama Ji, for example. It starts with a signature blast of red musk, which is absolutely lovely, but as it dries down the musk begins to blend with a sweetish smell that is really fabulous. I am not a fan of honey at all, but the honey here is definitely of the "peculiar" variety in that it's not heavy and cloying but in fact feels almost dry to my senses. I do not know where the slight spicy feeling I'm getting is coming from. The patchouli is very much in the background with the woods, just sort of grounding everything. I really love this, and the blend is unique enough to warrant a bottle, I think. I can't wait to see how it ages. ETA: Today I slathered some into my cleavage (where things always smell different than on my wrists), and I am definitely getting more of the patch, blended beautifully with that dry honey and the gorgeous musk. I think I'm getting a whiff of the hemlock, too. I absolutely love this blend, and I've just ordered a bottle.

Is there anything you might want from the latest update (Lab or TP)? I fully expect to get myself bottles of Apple Orchard atmo, Witch Dance and Goldenrod Crab Spider. I am still considering Haitian Vetiver, and I really want Heretic, also. And: Autumn Lace!!! Please do not feel obligated on any of these, Witch! I should have plenty of time after SW is over, or please feel free to have a minion contact me use the switchywitch@gmail.com account to e-card me and let me know what I should buy. As far as decants go, I really want to try Wolf Spider, Orb Weaver Spider, Pumpkin II, Pumpkin III, and Pumpkin V; and Satan Talks To Sin & Death and Buen Viage from the Pickman Gallery. Is there something(s) that you consider too spendy or too frivolous for you to buy for yourself, but that you actually want? Seasons 4-8? of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on DVD. (I forget how many seasons there were. I have 1-3 already.) Candied nuts? Sure! Not the first thing I'd pick, but I like 'em okay. Salted nuts are nice, too. T-shirt size? A Medium or a Large, depending on the shirt. Fave/least fave baked goods? I love cookies of all kinds, and pie is my favorite food. Least fave would probably be muffins. They're okay too, though. Baked goods are kind of awesome. Owls? I love owls. What do you do to take care of yourself when you're having a rough day (sick, life not going your way, whatever)? If I'm sick, I consume plain tea, toast, and chicken soup. Hot lemon water is good, too. If I just feel crabby, a glass of wine usually does the trick. New JKR novel? Nah. I mean, I'll read it eventually maybe (I don't even know what the storyline is.) But I won't rush out to buy it. Loved HP, though. Witchee, do you want anything from the Haunt update coming up on 10/3? I know it might be too early to say, but if you could look at the preview on the night of 10/2 and let me know if you want anything... I have loved every Haunt item I've tried, so yeah: bring it on, Witch! Soaps? hell, yes. That skin glossing spray? Whoo boy.

NOTE: I put newer questions first so my Witch won't have to scroll to the end to check for updates. Do you subscribe to any sample boxes, and if so, which ones? Would you like to receive some samples? (perfume, eco/"green," skin care, hair, music downloads, cosmetics, soap...) Samples of makeup, soap, or eco-type cleaning products sounds great. I prefer not to get samples of skincare or haircare products because I finally have a routine that works for my sensitive skin and ornery hair. Plus, I am a recovering product junkie. Nudity? Uh, it's fine? Artistic nudity doesn't harm my eyes, but I don't need nekkid pictures just for the sake of nekkid pictures. Rodent hammocks? No, thank you - no rodents here! Would you like a pair of knitted socks? No, thank you. I have fuzzy slippers. Do you have any use for knitted dishcloths, facecloths, etc, especially if they were fandom related? No, I don't think so. I like (soft wool only) knitted scarves and mittens, but that's about it. Lots of wool feels scratchy to me and makes me itch; for towels and things I prefer other fabrics. Are you interested in audiobooks? No, thank you! Bar soaps with some scrubby bits, yes or no? Yes, please! Do you need any small electronic gadgets like flash drives and the like? Don’t think so, I have several. Lip balm - tube or tin? I like both, but a tube is cleaner. Would you like to receive a journal or sketchbook? How about other pretty paper goods like post-its, notepads, bookmarks, letter paper/envelopes? I would like to be more creative this year, and I think an unlined journal or a sketchbook would be wonderful. I also love pretty paper goods of all kinds; I like to include little notes in swap packages and I'm always using bookmarks. My Little Pony? Meh. Do you have a forum buddy? Someone who knows you and/or your tastes well enough to answer questions on your behalf? I don't think so, unfortunately. If you are NOT on LJ but are on other sites that have similar paid-for services (Flickr, for example?) would you, and what are those sites/etc? Not on LJ & I don’t belong to any pay-for online sites. Thanks, though! A question, witchees: if you are into tarot, what is your favorite card? My favorite card is The Moon. If I don’t like a deck’s Moon card, I normally won’t buy the deck. And another question: would you like your own set of handmade rune stones or worry stones? I would totally squee over a gift like this. Although I don’t know what a set of worry stones is for. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cider, or none of the above? Coffee and tea are my favorites. Gum, hard candy, soft candy, or none of the above? I don’t consume a lot of candy (chocolate is a food group, though) and I don’t chew gum. Gourmet chocolate is always welcome. Do you do Goodreads or LibraryThing or a site like that? If so, can I see your to-read list, please? I do GoodReads and you will find a link in my questionnaire, beautiful Witch. I'm not picky: anything that is well written will probably be okay with me! Zombies; Yay or Nay? Meh. If you have cats, do they like catnip toys? If you have doggies, would they like a super-reinforced canvas toy with a squeaker in it? My cat ADORES catnip toys and my dog is GAGA over any soft squeaker toys – but yeah, super reinforced is a must for him. How do you feel about wearable knitted lace? Shawls, wraps, and the like? Knitted lace sounds pretty, but I honestly wouldn’t wear something like that. Looking at the warehouse, I notice that our lovely Greenwoodtree is able to do chart readings and/or forecasts at a very reasonable rate. Is this something you would want? Absolutely!!!!! I live in Japan. Anything you would be interested in from there? Oh, yes. I love little things from other countries/cultures! Paper good especially welcome: notecards, postits, etc. Candy Corn: yes, no? I’ll eat one or two and give the rest to my sons. WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH YOUR ASS OFF!!! Monty Python, really witty standup comedians, and my husband. Oh, and the movie The Hangover. (Sorry.) You are meeting up with someone on a casual lunch/early afternoon thing. This person is someone you want to impress/look good for. What would you look like, given the contents of your wardrobe/etc? A white tee shirt, a pair of nice trousers, and my deep purple blazer or blue fitted, belted jacket. You are to be let loose in a clothing store of your choice, to pick a full outfit, down to the shoes, the accessories, etc. and things would be altered to fit you if needed. What store would that be, and what would you look like? I don’t know what store it would be (I’m a mom! I never get to shop for myself! LOL), but I would get some up to date, properly fitted pants that are not mom jeans or looking like I’m trying to be 20, a pair of comfy but super cute wedge heels or chunky leather boots, a soft top that flatters me in a great jewel tone, and a nicely cut (suede?) jacket and killer leather bag. You open a box from the post office to reveal the 3 things you want most right now. What are they? (caveats: size doesn't matter, but they have to be tangible/buyable). A lifetime supply of Snake Oil perfume, hair gloss, and bath oil. What is your holy grail "I'd kill to just have one drop in an imp" bpal scent? See above question. Are there any existing Weenies that you have your eye on, but haven't gotten around to getting? I’m waiting on Haunted House, Third Charm, and Ghost House decants for this year, also some Haunted Houses. I'll update this after I've smelled them! Do you lust after some new socks/tights? I love soft, fuzzy socks in any colors; soft flat-weave knee socks in grey or black; and warm knitted tights in Autumn colors or dark neutrals. Are you a gamer? No. Would you be interested in BPTP CANDY? YES! The tin I saw posted is awesome. I want it! I love vintage-looking little tins, dear Witch. Do you like coffee? If so, what kinds? Flavored, fancy, basic? Beans or ground? I love coffee and I use K-cups. Bold roast for morning, flavors for afternoon. Would a Starbucks gift card make you happy or do you prefer your local place? It would make me happy. I don’t often splurge on Starbucks, but I really like their coffee. Movies that you love but forgot to put in your questionaire? I love so many movies… The Sweet Hereafter, The Blair Witch Project, The Breakfast Club, Titanic, The Usual Suspects…I dunno. I’m too tired! Name one movie you keep meaning to buy, but just never get around to getting? Ummmm. Probably the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Any favorite Bath & Body Works scents/products? Not particularly, sorry. Haus of Gloi is offering custom perfumes - would you like one? What would your ideal blend be? No thank you. (Remember, I’m a BPAL snob!) Any Bath, Body or nutritional type items you would love to try from a Natural and Organic food store (similar to Whole Foods) that you don't buy because they are a bit too pricey? I can’t think of anything specific, but I love such stores. I finally just bought myself some organic, raw apple cider vinegar to start using. I bet you could find me something to be healthier, lovely Witch! Tell me of your taste preferences. Dry/sweet? Red/white? Lager/ale/porter/stout? Fruit? Spice? Hops? Sour (brettanomyces, etc)? I don’t drink beer. My favorite wine is Barefoot Sweet Red. I lean toward sweet but a smooth dry is nice, too. Are there any if MeiLin's books (e-book or print) you'd be interested in? Sure! Is there a cookbook? Witchee, will you be gone from your normal mailing address at any point during the round? Nope! Are you a Disney fan ? Not a big fan, really. dear witchee, would you, could you use an electric candle warmer? No. Would you be interested in washable/reusable muslin “paper” towels (basically muslin squares hemmed around the edge)? Maybe in some sort of box to put on your kitchen or bathroom counter? I’ve never heard of these, but I would love to try them. I would be especially thrilled if they came in their own box! Do you drink alcohol and if so, would you be OK with your witch sending you homemade infused vodka? Also, does your state allow alcohol to be shipped through the mail? That would be fantastic. I googled the legality of mailing booze to NH and didn’t have much luck before I got distracted. I hope you are a determined Witch! If you get me (or a fellow Aussie, if there are any playing this round) as a witch or witch’s minion, would you like to try some Australian specialties, such as TimTams (delicious chocolately cookies), Caramello Koalas (koala shaped chocolates filled with gloopy caramel), Australian native spices or anything like that? I would adore any of these treats, as I have never tried them! If your witch is a knitter, crocheter or sewer, is there a particular type of garment you would love to receive (hat, scarf, wrap, cowl, socks, fingerless gloves, arm warmers etc)? I love scarves and gloves, so long as the wool is soft and not scratchy! Is there anyone else in your house (kids, pets, partner) that would really appreciate a small gift being included for them in the switchwitchy haul so they don’t feel left out? Nah, that’s okay. My kids, pets, and partner are all plenty spoiled already – by me. I swear! Since it's been mentioned several times, and I've also offered to nacho witch some, would you you like to receive wild rice and or maple syrup? I promise to include recipe ideas with the wild rice. Hell yes maple syrup, and I'd be interested in wild rice, too! (I copied somebody else’s answer on this, as it’s exactly what I would say.) I have 5 bushels of tomatoes sitting in the kitchen right now that are supposed to turn into red sauce tomorrow, so would anyone like a basic red sauce (spaghetti sauce) to make its way to them? I would never say ‘no’ to homemade tomato sauce!! How would you feel about a taste of (insert witch location here) box? I love to try regional foods, so I would be be totally thrilled with this. Last year, my wonderful witch Alethia adopted a bat for me from batworld.org, a bat rescue and sanctuary. Bat’s World Would you be interested in having a bat adopted in your name? Aw, I love Alethia. I would love for any endangered creature to be adopted in my name. Or even a tree! Some of your favorite artists? Classic and modern? My favorites are Woodhouse and Michael Parkes. If you could have an image or certain subject painted for you on any type of "canvas" (on a box, on paper, on a canvas, and so on) - could you point your witch to some of these images? Most definitely! I love moons, stars, trees, ravens, fantasy images, Celtic knotwork, Goddess imagery...the list goes on. Is there a GC scent that’s been on your list for ages but keeps falling off the bottom of your order because of the Les? Yes!! I keep meaning to order another bottle of Snake Oil so I can start aging it. I’d also like a bottle of House of Night. I finally ordered one, but then I traded it like a doofus. I also want TKO and GRR desperately in 5 mls. I've been getting into indie nail polish brands recently. What's your favorite indie brand of nail polish? I love Zoya, but I only have Kelly so far. I’d also love to try the BPTP Claw Polish. I'll try any brands, but I hate glitter – just a word to the wise, my lovely Witch. mix-in-a-jar? How to you feel about cookie or cake or soup mixes that come in jars and you just add, like, an egg or water or what have you? Yes please, for when I feel especially lazy! (Again, stealing the perfect ready-made answer…which kind of goes along with the question.) Stuffed things: yea/nay? Sure! Especially love soft & cuddly ones. I live near this very cool Retro store (you can order online too) - are there things from it that would make you squee if your witch sent them? Not that I can think of off the top of my head... Would you be interested in beer, wine, or other specialty beverages from your Witch's area? Of course! Are there any crafts/skills you've wanted to learn but haven't gotten around to? And if so, would you be interested in supplies and tutorials? That’s a tough one, because I am so busy with my kids right now I barely have time for books & BPAL. So I guess the answer is no for this round. Who here would be happy to get a lil' sumthin sumthin from Adagio Teas? Never tried them, but I love tea! Do you Ravelry? And if so, what’s your handle over there? Would you be interested in gift patterns from your queue? I don’t knit, sorry! Who likes Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses? I’d love to try them! What does your kitchen look like? Colors/style? My kitchen needs updating but I love to cook. My style is ‘cozy’, whatever that means. Colors are sage green and grey, but I love colorful accents. Witchee, what are your favorite quotes? "The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells in the sand, the sun goes down but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops & yet it echoes on in sweet refrains... for every joy that passes, something beautiful remains." –mhughes "For even the very wise cannot see all ends." ~Gandalf ‎"Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December; And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor." ~Edgar Allan Poe "A house is never still in darkness to those who listen intently." -J.M. Barrie "Comes the blind fury with the abhorred shears and slits the thin-spun life." -author unknown "Ere iron was found, or tree was hewn, When young was mountain under moon; Ere ring was made, or wrought was woe, It walked the forests long ago." -author unknown "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." -Roald Dahl "Death separates the soul from the body, but love separates all things from the soul." -Meister Eckhart "The twelvemonth and a day being up, the dead began to speak: Oh, who sits weeping on my grave and will not let me sleep?" -anonymous, The Unquiet Grave "Sincere spiritual investigation is, and always has been, an endeavor of methodical discipline. Looking for Truth is not some kind of spazzy free-for-all, not even during this, the great age of the spazzy free-for-all." -Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love "It’s like a dance. And we have to give each being space to dance their dance. Everything is dancing; even the molecules inside the cells are dancing. But we make our lives so heavy. We have these incredibly heavy burdens we carry with us like rocks in a big rucksack. We think that carrying this big heavy rucksack is our security; we think it grounds us. We don’t realize the freedom, the lightness of just dropping it off, letting it go. That doesn’t mean giving up relationships; it doesn’t mean giving up one’s profession, or one’s family,or one’s home. It has nothing to do with that; it’s not an external change. It’s an internal change. It’s a change from holding on tightly to holding very lightly." ~ Tenzin Palmo, in an extract from "Into the Heart of Life." “Everything you do creates a ripple effect that runs through the world, touching people you will never meet and creating changes you will never know about.” -?? What's one random thing you really like and one random thing you really dislike? I like pizza. I dislike fake nails. Are there any herbs that you haven't been able to lay hands on that I could send you? There's an herbal shop I really like here in NYC called Flower Power that has quite a wide selection. Send me whatever you'd like, Witch! I'm sure I'll find a way to use it! (Again…copied response.) If there are no “witchy” shops near you, is there anything I can pick up for you from Enchantments? I adore witchy shops and I am super sad that I don’t have a local one. I’d probably squee over anything from one. Hey Witchee! I want to send you a delivery. It could be cupcakes from a local bakery, it could be a singing hugging bear-a-gram, it could be a bouquet of flowers. But it will be something that you need to be there to receive. a) Are you OK with "special deliveries"? *waggles eyebrows* Yeeesssss….but no strippers, please. Is the address in your questionnaire the best place to reach you for said deliveries? Yes. c) If the delivery requires a phone number (as say, some florists do) would you be OK with that information being tracked down by your Witch or asked of you anonymously? Yes. What are some things you are OK with receiving gently used or homemade, and some things you absolutely do not want if they are gently used or homemade? I’m all about recycle, reuse etc. The only gently used items I prefer not to receive are cosmetics, food, socks, and underthings. Homemade stuff is great. I live near a Mast General Store. It has lots of vintage-y toys, southern foods (jams, jellies, spices) and vintage candy. Is there anything I can get for you? Not familiar with this store, so I’ve no idea! Southern foods sound awesome, though, and vintage anything really tickles me. Surprise me, wonderful Witch. Do you have any Fall or Halloween traditions? Fall is my favorite time of year and Halloween is my favorite holiday. Traditions include selecting pumpkins and mums, cleaning the garden beds, leaf peeping/photography excursions, apple picking, Fall festivals, pumpkin carving…. I do live in New England, after all. Halloween itself is very special to me, and this year I plan to do a ritual involving honoring my father, who died last year. Ninjas or Pirates? Ninjas? I have an extra room spray and 2 extra bath oils (one Cephalopod, one Exhibit Hall Fatigue) from Dragon*Con - would anybody like a decant? Yes, of all three, please! Witchee, would you like it if I made you a "mix tape" of songs that I think you might like? And if so, would you prefer mp3 or CD format? No, thank you. I know it is totally the wrong season (for most of us), but do you like/have space to garden? If so, what do you like to grow? Eventually I will get a vegetable garden and herb bed created! I have plenty of space but little time right now, with two young sons. I currently have lots of flowers and shrubs, and grow my herbs in containers. I'm about to be near a Lush store next week, is there anything you might like from there? Never really got into Lush, but thank you! Songs that you keep meaning to buy but never get round to it? No clue. I try to keep up, but am woefully behind on the current music scene. Marzipan? Sure! Why not? Are home made foods acceptable or does the idea of eating strange mailed food disturb you? I changed my mind. I would adore homemade foods. I just gave you $20 and sent you into a "has everything" store I would go to Target, not Walmart, and I would come out with makeup, nail polish, a new scarf or sunglasses, & a notebook. What kind of cuisines do you like? And, what are your favorite restaurants? My biggest fave is Italian, followed by Thai, Chinese, Japanese. I don't really care for Mexican (other than the margaritas and nachos.) I love to try new restaurants. Chain wise, I like Chili's, T-Bones, and Cactus Jack's pretty well. I'm from Canada - is there anything specifically a witchee might like that is only available here? Hmm...I do not like poutine and I don't know of any other "Canada only" products. I can get the other examples here in new England. What are your "fandoms" and would you like a t-shirt from TeeFury if an appropriate one came up? Buffy, Firefly, X-Files, Game of Thrones, Goonies Do you have an eReader and if so which one? I have a regular Kindle. I also have an iPad, but don't read books on it. Do you like candles, or tart burners, or something? If so, what's your favorite scent to burn? Love candles, and I have an oil burner. I like to burn things I don't wear as much on my skin: foody scents, atmospheric things, etc. I live near a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Penzeys! What does your little heart desire from any or all of these places? I don't have any of these, so I would love anything you'd like to send. I WISH I had a local Trader Joe's. Do you like cute, seasonal or fluffy PJ bottoms? Like they sell at Target, Old Navy (they have had cute Halloween ones!) If so, what size do you wear? I love these. I wear a size M What kind of chocolate do you like? Nuts, no nuts, white,dark, etc? I love all manner of chocolate except for white. Do you like Smores and Smore flavoured things? No. I mean, they're okay, but I'd rather eat potato chips! S'mores are almost too sweet for me. What's the neatest freebie you've gotten? It can be cool or thoughtful or just totally unexpected, and not limited to BPALdom. When my father died someone on the Aeclectic Tarot forum anonymously gifted me a membership renewal, despite the fact that I hadn't been very active on there for a bit. I was really touched by that. Also, one time I swapped imps with GypsyRoseRed and out of the blue she included an entire imp of Storyville! I was blown away...and fell tragically in love with it. But really, the BPAL forum is full of incredibly generous and kind people. I've had tons of lovely gifts, and met tons of lovely people. Would you enjoy receiving cute but useful items like colorful kitchen utensils/gadgets, or bento supplies? (boxes, chopsticks, accessories, etc?) What about things like spice mixes (homemade, or Penzey's for example) Oh man, a big YES to all. I love to cook, I love cute-but-useful kitchen stuff and I've only recently learned about bento boxes and have nothing along those lines yet. (I know...I am always behind the curve on pretty much everything. It's pathetic, really.)

The Arabian Dance started out in such a promising fashion; I love the Lab's coffee and tobacco notes, and initially the leather was behaving and the hazelnut was barely discernible as just a wisp of smokiness. (My skin hates that evil little nut.) As I sat happily sniffing, wondering when the (I imagined) glorious Middle Eastern spices would kick in, it began to happen...hazelnut's takeover. I ended up smelling like I put a cigarette butt out in my coffee and then spilled it all over my leather coat. Stupid hazelnut.

I'm not generally a wearer of rose perfume, but I love this one a lot. Cherokee Rose is very fresh, light, and zingy - I understand why some might get citrus. To me, it smells like a blend of one of my mother's antique roses and some lemon balm that would have been growing nearby. There is nothing cloying or overpowering about it whatsoever. I don't get greenery per se, just a refreshing vibe. It's absolutely lovely, and probably my favorite of Beth's roses to date.

I bought this because I have resigned myself to buying ALL the new single notes (no, I do not have a problem!), but I didn't think I would care for it much because I really dislike wearing aquatics. However...this scent is really lovely. It smells so pure, and spiritual. It is reminiscent of a little white temple by the water, but it is not particularly watery. It's a soft, creamy white scent with a good bit of green. Very, very subtle; I don't see this being offensive even in a situation where people dislike perfume use. Quite exquisite, really.

I am absolutely in agreement that this is one of Snake Oil's secret ingredients. Be warned: this is NOT Snake Oil, though! SO is complex, and this is a single note. It is a gorgeous, smooth, not-terribly-musky or dirty musk (at least on me.) The drydown has a sweet quality that I don't pick up in SO, almost (but not quite) cola-ish. It's unique among musks, in my opinion. This note is one that I will definitely use to venture into layering, along with the Spanish Carnation. On its own it seems to fade relatively quickly into a very soft, subtle scent.

For the first few minutes this is really lovely on me: a nice blend of honey (which I don't always like) and a bit of soft herbiness, with some pale floral thrown in. Sadly, the honey then begins to amp, and amp, and amp to high holy hell until it's so sickeningly sweet I have to scrub it off. I hate when honey does that.

When first applied, Iago smells like marijuana to me. Once it dries down, it becomes the first leather-containing scent that I kind of enjoy. Something about the musk (I love you here, black musk) really blends nicely with the leather, which is of the decidedly non-chemical variety. I wish my husband wore scent, because I'd love to see what this smells like on him. Not something I would wear myself, but I enjoyed the experience. It is definitely sexy, and the right sort of woman must totally rock this. I'm sure it's fantastic on a man, also.

Oh dear sweet baby Jesus. This smells WONDERFUL. I adore Spanish Red Carnation, the perfect spicy floral. This is the note in L'Essence de La Passion that I find so rich and gorgeous, distilled to its essence. Perfect. I may actually try some layering, for the first time evah, just to see how this smells with other things.

This is, indeed, a very "fresh and crisp" scent - in addition to the apple blossoms, I get juicy green apples themselves, too. The mix is very nice. While apple is not particularly a scent that I like to wear, I find Annurca delicious and refreshing. It's the sort of thing I would pull out if I had to spend time in a hot, humid environment. It's cooling without being a "cold" scent.

I had the same experience with the Carnavale Diabolique last year, which left town just a few short months after I'd found BPAL. I know exactly how you feel!

That's too bad. I don't care for Cloister Graveyard on my skin (and I thought I might not), but I love the painting so much and the scent embodies it so perfectly that I'm not too bummed out. (Plus, Great Cry In Egypt is really lovely to wear. I was fortunate that I could afford two.) There are more I wish I could try, but I don't think I'll be gambling on any more bottles before they're gone.

Looks like I've neglected to mention the Salons I've tried: Sunrise With Sea Monsters. Ocean mist, kelp, ambergris, amber, white pear, osmanthus, freesia, and seafoam accord. I agree that this isn't a terribly aquatic aquatic, but the salt water/ocean air is definitely present. The amber probably grounds it. I don't play well with pear, but for those who do this would be a lovely choice. Kiyohime Changes From a Serpent. Salty ocean spray, red kelp, black plum, lychee, sea moss, green musk, hachiya, plum blossom, and matcha. The aquatics are much more present in this one, with a whisper of plum. Alas, aquatics and plum are both no-go's for me. Love and Pain. Lavender, Balkan tobacco, black musk, dark vanilla, and golden copaifera. I wish I'd held on to this one; I would appreciate it so much more now. I recall it as a smooth, somewhat dark blend with the lavender very much present. Arrival At The Sabbath and Homage To The Devil. Bourbon vanilla, benzoin, caramel, Mysore sandalwood, aged black patchouli, carnation, and iris florentina. Caramel is simply too much for me as it immediately amps into nauseating sweetness on my skin. Any sweet foodie fans will drool over this one, though. (Just a note: these were all included in the haul I inherited from a fellow forumite on Aeclectic Tarot. I was a newbie, therefore, and I'm pretty sure the only one out of these that I'd choose for myself today would be Love and Pain.)

wickedgoddess just stated in the NE Will Call thread that the retail exclusive Salons are NOT being discontinued. Yay!

I really want to try Schlafende Baigneuse and Carceri D'Invenzione.

Well, I've ordered my bottles of There Was A Great Cry In Egypt and Cloister Graveyard In the Snow. Farewell, Salon.

I love Banshee Beat when it's hot. Another good one is Golden Wave, when I'm in a fruity-tropical mood.