Jump to content
BPAL Madness!

forspecial_plate

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Content Count

    5,320

  • Joined

  • Last visited

Blog Entries posted by forspecial_plate

  1. forspecial_plate
    I don't think I trust the internet enough to really write about some of the things going on right now. I certainly wouldn't post on facebook, and not really on livejournal either, which is dying a slow death anyway (unless I just need to update my friends list a little bit, which is possible).
     
    Anyway, change is in the air, and I'm kind of excited. I seem to have gotten stuck in a loop of insanity, repeating really stupid behaviors, and I'm finally feeling like I might be breaking free. One thing I know for sure is I can't keep doing the same things over and over, and expect things to somehow magically become better.....without changing what I'm doing. I don't want to be too cryptic but again, it's not really stuff that I want to post on the internet....even on a 'private' forum.
     
    My point (and I do have one) is that I'm really lucky right now. I have 2 real paper journals that are only partially filled, with plenty of room left in them. Also, I bought a membership to our zoo, which is right next door to my apartment building. It is so, so easy to just walk a block, show my card, and walk right in.....skipping the whole line for tickets. And as long as it's not too crowded, it is a great place to walk for some exercise, and sit and relax, while writing in my journal. I'm off work tomorrow night so I think I'm going to take a little trip to the zoo and say hi to my animal friends. The cat house makes me a little sad, though, because I feel like the cats would be happier outdoors, with lots more room to roam around. I guess they don't know what they're missing? I hope not. They look kind of sad all confined as they are.
  2. forspecial_plate
    ......the inner debate continues.
     
    I want Old Moon. I really do. All of this 'pining' I've been doing for a wintery/pine/fir scent (sorry, could not resist the pun).....and now people are saying this is the perfect one. On the one hand, I already have decants of Yuletide, Ice Queen, Death Of The Grave Digger, Jolasveinar, The Snow Storm, Mistletoe......Shivering Boy......Cloister Graveyard......in other words, many many wintery blends that I really like. More than I could use up in quite a long time. On the other hand.......that addition of 'lunar herbs and flowers' sounds soooo promising....makes me really lustful for Old Moon.......so I just don't know. I can't imagine that decants are going to be hard to find once people start getting this. But I haven't had a pending lab order in so long!
     
    Bottom line.....I have way too many bills right now. I just better sit this one out. : (
  3. forspecial_plate
    Breakdown! I have rated some of these according to my interest, on a scale of 1-5.
     
    ALL SAINTS 2010
    Based on a venerable French pontifical incense blend: monastic frankincense and myrrh, Damascus rose, Russian gardenia, cassia, and lily of the valley wafting on a chill Autumn wind. A celebration of the glory and suffering of the saints and matryrs of the Church.
    Not interested. All those flowers sound like soap to me.
     
    ALL SOULS 2010
    A day of remembrance and intercession. Without the prayers and sacrifices of their families and loved ones, the faithful departed may not be cleansed of their venal sins, and thereby cannot attain beatific vision. On November 2nd, prayers are sung and offerings are made to aid lost souls in transcending purgatory. An incense blend that invokes the higher qualities of mercy and compassion, mingled with the soft, sugared currant scent of offertory soul cakes.
    I like my decant of All Souls '06, and I might want more of this. It starts out cakey and turns into floral incense, in a good way. 3/5
     
     
    BLUE PUMPKIN FLOSS
    Puffy clouds of pumpkin candyfloss with a trickle of blackberry juice.
    Not for me, thanks....more for all the gals who've been waiting for this!
     
    BOO 2010
    Eerie billows of spun sugar, fluttering white cotton, and sheets of cream
    No thank you......
     
    CALAVERAS
    Clever little satirical poems in the style of epitaphs written to tease the living and ease grief over a loved one's passing. Xocolatl, tequila, copal incense, smoke-dried jalapeños, vanilla pods, and cajeta.
    I'll have to look up a couple of these notes, but I am not a big fan of copal (I do like it in incense, but not perfume), and I'm leaning towards nyet on this one.
     
     
    DIA DE LOS ÑATITAS
    Hydrangea blossoms and rose petals, cigarette smoke, cocoa leaves, and chichi.
    Leaning towards no....don't really need a scent with rose and chocolate. Is chichi milk? 2/5
     
    FLOR DE MUERTO
    The orange marigold, or zempasúchitl, has been one of Death's symbols since the pre-Columbian era. The yellow and orange petals are believed to represent the rays of the sun, bringing joy and light to the souls dwelling in the realm of the dead. These flowers surround Day of the Dead altars to guide the spirits to their offerings.
    I am interested, because I just like the idea of marigold perfume. They remind me of my grandma Nena, who liked to grow them. And it seems like they would be sort of a bitter or earthy floral, but really I have no idea. Want to try! 4/5
     
    GHOULISH
    This season's Ridiculous Scent! Creepy like Creepy and as spooky as Spooky, this is the scent of a black cherry and coconut amaretto confection gently laced with saffron.
    Hmmm....at first I thought no, not interested. But reading it again, it sounds rather decadent and almost incensey, even though it's a foody/drinky scent. Sounds kind of sexy, actually. Decant? 3/5
     
    THE HAG
    Black musk, bay leaves, galangal, bourbon vetiver, blackcurrant, and rum.
    Interesting.....I know I need to try this, so decant. Blackcurrant and rum are the iffy notes. 4/5
     
     
    GOLLETES
    A circular pastry glazed with pink sugar that symbolizes the sweetness of life and the certainty of death.
    Nope, no thanks!
     
    HUESOS DE SANTO 2010
    Orange-glazed cake, dotted with anise seed, and filled with custard, set beside a bouquet of celebratory funeral flowers.
    I like my decant of the last one, but I wouldn't need a whole bottle. Perhaps another decant if it crosses my path. 3/5
     
    LAMBS-WOOL 2010
    A popular holy day beverage in 18th century Ireland: roasted apples mashed into warmed milk and ale, with nutmeg, sugar, ginger, and clove.
    I like this scent but in the end it was just too sweet, to the point of being cloying. I want more spices and ale, I think. I'll watch reviews and see if it has changed since last time. 2/5
     
    NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY
    Dewy green leaves colored by Moroccan amber, ginseng, and rooibos.
    Ha ha....reminds me of the Outsiders or one of those old teen movies. Anyway, this sounds great, and I'm really interested in trying it. 4/5
     
    OCTOBER 2010
    Dry, cold autumn wind. A rustle of red leaves, a touch of smoke and sap in the air.
    Well, I love this scent, but I don't need any more unless it has changed a lot from the previous one.
     
    PUMPKIN LATTE
    Espresso, pumpkin syrup, smoky vanilla bean, milk, raw sugar, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.
    Worth a decant to sniff but not super exciting to me. 3/5
     
    PUNKIE NIGHT 2010
    This is a light-hearted scent: apple orchards, bright cranberries, and a touch of warm cider.
    Never was very interested in this scent, for some reason. Sounds too fruity with the cranberries, I generally don't like berries in my perfume.
     
    SAMHAIN 2010
    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 can most likely skip Samhain this year, since I have 2 bottles and several decants of various years already. I do love Samhain, though.
     
    SUGAR SKULL 2010
    Vibrant with the joy and sweetness of life in death! A blend of five sugars, lightly dusted with candied fruits.
    Hmmm......I have half a bottle from '07, and decants of '05 and '08.....do I need more? I love Sugar Skull, but maybe a decant will be enough for me. 4/5
     
    THE WILD SWANS AT COOLE
    October twilight. Falling leaves breaking the stillness of cool water, with sweet autumn clematis, feather-soft orris root, luminous white chypre, and muguet.
    Hmmmm....kind of on the edge about this one but leaning towards no. Sounds very pretty but orris and muguet sound powdery and/or soapy to me. 2/5
     
    HALLOWEEN: BROOKLYN
    Flowering dogwood, weeping cherry, Korean pine, camellia, moonflower, Alberta spruce, arborvitae, and crab apples.
    These notes sound soapy to me, especially moonflower. I'll pass on this one (even though pine and spruce make me want to sniff.....). 3/5
     
    HALLOWEEN: LOS ANGELES
    The sky on fire: a strange incense of burning brush, junegrass, tumbleweeds, chaparral, and wild sage.
    I love the description and the imagery supplied by Beth. I forget what chaparral is but I want to try this. Decant first, probably. 4/5
     
    HALLOWEEN: NEW ORLEANS
    The distinctive scent of the Mississippi at night mingling with sweet olive and Spanish moss.
    Moss is not always good to me, but sometimes very good to me. Worth a try because I do like aquatics in general. 4/5
     
    HALLOWEEN: SAN FRANCISCO
    Salt air wafting in from the bay. Rain falling on rain-soaked leaves.
    Sounds awesome! Decant first, just to be cautious. 4/5
     
    POMEGRANATE I
    Pomegranate, poet's jasmine, and benzoin.
    Well, I like benzoin, but pomegranate and jasmine are not thrilling to me. Probably pass. 2/5
     
    POMEGRANATE II
    Pomegranate, white musk, lemon verbena, grapefruit, pink lime.
    Yeah...this is probably the least interesting of the pom. scents to me. Pass-ola. 1/5
     
    POMEGRANATE III
    Pomegranate, Tamil Nadu sandalwood, lavender, tamarind, hazelnut, Atlas cedarwood, sugar date, bitter clove, and Arabian myrrh.
    Potential decant. 3/5
     
    POMEGRANATE IV
    Pomegranate, cognac, red musk, cocoa, tobacco absolute, star anise, and thyme.
    Don't like cocoa that much with a couple of exceptions. Probably pass.....maybe decant. We'll see. 3/5
     
    POMEGRANATE V
    Pomegranate, carnation, amber, cardamom, neroli, vetiver, black pepper, and opium tar.
    Hmm, sounds interesting, kind of foppish? Possibly worth a try. 3/5
     
    Pomegranate patch only imp:
    THE HERAEON OF ARGOS
    Argive Hera. The temple in the Argolid that was dedicated to Hera, the Queen of Heaven, in her aspect as the Great Triple Goddess. Pomegranate, apple blossom, fig, willow bark, and almond.
    Not calling to me very much, although I would definitely try it if it crossed my path. 2/5
     
    THE BYRONIC ANTIHERO
    An aristocratic cologne of titanic passions, moody and brooding. This scent is dark with disillusionment and cynicism: a Victorian fougère and a dashing carnation boutonnière tainted by a cloud of khus, yew, and patchouli.
    Hmmm, sounds interesting, and did I mention foppish somewhere else? Could be a nice proper dude-fume. Possible decant. 3/5
     
    THE CREEPING MIST
    A muculent, brumous, ill-omened scent: orris, yuzu, white ginger, linden flower, petitgrain, and lotus.
    Interesting. Orris tells me to back away, and in general not my kind of scent.....but could still be worth a try. Will watch reviews and possibly try a decant if I see it available somewhere. 2/5
     
    THE DECREPIT HOUSE
    An architectural doppelganger reflecting a ruined soul: dilapidated planks of mahogany and cypress wood perched feebly on a grim foundation of long-dead leaves, black musk, patchouli, galbanum, tobacco absolute, fragonia, and oakmoss.
    Yay, another Poe scent! I like them. This looks like a bleak and dreary Halloween scent and it's worth a decant, probably. 4/5
     
    A HOWL IN THE DARKNESS
    A scent evocative of a forest at midnight, with animalic brown musk, wild sage, Terebinth pine, black oak, and a chilly shock of terror personified by kunzea, cistus labdanum, verbena, juniper, metallic ozone, and white mint.
    Aww, the description and concept are reaching out to me with grabbing hands, but I just don't like brown musk. I'm going to have to try a decant of this and hope for the best. This kind of reminds me of the updated Wolf Moon, which I love. 4/5
     
    THE INFERNAL LOVER
    A creamy, sensual, honeyed red musk.
    Don't usually like honey at all, but still.....I'd like to sniff this at some point. 2/5
     
    ECCLESIASTICAL EXCESSES
    Faustian depravity: daemonorops, rose-infused frankincense, vetiver, mate absolute, and clove bud.
    If this is one of those scents where the rose is just a hint, I could be interested. I'll be watching reviews. 2/5
     
     
    ENCROACHING MADNESS
    A yellow smell. Old foul, bad yellow things. Honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, balsam, hydrangea, and helichrysum.
    I would love to try this just because of the inspiration. But reading the notes listed, I'd have to say 'pass'. We'll see. 2/5
     
    THE SHADOWY AND THE SUBLIME
    A sudden and shocking insight into the vast, ineffable, overwhelming power of Nature, stirred by a vision or experience of perfected beauty and perfected terror, that changes the soul irretrievably. An epiphany: Moroccan amber, wisteria, ambergris accord, white rose, magnolia, white mint, angelica, bergamot, and myrrh.
    This probably has too many flowers, and white rose and I do not get along. Love the description and imagery, though. 2/5
     
    THE MADWOMAN
    Dusty white sandalwood, ragged cloth, and a dry, long-dead bridal bouquet.
    Just like the preceding scent, love the concept, but not the notes listed. 'Dusty white sandalwood' doesn't appeal to me, and neither does the bouquet. 1/5
     
    ODD PORTENTS
    Black rose, olibanum, dark musk, myrrh, blackcurrant, lavender buds, bourbon geranium, and amber incense.
    Again with the rose! And I was excited about this one. I might still try this, but I don't really like geranium in perfume either. Another possible decant.... 3/5
     
    THE UNSAVORY GRAVE-DIGGERS
    An unearthed oakwood coffin, cemetery weeds, and a hint of booze.
    Sounds a little dank. I'll be watching reviews. 2/5
     
    THE UNSTEADY GOVERNESS
    White tea and violet leaf.
    Not calling me. 2/5
     
    .....so looks like I'm pretty safe with a few exceptions. I like the sound of the San Francisco and LA Halloween scents, and a few others like Nothing Gold Can Stay and the marigold one. I'll probably play my usual game and gamble on something I'm not sure about (the marigold scent sounds like a good candidate because I have no idea how that will smell), and get a few decants. I also need to go back and try Lambs-Wool again just to be sure.
     
    And finally, I need to read the text more slowly for the Goth Lit scents, as that could change my mind on one or more of them. I noticed it says Vol. 1.....will there be more volumes? Interesting!
  4. forspecial_plate
    I got A's in both of my classes. Medical Terminology was a breeze but Excel had was much more of a challenge for me. And it stayed challenging, not just for a week or two, but for most of the quarter. But I did well, and got A's on both of my final exams. So, I'm off school for a week and just feeling like relaxing and celebrating. Not sure what I'll do specifically, but I might go to Columbus to visit my friend Kevin. I'm meeting my dad for lunch Tuesday and after that I'm free until Thursday night. Woo Hoo!
     
    Next quarter will be strange......both of my classes are online, except one of them does meet in person for a total of three times. Other than that, it's all online. I have Medical Terminology II which, obviously, will be harder than Med Term I was. The other class is an Intro class for Health Information Management, which shouldn't be too hard, I don't think.
  5. forspecial_plate
    Czech and Speake No. 88
     
    "No. 88 is the signature fragrance from Czech & Speake. From its Aromatics Collection, No.88 is a blend of woods, bergamot, geranium, rose otto, cassie flower, frangipani, vetiver, and sandalwood. This gorgeous fragrance is worn by both men and women." (description from The Perfumed Court)
     
    I was attracted to this because I read Morrissey wears it (and Elton John, too). I was so glad to find a source for a sample.
     
    This is fabulous! It's a rose scent, but unmistakably gender-neutral, although some may find it masculine. The closest bpal I can think of is Thanatos, but No. 88 is definitely lighter, fresher, and not as powdery (not that I dislike Thanatos). It's definitely woody, but also floral and slightly fruity. It strikes me as a versatile scent.....I could wear this at work (and I did), or out on the town, or for a formal occasion. I would call it almost a studious rose scent, but dark, hinting at naughtiness.
     
    Now I need to try their Cuba scent, because I definitely want a bottle of one or the other. This stuff is pricey and only available from the UK, so it's going to be a treat to splurge and indulge myself. If Cuba is as good as this, it's going to be tough to decide. I could absolutely wear No. 88 on a regular basis.
  6. forspecial_plate
    I've been meaning to complain about this for a while but was never sure where to do it. Let me just get it out of my system so I can move on.
     
    I get so irritated when I see someone post: "Oh, just buy the bottle! Even if you don't like it, you can always swap it later!" Um, I disagree that it's totally easy to just swap stuff away.
     
    I have had lots of good swaps, and even successful sales, so don't get me wrong. Also....I do not bump my swaps/sales posts a whole lot, not even once a week. Usually I'll give it a bump just to keep it from being sent to the post cemetery. So it could possibly be said that I don't try hard enough.
     
    BUT.......
     
    I couldn't even swap away rares like Vanilla Bean SN, Corazon, Ice Queen, Snow Angel......things I wanted to swap for stuff on my wish-list, which IMO is a pretty long one and not too narrow. And I don't think I was being too picky about what I would swap for. A single note for a single note......well, that's what most everyone else does, isn't it? A whole bottle of Samhain sat on my swaps/sales pages for weeks, until I finally decided I would rather just keep it. In fact, I took pretty much everything off my posts and even retired my swaps post.
     
    Actually I'm not completely bitter. Part of it is indecision on my part. I hate to get rid of something unless I'm absolutely sure it's not going to work for me (Pruno, Selkie, ahem....). I'm glad I didn't get rid of Samhainophobia because it turns out I really do like it. Also....I don't regret my purchases. I have found a new hobby and I feel more enriched because of it. : )
  7. forspecial_plate
    I've been thinking about the Pumpkin Patches, past and present, and I know there are at least a couple I'd still like to try. Here's a breakdown so I can get it all straight in my mind. There are so many, it's kind of hard to keep track of them!
     
    So, I will rate these on a scale of 1-5, based on interest. Anything 3 or above, I'll probably track down a decant at some point.
     
    Pumpkin Patch '05 and '06......
     
    I......Pumpkin with apple cider and mulling spice.
    This sounds pretty yummy, but I think my ultimate mulled cider scent has already been found (Fearful Pleasure). I wouldn't mind sniffing this but I won't go way out of my way to find it. However, if I found a cheap bottle, I'd probably grab it for a room scent. 2/5
     
    II.....Pumpkin with cocoa, hazelnut and walnut.
    Nah, don't like cocoa that much, and not crazy about nuts in perfume either. I can safely pass on this one. 1/5
     
    III......Pumpkin and pomegranate.
    I'm not a big fruit scent fan either....I already have a few, and they are more than enough to fill that niche in my collection. Pass on this one. 1/5
     
    IV......Pumpkin with sandalwood and orris.
    I don't like orris that much. I like sandalwood, but I already have plenty of nice sandalwood essential oil. If I ever get the urge for pumpkin and sandalwood, it would be pretty easy to recreate on my own. Pass on this one too! 2/5
     
    V.......Pumpkin with five woods, English ivy and galangal root.
    Now this one, I have always wanted to try. I tend to like green scents, and a lot of woods work well for me. Some woods go kind of flat for me but this is worth a try, for sure. 4/5
     
    Pumpkin Patch '07
     
    I.......Pumpkin with pear, white wine grapes, and jasmine-laced tea.
    No.......not for me. Probably smells nice, but just not my thing. 2/5
     
    II........Pumpkin with tobacco, champa flower, carnation, and tonka.
    Hmm, I thought I had tried a decant of this, but I never wrote a review. It does sound like something I'd like. Tobacco is the only iffy note, but it works for me sometimes. Would like to try except I have this nagging feeling that I already have a decant of this somewhere. I'll have to look for it. 3/5
     
    III........Pumpkin with white chocolate, caramel, pomegranate, and cream.
    Again, not crazy about chocolate. I remember thinking this sounded interesting when these first came out. Since then, I've had my fill of chocolate and/or fruity scents. 2/5
     
    IV.....Pumpkin with cactus blossom, sage, and sweetgrass.
    Definitely already have a decant, not a bad scent, but do not need more. 1/5 (would be higher if I didn't already have some)
     
    V.......Pumpkin with benzoin, bourbon vanilla, lemon peel, neroli, blood orange, and red ginger.
    Yes! Already have a decant, and could probably use another one. I have tested this side by side with Pumpkin Queen, and although they are different scents, it's really hard to tell the difference. 3/5 (would be higher if I didn't already have some)
     
    Pumpkin Patch '08
     
    I......Pumpkin with mango, persimmon, coconut, and myrrh.
    Already tried it, have some, do not need more! It smells like sweet potato casserole to me. 1/5
     
    II........Pumpkin with black musk, leather accord, tonka, teak, orange wood, and opoponax.
    Yes, yes, yes! Have a decant, would not mind another. 4/5
     
    IV......Pumpkin with white sage, cherry tobacco, honey, smoky vanilla, cedar, and pine.
    I had an interest in this one, but I let it pass by because of the honey, probably. Still wouldn't mind trying it, as long as the honey behaves itself. 4/5
     
    V.......Pumpkin with cranberry, strawberry, red musk, red rose, rosehip, frankincense, fig, jasmine, and carnation.
    No ma'am, no sir, not for me! Red musk, jasmine and frankincense are nice, fig and carnation are okay, red rose can be wearable sometimes, but all together, and with the fruits, make this one an easy pass for me. 1/5
     
    Pumpkin Patch '09
     
    I.......Pumpkin, almond, brown musk, and honey.
    I usually can't wear honey, with a rare exception here and there. And I don't think I like brown musk that much. Pass on this one. 2/5
     
    II.......Pumpkin, rosewood, red sandalwood, and tea rose.
    Not really of interest to me, except for maybe the red sandalwood. 2/5
     
    III......Pumpkin, fir needle, pitch, rosemary, and tomato.
    I am interested in trying this, not sure if it's something I'd wear, but it's unique and I'd like to try it. 3/5
     
    IV......Pumpkin, black musk, tobacco, myrrh, and clove.
    Reminds me of a couple of the past ones. I wouldn't mind trying it, but I also have lots of scents like this already. Maybe not with pumpkin, though. Interested enough for a decant at some point. 3/5
     
    V........Pumpkin, chocolate, coffee bean, vanilla bean, and hazelnut.
    At first I wasn't interested because of the chocolate, but the will-call reviews are saying this is heavier on the coffee, which makes it a little more appealing in my eye. Would like to sniff at some point. 3/5
  8. forspecial_plate
    The first time I tried this, I didn't like it at all. I gave it a couple weeks and tried it again, and it's better....but still not something I need a lot of. It's very dry and I do like the clove, but the black musk keeps wanting to fight with me. I have been having trouble with black musk lately. This scent reminds me of Velvet Bandito, but I think I like that better, and at any rate a decant of this is enough for me. I will probably keep it but not go for a bottle.
  9. forspecial_plate

    blogy

    By forspecial_plate,

    Bleeehhhhhh.........
     
    My 5th night in a row at work.......do not feel like being here.......wish I brought my real paper journal with me........but I do actually have school work I should be doing. But I don't really have the attention span right now!
     
    I'm finding myself very busy lately, and it seems like there's not enough time in the day to do the things I want or need to do. So I don't even try. With the time I do have I end up laying around playing video games. Ah well, life could be worse, and I really can't complain.
     
    Spending too much money on perfume lately, but that's nothing new. I have Mad Hatter and Baron Samedi bottles on the way, which is awesome.
     
    Can't seem to settle on one topic so that's all for now.
  10. forspecial_plate
    Wow, I guess it's my turn in the barrel for forum problems tonight. I've had hour-long stretches where I couldn't get anywhere, because the page just kept loading and loading.....eeeeever so slowly. Apparently it has been going around lately.
     
    In other news, fingers are crossed because my requests are in for the last 4 Lupercalia decants that I wanted to try. Still waiting to hear if they're available or not. I had thought about risking a bottle unsniffed again this time, but the choice is just too hard. I want to try them first. As usual, excited as heck about pending decants!
     
    More later if I am still this bored.....
  11. forspecial_plate

    Wow

    By forspecial_plate,

    I am all moved in now at my new apartment. I like it a lot more than the old one! I'm still unpacking and arranging, which will probably take me a while, but I have 5 closets, which is wonderful. I'm looking forward to a couple of relaxing days just getting settled in.
  12. forspecial_plate

    wishy wishy!

    By forspecial_plate,

    Bold type just means I have a particular interest, or higher priority for that scent. Colored text indicates added after first post. I try to update this pretty often....
     
    possible bottles
    Baron Samedi
    Dragon's Blood
    Fearful Pleasure
    Great Sword Of War
    The Mad Hatter
    Satan and Death With Sin Intervening
    Three Gorgons
     
    On the Fence, at the Carnaval!! (not sure if I want whole bottles of these or not)
    Carnaval Diabolique
    Isaac, the Living Skeleton
    Priala, the Human Phoenix
    The Chapel
    Theodosius, the Legerdemain
    Wulric, the Wolfman
     
    GC imps that I want
    Aelopile
    Baghdad
    Bathsheba
    Black Hellebore
    Brisingamen
    Bruised Violet Compound
    The Caterpillar
    Danube
    Death Cap
    Deep In Earth
    The Dormouse
    Dragon's Reverie
    Eclipse
    Fascinum
    Frumious Bandersnatch
    Hamadryad
    Hanging Gardens
    Hecate
    Hymn To Proserpine
    Imp
    Inferno
    Intrigue
    Jersey Devil
    Kill-Devil
    Kubla Khan
    Kumari Kandam
    Lampades
    Libertine
    Love's Torments
    Lyonesse
    Mad Hatter
    Mandrake
    Mary Read
    Medea
    Mouse's Long and Sad Tale
    Nero
    Niflheim
    No. 93 Engine
    Nostrum Remedium
    Othello
    Penthus
    The Phantom Wooer
    Phoenix Steamworks
    Plunder
    Port Royal
    Queen of Sheba
    Rome
    Salome
    Santo Domingo
    Scales Of Deprivation
    Schrodinger's Cat
    Shanghai
    Shango
    Strangler Fig
    Sundew
    Sybaris
    To A Woman
    Tombstone
    Tushnamatay
    Unicorn
    Verdandi
    Voodoo
     
    'Set Only' imps/unimpables I would like (imps or decants)
    And There Was A Great Cry In Egypt
    The Ecstacy of St. Theresa
    Famine
    Fox Fires on New Year's Eve at the Garment Nettle Tree at Oji
    Haloes
    The House
    Judith Victorious
    La Vague
    Lucretia
    Madonna
    Mama-Ji
    Parsifal
    Rozpustnica
    Silence
    Three Brides
     
    Decant Me (partial decants? half decants? droplets? all are acceptable, I just want to try these)
    The Bloody Sword
    Boo Bam
    Cagliostro
    The Chapel
    The Contract Of Theophilus Of Adana
    The Cracked Bell
    Damnation
    Dia De Los Muertos
    Fire Eater
    Isaac, the Living Skeleton
    Ivanushka
    Knucklebones
    Long Night Moon
    Moana
    Opuhi
    Pumpkin Patch III (2007)
    Shill
    Tiki Queen
    Tupapau
    Upa Upa
    Yule
     
    Single Notes dream list (decants) Ambergris, Black Cherry, Black Musk, Black Poppy, Cherry, Licorice Bark, Light Myrrh, Oakmoss, Red Musk, Red Mysore Sandalwood, Redwood, Siberian Musk, Tonka Bean, White Sandalwood
     
    The following are basically for my own reference....it helps me to keep this all in one place, and the update onslaught is just about killing me! But I do love trying all the new stuff.
     
    Czech and Speake
    Cuba
    Frankincense and Myrrh
     
    Possets
    Aiden
    Crickets
    Eve
    Nigel
    Rhode Island
    Vermont
     
    CB I Hate Perfume
    Wild Hunt
  13. forspecial_plate
    Well, here's what I think....
     
    I first came to bpal.org to read reviews and shipping updates. What I have found has been much, much more. I've made friends here from my own city as well as around the world, as well as finding a 'hobby' if that's what you want to call our collections. The people here and the oils we collect have enriched my life and opened my mind, and I've been through several big life-changes since coming around here. I can always find advice or just a shoulder to cry on when I'm here, and I know it goes even deeper for others in this community....some have mentioned that their sanity and their lives have been saved by their friends here, and I believe that is not an exaggeration.
     
    I do not blame anyone who is still friends with fairnymph, or who decides to sell to her when (if) all this is resolved. Let's face it....she's going to get the perfumes that she wants. She will find a way. Her posts that I've read strike me as coming from someone who is.....maybe the ultimate control freak? Self will run riot? I don't know, this probably isn't the place for it. My point is that she will find ways to get the oils that she wants and nobody here should lose sleep if she finds ways around the things we do to block her. She kind of reminds me of a little kid who wants all the toys for herself and then finds herself all alone with her toys because nobody wants to play with her any more. In a way that's sad because she's brought her own punishment on herself, worse than anything we can do by blocking her from buying stuff. She's cut herself off from a lot of potential friends and rich opportunities, and she did it to herself. I bet there are people around here who still would forgive her, and give her a chance, and be friends with her, and I don't find anything wrong with that at all.
     
    *sigh*......I don't even know where I was going with this or what my point is.....I think I'll just leave it at that.
  14. forspecial_plate
    I'm resisting the urge to order another Trick Or Treat Inquisition scent. I keep telling myself, just wait....because I don't even know which scent I'll get with my first order, because Possets' fall update is at the end of the week, because bpal may or may not have an update coming soon....not to mention the other bpal Halloween scents that I want, that I still haven't ordered yet.....all very good reasons, but I want another Trick Or Treat order pending, dammit!
  15. forspecial_plate

    Blaaaaah

    By forspecial_plate,

    I am so freakin' excited! And I want to talk about it but I have nobody to yak at.
     
    There is a new game coming out, made by the people who made Ico and Shadow Of The Colossus. I have been waiting patiently for info for a very long time. I knew it would be exclusive to PS3, and I knew I'd have to get a PS3 system just to play this, whenever it comes out.
     
    Anyway, there was a trailer for the game leaked to the internet last week (working title is Project Trico). It looks amazing. It hasn't been confirmed as being real, but I'm betting it is, because it looks too good to be a fake. Apparently the video is over a year old, so the finished product will be even better. I can't wait to play this!!
     
    I would be really happy if it came out this fall or winter. I realize it may take longer, but my fingers are crossed. Hopefully more will be announced at E3 this week.
  16. forspecial_plate

    video games

    By forspecial_plate,

    So here I am, blogging about video games on a perfume discussion forum. Ten years ago I would have had no idea what that even meant. But I already have the last post in the video game discussion thread, and I don't want to double post.
     
    I'm still playing Dragon Quest VIII, but I got Final Fantasy IX this past weekend, and I may be switching over to that for a while.
     
    In DQVIII, I got all the way up to the big God Bird, but haven't been able to beat it. So I'm back-tracking, trying to alchemize better weapons, level up, and also buy better equipment. I will beat that damn bird!
     
    Switching over to FFIX was a little jarring. The graphics are so different, and the battle system is a little different since it's Active. I like being able to sit and think about my next move, and you can't really do that here. But I'm determined to find another RPG that I love, so on I go.
     
    The great news is, after my class tomorrow, I'll have no real obligations for the rest of the day, and all the next day. So I can play to my heart's content. : )
  17. forspecial_plate
    Writing from work again, only a short shift today and not at all my usual time of day to be here, so it's a little disorienting. I am off at 2:30pm, then I'm free until tomorrow night. I wouldn't mind going out and celebrating a little, but at the same time, I really don't have the money right now, not for another 2 weeks. Also, it's supposed to rain today, and I think I could just as easily stay home, play video games, maybe do some cleaning, maybe organize my bpal collection, etc, etc. We shall see.
     
    Scent of the day is Bad Luck Woman Blues.....just love the moss in this, it's so wonderful.
  18. forspecial_plate

    Alien comics

    By forspecial_plate,

    I bought a book of the Alien comics (comic books compiled into a softcover book, 'Omnibus'). The story starts up after Aliens, but the characters' names are changed, and Ripley isn't in it. Actually only Newt and Hicks are in them. Anyway, good story, alternate sequel material, and I haven't read a comic in ages, so it's kind of fun. The last comic books I got into were Eightball but that's been a few years.
     
    There are a couple more volumes of the Alien Omnibus, I might keep following the story, we'll see.
     
    Oh and I tried Melainis again today.....just doesn't work for me, due to the black musk I think. Just too blecch papery powdery and reminds me of Haunted. Another one for my swaps if they ever get off the ground.
  19. forspecial_plate
    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)
  20. forspecial_plate
    I guess basically it's insecurity that I'm feeling. NYE was fun, but ever since then I've been worrying that I made an ass of myself....said the wrong things.....acted like a dumbass......etc. I hung out with 3 of my friends, 2 of them are a couple I know, both very good looking, good friends, always gracious to me and I know I worry needlessly. They were nothing but nice and let me crash on their couch, invited me to a great dinner, went out of their way to make fun drinks I hadn't tried before (caiphirina? I don't know how to spell it), but I can't seem to just let go of my worries and just have fond memories of the whole night. I envy them because I am single and when I let myself think about it, not really happy about it, so I usually just try to focus on school and work. Anyway.....just feeling totally unworthy and trying to write about it to get it all out. Really nothing new in my world.
  22. forspecial_plate

    Quick reviews

    By forspecial_plate,

    Gacela.....almost works, clove is really iffy on me and it doesn't quite work for me here. It comes off a little dusty or something.
     
    Faunalia.....Eek....this reminds me of Golden Priapus, a lot, which I hated, except this isn't quite as bad as that was. Still, this isn't for me.
     
    Men Loved Darkness......Another miss.....a lot of times clove and patchouli combine and turn really sour on me, which is what happened here, just like in Smiling Spider. They amp each other up until it's all sour clove and patchouli.
     
    Season Of Ghosts.....Very odd for a citrus scent....actually I don't even get much citrus. I recognize the rose geranium from On Darkness, and overall this scent turns weird and soapy on me. Did not like at all!
     
    Joulumuori......Big winner for me! I love this scent, and I had a feeling I should have gone straight for a bottle. Well, I was right. For all the foody notes, this is a wearable scent that isn't as foody as I thought it would be. The wood smoke or hearth note is very, very much like Djinn, my favorite GC scent. But it has the fabulous cheery spices mixed in, and I just love this. Kind of reminds me of the best parts of Djinn and Jolasveinar, with none of the snow or pine notes from Jolasveinar. Just great.
     
    Pink Snowballs......Not a fan.....I understand the comparisons to Snow White, but Pink Snowballs is more perfumey, fluffy, almost powdery, and not cold at all. Very commercial smelling to me. It's not terrible, but not what I was hoping for.
     
    Snowball Fracas.....Familiar snow note, but I do smell the soil from Graveyard Dirt underneath it. After a while more moss comes out. It's a good scent because I like these things, but doesn't stand out enough for me to want more. The soil note can be a little yucky but mixed with the snow notes, it's not bad.
     
    First Soft Snowfall......At first reminds me of Death Of The Grave Digger, a lot. Then as it dries, it becomes more floral, and I find myself thinking of Archangel Winter. Again, not a bad scent, but not quite as good as Death Of The Grave Digger.
  23. forspecial_plate

    Bite Me

    By forspecial_plate,

    I was really curious about this scent! So glad that Sally let me try hers. As it turns out, it's just not for me. At all.
     
    I see where people are getting rose from this, I smell it too. Actually this has more rose than some rose scents that I've tried. I think I wanted more sweetness or caramel/cake out of it. It's kind of strong and cloying, and almost plasticky for the first half hour to an hour. However after that, it does reach a middle stage where it smells kind of good to me. It takes on almost a hint of chocolate, and has a nice, complex cake-y smell.
     
    Much later on.....stale dusty roses. : ( Or maybe : ) because that means I one less scent for me to hunt down.
  24. forspecial_plate
    Rated on a scale of 1-5, as being relevant to my interest.
     
    But Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light...."The world will love its darkness: cistus labdanum, ginger, East Indian patchouli, pimento berry, oakmoss, saffron, smoky vanilla, sage, myrrh, and bitter blove". Sounds like Schwarzer Mond. With both patchouli and clove, this could turn out to be sour. Or it could be great. Decant. 3/5
     
    Ded Moroz....."Light, darkness, kindness, and malice: golden amber, white amber, redwood, teak, bois du rose, sage, tree moss, and snow". I've sniffed the prototype....it was pretty nice. From the notes, it looks like it could be a touch powdery. I'm interested, though. Decant, or bottle? 3/5
     
    Diable En Boite...."There are few things more disturbing than a Jack in the Box. A strangely sinister, unnerving holiday scent: redwood, bitter clove, tonka, hemp accord, and tobacco with peach blossom, black currant, and red musk". I can't really imagine what this will smell like. Possible decant? 2/5
     
    El Dia De Los Reyes.....didn't like it last time, I can safely skip this one. 1/5
     
    Evening Cicadas And Red Peppers...."Frost-limned, ice-bejeweled branches, scattered blood-red maple leaves, a few camellia petals, red peppers, and nacreous, multi-colored musks that shimmer like gently-beating cicada wings". This sounds freakin' awesome. I suppose something could go wrong in those notes, but I am feeling a bottle purchase on this one. Possibly. 4/5
     
    Faunalia...."The scent of a thick, starlit, unspoiled forest, with a burst of wild musk, opobalsamum, black bryony, mandragora, and hemlock". The forest part catches my interest. What in holy heck is opobalsamum? Is that a typo? I'd like a decant of this one, I think. 3/5
     
    The First Soft Snow....."Heavy drifts of snow blanketing winter's narcissus". I don't know what narcissus smells like! I'll have to do a little research. Possible decant. 3/5
     
    The Fruit Of Paradise 2009.....still have my decant from '07 I think, and never wear it.....another one I can skip. 1/5
     
    .......to be continued.
  25. forspecial_plate

    blecch

    By forspecial_plate,

    I feel yucky and anxious, nervous even. No damn good reason at all. And also feeling burnt out on my routine, both at work and at school. I keep telling myself it's my usual anxiety and it will pass. Soon. I know exercise would help.
     
    On the plus side, I feel a little better about my apartment, and tentatively decided to stay for another year. Yeah, the neighbors and the neighborhood suck, but it's so close to school. And it's a lot of space for a little money. Now I just have to do more fun stuff with it. Furniture, rugs, curtains, etc.....which I have put off for what, eight months now?? :love!: Anyway, the thought of moving again in 2 or 3 months is rather exhausting. : /
×