ralenth

Dark, resinous and gritty. It's a delightful tumble of vetiver and frankincense with a dash of myrrh. As it dries, Sol Niger becomes even smokier. Oh, this is heavenly. It's like what I wanted Labores Solis to be.

Quicksilver Phoenix is like sexy TKO cologne on my skin. It's bright and lavendery with a tinge of masculinity. It's zen and lovely. Definite winner.

Sweet strawberry candy. Tasty, but it disappears after ten minutes.

Imp: Incensy, sweet floral. At first, Seraphim is a soft, powdery floral on my skin, but as it dries, rose rears its ugly head and the sharp, green that I associate with my nemesis takes over. Sadly, this one is another victim of skin chemistry.

Imp: Apple and soft powder. Not at all what I was expecting. Wet: Juicy green apples with something biting in the background. Drydown: Very softly floral and fruity. Dry: Clean, fresh, gentle apple scent. I really wasn't expecting any dragon's blood scent to smell like this one me, but it's quite lovely. Drydown: Lovely and simple. Not my usual fare, but I really like it.

12/2009 version Boozy and perfumey, very strong throw. This Black Lace is a little more overwhelming than I remember the older version being. I'm hoping this bottle settles down, because I'm getting drunken old lady here. BINGO!

Aged bottle, 1-2 years Bottle: Sweet and sandalwood. Not much else from the cold sniff. Wet: Sharp, almost pungent floral and powder. Drydown: As it dries, the sweetness takes over again. Still sharp, but I guess this dragon is a bit grandma-ish for me. Dry: Old maid with a bit of attitude. Overall: I am starting to think my skin eats Dragon's Blood. I don't seem to be picking it up in any of the Ars Draconis blends.

Initially, Silver Phoenix is sweet and ephemeral. She's clearly the pretty, pretty princess Phoenix. Thirty seconds later, something scary and vegetal rises from goodness knows wear. Swamp Thing Phoenix eats the shiny tiara and everything delicate goes out the window. I'm really hoping this is a strange hormone reaction and that a retest will prove positive. However, I'm still a wee bit terrified.

I had a lot of hope for this one, but sadly it didn't work for me. Both times I tested Lambs-Wool, it was like Yankee Candle Autumny Harvest scents nommed on my arm. Potpourri, do not want.

Bottle: Cobalt, aged ~3 years. Wet: Salty floral. It reminds me of the belling florals in Danube. Drydown: As it dries, DT becomes a little more aquatic. It's incredibly salty (seriously, I am salivating here). Dry: The floral has come to the forefront. I don't get much dragon's blood, sadly. Overall: Interesting, but I prefer Danube as an aquatic floral.

Imp: Heavily floral, funeral. Wet: Strongly baby powder. Drydown: Sharp green and baby powder. As it dries, it becomes more etheral, but it doesn't agree with my skin. Dry: Soft powdery floral. On my skin, it's a bit like my grandmother's dusting powder. Overall: With two of my nemeses, roses and lilies, it's not surprising this didn't work for me.

It's a ridiculously chilly day and I am so pleased I reached for this one to review first. Hermes Trimegistus v2 is warm, delicious myrrh with soft hints of lavender and sandalwood. It's so delightfully complex as it dries down. I get a bit of evergreen too when it's dry, but it doesn't dominate the blend like usual for me. Overall, love love love.

I was generously frimped this with an ebay purchase from a forumite. It's like robo-Snake Charmer, sans vanilla. This is ridiculously good. There just are not words for this.

Imp: Vetiver, cocoa and floral. Wet: Vetiver, woodsy floral. Sharp, smoky and yet feminine. At least, my rawr idea of feminine. Drydown: As it dries, Queen becomes sweeter. Lavender bats up against the smokiness, almost taking over. I'm getting naughty TKO, which is totally not what I was expecting. I'm not sleepy, at least. Dry: Oh yeah, vamped up TKO. Overall: Sexy, seriously confident. I had batted this aside originally, because I generally associate BPAL Queen-named blends with my arch nemesis, rose, but thankfully I gave this a whirl. I will need a bottle.

Imp: Rose like whoa. Very reminiscent of Rose Red. Wet: Sharp green and heady rose. Quite a bit of throw. Drydown: Still keeping the quintessential roseness (which is really surprising on my skin) and the greenery (which is my skin's normal reaction to rose blends). As it dries, I get little wafts of baby powder, but it remains dominantly the rose & thorns combination. Dry: Mostly green with bits of overblown rose peeping through. Overall: I wonder if this is a blend of multiple roses. Maybe there is one out there than can play nice with my skin chemistry. Snooty Rose is the closest I've come so far to a rose blend that actually smells like roses on my skin. I'm happy that I tried it, even if it doesn't quite work for me.

Imp: Smoky vetiver. Mmm... Wet: Vetiver with a hint of sweetness... orange blossoms? Drydown: A sharp sour citrus takes the stage (it's kind of lemony for me too). The vetiver still does its sexy thing underneath, but I'm predominantly getting the citrus note. After a few minutes, the white sandalwood peeps in. Dry: Candied lemon drops with teensy whisps of the sandalwood and minimal vetiver. Occasionally, I think I catch some smoky goodness, but this is predominantly a citrus now. Overall: Love's Torments is far more playful than I was expecting. I was hoping for misery and vetiverliciousness, but alas, Love's Torments knew just how to torture me. I'll think I'll have to retest this in the hope of better results after some aging.

Source: Tested FelicityTwitchell's bottle. Bottle: A tumble of incredibly well blended notes: cinnamon/cassia with faint herbal tinges and something else slinking in the background. Upon testing: Warm, close to the skin, dragon's blood and cassia dance tantalizingly. It tingles a little on the drydown, which makes me think cassia. Blood Moon doesn't seem to have much throw, but this seems fitting for its soft musky warmth. It's not coy by any stretch of the imagination though. Blood Moon wants to do dirty things to you, you can just tell. Overall: I bet this would be really fantastic layered with some aged Snake Oil. This incarnation of Blood Moon would probably vamp just about anything up, you included.

I was very excited to try this, as it has long been on my wishlist. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me: Bottle: Sweet citrus with a hint of musk. Yum! Wet: This reminds me of sugared grapefruit. Light and sweet - delightful! Drydown: Dirty mop water with Lemon Pledge - where did this come from? Heartbreaking and disgusting at the same time. Dry: Lemon pledge crossed with grungy lemonheads. Overall: Skin chemistry fail. Lovely in the bottle.

Imp: Gentle, sweet floral with an aquatic tinge. Wet: Sweetly fruity, oddly reminiscent of Juicy Fruit gum, even though it's not quite that scent. Drydown: Slightly green** floral begins to take over. I don't tend to play nice with lilies, but this is quite pleasant. The initial fruitiness recedes, leaving traces of sweetness laced over the floral scent. Dry: Once it's dry, Prague tends to be a little baby powderish on my skin. It's still lovely, but that baby powder skirting across the top is something I would prefer to avoid. Overall:Prague seems like the less aquatic sister of Danube. Personally, I prefer Danube for skin chemistry reasons, but Prague is quite nice too. ** Think new green not grassy green.

Dry, powdered sugar and gingerbread. Much more subdued than Gingerbread Poppet, but still too sweet for my tastes.

Imp: Honey grahams. Actually not quite that foody, but a sweet, crumbly honey scent. Wet: Sweet honey, but a bit dirty. Naughty naughty. Drydown: Warm and slitheringly sensual. Honey still seems to predominate for me, but something beckons underneath. Honey doesn't play nice with me often, so I am definitely intrigued by that lurker on our playdate. Dry: Myrrh! Oh, and some honey too. Suddenly, it's a warm, honey drenched, sexy floral. Oh my. Overall: This is pretty fantastic. Not sure if it's office wear, but definitely good after hours.

Imp: Minty with a bite. Hmm. Wet: Satan's scope - I kid you not. Minty and evil. Yum. Drydown: Still sharp, but oddly metallic echoes frosted with mint. Dry: Metallic and minty. It vacillates between the two, but Pain is cold, sharp and impersonal. Overall: I adore lavender, but I didn't get any here. That aside, I really like this. Definitely a keeper.

Source: Lab Imp: Fruity rum with tinges of spice. Wet: Slighty powdery floral, very close to the skin. Drydown: Baby powder gone to the tropics. Strange and intriguing, but not really what I had in mind. Dry: Love's Baby Soft went on a tropical cruise. A bit fruity, but no tobacco or rum in sight. Overall: To the swaps.

Source: Lab Imp: Spicy floral with sandalwood undertones. Very lovely. Wet: Sharp, bitter - rats, there is rose in this. Drydown: Sickly sweet baby powder, which granted is better than the thorny mess I get from roses, but not really my thing. Dry: Baby powder all the way. Overall: Good in theory, not in practice.

******9/18***** If Beth made a perfume called "switch witch" what notes would be in it? What is your favorite cookie type? Alcohol? Yes, please. My SO doesn't drink, so we don't often have much in the way of alcohol in the house. I'm a big fan of red wines, port and dark ales. I'm coming around on lighter ones too now. DC/non-DC? I don't need a DC. I already know you're thinking of me. <3 Anyone ready for the new carnaval update? Noooo. I am in denial. I still haven't even tried acts four and five yet. Too many updates. What is one thing you constantly keep with you that you constantly lose? Lip balm. I swear, it just loves to play hide and seek. I think it's the kitties, to be honest. ******9/17***** Are you into 80s movies (like i am ) if so, which are your favorites and who are your favorite characters? Yes! I grew up watching them. The campier, the better! I almost named our kitten Mogwai. Do you like Villainess soaps? What are your favorite scents? I like their smooches and whippeds, but not the soaps. My favorite scents are Quick or Dead and Paradise Misplaced. Do you mind artificial colors in your food? I prefer to avoid them. Who wants hair pretties?(headbands, barrettes, pony-o's, scrunchies, bobby pins, hair clips, etc) I have short, fine hair. I like barrettes and thin headbands (no teeth please). I can always use more, as long as they're not too heavy. Big Dipper Wax Works: If you were my witchee, would you like any of the scents/sizes that are available on clearance? No thanks. I am on an origami crane kick recently, so I wonder if anyone will be interested in origami crane earrings, origami crane in a glass vial (~1.2cm wide) phone charm/pendant or just a container filled with cranes of different sizes. How do you feel about clothing/accessories made from animals? Anti-fur, leather, shells, etc.? Does even faux wig you out? How do you deal with stress? What's your favorite way to unwind? You're given the opportunity to apprentice at any trade (or craft) of your choosing for the period of one year. Your mentor may be any currently living person. Which field of study would you choose, and who would be your mentor? What are your favorite fruits? Pomegranates ******9/16***** Who is musically inclined? What instruments (voice counts) do you play? Would you enjoy sheet music? Me! I play several low brass instruments and the Bb clarinet as well. No sheet music, though, please. Favorite musicals? Which of the seven deadly sins is most likely to be your undoing? Anyone want a nickname and embroidered headband from PandaBite? Not really? I do love headbands, but I don't want a name on one. I have seen a lot of yankee candles haters..... personally i like yankee candle (some of them, anyway). do you or don't you, and if not, what candles do you like? this assumes you like candles. otherwise, what specific home fragrance do you use? No, thank you. I don't do much for home fragrance other than occasional BPTP spray. The kitties make faces. I swear, they do! Would a "gift" donation to one of the organizations/causes you support be a great gift, or a lame gift? ******9/15***** Does anyone have any symbols they consider to be personally significant or talismanic? The phoenix, the raven. Are there any Gods, Goddess, or other mythological figures of whom you're particularly fond? I used to teach a comparative myth class. I'm not particularly drawn to any god/goddess, but I do love trickster tales. Is it any wonder that American Gods is my favorite recent novel? Super villain or vigilante? Which would you like to be? Which would you like to receive? I can have a super villain of my very own? Please send me John Simm. What mythical or fantastic race of creatures (dragons, unicorns, griffins, elves, dwarves, faeries, etc.) do you most identify with, and why? How do you feel about Dia de los Muertos? Are you interested in sugar skulls? Catrina (or other) skeleton figurines? DDLM is my favorite holiday all year. I am a wee bit obsessed. Do you have a favorite poem or poet? ******9/14***** For the crafty people out there: would you prefer something crafted or crafting supplies? Can you use pill boxes, a hard ID case, coin purse, etc? Any songs you are desperately into at the moment? What's autumn like in your neck of the woods? What do you love and/or hate about it? What's your favorite product(s) at Trader Joe's? If you're caught in front of the tv, what are you watching? Any Amy Brown art fans? How do you feel about Halloween music? (mix CDs, what have you) Who else is reeeeeally looking forward to Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland? Is there a store that you love which does not have a location near you (but that has a physical presence somewhere, not just online? Why do you love it so much? Lolcats....yeah or nay? What is your favorite creepy folk story or legend? If your witch were to either write something for you or put together a collection of ghost stories, would you rather have it in writing, recorded as an oral telling, or both? If you had the funds to comission an original painting for yourself, what would it be of? What would it be like- colors, size, style? ******9/12-13***** What's something you're really looking forward to in the semi-near future? What fictional character do you most identify with and why? Could you use a 'travel' imp case? How many should it hold? As a witchee, would you prefer to have many little packages sent to you throughout the round with a not-so-big final package or fewer things throughout the round with one huge final package to seal the sweetness? What is your idea of the perfect evening at home? Are you on any social networks (MySpace, Twitter, LJ, Facebook, Bebo, etc)? If so, make with the links! Are you open to new friends? What kind of socks? How often do you update your wishlist? May I help you fill out your costuming wardrobe (assuming you costume)? Are there articles you are seeking to enhance your a) Halloween costume, Renfest attire, c) Cosplay, d) Steampunk accouterment? So, who has a store or ETSY shop or knows of a shop of a fellow BPALer that everybody needs to check out? Not me. Who are your favorite artists/illustrators/art periods? What's your stance on cranberries? Do you mind receiving used (in good condition, of course) CDs or DVDs? Do you have a crush on anyone famous? Do you have a crush on any literary characters? Would you like fanfiction or fan art based on this/these people? You're at home, or out, and you want a snack. Something that will get you through to the next meal, or through to the end of school or what ever. What do you grab? Do you have a favorite bpal bottle art? Are there any decants from the Halloweenies, Literary Vampires, Gris Grimly, or Hellboy that you would be interested in receiving? Please, no. The horde of bottles in my dining room attest to the fact that I do not need decants. Ever. I do, however, need a team of flying monkeys to get them out the door. ******9/11***** There has been a lot of talk about chocolate, but none about Candy! What is your favorite Candy? What candy do you hate? I don't eat a lot of candy, but I have been crazing Twizzlers. Someone sent some minis to me recently and sparked a craving. I do not like peanut butter flavored or filled candy. Oh, and beet candy if it exists. Please don't be sending that. Do you have a Blu-Ray player? We will soon! Do you have any objections to receiving downloads? Is your internet connection fast enough for you to download large files like music easily? Are there any songs, albums, movies, or TV shows that you can't find/haven't been released that you want? In short, Arr! ******9/10***** Are you interested in things like home remedies for ailments, cleaning solutions, etc.? Yes! I am very chemically sensitive, so these natural goodies please me greatly. If you do any kind of craft, could you use supplies? What kind? knitting needles, yarn, amazing fabric, pinking shears, cool thimbles or pincushins, jewelery making supplies, beads, etc.? What's your favorite pain-relief remedy or ritual? Do sounds make you happy? What ambient noises make you smile? When you receive your SW packages...do you like receiving things that are individually wrapped inside? or unwrapped? or both? Of course, we're all going to be grateful no matter what our witches give us, but for the record, what is your anti-present? Tell us something that you think your future witch might give you that you absolutely, unequivocally DO. NOT. WANT. What BPAL scent have you never tried but always wanted to? What scent have you tried and LOVED, and haven't been able to get more of and why? I know we're all scent sensitive here. What are your favorite non-perfume smells? Day in the life stuff? Coffee drinkers, what types of beans to you like? Kona, Sumatra, Kenya..etc. How do you like them roasted? Do you like flavors, such as hazelnut, vanilla, etc. in your coffee? Who has a birthday falling in this round? For those of us who like chocolate, do you like anything /in/ your chocolate, like fruit, nuts, or for the more daring among us, chilies? Are there any childhood shows/movies/games/books/etc. that still hold a really special place in your heart? ******9/9***** Super power? If I send you whole spices or coffee beans, would you be able to grind them or would you prefer them preground for your convenience? For the tea and coffee drinkers: Opinion on tea- and/or coffee-related accessories/etc? (Teaware, sugar crystals, infusers, tea chests, etc)How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Black or with cream and/or sugar? Restaurants you'd like a gift certificate to on Restaurant.com? In your perfect world it is chocolate and...? How do you scent your home: tarts, reed diffusers, BPAL, candles? What's your favorite dessert treat? Ice cream? Cake? Pie? Fudge brownie cake with pie flavored ice cream on top? Mochi. Mmm. Oh, and rice candy Do you believe we control our destiny, or does our destiny control us? What one thing that is missing from your life would you like to have above all else? ******9/8***** What was your favouritest job ever, and why? Baking cakes for friends' weddings. I think the why is obvious. Which three albums would you take to your apocalypse bolt hole and how would you power the generator? What GC scent have you been putting off getting since it'll "always be there"? ******9/7***** Any cooks? Could you use anything cooking related? Aprons? Cookbooks? Measuring Cups? Recipes? Herb/Spice containers? Fancy Spices? Dish Towels? Cocktail napkins? Amazing Beaded Pot Holders? (like from our very own Pottersville! ) Something else? Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book/series? What's your favorite candy to stock up on at Halloween? What are your phobias? What is your favourite flower (or plant)? Duct tape purses and wallets and things are pretty darned cool. Who else thinks so? An anonymous benefactor gives you $500 (or an equivalent amount of money in your currency of choice) with the following stipulations. You must spend all of it within a week: any money left unspent must be returned. You must spend at least half of the money on yourself. You may not use it to pay off debts or bills of any kind. What do you do with the money? ******9/6***** You're in the kitchen at the end of a pay period and groceries are pretty scarce. Do you take the five ingredients you find first and make something fabulous, or do you order take out? I get inventive! I don't stock a deep pantry as I try to avoid preservatives, but I can always manage to generate a few meals out of it, even when it looks bleak. If you could decorate/redecorate any 1 room in your home, what would it be and how would you decorate it? I just got the go ahead to decorate our living room with a skeleton theme. Thanks, BPTP, for giving me the excuse I needed to make my case! Any rabid sports fans out there? What teams do you root for? What's your favorite animal? (You can have more than one.) This is how the world ends... zombie apocalypse, robot uprising, alien invasion, return of the elder gods... which doomsday scenario do you prefer (or make your own!)? In the year 2525... if man is still alive... what sort of future do you imagine? (apologies to anyone who gets that song stuck in their head!) Do you believe in magic (or magick, if you prefer)? What does it mean to you? If you found the puzzle box from Hellraiser, what would you do with it? ( and would you be able to resist playing with it? ) ******9/5***** Do you like pinup art/images? What are your plans for Halloween? Have you made any yet? Do you have any traditions? Who are your BPAL forum buddies? You know, people I could conspire with to Witch you! What is your favorite color? Any other steampunk fans/lovers? Describe your ideal picnic lunch. Where would you go? Who (if anyone, and yes there can be multiple people) would accompany you? What sort of food would you take? And, of course, if a picnic lunch sounds like a horrible idea, feel free to say so! ******9/4***** Any Gamers here? What kind? Board games? RPG? Miniature? MMORPG? Yes. I like card games, board games, and MMORPGs. I used to like to paint miniatures, but I never really got into playing with them. Is anyone playing this round of SW into ABJ? (asian ball jointed dolls) Not me! They look neat, but I would fail at sewing. What is your favorite Halloween icon? It's a tossup between owls and bats. Imagine that you're given a shoebox-sized time capsule, and you are asked to put any number of items in the box that symbolize who you are. The items can be may be anything you can imagine, and money is no object, but they must fit within the box. Which items do you choose? My tattered childhood Greek myths book, my favorite black kitty ears headband, a sonic screwdriver replica and my library card. Are you involved in any long-term, ambitious project? something like decorating your house or saving for a trip to the other end of the world, for example. I just got the go-ahead to decorate the living room in a skeleton theme! Woo! Favorite kind or take out kinda burger? Whats your burger preference? Veggie,meat or ???? Patty melt from this local place called Hungry Hound. Delicious, heart attack. Mmm... Whats your favorite childhood toy? I used to have a stuffed baby orange tiger named Pumpkin that I dragged everywhere. If you have a pet, what kind of gifts would be good for them? Two lovely kitties, Lina and Rumbles. They are love waffleweave paper, pipe cleaners, packing peanuts and many other things that were never intended to be toys. Any treats or playthings sent to them will be greatly appreciated. They always investigate the boxes first anyway. Do you Tweet? What is your Twitter name? Yep. I'm ralenth there as well. Are you on Ravelry? What is your Ravelry name? Nope. Couldn't knit to save my life. ******9/3***** What are everyone's favorite Halloween-y/Autumn-y/spooky movies? Are there any you don't own but would like to? My copy of Nightmare Before Christmas (which is one of my favorite movies ever) has been missing ever since we moved from Phoenix. I keep forgetting to replace it. Are roasted pumpkin seeds and home made chex mix the best fall snack foods, or what? I adore roasted pumpkin seeds. I have never had chex mix, however. Whats your favorite pie, my dear SW's? Pecan. Mmm... What kinda socks are you wearing tonight? None at the moment. I think my kitty has been hiding my socks again. He has a thing for toes and I swear he is plotting against me. Do you like socks? Blankets? Wrist warmers? Arm warmers? Headband? Shawl? Or what kind of knitted thing would you love the most? I adore socks when my kitty isn't stealing them. I also like scarves and am curious about shawls. As for headbands, I like them, but my hair is short, so only the traditional ones for me. How do you feel about ghost stories? Do you like to tell the old tales around a campfire? Read true accounts on the web way past your bedtime? Do you like to pick up a good anthology of Poe stories on a blustery day? Or is all that too scary for you? I am not big on gore, but I do love spooky or creepy stories. Poe FTW. Who here is LOVING Warehouse 13? I don't have a tv, but I think I would watch it. Another question! Coffee or Tea? Why limit yourself? Both, please! Interested in locally produced products? Food, skincare or both?Olive oil? Lavender oils or soaps? Definitely! Does anyone in here wear a lot of dangly earrings or collect pendants of all kinds?? How about hair clips or pony tail band things? I really don't have any jewelry except for my scent lockets. I do find dangly earrings very appealing, though. What is your favourite historical period? Late-Republican/Early Imperial Rome. What other hot beverages everyone likes for fall? Mulled cider. Did you order anything from the most recent update? I'm running a Lab update decant circle over on el-jay, so I have that covered. I haven't made a Post order yet, but I am trying to be good. Vampires or Werewolves? Or some other monster? I'm equal opportunity for monsters. What sort of odd or regional foods do you crave? Collard greens and fried okra lately. Californians think I am crazy, obviously, as there are none to be found around here. I am also cuckoo for anything prickly pear (like the desert baby that I am) and cactus taffy. Oh, Cerreta, how I miss you.