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one week to go*
I don't even know how to start writing this. As you can see from the subject, my due date is in exactly one week. SEVEN DAYS.
Now, of course, baby may not make her appearance on her due date (only about 4 percent of babies do). But still, January 19th is the number we've had in our heads since we first found out I was pregnant. It's circled and bolded on every calendar we own. I know that it's the last day of Capricorn and that one of my favorite gymnasts, Shawn Johnson, was born on this day in 1992 (and Jodie Sweetin! But not in 1992.).
So, regardless of when baby Lewin decides it's her birthday, we are getting damn close to D-Day. What might that "D" stand for? Due date, obviously. Delivery also works. Devastation (to my lady garden). But, as I mentioned in the last post, we're keeping a POSITIVE attitude here. So, let's go with delight. Or, daughter (!).
In other positive news, we are definitely in birth preparation mode. We have packed our "go bags," printed out our birth plan and Mike has the list of all the numbers he needs to call when I go into labor. To help everything run smoothly, I'm also taking a few homeopathic remedies, which you can see in the photo above. Now, all of you who are doctors: I can see your eye roll through the computer. But hey, if these herbs and oils have worked for midwives for centuries, I see no reason why they can't help me too.
Here's my arsenal:
Red raspberry leaf tea: This herbal blend is recommended for use in the second and third trimester. Benefits can include helping to reduce leg cramps, insomnia and nausea. There is also anecdotal evidence that drinking it regularly can help you during labor to have more effective (read: stronger) contractions, thus shortening a woman's overall labor time. As with everything else on this list, I guess we'll see when it all goes down. You can buy it here or in most health food stores.
Probiotics (Saccharomyces Boulardii): Unfortunately for me, I tested GBS positive, so I already know lots of antibiotics are in store for me once we get to the hospital. You can read more about what that means in this article. Luckily, in this country, we now test all pregnant women for it, so the chance of infecting an infant is very, very low, as long as you take the precautionary antibiotics once you're in labor. But, in an effort to lessen the effects of those drugs on my (and baby's) gut flora, I started taking this type of probiotics after we got the test results. I'll continue to take them after she's born for a few days/weeks and the hope is that we'll both avoid any nasty antibiotic-related side effects (thrush, stomach issues, etc). This specific type of probiotic was recommended to me by the excellent staff at Life Thyme because it can survive in the stomach even when you're taking antibiotics. You can buy it here, also.
Evening primrose oil: These capsules, made from the flower of the same name, are supposed to help dilate and efface your ... you know what. Basically, your body turns substances within the capsules into prostaglandins, a lipid compound which helps to stimulate labor. If you want to get all technical about it, you can start with this article. Available here.
Prenatal vitamins: I've been taking these since last January and have had no side effects with them at all, so I definitely recommend this brand.
As mentioned earlier, we're using Ina May Gaskin's and The Bradley Method books as our rough childbirth guides. The Bradley book especially has a lot of exercises you can do (both alone and with a partner) to help stretch your joints and ligaments in preparation for labor. We also bought an exercise ball (I got this one) that I try and sit on while we're watching TV. This late in pregnancy, it definitely feels great to do hip circles on it or even lightly (key word) bounce.
Do I think labor is imminent? Not exactly. I haven't really been experiencing any of the classic symptoms, yet. The most uncomfortable part about being 39 weeks pregnant for me is that my ribs are KILLING me. Everyone says that lessens once the baby "drops," so to speak, so we'll see if that makes a difference.
If you've been down this road before, what did you do to prepare?


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A summary of the study and the debate surrounding is reported in an article in the Inquisitr.com:
"Results of the study, titled "Potential for a large earthquake near Los Angeles inferred from the 2014 La Habra earthquake," published on October 1 in the American Geophysical Union's Earth and Space Science journal by a team of NASA geophysicists led by Dr. Andrea Donnellan, has sparked a controversy among seismologists."
The study finds that there is "a 99.9 percent chance of a magnitude-5 or greater earthquake striking within three years" in the greater Los Angeles area. The study, based on GPS (Global Positioning System) data and airborne radar measurements of the magnitude-5.1 LA area quake on March 28, 2014.
The study found that a magnitude-5.0 quake was "extremely likely" to occur by April 1, 2018, and one of magnitude-6.0 or higher was likely at a probability of 35 percent. The largest anticipated earthquake at this location, based on this analysis, is predicted as a magnitude-6.3. The 1994 Northridge earthquake (magnitude-6.7) caused $25 billion in destruction, disrupted business operations, transportation, utility infrastructure, schools and public service providers.
The USGS said the 99.9 percent probably number calculated in the new study is suspect. The probability percentage used by the USGS for such an earthquake in that area over the next three years is (only) 85 percent. Despite the dispute over the precise probability percentage, the USGS agrees that the probability favors a major earthquake in the southern California area to occur within the next three years.
One aspect of the study on which differing scientists agree is that the study accurately concludes that deeper layers of the Earth and fault zones did not move during the studied La Habra earthquake in the same way that the shallower areas did move. This supports the analysis that the deeper layers retain pent-up seismic strain, and an earthquake must eventually release that strain in the same zone, which affects the same area of greater Los Angeles in the coming years. (NASA: Los Angeles Area Has 99.9 Percent Chance Of Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Or Greater In Next Three Years ).
"Donnellan explained that the recent La Habra earthquake that occurred in the spring of 2014 only relieved some of the stress in the faults. There remains enough pent-up seismic energy waiting to be released, and it could trigger a stronger quake within a 60-mile radius of the epicenter of the last earthquake. 'When the La Habra earthquake happened, it was relieving some of that stress, and it actually shook some of the upper sediments in the LA basin and moved those a little bit more,' Donnellan told CBS Los Angeles. 'There's enough energy stored to produce about a magnitude 6.1 to 6.3 earthquake,' she added. Evidence that the earthquake relieved only part of the overall stress in the crust came partly from the fact that the deformation caused by the quake was larger than expected for a 5.1 magnitude event. The researchers said in their study that, 'The shallow ground movements observed from this [La Habra] earthquake likely reflect strain accumulated on deeper faults, which remain locked and may be capable of producing future earthquakes.'"
One vital take-away from this discussion is that whether it is 99.9% or 85% probability – the predictive odds favor a coming major earthquake in the southern California basin and it is likely to occur sooner rather than later. Are you prepared?
It may well be that these new findings remind us of the earthquake risks based on our location and preparedness plans, especially those who are in southern California. This new report is a good "prompt" to revisit earthquake readiness for all of us, no matter where we are located for our businesses, homes, schools and not-for-profit organizations. Recent news headlines chronicle the geographical diversity of earthquake risks across the USA including locations such as Oklahoma and the central plains, the western U.S., Southeast, Illinois and the Midwest, and New England. No matter where you live and work, the essential question is: are you prepared? You can learn more about earthquake readiness on the FEMA website. This may be a great wake-up call reminder for us to consider seriously our own revised exposure to earthquake risks.
There are specific steps that businesses can take to reduce the chances that earthquakes will injure employees, customers or other workplace visitors, damage workplaces or jeopardize the survival of the business operations. Such steps include: assess your seismic risks and how to develop and implement a plan to cost-effectively mitigate those risks. Educate your people with earthquake-related information resources, ranging from reports, handbooks, guides, and manuals to posters, software, web-based tools, and instructional materials; and implement training and readiness preparation focused on earthquake risk reduction, and managing an earthquake disaster. These efforts can supplement or be integrated with other training and preparation efforts to addresses mitigation, preparedness and response subjects that are applicable to earthquakes and as well as other hazards.
Are you prepared for The Big One (or another big shake)?

subset: commoncrawl


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No matter what carrier services you're looking for, Big Water Technologies has you covered.


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Reg Price $60.00 Our Price $50.00
Home / Team Apparel / Track/Cross Country Uniforms / Men's Singlets and Shorts / Sublimated / Shorts / ARMOURFUSE 2.5" SHORT (Item #UJTSSPM)
Ultra lightweight and durable sublimated woven fabric with internal liner. 2.5" inseam. Visit www.underarmourteamuniforms.com to create your design. Select your colors, application, and fonts on the site. Then call Molly at 877-813-4169 to place your order. 6 piece minimum. Please allow 8 weeks for delivery from art approval.
Reg Price $75.00 Our Price $62.25
Reg Price $65.00 Our Price $54.00


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Dr. Paul Nassif has found a product line called SkinCeuticals that meets his strict requirements for effectiveness. These products reinforce firmness, redefine smoothness, and restore a fresh, plump, youthful appearance to the skin.
After the use of injectables, your home skincare regimen will help to maintain a plumper, fuller look. Dr. Nassif's team of professionals may ask you to use some of these products so that your skin is maintained correctly.
The line has various products, each with a specific purpose, including antioxidants, sunscreens, corrective serums, and anti-aging products.
"Imagine a skin care line that feeds the skin essential nutrient complexes exactly when it needs it."
To learn more about Nassif Skincare or to purchase a product:Click Here
- Medical Director -
A prominent face in the media, Dr. Nassif makes it his duty to educate the general public on plastic surgery and non-invasive procedures.Learn More
© NASSIFMEDSPA. All Rights Reserved.
Los Angeles Online Marketing & Web Design by Studio III


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2017-08-13, "Miracle of Failure"
For 6 weeks, Rev. Dawn Douglas Flowers will preach from stories found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 14-18. What makes a miracle a miracle? How does one even define miracle? Do you believe in miracles? Today's message, the second in the series, comes from Matthew 14:22-33. We look forward to journeying through these stories with you as we all "Rethink Miracles"!


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28210906620166269092019-07-12T02:24:20.564-07:00For The Love Of PerfumeDedicated to all scents pretty, inspiring, fashionable, smart and lovableForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-46209645731263557972013-12-02T09:39:00.001-07:002013-12-02T09:39:38.575-07:00Cyber Monday Deals!

Hello folks! It is my favorite shopping day of the year, and thank you to Makeupalley, I am pleased to offer some of today's deals:

Ajne.com - 25% off with JOLLYAJNE thru 12/21. Sample set coupons; Sublime excluded.

FourSeasons.com is giving 20% off with TURKEY 13. http://fourseasonsproducts.com/

For 25% at http://www.ayalamoriel.com/ use promo code "thanksgivukkah" Free shipping for order over $200 in North America. Mention code in notes to sellers at checkout - refunds will be given by hand.

Parfum1 is offering 21% off with code WONDERFULPT but have excluded many brands.

IndieScents is offering 20% with code "cedar" at checkout. Some brands are excluded. http://www.indiescents.com

C.O. Bigelow: C.O. Bigelow is offering 25% off C.O. Bigelow products online only through Monday, December 2, 2013. CODE: Turkey1838

Basenotes posted a page full of fragrant deals! http://www.basenotes.net/bn_deals.php

Fragrancenet is 21% off with code VPHC3. http://www.fragrancenet.com/

Fragrance X is offering free shipping and 15% off everything with code CYBER15

Skinstore has a 20% off code: CHEER20

LusciousCargo is giving 10% off almost everything. Use the word GIFT for orders over $50 for a cool gift and DECSHIP for free shipping on orders over $30. Codes may be stacked.

RonRobinson.com is giving 20% off and free shipping with code RRCYBER13 through 12/2

TPC will give 12% off with code THANKSGIVUKKAH http://theperfumedcourt.com/

Kenzo is giving 15% off with code FLOWER15 through 12/1 @ 10pm EST http://www.kenzousa.com

Dawn Spencer Hurwitz is giving 20% off everything on the site with code FROSTY13 from now through December 15. http://www.dshperfumes.com/

CJScents is giving 15% off all orders over $20 12/1 -12/31/13 with code HOHOHO . http://www.cjscents.com

Naturopathica is offering 30% with code 30NOW through 12/3/13 http://www.naturopathica.com/

Get 15% off at MIN New York with code robes08 http://minnewyork.com/

Bourbon French is giving free shipping on orders $25 or more Sunday and Monday only and 10% off the entire website now through Monday 12/2/13. Also, each household that orders gets a free gift!! No code needed. http://www.neworleansperfume.com/

Sarah Horowitz is giving 20% off through Monday, 12/2/13 with code HPBLACKFRIDAY http://www.sarahhorowitz.com/

InFiore is giving 20% off with code HOLIDAY2013 through 12/2/13. Free shipping on orders $100+ http://infiore.net/

Madini Oils will give 20% off with code HOLIDAY2013 through 12/12/13 http://madini.com/products/complete_listing.htm

Thefragranceshop.com has BOGOs and BTGOs through 12/2/13 at midnight.

SageJewelry.com (Sage Machado) is offering 25% off everything with code Cyber25 Monday, 12/2, 2013 @ 8am - midnight EST.

 MyHabit.com is giving 20% off with code SHOPPING until 12/2/13 @ 11:59 PM PST.

Thebodyshop-usa.com. is giving 30% off all pre-packaged gifts and sets and 50% off a regular priced item. Free ground shipping for orders over $30.

Get 22% off and free shipping until 12/2 midnight PT with code CYBER at http://www.beautysage.com

Perfumania.com is giving 35% off today only with code CYBER35. May be stacked with code SAVE5 to save $5 off $50. Shipping is free.

ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-85522293435539197782013-10-29T11:42:00.002-07:002013-10-29T11:54:49.220-07:00Carven and Elie Saab Side by Side

I have seen two fresh, modern scents compared on the blogosphere. Out of curiosity, I decided to conduct my own side by side comparison with one spritz on each hand: Carven le parfum on my left, Elie Saab Eau de Parfum on my right. Both were created by nose Francis Kurkdjian, whose creation 754 I adore, so he already has a leg up in my book.

At first spritz:

Carven - fresh, airy, light floral with lots of brightness; inoffensive but a tad bit boring
Elie Saab - light floral draped in honey, more sweetness than air; the sweetness gives it an edge. I am more drawn to this hand than my left.

Entering the heart:

Carven - one dimensional. The scent has not changed or evolved and now offers just a lighter version of the first spritz with soft, fresh flowers remaining, namely white hyacinth underscored by sweet pea. It might be a great choice for someone completely afraid of perfume. I am not her.
Elie Saab - Wow. Loving this sweet floral that leads with orange blossom. I would choose it for every day wear and a light social occasion. A few spritzes at the nape of my neck and on clothing would offend no one. It reminds me of my daughter's spirit: sweet, light, fun.

Lingering in the drydown:

Carven - my first impression remains but the flowers have been replaced by pure powder. Nice enough for someone (probably someone twenty years younger) but I am yawning. Perhaps if the patchouli were dirtier it would fit pour moi. However, if all twenty-somethings replaced their entire Bath and Body Works lotion collection with this ... hmmm ... the possibilities ...
Elie Saab: a slight hint of vetiver graces my nose while those gorgeous orange blossoms still sing. I have been searching for a multi-dimensional neroli-focused scent and Elie Saab qualifies. With this added dimension of depth, a thought just struck me as I inhale: a perfect wedding day scent. Still, I would quite happily add this to my winter/spring rotation.

Overall impression:

Perhaps the parallel note of mandarin blossom prompted my fellow perfumistas to link these two scents, but based upon this experiment, I find Elie Saab the standout winner for those with more discerning noses. Both offer freshness and light, while Elie Saab provides more depth and dimension to that theme.

A special thank you to Kristie Short at Saks Fifth Avenue, Biltmore, Phoenix for equipping me with samples of these two scents. Sales assistants like her make fragrance shopping a wonderful experience!

Carven le parfum and Elie Saab Eau de Parfum can both be purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue. Carven retails for $84-$109 per bottle. Elie Saab EDP retails for $94-$124 per bottle.

Image of mandarin blossom from perfumemaster.org.

ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-82540443202296666902013-10-23T15:29:00.002-07:002013-10-23T16:37:37.371-07:00Byredo 1996 Inez and Vinoodh

Stockholm based Byredo has produced many original scents; one that captured my interest for the first time in a note I found too heavy for the hot desert: oud. Byredo Accord Oud is the one oud-focused scent I can wear, and now I am finding one woodsy, patchouli based scent I can wear in 1996 Inez and Vinoodh.

The scent was created for a Dutch married couple and photography duo, famous in their own right for their work in pop culture. Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin have produced music videos, fahion magazine editorials and advertising campaigns. Ben Gorham of Byredo desired to create a scent in their honor, mimicking their work and life together and specifically their photograph entitled "Kirsten 1996." They desired to merge their unique tastes, epitomized by their "house of warm wood and high end design"and Ben Gorham has succeeded with this gem. Originally, it was not available to the public, but when the fragrance took off like wildfire among friends ... well, another decision was made to launch at Barney's September 2013.

The scent begins altogether woodsy but morphs into a soft, creamy heart like orris and violet wrapped in vanilla. With fresh juniper berry and warm, in this case dark, amber, the fragrance is indeed a study in contrasting elements merging to form beauty. With leather and patchouli at the base, I cannot stop sniffing and I believe I must have this for winter and the holidays. Since I have a difficult time describing the scent, it reminds me of warm nights at a winter cabin, a luxurious cabin with all of the comforts of home, and nights filled with gourmet meals, fresh flowers, cashmere throws, and cognac by the fireside. Luxurious, refined, interesting, warming, intoxicating and sensual all accurately describe Byredo 1996 Inez and Vinoodh. Test at your own risk as you may spring for a bottle on the spot.

Byredo 1996 Inez and Vinoodh is available at Barney's New York. A 50ml bottle retails for $175.ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-71468017606158146222013-09-26T22:15:00.003-07:002013-09-26T22:15:22.339-07:00Just A Drop Is All I Have Got: Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede

Darn thing about sample vials: they are made of super fine glass so if you drop one on a tile floor, the party is over. Or it has just begun with an explosion of fragrance all over your floor. Either way, my evening hopes of reviewing another smart creation from Jo Malone were dashed as I found Peony and Blush Suede splattered all over my kitchen floor, the unfortunate result of carrying too many things at once. Yet, as the fragrance wafted from the floor and I managed to salvage enough of the liquid to dab on my arm, its charms turned even this debacle into a pleasurable moment.

I have always favored the house of Jo Malone for creating refined, extremely wearable scents. Anyone can find one to call their own, even I, during my olfactorily picky second pregnancy, favored Jo Malone's White Jasmine and Mint. So upon browsing the fragrance counters at Neiman Marcus and coming up with mediocre finds, the Jo Malone counter beckoned me, offering a definitive new study with Peony and Blush Suede.

Peony and Blush Suede is a departure from most florals in this line, typically clean and airy with a prominent citrus note. Rather, this beauty begins with apple and morphs into a musky, powdery flower. The apple offers just enough piquancy to showcase exquisitely beautiful peony, the symbol of everlasting love. The floral bouquet is more smooth than cloying, more refreshing than sweet and this balanced quality remains Jo Malone's strength. All of her scents have that same balance. The musky suede base offers just enough grounding so the glorious peony note lasts. Jasmine, rose and gillyflower add richness to the bouquet, just enough to keep it interesting and lively. With a candle, body wash, body cream and cologne offered, my only trouble will be in deciding which I can do without.

Speaking of doing without, I explored for the first time today five beauties from the Jo Malone Cologne Intense collection. I consider it a major feat that I walked away from the counter without purchasing one. Rose Water and Vanilla, Amber and Patchouli, Oud and Bergamot, Dark Amber and Ginger Lily (oh my!) and Iris and White Musk all deserve recognition in their own right. The only scent I did not have the pleasure of experiencing from this collection is Velvet Rose and Oud. One day I will get my hands on a real live sample of each of these to review. Until then, I am basking in my last drop of Peony and Blush Suede.

Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede can be found at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. A 30ml bottle retails for $60 and a 100ml bottle retails for $115. Many thanks to Mary Robinson at Neiman's in Scottsdale for her generous assistance. Amber and Ginger Lily intense and Blackberry and Sage pending review!

Image of peony courtesy of wikimedia.

ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-52027077694352447072013-09-16T22:02:00.000-07:002013-09-16T22:02:20.913-07:00A Dozen Roses Amber Queen

Founded by two successful beauty executives, A Dozen Roses creates unique scents by underscoring the emotions evoked by roses. Merging art with perfumery, and basing each scent around 100% rose absolute has created a niche house worth writing about. Sandy Cataldo and Lynn Emmolo have indeed succeeded at developing a superb line for fragrance connoisseurs.

To my relief, these scents do not resemble my great-grandmother's rosey perfumes. Rather, they are original, modern, and sophisticated. There are other lines based upon rose. For certain it is a flower worth studying for its varieties, beauty and personality. What brings freshness and vivacity to this line is the artwork on each bottle, devoted to the rose that is showcased by each fragrance.

I had the pleasure of testing all of these beauties (except for the newest release, more about that in another post!) at Bergdorf Goodman in May. The one that I purchased on the spot, literally at first sniff, holds the front and center spot in my perfume cabinet: Amber Queen.

Described as "a dream come true", Amber Queen resembles the beautiful golden amber rose upon which is based, with clementine and apricot as glorious top notes. I detect those for sure, but there is such a solid base upon which they rest, thankfully I am not reminded of my clementine shower gel. This is richly draped fruit, grounded by ginger and that mysterious rose absolute blend, unique to the house and true to the amber rose. The heart evolves into soft, enveloping and smooth rose, close to the skin but if sprayed with abandon leaves a decent trail. I bury my nose into my wrist when wearing Amber Queen and perhaps that is the reason I had to have it. It feels extremely personal - like my little secret to enjoy. The base notes are listed as amber and myrrh but I do not experience it as a blast of either, but rather a delicate hint of both. Smooth, rich and profound describe this fragrance. I reach for it often, more when I prefer a close-to-my-skin scent; yet I am surprised at the number of compliments I receive when adorned with Amber Queen. Its deep beauty is not lost on others.

A Dozen Roses scents can be found at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Each 3.4 oz. beautifully decorated bottle retails for $110. The first to comment on this post will receive a generous decant from my bottle!

ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-67763242619196553612013-08-27T10:57:00.001-07:002013-08-27T11:12:22.085-07:00Creation-S by the best nose I have ever met: Roja Dove

Roja Dove captivated me. As he spoke of his passion, memories and dedication to fragrance I was transfixed ... could not take my eyes off him. I followed his every word as if I were there, with him as his mother kissed him goodnight and her scent lingered, with him as he longed to create his own scents, with him as images came into his mind, images that would inspire him to create Scandal. Had someone tapped me on the shoulder, I do not know that I would have noticed. It seemed the only people in the small room were he and I. Maybe Roja Dove and I were destined to cross paths. Maybe somewhere along the line in my fragrance loving youth and young adulthood, the stars aligned for us to meet, just so I could hear him speak. For certain, I will never forget it.

I could not leave Bergdorf Goodman without purchasing a creation from this legend in his own time. It was early May at Sniffapalooza in New York City, and I had traveled across the country to be here. I felt compelled to mark the occasion with a stellar purchase, an exquisite fragrance. After sampling all of his scents, each and every one of them magnificent and crafted from the finest ingredients on earth, I landed on Creation-S. It sang with my skin. Luscious flowers, namely luxurious tuberose, jasmine, freesia, lily of the valley and orange blossom on a tender base of sandalwood, musk and orris root, Creation-S could have been created just for me. Well, I would like to think so. The scent caresses my skin and transports the perfect amount around me, rendering my day brighter and my smile bigger. It was formerly marketed as Scandal and if I remember correctly, the name had to be changed to Creation-S for the United States market. Whatever the name, in my book it does not really matter as the scent is a masterpiece. Thank you Roja Dove for your passion, your dedication and your artistry.

I am lucky enough to own an autographed bottle!

Roja Parfums are sold at Bergdorf Goodman. Please visit his website here: www.rojaparfums.com

ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-48217123548993651282013-05-16T12:52:00.000-07:002013-05-16T12:52:03.981-07:00M. Micallef Ylang in Gold ReviewHello strangers! It has been interesting to watch my dabbling in perfume over the last few years. Young children tend to throw a wrench in time devoted to hobbies and passions, especially when adding full-time work to the mix. My love of perfume remains constant, even when I have no time to write. I continue to sample, collect, admire and indulge in perfume. Most recently, I had the pleasure of attending Sniffapalooza Spring Fling in New York City. It completely submersed me into the world of perfume and inspired new writing. Thank you to team Karen for arranging such a fantastic excursion!

I found many fragrances to love while shopping, literally until I dropped, in New York. I look forward to reviewing each of them over the next few months. But none of them move me like this beauty. A stunning mixture of ylang ylang (think tropics), vanilla, magnolia, coconut and musk, this fragrance embraces the skin for an entire day. A sweet floral, M. Micallef Ylang in Gold inspires me to let loose the reins on self-control and rather enjoy the pleasant surprises in each day. Treating myself to an ice cream cone, a dip in the pool, or a nap under a shady tree, or simply staying present to each moment is easier when wearing this sweet, happy scent. I deem it appropriate for any occasion; perhaps most appropriate with sandals, suntan lotion and everything surrounding those two.

Years ago I reviewed three scents from this house which I adored. Although I can no longer find those, I see M. Micallef has evolved their packaging, their blending and their marketing. I found this beauty at Osswald which is quite possibly the most inspiring showcase of fragrance I have ever set eyes on. If you do not like perfume, you most certainly will after stepping foot into this wonderful store in New York City. With M. Micallef showcasing their fragrances at Osswald, the house has certainly set their sights on an upscale, luxurious market catered to fragrance aficionados. This particular aficionado is forever grateful.

ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-61665219379277260992012-04-22T11:11:00.002-07:002012-04-22T11:21:51.801-07:00The Divine Comfort of Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilée

I present another beautifully constructed, aroma-therapeutic, always appropriate, refreshing, smart and sophisticated Annick Goutal creation: Nuit Etoilée, the newest fragrance from this stunning house. Simultaneously refreshing, cooling, comforting and eventually warming, the scent has consistently captured my intrigue over the course of the last week. I apply it generously, enjoying the initial blast of citrus which fades to reveal an exotic forest emanating the scent of pine needles and balsam fir. Just as I dream of resting on a bed of soft leaves, moist dirt and scented pine needles, the warm, musky angelica seeds gently arrive, lingering on my skin for hours and reminding me that all is well.

<to describe <="" span="">To describe Nuit Etoilée as gorgeous would be an understatement. Exquisite suits it better but does not capture entirely its artistic beauty. For demonstration's sake, if I scented all of my clothing, my hair, my skin, my home and even my car where I spend the bulk of my time with Nuit Etoilée, I still would not be overwhelmed by this fragrance. I would relish it as it calmed and soothed me in moments of elation or stress. (I have learned through life experience that even elation can be toned down, for what goes up must come down!) The citrus is the most smooth, lighthearted citrus I can imagine. If citrus can even be called mellow, it would apply here. The pine needles and balsam fir do not transport me to a Christmas Shoppe, but rather evoke the heart of the forest with a subtly suggestive nudge. Finally, the </to>angelica surrounded by everlasting flowers!! I am speechless. Warm, glowing, and musky, it is the most grounding and soothing note I have ever experienced.

Similar to my coveted Les Nuits d'Hadrien, Nuit Etoilée falls into the previously mentioned "always appropriate" category. Rather than making a fragrance announcement as the wearer enters a room, this scent is much more private and personal. I am not certain, in fact, if it provides any sillage. That fact does not much matter when the divine juice truly possesses aroma-therapeutic qualities.

The only downfall to Nuit Etoilée, and I really hesitate to point this out since I so clearly adore this scent, is that on my skin longevity is not its strong suit. Perhaps if I slathered on unscented moisturizer first, it would linger a few more hours. Nonetheless, I am happy to bring with me a smaller, decanted atomizer and spritz myself repeatedly throughout the day. Well worth the extra effort? Emphatically, "Yes!"

The packaging is equally stunning, produced in icy blue glass which changes color depending on lighting. Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen have really "hit it out of the park" with this creation and I strongly recommend it for day or night for anyone liking comforting woodsy, musky scents.

Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilée will be available mid-May in Eau de Toilette at Saks Fifth Avenue. A 3.4 oz. and 1.7 oz. traditional ribbed bottle will retail for $72 and $51 respectively. A 3.4 oz. will also be available in a masculine square bottle for $72. ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-43529248466094725222012-04-16T20:49:00.000-07:002012-04-16T20:49:19.104-07:00Happy, Happy, Twirl, Twirl

Remember my review on Guerlain Cruel Gardenia? If not, please just scroll down a bit and you will find it. The flower I was longing to embrace and call my own in that fragrance - majestic gardenia - eluded me. Fret not! I have found a white floral, fresh, green and gloriously gardenia-esque fragrance to place in my line up for spring. It is Bond No. 9 Central Park West!

The notes as listed by the house describe narcissus, ylang ylang and pepper at the top with orris, jasmine, linden and gardenia at the heart. The base offers vetiver, musk, white oak and treemoss. While I would love to say that I detect every note, I cannot tell a lie. I do not. Ylang ylang holds a place in my heart for its grounding qualities and it is most certainly here. Jasmine makes a demure (not overly sensual) statement and narcissus does too, in a rich and green fashion. However, the star of the show and the one to whom all applause should be directed outshines the other notes and does so in the most realistic, beautiful, fresh and inoffensive fashion. Gardenia! Richer and more attention-grabbing than Kai, less sharp than Chanel Gardenia and everything that Guerlain's gardenia offering was not, Bond No. 9 Central Park West offers a stately, grand white floral entirely based on gardenia. I have found after sampling my entire sample vial for days that this fragrance just makes me happy. I want to wear bright colors, dab a tiny little bit on the nape of my neck and prance and twirl like my three year old daughter. To reference the name of the fragrance, perhaps we could prance and twirl happily in Central Park together.

I adore the bottle design with a very appropriate large pink flower flanked by strung beads at the neck which cleverly detaches as a bracelet. The rest of the bottle is decorated by a bold houndstooth check pattern. Central Park West is entirely appropriate for daywear when worn sparingly. Do not douse. This fragrance is ostentatious enough to fill an entire room! I imagine a full bottle will last for years and I see its purchase in my near future.

Bond No. 9 Central Park West is available at Bond No. 9 stores and Saks Fifth Avenue. A 100ml bottle retails for $250, a 50ml bottle retails for $180, Body Silk retails for $180, a candle for $130 and shower gel for $75. ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-14636802994228867992012-04-06T05:00:00.004-07:002012-04-06T05:00:13.253-07:00Aura by Swarovski Winner!Thank you to all who participated in the drawing for a full bottle of Aura by Swarovski. I am very pleased to announce the winner according to randomizer.org. It is someone to whom I am honored and delighted to send the fragrance! Congratulations goes to ...

Joshua Ryan!!

Please post your e-mail address as a comment here Joshua and I will contact you directly. Enjoy your new fragrance!ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-11128783288586635682012-04-02T05:00:00.002-07:002012-04-02T05:00:24.625-07:00Aura by Swarovski Draw!Please comment below to be entered into a draw to win a full, 1.7 oz bottle of Aura by Swarovski Eau de Parfum.ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-70354572636479168982012-03-30T15:17:00.001-07:002012-03-31T11:44:04.925-07:00Fragrance Launch: Aura by Swarovski

Announcing Aura by Swarovski, described as an "incandescent, fruity, floral creation" and created by Jean-Pierre Bethouart and Olivier Cresp. The fragrance begins sweet, sharp and a bit overwhelming. Rose, lychee and pink pepper conspire to demand all olfactory attention, to the point of making me sneeze. It reminds me of many I have tested in department stores with pink pepper at the helm; it dominates the other notes. At this stage, sillage is adequate and it does get noticed, although I have yet to receive a compliment perhaps due to all that pink pepper. Notoriously, it does not like my skin.

As the fragrance, to my relief, dries down, a tiny bit of tuberose emerges along with the base notes of amber and white musk. I would love this stage if I could smell it without the need to press my nose to my wrist. If these voluptous notes were to headline the fragrance I would be sold!

The bottle is elegant and stunning, refillable and unique. Set at the top with a Swarovski crystal, I would enjoy displaying it if I fell in love with the juice. Despite my best effort, I did not.

Aura by Swarovski, an inaugural fragrance by the company famous for stunning crystal, will be launched April 2012 at Swarovski Boutiques.

I will raffle the 1.7 oz. bottle I have on Monday!

Aura by Swarovski will be available at Swarovski Boutiques in April. The collection includes Eau de Parfum in 1, 1.7 and 2.6 fl. oz bottles for $65, $80 and $100 respectively.ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-23441279839267763672012-03-26T05:30:00.002-07:002012-03-26T05:30:05.407-07:00A Cold Dip and an Iced Tea, with Mint PleaseRefreshing, light, delicate, pretty, soothing ... all appropriate words to describe my daytime signature scent during spring and one that I reached for nearly every morning during my pregnancy with my son. It originates from the house of Jo Malone - a house based in London, England that epitomizes understated elegance in fragrance. Because all Jo Malone scents have a delicate quality, this allows for easy layering and generous application. In hot climates, these scents are perfection! The one I focus on here would be divine chilled for a bit before applying to amp its refreshing quality, likening it with a cold dip after baking in a sauna for five minutes. (I liken my hometown to a sauna during June, July and August; so you can see where I am going with this.)

The scent is White Jasmine & Mint. It headlines with a country garden chock full of spring time blooms, including orange blossom and rose to name a few, and settles on a beautiful study of jasmine that is neither too rich nor too cloying. Jasmine can come off as a bit overpowering in some fragrances but not so here. Not even a little bit. Instead, it is soft, a bit sweet and a tiny bit sensual. As the fragrance evolves on the skin, it becomes herbaceous, all while retaining a refreshing quality. The key word here is fresh. Garden mint, gentle chamomile and grounding tea freshly blend so well together, leaving a soothing fragrance on my skin that falls somewhere between floral and spice.

I must say for those who fear mint in fragrance, the mint is not an Altoid that overwhelms the palette in an effort to annihilate any other odor. It is more like a sprig of mint leaf in an iced tea - noticeable but subtle. At the end of the day, the fragrance remains very close to the skin. Over the course of wear, the sillage is slight, so I literally spray this one with abandon without fear of overwhelming anyone. Most importantly, I wear it for me. Its refreshing qualities and herbaceous tea-like conclusion have become my personal aromatherapy for a sweltering day, no matter if I am headed to work or to the market.

I recommend layering it for daywear during spring and summer. For those aspiring to greater longevity with White Jasmine & Mint, I layer with the body cream and I find it lasts a full eight hours on my skin. I also enjoy layering it with Verbenas of Provence, Nectarine Blossom & Honey, Blue Agave & Cacao and Orange Blossom, all from Jo Malone.

Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. A 30ml bottle retails for $55 and a 100ml bottle retails for $110. The scent can also be found in body cream, body lotion, bath oil and a candle. I strongly recommend the candle for your home!ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-18049764260188703912012-03-26T05:00:00.001-07:002012-03-26T05:00:02.496-07:00Spring Draw Winner!I appreciate your votes on the fragrance and although I edited to add some tips yesterday, I realize my hints were very cryptic to begin. I am most humbled and appreciate your effort! The fragrance I was speaking of is Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint. See review to be posted later today. And the winner, selected by randomizer, of a generous sample of this fragrance is ...

Lean!

Thank you for reading and playing Lean! I will contact you for more detail. ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-28228031846100555652012-03-22T12:40:00.001-07:002012-03-25T11:59:10.110-07:00In Honor of Spring, A Draw

Noticing the unseasonal weather across the United States, with five inches of snow in the Pacific Northwest to eighty degree weather in the Midwest, I am certain most of us may have missed the first day of Spring - officially Tuesday, March 20th. It also happened to be my baby boy's 19 month birthday. My, how time flies!

In honor of this flourishing and prospering season and all of the beautiful fragrances matching it, I am offering another draw from my collection. This time, it involves a mystery. The featured fragrance comes from an understated yet stylish and timeless house. The juice is most suited for Spring, inspired by a country garden, but can be worn year round and layered. The notes range from floral to stimulating and I find it delectable. To demonstrate its softness, I will also share that it was one of the few fragrances from my collection I could tolerate during pregnancy.

Please enter by commenting below. I will send a generous decant to those who can identify the house and the fragrance. In the absence of a winner meeting that criteria, I will conduct a random draw. Winner announced Monday along with a review of the chosen fragrance!

Edited to add: I will offer the following hints since I realize I am being very cryptic here! First, the house hails from England. Second, the fragrance features a white flower native to tropical and subtropical climates. I hope this helps! ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-78858736664856047612012-03-09T05:00:00.017-07:002012-03-09T05:27:45.528-07:00The Promise of Spring in a Bottle, Guerlain Cruel Gardenia

I grew up in the Midwest and enjoyed all four seasons. Although the richness and coziness of autumn was my favorite, spring held a close second in my heart. How could a fragrance lover dislike the hundreds of fragrant, colorful flowers blooming in spring? I recall tulips, lilacs, daffodils, lavender, hyacinth and magnolia, gifting my yard and my nose, reminding me that summer (and a break from school!) was on the way. My grandmother adored roses and her rose garden the envy of her neighbors, featuring every species of rose you can imagine. I moved west to the desert over a decade ago. The ability to count on the sun shining daily has grounded me here but I do, at times, miss the nuances of the seasons back home, especially the spring flowers.

Spring in the desert entails two simple things around my home: first the scent of lush, fragrant orange blossoms wafting through the air, and second longer days of balmy, sunny weather. Once our triple digit heat sets in to torture us for a full five months, we long to return to these beautiful days so I make every effort to enjoy each last minute right now. Rain, the hallmark of spring's entrance in most climes, eludes us. The blooms of my childhood favorite flowers cannot endure the rampant sun. In the absence of those lush lilacs, lilies, magnolia and roses I cling to my orange blossoms and a great floral fragrance to remind me of my youth. (Granted, I could plant some gardenia or roses in my yard, but a brown thumb prevents me from helping them survive!)

When I first tried Guerlain Cruel Gardenia from the L'Art et la Matiere collection, I at once returned to my childhood. I recall sitting in my back yard with my dog, anticipating the scent of the surrounding gardens my mother had planted to grace my nose. No one scent overpowered the other as I studied blades of grass and soaked up long awaited sunrays. Cruel Gardenia resembles just that quiet experience, the scent of flowers being carried on a breeze. In its early development, neroli and peach escort the sun; bright, light and cheerful. The stage is clearly set and remains on this light note, never darkening into a more sultry tone. Instead, various blossoms tenderly embrace the nose over the course of wear including rose, gardenia, ylang ylang and violet. At moments I am reminded of other greenly floral fragrances like Chanel No. 19 or Gucci Envy, but I find disappointment in the fact that the gardenia never truly holds front and center. Musk and sandalwood offer a nice base for the fragrance, but they certainly do not deepen it. I was hoping for a take no prisoners gardenia, one that grabs hold of my attention and begs me to surrender. But alas, this gardenia is never cruel, and only subtle.

I dabbed the sample on my skin and I realize a dab certainly has less impact than a spray. Nonetheless, it lingered only for a few hours or so, again reminding me of those spring days of my youth. The effect it leaves is that of a refined floral, very well constructed and not at all offensive. If I could spray it with abandon maybe it would bring more pizazz? I picture wearing this on a spring day when I want to feel pretty and remember those spring days of my youth, accessorized with pink lipstick and a crisp white shirt. I do not hesitate to reference it "spring in a bottle" and a very expensive bottle at that. Cruel Gardenia beats many department store, massly produced, often copied fruity florals that dominate the market lately. (If only women would stop buying mediocre fragrances and substitute those with one Guerlain!) I find it utterly wearable and delicate. If gifted to me, I would gladly wear it; I just do not feel compelled to buy it.

Guerlain Cruel Gardenia is available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. A 2.5 ounce atomizer spray retails for $250. ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-27498243672975558832012-03-09T04:30:00.003-07:002012-03-09T04:30:02.642-07:00Draw Winner Announced!Thank you to those who participated in the drawing for a generous sample of Byredo Accord Oud. I am pleased with all the feedback and will gladly review each fragrance mentioned over the course of the next few weeks. Without further ado, the winner is ....

Bellatrix!!

Your name was selected through randomizer and you are the lucky winner. Please send your full name and address to firstname.lastname@example.com. Thank you for playing!ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-7577888262637453932012-03-06T15:21:00.000-07:002012-03-06T15:21:55.751-07:00DrawingI have gobs of perfume. I mean gobs. I adore sharing from my stash (what is the pleasure in hoarding?) so I will randomly post drawings for generous decants. This will be the first in what I plan to be a weekly endeavor. Enter here in the comments section for the first offering - a generous glass vial atomizer of my beloved Byredo Accord Oud! Simply suggest a scent for review from the following list and your name will be randomized:

Estee Lauder Private Collection Jasmine and White Moss
Givenchy π
Guerlain Cruel Gardenia
Montale Boisè Vanillè
Parfumerie Generale Bois Blond

Winner announced Friday!ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-5007922730983387222012-03-06T15:01:00.002-07:002012-03-07T08:37:23.183-07:00A History of Perfume from The Fragrance HouseI am pleased to present a most kind gift from The Fragrance House, featuring an informative history on perfume as an artform. Enjoy! Please stay tuned for a review to be posted Friday.
The History Of PerfumeForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-3003055620018142582012-02-17T20:53:00.002-07:002012-02-17T21:06:04.913-07:00A Lab On Fire What We Do In Paris Is Secret

I wanted my inaugural review after my respite to feature an inspiring fragrance. I have sampled many in the last year but none so inspiring to propel my mind out of its writing slumber. When I started researching A Lab On Fire I was surprised at their small, focused laboratory in New York. I like small and focused. I think limited production can create stellar concepts. Furthermore, when I discovered Dominique Ropion had his hand in What We Do In Paris Is Secret, I knew it would be artistic. Dominique Ropion is the nose behind my beloved Frederic Malle Carnal Flower and my mother's beloved Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady.

What I did not know before sampling this fragrance is it would surpass my love of Serge Luten's Chergui, that I would press my nose to the spot where I dabbed it a hundred times in less than an hour, and, most importantly, that I would want to write about it. This fragrance is an inspiring intrigue all right.

The notes on A Lab On Fire's website name bergamot, honey and lychee at the top, a heart of Turkish rose essence, vanilla and heliotrope on a base of tonka bean, tolu, sandalwood and ambergris. At once I smell the honey and vanilla, freshened but not sweetened by the citrusy lychee. As it lingers on the skin, heliotrope dominates with the warmth of tonka bean, rich resin of tolu, and bright yet sensual sandalwood grounding it. The Turkish rose essence must have a minimal offering, for I barely detect it. I am certain in M. Ropion's mind it no doubt serves a purpose. I have historically enjoyed creamy and sweet, vanillic fragrances so it is not surprising I found love at first sniff with What We Do In Paris Is Secret. I love it for the same reason I adore nuzzling my cat just behind the ear, or munching on my baby boy's neck, or even wrapping a soft pashmina around my shoulder in a chilled moment.

What We Do In Paris Is Secret, the title so long I must now abbreviate (WWDIPIS), reminds me of the qualities I appreciate in Serge Lutens Chergui -- sweet, comforting, rich and sexy. Even though I love Luten's creation, I surprisingly only reach for it on cold winter nights and its spiciness can be a bit much for me. I find WWDIPIS wearable anytime, anywhere - a beautifully sexy comfort scent that remains close to the skin but when sprayed at the nape of the neck shares that comfort with others. I ironically chose to review it on a day that I mentioned another comfort scent, Bvlgari Blv, and WWDIPIS has striking similarity to the characteristics of that beautiful fragrance as well. I have also seen this fragrance compared to Nicolai's Kiss Me Tender and Kenzo's Amour.

On the whole, this fragrance is beautiful enough to stand on its own merit without comparison. Although I realize the title may be viewed as pretentiously long, I would love a stranger to ask me what I am wearing so that I can say the name! I adore the graphic packaging as it reiterates the urban chic of the lab. With this fragrance, the small and focused house have succeeded. I have no doubt What We Do In Paris Is Secret will be loved by many.

A Lab On Fire What We Do In Paris Is Secret is available at luckyscent.com. A 60ml Eau de Parfum retails for $110.ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-65060010563000604122012-02-08T10:56:00.000-07:002012-02-08T10:56:19.073-07:00Redefined: Byredo Accord Oud

I believe we can redefine ourselves with a scent. Maybe I just take myself too seriously. Maybe I long for variety more than the average woman. But a few weeks ago, I wanted to become someone else -- someone more sophisticated than the baby toting, Barney song singing, bottle preparing, make-up-less Mommy that I am of late. I wanted to feel different. I knew I needed a scent to inspire this virtual transformation.

I found it. I found the one that makes me want to paint my lips, tousle my hair, speak a little slower, bare some shoulder skin and bat my eyelashes. I found the one that helps me forget the tedious tasks of the day and instead focus on sensation, emotion, tenderness. I found the one that highlights my wise, determined nature. Finally, I found the one that takes me to dimly lit rooms, crackling fires, velvety rugs and blankets. It is Byredo Accord Oud.

Founded by Indian creative Ben Gorham, Byredo is a Stockholm based house that believes in limiting raw materials and focusing on quality of craftsmanship. Accord Oud is one of fourteen in the catalog, along with various high quality candles, soaps and body washes.

The scent begins fresh, with notes like clean clary sage and tender blond woods accented by dry leather which initially demands all olfactory attention. As it evolves on the skin, Accord Oud takes on a simultaneously rich, smoky, nutty quality. Juicy blackberry and plum, rich, intoxicating rum with spicy saffron and cinnamon develop as the scent adheres and grounds itself to the skin. Surprisingly, the effect is neither sweet nor wet but rather dry, elegant, meaty, almost edible. Like L'Artisan Traversée du Bosphore's wise, clean, intellectual mentor, Accord Oud is startlingly refined and exceptionally interesting. In its entirety, Accord Oud resembles nothing I have previously experienced. The oud craze passed me by as too heady and the revival of leather-based scents appeared trendy. However, I declare Byredo Accord Oud the quiet, sophisticated leather oud – for those who previously dismissed these notes.

Here is where the scent redefines me: no flowers. This former opulent white floral lover has embraced a scent that completely lacks blooms. In so doing, I instantly reveal my new identity: grown up sophisticate. (I am definitely taking myself too seriously!) In all sincerity, I am a different woman than I was before bearing children. Byredo Accord Oud's classy, interesting, unique aura lends an extra edge and elegance to my long, maternal days.

*Posted last March on Perfume-Smellin ThingsForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-70272585546445268972012-02-05T13:30:00.003-07:002012-02-05T13:33:51.694-07:00For the love of leather
Two leather-featuring scents captivated me last winter and continue to do so. Accord Oud by Byredo takes first place. Its leather and oud lusciousness transports me to even chillier temps and dimly lit, sophisticated lounges, toasty fires and Italian leather club chairs; its hint of ladylike blackberry, clary sage and powdery musk act to ground the scent and prevent it from overwhelming the nose. The second, L'Artisan Parfumeur Traversée du Bosphore -- velvety leather that morphs into nutty, gourmand goodness and eventually musky vanilla – pairs perfectly with stylish boots and a colorful scarf during winter's cooler days in the desert.
ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-3848520996361528982011-09-04T13:42:00.000-07:002011-09-04T13:42:01.514-07:00Ineke Contest

Enter for a chance to win a full sized bottle from Ineke's Floral Curiosities line here
ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-86187390874584081432011-03-01T21:17:00.002-07:002011-03-01T21:22:35.996-07:00Puredistance Antonia

Puredistance Antonia is an adventurous romantic with a lush, floral heart. Adopting a playful and cheerful demeanor, the scent initially releases green floral notes which spring up as verdant, promising and stunning. Set to the rhythm of a sweet and soaring vanilla base, hints of delicate jasmine, rich orris and majestic rose joyfully dance and erupt in elation on a soft, green bed of vetiver as if celebrating spring's long awaited arrival.

The addition of galbanum carries the charming dance into the damp night, adding polish to the composition and rendering the fragrance downright gorgeous. Antonia is a poetic expression of a soft, refined and floral beauty. The scent lingers with a gentle kiss and the promise of a glorious, new day.
ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2821090662016626909.post-39777664647959779472011-02-16T05:00:00.003-07:002011-02-16T05:00:01.968-07:00Chanel No. 5 Eau Première

I am one of the lucky ladies who can wear Chanel No. 5 with confidence. I know it frustrates some. All those aldehydes and flowers can sometimes clash with a person's skin. But on me, it sings. I am grateful. (In other olfactory categories I am quite unlucky so I am certainly not bragging here.)

Chanel No. 5 Eau Première is for those who may have become frustrated with the original. It is quintessentially No. 5 for the new generation. In order to compare with some accuracy, I am wearing Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum on one arm and Chanel No. 5 Eau Première on the other. The contrast between the two is quite simple: the Eau Première has a higher backbeat, a lack of sharpness, softer edges and a sweeter drydown. The lush floral notes remain: neroli, ylang-ylang, rose, iris and jasmine. It lasts even longer on my skin than the Eau de Parfum and when I wear it, I receive repeated, unsolicited compliments.

Why did I choose it as the scent to accompany the new Chrysler advertisement? Read more about that here. Even though the focus is on an American car, I believe French perfume to be the epitome of style in the most classic sense. If we want to bring that style and glamour back to the forefront, what better choice than a modern, French, meticulously crafted nod to the past?

I pause when saying this knowing it is a bold statement, but I truly believe the world would be a much better place if all women who use perfume wore Chanel – not No. 5 specifically but most Chanel fragrances (with the exception of Chance). Never overwhelming, always sophisticated, and always glamourous is Chanel. A close second would be Estée Lauder. However, I find the classic Estée Lauder choices I can wear to be limited. So, my vote remains Chanel. I will leave you with the advertisement and those thoughts to ponder.

Chrysler Advertisement

Chanel No. 5 Eau Première is available in a 5 oz. bottle at Saks Fifth Avenue and various online sources. Prices range from $110 to $158.ForTheLoveOfPerfumehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


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Roma Square Bistro Table
The Roma square table is a versatile table suitable for any canteen area
The Roma square table is constructed with a beech top on an aluminium table with chrome leg design. The table is available in a low or tall height to suit the needs of your canteen.
- Table size: H750 x W700 x D700mm
- 25mm MFC scratch and heat resistant top
- Stylish aluminium frame and base
- Choice of top colours
Code: RSQT
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Two years ago, Maggie Ahrenbach and her husband were expecting their first child. An attorney in the State Attorney General's office, Maggie was overjoyed, but she was also worried about being able to cobble together enough annual and sick leave to bond with her daughter without sacrificing her income. That changed in 2017 when the Missouri Governor and other statewide officeholders granted their employees six weeks of paid parental leave to bond with a newborn or adopted child.
"Instantly," Maggie said, "a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I would not have to meticulously calculate how many hours I could afford to use for doctor appointments and ultrasounds. I could schedule appointments as I needed them and not have to worry whether I was going to be dipping into my maternity leave reserve."
Last month, Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer followed suit, making Kansas the 15th state to provide paid parental leave to all or some of their workforce by signing an executive order extending the benefit to more than 17,000 Kansas state employees.
This progress is another indication that – more than two years since then-candidate Donald Trump added paid family leave to his presidential campaign platform – momentum continues to build around this family- and business-friendly policy.
As an organization that uses research to develop solutions that empower women and their families economically, we know paid family and medical leave is a clear win-win for women, families and our economy as a whole.
Our research has found that paid family leave programs prevent families from falling into poverty, reduce reliance on public assistance, help employers recruit and retain talented employees and increase worker productivity.
That's why it's frustrating that 88 percent of private sector employees lack access to paid family leave, and the U.S. remains the only industrialized country in the world without a nationwide paid leave program.
In 2019, state legislators will have another opportunity to make sure no parent has to choose between caring for a child and keeping their paycheck – by expanding paid family and medical leave statewide.
Here are five reasons why legislators should prioritize paid family and medical leave this year.
Stronger Families. First, there is strong evidence that paid family leave programs have a positive impact on the health and well-being of families – reducing infant mortality, increasing birth weight and improving rates of breastfeeding. At a Congressional hearing on the issue, Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy noted that mothers who take paid leave are 50 percent less likely to be readmitted to the hospital after giving birth.
Stronger Businesses. In 2014, the White House Council on Economic Advisors concluded that paid family and medical leave programs can improve long-term productivity by boosting recruitment, retention and employee motivation.
Reduced Reliance on Public Assistance. One study found women who take paid family leave are 39 percent less likely to receive public assistance or food stamps in the year following a child's birth, compared to women who take no leave.
Immeasurable Benefits – for the Cost of a Cup of Coffee Per Week. Paid family and medical leave offers families an immeasurable sense of security and stability – for pennies per day. For example, an employee payroll contribution of 0.25 percent comes out to about the cost of a cup of coffee per week for the average worker.
Bipartisan Support. In today's highly polarized political climate, paid family and medical leave is one of those rare issues that receives support from people on both sides of the partisan divide. According to Pew, 82 percent of Americans say mothers should have paid maternity leave, while nearly 70 percent support paid paternity leave.
Earlier this year, the President's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump wrote on FoxNews.com that "paid family leave is targeted government action with the right incentives – designed to increase the independence, health and dignity of our citizens."
We couldn't agree more.
This year, Missouri legislators have an opportunity to change lives and strengthen our economy by passing a statewide paid family and medical leave program that will benefit families and businesses alike.


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The provision of internet services in Glenview, KY has evolved significantly within the last two decades, and advancements are still being made every year. Therefore, it is important for a business that has been using one solution for several years to check new options so as not to miss the chance of making a major upgrade. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, some ISPs are very efficient but their distribution networks are limited. This means that any business should conduct thorough research before settling for any option. Internet is commonly delivered through DSL, cable, satellite, fixed wireless, T1 and fiber optic means.
Many ISPs in Glenview, KY provide packages that include multiple services. Selecting a provider that offers a full package can help a business get a great deal. Such a package will include things like internet access, business web hosting, business phone service and email. Choosing a package that correctly bundles the required services helps in making significant savings. Some providers even handle support and other services on behalf of their clients, which eliminates the need of hiring in-house experts to take care of such aspects. This allows businesses to lower their operational costs.
It is important for businesses to choose internet service providers that offer consultative services. Such ISPs have professionals who visit businesses and assess their respective needs and then offer suggestions on the best ways of improving efficiency. The experts can calculate the required bandwidth depending on the numbers of employees and devices used. Businesses may either upgrade existing technologies or choose new options depending on their current statuses and objectives.
There should hardly ever be a reason in this day and age for important data to take hours to download or upload at your business. Many companies choose lower speeds in order to try and save money, but this just hurts them in the long run. Choosing a business internet service provider in Glenview, KY should be based on the needs of the company and not how much money they can save. The business owner needs to consider that there will be times when many different devices are being used, as well as the potential for future business growth.
Inquire about bandwidth caps and throttling when checking out internet bandwidth and speed. You'll want to know if the Glenview, KY ISP will limit the download rates during certain times of the day. Talk about whether there are any other factors that may lead to other limitations. These may be in the fine print, so you will want to ask up front.
Any company should be cautious choosing a provider that does offers very little in the way of security. Choose a company that offers anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware defense. Make sure to find out the details concerning how much security you will be receiving. You'll also want to make sure that this security protects any mobile devices that are linked up with the system. Backup capabilities are also important in the event that the system crashes. A quality internet provider will be able to restore anything that had been on the network from the backups. Cloud-based backups are also an option in today's digital age.
Though ISPs normally provide assistance, companies that depend on the Internet for their service necessitate additional support. A company has more to lose if an Internet slowdown occurs. A secure Internet connection will guarantee sales and keep staff productive.
A business should utilize a business ISP in Glenview, KY that provides a Service Level Agreement. This type of agreement ensures uninterrupted up-time or something similar. The company should pay attention to solutions offered if the Internet connection is interrupted. The prevailing countermeasure offered is a credit off the bill if the Internet breaks down for a certain length of time. In addition, an ISP should be asked about support phone lines for businesses and how efficient their tech department is when handling issues.
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Your geographical location in Glenview, KY may limit the choices available for your business internet. You should carefully analyze the needs of your business before making your final decision. By doing so, you will ensure that your business receives the best services for the amount that you will be paying. It is advisable to find out whether the ISP that you choose is adaptable to future changes. The internet world is always evolving. There is something new that comes up each day. Therefore, the ISP should have the flexibility to accommodate these changes.
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Advantages Of Penetration Testing Certification
It is important for any company that deals in information technology to have a security protocol that ensures their customer's data is not breached. Because of the advancements that have been made over the years in technology, a lot of companies are using information technology software to carry out their transactions and therefore the need for security in their technological infrastructure. This is why penetration testing is important for companies. Undergoing regular penetration testing is vital for your company's security.
This test allows you to see all the potential threats that your company's security may face. It is important to note that penetration testing allows you to see all the vulnerabilities that hackers could use against your business and therefore come up with appropriate measures to keep them away. Discussed in this article are a number of reasons why every business owner should strive to have a penetration testing certification.
Businesses that have had penetration testing done have been able to manage security threats in an effective and optimal way. When you get penetration testing done, you will get to now learn of all the vulnerable spots that your business' security has before hackers thereby giving you enough time to strengthen those weak spots before the hackers get to them. Penetration testing ranks risks from the lowest to the highest and therefore gives one knowledge on which risks to deal with first.
Another reason why you should get penetration testing done is that it allows for business continuity. Because of the increased competition in a majority of industries, some unscrupulous organizations hire hackers to attack their competitor's vulnerable areas so as to bring their businesses to a stop. With penetration testing, you do not have to worry about your operations coming to a stop because you will know how to deal with potential threats faced by your company.
Another advantage of penetration testing is that it protects clients, partners and third parties. It is important to note that a security breach not only affects an organization but it also affects all who associate with an organization. If a company has penetration testing done regularly however, all who associate with the company will be protected and this therefore builds confidence for your company in them. It is important to note that customers are the backbone of any organization and they should therefore be protected at all costs. Through penetration testing, a business is able to enhance its standing in the market because it produces quality goods and services. It is therefore vital for all businesses here to ensure that they get penetration testing certifications.
Interesting Research on Equipment – Things You Probably Never Knew
The Advantages of AV Event Technology
The Event AV designs are not all about the combining of color and music to your events. It creates an exceptional experience that guest will not forget. For example you can be able to give one of a kind travel experience to your audience without having them leaving their seats. They can get into many ventures while sitting down.
You can be able to use the AV to take the guest to a faraway land. Technology can be able to take you on a journey that will make the celebration can be taken to a whole new level. When creating an event, then it is paramount to think of the attendee engagement. The technicians handling the AV should be able to match the music with a well-programmed AV images it is best to use this technology then you will end up with sounds being wrapped against the projections. Then the LED walls can be shifted through scenes of various places as the track pick up or slow-down. With this, then you should note that you will have the type of experience that will draw spectacle in your mind.
You can be able to use the AV design technology to make your events glum. This is one of the ways you can use to make people in the event to take part, all you need to do is to ascertain that you have creates a game where they act as required by the fact and in exchange they can be rewarded. Note that you can also make the most out if the fact to make it more interactive. When creating the game, then you should note that the audience will not want to feel as though they are forced to play it. You need note about the AV technology is that there are numerous games that you can be able to include.
People are always searching for new experience, that means that if you are created a branded event then you should find innovative ways you can attract the audience. If this is the case, the next time you are doing events then you should warrant you have used new interactive technology like the VR and the live streaming. When you do this; then you should note that you can be able to get the attention of the audience when doing the marketing.
When creating the right event, some of the pointers you should note is that creating the ideal experience is essential. These events are not something you put up so that you can spend marketing dollars. In case you want your event to stand out then you should make use of technology. Get the best experts in this field and tell them more about your event and the theme.
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How To Choose an ICO Advisor
When you are dealing with the ICO; then it is paramount to guarantee the assessment is done right. If you are an investor, then here are some of the guide you can use to determine if your candidate is ideal or not.
Start by finding out about the type of experience that they have. In today's world, the experience of a candidate can be found by searching online. Many people out there have experience, but when it is not something that should be taken at face value. When you go online then you should make sure you look deeper into the profiles, ensure you follow up points, and warrant you conduct extensive research. Avoid getting an ICO who does not have expertise helping on projects. Some of the pointers you should know is that you need to ascertain you find someone who is experienced in a particular filed like healthcare, hospitality, or business.
When selecting you have to ensure you get someone who has international exposure. The world we live in is globalized. Getting an experts who are exposed on the market you are targeting then could end up being of value to you. Some of the pointers you should put in mind is that when you get someone who has international exposure it is bound to do you great as compared to someone who has only worked in the local market. if you ever think of growing your business then you should note that this will end up assisting you. When you have an advisor with the international exposure then you should know that they will end up-regulation the complexity of international regulations and other issues which should be overcome with the operating and the expanding of the new markets.
When you ate doing the section then you should find out the type of network they have. You ought to ascertain that you get someone who is valuable for your business and one who has a strong network. Instead of looking at the potential financial benefits only you have to look at the tangible aspect as well. They need to have people in the industry you are working on.
The best way of finding out if they are ideal for the project is by finding out the referral from the past project. You ought to take some time to look at some of the projects they have worked on in the past. Some of the things that you should put in mind is that you need to inquire if you can e babe to get direct connections to form the people that you know. What you should know about a good advisor is that they will have built excellent reputation and they will have their names known. Thus, should you be in need of someone who will be able to provide, then this is the best way to handle the situation. You also need to go to their website and find out some of the things that the past clients have to say.
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Compression fields were a type of technology used to fit large objects into small spaces though miniaturisation. It was similar in use and capability with moleculon nanoscaler technology.
Miniscopes used compression fields to keep specimens inside them miniaturised. Specimens extracted from the field resumed their original size. (TV: Carnival of Monsters)
Members of the Slitheen family used compression fields in their collars to allow them to wear human skins and disguise themselves. However, this had the side effect of frequent gas expulsion. Initially, it was limited to humanoids of large builds. (TV: Aliens of London/World War Three) Compression field technology soon advanced to the point where they could fit inside the skins of thinner humans and life forms the size of footballs. Also the gas exchange issue was fixed. (TV: The Lost Boy, PROSE: The Monsters Inside)
One of the Slitheen's compression fields was acquired by Henry van Statten and kept in the Vault. (TV: Dalek)
The Teselecta used a compression field to miniaturise its crew to the size of an insect. (TV: Let's Kill Hitler)


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How can something that is an object be deadly? By objectifying something that should not be. The photos of these dogs, while beautifully done, also show what seem
s to be a disregard for the dogs themselves. Granted dogs do not care a wit about how they look, only that they are well, smell safe, fed, and have a good pack to belong to. Appearances require self awareness which is something few animals possess. My concerns are more about what kinds of dyes were used on the coats of these dogs and what sort of long term chemical impacts will they have? Are the dog companions, or simply something soft and cuddly they can display? Let me move it on a bit more.
Here is a group of young ladies and a young woman
. All beautifully dressed with their panda dogs. Adorable right. All of them are like Object d' Arts. While the art item itself is prized and value, to put a being of flesh and blood in monetary or historical value is actually to devalue them. I see nothing wrong to celebrate physical beauty and even play with it. I do however wonder when we do it primarily with the young, female, and certain species. I can not imagine someone doing this with say, a toad?
So you might ask, what this has to do with us, go sign a petition, march a protest? Well, no, not unless you want to. I do think it is of value to discuss such things and find out how your friends feel about such things? I myself have an adorable Bichon Frise, He is a loyal dog and while I might put some costumes on him, I can not really imagine dying his fur.
For one reason, he is a working dog and it would not be appropriate for me to have him "dressed" that way or taken seriously if I was asked to show his I.D. in a public place. In a place where he is already known, it might be ok to put him in a cute costume say for Halloween at a children's party, which I plan to do. I still can't decide between the pirate or the pumpkin, although everyone says he is an angel (he is a very quiet and he is white), I only see Fairy costumes in pink. He is a boy, although pink looks good on him too. LOL, The pumpkin might be too hot where I live and I would not want to do that to him. As you can see I want to put his comfort first rather than my own vanity. He is my buddy and my baby so I would not want to make him uncomfortable in any shape or form. Were these dogs made uncomfortable for the vanity of their owners? As for how this can be deadly, think about it. When a person or a being becomes objectified, they actually lose value. They become something we can, throw away when they are no longer in vogue, or hold the same beauty. We see this consently with many cultures over many people, and especially with our elderly and disabled. What do you think, talk about this around the water cooler sometime or after a game. Because maybe, just maybe you could help someone re-evaluate how they see life and change their point of view. Maybe even treat the dogs nicer, or the person they love.


text: Share: Comments Print November 21, 2014 at 1:05 PM White House officials to hear from Native students on Monday Posted by Claudia Rowe The federal Department of Education will visit Seattle next week to hear from Native American students, their families and educators about ways to better meet the academic needs of Native American youth. The listening tour had been planned for earlier this month by the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education, but was abruptly cancelled out of respect for grieving families after the Marysville-Pilchuck High School shooting, in which four students were fatally shot, and another injured, before gunman Jaylen Fryberg turned the weapon on himself. Fryberg was a member of the Tulalip Tribes. This listening session, now scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24th from 1 to 7 p.m., will be held at Daybreak Star Cultural Center in Seattle's Discovery Park. William Mendoza, executive director of the White House initiative, will be present to gather testimony on in-school bullying, student discipline, and offensive imagery and symbolism. The goal is to devise ways of ensuring that Native American students — whose academic outcomes are the worst for any demographic group in the country — receive a quality education. This session is the last in a national series that brought federal officials to nine cities in New York, Wisconsin, Alaska, Michigan, California and Oklahoma. Comments