There’s starting to be a theme emerging in fragrances I like - fig. Jo Malone Fig and Lotus Flower, The Now by Sarah Horowitz, and today’s sample of Veritas by Memoize London. Veritas is not as light as the first two, but they all have a note I’m drawn to that seems unique. Gotta be the fig.

Just wondering if anybody finds it possible to make a bundt cake without replaying the whole scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding in their head?

Got some fragrance samples in the mail today. I really liked The Now by Sarah Horowitz. Fresh, clean, slightly green, musky. But, dang, it disappears in no time flat leaving only a faint musk. Might experiment with putting some vaseline underneath it to see if it prolongs the scent. Score 9

Fragrance diary: Last night, I wore my sample of YSL Libre to a friendsgiving. It’s one of 2 florals I’ve found I like. Seems to have mass appeal which is good ‘cause it’s a bit strong. It’s a little sweeter/heavier than I’d want in warm weather, but I’d get a travel size for sure. Score of 9.

Human, I’ll have you know you were an hour late with my breakfast this morning. I don’t care that it’s the first day of your week-long holiday. I expect breakfast to be served as usual. #caturday

My local Kroger has this. I’m supposed to take deviled eggs to a friendsgiving. Should I show up with this and let them think I don’t also have the eggs? 😁

Wow

Piano student: My sister moved out and took the piano, so we’re getting a new one. Me: Wonderful! What kind is it? Student: …Brown.

Next up in my fragrance reports: the Salt & Stone santal/vetiver and the bergamot/hinoki. When I smelled these at Sephora, I loved them both and ordered (because store only had testers) a small size of the body lotion and fragrance mist in both. I’ve worn each on 2 days. I like the santal/vetiver

Newly discovered Bach!

How awful. This is outright health disinformation, lying to the American people. Not only is there massive evidence showing no link between vaccines & autism, there’s not even a plausible mechanism based on what we’ve learned about the genetics of autism, some environmental exposures in pregnancy

Having a surprise visit with my little buddy, Auggie, my friend’s golden doodle.

We’ve changed vets recently because the previous one retired, and I’m loving this place. They ask you to stay in the car and call to say you’ve arrived, then they call when there’s an exam room ready. Kia’s getting her yearly.

Very cool!

Yesterday, on my perfume-sniffing safari, I tested Remi by Rosie Jane in a card. It’s very green and herbal. Thinking I liked it, I sprayed some on the back of my hand. It wasn’t very long before I started to have flashbacks to my hs bathroom in 1980. Yep, strong note of cannabis. I was about an

These are long days. When your children are choosing a musical instrument, choose one that you can have in your house and don’t have to drive to.

While I was out at the doc this morning, I had to return something to the mall, so I stopped in at Sephora to sample more scents! Today's review is for Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez. I like it. And, for a change, I like it most after I've worn it for a couple of hours. At first, you get a lot of

If this doc were not the best one I’ve ever had, I’d be more annoyed than I am that my appt was at 9:45, and I’m still waiting. 😬 He’d better be delivering a baby.

Organ time. Practicing for the big Christmas thing. Warm enough to wear shorts today.

Somebody drove this beauty to the grocery store yesterday.

#Dawgs win!

#GoDawgs!

I made 12 Calzones a la @goodport.bsky.social tonight! Some are meatball with ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella; some are chicken with ricotta, roasted onions and peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto; and one is BBQ pork with red onions & baked beans!

Posting a belated review of the Versace Dylan turquoise because I thought at first I liked it, but after wearing it all day recently, I don’t. This is a 5. I like the citrus, aquatic smells I get at first, and at several hours out, I like the woodiness. The middle step, though, is a high-pitched

Somebody posted a prompt recently saying show a picture of your pet, and then one while you’re singing to it. Here’s Bean. I don’t think he likes my singing. 😄#caturday

It would be nice to think this is affection, but I know better. It’s the eternal struggle for dominance.

I already have my answer on today’s perfume test, Guerlain Mon Guerlain. I expected to like this because of the description, but I’m surprised to discover that I don’t. This smells like my grandmother’s dusting powder. I don’t hate it, but it’s not how I want to smell. Washing it off. Score is 4.

All day today, I wore La Vie Est Belle Vanille Nude. This is a scent my mother would have rejected at 1st sniff because of the sweetness. My internal mantra has been, “I am allowed to like this.” And, actually, I do. Like, not love, but I do. I don’t recognize florals, just vanilla and wood.

The unicorn song isn't up for sale yet, but this arrangement is. If you're a real composer, be kind. This is intended for those early-int piano students who are just getting their feet wet with syncopation, but are asking to play this piece. www.sheetmusicdirect.com/se/ID_No/186...

I love this lady. She sings to the older folks and brings them so much joy and peace. 🥰

It was nice while it lasted.

Détente

Imagine trying to convince someone a decade ago that this sentence would be a 100% literally accurate description of the American political situation.

Today, I wore Lancome Idole all day. Like the Armani My Way, it’s not offensive, but just meh. It’s generically floral. The scent lasted longer than My Way, at least on my left arm. 🤷‍♀️ Still, I can’t really imagine spending money on it. I can see I’m going to have to try some niche perfumes. Solid 7.

Hubby’s company Christmas party is coming up. Yay. (sarcasm) I never know more than 1 or 2 people. I’m thinking of inventing some intriguing/false backstory. “I met Kevin while I was a journalist covering the civil war in Sierra Leone” or “I have a doctorate in bagpipe performance.” Suggestions?

Today’s fragrance test: Armani My Way. For daughter, this is a 9. For me, it’s 8-. It’s pleasantly sweet and floral. Nice at 5 min, 30 min, and 2 hours. Very safe fragrance. I wouldn’t spend money on a full bottle, and unfortunately I won’t wear it even as a gift because my eyes are watering.

So, on this new hobby of investigating perfume, I feel like I did when, as a young music student, I was struggling with ear training. A chord was just a wash of sound. I could tell if it was major or minor, but not what the inversion was, or any other specifics. With effort, I learned, but how do

Dear doc office, Yes, I know my yearly appt is Monday. You’ve emailed and texted, and I have responded to confirm I’m coming. It is not necessary to call me as well. Will you also send a carrier pigeon and a pony express rider to be sure I get the message? 😬

When your adorable 1st year piano student wants a Christmas piece about unicorns, you write her one. "Santa's unicorns are standing by just in case the reindeer can't fly." (Photo: public domain, by Crimson Rose) I'll list this one on Sheet Music Direct along with others I've written for students.

The rock between her paws is what she wants to chew in lieu of the chew toy on the floor. This morning she stole a new roll of toilet paper out of the linen closet because I failed to shut the door. #DogShenanigans

Gonna have to bring down my little pop-up greenhouse from the attic for my baby arugula, kale, and spinach!

Another beautiful shot from a place I love.

Nice to start the day with a lovely shot from my old stomping grounds.

Dawgs win!

Happy #caturday from Bean, the couch cat. He’s in love with this fuzzy throw blanket.

So, daughter and I went on a sniffing safari today to test perfumes. I loved Jo Malone Fig Leaf and Lotus Flower. Liked Wood Sage & Sea Salt, but was very faint. Liked Maison Martin Margiela Autumn Vibes and Sailing Day, but SD was too faint. Liked Lancome Idole, but faded very fast. Loved Salt

So, earlier this week, I posted about my search for a fragrance I liked. I now know why I’ve never been a perfume girl. Over the last few days, I’ve sniffed every women’s scent in my local Belk and Ulta. There was only one I actually liked, as opposed to could tolerate. www.ulta.com/p/dylan-turq...

My very young piano student misread “angels” in It Came Upon The Midnight clear as “eagles.” “The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the eagles sing.” 😂

A fantastic palette cleanser story blending NYC, Southwest Georgia, and vintage/thrift clothing! #GiftLink via The NY Times www.nytimes.com/2025/11/04/b...