...I used to buy blind liberally 2-3 years ago but not so much anymore. Of course, there were failures and there were gorgeous finds but all in all I do believe it is indeed better to actually test a fragrance at least once (and even that might be a high-risk thing)....depending also on the price of the juice.Say, I would not buy an Amouage or Kilian blind but Scentstory´s "24 Gold" might be a candidate to take the risk :-)

..."Herba Fresca"One of my all-time summer fav´s.

...Just discovered this brand very recently. Been familiar with the name before but never tried anything from Nicolai.My first contact with the house is "Maharadjah". Gorgeous perfume, so impossible in its formulation but yet so possible to wear.For me a 100ml bottle worthy.Will definitely try some more of her fragrances, good to know where her boutique is in Paris. I have the feeling Parfums de Nicolai is a bit underestimated amongst renowned niche houses ? Quel dommage.

...Such beautiful paintings here to look at. Always fun to peek in from time to time :-)

...PontNeuf:Have I mentioned that I adore Albrecht Duerer´s self-portrait ?I don't blame you.I love Waterhouse's women...

...Last week I visited the National Gallery in London. Great museum with awesome works at display.I instantly fell in love with these two paintings :1 ) Salvator Rosa "Philosophy"2 ) Zurbaran "Saint Francis In meditation"Have I mentioned that I adore Albrecht Duerer´s self-portrait ?

...@ Dulcemio Boucher is sooooo refreshingly carnal :-) He lived in a time without over-sexualized media and society and still he had a more refined and distinguished sense for human desire than most artists have today, I dare say :-)@ DeeliteBut definitely in his style (which, by no means, is a bad thing at all) :) I like the serene feeling these genre paintings transport. The light rules everything...and the thoughtful expression on the model´s face. Superb nonetheless :-)@ Cryptic Fine painting, very intriguing indeed ! I love the topic. Resisting a temptation is often a difficult task and us weak humans need to pull all of our strength not to succumb.

...When springtime arrives I very much enjoy a few scents more on the light side :-)Such as :Habit Rouge (so citrussy in the beginning, to me a very light perfume)Un jardin sur le Nil (have loved it for years, despite my chypre-oriental soul)Cristalle Eau Verte (another citrus scent)Azuree (a scent cannot get any sunnier, IMHO)Private Collection (a classic, comforting and elegant)Herba Fresca (fresh, sparkling, upbeat) Voyage d´Hermes (motivating and unobtrusive, I very much prefer it when travelling by train or plane)Yerbamate (the fluffiest almost-masculine green powder scent I have ever known) :) Not sure yet if Ninfeo Mio is OK for me (the fig dangerously resembles a very sweaty armpit note on my skin)....

...I think I will stock up a few fragrances which I would like to stick with me for some more years - unchanged.My stock-up candidates are :KnowingAzureeAromatics ElixirDioressence (the current one but I am not sure if it now contains any of the substances concerned)

..."Herba Fresca"Love that minty note and the grassy freshness in summer. I only wear this scent in really hot weather.

...Morelli made me think of "Ulysses and the Sirens" by Herbert James Draper, PontNeuf....

...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2J8GFvxsLI :) :cry: Somehow it´s so fun to watch this rant but at the same time it is sad. I so much feel with her and videos like that should open some company´s eyes.At least Estee Lauder still has a gorgeous "Knowing" - for how long, I wonder....

...Ninfeo Mio and Habit Rouge (HR is still on its way)...it soothes my bad conscience that both are used bottles :-)

...PontNeuf:I have given up on buying vintages as I was often disappointed with what was left of the originally gorgeous scent.This is what I alluded to earlier... with the internet, almost anyone can commit their thoughts to cyber print and others will treat it like journalism. It isn't.Now, back to why PontNeuf has a point. Unfortunately, when a fragrance turns, it's not just about losing top notes, I wish it were. It's about middle and base notes that now...

...I have given up on buying vintages as I was often disappointed with what was left of the originally gorgeous scent.As sad as it may be to be without my beloved perfume memories but I do not enjoy these fragrances anymore if they are either on the verge of turning bad or even have crossed that line already.I am not a bottle collector either but have some miniatures as a keepsake for those nostalgic moments.

...I am not a religious person but this painting is so intense....I can literally feel his internal fight not to get tempted.Painting "The temptation of Saint Anthony" by Domenico Morelli

...Lady Nancy Astor : Winston, if you were my husband, I'd poison your tea. Winston Churchill´s reply : Nancy, if I were your husband, I'd drink it. :D

...PontNeuf:Anyone who has watched "Atlantis:f121ca920d]Yes, I watched a few episodes. I like the actors. However I get the impression that it's aimed at a...

..."31 Rue Cambon"Again :-) *sighs* To be in love :-)

..."Idole" (EdP)Spicy elixir and the only way I can enjoy some rum in the office :-)