Reflections,Regrets,Resolutions, Winnahs & a Giveaway!

fountainpen

So…..2013 has drawn to a close and 2014 is upon us.    A quick rewind through 2013 (mostly perfume & beauty, with some sidebars (FOOD!  SEX! (okay, no sex, dagnabit! )……ummmmm….animal?  vegetable?  mineral?  oh, let’s just get rolling and see where this takes us.  And let’s see if I can weave all three words into each scenario without making myself look even more lunatic…

I reflect on perfume – a lot.  And recently I realized that, due to my increasing involvement in the industry, I  tend to think of perfume more as a marketing commodity, rather than a pleasure.   Which is a damn shame.  And I regret that.  So I am resolved to get back to basics:  I’m going to pull out my beauties and freakin’ WEAR them, like regular people do (no, no youse guys.  NORMAL people)! LOL!  I’m still looking forward to sampling and reviewing new (and new-to-me) perfumes – but for everyday wear, it’s time to spray what I’ve got!

Perfume Advertising:  is it a reflection of our cultural malaise?  Are we really that lazy?  Or has everything already been done?  It’s regrettable that very little advertising stands out (isn’t there any other way to convey ‘manly’ than a brooding, ultra-rich, oiled-up,6-packed playboy yachtsman?  and airbrushed Julia Roberts has diamante puppet strings for..uhhh….why?)  Can mainstream perfume advertising take a page from Brent Leonesio or Lush?  Prolly not (though Cartier took a good run at it with the leopard leaping about all over the place).  But I am resolute in wishing it were so – or at least not so cookie cutter (and whew! but I squeaked by on that ‘resolute’).  Interesting side note in Musette’s skittery little mind…so I went onto the Lush site to confirm the link – and they have all these really cool flags that take you to that country’s website….hang in there with me for a minute…so I was all ‘squirrel!‘ with  the wavy flags .. Saudi Arabia’s flag started waving..and headlining as a limited edition is Ponce shower gel..orange with a shot of tequila!  Um…….wondering how that’s going over in a country well-known for its strict no-alcohol laws……see, this is why I never get anything done…

Musette!  Not So Much Judgy, okay?!!  All too often, I find myself skimming past scents or ignoring them altogether because I have decided, apropos of absolutely nothing, that ‘X isn’t mah thang’.  And then, when I do try it, by chance or by choice, I am hoist on my own perfume petard.  My reflexive  (ha!  close.  but no cigar, Musette) dismissal of Bombay Bling was silly – and I regret to tell you that I can’t say more about it right now because I will be doing a mini-review of it later…but let me just say I am going to work hard to not be so resolutely knee-jerk knowitall.  Here’s to keeping that Beginner’s Mind.

Trends:  Reflecting on the past few trends (pink peppercorn! oud!) my liver quivers at the thought of what fresh trend-hell is coming our way.  Will it be some strange note from the poop of Louisiana alligators (humanely sourced by skilled harvesters, using biodegradable poop-wands (ask a dog about those wands)  that we will hail with great glee, only to regret ever learning of its existence when the 230th version of Alligator Poop squats firmly in the middle of Macy’s main aisle. I would like to adhere to my resolution to not be so Judgy   but confidence is Not high….

 

It is a reflection of my own sorry state that I am so late in announcing the winnahs from the I’m Baack! post!  Regretsys all around!!  I resolve to do better in 2014.

 

Martha!

Foxbins!

Drop me a line (anitaATperfumepossedotyouknowwhat) with your mailing info.  Don’t faint – I already have the little sample bags all packed!  Yes. I. Do.

 

mynewscarf

I hate this scarf

And because you guys are so wonderful and non-Judgy about these crazy posts – and because I already packed up another little sample bag, Let’s do a Giveaway!!!  drop me a line and let me know what your thoughts are for 2014.  I’ll have  Ol’ Grumpy up there poke a paw at random.org and choose a winnah!!!

 

 

Oh, Food!  MissyL asked for the soft scrambled eggs w/ lobster recipe – here it is.  It’s crazy-easy; the hardest part is the patience it takes to soft-scramble the eggs.

serves 2

2 small lobster tails (or 1 giant tail), gently steamed with  a bit of white wine, vermouth, water & herbs – your pick (or you can use all of that! LOL!) – the tails  can be cooked ahead of time – but not a lot (a day is fine.  a week is not).  Yank the meat out of the shell and chop it up.

1 small shallot, chopped (if shallots aren’t available, use sweet onion (e.g. Vidalia)

6 eggs, very gently stirred (the goal here is to marry the yolks and white without a lot of beating – this is where having a mimosa or Bloody Mary helps – you can take sips of the cocktail while you gently agitate the eggs.  If you are a teetotaler you can just take deep breaths and think of England)

Mascarpone -2-3T, depending upon how fluffy you want the eggs (I like them a bit heavier so I use a bit less)

A pinch of sea salt

1/4 t of fresh thyme (a bit more (or less) depending upon preference.

 

2T butter in a nonreactive saute pan (aka ‘a skillet’).  Melt butter over low heat until foamy.  Add shallot, cook slowly until just beginning translucence.  Add eggs.  Breathe.  Let the eggs bubble a bit (just a bit) over this Very Low Heat, pushing them around VERY GENTLY with a rubber spatula or spoon.  Let them rest for a few minutes, then push a little bit more .  Remove from heat and give them a few minutes to reflect (ha!) on their sins.  Return to very low heat and just as they begin to form serious curds, start adding the mascarpone, slowly; once that’s all incorporated, add the lobster, fold slowly…let it finish setting up, sprinkle in the thyme and pinch of salt.  Serve  on warm plates with hot buttered toast.

 

You can also do this over a double-boiler but I can’t be bothered.  So I just watch the heat on the skillet and remove it on and off as needed.  Don’t be afraid to add a bit more butter, if needed.  Let’s face it, this is NOT a low-cal item.   The ingredients are super-simple; the key here is the slow prep.   It’s allll about slow.  s.l.o.w.  Did I mention..”slow”?  Which is why I sip a little sumpin’ when I make it.  Can you imagine trying to do this while hopped-up on caffeine?????

 

So…do you have any Regrets? Reflections?  Resolutions?   What are you looking forward to in 2014?

  • Claudia D. says:

    No resolutions for me, just hope. Hoping that 2014 is significantly better than 2013, which hit me with many losses, both personal and material. Onward and upward!

  • Maureen says:

    I resolve to let go of that big hurt of the past year and focus on and enjoy the new and fun happenings of 2014. Happy New Year!!!

  • I wish I could finally find new (good) job and have some money not only for living but also for buying fragrances.:-) I wish my health will be better than this former year. And I promise I will do all necessary to survive.:-) Thanks

  • Sarah K says:

    I’m hoping to do more, be grateful more for what I have and worry less about what I don’t have.

  • Elena says:

    Non, je ne regrette rien! My resolution, which is renewed over and over again as it is such an easy habit to fall back into, is to not yell at the kids. Happy new year!

  • JR says:

    For 2014 I am looking for a year with less smoking and more sandalwood and mahogany fragrances. 🙂

  • Shira says:

    Awesome and descriptive post Musette! I resolve not to wrinkle my nose at anything new( makes one look like a disgusted rabbit anyway) and reach out more to friends online and off. Also, enjoy the sun when it comes out after two days of snow!

  • Sarah says:

    Musette you make me snort in my morning coffee-what a way you have with images.
    My personal scent resolution-to remember as much as I love my big guns (Carnal Flower, Mitsouko,etc) I daily reach for bergamot/cedar/sparkling/bright. So no purchases without this thought front and center.

  • taleofahare says:

    ROFL about the alligator poop accord being the next trend. Makes me think twice about my fragrant intents for the upcoming year; maybe I should stay away? 😛

    For the most part I like to have intentions and usually they are ones about being present, having compassion, treating others well, gratitude, gratitude and more gratitude, keeping good boundaries and learning to say no!

    May 2014 find us all in peace and love 😉

  • Tiara says:

    Resolutions? Reading blog posts every day and commenting often. Learn to go with the flow. I love to make plans but then life happens, plans go out the window and I’m bummed. Wear what I love more often. Clothes and perfume mainly. I have so many perfumes I like that I feel I must wear them because they’re there. But my beloved scents get neglected. Perhaps I should resolve to use up at least one bottle of a favorite this year.

    Hope your back is better and that 2014 find you in the best of health!

  • Yile says:

    Im wishing the New Year will bring more love to everyone! And learn to be really thankful and appreciative of what I have!

  • Sally M says:

    I’m vowing a return to a human being rather than a human doing. Find joy in something every day. Express more gratitude. Be kinder. Like several others here, I want to use the perfumes waiting in the wings, instead of just manically adding more.
    I’m so very glad to have found the PP – my NY wish is that you all achieve your resolutions.

  • Laurels says:

    “Be less judgy” and take care of yourself first are excellent resolutions, and for myself, I’ll add, procrastinate less. If I succeed in adopting all three, life should be noticeably less stressful. Speaking of procrastinating less, I’ve been meaning to mention how much I like the latest overhaul of this site. I’m usually on a mobile device, and now I can see it with larger, easier-to-read type, without a crash when I try to read the comments.

  • Lisa D says:

    I’m just going to try to stay in the now, and be happier and healthier. And, of course, smell really good.

  • Kandice says:

    Oh Musette, your comments on the Lush site and the “poop accord” had me laughing out loud! Thanks for that. While I’m too new to imagine what may be coming down the perfume pike, I’m right there with you on using your old favorites. In the past two years, I’ve gotten caught up in sampling new perfumes to the exclusion of my old loves. While I don’t see giving up on the samples, my favorites deserve more attention than they’ve been getting. So here’s to the wonderful memories from years past that our favorite perfumes reignite. And here’s to new memories made with new perfumes in 2014. Happy New Year! Thanks for making my last two years so bright (and sweet smelling)!

    • Musette says:

      oh, honey! how lovely. Thank you! and Heaven only knows what’s coming down the perfume pike – I certainly don’t. I remember how long it took me to figure out that pink peppercorn was a ‘trend’ (blushes)….

      Here’s to a fabulously fragrant 2014!!!

      xoxoxoA

  • Barbara says:

    A couple of days ago I read something about doing a random act of kindness a day and thought that was a good idea for the coming year.

    And of course the same resolution I have every year (who knows, it MIGHT happen) which is to get organized!

    Happy New Year to you and all the posse!

  • maggiecat says:

    I’d read an article about focusing resolutions on how to use a positive gift or strength rather than trying to eliminate a negative – so I’ll be exploring how I can use my gifts of reading, writing, and speaking to serve others in 2014! Happy New Year to all!

  • missyl says:

    🙂 Ahh Musette thank you! I’m on my way to a wedding, in the middle of a snowstorm and You made me laugh SO hard! … Breathe deep and think of England..:)).
    Yum! I can hardly wait to get home and try that lobster recipe!
    I’m just resolving to try and rejoice over my everyday joys, love on folks, and laugh everyday. (We’re rejoicing over a new grand child delivered
    safetly today! ) Anyway, sticking my reminder up on my kitchen cupboard and hoping it will catch my attention when it needs too :). Wishing you lovely people things to rejoice over this year!

    • Musette says:

      safe travels in that snowstorm and oooh! on the new grandchild! Congratulations! Everyday delights are the best!

      Wishing you everything wondrous in 2014!!!

      xoxoA

  • solanace says:

    I just wish I could sleep better.
    Happy new year!

  • Edward G says:

    One of the perfume websites said to resolve to braver in 2014, and that’s just what I’m going to do.

  • Musette says:

    I hope 2014 brings you the job of your dreams! and with that, that all else falls into place for you, too!

    xoxoxoA

  • foxbins says:

    No real resolutions here, although I did think I might do more fun things on weekends besides cleaning and laundry. However, 2014 is starting off great as I won samples! Thank you so much!

    • Musette says:

      Cleaning and laundry have their place – just make sure you don’t make them the oNLY thing you do – I fell into that trap for awhile. It was dumb.

      You are very welcome! Make sure you get your addy to me asap – I am on a mailing roll and you want to be sure to get in on that, before I shut down and refuse to go to the PO (or anywhere else) for the duration of winter! LOL!

      xoxoxoA

  • Janet in California says:

    Since I am starting 2014 by being sick as a dog I am hoping that things can only get better! I am going to try and be that serene woman that breezes through stress without a thought.

    Have a wonderful 2014!

    • Musette says:

      LOL! yeah, good luck with that! But I totally get the urge to be that woman (who IS that woman, anyway? anybody know her? Tell her to give me a call, I could use some serious tips!).

      I’m SO sorry you’re sick! I hope this is it for you, for the coming year! And why not, right?

      xoxoxoxoA

  • wefadetogray says:

    My first thought for 2014 is that I need to find a job. I have been unemployed for a year and it gets way too tight here, in spite of the husband working 3 different jobs. I also want to find mental and physical peace since both things, combined with the lack of work are taking a bad toll on me. Perfume wise, I want to branch out a bit and be surprised. I havent been surprised in a while the way say Santal Majuscule surprised me a few years ago. I try new samples yet I have not been taken by a new perfume to the point I say, I need to sell my soul to buy this bottle.
    Happy New Year to you and all here at the perfume posse.

  • Maren says:

    My goal and theme for 2014 is to have more FUN! Not that 2013 was bad, just that lots of work and not enough play makes life kind of dull. But it was the year to learn about fragrance and this great, fun on-line community, which is fun that I look forward to continuing in 2014. Also looking forward to my first grandchild this year! Happy New Year everyone!

    • Musette says:

      Oooh! Felicidades, Abuelita!!!!! That alone will bring more fun into your life. As well as boundless joy! We’re so glad ot have you here! xoxoxoA

  • edpgypsy says:

    A lot of inspiring comments so far.. Some wise folks here.

    For the new year I vow to start each day with a grateful heart.

    Wishing everyone a joyous 2014! xoxo

  • Rednails says:

    2014 is the year I hope to take care of myself instead of focusing on all others. That means getting out from under depression and anxiety, losing weight, exercising more, buying new dainties.

    • Musette says:

      Put your own mask on first, babydoll! It’s the hardest thing for us womenses to do but it’s essential! I’ll be talking a bit more about my journey to do just that, as we progress through 2014. I’m sick of being ‘meh’. Life is a gift and I’m wasting mine.

      xoxoxoA

  • Dana says:

    So many commenters have already stated so eloquently how I resolve to feel about perfume and life in general for the new year. Today I am just trying to get over a terrible head cold and can’t even smell anything. Happy New Year to all!

  • eswift83 says:

    2014 is here already? What happened to 2013!? This year my hope is to concentrate on be more thoughtful and less selfish. It’s always a process! Happy New Year!

    • Musette says:

      if you’re hoping to be more thoughtful and less selfish then you’re more thoughtful and less selfish already! (that’s what I think, anyway!!!) 😀

      Wishing you a wonderful 2014!

      xoxoA

  • Amy says:

    I made it through the first half of 2013 by the skin of my teeth, mostly thanks to all the lovely people in my life (present company included) and then it got a lot better. Gonna maintain my roll, love everyone a little bit more, eat fresh veggies, get my 8 hours, and make sure I smell better than everyone else in the room. Gratitude is my middle name right now. Happy Fragrant New Year!

    • Musette says:

      Gratitude is a wonderful thing. I often wonder if the U sends us some challenges so that we can feel grateful. Though that journey kinda sucks.

      Wishing you the best in 2014! xoxoxoA

  • rosarita says:

    Musette, I just love you, y’know? Your crazy brain never fails to make me smile. I already have a good handle on simplifying my life and I want that to continue, with everything. I’m now forced to wear very $$ custom orthotics in just one pair of orthopedic shoes for six months, so all the cheap shoes have to go, the perfume samples need to be corralled, the carbs cut, etc. By May I want to be walking! Best wishes everyone.

    • Musette says:

      your presence on here, darling, is one of the constant delights of my day! I think simplifying Life is an evolution of the mind. For me, it started with letting go of the notion that ‘things’ could fill the void in my soul. Once I accepted that, letting go of things became supremely easy.

      Here’s to us walking around the farmer’s market in July!!!!

      xoxoxoA

  • Tena says:

    I resolve to stop saving things for good and therefore reaching for my favourite dress, shoes scents all the time. My Mom passed with an unused bottle of her fave scent untouched for a over a year because if she used it,, some day it would be gone. I will fight against that mentality..

    • Musette says:

      Tena, my condolences on your mom’s passing – I had that epiphany when I nearly lost my own life – now I use EVERYTHING!!! Live your life, every day!!! xoxoxoA

  • Nemo says:

    This year, I hope to remain calm and not panic even with things don’t go as planned 🙂 I also hope to share my ballooning perfume collection with as many people as possible. Happy New Year!

  • Alica says:

    I would like a miracle to happen, sorry but I will keep for me what it should relate to 😉
    Otherwise much health, success at work and all the best to all my dearest and all people in general. Also to you of course 🙂
    Have a great New Year!

  • Sherri says:

    As far as perfume resolutions go, I just want to get more organized. I got a ton of GWP’s in December and they are just thrown in my closet–no time to sort. My second resolution is to set things up so it is easier for me to get things out the door to others–stockpile padded envelopes, boxes, etc. one place so I can get packages out the door. I have the best of intentions but I’m always missing something, so things set cluttering when they could be out being a blessing to someone else.

    Oh, that lobster recipe sounds divine! I am going to try to make it for dh this week. (unfortunately he had the stomach flu yesterday and is just up for dry toast this a.m.) but what a PERFECT New Year’s breakfast?!

    • Musette says:

      if you figure out that organization thing, you come on over here, okay? !LOL! I get theeeeeees close – and then …well something always happens to mess it up. However, there are others who are supremely organized, so Hope Springs!

      xoxoxoA

      • Ann says:

        Ooh, yes, me, too! Dear Sherri, when you’re done at darling Musette’s house, come on a my house next, please? 🙂

  • Irina says:

    Happy New Year, Mussette
    I hope for a better year this time, I try to look at the bright side ( I said try, not that I can see it)

  • I’m hoping for more thought, less shopping. About to do a big frag cull and it has me joyful and terrified together.

    Happy New Year Musette, I love you heaps.
    Portia xx

    • Musette says:

      I love you most, darling! Wonderful 2014 (and beyond) to you!!!

      Take your time with the frag cull. Seriously – if you’ve never done it before, I urge you to go slow (and do decants of everything – if there’s one thing I’ve learned from culling, the minute you let something go, you need to revisit – a tiny decant will suffice)

      I’m so over shopping that I can’t even do fantasy shopping! LOL!

      xoxoxoA

  • fanny says:

    No more thinking too much, just do and see what happens.
    Happy new year, all!

  • Elia says:

    Instinctively I wonder about survival.
    But on the brighter side I look forward to the many firsts I’ll be going through with my daughter. I hope her first steps are mischievous 🙂
    Happy New Year!

    • Musette says:

      I think survival is the first instinct of everything living – and it makes perfect sense. Your daughter’s first steps will be glorious!

      xoxoxoxoA.

  • Jackie b says:

    I wish I could have a really witty and original resolution to give you…I am hoping to stop agonising about the past and being so anxious about the future, but to Exhale and be happy with where I am at. Now.
    Perhaps this can aso translate to perfume purchases; the discontinued is gone, the world will not end if I don’t sample the latest.
    And I have many beautiful fragrances already.
    Happy 2014!

    • Tara says:

      Hear, hear! This pretty much sums up my resolutions for 2014.

    • Musette says:

      Life is Uncertain. Living that, in joy, allows us to live fully in the moment. Not always easy – but worth it! Enjoy your beautiful perfumes and love your beautiful life. Happy TODAY!!!

      xoxoxoA