A Bit of This, A Bit of That …

We’ve exited the return to March weather and are now at the beginning of what actually feels like June. The jasmine blossom is starting to open up and in certain spots near the huge vine the air smells heavenly (in a pongy sort of way). We’re back to actually being able to smell the mock orange bushes that reside in the hedgerows (when it’s cold, nothing wafts on the air). Monday (this is going up on the blog Sunday afternoon) is four weeks of no sugar. My brain is playing tug of war: I want scones, cream and jam – no, I don’t; I want a cinnamon bun with tiramisu cream – no, I don’t; I want a couple of scroops of the farm shop’s ice cream – no, I don’t. Am at a complete loss.

I am working on some new-to-me perfumes but wasn’t feeling a post yet. So, a bit of this and that.

First off, there’s a new Neela Vermeire Creations perfume which sounds very intriguing indeed. Can’t get a sample here yet – should be available in another couple of weeks. There’s no point right now in ordering from the US and doing Europe is very hit or miss which all means waiting till something lands here.

Anyway, the fragrance is called Neith and the nose, as with other NVCs, is Bertrand Duchaufour. Per Fragrantica, notes include myrrh, rose, oud, cypriol, black pepper, carnation, labdanum and frankincense. I’ve also seen sandalwood, vanilla and vetiver listed elsewhere. Per the Persolaise site/his video post the Esxense perfume event, this is a very dark perfume. I am deeply curious but will have to be patient.

Neith is a goddess with a dark backstory. Per Wiki, “… possibly of Libyan origin. She was associated with warfare, symbolized by her emblem of crosses bows, and with motherhood, as texts refer to her as the mother of deities such as the sun god Ra and the crocodile god Sobek”.

Second, as I have not really changed my skincare routine bar that new serum thing I mentioned in a vague way last week, a bit on that here. The stuff came from a company called Pelegrims which uses the orts of wine-making. Yes, you can get British wines – and some are very well regarded.

But, skincare. A quote on the Pelegrims site states “… a brand that perfectly captures the zeitgeist of British skincare at the moment” which should really put me off. But, the various reviews around the net were generally very positive about the products – and this one in particular. I will say straight up that a bottle is what I consider stupid money. But the comments about how wonderful the juice is caught me up. Plus the serum is called Rewards of Patience which in a world doing push me/pull you with fast fashion, makeup and skincare piqued my interest.

It’s a decently sized, 50ml, bottle and as I only use it at night it will last me a bit. See, justification. In any case, this stuff is glorious. Light green, viscous. Texture is an oily serum. It is so wonderful to use. A few drops gets you the whole face and neck. So, what’s in it? The orts, as noted, of wine-making (extracts of grapeskins), various plant/flower oils. Noted to be “lightly scented with jasmine, cut flower stems and tomato vine”.  My skin seems to enjoy it immensely. The company is aware of how much customers like the smell of this and recently released a perfume. Sample incoming soon.

Finally, a bit of garden. I am very cross with the slugs and snails who have chosen one lily and one dahlia to bother. I’ve tried salt and aluminium foil to deter them. But, no. So, now it’s broken seashells which should be uncomfortable to traverse. Fingers crossed.

Due to our recent strange weather, the bees, butterflies and dragonflies seem to have retreated. So, I got a lavender plant in full flower in the hope of luring them back. Fingers crossed.

But, I wouldn’t be surprised if they are off being busy with the blackberry bushes in the village, which are totally covered in blossom this year. If I were an insect I would prioritise that too vs my garden.

Pics: mine, wiki, pexels