sookster

When they found that their father must take a journey to the ship, the two eldest begged he would not fail to bring them back some new gowns, caps, rings, and all sorts of trinkets. But Beauty asked for nothing; for she thought in herself that all the ship was worth would hardly buy everything her sisters wished for. "Beauty," said the merchant, "how comes it that you ask for nothing: what can I bring you, my child?" "Since you are so kind as to think of me, dear father," she answered, "I should be glad if you would bring me a rose, for we have none in our garden." Now Beauty did not indeed wish for a rose, nor anything else, but she only said this that she might not affront her sisters; otherwise they would have said she wanted her father to praise her for desiring nothing. The promise of a rose: red rose petals, fresh sap, and the sharp green scent of stem and leaf. straight sniff from imp is a "dead ringer" for rose red of the yule LE version(s).... once applied this a tad greener than rose red but just as gorgeous as ever!!! amazingly fresh; exactly as a fresh rose smells ... i am in complete awe and a big bottle will be on my next list....

She'd rented the cottage furnished, which meant that the actual furniture was the special sort you find in these circumstances and had probably been left out for the dustmen by the local War on Want shop. It didn't matter. She didn't expect to be here long. If Agnes was right, she wouldn't be anywhere long. Nor would anyone else. Camellia, jasmine, heather, orange blossom, osmanthus, wisteria, thyme, angelica, freesia, granny’s nightcap, and English wildflowers. straight sniff from imp is a fresh, lush, green wildflower meadow...gorgeousness! once applied i sense dandelions and tulips as well...this remains beautiful on the skin .... do not let the name of this scent have you thinking this scent is loaded with jasmine...in fact, i only get the slightest whisper, if really any at all... if you like superbly green/floral scents, this beauty is for you...

When you return go alone, just you and the children and when you approach the beach then call for me: Zilvine, Zilvineli, If alive, may the sea foam milk If dead, may the sea foam blood... And if you see coming towards you foaming milk then know that I am still alive, but if blood comes then I have reached my end. While you, my children, let not the secret out, do not let anyone know how to call for me. Blood rising through an ocean wave. straight sniff from imp is a spicy dragon's blood and a sliver of aquatic goodness... once applied, the spice and sea share equal billing that is truly electrifying!! aaaargh maytee!!! a pirates blend, indeed for all the lost souls and treasures 'neath the ocean floor... hand in hand, this proves to have great sillage and will be a big bottle purchase... a most beloved ptown scent this shall be (bows humbly to the almighty creator)

Misery is manifold. The wretchedness of earth is multiform. Overreaching the wide horizon as the rainbow, its hues are as various as the hues of that arch, — as distinct too, yet as intimately blended. Overreaching the wide horizon as the rainbow! How is it that from beauty I have derived a type of unloveliness? — from the covenant of peace a simile of sorrow? But as, in ethics, evil is a consequence of good, so, in fact, out of joy is sorrow born. Either the memory of past bliss is the anguish of to-day, or the agonies which are have their origin in the ecstasies which might have been. A cerebral scent, dry, and white. This is a perfume of thought, not heart, and of unforeseen pain and sudden obsession, touched with uncertain twilight and ambiguous horror. Stargazer lily, white musk, clear aloe, blonde amber and winding-cloth linen. straight sniff from the bottle is very clean and aquatic.... upon application the musk takes over ..... followed by what i think is the aloe, amber and the linen.....really, really pretty too bad this does not last nearly long enough .... i suppose i will have to slather liberally.....or wear it in summer as it is rather subdued......and lovely....

When you return go alone, just you and the children and when you approach the beach then call for me: Zilvine, Zilvineli, If alive, may the sea foam milk If dead, may the sea foam blood... And if you see coming towards you foaming milk then know that I am still alive, but if blood comes then I have reached my end. While you, my children, let not the secret out, do not let anyone know how to call for me. Milk cresting on an ocean wave. straight sniff from imp is most definitely the note from milk moon combined with a lightly diffused aquatic embrace... once applied the aquatic note hits hard yet the combination of the milky, creamy, smoothness makes this quite comforting...really fabulous...tons of throw and i think this could be a big bottle purchase

On the night of the Epiphany, a joyful, broomstick-riding hag clad in a tattered shawl drops into chimneys all over Italy, bestowing gifts to good children, and dropping coal into the stockings of naughty kiddies. La Befana vien di notte Con le scarpe tutte rotte Col vestito alla Romana Viva, Viva La Befana! As the Three Wise Men searched for the house of the Christ child, they found themselves lost. Eventually, they stopped at a small house and knocked on the door. A small, wizened woman opened the door, holding a broom in her hand. The Astrologers asked the woman if she knew the location of the child, but, unfortunately, she did not know who these men were looking for, and could not aid them in their search. It was deep into the night, and the air was chilly, so the kindly woman offered the three men her hospitality. They spent the night in her warm, comfortable home, and shared bread and stories with one another. The Astrologers explained to the woman why they were looking for this blessed infant, and invited her to join them in their search come morning. Though she was touched by their tale, she declined, as she had a great deal of housework to do. At daybreak, the Astrologers awoke. They thanked the woman for her generosity, gathered their things, and prepared to leave. Before they departed, they, again, asked the old woman if she would like to join them on their journey. Again, she declined, and sent them on their way. After they had left, she regretted her decision, and she set off to find the Three Wise Men. After many long and frustrating hours of searching, she still could not find them. Saddened, yet still filled with hope, she stopped to give a gift to every good child she passed. La Befana comes by night With her shoes old and broken She comes dressed in the Roman way Long life to the Befana! Candy charcoal, winter lilies, parma violet, a sprig of cypress, a poof of chimney dust, and holiday sweets. straight sniff from bottle is purely sweet and gooey....absolutely nothing else ... holy moly...once applied the violet is astonishing and the dust and candy charcoal....ZomG... if you are a violet lover of bpal blends this is for you!! words cannot even describe the beauty and depth of this one...it is heartbreakingly beautiful i love it to death

Anything BUT jolly! Draped with chains and bells, wielding both whip and rod, this rag-clad, horned, red-skinned, soot-covered leering creature is both the companion and the antithesis of rosy-cheeked and ebullient Kris Kringle. He is called by many names, and, in a myriad of cultures, he is seen with different robes and faces, but he is nevertheless always a sinister and fearsome instrument of Santa's wrath: he wields a switch on all irredeemably naughty children before tossing them into his large black sack and whisking them away. Be good, or Krampus will toss you in a river! Sinister red musk, black leather, dusty rags, and wooden switches. straight sniff from bottle reminds me oh so much of my beloved anne bonny!!! patchouli and red musk...l-o-v-e it!!! OMG...ok, honestly...i was so afraid this would be in the same league as "rat king"...i did want to love rat king....really i did....but it was far too hot and peppery for me... this one is truly, truly nothing as is described...it is all sweet and thick and resinous in the most amazing way possible...after 30 minutes or so, something almost green & herbal...anyway, for those who know me, know my chemistry with leather can be nothing less than spectacular...meaning whatever the masses smell, i usually don't ... but i do know that krampus is amazing on me and i love it beyond belief....gah!!! :D ETA: in my haste and amazement of this gorgeous scent, i found a misspelled word or two.....

Residing in Paris during the spring and part of the summer of 18--, I there became acquainted with a Monsieur C. Auguste Dupin. This young gentleman was of an excellent -- indeed of an illustrious family, but, by a variety of untoward events, had been reduced to such poverty that the energy of his character succumbed beneath it, and he ceased to bestir himself in the world, or to care for the retrieval of his fortunes. By courtesy of his creditors, there still remained in his possession a small remnant of his patrimony; and, upon the income arising from this, he managed, by means of a rigorous economy, to procure the necessaries of life, without troubling himself about its superfluities. Books, indeed, were his sole luxuries, and in Paris these are easily obtained. Well-worn leather and lavender-lime cologne. straight sniff from bottle is, indeed, very well-worn leather once applied...WOW! serious "in-your-face" lavendery leather...this leather is so strong it almost has a gamey or farm-like note this rarely changed with my chemistry except it is almost a leather single note... the lavender fades fast and furiously and i never do get any lime....

THE EAST But there were times when the wind blew from beyond the wall, bringing with it the smell of mint and thyme and redcurrants, and at those times there were strange colors seen in the flames in the fireplaces in the village. The scent of the winds beyond the wall: bluebonnet, passion flower, freesia, jasmine tea, mint, thyme, and redcurrant. straight sniff from bottle is a touch of thyme and mint... once applied this is a bountiful bouquet with the most elegant, rounded edges of floral and tea...a touch of fruit...this is a scent to be worn by a true lady, in every sense of the term...tea and crumpets to be served....women with big bonnets that tie at the chin...almost fainting with their corsets laced much too tightly...men whispering on the side, behind large oak trees, wondering if they will get to court the woman they desire...if i can envision this, so can you...phenomenal...

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. As a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banquet hall. His banner over me is love. Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples; For I am faint with love. His left hand is under my head. His right hand embraces me. I adjure you, daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, or by the hinds of the field, that you not stir up, nor awaken love, until it so desires. The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping on the mountains, skipping on the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart. Behold, he stands behind our wall! He looks in at the windows. He glances through the lattice. My beloved spoke, and said to me, "Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. For, behold, the winter is past. The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens her green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away." My dove in the clefts of the rock, In the hiding places of the mountainside, Let me see your face. Let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards; for our vineyards are in blossom. My beloved is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies. Until the day is cool, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like a roe or a young hart on the mountains of Bether. Hibiscus syriacus, white sandalwood, lily of the valley, apple blossom, and green fig. straight sniff from imp is fruity; slightly green... once applied the fig and apple blossom come parading through...quite strong... while this is really different it just isn't that fantastic with my chemistry...it is lacking somehow...or maybe it just turns me off cuz of the white sandalwood...i am not sure what it is with me and the white sandalwood but it seems to wreak havoc with me...kinda like jasmine does....just overbearing....

A yellow-bright and smoky brown-black scent, horned, pronged and strange. straight sniff from imp this reminds me of malediction but even deeper and darker if that can be possible yes, i am all for dark scents...tons of vetiver and black myrrh in this puppy...most likely the thickest perfume i have tried to date...not for the faint of heart...think along the lines of sloth, iago, saturnalia...if you like these, you're a sucker for devil's claw

Either the well was very deep, or she fell very slowly, for she had plenty of time as she went down to look about her and to wonder what was going to happen next. First, she tried to look down and make out what she was coming to, but it was too dark to see anything; then she looked at the sides of the well, and noticed that they were filled with cupboards and book-shelves; here and there she saw maps and pictures hung upon pegs. She took down a jar from one of the shelves as she passed; it was labelled `ORANGE MARMALADE', but to her great disappointment it was empty: she did not like to drop the jar for fear of killing somebody, so managed to put it into one of the cupboards as she fell past it. Daisies and dirt with a hint of orange marmalade, dry leaves, and crunchy old sticks. This beauty is superbly earthy...yet the touch of marmalade sweetens this up nicely; then the dried leaves whirl about... Very long lasting. A masterpiece in the making

Dewy, wet, whiplike and sticky. straight sniff from imp is hemlock's deep, dark, sinister sister....all that as i am a fan of hemlock this is fantastically gorgeous for me...i realize a LOT of folks would not even dream of trying a scent like this ... it is very much like a strong, green, cologne blend ... but perfectly done...yes, for the man in your life this is it....it turns sharper....and greener .... and stronger...and then mellows just beautifully...try it out and see for your own self

Shaking off from my spirit what must have been a dream, I scanned more narrowly the real aspect of the building. Its principal feature seemed to be that of an excessive antiquity. The discoloration of ages had been great. Minute fungi overspread the whole exterior, hanging in a fine tangled web-work from the eaves. Yet all this was apart from any extraordinary dilapidation. No portion of the masonry had fAllan; and there appeared to be a wild inconsistency between its still perfect adaptation of parts, and the crumbling condition of the individual stones. In this there was much that reminded me of the specious totality of old wood-work which has rotted for long years in some neglected vault, with no disturbance from the breath of the external air. Beyond this indication of extensive decay, however, the fabric gave little token of instability. Perhaps the eye of a scrutinising observer might have discovered a barely perceptible fissure, which, extending from the roof of the building in front, made its way down the wall in a zigzag direction, until it became lost in the sullen waters of the tarn. Noticing these things, I rode over a short causeway to the house. A servant in waiting took my horse, and I entered the Gothic archway of the hall. A valet, of stealthy step, thence conducted me, in silence, through many dark and intricate passages in my progress to the studio of his master. Much that I encountered on the way contributed, I know not how, to heighten the vague sentiments of which I have already spoken. While the objects around me -- while the carvings of the ceilings, the sombre tapestries of the walls, the ebon blackness of the floors, and the phantasmagoric armorial trophies which rattled as I strode, were but matters to which, or to such as which, I had been accustomed from my infancy -- while I hesitated not to acknowledge how familiar was all this -- I still wondered to find how unfamiliar were the fancies which ordinary images were stirring up. On one of the staircases, I met the physician of the family. His countenance, I thought, wore a mingled expression of low cunning and perplexity. He accosted me with trepidation and passed on. The valet now threw open a door and ushered me into the presence of his master. Rotted ebony wood, faded incense, moldy earth, creeping moss, and blighted roses. straight sniff from bottle is freshly turned earth and roses... once applied the incense amps up and this has an almost cologne-like feel to it... that stage passes very quickly and the moss and rose are just glorious; there is this great wood note as well...the earthiness is fairly understated... super strong sillage...literally, a dab'll do ya behind each ear and having you smiling like the cheshire cat in no time...a winner

Rapunzel was the most beautiful child under the sun. When she was twelve years old the Witch shut her up in a tower, in the middle of a great wood, and the tower had neither stairs nor doors, only high up at the very top a small window. When the old Witch wanted to get in she stood underneath and called out: `Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let down your golden hair,' for Rapunzel had wonderful long hair, and it was as fine as spun gold. Whenever she heard the Witch's voice she unloosed her plaits, and let her hair fall down out of the window about twenty yards below, and the old Witch climbed up by it. Angel's trumpet, bois de rose, orris, and wild lettuce. straight sniff from imp is a delicate blend .... reminds me of my own dear grandaughter's lovely locks...most definitely golden...and slightly fresh/green scent... this is an elegant blend...perfectly concocted...i think i would prefer this in the spring....quite lovely

NOCHE BUENA A celebration of the Nativity: the light, uplifting incense of the Misa de Noche Buena, purple sage, and a vibrant bouquet of plumeria, chrysanthemum, tuberose, Angel's Trumpet, Mexican tiger lily, dahlia, and azucenas. straight sniff from bottle is an olfactory delight of plumeria and chrysanthemum.... once applied this is a deep, floral incense ... jeebus.... beth just gets better and better with these 2007 yule blends... the sage and florals swirl together and are nothing less than astonishing...the throw is fair so i will have to slather this puppy for certain...g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s

Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York; And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house In the deep bosom of the ocean buried. Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths; Our bruised arms hung up for monuments; Our stern alarums chang'd to merry meetings, Our dreadful marches to delightful measures. Grim-visag'd war hath smooth'd his wrinkled front; And now, -- instead of mounting barbed steeds To fright the souls of fearful adversaries, -- He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. But I, -- that am not shap'd for sportive tricks, Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass; I, that am rudely stamp'd, and want love's majesty To strut before a wanton ambling nymph; I, that am curtail'd of this fair proportion, Cheated of feature by dissembling nature, Deform'd, unfinish'd, sent before my time Into this breathing world scarce half made up, And that so lamely and unfashionable That dogs bark at me as I halt by them; -- Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace, Have no delight to pass away the time, Unless to spy my shadow in the sun, And descant on mine own deformity: And therefore, -- since I cannot prove a lover, To entertain these fair well-spoken days, -- I am determined to prove a villain, And hate the idle pleasures of these days. Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous, By drunken prophecies, libels, and dreams, To set my brother Clarence and the king In deadly hate the one against the other: And if King Edward be as true and just As I am subtle, false, and treacherous, This day should Clarence closely be mew'd up, -- About a prophecy which says that G Of Edward's heirs the murderer shall be. Dive, thoughts, down to my soul... Embrace your villainy: balsam, myrrh, mandarin orange, bitter clove, artemesia, rosewood, nutmeg, dark musk, smoke and cypress. straight sniff from bottle is a very cool and almost calming scent...smells very watery to me once applied i immediately sense a delicate rose and some musk...the rose gets deeper and deeper as time goes on...this is a very interesting scent indeed.... somewhat of a rose incense....a touch of the nutmeg...a bit sharp...gosh...this is incredible...the most amazing thing about this blend is how much it amps with my chemistry but remains so beautiful...i love what beth did with this one.. bravo!!

A powerful old Voodoo love oil. It increases your sex appeal tenfold, inspires romance, and draws others to you. initial whiff from the bottle this is a very heavy floral and not for the faint of heart...thick jasmine and roses... it reminds me very much of bpal's voodoo blend "love me" but this one has much more depth and strength... i think this would be perfect for a scent locket and will report back as to how much this draws others to me

A languid and loathsome blend of dead wildflowers and smoky, sun-baked grass under a hot, humid blanket of summer gloom. straight sniff from bottle is sweet grass and wild flowers...an achingly beautiful autumn blend... once applied the florals become dried and there is a beautiful depth ... the sillage ~~wonderful and this scent is neither in your face nor waffling in the background...grassy, floral, end of summer days...a sad departure of beaches, picnics and bathing suits...and a glorious welcome to the cool autumn weeks, with the crisp, crunchy leaves underfoot and the brisk air wisping 'cross your face and the smoky scent of a fireplace... an astounding & unique beauty concocted by our master perfumer 11/10/08...doods...i no way smell coconut at all in this blend...too weird....did i get one of the first few bottles that r00led or what?? so strange.....................

The "Red Death" had long devastated the country. No pestilence had ever been so fatal, or so hideous. Blood was its Avator and its seal - the redness and the horror of blood. There were sharp pains, and sudden dizziness, and then profuse bleeding at the pores, with dissolution. The scarlet stains upon the body and especially upon the face of the victim, were the pest ban which shut him out from the aid and from the sympathy of his fellow-men. And the whole seizure, progress and termination of the disease, were the incidents of half an hour. But the Prince Prospero was happy and dauntless and sagacious. When his dominions were half depopulated, he summoned to his presence a thousand hale and light-hearted friends from among the knights and dames of his court, and with these retired to the deep seclusion of one of his castellated abbeys. This was an extensive and magnificent structure, the creation of the prince's own eccentric yet august taste. A strong and lofty wall girdled it in. This wall had gates of iron. The courtiers, having entered, brought furnaces and massy hammers and welded the bolts. They resolved to leave means neither of ingress or egress to the sudden impulses of despair or of frenzy from within. The abbey was amply provisioned. With such precautions the courtiers might bid defiance to contagion. The external world could take care of itself. In the meantime it was folly to grieve, or to think. The prince had provided all the appliances of pleasure. There were buffoons, there were improvisatori, there were ballet-dancers, there were musicians, there was Beauty, there was wine. All these and security were within. Without was the "Red Death." There was beauty, there was wine: a rich Sangiovese vintage swirled through opulent amber, rich plum, champaca flower, and arrogant white musk. straight sniff from bottle is the most gorgeous heady plum wine once applied this is superb!! the musk and powdery amber combine with the heady plum note...in fact, this is the best plum note in a blend to date...after 30 minutes or so i do believe i detect a smidge of violet...this is very well done, indeed...

Dominance and submission: warm leather, sweat-damp musk, and merlot. Oh yesssssssss!! This is my fav of the bunch...so utterly sexy!! The leather note in this is beyond perfection...just enough...the musk and merlot add to this winning spray in the best way possible...a great aroma for the play room and enough to make sparks fly...oh yeah!!

first sniff from bottle is moist, wet slightly bitter almond and leather... once applied the leather and patchouli amp up to an incredible sweetness; I get the creamy note some of you are mentioning as well...absolutely beautiful... magnificent throw and lasts for hours not for the faint of heart...personally, this is just what the doctor ordered for me...positively magnificent kudos to this sensational creation!

LYCAON Lycaon was the first king of Arcadia, and though his country prospered under his rule, he possessed a streak of viciousness that earned him the great god Zeus' ire. Zeus had heard tales of Lycaon's impiety and cruelty, and in order to find out the truth about the King of Arcadia, he disguised himself as a beggar and sought hospitality in the king's court. Lycaon and his fifty equally sadistic sons discovered the identity of their guest, and foolishly served Zeus a meal of soup that contained sheep and goat entrails, and the flesh of Lycaon's fifty-first son, Nictimos. Zeus, consumed with rage and disgust, struck the king's home with a lightning bolt, and transformed Lycaon and his sons into creatures more suited to their savage natures: werewolves. A monstrous, brutal, and bloodthirsty blend: blackened myrrh, crushed olive leaf, black musk, spikenard, frankincense, cypress wood, opoponax, white ginger, and patchouli. straight sniff from bottle this is quite like schwarzer mond but less resinous... the myrrh and black musk are wonderful...patchouli adds a perfect touch... once applied it swirls and warms with my chemistry and creates the most glorious and heavenly waft of fragrance...very sweet to my schnoz the woodsy notes kick in after some time after...this has a lovely and long lasting aroma... mme. moriarty outdid herself with this gorgeous blend!! i am thrilled i scored a bottle this

straight sniff from bottle is cedar and leather love...a total d00d scent....serial.... problee the best man scent the lab has to date....not for me at all but i am sure the boy will smell groovy wearing it

straight sniff from imp is s-h-a-r-p muskiness and clove... once applied....extremely sharp...dangit...i really wanted to love this and thought most certainly it would work with my chemistry but it ends up smelling like an old woody tavern with lots of sweaty armpits....rats