an important update and Kilian Extreme Oud +

Hi everyone!

I've been a bit quiet when it has come to blogging / reviews...

I can somewhat explain the silence: for the past few weeks I've been in the process of finding an apartment. 

[rewind]

Many years ago, when I came to this city...I found a room to rent. It was cheap, walking distance to my temporary job at the time (so I didn't have to spend $ on transportation). As time progressed, my living situation wasn't ideal for my current work commute, but the people I lived with were literally like my family. The memories I shared with them...I never considered leaving my residence because I felt like I was leaving my siblings and parents. Plus I had no complaints over money, living habits, etc. 

I think subconsciously I always had the idea of moving back home, so I didn't want to get caught up in a lease that I would have to end prematurely. 

[fast forward] 

In recent months, I've realized that I wanted to have my own place, have my friends visit, and not have a long commute to work and other places. Of course the offset of being closer to everything means reconsidering my finances and priorities. Long story short, I now will be living in a wonderful part of Manhattan. I didn't think it would actually happen (anxiety and always assuming the worst). It's seriously a new chapter in my life and I feel like I'm becoming an adult.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be moving and visiting family (which means I'll be out of town). Forgive me for the infrequency of writing. 

Also, with the new priorities, I don't know how often I'll be writing reviews. Reason being, my budget will be less for makeup and more on my current residence. I literally have no furniture (no couch, tables, etc).  

To the few people who knew what has been happening, thank you for your support and kind words. It means the world to me. 


and can we discuss my new Valentines Day gift to myself? 

I know someone who works for Kilian, and when I just happened to arrive to say hi, he told me that he had one more bottle of this. He said he was thinking about me because he knows I love the concept of Oud, but all Ouds are too heavy (on me). He stated that I could definitely wear this, since it's Cambodian Oud and not overwhelming with amber/musk. He tried contacting me, but I had changed my number so he couldn't tell me about it. Talk about fate. Of course after smelling it on myself...I had no choice. What makes me sad is that it's limited edition, and no chance of getting it refilled. *sigh*

I'm no fragrance expert, but when I wear this, the smell of Saffron, Oud, maybe Rose? and Vetiver just sing a beautiful song all meshed together in this bottle of deliciousness. 

this will be my last luxury purchase for a while. This will sit right next to my other 3-4 fragrances (including Le Labo Gaiac 10, FM Carnal Flower, Cartier...) 

Happy Valentines Day and may you all be among loved ones, friends, and (or) family.