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I have no problem wearing fragrances on their own, but I love the art of combining fragrances to create something fun, unique, and intoxicating. Whether it's layering to enhance certain notes or to discover a new scent profile, experimenting with combinations adds excitement to my perfume collection. Here are last month's noteworthy standouts. Madam  Body Oil by Brown Sugar Babe (inspired by Minnie Mouse  from House of Sillage) Noir Pour Femme by Tom Ford Tihota by Indult Combined Scent Profile Sweet and Gourmand: Tihota and Madam (Minnie Mouse) both have strong vanilla notes. Tihota’s pure vanilla complements the sweet marshmallow and caramel in Madam (Minnie Mouse), enhancing the gourmand quality. Warm and Spicy: Noir Pour Femme adds depth with its spicy notes of ginger and saffron and cardamon spiced creamy kulfi. The amber and sandalwood in Noir Pour Femme provide a warm base. Floral and Fruity: The jasmine and rose from Noir Pour Femme blend with the raspberry note in Madam (Minnie Mouse), adding a fresh and floral dimension to the sweetness. Creamy and Musky: All three fragrances contain musk, creating a soft, enveloping finish. The coconut in Madam (Minnie Mouse) adds a creamy aspect that ties in well with the creamy kulfi note from Noir Pour Femme. This combination is an indulgent and playful blend, perfect for someone who enjoys sweet yet sophisticated scents. Guidance by Amouage and Donna Born in Roma by Valentino Combined Scent Profile Fruity and Sweet: Both fragrances feature prominent fruity top notes. The pear and blackcurrant notes create a fresh, juicy sweetness, with bergamot adding a citrusy brightness. Floral Harmony: The jasmine in both fragrances harmonize, creating a rich and heady floral heart with the addition of rose from Guidance. Woody: The sandalwood from Guidance and the cashmeran and guaiac wood from Donna Born in Roma provide a woody base. Vanilla and Amber Depth: The bourbon vanilla from Donna Born in Roma and the vanilla from Guidance enhance the gourmand sweetness, while ambergris and frankincense from Guidance add a resinous, slightly smoky depth. This blend would be ideal for someone who enjoys complex, sweet, and sophisticated fragrances with a balanced mix of fruity, floral, and woody elements. Rehab by Initio Mon Guerlain Intense by Guerlain Combined Scent Profile Aromatic and Fresh Opening: The bergamot and lavender in both fragrances create a fresh and aromatic start. The additional mandarin orange from Mon Guerlain Intense adds a hint of citrusy sweetness. Floral Heart: The floral notes of iris, jasmine, and rose from Mon Guerlain Intense blend with the aromatic lavender in Rehab, creating a captivating floral heart. Sweetened Woody Base: The combination of tobacco, sandalwood, and patchouli from Rehab with the vanilla, benzoin, and licorice from Mon Guerlain Intense produce a warm, sweet, and slightly smoky base. The sandalwood in both fragrances ensure a cohesive woody undertone. This combination is suitable for any occasion, especially in cooler weather or for evening wear. This blend would appeal to someone who enjoys warm scents. Safanad by Parfums de Marly Althair by Parfums de Marly Combined Scent Profile Fruity and Citrusy Opening: The combination of orange, pear, and bergamot create a bright and fresh opening, with the citrus notes adding a zesty touch to the sweet fruitiness. Floral Heart: The orange blossom in both fragrances blend seamlessly, enhanced by the ylang-ylang and iris from Safanad. Warm and Sweet Base: The vanilla and tonka bean from Althair amplify the vanilla and amber from Safanad, creating a warm and creamy base. The sandalwood from Safanad adds a woody depth, while the musk in Althair provides a soft, sensual finish. This combination is ideal for someone who enjoys sweet, floral, and warm fragrances with a rich, creamy base. Naxos by Xerjoff Jasmins Marzipane by Lancome Combined Scent Profile Bright and Fresh Opening: The bergamot and lemon from Naxos provide a fresh, citrusy start that blends with the initial floral burst from Jasmins Marzipane. Floral Heart: The jasmine in both fragrances create a rich, lush floral heart. The addition of lavender from Naxos adds a slightly aromatic and herbal touch. Sweet and Spicy Middle: The honey and cinnamon from Naxos add a sweet and spicy layer, which pairs nicely with the almond wood in Jasmins Marzipane. Creamy Base: Both fragrances feature cashmeran and vanilla, which merge to form a warm, creamy, and slightly woody base. The tobacco leaf and tonka bean in Naxos add depth and a subtle smokiness, while the musk in Jasmins Marzipane provides a soft finish. This combination is ideal for someone who enjoys rich, multifaceted fragrances. You can’t tell me I don’t smell good. Share your favorite layers below.

Curious to see what the non-perfume obsessed public thinks about my scented body oils, I enlisted three friends to give their honest, unfiltered opinions. Meet The Laid-Back Traveler, The Busy Mom, and The Outgoing Nurse . Here is what they had to say: Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil by Sol de Janeiro Notes: Pistachio, Almond, Heliotrope, Jasmine, Caramel, Vanilla, Salt and Sandalwood. The Laid-Back Traveler: "Vanilla. It's nice and light. Fresh, but warm and sweet." The Busy Mom: "Smells like vanilla and cinnamon with brown sugar. Not my flavor. Fresh. Not sure if I would wear it." The Outgoing Nurse: "Sexy. Sweet with musk. Coconut for sure. I like it." Madam by Brown Sugar Babe Notes: Marshmallow, Whipped Cream, Raspberry, Caramel, Coconut, Vanilla, Musk and Cedar. The Laid-Back Traveler: "Sweet and I don't like it. This smells like apricots." The Busy Mom: "Very sweet and subtle. I like it. I would wear this in a work environment. It's like I'm here and I want you to know I'm here. Boss bitch." The Outgoing Nurse: "Smells like cotton candy, cantaloupe, and bubblegum. I don't like it." Just Peachy by Brown Sugar Babe Notes: "fresh peaches blended perfectly with a hint of the tropics create this rich, sweet, sultry scent". The Laid-Back Traveler: "Peachy and sweet. This smells like peach rings. It's alright, but I wouldn't wear it." The Busy Mom: "Sweeter than the last one. Peaches and apricots. It's so nice, I like it." The Outgoing Nurse: "Peaches and cream." Kama Sutra by Skin Potion Notes: "sensual combination of Bulgarian Rose, Lychee, Papaya and Mango with Amber Agarwood". The Laid-Back Traveler: "More fresh, baby powder, and laundry. I'd wear this one. It's nice." The Busy Mom: "Smells like deodorant. I wouldn't wear it as a body oil." The Outgoing Nurse: "Smells like musk and cotton. I like this one. Sweet starch." Cookie Butter by Skin Potion Notes: "an intoxicating warm Vanilla and Caramel scent infused with delicious Coffee and Sugared Pralines". The Laid-Back Traveler: "Cookie. I wouldn't wear it. Sugary. Strong dessert smell. Nasty." The Busy Mom: "This smells woody at first. I don't like pancakes and this smells like syrup and sweet butter." The Outgoing Nurse: "Syrup. Yuck." Do you agree with their reactions? Let us know in the comments. Stay tuned for their reactions to niche and designer perfumes.

Inevitably, I've started the Keto Diet again (hello, summer), which means I can't indulge in sugar or most carbs. To satisfy my cravings, I turn to my gourmand fragrances. These scents give me the sweet satisfaction I crave without breaking my diet. Here are 10 of my favorite candy, dessert, muffin, and sugary drink inspired fragrances, each with a short and sweet description. When I want a muffin: Poets of Berlin by Vilhelm Parfumerie -- Smells like a blueberry muffin with bamboo. When I want a topping for my keto-friendly toasted bread: Deep N Desire Yacht by EBK -- Smells like grape jam/jelly, Nutella (hazelnut), and chocolate syrup. When I want a sugary coffee drink: Bianco Latte by Giardini Di Toscana -- Smells like a vanilla latte topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. When I want a cupcake: Devotion by Dolce & Gabbana -- Smells like a vanilla cupcake with lemon frosting. When I want pie: Angels Share by Killian -- Smells like apple pie and booze. When I want a crunchy, caramelized treat: Italica by Xerjoff -- Smells like toffee with almonds beside a glass of almond milk. When I want fruit high in sugar content: Dulce Diablo by Narcotica -- Smells like dried apricots and chocolate. When I want Cherry Coke or Cherry Pepsi: Lost Cherry by Tom Ford -- Smells like cherry, almond, and tonka. When I want mouthwatering chocolate: Gourmand Coquin by Guerlain -- Smells like chocolate, rum, and vanilla. When I want candy: Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar by Kayali -- Smells like rock candy, jelly beans, bubblegum, and caramel. …now back to my salad. If you have more gourmand fragrance recommendations, leave your suggestions in the comments. If you liked my picks, click the heart below.

A Junk Journal is a handmade book crafted from found and recycled materials like magazine cut-outs, receipts, tickets, stickers, labels, fabric, and more. Some even incorporate bulkier items like flowers, buttons, or anything you can attach to a page. People love junk journaling for its creative freedom and the personal touch it brings. I attempted to create my own, but it didn’t work for me. The problem? I don’t like unorganized clutter. So, I took a minimalistic approach. I used one of the pages in my HP Classic Brain Dump Planner and included a few items as my “junk” instead of crowding the entire page. This left space to write about memories related to the items. By doing this, I can combine memory keeping, brain dumping, and junk journaling into one. Here are a few benefits I’ve found with this approach: The minimalistic style keeps my journal organized and easy to read. By including only a few items, I can focus on the memories and stories behind them. This method allows me to use my planner/journal for multiple purposes, making it more functional. In the photo above, you see my layout before filling in the page. I used this to mark some recent highlights: Starting the (Lazy) Keto Diet: The keto diet involves cutting out sugar and most carbs from your diet while eating large portions of healthy fats. I included a picture of my favorite sugar-free protein bars and a sticker of strawberries. Family Day at the Park: It’s always difficult for my entire family to get together, but we celebrated at the park playing games, listening to music, eating, and talking. That’s why I added a cluster of game images in the corner. Starting a New Book: I used the “read” post-it note listing the most recent book I’ve started. I love the quote in the corner that says, “Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.” Hopefully, I’ll add another book to this list before the month is over. Tips for Minimalist Junk Journaling: Choose a Base: Start with a simple planner or notebook. Selective Items: Include only a few meaningful items per page to avoid clutter. Memory Space: Leave space to write about the memories related to each item. Creative Layouts: Experiment with different layouts to find what works best for you. Do you junk journal or have some sort of creative planner? Share in the comments!

Summer is here and I’ve been dreaming about the perfect fragrances to complement the season. Here are the top picks on my summer wish list. Love Delight by Amouage: The Breath of Fresh Air. Chocolate has become one of my favorite notes. The ginger intrigued me, the florals with cinnamon pulled me in, and the chocolate sold me. This scent is not complex, but it's perfect for everyday daytime events. It’s light and delightfully effortless. Sparkling Lychee by Kayali: The Best Friend. She's sweet, comforting, a little tart, and you always want her around. This fragrance layers beautifully with everything. Initially, I only purchased a travel size, but now that I want a full bottle, it's sold out everywhere. I've layered this with J'adore d'Eau, Dubai Reverie, Pistachio Gelato, Vanilla Coco, Levant... and the combinations are always divine . Cruz del Sur II by Xerjoff: The Tropical Smoothie. I've tried Erba Pura by Xerjoff, but it wasn't for me because the lactonic notes turned into spoiled milk on my skin. Cruz del Sur II gives me the same tropical vibes without the spoiled milk. It's like an exotic fruit smoothie in fragrance form. Queening by Mind Games: The Creamy Coconut. This perfume reminds me of a vacation at an all-inclusive resort, sipping piña coladas by the pool and reminiscing about my younger days. The creamy coconut note is nostalgic, clean, and perfect for a sunny day. African Rooibos by Chris Collins: The Carefree Relaxing Day. African Rooibos smells like a calming cup of tea sweetened with honey. I’d wear this for a spa day with the girls or a lazy Sunday. It’s soothing, comforting, and perfect for unwinding. What fragrances are you excited about this summer? Hit the like button if you agree with my choices. ❤️

Scented water radiates off my clothes, hair, and skin, Adding to the confidence that comes from within. Fresh florals for the heat , fall ing next to cedar, Or sandalwood and oak, drenched in booze to stay warm in winter . The alcohol projects from my skin, Like angels sharing splashes of Hennessy's secret ingredients. We spring to buy the next release like addicts, Not caring if it's marketed to women or men. What started as a single bottle of Molecule 01 Quickly multiplied to 5 x 40 . How greedy, a sin. Have fun with it; let me guess your favorite fragrance. This Flowerbomb reaches each generation, Teaching you all the scents of love. My smell lingers on the sheets, The dry down reminding you of earlier defeat. Your two sprays didn't stand a chance against My beast mode or layered scents, their projection fills the room. Every day is a surprise, not just a flanker like Exclusif or Rose'. Influenced to initiate Initio's Rehab under Rouge Malachite , And spray Perfect over Born in Roma ; both were Greatness . Now, create your own concoction and make a statement.

I am a fragrance enthusiast with an affinity for vanilla scents. While this note is the most popular in my perfume collection, it seems my coworkers hold a different opinion—they consider it their least favorite. Since they cringe at the mere mention of vanilla, I've taken it upon myself to explore scents that are universally inoffensive. My search yielded the following results: Citrus, Clean/Fresh, Light Florals, Aquatic/Marine, and Green or Herbal fragrances. I’ve come to appreciate these scent profiles, but these notes on their own do not excite me. Here's what I've worn to the office recently: Dama Bianca by Xerjoff: A kumquat and powdery vanilla . Peregrina by Thameen: Powdery rose with vanilla and amber. Levant by Ormonde Jayne with Safanad by Parfums de Marly: A citrus white floral with no vanilla layered with a sweet orange blossom scent with vanilla in the base. Sunshine Woman by Amouage: Almond, apricots, vanilla , and a touch of herb. Hibiscus Mahajad by Maison Crivelli: One of my favorites, it smells like hibiscus, rose, and vanilla with a hint of leather. I realize these all have vanilla, but I only spray a few times and apply them only to my skin to keep the scent close. Am I wrong? I think that’s a great compromise. Don’t let anyone kill your joy.

One evening, my cousin came over and sampled all my perfumes. When I handed her a tester strip of Chanel L’eau, she wrinkled her nose and exclaimed, “Ew, no. Smells like armpits.” My fragrance-loving heart sank. Although I parted ways with the famous Coco Mademoiselle due to its sharp patchouli note that no longer appealed to me, I held onto my two favorites: Chanel L’eau and Gabrielle Essence. But after her comment, I couldn’t bring myself to wear Chanel L’eau again. Aldehydes are often used to impart a sparkling, effervescent quality to fragrances, with notes ranging from citrusy and soapy to waxy, airy, or slightly metallic. While I understand that not everyone will share my taste in perfumes, the comparison to armpits was unexpected. The L’eau campaign was designed to appeal to a younger, millennial audience like myself, who might not gravitate toward the original No.5. Some other popular aldehydic fragrances that I enjoy include Lazy Sunday Morning by Maison Martin Margiela and 724 by Maison Francis Kurkjian. These give fresh out the shower vibes and a feeling of freshly laundered sheets. As I revisit my bottle of Chanel L’eau today and overspray, I can't help but wonder: Have you ever been caught off guard by a perfume comment? Share in the comments below. Note Breakdown of L'eau: Top notes are Aldehydes (I'm assuming that's the perfume note she did not agree with), Lemon, Neroli, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Orange and Lime; middle notes are Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine and May Rose; base notes are White Musk, Orris Root, Cedar and Vanilla. The scent was developed by Olivier Polge as a light and fresh interpretation of the sophisticated original, featuring prominent note of May rose from Grasse.

Dear Gentle Readers, After binge-watching the newly released Season 3 of Bridgerton last night, I thought it would be fun to match some of the main characters with perfumes from my collection. Penelope Featherington & Love, Don't Be Shy by Kilian: I partially picked this perfume for its name, but it perfectly suits Penelope. She is loud with her secret scandal writing and quick-witted, yet shy when it comes to proclaiming her love for Colin. Love, Don't Be Shy is a sweet perfume with a slightly bitter opening due to the neroli note. Penelope first appears as the bitter "ugly duckling" of her siblings but quickly uses this to her advantage, secretly calling out society's scandals while maintaining a sweet demeanor. Colin Bridgerton & Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian: Overlooked as the younger brother in the first season, Colin is brought front and center in this season. When I first sampled Grand Soir, I dismissed it as too masculine and gave it to my husband. However, a week later, I walked into the bedroom demanding to know what that chocolatey goodness of a smell was. With Grand Soir, I had to wait for the dry down to appreciate it; with Colin, we had to wait for him to grow up and find himself. The Queen & Guidance by Amouage: The demanding and never-satisfied Queen needs a beast mode, one-of-a-kind scent. Laced with frankincense, florals, woods, spices, amber, hazelnut, vanilla, and pear, Guidance is a fragrance you will either love or hate, but you will never forget it—just like the Queen. Francesca Bridgerton & Santal Complet by Fragrance du Bois: Francesca doesn't like to attract notice but is soft, elegant, and likable, much like Santal Complet. It's a pleasant, powdery sandalwood scent that is unoffensive and refined. Have you watched the new episodes? What perfumes would you pick for the characters mentioned above?

While some may not desire to smell like a snack, I certainly do. Chocolate notes in perfumes have an irresistible allure for me, and I've created this list of my top three favorites to satisfy your cravings: 1. Gourmand Coquin by Guerlain: I love a successful blind buy, especially when it turns out to be a gem like Gourmand Coquin. I decided to take the plunge and purchased this from Berlin; it was love at first spray. With a blend of dark chocolate, cacao, rum, vanilla, soft spices, and rose, it strikes a perfect balance for everyday wear. 2. Dulce Diablo by Narcotica: I sampled this fragrance first and purchased it the same day. Top notes of apricot, cognac, rum, chocolate, and freesia, alongside a rich array of middle and base notes of dried apricot, cacao, sugar cane, honey, davana, oakmoss, madagascar vanilla, sandalwood, tonka bean, musk and patchouli. But what does it actually smell like, you ask? Imagine juicy apricots, creamy milk chocolate, and a hint of booze dancing playfully on your skin. In my opinion, the rum and cognac notes make this fragrance perfect for lively occasions—think fun nights out with friends. (Of course, today I'm working from home and decided to spice things up by layering it with Brown Sugar Babe’s Just Peachy body oil, adding a hint of peach rings to my scent profile.) 3. Deep n Desire Yacht by EBK: I saved the best for last. Despite any reservations about purchasing from this brand, my experience was seamless. Deep n Desire Yacht draws me in with mouthwatering grape jam, chocolate, and a hint of hazelnut. Other notes include grapefruit peel, bergamot, camellia, grapes, pink pepper, and cedar, it promises a delightful journey of scents that linger all day. The sillage and longevity are impressive. Do you share my affinity for the scent of chocolate? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Backstory: I've always had a passion for fragrance, but my friends do not share the same level of enthusiasm. That all changed in 2020 when I discovered “Frag Comm” on social media. On December 30th, 2020, I posted my first perfume content on Instagram, marking the beginning of an exciting fragrance journey. While I've always loved fragrance, it wasn't until Mona Kattan introduced us to the concept of layering with Kayali that I truly explored the art of fragrance creation. From that moment on, I was hooked, eagerly experimenting to craft my own unique scent combinations. Below, I'll share some of my favorite perfume layering combinations for an everyday grab and go wear, featuring Kayali perfumes. Déjà Vu and Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper: This blend merges the creamy floral essence of Déjà Vu with the spicy sweetness of Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper. (Fun fact: Sweet Diamond Pink Pepper happens to be my most complimented Kayali perfume.) Eden Juicy Apple and Déjà Vu: The crisp, fruity freshness of Eden Juicy Apple harmonizes seamlessly with the floral notes of Déjà Vu, resulting in an ideal everyday grab-and-go layer. Start with the Fenty Skin Butta Drop Body Cream to add a layer of tropical fruits and flowers. Eden Juicy Apple and Xerjoff's Accento Overdose: Eden Juicy Apple brings out the fruity notes of Xerjoff's Accento Overdose, making it more playful. This combination strikes a perfect balance between youthful energy and sophisticated elegance. Déjà Vu and Escentric Molecules' Molecule 01: Molecule 01 is often described as velvety, soft, and slightly musky. The ethereal simplicity of Molecule 01 enhances Déjà Vu and adds to the woody base. Inspired by a suggestion on Parfumo, I was pleasantly surprised by how well these two fragrances complement each other. By the way, have you seen the new Molecule 01 lotion? Vanilla Royale and Parfums de Marly Safanad: Parfums de Marly’s Safanad has syrupy sweet orange blossom and creamy sandalwood, perfectly complemented by the patchouli in Vanilla Royale. Lovefest Burning Cherry and Initio's Blessed Baraka: Although not in the note break down, I smell cherry in Initio’s Blessed Baraka. Adding Lovefest Burning Cherry enhances that fruity aspect while complementing the woody base. The combination is both bold and alluring for an everyday scent, with a balance of sweetness, spice, and sensuality. Vanilla 28 with Amouage's Sunshine Woman: Personally, I would add vanilla to any perfume, but this warm embrace of Vanilla 28, enhanced by the osmanthus, herbs, almond, and florals in Amouage's Sunshine Woman, radiates joy and gives summer vacation vibes. Use the EOS Vanilla Cashmere Body Lotion to adds even more vanilla with the addition of whipped cream and caramel. The Wedding Silk Santal with everything and anything, including The Wedding Velvet Santal: Elevate any fragrance with the beloved Silk Santal. Sandalwood and vanilla seem to work with most fragrances and like everyone else, I’m eagerly waiting for a restock. Though I only have travel sizes of these two, Eden Sparkling Lychee and Yum Pistachio Gelato: Separately they did not wow me, but together the layer holds a special place in my heart. The balanced blend of fruity brightness and creamy sweetness is perfect for casual occasions. I just received my order of the new Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar and I’m looking forward to creating new combinations. To Mona and the Kayali team, thank you for making the art of fragrance layering enjoyable. Your approach has sparked endless creativity and joy in the fragrance community.

In my daily planning endeavors, I rely on the versatile monthly and weekly dashboard layouts from the Happy Planner. Here's a breakdown of how I utilize the sections of my weekly dashboard layout: Tasks: This serves as my dynamic to-do list, capturing tasks as they arise throughout the week. Important: Reserved for pivotal reminders and tasks that require immediate attention. Looking Ahead: Typically covered with a sticker and not used in my planner. Notes: Here, I jot down a quote of the week for a touch of inspiration. Monday to Friday Corner: Each day boasts a dedicated line for documenting my chosen "Scent of the Day." Dated: Perfect for scheduling appointments and mapping out my plans for the week ahead. Beyond the planner section, dividers from Cloth & Paper enhance organization. Here's what lies behind each label: Schedule: This section houses a dated horizontal layout, highlighting the day's key events as a type of memory keeping, as well as a monthly layout for work deadlines. Additionally, I sometimes utilize weekly admin inserts from Cloth & Paper for meal planning and grocery lists. Notes + Lists: Here, I maintain a comprehensive list of my perfume collection, complete with notes on favorite layering combinations and wish lists. It also features a reading list for the year and a tracker for daily weigh-ins and spending habits. Finances: This section is dedicated to budgeting, tracking expenses, and devising savings plans. Rounding out the organization, dashboards labeled "Inbox" and "Outbox" provide space for miscellaneous notes and tasks. What about you? How do you make the most of your catch-all planner? Let's swap planning tips and tricks!