Nature's Skyscrapers

Swaying in the wind,
bare and naked treetops dance,
beneath big blue sky.

A Garden in a Bottle

I have a deep fondness for perfumes; I love the way they can vault me through time, seamlessly transporting me to a special moment and allowing me to relive a sweet memory. When I wear Dior Dune, there I am back in the deserts of Morocco. A whiff of Kate Spade, with its delicate symphony of honeysuckle, jasmine and gardenia? It's like pure Spring come alive. And so it was with great interest that I read some "Top Picks" for natural-smelling fragrances, that smell like real flowers and fruits, in this month's issue of Allure Magazine. With a Birthday and Anniversary coming up this spring, I'm passing on this list to my husband!

Dior Diorissimo -- "A wonderful portrayal of lily of the valley."

Estee Lauder Pleasures -- "An excellent representation of peony."

Edition De Parfums Frederic Malle Carnal Flower -- "A very large amount of natural tuberose absolute, a vegetal freshness and soft, milky character."

Guerlain Eau De Fleurs De Cedrat -- "A fragrance that truly captures the essence of citron zest - it's as fresh as a real lemon."

L'Artisan Parfumeur L'Eau D'Ambre -- "This is a very good depiction of the intense, warm smell of real amber."

Snowmageddon

The entire Washington, D.C. metro area is completely blanketed in snow, with more on the way and an expected accumulation of up to 3 feet. I am pretty amazed at this development, because when my husband & I left the Midwest several years ago, the one thing we lamented was a future bereft of snowy white winter wonderlands. I have come to love the balmy Mid-Atlantic climate, where Spring comes early with a spectacular parade of flowering trees (Cherry Blossoms, Eastern Redbuds, Dogwoods), and where summers often extend late into the reaches of November, but I still appreciate a good winter snowfall at least occasionally. There is something magical and romantic about snow, like the way it glows under the moonlight, brightening up the dark days of winter, or the effect it has of putting a smile on children's faces. Despite the general inconvenience, I welcome a few good days of having my world painted in snowflakes.

Wednesday, February 3rd





Saturday, February 6th