tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17945588218566922112024-03-14T13:50:36.198-04:00Blossoming Tree BodycareLisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-87521607879047745142016-08-27T13:37:00.002-04:002021-03-01T12:37:54.448-05:00Autumn On The Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer is almost over even though the temperature outside has been staying above the 80 degrees mark, even at night. It has been hot and humid but I'm thankful for the rain, or rather thunderstorms, that have come through cooling the air (and watering my beloved tuberoses). In less than a month (September 22) the autumn equinox will arrive and I'm so excited. Autumn is my favorite season, but also coming up is the 10th anniversary of Blossoming Tree Bodycare. BTB became an official business in October of 2006. This October I am planning a big celebration. Details will be posted here a little later. I may not have posted here regularly like I had planned but I have been working hard at getting products developed to add to my Etsy shop and also working on finally getting my website up and running. All in all everything is falling into place. And it feels good to be back doing what I love. </span></div>
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Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-33815650080337340792016-03-15T20:33:00.003-04:002016-03-15T20:48:59.779-04:00In The Thick Of It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I enrolled back in school in the fall of 2014. I have a plan that I'll bore you with at a later time. Going back to school has been tough. Exciting, interesting, motivating, enlightening, but tough. I had to step out of my comfort zone to do what I wanted to do. This semester has been a good one though. But I've also found myself missing crafting. Working my way through my March Product-A-Day challenge has really opened my eyes to just how much I miss it. How much I miss being in the thick of things. Planning, mixing, trying new materials, blending fragrant material for use in soaps, perfumes & lotions, chatting with fellow crafters, participating in perfume projects. I miss it all. And I've also become aware of how much time I waste doing other things (<i>cough</i> Facebook <i>cough</i>) when I could be better utilizing that time making soap or perfume. I can find time to schedule almost anything or anyone else in my day but I seem to neglect scheduling "me" time. That has to change. Because with all that I do I have the time to fit in what I need. I just have to better organize my time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still haven't uploaded the pictures of my products that are completed. I'll probably end up posting an album at the end of the month. I happened to hop over to a soaping forum that I'm a member of and came across an old post about an apple cider vinegar hair/scalp rinse that I made. I haven't made this rinse in a long time so my project for today was to get a new batch going. Plus I made a few non-bath & body items that I love. You'll see them soon. I promise! Now, let me hop back over to Facebook, then Twitter before going on LinkdIn. Just kidding! I'm going to study for my physiology exam that I have to take tomorrow. Wish me luck!</span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-45654828333337090302016-02-27T11:04:00.002-05:002016-02-27T15:10:24.204-05:00I'm Back...after a long break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good morning all! It has been a couple years since I last posted here. I took a little break that turned into a much longer one. But I'm back and ready to update this blog regularly. There will be some changes made over time but nothing too complicated. If you've been following my blog for awhile you know how often I changed the template. I can't promise it won't happen again but that's not part of my immediate plans. Anyway, I'm ready to get back in the groove and I hope to be able to interact with you. Coming in March I plan to do a Craft-A-Day challenge and you're welcome to join me. It doesn't matter what type of craft just as long as it is done daily and helps to inspire you to be more creative. While I'm</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> working on getting my website up and running be on the look out for items to be listed in my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlossomingTree" target="_blank"><b>Etsy</b></a> shop. Also you can keep up to date here, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blossomingtree/" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BlossomingTree" target="_blank"><b>Twitter</b></a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lisa_btb/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a>. </span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-10416311872527305272013-08-14T11:06:00.000-04:002013-08-14T11:06:50.391-04:00Classic Perfume Interpretation<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in December of last year I joined a few other indie perfumers in a perfume project where we were to build a natural interpretation of a classic perfume. But as time passed the project fizzled. My choice was Caron's Narcisse Noir. Now I've never smelled this perfume so to build my interpretation I only had a handful of reviews to go by. A challenge yes, but I preferred it this way. Narcisse Noir was created in 1911 for the House of Caron by Ernest Daltroff. It has been described as fruity floral or floral oriental. The floral oriental description is why I chose it (and because it was also described as one of those dirty little perfumes that a lady wouldn't be caught dead wearing). I am pleased with how my perfume has come together, though it needs one more tweak. Although this project started out going in one direction my perfume has moved in another. I think I abandoned the idea sometime ago when things started to really slow down within the group. With that said, look for this to be available in the fall (on or around the Autumnal Equinox). In the meantime I think I'll try to track down a sample of vintage Narcisse Noir. More updates later.</span></div>
<br />Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-1651258739199438432013-07-26T11:29:00.001-04:002013-08-31T15:12:42.299-04:00Tuberose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's no secret that I love tuberose. I fell head over heels the first time I smelled this bundle of loveliness. The sweet intoxicating fragrance always puts me in a good mood. This year was my third attempt at growing tuberoses. I purchased heirloom bulbs this time from a micro garden in nearby Ann Arbor. Watching the leaves emerge and grow was exciting but the anticipation of smelling the flowers was driving me crazy! I could hardly wait for the flowers to pop open. This morning, however, I got a real treat. Taking a peek out back I saw this beauty and I immediately strolled over to take a whiff. Natural perfume! The weather early this year just didn't seem to want to cooperate. While we had little snow the temperature stayed below what is ideal for planting. Instead of waiting I decided to use plastic sandwich bags as a "greenhouse". It worked but a waste of bags really so I'll have to come up with another option for the next season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with the singles I purchased the double Pearl Tuberose but those are moving a little slower. A lot of greenery but no flowers yet. Fingers crossed!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Double "Pearl" bulb</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also from the micro garden I bought Abyssinian Gladiolas. I hadn't heard of these before but they were described as being the only gladiolus that had a fragrance. The scent is lightly sweet with a mildly powdery note. It's a beautiful flower that took about three months to get to it's 2 foot tall state.</span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-81681036430342881822013-06-01T10:52:00.000-04:002013-06-17T13:36:01.770-04:00Sweet Smell After The Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heliotropium_peruvianum_01.JPG"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Heliotropium peruvianum (also H. arborescens) from WikiCommons</i></span></a>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past Thursday turned out to be the third rainy day of the week. There were several downpours throughout the day with short periods of calm. During one of those quiet moments I stood by the back door to smell the fresh air. A very familiar scent wafted lightly past my nose. A sweet creamy almond vanilla floral with mild herbal notes. It took awhile for me to pinpoint what it was. Heliotrope! I don't know where it came from but it was being carried through the air. I know my neighbors don't have any and I hadn't bought any this year. Then the rain came again. It was nice while it lasted.</span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-92031018929829098882012-07-01T13:37:00.000-04:002013-07-26T22:15:58.506-04:00Aegis of Neith, Primordial Scent 2012<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6edkUJ55faY3f9sUTWhXVwEk0ieVh4ypPI2Ui1LmlNc7dMYEId63xa-K4SA77wIDW7uIJNddEajlGG3ZeBR3ROZEnZKU0G_cwpPCQCOzQJ8Gegdy-7Va_4QrTBT-OGbK_GkUhRaYtNJk/s1600/neith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6edkUJ55faY3f9sUTWhXVwEk0ieVh4ypPI2Ui1LmlNc7dMYEId63xa-K4SA77wIDW7uIJNddEajlGG3ZeBR3ROZEnZKU0G_cwpPCQCOzQJ8Gegdy-7Va_4QrTBT-OGbK_GkUhRaYtNJk/s400/neith.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wiki Commons photo by<a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Rama" target="_blank"> Rama</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She is the mythological Egyptian goddess of war. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She is shielded by an <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aegis" target="_blank">aegis</a> made of metal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her name is <b>Neith</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aegis of Neith is my PS2012 <b>METAL</b> inspired perfume. </span></div>
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Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-51187108766550796152012-06-23T08:00:00.004-04:002013-07-26T22:16:26.497-04:00Primordial Scents 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv3P7aGA9D3d-jxb4d2kX7MCZBXw2XViljz6WWcCrFiVA5hQMvQ7n5j-U-IL_Es1_VyXx4TV2sf-hZPR0QzSAsXn12CAXhx-lXR89BYdcjUec7kZ0FYjzIDwexrUTvk2JWbeu7vueCD8/s1600/ps2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQv3P7aGA9D3d-jxb4d2kX7MCZBXw2XViljz6WWcCrFiVA5hQMvQ7n5j-U-IL_Es1_VyXx4TV2sf-hZPR0QzSAsXn12CAXhx-lXR89BYdcjUec7kZ0FYjzIDwexrUTvk2JWbeu7vueCD8/s1600/ps2012.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <b><span style="color: purple;">Primordial Scents 2012</span></b> perfume project kicked off earlier this month on the 1st. This event organized by Monica Miller of <a href="http://perfumepharmer.com/organic-perfume-skincare-remedies/" target="_blank">Perfume Pharmer</a> brings together 26 independent artisan perfumers and 26 perfume writers/bloggers. The premise was to compose perfumes based on the elements <i>earth, air, fire, water, metal and aether/space</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Project Mission Statement:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Primordial Scents 2012 seeks to promote PEACE and UNITY in our MINDS HEARTS and ACTIONS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We seek to create positive feelings across the GLOBE in the mediums of SCENT, ART, MUSIC, WRITTEN and SPOKEN WORD</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We intend that the use of our ELEMENTAL Perfumes will inspire and support the best in each INDIVIDUAL touched by them and touched by THEM…and on and on…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We want LOVE and JUSTICE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We want NATURAL RHYTHMS to harmonize with our songs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We want a HEALTHY PLANET</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We want FOOD and SHELTER and LOVE for ALL.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We want</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EARTH CARE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PEOPLE CARE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FAIR SHARE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Launch Date June 1st 2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PERFUMES FOR PRIMORDIAL SCENTS ARE INSPIRED BY THE ELEMENTS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AIR, EARTH, FIRE, WATER</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SPIRIT</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">& METAL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“it’s ELEMENTAL”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can hop over to Jen Sunderland-Meade's blog <a href="http://thisblogreallystinksperfume.blogspot.com/2012/06/power-of-perfume-introduction-to.html" target="_blank">This Blog Really Stinks</a> as she has posted an introduction that captures the essence of what this project is all about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Facebook page dedicated to my "metal" perfume <a href="https://www.facebook.com/primordialscentsbylisaabdulquddus" target="_blank">Aegis of Neith</a><b>. </b>"Like" and keep updated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Primordial-Scents-2012/200470193323435" target="_blank">Primordial Scents 2012</a> community project page on Facebook</span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-66948984622059438652011-12-24T10:26:00.001-05:002011-12-24T10:27:18.473-05:00Merry Christmas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_SZpnHriN0/TvXur4tcIXI/AAAAAAAABYI/jltyxvgvabA/s1600/Balsam-Hill-artificial-Christmas-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_SZpnHriN0/TvXur4tcIXI/AAAAAAAABYI/jltyxvgvabA/s400/Balsam-Hill-artificial-Christmas-tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo courtesy of Wikipedia</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!</span></div>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-7295002985113707322011-11-30T13:43:00.002-05:002013-07-29T21:16:03.273-04:00Payment Methods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbrKp2jXDEU3QbCcY-jtU0TMctZZ24Vx7p1uXV7n2XyUIEqyLIMyLWGl-S5mpqWNbxIXHiE12SEChcIjjIL-udYh9uZjM5MdawKroIi5gSuk6tG6PdV2GhLYsqOtsJ3rTcWRVoTDoZyI/s1600/revolution-money.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbrKp2jXDEU3QbCcY-jtU0TMctZZ24Vx7p1uXV7n2XyUIEqyLIMyLWGl-S5mpqWNbxIXHiE12SEChcIjjIL-udYh9uZjM5MdawKroIi5gSuk6tG6PdV2GhLYsqOtsJ3rTcWRVoTDoZyI/s200/revolution-money.gif" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember back in 2008 when Revolution Money Exchange hit the scene and Etsy was all abuzz about the new way to accept payments? It was billed as an alternative to Paypal, without the transaction fees. I was one of those sellers that utilized RME as a payment option for both buying and selling. My sole transaction as a buyer went well. My few transactions as a seller were smooth. Eventually though RME faded into the background. It is now operated by American Express Travel Related Services Company Inc. and goes by the name </span><a href="http://www.serve.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><b>Serve</b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">, offering no fees on most transactions. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">From the website:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Signing up for Serve is free. FREE? Yep, free. In fact, with Serve all of these features are free:</i></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQA7SfQgK-7TomjhLayWZB-yaqorPSoxOXEMcQrgZhAQNedhti9M4xvWtexy44_CmkibpflMQeDzavAX4XXZpe0j1TGyjD6PYvFgoFjcBqEEpFxgTMMJHpeFkZzwBza4o7asvcI9NMtPk/s1600/serve-logo-top-360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQA7SfQgK-7TomjhLayWZB-yaqorPSoxOXEMcQrgZhAQNedhti9M4xvWtexy44_CmkibpflMQeDzavAX4XXZpe0j1TGyjD6PYvFgoFjcBqEEpFxgTMMJHpeFkZzwBza4o7asvcI9NMtPk/s200/serve-logo-top-360.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Person-to-person money transfers are free</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Transfers to and from subaccounts are free</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Purchasing online and in stores with the Serve card is free</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>There are no load fees for funding your account via your checking account</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The first ATM withdrawal each month is free; after that it’s $2.00***</i></span></li>
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<strong style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">So what isn't free?</span></i></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>After January 1, 2012, there will be fees for:</i></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Funding your Serve account with a credit card (2.9% of the amount transferred + $0.30 per transfer)</i></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Getting cash from an ATM (first withdrawal per month is FREE***; after that, it’s $2.00)</i></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like Paypal, you can add money to your account using a MoneyPak card.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZo-QmE2FMQJRJtXaFKiyF4dcvMzkzcT9Hv8ZcHkDdlGF2nVVZS3KbSivJnKupKlSlzbRPWR8WhjTX2yP559CPYTbBtVpdJ296kGzf4AaU4Xv-Rothwe8FIvpbV2phTUEDhihWEdkSaI/s1600/square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZo-QmE2FMQJRJtXaFKiyF4dcvMzkzcT9Hv8ZcHkDdlGF2nVVZS3KbSivJnKupKlSlzbRPWR8WhjTX2yP559CPYTbBtVpdJ296kGzf4AaU4Xv-Rothwe8FIvpbV2phTUEDhihWEdkSaI/s200/square.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many crafters who work markets on a regular basis may be familiar with <a href="https://squareup.com/" target="_blank"><b>Square</b></a>. Square is the small card reader that attaches to smartphones and iPads in order to process payments. The app and readers are free. The cost to swipe a card is 2.75% per swipe. The cost to key in information is 3.5% + 15<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: helvetica, arial, hirakakupro-w3, osaka, 'ms pgothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">¢</span>. I've read good feedback about Square and although I don't participate in markets at this time I can see this coming in handy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUPCxZoQpcTGIIOHD6xuiue-ZUQRd5Zi046i79g6PikoGebnt04sM62HWCUCeK_4d8nQYnH1Pg46NS9pLSrdN977QiyZbC51ZkmPaA6qhFMX816fVXWyWRaFbD2lz7A9KlLXUxZFOrbk/s1600/dwolla-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUPCxZoQpcTGIIOHD6xuiue-ZUQRd5Zi046i79g6PikoGebnt04sM62HWCUCeK_4d8nQYnH1Pg46NS9pLSrdN977QiyZbC51ZkmPaA6qhFMX816fVXWyWRaFbD2lz7A9KlLXUxZFOrbk/s200/dwolla-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another payment option I heard about recently was </span><a href="https://www.dwolla.com/default.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b>Dwolla</b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Dwolla is billed as a cash payment alternative to other online merchant services. The idea is to transfer money bank account to bank account, thus avoiding credit/debit card fees. Money can be sent via email or using a phone number. Facebook connect is also an option. According to the website the fee to receive money is $0.25 per transaction and nothing else. No cost to send money or make withdrawals. You can read an interview with Ben Milne, founder of Dwolla, on <a href="http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-11-11/tech/30381380_1_credit-card-interchange-fees-paypal" target="_blank"><i>Business Insider</i></a>. Read a breakdown on <i><a href="http://drupal.org/project/dwolla" target="_blank">Drupal.org</a>.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Transfer of funds into linked bank accounts vary from one company to the other. Go to each site, read up on the terms and decide which is best for you.</span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-51603244097355346142011-10-19T19:36:00.000-04:002011-10-19T19:36:23.613-04:00The Frankincense Trail<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have posted a BBC documentary on frankincense. This one was filmed in, I believe, 2009 and is hosted by Kate Humble. I think an updated one should be made featuring <a href="http://www.absolutetrygve.com/" target="_blank">Trygve Harris</a> (and the ice cream). ;-)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://blossomingtree.blogspot.com/p/frankincense-trail.html">http://blossomingtree.blogspot.com/p/frankincense-trail.html</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-74118987049472283242011-09-12T10:33:00.001-04:002011-10-20T14:44:47.535-04:00BBC Perfume Series<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I moved the videos of the BBC Perfume Series to it's own page. Click on the tab from the navigation bar to view. Since there is no option to comment on pages anyone wishing to do so can post them here. :)</span></div>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-49684531172347231012011-08-26T16:00:00.001-04:002013-07-28T09:18:18.164-04:00Horse Chestnuts aka Night Eyes<div style="text-align: right;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7oU3Ucqdmtt-K4bakZkAVFD4Kh3ItCX2phoAm-fG6Pws0YXGya1c_zurFU9g22wJkNXSiqZXoYl390skwu7wmiLpF7wZTbpidk9U_K4N2-V_UfBqxLEk-nAWF13yU_1SmVUAcrNpZHk/s1600/Chestnut_on_the_leg_of_a_horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7oU3Ucqdmtt-K4bakZkAVFD4Kh3ItCX2phoAm-fG6Pws0YXGya1c_zurFU9g22wJkNXSiqZXoYl390skwu7wmiLpF7wZTbpidk9U_K4N2-V_UfBqxLEk-nAWF13yU_1SmVUAcrNpZHk/s200/Chestnut_on_the_leg_of_a_horse.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Horse chestnuts are the knobbly bits or growths found on a horse above the knee area of the front legs and below the hock of the hind legs. They can grow over time and can be soft or dry & brittle. They grow in layers and depending on the texture can be peeled or shaved off (sometimes falling off on their own). Being that chestnuts are growths from the horse's body they carry a bit of the horse's scent in them. Not knowing much about horses I learned recently that horses' scents are individual. I hadn't thought of that before but I guess it makes sense since scents (hahaha did you like that?) can be individual to other living beings. I already had a small chunk that I tinctured a year ago. I wanted more so I put out a request to a group of soapers who are also horse owners. Several said they'd send some to me and yesterday I received an envelope (thank you Shannon) with chestnuts from 4 different horses. I'm really excited about this because just from sniffing the little bags they're in I could tell that each one, while having that horse-y smell, was a bit different in it's scent and odor intensity. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learning this made me wonder how differently the tinctures would come out, how much of the horse-y smell would come through in the alcohol. The chestnuts that I have are from horses that range in age from 8-24 yrs. Whether age or breed makes a difference I don't know but I'm thrilled to start this experiment and see what comes of it. There's probably someone's findings on this subject somewhere on the web but I like to do some things myself. :^) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started working on a white flower accord. The first sample was just the flower essences. The second had horse chestnut tincture added. What I noticed was that in the first sample jasmine came through very strong. In the second the jasmine was tamed while the michelia alba took over. I also noticed it cut some of the headiness of the florals. I haven't done the skin test with these yet but will update when I do.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Note: The name Horse Chestnut also refers to the nut of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><b>Aesculus hippocastanum</b> tree. To learn more about horse chestnut/night eyes you can search "chestnut & night eyes" or "chestnut & horse anatomy".</span></i></span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-66415387188941457432011-08-17T13:11:00.006-04:002012-10-25T22:36:18.460-04:00Dear Dawn<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I appreciate your work!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I compose a blend for my products I use only 100% natural (to the best of my knowledge) aromatics. Ironically two independent perfumers I really admire work with both naturals and synthetics: Dawn Spencer-Hurwitz and Liz Zorn. It's not just about their perfumes either, although they make beautiful compositions. It's about their attitudes. Their character. I don't know either of them personally and I've only gotten a glimpse into their worlds via blogs. Still...I admire them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past two days a very unfortunate situation was played out publicly between Dawn and The Natural Perfumers Guild. In a nutshell, Dawn's membership in the guild was terminated. A member in good standing it was a bit of a shock to read this when it was posted on <a href="http://anyasgarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/natural-perfumers-guild-and-enforcement.html" target="_blank">Anya McCoy's (president of NPG) blog</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150269850941564" target="_blank">NPG's Facebook page</a>. Dawn also made the announcement herself on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/DSH-Perfumes/113087102038079" target="_blank">DSH Perfume Facebook page</a>. After reading I was a bit bummed at Dawn's leaving the guild then it hit me: terminated. What could have gone on? It's seems as though there were complaints about Dawn's website not following the guild code. Dawn's response can be read <a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/dawn-spencer-hurwitz/a-statement-concerning-my-leaving-the-natural-perfumers-guild/10150291301264341" target="_blank">HERE</a>. What I find unfortunate is that this whole situation could have been played out in a much better way. Basically, it's all a matter of respect. Person to person. Professional to professional. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is of course my opinion.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. (concerning one of the complaints) When visiting the DSH website I never had a problem knowing which perfumes were all natural and which were blended.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. (concerning another complaint) Since I already knew Dawn was a guild member I never paid much attention to where the logo was on site.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dawn is a fabulous perfumer and there is no doubt that her success will continue. :^)</span></div>
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Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-53081461179733305072011-08-16T11:04:00.002-04:002011-09-12T19:44:09.815-04:00The Great Smelly Debate - Naturals vs Synthetics<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To quote Monica Miller of <a href="http://www.skyebotanicals.com/" target="_blank">Skye Botanicals</a> and <a href="http://perfumepharmer.com/organic-perfume-skincare-remedies/" target="_blank">Perfume Pharmer</a>:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"...so....everybody knows I'm Bi-scentual right? I like both natural and blended scents...."</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the time I took notice of the world of natural perfumery there has been a debate over natural vs synthetic components of perfumes. I know some of you may think I'm beating a dead horse but the subject still comes up often. Almost everyone has an opinion on this, leaning one way or another. I started this post months ago and never finished because I wasn't sure if I could do this justice as a post worth reading or just me rambling on about this or that. But in light of a recent event I felt it was the right time to attempt it. You see, once again there were comments made about the dislike of natural perfumes. But just because one doesn't like that segment of perfumery does it mean it should just go away? On the flip side there are some who feel the use of synthetics should stop all together. Yes, there are aromas that can not be found in nature and are made in labs. And in my opinion there are some naturals that are far superior to synthetics in scent. Truth be told to me the whole subject is tiresome. We wear what we wear because we like it. So why does this debate still come up? Maybe as new perfumistas come around the subject is new to them and worth debating, while most 'old heads' have already buried it and placed a grave stone. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What it boils down to is whether you appreciate all natural, blended or all synthetic perfumes what's most important is the quality of the raw materials used and the ability of the perfumer to make the magic happen. We all know that we can be very passionate about our 'fumes. So does this end the great smelly debate? Of course not. It'll continue to resurface now and again. But I've noticed that there is a growing appreciation for naturals and I love that. And I'll continue to blend with and wear my (and those of other NPers) naturals while eagerly awaiting my sample set from <a href="http://www.ateliercologne.com/store/" target="_blank">Atelier Cologne</a>. </span></div>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-76100738100517861232011-07-07T18:02:00.000-04:002011-07-07T18:02:55.019-04:00Safe Cosmetics Act - Again<a href="http://essentialu.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/07/safe-cosmetics-act-2011-statement-of-opposition.html" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Safe Cosmetics Act 2011 :: Statement of Opposition</span></b></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayla breaks it down section by section</span><br />
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<a href="http://roberttisserand.com/2011/07/ten-reasons-why-you-should-not-support-sca-2011/" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ten reasons why you should not support SCA 2011</span></b></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Robert Tisserand</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you <a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-2-sca-2011/" target="_blank"><b>Oppose H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011</b></a> sign the petition</span>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-47002713399768577732011-07-05T09:01:00.013-04:002013-07-29T20:46:57.898-04:00A Visit To The Botanical Gardens<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I planned on spending my 4th lazing around but had a change in plans. So while I was out I made a little detour to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, University of Michigan Ann Arbor. I had a nice time walking first through the outdoor gardens then in the conservatory, where the tropical plants are located. It was 88 degrees yesterday as I walked around sniffing flowers, including every tuberose I came across. :) But I started to get hot and had this brainiac idea to get out of the hot sun and into the conservatory. Yes, the conservatory, that houses the tropical plants. Not only was it hotter in there than outside it was also very humid. By the time I left I felt like someone threw a bucket of water on me. Despite the heavy sweating I really enjoyed myself and plan to go back next month when more flowers have bloomed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was standing next to this osmanthus tree sniffing like crazy trying to find where the gorgeous scent was coming from. I finally turned around and saw it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A sausage tree. I believe those outer pods break open to reveal flowers on a vine.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I snapped this photo on the way out the door. Since I didn't go closer to check it out I have no idea what the name of this tree is but you have to admit it is unique.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A beautiful water lily</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now a note about this HUGE agave. I estimate it to be well over 6 ft high and across. I obviously watch to much SyFy channel because when I went to the back section where this plant was located I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw it. I was actually nervous about getting close to it in case it reached out to grab me. But curiosity got the better of me (isn't that always the case in those scifi movies?) so I stepped closer. :) And I'm still here lol.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Feed me Seymour!</i></span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-66962324481902158802011-06-27T09:31:00.004-04:002013-08-14T08:48:11.384-04:00In The Works - Tea Perfume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI0TyjAJ0l4-6Oyd31sfAc7LdB1mBb1YgAKuWFZsQiK34hTOUujlJ4fRT3if55eGEnHYZnlT5ZUZyGlfWbMUVr_G_mrvjEPVKij2i0Jjb4g2tOTgsh2vZYFV5Yvr14oBgGHSpZyHS_5s/s1600/Lapsang_souchong_dsc07639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI0TyjAJ0l4-6Oyd31sfAc7LdB1mBb1YgAKuWFZsQiK34hTOUujlJ4fRT3if55eGEnHYZnlT5ZUZyGlfWbMUVr_G_mrvjEPVKij2i0Jjb4g2tOTgsh2vZYFV5Yvr14oBgGHSpZyHS_5s/s200/Lapsang_souchong_dsc07639.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWmaRAEk16_9xznt2-osJLQ6hKDJ9Xk-IqFS361gxK9KCzUTLMtD5HwU_I4PoHcHYrDotxLXjeTkykQ2wPEAUPD2Z0E-SIzt5BU7GoDa-3M-YhjgJRI9-ml4vMvAig64LevuFpuDMcrM/s1600/Blue_lotus,_Mauritius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWmaRAEk16_9xznt2-osJLQ6hKDJ9Xk-IqFS361gxK9KCzUTLMtD5HwU_I4PoHcHYrDotxLXjeTkykQ2wPEAUPD2Z0E-SIzt5BU7GoDa-3M-YhjgJRI9-ml4vMvAig64LevuFpuDMcrM/s200/Blue_lotus,_Mauritius.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I first started thinking of characters in Shakespeare's play <i>A Midsummer Night's Dream</i> for the recent scent event I participated in one I thought of focusing on was the Little Indian Boy. A minor character, yes, but one that caused friction between Oberon & Titania. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What came to mind was tea, sweetly scented flowers and spices. Dark, rich, full-bodied with a slight smokiness. However I quickly pushed </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that back because warm and spicy perfume in the summertime just didn't move me. I am however going to work on this for autumn/winter. But what about a tea perfume for summer? That one is in the works. The soothing scent of rooibos, intoxicating jasmine sambac or lotus blossom, sweet chamomile and perhaps a bit of mint to cool things down. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rooibos, black tea, green tea and Lapsang souchong may all find their way into a tea set. And there is vanilla, cinnamon, clove and cardamom to add a little spice. <i>Mmmm...</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not a foody scent person so I'll work to blend these perfumes in such a way that although they will smell like tea you'll be less likely to lick your wrists. </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">all photos courtesy of Wikipedia </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-16147359162662172742011-06-24T22:33:00.009-04:002013-09-01T18:54:22.969-04:00Omumbiri - Namibian Commiphora wildii<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Omumbiri, the name used by the Himba of Namibia, is a resin from the Commiphora wildii, a species of myrrh tree. It has a lemony scent that actually reminds me more of Omani frankincense than myrrh. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's hard to tell from this picture but the colors vary from a creamy bright lemon yellow to a warm burnt amber to a deep red to black. This was stored with ground resin so it looks a bit 'ashy'.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The resin is very dry to the touch and can be crushed easily into a powder. It becomes very light in weight and floats in the air so I suggest wearing a mask when grinding this up. I used the ground powder to tincture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Omumbiri oil is also available from </span><a href="https://www.aftelier.com/myrrh-from-namibia.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="blank"">Aftelier</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (under the name </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Myrrh from Namibia</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">). I diluted the oil to 10% and compared it to the tincture. What I found was the tincture had a cool, fresh and mild lemon-pepper scent while the diluted oil was warmer and more resinous, earthy. On a scent strip the tincture faded quickly while the dilution lasted hours even becoming a bit stronger over time. I can see both having a place in perfume blends depending on what I'm looking to achieve. The resin can be purchased from </span><a href="http://africanaromatics.com/wordpress/?wpsc-product=omumbiri" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">African Aromatics</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-29207281873590652252011-06-23T17:00:00.000-04:002011-06-23T17:00:03.793-04:00Pineapple Sage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24OLR8XYh2g/TgOBeKJxWzI/AAAAAAAABTE/HHnMs5cY2jI/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24OLR8XYh2g/TgOBeKJxWzI/AAAAAAAABTE/HHnMs5cY2jI/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not long ago there was talk on the <a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalPerfumery/" target="_blank">Yahoo Natural Perfumery group</a> about extracting the scent of pineapple sage. Pineapple is my favorite fruit. I love the sweet smell of a fresh cut pineapple and I love the smell of this pineapple scented herb. The subject of the group discussion was distilling. According to <a href="http://www.jeannerose.net/" target="_blank">Jeanne Rose</a> the hydrosol (or distillate/fragrant water left over after distilling) is very green/herbal smelling without the fruity pineapple scent. I don't have a still so I opted to tincture the leaves. I started this one on June 21. I added 9 grams of pineapple sage to a small jar and poured 160 grams alcohol to cover the leaves. This set for two days before I strained off the alcohol and added new leaved. Weighing the alcohol I had 145 grams after straining. I added new leaves to the jar along with the 145 grams of tincture. I topped it off with more alcohol to bring it back up to 160 grams. Note: I used 100 proof alcohol for this since I was out higher proof.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tincture poured over new leaves</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will continue until I feel I have gotten as much scent as I can in the alcohol. I'll keep you updated on my progress. </span></div>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-56558898669524720682011-06-23T11:01:00.000-04:002011-09-12T23:51:37.373-04:00A Midsummer Night's Dream Scent Event Reviews Are Coming In<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mailed my perfume, <i><b>Fare Thee Well, Nymph</b></i>, to six of the eleven bloggers participating in the <a href="http://esscentualalchemy.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/warmup-to-a-midsummer-nights-dream-a-scent-event/" target="_blank">Midsummer Night's Dream Event</a>. To say that I was a little nervous would be an understatement. Truth is my nerves were shot! :) And I believe I am just a little too anxious. Calm it down girl! Did I think I would get slammed in a review? No, not at all. But it does feel like a first-day-at-school moment. Reading the reviews that have come in so far has put me at ease and motivated me at the same time. I have a long way to go but this event was a good start.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I chose the character Helena as my subject. I found her to be a bit quirky. :) I sympathized with her "plight". I was drawn to her more than any of the other characters and wanted to help her in the same way Oberon wanted to. The difference being that instead of using a flower on the eyes of Demetrius I would use a perfume on Helena, that would draw Demetrius to her. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been delighted with the reviews and appreciate the perspectives of the bloggers, as they have more experience with perfume, both all natural and blended, than I do. As I mentioned above this event has motivated me to work harder. Thank you to all the bloggers taking time out to review my perfume. I am so very humbled.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #504945; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><div style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: medium; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: medium; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://fragrancebelleslettres.blogspot.com/2011/06/light-and-dark-side-of-love-featuring.html" target="_blank"><strong>Fare Thee Well, Nymph</strong> opens with soft tones and simplicity and with the quickness, a whiff of noted woody undertones simmers through validating Helena emotion transformation.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Felicia M. Hazzard, Fragrance Belles-Lettres: The Magazine</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eaumg.net/a-midsummer-nights-dream-perfume-event-act-ii/" target="_blank">I think Fare Thee is very well done. It's a perfume with a backbone surrounded by passion.</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Victoria Jent, EauMG</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://perfumepharmer.com/organic-perfume-skincare-remedies/index.php/2011/06/a-midsummer-nights-dream-scent-event-part-5-3-personal-best-natural-perfumes-6-beautiful-fairy-perfumes-reviews-by-monica-miller/" target="_blank">As Helena worries about things she needent this fragrance opens the “upper chakras” to help a person see things for what they are, rather than what you fear them to be.</a><br /><i> Monica Skye Miller, Perfume Pharmer</i><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">WOW!!!</span> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whew, now I need to compose myself and act like a professional. ;-)</span></div>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-63419193967929995702011-06-01T10:06:00.010-04:002013-10-11T23:38:09.489-04:00UNCORKED ~ Celebrating The Voices of the Natural Perfumers Guild Members<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~How I came to love natural aromatics~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When this blogging event was announced I knew I wanted to join in even though I had no idea what it was going to be about. Then the subject was revealed. I thought '</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uh-oh! This is going to be the shortest blog post.</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">' </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not long ago I blogged about how I felt like the new kid in school when it came to natural perfumery, or rather perfumery in general. Growing up my mother and maternal grandmother didn't grow fragrant flowers. And while my paternal grandmother grew roses I vaguely remember them, even though I was at her house almost every day of the week. I recall areas in her backyard where these roses grew but that's about all. The scent of roses, lilacs and others don't transport me back to my childhood. Neither of them owned any of the more talked about <i>classic</i> perfumes (Chanel No. 5, Joy, Mitsouko, etc). I never received pretty bottles of perfume as gifts. My maternal grandmother was an Avon lady and I remember trying different Avon colognes here and there. My mother had many bottles on her dresser that she hardly ever wore. Red Door, Paloma Picasso and Youth Dew (newer version) are a few I recall. And while I remember them nothing really stands out that would remind me of her. My experience with scent was purchasing the cheap stuff from drug & convenience stores. Remember Jean Nate and Love's Baby Soft? And I really loved Sand & Sable. Up until 2006 my only exposure to essential oils was keeping a bottle of tea tree on hand in my first aid kit. Even as popular as lavender is I was only familiar with the synthetic fragrance. I never liked the smell of vanilla until I smelled a real vanilla bean. That was about 12 years ago and I didn't know vanilla absolute even existed. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OigZ82YEqD8/TeZFNM536WI/AAAAAAAABSw/YEaEQ-kDH9k/s1600/jraromatherapybook.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OigZ82YEqD8/TeZFNM536WI/AAAAAAAABSw/YEaEQ-kDH9k/s320/jraromatherapybook.gif" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In December of 2005 my mother passed away after a battle with cancer. Two weeks later a very close cousin (my mom's niece) passed away suddenly. My family was shocked and saddened. As a result I began to suffer from insomnia. I'm not much of a pill taker. I'd rather try alternative methods first. So I turned to aromatherapy. I searched for websites and articles on the internet that would give me some ideas that would help me to fall asleep. I came across a website that had an offline study introductory aromatherapy course developed by Jeanne Rose. <i>(side note: I didn't know who Jeanne was and remember thinking 'I wonder if she's reputable.' You live & learn.)</i> I read all the material I received and ordered samples of essential oils. Being a book lover I sometimes detour from my planned errands and stop by book stores. One day I came across a used book store and decided to go in just to look around and found a little book on aromatherapy formulas. There was a formulation in it for insomnia. I ordered more samples and blended the oils. I don't really recall if it helped me sleep or not but it smelled really pretty. I started to blend it and add it to an oil burner to scent my home. At that point I stopped blending for any therapeutic affects of aromatherapy and started blending for scent alone. They were really simple blends. Not being very knowledgeable about perfumery in general I had no idea that there was a segment of perfumery dedicated to naturals. Oddly enough I was introduced to it by a perfumer who blended with synthetics. We both posted on the same soaping forum and he became sort of the forum's perfumery tutor. He posted about the Jean Carles method and explained what it all meant. He pointed me to perfumery groups on Yahoo which is how I found out about the Natural Perfumery group and then the Natural Perfumers Guild. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems as if the path to naturals chose me instead of me choosing it. Looking back so many opportunities came my way for me to latch on but for whatever reason I did not. Maybe I just moved too slow. But once I was immersed in it there was no looking back. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Random tidbit:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've come across the question many times as to what aromatic(s) I dislike. I can find a place for and appreciate many scents, even those that some find foul. But I have a very hard time smelling fresh cut grass. I simply can't stand it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><i>Participating NPG members</i></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adam Gottschalk <a href="http://lordsjesterinc.wordpress.com/2011/06/01/060111/" target="_blank">Lord's Jester Inc</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alec Lawless <a href="http://aleclawless.blogspot.com/2011/06/uncorked-5th-anniversary-of-natural.html" target="_blank">Being Led by the Nose</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anu Prestonia <a href="http://anuessentials.com/blog/" target="_blank">Anu Essentials Blog </a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anya McCoy <a href="http://anyasgarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/uncorked-natural-perfumers-guild.html" target="_blank">Anya's Garden Perfumes Blog</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charna Ethier <a href="http://providenceperfume.blogspot.com/2011/06/uncorked-natural-perfumers-guild.html" target="_blank">Providence Perfume</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christine Ziegler <a href="http://alittleolfactory.blogspot.com/2011/06/uncorked.html" target="_blank">A Little Ol'Factory</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dawn Spencer Hurwitz <a href="http://dshnotebook.wordpress.com/2011/06/01/natural-beauty-aka-uncorked-a-natural-perfumers-guild-joint-blogging-event/" target="_blank">DSH Notebook</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Denise Smith <a href="http://perfumejournal.blogspot.com/2011/05/why-natural-perfume.html" target="_blank">Perfume Journal</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elise Pearlstine <a href="http://bellyflowers.blogspot.com/2011/06/uncorked-natural-perfumers-guild.html" target="_blank">Bellyflowers</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emily Pienaar <a href="http://www.roseenbos.com/uncorked-a-natural-perfumers-guild-blogging-event" target="_blank">The Western Cape Perfumery Blog</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ida Meister <a href="http://www.cafleurebon.com/uncorked-natural-perfumers-guild-blogging-event-happy-5th-birthday-npg%E2%80%A6uncorked-or-my-path-to-natural-perfumery/" target="_blank">Ça Fleure Bon</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isabelle Gelle <a href="http://lesparfumsdisabelle.wordpress.com/2011/06/01/becoming-a-natural-perfumer/" target="_blank">Les Parfums d'Isabelle</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JoAnne Bassett <a href="http://www.joannebassett.com/natural_perfumes/2011/06/01/uncorked-a-natural-perfumers-guild-joint-blogging-event/" target="_blank">Natural Perfumes</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julie Longyear <a href="http://iriefromthetub.blogspot.com/2011/06/path-to-natural-perfume-uncorked-blog.html" target="_blank">From The Bathtub</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.iriefromthetub.blogspot.com/"></a>Karen Williams <a href="http://www.aromaticsinternational.com/blog/" target="_blank">Aromatics International</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laura Natusch <a href="http://oliveandoud.blogspot.com/2011/06/uncorked-blogging-event-in-which-humble.html" target="_blank">Olive and Oud</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noelle Smith <a href="http://ellenoire.blogspot.com/2011/06/uncorked-celebrating-voices-of-natural.html" target="_blank">Ellenoire</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Robert Tisserand <a href="http://roberttisserand.com/2011/06/uncorked-the-natural-perfumers-guild-blogging-event-6-1-11/" target="_blank">I'm Just Saying</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ross Urrere <a href="http://olfactoryrescueservice.wordpress.com/2011/06/01/fifth-anniversary-of-the-natural-perfumers-guild/" target="_blank">Olfactory Rescue Service</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Susan Stype <a href="http://aromatherapycontessa.com/" target="_blank">Aromatherapy Contessa</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trygve Harris <a href="http://absolutetrygve.blogspot.com/2011/06/uncorked-some-voices-from-natural.html" target="_blank">Absolute Trygve</a></span></div>
Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-40243157376667148192011-05-25T21:06:00.025-04:002011-05-30T00:59:08.074-04:00Fare Thee Well , Nymph<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmBDqNLJi0g/TeMC7H-4jlI/AAAAAAAABSs/nW3tabnX5NQ/s1600/414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmBDqNLJi0g/TeMC7H-4jlI/AAAAAAAABSs/nW3tabnX5NQ/s320/414.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My submission for the A Midsummer Night's Dream Perfume Event has been mailed to participating bloggers and now I wait. :) What a relief! I wasn't completely happy with it but I wasn't disappointed either. I'm actually looking forward to participating in other projects like this.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out the Perfume Projects page for all the details and I invite you all to stop by the blogs and leave a comment.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-45945711564160638752011-05-24T09:14:00.000-04:002011-09-12T23:51:37.425-04:00Now That 'Nymph' Is Completed<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The perfume for the 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' perfume event is completed and on its way to the bloggers. Now I wait. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My thoughts:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Challenges can be hard (I guess that's why its a challenge...duh)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. The time factor is the real issue</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. It's a learning experience </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Sometimes things don't work out as planned (sometimes it's better, sometimes it's not)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are parts of my perfume that I really like. Overall though I wasn't pleased. It needs a lot more time and work but that's the nature of these events. Maybe I'll revisit it at another time. For now I'm moving on to the next 'thing'. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1794558821856692211.post-47611968532410643052011-05-19T13:39:00.003-04:002011-05-29T21:57:31.942-04:00Shakespeare and Blossoming Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl4NonixTlY/TeL382ScmUI/AAAAAAAABSo/K2T_7hV_V4I/s1600/midsummerperfumedevent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl4NonixTlY/TeL382ScmUI/AAAAAAAABSo/K2T_7hV_V4I/s1600/midsummerperfumedevent.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And therefore is wing'd Cupid painted blind:</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>A Midsummer Night's Dream Act 1, Scene 1</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be taking part in a perfume event organized by Amanda Feeley of <a href="http://esscentualalchemy.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Essential Alchemy</a>. The theme is the Shakespeare play A Midsummer Night's Dream. The character that I'm focusing on is Helena. Why? Because she seems so quirky to me. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The details are under my <a href="http://blossomingtree.blogspot.com/p/in-works_26.html"><b>Perfume Projects</b></a> page.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Fare thee well, nymph.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ere he do leave this grove,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Thou shalt fly him and he shall seek thy love.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>A Midsummer Night's Dream Act 2, Scene 1</i></span></div>Lisa Abdul-Quddushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13898431687048520515noreply@blogger.com4