Thank you MicroPerfumes. I Now Know that I LOVE Tom Ford's Black Orchid!!

Blind Buy: Purchasing a fragrance based on a recommendation or curiosity, 

rather than sampling it or knowing what it smells like first.

Okay, I wrote about the error of my ways, chasing half-off fragrances on Black Friday that had 'great reviews'  and getting burned royally in the process (my bad, and yes, as I noted in that post, I totally knew better). Enter MicroPerfumes to help get me back on track. I have really been enjoying ordering sample-sized perfumes for next to nothing, in order to test them out and see which fragrances might be my favorite. This is a new hobby of mine that I am really having a ball with, as are those around me who get the samples I don't like, especially true if they do (like them), but even if they don't because then they know what not to buy (which is also, as I said, very important on the pocketbook or wallet). The sample you see above, is the one I probably wanted to try the most, but I'm glad I didn't blind buy it because it was not the one I loved the most! I did however, love the larger sample option it came in, complete with a twist up case that makes it perfect to carry along when you travel (someday) or are on the go.

MicroPerfumes: My Second Shipment!

I ordered a second shipment of fragrance samples from MicroPerfumes just as fast as I could after opening the first one, because it's really fun for me to try the new scents. I'll list the names here and the notes at the very end of my take each of the fragrances, for anyone who is interested. My first shipment had all good scents, and this one did not, but that's okay. That's the reason you TRY BEFORE YOU BUY (reminding myself, not you...well, you too, if you need it). :) I did find two fragrances that I love enough to purchase the full-sized bottles, so I also consider this shipment a big win.

1. Jo Malone: English Pear and Freesia

2. Salvatore Ferragamo: Signorina Misteriosa 

3. Creed: Royal Water

4. Jo Malone: Orange Blossom

5. Tom Ford: L Cherry

6. Tom Ford: FS%&#ing Fabulous

Lancome Scent Search: Which one is right for me?

This is not a sponsored post. I purchased these fragrances on Black Friday, when Lancome had a huge sale on their website.

You can't like everything, this I know to be true, so please don't be discouraged with the parts of this review that are not so great, and there are two parts that are not so great. I purchased 3 perfumes; one I had sampled in the store before and knew I would like, and two that SO MANY PEOPLE said over and over again were SO good, but for me, it turned out that they certainly were not. Remember when I said I would not blind buy again? Yeah, well that went out the door with Lancome's huge Black Friday sale. So much for my personal resolve not to purchase a fragrance without trying it first. Enter grim face.

Workman Daily Planners and Wall Calendars: Start the New Year off Right!

New Year (Happy Happy to you!), new calendar, new planner. New planner? I don't use a planner. Well, I do this year!! These planners from Workman Publishing were too hard to resist and once I began (and I did begin filling things in early) I was hooked. No wonder so many people at my job use these. 

Christmas Gifts that are LIT! Literally

 Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

Imagine waking up to find an electric scooter under the tree. Pretty exciting in and of itself, right? But it's even better if the scooter has a front wheel that lights up and a foot-activated light system on the board itself. This Electric Party Pop Scooter from Razor is going to not only delight my granddaughter (and I have no doubt that it will) but it is also going to have her trailblazing new paths all over her neighborhood in no time flat, with an adult in tow of course. ;)

Teleflora Flower Bouquets are Always a Good Idea!

Anytime is a good time for Teleflora. They not only have gorgeous flowers, but they also have the best vases and containers around. For the holiday season, you can get someone you love a holiday bouquet they will be thrilled to display now, and a decorative holder of choice that they'll be happy to use this year and every year that follows. The perfect example can be seen here with Teleflora's Snowy Wonderland Tree. That sparkling silver snowscape design is perfect for holiday decor.

A Secret Diary Sounds Like a Good Gift Idea to Me!

 Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are genuine and my own. 

When your oldest granddaughter is brilliant, loves to write and draw and thinks it's fun to keep things a secret, it's time to get her a diary with secret ink! SmitCo makes one that you can get  that is sure to keep your lil' angel (recommended for ages 4-14) busy all throughout the new year. 

Perfect for Infants and Toddlers! Dolce Primo Kangaroo

Disclosure: A sample or discount was provided. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

I found this great big door wreath at a local store recently and was very excited to bring it home. It literally takes up a huge portion of the door, and I love it. I also have smart, curious grandchildren who come to visit. When they find something different or unique that delights them, their whole face lights up with joy...so, I thought it would be cute to put one of my baby grand's Dolce Kangaroo in the wreath, to see if she would notice it.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (or maybe I should say, For Those About to Rock!)

 Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I did receive a sample or a product discount. All opinions stated are genuine and my own.

 

 

LA Pop Art Unveils AC/DC “Word Art” Branded Line of Apparel 

 

Admittedly, I don't listen much to any new rock and roll, assuming there still is R&R being made (there must be, right??) but I do have my old favorites from school and my early 20s that I love, and several bands top that list. LA Pop Art is bringing the music history of one of those most favored bands to life with a brand new line of apparel featuring popular song titles and imagery of the legendary rock band AC/DC. I have seen them in concert and loved them, and at one time owned every single one of their record albums, cassettes, and later CDs. Today I still have, and enjoy, many of those on my music [play lists. I'm sure people in cars at the red lights wonder why the grandma (when did I start identifying as a grandma?? lol, but I am, and I'm proud) is rocking out in her car to AC/DC. It is still a music sound that makes me happy.