Monday, October 05, 2015

A DISCERNING SENSE OF SCENTS COSTS MORE THAN A FEW CENTS...










I’ve a nose for these things. 

I love perfume, but it wasn’t until I broke free from the shackles of high school when, without a backward glance, bravely (and excitedly) I bade farewell to my childhood. It was then I was able to purchase my own scent, not from the cents I earned, but from the pounds, shillings and pence.  

Shortly after I stepped inside the front door of the solicitor’s office in Upper Mary Street, Gympie to commence my first job at the tender age of 15 years, four months shy of turning sweet 16, I had the good sense to regularly use cologne of any scent. 

From my earnings I purchased my own perfume.  My starting weekly wage was the princely sum of four pounds eight shillings and nine pence.  It was nothing to sneeze at – I thought I was rich!  I may not have been rich in one sense of the word, but I did feel independent; free to spread my fledgling wings.

Out of my stipend I paid board; bought my own clothes for every occasion, or the material to make them myself (in those ancient times, I sewed); spun a few shillings on the side to buy 45 rpm records. The first record I bought was a 45 rpm of Gene Krupa.  I loved Krupa - still do.  A glossy photo of him adorned my bedroom wall throughout my childhood, along with one of Tony Curtis and a glossy, autographed photo of Gene Autry. I’d written a request to Autry’s Fan Club in Hollywood to achieve that special signed black and white photo.  I was very proud of it.  It could appear I had an affinity with the name “Gene”…I didn't really…it was purely coincidental!

Shoes were placed on lay-by. Bikinis were purchased.  Jamaican hip-hugging shorts were made from colourful materials; and mid-drift tops were sewn on our old Singer pedal sewing machine to match the hipster shorts. Every weekend the coast beckoned loudly; dutifully, I obeyed its call.  Surf's up!

In other words, I paid my own way, and was proud to be finally able to do so. 

Shortly after I’d eagerly stepped into the wide, wonderful “adult” world I attended an evening make-up class. The session was conducted by a well-groomed consultant from Revlon who paid a visit to the local pharmacy in town that carried Revlon products.

In those days – I commenced my working life in July, 1960 - Revlon was “the name of the game” in cosmetics.

Bringing her expertise along with her, the meticulously neat, elegant consultant was keen to teach the young ladies of Gympie (me included) how to grasp the foundation of applying make-up skillfully, not heavily; on how to apply and wear make-up without ending up looking like painted dolls or, worse still, clowns. 

From that night of charm forward I was an avid fan of the company’s products.  Not only was I introduced to Revlon make-up, but I became intimate with “Intimate”, the very feminine perfume first launched by Revlon a few years earlier in 1955. There was something sensual and grown-up about “Intimate”. I immediately fell under its spell.

“Intimate’s” original slogan was - “Even in the dark…he will know its YOU”!

At the age I was then the only “he” with whom I would’ve been in the dark would’ve been a dance partner when asked to join him in a Twilight Waltz, but the majority of times such a request was made of me, I declined the Twilight Waltz would-be hopefuls.  I didn’t have a desire to share what I classed as a romantic, intimate dance with anyone about whom I didn’t feel romantic – no sense in pretending was my belief! My belief hasn't altered.

Twilight Waltzes were good opportunities; perfect excuses for me to visit the “Ladies’ Room”…alone. I always refused to join the pack of girls who would march off together like a force to be reckoned with to “spend a penny”, or, if the truth be known, to gossip about all and sundry. I never wanted to be a part of the mob of girls departing en masse like lemmings over the edge of a cliff.  I could never understand why they headed off together in a herd; I never wanted to become a member of said “herd”.  So I didn’t!

In my youthful opinion I felt it was embarrassing, and overtly obvious. 

I’d be the last girl standing, sitting or dancing in our group (and others). While the rest of the girls were absent I was never a wallflower, though. I’d be tripping the light fantastic across the dance floor; probably because I was the only girl left in the hall! Maybe there was a method to my method!

Revlon also produced Aquamarine, which was more suited to spring and summer.  I preferred Intimate - all seasons. Both are now discontinued. 

Lentheric’s Tweed Eau de Toilette was a very popular in those days, too.  Tweed was a safe “all-rounder” – elegant and sophisticated, yet young and fresh. Tweed was my preferred perfume for day to day usage...during my days in the office.

 In 1973 Revlon’s Charlie entered the scene.  I fell in love with Charlie.

When I was married to Randall he always gave me a couple of bottles of perfume among my birthday and Christmas gifts. (We gave each other many gifts come our birthdays and Christmas…probably because we enjoyed the opening of them and the surprises within more than any other reason - it was just our way).

With only a few weeks separating the momentous event of my birthday and Christmas I’d end up with a wonderful supply of fragrances.   

I had Opium a-plenty, along with a supply Yves Saint Laurent’s Rive Gauche.  There was nothing Gauche about it! Chanel had the good sense to pop her nose in, too! Charlie politely moved along the shelf and made welcome the newcomers. I sensed even Tabu wasn't taboo.

I always found room for perfume to match each costume.

Bouquet Garni: Leave long stems on fresh herbs e.g. 3 sprigs parsley, 2 of thyme and 1 bay leaf (2 sprigs rosemary, optional). Tie into bundle or in cheesecloth; or gather together dried herbs; wrap in cheesecloth; tie with kitchen string.

French Onion Soup: Peel and slice thinly 6 onions. Toss 3tbs butter, 3tbs olive oil, onions and a splash of water in pot with a little salt; cover; soften onions over med-high heat, about 10mins. When water has evaporated, remove lid; on low heat slowly caramelise onions; stir often; takes about 1hr. When onions are deep golden, add 1/2c brandy, bouquet garni and 6c preferably homemade beef stock (or quality store-bought); season; simmer 15-20mins. Ladle into ramekins; fit a toasted thick round slice of sourdough bread over each; sprinkle with grated Swiss, Gruyere or Emmenthal cheese. Place under grill until soup is bubbly and tops golden.

Aromatic Rub: Toast 2tbs coriander seeds, 3tbs cumin seeds, 1tsp fennel seeds and 2tsp black peppercorns in pan over med-heat; stir often. In pestle and mortar, bash 4 dried red chillies until broken and seeds are released. When seeds are toasted, bash them, too. Stir in 4tbs brown sugar, 3tbs sea salt, 1tbs smoked paprika and 1/2tsp cinnamon. Use within 3 months. Rub on meat or mix with oil for a marinade.

Aromatic Pork-Prawn Balls: Finely chop 100g peeled raw prawns until almost minced; add to 250g minced pork, 1-1/2tbs finely chopped chives and 1.5cm piece fresh ginger finely diced; season;  mix until sticking together. Roll into small balls; chill until needed. Make broth; heat 1ltr chicken stock; add 2 star anise, 1-2tsp oyster sauce, 1-2tsp soy, chopped shallots and 2cm piece chopped ginger. Add chopped chilli to taste; simmer 10mins; season. Add a dash of oil to fry pan; fry balls, 6-7mins. Transfer to gently simmering broth; cook 5mins; add 2 handfuls spinach; cook 1min.

41 comments:

  1. Isn't it sad when our favourite scents are discontinued? Louis Ferraud No.5 was one I loved. These days I wear Anais Anais by Cacharel. I do love scent, but loathe it when you can smell someone long after they left the area. Lifts are a prime candidate for offence.

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  2. Hi EC....Yes, there's nothing worse that too much scent. I hope I've never been guilty of overdoing it. I've always tried my best not to do so.

    Thanks for popping in. :)

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  3. I'm not a great perfume person but - love Tabu.
    I too used to make my own clothes, once! No more but have 3 sewing machines :) maybe I should start again, oneday.

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    1. G'day Margaret...the old Tabu...it was always a good stand-by...I loved it. I love perfume, but don't drown myself in it.

      As for sewing...I gave that up years ago...I still have a little portable electric sewing machine that I picked up at one of the local Op Shops a few years ago...and I've never used it. I couldn't be bothered sewing these days...too much bother to be bothered! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  4. My first 'adult' perfume was White Shoulders, I also have a fondness for L'Heure Blue but it's too spendy for the budget most times.Red Door by Elizabeth Arden is a great favourite but my usual scent is a dab of Gardenia essential oil. My body chemistry wreaks havoc with most scents, so I have to be careful or I'll end up smelling like bug spray (most sporty scents) or like I haven't bathed in a week (anything with musk). Florals work best for me.

    I am so making your Aromatic Pork-Prawn Balls; yes, yes I am!

    Gene Krupa? Oh, is there going to be something for you on today's blog. =)

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    1. Hey Jacqueline...it's funny how different scents act differently on different people. I love musk...and am not into the florals...we're all individual...I guess that's why there as so many perfumes to choose from..

      Now I'm slipping across to your blog...you've raised my curiosity! Thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. I hate the musky perfumes, especially the strong ones, too many women on the buses seem to use them in winter and I have to travel with a hanky to my nose because of my asthma. Or spend the rest of the day coughing and with a headache. Patchouli is the worst.

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  5. I loved reading more about YOU! I remember some of those 'scents' too - memories. And yes when we work we can buy what we want. And you will not believe this - I have had such a yearning for onion soup - i am coping this - looked delish! Thanks.

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    1. Hi Sandie...French Onion is a great old soup...a meal in itself...and great for the cooler months, too.

      I just hope people don't get sick of me writing about me! lol

      Thanks for popping in. Take care. :)

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  6. I used to love to wear perfume. It made me feel so feminine. Now-a-days, I just use verbena soap because most people I know have one allergy or another and I don't want to put them in distress.

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    1. Hey there Arleen...I still wear perfume, and will continue doing so. More people probably have an allergy to me than to the perfume I wear! lol

      Seriously, though, I've never sensed anyone being distressed from the scent I wear.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  7. I will be back to read this this afternoon. Have a good day Lee.

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    1. I'll hold you to that, Carol! :)

      I hope your day has been good to you, too. :)

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  8. I remember wearing Charlie for a couple of years, then one day it didn't smell right on me. Didn't find a replacement for years until the 90s when I discovered Venezia and wore it until it was discontinued. Now I'm back to no scent.
    Nothing can beat the scent of your favourite meal baking though.

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    1. Not so good when going out somewhere special, though, River...unless they're going to serve the same food for dinner! Garlic prawns for example!! lol

      Thanks for popping in...here and above. :)

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  9. Charlie smelled good on Arlynda. So does Lady Stetson.

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    1. Hi Jerry...I loved Charlie...but I don't know Lady Stetson...I've not heard of it, nor have I ever tried it. I'll have to keep my eye out for it...or my nose out for it! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. I forgot about Charlie - I used to wear that, long ago. Now I wear the Clinique fragrance called Happy. It's light - people always ask me what I'm wearing (which makes me wonder if I'm wearing too much.) :)

    Wish I had some of that onion soup right now!

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    1. I've not had or used Charlie for a long time, either, Lynn...I'll have to look into that situation! Thanks for coming by. :)

      You'd better grab yourself an extra pile of onions next time you're out shopping! :)

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  11. No scent can ever replace my grandmother's Blue Waltz perfume:-)

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    1. Hi Annie...I don't know that one.

      Thanks for popping in. :)

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  12. Ah, Lee, this is where we need internet for scents! I can't call scents very well to mind but I use Opium a lot. I tend to buy what I like on other people, but I know that probably isn't the best way because scents react with your body chemistry too.

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    1. Hi Jenny...I just need more sense! :)

      Opium is wonderful...I love Opium, but I've not used it in a while, either. I just like what I like...I don't like heavy, flowery, over-powering colognes.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  13. Sorry to learn that you had a personal hygiene problem when you were younger Lee. Rather than masking your bodily "aromas" with various perfumes, you could have discussed the issue with your doctor. He/she might have been able to refer you to a specialist.

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    1. Hi there Yorkie...it's odd what some people read into things that others, particularly, women never would do. A personal hygiene problem I've never had, when I was younger...and throughout all the many intervening years to this day...and the status quo remains and shall remain. :)

      As for doctors...I'm not one who frequents their waiting rooms...either back then or now. :)

      I think perhaps as a lovely romantic gesture you should buy Shirley some perfume for Christmas....or just spontaneously for the romance and pleasure of doing so.

      Thanks for coming by, Pepé Le Pew! :)

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  14. I love sweet, fresh scents that are not too strong or overpowering. :)

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    1. Hi Lux...I don't like overpowering scents, either....but some people have a heavy hand and just can't help drowning themselves in perfume and suffocating all others around them. :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  15. I always place a spot of WD40 behind my ears when I go out, it has an effect...

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    1. I figured you would, Mr. Ad-Man...I'm sure it helps with your hearing, too. And I guess you use it on your tongue a lot, too...it's always wagging! :)

      Thanks for coming by...don't forget your Old Spice, Old Spice! :)

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  16. I find myself hungry for the soup which looks so delicious but I keep smelling the fragrance of perfume, those two just don't go together, ha.

    My perfume has always been Oscar de la Rente; my mother used Channel No 5.

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    1. Hi Linda....That could be a new project for you...you could make a set of soup bowls or ramekins for your stall!!

      I can't remember what perfume my mother used...but she did use it, of course.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  17. I love love love perfume and is one of the few luxuries I afford myself when I have the $$ to spare. I am currently wearing a fragrance that Brody bought me for Christmas, not one I would have bought myself but we will get through it. My nose is so good I can pick a fragrance on someone else. You would be surprised that some young girls at school are wearing expensive perfumes to school ~ with their school uniform, really? Maybe they nicked their Mum's. My favourite of my own choice is Cacharel Anais Anais original fragrance. And remember a few drops of Eau de parfum will last all day, longer than a spray of Eau de Toilette.

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    1. I've not used Anais Anais in years...I should go in search of it again.

      I've never overdone it when using perfume...just the slightest hint...just a tease...

      How things have changed...re wearing perfume to school.

      I hope your week ahead treats you well, Carol. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  18. Oh my girl this brought floods of memories down the channels of my mind. Thanks for taking me on this trip. Peace

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    1. You're welcome, Miss Kitty...it was great you were able to come along with me! Thanks for popping in. :)

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  19. “Even in the dark…he will know its YOU”!

    I bloody hope so!

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    1. Remy always knows it's me in the dark, as does Shama...and I know it's them in the dark, too. Anything or anyone else would get short shift! They'd soon get the message!!! :)

      Thanks for popping in, RK.

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  20. Oh Lee , this post certainly brought back memories. I remember every one of those perfumes and wore them all ! Not at once of course !

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Helsie...it brought back lots of memories to me, too! :)

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  22. @Lee, my favorite perfume is Kouros and my kids sister have already used to it, most time they used in indicating my present at home

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