I can't believe we are already on update number 10. I always look forward to seeing new information updated to my DNA profile. Usually one of the changes I can count on are always more regions added. This latest update I went from 19 regions to 27! That is pretty crazy. I also tend to have the most regions compared to my immediate family. Pretty Cool!
I'm going to keep this update pretty brief. Mostly I post these to keep track of my the changes over the years. So here are my 27 regions...
It's interesting that now it is divided up by region. Makes it a little easier to see and group everything
Starting with West Africa which represents the largest (of course!) for a total of 66%. From what I can see they just added some further breakdowns so we have Central Nigeria, Nigerian Woodlands, etc.
Then we have the Iberian Peninsula with a total of 10%
Next up, Central Africa. I don't think much has changed from the last update to this one.
Then we have England. Not uncommon. They get really specific with it, before it was very general and even start talking about what foods come from that area. I noticed Scotland disappeared...but maybe included in the North East England DNA.
Then we have Ireland. Also very specific regions.
Western Europe shows up. I think that's a more recent add.
Then we have the last few regions- which they are so small I won't call up them specifically.
And that's all! Wonder if by the next update I will have 30 regions? That would be exciting!
One more review and then I am done for the day. The way I usually decide the next perfume I'm going to use is just googling and finding the most iconic fragrances. This popped up on some list- before then I had never heard of it. So I went ahead and ordered it from Sephora. I wish I didn't. Or I wish I had ordered the smaller size or something because this was not worth it.
Glossier claims:
Glossier You is a soft, warm and familiar skin-scent enhancing fragrance. Sparkling Pink Pepper opens into earthy Iris, settling into a strong, slightly-sweet base of Ambrette and Ambrox that wears close to skin–so it smells a little different on everyone!
I think maybe I have a problem with "Ambrette/Ambroxan" type of scents. I don't think I have tried one that I have found to be very good. It's mainly the initial spray and the fact that it doesn't develop into anything good either.
It smells "cheap" to me. Something about the top notes reminds me of cheapie Glade sprays. I can't pick out any of the other notes- I wouldn't say it gives floral, fresh, oriental, woody- or any of the other categories. Maybe slightly powdery? Just cheap and meh. If I didn't know how much I paid for the bottle I would have thought it was $30 or less. I feel $20 would be a fair price for it. But of course it was much more than that.
Even the packaging gives cheap. I had been carrying the bottle around in my bag and you can see wear on it. Some of the packaging has worn off and the top has chipped.
I really wish I had seen the smaller size because that is what I would have gone with. I didn't see that option- unlucky for me.
I did read that it was reformulated about two years ago- so it's entirely possible that it was much better before.
Overall, I really dislike it. I might try to use up the rest of it as a room/bathroom spray. I can't see myself wearing through the rest of the bottle. Waste of money for me.
This past week I feel like I made a bunch of Sunday dinner type of recipes- except I didn't really make any of these on Sunday.
The first recipe was a Shepherd's Pie. I haven't made one of these in years- but the last one I made I really liked so I was really looking forward to this one. I even went to the meat market to grab some lamb so I could make it with the lamb instead of beef. I eat ground beef for most recipes that require meat so it was good to switch it up. This was good but I feel like it would have been better with extra seasonings like Thyme/Rosemary. I made it on a Monday too...and it felt like a little too much work for a weekday. But it was still pretty good! This recipe came from the Unofficial Harry Potter cookbook.
Next up, a Turkey and Stuffing Recipe. Except I subbed out the Turkey for Duck. I didn't feel like hunting for Turkey Pieces and I found the duck on sale in a local store. I thought it was uncooked but it was already cooked. I tried to crisp the skin the wrong way on the stovetop ...I should have just cooked it in the oven and broiled it. I know for next time. Then I just made the stuffing- I'm not a fan of stuffing. But I figured I would try it again just to be sure. And..yeah. Still don't like it. It's just seasoned and moistened baked bread with aromatics. I would rather eat any other starchy side than stuffing. But if you do like it I guess it's a good recipe.
Definitely not the best thing I have ever made....
I'm really not sure I have the brand right, I can never figure it out from the packaging- but today we have Olive Oil Soap. I've used tons of Olive Oil Soaps at this point and for the most part- can't really go wrong. I was saving this to use as a facial soap...until it got demoted to a body bar. It was mostly due to the scent.
Usually I would put the claims- but I can't access the website and I can't read Italian.
I used the Buffalo Milk version of the soap a few years ago which I definitely prefer and would repurchase over this. It's mostly due to the scent. Most Olive oil soaps tend to smell like some kind of burnt plastic. This is fragranced so it doesn't smell like burnt plastic. It smells like some sort of Lemon Verbena type scent. It reminds me of a cleaning spray type of scent which I just did not enjoy at all.
I don't tend to like Lemon Verbena scents/soaps and this has some strength to it. Originally I was using it on my face ..but it was lasting forever that way and I was feeling really over the scent so I just decided to use the rest up in the shower to make it go quicker. Which it did.
It lathers well, rinses clean. It's softening but also drying. Nothing a little lotion can't fix.
I'm sitting here watching a show on Victorian Bakers and was so sucked into it. I forgot I wanted to get this post up. Watching them knead and make everything completely from scratch en mass. Such hard work! It's really too soon for a candle review- but I have burned through the majority of this candle (accidentally) so I figured I would finish up what's left and get the review up.
Glasshouse candle claims:
The mystical intensity of Oud permeates the ancient rites of Dubai’s souk at dusk. Traders’ catchcry rises over brightly colored mounds of Saffron and baskets of precious, dew-covered White Rose Petals..
Top Notes: Saffron, Olibanum
Middle Notes: White Rose, Jasmine
Base Notes: Oud (Agarwood), Sandalwood, Amber
We have another Australian Brand. This one I am sure Australians use because I watch a few Australian youtubers and have seen them mention this brand. Figured since they are now available on a site that I always buy candles from, I would give them a try. I do want to try a few new candle brands this year- so we are off to a good start. I've tried two already this year so far!
I've heard really great things about this brand- so I was excited. I thought I would start with Arabian Nights. I liked the name. I didn't really read the notes- just added to the cart and checked out. Every time I light this candle- I start belting the song from Aladdin.
Of course- gotta link it.
We will start with the packaging. It comes in a really nice box. Very gift-able. And then it comes in a cute little glass jar with its own lid. The name is printed onto the glass. Very nice packaging. I especially like that it comes with the little lid- it's definitely a unique look.
As for the candle itself- it could be stronger. I have the last little bit lit now and I can really smell it but that hasn't been true for most of the candles life. Even though it is essentially a votive candle- I expect it to fill a room just due to the price. Supposedly they are triple scented. It's an expensive little candle. For most it's burning life- it has been a bit too light for me. I needed more of a scent throw.
Mostly it just hovered in a small area. Now it's doing pretty well. It's not a terribly unique scent and it smells like something I've had before. Maybe something from Voluspa. But I'm not quite sure. It's a very nice scent. It claims to be White Oud, Rose, and Amber. I think mainly you get the amber. I think what sets it apart from other amber candles is it is missing most of the sweet vanilla. Which I appreciate because I'm not into vanilla candles.
It does say it's part of the woody fragrance category...which is a category I find myself liking more and more.
It's a very nice scent. Smells slightly expensive? But at the same time quite forgettable just due to it being so light when lit. Maybe the larger size has better throw.
I like it but at the same time, I think it's quite forgettable. I won't remember it past this last burning. It's one that is nice to try once but wouldn't buy it again.
These are soy wax blend candles- and they burn very cleanly. Not sooting- no issues with the wick. I don't know if they are paraffin free- hopefully they are at this price.
I am still interested in trying some of their other scents- I just ordered my next one. I want to see if some of the other scents might be stronger? I think Harlem Candle Co. Langston or Voluspa Baltic Amber give similar vibes but they are definitely on the sweeter side with the stronger vanilla notes. My pick would be Santal Vanilla from Voluspa if I was looking for something a little more affordable but similar vibes.
