On mobile, sorry in advance for format issues. I’ll try to fix when I have access. Also, thank you guys so much for the awards! I feel Reddit-validated 🥰
Hello, fellow smellows! I made my first post in this sub a little over a year ago after a friend introduced me to indies. Since then, trying and investing in perfume has become a full-fledged hobby of mine, and I’m still enjoying trying out new scents/combinations each month. I started my scent journey by delving into the Hexennacht collection, and DANG was I impressed. The thing about me is that when I find something I like, I commit to it. Hard. That, friends of every and no gender, is the background of the story of how AllTheCake tried the vast majority of the scents in the Hexennacht collection. And now, I’m passing my savings down to YOU. (Don’t get me wrong, though - I’m still definitely a newbie nose and I have no idea what I’m doing.
After taking extensive notes over the span of a year+, I’ve finally decided to be brave and post my thoughts regarding these scents, and I think I’m going to start with the scents I’ve tried falling between the letters A and C because HOLY shit, there’s like 30+ smells in those alone. I’ve never done reviews of...anything before, really, so I’ll be doing my best to condense and simplify my convoluted rating structure in noting how I feel about them because...god I wrote so much. Quick warning: I ramble and cuss. A lot. If either of those is a review dealbreaker, you may want to skip this series. ALSO, keep in mind that these reviews are based on my skin chemistry - shit’s fickle. Finally, I’m not being sponsored to write these. I’m just a crazy person who committed way too hard.
Last minute: I’m all over gourmands, spices, ambers, and cream/milk while being completely not into grape, super clean smells, heavy citrus, and niche atmospherics like motor oil, weed, etc. Fruit/berries and musks tend to be in, heavy florals tend to be out, greens and aquatics are touch and go, but everything has their exceptions. LET’S GO.

• Alexandrite (Incense, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, plum, strawberry, dark patchouli, oudh): What better way to see what berry notes work on you than to try ALL OF THEM AT ONCE. The incense is immediate with a twinge of white smoke, but the berries are of course more prominent. Thankfully, it never got strong enough to hit what I call The Headache Threshold, which is what happens when some fruit notes are WAY too much for me. I appreciate the incense sticking around to negate some of the big sweetness (the title of my next album). The blackberry and strawberry showed up first. The raspberry kicked in a bit later and mixed nicely, but when the blueberry started to strengthen halfway through my work day, I was SUPER excited because apparently I really like blueberry. I think the plum may have played a more subtle role, and I only briefly smelled a smidge of patchouli near the end of the scent’s lifecycle, which was a pleasant undertone. Make no mistake, this is absolutely more fruit-forward than anything, and it is a heady sweet at the beginning, but this is summery as fuck, and I really like it. Verdict: Full sized, fruitilicious
  
• All Soul’s Night: Short and sweet review here. Roasting marshmallows over a campfire from wet to dry and everything between! The strength of the smoke element of this takes it to another level...you can really smell the embers and burn from the wood. At the same time, the marshmallow never shies away from the foreground, so it’s a great mix. Like Marshmallow Fireside from B&BW except more realistic and way better, in my opinion. This is a forever favorite. Verdict: Full sized, full size forever.
  
• Amityville (Pumpkin pecan waffles, pumpkin brûlée, marshmallow, sugar cookie, vanilla bean noel, salted caramel popcorn balls) : So sweet Ready-to-eat-my-wrists sweet. The waffles and the popcorn balls lead the way right off the bat with this...smells very much like I’ve gone to the state fair and am indulging in everything fried and bad for me, which is very much a me move. (I tried deep fried Oreos for the first time recently and now nobody can stop me.) I could absolutely see others describing this as cloying because it really doesn’t mess around with the sugar, but I think it’s great. My sweet tooth is massive, so...take that with a grain of salt. The caramel strengthens on the dry down, but the waffle scent sticks around as the strongest note for sure. It’s nice because the popcorn helps it keep the smell buttery but not enough to overwhelm. After several hours, I get nice warm sugar cookies fresh from the oven. I can’t say I ever really got the pumpkin brûlée...there may have been a bit of a bite in the background? Still, fantastic gourmand, but be careful because this will make you want to eat through your pantry. I want sugar cookies now, but I’m dieting. Life is unfair. Verdict: Full sized, threatening to my stomach
  
• Amortentia (white chocolate, raspberry cordial, rose petals): I’m getting the oddest combination of vague rose and sweet peanut butter when I put this on, which is the most confusing thing, considering there’s 0 peanut butter here. Maybe it’s the white chocolate? Is my nose broken? After a couple hours, the white chocolate formerly known as Peanut Butter forcibly drags the raspberry cordial behind it, which it then shoves into the forefront to take center stage whether it likes it or not. It went from something very strange to raspberries dipped in weird white chocolate with someone kind of lightly trickling down rose petals in the background, which isn’t that bad of a mix! The result is mild and sweet, and it strikes me as a spring gourmand...that said, after two tries, I think this is fine but wouldn’t be something I’d actively grab for. Verdict: Sample, very much like the Jif Berry Blend PB from the late 90s
  
• Apparition (Spectral amber, alabaster vanilla, bone-white woods): The internet really lives for this one, huh? Getting big Loup-Garou vibes from this when applied...I’m guessing it uses the same white amber note, which isn’t a bad thing. The amber and woods are really the stars of the show here, and they are bright! I feel so much fancier than I really am in this as I sit around in a tee shirt and capris. The vanilla makes its appearance about 15 minutes in, and the just-there sweetness that it brings is really pleasant! This one sat for a while to get this effect, but I’m a much bigger fan than I though I’d be. Verdict: Full size, chilli vanilli
  
• Arsenic (Chai, pumpkin puree, buttercream, vanilla cookies, powdered sugar): Pumpkin purée and chai come out first which is a lovely sweet and spicy combo! It has the same sort of air as Chai-mallow at the first go-round, which I like a lot. As it starts to dry down, the buttercream pops out more and mellows the chai a bit, which adjusts the scent profile to a more normal gourmand-y smell. The pumpkin and buttercream stick around the most on dry down...it’s interesting because to my nose, this seems to transform from a pumpkin chai cookie to a nice pumpkin roll cake sprinkled in powdered sugar...subtle transition, but pleasant. It’s familiar but new, and I really like it. Verdict: Full size, ready to bake
  
• Aziraphale (Marshmallow-topped hot cocoa, rice, wool, crepes, leather-bound antique books, and old, wooden bookshelves): Skin chemistry is a really bonkers thing. I don’t know if it was the leather or the wooden shelves or what, but whatever I smelled in that sample bottle was so pungent and unappealing that I trashed this. I could smell it on my hands even after washing them, and my hands only smelled like that note too, which is a real shame because I was particularly excited for the crepe note. It was just...burnt and harsh. Sorry but no. Verdict: BIG nope, mourning crepes
  
• Babooshka (Slow-baked sweet gourds, Russian tea cookies, pipe tobacco, Autumnal spice accord, caramel, nutmeg, honey, coumarin, beeswax absolute, cardamom sugar, crushed apples, black pepper, liatrix absolute): Autumn autumn AUTUMN. I’m already getting a good throw from this, a good start! Spices and tea cookies as the wet notes...thinking the cardamom sugar and pepper are the spices I’m getting the most. The gourds and apples showing up the more it dries give this a more earthy scent and pushes the spice into the background, which is good because a lot of spice scents go cinnamon-forward and that’s that. It’s not the sweetest scent I’ve tried in this collection which sort of surprises me given the note content, but I really enjoy it because of that! I actually think it being a little more subdued is working in its favor. This smell screams fall from the get-go, but not in a scented-candle-headache way. Also, my wife loves this one which is a bonus. Verdict: Full sized, aw yiss wife hugs
  
• Baltic Amber (Golden amber, pinus succinifera, cedarwood, jammy fir absolute, oakmoss absolute, tree moss, verdant musk, cardamom, balsam, lightning-scorched ancient boughs): Ohhhh, wow! This takes Hex’s lovely amber note and blasts it into overdrive with the help of the succinfera making it smell cold and woodsy. It’s a bright and resinous amber that sticks out really nicely. The hint of cedarwood at the start enhances the brightness and even gives it hints of the white amber note used at times. I get little bits of the balsam bursting in and out through the day which pushes it in a wintery direction, but it’s woodsy resin all the way down. It does fade quickly though...want to say it’s been about an hour 45 and it isn’t extremely strong, but I wonder if resting will give it more oomph? Or maybe just an extrait would be needed? Regardless, mmph. This is my favorite amber of the Hex collection so far. Verdict: Full sized, smooth criminal
  
• Banana Milk (Sweet milk, melted ice cream, vanilla pudding mix, banana): The bottle really amps up the pudding note more than I expected. It doesn’t show much banana to start, only a hint at the very end that smelled almost a little tart to my nose. As soon as I put this on, though, WHAM BAM THANK YOU BANAN. This is screaming banana pudding at my face which, as a southerner, I can definitely get behind. This is what I wanted to get more of in Bellypopper. It’s not an overpowering banana scent by any means, and it actually comes across as more realistic to my nose than the banana in Bananas Foster...maybe because the intensity of the sweetness isn’t as in-your-face? Even my wife, who has some touch and go issues with ID’ing what some perfumes should smell like, knew instantly it was banana. The pudding smell mixed with the sweet milk note quickly as well. I want to say it’s the same as the condensed milk note in Moloko Plus, one of my favorites, and I couldn’t be happier. About an hour or so in I start to get that ice cream note that goes plastic-y on me, but thanks to the miracle that is this banana, it’s not having that effect!!! What!? Maybe it’s because it’s warmer weather right now or a mix of the ingredients, but whatever is happening, it’s creamy and smooth...there’s a hint of that plastic there, though in this context, it doesn’t come across the same way. Hard to explain. I’ve been seeing reviews saying it’s a powdery smell on them, but this couldn’t be further from the case. On me, this is a smooth and milky banana pudding, and while something light like this isn’t what I would normally call luscious, to me it very much is. I’m in love. Verdict: Full sized, bathe me in this forever
  
• Bananas Foster (Caramelized bananas, buttery rum sauce, vanilla ice cream): This starts off a strong banana runts kind of smell, though as a fan of banana runts, I’m fine with this. Apparently this is actually what banana smelled/tasted like in the past which is a fun fact I knew offhand as a smart person and DEFINITELY didn’t learn from a YouTube video about hard candy. The rum sauce comes through pretty quickly to booze the banana up...it’s a little sharp, but it mixes well with the sweet banana. The ice cream note is kind of artificial (think this is the same note I mention in Butterbeer below), and it unfortunately sticks around WAY too long. The silage to me is weak, but other people I saw that day said it smelled nice, so I guess my nose just got used to it. I think this is nice, but Banana Milk is my new Banana Bae. Verdict: Occasional sample, but not unpleasant
  
• Bay Harbor Butcher (Red strawberries and fresh, salty ocean air): This definitely gives you what it says it will! The strawberry note is sweet and fresh, and it’s not for the faint of heart. I’m not sure how realistic it is off the top of my head, but it’s pretty intense...in a good way! It’s more realistic than your candy store strawberry because it has just a smidge of tartness behind the sweet. As it mellows out, you can get a touch more of the salt in there to give this a bit of oomph. And no headaches! I’ve gotta go back and edit my Alexandrite review, I think it was the blackberry scaring me about headaches after all. If you really want a treat, layer some Spectre on this one for a strawberry milkshake experience. Verdict: Either repeat sample or full size, haven’t decided
  
• The Bell Witch (Blood musk, ebon musk, feral musk, nag champa, sandalwood, incense, guaiacwood, vanilla, bergamot, aged dark patchouli, woodsmoke, amber): This was applied very conservatively because I thought it’d be intense when too much is worn. I smelled one or two of the musks (not sure which), the nag champa, and just a hint of the woodsmoke when I put this on. It’s very much a resinous scent, and it relies on the blend of scents rather than starring one note as the main focus and branching off from it. I got a smidge of the bergamot when it started drying down, and then the scent was just....gone. I’m not sure if it was a speedy nose blindness or it just faded fast because I didn’t put on enough, but by 1 1/2 hours in I could barely smell it. A whiff of musk here, a smaller whiff of amber there...but nothing for the rest of the day. Frankly, I don’t think I can give it a full, fair assessment. Going to put this one back in the cabinet for a few months and try it again later to see how it matures. Verdict: ??? Where did she go?
  
• Bellypopper (Chocolate and banana puddings, whipped cream and white chocolate shavings): This is 100% like I’ve opened up a pudding snack pack back in middle school. I immediately get the chocolate and banana from this - the banana note is actually really nice and balanced the chocolate well so it wasn’t overpowering like some chocolate notes tend to be, at least on me. (Looking at you, Tokyomilk.) The white chocolate comes in a bit later, but unfortunately, that’s about as much as I got. The smell just kind of disappeared after maybe 3 hours - it was there, but just barely. My wife couldn’t even tell I had anything on. I guess it’s fine? I don’t think it left enough of an impression to hold on to. Verdict: Not a repeat, lunchroom favorite
  
• Big Toddy Goth GF (Spiced buttered rum, bourbon, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove cigarettes): The buttered rum and bourbon come at you straight from the get-go, though they relax quickly, leading into the nutmeg a bit. Smells like a holiday drink (which I guess it is because toddy...). The buttered rum is a smidge cloying and sticks around on the dry down, but I don’t dislike it...I have a lot of fond memories eating those old fashioned candy sticks in Butter Rum flavor specifically at the beach as a kid, so I’m okay with it. The clove makes its way in a few hours in, and it sadly doesn’t have the stronger clove cig notes I was looking for...I’ve never been able to find a clove cigarette scent emulated properly to bring back those sweet “summer of 2010” memories, so the hunt continues. Still, it’s sassy, boozy, sugary, and the spices mix really pleasantly with the overall scent, so it still fits...no harm in smelling like classy Buttershots. Verdict: Full sized, full-tittied
  
• Bisou (Smeared lipstick and warm, flushed skin: vanilla, orris root, violet, sugar, cetalox, skin musk, and safraleine): I asked Caroline to send me her current favorite scent as a sample with my second full-size order, and this was the result. Honestly, I wrote Bisou off when I saw the description because 1) it has violet in it, which on me usually smells like baby powder, and 2) I’m a scent note babby and have NO idea what half of the ingredients in this were supposed to smell like. It‘a a sweet floral in the bottle (thinking it’s the orris root...I LOVE irises so that’s nice!), but on my skin, it changed almost immediately! It starts off with an inoffensive but artificial note that I think is the lipstick note with a violet edge to it. The orris root seems to be balancing that violet undertone out, which I couldn’t be more thankful for because this violet is miraculously not as powdery and feels more like a light dusting because of it. A lot of people I’ve seen that tried this call Bisou a sexy smell, but that’s not my interpretation. Smelling this, my brain immediately brought me to an incredibly specific memory from when I was some single-digit age in the early 90s waiting for my mom to finish shopping at Talbots. A Sting song was playing over the speakers, and I was watching a video they had on a small TV of a fashion show where models were showing off looks made with the clothes in stock. This was a really weird tangent, but I guess the point I’m trying to make is that this smell is really evocative, and I actually...like it a lot? To me it reads as extremely confident, like a businesswoman in the 80s with big shoulder pads and bigger dreams. (And I guess she shops at Talbots.) I feel like I’m not enjoying it for the reasons I expected to, but the end result is good! My only sadness with this is that it didn’t last super long on my skin the first time I wore it, but I wore this again to my wife’s family Christmas party and I’m still smelling it now (and I got several compliments!), so maybe it just needed more rest time. This came in a generous 5mL sample, so I’m still working through it, but I’m going to keep this around. Verdict: Full size, this review brought to you by Talbots apparently
  
• Blackberry Lavender Lemonade: This is pleasant! Very summery, it reads like it’d be nice during warm weather. Every note is present and bright in this order, not one thing overshadowing the rest...lavender really likes to star in scents, so this is good news. I’ve found that most lemon scents get a little cleaner-y on me, but the lemonade note doesn’t ever take on that feeling with the blackberry background. I don’t think I want this in a full-size, but I’ll revisit samples now and again. Verdict: Repeated sample, summer lovin’
  
• Black Mass (Smoked vanilla, frankincense, Peru balsam, labdanum, amber, vetiver, Atlas cedarwood, patchouli, night musk, and scorched marshmallows): This is one of a few reviews that I’ve doubled back on and am re-reviewing after my first time wearing it to see if it resting changes my mind. My first try saw it as a little sweet, then a strong plastic note that was too much to get over, leading to dislike. This time around, I think I’m getting mostly frankincense, amber, and balsam on application, as it vaguely reminds me of the forest-y note in Thanatos but much more resinous...the frankincense is definitely the plastic note I smelled before, and thankfully it chilled out more the second time around. It picks up on just a smidge of woodiness, and by the end of the day, it becomes much more like marshmallow with some green resin undertones...not much shifting here. That said, I’m really glad I gave it a second chance. It’s a very warm forest-y smell with just that bit of gourmand sweetness helping it out, which is a weird description, I know. I still think the frankincense can be a bit too much like plastic, but it toned down massively since the first time I tried this to a point where it doesn’t last long enough for me to count it out. I can’t even put my finger on what kind of scent this is, but it’s worth trying. Verdict: Probable full-size, fantastic plastic
  
• Black Phillip (Black amber, dragon’s blood, black musk, tonka, black oak, firewood embers, black currant, soft woods, black pepper): The black amber and black currant are the first two things I personally smelled here, spicy with a hint of fruitiness. I got more dragon’s blood out of the bottle initially than I did on my skin, but that quickly changed within maybe 10 minutes. Eventually, the whole smell mellowed out and I got more of the musk and the tonka with just a hint of that currant and woods keeping it from getting too dark. I haven’t seen much of the pepper or embers which is disappointing because I sort of like that slight burn to those notes. It’s a nice smell, but it wasn’t spectacular to me in any regard. Verdict: Discontinued. That’s it, no funny follow-up
  
• Black Vanilla (Golden amber, three different vanillas, marshmallow fluff, musk) Goes on dark, Amber and musk are the two head notes on this and it’s just what I was hoping for. It’s dark and very much wants to be noticed...BV’s the girl with smokey eyes and black lipstick checking you out from across the room, and you want to approach her but also you have anxiety. The vanillas slowly poke out to make themselves known after this little onslaught which helps to mellow the smell out a bit. I can’t honestly pick out which vanilla is which in the collection, but they blend together really nicely. Then the marshmallow pops out. Everything makes an appearance little-by-little, with each note being careful not to step on its predecessor’s toes. This is definitely a “feel sexy” scent. My only concern is that the silage/throw is a bit weak. May last better in spray form. I’ve been looking for a smell like this...definite full purchase. Verdict: Full sized, forgot to get it as an EDP. Whoops
  
• Blood Moon (Dragons blood, smoked vanilla, pipe tobacco, beeswax, sanguine musk): If you’re looking for something strong/with a good throw, consider Blood Moon. The dragon’s blood is no joke! It and the pipe tobacco are heavy and present from the start - my wife could smell me from several feet away when I put this on. With a stuffy nose. It doesn’t have a Smaug-like aggressiveness to it because the red musk note isn’t as intense, but it’s still there, still looming, and has still respawned all the enemies you’ve killed thus far to keep your game balanced. Weirdly enough, the tobacco became the strongest element in this after a bit of time...DB usually doesn’t step back as much on my skin, so I appreciated this. The smoked vanilla made an appearance about an hour and a half in, and it’s the first time I’ve actually been able to pick it out - this is a neat note! It’s fiery without being a heavier smoke like the note in ASN or Fumer...it adds some sweetness without being too “yo here’s vanilla what up”. I’d say it’s almost reminiscent of C’eci Ne Pas Une Pipe. The beeswax and musk is what it generally ends on, but it’s a nice journey. I thought I wasn’t going to like this as much as I did based on how Smaug worked out comparatively (spoilers), but that vanilla changed my mind. The blood moon will rise again, I think! Verdict: Full size, LIIIINK
  
• Boo-berry (Blueberry cordial, blueberry cobbler, vanilla bean): This is a treat! The cobbler smell comes in pretty quickly on this, giving a hint of baked good to turn this into a fruity gourmand very early. The cordial lightens the scent back up, though, so it isn’t buttery or pastry-reminiscent for more than a moment. The vanilla pops through more later in the day with the cordial backing it up, but it feels like a more authentic vanilla, which is nice. I really enjoy this smell, but its biggest drawback is that I think it has the weakest silage of all the Hex scents I’ve tried so far. Started getting weak around the 2-3 hour mark,which was disappointing. Still, the smell is fruity, fun, and doesn’t make my head hurt - wins all around! May have more luck with this as an extrait, which I’ll be buying in this scent when I grab a full. Verdict: Full size, da ba dee da buh di
  
• Bourbon Street (Coffee, beignets, mahogany, pipe tobacco, cocoa, cardamom): This is so different! I feel like I very specifically smell like a coffee shop in a classy way. The coffee is the most prominent note, but I get this masculine undertone of what I think is the pipe tobacco...or maybe a mix of that and the mahogany? It’s this odd balance that makes me think of an aged wooden coffee house table that has been stained with the subtle smell of cigarette smoke over the years. The coffee fades a touch after a few hours, and I finally start to get that sweet beignet note...reminds me of Sucre due to the powdered sugar. (Would a touch of that be good here?) I also appreciate that the cocoa note in this is more of a support role to deepen the tobacco and coffee...I’ve realized that too much can be overwhelming for my skin, but this is just enough to give the smell that oomph. This is REALLY good, probably my favorite coffee scent by Hex thus far. I’m impressed. Verdict: Full size, I miss going places
  
• Butterbeer (Sweet, golden, drippy butterscotch, rich vanilla ice cream, hot buttered rum): Sugary butterscotch immediately, a smell where you know for sure what you’re eating is terrible for you. It may be tempting to lick your wrists. Do not do this. I love the immediate sweet notes of it, but unfortunately, the dry down leaves a lot to be desired. The ice cream note was artificial on my skin, and the butterscotch all but disappeared. The buttered rum does make an appearance at the very end as well which helps, but the ice cream is the main note for me and makes it hard to look past. I probably would’ve liked this back in high school, but I’m 30 now and can’t get away with this. If you like sticky-sweet-tastebuds-on-fire-oh-god-my-teeth-where-am-I gourmand, then this is for you. I had high hopes for it, but on my skin, it’s a no-go. (Slightly related, if anyone finds a Butterbeer recipe with no carbonation/cream soda involved, let a girl know.) Verdict: Destash, dear god the sugar
  
• Cake (White/yellow frosted cake accord): So full disclosure: when my bottle of this from Ajevie came in, I was scared. In the bottle, this was frosting. Only frosting. Like grocery store, crunches-when-you-bite-it, way-too-sweet frosting. Even I have my sugar limits. I only used a little in the crook of my elbow because I was already wearing a scent, but...y’all. I‘m ready to slather myself in this. I should have had more faith in Caroline. The frosting note isn’t nearly as strong when applied, but within 30 minutes, it had nearly completely transformed into a BEAUTIFUL cake smell. I’m talking the most realistic warm, baked cake scent I’ve ever smelled. I hadn’t seen the full description when wearing it and couldn’t decide if it was more like white or yellow cake...from me to me, surprise, dumbass, it’s both. I never thought I’d find a cake smell that wasn’t overly generic or cloying, but my search is finally over. Verdict: Glad this blind buy was a full size, I match my username
  
• Calm The Fuck Down (lavender, ylang ylang, bergamot, vanilla, and patchouli): When wet, the lavender and what I think is the ylang ylang make their move first. It’s a light floral that almost takes on a minty tone even though there’s no mint involved. Perfume is crazy! It’s a very simple scent at first, but these notes stick around for a while thankfully, to help the calm induce in. On dry down, the patchouli only made a brief appearance. I wish it’d stuck around because it really added some depth to the scent. The vanilla arrives near the end to make it a sweet floral, but then it switches back to the ylang ylang as the big note, which I didn’t expect, as vanilla usually shows up the most on me out of all of these. It’s a nice soft floral that isn’t necessarily a favorite, but considering floral isn’t my immediate personal style, I like it enough to try again, just not sure if I like it enough. Verdict: Probably repeat sample, you can’t tell me what to do you bottle of smell
  
• Camp Crystal Lake (Lake water, fishing dock, seaweed, forest): Once again, Caroline knocked it out of the park with this...I’m not usually a fan of atmospherics, but this one is great. I feel like I’m getting almost everything promised from this on application: the blue aquatic notes from the water, the slightly salty tinge of seaweed, the green notes from the forest...just missing the old fishing dock. This is a weirdly refreshing smell and really makes me long for the summer. Not like mid-summer where it’s 100 degrees out and everything is melting...I want that 85 degree summer where jumping in the water feels the best. The wood dock smell eventually comes through, and it’s awesome. It’s a sweeter wood, but it has just a hint of tang to it that makes it feel just aged enough. This makes me hate that we’re in the middle of winter because I think I want to wear this at the beach. Off topic! This is super refreshing, and while atmospherics haven’t been great for me so far, this is a change that I’ve really enjoyed. Also? It lasted all dang day. I’m on hour 9 now and I can still smell it. Sticking with it!. Verdict: Likely full size, “damp” used as a positive
  
• Ceci N'est Pas Une Pipe (Aged Madura cigars, spiced vanilla, beeswax votives, golden honeycomb): I hope I like this, my dumb ass bought two samples by mistake. This is a heavy scent, I can already tell. Strangely enough, I’m first getting both the cigars and the honeycomb on application, which I didn’t expect since it was listed as a lesser note. I was pretty scared about the cigar note because actual cigar smoke is way too thick and noxious to me, but this is more subdued than I was expecting...I guess what I’m getting is the oil that would be in the maduro wrapping itself, not the smoke. It’s warmer and deeper to the point of...comforting? It’s deep. I like it! The only slight bummer is that I don’t get a lot of vanilla in this, weirdly...vanilla usually pushes its way through on my skin, but the honey is actually putting out more sweetness than anything. It’s subtle, though, and it’s muted by the beeswax, so it isn’t giving me a honey headache. This scent is dark and more unisex, though it reads feminine and just a tad floral on my skin. I’ve really grown to love the warmth it has through the day...this is a rebuy for sure. Guess it’s good I got two after all. Verdict: Full size, about to invite you into my parlor to chat about the man I know you killed
  
• Cereal Killer (Fruit Loops, Cap’n Crunch berries, Trix cereal): Deadass, in the bottle, this smells like Trix or Fruity Pebbles. I’m baffled. What mix of notes created this? After putting it on, this amps up the fruit to the nth degree...I do get background notes of cereal, but some fruity note in particular is trying its damndest to make itself known. What IS that? Orange and lemon mixed? It really pushes its way up front first, but everything else eventually catches up. This is a nice and very accurate take on these beloved cereal scents...but why I’d ever want to smell like this is beyond me 😆 Still, I think this would be a fun smell to wear around children. Verdict; Occasional sample, follow your nose
  
• Cereal Marshmallows (Is what it is!): Another quickie review. Artificial and muted-fruity, just like the shmallows themselves! It really doesn’t change past this and is very one-note, but for what it is, it’s nice. If you like cutesy and sugary smells, you’ll be a fan, but I think I’m okay with just having a sample. Wonder how this would mix with Cereal Killer...? Verdict: Discontinued, you can buy a whole bag of cereal marshmallows on Amazon for real
  
• Chai-Mallow (Marshmallow, buttercream, black tea, chai spices): You know it’s going to be good when you put it on and immediately think “yeeees.” The buttercream and the black tea acted as the opening notes on this, which I really love. It’s an immediate sweet-bitter balance that almost reminds me of a mild coffee with sweet cream and sugar. It sweetens back up again as the tea fades a touch, though. The dry down is a nice warm, sweet spice that isn’t too overpowering and really gives you that “I’m drinking chai-shmallow tea in a Barnes and Noble” feel. At the end of the day, it’s exactly what it says it is: a spicy marshmallow. I LOVE this. Verdict: Full size, the spiciest marshmallow
  
• Chakra Khan (Amber, sandalwood, vanilla, orange blossom, tonka, patchouli): I’ve been convinced there was nag champa in this for like a month, but apparently not! This reads very bright. The amber and slightly sweet sandalwood play together nicely here, taking on a slight floral quality with the orange blossom peeking through the background. The vanilla becomes a bit more apparent several minutes after application too, and it’s a nice vanilla. Not gourmand-y, just light sweetness. It does have head shop vibes to some degree, but I’m appreciating this because it’s light and not so “head shop” as to overwhelm my sense of smell like some nag champa or incense-forward smells can. It’s odd too because for an amber perfume, it reads very “spring” to me. Any patchouli in this is masked by the amber in my case, but it evens out to a nice mellow sweetness. If you’re an amber fan, I’d say it’s worth giving a shot! Verdict: On the fence about full or repeat sample, not on the fence about this being nice
  
• Champanilla (Nag champa, vanilla liqueur, vanilla bean, musk): Spirit Temple’s loud big sister! The nag champa is powerful in this on application and is definitely the main note of the scent by a landslide...my wife woke up with a stuffy nose and could still smell this right after I put it on. It’s almost a smidge bitter after letting it sit for a while, I’d say. The weird thing is that this doesn’t give me as much of a head shop vibe as Spirit Temple did...I think the fact that Spirit Temple’s version was NC incense instead of straight up NC makes a difference. That said, once it dries, it’s still very much the nag champa and not vanilla. The vanilla bean is back there trying to poke through and sweeten the smell a bit, but the champa has Diva Syndrome and won’t let it come out of the background. When the musk shows up, it gives it some depth, but I really wish I got more vanilla out of this. It’s not bad by any means, but I find it a smidge intense. Will probably let this one sit and give it another shot later. Verdict: Meh, Spirit Temple coming at a later date
  
• Children Of the Corn (Candy corn, caramel corn, kettle corn): No mincing words on this: it smells almost exactly like caramel corn on application. This has buttery popcorn notes to it, but there’s a hint of the candy corn’s starchy sweetness in there too. This is super gourmand and definitely invokes the caramel corn imagery, but I think its overall sweetness makes it more palatable for me. I can dig it! Verdict: Repeat sample, I do love me some corn
  
• Cloven (Spun sugar with a dash of clove): Oh Cloven. Dear, dear Cloven. I’m so saddened by you. The spun sugar is VERY strong on application to the point of sickening. This smells more like jelly beans than spun sugar to my nose...maybe the cotton candy jelly bean that Jelly Belly makes. On dry down, the clove does help to comfort it a bit, but at the same time, it still feels like a cycle between smelling like spicy jellybeans and anise for some reason, neither of which I like smelling like as a singular note. By the end of the day, it just smells like a light dusting of sugar versus the jellybean, but it isn’t enough to redeem the rest of what’s happened. I respect the clove for trying to make this right, and I still love it as a note...but the two of them desperately need to see other people. Verdict: Ugh, fatal attraction much?
  
• Corpse Bride (Black roses, white amber, damp earth, vanilla, tonka, musk): Phew, this is potent from the start...you want floral? You’ve got floral. The earthy note is there and gone to make way for the strong rose note (maybe a tinge of it is left, but I can barely smell it), then the bright amber pops in too and fights the rose for the status of main note. It’s got a pretty heavy start, not gonna lie...feels as though the throw on this is really strong even though I put on LESS than usual. When it settles, I pretty much only get rose with a bit of musk at the tail end...not smelling any vanilla at all in this! I’m just glad the rose calms down because...phwoof. It’s a bit too intense for me. It’s a nice scent, but honestly, I don’t think it’s the kind of scent that fits me. This kind of floral isn’t quite my thing. Verdict: Nah, I’ve got a gnome and I’m not afraid to use it
  
• Crowley (Black tea, bergamot, tobacco, vanilla, amber): Starts off more dry and earthy than other Hex scents I’ve tried so far. It looks like the black tea doesn’t contain cream in this mix because that tea note is bold! It’s pleasant and almost slightly floral. The brightness of the bergamot seems to enhance this and gives it more of a woodsy tone while it develops. The tobacco was really subtle when it came through, and I wasn’t able to smell it until I caught a whiff of it and the amber an hour and a half later...it likes to sneak up on you to give you a pleasant surprise. Even with the light sweetness of the vanilla, this never gets to be “too much” of any one note, which I always love in developing scents because it keeps them balanced. This smell is really not like me at all, to be frank, but I’m thoroughly enjoying what it’s turning into. I can see what all the hype was about! Verdict: Full size, the genderfluid demon of our dreams
  

So there we go! I’ve got a lot more to come, so this won’t be the last you see of me...also won’t be the last after I’m done with all my Hex reviews. I will take any advice on how to make the next one of these more manageable. Shit’s going to be stressful for the next week, everyone keep safe ❤️

It’s currently snowing where I live which is rare for this area so everything is closing for the day (and probably tomorrow too, tbh.) My immediate instinct right now is to grab a giant bottle of red or Bailey’s to sit by the fire with while I get cozy with my family this weekend. I’m not and I’m sitting here with my hot cocoa, but in the last couple weeks of Sobriety Attempt 2020, I’ve been noticing what a minefield of triggers I walk through every day. Bad day? Drinks will make it better! Good day? Better celebrate with a drink Boring day? Drinks make things a little more satisfying! Is it hot? Frozen drinks! Fruity drinks! Is it cold? Coffee-based aperitifs! Warm, desserty drinks!
I knew I could justify a drink pretty much anytime, but I didn’t realize how many specific triggers I, personally, had. I have champagne on Christmas, my birthday, my friend’s birthdays (even if it’s just to share via Skype), the anniversary of my Gran passing, and before I perform. I have lager (and pumpkin-spice beer) in the fall. I have Bailey’s and mulled wine around Christmas. I have crisp, light beers and bright, snappy cocktails in warm weather. Beer always comes camping or to the beach with me. If I have the house to myself for the weekend, it’s Prosecco, usually straight from the bottle.
I’m never at risk of drinking shots or straight liquor (not a fan), but I’ve made all these insane, arbitrary rituals for the rest of my life that I’m only just noticing are everywhere and, if I don’t adhere to them, I’ve convinced myself I’m missing out or not honoring the moment or some noise. What a load of lies I’ve told myself.
Anyway, I’ve been on SD for a couple years (new account) and struggling with sobriety for 16 years now and I feel ridiculous for just now noticing how tightly I’ve clung to these little rituals.
I gotta get to work replacing each and every one.

Good morning, Weddit! I always found recaps to be useful, especially the budget breakdowns, so seven weeks later, I'm finally getting time to write everything up. I'm A-type to the max, so I made sure to document absolutely everything.
First, PICTURES! They're all out of order because I had to go with non-imgur because Imgur was only uploading 4/60 pictures before telling me the rest are not able to be uploaded. Oh welllll. Also, I apologize for any grammatical mistakes. It's 1:30am and I haven't stayed up this late in months..
I married my amazing husband June 15th of this year, after being engaged for 23 months. We went with a longer engagement because I was about to leave for my master's program across the country. I wanted to finish grad school before getting married, so I was doing my planning a mid-Michigan wedding while in New Mexico. I did end up booking almost all my vendors about 18 months before the wedding because that was the time I was home in the midwest for Christmas.

Number Breakdown:

Invited: 145
Declined: 44
No shows: 2 - one was a friend who came down with really bad stomach flu the night before the wedding and couldn't make the four hour drive out (way understandable) and the other was a "friend" from undergrad who decided to tell us the groom that because of one other wedding that summer, he didn't think he could take off work. Yeah. Never told the bride or anything. That one pissed me off a lot.
*Besides my family, all his family and our friends were from out-of-state, so a lot of those who declined were to be expected. A few however were very unexpected and it was disappointing. I was worried over not having enough people but right around 100 ended up being PERFECT. I got a chance to talk to everyone, there was plenty of space, and it saved a heck of a lot of money!
​

Cost Breakdown

Budget Expectations
Initial expectations: $15,000 <-- we were not factoring in honeymoon expenses for this
Actual spending: $13,720 not including honeymoon events; $14,702 including honeymoon events
*We actually were able to pay off everything before taking any of the money we received from parents, which felt really good. Everything they gave us went to pay ourselves back for larger purchases, go to the misc. charges close to the wedding, and covered our honeymoon events.
​
I did a LOT of DIY. And when I DIY, I make sure it looks just as high of quality as any product sold on etsy. I totally get why people pay high end for products. I just felt that if I could make it myself, I couldn't really justify paying it. Which was totally fine because I LOVE crafting. It took tons of time, but I got so many compliments, it made all the time I spent so worth it.
​

VENDORS:

Venue - Cherry Barc Farm in Vermontville, Michigan. $4,000
We had the venue from 9am until 11pm on a Saturday. This cost included outside the barn for the ceremony and inside for the reception, all 12.5 acres for pictures. Photobooth and all props were included for three hours along with a cute scrapbook of all the photos taken. Two bartenders were provided along with a freezer, wine cooler, and a whole bar area. There was a whole loft available to get ready with the girls and the farm has animals! Guests loved taking pictures with the goats and ducks. I loved walking onto the property and being greeted by 10 French bulldogs!!
​
Day of Coordinating/Decorating - $1500
Our venue owner offers a service where she can be a coordinator and do the decorating the day of. We figured this cost could be worth it and holy crap was it. She had the entire venue set up, was the point person for all vendors, set up and decorated everything, helped pin on boutonnieres, provided lunch for the bridal party, greeted guests, and answered my stupid worries I had at 1am. This was so so worth this extra fee to have the reassurance someone else had my back. I did not have to worry about a single thing that day, which for me, never happens.
​
Food - Center of the Plate Catering - $1700
WAS AMAZING. We went with a buffet style. People hate on buffets, but I like being able to pick and choose what I eat! We had rolls, a Michigan Cherry and walnut salad, top round with a horseradish au jus, grilled chicken with a cherry-apple compote, roasted herb potatoes, and butter and garlic green beans. Every bite was amazing. The service was also majorly efficient, getting through all the tables really quickly. I'm thankful we went with a sweetheart table so we could have a few minutes to chat and eat before talking.
This also includes the price of table side water service and having lemonade and tea for non-alcoholic options
​
Photography - Kapture my Heart Photography - $1550
We had very few expectations and just wanted a mix of standard shots and candid pictures that would capture all the emotions. She went above and beyond to do that. All of our pictures look incredible and she was so flexible when we had ideas to try different poses at various locations. AND our photographer did all this while pregnant!! She is the sweetest mama that put so much thought and love into capturing our beautiful day. We have so many favorite pictures that made us laugh, cry, and just remember our amazing day.
​
Videography - DTA Productions- $600
I kept going back and forth on videography. I wanted it badly, but I didn't want to pay thousands upon thousands for it. There was a guy who posted to a local bride page, saying he wanted to get into wedding videography and has some deals. He ended up working with me to create my own contract of sorts. I wanted the big parts - ceremony, speeches, dances, some dancing. I did not want the getting ready bits. So we cut a deal and made that happen! He had one or two wedding videos prior to me booking him and they were stunning. I cannot wait to see what he has created for ours!!
​
HaiMakeup - Bombshell Beauty Solutions - $175 + I can't remember what I put in her card for a tip
I was nervous about this vendor at first to be honest because her prices were so low! It was $100 TOTAL for me to do a hair and makeup trial and day of hair and makeup. This included falsies and airbrush makeup. For the girls, it was $75 for hair and airbrush makeup and went down from there for those only doing one service. Every other place I checked was at least double. So she ended up giving me a bride who just got married as a reference, who raved about this lady's work. And it was stunning. My trial was on my birthday (see previous post for pics) and I felt even more beautiful the day of. My makeup held up all day - even through all the tears! - and hair held up throughout the next day because I was afraid to deal with washing it because of the teased-ness hahah. I ended up paying for mine and covering my MOH's because she did so much for me throughout that weekend. Everyone else decided what they wanted and covered it themselves.
​
Cake and Cupcakes - Cortneygirl's Cake Closet - $585
When I was in high school, my AP History teacher mentioned his wife starting a bakery. Once I got engaged, I reached out to see if she still did! It was important to me to help out a local business, especially a family I loved throughout high school. She had a huge list of options of cake and cupcake flavors, and was also willing to mix and match to create a custom menu for us. We ended up going with simple flavors - 4 dozen cupcakes were dark chocolate with a dark chocolate buttercream, 4 dozen were vanilla with a french vanilla buttercream, and our cake was a small, 2 tier raspberry with french vanilla buttercream. They were so rich and fluffy, and we received countless compliments. No leftovers was a huge plus, besides the top tier of the cake we froze!
This also included the transport and set up of all the cakes and cupcakes!
$15 of that cost was Amazon for the gold liners we put the cupcakes in. Any extras we just donated to our baker!
​
DJ - ArJay Music & Memories - $500
As a musician, having the right music is always incredibly important to me. Part of me was thinking of creating a spotify playlist myself, but after talking with multiple DJs, I found our DJ. We had one request being no country music, but gave him a very small request list to maximize his creativity. And he created the absolute BEST reception vibe. Friends danced from right after our parent dances until 11pm when the reception closed. He provided a huge range of genres, reaching all ages of guests. Once more of the older guests left, his music turned more to the 80s and 90s, which was perfect for all our friends. We also got to impress our friends with our swing dancing multiple times that night.
​
Ice Cream - MSU Dairy Store - $67
Definitely a last minute decision to add ice cream and I'm so glad we did. Went to the Michigan State Dairy store and got 90 little 5oz cups. If any of you have been to this place in East Lansing, the ice cream is incredible. So that was a nice local touch to add for all those coming from out of state!
​
Booze - $500
We did just wine and beer to make life easy. Toasts were with whatever you had. I didn't want to deal with buying mixers and liquor so we kept it simple. Almost did two signature drinks and then that went in the fuck it bucket. No one had any complaints about free booze soooo whatever.
$300 Wine from Costco. I thought we were going overboard but turns out...everyone loves wine. We got 36 1.5L bottles - 10 pino grigo, 10 sav., 16 red sangria. I think we had 6 bottles left over, which I will gladly drink.
$150 Keg of Bell's Oberon. I think we ended up having about 1/4 left at the end of the night? But definitely worth it to get the keg. I think it was another $50ish or so to rent the keg or something and then we just brought a tap with us.
​
Flowers - $200
I think besides the veil, I'm most proud of the flowers. I used fake flowers from afloral.com and I was super worried people would judge me for this but dammit, I wanted something I could keep. The part I'm super proud of is I ended up making about 400+ sheet music roses (definitely pictures in previous posts of mine. and in the album above). My coordinator went above and beyond with these. I told her to put them anywhere because I had so many leftover, so they were on the tables and on the cake and all over. And guests actually took them as favors! Any extra that were left I donated to the venue :) But that crafting project was what kept me sane first semester of grad school - hot gluing flowers + planet earth. And I love seeing how the bouquets turned out in pictures. Each bouquet was unique and different and the girls get to take them home and use them wherever they want.
​
Rings - $400 from Etsy. Seller for groom's ring: RobAndLean
When we got engaged, we were both recent grads who didn't want to spend a lot of money. I didn't feel right with the whole blood money diamond thing, so I started looking into lab created diamonds. I felt WAY better about that and I really didn't want to spend a lot because I knew I was moving to Albuquerque - aka super bad crime area. I didn't want to deal with insurance, so both our rings cost $200. Easily replaced if needed, but you really can't tell! I love telling the story behind mine as it really fascinates people. His is a ring with meteorite and some sort of blue wood? I got it for the meteorite because he's a big space nerd :) And he has gotten so many compliments on it being so different!
​
Dress(es) - $55
My wedding dress was a gift from my mom, which was super sweet and unexpected. So I'm not factoring that into the cost at all. I was able to pee in the wedding dress. And it turns out, by the end of the night I was swing dancing in it too. And went out to the bars after, which was GREAT.
I did end up having to get a dress for our first dance because it was a swing dance! I wanted something I knew I would wear again (aka not white) so I went with an inexpensive dress off Etsy. It's super cute and I can definitely wear it more. We had a really fast changing system between the coordinator, my mom, and MOH who all helped me get in and out of dresses in under a minute ahah!
​
Alterations - $55
HOLY CRAP. This was a steal. It was a lady in town that has a small business out of her basement to do wedding dress, prom dress, and dance dress alterations! I had to have the straps shortened, the back fixed a bit so it would lay right, a good 8 inches cut off the bottom, and a bustle. FIFTY FIVE DOLLARS. And the work she did was amazing. She even took some rhinestones and sparkles from the strap bits she cut off and sewed it onto my skirt so it actually looked like the bustle belonged there!! And I was super adamant on a single point bustle. I didn't want to deal with the hassle of anything beyond that.
​
Veil - $10
Thank you Joann's! 2 snaps, 2 sparkly things to sew onto the snaps, and 3 yards of on sale glitter tulle was all we needed! I think this is the part I'm most proud of. I saw a veil cape on Etsy and knew I wanted it. But I really couldn't justify spending $100+ on a veil. No judgement to those who do, I just couldn't afford that. So next best option - get bright pink tulle to practice (shown in a previous post) and make my own! It was just the right amount of extra to look and feel like a badass :)
​
Shoes - $12
I managed to find my ceremony shoes at a thrift shop in Albuquerque for way cheap. They were insanely comfortable and added a few inches to my very short (5'00") frame.
My swing dancing shoes were just some sneakers I got at Payless's Going-out-of-Business sale (RIP, Payless) so I didn't really factor that into the cost at all
​
Groom's Tux - FREE!
We used Generation Tux, as his groomsmen are spread across the country and they were AWESOME. The customer service is fantastic and the fits for every groomsman was spot on. I think it was about $100 to rent for the groomsmen - we did just jackets and pants - and because we had 6 guys, the groom's was free. We also got two free try-ons sent to the groom to make sure the fit was right and we actually only used one of those because the fit was perfect. After the wedding, we decided to buy his suit. For his fitted suit jacket, pants, and vest it ended up being $480. Not factoring that into the cost because that was a decision made from gift money we received.
​
Bridesmaid Dresses
The color was freaking perfect. We used Kennedy Blue because Azazie didn't have the exact shade I wanted. Their fuchsia was too "hot pink-y" and I wanted a berry tone. They all ended up ordering on or around black friday and got 30% off or something like that? the dresses ended up being around/under $100 and most just had a few alterations to make a hew and adjust the boob area. So not bad at all! Each girl got to choose her own length and style. Originally, I told them they could find a dress they liked off any website, but they all loved the Kennedy Blue dresses so it just worked out. And my MOH's dress had pockets. ALL THE SNACKS.
​

Paper:

Save the Dates and Invites - $68
Vistaprint Black Friday sale. 50% off, I think I ordered 90 of each? I had a few left over, which I sent to Disney/famous people/etc. The Save the Dates were postcards because stamps were cheaper and then my invites were just a simple front and back one page thing. All of the info people normally add in, I just had on my website!
Stamps - $116
I believe I ordered 80 postcard stamps for $28 and then I got a bulk order of 200 forever stamps for invites and thank yous off Etsy for $88. I didn't go through all the normal stamps which is great because now I actually have stamps!
Guest Book - $74 + $25 frame
I initially was going to watercolor a cool guest book design, but then I found this cool night sky one! I got that custom made to the skies of: The day we met, the night we got engaged, and our wedding day. The Etsy seller was OurLoveWasBornand they were great to work with. I was able to customize everything and shipping was really quick. I ended up going to Hobby Lobby and getting 50% off a large frame for it.
​

GIFTS

Parents - $200, ended up being around $50 for each parent, ish?
Father of the Bride and Mother of the Groom - We got a bunch of KBS beer for each of them
Mother of the Bride - She collects Precious Moments and I found a Precious Moment of a bride and her mom so that was a win. Made her cry :)
Father of the Groom - He LOVES the Beatles. They have those laser-cut vinyl records turned into clocks on etsy and I found one with cut outs of the four Beatles and their logo.
Bridal Party - I made every single person in our bridal party those hangers. Again, I couldn't justify spending all that money on etsy, so I just used pictures from etsy as guidelines on how to bend wire and I spent an afternoon making around 30 for under $20! I know I posted pictures of this previously!
​
Groomsmen - $200
After a lot of research, the groom decided he wanted to go with custom ties that the guys would want to wear more than once. We went with Knotty Tie, an awesome company based out of Denver. They have a $10 color matching chart you can order, match to your color, and send back for a refund, which we did. We were able to get the exact shade of berry + some surrounding shades to use for contrast. Every groomsman went to the website and picked the design they wanted. The groom wanted to be in charge of this (heck yes!) and then went in and designed the ties himself. You can pay a fee to get a designer to do it, or you can just go in (no fee) and throw the colors you want in. The ties look AWESOME. The groom had a space bowtie and the groomsmen all went with skinny ties in the following patterns: dinosaurs, octopi, mountains with little camper guys, hops, floral, and light speed lines. The guys loved being able to pick their own tie and we loved that they all want to wear them again.
​
Bridesmaids - roughly $100ishhh thanks to post-Christmas sales and coupons?
I did the bridesmaid gifts in stages and they got a lot of small things rolled into one package. During after Christmas sales, I picked up these super cute makeup bags that came in sets of three from Michaels ($20), candles and lotion from B&BW ($20), earrings from Kohl's ($25), and fabric from Joann's ($35). I wanted some sort of cardigan for the getting ready morning in the barn, but I didn't want those silk robes because 1. it was so expensive off etsy, 2. I don't think I would have ever worn mine again, and 3. Like I said above, I can just do it myself.
So I got their favorite colors and I found fabric unique to each girl (just like all the other gifts for them, it varied person to person). I ended up getting enough fabric to make 7 cardigans - 4 girls, Mother of the Bride, myself, and a gift for our coordinator. I found a super simple pattern online and I think they each took maybe a half hour tops to make? And now the girls all have a light cardigan they can wear around whereever!!
​
Officiant - $160
Aka the older brother of the groom. We initially got him this mug off Etsy that has a caricature of his face and on the back says "Thank you for marrying us!" We weren't sure what else to get until he actually asked if he could get a minister robe and stole because why the heck not. We had some extra money in the budget so we splurged and bought the fancy robe with velvet trim and the stole. I think he lost the robe....but whatever, that was his gift hahaha. He wore the stole to the rehearsal and reception and the bar after. so definitely got our money's worth there!
​
Ushers - $40
The three younger brothers of the bride and groom. Our colors were berry, gold, and green for the whole thing, so we got each of them a pair of suspenders as a small thank you. Each brother wanted a specific color and thankfully it all worked out great with giving those out. All these were from Amazon too!
​

Misc. Things

Flowermen baskets from Michael's and real rose pedals - $20We had two extra groomsmen and I thought of the idea of making them flowermen. They were freaking perfect at the job, tossing rose pedals at guests, at each other, and turning it into a huge spectacle. I'm just sad I was hiding and couldn't see it happen!!
Website - $20I used Minted for my website and decided to upgrade. They have a thing where it's $20 for a year and you get a custom url + a lot of extra add-ons with the website. Definitely worth it and made our life a lot easier. After that year, the add-ons stay but it goes back to some .minted url.
License - $20
Insurance - $188 , this covered a $1,000,000 liability and $1,000,000 alcohol policy or something like that. It was a simple 1 night coverage through some event website online.
Cake Topper - FREE. With the extra wire from the hangers, I made my own cake topper because I was lazy and didn't to put in another Amazon order hahhh.
Place cards - $8 off Amazon
Table numbers - $8 off Amazon for a set of 10!
Spray Paint - $6 from Hobby Lobby - green for the table numbers and gold for the card box!
Card box - Free from a friend who got it from Goodwill for her wedding! All I needed was to spraypaint it!
Guest favors -Magnetic Photo Booth Frames - $36 from AmazonFavors were already in the fuck it bucket until I found these photo frames on Amazon! It was a pack of 100 for $36 and we threw one at every place setting. Some people left theirs and that's great! I ended up with 5 and some friends left with multiple for various pictures they got at the photobooth! Highly recommend as a favor if you don't want to do food or trinkets. This was way practical!
Self Tanner - $36 from Amazon - Brand was Beauty by EarthI had some realllllly bad tan lines I wanted to fix and I had never tried self tanner before. I was nervous so I spent a little more than I normally would have because I wanted it to be a good quality that didn't look orange. It was great and looked so natural!
Umbrellas - FREE...sortaWedding week was sponsored by Amazon Prime - I wish. Four days before the wedding, the weather was still looking like 50/50 shit. So I ordered 10 white umbrella from prime that I could easily get a refund for if needed. I didn't want to deal with the clear or the bubble ones because I knew if I brought them, I wouldn't need them. Lo and behold, we bring the umbrellas and no rain until a slight mist in the evening. So that was great.
Rain Boots - $20 from AmazonSame reason as above except I kept these because I needed rain boots anyways. I ordered green glitter ones so they would fit in with the colors and they're way cute!
Pasties - $7 from AmazonI couldn't wear a bra with my dress and I didn't want everyone seeing nips during my first dance. No thanks haha
Shoe in the ground things - $9 off Amazon for a set of 9 pairsThese are the heel stoppers so we wouldn't sink. This set had 3 small, medium, and large and were plenty to offer to bridesmaids, my mom, and close friends we knew would need them!
Dress Preservation - $200 I do believe
​

Other Events:

Rehearsal dinner - $250
Super simple rehearsal dinner for 20 people. I wanted pizza and beer. Ordered 8 pizzas ahead of time from the local pizza shop ($150) and took those to the local brewery that has beer only and you bring your own food in. Sat and drank beer. We told everyone we'd cover the first couple rounds but after one round, people just started paying for themselves and us! So we covered the first round and tipped the owners so well. The brewery was an awesome vibe for just hanging out, drinking, and playing a bunch of board games.
Honeymoon -$982
We had a trip all planned out to Maine. Husband got offered an internship at NASA down on Cape Canaveral so we cut the Maine trip. In exchange, once loans are paid, we're backpacking Europe ;) The day after the wedding, we had to fly him back down to Florida and I drove down a couple days later. I was in Florida for a month with him, so I suprised him with an unconvential honeymoon of weekend getaway trips to places! Universal weekend 1, Goat Yoga and a fancy cooking class weekend 2, weekend 3 was a bioluminesent kayaking tour that got cancelled :( so we explored Clearwater Beach, Cocoa Beach, and saw Far From Home! And weekend 4 was a brewery and more beaching before I had to leave!
$500 tickets to Universal. Park hopper passes for two days$16 four Lyft trips between our Airbnb and Universal (cheaper than parking there!)$100 Airbnb guest house outside Universal$50 Airbnb in Clearwater$50 Goat Yoga$150 Fancy cooking class at Truffles & Trifles$16 Far From Home$100 Meals out exploring and brewery flights
​

How did it all go??

It was fantastic. Best day and best weekend with so many of our closest family and friends. I could not have asked for a better day. You know you're marrying the right man when his vows end with "There is a bomb at this wedding...your butt. Your butt is the bomb." I laughed so freaking hard at that.
I could rave about how amazing it was for pages, but this is long enough. Everyone says their wedding day was the best ever. And it was. Seeing so much love and so much support was everything. The weather held off, but we had backup plans. Yeah two people didn't show up, but 100 did. That's what matters. And I got to stand at the end of the aisle and make my husband cry with my vows. Hell. Yes. I also don't want to ramble more because it's 2am and I'm really exhausted haha.
​
What went wrong?
Honestly, NOTHING. I had it planned to a T and everything went off without a hitch. I got so many comments from vendors about how they've never experienced a wedding that didn't experience some sort of delay. Nope. Everything that was supposed to happen, happened right when it was supposed to happen. So that was incredible really. And I'm so pumped. And thank you rain lords, for holding off the garbage weather until the following day when it downpoured.
I guess one tiny thing that's sort of funny is during pictures, flies kept getting caught up under my tulle. No idea how they got there, but we would often have to pick through layers of tulle to get these dang flies hahaha.
​
Advice to future brides
Don't be afraid to put your own spin on things! It's so easy to get caught up in "you must do this, this is what's trending!" Throw that in the Fuck-It Bucket. Do what makes YOU and your hubby happy. We did not like the idea of a unity candle or sand. But we wanted a picture with everyone. So we created the "Unity selfie," having our guests be a part of that. This was also why we went with Flowermen. Because. We. Could. :)
Sweetheart table was awesome. It gave us time to talk as a couple and laugh and look around to see our friends and family having a great time. It was also really nice for our bridal party with guests, the guests weren't left our and lonely. Our friends really appreciated being sat with their friends too.
First look. This was AWESOME. Hubby freaking sobbed. He cried more than I did. Which was awesome. It was nice to get time to hang out and take pictures and not feel the pressure of everyone's eyes watching.
Take time as newlyweds to walk somewhere and just view everything to take it is. Everyone says it goes by fast and it did. Especially after I hit my second wave of energy after the exhaustion. So we snuck off multiple times to the top loft to just look down at everyone and smile and cry, just overwhelmed with gratitute toward all the people that came to support and love us.
​

Things I'm glad I put in the Fuck-It Bucket

- Favors. Those things didn't matter and no one would have noticed!
- Real flowers. Fuck it, I want to keep my flowers!
- Calligraphy. I wanted to learn but I got lazy and remembered people just toss out the envelope asap anyways! Kudos to the people who can do that. I figured my normal handwriting will be good enough ;)
- Video of bridesmaids getting ready. We were all so tired and it was nice to just have a morning to chill. I'm glad I didn't have to deal with trying to look put together and professional. We had our own dance party and took our own videos.
- Family drama. FUCK. THAT. Nope I was not about to deal with the fact we said no young kids and the groom's cousin decided her 1 year old is the exception to that rule. I was done and didn't care anymore.
-THE WEATHER. We were watching a radar a half hour before the ceremony because it looked like it was going to dump on us...yay June in the Midwest, and we ended up starting our ceremony a few minutes early! We weren't sure what was going to happen and at that point, and a day before, I really didn't care. Whatever was going to happen would happen. And that was that!
​
I hope you enjoy! I enjoyed finally getting to put all my planning into writing somewhere. I hope this helps some bride somewhere! :)
(edited because I forgot about the hangers and cake topper)

Incoming! Christmas thank yous!
❄️ u/katieleighgee - So you were one of my secret holiday exchangers, huh?! Found you! Hahaha! Thank you so much.. I love the Christmas card! And I hope you have a great holiday season! ❤️
🎄 u/OblongMoose - Thank you for yet another awesome Christmas card! The weather here has been super rainy and abnormally chilly the past few days, but it’s supposed to warm up by Christmas! Hopefully the weather there is a bit nicer! Thank you, again! 💚
☃️ u/JacksChocolateCake - Thank you for the Christmas card! You definitely didn’t have to do that, but I so appreciate it! I love that raccoon and his little scarf! 😍 I hope your card got to you okay, and that you have an amazing holiday season, as well! Side Note: Your handwriting is so pretty! And I love that little Christmas tree drawing! ❤️
🎁 u/lovemachine_ - Okay, Santa surfing on a cup of hot cocoa is genius! I love the Hawaiian beach vibes I’m getting form this card! This is my first Christmas in Georgia, and I’ve been missing my ”white Christmas,” but this card really makes me feel better for some reason. Almost like it’s not so bad, ya know? So thank you so much for that! And for the adorable card. I hope you have a Merry Christmas! 💚

Black Vanilla – Golden amber, three different vanillas, marshmallow fluff, musk
Yup, this is right up my alley. I love amber, especially when combined with a sweet note or two. This is gorgeous, rich, resiny, deep, and nuanced vanilla. I get why people like it. If you don’t like/ have trouble with amber, you might not be on board, but I will say that it reads more vanilla to me. Could be the marshmallow contributing. Amber is the complementary note, regardless. I highly suggest it for people who enjoy both. It reminds me of Gold Skulltula a bit, without the delicate floral. It reads a bit darker and sweeter because of that note missing. The dry down becomes more and more straight, smooth vanilla, so I think it will be fabulous layered. I’d call this a tentative favorite. Hard toss-up between this and GS though. They’re close enough that I don’t need both. I’ll have to think on it before I upgrade. I thought I’d be deliberating between this one and Morning Star, tbh, but I don’t think they’re head-to-head competitors for me.
Blood Moon – Dragons blood, smoked vanilla, pipe tobacco, beeswax, sanguine musk
This is the sweetest, loveliest little dragon’s blood blend. It’s the younger sister of Bordello of Blood. (They have dragon’s blood, beeswax, and tobacco in common). The dark vanilla here serves to lighten the spicy herbal dragon’s blood. Though of course it’s such an assertive note that it’s still undeniably present. The musk underneath is a beautiful complement, tying everything together. I quite like this one. It reminds me of Daemon to a lesser extent, minus the green/ leafy qualities. The dry down is expertly tempered. It’s still like BoB, without the rich incense qualities. I think this might be a good introduction for someone who isn’t sure about dragon’s blood. It’s feisty enough to capture it but smoothed out so it’s less scary for a first-timer. At the same time, it’s also nicely on display for judging since this isn’t as complex. I like it a lot, but I already upgraded BoB to a full-size and I adore it, so I don’t need both in my collection. If I wanted something tamer, but in the same vein, I would order this one. The extreme dry down is almost identical between the two.
Calm the Fuck Down – A sigh-inducing blend of essential oils (lavender, ylang ylang, bergamot, vanilla, and patchouli)
You know, with the vanilla and patchouli, this is a legit perfume, not just an essential oil blend. I really wasn’t expecting it to be so wearable (silly me). I like it a heck of a lot more than expected. I think I need it in a roll-on for both calming purposes and just because it smells delicious. It reminds me of my grandmother a bit too. She sold Young Living Essential Oils back in the 90’s and always smelled of some combination of them. Sometimes she’d slather me too. This blend is along the lines of what I might have worn if I were in control! It’s herby, sure, but in a delicate and a bit classic-hippie way. The sweetness level is perfect. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition. I love it. 100% sold and thought I wouldn’t be!
Corpse Bride – Black roses, white amber, damp earth, vanilla, tonka, musk
This one is a total roller coaster for me. The rose is prominent in the bottle and on initial application and I’m meh about it. I don’t do florals as a rule, though I’ve learned there are exceptions. The next thing I smell is rich, gorgeous vanilla. It’s such a nice vanilla. Like it’s special, expertly curated for this blend. I dig that aspect quite a bit. There’s something that’s reminding me of Le Chat Noir too… maybe the white amber? That could be what’s coloring the vanilla so much. The dirt note pokes through soon after, which tempers the sweetness even more. It’s settled into a dirty-sweet barely floral. It’s not at all an overbearing, flowery mess, which I was worried about. The sweetness is exactly the right amount. The dirt and amber prevent it from ever becoming cloying. I’m leaning towards a no out of habit though because it’s still a recognizable rose scent. I could see someone who enthusiastically likes florals adoring this one because it’s a brilliant take on it. It’s balanced. It’s also probably my favorite of the rose scents I’ve tried from this house. I’m very torn… and then I start to notice the dry down. It’s intoxicating, rich vanilla rose rolled in freshly turned soil. It’s. Really. Good. Sexy, yet demure. Sophisticated, yet simple. I get the hype. I’m still not sure if I’ll upgrade it, but it’s undeniably special despite being outside my comfort zone. The appeal grows exponentially as it sits. I’d have to call it signature-worthy from a third/ middle of wear through the end. Very, very interesting. I’m all in on the end, but only about 25% on the beginning, so I just don’t know.
Espiritismo – Lavender wands, cowrie shells, coconut husks, tonka beans, black amber, hyssop, spikenard, tea leaves
Right off the bat, I’m confused. There’s just so much going on, most of it unfamiliar. It’s, um… fresh? Some sort of herbal tea… lavender maybe? With the tiniest dash of sugar? It’s also giving me a beachy impression, which I guess must be shells? What the heck does a cowrie shell even smell like? The thing is, I don’t actively smell COCONUT at first, but I know it’s there. I also get a sort of creaminess after it sits for a while on my skin but am unsure of the source. As it approaches the dry down, the coconut becomes apparent and recognizable. I’m reminded of strolling through cheap souvenir shops at the beach for some reason. This is the strangest scent I’ve encountered. I don’t hate it necessarily, but my brain is having such a hard time nailing it down that I don’t necessarily like it either. I guess it smells objectively good, but I just don’t know how to feel about it. I find myself craving something dark and dirty. Just something more to grab my interest. So, I suppose this is ultimately a pass. Give it a try though, if for no other reason than its strangeness.
Fallen Angel – Rain-soaked granite, mountain air, petrichor, creeping ivy, damp earth
I’m happy to report this doesn’t smell like kale to me lol… another reviewer described it that way and I’ve been itching to see how my take compares to that ever since. It actually smells like being outside after it rains! That’s kinda what it’s supposed to smell like, so I’m excited it’s working for me. It’s super, super green without being forest-y or pine-y and it’s… wet somehow. So that’s gotta be petrichor, right? I can’t say I smell granite or stone… but that’s abstract to begin with. Overall, it’s a quite impressive, lovely little atmospheric that wears well on my skin. I honestly didn’t expect to like it even a little bit, so that’s cool. It becomes more and more fresh-cut grass as it wears and I’m not as into it anymore. It was fun while it lasted! So, this is not my style by a long shot, but I’m impressed by it nonetheless. I think it could be great worn to an outdoor event. It’s not for me, but I’m glad I got to test it out.
Honey Moon – Oriental accord, honeyed fig, vanilla pod, white musk, balsam accord
I love this one on application. It’s sweet and fruity, but in an unexpected, new way. I must dig oriental accord and fig? I’ve tried a few blends with fig in them before and have been decidedly “meh” on it. It’s literally oozing forth here, like actual honey drizzled over fruit that’s dripping juice. It’s thick and luscious. I can barely pick out the balsam, which just gives it some green depth. The marrying of these scents is divine. It’s exotic and totally signature-scent worthy, like nothing I’ve smelled before. Unfortunately, with wear, I get more and more of the balsam note like I’m being smothered by a forest… and the sweetness is getting overwhelming too. It starts smelling a little like sappy, fruity pine trees. I don’t like smelling like a Christmas tree. It’s just not appealing to my nose at all. I wish that note wasn’t involved. It morphs back towards the beginning profile after another hour or so. The tree smell is mostly gone, and the saccharine qualities have calmed back down. It’s nice. Still, I’m turned off now. I’m worried the honey note is going to give me a headache at times. I don’t think this works for me after all. Shame. I thought I had discovered something new and exciting to add to my collection. Instead it gets a soft pass.
Jadis – Spun sugar, marshmallow fluff, Spiritueuse Double Vanille, vanilla
I’ve heard others state that this is total recognizable cotton candy and I really beg to differ. It’s not a “pink” cotton candy to my nose, if that makes sense. I don’t know that I’d peg the note if I didn’t know it was there. This is more of a mélange of vanilla sugar to my nose, and so much more. It’s nuanced and restrained from being overly sweet. Hex’s marshmallow note is so soft and pillow-y that it’s only adding to the depth and nuance. I think it’s the Spiritueuse Double Vanilla that ultimately brings it back from the toothache edge. I love that blend. It has a lot going on that morphs into one fabulous thing of its own. It works magic in blends I’ve smelled time and time again and I say this is no different. Jadis is sweet, yet somehow less sweet than I expected. The sweetness isn’t the entire point. I want to layer it under other things, for sure, but it has enough going on to be worn alone too. I’m happily surprised by how much I’m into it. It’s one of the more unusual “cotton candy” perfumes I’ve tried. I smell more of the familiar pink sugary confection as it wears, but I’m okay with it. I would suggest everyone make up their own mind on this one.
Killer Queen – Sugar cane, coconut milk, vanilla orchid, white musk, lavender
Holy lavender… that’s all I can smell for a few seconds. It’s spot-on, but I’ve outgrown this smell at some point so my initial reaction is negative. I think I overloaded on it in my youth and just don’t like smelling like it any more. There’s a cool, liquid sweetness that appears when the lavender calms down and a pleasant secondary floral. I next start to detect that dreadful burning plastic note that I’ve associated with milk notes. I got that from the coconut milk in De Falsis Deis, so I’m not entirely surprised here. It is muted in this one though, and short-lived, so that’s a relief. I get trickles of sweet coconut as it fades out, which also isn’t my favorite note. The dry down is amorphous, sweet floral/ herbal, getting sweeter and sweeter as it goes. It never gets cloying or anything, just unmistakable sugarcane… melded with lavender in a lesser amount… is sugared lavender a thing? I see it being akin to Morphine now, maybe good for bedtime. I prefer the chamomile to temper the lavender and the amber base in Morphine if I’m going to choose one or the other though. This one is more of a straight-forward sweet lavender. It’s never going to be a favorite, but it’s perfectly nice. I can see why some people rave. It’s simply not my style.
Laudanum – Opium, saffron, ambergris accord, black currant, plum, bergamot, nutmeg, vanilla, black oak, cedar, smoked patchouli, amber, amyris, black pepper, vetiver, white musk
Hmmm… this just smells like sorta woodsy cologne to me. I can’t pick out much of anything. I’m not into it at all. I’m very surprised to say it smells awfully generic. I don’t get it! There are so many components and some really interesting notes like opium, plum, and black currant (one of my favorites usually)… but it’s a total flop to my nose. It very vaguely reminds me of some random men’s fragrance I smelled at Bath and Body Works once. I don’t even remember what it was called. I don’t get any fruitiness, sweetness, or musk. Definitely no patchouli! It’s just sort of… clean and soapy with a little wood… something. I’m getting the distinct impression of a bramble as I sit here trying desperately to decipher it. It’s a dry, prickly bush, twigs crackling. Tumbleweed? Not exactly something I want to smell like. I can barely pick out a dusty spice of some sort as it dries down. Nutmeg and black pepper perhaps? It’s not bad, per se. It’s in no way not grabbing me either. I guess this just doesn’t jive with me or my skin. I’m at a loss for words. I’m thankful I didn’t blind buy this in a large size! It was very high on my list. Bullet dodged.
Le Chat Noir – Chimney smoke, freshly fallen snow, and the cool, dry, musky scent of a cat just in from a long winter stroll
I have mixed feelings going into this one. Loup Garou was a huge let down and they’re often called sister scents. That smelled like my own skin and was very off putting as a perfume (why would you bottle my skin smell?!). I’d hoped since this is described as the stronger, smokier version and that tends to be my taste, that it would suddenly click for me on why these are so hyped. I do get smoke on application and something that my brain is reading as… snow? It smells the way pure, clean water tastes. The dry down evokes a bit of that “my skin but better” everyone keeps talking about. It’s mostly just clean. It’s okay. I could wear it, but I wouldn’t seek it out. This is much more interesting than LG was, but it’s still not something I WANT to wear. It’s just too damn subtle! When I did a side-by-side comparison of this with Corpse Bride, it makes me like this a little more, surprisingly. For some reason when I have the sweeter CB to play against it, I’m struck by how nice the match of light smoke and clean snow is. Completely unexpected. Hmmm… LCN could fill a need for a clean winter scent. A lot of my cold weather stuff trends to foodie and spicy. So… maybe I do need this. I have a feeling I’ll fall for other things harder though, so it’s going in the “someday maybe” category.
Mephistopheles – Dead leaves, pine, cedar, fall air, laurel, balsam, smoke, clove bud, black patchouli, mushroom caps, dampened black soil
This is probably the most outdoorsy atmospheric I’ve ever sampled. It smells like I’ve been playing in damp, fresh dirt. It’s got all the earthy, ephemeral qualities that come with that. I can almost feel the worms. I’m not picking up any grass or pine, which is refreshing for what I’m used to with this type of scent. (To be fair, this is not a variety of fragrance I normally buy, so I don’t have much frame of reference). It reminds me of the smell of working in the garden, getting ready to plant new seeds. It’s after the tilling and adding fresh soil. There might be some mulched leaves around. I don’t get patchouli or smoke. As it sits, the slight forest smell emerges, but stays in the background (where it belongs!). It’s almost minty at times, and then the complete dry down is fresh-chopped mushrooms. Like straight up. Weird. I can appreciate this for what it is, but it’s not something I would wear.
Moloko Plus – Steamed milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and rice milk, infused with lavender simple syrup, coconut crème, and green cardamom poddiwods
Strangely, this is reading buttered popcorn to my nose. Maybe a little caramelized hint. It reminds me of the start of Kona Mocha, so sweetened condensed milk seems to be the common culprit. It starts to get the wretched burnt smell I expect after a few minutes. I’ve learned that milk doesn’t work for me and it’s fascinating to smell it develop every time. I think I can safely narrow my skin’s hatred even further to “sweetened condensed milk” specifically. I smell a bit like sickly-sweet burnt plastic right now, backed by something herbal. I’m guessing the “sickly” part is the coconut crème because I get a waft of coconut out of nowhere and I hate it. I had a strong dislike for the same note in a Cocoa Pink perfume. Big nope. The longer it sits, the more tolerable it becomes. The overly rich, buttery feel never leaves, though I am getting a sort of green scent now that’s interesting (poddiwods?). I find this way too sweet overall. That burnt smell is still happily ruining things by hanging out in the background too. The extreme dry down pretty much smells exactly like canned, sweetened condensed milk. That’s not something I want to smell like at all! I guess I’m glad the burning is over… maybe this is an okay relaxation foodie blend for some people, if milk doesn’t go wonky on you. I highly suspected this wasn’t going to work for me though and I was correct.
MOON – Smoked vanilla, frankincense, Peru balsam, labdanum, amber, vetiver, Atlas cedarwood, patchouli, and night musk
Damn. Everything I adore about Black Mass is here, albeit a bit stronger (which is fine by me!). It’s perfection in a bottle. Sexy, smoldering, ritualistic incense and deep smoked vanilla, something clean-musky, and a slight dry woody quality to boot. It’s grounded in amber and patchouli, but neither stands out. I notice now as I read the scent notes that there’s vetiver in here, but I never detect it. There’s absolutely nothing green here. In my original review of BM, I pictured being inside a wood cabin, so I guess it’s somehow disguising itself and the balsam within everything else. I’m so happy I get no Christmas tree from either of these. Interestingly, I could totally have been happy with this blend without the marshmallow. The vanilla plays nearly the same role in a sweet counterpoint. This is much more assertive, but I’m pretty convinced I could begin ordering MOON when I run through my Black Mass. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect ever since I found out the marshmallow ratio in BM is 9:1! My conclusion is honestly that marshmallow is just such a delicate fragrance that it must be that strong to balance MOON in all its glory. Regardless, I love them both. I’ll take either one as my favorite from this house.
Moonstone – Argent ambre, night-blooming jasmine, evening air accord, lunar musk
This is remarkable. It’s gorgeous and ethereal, like liquid rainbows slipping through my fingers. It’s evoking such a mood in me! What I’m shocked by is that I wouldn’t classify this as a primary floral. I smell the jasmine, but it’s on equal footing with this unbelievable freshness… this smell is what I wish the clean air part of Pearanormal Activity had achieved for me. It’s also what I wanted Loup Garou to do, in a different way. It’s a couple notches above “my skin but better”. It is obvious that I’m wearing a perfume, and that’s the way I like it. It’s straddling the line of subtlety I can tolerate and it’s on the winning side. It’s super classy too and its strength and endurance is impressive. After being let down by both Rose Quartz and Citrine, I seriously doubted this one. I was wrong! It’s so beautiful… and so far outside my normal tastes. Yet my fascination persists. I just had to get a full-size of this. It’s too good. I discovered by suggestion that this layers well with Kakariko Village. I never in a million years would have put it with a sweet-fruity. Instead of being swallowed as I predicted it might be, Moonstone adds its perfect clean layer, propping up the cotton candy and tropical fruit notes in KV so much better than I expected. That’s inspired many more combos that I never would have tried. It’s done well all over the scent category map, with Phizz-wizzling, Holy Water, and Hexenhaus for some examples. It’s a layering dynamo and I’m completely in love.
Morning Star – Thick, rich golden orbs of amber, vanilla, whipped cream accord
I did a side-by-side comparison of this with Black Vanilla and I’m surprised that they’re distinctly different upon application. The amber is a lot stronger here, giving it a more dominant resiny feel. The whipped cream note is acceptable, like I could take any sweet note in its place probably, but it’s not strong. I think I objectively prefer the vanillas with amber, but as I sniff this one, I think BV could use a heck of a lot more amber for my tastes. Another strange thing is this is giving me a spiced impression, like there’s some cinnamon or allspice hiding in here. Very interesting. This leads me to believe that BV will likely blend with more for layering purposes. Then again, I see MS being the superior option for wearing alone. It’s got a more unique vibe. Spicy resin is gorgeous and addicting. So, I like them both… and they’re different enough to own both... than again, BV is more like Gold Skulltula, which I like more. So, I think my ranking is MS>GS>BV. Like the comparison I did between Spirit Temple and Champanilla, these two begin smelling more and more alike as I reach the complete dry down. MS retains slightly more of its amber nuance and nudges it up another notch for me. It’s a remarkable blend!
Morphine – Steamed milk, lavender buds, honeyed apricots, chamomile tea, honey, white amber
I’m pleasantly surprised by this one. Chamomile is such a calming scent, and the lavender is very soft, which I am thankful for. I never get a straightforward fruitiness from this, so I think the apricots are just playing a sweet supporting role. It’s sweet in a natural way, gentle, with a clean finish. I can smell the amber tiptoe forward after a few minutes and it’s a delightful, warm base for the herbal blend. I do get a tiny, short-lived whiff of that weird buttered popcorn that milk notes often bring on my skin, but… there’s no burning! Maybe I can handle steamed milk! I’m practically giddy! I browsed through the various milk notes in the rest of the samples and it seems like I might get away with a couple I otherwise wouldn’t have tried. Thank you, Ajevie! I totally get why people use this for bedtime now. I could cuddle up and nap wearing this, no problem. The complete dry down is mostly that lovely, light amber note and some remnant of herbs with the tiniest breath of sweetness maintaining the balance. It’s soothing, yet interesting and grown-up. It’s the best of this type from this house for me, hands down. I literally can’t stop sniffing myself on the dry down. Fantastic.
Mossypeach – Peach, sun-warmed meadow, cedar, sandalwood, vetiver, tree moss, oakmoss accord
I don’t seek peach out as a rule, but this one has been raved about. My curiosity was killing me, so I figured decant samples were my perfect opportunity. I’m not surprised by my lackluster response to it. It’s on the better side of peach scents, I suppose. The green and wood notes elevate it a bit past your typical, generic, fruity smell. It’s not particularly sweet and never becomes candy-like in any way. I’d still never order it personally just because it’s not my thing. This get a half-hearted shrug from me. I found an interesting pair in this with Corpse Bride, which is probably how I’ll use it up. This combination is what I wanted Citrine to be, with both the floral and the fruit holding equal ground, backed by a little sweetness and a little earthiness. It’s nice! Still, hard pass on Mossypeach for me.
Papa Legba – Aged dark Maduro cigars, spiced vanilla, beeswax votives, golden honeycomb
Wow. This first strikes me as the more mature version of Nicotine. Like, I really like Nicotine. A lot. That one is all fresh-split vanilla cigarillo. It’s sweetly intoxicating. It evokes memories of visiting the corner tobacco shop with my mom when I was younger. It smells like walking into a flavored-wrap stockroom that’s just been filled, dominated by a waterfall of vanillas. It’s freaking delicious. But this? This is visiting a high-end Cuban cigar retailer instead. It’s sophisticated. The honey reads as a by-product of the richness of tobacco and lovingly handcrafted cigar wraps, not as an added flavoring. As it wears, it’s like honey is being poured into the fragrance. I’m not a huge honey fan as a rule. I really want more cigar and tobacco as it gets to the dry down. It settles on a nuanced honeycomb. It reminds me of honeycomb candy I had once, almost like peanut brittle without the nuttiness if that makes any sense. It’s ever-so-slightly spiced and with a faint trail of tobacco hanging around. I’ve got a hard decision to make now. Do I want this or Nicotine in a roll-on?! Part of me is saying I must let my anti-honey bias go and dive into the more traditional cigar vibe of Papa Legba… but Nicotine was my first love and triggers some great nostalgia. This bears some pondering.
Reefer Madness – This is not a "pretty" scent -- rather, it's an atmospheric, conceptual blend of skunky, weedy, dried bud notes, dirt, flannel shirt pocket lint, a faint hint of berries, fir, and apple (munchies and misdemeanors not included)
First off, I’m so damn happy this was included in the Ajevie decants because I’ve been super curious, but I don’t smoke pot and the idea of intentionally smelling like it seems like unnecessarily asking for trouble. So, this size sample is perfect for me to indulge. I get a LOT of apple with the dank weed smell (it’s there, trust me… conceptual or not). I like it. Someone’s just smoked and has a delicious-smelling deep, fruity perfume to cover it up with instead of the cloying crap I normally smell on them. Wait, no. There’s no smoke here… so it’s more like they’ve just rolled the joint with some super sticky bud and the smell is clinging to their fingers… and there’s an apple-y oil in a nearby oil diffuser. The dry down loses the pot smell. It’s more like an apple/ forest blend now. It’s decent. Then it goes straight apple. I like it for the novelty but have no purpose for a full-size because I know I’ll never wear it. Still, if you’re into smelling this way, this is a solid interpretative blend.
Strawberry Fields Forever – Strawberries, fresh cut grass, dirt
I get a LOT of grass from this. The strawberry is so, so faint, like it’s off in the distance somewhere. The more I sniff, I get the distinct dirt impression as well. It’s like crawling through grass on my hands and knees as a little kid. I probably wouldn’t know there was a fruit at all if I didn’t know I should be looking for it. I expected this to be a fruity scent first and foremost, with other things playing along. There’s basically no fruit! It’s a dirt and grass scent. It’s well-done, but not at all my taste. So… I don’t really need to smell like grass and dirt (without, you know, being in grass and dirt in reality). I can safely pass. I’m noticing that a lot of the fruits that people seem to love don’t work on me from Hex. Mossypeach was also not a good fit for my skin and that one has a huge fan base! On the other hand, Southern Hospitali-tea’s sweet, jammy berries and the citruses in Holy Wate Embalming Fluid/ Sunday Morning are wonderful. I will have to keep this in mind. I do start to catch light strawberry whiffs as this one gets close to the end of its wear. It’s quite nice. Excitingly realistic. It’s a shame my nose won’t let me smell it more, and sooner!
Thanatos – Desiccated leaves, hedgerow blossoms, charred pinyon, aged cedarwood boughs, petrified tree sap, crisp fall air, laurel, clove bud, smoke-tinged balsam, santalum, and graveyard dirt
I immediately smell tree sap and a variety of sticks, leaves, and branches… like I’m gathering wood for a bonfire before everyone arrives. But, it’s a perfume interpretation of that. It’s got a real finesse to it. I like it better than Mephistopheles because it feels like it was made not to just represent a real smell, but a creatively extended version. I’ve found that atmospherics tend to work better for me when they’re identifiable, but somehow transformed beyond. This isn’t what I would ACTUALLY smell like if I just gathered a bunch of firewood and didn’t shower. It’s a prettier version of that, if that makes sense. The tree sap gives it a rich, sweet lean while still retaining its outdoorsy-ness. Cool. It’s not really me, but I can admit I appreciate its artistry. I think if you’re on the fence about this one, but this is your style of scent, you should probably go for it. It gets SUPER sweet as it wears on my skin though and I’m even less enthusiastic about it. It’s teetering on fruity at times, for some reason. But like, the kind of fruit you’re not supposed to eat. It might be poisonous. I think I’m amping tree sap? This was already a no for me, but now I’m a bit more emphatic.
The Bell Witch – Blood musk, ebon musk, feral musk, nag champa, sandalwood, incense, guaiacwood, vanilla, bergamot, aged dark patchouli, woodsmoke, amber
Oof. This is just too much. It smells like I haven’t showered in years, and that’s not a good thing in my book. It makes me think of the stories about queens dousing themselves in tinctures and herbs to cover the smell of not bathing. It’s overwhelming. I can handle a couple days of camping and ripeness, but this is taking it too far for my nose. Necromancer is a much better perfume interpretation of human muskiness. I almost smell blood too, like there’s an iron element, which is not something I seek out as a fragrance. I get it now when people say it’s an intimidating scent, which could be interesting to some extent... It’s unfortunately too far outside my realm of possibility. I want to smell good! This does not smell good to me. Pass.
Whip – Leather, tobacco, sweet cream
I don’t know how to feel about this one. I’ve seen reviews span from worship to virulent hatred and I… just don’t know. I guess I like it? I don’t hate it… On application, the sweet cream was stronger than I wanted it to be though. That + leather is a weird combo. After a minute or so, it settled, and I mostly just smell soft, supple leather. There’s a trickle of tobacco and the sweetness has blended with that, so it’s perfectly nice. Like a very clean cowboy. I feel like it needs something. I see now why people say things like, “It layers with everything!”. It’s practically begging to be layered. I don’t think I need another full-size of something that I’ll always want to layer. It’s not bad, though. If you want a simple sweet tobacco and leather scent, this is probably it.

I got a whole bunch of Solstice Scents perfumes from a swap a little while back and decided to write some reviews as most of these are newer offerings and all of them are still available on the site at the moment, so I thought these reviews might be of use to someone. Also I like to write about scents and ramble a lot. As per usual these are some of my thoughts that rose to mind while wearing the scents and also feature the notes I found on my skin. I'm keen on atmospherics and weird things and the least favorite notes for me are usually florals (rose especially) and sweet things. This review post also has a layer this-section for some extra spice (it also functioned as my perfume Christmas calendar for the first week of December. The layering perfumes got picked by tangent of thought from my personal collection and can be substituted with something that has similar notes or feel to it, experiment away!). Without further ado:
White Fox (Vanilla Musk, White Fur, Wood Blend, Frozen Dirt, Snow)
I got solely vanilla musk from the vial and got ever so slightly scared. It reminds me a whole lot of Manor when sniffed out of the vial. That thought doesn’t completely disappear when this hits the skin, but I do get a good amount of dirt on top of the vanilla musk. Then it is mostly Manor but with something sort of fuzzy in the background and some added cedar I think (but I’m certainly not finding any of the strong hamster cage stuff many speak of). Probably my least favorite of the bunch. I really like vanilla musk in theory, but it just needs to be grounded thoroughly. Here it is the main feature and it’s not jiving with me as well as I hoped it would.
Layer with: Hexennacht Camp Crystal Lake and BPAL The Edge of Doom for that Poesie Villa Diodati vibe (because you were an idiot like me and didin’t get the real thing). This is the equivalent of skating on a frozen forest lake aka pure winter wonderland heaven. White Fox seems to shine in the layering department.
Wilcox’s (Dry Woods, Fresh Herbs, Dried Herbs, Warm Woody Spices, Sweet Annie, Sage, Rosewood)
People who like straight up wood resins might like this. It’s just that the resins are buried under a wall of fresh herbs. I absolutely love the scent. First it’s more like bunches of rosemary, than a calming mix of lavender, sage and chamomile (man, the latter two go together so incredibly well). I think I also detect the hay here, because it does somehow remind me a little of horse stables (or more like horse feed? That sounds weird, but it’s good, I swear!). And then that yummy nutmeg starts coming through (obsession of the season note award goes to…). I’m already wondering if I could get away with adding some coffee notes to this (spoiler: YES, you can). The woody quality starts being the main feature, with that nutmeg in tow and en edge of basil (this indeed is more tulsi than your regular basil). Especially this part is super cozy. It’s like making food in a wooden cottage. I’ll have to try this as a sleepy-time blend.
Layer with: Olympic Orchids Coffee V and Sixteen92 Sarah Good for your fresh baked bread dream scent (you’re baking it in a secluded cabin and filling it with herbs you grew in your garden) and a cardamom to die for.
Gunnerson’s Pumpkin Patch (Leaves, Vines, Autumn Air, Pumpkin Flesh, Lavender, Moss, Balsam, Tonka, Hay, Caramel, Dirt, Patchouli, Mushroom)
So very confusing to start with, somehow quite savory and I’m having a hard time identifying it, but it’s that very herbal variety of lavender that is there in quite a high dosage. Then it’s dirt and hay and caramel, and very probably the tonka there as well. Somehow quite a weird combination, because all the notes are quite strong and I’m left with a caramel sauce that straight up fell to the ground (the sauce now has dirt and hay mixed in). As soon as the caramel starts to disappear a little bit, this gets a whole lot better. I get a lot of hay, super earthy notes of mushroom, patchouli, moss and quite possibly the balsam. Maybe there is pumpkin as well, but I’m having a hard time finding it. I’m loving that the hay is so strong on me. Then there’s suddenly some dried leaves rustling in a wind and something spicy happening. It’s the pumpkin spice blend, but with quite the generous pinch of pepper in it. The ending reminds me a lot of gingerbread cookies, actually it’s sort of spot on that to my nose. I don’t really like the super savory start but maybe I’ll let this sit.. It has potential.
Layer with: Hexennacht Espiritismo and The Strange South Piece of Calico for the actual Christmas weather and only singing about wishing a white Christmas. An earthy atmospheric cosied up with notes of white chocolate, spiced tea, gingerbread cookies and caramel, sprinkled over with just a touch of Christmas time magic.
Midnight Marquee (Black Musk, Gasoline, Supple Leather, Earth, Tobacco, Moss, Leaves, Foxcroft Air, Vanilla Musk)
A Tinge of gasoline mixed with black musk and leather, this is to my nose the same leather as in Gibbon’s Boarding School. Actually a lot of this reminds me of Gibbon’s. The vanilla musk rises up to meet the leather and the combo is ever so slightly book-y (like musky books?) to my nose. Except this library has been dosed in gasoline. The cedar and the embers are obviously missing and they’re substituted with the stronger musky vanilla and the tinge of gasoline. Otherwise I think you can do with either Gibbon’s or this. The leather is truly front and center in both. I think I actually like my Gibbon’s more.
Layer with: Hexennacht Wolfsbane and Trashcanman for a slight nod of a tribute to Lilac and Moss Bulldagger and the authentic scent experience of a drive-in completed with whatever else than rootbeer (and extra woods, smoke and gasoline, oh yes sir, we are in for a treat). NOW I love my Midnight Marquee.
Corvin’s Smoked Apple (Applewood Smoke, Apple, Caramel, Benzoin, Guaiacwood)
Smoke, yes, but with a side of apple and a mountain of butter on top. The apple note is in part very nice and likeable, in part I’m hating it… It reminds me of a children’s shampoo for some weird reason. Partly it’s very cider-like, which I do enjoy. On me the smoke is highly subdued and the apple is actually the main feature here. The smoke does prevent it from becoming just way too sweet to my tastes. The caramel is definitely there too and maybe that is where all that butter is coming from. The smoke starts to be the actual star of the show in the drydown. Then I get almost acrid woodsmoke through and through.
Layer with: Arcana Guy Fawkes and BPAL Delightful Visitor Among Haystacks for an absolutely beautiful winter-themed apple perfume featuring smoke, apple cider, cold earth and a hint of red florals (the coffee comes out in the drydown and is a delicious addition with a tinge of caramel). For some reason this makes me envision a meet-up with friends, holding coffee mugs with huge mittens and the steam pillowing into the frosty air.
Night Watcher (Forest Floor, Tree Tops, Bark, Mountain Air, Fir Balsam, Juniper, Moss, Oud, Dried Herbs, Cedar Tips)
It was like a blast of scent from the vial, but on skin it is so mellow I hardly get a whiff of it. I’d venture saying this does have a lot of ingredients in common with Monarch at the start especially (naturally this is missing the red musk completely). I mainly detect the fir and perhaps a slight touch of juniper. Then more of a sweet moss scent surfaces, along with forest floor and something ever so slightly animalic. This stage is literally to die for and it is what I was hoping to get from this scent. It’s very much feminine here, very delicately earthy (nagarmotha?), with a tinge of waxiness (orris?) and definite sweet musk (ambrette). This mingles with a sharper juniper and something distinctly grey scented. If TSS Deerskin is like snuggling a deer, this one is like having your own pet owl, that sits on your shoulder while you’re enjoying a forest walk.
Then the scent does get slightly darker in a sense, like the light is quickly dwindling in the forest. The stone accord is very much present here and I guess something that reminds me of a dark night air twinged with all those forest scents. I almost didn’t get this from the swap that all these SS scents came from and that would have been a gigantic mistake. The drydown has an immense amount of herbs and cedar (this cedar variety is super smooth) and I can’t be all that sure but I’m thinking someone might have put some creosote in here (YUMMY). The herbs are definitely dried, it’s like you’re crumbling them in the palm of your hand. They’re soft too, muted. I’d say maybe there’s rosemary, hard to tell about the others. The woodiness gets stronger by the end, I’m thinking I’m getting the oud then. Also super smooth, not at all dirty or plasticky. I’m so glad I have this now when the nights here are super dark and there’s frost in the air. I’ll definitely wear this for our nightly winter forest walks with my dog. My favorite of the bunch!
Layer with: Hexennacht Elemental and The Strange South Don’t Fear The Reaper for making the year’s gloomiest day nice smelling with an atmospheric of a magical owl forest doused in fog and petrichor and a Christmas vibe that came out of nowhere (with an enjoyable side of tea).
Gulf Breeze (Saltwater, Sand, Seashells, Sea Oats, Rain, Ambergris)
This has a slightly funky opening. I can smell the seaweed that’s been left to dry on the seashore and the salt water waves crashing on the sand. And spot on sea oats (which I had to google a picture of, but yeah, those are all over the beaches here too), at first I thought maybe they were a tad too peppery, but with that salty ocean air in the background it just captures walking among those huge plants (I love walking among them, sometimes there’s bunches so big you can walk in the midst and all you see are the plants and the sky above). Then I get just a tinge of petrichor in the midst, this is more of a drizzle of rain than a downpour. The seashells build the atmosphere than turn up as a star note, though I think the leading role goes to the oats and the sea air. I love it and it is surprisingly perhaps different enough from Sea of Grey, that I don’t mind owning a sample of both. The balance is quite different in this one.
Layer with: BPAL Sue's Great Old Puppet Show and Wild Hybrid Ghost Bat for frosty sea air, frozen dirt, those lovely sea oats swinging in the cold wind, a warm sweater and hot cocoa from a thermos flask.

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on some Alchemic Muse perfume samples even though I couldn't find many reviews. TAT was extremely fast (like less than a week!) and the packaging was exquisite! I'm one of those rare people who actually prefers summer scents to fall/winter in most cases, so these descriptions got me so excited!!!! Spoiler: Alchemic Muse did not disappoint and I've already placed another order. Now, onto the reviews:
Waikiki Surf's up! Sparkling island lime and freshly cracked coconut drenched in summer sunshine and splashed with salty ocean spray.
In the vial: bright lime and floral leaning coconut (no floral listed notes so I'm not sure what's going on here, maybe "summer sunshine = some sort of floral, like hibiscus?). On skin: lime disappears almost immediately and I'm left with a "nice" if rather generic, summer scent. I couldn't place it at first, but now I've realized it smells just like Tommy Bahama stores if you've ever been there (they sell their signature scent for a pretty penny, so this may be a worthwhile dupe for that). Again, nice and summery without being sunscreen at all, but not really me. 3/5 .
Pineapple Milk evocative of gentle, south sea breezes, swaying palm trees, and flowing grass skirts. A perfect blend of fresh, tangy pineapple enveloped in rich and creamy milk sweetened with raw sugarcane.
In the vial: smells like a Dole Whip from Disney. YUMMMMMMM. On skin: The pineapple is only "fresh" and "tangy" for literally the first nano second. After that, there's a whoosh of heavy cream accompanied by what on me reads as almost a dark brown sugar. Honestly, this is so much better than the notes imply. If you love pineapple (which I do, Arcana Keel is one of my all time favorite scents) you NEED to try this. I'm getting it in all the things for summer. 5/5 Gorge.
Sea Moss hebal green tea and a blanket of verdant ocean moss under a gentle wave of bergamot, orchid, jasmine and violet in an undercurrent of sandalwood and musk.
In vial: Run of the mill green "moss" scent. On skin: It's immediately more aquatic, but like, a green aquatic somehow. Although it's absolutely not "air freshener" or "cheap candle" in any sense, it's still one of those "clean" water scents that I'm just personally not really a fan of, but I could see other people liking. I'm definitely getting the jasmine coming through a bit. Probably my least favorite of the bunch. 2/5.
Castaway lost in paradise. Creamy, ripe banana amidst a light breezy veil of island orchids awash in the salty, summer essence of sand and sea.
in the vial: lovely floral banana. I love banana, by the way, so this excites me. On skin: I wish this were a little more banana and less floral, more like Arcana Piscis Australis (another of my absolute faves). It's actually pretty and even if banana isn't your jam it is a lovely summery tropical floral that doesn't go suntan lotion or kitchy beach scent. It's fresh and very feminine. After more time, it sadly fades into a generic "lotion" type scent which is disappointing. 2/5.
Edit: after a little while longer, it’s smelling good again, so I’ve bumped it back up to 3/5.
Bali-Ha'i a tempting blend of effervescent, tropical fruits and exotic flowers...juicy acai berry, mango zest, tart passion fruit, yuzu zest, and sweet pineapple with a touch of pink hibiscus, jasmine and lily.
In vial: fruity, summery christmas trees. I'm serious. I know that sounds hella weird, but that's the only way I can describe it. And even stranger, I like it! On skin: A zingy, tropical floral. I'm really appreciating how Alchemic Muse has such a wide variety of summer scents that aren't sunscreeny or "ocean candle" . This one reminds me of a luxury resort in the islands. 3/5
Thaiphoon a lush and tropical deluge of fresh lemongrass and coconut milk with sweet orchids, smokey vetiver and ocean drenched driftwood creates an exotic, alluring scent.
In vial: salty brine and freshly crushed lemongrass. On skin: the coconut is rounding out the lemongrass, but it's not "coconutty" at all. I'm getting a little more of the orchids and aquatics coming forward as well. It's a light green sort of scent....like the others, it's summery without being cliche. Now it's turning more citrus, the lemongrass is actually reading more lime to my nose, almost like a just-served margarita. To be honest, I prefer my hot weather scents to have just a touch of dark to them and this is just a tad too light all the way around to be a fave, but I do like it. I may try this in a scrub or something because it's would be a good morning pick me up in the shower. 3/5
Voodoo the sound of distant drums complement this lush and exotic blend of dark Madagascar vanilla bean extract with delicate floral undertones of vanilla orchids and a sensual background of amber and crushed cocoa pods.
In the vial: Nose boner. I'm serious, this is absolute heaven to me. It smells like an angel's skin, which is quite ironic considering the name. There's nothing gritty about this scent- it's a GORGEOUS, luscious non-gourmand vanilla. On skin: This is it, y'all. My HG sleep scent. I'm getting this in every single format and I'm going to get a FS perfume plus backup when it comes back in stock (I freaked out when I went to buy and it was sold out but the owner assured me it is GC and will be restocked after the Valentine release, whew!). It's comforting and it's luscious. It's sexy and cozy. I'm. In. Love. 10/5.
Bonus sample Nightshade bar soap. some of the best things happen in the dark...sweet Bulgarian lavender over an intoxicating base of Madagascar vanilla with a most decadent touch of dark chocolate.
This one is really unique. It's the most unisex of the bunch, and I keep going back to smell it again and again. It is expertly melded- I can't really pick out any individual notes, but the combo makes almost a peppery, woody vanilla....intriguing but poisonous. It's like Voodoo's evil twin sister. I'm really digging it. Haven't used the slice in the shower yet but I plan to and will definitely order this scent in a sample size perfume oil. 4/5.
P.S. I also got a few of the bath melts in various scents, but I haven't had a chance to try them out yet. If anyone is curious, I'll do a review on those along with the scrub, butter and hair mist when those come in!
Hope this encourages others to try this brand, I really feel like they have some great unique offerings and combined with the TAT and beautiful packaging, this may be one of my new favorites stores.
edit: sorry about the formatting issue on the title, I suck at formatting and couldn't figure out how to fix it.

'but it doesn't snow in Australia!'
Yes, I know - that's the point. I feel like the world would appreciate a journey into the twisted Australian dreamscape that is the Australian Christmas Tradition.
Despite Christmas falling in Summer, in one of the hottest, driest countries on the planet, with a radically different ecology, Australian Christmas still includes

• Christmas Pine Trees
• Santa hats
• Fur-lined Santa Suits
• Mistletoe and Holly (despite no one in Australia really knowing what they are)
• Chimneys
• Imagery of snowmen, scarves, snow falling, warm clothes, sleds, ice skates, roaring hearths, whatever 'deer' are
• Fake snow in displays, and sprayed onto windows
• Song about how cold it is, the snow, warm fires, date rape, hot cocoa, etc etc
• Film and television filled with Christmas episodes and movies where everyone's snowed in or running around in the snow, most of it takes place at night
• Eating Turkey and Pudding (the English cake stuff, not the US goo stuff)

Further, while it's amazing how little Australian culture has adapted these traditions, there are a number of common Australian elements

• Santa occasionally wears boardshorts and sunnies as a part of his otherwise standard costume, and is often seen relaxing on the beach
• His sleigh is regularly pulled by Kangaroos (see 'Six White Boomers')
• With no concept of Thanksgiving, Christmas takes the place of the major extended family meetup/argument about refugees
• It's held outdoors, in the full sun, and usually based around a BBQ
• Someone will be heavily sunburnt
• Fish and Prawns make up a large part of the meal
• Backyard Cricket

Really the only elements of Christmas that properly transmit regardless of weather or locations are bits with gift giving, bon bons, and Die Hard
It would really warm the cockles of my Australian heart if Blizzard could bring Junkertown to life with this bizarre and regularly nonsensical mishmash of traditions.

ORDER IS CLOSED
Hey all, it's the group order post! Last month's group order went splendidly and I'm excited to host it again! 💖 Here are some important things, PLEASE READ:

• Submit orders via the comments below OR via PM. I will reply letting you know that I have your order logged. If you need to add to your order or edit/remove items from your order, please REPLY to your comment to do so. Either way, you must PM your Paypal email when you submit your order!
• I am leaving the ordering window open until late (for me, lol) Thursday night so you all have time to see the finalized list of products and add to your orders. I won't invoice anyone until Thursday night/Friday morning. Invoices need to be paid by 9am CST on 12/8. Unpaid invoice = no order. The sooner invoices are paid, the better so I can create tabs and have a better chance of getting your items.
• Invoicing will go as follows - 1st invoice: order total + $10.75 shipping + Paypal fee. After order is received, 2nd invoice: shipping + Paypal fee. The $10.75 shipping is to insure I can place multiple orders if necessary. I will refund the difference (so you only pay your part of shipping in the end) once Candy Panda sends out shipping refunds for multiple orders. I will be shipping by weight, if you prefer First Class/Priority, additional insurance, etc. please let me know when you leave your order. I use The Fee Calculator to determine Paypal fees.
• If there are any issues with your orders when I receive them, you will be notified via PM here on Reddit. If there's an issue with your order once you receive it from me, send me a PM and I will see what I can do to help.
• Shipping invoices should start going out 1-2 days after I receive orders and confirm them. This is tentative and depends on when CP ships out orders, when I receive them from USPS, and life. Once invoices are paid I will start shipping ASAP. I will try my absolute hardest to get your items to you as quickly as I can! Please be patient with me, though, I have 4 kids and a job too 😵 Candy Panda does have a stated 7-10 business day TAT so please keep that in mind! They have also added a special note about delayed holiday shipping via USPS so please keep in mind that it may take longer to receive your order!
• Just a heads up, this month Candy Panda is sending out color change cups with orders over $20, but you only get one per order. So unless only one person wants me to order for them, I won't be able to send it to anyone without being unfair to everyone else 😞 I was thinking about saving it for a future giveaway? Let me know what you all think.
• So that I know you've read all of the above, please leave the name of your favorite reindeer in your comment. 🦌

Here is the restock list!
Lip Balms, $4 (~0.15 ounces)

• French Toast- freshly baked french toast drizzled in maple syrup
• Snow Cone- fruity sugared strawberry snow cone
• Marshmalloween- toasted marshmallows
• Creamsicle- creamy orange + sweet vanilla

Goat Milk Lotion, $14 (~8 ounces)

• It's a Mystery ($12)- mystery blend of goat milk lotions from this restock
• Let It Snow- warm vanilla, peppermint, and a hint of coconut
• Wonderful Christmastime- peppermint + Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Day of the Dead- a sweet zest of fruit pastilles and fresh lime slices (inspired by Lush--Calacas)
• Lord of Chaos- patchouli, vanilla and black pepper (inspired by Lush--Lord of Misrule)
• Tea & Cakes- fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea
• Earl Grey Lavender Cake- earl gray infused white cake with lavender frosting
• Baby's Arms- Candy Panda house blend vanilla sugar milk
• Erase and Rewind- sunflowers + salty air
• Champagne Rose Parade- bubbling champagne infused + Ro’s Jelly (soft floral blend of rose petals with a touch of vanilla)
• East of Eden- herbal potion of lavender, citrus, sage and a hint of mint

Body Butters (the old formula), $12 (~8 ounces)

• Alice in Wonderland- Tea & Cakes (fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea) + blueberry cake donut
• Fruit Loops- sweet orange, tangy cherry and sweet vanilla bean. Smells just like the cereal
• Marshmalloween- toasted marshmallows
• Starry Night- pink sugar peppermint
• American Dream- sweet strawberry cream (inspired by Lush--American Cream)
• Venus in Furs- earthy lavender vanilla bean cupcakes
• Winter Cake- light floral fruity fragrance composed of marzipan, benzoin, rose, cassia and almond (inspired by Lush--Snowcake)
• Don’t Dream It’s Over- lavender Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)

Bubble Bath, $10 (~8 ounces)

• It's a Mystery ($8)- mystery blend of bubble baths from this restock
• Merry Mitten Weather- cranberries and fig + rosewood and crackling firewood
• Girls Night Out- Berry sorbet, floral blossoms and sandalwood (inspired by Bath & Body Works--Endless Weekend)
• Tea & Cakes- fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea
• Lemony Snicket- lemon curd + Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Day of the Dead- a sweet zest of fruit pastilles and fresh lime slices (inspired by Lush--Calacas)
• Freak in the Sheets- Lovespell (fruity cherry blossom and peach) laundry
• Trap Queen- lavender peppermint

Milky Body Wash, $16 (~9 ounces)

• It's a Mystery ($14)- mystery blend of milky body washes from this restock
• Nature Boy- Woods, black pepper, lime, and a hint of frankincense
• No Face Takes a Bath- fruit-infused water and fresh, citrus linens from your favorite spa
• Holiday Grog Nog- caramel, ylang ylang, and sweet vanilla musk
• Ice Queen- fresh, crisp peppermint that glows in the dark
• Silent Night- peppermint patty
• Erase and Rewind- sunflowers + salty air
• Blanket on the Beach- ocean mist + warm blankets

Body Washes, $14 (~8oz)

• It's a Mystery ($12)- mystery blend of body washes from this restock
• Maad City- fruitloop ice cream scoop bread
• Ice Queen- fresh, crisp peppermint that glows in the dark

Shower Gel, $12 (~9oz)

• Sunday Morning- fruit loops, captain crunch, and blueberry cake donuts
• Femme Fatale- vanilla bean noel, fruit loops and captain crunch cereal
• Fruit Loops- sweet orange, tangy cherry and sweet vanilla bean. Smells just like the cereal!

Body Spritzers, $6 (~0.5 ounces)

• No Face Takes a Bath- fruit-infused water and fresh, citrus linens from your favorite spa
• Are You Afraid of the Dark?- an eery dusty breeze around a late night bonfire
• Blue Rose- sea salty air + roses
• Garden Party- the scent of a Hawaiian lei, floral and fresh
• Trendsetter- freesia flowers + orange blossom and green citrus
• Freckles- cotton candy, amber, pink berries, and musk
• Don’t Dream It’s Over- lavender Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Letterman- bay, rum, lime, mahogany, amber, and bergamot
• The Abominable Snowman- sandalwood, jasmine, tonka, cashmere musk, and oud wood
• Day of the Dead- a sweet zest of fruit pastilles and fresh lime slices (inspired by Lush--Calacas)
• Girls Night Out- Berry sorbet, floral blossoms and sandalwood (inspired by Bath & Body Works--Endless Weekend)
• Tea & Cakes- fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea
• Alice in Wonderland- Tea & Cakes (fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea) + blueberry cake donut
• Fruit Loops- sweet orange, tangy cherry and sweet vanilla bean. Smells just like the cereal
• Baby's Arms- Candy Panda house blend vanilla sugar milk
• Elf Sweat- fizzy soda pop bubbles, candy canes, sweet syrup, sugar crystals and sweet candy notes
• Winter Cakes- light floral fruity fragrance composed of marzipan, benzoin, rose, cassia and almond (inspired by Lush--Snowcake)
• Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog- warm eggnog and marshmallows
• Snow Bunny- captain crunch berries, ice cream scoop bread, marshmallow cream, salt water taffy, and a hint of peppermint
• Twilight- lavender, ylang-ylang, and tonka bean (inspired by Lush)
• Candy Fairy- a blend of bubblegum, cotton candy, sweet apples and pears (inspired by Lush--Snow Fairy)
• Crimewave- Blonde Moment (iced champagne + rich raspberry and cranberry) + fresh picked strawberry
• Venus in Furs- earthy lavender vanilla bean cupcakes

Room Refresh, $7.50 (~4 ounces)

• Apple Cinnamon- apples baked in a cinnamon pie
• Winter Blanket- pine, vanilla, sandalwood with hints of musk and a splash of citrus
• Pickin’ Plums- creamy plums and a hint of ginger
• Apple Pecan Sage- fresh gala apples packed with pecans and sage
• Caring is Creepy- lavender + Comfortably Numb (musk, molasses and vanilla)
• Wild Winter- wintergreen + Sinus Relief (Vicks vapor scent)
• Fir Sure- woodsy blend with strong pine and light base of cedar and musk
• Minthogany- peppermint, mahogany, coconut, and sandalwood
• Perfect Date- Aqua di Gio (aquatic aroma of bergamot, neroli, and tangerine musk (inspired by the cologne)) + mahogany, lemongrass, and basil
• Wonderful Christmastime- peppermint + Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Fruit Loops- sweet orange, tangy cherry and sweet vanilla bean. Smells just like the cereal
• Marshmalloween- toasted marshmallows
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender

Whipped Shaving Soaps, $16 (~7.5 ounces)

• It's a Mystery ($14)- mystery blend of shaving soaps from this restock
• The Abominable Snowman- sandalwood, jasmine, tonka, cashmere musk, and oud wood
• Twilight Woods- warm woody and cedar, citrus and a hint of musk (inspired by Bath & Body Works)
• Feelin’ Salty- water lily, ozone, sea moss + Lemon Head (spunky tart lemon with a hint of effervescence)
• Pale Blue Eyes- lavender + Midsummer's Night (masculine cologne scent with hints of citrus)
• Saucin’ on You- fresh picked strawberries + Cranberry Salsa (cranberries, grapes, lemon, pink grapefruit and pomegranate)
• Girls Night Out- Berry sorbet, floral blossoms and sandalwood (inspired by Bath & Body Works--Endless Weekend)
• Wonderful Christmastime- peppermint + Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Marshmalloween- toasted marshmallows
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender
• Lord of Chaos- patchouli, vanilla and black pepper (inspired by Lush--Lord of Misrule)
• Peppermint Bark- crushed candy canes and white chocolate
• Twilight- lavender, ylang-ylang, and tonka bean (inspired by Lush)

Whipped Sugar Scrubs, $12 (~10.5 ounces)

• It's a Mystery ($10)- mystery blend of sugar scrubs from this restock
• Cheers- ring in the new year with Auld Lang Syne and a fizzy champagne toast
• After Party- unisex scent with a hint of both woody bark and sweet musk
• Magic Spells- feminine blend of bright red pomegranate, peach, tree-ripened apples (inspired by Bath & Body Works--Forever Red)
• I Dream of Zucchini- Joanna’s blend of fresh-baked zucchini bread with hints of toasted coconut, caramel, vanilla, and waffle cone
• Pumpkin Spice Latte- pumpkin spice latte, sweet pumpkin pie blended with espresso and the perfect touch of cinnamon
• Bonfire Party- a touch of hot chocolate + Meet Me in the Woods (Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallow) + Are You Afraid of the Dark? (an eery dusty breeze around a late night bonfire))
• Great Escape- crisp, clean vanilla sheets + Coastal Coconut (coconut, tangelo, pineapple, white musk and Sea Salty Air (ozone, seaweed, driftwood and salt on your tongue from a day at the beach))
• Elderflower- light and fresh elderflowers on a summer day
• Cookie Cakes- fresh-baked funnel cake topped with coconut and caramel
• Sweet Dreams- pink sugar, lavender and Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• A 1000 Wishes- white wine, wild jasmine and peony + amber, sandalwood, and musk (inspired by Bath & Body Works)
• Meloncholy- tangy, fruity melon
• Bourbon Vanilla- sweet bourbon and vanilla tonka bean
• Lavender Sands- sweet lavender + Golden Sands (orange, sandalwood, and coconut (inspired by Yankee Candle))
• Sweet Surrender- lavender, cotton candy + Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender
• Pink Lady- pink chiffon + pink sugar
• Brownie Pecan Pie- decadent fudge brownie bites in a fresh-baked pecan pie
• Nature Boy- Woods, black pepper, lime, and a hint of frankincense
• Piña Please- Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows) + Honey Please (sliced citrus pineapple sweetened with honey + pumpkin and vanilla (inspired by Bath & Body Works--Pineapple Honeyed Pumpkin))
• Christmas Morning- peppermint candy + Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog (warm eggnog and marshmallows)
• Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog- warm eggnog and marshmallows
• Fruit Loops- sweet orange, tangy cherry and sweet vanilla bean. Smells just like the cereal
• Don’t Dream It’s Over- lavender Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Marshmalloween- toasted marshmallows
• Jesus, Etc.- lavender + Fineshrine (pure essential oil of valencia orange)
• Silent Night- peppermint patty
• Secret Wonderland- strawberry, raspberry, gardenia, jasmine, white amber and creamy vanilla
• Kiss Me- cherries, vanilla, and sweet grapes (inspired by Victoria’s Secret—Passionate Kisses)
• Trap Queen- lavender peppermint
• Stay With Me- orange creamsicle + Blonde Moment (iced champagne + rich raspberry and cranberry)
• Girls Night Out- Berry sorbet, floral blossoms and sandalwood (inspired by Bath & Body Works--Endless Weekend)
• American Dream- sweet strawberry cream (inspired by Lush--American Cream)
• Fluffy White Clouds- fresh cotton, vanilla and powder
• Beautiful- delicate apricot from Osmanthus blossoms with a hint of mandarin (inspired by Lush)
• Panda Cakes- Panda Berries (strawberry blueberry white cake) + Tea & Cakes (fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea)
• Pink Moon- strawberry + graham crackers and Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Undercover- pink sugar + fresh, clean sheets
• Avograss- lemongrass on steroids (inspired by Lush--Avobath)

Wax 5-Packs, $5 (~4 ounces)

• Purple People Eater- grape fizzy soda and fresh mint
• Friendship Bread- fresh-baked bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and glazed vanilla frosting
• Candy Cigarettes- teaberry, peppermint, spearmint and caramel tonka bean
• Dragon’s Blood- mulled orange, geranium, rose, lily, orange blossom, star anise, spicy clove, and patchouli
• Citron Cedarwood- orange, lemon, cedarwood, and patchouli (inspired by Bath & Body Works)
• Christmas Cookies- fresh-baked french vanilla and spun sugar, topped with sprinkles and ready for Santa!
• Just Peachy- creamy peaches, raspberry, coconut and vanilla
• Candy Says- Candy Fairy (a blend of bubblegum, cotton candy, sweet apples and pears) + bubblegum house blend
• Twilight- lavender, ylang-ylang, and tonka bean (inspired by Lush)
• Fruit Loops- sweet orange, tangy cherry and sweet vanilla bean. Smells just like the cereal
• Freak in the Sheets- Lovespell (fruity cherry blossom and peach) laundry
• Dark Bleu- lavender, jasmine, cedar and musk (inspired by Chanel fragrance)
• Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog- warm eggnog and marshmallows
• Blanket on the Beach- ocean mist + warm blankets
• French Baguette- smells like a french baguette
• Fir Sure- woodsy blend with strong pine and light base of cedar and musk
• Don’t Dream It’s Over- lavender Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Wonderful Christmastime- peppermint + Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Tea & Cakes- fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea
• Black Widow- black cherry fizzy soda
• Ro's Jelly- soft floral blend of rose petals with a touch of vanilla (inspired by Lush--Rose Jam)
• Corn Bread Pudding- cornbread and zucchini bread pudding
• Petit Fours- Strawberry White Cake (homemade cake with sweet berries) + Tea & Cakes (fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea)
• m.A.A.d city- Fruit Loops ice cream scoop bread
• Apple Zucchini Bread- zucchini bread baked with sweet apples and a dash of cinnamon spice
• Winter Cake- light floral fruity fragrance composed of marzipan, benzoin, rose, cassia and almond (inspired by Lush--Snowcake)
• Elf Sweat- fizzy soda pop bubbles, candy canes, sweet syrup, sugar crystals and sweet candy notes
• Sinus Relief- Vicks vapor scent
• Messy Buns- decadent cinnamon rolls, sweet icing, and Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Black Sands- coconut, cedarwood, mahogany, teakwood, light florals + Seashells by the Seashore (fresh ocean breeze)
• Red Velvet Cupcakes- cocoa powder, chocolate, red currant and strawberry syrup with pure cane sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla extract
• Wintergreen- a fresh crisp mint scent to awaken the senses

Small Cruller Wax Cake, $5.85 (4.5 ounces)

• Alice in Wonderland- Tea & Cakes (fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea) + blueberry cake donut
• Don’t Dream It’s Over- lavender Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Double Stress Relief- twice the lavender, eucalyptus and spearmint
• Just Peachy- creamy peaches, raspberry, coconut and vanilla

Small Classic Bundt Wax Cake, $6.35 (4.9 ounces)

• Minthogany- peppermint, mahogany, coconut, and sandalwood
• Sweater Weather- eucalyptus, juniper berry and fresh sage (inspired by Bath & Body Works)
• Lemon Lavender- lemon, orange, eucalyptus, and lavender sprigs

Small Fleur de Lis Wax Cake, $7.15 (5.6 ounces)

• 3rd Planet- pistachio pudding cake + Fruit Loops
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender
• Lavender Forest- lavender, mahogany, lemongrass, and basil
• Minty Meloncholy- peppermint + Meloncholy (tangy, fruity melon)
• Twilight- lavender, ylang-ylang, and tonka bean (inspired by Lush)

Small Fiesta Wax Cake, $7.80 (6 ounces)

• 3rd Planet- pistachio pudding cake + Fruit Loops
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender
• Lavender Forest- lavender, mahogany, lemongrass, and basil
• Minty Meloncholy- peppermint + Meloncholy (tangy, fruity melon)
• Twilight- lavender, ylang-ylang, and tonka bean (inspired by Lush)

Small Cathedral Wax Cake, $7.80 (6 ounces)

• 3rd Planet- pistachio pudding cake + Fruit Loops
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender
• Lavender Forest- lavender, mahogany, lemongrass, and basil
• Minty Meloncholy- peppermint + Meloncholy (tangy, fruity melon)
• Twilight- lavender, ylang-ylang, and tonka bean (inspired by Lush)

Large Cruller Wax Cake, $19.15 (14.7 ounces)

• Birthday Cake- white cake with extra frosting
• Double Stress Relief- twice the lavender, eucalyptus and spearmint
• Minthogany- peppermint, mahogany, coconut, and sandalwood
• Minty Meloncholy- peppermint + Meloncholy (tangy, fruity melon)
• Tea & Cakes- fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea

Medium Fleur de Lis Wax Cake, $19.60 (15.1 ounces)

• Alice in Wonderland- Tea & Cakes (fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea) + blueberry cake donut
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender
• Minty Meloncholy- peppermint + Meloncholy (tangy, fruity melon)

Medium Elegant Party Wax Cake, $20 (15.4 ounces)

• Alice in Wonderland- Tea & Cakes (fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea) + blueberry cake donut
• Erase and Rewind- sunflowers + salty air
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender
• Marshmalloween- toasted marshmallows
• Minty Meloncholy- peppermint + Meloncholy (tangy, fruity melon)

Medium Cathedral Wax Cake, $20.25 (15.6 ounces)

• Alice in Wonderland- Tea & Cakes (fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea) + blueberry cake donut
• Erase and Rewind- sunflowers + salty air
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender
• Marshmalloween- toasted marshmallows
• Minty Meloncholy- peppermint + Meloncholy (tangy, fruity melon)

Medium Chiffon Wax Cake, $21.05 (16.2 ounces)

• Alice in Wonderland- Tea & Cakes (fluffy, moist almond pastry soaked in fresh-brewed black tea) + blueberry cake donut
• Erase and Rewind- sunflowers + salty air
• Insomnia- pink sugar and lavender
• Marshmalloween- toasted marshmallows
• Minty Meloncholy- peppermint + Meloncholy (tangy, fruity melon)

Large Fleur de Lis Wax Cake, $21.70 (16.7 ounces)

• 3rd Planet- pistachio pudding cake + Fruit Loops
• Cotton Candy Cocktail- sweet cotton candy with a twist of raspberry liquor
• Don’t Dream It’s Over- lavender Marshmalloween (toasted marshmallows)
• Twilight- lavender, ylang-ylang, and tonka bean (inspired by Lush)

List is incomplete and subject to change!! I will keep the list updated as they add things throughout the next week 😊
If you feel like I missed anything, or if you have questions, please PM me, thefeesh !
Edit 12/4: updated the restock list. wax cakes and It's a Mystery options have been added!
Edit 12/6: updated the restock list again. more scrubs and wax 5-pack scents added!
Edit 12/7: updated the list once again. there have been items removed and items added, please check carefully to make sure the items you wanted are still available! I will be invoicing later tonight, don't forget to get your final orders in!!