Something about a public restroom with Le Labo hand lotion!!

Finally, I can post this interview. This one is really close and personal to me, as I've thought daily about this young man and his business, wanting nothing but success for him. But also, he created a fragrance that reminded me of my own mother, who's struggling with dementia. When it arrived, I wore it the next day and visited my mother, who really enjoyed what I was wearing. I ended up leaving the bottle with her, and while she stays with my sister, I've been told she reaches for it to wear... all while thinking of her firstborn son, me. As mentioned, here is the Drew Goetz Urbane Aromatics interview. Tony: Hey Drew, thanks for your time! Drew: Of course, appreciate you doing this. Tony: Who is Drew Goetz, and what brought you into the world of fragrance? Drew: I’m a college kid from Rochester, Minnesota. I started the company in my parents’ garage in high school. Some friends and I were throwing around business ideas, and somebody suggested candles. I figured if you’re going to make a good candle, you need a good fragrance first, so I went that route instead. Once I got into it, I never really looked back. Fragrance sticks to people in a way most stuff doesn’t, and that’s what kept pulling me in. Tony: "Urbane" is a very particular word. Why Urbane Aromatics? Drew: I wanted a name that matched who I was making these for. Someone who’s put together, carries themselves well, and isn’t trying too hard. It also just sounded right on a bottle. Tony: What did you feel was missing in fragrance? Drew: Access. A nice bottle runs $150 to $200, and a lot of people buy one and never wear it because it feels too good to use. The cheap stuff doesn’t smell the same. I figured there was a middle spot nobody was really going after, so I went after it. Tony: What's the most rewarding part, and what did nobody warn you about? Drew: The most rewarding part is seeing a stranger wearing something I made. That never gets old. What nobody warned me about is how little of this is actually about fragrance. It’s logistics, packaging, customs, retail. The scent is one piece of a lot of pieces.

Today I layered Hard Candy with Hard Candy Elixir. Had to run out, so I grabbed my spare official 10 ml of Hard Candy Elixir and took it on the road with me. That’s where those smaller bottles come in handy easy to carry if I decide to refresh later. New name is Censored and Censored Elixir for those of you who don’t know. These two share that sweet, fruity gourmand character: strawberry candy, citrus, vanilla, tonka and honey, with lavender and mint giving the sweetness some freshness. Sandalwood, patchouli and oud bring warmth and depth underneath. The difference between the two: Hard Candy is the brighter, more playful side of the pairing. The Elixir takes that same candy sweetness deeper, adding amber, ambergris and synthetic Tonkin musk for a richer, darker, more sensual finish. It’s a change in texture and depth as much as strength. Layering them brings the original’s brighter character together with the Elixir’s heavier base. They’re closely related, so the combination builds on the same scent profile rather than taking it in a completely different direction. Performance: Both have a reputation for lasting well, although skin, weather and spray amount make a difference. As a general guide, expect roughly 8-10 hours from Hard Candy and 8-12 hours or more from the Elixir. Projection: The most noticeable outward push is generally during the first 1-3 hours, then it gradually settles into a closer scent bubble. The Elixir’s richer feel doesn’t automatically mean it projects farther the entire time. Sillage: Think a sweet, fruity, warm trail as you move, more noticeable early on and softer as the wear progresses. Layering can make that presence fuller, but it doesn’t guarantee double the projection or longevity. For those of you who want to have an understanding of Aaron Terence Hughes work this is where you start !!!

Said I would stop but what happens if I need moisturizer? Oh yea and I may need attars and what happens if I need backup bottles and I hate traveling with full sized bottles. Is there an AA Meeting? Aaron Anonymous.

If you know Slumberhouse, you know this indie house has a serious cult following. Their limited drops often sell out in less than a minute. I was lucky enough to time the latest drop from Fumerie in Portland just right and score a bottle. And it was delivered this afternoon! For those unfamiliar, Slumberhouse is an independent perfume house out of Portland, Oregon, founded by self-taught perfumer Josh Lobb. He’s known for creating bold, unconventional fragrances that don’t smell like much else out there. This stuff isn’t cheap, especially considering you’re only getting 30ml, but the quality is undeniably there. So what’s Sådanne like? Think rich, juicy strawberries, jammy rose, white wine, ambergris, and woods. The strawberry is definitely the star here, sweet and almost syrupy, but there’s a tart, slightly boozy quality that keeps things interesting. The rose adds a floral richness while the ambergris and woods bring a darker depth. It’s fruity and sweet, but there’s something sophisticated and almost mysterious underneath it all. This is my second experience with Slumberhouse, but my first exploring this side of the house. It’s quite a departure from the darker, heavier fragrances they’re typically associated with. First impressions? I’m impressed! It’s a unique take on a fruity floral that manages to feel playful and luxurious at the same time. Definitely not your typical strawberry fragrance. I’m looking forward to spending more time with this one and seeing how it develops on skin. Anyone else have experience with Slumberhouse or sampled any of their offerings? Curious to hear your thoughts and impressions!