Saturday 5 November 2011

Scent your gloves winter is coming ...


Bitter Orange Foliage, Blossoms and Fruit
Perfume your creativity- ideas can be extracted from free publications sent out with your magazines  – I subscribe to The Week, a news digest of happenings around the world, which has provided me with a constant source of stories to stimulate conversations in various guises, as well as articles for the blog.

In The Quarterly – an upmarket freebie sent out with The Week – there was an article on Neroli Oil – a new product to me ... but with that interesting historical take that I love so much.

Neroli extract - a sweet, honeyed essence from the bitter orange tree, with metallic overtones  - is named after the 17th C Duchess of Bracciano and Princess of  Nerola, who revived this orange oil into a fashionable fragrance by using it to perfume her gloves and her bath. 

Nerola - fountain in town
hall square
All through time we have perfumed our way as best we can – the Romans placed or sprinkled scented flowers and petals throughout their public places, while petals floated in small fountains to scent the banqueting halls.  Pomanders from the 13th C were worn, or carried to ward off bad smells ... now we have them in our homes in various guises.

Samplers and Simplers who gathered and brought the plants into the apothecary or to market – the housewives who experimented  – finding all manner of satisfaction from their toils – skin lotions, washing balls, starch for laces, perfume for gloves, and the all charming nonsenses of sweet-bags and pot-pourri bowls.

Mary Denton with pomander
attributed to  George Gower
(1540 - 1596)
Susan of  “Life Takes Lemons” with the post ‘A Lady’s Weapon Against Stench: Pomanders and Vinaigrette’ – is a new blog I’ve just found, which has some wonderful resources in it ... check out the Research section, for example: Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue!  Susan very kindly let me use the picture of Mary Denton and of the rather spectacular pomander and chain.

While at the Ashmolean Museum recently I spotted a postcard of Elizabeth 1’s gloves form 1566 – that tied in so well with Neroli oil and its many uses ...  you have probably already experienced the oil, as it is used in aromatherapy and massage.

Elizabeth 1's gloves 1566
So one of the most widely used floral oils in perfumery has given me a blog post, a link to another interesting blog, and some background information across civilisations ...  all stemming from ShowMedia’s The Quarterly promoting the renaissance of Neroli oil – in a Liberty parfum at £88 ($140), or Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino Body Oil at £45 ($72), or Roja Parfums Neroli Candle at £75 ($120) ...

Then of course the coup de grace ... Neroli Oil might just be one of the secret ingredients in Coca-Cola ... ?  Who knows what’s in ‘that drink’ that has so many unmentionable uses ...

Pomander and Chain
And in a quarter of second you can have access to over 1.5million websites on Neroli Oil ... to buy some bitter-orange oil to perfume your gloves ... or to keep the earthy autumn scents at bay in the great outdoors.

Happy Bonfire Night – Firework Night or Guy Fawkes Night ..  see my post of 2 years ago.

Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

69 comments:

helen tilston said...

Thank you for this enlightening post.
I will be on the lookout for Neroli Oil, which until now I was unaware of.
It is always great to learn something new for which I thank you.

Helen Tilston

A Lady's Life said...

I tried making my own perfume with flower petals and it turned out so nice. I bottled it on the little flasques I bought with a corks top. Then I forgot about it and it stood for a few years until I found it again. I thought hunh- It's probably spoiled but my oh my. What essence I got when I tried it on myself.
It was the best perfume I ever had in my whole life.
So I highly recommend making it yourself at home.

Old Kitty said...

What a most fragrant post!!! But I am horrified to learn such a delicate aromatic oil may be used in.. coke?!?!!? I hope not! What a waste! LOL!

Thank you for this most amazing glimpse into this very intriguing oil. Take care
x

Lenny Lee said...

hi miss hilary! wow! cool post. i wish blogger could have scratch and sniff. ha ha. then we could know how that stuff smells. i like the smell of orange so im thinking i could like that neroli oil. but for sure im not getting my gloves smelling like it. ack!
...hugs from lenny

Patsy said...

I like the idea of scented gloves - very decadent!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Helen .. well like me! Glad you enjoyed the rather eclectic information from the post. Lovely to see you - I'll be over ..

@ A Lady's Life - your story is amazing and I'm sure the many creative bloggers who come on here - will be willing to give your idea a go .. sounds amazing. Really interesting and fun to find out about.

@ Old Kitty - well perhaps Coke isn't fragranced with Neroli Oil .. but we'll never know I suspect!

Glad you enjoyed the post ..

@ Lenny - Hiya Sunshine!! .. actually that would be quite fun - p'rhaps?? Scratch and Sniff .. exactly he ha he ha .. You have a fun mind .. and what a good idea sniff-up before you buy ..

No don't get your gloves all gunky .. you don't want to know about ambergris then?!

Enjoy your Autumn .. wonderful to see you - explode, pop, pop, crackle, crackle .. over here - Firework Night!

Thanks Helen, A Lady's Life, Old Kitty and Lenny Lee .. great comments - thank you! Cheers Hilary

MorningAJ said...

I love neroli. Brings back memories of the seventies. A bit like patchouli or sandalwood. We were all a bit more 'smelly' in those days.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Patsy .. yes - it does seem rather a good idea doesn't it .. scenting our gloves.

@ AJ .. gosh I don't remember it - but I was never much into perfumes - found one I liked, that liked me and that was and still is it ...

Interesting additions you've given us AJ .. but today there's so many false smells around .. I really do not like them - give me the natural parfums.

Thanks Patsy and AJ .. have good evenings .. cheers Hilary

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I don't like scents that are overpowering, but I do love those that are light and become part of the person.

Susan Scheid said...

So here's the question I have: will application of the scent stop the skin on one's fingers from cracking--now that would be a very good invention!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Teresa .. I agree - a scent that is part of that person ... my 'godson' once said I love hugging you as you always smell so nice! Interesting and lovely comment to have from him.

@ Susan .. thankfully I don't suffer that way - but cracking fingers and toes are very painful for some during winter. Sleeping in cotton gloves/mittens with lots of ointment/lotion applied seems to be one way .... and I guess you could use some Neroli Oil to scent dream the night away.

Interesting thought - lovely to see you - Hilary

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A lovely interesting post Hilary, enjoyed reading it. Surprising how scent was used years ago.

Very noisy Bonfire Night here though I wish people would keep their cats in, very frightening for the cat who lives downstairs from me......owner gone out and left him outside.

Yvonne.

Joanne said...

Elizabeth had some very stylin' gloves going on there. It's interesting how fashion has changed. Have you seen the latest fingerless gloves, also known as texting gloves, so that one can text, even in the cold weather. Time marches on ...

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

When I watch movies set in the times when bathing wasn't practised, my nose actually twitches. As if the foul smell has assaulted me. LOL. Remember in the 90s when wearing perfume was considered bad form? I stopped wearing perfume then myself, and now I forget to dab a spot behind my ear when I go out. Yet, my nose is happy to smell another woman wearing something lovely. I've even asked what it was on occasion.

Thanks for sharing this, Hilary. I love learning new things.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Yvonne ... it's always interesting to be reminded of these things - and how over time we do what we do.

Ah Bonfire Night - well at least it was dry .. and it was noisy at times - our big do was on the Thursday at the Cricket Ground .. they attract 'a few' to that - it's a good show. Animals do suffer - as do birds .. I think people go out usually in the longer days with pellet guns and let them off - the poor birds come off their roosts in shock and fright. I jump at some of the loud bangs .. !!

@ Joanne - wonderful workmanship by those Glovers and Beaders .. to work in such detail and under such difficulties (compared to our life today ... bright light, right tools etc) - there are some fabulous Medieval Gloves.

A number of Kings were buried with their gloves on!

Now I didn't know that fingerless gloves are called texting gloves - - however per Wiki .. they are useful where dexterity is required .. eg cigarette smokers!, church organists, for cycling or driving, even sailing.

I found a pair of elegant leather gloves whereby each finger was a different colour - I loved them and gave them to my sister-in-law .. they were fun!

Lovely to see you both .. cheers Hilary

Glynis Peters said...

Another interesting, informative post. I love all aromatic natural oils. Neroli Oil sounds just right for the festive season, I will have to look for some.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Joylene .. the more I find out .. I squirm around .. and think of fleas, bed bugs etc .. and stink -

I don't remember that 90s thing - but then I am not a follower of fashion of any sort ... some scents are lovely, some awful - cheap and nasty .. nothing would be better!

Thanks for adding to the post - great comment ..

@ Glynis - oh good .. it'll be interesting to hear what you think if you get some .. and it does sound just right for the festive season - I was going to post a picture of a pomandered-clove-filled orange .. but didn't need it ..

Thanks Joylene and Glynis - lovely seeing you here - Hilary

Manzanita said...

Seems to me I've run across that name in my distant past but perhaps it's just the name that intrigues me. I like the way the mouth goes through puckering gyrations in pronunciation. Lenny Lee came up with a suggestion I like..... scratch and sniff. How about a whiff? Orange is such a fresh scent. I'd love that in gloves. Great information, Hilary. Thanks

Rosalind Adam said...

Oil in your gloves! Who knew? It sounds a bit sticky to me. I rather like the smell of orange oil though and have used it in my bath in the past.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I've never heard of this herb, how interesting! I love adding scents to my home in many ways. One is by grinding used lemon and lime rinds down the garbage disposal :) Also this time of year I like to simmer cinnamon sticks on top of the stove. Smells divine!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Manzanita .. you're right on all scores I think .. but definitely Lenny's - scratch and whiff - ok a minor adjustment = good idea.

Orange is a lovely fresh smell .. and yes in gloves would be great .. especially after a day-out on trains, buses, tubes etc ..

Glad you enjoyed it ..

@ Ros .. well we are talking three to four hundred years ago .. - today I agree to sticky - but we'd have modern equivalents not so sticky or gungy .. yes - orange is rather lovely isn't it.

@ Karen .. ah your new house can have that extra 'je ne sais quoi' - and you can easily add it in to your home.

Gosh - grinding lemon and lime rinds - well you have a large family .. so I guess I get lots of citrus left over ...

and yes - a Christmas pudding liquor on your stove top would generate the most delicious smell - nothing like a fruit cake baking!

Thanks so much Manzanita, Ros and Karen .. lovely seeing you - Hilary

Juliet said...

How interesting. I've always loved neroli oil and have used it in a burner. It is 'one of the most effective sedative oils', according to my aromatherapy book. The princess must have found it a good way to soothe herself. It's also said to be rejuvenating.

Golden Eagle said...

I've never heard of Neroli oil before, but I love the smell of oranges. :)

Denise Covey said...

Hi Hilary. Isn't life interesting. Always something new to learn. Love it. Thanks for the links too.

When I was travelling around Morocco recently I discovered Argan oil. The ladies have a little co-op and make all sorts of face creams with it. I bought some and it's beautiful. It also helps the Moroccan women have an income.

Denise

Sue said...

Interesting, now I know where an acquaintances name comes from.
How on earth did I miss Guy Fawkes night? Oh I know it's because it was considered too dangerous and was squeezed out of existence. Hrmph. But what wonderful childhood memories I have of huge bonfires and sparks whirling into the night sky.
Now I'll head out and sniff the lemon blossom (the closest I can get to the aroma you've described).
cheers Hilary. Have a good week.
Sue - Limbering up for the A-Z challenge

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Juliet - great that you already know about neroli oil and for telling us that it is one of the most effective sedative oils used in aromatherapy. There were a number of other thoughts on its use .. I imagine the scent must be lovely - orange is so zingy to smell.

@ Golden Eagle - like me .. you've learnt!

@ Denise - it is so interesting always more to learn.

Your Morocco discovery of Argan oil - I looked that up .. interesting to read about. These little co-ops that the women form must help them so much provide extra income - and they understand the need to conserve the trees.

@ Sue - the origination of names is so interesting isn't it - I wonder if she knows?

Guy Fawkes night - now probably has an added poignancy here after the motorway pile-up .. deaths and injuries.

I loved Guy Fawkes night too - the fireworks were magical and still are - alchemy at work.

Lucky you with lemon blossom just outside - I used to love it too ..

Thanks Juliet, Golden Eagle, Denise and Sue .. great to see you all and have good weeks .. (three of you in Spring!) - cheers Hilary

Sue said...

Hilary, I feel so remiss, I'd heard about the horrible multi car/truck crash. How horrible for all those involved and their families and rescue workers. I hadn't realised it was on GF night. *big sigh.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sue .. they had a big bonfire and firework display at the local rugby club - that is next to the motorway - it was foggy, dark and misty anyway .. 8.15pm onwards ... and there's a thought that the pall of smoke blew across the motorway - or people were distracted by the sight etc etc .. it was very foggy though. The event had all the right approvals in place ..

Exceedingly unfortunate for the day before Bonfire Night .. but large celebrations from Thursday, Fri til Bonfire Night itself. Desperate for those involved and their families ..

Yes very sad - thanks for coming back to me .. Hilary

Empty Nest Insider said...

I've used different oils for my hair and nails but now I'll never think about Coke the same way again. I'll be sure to visit A Lady's Weapon Against Stench. Julie

S. Susan Deborah said...

Ah, Hilary, I just like perfumes. Can't have enough. This post piqued my curiosity for perfumes and what a treasure of information, I found here.

The name "Roja" of Roja Parfums, is the Tamil (One of the classical languages and the native language of Tamil Nadu, a state in India and my tongue as well) translation of Rose. Any connection, made of rose perhaps!

Now this post branches out into many topics of research. The coca-cola one, for instance.

Joy always, Hillary,
Susan

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Julie .. I think many of us have used almond oil etc etc for our hair and nails - but Coke .. I've always wondered what's in it ..

Good - I think you'll enjoy Susan's "Life Takes Lemons" blog has some interesting articles.

@ Susan - ah 'Roja' .. and Rose - I didn't know that Tamil word - so thanks for enlightening us ..

Your native language - wish I didn't speak just one language .. thank goodness English is so universal!! Lazy me!

However Roja - there's a parfumer called "Roja Dove" born (1957) here in Sussex! .. who is a fragrance specialist, fragrance historian and possibly the world's most famous nose (an affectionate name for a perfumer). He used to work for Guerlain .. and then set up other companies and Roja Parfums!

So yes - Susan .. a definite link with rose and his Parfumer's nose ..

That's what these posts are intended to do - send us off in interesting directions .. and it could make a very interesting post or two .. but not coca-cola ... too commercial already ..

Great comment - thank you.

Lovely to see you Julie and Susan .. and great to have your interesting ideas .. cheers Hilary

Anonymous said...

Thanks Hilary, for a very interesting post. I always enjoy reading your blog and learning something new :-)

Unknown said...

Another fascinating post, Hilary. I'd never heard of neroli oil and yet I've tried all sorts in my burner. I shall dig out my aromatherapy book and have a look for it.

I would love to get my hands on the ingredients list for Coca-Cola. Top secret though - which is another reason I don't drink it. :)

Inger said...

Thank you, Hilary, for yet another interesting post. Have you read a novel called The Crimson Petal And The White, by Michel Faber? It takes place in 19th century London and tells the story of a very bright prostitute trying to create a better life for herself. She meets a man who has a large soap-making factory and sees him as a way out. A fascinating and interesting book. As was this post.

Unknown said...

Who knew there was so much to learn about perfume and Neroli oil. Thanks for the post. It fascinates me how much it was used so long ago. But then again, they didn't bath as much back then...

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Ron - how are you - good to see you back and I hope you had a good break. Many thanks - appreciate your visits.

@ Shirley - I hadn't either .. but everyone's contributed so many interesting snippets - fascinating - if you find anything extra let us know.

I too would like to know what's in coca-cola .. quite amazing they've kept it under wraps for so long.

I have one occasionally - blue moon occasionally! Good to see you ..

@ Inger - thanks for that information re the Michel Faber book - very interesting person .. with a novel that is described as 'one that Dickens might have written had he been allowed to speak freely' .. it looks very informative and interesting - I've noted it .. so I'll get it in due course.

Glad you enjoyed the post and you've let us know about Michel Faber and his book "The Crimson Petal and The White" .. from looking at the Wikipedia entry - it would seem to offer a wealth of knowledge re the late 1800s.

@ Clarissa - I suspect I hardly touched the parfum world - but it is interesting to be reminded of why we have some things .. no they didn't bath so much back then .. in fact only in the last 70 or so years have we bathed more frequently .. in school I had baths scheduled 3 times a week .. I didn't I got up early and bathed every day - but that was me!

Wonderful comments Ron, Shirley, Inger and Clarissa ... great information to be added in - thanks so much .. Hilary

klahanie said...

Greetings Hilary,
Apologies for such a delay in my arrival over at your outstanding blog. Did you 'scents' I was on my way, or did you plug your nose?
As per usual, you have entertained and delighted with a fascinating posting which is the very essence of 'scentimental' value....
And thankfully, it wasn't too noisy around here on Guy Fawkes Night.
Cheers, Gary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Gary .. no I didn't scent you coming .. but it's always good to see you! Glad you enjoyed it ..

You're lucky about the quiet Guy Fawkes Night - and glad Penny wasn't too disturbed by it all.

Cheers and a peaceful week ahead .. Hilary

Paula RC said...

Amzaing posting, Hilary. I always learn something new when I drop by.

I was having problems with posting comments on other blogs but it seems like the problems has cleared now.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jarmara .. thank you .. and glad you enjoyed the info.

Blogger has its blips - frustrating at times to put it mildly ... I often can't comment with embedded comments .. which if I want to be connected to them is irritating! Such is the life of a blogger .. and today I'm struggling to get connection one of the masts is down ..

Good to see you - and happy writing .. cheers Hilary

Southpaw said...

Very cool. I hadn't heard of this oil - crazy right? I've also never perfumed my gloves.

suzy doodling said...

How feminine and elegant to scent your gloves. Great article Hilary, will check some of those links later.

Friko said...

Best of all, have a massage with essential oils. Bliss!

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of natural fragrances to banich odours rather than the modern scents and perfumes and things like Febreeze that don't actually eliminate the odour but do cause allergies and pollute the environment.
Mind you I have a problem going into shops with incence and essential oils because it gives me a headache & nausea LOL!

MTeacress said...

Orange oil, and orange blossoms, an entirely different fragrance than the oil, are some of my favorite smells. We sometimes used it in Arizona to keep the ants away - sort of a natural pest deterrent. Interesting,huh?

Arlee Bird said...

Never heard of Neroli Oil but I'm familiar with Orange oil. We had our house treated with it to stave off termites. And Michelle's previous comment about it keeping away ants confirms what I had suspected: Since treating the house with Orange oil we haven't had an ant problem for the past several years and we used to get invaded frequently.

Lee
Blogging from A to Z

Anonymous said...

I would love Neroli Oil...I know it. I have some Mango Butter that I put on my hands before I put on my winter gloves. I love how the scent stays with me long after it is washed or worn off my hands.

Can you believe I thought I was being clever and creative?! Women have been doing this for centuries~!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Holly - that's why I wrote about it - I just found it interesting .. and I too have never perfumed my gloves - often wondered if I should have when I lived in London and used the tube and buses!

@ Susy - good to see you - I agree it would be such a lovely gesture .. pull off your gloves and out comes the bitter-sweet scent of oranges .. enjoy the links.

@ Friko - especially hard-pressed gardeners, writers, Beeno 'looker-afterers' ... and long walkers .. enjoy your massages!

@ Madeleine - we agree on those counts - can't stand chemical scents .. dreadful. Sometimes the incense and essential oil burners generate an 'overpoweringness' that I too find too much.

@ Michelle - yes - keeping the ants at bay with orange blossoms and essential oil - is interesting ... I'd prefer them scenting the room! But I too don't want ants around ...

@ Lee - that's really interesting about keeping the termites out - and that your whole house was treated with 'orange oil' to keep the termites away .. fascinating to learn about - and that you confirmed Michelle's comment.

@ Amy - lovely fresh Neroli Oil in your Canadian woods and home .. a wonderful thought .. ah putting on Mango Butter before your winter gloves .. it's great that the scent stays around.

I think everything's been done before - we just seem to reinvent the wheel!

Thanks everyone and for the additional environmental protection against termites .. guess it would work for normal ants here too .. I can see a few of us going around with scented gloves this winter ..

Cheers - Hilary

Chase March said...

A lot of schools have a no scents policy because some students can be extremely sensitive to perfumes or colognes.

Even without the policy, I rarely wear cologne.

Still though, it is interesting to see how and why we use scented products on a daily basis.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Chase .. I wonder if that policy is applicable to the States' schools and I'll have to check re ours here. hadn't thought about that aspect - though many people are sensible to scents or various sorts - laundry etc etc ..

Then oils from flora and fauna have been used for so many things through the centuries .. it is interesting to follow that trail through history.

Thanks - good to see you here - Hilary

nutschell said...

wow! I've never heard of Neroli oil.Oh I've missed your blog. See, this is why I love coming here. I always learn something new! Thanks for this.

nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

I love the idea of scented gloves. My daughter sleeps with lotion and gloves during the winter because her hands get so dry. I'm wondering if using lavender lotion/oil with night time gloves might help one sleep better?

Sara said...

Wow. This was an interesting post. I was startled by the prices of the Neroli Oil! Still, I loved how you wove the publications with the oil with the new blogger friend and, of course, the history. Only you know to make this special word quilt:~)

Like others said, I always learn something new here. Oddly, I have difficult with the scent of orange. I thinks it's because I grew up near an orange grove. My nose got over saturated:~)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Nutschell - lovely comment - thank you so much. Glad you enjoy visiting ..

@ Sharon - interesting that your daughter as found one way of helping her 'winter hands' .. cracked heels and chapped hands must be so troublesome. Lavender is meant to aid sleep isn't it - so perhaps .. let us know!

I like Amy's idea (Soul Dipper) of using Mango Butter .. that's thicker ... that might work very well overnight. It's trial and error ...

@ Sara - I know .. the prices are high - that's why I put the retail prices in .. but The Quarterly is full of expensive items!

I'm glad that my "quilting" works for you with this post .. thank you.

Perhaps you were over-dosed with the pollen over the years, when you were growing up .. interesting thought.

Thanks so much Nutschell, Sharon and Sara .. lovely to see you - Hilary

walk2write said...

I've tried dozens of essential oils but not neroli oil for some reason. I imagine it must be more of a penetrating scent than sweet orange oil.

Just wanted to tell you I thoroughly enjoyed your last two posts regarding your visit to Oxford and family ties to Miss Emily. What an amazing woman!

Anonymous said...

Hi Hilary. Wonderful post. I like Lenny's idea of scratch 'n sniff. Just as long as it is a pleasant scent we are scratching 'n sniffing.
: )

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ W2W .. I think it's been on the back burner for a while - and it's being rediscovered. It sounds an interesting fragrance though .. I love spicy oranges ..

Many thanks re the two Oxford posts about Emily Hobhouse .. she certainly was one amazing lady ... it was really stimulating to be in Oxford again.

@ Susanne - yes - wasn't Lenny's idea of scratch 'n sniff such a good one .. and exactly as long as it is deliciously fragrant ..

Great to see you both - W2W and Susanne .. thanks for coming by .. Hilary

Diane said...

I have never heard of Neroli Oil, interesting post. I use several different oils for massage but that is a name that has escaped me. It sounds quite expensive though! Take care Diane

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Diane .. thanks for coming over seeing as you've masses of other things to sort out - let alone your flu/cold for now. Keep warm and cozy down south ..

It is as you say expensive - well not sure about the oil .. but those products are high end expensive, I agree there - not one I'm purchasing!

You too - take care but at least you're home and settling in .. cheers and many happy days ahead with a clear head .. Hilary

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Hello Hilary, I see that I have missed a couple of very interesting posts. this one specially about perfumes. I will tell my daughter to read about this. She has a lot of interest in how we can develope different things from nature. To know the history of perfumes will thrill any one. Your posts are always very inspiring. Cheers !

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Munir - good to see you .. we're all busy (sadly!) .. that would be wonderful and to know what your daughter thinks too - perhaps she's heard of Neroli oil ...

I'm sure you've heard of Roja .. rose in Tamil .. isn't it interesting how things travel and we learn ..

I just love the value of the comments and the extra information that seems to come this way ..

History of perfumes - I think that would be one huge subject - but very interesting ... one day!

Thanks so much - lovely to see you .. cheers Hilary

Jannie Funster said...

I always scent my hands with rosemary when I find a bush. Or almost always. When I remember to, I say.

Well, I guess in the Olde Days they did need to cover the stench, for those who did not bathe daily? Another post perhaps. Have you seen any articles in the upmarket inserts about bathing through the ages?? :)

I LOVE orange scent and flavor!!! In lollipops I prefer in this order (organic ones like Yummy Earth, preferably...) orange, lemon, cherry and grape.

In glove perfuming (had I gloves) I'd go for Neroli Oil, rosemary, lemon zest, chocolate, and lavendar.

xoxoxoxo

Jannie Funster said...

Oh, about not having any gloves...

Not sure where my winter gloves ARE. Oh yes, Kelly cut the fingers out of them for some fashion thing. Luckily, the little stretchy ones can be bought for just a few dollars.

xooxo

And love from Blue Bunny too.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

I'm a fan of perfume, so this post captured my attention. I think a historical fiction writer would find it quite helpful.

I'll be linking to it in a future post. :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Jannie x 2 - the gentle squeezing of oils from herbs as we pass is just lovely isn't it and then the scent on our fingers lingers on .. lemon balm etc ..

No - I know very little about bathing through the ages - though it was recognised .. Turkish baths, Roman baths etc ... Queen Bess .. proclaimed that all public places should be scented - since she couldn't tolerate bad smells. If you had a 'nose' those ladies in the late 1500s would have been in high demand for their perfumery skills.

Orange is a very refreshing scent, drink et al .. I've never heard of Yummy Earth ice lollies or are they just lollipops - seems like an organic candy company.

It does sound a rather lovely idea - scenting our gloves during winter ...

If you're buying new gloves - it's warmer to wear mittens .. but I guess in Austin that's not really a worry for most of the year!

Thanks for BB's love .. hugs to you all ... xoxoxox

@ Susan - the right perfume that is right on our skin is just delightful ... I think Susan's blog at Life Takes Lemons will be a good reference point.

Glad the information is of some help .. and thanks for any links ..

Cheers Jannie (& Blue Bunny) and Susan .. lovely to see you - have good weekends ... Hilary

Jannie Funster said...

Hi again!! Yes, not too cold here. Just need gloves to keep the chill off, from the steering wheel. :)

Yes, lollipops, on a stick. Would be nice to have now. But don't want to spoil my dinner. :)

Cheers, my dear!

xoxoxo

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jannie .. actually it's not too cold here either - ok the car does get cold doesn't it .. and that wheel can get cold.

Lollipops on a stick - never fancied those .. though Kojak was always quite fun!

Cheers to you - enjoy the weekend .. xoxxoxooxoxo Hilary

Davina Haisell said...

What a neat idea, Hilary. I've not heard of this before, but you're right that I've probably smelled Neroli oil before. I just can't place it because when a masseuse uses oil on me the only fragrance I recognize is lavender. I have a friend who burns a lot of scented candles and her apartment is homey because of it.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Davina .. I know so little about these things - but I was fascinated where that small article took me - and then the added value from the comments .. Susan Deborah's in particular from India!

I do recognise some fragrances .. and yes home burning candles do give off a lovely glow and fragrance .. to embrace us as we visit.

Thanks for coming by in your busy period .. cheers Hilary