Oddly Intriguing Fragrance Collection

Somehow or another, I ended up on PerpetualKid.com today, and was incredibly tempted by a Crayola Crayon Executive Pen, which looks just like those crayons I loved in grade school but actually writes with standard ball-point pen ink. If only it was less than $16, I’d have one on my desk right now. Alas, I’m too cheap.

Further down the page, though, I spotted another crayon-inspired product — Crayon Cologne! That’s right, Demeter Fragrance Library has developed an entire line of scents based on everyday smells, designed to bring back special memories and make you smile (read about their philosophy). Their collections range from classic, true-to-life aromas like Pure (Ivory) Soap, Rain, Gingerale, Pink Lemonade, even Dirt. They’ve also got a Happy Hour Collection, based on your favorite cocktail drinks (Mojito, anyone? How about a Cosmo?), a Herbology collection (just smell the Cannabis Flower, don’t smoke it!), a Kahala collection for a little virtual Hawaiian vacation, a few Jelly Belly flavors, and more.

All fragrances are available in one or more of the following: 1 oz or 4 oz cologne spray, 3 oz bath & body oil, 4 oz shower gel, 4 oz calming lotion, 4 oz room spray, 5.6 oz candle, 7 oz olive oil soap, or 1/2 oz mini-splash. The best deal sounds like the 1/2 oz mini-splash; it’s only $5 which isn’t that bad to try out a new scent (shipping seems to be a flat $6.49 within the US).

Now here’s my dilemma … should I try the Snow, Laundromat, Vanilla Ice Cream, or all of the above?

Pumpkins in the Village

It’s been several years since I experienced the annual ritual of pumpkin carving, immersing myself in stringy pumpkin guts and slimy seeds. I think the last time was for a program in college, and before that was probably early on in high school. It was always an enjoyable if goopy and gooky process, but I always wanted to be able to do something more artistic and creative.

That’s why I was so envious when I heard about the Master Carvers at Pumpkins in the Village. The second annual event occurs at Bridgeport Village on Saturday, Oct. 27 between 12 – 5 p.m., where approximately a a dozen local artisans will each craft a giant pumpkin (several hundred pounds apiece!) into monster-sized Halloween masterpieces. After the event, the finished creations will remain on display through October 31, and visitors can vote on their favorites with donations to Kids on the Block, a local non-profit organization.

So … I can get my pumpkin fix without getting my own hands dirty, and support a good cause at the same time. Thanks, Portland Picks, for the newsletter announcement about this event!