To celebrate passing my remote pilot's exam, I used a little bit of my tax return money and picked up Tom Ford's Black Orchid Reserve. I've been in love with it from the first day it came out, but have been biding my time waiting for it to hit discounters and for a good deal to happen. JomaShop happened to be doing their Father's Day discount sale, which brought the 50mL to the lowest price I've seen it since it was released. I picked it up for $125 with free shipping and used some of my credits to bring it down a couple of bucks farther. I am super happy, and it ties with the original EDP as my all time favorite winter / fall fragrance. I know I can't really wear it for a while, but at that price, it was too good to not pass up, and I had a good excuse. My big surprise, though, was that one of my biggest clients, who has supported me through multiple CEOs and multiple job roles sent me a gift for passing as well. They sent me a GIANT 200mL bottle of JPG Le Male Elixir Absolu, along with three 10mL travellers of JPG Le Beau, JPG Le Male Elixir, and JPG Divine. I am gobsmacked at the gift. I'm not the biggest JPG fan, but these are incredible, and the thought and intention behind it blows me away. I did a test of Elixir, since that's the one everyone raves about, and I am sold on it. Wow! I'll be doing some comparisons and wearing them at home, and I'll follow up. But so far, Elixir is absolutely everything that everyone says it is. I'm hesitant to try the Absolu while I'm at the studio since I have shoots this evening, but I will definitely be comparing and taking notes.

Many of us own clones. I'm conducting a quick survey on spending patterns.

Have been waiting all week. I love the limited release Zed Creators releases. This house continues to amaze me!!! Zaharoff Soul Elixir – Rich, smooth, and seductive with warm spices, woods, amber, vanilla, and tobacco. Smells mature, confident, and luxurious without feeling dated. Zaharoff Pleasure Over Business – Modern, stylish, and easygoing with a smooth mix of freshness, sweetness, and woods. Smells polished without being overly serious.

Gifted a bottle of Torino 24. Fragrance forums seem to like Torino 21 more but I preferred 24. Will wear it in good health.

He finally had a stomach bypass surgery today that should allow him to eat, get strengthened an finally start his cancer treatment. He came out from surgery as desired and planned, to God be the glory! I just came home from the hospital since yesterday afternoon, and Narciso Rodriguez for Him Bleu Noir EDP is still present on my shirt’s neck.