I was telling some people the other day about men's fragrances and how to wear them properly. This morning I had my semi-annual checkup at my dentist's office. The lady behind the front desk said to me, "You smell good." So gents, don't neglect that cologne, eau de toilette, or what ever it is you wear.

Going for breakfast at my favorite restaurant for breakfast because it's my birthday. Starting the day right with my first 3 steps. Hair. Deodorant. Cologne.

They finally arrived — and I opened the box like a kid on Christmas morning who specifically asked for swagger. After much anticipation, this evening I received both new fragrances from the house of Elyon Dubai (Curly’s Fragrances), and even though I only planned a quick test, I ended up doing a full sniff-session like a sommelier with a grudge against subtlety. BLUF: I am thrilled with the blind buy — these two just earned a seat at the table next to my Tom Ford, Creed, and Xerjoff. Infinity smells like a luxury night drive in a leather interior — smooth woods, a soft touch of sweet fruit, and just enough rose to whisper, “Yes, this costs money.” It’s the fragrance equivalent of pulling up in a blacked-out car with ambient lighting, even if you’re really just going to Walgreens. Himeros (my favorite) is Infinity’s darker, mysterious cousin — the one with a motorcycle, excellent hair, and zero interest in returning phone calls. It’s smoky, leathery, sweet in the most dangerous way, and powerful enough that one spray feels like you’ve just entered a villain’s penthouse. Definitely not my usual “office-safe” choice, but tomorrow night it’s coming with me to the Cowboy Dance Hall. A cowboy with Middle Eastern flair? Boots, leather, oud energy? The fragrance is already doing more line-dancing than I am.

It’s freezing and has been since Saturday night. Still made the commute into work despite trains being cancelled and delayed across the system. Lots of layers today, to include a pair of running tights under my trousers for extra insulation and warmth while wait for trains and woolen Irish walking socks. LL Bean turtleneck Izod three button sweater Banana Republic grey trousers Doc Martin Arthur style boots Fossil two tone watch Stay warm!

For my Australian Brothers (and any Sisters) on this page, where do you live? I would love to get together with any of you and have a dinner, or see a show. I am in the ACT (just outside of it actually) but would love to make a weekend, or a couple of days over the Christmas break, where we can catchup. I know we are in a totally different Time Zone compared to the US brothers and sisters and that makes the virtual catch ups harder to do, and the in person meet and greets are a long trip. So Please select your choice below for the state, and then let me know if this is something you are keen on.