I know the world of retail has wanted us to believe that it’s been Christmas since the end of September, but for those of us who don’t shy away from the religious aspect of the celebrations, the countdown to the festive season didn’t actually begin until a week ago, when the church calendar marked the first Sunday of Advent. Now’s the proper time to begin reflecting on the year that’s been… whilst finding creative ways of justifying the consumption of mince pies. (Speaking of which, has anyone tried Waitrose’s puff pastry variety? Dangerously impressive!)

As you’d expect, one topic that’s been on my mind a great deal lately is health and, more specifically, cancer. Now that my Movember campaign has come to an end, I’d like to express one final word of thanks to everyone who made a donation. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by me, and I have no doubt it is appreciated even more by the hundreds of thousands of people who will benefit from the research that will be made possible by the funds you’ve helped to raise. As I type these words, the UK branch of Movember has raised an astonishing £15,500,000 this year, whereas the worldwide total stands at £65,900,000! That’s even more impressive than puff pastry mince pies.

But here’s the paragraph many of you have been waiting for. I’m very excited to announce that Andy Tauer has invited Persolaise.com to participate in his Advent calendar give-aways again this year. He is being particularly generous with the prize this time around: a full bottle of any perfume from his extensive collection, which includes those he sells on Tauerperfumes.com, as well as Miriam from Tableau De Parfums and Cologne Du Maghreb. To enter the draw, please read the terms and conditions below and leave a comment on this post on the subject of how 2011 has treated you so far, or what your hopes are for 2012. Be quick though: the draw is open only for one day!


Ah, the oven’s pinging. Must get the mince pies out.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Persolaise.

Draw Terms & Conditions

i) the draw will be closed at 12 pm (UK time) on Monday 5th December; ii) the winner will be selected at random and announced on this blog on Tuesday 6th December; iii) readers from anywhere in the world are eligible to enter; iv) by entering the draw, you indicate that customs regulations in your country permit you to receive an alcohol-based perfume; v) the winner will have to provide his/her postal address, which will then be passed on to Andy Tauer; vi) the winner’s address will not be kept on record by Persolaise, nor will it be passed to any third parties, apart from Andy Tauer.


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223 thought on “End Of Movember + 24 Hour Tauer Advent Give-Away”
  1. Persolaise, 2011 has treated me as well as one might expect, considering the financial crisis and uncertainty. I'm pleased that despite all this, I still have my health and a loving family, and one can't really wish for more (well, one could wish for a bottle of perfume from Andy!).

    Please enter me in the draw. Thanks.

  2. Hello Dear Persolaise and congratulations on your Movember campaign. 2011 was a very odd year, lots of changes happened, but I am moving into 2012 with a clearer perspective and vision of where I'm going next. And this winter has seen me explore all sorts of fragrance notes I have previously eschewed, such as ORANGE BLOSSOM!! Who knew?!? It's the New Me! Thank you for hosting the prize draw, my digits are crossed…….xx

  3. Good morning,
    2011 had a few ups and down but overall it was a better year than 2010. Thanks for hosting the draw.

  4. Nice to see you hosting an advent, Persolaise! Thanks! And congratulations with your Movember campain. And nice to meet you 🙂
    And what's about the question… Well 2011 has brought a lot of hope, so let's think 2012 will bring more realization of hopes 😉

  5. I would have to say that 2011 has been a truly astonishing year…not least for being the year I truly began to write, reached out and connected with so many amazing people. Which also includes you! Here's to 2012, and I know it will only get better! Big plans are underway!

    PS: I rather suspected you were devastating! I was right! 😉

  6. Persolaise, your post inspires me to do some cooking and baking on this grey Sunday, puff pastry mince pie perhaps :-). It fits what I want for 2012: creating a warm home for me and my family and inviting more friends for dinner and drinks. 2011 has been good.

  7. So pleased to hear the positive praise in support of Movember. 🙂
    Hope you have a lovely holiday and brilliant 2012.
    Thanks for hosting an advent!
    Regards,
    ~Freda

  8. 2011 was a good year for love life. I hope 2012 will be good in all aspects.

    Thanks for hosting!

  9. 2011 has been a nice and stable year when it comes to family and work, I'm hoping for an equally stable 2012 🙂

    Thank you for hosting thei draw!

  10. 2011 was a great year for me. No spectacular things happened in my professional life or love life. But a 13 year old foster son has invaded my house and I love it. Thank you for hosting this advent calendar door.

  11. Hello Persolaise,

    Thanks for taking part f the Advent! 2011 as tough (for many), and I'm still just hoping for a better 2012!

  12. Persolaise, nice to "meet" you 🙂

    2011 wasn't bad for me, I can't complain. If to think of it, I wouldn't mind if many years to come will be at least not worse.

  13. 2011 was, or I'd rather say still is a good year for me. Many interesting perfumes joined my collection.

    My hopes for 2012, to happily get my university 1st degree

  14. Nothing strange happened in 2011, but finally
    too my year was good. There is everybody with me who I love. If he will be the 2012 the same kind, than the 2011, I am satisfied with it already. Important, how he should be left I loved on Mind healthy and let us be left yet for a long time together!

  15. Hello Persolaise, as a regular visitor of Andy Tauer's blog I often read your comments there and it is nice to read them from now on "with" your picture. Please enter me in the draw. I already have a sample pack from Lucky Scent because I was so curious about Miriam. (But I am a big fan of Andy's perfumes anyway)
    For me 2012 may bring another job?? I am looking into that, so that is very exciting.
    But nr 1 is good health!!!

  16. Congrats on your Movember success — the masks were very entertaining and sweet of you to do the big reveal.

    Looking at 2011 from Canada leaves little to complain about. Personally, I had an unexpected health challenge, but my sister and a good friend were stalwart. I'm looking forward to 2012 and feeling optimistic about the potential for positive change.

    — Lindaloo

  17. After a painful year with my back/shoulders I am now seeing a brilliant osteopath who has really loosened me up. So, I'm looking forward to a 2012 of gardening and decorating and waving my arms around in the air just for the fun of it.

  18. For me 2011 was very succesful year in all aspects and I expect the same or even better in 2012 with regad to matters that are important – family, health, work in this order. Many thansk – Alica – alica@cleis.net

  19. ciao to all,
    my 2011 was directed by the general crisis in EU and expecially in ITaly…as an unemployed 47 years old person i get the chance for a time termed job in september til january 2012..after that i really do not know..as a perfumista, well, i was trying to make up my mind on what to do in scented field..
    so hope that 2012 will not be the end…ciao
    Roberto

  20. I'm hoping that financial situations get better in 2012 and become less of a burden toward my greater goals and productivity. 2011 was still pretty good though however a lot of things I asked the universe for came to me. But I would still love a bottle from Andy!

  21. Dear Persolaise. Congratulations for the Movember success. Great picture! Too bad we couldn't see the mustache.

    2011 has been a great year, with its ups and downs, hit and miss blind buys (which shouldn't happen anymore in 2012), and many unmet deadlines and unexpected achievements (in a good way).

    Looking forward 2012 with optimism and hoping for the best for everyone as well!

    Thank you & Andy for hosting a great event! Please include me in the draw as well.

  22. This past was about positive change for me, as well as reflection. Next year I can only hope to do better in the areas in which I am lacking. Thanks so much for the generous draw!

  23. Hello,
    2011 has been an odd year for me. Massive amounts of personal growth, but with a major lack of meeting the goals I had set out with at the beginning of the year. I am hoping that 2012 will see that growth from the last year evolving into real life changes.

    Regards,

  24. 2011 was a gret year for me. I got my advanced technical college entrance qualification and managed to get a rare college place that is in great demand every year. So I've been very happy and thankful 🙂

    Happy holidays to everyone!

  25. 2011 has been an interesting year. I finally cultivated my love of fragrance and currently have over 50 full bottles and around 200+ samples with more coming.

    Having struggled to find a job I enjoy and equally to begin on my own fragrance-creating journey I am hoping that 2012 will bring a richness to my life that 2011 has thus far not done.

    I finally moved in with my long-term girlfriend after having spent 2 years apart while she was doing her chemistry teaching degree and I have even managed to get her to begin enjoying the olfactory adventures that is fragrance.

  26. I have no complaints about 2011, and not any particular wishes for 2012 Thanks for hosting Andy's lovely Advent Calendar.

  27. In 2011, I developed a craving for Vanilla-based perfumes – something I had always shunned before. Due to the financial crisis I have bought only one full-sized bottle of Perfume (Zeta)and the smell cheers me up wonderfully. Like everyone else, there has been good and bad moments but more and more I realise it is how you deal with something that counts. I have high hopes for 2012 – I am turning 40 – I still feel 19! – and as long as I have my family and friends I can deal with whatever comes.
    Good luck to everyone.

  28. 2011 has been amazing for me. One of the best years of my life privately, professionaly and fragrance-wise of course! Now what I am hoping for in 2012 is focusing more on creating perfumes and buliding my fragrances collection more wisely.

    Take care, Persolaise!

    fqjcior@gmail.com

  29. I won't miss the memorable 2011, but I'm hoping 2012 will be better for all of us! There are so many opportunities at the start of each year…who knows where they will lead?

    Thank you for this lovely bridge to an optimistic future!

  30. Well, 2011 gave me a great job… but it lasted only 3 months. So I hope that 2012 will improve my professional situation!

  31. Business wise, 2011 has been my best year in a long time. I hope that it will continue in 2012. I also hope to improve as a father and husband during the coming year.

    Philip

  32. 2011 was a good year overall, no major changes but no major upsets either. My family and myself have all kept our health, looking forward to meeting them all at christmas. Hoping 2012 will be as good!
    Thank you for this draw, keeping my fingers crossed!

  33. 2011 was such a confusing year, never stopped being confused. As for wishes for 2012, better not think of any 🙂 Apart from having a collection of all Andy's scents.
    Please include me in the draw!

  34. I've had an ok 2011, not horrible (I have my health and loved ones around me) but not amazing. I hope 2012 brings new challenges in the form of a new job, new place to live and more visits to explore new things! All in all, I'm hopeful.

  35. 2011 was a pretty good year, especially career-wise. I worked really hard and actually saw some success! Hoping 2012 is a continuation – I certainly will think positively. Thanks for the draw!

  36. 2011 went in slow motion, a bit of sweet, a bit of salt days but all in all 2011 was a good year. Hope to do what I am planning for 2012.

  37. 2011 has been exhausting, but I'm much better of in every way now, close to the end of it, than I was when it startet. For 2012 I hope for this chnge to continue, but at a slightly more relaxed pace, with a bit more time for me to catch up to it.

  38. 2011 was a very ambivalent year for me. On one hand I achieved very good grades in University and had much fun travelling around – on the other hand my girlfriend broke up with me after three years. So I have mixed feelings about 2011 so my hopes for 2012 will be that it will be a year of predominant positive events.

    Cheers,
    Till

  39. 2011 has been an incredibly good year for me, fulfilling my two biggest dreams that have changed my life forever. As for the next year, I just hope that my luck continues in the same vein 🙂

  40. Alas, 2011 beat me up. It started well enough, though with several business trips in the Spring it was pretty intense. But the last few months have been one of the more horrid semesters ever. So the goal for 2012 is to find some way to rest and relax.

  41. 2011 has been a wonderful year for me. I've made breakthroughs in my creative career and I rediscovered perfume. My loved ones and I are all in good health. My best hope is more of the same for 2012.

  42. Unfortunately, 2011 has been an annus horribilis for me in terms of illness in my family. Hopefully, 2012 will be a year of recovery.

  43. I am thankful that I have my health & still have my job, one that I love. Lots of changes at work with a new Director, she is allowing me to stretch my professional muscles. Thank you for hosting the draw.

  44. Thank you for hosting this fun Advent drawing. It's nice to meet you. I've thoroughly enjoyed your Movember masks; they were great fun. Thanks for bringing attention to prostate health and the need for research.

    As for 2012 hopes…I hope for wisdom in our home and world leaders, relief from war and more stable financial times for all, and mostly for joy. Be well.
    –HemlockSillage

  45. It is very hard to try to value 2011. In very many ways it has been something of a lost year. On the other hand, I think my health has been stabilizing somewhat, which is great news considering I've been on disability since 1998… ouch. So I m just a bit lost, I think, in how to relate with this new situation. Hopefully 2012 will bring some more clarity and movement into a new beginning, although my main wishes now is that I may come out of surgery well in January! But I wish myself a little less being lost and a bit more choices that make me really happy (as opposed to making me just feel a bit less miserable or forget that I do feel miserable). I know I still have lots to offer to the world, so pray that I have it in me to, yet again, pull myself together and give it my all!

  46. Hi Persolaise! Looking quite snazzy in that picture! 🙂

    2011 has been rough. There were some good moments, but right after Ventine's day I was stuck in the hospital for 10 days with sudden kidney infection, which then turned out sepsis (a blood infection), and 2 months after with no warning from my doctors my hair started falling out – very traumatic for a woman!! I lost half or more of my hair over a 7 week period. I can definitely empathize with cancer survivors that lose their hair. When I went to my hairstylist to cut many many inches off the remaining hair, so that when it started frowning again it would blend in better, she showed me new growth that I hadn't realized was beginning to come through. I sat in the chair and cried. I know it's vanity, but I was so grateful that my hair was starting to come back in, even though I will take over a year to get back to its former glory (presently, the new growth I about 2.5 inches long :)). Right around the time my hair started regrowing, I turned 30. Ugh! And a month later, my husband lost his job. Without my faith in God, family, and friends, this year would have a lot more tough, but we have gotten by. It's forced me to be more grateful, be more frugal, take better care of myself, and that the people who love you will be there for you when you need them most. Needless to say, 2011 and I didn't get on very well, and I am more than ready for 2012. Hopefully, it will be much better and not as rough as this year has been. Happy Christmas to you, and may your new year be filled with scented adventures and many blessings 🙂

    – Devon Hernandez dlh061381@aol.com

  47. my 2011 wasn't worst than 2010 and I'm grateful for that- My husband had urgent major surgery ( THAT was scarry…) but recovered in less than a month and all is well now
    I have high hopes for a better and merrier 2012, that I wish to all of you
    thanks for the draw

  48. 2011 has been a rollercoaster year. I found out I was pregnant which wasn't planned and gave birth to my beautiful son in October. My main hope for 2012 is to get a good nights sleep on a regular basis

  49. Hi and thanks for hosting the Advent Calendar giveaway! I was interested to read through people's comments about this past year. Sounds like a number of folks have had a hard year. I hope all find smoother sailing in 2012. For me 2011 was a clear improvemet over 2010, so I hope I'm on an upward trend. Best wishes to all for the holiday season! Suzanne

  50. Nice Movember pic!

    2011 was great and awful, like most years. The thing that I think with stick with me most from this year, which included monumental life changes, was learning how to truly sympathise with others.
    There were so many things I couldn't or wouldn't understand about the difficult life choices, or lack of choices, people made. And growing up hurt, but I think I'm all the better for it and looking forward to 2012!

    Please enter me in the competition because growing up doesn't always come with a disposable income and I'd love just a little indulgence to see me into the New Year 🙂

  51. Despite all the financial uncertainty and moments of panic we have made it relatively unscathed through 2011 and feeling optimistic for 2012

  52. Hi! 2011 has been so good for me: I have given birth to two wonderful babies, a boy and a girl. And I have moved to another country. So lots of changes:) 2012 will be less stressful I hope and I will get more sleep:).
    Hope to win the draw!

  53. 2011 was about getting my bearings and relearning what I thought I understood; 2012 is sure to be an exciting year of change! Hope your 2012 is magical. Thanks for hosting today's draw! ~r

  54. Hi! Like the picture!

    Well, 2011 was busy, challenging, and daunting. It didn't treat me badly per se, but it was no way easy. I'm really hoping that 2012 will be …. gentler.

  55. 2011 has treated me very well. I bought my own apartment, and I still can't believe it! It makes me so proud and happy. I look forward to 2012 and wish for happiness and good health for my family and friends.

  56. Hello Persolaise; it's nice to put a face to your comments as I know that you are a regular commenter on Andy's blog. 2011 has been steady for me and the ones I love and for that I am grateful. JenM

  57. 2011 has been a year of trying to make up my mind about a number of things. Not a bad year mind you, but lacking in decision.
    I feel so shameless entering this comment but am pining not for the fjords, but for the Cologne du Maghreb!
    Thank you for hosting this, and thank you Andy for your incredible generosity!

    Barbara

  58. Well, that's easy: 2011 has been the best year in my whole life: I'm studying what I like, I met my soul twin, I'm living in my own way at last!!!!!

  59. 2011 has been a wonderful year! Lots of positive things have happened in my life this year, and I'm really looking forward to 2012.

  60. 2011 treated me quite fair; I kept my job and my body in shape:-)) Had a great holiday in China!
    I expect from 2012 more inspiration about my true goals in life though.

  61. Hi! from a longtime lurker. 2011 was rather a mixed year, but a highlight was fragrance. I was able to get several older bottles of some classics and am thrilled by them.
    For 2012, I'm hoping for calm and relaxation. It's kind of like the old curse/saying "May you live in interesting times" — been there, done that, ready for the less interesting.

  62. 2011 has been a good year. I'm hoping that 2012 will be even better (I have a book to finish writing…so it had better be!)

  63. My 2011 was good. I finally got to Paris and everyone remainded happy and healthy. I hope next year is full of wonderful scented surprises. Happy Holidays!!

  64. 2011 has been a tough year. I'm hoping for an easier 2012.

    Thanks for posting the picture! It's nice to have a face to associate with your blog posts!

    (If you need an email address it is: crumpleragATsbcglobalDOTnet )

  65. 2011 was a good year and I know that 2012 would be great. I would be greatly blessed, favoured and will multiply in very way possible in 2012.

  66. How nice to see your whole face, Persolaise!

    2011 tried to beat me up but I am coming through it just fine. Having overcome a potentially lethal health issue, I found out that I have people in my life who really care for me. I also found that I am emotionally more resilient than I knew. I'm finding that I have more compassion for people in general, even when I don't like or understand them.

  67. 2011 is going to leave me with mixed feelings, some really hard parts of it that I didn't like and some that kinda make it even. In the perfume area is been a year of multiple additions to my wardrobe and still clearing and buying more…
    Thanks for hosting this and Happy Holidays to you and to all the readers/particpants of this amazing draw!

  68. 2011 will be remembered as the year I started my journey down the great and glorious perfume smelling road! It all started with picking up a copy of Luca and Tania's book in the bargain section of my local book store. For novices, a wonderful resource. Reading blogs and sampling fragrances has allowed the year to pass very pleasurably. Hope for more of the same in 2012. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

  69. 2011 hasn't done too badly by me, but I am hoping 2012 will bring love, success and happiness. Although not a bad year, 2011 seemed to find those things in short supply for me personally.

    Thanks for hosting this – please enter me in the draw!

    ltrittipoe(at)yahoo(dot)com

  70. Thank you for hosting the draw! I'm happy to leave 2011 behind, as it was an exhausting year for me and my family. I wish for strength and calm in 2012 to be able to make the right decisions in my professional life.

  71. Hello Handsome–so nice to finally see a face to go with your name. This year has not been a favorite of mine–work problems and my own health scare and medical treatment. I have spent time adjusting my attitude and plan to go into 2012 expecting a better outcome. How that will be the case for everyone of us. Thanks for hosting Andy's very generous Advent Calendar and here's hoping my luck starts to change right now!

  72. Ever wanted to give a gift of peace at Christmas–
    in the form of a perfume? Barb Stegemann is CEO of 7 Virtues. 7 Virtues goal is "…to encourage other businesses to do trade with business people in Afghanistan, Haiti, The Middle East and other nations experiencing strife as a part of the solution to building peace."
    By December 15th, I want to launch "Peace Quotes" online magazine. "Peace Quotes" will be devoted to promoting small businesses to be used as feminist peace activism. And, I've had this idea since before hearing about Barb Stegemann. Please look for us online.

  73. OMG! You are SUCH a cutie! Thanks for posting the picture.

    2011 taught me to value each and every moment, even the sucky ones. It's been a very up/down year (mostly down) but instead of folding I was stunned to find myself with deep reserves of resiliance! I'm hoping to not have to use them quite so much in 2012, though. I could use a break! 😀

  74. Congrats on your Movember.

    I'm hoping 2012 kicks 2011's butt because it was so awful. Better things for the coming year, I hope.

  75. 2011 has been a difficult year in many ways but not without its blessings. I try to remain grateful for those and look to the new year with hope and optimism.

  76. 2011 has been a year of bittersweet changes. My only child son graduated high school and started college. My goal for 2012 is to stop worrying so much over him, and do a better job of accepting the fact that I can't protect him from life, and have to let him make his own decisions and consequences. It's a tall order for me, but a necessary one.

  77. 2011 has been a good year for me and my friends and family. We have our health and jobs intact and all is well. I hope for as little change as possible in that respect, a tad more energy re gardening, perhaps?
    Thank you for hosting the contest, and thank you to Andy 😀

  78. 2011 has been full of surprises, some good some bad. A very up and down year, very demanding at certain times.
    I hope 2012 will be smoother for me, good and peaceful for all of us.
    Thanks to you and Andy for the marvellous draw.

  79. 2011 has been mixed, but good things have included realising how important friends are. Also, I agree on the mince pie front – I bought some of those puff pastry ones only yesterday!

  80. 2011 was a very unlucky, accident prone year for me. I broke my ankle in early July falling off my bike (which I had bought a week earlier to try and get fit for my holidays!). Spent my holiday in Florida in a wheelchair. Then 3 weeks after returning to work I fell and broke my arm in 3 places which is still extremely painful. Can't wait for the snow and ice LOL !!

  81. On behalf of those stricken with cancer, thanks for an incredible Movember. This past year I have honored my recovered health by becoming obsessed with perfume, and by making my own fabulous clothes. 2012 promises much glamour and continued health building.

  82. Congratulations on your 2011 Movember fund-raising efforts! 2011 started out quite rough, but the year has improved steadily! I'm thankful for friends and family this year. I would love to win a bottle of Tauer perfume. Andy's Advent calendar is such a great idea!

  83. Persolaise,
    quite amazing to see your picture — at first I reread the post to see if you were talking about Rolando Villazon, a tenor. You look very much alike (and I saw both in photographs only).

    The 2011 treated me variably so far. I got better pay in the beginning of the year (of course, that comes with more work but this was expected). My life in general has improved compared with 2010 except one aspect. My cat passed away in April, we lost him to leukemia. Sad.

    In 2012 I would like to keep improving the way I had in 2011, but I want all my loved ones and family (and myself!) to stay healthy.

    I have to admit, I would love to win the prize.

  84. 2011 was a roller coaster, lots of good things happen, though sometimes too fast. I have high hopes for 2012: I hope i will be just as good only more peaceful 🙂

  85. 2011 was a tricky year for some, but I hope for prosperity and stability in the world as a whole, and a return to better days in 2012, just like those seen before the economic meltdown.

  86. This is a very generous offer!
    2011 has been a very hectic year but I survived and mean to reach 2012 in great shape!
    I wish 2012 will be a more peaceful year, lighter too for everyone!
    Warmest season's greetings to all:-)

  87. This has been a very odd year – good and bad in parts. I had the threat of redundancy for most of it, then found a new job only to be told they had miscalculated my salary. My mother has found out she was misdiagnosed pills, but now needs heart surgery. It would be lovely if next year could have some unalloyed pleasure!

  88. Hi, Persolaise!
    2011 was fast and fun 🙂 . I hope that 2012 will be even more interesting.
    Best wishes.

  89. 2011 was an improvement over 2010! Let's hope this trend continues in 2012. Thanks for this draw – a bottle of Tauer Perfume would be a good omen! Rachel h

  90. Greetings Persolaise! So great to discover new blogs thanks to Andy's Advent give-away. You are now bookmarked!

    Like for so many here, 2011 was heavy and challenging, but I have utter faith that 2012 will be lighter. Peace to all.

  91. My hopes for 2012 are to live more in the present and to try and let go of past baggage.

    Please enter me into the draw – thank you Andy and thank you Persolaise.

  92. Thank you Persolaise and Andy Tauer!! A lovely opportunity just in time for Christmas!
    This year has been an odd year for me, a lot of growing pains dealing with life's little curve balls. I am hoping 2012 is brighter and happier.

  93. Hey,

    2011 has treated me pretty well so far, I have recovered from my knee injury and for 2012 I am hoping to get back to where I was before – and maybe even beyond that.

    Cheers,

    csgi

  94. 2011 has been difficult, with unexpected changes leading to long, drawn-out, exhausting transitions. So far, though, the changes have been positive. If this continues into 2012, I hope the changes will continue to result in positive situations.

    Thank you for hosting the draw. I'm always glad to find a new-to-me perfume blog.

  95. Its been a year of Mixed blessings . I got to marry in Civil Partnership the love of my life. she is my world.I have spent the year being ill with a neurological problem. it has improved a little, but not fixed yet. I hope to get better, finish my nurse training and go back to work to ease the strain on my wife providing for us both next year. because she deserves more.

  96. Hi Persolaise! I am new here, through the advent site, but am looking fwd to checking our your blog!

    2011 has been mixed for me, I have spent more time with some of my younger family members and that has been good, I have moved kind of by accident but am pretty happy, making an effort to walk every day, read more… my insurance company is being yucky about physical therapy and other things I need to feel better, and is changing in a month, so we'll see how 2012 turns out. Hopefully better than the movie 🙂

    There are so many newer Tauers I've never even sniffed that I'm coveting! Please count me in to win,
    -Mim

  97. 2011 has been a very good year for my health. I suffer health problems but i have been very well this year. Not so good on the man front so i would like a nice man to come in to my life next year…and put the smile back on my face.x

  98. I can't complain – there were some sad times in 2011, but it was a good year for me and my family and friends. I hope that 2012 will bring an addition to our family.

  99. 2011 was a good one. Family is healthier and happier as we exit than we were entering. Hoping for more of the same in 2012.

  100. An expensive year but perhaps not as gloomy as I might have supposed at the start ,but then again I avoid the news and try to stay as positive as possible. As my family are fairly healthy the year has been ok.

  101. I hope to see a rapid growth of my perfume collection in 2012! Finding a job would be nice as well.

    Thanks for hosting.

    Kay

  102. A year of changes at work, expensive shopping bills but also some great fun expeditions to art galleries, gardens , films etc so not too bad.Also a new Gillian Welch album so 2011 did bring some excellent things.

  103. 2011 war okay, eine Menge hat sich geändert, aber zum Besseren. Hoffe für 2012 dass sich dieses settled. Viele Grüße, Eva K.

  104. I like this photo of you the best of all that were posted in Movember. 🙂

    I had great hopes for 2011, "eleven" thought to be a lucky number, but it was a very stressful and tough year, with my friend battling a serious illness, and myself experiencing health issues. I am praying that 2012 brings happiness and health to all of us!

  105. 2011 has gone by in a blur here – I'm not sure what happened to most of it and here's Advent already!

    So I hope to be more aware of what I'm doing in 2012, and not let it all pass me by.

    Thanks for the draw, and congratulations on your Movember in masks (great masks too).

    cheerio, Anna in Edinburgh

  106. 2011 was a rough and disappointing year for me. Here's hoping all the things that fell apart are leaving room for better ones in 2012.

  107. 2011 was the usual mix of highs and lows, but overall an incredible experience and the year my fragrance journey really took off!

    I hope 2012 brings lots of travel and new experiences, and less flankers!

  108. Yes, it is December already. I hope the future reserves wonderful fragrant surprises for you and your dear ones…
    And I hope this draw holds a nice surprise for me too! 😉

  109. Like many families, 2011 was very hard for mine, too. I'm hoping for a more peaceful and joyous 2012.

  110. Thanks for the draw! 2011 has been my best year in a while – I got a promotion and a raise, and got engaged! I'm reflecting thankfully on 2011 after the events of the last few years, which were not nearly as wonderful. 🙂

  111. 2011 had very few ups and a lot of downs for me, hope that 2012 will be better
    Thanks for hosting the draw

  112. 2011 has been a good year, and it has brought lots of unforggetable moments, like my wedding day.

    I hope 2012 brings health to all my family.

  113. 2011 has been a good year (though my husband and I have been separated through most of it, we've grown a lot). My favorite thing of 2011 was that we've developed a plan for our immediate and long term future, including jobs, children, etc.

    In 2012, my HUGE hope is to have a healthy baby. And a beautiful bottle of a Tauer perfume (Miriam!)

  114. Hello Persolaise!
    Thank you and Andy for the generous draw!
    2011 has kept me employed and relatively healthy.I had a beautiful holiday in Spain. But I feel quite sad and unfulfilled for quite a number of years.I wish 2012 would bring me inner light, inspiration and courage to discover my true road in this life. I want to reclaim my own being and soul. I want to feel whole and with a purpose.So here's to an inspirational and karmic 2012.

  115. 2011 has been an eventful year with my house being re done/ decorated after a flood this time last year. It has also flown by too fast. I dare not imagine what life will bring next year.

  116. I am looking forward to next year since I will be going to university and it will be my first year away from home. The prospect is scary and exciting!

  117. 2011 had ups and downs. I hope it will end up well. And I think it will as I got married 2 days ago to a wonderful man. For 2012? A larger family. That is our hope.

    Thank you for your generosity.

    Kat

  118. Well, 2011 was full of friendship and love and I hope that the new year brings more of the same. Thanks for hosting the drawing!

  119. 2011 has treated me okay, but 2012 is looking much better.

    Thank you for hosting the advent Persolaise and thank you Andy for your generosity.

  120. 2011 has brought me great joy now that my university term has begun and things are getting busy after a period of too much relaxation. Looking forward to 2012 and hope it brings with it more eventfulness!

  121. 2011 was a better year than I had thought it would be, and I hope to be able to say the same about 2012! Thank you, Persolaise, for this, and thank you, Andy Tauer!

    (Login problems. greenflorals AT yahoo.com)

  122. Hmm, I think my comment got eaten. The shorter version is that 2011 was great, and I just hope 2012 is as fortunate.

    And, thank you for your Movember efforts and thank you and Andy for the draw!

  123. Was be able to start a new job in 2011, not bad! And for 2012, I wish to find my true love and getting divorced; take a vacation to far away and do more reading.

  124. Definitely a roller coaster of a year, with some great highs, like buying a house, to some lows, including losing a job and some health challenges. Hoping for improved health, finding joy in as many things as I can, and some economic stability would be great, but not holding my breath for that one just yet.

  125. 2011 has seen many natural disasters here in Oz, but we help each other out where we can.

    A great year on the personal front, look forward to 2012!

  126. 2011 has been a good year — I finally made a big move I'd been planning for 5+ years. Thanks for the draw and Happy Holidays!

  127. I'm hoping 2012 will be a bit kinder on the health of my family. We haven't done too well this year! But I guess it could always be worse too 🙂

    Not sure if I'm too late but thanks for the chance to enter.

  128. 2011 has been a good year. I am blessed with a loving family and friends. My hope for 2012 will be new employment for myself and my husband. Thanks for hosting the draw and Happy Holidays.

  129. 2011 was mostly a pretty good year (we love to travel, and though time was tight we managed to take several small enjoyable trips within North America) but five weeks ago my beloved stepfather died, which kind of cast a pall over the whole thing. 2012 is a year to look forward to.

  130. Two thousand eleven has treated me like crap, but at least I'm looking good! Lost my extra poundage, back to wearing heels and lipstick, and feeling smokin' hot. I'm hoping to get even more of my old groove back in 2012. Thank you so much for hosting this enjoyable introduction to your blog, and save some of that pie…

  131. 2011 has been a mixed bag for me. I've had a couple significant losses (job & dog) and had a milestone birthday this year. The year has left me exceedingly grateful for family, friends and good health. I know keenly how important it is to have supportive people in my life.
    Thanks so much for this contest — besides the chance to win an amazing perfume, you've turned me on to a new blog. I'll be bookmarking Persolaise straightaway!

  132. So nice to meet you, Persolaise!
    2011 has been great for me as I discovered VINTAGE!! In 2012 I hope to continue enjoying life and having fun.

  133. 2011 has been a busy year. Hoping for a manageable 2012 and some fun travels. Thanks for the draw!

  134. 2011 has treated me very well. I completed one successful year of graduate studies, and also one successful year of marriage to my beau of 8 years. I have high hopes for 2012, high apple-pie-in-the-sky kind of hopes! Wish me luck!

  135. 2011 has been a good year for me personally and professionally. But it has drained my bank account somewhat as far as perfume is concerned! Thanks for hosting the draw.

  136. 2011 was a very busy year work-wise. I intend striking a better "work-life balance" in 2012. Bet I don't, though! I hope that my early forays into the world of perfume-making start to bear fruit.

  137. 2011 was challenging, working and going to school full-time. In 2012, I hope to finally graduate, and consider changing careers. Happy Holidays, all.

  138. 2011 has treated me well. It has been quite a roller coaster ride completing my final year of school, yet I seemed to always find a sort of comfort and stability through my most beloved fragrances and exciting new fragrant discoveries that I'm sure to revisit when I want to be reminded of this time in my life. Looking forward to more exciting and scented memories to be made in 2012!

  139. 2011 has treated me well. It has been quite a roller coaster ride completing my final year of school, yet I seemed to always find a sort of comfort and stability through my most beloved fragrances and exciting new fragrant discoveries that I'm sure to revisit when I want to be reminded of this time in my life. Looking forward to more exciting and scented memories to be made in 2012!

  140. Congrats on Movember! I can't say 2011 was Dickensian — it was neither the best nor the worst of times. That said, I've had better years. I haven't been caught up in financial troubles, but some people I'm close to have. My hopes for 2012 are that it's better, for all of us.

  141. 2011 has not been the very best of years, and I sincerely hope that in 2012 I will be more conscious of doing the things that are good for me, not the things that momentarily feel like scratching an itch – ie. more saving up for adored perfumes, like Carillon pour un ange, and less impulse buys of silly fragrances!

  142. 2011 has treated me pretty well, actually. I've only been in this job 18 months and I got a raise and a bonus! It's hard work but fun, which is the best part really. (My last job was five years with no raises, no bonuses and little job satisfcation).

    So I can't wait for 2012!

  143. Damn it, I posted before 12 but I don't think I did the word thing – and it didn't warn me! 🙂

    Anyway, I may as well still say how the year has treated me, which was what I attempted to post. It's been pretty good, as I finally have a job I like, and they like me – enough to give me a rise and a bonus. My last job, neither one, for five years! So here's hoping 2012 is just as good.
    And thanks to you both for the draw (which I know I've missed, but it's still a lovely generous gesture).

  144. 2011 has been pretty good to me overall..my eldest daughter was accepted into college..my health is good..I have wonderful friends…I expect and hope that 2012 will be more of the same.

    you are a cutie! lol…**for some reason that makes me giggle**

    please enter me in the draw

  145. Hm, wrong question. 2011 has been a rollercoaster year – downward only, though. Not having a job puts a strain on everything else. There were a few highlights though. A prestigious academic publication, my first perfume seminar for men and increased blogging frequency. And, at last, a clear idea of where I want to go in 2012.

  146. Looking back on it, this was a very creative year for me, as I made a lot of progress on my novel and also started a yoga blog. I love being busy!

  147. I have to say 2011 has been a pretty good year ! Considering the state of the world, my corner has been peaceful and lovely.

    Thanks so much for the drawing !

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