Back To The Jasmines One Last Time
Persolaise There’s nothing like a Top Secret Writing Project to make time fly. I told myself I mustn’t wait too long before letting you all know a bit more about the…
King Henmo VIII
Day 21: Anti-Catholic mo Fear not, patient readers: the mask parade will soon be over. Movember is about to enter its final week, which means I haven’t got long to…
This Is How It’s Done: Tanagra And Bouteille On The Côte d’Azur
Although Madame Persolaise’s French is pretty good, she thought it might be useful for us to take a culinary dictionary on our travels this year, just to make the process…
Give-Away Teaser + Reasons To Be Thankful
We’re surrounded by empty suitcases. The washing machine has been whirring away for hours. There’s a heap of unopened junk mail in the bin. All this means we’re back at…
What’s My Credit Card Limit Again…?
It’s always at this point in our epic summer holidays that Madame Persolaise and I wish we could slow down time. There’s still so much to do, so much to…
Ciao For Now – Summer Break 2011
It’s hard to believe, but almost twelve months ago to the day, I published a post saying that Madame Persolaise and I were busy packing for our summer holiday. Well,…
Persolaise Inhales Again
I don’t want to speak too soon, but I think it’s safe to say that the Invasion Of The Day Job (Summer 2011) is just about over. If you experience…
Guests On Persolaise + IFRA Interview + Review: Carillon Pour Un Ange from Tauer Perfumes (2010)
Okay, the countdown’s over: the Invasion Of The Day Job has well and truly begun. For the next 8 to 10 weeks, free time is going to be almost non-existent,…
Sample Give-Away & Review: Opus V from Amouage (2011)
Some orris perfumes accentuate the material’s austere, chilly demeanour, whereas others are clearly an exercise in taking its characteristic feature – the parched, poetic, woody bleakness – and placing it…
1st Anniversary Competition Winners
I know everyone always says this, but I can assure you that this time, it’s absolutely true. Choosing my favourite entry in the 1st anniversary competition was no easy task.…
Advance Warning: Special Prize Draw On Friday
I don’t quite know where the last twelve months have gone, but this blog is just a few days away from being a year old! To mark its first anniversary,…
Kids With Impeccable Taste
Here’s an amusing mini-anecdote with which to start the weekend. The other day, a young lad was shown into Madame Persolaise’s office, something which happens on a regular basis in…
Paris 2010: Two’s A Crowd Chez Serge
It was only after I’d actually stepped inside Harrods the other day that my brain suddenly decided to remind me of the words ‘January’ and ‘sale’. I considered walking straight…
Jasmine Award Shortlist
Last night’s modest party plans were thwarted: Madame Persolaise had eaten all the champagne truffles! I can’t exactly complain, as I had bought them for her as a present, but…
Paris 2010: Would Guerlain Notice If I Stole A Few Tiles?
I suspect this blog is going to mention bathrooms quite a lot over the course of the next few weeks. Or, to be more precise, one bathroom. The one and…
Bertrand Eases The Crossing
An empty crib at Maison Persolaise There’s no point trying to deny the fact: normal life is just around the corner. It’s time to resume routines and slip back into…
Rude, Unhelpful And Snobby. Must Be French…?
This is when I really start to enjoy the Christmas break. The madness of the last two days has faded away, and I can just sit around the house, being…
Off To Look For Number 68
You won’t hear much from me for a few days, because the snow has cleared – thank goodness! – and I’m off to persuade the SAs at Guerlain, Montale and…
Fougère Royale Winner + A Pre-Christmas Escapade
Thanks to all of you who entered last week’s draw. I can now reveal that the destination for my pre-yuletide getaway with Madame Persolaise is Quite a predictable…
Off To Les Senteurs Again
The remains of the old bathroom! It’s almost too hard to believe, but we really have got a brand new, fully functioning bathroom at Maison Persolaise. All hail the Flushing…