Spring 2010 Perfumes: The season of renewal

Once you see the first buds, you know there is something in the air, a fresh current that will change things for the better. It's spring! The time for renewal and new shopping. The following perfume picks have the best of what this season has to offer for Spring of 2010.

[Yves Saint Laurent] Parisienne

Parisienne Paris was a magical scent from Ives Saint Laurent and this one is a step up, but younger, fresher and still full of the essence of the city of light. Kate Moss featured in the US ad is a perfect type of woman to represent this fragrance - sophisticated yet enigmatic. The perfume is reminiscent of some romance, like the first date at dusk, or a stroll down Champs Elysees. It's a fragrance for a woman who feels free - "living and loving in the moment". It's incredibly feminine with the strong notes of damask rose and blackberry, but it's also mysterious thanks to the prominent sandalwood. Best of all, the scent lasts a long time.

You will feel: warm, sensuous, complex

Buy it now: Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne now.

[Marc Jacobs] Lola

Lola Marc Jacobs A daring fragrance with a daring flower bottle. I call it smart marketing. If you've seen this beautiful perfume bottle with the top shaped like a multi-colored flower petal, you will be immediately drawn to it. It's new, fresh and floral. Perhaps inspired by the literary "Lolita", it's innocent yet daring - a story of a modern free spirit, strong and intoxicating. Key notes include pink peppercorn, grapefruit and pear (freshness comes from these), as well as the ultra-feminine rose, vanilla and geranium. This is a strong scent which becomes somewhat addictive as it lingers. To me it's a piece of art from start to finish.

You will feel: sweet and mysterious

Buy it now: Marc Jacobs Lola Marc Jacobs now.

[Sarah Jessica Parker] SJP NYC

SJP NYC Fashion's in the air! This is a sneak peak at the new Carrie Bradshaw from the upcoming sequel to "Sex and the City". Inspired by this effervescent and quirky New Yorker, this fragrance is luminous and dashing, full of audacity and adventure. It's perfect for a confident woman who is ready to conquer the world yet has a big heart for friends and for love. Key notes include my personal favorite mimosa, as well as mandarin, gardenia, honeysuckle, sandalwood and vanilla. This fragrance is launched in Macy's this month and will be in full release worldwide when the "Sex and the City" opens on big screens in May.

You will feel: a fashionista ready for anything

[Beyonce] Heat

Beyonce Heat This first fragrance by Beyonce feels like her work - it is powerful and noticeable. The scent is very sensual and seductive. It's not overpowering by any means, it's more of a lingering classic beauty that takes over. The tagline is "Catch the fever" and there is a lot of play off the name, Heat. It's a symbol of warmth and sexuality at the same time. The bottle is reminiscent of something Egyptian, a sort of antique yet classic take. Yes, it is another celebrity perfume but I think the sheer elegance of the scent and the unique notes used make it special. Top notes include red vanilla orchid, magnolia, neroli, blush peach, almond macaroon and honeysuckle, with a lot of spiciness to them. But it is the lingering amber that I loved the most.

You will feel: on top of the world

Written by Claire White.

Mommy Mail

Latest Question

Most of the moms in my mom group are putting their kids in preschool this fall. My son just turned 3, but I just don't think he is ready. Plus, I am a stay at home mom and I would like to spend more time with him. I feel a little pressured to start him in preschool but I am just so conflicted about it. Should I do it or not?
Samantha, WI

Answer:

Once your son starts kindergarten, there will be years of formal schooling ahead, so preschool is not a must. In fact, the focus of most preschools is not on education but rather on social skills. Kids learn to spend time together, to socialize and, most importantly, to sit in a circle for a few minutes of discussion or play time. Schools look for this ability to focus (stay in a circle) and that's where preschools help with this foundation of learning along with their peers and focusing on tasks. That said, if you have the time and patience, you don't have to follow the crowd into preschools. You can sign your son for some classes that many community centers offer these days - sports, music, art, etc. Virtually all classes have an element of circle time, so your son will have a chance to practice this much needed ability to focus. You will have to stay active - taking him to playgrounds or scheduling time with friends for play groups, so he gets enough interaction with other kids. You can absolutely create your own plan, it just requires a little more time. However, you will be able to spend more time with your son and will have the flexibility of your own schedule. And if you realize a few months down the road that preschool may be a better option, you can always join then. After all, motherhood is all about changes. Good luck!

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