105 thoughts on “ 2017. Music, Films, Book and Fleur de Lalita by Dusita”

1. Big year all round Val,
   This is why you’re so youthful.
   Reading? I’ve been slogging through A Suitable Boy for months, it’s like reading through molasses. Not because it’s bad but because I can’t focus on it and I don’t know why.
   Musically hardly anything except a few songs that Jin plays regularly and I quite like Taylor Swift’s new stuff.
   Movies? Kinsmen 2 was stupid good fun and tomorrow we are going to see Jumanji.
   Love this post, so cool.
   Portia xx

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   • Oh Portia- I love A Suitable Boy (and a lot of other Seth books) but I have met only one other person who read the entire novel and enjoyed it as much as I do. Hoping you finish it.

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     • This is my second reading of it Jyotsna,
       Last time I plowed through it in days, it was many years ago and my Indian partner had just moved back home after 2 tumultuous years here together. This time my head just can’t grasp the same intense connection. I will definitely finish it but I think a further reading down the track may be necessary.
       Portia xx

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   • I have A Suitable Boy on my shelf. It has been there for about 20 years. I must get around to it. Bussis Honey. Roll on Springtime. xxxxx

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     • It really is a good book, well worth your time.

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   • Ok Ingeborg! I will dig it out then! xxxx

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2. Hello from Australia
   i follow by newsletter and Facebook posts.

   this year my favourite read was been the miniaturist – I love an historical fiction and this one was perfect . It gives you a taste of holland – Amsterdam during the spice trade years through the eyes of a young girl who was married off to a trader.
   Music. streaming digital channels at work, creating playlists and trying to introduce Gen”y” to a host of artists from the old rhythm and blues days , whilst they teach me what R&B means to them .. HUUUGE difference!

   Movies not many this year , there aren’t many that I have been drawn to. Watching more streamed shows. Loving Vikings and a handmaids take amongst others.

   Katherine Mittas

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   • Hey Katherine, Hi and nice to see you here! I lived in Amsterdam for several years, that book sounds great. I have written it on a list, a I mentioned below. Gonna hit Amaz*** up soon. Get a serious book stash in. I learn a lot from my kids about music, well at least from my daughter. My son listens to the most frightening “electronic hardcore smack you head against a wall at a dance festival” kind of music. Although he doesn’t mind spot of Adele! I saw a number of films, but these two stuck out. Happy New Year, do drop in again. Love, Val xxxx

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3. I would love to try Dusita Fleur !
   I follow you through Bloglovin.
   I have fallen deeply into the Marvel franchise on Netflix and watch often . I also really love The Orville and its droll humor making fun of everything .
   Just watched the new Kingsman movie Golden Circle . The first one was better…
   You didn’t ask but I will tell you anyway…after 40+ years of sniffing I found a holy grail . Hans Hendley Gia , a limited edition semi gourmand with a ginger note that knocks my socks off…try it if you can !

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   • Hi Carol! I have a large collection of Marvel comics, stashed away in an attic in the UK, sadly. One never has to ask for a Holy Grail – just spill the beans anywhere, anytime! I think I might have sample of Gia somewhere, or not. Hmmmm. Must go take a look. I have few Hendley´s. Hpw fabulous to find something after so man-years of sniffing two love. Not an easy thing. I have enjoyed Hendley´s work, those that I have tried. Kingsman movie? Black stare. Good to see you – bring on 2018! Love, Val xxxxx

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4. Hi! Just discovered your blog via Facebook! Following you now via email! What a generous giveaway, thank you!
   Music: I have mostly been playing dancey pop songs since it keeps me energetic while I clean the house since many relatives visiting during the holidays haha. Was psyched seeing Muse mentioned up there in your post. I love em!
   Films: Last I watched was Kingsman 2.. My dad and I are looking forward to watching Jumanji as well, like the post before me haha. Watched an anime film earlier today.
   Books: Still trying to get through Vampires in Devil Town since it’s been really hectic lately..
   Anyways! Cheers and good luck to everyone!

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   • Jillian! Hurray, a new APJ buddy. Welcome to the madhouse, please stay! I am all for Dancy pop songs, absolutely. Muse? I went to see them on the Drones Tour a couple of years ago. Oh my gosh, I have seen a million bands and gone to hundreds of festivals, but MUSE blew my mind. Definitely one of the top three gigs of my life. Matt Bellamy, swoon ……. Vampires in Devils Town – on my list to Google and maybe push a buttoner. Thanks for the tip. See you again I hope. :). Happy New Year Jillian. Love, Val xxx

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5. I’ve packed up my CD collection, but before I did I made a few discoveries not yet uploaded on my IPhone – KD Lang Ingenue made me feel oh so Canadian. I’ve been reading books about fragrance – Turin, Ellena, Burr, and more. I haven’t been much for movies but have so enjoyed the Handmaids Tale that I watched the series twice. I follow via FB and email and love to read the whole teams posts.

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   • Oh, I need to look for that one, I loved her Songs from the 49th Parallel. So Canadian as well.

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     • Hi Tara – I’ve loved KD from her early days. I saw her in concert when she was KD Lang and the Reclines in Calgary – front row standing! And again years ago in Melbourne. I love how it’s all about the music for her, not about being someone she’s not. I’m proudly Canadian living happily in Australia. I wish you a Happy and Fragrant New Year! Monica

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   • Hi Monica! Crap. Am I the only one left who has not read or seen The Handmaid´s Tale?
     I like KD Lang but have never delved into her music. I really should. So are you Canadian or do you just feel Canadian? ;). I love the fragrance books too. Return to a number f them again and again. I have never uploaded anything onto my iPhone. I watch YouTube in the gym, or listen to what it picks for me. I am gonna get a new phone at the end of January, I think it might be time to learn how to upload, don’t you? Happy New Year!! Love, Val xxxxx

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     • Hi Val – The Handmaid’s Tale is a must see and/or a must read. Margaret Atwood is an incredible Canadian writer, and her dystopian worlds are too close to possibility and truly frightening. KD Lang is worth delving into – both her old catalogue and new music. She sang Leonard Cohen’s Halleljah at the opening of the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010 – search on youtube – it will leave you breathless! So, yes I am a proud Canadian happily living in Australia. I hope you have a wonderful and fragrant New Year! Love Monica

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6. I follow via email and Facebook.

   Lately, I am listening to Christmas music on the radio and watching Christmas shows. I did go to the theater to see Murder on the Orient Express and The Greatest Showman. I just finished a couple of books, including Louis Bromfield’s Possession and a friend’s novella, which was horrible. I am listening to the Shadowhunter series on CD in my car.

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   • Hey Gina, I totally enjoy the Christmas music on the radio, the religious hymns on the broadcast services, from St Paul’s etc. Not as keen on Christmas shows, unless you count the Christmas episodes of EastEnders. Hahahahaha, which I am sure you don’t. Shadowhunter? Anther one for me to check out. Hope you had a good Christmas, let’s bring on 2018. Lots of love, Val xxxx

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7. Following via email. These days i am really hyped over the Outlander series via AMC. Fantastic story and awesome actors, i recommend to anyone to make some popcorn and give it a try. Merry Christmas to everybody and thanks a lot for the chance.

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   • Hi Alen, yeah, I have heard of the Outlander serie, but not watched it. I am not really a series person. Well I would be if I could actually get t together to sit down and watch them. I do like popcorn. 🙂 Happy New Year! Love, Val xxx

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8. Ooh, I still haven’t seen The Party! And there’s one more band you are going to see next year, which means I get to see you… On TV I am enjoying Witness: A Frozen Death. No need to enter me in the draw, thank you, though that wasn’t even a film, hehe.

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   • Dearest Vanessa! Indeed there is one more band I am going to see, in Germany if I remembe rcorrectly? You do need to see The Party, I reckon you’ll love it. Witness: A Frozen Death? You watch such scary things. Is it Beeb? I will take a look. Nice to see you drop in, I know you are über-busy right now. Hugs. xxxxxx

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9. Started reading the detective series that was recommended by a fellow perfumista with the first in the series , The Keeper of Lost Causes. Have the next three which will carry me into the new year. Just finished Godless and Wallander on Netflix. Haven’t been to the movies in ages. Was listening to lots of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers this year along with Moody Blues and Eagles (and now I am dating myself).

   I follow via email.

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   • CM- i just added Keeper of Lost Causes to my reading list. I like Wallander too. Ah, yes, Tom Petty😢- did listen to him recently.

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     • If you like Wallander you might like Jussi Adler-Olsen. It is the Department Q series and it takes place in Copenhagen with the lead character solving very cold cases. I finished the first and am now on the second. I really enjoy the characters (most especially the lead detective’s side kick, Assad). Not sure how many are in the series but I am going to enjoy working my way through them.

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   • Hahahahaha chez Marzipan, not necessarily dating, perhaps you are very young and into older music? Will check out Keeper of Lost Causes, never heard of it. I like going to the m movies because I have to sit still and watch it. I find it hard to. do that at home, and am continually jumping up and down to hang out washing, feed the cat, check the phone ….. terrible, I know. Happy New Year to you, see you in 2018. Love and hugs, Val xxxx

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     • Ha! wish I was young and listening to older music…in fact I am quite old and occasionally listen to contemporary music. And I am a sloth so I can sit (or rather lie in my bed) for hours on end 😉

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10. I always have to think of you when I hear Muse somewhere (and no, I can‘t get enough of Placebo either…). I always forget what was here earlier this year, but I‘d probably name Goldie‘s „Tu Viens Avec Moi?“, because it‘s also an homage on my beloved Pat Metheny… And Radiohead‘s OKNOTOK !!!
    Again, I‘m not sure if they were here in 2017 first, or in 2016 already, but I „vote“ for a miniseries „Big Little Lies“ and 2 films „Manchester By The Sea“ and „Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri“ (I unfortunately havent seen your nominee, although it‘s a must because I love Jeff B.).
    Bookwise it’s Gabriel Tallent‘s brutal „My Absolute Darling“ , which managed to shake and shock me.
    I follow APJ on email, but I just ordered the Dusita sample set (and I very much like The Siam. plus the two new ones).
    Love
    m

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    • Oh, I also want to add Blade Runner !

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      • LJG! What a treat to see you here 🙂 Placebo – oh yes. Brilliant band. I work out to them all the time. Can never get enough. Oh yes, Manchester by the Sea was excellent. Not heard of “Three Billboards outside of Ebbing, Missouri” but just Googles it. I will be watching it for sure. I have some Dusita for you next time we meet., you will not be in the draw! ;). Bussis, Val. xxxxx

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11. Hello and Merry Christmas to all!
    Being a cinema lover (as well as an occasional film reviewer and writer) I’ve been hosting my own holiday season film festival at our house, showing every evening one Christmas-related film from the 1930s to the 1960s.
    The music choices these days are my always beloved jazz, plus the indispensable “Christmas Playlist” with lots of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Julie London, Doris Day, etc.
    As for books, I’m currently reading the newly published bio of director Michael Curtiz, and a spectacularly illustrated book on Jeanne Lanvin.
    Thank you for the lovely giveaway, I’m a happy email subscriber, and follower of yours on social media (Bloglovin, Facebook, etc) as DESPINA VENETI.

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    • Hi Despina Veneti, Merry Christmas to you too. Film reviewer and writer? More info please! Oh I would love to know what films you showed? 1930s? Wow. I know so little from that era. You jazz choices are beautiful. It figures that you would enjoy the Curtiz bio, I wonder if it would be readable for someone like me who doesn’t know too much about him? Glad you are a happy email subscriber! Lots of love, Val x x xxx

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12. I don’t have “cool” taste in music at all. I listen to Western classical and pop music and the Hamilton soundtrack 🙂 I like listening to pop music while exercising. I’m currently reading a book called Sourdough, about a software engineer in SF who starts baking bread, and recently finished The Paris Wife, about the first wife of Hemingway (incredibly depressing; made me hate Hemingway more than ever, even though I think the intention was to paint him as a complex, troubled, but deeply lovable man).

    I’ve never tried anything from Dusita; sounds lovely! I follow by e-mail 🙂

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    • Kobel! What does that mean? I don’t think there is such a thing as cool taste on music anymore. Perhaps that was more in the past, but really, doesn’t everything go now? I sooooo want to see Hamilton, although I cannot imagine for a second I have any chance of getting tickets. Oh, The Paris Wife sounds interesting ……. And I am Googling Sourdough as we speak. Great tips, thanks! Rock on. Happy New Year, Love Val xxxx

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13. Happy new year, Val, my fellow lipstick gal!
    I love music even more than fragrance. Newer artists, such as Kevin Morby, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Esme Patterson, Slaid Cleaves, Justin Townes Earle, Earl St Clair, I could go on & on.
    My rock tastes are all over the map, from insurgent country to new wave and classic classic, like Little Feat, Allman Bros and The Band.
    Haven’t seen a new movie in awhile. Am about to read the newish novel Manhattan Beach. My reading’s tapered since I started wasting so much time on the internet.
    I follow by email, and the Dusita sounds intriguing.
    Here’s Kevin~

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    • Hi Caroline! Firstly I freaking love this Kevin Morby tune, have never heard of him. I have written each of the other bands down in my phone, and will listen to them in the gym tomorrow. Whoohoo! Cool stuff. I am sure many people are reading less because of the internet. I have to put my electronics away if I wanna probably get into a book. And that is much harder than one would think, at least for me. Manhattan Beach? So many new tips, I love it!! Thanks again for the music recommendations, that will enhance my workout. Peace, love and red lipstick. Val. xxxxxx

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14. Last film I watched and was definitely my favourite of the year was Get Out… so clever, funny and illuminating to the problems we still have with racism.
    Music wise I’ve been listening to a lot of new and old SZA and that’s about it haha.
    And my favourite book was Handmaid’s Tale. I had to do it in highschool and no-one likes that, but I finally reread it this year and thoroughly enjoyed this dystopian world.

    Thanks for the giveaway! I’ve been looking forward to try Fleur de Lalita ever since news broke of its existence haha. I follow APJ via email and I’m from Sydney.

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    • I have not seen Get Out, Stephen, but it is on my short list of movies I wanna see. I am sure there is more than just SZA? ;). I will order the Handmaid´s Tale, as I said above, I know I need to read it. Thanks for dropping! Happy New Year, Val xxxx

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15. Books for me. Always. I read via audiobook which means I get way more reading done – I can read while I a sewing or catching the tram to work! For this reason I don’t listen to music. Also a big fan of mr Pullman – I am going to re read the His Dark Materials trilogy before starting on the new one.

    I would love to win this prize as I’ve never smelled any of the Dusita frags – do they live up to the hype?

    I follow via Feedly rss 🙂

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    • I have thought about audiobooks, Esz, but I cannot imagine doing that in the gym. I need something to pump me up. But maybe in the car? Yeah, His Dark Materials was wonderful. I read it way too fast though, and really should return to it. The Dusitas are beautifully made, but I never know if anything actually lives up to the hype? Happy New Year Esz, and here’s to our newfound cyber friendship. Hugs, Val xxxxxx

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16. I’d love to try Dusita and follow by email.
    Music: anything by the one and only Jimi Hendrix and others from that era.
    Books: Biography of Marlene Dietrich (her birthday today), History of Chanel No. 5 and many others.
    Film: Nothing exciting this year except perhaps “Mountain” (more documentary than feature film) but looking forward to “Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri” starting 1st of January.
    I hope you have a wonderful new year, Val, and I look forward to many more reviews to come.

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    • Hello Ingrid! I wanna read the History of N°5. So iconic. Three Billboards most definitely on my list now. I love the Hendrix Era too. Spend a lot of time listening to music from then. Wishing you a great new year too. I love the hope that come with the beginning of January ……. Lots of love, always great to see you here, Val xxx

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17. I follow by email. Watching lots of comedies ( The Birdcage, History of the World, Young Frankenstein, Ferris Bueller, etc.)Its been the absolute worst of years personally and for my family. I’m not a seasonal wearer of fragrances.Trying to read about Julius Caesar…very distracting.

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    • Oh Ellen, I´m sorry its been a bad year for you and your family. I hope that you can find some peace in the start of a new one, and perhaps be able to leave somethings behind in the old one. Easier said than done I am sure. I kind of guess Juluis Caesar tales might be distracting, good for you. The Young Frankenstein? Ha! I had forgotten about that.
      Wishing you the strength you will need to tackle 2018. Lots of love, Val xxxxx

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18. I follow by email. Movies – well I have a 7 year old so it’s all Captain Underpants, Despicable Me and Harry Potter.
    Books- reading a lot of Neil Gaiman & Greek myths with my son. And Stephen Fry’s Mythos for myself.
    Music – I am told I have appallingly boring taste so I won’t share. 🤭
    Never tried Dusita.

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    • Jyotsna – wtf? Who tells you you have boring taste. Ridiculous. Listen to what YOU love. Aus. Enjoy every second of the movies you watch with you child. Those times don’t last very long. Greek myths, hmmmmmm, I did them at school. would be interesting to revisit. If I Rea every book recommended on this post, I wonder who will make the cookies? tempting as it is …….Happy New Year to you and your family, Love, Val xxxxx

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19. I follow by email.
    I am currently reading Anna Karenina.

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    • Head in hands Rajeeva, I have never read it. Silent weeping, ;). Happy New Year, nice to see you here, Love, Val xxxxx

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20. Current music: Kero Kero Bonito
    Current book: Illustrated editions of Harry Potter, my xmas gift
    Current film/tv: Runaways, and counting the days until Season 4 Black Mirror.
    Following by email.

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    • Morrigan! Whoa. Great music – it reminds me of BowWowWow, with I am absolutely sure was way before you were event hough of, let alone born. Added to my gym playlist. Thanks for the link. I would love to have a whole postmonly about current music, and links to the stuff. Portia????? Do you gear me huh?? Illustrated Harry Potter? Exquisite. Bussis and a Happy New Year! Love, Val. xxxx

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21. Christmas was full of new music, books and movies (and chocolates). I am listening to the new Mavis Staples CD (amazing!) and plan to spend a large amount of time listening to the Isaac Hayes box set The Spirit of Memphis (1962-1976). My sister (as a reminder of the Queen concerts we went to many years ago) gave me the book “Queen in 3D” by Brian May. What a kick! Thank you for the drawing – I follow via e-mail.

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    • Hi Elizabeth! I saw Queen supporting Mott the Hoople, a thousand years ago. Never saw them again. But the early Queen sure shaped me. Staples, she’s so cool and still so active. Great stuff. Send some chocolates please. Happy New Year, Love Val xxxxxx

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22. I follow on WordPress. I’ve been on a classical binge and reading/rereading all of Robin Lane Fox’s books. Film I really don’t care for anymore for some reason but I did see “Women Who Kill” this year and highly recommend it. This past year I’ve been trying to listen to women composers of classical, neoclassical and minimalist music and will continue in the next year.

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    • Hey LL Grhm, nice of you to drop in. Sheesh. Robin Lane Fox? How readable are they? Subject matter is very interesting, especially Christianity and Paganism, I will take look at that one. Women Who Kill, I absolutely wanna see it. I would love links or names of the women composers you will listen to. I have no idea where to start. Please! Lots of love, and a Happy New Year, Val xxxxx

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23. Late in the year (in the last 2 months), I decided to watch 80s gems I had not seen before. I loved Breakfast Club and two of the songs I have been listening to lately are Sid Vicious My Way (I listened it at the end of Goodfellas) and We are not alone by Karla DeVito something (I found it through Breakfast Club) :). I follow APJ by email and Facebook.

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    • Hey fatal! I missed out on Breakfast Club somewhere along life’s way. Love Sid´s My Way. What other 80s gems did you catch? I need to rewatch some seventies stuff, Taxi Drive and Dog Day Afternoon and Midnight Cowboy for starters! Lots of love, Val xxxx

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24. Great post and great subjects to share.
    Movies – don’t get there as often as I would like but Logan and then Beaty and the Beast.
    Saw Greatest Showman with the darling Hugh yesterday and loved it.
    Books – Stephen Kings Mr Mercedes series. Started his new one Sleeping Beauties but struggling with it.
    Music – I’m in love with Apple Music, have found heaps of new stuff by listening to the new music playlists they make up for you Favourites at the minute are Hotel Apache, Goldfish and Andra Day.
    Don’t know this perfume house Cookie Queen so I’ll be googling it after lunch!
    I follow APJ via email 😊

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    • Hi Melanie – I mentioned in a post several months ago that I had never read a Stephen King. Then I ordered It. Managed the first seven or eight chapters then, well, I cannot get into it at all. I´ll try agin maybe. Isn’t Apple Music shutting down or changing or something? Need to Google your bands, I am lost now. ;). I am sure you didn’t mean Logan Lucky? I saw that and loved every second of it. Great fun film. Logan the Hugh Jackson film huh? I have not seen that. Happy New Year, lots of love, Val xxxx

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25. I follow by email. The current book I’m reading: Jaguars Ripped My Flesh by Tim Cahill. It’s adventure writing at its best-very humorous despite the challenging situations.
    Thanks for the Dusita offer; it’s one house I’ve wanted to try.

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    • Oh yes Elaine, I wanna read that too. I have heard it is an excellent read. Thanks for the reminder! Happy New Year. Love, Val xxxx

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26. I follow via email. I have been catching up on Chinese drama series Nirvana in Fire regarding a small state in China in AD 501 to AD 525 since my niece is visiting from Singapore and we can discuss using our common language and cultural background. I have also been reading up JD Robbs In Death series. Thank you for the giveaway.

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    • Hey BBMc. Nope, not hfamilair with the drama series not the books. That is great start! I have yet to get into Chinese drama series, although I have a very dear friend here who teaches Chinese, written and spoken, and he loves Chines e series. I need to bug him for an invite. Happy New Year, both of t hem. ;). Lots of love, Val xxxx

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27. I love His Dark Materials and must read again as it has been ages. Little from this year sung loudly for me, although Danzy Senna’s new book — she’s an American novelist who writes about race and sex and desire and friendship and craziness in incredibly smart ways — is very good and Kevin Young’s enormously long *Bunk* is just right for this historical moment in the US. I also thought Claire Messud’s The Burning Girl, named in part after a Rihanna song, was sort of brillant.

    I am very much looking forward to this Dusita and would love an early try.

    I follow by email.

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    • Hey Amy- awesome, three authors I don’t know. Written down on paper. Will slowly work my way through stuff. I love recommendations, I would never find any of this stuff otherwise. As I said above, I need to actually reread His Dark Materials, I have forgotten so much already. Wishing you a peaceful start to the New Year. Love,Val xxx

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28. I follow by email and fb.
    Music this year: New Eminem, Halsey, Linkin Park
    Books: Essential oils and arthritis books (recently diagnosed, severe and crippling, I’m 36!)
    Movies: IT ( haven’t been that scared watching anything since being an adult lol)
    Life, American Sniper, Sully ( love Tom Hanks)
    Series: GOT, The Walking Dead, Narcos, The 100, Vikings

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    • Holy Shit Ashleigh, that is am awful diagnosis. Sheesh, I a am sorry. Goodness – you’ll have to do a to of research I suspect. Suly was a great film, I loved watching that. And what a story. Have not seen IT and do not intend to! Will get around to American Sniper at some point. Love your music! Keep us posted as to your progress, as and when you feel you want to. Wishing you strength and determination for the new year. And perfume to spoil yourself with. Lots of love, Val xxxx

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29. Oooh, good listenings! (I really enjoyed Stormzy’s album this year. My own listening has been a bit haphazard, with little new stuff apart from accidentally. But there’s always lots of Underworld, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, and Godspeed You Black Emperor, and probably a depressing amount of ambient/drone/experimental-instrumental to balance out the obnoxiously lively and rowdy music I listen to from giant playlists in the gym.)

    I’ve been watching and reading lots of utter tripe this year, mostly, as shameless escapism. With a few exceptions like 4321 by Paul Auster. But now I’m back in mostly academic reading, I’m selecting fiction more carefully, to be worth the time out. (Next up: Nick Harkaway’s Gnomon.)

    I follow by email, and would love a chance to sniff that Dusita scent…

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    • Hey Crikey! Love Tom Waits, Nick Cave ….. And yeah Stormzy is great. I find it so interesting to see what really rocks the younger generation and the grime scene is theirs. Brilliant. Thanks for the book tips, I need a year on the beach …… Love you regular visits here. Happy New Year and good luck with the academic reading!! Hugs, Val xxxx

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30. I follow by email. Haven’t been to the movies in a long time but want to see Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in The Post. I am reading travel stories by Bill Bryson to keep things light.

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    • Hi Tara! I have read all the Bill Brysons, or at least 90 percent. There’s usually some hidden one I have missed! He is such a funny and talented author. Was The Post good??? Happy New Year to you! Love, Val xxxx

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31. Holiday reading: Hidden Life of Trees, by Peter Wohlleben. Favourite chapter is called Street Kids, aka trees in the city. (I follow on email.)

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    • Hi AnnieA, I will look at this, I think my husband might have mentioned it. Thanks for the tip. Happy New Year to you, Love Val xxxx

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32. This past year was the year that I decided to spend less time in front of the tv, so when I have a few spare minutes I sit down and flip through a magazine instead. Currently I receive Smithsonian and Archaeology, such fascinating work being done around the globe. I follow APJ by email and FB. Best wishes for 2018!

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    • Hey VerbenaLuvvr! Seriously, sometimes I think it would be good to give up TV totally. I have such a problem with my VPN here hooking up with British telly that it makes me wanna throw the damn thing out the window. And pick up a magazine. You are right.
      happy New Year, lots of love, Val xxxxx

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33. This year I’ve been listening almost exclusively to seventies and eighties disco and funk music. I’ve joined some FB groups and I was completely taken back in time. We even found a place where we can listen and dance to it every week!
    Movies – mostly noirs from the old days, which I have a collection of, and some newer Spanish and German movies.
    Books – John Irving and Mario Vargas Llosa.

    I follow APJ by mail. Thanks for the great giveaway.

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    • You might enjoy a group called The Relatives. Started in the 70s, they are a Gospel, Funk and R&B band. Their 2015 album Goodbye World is amazing and heartbreaking. Check out their YouTube performance of “let your light shine”. 🙂

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      • On my gym list, ta. xxxxxx

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    • Hi Neva! Now there is a genre I did not get into – disco and funk. There was a spot of NorthernSoul in my past but that was about it. Disco FB groups? Awesome. I never was a dancer, hell mo. Hahahahaha! Lovely to see you, as ever. Happy New Year to you and yours. Lots of love, Val xxxx

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34. What a great post,draw, and question. I’ve been binge watching the newest season of The Great British Baking Show. I also just discovered The Newsroom. I’m not sure how I missed that. I’m a voracious reader and I’m re-listening to all the Dresden files. I wonder if that counts as both reading and listening. Music wise, i was super happy to get a new album by Pink, Paloma Faith, and Kelly Clarkson.

    I follow you on Facebook and I think here too. Thanks for the draw!

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    • Hello Beth! Is the new season good? They switched channels here and I didn’t watch it. I have not watched The Newsroom …… Sure it counts as reading and listening. That’s cool! I like Paloma Faith in small doses, she has a great voice. Happy New Year to you. roll o 2018. Love, Val xxxx

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35. Hi Val and all. Thanks for the giveaway. I follow by email.

    To be honest, this year I have struggled to watch a movie, read a whole book, or listen to much music. We have commercial radio on in the car so I listen to that and I like a lot of the new stuff; I like Imagine Dragons, Lorde, Taylor Swift (for ably demonstrating how to call out crappy people), James Arthur (voice from Heaven), Ed Sheeran, Beyonce and my long-beloved INXS.

    I haven’t seen a grown-up movie at the cinema this year(!) but I have caught up on a few on TV – Ironman for the most appealing man on earth stands out.

    Reading – well, I hope to do much better this year. I have a couple of books by my favourite author, Isabel Allende, waiting for me to open them.

    Here’s to a New Year of more reading, listening and watching! Pretty good resolution, really.

    Oh, and if I want to remember summer in winter, it would be Jil Sander’s Green from the Tender Pastels series.

    Thanks for this great question, I’m getting a lot of ideas from it and the comments.

    Cheers and thanks,

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    • Imagine Dragons are brilliant. Lorde too, she is mesmerizing. My daughter is going to see Ed Sheeran and is taking her boyfriend instead of me, very annoying. I too loved INXS. will check out Isabel Allende, and yeah a great resolution! Me too and I will need all the luck I can get to following it through. 🙂 No movies? Hmmm. Next year maybe, Movies are made to be seen in the cinema and it makes such a difference. IMO. Happiest of New Years. Lots of love,Val xxxx

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36. 2017 has been harsh to me, but I’ve managed to find some new music to fall in love with (Hamilton and Paolo Nutini are what first comes to mind), great new films, e.g. the Nice Guys (LOVED them!) & Sing!, The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks,and TV shows. This year became a little less disappointing with the second season of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Agency (but then I found out it was canceled) and also GLOW, Imposters and Legion. I watched a ton of other stuff, – it really is my coping mechanism, – but I don’t want to bore you all.

    There must have been a few books I’ve read this year but I can name only one, the most important of them all: John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story.

    I follow by email. Hope 2018 will bring you a lot of great moments – and perfumes!

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    • Oh Diana! I loooooooooooove Paolo Nutinia dnlisten to him a lot, old stuff and new stuff. And the fact that he is drop dead gorgeous just adds to it. Sorry it has been a harsh year. None of us ever know what is gonna be dealt us huh? :(. Will check The Anatomy of Story out. Thanks. Here’s to hoping 2018 picks up for you. You too, lots of perfumed moments!! Love, val xxxxxx

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      • Hi Val! Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate them a lot! I hope that 2018 will be a great year for us all(or at least a nice enough one, lol)!
        The Anatomy of story has really changed my perception of films and storytelling in general, no other book on the subject that I’ve read so far hasn’t managed to show what it takes to tell a really good story. Besides, Truby writes beautifully. I hope you’ll like it!

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37. I follow APJ online, check out the blog. “Also follow on my phone. “Thanks for the draw!! Best mystery this year, The Scarred Woman by Jussi Adler-Olssen

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    • Hi rickyrebarco! Thanks a lot for the tips, they are well and truly noted. And I will check out the blog. Happy New Year to you,continue to visit please. Bussis, Val xxxxxx

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38. Almost finished The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, cant believe how much I am enjoying the short stories. You see but you do not observe!
    Its a Wonderful Life, Network, Love Actually, Stranger Things 2, we have watched in the last week.
    Wearing Leather Oud by Dior, totally spoilt and also O Lancome!
    Merry Xmas to you and yours Val xxxx

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    • Hi Honey :). Really? I need to read Sherlock Holmes then. Another one of those always meant to but never did books. Leather Oud? Do I need to come out of my shell and try that?? I t think tara has some O Lancôme for me, must ask her. Happy New Year and perhaps we will see each other soon? Lots of love, Val xxxxx

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39. HEY EVERYONE ABOVE!! I have just finished writing a list, on paper, with a pencil, of all the fantastic recommendations. I love it. Books and music I have never heard of. Brilliant. And thanks for the direct links to music videos. More, more, more. Maybe Portia will let me do a music only post once in a while huh? Can alway chuck in a SOTD so it qualifies. Hahahahaha. I said last year I would not do a giveaway again. It freaks me out that there can only be one person who gets it. Hopefully everyone who reads the comments will come away with far more than perfume. A mini-insight into the great people who come along on the APJ ride, sharing their musical, literary and film loves. I can‘t thank you all enough. Forgive me not remarking individually, but I have dough to make and I am already a day behind, having chosen to procrastinate instead. Peace and love always. Val xxxxxxxx

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40. I stumbled across this blog and wish I had found it earlier… I had been wrangling with a perfume purchase decision, and yes, relying on the reviews on those who had “scented” it – without using my nose myself… In the end I took the chance and bought it – Gloria Vanderfeldt – and it was lovely. It could be seen as a little vintage but hey, I love a good old wine.
    I follow you now by email and hope to read more perfumed posts!

    Happy holidays! 🙂
    Amanda

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41. Read the above and realised I hadn’t commented on the 2nd part. Music lately apart from the Christmas carols repertoire that voluntarily enters our ears at the shopping malls, has been a mix of 80s songs and relatively new tunes. Books – Reading a book called “Second Sight” – about two doctors who restored sight to patients who wouldn’t have a chance of getting eyecare conventionally. PHEW
    Thank you for the giveaway!

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    • Hi Amanda! Stumbled across APJ? Must have been your lucky week! Nice to see you here. Relying on a blog when you cannot use your nose, is both amazing and terrifying! I am glad it worked out. I do believe I have heard of “Second Sight” somewhere along the way, I need to look. Welcome to the APJ family. Please drop in again. Always great when we get to know people. Enjoy the Gloria Vanderfeldt. 🙂 Peace and love in 2018. Love, Val xxxx

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42. I clearly had no brain on when I posted the other day, because I forgot to mention this, absolutely the most beautiful book I read or saw this year:
    https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/oct/02/the-lost-words-robert-macfarlane-jackie-morris-review

    I’m waiting impatiently for snarl to read this so I can (I don’t get first dibs as I gave it to him): https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/sep/30/mr-lear-life-art-nonsense-jenny-uglow-review

    and this was rather wonderful:
    https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/nov/15/animals-strike-curious-poses-by-elena-passarello-review

    and of course there was the long-awaited Book of Dust. And a long overdue re-read of Annie Dillard’s sublime book Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.

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43. I follow via email.
    I haven’t been to the cinema in ages, so no new films to recommend. Currently reading a translated copy of Sarah Jio’s The Bungalow, a book received from a friend. Juat light entertainment, it seems.I also plan to read the latest novel by Lars Saabye Christensen, as soon as my father has finished the book.

    Music: Mainly streaming French songs from the 80s and 90s. Also trying to get my hands on Susanne Sundfør’s album from earlier this year (not totally neutral here, she is a distant, young relative), it is very good music. Still love Vamp, Morten Abel and similar. Not the kind of music I listen to when doing strenth training, then it is pop music on the radio.

    Guess I am too late for the giveaway, just wanted to add a comment anyway.

    Happy New Year to all! Guten Rutsch, Val!

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    • Hey Ingeborg! Nope, not too late for the Giveaway. I have no clue of any of the books you are reading. Really ? French songs? Where would I even start? Guess I never really progressed past my rock and pop world, or at least not very far. You too dearest Ingeborg, A Guten Rutsch and a safe one. The excitement of 2018! Lots of love, Val xxxxxx

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44. I thought I’d left a comment but I can’t see it so I probably didn’t press ‘post’. I’ve just finished reading Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson; it’s brilliantly weird. Music is a mixture of 70s rock, grunge, some blues and folk, TV has been any good thrillers or ‘black’ series. This year I’ve especially enjoyed a Spanish serial called I Know Who You Are, a brilliant plot full of unpredictable twists and turns.
    I’m a huge fan of Pissara and Dusita and would love to try Fleur de Lalita. I follow you by email.

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    • Hi Mary! How often have I forgotten to push done and then post? Ha! Don’t ask. Music sounds perfect. I just read The Guardian review of the Atkinson book. Sounds intriguing. Cheers for the tip. Once again something I probably would not have heard of. Great you popped back! Happy New Yesr. Love, Val. xxxx

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45. Congrats to Vanessa for the giveaway win, and thanks so much Val and everyone who commented on this post – I have some great ideas for music, movies, TV and books to take me into the new year.

    Wishing everyone a wonderful, exciting, laughter-filled, engaging New Year xx.

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46. Oh Val! How much more in love with you must I be?? You are truly the bee’s knees, girlfriend! I love your taste in all things. And you pump weights too!

    I wish you and your family a fabulous, health filled 2018.Kxx

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    • Ha! Hi Kate. Yep, I do lift weights now. I‘ve been going to the gym since 2007. My whole family does. But having a trainer has been a revelation. Omg – I am so loving it. It‘s tough though, and I have cried after training. But having a 30 year old pushing me to my limits is rather motivating, I must say. I shall have a tattoo in Spring to celebrate the change in me.
      So great you dropped in. Rock on honey. Bussis. Val. ❤️❤️❤️

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47. Hola Cookie Queen! I’ve been reading your blog for some time, but I was a lurker not a follower, haha. I have officially committed my email address and follow you that way now 🙂 I love everything Pissara does (and she seems like a lovely person to boot)–even Oud Infini. My little heart would explode if I won your giveaway, but please don’t let that stop you from choosing me 🙂

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48. I’m late for the draw but had to let you know that I’m a 62 year old Imagine Dragons fan and I envy your getting to see them this year! I’ll look forward to sampling the new Dusita scent when I can -it sounds lovely!

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