Bond no. 9 Perfume Samples

OK, I have to say that I haven't had this much fun playing since I was a child with my Barbies. Hip, amazing Bond no. 9 scents are to perfumes what Jimmy Choos are to shoes. And the creator, Laurice Rahme, has a marvelous way to tempt you into trying them!

The samples, available via mail for a small fee or free at the perfume counters, are wrapped up like Brach taffy candies in brightly colored foil wrappers and generous sample vials. For hours and hours of endless entertainment you can play with these samples until you find one that suits your fancy and won't end up sitting unused on your boudoir table.

Until now, these savvy perfumes have only been titled after significant New York landmarks but they have just launched a new set of his and hers named after the famous department store in London, so old it's name appears in Jane Austin novels, Harrods. (These samples can only be attained in the US at this time via the New York stores.)

My personal favorite so far is the delicately scented Chinatown. I also love the Coney Island and Fire Island for summer & Saks Fifth Ave. For Her for winter.

Release your inner diva and inner child at the same time!

Treat Yourself At Starbucks

Did you know that Starbucks offers 2 free hours a day of WiFi access if you get a gift card (you can use it for yourself), register it online at starbucks.com/wifi and put a minimum of $5 on it and use it at least once every 30 days. Sounds like a lot of hurtles but it isn't really, if you love WiFi and Starbucks, which I do! I also love their Starbucks iTunes free download of the week cards with a redeem number on the back you can pick up at the register. These are different from the iTunes free download of the week songs.

While on the subject of Starbucks, which I feel is an important indulgence, I want to talk about my absolute favorite (which was limited edition and therefore no more) and one I just discovered.

My absolute favorite Starbucks coffee is "Kopelani Blend" which is a blend of african, latin american and Kona coffees and Starbucks describes as "juicy and refined"... very smooth. And my new discovery is called the "Komoto Dragon Blend" which Starbucks describes as "herbal and cedary spice" and a pound of it only costs $11.95. When you need your Starbucks fix but can't afford a daily purchase it is a nice way to still treat yourself well.

Barnes & Noble bookstores has announced free unlimited WiFi at their stores.

Launching "Indulging Josette"

Hello!

I am starting this blog at the urging of friends who know I love to share knowledge and hard earned information with anyone who might benefit! As we move through these difficult economic times I am hoping to share with you any strategies I find along this journey that pamper, indulge or nurture the self in ways that put money to smart use to keep spirits up and budgets managed. Josette was a wonderful four-legged companion I had for 18 years and whom I shared all my adventures with except my trips to Europe! She taught me how to stay true to myself without costing others as well as how to respect my real needs in order to be happy. So this blog is dedicated to her memory.