Have you heard of Jo Malone perfume?
I was on a website a month ago and listened to a radio program featuring the gifted perfumer, Jo Malone. I was inspired by her story (listen here) and after I learned all about her, including that her husband almost died of a terrible illness, she battled aggresive breast cancer, and is dyslexic, I decided that I would request a bottle of her perfume for my birthday, which is today. Every time I wear it I will think of her strength.
Rich took the day off from work and took us out to a fancy breakfast at the Marriot Hotel. Both of us ordered eggs Benedict served over crab and asparagus. It was delicious, I mean seriously, I was groaning with joy over it. Sarah was so cute and asked me to tell her all the things she could have, since it wasn’t time for macaroni and cheese. She settled on sausage with maple syrup and she ate every bite.
After breakfast we headed for the mall and straight into Nordstroms. I was so excited to finally be able to experience all the fragrances of Jo Malone. (I get way too excited over things like birthdays and perfume).
Rich couldn’t help us until the end because alas he gets headaches from smelling too much perfume. Sarah and I had an absolute ball smelling every single bottle. There was a jar of whole coffee beans at the counter, too, to “cleanse our noses” between sniffs. So fun!
It all smelled so wonderful it was hard to make a choice. I had Rich smell the last two bottles that I narrowed myself down to and he said, “Get them both!” “No!” “Yes, I really think you should get both so when you get tired of one you can wear the other.” “Okay”. I was touched once again by his generosity toward me and he left with his wallet and the nice lady, to make the purchase.
It’s so easy for people to love on Sarah Joy. I’ve been working on her attitude of friendliness for so long and I am happy to say she was a sweet little girl to the saleswoman, but it’s sort of easy to be sweet when you’re surrounded by such nice things like ribbons and boxes and good smells.
The lady’s name was Lydia and she is from Belgium. She put Sarah right up on a tall stool and put her to work making Mama’s perfume pretty. They carefully put the bottles in boxes with tissue paper and Sarah helped tie the bows.
He wanted to get me two full sized bottles but they didn’t have the big one in one of the fragrances. I picked out Red Roses, and Blackberry & Bay.
As a treat for you, I have a free sample of the Red Roses perfume to send to one commenter on this post. Leave a comment on this post, NOT ON FACEBOOK, and tomorrow afternoon at 3pm I will ask my son David to give me “a number, any number”(not telling him why or showing him this post)….and the number that he randomly chooses will be the comment on this blog post which wins the perfume. You will receive one tiny free sample bottle of Red Roses perfume in the mail from yours truly.
Thank you, God, for one more year of wonderful life.
Good to be Home 
I’ve never heard of that perfume. I’m going to investigate! Your breakfast looks delicious, I bet it was. Sarah is soooo cute. Hope your birthday was enjoyable and relaxing. Lovely that your husband took the day off to spend it with you.
What a special Birthday. So fun to have a fancy breakfast and then pick out a delicious perfume!
Never heard of that perfume… I’m going to have to go research her now!! lol
Ooooh, sounds like a delightful morning with a special breakfast and then perfume shopping. So sweet to see Sarah’s delight. Happy Birthday beautiful friend!
Happiest of birthdays to you, Shanda! I also love perfume. 🙂 I’m glad you have such a thoughtful husband in Rich.
What a special birthday, sweet friend!! I loved hearing all about it!
Such a sweet post!
Happy, Happy Birthday to you! What a sweet husband you have! Hope you have a wonderful day celebrating another year!
Happy, happy birthday! Sounds like a lovely day!
You are very blessed. Happy Birthday!
Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a birthday!
Happy birthday, Shanda! I should win just because it’s my birthday too! Just kidding!
sounds like a lovely birthday!!!
God has surely blessed you and your children with such an amazing husband and father. Enjoy your special day with your special family. Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! Love the perfume shopping. Sarah is a dear daughter.
Happy birthday! You look lovely 🙂 I enjoyed all the photos!
Happy birthday!!! I enjoy your blog and family so much.
Shanda, I love your posts! This perfume has me intrigued! I’ll have to see if it’s in our local stores.
Happy Birthday!!!
Sounds like you had the perfect day! Your posts are beautiful and full of joy! Happy Birthday 🙂
What a nice birthday celebration!
Happy birthday! Love you blog, and especially your thoughts on motherhood!! You inspire in many ways!
What a great treat you had for your Birthday this year …Happy Birthday Shanda ..thanks for all you wonderful blogs through out this year ….you have inspired me and I am working on starting a blog of my own ..happy days …God Bless
Thanks for sharing about the beginning of your very blessed birthday…hope you enjoyed every moment of the rest of your special day. I enjoy your blogs. It is encouraging to see family life like it ought to be…loving, caring, invested in the good of each other…and honest enough and real enough to admit that things aren’t always perfect or the way you wish..but with GOD’s help you keep on keeping on.
Happy Birthday Shanda!
What a nice birthday! I have never heard of this perfume. Will be reading up on it. Glad to have found your blog again. It has been a long time and my how your youngest has grown.
Happy birthday. I enjoy the contented, cheerful tone of your posts. Even when you’re posting about chaotic days, you seem to be joyful. You inspire me.
oH dear I missed your Birthday. I was not on your blog till today.
Happy Birthday my dear wonderful friend! Looks like you had a great day!
Love you lots!!
B
Late too… but Happy Birthday! Always love hearing what your family is doing!
Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday. I haven’t heard of that perfume. Have a beautiful day. I enjoy your blog.
What a nice way to celebrate…love reading your posts btw
Happy Belated Birthday!! I laughed when I read about Sarah’s macaroni and cheese — that’s my granddaughter’s favorite too — I think she’d eat it for every meal if she was allowed!
What a very sweet husband! Happy birthday and many many blessings! Christina
Sweet post and lovely photos. Happy birthday to Shanda. 🙂
Never heard of it either! Happy birthday to you! It’s also my birthday today! (2/13/??) thanks for the opportunity. 🙂