**REVIEW** Junoon (The Powder-iest Perfume EVER)

  I love a perfume with a powder note. Shalimar, Emeraude, and Ana Abiyedh Poudree are some really good ones. I thought that AA Poudree was as powdery as it gets (although Valentino's is strong, though not my favorite), but, noooo. I have now met the powder bomb of powder note perfumes. 

That, my people, is Junoon from Al Haramain, and it's my first from them.

Oh, my word! This blows everything else out of the water when it comes to being powdery. All those others are powdery, but this is Powdery - like peppers are spicy, but a ghost pepper is spicy.

And I love it! I can't get enough of it.

The first time I sprayed it, I was kind of thrown. Unlike the other scents above, the powder in this one is not tempered by the florals or other notes. Or, at least, it's not tempered much. The powder was almost too much for me at first (what?) and I was kind of bothered by that.

Once I waited a moment or two, the powder settled - almost like actual powder does when tossed in the air - and I started to get more of the sweetness of the vanilla and the soft iris. After about 5 minutes, the scent was everything I wanted in a powder - sweet, soft, powdery and floral without the sharpness I got from the Valentino's scent.

The bottle is simple elegance

The best thing about this is how well it plays with others. I layered it with Lattafa's Eclair and that was just yummy. Eclair by itself lacks something I need and the Junoon solved that. I also have tried this layered with Khamrah, then sandwiched between Khamrah and Nebras. That last one was a bit much for daytime, but would be good for a night out.

I also discovered that this works really well to tone down and femme-up more fragrances that are labeled as "unisex" but that lean masculine. I paired this with the outright male fragrance Habit Rouge and... What!?!?!? It was something not like Shalimar in scent, but it had that Shalimar vibe. 

I am not sure if Al Haramain scents are like Lattafa's in that they need time to get better. If this one gets any better, I may not be able to stand it.

So, yeah, I have found my powder bomb scent. I can't wait to try it with Molten Caramel....

Peace

--Free

The Random & Unexpected (When Getting Dentures)

 I watched a lot of videos when I was trying to understand the ordeal of getting dentures. I watched stuff on extractions and living with them; changes in the face and voice; eating without teeth; and the whole thing of being fitted for dentures. I thought I was going to be prepared. I was - sort of, but there were a lot of things I really didn't expect. Here's a rundown:

• Getting my teeth pulled was not the worst of it. The worst was the blood and gore for the first few days afterward. Oh, my Lord, how I hated that. I learned to keep some warm salt water near me for the first day. I was able to rinse and spit. The salt kept down the taste of blood. It also helped keep me from piking because of my vivid imagination about all the gore in my mouth. After the first day or maybe day and a half, things calm down. Then I would sit broth. Again, the savory water really helps settle a queasy stomach, and I was queasy for at least a week.
• Once I was over the gore, I had to get used to looking at a very different face in the mirror. I really understand now how much one's teeth have to do with the entire facial structure. It's drastic, people.
• I got used to talking and eating without all my teeth quicker than I am re-learning to do those things with teeth. 
• People tend to assume things about why you are without teeth. Whenever I wore a mask in public, it wasn't because of vanity, it was because I learned what some people assumed. It was my eye doctor who called this to my attention. She knows me and was sympathizing that some people would assume I was a drug user. What??? I had not thought of that. 
• Just as some people might have treated or thought of me differently when I was without teeth, I see a difference in how I am treated now. I'd always taken for granted that, for most of my life, strangers have tended to be friendly or civil toward me in public. Of course, I'm from Alaska, where strangers smile and chat with each other all the time. When I moved here, I notice the same is mostly true of people in small towns like where I live and, often, even in the larger places. When I was without teeth, I didn't feel that same casual kindness from strangers or passersby. Today, I went out to the store, and things were better. (I realize that I was probably behaving differently myself, or just being hyper-critical of people.)
• The longer I went without teeth, the more my face "shrunk" (maybe "contracted" is a better word). Since I was without a lot of my teeth for the past 2 years, then most of them for a year and, finally, all of them for about 7 + months, a lot of my facial muscles had lost something. This is why I'm going to take more time than usual to adjust to my dentures. My dentist is awesome and has explained this all to me. We aren't going to do any major tweaks or adjustments (if any) until my jaw and the rest of my face has re-adapted to a full mouth of teeth. I may not need any adjustments, so we're going to give this some time. (BTW, I was able to talk better within just hours of getting my dentures. By the 2nd day, I was getting really good. So this is a re-learning game.)
• There is a potential gagging issue with dentures. That's because the upper plate does go back a ways. I had a terrible time the first day, but I started getting used to it pretty quickly. Again, my dentist will make some adjustments later, if needed. He wanted to know how bad it was now. Honestly, I can handle it because I think I'm still getting used to the dentures.
• I don't know if this is true for everyone, but I am producing more saliva than before. This isn't a bad thing, since I used to have dry mouth. It's a new thing, so... Weird
• My bottom implants are wonderful. I am so happy that my dentist was able to put them in. I'd heard from another doctor that it wouldn't be possible. Of course, that same doctor is one that was so rude and uncaring that even his nurse looked dumbstruck, and I left his office in tears and I had to beg my brother not to go in and say something... It's not wild at all that his name is synonymous with a farm animal. Because of the implants, I never have to worry about my bottom plate sliding around or popping out. I snap the plate in, and that bad boy is locked in place until I remove it. 
• This is a very weird observation that I hadn't realized it until the day I got my dentures. The first thing I did when I got home was to put on a little lip gloss! I know, that's so random. I've never worn lots of makeup - maybe for special occasions or when I was in a mood - but I have always loved wearing lip gloss and a little bit of eyeliner. There was no way I wanted to call attention to my mouth when I was without teeth, and I really didn't ever feel like dressing up my eyes. But these lips are shining and lightly tinted now, baby!
• Even if I wasn't aware of being a lot less confident before, I do feel so much more confident and generally happier now that I have teeth again. 

I am sure that, as time wears on, I will find more things to add to this list. Out of everything, this is the most important thing I want to say: If you need dentures, don't hesitate out of fear or vanity. I wish I had started the minute I had a chance.

Peace

--Free

Dental Update #11 They're Here!

 What a wild ride...

I got my dentures and could not be more thrilled. I am so glad that I waited and trusted in my amazing dentist and his staff. (BTW, shout out to Dr. Grant Lehmann and the staff at Lehmann Family Dental!!!)

Because it's been several months since I've had teeth, the muscles in and around my mouth are having to re-learn their jobs. (That's the best way I know to put all the technical jargon!) As a result, I am still learning how to talk and eat and just exist with teeth again.

The most important things right now:

• My dentures are well-fitted and comfortable
• My dentist knows I might need some small adjustments as I get used to my teeth
• I have my smile and confidence back

While I am not awfully vain, it is so nice to see my "normal" face again in the mirror. It's almost weird!

The dentist did such a great job that my dentures don't look like dentures. Everyone whose seen me so far have asked for the name of my dentist. Those that saw me before my problems, say that I look almost exactly as I did before. Now, that's saying something big!!!

So... here's my big reveal -

Here's a closer look:

Don't let me mess around and fix my hair and slap on some lipstick! 

It's going to be a while before I am eating "normally". My face is still realigning - learning to have teeth in place. Once that happens, the dentist will be able to make minor adjustments to my "bite". Right now, it's slow and steady. I'm just happy to be able to enjoy smiling again.

I want to thank God for getting me through this whole thing. I want to thank my family for their support (and money) and love. 

Peace

--Free

P.S.: I think I will write a post talking about all the weird and unexpected things when getting dentures. For now, I can give you a freebie: I find it weird that I can't feel my upper palate. I was popped a cough drop in my mouth and... Well, I have to keep it tucked in my cheek.

(Update to the Update!) Dental Update #10 (one of the last!)

Update to the update. I did not get my teeth. But that is a good thing. My dentist (a perfectionist, thankfully) was not happy with something that the lab did. He has adjusted his notes to them and sent my plates back for correction.

Am I sad? Yes, but... My brother reminded me that waiting another couple of weeks is worth it to get teeth I will be wearing for the next several years. I agree.

My biggest disappointment is that I am really ready to get on my new eating regimen so I can lose weight. It's not just the weight gain I worry about; it's that I'm missing the foods I cannot eat. I am craving raw veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds. I've even come up with a grocery list for when can chew:

• broccoli (to eat raw)
• carrots (to eat raw)
• spinach
• squash (to cook)
• greens (for salads)
• almonds
• sunflower seeds
• walnuts & pecans (to make snack bars)
• cabbage (to eat cooked and raw)
• chicken and turkey (to eat on salads)
• olives and cornichons (for snacking & on salads)
• green beans, asparagus and sweet peppers (to bake and eat)

So, should the good Lord be willing to let me live and see the day, my first meal will be one of the biggest salads know to man. (Well, after the planned Panda Express with the fam!)

I will be back soon to do an update. Hopefully!

Peace

Now that I am only a few days away from having a full set of teeth (for the first time in I don't know how long), I'm still more anxious than excited.

My dentist has told me that it might take a while before I can eat and talk properly. My extractions were done last June. I won't know how to act with teeth in my mouth! Whatever happens, my family and I have plans to go to Panda Express for my first meal. Send up a prayer for me, people...

Source

I was talking with someone else who had all their teeth replaced just over a year ago. Her advice was to just take my time. She said that it does take a minute to get used to not only having teeth, but having good teeth.

Here's my plan: I'm going to get some fresh fruits and veggies, some dip, and salad fixings. I want to meal prep some light salads (for lunch) and big salads (for dinner), and cartons of dip-ready veggies. I have been eating (or drinking) plenty of frozen fruit so that's not a priority. I'm really craving raw broccoli, lettuce, spinach and carrots - and olives! All kinds - green, black, stuffed... I don't plan to eat pancakes, rice, or bread for a good long while. (Okay, I love fresh bread, so maybe I will bake some in a few weeks.)

By the way, the reason Panda Express is our pick for the celebration meal is because, well, there is not a lot of good Chinese food nearby. The next time we visit family in Minnesota or go to an appointment in Des Moines, we might get some luscious Chinese food. It's my dream.

One of my neighbors (she just turned 90, and I was shocked to learn that) reassured me that I will love having dentures. She said that with all the prep I've had, mine should fit well, so I will be used to them in no time. She's had dentures for over 15 years (and she is ninety, people!) and says she sometimes sleeps in hers. She said she takes them out every day and soaks and cleans them, but that she doesn't like sleeping without them. I can relate.

I will update when I have gotten used to my teeth. Monday is going to be like a special family day for us. My brother here will be FaceTiming the rest of the family. I think they are all as excited as I am.

Stay tuned for updates!

Peace

--Free