In one year of war, Ukraine has experienced widespread destruction. Many of its cities and villages have been so savagely bombarded by Russia that the familiar landmarks of these places are gone. People lost their homes and their familiar places. Many people also lost their lives during the carnage. For the past few months I’ve been collaborating with Thought Group Chile, a group of architects working to rebuild Ukraine. Cristián Wittig is the director of the group and he is working tirelessly to rebuild Ukrainian cities, particularly Irpin and Chernihiv, the places that suffered the most severe devastation.

Based in Chile, Cristián and his group traveled in Ukraine and are familiar with its realities and its needs. The learnings from his project in Ukraine are vital for other places affected by war or natural disasters. Talking to Cristián, I’ve been appreciating even more how important is the design of public spaces in order to create a feeling of community. Also, how essential it is to choose materials carefully. Part of the reason the destruction has been so severe in Ukraine is the ubiquity of light, unstable constructions on poor foundations.

To help Thought Group Chile, I turn to you and offer this fundraiser. I propose donating to Thought Group Chile, any amount you wish, and in return, you will be entered into a contest for the original-formulation Chanel 28, La Pausa, 200ml/6.8oz. I absolutely love this perfume and I find the original formula to be exceptional, but I’m delighted to contribute this precious item from my collection towards a good cause. The bottle is almost full, as you can see in the photo, and it comes in its original box. I can ship anywhere in the world.

There will also be other prizes including vintage Coty Chypre (please check after the break.)

If you have a bottle of perfume that you would like to contribute for this fundraiser, please contact me. Please let me know the size, condition and where in the world you would be willing to mail it to the eventual winners.

How the contest works: donate any amount you want to donating to Thought Group Chile, email me (boisdejasmin at yahoo dot com) the donation receipt, and you will receive a confirmation from me that you’re entered into the contest.

How the winners will be selected? Randomly.

The contest will run till March 20th. Thank you for participating!

Please feel free to ask questions in the comments section.

Link for PayPal donation account:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZPFSW5UPN42LC

QR Code for donating

Extra 30+ prizes

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Do you have 17,000 euros to spare? If so, Guerlain has released a limited edition bottle created in collaboration with Maison Matisse, a design house founded in 2019 by Henri Matisse’s heirs to produce objects inspired by the French painter’s art.  According to the Artnet Magazine, the bottle is inspired by La Musique, a work painted by the artist in 1939. It fuses the colors of the painting and the iconic shape of the Bee Bottle to celebrate its 170th anniversary. Painted by hand, it’s a stunning object, but clearly aimed at collectors. 

For me personally, the most compelling bottle collaboration from Guerlain remains their work with Arita Lab in Japan. Adorned with traditional Aritayaki motifs, it’s a beautiful pairing of Japanese craftsmanship and Guerlain’s style.

Via Artnet

Should it be orange blossom, lavender or pepper today? Scented hand washes make this everyday ritual that bit more enjoyable. A good hand wash should cleanse thoroughly but gently, and although foam is not an indicator of cleansing ability, a generous lather feels satisfying. Last but not least, the fragrance should strike a fine balance – a pronounced aroma straight out of the bottle and a veil of fresh scent on skin.

Perfumers have their own secrets for creating blends that smell “clean and fresh”; they rely on a palette of citrusy, floral and musky notes. Orange blossom and lavender, for instance, are the classical choices for hand washes, because they convey a wholesome, pure impression. Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom Body & Hand Wash foams well and genuinely smells of blooming orange groves. Senteurs d’Orient’s Fleurs d’Oasis Nourishing Hand Wash layers orange blossom with mint and basil for extra zest. The aroma of white petals lingers on hands without being overpowering.

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The disaster in Türkiye and Syria feels close to me. My Turkish teacher is from one of the affected provinces and has lost many friends and family members. I have always enjoyed Gaziantep, and while I haven’t had a chance to visit Syria, it also has a deep significance for me as a place of rich history and culture. When I read the news of the earthquake, my heart is breaking. I keep asking myself what can I do to help?

I put together a few links to charities that are collecting funds. If you have other suggestions, please let me know in the comments.

Doctors Without Borders and Care are two excellent reputable organizations and they are collecting donations.

Turkish Philanthropy Funds works with the Türkiye Earthquake Relief Fund to allocate funds to survivors. They also provide long-term assistance to help residents recover and rebuild.

The White Helmets is an incredible organization with much experience working directly with local communities in Syria. Northwestern Syria has been heavily impacted by the earthquake, not to mention that the region has already been devastated by the war. Tragically, little aid has been reaching Syria, so donating to an organization that works directly on the ground is best.

The Syrian American Medical Society is based in the United States and is another group that delivers emergency aid in Syria.

This brings me to another organization, The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations. It focuses on helping Syrian refugees in Turkey as well as providing aid within Syria. Syria already suffered immense devastation during the war and the tragedy unfolding there now is beyond belief.

One of the reputable organizations that works with local communities in Turkey is AHBAP. It was founded by the Turkish singer Haluk Levent and is accepting cryptocurrency, in addition to the more traditional forms of payment. It’s doing a commendable job and is recommended by my Turkish friends as well as my Turkish readers.

Save the Children is focusing on helping children in the affected regions. It’s also currently collecting donations.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin: roses, the flowers I associate with both Turkey and Syria.

Today have a great giveaway made possible by Bois de Jasmin’s reader Toni. She would like to give away a full bottle of Cartier Must de Cartier extrait de parfum, 15ml (comes with a box, almost full.) She can send her package anywhere in the US or Canada (sanitized and well-wrapped, of course).

We are not responsible for leaks or damage during transit or for lost packages.

To participate, please answer these questions by commenting on Bois de Jasmin (email messages aren’t included.) I will randomly draw one winner.

1. Toni would like to find out your most effective strategies for prolonging scents.
2. What perfume are you wearing today?
3. May I contact you via email to notify you of your win and share your email with Toni?

The contest is now closed. The winner is Abby. Congratulations!

I would like to thank our entire Bois de Jasmin community for your generosity and kindness, whether it means giveaways like this, advice or comments.