At the Moment: October 2026

 

photo borrowed via pinterest

It seems like it's been ages since I last compiled an AT THE MOMENT post. Indeed it has. Wow how time flies. Without further ado my current list of things occupying my everyday these past few days and weeks. Share your current obsessions, hobbies and tricks in the comments section below the post. 

[This post contains a few select Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links I might make a tiny commission to upkeep this blog.]

READING

I started Labyrinth, The Art of Decision Making by Pawel Motyl, a modern classic which takes a seemingly self-help title and addresses historical moments when the decision making made or ruined major sociopolitical events. Motyl digs into the series of decisions that led to some of the modern world’s most dramatic events: from the Cuban missile crisis to the 1996 Mount Everest climbing disaster; from the Apollo 13 rescue mission to the ill-fated Daimler–Chrysler merger. Along the way, he reveals 16 rules for effective decision-making that will challenge pre-existing beliefs, and change one's outlook forever.

 

It is a fascinating read, and I admit I picked it up knowing I am inept at decision making, so it is essentially eye-opening to see history in the making AND grasp how too much hesitation is just as bad a decision as any.  which you can find HERE for Kindle and tablets. 

WEARING

It's been rather hot in Athens these past few weeks, nothing really bad, but not quite autumnal either, minus the occasional rain. Therefore I have again resorted to my very light windbreaker jackets for rain deterance mostly; generally more flimsy than a trench coat, easier to carry in arm if bothersome. This style by SaphiRose is especially becoming, and the light color gives a visual jolt, instead of the dreary greiges. It also doesn't contain harmful chemicals, as per the requirements of the maker. 

borrowed via 

PLAYING WITH

I have long held the view that makeup is playthings for grown girls and I'm sure lots of women the world over agree with me. The influx of happily faced women painting their faces a million ways possible and having fun starting anew every day on a gazillion of channels and reels proves that I'm right. And of course that's nothing new I'm saying. Therefore, recognizing that in difficult time we play with war paint -see what I did there- I'm currently enthused with the KIKO MILANO long-lasting eyeshadow sticks. Back when I was way younger I used to snub eyeshadow sticks and shadows-built-into-pencils; maybe because I have witnessed many middle-aged women using them. Who knows. Now that I'm a middle-aged women myself I found a newly minted appreciation for them. These are beautiful, softly shimmery when you need it and provided your eyelids are not crepey -thankfully mine are not- and in tenacious shades of a 24-hour duration. Not that you'd keep them on your eyes that long, but you know what I mean. I especially like Slate Grey which makes a contrast with my cool-shaded brown eyes. The next shade to try is Golden Taupe 38 which, judging by the Pinterest photos, looks really a-ma-zing...

RESEARCHING

Deep into the archives of antiquity the plethora of information on perfuming and scenting objects are fascinating to follow. Hopefully this will become the subject of an article with practical purposes. More to come and my lips are sealed. 

In the interim I'm writing a dedicated article for Fragrantica on Colombian perfumery. Not the historical period as in pre-Colombian, but of the country. Exciting things to come. 

At the Moment

The numinous super-moon of last Monday has literally turned the leaf on September's notebook, serein falling gently on the dry, thirsty leaves for a few evenings in a row. This is an optimistic period for me, the academic year starting always has my spirits up. So sharing some of my current preoccupations might be inspiring. I certainly desire to hear all about yours in the comments!

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• Cosmetic finds

Early autumn is hair restoration time because, let's face it, Greek summer can be brutal to one's hair: scorching sun, beach lifestyle, salty wind, lots of sweat, lots of washing, they all take their toll.  The latest product I tried and can rave about is Dry Solution Moisturizing Mask by Honor Haircare; a thickish unguent in a greyish cream shade that's meant to be used after shampooing and rinsed after a few minutes. It leaves hair pliable and -bonus points!- very tame and silky (but not greasy) in the high humidity of early September; absolutely no frizz, a small miracle by my standards (Is the saffllower oil the "culprit" for this? I might buy a gallon or two if so. It takes all but a dollop to work, so it's also rather good value for money. The odd part on this particular blog's scope is probably the scent: the sweet (yummy, like honeyed jasmine) smell remains on hair for quite some time. If you fear it might clash with your perfume, I think you're safe unless you're wearing a very strident scent or an already too sweet one; but it's a consideration worth keeping in mind. Thumbs up for the results at any rate.

I have continued my love affair with Christian Dior's Mayday lipstick from the Transtlantic cruise collection from spring. It's the perfect subtly raspberry leaning red for all seasons. Thanks Dorthea and Gaia for the hearty recommendations; that's a purchase I shall not regret.

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• Home interests

The cocooning season is beginning and I'm ambivalent on it on two counts: for one, too much home time means less movement, more food and that's bad for the waistline (I have decided to keep any summer shed pounds off for good); reason number two, it's so much cozier to not be on the run all the time and having the luxury of preparing a long meal or just lounging in one's homewear.
I'm eyeing a Le Creuset skillet for preparing a mean steak even in the gloom of late November and preparing the last late summer tomatoes into a mean salsa to be kept for wintertime. I'm also equipping my bed with a high count, pure cotton, double hemstitch sheet set in burgundy for the restful nights I deserve.

• Musical Company

I rediscovered Tchaikovsky's The Seasons. The celebrated "June" (Barcarolle) is playing on my computer as I'm writing this. I remember it fondly from my childhood, mainly from the soundtrack of Jean Jacques Annaud directed L'Ours (1988), a film bathed in its singular emotion. Mikhail Pletnev's interpretation is particularly moving, I find, the slightly lento fingering redolent of melancholia.

• Intellectual pursuits

I've just got  Françoise Sagan's play Château en Suède, which sounds like a soap opera turned into a book but is really not. I'm also following Histories of Cultural Materialism, in particular Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard. Margaret Atwood's the Handmaid Tale came highly recommended as a 'young read' from someone I respect and I'm going to give it a shot (anyone read this?)

• Fashion must-haves

A pair of new ankle boots to replace my tattered ones is priority number one. Cuban heel, smooth kid's leather, comfortable seams and a semi-rounded instep. In black or in burgundy if I can find them. I'm browsing Asos and La Redoute for various designs, so much selection around!

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• Perfume Testing & Loving

Right admist the latest The Different Company scent, Une Nuit Magnetie, opinion to follow as soon as I have formed one. Contemplating whether more Le Labo Gaiac 10 (Tokyo exclusive) can be fitted into my stash and budget. Giving Cuir 28 (Le Labo Dubai exclusive) another run for its money and rather liking its odd ups and downs (and the vaguely familiar vibe, more on which later on).
Serge Lutens L'Orpheline is my latest obsession (in love with its spicy, musky, quiet melancholy) and I'm using up Chanel 31 Rue Cambon Les Exclusifs fragrance like there's no tomorrow!


Tell me all about your (re)discoveries in the comments!