Circle of Fire Pendant

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:36:00 +0000

I know this will sound strange (and very Freudian), but I like to put things in my mouth. I get a mysterious enjoyment out of experiencing an object’s texture against my tongue and teeth. Porcelain is a most odious oral encounter, and just the thought of its grainy surface scraping against my enamel is enough to send a shiver down my spine. It’s kind of like when you bite into a piece of dirt that wasn’t entirely washed away during a dish's preparation, and it thwarts enjoyment of the remainder of the meal because you’re worried the offense will happen again.

The rasty flavor of metal harkens three years of braces, which included breaking my upper palate to make room for all of my adult teeth, another altogether unpleasant experience. I prefer the taste of things that are glassy and smooth, and perhaps this source of consolation was embedded during my pacifier days, but gnawing on the soft plastic of a teething ring is one of my favorites, reminding me of the firm slickness of gummy bears.

Whatever the origin of my rather odd inclination, one look at the slick glass of the Circle of Fire Pendant by Trace Ellements caused me to shove the duo-toned agate pendant was into my mouth. The tiny clinking of soft stone on my right canine generated a comforting smile. I imagined the plink-plink-plink sound, like that of a pin dropping onto a crystal surface, to be the giggles of tree sprites. I slid its constant coolness against my pursed lips and slowly passed the oxidized brass chain between the closed space. The brass was smooth.

As much as I was enjoying my semi-fetish, wearing this modern take on a retro style derived a more aesthetic satisfaction. The earthy exterior color is set off by a blotchy red, which makes the piece seem aged despite its contemporary design. I clasped the chain of the somewhat weighty circle so that it would rest at the top of my sternum and call attention to the v-shaped space on my chest left bare by a layered, embroidered, a-line dress from Anthropologie. Now if I can just find a pair of strappy yet sophisticated sandals the color of drying mud, I’ll be all set for a romantic dinner for two. My partner forgives my oddity; truth be told, he quite enjoys it.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, November 22nd 2009

Neil Gaiman’s American Gods: Bilquis

admin — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:48:00 +0000

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has created a line of perfume oils inspired by the characters, places and ideas from Neil Gaiman’s best selling novel American Gods. In addition to always being animal testing-free, 100% of the proceeds from the American Gods Collection go to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund which protects the First Amendment Rights of the comic book community. I dabbed on the Bilquis scent that was inspired by the Queen of Sheba, the half demon, half goddess from the novel and waited.

A blend of honey, lily of the valley, myrrh, rose, fig leaf, almond, ambrette (an herb grown in the rainy season in India with a musky scent and used as an aphrodisiac), red apple and warm musk, Bilquis is neither too flowery nor too musky. I noticed the almond, musk and honey immediately and after a few minutes on the skin it turned softly floral and powdery. Just go easy with it. Like most oils, it can be so intense no one will be able to come near you and that would defeat the purpose. But if you are very careful, it’s a soft, earthy and warm scent.

It would be perfect dripped in an unscented oil and used for a sensual massage. It would also make a great gift for your friend who is a Neil Gaiman fan, a comic book reader or your roommate, the closeted Tori Amos groupie. Or, of course, this scent is perfect for you: a classy babe with a mysterious side who likes to indulge in a beauty ritual where a spritz of Electric Youth just doesn’t cut it.

Written by: Lauren Clark, July 15th 2007