The Lion, the Witch and the Cellphone

 

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗖.𝗦. 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙖 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? 

No way! 😅 In fact he’d likely roll in his grave if he saw how many struggling writers are so distracted by electronic devices these days.

Put aside Lewis' dated and chauvinistic language and think about how the man's main point applies to us: clearly social media, texts and emails are stealing our focus as writers—and our creativity. Tomorrow's erstwhile Novel Prize winner of literature might be too addicted to games today to ever realize his or her true calling. I think that for all our constantly being connected via our phones many writers are paradoxically struggling more than ever before to understand and connect with their readers. 

Years ago, I ditched my smartphone for a flip phone for three months. It wasn’t glamorous (T9 texting, anyone?), but after feeling irritated for a week the ensuing mental clarity was completely worth it. It wasn't till I fasted from my phone that I realized how much pointless noise was in my mind and how little I was actually accomplishing. I was able to read a few books every week, something I had not done for a long time. 

Reading Lewis’s message below, his advice still holds true: 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝘀. Digital distractions are the worst kind in that they follow us around in our pockets and purses, robbing us of the focus we need to think deeply and write well.

To be honest and fully transparent, I do heavily use a smartphone to get work done I couldn't easily do otherwise, but certainly not when I'm writing some serious and my mind needs to focus. I've found that if I am not carefully using my devices with full awareness they can easily become a huge time suck.

We all have limited mental bandwidth, and if we are distracted and preoccupied then that does our ability to work no favors. 

What’s your biggest distraction—and are you ready to silence it?

The Janitor and the CEO

 

Life has a funny way of flipping the script, doesn’t it? One day you’re calling the shots, and the next you’re learning how to unclog a sink—or maybe the other way around.  

I’ve always believed this: 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿. You never know when the CEO might end up sweeping floors or when the janitor could end up running the company.  

If you’ve been lucky enough to have a high-ranking position, stay humble. And if you and your career are stuck in a rough spot right now, don’t give up. The night is always darkest before dawn—and I promise, the morning light is worth the wait. ☀️

How One Company Turned a Routine Oil Change into a Lifelong Commitment

Few things are as nerve-wracking as car service. Here's how one auto shop turned my fear into life-long commitment.

In a world where most businesses focus on transactions, the ones that focus on relationships stand out. Case in point, where you get your car serviced can make a world of difference in how you're treated.

"Don't take it to a dealership for servicing," warned my next-door neighbor, a friend who’s also a mechanic and loves working on his car in his driveway whenever he has time. "They will rob you blind; they should be called stealerships!"

"Do not ever go to a dealership for service if you can help it," advised another knowledgeable well-wisher.

"All dealerships, regardless of manufacturer, blatantly overcharge their customers. They will do anything to get as much money out of you as possible.

"People think that going to a dealership is better than going to a privately owned garage for repairs and routine work, but they are wrong."

Searching for a trustworthy mechanic

Lesson noted, I began looking for a mechanic who would treat me right. Since I own my car, I had no restrictions on where I could go. By going to a mechanic, I wouldn’t violate any agreements, such as lease terms requiring service only at the maker's  dealership. I thanked my stars—there are plenty of tire, wheel, and auto repair shops near my home in Richmond Hill, ON, unlike the maker's dealerships, all of which are at least 20 minutes away.

After searching online for shops with the best Google reviews, I decided to try a few places. Among them, Trilli Tires* stood out. At the time this was written, Trilli had a 4.8/5 rating with 589 reviews. This rating is entirely warranted, in my opinion.

I ended up staying with Trilli long-term because of how they treated me—a masterclass in how all customers should be treated.

A nervous first meeting

Driving to Trilli for my first service—an oil and filter change—I was a bit nervous. How would they treat me? I hoped I wouldn’t get ripped off. "I hope they don’t charge me for things I don’t need. I’m not a mechanic; there’s no way I would know whether or not I need what they recommend," I told myself.

Entering the front office, I walked up to the front desk, where a tall Persian man with a well-trimmed beard and a baseball cap was sitting.

"Hi, I need my oil changed. I scheduled an appointment; this is my first time here," I told him.

The guy smiled and said his name was Khosroe. "I’ll take care of you, don’t worry. Just give us 45 minutes, and you’ll be on your way."

Forty minutes later, he came to where I was sitting and said the service was done. Khosroe smiled, said how much he appreciated my business, took my payment—considerably less than what I’d pay at a dealership—and handed the keys back.

This is all I wanted! Quick, polite, and reasonably priced service. I didn’t need a sales pitch or charm offensive, just to be treated like a human being and a friend. Khosroe gave me his cell number and said I could call anytime I needed help with my car.

There’s a difference between trying to be liked and being genuinely likable. These guys were likable and did all the little things. For example, when my service was finished, Khosroe didn’t call out a number or shout my name; he came over personally. Not only that, but he gave me a modest discount since I was a first-time customer.

That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and I’ve recommended Trilli to friends many times.

Major repairs, major hospitality

Over the last several years, I’ve been a loyal customer at Trilli, but not once did they treat me like my business was being taken for granted or that my concerns weren’t important.

As is the case with all cars, there came a time when mine needed multiple things serviced. I expected it would take all day, which Trilli confirmed when I called.

"Don’t worry about it. You can leave the car here or stay—not a problem, whatever you decide," said the guy who answered the phone, mentioning his name was Aren.

Since I had some time-sensitive work to do, I decided to bring my laptop. Just as before with Khosroe, Aren immediately smiled warmly as soon as I walked in the door and greeted me.

"How much is this going to cost?" I asked, worried I’d be paying an arm and a leg. Aren quoted me a price that was much more than fair compared to competitors, which I knew based on past experiences. "Let us take care of you. You won’t have to pay for anything extra unless you approve it first." Mollified, I sat down and got to work.

I was deeply engrossed when I suddenly noticed Aren had quietly walked up to my seat.

"Yes?"

"Hey, can I get you coffee and cookies?"

I looked at Aren in disbelief. He wasn’t directing me to a snack station, as is typical at service shops. He was offering to bring them to me. I wondered if there was a catch but said, "Sure."

A few minutes later, Aren returned with my hot drink and food. There was no catch, and he didn’t ask for anything in return. We got into a deep conversation about life in the US versus in Canada for 15 minutes before I remembered I had work to do and excused myself. I quickly wrote a five-star Google review for Trilli, snapping a picture to go with it of my coffee and one of the two cookies I hadn’t yet gobbled up, then got back to work.

Several hours later, Aren came back and said my car was ready. He casually mentioned that during the inspection, a technician noticed something minor that needed attention. Usually, there would be a nominal charge for it, but they took care of it for free.

It's things like this that having me returning to Trilli Tires time and again. I have so many similar stories it's hard to know which to choose!

It's about how you make people feel

You see, people become loyal customers not just because of pricing but because of how they’re treated. A little extra effort to show respect and care goes a long way in creating repeat customers.

As the great American poet Maya Angelou said, "I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." With Trilli Tires, all three have been unforgettable. 

I’ll be a Trilli customer for life and will always advocate for them because the people who work there are trustworthy, kind, and respectful of the fact that I’m giving them my hard-earned money. 

When businesses treat you like family instead of a number, it’s a bond that’s hard to break.

That's all it takes. 

* I did not receive any compensation or discounts from Trilli Tires for writing this article

(FRAG REVIEW) Luxury on a Budget: Can Armaf Untold Match the Opulence of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540?

Few fragrances in recent memory have rocked the world of perfumery quite like Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP. Also known as BR 540, it's definitely one that people see as daring and avante garde, even those who have only a passing interest in frags.

Released in 2016, BR 540’s appeal isn’t immediately clear on paper. There’s so much about it that simply shouldn’t work.

First, the scent profile is entirely synthetic. There’s nowhere in nature where you’ll find anything that smells remotely like this—or arguably as opulent. It’s the ultimate rebuttal to the idea that a scent must smell natural to be good. 

Second, BR 540’s formula is deceptively simple but infamously difficult to describe. Saffron, Ambroxan, Hedione, and Virginia Cedar are the only listed notes on Parfumo (a detailed list of ingredients would surely show more, but these are the highlights). Many people say it has a cotton candy vibe, and I would agree with that, but it's so much more.

Third, it’s very linear. Perhaps partially because of that, it’s easy for many people wearing it to go noseblind. Others around you will definitely smell it, but you might not notice it yourself—except for the occasional whiff when moving to a new space or stepping outdoors. That’s just part of the wearing experience.

Lastly, BR 540 is a study in contrasts, if ever there was one. Like the elegant crystal glass bottle it comes in, the fragrance is delicate, sweet, and airy, yet simultaneously structured and well-defined. It’s niche and priced accordingly, yet a crowd-pleaser. It’s metallic, yet woody. And while marketed as unisex, women tend to gravitate toward it more—though men can absolutely rock it.

Now, about that price. For a 70ml bottle, Maison Francis Kurkdjian lists BR 540 at an eye-wateringly high $295 USD. That price is simply out of reach for most people. 

Naturally, there will always be clones of BR 540. There’s no law against one perfume house copying another’s fragrance. With BR 540’s simple formula and high price, it’s easy to see why clones are so popular—people gravitate toward what they love at a more affordable price. 

Among the literally dozens of clones of BR 540, some of the most well-known include Mancera’s Instant Crush, Ariana Grande’s Cloud, Lattafa’s Ana Abiyedh Rouge, and, in my opinion, the best of the bunch: Armaf’s Club de Nuit Untold.

Armaf Club de Nuit Untold

A Middle Eastern fragrance house headquartered in Dubai, Armaf has clearly identified its customers and knows how to serve them. The brand is celebrated for taking some of the hottest—and most expensive—designer and niche fragrances in the world and offering near-identical copies for a fraction of the price, mainly through its Club de Nuit lineup. I bought my new 105ml bottle (not a typo: unlike virtually every other house, Armaf doesn’t use 100ml bottles) in the Toronto area for about $55 CAD.

If you’ve smelled BR 540, you’ve smelled Untold. The resemblance is uncanny. For me, it’s a joy to wear, and I find myself reaching for it often. In public, almost no one—except the most discerning noses—will realize you’re wearing a fragrance that costs a sixth of what the original sells for. Also, Untold is just as versatile as BR 540 for layering—very much so.

Since I’ve already explained what BR 540 smells like, let’s discuss how Untold differs. Don't get the wrong idea, the differences are small, I had to really rack my brains to come up with anything:  

1. Untold has a slightly muskier scent and is a bit less sweet, which, to my nose, makes it lean a tiny bit more masculine than BR 540.  
2. Some reviewers mention a more noticeable alcohol scent upon the first application of Untold. I’ve noticed this too, but I also detect it in BR 540, albeit a little less. In either case, the scent dissipates within a few minutes.  
3. When I first bought my bottle of Untold, I detected a peculiar rubber-band-like scent. It wasn’t unpleasant, just unexpected. This odd note disappeared completely after about a month of use—maturation definitely makes a difference.  

I’ve gone through more than half of my bottle in the several months I’ve owned it, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite fragrances. While I do love the original BR 540, Untold gets the job done for me.

While I empathize with perfumers who labor for years to create unique fragrances only to have their ideas copied, I’ve never felt like I was making a cheap compromise by wearing Untold. Nor have I experienced any FOMO for not owning the real deal. The price of Untold is simply too compelling to ignore.

It doesn’t take a lot of money to smell good these days. With the rise in quality from Middle Eastern houses and the ever-increasing prices of Western designer and niche fragrances, I find it hard to justify spending $300 on a bottle. At some point, customers will vote with their wallets—and it’s already happening. With inflation and economic struggles worldwide, designer and niche labels need to reevaluate their pricing strategies.

Who wore it better?

If Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 is the bespoke red carpet gown, Untold is the chic little number styled after it that just works for every occasion. Both look (and smell) fabulous, but one leaves you with enough cash for dinner—and maybe dessert, too.

If you love BR 540 and believe it’s of higher quality, and want it in your collection, then it might be worth the investment for you. I get that.

But for those like me, who are looking for an economical yet stunningly close interpretation of the original, one that is a little more masculine and arguably a lot more wearable than the OG, just get Armaf Club de Nuit Untold.  

𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲: 𝗺𝘆 𝟱 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻 𝗭 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸

𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲: 𝗺𝘆 𝟱 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻 𝗭 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸

"They’re great with technology, but can they handle constructive criticism without taking it personally?" 

"They want purpose in their work, but do they understand the value of paying their dues first?" 

"They bring fresh ideas, but will they stick around long enough to see them through?" 

"They’re ambitious and vocal, but sometimes it feels like they skip the ‘hard work’ part of success."  

Sound familiar? These are some of the hard questions many employers are asking about Gen Z employees, often for good reason. (Generation Z, or Gen Z, is the demographic of people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s.)

Although not something any employer wants to admit openly, it's no secret for hiring managers that young entry level employees can be very difficult to work with. Roughly 60 percent of American companies have cut Gen-Z employees they hired this year, according to education and career advisory platform Intelligent.

For every Gen Z worker who may be irresponsible, entitled or rude there is another who is amazing. But being amazing to work with takes humility and effort, it doesn't happen by itself.

Here’s the twist: while Gen Z faces these stereotypes, 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 because they recognize Gen Z workers do have qualities that can make them a driving force for change in the workplace. 

For Gen Z workers, success doesn’t just mean showing up—it means embracing growth, using technology to their advantage, and seeking a sense of purpose. For employers, understanding how to engage and nurture this generation is key to unlocking their potential and ensuring long-term success, but employees have to do their part to work hard

Here's the thing: both groups have needs that not only make sense, but can work together. 

Here are 𝗺𝘆 𝟱 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗚𝗲𝗻 𝗭 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲—and help employers realize just how valuable they can be!:

1️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 

Success demands growth. Gen Z workers should always seek new opportunities to learn—whether through online courses, certifications, or mentorship. Employers value those who show initiative and a commitment to improvement.  

👉🏽 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗽: Regularly ask, “How can I improve?” to show you’re focused on development.  

2️⃣ 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆

Gen Z is tech-savvy, which is a huge advantage. Using productivity tools and staying current with tech trends can increase efficiency and collaboration. But don't forget to balance tech with essential interpersonal skills like communication and teamwork. Do not use technology, including social media, to air your complaints every time you disagree with others at work.

👉🏽 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗽: Help colleagues with new tools and streamline processes—showing expertise while building trust. 

3️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴

Gen Z values balance and self-care. Set boundaries to prioritize your mental health, and find employers who offer resources to support it. Resilience is key, as workplace challenges will always arise. A lot of stress can be managed simply by following directions the first time. Also, some kinds of stress are helpful. Being late to work, for example, should lead to stress. It can be easily prevented by taking deadlines and schedules seriously. Being late is never ok, unless it's an emergency.

👉🏽 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗽: Balance self-care with meeting deadlines and staying productive to show reliability and maturity.  

4️⃣ 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 

Networking and building relationships are essential for career growth. Gen Z should engage with colleagues, seek feedback, and foster collaboration. Strong connections open doors for future opportunities. Understand that people who have worked longer deserve your respect and can be a valuable source of knowledge and wisdom

👉🏽 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗽: Be genuinely interested in others—your positive attitude can lead to professional advancement.  

5️⃣ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Many Gen Z workers seek roles that align with their values. While not every job will feel like a perfect fit at first, focus on making a positive impact and building your skills. Purpose comes with time and dedication.  

👉🏽 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗽: Show dedication and persistence to align your career with your personal values.  

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 

Employers are looking for resilience, adaptability, and growth—not just hard skills. Gen Z has the potential to redefine workplace expectations, but won't without human skills. By embracing continuous learning, leveraging technology, prioritizing well-being, building relationships, and seeking purpose, they can rise above stereotypes and prove their value.  

The battle for your nose (and wallet): getting your fragrance game on point for work and beyond!

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝟯𝟬% 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆?

For a frag head like me, that stat never fails to surprise. Whether we’re closing deals in the boardroom, working hard on a construction site, or enjoying a weekend getaway, how we smell speaks volumes about who we are. 

From my childhood, fragrances have always been such a personal, powerful and important form of expression. I started with Davidoff Cool Water entering high school and over the years built up a respectable collection of designer and clone fragrances. I'm not joking, if I leave home without wearing perfume I feel like I went out wearing one sock!

Anyway, I digress. 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲. It's not just about smelling good to others—more importantly, it's about how the scent makes 𝘺𝘰𝘶 feel. The right fragrance can boost your confidence and add to your personality, literally a breath of fresh air.

But how do you navigate the world of fragrance, especially when the options seem endless? 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘃𝘀. 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝘀. 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲—the options can feel overwhelming. 

Here's my guide to help you find what fragrances works best for 𝘺𝘰𝘶, no matter your budget or style.

1️⃣ 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹—𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹

The most important rule: 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. While some scents are crowd-pleasers, it’s essential to choose what resonates with 𝘺𝘰𝘶 first and foremost. 

There are four major classes of fragrances (floral, woody, amber and fresh), and they can be further divided into sub-types (for example, fruity fragrances fall under floral). Many fragrances have overlapping characteristics and cannot be put in just one box. For example, 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝘀 (for men) is a legendary, popular choice, with its bold pineapple and smoky birch notes that feel powerful and sophisticated. 

Creed Aventus 

(While I'm not one to throw shade on any fragrance, I have to say Aventus is a victim of its success. It has been copied so often that to people like me there is nothing especially interesting about it, especially because the maker has reformulated it. It is also extremely expensive, which to me is an important consideration. End of rant.) 

Fragrances come in different concentrations of perfume oils, from highest to lowest, with the higher concentrations performing longest, and the lowest concentrations often projecting more but fading away more quickly (these are not hard and fast rules, just a generalization):

• Parfum – 20-40%
• Eau de Parfum – 15-20%
• Eau de Toilette – 5-15%
• Eau de Cologne – 2-5%
• Eau Fraîche – 1-3%

So where to apply your fragrance? On skin pulse points are best because the heat there gently activates most fragrances to perform better. Think in the crooks of your arms, on the neck, behind the ears, on your wrists and behind the knees. Do not spray in the air and walk through it, that's just a waste of perfectly good perfume. (Read this indepth article on Yahoo to learn more about how much perfume to apply.)

To make your fragrance last much longer, consider spraying on clothes, but be careful of staining. To check if your perfume could leave stains, simply spray a white paper towel with your fragrance and observe if there is any apparent color left behind.

If you feel unsure about what concentration of perfume to get, the best thing you can do is visit a fragrance boutique and talk to the people there about what you like and try on fragrances. If you don't know what you like, they will be glad to help you find something, as well as suggest how much to spray and where you should do it. 

Remember, you shouldn't necessarily buy at retail stores. More on that later.

2️⃣ 𝗚𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

Gourmand fragrances with their dessert-like scents, have become incredibly popular in the last two

Lattafa Khamra

years. They are not always trying to smell like food, but definitely they take inspiration from edibles. Think sweet, comforting fragrances like 𝗧𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 (for men), 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝘂𝗻 (for men), 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗮 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗿𝗮𝗵 (unisex), or 𝗫𝗲𝗿𝗷𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶 (for women). These are perfect for colder months when you want something cozy and warm, but these are not necessarily the best in a conservative office environment. But if you can rock it, then you do you.

Balance is key, in warmer weather you will want to wear lighter scents. For example 𝗝𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗴𝗲 & 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁 (unisex), 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗳 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 (unisex), or 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗺𝘀 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻 (for men) which work better for professional settings. Fruity fragrances are very popular now, and anything with citrus notes of lemon, bergamot or grapefruit is probably going to work. 

3️⃣ 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀: 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀?

Middle Eastern and Asian fragrances have been sought after and prized by collectors for thousands of years, not least because of oud, which has gone from once being an ingredient in oriental fragrances only to now being a centrepiece in fragrances produced around the world. Once a challenging scent that was an acquired taste for those unaccustomed to it, oud has a strong animalic quality that is useful in making fragrances last longer and perform more loudly. Real oud is fantastically expensive and rich, as much for its rarity as it's incredibly complex extraction process. Synthetic oud materials are common enough that you can enjoy without breaking the bank, although for those who know, synthetics pale in comparison to the real thing.

(Interested in knowing more about oud? Watch this documentary all about it.)

But there is something else now happening that has completely turned the fragrance community upside down. 

What is it? Clones.

Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Parfum, one of the most hyped clones of Creed Aventus 

Why? Right now 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 such as 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗮, 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 and 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗳 are all the rage, even though you're not likely to see them in traditional big brick and mortar stores. They offer fragrances that mimic luxury designer scents, often at a fraction of the price. Are they the same level quality as the originals? Not usually, although it can happen that some are even better than the original! However, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝟴𝟬-𝟵𝟬% 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. Not only that, but the clone brands are rapidly improving with each new fragrance they release. In some cases they are cloning once-loved, now discontinued or reformulated fragrances.

I can easily recommend clones as a great option if you’re looking to try something before wearing the original, especially if it is expensive. Anything with a luxury price tag can be a big decision, I get that. Personally, I think most people will simply not be able to smell the difference between many originals and their clones. 

Keep in mind that not all Middle Eastern brands are trying to make copycat fragrances. If you have the cash, on the luxury side, 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 and 𝗔𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗱 𝗔𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶 (varied options) offer high-end and unique fragrances that are rich, complex, and perfect for special occasions, and they will definitely get you noticed for all the right reasons, including at work, but here's a piece of advice: don't use heavy oud scents, those are still divisive with many people.

You want to wear your fragrance, not have the fragrance wear you. 

4️⃣ 𝗟𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸

Luxury doesn’t always have to be out of reach. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘂 𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 (for men) or 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 (for women) are classics that offer great value for their quality. They fall within the $100–$150 range, making them attainable for many. If you’re looking for something on the higher end, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗺𝘀 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻 (for men) or 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 (unisex) are timeless choices with prices starting around $250 and going up. Don’t forget: sometimes fragrance pricing is tied to branding rather than the actual ingredients.

5️⃣ 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲

Fragrance deals don’t have to be elusive. 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗫, 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗡𝗲𝘁, 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗝𝗼𝗺𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 are great places to score discounts on both designer and dupe fragrances. You can find high-quality fragrances of every type from France and Dubai, usually at a fraction of what you would pay at retail. I say usually because there are boutiques who might give you a better deal. Remember to factor amount of perfume, shipping and taxes when comparing prices.

6️⃣ 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 

Influencers I like, including 𝗕𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗶𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
𝗚𝘂𝘆, 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗖𝘂𝗯𝗮 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄, 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗿. 𝗦𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆, often share detailed fragrance reviews. They can offer interesting info about new perfumes that have not yet hit stores or the online 

Bow Tie Fragrance Guy on YouTube 

discounters. Keep in mind that some influencers may have brand partnerships or at least certain biases; these are subjective analyses after all, so consider cross-referencing reviews. Websites like 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮 and 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗺𝗼 can provide extensive user reviews, giving you a broader perspective on the longevity and performance of different fragrances.

7️⃣ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻

Fragrance is about the right fit for the moment. 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 scents like 𝗥𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘀𝗶 𝗛𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘀 (the original, Ice or Black, all for men) work well in warmer weather or professional settings, while 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 fragrances like 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼 (for men) or 𝗖𝗵𝗹𝗼𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘂 𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗺 (for women) are suited for cooler months or evening events. Start by building a versatile collection and then adding more specialized fragrances after. Remember, you don't need to break the bank to smell good!

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲. Whether you’re looking for something unique or sticking to a more widely-loved scent, the right fragrance can boost your confidence and make a lasting impression. Take your time exploring and experimenting until you find the scent that speaks to you.

#FragranceCommunity #ScentOfSuccess #FragranceAddict #PerfumeLover #FragranceJourney #LuxuryFragrance #FragranceTips #PerfumeCommunity #FragranceKnowledge

6 AI quirks that give it away as being artificial

(LinkedIn post on Sat, Dec 7, 2024) 

Last night I squared off as a #gladiator against my foe while hundreds chanted my name (Ali! Ali! ALI!).

Ok, ok, so there was no battle. There wasn't even a fight—just a strongly worded debate on Facebook about whether or not a piece of writing was written by #AI. 

It all started when I said I was sick of overuse of AI replacing excellent human driven communication, specifically writing.

Dear reader, I kid you not, I was shocked that my quick critique got 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘴 of likes and comments. As 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀, we often spot and worry over consequences of unrestricted robot writing, so it felt extremely gratifying to see the majority of people agreed.

However, not everyone agreed. One indignant commenter insisted I was wrong—that the article was NOT written by AI and her mind was made up. She didn't even give reasons, she just said everyone who agreed with me was wrong.

You can't please everyone, but I decided I would do something about it here on LinkedIn.

Debating whether something was written by AI or a human can get heated, but the truth is, 𝗔𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆.  

Ever read something and thought, “𝗡𝗼 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀”? You’re probably right. AI writing is everywhere now, and while it CAN be impressive, it often feels like getting a birthday card from someone who forgot your name—polished but empty.  

Here are 6 ways how I spot the signs I'm reading AI produced text—not to call anyone out, but to better understand what separates 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆:  

1️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴

AI often repeats patterns like “It is important to note...” or “One key factor is...,” while humans tend to 𝘃𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 naturally.  

2️⃣ 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀

Terms like "indeed," "furthermore," or "moreover" might appear 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆, especially in casual contexts.  

3️⃣ 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

AI leans 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹, even when casual language is better. For example, it might write “This warrants further exploration” instead of “That’s worth a look.”  

4️⃣ 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿

AI avoids the 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 (like fragments or contractions) that humans naturally include.  

5️⃣ 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲

AI often presents 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗹y, even on divisive issues, using phrases like “While some believe X, others argue Y.”  

6️⃣ 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀

AI avoids 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘀. It might say “a person walking in the park” rather than “Karen's walking spot in Central Park.”  

These clues aren’t definitive, but they can help identify AI-generated writing. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂? Are there other things that tip you off to robo writers? Let’s chat!

#WritingCommunity #ContentCreation #AIvsHuman #EditingTips #CommunicationsMatters #DigitalStorytelling #Creativity #CorporateCommunications #Communications