Ellen Beckmann

Where do you go and who do you hire when you want to support small businesses? I've tried to do a variety of businesses that really cross a lot of potential needs - from electricians, to tailors, to boutiques.

I have been both priveledged with enough of a budget to buy more expensive perfumes; and I've also been unempoyed, and have needed to scale back my budget while still creating social media content, and being able to keep enjoying my hobby. Below are some inexpensive brands, as well as places where you can find some of the best prices on branded bottles, and decants / samples. You don't always need the biggest bottles. A milliliter of fragrance is about 9=12 sprays, so a 10 ml decant can last you a long time.

I have had the great fortune to travel for my job and pleasure. Here are some of my favorite spots around the globe.

What can you do in Chicago that’s different from what everyone else does… wonder no more!

My Fragrance hobby allows me to try a lot of great things. I am going to post a lot of my reviews. I will endeavor to give a balanced view, so you can decide for yourself. Everyone’s tastes are different.

Some of my most trusted and effective products for light skin with peach undertones. Combination with a little dryness.

What do you need for a celebration? Wine, a special outfit, flowers, a place, food… all sorts of delights. I’ve got you covered. Let's make your celebration special.

Where to find basics that are not so basic

What to get those hard-to-buy for people? Here are some things I’ve gotten for friends and family members. Tested out for being great vendors as well as quality products and things that are different enough to hopefully be the first one of its kind they've received.

The perfect bag can make your travel, commute or everyday activities easier. Can you find what you need quickly? Do you like the look of the bag? Is it comfortable on your shoulder, wrist, or in your hand? To find the perfect bag, I evaluated my lifestyle. Best ones have zippers to prevent pickpocketing, can slide onto a roll-aboard handle, has some pockets near the outside for IDs, passports, and cell phones. They should also seal to prevent dropping out. The last thing I look for is a fairly obscured pocket for a wallet. Pretty much everything I need to travel or go to work fits comforably and things are easy to find.

From Diners to Michelin Stars.. Something for everyone. These are the places that we retruned to again and again. I like them for the quality of the food, the atmosphere, and the great staff.

Chunky silver and gold pieces that can bring an aesthetic together. These are not small, delicate pieces, but bold jewelfy with personality.