Blind date: ‘We had a good foundation in common interests'
LILA J.:
25 / teacher
Her exes say:
She's a woman of action.
What makes her a catch:
She can give a great massage.
7 P.M. MARCELINO'S, BOSTON
Seating Arrangement
Arpit
I hung out with friends beforehand to keep myself distracted.
Lila
I took a shower and got ready.
Arpit
Marcelino's was within walking distance for me. I was first to arrive and the host led me to a table.
Lila
The host brought me over. Arpit was tall, dressed nicely, and had a friendly face.
Arpit
I thought she was super-cute. She was wearing gold-rimmed glasses and gold earrings. She had a necklace with her name in Arabic. She also had some pretty arm tattoos.
Advertisement
Lila
They had seated us at a weird table where we had to sit next to each other, but I think they caught that that might be strange for a first (and blind) date, so they moved us to a regular face-to-face setup.
Celestial Talk
Arpit
We talked about a large range of topics. She's applying to be a high school history teacher.
Lila
He works in data analytics and lives close to the restaurant. He studied astronomy in college, which I thought was very cool. He's also been to 29 states. The waiter noticed my necklace was Arabic and asked me if I spoke it, so that sparked a conversation about our family heritage (my dad is from Egypt and his family is from India).
Advertisement
Arpit
She worked helping people get their green cards, which I found attractive being an immigrant myself and having to go through that process.
Lila
We talked about the immigration system, since his family immigrated and I used to work in immigration law.
Arpit
I got the Arak chicken skewers. Both the drink and food were fantastic.
Lila
The cocktails were very creative. I enjoyed the parsley one, and Arpit ordered a watermelon one that came with feta cheese foam. I got the cauliflower dish and it was very tasty.
Arpit
We had a lot in common and she seemed super interesting.
Lila
Our conversation didn't have a lot of flow, and I felt like we were both working a little harder than we should have needed to to keep it going. To me, that felt like a sign that we probably wouldn't get along long term, even though I did enjoy meeting him.
Star-Crossed Daters
Arpit
I thought we had a good foundation in common interests and stages in life, and was interested in a second date, but she didn't seem interested.
Lila
We were considering having another drink, but he didn't seem super excited about it, and neither was I, so we got the check.
Arpit
I would have recommended a walk along the harbor front as it's very gorgeous, but she felt like she wanted to leave. We said goodbye, and walked opposite ways.
Lila
He asked if I would want to go on a second date and I said probably not, but that it was nice to meet him and I'm glad I had the experience.
Advertisement
Second Date?
Arpit
I would've been open, but it doesn't seem like it'll happen.
Lila
No. We didn't exchange numbers.
Grading the Date
Arpit /
I'm not one to give grades.
Lila /
B
Go on a blind date.
We'll pick up the tab. Fill out an application at bostonglobe.com/cupid. Follow us on Twitter or Instagram @dinnerwithcupid.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Boston Globe
17 hours ago
- Boston Globe
Blind date: ‘We had a good foundation in common interests'
LILA J.: 25 / teacher Her exes say: She's a woman of action. What makes her a catch: She can give a great massage. 7 P.M. MARCELINO'S, BOSTON Seating Arrangement Arpit I hung out with friends beforehand to keep myself distracted. Lila I took a shower and got ready. Arpit Marcelino's was within walking distance for me. I was first to arrive and the host led me to a table. Lila The host brought me over. Arpit was tall, dressed nicely, and had a friendly face. Arpit I thought she was super-cute. She was wearing gold-rimmed glasses and gold earrings. She had a necklace with her name in Arabic. She also had some pretty arm tattoos. Advertisement Lila They had seated us at a weird table where we had to sit next to each other, but I think they caught that that might be strange for a first (and blind) date, so they moved us to a regular face-to-face setup. Celestial Talk Arpit We talked about a large range of topics. She's applying to be a high school history teacher. Lila He works in data analytics and lives close to the restaurant. He studied astronomy in college, which I thought was very cool. He's also been to 29 states. The waiter noticed my necklace was Arabic and asked me if I spoke it, so that sparked a conversation about our family heritage (my dad is from Egypt and his family is from India). Advertisement Arpit She worked helping people get their green cards, which I found attractive being an immigrant myself and having to go through that process. Lila We talked about the immigration system, since his family immigrated and I used to work in immigration law. Arpit I got the Arak chicken skewers. Both the drink and food were fantastic. Lila The cocktails were very creative. I enjoyed the parsley one, and Arpit ordered a watermelon one that came with feta cheese foam. I got the cauliflower dish and it was very tasty. Arpit We had a lot in common and she seemed super interesting. Lila Our conversation didn't have a lot of flow, and I felt like we were both working a little harder than we should have needed to to keep it going. To me, that felt like a sign that we probably wouldn't get along long term, even though I did enjoy meeting him. Star-Crossed Daters Arpit I thought we had a good foundation in common interests and stages in life, and was interested in a second date, but she didn't seem interested. Lila We were considering having another drink, but he didn't seem super excited about it, and neither was I, so we got the check. Arpit I would have recommended a walk along the harbor front as it's very gorgeous, but she felt like she wanted to leave. We said goodbye, and walked opposite ways. Lila He asked if I would want to go on a second date and I said probably not, but that it was nice to meet him and I'm glad I had the experience. Advertisement Second Date? Arpit I would've been open, but it doesn't seem like it'll happen. Lila No. We didn't exchange numbers. Grading the Date Arpit / I'm not one to give grades. Lila / B Go on a blind date. We'll pick up the tab. Fill out an application at Follow us on Twitter or Instagram @dinnerwithcupid.
Los Angeles Times
11-06-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Forget ‘sexy Paris lady' scents. This L.A. duo creates unisex perfumes that make you feel things
As you climb the staircase to Debbie Lin and Na-Moya Lawrence's second-story Hollywood apartment, a smell begins to materialize. It's earthy and calming — grounding, even — and by the time you open their door, the scent envelops you. That's because Lin and Lawrence have set up their artisan perfume company, Samar, in a corner of their home studio space. Sitting on a small foldaway table is a precision scale where the duo weighs out mixtures. Shelves along the wall are lined with hundreds of little bottles of essential oils and aroma chemicals. 'Have you smelled this?' Lin says, holding a bottle of green tea essential oil under my nose. These headquarters may seem surprising for a duo that creates award-winning perfumes and has built a following of loyal fans. Their small-batch production, inspired by highly personal memories, challenges the norms of the industry. Rather than obsessing over fast growth, they embrace an ethos of exploration and creativity — along with a bit of humor. Much of the messaging in the perfume landscape has been aspirational, Lawrence explains. ''I'm in Paris and I'm a sexy lady,'' she says, mimicking the traditional advertising. 'That's all great, but now you can smell like a dirty pond goblin if you want. And that's cool.' Lin and Lawrence launched Samar in Seattle in 2022, succeeding at something many failed at: keeping a pandemic hobby alive. 'We were talking about the places we want to travel when we're able to, the things that we miss doing,' Lin says. They tried various projects — at first, making pastries and later starting a skincare line — but realized that their real calling lay not in baking ('We're not morning people,' says Lawrence with a laugh) and the beauty endeavor was proving to be too ambitious. Lawrence had a passion for unusual scents ever since college, when a roommate introduced her to the indie fragrance brand Amorphous Perfume. The duo soon started thinking about entering perfumery. There was just one problem: Lin didn't like perfume all that much. Lin told Lawrence that she had never encountered one she enjoyed. For Lawrence? Mission accepted. She recalls thinking, 'There's no way there isn't something we could find for [Lin] to enjoy. And so as we were talking as very audacious queers, 'What if we just made it? But where the hell do we start?'' Down the rabbit hole they went, scouring message boards and subreddits, where they found lots of bad advice — some of it dangerous even. Finally, they stumbled upon Perfumer's Apprentice, Hermitage Oils and Pell Wall — material suppliers where you can order the fragrant oils and molecules that make up perfumes. 'We were like, 'Oh, this is the s—. This is the stuff we're supposed to be using,'' Lawrence says. The two started making scents that were 'grounded in specific memories and emotions that we wanted to relive for ourselves and share with other people,' Lin says. Soon, Samar was born. The name has a dual meaning in Arabic for both 'fruits of paradise' and 'evening conversations with friends,' which nicely sums up the feeling of their perfumes. Their first fragrances were Garden Heaux (a green, vegetal perfume) and Happy Trails (a campfire and woodsy scent inspired by Lin's love of camping with friends in the wilderness near Seattle). Now their home studio — the duo moved from Seattle to L.A. last April — is starting to take over parts of their apartment: A storage closet is full of bottles of finished perfume that's macerating, a term for when perfume sits for several weeks to let the chemical processes take place. For each fragrance, one of them takes 'point' — for instance, on Garden Heaux, Lawrence acted as the perfumer and Lin as the fragrance evaluator, deciding whether the scent needed tweaking. It's an intimate working environment for the partners in both work and life. 'To be able to work closely together is really lovely,' says Lin. Because they have different palates, they're each able to pick up on certain notes much more strongly. 'So between the two of us, once we're both happy, then we know we have something that's really nice and balanced,' Lin adds. Of course, there's not always an instant consensus. They found this out with Grove is in the Heart, the winner of an Art and Olfaction Award, presented in Lisbon in 2024. '[Lawrence] was like, 'No, it's not quite right. It should be sweeter, but not too sweet,'' says Lin. They rejiggered some materials but it was still missing something. Lin says, 'And I'm just like, 'OK, what is it?' She's like, 'I don't know. You know the Trader Joe's candied orange slices? Like that.' So I taste it, and I'm like, 'Well, what about this? Because it already is zesty, and it already has a little sweetness and the rindiness,' and she's like, 'Juicy. It needs to be more juicy.'' Lawrence laughs at this story, mentioning that sometimes they can go 13 or 14 trials before they succeed in satisfying both perfumers. 'I wanted it juicier, but there I was standing with a dried orange slice in my hand,' she says. 'I would have never gotten there,' banters Lin. Where they do align easily is in their commitment to making fragrance available and emotionally resonant. As a small business, Samar doesn't benefit from the discounts enjoyed by major brands — big companies buy literally tons of essential oil at a discounted rate. So the brand reflects that smaller scale by offering smaller sizes at more approachable price points (bottles cost between $10 and $55). Each perfume comes in 2.25mL, 5mL or 10mL sizes, smaller than the industry standard of 30mL or 50mL. 'A lot of people are samplers,' Lawrence says. 'We're samplers.' Samar's inclusiveness goes beyond their pricing. In L.A., they are surrounded by friends in the fragrance community, notably Orange County-based perfumers James Miju Nguyen and Kael Jeong, who run artisan perfume brands and KST Scent, respectively. They've formed something of a queer indie perfumer club. For these makers, gender isn't on the radar — a perfume can be enjoyed by all. In an Instagram post, Samar explained that at in-person shows, the company asks customers to suspend their beliefs about masculinity and femininity, and found that most men gravitate toward its more floral-forward and sweet perfumes like Beach Berry and Great Lei. One of Samar's most distinct creations, Speakeasy, was inspired by 1920s underground queer bars and the illicit moonshine that fueled the Prohibition era. 'It's one of our most polarizing scents, actually, but it's also one of my favorite ones that Debbie has made,' Lawrence says. They didn't shy away from the scent's complexity, leaning into the more unusual notes like gin, elderflower and leather. 'I really love the darkness to it,' Lawrence adds. Their exploration of scent is boundary-pushing. On a recent trip to Thailand, they found themselves at a chocolate cafe called Chocolate Culture Club, where they struck up a conversation with the owner, a chocolatier named MK. MK suggested they create perfumes from fermented chocolate husks, and before they left Bangkok, he gave them several bags of cacao husks. Lawrence bounds over to a shelf with several jars of a brown tinctured slurry, the results of which they'll use to create a cacao perfume. They'll send half of each batch to Thailand for Chocolate Culture Club to sell. The chocolate-vinegar scent isn't what one might think about when thinking of perfume, but that's part of the fun of trying to find that perfect blend. Lawrence says she's intrigued by the potential for 'slightly off scents.' The final result will be 'maybe beautiful, maybe just kind of weird,' she says. 'But weird is beautiful.'
Qatar Living
11-06-2025
- Qatar Living
Events this Weekend – June 12
Qatar is buzzing with exciting events from June 8–14, offering something for everyone. Families can explore the vibrant LEGO® Shows at QNCC, enjoy interactive fun with Blippi at Doha Festival City, or race into action with Sonic at Place Vendôme Mall. Music lovers can immerse themselves in candlelit tributes to Queen and ABBA or attend soulful concerts like Hridayaragangal Season 8. Theater fans can catch the Arabic play Maskon Laila, while nightlife enthusiasts can enjoy high-energy parties like 'Ultra' Live at Glo Bar or the futuristic Another Dimension 2060 at Society Doha. Don't miss the Al Hamba Indian Mango Exhibition at Souq Waqif, where you can discover a delicious variety of mangoes and mango-based products in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Al Hamba Indian Mango Exhibition 2025 For the second year in a row, Souq Waqif partners with the Embassy of India to celebrate everything mango. Step into the air-conditioned tent at Souq Waqif's Eastern Square and browse stalls brimming with mango delights—think fresh fruit, chilled juices and shakes, spicy pickles, saplings for your garden, pastries, cakes, and plenty more. Date: June 12 - 21, 2025 Timings: 4 pm – 9 pm Location: Eastern Square, Souq Waqif Access: Free Afsana Khan Live in Doha On June 13th, Black Orchid - Doha's hottest party spot - is taking over the night with Afsana Khan's Live Performance! Date: June 13, 2025 Timings: 10 pm Location: Black Orchid - Mondrian Hotel Access: Tickets on Q-Tickets LEGO® Shows 2025 LEGO® Shows Qatar is a vibrant celebration of creativity for fans of all ages – from curious kids to lifelong builders. Designed for families, enthusiasts, and school groups, the event features dedicated zones packed with hands-on building, a giant inflatable playground, and multiple stages hosting daily live shows and performances. Guests can also enjoy a cozy cinema zone screening four different LEGO® movies daily, then refuel at the Food Arena with a variety of delicious local and international bites. It's not just an event, it's a 10,000 sqm world of imagination, colour, building and adventure you don't want to miss! Date: June 7 - 22, 2025 Timings: 1 pm – 11 pm Location: QNCC Access: Tickets on Blippi's Garage Blippi is coming to Doha Festival City from June 8 to 14 for a week of fun, games, and learning! Kids can enjoy workshops and surprises at Blippi's Garage from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with meet & greet sessions daily at 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, and 9:00 PM. Spend QAR 250 at any store and show your receipt at the entrance to get access for two kids. Don't miss the fun at Center Court! Date: June 8 -14, 2025 Timings: 2 pm – 10 pm Location: Doha Festival City Sonic the Hedgehog at Place Vendome Mall Place Vendôme Mall invites visitors to speed into the fun with an exciting Sonic-themed adventure, where fans can race, play, and test their skills just like the iconic blue hedgehog. This action-packed experience offers thrilling games and interactive challenges for all ages, along with the chance to meet Sonic in person—making it the perfect destination for family fun and unforgettable memories this season. Date: June 6 - 14, 2025 Timings: 5 pm – 9.40 pm Location: Place Vendôme Mall Access: Free Candlelight: Queen Vs. ABBA Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Doha. Get your tickets now to enjoy the music of Queen Vs. ABBA at the Museum of Islamic Art under the gentle glow of candlelight. Date: June 13, 2025 Timings: 5.30 pm, 7.30 pm Location: Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium Access: Tickets on Maskon Laila Theatrical Play (Arabic) Catch the thrilling Kuwaiti theatrical play Maskon Laila in Qatar this Eid. Date: June 8 - 13, 2025 Timings: Various shows Location: U-Venue Access: Tickets on EID MALHAR 3.O Eid Malhar 3.0 is Qatar's most anticipated Eid celebration – a high-energy cultural extravaganza that brings together music, dance, and joy under one unforgettable night. After two successful editions, this year's event promises a bigger audience, brighter production, and unmatched entertainment. Date: June 13, 2025 Timings: 7 pm Location: Regency Hall Access: Tickets on Q-Tickets HRIDAYARAGANGAL SEASON 8 Hridayaragangal Season 8, presented by Chandrakala Arts, is set to take place on June 12, 2025, at Regency Hall, Doha. Following the success of seven remarkable seasons, this edition promises an enchanting evening dedicated to two legendary icons of Malayalam music and literature — the late ONV Kurup and Girish Puthenchery. Audiences can look forward to soulful performances by celebrated artists including Madhu Balakrishnan, Nishad, Sudeep Kumar, Sumi Aravind, Chithra Arun, Ravishankar, and Vrinda Menon. Hosted by Jayaraj Warrier and directed by Ashok, the event is a musical tribute filled with nostalgia, poetry, and timeless melodies. Date: June 12, 2025 Timings: 7 pm Location: Regency Hall Access: Tickets on Q-Tickets 'ULTRA' Live In Qatar Doha's nightlife is set to ignite as Sri Lanka's techno pioneer, DJ Ultra, takes over Glo Bar at Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 12 for a night of underground beats and electrifying energy. Known for his hard-hitting sets and futuristic soundscapes, DJ Ultra will headline an unforgettable evening backed by stunning visuals and a crowd that lives for the drop. Supporting acts include Mailoh, making his Doha debut, along with local favorites Nafeer and Shariq — promising a full lineup of pulse-pounding music that will keep the dance floor alive all night long. Date: June 12, 2025 Timings: 8 pm Location: Glo Bar, Marriot Marquis City Center Hotel Access: Tickets on Q-Tickets Another Dimension 2060 Celebrate Eid with an immersive multimedia party experience like no other. A night full of art and joy, where light, sound, and visuals merge to take you on a journey beyond reality. Date: June 12, 2025 Timings: 9 pm Location: Society Doha Access: Tickets on Virgin Megastore -- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
