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Portia
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YAY! APJ!
Home in Sydney. Back in Jin & my bed after weeks of hotels, having super luxurious baths and getting my head back around the work/life/friends balance.
Scent Diary: 3.4 – 9.4.17
Monday 3:
It’s 6am am I’m wide awake. So I thought I’d come spritz myself with something lovely, grab a chamomile tea and head back to bed for a couple of extra hours shut eye. I’m thinking sweet and engulfing so Guerlain is probably a good house to go with. Now discontinued Guerlain Oriental Brulant is my choice, so sweet and over the top. Perfect.
Had a funny off & on nights sleep and then went to the dentist. Through the last week or so of our holiday I had a tooth really giving me some pain, it was wobbling and coming out proud of its usual position. Hot and cold would hurt like I was being stabbed and eating became torment. I was dosing myself with daily pain killers to mask it all. My gums have been pretty poor since my many years as a drug addict and today I lost my third tooth to gum disease and poor choices. Very sobering and I am sad. Thank everything that my dentist is the most profession, caring, calm and lovely man. We are fighting a rear guard action to save two more but the prognosis is not good.
To lift my spirits I multispritzed vintage Miss Dior parfum. Hard to be sad when you smell this glorious. Here is my hoard.
Trivia Q&A writing all night long. Fuzzy brain from pain killers.
On the Up Side, I got confirmation that I’m a Korean Air Morning Calm Elite Member today! That means I get Double Baggage, Priority Seating and a whole bunch of other great stuff. VERY excited about that. I wish Korean Air were paying me for all the name dropping I do for them.
Tuesday 4:
It’s 3.53am and I’ve finished my Trivia Q&A, sent the packs out, printed my own Q&A and Answer Sheets for the week. It’s raining softly here in Parramatta and I can hear big drips hitting cement from threes around my apartment. Everything else is quiet and still except the tap tapping of my one fingered typing. For bedtime I have triple spritzed vintage CHANEL Antaeus. It’s a perfect fit for the coolish evening here.
Spent the day hanging with my mate who is up from Melbourne, Margeaux. It was super fun to catch up and laugh over coffee and biscuits even though the reason for his Sydney visit is sad.
We had to stay home because I’m waiting for a delivery, it never bloody came. Expecting it early this morning I basically wasted my day waiting GRRR! Only a problem because I need to get to the barber to shave my beard right so I can dye it for work. Can’t be a lovely lady with a salt & pepper beard, it looks wrong. So off to work as a guy tonight.
I had a glorious bubble bath in Fancy Nights by Jessica Simpson bubbles, it always surprises me when an ultra cheap shower gel becomes yummy smelling bubble bath. This one smelt just as luxurious as the expensive stuff. Over that I went crazy with the Jacomo Art Collection #02. It;’s freaky plastic vanilla is a perfect overlay to Fancy Nights base.
Wednesday 5:
3am and time for bed. Today I need to find a barber to even my beard up and also start a brand new trivia with me as a guy. Very exciting. SOTBed is Neela Vermeire Creations Ashoka. Figs and cream, balmy woods; a perfect way to lullaby land.
FUCK! Today was supposed to be a lazy day before getting an opening night together but drama struck. Jin’s sister in law, who we had been laughing and generally having a wonderful time with three weeks ago, chose to end her life leaving two kids and a grieving, shell shocked husband. PLEASE if you suffer depression, see someone, call a help line or call a friend. PLEASE!
In Australia Call BeyondBlue 1300 22 46 36
The gig at Greystanes Hotel went really well and I think it’s going to be a winner. the staff, patrons and food were all great.
I wore vintage Guerlain Vol de Nuit parfum to work in honour of our lost girl, hoping her spirit will now be free to fly.
Jin was supposed to be home tomorrow morning but now he is flying back to Europe to help. What an amazing man, he was on the train to catch the plane to Sydney when he heard. Thanks go out to Korean Air, who had to deal with his crying melt down and flight changes, all in the middle of Incheon Airport. Now he’s headed back to Slovakia to be with his brother & family. Thanks also to NSW Rail who said when he called to ask for more leave that he should take as much time as he needs to do what he had to and that he would have a job when he returns. Amazing.
SOTBed tonight was Bal a Versailles and it was perfect!
Thursday 6:
Sorry. Not really with it today. I did dye my beard and had a fragrant bubble bath in Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant.
Talked to Jin on his sad adventure, got the invoices done for March and sent them off, made Curried Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup (it’s not been blended yet in the pot) and have been wearing New Study (PostCard) by Miller & Bertaux to review.
Tonight at work I wore an old favourite Un Jour d’ere by Keiko Mecheri from 2012. I bought my own bottle way back because I love it’s creamy, white floral, beachy goodness and I love to spritz about 15 times when I wear it. So whenever I see it for sale on the FaceBook frag docs I always buy it because I go through it. YUMMY! On my second bottle currently.
Friday 7:
It’s nearly 4am. I’m not sleeping because I’m worried about Jin who has finally arrived in Slovakia to be with his brother’s family. It was a 30+ hours gruelling set of flights and trains to get there so Jin has basically been awake for two days non stop.
SOTBed is Vanille Marine by M Micallef and I love it’s salty, wet, shimmery, vanilla goodness. Why don’t I have a bottle of this gem? Going Trolling for one now. UM, seems to have been discontinued and disappeared. GRRRR!
Had Anna-Maria, Johnny and Domenica Calarco over for brunch today. They are super special people and we chatted, sniffed fragrance, drank tea and ate the yummy sweets they brought. Time flew by and suddenly it was 2pm. Best fun and perfect light among the shadows this week has cast. Thank you all for being my mates.
We opened my Kiki extrait by Vero Profumo. GAWD! It’s even better at home. Also opened my new Guerlain Santal Royal, also very nice. Spent time with Detaille Rose d’Oud, vintage Guerlain Shalimar extrait, Mon Guerlain and a whole host of others.
After the guys left I fell asleep on the couch for 5 hours, now I’m wide awake and still fully fragrant from brunch. The Calarcos brough oodles of food so we didn’t get to eat the soup I made for us. It’s a Curried Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup and tastes delicious with Buttered Toast. YUMMY!!
Tonight decanting the Dityque Rose de Mai for a split I’m hosting. The bloody puffer stopped spraying after 3 x 10ml decants with 6 more to go. I’m furious, had to jimmy the whole apparatus off to continue. The scent is good but the puffer is a load of shit. GRRR!
Saturday 8:
It’s 4am here in Sydney and I’m not sleepy at all. Serves me right for having a 5 hour nap today. I plonked myself in front of the TV and watch pap for a few hours. Now I’m missing Jin so having cleaned my teeth and readied myself for bed I’m going to spritz lavishly with L’Artisan Perfumer L’Eau d’amber. I know it’s simple but I love it.
Well sleep didn’t happen till after 10am. Below is me sending MISSING YOU pics to Jin from our super comfy TV couch. The had the service and cremation yesterday, so sad.
Slept from about 10.30am – 6pm and then had to get up and go to a combined 50th birthday party for two mates Neil & Patrick. My evenings choice of scent was Methaldone by Aether Parfums and it got 3 unsolicited compliments, which rarely happens for me in party situations. One friend coming in for an extra cuddle so they could smell it more. So Methaldone is a WIN!
It was a white party with Justin Scott DJing, fairy lights, bunting, all you could eat & drink, and a host of the world’s coolest kids having a ball. I think only about 30% at the event were Sydneysiders, the rest had flown in especially. There was a cabaret singer flown in from the Solomon Islands and all the waiters were from Butlers In The Buff. Yes, you read right. The air staff were all naked with aprons as modesty shields. It was a freaking hoot.
It’s late, I’m home from the party. I’m going to make some Squishy Sandwiches and a cup of Chamomile Tea. Then I’ll watch a little TV, do my teeth and go to bed.
Sunday 9:
Woke up late. Doing some household chores and soon will get ready for work. Sun is shining, it’s warm and a perfect Sunday.
Tonight for work I went crazy spritzing Lolita Lempicka EdP and every group I stood or sat with commented how great I smelled. It was unreal. I’m wondering if I put too much on? It’s a new bottle and smells quite a bit more chemical than my previous one. Maybe the older one was reformulated or had aged quite a bit? Doesn’t matter, this still smells good.
So how was your week? Do anything interesting or smell something new? I love to read your stories too so leave me a message in the comments.
Portia xx.
Australian Perfume Junkies 
So sorry to hear about Jin’s sister in law. So horrible. Hope your mouth is better too. xoxoxo
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Thanks Steve.
Yeah, we were having a great time with her 3 weeks ago. Unbelievable.
Mouth healing fine. TBH it’s been a complete dream. Implants soon enough.
Portia xx
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What a week Portia. I shared a pic of my Murano bluebird of happiness with Jin today. Hopefully they’ve got through the worst.
My heart skipped a beat at the sight of your vintage Miss Dior stash. I actually dreamt of trolling ebay for it last night. What a weirdo 🙂
I’m off to sit out in my parents’ garden for a BBQ as it’s going to be 26 degrees in London for one day only.
Sending you much love, xxx
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Hey Tara,
Jin would have loved the pic of your Murano bluebird. Wasn’t that Venice adventure the best? Every time we talk about it it’s smiles all round.
HA! Trolling eBay in your dreams is hilarious.
Enjoy your warm day, how lucky you are.
Portia xx
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Rollercoaster is right! Wow. My heart breaks for those 2 babies, such a huge thing to wrap their little heads and hearts around. 😦 Your perfume choices were dreamy. I love Fancy Nights! (Although I’m always afraid someone will ask me what I’m wearing, and I’ll have to say it out loud!) Love a lot of the K Mecheri line and will have to sample the Un Jour D’ete. Sounds lovely. Hope everyone is healing soon.
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Hey Moira,
Yeah, poor kids. Totally devastating for the whole family. Jin is the best and I know he’s helping them all get things done and organised.
HA! Always a problem when you’re wearing scents that you’d rather keep silent about. I often say, Ummmm, I can’t remember.
Portia xx
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What a week you had…and jet lag on top of it all. Sorry to hear about the loss to your family.
I fear dentists more than anything on the planet, mine has to gas me as soon as I walk in the door!
Well, I sampled the discovery set from Sylvaine Delacourte this week. Lovely presentation box. Mostly floral musks, but Helicrisse is quite nice.
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Hey JackieB,
Luckily I don’t suffer jet lag at all. PHEW!
My dentist and I were friends long before he got his dentist wings. It doesn’t hurt that he is one of the sexiest and sweetest men I’ve known. I have yet to feel any real pain in his chair and though there have been good and bad visits I do know that we are both working really hard towards me keeping my sorely neglected teeth.
Those Sylvaine Delacourte musks look and sound really beautiful. I’ve not tried them yet though.
Portia xxx
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Oh goodness, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Your ability to remain strong is such an inspiration. Sending hugs, buddy!
xo
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Heya Holly,
Great to see you here. Thanks.
Nah, I’m not strong. There have been a few tears and my world has been rocked. It’s Jin who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. No question, all barriers fell before him, he was back on the plane to Slovakia to help and comfort.
Hugs accepted gratefully.
Portia xxx
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Dear Portia,
I am so sorry – I always find the suicide of someone like Jin’s sister-in-law so heartbreaking. I know she must have been in such terrible pain, but the pain doesn’t end, it just finds a new home in her husband and children. FWIW, a lot of internet strangers are sending love and hugs to you and Jin. Bless him for having the strength to step up.
I have recovered (after a move, long story) my bottle of AG Neroli and have been wearing it a lot because I’ve been missing it. Sympathy about your dentist visit – you’re lucky to have one who’s a sweetie. But I think you give off such positivity that it all comes back to you!
xxoo (and extra for Jin – xxxxxooooo) Molly
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Hi there Molly,
TOTALLY! For these kids the worst thing possible has already happened. One thing though. If they can survive it and get enough help and healing then they will be the strongest adults, with a real eye on what is truly important. Family, friends and our connection to the world around us.
Moving is a complete bitch. Talk about life disruption. Glad to read Annick Goutal is helping you through the trauma. I love her house and legacy.
Not sure if I said it in the post but my current tooth and gum problems all stem from my decades as a drug addict/party animal. It’s a small price to pay for the fun and excitement of a dissolute youth.
Portia xxx
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I have never tried Miss Dior Vintage. You know why? You have all of them.
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HA! Let’s hope it continues that way.
Portia xx
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What a shocking development mid week, condolences to Jin!
Sympathy from my end of the Atlantic to Australia…
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Thank You Blacknall Allen,
I will pass your love along.
Portia xx
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Oh, my darling! What a horrible thing to have happened to all. Such sadness. I, too, hope she has found some peace. Jin sounds AMAZING! and it’s times like this that you find out there are some wonderful, decent people in the world, from Jin as well as all the people who helped him make that impromptu journey to help his family navigate this catastrophe.
Love to you both!
xoxoxoA
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Hey Musette,
Yeah, it sucks. Big time.
You know Jin, he rises to the situation. Also people fall madly in love with his sweet, charming, honest ways. Thank goodness he still shone through his grief so people could help him. It’s a gift he has.
We love you too.
Portia xx
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I’m very sorry to read this and wish you all the strength to deal with it. Hope for the best for you teeth, too!
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Thanks Ingrid,
I’ll send your strength on to Jin. He could really do with it right now.
Portia xx
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Condolences to Jim and his brother’s family! Aren’t dental issues the worst? I swear, every time I see my dentist I am a little less happy to see him (and it isn’t his fault, he is a very nice friendly guy). Hope you guys can save the other two!!
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Hey Nemo.
Thank you, will send tonight.
Ha! Dental issues are pretty bad but I think if you have the right dentist then taking care of crappy gums or teeth becomes a joy.
Portia xx
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So sorry tohear about jin’s sister i kaw. Same happened with my brother in law leaving behind two little children. So many lives deeply affected, hugs and prayers to you all.
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Thanks Ginny,
Yeah, it’s a fricken mess.
Hugs right back.
Portia xx
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I am so sorry to hear about the family drama, what a star Jin is to fly all that way after your trip to help out. My husband has horrid teeth too and has had 6 implants already, with surely more in his future. Sending supportive hugs.
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Thanks TaraC,
6 implants!! Expensive hobby!
Portia xx
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So sad to hear about the loss of Jin’s sister-in-law!! May she Rest In Peace!! Sending love and prayers for healing your way!! Kathy
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Thanks Kathy,
All love and prayers gratefully received.
Portia xx
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Virtual hugs to you and wishing strength to Jin and his brother. It’s such a tragedy.
I’m impressed with your Miss Dior stash. I’ll wear something from mine tomorrow.
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Thanks Undina,
Yay for Miss Dior and having a stash, or hoard in my case.
Portia xx
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Portia, so sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to you Jin and family.
This week I wore my usual string off motley fragrances with no pattern, in line with our weather.
Mon: Intelligence and Fantasy. Allegedly for women, I can’t see how this blend of citrus, pepper and musk is anything other than unisex.
Tue: Cristobal Pour Homme. This is one of my favourites for the cold weather, which is starting to arrive.
Wed: I wore a plum scent, as in I plum forgot to wear a scent.
Thu: Geranium Pour Monsieur. With the sun back and a day trip to the Peninsula, I thought it might be my last chance to wear this one for quite a while. I love the mint opening and the spicy florals. My wife hates it. 😦
Fri: Eau de Cologne 68. I have really liked this in the past, but it’s kind of moving to the back of the queue now. So many other summer/spring scents to choose
Sat: Winter back with a bang all of a sudden. Howling wind, pelting rain, can I believe that I went bird-watching two days ago? I went with Bracken Man, a pungent green scent that is rapidly becoming one of my favourite Amouages. I did my bit for the team by giving some samples to my hairdresser to get her off Cool Water and into niche. I think I may have recruited another poor soul to our hobby
Sun: Weather even worse. Ormond Jayne Man helped ease the icy blast with some peppery woods.
Other than getting a slightly different haircut than last time (zounds!) the highlights were going to the Comedy Festival to see James Acaster, and getting some really good bird photos.
The BIG highlight though, was an op shop find on Saturday. I have not been as excited in an op shop since I found Richard Pratt’s entire wardrobe donated. I found a pure vicuna cashmere bespoke sport coat. For those who don’t know, vicuna is the rarest and most expensive natural fibre there is, from an animal that runs wild in the high Andes. A new vicuna sport coat costs more than 20 grand.
Finally, I’ve had a go at starting a perfume blog to talk about my vintage finds. Not as grand as yours or those of some others here, but I hope people might be interested. I’m aiming for about a post a week.
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WOW! Super full week and wearing some of my faves Greg. Geranium pour Monsieur, YUM and I always use Cologne 68 in the cooler months. Never think of it in the warmth.
CONGRATUL:ATIONS on the blog. I’ll get it added to the blog roll. I hope it goes swimmingly for you.
Don’t forget to regularly clean your Spam Folder.
Portia xx
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What a week Portia for you and Jin. Xxx❤️💖Sending our love to Jin and family xx
Big thank you to Portia for welcoming us into your home and sharing sniffing some truly great perfume….Santal Royal Guerlain being on my list now it’s so gorgeous…the vintage Miss Dior were giving me heart palpitations in a good way …
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Hey Anna-Maria,
A week with you at our house is a VERY good week. love hanging with you & the family. How could i not give you some Miss Dior, it smells sublime on you.
Portia xx
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Oh, Portia, my condolences to you and Jin and your extended family. (To anyone contemplating suicide: keep fighting. Ask for help. Just hang in there for one more day, and tomorrow, do it again. You will get through it, eventually, and be glad, every day, that you are still alive. Trust me on this.)
I love my dentist, too, and live in fear that he will retire. Luckily I’ve always taken my oral hygiene seriously, or I’d have started losing teeth already. (Stupid crappy enamel.) Today I’m wearing Demeter Paperback, which really does smell like old paperbacks, and sticks around for hours.
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Thanks LaurelS,
Totally with you on the live one more day, every day. It gets better.
Yeah, I’m lucky that the teeth themselves are perfect, enamel is hard to fix. Good luck.
Interesting that a Demeter lasts well, I though they were all very ephemeral.
Portia xx
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Dearest Portia and Jin,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences.
Also, if you are still interested, I am pretty certain that Osswald still has Vanille Marine in stock.
Sending much love,
Daisy
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