Scent Diary

Scent Diary: 4.9 – 10.9.2017

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Portia

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WHIRLWIND WEEK APJ,

Getting ready, getting out, getting here. It’s been so bloody hectic and 100% fun. Yes, there have been some surprises, not all of them ultimately happy ones, but that’s what holiday adventures are all about. This is hope I would love to live, travelling the world in search of experience. Meeting new people and having a momentary connection, or making new friends. Heaven.

Scent Diary: 4.9 – 10.9.2017

Monday 4:

Getting ready for going away

In the evening Alice, TinaG and Phil dropped around and it was great to see them even though I was preoccupied.

A Press Sample of Parfumerie Generale Suede Osmanthe 5.1 arrived in the mail. It is unutterably beautiful. Sweet, green, fruity, plush suede and very sexy. Imagine if Daim Blond was amped towards canned fruit in sugar syrup and greened out.

Fragrantica

Tuesday 5:

Running around and getting the final things done. Scott came over and helped, Jin was of work so we ran around together. It was fun. I love these guys.

Jacomo Silences PdT was my daytime accompaniment. Excellent mossy chypre. It was about AUD$11/30ml spray from FragranceNet and smells divine.

Worked, back in drag tonight after 2 weeks out with my ankle. All seems good now.

Neela Vermeire Creations Trayee was my choice for work tonight and I smelled utterly fabulous. There were moments when I drifted off into frag head land. BLISS!

Packed the bags tonight. Cleaned the fish tank. Emptied all the bins for bin night. Cleaned up our dining table and put all my fragrances into my perfume room. Folded the washing and put it away.

Just before bed I spritzed some vintage CHANEL No 5 EdP. Sleepy time.

Wednesday 6:

Took the dogs out to the kennels because Jin will be working weird hours and the boys really like their regimented life. They also love going back out to the trainers to brag about their forever home adventures. I wore vintage Caron Infini that comes in a pressurised spritz. The initial aldehydes have become shrill, oily and metallic but one minute in and HEAVEN! My mate margo reckons it’s early 1970s PdC from a gift set. Very cool.

Home for some lunch. The last of the Chinese reheats.

Here are my hairy Hobbit feet and lavish red nail polish. I’m ready for India now.

Keihl’s Original Musk lotion, Olympic Orchids Amber/Labdanum Bath Oil, Cuir Pleine Fleur James Heeley was my bathing ritual for the flight. Fragrant but hopefully not IN YOUR FACE.

Got my gear together and Jin took me to the airport. Happy to be going, sad to be leaving stuff. You get it, I know.

The American Express Lounge is not so much fun solo. I nearly drank them out of sparkling and still water. Hydration pre flight.

Historic entertainment units on China Southern. Actually it was nice not being bombarded with movies from less than a metre away and I got some solid reading done too. Finished Handmaid’s Tale and started on some new thing that was recommended but I’m not sure whether I even understand it yet.

The staff were so good, no problems, full of smiles. I enjoyed the flights immensely.

Thursday 7:

ARRIVED Delhi Airport.

We stayed in Gurgoan and had dinner there.

Showered quickly at night and doused myself in vintage Miss Dior parfum.

Friday 8:

Hotel breakfast, more vintage Miss Dior parfum then off for a flight to Assam. Arrived safely, though the kangaroo style landing left me in doubt of our ultimate survival for a few moments. Careening around like a drunken sailor with St Vitus Dance.

We ordered an Uber who drove us the four hours into the mountains of Meghalaya state, to the capital Shillong. We only stopped once but the scenery on the journey was absolutely breathtaking. The middle shot is a boarding school, the most spectacular grounds and scenery.

For some reason Varun was expecting a tiny town perched atop a mountain, much like McLeod Gang was back in 2001 when we visited. Sadly it is a HUGE city. Well, sadly for Varun, I’m very happy here. The hustle and bustle leaves NYC for dead.

At night we wandered the markets and had Mo-Mos. A selection of steamed chicken and fried pork.

Saturday 9:

We woke at around 5am and set out on an adventure walk around 5.30am. Varun had found a nearby lake park with a walking track around the gardens. Lodki Park was designed and built by the British while they were here and it seriously looks like time has stood still since then. We wandered around it for about an hour then came back to the hotel for breakfast.

Spectacular hedges of dahlia glowed in the cool morning mist, they lit up the walk and reminded me how precious the gift of adventure is. I’ve never seen such a display and these hedges dotted the walk all around the lake and through the parklands.

Breakfast! Yeah, I know it doesn’t look like much. That’s because it’s my third helping of dal, vegetables, yoghurt and paratha. Happy place reached.

Todays excursion was to the wettest places on earth, Mawsynram and Cherrapunji. What better time to see them than in monsoon. The heavens did not disappoint. We drove through clouds more than half the day with sporadic clearings. When it rained it bucketed down and the rest of the time it drizzled and spritzed. Not terribly cold until you got into the winds.

We hiked to some spectacular waterfalls, three sets in all but we only got real photographable vision of one set.

We had Masala Chai to celebrate. Hint for India travel: buy a large bottle of mineral water and get them to make your tea with this. Saves dirt in your coffee. This place was every sort of gorgeous and the kids who run it super sweet.

We also went into a cave complex. It wasn’t terribly long, about 150m, but there were some very low and tight squeezes. We also ended up knee deep in water a couple of times and the rest was climbing over rocks. All done in bare feet. Sadly it wasn’t really photographable but it was an amazing experience.

Varun had chicken Mo-Mos and chilli jam at a roadside stall. I was feeling a bit queazy from driving the winding mountain ranges so I just drank water.

We stopped at a town and looked around a bit. Some dog started barking at me. That never happens, they always love me. I was extremely downhearted by it.

As we drove home the clouds closed in around us. Visibility was about 10m at the most. It was beautiful and eerie, like floating. Amazing trip.

We wandered around to the City Family Dhaba, Shillong’s #1 recommended restaurant. Everybody we spoke to told us it was a must visit. It didn’t disappoint either.

We were so full at the end we couldn’t even finish the garlic Naan. Sacrilege!!

Varun: What do you want to listen to
Portia (being a smart arse) Karen Carpenter of the Carpenters
Music comes on: It’s Gonna Take Some Time by the Carpenters

Consider this smart arse put in his place. SNAP!

Then we hit the club on the roof of our hotel. Varun and I danced until my t-shirt was dripping wet. We sat for a while and then I needed a shower and then bed. Bloody hell. I’m DEAD!!

Sunday 10:

Couldn’t sleep last night. The dogs of Shillong must be having gang territory wars. It sounded vicious and intense and continued for hours. From the sounds there were dogs being torn apart. Terrifying. Every time I thought it had stopped and drifted towards the lands of nod another round would begin.

So I am sleepless and a trifle sweaty this morning.

Best fixer for that? Jacomo Silences. Freaking perfect.

SORRY I’m a bit late posting this addendum! Out all day. Had a wonderful time seeing more waterfalls and lakes.

This is our Shillong driver Yuvraj, his name means prince destined to be king. He has perfect English and is excellent company, we have asked him to drive us tomorrow and day after too.

Varun took this shot. I think it a very flattering likeness.

We had lunch at the poshest place in the whole area. Took our lovely driver there with us and we all sat and chatted companionably while stuffing our faces. I made the hotel staff pull a table and chairs out of the restaurant onto the verandah so our view and the breeze would be wonderful. It was a huge drama but once we were settled it was absolutely amazing.

 

Hey! So what have you been doing? Tell us all in the comments below please. Anything, fun, fragrant, friends, family or food related. ANYTHING! Tell us about your week.

Portia xx

Scent Diary: 28.8 – 3.9.2017

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Portia

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Hey Fumie Family,

Some amazing fragrances and friends this week. As always we are chock block full of fun stuff but it has also been tempered by a LOT of time at the computer organising to be away in India for two weeks. All the Trivia Q&A needed to be written and the blog pre-arranged and editing in the Contributors, who all worked really hard to get their months pieces in on time (THANKS GANG!!).

Scent Diary: 28.8 – 3.9.2017

Monday 28:

It’s 12.30am and I am watching The Defenders on Netflix. I should be asleep but am totally engrossed. He He he. Watched the last 3 eps tonight but I want MORE!! It is so good.

Bedtime now 3am. Spritzing Queen by Queen Latifah. Citrus, booze, vanilla and resins. It is thick and ropey with a meaty patchouli.

Woke up late to a soft vanilla wash of scent and jumped up to walk and feed the dogs. On our wander we found a brand new greyhound living in an apartment a block away. I was chatting to him but our dogs said a hurried hello and then their heads were snuffling something interesting on the ground. I love that more people are realising greyhounds are perfect apartment pets.

Today is dedicated to getting as much APJ blog stuff ready as possible so I can start writing my Trivia Q&A for the two weeks I’ll be in India.

Jin and I went for Yum Cha this morning and the rest of my day was spent computer bound. So much done. It’s looking good.

Wafting some vintage Bal a Versailles parfum on my neck. Smells great.

My head is not co-operating tonight. Q&A goes very slowly.

Tuesday 29:

2am all Trivia done and now I’m going to have a Boucheron Trouble bubble bath followed by a mega spritz of the Boucheron Trouble EdP. Then I’m going to bed.

You won’t believe this. woke up this morning and my OTHER foot is sore. Must have kicked the wall in my sleep. OUCHIE WaWa. I’ll walk it out today and hopefully everything will be good. Enjoying Trouble so much I spritzed it again.

Scott and I did office work and running around today. It was a full, fun day.

Watched Green Lantern again. Vintage Miss Dior EdT for bed. MMMMMMM

Wednesday 30:

What an incredibly beautiful morning. Sun is shining and it feels like a perfect spring day. I’m about to feed and walk the dogs then today will be spent at the computer organising APJ and some Trivia Q&A.

After lunch decided I needed something a bit rich and woodsy so Guerlain Santal Royal got a triple spritz to the chest. Exactly what I was looking for. A sweet, smooth, creamy wood/rose/oud combo.

It was one of my BFFs birthdays this week, Phil. So three of us got together to celebrate. We went to my favourite Chinese in Sydney Lui Rose in Concord. It was a special night with champagne, laughs, food and presents. Happy Birthday Phil! You’re amazing.

Tried to do some Trivia Q&A work but my mind wasn’t having any of it so Parfum d’Empire Equistrius and bed.

Thursday 31:

Tina came over this morning and we walked the dogs together.

Then we had fresh bakes scones with passionfruit lemon curd, raspberry jam or honey and fresh whipped cream. Tea was a blend of Peppermint Green Tea created by Suzanne R Banks. Perfect last day of winter fare.

You can see in the left of the photo that the Hawthorn is blooming currently. The ,local council decided it was best to sheer 6 feet of it just before it flowered, assholes. I grabbed these branches and brought them home where they are scenting the room a soft focus green white floral. Very pretty.

We then did some blog writing team work which was really interesting to smell how differently our skins make scent smell. Tina makes perfumes greener, fresher and more stark, my skin amps sweet and creaminess. Very interesting morning. We are thinking of making it a regular thing because it’s nice to read both sides.

We had a look at the new Serge Lutens 100ml bottle. It’s quite snazzy and feels great in my hand. Tina said it was a little big for left hand spritzing but right hand is cool. So Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin was my fragrance this evening. Cherry roses with a peppery zing and a creamy patchouli/honeyed backbeat.

Friday 1:

First day of spring. Walking the dogs was heavenly this morning in 17C sunshine. Wearing Penhaligon’s Ostara to greet the new season.

TRIVIA Q&A. All Day. Finished one weeks set of Q&A today.

After my bath I spritzed a new-to-me bottle of Annick Goutal Encens Flamboyant. WOWSA! What a cool and smoky incense, it even has a dusty Asian hill temple vibe. Officially blown away. Thanks MB.

Jin brought home Korean Fried Chicken with chilli and wasabi dipping sauces. It was a FEAST!

Tonight I finished a second set of Trivia Q&A, just the main body of the game, not the games and the Jackpots are all finished. Feeling like stuff is getting done.

For bed I’m wearing vintage Bal a Versailles parfum. Yep, I smell like a very luscious and expensive courtesan. YUMMY!

Saturday 2:

Woke up before the alarm. I love that blissful feeling of rising from sleep like a submarine. It’s a Neela Vermeire Creations Rahele kinda day. Its cool fresh flowers juxtapose perfectly against the spices and woods, and then all overlaid with large helpings of osmanthus. Stellar.

4.30pm still TRIVIA Q&A. I’ve been sitting at this damn desk for so long it feels like I’m growing into it. I’m getting up and taking the dogs for a wee.

Jin went to work tonight and there’s almost no food in the house so I’m getting Chinese Take Away from around the corner. As always I ordered enough for 5 people so we can have leftovers!

Was looking for Lolita Lempicka EdP to wear for me Chinese Food Run but came across Annick Goutal Grand Amour first and felt the need to spritz it instead. MMMMMMMM

Tonight I’m concentrating on getting the APJ Blog Posts finalised. Busy day tomorrow and then I only have Monday afternoon/evening to get stuff done.

Sunday 3:

It’s late. I’ve stopped functioning and have been staring at the computer for about 20 minutes without adding any content. Spritzing vintage Guerlain Mitsouko parfum and bed. Night. XX

Went for a pedi with my BFF Kath and bumped into my girlfriend Bec at the jewellery store she is managing (Currently single and ready to meet the man of her dreams. Do I have any well heeled straight male readers looking for a trophy bride with smarts?).
Yes, I bought a couple of pairs of earrings, they are so outlandish I couldn’t walk past.

Then it was Father’s Day so we went and celebrated her Dad, who is also mine via adoption. Here’s Mum Waples and I after our Creme Brûlée that jane made. we are both on a sugar high, he he he.

Work tonight at Austral Bowling Club with Anna-Maria and her family playing. Guess what? They won the $1,000 JACKPOT!

Today I wore Hermès Le Jardin de Monsieur Li. That citrus/white flower given extra zing with mint and a soft overlay of petrochemicals. Sounds awful but it is the perfect spring scent, fits the day beautifully.

 

OK, enough about me. How was your week? Do anything interesting or fun? Buy or try any new fragrances? Wear some of your faves? How about Father’s Day, did you do something special?
Please tell us all in the comments. We’re dying to know what happened for you.

Portia xx

Scent Diary: 21.8 – 27.8.2017

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Portia

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Hey Ho APJ,

The kids are gone home and while I did not cope with having them here I do miss having them around. As always the week is full of friends and fragrance. It has felt pretty low key really but as always a million and one things to do.

Scent Diary: 21.8 – 27.8.2017

Monday 21:

Cooked home made hamburgers for all of us as brunch. Jin and the kids slept in till 10am so I got a few precious hours of peace.

We took Sindy to the doctor and the good news is that she is good to travel, ears healed perfectly.

Wearing some Agent Provocateur EdP. Those dirty roses make me smile.

Then we took the kids to Harry’s Cafe de Wheels in Parramatta where they were DISGUSTED at how we serve and eat pies. Potato yes but mushy peas and gravy, BLEAUGH! I’m with them. Give me pie, potato and sauce please.

Went for farewell Korean BarBQ with the kids, Jin, Kath, Alice and Rose. Perfect farewell except after we ate I was being a dickhead and skipping with Daniel when my foot landed on some broken pavement and went over badly. GAK! It’s all wrapped in bandage and Dencorub (heat balm) right now.

Tuesday 22:

2.30am and all the trivia Q&A is done and sent. I didn’t think I was going to get it done before falling asleep. This is a big win for tonight.

Spritzing old export bottle of Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois. So much more ginger than the modern one, and a little darker.

Today I basically slept and recuperated before work.

Wore more Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois to work but no one noticed.

Wednesday 23:

My foot hurts. Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain today. It’s sunshiny but cool weather and I think 34 BSG a perfect counterpoint.

Wore more of it to have dinner with Wendy and play some Turbo Trivia with April Fools up at Greystanes Hotel.

Thursday 24:

My foot still hurts but I was able to walk the dogs 4 blocks up and back down the street. It was slow but it felt a lot easier than yesterday. The dogs couldn’t believe how much time they got to sniff everything and were extremely grateful, looking to see if I was OK with them smelling a lamp post for 20 seconds. Though the walk was less km long they both came home completely bushed and went straight to sleep.

Funeral today for the Dad of one of my school years girlfriends. We were partnered for two or three of the middle teen years and I was constantly at their house. It was a Mecca for a small crew of us and I think we will all be there today. So glad to see them but sad for the occasion. I thought Jacomo Silences would be the perfect funeral scent.
Beautiful church service, the readings were particularly well done. Sat in the pew with the crew and got to see most of the family and friends. It was as good as a funeral gets.

Evan came over to sniff fragrances after that. My initial idea was to take him though the DIOR back catalogue. We did those and moved onto other stuff. It was totally fun. He’s good company.

Work was BUSY! So rowdy. We had a ball. Now I’m shattered.

Double spritz of Guerlain Mitsouko EdT and bed. night.

Friday 25:

It was supposed to be a day of lunching and sniffing with Tim, Kerri and Michael then off to see the Archibald with Mark but I wasn’t sure my ankle would make it through the day and I don’t want to hurt it again with only a week and a bit till India. So I stayed home and blogged the whole day away. Got 5 posts done! AMAZING!

Jin came home and we went out for Syrian dinner. Kebabs, hummus, garlic sauce, chips and tabouli. It was really yummy and Jin paid, which is always nice. I took him for Messina Ice Cream to say thanks. Poor bastard was up at 3.15am this morning so he hit the hay at 8.30pm.

Walking the dogs was a step;car pleasure tonight. We had to go slowly because of my foot but it mean we could really drink in the scents of night blooming jasmine. The area is swarming with vines over front and side fences and every time I walked past a gust of indolic jasmine would roll over us. Heavenly.

Doused in a sample of Fig Tree by Sonoma Scent Studio tonight. EXCELLENT Fig.

Yin And Ylang Sonoma Scent Studio Fragrantica

Saturday 26:

My ankle is starting to feel better. The swelling has decreased quite a bit and I’m walking without strapping. I think another few days and I’ll be happily back in heels and running around like a mad woman again. PHEW!

It’s BFF Kath & my BIL Mark’s birthday so we are going around to Mum & Dads for afternoon tea. I grabbed a Wild Berry Baked Cheesecake to take around and it was a hit. We all had great fun but I forgot to take a photo, SORRY! Loads of laughs and fun.

Wore Eau d’Italie Morn to Dusk and it’s crunchy vanilla caramel was a perfect mixer.

Our long time buddy Glen is going home to Canada to help care for his Mum who is in early stages of Alzheimers. We will miss him terribly. Tonight we all went for a farewell dinner because we can’t make it to his grand farewell party. It was a lovely, bittersweet evening. Kath, Jin and I went along with Glen to the Balkan and the food was fantastic, as always.

Sunday 27:

Woke up and spritzed Atelier Cologne Tobacco Nuit. Perfect lazy Sunday fragrance, even though my day will not be lazy.

Brunch with some of the girls I grew up with. Bec was my girlfriend for a couple of years, Catriona and her younger sibling were constant mates and we’d all wag school together, Eve you see here regularly. It was Din Tai Fung and catch ups. Conversations across a plethora of topics and a bunch of laughs. How lucky I am. Life would be so much less rich without all these beautiful friends. Really diverse lives lived across the globe so thoughtfully and interestingly yet we come back together and chatter like magpies. It’s as if no time has passed.

Work tonight. Hopefully my leg will be well enough next Tuesday to get back in my high heels, I miss dressing up.

Tonight I wore Aftelier Parfum de Maroc. Spicy swirls around saffron and rose over quite an animalic base. It smells like the dreams of souks.

 

What about you? How was your week? Do anything interesting, fun or fragrant? Tell us in the comments. We love to read your stuff too.

Portia x

Scent Diary: 14.8 – 20.8.2017

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Portia

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OMG APJ!

Sorry but I’ve hardly chronicled this week at all. It has been non stop Go Go Go. We’ve had Jin’s niece & nephew from Slovakia and Jin has been determined to show then EVERYTHING in two weeks. I’ve been working so haven’t been on every adventure but still it has been a hell of a week. I am 100% done and ready for some quiet weeks.

Scent Diary: 14.8 – 20.8.2017

Monday 14:

The kids have gone to do a SCUBA course. Jin and I have the day together and to ourselves. We walked the dogs and visited a mate then once home Jin hit the hay for some extra ZZZZs and I am at the computer. All feels right in the world.

My smells today were coffee, toast, dogs, the combined fragrance of my perfume room and Jin until I bathed in the evening. Lazy, lovely day spent doing the blog and Trivia Q&A.

When the kids got home we ordered Domino’s Pizza and ate it watching Netflix Riverdale. They loved it.

Tonight for Trivia Q&A writing I drenched myself in Guerlain Mitsouko EdT.

Tuesday 15:

Woke up late. Somewhere around 8.30am. I’m a bit fuzzy round the edges today. Having a cuppa.

OMG! I didn’t send my Q&A to the team. How do you all cope with kids daily? You’re all freaking SAINTS!

Jin has nicked the car and taken the kids to SCUBA today. He’s planning on doing a couple of dives with them too. What a cutey!

Penhaligon’s Savoy Steam is puffing along with me today. I really like it.

Had a Roger & Gallet Cedrat bubble bath, Simple moisturiser, Cacharel Liberté fragrance. MMMMMMM

They all came home after their amazing day of diving. They’re so excited and happy. It’s really nice to see.

Wednesday 16:

Lancome Magie Noire was this mornings choice.

We did SO MUCH today. Caught the bus and train to Sydney city. Wandered David Jones, Pitt St Mall and then had lunch at Westfield Centrepoint Food Court ( I gave the kids $20 each and told them to get what they want. It was their first food Court so they loved it). Then we wandered around the Sydney Opera House and caught the ChooChoo Express through the Royal Botanic Gardens. We then wandered leisurely around to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and from there to the Art Gallery of NSW where we saw some ofd the Indigenous Australian art and had a cuppa and some sweets from the Members Lounge. After that we were all buggered and we caught the train home.

Then I had a nap and went to work. STUFFED!!

Thursday 17:

I had hoped to spend the morning on my own because Jin & the kids were going to Surf School but Sindy woke up sick. SHIT! Took her down to the doctor and she has ruptured eardrums. Not very bad but she is on antibiotics to stave off any infection and he wants to see her Monday to give the OK to fly on Tuesday.

Got some super lovely postcards in the mail today! Thanks to Lyndall & Mazz. I LOVE POSTCARDS!

I’ve spent the day in vintage CHANEL No 5 EdT & EdC.

We met Rose at Manly and had fish & chips on the esplanade in the area my family used to sit when we were kids. It was a perfect 26C winter day with blue sky. It was the kids first ever experience of fish & chips eaten al fresco at the beach. Afterwards they took the leftover chips and fed the seagulls. It look like The Birds, hundreds of them clamouring for the chip. Excellent.

We wandered around a little bit after lunch then came back home and chilled on the couch watch Atypical, the new Netflix show about an autistic boy and his family ands friends. Then Rose came with me to work tonight at Kings Park Tavern. We came home and watched the rest of Atypical. Great series.

It’s late now and I’ve run Rose a bath because she’s staying tonight and will sleep on the couch.

Friday 18:

Gave myself a very lavish spritzing of some older Lancome Magie Noire this morning and really enjoyed its mossy goodness through the day. Even got a compliment on it. Very cool.

I got up early and had the car up at the repair garage just before 7am. The morning was so cool and crisp I took the dogs for an extra long ramble around our area. they loved it.

When I got home the house was just starting to stir so I made French Toast and Bacon with a choice of maple or Golden Syrup and percolated a pot of coffee. There was also pulpy Orange Juice our Tropical. Rose, the kids, Jin & I sat around eating and laughing. It was a real family meal and I can’t talk for anyone else but it was really special for me.

Then we caught the bus into town and met TinaG for the Sydney Aquarium. I’m not really a huge fan of captured animals on display but the Sydney crew do a really good job. The tanks are large and don’t seem crowded, most of the fish looked in fine form and happily swimming in their schools or solo. Some of the sharks look like veterans and the only creatures that gave me real pause were an octopus and two Dugongs. Most fish look like they are mindlessly doing their thing but these three looked forlorn, lost and unhappy. They were the only low point in what was a wonderful experience. There were loads of messages about trying to minimise plastics and waste, information about the companies work as a refuge and rehabilitation centre and some info about each fish, bird or creature in each enclosure.

Everyone slept on the train going home except me. They were REALLY tired.

We came home, had a nap and then headed out for the kids first ever Sushi Train! They loved it. Jin is a terrific uncle and I have loved watching him blossom into a responsible guardian in the week they’ve been here so far.

Saturday19:

The gang has gone to Jervis bay for a Seal Dive, SCUBA with the seal colony down there. Poor Sindy is devastated she can’t do it because of her ears but at least she’ll get to be part of the fun and see the seals, dolphins and whales that inhabit the area. They left at 4am this morning but I slept right through to 8.30am. Woo Hoo!

Spritzed Cacharel Liberté early this morning and it was a fun fizzy accompaniment to my morning.

A bit of blog organising today and work tonight. After my bath I decided it needed to be a BIG skanky floral for the Hen’s Party tonight. Alpha fragrance to keep them a little restrained for the two hours I’ve got them. How about Bal a Versailles? Hmmmmm, parfum and EdT! That should be big enough.

Hey, does anyone else get moody? Like spot moody? Tonight my mood went from happy that my gig had gone so well and full of love for the world to blackest black (because of a few small things that didn’t go as planned or were less than thrilling surprises) in the space of one hour and then back out the other side to relatively calm again. It felt ridiculously powerful being angry. This is not something I’ve felt before and seems very bi-polar.

Sunday 20:

Ahhhhh Sunday. I was up really late watching Iron Fist on Netflix, like 5am late.

The crew got up and we all had breakfast this morning before they headed out to the markets and Yum Cha in town. I have had enough of people so I stayed home and vacuumed the house and cleaned the kitchen. Did it all smelling of Penhaligon’s Savoy Steam, I love it and can’t seem to get enough. Perhaps 3 or 4ml has already gone from my bottle!

Tonight after my Radox Bath Salts bath I went crazy with vintage Miss Dior EdT. As I was walking into the club tonight one of the club punters said I smelled fantastic, he even pulled me in for a closer sniff. It was a nice moment.

 

Alright, enough about me. What have you lot been up to? Got a story to share? Fun or fragrant, friends or family, happy or sad, we love them all. Please share in the comments.
Portia xx

Scent Diary 7.8 – 13.8.2017

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Portia

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Hey Gang,

This week has been a hodge podge of loads of stuff and very little of anything in particular. It started out calm and cool but has become more frantic each day. I am completely blitzed now.
Portia xx

Scent Diary 7.8 – 13.8.2017

Monday 7:

Monday went by in a daze of organisation.

Jin and I managed to run away to our favourite cafe for lunch but the rest of the day seemed computer bound with breaks for coffee & food. I went and collected the mail from my Post Office Box and my favourite postal GF had popped Home Made Cookies in the box! Seriously, how freaking lucky am I? Thanks Nikki, delicious. They’re Nikki Bickies!

I did order PIZZA dinner because Jin was working night shift and I am too lazy to cook when in Trivia Q&A mode.

It got to 11.57pm and my mind was fried so I decided to go to bed and get up early tomorrow and finish my Q&A. Sometimes I need fresh eyes on the problem. So, quick spritz of Estee Lauder La Rouge Gloss, their answer to Diet Soda scents and off to the land of ZZZzzZZZZZzZZ.

Tuesday 8:

Awoke early, got my Q&A finished and sent out to the girls. They’re seriously tricky this week so I’ve told the girls to give clues. Mine are printed and awaiting organisation.

WOO HOO I received a package this morning. It was a BIG surprise. It was a thoughtful gift from Kate Apted! How freaking generous! Wonderful. LUSH Rose Jam shower gel

CHANEL Boy for work. I bloody love this baby.

Wednesday 9:

Weather is sublime here in Sydney. walked the dogs for over an hour this morning in the warm sunshine. They were pooped by the time we got home.

Wearing Guerlain Tonka Imperiale. It’s sweet nutty warmth was a perfect ramble accompaniment.

Tonight I finished my B&BW Warm Vanilla Sugar in the bath and spritzed Histoires de Parfums Amber 114. Amber 114 is very nice as it goes on, a cool amber buoyed by herbs and woods. It’s the heart and dry down that I really love though, warm amber, nutty, creamy woods and resins. It’s so glamorous. Simple and elegant. Why don’t I wear it more?

Thursday 10:

Went to bed and started feeling achey, woozy and chill. Took two Neurofen and put on a heater, added a jumper and extra socks. Drank a bunch of tea and water and sweated it out.
Awoke this morning feeling slightly fuzzy but infinitely better.

TinaG came over.

We went and started sorting my VISA for India and bought some tropical fish for my aquarium.

Sniff, TinaG and I sniffed perfumes. LOADS of them. Can I remember which ones? NOPE!

Work: Tonight was fun at KPT. We had a great crew of regulars & newbies. They put us into a new room which I think will work perfectly for us. Sound is excellent and the ambience too. Lighting needs a little tweaking but we can work with it. Here’s a few of the gang.

Friday 11:

Jin finished work at 6am. He headed home and grabbed 3 hours sleep then we were off and running for our day.

First stop: We collected the signed poster from Jimmy Barnes for the auction winner at the recent fundraiser I hosted. It is going to make vaughn an extremely happy fan and hopefully he’ll treasure it for a lifetime.

Next we hit the Redfern apartment. The kitchen kick board is falling apart so Jin glued and fixed it into place. We also checked the water connections to the clothes washing machine, the taps and pipes, all clear. While we were in there as Jin was doing his thing I cleaned the grease traps in the exhaust fan above the stove. They are super clean ands lovely now.

Lunch time and we went to a Korean style Chinese restaurant. Every country makes their Chinese food differently so though it’s called Chinese the Korean version is a horse of a different colour.

In the fragrance department it was a red letter day for postal arrivals. OMG! I received today what most regular people would get in a year.

Criminal Elements Sample Set

Not available to buy until September 1 2017 I received the advance press set. UNBELIEVABLE! The boys have created a fully functioning mini brief case to hold their samples. It’s so freaking good and I’m on a design high. BRaVO! Amazing packaging. This will sell like hoy cakes on cool red alone. WAIT till you smell the frags. Ah May Zing.

PANIC SHOPPING ARRIVED:

Elvire at the Palais Royale Serge Lutens store sent some stuff to Val who forwarded a Le Vaporisateur of Fourreau Noir and the new 100ml of La Fille de Berlin. SO EXCITED!

Paris and everywhere else is out of the Le Vaporisateur of de Profundis. I found it at The Perfume Shoppe Canada. They could not have been more helpful, were excellent communicators and got everything sent tout de suite.

 

We have been home and relaxing this afternoon but tonight we will be cleaning and readying the place for our visitors. Jin’s Niece & nephew arriving in the morning. I’m so nervous. HA! Hopefully they have a wonderful time.

Saturday 12:

Woke up early, spritzed Guerlain Cuir Beluga and went to the airport to collect the kids. They came home, rested, ate breakfast and generally hung out.

Spritzed Etat Libre d’Orange Afternoon of a Faun. Went to Sydney’s best meet-the-native-fauna type zoo, Featherdales. I haven’t been in decades and it has come a long way. We were able to meet and feed wallabies and small kangaroos, pet the quokkas. We also got to see dingoes, Tasmanian Devils and fruit bats being fed and an excellent assortment of birdlife big & small. It’s all set out in a really comfortable area. We met up with the Lee family (Kath’s sister Jane, husband Mark, kids Rachel & Erin) and it was super fun. Excellent day out. I learned so much from the keepers and the shows about our native fauna.

Spritzed Lancome Magie Noire. Then we met Kath & Alice for DUCK DINNER, yep Peking Duck. It was a smashing success.

Now we are all totally worn out. Everyone else is sound asleep and I’m pretty much on my way. A sneaky spritz of Patou 1000 EdT before bed. NIGHT!

Sunday 13:

After reading some of the Saturday Question responses I was inspired to wear vintage CHANEL No 19 EdT today. GREAT CHOICE!

Went and had a wonderful day on the river to Sydney then wandered the markets and stalls. Then had lunch. It was lovely seeing one of my dearest friends Eve and her daughter, Jin and the kids were pleasant AND we were lucky enough to be with Jin’s BFF Matt who we hardly see enough. At the markets we bumped into Eve and my childhood friend Sean Carver at his stall and the kids bought some fab bags and T-Shirts for themselves and friends.

It should have been wonderful but actually I was tense the whole time, felt claustrophobic in the crush of people and snapped at everyone. While I do know I’m not a bad person this was definitely one of my less attractive moments.

Home and bathed. Wore Keiko Mecheri Un Jour d’Ete and it was a beautiful tropical accompaniment to work tonight. I still smell of it.

 

How was your week? Come on, share something fun or fragrant. Maybe you had a public melt down or did something silly. Purge yourself here and we will all commiserate.

Portia xx

Scent Diary 31.7 – 6.8.2017

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 22 Comments

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Portia

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Hi there Fragrant Friends,

Considering how much ground I’ve covered this week and how much has been accomplished it’s all felt quite peaceful. Hectic but measured. There has been time in each day for a little nap, food and friends have been abundant and work life has sandwiched in nicely between everything else.

Don’t worry, I know how blessed my life is. I’m so grateful.

Scent Diary 31.7 – 6.8.2017

Monday 31:

Monday Morning. Weather is overcast but quite warm for midwinter and I am feeling super lazy. Sadly there’s a shitload of things on the list that need doing and I am going to do my best to get as many done as possible by 3pm so I can have a nap. Now that is real motivation.

Spritzed myself in Queen by Queen Latifah. I am a patchouli/citrus goddess right now. It was wafting around me like crazy on our dog walk.

Ordered Bingo Books and Dabbers for our newest night starring our newest regular hostess Maxi Shield. How fabulous is the poster?

Did my invoicing for the month. Really, owning businesses is NOT for lazy people like me. HA! I had a really happy moment today thinking about how wonderful the Drag Queens we have working at Turbo are. Every week they entertain the crowds and it’s extremely rare that I get a complaint about any of our regular queens. They work hard and are grateful to be employed. In a Drag job-market shrinking daily in Sydney due to club closures and venue direction changes Turbo keeps 8 Drag Queens in weekly work. I’m really proud of that and hope we can give many more regular gigs.

Talked to my Aunty Tracey on the phone and nattered away 20 minutes happily.

The second house in Tasmania has been untenanted for two weeks but today I got a call from the Real Estate to say they have a wonderful new tenant collecting the keys on Thursday. WOO HOO! I was secretly worrying about having a house untenanted during winter, the worst time for rentals. PHEW!

Got Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday into the blog.

Got my Trivia Jackpot and Games questions written.

3.12pm NAP TIME

Jin called and asked if I wanted to go to Korean BarBQ because we missed out on Friday night. HELL YES! So I went and met him and we talked and laughed and ate SO MUCH FOOD! My tummy hurts. It was wonderful. Here is Jin, he’s wearing a top I bought him for his birthday a couple of months ago. I can tell when I’m in the good books with Jin because he wears my gifts.

Laydee also rang with a new Trivia gig today. It’s been Go-Go-Go.

Now I’m about to finish writing the weeks Trivia Q&A.

It’s nearly midnight and I can still smell my morning spritzes of Queen. AMAZING!

Tuesday 1:

It’s 1.35am and I’m Q&A finished and sent. Had hoped to do one more APJ post but my hearts not in it so I’m going to make a cuppa, go read a bit and then sleep.

Today is busy. Scott is coming to do office work and the general running around that entails. I will need to do beard dying and get ready to become a glamorous Drag Queen for work tonight. Then after al the fun and madness of my day pack a small bag because I’m flying down to Melbourne tomorrow to see Margeaux’s new home that he’s just bought and spend the day hanging with him.

I’m wearing Carner Barcelona Rima XI because it smells warm and fuzzy and doesn’t distract me too much from the job at hand.

Instead of giving you a blow by blow account of my day here’s a music clip of two of Australia’s greatest rock musicians Jimmy Barnes and Marcia Hines. They’re singing one of my favourite songs since childhood. These guys are mates of mine and to hear them singing together on this track brings chills, goosebumps and tears. So many memories of people, places, times. Music is a lot like fragrance, our memories are buried deep until released by scent or sound. Happy tears and sad.

I hope it brings you as much peace as it does me. If you can, turn the volume right up.

Scott and I got so much done today. Paid bills, Post Office (letters, parcels, collecting and sending,, bills and redirections), organised Receipts for the bookkeeper and a few other bibs and bobs. I also gave him the last piece of his birthday present to arrive. Russian Carnation EdC, as Scott as I can find. he was stoked.

My bathing routine included B&BW Warm Vanilla Sugar bubble bath, Kiehl’s Original Musk lotion and Kenzo Amour

Something else I wanted to talk to you about. My mate Jye Bryant creates musicals. He has recently had one return from a hit season in New York City and it will be playing at the New Theatre in Newtown September 15-18 as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival. You can book at the New Theatre Site. Full $30 or Concession $25

THE THINGS I COULD NEVER TELL STEVEN

BY JYE BRYANT

Steven has a secret that might tear his family apart. Meanwhile, his wife, mother, father and lover are fighting for his attention and coming to terms with their hidden feelings of betrayal, anguish, frustration and fear.
Laugh, squirm, and cry as this new Australian musical takes you on a rollercoaster ride with a modern dysfunctional family.

 

Wednesday 2:

Got up at sparrows fart and drove into town, parked at Kath’s apartment and cabbed it to the airport. Jumped a plane and flew down to Melbourne to see my mate Margeaux (who used to write for APJ) ‘s new apartment. His first real estate buy and it is gorgeous. 15-20 minutes on a tram from Federation Square and also quite near a train station in Prahran.

I took him one of Jocelyn Fullerton’s Cult of Scent candles as a housewarming present. The apartment is all in charcoal and white so the very lavish pop of red makes an excellent point of reference. YAY! So we had a burger lunch and then Margeaux had to go back to work.

I trotted off the the National Gallery of Victoria and spent two perfect hours wandering the art with myself, the art and my thoughts for company. It was incredibly refreshing and energising. I also love how fastidiously clean the bathrooms were.

Such a diverse array. An excellent Asian collection but sadly no Korean for Jin.

Currently they are showing historical garment illustrations and magazines, very interesting.

Jin has decided his favourite impressionist is Camille Pissarro and they had a few of his works so I snapped and sent them to him.

Russian Tzar lamp, one of a pair I think by Baccarat.

Degas sculpture of dancer checking her feet.

The Alice chair, some kind of resin shaped.

Black heart, I have made it my own by adding myself to the shot.

Poor old Jesus, eternally hanging around churches, galleries and museums.

Then I trotted quickly up to Masons, the new menswear store on Flinders Lane, just up the hill and tried Philippe Starck Peau d`Ailleurs which is supposed to be earth, woods and musk but I found it quite green and wet. It had extraordinary lasting power and I could easily smell it on my hand next day. There is not much love among perfumistas for the range but I found it interesting and though subtle quite entrancing. I REALLY want to ry it again now. It’s the middle one.

http://www.starckparfums.comStarck

Then, as I was about to grab the train to get back to the airport one of my fave handsome young gentleman frag addicts called and said he was available for catch ups! YAY! We weren’t sure he’d make it. So, over a 15 minute wine for him and coffee for me Liam Sardea and I caught up, grabbed a big hug and off I went into the sunset.

Once home I grabbed ALL the leftover Chinese, one of Jin’s pre-made rice packs, some frozen peas, a can of creamed corn and stir fried the whole lot to boiling hot. Then I sat in front of the TV and watched rubbish while I ate the yummiest reheats ever. HAPPY DAY!

Thursday 3:

Tina is home from hospital and has been staying at her parents, I went out and collected her to come back to Sydney. We had a very fun cuppa and catch up with her parents, who I bloody adore. They are so lovely.

For the day I decided on vintage Patou 1000 EdT. Excellent accompaniment to the cool sunshine of Sydney winter.

 

Roger & Gallet Cedrat bubble bath, Kiehl’s Original Musk lotion and Neela Vermeire Creations Nichola. You can read my review of the wear if you like.

Friday 4:

Imagine the laziest day ever. Perfume it with DIOR Privé Sakura and you’ll understand how laid back it was.

Jin and I had lunch in the food court, then came home and hung out around the house.

For dinner we met Alice and had Peking Duck! A whole duck between three of us and San Choy Bow, then Beef & Black Bean with Cashews and Egg Fried Rice. It was heavenly! I could eat Chinese every second meal and still be excited.

Saturday 5:

Woke up and walked the dogs in frosty sunshine, my breath was making clouds.

Jin and I met Alice & Sam at DFO (a discount mall) where we bought new Uggs, some Ralph Lauren polos and a jumper, a new pillow for me because mine has been embarrassing for years and it was time and a few other bits & pieces. It was fun and silly, trying on clothes and laughing.

Jin was completely gorgeous smelling in Serge Lutens Muscs Koublai Khan, seriously drop dead gorgeous and I wafted Pozzo di Borgo: 23 Janvier 1984, which is a lovely figgy scent.

We came home and had delicious Jin made Korean Chicken Curry with Naan bread and watched The Princess Diaries with Anne Hathaway. How had I never seen it before? Loved it.

Tonight Margaritas and Tacos with Kath, Alice and Jin. We sat outside around a pub turned Taco den, at a park table and bench seats in one on the pavement. There were 5 or 6 such tables around the venue and every seat was jam packed with young mixed urban crews from all colours and wage ranges. The chill night air was comfortable and we chattered, laughed and ate a few very happy hours away. The Margaritas were quite good, we had two each, and everyone was softly merry by the end.

Just quietly, I love my life and my friends. Yes I know how lucky I am, we are.

Sunday 6:

I woke up at 1am and went to my perfume room, sat down and had the urge to read perfume blogs. This rarely happens lately as life gets busier. I got to the latest What Men Should Smell Like about Guerlain Sous le Vent and immediately dived for my bottle to live the magic. Ahhhhh, what a fragrance…… Going back to bed now to savour it. Guerlain Sous le Vent is wonderful.

Breakfasted on the verandah with these two sexy boys.

Peanut Butter Toast and a Coffee. One of lifes easiest joyful moments. YUM!

Jin was getting a bit Jealous Julie because he’s not in the Scent Diary enough. So here he is doing his very best blog smile for you all. isn’t he a fricken cutie? Love him to infinity but today he was scratching my very last nerve. We had a late evening fight to clear the air that ended in happy kisses and fervent Fuck You’s from both of us.

Today’s bathe was lovely bubbles from L`Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse aux Papillons in the pump pack which was a gift from my mate Tim, followed by a light Madonna Truth or Dare Naked lotion and I forgot to put fragrance on. I did remain softly fragrant throughout the night though and can even still smell soft vanilla sweetness at 10pm.

 

Now it’s your turn. Please share something fun, fragrant, friendly or foolish that you got up to this week?
We love to read your stories.
Portia xx

 

Scent Diary 24.7 – 30.7.2017

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 25 Comments

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Portia

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Hey there Perfume Junkies,

Here’s a shot of my outfit for the Sydney Stingers on Saturday last week, taken by Daniel Kirkwood at the event. Yes, I am a fur & sequin galion under full sail.

Scent Diary 24.7 – 30.7.2017

Monday 24:

This morning, in the middle of winter, saw the return of spring in Parramatta. The sun is shining, bulbs are pushing through the soil, there’s a hint of greenery on the breeze and it was lovely to be out and about on a mornings ramble with the dogs.

I decided to let the faux spring choose my fragrance and what better reminder of spring than Penhaligon’s Ostara. Sadly this gorgeously green narcissus and bouquet of other fresh flowers scent was not a big hit for them but it is so lovely and has made me smile this morning.

After last weeks creative extravaganza I’m way behind on all things blog and trivia so this morning is dedicated to answering comments, this afternoon and evening will be new posts and my Q&A. Woo Hoo! I think I’m ready for it.

So instead of working all day I went and spent a big happy chunk of it hanging out with TinaG who is back at her parents house recuperating after her hospital stint. We went and lunched at a wonderful Thai restaurant in Windsor. Pressies from Tara at A Bottled rose, beanie crocheted by Vanessa of Bonkers About Perfume. She LOVED them

Then we went on an adventure ride to The Fruit Bowl, a cafe that specialises in home made pies of the sweet and savoury styles. I had Scones, Jam & Cream with a cuppa and Tina had Chamomile tea. We saw them making their pies, bought Apple pies and Honey. MMMMMMM

Home by 5pm. Started working at the computer on Trivia. Having a coffee break now and a spritz of Grandiflora Madagascan Jasmine. BEAUTIFUL!!

Jin came home and wanted to watch Despicable Me 2. What could I do but succumb to his sweetness.

MORE TRIVIA!

Tuesday 25:

Catch up. Catching up. Blog, Trivia, Postage, eMail and FaceBook. Not caught up but definitely making inroads.

Today has been so glorious but I’ve been house bound, BUMMER.

Wore Etat Libre d’Orange Fat Electrician and it’s zingy metallic vetiver was an excellent choice.

Jin had the Telstra man come in. We are changing to Optus and he needed to do some fixing. We are now without internet in the house so I’m tethering the phone to my computer. It’s surprisingly effective.

Bath time today was in B&BW  bubbles, Kiehl’s Original Musk lotion and atwork I wore Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain EdT. Very nice. A smooth, spicy, fresh fruit & greens, balmy scent that ends a resinous dry wood. It smells like old rooms, recently aired but the wooden furniture and polish and a very slight hint of cold damp linger and blend with fresh sheets.

For bed? I wanted something odd so chose Sarah Jessica Parker Covet. A perfect Frankenstein’s monster of a smell that leads me deeper and deeper till I sleep. Never enough one thing or the other it seems to find harmonious balance in it’s utter lack. Plastic geranium, waxy white flowers, cool amber with thoroughly unnatural musks. Excellent night scent, I could imagine it being the choice for ghouls and vampires.

Wednesday 26:

WOW! An amazing day with my mate David who currently lives in UAE working as a butler/EA. He’s in Sydney visiting the family and friends and we had had today in the book forever. I had COMPLETELY forgotten but he reminded me last night so I sent through three ideas for the day. He chose one and we added a second and it was a terrific catch up.

I got a bus & train to town and we met at the NSW Art Gallery at 10.45am. I knew we could do an 11am free tour of the main gallery BUT when I arrived it was with fabulously happy surprise I noticed their current exhibition had the name O’Keeffe. Could it be? I asked myself. Fortuitously the answer was yes. Georgia O’Keeffe in an exhibition with two Australian women artists of the same era; O’Keeffe, Preston, Cossington Smith – making modernism.

So we had a cuppa, did the 11am Gallery Tour, had another cuppa, did the 12pm O’Keeffe, Preston, Cossington Smith Tour and finished our gallery time with lunch in the Members Lounge.

We wandered across the Domain to Sydney City and had dessert at the David Jones Food Court Cafe. I wanted David to come through David Jones and try some fragrance. He’d been so nice to us in UAE when we were there and I figured EVERYONE needs a new scent. Sadly he wanted none of it. I did get him to spritz DIOR Leather Oud and CHANEL Bois des Iles. Maybe he’ll fall in love with them and ask me to grab them for him one day. As all good things must come to and end then it was time to go

Thursday 27:

Walked the dogs, Bank, Post Office and had an early lunch with Jin at our favourite local cafe. It’s been a beautiful morning, lazy & slow.

Afternoon much the same.

Serge Lutens Daim Blond for work. Got quite a few compliments. Surprising because I think of it as such a subtle beauty, well apparently it was wafting itself into peoples hearts.

Friday 28:

My right knee is playing silly buggers. Not so long ago the patella decided it wanted to drift around, it seems to have decided it needs another vacation from its prescribed spot. A throbbing, uncomfortable feeling that lodges itself in my stomach. Did ALL the exercises my guy prescribed last time it happened.

We took the dogs to the Off-Leash Dog Park nearby today and I was freaking out but the dogs seemed to love it, Jin loved it too. I was a bundle of nerves.

Actually I’m a bit glum. No reason, just a little bit bleach.

We’d organised a Korean BarBQ get together for a bunch of our mates but completely forgot that I have a Christmas In July Fundraiser tonight. Sometimes I surprise myself at how vague I can be. OOOPSIE!

I wore loads of Reem Acra because I wrote about it on Perfume Posse this week and felt it needed an outing. Perfect hefty sheer radiant white floral extravaganza that nods to history but is completely in the now.

Christmas In July Fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital was a grand success. We raised a bunch of money and the participants had a ball. Already talk of doing it again.

Saturday 29:

Jin decided he wanted to try Archery a few months ago. He wanted it to be a big fun day out for the crew but no one was interested. So, because we love him dearly, his BFF Matt and I said we’d go. Anyway the day was perfect and it was really easy to understand the basics, we had fun BUT my fingers are fricken killing now. STILL, nearly 12 hours later they are red and feel like they have pins & needles.

The guys were much better shots than me but I did manage one bullseye.

Home for a Saturday afternoon nap. I grabbed Paris my dog and we cuddled for the nap, Jin slept in front of the TV and his dog on the dog bed in front of the TV. LOADS of snoring from all four of us.

Kath’s dads birthday party tonight. The whole family there. Jin and I grabbed Take Away Chinese. The Lee family did the cake. Kath made sure there were gifts and drinks etc. We had a ball. I think Dad has a photo on his phone that Jin took of us all (Second shot). There was so much fun and laughter, we all had great stories to tell and it was a terrific night. As the birthday cake was being lit Dad (the birthday boy) started saying women didn’t know how to light matches and all hell broke loose. It was apocalyptic, and hilarious, everyone having a go at him for sexism and we were all laughing so much that my tummy hurts.

When I got home my buddy Michael sends me this pic of us in the dressing room of the Fridge in Brixton, London. We were Go-Go dancers there on Saturday nights and as you can see, high as kitten. Great memories.

Sunday 30:

Lazy Sunday with Jin at work, me home with the dogs. Only left the house today to walk them till work time. Heavenly Sunday.

Finished this lovely little shower gel in the bath today. B&BW Pretty As A Peach. Bubbles over my head. It was glorious.

Slathered myself in Guerlain La Cologne du Perfumer today. It’s a beautiful cologne, wears very fragrantly for about an hour and then softens off to almost a functional white musk but stays just interesting enough to jump that hurdle. Funnily, I can’t smell it after 2 hours but I got a compliment tonight at the end of work as I kissed Anna-Maria goodbye. That was five hours later.

 

OK, so you’ve read my life. How was your week? Share a story that’s fun, family, food, friends or fragrance oriented. Anything you’d like to share, we’d love to read it.

Portia xx

Scent Diary: 17.7 – 23.7.2017

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 23 Comments

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Portia

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Hey APJ,

Most of my week was taken up with sewing and creating new stuff for a gig on Friday night. there were also great moments and fun with friends and fragrance. Honestly I’ve been too swamped to take photos or really document my week in any detail, sorry. You’ll see some of the main protagonists though.
Portia xx

Scent Diary: 17.7 – 23.7.2017

Monday 17:

TinaG is still in hospital but looking 100% improved. This is the view from the end of her corridor, doesn’t Sydney City look like a fairytale and how blue is the sky. We went and hung out in the patients common room, Alice joined us and we had a really nice visit.

From the hospital Alice & I went off to the Estee Lauder Staff Shop. I was hoping to find some discontinued Tom Ford frags, particularly Ombre de Hyacinth but there was only a small selection. I only walked away with Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess travel set and Tom Ford London, which became my SOTD along with a few other things I spritzed while there. Alice grabbed a few bits and bobs but was particularly pleased that her HOLY GRAIL moisturiser was $50 cheaper there. So happy chappies all round.

Jin was working so I grabbed dinner. I thought you should know that while we do eat fabulous foods from around the world generally, SOMETIMES we love to eat rubbish. So tonight I didn’t even want to leave the house so Dominoes Pizza delivered. Thin & Crispy Hawaiian, Pepperoni, Spicy Chicken and a Garlic Bread. Tasted so good and filled me up YUM!

Trivia Q&A writing night. I started earlier today and got quite a bit done before my usual start time. Wearing more Atelier Cologne Tobacco Nuit to write questions and I’m about halfway through my 10ml decant. It’s a really lovely wearable fragrance that doesn’t steal my concentration when working but smells good in the coffee breaks.

Tuesday 18:

Today was a write off. BUSY running and getting shit done. Sewing the foam bits for my new headdress and work.

Morning: Guerlain Black Perfecto

Work: Cacharel Liberté

One exciting thing happened. I finally got a little cuddle with one of my long term crushes at work tonight. He He he. Poor boy spent the whole time saying his girlfriend would be furious. He should bring her next time so she would know that it was all in the fun of an evening and not being unfaithful.

Bed: Miller & Bertaux A Quiet Morning

Wednesday 19:

Weather is perfect. Dog walk was warm, sunny and uneventful.

My mind is preoccupied. Friday night I have a gig that has decided it will be a Super Hero Party. I don’t know if any of you have noticed but all the superheroes are buff. No fatty superheroes. So I’m having to create my own version of a superhero. I’m calling her Super Chunky. Maybe Super Ceded. Anyway, I’m off to get the gear to create this new hero. GAK! Wish me luck.

My search for a superhero fragrance today is CHANEL Antaeus. This stuff is SOO good.

Jin loves Krispy Creme. Today I bought him a box. Well, I say I bought it for him but four of them are for me. One each of the fancy ones. Jin’s favourites are the regular ones but he will force himself to eat fancy if they’re there.

A Guerlain Shalimar bubble bath and then spritzed lavishly with Guerlain Shalimar EdP for work.

Wendy and I had dinner together before Trivia at Greystanes Hotel. We had 8 teams to start with tonight and it was a fabulously fun evening. I really love the crew that comes to play there and the food is FABULOUS!

Thursday 20:

SEWING!!!!

Roger & Gallet Cedrat bubble bath, Guerlain Mitsouko EdT & parfum.

SEWING and HOT GLUEING!

Friday 21:

Sewing. My pointer finger has two hot glue blisters. Ouchie WA WA.

Morning: MORE Guerlain Mitsouko

Tonight was the big gig. Sydney Stingers, the gay waterloo team are fundraising for their 2018 France Gay games Adventure. I had a new frock and new wig for the night and drenched myself in Madonna Truth or Dare. No, I only have this photo from the night and it’s not in the new outfit! GRRR!

Saturday 22:

Miller et Bertaux A Quiet Morning

RECOVERING!

Jin and I got Chinese food and watched Despicable Me.

Tonight is one of my BFFs, Scott’s, BIRTHDAY! I hate house parties but I love Scott so I felt honour bound to drop in and say hi. It was a fabulous party with the backyard turned into a Disney Fairy Garden and the Disney Princesses as the houses backdrop.

Sunday 23:

Lay in bed, walked dogs, went to Pedicures with my mate Rose. YAY! We wandered IKEA afterwards and I got some incidentals.

After Pedis we grabbed some lunch and went visited our other mate Phil and hug at his place for a while.

Then home, bath and work. I had a lovely Robert Piguet Bandit bubble bath, used Amouage Dia lotion and Guerlain Black Perfecto EdP. Was swamped with fragrant compliments and everyone LOVED the new hair. I hope you do too.

 

OK, you’ve read my week, time to tell us about yours please. Big, little, good or bad; share a story with us. We love to read about you.
Portia xx

Scent Diary 10.7 – 16.7.2017

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 36 Comments

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Portia

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Hey Hey Fumie Family,

Busy week and lots of great scents. It seems I’ve been playing catch up for a short while because living is completely taking over my plans for a lazy life. Thank goodness I have such a great team of mates to help buoy me.

Scent Diary 10.7 – 16.7.2017

Monday 10:

It’s 2am on Monday morning and I have a sinus headache. Been boiling the jug and putting near boiling cloths over my face and breathing, a modicum of relief and the only thing that really works for me. I’ve turned the heater on in our bedroom and will pop a Panadol before jumping into bed. No SOTBed tonight, it would be wasted on my ouchy nose.

Bloody Hell. I forgot I have to take the car for Smash Repairs. It’s 7am.

Who that has a choice gets up at 7am? Bloody hell. I’ve been like a zombie. Only now fully caffeinated can I look at the world with bright sparkly eyes. So, the car is at the Smash Repairs, my insurance company (NRMA) which I’m usually quick to denigrate have been freaking awesome. They include in my cover a FREE Taxi to the FREE Hire Car and back when the job is done. I got lucky with my lady (Hey Barbara) at Hertz too. She was going to give me some HUGE monster car but I talked her down to a little KIA with only 700km on the clock. YAY!

TinaG has been in the hospital 18 days. I went in today with a mission to get her at least down to the restaurant, we went one step further and got her out into the cool sunshine. You’ll notice I gave her an Hermès bag to attach to her drip so she can feel glamorous and loved. The bag came filled with teas from around the world and some frags for her to sniff should the mood take her. On the way back to her room we had a sneaky Gelato.

My body is suffering overload today, it just wants to sleep. I had a Disco Nap when I got home and woke a little refreshed.

Here is the moon as i walked the dogs last night. It seemed much more eerie and atmospheric in real life.

Q&A, I sat down and got all the Jackpot, Games and organised the basic 20 questions for the whole week. Then my mind went blank and I was finding it really hard to concentrate so I downed tools and set the alarm for 5am, or so I thought……..

Tuesday 11:

So, I actually set the alarm for 5pm! Woke up at 7am and jumped out of my skin. Went straight to the desk and started doing my Q&A. It was a MAD SCRAMBLE and I’m not sure it was a particularly good job but it was the absolute best I was capable of.

Scott and I in the office today. Wearing Lolita Lempicka Au Masculin to help me focus and loving it. We got loads done today and I’m really pleased.

Tonights ablutions included Olympic Orchids Amber Labdanum Bath Oil, Madonna Truth or Dare Naked lotion and DSH Perfumes Ma Folie de Noel. All the amber and all the trimmings. I feel like it’s Christmas in July!

Wednesday 12:

Someone texted me at 7am. I leave my phone on in case of friend-mergency so when people do early stuff it wakes me. GAK! Got up and grabbed Paris. We went for a cuddle in the spare room. Greyhounds are so warm, best winter cuddle buddies.

At around 8am I was ready to start the day and grabbed my new bottle of Serge Lutens Five O’Clock au Gingembre. This bottle’s opening dies off very quickly leaving a soft fruity melange that lingers for a couple of hours. It’s around regular L’Artisan strength, someone pulled its teeth.

Had lunch at Sushi Train with my BFF Kath who is camera shy. Good catch up.

Then had a cuppa with fellow fumie Cassandra. It was really nice to see her after quite a while. We laughed and chattered half an hour away.

Ainslie Walker and I then met up with TinaG at the hospital and had an ice cream and cuppa together. Ainslie gave us the first sniff of her latest fragrance release for a crew at the Strand Arcade in Sydney. It’s all terribly exciting and a wonderful new adventure for her. Smells AH MAY ZING!

Left there in plenty of time to drop my hire car off so I could go get my car from the smash repairs but then TRAFFIC! Arrived at Hertz at 5.07pm and it was empty of people, gates shut and chained. GAK!! Thank goodness NRMA were able to extend my hire car for another day. No worries.

Tonight was a roller coaster. Jin cooked Dumpling Soup. O M G! So good. He also did this weird but delicious Sweet & Sour Chicken dish.

Then while walking the dogs, DRAMA!

Seems to have smoothed over now but it was like a flash flood.

Thursday 13:

More Serge Lutens Five O’Clock au Gingembre this morning. We got the rental car back, went and looked at UGG Boots (fail) and then lazed around the house till I had to start getting ready for work.

Bath time included B&BW Pretty As A Peach bubbles, Amouage Dia lotion and Amouage Dia Extrait. I forget how freaking enormous Dia is between wears and 5 sprays could be a little excessive. OOOPSIE!

For bed I’m spritzing Neela Vermeire Creations Mohur EdP. Night all.

Friday 14:

Had to go to town today to visit my dentist. Dr Ryan Nevin is a superstar, best known as Dentist McDreamy, and I’ve known him since he arrived in Sydney in 1996. I love to see him and he’s really good at keeping teeth in my head. We have been fighting to save about 6 of them for years and have only lost two. My decades as a drug addict that took little to no care of his teeth, or any other part of myself, did nothing to hurt the teeth themselves but badly affected my gums. We wage war on gingivitis, one we are mostly winning. Today Ryan was mightily pleased, so was I.

My idea to go wander the halls of Gallery NSW were crushed underfoot by busy friends, one of whom had me in for next week. So I jumped on the train and went home.

Once home, Paris & I curled up and napped for two glorious hours.

Jacomo Silences PdT accompanied me through my day. I spritzed at 9am and it still lingered through to 10.30pm

Walking the dogs was a complete joy tonight in the very frosty air and the sky seemed to go on for eternity. We only walked about a kilometre but I came home warmed through and invigorated.

Then I cleaned the house, chatted to Neela Vermeire for an hour and blogged all night long.

For bed I doused myself in Carner Barcelona Rima XI. Sweet, dry, sugar coated amber biscuits. MMMMMMM

Saturday 15:

BRRRRRR! It’s chilly this morning.

Mates Alice & Sam went and did a huge workout nearby in Parramatta Park so I told them to come over afterwards for a Morning Tea of Scones, Passionfruit Butter (Courtesy of TinaG. YUMMY!), Apricot Jam and freshly Whipped Cream with as much tea as everyone could drink. It was a perfect wake up and later when Jin got out of bed he finished them off. How cute are Sam & Alice in the photo? I looked at it and smiled, their great gorgeous personalities shine through brilliantly.

You know it’s these tiny moments of fun that make life worthwhile. I wish you could all come have a morning tea at mine.

Bathtime I finished Hermès Eau de Mandarine Ambrée in the bubble bath. I really liked the way it smelled and am going to miss it.

 

SOTD turned out to be Black Perfecto by Guerlain. Review and giveaway to follow.

Dinner tonight at my favourite Chinese restaurant in Sydney, the Liu Rose in Concord. Kath, Sam and Alice came with me to celebrate Alice’s new job! Woo Hoo! We had pink bubbles, Peking Duck, San Choi Bow, Shredded Beef, Crispy Skinned Boneless Lemon Chicken and Egg Fried Rice. Loads of laughs and so much to talk about. Bloody hell, how does anyone keep up with all the excellent TV being made this season?

Spritzed loads more Black Perfecto by Guerlain before bed. I’m not entirely convinced but maybe I will be. At dinner Alice said she LOVED it.

Sunday 16:

Got up late and walked the dogs. Wearing Black Perfecto by Guerlain again. The opening is noxious but once it settles it’s not so awful. HA! Actually, it is rather nice through the heart and dry down. Nothing special or groundbreaking but it smells good.

Bath time today I used B&BW Warm Vanilla Sugar for my bubbles, Madonna Truth or Dare Naked lotion and Atelier Cologne Tobacco Nuit fragrance from a decant. Review coming next week. How did I miss this beauty, so good. I can see a FB in my future.

Work was super fun. First I bumped into our beautiful greyhounds’ trainer Charlie & his wife. They are super beautiful people and I love to flirt with Charlie who has no idea I’m doing it but laughs because I’m an idiot.

Then the crew were so much fun I wanted you to meet them all.

Last but not least, here am I saying time to put this show to bed for another week.

 

OK, you’ve read my week, time to tell us about yours please. Big, little, good or bad; share a story with us. We love to read about you.
Portia xx

Scent Diary: 3.7 – 9.7.2017

/ australianperfumejunkiescom / 24 Comments

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Portia

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Heya Fumies, Friends & Family,

This week was kind of unexpected. Stuff broke down at the Tasmania property so we had to go fix it. Sadly Jin was working so it was done without my personal tradie. He was missed.

A couple of things I forgot to put in last weeks Scent Diary from Sunday. Anna-Maria and Kim from the team Sluts United and me in full halo/God mode. Also Coffee Creme Brûlée with Cream and Ice-Cream. Hello heart failure, so worth it.

Scent Diary: 3.7 – 9.7.2017

Monday 3:

This morning I was up bright and early because my mate David asked me to speak to the seniors group from the RSL at their Church Hall. I was scared the whole thing was going to cave in around me. It was a lovely morning, the oldest in the group is 101 and they were all totally together and with it. Firstly I gave about a 15 minutes potted history of my life and family history which they loved and even laughed at my crap jokes, I even said bullshit and there were some hearty giggles. Then we did 12 Trivia Q&A and boy did they get into it. They were even giving me cheek! I was there around 40 minutes with them and enjoyed every moment. So sorry I didn’t take a picture of the group but I did get a shot outside.

I wore Divine EdP for the event and I smelled beautiful.

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Divine/Divine-42.htmlFragrantica

Then I was chained to the computer for the rest of the day with some quick breaks for four, dogs, washing some towels & mats and Jin was home so we had chats too.  Really good day. When life is this calm & good, it’s great to be alive.

Late in the evening I took some time to pack my bag for Tasmania with Neela Vermeire Creations Bombay Bling, Guerlain Ambre Eternal, Hermès Muguet Porcelaine and Boucheron original parfum. A varied selection that should keep me interested over a three day stint.

Made some dinner and had a long hot soak in the tub.

Tuesday 4:

Up and walking the dogs in the very cool morning darkness of 4.20am. They were quite surprised at my early awakening. Me too.

Jin drove me to the airport on his way to work and we were both a bit bleary on the drive in. Met up with Johnny, the best plumber in town, and we hopped a 7am plane to Launceston, Tasmania. How cool is it that Sydney Airport runway is right next to the water, could not have asked for a more perfect winter day. Johnny and I both had windows so the views were spectacular till we hit the Tasmanian clouds, which were still lovely in their own way.

Once there we hired a car and drove up to George Town, there to fix an ailing kitchen and bring the laundry from the garage into the house.

It was a busy scramble and our tenant Dale worked solidly beside Johnny and the boys got loads done. We had a few conferences through the day and had to do some surprise shopping but so far we have only blown out the shopping budget by 15-20%. Not bad considering there were some surprises.

For dinner I had talked up the local burger joint. I was so excited to get back there and have one of the best burgers in my memory. Sadly the shop had been so quiet that they turned off the stoves 1.5 hours early and we had to make do with some very ordinary schnitzel sandwiches. BUMMER!

The cottage I rented us was super cute. 2 bedrooms and a beautifully comfortable living room. The bathroom was a bit weird though and not very private. We were fine and staggered our ablutions so it was all above board.

So it’s 9pm, I’ve been running on under 3 hours sleep all day and now I’m bushed.

Wednesday 5:

BLOODY HELL! Early morning, straight to it. I ran Johnny to the house then came back to our cottage and showered. It was lovely to have a moment of peace amongst the madness. After the shower I doused myself in Neela Vermeire Creations Bombay Bling. So funny. Down here in Tasmania the air is so clean and clear that the fragrance was 100% huger. It was like I had done 20 sprays.

After the shower I went and bought some postcards and organised the mens lunches. In both shops I apologised to the shopkeepers for wearing so much perfume. Really it felt like I had 1980s amounts of scent on. Fortunately both women said they loved my fragrance and that I was wearing exactly the right amount (Sweet lies).

Johnny and our tenant Dale got so much done today and then we went to Bunnings in Launceston as a group with Katie (Dale’s wife) and their two kids. We had Bunnings Sausage Sandwiches, a total win. The men were like kids in a candy store and took hours to get their shit organised. Katie, the kids and I went through the garden section and then had coffees & cakes while one of the kids jumped around in the kids playground.

This is my new husband Craig, really Jin couldn’t complain if I brought home a tomboy, could he? I’m nice, I share my toys.

We came home at 6pm and Johnny cooked himself some bacon sandwiches. He was so freaking proud of himself and happy eating them. Then we had cream buns for dessert! Not my favourite bakeries ones but pretty good nonetheless.

Now it’s time for bed. Goodnight.

Thursday 6:

If you think yesterday was full then today was 150% more action packed. We had plumbing, electrician and helper doing the garage, kitchen, laundry and bathroom. We added extra things in all day long and still managed to finish 20 minutes early. It was a wonderful day, everyone working together and helping. Sure, I spent a bunch of money, basically a years rent but we expected to have big bills in the first year and these are them. Fingers crossed that we can leave the houses alone to rent peacefully for the next couple of years.

First we went to the Simpson house where the tenants are moving out Monday. They have left the house about 170% more beautiful than it was when we bought it. Even the gardens are pristine.

Johnny the plumber works fast, is clever and I trust him to go full steam ahead all day long. The extra it cost me to bring him was easily made up for in sheer hard work and the joy of having him around. Can’t praise hips work ethic enough. He knows all the tricks to shortcut expense yet end up with a perfect finished result. Calarco Plumbing if you need him.

We used Tasmanian Electrical Services for the sparky work because Jin was working. Greg came and he was a lovely man, full of fun and went to with gusto. Though he is a bit slower than Jin he did his best and got all our extras done in tidy and finished manner. I’d call him again.

The big surprise though was Dale, our tenant, who took three days off work and was the best supporter we could have asked for. Nothing was too hard, dirty or boring for him. He ran to the hardware to get extras, helped, joked, worked like a house elf and was excellent company.

I know, I’m raving but the three men got five days worth of jobs done in three, with a bit of time to spare.

Our cottage let us keep the room till 7pm for only a $50 extra charge and were very accommodating.

While Johnny took a last minute shower before we left I went and watched the sunset from the waterfront which is two streets away from the cottages. Heavenly. It was a serene moment and I probably shouldn’t have ruined the spell by clicking pics but I wanted to share the magic with you lot. No filters have been used to enhance these shots in any way. Not even cropped, this is how they came on the phone.

All in all a successful and productive adventure. Currently Johnny and I are at Launceston Airport ready to go home on the 8.40pm flight. I am bushed, and I hardly did anything except point, organise and pay. He must be shattered.

Can you believe it? We arrive at Sydney Airport and standing one taxi rank away from us is Andrew Denton. I told Johnny and he was so excited because he and Anna-Maria LOVE him. So I sent him off with my camera to take a selfie and tell Andrew how much his family love him. Watching it was beautiful, I think it made Johnny’s whole trip and Andrew Denton looked really pleased that someone had bothered to go thank him for all his hard work.

It was a really nice moment. Thank you Andrew Denton for treating Johnny with such affable respect.

Friday 7:

My head is not right today. I’m not sure what’s going on but my focus is bad. I’m going to rest for the day because we have a crew coming tonight. See you later. I’m going for a big long soak in the bath. Bath and Body Works Pretty As A Peach bubbles, Madonna Truth or Dare Naked lotion and Guerlain Mitsouko EdT. I am a peach princess.

Tonight was HUGE. A whole crew of us got together for Pumpkin Soup dinner at ours then we all went to Parramatta Winterlight. There was Ice Skating, Rides, Food, Fun and general mayhem aplenty. I’m not going to give you a blow by blow account but we had a ball then trundled off to McDonalds for a midnight snack before bed. Yes, I know. we’re disgusting, but it was really fun. Here’s some pics.

Saturday 8:

Lazy morning.

Tim came out to Parramatta for lunch. We sniffed and laughed but I bloody forgot to take pics. SORRY!

No, I tell a lie. We did take a pic of my newest new arrival. Arielle Shoshana EdP. WOW! It is the fruitiest damn thing EVAH! People are saying it loses its strength after a short time but I can smell it HOURS later.

Dinner with Hyun, Steve and Alice. I’d never had Hot Pot before and though it’s not going to bump Korean BarBQ, Pizza or KFC on my faves list it was fun and delicious. We had fun chattering and eating, conversation jumped all over the place.

From there we trotted off to Messina Ice Cream and went CRAZY! It was bloody delicious.

Caught the bus home and while walking from it noticed the moon was giving full rings like a circular rainbow. The picture hardly captures the magic but does give an idea.

Phew. Home now and bushed.
BED!

Jacomo Silences PdT was my evening frag choice because Mals86 was talking about it in her Scent Diary on Muse In Wooden Shoes. Its sharp green fuzz is beautiful in the cool of a Sydney winter. Crystaline.

Sunday 9:

Beautiful morning. The dog walk was lovely. I do wish other people with dogs would pick up the poo though. I picked up three not my dog poos this morning just left in the walkways. Some people are assholes.

It’s pretty cool here in Sydney but not really cool enough for the heater so we are both rugged up. Jin finishes nights tomorrow so I’ll get some quality time with him hopefully.

I went to a local barber today. Problem is I’m getting so blind that my beard is going in all directions. So I thought I’d get an expert in to do the shape and I can maintain. He did an OK job but really it’s not perfect. Once I dyed it and did a little bit of reshaping it seems to be nearly OK. Not a biggie but all I asked for was a reshape.

Used the last of my LUSH Rose Jam bubble bath (I’m going to miss it), Kiehl’s Original Musk lotion and Keiko Mecheri Un Jour d’Ete fragrance.

 

OK Crew! It’s your turn. What’s your week been like? Did you spritz, meet, hang or go anywhere? What about your family & friends, see them, do stuff? Maybe you read a book that we all need to know about.
Please comment and share something of yourself, we love it.
Feel free to comment respectfully on someone elses comment too. This is all about sharing ourselves and communication. Yours may be the only positive interaction that someone has all day, take the plunge.
Portia xx