Scent Diary: 3.6 – 9.6.2019

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Portia

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Hey there APJ Crew,

WOW! Mongolia, South Korea and home. What a sensational wrap up to nearly six weeks of travel. Jin really outdid himself as Cruise Director, we saw more than I dreamed possible. The whole adventure was planned perfectly, we also had a few very lucky breaks and helpful friends along the way.

We were so busy and there was zero sit time so almost the whole week was blogged from the Asiana Lounge at Seoul Incheon Airport on Friday evening while waiting for my plane. VERY relaxing.

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My Fasnacht Experience and Moving In

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Sandra

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Hey there APJ!

“It has been said that a Scotchman has not seen the world until he has seen Edinburgh; and I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi-Gras in New Orleans.”
Mark Twain in a Letter to Pamela Moffett, 9 and 11 March 1859

I think Mark Twain was onto something when he penned the above sentiment. Edinburgh and New Orleans opened up my eyes to so many new experiences. I can further say that one has not experienced Basel until they attend some of the Fasnacht activities.

My Fasnacht Experience and Moving In

Fasnacht took place during the three days of 11 through 13 March and it transformed this quiet city into a colourful, joyful and spirited party for three full days. We went in fully unprepared for what we were about to witness.

On Monday we went to the parade starting at lunchtime. I had my alarm set for three to go see the start at four, but the need for sleep won. The parade showcased the different groups and their bands and the various lanterns were carried around. What I loved seeing was all of the mimosa blossoms on the wagons. They were so fragrant and occasionally they would be given out to the spectators. Candy was thrown to the kids as well as fruits and vegetables which can hurt by the way if you happen to not catch it. Some kids went with big bags and scooped up all the candy they could which reminded me of Halloween in the US.

The second day we went to the children’s parade which was adorable. Later that day we walked to the area of town where all of the lanterns were being displayed. Dusk came and the lanterns came to life as they were lit up. I could make out some of the messages in the artwork, however some of the more locally politically directed lanterns left me wondering what exactly they meant. Some seemed racially directed, several were obvious about the new phase of global geopolitics we find ourselves in and others were celebrations of milestone events. It was a great first experience. Now that we know the many rules of attending Fasnacht, I am sure that next year will be even better.

In other news, we finally got the keys to the house and the movers have already unpacked all of the boxes. Here are a couple of pictures of the empty house and a surprise guest – the friendly neighborhood cat. Can you believe that it actually came into the house and wanted to wander around? My son was thrilled.

As you read this we will finally be living in the house and trying to set up the rooms and a routine.

Perfume will come back next time.

How have you all been doing?
Oodles of kisses,
Sandra xo

What’s Your Insta Handle?

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Portia

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Hey Crew,

It’s the 5th Tuesday so I’m filling the gap. Val had a fabulous idea. Let’s find out each others INSTAGRAM handle so we can follow each others lives visually. It’s not nearly so intrusive as FB and much more sharing that Twitter. I reckon the idea is good.

What’s Your Insta Handle?

I need to give you fair warning though. My Insta is a jumble of friends, food, fun and finally fragrance. For some reason it’s the place that gets the biggest hodge lodge. So if you’re looking for a page that is frafg only then you will probably want to bypass mine.

@portiatbo

Go check it out if you like.

Now tell us yours so we can all follow along.

Portia xx

SOTD 24.9 – 30.9.2018

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Portia

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Hi APJ,

A SOTD (Scent Of The Day) thread is a really good conversation generator. The idea is you’ll chime in through the week with whatever scent you are wearing. You don’t need to be super knowledgable, have high faluting tastes or be a published author to comment. Just tell us what fragrance you’re wearing, smelling, buying etc. and how it makes you feel and/or anything else about it that tickles your fancy.

You can also comment on everyone else choices too. It’s great to tell someone how much you love their choice, ask for more info about it, the house or perfumer. There’s someone here from around the world 24/7 and perfume people love to chat.

SOTD 24.9 – 30.9.2018
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SOTD 17.9 – 23.9.2018

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Portia

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Hi APJ,

A SOTD (Scent Of The Day) thread is a really good conversation generator. The idea is you’ll chime in through the week with whatever scent you are wearing. You don’t need to be super knowledgable, have high faluting tastes or be a published author to comment. Just tell us what fragrance you’re wearing, smelling, buying etc. and how it makes you feel and/or anything else about it that tickles your fancy.

You can also comment on everyone else choices too. It’s great to tell someone how much you love their choice, ask for more info about it, the house or perfumer. There’s someone here from around the world 24/7 and perfume people love to chat.

SOTD 17.9 – 23.9.2018
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SOTD 10.9 – 16.9.2018

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Portia

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Hi APJ,

A SOTD (Scent Of The Day) thread is a really good conversation generator. The idea is you’ll chime in through the week with whatever scent you are wearing. You don’t need to be super knowledgable, have high faluting tastes or be a published author to comment. Just tell us what fragrance you’re wearing, smelling, buying etc. and how it makes you feel and/or anything else about it that tickles your fancy.

You can also comment on everyone else choices too. It’s great to tell someone how much you love their choice, ask for more info about it, the house or perfumer. There’s someone here from around the world 24/7 and perfume people love to chat.

SOTD 10.9 – 16.9.2018
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SOTD 3.9 – 9.9.2018

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Portia

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Hi APJ,

A SOTD (Scent Of The Day) thread is a really good conversation generator. The idea is you’ll chime in through the week with whatever scent you are wearing. You don’t need to be super knowledgable, have high faluting tastes or be a published author to comment. Just tell us what fragrance you’re wearing, smelling, buying etc. and how it makes you feel and/or anything else about it that tickles your fancy.

You can also comment on everyone else choices too. It’s great to tell someone how much you love their choice, ask for more info about it, the house or perfumer. There’s someone here from around the world 24/7 and perfume people love to chat.

SOTD 3.9 – 9.9.2018
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Saturday Question: What Is Your Guilty Fragrant Pleasure?

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Portia

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Hello Fellow Fumies,

At APJ we have a Saturday Question. Everyone gets to chime in with an answer, chat with other responders and it’s a fun event each week. Taking sides never means taking offence and everyone keeps it respectful and light, even though we can sometimes trawl the depths.

The idea is you’ll see it on the weekend or chime in through the week. Hopefully you will come back regularly and see if anyone has responded to your comment and you can reply to them. The aim is to generate real conversation and connection even though we are scattered around the globe.

Saturday Question: What Is Your Guilty Fragrant Pleasure?

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Neela Vermeire Creations: Summer Vacation Memories + GIVEAWAY

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Sandra

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Hey there APJ! How have you all been doing?

Summer has gone by in a flash here. The schools only have six weeks of vacation which in my mind is too short. That aside, it was a fantastic summer here in the Netherlands with high temperatures and no rain. You see, I love the heat and sunshine.

Neela Vermeire Creations

So, in order to get my yearly fix of heat and sunshine I flew with my son to Atlanta to visit my parents and see family and friends. I decided to travel with a couple of Neela Vermeire Creations perfumes.

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SOTD 27.8 – 2.9.2018

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Portia

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Hi APJ,

A SOTD (Scent Of The Day) thread is a really good conversation generator. The idea is you’ll chime in through the week with whatever scent you are wearing. You don’t need to be super knowledgable, have high faluting tastes or be a published author to comment. Just tell us what fragrance you’re wearing, smelling, buying etc. and how it makes you feel and/or anything else about it that tickles your fancy.

You can also comment on everyone else choices too. It’s great to tell someone how much you love their choice, ask for more info about it, the house or perfumer. There’s someone here from around the world 24/7 and perfume people love to chat.

SOTD 27.8 – 2.9.2018
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