Heya Perfume Posse! Portia from Australian Perfume Junkies dropping by with 5 easy things to do that can change your life from DRAB to FAB!! I think I know what you’re thinking, “Not another rubbish list of crap 5 easy things!” Well, in my past life wasn’t always so rosy, there have been a load of ups but many were followed by very dark valleys. Sometimes it only takes one positive thought or action to change the course of your day from black to rainbow. Here are 5 easy things, and though they take some thought or organising they are easy, just 5 easy things that have helped me through black days and I’ve kept them even though I am now living rainbow days.
5 Easy Things That Help Me Feel FAB-U-LOUS!!
Photo Stolen Michael Napoleon Flickr
1) Set the Alarm 20 Minutes EARLY
It feels counter intuitive at first, especially if you are a night owl like me, to set the alarm 20 minutes earlier than you need to be out of bed but it works a treat. Why? Well I also set it to go off again 10 minutes early and on time. The first alarm wakes me up with a jolt from wherever I am in dreamland and scares the living shit out of me with its air raid siren buzzes but I am awake. I then have 10 dreamy half asleep/half awake minutes to just lay there and think no thoughts at all except to either grab Jin’s pillow and cuddle it or lie flat on my back and float. The second alarm is much calmer and a bit pretty even, bells chiming and softly increasing. Once #2 is turned off I then have 10 luxurious minutes to think about my day ahead, organise my thoughts and ready myself for alarm #3 which is a real get out of bed you lazy bastard buzzer. I think the 20 minutes spent on this gives me more rest than the whole night of sleep before it and I can go into my day feeling ready.
Photo Stolen WikiMedia
2) Say Thank You
Another thing that feels like “super weirdo” when you first start doing it but it does help to remind me how lucky I am. Every time anything even slightly good happens I say in my head THANK YOU. Sunny day? Thank You. Find a car park? Thank You. Coffee is hot and yummy? Thank You. Spell Check catches your mistakes? Thank You. Parcel arrives in the post? Thank You. Stranger smiles at you in the street? Thank You. Pretty soon you will be saying Thank You a lot and realise how lucky you are just to be given today, every day.
Photo Stolen GraziaDaily
3) Pay Off Some Extra Credit Card
We all spend too much, let’s face it. Sometimes I fill my cart at the online fragrance store with a few things I really want to own. Wish List Stuff. Then I delete everything I can’t currently afford. Some days that is nearly everything, some days there’s a hefty three figure number there. Then, instead of spending I take that money and use it to pay off some of my Credit Card. I will not run out of perfume anytime soon and the feeling at having that EXTRA payment done is WONDERFUL. It can get my balance to zero in no time if I put my mind to it.
Photo Stolen DeviantArt
4) Have A Bath
I know that loads of you don’t have a bathtub so a foot-soak will have to do for you. Every day I have a bath, I love that it takes 5 minutes to fill and the oil (currently using a vintage 500ml Penhaligon’s Bath Oil, Olympic Orchids Amber Labdanum Bath Oil and various Essential Oils) or salts (Radox Bath Salts, Pure & Basic:Passionate Pear or plain rock salt) that I put in scent half the house every day. Already, before I even get in I feel lavish. While in the bath I completely submerge with rises from the depths to breathe while it’s still super hot, I clean myself then play Words With Friends till finished all games. A >1 minute sluice in a cool shower and out. I feel like a complete beauty queen after it every day, gorgeous and spoiled.
Photo Stolen Simon Pielow Flickr
5) Never Save Anything For Best
Do you continue to use the old chipped every day set of crockery? Have some beautiful unused towels in the cupboard? Leave your vintage parfums for occasions? STOP! Every day that you are alive is one you should celebrate by using the best you have. Sure, it doesn’t make sense to walk the dog in your vintage Balenciaga couture gown, but nothing should stop you from enjoying your vintage Quadrille as often as possible. Eat off the good china instead, put the best sheets on your bed, use those lavish thick bath sheets and be glad and grateful that you can and have. You are the best you’ve got, give yourself the gift of the best you have. So you may one day have no vintage Quadrille left, so what! The memories of shopping, loving, dining, cleaning or whatever you have done in it will last you a lifetime and the simple, self indulgent fun of wearing such outrageously lavish perfume is happiness itself.
I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings and thanks for sticking around. Yes, none of these are particularly new thoughts or profound but they are 5 easy things that I have found effective. They up my happiness and delete some of my darknesses. What fragrance did I wear while creating this fun, light hearted, mini list of 5 easy things that help my Fab-O-Meter rise to the top? The lovely soft remnants of Sushi Imperial by Bois 1920 and Dew Musk by Montale, together they smell like Amouage Ubar, not exactly but there are definite references throughout and that has had me smiling all day.
If you though this was cool and want some more perfume fun why not trot over to Australian Perfume Junkies and see what we have going on. We’d love to see you over there too.
What do you waft when you want to feel particularly lavish?
Portia xx
Portia, I can’t thank you enough for the list. I was just diagnosed with cancer, and the list was here just when I need it. There is something about perfume people. Things pop up just when you need them. A few months ago Musette wrote about “inner strength” from aromatherapy associates, which the owner formulated to help her through cancer treatments. . I bought it even before I even knew I had cancer because of what Musette said about its calming effect.
Thanks so much.
Love the advice! 🙂 Especially the one about setting the alarm 20 minutes earlier, I’ve got to try that out.
One of my greatest pleasures is to no longer use an alarm clock… I get up when I wake up naturally. It is such a luxury and I feel grateful for it every day (I don’t have to leave for work until 10am). I do the Thank You thing too – today was an especially wonderful day and as I sat watching the sunset, my heart said thank you. You are the best, Portia!
WOW Tara, even a 10am start would have me snoring right through it many mornings. You are gifted with an internal, lucky you.
Sunsets!! What a show. I am lucky enough to drive into at least one sunset a week through Spring and Autumn, magical soul restorer and something to be infinitely grateful for.
You are pretty damn fabulous yourself Princess Tara.
Portia xx
Love the list! Has to be bath for me, Nothing better than a soak in the tub with some radox after a long day! Thanks for sharing 🙂 xx
Becky, the bath is KING!! Or Queen in my case. I love it. Absolute and utter me time. Sometimes when I am in there a bit late and Jin will come in, sit on the closed toilet with a cuppa or drink and relate thew days events. That can be nice too sometimes.
Portia xx
LOL, There has been many times when I have felt so relaxed that I drifted off and woken up in a tub of cold water! 🙂 xx
I always enjoy your posts Portia! This one is so absolutely dead on true. It took me a very long time to know these things. I always wear my favorite scents whenever I want. Even if I’m just washing the floor or scrubbing the toilet!! I wear perfume for me. I do the exact same thing with the alarm in the morning 🙂 It is just so heavenly. Thanks for another great post! xo
Beth,
It’s fun to wear stuff just for yourself. How great is it to wear a wonderful vintage Parfum and clean the toilet.
Portia xxx
Okay, decided to reveal that I have a lovely cream silk chiffon top and long floaty-flowing skirt with a little discreet pearl beading. Every now and then I put it on for a special evening at home, put on some gardenia perfume, and feel like the Fairy Queen. I would never dream if wearing it in public, no matter how formal the occasion. It is a private pleasure for the two of us, and can boost my morale for days afterwards.
That makes me so happy. You have put a great big smile on my face FeralJasmine. What a great share and picture.
Portia xxx
Good advice for everyone! (I will have to work on #1 a little bit, as I am not an early morning type, but I can see the good that comes with it!)
I too am not a happy early morning person either. This helps with that a lot.
Portia xx
Love your list! I would add: share. It is a bit like saying (or thinking Thank You), and it can mean sharing tangible things or it can mean sharing ideas, experiences, passions. Your #5 is so important, and you can share those things too. Some years ago, I had a bunch of people over for Thanksgiving, to which one of my close friends brought along a lady none of us knew well. She was mortified when she spilled gravy on the fancy lace tablecloth I had laid out. I immediately told her that it just did not matter; I would much rather use something nice than to stow it away perpetually out of fear it might get a stain or two. She seemed reassured when I said that life is too short not to use nice things.
OMG!! I love SHARE. Did you get the gravy stain out?
Portia xx
I think we did get the stain out. My husband, God bless him, has become a stain removal expert, as I am always dripping something on the front of my shirt. 😀
Your husband gets snaps from me,
Portia xx
These are great, especially #2 and #5. I think I need you to send me positive and uplifting messages every day. Oh wait, you already do that with your blog! 😉
Thank You FleurDeLys
It’s always nice to have you around,
Portia xx
Lovely post! Thank you!
You are most welcome Michelle.
Portia xx
Dear Portia,
One of your best posts ever! Love the suggestions. My addition would be: enjoy music to lift your spirits. Don’t let the voice inside yourself say that the music you like isn’t cool enough. I have wide ranging, eclectic taste. Sometimes I’m listening to classical, sometimes it’s 80s New Wave. Just listen and sing along if you want. 🙂
Excellent addition Dina C
Yes music can always lift my spirits too.
Portia xx
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I’ve done that alarm clock thing for years and it really does work. I just can’t imagine getting out of bed at first buzz. Ack. And if I can I pay my bills as soon as they arrive. That’s a great feeling; some people swear by it as a means of managing your finances but it’s not always possible.
But I do save some perfumes for best – VC&A’s First, 31 Rue Cambon, and Parfum de Nicolai’s Maharanih. No, I don’t wear them often (occasionally a dab of First in the evening if I’m by myself). But they do feel wonderfully special when I do wear them and I have great memories associated with each. And it’s not like I lack for other magnificent perfumes. If any of those three were to be d/c, now that would be a true dilemma!
My Mum used to talk about single handling of bills. She would pile them up till the end of the week and pay what she could, each week. It used to make her extremely happy when there were none in the pile.
Portia xx
Thank you for this inspiring list, Portia. No. 5 really resonated with me as I have just finished unpacking a dinner service that arrived from the Uk today – it belonged to my mum and was a wedding present for my parents70 years ago. It was hardly ever used, being “her best” but I do remember it making an appearance for Christmas and Easter dinners and various special family occasions. I had already earmarked a place in my dining room cupboard for it, planning to follow in my mum’s footsteps,and marking it down for its premiere appearance here this Christmas. Until I read your post. I am going to use it – for pancakes, for fish n chip suppers, for roast Sunday lunch. I’m glad that mum kept it in such good shape because I get to enjoy it now and each time I do, I’ll remember number 2 on your list – to say thank you.
That is AWESOME. You will be so happy using it, and thinking about your Mum. Just remember EVERYTHING is replaceable on eBay in case of breakage.
Portia xx
What a lovely post. Thanks for sharing, Portia! These must really work as you always seem so upbeat!
They REALLY work, I am upbeat. There are still some black moments but they are rare. Life is good.
Portia xx
What a great list! I am a night owl too and I do the alarm clock thing PLUS I have it set 10 minutes fast.
I know too many people who never or rarely use their best things. One woman I know had an full bottle of Opium that had become vintage while she was “saving” it. She had a get-together that included some people that she didn’t know well and it was stolen. She still saves her best things for a day that will never come.
That is a super sad story. BUMMER for the Opium. Totally happy to meet other clock people.
Portia xx
Dear Portia –
That is an excellent list. I particularly like the advice about THANK YOU. So much better than bitching-and-moaning all day.
Hey Martha,
ABSOLUTELY!!!
Portia xx
Great post Portia, thanks. In regards to using your best, not saving it, I completely agree. I have been setting the table with Sasaki crystal and different sets of “good” china and linen for years, and letting the grandkids learn (yes, there has been breakage) to enjoy these things. Of course, I’ve created a monster or two, the 8 year old can spot a designer dress in a heartbeat, and has announced her crystal will probably be Val St Lambert, lol.
Ha Ha Ha!! I love that you have created a FABULOUS monster. The breakages are all replaceable on eBay. My families Royal Doulton was only a 6 seater, now it seats 20 for 5 courses, all from eBay. It brings me so much joy when we use it.
Portia xx
Loved the post Portia! Just reading it made me feel happier..:) Today I am wafting Amouage Lyric (even though it is not really ‘Lyric’ weather, but who cares..:))
Thanks Lavanya,
If you feel happier then my work is done.
Lyric is for EVERY weather, I bet you smell incredible
Portia xx
the best thing i have read in a long time! cheers to you for sharing your list. i totally agree with your alarm clock theory – it works for me, too! and thanks for the other reminders.
cheers,
minette
You are totally welcome minette,
That you also do the early alarm thing. I thought I was alone in the world.
Portia xx
never alone. 🙂
Thanks, Portia, for sharing your thoughts and practical ideas. Each of these ideas is a positive and a good thing. I know Martha Stewart seemed to coin the phrase “It’s a Good Thing”…but it is SO fitting for so many situations. It is good to know when you have a Good Thing!
I don’t think there is enough Gratitude in the world. No matter how dark life is, there is always something Good in there if we look for it.
You are a wise, funny, dear soul and I appreciate you. <3
Thanks for reading Gwenyth,
You are appreciated right back.
Thanks
Portia xx
I love this list. I actually do the early alarm thing—it drives my husband crazy sometimes—and I’m getting much better at #5… especially with perfume.
YAY!! I am so happy to find another early alarmer. YAY Janice. My partner Jin is already CER AY ZEE. Glad to know you’re wearing the good stuff too.
Portia xx
Such a wonderful list Portia, thank you for sharing. Never save anything for best is one that really hits me today, yes!! I have loads of antique pottery and furniture and I use it all, all the time. I was a little in quandry after I bought an unopened vintage bottle of L’Heure Bleu – should I open it or not? After staring at it for hours I decided that the art of perfume was in the wearing of it, not looking at it in it’s pristine bottle, so I cut that cord off and opened it up and am really enjoying the opportunity to wear something very special and something that was made to be a fleeting, exquisite experience. Thank you so much – I love your posts!
MaryP,
You have given me a big smile. both your L’Heure Bleue story and that you love my posts.
Portia xx
Oh, Portia, thanks for the lovely advice today (except for the alarm clock part). I like to jump out of bed to turn it off and then I know I’m up. And thanks for the pic of the beautiful credit card dress. I want that. 🙂
Hey LaurenW,
Isn’t that Amex Dress amazing!! My mate Tim Chappell designed and made that frock for Lizzie. They were a great team.
Portia xx
Portia, I love this post and your wonderful, practical, fabulous attitude. Number five is my favorite. I’ve been housebound off & on for a while now but I always wear my jewelry, whatever I feel like, even if I’m wearing it with yoga pants (that have never been to yoga). We’re talking piles of vintage and otherwise funky jewelry, it’s my trademark. I’m actively looking for a caftan on the cheap, so that when I feel like swanning around the house wafting clouds of Shalimar and strings of beads, I have the right outfit for it. That kind of stuff at least helps to decorate those dark valleys.
Hey Rosarita!! Love that you wear your family jewellery around the house. Go to ETSY for your caftan, they will have oodles,
Portia xx
When I am feeling blue, I’ll blow dry my hair and use a round brush to style my hair and put on a little make up. I’m not one who wears make up or styles my hair on a regular basis but that helps. Or I will donate a little bit to the Wounded Warriors.
Hey Eldarwen,
I love simple no cost happiness inducers. Who are wounded warriors?
Portia xx
It’s a charity to help veterans from Iraq and Afganistan.
We are so lucky in Australia, out veterans have an excellent return scheme. Free hospital, special low interest loans, retraining and rehabilitation all at the governments expense. We still have some great charities that help them too.
Portia xx
Thank you for the uplifting thoughts… love that your list includes great things that don’t cost money! But, I can embrace credit card thingy only sometimes!
I would like to have a huge selection of lavish bath oils, gels and salts, with double benefit of hot water and beautiful scents.
Am also indulging in some delicious L’Erbolario body products I found recently in Italy.
Today someone said, FREE is the right price. I concur.
Having a bath is my secret weapon.
Portia xx
Thank you for the wonderful list. I have been trying to shake a chest infection and my mood has been crabbier than usual. I think that I will follow your 5 steps and relax and get healthy.
Kitty, hope you feel better soon! Try drinking lots of red (rooibos), white and green tea — they’re loaded with antioxidants. I had a similar infection a few years back and the tea seemed to help.
Get well Kitty
Portia xx
Portia, this is a wonderful list — thank you!! I always try to have an attitude of gratitude, daily thanking God for the many blessings He has given me. I really need to work on No. 5 — too often I’ve been “hoarding” or “saving” XYZ product for some special occasion that never seems to come, so I’m trying to be better about that and treat myself every day. Thanks again!
Hey Ann,
Great to see you. I love to hear how everyone says thank you. No More Hoarding. Use it, love it and feel a reason to be grateful.
Portia xx
We all know those deep dark valleys, Portia, and you are wise about how cultivating the habit of gratitude can help us not fall into a narrow negative preoccupation. When I’m feeling blue, I like to imagine buying some perfume on my wish list, then send that money to my favorite animal-related charity and spray myself with some Tawaf, which I already have. Of course, some day soon I’m going to need a new vial of Tawaf, but I can deal with that when I come to it. I always find jasmine uplifting, especially the pure and true jasmine in Tawaf. It doesn’t last all that long either, so I have to stay in the moment to appreciate it.
Tawaf is uplifting, yes, FeralJasmine. Charity is another great mood lifter. I love that Tawaf is affordable too.
Portia xx
btw – Guess who’s going to wear a gorgeous sari coat today? To FARM KING! http://www.farmking.com/
Like I said “Feck it!”. Life is uncertain.
go on with your Fab self! Sweetie! xoxoxoA
Musette, you have to post a picture! I would give (nearly) any bottle I have to see your style and your sari coat glamming up Farm King.
Me, too — must see your gorgeous self all dolled up in that stunning coat!
Could be even better to see Miss Musette in her sari coat riding on a scooter…
OMG! Youse guys!!! I chickened out! I decided to eeeeease into Farm King – after all, I can wax BIG on here – but I still have to do business with these people and they tend to freak at The Fabulous. So I’m starting with a full-length dress. Plain black cotton – but I’ve accessorized it with a crystal spider pendant. And silver kitten heel thong sandals. so it’s sort of a tiny ‘feck it’. LOL! xoxoA
So what, you chickened out, you still had it going on. Point is, we want to see the sari coat! Pleeeeeeease?
We also want to know where you got your sari coat!!!
I got it from an incredibly generous friend who was in India on hols, and….sent it to me as a gift. I’d asked for the coat but not as a gift – the ‘gift’ part just blew mah MIND!
I will take a photo, when I am in better looks. Right now my face is all over my head, with the allergies and all. My nose is the size of a Cooper Mini!
xoxoA
This is a phenomenal list, babydoll, full of wisdom born of experience. And practical, too. Except: honeypie, I used to walk my dogs/ go to work (I managed a Creative Editorial House, so I could pull this off), go to the shops, etc, in the most phenomenal! couture gowns – for realz! And guess what!!!? I looked AMAZING! Getting back to it, too – even in Cowland. Feck it! xoxoxoA
Hey Musette,
I love you and I’m hanging to see the shots of you in the coat.
Portia xx