I started seeing comments from Dionne over at Now Smell This (where, to my embarrassment,  I have been much less active in the comments since my move to Texas) which, despite the relative “newness” of her voice to that long-running conversation, most certainly did not carry the tone of a newborn perfumista. Insightful, honest, intelligent, and bearing a thoughtful gravitar to boot, I categorized her in my brain as “new to me, but not new.”

When she began commenting here at BoTO, I quickly noticed a trend: I wanted to read each of her comments over and over again— not because they massaged my ego with praise (Though I’d read that kind over-and-over too!) but because of the engaging and intimate quality the perfumed stories in her life. After reading one particularly moving comment, I realized that I wanted to hear more; had to hear more.

It took me a few days to work up the courage (I hardly *know* her!) but when you know, you know. I sent a bizarre and awkward email— my specialty— which led to a series of emails, which led to:

Dionne, a happily married mother of five hailing from the Canadian Rockies (and self-titled Frugal Perfumista), agreeing to join Anne-Marie and me on the Beauty on The Outside team!

Dionne is familiar to some of you, and new to others. But I think that you’ll agree, she’s right at home at Beauty on The Outside. Tomorrow her first post will be up; I know you are going to enjoy it!

Welcome, Dionne!