New Blog Address

Hi Everyone.  I am moving my blog here.  I hope you'll follow me!

Reading: Essence and Alchemy by Mandy Aftel

I just purchased Mandy Aftel's book, "Essence and Alchemy," and plan to read it before my Sunday trip to her perfume shop in Berkeley to smell and purchase more essences and absolutes.  I'm really intrigued and don't know quite what to expect, but her extensive collection of essences, including chef's essences used in many high end restaurants sounds like an amazing feast for the senses.

Brrr! Happy Monday!!

I know for those further east and north of us, the weather doesn't compare, but it's been pretty darn cold out here in California.  I thought I'd give a little cheer to brighten up your day, from my lovely friend Maki's blog, these beautiful flowers. 

*New* Strawberry Scented Soaps

We received in a large shipment of beautiful teas yesterday, as well as the organic frankincense, fresh ginger, pink grapefruit, turkish rose and nutmeg absolutes I was waiting so long for.  I can't wait to dig into them!

Earlier in the week, I had time to pour a small batch of strawberry exfoliating soaps, which are now available for sale in my Etsy shop. 

Surprisingly, it's supposed to snow today (in San Jose?!).

Alas...Keith Johnson Has My Dream Job

When I have time, I love watching episodes of the Sundance Channel's "Man Shops Globe," where host Keith Johnson is a globe trotter in search of interesting and unique goods as the buyer for  Anthropologie.  The series is so rich in inspirational material from artisans everywhere.  You can watch old episodes here.

Anna-Wili Highfield and her life-like animal sculpture made of torn paper

Keith Johnson travels to a syrian bazaar with designer Anna Sui in search of products

Fragrant Teas

It was nice to enjoy a bit of a break for President's Day.  I hope everyone is back and refreshed!

I'm a big lover of fragrant teas and now am offering loose teas in 50g tin containers in my Etsy shop.  I believe my tea sipping has managed to stave off the flu (knock on wood) on more than a few occasions!

Floral Bars

It rained on Saturday, so I spent the day pouring more jasmine, as well as gardenia soap bars.  Basic floral soaps are nice in lieu of using perfume.  I recently ordered some Turkish rose absolute and have wanted to create some floral solid perfumes, but will leave that for another day when the essences arrive and I can think of how to package them.