http://www.cafleurebon.com/new-fragrance-review-sororia-perfumes-the-maiden-returns-rites-of-spring-draw/

The vernal (spring) equinox is a time of balance. The earth is halfway between the longest day and longest night of the year. It is neither too hot, nor too cold. The snow and ice have melted away. Shoots of tender green begin to poke through the soil. For centuries this day was celebrated by ancient folk with festivals rejoicing that winter had ended.

Many Thanks to John for a wonderful review!

Please visit the link above for a review of Sororia Botanical Perfumes and enter the Draw!

I would love it if you like my Facebook page!

WWF - Agriculture - Palm Oil

The Palm Oil Controversy


Below is a copy of an email I received a few weeks ago that got me to thinking......I called my supplier from which I purchase organic "sustainable" palm oil and asked him for some details re: where it is processed etc.  He was not able to give me any details but assured me he would email me the information. I am still waiting.

~ I am aware that your products contain palm oil. I understand, therefore, that it is likely that the oil contained in this product is palm oil. I am very concerned about the use of unsustainable palm oil as it contributes to the destruction of some of the world's most bio-diverse rainforest, the near extinction of numerous animal species, threatens livelihoods and significantly contributes to climate change. As palm oil is high in saturated fat, it also presents a significant health risk. The WHO recently found over-consumption of saturated fat is linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and obesity. Chronic diseases are the cause of approximately 59% of global deaths per year.Please help to take action on this. It is your responsibility as a corporate citizen. I would appreciate it if you could answer the following questions:
1.            Which of your products contain palm oil?
2.            How is it labelled?
3.            Would you be prepared to label it as palm oil?
4.            Are you in a position to verify the country of origin of this oil?
5.            Are you able to verify whether the oil comes from sustainable sources, including providing details of the importer, wholesaler and plantations involved in       your supply chain?
6.            Can you be sure that these companies are not also involved in oil palm plantation expansion elsewhere?
7.            Would you be prepared to look for an alternative oil which is less damaging to health and the environment?
8.            Are you a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)?Although your palm oil supplier may be a member of the RSPO, this in no way guarantees that the palm oil is being produced        sustainably.

This needs to be demanded NOW. The situation for orangutans and our world's climate is URGENT. I and the orangutans would appreciate your help.

Sincerely,
Concerned citizens of the environment

This week I made a soap that is palm free (substituted soy oil without additives) but unfortunately not organic...yet. The soap is unscented (I didn't want to use essential oils if the formula didn't work) but still contains the wonderful organic coconut milk that I use in all my soaps. I just cut the bars and set them to cure. Looks pretty good I must say.......the real test will be how well it lathers :) I will let you know in 4 weeks!

WWF - Agriculture - Palm Oil

Deforestation for Palm Oil | Greenpeace

* All a'round the full moon *

* All a'round the full moon *

The next full moon is Thursday, March 8th,2012, so I will begin my monthly product giveaway 

with

 Blue Moon Handcrafted Soap made with Organic Coconut Milk. 

This soap is only made once a month on a full moon and contains 13 essential oils. 

The very first time I made Blue Moon Soap just happened to be on a full moon. I was out in my studio picking out ingredients but not quite sure what I was looking for in this new soap. It was a warm summer night, the Moon was particularly bright & beautiful. You could feel the energy. I intuitively chose acai berry powder (I think I was drawn to the beautiful dark mauve color) and blueberry fruit powder as an exfoliant. I added 13 essential oils: Litsea, Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit, Lime, Ginger, Rosewood, Lemongrass, Citronella, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Cinnamon and Neroli.

After I poured the soap into the mold and covered it, I lit some candles, turned out the lights, did a Reiki ceremony and behold Blue Moon became not only a monthly soap making tradition but one of my most popular soaps!

*Reiki ~ (Ray-Key) is an ancient healing art rediscovered in Japan in the 1800's by Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki is a japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy, the ocean of energy which is all around us.

The blissful state reveals itself as a shining light, as a luminescence permeating the still field of the mind. There is a sense of light from an undefined "above," silence, a fullness of vitality, and deep rest.

Post a comment by March 8th for a chance to win a beautiful wrapped bar of Blue Moon Soap

Don't forget to leave an email for notification

Beginning March 1st I will feature one of my products every month. It could be a soap, perfume, body butter and more. Visit and post a comment to be in the draw for a chance to win that product! 

Thought I would share some of the inspiration for my new perfume "Playa Cocoa".


Playa Cocoa reminds me of the night we dined at a quaint restaurant under the stars, warm tropical breezes blowing the intoxicating scent from the Ylang Ylang tree nearby. Fresh brewed coffee and dessert....


Costa Rica is a beautiful and diverse country of beaches, volcanoes, rain forests, flora, fauna and wild life. 

I would like to share some very exciting news with you....today I was notified that my status as an Associate of the Natural Perfumers Guild has been upgraded to Natural Perfumer. I have worked very hard over the past year to create natural perfumes that contain the heart or essence of the ingredients I use.  I am honored to be part of such a professional group of like minded and creative artists.

 Right now you can join  the Natural Perfumers Guild "Love the Guild" membership in February so check it out!http://NaturalPerfumers.com