Terra on Mercury Day

It's Wednesday, which is ruled by the planet Mercury, and I've got my contribution to the Aromatic Journey series up at the Lillyella blog. This month I share a simple, yet effective DIY clay mask, enjoy!

Elemental Earth at the Lillyella Blog

Photo by Roxana Villa

Jasmine Haze

The weather here in southern California has been extremely erratic. A hot day with temperatures over 100 degrees in the shade is followed by a cool, cloud covered day requiring wool sweaters! As the cycle of Autumn begins the jasmine sambac flowering season bids us adieu along with summer. Although only Mother Nature knows for sure.

"Plants that wake when others sleep. Timid jasmine buds that keep their fragrance to themselves all day, but when the sunlight dies away let the delicious secret out to every breeze that roams about.” ~ Thomas More

Those of you following this blog are aware that I have been dutifully tincturing jasmine sambac flowers from the garden for Cimbalom. Today over at the Lillyella blog I have a tutorial on how to make your very own jasmine sambac tincture.


I'm estimating that the liquid version of Cimbalom will arrive within the next few weeks...depending on our travel plans to the East coast. Stay tuned for more details.

Aromatic Journey: Lip Smacking Goodness

In the new Aromatic Journey post over at the Lillyella blog I posted a recipe for a handmade, all natural lip balm. This is a great alternative to the petroleum laced products on the market. Support creativity, handmade and NATURE!


This recipe will also work for a solid natural perfume. Below are links to the other contributions, just in case you missed them, Nicole has been kind enough to create recipe cards for each item posted.

Vanilla Orchid Bean + Vanilla Infused Oil base

Fragrance Families + Layered Spice Oil

Salt of the Earth + Bath and Body Salt Scrubs
Salty and Sweet
Love Notes: Scented Stationary

Image: Lip image ©Greg Spalenka, Pink Pot ©Roxana Villa