Grab yourself a cup of tea, coffee, your beverage of choice and cozy up for some gentle updates, things I've been doing lately, and some behind the scenes botanica happenings...
It's wild that we're already 7 months into the year. It has felt like 7 years! The world has felt dark and tumultuous. Some days I fall deep into keeping up with world events, and then I burnt out and know that I need to give my mind and heart a break. A lot of the time I feel an obligation to know what's happening, and what I can do about it all. Ultimately, the only control I have is how I act and where I orient my actions: raising my baby, breathing deep when it feels overwhelming, leaning into the plants and their knowledge, prayer to my ancestors and spirits, doing the self-care to fill my cup, connecting with and supporting community, sharing resources, checking in on loved ones... finding small joys.
Lately, my small joys have been moving things off my plate. Herbalism school is all wrapped up for now, and I can focus on making magic with more intensity -- weaving in all that I learned through my botanical apprenticeship. Being able to attend the herb school of my dreams has breathed in a renewed passion and perspective. As well as knowledge of plants and their mysterious workings.
April-June was such a portal, like a bottleneck for me. It stretched me in so many ways. I am grateful for that time, but I am also grateful to be able to shift focus 100% back on Blood Moon Botanica. Shipping was slower during the months of April-June and now, I am back to a regular shipping schedule, so your orders are going out quicker!
I haven't quite set a date yet for the summer update, but the goal is towards the end of July. I've had many product projects on the back burner that I have been chomping at the bit to work on.
- Botanically infused body powders for sweaty summer skin
- Flower essences I have been wanting to work on for years now
- Soothing cooling sun burn gel (I am absolutely so stoked on the formula I am working on. Rose, tulsi, aloe vera and other soothing cooling botanicals)
- A refreshed collection of new summer perfumes
- Bringing back soaps from last year: Rose Alley, Shore Pine & Seaberry
I am also working on fully revamping my permanent perfume collection to glass roll-on's, even for the sample sizes. The mini roll-on's are absolutely adorable and won't spill. I know that's been an issue for some, and definitely for me!
I've been taking extra care with thank you packets, filled with a card, yummy lychee candy and a free perfume sample. When availability allows, I've been tucking in a packet of calendula seeds from my garden into some orders. This is the same calendula that goes into my Cottage Grown Calendula Salve (which will be restocked soon!). This variety of calendula is very resinous and deep orange. They grow so easily and need minimal care. Native pollinators love them as well.
Do you remember my Vanilla Leaf & Vetiver perfume oil I made many years ago? I've had many requests to bring this back. Last night as I was digging around in my collection of rare extractions, I found a tiny vial with a smudged label I couldn't quite make out. When I opened and sniffed... nothing but vanilla leaf. There's half a vial left. Unfortunately, the supplier of this rare absolute closed their doors a few years ago. Out of curiosity I dove into some research to find a new supplier and I might have found something promising. I'm going to offer a very limited collection of these perfumes -- and hopefully get more stable and consistent stock in the shop. The sweet soft vanilla notes along with the rooty dark vetiver does something to me, it's like a warm, heart opening forest cocoon.
All that aside, I want to share some things I've been doing and enjoying lately to inspire you.
- Sun bathing my linens, area rugs, blankets, pillows and bathroom mats. The sun gives them a wonderful refreshing cleanse, and keeps the house smelling fresh.
- Using my Botanically Infused Scalp Oil as a cuticle and nail treatment. I wrecked my nails with polish and not wearing gloves when digging in the garden. I am rehabbing them by massaging the oil into them a few times a day. Not only do my hands smell good, I am noticing that my nails are on the mend.
- Instead of using hot water to brew and make iced tea, I've been doing a cold infusion method. I add my tea blend to a mason jar, top with cold water and let it sit in the fridge overnight. The flavors are magical, refreshing and less astringent.
- After I shower and before applying body lotion, I've been giving my body an all over spritz with Flower Moon Mist. I've been enjoying this extra step, and it's extending the spreadability of my lotion!
- I've been prioritizing getting outside as the sun rises for some quality morning light. This light exposure can actually benefit our circadian rhythm, and hormones throughout the day. Or, I get out and go for a walk with my little one and dog. Everyone benefits and we get our wiggles out.
- When I need a serious facial skin treat and some deep hydration -- I apply a generous amount of Moon Dew before I use a sheet mask. I've noticed a huge boost in hydration and skin soothing benefits. After that, I seal it all in with a moisturizer.
I hope you enjoyed this letter. I just added an Updates & Newsletter Archive to the Botanica, if you want to check in on shipping status, news, or go through the newly made archive of newsletters.
Alrighty y'all. I'm off to brews perfumes, pack orders and set myself up for the week.
Love to you all,
Britton
PS: this song has been on repeat for me, Soft Spot by JMSN. Very danceable.
PPS: Tap below for my socials... I've been very active and enjoying being playful on Tiktok :P you also get to see the process of a lot of my products.