Sihaya & Company: (Not So) Dark Ages Dream Box

There really is nothing like some classic creepy medieval times art. I love that Sihaya & Company curated a dream box that revolved around this very topic. The (Not So) Dark Ages box was brimming with tongue-in-cheek naughty frivolity that would go perfectly with the jangly buzzing sounds of a hurdy gurdy. This spring box was $65 and packed with goodness.

Three amazing notecards with envelopes came from Bingham and Bloom on Etsy. One notecard is $3.09, which is about $9.25 plus shipping for three. These are great quality cards. Bright jewel-tones, sturdy cardstock and excellent graphics. I look forward to gifting these to some quirky friends and family who will appreciate the humor.

The grey cat licking its butt reminds me fondly of my own cat, Toddles. This enamel pin is from P S Brooks Illustration on Etsy and runs $6.12. I cannot wait to put this on my backpack.

I love when a bag of Dryad Tea comes in the box. One ounce of loose leaf Strawberry Imp can be purchased on their website for $7.00. This is a fruity and bright tea that will taste incredible as iced tea during the summer, gently sweetened with honey. 

The body care items were lively and perfect for a spring awakening. 

Paintbox Soapworks Sorbetto sugar scrub in Illuminated Dick Joke- Notes: A proud shaft of ruddy cedar and cypress showered in orange blossom honey and red musk, gilded in amber. 8.4 ounces is about $9.16

I enjoy Paintbox Soapworks sugar scrubs. The sugar particulate is on the larger side, allowing for longer and more effective scrubbing. The texture is very thick and grainy when scooped and emulsifies beautifully when scrubbed in with water. It provides a bit of lathering and rinses clean, leaving behind soft and smooth skin. I enjoy picking up a ton of the sample size scrubs in several different scents just for fun when I can. I always throw in a bar or two of the soap as well. I really should start blogging my PBSW hauls. I think I have some still wrapped up. Anyway, this scent is gorgeous. The woods and musk are papery and elegant. While the honey and amber smooth it out a bit without making it sweet. A wonderful scrub to use any time of year.

Dreaming Tree Workshop Magical Luxury Soap in Totally Not A Witch- Notes: A bewitching blend of jasmine, herbs, black tea, incense and cauldron smoke. $8.50

I love Dreaming Tree soaps. This bar is lovely! I love the dried flowers and subtle sparkle on top, the rustic texture, and the beautiful soft smoky floral scent. It really does smell like the wake of a witch's robe as she twirls about. It lathered up with some friction with tiny bouncy bubbles and a buttery texture. The soap rinsed squeaky clean leaving only a tiny bit of grab behind and no residue. 

Deconstructing Eden Sex or Cake- Notes: Inspired by Struffoli, deep fried balls of citrus zest spiked dough, drenched in honey, and dusted with hazelnuts. 5ml is $9.75

This 5ml parfum extrait came in a sleek black box with a window. It is a spray bottle with a gorgeous label. Sprayed on the skin the citrus zest springs up, sparkling and energetic. Quickly the velvety cocoa aroma of hazelnuts slinks in and you know you are in for one of those desserts. The moaning, sighing, lip licking type. Creamy honey and silken textures shoulder any hints of chocolate out of the way. This is a gooey baked vanilla treat dripping with golden caramel honey. It settled down to smell of vanilla tobacco and chewy vanilla amber. Lovely.

Sihaya & Company Murder Bunny candle- Notes: Decadent shortbread cookies, topped with costly marchpane, then paired with a rich red berry jam. $13

On cold sniff this has a putty like quality from the marzipan, but once burned it morphs more into sweet vanilla sugar cookies. There is the merest hint of berry candy but the vanilla cookie is most noticeable to my nose. It was a great candle that burned perfectly. I do recommend that the wick is trimmed before each burning so that it burns evenly and doesn't produce soot. 

Sihaya & Company Moisturizing Lip Color in Earthly Delights which is described as a warm rosy peach shot through with delicate rose gold shimmer. $6.50 I love Christina's lip colors. This one leans pinky nude on my skin tone and makes an ideal spring time blush on my lips, like pale ballerina slippers. The slip is cushiony and the pigment lasts a few hours. 

Sad that this candle is already a part of history. I did use it all up with frequent evening burning.

This is a box well worth the money. The time, creativity, and passion that all the makers put into this was obvious. I loved the theme, the goodies, and the joy of opening this up. I will be visiting these shops in the future for sure. 

This box made me want to read more medieval historical fiction. Any recommendations?

Sihaya & Company: Spring Dream Box

This was sent for free in exchange for photography. All opinions are my own.

This stunning springtime Dream Box from Sihaya & Company is named Musa Venit Carmine- The Goddess Inspires Our Song. It is packed with dulcet florals that provide a gentle awakening of the senses ($65).

Dryad Tea is a familiar and loved maker in the box. Black Cats and Pointy Hats is one of my favorite fall teas. This time the offering is Ambrosia Skies, a green tea with grapefruit, pomegranate, and blueberry. My girls will love this iced with honey. $7

Leccare Lollipops are another delicious addition that I have seen before in past boxes and always enjoy. White Peach Rose, Marigold Lemon, and Marshmallow Hibiscus are lovely fruity floral pairings that tickle the taste buds. This shop offers custom labels for special occasions too. $4

Deconstructing Eden perfume in Musa Venit Carmine- Notes: Gently warming earth, pale green grasses, peonies, apple blossoms, green strawberries, green pomegranates, daffodils, cool air, and soft sunlight. $9.75 for 5ml

Right out of the spray nozzle, damp soil pairs with citrusy tart fruits. It smells like walking through a cottage garden where riotous rainbows of petals and fruits reach out to be sniffed and plucked. The ground is a mosaic of sunlight and shadow. Crystalline streams trickle through willows, where chilled stones gather necklaces of moss and lichen alongside their meandering path. This is a lovely scent and I am so happy it came in a spray format. I will love smelling this on my hair and clothing.

At first I thought this was a Sihaya & Company lip color (those are so nice!!), but upon closer inspection I see that it is from Crow & Pebble which I love too. This pink lip color is scented in Earl Grey tea. $7

Paintbox Soapworks had two amazing products in this box. The Flutterbutter face cleanser is incredible. I have been using it for a couple weeks now and it gently removes makeup, dirt and grime. I don't wear much makeup right now but do still put on eyeshadow and such. Also my husband gives me grief that when I am outside gardening, somehow my face always ends up dirty. But this stuff takes care of it. The consistancy is thick but smooth and melts gently into the skin. It smells of lemony bright frankincense, like sniffing a summertime sunbeam. I will be buying this again. $6

Poesy is a complexion and linen mist that has rose, lavender, and rose geranium hydrosols. I love it as a face mist so much. It is cooling and reviving. $6

My love of Paintbox Soapworks was rekindled and I picked up a TON of scrubs to replenish my stock. I will blog them sooooon.

LuvMilk is an indie bath and body company I have tried several times and love every single time. I seriously need to get my junk together and place an order soon, maybe when I finally get my bathtub. In the meantime, this soap is already almost used up in my shower. I have been loving it!! Floralia melds sweet magnolia, peonies, acai flowers, fresh arugula, and basil. It smells like a rich garden. $6.50

One of my favorites! The seasonal Sihaya & Company candle in Ostara.

Ostara- Notes: Fig, blackcurrant, berry, and rhubarb with hints of white jasmine and curling green ferns. 

This is a cheerful and juicy tart fruit and floral that is springy and ripe. The blackcurrant is sour and sweet right along with the rhubarb. The jasmine and greenery are lush and dewy. This candle throws well and burns perfectly. I always enjoy Sihaya's candles. They are expertly crafted.

 It took me way too long to get this up but here it is. There is another wonderful Sihaya and Company Dream Box in the works for summer (moon themed I believe?) so keep an eye out!

Sihaya & Company: Autumn Dream Box "A Dream of Truth and Beauty"

 This box was sent gratis in exchange for photographs. All opinions are my own.

Sihaya and Company's fall box of curated indie goodies is themed "A Dream of Truth and Beauty" with a focus on Persephone and Pre-Raphaelite art and beauty. The items were thoughtfully gathered and all speak to the soft and golden transition from gilded summer into a glowing bronze autumn. This box was $65.

This spiral notebook was a joy to discover inside the box. I have actually ordered one of Christina's notebooks (and a tank top) from her swag tab at Sihaya. I am a sucker for notebooks. I use them when traveling to record perfume impressions as well as for list making. These retail for $14 on the website, but this particular cover art is not available (but many more are and they are lovely- I have the Moon Maiden). 

Forms Divinely Beautiful- Notes: Carnation, sandalwood, amber, golden musk, and a swirl of spice. $13

This is a lovely candle. The aqua shimmer and gorgeous fragrance are appealing. The carnation is feathery and smooth, paired with velvety woods and gauzy amber musk. This is a soft and pleasant fragrance that portrays itself as primarily a carnation musk. I look forward to burning this in my bedroom to create a gentle atmosphere.

I always get excited when I see a new lip color from Sihaya in the Dream Box. Goblin Market ($6.50) not only has an incredible name but it also feels and looks just as magical. There is a nice moisturizing slip to the lip color, the hint of something dark and berry-like to the scent and it is the color of russet fall leaves with a warm undertone on my lips. They look flushed and ripe, as if kissed by chilly fall winds. This one will stay in my purse.

There were two eyeshadows from Crow and Pebble but I think I lost one of them in the bottom of the box and it got recycled. Yikes. Bone head move. The color I do have is called Priestess of Delphi and is an illuminating warm brown and mauve with pink and lilac shimmer shadow. It is a beautiful shade and will make for an easy wash of color on the lid for work in the morning. Five pounds for a full sized container of eyeshadow.

Entwined by Astrid Perfumes- Notes: A lush blend of black currants, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, dried rose petals, twisted wood branches, soft violets, dusty lavender, Scottish shortbread, and English ivy. $25

I was very excited to see this in the box. Astrid is a talented perfumer and she always combines scent notes in unexpected ways. From the vial this perfume bursts with the fragrance of berries, sun dappled, springing from brambles and stolons. Their ruby and merlot hues are as intense as their effluvia. On the skin those berries divulge themselves in my the same manner. Astrid is a deft hand at brewing berry notes. The vibrate with life and realism. The amethyst and ruby berries slowly soften in the heart, revealing the blossoms that they originated from. The violets allow for a pillowy fall from the vine where they mingle with the magic of the woods. This is my first berry-centric perfume that I have fallen head over heels for. It is utterly enchanting. 

This Virtuoso artisan caramel bar is flavored in Seasonal Spice. Their Etsy shop is currently closed so I am not sure how much these normally cost but I love the packaging. I did gift this to a friend since I recently had to have my crown replaced and I am nervous about chewing anything overly sticky right now... call me a coward.

Willow Tree Company scrub in  Fairytale Rose- Notes: Neroli leaves, papaya flower, geranium, gardenia, African dog rose, Turkish rose absolute, cashmeran, sandalwood, and light woods. $35

I have to admit, I kinda had sticker shock when I saw the price on these. I rarely comment on pricing, as I will pay outrageous amounts on things that tickle my whim, but this is a bit high on my scrub allowance spectrum. Since it was whipped it did arrive a wee bit condensed but came with a lovely rose soap embed. The blue is electric and the mica is shimmery and vibrant. The scent is redolent of a high end floral perfume. The scrub consistency is thick and scoopable with the fingers and the sugar particulate was medium-fine, scrubbed nicely but dissolved quickly. It is a coconut oil based scrub. 

This is easily one of my favorite Dream Boxes (other than Halloween, or the Sisterhood of the Moon, it is pretty spectacular) to date. I love the perfume, candle, notebook, make up and other treats. I highly recommend these Dream Boxes as a gift for yourself or anyone you love that would enjoy artisan products. 

Sihaya & Company: Spring Box

This box was sent free in exchange for photographs, all opinions are my own.

Christina at Sihaya & Company continues to roll out one of my very favorite curated indie maker seasonal boxes. I love how she not only includes bath and body but all tasty treats, home fragrance and more with a very cohesive feel. This spring her box was called: The Mystic's Dream.

Christina crafts some of my favorite candles. I love to burn them on my nightstand and on my desk. They throw nicely and look lovely with her shimmering glitter overspray. 

The Mystic's Dream- Notes: A blend for those seeking adventure and wonder behind the veil of slumber. Spicy cardamom, Bulgarian rose, soft cedar, warm vanilla, and a touch of pistachio under a swirl of smoke. 9 oz $13

A lovely gourmand rose. A dusting of cardamom and vanilla tinted pistachio graces the rounded fullness of dark roses. It smells like browsing a quaint French bakery where vases of homegrown roses mingle with the meltingly tasty scents emanating from the display cases.  I look forward to burning this one right after I finish up Amber Woods from Sihaya & Co. that is on my nightstand.

Sihaya & Co. moisturizing lip color in Oneroi- A sheer wash of lavender tinted mauve with delicate purple sparkles and lavender caramel flavor. $6.50

A very flattering shade of plummy dark pink on my lips. The shimmer adds a touch of sheen and the flavor is very mild. I love the cushiony slip of the lip color. It feels light and easy on the lips as well as moisturizing. I enjoy wearing these for an easy pop of color. 

Leccare Lollipops on Etsy in Honey Cardamom, Peppered Plum and Blood Orange Ginger. $4.05 for three.

I love tiny gourmet lollipops. I sampled the Honey Cardamom and it was divine. The cardamom was peppery and bright and paired with the sweet mellow honey it made for a tastebud tingling treat. I look forward to the plum on next. 

Deconstructing Eden perfume in Dream- Notes: Tonka bean butter, Bulgarian lavender, lavender maillette, chamomile, and helichrysum. 9ml for $15.50

I have been meaning to sample Deconstructing Eden for a while now but the samples I picked up ages ago ended up languishing too long and then I misplaced them somewhere. I love that is a lavender based perfume. The lavender is floaty and supple, smells just like the lavender growing in my garden. It is braced with buttery shortbread cookies. I know that is not in the notes but that is what comes to my nose. The delicate feathery chamomile petals come into the background reminding me of sleepy tea. This is a wonderful scent to wear for calming and for sheer joy to those lavender lovers like myself.

Nui Cobalt Pathworking Bath Potion- Notes: Angelica, frankincense, copal, calendula, and a gentle touch of jasmine in a homespun infusion of mugwort. 20g is about $5 (4 oz is $22)

I don't have a bath in which to pour this beautiful bath potion but I did rub some on my skin kind of like an exfoliant and it was heavenly. The frankincense and jasmine are a match made in heaven. The oils in this potion left my skin soft and lightly scented. If I could buy this in a large amount and bathe in it I would be one happy camper.  

Paintbox Soapworks soap in The Distant Stars and the Violet Flame- Notes: Purple incense, crystalline violet, amber, and sweet blackberry. $7

I used to poo poo glycerine soaps but between Paintbox Soapworks and Moonalisa, I amend my ways. Paintbox Soapworks' luxury glycerin soaps are just that, a luxury. They bubble and froth in copious clouds of suds and they smell amazing. Plus the ease of cleaning and rinsing is pretty sweet too. I admit I do fall into a semi-state of mesmerism when I gaze into the mica swirls that look like galaxies of stardust inside these bars of soap. I put this bar in my shower along with my Future Primitive soaps so add a fruity balance to the mints. This bar smells of dark, sweet blackberries and a sigh of violet incense. It is truly a lovely fragrance. The berries come forward most prominently for sure. 

Luvmilk sugar scrub in Dream Walker- Notes: Sun ripened apricot, creamy coconut milk, oak, cedar, moss and a squeeze of citron. (Not sure of cost as their website is down.)

I enjoy the consistency of the Luvmilk scrub. It is like a slurry of sugary scrubbiness. The scent in the jar smells of bready coconut and I am not a huge fan of it, but once I slather it on in the shower it does bloom into a peaches and cream. I think the milk component and the apricots combine to initially make a strange melange of yeasty scent but then it does mellow and the apricots plump up into their fuzzy, peachy, juicy form. The creaminess smooths out into something more yummy. I don't ever really get the oak, moss and cedar though.

 I noticed when trying to locate the cost on these that the Luvmilk owner is going through a rough patch with a loss of a loved one and some massive COVID-19 shipping delays on supplies. My condolences, my thoughts are with you. 

I love this box! It is dreamy and lush. So much magic to behold! This box ran $60 shipped and the product value exceeds that amount given an estimate on the scrub. Christina's next box will come out in May and you should treat yourself to it. <3

Textbook Repository: Herbal Tinctures

I have been on an herbal excursion as of late. I have sampled essences, tinctures, and elixirs from Blood Moon Botanica, King's Road Apothecary and other various online shops and makers. I have not been featuring these products, but recently my mind has been adamantly striding along the path of mental and physical and emotional health aids in this extraordinary time. I have been curious about herbalism for quite some time now. My sister and I have often sat and browsed courses and classes, lamenting the cost prohibitiveness and far away locals (don't worry, Darby, we will do it!!). I am content for now to be a self-learner. I have dozens of herbalism books and have found myself reading and scanning, stoking that curiosity into something more. 

A friend of mine, April, often features some of her herbal purchases and the Textbook Repository appeared not too long ago. Lauren only operates out of Instagram (linked above) but she is very easy to order from. Clicking on her "SHOP" highlight story will guide you to what is currently available. Send her a DM with your choices and it all goes from there.

Lauren generously sent this free tin of tulsi lip balm. I love the drab olive shade of this balm. It goes on clear and smooth. It smells of cocoa butter and soft green sweetness. It is now my nightstand staple for nocturnal lip pampering.

I ordered the Goldenrod Tincture because for a while there I thought I was struggling with allergies. Historically, I have never had allergies nor even allergic reactions to things, even common things like poison ivy. But this spring was such a doozy on my nose and breathing. Lauren kindly included directions for use on her products. This she says aids allergies, sinus blockage and acts as a kidney flushing/diuretic. This was $10. 

Bitches Brew Elixir aids regulation of menstruation and helps ease the physical and emotional concerns that can accompany it. It is to be taken at onset of ovulation until beginning of menses. I am hopeful about this tonic as you may know how I struggle with ovarian cysts and awful cramping and pain. This was $10.

The main reason I have not showcased the herbal care items I have been purchasing and using is because efficacy is something that can be tentative and dynamic. So many factors come into play. I will say ultimately, that I have stepped forward with this is because I am feeling more softness. More peace and ease in my body and mind. I am by no means stress-free but I do think these tonics are helpful to me. They also make me more aware of other ways that I can be helping myself: drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, getting more activity in, finding moments of quietness and meaningful rest. 

Do you take or make any herbal care items? I am tinkering with the idea of making fire cider again, especially since it is good for the lungs. I just need to locate some burdock root online. 

Thank you, April! I love following along on your journey. 

Sihaya and Company: Sisterhood of the Moon Box

This monthly curated box was given gratis in exchange for photographs from Sihaya & Company. All opinions are my own.

I am going to be showing the last two Sihaya and Company boxes I got out of order. Since Halloween creeps so near I wanted to showcase this most recent Sisterhood of the Moon box first. I will feature the Autumn Jewels box in November in a week or so. This is the third year I have received the Sisterhood of the Moon box and I fall further in love with it each year. The abundant spookiness, the fall flavors, the attention to detail and darkness. It all enchants me. 

Dryad Tea can be counted on to contribute a delightful tea called Black Cats and Pointy Hats that is redolent of spiced cider. Overripe apples, mulling spices, blackberry and lime leaves and jasmine all blend with black tea leaves to make a divine autumnal draught. $6.50

Little and Grim contributed a 4 ounce glycerin soap called The Augur in the scent Botanomancy which features fig, apple, lemon, ginger, sage, frankincense, caramel, cinnamon and smoke. It is a smoky fruity darkling. The fig and apple are tempered by herbs, yet the caramel and soft spice induce a temptation of their own. The smoke and incense lend a mysterious air to the fruits and herbs. I am putting this in my shower right now. $8.50

Sixteen92 is a perfume house that holds a special place in my collection. I appreciate the stony musks, chilly ozones, crisp leaves and foggy atmospherics that Claire creates. She also has a deft hand at woods, soil and smoky leathers. Not to mention metallics and other interesting bits. 

The Witching Hour- Notes: Dense fog, charcoal ash, a burned cedar chest, sacred willow, knotted roots, silver needle and a salt circle beneath a starless sky. 6ml $14

Sharp green sap, herbaceous and bitter, bite like the cracking whip of Devil's Snare. The stinging teeth are tempered by the dense metallic twang of midnight fog, mincing in on dewy padded feet. This slinks from the bottle and smells similar on the wrists when freshly anointed. The green crystalized sap dissolves into warm embers and lush woods. Claire's smoky woods scents are never heavy or cloying but rather sniffed through the filter of a crisp cool nighttime sky, where night winds cleanse the smoke and trees and mosses, dappling them in silvery moonlight and briskness. This is the witching hour. Where nocturnal hearts beat quietly and black eyes reflect the moon. 

A Black Phillip enamel pin from The Pickety Witch came in the box. $10. I love the cascade of fall leaves cresting his bust. 

I have been watching Christina of Sihaya and Company tinker with the idea of creating tinted lip balms for a couple months now. I ordered her Harry Potter lip balms a while back (strangely I am hesitant to break the seals as I am sure I will fall madly in love and then never be able to get them again). I love seeing the process of her adding mica and flavors, increasing shade pigments or adding shimmer. I love this plummy creation that she included in the box. The deep red-purple tone can be layered to create a vampy shimmery look or a light swipe can impart a slightly bruised blush to the lips. I appreciate the slip and cushion of this moisturizing lip color. $6.50.

So so sad to not have a bath tub to soak in. I really and truly miss my beloved salt baths. Bubble baths. Milk baths. Baths. I wonder if this sudden lack of magnesium from my salt baths is giving me trouble. Oh well. One day. 

This amazing ritual bath potion from Cattail Apothecary called Awaken Intuition blends mugwort, mullein, lavender, clove, sage, yarrow and patchouli into a bath time treat. $8. 

A bath time treat I will have to wait a long while to use but I think it will be worth it.

Ah! The candle. I always look forward to sniffing the Sihaya and Company candle that inevitably accompanies these boxes. The Thinning of the Veil stitches together carved pumpkins, smoky oudh, black amber and smoldering dragon's blood resin. $13. This is a haunting aroma that mimics the scent of a rotted out blackened log where unknown creatures dwell. Ashen smoke, pitch black soil, ebony wood and singed resins all weave into dark shadows. I have burned this candle before and loved it then as I love it now.

This is a great box filled with amazing items. Individually these run about $66.50 but the box is $65. The most alluring part of the box is the limited edition nature of certain items like The Thinning of the Veil, the enamel pin, the lip color, and the Sixteen92 perfume, which can only be had through this box. I am very happy with everything and will use it all up.

What items in the Sisterhood of the Moon box most appeal to you? Do you see any favorite makers in here?

Sihaya & Co. Summer Box: It's Practically Magic

This box was sent free for reviewing purposes from Sihaya & Co. All opinions are my own.

Sihaya & Company's curated summer box of indie and artisan makers was themed "It's Practically Magic" and contained some really fun and unique items.

Three postcards featuring art by the Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic came tied with twine and a sprig of blue silk flowers. The cards display poetry or play scenes typed up and framed by artwork or photography. Not sure of the actual value/price but they are on thick cardstock and beautifully rendered.

A fun witchy brew of tea came in the box that has me excited to try it, Cherie Anne Designs Butterfly Pea Tea is a blend with apple, carrot and ginger pieces, bean peels, goji berries, raisins and butterfly pea blossoms. It steeps up a blue hue that turns purple when lemon is added. $6.75

A lovely lip tint from Wild Rose Herbs in Roseberry came in the box. It is an all natural, vegetarian product tinted with natural ingredients like alkanet, elderberry and rosehips. It imparts a soft rosy hue to the lips that looks natural and blushed. It has a nice slip and feels cushiony on the lips. I will happily use it all up and explore their other shades. If you sign up for their newsletter you get 10% off. $5.95

A witch bottle from Vasilion Apothecary containing lavender (for luck), salt (for cleansing), rose (for love), calendula (to attract love and success), peony (for self-love and good fortune), hibiscus (for harmony) and a small quartz was sheathed into a muslin bag. $5.99

Glamourkin is a shop on Etsy ran by Bridget Essex. She made and contributed a handmade wooden decoupaged pendant crafted with old fairy tale books. $12.00

Dreaming Tree SoapWorks is an artisan brand that I have tried and enjoyed in the past. I used this bubbling bath melt the other night int he tub and it was awesome. This bah truffle was scented in Midnight Margaritas which smelled like limewood and dark summer skies. It bubbled and frothed in high mounds of white clouds and made the water silky smooth. I used the whole bar at once but cutting it in half would have been adequate. Not sure of value since Dreaming Tree isn't currently open. 

 Sucreabeille is an indie company that has been gaining traction as of late. Much like Femme Fatale this is a webstore that features artisan and indie makers from bath and body to perfume, home fragrance and more. Sucreabeille also has creation of their own such as this perfume called Fall In Love Whenever You Can. $12

Fall In Love Whenever You Can- Notes: A rich, sultry vanilla, a perfect red rose, spicy coumarin, a touch of labdanum and a whisper of wormwood.

From the cobalt vial blooms a dark mahogany rose amid powdery green wormwood fronds. On the tender skin of the wrists the green sap of the wormwood, softly bitter and pleasantly pungent, remains tied closely to the dark silken rose. The labdanum creates the dark spaces and pockets of warmth while the vanilla gently rounds the fragrance out. It is a lovely scent.

One of my favorite parts of a Sihaya & Company box is the candle included by Sihaya. $12

It's Practically Magic- Notes: A sprinkle of rosemary, a blanket of lavender, a plume of sage smoke and a palm full of pink rose petals. 

That teal glitter. So gorgeous! I like that both the perfume in this box and the candle both nod to rose. The candle is a sweeter rose, more plummy and jammy and framed by the sweet sage and smooth lavender and rosemary, it really shines. I have not burned it yet but plan to very soon.

Another thoughtfully assembled box of treats from Sihaya & Co. I am already anticipating her fall box which will be on pre-order August 1st for about $65. 

This box reminds me that I need to read the book Practical Magic. I loved the movie but once I found out Alice Hoffman wrote the book first it threw me for a loop. Have you read it? Do you enjoy Alice Hoffman books?

Sihaya & Co: The Art of Hygge

Sihaya & Co. sent this box gratis in exchange for photographs. All opinions my own.

Sihaya and Company's winter box is themed around The Art of Hygge, which even though I haven't read any of the books concerns hygge I am familiar with the term and comfort is always something I can embrace wholeheartedly. The traditional full sized winter boxes were $67 while a petite version, that lacked the perfume and whipped soap, was offered for $42.

Latherati contributed a 4 ounce body lotion in Cozy Winter ($8). "Imagine being wrapped in a cashmere blanket with a hot peppermint mocha warming your hands, a comforting vanilla dessert, the soft glow from a smoky fire in the corner and snow covered pines through frost covered windows." 

I mentioned my enjoyment of Latherati body lotions a couple times in the past and this one is just as enjoyable. A light, easily absorbed formula that doesn't feel greasy or oily is scented in what predominately smells of peppermint hot cocoa. There may be other notes at play but these two feature as the stars. I love minty scents and this is a nice one to wear before bedtime.

Lumina Noctis Hygge Lip Butter ($8.50) arrived in a dainty glass jar and holds notes of spiced winter clove, herbal lavender, dark cocoa and bourbon vanilla. I quickly fell in love with this creamy thick lip butter. It indeed feels like a gourmand butter on the lips. The notes unfold in a beautiful but unexpected ways. The herbal metallic coolness of the lavender pushes nicely into the bittersweet chocolate while the clove is warm and woody. The vanilla lies like a current of cream that all the sharper tones sink into. If this was a candle I would be in heaven. The lip butter imparts a mellow shimmer coming from its golden base. It is nourishing and luxe. If you enjoy a slippery, soft and oil based lip balm (rather than a waxy one) this one is for you. I already know I am in love. I picked some up as gifts and one more for myself. A little goes a long way so it should last a good long while.

When I saw a bar of chocolate I knew this was a true hygge box. All it needed was a quilt and a steaming cup of lansang souchong to be complete. I have not really explored the world of artisan chocolate like I have wanted to so this bar is very much welcome.

Immortal Mountain Chocolates handcrafted chocolate bar in First Frost Cacao ($5.25) nestled inside the box with its blue foil wrapper gleaming like a grown up Wonka treat. This vegan bar of chocolate is composed of Ecuadorian cacao, Vermont maple syrup, vanilla beans, black lava salt and peppermint oil. The dark chocolate bar breaks with a satisfying snap and smells of dark, bittersweet cocoa. There is a velvety grain to the chocolate that is quite lovely. It melts easily on the tongue and hints at the faintest sweetness. The peppermint imparts a coolness but never comes right out and speaks of candy canes or minty disc candies. Once in a while a tingle of salt reaches the tongue to highlight the dark chocolate. This is first and foremost a dark chocolate bar and everything else serves to lift that up. It is delicious and I already picked up a forest version.

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab brewed up an exclusive concoction just for the winter box, a scent called Black Cherry Apricot Glogg and Sweet Incense ($26). "Both celebratory and cozy, this is the scent of a warm mug of muscatel, dry red wine, brandy, akvavit and bitters steeped in orange peel, cloves, fresh ginger, cinnamon, sugar, star anise, dried apricot, Luxardo Maraschino cherries, and cardamom embraced by a thick shawl of myrrh and red benzoin. 

I did not wear this one as I sent it off as a gift to a friend who simply adores cherries but from my brief experience sniffing the vial this one is a stout dark cherry with soft mulled spices and a thread of wooden incense and resins laced throughout. I have a feeling it would be a beauty for those who enjoy holiday fruits.

I was stoked to see this Whipped Soap from Haus of Gloi in the aroma Cozy Sweater ($8) since I have not been frequenting Haus of Gloi as often and I know I love Cozy Sweater. "Pale skin musk, faded perfume, Egyptian amber, softly burning nag champa incense and a fine aged vanilla."

This is lovely. The nag champa floats tenderly like the petals of delicate flowers rather than earthy and pungent like it can sometimes be portrayed. Musk feathers out the incense even further, blending it out beautifully. The whipped soap feels tacky with an emollient base that is easy to grasp and lathers into a creamy white silk. The scent is wonderfully strong and it rinses clean but still leaves the skin feeling baby smooth. It is almost like a cross between whipped soap and body cream.

Sydney Grace is a fabulous high quality artisan cosmetics creator. They were lined up to contribute an exclusive taupe shade of cream eyeshadow for the Hygge box but the California wildfires hugely impacted their production. Sydney Grace sent out various shades instead and I landed a color in Boardwalk ($8) which is a stunning metallic copper. A tiny bead of the cream applied perfectly to both eye lids. I used my finger and blended it onto my lid all over. No primer was used and it lasted all day. Granted it was a lazy day with no sweating, running around or being exposed to the elements but the lasting power was great. It didn't crease and the pigmentation pay off was stellar. 

Sihaya and Company candles are always welcome in my home. I love the scents, the label art, the burn quality and the shimmery glitter.

Courage, Comfort & Joy- Notes: Glad tidings of warmth and hope. Ligonberry, mulberry, red apple, balsam fir and cozy wintery spices. ($12)

I love the robust fruitiness of this candle. The mulberries and apples and bright red ligonberries swell with sugary tartness and crimson juices. The spices flicker like warm diffuse candlelight to warm the aroma and the fir needles translate into a melodious sugared spruce that barely breaks the surface but adds cheer.

This candle burned beautifully with a medium strong throw in the bedroom on my nightstand.

The wintery shimmer in the candle is stunning. Like a frosted winter scene. 

Sihaya & Company's owner, Chris, is currently on maternity leave as her baby is due any day now. The store is still open but she will only be shipping once a week. I believe she will eventually get back to making candles and boxes and such but right now it is time to nest. Time for comfort and finding hygge during the holidays. 

My hygge: 

- Toddles in my lap purring.

- Warm spiced tea under a quilt I made from scraps.

- Winter nights snuggled in bed with a good book, usually Adam watching videos on his phone beside me.

- Evening movies with the girls piled up on the couch.

- Twinkling lights abound both inside and outside.

- Woodwick candle crackle.

- Patchouli.

- Bubble baths with milk bath and some reading material, candles and quiet.

- Thunderstorms.

What is your hygge?