Review: Flora No.1 Face Oil


"The Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil is a highly effective face oil packed with powerful natural anti-oxidants and vitamins that are instantly absorbed to leave skin feeling plumper, firmer and glowing with radiance."

"In 2002, 30 acres of lavender was planted on the farm — one of
the largest plantations in the country" - Mitchell & Peach website 
It was February when I received a sample of this in my ipsy Glam Bag. A little brown bottle sealed in a plastic baggie—a simplistic label with a brand name in an attractive font that rolled off the tongue. I left it in the plastic bag for a week until I thought to try it, and afterwards my facial care regimen was never quite the same!


I didn't realize I'd come to like this product so much; not until I twisted the cap open, lifted it to my nose, and inhaled for the first time. A light, pleasantly floral aroma with strong apricot notes fills the senses immediately, and you only need a few drops to cover your face and neck. My skin is nourished upon application without an incredibly heavy feeling I get sometimes with cream moisturizers.

This oil is a very light, refreshing oil -- I used it mainly in the mornings as a moisturizer by itself. In the evenings this goes on before my night cream, a much heavier formula which tackles the dry spots on my combination skin.

As much as I loved the product, the price makes my heart drop. A full-sized bottle (20ml) is £30, roughly $45 USD. While I'm blessed to have a job, that price is steep for me! Regardless, I caved and purchased it as a gift to myself for my birthday in early March.


via Bustle's "All About Apricot Seed Oil"
'This light, fragrant oil is made from cold
pressing dried seeds and is packed with
fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and a
shit ton of antioxidants to keep your skin
and hair looking young ... '
The sample lasted me a fair bit of time even as I used it on a nightly basis. I have my cousin to thank, since I appropriated her own 10ml sample upon learning her casual indifference to oil products. Drawing near the end of the packaging, I found myself itching to locate my next fix. The brand name was foreign and I failed to see it in the stores in my area.

I have to mention that the ingredient list is very extensive, which partly explains some of its hefty price tag. I'm also glad to know they source some ingredients from the Mitchell family farm in Kent, England.

Besides the main moisturizers (coconut, grapeseed, and sunflower oil) there are others that are especially vitamin-enriched (apricot kernel, cobnut and wheat germ oil) and some for fragrance (ylang ylang and lavender oils, and rose extract). It makes for an addicting aroma; I'd love to have the eau de parfum.

 Update 05/03/16: Discovered Beautyhabit, which ships from the US. They stock the EDP. Yessss.

The fragrance is
delicately floral
INGREDIENTS: Cocos nucifera (Coconut Oil), Prunus armeniaca (Apricot Kernel Oil), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower Oil), Vitis vinifera (Grape Seed Oil), Buxus chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Corylus avellana (Cobnut Oil), Triticum vulgare (Wheat Germ Oil), Lavender angustifolia (Lavender Oil), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rosa centifolia (Rose Extract), Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla Extract), Viola odorata (Sweet Violet Extract), Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang Oil), Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa Oil), Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool

The packaging is a nostalgic amber glass, with a pipette attached to the cap so you can easily dispense it onto your face. It's extremely convenient and easy to use, and not to mention extremely cute with a vintage-inspired feel.

3.5 out of 5 stars

If I had to rate this product, it's a 3.75 3.5 out of 5. The price is the main point of conflict -- that and the consistency of this oil is almost too light that I need to pair it a heavier product at nighttime and during the fall/winter months.

 Update June 2018: After about 3 bottles, I won't be purchasing this product again. I've been sampling other oils in my area and found that coconut oil is not the best product on my skin, and felt that this was causing my pores to clog compared to other oil blends that did not contain coconut oil. Lately, I use oil blends with a sweet almond oil base; I still have a few drops of this product, which I use to soften my cuticles post-shower. All in all, if your skin is not sensitive or acne-prone... and you don't mind paying for finely-sourced ingredients... Mitchell & Peach is a luxurious oil blend to add to your routine.
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4 Mori Essentials


Today, I will be sharing a little list of things that all Morifolk should have. You might already have some, if not all, of these things in your possession. While most of them are not necessary, you'll find that the quality of your nature-inspired lifestyle can improve with the recommendations from this list.
CHUMS Sinawava 45 Backpack ($274 USD)
My dream backpack right now, available on
Rakuten, Without Walls or Urban Outfitters

1. Adventurer's Pack
Every woodland wanderer (especially one with yama girl tendencies) must have a backpack should any adventures, such as hiking or picnicking, arises. It can double as your travel and/or carry-on bag or for your commute to school and/or work. While style and design is ultimately up to the wearer, there is some criteria that every adventurer's pack should meet:
  • Plenty of pockets. Some examples are: padded laptop section, water bottle holders, if there is more than one large compartment (i.e. for separating dirty clothing, foodstuffs, paperwork)
  • The overall construction and quality is durable and well-made.
  • Not overly large -- when fully packed, it must be easy for you to carry! I prefer my backpacks on the more compact side, but if you're looking for a bag to bring with you on a long trip or on a camping expedition, then perhaps bigger is better.

Indy-11 by Breckelles (found on Amazon)

These are my most favourite, cheapo boot; the pointed toe is very flattering! As it's a fashion shoe,
I wouldn't recommend wearing it for any forest adventures. They can match just about any outfit.
Runs super narrow; definitely order a 1/2 size up especially for wide feet.
Pampa Hi by Palladium in Sahara

2. Lace-up boots 
A good pair of lace-up boots is a quintessential footwear in life -- and it is no exception when it comes to Forest Style. Boots are great to wear practically all-year round and can be incorporated into several outfits. A simple style is the best way to go; colors such as dark brown, beige and tan are the easiest to work with. For forest adventures, avoid fashion shoes altogether and wear a pair of cool sneakers or running shoes... I like Palladiums, which I have in black (pictured right in the color Sahara). Suede should be avoided because it's easily soiled by dirt, rain, and mud. The most important thing is that all of your shoes are comfortable, especially so you may wear them over long periods of time.


3. A way to chronicle your adventures
While exploring the world, it's a great idea to collect those precious memories with physical objects so it's easier to reflect on them in the future. There are so many ways to do this, so I'll give you a handy list as well.

    Besides a camera, all things listed
    here can be found at the dollar store
    such as Daiso Japan! (Daly City, CA)

  • Camera: the easiest way to capture a moment. Most cellphones nowadays have a built-in camera, or use a disposable one or save up for a digital one for professional quality.
  • Treasure box: Collect memorabilia! Trinkets from the antique shop, flowers & leaves, seashells, etc. These things carry nostalgic value as time passes.

  • Diary or Bullet Journal: jot down thoughts and relive those memories each time you read old entries. It's surprisingly fun reading your old self's point of view. I highly recommend starting one as using the Bullet Journal method!
  • Scrapbook: Paste cutouts from magazines among other things (think leaves, vintage postcards, lace, etc.) that inspire you into one book. Look back on it to get those creative juices flowing!
  • Sketchbook: Draw scenery, plant and wild life, your friends' coords. Try designing your own clothes if you sew; doodle fairies and mythological creatures, draw self portraits; anything!



I first discovered Zum Bar soaps at my local health food supermarket. Using
a goat's milk base, each one is uniquely scented with essential oils. Read this
mini overview to learn the benefits of goat's milk. I've tried the sea salt bar
and patchouli-orange -- they all smell so good that I want to try them all!

Available online here. 
4. Natural hair and skincare
Growing up, I used products that contained irritating, drying, and downright no good ingredients such as parabens, sodium laurel sulfate, mineral oil, and added fragrance and color. These products made my grade school self suffer from frizzy, unmanageable hair and itchy, dry skin. Now I've realized that natural (read: non-synthetic) is the way to go. It also inspires a feeling of being in tune with mother nature when I go back to the basic ingredients in my skin and beauty routine.

 There are many natural brands, you just have to look in the right places!
Did you know you can use ingredients from the supermarket as skincare? Always test new products and ingredients to see how your skin reacts, since some ingredients don't work well on certain skin types.
    • Coconut oil can be used as a hair masque or conditioner, as well as a myriad of moisturizing products -- jojoba, argan, and other natural oils can be used similarly. Tea tree oil helps combat acne and fungal infections.
    • Sugar can be used as a lip exfoliant. Easily made with some honey or vegetable oil, and you have a gentle way to rid the dead skin. Benefit from this ritual once or twice weekly.
    • Make your own facial masks with ingredients such as milk, avocado, honey, banana, and oatmeal. You might already have these things in your kitchen! If you don't, all of them are easily found in your local market.

 4. Basic skirt for layering
I purchased this skirt from AliExpress
for $30 USD from L-HuaYuan Co., Ltd.
The listing was deleted but there are
plenty of similar ones you can find online!


The first thing I purchased for my mori wardrobe was a simple white skirt with a ruffled hem (pictured to the right) It has an elastic band and hidden straps sewn on the inside, so I'm able to wear it as a dress too. This piece of clothing served as a staple for my first mori coordinates.
  • Not too decorated or flashy. Lace isn't required; it depends on which mori style or variation you want to achieve. Quick rule of thumb: the simpler it is, the more outfits it can be used in. However, multiple layers aren't required (which generally makes an outfit heavier).
  • Easy-to-match colors. Creamy beiges and whites are the obvious choice. I also think that browns, greens, or even dark purples are extremely versatile as well.
  • Elastic waistbands are the way to go. Bonus points if you are able to wear it as a dress!
These are just a few things that I think every mori girl should have. I'd love to hear any other suggestions in the comments below~! Thank you for reading and see you next time ♥︎
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Review: Crow & Iris ft. 'Calm' Raw Amethyst Necklace


Hello, dears! So, my last Etsy escapade (which was actually about a month ago) had me wanting a necklace that was both dainty and eye-catching, and what better way than with raw crystal?

 I've always had a fondness for amethyst -- so, why not see what there was to find? Into the search box, I entered 'raw amethyst necklace' and began to leaf through the pages.

There were so many beautiful pieces up for sale, but the one that called out to me the loudest was one called 'Calm' from Crow & Iris.

It was the row of three dainty amethyst geodes (see the expired listing here) that drew me into their shop. Looking at all the splendid works of art they had to offer -- mostly necklaces, with some earrings and bracelets here and there -- I could see that this jeweler had a keen eye for detail. I immediately fell in love with their artistic style.

I thrilled to see that their jewelry is one-of-a-kind -- the one pictured is the exact one you are purchasing. Did I also mention everything is handmade?

Luckily, the price was reduced by 20% due to their holiday sale. And there was just something about it that I immediately purchased it. In a cute, turquoise-colored padded envelope that arrived fairly quickly there with some of business cards, a card explaining how their super cute packaging was eco-friendly, and lastly the necklace I purchased.
Reindeer and snowflakes on the festive washi tape decorate the small box containing my new necklace. It came in a paper slip so it wasn't jostling about, complete with a 'thanks!' sticker to keep it secure. The necklace was exactly as pictured.

 I give Crow & Iris five stars. Wonderful, handcrafted products shipped promptly to you at reasonable prices.

 You can follow Patricia, Crow & Iris's lovely owner, on Instagram (x) for look into her life in Washington state. Besides sneak peeks of her newest pretties, she posts great nature photography and her adorable pups.

 My final thoughts on my purchase's feedback page:
Even more beautiful that I imagined in person! I love my new necklace, it's stunning. This store is truly a gem ♥ Amazing handmade designs of high quality, fabulous pricing, and a sweet shopkeeper. Simply the best!


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