Spring Beginnings
Spring is a time for rebirth and expectations of what is to come, the new blooms. I had the privilege to travel to the Mediterranean last Spring with a great group of friends, and experience the culture of several different countries.
We began and ended in Spain. Barcelona’s energy is intoxicating. Incredible history, bold architecture, vibrant food, and a nightlife that celebrates la dolce vita. Orange trees lined every street and courtyard. The scent of citrus in the air, and the simple joy of plucking a ripe orange as you walk, made the city feel like one long, fragrant invitation.
Italy showed us the grandeur of Rome and the gentle rhythms of the countryside. Every meal felt like a celebration — fresh pasta, robust wines, and the bright, uplifting bite of Limoncello that lingered like a sunny memory.
Morocco was a feast for the senses: vivid colors, rich spices, bustling souks, and streets that climbed in steep, winding terraces. We learned to make local bread and baked it in a community oven, then sat down to tea with sandwiches, olives, and cheeses — a warm, generous moment we’ll never forget. Thank you. Blue Door. If you ever have the opportunity visit them and bake some bread.
In the South of France I climbed ancient streets in Èze and met local artisans who ran tiny shops tucked into the mountain. I couldn’t resist bringing home tea cups, plates, fragrances, and textiles — keepsakes that carry the region’s understated elegance. I also visited a century-old olive farm and watched how olives are grown and harvested with patience and pride.
Inspired by these travels, I created the Limited Mediterranean Collection — a small line of handmade soaps that captures the fragrances and colors of my journey. Each scent tells a story:
Moroccan Mint Tea — cooling, aromatic mint with a hint of sweet hospitality.
Italian Limoncello — bright, zesty lemon that tastes like sunshine.
Malaga Orange — sweet, juicy orange straight from Barcelona’s streets.
French Lavender — soft, calming lavender kissed by Provençal breezes.
These soaps are made by hand with care and a love for the places that inspired them. I hope inhaling these scents will transport you for a moment — to orange-lined streets, hilltop villages, bustling markets, and sunlit olive groves. They tell the story of my trip, and I hope they become part of yours.
With warm, fragrant wishes,
Pat