🌿 Note from Catalina:
This blog comes from a neurodivergent mind and an immigrant heart. It’s a mix of memories, plants, recipes, travels, and reflections—no straight lines, just stories from a brain that works differently.
I write to be the voice I once needed—for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, misunderstood, or too much. You’re not alone.
A little while ago, my therapist told me something that I didn’t know how to respond to:
“You need to find something that brings you joy. Something just for you. Not work. Not business. Not something to give away or turn into a product. Just fun.”
That sounded… impossible.
But I listened. Or at least, I tried.
I’ve always wanted to make a little facial oil for myself. A blend of the herbs I grow and love—something simple, calming, just for my skin. So one quiet afternoon, I finally did it. I made myself one oil.
It started with just one blend. But, of course, I couldn’t stop there. But then I made another. And then, I thought about my sister. She deserves one too. And if I’m giving it to her, shouldn’t it have a label? Shouldn’t it look nice?
And just like that, it started.
I made more blends. More bottles. I designed labels. I started taking pictures. What was supposed to be a moment of self-care… spiraled.
That’s how my brain works. I can’t help it.
I fall in love with the process. I start creating, and then I keep creating. And before I know it, it becomes something. A little collection. A mini brand. A story. But this time, even if it looks like a product, it’s not for sale.
These oils were made just for me—and for the people I love.
Still, I wanted to share the journey. And a recipe. Because maybe someone else out there needs a reminder that it’s okay to do things just because.
🌿 Acne-Prone & Gua Sha Friendly Facial Oil
This is the first oil I made. It’s lightweight, calming, and helps soothe sensitive skin while working beautifully with a Gua Sha routine.
📍 You’ll need:
1 oz dropper bottle (30 ml)
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp jojoba oil (~12 ml)
- 1 tsp argan oil (~5 ml)
- 1 tsp castor oil (~5 ml)
- 1 drop tea tree essential oil
- 2 drops chamomile fragrance oil (optional)
- 20 drops vitamin E oil (~1 capsule)
How to use:
Apply 3–4 drops after cleansing your face.
Use with a Gua Sha tool or gently massage with your fingertips.
Breathe deeply. Let your skin—and your nervous system—relax.
🧴 Just for Fun, Not for Sale
This project became more than I expected—but I’m not selling these oils. This was about making, about playing with herbs, about gifting something with meaning. It was about finding joy again. Sometimes things don’t need to be monetized. Sometimes things are just little love letters—to yourself, to your sister, to your weird little brain.
💌 A Small Gift
This project isn’t for sale, but I still wanted to share something with you.
Here’s the recipe that started it all — in case you ever want to make something just for yourself, too.
Catyobi 
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