tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3341685706406639272024-03-12T19:37:21.506-04:00a Side of Sparkleeveryone needs a side of sparkleMarissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-24688410269342596402014-07-28T15:26:00.002-04:002014-07-28T15:26:55.846-04:00buttermilk peach preserve ice cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the weekend I decided to overhaul some of my product shots and create some fancy "scenes" out in the garden. All was going well, the light was just right, the breeze stayed oh, so calm, and my little girlies were frolicking in the lawn playing so nicely together. And then my camera battery died. Dead. As. A. Doornail.<br />
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Rather than spoil the lovely summer Saturday with fuming and <strike>swearing my head off</strike>, I decided to mosey over to the kitchen and make ice cream... peach preserve buttermilk ice cream to be exact. <a href="http://drfugawe.wordpress.com/2010/11/20/buttermilk-americas-almost-lost-fermented-treasure/#comment-11705">Buttermilk</a> is one of those oft forgotten kitchen staples of yesteryear. In the past year buttermilk has been a personal revelation for me - I use it at any opportunity in baking, and smoothies are a whole new, gut-friendlier experience. When it came to making ice cream, it just seemed like I couldn't believe I hadn't tried it yet. So I did. And the results were delicious. <br />
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RECIPE<br />
1 cup heavy cream<br />
2 cups buttermilk<br />
1 cup sugar (I use brown, but white of light brown will do)<br />
1 tsp almond extract<br />
2/3 cup peach preserves<br />
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum*<br />
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Place all ingredients into the chilled tub of your ice cream maker. Let churn until it resembles soft serve ice cream in consistency. Pack into container and freeze for several hours/overnight, until flavors ripen and ice cream hardens.<br />
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*Xanthan gum is an all star when is comes to making ice cream. It gives my ice cream a creamy, scoopable consistency that I cannot achieve otherwise. Find <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013JJZWG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0013JJZWG&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20&linkId=YITQVSXK5HLDTNPB%22%3EBob%27s%20Red%20Mill%20Gum%20Xanthan,%208-Ounce%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=asidofspa-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013JJZWG%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">xanthan gum</a> here (affiliate link).<br />
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<a href="http://www.homesicktexan.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>photo credit, 1</i></span></a>Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-47369098925716525292014-07-24T14:57:00.000-04:002014-08-06T11:07:26.558-04:00I've been up to something<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqkslwd91KeELRAZObF5FVGU0PL_ME112RFk0OJUsU862CqUZeNRwVu0_crNftIdIcsyniNEV1JlakZj95umNVhZmnRLV_uhEVLfG-j-e-sTIBTjvkZqXm2XOfzqLpRy9tBDHFJF9j5Zx/s1600/10460783_10152522126549070_6420086079469391169_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqkslwd91KeELRAZObF5FVGU0PL_ME112RFk0OJUsU862CqUZeNRwVu0_crNftIdIcsyniNEV1JlakZj95umNVhZmnRLV_uhEVLfG-j-e-sTIBTjvkZqXm2XOfzqLpRy9tBDHFJF9j5Zx/s1600/10460783_10152522126549070_6420086079469391169_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hello, Dear Readers! It's been a while, and perhaps my last post left a lot to the imagination (what, about the whole brain surgery thing). Right before that whole experience, I started a little side project based on the natural skincare products I've been making for my family and friends for years. "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PreciousSkinElixirs?ref=hdr">Precious Skin Elixirs</a>" is now gaining some momentum - news I am so happy to share. After completing our first show at <a href="http://www.shakethetreeboston.com/">Shake The Tree</a> in Boston's North End, a new website is in development and you may see me at a farmer's market or two these next few months.<br />
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More than just another skincare line, my goal with Precious Skin Elixirs is to really spread the word on how effective and wonderful natural, botanical, preservative-free skincare really is! I've had enough with synthetic, toxic ingredients and preservatives that are in products at the convenience of the manufacturer - they do nothing but aggravate and harm the skin and are present only to extend shelf-life and save on their bottom line. That's why I've created products such as a gentle <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197200524/gentle-face-scrub-honey-clay-exfoliating?ref=shop_home_active_5">exfoliating face scrub</a>, a truly luxurious <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/180596221/face-cream-24-karat-gold-super-luxurious?ref=shop_home_active_9">nourishing face cream</a>, a natural <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197341059/herbal-insect-repellent-harmony-natural?ref=shop_home_active_11">herbal bug spray</a>, and even a toxin free <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195628224/natural-sunscreen-spf-24-mineral-sun?ref=related-1">mineral sunscreen</a> made with skin loving ingredients.<br />
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If you're passionate about caring for your skin naturally and have an appreciation for small batch, handmade goods, I'd love for you to check out the line and shoot me some feedback!<br />
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With love and intention,<br />
Marissa<br />
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<br />Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-35459485205156322622014-03-31T12:59:00.000-04:002014-03-31T12:59:07.277-04:00in pain there is wisdom<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiWGn7kjxPViQE_YvhnK3WEwhFuBQYp4yfY68UZpztdxGuI_KPDJgwfwEGQzeoqwxVrw8-tfPOs2q0TJQEF_fKLcs1ks2RRvM8ABAnnSqGnl9ysq_2gbFQIspfrSUDh1vW4CJ0NEMokHe/s1600/tumblr_lpkqrdisAc1qmi8omo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiWGn7kjxPViQE_YvhnK3WEwhFuBQYp4yfY68UZpztdxGuI_KPDJgwfwEGQzeoqwxVrw8-tfPOs2q0TJQEF_fKLcs1ks2RRvM8ABAnnSqGnl9ysq_2gbFQIspfrSUDh1vW4CJ0NEMokHe/s1600/tumblr_lpkqrdisAc1qmi8omo1_500.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Good morning, Dear Readers. I'm happy to be alive...I didn't mention to you all that, up until a few weeks ago, skull surgery was in my future. It was really scary - I'm not going to pretend it was "no big deal" or that I'm all better as I type this post. In fact, I'm not really able to write about the experience (or much of anything) just yet, but I did want to break the silence and write just a little something to say how happy I am that I'm still here, enjoying my family while I recover, feeling the transformativeness (is that a word?) of physical pain and the wisdom it provides, still going to blog, and still loving life... among many many other things! Thank you for reading... until next time :)<br />
<br />Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-39696496358022174762014-03-14T13:07:00.000-04:002014-03-14T13:07:06.225-04:00new in the shop: LAPIS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim27XqaZRJDcOBeekgBAJS0aqplzWpp51NzSIwIbXTLcS9lDce1IXzOmXe1LqjxQdOopzPJV51LDG2A_k1wZgDnb1S-6BUhCTqUhsxiKmkfhwhIWoyQXpnOUmfV57DRRcJinF9mJpdipJD/s1600/PSE_lapis_PS-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim27XqaZRJDcOBeekgBAJS0aqplzWpp51NzSIwIbXTLcS9lDce1IXzOmXe1LqjxQdOopzPJV51LDG2A_k1wZgDnb1S-6BUhCTqUhsxiKmkfhwhIWoyQXpnOUmfV57DRRcJinF9mJpdipJD/s1600/PSE_lapis_PS-1.jpg" height="336" width="400" /></a></div>
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After pampering my skin by testing out the new facial clays I've been working on, I have enjoyed brighter skin that has that glow-ey look to it (the last time I saw glowing skin was when I was pregnant... not necessarily the most practical way to get glow-ey). I haven't had many breakouts since I switched to moisturizing with oil blends and ditched my CVS "gentle" cleanser, but it's still good to be prepared when the inevitable happens - hormones, junk food, and sleeping in my make-up.<br />
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Thus, Lapis was created. This powerful combination of extracts and essential oils targets
bacteria and underlying inflammation of blemishes. Argan oil helps to
break up sebum build up while the exceptional trans-dermal properties of
emu oil carries the healing powers of tea tree oil, seabuckthorn berry
extract, and essential oils of lemongrass, clove, and oregano deep into
the skin to clear up blemishes. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/182659403">Lapis Blemish Treatment Serum</a> is in the shop!<br /><br />This oil is formulated to spot
treat acne and is too strong to use as an overall treatment. The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/178722775">Agate Face Oil Blend</a> is a wonderful choice for oily or acne prone skin -
providing hydration and keeping breakouts at bay. Hopefully, none of you are visited by any annoying red bumps - they seem to arrive like unwelcome house guests at the most inopportune times. But, if you are you know where to find a solution!Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-10297815812016650722014-03-12T15:41:00.002-04:002014-03-12T15:52:01.971-04:00wordless wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpeu4_4hxaIm5fpMN-KnEPfpe8PqJEsipOoHW4DZUk3Nec6qTMdPUMto6qDRiHPBAZ-XAOjskeXBuwirnMkmyTC8io0PaUyIUa40ZB_moqUhda0ip4H_VsJ0cnF4f8eqZwrE7lrd1Ne3T/s1600/barbie+and+woman+in+a+yellow+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpeu4_4hxaIm5fpMN-KnEPfpe8PqJEsipOoHW4DZUk3Nec6qTMdPUMto6qDRiHPBAZ-XAOjskeXBuwirnMkmyTC8io0PaUyIUa40ZB_moqUhda0ip4H_VsJ0cnF4f8eqZwrE7lrd1Ne3T/s1600/barbie+and+woman+in+a+yellow+dress.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://helenawantsmore.tumblr.com/post/49015707316">image 1</a> | <a href="http://bvisayc556.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/sam_0935-960x1280.jpg">image 2</a> </span></div>
Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-28799439448886203792014-02-27T06:30:00.000-05:002014-02-27T06:30:05.320-05:00dinner tonight: coconut panko sole fillets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zMLU1uXyQT0kjHon3v3nyIlvwDKh7cXl_jq88Mdaf1Ua95fwGRAMX9rotF8IWPQ7ohERGu68171grIEK6gYHqvRy9igNCv0NRLYgSPdQF3zrVT9hVFLY4nY8xmhhC8qu4IddE6Qv-QKC/s1600/coconut-fish-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zMLU1uXyQT0kjHon3v3nyIlvwDKh7cXl_jq88Mdaf1Ua95fwGRAMX9rotF8IWPQ7ohERGu68171grIEK6gYHqvRy9igNCv0NRLYgSPdQF3zrVT9hVFLY4nY8xmhhC8qu4IddE6Qv-QKC/s1600/coconut-fish-main.jpg" height="640" width="451" /></a></div>
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I had serious doubts about the frozen dover sole fillets I pulled from the freezer yesterday. <i>"But they're from Trader Joe's,"</i> my inner voice of hope exclaimed, <i>"nothing from Trader Joe's has ever disappointed you." "Frozen fish! Yuck! It's been in a deep freeze for months,"</i> said my other inner voice of doom and gloom... <i>"when have you ever had success with frozen white fish?!"</i><br />
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Voices in my head aside, I carried on with a recipe I had seen a few years ago *!* in mind for panko crusted sole. After searching and searching, I couldn't find it. Drat! So, true to my <i>"let's wing-it and see what happens (we may be ordering a pizza for dinner)"</i> style I came up with this recipe below adapted from <a href="http://dashingdish.com/recipe/crispy-baked-coconut-crusted-tilapia/" target="_blank">Dashing Dish</a>. And let me tell you - it rocked our dinner table. Even my self-proclaimed "fishes" hating two year old devoured her dinner before she could say guppy.<br />
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Take <i>that</i> inner voice of doom and gloom.<br />
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PANKO AND COCONUT OVEN BAKED SOLE<br />
{Served with coconut curry barley and steamed vegetables ~ serves 2-3 adults}<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
+/- 1 lb. sole fillets<br />
1/2 cup coconut flakes (sweetened is preferred)<br />
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs<br />
dash salt<br />
dash pepper<br />
1 tablespoon tapioca flour (or any flour works just fine)<br />
1 egg white<br />
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Directions:<br />
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Set oven rack to the middle or bottom third. Line a baking pan with foil and arrange a wire rack on top. Spray with cooking spray.<br />
2. Combine coconut, panko, flour, salt, and pepper into a small bowl.<br />
3. Lightly whisk the egg white in a separate bowl.<br />
4. in assembly line style, dredge each fillet in the egg white, then in the panko mix, then lay flat onto the wire rack.<br />
5. Bake for 16-20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and the fish is cooked through.<br />
<i>*If you notice the crust browning too fast, spray the fillets with a bit of cooking spray to protect then while baking. </i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">image credit: dashing dish</span></i><br />
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<br />Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-55392714013130435212014-02-24T15:23:00.000-05:002014-02-24T15:25:52.780-05:00exciting news to report + a recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtpJRDr4L8Auhmrx8us1sjRqFuLQWfcdSI1ucigXqdwaTrn2bNPVHZg5ybGEXgjo5INDPnNRjOCbpKdSNXPqmCwn-Oo0c6v0Rmk4XV4vEqB0L8Ez_2uCFhM2FcdZa-L2prhOZ_dqwJ-3R/s1600/PSE_tourmaline_.25oz-fancy-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtpJRDr4L8Auhmrx8us1sjRqFuLQWfcdSI1ucigXqdwaTrn2bNPVHZg5ybGEXgjo5INDPnNRjOCbpKdSNXPqmCwn-Oo0c6v0Rmk4XV4vEqB0L8Ez_2uCFhM2FcdZa-L2prhOZ_dqwJ-3R/s1600/PSE_tourmaline_.25oz-fancy-lg.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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No, I'm not having another baby! But, starting a new business is kind of like having a baby... The exciting news is that I've made my first two sales of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PreciousSkinElixirs" target="_blank">Precious Skin Elixirs</a>. Both came about as people wanted to first purchase samples, so I now have trial/travel sizes of all seven blends. <br />
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Enough about my fledgling web sales... onto the recipe I'd like to share for <a href="http://simplygluten-free.com/blog/2011/05/gluten-free-pate-choux-step-by-step.html" target="_blank">gluten free pate choux</a>. I don't have any pictures of the cream puffs I made with this recipe last week for our diner guests, but I will definitely be making these again (and again (and again (and again... <i>ok, I'll stop</i>))).<br />
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Pate choux is one of the work-horses of the pastry world. It's necessary for eclairs, profiteroles, cream puffs, gougères, etc. Having found a dynamite gluten free version just makes me giddy with gluten-less joy.<br />
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AND! they freeze well for a last minute "I need to impress my guests with a fancy dessert to match the over complicated menu I just spent all my time making" issues.* Just freeze them after they are completely cooled in an air-tight container and revive them in a 350 degree oven (right from the freezer no need to defrost) for 5-ish minutes before you fill them.<br />
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I filled mine with fresh sweetened whipped cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate to top things off. Bust out your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EMKD2XQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EMKD2XQ&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20" target="_blank">favorite cake stand</a>, pile the puffs onto a bed of strawberry slices and you have yourself a fancy dessert. <br />
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<i>*that's never happend to me... riiiiiiiiiiiight.</i>Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-48642817806415052222014-02-18T09:53:00.000-05:002014-02-18T10:08:25.481-05:00natural house cleaning with tea tree oil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FVRJrHsbqlZ55-HlRgWbDGmCFR5rkc5HuSl_j13YfC0zMa9L0iSrINwMHqrOEMQyX0E_J0n58z0DRsL9AH4D86SgCbpqX2jYqU_PEUzsfuPXQUN6dEEuqrkJGr8tzm2cQW6TlZRfXJSZ/s1600/tea+tree+oil+image+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FVRJrHsbqlZ55-HlRgWbDGmCFR5rkc5HuSl_j13YfC0zMa9L0iSrINwMHqrOEMQyX0E_J0n58z0DRsL9AH4D86SgCbpqX2jYqU_PEUzsfuPXQUN6dEEuqrkJGr8tzm2cQW6TlZRfXJSZ/s1600/tea+tree+oil+image+copy.jpg" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://marissab.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
When I was a foot-loose twenty-something I spent a lot of time in NYC doing trade shows for <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.marissab.com/" target="_blank">Marissa B.</a> That meant walking <i>everywhere</i> and I'll never forget the myriad of smells I would experience as I navigated the city. One smell in particular would completely delight and capture me - the fresh, green, slightly astringent smell that wafted out of the day spas that dotted just about any given city block. It sounds a bit odd to articulate, but, man that herbal fragrance was totally intoxicating to me and I always wondered what the heck it was. Finally, crossing language barriers and my fear of looking like an idiot, I walked into one of these spas and asked the woman if she could pin-point the scent. Was it a perfume, a treatment oil...a cleaning product?! My efforts produced a bewildered shopkeeper and a slightly embarrassed self. It wasn't until one day, sick of the sneeze-inducing smell of Mr. Clean, that I decided I'd go grandma-old-school and use vinegar and water to mop my floor. To add an extra zing of cleaning power I dropped 1/4 teaspoon of tea tree oil and some peppermint essential oil into the mix. It was magic. I still don't know how that combination creates that "spa scent," but it does and it makes my house smell serene... taking me right back to strolling down a mid-August New York City street.</span><br />
<a href="http://marissab.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
So, today I'd like to talk about tea tree oil. A friend of mine recently asked what I do with the stuff and I realized there was no short answer. What <i>don</i>'t I use tea tree oil for? Definitely not for anything involving food since it's toxic when taken internally, so don't ever do that! <br />
<a href="http://marissab.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
First, a brief history: Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is an essential oil derived from the <span style="color: black;">leaves of the <i>Melaleuca alternifolia</i>, a shrub native to Australia. It is widely accepted as an antifungal and antiseptic and is used to treat eczema, skin abrasions, dandruff, yeast infections... basically tea tree oil is mother nature's Tinactin. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I love using tea tree oil in my cleaning products. I love that it has natural disinfecting properties without the harsh lung-irritating effects that bleach has (not to mention that bleach is to blame for <i>too many </i>be-speckled black yoga pants). Here is a list of all the things I make with tea tree oil. Mopping the floor is actually something I look forward to, knowing that my house will smell like a spa when I'm finished. You may not agree that the scent is as enrapturing as I've talked it up to be, but I hope you will agree that is much healthier for you than commercial cleaning products!</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: black;">All Purpose Cleaner <i>(for everything BUT granite and marble)</i>:</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: black;">1/2 cup Citrus infused white vinegar <i>(basicaly, anytime you eat an orange/grapefruit/lime/lemon put the peels in a jar of white vinegar. In a week you'll have upped the cleaning power of your vinegar).</i></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1/2 teaspoon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W4JTU8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003W4JTU8&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20" target="_blank">liquid castile soap</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">10-15 drops of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ELP5KA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ELP5KA&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20" target="_blank">tea tree oil</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">2 cups water</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Pour all into a spray bottle, wait for the vinegar and baking soda to stop fizzing, put the spray top on, give a gentle shake and you're ready to rock. The reason you don't want to use this on granite or marble, is because the acidity of the vinegar is stripping. This formula works great on everything else, though!</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: black;">Granite and Marble Cleaner</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: black;">1/4 cup rubbing alcohol</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1/4 teaspoon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W4JTU8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003W4JTU8&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20" target="_blank">liquid castile soap</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">5-10 drops of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ELP5KA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ELP5KA&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20" target="_blank">tea tree oil</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1 2/3 cups water</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Pour all into a spray bottle, give a gentle shake and spray away! Clean you natural stone tiles with this too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Natural Floor Cleaner <i>(for ALL floors: wood, tile, linoleum, etc)</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">4 cups white vinegar (you could also use the citrus infused vinegar)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1 gallon of warm water</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">2-5 drops <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W4JTU8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003W4JTU8&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20" target="_blank">liquid castile soap</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">10-15 drops <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ELP5KA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000ELP5KA&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20" target="_blank">tea tree oil</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">5 drops <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00028MKRQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00028MKRQ&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20" target="_blank">peppermint essential oil</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Mix all together in your mopping bucket of choice and enjoy a healthy (maybe even spa-like) cleaning experience. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">There you have it - my favorite three cleaning solutions that have tea tree oil in common. I haven't even gotten into the healing properties of topical applications for tea tree oil... that's a whole other post. In the meantime I hope you enjoy safer cleaning by trying some of these natural recipes - there's just no need to use a product that has disclaimers right on the package! Here's some further reading on the matter: </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.downtoearth.org/health/healthy-home/harsh-reality-household-cleaners" target="_blank">the harsh reality of household cleaners</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/10-household-cleaners-to-avoid-at-all-costs.html" target="_blank">10 household cleaners to avoid at all costs</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.healthycleaning.com/whycleanhealthy.html" target="_blank">why clean healthy</a><br />
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I only recommend products that I wholeheartedly believe to be valuable or that I use myself.
- See more at: http://www.rubiesandradishes.com/2013/09/12/diy-all-purpose-cleaner/#sthash.jX9yaQn5.dpuf</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>affiliate disclosure: links to products in some of my posts will lead you to amazon.com links where you can purchase the items being discussed. I receive an affiliate kick-back from any purchases made through the links. I love sharing my experiences and what I hope to be helpful tips. I appreciate your support - it's how I offset the costs of running my blog! </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Please know that I only endorse products I use myself or wholeheartedly believe in!</i></span><br />
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I only recommend products that I wholeheartedly believe to be valuable or that I use myself.
- See more at: http://www.rubiesandradishes.com/2013/09/12/diy-all-purpose-cleaner/#sthash.jX9yaQn5.dpuf</div>
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I only recommend products that I wholeheartedly believe to be valuable or that I use myself.
- See more at: http://www.rubiesandradishes.com/2013/09/12/diy-all-purpose-cleaner/#sthash.jX9yaQn5.dpuf</div>
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-84759617276616379632014-02-14T10:40:00.000-05:002014-02-14T10:40:23.672-05:00fave x five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Valentine's day to y'all. I wish that "y'all" was natural to my vernacular, but growing up here in New England, it never feels right when I say it (or type it). Anyhoo, I'm starting a new series here on a Side of Sparkle called "fave x five." In addition to what I hope will be life-altering, mood-boosting, thought-provoking original content, I'll be featuring a smattering of, <i>you guessed it</i>, five favorite things I've been burning about all week to share. So, here's the first Friday fave x five (yeah, I like alliteration).<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/94431664/ballet-slipper-14-colors-avail-pastel?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=baby+shoes&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">seriously cute baby shoes </a><br />
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the <a href="http://seacoastunderground.com/" target="_blank">goings on in the New England seacoast</a> area <br />
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<a href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/a-scientific-guide-to-saying-no-how-to-avoid-temptation-and-distraction" target="_blank">how to say no</a><br />
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<a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/love_sex/151170/most_amazing_husband_ever_sends" target="_blank">so romantic you might cry</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tehJg8dvUnE" target="_blank">is this possible?</a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://stephaniessummerhousenotebook.blogspot.com/2012_08_01_archive.html" target="_blank">image credit </a></span></i></div>
Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-76530615339713769402014-02-13T11:48:00.000-05:002014-02-13T11:48:20.834-05:00chocolate, like love, can be complicated <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Love is not always easy. But it's so worth it and we grow from making it through the difficult parts, making the smooth parts that much sweeter. Love and chocolate have a lot in common. Both can be complicated, yet with sweet results. Is that why we give chocolates on Valentine's day? Is it the perfect metaphor for love?<br />
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I'm not going to pretend this recipe for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2014/diy-red-velvet-bonbons-recipe" target="_blank">red velvet bonbons</a> is easy or simple... but it's not overly complicated either. First you bake a cake, then turn it into the liquid center for the bonbons. The chocolate requires tempering and the final product is firmed up in a candy mold of your choosing. The entire process really embodies what love is all about. If you make these bonbons for your valentine, tell them how much work it was, and tell them how much you love them. I think these are a sweet homage to love. Oh, and they look freakin' delicious!<br />
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<br />Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-62829183270805635542014-02-12T09:37:00.002-05:002014-02-12T09:37:51.325-05:00valentine's day, you say?It's a good thing I was late dropping off Violet to preschool today because I would not have overheard another mom asking the teacher about how many valentines to bring in on Thursday. <i>Valentines! On Thursday?</i> I had a small panic attack as I didn't even think about such reverie. Admittedly, I've been preoccupied. I sheepishly inquired of the same teacher <i>"how many did you say?"</i><br />
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Turns out I'm not that daunted by the need to craft a dozen or so cards seeing as how there is a wealth of ideas out there {thank you, Pinterest}. Here are the few I'm debating over making. Personally, I like the non-candy idea of the goldfish crackers. <br />
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Here is a round up of some creative and straightforward valentines ideas for kids and their schoolmates. Oh, and this gorgeous <a href="http://housebyhoff.blogspot.com/2013/01/valentine-week-diy-valentine-topiaries.html" target="_blank">diy valentine topiary</a> that reuses all that beautiful card stock you have laying around! <i>p.s. you will need this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FW49V2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002FW49V2&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20" target="_blank">hydrangea punch</a></i><br />
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<i> </i><a href="http://smallforbig.com/2014/02/diy-bunny-birdie-printable-valentine-cards.html" target="_blank">Bunny Valentine Cards</a> <i>via smallforbig </i></div>
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<i> </i><a href="http://www.tammymitchellphotography.com/2011/02/11/make-this-homemade-valentines-o-fish-ally-be-mine/" target="_blank">Goldfish Valentine</a><i> via tammymitchellphotography </i></div>
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<a href="http://spoonful.com/crafts/caped-cute-sader" target="_blank">Caped Crusader</a> <i>via spoonful</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/printable-school-valentines/" target="_blank">Fish Bowl Valentine</a> <i>via i heart naptime</i></div>
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<a href="http://housebyhoff.blogspot.com/2013/01/valentine-week-diy-valentine-topiaries.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day Topiary</a> <i>via house by hoff</i></div>
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Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-41973070906900109042014-02-10T06:30:00.000-05:002014-02-28T13:23:51.427-05:00something new<br />
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It's been well over two years now that I have been using a homemade oil blend to moisturize my face. From the moment I first patted it onto my skin I knew I would never go back to commercial (ahem, <i>chemical laden</i>) creams. Friends asked me to make some for them and pretty soon it dawned on me that I might have a new venture in the works! Through the magic of PBS kids and mini marshmallows I whipped up a website last Thursday while the lovelies (can't believe they're already 4 and 2.5) were entertained.Without further ado, I would be honored if you checked out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/preciousskinelixirs" target="_blank">Precious Skin Elixirs</a>.<br />
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This is the beginning of what I think will be rather successful. Chemical-free and toxin-free living is something I am passionate about in my own life and I am thrilled to be sharing something that has helped me stay true to that commitment. Plus, my skin has <i>never</i> looked so clear and vibrant! What do you think - do you like the concept? Would you like a free sample? Ask me in the comments!<br />
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<br />Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-73643171671810492542014-02-03T08:59:00.001-05:002014-02-09T20:25:54.823-05:00venture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever talk yourself out of doing something new because the "what if's" start piling up? <i>What if I fail, what if I don't like it, what if no one understands my decision?</i> I'd like to know why the "what if's" are typically fear and doubt based and not pointed toward positivity. Why not ask <i>what if I succeed, what if I love it, what if it doesn't matter what others think?</i><br />
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My reason for discussing this topic today comes from my realizing that I've spent too much time in the negative "what if's" and less time exploring the positive direction I want my life to go in. The mind is a powerful thing. Our thoughts are like arrows; and depending upon which direction you aim them, they might hit the target. Wouldn't you want that target to be something beneficial? Just something to think about today!<br />
<br />Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-23342025330882924312014-01-29T08:34:00.004-05:002014-01-29T08:34:29.494-05:00out of the blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I chose the title for this post, "out of the blue," for two reasons. After all, this post truly <i>does</i> come out of nowhere after not blogging for an ENTIRE year *sigh*. First, There's the great blue yonder, the seemingly infinite sky above us. Second, there's the deep blue - the mysterious waters of which we never know the depths. As I sit clacking away in front of my mac I realize the urge to write, reconnect with readers, and share some (hopefully) interesting things from my corner of the blog-o-sphere has come from two "blues."<br />
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I won't bore you with the details of what has pulled me away from writing and contributing, but I can sum it all up in three words: kids, renovations, discipline. That last one was hard to type, but it's the key to staying healthy/sane while balancing all that is demanded of us in this modern world. It has been my lack of discipline that's skewed things too far away from staying involved in the things that make me feel, well, myself - you know, the things that make your heart sing. The demands of kids and house renovations are a whole other story, and I'm hoping that with the right discipline I can balance both and make room for blogging again!<br />
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<a href="http://girlandabear.tumblr.com/post/54237207547"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">image credit</span></i></a><br />
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<br />Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-36639269512391785142012-12-06T15:26:00.002-05:002014-01-30T08:52:56.152-05:00{lack}luster <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As of late, a Side of Sparkle hasn't been very sparkly or shiny or filled with all those pretty things I love sharing with you all! Life happens and my two tots are keeping me on my toes instead of sitting in front of my mac with a hot cup of coffee. So, I apologize if I haven't been posting regularly. I'll post what I can when I can and hope you enjoy it all the same!<br />
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With the holiday season comes the need for creative hostess gifts. Sure, a bottle of wine (or better, champagne) fits the bill, but it's the thought that counts, right? So think about your recipient or the occasion and flex those creative muscles. Here's a little hostess gift inspiration. I love the idea of bringing something homemade and this collection is meant to provide the basics for a morning after treat. I know the last thing on my mind when throwing a fete is what I'll have for breakfast the next day. Bake some scones, toss in some preserves (or in this case, cider syrup), add a bag of coffee, a few extra goodies and ta-da! You have a thoughtful gift your host is sure to appreciate!</div>
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Just a side note: save the delight of cider syrup from epicurean extinction. Once a New England pantry staple, this classic autumn-time sweeter is rarely around anymore. I made a batch following the post from <a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/2012/11/giving-boiled-apple-cider-syrup.html">reading my tea leaves</a>. It came out deliciously and I am looking forward to sharing it with my friends this Christmas. I purchased a slew of these <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50108908/">swing top bottles</a> from IKEA for $4.00. Or, if you're really ambitious, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Y29JMW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002Y29JMW&linkCode=as2&tag=asidofspa-20">12 pack</a>. Tie on a tag and a cinnamon stick with some pretty ribbon and you have one sweet little gift.<br />
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Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-25386283367240946682012-11-07T13:51:00.001-05:002012-11-07T13:51:31.833-05:00wordless wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://randomitus.tumblr.com/post/23945907112">one</a> | <a href="http://tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com/page/6">two</a> </div>
Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-44387802989553700062012-11-01T19:15:00.002-04:002012-11-01T19:15:31.980-04:00upper crust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once the month of November arrives it's difficult for me to think about anything other than food. Particularly difficult is keeping my fingers away from the dessert category in my cookbooks or my cursor from wondering the many dessert recipes I have bookmarked online. If you know my penchant for pastries, you would not be surprised to find my many recipes for pie. Baking pies with the bounty of an Autumn harvest seems an essential part of life this time of year, especially in New England. To not partake in this annual ritual would just seem un-American. </div>
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An old favorite I keep returning to this time of year is pumpkin pie. Though I'm a sucker for a golden flakey crust, this year I thought I'd freshen things up by making a gingersnap cookie crust. Besides adding a sweetly spicy element to the pumpkin taste, the cookie crust will do away with any fears of a soggy, under-baked bottom crust. The flavor of this gingersnap crust would substitute wonderfully as the foundation for many pies and cheesecakes. It's a delicious way to update an old favorite.</div>
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GINGERSNAP CRUST<br />
1 1/2 cups finely ground ginger snaps<br />
1 tablespoon sugar<br />
1 teaspoon minced crystallized ginger<br />
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted<br />
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Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Combine cookie crumbs, sugar, and ginger in medium bowl. Add melted butter and stir until mixture is evenly moistened. Transfer crumb mixture to 9-inch-diameter pie dish. Press crumbs firmly and evenly onto bottom and up sides of dish. It's helpful to use a second pie dish to place inside to tamp down the mixture. Bake until crust is firm and slightly darker in color, about 8 minutes. Cool crust completely.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">image via mccormick</span></i></div>
Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-55489103430317324872012-10-19T07:30:00.000-04:002012-10-19T07:30:02.867-04:00I break for family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Family's coming to town for a long visit and I am very excited! So excited in fact, that I haven't ben blogging. Rather, I've been gathering recipes (gluten free, btw) and planning activities for all of us and the girls. Oh yeah, and I've been cleaning the house which is taking up way too much of my free time (that I don't have). In the meantime here's a yummy recipe for <a href="http://sweetpaul.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/05/r-1.html">creme carmel</a> from <a href="http://sweetpaul.typepad.com/my_weblog/">sweet paul</a>. Until November...Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-82724604295415118432012-10-05T12:04:00.000-04:002012-10-05T12:05:12.512-04:00pantone color report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just love, love LOVE these colors from pantone's fall 2012 color collection. Especially rose smoke... how gorgeous it would look with french roast or, my favorite stand-by, <a href="http://sideofsparkle.blogspot.com/2012/10/oh-wear-noir.html">black</a>. It's refreshing to see some brighter colors too, such as tangerine tango. I will feel confident wearing these <a href="http://www.marissab.com/collections/earrings/products/tropez-earrings-in-coral">gold earrings</a> well into December! Now, I'm on the hunt for a cozy fall sweater in honey gold or rhapsody. Aren't these colors such fun...<br />
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image via <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr.aspx?pg=20949&ca=4">pantone</a>Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-9486964419619016262012-10-03T07:30:00.000-04:002012-10-03T07:30:01.337-04:00wordless wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://ysvoice.tumblr.com/">one</a> | <a href="http://-circa.tumblr.com/post/27606669268">two</a> </div>
Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-82380168329346467662012-10-02T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-02T07:00:05.661-04:00oh, wear! noir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Black feels so comfortable and familiar to me. Wearing black makes me feel safe and sophisticated even if I'm having a bad hair day. Black seems so rote when it comes to party or evening attire, but I always find it classic and appealing. After all, it's not called a <i>little black dress</i> for nothing. Here's my sparkly version... an ode to noir.<br />
<br />Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-15437777413800214122012-10-01T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-01T07:00:15.814-04:00hello, october<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October in New England is a gamble; it might be rainy, cold, raw... so miserable that you're begging for those oppressively hot August days. Or, it can be the most beautiful, colorful, crisp time of year... days that are bathed-in-sunshine. Kind days that are made for light weight sweaters, skinny jeans and leather boots, jacket optional. This October's temperament has yet to be determined, but I am hopeful it will remind us New Englanders why we live here and bestow us with the beauty of a kind October.<br />
<br />Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-44613938372580673162012-09-28T10:22:00.001-04:002012-09-28T10:22:49.321-04:00birthday postcard projectThis past March Hero Hubby celebrated a milestone birthday. I couldn't arrange a big bash as I had hoped to, so I thought an elaborate birthday card would be a great way to gather birthday wishes from friends and family near and far. I created a bunch of postcards and sent them to friends and family with instructions to write birthday notes and mail back to the birthday boy. Here's the note I included:<br />
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<i>Dear Friends and Family, I’ve put together a little birthday project for Paul to usher him into his 40th year! It’s a fun project that everyone can participate in. Basically, I’ve printed up a series of postcards that spell out “Happy 40th Birthday to Paul!” Each postcard represents one letter of the birthday wish and each family and friend is receiving one postcard. Please write a note to Paul and pop it in the mail so he can complete his birthday card. Thanks! Love, Marissa</i></blockquote>
Then, I strung up a bunch of clothes pins and numbered them. As cards came in the mail, Hero Hubby clipped up the corresponding cards and the full message took shape. It was great fun seeing him reading all the heart-felt notes and pictures everyone sent. Well, it's taken me <i>this</i> long to get my act together and finally post the results. Thanks to everyone who made his day extra bright and special! I'm going to post this project as a free printable in a separate post, but in the meantime post a comment if you would like me to send you the file for download right away!<br />
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Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-70001340162975379012012-09-20T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-20T07:00:07.222-04:00individual apple pies (sort of)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is it with individual sized portions that turn us on? I mean collectively - why are we in love with cupcakes, pies in jars, mini quiches, etc. Is it a reflection of our increasingly customizable life style? Are we so used to being able to tailor our lives to our specific needs and wants that we lose the desire to enjoy a slice of the collective cake? I did a Google search for "the psychology of individual desserts" and nothing came up to shed some light on this popular foodie trend.<br />
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I really enjoy individual food items as much as for taste as for concept. There's something quaint and delightful about having your very own mini of a grander dish. A mini chicken pie or a single serving peach upside-down cake has a certain charm - like it was made just for me... no sharing necessary. If you're experiencing cupcake fatigue, but love the gastro-separatist concept (I'm coining that phrase), consider these single serving apple pies. They're simple to make, elegant on the plate, and they satisfy the need to have you're very own, entirely complete, individual dessert <i>(you selfish hog) </i>♥<br />
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INDIVIDUAL APPLE PIES<br />4 tart apples, such as granny smith<div>
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />1/2 teaspoon ground ginger<br />1/3 cup brown sugar<br />1 tablespoons butter, cut into 4 pieces<br />1 box Immaculate Baking Co. pie crust</div>
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2 tablespoons milk (for brushing down pie dough)<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cinnamon, ginger, and sugar in a small bowl.<br /></div>
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Core the apples down to the bottom making sure not to puncture through (you want the juices to stay in the apple). Peel back the skin by about an inch around the top opening. Stuff each apple with the sugar mixture and top with a quarter tablespoon of butter.<br /><br />Cut pie crusts in half and cut again into a triangular shape – you will have 4 large triangles when you are done. Wrap each apple in one triangle and pinch the top to hold together. <i>(You may need to roll the dough out a little if you have large apples).</i><br /><br />Brush dough with the milk. Place apples in a baking dish and then in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This helps re-chill the dough, ensuring a flakey crust. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. They are done when the crust is golden and the apples are very soft.<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">image and adapted recipe via cindab</span></i><br /><br /></div>
Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334168570640663927.post-9136363541730021622012-09-18T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-18T07:00:03.281-04:00color therapy: orange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Orange</i> you glad this color is everywhere this fall? Ok, sorry for the silly word-play, but seriously, I love orange in all its various hues and I'm so happy to see it popping up every where this fall. A classic autumn color, orange looks fabulous with french roast (one of the <a href="http://blog.suburbanstylechallenge.com/?p=2253">Pantone color picks for fall 2012</a>). There's a burnt orange silk blouse hanging in my closet just begging to be worn with a pair of skinny grey jeans and <a href="http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHOESANDBOOTS/boots/PRDOVR~88759/88759.jsp">these boots</a>. How do you plan of wearing orange this season?<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://ontrendtoday.blogspot.com/2012/05/missoni-color-fall-2012.html">image via</a> </span></i>Marissa B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07461906531764094841noreply@blogger.com0