Scented linens are one of life’s most luxurious simple pleasures. These fragrant recipes were originally published in my book, Welcome Home. Indulge and breathe summer in slowly. SCENTED LAUNDRY SOAP: Add 1 teaspoon lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon lemon verbena essential oil to a 64 oz. bottle of unscented laundry detergent. Shake well before…
“Let’s go girls!” Home Spa Party with friends
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Originally published in my second book, “Welcome Home,” this is the way to transform your home into a girlfriend’s spa getaway for the weekend. Treat your friends and yourself to these luxurious indulgences. Purchase spa products by Crabtree and Evelyn, Caswell Massey, Philosophy, Origins OR make your own. Clear out your living room or family…
tuscan lemon pasta
by Melissa • • 4 Comments
~Tuscan Lemon Pasta~ (Joey is making marinara sauce and filling every container possible with it. Chandler enters the room:) Chandler: “Whoa, whoa, so I’m guessing you didn’t get the part… or Italy called and said it was hungry.” -Friends This is a beautiful pasta dish that is light enough to serve in the summer. Fantastic…
Book Review: Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
The “Time Traveler’s Wife” tells the story of Henry DeTamble and his wife Clare Abshire. When the couple meets, Henry is 28 and Clare is 20. Henry has a rare genetic disorder called Chrono-Displacement that causes him to spontaneously time travel. He has no control over when he leaves, where he travels to, or the…
Wine Tasting Notes: Foley Chardonnay
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Foley Chardonnay was one of the wines I tried while dining at The Harbor View Cafe in Pepin Wisconsin a couple weeks ago. This was a fantastic glass of wine that paired well with my lunch of Hawaiian swordfish with chimichurri. Golden color, lush creamy texture. Aromas of pear, tangerine, grapefruit, cantaloupe, and butterscotch.
Luxurious Retreat Tip: “Be My Guest” a B&B Bedroom at iVillage
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by Melissa Placzek Dreaming of a comfy, cozy room your guests can call their own? Transform an extra room into a bed-and-breakfast-style getaway with little luxuries that are sure to pamper and please. Little Guest Room Luxuries A sewing kit Fresh, 300+ thread count, cotton sheets Fresh quilts Mooshy towels and washcloths Polished furniture and…
Spa Cuisine: A is for… Alphabet Soup!
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
Musings Newsletter: Restaurant Review of The Harbor View Cafe in Pepin Wisconsin
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
Last weekend the sun was shining and we were experiencing the first beautiful weather in the Minnesota/Wisconsin area that we had seen in months. Time to venture outside! We decided to seize the opportunity and set out on a short road trip over the Wisconsin/Minnesota border. The Great River Road led us to one of…
Wine Tasting Notes: McGuigan Gold Shiraz 2004 & “Passive-Aggressive Steaks”
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Once spring has sprung, I usually start looking for refreshing Pinot Grigios, Sauv Blancs and Chardonnays to serve with all of the salads, fruits, and grilled chicken and fish dishes that make up a majority of our “warm weather menu”. There is one food where I make an exception, and that is grilled steak or…
Luxurious Retreat Tip: Shopping at Ethnic Markets
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“From Greenland’s icy mountains, from India’s coral strand, where Afric’s sunny fountains roll down their golden sand.” -Reginald Herber (Missionary Hymn) Ethnic Shopping is the next best thing to taking a vacation. The aromas, vibrant colors, textures and flavors of these little shops are a feast for the senses. This will change the way you…