Melissa

Luxurious Retreat Tips: The Fragrant Laundry

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

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

~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…

Wine Tasting Notes: Foley Chardonnay

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.

Spa Cuisine: A is for… Alphabet Soup!

In honor of Mother’s Day this past weekend, this recipe is for the kiddos (and you too!) Who doesn’t secretly love to indulge in some of the comforting “nursery” foods from their youth? 🙂 In my opinion this dish can still be called “Spa Cuisine,” because it is good for the body and soul. This…

Luxurious Retreat Tip: Shopping at Ethnic Markets

“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…