Milk is rich in protein and fats that nourish and moisturize the skin. Soak in this milk bath for at least 20 minutes. I love using apricot oil in this recipe, but you can use whatever perfume or essential oil you wish. Garden of Eden is a fantastic resource for scented oils that smell wonderful…
maui mango crisp + coconut whipped cream
by Melissa • • 4 Comments
Mmmmmm! Mango crisp is such a beautiful summer treat. It reminds me of a dessert I enjoyed while visiting a little restaurant in Lahaina, Maui. Whenever I cook with mangoes and ginger, the scents transport me to that amazing, tropical island. for the crumble topping: 1 cup all purpose flour 1 and 1/2 cups…
Musings Newsletter: Theme Party “Journey to Japan”
by Melissa • • 4 Comments
Inviting my best friends to my home for a theme party is one of my favorite things to do. So, a few years ago I decided that every year for my birthday, I would treat myself and my “girls” to this experience. 🙂 Last summer, for my birthday I invited my closest friends to my…
Wine Tasting Notes : Conundrum
by Melissa • • 0 Comments
This sweet summer wine is named “Conundrum” because of the many varietals of grapes used to create it. It poses sort of a wine “puzzle” for anyone who is into tasting wine. I absolutely love it! It’s especially nice to serve while eating al fresco. I am not usually a fan of sweet wines, but…
Luxurious Retreat Tips : Taking a Vacation at Home (Staycation)
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek “Ah, there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” -Jane Austen If you are anything like me, you LOVE going on vacation. Seeing new sights, hearing new sounds, eating interesting new foods, and absorbing the feel and textures of a new place are the things that make the vacation…
Frugal Bath & Beauty : Green Goddess Avocado Mask
by Melissa • • 0 Comments
This recipe was originally published in my second book, “Welcome Home” on page 77. Renew your skin for spring! Avocados are rich in natural fats and emollients that will leave your face soft and dewy fresh… Combine: 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato 1 whole mashed avocado 3 Tablespoons honey Massage mixture…
Musings Newsletter : Maui Hawaii Vacation Notes
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
Hello Friends! This newsletter will wrap up my “Maui” themed week of blogs. I hope you have all enjoyed this little virtual vacation, and I hope you feel inspired with new ideas you can use in your own home and life. As I said in my blog on how to decorate your bedroom in a…
Wine Tasting Notes: 3 Alarm White Wine
by Melissa • • 0 Comments
This citrusy wine pairs perfectly with seafood and grilled chicken and would be the perfect addition to a summer picnic. Notes of white flowers, lemon, lime, tangerine and saturn peaches. About $9 a bottle.
Luxurious Retreat Tips: Maui Themed Bedroom
by Melissa • • 0 Comments
photograph by Melissa Placzek When Jeff took me to Maui to celebrate my book “Chin Deep in Bubbles” coming out in paperback, he surprised me with a beautiful stay at The Ritz Carlton in Kapalua for our 10 day island vacation. After hours and hours traveling on planes to get from Minnesota to the island…
Frugal Bath & Beauty : Pina Colada Face Mask and Grand Wailea Cucumber Spa Water
by Melissa • • 2 Comments
“I went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I have never spent so pleasant a month before, or bade any place goodbye so regretfully. I have not once thought of business, or care or human toil or trouble or sorrow or weariness and the memory of it will remain with me always.”…