Things We Love

The latest thing I love is the fabulous new store in Langdon, Alberta carrying the HollyBeth line. Things We Love have a wonderful selection of fresh flowers, fine foods, fabulous chocolates, gourmet foods home fragrances, handmade jewelry, bath and body products, and more. Stop by and visit them this weekend if you are in the area!
Laura

Sweets for your sweetie?

Are you buying Chocolate for your sweet heart this Valentine's Day? Just remember that not all chocolate is created equal. Unless the chocolate we buy is fair-trade certified, it is most likely sourced from slave labor, primarily forced child labor on the West Coast of Africa. The Daily Green has a wonderful list of fair trade companies. My favorite is from Endangered Species Chocolate. They donate 10% of net profits to help support at-risk species, habitat and humanity. These delicious chocolates are made with ethically traded, shade-grown cacao and are certified organic. Indulge your sweet tooth and know that your money is going toward the greater good.

Valentine's Day Ideas

I like to make gifts for friends and family, and the approach of Valentine's Day inspired me to make cards for my girlfriends to let them know how much I cherish their friendship. I came across these cuter-than-cute cookie cutters from Williams-Sonoma in scalloped-rectangle, heart and star shapes and I am going to make edible Valentine's Day cards this year! The set includes seven premade words - Welcome, Happy, Birthday, Holidays, Thank You, From, I Love You - plus extra letters so you can personalize the message.

I hope mine look as yummy as these!
Laura

Another happy customer.....

"My skin feels like I've been to the spa. Skin so soft and cozy after one days use. So far I'm hooked! I can't thank you enough!" - Laurie

Thank you for your kind words and best wishes. Keep them coming!
Laura

Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

This easy soup recipe has been a hit this winter with the hubbie and dinner guests. I made it again this weekend but added a few extra ingredients for variety.

olive oil

3 cloves chopped garlic

1 small diced onion

1 can 15oz crushed tomatoes

1 jar 12oz marinated roasted red peppers, drained and chopped

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup packed fresh basil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil for a few minutes. Add tomatoes, red peppers, and chicken broth. I then added in a few extras – 1/2 cup of dried red lentils, 1 cup of cooked orzo, 1 cup water and a few handfuls of roughly chopped baby spinach – and served with toasted whole wheat pita breads. Yummo!

Laura

DIY Beauty Treats

There are many treats for your skin that you can whip up at home for an instant pick-me-up with the food in your fridge. This peach and cucumber face mask recipe, from Spa Magazine, instantly tightens and brightens the complexion. Ripe with enzymes and vitamin A, peaches help tighten pores. Cucumbers nourish connective tissue and rejuvenate the skin thanks to their abundance of silica. Plus, their ascorbic and caffeic acids prevent water retention, making them popular for reducing puffiness. Puree ½ peach and ½ a cucumber in a blender until smooth. Apply mixture to face, and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off to reveal fresh, glowing skin.

Laura

New Store in Georgia

Whole Foods in Cobb, Georgia, are now carrying the HollyBeth line. Be sure to stop by if you live in the area and pick up one of the new Rose Geranium Toners.

Laura