 
 The weather is finally cooling, which means that our Tuscan Wine Therapy Collection is in high production in the Bella Luccè kitchens. I am often greeted by the alluring aroma of crisp red wine as I open the door to my office (thanks to the products, not because the staff is hitting the bottle while I am away), and- let me tell you- that aroma is pleasantly addictive. Exhibit A: our Bacchus Body Oil. Cleverly disguised in miniature wine bottle, the emerald glass holds a luscious body oil that harnesses the power and aroma of burgundy grapes. Slather it on daily after showering to lock in moisture or try it as a silky massage oil for those nights by the roaring fires. Even Bacchus (the Roman god of wine and intoxication) would be proud. 
 Confession: This isn’t so much a “latest” obsession, but an ongoing obsession that I was startled to realize I have not yet shared with my gentle readers. Introducing Leg Shine by Michael Kors, or- as my husband calls it- “Lela’s Leg Deodorant.” All kidding aside, this silky stick glides on effortlessly- try it on legs, arms and dècolletage. In its wake you’ll find a divine aroma, a thin veil of moisture and a subtle, sexy shimmer. Not exactly the “I just rolled myself in glitter” effect….let’s let the teenagers of America reclaim that look. This is subtle, yet sumptuous. Loves it. 
Just for fun & completely anonymous, who are Bella Lucce clients voting for in November? 
Brimming with potent antioxidants that wage war on the free radicals responsible for aging, pomegranate seed oil is also rich in ellagic and punicic acids, which are reknowned for their ability to increase skin elasticity as they moisturize and protect dry skin. It takes 200+ pounds of fresh pomegranates to yield one pound of costly pomegranate seed oil. Find it in: Spiced Pomegranate & Yogurt Detox, Nourishing Sandalwood & Almond Creme 
“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” - Vince Lombardi 
Dry, chapped lips are an unfortunate reality of winter. Thankfully, outrageously priced lip scrubs don’t have to be. You can recreate a simple version of those department store concoctions at home- for a fraction of the price. For less than a nickel per application, you can use this handy little tip to help loosen and gently remove dead skin for a Pitt-worthy pucker. Take a pinch of brown sugar and gently rub onto moistened lips (don’t attempt this dry or you’ll risk raw, overly exfoliated lips). Rinse with warm water and immediately apply chapstick. I do this routine several times per week throughout autumn and winter and it yields beautiful results in seconds! 
Christine B. of Akron, Ohio. As our latest drawing winner, she’s enjoying a host of goodies from our new Asian Indulgences Collection. It’s a package worth more than $75…congratulations! Want your chance to win? Enter here. 
Search our past spotlights and articles! 
I highly recommend the following cozy nooks and places of interest- they represent some of my favorite stops on the web.
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Happy Father’s Day!June 18, 2006Today will be a blur of grilling and baking in honor of Father’s Day. I’m making all my husband’s favorites and thought I’d share the recipes. Keep in mind that this is not exactly light fare, just good ole’ Southern cooking…and extremely tasty! For lunch, we’re cooking up Mac & Cheese, soul-food style. Crock Pot Macaroni & Cheese Throw it all in ingredients in a crock pot (save for macaroni noodles and 1 c. cheese). Blend well; add macaroni and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Top with the last cup of cheese and cook for add’l 15-30 minutes until melted. We like to blend sharp and extra sharp cheddar 1:1. And you have to shred the cheese fresh..it makes all the difference! This stuff is so good but so heavy- I serve it with fresh fruit to help balance a bit. Dinner's going to be a recipe inspired by a dish from one of the restaurants where I waited tables during college. Something Chicken Season chicken and grill until almost done. Top each breast with 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until chicken is done and cheese is melted. Cooking this one outside on the grill is key- I love to serve it with grilled corn-on-the-cob and sautéed asparagus. Yummy!
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Topping: Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter the inside of a (10-inch) springform pan, or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Wrap the outside bottom and sides of the pan in two layers of aluminum foil. Set aside. Also have ready a baking dish large enough to hold the springform pan in a bain marie, or water bath. Crust: Spread slivered almonds in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake 5 to 10 minutes, shaking the pan gently every 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned. In the bottom of the springform pan, combine almonds, graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter and mix until well-combined. Lightly pat crumb mixture onto bottom only of pan, spreading evenly across the surface. Filling: With a mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time; do not over-mix. Add vanilla and sour cream, and mix just until well-blended. Fold in white chocolate. Pour mixture into prepared springform pan. Pour jam on top in a spiral pattern, then gently stir in jam, leaving swirls visible. Place springform pan in baking pan, and fill baking pan with water to a depth of 1 inch. Bake about 1 hour and 15 minutes until set and lightly browned. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake in oven for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool for several more hours. Topping: In a bowl, combine sour cream, sugar, vanilla, raspberry jam and water until smooth. Spread on top of cheesecake. I garnish this one with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint. Every once in a while, I like to break out my domestic side, just to throw my husband off (ha!). Enjoy your day daddies! printer friendly |
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