Paying Momage

Paying homage means to show great respect for someone. Today I am paying momage {take that Wikipedia} to a woman I respect and treasure dearly.
My mother is a kind person, good natured, humble, faithful and disciplined. She is also passionate, mouthy, direct, and sassy. These somewhat contradictory characteristics complement each other, a yin and yang effect so to speak, and the end result is nothing short of magnificent.
My mom has raised 4 daughters and we all have nothing but love and respect for her. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, richer and poorer; our vows read like those of a solid marriage and nothing in this universe can tear us apart.

{My v. young mother holding me}

{Mom far right and her besties circa 1980-something}

{My mom and stepfather wine tasting}

Fresh Faced

Not too long ago I realized something very hard to fathom...I am getting older.
I looked in the mirror one day and my skin was lackluster, dry, and clogged. I consulted an aesthetician, Renee Kaylor, and she gently confirmed what the mirror refused to hide...yep...getting older.
So I reached out for help (something I don't like to do) and asked her to create a skincare regimen. Within a few days I received a goodie box full of Nahla Beauty, Yonka, and Pure Inventions samples. Renee believes in holistic and innovative skincare solutions and all the products she carries and recommends are organic and botanical based (and smell amazing).
I am happy to report that my skin is back to looking fresh, vibrant, and youthful and I owe it all to Renee. Below are my favorites which I purchased from Renee, and you can too, from her online store here.

{Yonka Alpha Complex}

{Nahla Vanilla Bean Cleanser}

{Nahla Calendula Healing Cream}

Orange Currant Scones...So Fancy

Ok I admit, when it comes to baking and cooking, I keep it simple. I just don't have the time or desire to tackle a complicated recipe. When I found this recipe for Orange Currant Scones, I knew I could tweak it a bit and make it my own {I often do this}. If you are hosting a brunch anytime soon, you must make these; your guests will gush and you will feel like a kitchen superstar.

Orange Zest Smells Amazing

Finished Scrumptious Scone

You will need

1 3/4 Cup unbleached all purpose flour
1/4 Cup ground flax seed {why not throw it in when you can!}
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/3 Cup Currants {you can find these in the dried fruit section}
Zest of one orange
1 1/4 Cup heavy cream {just do it and don't think twice}
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted

How to prepare

Preheat oven to 425

Whisk together flour, flax seed, sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl

Stir in the orange zest, currants and cream until just combined

Place dough on a floured surface and work into a round ball

Using your palms flatten into an 8" circle about 1/2" thick

Using a pizza cutter {or knife will do} cut into 8 wedges

Place scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Brush the tops and sides of the scones with the melted butter

Bake until lightly golden brown {about 15min}

Transfer to a wire rack to cool

Serve with drizzled honey on top and Enjoy!

What I Am Digging Today

It's a busy day and I am relying on some of my faves to get me through it. Fragrance and music. Fragrance to keep me centered {and smelling fantastic} and music to keep me on tempo!

{Click here to watch the video}

{Thymes Agave Nectar, Tocca Stella Solid, Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange}

Make A Wish

I love Dandelions. They are pretty and soft and when you blow on them and make a wish, all your dreams come true. My daughters just picked three Dandelions from our backyard and they are {well they were} picture perfect! 

{This was my wish}

{Dandelions}

Time Out

I've had a very busy week {and it's only Monday} so I decided to take a time out and get lost on a very simple art project. I recently received some beautiful perfume samples from Atelier Cologne and each sample was enclosed in an envelope with a stunning postcard depicting the vibe of that particular scent. My inner six year old came out and an art project was born. I think I will go to Michael's and purchase a black frame, but I like the way it looks in the meantime.

{Orange Sanguine}

{Bois Blonds}

{Grand Neroli}

{Trefle Pur}

{Vanilla Insensee}

{Oolang Infini}

Posh Potato Salad

I am all about easy recipes that I can alter if I don't have all the ingredients on hand. My recipe {if you can call it that} for Posh Potato Salad is foolproof and delish.

You will need

Bag of small red potatoes 

 2 lemons

Green onions

Sour cream or Greek Yogurt - 2 tbsp

Course salt 

Fresh ground pepper

Fresh basil

How to prepare

Boil potatoes until they are fork tender {you don't want them to crumble}

While they are boiling chop your basil and green onions and squeeze your lemons

Strain the potatoes and allow to cool just enough to handle

Cut the potatoes in half and place in a medium size bowl

Toss the potatoes with the lemon juice, sour cream, green onion, basil, s&p

Serve warm or room temperature