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Browsing Tag: Living Room Decor

ScentFluence

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I am so happy to introduce you to my newest blog sponsor, the aroma design studio, ScentFluence. ScentFluence has a library of delicious custom-designed scents for your home or business or any other space that you choose. They have cool air diffusers, room sprays, and candles that will spark your senses. There are two ways to shop with Scent Fluence. You can visit their flagship studio at 22 Harwood Court in Scarsdale or on their new website www.Scentfluence.com.

Here is their beautiful shop in Scarsdale. They have the entire scent library in-store and are happy to provide samples of any fragrance to match your own space.

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Here is only one part of the scent library!!

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Lavender Sage is one of the most popular scents and one that I am planning on using for my own bedroom, it is supposed to help you sleep!!!!

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Here is one of the adorable plug in diffusers with the mint focus oil

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ScentFluence can wrap their products for any gifting occasion…

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Here are the plug in diffusers. I want one for every room.

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The Sea Salt Sage fragrance has become so popular.

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Here is another diffuser with some of the best-selling oils, Amber Woods, By The Fire, Moroccan Mint Tea, and Deep Blue.

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There is a guide to help you choose which scent to try:

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ScentFluence provides signature scents for many fabulous destinations including the Auberge Resorts, Baccarat Hotels, and the 1 Hotels:

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Book Club Monday

I have been obsessed with Bill Cunningham for years. I worked at 57th and 5th and loved seeing Bill in action on the “Bergdorf Corner” where he would photograph fashionistas, for the New York Time’s Style Section. His book, Bill Cunningham: On the Street, Five Decades of Iconic Photography by The New York Times is this week’s Book Club choice.

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Image New York Times

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The first published collection of photographs by the icon of street style, bringing together favorites published in The New York Times alongside never-before-seen work across five decades.

“A dazzling kaleidoscope from the gaze of an artist who saw beauty at every turn.”—André Leon Talley
 
Bill Cunningham’s photography captured the evolution of style, of trends, and of the everyday, both in New York City and in Paris. But his work also shows that street style is not only about fashion; it’s about the people and the changing culture. 
 
These photographs—many never before seen, others having originally appeared in The New York Times and elsewhere—move from decade to decade, beginning in the 1970s and continuing until Cunningham’s death in 2016. Here you’ll find Cunningham’s distinctive chronicling of the 1980s transit strike, the rise of 1990s casual Fridays, the sadness that fell over the city following 9/11, Inauguration Day 2009, the onset of selfies, and many other significant moments.
 
This enduring portfolio is enriched by essays that provide a revealing portrait of Cunningham and a few of his many fascinations and influences, contributed by Cathy Horyn, Tiina Loite, Vanessa Friedman, Ruth La Ferla, Guy Trebay, Penelope Green, Jacob Bernstein, and a much favored subject, Anna Wintour. More than anything, On the Street is a timeless representation of Cunningham’s commitment to capturing the here and now.

For more information or to purchase this book click HERE on the Pittsburgh Mercantile site…

Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include in Your Diet

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Inflammation is the body’s natural way of reacting to infection and injury but in some cases, chronic inflammation can actually lead to health problems. External factors can also result in inflammation including stress, an inactive lifestyle, and excessive consumption of inflammatory foods such as sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed meat. Fortunately, there are also plenty of foods that help fight the symptoms of chronic inflammation. Here are ten examples, with a few delicious recipes to help you include them in your diet. 

Turmeric

Tumeric is the root of the Curcuma plant and it contains the powerful anti-inflammatory nutrient curcumin. This is used to treat inflammation related to arthritis for example. People who experience chronic inflammation or pain from certain illnesses often can benefit from curcumin supplements or a tramadol sale. For those of you who would prefer to ingest it in a recipe, you could try a trendy turmeric latte. These are pretty common in most coffee shops. You could also try making your own curries or other popular Indian dishes at home.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish is beneficial in many ways if you want to improve your health. It’s rich in omega 3 as well as having anti-inflammatory properties as a result. Your body metabolizes the fatty acids found in omega 3 into compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. The best sources include anchovies, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring, so you can take your pick. There are plenty of ways you can include some of these fish in your diet. You can experiment with your favorite recipes. 

Avocado

Avocados are associated with reducing inflammation in skin cells, and what’s more, they contain plenty of essential nutrients. These include fiber, magnesium, potassium, and healthy fats. Avocados can be used in a number of recipes from smoothies to simple salads. If you want to try something more complicated, you could make baked eggs in avocado. You can bake the eggs directly in the center of the avocado halves for a delicious brunch favorite.

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Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain various antioxidants for anti-inflammatory protection. Apparently, if you want to reap their full potential it’s better to eat them raw or lightly cooked. Here are some delicious mushroom recipes to give you inspiration. Mushrooms are also a low-calorie source of fiber and protein. They are rich in other nutrients including selenium, copper, and B vitamins. This is why they’re commonly used as an ideal meat substitute.

Peppers 

There are many health benefits to including peppers in your diet. Chilli and bell peppers, in particular, are good sources of vitamin C and antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. They’re also very versatile and can be used in a number of different recipes. They can be eaten raw in salads, grilled, roasted, or in stews and curries. You certainly can’t go wrong with peppers and spicier varieties will certainly liven up your cooking. They make the perfect addition to a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.

Tomatoes 

Another popular choice on the list of foods that fight inflammation, tomatoes are also very versatile. They can be eaten raw or cooked in a wide variety of dishes. Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. An interesting fact about lycopene is that it’s a carotenoid, a type of nutrient that’s better absorbed if it’s consumed with a source of fat. This means that if you cook or prepare your tomatoes with olive oil, for example, your body will benefit even more from their anti-inflammatory properties. 

Olive oil

Olive oil itself is also considered an anti-inflammatory food. It contains the antioxidant oleocanthal which actually shares anti-inflammatory characteristics with Ibuprofen. Olive oil is great for cooking, as an ingredient in salad dressing, and much more. It’s better to choose the more refined olive oils, however, such as Extra Virgin. Here are some of the best olive oils reviewed by chefs.

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Green tea

The reason green tea is considered such a healthy beverage is because it contains a substance known as EGCG. This has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As well as being a healthy drink you can also experiment with green tea, or matcha, in a wide range of recipes. It actually adds an interesting flavor to desserts and is very popular in both Asia and South America. Check out this green tea ice cream recipe for a different dessert to prepare this year. The subtle bitter taste of the matcha balances out the sweetness of the sugar.

Dark chocolate

Another dessert ingredient on the anti-inflammatory foods list is dark chocolate. In fact, the darker the better, as the stronger its antioxidant levels will be. Chocolate contains flavanols that have antioxidant effects and are beneficial for healthy arteries. In fact, the health benefits of cocoa have been studied for years. Flavanols have been shown to lower blood pressure as well as inflammation, and improve healthy blood flow to the brain and heart. No wonder chocolate is such a great pick me up.

Cherries and berries

Actually, various types of berries and cherries are known as anti-inflammatory foods. If you’re more of a fruit person, then you’re in luck as you can find anti-inflammatory properties in cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. They contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins and catechins which help fight inflammation in the body. These types of fruit are also very convenient to eat as snacks and versatile for cooking. You can have them raw, in a smoothie, or prepare desserts, for example. Have a look at these easy cherry desserts to wow your friends and family at your next dinner party. 

By incorporating these anti-inflammatory foods into your routine, along with healthy habits and plenty of exercise, you’ll notice the benefits. An anti-inflammatory diet may help to prevent certain illnesses and ease the symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, skin ailments, and obesity. Studies are often being carried out to confirm the health benefits of these anti-inflammatory foods. One thing’s for sure, there are certainly plenty of delicious recipes that make it easy to include them in your diet.

Gioia’s Jewel Box

Recently someone asked me if I knew a jeweler that could make a band ring for their anniversary. It got me thinking.. I really didn’t. I have no idea where to buy a stone or design a piece of jewelry. UNTIL…my friend Meghan partnered with Gioia’s Jewel Box. She works with Nicole, a seasoned jewelry curator, and can help you find basically find anything. They are Jewelry concierges who will create or help you choose the perfect piece, either in person (safely distanced) or over Zoom or even on a call. They specialize in custom and very unique designs for all jewelry styles. From small pendant necklaces to important statement rings, Meghan & Nicole can help you find it all. Follow their INSTAGRAM to check out some of their gorgeous pieces. I have chosen a few things below from their current inventory that I really really love!!!! PS EMAIL or DM them on Instagram with any questions about anything featured below.

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How to Make A Detox Bath Salts with Essential Oils

adapted from Thehouseandhomestead.com

A friend gave me these Detox Bath Salts and I was amazed at how nice and relaxing they were. I was so surprised by how easy they are to make. My girls and I have been making them for a while now. I have tried a few different scents and I think I like Lavender the best but there are so many essential oil scents to choose from.

  • ½ cup Epsom salts
  • ½ cup sea salt
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • 10-15 drops of essential oils scent of your choice. I really like this SET.

Mix the Epsom salts, sea salt, and baking soda together in a bowl. Add your essential oils. I add about 15 drops of essential oil to this recipe (per 1/2 cup of salt).

Scoop it into pretty jars. I purchased THESE. I really like that they come with scoops.

And now it’s time to take a nice long bath. Enjoy!

Mrs. Napoli’s Delicious Chicken Scallopini

If you have been following me for a while you know how much I LOVE my friend Karen Schultz’s tomato sauce affectionately known as Gramma Napoli. Soon after launching her sauce business, Karen decided to bottle her amazing Lemon Vinaigrette. I have known people all around Rye and beyond not only using this for salads but it also makes the best marinade for fish and chicken. AND I could never ever forget her Yummy crumb cake. My husband’s personal favorite ( and he will be getting one for Valentine’s). Karen also gives the best cooking classes. So if you get a group of friends together, Karen will put together a really great customized menu of 3 easy family-friendly dinners. It is AWESOME!! But honestly, everything Karen makes is “made with love” and every now and then she shares a recipe with us. I am dying to make her mom’s Chicken Scallopini. OMG! It looks delicious..Check out Karen’s website to learn more and shop all of her treats. She offers free home delivery to lower Westchester and Greenwich as well as shipping across the US.

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Here is a special tip from Karen for you..The trick is to keep a couple of dozen pounded chicken cutlets shrink wrapped in your freezer for quick de-thawing. Karen’s favorite place to stock up is at Pete’s Meat Market on Arthur Ave! All you need to do is add rice and a green veggie for the perfect dinner!!!

Ingredients

6 pounded chicken breasts

¼ cup of flour

1 ½ tsp garlic salt

¼ tsp paprika

¼ cup butter

3 T water

1 T lemon juice

¼ tsp instant chicken bouillon

4 thin lemon slices

parsley 

Directions

Mix flour, garlic salt and paprika. 

Coat chicken with flour mixture. Brown chicken in butter in 10 inch skillet. 

Remove chicken from skillet to serving platter and keep warm. 

Stir water, lemon juice and bouillon into skillet, loosening brown particles on bottom. Add lemon slices and heat over low heat 1 minute. Pour broth on chicken garnish with lemon and parsley. 

serves 4

Here is