How to Put the "Care" in Career!

As many of you know, everything's been coming up roses lately as I was presented with a new job for an illustrious hotel here in Central Florida. I am now on week three in the prelude of my profession and I am becoming more and more accustomed to office life with every day that passes.

For many including myself, starting a new career can drastically change your life! You must adapt to a new environment and co-workers, train your body and mind new routines, maybe devise a new wardrobe, and find out how the boss likes her morning coffee from Starbucks! A new job sometimes brings a transition that is difficult and uneasy.

I was deeply touched this week when I opened my post office box to see a large, manila envelope with my name so carefully written on it along with the words "NEW JOB KIT!" Besides from being a stellar person, my dear friend, Amanda Brown has seen me throughout all stages of my life- from being my sorority sister, to my bridesmaid, and now to my best friend who I wished didn't live so far away. The contents of the package were graciously gifted to me along with a sentimental note card that described why she enclosed each item. I was so inspired by this package that I feel compelled to share it will all my Divas!

If you know a close friend, relative, or even the new kid at the office, here are some ideas that could make their evolution in office exec just a bit easier.

*Nifty Note Cards- Amanda gave me the cutest pink "S" monogrammed note cards and said it was to keep in touch and thank all my clients. Even if your filing friend doesn't deal with clients or thank you letters on a daily basis, having a set of classy note cards screams you have manners and are familiar with eloquence of etiquette. "Thank you" is the most under used phrase in the English Language as far as I am concerned.

*Fabulous Frames- Find a few frames for photos to bring your dearest to your nearest location! Photographs of the faces you love the most are a great way to brighten the drabbest of all office spaces.

*Creditable Calendar- Don't have an assistant to "pencil you in?!" Help anyone manage meetings and moments with a whimsical and wonderful calendar!
*Savory Snacks- Fight that 3:00 hunger hound with a vat of hearty and healthy snacks for your friend to feast on. Great office side snacks include dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter crackers, granola bars, and other sundries. These nibbles will also come in handy when that deadline approaches and there's not a moment to spare for a lavish lunch break.

*Memorable Mouse Pad- Bring a little fun along with function by purchasing your cubicle companion a mouse pad with a silly or sentimental saying imprinted on it. Every time they commence their computer work, this mouse pad will hopefully put a little sass and smile into their day.

*Tactful To Do Lists- Everyone from mommies to managers needs a trusty To Do List. These little lists can be found everywhere from your local dollar store to discount dime stores to the finest stationers. If you are a greenie at heart, you may want to consider buying your business buddy a dry erase board- no paper waste included!

*Coveted Coffee Gift Card- For those mornings where your get-up and go has got-up and gone without you there's always COFFEE! Purchase your paper pushing pal a Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts Gift Card for them to use at their own discretion. Who knows, maybe they will return the favor and arrive to the office one day carrying your custom "Skinny Tall Vanilla Latte!"

*Posh Pens- Help your friends find the "write" way to success to with a plethora of posh pens. Writing instruments that are decorative yet functional are always a plus in any Diva's World!

*Basic Breath Mints- The difference between fresh breath and bad breath could be a contract! Assist your filing friend by supplying them with an arsenal of mouth-freshening mints. They will thank you and their co-workers will thank you!

*Celebratory Champagne- Celebrate good times; come on! Landing a new job can be quite a feat, especially these days considering our economic situation. Remind your friend that you are proud of them and their outstanding accomplishment with a bottle of bubbling Champagne. After a long and tiring first week at any job, they may need a drink sooner than you think! :)

Friends and families are there for us see us through our troubles and our triumphs. They are there to celebrate our successes and to mourn our losses. Show a friend or family member your love and support by gifting them with your own cleverly composed "NEW JOB KIT!" It's always nice to know someone cares about your new career!

Be sure to stay tuned, dahlin's!

Love is the BEST Medicine!

Hello Dahlin's! I am writing you this blog as the smell of freshly opened alcohol swabs, latex gloves, and hospital cafeteria Salisbury steak waft through my nose. To our dismay, dear ole' dad had to undergo emergency surgery this Wednesday and we have been busy setting up camp here at the hospital ever since. We thank our lucky stars that the surgery was a great success and his road to recovery at home is quickly approaching. As the days pass, and the sterile, green tiles of the hospital become an everyday sight for sore eyes, I cannot help but think that an extended stay in this massive mansion of medicine would drive even the sanest citizens nuttier than a fruit cake! Now, some people may think, my father included, that lounging around in bed all day, being waited on hand and foot by cute little nursies, and watching unlimited cable television would be the ideal vacay, but I am sure the majority of us wouldn't view this as a wondrous walk in the park! If you have a friend or family member who is sick at home or currently in the hospital, why not chalk up a little cheer and bring a bit o' sunshine to their weary world!

*A Tasty TREATment - Fill a beautiful basket with lots of gastronomic goodies like chocolates, cookies, flavored popcorn, gourmet teas and coffees, crackers, and soups to make their hospital stay (and their hospital food) a little more bearable. Before loading up on these fun foods, be sure to ask if your patient is on any kind of restricted diet and adjust the snacks accordingly. Nurses and immediately family would be your best consults for this!

*Color is the Cure - Never under estimate the power of color in an otherwise bland and boring room. Chromatherapy or more commonly called, Color Therapy, uses color and light to balance energy wherever a person's body may be lacking, be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually. You don't necessarily have to "paint their town red," but pops of pleasing colors through a festive flock of flowers, a buoyant bunch of balloons, or a posh pop-art poster will help add a little fun and whimsy to an otherwise dismal and drab space.

*Get Them the Gossip - Keep your patient up to date with latest news and celebrity gossip by purchasing a few magazines or newspapers from a local bookstore for them to flip through. STAR Magazine will always bring a giggle or a gasp out of celeb-obssessed reader. Or, if your bed-bound buddy loves to read novels, pick up a few of the bestsellers from Barnes & Noble Bookstore to help them pass the time.

*Arm Them With Amenities - A hospital doesn’t exactly fit the definition of "hospitable" so don't expect to see those perfectly placed petite bottles of invigorating rosemary-citrus shampoo or a travel-size sewing kits waiting on your armoire upon your check-in.  Pamper your patient and bring them a terry-cloth or waffle weave travel kit  filled to the brim with their favorite shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, body spray, toothbrush and toothpaste, an animal print shower cap, scented moisturizers, a bath pouf, and maybe a few grooming tools. If you have a hospital-bound Diva, a few primpin' and preenin' items such as colored lip gloss, blush, mascara, a sassy hair band, and brush would be more than appreciated, dahlin's! (True story, my DAD asked for tinted self-tanner to give him that "after St. Croix glow during his stay!" Ha-ha!)

*Hand-made with Heart - No matter what the occasion or circumstance, personalized gifts are always considered some of the best and most appreciated options. A picture drawn by your child (or you if you are a Monet in the making), a framed painting, a poem, a hand knit hat, or a jar of your annual strawberry jam are ways to show your affection and dedication to your patient. A visit accompanied by a simple cheer-up construction paper card or just an inspirational text message can bring instant smile to your patients’ face as well! This most certainly is a case of "it's the thought that counts."

*AromaTHERAPY - All hospitals and medical institutions have that same sickly and sterile "smell." You know exactly what I am talking about! Help make your patient's room a little more cozy and comfortable by bringing the aromas of the world right into their room. Gel candles are fabulous as they produce pleasing scents without having to be lit. A basket of potpourri, room spray, a lavender filled eye pillow, or a sachet for their closet would also be fabulous fragrant ways to freshen up their hospital suite.

*Musical Medicine - This gift will certainly be music to your patient's ears! Purchase an inexpensive MP3 player or I-pod Shuffle and load it up with songs from some of your hospital homie's favorite artists. You can also bring them a few of their favorite CD's and a small boom box so they can listen to their Top 20 Tunes. Just make sure the noise level is agreeable with your next gurney over neighbor!

*The WRITE Stuff - Supply your patients with writing materials and office supplies such as memo pads, paper clips, pencils and pens, a stapler, scissors, and tape. These can prove to be very useful for them, especially if they are accustomed to working with these items at their daily jobs. It will bring back that sense of work and routine to those idle hands. Also, why not purchase a pack of decorative note cards from your local Wal-mart or Dollar Tree? Your purpose driven patient can get started on those thank you notes for all the glorious get well gifts and guests they have received during their hospital stay. Don't forget the stamps!

*Runway Rx - They may be sick, but who says they cannot be stylish! Patients are generally asked to wear pale and unflattering hospital gowns, which may escalate their sickly feeling. They say "clothes make the man" so put a little pep back in their step with a little closet candy! A hip, patterned bed jacket, a pair of sassy bed slippers or socks, or a colorful shawl can bring a little fashion and fun to your bed-bound buddy. Making them feel more attractive and stylish is a nice way to boost their morale and their mood! In the words of the ever so famous Rupaul, "you better work!"

*Home Sweet Home - For anyone I have ever talked to on a business trip, on an airplane, in a hotel, or in a hospital, home is truly where the heart is. If your patient has a while to go in the hospital, bring the things they love about their home to them. A hand-made quilt from grandmother, their prized pillow, and maybe the secret teddy bear they may still have as a bed buddy would be thoughtful treasures to tote along. (I am 27 years-old and cherish my "Billy Bob" Bear.) Bring their family and friends to their bedside by filling frames with pictures of special occasions, trips, and other happy memories to place around your patient's room. Smaller items such as a prized figurine or a dish garden they used to tend daily are also homey additions to any hospital suite.

*Puzzle Your Patients - Sudoku, crossword puzzle, word search- what puzzle pleases your patient? Simple puzzle books and other energizing enigmas may help fight the loneliness and the boredom of a bed-bound buddy. Be sure to flip through the puzzles first however as they should not require a rocket scientist to solve them. These games should promote relaxation and thought rather than putting the hospital patients under any more stress than they already are.

*Kudos for the Caregivers - The patient of course is number one priority, but it's always exceptional when you can honor the doctor, nurses, or the family and friends who have kept up a bedside vigil for your patient with a small gift or word of praise. Encourage the caregivers to do something good for themselves! If you feel compelled, present them with a gift certificate for a local restaurant, movie passes, tickets to the opera or charity event, or a voucher to put towards a small shopping excursion or day at the spa. Individuals in the health care profession and the dedicated friends and family spend the entirety of their day caring for someone else; it's comforting to know that someone else cares about them!

(Note- Before stocking up on these glorious gifts and goodies, check with your patient's care providers to see if there are any dietary, heatlh, or hospital restrictions that may interfere with your present PRESENT plans. If so, do not get discouraged, just adjust your gracious gift giving accordingly!)

Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers, dahlin's! Dad is a trooper and what we call at our house a "good solider"; we know he will make it through this set-back with flying colors! I hope you do not find yourselves or someone near and dear to you bed-ridden or sick anytime soon, but if by chance you do, may these get well gifts bring a bit of happiness to the hospital room or home of your precious patient!

Wishing you all good health and happiness, always!

Be sure to stay tuned, dahlin's!

Feeling Blue...For Dinner???

Dahlin's, you have spoken and your wish is my command! The following fresh post features one of my absolute favorite recipes from that daring, dark-haired, lovely, loud-mouth, celebrity chef, Rachael Ray! It was definitely love (or maybe lust) at first sight when I initially laid eyes on this recipe. The hands of time stopped and my fabulous foodie fairy-tale had come true! They say "it's all in a name"...Could you possibly go wrong serving up a recipe entitled "Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Bleu Cheese?!?" I admit, Bleu Cheese is an acquired taste for many and much like liver, brussels sprouts, or Aunt Mary's Mystery Meat Loaf, you either learn to love it or hate it! I am sure you can tell by this post that I am definitely pitching for the Bleu Team in this culinary feat. If you feel it would be terribly tragic for you to ingest any of this buttery, blue stuff, feel free to substitute out a milder yet equally delicious cheese like Brie, Provolone, Swiss, or even a Sharp Cheddar. Once you decide on the cheese of your choice; prep your ingredients, pre-heat your oven and put this perfect poultry project to the test!

Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Bleu Cheese

Ingredients

2 large, boneless chicken breasts, skinned
3/4 cup bleu cheese crumbles
1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
2 scallions, chopped
4 slices good-quality center cut bacon
1 tablespoon E.V.O.O. (extra virgin olive oil, that's for you Rachael!)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons grainy mustard

Directions

Pre-heat the oven to 375*.

Butterfly the chicken breast pieces by cutting across the breast but not all the way through. Open the breasts up and pound lightly between parchment paper. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Cover the chicken cutlets with bleu cheese crumbles, pecans and scallions in equal amounts. Roll the chicken, wrap each roll with two slices bacon and secure with toothpicks. Season the outside of the rolls with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken evenly all over, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a small baking sheet, place in the oven and cook 10 minutes more.

Melt the butter in the same skillet pan the chicken was seared in. Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute then whisk in stock. Let thicken a minute then whisk in the half-and-half and grain mustard, season with salt and pepper, reduce heat to warm.

Halve the chicken and stack to show off the center. Set chicken in gravy or pour over top.

Turn this chic chicken concoction into a masterpiece meal for two by baking up a batch of Pilsbury Grands, serving it up with a side of sauteed spinach and a dollop of cranberries spiked with a bit of ginger or citrus zest to finish the plate.

Home-tested, tried and true, this wowie for a weekday meal can go from pantry to plate in 35 minutes or less. Next time you come home, weary from work and fretful about food, don't be blue; eat bleu for TWO!

Good eatings and be sure to stay tuned, dahlin's!

"Necessity is the Mother of Invention" - Behold the Official Grand Opening of My Blog!

First things first; Welcome, Y'all! I am so glad you found me here at "From Blushing Bride to Domestic Diva!" To give you a sneeky-peeky into what this blog will be able to offer you, let me first provide you with one of my favorite quotes, "Necessity is the Mother of Invention." I am inspired by my dearest friends and family who have all either taken the marital plunge or are walking down the aisle as we speak. These gals including my newlywed self need a place where we can learn and share lifestyle tips, including delish yet effortless recipes, inspiration for decoration, posh weekend (or weekday if you prefer) projects and find a hub for household knowledge. My solom wish is for this little blog is to become a place for all women to master our precious art of being a WOMAN!!! We are enchanting creatures, able to plan a fairy-tale wedding for 250 on a slender little budget, cook a rocking meal using only a can of garbanzo beans and left over hamburger meat, have the house looking like a southern living magazine for the bi-annual in-law visit and still manage to throw one hell of a dinner party all while maintaining our grace and charm in a killer pair of stilettos. Once again welcome to the world of blushing brides and domestic divas: where the women rule and all the men drool!

Let It Snow, You're Gonna Glow!

Just because the weather outside is frightful and the thought of a beach day is so delightful, doesn't mean your skin can't look glow during these frigid winter months! Living here Central Florida means we are usually spoiled with 10 months of summer sun, but not this year. As I sit here typing for you, my thermometer reads 33 degrees! If that isn't enough to keep anyone indoors, I don't know what is?! It has been hard for this beach baby not being poolside at all this winter, but there's a way to get that summer time bronze without stepping a foot outside! I have always been a fan of self-tanners due to the no risk glow they provide. If you choose and use them correctly, they can become your new secret weapon in your beauty arsenal! Take these few tips on tanning from tubes!


* Shopping for Sun - First off, creams or gels work the best for me, especially tinted ones. The sprays are "cleaner" but you run the risk of missing areas as you cannot see where the spray settles. The aerosol sprays tend to be costlier and don't yield as many applications as a cream or gel. As for color choices, here is my theory: "Isn't the reason you are buying the tanner to be darker?" If you are going to buy a self-tanner, don't piddle away your pennies on the "light" version, always choose either a "medium" or "dark" tint level. Go medium if you are fair skinned or if it's your first time using a self-tanner. My favorites include Loreal Sublime and Banana Boat, both in "dark." If you are simply petrified of looking like an Oompaloompa, or worse yet, Paris Hilton, their are moisturizers on the market that offer a HINT of self-tanner. The results are extremely subtle and take anywhere from 6 to 8 days to develop, but they are a nice introduction to the world of self-tanning. Jergens, Nivea and Neutrogena are my top three picks for moisturizing tint!


* Ready, Set, Exfoliate! - It's important to slough off all the dead skin and rough patches from your body so the tanner may develop evenly. A shower pouf with drizzle of body wash or a handful of baking soda in the shower work well for exfoliating all areas of the body. In addition to giving your self a nice scrub down before your bronze up, shave! By removing your hair you are giving the tanner a clean, smooth slate to develop on all while increasing its staying power. If you self-tan THEN shave, you new tan will be shaved away, with stubble and bubbles down the drain!


* Don't Be Shy, Just Apply! - Post shower and shave is the best time to apply your self-tanner. While still in your birthday suit, lather a thick layer of plain, non-tinted lotion or moisturizer all over your nail beds on your hands and feet as well as your elbows and knees. The lotion will serve as a "barrier cream" and prevent color from building up in these traditionally thicker and rougher places of the body. Start with a half-dollar size amount self-tanner on your hands and work from your feet up. Apply more as needed, paying close attention to even application. Areas you don't want to forget are the tops of your feet, backs of your thighs, underarms, and your back. Last but not least, don't forget your face. If it's your first time with a tanner you may want to leave your face out until you see how the tanner develops on the rest of your body. As with any product, keep out of your eyes and blend thoroughly into your hair line. Allow your tanner to dry and then wash your hands immediately, removing all of the tanner from your palms. I then usually squirt a dab of tanner on the top of my hands and rub the tops together, avoiding my palms. This will give your hands a nice, even glow as well.


* Main"TAN"ance - "It will rub lotion on its skin." Sorry, I couldn't resist using my favorite movie quote! Heed the advice however and moisturize everyday to pro-long your glorious glow. If you would like to go darker, repeat these tanning tips until you develop the color you so desire. Eventually, just as the winter, your tan will fade and it will be time to start the process all over again!


I hope you can use all these tips on tube tanning, my little golden goddesses to be! Send us pics on your faux glow!


Be sure to stay tuned, dahlin's!

Go Nuts This Holiday Season!

Before you hack into your ham, tear-up the turkey, or rip into the rib roast, how about a spicy yet sweet snack to hold the troops over until Christmas dinner time? This effortlessly easy recipe hails from my favorite Food Network scientist and chef, Alton Brown and has been an absolute hit every time I prepare it. These delectable little pecans can be served along side your appetizers at any cocktail or dinner party or could be strategically placed around the house in pretty little bowls to keep every one's hunger monster at bay. Alton suggests these piquant pecans would make perfect gifts for anyone on your list- place them in a festive tin box or holiday glass jar first as presentation is key!

Spiced Nuts


Ingredients


1 pound pecan halves, fresh


1/2 stick butter, unsalted


1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper


1/2 teaspoon dried orange peel


1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


1/2 teaspoon cumin


1/2 teaspoon salt


3 tablespoons dark brown sugar


3 tablespoons light brown sugar


2 tablespoons water


Directions


In a large skillet, lightly toast the pecan halves over medium for 4 to 5 minutes, just until they begin to brown. Add butter and allow it to melt. After the butter has completely melted, add cayenne, orange peel, cinnamon, cumin, salt, dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, and lastly, water. Stir until well mixed and water has cooked off. Pour spiced nuts onto a lined cookie sheet and spread them out as much as possible to dry. Cool completely and box up for "tasteful" gifts or drop them in granny's crystal nut dish for pre-christmas dinner cocktail hour. However you decide to serve these nutty nibbles, there are sure to please all palettes!


Eat, Drink and Be Merry this holiday season and be sure to stay tuned, dahlin's!

5 "Spirted" Gifts for 5 Dollars!

With the holly-jolly month of December in full swing, the wine flows like water, the beer bubbles as it brews, and the cocktails are being shaken and not stirred. Besides the sound of my waistline and tolerance growing, I also hear my credit card weeping! We all know nothing brings a little Yuletide cheer to a party like a bevy of adult beverages, but these costly concoctions may break the bank! If you are like me, the purse strings are being pulled a little tighter during the many holiday shopping excursions so budget friendly gifts are at the top of my list. Here are some fun , festive, and $5.00+ gift suggestions to help you stock their bar with out hocking your car! Bottom's Up!

Bejeweled Martini Glasses- I know you have all seen them, sitting there glistening in the curio cabinet of a hoighty-toighty boutique, looking to pricey to even touch! Why don't you spare the MasterCard and make this blinged-out-beauty for a fourth of the cost? All you will need is a little ingenuity, patience, and super glue! Visit your nearest discount store such as the Dollar Tree or Big Lots and pick out a well-shaped, clear or translucent martini glass. You will also need to pick up a pack of rhinestones and super glue, which yes- I have found at both the Dollar Tree and Big Lots before! Clean the surface of the glass thoroughly before you commence to gluing and with the assistance of a pair of tweezers, start designing! Anything looks fabulous in rhinestones- polka dots, a swirl or perhaps spell out the word "Diva!" After the glue dries completely, carefully package and present the glittery glass to your guest with a copy of your favorite martini recipe. Be sure to tell the recipient that their new found glass is hand-wash only or else her diamonds may be swimming in the dishwasher!

Bag O' Christmas Cheer- Let's all take lesson from Bacchus and share with the world our love of wine! A bottle of wine is perfect for a hostess gift as they can either chose to uncork it at the party or keep the bottle for their own private collection. Now, what others may call "good wine" doesn't come cheap, but with a little investigative work- the fruits of your efforts will pay off. Comb the discount bins of your local wine and spirits store as many brands are put on clearance to make room for new brands. I guarantee you will find a decent bottle of wine for $3.00-$4.00. Brands such as Sutterhome, Lindermas, Don Luciano, Corbett Canyon, Little Penguin, Andre, and Verdi can frequently be found with a below $5.00 price tag. There is actually a brand at Wal-mart I recently started buying for my "house wine" called "Oak Leaf" which is sold for a whopping $2.97 a bottle! Both the Shiraz and the Cabernet are EXCELLENT for my reddies and I would most certainly recommend the Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for all my white wine drinkers. No matter the wine, no matter the vintage, your wine needs to be presented glamorously! I have scoped out stunning cloth wine bags both at the Dollar Tree and at Wal-mart, complete with velour lining and rhinestones! If budget allows, tie on a inexpensive ornament or wine bottle opener to your pretty little package and wait for the smiles!

Funky Felt Coasters- This project caught my eye on several websites and I just had to share it with my fellow divas! Depending on the color tastes (or even home decor) of your recipient, raid your local craft store for several sheets of felt in coordinating colors. You will also need thin cork board, tacky glue (or hot glue) and a small hole punch. Cut coaster-sized circles or even squares from your felt and use your hole punch to "design" your coaster. Cut your cork using the same circle or square template you used for the felt and apply a thin layer of glue to the cork. Adhere your felt and clean up your coasters by trimming the edges. For extra flair, scallop the edges of your felt before gluing it to the cork. It allows a little bit of the cork to peek through for a kitchsy and rustic kind of look! Bundle the coasters up with a beautifully tied ribbon or tuck them away in a sheer organza bag. These coasters will be sure to make their debut at many parties to come!

Santa's "Spirited" Stocking- Santa, "candy is dandy but liquor is quicker!" Why not fill all the of age good boys and girls stockings with something they REALLY want this year?! During the holiday season, liquor stores begin going bananas with the sales and end up practically giving away their inventory. In most cases, right near the cash register area, the stores will feature baskets of discounted mini or airplane bottles as my dad lovingly refers to them. I would say this time of year, you could probably find mini bottles going for $1.00 or less, top shelf not included! Dig for the best deal and price depending, stock your soon-to-be best-friend's stocking to the brim with an array of these delightful little bottles. Once again, shop around at those discount stores to find a spectacular stocking to stock with spirits as a part of your gift, you take up the slack where Santa leaves off!

Sassy Salt for Margarita Maniacs- The epicurean in me is a sucker for all the gourmet flavored salts out on the market now. Coconut, espresso, jalapeno and black truffle are just a few infused salts that have been taunting my taste buds! Why not translate this costly, culinary concept into couture margarita rimming salts for the Margarita enthusiast in your life?! Pick up a box of coarse salt from your local grocer and let your imagination run rampant in the spice aisle. A few great combos that come to my mind for Margarita salt would be:

• Coarse Salt + Chipotle Powder = Cha-Cha Chipotle Salt


• Coarse Salt + Dried Ginger = Thai Ginger Salt


• Coarse Salt + Dried Lime Zest = Lime Fresco Salt


• Coarse Salt + Red Pepper Flakes = Fire Salt


• Coarse Salt + Dried Lemon Peel = Sunny Salt


• Coarse Salt + Dried Tangerine Peel = Tantalizing Tangerine Salt

Start with a 1/4 Spice and 3/4 Salt ratio, adjust to suit your taste. Pour your newly concocted custom salts in metal favor tins, tiny cork-topped jars or even a series TEST TUBES. Ideally, your gifting container should be glass or transparent as these salts are not only tasty but beautiful to look at. Be sure to label each flavor of rimming salt and include a recipe for the world's best MARGARITA!!!

Whether your gift ends up being one of these bar-oriented beauties or not, a personalized, hand-written note is always a must. For your recipient to know you took time out of your crazy and chaotic life to sit down, make them a gift and write a simple note of good tidings, can be one of the most heartwarming events of the season.

Let me know how the gifting goes and "be sure to stay tuned, dahlin's!"