Two weeks ago, I posted my first attempt at copying Daily Candy's Weekend Guide. I've decided I'd like to make this a weekly post (or at the very least a twice monthly post), and so without further ado….

FEAST YOUR EYES ON…

I came to hear about Tess Gerritsen last summer when TNT aired a new series,  Riz zoli and Isles, based on her books. While I highly recommend the series, I'm really enthralled with her book The Bone Garden. Set in Boston in both the present day and 1830, the book follows present day recent divorcee Julia Hammill's startling discovery of a buried skeleton in her garden, and the original story from 1830 of how the skeleton got there. If you're a fan of James Patterson, you'll enjoy Tess Gerritsen's works.  

LISTEN TO THIS!

I was walking through Barnes & Noble two weeks ago and browsing their music selection when I found a 50% off rack. I didn't expect to find anything I'd be interested in, but when I come across an album entitled "Lucy Woodward… Is Hot And Bothered" I have to admit intrigue. A quick stop at a listening station confirmed it'd be a worthwhile purchase (but it's a B&N exclusive which is kind of a bummer but still worth it). Listen to it on a mellow Friday or Saturday night with a glass of wine or a cup of your favorite tea, and tell me if she isn't a bit whimsical along the same  lines as KT Tunstall.  

 

IT'S MOUTHWATERING

This Parmesan Chicken recipe is one of my favorite and perfect all year long, and I even go as far as making up a batch of the lemon vinagrette by itself to use as a daily salad dressing. Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, published this in her Family Style cookbook. Remember that grated is the fluffy stuff as opposed to shredded cheese, and the only other two things I'll say about this recipe is: a) make sure you wipe out the frying pan between cooking each batch or the pan will start smoking and the breading will burn, and b) do NOT attempt to make these ahead of time until I've figured out a way to do it without making them soggy. Serve with the salad greens on top, underneath or side by side, and I highly recommend with sauteed carrots. 

 

DO YOU SMELL SOMETHING?

I first discovered Archipelago Botanical's Signature Soy candles in 2002 at Cali's Cottons Boutique in Traverse City (I WISH she had a website). While all of their scents are absolu
tely wonderful, Bergamot Tobacco still remains my personal favorite. It's a wonderfully masculine scent (but not in a sandalwood kind of way) with a hint of floral to it. In short, you're going to love it without worrying about men yelling about girly smells. They also offer a bath and body line, and the entire product range is natural-based. 

OOOOOOOOOOO…. FEEL THIS!

My friend and college roommate Brande' first introduced me to Bare Escentuals in 2005, and subsequently in the past six years, I've bought two bottles of liquid foundation (but only to tide me over until pay day). It's the company that started the entire mineral make up craze, and I can't say enough good things about their products. The coverage is fantastic without the look and feel of pancake make up. The color ranges rival MAC's. And today, and today only, they're having a 30% sale on 20 of their most popular products. Unfortunately, the original bareMinerals foundation is NOT included, but so many of their other products are and so… basically just check it out. And you're going to love the way your skin not only looks but feels after using these products. Trust me. (P.S.– use the link I included. You won't be able to get into the sale without it!).