Romy Raves

Oh, the silly things that we do to waste time in computer land! That’s my Avatar above, don’t you recognize me?? I couldn’t resist the crown and cape, and I totally would buy a dress like this in real life. I had such fun creating this pseudo-likeness of myself, so I thought I would pass it on to my loyal readers. Have fun creating your own cartoon-like self at A Woman’s World and please post your beautiful creations on this blog. I can’t wait to see how HOT you look!

Well neither had I until today. Remember Marlene, the amazing esthetician who offers amazing economy busting facials at about $40 (see April 20, 2009 blog post)? Today, I went to see her for my regular monthly facial and she has come up with a wonderfully inspired all organic summer time facial called the Spicy AHA Fruit Pulp Treatment that knocked my socks off!

Â

Being the beauty junkie that I am, I have certainly had my share of facials, but to my delight and surprise, Marlene came up with something really cool and different that even impressed this savvy connoisseur. Let me tell you about it: First, she applies a citrus scented oil to get the skin in the mood; then she applies a fruit pulp peel that gently exfoliates the skin which is shortly followed by my favorite ‘wow’ part of the facial–a stimulating spicy lime masque that totally wakes up the skin, feels very tingly (that’s the cayenne pepper in the masque), and detoxifies and oxygenates skin; while the spicy lime is working its magic, Marlene gives you a relaxing hand and foot massage; next comes the yummy smelling part of this facial, a peach masque that she uses to calm the skin and remove the lime masque. She finishes this refreshing treatment with a calendula serum and a scrumptious apricot moisturizer. Divine!

Â

After the treatment, my skin is slightly flushed and pink because of the stimulating lime, but in a totally healthy looking kinda way, like I just got back from vacation or just had mind blowing sex. And my skin feels really supple, hydrated and happy. Give Marlene a call so you can put on a happy face too, and of course tell her that Romy sent you.

I don’t know about you, but cherries are hands down my most favorite fruit of all time–I get giddy just thinking about them! Ever since I was I kid, I fondly remember LOVING these sweet, intensely pigmented, juicy beauties, probably because they were tell tale sign that summer had arrived. And what’s not to love about these self-contained ruby-hued morsels of nature’s candy? As an adult (and a serious foodie who embraces the freshest and best of each season), I am equally enthusiastic about the arrival of my beloved cherries, the epicurean possibilities are endless.

Â

Heat oven to 375°. Grease square pan, 8x8x2 inches. Spread cherries in pan. Mix the remaining ingredients thoroughly. Sprinkle mixture over cherries. Bake 30 minutes or until the top is brown. Serve warm with ice cream.