Renée's Aesthetic

In case some of you may not know already, I LOVE anything made from scratch.  Whether it be a gift, household item, craft, but I've always had a soft spot for cooking growing up.  I want to share a quick recipe for a warm winter cocktail (seeing as how we've just had yet another lovely snowfall here in Winnipeg).  A homemade apple cider, with either Bourbon or Pimms #1.

Here's what you'll need...

8-10 apples

Water

2 cinnamon sticks

1 orange (the peal of)

A couple of cloves

1/2 cup of brown sugar (or substitute honey)

1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

Either Bourbon or Pimms #1 to add after, whichever is your favorite ;)

Cheesecloth, string, large pot, potato masher, large "serving" spoon, mesh strainer, extra pot or jug with lid.

Cut the apples into quarters and toss them into the pot.  You'll want to add enough water to the pot to just cover the apples.  Tie the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and peel of one orange in cheesecloth with a string and toss that in the pot as well.  You can now add the brown sugar and nutmeg and let the pot come to a boil over medium heat for one hour, then simmer for an extra two hours.  Make sure you stir it every once in a while just to make sure nothing is sticking to the pot.

Once the mixture is done simmering for 2 hours, take it off the heat, remove the cheesecloth and mash whatever you can with the potato masher.  Then you can strain the mixture into another pot or jug (with a lid) to keep the juice.

Your apple cider is now done!  To enjoy the warm winter cocktail, just take two cups, heat on the stove and add one shot of either Bourbon or Pimms #1.  Enjoy!

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

Hey lovelies! I've been on a massive DIY kick lately, so I thought I'd share one of my most recent projects with you!  I know we've all reached that point where we get tired of our wardrobe, and get that major urge to go shopping.  Here's a quick, incredibly simple way to spruce up your everyday fashion with a little bit of paint and a potato.  Yes, I said potato.

Items needed:

- old pair of black tights

- white paint (fabric paint is ideal, although acrylic will work as well)

- small plate/dish (for paint)

- potato

- sharp knife

- paint brushes (for any touch ups)

Step #1: Lay your clean pair of black tights on a flat surface, front side up.  Feel free to lay newspaper underneath, incase you're a messy worker (like myself).

Step #2: Cut your potato stamp!  Cut the potato in half, then create whichever shape you so choose.  This time around I was in the mood for some triangles.

Step #3: Squeeze a little paint on your dish, to have easy access throughout the stamping process.

Step #4: Stamp away!  Do as many or as little stamps as you like, for as "busy" of a look you're going for!  I tried switching from each leg to make sure I was getting even coverage. I also kept the paint brushes handy in case of touch ups needed, because the potato stamp on fabric can be a little subdued at times.

Make sure that you let the paint dry completely before moving your tights.  I only did the front but if you're feeling ambitious, turn em' over and do the back!  Feel free to try different colors, different materials etc.  The whole point of DIY is to get creative.

Happy thursday everyone!

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

How better to celebrate the holiday season with a little nail inspiration?  Here are a few pictures of my personal favorites, to get those ideas brewing.

Priti NYC Polish is a great line of eco-friendly polishes.  Here are my three top reds of the moment: Guinea Rose (for that deep ruby slipper, type of shimmer), Japanese Rose (for that blue red), and Red Head Cactus (for that classic orange-red).

To replicate the above picture use either Fishbone Cactus (if you want a solid, bright green) or Devil's backbone (if you want a great forest/shimmery color) for the green nails.  As an accent nail color, I absolutely LOVE Chrysanthos.

If you are the type to skip our snowy December, and jet off on a hot vacation, I've got the color for you.  Priti NYC's Lungwort is flawless.  Although, if you are more into a minty green with a tiny gold sparkle go for Dusty Miller.

For that really special party, go for all over Chrysanthos.  If you want longer lasting nails for a good chunk of the holiday season, try our OPI permanent polish in Golden Eye.  It's like little golden disco balls on your nails.

Blues are in.  Our signature color at Freshair Boutique is Dracula Orchid (a great grey-blue).  Another amazing blue, that's deep and rich, is Schwarkopf.  Trust me, neither will disappoint you.

Don't forget ladies and gents, at Freshair Boutique we have a holiday mani&pedi special for only $50.  Be sure to call us at 204-414-9023 to book that well deserved pampering and to complete your holiday look.

-né

Enjoying the ride!

We have a new writer here at freshfood!  Renée is our esthetician and she will be posting on Thursdays.  Renée's Aesthetic will give you information about your skin, nails, and general health and lifestyle.  I'm very excited about having her here so please check her out!

This blog has grown so much over the years and I have to thank everyone that reads or subscribes to us.  I was skeptical about an 'on-line' presence in the beginning and now I see the value.  I appreciate the amount of people I can reach at any given time and try to make every interaction count.

It's a wonder to me how the internet ACTUALLY works.  To think that someone half way around the world could be reading our posts, and sharing in Freshair Boutique's journey, is mind blowing.

What else can I say?  Thanks for supporting, keep reading and please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.  That's what we aim to do, give you all info and try to share some of our stories and experiences with you.

Peace

**hey boys... will resume next month.

the fresh perspective...

For CP- In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

-Abraham Lincoln

Abe Lincoln seems to have been an amazing man.  I'm excited to see the movie about his life and learn more about him.  It seems like he was a man who wasn't afraid to be the first.  I don't know very much about him but his quote above spoke to me.

For all of you who have lost someone and feel like you can't pick up the pieces, this Lincoln quote should be able to give some perspective on the current life that you do have.  Are you spending time with the ones you love?  Are you making a difference?  Are you happy?

That's the fresh perspective...

Wordless Wednesday

Hair.Resort Spray... We like it!