Parisian's Pure Indulgence

Japanese Brunch

I love entertaining and making my guests feel special.  The tea set you see pictured here, was purchased in Japan by my father in 1951, and given to my Grandmother.  Dad gave it to me after she passed away because he knew how much I would appreciate it.

Pecan coffee Cake

Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 tbls baking powder

pinch salt

1 cup sour cream

2 tsp. vanilla

Filling:

2 cups pecans, chopped

3 Tbls. butter, softened

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. pumkin pie spice

In a mixer, cream sugar and butter.  Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.  In another small bowl mix flour, baking powder, and salt, add 1/2 the flour mixture to the butter and mix.  Add 1/2 cup sour cream, and mix.  Add the other half of the flour and mix.  Add remaining 1/2 cup sour cream and vanilla.

Grease bundt pan with butter.  Place 1/2 batter in pan (it will be very thick).

In a small bowl, mix pecans, butter, sugar, and flour.  Mix to form a crumbly meal.  Add spices. 

Top the batter you have in pan with the pecan filling, and remaining batter on top.

Place in 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool and then glaze cake.

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1-2 tbls milk

The cake was decorated by filling the center with blackberries, and lining the cake plate with green apples, orange slices, kiwi, and flowers found in the garden.

 We discovered the image of a Japanese Geisha in the bottom of each tea cup by holding the cup up to the light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomato and Saffron Halibut - Perfect Valentine's Day Dinner

Healthy Valentine's Day Fare: 

At Parisian's Pure Indulgence Organic Skin Care, we believe in nourishing the skin from the inside out.  This recipe is rich in the antioxidant properties of lycopene, and vitamins A and C, found in the tomatoes.  Halibut offers a protein content of over 30 grams per 4 ounce serving, along with vitamins B12 and B6.  This recipe is very easy to make and one of my favorite recipes for a special occasion, like Valentine's Day.

3    pounds plum tomatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
2    cups red grape tomatoes, halved
1    cup yellow teardrop tomatoes, halved
8    8-ounce halibut filets (each about 1 inch thick)
 
½   cup olive oil
3    Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2   Green onions, chopped (white part only)
1    Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro plus cilantro springs for garnish
2    Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
¼   teaspoon saffron threads
 
          Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place all tomatoes in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss to combine.  Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper; place atop tomatoes.
 
          Whisk oil, vinegar, green onions chopped cilantro, basil and saffron in small bowl to blend.  Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.  Pour dressing evenly over fish.  Let stand 10 minutes.
 
          Bake until fish is opaque in center, about 10-15 minutes.  Cool slightly.  Place 1 fillet on each of 8 plates.  Season tomato mixturee to taste with salt and pepper.  Top fish with tomato mixture, dividing
equally.  Garnish with cilantro springs.  Serve warm.  Serves 8

Facebook contest

 

We are running a special promotion, from now, until February 14th.  Here's how it works:

1. Friend me, Kelli Parisian, on facebook.  If you are already my friend, skip this step. 
2. Go to the PPI web site, pick one of your favorite products, then click "write a review."  Tell us why you like the product.  www.ParisiansPureIndulgence.com 
3. Next, Click "Like" on the product.   
4. When I see it on facebook, you will receive a coupon code for a 20% savings the next time you order the treatment (1 only).  I will send you the special code.

 

 

What does your home say about you?

Read Helen Arabanos' book, "He's Into You...But is His Home?  What a Man's Feng Shui Can Reveal About Him."  

 

Beauty.  Outer beauty often catches attention, but inner beauty holds attention. The Ancient Chinese Practice of Feng Shui is often described as bringing the beauty of nature indoors; you could say, bringing outward beauty inward.  Doing so allows our inner beauty to shine and we carry that out into the world. It’s a circular flow of energy.

The Taiji symbol, often called Yin Yang symbol, represents the flow of energy.  Each side flows into the other. The two are very interrelated, much like how our outer and our inner beauty is related.

 

What we feel inside reflects from and onto what we see outside and what we see outside, reflects from and onto how we feel inside.  Let’s look at this another way.

Our home, for most of us, is a respite; that place we go after a long hard day to regroup,  renew and refresh. It is also that place we go to share with loved ones the joys we experience out in the world each day.

 

If you’ve ever lived with disruptive neighbors, or difficult roommates, or even family members that you didn’t always get along with, then you know what it is like to not have your home support you.  You know what I mean by that: Out in the world you feel relaxed and happy, but the moment you step in the door to that house, or that office you work in, you tense up. You may become angry, short-fused, or edgy; thus blocking your inner beauty from shining for the world to see.

 

What we see and experience in the world is a reflection of what we are feeling. Making sure your home is a haven for you is one way to help your inner beauty shine outward for all to see. Even if you can’t decorate your entire home the way you would if money were no object, you can make sure it supports you, your goals, and your desires. Here are some tips to help your inner beauty shine through with the help of your home.

• Consider removing any furnishings that you don’t like or are reminders of less than happy times in your past. They tend to generate a tensing reaction each time you see them which blocks your inner beauty.
• Make sure you have at least one object that you love in each room or area that you spend time, preferably in line of sight from where you most often sit. This will be the focal point for you which will keep you feeling happy.
• Contrary to common practice, your bedroom should be the loveliest of all your rooms. It is the last thing you see when you go to sleep and the first thing you see when you wake up. It is also where you spend most of your time. It’s the place where you rest and regenerate so be sure to surround yourself with relaxing and calming things that you love and that make you feel good.

 

Helen Arabanos

Owner, Author, Consultant

Learn more; visit www.FullBloomFengShui.com

Like us on Facebook FullBloomFengShui  [Here’s the link if you actually want to make it be a link https://www.facebook.com/#!/FullBloomFengShui]

 

Letter from Sharon

 
Dear Kelli,

    Every October I remember those people who were so special in helping me when I went through my chemo, radiation and multiple surgeries to overcome two battles with breast cancer, and, not surprisingly, you and Pure Indulgence always come to mind.

   The second time around, I was treated with a drug and, unfortunately, was blessed with a very rare side effect-the death of my fingernails and toenails.  My hands and cuticles were painfully dry.  I also had extreme skin dryness, on my chest area where I had previously undergone radiation treatments. 

   I started to use the Pure Indulgence Whipped Shea Souffle and saw results immediately.  I credit its use for alleviating the dryness around my cuticles and everywhere else that I used it. 

   If I had not had the extreme symptoms, I might never have tried the Souffle.  That is why I say I was "blessed" with the not-so-pleasant side effects-now I use the Souffle regularly and my hands, elbows and feet have not been this smooth since I was a teenager.

   Two of my cousins were diagnosed with breast cancer after I was, and I sent them both the Souffle.  It can really be the perfect gift for someone who is going through a rough time fighting the horrible disease, especially if you live far away and aren't able to lend a helping hand in person. 

   Thanks again for being there.

                                                                                Sharon St. Amand

Independence

by Eli Leichter

Independence...not everything it's touted to be.  We have been trained for the last one or two decades–don’t rely on ANYONE–not a single solitary person, to tout your own fulfilled and wholesome individual.  We make homes, We make children, We even make love….alone.
Think about this.
It’s become such an incredible influence to our deep rooted core, that we have forgotten the most basic human, loving and soulful aspect to our lives…..reliance. Have we become so intensely subordinate to our core values that we sustain ourselves above and beyond reliance ?
This is basic.
Our values as a society now dictate that people no longer NEED each other?...Cont. from PPI newsletter--We have no sustained efforts toward mutual honor and respect, that we forsake even the kindest gestures toward one another?
I cannot fathom the ideology here.
So much and so many of us have become entwined in this independence that we shout to the heaven’s, “I require no one to be or become, therefore, I am perfectly happy and content going it alone!”
It has become so incredibly acceptable to be alone, so many deeply concerned and loving people get lost in the proverbial shuffle of this so called independence.  All this leading us to a dead end curve of loneliness, longing and independence.
Oh, there may be success in monetary value within that independence, but at the end of the day, do you truly wish to be too independent (and alone) ?
I for one know, in the deepest aspect of my existence, I am NOT independent.  I will myself for lack thereof, for I truly know that happiness comes from union. That union reflects reliance on other’s. Reliant Honor, Reliant Respect, Reliant Admiration…even Reliant Love.
I have formed a unity of mutuality. My mind is filled with combinations of joined effort.  I seek that which would fulfill me most.
Reliance upon other’s.
I feel no worse for it, nor will I allow outside forces to facilitate a mocking gesture towards me.I am NOT independent. I am no longer to go it alone.
For within you, I not only seek a proverbial lack of independence, I seek solitude, with you, by my side. May respect and love attack independence. May the best word win.  My wish for the ages.
May you NEVER be too independent...again!

Coulda Woulda Shoulda Shuttapa!

  by Karen Salmansohn

Are you right now blaming your past for what’s missing in your present? If so, I say: Coulda woulda shoulda shuttupa! The time has come to stop blaming your past - and start blaming your present. What are you doing NOW to get the life you want NOW? With this in mind, I’ve got a few tips for how to better use your NOW to its fullest, so you can live your life to its fullest!
1. Next time you’re tempted to torture yourself with painful memories from your past, repeat this mantra: I am not my past behavior. I am not my past failures. I am not how others have at one time treated me. I am only who I think I am right now in this moment. I am only what I do right now in this moment!
2. Recognize if you ask depressing questions about your past, you will get depressing answers! For example there are no happy answers to "Why didn't I?" "Why did I?" "What if?" These are all time-wasters and downwardspiralers.. Hence, you must....from PPI Newsletter stop them and swap them with these new present-tense-oriented questions - which will make your present less-tense: "How can I learn from this?" "How am I better person from this?" "What can I do now to make my life better?" "Who can I surround myself with today to make my life happier?" "What can I do to relax?" "What do I have to look forward to that I should aim myself at?"
3. Step outside yourself. Volunteering is a great way to look outside your own problems and pain. Giving back makes you happier by giving you a sense of purpose and connecting you heart to heart to others. Plus, volunteering also helps to put your problems in perspective.
4. Remember - the part cannot be greater than the whole. It’s important to remind yourself that this hard time you’ve been through is merely a “slice” of your life, not your whole life. Think about your wide open future -- and remind yourself how you don't want your life to be defined by one circumstance from your past. Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of everything you do have in your life - rather than what's missing.

Follow Karen Salmansohn on facebook here.

 

"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." ~ Joseph Campbell

What life plans are you attached to?  Have you ever felt yourself holding on so tight to how your think your life should look, that you miss opportunities that are put in front of you for something even better?

 There are many ways we hold on and resist change.  We waste energy by trying to control our life plans, relationships, or even our image.  By fighting change, we are insisting that life meet our particular demands, fulfill our needs and expectations.    

 Control is an illusion -- a tough lesson to learn.  Life is constantly bringing about change.  The more we try to control, the more we worry, become frustrated, depressed, and even bitter.  Letting go allows us the opportunity to surrender and even embrace change.  We say yes to infinite possibilities.  Freedom, and joy come, when we trust that things will work out as they are meant to, and give ourselves permission to let go of the outcome. ~ Kelli

 

Southern California Lifestyle Mantra

  by Doug Dobransky

 Most of us here in Southern California, came from somewhere else.  Knowing someone is a Native Californian makes me kind of sad for them.  They have no idea how phenomenal it was to have grown up here.  They don't understand 4 mile walks to school in the snow, or the frigid mornings when cars would not start.  My father actually started his car at midnight, letting it idle all night, to be sure he could get to work at 7am.  My small town had a 31 Flavors I am sure, but they only had one flavor.

When I am out and about, I overhear people discussing their eating habits, and being around Hollywood and So Cal all these years, I have overheard some normal sounding quotes that would leave Middle America in disbelief and hysterics.  In Beverly Hills, I overhead a homeless man telling a wealthy thin looking woman, that he had not eaten in three days.  Her reply was...."Well, I wish I had your kind of willpower."  At my fitness facility, a twenty something gal had mentioned that she might have bulimia, when the other simply said...."that's great".

I myself, while back east visiting family, became quickly aware of how serious eating is, and how it is more than life sustaining.  It is the main entertainment and activity, especially during the winter.  Because of this, quantities and calories are not really seen as concerns or health issues.  My stock answer while visisting, when asked to "sit down and we'll fix you a plate" is....."I ate yesterday."

My point to this idea here is simple.  People are highly influenced by their environments and peer groupings. Outside of Southern California, body image and health issues regarding fats, calories and quantity are not always seen as health or vanity concerns.

In one way, we might consider ourselves lucky to be around Hollywood, entertainment, and media, which seem to have a never ending supply of programming about treating your body with love and intelligence.  Eating healthy and eating less permeates the air around here, and good for us.  It's not working 100%, as you all can see, just by getting out and about, but we seem to at least try and stay aware of body image and fitness.  My back east peeps can't get enough red meat, bacon, hot dogs, and fried chicken, along with the doughnuts and pies.  And it shows.  It's not even on their minds to loose that 75 pounds or simply stop and change their life long habit of ingesting pizza and beers all night long.

At least the sun and the summer life here puts a little "healthy" pressure on all of us to keep in mind that as we age, our bodies don't like to work that hard.  They just don't like to do the work, and so those bodies go on a part time work schedule.

When they asked Cary Grant how is managed to stay so thin for his entire career and never have to crash diet for an upcoming film, he simply said...."I made food unimportant to me".  Now mind you, I don't want to do that, and most likely neither do you, but people, take a lesson there.
It is an intellectual decision to see food in various ways.  You can see it as beautiful and enjoyable, but also you can see it as love.  You can see the best foods for your body as loving yourself by rewarding your body with lean nutritious portions, rather than abusive quantities of fats, sugars and chemicals.  So think about intellectual eating philosophies. Adopt an eating philosophy that rewards the body which gets you through this fascinating life with love and smarts.  Use our Southern California lifestyle as your mantra.....

We're from Southern California, and it shows.

 

The Truth about Inner Beauty

OK, let's get one thing straight.  Inner Beauty is overrated.  Everyone knows it's way way better to look good than to feel good. OK, now that we have that straight.  I'm just sayin.  Had to get that disclaimer in.

Most of us are born average.  Average eyes, average teeth, skin, thin lips, one eyebrow all the way across, ears that stick out making us look like some V W Bug with the doors open.  Most of us go thru life early on figuring out that 2% of the women are hot and the rest of us will have......"Inner Beauty"  Thank God they made that up for most of us.  I like that someone made up the term "inner beauty" because it stops the inner pains I feel when I see Scarlette Johanssen types and can tell myself "but I have inner beauty". Yeah right.  Well, it always seemed like being invisible was just how everyone was, except those 2 per centers. They were really the freaks and not us. 

But you know....as life goes on, and we all get banged up with rejections, poverty, heartbreaks, job losses, deaths of family and friends, identity theft, and who knows what else, then we start to notice how people really are.  We start to notice other things that make us beautiful.  We start to appreciate and even love people who are kind.  People who are polite.  People who are on time.  Those people who put themselves second to the needs of others.  We start to see how sincerity in smiles and touches and honesty are things even more beautiful than 36DDs or full lips or lypo'd bellies.  We start to love people who possess compassion and empathy.  We find out that those inner beauty traits are what really make a woman beautiful, because life has beaten us up, and those who can make us feel well and loved do it with all those traits.  Inner Beauty traits.  Those are the things that make the 2 per centers ugly, because they are never on time or put themselves second to others.  No.  Not them.  They become un sexy.  They become....."high maintenance!"
There.  I said it. 
So inner beauty, as time goes on, becomes the real beauty.  Genuine.  Sincere. Trustworthy.  So girls.....never let it be said that inner beauty takes a back seat.  Inner beauty rules.
Even Christy Brinkley and Hallie Berry's men got tired of all that high maintenance.  Let's face it....they just didn't have inner beauty.
So next time you underrate inner beauty......don't.  It's money!