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Rub a Dub Tub Full of Ramen

YumSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 06:57:31 -0700

At the Yunessun Spa Resort in Hakone, Japan you can enjoy more than 25 different kinds of spa related services and recreational water activities. While there are plenty of normal spa treatments, and wild water slides for the adventurous, it is their unusual foodie soaks that keep folks interested. From now until September 26, you'll be able to enjoy a ramen bath, with or without curry.

If the idea of soaking in broth doesn't tickle your fancy, then perhaps a soak in green tea, coffee, or red wine will do the trick?

To check out video footage of the new ramen bath, read more

Source: Japan Probe

Come Party With Me: Celebration You - The Look & Home Spa Treatments

partysugar — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 06:58:19 -0800

Love, love, love. February was all about love... but what if you're like me and single (without anyone to love)? Love yourself of course! This week I am planning a love themed party that is all about you celebrating your self love. Write yourself a lovely note, make yourself your favorite dishes and pair them with your favorite drinks. Taking the time out to really take care of yourself is important for your mind, body, soul, and overall well being. This party, that I am calling celebration you (or celebration me, if you prefer), is like getting your beauty sleep. On Friday I am going to be home alone (woo hoo!) and will take complete advantage of the evening. This afternoon I will make sure that everything is clean and organized so when I get home from work tomorrow - with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in my hands - I can slip into something comfortable and relax. I'll light my favorite soothing scented candles and turn the heater up high so the house is cozy and warm. To really make myself feel glowing inside, and beautiful on the outside, I'll give myself a few at home spa treatments between dinner and dessert. I consulted BellaSugar and she helped me come up with simple scrubs and soaks that can be made from everyday ingredients. For these easy at home spa recipes,read more

I've compiled a few recipes for at home spa treatments. For more please check out FitSugar's list of home spa treatments.

Facial/Body Scrub
From BellaSugar

1 medium cucumber peeled and grated - use a cheese grater
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup kosher salt or sea salt

In a small bowl, mix the cucumber and the buttermilk together. Add the salt and blend the mixture into a thick paste. Wait five minutes. Apply the scrub to your face and body making sure to pay attention to dry areas like your knees, elbows and ankles, and then rinse off the scrub.

Please note: If you are going to use this scrub in the shower, use before shaving so that the salt doesn't irritate your newly shaved skin.

Strawberry Hand and Foot Exfoliant
From Spa Index

8-10 Strawberries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon of coarse salt, such as Kosher Salt, or Sea Salt

Mix together all ingredients into a paste, massage into hands and feet, rinse, and pat dry.

Frozen Egg & Honey Facial Mask
From Spa Index

1 egg
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (but not hot)
1 tbs. honey

Beat the egg in a small bowl until frothy and well-mixed.
Slowly add the liquid coconut oil and honey, beating until your mask is the consistency of mayonnaise.
Take an empty toilet tissue roll and set it on end in a clean bowl. Spoon mixture into the cardboard toilet paper roll (or consider using an empty deoderant container). Place tube, in the bowl, in the freezer overnight.
To use, peel away just the top 1/4 inch of the cardboard roll and smooth the frozen stick over your face (think of it as a push up pop). Leave your mask on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
Return the cream stick covered with plastic wrap and frozen between uses.
Particularly soothing on a sunburn. Keeps indefinitely.

Banana Hair Mask
From Country Living

1 banana
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Mash the banana in a small bowl until completely smooth.
Add mayonnaise and oil and blend until creamy.
Use immediately. Apply this mask to hair, cover your head with plastic wrap and relax for 15 to 30 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo as usual.

Print recipe with images | without images

What's your favorite home spa treatment? Please tell me about it and come back tomorrow for the final installment of this week's party!

Beer Spa: Love It Or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 05:08:19 -0700

Apparently a growing trend in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic are beer spas. There, brewery turned health havens, offer spa therapies that allow you to bathe in your favorite brews. Relax while soaking in a foamy tub of beer whose yeast will rejuvanate and cleanse the skin. I don't know about you guys, but I'm adding trip-to-a-beer spa on my list-of-things-to-do-in-life. It's even advised that you enjoy a glass or two of beer while you sit in the bubbly brew - an idea that I absolutely love (seriously the more I think about it the more I wish I was at one of these spas right now!). So how about you, beer spa: love it or hate it?

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Happy Hour: Lavender Martini

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:00:12 -0800

Much like hibiscus, lavender has become an increasingly popular ingredient at the table. I'll admit that when I first tried lavender in food, I wasn't crazy about it, as I'd always associated the flower's aroma with spa treatments.

Lavender first began to grow on me last November, when I tried Loft, a new line of flavored organic liqueurs and proclaimed the line's lavender infusion as my favorite. When a friend sent me a gift of lavender-and-thyme cookie mix for my birthday, I discovered I could appreciate those, too. I realized that, when used sparingly, lavender can lend an herbaceous, lemony quality to food that's floral, yet not overwhelmingly so.
My latest fixation is enjoying lavender infused in a sophisticated drink. If you're looking for something fresh yet simple, read more.

Lavender Martini
From Loft Liqueurs

Ingredients

1 ounce Loft Lavender Liqueur
3 ounces vodka
Ice

Directions

Combine vodka and lavender liqueur in a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously, strain and serve in a martini glass.

Makes 1 martini.

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Meet the Contestants of Hell's Kitchen Season 5

partysugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:30:23 -0800

Although it doesn't begin until January 29th (at 9 p.m. on Fox), I've got the inside scoop on the participating contestants of Hell's Kitchen Season 5. Sixteen aspiring chefs will have the chance to win a "head chef" position at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The only thing that will stand in their way is the formidable Gordon Ramsay. Interested in getting to know the contestants? Start clicking. Photo Courtesy of Fox

View Slideshow ›

Happy Hour: Loft Liqueurs

YumSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:00:39 -0800

Earlier this month, I was pleasantly surprised to hear about the opening of the world's first all-organic bar. So when I learned of Loft Liqueurs, the first USDA certified organic liqueur, I had to find out what all the hype was about.

Created by two best friends and San Francisco hospitality veterans to save people from "the bright neon color of your average apple martini," the limoncello-inspired spirits are at the forefront of sustainability and eco-consciousness. In addition to being made with all-natural ingredients, the kosher-certified liqueur is sweetened primarily with agave nectar. The company supports small farms and biodynamic agricultural practices when possible, and uses recycled cases, biodegradable inks, and bamboo-based paper.

I tried four flavors - lavender, spicy ginger, tangerine, and lemongrass. To hear what I thought of them, read more.

Lavender: Although I sometimes eschew lavender in food (if it's too perfumy, I associate it with a spa treatment) the botanical notes were sweet, floral, and prominent yet not overwhelming. In fact, it was my favorite flavor.

Spicy Ginger: Contrary to its name, this flavor was not particularly spicy. PartySugar felt the taste was not as prominent or fresh as Canton, another ginger liqueur. Nevertheless, this flavor would impart subtlety to a cocktail such as a lemon drop.

Tangerine: Although I love tangerines, this seasonal flavor was my least favorite flavor. Ironically, both of us thought it tasted somewhat artificial and syrupy.

Lemongrass: This award-winning flavor was PartySugar's favorite. We enjoyed the delicately fragrant and bright flavors of this liqueur, which could be the star of a lemongrass cocktail, or just as refreshing on its own.

Have you ever tried Loft Liqueurs, and are you impressed by their environmentally friendly practices?

Let's Dish: Hell's Kitchen 4.7

partysugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:15:00 -0700

Wasn't last night's episode of Hell's Kitchen surprisingly entertaining in a good way? The wannabe chefs were challenged to a blind palette test where they had to identify certain ingredients based on taste alone. Working with the girl's team, Matt finally felt at ease and relaxed into his role as line cook in Hell's Kitchen. To chat about this and everything else that happened, read more.

If you were a member of the red team, how would you feel if a male joined your all female group?
Didn't Matt look hysterical in his bath robe at the patio spa?
Was Jen being too sensitive after Ramsay yelled at her?
Is it hard for you to work as a team?
Is anyone else starting to think that Rosann can NOT cook?
Were you shocked when Petrozza put himself up for elimination?
Which girl should become a member of the boys team?

Here are my top three Gordon Ramsay quotes:

On Bobby's role in the kitchen: You cant just keep looking after yourself. You have to f***ing talk. Unbelievable. Hurry up Louross!
To Ben: You are so f***ing sad. Every time i ask you something you give me the limped answer. You are one of the most f***ing saddest people in my kitchen. What is this Dr. Phil?
On Christina's reaction to his compliment: F*** the thank you! Just concentrate we still have 20 left to go. Don't start peeing in your knickers!

Besides Ramsay, the contestants had some hilarious one liners. Can you guess who said these things?

On Ramsay using fake meat to make the classic taste test dishes: He must have got it from a damn good vegetarian store.
On the fake meat in the beef stew: For a second there I thought it was cat because it was really stringy.
On Ramsay changed behavior: Now, I guess he is on his period today.
On his role in the kitchen: Usually I have people cleaning up after me

Photos courtesy of Fox.

Surprise Mom With a Little Dijon

YumSugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:15:04 -0700

If you're more like me than PartySugar - and by that I mean a solid procrastinator - I should probably remind you that Mother's Day is this Sunday. If you still don't know what to get for the lady of your life, well calm down, I've got some ideas.

Le Creuset recently announced a new Dijon color set. The bright and bold yellow color is wonderfully Spring friendly and a load of fun. Pots and pans don't sound like the most amazing Mother's day gift, but believe me a new Le Creuset set does. But, if mom ends up hating it, take her to a day spa and keep the Dijon set for yourself!

If you want to spoil her with an entire mustard-yellow theme, then scroll through to see some more bold finds.

Le Creuset® Dijon Enameled Cast Iron 6-Piece Set - $549.95	Martha Stewart Collection 3-Piece Yellow Kitchen Towels Set - $9.99
Stockholm Floral Apron - $28.00	Emile Henry Ruffled Auberge Rectangular Bakers, Dijon - $66.00
Potato Print Dishtowel, Yellow - $14.00	Dijon Tropical Flower Apron, Set of 2 Potholders or Set of 4 Napkins - $11.96
Peugeot U-Select Lacquered Salt & Pepper Mills, Dijon - $50.00	Emile Henry Ruffled Auberge Oval Baker, Dijon - $49.00
Le Creuset® Dijon Round Skillets - $119.95	Le Creuset® Dijon Round Braiser - $199.95
Mustard Tableware, Salad Plate - $12.00	LiveStrong Whistling Loop 1.8-Quart Tea Kettle by Chantal - $49.99
Paring Knife Sharpener, Yellow - $18.00	Komachi Sandwich Knife - $24.99
Grapefruit Knife - $5.95	Komachi Bread Knife - $27.00
Canisters - $64.00	Normann Copenhagen Strainer - $62.00
Lizkin Design Egg Pants - $20.00	Hawthorne Belvedere Vase in Yellow - $149.00

Hell's Kitchen - 3.8 Recap

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:03:37 -0700

This week we found our favorite chefs of Hell's Kitchen narrowed down to the last five: Bonnie, Jen, Julia, Rock, and Josh. Before things get boiling, Ramsay tells the cheftestants they will no longer be working in separate teams, boys vs. girls. Instead, the five will cook, clean, and cooperate as one big happy family. Bickering and bitching abounds, Ramsay loses it (surprise, surprise), and Bonnie has her best night ever. For all this and more - including what happens when the chefs feed some of L.A's most prominent trendsetters - read more

In the day's first challenge, the final five must feed trendsetters. Blindfolded, they are driven to an off-site location where they will find the, "people with their fingers on the pulse." Although they are expecting celebrities, the chefs find themselves in the middle of a high school cafeteria. Given an hour to prepare a school lunch for 100 high school kids, the chefs - who are working individually against one another - get down to business. Rock makes Kobe beef meatloaf sandwiches, Josh does a baked salmon, Julia whips up grilled cheeses and onion rings, Bonnie tosses a salad with fried goat cheese, and Jen boils up a chicken and pasta dish. The chefs personally serve their lunches and chummily chat up the students. With over 51% of the student votes, the wining prize of a ~~romantic~~ glamourous getaway to Las Vegas with Ramsay, goes to Julia who picks Jen as her escort to Vegas. The gals are whisked off, champagne in hands, to board Ramsay's private jet. The losing three are left to vacuum, clean, and iron the linens of the Hell's Kitchen dining room.

In Vegas, Julia and Jen are given the royal treatment: lux suite, Cristal champagne, spa treatments, and lunch with last season's HK winner Heather West. Back at the chopping block, for the first time in Hell's Kitchen history, the men and the women have to work together. Rock overcooks the scallops and Josh jumps the gun by preparing both risotto and spaghetti before anyone has even ordered it. Julia screws up her garnishes and is overall not on. Several of Josh's risottos get sent back for being undercooked and Ramsay violently kicks Josh out of the kitchen and off the show.

The four are left to finish the service. Julia fumbles, Bonnie takes the lead, Jen perfectly seasons Josh's risottos, and Rock throws an immature temper tantrum when the girls push him into cooperating. After much arguing between Rock (could Rock be any more of a complete jerk???) and Jen, the dinner service is finally over. Bonnie is chosen to select two of her teammates for elimination. She picks Rock (for being such an asshole) and Julia (for falling off her game). Ramsay says it's the hardest decision he has made so far and with a huge hug, asks Julia to hang up her chef's coat. For all of her potential, improvement, and hard work, he awards her a full ride to culinary school along with job placement aid when she graduates - who would have thought Ramsay was such a nice guy???
Oh that Ramsay, isn't he just full of surprises? And insults? Here are my top five Ramsayisms from last night:

Open wide Josh, you do have a talent, you can catch champagne!
Ladies, you didn't think we were going to be traveling commercial, did you?
We've opened, we haven't served anything yet but we've lost money! What a f**king doughnut.
Even my mom cooks spaghetti seven minutes before she wants it... We cook spaghetti to order, even the f**king dirtiest, scummiest Italian restaurant in Venice Beach cooks spaghetti to order!
Oh my god almighty! Come here you, what the fuck are you doing? You stand there and you screw me. You are f**king useless, get out! Get out! *throws spoon at Josh's head*

Finally a few things to think about until we meet Ramsay & Co again: Wasn't it cute how they got so excited about getting new chefs jackets? Wasn't it obvious that Julia was going to win the high school food challenge? I mean kids don't want food their parents will make them! Baked salmon? Chicken & pasta? Hello! Obviously the high schoolers are going to like the onion rings the best, come on!

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Hell's Kitchen - 3.5 Recap

partysugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:01:18 -0700

While nobody burned in hell on last night's episode of Hell's Kitchen, there was plenty of the usual mayhem. Dishes were burnt, Gordon was angry, and the Hell's B*tches (the loving nickname to the all-female team) were back in full force. Forgive me if these recaps have started to sound a little like the Hell's Kitchen narrator, but I just can't help it... For the first time in Hell's Kitchen history, the teams cater a wedding as their challenge (hmm... sounds strangely like the first episode of the Next Food Network Star). To see what happened when the contestants created a meal for the most memorable day of one lucky (??) couple's life, read more

The teams are brought by SUV to Bristol Farms where Ramsay informs them that they will be catering a wedding the following day. Each team has $100 and 30 minutes at the grocery store to create a tasting menu of three dishes: an appetizer, a fish, and a meat dish. Back at the kitchen the teams are given an hour to prepare their 3 dishes for the bride and groom, who are coming in to taste and choose the wedding reception menu.

Melissa takes it upon herself to become the leader of the red team. Instead of leading, she rudely bosses the girls around, doesn't allow Bonnie to answer any questions and second guesses Julia's ability to properly cook duck. In the end, she is the one who overcooks the duck and declares it unfit for the bride and groom to taste. The bride and groom prefer the boy's crab appetizer to the girl's dessert-like brie/strawberry/puff pastry dish and the girl's fish over the boy's. Melissa throws a tantrum stating that the girl's duck should not be presented to the bride and groom. Ramsay overrules her and poor Jen is left trying to describe a plain, overcooked duck breast.

The boys win a trip to a day spa while the girls are left to transform Hell's Kitchen into a beautiful wedding. Melissa is super condescending and the girls, myself, and anyone watching begin to despise her. On the day of the wedding, she really screw up by oxidizing and over-cooking potatoes, causing tension between her and Rock and accidentally spilling all of the girl's sabayon into the water bath. Not even Ramsay can take anymore of her behavior, puts her in her place and demands that Jen lead the red team.

The girls are the obvious losers and Ramsay asks Jen to nominate two of her teammates for elimination. She picks Melissa and Bonnie. When Ramsay calls Melissa forward and asks her to remove her chef's coat, he shocks them all by handing her a blue coat and telling her she will be cooking on the boy's team now. Bonnie is sent back to the line as Ramsay leaves us all anticipating what will go down next week, when we once again meet in Hell.

There were tons of good Ramsayisms and here are my top 5:

You're standing there acting like a jumped up little cave woman... now do as you're told.
Bloody well done, you won hands down.
When was the last time you had a massage? Never? Make sure you keep your pants on.
Shut the f**k up for 30 seconds and you might learn something. Now stop being a stubborn little b*tch and move your ass.
Oh piss off you little sabotage.

Usually I think Ramsay is too mean, but his cave woman nickname for Melissa was right on. What is up with her hair? And what on earth is on her chin, does she have a goatee??

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