HOMEMADE VANILLA SUGAR SCRUB:

A confectionery shower treat.

Not only is it:

Super easy.
Super cheap.
It's super delicious smelling, and is sure to scrub away that scary, winter-dry skin til it's buttery smooth.
Or, perhaps sugary smooth. Either way...it's ahhh-mazing.

MAKE IT:

3/4 C white sugar

3/4 C brown sugar

1/3 C olive oil

1 tsp vanilla extract
a few drops of honey

THEN:

Throw it in a mason jar...hop in the shower...and TREAT YO SELF. (Parks & Rec, anyone?? Only my fav...)

Or, wrap some pretty ribbon around it, stick a jingle bell on there, print out a nifty, thrifty cute label, and stuff it in a stocking. You'll be sure to delight whoever's so lucky to receive it.

Speaking of homemade gifts, did you see Cupcakes and Cashmere's holiday bottled spirits? So incredibly cute. I want to make me some!

HAPPY SCRUBBING.

In season (and en la cocina) :

It's cheap. It's sweet. It's easy to prepare. And, not only is it currently found in abundant heaps at your local farmer's market--but it makes for a rustic fall side dish that won't soon be forgotten. The perfect accompaniment to crisp-weather fare may just be the butternut squash. Take heed of it's "in-season" peak with this simple (and flavor-packed) recipe:

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Parmesan-Roasted Butternut Squash

You will need:

1 medium-weight butternut squash (2 lbs. or so), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

3/4 C heavy cream

4 fresh sage leaves

1 C shredded parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

To prepare:

Preheat oven to 400.

Toss squash with cream and sage in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix in sage leaves. Place on middle oven rack and bake, covered, for 30 minutes. 

Mix in 2/3 of the parmesan cheese, sprinkling the remainder on top. Roast for 20 more minutes, uncovered, until cheese begins to brown and squash is tender. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving, allowing cream to thicken.

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Mmm...yes...the perfect combination of rustic fall flavors, melded together in a rich, steamy side dish. And, bonus: it looks quite pretty when plated. The perfect new Turkey Day addition? The easiest (and most delicious) means to impress fall guests? 

We think so.

Just wait...your mouth will thank you.