Thank you Debbie and Robin for an amazing article!
Liana.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Get to know us a little better
A few weeks ago I had a pleasure talking to Robin - freelance business writer for one of our industry's leading suppliers and role model, Debbie Mae from Wholesale Supplies Plus. It was one of those Sundays with my kids screaming on background and Robin having difficulties with her computer. But the interview came out great and I couldn't have sum everything up better myself!
Thank you Debbie and Robin for an amazing article!
Liana.
Thank you Debbie and Robin for an amazing article!
Liana.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
New year. New fear. New life.
My long overdue and accordingly lengthy blog post is finally here. Where to begin? Well, if you have been following our Facebook page you probably know that after 6 long years of half-time college, work and raising kids, my husband (and all our family, for that matter) have finally graduated Summa Cum Laude back in October. That is exactly when we have decided to participate in our first major Midwest trade show. We have been accepted and began the preparations.
Very quickly I came to realize that I will never be able to meet my own expectations by doing everything on my own. My good friend Sofia, who some of you have met at the shows, had started her carrier as a psychologist and had moved to another side of the town. Coincidentally or not, a few months earlier I have met a local talented MI beading artist who also had a great vibe about her. I had purchased some very beautiful pieces from her, she had bought from me and, long story short, I felt comfortable enough to invite her to my humble studio and offer her to be a part of Marmalade Hills small but very passionate team of my mom and I :) Christine is an amazing person and a very dedicated Marketing Director at Marmalade Hills.
Before I get into many details of my recent life experiences, I have to say that I am forever grateful to these girls, Sofia and Christine, for helping Marmalade Hills succeed this past year and doing it with such enthusiasm! You are the best!! XO
It was still pre-Christmas time when I spotted a small spot on my torso that would just not go away. After a month of observation I mentioned it to my dermatologist who offered to wait another three weeks for it to go away and come and see her if it didn’t. We have completed all our Christmas shows with Sofia, but the spot was still there... Now, let me take a brisk step back in time: 6.5 years earlier, four days before our older daughter was born, my dad passed away from melanoma. Those were very, very dark times, thinking of which still bring chills on a warm day.
So, a month and a half after first noticing the spot, and I was back at my dermatologist’s office, bright and early in the morning few days before Christmas. My doctor was casual and showed no concern; she just said that we will take “it” out because “it” was there for too long. “I’ll call you in a week if there is something to report,” she said. I was pretty sure it was nothing. Why would it be? I’m just 30. My body is strong, I don’t have fair skin, I don’t have many moles (like my dad)… Less than a week later we got a phone call from the nurse, it was basal cell carcinoma (BCC): non-melanoma skin cancer. Even though it is a very slow growing and non-invasive, non-life threatening type of cancer that some people don’t even consider as cancer, that word put me in a complete shock. After losing my dad and hearing so many stories about people’s feelings when finding out about their diagnosis, I had NO idea how scary it could be.
If you know me and my husband personally, you probably know that we follow every interest of ours with great passion. Same was for cancer. We got on Google, we got anti-cancer books from the library and just spent hours of talking about science. The only way to fight fear is knowledge. And getting more knowledgeable in cancer mechanics did help. Although all those vibrant pictures on the Internet did raise nerve-wracking suspicions about melanoma and my certain moles.
And there I was: first week of 2011 at my dermatologist’s office, once again. We had to do a re-treatment for the BCC and also a MUCH closer full-body check. When I went in, I knew that I had one spot that I was concerned about the most (I saw a similar one on Google image search). Doctor said: we should take a closer look at it. One week later I got a call: it was dysplastic mole. For some doctors it means nothing, and for others – early stage of melanoma. A very, very early stage (if it is). It takes 5 to 20 years for cancer to develop into melanoma as we know it, and only 1 in 10,000 cell will turn into cancerous.
Even though it was a very scary time for us and there are still many full-body exams to come, we will come out on top in the long run. You can turn almost any situation into an opportunity or into a disaster and we are going to make the best out of our situation. As of January 2011 our family have adapted an anti-cancer diet and life style that will help our kids to develop right habits for life and that will make us healthier and happier people overall. Anti-cancer life style includes many good ol’ practices like exercising, meditation and healthy diet that are important for every person who wants to live a long and healthy life. If you wish to understand on cellular level why it was always important to live a healthy life style, I strongly recommend you read or listen to this book: “Anticancer: a new way of life.” by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, Ph.D. It explains so many things in a very comprehensive style and points out major flaws in present western diet and life style. This book is full of precise scientific references that make it even more fascinating.
Thank you for making it to the end of this post! And I hope I was able to refuel your New Year resolutions ;)
Health and happiness all!
Liana.
Very quickly I came to realize that I will never be able to meet my own expectations by doing everything on my own. My good friend Sofia, who some of you have met at the shows, had started her carrier as a psychologist and had moved to another side of the town. Coincidentally or not, a few months earlier I have met a local talented MI beading artist who also had a great vibe about her. I had purchased some very beautiful pieces from her, she had bought from me and, long story short, I felt comfortable enough to invite her to my humble studio and offer her to be a part of Marmalade Hills small but very passionate team of my mom and I :) Christine is an amazing person and a very dedicated Marketing Director at Marmalade Hills.
Before I get into many details of my recent life experiences, I have to say that I am forever grateful to these girls, Sofia and Christine, for helping Marmalade Hills succeed this past year and doing it with such enthusiasm! You are the best!! XOIt was still pre-Christmas time when I spotted a small spot on my torso that would just not go away. After a month of observation I mentioned it to my dermatologist who offered to wait another three weeks for it to go away and come and see her if it didn’t. We have completed all our Christmas shows with Sofia, but the spot was still there... Now, let me take a brisk step back in time: 6.5 years earlier, four days before our older daughter was born, my dad passed away from melanoma. Those were very, very dark times, thinking of which still bring chills on a warm day.
So, a month and a half after first noticing the spot, and I was back at my dermatologist’s office, bright and early in the morning few days before Christmas. My doctor was casual and showed no concern; she just said that we will take “it” out because “it” was there for too long. “I’ll call you in a week if there is something to report,” she said. I was pretty sure it was nothing. Why would it be? I’m just 30. My body is strong, I don’t have fair skin, I don’t have many moles (like my dad)… Less than a week later we got a phone call from the nurse, it was basal cell carcinoma (BCC): non-melanoma skin cancer. Even though it is a very slow growing and non-invasive, non-life threatening type of cancer that some people don’t even consider as cancer, that word put me in a complete shock. After losing my dad and hearing so many stories about people’s feelings when finding out about their diagnosis, I had NO idea how scary it could be.
If you know me and my husband personally, you probably know that we follow every interest of ours with great passion. Same was for cancer. We got on Google, we got anti-cancer books from the library and just spent hours of talking about science. The only way to fight fear is knowledge. And getting more knowledgeable in cancer mechanics did help. Although all those vibrant pictures on the Internet did raise nerve-wracking suspicions about melanoma and my certain moles.
And there I was: first week of 2011 at my dermatologist’s office, once again. We had to do a re-treatment for the BCC and also a MUCH closer full-body check. When I went in, I knew that I had one spot that I was concerned about the most (I saw a similar one on Google image search). Doctor said: we should take a closer look at it. One week later I got a call: it was dysplastic mole. For some doctors it means nothing, and for others – early stage of melanoma. A very, very early stage (if it is). It takes 5 to 20 years for cancer to develop into melanoma as we know it, and only 1 in 10,000 cell will turn into cancerous.
Even though it was a very scary time for us and there are still many full-body exams to come, we will come out on top in the long run. You can turn almost any situation into an opportunity or into a disaster and we are going to make the best out of our situation. As of January 2011 our family have adapted an anti-cancer diet and life style that will help our kids to develop right habits for life and that will make us healthier and happier people overall. Anti-cancer life style includes many good ol’ practices like exercising, meditation and healthy diet that are important for every person who wants to live a long and healthy life. If you wish to understand on cellular level why it was always important to live a healthy life style, I strongly recommend you read or listen to this book: “Anticancer: a new way of life.” by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, Ph.D. It explains so many things in a very comprehensive style and points out major flaws in present western diet and life style. This book is full of precise scientific references that make it even more fascinating.
Thank you for making it to the end of this post! And I hope I was able to refuel your New Year resolutions ;)
Health and happiness all!
Liana.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Giving thanks!
Another Thanksgiving is upon us and with it, comes another reason to slow down, count all your blessings and enjoy a company of people who have been with you through thick and thin: your family and friends. So here I am, with a wine glass in my hand and a full heart in my chest, writing this post to all Marmalade Hills’ followers, fans, friends and supporters....
Coming from struggling, post-Soviet Eastern Europe, being the first generation of immigrants in this amazing country and on top of it all, living our dream - there is a lot to be thankful for, and since this is not an Oscar night I will not go into details ;) I tried to dig out my last year’s post and I did! I found it so touching, full of hopes and dreams. Today I am happy to report that one year later we are stronger and better than I thought we would be, a year ago! And it is all thanks to you, because you are that little extra push that I need in the lazy afternoon or past midnight. I want to bring you more exciting ingredients, more innovative natural products and just more positive attitude! Everything is possible if you surround yourself with the right people who are bold, curious, exciting, daring and challenging. This type of people are essential in business and everyday life to share your happy moments and to support you in rough seas. Along the way it was interesting to see how some people, who called themselves “friends”, disappeared into darkness and how new “strangers” came to my rescue. I have learned so much and I am forever grateful for every person in my life who taught me a lesson.
Keep watching Marmalade Hills blossom and know that if not for You there would be no us!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Liana.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Best Pulled Pork Recipe
Recently I have rediscovered my slow cooker. It was sadly sitting in my garage for years until the day I was introduced to The Best pulled pork sandwich ever! I have been making it almost every week now for my family and volunteered to cook it for my friends a few times. It is extremely easy and unbelievably delicious... and as always, kid friendly! This recipe has been unofficially circulating among my friends and now I have found a few minutes to share it on my blog. Here it goes:
3 lb pork shoulder (or butt, apparently it is the same thing, according to my butcher)
1 (one) 12 oz bottle of your favorite root beer
1 green pepper sliced (I love using green pepper with meat)
1 medium onion sliced
seasoning to taste (I rub meat with Kosher salt and fresh black pepper)
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
Additionally you will need sandwich buns and creamy coleslaw.... I am drooling already and I just made it last week :)
Rub your meat with seasonings on all sides. Place it into the slow cooker, cover meat with sliced onions and peppers, pour in the root beer. Fire up your slow cooker to high and leave it to cook for 6-7 hours, turning your meat once after first 3 hours of cooking. Meat should be falling apart with no effort by the end of cooking time.
Take your meat out on a large, flat plate and start separating meat from fat. Discard the fat, cooked vegetables and cooking juices. Shred good meat with a fork and return it to the slow cooker. Add BBQ sauce and mix well.
Let the mixture sit in slow cooker on medium for a few more minutes for sauce to incorporate well. Turn off or leave on low until ready to serve. 
The only thing that could make this sandwich better is Bloody Mary!
Enjoy! Let me know how you like it ;)
Liana.
3 lb pork shoulder (or butt, apparently it is the same thing, according to my butcher)
1 (one) 12 oz bottle of your favorite root beer
1 green pepper sliced (I love using green pepper with meat)
1 medium onion sliced
seasoning to taste (I rub meat with Kosher salt and fresh black pepper)
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
Additionally you will need sandwich buns and creamy coleslaw.... I am drooling already and I just made it last week :)
Rub your meat with seasonings on all sides. Place it into the slow cooker, cover meat with sliced onions and peppers, pour in the root beer. Fire up your slow cooker to high and leave it to cook for 6-7 hours, turning your meat once after first 3 hours of cooking. Meat should be falling apart with no effort by the end of cooking time.
Take your meat out on a large, flat plate and start separating meat from fat. Discard the fat, cooked vegetables and cooking juices. Shred good meat with a fork and return it to the slow cooker. Add BBQ sauce and mix well.
Let the mixture sit in slow cooker on medium for a few more minutes for sauce to incorporate well. Turn off or leave on low until ready to serve. 
The only thing that could make this sandwich better is Bloody Mary!
Enjoy! Let me know how you like it ;)
Liana.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Renegade Chicago 2010 Report, Raffle and such
Less than two weeks ago my friend Sofia and I drove to Chicago to participate in 8th Annual Renegade Craft Fair. I had high expectations about the show and OH MY! where they exceeded! We got lucky with beautiful weather and an awesome corner spot, right behind the Prick Cushion (heard lots of funny comments over those two days, ha-ha!). The fair was amazing! The atmosphere was so relaxed and fun for people to shop and enjoy sunshine. Ice cold sangria, beer and wine were sold right on the street. The food along the Division street was delicious, I can still taste it in my mouth! The crowds were flowing non-stop through our booth, we were demonstrating our massage candles, people were friendly and we had barely enough time to run to the restrooms. It was great! Here are a few pictures of Sofia and I. 
We started driving at 3AM and met sunrise somewhere on I-94... It was drizzling in the morning but the sky cleared as soon as we set up our booth.
Breakfast from Alliance Bakery was just amazing! Morning breakfast was the only time of rest after the opening it was just go, go, go. We had an awesome time and I just wish I had more time to shop for myself as there were so many talented artists! I LOVE my Etsy peeps!
NEWSLETTER: As some of you may already know, we have a raffle sheet sign up on every show and Renegade Chicago was no exception. I will contact all the participants about the raffle once. Only those who have checked the box for receiving updates in the future will be automatically signed up for our Newsletter and receive 15% off their next online order. Just mention RENEGADENEWS10 in notes to seller at checkout and difference will be refunded to you after your payment clears. If I have added you accidentally to our newsletter emailing list, no worries it is very easy to unsubscribe.
RAFFLE: I have 30 email addresses in our sign up sheets. I have numbered all the participants as they were added to the list and here it is as follows:
1-Aubrey N; 2-Allison F; 3-Jennifer Bon; 4-Keeley C; 5-Sarah C; 6-Christina I; 7-Anna A; 8-Janina W; 9-Carmen A; 10-Amanda G; 11-Jennifer Bos; 12-Mary H; 13-Kendall; 14-Emily L; 15-Victoria S; 16-Diana T; 17-Kerry L; 18-Jill H; 19-Dan B; 20-Meg R; 21-Beth H; 22-Kenyatta M-E; 23-Dorothy B; 24-Suzi W; 25-Pat S; 26-Ripal S; 27-Patricia C; 28-Jamie L; 29-Cwynar; 30-Miriam S.
The lucky winner will be getting 2 oz Ultimate Body Butter of your choice! And our Rose Hip Oil Lip Balm of your choice! With these items you will be ready to fight back brutal winter cold and dry skin! Good luck!
Drum roll please...
Congratulations Emily!! Please contact me at liana(at)marmaladehills(dot)com to provide me with your shipping address.
Thank you CHICAGO!♥♥♥ We will be back!♥♥♥
Till next time,
Liana.
We started driving at 3AM and met sunrise somewhere on I-94... It was drizzling in the morning but the sky cleared as soon as we set up our booth.
Breakfast from Alliance Bakery was just amazing! Morning breakfast was the only time of rest after the opening it was just go, go, go. We had an awesome time and I just wish I had more time to shop for myself as there were so many talented artists! I LOVE my Etsy peeps!
NEWSLETTER: As some of you may already know, we have a raffle sheet sign up on every show and Renegade Chicago was no exception. I will contact all the participants about the raffle once. Only those who have checked the box for receiving updates in the future will be automatically signed up for our Newsletter and receive 15% off their next online order. Just mention RENEGADENEWS10 in notes to seller at checkout and difference will be refunded to you after your payment clears. If I have added you accidentally to our newsletter emailing list, no worries it is very easy to unsubscribe.
RAFFLE: I have 30 email addresses in our sign up sheets. I have numbered all the participants as they were added to the list and here it is as follows:
1-Aubrey N; 2-Allison F; 3-Jennifer Bon; 4-Keeley C; 5-Sarah C; 6-Christina I; 7-Anna A; 8-Janina W; 9-Carmen A; 10-Amanda G; 11-Jennifer Bos; 12-Mary H; 13-Kendall; 14-Emily L; 15-Victoria S; 16-Diana T; 17-Kerry L; 18-Jill H; 19-Dan B; 20-Meg R; 21-Beth H; 22-Kenyatta M-E; 23-Dorothy B; 24-Suzi W; 25-Pat S; 26-Ripal S; 27-Patricia C; 28-Jamie L; 29-Cwynar; 30-Miriam S.
The lucky winner will be getting 2 oz Ultimate Body Butter of your choice! And our Rose Hip Oil Lip Balm of your choice! With these items you will be ready to fight back brutal winter cold and dry skin! Good luck!
Drum roll please...
Congratulations Emily!! Please contact me at liana(at)marmaladehills(dot)com to provide me with your shipping address.
Thank you CHICAGO!♥♥♥ We will be back!♥♥♥
Till next time,
Liana.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Best Chicken Kabob Marinade
Yesterday I had the best chicken kabob ever! It was tender, full of flavor and it was extremely easy to make (always a huge plus in my household). Although you do need a couple of special ingredients to replicate it, this recipe is a super easy, healthy dinner variation for kids and adults. It goes great with salads and almost any side dish. Did I mention that it doesn’t taste like any other grilled chicken you had this summer?
I have to say that I have borrowed this recipe from my friend’s mom when she made these kabobs for occasional summer gathering. I fell in love at the first bite!
To make 10 skewers of chicken kabobs you will need:
2 lbs of Amish boneless skinless chicken breast
4 medium size garlic cloves
1 bunch or so of chopped fresh cilantro (the more the better)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice*
1/2 cup olive oil (I used regular olive oil)
Kosher salt, seasoned salt and fresh grounded pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 to 2 tbs sumac powder (this is a spice that is used in Arabic cuisine. If you ever had Fattoush salad it is that dark purple/red powder that gives this salad a distinct flavor. It is a must have ingredient in this recipe and you can buy it in any Middle-Eastern market or just ask a friend to share - that’s what I did ;)
In a large Tupperware or a bowl combine cubed chicken breast, crushed garlic (you can mince it but I prefer to use a garlic press), chopped cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings. Stir the mixture well and let it sit in a refrigerator for at least 4 to 5 hrs. (this pictures was taken before I added seasoning)
I usually start to marinate my meat in the morning to make sure it is ready to go on the grill around dinner time. DO NOT forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least one hour before they go on a hot grill.
Cooking time:
Preheat grill to high heat. Place kabobs on the grill and reduce heat to medium. Cook 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Or just ask your husband to cook them - that’s what I did ;)
*Hint: I have been making lots of fresh lemonade this summer and I have noticed that it is easier to store your lemons in a form of a lemon juice. Fresh bags of lemons never fit in my refrigerator and they usually have to hang around until one or even more lemons go bad. Now I juice two or three bags at once and store my lemons this way. With all this hot weather it runs out rather quickly: making lemonade for kids, lemon drop cocktails for parents, making marinades and even fingernail soaks.
Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my whole family did!
Till next time,
Liana.
I have to say that I have borrowed this recipe from my friend’s mom when she made these kabobs for occasional summer gathering. I fell in love at the first bite!
To make 10 skewers of chicken kabobs you will need:
2 lbs of Amish boneless skinless chicken breast
4 medium size garlic cloves
1 bunch or so of chopped fresh cilantro (the more the better)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice*
1/2 cup olive oil (I used regular olive oil)
Kosher salt, seasoned salt and fresh grounded pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 to 2 tbs sumac powder (this is a spice that is used in Arabic cuisine. If you ever had Fattoush salad it is that dark purple/red powder that gives this salad a distinct flavor. It is a must have ingredient in this recipe and you can buy it in any Middle-Eastern market or just ask a friend to share - that’s what I did ;)
In a large Tupperware or a bowl combine cubed chicken breast, crushed garlic (you can mince it but I prefer to use a garlic press), chopped cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings. Stir the mixture well and let it sit in a refrigerator for at least 4 to 5 hrs. (this pictures was taken before I added seasoning)
I usually start to marinate my meat in the morning to make sure it is ready to go on the grill around dinner time. DO NOT forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least one hour before they go on a hot grill.
Cooking time:
Preheat grill to high heat. Place kabobs on the grill and reduce heat to medium. Cook 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Or just ask your husband to cook them - that’s what I did ;)
*Hint: I have been making lots of fresh lemonade this summer and I have noticed that it is easier to store your lemons in a form of a lemon juice. Fresh bags of lemons never fit in my refrigerator and they usually have to hang around until one or even more lemons go bad. Now I juice two or three bags at once and store my lemons this way. With all this hot weather it runs out rather quickly: making lemonade for kids, lemon drop cocktails for parents, making marinades and even fingernail soaks.
Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my whole family did!
Till next time,
Liana.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Suhm-thing
This month Marmalade Hills made its debut in Birmingham, MI. Our products are now available at Suhm-thing. Let me just tell you a few things about this one of a kind place. Suhm-thing is like a breath of fresh air for the same old line-up of traditional gift boutiques. It is young, hip and trendy with a lightly sophisticated twist. This store is full of affordable and unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else! Their gifts range from jewelry and soaps to hats and baby toys. Even being their frequent visitor I can spend hours just browsing and trying things on. Owners, David and Michael, travel around the country to bring their local customers finest selection of gift options. They are are very down to earth and friendly people that I had an opportunity to do a brief interview with.
Liana: Tell us what you love about your neighborhood. What makes it special?
David: I love the fact that Birmingham is such a quaint and friendly town. People from all over come to walk the downtown area. Birmingham is also a frequent stop for vacationers and visitor from out of state. Most recently there has been a little bit of Hollywood walking the streets and shopping the stores. A few days ago we had Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley's younger sister shopping at Suhm-thing. His wife commented that we were one of her favorite stores in Birmingham. Usher was spotted doing shopping in a neighboring store.
Liana: Tell us a little bit about your store, what makes it unique?
David: We consider Suhm-thing an urban gift store. Our displays are made out of old wood crates, pallets and wooden spools. Our items are unique in that you will not find them at your local big box store. We've had repeated customers that tell us they love giving and receiving gifts from our store.
Liana: What are your customers like?
David: Right now during the peak summer months, we have a lot of tourists shopping in town. I love engaging in conversation with them to find out where they are from, who they are visiting and where they are going next. I also love the first time customers. When they leave the store many people say they loved being in it and it made them happy.
Liana: How do you stay connected with your customers?
David: Suhm-thing has a FaceBook page. We announce new items on FB when we receive them. Our regular customers come in once a week just to see what new items have arrived. A lot of our regulars just stop in to smell what candle is burning or to get a friendly hello from our employee, Jackie. Our most recent post on FB is for an event we are hosting on September 10, 2010 from 6 to 9 pm at Suhm-thing in colaboration with Marmalade Hills. Liana, the creator of Marmalade Hills products, is going to be our special guest that evening. Our customers will be able to shop in fun and relaxed atmosphere, get to meet Liana and experience all of her wonderful products right in the store.
Liana: What is your favorite Marmalade Hills product?
David: I love the massage candles and the bars of soap. The scents are amazing. I also personally use the Lip Balms and they make my lips feel smooth.
Hope you enjoyed this fun interview and please stop by Suhm-thing to meet me on September 10th. Also if you are around Dream Cruise on August 21st stop by and say Hi to Jackie, she is THE best!
Till next time,
Liana.
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