Paul Ragusa-Schweitzer, Life Coach, & Whole New You Home Life Styling

07/07/2024

This is Zinnia, my ZZ plant (right). She lives in the semi bright corner of my bedroom when not on the occasional day holiday outdoors. ZZ plants are all the rage in today’s decor, and are super easy to care for. They tolerate low light and infrequent watering quite nicely. They can grow rather large with proper care, and up-potting every couple of years. If you zoom in you can see Zinnia’s newest shoots growing (tight and light green). She brings lots of aesthetic joy, helps purify the air in my home, and rewards my bits of attention with new growth and beauty. If you’re an inexperienced plant parent, or want help beautifying or totally transforming spaces in your home, get in touch with me!

07/07/2024

Every week or two, on a bright day when the humidity is high and the heat and sun aren’t too oppressive, treat your houseplants to an outdoor day trip to visit with their outdoor cousins. Make sure they’ve been properly watered, and give those that like it, a good misting. A few hours of fresh air is good for everyone, and helps your green family keep your indoor air fresh and clean year round!

06/07/2024

Here’s a delicious, original recipe that is especially amazing in summertime…

Spaghetti Squash with Ricotta Filling
(Original recipe by Paul Ragusa)

The Filling (dollop atop boats and mix in while eating)
1/2 lb whole milk ricotta
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1/4 lemon
1/4 cup combo (half and half) freshly chopped basil and mint leaves
Garlic salt or salt and garlic powder to taste
Black pepper to taste
(Serves 4)

Squash Boats
1 whole spaghetti squash per 2 people
Olive oil
Garlic salt
Black pepper
Dried basil
(Gluten free) seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 to 1/2 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds, raw or toasted)

Microwave squash for 12 minutes each (wash first, keep whole)
Let each cool for at least an hour
Slice squash open length wise and remove seeds without disturbing flesh
Drizzle boats (halves) with olive oil
Sprinkle with garlic salt, pepper, dried basil and top with a thin layer of bread crumbs
Bake at 350 degrees 20 to 25 minutes (until golden on top)

While the boats are baking: mix all filling ingredients (except pepitas) thoroughly in a large mixing bowl.

Top hot or warm boats with a generous dollop of filling and serve on individual plates. Top filling and boats with a sprinkle of pepitas. garnish with a fresh basil or mint sprig. (Can also be served at a larger gathering as shared sides.) Mix in the filling as you fork out the “spaghetti.”

Buon appetito and let me know if you try it!!

03/07/2024

(I used to be “HeMade Home” back in the day!)

03/07/2024

03/07/2024

Hi and Happy Independence Day week! I will be changing my business name to Renaissance Home Lifestyling, as my true passion is helping others to be reborn and revived through home lifestyle changes. Contact me for compassionate, expert help with: decorating, design and redesign, purging and organizing, cooking (I can teach you!) /entertaining/party planning, floral pieces and plantscaping, merchandising and business spaces, and home staging to maximize sale value. Professional, affordable service with empathy, to create spaces you’ll cherish.

07/01/2024

https://www.facebook.com/1099744126/posts/10223572624839273/?mibextid=I6gGtw

13/08/2023

https://instagram.com/p/Cv2VdQ1uf7S/