Etta + Billie

October 17, 2019October 18, 2019

All Things Pumpkin – Recipes + New E+B Scent

Would it really be fall without the mention of the most famous squash of all- pumpkin?! This Autumn staple is used in all sorts of fun ways during this time of year. So go ahead and kick-off the fall season with harvesting up these gourds at your local patch for either decor or cooking. Needing some inspo? Take a look at these yummy pumpkin recipes for the fall (and we promise, they won’t all be desserts!).

Pumpkin Baked Ziti

If you have ever experienced the savory combo of pumpkin and sage, then you know that your taste buds have been blessed. This Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Sage Sausage brings together the perfect pairings into creamy pasta dish. Top with parmesan cheese and viola, you’ve got a comforting, warm bowl of pumpkiny-goodness!

Curried Pumpkin Soup

There’s absolutely nothing like curling up to a bowl of warm soup during the cool fall months. This Vegan Curried Pumpkin Soup is a classic take on the pumpkin soup with invigorating curry spices that elevate it to the next level. It has all of the creaminess you would ever need in a fall soup, and the best part is, it’s dairy free!

Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts

An Autumn take on a classic childhood favorite- pop tarts! Flaky pie crust stuffed with warm pumpkin-spiced filling. As if these treats are not scrumptious enough, these Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts are drizzled in sweet, delicious maple glaze.

Pumpkin Beer Pretzels

If soft and buttery pretzels dipped in cheese sauce evoke any sort of childhood memory, then this recipe is for you! Perhaps a more adult take on the classic, these Pumpkin Beer Pretzels with Chipotle Queso sauce are so indulgent. The secret weapon lies in the pumpkin beer that adds just the right amount of booze and fluffiness to the dough.

Fall Scent-Pumpkin Porter

We have launched a limited-edition fall scent- Pumpkin Porter! A combination of fall spices, pumpkin, and creamy Bay Area brewed porter make for a deliciously tempting bar of soap (but don’t be too tempted to take a bite :)).

October 14, 2019October 15, 2019

Holiday Shopping with Etta+Billie- Shipping Deadlines

The holiday season can be quite a busy time as we attend gatherings, embark on our family traditions, or prepare gifts for our loved ones. At Etta+Billie, we want to ensure that all of your holiday shopping needs are taken care of. With this in mind, don’t forget that our last shipping day will be December 20th, 2pm EST!

Happy Shopping!

-Etta+Billie

October 10, 2019October 10, 2019

World Mental Health Day: Some self-care practices

Today is World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to bringing awareness to various mental health issues and the many resources that are available to those who need support. As we reflect on the importance of this day and the many ways we can care for ourselves, we decided to gather up a list of ways that you can both care for and check in with yourself. Whether you need a bubble bath, a good run to clear your head, or someone else to talk things through, know that self care is no selfish act. You matter and how you care for yourself matters.

Relax, Soak, & Unwind

Geranium Patchouili Bath+Body oil with other bath essentials

After a long day, there’s nothing like coming home to unwind and soak yourself in a hot and steamy bath. To add some healing aromatics and moisture, include some drops of our hydrating Bath+Body oil. It is formulated with pure organic oils that restore and permeate the skin. The beauty of our oil is that its uses extend beyond the bath and can be used in a multitude of ways (check out our blog post on the many uses of our oil!). So grab a book, light some candles, put on your favorite playlist, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet while floating away.

Get Moving

Getting your body moving and heart rate pumping has consistently proven to be a great stress-reliever. Endorphins are those wonderful hormones that release during a workout that leave you with that feel-good high. Essentially, they exchange pain for pleasure in the body. So get creative and try a new workout class such as barre, boxing, or yoga. Even if you’re lacking the time or resources, there are plenty of free exercise tutorials available online that range anywhere from 20-60 minutes. You’re doing both your mind and body a favor by going out and getting active!

Meditation

This healing practice has increasingly become more popular and accessible for all. Meditation has many great benefits such as increasing focus, improving the quality of one’s sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, and so much more. Don’t know where to begin? Headspace is a useful tool that makes meditation simple. The app offers hundreds of themed, guided meditations that can be included into any schedule. Beginning the day with the practice of mindfulness is useful for reducing distractions and increasing positivity. Meditation can be crafted into anyone’s schedule, and the best part is that it’s absolutely free!

Seek Therapy

It is totally okay to need care beyond what we can offer for ourselves. Seeking therapy is a great option for many if you can sneak it into your budget or time. You can get started by simply searching on https://www.findatherapist.com/ to find a therapist in your area that caters to your specific needs. We recognize that the option of therapy might not be realistic for everyone. If it is not practical for you, consider sharing with a trusted confidant, friend, or family member. There’s great healing that happens in community- we are all in this together :).

October 3, 2019October 11, 2019

Our Favorite Apple Recipes to Celebrate the Season! Plus a peek at a new fall scent!

As we officially embark upon the Autumn season, we would be absolutely foolish to overlook this famous fall fruit. Due to its peak ripeness and versatility, apples serve as a staple during this time of year. Not to mention, fall is the best time to take advantage of the fruit’s bounty and perhaps embark on the ever-famous challenge of eating “an apple-a-day”. To showcase its many uses, here are some delicious apple recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Breakfast Granola Apple Crisp

Apple crisps are not strictly meant to be enjoyed for dessert, but actually can be eaten for breakfast as well! This breakfast apple granola crisp is the perfect spin on your classic granola and can totally be made in advance for those hectic mornings. Simply pair it with your favorite yogurt and serve it warmed or chilled.

Herb Apple Gruyere Scones

Apples and Gruyere cheese offer such a stark contrast that pair together to make melodious, savory goodness. These Herb Apple Gruyere scones are the perfect addition to any fall soup- tomato, pumpkin, or butternut squash.

Grilled Flatbreads with Apple, Bacon, and Onion

Grilled Flatbread with Apple, Bacon, and Onion

Fruit on pizza? Not to be confused with the highly-debated pineapple on pizza. Apples with savory bacon and sweet caramelized onions make for great toppings. This grilled flatbread incorporates the warming herbs of thyme, rosemary, and sage for a delicious fall-inspired take on a classic pizza.

Mom’s Apple Cake

To top the day off, enjoy a slice of this moist and sweet apple goodness. This Apple Cake, featured on our “A Few Festive Ways to Celebrate Fall” blog post, pairs well with your favorite ice cream or can be simply enjoyed on its own.

Etta+Billie’s Fall Scents

Our fall scented-goodies officially launch on October 4th! It would not be a fall scent launch without something apple-spiced. We know that cinnamon laced cider and bourbon are the perfect match. With our Spiked Cider Soap, you’ll feel like you’re curled up in front of a crackling fire with a warm beverage every time you shower.

Warm apple cider with cinnamon and a touch of bourbon are the inspiration for our Spiked Cider Soap!

September 26, 2019October 7, 2019

New Product Alert – Natural Deodorant!

It is an exciting week for Etta+Billie as we launch our most sought after product- deodorant! Carried in all four of our signature scents, we are proud to share these these deliciously scented, all natural deodorants actually work. Our creamy formula is packaged with biodegradable materials and there is absolutely no plastic! What makes this product so special is its enriching ingredients that work together to moisturize, soothe, and keep you smelling fresh. Here are a few of the ingredients that make our deodorants so amazing!

Baking Soda

Commonly referred to as sodium bicarbonate, this kitchen staple is an integral ingredient in neutralizing body odor. It works to balance and regulate the body’s pH balance while also absorbing odor- the main purpose of any deodorant!

Shea Butter

Shea butter has historically been used for combating dry skin and hair. It is rich in fatty acids that nourish the skin and aid in collagen production. It is also naturally rich in vitamins A, E, and F.

“It smells great, is a natural alternative, makes my armpits softer than they have ever been!”- Kate W.

Cassava

This tropical root plays such a vital role in our deodorants. It does an exceptional job at absorbing sweat while also brightening and smoothing the skin. It’s like magic!

“Love the scent & consistency. Very creamy, light texture. Doesn’t leave marks on clothing and doesn’t cause irritation when applied.” – Alli K.

Coconut Oil

There is a reason this oil is adored by many and used in a multitude of ways. Coconut oil quickly absorbs into the skin and is rich in Vitamin E. It’s antimicrobial properties protect the skin from any unwanted bacteria. It also restores, repairs, and enriches the skin with moisture!

“I love the scent and the texture, and I love that it WORKS” – Chelsey C.

Are you ready to try our most anticipated product? Visit our website to get your hands on our naturally nourishing deodorant. Your armpits will thank you!

September 19, 2019September 30, 2019

A Few Festive Ways to Celebrate Fall

With fall just around the corner, it’s time we gear up for the wonderful season marked by pumpkin-spice, cozy knits, and foods that make you feel all warm inside! Here are some fun fall festivities and recipes that ought to get you ready for the seasonal transition:

Pumpkin Patches

Visiting a local pumpkin patch is the best way to kick-off your fall season. These iconic autumn squashes are on display in all of their glory- ranging in colors from white, yellow, and orange in a variety of shapes and sizes. Grab some of the gourds for carving or simply to adorn your home, but don’t throw those seeds away! They can be roasted up into something crunchy and flavorful to munch on. Spice up your recipe with some of these creative takes on the classic roasted pumpkin seed.

Reinvented: Pumpkin Seeds 5 Ways

Apple Picking

Apples reach their prime in the fall, so what better time to gather up family and friends to enjoy the day picking them? You can slice them up for a pie, turn them into fritters, or dip them in ooey gooey caramel. Either way, apple picking can prove itself to be quite a rewarding pursuit. Make it a day worth while by packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds in the fresh crisp air.

Mom’s Apple Cake

Baking & Cooking Galore

With the weather becoming cooler and night beginning earlier, it is a great time to flock indoors and whip up some of your favorite fall goodies with warm and invigorating spices. One way to infuse the delicious fragrances of the fall into your space is by brewing up a batch of apple cider. The beauty is, you can leave it on the stove or keep it simmering in the crockpot. If you’re really looking for some fun, turn your cider into spiked goodness by pouring in your favorite liquor.

Easy Hot Spiked Mulled Apple Cider

September 12, 2019September 12, 2019

The Story Behind the Scent: Etta + Billie’s Grapefruit Cardamom

In our new series “Story Behind the Scent”, Alana Rivera, owner and soap maven of Etta+ Billie, will take us through a history behind our scented concoctions. Here, she will recall the foods, memories, and people that have helped bring them to life. This week, we are talking all things Grapefruit Cardamom!

Etta + Billie Grapefruit Cardamom Body Scrub and Body Lotion

Tell us about the inspiration behind this scent:

Grapefruit Cardamom was a melding of two flavors that I loved into something absolutely blissful.

My love of grapefruit began as a child. Every summer, I spent time at my Grandma Etta’s in Southern California. She would often serve me grapefruit in the morning and I came to love the way she would cut each section for me so I could scoop the tangy flesh into a bowl. Then, I would squeeze any remaining pulp to create “Grapefruit soup”. I was so hooked on this method that I would often refuse to eat grapefruit cut any other way.

My obsession with cardamom didn’t start until I was much older. My first cardamom experience was in Indian cooking and then in a variety of pastries. I loved how the flavor is both herbaceous and spicy. With fresh green notes as well as a warm coziness. Once I discovered it, I couldn’t get enough.

Etta + Billie Grapefruit Cardamom Hand + Body Wash

Using my cooking experience and food loves as inspiration, I combined these two scents together. They work in harmony with each other to create something sweet, tart, spicy, and fresh. This combination is one of my very first and still one of my favorites today.

What products does Etta+Billie carry with this scent?

Our delicious Grapefruit Cardamom scent is available in Body Lotion, Body Scrub, Room + Body Spray, Hand + Body Wash, and our Skin Balm.

Were there any recipes/goodies that contributed to the creation of this scent?

Nothing specific, but I do love seeing this combination in recipes. I’ve seen grapefruit cardamom tarts, scones, and all manner of sweet things. I’m always drawn to this combination in cocktail form.

You can find grapefruit cardamom cocktail recipes all over the internet and here are a few of my favs:

Grapefruit Cardamom Gin Fizz refreshing gin cocktail!

The Remedy: a delicious whiskey based recipe.

Etta + Billie’s Grapefruit Cardamom Rose Cooler Recipe on You Tube

September 5, 2019September 6, 2019

Fall Events at Etta + Billie!

Our first event of the fall season! Come visit us at Concreteworks in Alameda on September 28th for the 2nd annual Where Craft Meets Innovation: A Market & Showcase. You’ll have a chance to tour the factory and meet a variety of Bay Area artisans.

August 5, 2019September 6, 2019

Where to Go? What to Eat? in San Francisco, CA with Perch

This week we asked Perch owner Zoel Fages a bit about his shop and some local tips when visiting San Francisco’s Glen Park neighborhood.

Tell us a bit about your shop:

Glen Park gift shop Perch's window display.

“Perch is a collection of everything I love: new, vintage and international. I had always thought in the back of my mind that I would love to open a shop.

After 20 years in my career at Gap, I was bored, and at the same time a shop in our new neighborhood was moving out and the landlord was looking for a new tenant. The stars aligned and we signed a lease just days before the market crashed.”

What do you love most about your area and how long have you been located there?

“Perch has been in Glen Park for over 11 years. It is the only neighborhood I would consider having a shop. We are a small neighborhood that feels more like a village than neighborhood. I wanted a shop located in a place where I could get to know the community and be a part of it. If Glen Park had a pharmacy, there would be no reason to leave. It has everything you need.”

Is your area known for anything in particular?

Apothecary shelf at Glen Park gift shop Perch.

“Glen Park is primarily known for Glen Park Canyon and the Bart stop. It is a part of San Francisco that most people do not even know exists. I certainly did not until I moved to the nearby neighborhood of Sunnyside.”

Describe your favorite places for food/drink in your area:

Almost any type of food can be found in Glen Park. The highlights are:

Gialina: the best thin crust pizza in town, seriously! They also have great salads, pasta, and meat dishes. A must if visiting Glen Park.

Higher Ground: A crepe place that has been in the ‘hood over 30 years. The owner also owns a sweet Italian spot, Manzoni. He works both places every day – I don’t know how he does it.

Le P’tit Laurant: A small corner French bistro with classic French cuisine.

La Cornetta: My favorite taqueria! They offer the staples, but always delicious.

July 5, 2019September 5, 2019

A Few Good Fried Chicken Recipes for National Fried Chicken Day

We’ve pulled together a few different recipes for you to test out just in time for National Fried Chicken Day.

Classic Fried Chicken

No fried chicken taste test would be complete without a traditional option like this one from The Spruce Eats.

Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

Apparently there is one ingredient that you can add to make your fried chicken super crispy. Read more about it and other fried chicken tips at The Stay at Home Chef.

Fried chicken with a touch of spice from Front Porch.

Nashville Hot Chicken

This addictive spicy chicken is a must if you ever make a trip to Nashville. But if you don’t have plans to head to Nashville anytime soon, you can make your own with this recipe from Saveur.