A warm, Québécois‑comfort chicken dish inspired by Ricardo’s signature cozy, family‑forward cooking. Juicy chicken thighs are glazed with a glossy cranberry‑maple reduction that balances tart fruit with deep caramel sweetness. The result is a rustic, autumn‑perfect main that feels festive yet effortless — ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday tables or any moment that calls for Canadian warmth and seasonal flavour.
8 chicken thighs, bone‑in, skin‑on 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup chicken broth 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prep the Chicken Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
Sear Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high. Sear chicken thighs skin‑side down for 5–6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 3 minutes more.
Build the Glaze Add cranberries, maple syrup, Dijon, garlic, broth, and rosemary to the skillet. Stir gently around the chicken.
Simmer Reduce heat to medium. Simmer 15–18 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Finish Spoon glaze over chicken. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve Plate chicken and drizzle with extra cranberry‑maple glaze. Garnish with rosemary
Storage
Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or 300°F oven to preserve glaze texture
Make‑ahead tip: Glaze thickens beautifully overnight — even better the next day
Substitutions
Chicken: Use breasts, drumsticks or turkey cutlets
Cranberries: Sour cherries or red currants
Maple syrup: Honey or brown sugar
Herbs: Thyme, rosemary or sage
Heat option: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce
Citrus twist: Add orange zest for warmth and brightness
Beauty Benefits
Cranberries deliver vitamin C, supporting collagen and natural skin brightness.
Maple syrup contains antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stressors.
Olive oil provides healthy fats that nourish the skin barrier for glow and softness.
Garlic + herbs offer anti‑inflammatory compounds that support overall skin vitality.
Lean protein helps maintain strong hair, nails, and skin structure.
Health Benefits
High‑quality protein from chicken supports muscle repair and steady energy.
Cranberry phytonutrients aid immune health and urinary tract wellness.
Maple syrup offers natural minerals like manganese and zinc.
Garlic supports heart health and has antimicrobial benefits.
Balanced sweet‑savory profile makes this dish satisfying without excessive sugar.
History + Cultural Context
Cranberries and maple syrup are two pillars of Canadian culinary heritage. Ricardo’s cooking often celebrates these ingredients — approachable, comforting and deeply tied to local tradition. Cranberry‑maple glazes appear throughout Québécois home cooking especially in autumn and winter when families gather around warm, rustic meals. This dish blends Canadian seasonality, Indigenous fruit history and modern family‑friendly cooking, making it quintessentially Ricardo‑inspired.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time. do you feel fabulous today?
Cold Summer Beauty, everyone is indulging in. From ice facials to cryo sticks aka ice facial massage globes. Cryo sticks appear to be something worth trying if haven’t already after checking out all of the benefits!
Cryo Sticks
Cryo Sticks also known as facial ice globes, which are cooling massage tools designed to reduce puffiness, calm inflammation and improve circulation for a refreshed, sculpted complexion.
What are the benefits of cryo sticks or ice facial massage globes?
Cryo sticks have many benefits, seven to be precise, so the question remains, what are the benefits of using ice facial massage globes?
Reduce Puffiness & Swelling
For beginners, they reduce puffiness & swellingdue to cold exposure triggers, caused by vasoconstriction which reduces fluid retention and swelling, especially around the eyes. It has been shown that ice globes and cryo tools provide an immediate de-puffing effect by constricting blood vessels and minimizing redness.
Calm Redness & Inflammation
Thanks to cryo sticks reducing the skin’s temperature, this causes reduction in inflammation by cryotherapy literature showing anti-inflammatory effects and reduce stress.
Cryo sticks are also known to soothe irritated skin including rosacea, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Tighten the Look of Skin & Minimize Pores (Temporarily)
Cold shock firms the skin by tightening blood vessels and stimulating collagen production. This can make pores appear smaller and as for the skin, it appear smoother, however the effect is short-term.
Enhance Product Absorption
Dermatologists have noted that increased localized blood flow after cold exposure can help skin-care activities penetrate more effectively.
Stay tuned for more Cold Summer Beauty!
Have you tried ice facials? Let me know, I’d love to hear from you!
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
Hi, everyone! Who loves this tropical fruit? Did you know that there are so many wonderful beauty benefits in papaya, that delivers a wide range of essential vitamins. These vitamins that are infused in papaya are Vitamins A & C, plus antioxidants and high water content, which in a singular papaya makes your skin look radiant, toned and youthful?
After all, papaya is a powerful beauty food that exfoliates, brightens, supports collagen and reduces inflammation thanks to its enzymes.
Oh and let’s not forget about the beauty benefits of which papaya delivers to the skin.
Beauty Benefits
Gentle, enzyme-based exfoliation (papain). Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that dissolves dead skin cells, making it good for exfoliation. By removing dead skin cells, this helps for cells to grow at its full capacity, minimize excess sebum, acne, works better than lip balm for smooth lips, in addition, exfoliation, delivers brighter, smoother, tighter-looking skin. Using small beads in scrubs delivers gentle exfoliation, which means a couple of things. One, it is surface level as in, it does not get right into the pores, making it safe to use three to four times a week, while others may say daily. It really depends on your skin and whether or not, the skin is sensitive. Large beads in a scrub delivers deep exfoliating, this means it gets right into the pores, right to the root of of it, to remove dead skin right at the root. It is harsher, so it is best to exfoliate once a week. More than than once a week, it can cause damage to the skin.
Brightening, radiance & un-even skin tone. Its natural enzymes and Vitamin C help fade dark spots, acne marks and un-even tone. Papayas may be a miracle fruit. It clears scars and un-even pigmentation on the skin. The skin lightening properties of the fruit help in getting rid of blemishes and pigmentation. The enzyme papain in papaya acts as a strong exfoliator* and removes the dead skin cells, which can make your skin lighter and supple. In addition, the abundance of beta-carotene and plant compounds present in papaya enhance the skin glow and complexion. Apply papaya extract mixture over your body to remove sun spots and sun damage and to exfoliate your skin.
Dehydrated skin receives an instant hydrating boost. In addition, to papaya helping dehydrated skin the skin condition, it also works its magic for the skin type called dry skin, thanks to the rich array of antioxidants and enzymes present in papaya help in treating dry and flaky skin. Applying papaya pulp on your face makes your skin soft and radiant.
Fights against anti-aging. The richness of carotenoids, the potent antioxidants in papaya help in fighting free radical damage and prevent the break down of collagen and elastin to tighten the skin, which can keep the wrinkles and fine lines at bay.
Deep hydration. Papaya has a high water content that helps to retain hydration, leading to soft and supple skin.
Promoting hair growth through improved scalp circulation.
Reducing dandruff with antifungal properties.
Acting as a natural conditioner for shine and softness.
Strengthening follicles to reduce thinning.
Health Benefits
Fights cancer.
Helps loose weight.
Boost digestive health.
Have you tried papaya extract on your Let me know your thoughts, I’d love to hear from you!
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
When the queen of Paris couture stepped into the dream factory.
Hollywood in the 1930s was a world of sequins, satin, and spectacle — a place where glamour was engineered, lit, and projected onto screens larger than life. And into this world walked Gabrielle Chanel, the woman who had spent her career stripping fashion down to its essential lines.
It was an unlikely pairing. But it was inevitable.
The Invitation: Hollywood Wants Chanel
In 1931, Samuel Goldwyn — one of the founding giants of Hollywood — travelled to Paris with a proposition. He wanted Chanel to design costumes for his stars, believing her modern French chic would elevate American cinema.
Goldwyn offered her a staggering sum: one million dollars, paid in installments.
For Chanel, who had already conquered Paris, Deauville, and the avant‑garde stage, Hollywood was the next frontier.
She accepted.
Chanel Arrives in Los Angeles
When Chanel arrived in Hollywood, she was greeted like royalty. The studios expected sparkle, fantasy and theatrical glamour.
But Chanel brought restraint, geometry, clean lines and modern silhouettes.
She dressed actresses not as real women — elegant, intelligent and contemporary.
It was revolutionary. It was also controversial.
The Clash: Chanel vs. Hollywood Excess
Hollywood wanted costumes that dazzled under the lights. Chanel wanted clothes that moved with the woman.
Her designs were:
too subtle for Technicolour
too modern for melodrama
too architectural for fantasy plots
Actresses adored her. Studio heads did not.
Chanel famously said:
“Hollywood is the capital of bad taste.”
It was a sharp line — but it revealed the core tension. Chanel believed in truth. Hollywood believed in illusion.
Why Chanel Ultimately Left Hollywood
Chanel’s time in Hollywood was brief — less than a year. She returned to Paris with clarity:
Hollywood was not her stage. Her work belonged to real life, not fantasy.
But her impact lingered.
She introduced:
the modern suit
the clean evening gown
the minimalist silhouette
the idea that elegance could be quiet
Hollywood didn’t adopt her aesthetic immediately. But decades later, her influence became the foundation of modern red‑carpet dressing.
The Legacy: Chanel’s Hollywood, Re-imagined
Today, Chanel’s relationship with Hollywood is iconic:
actresses wear Chanel couture to the Oscars
Chanel ambassadors dominate film festivals
the brand’s vibe defines modern screen elegance
What Hollywood rejected in 1931 became the guideline for cinematic chic.
Chanel didn’t bend to Hollywood. Hollywood eventually bent to Chanel.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time. do you feel fabulous today?
A partnership, a collaboration all began publicly in the 1950’s, to curate Hepburn’s wardrobe for her new film, Sabrina. She wanted to be transparent with whom she is, through expression of fashion, her style. Audrey has grace, elegance, class, dignified with a bit of rebellion in her heart, or shall we say, a lady with some edge, in other words, her style showcased her characteristics in her films. Audrey came across this un-known, up-and-coming fashion designer, early in his career, Herbert Givenchy. Givenchy was looking to established himself and he believed this pairing between himself and Audrey for the Sabrina film would be a perfect fit. Little did either one of them ever realize, this relationship in modern history, was going to be the beginning of something special.
In the process it would make an impact on women’s image and fashion, transitioning Ms. Audrey Hepburn to the style icon as we know her to be today. Leaving behind countless fashion and style, timeless elegant pieces that will never go out of style. From the iconic Tiffany dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to the black sweater, black leggings and black flats, with Audrey riding on a bicycle to Funny Face’s gowns to the lace mask to everything in between, including the perfume L’Interdit. Oh, how we must not forget the parfum.
A pairing that is the most defining muse-designer relationships in modern style. Audrey became the face of his aesthetic and he became the architect of her iconicity. Their partnership shaped film, couture and the global idea of elegance.
The Meeting that Changed Fashion
Their story begins in 1953, when Audrey — preparing for Sabrina — sought “a real Parisian dress.”
She visited Givenchy’s atelier expecting to find Katharine Hepburn’s designs; instead, she found a young couturier who didn’t yet know her name. But once they met, the chemistry was instant. She chose pieces from his current collection, and those looks became the foundation of her on‑screen transformation in Sabrina.
By 1953 Hubert Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn had developed a friendship after having dined together upon meeting about a year prior when a young twenty-four Audrey Hepburn had wrapped filming her first picture, Roman Holiday, when in the middle of the release of the film in the United States. Hepburn was considered to be a revolution in the film world, a breath of fresh air, if you will.
So, by the time the film Sabrina had rolled around these two up-and-coming stars had collaborated on their first project together for this film, thus this friendship now became public along with their collaboration.
At the age of twenty-six, while Hepburn was filming her breakthrough role in Rome, Hubert de Givenchy was debuting his first collection, which faced overnight and international acclaim in Paris, was praised for his fresh take on style and was named the one to watch. Both of whom were on the brink of success. Givenchy and Hepburn has first met in the early 1950’s, around 1952, after having dined together their friendship blossomed. It wasn’t until this Sabrina, when their friendship went public and marking this as their first collaboration and the result lead to worldwide sensation not only the clothes themselves were hugely successful
In the same year, Ms. Hepburn had been nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal in Roman Holiday, which she had opted for a Givenchy floral white gown to wear to the Academy Awards (Oscars). Audrey had won the prestigious award, along with the many hearts of fashion and style lovers and enthusiasts, whom had dubbed this particular dress one of the most iconic dresses of the 20th century.
All the while, Audrey Hepburn was tied in fifth place, along side with actor Marlene Dietrich, n the Couture Group of the New York Dress Institute’s 1956 list of the World’s Best Dressed Women.
Funny Face, is known more for the fashion, than the actual movie itself. Audrey Hepburn starred along side Fred Astaire in this musical. There are many iconic gowns Givenchy had curated.
Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face (1957)/artofit.org
Then came the dress of all dresses, the dress that defines the LBD (little black dress), probably the most famous of all dresses, specifically the LBD, that ruled the world. You know which dress I’m referring to. The Breakfast at Tiffany‘s LBD.
Refined and timeless elegance continued to define this partnership, as years continued to pass, these staples had sustained in the curation of Ms. Hepburn’s style, even when their bond had continued to flourish.
The dress as it appears in the opening credits, exuded all things French, from the chignon with a tiara, croissant, cafe au lait (coffee), the dress, pearl necklace designed by Roger Scemama, who designed jewelry for Givenchy., over-sized sunglasses, the kitten heel shoes, the black elbow length gloves. It became iconic not only in film but in fashion. This dress was described as the little black dress of all little black dresses.
This little black dress is made up of Italian satin, it is said, The dress influenced many women’s wardrobes and is also a part of the most iconic garments from the 20th century. Officially part of fashion history. After all, when you think of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, what do you think of? When you think of Audrey Hepburn, what do you think of? What is the mental tattoo? This iconic look.
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, 1961 Paramount Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images
As the 1960’s rolled in, Audrey was now considered to be Givenchy’s muse to the public with their collaboration still being intact in film. From the 1963 comedy-thriller, Charade to the 1964 romantic-comedy film Paris When It Sizzles. By now, Givenchy’s designs flowed right into each setting and storyline of the film Hepburn had starred in.
It wasn’t until 1966, when Givenchy would now be regarded to solidify himself as a powerhouse in the fashion industry, when comedy-crime film, How to Steal a Million was released. When Hepburn’s character is portrayed in disguise at a restaurant, wearing black lace dress paired with black lace pantyhose and a black lace mask, creating a fashion moment of glamour that will be forever instilled in fashion history.
This ensemble had showcased timeless elegance that left a lasting impression with its versatility of lace in haute couture. This black ensemble left an impact on women’s fashion in the 1960’s mod blending romantic elegance of modernity or “mod” of the 1960’s.
When Audrey Hepburn retired full-time from acting in 1967, and went into semi-retirement, she and Givenchy still sustained a personal relationship as friends, by getting together for dinner or going for walks.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading. Until next time!
“His are the only clothes in which I am myself”
Audrey Hepburn of Givenchy A line that captures their synergy.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
Hi, everyone! Let’s take a stroll through history, shall we? From beauty secrets that have been forgotten, history of make-up, make-up routines of the decades and from whichever in time of civilization. Oh, and of course, hair-care, hair styles and what have you will be included. What can I say, I love history.
Here’s a little something, before there was liquid liner, women would place their pencil eye liner, usually from Revlon, over an open flame of a candle. They would then apply their liner. This trick was commonly used in the 1950’s, specifically to create the cat eye look of the 50s. This technique is actually what my sister would do. She didn’t liquid liner, the whole concept turned her off and do, she resorted to placing her pencil eyeliner over a litter candle, no different than what women had done in the 50’s.
How about a hair rinse that consisted of beer as one of the three ingredients? Why was beer used and what did beer do for beauty purposes?
It’s about to get wild, these are gonna be some wild times, LOL! So here we go!
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading. Until next time!
