When I was a wee lass, my mother used to bring me a massive fluffy towel after my bath. She’d give me a vigorous scrubbing to “warm the cockles of my heart” before “jammy time”. I did the same for my children.. and I still do the same for myself every day. Some things just…
my purpose here is “the intentional celebration of everything that is beautiful in my world” it is my way of painting a different view of this world, a small attempt to counter negativity, pessimism and repugnant human behavior ♥ after a particularly challenging week, i often feel the need to create something beautiful.. to restore…
OMG Barb these are beautiful , just like YOU inside and out!!!!!
Lovely marshmallows and gorgeous photography!
These look just so sweet and lovely. And imagine them dipped in chocolate! Hearts will flutter, Smidge 
xx
This is such a gorgeous post Lovely in every way! A feast for the eyes.. get that book going girl!
Beautiful!
These are so beautiful. My favorite photo is the one with the marshmallows in the heart box
I wish I could make these in a sugar free version as they do sound so easy to make
I think those look perfect ‘Barb – I’ve been meaning to try them for a while but haven’t got round to it… on the official list they go!
a dream of a post… I woke up feeling nostalgic and sad for absolutely no reason. Not even exercising did the trick today, but somehow your beautiful poem brought me a nice smile and a warm feeling.
so I must absolutely must send you a virtual hug. Right now! 
What a lovely way to banish a challenging week. I love the way you added to white chocolate latte – so sweet looking and clever. Love the photos!
These are beautiful, Barb. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at marshmallow making for ages; not sure what I’m waiting for. I’m feeling out of sorts today, so maybe I need to find solace in the act of creating something pretty and tasty. I’m a great believer in kitchen therapy.
I love this post Barbara. Marshmallow and me have a special bond ~ I have never made my own but this is inspiring me to try. I also love your music selection here…stunning all around ~ sending much love and encouragement. xxoo RL
What a lovely post – the marshmallows, the pictures, the words, everything. I’ve made marshmallows once before and this reminds me that I need to make them again – I like the sound of chocolate-coconut covered marshmallows especially!
Sounds like we had the same kind of week, I am in good company. Perfect marshmallow hearts and beautiful photos as usual,
Love them. Great stuff indeed Barbara.
Really lovely photos!
Quite simply gorgeous!
Mandy xo
Oh my god that is beyond adorable my friend, will you be my valentine? 
But honestly these look incredible!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Barb, they’re a work of art! I’m sure they taste delicious, but you’ve made them a feast for the eyes! I hope everything is ok, dearheart, I’ve been thinking about you.. xx
“A reset for inner peace.” Boy do I like that! I really do believe we need to look for the small, quiet joys. Life can sometimes just suck the air out of us, but we can restore and refresh, often with just a little distance and a different focus. You’ve expressed that so very beautifully, Barb! And I just love these marshmallow hearts. How precious they would be as little Valentine’s gifts. You have inspired me today in more ways than one! oxo
What amazing Valentines presents too!
Beautiful and so delicate. Loved reading every word, loved looking at every picture. I have those moments too when I just want to surround my self with beauty and things I love to do…
Oh my Barb, I have never seen anything like this before. You have put so much love into these that they are exploding Valentine’s Day! They would be delicious any time. Love them.
What a beautiful post! Perfect for my sweetie for valentine’s day.
daisy
This is such a beautiful post, Barb. Love how you turn to creating things of beauty to offset some of Life’s less appealing aspects. Your photography, too, is exceptionally fine here.
I’ve never attempted to make marshmallows, not knowing what I’d do with them once I made them. Maybe I shouldn’t be so practical. To paraphrase a Kostner film, “If I make them, they will come.” I better clean the house first.
Very beautiful confections. I can only admire from afar as I just don’t have the patience to something like that myself.
I am completely in awe of your creations…they are so beautiful. While I am not so inclined or talented I am able to enjoy seeing what you create….Diane
p.s. Hope you have a better week…Diane
They are so delicate and pretty! Hoping next week is better all round xx
Your marshmallows look wonderfully delicate and delicious.
Me too. I’ve been hiding with fabric and yarn this week, creating….and hoping for a reset. I love the way you put it You have such a way with words that I could never hope to have. I hope it worked for you, Smidge. You deserve nothing but the best. Here’s to a new week, with new possibilities….and beautiful marshmallows! Good for you in mastering that technique, they look so good. I’m lost in the photos….
Loved listening the music while I looked at your beautiful photos! I’ve been wanting to make homemade marshmallows for a long time now. You made it sound and look so easy and rewarding! I will definitely have to add it to my list. Have a lovely Sunday. ~ April
This will be good for valentines!
These look adorable Barbara! I love that little heart floating in your white chocolate latte. So sweet. And you’re right- these would make fabulous gifts! xx
Sending you wishes of happiness and peace from my corner of the universe. Wouldn’t it be nice if the whole world were just like a blushing marshmallow heart?
Barbara … this so so pretty and sweet … that box is adorable. I must have landed in a pink heaven.
Creating is such a brave act — to proclaim light in darkness. That is what you do here, Smidge. Create beauty. Encourage hearts. These marshmallows are so lovely, and all your ideas for presenting them are incredibly sweet and thoughtful. I pray you received the reset you needed.
Beautiful and very well written!
Absolutely beautiful!!!
Intentional celebration–I love that for a mission statement! And that heart marshmallow floating in the cocoa is so cute.
Incredibly pretty, you have certainly restored my heart with this recipe. I love making marshmallows.
These are beautiful! Especially with the pink and white decor. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never even thought to make marshmallows. What a genius idea. I’m going to make these for the kids for Valentine’s Day. It will be quite the treat. And what a gorgeous way to present them in those vintage boxes Smidge. I hope this week is a better one.
These are just too adorable. Beautiful presentation as well (as always!)
How sweet and adorable these are!! Valentine’s Day just brings out all the pink, ivory and romantic touches all around me and these are so perfect to compliment the mood! As always I love how you present your blog, your photos, writing and recipes!!
Beautiful…especially in the antique chocolate box. That is a real treasure.
Oh. my. goodness. Everything about this post is just gorgeous. The marshmallows are so fluffy and ethereal looking and those boxes are simply charming. I totally agree that immersing myself in something wonderful (cooking!) takes me away from the negative and helps me to be more at peace. Glad you know what works for your Barb.
These are gorgeous. Beautiful photography!
Thanks so much:)
If only I could cook or bake like this every day:)xx
I couldn’t believe my luck finding them in such a small town in a little out of the way antique store. I almost hesitated and then bought both.. they remind me of my mom:) xx
No question…I would have grabbed them up in a second…I have some wonderful antique candy advertisements from magazines that I hung in the candy store that I used to own. Things like that are irreplaceable.
So light and fluffy I bet the just melt in your mouth. Have you actually ever read the back of a marshmallow bag for the list of ingredients? Can you pronounce any of those things? I could sound out all of your ingredients so that is a plus.
I made marshmallow once, for some teacakes. It was okay but a bit ‘soggy’ for my liking. But the recipe never said anything about gelatin – which is probably what was missing.
Oh, dear.. yes, gelatin is the “glue”:)
Oh, my gosh.. I haven’t, I’m going to take a look. I’ve eaten them since I was small, so I guess it’s too late for me;) xx
It should be.. it would be, if only it were up to us:) xx
I can’t wait to see your newest project, Sarah!! xx
These are beyond cute!
YUMMY!!!! I love homemade marshmallows!!!
I suspect that no matter how ancient I get I will never stop loving marshmallows as though I were a teeny child.
i LOVE your photography in this post. so pretty
[...] Blushing Marshmallow Hearts (justasmidgen.com) [...]
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Oh Smidge, what a wonderful post! That quote is very beautiful, particularly the way it ends. The world is not a hostile place – what a great thing to remind ourselves of and be open to. And this scrub! I love anything rose-related. It’s like the scrub equivalent of a rosewater rice pudding, comforting and warm and sweet. Great stuff.
Thanks! I might have to make that rice pudding now.. I’ve got some rosewater:) xx
The scrub looks wonderful! When I need a bit of mental scrubbing I lean toward the poetry of Rumi…
I had the lovliest client years ago who seemed to say things I needed to hear. She was a lovely little Italian woman. A woman of few words and a gentle spirit. She said once that if we have a certain something on our mind and can’t seem to work it out, make it the last thing we think of before drifting off to sleep. Our sub-conscious will work it out overnight and by morning we may have an answer. Your post just reminded me I haven’t done this in a while. A little off topic. Sorry! I do try to read a bit of light reading before bed but lately I’ve been reading cookbooks. Not a good idea. I cook in my sleep!
Smidge you amaze me with your talents! I absolutely adore this rose petal scrub. I have coconut oil, rose oil and now all I need are the rose petals.
Oh jammy time. *sigh* Miss that time with my kids!!
This scrub looks gorgeous! As does your pink February friendly blog coloration! I love the idea of cleaning your mind before bed. I am so on that!
This really talks to me – but the ingredients massive problem – Would love to do this – because I don’t have a lot of my chocolate scrub left and it cost an arm and leg too. Love this .. so pretty – I say that every time. *smile
Loving your post – pampering does a body good:) Happy Thursday
I love the framed hearts in the background on the first image. So not crafty…living vicariously through you.
Just have to find the rose petals and I’m all over this!
Valentines month…such a great time to finally think about taking care of yourself too.
So perfect for Valentines day my friend, this looks so beautiful
Cheers
CCU
These pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I just want to be in a nice warm bath right now (we’re expecting a huge snow storm)
And I LOVE your new site design. It’s just lovely Smidge!
You may have the most beautiful blog on WordPress, Barbara!
I can’t just go and collect rose petals from the garden? Such a pretty gift, Smidge.
Now this is incredibly creative, I wish I was on your valentine list! Such a cool and unique thing to give out. And the little cards are absolutely precious. Shall we start calling you Martha?
This looks awesome! I’ve been wanting to try a DIY scrub with coconut oil!
xo
Nicole
I think reading your prayer today was an unexpected and gracious encounter for me Barbara. What a lovely prayer. I always love the thought of reading a great book in the tub but never have. I really should change that shouldn’t I!?
I have all of those ingredients and I just love a body scrub. I had no idea they would be so easy to make! What a great idea, Smidge and I bet the aroma is sensational. (My mother used to rub me raw when I got out of the bath and yes, my kids can testify, I’ve done the same to them) xx
Hi, you can use this for your face but very gently. It should keep for quite a while, you will be able to smell when it is rancid. I love homemade body products and rose is a lovely essential oil
Inspiring. Thank you. xx wendy
Another beautiful post, Barb. I’ll admit that I’m not one for bath salts and scrubs but the prayer, and its vision of the Universe, is something in which I firmly believe. Your pink hearts remind me of Mom’s last Valentine’s Day. Each night after she went to bed, I made and hung dozens of hearts around her home. Even her bathtub was filled with hearts in shades of blue, some spewing from the spigot. And the next day I snuck over to Zia’s house and hid handfuls of hearts all over. To this day, a heart might fall if she pulls an old cookbook from a shelf. I’ve long since forgotten where they all were hidden, so, seeing one now is as big a surprise for me as it is for Zia.
What a beautiful post and stunning photos – that rose in the header is incredible. When I can’t get roses I make a simialr scrub with almond oil, sea salt and lemon. Roses are so beautiful for Valentine’s Day!
I love body scrubs and this one is so gorgeous! The rose petals make it seem very extravagant. Lovely, lovely photos and words as usual!
I read the Artist’s Way nearly a decade ago!
It’s a good read and it made some profound differences in my life at a time I needed to make some. Enjoy the read. This body scrub sounds heavenly. I could use a good long hot soak too. 
Beautiful photos of roses, were they roses from your summer garden? Enjoyed the post, love the body scrub.
beautiful beautiful smidge! and a post nearly as pretty as you.
coconut oil is so good for the skin (and good too for what lies beneath it!) (and by the way, i worked through the Artist’s Way years ago…I’m quite sure you’ll love it.) again, so very pretty Barb!
I may have to forward this post to my boyfriend so he’ll have an idea for an appropriate Valentine’s Day gift.
What a beautiful post! I love the body scrub. It is heavenly! I use coconut oil on my body and I am going to try this recipe. Your site looks exquisite. Love the header
I love this body scrub! I have had many recipes through the years, but none quite like this one, with the roses so visible! I love it. I really encourage you to read The Artist’s Way. Years ago I was in a writer’s group and we used this book as centerpiece. I know you would find it very encouraging, although, I think you’re already tremendously talented and I don’t think you’re really needing much assistance in finding your creativity!
Well now I have two things to try: this and the little soap “recipe” you shared recently! This was a lovely post. I can imagine myself relaxing in the tub with a good book (as you suggested) and this body scrub. Now that would be perfect!
A wonderful way to celebrate a benign universe, Barbara
Thank you!
Such a lovely, inspiring post, Barb. The sugar scrub recipe was a bonus! It sounds wonderful. I’d like to try making my own sugar scrubs; it’s good to know exactly what’s in them and that it’s all natural and pure. My sweetie gave me a sugar scrub for Christmas and I used it for the first time recently. Yours sounds much nicer, by the way. I’m wondering … after I used mine the next day I found the tub extremely slippery. Have you noticed that after using your scrub? No pun intended, but I had to scrub the tub.
John, this may be the sweetest thing I’ve ever read. I’m sure that everyone who reads this will be as touched as I was by your wonderful gesture for your mother and your aunt. You’ve warmed my heart with this story.
I just realized I wrote “Barb”. Sheesh! Sorry Mar!
Now I’m really confused and going to bed. Tomorrow will be better.
I’m late to the party:) John.. this is such a beautiful, beautiful gesture, your mom must have been in tears.. I know I would. She must have deserved every single one of those hearts if she inspired such a creative display of your love for her. And how sweet to find hearts spilling out all over the place. I think I might just have to do this on Valentine’s day.. I couldn’t think of a prettier way to celebrate than to scatter love hearts all around. xx
I’m so behind in reading comments.. I am so with you on this, Mar.. it is really a touching story. I think it must be written on John’s blog so everyone can read it, don’t you think?? xx
Haha.. if it softens skin, it must make a tub slippery:D I use mine in the shower, so I haven’t noticed. But I have found it much more effective than some, I have to be careful not to rub my skin raw, lol! xx
Yes, I agree. That’s too special not to share.
I find so much inspiration right here in my little blogging universe.. every time I visit your blog and others I feel inspired:)
This is something I, too, need to make more time for!
Thanks! I like to change things up.. especially when it’s brown and cold here:D
If you’ve loved it.. I know I’ll love it as well, spree.. we’ve so much in common, I trust your opinion on these sorts of things.. I’ll have to pick up a copy! xoxo
That’s so great to know.. I can’t wait to pick it up and start making my way through it:) xx
Just a Martha doesn’t have quite the same ring, does it;D *sigh, I’m content being just me, I guess, lol! But thanks so much for your kind words, Eva! xx
Now I used to have rose petals in my garden but now I only have snow.. so by all means.. pluck away!! xx
Thanks, Emilie!! It’s fun to change things up, isn’t it? I saw on the news your snowstorm was really something! I hope you are safe and warm in a tub right now! xx
I think if you can get coconut oil.. then all you need is sugar. The scent and petals aren’t really necessary. In fact, a lemon scrub would be wonderful as well.. with a little zest added?? xx
Me too!!
That wasn’t off topic at all.. I think it’s a great technique for working things out.. especially when one is tired and really “stuck” on something. My dreams often point the way for me, I think. Now dreaming about food.. well, I do that when I’m awake as well;D xx
I’ve come across some work by Rumi.. I should look for that book as well!
Love the sound of lemon scrub – I will have a look around in all the shops for the oil – we don’t have like special grocery shops in Landskrona. I will let you know if I found coconut oil.
Don’t be confused.. just share your story for Valentine’s this week.. please..
Divine Smidge! Such a beautiful gift idea and nothing beats home made.
Mandy xo
Thank you Mandy! xx
One thing I ought to be clear about though Smidge …. The Artists’ Way is best suited (in my opinion) to the artist who’s feeling stuck, uninspired or fearful of proceeding. There’s quite a bit of soul-searching and examining aspects of your past, messages you’ve received, re-inVisioning you as an artist especially if you have a bit of trouble seeing yourself this way. That’s not to say there wouldn’t be value for ANY artist… But to truly follow along with this book requires a very large time commitment! I could be wrong but as I recall it was 90 days and each day requires something of your time, and some days quite a bit more than others. I say all of this because it would appear there’s no stuckness in you!!
One thing I came away with though is the idea of An Artist’s Date. A date you make With and For yourself, once a week….it could be a trip to a garden, a gallery or museum, the beach or the woods, an antique store, a glass factory. It doesn’t matter so much as its Your time to take in an experience and be freshened by it! 
xoxo
It was lovely.. lots of petals in the shower though:D
You know so much, Tandy, thank goodness you do!!
the almond oil must be just wonderful!xx
Thank you, April! xx
If it were summer.. they would be, but alas, they are from a local store that sell edible rose petals..xx
Hmmm.. it might be better bought as a summer read and practice then.. If I’m stuck these days.. it’s only in honey;) But I think anyone can benefit from something like this. I do try to make a Date with myself.. almost every day or I go crazy.. I’m a bit of an introvert.. well, a lot of an introvert:) xx Have a wonderful Sunday, spree!! xx
I think you’re thinking just right about the book! And like you, I’m a lot of a introvert too!
which (we know) doesn’t mean we don’t LOVE people! Just means we replenish in our own company! Have a wonderful day Smidge! I’ll write you very soon! Xx