Bitter:Sweet

I'm totally luvin' the Bitter:Sweet Drama album. It's now one of my fave music duos - their "The Mating Game" debut was such a hit. Their sophomoric release is built upon the same snazzy flair with super flirty vocals, dramatic strings, and pure poppy bliss.

It's a James Bond meets Catwoman kinda feel, with dashes of Bjork, Portishead, and Goldfrapp. Put it on your iPod when you feel like channeling Ms. Cheeky Sexy Spywoman. On top of the hits "Trouble" and "The Bomb", I love the songs "Drink You Sober" and "Sugar Mama."

Their music is so popular it's been featured in shows like 'Dirty Sexy Money,' 'The Hills,' and 'Desperate Housewives.'
Listen to a track here: www.quango.com/promo/hills/ or here: www.bittersweetmusic.com

Choclatea

Smile Chocolatiers founder Joanie Freeman has an exotic array of Choclatea chocolate bars that are blended with ground organic tea. I've had truffles infused with tea, but it's fairly rare to see actual teeny tiny bits of tea blended into Belgian chocolate. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu, Freeman has interesting combos, such as the 64% dark with herbal chai, or the 37% white chocolate with rosemary hibiscus. I also liked the 37% milk with wild raspberry. Now that's enough reason to smile. www.smilechocolatiers.com

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Kenwood Inn & Spa

The Kenwood Inn & Spa made me feel like I was living in a Tuscan villa. Well, it's the closest thing in the Bay Area/Wine Country. I was very lucky to have the chance to spend a weekend in this tranquil paradise, and the luxe accommodations are worth every penny. (Credit:Tom Barwick) There are plenty of reasons why they've been recently named the top resort in the US by Condé Nast Traveler. Each of the 29 rooms and suites have private entrances, and the secluded 2.5 acres are so beautifully landscaped. Each nook and cranny was abundantly draped in ivy, plants, and flowers. The courtyards, pool, gardens, jacuzzis were gorgeous. (Credit:Tom Barwick) I could have stayed inside my suite all day, and that's what I did (It was cold and raining anyway). It was so big I can waltz around the entire room. Mine had a jacuzzi tub, fireplace (a real one!), and the most comfy featherbed on earth. I couldn't seem to get up in the morning from the deep slumber. (Credit:Tom Barwick) The gracious staff really went above and beyond, catering to my every need. The private restaurant is only open to guests, where Italian chef Renzo Veronese spoils you with fresh house-made pasta and other delectable entrees. I totally loved my Ravioli di Vitello alla Aurora (roasted veal in tomato cream sauce). The Sogliola alla Dorata (Petrale sole with lemon, white wine, and butter) was also really delicious. It was the best Petrale I've had in recent memory. Don't forget to book a spa treatment when you visit. The award-winning spa offers luxurious body facials that feature Arcona, the LA-based skin care line used by celebrities (Diane Lane, Katherine Heigl, etc.). I tried the awesome Organic Enzyme facial, and my face looked so much better when I was done. The fruit enzymes totally buffed off the dull visage. All in all, this is the ultimate romantic getaway. A definite must-go for you and your sweetheart on your next anniversary, honeymoon, or special occasion. www.kenwoodinn.com

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Budget Beauty with Avon

The economy woes have brought out the recessionista in all of us. For those who need to watch their budgets, Avon has some thrifty beauty products to maintain your pretty selves without breaking the piggy banks. Their SKIN SO SOFT Fusions Dual Softening Body Wash ($6.50) does the job and beyond. It exfoliates, cleanses, and locks in moisture for 24 hours. They have a sale promotion going on, so you can buy two body washes for $7.99. For dry and frizzy hair, the ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Anti-Frizz Capsules ($4.99) should tame the frizzies. Great for straight or curly hair. Check it out at www.shop.avon.com.

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IFB Links a la Mode Weekly Roundup

I'm proud to be a part of the Independent Fashion Bloggers community, and we have a Links à la Mode weekly roundup that I'll be contributing to occasionally. It's a pretty long read, so hang tight and make some hot cocoa to go with the fashion fun! * 39thandbroadway.com - How can a half-naked Pamela Anderson and Paris Hilton win you a free gift? * A Few Goody GumDrops - A Few Goody Gumdrops found something for the girl who has everything! * a sense sublime - Hair Today. The dilemma of a new hairstyle for a new year. * All Chic - Loving Scotland - from “The Three Lives of Thomasina” to “Thistle and Broom” * Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy - Time to get some lovin with Longchamp… * Breakfast at Saks - Bleached-Out Jeans: a trend you can afford to buy into * Consume or Consumed - Don’t we all remember events by outfits, these days? Her year in outfit memories * Couture Allure - Staying stylish in cold weather * Debutante Clothing - Debutante Clothing bids Aloha to the late Alfred Shaheen * Dirty Laundry - Recreating the style of Agyness Deyn posing with The Paddingtons * Dogmom’s Dish - Thakoon for Target (part two): The Dark Side * dramatis personae - Dramatis Personae: Etsy Designers– Friends of Plus-Sized Gal! * eye4style - Designer Ronit Genik talks about her favorite pieces from the Reverie Spring 2009 collection. * Fashion Birdcage - Liria Pristine, Rebel With A Cause * fashion fille - Fashion Fille analyzes boyfriend blazers, from who to how! * fashion in my eyes - Clothes that charm * Fashion Pulse Daily - cheaper mineral makeup — are they just as good as the fancy brands? * fête à fête - indiDenim custom jeans beta Intellifit Design Studio program (courtesy of fashion in my eyes, from Vogue Italia) * In Life and In Fashion - Seven Style Resolutions: What are yours? * Independent Fashion Bloggers - Design Usability tips your readers will love * Iole in fashion - Mix ‘n Match * Iwanttowearit - Fun With Etsy! Take a tour of Etsy to scope out the emerging, home-grown modeling talent. * Jewelry Gal - Five Style Tips For Dressing Well On A Budget * lace & leather - playlist 1.0 fashion inspired music! * Little Black Book - Aspiring Designer: I’m Your Present and her designs from the new “eBay” known as Etsy * Mademoiselle Robot - An interview with Mister Dreamboat aka Matthew Gray Gubler. * Market Publique - The Intrigue is Over! Find out when Market Publique is all about, and when it will launch! * noiretro - Make your own DIY studded hat! * Or False Glitter - Made up to look like a Dame- MAC’s latest collaboration with OAP drag Dame Edna * Parkas & Petticoats - A glance at the new Spring line from Rogues Gallery! * Retro Chick - 5 ways to shake off those New Year Blues * Shopping and Info - Amazing boots by Robert Clergerie and Loeffler Randall on sale for 70% off. * Solo Lisa y Nada Mas - A night of drunken mischief leads to an infatuation with Goorin Bros. men’s fedoras. * Studio Purpura - Key Fashion Trends for Spring Summer 2009 that you shouldn’t miss! (from Your source for all things wicked and awesome; Patrizio di Renzo for jeweller Majo Fruithof) * Style Amor - Like Fairies, Unicorns and Pre-Scientology Tom Cruise? * Style Discovery - Stylish vs Trashy. How would you compare old stars with modern day celebs? * Style Symmetry - Eyeliah goes GODDESS for The Year of The Rockstar! * Style With Anna - Permanent Makeup MUST KNOWS * Stylish Thoughts - What Shopping your closet truly means * Summershoes - Milk and Sugar Peeling for Baby Smooth Skin * Swell Vintage - New jewellery from Swell Vintage and hopes for the year ahead! * Technology Starlet - Fashionably Smart Clothing * The Bare Skinny - Take a Walk on the Wild Side * THE COVETED - Relaxing bath tips that will make you beautiful. * The Life and Times of a Problem Child - Male fashion that challenges the ideals of masculinity by Walter Van Beirendonck * the musings of ondo lady - Whitney Port made her debut in The City last week, read my review on it. * THE STYLE HOUSE CHRONICLES - SASSY VS.CLASSY * The Style PA - Find out what is on The Style PA’s bookshelf. * Trendology - Unexpected Inspiration: Young Hercules starring a young Ryan Gosling. * Your source for all things wicked and awesome - Majo Fruithof’s latest jewelery line has one very stylish campaign www.independentfashionbloggers.org/2009/01/08/lam-9/

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Going Platinum

It seems like everyone is super crazy for platinum these days. From skin care (La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare anyone?) to jewelry, this precious metal has been the favorite of royal dignitaries and celebs alike. Thirty times more rare than gold, the metal won't tarnish. With its mega lasting power (95% pure), it's no wonder it's making a huge comeback with blushing brides everywhere. For more info on the history, care, and buying of platinum: www.preciousplatinum.com

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Kettle Baked Chips

At 65% less fat, the new Kettle Brand Sea Salt & Vinegar Baked Potato Chips can be your new year's resolution to trim the jiggle. They have the same great pucker and flavor as their regular chips, only with way less fat! And, it's also only 120 calories per serving. I love the company's commitment to use non-GMO ingredients. For those of you who can still afford to be bad, the regular line has a new Sweet Onion flavor. It's a great combo of simmering spring onions, butter, and garlic. Such a cozy comfort food. I'm gonna snack on these while watching videos on a rainy evening. www.kettlefoods.com

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Caroline Chu Skin Care Giveaway

Local beauty entrepreneur Caroline Chu has created luxury skin care that's effective on fighting winter skin. The Enzyme Peel Concentrate helped exfoliate off the yucky dead skin cells. I have sensitive skin, and it didn't tingle much on my skin, so I assume it's gentle for most types of skin. If you want a less intense treatment, try the AHA Renewal Mask. The non-greasy Day & Night Hydrating Cream contains pentapeptides to boost collagen levels and live yeast extract for oxygenating properties. It absorbs quickly, and I appreciate the fact you can use it for both daytime and evening. I also like her lightly scented Shower Gel and Moisturizing Body Lotion. We're also having a special giveaway with Caroline Chu! One lucky winner will receive the Enzyme Peel Concentrate. Entry rules are easy. Simply leave a comment for this post, then email me your full name & mailing address at feteafeteswag@gmail.com. One winner will be chosen at random. Deadline is Friday, January 9, 11:59pm PST. U.S. residents only. (For a limited time, when you buy $50 or more in product, you will get a free Enzyme Peel plus free shipping.) www.carolinechu.com

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TCHO Chocolate

Tech-inspired TCHO has been making waves in the chocolate world. I'm especially proud of the fact that it's based in SF. Chief Chocolate Officer Timothy Childs has set out to make artisan chocolate, and he's done a fine job. Organic, fair-trade cacao beans are transformed into some serious dark chocolate. So far they've come out with four flavors: Chocolatey, Fruity, Nutty, and Citrus (Earthy and Floral on the way). My favorite flavor by far is Chocolatey (70%, Ghana) - I like the intensity a lot. It had a strong, earthy, almost mushroom-y flavor. The Fruity (68%, Peru) had a very bright berry zing. The Citrus is not as strong in fruit aromas as the Fruity, and the Nutty is way mellower than the Chocolatey. I can't wait for the factory to open in 2009. tcho.com

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Basil Hayden Fizz

Got extra bubbly stashed for New Year's Eve? You might want to try the Basil Fizz cocktail. Made with Basil Hayden Bourbon and champagne, it makes a refreshing drink to ring in the new year. This bourbon is also lighter than most whiskies. The bubbles seem to intensify the liquor's flavor, creating a sweet yet slightly spicy finish. A true sparkling sensation. Basil Hayden Fizz 1 part Basil Hayden Fill a Champagne flute with Champagne. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry. Enjoy! www.smallbatch.com

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