fête à fête

Another reason to indulge for the holidays - Coco-luxe's holiday truffle assortment has the seasonal favorites to get you in the winter wonderland mood: pure dark chocolate, holiday cake, peppermint, hot cocoa, gingerbread and dreamy orange. I'm normally not a big fan of white chocolate, but the dreamy orange just pops with a nice citrus zing.

If that's not enough, the classic pink box assortment will also make your taste buds tingle. The cute designs on each piece will make it easy to select your favorite flavors: angel food, gingerbread, dreamy orange, malted milk, banana split, german chocolate, devil’s food, after dinner mint and double cherry. The malted milk and banana split totally rocked.

Also check out the new chocolate bars (I like Monkey'in Around - milk choco with banana chips, cocoa nibs and a hint of sea salt) and the dragée Block Party Almonds. Absolute chocolate heaven!

www.coco-luxe.com

See you at the candy store,

Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, confection, gifts, Holiday, Northern California, product review

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fans of classic cocktails will appreciate the book release of Wings of Cherubs. Written by Guillermo Toro-Lira, the historical narrative reveals the secrets of the Pisco Punch, the popular concoction (made with Peruvian Pisco brandy) that originated in early 1900s San Francisco. History buffs will enjoy the rare historical anecdotes of SF, which ultimately features the famous drink recipe.

Cantina Bar
580 Sutter Street at Mason (next to Hotel Rex)
Monday December 3, @ 7 p.m.

Free and open to the public; complimentary appetizers and Pisco Punch will be served.
The author will read from his new book, with a Q&A to follow. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.

www.piscopunch.com

-Tami

Tagged as: Books, cocktail, drinks, history, liquor, local events, recipes, San Francisco, San Francisco event, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The holiday season is kicking off, and what better way to celebrate it than with Dancing Deer treats? They make great gifts, as their yummy cookies and cakes can be packaged up in their cute wooden shaker-style gift boxes.

For newbies, try sending the Holiday Chewy Cookie Sampler. Better yet, the Hand-Decorated Peppermint Snowflakes are another tasty option. These pretty shortbread cookies are buttery, crunchy and minty, a perfect blend of wintry flavors and textures.

If you prefer cakes, the Maple Pumpkin Cranberry Cake is a holiday favorite. With a moist crumb and big flavor, the pumpkin pound cake is topped with a rich streusel. Baked fresh and artfully packaged in a gift box, it can serve up to 8 slices.

www.dancingdeer.com

-Tami

Tagged as: baking, cake, dessert, food, Food and Drink, gifts, holiday, pastries

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

SF Holiday Shopping Alert!

Shopaholics in the know will be anticipating San Francisco's holiday shopping event of the year - Appel & Frank's Stockings & Stilettos event. Featuring over 70 emerging designers from the Bay Area, the shopping extravaganza will showcase fabulous gift ideas (unique handbags, hand-crafted jewelry, sassy fashion labels, baby apparel, etc.) at special holiday prices. Shoppers can also take a break from perusing gifts to enjoy spa treatments by Kamalaspa, while enjoying a complimentary all-natural sake2me cocktail.

Thursday, December 6 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Regency Center in San Francisco
(1270 Sutter Street @ Van Ness)

Tickets are 2 for $15 if purchased online in advance, or $10 each at the door. The first 300 guests to buy tickets online at www.appelandfrank.com are guaranteed a gift bag filled with fabulous products and offers from:

Attune Probiotic Wellness Bars
Azalea
Commandos
Hollywood Fashion Tape
Kamalaspa
Kiss Products, Inc.
Kitsch Kitchen
popchips
sake2me
7X7SF.COM
Sheila Kelly's S Factor
Sweet Cosmo Cosmetics
TrendyTidbits.com

A portion of the event proceeds will benefit Friends of the Urban Forest (FUF), a non-profit committed to the belief that trees are a critical element of a livable, urban environment (www.fuf.net).

Visit www.appelandfrank.com to purchase tickets.

-Tami

Tagged as: Accessories, beauty, events, fashion, gifts, holiday, jewelry, San Francisco, San Francisco event, Shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For folks who love to overpluck their poor thin brows, your prayers have been finally answered. With the famed Billion Dollar Brows to the rescue, you can have Brooke Shields-worthy brows in no time. Their Brow Babe Kit contains a complete arsenal of brow grooming tools, including the best-seeling Brow Boost, Brow Gel and Brow Powder.

Also check out the bdb tweezers, the ultimate plucking tool. The slanted tips are guaranteed to grab every pesky hair follicle. The smaller size is also great for travel.

www.billiondollarbrows.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, brow, eyebrow, makeup, product review

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Surrounded by the famous Margaux vineyards near Bordeaux, France, Mademoiselle de Margaux creates its delicate chocolate confections with artisan pride. Elegant and delicious, Les Sarments du Médoc are delicate dark and milk chocolate twigs that stimulate the palate with its crisp and melting texture. Fun to snack on by itself (so addictive!), they're also perfect with coffee, tea, ice cream, or other desserts.

Packaged in pretty sky blue boxes, these crowd pleasers are great for entertaining and make a nice hostess gift. They come in the following tantalizing flavors: Dark Chocolate Orange, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, Dark Chocolate Mint, Milk Chocolate with Caramel and Milk Chocolate with Coffee.

Available at fine retailers including Andronico’s and online at Chefshop.com.

www.mademoiselledemargaux.fr

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, confection, food, Food and Drink, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shu Uemura has done it again with the dazzling MUSE holiday color collection. Created by celebrity makeup artist and Artistic Director Gina Brooke, this season's look exudes a subtle sophistication.

Inspired by the colors of Degas, Monet, and Renoir, Brooke's respect for beauty and art shows in her two versatile eyeshadow/blush palettes. Warm shimmering golds meld harmoniously with rich browns, while the silvery Glitter Mascara help create a sparkly accent. Beige/nude lip colors complete the neutral elegance. This collection will create the 'wow' factor for all your holiday soirees.

Great for dry winter skin, the new Phyto Black-Lift skin care line will firm up skin tone and address fine lines. Utilizing a "green chemistry" technology in the Black Sugar Complex, this sugar molecule complex is a combination of molasses extract and the patented Pro-Xylane(tm). Naturally derived from beech wood and developed from an environmentally friendly process, the lifting and plumping action helps smooth out wrinkles and boosts collagen and moisture levels. The line also contains Black Tea Ferment. Derived from the ancient Kombucha tea, its powerful detoxifying properties also help maintain skin elasticity.

If you need a dramatic flair, the 14 new designs from the Tokyo Lash Bar Collection 2007 will do the trick. Always fun and dramatic, they are never too outrageous for any occasion. The Premium Edition Velvet Feather, Mini Kkaki, Violet Twill, Lucent Sky and Smoky lashes are all beautifully designed to draw attention to your eyes. Don't be intimidated by the appication process. With their super helpful False Eyelash Applicator and a little practice, you too can be a glam diva.

To make a bigger holiday splash, the 15 gorgeous shades from the new Gloss Unlimited lip gloss collection will make any gloss lover swoon. From coral pinks to dark purples, these shimmery intense colors are non-sticky and easy to wear. And if they aren't adding enough oomph, then try the stunning red lipsticks from the Rouge Unlimited Red Collection . Shade RD165 is a neutral red that will flatter any skin tone. Gliding effortlessly, the ceramide shield provides 8 whole hours of moisturizing comfort.

www.shuuemura-usa.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, cosmetics, eyelash, false eyelashes, lash, limited edition makeup, lip color, lips, lipstick, makeup, product review, seasonal, skin, skin care, skin care product, skin cream

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For foolproof entertaining ideas, look no further than to Peggy Knickerbocker's Simple Soirées: Seasonal Menus for Sensational Dinner Parties. Whether it’s a romantic tete-a-tete or a holiday celebration, the seasoned food journalist shares her passion and her secrets for creating a fabulous soirée.

Offering time-saving prep tricks, the chic menus encourage home cooks to plan their own traditional Thanksgiving dinner, or a Classic Parisian Supper. With 100 of the author’s favorite recipes, organized into seasonal menus (such as Steak au Poivre, Braised Fennel and Garlic, and Double-Ginger Gingerbread for Fall), your guests will have a blast. I'm intrigued by the Alice B. Toklas Chicken, Scallop Petals with Mache, and Marion Cunningham's Coffee Cake. Whatever entree you choose, you will have a killer party with this book's recipes.

See you in the kitchen,

Tami

Tagged as: appetizer, baking, cookbook, cooking, dessert, dinner, entertaining, entree, food, food & drink, lunch, menu, recipes, salad, seasonal

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Runway hairstyling is as easy as 1-2-3 with Sidlab Haircouture's line of gentle products. Taking out harmful chemicals (paraben-free, SLS-free) from their formulas, the professional hair care line offeres a healthier alternative to the mass-market brands that are filled with all sorts of multi-syllabic chemicals.

The delicate ultra-care shampoo is real gentle and foams easily. It left my hair feeling super soft, so I was tempted to skip the conditioning part. If you have damanged tresses like I do, getting the silk ultra-care conditioner or the mend repairing treatment is a must.

Other great styling products include the curlista curl gel (love how it makes my curls spring back to life), the clay texturizer, and the satin shine drops. Whatever the look, you can replicate it with ease and confidence.

Sidlab Haircouture also makes a contribution to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, so not only are you doing your hair a favor, you're helping the company support cure research.

www.sidlabhair.com

Buy Sidlab Haircouture online at: www.edwardwadsworth.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, conditioner, fashion, hair, hair care, hair design, hair product, hair styling, runway, shampoo

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Great for dinner parties or as housewarming presents, these chocolate pear & wine sauces from A Perfect Pear are sinfully delicious. Made with premium Guittard chocolate, agave nectar, pears, and Chardonnay/Cabernet juices, both the White Chocolate Pear Chardonnay Sauce and the Chocolate Pear Cabernet Sauce are fabulous on warm brownies, fresh or poached fruit, ice cream or as cupcake frosting. Or, if you're impatient like me, you can just spoon it outta the jar and lick it...

www.aperfectpear.net

-Tami

Tagged as: agave nectar, cabernet, chocolate, dessert, fruit, fruit desserts, ice cream, Natural, Northern California, pear, sauce

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tartine Bakery fans will really enjoy Elisabeth Prueitt’s and Chad Robertson’s Tartine cookbook. The talented pastry & baking duo revealed their popular recipes from one of San Francisco's finest neighborhood bakeries. Bringing their cult status treats to the home kitchen, Prueitt and Robertson emphasize the use of seasonal ingredients and an attention to detail to ensure buttery perfection in each brioche or croissant.

There are just so many great recipes to try. The gorgeous photography alone will make you drool. If you can master the breakfast items alone, your friends might be dropping by for coffee all the time. I love the Banana Cream Pie and the Pumpkin Tea Cake. The Blackberry Tart with Rose Geranium Cream is absolutely divine. For holiday gifts, try making the Soft Glazed Gingerbread.

www.chroniclebooks.com

(Photo credit: France Ruffenach)

See you in the kitchen,

Tami

Tagged as: baker, baking, breakfast, brioche, cake, cookbook, dessert, food, fruit desserts, pastries, pastry art, pastry chef, pie, recipes, tart

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For all you shy lovers out there pining after that sweet object of your affection - try sending some Chocolove bars and you might get a love note in return...wrapped around a gourmet chocolate bar that is. How many folks can resist that? Not me.

With a broad range of flavors (including a new organic line and the Chocolatour single-origin vintage line), you can pick and choose which love package to send. Each comes in a distinct color that resembles a love letter, with a romantic poem tucked inside. AND you get a gourmet Belgian chocolate bar!

I really like the new Toffee & Almonds in 33% Milk Chocolate (yummm...buttery toffee bits floating in caramel-like choco) and the limited-edition Chilies & Cherries in 55% Dark Chocolate. Ancho and chipotle chilies give a lovely slow-burning warmth that goes well with the sweet dried cherries. Talk about things getting hot and heavy!

For the dark lovers, the Extra Strong Dark 77% is a winner. The Chocolatour Tanzania 76% rocks with notes of banana and cinnamon. I also dig the Crystallized Ginger 65% Dark - perfect for cold winter nights.

www.Chocolove.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chili, chocolate, chocolate bar, food, Gourmet and Gourmand, organic, single-origin, toffee

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yes, girls, you can live it up and stay healthy at the same time. With careful lifestyle choices and diet tips from expert nutritionist Esther Blum, you can party like a rock star and still look like a gorgeous darling. Blum's new book, Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous, reveals professional secrets to maintaining that dewy skin and a killer bod while living the good life.

With Esther's sassy smarts guiding you to a healthier regimen, you will learn about realistic diet guidelines sans starvation, hangover remedies, which cocktail has the most calories, choosing the right vitamins for all sorts of pesky girly ailments, how to rev up your sex life, and how to battle the blues (those crazy hormones!).

With such an easy-to-follow reference guide, you can be both ultra glam and the picture of perfect health in no time!

www.chroniclebooks.com

-Tami

Tagged as: book, cocktail, Eat Drink Be Gorgeous, Esther Blum, hangover remedy, health, health care, hormones, nutrition, nutritionist, supplements, vitamins

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As much as I love lip gloss, my heart belongs to lipstick. It's my first love affair with makeup, smearing my lips with my mom's prized color that was hiding in her bathroom cabinet. Now that we're back to the old-world glam look this season, Poppy King's Lipstick Queen lipsticks are the absolute last word on red, red lips.

Get insta-sexy lips with her signature colors in matte or sheer formulas from the Saint or Sinners collection. They are non-drying and the beautiful colors last a long time, giving you many chances to perfect that sultry pout. A definite must-have for your vixen tool kit.

www.lipstickqueen.com

See you at the makeup counter!

Tami

Tagged as: beauty, color, cosmetics, fashion, lip color, lips, lipstick, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)