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Coco-luxe has a playful trio of Valentine's Day truffle flavors to show your undying devotion. With flavors such as Champagne, Pure Devotion, and Roses, you will be scoring major brownie points (and hopefully their affection) with your loved one. I especially like the Roses flavor - a white chocolate ganache with rosewater and honey. Talk about a fragrant delight!
-Tami
Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, confection, gifts, holiday
San Franciscan chocophiles will be eager to check out the Culinary Muse's informative and fun chocolate tasting at the Scharffen Berger store (SF Ferry Building) during the fifth annual “FOOD FROM THE HEART” Slow Food benefit on Friday, Febrauary 8. From 5:00-8:00 p.m. the public will be able to peruse through many tasty hors d’oeuvres ($2 - $4 per taste) and wine tastings ($6 per glass). This is a great chance to load up on the Valentine's gifts. There will also be music and tango dancing! That will sure get your heart fired up for some amour!
For more info, check out www.culinarymuse.com/2008/01/food-from-the-h.html
-Tami
Tagged as: chocolate, events, food, gifts, Holiday, San Francisco, San Francisco event, shopping
Lancôme's spring look is based on the new illuminating L.U.C.I. collection (stands for Luminous Colorless Color Intelligence) by artistic director and celeb makeup artist Gucci Westman. Flirty and sophisticated, their special photonic technology showcases the iridescent color that is found on a butterfly’s wing. This optical illusion produces multiple hues of interchangeable colors based on lighting angles. The photonic formula looks clear or white, but upon application it creates a spectacular array of colors, reflecting shades of pink, aqua, greens, and blues. Soon you'll be preening like a real butterfly!
A few key products I like - the L.U.C.I EYES Light Color in Motion Eye Shadow Duo is a pretty shell-shaped compact that carries a beautiful bronze color and a photonic shade. You can blend the photonic shadow over the bronze color to create a unique third shade or use it by itself. It goes on very smoothly, so custom blending is easy and effortless.
Your lips will get that gorgeous pearly lacquer with the COLOR FEVER GLOSS. Use the photonic gloss as a topcoat over lipstick or lip pencil, or layer it with the other new shades to achieve glittering, intense colors (available in Sunray (photonic shade), Seashell and Rainbow).
To get an overall luminescent glow, apply the PHOTONIC Illuminating Powder Brush to your cheeks and forehead. It's just like applying a bronzer for a sculpting effect.
To get the L.U.C.I. look, go to www.lancome-usa.com/beautyschool/master-class/looks/LUCI.aspx for the online makeup tips!
See you at the makeup counter!
Tami
Tagged as: cosmetics, eyeshadow, face powder, lip color, lip gloss, makeup, Makeup Artists, Spring
Hearts will go a-flutter this Valentine season with Jin Patisserie's thoughtful truffle flavors and artful gift boxes. Award-winning pastry chef Kristy Choo's new delicacies include a chocolate coated caramel infused with Toupet De Legumes (tomato blossom tea), cute chocolate hearts, a special chocolate Valentine’s cake, and a gorgeous square chocolate box (yes, really made of chocolate) filled with truffles.
From the signature truffle collection there are unusual flavors of Mango Kalamansi, Chrysanthemum, Yuzu, and Roasted Black Sesame. Very bold flavors in adorable dainty squares. They are almost too pretty to eat!
For more sweet gift ideas, visit www.jinpatisserie.com
-Tami
Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate truffles, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday, pastry art, pastry chef
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the famous mode make-up collections, shu uemura introduces Spring 2008 REBIRTH with vivid splashes of color. Inspired by the fresh energetic vibe of the season, it features a special flower motif inspired by an abstract drawing made by Mr. Uemura.
I love the two limited edition Glow On blushes (Harmonious Orange & Tranquil Pink). Don't be fooled by the seemingly bright shades. They actually go on very lightly, to create a gentle barely-there flush on the cheeks.
The same idea goes for the five new Pressed Eye Shadow shades. Reflecting the zesty life force of Spring, the non-fading formula will guarantee that it will stay put. I like the Earth Brown, Spring Breeze and Yellow Elation colors. They're all wearable alone or blended.
Lip color is a muted pink/beige this season (try Rouge Unlimited Serene Pink), so the emphasis is more on the eyes. Delicate lips are key for this look.
Of course, makeup is only a part of the beauty routine. Healthy skin is a major factor in achieving that lustrous glow. The new Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/I is infused with chamomile and licorice root to soothe dry and sensitive skin. This great anti-aging oil also doubles as a heavy-duty makeup remover. It will take off that stubborn waterproof mascara in a snap! It makes makeup application and removal a breeze - all you have to do is swipe a Q-tip with a few drops of oil and it's instantly gone.
Available at www.shuuemura-usa.com
See ya at the makeup counter!
Tami
Tagged as: blush, Cleanser, cosmetics, eyeshadow, lipstick, Make-up Remover, makeup
It's not too early to think about what to gift your dear Valentine. Luckily for you, Mademoiselle de Margaux of France has a couple très délicieux ideas. La Guinette is a terrific confection made of slightyly tart morello cherries soaked in Armagnac, then dipped in rich dark chocolate. It's like having the ultimate cherry bombe dancing in your mouth as the Armagnac warms your throat. Ooh la la...
Another beautiful confection, Le Raisin, is a lush combination of whole rum soaked grapes bathed in dark chocolate. Handcrafted from locally grown grapes, these have a slight crunch to the texture. I can't decide which one I like better, but you can't go wrong with either one of these gift boxes for your sweetheart. You might be showered with chocolate kisses, that much I can predict for you if you get them.
Available at www.chefshop.com.
-Tami
Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, confection, gifts, holiday
My friends have raved about The Kin for a while, and I finally got to listen to their recent album release 'Rise & Fall'. Not only are the Koren brothers (Isaac and Thorry) enticing eye candy, their gorgeous vocals blend rather perfectly within each song. I especially liked the catchy 'Romeo', along with the lovely storytelling behind 'Abraham'. I tend to be drawn towards the non-epic songs, since they really highlight the beautiful songwriting and amazing melodies. In a world filled with overplayed commecial acts, this is an indie group to keep an eye on.
Check out their upcoming tour dates below:
Feb 11 – Club Infinity in Buffalo, NY
Feb 12 – Harper’s Ferry in Boston, MA
Feb 13 – Highline Ballroom in New York, NY
Feb 14 – State Theatre in Falls Church, VA
Feb 15 – The Khyber in Philadelphia, PA
Feb 16 – 8 x 10 Club in Baltimore, MD
www.thekin.com
www.myspace.com/thekin
-Tami
Tagged as: album, concert, music, music review, performance
I never need an excuse for chocolate, but for those who are feeling a bit guilty about keeping their new year's health resolutions, NEWTREE has a great way for you to incorporate wellness with your sweet indulgence. The company blends rich Belgian chocolate with enticing flavors (blackcurrant, ginger, cherries) and holistic ingredients such as cactus and grape extracts. I feel less guilty already!
I like the new flavor CRAVE, a milk chocolate infused with apricot and soy germ extract. It has a nice floral aroma. REFRESH has a nice minty burst, along with green tea antioxidants. My personal fave is the TRANQUILITY milk bar with lavender and lime blossom.
-Tami
Tagged as: chocolate, dessert, health, healthy snacks
Cultivated for thousands of years in the Mediterranean, olive oil is long considered to be a sacred commodity in many cultures. In a loving tribute to this liquid gold, Peggy Knickerbocker's Olive Oil - From Tree to Table explores the history, cultivation, and harvest of the wonderful and versatile fruit.
The book includes tips on selecting the right grade of oil, along with usage and storage instructions. Filled with numerous tasty recipes, readers will be drooling over the easy-to-make Spaghetti with Lemony Seared Scallops, Celery Root Rémoulade, Beef Filets Sauteed with Balsamic Vinegar, and the Orange Ginger Cake.
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Something magic happens to vegetables when they are roasted. Their flavors sweeten and intensify. This method takes about the same time as steaming, but it is easier and the results are tastier.
1 pound slender to medium asparagus, tough ends broken off.
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat an oven to 500 degrees F.
In a glass baking dish, arrange the asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle with the olive oil. Roast for 10 minutes. Test 1 spear; if it is not tender, roast for a minute or two longer. If it is tender, dribble the vinegar into the dish and shake the dish so that all the asparagus are coated with both the oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Using tongs so that most of the oil drips off, transfer the asparagus to a platter. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Serves 4
Photo Credit: Laurie Smith
See you in the kitchen!
Tami
Tagged as: appetizer, book, cookbooks, cooking, cooking techniques, entree, recipes
I usually find croissants to be a bit too heavy for me, but pastry chef Jean-Yves Charon succeeded in creating the lightest pastries I've ever eaten. Made in the traditional French style, these buttery and flaky croissants are to die for! I can actually eat two of these at a time.
Just thaw the frozen croissants overnight or for about eight hours. When you awake in the morning, the tantalizing yeast aroma has already filled the kitchen. Bake for about 15 minutes or so, and voila! Your mornings have never been so heavenly.
Available at: www.williams-sonoma.com
Bon Appétit!
Tami
Tagged as: baking, breakfast, pastry, pastry chef
Here's a fun sneak preview from the new movie Mad Money, opening this Friday the 18th. Starring Diane Keaton, Katie Holmes and Queen Latifah, it's a madcap caper involving three sassy women, money and the law. A comedy about ordinary women who decide to do something extraordinary (rob one of the most secure banks in the world), this is a guaranteed fun ride.
See you at the movies!
Tami
Tagged as: celebrity, film, movie
Get a wake up call with Blue Lotus, the newest addition of Lotus Vodka. Enhanced with Guarana, Taurine and Caffeine, it has a nice spicy kick. Drink it straight, or use it as a great addition for a bloody mary at brunch.
Packaged in eco-friendly materials, the brand also donates a portion of sales proceeds to local and national charities (Project Ahimsa, Pathways for Kids and the Dalai Lama Foundation). So go out there and rack up your karma points with Blue Lotus!
For more info, visit: www.lotusvodka.com
See you at the bar,
Tami
Tagged as: cocktail recipe, cocktails, liquor, San Francisco, spirits
Sundari is a great line of holistic skin care, with ingredients such as Neem Leaf Extract or Gotu Kola to heal and strengthen the skin. For gals with panda eyes like me, the Neem Eye Cream is perfect for wiping out the dark shadows from too many all-nighters. Neem is used in Ayurveda for its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties, so puffy eyes are instanty banished with this product.
Dry skin is unavoidable in the winter with the heaters blasting at full speed. It's Gotu Kola and Azulene Moisturizer to the rescue! Gotu Kola combined with a high amount of active peptides result in a nice firming moisturizer. The lightweight texture provides easy absorption, while Azulene's excellent soothing nutrients calm sensitive or chaffed areas.
For normal/combination types, the Neem and Avocado Balancing Moisturizer is a good alternative. With Squalene and Evening Primrose Oil, this is a powerhouse of emollients to address dryness without clogging the pores.
-Tami
Tagged as: eye cream, skin care, skin care product
Rare and delicious, the The Savannah Bee Company Tupelo honey is considered to be liquid gold of the South. Harvested in early Spring, this beautiful honey is made from the flowers of a tupelo gum tree which only blooms for a few days each April along remote Southeastern Rivers. With a buttery texture, it has notes of melon, dried pear, and anise. It is simply fabulous on aged cheese.
-Tami
Tagged as: food, Gourmet and Gourmand, healing foods, health, honey
Get the latest updates on the Golden Globe Awards coverage from TV Guide! The 65th annual awards show will be abuzz with celebrity fashion, gossip, and much more, so check out the video below...
See you at the awards show,
Tami
Tagged as: celebrity, fashion, film, Film Stars, show, Television
Jane Austen fans will get a weekly treat from PBS' Masterpiece Theatre this season. Hosted by the lovely Gillian Anderson, “The Complete Jane Austen” will feature all-new productions of Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, and Sense and Sensibility.
The stellar lineup will also include the acclaimed Emma (starring Kate Beckinsale), and the Emmy award-winning Pride and Prejudice. Start swooning ladies - Colin Firth will soon grace your TV screen. As a bonus, viewers will be treated to a new drama, Miss Austen Regrets, based on Austen’s own love life.
Airing Sundays at 9pm (check local listings), starting January 13, 2008.
For more info: www.pbs.org/masterpiece
-Tami
Tagged as: entertainment, Television, TV show
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