fête à fête

Roxanne’s Fine Cuisine, the new brainchild of raw food innovator Roxanne Klein, is a gourmet line of raw food products. Made with fresh organic ingredients, the food is free of diary, eggs, gluten or refined sugars. The flavorful 'living' food line has over 30 products to peruse from, including snacks, prepared foods and ice creams.

I like the Salted Sprouted Almonds and Berry Bliss Trail Mix. I already feel healthier snacking on these, as the active enzymes and micronutrients work their magic on me. The Tu-nut Pinwheel Sandwich and Rox Kremes look tasty.

Currently available at Whole Foods (wholefoodsmarket.com) and other gourmet markets in the Bay Area. For more information: www.roxannes.com

-Tami

Tagged as: breakfast, dessert, dinner, food, Gourmet and Gourmand, healing foods, health, healthy snacks, lunch, organic, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

on10 has a fun line of mouthwatering lip balms that are inspired by classic candy and beverage icons. Nostalgic flavors from The Hershey Company, Dr. Pepper and Schweppes Ginger Ale are packaged in chic round tins, apothecary tubes, and sleek compacts. Talk about making a tasty and fashionable statement! I like the Hershey's Almond flavor. I also like the fact that it's SPF 15 and it's made with moisturizing organic ingredients (olive and coconut oils).

Available exclusively at Sephora stores nationwide (www.sephora.com).

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, lips, organic ingredients, SPF

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Evoking seductive images of the 1930s silent screen temptresses, the NARS Spring 2008 Shanghai Lily collection is a pearly melange of shimmery neutrals, along with bright pops of lip color.

The Alhambra duo eyeshadow is a gorgeous metallic rose with a golden champagne. I love the golden champagne (the one on the right), it makes my eyes glow like a film siren. You can pair this with the Abyssinia shadow as a highlighter, blending it up to the brow bone.

The lip collection is an absolute hit in my book. The Success lipstick, a warm sienna shade, goes very well with the sparkling pink Greek Holiday lip gloss. For the vixens, the true red shade of Manhunt (aptly named) will draw all the boys to ya.

I also like the dusty rose of the Dolce Vitalip gloss, a popular lip shade reformulated as a gloss. The great thing about the NARS lip colors is that you can blend to your heart's content.

Fans of the best-selling Orgasm blush will adore the new Orgasm Multiple. Now you can apply this flattering peachy pink shimmer to the eyes, cheeks or lips. It's just great as an overall face highlighter. For those lazy days where you don't want to slap on any makeup, this multiple will take care of it in 3 minutes.

www.narscosmetics.com

See you at the makeup counter!

Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, blush, cosmetics, eyeshadow, lip color, lip gloss, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

TSP Spices is a great way to revamp your spice collection. They only offer certified organic spices - I love the Korintje Cinnamon and Green Cardamom. I like to bake so I find their Sweet Basics collection a real gem, containing Allspice, Anise Seed, Green Cardamom, Korintje Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg.

Not only is their single-use packaging super handy (pre-measured in teaspoon increments!), their cute reusable tin cans are stackable, to create less kitchen clutter. It is even worthy of Oprah's approval. They're also great for picnics and BBQs.

Try using a teaspoon of cardamom in a pot of rice for an exotic twist, or sprinkle it in some vanilla ice cream. Make dill butter for a seafood dish, or create your own curry dip with a packet each of the cumin, coriander, ginger and tumeric. Blend into a cup of sour cream and voila! Instant fancy appetizer.

www.tspspices.com

See you in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: baking, cooking, cooking techniques, food, Natural, organic, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Exploring the realm of hair, Shu Uemura has formulated a luxe hair care line worthy of his reputation as a beauty innovator. Incorporating unique natural oils of Camellia, Rose, and Argan, The Art of Hair line is comprised of an extensive selection of products for all hair types and styling needs. I love the Liquid Fabric, a great sea mineral spray that defines and accentuates curls.

www.shuuemuraartofhair.com

-Tami

Tagged as: conditioner, hair care, hair products, hair styling, shampoo

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Working with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to launch its new Backyard Barbeque flavor, Kettle Foods is donating $1 to NWF for every backyard certified by August 31, 2008 through www.nwf.org/kettlefoods. Consumers who get certified will also receive a free bag of Kettle chips.

I really dig the deeply smoky and tangy spices bursting onto your tongue. Unlike many other brands it's got such a thick, satisfying crunch. The new Sour Cream Onion and Chive also delivers with a nice tangy flavor. I also love the Cheddar Beer and Spicy Thai.

www.kettlefoods.com

-Tami

Tagged as: food, food & drink, product review

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Seriously sassy and full of glam, The Puppini Sisters' brand new CD The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo is pure toe-tapping fun with their famous retro harmonies, pop, and swing. These gorgeous ladies sure know how to put on a show, and what a blast this sophomore release is from Verve Records.

Named after their favorite lipstick, this album includes amazing versions of The Bangles' “Walk Like and Egyptian” and Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love”. The lovely trio (Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins, and Stephanie O’Brien) also wrote some original tracks as well, including “I Can’t Believe I’m Not A Millionaire” and “Jilted". I just loved their rendition of “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)". I wanted to pop up and jitterbug across my hallway.

Listen to: “Crazy in Love” verve.edgeboss.net/qtime/verve/puppini/ruby_woo/audio/10_crazy_in_love.mov

www.thepuppinisisters.com

See ya on the dance floor,

Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Learn how to make the famous Chocolate Orbit Cake with John Scharffenberger (co-founder of Scharffen Berger) at the free Williams-Sonoma chocolate demo. John will also be signing copies of his cookbook, The Essence of Chocolate during the baking demo. It's a great book - I love the recipes in it, so grab a copy and try it out for yourself!

Wednesday, February 13
4pm
Williams-Sonoma
Union Square
340 Post Street
San Francisco, CA
415-362-9450

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate cake, cookbook, food, food demos, San Francisco, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Starting today, the fourth color in the Lancôme Pout-à-Porter lipstick series makes its anticipated debut on lancome-usa.com. Previous colors were created for fashion designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, and Peter Som.

The Color Fever Shine Lipstick in Pixel Pink is a pretty sheer raspberry shade created by emerging designer Thakoon and celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman for his Fall 2008 show at New York Fashion Week. Get it while it's available on lancome-usa.com or on March 1st at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Lancôme’s five U.S. boutiques.

-Tami

Tagged as: clothing, cosmetics, fashion, fashion design, fashion designer, fashion show, makeup, Makeup Artists, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rather than go through the usual motions of flowers and chocolate, here's a far more sexier and adventurous approach to woo your valentine. Jimmyjane has a great line of luxury gifts, from their coveted LITTLE SOMETHING vibrators (in 24K gold, platinum or steel) to their silky and flirty WINK blindfolds. For the ultimate indulgence there are the new gorgeous ETERNITY vibrators adorned with diamonds!

I love the EMBER candles - they do double duty as both scent diffuser and massage oil. Not only does it get you in the mood, the natural cosmetic-grade waxes and plant extracts will make your skin feel like butter. It has a low melting point so you won't burn yourself (well, you might be setting off your own fireworks in the process). The GINGER + DATE is warm and sensual, while the HABANERO + GRAPEFRUIT stimulates your libido.

www.jimmyjane.com

-Tami

Tagged as: fragrance, gifts, holiday, Luxury, scents, seasonal, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you're in the NYC area during Valentine's Day weekend, don't miss the special dessert tasting from the new Dessert Studio at Chocolat Michel Cluizel. The daring and 'experimental' menu by Chef Will Goldfarb will consist of a 2-course dessert tasting, including a half bottle of champagne and chocolate bonbons. To give you an idea of the exciting desserts, the chef has featured a White Chocolate Gelato with Ligurian Olive Oil and Smoked Sea Salt.

Reservations: 212-477-7335

www.dessertstudio.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chef, Chefs and Confectioners, chocolate, chocolatier, dessert, holiday, pastry art, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Renowned chocolate artisan Recchiuti Confections has some of the most divine treats in the world, and there's no better way to shower your valentine with such love. The new Valentine Heart Motif Box is a flirty way of enjoying the signature Burnt Caramel flavor, while the Champagne Truffles are an elegant mix of rich, creamy dark chocolate and 2001 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs.

For a more traditional route, there is also the Valentine’s Day Large Box, filled with an exotic assortment of flavors such as Cardamom Nougat, Star Anise & Pink Peppercorn, Lavender Vanilla, Spring Jasmine Tea, Sesame Nougat, Rose Caramel, and Fleur de Sel Caramel.

www.recchiuti.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, dessert, food, food & drink, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Local lovebirds in SF can celebrate Valentine's Day with the “Spin the Bottle” event at the XYZ Bar at W San Francisco. Co-hosted by Jimmyjane, the flirty event will let participants play the exclusive W Hotels + Jimmyjane SPIN ME game, which includes many provocative and racy adventure games.

Spin the Bottle Event
XYZ Bar at W San Francisco
181 Third Street
Thursday, February 14, 2008
6pm - 8pm

Guests will also be able to enjoy Valentine cocktails, such as the ones below:

ROSE PETAL

1 ½ oz Finlandia Cranberry vodka
¾ oz Cointreau Liqueur
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Float of Champagne
Method: shaken and served up. Finished with a champagne float
Garnish: sugared rim

RASPBERY TRUFFLE

1½ oz Stolichnaya Razberi Vodka
¾ oz DeKuyper light Crème de Cacao
½ oz Chambord Liqueur
Method: shake Vodka and Crème de Cacao and serve up. Float Chambord
Garnish: a cocoa rim

See you at the XYZ!

Tami

Tagged as: cocktail recipe, cocktails, holiday, recipe, San Francisco, San Francisco event, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If chocolates are not your thing, try making your own Valentine presents with the new Crown Heart Cupcake Pan from Williams-Sonoma. Producing six large cupcakes with big heart-shaped tops, it's a lavish way to say 'I love you'. The pan’s steady carbon-steel construction results in uniform baking, with a fantastic nonstick release.

No time to bake? You can also send some lovely Parisian Macarons. Two delicate and chewy cookies are combined with an airy buttercream (chocolate, vanilla and espresso). Made by pastry chef Jean-Yves Charon, they are guaranteed to be the real thing. Ooh la la...

www.williams-sonoma.com

-Tami

Tagged as: baking, cupcakes, dessert, entertaining, food, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday

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

Everyone loves a good love story, and Vosges Haut Chocolat interprets one of the greatest romances with their Gatsby Truffle Collection. Perfect for Valentine's Day, this will most definitely set some hearts a-flutter. There are two sublime flavors - one is a white chocolate ganache with rosewater and rosé Champagne (called the Daisy truffle), the other a dark chocolate with brut Champagne (Gatsby truffle). The gift comes with love letters that you can woo your darling with, so you don't even have to compose your own!

For the foodie lover, the Collezione Italiano makes for a very unique gift. The palette of flavors in this collection is Katrina Markoff's most creative one yet. Made with Taleggio cheese, organic walnuts and Tahitian vanilla, the Rooster truffle is simply indescribable. It will make you rethink how truffle flavors are formed as your tongue plays with the savory and sweet. The Olio d'Oliva is another unique combo with white chocolate, Kalamata olives, and extra virgin olive oil.

I could go on and on about this, but all the flavors are winners, such as the Balsamico (12-year-old balsamic vinegar from Modena), the Sale del Mare (Sicilian sea salt caramel-so yummy), and the Polline di Finocchio (wild Tuscan fennel pollen).

There are many other great ideas to stir your lover's heart. The dark chocolate covered Caramel Marshmallows are deliciously decadent with a nice thick layer of French Guerande sea salt caramel. The Amalfi Flaming Chocolate Heart is another cute trinket, a total rock-and-roll passion with lemon zest and pink peppercorns. Alternatively, the Aphrodisiac Mini Bar Box has all the spicy flavors to ignite the flames, with ingredients such as curry, cinnamon, and Pasilla chili peppers.

www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, confection, gifts, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The SK-II legend of the Pitera essence is known far and wide (discovered by a Japanese scientist during a visit to a sake brewery), but I didn't get to learn more about the magical ingredient until recently. The following superstar products are examples of this great skin care line:

After cleansing with the Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel (nice makeup remover, btw), apply the Facial Treatment Mask for about 10-15 minutes. It's an intense moisture treatment that's perfect for long flights or dry weather. The mask drenches the skin with the special Pitera vitamins and organic acids, resulting in a replenished and dewy visage. For real dry skin you can soak the mask pack in hot water for 10 minutes, then take it out and apply as normal.

Another popular product, the Facial Treatment Essence, is called the 'holy water' from skin care fans. Containing the highest amount of Pitera of all the SK-II products (over 90%), it absorbs easily and your skin will end up looking radiant, with a supple, smooth feel. The alcohol-free formula is nice, rebalancing the skin's renewal cycle. Skin texture is improved and cellular turnover is increased.

I do like the Facial Hydrating UV Cream - it's a good sunscreen moisturizer (SPF 15). It's a bit thick, so a small amount goes a long way. It absorbs nicely into the skin, so there's no greasy residue whatsoever.

www.sk2us.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, Cleanser, mask, moisturizer, skin, skin care, skin care product, skin cream, skin renewal

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)