fête à fête

We're ushering in a new era of ultimate mascaras! Lancome is having a sneak preview of their new Oscillation vibrating (that's right, vibrating) mascara for ONE day only (Thursday, July 31). The battery-operated brush provides 7,000 micro-oscillations per minute, wrapping lashes up to 360 degrees. Whoa.

It will not be available again until the fall, so first come, first serve. The limited first-edition supply will be available on Lancome-usa.com and Sephora.com, as well as select Macy's, Lancome boutiques and other stores.

-Tami

Tagged as: cosmetics, makeup, mascara, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

It's National Watermelon Day this coming Sunday, so here's a refreshing Peppermelon cocktail for you to celebrate! The balance of sweet and spice makes this super addictive. If you're in the Bay Area and too lazy to make this yummy drink yourself, hop on down to SF bar Elixir - they will be serving this cocktail all day.

Peppermelon

Recipe by H. Joseph Ehrmann

1.5oz Bluecoat Gin
.75oz black pepper honey syrup
1oz watermelon juice
.5oz lemon juice

(Use organic ingredients wherever possible.)

Combine all ingredients in a boston shaker full of ice and shake well for 10 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish on the rim with a small watermelon cube that has a coating of black pepper on one side.

www.elixirsf.com

-Tami

Tagged as: alcohol, cocktail, cocktail recipe, drink, food & drink, recipe, San Francisco

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

To capture the spirit of summer, Biotherm released a new body fragrance called Eau Pure. The light spray has notes of lime, kiwi, grapefruit, green tea, lotus, moss, musk, lime and kiwi. Ideal for a tropical vacation, you can use it to cool off and refresh yourself after a long day at the beach.

www.biotherm-usa.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, fragrance, perfume, scents, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Based on Evelyn Waugh's famous novel, "Brideshead Revisited" is a gorgeous film. Set in post WWI, the epic drama chronicles the lives of an aspiring young artist and a wealthy family. Featuring great performances, the film describes the complicated relationship between Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode) and Sebastian Flyte (Ben Whishaw). The close friendship is further complicated when Sebastian's sister Julia (Hayley Atwell) enters the picture, and the entire family is thrown into moral and theological chaos.

Matthew Goode, Hayley Atwell, and Ben Whishaw. Photo credit: Nicola Dove/Courtesy of Miramax Films

As the controlling and cold Lady Marchmain, Emma Thompson played a fantastic Catholic zealot, and the adorable Whishaw is just scarily fragile as he hurtles at breakneck speed towards self-destruction. While beautifully set in England and Venice, the plot drags towards the end, becoming a heavy discussion on religion and family duty.

Ben Whishaw and Matthew Goode. Photo credit: Nicola Dove/Courtesy of Miramax Films

PG-13. 135 minutes; www.miramax.com

-Tami

Tagged as: cinema, film, Film Stars, movie, review

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Givenchy has a pretty cool twist in the world of mascara. The new Phenomen’Eyes mascara wand is in the revolutionary form of a sphere. The ergonomic round tip is designed to reach every single lash from root to tip, including those hard to reach baby ones, making it easy to sweep and cover in any angle. Those pretty peepers of yours will now be fringed in perfect feathery lashes!

Available at: Sephora.com

-Tami

Tagged as: eyelash, lash, makeup, mascara

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

These new pocket-sized Recchiuti chocolate bars are fun to snack on. Not only did they shrink the classic Dark Milk and Bittersweet bars (portion control!), but they've also included their new Semisweet bar made from Michael's custom Valrhona blend. Talk about a triple threat!

www.recchiuti.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, candy, chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolatier, food, snack

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There's something deeply romantic about Colleen Quen's wedding designs. Not just any bridal designer, she incorporates her architectural sensibility into her creations, making each gown into a gorgeous structural masterpiece.

I can't imagine how a bride-to-be can choose amongst these gowns, I'm sure one would just want to wear them all! They're all simply divine. The Saketini is my favorite (image below).

The Dandelion gown is stunning. I'd feel like a royal princess in that one...

www.colleenquencouture.com

-Tami

Tagged as: bridal, Colleen Quen, dress, fashion, fashion design, fashion designer, gown, wedding, wedding gown

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The celebrated Tuscan chocolatier Amedei has a cult following, and for very good reason. The company produces bewitching chocolate bars, many of which has garnered numerous awards. It also helps that they source the best beans in the world, beating out many other venerable chocolate artisans.

The Toscano Black Extra 70% is popular fave, fruity and smooth. Its heart is dark and robust, yet it's not overwhelming. It's an assertive bar with a mature sophistication. However, the Toscano Black Extra 66% bar is my favorite of the trio. It has a lingering and softer finish, and the florals dance across your tongue. This doesn't have the same intense factor as the 70%, but it holds its own oomph. The 63% is very earthy with subtle coffee hints. This is the least aggressive of the bunch, so if you like it mild, this is the one for you.

I also love the Toscano Brown 32% milk bar. It's one of the richest milks I've tasted. The honeyed creaminess is to. die. for. Butter and caramel bathe your senses until you stop thinking. It's so decadent that one square is enough to satisfy the average sweet tooth, but that doesn't stop me from going for another one. Truly, one of the best milk chocolates ever.

www.amedei.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolatier, culinary, food, Italy

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I adore Jay Clifford. He's one of my all-time favorite songwriters. For those who haven't yet discovered him, the hauntingly beautiful voice of Jump (formerly Jump Little Children) has a nice solo album, Driving Blind. While not my favorite (still longing for the old JLC stuff, along with the Rosebud songs), this one has the breathtaking "Diving Bell," easily the prettiest song in this album. The lyric "Finally asleep, she is sold, each breath for a handsome price..." is such a riveting image. Other gems include "Caught in the Rain," "Paralyze," and "Dissolves."

www.myspace.com/jaycliffordmusic

-Tami

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review, singer, song

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Being the massage lover that I am, I'm lusting after the new Jimmyjane CONTOUR Ceramic Massage Stones. A fresh twist on traditional hot stone massage, they're biocompatible, durable, and easy to clean. The versatile design offers unlimited possibilities to banish muscle tension...I'm already melting, just thinking about how these lovelies work.

You can heat them up (in warm water) or cool them down for the desired sensation, or use their great AFTERGLOW massage candle to add an extra layer of luxury. Just light the candle, pour the oil onto the stone and stroke to your heart's content. Talk about sensual overload!

www.jimmyjane.com

-Tami

Tagged as: candles, fragrance, gifts, Lifestyle, massage, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Trouser-style denim is one of Fall’s hottest silhouettes, and indiDenim has what it takes to create a custom fit. Starting today, you can get your very own made-to-fit designer trouser Presidio jeans!

If the trouser cut is not your thing, try the the SoMa (fitted style) or the Noe (relaxed fit). Choose from many detail options - want embroidered back pockets? Distressed fabric? A few clicks and you're done. Jeans are cut, sewn and shipped in about four weeks. Pattern measurements are kept on file for future orders.

www.indidenim.com

-Tami

Tagged as: clothing, custom design, denim, fashion, jeans

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

Armani's Bronze Mania 2008 Ochra collection is a gorgeous homage to the sunny island of Pantelleria. One of the highlights is the Ochra Mediterranean Palette, a beautiful eye shadow and bronzer palette that is perfect for a beach getaway or a night on the yacht. The eye shadows quartet feature warm shimmery gold and earthy brown shades, while the bronzer is super sheer and natural.

For the sun goddesses out there, the Bronze Mania Skin Tints are a long-lasting and natural way to build up color. Water soluble and sheer, you can blend two shades together, or wear them alone. The shades range from a subtle barely there look to a deep Mediterranean tan.

I really dug the sparkly Lip Shimmer Bronze glosses. the pretty shades are quite sexy - my favorites are #52, a pearly brown ochre, and #53, a muted brown ochre.

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

-Tami

Tagged as: blush, cosmetics, eye color, eyeshadow, lip color, lip gloss, lips, makeup, Summer

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

David Sedaris has done it again with his new essay collection When You Are Engulfed in Flames. Hysterical and absurd, his sixth book recounts bizarre and ultimately awkward moments in his daily life - from accidentally dropping a lozenge on a rude airplane passenger's lap to his not-so-fun experience of using the Stadium Pal, an external catheter to assist with his bathroom dilemmas. There is even a story on how his boyfriend lanced a boil from his backside. If that's not true love then I don't know what is.

For Sedaris fans, the last essay "The Smoking Session" calls for nostalgic comparisons to Me Talk Pretty One Day. There are many comedic moments as we observe the author struggle through language and cultural barriers while orchestrating his painful attempt at quitting smoking in Tokyo. This is a humorist worthy of a permanent spot on your bookshelf, and you can count on many laughs with each reading.

www.whenyouareengulfedinflames.com

-Tami

Tagged as: author, Books, humor

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Northern California is home to fabulous food and wine, and this year's Vintage Affaire showcases some of the region's brightest chefs and wineries. The 26th annual wine auction will benefit Palo Alto's Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Held at a private estate, this year's extravaganza will feature a great silent auction, raffle (Tiffany & Co. prizes!), dinner, and a live auction hosted by famed wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton.

The silent auction will feature six local chefs (including a two-star Michelin chef) offering appetizers from their repertoire. They will be matched with a venerable list of pouring vintners. Talk about decadence to the 10th power!

Featured Guest Chefs:

Christopher Kostow at Meadowood, Napa Valley
Cal Stamenov, Marinus at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley
Xavier Salomon, Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Alessandro Cartumini, Quattro at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley
Daniel Patino, Michael Mina's Arcadia, San Jose
Robert Holt, Cetrella, Half Moon Bay

Saturday, July 19
Los Altos Hills, CA
Silent auction: 3-5 p.m.
Live auction and dinner follows

Tickets are available at www.vintageaffaire.org or call (650) 858-0202.

-Tami

Tagged as: chef, food & drink, Northern California, special events, Wine

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Inspired by the powerful flow of water, the new BOSS Pure has a nice, sleek packaging. If your man likes this genre of 'fresh' men's fragrances, by all means, get one to replenish his stock. Always good to have a fresh-smelling dude than a funky one, I say. It features notes of fig, Mediterranean citrus, lily, hyacinth, and the exotic massoia.

-Tami

Tagged as: fragrance, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Parenzano Cosmetics has a great natural Lip Pearls collection. Made with avocado, kelp, and aloe to soothe and hydrate, the shimmery gloss colors are formulated with mineral pigments. I like the Abalone color, it's the perfect sheer berry shade for days when you don't want to slap on the war paint, yet want a simple fresh look. It's also great over lipstick to plump up the lips. I like the fact that it doesn't have any petroleum, mineral oil, or formaldehyde-derived ingredients. Healthy and glowing lips for everyone! We all love that.

www.parenzanocosmetics.com

-Tami

Tagged as: cosmetics, lip color, lip gloss, lips, makeup, Natural, natural ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My blog pal and all-around lifestyle diva Stevie Wilson of LA-Story.com has the 411 on the new Kiehl's skin care products. Summer is a tricky time of the year, since you're out and about having fun, yet also getting all sorts of sun damage. Here's a couple ideas for damage control - check it out here.

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, mask, skin care, skin care product, Skincare

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)