fête à fête

A celeb fave, Margo Morrison New York offers exquisite semi-precious and pearl jewelry that's handmade in NY. Designer and founder Margo believes jewelry should complement a woman’s natural beauty, not hide it. Resonating with women of all ages, these timeless pieces could fit anyone ages 18-90. She draws inspiration from her travels around the world, and finishes each piece with toggles that are cast from grass, twigs, and berries.

I love this four-strand Faceted Labradorite bracelet.

Blake Lively, Julianne Moore, Julia Roberts, and Gwyneth Paltrow are among a large group of fashionable stars that adore Margo's work. Japan’s top fashion mag Madame Figaro recently voted her as "one of the top 15 most exciting jewelry designers in the world." You can't get better props than that.

Margo Morrison (Photo credit: Dana Hargitay L.A.)

The lovely Margo is extremely kind enough to do a special giveaway with us! We're giving away one pair of White Freshwater Coin Pearl (with Swarovski crystal) earrings (a $75 value) to one very lucky reader!

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Margo Morrison giveaway http://tinyurl.com/c6poco). Feel free to follow me too. IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below on why you might like this brand, or what you'd like to try from this designer (please don't send generic ones like 'this sounds great!').

Step 2: Email your full name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. DO NOT forget to send your name and address to this email after you comment or tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically.

One winner will be chosen at random. Deadline is May 7, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

www.margomorrison.com

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, giveaway, jewelry, shopping, Style, Trends

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Mother's Day is only 10 days away! If you want to avoid rushing around like a crazy chicken the day before, here are some decadent goodies from Recchiuti Confections that you should totally give to Mom (and yourself while you're at it).

Send some of the cute Mother's Day Chocolates (Burnt Caramel) that have hand-illustrated images, or if she's more of a fruit kinda gal, the delectable Pâtes de Fruits offer a superb fruity burst from each gelée. The gorgeous and colorful squares come in seasonal flavors (Morello Cherry, Passion Fruit, Blueberry, Cassis, Apricot, and Pear-Lime). Très elegant to look at and to nibble on. I love the cassis and blueberry.

The new Dragée line is so tempting I had to lock them up in a special hidden drawer. Otherwise it'd serve as my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Burnt Caramel Hazelnuts are whole pieces of toasted hazelnuts coated in milk chocolate and a thin layer of burnt caramel. To. Die. For. The burnt caramel gets me each time...If you love peanut butter, then the super hypnotic Peanut Butter Pearls are for you. Organic peanut butter and dark milk chocolate surround a crispy center. The two playful creamy/crispy textures stimulate the senses as you munch on them for that much-needed afternoon snack break.

While I love them all, the S'mores Bites have a special place in my heart. These chic versions of our fave campfire classic is a brilliant melding of pure sugary goodness. Fluffy and fresh marshmallows float atop handmade graham crackers (yum). As if that wasn't enough, they're wrapped in a nice layer of bittersweet chocolate. That will create a foodgasm anytime.

www.recchiuti.com

Tagged as: artisan, candy, chocolate, chocolate truffles, confection, gifts, gourmet, holiday, San Francisco, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Going out this Thursday night? Here's your chance to help change lives of San Francisco youth. STREETSMART4KIDS is teaming up with Sugar Café for a special night to raise funds for at-risk and homeless youth.

A percentage of proceeds from food and specialized drinks will go towards STREETSMART4KIDS. A special ‘StreetSmart’ cocktail will be created just for the event.

Thursday, April 30th
6:00PM - 9:00PM
Sugar Café
679 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA

For more info on STREETSMART4KIDS, go to www.streetsmartusa.org. Beneficiares include Huckleberry Youth Programs, Larkin Street Youth Services, and teen programs of La Casa de las Madres.

Tagged as: cocktails, dessert, drink, food, fundrasier, San Francisco, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kings & Queens came up with a trio of luxurious yet affordable soaps that's ideal for any beauty queen on a budget. At $6, these generously sized bars will last through any royal empire.

The spicy King of Sumatra Pepper Bergamot is inspired by black pepper, the most sought-after spice from ancient times. Nefertiti Honey is a tribute to Egypt's most famous queen. Queen Nefertiti used honey as part of her skin regimen, and her name literally means, “The beautiful one has arrived.” The Queen Isabella Cinnamon Orange is a nod to Isabella's insatiable love for the sweetly expensive cinnamon.

As with the rest of the Kings & Queens line, these are free of mineral oil and parabens. The soaps contain “The Royal Mix,” a blend of Pomegranate, Blue Egyptian Lotus, and Malachite extracts. The Blue Lotus was an ancient Egyptian symbol of glory and eternal life, while Malachite was used by Russian Tsars.

Availalable at Beauty.com, Fred Segal and Skinstore.com.

Tagged as: beauty, body care, shopping, soap

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I always get excited when the annual SF International Film Festival rolls around. This year marks SFIFF's 52nd year, and the selections are as exciting as ever. This year's star-studded appearances include Robert Redford, Francis Ford Coppola, Evan Rachel Wood, and Elijah Wood. I'm looking forward to watching 500 Days of Summer (starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, Rudo Y Cursi (Gael García Bernal - drool!), and La Mission (with Benjamin Bratt).

Here are a few films to check out:

Versailles (France) - Versailles is a heartbreaking look at 'les marginaux' in France. Damien (Guillaume Depardieu) is a homeless man living in the woods caring for Enzo, a five-year-old child left behind by his mother. This is one of Depardieu's last performances, and it's one you shouldn't miss. I liked how director Pierre Schoeller refused to show sentiment between man and child, and instead hones in on the brutal hardships of extreme poverty. Fighting cold, illness, and hunger, the two form a bond that's as real as a father-son bond. Despite the grave nature of the film, it's also an uplifting look of survival.

Guillaume Depardieu and Max Baissette de Malglaive in Versailles

35 Shots of Rum (France) - Claire Denis's finely wrought narrative of a small circle of Parisian friends is a thoughtful mediation on the many different forms of love. This tight 'family' of friends and relatives center around Lionel (Alex Descas), a train engineer, who lives with his daughter Jo (Mati Diop). A taxi driver (Nicole Dogué) lives in the same building, along with Noe, a brooding young man. It's not obvious in the beginning, but we get to piece each relationship together as the film goes along. I love how the small moments (Descas's strong, silent gazes are so elegant and deliver such power) create such an emotional impact on the overall feel of the film. Agnés Godard’s delicate cinematography is meant to enjoyed slowly and thoroughly.

Mati Diop and Alex Descas in 35 Shots of Rum

Artemisia (Taiwan) - First-time director Chiang Hsiu Chiung worked with New Wave master Hou Hsiao-hsien, and her gentle and leisurely paced film is centered around a conservative widow coming to terms with her son's homosexuality and her daughter's out-of-wedlock child. Actress Pan Li Li's performance is a solid portrayal of an older generation trying to understand the modern realities of their children.

Pan Li Li and Mo Tzu-Yi in Artemisia

French Girl (France/Morocco) - National and self identities are deeply questioned for young French-born Sofia in Souad El-Bouhati’s wonderful first feature. After her father loses his job, the entire family relocates back to their homeland of Morocco. Trying to retain her proud Gallic origins, Sofia toils away in her university studies while her traditional parents try to reign in her headstrong personality. Longing to return to her beloved France, she declares “If I stay here, I’ll die.” César Award–winning actress Hafsia Herzi lends the character of Sofia a passionate and maturity to the character, making this film thoroughly enjoyable.

Hafsia Herzi in French Girl

The SFIFF runs April 23 to May 7. Tickets are on sale at: fest09.sffs.org/info/box_office.php.

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, film, film director, Film Festival, film review, Film Stars, movie, San Francisco, special events

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

One of my favorite shopping sites Via Maris is now selling the popular Tintamar VIP Very Important Pocket. This liner bag accessory lets you put all your purse essentials - makeup, pens, phone, iPod, keys, sunglasses, wallet, and whatever else into one central location, so you can transfer it at anytime to any purse.

Très convenient and cool. No more rummaging around, and no more wondering if you brought all your stuff with you in your new hot purse. It's a time saver too. As busy fashion queens, we all like that! Via Maris is selling it in five colors (black, moka brown, army green, mastic white, and kaki). It also washes easily, ideal for travel.

*For this item only, enter the code FREESHIP at checkout and get free shipping!

www.viamarisnyc.com

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, Handbags, Lifestyle, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Random acts of kindness - we all need it in this crazy time of our lives. While nice, extravagant gifts are always welcome, it's the little things in life that make our hearts sing in gratitude.

Some little things you can do for those you care about:

-Offer to change all the light bulbs for your neighbor, even if you're scared of heights and hate climbing the ladder.

-Bake a cake to cheer a friend up after a rough day, despite not being a good baker. Cake mixes are allowed!

-Send a note to your friend to tell her what a beautiful person she is.

-Doing the laundry for the entire household without being asked.

-Sneaking out of bed early on Sunday morning to cook breakfast for your loved ones.

What are some other things can you do for your loved ones?

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Tequila in cupcakes? Who would have thought? This Coco Loco Tequila Cupcakes recipe from Joanne Weir's new book Tequila: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails, and Bites is worthy of a try. I'm gonna give them a whirl for Cinco de Mayo week.

Coco Loco Tequila Cupcakes

Makes 2 dozen cupcakes

These soft, moist, and very coconutty cupcakes should come with a warning! Not only can you not stop after eating just one, but these adult-only cupcakes provide enough kick to make you feel like you are on vacation south of the border. The inspiration for this recipe comes from my friend Tina Gherzi, who loves tequila and coconut as much as I do.

Cupcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Large pinch of salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1/4 cup 100 percent agave tequila
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Coconut Cream Frosting

1/2 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk, or more as needed
2 tablespoons 100 percent agave tequila
2 teaspoons coconut extract
3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted, or more as needed
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 12-cup cupcake pans or line with paper liners.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing well after each addition. Add the coconut milk, ginger, and coconut extract and beat for 1 minute at high speed until well blended. In a measuring pitcher, stir together the tequila and buttermilk. Add the dry ingredients in 3 batches to the egg mixture alternately with the buttermilk mixture in 2 batches, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing well after each addition. Fold in the shredded coconut.

Fill each cupcake well about three-fourths full with batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a rack and let cool completely before frosting.

Meanwhile, to make the frosting, using the electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on high speed until smooth. With the mixer on high speed, slowly add the coconut milk, tequila, and coconut extract. Continue beating until thoroughly combined and smooth, about 5 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar and continue beating on high speed, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable. Adjust with more coconut milk if the consistency is too thick, or more confectioners’ sugar if it is too runny.

To assemble, spread the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with the shredded coconut.

Recipe from TEQUILA: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails, and Bites by Joanne Weir. Photo credit: Lara Hata. Copyright © 2009. Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA.

www.tenspeed.com

Tagged as: baking, book, chef, cocktail, cookbook, cooking, cooking techniques, drink recipe, food, gourmet, Lifestyle, spirits

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Kiehl’s is celebrating Earth Day by introducing a Limited Edition set of their Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion. 100% of net proceeds will benefit WATERKEEPER ALLIANCE. Adrian Grenier, Erykah Badu, Kelly Slater, and Parsons The New School For Design have teamed up with Kiehl’s to create four Limited Edition labels to represent their commitment to sustainabilty.

The lotion is made with fairly-traded, organic, Moroccan Argan Oil and Argan Leaf Extract, and the bottles are made from 100% Post Consumer Recycled packaging. This is a lightweight lotion that absorbs easily, smells fresh, and will help restore resilience to the skin.

In conjunction with the limited edition lotion launch, Kiehl’s has also launched www.kiehlsgivesback.com for those who want to get more involved. There will be a 3-day auction starting on Earth Day. Auction items include an Adrian Grenier autographed Season 4 of Entourage DVD Set, and an autographed autobiography by Kelly Slater.

kiehls.com

Tagged as: auction, beauty, fair trade, green, lotion, organic ingredients, shopping, skin care, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We're having a love affair with all things Indian (hello, Slumdog), and Oregon distiller Sub Rosa Spirits gives us more reason to dive into more spice dreams. Their Saffron vodka is infused with 8 whoppin' ingredients (cumin, coriander, ginger, black pepper, cayenne, saffron, galangal, and turmeric]. The warm and sexy aromatics dance gracefully with each other, making this perfect for an exotic cocktail recipe. This one has a lotta oomph so don't drink it straight.

I'm impressed with the Tarragon vodka. They infuse with fresh organic tarragon leaves and mint...yum. The taste is both subtle and definite, very gentle on the tongue. I think I might try to use this in cooking too.

Here's a drink recipe for you to try. It has a great floral/acid balance:

Lemon Blossom

1 1/2 oz Sub Rosa Tarragon vodka
1 oz. St. Germain Elderflower liqueur
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. Limoncello

Shaken in mixer, half filled with ice, strained into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

www.subrosaspirits.com

Tagged as: alcohol, cocktail, cocktail recipe, drink, drink recipe, food, recipe, spirits

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giorgio Armani's new Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20 is a great alternative to thick TV or photography makeup (ideal for bridal pics!). The pump dispenser bottle is so well made. Just squirt out one nickel-sized dollop into your palm and spread across your face. The feel is light and smooth, and is an all-purpose formula. You get sunscreen and medium coverage for both special days or for everyday wear. This is a new water-based formula that lasts 14-hours.

The Crema Nera Eye Compact has the Obsidian Mineral Complex (key ingredients silicium, sodium, iron and potassium) that is crucial to cell regeneration. The concentrated cream absorbs so nicely into the delicate eye area. I didn't even have to dab at it too much before it disappeared into the skin. Fine lines are plumped up, and you get an instant radiant glow. I even use it on my lips to freshen up before meetings. It also has a built-in mirror that swings out for on-the-go touch ups! The matching Crema Nera Obsidian Mineral Restoring Serum is used for fighting deep wrinkles and severely dry skin. I like the clean scent - not too heavily perfumed. The length and depth of wrinkles are reduced while providing plenty of nourishing moisture.

For that golden goddess look, the Sienna Minerals Bronzing Palette evokes vivid earth shades (deep reddish brown, golden flecks, and choco brown) of the sienna landscape. The ultra smooth Microfil texture completes this sunny tapestry of summer colors. This can be used as either an all-over bronzing blush or a sculpting highlighter.

Buy at www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.

Tagged as: beauty, bronzer, foundation, Luxury, makeup, shopping, skin care, Style, summer

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The Interview Process
Edited by Dramatis Personae

Welcome, Cher, to a lovely round-up of Links a la Mode! While putting together this week’s list, I noticed a trend emerging… we had all of these fantastic interviews and features on independent designers! From handbags at a Few Goody Gumdrops and High Maintenance Woman, to fashion musings at the Demoiselles, Solo Lisa, and Breakfast at Saks, I couldn’t help myself. I hope that reading these interviews is as inspiring to you as it was for me!

There’s the full version of Links á la Mode in the forums…lots of great posts there too.

39thandbroadway.com - The Evil Fashion Boss
3stylelife - Microdesign F: Chalk
A Few Goody GumDrops: Handbag Designer, Katherine Kwei and Her Eternity Knot
Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy: - Getting to know… designers of Be & D Handbags
Breakfast at Saks: - Brand Love: Ellery
Broke & Beautiful - ECIG: JaJo Couture
Daisy Fairbanks Vintage: - In Your Easter Bonnet - The Art of the Hat
Debutante Clothing: - Thrifting Words to Live By - Search High and Low - A Tale of Prada
dramatis personae - Beach Blanket Bingo! Kiss & Dashing Diva Beauty Giveaway
fete a fete: - Eminence Biodynamic Collection

Independent Fashion Bloggers: - Top 5 Traffic Yielding Social Networks for Fashion Blogs
Instant Vintage - Lil Shop of Horror: Urban Outfitters
Munique Fashions: - Organizing Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe
Retro Chick - Totally Clueless
shopfair: - Fair Trade Jeans Special
Solo Lisa: - From Shanghai With Love: An Interview With Helen Lee
Super Kawaii Mama - Being Joan
SwanDiamondRose: - ~the SWANclothing TINY ROSE purse~
The Coveted: - This Old Rag? Our Lurking Treasures
The Curvy Fashionista: - Top Fashion Do’s for the Plus-Size Curvy Fashionista
The Demoiselles - Birds of a Feather: Lady Smaggle

Tagged as: fashion, shopping, Style, Trends

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's another spring color product to brighten that pout. Lorac's new Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick is a non-sticky lip color collection that has the best of both lippie and gloss worlds.

Available in 7 sheer and opaque shades, this paraben free formula promises soft lips and long-lasting lip color. Light-reflecting Mother of Pearl helps lips stay smooth, while hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and fill in fine lines.

For me, the shade Sheer Luxe was already highly pigmented, so dab on a bit and see how it goes for you. It's a really nice buildable brick red. The Glam is a great iridescent coral tone, sure to be great for many skin tones.

www.loraccosmetics.com

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, lip gloss, makeup, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Being a letterpress lover, I am a new fan of Snow & Graham, a Chicago-based paper company. Each item begs to be bought and used for your office, your friend's birthday, or as gift wrap. The purple blossons on the Morning Glory wrapping paper is so bright and cheery I just get a smile looking at it.

The sticky notes (noteBLOCKS) come in 700-sheet blocks, making your office list making a lot more fun. I love the pretty Dogwood noteBOOK, as well as the sunny Cherry Blosson thank you noteset. The coaster greetings are fabulous for any occasion. It doubles up as a giant drink coaster and greeting card in one. Cute!

To find national retailers, go to www.snowandgraham.com.

Tagged as: gifts, shopping, stationery

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Pacifica's new spring and summer perfume collections are a breath of fresh air. The new Lotus Garden is very lovely with green notes, citrus, lotus, and olibanum. Classics Tunisian Jasmine and Egyptian Bergamot Rose are now available in spray and solid perfumes, as well as body butters. So much fun layering everything together! As always, the sprays are made with natural, pure grain alcohol (corn-sourced and gluten-free).

I really liked the Thai Lemongrass...quite playful. The ginger and lemongrass are well balanced so that it doesn't smell too citrusy or strong. The Vanilla Vera Cruz is now also in a solid perfume form, so it makes for a great scent to tuck into tiny purses. The warm clove, sweet orange, and black pepper in Madagasgar Spice makes me wanna tuck into bed on a cold day.

Their new 3-piece gift sets in Waikiki Pikake and Lotus Garden are real fun too. Celebrate Mother's Day, Earth Day, or everyday with these cute presents. Each set includes a travel sized candle, matches, solid perfume, and a body butter.

Buy it at: pacificaperfume.com

Tagged as: beauty, fragrance, gifts, natural ingredients, perfume, shopping, spring, Summer

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

Oh, happy day for sensitive eyes - Kiehl's new Marvelous Mineral Mascara does not irritate, clump, or smear. This gentle product stays on amazingly well. Great for daytime use, this is a good lengthening mascara for thinner lashes, and adds natural volume (don't expect megawatt thickness). And, it removes easily.

The first of its kind, the mineral pigment formula is paraben-free and fragrance-free. Lashes are left glossy and enriched with Acacia Senegal, Jojoba Oil, and Aloe Vera. This is a candidate for low maintenance beauty.

Available at Kiehl’s stores, 1-800-KIEHLS-1 and www.kiehls.com.

Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, makeup, mascara, natural ingredients, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Givenchy's new Peel Me Perfectly is a neat triple action scrub. It acts like a cleanser, exfoliator, and mask, all at the same time. Oarweed extract and glycolic acid aid in skin renewal, and a clay extract helps purify the pores. This is a fun scrub to use. Apply a generous amount and massage over the face with gentle circular movements.

I also tried the Radically No Surgetics Complete Age-Defying Care day cream. The texture is so light and fluffy, not heavy at all. I usually opt for a fluid emulsion texture for daytime, but this one is going straight to my bathroom shelf for daily use now!

This treatment cream is especially formulated for multiple signs of aging (wrinkles, slackening, dullness, etc.). It's packaged in such a pretty eye-catching metallic violet container. The night cream version is supposed to reduce dark spots after two months of usage. So start dreaming those icky spots away...

www.parfumsgivenchy.com

Tagged as: beauty, Cleanser, Luxury, moisturizer, shopping, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

April 22 is Earth Day, so get your natural beauty on with the Mother Earth Palette ($45) from Smashbox. This palette has four wearable eye shadows and a blush (all made from certified organic ingredients). Packaged in a recyclable compact, the carton is also made from sustainable materials and printed with eco-friendly ink. Like all Smashbox products, the formulas are paraben and fragrance free.

With each purchase, a tree will be planted by Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating sustainable global environments through reforestation.

* Smashbox is honoring Earth Day by pitching in at The Surfrider Foundation’s Santa Monica Beach Cleanup. Join them on Wednesday, April 22nd from 9-11am. To learn more about the Surfrider Foundation, visit www.surfrider.org/default.aspx

Be sure to recycle the palette when you’re through!

Exclusively at Sephora this month.

Tagged as: beauty, blush, cosmetics, eyeshadow, green, makeup, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sleek with its new packaging and logo design, Valrhona's new retail line proves once again they're on top of the chocolate game. The new square tile-shaped bars are scored with asymmetric lines to encourage an organic tasting and sharing experience.

Each of the eight Grand Crus bars bears an enlarged version of their signature cocoa flower, and each color corresponds to specific Grands Crus. It's hard to choose favorites but both malty Jivara Lait (40% cacao) and the caramelized Tanariva (33%) were great as milk bars.

As for the darks, I loved the Caraibe (66%) and the Alpaco (66%). The Ecuadorian beans in the Alpaco had such a nice oakiness. If you like fruity notes, the Tainori (64%) and the Manjari (64%) will be perfect. The Albinao (85%) is very smooth, not intense at all. Ditto for the Guanaja (70%).

There are four Grands Crus 100 gram Bars with Ingredients. I gobbled up the Jivara with Caramelized Pecans in no time (yes it was that good), and I loved the Manjari with Orange. Such intense citrus flavor! The Caraïbe with Roasted Hazelnuts is a winner, and the Guanaja with Roasted Cocoa Nibs packed a delicate punch.

Available at the Valrhona Boutique (inside the Food Emporium Fine Chocolates Shop) at NYC's Trump Palace, www.Chocosphere.com, and gourmet shops across the U.S. In San Francisco, Fog City News carries several bars from the new line.

Valrhona.com

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolatier, food, gourmet, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Oakland-based artist Kat Geiger has some unique terrariums for elegant and green home decor. These mini-wonderlands are created with recycled materials such as vintage light fixtures and old whiskey bottles. They are so cute! I gotta thank Kasey of Bay Area Style File for the heads up.

These beautiful living works of art are so low maintenance. Just mist with a spray bottle every week and you're set.

Kat is having a trunk show at Urban Indigo this month, so don't miss this fun event. There will be refreshments and live music, so definitely check it out!

Saturday, April 18, 2009
2pm- 5pm
Urban Indigo
3339 Lakeshore Avenue
Oakland, CA
510.419.0451

And, while you're there, check out the cute goodies in this lovely store. How darling is this button bowl? I also want that hand-made jade glass cake platter...

www.urbanindigo.com

Tagged as: bay area, shopping, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

My skin is considered to be normal, but when I'm having an off day (no sleep or sun damage) it can change my skin chemistry for a while. Once irritated, the daily regimen products I use might be too much to handle and I'm left wondering what I should use to remedy my crabby skin.

So imagine my delight when I learned about the new Eminence Organics Biodynamic Collection. The products are lighter in scent and color compared to their regular line, but I'm a big fan of this collection. Originally formulated for medi spas, the sensitive skin friendly line from the venerable Hungarian company works for all skin types. The line is hypoallergenic and clinically tested, and the potency of these ultra gentle products are not to be underestimated.

Each product in this collection contains a minimum of 95% organic ingredients and up to 88% Biodynamic nutrients. Biodynamic farming practices a holistic view of the universe, producing highly nutrient-rich ingredients. That translate to powerful and results-driven skin care.

The Lemon Grass Cleanser is a mild, creamy, and hydrating balm on irritated skin. This is great for post-peel treatments or if you've been dehydrated from baking in the sun. My skin must have been quite thirsty, as the Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream soaked right in. My face literally drank up the active nutrients in no time. For oily skin, the Echinacea Recovery Cream has a nice light fluid texture that will absorb easily.

The Primrose & Melon Balancing Masque smells like a freshly baked fruit tart - very calming (thanks to Marigold and Primrose) and a good skin toner. The Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque is great for rosacea skin. I liked the Radish Seed Refining Peel. The AHA/BHA gently renews the skin while Lemon Balm helped detox the skin cells.

The Bearberry Eye Repair cream nourishes with brightening properties from the Bearberry extract. Unlike most rich eye creams, this is not heavy at all. For body care, the bioactive Alfalfa, Yarrow, and Sunchoke in the Quince Nourishing Body Lotion is great for eczema skin prone types.

www.eminenceorganics.com

Tagged as: beauty, biodynamic, green, Luxury, organic, organic ingredients, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Get your shopping digits ready. Neiman Marcus is hosting an online trunk show of Guerlain’s Exclusive Fragrance collection. For 2 weeks only, you can now get these rare perfumes online. Normally you can only buy these in the seven U.S. Guerlain boutiques, so this is such a convenient way to stock up on your favorite fragrances, or try a new one without leaving your home. This is great for those are who far away from the retail stores.

Available collections include L’Art et la Matiere (Cuir Beluga, Angélique Noire, etc.), Les Elixirs Charnels, the gorgeous 180th Year Collector’s Case, and La Petite Robe Noire, which debuted last month.

The Chypre Fatal and Gourmand Coquin sound so good. I'm very tempted to check this out...

Check out the trunk show here: www.neimanmarcus.com

Tagged as: beauty, fragrance, Luxury, perfume, scents, shopping, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

French chocolatier Michel Cluizel is offering très mignon Fruity Macarolats for the Spring/Summer, and I can't wait to get my hands on more of them. These 'macarons' are milk chocolate shells filled with praline, and raspberry, lime, and passionfruit ganaches. Aren't these adorable?

Check out the assorted truffles in praline, gianduja, and other ganache flavors. They're so delicious you'll inhale them in minutes. I also love his Mangaro and Maralumi milk bars.

Available at gourmet retail stores, www.chocosphere.com, and www.worldwidechocolate.com

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, confection, food, french, gourmet, shopping, spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

SF scent divas, you are in luck. The super talented and lovely parfumeur Yosh Han is offering a Vibrational Perfumery workshop this Spring. This workshop isn't like any other perfume workshop, as it's based on intuition and chakra energy work. It will be quite the treat, I promise.

Yosh will do a basic history of perfume, then a run down on the technical info (on top notes, middle notes and base notes, fragrance families). You will also smell 100+ materials and learn about Perfume Design. Her special "reverse birthday candle" technique is not to be missed. Each participant will create their own Aromatic Attunement in an 8 ml French flacon bottle.

Saturday, April 25th OR Sunday, May 3rd
9:30 AM: Meet and Greet, Tea
10:00 AM - 1 PM Workshop
End or Lunch break
2 - 3:30 PM Optional shopping
Create your own Perfumer's Kit

Please RSVP - Limited to 6 people only!
Sign-up at 415.626.5385 or Yosh@eaudeyosh.com
Workshop Fee: $250.00 ($50 deposit)

www.eaudeyosh.com

Tagged as: beauty, fragrance, Lifestyle, Luxury, perfume, San Francisco, scents, shopping, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)