fête à fête

Talk about a breathtaking collection of Spring gifts from Vosges! Just in time to shower Mom with your adoration, here are some last-minute gift ideas to make her smile:

The Green Collection is a gorgeous celebration of life and is inspired by the spices, teas, fruits and flowers indigenous to Asia. The Ellateria truffle is a beautiful Indian green cardamom, while the Kaffir (Thai kaffir lime) is a nice interpretation of this exotic flavor. The Kayoko (Japanese macha green tea) goes very well with the white chocolate. I just loved the aromatic and earthy Buddha's Leaf (Malaysian pandan leaves).

For more of nature's bounty, the pretty Les Fleurs du Chocolat Collection will send you into a blissful dream of organic fruits and flowers. This limited edition collection includes Siam Citron (jasmine tea , lemongrass, coconut), Mirabelle Orange (mirabelle plums, orange flower water), Rose Vert (tarragon + rose water), and Platanos y Orchidus (orchid vanilla + caramelized bananas + Jamaican rum).

Lastly, the pièce de résistance...go splurge on the Red Velvet Party Cake. The sweet chocolate red velvet cake is layered with cream cheese & white chocolate ganache (oh my!) and organic New Mexican pecans. This Southern darlin' will thrill everyone, and it's encased in a flower embellished white chocolate shell. It's almost too darn cute to eat!

Buy at: www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, food, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

In celebrating Earth Day this week, here's a yummy 'green' cocktail from Elixir of San Francisco. This refreshing and pretty drink is really versatile (you can use whatever fruit is in season) and fun to make.

Country Thyme

1 ½ oz. Square One Organic Vodka

10-15 Fresh organic blueberries (can also be made with other fresh berries like black berries or huckleberries but may need more sweetener. Use whatever is in season and fresh)

1/2 of an organic lemon, in pieces

¼ oz. organic agave nectar

Place blueberries and lemon pieces in a mixing cup and muddle to juice both. Add agave nectar and vodka, and then top with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds. Place one small sprig of Thyme in the palm of your hand and slap it to release the oils. Twist it and place at the bottom of a 10 oz glass (highball or old fashioned bucket) and fill with ice. Strain the drink over the ice. Take a nice big, pretty sprig of Thyme and slap it again before sticking it into the drink as a garnish.

www.elixirsf.com

-Tami

Tagged as: cocktail, cocktail recipe, drinks, organic, organic ingredients, seasonal

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cosmopolitan chic reigns in Guerlain's spring 2008 Fleur de Feu collection. Radiant pinks, berries, and ash grey combine to reflect the modern woman.

The black gold case of the Ombre Éclat eyeshadow opens up to reveal four shades stamped with a bright pink floral design. Whether you want sparkling turquoise, a sandy beige or silvery bronze, the matte and iridescent textures will result in the perfect wash of color.

The unique formula of the KISSKISS STICK GLOSS glides on with the convenience of a lipstick but finishes with a gloss' brilliant shine. Lightly flavored with hints of fruit, the colors of berry, cherry, pink and grape will paint the a portrait of feminine elegance.

www.guerlain.com

-Tami

Tagged as: cosmetics, eye color, eyeshadow, lip color, lipstick, makeup

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

Take the Juicy Tubes World Tour with London fashion designer Christopher Kane! Sought after by Kate Moss and Victoria Beckahm, Kane's energetic designs are now captured in the new Lancôme Christopher Kane Juicy Tubes.

Each of the nine new lip glosses are decorated with an illustration by Christopher. The shades, names and flavors were inspired by Kane’s fashion travels. Each captures the excitement of the hottest cities (Red Hot New York, Fifth Avenue Frosting, Copacabana Coffee, Rio Mango, Grand Café Crème Brûlée, Moulin Rose, Paris Bubbly, Tokyo Plum Blossom, and Peach Mochi).

The Lancôme Christopher Kane Juicy Tubes are available at lancome-usa.com, the five Lancôme boutiques, specialty stores and counters nationwide.

www.lancome-usa.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, cosmetics, fashion, fashion designer, lip color, lip gloss, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leave it to Givenchy to create another playful makeup collection. The 2008 Denim Fétiche is inspired by the modern and sexy spirit of denim. The limited edition topstitched package design says it all.

Don't be fooled by the vivid colors. They're quite easy to blend and all the products complement each other. Denim blues and dark purples give a dramatic flair amidst all the lilacs and pinks that are normally offered in spring makeup palettes. I love all the Accessor’eyes Powder & Cream Eyeshadow Quartets and the Rouge Interdit lipsticks. Each is a beauty product and fashion statement all in one!

www.parfumsgivenchy.com/make_up

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, eye color, eyeshadow, limited edition makeup, lip color, lipstick, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Take advantage of the great Easter sale at Williams-Sonoma! Check out the darling Mini Iced Easter Sugar Cookies - once you munch on one, you can't stop! These tiny buttery cookies are baked in cute Easter shapes (bunny, egg, carrot, flower). They're so adorable that you don't want to eat them, but I still managed to attack a few. Prepared by a small family-owned Canadian bakery, these are made with real butter, fresh eggs, and are hand decorated with royal icing.

For a spectacular Spring centerpiece, the Moss & Strawflower Easter Basket with Chocolate Carrots will spark conversation at the table. The wire and sphagnum moss basket comes filled with six Guittard milk chocolate carrots wrapped in orange-and-green foil. The basket’s rim is also interwoven with marjoram and lavender stems and accented with sunny yellow strawflowers.

If you want to bake your own Easter goodies, the Williams-Sonoma Nonstick Goldtouch™ Insulated Cookie Sheet totally rocks. This baking sheet boasts a durable nonstick Goldtouch™ coating to resist scratches and peeling, while the insulated constriction ensures even browning. The two tin-free steel layers increases heat circulation, so cookies bake evenly throughout and emerge with a light golden crust. It won't rust or warp either. What a wonder baking tool.

www.williams-sonoma.com

Happy Easter!

Tami

Tagged as: baking, baking tools, confection, cookies, dessert, entertaining, food, shopping

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

You don't need to host an elaborate Easter brunch to enjoy the fine confections from Vosges Haut Chocolat. The adorable Chocolate Easter Bunnies will make you smile - choose from the new Amalfi Bunny (lemon zest & pink peppercorn), or take home the Barcelona Bunny (smoked almonds & sea salt).

I didn't believe that pigs could fly...until now. The new Flying Chocolate Pig will make your taste buds sing. If you love the Mo's Bacon Bar like I do, you will appreciate this cute arrival. The solid chocolate pig combines applewood smoked bacon (yum), Alder wood smoked salt and deep milk chocolate (double yum). That's my definition of heaven.

If that's not decadent enough for ya, then go for Bapchi's Caramel Toffee. One of their top-sellers, the salty-sweet combo is a classic fave. I bet you can inhale the entire box in one sitting. The extremely addictive and oh-so-buttery toffee is sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt, then coated with deep milk chocolate. A coating of roasted organic walnuts and pecans provide the extra satisfying crunch.

The Exotic Caramel collection is becoming another favorite of mine. Not just your average caramel, these come in intriguing blends of Aboriginal anise myrtle, bee pollen, Tupelo honey, and blood orange juice. Your senses will be delighted with the whimsical flavors, all bathed in a luxurious layer of butter, sugar, cream, and chocolate.

www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, entertaining, food, gifts, seasonal, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:52 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)

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)

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)

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!

www.coco-luxe.com

-Tami

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

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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!

www.lancome-usa.com

See you at the makeup counter!

Tami

Tagged as: cosmetics, eyeshadow, face powder, lip color, lip gloss, makeup, Makeup Artists, Spring

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another great stocking stuffer, Lou Seibert Pappas' The Christmas Cookie Deck is a great way to celebrate the winter holidays with friends and family. Handy and convenient, it includes 50 easy-to-follow recipe cards that include many classic holiday favorites (Gingerbread, Frosty Snowmen, Lebkuchen, Florentines). The Persimmon-Date Cookies and Embossed Macadamia Stars are also tempting recipes to use for gift bags and party platters. Try the Springerle recipe below - your warm kitchen will be filled with a festive scent of spices...

Springerle

This centuries-old German cookie is stamped with a carved wooden mold to create an embossed design.

2 eggs
2 cups powdered sugar
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tsp. baking powder
Dash salt
Aniseed for coating
Baking sheet

Using an electric mixer with a whisk beater, beat eggs in a bowl at high speed until fluffy. Add sugar and beat until very thick, about 5 to 10 minutes. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and beat well. Place in plastic wrap and chill 1 hour.

Dust baking sheets lightly with flour and sprinkle with aniseed. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough 3/8-inch thick. Dust surface of dough with flour and smooth with fingertips. Press the mold into dough and lift up. Using a knife, cut out cookies and lace on baking sheet. Let dry overnight at room temperature; do not cover.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until white on top. Transfer to racks.

Store in an airtight container up to 2 months.

Makes about 2 ½ dozen.

www.chroniclebooks.com

Photo credit: Frankie Frankeny
Recipe used with permission from Chronicle Books.

Happy Holidays!

Tami

Tagged as: baker, baking, confection, cooking techniques, dessert, entertaining, gifts, holiday, recipe box, recipes, Winter

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm usually a staunch bake-it-from-scratch kinda gal, but the new Williams-Sonoma holiday baking mixes have convinced me to bend the rules a bit. They are so well blended that no one will really know (unless they're the secret baking police) that you didn't really make it from scratch. Best of all, they are also easy to use. It's like fun baking, minus a few tedious steps!

The buttery Classic Sugar Cookie Mix is a great standard mix. No holiday party would be complete without a plate of these treats, whether they're decorated or simply sprinkled with colored sugar. Created by the award-winning Dancing Deer bakery , this all-natural mix is easy to prep – just add butter and eggs. It yields a lot of cookies (about five dozen), so you can decorate them to your heart's content. They can also be stored in the cute old-fashioned decorative tin.

Inspired by the traditional holiday drink, the Eggnog Poundcake Mix has a nice eggnoggy taste, but it's not too rich at all. In fact, you'll be eating more than one slice. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, ground cinnamon and nutmeg are added for an extra holiday oomph. Just add water and butter, and voila! Instant elegant dessert. Great by itself, with hot cocoa, or tea. Or, you can slather on a thick layer of fudgy choco sauce for an ultimate indulgence. Go ahead, you've been nice all year, treat yourself...

www.williams-sonoma.com

See you in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: baker, baking, baking mixes, cake, dessert, entertaining, food, holiday, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Stuck on holiday gift ideas? Check out Christmas Sweets, Georgeanne Brennan's latest book for elegant gifts and entertaining recipes. The notable food author shares over 50 of her favorite holiday recipes, from festive candies and cakes to gorgeous centerpieces.

There are many easy and creative gift ideas (Candy Acorn Kissing Ball), along with decadent holiday treats (Chocolate Fudge, Christmas Petit Fours, Eggnog Ice Cream Profiteroles) that will please everyone. Filled with so many inspiring ideas, you friends and family will be absolutely charmed with their gifts.

Try the refreshing and cheery Peppermint Ice Cream recipe below. It is guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood...

Peppermint Ice Cream

Children—and adults too—are fans of peppermint ice cream. Colored palest pink and dotted with bits of peppermint, the scoops can be served in cones or bowls.

This is especially good with chocolate cake.

2 cups heavy cream
2 cups milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 ounces hard peppermint candies, crushed into small pieces

In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-heat and cook, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved.

In a bowl, whisk the yolks together until they change to a lemon color. Gradually whisk about 2 cup of the hot milk mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Add the peppermint extract, stirring well. Freeze in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream is partially frozen, stir in the candies. Makes about 1 quart.

Recipe used with permission from Chronicle Books.
Photo credit: Richard G. Jung

www.chroniclebooks.com

See you in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: baker, baking, Books, cake, chocolate cake, confection, entertaining, gifts, holiday, pastry art, recipes

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Holiday Shopping Alert!!

Shu Uemura is having a FRIENDS AND FAMILY SALE starting tomorrow 12/13 - save 20% off all items on their website! Just enter the promotion code HOLIDAY07 at checkout (www.shuuemura-usa.com)! Don't miss this great opportunity - stock up on your favorite eyeshadows, the legendary facial cleansing oils, fabulous lashes, and the new pretty lip glosses!

This great online sale is only valid 12:01am EST on Thursday, December 13th through 11:59pm EST on Monday, December 17th (offer is NOT valid on the purchase of gift certificates, taxes, shipping & handling, and in shu uemura boutiques).

Best of all, FREE shipping is available on purchases over $75! Just register online - when you spend over $75, your shipping is on the house. You will also receive advance notice of new product launches, get a shorter check-out process, and all exclusive online promotions (deluxe samples, product offers, in-store events, etc.).

www.shuuemura-usa.com

See you at the makeup counter!

Tami

Tagged as: Cleanser, cosmetics, eyeshadow, holiday, limited edition makeup, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Having a major headache on what to get for your loved ones? Here's a list of holiday gift ideas to help you get through the holiday retail madness:

Vosges Haut-Chocolat has a cute Mini Exotic Candy Bars set that will impress the pickiest chocolate connoisseur. Features nine of their most popular Exotic Candy bar flavors: Red Fire, Black Pearl, Gianduja, Naga, Creole, Barcelona, Oaxaca, Woolloomooloo & Macha.(www.vosgeschocolate.com)

Feed Your Soul cookies lets the gift giver customize the entire process - choose the packaging, then pick the recipient’s favorite cookies, add an inspirational quote and finally pen a personalized note. They will even donate a portion of the proceeds to the charity of your choice. I love the tasty holiday flavors: Gingerbread, Chocolate Chip Mint, Pumpkin Pie (yummy!), S’mores, Chocolate Brownie Chunk, Strawberry Linzers, and the new White Chocolate Cherry Jubilee. (www.feedyoursoulcookies.com)

Recchiuti Confections has a lovely holiday collection of burnt caramel chocolates. Trust me, whoever gets this will LOVE you. The festive winter designs were created by Dave Braden of The Engine Room, a local San Francisco design firm. (www.recchiuti.com)

A celebrity favorite, Lily Lambert created two lines of sensual perfumes - The Master Number Series and The Spectrum Collection. The Spectrum's E perfume is particularly complex, with notes of cocoa, opium, rain, and musk. The #33 in the number series has an ethereal scent of green African musk, Tunisian musk, French vanilla, and sage. (www.lilylambert.com)

Fun and whimsical, Crazylibellule and the Poppies has an intriguing line of solid perfumes that will delight everyone. Worn alone or layered, the Shanghaijava collection includes the following scents: Musk & Patchouli, Ginger & Coconut, Mystic Incense, Litchi Blossom, Spiritual Lilac, Blue Orchid, and Ananas Imperial (my personal fave). (available at: beautyhabit.com, lacremebeauty.com, and b-glowing.com)

For the natural beauty addict, Sundari has two holiday sets that will satisfy any skincare fiend. The healing body care set contains the best-selling Neem and Manuka Body Cleanser, Neem and Blood Orange Body Lotion, Neem and Triphala Body Oil, a votive candle and matchbox, while the skin care contains the Neem and Burdock Cream-Gel Cleanser, Neem and Avocado Balancing Moisturizer, Neem Night Cream, and Neem Eye Cream. (www.sundari.com)

For your special guy, the Sothys Homme Revitalising Hair & Body Care is a great two-in-one hair and body product. Great for travel and the gym, it contains d-panthenol and silicones to ensure healthy, shiny hair. It's also gentle enough for sensitive skin types. (www.sothys-usa.com)

Another worthy men's gift idea is the deluxe Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection . Perfect for both manly and metro types, it features the Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, White Eagle Shave Cream, Ultimate Man Scrub Soap, Lip Balm #1, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, and Facial Fuel. (www.kiehls.com)

Happy Holidays!
Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, gifts, holiday, moisturizer, pastries, perfume, seasonal, shopping, skin care, skin care products

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's that special time of the year to sparkle, and NARS has the arsenal to pull your glam holiday look together. Their new 2007 Holiday Collection is full of shimmery plums and glittery silver, along with pretty crimson shades for the lips.

There's a lot of fun colors to play with for the eyes. The Violetta duo eyeshadow contains a smoky lavender and a soft metaillic violet, allowing you to go for a soft and elegant look, or you can layer for a more dramatic effect. The Cheyenne duo is another winner with a metallic sienna and a gothic plum. I also love the sparkly glints in the Night Rider single eyeshadow.

The Luster blush is a nice golden apricot, imparting a warm glow that will work on most skin tones. For lip color, the Viridiana lipstick is the perfect burgundy shade to carry off the Old Hollywood flair. My favorites are the new Rose Gitane and Bad Education lip glosses - sheer sangria and crimson shades that are just gorgeous. Your lips will be saying 'kiss me!' with these colors.

Another new item to note is the Lip Gloss/Lip Stain Gloss collection. Combining a long-lasting color with a high-shine gloss, these duos create the ultimate sexy pout. Worn separately or together, you can layer the shades to your individual taste. Or get them all to mix and match! The Sandpiper/Daredevil (shimmering amber coral and scarlet red) and the Turkish Delight/Sayonara (pink sorbet, rose petal pink) duos are expecially lovely.

www.narscosmetics.com

See you at the makeup counter!

Tami

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

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

San Franciscan spa addicts are always raving about the stellar services from BellaPelle Skin Studio, and it's no surprise why. Owner Shelley Costantini's vision is to provide superior skin & wax care by using the latest skin care technology. Their very own line of skin care is amazing, and so are the brow waxes. Check out their December Beauty Break promo - 15% off their Cherry Antioxidant Peel!

To combat dry winter skin, the Limoncello Body Smoothing Lotion is wonderfully hydrating, sloughing off layers of dead skin cells. It has a nice, luxurious feel...plus you smell like a lemon drop!

www.bellapelle.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, lotion, San Francisco, skin, skin care product, spa

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