Yes You Can

Every year, I try not to let the holidays go by without giving something back. One of my favorite ways to do so is to donate food to a community food bank. Next time you go grocery shopping, add a few cans of non-perishable, nutritious items to your cart.  Think beans, soup, tuna, peaches or pears, juices.  Go online to find the food bank location nearest you (Feeding America -- formerly Second Harvest -- is just one example). Then drop off your donation. Another way to give back is to give blood. Check
with your local branch of the American Red Cross for details on how and where you can donate.  It's easy, not painful, and can truly save a life. I find that when I give back, I feel like I've been nourished inside.  And we all need nourishment.

 

 

 

 

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Season's Greenings!

 

 

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"Peas" on earth to everyone!

Silk & Cookies

When it comes to holiday goodies, we're probably all guilty of too much, too often, too too. But I've discovered a way to indulge in some fantastic flavors -- including caramel, rich berry, and coconut -- with zero remorse.  OPI's Avojuice Skin Quenchers lotions -- in the holiday Juicie Cuties gift pack -- gives you the softest, silkiest skin, with aromas that will have you craving more.  Included in this package of tiny treats are pocket-size versions of limited-edition Caramel Cream Juicie (a tempting infusion of vanilla and luscious caramel) and new Winter Huckleberry Juicie (a winter-bright, berry cooler), 
as well as Ginger Lily, Cran & Berry Coconut Melon, and Jasmine Juicies.  Pure sin-dulgence.

Loco for Cocoa

I love hot chocolate so much that I think it deserves its very own season. Oh that's right -- we're in the midst of it right now. In my mind, nothing makes a bad day better, a rainy night cozier, or a cranky teenager sweeter than a cup of homemade cocoa with extra whipped cream.  Cocoa from scratch is a luxury -- and really worth the extra bit of effort.  One of my favorite recipes, from Hershey's: 2 Tbsp. sugar, 2 to 3 tsp. cocoa, dash salt, 1 cup milk, 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract.  Mix sugar, cocoa, and salt in a large mug.  Heat milk in microwave for 1 1/2 minutes or until hot. Gradually add milk to cocoa mixture in mug, stirring until well blended.  Stir in vanilla. Grown-ups might enjoy a bit of Bailey's or amaretto in their mug. Top with whipped cream (maybe sprinkled with cinnamon or chocolate shavings), or serve with a candy cane for stirring. And finally, to complete the picture, go with a "chocolate" mani -- OPI Nail Lacquer in I'm Suzi & I'm a Chocoholic. Yum. And yum again.

Lace-to-Lace

How do you make wearing lace fresh and fab?  Layer it.   Lucky magazine
recommends lace on lace for amazing patterns and a "rich, ultra-ladylike mood."  We love how it's so feminine and so alluring.  Want to nail the look completely? Accessorize with nails in deep burgundy-wine William Tell Me About OPI.  Time to lace the music.  

Dress: Dolce & Gabbana; clutch: Nine West

 

Camel-lot Awaits

What makes a classic, a classic? The fact that in some incarnation or another, it never
goes out of style. That it can be dressed up or down and always looks right. That it's as perfect at work as it is at play. And that it looks great on almost every woman. Along with the LBD, the camel blazer is one such classic. Lucky magazine (right) calls it "wildly chic" with a "very grown-up sensibility." We call it terrific taste.

Dream Weaver

Pardon me if I'm on a shoe streak, but this season's offerings are just too good to pass up! Evidence: this totally amazing Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton pump in magenta satin with a silver slipper-satin bow and towering gold heels encrusted with crystals, featured in Vogue.  Dreams are made of this heady stuff.  With a price tag as fabulous as the shoe itself ($1600), you may want to capture the essence of the shoes without emptying your bank account.  Go with OPI's Diva of Geneva on your fingertips, with nail tips glistening in Glitzerland or Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous. Pure enchantment.

 

 

 

High-Velocity Velvet

Remember those velvet party dresses we used to wear as little girls during the
holiday season?  Well get ready for the next "step" in velvet wear -- shoes that look sweetly sexy and utterly divine.  StyleWatch loves pumps, platforms, and peep-toe booties in the richest shades of plum and wine from designers like Cole Haan, Betsey Johnson, and Kate Spade.  What to wear with?  Paint toenails with Suede by OPI Nail Lacquer in OPI Ink. for a very velvety look or Burlesque by OPI Nail Lacquer in Sparkle-icious to really own the party.   

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

 

Happy Spa-lidays!

No time like the present to buy yourself a holiday present.  And if a full day at the spa doesn't fit your calendar or your budget, why not this cute little "Happy Spa-lidays!" pack from OPI. Featuring three of our favorite Avoplex Moisture Replenishing System picks (Avoplex Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment, High-Intensity Hand & Nail Cream, and Cuticle Oil to Go), this little number will leave you with amazingly soft, smooth, soothed hands, thanks to the essence of avocado that goes into each product.  Avoplex replenishes from the "skinside" out -- so you can go back out in the snow and play.

March to Your Own Drumstick

On Thanksgiving -- and always -- we need to march to our own music.  Express ourselves our way.  Be true to our own hearts.  Be thankful for the chance to let our inner light shine. (And get dibs on that drumstick.)  Happy Thanksgiving.