Celeb chef and culinary curator Giada De Laurentiis helps you find delicious gifts for all your foodie friends in this gastronomic gift guide. Now you’ll finally know what to get your hard-to-please brother with an endless stomach and your mother-in-law who isn’t satisfied by a cliché fruitcake. From a cast-iron panini press to a hors d’oeuvre serving board, Giada’s Target gift picks are a no-fail way to satisfy amateur eaters, seasoned chefs and everyone in between.

After all, the holidays are about family, festivities, friends and food. Mix those four ingredients together and you’re sure to have an unforgettable celebration.

1. The New York Times Cookbook 2. Wall Mount Spice Rack 3. Mr. Coffee Pump Espresso Maker 4. Giada De Laurentiis for Target Cast-Iron Panini Pan with Press  5. Circo Cheese Serving Board with Tools 6. All Wood Pizza Paddle 7. Giada De Laurentiis for Target Stainless Steel 14-pc. Cutlery Set 8. Giada De Laurentiis for Target Box Grater 9. Vic Firth Gourmet Marble Rolling Pin 10. Wavy Rim Salad Bowl with Salad Hands 11. Michael Graves Marble Grinder 12. Norpro Stainless Steel Vegetable Chopper 13. Divided Wood Platter 14. Giada De Laurentiis For Target 10pc Aluminum Cookset 15. Black & Decker Chrome 3-in-1 Grill, Griddle & Waffle Maker

Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Thanks to A Bullseye View. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Last night, w watched the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at home. The show, held at the Lexington Armory in New York, was amazing! Once again, the designers came up with another creative design and theme and the beautiful ladies (the VS Angels) strut their stuff on the runway. The VS Angels look incredible! It seems that each event is getting bigger and even better. I really enjoyed the Mermaid and the Fairy themes most.

Performing at the show was Jay-Z, Kanye West, Maroon 5, and Nicki Minaj.






I love all the wings they made.




The dark angel costume was pretty. Dark and Sexy!


VS Fashion Show Runway Highlights



Photo Credits:
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Richard Corkery/New York Daily News
Brad Barket /Associated Press 

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving weekend and that you got what you want from the Black Friday shopping. Yes it was a super duper busy weekend!


Anyway, remember my previous post I shared on how to get Audrey Hepburn's famous hairstyles with Samy hair products? Well, I was recently given the opportunity to try out The Hairspray and the Ultra-lightweight Conditioning Serum. And now I want to tell you what I thought.



The Hairspray

This spray adds extra volume and body while keeping hairstyle in place throughout the day. It provided a workable hold and high shine without any sticky build-up or residue. I hated that flaky residue so much and had tried so many different hairsprays before. This also contains anti-frizz formula and was perfect in keeping my frizzy hair in place. When I'm out for a dinner party and I want some nice wavey curls, The Hairspray is great! It gives a nice soft, touchable hold.

Features & Benefits:
- weightless, non-beading formula
- won't build up or flake
- specially formulated with conditioning agents and humectants
- contains sunscreen to protect hair from harmful UV rays
- adds flexibility, shine and long-lasting firm hold
- perfect for any hair type





Ultra-lightweight Conditioning Serum

This lightweight conditioning serum was perfect for my frizzy hair, especially after my shower and being outside from the cold winter weather. It really calms those frizzies! The serum also instantly hydrates and smoothes the hair cuticle. It provides my hair a nice polished finish (and no build-up). Looks like I've just stepped out of a salon.

Features & Benefits:
- great for any hair type: curly, wavy, or straight
- no heavy build-up
- gives hair fullness, body, and bounce
- instantly hydrates and restores moisture
- smoothes frizz for polished finish







WHERE TO BUY?
Samy Salon products are available at Walgreens, Rite Aid, and select drugstores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned Samy Salon products from the PR Firm/Company in exchange for a review of my opinion. The expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Ready to stuff your face with the sweetest sweet potato soufflé you’ve ever tasted? A southern specialty and Thanksgiving Day necessity, this hearty casserole is more dessert than main dish. Usually packed with butter and sugar, Ellie Krieger – host of Food Network’s “Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger” – cuts a third of the calories but keeps the flavor. Now you won’t feel too guilty about that second helping. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sweet Potato Soufflé with Meringue Topping

Prep time: 25 minutes; cook time: 60 minutes

Makes 8 servings

What You’ll Need
3½ lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
⅓ cup honey
1 large egg, slightly beaten
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground salt
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
2 large egg whites
¼ tsp. cream of tartar
¼ cup superfine sugar
A handful of marshmallows (our own sweet addition!)

What You’ll Do:

STEP 1: Heat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

STEP 2: Steam sweet potatoes – fill a large pot with 3 inches water. Insert a large steamer basket into pot and top with sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil; cover pot and steam potatoes 14 to 16 minutes, until tender.





STEP 3: Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and cool slightly. Add honey, egg, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg to bowl. Beat with a handheld electric mixer until smooth. Spread into baking dish and bake 30 minutes.





STEP 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl with an electric mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Add sugar 1 tbsp. at a time, beating for about 10 seconds between additions. Continue to beat 4 to 5 minutes until stiff peaks form and meringue is smooth and glossy.





STEP 5: Remove sweet potatoes from oven and place on a heatproof surface. Using a spatula, swirl meringue over hot sweet potatoes to cover completely. Here, we added a handful of marshmallows on top of the meringue. Return baking dish to oven and bake 12 to 15 minutes longer. Once meringue is set and lightly browned in spots, it’s ready! Dig in.






Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info and access to images and recipe from the PR firm to share. Thanks to A Bullseye View. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

I was recently contacted by !mo Camera Straps and was introduced to their new camera straps. After reviewing the website, I was impressed by the variety and styles available. As per the shop description, these unique camera straps are trendy, comfortable, and great quality. Indeed these are very stylish and fashionable.






Features:
- quick release straps that are strong enough to hold over 120 lbs
- for straps without quick release, more than 180 lbs can be supported
- all straps & products are designed in Hong Kong & handmade in China
- compatible with most cameras
- materials available in Cotton Tape, Neoprene, Leather, Fabric, or Jacquard Ribbon
- all straps & products are designed in Hong Kong & handmade in China.

About !mo:
!mo = In My Opinion

iMoShop is based Hong Kong. And because many of us love to travel & take photos, they have come up with this idea of fashionable camera straps to customize your style and to match your personality.

{Where to Buy}

iMo Camera straps and products can be purchased online via iMoShop on Etsy or directly through their website at www.imostrap.com.

Readers of The Art of Jennie Yuen receives 20% discount using code jennie20






{Giveaway}

iMo has generously provided my readers a chance to win one of their unique camera straps of their choice. Chosen winners will be selected by Rafflecopter via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Open to US, Canada, and Hong Kong. Contest ends December 27, 2011 (12:01am EST).

Please wait while Rafflecopter form loads...
You must complete the mandatory entry to unlock the optional entries.





Check out www.verified.codes/Etsy for discounts on your Etsy purchases.

Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

My DeviantArt Gallery


Digital painting and photo-manipulation using Photoshop CS4. Various stock resources and references used. I imagined myself as a wizard so I decided to create something of myself in a fantasy world with magic spells.

When I was introduced to DNAEGF Renewal skincare products, I wanted to find out more, especially for skin regeneration and how it can recover my skins youth. I was also given the opportunity to try a travel-sized sample tube of the DNA Intensive Renewal and the DNA Night Renewal. I feel that my skin is getting dry rough as I am getting older, so I want to see some results.

After a few days of using the product, my skin felt softer and my skin was hydrated. With the harsh and dry winter weather, the DNA EGF Renewal really helped regenerate my skin. Both the lotion is lightweight and gentle on my sensitive skin. Thanks to Dr. Ronald L. Moy, who is the master behind the skincare line.









DNA INTENSIVE RENEWAL


Damage Control & Recovery for Radiant, Refined Skin - It is a lightweight day and lotion with a liposome delivery system that targets the skin's natural DNA repair processes and infuses skin with optimal hydration to counter signs of aging.

The results from using DNA Intensive Renewal are visibly plumper, more supple and hydrated skin, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, more even-toned, younger and healthier-looking skin.

DNA NIGHT RENEWAL


Intensive Regeneration and Heightened Cell Repair - It is a rich nighttime lotion with an advanced liposome delivery system to maximize cell repair during the body's sleep cycle to recover skin's youth. DNA Night Renewal effectively induces cell regeneration and counters photo-agin damage to restore skin vitality.

It also offers high levels of bio-advanced DNA repair enzymes, peptides, and botanical actives to boost youthful cell turnover for a healthy lipid barrier. It is ideal for dry and stressed skin for nighttime use.

About Dr. Ronald L. Moy

Dr. Moy is a renowned Scientist, Researcher, Dermatologist, and Cosmetic Surgeon. He founded DNAEGF on the basis of his extensive research and lifelong commitment to skincare and clinically proven regimen that that effectively repairs photo damaged aging skin. DNAEGF is a futuristic approach to skin renewal and protection that targets the visible signs of aging by diminishing wrinkles, evening skin ton and improving texture. The result is dramatically healthier, firmer, and more radiant skin.


Disclosure: I received samples of the mentioned products at no charge from the PR firm / company in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

If you are a fan of fantasy art, I have created some FREE 2012 full year calendars featuring my artwork. You can download whichever ones you like or you can download all of them if you wish. Enjoy! ❤



   

The holiday season is filled with parties where you’ll want to look your best without spending tons of time or money – neither of which are abundant during this busy and expensive season. Reveal a new, more beautiful you for the holidays with a few simple and affordable tips from celebrity makeup artist Amy Oresman.

Everyone wants to make a splash during the holidays, the key is to concentrate on making your skin look beautiful and then accessorize with some fun pieces.

The holidays can take a toll on your appearance. De-puff, conceal and brighten dark circles around your eyes for a rested, refreshed look with the multi-tasking Neutrogena Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector.



For notice-me eyes all day and night, use Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner to define and brighten eyes with luminous color that glides on smoothly and transforms into long-lasting finish that won't budge.



If you’re hoping for a New Year’s kiss at midnight, you only need one week to get softer, rosier and healthier-looking lips with Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm. This sheer tinted balm with exclusive ion2complex™ instantly moisturizes lips, leaving them looking fuller and more defined.


Visit http://www.neutrogena.com/category/event/holiday/cosmetics.do for more holiday makeup must-haves and ‘tis the season savings.

Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the company or PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.