Rachael Ray's Blog, page 75

NYC Asian Food Crawl

Half the fun of discovering a new restaurant is sharing it with people you know will enjoy it. As Rachael Ray’s resident restaurant guru, here’s an inside look at what I report back to Rach about some of my favorite restaurant finds and food experiences!

From: Kappy

To: RR

Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2013 1:34pm

Subject: NYC Asian Food Crawl

Hey Rachael -

As you know, it pains me when I have too many places to go and not enough days to do it. Enter, the food crawl. As you also know, I’m a big Asian food fan. What started out as a quick bite with a friend turned into a few quick bites - one with a friend, and two solo.

It all started at Pok Pok Wings on Manhattan’s Lower East Side - a place that literally only serves Thai-style wings and papaya salad. This was Chef Andy Ricker’s entrance into Manhattan, via his Portland outpost. This concept (and menu) then grew and headed over to Brooklyn. In between my visit and my writing this note to you, what was once a wing-centric location is now Pok Pok Phat, which focuses on Phat Thai, featuring 5-plus options to be exact. Are you following? When it was wing-specific, I popped in and tried both the Thai-style wings (pictured above) and papaya salad and they rocked my world. [image error] To say that I need to pay a visit to his newer Brooklyn restaurant is an understatement - I can’t wait!

From there, I cruised over to Café Asean, which claims to focus on Southeast Asian cooking, spanning Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore to be exact. While picking at the fantastic crispy shrimp dumplings [image error] and the chicken with basil, I got into conversation with the server, who was telling me about one of his favorite Thai restaurants. I’m a sucker for Thai food, so I basically stopped eating to save a little room for his Thai recommendation. Café Asean came recommended from a colleague and it’s a cool little place if you’re looking for some unique Asian food in the West Village.

From there, I headed right over to Zabb Elee in the East Village and posted up at a seat at the kitchen counter. I ordered my favorite Thai item (when a Thai place has it): Thai-style beef jerky. You’ll sometimes see it listed as Neua Dad Deo - it’s essentially marinated strips of dried beef that they then deep fry until crispy and cooked through, and it’s amazing! I also picked at a crispy pork dish whose name escapes me, but if you ask for a spicy crispy pork dish, they will know. Actually, be careful, their spice level is pretty true to Thai standards and when you say medium, that is most people’s spicy. Tread carefully!

And that’s what’s on my plate!

~ Kappy

Pok Pok

127 Columbia Street

Brooklyn, NY 11231

(718) 923-9322

www.pokpokny.com

Café Asaen

117 West 10th Street

Manhattan, NY 10011

(212) 633-0348

www.cafeasean.com

Zabb Elee

75 2nd Avenue

New York, 10003

(212) 505-9533

www.zabbelee.com

Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan loves food. A professionally trained chef, by day he runs Yum-o!, Rachael Ray’s charity focused on kids and cooking, and keeps special projects running smoothly for her. By night he hops course to course, place to place, all across the country. He’s Rach’s own personal dining guide! You can also follow Kappy on Twitter to see what’s On Kappy’s Plate in real-time!

3 Kings Day Craft Ideas!

3 Kings Day is traditionally celebrated on January 6th, although it varies from country to country. It commemorates the 3 wise men visiting the Baby Jesus. Children like to celebrate this special day by leaving treats for the camels that carried the Magi. In return, they are rewarded with presents and candy left in their shoes under their beds.

Materials:

Metal paint bucket

Cardstock

Glue

Glitter

Ribbon

Shoe box

Posterboard

Buttons

Embroidery thread & tapestry needle

Kids’ shoes



Water for the Camels

Even with it’s storage hump a camel can get pretty thirsty traveling across the desert, so it’s tradition to leave a bucket of water under one’s bed for it to drink.

Draw or print camel shapes onto cardstock—I found my camel outlines on Google.

Cut out the camels using scissors for the big cuts and a craft knife for the more intricate cuts.

Make a loop by gluing a strip of cardstock on the back.

Decorate the front of the camel with glue and glitter. Let glue dry completely.

Thread a ribbon through the loop.

Tie the ribbon around the bucket in a pretty bow. Fill with water and place under the bed the night of January 5th.

Hay for Camels

The camels will need a snack for their long journey, so leave them some hay. Decorate a shoe box with paper and glitter, fill with hay, and leave it under the bed.

Paper Crowns

Honor the Three Kings with some fancy paper crowns. Fold a scrap piece of cardstock in half and draw half a triangle. Unfold. Use a quarter to draw a circle at the top of the center of the whole triangle. Refold. Cut the half triangle and half circle. Unfold. This will give you a symmetrical shape. Trace this cut-out shape on a piece of posterboard to make the points of the crown.

Once one crown is made, use that as a template to make multiple crowns. While they’re flat decorate the crowns.

Attach ribbon to the crowns by sewing a button with embroidery thread. Use the ribbon to tie the crowns snugly onto someone’s head.

Presents in Shoes

Don’t forget to leave some shoes under the bed for some special treats when you wake on January 6th!

Find me, Evette Rios, on Facebook!

Rosca De Reyes for 3 Kings Day!!!!!

Every year I get on the campaign trail, no I am not running for public office…yet! Instead I try to get my family WHOLE family to downgrade their Christmas celebrations in favor of the fun, traditional and insanely more affordable, Día De Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day. And every year I get SOME family members to jump on the bandwagon.

Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, is celebrated 12 days after Christmas (the end of the 12 days of Christmas), this year it is on January 6th and marks when the three wise men, Gaspar, Balthasar & Melchior (great Biblical trivia to know) came on camels to bring baby Jesus gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold. Three Kings Day is celebrated all over the world, but in Latin America it was a bigger holiday than even Christmas! Unfortunately because of all the hype around Christmas more and more families are adopting December 25th and turning their backs on the wise men. I say, lets bring back the Kings!

For one reason, the way that the holiday is celebrated is so traditional, quaint and charming and all about QUALITY time with one another versus QUANTITY. Children leave food (grass and corn) and water for the camels, who are hungry and thirsty from their long trip across the desert, and in exchange the kings leave them gifts, hopefully not just frankincense, myrrh. But in this day and age, one of the best reasons to celebrate Three Kings Day is the tremendous sales there are after Christmas that Three Kings Day celebrants get to take advantage of, and I am all about the cheap and cheerful holiday!

After a family dinner, which we will be having this evening, we traditionally would make a sweet bread ring, called Rosca De Reyes (or Roscon De Reyes) and baked INSIDE of the bread is a little figurine of the baby Jesus.

Then the ring is cut and everyone gets a slice. Getting the baby Jesus figurine is bitter sweet, because not only do you receive blessings, but it also means that you are responsible for hosting a shin dig on February 2nd for Candlemas Day (Día de la Candelaria)! Who doesn’t love a party?

Here is a wonderful recipe for Rosca De Reyes, serve it with coffee or hot chocolate and leftover slices are delicious toasted and served for breakfast! I have even made french toast from the leftover Rosca and it’s delicious!!!!

On the 12th day of Christmas, January 6, celebrate 3 Kings Day with a delicious Rosca, a sweet bread with a little plastic baby baked into it. The person who gets the baby is sure to have good luck—or will be the one to host next year’s 3 Kings Day celebration.

Ingredients

Bread:

2 (0.25 oz) packages active dry yeast

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

1/2 cup butter, melted

5 egg yolks

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

Glaze:

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons milk

Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm milk, and let sit for 10 minutes—until it’s creamy.

While waiting for the yeast, grate the lemon zest making sure to just use the yellow part of the skin.

In a separate bowl combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and lemon zest.

Melt the butter and let it cool a little; it should still be a liquid, but not piping hot. Mix into the yeast bowl. Add egg yolks. Mix to combine. Add the flour mixture one cup at a time.

Once all the flour mixture is added, combine so the dough no longer sticks to the bowl.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth—about 8 minutes. Make dough into a ball.

Put a couple tablespoons oil into a large bowl and roll the dough ball into it until it’s covered; this keeps the dough from drying out.

Place the bowl in a warm place with a damp cloth covering it until the dough doubles in size. This takes about two hours.

About a half hour before the dough is done rising, mix the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar to make the filling. Once the dough has risen, roll it out in a long strip 6″ wide by 30″. Spread the filling from edge to edge.

Make the dough into a tube by pinching the sides together. Tuck the plastic baby into the dough.

Join the ends of the dough to make a ring. Place on a greased and floured baking sheet, seam side down, and place a greased and floured coffee can in the center to keep it’s shape.

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Bake for 30 minutes—until golden brown.

Let the bread cool completely. Mix the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice and milk until smooth. Pour over the bread and let it dry.

Happy New Year! Write a Postcard to Your Future Self

Last year I hosted a small New Year’s party. Instead of making everyone come up with resolutions I had my guests write postcards to their future selves. Some wrote hopeful notes about the upcoming year, some wrote resolutions, some wrote to their significant others, and some were just silly. The plan was to mail them just before the next New Year’s Eve, so everyone could get a note from themselves one year later.

Materials

Postcards

Bag or box

Pens



Postcard stamps

All you need to set this up for your party is a stack of postcards (preferably from your town or city), some pens, and a container to place the written cards. My container was a simple paper bag with the instructions written on it. I was going to make a fancy decorated box, but I ran out of time making snacks and setting up the bar for the party. My guests got the idea despite its humble presentation.

Once your guests have written their notes (make sure they put their own addresses on the cards), place them in the bag, and save them until the following year.

Just make sure you put them in a place where you can find them in a year, get some postcard stamps, and send them off.

Happy New Year!

Find me, Evette Rios, on Facebook!

Bob Chinn’s Crab House

Half the fun of discovering a new restaurant is sharing it with people you know will enjoy it. As Rachael Ray’s resident restaurant guru, here’s an inside look at what I report back to Rach about some of my favorite restaurant finds and food experiences!

From: Kappy

To: RR

Sent: Friday, November 28, 2012 4:46pm

Subject: (Suburban) Chicago’s Finest

Hey Rach -

I don’t even know where to start with this place. Bob Chinn’s is an institution, not only in the suburbs of Chicago, but in the minds of people across the country. It’s been around for about 30 years and has the freshest seafood you’ll find in the area. As a matter of fact, they have trucks they send to the airport to meet fish that they fly in from Hawaii. The owner, Bob Chinn, is Hawaiian and is one of the smartest and best restaurateurs I have ever met. He has staff that has been with him since he opened and this man is all about hospitality. This place is one of the highest grossing restaurants in the country, directly attributable to its incredibly fresh seafood and top-notch service.

I’ve traveled the menu from here to there and back again, trying tons of different items, always depending on the day and season. They literally have certain fish that they only serve for a couple weeks out of the year and are known for their Mai Tai’s, which you can take home, and their garlic rolls, which grace every table. [image error] The last time I went, I tried the scallops with chili sauce as an appetizer and the Cantonese Lobster with a side of fried rice as my entrée. I’m telling you, this place is the real deal. I’ve been coming here for over 20 years and it still amazes me to see this operation. One time when you’re in Chicago, I’ll drag you out here. I can’t wait! [image error]

And that’s what’s on my plate!

~ Kappy

Bob Chinn’s Crabhouse

393 South Milwaukee Avenue

Wheeling, IL 60090

(847) 520-3633

www.bobchinns.com

Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan loves food. A professionally trained chef, by day he runs Yum-o!, Rachael Ray’s charity focused on kids and cooking, and keeps special projects running smoothly for her. By night he hops course to course, place to place, all across the country. He’s Rach’s own personal dining guide! You can also follow Kappy on Twitter to see what’s On Kappy’s Plate in real-time!

Fast Fashion Fixes

Okey dokey we’re in the final stretch of getting all dolled up, partying ‘til we drop, and dealing with those annoying little fashion 911s that always happen at the wrong time.  But fear not, Gangnam Style fixes are here.  Gangnam Style she says???  That’s correcto.  I did some research to find out exactly what Gangnam Style is so here you go:  Gangnam means south (nam) of the river (gang) in Korean and it’s become the wealthiest area in South Korea.  So Gangman is seen as where peeps are rich, girls pretty, fashionistas rule, all is cool and you have ‘swag’.  So, with that as my inspiration I share some fast ‘n cool ways to deal with your fashion malfunctions, dance the nite away and avoid a possible night behind bars (and I’m not referring to your fave drinking hauntsJ).  Wuppa Gangnam Style. ..…and Happy New Year!

1.   Deodorant marks on your ‘lil black dress?

Use the foam rubber from your dry cleaning hanger or baby wipes

2. Pills on a sweater?

Rub in one direction with nailbrush or pumice stone

3. Wrinkles?

Turn your flat iron into a mini press for your cotton or polyester tops. Lightly spritz with water …always best to err on holding iron a shorter time to insure you banish and don’t burn away those wrinkles

4.   Static cling?

Rub with a fabric dryer sheet

5.   Loose button?

Apply a coat of clear nail polish on top of button’s threads

6. Stuck zipper?

Apply lip balm to zipper teeth and rub it up and down several times. You can also use a pencil since the lead acts as a lubricant…Be sure to do it multiple times or you’ll wind up like moi ‘stuck’ on Today Show with Kathie Lee ‘n Hoda…Oh well, that’s why I’m known as The Accidental Housewife and not Martha LOL!

7.   Tangled jewelry?

Lubricate with few drops of baby oil and work tangle through with a safety pin. May take a few attempts. Wash oil off thoroughly with water when done.

8. Lost earring back?

Snip pencil eraser into small discs and use them in place of your lost back and you’re good to go

9. Broken stilleto heel?

Instant crazy glue-Hey if it can hold a guy in a hard hat to a steel beam, a heel should be no problemo! Just take a test step or two before you start doing Psy’s Gangnam Style. Crazy Glue doesn’t adhere to ALL surfaces so barefoot may be this eve’s Gangman style!

10.Lipstick stains on collar?

Hopefully it’s your shade on your significant other’s collar or you’ll be in need of a different fix,  but in hopes it’s yours, place a piece of scotch tape on it, press down on mark and quickly remove. You may have to do this a few times. Then sprinkle some baby powder and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the oil. Launder par usual…BTW if you also leave a blood stain, hydrogen peroxide will do the trick (on white shirts only as it’s a bleaching agent) and remember to wear gloves so you don’t leave any fingerprints!

For more tips from The Accidental Housewife visit Julie’s tips

Party In Style

It’s that time of year again—the end of it!—and wondering what to wear on New Year’s Eve is a hard to decision to make. And once you’ve chosen your outfit, how are you going to wear your hair and makeup? So rather than worry about finding the perfect outfit to ring in the New Year, why not take inspiration from three always chic Hollywood beauties.

1. Classic Up-do and the LBD

When all else fails, nothing beats a little black dress. It’s chic, sexy, and it always looks good with a sophisticated up-do. Make like Natalie Portman and opt for a classic French Twist—I recommend Redken Fashion Work 12 for keeping stray hairs in place. The formula is dry and lightweight, and doesn’t leave your locks with a sticky finish. For a final touch, finish with matching red lips and nails.

2. High Ponytail and a Pop of Color

Nicole Kidman loves a high ponytail, and she always looks stunning. This New Year’s Eve, pair a tightly pulled back pony (placed at the highest point of your head) with a bright dress. I recommend Living Proof ‘s Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream. The lightweight formula keeps your tresses shiny but won’t weigh them down. Plus, a pop of color from your outfit will keep the look fun and flirty.

[image error]

3. Sparkly Mini and a Big Bun

If a more traditional NYE outfit is more your style (the sparklier the better!), add a touch of glamour with a high, oversize bun. Salma Hayek oozes beauty, and looks beyond amazing with her high bun. And if you don’t have long locks, don’t fret, just add a hair extension. Easihair hair extensions are simple to use and add length and volume to locks.

Floyd Cardoz; Christmas with a Top Chef Master and his Brussels Sprouts Hash

Floyd Cardoz, Top Chef Master Season 3, won the nation over with his charm and continues to win them over with his clean and honest flavors served up at his restaurant; North End Grill in New York City.

Photo by Asian Art Museum

Recognized by his peers for bringing unfamiliar flavors from his motherland ‘India’ and incorporating them on his menus (at times boldly and at times with the subtlety of a whisper), he is credited for expanding the American palate.

With a vast culinary background which includes his classical training, working his way through kitchens in India, his experience at illustrious New York City restaurants and then the opening of his own restaurants; Tabla and now North End Grill, there has been a lot of ink around his name. Yet to meet Floyd, is to feel like you are meeting a long lost friend and so for the conversation to be uppity and formal would be anything but natural.

As I sat at his restaurant and enjoyed exotic touches to mainstay dishes, we talked about kids, travel and Christmas time at the Cardoz home. “Most people are surprised that I celebrated Christmas in India, I come from a Catholic family and this was our biggest feast” said Floyd.  Floyds roots are from Goa, in the Southern part of India – a part of India that was colonized by the Portuguese and has a large Christian population. Christmas for him in India was a day to gear up for a huge family spread. The family would get together, the beers and wine opened up and spirits were high as everybody eagerly awaited the family lunch. There was the universal turkey to mark the occasion and then there was an array of Goan specialties, such as, Sorpatel - Goan Pork Stew, Sannas - a steamed coconut and rice cake and other proteins ranging from Pork Vindaloo to baked chicken.

Many miles away today, at his home in New Jersey, Christmas continues to be an important celebration for Floyd and his family. He continues to make some of those family festive staples, but opts for the less spice intensive dishes to embrace the milder palates of his kids.

Floyd shared with me, his recipe for Brussels Sprouts Hash. For those of you who think you know it all when it comes to Brussels Sprouts, think again. These sprouts do not fall victim to overcooking and as a result do not yield that offensive whiff. On the contrary, the finely shredded sprout is bright and given a quick flash in the sauté pan with chili flakes, curry leaves and a nutty textured lentil. This gives a classic Christmas dish quite a make over and the aroma will open even the pickiest of palates.

Recipe for Brussels Sprout Hash

Ingredients

3 + 1  tablespoons Canola oil

1 tablespoon split black beans (Urad dal)

1 tablespoon split yellow peas (Chana dal)

½ tablespoons Mustard seeds

1 teaspoons chili flakes

1 tablespoon minced Shallots

1 tablespoon minced Ginger

1 tablespoons fresh minced Chilies

3 tablespoons water

8 cups Brussels sprouts sliced thin on mandolin

Method

1) Place a small sauce pan over low heat and add 3 tablespoons oil and beans. Heat oil slowly with the dals

2) Add the mustard seeds when dals start to color.

3) Cook for 1to 2 minute and add chilies flakes cook for 30 seconds. Add the ginger shallots and chillies. Season with salt and cook slowly.  Add a little water or stock and cook so the lentils lose their crunch. (this can be done up to a day before )

4) Place a large sauté pan over moderate heat and add the I tablespoons canola oil and the Brussels sprouts and stir fry for 2 minutes add the lentil mix and continue to cook until tender (approximately 4-7 minutes more)

5) Season with salt

Saira Malhotra, is of British–Indian descent and is a chef, food writer and cooking instructor based in New York City. Raised in Hounslow, U.K, or rather ‘Little India’, where the air is aromatic with roasted spices, little did Saira know these moments would follow her from being a student in France and Italy to residing in NYC with her husband and kids and parlay themselves unexpectedly in to a culinary career. She is a graduate of the International Culinary Center in New York City. Come visit her at her food blog: www.passportpantry.com where she shares approachable and international recipes

5 LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING!

Ok, all you procrastinators (of which I too am one!) there’s only a few more shopping days left ‘til Xmas and Kwanza so clearly your fingers are going to have to do most of the walking. But, rather then go for the tried and true why not turn your last minute gift buying into a do good deed!  Here are 5 ways from some amazing companies I’ve worked with to give those in need the help they need be they two or four legged creatures and they range from as little as .25 to $25 .  So read on and spread some glove! Happy Holidays!

2012 Aflac Holiday Duck $10-15:  Helping Pediatric Cancer Research ‘n Treatment Worldwide. C’mon who doesn’t smile when you hear that Aflac duck quacking ‘Aflac’!  This little 6-or 10-inch plush version is a terrific stocking stuffer for young and adult alike which will enable you to hear that melodic quack anytime you wish.  To date, its’ raised over $3 million dollars since 100% of the net proceeds is donated to the nearest pediatric cancer hospital in the region where the duckie is sold.  PLUS this year for the first time, Monica, a child with pediatric cancer designed this cutie’s wardrobe.  So get quacking and pick one up either by waddling on over to Macy’s or online.

PetSmart Charities $25: Helping Homeless Animals in Need. This is the perfect gift for the pet lover on your list (including you!) particularly since PetSmart Charities is rated in the top 1% of charities by Charity Navigator.  It’s received their highest 4-star rating for ten consecutive years so you don’t have to wonder where that money is really going. Just $25 will save a shelter pet’s life by giving them shelter space, food and crucial veterinary services. ‘Tis a paw-fect holiday gift J

Kiva $25:  Helping working entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Worldwide in Need Succeed. Kiva is a non-profit organization, which for the past seven years has used the internet to connect people in financial need both in the U.S. and 66 countries around the world succeed. All you do is purchase a $25 Kiva gift card online for your family or friends and then they go online to choose an individual a loan that can change a life. Could say it’s the gift that keep on giving!

Flintstones Vitamins $.25!!!!  Helping 10 million kids in need of Vitamin A worldwide get it! What I LOVE LOVE LOVE about this one is that it’s a terrific way to teach your children the act of giving versus getting! Since their (my son and mine growing up as well!) favorite vitamin has launched a new charitable initiative with Vitamin Angels called 10 Million Stronger.  The goal is to get Vitamin A which is a leading cause of child mortality and blindness to 10 million children in need worldwide.  So grab your kiddie and go to Flinstone’s Vitamins Facebook page and make a donation pronto-saurus!  AND for as little as 25 cents you can protect a child from vitamin A deficiency for one full year. So watcha waiting for:  yabba dabba DO IT NOW

CARPET ONE BREAST CANCER WELCOME MAT $24.99: Helping find a cure! I am particularly proud of this one since I was asked by the folks at Carpet One Floor and Home to partner with them to design a welcome mat of which 25% of the proceeds goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  It makes a terrific hostess with the mostess holiday gift.  And, it features my signature cocktail: the dirty martini so the mat will keep dirt at bay literally, and  if you indulge in one of my fave ‘tini’s it will make your family’s, best friend’s, and/or your home look mahvelous J

Here’s to decking the halls with giving ‘n good cheer…Spread the glove!

For more tips from The Accidental Housewife visit julie’s tips

Head to Toe: Your Comprehensive Beauty Gift

Looking for a last minute gift? With only a handful of days before Christmas day, picking the ultimate present can be more tough than fun. However, this comprehensive, tip-to-toe beauty list is full of presents that pamper every part of the body, and are all my personal favorites.

1. Nuxe Fondant Body Scrub

Ideal for the main man (or woman) in your life, this luxe body scrub contains almond and orange flower petals, orange zest, lychee kernel and walnut shell powder to exfoliate your limbs and leave them smelling like you’ve spent a day at the spa.

[image error]

2. LORAC Sweet Temptations Holiday Palettes

These lip, cheek and eye palettes aren’t just full of beautiful, highly pigmented shades; the case looks like a cute candy wrapper! A definite way to get into the holiday spirit.

[image error]

3. Bliss Softening Socks

These super cool softening socks are gel-lined and infused with olive oil, grape seed oil, and vitamin E, so they’re ultra cushioning AND hydrating. Perfect for the girl addicted to heels.

[image error]

4. Clinique Chubby Stick

We’ve taken care of the body, but how about prettying it up? Clinique’s Chubby sticks are a cult favorite amongst beauty editors, and are the perfect mix between a lipstick and balm. Plus, they’re extra hydrating, which is ideal for winter. And they make great stocking stuffers!

5. Florame USB Diffuser

Unfortunately it doesn’t store your data, but this innovative USB works as a transportable oil burner—just without the danger of a flame! It’s perfect for an office or hotel room, and you can change oils according to your mood.

6. Redken Powder Refresh 01

Perfect for any on-the-go gal, this dry shampoo leaves oily locks fresh and doesn’t look gray when used on brunettes.

7. Rodin Olio Lusso Crema

Looking to splurge? This luxurious hand cream is perfect for someone special, and is full of skin soothing essential oils such as jasmine, neroli, apricot, sweet almond, and jojoba. Not to mention, the scent is so divine there’s no need for a perfume.

[image error]

8. Fresh Rose Face Mask

We all need to be pampered, and whether you’re a busy mom that applies her face mask while making dinner or can enjoy some quiet time in the bath with a good book, paying some extra attention to your complexion is important. This mask smells divine, and works on all skin types.

9. Chanel Coco Noir Eau de Parfum

Known for their classic No. 5 fragrance, Chanel has released a new, sexier scent. Housed in a chic black bottle, Coco Noir has notes of bergamot, grapefruit, rose, and jasmine, creating a seductive yet masculine scent.

[image error]

10. Deborah Lippmann Rock This Town Nail Set

Deborah Lippmann is known for her sparkly nail polishes, and this set is perfect for the festive season.

[image error]