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Jurlique To The Rescue for the Holidays and New Year - San Francisco

Did you know that Christmas is less than a week away? Yes, you heard me right. The 25th is here in six days, and 2013 will be here in just about two weeks. With the year end and the holidays fast approaching, I'm sure most of you can relate to the twelfth-month stress syndrome! During this time, we are trying to connect with friends and colleagues at holiday parties, while coordinating those last-minute travel and family-visiting plans. On top of all this, we're still not done with holiday gift shopping, and we're attempting to tie up all those loose ends to start the new year off fresh. 

With all this going on, it's no surprise that we aren't looking quite as fabulous as we could be. With late nights come festive times, which translate to lack of sleep, and not-so attractive dark circles. We're also probably not drinking as much water or getting as much sleep as we should be. I know I'm guilty of this. And like Madonna, my skin is screaming..."Rescue Me". 

Good news, is that there is a helpful solution. For those of you who live in or near San Francisco, you can visit the Jurlique Wellness Day Spa and store at 2136 Fillmore. Enjoy a spot of tea and lavender cookies, while browsing all the holiday gift sets, or enjoying a much-needed beauty treatment. Jurlique gift sets are a true token of love, and your gift recipient (and their skin) will thank you for it. In addition to a flexible price point for every shopper, the gifts come beautifully wrapped and make quite the luxurious statement.

 

Now that I've helped with those last-minute gift ideas and beautifying-treatment tips, you'll have to figure out who's giving you that much-needed ride to the airport. Sorry, can't help you there. 

Holiday Sets are specially priced from $39-$225 (Regularly $56-$473)

A top seller includes the Age Defying Set 

Purely Age-Defying Essentials

What every woman wants… luminous, more youthful-looking skin. Treat your skin with high performance anti-aging plant botanicals and potent natural ingredients to help to smooth wrinkles, firm and strengthen skin to deliver you youthful, even toned and luminous skin.

• Specially Priced at $125.00 Valued at $180.

The Set Contents:

• Facial Serum, 30ml

• Ultra Firm and Lift Cream, 50ml

• Eye Cream, 15ml

Key Ingredients:

• Beech Tree Bud Extract is rich in peptides, helps to strengthen the structure of the skin creating a firmer, healthier looking complexion.

• Rock Samphire Extract is rich in mineral salts and essential vitamins, is known for its retinoid-like ability to help support skin thickness and  reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Jurlique 

2136 Fillmore Street  

San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 346-7881

Top of The Mark's Holiday Tea Time Returns - San Francisco

Enjoy “Holiday Tea” for the adults, or “Magical Tea” for the kids in celebration of the season at Top of the Mark's world-renowned 19th floor sky lounge located on top of Nob Hill. 

The holidays at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins are celebrated with decorations, gingerbread houses, carolers, and the return of holiday tea at the Top of the Mark lounge. For the entire month of December, the iconic Top of the Mark offers a traditional “Holiday Tea” and a special “Magical Tea” for kids featuring delicious sweet and savory bites by Executive Chef Christophe Depuichaffray and Pastry Chef Phoung Vuong in addition to a selection of specialty teas.

Rewinery - Affordable Home Wine Delivery in San Francisco

Rewinery may have just become my new San Francisco BFF and it's Romy (the cat) approved. Two bottles of selectively-curated wine delivered by bike anywhere in San Francisco within your chosen time frame for only $30. My order impressively arrived within an hour of placing order by a friendly (and extemely fit) cyclist.

Now until 9/28, use code "foodfashionista2" for $15 off to make it ONLY $15 for two bottles of wine and delivery directly to your front door. The French Seguin Blanc de Noirs (pictured above) is only available thru the weekend, so act fast if you want some sparkling bubbles in your life.

Cheers, to Rewinery.

Gilt City San Francisco Beauty & Wellness Week 8/20-26

Summer is winding down and that means Fall beauty trends and looks are on the horizon. At last night's Gilt City Beauty & Wellness Week Preview soiree at Benefit Cosmetics on Fillmore, the fabulous experts at Benefit shared their beauty tips and insider secrets on having that flawless face and rockin' body (minus the cupcakes, but it's all about balance, ladies). Lucky for everyone, Gilt City's largest week ever of beauty/spa/fitness/wellness offerings have now begun and are not to be missed with exclusives at up to 50% off.  

PICS from Preview Party at Benefit Cosmetics, Fillmore :

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illy Coffee + MonoArabica + Marcus Samuelsson Heat up SF Chefs 2012

Thank God for illy coffee this past weekend. The crowds came out in full effect to Union Square for the fourth annual SF Chefs - San Francisco's most anticipated culinary festival. It was non-stop action and the caffeine definitely came in handy. It's hard to believe that it was already four years ago since then Mayor Gavin Newsom and Bay Area-local Tyler Florence were cutting the ribbon on opening night. Back in 2009, we didn't know what would become of SF Chefs, but fast forward to 2012 and I'm happy to report that it has gotten better, even more delicious than ever. 

                           illy's Master Barista Giorgio Milos

SF Chefs is no longer just a celebration of local chefs, but a gathering of food and beverage industry talent from near and far. In fact, one of the first events to sell out this year was the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony hosted by Scandinavian-raised, New York-based Chef Marcus Samuelsson with Italian illy Master Barista Giorgio Milos. You can't get more international, culture club than that. Samuelsson noted that Ethiopian coffee has recognizable citrus and floral notes, and it's a must that you cook coffee beans at the correct temperature. If not, they will burn. Drinking coffee in Ethiopia is taken seriously, and it's not just a quick 5-10 minute occurence which you often see here in the United States. In Ethiopia, Samuelsson says that it's often an hour or more beginning with the process of washing raw, unwashed coffee beans and then roasting them on a fire.

      Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony at Espressamente illy Cafe

At SF Chefs, Samuelsson also hosted an illy's Explorigin event with San Francisco star chef Chris Consentino. They, along with a chef from the CIA prepared courses incorporating illy's MonoArabica coffee with local ingredients and the result was absolutely divine. The morning crowd was wide awake and hootin' and hollerin' "Yes, Chef" and oohing and aahing while tasting the prepared dishes - which included Consentino's Prather Ranch Veal tartare with coffee, mushrooms and dried blueberries, and Samuelsson's coffee-cured duck breast with Matsumoto peaches.

Consentino's veal tartare with illy coffee, blueberries, mushrooms

              Samuelsson's illy MonoArabica -cured duck breast

Throughout the weekend, the gracious, fashionable Samuelsson -the new illy MonoArabica Brand Ambassador was decked out in signature illy red either in button-up leather vests or high-top chucks (Converse). He credits his fashion-industry wife for assisting him with his outfits and it's no surprise, he was named one of Vanity Fair Magazine's Best Dressed. Despite the bright and colorful crimson clothing and accessories, Samuelsson's generous spirit and infectious energy is what makes him a constant standout. In addition to being a James Beard Award-winning chef, and author of several cookbooks, with a recent memoir, Yes, Chef, he is also a philanthropist who finds it a priority to give back to the community. 

   Decked out in YSL & Gap in San Francisco's Union Square

The collaboration with illy seemed a natural fit, since both Marcus and the origins of coffee were born in Ethiopia. While interviewing Marcus, he noted that "Illy is committed to finding the best coffee beans in the world and their MonoArabica line is the best of Brazilian coffee, Guatemalan coffee, and Ethiopian coffee." He was happy to see Ethiopian coffee finally "getting the recognition it deserves with a brand such as illy" and although he moved away from Ethiopia after he was adopted as a young child, he mentioned that he and his wife still go back every year with the various charities they work on.

 Food Fashionista Interviewing Samuelsson - the new illy ambassador

During SF Chefs, the illy Lounge was the hot place to be. At any given moment, you'd find the industry's most-notable talent getting their conversation and coffee fix on in the stylish illy Lounge. Spotted in the chic, contemporary gathering spot were industry folks such as Charles Phan, Consentino, Thomas McNaughton, Drew Nieporent, Dominique Crenn, Martin Yan, Tyler Florence, and the legendary Cecelia Chang. 

    Cecelia Chang - a woman who definitely lives happ(illy)

  Tyler Florence chatting with Samuelsson in the illy Lounge

With illy-coffee desserts prepared by local patisseries and illy single-origin coffee being brewed all day long, how could you resist. I mean, when someone is offering you a Devil's Chocolate Cake with illy-coffee frosting and a whimsically-decorated latte, are you going to say no. I don't think so.

              Devil's Chocolate Cake with illy Coffee Frosting

Even if you didn't make it to SF Chefs this year, you can still discover the excitement of illy's new MonoArabica coffee which consists of three single origin beans from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Guatemala. They are each unique and come alive with distinct characteristics born of region-specific soil, altitude, rainfall, sun and cultivation profiles. The notable Aroma, taste and body vary from origin-to-origin, country-to-country, to create a wonderfully satisfying effect in the cup. As an appreciator of beautiful aesthetics and great taste, illy has been a brand that I've chosen to experience around the world and even in my own home. Their collaboration with contemporary artists have resulted in some gorgeous masterpiece coffee cups. With illy, it's not just about drinking a cup of coffee, it's the entire experience - from smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound.

 

If you are in San Francisco, you can sample the new MonoArabica coffee at:

espressamente illy

123 Battery Street
San Francisco (CA)

 

Learn more about the exciting world of illy HERE

 

SF Chefs 2012 Demos with Cuesa - Pickling, Beer Pairings & Sweet Inspiration

If you're looking to satisfy your culinary desires, but don't think you have the budget to attend a fancy food festival, think again. SF Chefs 2012 is holding demos and classes to fulfill the gastronome cravings in all of us and tickets are only $28-$35. From lamb and beer pairings to incorporating seasonal finds at the Farmers' Market into desserts, you'll find it at SF Chefs Demos.

Eye on the Bay's SF Chefs Preview Series: Lamb and Beer Pairings

Date: Saturday, July 14th at 2 PM

Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3739990412/eorg

About: Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). Food Network Chef Tom Pizzica will be cooking up outrageous lamb dishes that pair perfectly with Almanac beers. Presented by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)
URL: http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/events/07/14/lamb-beer-pairings/

Eye on the Bay's SF Chefs Preview Series: Sweet Inspiration

Date: Saturday, July 21 at 2 PM

Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3739990412/eorg

About: Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). There may be nothing better than finishing a meal with a perfectly ripe peach or plum—but including these gems in a composed dessert takes stone fruits to a higher level. Pastry Chefs Francis Ang (5th floor), and Luis Villazelazquez (La Victoria Bakery) will share how to incorporate these seasonal delights into sweet finales.  Presented by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)
URL: http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/events/07/21/sweet-inspiration/

Eye on the Bay's SF Chefs Preview Series:Fickle Pickle

Date: Saturday, July 28 at 2 PM

Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3739990412/eorg

About: Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). Join Wise Sons chefs Evan Bloom and Leo Beckerman and Namu Gaji’s Dennis Lee for an exploration of this affordable technique for preserving and adding pizazz to your Farmers Market finds. Presented by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)
URL: http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/events/07/28/fickle-pickle/

Food Fashionista's DIY Origami Money Ring

I'm Japanese. I take lots of photos, I like raw fish, and yes...I know how to make origami. For those of you who are like "wt* is origami", according to Wikipedia, it's a " traditional Japanese art of paper folding which started in the 17th Century AD". I just remember it as a hobby from my childhood. I'd have a stack of square-colored paper in metallic, pastels, neons, and neutrals and I'd have my origami book and I'd make stuff. Cranes, boxes, yachts (okay, row boats), and rings.

I recently made a ring out of a dollar bill (above), and my friends just loved it. A few chefs I know even wanted to show their kids. And that, my friends is a good thing, since I've found that dollar-bill origami is actually a fantastic way to keep kids entertained at the dining table. Not everyone wants their little ones to bring their video games or coloring books into restaurants, but someone, somewhere always has the dollar bills in their pockets or purse.

Just make sure to carry some $1's or the kiddies may be sporting some pricey origami bling.

For instructions on HOW TO MAKE A MONEY ORIGAMI RING, visit HERE 

Jimmy Choo Boutique - Union Square, San Francisco

Originally featured in Citysearch SF's New & Notable

Oh, Jimmy…what took you so long? We’ve been waiting for years.

Choo shoe lovers can rejoice as Jimmy Choo finally opens its first 1700 square foot stand-alone boutique in San Francisco. Most well-known for their stylish stilettos, this British luxury brand will also offer handbags, accessories, and fragrances in their boudoir-inspired Union Square location.  The natural-colored décor accompanied with lavish, contemporary mirrors and chandeliers make the perfect backdrop for the season’s collection of ultra-bright footwear and leather goods. Chic techies will love the exclusive black and white crystal-encrusted “TYLER” iPad case ($495). 

                                                Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

JIMMY CHOO

166 Geary St
San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 391-3300

Yoku Moku Cookies - a Food Fashionista Favorite

Since I was a young girl in Japan, I loved my Yoku Moku. A light, buttery cookie - each individually wrapped like a dainty sweet omiyage (gift). This lovely confection comes in the popular cigar shape, in addition to flat with a chocolate filling. After finishing the cookies, I would always keep the tin to store collectibles including jewelry or stationary.

Yoku Moku is a gift that will be loved by all. It won't ever be a re-gift...unless it's an entirely new tin all for yourself.

Available at Saks, Neimans, Bergdorfs, Shirokiya (Hawaii) & of course at Yoku Moku boutiques in Japan.

Benkyodo's Strawberry Mochi has Arrived - San Francisco

 

With the exception of this torrential storm, Spring time has arrived in the Bay Area. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the annual Cherry Blossom Festival is right around the corner. In addition, one of my favorite sweets has come back to attack (the waistline). From now until Summer, Strawberry mochi is being prepared and offered daily at Benkyodo.

When many Americans hear the word "mochi", they immediately identify it with the boxed ice cream dessert which has a ball of cold, dense mochi wrapped ice cream. Although I do ocassionally indulge in this frozen treat, even having consumed the green tea version the other day, when I think of mochi, I have visions of ultra soft, freshly pounded, steamed mochi rice like I used to gleefully enjoy as a child in Japan and here in San Francisco.

Fortunately for all of us, we all don't have to jump on a plane to Tokyo to get the fresh stuff. We have Benkyodo. This Nihonmachi staple was one of the original shops to open in San Francisco's Japantown back in 1906 and it's still here over 100 years later. Thank God.

Just be warned: there is a cult following for this confectionary, and it does run out, so get there early, or go during the weekdays to get your fix. One Strawberry Mochi will cost you $1.25. Although, many are satisfied with one or two, I usually get 4 to eat throughout the day. Oink.

 

Benkyodo

1747 Buchanan Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 922-1244

Monday - Saturday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Closed Sundays