A French Christmas

More Christmas music recommendations. Here are some of my favorites this season.

Sweet-voiced singer Marie Michele Desrosier has two lovely Christmas albums. I downloaded this one from iTunes.

Marie Michele Desrosiers Chante Noel

Another iTunes download, Bruno Pelletier has a live Christmas concert. I downloaded a few songs. The album is an import so it goes for various prices on Amazon depending on the seller.

Bruno Pelletier Concert de Noel

A fun way to get into the French Christmas spirit, this two-volume collection features many French singers. Don’t miss Django Reinhardt’s Christmas Swing on volume 2.

The French Christmas Album Volume 1

The French Christmas Album Volume 2

An Italian Christmas

I love listening to Christmas music. I started months ago. Here are some of my favorite music purchases for this holiday season.

New for this year, Andrea Bocelli brings his earthy operatic tones to Christmas.
Andrea Bocelli: My Christmas

King of the High Cs, Luciano Pavarotti’s Christmas music is a classical treat.
Luciano Pavarotti: O Holy Night

Image you are walking through a snowy Italian village at Christmas. This instrumental CD is dripping with atmosphere.
Christmas in Italy

Grace Magazine’s Guide to Beautiful Stocking Stuffers

Looking for that little extra something to add to your gifts or stuff into a stocking? Here are some small and inexpensive finds from Sephora.

Harajuku Lovers Love Solid Perfume

This romantic fragrance comes in the most adorable packaging. And now, it is in solid form so you can toss it in your purse without fear of spillage.
$18

Korres Jasmine Butter Duo to Go

I love all things Korres. This set includes jasmine shea body butter and lip balm in a sheer neutral pink. All natural and made out of good stuff.

$15

Too Faced Glamour to Go III

‘Tis the season to shimmer. This Too Faced pocket-sized makeup palette contains 8 eyeshadows in lovely shimmering colors, a peachy pink blush, and 4 lip glosses. The packaging is divine.
$19.50

L’Occitane Hands Celebration Set

L’Occitane are my choice for the finest hand creams in the world. This set includes three 1-oz tubes of lavender, shea butter and shea vanilla hand creams. Get a set for yourself. too.
$25

Clinique Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine Set

This set includes five dual-ended mini lip glosses by Clinique. That’s 10 colors of high-quality gloss ranging from peach tones to pinks and plums. What a bargain.
$25

Sephora Color Play Palette II

I could play with this for hours at a time. Sephora’s palette contains 36 eye colors, 12 lippies, 3 powder blushes, and a bronzer.
It’s only 6″ x 7″ so it won’t take up too much precious dressing table space.
$24

Grace Magazine’s Beautiful Gift Guide

Holiday time is quickly approaching. Start your Christmas shopping off beautifully with this handy gift guide.

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II

This cool set includes 16 shadows, 8 of which are limited to this set, two travel-size eye pencils, and a mini bottle of primer potion. Behind the secret door you’ll find a look book.
$48

Urban Decay Apolcalyptic Nail Kit

In this collection, you’ll find seven mini nail colors in a little zippered pouch. Colors are edgy and fun.
$26

Smashbox WISH Eye Wish Palette

This glamorous palette contains 12 powder eye shadows, 4 cream liners and a mini Photo Finish primer. You also get a step-by-step instruction booklet. $1 goes to charity.
$44

Sephora Luxe Noir Brush Set

Sephora’s black clutch contains the tools you need to apply makeup like a pro. You get a powder brush, concealer brush, foundation brush and 3 double-ended eye brushes. So, you’re really getting 9 brushes in this six-piece collection.
$69

Chanel No5 Forever Worldly Gift Set

If you want to buy me something (tee hee), this three-piece Chanel No5 collection is just the thing. The set features eau de parfum, body cream and bath gel in the classic fragrance.
$98

All gifts available at Sephora.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!
May all your holiday dreams come true.

Sincerely,
Grace Magazine

‘Tis the Season for Gingerbread

Here’s a simple gingerbread cake recipe to spice up your holidays.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/3 sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 tablespoon marmalade
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
pinch of salt
1 cup whole-wheat flour
confectioner’s sugar to dust

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

• Line and 8-inch square cake pan with waxed paper, grease lightly with butter and dust with flour. (I don’t have a square pan, so I use an 8-inch round pan and the recipes turns out fine)
• Combine butter, sugar, dark corn syrup and marmalade in a saucepan over low heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
• In a bowl, beat together eggs and milk, then stir in the syrup mixture.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the self-rising flour, baking soda, spices, salt and whole-wheat flour.
• Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until just smooth. Do not overbeat.
• Pour into cake pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
• Allow to cool in the pan.
• Remove from pan, peel off the wax paper. Sprinkle the top with confectioner’s sugar. Cut into squares and serve.

Gingerbread is wonderful served with pears and whipped cream and a nice strong pot of tea.

Detail of Christmas Tree

Just thought I’d share a close-up picture of my Christmas tree.

That’s me reflected in the purple ball, taking the picture.

Only 10 days until Christmas.

Forzieri – Italian Luxury Goods

When holiday shopping for friends who appreciate quality goods, try Forzieri.com, the Italian luxury-goods seller.

Here are some fine examples of merchandise worthy of wearing to holiday parties:

Stunning Shoes:

Forzieri Cream Cap-Toe Italian Leather Chain Pump Shoes, $335.00
Forzieri Black Suede Pump Shoes, $298.00

Silver Accessories:

Loriblu Metallic Silver Evening Clutch w/ Chain Strap, $232.00
Forzieri Four-Row Swarovski Crystal Silvertone Elastic Bracelet, $149.00
Julia Cocco Silver Metal Mesh Ring Handle Beaded Evening Bag, $248.00

Gold Accessories:

Ileana Creations Green & Gold Swarovski Crystal Drop Necklace, $290.00
Ileana Creations Retro Swarovski Crystal Gold Plated Fashion Ring, $75.00

All items are made in Italy, but Forzieri ships to America and accepts U.S. dollars.

Hangover Cures

Got the post-New Year celebration blues? Here are some tips for the biggest hangover day of the year:

1. Rehydrate – Drink lots of water to replenish your body and soothe your poor liver.

2. Eat fruit – It’s the fastest way to get vitamins back into your system and restore your blood sugar.

3. Sleep – When you’ve had too much to drink, you may conk out but you’re not getting quality sleep. The next day, try to catch up on your REMs.

There is no cure for the common hangover, but you can ease the symptoms. Good luck.