We all know at least one person (maybe yourself) who thinks of themselves as the most fabulous thing walking the earth. This same “fabulous” friend is probably even bold enough to walk through an airport sporting a belly-bearing half top like British singer Rochelle Wiseman. Talk about being unique! Would you do the same? Let’s be real, some of us would.

But how do you decide on a gift during this holiday season that makes a woman such as this stand up and take notice and won’t rip your pocketbook to shreds? It’s none other than this stunning, crystal-encrusted nail polish from Nails Inc. shade seen here is London Prochester Square ($19.50, sephora stores).

And remember, nail polishes have become the number one go-to beauty item as written about in TREND WATCH: Hot Nail Hues, so it only makes sense to capitalize on its popularity and cleverly package it to put even more of a spotlight on this beauty category. Your oh-so-fabulous friend will love it! And she’ll want to keep it as a collector’s item because it’s that special. Read more…

Hue Knew It? I did. Become a HueKnewIt.com FaceBook Fan & Follow me on Twitter: @hueknewit for product giveaways. Don’t miss out on your chance to win! Subscribe to receive my Hue Knew It Newsletter and get your weekly beauty fix.

A Change In Economy: Why Is Nail Polish The New Lipstick?

Solange Speaks On Her Most Stylish Looks For Lucky Mag [PHOTOS]

Not going anywhere over the Labor Day weekend?? Don’t worry, we have a handy guide from allyou.com on how to make your vacation at home feel like you’ve traveled far and rejuvinated yourself completely.

Do schedule something special every day, even if it’s just a trip to the new coffee shop in town. Other ideas: a hike through the woods, a museum visit or a leisurely lunch with a friend.

Here’s how to make a DIY at-home spa!

Don’t resolve to tackle a long home-repair to-do list. Unless DIY projects are your passion, you’re likely to end up resenting that you used your time off to do work around the house.

Do entertain with a film festival. Pick a genre, and rent a movie for every night of the week. Pop corn with a twist―you can find recipes for pizza-flavored and cinnamon-chocolate popcorn at allyou.com.

Do indulge in your local cuisine. You’re saving money by not travelling, so why not splurge―at least one night―on a nice restaurant in your area that you normally go to only on special occasions.

Do get the kids into the act. Have them pick a name for the family “hotel,” then get them to make a welcome sign. Kids can pick pretend jobs such as front-desk clerk (they can check in “guests”) and room-service waiter (help them serve breakfast in bed to family members).

Don’t check in with work. So you can truly feel away, avoid contact with your colleagues.

How to take time out for YOU!

Do embark on a manageable project. Maybe you’ve been meaning to perfect your chocolate mousse recipe. Here’s your chance.

Fore more recession friendly ideas click here!

Color’s the name of the game and Physician’s Formula has taken a bold step in this direction with their Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner Pop Collection (seen here Pop Hazel Eyes & Pop Green Eyes, $10.99, ulta.com). The collection is also available in Pop Blue & Pop Brown). To enhance the color of your own eyes or the ones you borrowed for a day, use individual shades from the appropriate Shimmer Strip to illuminate your eyes, or have a little more fun and combine the shades from the bold palettes to make a dramatic statement.

To create eyes that pop, PF suggests you follow these steps:

Step 1. Sweep a medium shade over lid as a base.
Step 2. Apply a light shade to brow bone and inner eye corner to highlight.
Step 3. Use a dark shade to line upper and lower lash line with pointed top of applicator. For dramatic results and longer lasting wear, lightly wet pro-sponge applicator before sweeping over powder.

A sexy, sheer lip color is always in season and who wouldn’t appreciate the gift of eight choices in Stila’s Lip Glaze Color Set ($25, ulta.com)? This set gives you 50% more than their previous sets. You get four of Stila’s top-selling shades and four limited, holiday-exclusive shades. I just gotta have it.

You may want to keep the E.L.F. Cosmetics 100 pc. Eyeshadow Palette (eyeslipsface.com) for yourself, but since this palette only costs $10, buy two of them and give one to a friend. What you get is 100 eyeshadow colors, and the necessary accouterment like a mirror and eyeshadow applicators. Make this the perfect gift by adding Sephora’s portable I Love Sephora Brush Set ($29 -not pictured here). Use these great brushes anywhere, anytime.

Click here to find out what gift takes the place of a one hour facial and costs half as much.

Hue Knew It? I did.

We’ve found 5 drink recipes for you to try at home. Pair the drinks with a meal or pour yourself a cup and snuggle into the couch. Either way, get into the holiday spirit with these delicious Christmas cocktails – but only if you’re of age!

CHRISTMAS COOKIE COCKTAIL
1. Drizzle chocolate sauce on a chilled martini glass.
2. Add 2 oz. White Godiva Vodka, 2 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream, 1/2 oz. Peppermint Schnapps and 1/2 oz. half and half
3. Garnish with a miniature candy cane or chocolate shavings.
___

RED HOT SANTA-TINI
1. Rim a martini glass with cocoa powder with a pinch of cayenne pepper added.
2. Shake together 2 oz. Mazama vodka and 2 oz. Godiva chocolate liqueur and pour into glass.
3. Top with 1 1/2 oz. sweetened whipped cream.
4. Garnish the cream with a small Thai chili pepper.

9 Christmas Tree Alternatives For 2009
___

BACARDI COCO BUTTER SHOT
1 part BACARDI COCO
1/2 part butterscotch schnapps
1/2 part half and half
1. Shake ingredients with ice and strain into chilled shot glass.
___

MISTLETOE & HOLLY COCKTAIL
1. Spear twelve cranberries, three onto each of four bamboo skewers or heatproof swizzle sticks.
2. Pour cranberry juice (1 1/2 cups) into a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
3. Lower heat, add creme de cacao (1/4 cup) and peppermint schnapps (1/4 cup) and stir to blend and release some of the alcohol. Continue to cook over low heat for exactly 1 minute.
4. Pour the hot beverage into footed glass mugs and place a small dollop of whipped cream (1/4 cup) in each.
5. Garnish with cranberry skewers and use a fine-mesh sieve to gently tap a light dusting of matcha over the whipped cream. Serve hot.

HB’s Luxury Gift Guide
___

HOT EGGNOG
1. Heat milk (1 quart) just until small bubbles form without boiling.
2. Beat egg yolks (4) with sugar (1/3 cup) until light and fluffy. Add salt (1/4 tsp.) and hot milk and mix well.
3. Place over low heat or hot water and cook, while stirring, until mixture thickens (excess heat and long cooking will cause it to curdle).
4. Beat egg whites (4) until stiff, gradually adding the sugar (1/4 cup).
5. Fold whites into hot milk mixture.
6. Stir in bourbon or rum (1/2 cup). Serve hot with a dash of nutmeg.

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

From BlackVoices:

It’s that time of the year again where food, folks and fun are in abundance. When we’re not relishing in the music, morsels and mayhem of the holiday season, we usually like to gather around to catch up on some of our favorite holiday flicks. Check here to view a gallery at Black Voices of our picks for Favorite Holiday films.

How To Survive Family Holidays

9 Christmas Tree Alternatives For 2009

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

HelloBeautiful is making it’s list and checking it twice because we always know who’s been naughty and who’s been nice – especially when it comes to celebrities. As the year comes to a close, we’ve looked back at 2009 to bring you who we think has been the naughtiest of all and most deserving of a stocking full of coal.

10. FRANKIE: Keyshia Cole’s mother, with her larger-than-life personality, made her debut on TV a few years ago, but it was in 2009 that she called not one, but two 20-something men her “boyfriend,” attacked Chilli from TLC without reason, and broke down on-air on the BET Awards red carpet.

9. FANTASIA: This year, her “naughty” outweighed her “nice.” Sure, her new reality show is set to air and we congratulate her on that, but what about stealing someone’s husband and tattooing his name on her chest? She tried to cover it up by claiming it was a rumor but pictures don’t lie.

8. SHAQ: First, it was said he was creeping with not one, but two wives/baby mama’s of other NBA players! Then, it was revealed that a stripper was living with him while his wife was away. Did he really think Shaunie, who he raises 6 kids with, would stick around? She filed for separation…AGAIN.

7. LIL’ MAMA/KANYE: No doubt, they made watching the MTV Music Awards bearable. But from Lil’ Mama jumping on Jay’s stage simply because she was “feeling it” to Kanye West snatching the mic out of winner Taylor Swift’s hand, even we felt the disrespect they showed their fellow artists was a little overboard.

6. NAS/TYRESE: “To have and to hold, through sickness and health!” But, where in the wedding vows does it mention child support? If it doesn’t now, the actions of these men are reason enough to add it. Nas tried to block Kelis’ request for a monthly $72,000, but failed. And Tyrese let his wife walk away empty-handed after their 10-month marriage, as well.

5. MATHEW KNOWLES: We always knew something wasn’t right about that man, despite his ability to conceive hit-making machines. But maybe that’s where he went wrong – he tried to create another superstar, but forgot to do it with his wife. The extramarital affair lead to a paternity test and unfortunately, a divorce filing.

4. ALICIA KEYS & SWIZZ BEATZ: These two have been flaunting their love all over the place and all that would be fine if…he wasn’t still married to Mashonda. He said: They’re separated. She said: (via Twitter and to Alicia) “You know what you did…” Alicia, however, is the only one who has yet to respond publicly. Feeling guilty?

3. TIGER WOODS: The usually super-private golfer had one bad overexposed week…and his world turned upside down. He tried to tell us that the reason for his 2am car crash was a “private matter,” but we knew there was more to the story. Thirteen alleged mistresses, several lost sponsors, and one divorce filing later, we know the truth.

2. LIL’ WAYNE: He fathered three kids by three different women (Nivea, Lauren London, and some other chick) in one single year, has yet to confirm a marriage to any of them, and heads off to jail in two months. The fact that he makes great music doesn’t seem to mean as much as it used to. Deadbeat dads need not enter 2010. Thank you.

1. CHRIS BROWN: You already know…

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

Even though they smell good, real Christmas pine trees can be a hassle. Fallen needles from the branches messy up your floor, and watering it to make sure it simply stays alive until December 25 can be tedious. Fake trees are just plain tacky and take all the spirit out of the holiday; besides, you’re not fooling anybody.

If you’re gonna go faux, you might as well go all the way…and be creative while doing so.

Here are 9 alternatives to your traditional holiday tree. Check below the gallery to find out where to buy!

How To Create A Bowlful Ornaments

Pamper Yourself This Holiday Season

The “Africa” Tree

Hammacher’s Upside-Down Tree

Estilo Tealight Tree

The Cardboard Tree

Buro North’s “Green” Tree

The “PossibiliTree”

‘Tis the season to be jolly … with shorter list and on a budget.  The last minute dash to the finish line can make for impulsive and reckless spending. This season’s best gifts are the ones you give of yourself or should help make the world a bit brighter.  Which is why I just couldn’t resist sharing a few last minute beauty deals, online departments store bargains, tax deductible gifts and coupons for all.

“BEAUTY WITH A CAUSE” L’Occitane Moments in Africa soap set gives 100% of the purchase to the “United to Save Sight” campaign $8   The Body Shop’s Kind Heart Hand Cream heals chapped hands and young people across the globe. Proceeds go to EPCAT USA, which helps provide protection and care to children at the risk of sex trafficking $10. Although, World Aids Day has come and gone, MAC Viva Glam Lip Kit will still give 100% of the proceeds to the MAC AIDS fund to support women, men, and children living with HIV and AIDS $22.50.

“DEPARTMENT STORE BEAUTY DEALS” Lord & Taylor Beauty Sale, Macys gift sets,  or gift with purchase, Nordstrom Last Minute Beauty Deals, Dillards – Holiday Deals on Allure Best of Beauty Winners,   Barneys Witty Holiday Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Beauty, Bloomingdales Holiday Shop,  and last but not least Saks Fifth Avenue Beauty.  “

SOMETHING DIFFERENT” Not into the beauty thing, shop at eBay Giving Works you can buy, sell and donate anything for a good cause. A to Z Deals has all types of coupons,

“OUT OF TOWNER” Take a peek at  the legendary NYC Holiday Windows in the comfort of your own home.   Enjoy a safe and happy holiday shopping!   I’ll leave you with the video “The True Meaning of Christmas” an old school favorite .

There are many, many people who will be expecting holiday gifts from you this season and that list may also include co-workers. According to Mahalo.com there is proper etiquette for workplace gifts, here are the top 5 rules.

Top 10 Christmas R&B Songs

1. Set a spending limit. You don’t need to break the bank buying gifts for your co-workers. You want to give a “token” of your appreciation. Expensive gifts can also make your co-workers feel uncomfortable as their meaning can be misconstrued by the recipient and other co-workers.
2. Do not give items that are too personal. Don’t give clothes, toiletries or perfume. Even if you’ve got a massive crush on your cubicle neighbor, now is not the time to express it. Don’t make anyone feel uncomfortable. Keep your gifts professional.
3. Don’t give the boss anything expensive. You don’t want to give your boss anything that will look like you’re trying to curry his or her favor. Your boss also knows how much you make. He or she isn’t expecting a bottle of Cristal. A nice note, a book or a gourmet food item will suffice.
4. Don’t disobey organizational rules. Some larger corporations actually have rules about gift-giving. They either set limits on the amount that can be spent on gifts or disallow it altogether. If you’re not sure whether your offices has rules about gift-giving, consult your HR department.
5. Give gifts to close friends outside of the office. If you have a special bond with a co-worker and want to give him or her a more personal gift, do it outside of the office. Keep your personal relationships and feelings in a personal space.

Best Trends of 2009

Check out the hottest celeb pics on the net:

As we get deeper into the holiday season, it seems like there is an increased need to step up our social wardrobe. Special events, parties and work gatherings are happening in abundance, so its important to make sure that your look is up to par. Here is your go-to guide for how to look like a million bucks at your next event. We’ve got you covered on the hottest dresses for this holiday season, and where to get them.

Here is our top ten list of the best holiday dresses at two different price points.

For our recessionistas:

For A Holiday Date: Dorothy Perkins $36

This angular sleeved mini dress is a hip, trendy way to ring in the holiday season.

For Family Parties: Forever21 $30

This dress is perfect for family events, where photo ops are inevitable. Coordinate, and show off your Christmas spirit with this festive dress that is charming and stylish but still appropriate for the home/family holiday atmosphere.

For Work Events: Topshop $80

For work functions, it can be difficult to find a look that will transition well from day to night. This cute dress from Topshop manages to serve that purpose. It has a classic cut that will work under a jacket throughout the work day, though once the jacket comes off, the sleek figure fitting details, and exaggerated shoulders give it a sexier feel that is still appropriate for a work event.

For Cocktail Events: Arden B $78

This little red number is just the thing to spice up a holiday cocktail party. It is effortlessly sexy and constructed to be form fitting and flattering at the same time, with its centered gathering.

For Black Tie Events: Adrianna Pappell $178

A black tie affair will require that you spend a little more than normal on a gown, but you can still do so on a minimal budget. This look by Adrianna Pappell is intricately draped, giving it a couture feel, with a department store price. It is elegant, sophisticated and perfect for very formal evening events.

For our budget free ballers:

For Cocktail Events: Herve Leger $2,070

Light up the cocktail party circuit in this signature body hugging HL piece. This gold sequined bandage dress is perfect for a holiday cocktail party, as it is sexy and festive all at the same time.

For Formal Events: Just Cavalli $370

There is nothing better than a well fitted black dress.  This Cavalli piece is sculpted to perfection, providing a sultry silhouette that will make you the center of attention at even the most formal of black tie events. If your job has planned an ultra formal affair, you can maintain effortless sophistication while providing mass sex appeal in this dress.

For Work Events: Tibi $345

This dress can easily be worn with a jacket throughout the day, and alone at night for an after work event. Its tuxedo-esque look makes it appropriate for work wear, while its playful sexy top makes it appropriate for a gathering with co-workers.

For The Holiday Date: Alice + Olivia $525

If you are heading out for a romantic holiday-time date with your significant other, this dress is a great option. The ruffles give it a playful feel, and the strapless top shows off just the right amount of skin.

For Family Events: Ralph Lauren $220

This chic wrap dress is ideal for family gatherings. It captures the holiday spirit without overdoing it. The rich color is perfect for the occasion, and the design is still stylish.

7 gifts for the new people in your life

6 rules of regifting

The holidays are here and if you haven’t begun planning your vacation time by now, you should definitely consider embarking the brand new cruise ship of the Royal Caribbean fleet, The Oasis Of The Sea. At 1,181 ft long, 236 ft high (above the water line), and 225,282 gross tons, the ship is several times larger than the Titanic and currently the worlds largest passenger vessel. Considering all the amenities inside, it’s as overwhelming as it sounds, but definitely worth it. It truly is a city on water.

Some of the floors, or “decks,”  are themed, while others strictly hold rooms for guests. Every floor displays a touch screen guide and map that not only gives you directions from Point A to Point B, but gives you a schedule of happenings around the boat, and makes restaurant recommendations.

At the 16th floor, you can enter the Solarium, an outdoor haven of relaxation that offers a Bistro cafe, focusing on delicious but healthy food, 2 whirlpools suspended 136 feet above the ocean, and draped cabanas facing outwards toward the sea. The Sky Walk takes you around the perimeter of the entire ship, where you can view almost all of the 21 pools(!) aboard, including the first ever at-sea Beach Pool (with a sandy slope and saltwater). The Sports Zone gives you the opportunity to practice your surfing skills on a stationary Flowrider, go miniature golfing, play basketball and ping pong, or test your risk-taking limits by hanging on to the first at-sea Zip Line.

Not pictured are the wedding chapel and reception area, gym and spa, library, card room, ice rink theater, main dining room, child and infant-care wing, and several bars (there’s more than enough!)

The 15th floor, the Teen Zone, is the go-to spot for all adolescents. Here, they’ll find their very own club Fuel, complete with an ice cream bar and lounge seating, as well as the “Living Room,” where a flat-screen TV hangs off the wall, Rock Band, Wii consoles and Foozball tables are at their disposal, and a studio is available to create, practice, and play music.

On Deck 8, you’ll see the ships very own replica of New York’s own Central Park, complete with an art gallery, the first ever at-sea park, as well as Coach store, crystal canopies, and tons of real flora and fauna.

Deck 6 is the “Boardwalk,” its centerpeice a Carousel – each piece took 6 – 8 weeks to carve, sand and paint all by hand. There is also a donut shop, ice cream parlor, Johnny Rockets, Seafood Shack and an amazing view of the Rock Climbing Wall and Aqua Theatre where water shows take place and performers do flips and dismounts of off dive platforms and suspended trampolines.

Deck 5 presents the “Promenade.” And it is as glamorous as it sounds, with the Rising Tide Bar that slowly elevates and descends between the 5th and 8th floor as you enjoy a drink or two, as well as a Champagne Bar.

At Deck 4, “Entertainment Place,” you’ll find the Opal Theater (which seats 1,380 and could rival any venue on Broadway), Jazz on 4 – a club reminiscent of a prohibition-era Chicago, the dungeon-themed club Blaze, Comedy Live, and the Casino Royale, complete with 460 slot machines and 27 tables for games.

There are 24 dining options ranging from an authentic New York Pizzeria and Izumi Asian Cuisine to a Cupcake Cupboard and burger & fries joint.

Check the photos below and book a trip asap at OasisOfTheSeas.com

Watch the video:

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!

The holiday season is the worst time of the year to be single second to Valentine’s Day. It is typically known as a time for family and when you are not attached to another, the feeling of despair and loneliness is magnified. There are many people who choose this time to drown themselves in their sorrows and others who choose to be proactive. All hope is not lost and I say that this is the prefect time to get –Mister Right now. Here are three guys that will cover all of your needs this holiday season:

Is The Holiday Season Making You Depressed?

Winter boyfriend: Everyone needs someone to snuggle with, this is where having a winter boyfriend handy will help. He just needs to be hot, hot and more hot. Also he must love to cuddle, and know how to make you “happy” while laying down. He does not need to be smart or interesting; this is just a seasonal position.

Resume Boyfriend- He looks good on paper and knows all of the right things to say and when to say them, while at your office holiday party. He is intelligent and polished and the two of you look like a great couple on paper. Your relationship could have potential if his ego did not fill up the room. He does not need to be hot or cute; he’s just for events.

Gay Boyfriend:  The main stay for any and every single girl. This is the guy that will get you out of the house,  help you find a sexy outfit– always. The only problem is he will drop you instantly if his boyfriend calls.

Top 15 Gifts For Your BFF Under $50

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Broccoli: It’s delightfully festive to have green mistletoe hanging overhead and a green fir tree glistening with lights, but quite another thing to have a wad of green broccoli stuck between your teeth. We’re big fans of fresh vegetable platters, but when going green, stick with snap peas, celery, and green beans.

Fruitcake: The old school variety gets a bad rap, and for good reason. It just doesn’t taste that good – and with so many other tempting sweets surrounding you during the holidays, why waste your calories? We prefer to indulge in the gourmet “cousin” of fruitcake – Italian panettone. It’s a light brioche bread with just the right amount of dried fruit.

Salmon: A nice fish to serve, but beware of when and how you cook it. It can easily stink up your whole home, and not all your guests will appreciate it. Try grilling the fish outside or pick up a cold poached salmon from your local market, and serve it with a drizzling of olive oil and fresh dill.

Tortilla Chips: These cheap-and-easy chips have become a favorite staple at parties year-round. But if you’re a stickler for cleanliness, these will drive you crazy every time you hear one of your guests chomping into them. Scattered shards fly across the floor no matter how carefully you’re munching. A better option is mini crackers or bite-size crostini.

Read the rest HERE.

How To Crash A Holiday Party

4 Tips For The Savvy Holiday Shopper

Turkey dinner with all of the dressing is a Thanksgiving tradition but not everyone is into dry yard bird. Some people would prefer an alternative menu selection than the traditional candied yams, glazed ham, cornbread stuffing and green bean casserole.

Thanksgiving Food And Outfits For Your Pet

Here are some non-traditional recipes for you to try:

Roasted Cornish Game Hens

Crispy Duck Salad with Bitter Orange Vinaigrette

Caribbean Rice and Peas

Lots O’Meat Lasagna

Lacinata Kale with Caramelized Onions

How To Pick Out A Bottle Of Wine

Take a look at these mouth-watering pictures:

There are those of us who have issues, and if you talk to your pet like he/she is a person or you plan play dates for that same animal, I am talking about you. We not only love our pet but we adore them and people like us can not stop ourselves. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so we want our pets to have a great day filled with food and fun too.  Here are a couple of recipes for your dogs and cats:

4 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Alternatives

For the dog in your life:

Meat & Potato Patties for Dogs

Apple Molasses Delights Treats for Dogs

For the cat in your life:

Chicken Liver Treats For Pussy Cats

Tuna Treats For Cats

How To Pick Out A Bottle Of Wine

Check out these super cute doggy and kitty outfits:

Don’t feel like hitting the gym over the holiday weekend?? Check out these great tips on how to turn fun outdoor activities with your family into calorie blasic workouts! Trust us, you won’t even know you’ve been working out!”

According to caloriesperhour.com, a website devoted to calculating calories burned per hour for almost any activity you can think of, a leisurely bike ride with your family can burn between 200 and 300 calories per hour. If you step up the intensity to a moderately tough ride, that number increases to more than 500 calories per hour.

Beach games such as Frisbee can burn up to 200 calories per hour, and an hour of golf will burn a whopping 350 calories.

Strolling downtown and popping into your favorite shops for a few hours can burn up to 300 calories, while gardening for a half hour burns up to 150 calories.

Taking your dog for a half-hour walk will burn up to 100 calories, but if you increase your speed to a light jog your canine outing could burn as many as 300 calories (the same amount of calories in a bar of dark chocolate).

Click here for more!

Eat that BBQ this weekend and now you won’t have to feel guilty – just take the dog for a walk after!

Enjoy BBQ without blowing your diet!

Enjoy the last day’s of summer!

Family Roadtrip…

Celebrate the 4th of July in the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection, Philadelphia! Celebrate the country’s birthday, in the country’s birthplace at the Sunoco Welcome America event this Saturday. Saturday’s event kicks off with the traditional opening ceremonies at 10am on the Independence Mall followed by a parade through historic Philly at 11am. The afternoon gets under way with the “Party on the Parkway” at noon on the Ben Franklin Parkway. “Party on the Parkway” features family fun activities, games, and food for the entire family. In addition to the “Party on the Parkway” fun, there will also be an old style ‘Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival’ beginning at noon. Remember activities and games are free!

While the Sunoco Welcome America events are taking place, the ‘Taste of Philadelphia’ will also be underway at the Penn’s Landing Waterfront. Sample some of Philly’s famous cheese steaks and other treats by some of Philly’s best chefs (a small fee applies).

Who’s performing? Check it out on BlackandMarriedWithkids

Want even more info?

How to decorate for the summer

It doesn’t matter if its Red White or Blue. It doesn’t matter if its stripped or starred. 4^th of July is the perfect weekend to show off your summer wardrobe on top of your new summer tan.

July is in the middle of summer and it can get hot! Lightweight material would be your best bet when picking out your outfit. Who wants to be worrying about keeping cool all day when you have friends, family, food, and fireworks to enjoy!

Quiz: What’s your 4th of July style?

Check out some of the 4^th outfits to keep you cool and looking great:

Must haves for the 4th!

These delectable tasty treats have taken over glass displays of the fronts of bakeries across the country. What’s the deal with this cupcake invasion? Who knows, but the tasty attractive cakes are not going anywhere this 4^th of July.

Get cupcake decorations here!

Get ready to be a witness to the Red White and Blue bite size cakes at BBQ’s and parties over this Holiday weekend. And hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to dabble your taste buds in as well.

Recipe for 4th cupcakes

Want some ideas for 4^th of July cupcakes? Check em’ out:

Are you a cupcake nut?

More delicious 4th of July desserts

It’s Good Friday, which means Easter and Passover are this weekend. And you know what happens on either of those holidays? A lot of eating, and a whollleeee lot of drinking. Well, if you’re in my family, it does. So since my mom’s recruited me to cook for 2893472097402374 people this weekend, I’ve recruited some alcohol to tide me over while I toil over delicious meals made from scratch.

So today’s cocktail, made with the new Bacardi Dragon Berry rum, doesn’t sound very “Easter-friendly.” But I’m a grown woman, and I’m over painting easter eggs, and this drink is pastel-colored, so let’s just consider that my festive (and delicious!) contribution to Easter decorations. Besides, if you’re not a practicing Christian or Jew, and your friends are and are therefore spending their weekend with their families, well, you have to keep busy SOMEhow….

BACARDI DRAGON BERRY DRAGON BITE

2 parts Bacardi Dragon Berry flavored rum

1/2 part Monin lychee syrup

1/2 part fresh lime juice

1 part pineapple juice

2 parts cranberry juice

• Combine all ingredients into a shaker filled halfway with ice.
• Shake well
• Strain into a glass filled with ice
• Garnish with a lemon wedge and 3 fresh raspberries speared
• Eat, drink, and have an awesome holiday!!!

Want a more hands-on experience? Watch a video!

Here’s a tasty gin drink to try, too

[From CNN.com]

December 26 could be one of the most dangerous days of the year for people vulnerable to cardiac problems, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure. And many of these so-called Merry Christmas coronaries will hit people who didn’t even realize they were at risk when they unwrapped their gifts the night before.

But the holiday season isn’t good for heart health to begin with. A 2004 study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego and Tufts University found that heart-related deaths increase by nearly 5 percent during the holidays, perhaps because patients delay seeking treatment for heart problems or because hospital staffing patterns change. But anecdotally, doctors say that their ERs stay quiet on Christmas Day itself. Then, come December 26, they see a surge of cardiac traffic.

“This time of year is notorious for heart attacks, heart failures, and arrhythmias,” says Samin Sharma, MD, director of interventional cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.

In fact, 2008 may pose an even greater risk than years past. Added stress over the recession means you’re already putting a lot of pressure on your heart, and that’s before the holiday eating and drinking even begin. Here’s how to steer clear of the hospital.

To read about holiday heart-healthy tips, click here.

Most of us are leaving town this holiday season, we’re visiting family or friends or taking advantage of the down time when most businesses shut down. Before you hit the road, here are a few things you need to take care of to ensure your homecoming is not a rude awakening.

Stop your mail or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to take it in for you. Stopping it can be taken care of with a few clicks of your mouse by going to USPS and filling in the form. You can even opt to have your held mail delivered to you on the next business day after you come back.

Bring your bills up to date. You don’t want to worry about your credit card being rejected while you’re on vacation.

Click here for more tips.

From pots and pans to knives and racks, here’s our list of essential kitchen tools for the holidays.

Chef Knife

Every cook needs a good set of sharp knives. This 6-inch Emril Pro Chef’s knife is great for chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing any ingredient.

$119.95 at surlatable.com

Countertop Spice Rack

Everything is neat and tidy – but most importantly all your spices are easily accessible.

$39.95 at crateandbarrel.com

Non-Stick Pans

This 14-pc. Cookware Set is a terrific investment for those just starting to fill their kitchen up with pots and pans! $299 at cooking.com

Fine Mesh Strainer

Perfect for straining broth or sauce and rinsing herbs. $14.95 at artofcookingnyc.com

Oil/Vinegar Cruet

Store your oils, vinegar and sauces in these sleek cruets. $7.95 at crateandbarrel.com

What’s in your kitchen that you can’t live without?

If you have a fitness buff on your list, here are some gift ideas to help meet their workout goals this holiday season.

Adidas Yatra Studio Knit Pants

For yoga sessions, aerobic adventures or just chilling out in sporty style, these Adidas Yatra Studio Knit Pants are ahead of the competition thanks to their flattering slim fit and ClimaLite® fabric that sweeps sweat away from your skin.

$55 at shopadidas.com

Polar FT40 Monitor

Track your heart rate and calories burned plus measure your fitness level with this device.

$180 at polarusa.com

Manduka Yoga Mat

The Black Mat PRO from Manduka is the ultimate yoga mat. It’s thick, dense, durable, and the last mat you’ll ever have to buy.

$85.00 at manduka.com

Nike Women’s Short Bra Top

This Nike Short Running Bra Top is a a workout staple. Ideal for the gym, your weekend run, or an after-work yoga session.
$27.97 at dicksportinggoods.com

Nike Gym Club Bag

This bag has a drawstring shoe compartment, which keeps your smelly sneaks away from everything else you’re toting around.

$55 at store.nike.com

Are the recent economic woes dampening your holiday spirit? You have a lot of company in that department! A recent CNN article noted that shoppers everywhere are feeling the pinch of the recession, which is in turn causing unnecessary mental anguish. However, cutting down on holiday spending doesn’t necessarily mean cutting down on your holiday fun.Here are some tips to have a fun and affordable holiday.

Create a Budget
A cheaper Christmas starts with a solid spending plan. Look over your finances, then decide how much you can afford to spend on Christmas. This includes gifts, food and decorations.

Make a Gift List
Create a list of all the people you plan to shop for. Then, set a spending limit for each person, and write down gift ideas before heading out to the stores.

Trim Down Your Gift List
Have more people on your gift list than you can afford to buy for? Then it’s time to give that list a trim. A shorter Christmas list is better than adding debt and stress to your life.

Start Early
Black Friday may be the official start to the Christmas shopping season, but it doesn’t have to be the start to yours. Start shopping for gifts as soon as you can afford to do so, and you’ll have more time to bargain-shop and feel less pressure to buy at any price.

Shop Secondhand
There’s no rule that says gifts have to be brand new. Scour thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets and other secondhand sources for gift-worthy items at prices well below retail. Just a few possibilities: unburned candles, antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry and books. This can also be a really thoughtful move for your more eclectic friends.

Make It Yourself
Homemade gifts are every bit as nice as store-bought gifts, and sometimes nicer.

Don’t Shop for Yourself
All of those holiday deals make it easy to adopt a “one for me; one for you” mentality. To avoid overstuffing your own stocking, set a rule that you’ll only shop for the people on your list – and not yourself. I am so guilty of this one!!!

Skip the Christmas Cards
Consider skipping the Christmas cards this year, or at least trim your mailing list down to a more manageable size. If you have a tradition of sending family updates to your loved ones, consider sending it in the form of an e-card this year. It’s just as effective, and it’s also economical – you’ll save a ton of paper!

Skip the Pricey Gift Wrap
Wrapping paper has gotten to be so expensive. Head over to your local dollar store, there is a wide variety of Christmas paper and bags to choose from.

Decorate on the Cheap
Trees, lights and garland galore – use what you already have, swap decorations with friends, and make something new with your own hands. And if you’re the kind of person who would rather throw out your lights every year than untangle them at the beginning of the holidays, simply save the box they came in – if you store them in the same condition you bought them, they’re guaranteed to last you for years!

American Idol winner Jordin Sparks has turned designer. Sparks designed a clothing line for the holidays for the Wet Seal chain.

Find out more here.