We continue our holiday gift guide coverage with Robert Verdi’s top picks for holiday gift giving. As a tastemaker extraordinaire, Robert has a unique knack for offering suggestions that are timely, useful, on trend. Check out Robert’s gift giving hot list for 2010…and be inspired!

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This Holiday Gift Guide is for the well read bella on your gift list. You know her, right? She’s always got her nose in a book. She loves nothing more than spending her Sunday afternoon curled up with a paperback. Well here’s the ThisThatBeauty Approved Holiday Gift Guide: For the Book Worm on your gift list!

Follow The Model – Miss J’s Guide To Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power by J. Alexander ($15.63 via Amazon)

How does a six-foot-four, Bronx born gay man become Queen of the Catwalk? In one word: ATTITUDE! J. Alexander, affectionately known as Miss J, recounts a remarkable life/ career and reveals his secrets to succeeding at what you love most (MESSAGE!). Miss J shares lots of life lessons in a rich and colorful anecdotal way that only she can!

Lessons of a Lipstick Queen – Finding and Developing The Great Idea That Can Change Your Life by Poppy King ($11.20 via Amazon)

If eighteen-year-old Poppy King’s search for the perfect matte lipstick can turn into a multimillion-dollar company, anything is possible. When Poppy King finished high school, all she had to show for herself were lackluster grades and a hundred and one ways to get out of phys ed. Within three years, however, she became the president of her highly successful lipstick brand, Poppy Industries.

In Lessons of a Lipstick Queen, Poppy reveals how she managed to launch a multimillion-dollar business, extracting valuable lessons from the experience as she goes along. Through Poppy’s’ example, you can learn how to become a real entrepreneur – from recognizing a good idea and finding financing, to marketing yourself and your brand, to approaching the media, and avoiding common pitfalls. In a world where everyone is looking to get ahead it’s essential to think like an entrepreneur. Much more than just a guide to success, Lessons of a Lipstick Queen is a candid adventure story designed to take you on a journey of self-discovery.

Stepping Out of Line – Lessons for Women Who Want It Their Way…In Life, In Love, And At Work by Nell Merlino ($11.90 via Amazon)

Nell Merlino created Take Our Daughters to Work Day in 1993. She is currently CEO of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence. Stepping Out of Line is Merlino’s bold manifesto for women to stop waiting and get what they want in love, life, and work. She shows women how to imagine bigger lives, find support, and stay on course.

Jo Malone has joined forces with Farrow & Ball to launch a collection of limited-edition scented candles – Jo Malone and Farrow & Ball Limited Edition Scented Candles are available at Farrow & Ball outlets, Jo Malone boutiques, and www.jomalone.com.

For the collaborative launch, Jo Malone’s signature candle fragrances – Lime Basil & Mandarin, Wild Fig & Cassis, Grapefruit, Pomegranate Noir and Blue Agava & Cacao – have been re-packaged to reflect various Farrow & Ball colors that match the aesthetic that inspired the scents.

The complete collection includes:

• Lime Basil & Mandarin -  A Jo Malone signature aroma: Fresh, zesty scent , lime, mandarin, peppery basil and white thyme. Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green No81 color
• Wild Fig & Cassis – Sensual, woody, cassis, hyacinth, pine and cedarwood. Farrow & Ball Pelt No254 color.
• Blue Agava & Cacao – Lime, grapefruit, vetiver, cinnamon and cacao. Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue No85 color
• Grapefruit  – Fresh, zesty, citrus fruit, rosemary, peppermint and pimento. Farrow & Ball Farrow’s Cream No67 color
• Pomegranate Noir – Raspberry, plum, pink pepper and pomegranate. Farrow & Ball Eating Room Red No43, a deep red color

According to my dear old Granny (don’t dare tell her I called her “old”) and the folks at Wikipedia, the tradition of eating black eyed peas on New Year’s Day is thought to bring prosperity through out the year. The traditional meal also features collard, turnip, or mustard greens, and ham. The peas, since they swell when cooked, symbolize prosperity; the greens symbolize money; the pork, because pigs root forward when foraging, represents positive motion.

This city girl with southern roots (Murfreesboro, North Carolina) has been eating black eyed peas on January 1 for as long as I can remember. So in honor of the new year, I am sharing my world famous (famous amongst people who love me) recipe for Southern Style Black Eye Peas with you, my ThisThatBeauty readers…and hope that my beloved recipe brings you a year filled with more prosperity than your heart can hold. And when your heart overflows from all the blessings bestowed upon you, share the rest with others!

Happy New Year and I LOVE YOU ALL !!!

Disclosure: I am not Julia Child (God rest her culinary soul). This is basically an eye ball recipe…feel free to adjust to suit your taste. There’s really no way to screw it up. Have fun!

Felicia’s City Girl Southern Roots Black Eyed Peas

YOU WILL NEED:

• 1 1lb bag of black eyed peas…I prefer Goya

• 1 nice sized green pepper coarsley chopped (I sometimes throw in sweet red pepper too)

• 1 nice sized onion coarsely chopped

• Two tablespoons of olive oil (or any oil you choose. bacon fat is yummy) to saute peeper and onion

• Dried bay leaves (about a small fist full)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 nice size smoked turkey drumsticks

1. Soak your beans over night (at least 8 hours) in cold water. In the morn, discard bad (brown) beans. Rinse the beans until the water is clear.
2. Saute peppers and onions until caramelized. I like them to get a little dark.
3. In a seprate pot filled with water, start boiling your smoked turkey drumsticks until the meat is tender and begins to fall off bone.
4. When the meat is tender pick the bones and turkey leg skin out. You should only have meat and water left.
5. Add your beans to the meat and water stock that’s left in the pot. The water has lots of favor from the meat so do not discard…just add your beans to it.
6. Also add bay leaves and sauteed pepper/onion mix to the meat/bean/water stock pot.
7. Bring to a boil.
8. Once rapidly boiled, lower to a simmer and simmer until done…about 30-45 minutes.
9. Add salt and pepper to suit your palette.

TIP: The longer you soak your beans the less time they will take to boil. Soaking the beans is what makes them nice and tender.

Good luck and Happy New Year!

Love,

Felicia

ThisThatBeauty Approved Holiday Gift Guide:Domestic Diva Extraordinaire

This holiday gift guide is for the Martha Stewart Jr. on your gift list. She’s your domestic goddess BFF who loves nothing more than a fabulously decor’d domestic affair. With a moment’s notice, she’s capable of whipping up a festive fete for four or a holiday themed cocktail soiree for six. She keeps Williams Sonoma “Entertaining” on hand and isn’t afraid to use it.

So if there’s a Martha Stewart, B. Smith, or Barefoot Contessa on your holiday list – relax, ThisThatBeauty’s got ya covered!

Le Grand Pesto and Tapenade – $9.98

Le Grand Sundried Tomato Pesto is my Domestic Diva crush du jour! Packaged in a colorful airtight pouch, Le Grand Sundried Tomato Pesto can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at Zabars. At Casa De ThisThatBeauty, a party aint a party without Le Grand’s delectable assortment of pestos and tapenades. They’re made of high quality natural ingredients (made fresh weekly with no added sugar or preservatives). “Our goal is to take the ‘work’ out of cooking”, explains Tatiana Bossy, half of the husband/wife team behind Le Grand. Their products are inspired by both the gourmet quality of fine European cuisine and the west coast influence on healthy, natural foods. I promise you my loves, these yummy spreads will not disappoint you or your guests…and they’ll never guess the pesto came from a vacuum sealed pouch.

Village Tea – $9.95 – $15.95

Join the likes of Taylor Swift, Cameron Diaz, and Fergie and start enjoying Village Tea. With ten delicious flavors to chose from there’s something for everyone. Village Teas are jam packed with anti-oxidants, making this a great gift for the Domestic Diva on your list who wants to maintain a youthful complexion and healthy glow!

Tupperware Corkscrew – $29.50

No Domestic Diva Extraordinaire should be with out this! The Tupperware Corkscrew makes removing the cork and enjoying a nice bottle of vino a snap. You should see me just a poppin’ corks all over the place…this thing is fun! Oh, and ergonomically correct!

Tea Pin – $14.00

The Tea Pin is a tea connoisseurs dream! Its made of solid brass and adorned with glass and resin beads. Upgrade your Domestic Diva BFF’s tea sipping experience with this chic and creative gift. The Tea Pin is both pretty and practical. When placed across the tea pot or cup, the water circulates through the teabag while tea flavors swirl and infuse the beverage. The art of tea at its finest!

Today I am continuing my Breast Cancer Awareness coverage with Sweet Grass Farm Hope, Courage & Faith Fragrance Stick Set

All year long, Sweet Grass will support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating 10% of the proceeds for each sale of its Hope, Courage & Faith Fragrance Stick Set to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The long lasting, yet soft and steady fragrance of Hope, Courage & Faith Fragrance Stick Set is like a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Soft infusions of Carnation, Pink Peppercorn, and pepperberry fill the air. The top notes are balanced out with the exotic and grounding notes of pink peppercorn along with green notes of cedar.

Warm your home Hope, Courage, and Faith

Talk about heavenly! The crisp pear fragrance delicately warms my living room and whispers airy clouds of yummy aroma. Casa di Francesca offers a wonderful line of Italian made diffusers and hand crafted accessories.  Their fragrance list is quite extensive. With over 30 intoxicating blends to choose from, you’re certain to find a scent to fit your home’s personality

Inspired by the four seasons, Casa di Francesca brings Old World European excellence to homes through an array of Italian-made diffuser fragrances and hand crafted accessories. Casa di Francesca makes these exotic scents attainable without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home. www.casadifrancesca.com

Come meet best-selling author Jennifer Weiner at The Lancôme Boutique on New York ’s Upper West Side on Tuesday July 14th. Lancome is hosting Jennifer’s very first book signing for “Best Friends Forever,” her highly-anticipated new book. 

Buy $75 worth of Lancome product and you’ll get a complimentary autographed copy, all while enjoying Champagne and cupcakes!

“Best Friends Forever” Signing

The Lancôme Boutique

201 Columbus Avenue at 69th Street

Tuesday, July 14^th

4 to 7 p.m.

RSVP at 212-362-4858

Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal is just the little pick me up my smile needs.

So far I like what I see. The strips are mess free, easy to use, and perfectly mold to my teeth. After just a few days of using the strips I have noticed a brighter smile. Wow, these things work fast! I imagine I’ll be blinding folks with my pearly whites by the time I finish the two week kit

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to brighten up your grill, give Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal a try.

Would you like to try Crewst Whitestrips Advanced Seal?
GIVE-A-WAY ALERT!

Three lucky readers will win samples.
Here’s the drill:

• US residents only
  
• Leave a comment with your email address
  
• One comment per person
• I will randomly select three winners on 5/23
• Good luck!
  

All smiles,

Felicia

Oh how I love the little things!

Farmhouse Laundry Sachets

These adorable little laundry sachets really know how to make my morning. I keep one stashed in my drawer of unmentionables. And every time I open my dresser drawer I am greeted with the soothing scent of lavender…Ahhhh!

Laundry sachets are also great for the dryer. Just toss one in with damp clothes and your clothes will come out smelling clean and lightly scented.

Treat yourself to a little luxury. Laundry sachets come in Lavender (ThisThatBeauty’s fav), Fresh White Lilac, and Lemon Verbena. They retail for $6.95/3-pack. Available at sweetgrassonline.com