Powell and Mahoney’s Vintage Original Cocktail Mixers in 11 different flavors present an option for all-natural, organic cocktail mixers that are small-batch crafted and taste as though they were made from scratch right on the spot. The Cosmopolitan, Peach Bellini and low-calorie Margarita mixers render it easy to reconstruct vintage cocktails – simply add your favorite brand of spirits and savor. The low-cal Margarita mixer is only 30 calories (if you’re counting them) and is sweetened with organic agave nectar and pear juice.

Other natural ingredients in the Powell and Mahoney mixer line include lime juice, organic cane sugar, pomegranate, biting ginger, essential orange oil and tart lemon juice. The bottles have a timeless, vintage graphic to cover cocktails from any era, so whether you’re sipping a Hot Toddy, Mojito, Bloody Mary, Peach Bellini, Ginger Highball or your own brilliant concoction, you’ll have the best ingredients possible, thanks to Powell & Mahoney and mother nature. Read more about them at http://www.powellandmahoney.com.

I used to be a quiet neighbor. But lately there’s been a lot of bumping, quite a bit of grinding, a touch of hooting and hollering, and a ton of Missy Elliott coming from my apartment.

No, I’m not throwing all-night raves. Those are just the sounds of my new workout plan, thanks to Dance Central 2 for Xbox 360. Launched this past fall, the latest technology in at-home dance gaming has inspired in me a whole new desire to break a sweat and bust a move.

I’ve played other interactive dance games before, like Just Dance for Nintendo Wii. But there’s something a bit more mind blowing about this one. First off, there’s no remote, which is totally liberating for a dance game (remotes really cramp my style). The game works with a hi-tech device called Kinect, which hooks up to your Xbox 360. Kinect tracks your movements using a camera and infrared sensor, so you’re free to move as you please. I had a friend over the day I set up my Kinect and as we watched our images appear on screen, we both turned to each other with our jaws dropped. “This is the future!” she said. I couldn’t have agreed more.

There’s also the choreography and music selection that makes Dance Central 2 the best thing to happen to me since I put Tetris on my iPhone. The folks behind the game hired big names in the dance biz to create the heart-pumping routines. One such name is Frenchy Hernandez, who has worked for MTV, BET and VH1, not to mention Snoop Dogg. Not just fodder for a video game, these are moves you’d actually want to do in public.

The dancing is equally matched by the music. We’ve come along way since the tunes in Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers (not that I didn’t love the jams in Bowser’s castle). The soundtrack to Dance Central 2 features artists like Bruno Mars, David Guetta, Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, to name a few.

As a workout, Dance Central 2 offers some serious cardio. While you can get your heart rate up in any mode (there’s “Perform It,” which gets you dancing right away, “Dance Battle,” which lets you challenge a friend, and “Crew Challenge,” where you attempt to impress a dance crew with your moves), there’s a specific “Fitness Mode” that works best. You’ll dance for up to 50 minutes uninterrupted and the game will track calories burned. Plus, you can even create a custom playlist to keep you inspired.

In fact, the “Fitness Mode” is so much fun, I got 10 girls to work out after a night of boozing during a bachelorette weekend. Some of the ladies even dressed in 80s-inspired aerobics outfits to up the anti.

As for my neighbors and all the raucous coming from my apartment, not one person has made a complaint. I like to think it’s because of my newly toned thighs and endless energy, as I bound up the stairs to my fourth-floor abode, has rendered them speechless.

As the post holiday lull begins to set in, stores start to overflow with pink hearts, chocolate goodies, and gorgeous roses. This atmosphere of love either extends the lull for those that are unhappy that they are single or reverse the lull for those that are happily in a relationship. Regardless of which category you are in, this Valentines Day I invite you to be yours! Be your own Valentine, buy yourself roses, treat yourself to Godiva, and love and honor yourself.

I suggest doing this, not because “you don’t need a man” but because you deserve love and occasional pampering no matter what. If YOU don’t acknowledge your worth and love …why would any man? Plus if you aren’t used to being treated like a queen this is a great way to get some practice. When a man sees a woman taking care of herself and treating herself well, you send the message that you are worth it and that you are confident in who you are, and nothing is more attractive than a woman with high self esteem (that is different then being cocky).

This suggestion also absolutely goes for women who are in a relationship. Just because you have a man doesn’t mean you should love yourself less. Have fun on this special day and treat yourself. Get a massage, wear a new dress, treat yourself to a nice lunch.

Last year was the first time I myself did this. My husband was out of town on Valentines Day. Although we celebrated the weekend prior, I still felt like something was missing on the actual day. So on my lunch break I went over to a specialty chocolate store and bought myself a heart shape box of chocolates, ALL for myself. I also picked out a beautiful card. I came home made myself my favorite dinner and watched my favorite movie while enjoying a glass of wine and the chocolates. I felt so special and loved, by me. It was really refreshing to give myself that kind of attention. It was actually one of my most memorable Valentines Days.

This year Valentines Day plans are already made with my husband, but I am still deciding what to do for myself. Maybe a new pair of shoes and some Cold Stone ice cream…the possibilities are endless!

You gotta love wintertime. Pretty white frosting on all the trees, warm snuggles on the couch as the flakes fall outside your windowpane, bulky sweaters for hiding those extra few pounds. Ahhhh. How nice. But short of wearing a bag over your head and going for multiple paraffin baths every day, combating the dryness caused by harsh winter air can be challenging. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of sampling some of the best eye creams and face moisturizers on the market today and suffice it to say, I kicked some harsh winter ass this year!

Josie Maran Argan Day + Night Eye Cream

I absolutely loved using the innovatively packaged Josie Maran Argan Day + Night Cream. In one convenient double sided package, you can look younger during the day and fight aging while you sleep. This ultra-lightweight Argan-oil infused Day Cream diminishes the appearance of darkness and fine lines. Perhaps people were trying to be be subtle about my looking preggers (I’m not) but people were literally stopping me to tell me I was ‘glowing’. The added bonus is the fact that it helps hold eye makeup in place for the entire day. Its alter-ego, the intensely hydrating Argan Night Cream, reduces puffiness, sagging and wrinkles in the eye area while antioxidants protect the delicate surrounding eye tissue from further damage. Visit http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com or http://www.sephora.com to purchase.

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm

I literally had flakes and dry patches all around my eyes a few months ago and applying concealer underneath my sleep-deprived eyes was next to impossible. Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm completely changed all that. This rich yet lightweight moisturizing and soothing balm for the eye area, formulated with the revolutionary antiaging ingredient alguronic acid, diminishes signs of aging and fatigue while rejuvenating and hydrating the eye area. Allow me to get technical…it’s formulated with advanced skin bioactives, including caffeine, vitamin C, cucumber extract, and alguronic acid, a unique, patent-pending compound from microalgae. This rare ingredient was discovered unexpectedly by a biotechnology laboratory in San Francisco, CA, focused on researching renewable energy solutions. Yada, yada…it really works. Visit http://www.qvc.com.

Immunocologie

Snake Venom anyone? The folks at Immunocologie aren’t messing around, and when it comes to anti-aging, they mean serious business. Their new, revolutionary Treatment Crème VenoMax™ contains VenoMAX™, a complex that actually mimics snake venom activity. This proprietary complex of anti-inflammatory ingredients synergistically inhibits the activation of NF-kB, a key mediator in inflammation and aging. Enhanced by their exclusive Bio-Fermentation™ process, this luxurious, ultra-rich crème allows skin to take on Immunocologie’s signature glow. The price tag might widen your eyes a bit but your skin will be so velvety soft, radiantly glowing, even-toned and young looking, you simply won’t care. To learn more, visit http://www.immunocologie.com or Warren-Tricomi Salon in Manhattan.

Orlane Eye Makeup Remover Lotion

When I complained to the lady at the makeup counter that the skin around my eyes was flaking up, she surprisingly didn’t whip out any eye creams. Instead, she rushed me over to a selection of eye makeup removers (and yelled at me for using…gasp….water and face wash to take off my shadow, liner and mascara). And when it comes to eye makeup remover, you really can’t get much better than Orlane. This mild lotion gently removes all traces of make-up from your lashes and eyelids. And unlike other eye makeup removers, Orlane’s leaves the delicate skin around your eyes soft. It’s enriched with cornflower and chamomile floral waters for their soothing properties and the witch hazel decongests the area, making eyes look bright and refreshed. It’s fragrance-free, ophthalmologically tested and suitable for contact lens wearers. Visit http://www.orlane.com.

I used to retreat into a cocoon during the winter months, with 5 extra pounds, chapped hands and flaking skin around the eyes. But with this new arsenal of eye creams that actually work, I won’t have to wait till springtime to emerge as a butterfly.

Winter is usually that “in between” season when it comes to lips and lip products. You need balm to stay moist, hydrated, kissable and not chapped. But goopy gloss can be too messy, especially when it’s windy and you don’t need your hair adhering to your face, thanks to your sticky gloss! Lipstick can be further drying on already moisture-seeking lips. What’s a girl to do?

Grab any of the seven new shades of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick, that’s what. It’s a glossy, air-light lipstick that offers soft, supple texture that glides on your pucker with a hint of shine. You can be a gloss girl living in a lipstick world with these miracle-working tubes, which house transparent hues that mesh with your own natural lip color to create a custom shade that is formulated from your own DNA, sort of! Plus, they’re all named and modeled after Clinque’s holy grail and iconic lip product – Black Honey.

As is to be expected with do-no-wrong brand Clinique, the sticks come in several shades in the nude, pink and berry families. I paired Shy Honey (a pink as soft as an angel kiss) with smoky eyes, and Lovely Honey (a richer yet muted berry) with white eyeliner on my lower lids and loads of mascara. I also went a la carte with Tender Honey (a soft cocoa) and of course, Black Honey. The sheer hues mean you have nothing to fear this winter but lipsticklessness!

Since I travel every six to eight weeks, I adore products that multi-task, pack easily and travel well, like Laura Mercier’s limited edition Spring 2012 Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette. The book-like packaging makes for easy, effective, space-saving storage yet provide multiple options for makeup looks, thanks to the femme, flirty, Victorian-inspired color family. The shadow palette contains plenty of matte neutrals (Rich Cocoa, Pale Pink and Black Plum), frosty lusters (Buff Pearl, African Violet) and a sateen cream-to-powder base (Tawny Apricot.) You can create any look you’d like -smoldering, sexy, simple, you name it. Just like your intimates and undies. There’s peach and pink cheek colors, too. Love, love, love! It’s only available for another month, so stock up on the quick.

Oh, and while we’ve got you here, Laura Mercier has also introduced another LE collection, called “Sheer.Bold.Tres.Chic” for lips and nails, two of our most crucial places to deposit color! Mercier hasn’t offered up a nail collection in years, so to we’re psyched about her return to lacquering! The lip and nail shades are complementary. You get lip-hugging Gel Lip Colour formulation and the high-sheen digits. We are partial to the extra-pale Oh La La (pictured above) and the summer-ready coral of Cabana (also above.) What more could you need, especially for Valentine’s Day. Go with these for a no-fuss, pretty look.

If the doldrums of winter are giving you the blues, don’t reach for the prescription bottle or a tub of Ben and Jerry’s Peanut Butter Cup ice cream. May we suggest a more natural (and calorie-free) mood elevator in the form of Lancome’s new Rosearie Des Delices Spring 2012 Collection by the always brilliant Aaron De Mey? The La Roseraie Illuminating Powder is a multi-color powder blush embossed with a delicate rose, which’ll instantly brighten up your visage while filling the space in your mind to the blooms of spring, while the Color Design 5 Pan Shadow and Liner Palette in Rose Romance and Vert Tendresse are fun to play with and create new looks with. The Color Fever Gloss in Green Petal may look appletini in the tube but when swiped on your pout, it’s a honey-glazed effect. Can you say “New Fave?” We can! Is it spring yet?

Bobbi Brown was inspired by her rose gold wedding ring for her new Rose Gold collection, which shimmers softly and offers “instant prettiness.” The Shimmer Bricks in this collection are “must own.” The “Rose Gold” is more gold-flecked, while the “Wild Rose” is more pink in tone. Dust this double-baked delicacy on cheeks and it’s like a bronzer and blush in one! Brown also said a trip to Italy also inspired these compacts, as she fell in love with the look of mosaic tile floors and translated that influence to one of her signature products. The company ships a shimmer brick ever seven seconds, making it one of the line’s best sellers. Don’t be left behind. Grab one of these LE babies ASAP.

As we’ve said time and time again, winter is murder on the lips. My lips get pinker, darker and fuller during the cold months, and not in a good way. It’s the elements irritating them, and I slather on Smith’s Rosebud Salve, Maybelline’s Baby Lips and Sara Happ’s The Lip Slip by the pound, but I still get windburned, chapped lips. Thank the beauty gods for Sensai’s Total Lip Treatment. When a PR rep tells me that luscious-lipped ladies like Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson use this emollient, softening, works-on-a-cellular level product, I’m game! Let’s face it — who doesn’t want Angie’s or Scar Jo’s pout?

If I can use eye cream, I can use lip cream, too, since that’s essentially what this is. It doesn’t add that much more time to my routine and the thought of a beautiful pout was reason enough to do a little more. I applied the rich, softening moisturizer before I went to bed and woke up with softer, fuller lips. The science says that it increases collagen synthesis and while that sounds like “Blah blah blah” to me, I cannot argue with the result.

My lips were so full and healthy that I was inspired to swipe the extra-creamy Sensai the Lipstick in Sawarabi (a reddish, berryish, purplish shade that stains nicely with a little blotting action, thanks to my trusty Boscia Rose Blotting Linens!) on them as a celebratory measure. Bonus points are earned thanks to the angled bullet and chic black velvet pouch that the lipstick lives in. Love a lil’ lip mystery.

Another lip balm that has been saving my lips from a hellish existence this winter is Splurge Skincare’s Lemon Lip Buttah. The company, which specialize in skincare products, also offers a deliciously citrusy, cushiony balm. The products are natural and organic, and the line was started by two pals and school teachers up in Boston (so they know how cold it gets) that wanted to mesh quality with confidence about what you put on your skin. It’s merely another quality balm to feed my addiction!

With a new year upon us and resolutions to be made, consider refining your wardrobe for a fresh start and a more fashionable self in 2012. From trends to ditch to styles to look out for, these tips will guarantee spot-on style this year.

Trends to Ditch:

2011 was filled with several inspiring styles popping up on the runways and in department stores alike, but the past year also brought a slew of disappointing and at times unbearable trends worth purging from your closet. The first fashion offense is one that is quite impractical for any occasion outside the bedroom and seemed to fill the runways and stores this past spring/summer. The play on pajama dressing is cute in theory, but showing up to work in a pair of leopard print, silk drawstring pants will catch the wrong kind of attention. An alternative to this relaxed look is to purchase a pair of casual fitting silk or wool trousers, which can be coordinated with a fitted blazer and camisole or a crewneck sweater and pumps for uber-chic (not to mention appropriate in public) style. This past fall, an overflow of sweater-dresses hit the stores. When designed well, these cozy dresses can be very stylish and not to mention a comfortable alternative to a tailored dress or separates. But when crafted and designed poorly, the look can go terribly wrong and can be extremely unflattering. The oversized cowl neck sweater dress should be discarded in 2012. The exaggerated neckline is not figure flattering and adds unwanted drape to the bodice. Try a fitted crewneck sweater dress in a quality blend paired with opaque tights and short booties for a casual, yet sophisticated day to night look.

While the maxi skirt trend is still going strong a few seasons in, this summer’s sheer take on the easy and usually modest style has had many fashionistas disowning the look. Wearing a maxi skirt or dress requires a little more styling and bit of height in my belief, but it can easily be a part of your wardrobe if chosen correctly. The sheer maxi skirt seen throughout the streets of New York is one to ditch, as it is very hard to pull off, unless one wears a sample size, and even then it can look cheap and unfitting. As a substitute for the sheer maxi skirt, shop for a knee-length full or a-line silhouette, this will add femininity to a basic knit tee or a contrasting leather jacket. Lastly, a shoe trend to leave behind this coming year is the covered platform wedge bootie. Whilst, there are some pairs that are crafted in a sleek manner, most of these shoes are bulky and clubfoot-like and similar to sheepskin boots are not very appealing to the eye. For another choice of shoes, look for a pair of ankle boots with a stacked heel for comfort when walking and a refined silhouette. Take these style tips into the New Year to keep your stylish wardrobe up-to-date and in-fashion without being a slave to style trends.

There is usually one big difference between a girl who is having fun dating and girl who is miserable dating (the miserable girl is also usually waiting by the phone for ‘him’ to call). The one big difference between these two girls is one of my fundamental dating tips: date more than one guy at a time.

Now let me clarify what this means. First and most important, dating more than one guy does NOT mean sleeping with more than one guy or even one guy at all. Secondly, dating more than one guy works when you are still getting to know the guys you are dating. It only works at the early stages of a relationship. The reason it is ok and even suggested to date several men when you are looking for your Mr. Right is because technically you don’t owe these men any exclusivity as you are getting to know them. And YES, this is true for them as well. Men don’t owe you anything either. So you are better off going out and meeting as many men as you can to get to know and decide which one is the perfect match for you. Be careful to not get a big head around this tip. It’s not about game playing, cheating, or sneaking around, it’s about being realistic and keeping your options open until you know and are ready to commit to one man.

This is not something I would necessarily “advertise” when you are out on a date, but if asked by a man if you are seeing other people a polite and honest response could be “Yes I am. I want to be in a serious relationship so I am getting to know a few men. If I feel a real connection with one I have no problem only seeing that guy and deepening that relationship.” Short, sweet, and honest.

What’s great about this response is that you are not narrowing down your options and you aren’t telling him what to do either (men hate that). Also the best part is you are letting him know that you are serious, so if he is too, he needs to let you know and if he is not, he will leave on his own…making your search actually easier.

Dating this way allows you to be confident and feel in control of the men you let into your social life. It becomes more about you and what you want and less about the man and the game. When I met my husband I was dating four other men (dating = going out for dinner and getting to know the person). Because I was being pursued by four men, if one was no longer interested and stopped calling, I didn’t find myself as crushed or miserably waiting by the phone for him to call. I was able to date with grace and clarity. It was easy for me to see by comparing the four men which qualities I really liked, who did I have fun with, who made me laugh the most, and where was there a real connection. I fell for my husband because of who he was and how he made me feel, not because I was lonely or settling for who was there. It was kind of like my own personal “Bachelor” episode. I would go out with the four men and then decide who I would give a rose too-it made dating fun and exciting! And when I knew that my husband was by far the best match for me out of the four, I ended my relationships with the other three and concentrated all my attention on building a relationship with my husband.

This may be a new concept to you, dating more than one guy, but try it out. It may come easier to you than you think.

I once heard someone say that South Beach – aka SoBe, for those that like to copy the Soho naming trend – was the lovechild of Manhattan and Miami. As a native Miamian, who has returned after spending the last five years living in Manhattan, I can see how a torrid night of romance between these two, may have indeed produced such a scintillating offspring.

This winter, escape the cold winds of New York City by chilling out in SoBe, which promises to warm up your senses. Read on for a few of my choice picks…..

Where to Stay: Mondrian

The Mondrian in Miami is the Morgans Hotel Group’s third property in South Beach. The grandness of the lobby will immediately transport you to another land with the floating staircase, eccentric furniture and brass bells. The pool area, complete with secluded cabanas and towering white curtains, create the Sleeping Beauty Castle feel that designer Marcel Wanders intended. The location on West Avenue is close enough to the action, yet concealed enough to feel peacefully away from it all. The view of downtown Miami and the Intracoastal is breathtaking. Should you get hungry, thirsty or long for a massage, the Mondrian happens to house Morgans’ world-renowned Agua Spa, Jeffrey Chodorow’s Asia de Cuba, and Ben Pundole’s Sunset Lounge. Sounds a bit like a Trifecta to me!

The Mondrian
1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
305.514.4955
http://www.mondrian-miami.com

Drink, dance and be merry:

Floating high above Miami Beach’s Collins Avenue, HIGHBAR rooftop lounge boasts views of the Atlantic Ocean, a lustrous heated pool and plush lounge chairs. The sleek ‘70s inspired lounge is on top of the Dream South Beach hotel and is the perfect combination of Modern Art Deco, luxury and tropical scenery. Sip on a fresh fruit Mojito made-to-order by some of Sobe’s finest mixologists while lounging on a daybed or chaise lounge. If you stick around till evening time, HIGHBAR transforms into quite the nightlife destination with weekly events and national DJs.

HIGHBAR
1111 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Operating hours are daily from 9:00 a.m. to close.
305.351.0820
http://www.highbarmiami.com.

Eat:

Prepare to have all five of your senses blown away at famed restaurateur Myles Chefetz, Prime One Twelve. Located in the heart of the high-end South of Fifth neighborhood (sometimes called Sofi), this ultimate celebrity-hot spot is a must. With a menu offering the finest quality beef, aged to perfection; Hawaiian Tuna Poke to die for; and Truffled Lobster Mac N Cheese that could make a grown man cry, this culinary experience is sure to have you talking about it for weeks. Make sure to leave room for a dessert…or three. Resy’s strongly recommended!

Prime One Twelve
112 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.532.8112
http://www.mylesrestaurantgroup.com

Stay tuned as I rediscover Miami and share with you more of my favorite places.

Ready for a rockin’ New Year’s Eve? The clock is ticking, so you better grab some bubbly and get going. Though champagne is traditionally the drink of choice for toasting, we decided to expand the playing field (and hopefully your palate) with a few additional options as well. Here’s our Top 10 sparklers (in no particular order) to help ignite your night.

Number 10… With champers being the bubbly beverage many believe won’t be a bust, one of the industry staples to consider is of course Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne Yellow Label NV. It’s a full-bodied, fruity and luxurious pick that pairs well with hors d’oeuvres and almost every food imaginable. If a mineral mouth is more your thing, number 9 – Ruinart Blanc de Blancs – rings in just right. Medium-bodied, strictly Chardonnay-based (as opposed to most champagnes that traditionally consists of three grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier), the Ruinart works well with slightly richer dishes.

Number 8 sees us heading stateside to New Mexico for the Gruet Brut NV. Full, fruity and crisp this sparkling wine was created by one of France’s most renowned champagne houses that was brought to Albuquerque over two decades ago. It works well with spicy selections and seafood. Looking to make a little movie magic of your own on the last night of the year? Well, Francis Ford Coppola is most likely booked, but you can still shine in the spotlight with number seven, Sofia, a light-bodied, fruity and fresh bubbly white that comes in a fabulously festive, pretty-in-pink package. It contains four cans (complete with straws) that make party-hopping seamless and chic.

Seis is a numero we thought apropos to celebrate with a sparkling selection from Spain, Cristalino Brut Cava NV to be exact. Medium-bodied, fruity and an awesome addition to any food you can find, this wine has a toasty taste to it with hints of tropical fruits. Next, let’s head to number five with a quick trip to picture-perfect Portugal. Here we’ll find Vidigal Espumante Branco. This lovely, light-bodied bubbly is an excellent aperitif and is great way to begin and/or end your evening with citrus fruits making a marvelous mark in the mouth. For our fab number four, we say ciao to Italia with Nino Franco Rustico NV Prosecco. That’s right people, Prosecco’s not just for brunch and Bellinis. This crisp, bubbly beauty can hold its own as a hot commodity that’s a light, fruity favorite and cool choice for something less weighty on the wallet. For number three, we’re adventuring off the path and heading straight for the Rheingau in Germany with Jagdschloss Riesling Sekt Brut. We know, we know, many people misconceive Rieslings as super sweet (we’ll expand more on that in another column), but they can also be more minerally and fresh – just like this wine. It’s light with citrus and stone fruits in the nose with plenty of acidity to pucker up your palate for whatever dishes get doled out as the evening progresses.

For our final two, we’ve thrown in a couple of bubbly rosés just for fun. One is an affordable pick from Provence (Jacques Pelvas Brut Rosé NV), the other a dream champagne from Mareuil-sur-Ay (Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé NV). Both are dry, medium-bodied and fruity. The former showcases floral and strawberry attributes and provides moderation in intensity, finish and acidity; the latter offers lavish red and citrus fruits with hints of almond as well as crisp, high acidity and a luxuriously long finish. That’s it for 2011. Happy New Year All — and we’ll see you back here with plenty of new wines to take note of in 2012.