Harper’s Bazaar December 2013/January 2014

Have $57K burning a hole in your pocket? Guerlain’s Bespoke Fragrance service includes consultations with the brand’s master perfumer in Paris and yields a five year supply of your personal scent, housed in a Baccarat crystal bottle.

How to wear Gold - metallic makeup can flatter everyone as long as it is applied correctly. Use it sparingly so you don’t draw attention to fine lines. Add a hint of gold shadow to the center of your lids, or top your lipstick with a swipe of gold gloss. It makes your lips look fuller.

InStyle December 2013

How to Pull It Off -

1. Stay away from all the classic accoutrements, such as a cummerbund or a bow  tie -  they look way too cliched and costumey on a woman.

2. A tuxedo jacket can be chic worn over a silk camisole, a white T-Shirt, or even bare skin as you don’t reveal too much cleavage.

3. Wear feminine, sexy heels or glamorous earrings to offset the masculine overtones.

4. Tuxedo pants can be worn day or night when treated as a separate.  Substitute them for your favorite black trousers for an instant style upgrade.

EveryDay with Rachael Ray December 2013

Love your leeks- this jumbo scallion lookalike is a mellow member of the onion family and grows year-round. Here’s how to make the most of your bulbs you bring home.

1. Look for leeks with fresh green tops and glossy white ends with rootlets. Avoid large leeks, which can have a tough texture and be less flavorful than smaller ones.

2. Store leeks unwashed and wrapped in a damp paper towel in a sealed plastic bag. Keep them in the crisper for up a week.

3. Prep only the tender white and lightest green portion of the leek [the dark-green leaves can be used for stock]

4. Clean leeks carefully to remove any dirt from between the layers

Soften Butter in a hurry -

1. Microwave the wrapped stick of butter at 20% power in 10 seconds increments, turning the stick onto a different side in each interval. Always rotate the stick a single turn in the same direction.

2. Continue until the butter yields when lightly pressed with your finger. For most microwaves, this will take four 10 seconds increments.