FEELING LUCKY IN LOVE? HERE ARE 7 VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT IDEAS

A fantastic Valentine idea - Cookie Love Letters! These delightful ingenious treats can be ordered at www.elenis.com and shipped nationwide.



Eleni's
Chelsea Market
New York
888.435.3647
www.elenis.com



Vintage Jewelry by Verdier. Prices range from $89-$129 and can be found locally at Lara Boutique.
Lara
Patton Creek
982.1000








Hanky Panky's are the most comfy, most sexy panties ever made. Favorites of Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria. $18 each.
Saks Fifth Avenue
The Summit
298.8550
www.saks.com







Bliss Products are sensual, luxurious, and a great gift for that significant other looking to relax. $32 and up.
Saks Fifth Avenue
The Summit
206.298.8550
www.saks.com






What better fortune to seek than Love? Share the wisdom and the love with these Romatic Fortune Cookies. $28
Red Envelope
www.redenvelope.com








Planning a romantic getaway with that special someone? At The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, you'll find the perfect escape from the rest of the world. Whether you're popping the question, saying "I Do," or simply enjoying each other's company, this made-for-two Destin Florida vacation package includes:
Beachview suite accommodations
Late check-out at 1:00 p.m.
Champagne & Box of Godiva Chocolates delivered to your suite
SeaologyTM Spa Amenity
Breakfast for Two (available through room service or at Sandcastles Restaurant)
Complimentary use of the Fitness Center at Serenity by the sea Spa during your entire stay.
Hilton Sandestin
Sandestin, Florida
800.367.1271
Mention Package Code RP



Last but not least, for an extravagant gift a little sparkle guarantees great results. Whether you want to say I Love You for the first time or for the millioneth time, designer Penny Preville will take her breath away with these Pave Classics Collection Pear Shaped Pave and Bezel Set Diamond Dangle Leverback Earrings Diamond .51 Carat in 18k White Gold. $2,255.
Bromberg's
The Summit

GOLDEN GLOBES BEST AND WORST

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association's hottest event The Golden Globes set the stage for the upcoming Awards season's notable talents and notable fashions. These Top Ten Picks combine glamour and personality to make the Best Dressed List!

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association was founded more than 60 years ago by a group of Los Angeles-based journalists. Its annual Golden Globe awards have enabled the non-profit organization to donate more than $6.5 million to charities, scholarships and programs. (FYI...If you noticed the blue pin Alec Baldwin hit the red carpet wearing it was to raise awareness for Autism Speaks, a favorite charity of NBC Universal chairman and CEO Bob Wright, who has a grandchild with the disorder.)

Next the Oscars - don't miss Birmingham's own Oscars Party February 25 visit www.ypbirmingham.com for more details.

Our darling Southern Belle looks as brilliant as sunshine in the bright canary yellow Nina Ricci cocktail dress.


Jennifer Hudson walked away a winner for Dream Girls and for her stunning floor length navy V-neck gown by Vera Wang- absolutely gorgeous!




Our favorite editrix star, Meryl Streep, always looks elegant with or without the Manolo Blahniks. Streep wore Carolina Herrera, Anna Wintour could not have worn it better!


Always gorgeous and voluptuous, Ugly Betty producer Salma Hayek in a white silk draped gown. White goddess-like dresses dominated the night.






Is it the fact that Leo is debonair or that he is so talented - nominated for 2 Golden Globes!


Brangelina the couple we are all tired of hearing about and the woman we are all not sure what to think about, chose a gorgeous charcoal gray knit Grecian style gown by St. John (whom she models for). If it was only worn sans tatoos.

Who doesn't love Jack Nicholson in his sunglasses.












Funny man Eddie Murphy looks dashing in 'Creative Black Tie' and wins for his role in Dream Girls.
Birmingham's own Courteney Cox looks stunning in this overlay gown.


Jada Pinkett-Smith chooses not only a stellar color of Tangerine but also a stellar design by Armani Prive.



BUT OH SNAP - WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!

Red carpet worst dressed repeat offender, Diaz once again has chosen poorly in this tulle gown with too many layers. After a break up sometimes you just aren't thinking right.

Beyonce in Eli Saab proving there is such thing as too much.










Puff ball chandelier.

Too much gold, too much taffeta and a bow, oh-no! This gown reminds me too much of a Werther's Original candy wrapper.

RESERVATIONS AT TWENTY SIX

The fun colors, the underlit bar, the metal beaded curtain to the restrooms shout cosmopolitan. This trendy hot spot has received a warm welcome from the jet setting young crowd and not just because of the ambiance.



The food is delicious and the drinks are innovative. Sip on a Tequito (Mint drink made with tequila), a Pomelini (A twist of Pomegranate juice in this Bellini), or a Saki To Me (Mandarin Saki, Orange Vodka, Sour Mix, Cranberry Juice) while enjoying a Tuna Melon Roll appetizer. For the entree the Bison Burger is terrific especially paired with Truffle Scented French Fries.

Visit www.birminghammenus.com for more information and to view their Lunch, Mid-day, Dinner, Late Night and Martini menus.




Photos here from Bad Dates and Chocolate Party by Arden Photography www.ardenphotography.com.

PARTY HOPPING

If you haven't been to a YP Birmingham party yet you are truly missing out. Throughout the year YP hosts events for young professionals to enjoy the Ham www.ypbirmingham.com - here are photos from their annual Tinsel and Toddies which raised money for Red Mountain Park, an initiative to build an incredible greenspace that would help retain and attract young professionals to Birmingham www.redmountainpark.org.

Tony Diliberto looks sharp in a suit and red tie, Rachel his wife looks oh-so chic in her V-neck empire mod patterned dress and black leggings, while Red Mountain Park fundraiser Mike Mahon pairs a brown cordouroy blazer with jeans for a laid back dapper look.















Ginny Temple, Francis Corbin, and Lyndsey McIntyre are decked out in their varying shades of red and cream. Lyndsey, we love the red crocheted sweater especially paired with the fabulous red clutch!
















Check out fashionista JanieMac Dixon's layered Candace Ang necklace and Candace Ang earrings, shirt by Lidi. Amy Bailey is wearing a vintage gold pendant necklace and gold bubble short dress by Only Hearts. Don't miss JanieMac's sale going on right now 50-75% off - JanieMac's Boutique is located at Vestavia City Center.











This handsome pair both look terrific. He is sporting the untucked button down - not all business all the time. She looks fabulous in the color of the season indigo blue layered with a black vest - someone deserves a gold star in fashion!
















The best accessory to carry to any party is your camera! We need pictures to remember how fabulous we look (and we can just delete the ones that aren't flattering:)
















I spy a black quilted Marc Jacobs bag in this picture - the envy of all status bag collectors!


















Holley Johnson dressed in a black and white polka dot dress makes this look a little more casual by pairing with a jean jacket. Katie Walls looks fabulous in this comfy, yet fun V-neck print dress.


















There is nothing more chic than a bearded man in red velvet on your arm, Krista Conlin and Jaime Primak show off their style to Saint Nick.

















Looking stylish and savvy, check out The Mummert sisters' fantatsic jewelry and the belt! Pictured hear with Jessica Hill, YP enthusiast and spiffy dresser strutting the oh-so in style black and white look by wrapping a sheer black wrap over a white festive top.














Always smiling couple Nathan Hyde and Lacey Bacchus in a sparkling mermaid-esque top from Parisian. Do we have to say farewell to our favorite Birmingham born department store?

Party Hopping Photos by Arden Photography www.ardenphotography.com.

HIT THE SLOPES

Whether you love hearing the swoosh of the fresh pow pow after a night of snow fall or you simply prefer to dress up in sexy ski bunny clothes – a ski vacation is one of the most relaxing and invigorating vacations you can choose. Here are a few favorites:

The Breck
The perfect little ski town, it is always the holiday season in Breckenridge. Stay at the Beaver Run Resort which is ski in/ski out, has great access to slopes, and a shuttle to all destinations along Main Street. The slopes are even labeled Black, Blue/Black, Blue, Blue/Green, to more accurately define degree of difficulty. After a long day of skiing hit the Breckenridge Brewery for a tall locally made lager to whet the palette.
Plenty of pizza joints abound, but if you are looking for a more memorable meal check out Hearthstone, this restaurant offers delicious food, in a cozy setting at casual dining prices.

In late January each year, blank canvases of snow become works of art at the International Snow Sculpture Championships. From a whimsical bouquet of enormous flowers, to thought provoking abstract shapes, sculptors form these masterpieces before thousands of spectators over the course of five days in the heart of town. Breckenridge also hosts its own Mardis Gras. www.gobreck.com











The Canyons
Located just 4 miles from Park City, home of the famous Sundance Film Festival, The Canyons Resort is ranked in the Top 5 Ski Resorts in North America offering 3,700 acres of diverse terrain over eight separate mountains, accessing 150+ trails. Highlights to look for at The Canyons in ‘07
· Brand new quad, DreamCatcher, offering access to 200+ acres of never-been-skied terrain
· Additional rails, hits, and boxes in the Terrain Park
· Pre-School and Perfect Youth programs for local kids available through The Canyons Ski & Snowboard School: http://www.thecanyons.com/localkids.html
· A new Executive Chef at the Grand Summit Hotel and a new Executive Chef for on-mountain dining
· Silverado Lodge (scheduled to open in February 2007) will have an additional 265+ rooms
Additional details are available at: www.thecanyons.com. Don't miss dinner at Robert Redford's Zoom and a night cap at Jenifer Anniston's favorite hot spot Harry O's on the main strip in Park City just a shuttle ride from The Canyons.











Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is the biggest resort in North America weighing in at 8,171 acres (the next largest resort is USA's Vail Resort at 5,289 acres), With over 17 alpine bowls, four glaciers, 200 trails, 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and a one mile vertical rise, the choices of where and what to ski or ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. Intermediate skiers and riders can access groomed runs high in the Whistler Blackcomb alpine region, and experience spectacular views of the Coast Mountain Range. Even beginners can get up to the peaks, with Green beginner trails winding their way down the mile high vertical drop to the valley floor.
Joined at the base by a vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafés, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this four season resort is spectacular by nature.
Whistler Blackcomb has acquired Whistler Heli-Skiing in a transaction that significantly increases the resort's skiable terrain and offers guests over a half a million acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain.
Construction kicked into high gear at Whistler Blackcomb in the summer of 2006 as British Columbia prepares to host the world in 2010. www.whistlerblackcomb.com

BEST BOUTIQUES IN BIRMINGHAM

Marella Mountain Brook Village

AKA Girl Stuff
Girls just wanna have fun and that is exactly what owner Dee has implemented in her Homewood boutique. From fun clothes to sassy gifts, you may find your next Art on the Rocks outfit or your best friend’s birthday gift.
Homewood 18th Street
205.802.7735

Betsy Prince
Lepore, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Stars – oh my! Fabulous, fun wardrobe additions await you at Betsy Prince. The most desirable part may be the shoes – with upcoming designer brands to Ferragamo, you will feel like Cinderella as you try on hoping that they in fact have your size. Insider scoop: At certain times during the year already reduced shoes are an extra 50% off!
Colonial Brookwood Village
205.871.1965

The Clothes Tree
A little of everything hot this fall and in a variety of price ranges, you will spend hours in The Clothes Tree because your shopping senses will be overloaded with the great selection of popular brands and upcoming trends. Next door is Sole Link: a new shoe boutique to the Birmingham scene.
Old Rocky Ridge Road
205.822.1902

Doree
The place to find the most unique, hippest jeans in Birmingham, Doree also carries great tops and dresses for a night on the town. Staying on top of the trends, you will find stylish accessories (i.e. silk headbands). This former Miss Alabama knows how to dress her customers very well!
SOHO
205.879.1333

Emma’s
Ooh-la-la what a shopper’s delight! Emma’s may be a drive for some of you, but for those on the 280 Corridor oh how lucky you are to have this boutique near you! Most coveted item at Emma’s – David Kahn jeans, they actually are known to visually take pounds off!
Inverness/Greystone
205.995.1110

Francesca’s Collection
Affordable chic, this best describes Francesca’s Collection. Sexy tops, jersey dresses, and necklaces galore, this boutique at The Summit is fairly new to the scene and will have you experiencing sticker shock, because it is so inexpensive.
The Summit
205.969.2432

Jane Simon
For truly a 5th Avenue or Rodeo Drive experience, visit Jane Simon in Mountain Brook. The most luxurious designers can be found here, famous names like Oscar de la Renta and newcomers like Jenni Kayne who dresses Mischa Barton, the Olsons, and many more. Owner Lisa Anderson has exquisite taste and a true eye for style.
Mountain Brook Village
205.423.0257

Lara
Owner of Lara, Lara Seelhort is not only a sweetheart, but she has a sweet eye for fashion as well. From the softest Susanna Monaco shirts and dresses to the girly, yet sleek designs of Nanette Lepore, Lara is always getting the hippest new digs in and you will want them before anyone else gets their hands on them! Also check out her Verdier Vintage Jewelry.
Patton Creek
205.982.1000

Laura Kathryn
Laura Kathryn opened its doors in Crestline almost 14 years ago and has built a reputation for stylish clothes, knowledgeable staff, and great fashion shows, too! Like a candy store for shopaholics, Laura Kathryn will have you jonesing for that sweet new outfit.
Crestline Village
205.870.5683

Marella
Looking for a great dress to turn heads or perhaps that perfect tee? Marella carries everything from the ever-so-chic Tracy Reese to the ever-so-comfy Vince. Also available Madge Cosmetics by the Birmingham born Meg Thompson.
Mountain Brook Village
205.879.3999

Private Gallery
This Southern based retailer has shops throughout the South and thank goodness for Birmingham, a store at The Summit. From the best selection of Michael Stars to very reasonably priced jackets and shoes to a huge selection of trendy jewelry, you are bound to make this one of your favorite boutiques, too!
The Summit
205.969.1559

Soca Clothing
Jeff Tenner and his sales reps mean business – they scout out markets for the latest trends in jeans, purses, tshirts, etc. From the oh-so-hot Genetic Denim to Rolling Stones Tshirts, Soca style is affordable and fresh from New York showrooms.
Southside
205.939.4955

Susan G. Matthews
Oh Sweet Pea, and plenty of other fun designers perfect for hip stylish women! This intimate boutique in Mountain Brook has chic coats, party dresses, and modern suits that make a statement in any meeting.
Mountain Brook Village
205.879.7186

Swank
This boutique is relatively new to the shopping scene but is quickly becoming a favorite. Located inside Jane Simon in Mountain brook Village, Swank is a fun, hip boutique with a variety of price ranges and a slew of exclusive brands like Envi and Christopher Deane. Be sure to check out their great denim display too, owner Emily Dees can help you find what style fits you best.
205.871.2324.

Theodora
This Birmingham boutique not only has local notoriety, but also national after being profiled in Lucky Magazine. You can find rockstar chic from Anna Sui and Betsy Johnson that bring cool back. Enjoy martini nights on Monday.
Homewood 18th Street
205.879.0335