Ahh, Valentine’s Day. Has Cupid struck you with gift ideas yet? We’ve got the scoop on what to bequeath your lady friend on the most romantic day of the year. Even if she doesn’t pluck daisies or don pearl necklaces, your gal is sure to appreciate our handpicked goodies.

I’ll start you off with the Philosophy Flirty Girl Set ($35, Sephora). Inside, you’ll find three sweet surprises. The first is a good-sized bottle of all-in-one shampoo, conditioner, and bubble bath to start your evening. Pucker up– the creatively designed box also comes with a shimmery Lip Shine. And instead of splurging on massage oil, you can use the yummy scented Body Lotion to work out those knots.

This vintage inspired mini-dress by Blaque Label ($148, Karmaloop) balances sexy and sweet. She’ll be impressed with your style when she sees the lacy cocktail frock, which can be dressed up with black tights and a funky fedora, or worn solo with a classic pair of black pumps.

If your budget is small, but your heart is big (we know, bad pun) consider these cutesy ankle socks from Topshop ($6, us.topshop.com). The black background gives an edgier kick to the white heart pattern, and the material will keep her tootsies warm and fashionable on frigid winter days.

If your lady loves rings (but you’re not ready to pop the question), take a peek at the Lulu Guinness Crystal Pave Ring ($75.50 at LuluGuinness.com). The white bronze ring has a lip-shaped design with red crystals adorning the top. Just be sure to stand upright when you hand her the box.

We know you think she smells great, but since variety is the spice of life, let’s take a gander at the Gucci ‘Flora by Gucci’ Eau de Parfum Spray ($80, Nordstrom). The scent is inspired by past royalty, and contains notes of citrus, pepper, and sandalwood. The fresh new scent comes in a delicate container with an elegant black bow.

Toying with the idea of lingerie? Figure out her sizes (make sure to get them right, gentlemen!) and pick up the Flirty Lace Balconette Bra ($28.50) and Flirty Lace String Thong ($12.50) at Express. The “Hot Stuff” color is perfect for your valentine, and although it looks expensive, the price is easy on the wallet.

Speaking of wallets, here’s a fun option from Wetseal. The Quilted Flower Hinge Wallet ($10.50 at Wetseal.com) is girlie, sweet, and will add a feminine touch to a sexy LBD. It doubles as a clutch and will keep her hard-earned cash safe in a zippered inside pocket.

Still stumped? If your girl adamantly refuses to be given anything Valentines-y (but you still want to look like a don), surprise her with these delicious scented candles from Henri Bendel ($35).  The frosted glass containers have Bendel’s signature stripe, and since it’s already in a pretty box, you don’t need to spend extra on gift-wrap.

Happy hunting, gentlemen!

If you hadn’t heard of T-Swizzle before a week ago, you certainly know her now—she’s the girl who walked away with four Grammys. The country songstress is known for her Western style, and can carry a look just as well as she carries her tunes. Check out her polished yellow trench. The large chocolate brown buttons add a stylish twist, and the belt keeps the look together. She paired her coat with a luxurious pair of Christian Louboutin knee-highs and sexy v-striped tights. Upon arrival at Sydney Airport in March, Taylor wowed in a girlie embroidered pink dress and her signature cowboy boots. The scarf that she tied to her purse is cute and fresh.

The singer’s curly blonde locks keep her style vibe young, even when she’s dressed in designer duds from head to toe. Although she sings about her affinity for sneakers, the lyric queen doesn’t shy away from pumps. “I am obsessed with high heels,” she told Teen Vogue in March 2009. At the Grammys this year, her periwinkle Kaufman Franco dress got the nod of approval from hard-to-please celebrity stylist Jay Manuel on E! “Fashion Police.” The geometric neckline and shimmery fabric are a perfect look for the 20-year-old superstar. I can’t wait to see how her style will evolve.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is organizing a show to benefit Haiti during this season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The glamorous Ms. Campbell’s Fashion for Relief event will take place on February 12^th, 2010.  Tickets are available for purchase on ticketmaster.com by American Express cardholders. For $100-150, you can attend the event, which will be hosted by Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, the Duchess of York. The star-studded runway show will feature celebrities and world-renowned designers. The donation is tax-deductible, and all the revenue will go to CARE. That’s right- 100% of funds generated by ticket sales will be used directly in the healthcare relief effort for Haitian mothers and children. If you can’t be there for the catwalk, you can check out the items for sale on NET-A-PORTER. The auction is scheduled to begin on February 15th.

The Neil George Salon in Beverly Hills services many of Hollywood’s top A-listers. Los Angeles-based British duo Amanda George and Neil Weisberg get daily inspiration from salon clients – the key to creating new products to enhance your beauty regime.  So, not only did I check out their hairspray, but I also took their dry shampoo for a spin.

Neil George Refresh Dry Shampoo – A waterless way to rejuvenate and restyle hair. Infused with a botanical blend that works to absorb sebum and oils from the scalp, this light aerosol spray provides a natural way to polish and re-texturize. Hair instantly regains volume and freshness. A powerful complex of Jaborandi, Cherimoya and Gotu Kola combine to stimulate circulation, optimize hair health and provide a dose of niacin and thiamin, improving the strength of the hair root itself. Paraben free.

In the past, I have hated dry shampoo!  I always seem to find products that left your hair looking powdery and gray – not a good look.  I always thought I’d never use dry shampoo again unless I was sick or injured and could not wash my hair.  Neil George Refresh Dry Shampoo is great when you have no time to wash and it is also great if you want to keep that second day texture without your head looking like an oil slick.  Best part?  Your hair smells and looks fresh with no icky residue.

Neil George Perfect Hold Hairspray – This light and lasting hairspray gives just the right amount of natural control and conditioning support to protect and retain the shape and style of great looking hair. The flexible spray formula is fortified with the antioxidant rich Indian Gooseberry to add strength and nourishment. UV filters protect while Shikakai Oil tames frizz and flyaways. Wheat proteins add shine and Panthenol protects the hair against damage from over styling and heat. Paraben free.

I love Neil George Perfect Hold Hairspray because it keeps my (new) bangs looking perfect!  I have been doing my hair with lots of bounce and waves and it keeps the wave and volume all day – even after a little does of New York City Winter air.  It also smells pretty good!

Neil George products are available online at Neil George Salon, Amazon.com, Drugstore.com, and at salons.

This Valentine’s Day love your lips, and he will too! Estée Lauder’s Love Your Lips Collection has arrived just in time for Valentine’s Day to give your lips that perfect, seductive look. This limited-edition collection of 12 lip-loving Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick shades and 4 NEW Kissable Lip Glosses features a special “LOVE” logo  (with the “O” as a heart!)on the lipstick bullet and the glosses are packaged in uniquely designed vials specially adorned with the same logo. Make sure your lips don’t go unnoticed this Valentine’s Day!

Estée Lauder Signature Lipstick’s lustrous, creamy, comfortable formula delivers hours of moisture and wear to lips with a sensual, high-shine finish. Each lipstick carries a Valentine’s message of “L?VE” engraved on the front and back of the bullet. Available in 12 lip-loving shades including 3 new shades: Cherry Kiss, Pink Kiss, and Coral Kiss.

Estée Lauder Kissable Lip Gloss is a non-tacky, cushioned formula that feels comfortable on the lips. This lustful gloss provides sheer coverage and a shimmering, kissable finish. Wear alone for a subtle look, or layer over Signature Lipstick for added shine. Kissable Lip Gloss is available in 4 all new, voluptuous shades: Sweet Kiss, Cherry Kiss, Pink Kiss, and Coral Kiss.

Pucker Up this Valentine’s Day with the new “Love Your Lips” Limited Edition Lip Collection. Available February 2010, at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and www.esteelauder.com.  Lipsticks retails for $19.50 and lip gloss for $18.00.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

This April, Hourglass Cosmetics launches it’s NEW Prodigy lip gloss collection. Available in 6 lux shades: Eden, Hypnotic, Legend, Opium, Pulse, and Surreal, the Prodigy lip gloss collection is packed with Vitamin A&E, silky, non-tacky texture provides high shine and comfort. Paraben, sulfate, phthalate and fragrance free. Packaged in a super sleek, clutch worthy exclusive design – a flat, easy to hold tube that fits into a small makeup bag, your evening clutch, and even can be concealed in your pocket!

I checked out this lip gloss in Eden, a pale brownish pink that is nothing short of heavenly!  The flat tube is so easy to hold and makes the gloss easy to apply – no over-squeezing – so you get just the right amount of gloss on your lips.

What do we love about the Prodigy Lip Gloss Collection?

• “Tube” features a metalized outer shell to conveniently fit into the palm of the hand or slip into a pocket or clutch
• Silky and non-tacky texture provides high shine and comfort
• Enhanced with Vitamin E to hydrate and protect the lips from becoming chapped and dry
• May be worn over lipstick and lip liner or worn on its own
• Paraben-, sulfate-, phthalate-, and fragrance-free

A line that embodies modern luxury, Hourglass combines timeless extravagance and style all in one clutch-worthy collection. From lush shades to incredibly luxurious packaging, makeup has never been so pretty – or perfecting. Every product in the Hourglass Cosmetics line is formulated with the latest cosmetic technology and cutting-edge ingredients. Offering a full collection of color cosmetics and brushes, Hourglass opens your eyes to a beautiful new reality: style and substance can coexist. For more information on the line, please visit www.hourglasscosmetics.com.

Find this product at www.hourglasscosmetics.com or www.sephora.com, or check it out at Barneys NY or your local Sephora store.

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to get dressed up and glammed up.  Whether you’re flying solo for a girls’ night out or you’ve got a date, it’s a great day for a romantic and sexy look.  Here are some tips:

Wear a sexy cocktail dress – Of course red is often the color of the day, but this year I am liking deep, dark, bright pinks and lots of purple.  Of course, you can never go wrong with your favorite little black dress.
I don’t know if there’s a better day to wear a super sexy dress!  Try this look from Express – a bandage dress that comes in black and bright pink.  The cut is fabulous on a variety of body types.  The material is nice and thick so all you see are smooth, sexy, curves.

Glam it up with red lipstick – I truly love a red lipstick to add some glam to my Valentine’s Day look.  Just make sure it doesn’t clash with your dress, and that it complements your hair and skin tones.  One of my favorites?  MAC Viva Glam I.  Feeling intimidated by wearing a bold color?  Read more about how to pull off red lipstick.

Going for a more casual date?  This is the night to break out your skinny jeans!  I love skinny jeans in a deep, dark wash.  They can be dressed up to down depending on where you are going and how sexy you want to look.  Throw them on with boots or heels and you’ve got a great, hot look.   I love the Lucky Brand Lola skinny jeans.  How do I wear them?  With sexy sky-high platform pumps like the Toppazz from Steven Madden at Endless.com.

Casual or glam plans, the final touch should always be a fresh manicure.  Nude nails are hot this season, but Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to go red or to vamp it up with deep purples.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

Want to indulge in a pamper-me session, but can’t scrounge up the funds? You’re in luck— Spa Week is partnering with 28 relaxation oases around the country to bring you a heavenly day of decadence for free! Goodies like caviar facials, Swedish massages, and paraffin manicures will be up for grabs during the first annual National Wellness Giveaway.

Spas from New York to California will be offering up tingle-inducing treatments to uplift the body and soul. Los Angeles’s own Naya Fresh Body Spa has created a package that includes a 75-minute chocolate Decadence Wrap (perfect for girls who love luscious cocoa butter!) On the East Coast, L’Insititut Sothys—a sophisticated Parisian transplant—will be lavishing one lucky guy or gal with an energizing ginger scrub. Visit spaweek.com (http://www.spaweek.com/promotions/national-spa-giveway#enter) for your chance to win a day of luxury! Giveaway ends 2/28/2010

Last week I was invited to a Post Cereal making challenge and to say I was excited was an understatement. Not only would I learn HOW to make Grape Nuts and Shredded Wheat but the winner for best product won a $500 gift certificate to Williams Sonoma. Momma needed a new pair of copper pots so I was seriously gearing up for this event. Big money, big money, big money NO WHAMMY!

I arrived early to the Natural Gourmet Institute (a fantastic vegetarian cooking school – more on that in a later blog) and was greeted by the very friendly Post Cereal staff with the most adorable light blue apron I had seen in a long time. For me? Why THANK YOU Post Cereal. Guests were treated to a delightful healthy breakfast and a brief presentation by the Diet Doctor herself; Dr. Melina Jampolis. Dr. Jampolis spoke about her life mantra “food is medicine” and the health benefits of Post Cereal Shredded Wheat. You might not know this ladies and gentlemen but Shredded Wheat is made solely of wheat berries. Don’t feel bad, I was totally shocked when I heard that too. I mean, I knew Shredded Wheat was good for me but I never realized it was that good for me. How could I have been eating this cereal for years and not know what was really in it? I felt like a total goose…

How nutritious are wheat berries? Unlike many other types of grains, wheat berries retain nearly all of their nutrients after being cooked. Wheat berries are packed with fiber, protein and iron. They are also loaded with vitamin E, a cell-protecting antioxidant, and magnesium, which are needed to maintain healthy bones and muscles. Talk about Healthy!!! Also, Dr. Jampolis went on to point out that unlike most cereal brands today trying to first incorporate whole grains into their products, Post Cereal Shredded Wheat has always been composed of naturally occurring grain.

Although I am not allowed to tell everyone the recipe for Shredded Wheat, I will simply say: it is easy, healthy, and delicious. Go out and get yourself a box this weekend because it will surely help you with any kind of diet/health program you have laid out for yourself. I know I bought a box during my grocery trip this weekend.

Oh…and in case you were wondering, I lost the competition. There go my plans for two new Ruffoni monogrammed copper pots…