SK-II, The Pitera Miracle
February 4, 2008 The SK-II legend of the Pitera essence is known far and wide (discovered by a Japanese scientist during a visit to a sake brewery), but I didn't get to learn more about the magical ingredient until recently. The following superstar products are examples of this great skin care line:
After cleansing with the Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel (nice makeup remover, btw), apply the Facial Treatment Mask for about 10-15 minutes. It's an intense moisture treatment that's perfect for long flights or dry weather. The mask drenches the skin with the special Pitera vitamins and organic acids, resulting in a replenished and dewy visage. For real dry skin you can soak the mask pack in hot water for 10 minutes, then take it out and apply as normal.
Another popular product, the Facial Treatment Essence, is called the 'holy water' from skin care fans. Containing the highest amount of Pitera of all the SK-II products (over 90%), it absorbs easily and your skin will end up looking radiant, with a supple, smooth feel. The alcohol-free formula is nice, rebalancing the skin's renewal cycle. Skin texture is improved and cellular turnover is increased.
I do like the Facial Hydrating UV Cream - it's a good sunscreen moisturizer (SPF 15). It's a bit thick, so a small amount goes a long way. It absorbs nicely into the skin, so there's no greasy residue whatsoever.
www.sk2us.com
-Tami
For more info, check out 
A few key products I like - the L.U.C.I EYES Light Color in Motion Eye Shadow Duo is a pretty shell-shaped compact that carries a beautiful bronze color and a photonic shade. You can blend the photonic shadow over the bronze color to create a unique third shade or use it by itself. It goes on very smoothly, so custom blending is easy and effortless.
Your lips will get that gorgeous pearly lacquer with the COLOR FEVER GLOSS. Use the photonic gloss as a topcoat over lipstick or lip pencil, or layer it with the other new shades to achieve glittering, intense colors (available in Sunray (photonic shade), Seashell and Rainbow).
To get an overall luminescent glow, apply the PHOTONIC Illuminating Powder Brush to your cheeks and forehead. It's just like applying a bronzer for a sculpting effect.
To get the L.U.C.I. look, go to 
From the signature truffle collection there are unusual flavors of Mango Kalamansi, Chrysanthemum, Yuzu, and Roasted Black Sesame. Very bold flavors in adorable dainty squares. They are almost too pretty to eat!
For more sweet gift ideas, visit 
I love the two limited edition Glow On blushes (Harmonious Orange & Tranquil Pink). Don't be fooled by the seemingly bright shades. They actually go on very lightly, to create a gentle barely-there flush on the cheeks.
The same idea goes for the five new Pressed Eye Shadow shades. Reflecting the zesty life force of Spring, the non-fading formula will guarantee that it will stay put. I like the Earth Brown, Spring Breeze and Yellow Elation colors. They're all wearable alone or blended.
Lip color is a muted pink/beige this season (try Rouge Unlimited Serene Pink), so the emphasis is more on the eyes. Delicate lips are key for this look.
Of course, makeup is only a part of the beauty routine. Healthy skin is a major factor in achieving that lustrous glow. The new Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/I is infused with chamomile and licorice root to soothe dry and sensitive skin. This great anti-aging oil also doubles as a heavy-duty makeup remover. It will take off that stubborn waterproof mascara in a snap! It makes makeup application and removal a breeze - all you have to do is swipe a Q-tip with a few drops of oil and it's instantly gone.
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Another beautiful confection, Le Raisin, is a lush combination of whole rum soaked grapes bathed in dark chocolate. Handcrafted from locally grown grapes, these have a slight crunch to the texture. I can't decide which one I like better, but you can't go wrong with either one of these gift boxes for your sweetheart. You might be showered with chocolate kisses, that much I can predict for you if you get them.
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I like the new flavor CRAVE, a milk chocolate infused with apricot and soy germ extract. It has a nice floral aroma. REFRESH has a nice minty burst, along with green tea antioxidants. My personal fave is the TRANQUILITY milk bar with lavender and lime blossom.
The book includes tips on selecting the right grade of oil, along with usage and storage instructions. Filled with numerous tasty recipes, readers will be drooling over the easy-to-make Spaghetti with Lemony Seared Scallops, Celery Root Rémoulade, Beef Filets Sauteed with Balsamic Vinegar, and the Orange Ginger Cake.
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Something magic happens to vegetables when they are roasted. Their flavors sweeten and intensify. This method takes about the same time as steaming, but it is easier and the results are tastier.
1 pound slender to medium asparagus, tough ends broken off.
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat an oven to 500 degrees F.
In a glass baking dish, arrange the asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle with the olive oil. Roast for 10 minutes. Test 1 spear; if it is not tender, roast for a minute or two longer. If it is tender, dribble the vinegar into the dish and shake the dish so that all the asparagus are coated with both the oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Using tongs so that most of the oil drips off, transfer the asparagus to a platter. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Serves 4
Photo Credit: Laurie Smith
Just thaw the frozen croissants overnight or for about eight hours. When you awake in the morning, the tantalizing yeast aroma has already filled the kitchen. Bake for about 15 minutes or so, and voila! Your mornings have never been so heavenly.
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