Week of December 27, 2010 - January 3, 2011

Ring in the New Year in Style

Last week we gave you the best parties on New Year’s Eve. This week GEM helps you get that New Year’s Eve party look!

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Dressing
Savvy shoppers can put their best fashion foot forward this New Year’s Eve by primping on a budget. Get your New Years Eve shopping at off-price retailers like Marshall's, where they can score the season’s hottest looks for less. Check out the new Marshall's on 6th ave, for more stores visit: www.Marshalls.com. Designers at a discount are the best way to go!


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Finds for Guys
Comfort and fashion in a shoe…a dress shoe? Yes! That’s why you need to check out Geox. We love the Sergio, $200, www.Geox.com. The ultralight, waterproof and breathable rubber sole makes this shoe debonair and discreet design elevating any attire.


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Hair
For pretty hair, we asked award-winning Master Colorist and Hair Expert Vasken Demirjian for his tips on DIY holiday accessories tips for NYE! Demirjian suggests transforming a signature necklace: every gal probably has an intricate and sparkly necklace that is a favorite...why not incorporate this into your party 'do? Simply part hair on the side, and pin with bobby pins along the party - don't be shy of the pendants of the necklace hanging down over your ear, Gatsby-style - it's incredibly and unexpectedly beautiful!

All you need is something fabulous in your hair combined with your LBD and some heels and you have an insta-party look.

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Nails
New for Holiday 2010 we love Kiss Nail Artist Nail Paint and Stencil Kit $6.99, available at CVS. With more concentrated color than nail enamel and faster drying time this new package is perfect for the season. The holiday themed stencil designs make anyone an instant nail artist; peel and stick, paint with nail paint provided, gently peel off to reveal a perfect design! For more info visit www.kissusa.com.



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Health Tip: How to Avoid Injury Falling on the Ice
Dr. Ronald Grelsamer, a leading surgeon and an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital, as a hip and knee specialist, Dr. Grelsamer is familiar with injuries associated with winter weather and shared his expert advice on how to prevent them. Here is some useful advice from Dr. Grelsamer about how to avoid injury during the winter season on slippery sidewalks and roads.

1. Move your feet ever so slightly apart as you walk. This will give you better balance. If the street is really slippery, bend your knees a little bit. You may feel that you look funny, but it’s worth it.
2. When going down an incline, consider turning sideways. Do NOT cross one foot over the other, as you will have no balance while your feet are crossed. If the ground is steep, bend your knees (this is where those annoying ski lessons can pay off)
3. Protect your dominant arm. That would be the right if you are a righty, the left one if you are a lefty. Since a fall occurs very quickly, you have no time to plan for that. One recommendation is to hold your coat with your dominant hand, which instinctively leaves the other one to break your fall. If you are carrying something, do so with the dominant hand. Again, instinctively you will then use the weaker hand to brace yourself, should you fall.
   

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Week of December 20 - December 26, 2010

Fellow GEM NYC blog followers, thank you for all your support in 2010! We look forward to bringing you many more GEMS to come in 2011!

Happy Holidays y Feliz Navidad

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NEW YEARS EVE PARTIES

OPAL

New Years Eve 2011 Ball Drop Countdown with music by NYC's Hottest DJs, hosted by MTV Tres own L-Boogs. Complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., complimentary party favors, one hour open bar, video of ball dropping, and champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m. Must be 21 and over. $25 advance tickets. For more information or table reservations please email info@soulatino.com or call (718) 796-7979. You can purchase tickets online at http://opal.eventbrite.com. Opal, 251 East 52nd Street and Second Avenue, NYC.

VIBRATIONS LOUNGE

Welcome the new decade, come celebrate New Years Eve with all your friends at Vibrations Lounge. Doors open at 9 p.m. Open all night until 6 a.m. Must be 21 and over. Guest DJ's Spinning all night. VIP Treatment: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., $50 and includes; open bar and hors d' oeuvres (9 p.m. to 12 a.m.), and complimentary party favors. General admission 12:30 a.m. to 6 a.m., $25 and includes; drink and bottle specials. For RSVPs and table reservations, please call (917) 657-3373 or visit UrbanLatino.com. Vibrations Lounge, 116 Avenue C., between 7th and 8th streets, NYC.

SOB's 2011 TROPICAL PARADISE

This New Year's Eve, S.O.B.'s invites you to step into a Tropical Paradise, where the sultry sounds fill the air and the champagne and mojitos flow until sunrise. The sensational flavors of S.O.B.'s Nuevo-Latino pre-fixe menu will have your taste buds soaring and the midnight champagne toast is the perfect way to bring in the New Year. Come Celebrate the end of 2010 & the potential of 2011 at S.O.B's! Doors 8 p.m.,10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Admission $160.00, $60.00 & $30.00. For more information and reservations call (212) 243-4940 or www.sobs.com.

3 Packages Available
Platinum $160 p/p
8 P.M. ENTRANCE , LIVE PERFORMANCES, STAGE SIDE SEATING

Sangria Cocktail, FIVE COURSE DINNER

PARTY FAVORS, CHAMPAGNE TOAST, BREAKFAST AT DAWN

Gold $60 p/p
10:30 P.M. ENTRANCE (NON-SEATED)
LIVE PERFORMANCES, PASSED HORS D'OEUVRES
PARTY FAVORS, CHAMPAGNE TOAST, BREAKFAST AT DAWN

Silver $30 p/p
12:30 A.M. ENTRANCE (NON-SEATED)
LIVE PERFORMANCES, DJ SPINNING THE LATEST & GREATEST OF 2010, BREAKFAST AT DAWN

Featuring Live Music All Night Long:
The Sweet Sounds of Bossa Nova
The Sizzling Salsa of Bio Ritmo & Carimi's Haitian Heat
Plus NYC's Hottest Latin DJs: DJ Spike spinning House, World, Soul & Best Of '10

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LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SHOPPING IDEAS

TECHNOLOGY

With the Samsung Galaxy Tab™, Sprint's first tablet powered by Android™, you are guaranteed to light up any room you walk into. Weighing in at less than a pound, this all-in-one 7-inch touch screen device takes multitasking to the extreme. Read a book, listen to hot tracks, take a picture, video conference, watch a movie, email, text, post in your favorite social media networks or surf the Web, you can do it all - no desk required. All for just $399.99 after a 2-year Agreement and a Tablet plan and $50 instant rebate. Visit www.sprint.com for more info.

BOOK

MAMBO DIABLO: MY JOURNEY WITH TITO PUENTE by JOE CONZO SR. with DAVID A. PEREZ

Joe Conzo Sr. and David A. Perez luminously recreate the life of widely acclaimed Afro-Cuban and Jazz musician Tito Puente in the biography "Mambo Diablo - My Journey with Tito Puente." The authors chronicle the life of the popular and combative New York Puerto Rican multi-talented musician and entertainer who climbed from his poor environment in East Harlem (El Barrio), New York to international fame and recognition.

Countless stories have been written about Tito Puente's percussive musical abilities, but rarely has the talent, intuition, mishaps and controversies been presented in a vivid and personal biography. Joe Conzo was Tito's close friend, confidant and chronicler for nearly 40 years - no one was closer to Tito or knew him better. Joe tells the story of a man and his music the way it has never been told. David A. Perez sets down Joe's personal recollections and fits them into the context of the social milieu and revolving world. Purchase hardcover, paperback or kindle on amazon.com, borders.com and barnesandnoble.com.

MEN'S FASHION

503 Lab presents New York-based VGB making their debut this holiday with their Holiday 2010 Gentleman of Leisure collection. Inspired by the globetrotting and gentlemanly lifestyle of the likes of fictional character James Bond, the style hopes to create something that will undoubtedly stand out on its own with the bustling market for menswear. Available now via Karmaloop.com.

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TELEVISION

NYC's SAZON RESTAURANT CHEF FRANK VS BOBBY FLAY

Chef Frank will be hosting a viewing party of Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Chef Frank appeared on the Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay, challenged by celebrity Chef Bobby Flay to an Empanada dual. Three of the nation's top experts in Latin cuisine will judge the tasty turnovers and select who had the best recipe for this traditional Latino dish. Who will be crowned the King of the Empanada? Tune in on Wednesday, 12/22 at 9 p.m. to find out. Channel 97-Cablevision and channel 50- Time Warner. Private viewing begins at Sazon Restaurant at 7 p.m. Sazon, 105 Reade Street, NYC.Please RSVP for the private viewing with Svargas@ulmedia.net.

TAVIS SMILEY REPORTS DUDAMEL:CONDUCTING A LIFE

For his fourth TAVIS SMILEY REPORTS "Dudamel: Conducting a Life," Tavis Smiley gives viewers an extraordinary look into the life and artistry of the LA Phil's charismatic conductor. At 29, Dudamel is not only the youngest conductor of any major orchestra in the world, but is also being hailed by critics as the most exciting. Dudamel is instrumental in inspiring the launch of the LA Phil's Youth Orchestra Los Angeles initiative, which provides Los Angeles school children with music education. A student of an internationally acclaimed music program in his native Venezuela, Dudamel is committed to expanding music education in America. Tavis profiles some of the remarkable kids whose lives are being transformed by Dudamel's commitment to free music education for all. Tune in on Wednesday, 12/29 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. E.T. on PBS.

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Week of December 13 - December 19, 2010

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Week of December 7 – December 13, 2010

December is a month filled with shopping, booze and soirées. So GEM would like to give you a little taste of our end of year “Gemtastic Faves,” which are sure to turn that post-black-Friday frown upside down! Share some of your own GEM NYC faves this holiday season, and/or if you’d like to drop us a line please do so at gem@ulmedia.net.

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TRAVELICIOUS:

Holiday travel plans got you seeing double? Well, if you’re a late packer like me – you’ll want to at least be organized. GEM has gone absolutely gaga over the Joy Mangano “Clothes It All” Large Elite Luxury suitcase – as it’s a marriage made in heaven between luggage genius and dresser organization. This unique piece features a drawer system that turns your suitcase into a mobile dresser, so there's no need to unpack when you get to your destination. Easy-view clear windows allow you to see at a glance what's in each drawer. With its distinctive croco-embossed trim, this suitcase is designed to get noticed. The suitcase comes in Black, Copper, Pewter, Saddle, Deep Sage, Espresso, Ocean Blue or Raspberry Red. To view similar items or purchase this piece, click here.

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MOISTURE THERAPY:

LIPS - As the days get colder and colder, our lips remind us via chapped membranes that we really need to nourish ourselves with a fast absorbing topical treatment. EOS (Evolution of Smooth) lip balms are certified USDA organic, and made with 95% certified organic ingredients. Aside from being mostly organic, they are 100% natural and made without petrolatum and parabens (wax). The main ingredients include jojoba oil for long-lasting moisture; shea butter for softening; and vitamin E for antioxidant protection and healing. And let’s not forget that adorable recyclable packaging! These balms are brightly colored and packaged with a sturdy “soft touch” plastic for a unique feel. These babies can be purchased online here for less than $4 here.

HANDS – I went to Israel years ago for a business trip, and I returned enamored not by the Israeli armed guards, but by this miracle hand cream. Dead Sea Treatment Hand Cream, by Sea of Spa is only available for purchase online, as it’s imported directly from Israel via several online merchants, but it’s definitely worth the extra shipping! I’ve had my 3.4 oz tube for more than 6 months because “ a little, for sure goes a long way.” Dead Sea Treatment is a unique enriching and moisturizing cream composed of natural oils, primarily avocado oil, and enriched with aloe vera extract and Dead Sea minerals. This cream can safely be categorized as the “La Mer” for hands – at a microscopic fraction of the prize. It goes on smoothly, and does not leave a greasy residue as it is absorbed by your skin almost instantly. I can safely predict that if you purchase this cream – you’ll be addicted to its moisturizing prowess, just as I am now. To purchase this dry hand miracle treatment, click here.

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TOOLS OF THE TRADE:

HEARTBEATS - high performance in-ear headphones by Lady Gaga are holistically designed to deliver the soundtrack of your life with clarity and power, as well as satisfy your passion for fashion. Immerse yourself in pitch-perfect highs, precise mids, and club caliber bass. Because when your music sounds amazing, you stop hearing it, and start feeling it. In other words, sound really matters. Plus, Lady Gaga didn’t just style-check Heartbeats, she created the design to ensure they look like no other headphone out there. For other selections and to peruse through the Monster Beats store click here.

HONESTY BOWS – How many times have you been suckered into the “Secret Santa” exchange at work? It’s already difficult to buy something for your family and loved ones, but what about the awkward guy in I.T. – the budget is only $25! Let the presentation of your present show that sometimes it really IS the thought that counts... These cheeky ribbon kits have 10 meters of ribbon and 6 stick-on bows that tell it like it is. 3 clever options: "Caution! Panic purchase", "I still have the receipt" and "It's the thought that counts". These handy messengers come in purple with fuchsia text, black with yellow text, and turquoise with blue text. To view all selections and purchase a pack of honesty bows click here.

PITCH ME COLD - The pure elements pour out swiftly with this stainless steel pitcher of industrial design and exceptional proportions. It’s tall, shiny and stainless, holding 60 ounces of tap or bottled H20, with a "C" shaped handle. This pitcher is ideal for the manliest of men and their bachelor pads – as well as for the daintiest of art deco feminine enthusiasts. Your friends will swoon over this pitcher, as it keeps its contents as cold as if they were bathed in ice. This stainless steel utilitarian piece of art can be purchased here for less than $30.

WHAT NICE STEMS YOU HAVE – I don’t know if many of you remember the major department store Fortunoff’s? Well, all I know is that the last time I stepped into a Fortunoff’s, there was a set of black martini glasses tormenting my wallet. I felt like I was making circles around this set of stemware. They taunted me, saying sweet nothings of how much attention they can bring to my limited hosting abilities. So, in the end they were right. $36 later, I was all of a sudden the most chic and elegant new year’s eve party host, and all of my friends were going gaga over my midnight stemware. This Gemtastic stemware in black glass is classic and adds a richness to any table setting – quantities are limited, so consider getting some quickly here, before others steal your spotlight this holiday!

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SCENT OF A WOMAN:

Whoever coined the term “spoiled for choice” might as well have been talking about fragrance. It’s been told in the industry, that the best fragrances mix warm notes with light, citrusy ones for a scent that’s rich but not overpowering. So let’s have a look at which ones made the GEM pre-view list of best gems…

SPICY LADY

Kilian Back to Black Aphrodisiac is a sultry blend with fresh bergamot and spices including nutmeg, cardamom, and patchouli.

Jo Malone Sweet Lime & Cedar, inspired by Thai cuisines, combines lime with cardamom, and nutty woods.

UPSCALE GOURMAND

For a mix of sugar and spice, there’s a great “oldie” out there called Burberry Brit, which combines lime, and pear with vanilla, amber, and mohagany.

You can also get achieve a high glucose level with CH Carolina Herrera, which features bergamot and lemon with praline chocolate, cinnamon and woody notes.

FRESH ELEGANCE

For an overtly citrus scent, Versace Versense blends bergamot and green mandarin with sandalwood, cedarwood, and musk.

Another great citrusy scent is Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria Pamplelune, which has grapefruit, bergamot, and petitgrain (an extract of bitter orange, tends to add a more robust citrus tone), mixed with patchouli and vanilla for balance.

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EAR CANDY:

Eliot Danori earrings are timeless, ageless, and outright spectacular. I have yet to find a pair of Danori’s which do not make me look like a million bucks! You can wear these inside-out crystal hoops with skinny jeans and leather or suede knee-high boots, and with the ever-so-chic sweater dresses and chunky belts… But where these go – most hoops have not gone before, and that’s to the upscale black-tie affairs and New Year’s Eve fêtes. The shine and sparkle that you get from these inside-out crystal hoops is unsurpassed, so if you want to shine above the rest at your next soirée, make sure to don these babies by clicking here.

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EVENTS:

Here at GEM we love to give back to the community, and this coming Friday, December 10, 2010 we’ll be at Notice Lounge of Williamsburg, Brooklyn for the “Capicu Open Mic & Parranda” featuring the music of San Juan Hill- the Afro Latin Soul Band Collective from El Barrio!

This live band combines innovative, original material with intense crowd moving performances, poured carefully into a pot of ingredients which include: Funk/ Soul, Latino Caribeno, Jazz, Brazilian, Hip Hop and House. All served with a side dish of Soultry vocals sung in Spanish, English, and Portuguese- music for the struggle, love and life! For a little preview of San Juan Hill’s stylings CLICK on the video below.

There is a $10 cover fee which will go towards the United Latino Professional’s Annual Christmas Toy Drive, as they aim to provide toys for nearly 100 families in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

WHEN: FRIDAY DECEMBER 10TH

WHERE: NOTICE LOUNGE & CAFE
198 Union Avenue (between B'way and Montrose)
Williamsburg Brooklyn NY 11211
Tel: 718-387-0707

Doors open at 7 PM - Open Mic
**SHOWTIME at 8PM!**

AGE: 21 & Over

DIRECTIONS:
G Train to Broadway (on the same block)
J Train to Lorimer (Lorimer/Bway exit, walk straight up B'way, right on Union ave)

From Bronx/ Manhattan: 2,3,4,5,A, or C train to Fulton St./ Broadway Nassau station, transfer to J or M train to Lorimer St. (Lorimer/Bway exit, walk straight up B'way, right on Union ave).

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