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If you want a super cute, relatively inexpensive, and sparkly way to wear some personalized jewelry, check out Objets d’Envy’s Initial Necklace. It’s a delicate necklace featuring an initial charm, plus a sparkly crystal! For a girlfriend who has a birthday this month, you can gift her with her initial and an aquamarine crystal (the March birthstone) for a lovely, personal present. Or, you can simply covet one for yourself. The initial charm is hand-stamped and the necklace is entirely handcrafted in the Objets studio right here in Chicago.

Plus, it checks in at under $50, though for more, you have the option to add additional charms or crystals. For more of designer Kirsten Goede’s creations, visit objetsdenvy.com.

We all have those days where we really, really, really wish we were somewhere else. Like, say, on holiday in Tuscany, or island hopping, or lounging poolside at a beachfront resort. Even if you can’t actually go to any of these places, Not Soap, Radio introduced a line of bath and body products so that you can at least feel like you’re there. The I’m Not Here, I’m Really collection transports you to a number of wonderful places solely through the power of the scent of body lotions, polishes, and dry oil perfumes.

Not Soap, Radio sent me some samples so I could try vacationing in a quaint seaside village. This one is a really calming, relaxing scent that just may remind you of taking a long weekend at the Cape, with hints of nectarine blossom, honey, peach, black currant, and green mandarin. The packaging is downright cute and the quality of the products are excellent, especially when I tried them on my dry skin. Individually, the products range from $20-22, or $59 for the set of 3. Check out Not Soap, Radio’s fun line of products at notsoapradio.com.

I’m constantly researching new products that might help soothe my winter skin blues. The winter just dries out my already dry skin, making it look dull and pallid, which my fellow dry skinned friend and I were commiserating over just the other day. My friend is a devout Kiehl’s fan and was raving to me about a new product that she sampled in the store–Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, a serum meant to rejuvenate your skin overnight.

Clearly, I wanted to try this miracle serum, and Kiehl’s provided me with the same sample that my friend snagged. I’m happy to report the same results as she did–after applying before I went to bed, I woke up with my face feeling moisturized and so, so soft. All you need is 2 or 3 drops of the serum, so even my sample is lasting me a while. Plus, the formula is 99% natural and smells really relaxing. A small bottle of the Midnight Recovery Concentrate is $42 at kiehls.com, but will keep your skin soft and hydrated for a very long time.

Confession: I had no idea that LUSH made massage bars. In fact, I had no idea what “massage bars” were. Luckily, LUSH remedied that situation when they sent me their Therapy Massage Bar to try–a solid bar of moisturizing goodness that is perfect for a massage! It’s completely organic and contains shea butter, cocoa butter, lavender, sweet orange, and neroli oils. The bar warms up as you rub it over your skin, and begins to melt smoothly into your skin. It even has a little notch that you can use to apply a bit more pressure. I’m excited to try this one!

You can find the Therapy Massage Bar at LUSH for just $8.75. The only potential drawback? The aforementioned ingredients do combine for a somewhat unique scent. I found it to be relaxing, though I can understand how others may find it a bit overwhelming. See for yourself at your nearest LUSH store!

Who else is suffering from pasty, pale winter skin? I don’t think I’ve seen the sun for days in Chicago, and my awesome tan from the summer is now non-existent. Julie Hewett has come to the rescue with her new Ora Mineral Bronzer in Aphrodite.

What’s different about this particular bronzer is that it’s packed with a subtle gold shimmer. It doesn’t have any pink tones, so all you get is a warm, sun-kissed look. Aphrodite’s light-reflecting minerals create a soft look combined with the gold shimmer, yet still defines your cheeks and face nicely. In short? It’s a lifesaver this winter.

The absolute best week for Chicago foodies just kicked off today–it’s Chicago Restaurant Week! Starting today through the 28th, you can have a 3-course lunch for only $22 and a 3-course dinner for only $32 at over 170 participating restaurants in Chicago (all prix fixe). This is quite the deal for a 3-course meal, especially at some of Chicago’s top restaurants. I’m so excited to see that some of my favorite restaurants are participating and I’ve got some great recommendations for you:

• Blackbird counts Anthony Bourdain as one of its biggest fans and offers amazing contemporary dishes from executive chef Paul Kahan, a James Beard nominee and winner.
• Definitely check out Perennial, named one of Travel & Leisure’s Top 50 New Restaurants in America. Their most delicious black truffle gnocchi appetizer is available for Restaurant Week!
• I’ve had the best tapas and even a whole roast pig at Mercat a la Planxa, and they are participating with a special lunch menu.
• Through Top Chef Masters, the rest of the country discovered the talent of Chicago’s Rick Bayless. His Frontera Grill and Topolobampo restaurants will have special lunch menus.
• The Chicago location of Miami’s famous Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab will have those delicious stone crab claws on the menu for Restaurant Week.

Visit eatitupchicago.com for a complete list of participating restaurants, as well as featured recipes from some of the restaurants so you can make the deliciousness at home! You can make reservations very easily online at opentable.com. Enjoy, and eat it up!

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I rarely write about makeup that I haven’t at least personally tested or bought for myself–but the Dior Poudrier Dentelle has already become an obsession in my mind. It’s just so… pretty! The Poudrier Dentelle (dentelle is French for “lace”) is a shimmery powder that illuminates your face with a soft, pretty glow. I love the sleek silver packaging and of course, the gorgeous, delicate lace effect on the powder. Recently, it was seen on Emily Blunt at the Golden Globes, and I can definitely see how it complemented her soft, romantic look.

Have you tried Dior’s Poudrier Dentelle yet? And is it absolutely gorgeous in real life as well? Let me know your thoughts! In the meantime, it’s available at Sephora.

Okay, it’s February 11th–are you still looking for a Valentine’s Day gift?! I’ve got some quick ideas for you that any Valentine would love, no matter what your budget is! First up, l’Âge de Thé’s Love Blend loose leaf tea costs only $6 and would be a super sweet way to send your love to someone. It’s a black tea with strawberry, chocolate, and just a pinch of rose petals. And it tastes delicious!

Linda & Harriett put together a Limited Edition Goody Bag that contains a note pad, a box of note cards, a pencil, and a cute little reusable heart bag (tied with a handwritten gift tag!). Of course, the paper goods are the top-notch quality you would come to expect from L&H, and you can choose from a set of designs. The Goody Bag is $26 and would make a thoughtful Valentine, don’t you think?

Lastly, check out Elemis’ Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt. The name is a mouthful, but it’s so worth it. At $48, it’s the most expensive on this list, but oh so luxurious. Monoi is made in Polynesia by soaking frangipangi flowers in coconut oil, and the result is a silky, moisturizing oil that is a treat for your skin. It would be perfect to use for a sensual massage and is nicely fragrant, so I’m sure your Valentine would loooove it. Have a happy Valentine’s Day!