By Doshka Harvey

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, especially all who have supported LadyDoshka.

Let's all welcome 2011 with our heads held up high.  2011 is your year!!!  No matter how anyone tries to put you down, remember to always stay positive.  Let nothing get in the way of achieving your dreams.  Know that your life is and will always be Just Fine.

By Claudine Paul

Clearly, from the ominous tones that commences the current music release, by rock band Thirty Seconds To Mars, it is understood what is on this band's mind.  This Is War is a cohesive culmination of cinematic rock melodies all backdropped against the desperate vocal pleas of lead singer Jared Leto.  Lyrical interjections, marching rhythms, and grand choral choruses are employed hinting always a sense of unity and hope.  This Is War, it seems, was worth the battle for Thirty Seconds To Mars.

Images courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Doshka Harvey

What splendor!   New York City has been blanketed by snow since Sunday, December 26th.  Central Park was the picture perfect place to capture a few lovely images.

View of Time Warner Center towers from the Pond at 59th Street

Bethesda Fountain - filled to the brim with snow

Regardless of all the snow pedicabs were on hand to give rides around the park

Fun snow graffiti - the Brazilians and Argentineans are making it known they are in town

A very frosty lamp

Reckon there is nowhere to sit 

American Elm trees on The Mall and Literary Walk

Images © 2010 Doshka Harvey

By Doshka Harvey

Delicious!  Delicious!  Delicious!  Have I said that word enough?  It's the best way to describe the chive and pork fried dumplings, as well as the pork fried buns from Vanessa's Dumpling House.

Located in Chinatown, here in New York City, it is good eats on a budget.  These dumplings cost me a mere $1 for 4; and the pork buns, $1 for 3.  An absolute bargain!  The juices ooze out upon taking a bite - fresh, hot, savory and flavorful.  Simple culinary goodness!

While cooking it's always nice to have an enjoyable snack until your meal is ready.  I think I made the right selection and my tummy loves it.  Happy Holidays!

Dumplings:  $1-$4 (depending on the flavor and quantity), Buns:  $1-$1.50

Address:  118A Eldridge Street, b/w Grand & Broome Street, NY, NY 10001, (212) 625-8008/8118

Images © 2010 Doshka Harvey

By Doshka Harvey

African Nativity, created by Tanzanian artists, made of mahogany and ebony, $50

The gift that gives back is one of the best gifts ever.  One way to give with an open heart to children in need is via UNICEF.  According to UNICEF 22,000 children die daily from preventable causes.  UNICEF, which currently aids children in over 150 countries, believes that number should be zero.  As citizens of the world we can commit an angelic act with UNICEF via the power of our donation or the purchase of UNICEF cards and gifts.

Perusing their 2010 Fall Collection Catalog as well as their 2010 Inspired Gifts Holiday Catalog, one will be impressed to find a number of items to serve as presents to others, while also being able to opt for inspired gifts which go directly to the children who need it.

Haitian Steel Drum Wall Art, created by Haiti's craftsmen, made of recycled steel drums, $50

Your purchase of UNICEF cards and gifts means that 15 percent of the sale will go to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and 90 percent of that will be given to UNICEF.

Quilted Ceramic Tea Light Holders (set of 3), $18

In addition, for the holidays, UNICEF has partnered with FEED Guatemala Bags and IKEA.  According to UNICEF "for every FEED 1 Guatemala pouch and FEED 3 Guatemala bag sold at Lord & Taylor stores in the U.S. and online, FEED will donate $3.50 or $10.50, respectively, to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help support UNICEF's nutrition programs in Guatemala."  For more information please visit:  www.lordandtaylor.com/feed

And, "for each soft toy purchased in IKEA stores around the world between November 1 and December 24, IKEA will make a donation of 1 euro (approx. $1.39), to be split between the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and Save the Children.  The funding for UNICEF this year will support the innovative 'Schools for Africa' campaign and other education programs in Asia as well as Central and Eastern Europe."  For more information please visit:  www.IKEA-usa.com

Other partner companies for 2010 include:  Gucci, American Airlines, H&M, and Delta Airlines.

Inspired Gift, School-in-a-Box Kit, provides temporary school for up to 40 children in an emergency, $256.40

Help give the gift of nutrition, immunizations, water, education, and of Life.  Help save a child in need.

For additional information on UNICEF, UNICEF holiday gifts and inspired gifts visit:

www.unicefusa.org

www.inspiredgifts.org

www.unicefusa.org/shop

Images courtesy of UNICEF

By Doshka Harvey

During one of my recent excursions around the city I spotted a beautiful box as I strolled through a department store.  The way in which this rectangular shaped box presented itself incited a prodigious feeling in me. 

It was plush to the touch and red with gold lettering.  It didn't contain diamonds; neither pearls, rubies nor any of those treasures which make a woman's heart skip a beat.  Instead, it contained gems for the olfactory system and the box read Nest Fragrances.  It was a set of six votive candles and the scent emanating was divinely rich -- a master combination of pomegranate, mandarin, orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber -- from their Holiday Collection.

Diamonds, pearls, and rubies may make a woman's heart skip a beat, but these candles will make her heart skip a beat while forever enrapturing her senses. 

Pricing: 

6-Pack Mini Votives - $32, 3-Wick Candle - $58, Classic Candle - $32, Single Votive - $14

Available at:

Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue

For additional information on Nest Fragrances visit:  www.nestfragrances.com

Images courtesy of Nest Fragrances

By Doshka Harvey

The weather outside is already chilly and many of us ladies are enjoying the warmth and comfort of our boots, however, this does not mean that we should forget how fantabulous our feet feel in summer shoes. 

These Oscar De La Renta suede moccasins are a marvelous reminder of warm weather.  With colors like turquoise, lime, yellow, and coral one cannot help but think of the sun or tropics.

While shivering in the cold your mind can take you to another place, even if for a minute, to fantasize of how good you'd look in these babies while on that upcoming Caribbean getaway or next summer.  And, what's even better is that they are on sale for $56.25 down from $225.

Availabe at www.vivre.com

Image from Vivre

By Doshka Harvey

Using Moroccanoil® products is like experiencing hair nirvana.  Their products are made of pure Argan oil which is not only nourishing, but also aids in hydrating, soothing and calming the hair and scalp.

If you have experienced dehydrated or damaged hair, then Moroccanoil® is the way to go for the recovery of your suffering tresses.

Two of my favorite products from their line is the Moroccanoil® Treatment and the Moroccanoil® Restorative Hair Mask:

Moroccanoil® Treatment's Argan oil-infused formula is rich in Vitamins A, E and F (Omega 6), as well as phenols and tocopherols to nourish the hair and scalp, promote healing and repair and relieve dry, itchy conditions. It absorbs into the hair instantly, leaving a natural, silky finish and brilliant shine. Moroccanoil® Treatment also softens thick unmanageable hair, restores dull lifeless locks and helps brittle hair become more supple. ($40.80/3.4 fl. oz.)

Moroccanoil® Restorative Hair Mask penetrates deeply to help reconstruct, strengthen and rebuild hair damaged by chemical or environmental stressors. This unique Argan oil-infused formula is rich in proteins, which hydrate, restore elasticity and shine to leave hair with a lightweight, silky texture. ($40.80/8.5 fl. oz)

I especially appreciate how there's no oily buildup in my hair and scalp from using their products.  I am so stuck on Moroccanoil® 

Moroccanoil® products are sold exclusively in professional salons and spas.  To find out more visit www.moroccanoil.com

Images courtesy of Anne Hardy Public Relations

By Doshka Harvey

Thomas Pink is offering all loyal customers a 20% discount exclusively at their Time Warner store (The Shops at Columbus Circle) this Thursday, December 9th.  Check it out:

Image courtesy of Thomas Pink

By Doshka Harvey

By Doshka Harvey

Be sure to watch LadyDoshka's 10 Great Holiday Gifts 2010 show airing starting this Sunday, December 5th at 7pm on MNN (Manhattan Neighborhood Network) public access cable television.

My 2010 holiday gift guide includes something for everyone -- women, men, kids and your pet.  And, believe me, I have some goodies on my list for you!

If you live in Manhattan you can easily view the show on MNN via Time Warner, RCN and Verizon.

By Doshka Harvey

It is important to encourage learning and the discovery of new things.  One of the places that I find quite fascinating and which gets the neurons firing in my brain is The MET (The Metropolitan Museum of Art).

Throughout the year one can find a number of exhibits to explore.  It's a great place to visit alone, on a first date or with family and friends, especially, during those chilly New York days.  Brrrrrr!  Get out of the cold and peruse The Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing, for instance.

I find that a membership to The MET would be an extraordinary holiday gift to provoke learning.

Membership starts as low as $60.  There is even a family package for $200.  For further details visit the membership page here

The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Photo courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Photo courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  © Brooks Walker 2008

By Doshka Harvey

Susan Miller, founder of Astrology Zone® www.astrologyzone.com, puts out an artistically rich astrological calendar every year.  Find yourself not only drawn in by the colorful calendar art, but, moreover, be mesmerized by Miller's words as she brilliantly discusses each sign month by month in The Year Ahead 2011 - An Astrological Calendar by Susan Miller.

Artist Phyllis Kapp created vibrant landscapes that perfectly flow with Susan Miller's dynamic insight into the world of astrology.  It is like art meeting poetic words.  I personally like to call it PoeArtry.

All images copyright © Phyllis Kapp.  To view more paintings by Phyllis Kapp, please visit www.waxlander.com

This calendar is a stellar holiday gift, especially for those into astrology, and even for those who are not...yet.

Available for $15.99 America Book Direct Service

By Doshka Harvey

At a Bergdorf Goodman event where Manolo Blahnik signed copies of his new book, Manolo's New Shoes, there were many women salivating over the designs by this shoe God.  While the ladies were fixated on jewels to adorn their feet, my attention was on Mr. Blahnik and what he was sporting.

Sure, I was intrigued that Andre Leon Talley was a few feet away from me and that Candy Spelling was eyeing a sexy pair at the table next to me, but something else was attracting my interest.  What shoes does Manolo Blahnik wear?

Looking down upon his feet I spotted him elegantly parading a very pink pair of loafers.  Click!  I took a photo of it.  How fitting!  Only he could get away with such an act.  After all, he is a master of women's footwear design.