Singer Alicia Keys can add jewelry designer to her resume. The Grammy-winner has joined forces with Toronto designer Gisele Theriault for a collection of sterling silver and gemstone pieces inscribed with poetry and prayers.  The jewelry line, called the Barber’s Daughters, will be available in Fall 2010. Inscribed necklace from the Barber's Daughters collection, $85 Lucky New Yorkers, however, can get a sneak peek at Keys’ jewels on Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 23-24) at a temporary pop-up shop at the Collette Blanchard Gallery at 26 Clinton Street in Lower Manhattan.  The hand-crafted jewelry is priced $85 and up. Alicia Keys Keys told Women’s Wear Daily her mission is “to give people beautiful, unique pieces with messages... [Read more]

It’s better to look and feel good.  Achieving that balance means getting a good night’s sleep. Although factors like stress can interrupt your snooze time, the Essence of Vali’s Sleep Collection ($6-$18) can help you catch some Zzzz’s. Essence of Vali Sleep Collection The 100 percent natural sleep collection offers a relaxing blend of lavender, marjoram, cedar wood and ylang/ylang and is available as balm, mist, massage and bath oil, and concentrate. No more counting sheep here. I applied a drop of the Bedtime Ritual ($18) to the corner of my pillow case and was lulled to sleep by the clean aroma. Image credit: Beauty Press.com [Read more]

Maui is paradise on earth.  I was blessed with a press trip to the beautiful island several years ago and I yearn to return.  Until I can make my pilgrimage back (Maui is an exhausting-yet-totally worth it 15-hour flight from New York), the Hotel Hana-Maui’s Honua Spa has created homemade recipes — with ingredients good enough to eat — that will help us achieve that Hawaiian glow year round. Maui take me away! Almond Body Scrub ¼ Cup Rolled Oats ¼ Cup Raw Almonds ¼ Cup Water 2 Tablespoons Oil (Coconut, Sesame or Olive) (Optional: Few drops of your favorite essential oil) Grind all ingredients in a blender or food processor.  In the shower, scrub entire body and rinse off.  Excellent for circulation and detoxifying your... [Read more]

Although this recession has been tough on a Hot Mama’s wallet, that’s no reason to skip holiday gift giving. Actually, it’s a fine time for more thoughtful and unique presents. So when I discovered Lagelle hand-knitted hats and scarves, I had to share.  Every Lagelle item is made by Tahisha Crawford with TLC. Spread holiday cheer with Lagelle handmade hats and accessories. Lagelle designer Tahisha Crawford. The Pittsburgh-based designer and Brooklyn native has been knitting for seven years and launched her Lagelle accessories line in November 2007. Tahisha’s inspiration? “Everything,” she says.  ”But I find myself being inspired by vintage fashions.” The 35-year-old took her line’s name from... [Read more]

I love taking a long, warm bath filled with my favorite essential oils and bath salts. And just in time for holiday gift giving and post holiday destressing, I’ve discovered a few new bath salts. Here are my picks: Garden Girl Simmer Down bath salts Feeling frazzled? Garden Girl’s “Simmer Down” (8 oz, $15) blends pure, mineral rich dead sea salts and fragrant nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon oils to warm you up and relax your mind and body. Socal Cleanse Organic Detox Salt Scrub, Lavender Blend Socal Cleanse Organic Detox Salt Scrub ($72) is a spa-ready blend of salts, botanical, herbs, seaweeds and plant oils.  This paraben, sulfate, and preservative-free scrub contains virgin coconut oil, and exfoliates, detoxifies... [Read more]