If you’ve been a regular CP reader this past month, you might be a little worried about the staff. First we flipped the bird to the whole holiday season then we got ourselves a five-finger discount at Barney’s. Next we got all misty about religious tolerance only to…well, lose our freakin’ minds.

Before you shoot us with a tranquilizer dart, take heed. Today we’re pleased to bring you some straight-up eye candy and shopping tips to ease the Christmas blues. How’s that for a return to normalcy?

Oh, and don’t mind the drag queens and Scientology.

We’re taking a bit of a break here at CP, but we’ll be back in the 2007 ready to pump up the volume. We hope you have a fantastic Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years, and we thank you for your readership. It’s certainly kept us sane…

Away in a Manger? Only It There’s Cashmere Involved
By Gillian Weeks

If you’re like most urban dames, you have more in common with Madonna than the Madonna. That holds for pregnancy, too (riding on a donkey? birthing in a manger? girl, pleeease). I don’t recommend picking up an English accent and moving to the countryside, but you could use a little luxury when you’re packing an extra human. Be with-child in style with some looks from Destination Maternity, on sale starting December 30th.

The store, located in the Upper East Side, carries clothes form Motherhood Maternity, Mimi Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, Edamame, and it’s own line. We’re talking cashmere crewnecks starting at $79 and skinny black pants from $20. You’ll start to wonder if that fabled “pregnant glow” might be within your reach. At the very least, the glow might be more than sweat-related.

Destination Maternity
575 Madison Avenue at 57th Street
212-588-0220

Nouveaux Nativity: A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant
By Gillian Weeks

These days it’s all “Christmas this, Hanukkah that, Kwanza something-or-other.” Open your mind and broaden your outlook with some religious tolerance by way of A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant, presented by the punks of Les Freres Corbusier. Get ready to learn all about the tenets of Scientology from the mouths of babes, who portray the most notorious practitioners, including Tom Cruise, Kirstie Alley, John Travolta, and the rest of the brood. The pageant tells the life story of founder L. Ron Hubbard and the true-life fable that inspired him – spaceships and all. From now until January 7th, enjoy big laughs at the lowest hanging fruits of comedy.

A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant
4th Street Theater, 83 E. 4th St, btwn 2nd & Bowery, through Jan. 7
Click here for tickets ($35)

FASHION PHILANTHROPIST
By Amber Roniger

‘How do you even get on the list for one of these things?’ Indeed. Clink.

Wha? Private shopping party at PATRICIA FIELDS’ arted-out, bricked-up, carved-out cavern of self-expression and cutting edge fashion, warm niche, booming bastion of the singular where retro-fashionistas, dragqueens and fashion mavens mingle late into the night under the spell of Mz. Patricia. It’s practically unimaginable that Patricia actually lives in such a delicious candyland of aesthetics. In this instance, she creates a little mini Javitz Center and throws a slammin’ event in her fairytale private venue to shine the spotlight on wonderful lines by young designers she works with in her shop.

The list creates an impressive mix of eclectically creative enthusiasts and friends gathered together to oogle the wonderful wares for sale. To sip champagne. To shop…

I hardly squeeze past the front door when I encounter hat-sculptor extraordinaire, RYAN WILDE, with her fancy-style lady hats that make you feel girly all over.

Oooh shiny catches my eye… it is impossible to pass by THEA GRANT’s TG line table with her dope vintage chains, rings and bobbles.

Kim Montenegro fronts the lines VERY BAD HORSE and SUBMISSION. And I would if I were you. Submit that is. Kim would mos-def throw down.

If you happen to see PAN’S LABYRINTHE (which I highly recommend), you could imagine Ofelia, the young ingénue in the flick, sporting something like the fairytale-fantasy duds of MANDATE OF HEAVEN. A majorly lofty name? Perhaps, but seriously frivolous clothes (don’t you just love oxymorons?) to back it up.

GOKA’s shoes and boots are simply smokin’. Scoping these lookers (and speaking of fetishes), I can almost understand why someone would want to lick one… so long as it has real gold threads woven into the fibers…

Forgive me Patricia if you’ll find this trite, but it’s completely obvious to me that you’re so much more than just a fashion icon. You’re the fashion philanthropist, bringing hot new looks to the underground, edgy downtown, heart of the party, hippest-of-the-city crowd that keeps NYC the ultimate bumping and burning international destination, capitol of action that it has always been. Your street cred is through the roof in my book.

Ryan Wilde NYC, Millinery
ryanwildemillinery@gmail.com
(315) 430-8395

TG, Thea Grant
www.theagrant.com
thea@theagrant.com
(917) 330-9258

Very Bad Horse & Submission
Kim Montenegro
www.verybadhorse.com
verybadhorse@verizon.net
(215) 627-6989

Mandate of Heaven
www.mandateofheavenclothing.com
www.myspace.com/mandate_of_heaven

Goka
www.gokadesign.com
(401) 475-7651

THAT IS THE QUESTION…

It’s been a prescient topic of conversation lately. Well, I am… Googlable, that is (puffs with pride). I’ll admit that I revel in seeing, day by day, more and more veins of information connecting, congealing and collating on the web in connection with my name. But what’s the big whoop anyhow? Do more Google hits render me more significant whatsoever? Is being blurb-worthy relevant in the non-Inet-world? Or is the Google Universe just some bizarre feedback loop, a random rating system of completely superfluous cyber-trifle relating cyclically to nothing but itself? Are numerous Google entries the new measure of global success? Or is all this self-Googling just some meaningless id trip of my own creation? (Or is it the superego… I always confuse those.) I suppose it could be an actual sign of bona fide legitimacy… or random fodder for self-indulgent fantasies. Clearly I vacillate. And who’s to judge its true significance anyhow (presuming there is any), the à¼ber-Google God? Pure techno-blasphemy!

Be honest with me, do you find this whole schlemiel to be completely haphazard psycho-drivel? Please forgive… I suffer from lack of cogent outside perspectives.

If truth be told (and there’s no guarantee), I want tons of Google records, gadzillions of ‘em, blurbs galore, pages of links, proof positive of my visceral impact on the world. I don’t exactly expect to find a headshot of myself listed under ‘most popular searches’ anytime soon (unless Hollywood blows up tomorrow, Bollywood is petrified in wood and Michael Jackson moves to Cameroon), but admittedly seeing my name in dotted ‘puter ink makes me swoon mentally (just a taddy bit). So do I just sit and Google myself ad nauseum, you’re naturally wondering, like some megalomaniacal, repetitive mental masturbatory exercise practiced when I’m feeling at my most irrelevant? Nein, that’s not the way I’m in it, for I Google others as well. In fact, Googling ex’s is a prime pastime activity practiced mostly when my sentiment swings toward the masochistic, off kilter, vengeful (phantasmagorically speaking only), or nostalgia. The whole shebang may admittedly be a bit psychologically fraught, but then again, enlighten me about something concerning the human condition which isn’t. And just so you know, these mad Googling frenzies (we’ll refer to them in the future as ‘incidents’) remain buried exclusively under the cover of night. For these sorts of deeds need not see the light of day.

THE EX…

So what’s the point of this whole blather? Where does it come to an emotional head? You knew I was working up to that. So bang, here it is… I have this one ‘ex’ (quote fingers cause I use the term ex verrrry liberally) whose ethereal presence bedevils me like The Ghost of Chanukkah Past. So we’ll refer to him simply as Him. Him, he whose first name is biblically common enough to print without fear of reprisal (the last name is of course a different story, but I don’t have to go there, ’cause someone else already did… more on this later). To digress a moment, my revenge fantasy for Him is shockingly simple and in actuality has paltry little to do with revenge: I’m on the hottie-tottiest date ever, escorted from the limo to the primo restaurant (fancy but not stuffy, we hate overbearing). We are seated at the finest table, properly feng-shuied facing the entire room. And then Him appears to take our drink order. I blink my eyes, do a double take, but yes, it’s Him. Eureka! The opportunity I’ve been envisioning and mentally enacting all these years. That fabulous look I’m craving crosses Him’s face, way beyond surprise, where Him’s bug-eyes bug out and his pupils dilate too fast. Exquisite in its abject monstrosity. And that’s it, the entire fantasy. No Lisa-Left-Eye-Lopez-burning-down-the-house. No high school parking-outside-Him’s-house-stalking, or other untoward suburban creepiness. Just Him seeing me on a hot date and having to do my every bidding. Kinda vanilla, hu?

PSYCHOANALYSIS…

So back to the heart of the whole Googling mishmosh: I’m in the midst of developing an entire arm of psychology explaining Googling ex’s, which can broken down into several psychoses in my pop-psycho-babble book.

Number 1: In the sweetest sense permissible, I’m Googling to verify that the ex is still on the planet, likewise moving and breathing amongst the living. This scenario is semi-defensible and even touchingly nostalgic (mayhaps). But here marks our first point of departure.

Number 2: The idea that his lack of Googleness is some sure sign of his floundering or failure. Still waiting tables at 40 (or is it 41 by now?). Classic Schadenfreude.

Number 3: On the flip side, discovering that he’s become a success, which might make me pissy, cause hey, why couldn’t he get his business together when we were together… and hence, the ugly appearance of our first double-edged sword. And just so you know, I always keep in mind that whatever I find serves me right, because I went cyber-snooping of my own free volition (more on this in a moment). One should never go looking for what they don’t wish to find. But yet, still, I do, it’s true.

THE CONFESSION…

Number 4: The undeniable truth that I’m dying for him to Google me. For him to recognize that I’m moving and shaking and making real strides as a professional. At long last, I’m becoming the somebody that I’d imagined I’d be… a published writer, whose thoughts and words can be traced across the timeless Internet ocean, and henceforth some semblance of a woman can be calculated. A woman. No longer a girl (yah, thanks for that one, Britney). And then of course he’ll want me back, naturally, unequivocally. Oh yes, I confess, I want Him to come crawling back at the overwhelming existential existence of my gorgeous Googleness. But will he? Look me up, that is.

OOPS I DID IT AGAIN….

Now we’re nearing the heart of the incident, that which may occur only in the absence of light. You sensed it coming, no? So I Google Him the other night, as I’m often wont to do, absurdly late of course. Just to see, as I’ve done many times before. I mean do I reek of Google amateur? I’m always pouring over the digital pages for that new entry, which I rarely find, a fresh public acknowledgement that Him still slithers the earth, is still out there wreaking havoc in his own facaccta way. Somehow I still need these moments – maybe it makes me feel not so alone. Or maybe it’s my evil twin lurking, unashamed to laugh at inappropriate times: that his midlife crisis duly came and went and he’s still a bleeding waiter working on ‘that book.’

So I do the deed. ‘Type, type, type,’ the incident embarks. The first entry is always the same, this campy blog of some weirdo couple who had dinner at a now defunct bistro (yah, I’ll get in any little stab) where he worked. They snapped three pictures of him engaged in some top-secret busboy-waiter sign language: one hand-motion for flat water, one for tap and one for bubbly (more convoluted than algorithms by my clumsy calculations!). What a sleight-of-hand-master! Isn’t that just special enough to blog about? Truly, the culmination of quantum mathematics coupled with sheer planetary brilliance surely stands the test-of-waiter-time. (Do you note a twinge of bitterness? Of course you do, you sensed it all along.) Truthfully though, seeing those pictures makes me feel both sad and superior. Sad, because damn, doesn’t he look just absolutely adorable, timeless and unique (see, I can be sensitive)? And superior, ’cause he’s still waiting and waiting, and I’m getting published! Oy vey, I am a bitch. But at least I’m frank.

I must know, do you think I’ve jumped utterly off the sadistic deep-end? A mad Googler with no defense and no discernible glory?

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU GOOGLE FOR…

Anyhow, back to the Googling game. The next blurb is some crap about some other dude with Him’s name… who knew?

But just beneath that, hark… what the… something unexpected, a new entry advertising Him’s unparalleled stupidity and unabated recklessness. A blogy restaurant review for some joint closing down in BK. It does seem logical that as a purported writer, Him might be chronicling restaurant reviews. I could buy that for a dollar. In fact, that would refute my à¼ber-theory that in a few year’s time, Him’ll end up like that old-timer bartender at Elaine’s who ‘sold a play once.’ But this particular blurb, most decidedly not written by Him, confirms all of my worst fears at once. That Him is and was indeed the liar-cheat I’d always suspected (okay fine, I already knew, but here’s proof positive). I’m thusly baited.

You know you’re in a pickle when the third hit in a name search displays incriminating text right on the Google page as such… “I was taken to L****** by Brooklyn local J*** S*******, who lives nearby, on our first “date” of our two-year affair. It was great — the tiki torches…” Oh wow, okay, so far very bad, indeed hideous. What balls… she prints Him’s goddamn name! I think I like this chick. But now I’m in it too deep. I click through. ‘Click.’ The headline on the actual review page reads, “great place to begin an illicit affair.” Way to put your best foot forward (insert applause here)! But by this point, it’s already all too obvious. I pause to wonder what Him’s wife would make of that? Man, Him musta really pissed off this ‘writer’ girl for her to create a permanent cybernetic record fully integrated into the sub-strata data stream for the whole world to see, forever and for always. What a peach!

GOOGLE EARLY & OFTEN…

Now that I’m getting passionately into this Googling phenomenon, the science just keeps expanding. I’m taking a poll of my girlfriends to see if they’re hep to the cyber-spy trend. And apparently they are. One savvy comrade tells me that she Googles potential partners before, during and after a relationship. Pretty intelligent. I could use some of that forethought next time. But then again, she’s dating her sixth grade boyfriend (yes, really). All in all I’d have to say, it’s very valuable to do your homework ahead of time, and of course, Google early and often to stay up to date with the changing Google tides.

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL…

Finally though, I think I’m doing better with man selection process. As of late I’ve morphed an old friend into my new naked friend, who is especially upright and forthcoming. And I go out in public escorted by my ‘social husband,’ a very agreeable arrangement. So at least I’m learning from past mistakes! But I must say, this most recent Google debacle clearly indicates that this cybernetic information tracking system can change from day to day, hour to hour, moment to nano-moment. And hence the evidence grows that I must keep on Googling and Googling…

TOTAL DISCLOSURE…

Yes, I secretly (fine, publicly) want Him to Google me and find this piece. After all, I am the Mad-Googler.

For a holiday with a catch phrase like “ho ho ho,” Christmas can be awfully serious. In some ways, it’s understandable: it’s hard to crack a smile when you’re dropping a month’s rent in one shopping trip. The only cure for the holiday blues is a return to simpler times. All it takes is construction paper and a little imagination (and having the mind of an 8-year old helps, but I guess not all of us are so blessed). It goes to shows that even the most mature of us can find happiness in a hand puppet.

Watch the video below to learn how to spice up your life with some holiday crafts. And FYI, I’m not actually on drugs. That’s just my personality.

Just kidding…

Everything about Bond Street is sexy. To the naked eye, there may be nothing especially extraordinary about the short strip of road from Broadway to Lafayette, but for me, it’s always like a delicious little secret perfect for sharing. If Bond Street is my secret garden in the city, then Bond Street No. 9 is just the one to capture its fragrance.

Far be it, however, for the one perfumery to actually bottle up the New York essence to commemorate the holidays with a line of sugar plum and mistletoe scents. Instead, Bond No. 9 is celebrating the season with their own version of holiday cheer including a limited edition Nuits de Noho superstar bottle, sparkling with Swarovski crystals, and a blending box of their most lust worthy fragrances. Another limited edition offering, the crystallized Chinatown candle and black Swarovski studded portable spray falcon also make this season truly bright.

To find out more information on Bond No. 9′s product line, log onto www.bondno9.com.

PUCKER-UP AND SAY ‘LULU’
By Amber Roniger

At first I was convinced I could somehow fashion the name to rhyme with Pokemon… LULULEMON. But alas, that tender dream was quickly dashed when I heard it pronounced… ‘lu-lu-lemon.’ Oooooohhhhh. Doesn’t exactly roll off the lips mayhaps, but who cares with such a beautiful store to explore! A Canook yogi and fitness mainstay, lululemon athletica just opened its US flagship store right smack in the bosom of Lincoln Center and the whole flock is flocking to check out the goods en masse.

Lovely sales associate to the yogis and saints, Erica Bryan, proudly displays her choice of stylie warm-ups. This gear is seriously high tech and has taken into account athletes’ feedback to craft the height of snuggly perfection. I just love that they’ve instituted iron-on labels to reduce irritation, gussets to avoid being ripped to shreds (hey, Warrior 1 can be pretty intense), thumb holes on sleeves, and credit card/key pockets.

Behold the stunning display on the wall of arses, quite the rainbow of fruit-flavored tuchases from this low angle. Is that immature? Whatev… Lululemon is invested in the community spirit so stay tuned for their offerings of free classes and events. And as such, I just loves me their community board…(yes, real men do do yoga!!!)

lululemon athletica
1928 Broadway (at 64th Street)
(212) 712-1785
lincolncenter-store@lululemon.com

Ghosts of Christmas Present
By Kimberly McDonald

Write it. Don’t write it. Write it. Don’t write it. I wrestled with my own thoughts and emotions all night about what seems to be a trend of attacking Christmas.

It came to my attention earlier this week. First, hearing someone in my industry remark cattily: “Christmas lights and decorations make (me) sick.” The comment surprised me -not because I don’t respect her right not to enjoy the lights, but because it was so openly disrespectful. The more I considered it, the more I wondered how she would have reacted had I made such a rude comment about dreidels…which of course, I wouldn’t. I’ve never had any personal issues with the festive little spinning toys that my Jewish friends pull out this time of year. In fact, I have won plenty of gelt playing with one.

So I began to think that maybe I should feel a little sorry for this woman, this loather of Christmas paraphernalia; after all, perhaps she had a bad experience with an electric Santa or maybe she was snubbed under the mistletoe one time too many. Maybe she even had a bad experience with some particularly testy tinsel–I can sympathize there! Clearly, she is missing out on the wonderful feeling that comes over even the grinchiest of grinches this time of year.

Also disheartening was the recent episode at Seattle-Tacoma airport, where 14 plastic holiday trees, festooned with red ribbons and bows, were removed over the weekend because of a Rabbi’s complaint that the holiday decor did not include a Menorah. This morning we learned that the trees are going back up. The Rabbi, Elazar Bogomilsky of Seattle, had at first threatened to sue the airport, but on Monday announced that he will not file a lawsuit to seek the placement of a Menorah. After what he characterized as a barrage of ‘odious’ emails, he apparently had a change of heart and stated that he “didn’t want to be the reason the airport took the trees down.”

Was the Rabbi truly personally offended, and if so–why? Did he have another motive? Could a little press coverage be a motive for people to speak out about religious conflict? Did he feel pressured by the sight of the Christmas trees to convert? What would prompt someone to turn litigious over Christmas?

Here’s the conundrum: during other periods of the calendar year such as Rosh Hashanah, I do not expect to see a cross hanging up. I do not begrudge my Jewish friends of their special celebrations (in fact, I have participated many times) and I do not force my personal beliefs on them, disrupting their time to celebrate and worship as they choose. I would no more think of threatening to sue for seeing a menorah with no Christmas tree in sight than I would consider suing a group of Hare Krishna for chanting in public and promoting spiritual enlightenment without a manger scene near by.

In every religion, there is the core group and an extreme faction. I have been frustrated by some Christians who act in a way that I feel is over the top, taking issue with things that I do not personally take issue with. I am sure the Muslim community at large feels the same way, having been the target of much scrutiny in the past few years because of the actions of certain groups within their religion. Yet their holy month of Ramadan comes and goes and I never read about someone being offended that their own religious symbols are not prominently displayed or mentioned during that month.

Yesterday, as I spoke to several of my Jewish friends (typically I do not categorize my friends according to religion – but in this case I wanted to hear their point of view) and colleagues, asking their thoughts. One colleague in particular stated it very simply, “The lights are pretty. You can’t really feel anything negative about people decorating with twinkly little lights. If you’re secure in your own beliefs, how could a tree upset you? Be glad you don’t get stuck with the electric bills your Christian friends have every December, that’s what I’d say!”

A little Christmas Lighting snack for my colleague

Ever the fan of Ben Stein, I of course love his words on Christmas trees. If you haven’t read this, you should. I believe this is from last year but the message is timeless. Merry Christmas, Ben! http://www.benstein.com/121805xmas.html.

SO to my friends and colleagues, at this festive time of year: if I wish you a Merry Christmas – whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or whether you set up your altar on the front step of Hermes, what I am wishing you is love, peace, a heart full of joy, respect, and the continued freedom to practice what you believe in, both theoretically and practically.

* If you would like to respond or have comments on this opinion piece, please feel free to email us at info@beautynewsnyc.com.

Christmas shopping can make even the most steadfast consumer seek professional help. In this case, a New Yorker’s best option isn’t a shrink and a box of Kleenex (for once), but rather the sound advice of Jose Parron, an “expert in the art of gift selection.” Last night, I joined a crowd of well-coifed shoppers in Barney’s Penthouse for a gift giving tutorial and personal shopping spree. I came away with some great tips, a mild buzz, and a couple shoplifting accusations – all in all, my average night.

Jose presented a smorgasbord of gifts that promised to take any relationship to the next level, whether that’s a wedding ring or raise (hopefully not both). I distilled his suggestions into several key points to keep in mind before you break out the plastic.

1) One-of-a-kinds. Get that precious cache with limited edition, personalized, or specially-restored pieces. Jose recommended vintage Rolexes, available at Barneys. If it’s hard to get, you gotta have it.

2) Wearable luxury. I like shiny objects as much as the next slack-jawed shopper, but sometimes it’s good to be practical. Get the best of both worlds with low-key fine jewelry (think smaller gems and simple settings). After all, if you’re gonna spend that much you’d better be wearing it every day. Diamonds always look great on the treadmill.

3) Flash dance. Just when you thought it was time to retire your off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, it turns out the eighties are back and ready to extract some spandex-coated vengeance. It’s all about the leg warmers, says Jose. Practical, stylish, and suitable for impromptu dance-offs, this gift will thrill any urbanite – permed or unpermed.

4) Don’t forget the met-sex. Jose reminded us not to forget the men in our lives this Christmas, declaring that “men like gifts even more than women.” A bold claim, indeed. Whether you buy it or not, make sure you remember to pamper your main men. This includes good leather, classy shaving products, and cashmere in all the right places. Even your average dudes like to be gentlemen sometimes.

One final word to the wise: next time you’re browsing at Barney’s, make sure you remember to take off all the accessories you happened to try on. After modeling some necklaces, I was strong-armed by some salty event coordinators who feared I’d make off with the goods. I guess making it into the Penthouse doesn’t mean making it into high society.

The Barney’s Penthouse event was presented by Indigo LLC, which provides custom-designed experiences for people interested getting to know the city in extraordinary ways. See their website for more details: www.indigoexperiences.com.

Bag Hunger
By Lauren Baccus

Whether or not you’ve ever stood behind (near, around, or at even arms length of) a Bushie endorsed initiative, this holiday season you too can feel free to promote the latest W campaign without getting your electoral frilly things in a twist. In perhaps one of the more congenial relations between one of those Texas titans and the UN, Honorary Spokesman for the United Nations World Food Program, Lauren Bush, has leant her strong support and clout to their Feed Bag project.

By purchasing just one bag, one child is fed and educated for a year. By investing in one little $50 accessory (that, face it, you would have bought anyway), you actually give a child hope in a world where 300 million go without proper nutrition. To understand how important this project is, consider this: hunger and malnutrition kill more people than AIDS, malaria and TB. Combined.

Besides being just a funky bag, designed by Polo Ralph Lauren to boot, the WFP Feed Bag is a bag with a purpose. Out of all the gifts you can give this holiday season, get the one that reminds you how powerful a little kindness can be. And throughout the year, as you carry the bag, remind others to do the same. It may be the one thing we all agree on.

For more information, order forms and pictures, log on to www.worldfeedbag.org and to find out more about World Food Program ventures, go to www.wfp.org.

A Beautiful Mistake: Greed can be an ugly thing in the business of beauty
By Allison O’Rourke

Last week, Molly Freidman, an assistant beauty editor at ALLURE magazine, was fired for allegedly calling up various companies in the industry and requesting products that had not yet been released to stores (this is a common practice, and is, in fact, how product launches are promoted) and then selling them on eBay. The news was splashed everywhere, even on The New York Post’s infamous Page Six, complete with the editor’s name in bold face type. Beauty departments all over the city were buzzing with chatter about the incident. Given the reaction, you would have thought she’d been spiking face creams with paint thinner.

As journalists, our ultimate goal is getting the “scoop” on new products and services, and building relationships with beauty companies is a crucial part of this. When that trust is compromised in any way, not only does it damage the credibility of all editors, it makes it more difficult for us to do our jobs without our intentions being questioned.

This latest drama just adds to a dilemma that has for some time been facing editors in the beauty industry. When free products are constantly being thrown at editors in exchange for editorial coverage, how do we ensure that all of this “beauty booty” doesn’t taint journalistic integrity?

Even in my young career in magazine publishing, I have been privy to a number of instances where editors have been let go for basically becoming “product whores”. No, that doesn’t mean turning tricks for the hottest new eyeliner pen. It’s actually a well-known tale in the industry: people getting the axe for hording samples and free beauty products for themselves. Even a low-rung editor can build up quite an arsenal. However, in this case Freidman sought to make a profit for herself by actually hawking the goods on eBay. It’s one thing to build up your personal beauty closet; it’s quite another to turn it into a cottage industry.

Still, the most fascinating part of this saga is not the alleged incident itself, but the industry’s response to it. The beauty business and its editorial arm have been shaken to the core.

A former beauty editor and current beauty industry executive explained that, while she isn’t shocked by the incident, it does create problems for writers down the road. “The editor, if she did do what she was accused of, broke the trust that exists between the media and the beauty brands,” my source observed. “We are happy to share things months in advance, but it’s a ‘for your eyes only’ situation. Giving a product to your mom or sister before it hits stores is one thing; selling it on eBay or giving it to a competitor is something totally different.”

A source in the fragrance industry was glad to see the troubling mystery solved. “We have been puzzled for months as to how our new releases would end-up on eBay, long before they were ever sold in our doors. After finding-out about Molly Freidman’s dismissal for just this issue, we got our answer.” Reflecting on the implications of the incident, our source commented, “It is sad that this editor’s career was ruined, but we hope that it will be a wake-up call to the industry as a whole and open-up a discussion re: how to responsibly handle extra products that don’t make it onto a publication’s pages.”

Though the quantities of products an editorial department receives can be overwhelming, as journalists and editors, we are given the responsibility of seeking out the best, most worthwhile products for our readers. It’s something short of a holy quest, but it still demands as much integrity as the business beat.

Like the ghost of Christmas pasts, holiday time creeps up on city singles like one long painful flashback. Remember the guy who flirted with that cute model/waiter more than you did? Well I do, and it may have been one of my better dates of the year, second only to the gentleman who served a valiant attempt at a gourmet meal on paper plates. With plastic forks.

I am now thoroughly convinced that the only people in this city who have long standing and healthy relationships are those who have access to a car or frequent flier miles i.e. those lucky few who can actually broaden their dating pool beyond the tri-state area. Somewhere in North Dakota, far far away from this city, my dream man waits like an oasis in the desert, his salsa dancing trophies on the mantle piece, with a working knowledge of wines and a weekend pass to his local firing range. It’s the stuff of fairy tales.

However, facing the prospect of either continuing to go on crap shoot dates or waiting on something interesting enough to happen in North Dakota to drag me away from weekend Law & Order marathons, I’ll think I’ll choose what’s behind door #3: Meet Market Adventures. The service basically provides an opportunity for singles to enjoy their city while meeting other singles in the process. From one-time classes to all-out vacations and cruises, there won’t be a “significant other” or “life partner” in sight. All praises!

New York area events include flirting fail-safes such as wine tasting, fondue night and sushi makin but also have some less classic options as well: a singles DaVinci Code hunt at the Met, tours of the Museum of Sex and poker night. Although the most popular events seem to incorporate liquor (the next bartending night is sold out – surprise, surprise) there are so many options available, you may need to get a bigger little black book. NYC singles, let freedom reign, and have a very happy holiday!

For more local events and information, check out www.meetmarketadventures.com

Mache Madness
By Lauren Baccus

For a city so overflowing with restaurants and every type of cuisine known to man, how is it that there are so many skinny women? New York may truly be one of the few places in the world where size 0 is harder to find on the rack than the Holy Grail.

Rather than morn these state of affairs, I’ve embraced this apparent rejection of all things carbalicious (derived from the root word, booty-licious) by the “BP” with a decidedly “more for me” attitude.

With that in mind, I plead with all svelte metropolitan ingénues, don’t use up your tiny store of energy to attend the opening of Metro Marche. Conserve those few calories you have in reserve for flicking through magazines and sighing. Instead, let those of us who truly appreciate good food be the ones to suffer through cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and the kind of light banter that only too many glasses of wine can induce. We will think of you fondly as we mingle and laugh and break bread at the Times Square bistro.

Avoid the temptation; it’s for your own good.

To RSVP or for more information
e-mail stephaniek@hallpr.com

Metro Marche
625 8th Avenue
(corner of 41st Street)
Wednesday, December 6th, 2006 at 6:00pm

Mothers Are Acting Up this season
By Irene Fogarty

Children’s wellbeing is at the top of every mother’s agenda. So why not put it on the top of your gift list this season? For only $15, you can get The 2007 Mothers Acting Up Handbook and engagement calendar. Featuring 53 individuals who are working for a better world for our children such as Jane Goodall, Nina Utne, Jeffery Sachs and Representative Lynn Woolsey. This colorful handbook/calendar is full of inspirational stories that honor the promise of our children’s lives.

For more info on this great organization, go to Support MAU by buying our 2007 Handbook! or www.mothersactingup.org.

EILEEN SHIELDS

You are invited to join Eileen Shields and company for a special party night of “shooze and booze” Come celebrate the start of the holiday season with us!

Wednesday December 6th, 5-8 pm
Grape and Grain wine bar
620 east 6th street, between Avenue B and C
To RSVP email: nicola@parishpr.com”
Select EILEEN SHIELDS foowear will be on sale for up to 70% off
Drinks will be on the house!

Ballet flats were $395 now $125. High heel lace up oxfords were $420 now $135. Signature wedges were $450, now $150. Spring Summer 2006 merchandise will also be available for up to 70% off! www.eileenshields.com.

Your Money or Your Life: Give a Little Manpower This Holiday Season
By Gillian Weeks

When it comes to charity, writing a check is a lot easier than giving your time. Don’t get me wrong – non-profits can always use the cash (their coffers aren’t exactly bloated), but the ultimate experience of giving doesn’t come from attending black-tie benefits (although a girl could be canonized for sitting through a dinner next to certain socialites). Instead, this holiday season try donating your brawn, brain, or culinary skills to those in need. I think you’ll find that serving Christmas Eve dinner at a shelter, delivering presents to the elderly, or throwing a party for ill adults is a lot more fun than the typical booze-soaked office party. Then again, you won’t catch any coworkers necking in the mailroom. I guess everything has its downside.

Grab some friends or family members and make a day of it. Give a little, get a lot.

Deliver Channukah Meals with DOROT
Make sure that those who are homebound receive hot meals and company over the Holidays. Help to call clients to make sure all of them receive Channukah meals over the holidays. (11:30am-1:30pm, 30 Vols.)
Sunday, 12/10/2006
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Holiday Party at GREENHOPE HOUSING
Help to throw a holiday bash with Greenhope Housing, which is a transitional housing development fund for formerly homeless women and children. Distribute Holiday gifts, and help to decorate and serve snacks. In Central Harlem, at 5th and 119th. (6-8pm, 7 Vols.)
Friday, 12/15/2006
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

New Year’s Eve Party at T.C.C.H.C.C
Ring in the new year with the residents of the AIDS unit at the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center, a long term care facility for adults living with chronic illnesses on the Upper East Side. (5:45pm – 8pm: 10 vols.)
Friday, 12/29/2006
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Deliver a Holiday Package to a Manhattan Senior
Deliver a Chanukah Package to a senior on the Upper West or East side of Manhattan and visit for about an hour. Come to our East or West side location to receive a brief orientation, get matched with a senior and pick up your package. For more information, please call: 212-769-2850.
Dec 10, 2006
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Covenant House New York
Covenant House New York is the nations largest adolescent care agency serving homeless, runaway and at-risk youth. Our doors are open 24 hours a day for youth in need. Each year nearly 7,000 youth seek out our Crisis and Community Centers for safety, shelter, food, and someone to talk to and that’s just the beginning!

Volunteers will help young adults obtain the skills and tools they will need to develop into productive contributing citizens. Volunteers will help to provide structure and support. Volunteer opportunity is available to people who want to work in a shelter or community base setting. Monthly Opportunities

Holiday gift-wrapping
Barnes and Noble, Astor Place, is hosting LDRNY as we wrap gifts on December 16 and 17. All donations will benefit 9/11 recovery workers who are in need this holiday season. Many of the heroes who labored for months at Ground Zero and the surrounding area are ill or injured and unable to work to support their families. Please have some fun wrapping gifts while helping us bring a little light to their holidays. If you can wrap a gift, we’d love to meet you!
Dec 16 and 17, 2006
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

University Soup Kitchen Holiday Food Preparation
Join us in preparing and serving a holiday meal for men and women of all ages in a respectful “restaurant-style ” environment.
December 23rd
8:30am – noon.
11:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

Jerry Johnson, International Makeup Artist from Laura Mercier, works on transforming BNNYC’s Gillian Weeks with a full complement of Laura Mercier products.

Time flies. But the Palais de la Méditerranée didn’t forget to plan for your holidays.

Here are two great value offers from the Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice which make the most of a magical Christmas and New Year’s on the Côte d’Azur – and also feature a special savings for families.

The “Magical Christmas” package, valid from December 22 to 26, includes accommodations in a superior city view room, daily breakfast buffet, welcome gift, Christmas lunch or dinner at Restaurant Le Padouk on December 25 (the restaurant will be closed on December 24,) complimentary extra bed and breakfast for one child under 12 and unlimited access to the indoor/outdoor heated swimming pool, fitness center, sauna and steam room.

The rate for this package is from ?285 per room, per nighht double occupancy with a two-night minimum (including the night of December 24 or 25,) subject to availability. A sea view room is available for an additional $25 per night.

The “Cabaret Show Time” New Year’s package is valid from December 28, 2006 to January 2, 2007. For a minimum two-night stay valid for New Year’s Eve, the package features accommodations in a superior city view room, daily breakfast buffet, a VIP welcome, New Year’s Eve gourmet dinner with beverages such as Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 730, a French cabaret show and after dinner dancing, unlimited access to the indoor/outdoor heated swimming pool, fitness center, sauna and steam room.

The rate for this package is from $425 per room, per night double occupancy with a two-night minimum (including the night of December 31, 2006,) and subject to availability. A sea view room is available for an additional ?25 per night. The package also includes a complimentary extra bed and breakfast for one child under 12. Babysitters can be booked through the concierge on New Year’s Eve for $30 per hour.

On January 1, New Year’s Day, a Spanish brunch will be available in Restaurant Le Padouk for $55 per person, excluding beverages.

The Palais de la Méditerranée is one of the most famous buildings on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. It was recently rated among the “Top 75 European Hotels” in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s “Reader’s Choice Awards 2006. With its Art Deco ambiance, the Palais features a panoramic poolside terrace, the award-winning Le Padouk restaurant, Le Pingala bar and a casino.

The Palais de la Méditerranée is located at 13, Promenade des Anglais, BP 1655 – 06011 Nice. Reservations must be made directly with the hotel at: 011 33 (0) 4 92 14 77 30, or at reservation-pdlm@concorde-hotels.com.

 Dashing Diva Salon is offering you luxurious long lashes to help you go the distance. Their newly launched professional eyelash extensions are part of a promotion that provides $50 off $350 for 50 lashes per eye. This service, only available at Dashing Diva Downtown (41 East 8th Street), is performed by certified Xtremelashes trainer Cheri exclusively for the salon. Since you’ve only 30 days to enhance your gaze, we advise calling the store for an appointment asap (212-673-9000). Make sure to mention the BEAUTYNEWS promotion when you book your appointment.

Dempsey & Carroll is offering our readers 15% off of all online purchases from now until THE END OF DECEMBER. That’s right, order those holiday cards-pronto! is offering our readers 15% off of all online purchases from now until THE END OF DECEMBER. That’s right, order those holiday cards-pronto! With exquisite collections (think Crane’s – but for your generation) ranging from floral, animals, sports, whimsical, hand bordered, note sheets, seasonal/holiday selections and invitations & announcements; the sky’s the limit on stylish correspondence with your bosom buddies at home and abroad. Just make sure to use the promotional code BNTO6. When placing your order!