I N T E R V I E WWITH

Jeannie Mai Beauty & Fashion Maven Get’s “Real”

BE SMARTER ON YOUR PHONE: GET SOCIALLY SAVVY

‘TIS THE SEASONTips, Gifts &

Holiday Sips

New YorkNew York

Welcome ToThe Big Apple

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Holiday Issue

When we decided to start this magazine, people said we were crazy. "Magazines are dead," everyone said, and we agree. The old standard of magazine publish-ing is dead because today's woman is smart, savvy and can read between the lines. They know when the advice given is masked as editorial content but really comes from a key advertiser. They know when a story has been recycled and re-gurgitated 50 times in 50 different ways. Newsstands are filled with magazines that are designed to line the pockets of the suits and investors, who are mostly men. When online media companies and blogs

began to pop up women flocked to this "new media" with fervor and excitement and let's face it, we all get a good bit of news, fashion tips and other lifestyle ma-terial from online resources. However, in the last few years volume of online media content has become completely over-whelming and we felt it was time to get back to basics in a totally modern, fresh and future seeking way. So, we created Ni-cole Magazine to give women something to read cover-to-cover with real, engaging fresh content. Think of us as the curators of the huge wealth of information out there. We promise to give you something

you have yet to discover in each issue. We promise never to sell out to advertisers. We promise to always care about what's new fresh, affordable, but also what's worth the "splurge." Most of all, we prom-ise to create a magazine you actually want to read cover to cover...and the best part is we distribute the magazine in Blo dry bars, salons, spas and boutiques where you actually have the time to read it cover to cover! Our holiday issue is packed with a highly curated gift guide and everything you need to have a great holiday season and start the year off right.

Editor-In-ChiefNICOLE DOSWELL

Creative Director | Nikki CelesteTravel & Accessories Editor | Lori Riviere

CONTRIBUTORSFashion Contributor | Dionne Dean

Beauty Contributor | Candace Marie CelmerMasthead Designer | Daimion Peppers

Fashion Editorial Photographer | Gina Manning

COVER STORYPhotographers | Mark Boughton PhotographyStory Photographer | Jenn Ocken Photography

NEW YORK OFFICE45 Wall Street #409A | New York, NY 10005

www.NicoleMagazine.com

Letter From the editor

Nicole Magazine is published 4 times per year (April, July, September and December) by Nicole Magazine Inc., 45 Wall Street, #409, New York, NY 10005. Periodical Postage paid at the Miami, Florida office. Subscription for the U.S. $29.50 one year, $50 two years. $38.50 for Canada. Single copies $7.50 plus postage. Claim for undelivered copies not honored after 30 days from publication. Copyright 2013, Nicole Magazine, Inc.

Nicole Doswell, Editor-In-Chief

Nicole Doswell

1 Letter From The EditorNicole Magazine is for you and me.

3 Beauty Must HavesBeauty round up that will help you look and feel your best throughout the wintery mix.

6 Runway To RealityOur interpretation of designer looks from fashion’s hottest runway shows. We made this look accessible to you!

7 #FallPhotoWinnerFashion meets the city in #FallPhotoChallenge Winner Gina Manning’s Editorial spread. #FallInLove.

11 Cover - Jeannie Mai: Behind The BlushHost of “The Real” gives us some tips and girl talk.

14 Socially Savvy in The CityApps you didn't know you needed and our recommendation on who to follow next.

15 The Holiday Gift GuideSomething for everyone. Find something new to add to your holiday gift or wish list.

20 Holiday MixologySpin the bottle meets a classy drinking game. Cozy up next to the fire with a fully stocked bar.

21 Reiki: Energy HealingHeal yourself from the inside out, with this new wave of therapy.

22 Travel: I Heart NYThere is no better place to get in the holiday spirit than New York City.

Nicole Magazine is for the complex woman who has been yearning for something more. We are more than sex and stilettos, we are women, hear us ROAR.

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BeautyMust Haves

Keshima Face & Neck Firming CreamHighly effective, visibly firms skin. Tighten loose and sagging Skin, smooth fine lines, wrinkles and creases in the neck.

$26.95 - KeshimaBeauty.com

Herbacin Foot Care Starter Kit Includes leg lotion, foot cream, foot peeling lotion, warming balm with carnosine and vitamin E and cooling gel with menthol and camphor. For beautiful baby soft feet!

$10.50 - Herbacin.us

Keshima Flat Top Kabuki BrushThe perfect foundation brush - dense and soft, perfect for buffing, blending, stippling. Even, streak & patch free application. No shedding.

$12.95 - KeshimaBeauty.com

NAKED3 By Urban DecayThis eyeshadow palette is perfect for the indecisive beauty enthusiast. Loaded with 12 never before seen shades.

$54.00 - Sephora.com

Sucka for Love: Dollhouse The CollectionThis smoking orange lip stain combines high intensity pigments with moisturizing agents for long lasting vibrant color.

$15 - RevelByJL.com

Keshima Must-Have Makeup Brush SetTop 6 essential premium makeup

brushes with elegant makeup brush holder. Now includes the highly

popular flat top kabuki brush.

$35 - KeshimaBeauty.com

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BeautyMust Haves

give the gift of flawless hairWe’ve got the per fect pressie for allthe girls in your life.

Think stocking stuffers, gift cards and products (washers, stylers and f inishers, yippee!)

Get your tresses mistle-toe ready, 7 days a week.

blomedry.com

From the outside looking in, most people think that I spend hundreds of dollars on my clothing and handbags, and they’re right, I do.. However, it is recycled money. What do I mean? Well, I am always recycling and reinvesting into my wardrobe. At the end of each season, I go through my closet, evaluate what I’m in love with versus what I’m not. Those lightly worn items that I can do without go straight to consignment. I then rein-vest the money made from my con-signment sales back into my closet, buying items that are current and that I love. I’ve made thousands of dollars from consignment, so I’ve decided to share the wealth and give you some tips on how to prep your good stuff for sale at the consignment store. Take

notes!

Handbags-Consignment stores look for current merchan-dise, because customers are usually

looking for current merchandise. This doesn’t go for those specialty vintage stores that seek out well kept Chanel or Dior, but for mainstream consign-ment. Although most consignment stores look for bridge and designer labels, there are a few that will take some of the lesser known brands. Make sure that all hardware has been wiped down with a dust cloth and all leather handbags have been shaped and molded to their original shape. It goes without saying that it should be cleaned out and all smells removed (I like to put a dryer sheet inside the bag for a few days). If you have the origi-nal dust bag and authenticity card,

that is a HUGE bonus as customer are always concerned about authenticity when shopping at consignment.

Clothing- The rule to consignment is to resell items that are two years old or less. It goes without saying that unworn clothing is a plus when reselling an item, that is unless you have a highly sought out item like an Azzedine Alaia knit dress. Make sure worn items

have been dry cleaned and kept on the dry clean hanger, as most consignment shops will want to inspect your item. If you have the receipt for the item, take it in. Although most consignment stores will do some online research, it’s good practice to do your own research and know if the price they’re offering you is accurate,

Shoes- Unworn shoes are high sell-ers at con-signment stores, especially

if you have the dust bag and original box. If you’ve worn the shoe, re-member to wipe down the inside and remove all scuff marks. Replace any hardware that may have fallen off and shoe cap if it is well worn off. Rule of practice when reselling a shoe is to ask yourself, “Would I want to put my foot in this?”

Jewelry- Jewelry can be a tough sell at a consignment store, so make sure it is worth the customer’s time. De-signer pieces such as Cartier, David Yurman and Tiffany’s are always a good idea to resell, as are popular high street brands like Michael Kors watches. When all else fails, remem-ber that jewelry is most often seen as an ‘heirloom’ piece, so original cases, dust clothes and or receipts are great to include with the resale.

Most consignment stores give you a 30-90 day window in which your item will be on sale. You’ll get a check once a month on the sale of your item and most stores offer a 50/50 or 60/40 split, depending on the merchandise. At the end of the season, you can go in and collect your unsold items, or have them donated to a local charity. I like to pick up my stuff and put it up on Ebay or Poshmark, another reseller site.

Customers that shop consignment are the same ones that shop at the main line stores, just more budget savvy. That being said, they know about the quality and price and are expecting the same quality item when making a pur-chase via consignment. The items that make the most money are those that are well loved, so if you’re consider-ing entering the reselling world, make sure you’re giving the best of the best of your closet and expect a high return on your initial investment.

The Art of Consignment by The Dionne Dean of DionneDean.com

Snagging your fave runway looks aren't as hard as you may think! Look fresh off the

runway, without the runway price tag!

Live- Laugh-Love,Nicole Doswell

Chloe Fall / Winter 2014This elegant ready to wear look went down the runway for Chloe.

RunwayTo Reality

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H&M Imitation Leather PantsPants in stretch imitation leather with an elasticized waistband give a sexy form fitting look in Burgandy

for a beautiful pop of color.

$24.95 @ www.hm.com

Textured Woven CoatStraight-cut coat in a woven, textured fabric with slightly puffed sleeves. Concealed front zip, side

pockets, and one inner pocket. Lined.

$59.95 @ www.hm.com

Aerie Cowl Neck SweatshirtKeep it cozy and comfortable with this soft cotten-

blend upgraded sweatshirt.

$44.95 @ American Eagle Outfitters

Tassy Boot TASSY features a point toe vamp with crisscross

buckle strap and open back. Perfect for work or play.

$99.95 @ www.SteveMadden.com

Twisted RingGet the stacked look with a single ring. The con-nected bands with a glossy metal finish help you

seize the stacking style.

$20.95 @ www.Iampurty.com

Basic Tote in GoldThis goes-everywhere-with-everything tote is

extremely roomy and made of buttery soft leather. In gold, this tote is a statement must have!

$238.00 @ www.camposbags.com

Floral Silk Blouse - H&M, Sequin Tap Shorts - H&M,Silk Infinity Scarf (worn as a turban) - H&M, Silk stockings - Frederick’s of Hollywood, Garter belt - Frederick’s of Hollywood

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#FallPhotoWinnerPhotographer: Gina Manning

Art Director: Louisa Mardirossian Camera Assistant: Mike Pecci

Gaffer: Anthony JarvisHair/Makeup: Bre Welch

Stylist: Renata Certo Ware Model: Janna Ahmetjanova

PA: Mimi Vecchione Stylist PA: Karen Morales

LOCATION: The Kensington (kensingtonboston.com)

Wool Coat by Harris Wharf London - Neiman Marcus, Libby Dress by Sam and Livi - Anthropologie, Gold Cuff

Bracelet - Nomad Cambridge, Gold necklace (worn in hair) - H&M, Vintage flask case (worn as purse)

Contestant #2: Samuel WallandarLocation: Coney Island (NY)Model: Felicia MendesWardrobe: Zara Women

Short Sleeve Nylon Jacket, ZaraWhite Leather Pencil Skirt, Zara

2iki Shoes, 2iki in IstanbulArm Warmers, Stylist’s own

Micro Boxer Bag, Reed Krakoff at Saks

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Contestant #3: Samuel WallandarLocation: Coney Island (NY)Model: Felicia MendesWardrobe: Zara Women

Black Cape Blazer, Vince Camuto - Zappos.com, Geo-metric print dress - Parker at Crush Boutique, Leather

Pouch Belt, Lilith Ring and Bangles - Stylist’s OwnRed Felt Hat - No Rest for Bridget

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BEHINDTHE BLUSH:JEANNIE MAI

11 Photo Credit: Jenn Ocken Photography

We sat down the “The Real” co-host Jeannie Mai who is a make-up artists who turned her talents behind the camera into a major career in front of the camera as style expert and fashion wearapist as host of Style Network’s “How do I look?” Mai was surprisingly candid, real and dished out sage advice and a few secret shopping haunts we can’t wait to try! Join us for 20 questions with the beautiful fashionista...GO!

1) What are your basement beauty buys?I’m all about drugstore makeup. Milani, Wet-n-Wild, I can’t get enough!

2) I know you’re a Cali girl, but when you visit The Big Apple what are your top must visit stores?I spend a lot of my life in NY, because it’s my second home. I always have to stop at Karen Millen flagship to see what’s new, Maje for great outerwear, Pinky Otto and Yumi Kim for colorful prints and separates, and the entire Lower East Side area for all the fun boutiques.

3) Do you have a fave NY restaurant you visit?I am in love with Maharlika. Coming from the bay area, I live for great home cooked Filipino food. Maharlika kills it with a simmering sigsig that I crave when I’m away. And ube martinis...ube is a sweet potato, people. You haven’t lived until you’ve turnt up from a potato and alcohol.

4) You’ve styled and painted the faces of some the biggest names in hollywood, who was your fave celeb client?I loved working with Pink. She was one of the kindest, hardest working women I have ever met.

5) How would you define your personal style?Smart, fun, and ready to celebrate life.

6) You play around with a lot of styles and colors, how do you keep your hair so beautiful and healthy looking?I have a bomb hairstylist, Noogie Thai who treats my hair and styles it with sick looks on my show, The Real, using minimal heating utensils that can damage hair. He’s taught me about all the best Paul Mitchell products that I must have! Then Cassandra Kaeding, my colorist keeps my strands looking icy blonde with quick lifting products that make switching colors super safe.

7) So many women hate their husband’s styles, do you every get hands on in your man’s closet? Is he open to change when it comes to his look? I hate nothing about my mans style. In order to keep a mans swag, its important to make him feel good about his personal comfort level. My man is country, plaid button ups, belt buckles, boots. So I showed him variations using his faves and now he shops more than me!

8) Any tips to women who want to switch up their style?Play with the different versions of you. Everyone has different sides to their personality. They can be mischievous, shy, professional, flirty...with all these sides, there are colors and textures that will bring them out best. Experiment and bring them out with every outfit.

9) You have transitioned your career in an amazing way...what advice would you give women who are looking to advance their careers and perhaps follow in your footsteps? 1. Create a mission statement of determination., something that you will remind you when you get hit with negativity to push on. 2. Set up a game plan. Life will not always always happen in order, but making a list of steps you want to accomplish will help keep you on the map to success. 3. Surround yourself with motivators and positive examples that can mentor you along the way.

10) A little birdie told me that you love food, what’s your favorite dish to make and cocktail to sip?My favorite dish to make is caldo de pollo and for my favorite cocktail, I mix up a mean chocolate martini with cinnamon sugar granules on top.

11) Do you have a fashion guilty pleasure (something that some would may think are embarrassing)?Hugenormous fleece elastic waistband pajamas when I’m at home and nobody is watching.

12) Do you think that you’ve met any hurdles or obstacles being a woman of color? Have you ever felt discriminated against? How do you fight adversity?It’s a daily occurrence to hear some stigma about being asian and I embrace every stereotype that is actually true and I’m very outspoken about the things that are not. I set the record straight so my emotions don’t get affected.

13) What’s on your Christmas wish list?I’m not one to need much, but now that my cousins, nieces, and nephews are older, I’d love for us to join together and find an organization we can serve or get involved in for Christmas.

14) What’s your favorite holiday? Why?Chinese New Year. I love the tradition of giving money to younger kids and making them say nice, complimenting things about me. I also love the food.

15) If you could describe yourself in word, what would it be? Sparkly.

16) What’s your favorite social media platform? If you had to get off social media today, what would your last tweet be (in 140 characters)?Instagram.Always wear heels as high as your hopes.

17) What is your favorite vacation destination? Any places on your “to-visit” list?I love Vietnam, Greece, Nashville, anywhere with great food and fashion. Athens, Egypt, and Zimbabwe are on my “to-visit” list.

18) What is your secret shopping destination (everyone has one)?Hong Kong and Chatuchak in Thailand are my two favorite as of now.

19) What is your favorite “trash tv” guilty pleasure?I don’t love watching shows that make people look bad so I don’t really have any.

20) What pisses you off? Bullies, jerks to women, disrespect to elders, and stores don’t allow you to return things.

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1 0 % O F F CODE: NICOLEMAGHOLIDAY10 E X P 4 / 3 1 / 2 0 1 5

W W W . I N D I E G I F T B O X . C O M

C U R A T E D S U B S C R I P T I O N S O F U N I Q U E H A N D M A D E G I F T S D E L I V E R E D T O Y O U R D O O R S T E P

Socially Savvy

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1. Luxe Valet: A parking spot in your pocket. (currently only in San Francisco.) -- Coming to NY soon?

2. GoPriv: Beauty services delivered to your home or office = genius.

3. Gett: NYers there’s a new black car app. $10 anywhere in Manhattan through 2015!

4. Covett: A fashion game that goes from iphone to reality. Shop designer looks in the game.

5. Fahlo: Fahlo gets you closer to the things & people you love (ex: celebrities, artists, bloggers, etc.)

6. Shopular: Your Black Friday bestie & coupon pusher. 7. ASAP54: Scan her look anywhere & get the look (or

something similar). 8. HopStop: Stop being lost on the NY trains. Plan your

trips and be on time. 9. World Lens: Scan signs in foreign languages and get the

translation right on the screen seemlessly.10. Sit Or Squat - Never enter into a public restroom

blindly again. Reviews of bathrooms nearby. 11. OpenTable - Talking to hostess is so overrated, book

your reservation here and you’re set to dine.

The internet can seem like a large place, even larger when you're trying to access it from the palm of your hand! From apps to social media we have access to tons of information with the extension of an index finger! We are here to make this big digital world just a little smaller, with apps to download and people to follow on your most essential possession...YOUR PHONE!

PERSON

OF INTERESTVoted Person To Follow by:

About:

Courtney Quinn, is a quirky New Yorker

with an out-of-the-box sense of style and

a affinity for vibrant colors and a super

cute french bulldog named Waffle.

Follower Her Here:

instagram.com/colormecourtney

twitter.com/colormecourtney

facebook.com/colormecourtneyblog

Reminder

Follow: @NicoleMagazineOn Instagram

11 apps to make your life easier in the City

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Luxe Valet Priv Gett Covett

Fahlo Shopular ASAP54 HopStop

World Lens Sit Or Squat OpenTable

Holiday Gift GuideFitness

FiendFoodie Makeup Maven

Fash

ioni

sta Techie

HimKiddos

Stocking

Stuffers

Electra Amsterdam Joyride BikeRide in style with this funky

cruiser.

$989.99 - electrabike.com

Women’s Stormy Trail Jacket by the NorthFacefor dedicated runners to

handle any weather.

$165 - TheNorthFace.com

ShowOff by beautyADDICTS For POW statement lashes.

$20 - BeautyAddicts.com

Voice ArtTransform your favorite saying into a masterpiece. 100% personalized!

$75.00+ - voiceartgallery.com

Fuschia Motif Clutch Beautiiful gold accent details on a pop of fuschia makes a statement.

$85.34 - scarletbindi.com

TamagotchiRetro digital pocket pal.

$19.99 - Toys-R-US

Unmarx Reusable Cleaning Pad

Easily erases marks on clothing.

$10 - Unmarx.com

Bacon Jams Combo 3-Pack of bacony goodness!

$39.99 - thebaconjams.com

Goji Play Gaming system for workout machines. Turn your treadmil into a controller.

$99.99 - BlueGoji.com

Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Golden Age 4 Piece Brush Set with Clutch. Let the beauty begin.

$19.99 - Target.com

Emma Fox Classic Convertible Wristlet

Perfect accessory for the concrete jungle.

$118 - Macys.com

Caboodles 11.25” Train CaseGlittery makeup carrying case.

$41.99 - Ulta

CM4 Q Card Case Both a wallet and a phone case.

$39.99 - Amazon.com

Ringly Ring Notifies you about

messages and phone calls. Join the wear-

able technology trend.

$195 - Ringly.com

Simbi Haiti Hair Ties (4-count) No snag no crease hair tie that provides clean water to the people of Haiti.

$5.49 - Target.com

Gerard Cosmetics LipsticksRed Hot lips are classic and time-less. Turn up the heat with Fire

Engine red lipstick.

$19 - gerardcosmetics.com

BaubleBar X FRENDSGlitz and glam for your listening pleasure.

$179 - Nordstrom.com

Crystal Head VodkaThe finest Vodka is untouched, and naturally smooth. Taste the beauty of vodka filtered through layers of Herkimer Diamonds.

$44.99 - Bevmo.com

THE HOMEMADE GIN KITYou can make rediculously delicious Gin at home.

$49.95 - homemadegin.com

Crown Maple Syrup Petite Trio Breakfast needs more options.

$15.95 - Crownmaple.com and Whole Foods

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Bow Ties Double Old Fashioned GlassesKeep your glasses as classy as your three peice suit.

$44 - premierhomeandgifts.com

KRUPS KM7000 Grind & Brew Machine

The coffee maker for the real coffee enthusiast.

$180 - krupsusa.com

cinda b Tennis Tote IIThis roomy tote is sure to turn heads

on and off the court. #Love

$149 - cindab.com

FreshyMakes fresh foods last longer.

$19.99 - RealFreshy.com

Richer Poorer Sock Gift Set: 3-Pack Quality socks that allow you to look good from head to cozy toe.

$32 - richer-poorer.com

Sunset Overdrive Xbox One BundleFeatures the first ever white Xbox One console and wireless controller available to the public.

$399 - Xbox.com

Make-Off Washcloth Your face deserves it’s very own

washcloth. Made dark so the only place you see your face is

in the mirror.

$55 - turkishtowelcompany.com

Sauvignon Blanc by Bon AffairCalifornia wine infused with purified sparkling water, electrolytes, no sugar, half the calories of regular wine... the entire 750mL bottle is only 300 calories. $15 - $16 - Bonaffair.com

MAZZO PowerDrive External hardrive and charg-ing device that will allow you

access everything you need on the go. Available in 16-128 GB.

$99-$449 - mazzomobile.com

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Ruby + Ed Whisker Slippers Cozy winter cats for your feet.

$58 - Figleaves.com

Aqua Notes Waterproof Shower Notepad

and Pencil Set. Never let another billion dollar idea get lost down

the drain.

$7 - myaquanotes.com

Birch Benders Micro-Pancakery An all-natural holiday delite, just-add-water Gingerbread Spice pancake mix.

$4.99 - buypancakes.com

YogaLean Namaste this holiday!

$18 - Amazon.com

Fashionstork.com

Holiday Gift Price $65 for ONE month’s club membership. Get stylish looks mailed to your doorstep.

Melokia Soprano UkuleleMusic is a beautiful gift.

$38.50 - Overstock.com

The Gramercy Foldable Vest Stay warm this winter with this vest that fold into the pocket.

$125 Use code: Nicole to get 40% offhawkeandco.com

MaKey MaKey An invention kit for ages 8 to infinity.

$49.95 - makeymakey.com

Goodie Girl CookiesGluten Free and better for you than a normal cookie but they don’t taste like it! Our favorite is the Qui-noa Choco-chip.

$4.99 - goodiegirlcookies.com

Goodnight Moon Onesie Parents get nastolgic over this

retro onsie.

$20 - OutofPrintClothing.com

Chocolate at Home by Will Torrent Step-by-step recipes to help you

master the art of chocolate.

$27.95 - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.rylandpeters.com

Craft Coffee 6 Month Subscription of your next favorite coffees.

$149.94 - craftcoffee.com

Holiday Chapstick Pumpkin and Candycane Flavored

Chapstick. Bring the Holiday to your lips.

$1.99 - Walmart & CVS

PhoneSoapSanitize your phone while you charge it.

$59.95 - phonesoap.com

Smirking Goddess Magnets It’s like a funny meme for

your fridge.

$3 - smirkinggoddess.com

Bubble Gum KitThis kit makes over a half

pound of the most delicious bubble gum you ever tasted.

$22.99 - Overstock.com

Cutex Cotton Ball Holder Don’t mess up your mani

taking off your pedi.

$2.49 - cutexshop.com

Go F#ck Your #Selfie TankWho else is sick of the duck-face or mirror poses? This casual, trendy muscle shirt is perfect for anything & the message is a must-see for every-one!

$43 - sociableapparel.com

STRIDER 12 Sport No-Pedal Balance Bike If your little one has mastered walking, then he or she is ready to get cruising. $119 - StriderBikes.com

LEUCHTTURM1917’s Neon Journal collection

Perfect for those curled up on the couch writing or doodling. Choose

from yellow, pink, orange and green.

$18.95 - leuchtturm1917usa.com

Helliemae’s Handcrafted Caramels

Bite-sized caramels in a small clear gift box – available in classic salt flavors as

well as seasonal flavors including peppermint and Atticus (whiskey-

infused)

$10 - Helliemaes.com

Bowdoin ClutchA beautiful malachite

quilted oversized clutch in buttery soft leather. Features

a cool front handle to slip your hand through for stylish

carrying.

$298 - HaydenHarnett.com

Spin The Bottle: Cocktail Edition

Spin The Bottle: Cocktail Edition

Four Calling BirdsStir together the 1.5 oz Casa Noble

reposado tequila, 1oz Manzanilla Sherry, and 3/4 oz. Apricot liqueur until chilled

and serve straight up in a martini glass or on

the rocks. Using a zester or microplane garnish

with lime zest

Night Cap

1 1/2 oz. Crystal Head Vodka

1/2 oz. premium coffee liqueur

1 freshly brewed espresso

shot

Shake & garnish with Coffee beans

Spice Box2 oz Diplomatico Anejo

.5 oz Ruby Port

.5 ozVelvet Falernum (Caribbean spiced liquer)

1One barspoon Varnelli Anice

One bar spoon lemon juice

Stir with ice & garnish with star anise

Old-Fashioned EggnogBeat the yolks and whites of 6 eggs

separately. Add 1 /2 cup of sugar to the yolks while beating. Add 1/4 cup of sugar to

the whites after they have been beaten very stiff. Combine the egg whites with the yolks. Pour in 1 pint cream and 11pint milk, as well

as the 2 cups Four Roses Small Batch bourbon and 1 oz Jamaican rum. Stir

thoroughly. Serve very cold with grated nutmeg and/or cinnamon.

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The holiday season is the perfect time to begin planning to develop new habits and search for new ways to improve your life in the coming year. Reiki is a form of energy therapy that is growing in popularity and is perfect for the busy career gal on-the-go.

Reiki pronounced “Ray-Key” is composed of two Japanese words, Rei meaning Higher Power and Ki meaning Life Force Energy. Reiki uses the Universal Life Force Energies to produce gentle healing results. These energies are around us all of the time, and Reiki harnesses that energy for the health and well being of all living things.

According to John Hopkins Medical center: “Reiki is a very specific form of energy healing, in which hands are placed just off the body or lightly touching the body, as in “laying on of hands.” Reiki can also be done “long-distance.”

The Many Benefits of ReikiReiki can be used to resolve many health issues and help you remove blockages and reach goals in your personal and professional life. Here is a list of some health challenges. Reiki is known to help resolve issues with anxiety, body aches, improve concentration, weight loss, emotional strength and stability and even has anti-aging properties.

Is Reiki for you?Reiki is appropriate for adults, children, and animals. There are no known adverse effects or harmful medical contraindications. You can use Reiki in tandem with other

healing methods, and even doctor prescribed medication. Please check with your physician first

A session is usually an hour long. Reiki can address physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Reiki sessions are usually held in the office of the trained practitioner or Reiki Master. During the session the client will lie fully clothed and comfortable on a massage table. Your Reiki Master may lightly place her hands on your body according to the hand placement procedure originally taught by Dr. Usui. The hand placement effectively covers the Chakra system and all internal body organs.

During a Reiki session, the subject often feels a gentle warmth radiating throughout their body and a feeling of relaxation coupled with soft tingling sensations and an overall calmness.

A pleasantly surprising outcome may be the resolution or uncovering of a subconscious need. Reiki will work on both the subtle energy field and physical energy field to resolve those issues.

The New Year is a great time to consider adding Reiki to your weekly or monthly personal regime. At least three to four consecutive sessions are recommended to enjoy the benefits of these Universal Life Force Energies. The cumulated effects of each Reiki treatment will have you feeling feel happier, stronger, healthier and helping you achieve life goals.

Our healing center provides Reiki healing services to clients all over the world thanks to modern technology and the advent of Skype. To learn more visit TejasaWellness.com.

What to look for in a Reiki Healer:Look for Reiki Master with experience practicing on patients with similar needs. Thumbtack.com is a great website to find a practitioner because it allows you to read reviews and maintain a dialogue with various Reiki Healers in order to find the best fit for you.

About Emily ElyshevitzEmily Elyshevtiz is an intuitive Healer and Reiki Master with over 20 years of experience and the owner of Tejasa Wellness located in New York City. She performs intuitive healing and Reiki for clients in New York

and remotely via Skype. Her client roster includes Hollywood actresses, executives and socialites. You can learn more about Emily at TejasaWellness.com.

by Emily Elyshevitz

There is no better place to get in the holiday spirit than New York City. From dancing sugar plum fairies at Lincoln Center to gliding on the ice at Rockefeller Center there are plenty of kitschy, touristy, saccharine sweet things to do to get in the holiday spirit. Everyone writes about those, but we here at Nicole Magazine want to show you our New York…the things to do, places to go and stuff to eat off the beaten path but every bit as good as the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3.

C Where to Stay:

Westin New York Grand Central: Surf & Turf PackageWestin New York Grand Central is steps from historic Grand Central Terminal and the iconic holiday windows of midtown. The “Surf & Turf” 3-night package has nightly rates beginning at $279 per night, including two tickets to On Location Tours (TV- and movie-themed tours to famous New York TV and movie sites from Sex and the City to the TCM Classic Films tour) and two tickets to New York Water Taxi (stunning views of the skyline, bridges and Statue of Liberty) at a great savings of more than 70%. Guests can book at, www.westinnewyorkgrandcentral.com/surf-and-turf, or call 866- 716-8117 using the rate plan SRFTRF.

Sheraton New York Times Square: Suite PackageThe Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel is offering a Suite Stay Promotion starting at just $295 per night for a three-night stay. The suites have a modern design and picturesque views of the city. The well-appointed bedrooms have king-size or double Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds, with separate living and dining areas featuring plush couches and seating. Click here to book: www.sheratonnewyork.com/suitestaypromo.

BWhere to Eat: BG at Bergdorf Goodman. Picture perfect views of central perfect, chic dining in an

elegant setting and a bevvy of celebs and socialites to secretly gush over. Bergdorf Goodman, 5th Avenue at 58th Street, Seventh Floor, New York, NY 10019

www.bergdorfgoodman.com

B4. This East Village/Alphabet City gem features homemade pastries and an easy laid back atmosphere. Reservations are still fairly easy to secure and the staff is incredibly nice. It makes the perfect stop for a laid back brunch. 235 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10009

www.b4nyc.com

The Greek. The lighting in this chic Tribeca Greek restaurant is perfection and the menu is full of great wines and healthy but flavorful food options. This Greek restaurant has all of the charm and delicious food minus the kitsch. 458 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

www.thegreektribeca.com

eWhere to Shop: Artists and Fleas. This curated selection of artists, designers and vintage sellers features a location in Chelsea market and our pick for the season in Williamsburg very close to the outdoor food market held on Saturdays,

Smorgasburg. Sat and Sun 10 am to 7 pm70 North 7th Brooklyn, Williamsburg, NY

www.artistsandfleas.comwww.smorgasburg.com

Style Room VIP Shopping Tours. For a more personalized shopping experience that is customized and catered to your taste and budget, complete with a champagne toast and intimate designer showroom tours, book a tour with Karen Parker O’Brien’s Style Room. The most fun you’ll ever having shopping in New York with the added bonus of getting wholesale prices!

www.styleroom.com

T Where to Feel the Holiday Cheer:

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. The New York City Ballet thrills and delights with beautiful sets, costumes and of course artistry. It is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. Tickets range in price from $71.00 - $260.00. November 28, 2014 – January 3, 2015

www.nycballet.com

By Lori Riviere

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