Halloween is right around the corner! What better way to celebrate than by winning a pair of Carlos by Carlos Santana pumps!  From October 24-31, channel your “inner Carlos Santana” and show off your best rock star style. Tweet a picture to@Carlos_Shoes using the hashtag #CBCSTrickTweet and the top THREE winners will be eligible to receive a FREE pair of shoes! Remember, you must follow @Carlos_Shoes to be eligible! Happy Trick-or-Tweeting!

I love Carlos by Carlos Santana! They have some of the most amazing pumps. Here are a few of my favorites:

Carlos by Carlos Santana “Whirl”, $80

Carlos by Carlos Santana “Verdi”, $99

Carlos ... Read More »]]>  

Halloween is right around the corner! What better way to celebrate than by winning a pair of Carlos by Carlos Santana pumps!  From October 24-31, channel your “inner Carlos Santana” and show off your best rock star style. Tweet a picture to@Carlos_Shoes using the hashtag #CBCSTrickTweet and the top THREE winners will be eligible to receive a FREE pair of shoes! Remember, you must follow @Carlos_Shoes to be eligible! Happy Trick-or-Tweeting!

I love Carlos by Carlos Santana! They have some of the most amazing pumps. Here are a few of my favorites:

Carlos by Carlos Santana “Whirl”, $80

Carlos by Carlos Santana “Verdi”, $99

Carlos by Carlos Santana “Destiny”, $65

I’m sure this giveaway is going to send a lot of girls reeling. Better get to tweeting!

Kaitlin Vocker is a senior Marketing student at Louisiana Tech University, graduating November of 2011. In her spare time, Kaitlin enjoys being a freelance writer and a Marketing/Public Relations intern for Chic Galleria Publications, fashion in general, and spending time with her friends, family, and fiance. Her style icons are Rachel Zoe, Brigitte Bardot, and the Kardashian sisters. Visit her celebrity style blog at http://www.secretivestyle.wordpress.com

Donovan Fandre ... Read More »]]> Combine your microwave with conventional appliances to make recipes in a fraction of time and energy that look and taste as if they were cooked the old fashioned way. Start cooking by microwave and transfer to your oven, skillet, broiler, or grill to finish the recipe with a browned and crispy crust. When you jump-start your charcoal grilling you eliminate flare-ups and the potentially carcinogenic charred surface and the food is juicer but still has the flavor of the grill. Sear and brown in a skillet and transfer to the microwave to finish the recipe in much less time.

Donovan Fandre has been teaching and promoting microwave cooking for over 35 years. He had the only nationally televised microwave cooking series that aired on PBS stations and The Learning Channel. He has written 5 microwave cookbooks, 1 convection cookbook, and his current combination microwave/conventional cookbook. He has written articles for Parade, Working Mother, and Family Circle magazines and interviews have been featured in almost every major newspaper and television station in the US. He appeared often on Good Morning America, Regis Philbin’s shows, Joan Lunden’s Mother’s Day, and HGTV cooking segments. He believes that the microwave should be the primary method of cooking especially since time and energy are becoming increasingly precious. He currently promotes his concept through his website and blog;  www.jumpstartcooking.com.

Chic Galleria is giving away (2) copies of Jump Start Cooking (ARV $17.00) to (2) lucky people. To enter, we ask that you leave a comment on this article letting us know what you think about Donovan’s book. A winner will be chosen at random from the comments and announced here on February 28, 2011.

Congratulations to our winners, Elizabeth R. & Cindy Champion!

Published in January of 2010, Starless Sky touched on the tender subject of death and how a teen, named Kahlen, deals with pain and grief, but it also has blatant messages of hope and expectation as Kahlen begins her journey back towards understanding ... Read More »]]> While most other 15-year-old girls were at the mall trying to figure out how they could get the attention of their latest crush, Paige Agnew was fast at her desk writing her first fiction novel. You heard right, at fifteen, this Michigan-born writing enthusiast decided to not only pen her own novel, but have it published as well.

Published in January of 2010, Starless Sky touched on the tender subject of death and how a teen, named Kahlen, deals with pain and grief, but it also has blatant messages of hope and expectation as Kahlen begins her journey back towards understanding and wholeness.

Starless Sky is about a girl, Kahlen, who is experiencing the loss of a friend. Kahlen feels alone and lonely, but she also gets tired of people feeling sorry for her and giving her sympathetic looks. Going to Dean’s Creek is the only place she finds solace. Well, at least it WAS the only place until Kennley showed up. Now she can’t even find solace there…or can she?

In the midst of loss, there is life; a sentiment Kahlen was not quick to accept. But in the process of the daily routine of school, dropping grades, frustrated parents, and pain, Kahlen begins to gain insights (the kind that comes from fortune cookies or good friends). Her newfound wisdom and the strain of dealing with Kennley and his troubling past lead her to an exciting new phase of life. Starless Sky is a genuine portrayal of grief and loss, yet comforting and filled with hope and expectation. It is a book of encouragement through following the lives of high schoolers.

What are the three words that describe Starless Sky?

Paige: Encouraging, Inspiring, Serious while Entertaining

What makes Starless Sky unique?

Paige: How many times have you read a book or seen a movie where a character dies and you can’t help but bawl your eyes out? (Never? Well then, may I recommend Nicolas Sparks? Great writer, but grab a box of Kleenex). Because I have experienced my share of tears reading and watching movies, I wanted to write a story where I could tap into something as deep as death, but instead of
leaving the reader in despair, I would portray hope. This makes Starless Sky unique.

Where did you get the idea for Starless Sky?

Paige: Sitting bored watching TV is when I generally come up with an idea for writing. I wanted to take on the challenge of writing a book about death that wasn’t entirely sad. In addition, the story gave me an opportunity to draw from my own very real pain of having recently loss someone I loved so much.

What advice can you give to a teenager who is grieving?

Paige: Talk about your loss, write about it if you are not a talker, but get it out somehow. Share your feelings with someone who can help you and that is not always peers as their knowledge may be limited regardless of how mature or well meaning. Ask to speak with a counselor for additional support. Know that the stages of grief and loss are not really stages that happen in a specific order; know that you are not losing your mind. Healing takes time and it is a deliberate process. Healing does not truly happen just because you will it. Mostly, I am saying, do not go through it alone – let others help you – take some time to be alone if needed but balance it with self care and support.

How old were you when you first started writing?

Paige: I honestly do not remember when I first started writing, but I do know when I became very serious about it and had a passion for it. I was in 5th grade and I absolutely loved writing stories. Sixth through eighth grade I attended the Young Author’s Conference in my city. I was delighted students had the opportunity to attend the conference. While I liked school, meeting authors and learning more about writing was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Each summer since 5th grade, I have spent every day writing and reading. My mother first bought tons of notebooks, then eventually my own laptop because she did not want to share with me (as she would never get equal time), and now I have flash/thumb drives to store all of my writing.

What inspires you to write?

Paige: What inspires me to write is my love for books. Every time I read a good book, I think about my own, I think about how I can improve my writing skills, I think about how one day I want someone to read the final page of my book and just say “wow” -the same way I do with others. I love stepping into others’ worlds in the realm of literature. I just hope other people enjoy the adventure as much as I do.

How do you develop the characters?

Paige: You can’t tell a story if you don’t know it. You have to play around with ideas inside your head and get to know your characters and their personalities. What would they say? What would they wear? Who would they hang out with and why? The more real the world is inside your head, the better it transmits to paper. When Kahlen first met Kennley at the creek, I had to ask myself who I wanted Kennley to be as a character. I wanted him to be a bad boy, but he seemed too nice for that. Okay. But why? Why would a bad boy seem good? Well maybe he used to be bad but now he’s not anymore. Well what changed? Hmm, I don’t know. And since I don’t know, I won’t let the audience know either. For now, let’s just make him…a mystery.

Is any of the book from your real life?

Paige: It is funny when people who know me think the book is all about my real life just because they know about the loss I experienced. There are bits and pieces that come from real people, but the book is not a replica of my life. For example, the Random game in the book comes from a game a friend and I made up while bored and waiting for track practice to come up. However, the character is not like my friend. Another example occurs when the parents and Kahlen go to the movie theater; in real life, we laugh about movies my dad wants to see. However, the parents in the story are not the same as my parents. Most genuine are the feelings of Kahlen; I felt those feelings and I experienced that pain when my friend died.

How do you remember to wrap up loose ends?

Paige: Sometimes tying up loose ends is easier than others. When preparing for my writing, my notes are very detailed; as I go along, I add and add and add to my notebook, making sure I keep those loose ends in mind. Sometimes the loose ends are so prominent in my mind that it just flows naturally in my writing and it’s not difficult at all. Overall, what helps is reading over my work for myself so I can catch my mistakes and think ―oh, that’s right. I still have to add this in.

What can you tell us about your next book?

Paige: My next book is titled Seven; it is a fiction, mystery, suspense-thriller. Seven tells the story of seven people whose lives come together because of a kidnapper. The story of each individual leads to the time they all come together. For example two characters are escaping an abusive childhood home and one character is an attorney without much direction. In the book there are clues (or things that appear to be clues) that mislead reader thus building the suspense. A common thread I have recognized in this book (as in Starless Sky) is self exploration among both the teens and the adults in the book. Each of the seven characters is forced (literally) to look at their own talents and lives in order to escape. Not all of them are willing. So, will they all be freed from the grips of the kidnapper? Want to know the answer? Great, read Seven.

Starless Sky can be purchased www.PaigeAgnew.com, BarnesandNoble.com, as well as Amazon.com. You may also connect with Agnew via Starless Sky on facebook.

Chic Galleria is pleased to be giving away a copy of Starless Sky (ARV $28.88) to one (1) lucky winner.  Would you or someone you know enjoy reading this book?  To enter, just leave a comment on this article.  A winner will be chosen at random from the comments and announced here on February 28, 2011.

For extra chances to win:

1. Like Starless Sky on Facebook.

2. Post the giveaway on your Facebook profile page tagging @Chic Galleria and @Starless Sky.

3. Follow @ChicGalleria on Twitter.

4. Like Chic Galleria on Facebook.

Please leave a comment for each additional entry.

Congratulations to our winner, Mary Ward!

For those intent on keeping their extensions, MaximumLash can boost the strength of natural lashes so there will be less damage and lash loss.

The eyes have the power to make bold statements.  And ... Read More »]]> MaximumLash is a high-performance formula that helps natural lashes appear healthier, longer and stronger.  In a matter of weeks of using this product I noticed a difference in my lashes especially after applying my mascara.  This formula is packed with nourishing ingredients including biotin, green tea, mulberry root, copper peptides, octapeptides, nettles and prostaglandin. This non-irritation formula can be used on the most sensitive eyes and contact wearers.

For those intent on keeping their extensions, MaximumLash can boost the strength of natural lashes so there will be less damage and lash loss.

The eyes have the power to make bold statements.  And during the holidays, smoky, dreamy, romantic and theatrical eyes are the look of choice.  But no matter what you are trying to convey with your eyes, the lashes can deliver the biggest impact.  This holiday season get MaximumLash for $34 plus free shipping and handling (a savings of $14)!!!  You can visit Walgreens.com and enter code PICKFIVE to get $5 plus free shipping and handling! Then send us your receipt and we will give you a rebate check of $10! Offer ends November 15th so hurry up! What a great Holiday Gift!!!

MaximumLash, a powerful new tool in today’s beauty arsenal, will strengthen, fortify and enhance natural lashes to reach their maximum potential for beauty.  This high performance formula eliminates the need for false eyelashes with toxic glues, extensions or irritating fibers.  Similar looking results can be achieved within four to six weeks with daily use of MaximumLash.  Visit http://www.maximumlash.com

Chic Galleria is giving away 1 MaximumLash Eyelash Conditioner to one (1) lucky person.  Would you or someone you know enjoy using this product?  To enter, just leave a comment letting us know if you have ever tried a lash enhancing product.  A winner will be chosen at random from the comments and announced here on November 30, 2010.

Being the offspring of a fashionista, Nadia Murdock has always had a passion for fashion.  She decided to put her passion to work two years ago and launched Manchester Public Relations www.manchesterpublicrelations.com. Nadia is the Public Relations Director for Chic Galleria magazine and works in New York City.

Product courtesy of MaximumLash

Congratulations to our winner ashley (addictedtorodeo)!

Sweet Potato Purée with Cider Reduction

by Chez Cherie

This recipe can go two ways—as a first course soup or as a side dish. In a pinch, you can use canned sweet potato or butternut squash purée. A can and a half should do the trick.

Ingredients:

2½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 cups Trader Joe’s Spicy Cider

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

2 tablespoons butter

salt, pepper, and hot sauce

mascarpone and diced pancetta, for garnish, optional

Directions:

Place the sweet potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water (or vegetable or chicken broth), and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 ... Read More »]]>

Sweet Potato Purée with Cider Reduction

by Chez Cherie

This recipe can go two ways—as a first course soup or as a side dish. In a pinch, you can use canned sweet potato or butternut squash purée. A can and a half should do the trick.

Ingredients:

2½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 cups Trader Joe’s Spicy Cider

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

2 tablespoons butter

salt, pepper, and hot sauce

mascarpone and diced pancetta, for garnish, optional

Directions:

Place the sweet potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water (or vegetable or chicken broth), and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. While the potatoes cook, simmer the cider in a medium sauté pan until syrupy and reduced to about ½ cup. When the potatoes are tender, drain them . Place the ginger, sweet potatoes, butter, and the cider syrup in a food processor [and purée. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Garnish with a small dollop of mascarpone and a little diced pancetta, if desired.

If making soup, reserve the cooking liquid from the sweet potatoes. Once the sweet potatoes are puréed, add the cooking liquid until the soup is of desired consistency.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Notes: Vegetarian (if made without pancetta garnish), Gluten-free

From The I Love Trader Joe’s Party Cookbook

Cherie Mercer Twohy received her Professional Culinary Arts diploma from the California School of Culinary Arts. In addition to her formal chef’s training, her passion for travel and interest in culinary tradition have taken her around the world. Closer to home, she has received instruction at the renowned Culinary Institute of America Greystone campus in the Napa Valley.

Cherie is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, and recently joined Julia Child and Jacques Pepin as a Certified Culinary Professional, one of only 300 culinarians worldwide to achieve that designation. She is also a proud member of the American Institute of Food and Wine, and Women Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Cherie was recently selected by Saveur Magazine to present the Saveur Cooks cooking classes for food lovers in Southern California. She can be seen as a recurring Guest Chef on Home & Garden Television. Her first book, The I Love Trader Joe’s Cookbook, was released in October, 2009. Visit her website at www.chezcherie.com

Chic Galleria is giving away a copy of The I Love Trader Joe’s Cookbook to two (2) lucky readers. Would you or someone you know enjoy having this cookbook? To enter, just leave a comment on this article/recipe. Winners will be chosen at random from the comments and announced here on November 30, 2010. (ARV $17.95)

Congratulations to our winners Courtney (hebert024) and Julie B (jhbalvin)!