Everything She Wants

Christmas may be over, but it's never too late to give someone you care about a token of your appreciation. Merci European Chocolates   ($5.99, CVS and Walgreens) is the perfect way to say thank-you.  Each package includes 20 individually wrapped chocolates in seven different flavors -- milk chocolate, coffee and cream, hazelnut and almond, hazelnut cream, dark cream, dark mousse and praline cream. Everything She Wants is thankful for great readers like you, and one lucky Twitter follower will win a box of Merci Chocolates.  Here's how to win (all steps must be followed): Comment on this post with your first name and tell us who you will give a meaningful thank you to this holiday season and why? Retweet this post using the #MeaningfulMerci hashtag Follow us on Twitter @TracyEHopkins The giveaway offer ends January 2 at 11:59 p.m.  Good luck!

Although 20-year-old Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, walked away with the Miss Universe 2012 title, we're still caught up in the rapture of another stunning contestant.  Miss Tanzania, Winfrida Dominic, didn't even place in the top 16 contestants, but with barely a glimpse, she captivated us with her natural beauty. When was the last time you saw a Black woman compete in a world beauty pageant with a natural hairstyle, let alone a short-cropped 'fro ?  Probably never.  She may not have won the crown, but Winfrida is still a queen. Photos courtesy of the web

Silk scarf Beaded ornaments Charitable gifts are gifts that keep on giving.  When you make a holiday donation through the World Vision Gift Catalog's World Vision’s Maximum Impact Fund , the gift is used where it’s most needed, tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges. With a donation of $25 or more the donor receives a free gift to wear, carry, use or give to a loved one.   Most of the Maximum Impact Fund items available in World Vision's catalog are made by micro-enterprising artisans around the world and the sale proceeds directly benefit their communities to help solve the challenges they face, such as access to food, clean water, education, and more.  Here are some of the items available through the World Vision Gift Catalog: Tie the beautiful beaded ornaments to napkin rings as a vivid tabletop decoration. The set includes three handmade Zakale wire and bead ornaments from Nairobi. Meaning "reuse," Zakale crafts are made from recycled m

Treat yourself or a fashionista friend to one of these luxe for less gifts, handpicked by Everything She Wants . Indigo Handloom LOFT necklace available on eBay Carlos by Carlos Santana hobo LOFT Feather and Crystal Necklace ($34.99): Feel like an Aztec high priestess in this funky feather-and-crystal-adorned statement necklace.  It retails for $75, but is sold out in LOFT stores and online.  So scoop up yours on eBay for less than half the retail price and have it delivered before Christmas. Carlos by Carlos Santanta Interlude Tour Hobo  ($89): Tote everything you need in this roomy, stylish hobo bag with an eye-catching braided design. Indigo Handloom (from $98): This chic, ethical brand of scarves and ready-to-wear garments utilizes eco-friendly handloom fabric, which has a 30% smaller carbon footprint than a garment made with traditional milled cloth.

Me in my ugly-cute Christmas sweater. Thanks to all the swappers who came out to make  Everything She Wants' Secret Santa Swap  at ClosetDash Shop  -- the first and only place to swap or shop the designer fashions you love -- a sold out success.  A special shout out goes to ClosetDash Shop owner Jennifer Lee, and to Megan, Adena, Loren and Jill S. for swapping with us. We swapped, shopped, sipped egg nog and festive cider spiked with sparkling wine and noshed on Christmas cookies and yummy Mediterranean Snacks. Guests received gift bags with beauty swag from SheaMoisture and mark cosmetics. And, of course, we exchanged Secret Santa gifts. The event was so much fun we're thinking of hosting another swap (in Brooklyn this time) in the new year! So stay tuned.   Photos courtesy of Everything She Wants

Winter can be harsh on your hair.  But African-American women with natural hair have an added challenge to keep our hair moisturized and protected from the elements. To find out what we can do to keep our hair healthy this holiday season and beyond, Everything She Wants stopped by SheaMoisture 's pop-up store at The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park (open through January 6, 2013). SheMoisture's pop-up shop at Bryant Park. We picked up a few fab and fragrant bath and body products like the new Olive and Green Tea line (on sale 3 for $25 or 3 soaps for $10), and chatted with natural hair guru Diane Bailey. Here are Bailey's tips for "winterizing" your natural tresses: Moisture is key. "Curly kinky hair thrives on moisture," says the Brooklyn hair stylist.  To keep your hair pliable and spongy, she says SheaMoisture has wonderful, interchangeable systems.  So you can layer different products. Bailey's picks : Use the  Raw Shea Butter Resto

Packing your beauty essentials for your trip home for the holidays just got easier.  This light-weight, travel friendly beauty product line from Adventuress includes a complete on-the-go skin care regimen. Here's what you get in the Intro Offer Collection:   Naturally Liberating Cleanser – This naturally derived cleanser is one of the gentlest ways to cleanse your skin of bacteria and dirt without stripping away moisture. Leaves skin feeling luscious and hydrated. Boswellian bark tears soothe the skin while Spanish castile soap cleanses and calms skin ·            Vividly Restorative Skin Purifier – Unblock pores while hydrating and firming your skin by using the power of quince seed and other naturally occurring fruit and plant extracts with this purifying, restorative serum.  Packed with micronutrients to restore skin’s youthful radiance. ·            Boldly Nourishing Moisturizer – An exclusive, targeted delivery system with essential emollients including French R

While you're making your list and checking it twice, here are a few gift picks and stocking stuffer recommendations to consider from  Everything She Wants  for the special ladies on your Christmas gift list. AprilMarin Furry Paws Gloves  ($45): Let your fingers do the texting in these chic, fingerless faux fur gloves ( second photo ). Dorm Cozy Blanket Keds  ($50): These cozy slippers with a faux shearling lining and a Southwest vibe are perfect for those cold winter nights.  Da-Sein Socks Gift Box  (from $37): We love socks, so we love to give them as gifts, too.  Da-Sein has a lot of fun color combinations and lengths -- from our favorite over-the-knee style to funky, cut-out ankle socks. Just Neem Clay Mask  ($24.95): This all natural clay mask promotes clear and healthy skin. The secret is the French Clay blended with African Neem leaves and natural hydrating oils. Heart HSN 2012 Designer Ornament Collection (from $14.95): This unique ornament coll