On Our Radar: India

And on our minds... I've no doubt where I get my wanderlust. My parents have spent years traveling to far away places like Brazil, China, Australia, Egypt and now India. Yesterday my parents left for a two week tour. They never doubted they'd go on their trip even after the Mumbai attacks last week. They simply responded that they weren't going within 1,000 miles of Mumbai anyway. Then on my way home from taking them to the airport, I heard about a shooting at the New Delhi airport, exactly where they're headed. I called them in Chicago on their layover to see if their flight was canceled. My mother said of course not, the shootings were earlier in the morning and everything was fine now.

Here's their message for terrorists: We'll live our lives with courage and not be intimidated.

As for my parents, they're taking a risk; but life's short, isn't it worth it? I can't wait to see India for myself one day.

Natural Anti-Bacterial Wipes

You don't need us to tell you, planes are dirty places. But you can't always wash your hands on a plane when you need to and who knows how clean those bathrooms are anyways? The other option is anti-bacterial gel, but it's not environmentally friendly and you would need a vat of it to get thru a long flight next to a sniffly passenger.

Enter Herban Essentail Eucalyptus Towelettes. We first encountered these wonder wipes at NYC's Sweet Lily Spa during a recent rosemary eucalyptus pedi. Eucalyptus is a natural antiseptic, improves circulation and clears your breathing, as anyone who has spent 5 minutes in a steam room knows. The wipes not only smell good, they also ease a sunburn and help heal insect bites for those of you whose holiday plans include an exotic destination.

Available online at Herban Essential.

How to be a Good Houseguest

Now that we're deep in the holiday season, there's a good chance you'll be a houseguest over the next few weeks. What makes a great house guest? We've been on both sides and here is our advice:

Bring along a fun hostess gift. We loved the idea of bubble bath and champagne from Allure this month. Or last weekend we brought cupcakes from Sensational Bites when we visited our girlfriend, Ula, in Chicago. Yum! Who'd bother (or indulge enough) to buy themselves these tasty treats?

Load the dishes, unload the dishes, and get your own breakfast. The first morning is fun to cook for your guests, the second is harder, the third is downright tedious. If you're the first one up, make a pot of coffee. If you take the last cup from the pot, make another. Help take out the trash. It's amazing how much trash extra people can generate in your house.

Never stay too long. Whether you're at your best friends house or parents', any stay over three nights gets long (remember the adage about fish?). If you're there for longer, be sure to plan outings away from the house and on your own so there's less pressure on your host to entertain you.

Don't leave a mess behind. Definitely make your bed before you leave and consider stripping the bed.

Send a thank you note as soon as you get back!

Holiday Gift Guide - Gossip Girl

You could opt with jewelry or headbands from the show for your favorite Gossip Girl fan, but what we're secretly hoping for is the original books. Specifically the Gossip Girl Boxed Set
of the first three in the Gossip Girl series: Gossip Girl, You Know You Love Me and All I Want is Everything. What's better than reading about the characters we have known and loved for two seasons? There are a few key differences in the book versus the series (no spoilers here. This is off the back of the books):

1. Nate is a major stoner, which makes a whole lot of sense, now that we think about it. Guess some things just don't play well on TV.

2. The Humphreys live on the Upper West Side, not in Dumbo. What would the show be like if instead of all those sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan it had shots of Zabar's and Fairway? Good call on the director's part.

3. Jenny is described as "busty." Seriously? Can you imagine little Taylor Momsen with a set of double D's?

Sure, it's a little embarrassing going into the bookstore to ask for a "young adult" novel, but we did it for Twilight. And there's always Amazon...

Holiday Gift Guide - Chris Notti Sleep Masks

Trust us: Everyone needs a good sleep mask when they travel. They make napping on the plane easier and are far more stylish than wrapping a blanket around your head. Cris Notti Sleep Masks are our faves, because the band is silky and not too tight so your hair won't get a weird horizontal band around it. They come in a range of styles, from leopard print to kimono prints to basic black.

Art Basel Miami

It may be on track to be a little less of a scene this year, but when is Miami ever not a fun party? Some of the highlights of this year's Art Basel, which runs from December 4 to 7, are parties at the newly opened Mondrian hosted by Jeff Koons and Russel Simmons, a Cartier installation by film director David Lynch and the new Marni store in the Design District, which opened with a soiree last night.

In need of a place to stay or planning a trip later this winter? Check out the New York Post's review of 5 new or redesigned Miami hotels, including the Canyon Ranch and the Fontainebleu.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: Get the Look

If those sexy ladies on the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show airing tonight at 10 PM EST on CBS inspire you (and how could they not? Heidi, Karolina, Adriana et al are totally gorge), we’ve got the inside deets on how to get the look.

The theme of tonight’s show is a Return to Glamour. Victoria’s Secret makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury created the sophisticated, yet fresh look using products from the Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Make-Up collection. Specifically, you’ll notice radiant cheeks, courtesy of Mosaic Bronzer in Goddess, eyes that shimmer and shine, thanks to Silky Eye Shadow in Chills, Mystified, Behind the Sheets and Champagne and sexy lips with a hint of Cupcake and Intimate gloss. All the products are available on Victoria's Secret online.

Want more on the show? Check out our behind the scenes look at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at the Fountainebleu in Miami. Oh, and that crazy looking bra Heidi has on? Worth a cool $5 mil!