COOKE CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE

(951) 805-0314 or www.cookefurniture.com

Tired of the same old look? Perhaps it’s time to revamp your living space with a touch of warmth and sophistication that reflects your personality. Los Angeles based designer David Cooke has created an array of unique furniture pieces that are capable of making even your best friend turn green with envy.

Already fascinated with the magic of fire since childhood, he managed to incorporate those early memories into some of his best creations. Maybe the best representations of his love affair with fire are the Balboa and the Mammoth Fire Pit Tables. Both are elegantly built with acid washed copper, stainless steel and a tabletop made from the stone of your choice. The burners are adorned with stylish broken glass and they run on inexpensive propane natural gas. The final result is simply stunning and makes the perfect center of attention in any home.

You can get a closer look of these fire pit tables at Stefan’s L.A. Farm restaurant in Santa Monica while also getting a chance to sample their delicious menu. Sure to produce an eye-catching effect are David’s copper Parisian Planter Boxes. They vary in sizes and have a very sought after weathered look.

-Victor Riobo

PREECE & TOFF Blessed Beauty

At Fred Segal 420 Broadway Santa Monica (310) 907-4022

With a client list that reads like the tip sheet at a Red Carpet event, it’s a wonder the Preece & Toff hair salon at Fred Segal in Santa Monica doesn’t have a velvet rope.  But that of course, wouldn’t sit well with Londoner, Matthew Preece who is a musician, hairstylist, world traveler and a kind of ordained guru who spends time in India meditating and in his salon, beautifying and blessing. So that tingling sensation you feel in your scalp may not be the peroxide or invigorating shampoo but the blessing Preece has ministered.  His partner, Kristoffe Ball, also a musician and the stylist responsible for taking Pink from brunette to platinum, wants “the salon to also be a school – and contribute to the beauty community through education via seminars and classes.”  The expertise unfurling at this spacious, minimalist salon is obvious from the fact that everyone from Alicia Silverstone to Paris Hilton, Paul Abdul, LeAnn Rimes, Susan Sarandon and Tony Robbins are clients.  The bonus, of course, is that before you rejoin the world looking like a million bucks, you will also be feeling it in no small way due to the gratis energy and blessing.

- Ghalib Dhalla.

PRECIOUS CARGO

Stocking stuffers and gifts to fit every taste and wallet…

SOUNDS
	BARBRA STREISAND Love Is The Answer (SONY) Be sure to get the deluxe double-CD which includes a spare, jazz and another fully orchestrated version of the eagerly anticipated album.  Produced by jazz goddess, Diana Krall, this offering is like buttah’! $26.98
	THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON – THE SCORE Alexandre Desplat (E1) Whatever your opinion of the wildly successful sequel, this is an impeccable and lush music score by one of the most coveted composers in the industry.  Sensual and unapologetically romantic, the soundtrack stands tall on its own. $18.98
PULP
	GLOW IN THE DARK Kanye West (Rizzoli) For the coffee table and the CD player, this visual and audio experience through the performer’s life, both on and offstage, gives fan the ultimate VIP pass. The CD includes previously unreleased instrumentals from his show and the hardcover book provides a no holds barred photographic journey. $50
	THE PRIVATE WORLD OF YVES SAINT LAURENT AND PIERRE BERGE Murphy/Terestchenko (RIZZOLI) A lavish, sumptuous celebration of the legendary partnership between Laurent, who started as Christian Dior’s protégé and went on to become the world’s fashion and style icon and his friend and lifelong business partner, Berge with whom he shared eight homes which are showcased in this book.  The art collection, French décor, luxurious surrounding are captured for your envy and enjoyment. $95
	THE TWO KRISHNAS Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla (ALYSON) Our Editor-in-Chief returns with his epic second novel exploring an extramarital affair from the perspective of the wife, husband and his gay lover.  Spanning three generations, the passionate novel takes readers on a journey through Kenya, India and Los Angeles as the characters search for love and a home away from home. $14.95
	GREAT ESCAPES Around The World Vol II (Taschen) It’s the next best thing to jumping on the plane and being at the most luxurious and exceptional hotels and retreats in the world.  A hefty, 672-page tome that covers the entire globe, this popular, full color coffee table book and retreat guide is the perfect gift for those with the deep pockets to indulge in wanderlust and others who would rather do it without leaving the couch.  $59
	LEONARDO DA VINCI: 1452-1519: The Complete Paintings and Drawings (Taschen 25th Anniversary) Frank Zollner Leonardo’s opus which was initially released in a much larger format is now available at a special price and comes in a protective slip-case.  Stunning reproductions of the master’s paintings and drawings are accompanied by Zollner and Nathan’s text exploring Da Vinci’s life and excerpts from his correspondences and diaries.  The tribute makes an extraordinary gift and is a treasure to own.  $70
GOURMET
	CALIFORNIA FRESH & FIT (877-251-1494) Convenience meets healthy living when you let this delivery service pamper you with delicious, gourmet meals.  Customize a meal plan according to factors like age, allergies, stress level and blood type, and losing weight and staying fit will no longer be broken resolutions thanks to your personal chef.  Bette Midler’s already a fan so isn’t it time you found out why?  Gift certificates available.
	BULLDOG GIN (Limited Availability) Put the champagne aside and let Bulldog Gin spark up the holiday spirit.  Voted one of the top 50 Spirits by Wine Enthusiast, the triple filtered ultra-premium gin is kissed with seductive ingredients that include lotus leaves, lavender, coriander and almond, and is sure to convert even the die-hard vodka bore.