Its not often that we come across a gem of a book so compelling that we want to tell everyone about it.  And we wish this weren’t the case, but sadly the state of the literary world tends to disappoint us.  Particularly when it comes to books that are supposed to speak to the Diaspora.  But every now and then, a book featuring characters that look like us, painted so elegantly, depicted so completely, and part of a story so fascinating that we can’t put it down.  Half of a Yellow Sun, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is just this.  Set in Nigeria in the late 1960s during the Nigeria-Biafra war, it tells the story of two sisters from a privileged Yoruba family, both of whose lives are upended as the civil war breaks out.  Half of Yellow Sun follows their trajectory from exclusive cocktail parties and trips abroad to bomb shelters and bartered goods, weaving the complex nuances of sibling rivalry, interracial relationships and the power and privilege of physical beauty as it goes.  You’ll come away not with just an understanding of a conflict that plagued the biggest black country in the world, but the human costs associated with war’s impact as well.  Available at Amazon.

We absolutely love this concept.  After all, we love to shop and wish everyone could.  But the reality of the situation is that while some of us are amassing bags from our favorite stores, a lot of people are just waiting for the holidays to pass, so the stress associated with a season of giving can pass.  So Syretta Scott, a Philly-based entrepreneur, came up with a genius idea: collect gently worn clothing, shoes and accessories, fashion them into a departmentalized boutique, and invite needy families to come and shop-for free.  But the families that come won’t just get tangible goods-they’ll also receive gift bags full of information on resources that they can call upon.  And to top it all off, the first night of the boutique’s run will feature a ladies’ night– to pamper the women who often hold struggling families together.  Now through the 27th, several locations in the greater Philadelphia area are accepting donations– though if you’re not in the area and want to give, we suggest you head on over to post office– and on the first of the year, the shop opens.  Next week, invitations will go out, and soon thereafter a bit of sought after holiday cheer will be realized.  For the receiver as well, we suspect, as the giver.  Visit Blues Babe Foundation for more information.

Ladies, don’t you hate it when a man gives you a gift that you suspect he really bought for himself?  Like a tool kit?  Or an electronic device that you don’t mind having, but know that he’ll use more than you.  Well, time to pay it back in a major way.  How?  This amazing Mulberry travel bag, which it totally man-appropriate, but like the boyfriend jeans of late, the kind of item you’ll want to steal when he’s not using.  And lest the men reading think this is just a ploy to aid the ladies in their lives, we promise-this bag is masculine, stylish, classic and oh so grown up.  Perfectly sized as an overnight or carry-on, this bag features a detachable leather strap, a suede-lined interior, and internal pocket and the most delectable chocolate leather.  As perfectly at home in the clutch of a well dressed man en route to his next destination as it is over the shoulder as his better half.  And for that we’re thankful.  And for the fact that if we order it by Wednesday it will be on our doorstep in time to make it under the tree? Even more thankful.  Because while its better to give than receive, its optimal to do both at once.  Visit Mulberry for more information.

Do yourself a favor.  You know how you sit watching The Food Network, or op Chef, or any other cooking show (maybe even the Home Shopping Network), wishing you could get your hands on just one dish?  We do too.  But then we thought “Hell, life is short.  We’re going to make this happen”.  In Miami, at that.  Because from February 25th - 28th, The Food Network hosts the South Beach Food Festival, four days of food, food, and more happiness.  There are so many events we want to go to that it makes our head spin.  Like the Ocean Drive rooftop South Beach style happy hour, with jumbo stone crab, specialty cocktails and key lime pie.  Or Paula Deen’s Kiss My Grits Sunday Jazz Brunch, at the Loews Miami Beach hotel.  Or the cocktail party at the former Versace mansion with Sandra Lee, complete with a best dressed contest.  Yes, we could go on and on.  But we won’t.  We’ll just make sure we go, and eat our little hearts out.  Good thing February isn’t prime beach time in SoBe-because we’re not quite sure anyone should see us in our swimsuits after the damage that will be done to our stomachs.  Visit here for more information.

This actually seems like some sort of dream come true.  So much so that we’re still not sure we believe it.  But alas, two Godsends, previously involved with swanky New York City hotspot The Eldridge, have broken off and done something so genius that we wonder why it hasn’t been done before.  Next week in New York, you’ll be able to treat yourself to cupcakes, cocktails, and something we haven’t seen before: liquor laced cupcakes.  Yes, indeed, Red Velvet Lounge boasts luxurious digs-like cake-stand inspired tables and giant Marie Antoinette oil paintings adorning low ceilings, designer cocktails–  concocted by bartendress extraordinaire Charlotte Voisey, and cupcakes specially supplied by Baked by Melissa (some of the best cupcakes we’ve ever tasted, by the way).  Those of you familiar with the Eldridge may be concerned about the door policy, and for good reason.  But never fear-Red Velvet will be much more democratic about their door, though the space is small enough to present some backup on its own.   Which is disappointing, because you may be tempted to go every day.  Especially since each day a new alcohol-infused cupcake and cocktail pair will be available for your taste buds’ delight.  Opens next week, (212) 673 - 5020.

We’re not ones to promote a vacation in the Bahamas.  Nassau, at least is just so . . .  commercial.  But if we must go to Nassau, then we might as well stay at a mansion.  Chain hotels be gone, give us unique luxury and memorable digs, and we guess we can make a go of it.  Add a five star restaurant on premises, and we’re yours.  Now, this isn’t a super mega-hotel, so if you want shine, trimmings, exclusive toiletries and all of those trappings, head elsewhere.  Its not alongside a beach, but does have a pool for you to cool off in, and is situated in a place that lends itself to easy trips to all the island has to offer.  But if a quaint stay, character to boot and a vacation in which you sleep nestled in a quiet area of Nassau, this 260 year old estate might be for you.  Enjoy hand-rolled cigars produced on site, nab a bottle from the wine cellar to accompany your meal at either the Graycliff Restaurant, or the newer Humidor Churrascaria before you mosey on over to your room.  Our advice?  Get a room with a view of the Nassau Harbour, and chill. out.  Visit The Graycliff for more information.

Fine.  Maybe we’re a bit intrigued by the fact that Danny Glover at one point owned a Vineyard and we actually have the opportunity to drink its production.  Call us what you want.  We’re still excited that when we sip Sharp Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, we’re sampling a limited edition wine–Danny Glover’s vineyards no longer exist, though Sharp Cellars currently carries two wines from it.  No worries, because Vance Sharp III, who started this black-owned business, has five other vineyards, each named after one of his grandchildren.  And so, there are plenty more wines to be had.  Pinot Blanc.  Zinfandel.  Pinot Gris.  Pinot Noir.  Sharp lived in Europe for over 20 years, and brought back to the States– Sonoma, California to be specific– a discriminating method of winemaking rooted in history.  Which shows, considering the many awards the wines have won.  What makes us even happier to support this business is the fact that the Sharp family believes in giving back: Both Vance and his wife are involved in several charity organizations, from mentoring to education cancer research.  You may have just found the perfect holiday gift.  Visit Sharp Cellars for more information.

Conspicuous consumption is our thing.  But we’re not talking gold-toned logos and flashy labels.  We’re talking proud representation, gorgeous prints and statement-making pieces.  Just because it may not be socially acceptable to flaunt your monetary wealth doesn’t mean that you have to shy away from flaunting your cultural bounty.  Accordingly, we heart these fabric bags, courtesy of Sasaako designs, by way of the UK.  Inspired by African aesthetics, Sasaako gives shoppers the opportunity to customize their own bags.  Pick from four different shapes-the Beach bag (which we’re partial to), the Shopper (so much cuter then burlap-sack looking shoppers), the Mini-shopper and the Tote.  Once you’ve decided on what shape tickles your fancy, its time to find the print that moves you.  We find the Chameleon print from Ghana ethereal and versatile, and the Autumnal print (also from Ghana) perfect for a muted, vintage feel.  Then its on to the strap-choose from fabric or black.  Order, give the artisans ten days to make your item, then wait anxiously for your package to arrive.   Visit Sasaako for more information.

There are some things in life that are in no means practical, but they make you feel better nonetheless.  This teapot falls exactly into that category, but that is part of the reason why we love it.  The other reason is that it looks so fabulous sitting on a table alongside all of the other contraptions we’ve collected.  True, we could just use our traditional teapot, but how fun would that be?  This teapot is all glass, mesh, stainless steel and sex appeal.  But its not all beauty and no function: this teapot actually boasts superior tea preparation.  How so? An oversized strainer, which allows the tea leaves to fully develop their flavor.  For those of you that don’t know, the looser tea leaves tend to be when brewing, the stronger the taste.  And the cute little tea light at the bottom?  It keeps your drink nice and toasty, so you can enjoy the display of your taste even longer.   Oh, and you can drink your tea for as long as you’d please as well.  As if that’s why you’re using it.  Available at the MoMa store.