I can’t say that I’m a big fan of Peach Schnapps but these colorful Sagaform Club Shot Glasses ($30) have me rethinking the beverage. Plus the recipes over at Drinksmixer.com look kind of tasty.Flaming Fairy anyone?

This downright balmy weather has me thinking about the day I can ditch the winter wardrobe in favor of some fun, flirty dresses. I have got to say that I wouldn’t mind wearing this Elie Tahari ‘Malia’ Dress ($398). After my rotation of black separates and dresses a bright print feels refreshing.  Plus the shade name itself, Buddha Orange, makes me smile. And the dresses best feature, the cutaway shoulders, seems to flatter many a woman’s figure. What’s not to love?

Today, my friends over at the The Red Pump Project are busy celebrating an important milestone: it’s been one year since they decided to initiative more purposeful conversations on HIV/AIDS. And they chose a good way to do it because most of us love shoes and we’re always more than happy to rock a red pump (or red ties for men). So in addition to joining their 500 in 50 campaign, I had to choose a red pump as my pick of the day too. My fantasy choice today are these Christian Louboutin Metallic Pumps ($535). They definitely generate some heat…. But I didn’t chose some ridiculously expensive shoes today just for fun. I’m all about the Red Pump because it’s a way  to commemorate  National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. As you read this post there’s a good chance that someone else is being impacted by the disease—a woman tests positive for HIV/AIDs every 35 minutes. So don’t think you’re too cool to be tested. Just do it. And if you live anywhere near the Windy City, score yourself a ticket to their first anniversary bash on March 25th, at which they’ll honor Rae Lewis Thorton, the sister that gave a face to HIV/AIDS when she graced the cover of Essence back in the day. Thorton brings new meaning to the word warrior and we can all learn a lot from her.

If you’ve visited this site before you know I’ve got a thing for ELEW (aka Eric Lewis). This talented pianist, who’s developed his own genre, Rockjazz—a mix of jazz, rock with elements of ragtime and hip-hop thrown in—has got me listening to his interpretations of everyone from The Rolling Stones’ “Paint it Black” to Linkin Park’s “Easier to Run” and Coldplay’s “Clocks”. And let’s just say that’s not an easy feat. But when I listen to his music, I can’t help imagining the faces this brother is probably making as he does things to those 88 keys that have never been done before. Anyway, the good news is that ELEW Rockjazz Vol. 1 ($12.99) is now available on CD as well as a download. I love my Ipod but it’s always nice to have the actual album too.

Last night when Mo’Nique invoked the name of Hattie McDaniel, the first Black actress to win an Academy Award,  I realized that I hadn’t finished her biography. While I search for my copy of Hattie McDaniel: Black Ambition, White Hollywood ($12.71) I’d thought I would make you aware that her story exists. Although she may have been limited by the roles she was allowed to play, McDaniel was so much more than the servants she played and we shouldn’t forget her struggles.

With the Academy Awards approaching this weekend, I can’t help thinking about Diana Ross’ turn as Billie Holiday in “Lady Sings the Blues” for which she received a nomination for Best Actress. So I was delighted to find out that the amazing jazz vocalist, Dee Dee Bridgewater, recently released an album dedicated to Lady Day herself. Eleanor Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee ($13.99) isn’t a straight up tribute album, it’s a recasting of an icon. And it works precisely because Bridgewater doesn’t attempt to take us to that dark place Holiday inhabited. It’s no surprise that she’d include “God Bless the Child” and “Good Morning Heartache”, but I love her renditions of “Strange Fruit”, “Miss Brown to You” and “Lover Man”.Totally cool.

File this under fashion with a capital “F” because sometimes style is more about art and beauty than it is about practicality. Such is the case with these black satin Lanvin Crystal Embellished Pumps which were originally $1,530 and are now on sale for $612. I’d much rather look at them then wear them but they make me smile just the same. Obviously, this would be my fantasy indulgence.

During the winter we all discover that all lip balms aren’t created equally. Some are too greasy while others require constant reapplication. So I’m curious to see how Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation ($15) stacks up. I already love drinking red tea, but getting those conditioning benefits on my dry lips might be even better.

There something about a black and white combination that never goes out of fashion. And these large graphic number emblazoned on the Kate Spade ‘Idiom’ Wide Enamel Bracelet ($98) just scream ‘fun’ to me. The designer has also inscribed a message inside the bangle as well. This one says “Seize the Day”. Bring on Spring stat!

On a snowy day like this I’d much rather be jetting off to some tropical island. And even with the new baggage rules, I’d still be happy to pack up one or two suitcases from the Britto Heart Luggage Collection ($200-$350) at Neiman-Marcus. The hard-sided luggage has been designed by pop artist Romero Britto and would be super-easy to spot at baggage claim. I get happy just looking at it.