From Jinkie’s kitchen to the bookshelf

GREER WYLDER

Newport Beach resident Connie (Jinkie) Gugliuzza Modnick has written

her first cookbook, “Jinkie’s Italian Family Kitchen.”

Although Connie didn’t plan on becoming an author -- she’s been a

hairstylist for 48 years -- her children inspired her to sit down and

write down her recipes.

“I didn’t even know how to use a computer,” Connie said. “But once

I started, it just came to me. It’s easy for me to talk about

cooking.”

The book took a year to write, and her children helped with

editing. In the book, Jinkie shares three generations of family

recipes, handed down from Tuscany, Italy. She treasures spending time

cooking sauce, baking her famous pizzas and entertaining at home.

The paperback book sells for $19.95 at www.jinkiepress.com. Jinkie

Press, 611 Lido Park Drive, Suite 6-C, Newport Beach.

WHATEVER LOLA WANTS

A half-yearly sale is underway at both Lola Rouge locations

through January. The East 17th Street boutique in Costa Mesa and the

new store at Fashion Island in Newport Beach have reduced merchandise

30% to 70%. Fashion followers can find the latest hip styles from a

long list of designers. Just a few of the names carried include Trina

Turk, Nanette Lepore, Tracy Reese, Theory and Rebecca Taylor.

Shoppers can select from clothing, shoes, accessories and bath and

body products. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to

6 p.m. Sunday. 270 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa (949) 646-5652. Open 10

a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.

to 6 p.m. Sunday. Fashion Island in Newport Beach. (949) 719-9030.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION

Stefan Kaelin Ski & Golf in Newport Beach will give a portion of

its proceeds to the Newport Elementary School Foundation during its

special pre-ski week shopping week, starting Monday and running

through Feb 6. The store will donate 2% of purchases made by parents

and relatives of Newport Elementary School students to the

foundation. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 6

p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 2700 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach.

(949) 631-3280.

IF THE SHU FITS ...

Shu Uemura, one of the world’s best cosmetics lines is debuting at

Neiman Marcus in Fashion Island. In this boutique-like atmosphere,

you can find Uemura’s collection of superior products.

Uemura started his career in the 1950s as a makeup artist in

Hollywood. Gifted in art, makeup and hair design, Uemura caught his

first break when he created Shirley Maclaine’s geisha look in the

film, “My Geisha.” After that transformation, he was sought by

actresses, as well as Frank Sinatra and Edward G. Robinson.

In 1960, Uemura created his first cosmetic product, Unmask

Cleansing Oil, that’s still popular today. Now his line includes eye

shadows, handmade makeup brushes, excellent lipsticks, creams,

mascaras, tools and more.

Visit the new Shu Uemura shop on Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The launch

party will include a showing by Madonna’s personal makeup artist,

Gina Brooke. The event will also highlight the Shu Uemura Red Carpet

Makeup Box, featuring Madonna’s mink lashes, the exclusive Tokyo Lash

Bar and cleansing oils. Call (949) 467-3339 to RSVP. Neiman Marcus is

at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

GOING, GOING, GONE

The Radisson Newport Beach is hosting a one-day auction on Sunday.

The auction will feature all kinds of merchandise -- art, furniture,

antiques and estate goods, jewelry, home decor and more. A preview

begins at 11 a.m. and the auction starts at noon. 4545 MacArthur

Blvd. in Newport Beach.

A JEWEL DEBUT

Eric Hanan Jewels at Crystal Cove Promenade will celebrate its

grand opening with a reception and fundraising event for the Queen of

Hearts Foundation on Feb. 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Guests can view an

exclusive showing of the entire Hermes watch collection, listening to

a strolling musician and try hors d’oeuvres from Modo Mio Cucina

Rustica, the newest restaurant at Crystal Cove Promenade.

The store will give 10% of the evening’s proceeds to the Queen of

Hearts Foundation. As an added bonus, Eric Hanan has created a

replica of the Queen of Hearts logo in a diamond, ruby and platinum

pendant that will be sold in a silent auction. The heart has an

approximate value of $4,000.

The Queen of Hearts Foundation is a Newport Beach nonprofit

organization dedicated to raising money for ovarian cancer research.

Eric Hanan Jewels is the first namesake store of the award-winning

jewelry designer. Eric Hanan Jewels is located in Crystal Cove

Promenade. 7916 East Coast Highway, in Newport Coast. (949) 494-7222.

www.erichanan.com

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at

[email protected]; at 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626;

or by fax at (714) 966-4679.