Rachel Brown - Bumblebee Video | Chicago

On the Couch: Rachel Brown Performs at DailyCandy

The singer/songwriter plays "Bumblebee" off her debut album

The last thing we taught ourselves was the “Gangnam Style” dance. Someone thought it was the MC Hammer (so you can imagine how good it was).

New Yorker Rachel Brown, on the other hand, taught herself to sing and play guitar during her junior year at Harvard. Now three years later, Wyclef regularly joins her onstage and she’s opened for John Legend.

For today’s video, we invited her to our office to perform the cheerful “Bumblebee,” accompanied by a six-person band (before you ask, that crazy thing is called a kora).

The hype is justified. Notice she’s even picked up the ukulele.

Can’t touch that.

Brown’s debut album, Building Castles, is available at itunes.com. To see more performances, check out our sit-downs with Christina Courtin, Karen Elson, Freelance Whales, and Eliza Doolittle.

Next Video: Should I Buy a Gift for the Guy I Just Started Dating?

Should I Buy a Gift for the Guy I Just Started Dating?

Ask the Office Guy No. 33

If you start dating a guy around the holidays, the question is bound to arise: Do you buy him a present — or is that weird? In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan gives you his own invaluable gift: advice on the matter at hand.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Photo: Aaron Jacobs / Flickr

Next Video: Our Interview with Regina Spektor

How to Open a Bottle of Champagne

How to Open Champagne

You know what could really spoil your NYE celebration? Accidentally hitting someone in the face with the cork as you open a bottle of bubbly.

Don’t spend your first hours of 2011 in an ER. Instead, watch our video tutorial starring Patrick Watson, owner of Brooklyn Wine Exchange in New York. We estimate he’s popped at least 10,000 corks in his lifetime.

And we’ll drink to that. Happy New Year!

For more imbibing tips and tricks, watch our videos on drinking wine like a pro, decanting it, and opening it without getting cork in the bottle.

Photo: E_calamar / Flickr

Next Video: Regina Spektor Performs "On the Radio"

Our Interview with Regina Spektor

Show Some Respekt

In life, there are a few things everyone can agree are awesome: Harry Potter. Mac ’n’ cheese. Puppies. And Regina Spektor.

So the release of the latter’s amazing new CD/DVD Live in London was the perfect excuse to meet her — and find out what she’s really like. With video camera in tow, we asked her about everything from karaoke to movies she’s embarrassed she hasn’t seen.

As for the album, we’ll go ahead and say if you’ve never been to one of her concerts (and seen her perform songs like “Fidelity,” “Us,” and “Eet”), it’s almost just as great.

We’re sure your holiday gift recipients will feel the same.

To buy Live in London, go to reginaspektor.com. While you’re waiting for it to arrive, watch our exclusive video of Spektor performing her hit song “On the Radio” (filmed at The Greene Space at WNYC).

Next Video: Thanks for Everything

Regina Spektor Performs "On the Radio"

Hey, DJ, Keep Playin' That Song

Still on the fence about buying Regina Spektor’s new CD/DVD, Live in London? To get a taste of what she’s like in concert, check out this exclusive performance of “On the Radio” she did for us at The Greene Space at WNYC. Even if you’ve heard the song a hundred times, our video’s still pretty mesmerizing.

To buy Live in London, go to reginaspektor.com. While you’re waiting for it to arrive, watch our interview with the artist herself.

Next Video: Congrats to Our Grads

Thanks for Everything

It’s the day before Thanksgiving and our brains are stuffing. And turkey, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, candied yams, honey baked ham … well, you get the point.

But we know this holiday’s not just about food but also about gratitude. So on a beautiful day last week, we walked around New York and asked people what they’ll be thankful for tomorrow. We were incredibly touched by everyone’s answers — and hope you will be, too.

And while we’re at it: Thank you so, so much, readers, for another wonderful year. Happy holidays.

Music: Pilot Touhill

Next Video: Is It Creepy to Hang Mistletoe in Every Doorway?

Congrats to Our Grads

Our Start Small, Go Big Contest Winners Took Home the Gold

Modestly speaking, you were a big shot in high school: Latin club president, lacrosse captain, mathlete, and, oh, prom queen.

Yet none of it could’ve fully prepared you for owning a small business.

But the DailyCandy Academy can — and did for the winners of our inaugural Start Small, Go Big Contest, sponsored by Ink^SMfrom Chase.

In today’s video, see what the one-day crash course in entrepreneurship entailed (including mentoring from industry titans like designer Isaac Mizrahi and chef Marcus Samuelsson) and meet the three fledgling business owners (narrowed from 3,000+ entries with 40,000 votes).

We hope it inspires you to enter next summer for a chance to attend. Did we mention each winner received a check for $10,000?

That gets an A+ in our book.

For more information, go to dailycandy.com/startsmallgobig. Want to keep watching? Check out footage from our star-studded 10th Anniversary party.

Music: Fum Fum Fyes

Next Video: Oh, What a Night

Is It Creepy to Hang Mistletoe in Every Doorway?

Ask the Office Guy No. 32

You’re throwing a party, and your crush is coming. The only logical plan: Cover the entire house in mistletoe. Or … don’t? In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan shares his good tidings on the matter.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Photo: Steve.willis / Flickr

Next Video: How to Cover a Blemish

Oh, What a Night

DailyCandy's 10th Anniversary Party Footage

It’s no secret. We like to party. A lot.

So to celebrate our 10th Anniversary (yay!) in October, we decided to throw one of the biggest shindigs in DailyCandy history. The venue: Gansevoort Park in New York. The attendees: our smartest and most innovative friends from fashion, food, media, and tech industries.

Thank you for an amazing decade.

Next Video: How to Conceal Under-Eye Circles

How to Cover a Blemish

Makeup Lessons with Merrell Smith

It’s inevitable: You’re going to a holiday party and a zit as big as a tree ornament pops up. Oh, an ex you haven’t seen in five years will be there? Naturally.

We’ve got you covered. In today’s video, makeup artist Merrell Smith of Space NK shows you her simple technique for concealing blemishes. As a bonus she also demonstrates how to get rid of pesky dark areas around the eyes.

Smith’s tips are now an indispensable part of our daily routine. Our only regret is that we didn’t have these videos fifteen years ago.

For more information on Smith, go to merrellsmith.com. Products used in the video include Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage (concealer) and a concealer brush. For store locations, go to spacenk.com.

Tune in tonight for the thrilling finale of Top Chef: Just Desserts as editor-at-large Dannielle Kyrillos and fellow judges proclaim a winner. And check out these holiday recipes from dessert masters like TCJD contestants Eric Wolitzky and Zac Young.

How to Conceal Under-Eye Circles

Makeup Lessons with Merrell Smith

We’re not sure why people think it’s okay to say, “Aw, you look tired.” They may as well say, “Wow, you look like crap.” Gee, thanks.

Keep awkward comments at bay by learning to cover up those sleep-deprived dead ringers: dark under-eye circles. Makeup artist Merrell Smith shows you her technique in this video.

Find out more about Smith online at merrellsmith.com. Products used in the video include By Terry Touche Veloutee (under-eye concealer) and Laura Mercier Eye Basics (eye primer). For store locations, go to spacenk.com.

Next Video: How to Create a Modern Beehive Hairstyle

How to Create a Modern Beehive Hairstyle

We know what you’re thinking: Couldn’t we have taught you to do a beehive hairstyle before Halloween?

Sorry, Amy Winehouse wannabes, our version isn’t that extreme — it’s actually cute enough to wear every day (without worrying there might be critters living inside). To show us how, we enlisted the brilliant Michael Angelo from Wonderland Beauty Parlor in Manhattan.

Still think we’re crazy? Then you’re calling bee fans Miuccia Prada, Vera Wang, Scarlett Johansson, and Beyoncé loco, too. Let’s just say we’re proud to be part of that hive mentality.

Michael Angelo’s Wonderland Beauty Parlor, 418 West 13th Street, between Ninth Avenue and Washington Street (212-524-2800 or wonderlandbeautyparlor.com).


	Your social calendar is filling up fast. Get cocktail party ready with more festive hairstyle ideas, flirty dresses, and holiday makeup tips.


	Up to 60% off Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Perfect for power lunches and nighttime soirees alike, Cynthia Vincent’s ’40s-inspired frocks, silk shirtdresses, and layerable knits are up to 60% off today on Swirl.

Photo: Getty Images

Next Video: Should I Invite My New BF Home for Turkey Day?

Should I Invite My New BF Home for Turkey Day?

Ask the Office Guy No. 29

Thanksgiving is a time to eat delicious food (gain seven pounds), embrace family (dodge creepy uncles), and toast the previous year’s accomplishments (get drunk). Do new boyfriends have a place in the madness?

In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan shares yet another metaphorical gourd from his cornucopia of relationship wisdom.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Photo: Nicole Lee / Flickr

Dannielle's Pumpkin Pudding

Our Editor Shares an Old Family Recipe

Sometimes in life there are desserts so wonderful and decadent we dream and talk about them constantly. Friends, this is one of those moments.

In today’s video, our own editor-at-large and Top Chef: Just Desserts judge Dannielle Kyrillos shares her mom Patti’s tried-and-true recipe for pumpkin pudding — or, as we affectionately call it, pumpkin fluff. Her family ate it every Thanksgiving when Kyrillos was growing up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The best part: It’s inexpensive (no fancy ingredients) and really easy. The total cooking time is about ten minutes if you have everything prepped. Even our editors who can’t boil water aced it.

You can thank us later.

For a printable version of the recipe, click here. Then check out our other editors’ recipes for champagne fruit salad, stuffed artichokes, and mac ’n’ cheese.

To see Kyrillos in action, watch tonight’s Top Chef: Just Desserts as the five remaining chefs do things with sugar you won’t believe. In the meantime, tide yourself over with sweets from our favorite mom-and-pop candy shops.

Next Video: Dannielle's Pumpkin Pudding

Aja's Mac 'n' Cheese

Our Editor Shares an Old Family Recipe

We’ll be the first to tell you our market editor Aja Mangum’s mac ’n’ cheese could be a dieter’s downfall. We even thought about not publishing it, so as not to tempt the virtuous.

But for years, Mangum’s family’s been whipping it up for naysayers — from college roommates to Thanksgiving dinner attendees — who’ve all promptly asked for seconds with their tails between their legs. Us included.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

For a printable version of the recipe, click here. Then check out our other editors’ recipes for pumpkin pudding, champagne fruit salad, and stuffed artichokes.

Next Video: Aja's Mac 'n' Cheese

Jordan's Champagne Fruit Salad

Our Editor Shares an Old Family Recipe

You do realize women of a certain age can’t have kids, yes? Wow, you’re eating a lot for a lady. BTW, your childhood friend, Jane, just got a job that pays one billion dollars.

If you’re going home for the holidays, chances are you’re going to want an adult beverage or two. Keep it classy with assistant editor Jordan Blumberg’s recipe for champagne fruit salad. All it takes is a little bubbly, fruit, sugar, and minimal cooking skills.

Should take the edge off.

For a printable version of the recipe, click here. Then check out other editors’ recipes for pumpkin pudding, stuffed artichokes, and mac ’n’ cheese.

Next Video: Jordan's Champagne Fruit Salad

Jeralyn's Stuffed Artichokes

Our Editor Shares an Old Family Recipe

We won’t lie: Artichokes are intimidating. Forget about how to cook them; how do you even eat them?

To help answer both questions, senior features editor Jeralyn Gerba offers her big Italian family’s treasured stuffed artichokes recipe. The prickly veggies are a mainstay at the Gerba Thanksgiving — and, after we saw how easy and tasty they are, we predict they’ll be at our table, too.

For a printable version of the recipe, click here. Then check out our other editors’ recipes for champagne fruit salad, mac ’n’ cheese, and pumpkin pudding.

Next Video: Jeralyn's Stuffed Artichokes

Save Yourself from Your Cell

Video Dedicated E-mail: Windows Phone

You spent a month waiting for your reservation at the latest farm-to-table spot, then proceeded to feast only upon your phone. Needless to say, it was an unsatisfying meal for everyone.

Before suffering through one more course of CrackBerry, whet your appetite on the new Windows Phone. A liberating alternative to life-napping tech, its smartly designed interface contains Live Tiles that deliver everything you need (Facebook, e-mail, appointments, music, etc.) up front, sans frantic scrolling and searching.

Visit The Sweet Shop to win one, along with other quick fixers, including ballet flats, fashion tape, a scarf, and simple cookbook. Or order it between November 8 and December 31 for a free entertainment pack (a game, 30-day Zune trial with ten free song downloads, and 30-day trial of U-verse Mobile Video), perfect for those rare times when distraction is exactly what you crave.*

Available in New York at 3 Times Square, 31 East 17th Street, 209 West 34th Street, 200 East 86th Street, and 532 Broadway; in Los Angeles at 8471 Beverly Boulevard, 3764 Wilshire Boulevard, 5323 West Centinela Boulevard, 2333 South Sepulveda Boulevard, and 1002 Westwood Boulevard; in San Francisco at 701 Market Street, 3521 20th Avenue, 3555 Geary Boulevard, 2410 Mission Street, and 2135 Union Street; in Atlanta at 50 Barrett Parkway, Marietta; 3431 Lenox Road; 136 Perimeter Center West; 3380 Buford Drive, Buford; 2980 Cobb Parkway; in Seattle at 180 Bellevue Square, Bellevue; 16425 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila; 7537 166th Avenue Northeast, Redmond; 600 Pine Street; 1402 Southeast Everett Mall Way, Everett; online at microsoft.com/windowsphone.

*Entertainment pack offer must be activated by 12/31.

Next Video: Save Yourself from Your Cell

What's a Great Third Date Scenario?

Ask the Office Guy No. 28

First and second dates are easy: drinks, dinner, getting to know you, getting to know me. By the third, you’ve used up your one-liners and year-abroad stories — it’s time to get creative. In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan reveals his optimum scenario.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

Photo: Just.Luc / Flickr

Next Video: What's a Great Third Date Scenario?