The end of the year is just hours away, but we can't help but squeeze a few more awesome, recommend-able things in before 2012 hits. Read on and enjoy.
Andrea SuperBeam USB headphones – Try as I might I just can't really get into ear buds. I hate the feeling of having them in and I feel like the sound quality depends on exactly how they're lodged, which changes if you're on the go or at the gym. But a lot of headset phones are too bulky to carry around. Enter Andrea's SuperBeams (SB-405W), which fold flat and fit into a case that's roughly the same dimensions are three CD jewel boxes. There's a volume and mute control on the cord and it also comes with a USB HD audio adapter, too. Sound quality is great, with good low end, and noise cancellation. They also boast binaural mic placement, which makes these phones more than just perfect for iPod listening and computer gaming. You can use them for conference calls, VOIP, video conferencing and more. Available in stylish black or Apple-ish white. – Bobby Tanzilo
Ellis Faas makeup – Only a makeup artist of the talent and caliber of Ellis Faas could have created a makeup line so sophisticated, highly innovative and technically advanced that it bears her name. Ellis Faas is a legendary makeup artist from the Netherlands. Faas' professional work is refined, understated and timeless, not unlike the makeup lines he has created. My hands were trembling when I opened the package I was sent to sample. The cutting-edge esthetic and operation of each product lies in the sleek, metallic packaging. The Ellis Faas "pens" dispense the perfect amount of product with each click and simplify makeup application. The range of colors is universally wearable in a palette of complimentary shades that take the guesswork out ofcoordinating your cosmetics. The colors were all inspired by the shades contained within the human body, so the effect is an emphasized natural look. With a few products, you can achieve a clean, flattering face that is applied quickly right from the product's own packaging. Standouts in the line include the Concealer, Creamy Eyes and Milky Lips. I am constantly searching for a high-coverage concealer that doesn't move or crease, especially around the eye. Found it! The Ellis Faas Concealer is silky with a powder finish and the smallest amount will camouflage a dark under eye area or blemishes. I was especially taken with the universality of the color products. Milky Lips in L203 and Creamy Eyes in E104 and E107 would create a beautiful day or evening look for any woman. Then, store all your "pens" in the sleek Ellis Holder, a metal tube designed to fit an entire face of Ellis Faas cosmetics in one convenient, portable, clean container. Brilliant. Be transformed by this incredible cosmetics line here. – Lindsay Garric
Antigua – I stopped into Antigua, 5823 W. Burnham St., for dinner about a week ago now, and I still can't get over my great first visit to the Mexican and Latin restaurant. I can't think of a single thing about Antigua that wasn't top notch. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. The restaurant itself was clean and colorful. And, most importantly, the food was excellent. I spent a solid 20 minutes trying to make up my mind between the many delicious-sounding dinner options, all of which had no shortage of flavorful ingredients (and great, descriptive explanations for the Spanish novice). There's no doubt I'll be back soon – maybe for their lunch or Sunday brunch next time around. – Renee Lorenz
Bloody Marys with cheese – I'm not doing a lot of dairy these days, but when I have the chance to slurp down a Bloody Mary with any form of cheese in it, I'll snap into full-on denial of any looming lactose issues. My new favorite Bloody-with-cheese is at Blackbird, 3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., especially when concocted by the super fun Aja Vines, who spends about 10 minutes making a masterpiece of a Mary. The mozzarella cheese curl adds so much to the already ingredient-packed cocktail that's, for the record, not just for brunch anymore. I also really like the queso-garnished Bloody at Wicked Hop. OK, who's buying? – Molly Snyder
