Another day, another Forbes list. Yes, the same publication that says Phoenix (and El Paso?) are better places to shop than NYC, has now ranked the top earning actors for 2010. Heading up the list, Leonardo DiCaprio, who’s top two movies, “Inception” and “Shutter Island” combined to bring home $1.1B in box office. But the real surprise is number two on the list.

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It seems the holidays are always spent baking treats with loved ones. And more often than not, there’s a special cookie that is passed down and made year after year. From the Desert Living Today family to yours, here is our favorite holiday treat. Best describes as candy canes with a twist, these are not too sweet and sprinkled with a hint of peppermint. Full recipe after the jump!

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Maybe it’s just a spillover from the holiday shopping season, but the rumblings of a real estate rebound keep getting louder. Previously, we wrote how real estate developers are back in the posh party-throwing business, as several high profile projects have relaunched with much fanfare in past few months. And now we hear things are looking up in the long-slumping North Scottsdale condo market.

Image via RightBrainPhotography’s Flickr page

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We’re crazy for all these fun, kitschy products brought to you by AZ residents. From a stunning yellow diamond ring, to a crazy cool ceramic camera from Frances Vintage, we’re loving everything about these last minute gifts. Leave it up to the state of AZ to save you in a time crunch.

We’re not exactly certain where this awesome snow sculpture picture was taken, but one thing’s certain: it ain’t here.

[BuzzFeed]

Sad news in the fishbowl that is the Valley’s media world. Mullen, a 45-year-old PR/Ad agency announced it is closing its doors on December 31 in an email sent to media outlets including DLT. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, CEO Carter Mullen, “is ill with a life-threatening disease.” Horrible news for a bunch of classy people. Full details after the jump.

Image via Bridge and Tunnel

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Didn’t get enough solar-related shenanigans with the lunar eclipse early this morning? Well, it turns out today is also the Winter Solstice (aka the shortest day of the year). In fact, it’s the first time these events have overlapped since 1638. Sounds like the perfect excuse to party neo-pagan Druid-style right here in Phoenix.

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Crave AZ, the two-year-old foodie and wine fest in Downtown Scottsdale is officially off the menu. We received word late yesterday that the organizers are throwing in the towel on this culinary showcase, planned for January 2011, saying the current economic conditions collapsed their souffle.

Details on how they hope to reheat the whole enchilada in 2012 after the jump.

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Even the moon is getting in the holiday spirit as there will be a rare and colorful display late tonight. Look to the skies at approximately 11:30 pm as there will be a near total lunar eclipse. According to NASA the full Moon will pass almost dead-center through Earth’s shadow for 72 minutes, creating an eerie amber effect. Full viewing instructions after the jump.
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We know it’s probably Christmas central in your world right now, but we thought this New Year’s party sounded pretty, well, cool. Yes, it’s the 10th annual Noon Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Zoo on Thursday, December 31 from 9 am – noon. Bring the kiddles for this snow-filled fete featuring, well, snow! There will be sledding, snowballs, music, games and prizes from Radio Disney, all topped off with a special cider toast for the kids.

455 N. Galvin Pkwy., 602-273-1341

Image via podcastdesigns’ Flickr

Who wouldn’t want to store their milk inside this fine-looking refrigeration machine? Meet the jumbo magnetic mustache, the only magnet that’s Magnum PI-approved (or at least it should be).

[Perpetual Kid]

A few last minute curiosities for your holiday dreams. And since you’ll be returning everything you’ve been gifted, consider this a wish list.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Meet the man who’s putting a sophisticated French-Asian twist on the classic American chophouse. As the Chef de Cuisine at J&G Steakhouse in Scottsdale, Jacques Qualin oversees one of the Valley’s finest dining spaces, a posh penthouse perched atop The Phoenician Resort. A native of the Franche-Comté region of France, Qualin was hand-picked to run J&G by his friend and fellow French native, Jean-Georges Vongerichten (aka the internationally renowned chef/author). Here in Scottsdale, Qualin has won high marks for his insistence on making everything in-house and from-scratch, including the ice cream, ketchup, mustard, relish, pickles, mayonnaise, steak sauces …

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As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Scoop Factory is still dishing up daily freebies, like this fab Neiman Marcus prize package. (Sadly, the walk-in gingerbread house is not included):

Now celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Neiman Marcus’ “The Christmas Book” is an ode to seriously-over-the-top gift giving. Are you looking for a $1.5M pool sculpture designed by famed blown-glass artist, Dale Chihuly? Or maybe a customizable cupcake car tricked out with your favorite toppings (it’s just as silly as it sounds). Or why not spoil the little ones with your basic walk-in Edible Gingerbread Playhouse (pictured), a $15,000 munchable manor handcrafted of 381 lbs. of gourmet gingerbread and 517 lbs. of royal icing by those crazed confectioners at Dylan’s Candy Bar? For realsies! »READ MORE

Not for those with commitment issues, recreate this music video at home with the Cassius I <3 You So iPhone App. Although when you think about it, it’s kind of a backhanded compliment. “Ooh I love you so, but why I love you, I’ll never know.” Um, thanks?

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Well that was … anti-climatic. Arizona’s $95 million Poweball mystery has been solved. Yes, after weeks of speculation that the winner was too young to play the lottery, or clueless visitor just driving through town, the state’s newest multi-millionaire is actually (wait for it) a 64-year-old substitute teacher. Or make that, former substitute teacher. »READ MORE

The fog has lifted, it’s beautifully chilly outside, and you’re (almost) on Christmas vacation. Rejoice and do a little Charlie Brown dance with this winter-y mix tape from DJ William F-ing Reed. This week’s theme music after the jump. »READ MORE

Fake Barbies Seized at Arizona Border [AZ Central] 

Woman Arrested for Setting Boyfriend’s Crotch on Fire [Gawker] 

Chloe Sevigny: No More Sex Scenes for Me! [Pop Eater]

You know what it means that there is a 25th anniversary Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle box set coming out? That you are getting old. Enjoy!

Hope you’re ready to put some happy in your holidays because today we’re dishing out not one, but two grand prize packages. Why don’t you try this one on for size: A cut, color, style, facial and waxing service from Inizio Salon courtesy of Spa Fit AZ + 1 pair of tickets to every show in Ballet Arizona’s 2010-2011 season + a $150 gift certificate to the sumptuous J&G Steakhouse. And speaking of the posh penthouse that is J&G, click here to read a tasty Q&A with the French-born chef who’s putting a Continental twist on the classic American chophouse.

Then again, maybe you’d prefer what’s behind door #2: A 1 night stay at the W Scottsdale on New Year’s Eve + a $100 gift certificate to the W’s sleek, stylish Sushi Roku + a timepiece of choice from Swisstek Watches Brillier luxury line. Now that’s some good gifting. First, however, we’ve got a little Weekend Guiding to get to.

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Another day, another shameless Twilight publicity stunt. Although Twilight: Eclipse came out on DVD about two weeks ago (somehow we missed that), cast members will be making appearances across the country to hawk the DVD and Blue-Ray discs to local Twi-hards. And lucky for Phoenix fans, Tinsel Korey (who?) will be making an appearance tomorrow at the Best Buy at 20th and Camelback at 2pm. The first 200 in line will receive an autograph with purchase, while everyone else who shows up gets jack squat will find who the hell Tinsel Korey is.

No word on if Kristen Stewart will be there with her new beau, Garrett Hedlund. (We kid, Twi-hards, we kid.)

Nobuo at Teeter House, 5 stars [AZ Central]

Beckett’s Table Is Playing It Safe [Phx New Times]

An Evolutionary Case for Cannibalism [Slate]

And now, for no reason other than it’s really, really cute, here’s a pic of a Husky pup being carted around in a baby stroller. It’s a ruff life (sorry, we couldn’t resist.)

[Gawker]

Gilbert Burglary Victim Finds Her Dog [AZ Central]

Vending Machine Spits Out Gold Bars and Coins [USA Today]

23K Teddy Bears Thrown on Ice Causes Delay in Hockey Game [Yahoo]

TOMS are awesome. Especially that whole ‘buy one pair help a child in need’ thing. Double awesome. But when it’s rainy like this, we suggest slipping into something a little more cold weather friendly. The Highland Botas by TOMS are the perfect, philanthropic way to keep warm while still looking sharp. Second of course, to a hot tub filled with lovely ladies.