I'm Ba-ack!

After finally getting good news (there was so much bad) about my husband's condition, I am back to blogging again. It brings a diva down when there's so much negative stuff going on.

I look forward to being diva-stating with you again!

Bath and Body Works Sweepstakes

Divas, you must check this out. Bath and Body Works, my favorite place for fragrance, is giving away $500 worth of their goodies every week. All you have to do is click the title above to link to the entry for the the sweeps. It takes one minute to enter your email and you're in! I can't resist a free chance to get my favorite Aromatherapy, True Blue Spa and Signature products.

I love about Bath and Body Works products because they use essential oils and natural ingredients. From their shea butter lotion by True Blue Spa to this fabulous Chocolate Amber signature body spray I wear, everyone always loves how soft I feel and how great I smell when I use Bath and Body Works. Let's hope that one of us wins!

Mineral Makeup For A Natural Look

Mineral makeup is the latest cosmetic rave. Instead of putting on heavy makeup that feels sticky on your skin, mineral makeup is a sheer, comfortable alternative. The latest light mineral makeup formulas feel fabulous on your face. However, mineral makeup still offers the outstanding coverage you crave to create the appearance of flawless skin.

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Movies To See - Confessions of a Shopaholic and Sex in the City

I have been having some diva distress lately and will discuss it in future blogs. Girls, your finances are so important - always be aware of what is going on. I am glad I was or boy we I be in trouble! We'll talk soon...

But since I've been gone for awhile, I want to talk about fun stuff. The diva movies of the year are going to be Sex in the City (who can't wait to hear whether Carrie and Big finally get married - besides, we'd all love to literally walk in her incredible shoes) and Confessions of a Shopaholic starring Australian actress and author Isla Fisher. I was so impressed with the lime green and orange leather gloves Isla wore that you just have to check them out.

Leather gloves are definitely the spring fashion statement. In colors such as orange and lime green, you can really match them to your outfits and add a fun-loving touch to your look. A great place to find eclectic colors and styles is http://www.dutchleatherdesign.com/ because Ines designs these high end leather gloves that are absolutely decadent. In colors such as My Ocean, My Sweets, My Fire, My Dawn and My Sunset, Ines' luscious leather gloves are irresistible.

Ladies, I can't wait to check out all the fashions featured in Sex in the City (next entry I will show you a few wild ones) and Confessions of a Shopaholic. Are there any shopaholics who would like to make confessions themselves? Frankly, I don't know if I'm ready...

Sex and The City and Sarah's Little Black Dress

As a writer, I love Carrie from Sex and the City because she is too. Besides, I've always liked Sarah Jessica Parker since her television show in the 80s 'Square Pegs'. Her husband Matthew Broderick is awesome, too, and they are both true New Yorkers. Sarah is a renowned fashion diva and didn't disappoint when she was recently spotted in the quintessential little black dress. You know how I love a great little black dress, so I just had to share. The pearls, the shorter length, it's simply fabulous! I also think Sarah is a "woman's woman" since she was voted unsexy and I just don't agree...

With Sex and the City in mind, was fortunate enough to recently see a trailer of the Sex and the City movie and truly can't wait until Memorial Day to catch it all. There will clearly be more about Carrie and Mr. Big and who can resist the romance of the decade after all those years of single action in the city? With friends who lived in Manhattan during the 90s, I related to the escapades of these ladies and still do now that I am married with children...

Think Pink

Quick diva update - the hottest shade for spring, 2008 is pink. All types of pink from pale pink to vibrant hot pinks are on the spring spectrum so get your girl on!

Experts for Divas

Even divas need expert advice sometimes. You can hire someone for a small sum to ask professional questions and get great answers at Kasamba. If you are an expert in a certain area, you can make a few extra bucks by providing advice to others. I was especially intrigued to find out you could even hire personal shoppers to help you define your own sense of style. Cool idea! To find out more about experts or become one, check out www.kasamba.com.

Diva Down Returns

Alright, it's been a month and I'm kicking myself. My goal was to post at least twice weekly regardless of life's events. However, today is proof that you can always pick up your New Year's resolution and do better.

While I'm not ready to talk about ways to look younger today (which is where we left off) I am ready to talk about ways to feel younger.

I organized a birthday party for my daughter at the end of January which coupled with my ongoing health problems, really seem so to do me in. I was exhausted from the cleaning, preparation and almost twenty children that came to enjoy the party. I found little ways to feel young along the way:

- hire an entertainer for your kids - it's well worth it. The time, struggle and effort that goes into coordinating bingo or other games will never equal the dynamic presence of performer anyway. It was the one time I could really enjoy the party, too, making it worth gold to me. I loved dancing with Pikachu and it made me feel young again!

- take time to clean every week. I was devasted because I let the house go over the holidays and now I try to do a sweep every week. A great website to check out for organizational tips (and I just love her purple puddles) is www.flylady.com.

- forget yourself for awhile. I went to another party a week later and the mom/host was so fussy it was impossible to really relax or have a totally good time. Once the party starts, let it run its course and handle the clean up later.

Now that my house is in order, I've assembed my haphazard paperwork for my accountant (thank God he's a personal friend) and I'm feeling young again, I can finally return to my diva concerns. Whew!

How Not to Look Old

Already on the New York Times bestseller list, How Not to Get Old is a book by Charla Krupp that helps baby boomers to look 10 years younger, 10 pounds lighter and 10 times better. While these lofty promises are appealing, I am also an advocate of looking your age but looking the best you can for your age - after all, younger is not necessarily better and I enjoy the wisdom, knowledge and sophistication that comes with age.

Anyway, I felt compelled to read excerpts from her book because after all, she is a fellow New Yorker and the former beauty director for Glamour magazine. There are certain elements I agree with when it comes to beauty and others that I don't. Over the next few days, I will go through some of Krupp's suggestions and present my own opinions and advice to be totally diva-stating in the skin you are in.

I do appreciate the Charla's suggestions are natural and don't involve plastic surgery, Botox and the like. I also agree with her basic no-no's:

-no dragon lady nails - c'mon girls, those acrylic nails are so 80s and this type of retro is never in style - it makes you resemble those older ladies in frilly swimsuits next to the pool sipping cocktails and flaunting three-inch fingernails - ugh...

-get rid of too long hair parted down the middle - this makes everyone look drab and divas need more life than this boring do!

-get rid of those grey brow hairs - I will take it a step further and invite you to check out your lower extremities and shave or wax accordingly - hey, we're old, not dead!

-half glasses - add a string and you should hide behind the library bookshelf for the rest of your life.

-yellow teeth - with so many over-the-counter products available, even budget-conscious divas without dental insurance can brighten their smiles.

-obvious lip liner - I hated this look and refused to wear it over a decade ago when it was actually popular but doing it today just shows you are totally outdated.

Next entry - we'll go over what I may not agree with and add some more tips...who knows, I may wind up writing my own book by the end of all this!

Valentine's Day Garb to Grab His Attention

Now that we've gotten past the holidays and made our New Year's resolutions, it's almost a month from Valentine's Day. I just put up my heart-shaped yard decorations because my anniversary is exactly one month before Valentine's Day (January 14 because a busy diva has to find creative ways to remember important stuff). I was just condering my wardrobe for the day - after all, isn't the best package you give your honey a well-wrapped woman all day?

While lingerie is the norm, it really doesn't last long so I usually opt for the traditional Victoria's Secret lacy bra and v-string with an alluring outfit over it. The three hottest colors for Valentine's Day are red, pink and fuchsia. Let's consider your personality and which one is right for you:

Red - you are confident, direct, ready for love and not afraid to show it. You tend to be traditional and want security in your relationship.

Pink - you are feminine, flirty and always in the mood for romance. You are old-fashioned and look for a strong mate.

Fuchsia -you are passionate, self-assured and decide love on your own terms. You have a modern outlook and guide the course of your relationships.

This year I think I'll wear a soft, fuchsia sweater to add a bit of flavor to our relationship. I wore pink last year (a silk sweatsuit with sequins) and a classic red cashmere sweater the previous year. After all, variety is the spice of life! So what will you be wearing for Valentine's Day?

Britney Spears and Paris Hilton Set New Fitness Trend

Okay divas, what exactly do we mean that Britney Spears and Paris Hilton are setting a new fitness trend? Since getting fit is on every diva's mind for the new year, consider a recent article in 'Fitness' magazine about what women would be willing to do to lose those extra pounds (by the way, I love 'Fitness' magazine, great articles and very inspiring - check it out).

Anyway, Fitness asked 1000 women what they would do and their answers were really a surprise to me. Do you believe that 85 percent of women would take on a extra toe (looking much like Oprah Winfrey wearing sandals) and 23 percent of women would do time in the slammer just to get freedom from going to the gym (hey, why not work out at home - we've discussed that here). Get this one - 23 percent of women would actually shave their heads (I may have messed up some hairstyles over the years but getting rid of my crowning glory is just not an option) to avoid going to the gym. As you can see, Paris' days in the pokey and Britney's umbrella-wielding bald rages have definitely had an impact on divas. Since when was it better to be in jail or bald than go to the gym? Sounds like there are a lot of lazy divas to me...reason why those pounds may be packing on! Besides, who wants an extra toe when you go to that posh spa for a pedicure - now c'mon ladies!

If you hate the gym, too, you don't have to go there - average Janes (and Joes) can benefit from the Average Joe Fitness program and it sure beats being bald or getting a criminal record! I told divas about it back in September, but if you missed it, check it out now. Filled with simple ways to get fit in just a shor time at home (and no special equipment is required), it can get you on the right track for the new year - without compromising your hair, adding a toe or going to jail.

How Are Divas Doing In 2008?

Now that you are sober and back to work again, how are you making out on your new year's resolutions?

-Did you work out yet? (I did once and like they say, once is not enough)

-Did you create a budget for yourself so you can shop more without overextending yourself? (I am working on it)

-Have you established your business goals? (This is where I have really taken the most time and I am pleased I finally got to start the Epstein Barr blog but I have many more important issues to address)

-Did you update your wardrobe, cosmetics, etc. to get rid of what doesn't work? (I am a packrat and sorry to admit it but I managed to bag and box up everything I don't use...now if I could just throw it away)

If you got a slow start, it's alright - I'm here to remind you!

Please Check Out Epstein Barr-CFS

Even divas suffer from health problems and every wise diva is aware that knowledge is power. About 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with the Epstein Barr virus, a disorder that has a major impact on my life. Because little information or support is available about this health problem, I just started a blog to raise awareness, provide updated information and gather support. Please check out my new blog at http://www.epsteinbarr-cfs.blogspot.com/.

Of course all divas will still be gathering here!

Top 10 New Years Resolutions for Divas

After talking to a divas of different ages and backgrounds, I was able to come up with the top 10 new years resolutions we all seem to have:

10. Get rid of ugly belly fat so you can wear a bikini - or at least wear a two-piece without a cover-up into the water.

9. Become financially independent so you can talk like Suze Orman.

8. Finally master your cell phone, laptop, TiVo, DVD recorder, digital camcorder or other technology that continues to elude you for some reason.

7. Go shopping more - c'mon, you know we need to do it again and again to be satisfied.

6. Learn something new or return to school - divas should be smart as well as fashionable.

5. Give more time to a charitable causes and share the wealth.

4. Devote yourself to physical fitness and finally take that walk everyday or go to the gym for step aerobics class.

3. Enjoy every aspect of life more fully and without guilt, from delicious chocolates to irresistible men.

2. Learn the true power of positive thinking by accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative.

1. Feel love and laughter everyday.

If we can work on these 10 every day of 2008, we'll be sailing into next year with a smile!

Happy New Year, Divas!

Happy New Year Divas! I am celebrating a new start with a healthier, happier perspective. Let's consider some excellent goals for 2008:

-Be happier everyday - all it takes is a change of heart to look at what's good instead of what isn't;
-Achieve greater financial freedom by being more committed to my goals;
-Look better through natural means such as daily fitness, eating healthy foods and using wholesome products;
-Learn something new everyday, no matter how small;
-Feel as good as we look!

With a bit of focus on our goals, we can have the most diva-stating year yet!