The Fender-Mender

Summer’s over and it’s time to repair damage your face experienced as a result of excessive sun exposure, tanning beds or just plain SPF laziness! While I’m one for the ‘faux glow’, no matter how hard I try, I get a little burned over the summer. And I’m not talkin’ about being stood up!

It’s hard not to fall in love with Tammy Fender’s Intensive Repair Balm. This anti-inflammatory healing creme repairs tissue damage and aids in the healing of surgical or acne scars. With some of the purest and most natural ingredients around, the Intensive Repair Balm is great for healing youthful indifference to the sun or spurring the recuperative process after Thermage, peels, face-lift, etc. Simply perfect for cougars and kitty-cats alike!

divaD

Bellissima!

Does anyone do it better than Donatella? Run, don’t walk, to your nearest newsstand and pick up the latest issue of InStyle. Why? Because the article featuring Lady V. in her new pad presents classic mordernity in all its regal glory. What I wouldn’t give for peek inside that warehouse full of art!

divaD

Back In The Building and Back On The Block…

Well, well, well! Look who’s back! It’s been a long time and I’m happy to finally have a new set of Whitney tunes to play in the car. Though she didn’t get many props for her last studio album, to this day, ‘One of Those Days’ is still one of my favourite tunes. Especially when driving through Malibu on PCH. But ‘I Look To You’ promises to yield more ride bumpin’ tracks that I can sing (volume loud enough so I sound half-decent) along with.

After falling in love with the tracks ‘Million Dollar Bill’ and ‘Like I Never Left’ I made it a point to catch the performance portion of Whitney’s appearance on Oprah. Still without a television (custom console still on order) I was able to catch the performance and pieces of the interview online. All I can say is Whitney looks fantastic, the voice is still one-of-a-kind and with all she and her family have been through, she deserves to be back on top!

divaD

To Accept or Tolerate… divaD’s Perspective

It’s been a busy, hot, beautiful summer here in the O.C. And I’ve to accept and admit that I’ve been a bad, bad boy and not blogging. But lately, I can’t seem to tear myself away from the horses. Unfortunately, it hasn’t all been fun and riding. As the first Tuesday of the month has come and gone I’m still deep in thought about a crisis a friend and her family are going through. So much so, it sort of threw me off my ‘First Tuesday of the Month’ schedule:

1) Wake up early (Anytime before noon is early)

2) Jump rope at least 500 times (I swore I’d get to 1000 but five is my lucky number)

3) Dressage training in O.C. (If one must go ’round in circles they may as well be perfect)

4) Pay utility bills (Hmmm, so this is what owning a home feels like)

Normally, number 4 is a real pain in the you-know-what. But when a friend is going through a difficult time, all else seems trivial. Especially when it’s to do with a family member being shunned by those who are supposed to be closest and love unconditionally. As one member of the clan put it, “Do you expect me to tolerate this?”

Having gone through a similar situation, I empathize. It’s never easy when those one loves most and work so hard to gain acceptance from, seemingly turn their back on one they love. But though difficult to do, I learned to first, accept self. Then, I accepted the fact that others, including family, may never like, respect or accept me. At this point in life I’ll pick up the pieces and move on. And to answer the question above, “No, don’t tolerate this.” Accept it or pick up the pieces and move on. To tolerate something or someone will only get on your nerves. And when it comes to the latter, toleration will eventually become too much to bear and erupt in some holier than thou, booze induced sermon during a family gathering; most likely Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Acceptance is starting to look pretty good. And after putting the last stamp on the electricity bill, I realized the pain in my backside came from the fact that there are no seat cushions on the dining room chairs. If one must accept the fact that bills (not just AMEX) must be paid, surely a little shopping trip for some custom cushions is in order. 22 Bond St., here I come! Until then, rather than tolerate that chair, I’ll pick up my bills and move on to the sofa!

divaD

Orange You Glad It’s Almost Summer…?

Knock, knock… It’s divaD! Yes it’s me and I’m back in the kitchen cookin’ up a dinner Italian style for ‘Noosh and the Tiger! What better way than to thank two super, terrific friends for helping move my new sofa from L.A. to the O.C.? And though it’s not quite summer, the weather that day had us happy it almost was. I know summer is fast approaching when I go to the closet and pull out one of many favourite Façonnable shirts in various shades of orange. The colour is so warm and sunny it instantly makes one feel pool or beach ready. But to help you feel like it’s summer all year ’round, try some of the following divaD favourites:

Acqua di Parma Arancia di Capri... Summer bodies never smelled so sweet!

Jo Malone Amber and Sweet Orange Scented Candle... Your summer home never smelled so good!

And for the perfect refresher on a hot summer afternoon, try my favourite drink for the summer. Instead of the traditional Mimosa, substitute Champagne with Brachetto d’Acqui. This ‘Bloody Mimosa’ will keep you cool all summer long!

divaD

Expect the Unexpected

Ahhhh, the thrill of getting more than one bargained for can be a welcome surprise. Such was the case on a recent visit to Arizona. A lovely friend extended an invitation to stay for a long weekend. Not having had a vacation in over two years — such is the life of a retail employee — I leaped at the opportunity.

I expected a quiet, relaxing time coupled with the occasional outing for shopping or lunch. What I got was treatment better than any resort or hotel! Just to give you an idea of how utterly fabulous the trip was, take a look at the picture above; a shot of the  view from the pool. And yes, divaD did go for a swim as bronzer can easily be re-applied. For three days I worked on my tan, lunched at The Phoenician, dined at BLT and enjoyed mojitos (the best are made with Persian lime) poolside at various times from noon to midnight.

Once home in sunny, but cooler, Orange County there was a rejuvenating feeling. It was thrilling to get more than expected out of such a small trip. But just as the unexpected can yield a beautiful surprise, it can also bring forth challenges and difficulties. My father always said, “Expect the best but plan for the worst.” I keep this motto in mind as much as possible, especially when horseback riding. During a recent lesson, while fantasizing of the next trip to Arizona, I kept getting the feeling the horse underneath was nervous and tense. A few times I felt him wanting to buck or break. As we turned a relatively quiet corner, he reared up and took off as if being shot from a cannon. My heart racing, I quickly reigned him in and quieted him down. Definitely NOT what I expected.

In life, the unexpected can bring glorious surprises but also challenges and difficulties. I very well could have fallen or been thrown from that horse. But instead, I held on and rode through a difficult time. Such is the case for so many right now. The unexpected seems to be presenting more difficultes than not. But sometimes the most bumpy of rides can lead to a more calm and stable understanding of the present and future. And who knows, you may even end up in paradise. Or at least Paradise Valley, Arizona!

Holla!

divaD

Bringin’ Sexy Home

UUUGGGG! And I ain’t talkin’ boots! Who new decorating a small townhouse could be so time consuming? And let’s not even get started about the expense. The “moving into a turnkey place is going to be a breeze” has quickly been replaced with, “Hmmm, wouldn’t travertine throughout look better than hardwood and designer carpet?” There goes the budget!

Actually, I’ve been quite good, rather fantastic, with money these days. I know; I’m as shocked as you! But something about knowing I could be out on the street makes holdin’ off on the Bottega Veneta bag that much easier. Not to say that I haven’t splurged lately:

Tod’s loafers; Check (and on sale)

Versace Jeans; Check (also on sale)

Frette napkins for 12; Check (A Gift!)

But lately the must-have fashion items have had to take a back seat to having a place to park my seat! And such began the search for the ‘perfect’ (Virgo speak for normal) sofa. It had to seat three but couldn’t be too long. Design-wise it was important that it work with the antique Italian walnut side chairs without looking too dated. Oh yes, and could I have that in a sleeper, please?

The search was an arduous one and many an hour were spent on-line perusing websites, antique galleries and Googlin’. Then, one Monday afternoon, after a particularly fantastic riding lesson, I decided to try my luck on La Brea where I’d found a gorgeous campaign desk for the bedroom. As I passed many a store front offering the exact same pieces and dated styles, I stumbled onto a rather nondescript showroom. Once inside, I was greeted by an extremely knowledgeable Asian woman with the most adorable freckles. I must admit I don’t recall a word she said but loved her Hermes belt, so I shopped around.

Fast forward one month and I’m enjoying fantastic reclaimed rosewood dining chairs which debuted at an Easter dinner party. And, I’m looking forward to receiving my ‘not too traditional, custom Sullivan sofa with queen sleeper’. I spent almost twice what I’d intended (looks like rice for dinner the next two months) but know it will be worth it. Especially if it comes with the sexy guy pictured in the ad… home-girl can miss me.

Thanks, 22 Bond St.!

Holla!

divaD

Dinner With divaD

As if I don’t have enough “routine” things to do every day (vitamins a.m. & p.m.), week (mud mask Sunday), month (shop for home), I’ve decided life would be that much more sweet if I could have friends over once a month and cook for them. And don’t even go there; I CAN cook!

The idea came about when welcoming Betii Boop and Austentatious to a small house warming back in January. We had a blast and I decided to have people over for drinks once a month. In February Betii Boop and O.C. Skye stopped by for drinks and we went for tea afterwards. For March, it turned into a dinner. Betii Boop (I think she just comes for the free hooch) and H. Erector joined me for farfalle in a mascarpone cream sauce with sauteed lamb and lamb basil sausage. There were snacks of toasted bread with Swiss Gruyere, a salad with a lemon vinaigrette and a beautiful bouquet of tulips for my mantle. The only faux pas was the white wine in tea cups. I know, I know, sooooo tacky! But I have yet to find a nice set of everyday wine glasses!

We’ll see if the tradition carries through to April. By then — just received a call that my antique table will be delivered this week — I should be able to host at least 4. But there’s a request for a dairy-free menu… YIKES! divaD loves Italian food and LOVES cheese. So, it will be some time before I think of a menu that pleases each palette. But as long as the guests enjoy, Betii Boop and I can hooch it up on the patio with some new wine glasses!

Holla!

divaD

PS — SEND DAIRY-FREE MENU IDEAS! xox

divaDoes Bronze!

Anyone who’s been to Orange County knows how we love to keep it real…TAN! It doesn’t matter whether you’re fair, medium or the darkest of lovelies, a bronze/golden/shimmery finish is always in fashion. And now that Spring has officially Sprung (Happy New Year to all our Persian peeps) there’s no better time to check out all that’s new and glowing at your favourite cosmetic counter.

You all know that Neiman’s is my on-line fav for stocking up on beauty necessities. But when it’s time to experiment with color one must get into the store to find the best shades to compliment his/her skin. After a most recent riding lesson, I visited Victoria and Mary Jane at the store in Beverly Hills. Victoria knows that I love to look golden all year ’round and ALWAYS lets me know when Guerlain launches a new bronzing product. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the new mist! It not only hydrates but helps enhance the skins natural tan. And, over make up it gives a glow that will take you from sunrise to sunset…PROMISE!

Miss M of Irvine asked for some beauty tips after darkening her hair recently. Though fair-skinned and Japanese, these tricks will work for just about anyone:

• For an all-over glow mix a little Laura Mercier Sun Dust with your foundation; you’ll use a lot less foundation!
• For that lit-from-within look, choose a bronzing highlighter like Guerlain’s Terracotta Lights and dust on the cheeks, chin and center of the forehead.
• Surround yourself with a South of France warmth by selecting a warmer bronzing shade and applying to the temples, jawline and cheekbones.
• Blend and soften your makeup with Guerlain’s Africa Rhythm, Indian Bronze or Orient Sun.
• And for fair beauties like Miss M., after applying sunscreen, mix a little Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in 2 or 7 with a little more sunscreen and pat all over.

A little practice and experimentation will go a long way in helping you achieve a sun-kissed glow. And when people start asking if you’ve had a little work done, tell ‘em Dr. divaD hooked you up…Island Style!

Holla!

diva D

It’s All Good…PROMISE!

Miss me, February 2009! While there are some great reasons to celebrate in the month of February, I’ll be glad to see this month in my March rear-view mirror. The shortest month of the year sure did seem to drag out and felt more like a season than a month. Especially down here in the O.C. Rain three weeks in a row, hot and humid days, cold-ass nights and the usual allergies: Sneezing… Check, Watery Eyes… Check, Date for Valentine’s Day…Allergic to that too! But even though I may look a bit shell-shocked, trust that divaD is all G to the Double O D.

But there were some reasons to celebrate this month. The stimulus bill passed. Of course, that may only be good for those who die in the next few years as they won’t have to pay for it later. But listen, if it’s one thing I never turn down it’s a check. Ask my dad. I still open birthday cards upside down in hopes that a rectangular piece of paper with a signature and at least four zeros floats down into my lap.

Also, some friends and colleagues have moved on to better jobs and career opportunities. “Hey M.Young Giant, best of luck and peace out!” And there were a great number of fashion deals to be had. Not that my girl Sistah Stiletto needs to look any more fabulous but, HELLO, Love that YSL bag! But you do realise that with all the dough you saved you might have thrown divaD a bone, i.e., wallet, t-shirt or a frickin’ key chain! I’ll have to have a talk with your sales girl, Betty Boop about suggestive selling!

Speaking of selling, good ole’ Neiman Marcus has a hot Beauty offer until 9 March. Normally I’m not down for those gift with purchase deals. They tend to only be at the beauty lines I don’t like or include gifts I’ll never use. But this goody comes with ANY $100 cosmetic or fragrance purchase. AND, there’s an offer for a sample for my all time favourite moisturizer…CREME DE LA MER! CREME DE LA MER! CREME DE LA MER! I know it’s pricey but don’t we deserve the best every now and then? Or, every morning and evening after cleansing and toning. This third step is probably one of the most important in a skincare regime. But if $125 is out of your budget, pick up one of the Kiehl’s or Clinique moisturizers and a couple of other items to get to that $100. Then, say goodbye to all that February baggage and pick up your new Neiman Marcus Tote chock full of beauty goodies! Trust me, it’s All Good…PROMISE!

divaD