This summer I have had the priviledge of being invited to few resorts. Last weekend I had such an amazing time at the Omni Tucson!  Only situated about 90 miles south of my home, the short road trip was a fun bonus.

Omni Tucson Resort is home to one of the most fabulous golf courses I’ve seen.  I mean PGA status … so impressive!  It is also nestled into the Santa Catalinas  with such spectacular views. And with the rich history of golf, this artful blend of natural beauty and recreation is elevated to a new level of discovery.

When I was invited I was asked to bring my children with me to experience Camp Omni. (I did borrow my grand babies for this one) and what a chance to spend three days with two of my favorite little people. Ashleigh 16 and Tristan 12.

Camp Omni is such a creative way to experience your vacation with your children, in a way that they actually feel like they are on vacation too!

My fabulous Steak Salad from the

Legends Bar & Grill

This is the perfect place to unwind after a day of tennis, swimming or playing on  the golf course. The sports bar offers casual club fare, a great selection of spirits,  TV sports, shuffleboard and billiards. The kids and drifted into the Legends Bar & Grill most nights. We found a cozy spot that felt like we had the entire club to ourselves, complete with a shuffle board. While waiting for our dinner to arrive we would have a fast game, then promptly jump right back into it after dinner.  I think besides the pool and virgin Margueritas  this is where the kids had the most fun.

Saturday morning started off with a Tennis lesson provided by the hotel.

Then off to the pool we went …

Ashleigh and Tristan had so much fun ordering their drinks and lucky for us it was a fun BBQ day filled with games poolside, crazy music and perfect sunshine.

Here are the kids hamming it up in the pool!

Ashleigh playing games ….

Resting in their room after a long fun filled day!

Me resting after a long day! : )

Camp Omni was a great bonding experience for myself and the kids.  It’s so important to me that when you are traveling with children, you stay at a kid friendly place. And the Tucson Omni Resort fits the bill perfectly!

Hope everyone is having a great summer, happy traveling!

Bella

Here is some extra information on the Camp Omni experience. And the world class Spa and Golf Resort Omni Tucson 

Camp Omni takes family vacations to a whole new level, offering deluxe accommodations, 15% discount when you stay two nights, kids’ gift cards to be redeemed anywhere in the hotel, a scavenger hunt with a prize upon completion and a welcome amenity. Our ‘Camp Counselors’ will call in advance to help you plan your adventure with us.

The Omni Tucson National Resort has it all – from its picturesque setting in the foothills of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains to the lush fairways of its 36-hole championship and desert-style golf courses.  Recently selected by Golf Digest as Best Places to Play 2008/09 and one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America,” this 650-acre desert resort with 128 guestrooms is one of Tucson’s finest spa and golf resorts.

Disclaimer –  I was compensated for this posting, the entire weekend was provided by Omni Hotels.

What do these girls all have in common? The perfect easy beachy waves. I love, love, love this style. It works for casual every day things like going to the store, works for going out, and you can even take it to the red carpet. There’s a reason it has been Jen Aniston’s Go-To hair style for so many years.

But, it can be surprisingly hard to achieve. There are a ton of tutorials on how to do this on-line, most involve a curling iron, a rounded 1″ flat iron (which is kinda cheating since you are using it as a curling iron), or braiding wet hair. My issue with most of these is that rather than creating waves, I’m creating curls (which look more like Giselle does above, when I’d prefer to look more like Jen or Kate). In the case of braiding the hair isn’t usually wavy, I end up with uneven kinks.

So, how to get actual waves that come out perfect each time?


I’ve found a great answer- it’s these White Sands Velcro Strips.

I’ve found a great answer- it’s these White Sands Velcro Strips.

The velcro strips are very versatile, creating pretty much any size velcro roller you want or the perfect wave. I’ve been using them on damp/mostly dried hair that I’ve sprayed Liquid Texture on to. I then take two velcro strips and put them around the hair (they have a net on the back to prevent them from sticking to your hair). They’re about 12 inches long and have holes all along them to push the plastic sticks through. Then I create a wave by putting the stick through as shown on the right in the picture. I can use a pretty large chunk of hair in the velcro, and I use 3 pair for about half of my head. I then use my blow dryer on high to finish drying the hair, and remove when everything has cooled down. If I want to look a bit more polished I might use a curling iron on one or two small sections to add some curl in with my wave. I complete the whole look with a quick spray of White Sands Stuck-Up.

The result is hair that is wavy and stays that way all day! I can alter the waves by changing the way I’ve used the sticks (meaning, I can make the waves bigger or smaller), and the whole styling process only takes about 5 or 10 minutes. says http://www.15minutebeauty.com/

Remington Airwave, a cool dryer that looks a bit like a torture device but is really a clever little wave-making machine.

How this tool (which retails for a budget-friendly $29.99) works: You slip each section of your wet hair into the sleeve and the air inside twirls it like a tornado, whipping it into a twisted rope. Then all you have to do is move it up and down the length of each “rope” until each it’s dry.

TIP: Use extra hair serum to help with the frizz.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend luvs! Off to the pool …..

Bella

I could not have been any more excited that I was chosen to attend an event presented by #PHXjourneys, The Four Seasons Resort at Troon North and The Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa! Six ladies were asked to join in and experience Arizona.

The anticipation alone of meeting women (twitter bad-asses) whom I’ve made long term ONLINE relationships with, was now about to take another turn. Afraid of the online delusional representation is always a concern. You know what I mean? Albeit super excited at the same time. As we met one by one my fears wained away …. all perfectly lovely, strikingly beautiful and full of fun!

From the moment I arrived at the Wild Horse Pass Resort, I was treated like royalty. Two days later we were driven to the Four Seasons Resort at Troon North. And over the next four days with an itinerary that would rival the Presidents we were swept away, let me show you in pictures!

Meet the ladies!

Left to right … Stephanie our host from Wild Horse Pass, Annie Fitzsimmons, Liliana Baldassari , Gina Stark, myself, Taren Buffington host from Wild Horse Pass, Front row left to right …  Ann Trann, Debra Cincioni, and our tour guide, can’t remember here name…

Our first destination the Stunningly Beautiful Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, nestled into the South Mountains.

The Aji Spa at Wild Horse Pass Resort reflects the heritage of the Gila River Indian Community in a way you won’t experience anywhere else on the property. The artwork and d￩cor in the 17,000 square foot facility speaks to the culture of days gone by. A feature exhibit is an Olas Ki. This historic dwelling was used to provide shelter in the winter. At the spa today, you’ll find one serving as a meditation room where you can attain calmness and solitude. With 17 treatment rooms, services are abundant and varied from manicures to seaweed wraps, but you almost can’t pass on a spiritual healing treatment by Belen Stoneman. A member of the community, Stoneman is a shawoman and has the power to heal naturally through communication with spirits.

Enjoying the Spa day with Annie Fitz and Debra Cincioni

Us girls on the range, with our horse wrangler Chuck!

Our Sorbet dessert at Kai Restaurant, Wild Horse Pass

Breakfast at our SPARTY! Provided by the Four Seasons Resort 3rd day.

My manicure which happen to match our Yoga mats the Four Seasons had custom embroidered with our Twitter handles! Oh and I must not for get the embroidered pillow cases ever night they freshly put on our beds with our names on them. I was so impressed with the details.

Early morning hike up Pinnacle Peak!

Touring the Musical Instrument Museum

Set up for our fabulous Tequila tasting party.

Big smiles all around with Chris our Tequila expert!

Poolside at the Four Seasons Resort @ Troon North pic via Suuper G

Heirloom tomato salad with local goat cheese.  Four Seasons

Gorgeous last evening at Talavera, Four Seasons, Scottsdale

So many details as I could go on forever.

Every evening was filled with exquisite cuisine, days were filled with major pampering and the friendships that were made were lifelong!

Hope you enjoyed this journey in pictures with me!

Bella

Many thanks to Suuper G {Gina Stark} and Ann Tran along with her husband Michael for all of these lovely photos!

The Four Seasons at Troon North  is nested in the high Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is a place of western lore and cosmopolitan culture, a place of awe-inspiring beauty and spectacular golf, a place unlike any other.  Adjacent to the legendary Troon North Golf Course. With casita accommodations scattered across a boulder-strewn hillside, the Four Seasons boasts one of the Valley’s most dramatic settings, and with a hiking trail to nearby Pinnacle Peak Park, the resort is a good choice for anyone who wants to explore the desert on foot. Guest rooms and suites are among the most lavish you’ll find in Arizona. If you can afford it, opt for one with a private plunge pool and an outdoor shower — a luxury usually found only in tropical resorts.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass and Spa Resort  was designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River Indian Community’s heritage and culture. The architecture, design, art and legends of the Pima (Akimel O’otham) and Maricopa (Pee Posh) tribes are celebrated in every detail imaginable, indoors and out.  A true destination resort, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa offers several dining options to meet any need and please any palate.

Experience a one-of-a-kind cultural culinary journey at Kai, the Forbes Five Star Award and AAA Five Diamond Award Signature Restaurant; enjoy Southwest/American cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Ko’Sin; snack on tasty light fare at our Lobby Bar; lounge by the pool with menu options from Hanyo Grill; visit the nearby Sivlik Grill at the Whirlwind Golf Club or tempt your taste buds any time of day or night with 24-hour room service.

Two weeks ago I was in dire need of a new color and cut. Rolf’s Salon and Spa contacted me with the opportunity to have a girls GLAM day! Five friends joined me for what I can only describe as pampering at it’s best!

Everyone was treated to hair, makeup and a gorgeous style. Rolf’s is known for their incredible stylist. I can’t say enough about my color and cut, so easy for spring and I just adore it!!! Thanks Rolf’s.

Here is a quick video of our day!

If you’re looking for a great new spring look, call Rolfs Salon at 480-755-7653 to schedule a complimentary consultation. They also have four valley locations, click here for the one closest to you.

Hello everyone! Been so crazy busy I’ve neglected my blog once again. So much to share with you I don’t even know where to start.

My GLAM day at Rolf’s was amazing, I will be posting the video here tomorrow.

Just spent four fabulous days with some major players on Twitter. All of whom you would be lucky to call your friends. Amazing women each and every one of them! Long story short, we were invited by two resorts here in Arizona to enjoy their amenenties and have a special 4 day retreat. Can you say YES fast enough?, I couldn’t.  Details Wednesday with all of the pictures and Chic ladies I met, some of which you will know I’m sure.

How’s your summer going? The lovely pictures above show where my mind is wondering, always to the beach.  : ) Oh and before you ask, the last picture of the starfish sandals is my latest DIY project! Just love them…..

Happy Monday Dolls

Bella

P.S. Have you tried Bobbi Brown’s Beach oil yet? I swath in it everyday. It’s the perfect summertime smell! Available at most stores, Nordstroms, Sephora … etc.

pics via this is glamorous   & my pinterest

Brian Atwood strappy cage heels {nordstroms}

Weight Watchers Mango Bellini
This Mother’s Day treat your Mom to a delicious cocktail. This is a unique twist on an old favorite and great served with brunch.
Gina’s Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 1 serving • Time: 5 minutes • Points: 2 ww points

• 1 tablespoon fresh mango pureed
• 4 oz chilled Prosecco or Champagne

Combine mango puree and chilled Prosecco in each champagne glass and serve.

perfectly lovely party setting

fantasy heels

layered blocks of color

Street Style

Beautiful Dior

orange crush

dance

So in love with this color combination. As you can see from the photos above, there are so many ways to incorporate this current chic look into your life.

Yesterday I was so honored to take part in a GLAMfest at Rolfs Salon here in Scottsdale. I was asked to bring in five friends for a day of pampering, makeovers and fun! The entire day was videoed and captured in pictures by Rolf’s. They were kind enough to schedule us on a day when their salon was closed. From the moment I arrived, I felt like a queen and a star. Hair, makeup and lunch.

Needless to say we had a fabulous time. The guests I chose to invite were a mix of young and older. From 16 to 70. I wanted to show that no matter what age you are, GLAMovers are essential and truly necessary for our well being.

Intimidated by the camera’s, self conscious of course! Girls being girls, and the laughter was unstoppable. Thank you Rolf’s for making such a beautiful experience for all of us to share.

The video and pictures will be available at the end of the week, I will be posting them here. Oh, and the tie in here is what I wore! Pink and Orange of course!!!!

Happy Tuesday Dolls

xox

Bella

Last Sunday for Easter I made fruit kabobs for our family and friends gathering.  It was a major hit, especially considering it was almost 90 degrees that day!  So simple to make just cut up fruit and thread onto a skewer.  We had about 50 people at our Easter brunch so I made quite a few.

Quite the gourmet cook aren’t I? : )

Two of my favorite people.  My daughter Jaime on the left and my granddaughter Ashleigh on the right.  Getting ready for softball game after Easter dinner.

Hope you had a great week!

Bella

Yesterday I attempted to emulate this look. Fresh and breezy and perfect for Summer! I wrapped the side strands around the pony tail to give it a more polished feel. Below are a couple of shots that were taken with my cell camera, so please excuse the quality.

What’s your favorite hairstyle for Summer?

I came across this dress last week. A great add to any wardrobe and the price is pretty fab too!

PEPLUM SCUBA PENCIL DRESS

Price: $96.00

April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.  ~William Shakespeare

Shakespeare said it best!  The spirit of youth, April does feel like a new beginning every year.  Everything is so fresh and pretty, just like the photos above all of which inspire me!

Bella

Pics via this is glamorous, flickr, ManoloHome

I spoke about the trend of matching makeup to clothes, now matching nail polish to your shoes is also becoming popular. When I was in high school we changed our polish every night to match our outfits, but never a pedicure! Seems a little time consuming, but beautiful non the less.

Do you do this, I may start now … cause I’m really liking it!

Happy Saturday and I hope your days are more exciting than ever right now. I have a fun new contest next week, can’t wait to share it with you!

Thanks for reading and commenting….you guys are the best!  XoX

Bella

Jennifer Lopez wore this bright pink dress from Michael Kors‘s 2012 resort collection to the American Idol elimination show in Hollywood last week. She accessorized with hoop earrings, an Hermès cuff, and Gucci sandals. Just in case you’re curious it sells for $3,995.

Definitely a show stopper. Would you wear it? I absolutely would ….

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Glitter Easter Eggs

In a bowl, dilute craft glue by 1 part water for every 2 parts glue. Tear pages of old books or sheet music or tissue paper into small bits (the smaller the bits the easier to adhere without too many creases…squares seem to work better than strips for this project).

Dip each little piece of paper in the glue mixture, using your fingers to squeegee extra glue off. Also using your fingers (see what I mean…messy!) smooth the pieces on the plastic egg. As you cover the egg, you may find that you can use the extra glue on your fingers to prepare the pieces instead of dipping them.

f you are adding glitter to your eggs, put them into a bowl of glitter and use a spoon to spread over the sides. Use the spoon to scoop out the egg and put on wax paper to dry.

Tie bits of ribbon to each egg.

Next have fun attaching bits and bobs like buttons and flowers. I used a bit of tinsel to attach the buttons, twisting it closed but you could hot glue items to the ribbon.

Gorgeous enough to display all year round!

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How adorable is this? If you’re not feeling crafty how about an Easter Bunny Bread Loaf?

“First, anything that isn’t anchored or attached might move unpredictably. That means raisin eyes or unattached ears or feet might not stay where you left them. Before I figured that out, I had a lot of bunnies with detached ears and loose eyes and noses on the baking sheet. Sometimes things stay in place, but sometimes they don’t.

Second, different parts might rise at different rates—that includes the final rise before going into the oven, as well as in the oven. Before I figured that out, I ended up with some very, very strange bunnies.

Third, it’s okay if some things aren’t perfect. A tilted head, a floppy ear, or a paw that’s a little odd will add character. You’re not going for anatomically correct wildlife.” says serious eats Get the recipe here.

Happy Inspiring Tuesday!

Bella

Easter Egg DIY  via Here

Details, my favorite word has never been so present as it is here in both of these photos. Unless you’re obsessive like me who is going to take the time to recreate this mirror above? Stating the obvious, I am!

It’s a work of art and to be completely honest where in the heck would you ever find one? Adding a piece with such an intense sense of glamour to any room would just take it to a whole new level.

The elements or {details} in the room below are what inspire me as well. When I look at this decor I see the fringe on the chairs, the flotaki rug, and the leopard ottoman with the metal studs. All of which can also be incorporated into any room to make it pop!  Without the details of those three items, well this room would just be ordinary, and who likes ordinary, clearly not me!

Adding fringe, metals studs and crystals to the furniture you already own is almost like being your own designer. Because after-all, where do you find such fab pieces? Or even when you DO find them, the prices are crazy.

Hoping I’ve left you a little more inspired to recreate your own world of glamour.

Bella

Hello everyone! It’s Spring time once again, my favorite time of the year.  This last week I’ve found so many things to share with you. Flowers and fashion can only bring a smile to your face. And while my yard is in full bloom, I’m doing the same with my closet! Quick trip to San Francisco last Thursday was all that was necessary. Albeit a quick stop at my local mall would have produced the same effect. But let’s face it, nothing beats San Fran.

Two looks I used for inspiration while shopping were the two below. I love a Spring blazer over a little cami with my favorite pair of jeans. Always look for one with a little special detail, notice the interior of the cuff, the pleated shoulders and especially the CUT. The cut of a blazer can take your look from drab to fab. Always insist on a narrow waist, with some minor details!

Notice the details on Kim’s blazer. The draping, hard edged shoulders, and the length of the sleeve. So polished!

Such an easy way to create a little Spring in your home. I found these on Pinterest. Flower inspired cookies and so easy to make. {directions below}

Roll a dough ball in colored sugar. Snip it in half with scissors, then snip each half into three petals. Gently spread the petals apart and lay flat.

How many of you struggle with your hair? Yes, I get it and sympathize with you.  Let me describe my hair, it’s fine, but plenty of of it. With the amount of coloring and torturing I do to it, let’s just say it’s a little frail. My daughter Jaime actually is the one who recommended this to me. She has fabulous hair, thick and healthy.

  With the radical differences in Jaime’s and my hair, I was a little skeptical. I thought for sure mine would be flat with zero body.

Always a sucker for a new product, I tried it. The only problem with it is they should have called it “It’s an11.” Shiny, silky, healthy hair after just two uses. It’s available at most salons or beauty supply houses. If you have trouble finding it let me know. ps {I was not paid for this endorsement)

Have a great weekend!

Bella

Celebrate Spring with patio makeover. Inspiring window box with the details of what you’ll need to recreate this lovely look below. 

Alternate colors — hot pink and pale pink, then more of the same — for heightened visual interest in a long, narrow space.

A. Impatiens ’Accent Pink’ — 4
B. Impatiens ’Pink Swirl’ — 4
C. Dichondra ’Silver Falls’ — 6

I also love this look.  My plan is to incorporate the same flowers from above to create a pulled together decor! I will tie some purple and pink ribbon around the handle of the rake, but leave the window shutter green, then bring in the white with the planters. Decorating a patio can be just as exciting as your interior. And incorporating these two different but fabulous looks together will be fun!

Happy Sunday and HAPPY gardening!

Bella

They do look a little chunky, but fun! Perfect for that special evening.

This was made popular last year on the runways and somehow I missed it! Oh well, I still think it’s outrageously cool. I am applying mine thin, so as to not be so chunky. I also pick up my beads at Michaels, the smallest I could find.

work on one nail at a time and apply two coats of the Black polish.

sprinkle Caviar pearls over your painted nail ensuring you do this whilst the nails are still wet.

once fully covered, gently press and compact the Caviar pearls into your nail bed to ensure durability.

once finished, leave your nails to completely dry for 15 to 20 minutes.

Voila! You now have perfectly Caviar manicured nails.

Here is another gorgeous idea. Simply apply a coat of glitter polish between two coats of Red! How FAB right?

I found this one on Pinterest. Are you on Pinterest? I’m officially obsessed with it! Here’s a link to my boards, follow at your own RISK! jk

http://pinterest.com/ciaobella50/

Bella

Instructions pics via Ciate