With sheer delight my closet revamping has already begun.  Bring on the layering, the boots, and beautiful scarves.  Labor day represents all kinds of new wardrobe options and this year I’m especially looking forward to the Military Look.  I simply love it!

I awoke this morning to my phone buzzing away, Michele my best friend who happens to be in New York this weekend, wishing me a Happy Birthday.  Miss her already and she has only been gone two days.   The gifts I received are so funny and sooo me.  So far, let’s see Jewelry, Spa Day, Sephora Gift Cards, and it’s only 5:00 AM!!

I am truly blessed by family and friends all of whom make my life better everyday.   I consider myself incredibly lucky, and as I say goodbye to another HOT Arizona summer, I also say  hello to fall, my favorite time of year.

What are your plans for this Labor Day weekend?  Mine will be spent will family and friends dropping by all day, and as I organize and revamp the closets in between, making room for the little extras I need to add to update my wardrobe, I can hardly wait to complete this task to make room for more!

Bella XoX

I was having a typical evening on a beautiful balmy August night, Michael and I had gone to dinner enjoying our favorite Italian cuisines from Vito’s.  As we were talking, he gently slid an envelope across the table stopping just short of my plate.  I looked down, and thought this has got to be good.

You see many times in the past, this is how I always received gifts from him!  As I opened the envelope ……  I saw three things…

1. Two First Class Tickets to “New York City” ~~~ OMG

2. A picture of the “Waldorf Astoria Hotel” ~~~~~OMG

3. Tickets to the “US OPEN”  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Tears!

When someone knows you this well it is just the best feeling in the world!  The three things he gave me for my birthday that year meant the world to me, but more than that, and what I will always deeply Cherish, was that he knew me…I mean REALLY knew me!

As a little girl I watched Barbra Streisand in movies walking down the Streets of New York. I can remember Barbra walking by the “Waldorf Astoria”  thinking someday I will stay there … right on Park Avenue!

Amazed with my childhofood memory  of what the view would look like!  I just knew I had to go there someday!  As I got older my fascination with THE CITY never wavered.  As a teenager I would watch the US Open and dream of someday seeing it in person, watching from the stands.

Back then It was Era of Jimmy Conner’s, Chris Evert, Illia Nastasee (SP), and Bjorn Borg!

The flight from L.A was a long one…I do not enjoy flying and that is an understatement..: )  But I knew what I had do and I could not give up this once in a life time dream to finally see My Beautiful New York.

Michael was so kind and gracious throughout the flight…Pampered me and kept my mind off the flight!  (Can you say MILE High Club~~~~)  I cannot believe I just told you that!…Oh well, true it is and if you ever need to get your mind preoccupied …..  Try it!

We couldn’t have pick a better time to land..as we started our descent I was like a child.  Camera was clicking away.. the people across the aisle by this time knew me well!  You spend 6 hours in a plane with  me oh well, you get the idea.

Landing in New York at Dusk is the most incredible vision ever to be seen.

I was literally bouncing in my seat…snapping pictures and actually squealing like a child… It was a party in First Class Section that day!!  The people and staff around me loved my enthusiam….

As the planes wheels hit the ground I remember closing my eyes, all of the childhood visions of Times Square, Barbra walking in front of the Waldorf,  The US Open, the shopping…Ohhhh the shopping,  were vividly flashing rapidly.   I opened my eyes with tears and said “Baby I’m in New York”!!!!!!  My whole section started cheering!  What a blast that plane ride was.

I was dressed that day in head to toe Escada….I felt like a million bucks!  When we arrived in the Limo in front of the Waldorf…I yelled at the driver …. STOP….. OMG   Please STOP…..As I stood up and opened the sunroof ….. this is what I saw.

Upon entering the hotel I was mesmerized at how this could be even more beautiful that I had anticipated.

While my husband was checking us in I was  busy snapping pictures. I overheard him tell the concierge it was my first time to New York and also my birthday.

I watch as three people from the Waldorf huddled… “what  could they be doing I wondered”  I was then approached by a man in a stunning Black Suit.. who said  ”Ms. Bella….this way ma’am”….

Michael had the biggest grin on his face, I looked with deference as to say…”Should I go with him”?  With a nod and a smile I knew I was in for another surprise!  We then left the main lobby my handsome suited stranger and I and proceeded to a private elevator.

While riding in the elevator with my stranger we exchanged glances often!..I finally said…”OK what’s up…where are we going?”  He smiled a sneaky grin and at that moment the doors opened to a stunning suite!.

“What is this?”,  I said.  I thought maybe we had taken the WRONG elevator.  I then heard Michael in another room say “Honey do you love it”?  Whaat … this cannot be our room!…Are you kidding me!….”How did you get up here I asked?”

Living Room

I was in the Presidential Suite at the Waldorf!  How can this be real?  I ran to every window and whipped open the drapes….The New York City skyline was visible from every angle.  Remember the scene on the plane? …Well I was playing it out again.. Jumping … running from window to window, taking pictures  …. I was having the time of my life.

Remembering my manners I ran back over to the gentlemen who had so graciously escorted me to paradise,  thanked him profusely and said “Hold on”….Picked up my purse to give him a tip, while handing it to him.  He politely stated … “no ma’am .. I’m here for the week, I’ll be right inside this area if you need anything”.

Really, you live here,  with us,!!  I asked? No, he said laughing, there will be others, whatever you need Ms. Bella, just let us know.

Royal Master Suite

Suite Bedroom

What I knew at that moment was;  I wanted to see New York, I didn’t care if was 11 PM….I am outta here!…I said…..”Let’s go Honey, I want to see Times Square, I must”!

“One more surprise before we go”  my husband said. “Oh no, there cannot be more?”…Michael handed me a Tiffany’s Box,  and in it was a  stunning necklace I had admired one day…. “Oh honey I love it.” He put it around my neck and  off we went and we didn’t return to our suite for several hours…

It was almost morning, but knew I had to sleep a of couple hours!  The next day I shopped, visited Trump Tower, Grand Central Station, we did the Empire State Building at Dusk  (again, the best time to view the city).

Food was Fabulous, our personal assistants always had fresh fruit and cheese freshly prepared for us!…My clothes were layed out impeccably everyday.

Today was the day, no limos … I wanted to take the subway to Flushing Meadows.  I remember thinking “two hours from now, I will be at Arthur Ashe Stadium” watching the US Open,  I can’t believe it!….

The subway was so much fun…I felt so privileged as we left Manhattan and entered the other cities.

I remember staring out the window, and was amazed how differently many people lived.  I had this notion it was ALL Park Avenue.  It’s not, as you well know, but to me that is what New York represented, all glitz and glamour.  I said many prayers that day as I witnessed the sheer poverty that the subway took us through.

I had many many life fulfilling moments that week, but only two took my breath away.  Upon entering the stadium … my heart was pounding, it’s very large, very grand, and everything I had hoped for.  We were escorted to our seats, again thinking “well this is odd”…But the whole trip was phenomenal so why should this be any different?

Front  Row and Center… Yes my darling husband really knew how to do it..  As I looked around at all the famous people in our section, I knew I had to act cool…No jumping .. no squealing…I thought to myself, “Be Cool Bella” also thankful I had shopped at the Ralph Lauren Store the day before.

There was Gwenynth Paltrow to my right, Justin Timberlake, Boris Becker, Kim Catrall, Jim Carey so many more……

When the lights came on and lit up the stadium, the players entered the court  I lost it…  I mean really.. how was I to contain this energy!  It was fine, nobody cared about my enthusiasm, they were just as excited to be there..

The matches that week lived up to all my expectations.  I spent a full day in Central Park, I visited the Twin Towers site…”extremely emotional place to see”, I ate twice at Tavern on the Green, I sat in the “Strawberry Fields”, went to the taping of The David Letterman Show, (don’t bother) and a taping of THE View.

The trip overall was my all time favorite vacation!  New York was everything I ever thought it would be and more. Every dream I had was fulfilled!

Note: Michael and I are now divorced~~We lasted 3 years after this vacation. We subsequently went on many more, but none that compared to New York?

If our face and eyes are windows to the soul, then this product just made mine more beautiful!

Ok, maybe a little much, but I simply adore this product.  I am always looking for my fountain of youth, although I have yet to find it, this product actually does what is advertised.

Here are some of the benefits this revolutionary skincare tool delivers:

- Removes makeup six times better than traditional methods.  … Yes, leaves my skin feeling and looking cleaner than ever before.

- Clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size. … Maybe, I’ve been using it now for two weeks, I have noticed signs of improvement.  I am lucky enough to have great skin, never have had any breakouts.

- Cleanses so thoroughly that skincare products absorb better. …   Yes, I do feel my products absorb more readily

- Creates noticeably healthier looking skin. … Definitely, My skin has honestly never looked better.

So would I suggest this product as part of your daily regime, yes, the only draw back is the price.   {around $200}

Do you have one?  If so tell how you like it.

__________________________________________________________________________________

These tennis shoes are actually approved by the FDA

When asked to try them, I will say I was a little skeptical.  I wanted to give them a full workout, a full day to see if their claims could be substantiated.    Here is what I found …

The first thing I noticed was how comfortable they were, soft and extremely light weight.   I did feel a difference in my calves and thighs, I actually felt by the end of the day, I had, had a great workout, just performing my regular activities!

Overall, I would say if you’re looking for the perfect toning walking tennis shoe, that supplies comfort with style, you must try these.

I loved them !!  Thank you Tenevis : )

Say Hi to them on Twitter @TenevisFootwear

disclaimer – I have not been paid to review these products, but I was sent the items to review for free of charge.  Upon which I was thrilled for the opportunity.

Just wanted to take a moment and thank  each and every one of you for your support, and replies.  It means so much to me.   Here’s to a FABULOUS weekend, Cheers !!!

Social Parade Followers Friday Blog-Hop is a weekly link-up hosted by Smart and Trendy Moms . They created it for socializing and to get new followers, fans, subscribers, readers without feeling overwhelmed. Every week will be a new link-up that will focus on following blogs, getting new readers to your blog! They will have Wild Card week to focus on the other ways you engage people with your blog. Its about fun one follower,fan and reader at a time!

On this Mother’s Day, I’d like to share with you my favorite  eight  people who rock my world!

These are some of my favorite photos!

My beautiful daughters Kimberly and Jaime

Jaime and I in Breckinridge

My mother and I, she is 87, can you believe it!

Kimberly my daughter and her husband Curtis

Jaime my daughter and Ashleigh my grandaughter going to her first Prom

My princess Carley {grandaughter}



And finally the three MEN in my life!

Nicholas {grandson}

Tristan {grandson}

And my baby Taylor {grandson}

Carley, Nicholas and Taylor

Happy Friday Luvs….when I got home tonight, my house was in perfect order (my housekeeper came today), dinner was covered, I had stopped and picked up takeout, so what else was there to do, but SHOP!

I had been invited to a party tonight, but these days I’m just so content to nest in my home, I love it so, I have it decorated exactly how I want and it’s my safe place.

After the week I had I so deserved it and here is what I found.

While aimlessly purusing the internet I came across this site, called Venus.com .  I had seen their catalogs before, so I was somewhat familiar with their products.  If you been following my shopping habits lately, you know I am really into white on white.  So when I saw this outfit, I was like .. “it’s perfect”!

I wanted a dash of color, sooo how perfect than to pair it with a turquoise bathing suit top.  (pictured on next photo) and this turquoise necklace.

And I bought this to go with it!

And of course I couldn’t stop, so I purchase this oh so cute Tee !

Cactus Flower ~~ Yes, even our cacti have flowers! ……

Our beautiful sunsets!

I went for a walk tonight around the lake in my community.  Spring time is my favorite time of the year.  Everything is so fresh, so new, even the birds are happy!

This is the pathway I take around the lake….

And this is the bridge, so beautiful at night, lights up with the Arizona Sky!

I’ve been wanting to make a Twitter T-Shirt for a while now, after a few prototypes this is what I came up with!  I also made it in Black, Pink and Grey.   I’ll post my other design next week.

These pictures were taken outside of a Target last night. Michele @azblueeyes and I had gone to dinner and stopped to pick up a few things, we started screwing around in front of the store, Michele snapped a few pictures. Not so good with the nightime photography, obviously…lol

Look at how cute her crystal eyelashes are!

Back of Shirt

Side view so you can see placement of the designs.

Me being silly!

Caught putting on my gloss…..

You know Twitter has made an impact on your life, when a random stranger walks up to you and says, ” Hey are you Bella on Twitter “!  I turned my head  so quickly, as it startled me.  I was in Nordstroms yesterday, and this lovely woman walks up to me and says ” I follow you and read your tweets all the time”.

It may have been my 15 seconds of fame, but it was fun and strange at the same time!  She was so sweet, and kind.  She continued on, discussing things in my personal life, IE;  ”so how was the Bon Jovi concert”, “love the dress you bought last week”,” Oh and I just love the crystals you put on your microwave!”…. I’m sure I looked like a deer staring at headlights coming right at me…lol

It was surreal to have a total stranger know so much about me.  I politely answered her questions and return to my quest for the perfect summer shoes.

This taught me two things, to be careful about how much personal information you reveal about yourself.  And, just how bizarre it feels to look into the eyes of a total stranger whom is complementing you beyond belief, discussing my life, hugging me, wanting to shop with me!!!!, and realizing this is how celebrities have to live everyday of every minute of their lives!  It’s kinda scary!

That same night, Debbie and I, decided to stop by Caesars Palace Hotel. We had noticed the tennis courts one night while driving by and thought it might be fun to sneak on the courts and play. Debbie and I played tennis in high school, but it had been a while since we played together.

No one was on the courts that late that night, it was about 11pm by this time. As we snuck onto the courts, we noticed there were  blue coolers, filled with all kinds of drinks. Sodas, water, energy drinks, you name it, it was in there. Also, close by on a table, there were plates of fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, and fresh sandwiches. We looked at each other, and started laughing hysterically. Is this real? Here we are a couple of 17 year olds …working in a casino by day, flirting with guys every night and now we have found a dream place, complete with food and beverages to play tennis. Needless to say we helped ourselves to the drink and food, not thinking for a moment, it wasn’t put there for us!

We then started to volley back and forth, having the time of our lives. Resting in between sets, for a quick bite and another drink. About an hour into our game, all of a sudden the courts lit up. We hadn’t even noticed the lights were not on! With all the lights from the surrounding the Casino’s, it never seemed like it was dark!

All of a sudden the lights come on!  What the hell, who dare interrupt our fun filled game of tennis. We were seriously pissed off! We both walked toward the two gentlemen that had entered our private game, with our hands on our hips no less, and said, “Hey, were playing, we’ll be done in an hour or so, so bug off”! What was with these guys anyways, they acted like they owned the place. They sat down at our table, drank our drinks, ate our food, and proceeded to put their tennis shoes on. They laughed at Debbie and I, and our attitudes, “obviously there not taking us serious“, I said to Debbie.

At that moment, one of the gentlemen stood up and walked right up to my face and said, “do you know, who I am”? With a smirk, I answered, “No, not really, but you kind of look like Bjorn Borg”. Wait a minute, in my head I remembered seeing a big billboard out front of the hotel, that read, BIG Match this weekend, Bjorn Borg vs. Jimmy Connors. Could it be, no, no way, I was a huge tennis fan, but there was no way this man one foot from my face was BB. OK, the accent was there, the hair was there, I glanced at the other gentlemen, and I got weak in the knees! There he was, my Idol, Jimmy Connors, I literally couldn’t speak!

My mouth was moving, but nothing was coming out. At least nothing audible! I looked over at Debbie, who at this time was heading out the gate, she turned to look at me, and motioned for me to start walking, NOW, and fast!

Obviously we can’t wear our Makeup like the models above, unless were ready to sashay down the runway, but I love looking at the total glamour of Makeup!  Today I’m hitting up my favorite store, Sephora, in which I could literally spend hours in.  I’m out of so much product, so before I go I always go to their website, get a piece of paper and pen, and start my list.

I thought I would share with you, some of my picks for today!

I just love the new HD makeup, absolutely made for total High Definition!  How many of you thought “OMG, I bet the actors and actresses are hating this new format” .  With the pressure to stay youthful in Hollywood, then HD TV comes along…Yikes….

Well, it was bound to happen, a  perfect makeup to compensate.  And yes I love it, it’s my favorite foundation.  While getting ready yesterday, I had to use a Q Tip to get to the bottom of the jar! Have you ever notice that the pumps in any product always leave about an inch of the product at the bottom!  How do you get to yours?  Me, so funny, I often start mutilating the container to get to the bottom!  So hence the reason I have a Date today with Sephora………..

My shopping list today……

HD Microperfecting Primer $32
Foundation Fix-It
This oil-free primer nourishes and softens the skin for a glowing effect that shows from beneath your foundation. It also creates a protective layer on the skin allowing foundation to glide on easily and last longer. Comes in six color-correcting shades.

HD Invisible Cover Foundation $40
No Hard Edges
You’ll be amazed at the flawless finish this truly amazing foundation leaves behind. This oil-free, medium-to-full-coverage formula creates a soft-focus effect that softens lines and blurrs imperfections. Available in 25 shades to match all skintones.

Makeup For Ever has so many great products but these two above are the only ones I use for my face.  I prefer Lancome’s face powder for a perfect finish!

Now for the EYES!  My favorite part!

I’m sure by now, you know I am going to the Bon Jovi Concert on Wednesday Night!  Below is the look I’m going for, with a little more black smudged in.  Going to a Rock Concert, gives me the opportunity to Rock The Look that night, makeup and all!

On Model: Eyeshadows #92, #303, and #75

Eyeshadow, $19 Diamond Shadow, $20 Powder Blush, $19

Now for the Lips… With Dramatic Eyes … Means Simple Lips!  Nars all the way baby……..

This shade is perfect for every skin tone and any occasion; it lasts for hours! Lipstick in Belle de Jour, NARS, $24;

As seen here on Kim Kardashian

Now is not the time to be timid!

After reading this article on @Mashable website, I realized, it is our time to shine Ladies.  Never before have we had so many opportunities placed before us.  Social Media is giving us the world as our audience, and it is ours for the taking!

Let’s break this down, simplify, and   quantify.

For example let’s say you’re a housewife with an amazing product.  How do you share it with the world?  Before: You would have to look, beg, barrow and steal for someone to discover you and believe in your product to get noticed.  Now:  Just Tweet about it, post it to your FaceBook Fan Page, Digg It, and so on!  With an audience of millions at your disposal everyday, it’s absolutely free marketing!  You must target your audience to reach the maximum exposure and with the tools available, simply put, it’s so easy!

“Women have firmly established their presence on the social web, and account for the majority of users on many popular social media sites. But what does this mean for the future of women in social media?”

One word: Opportunity.

“Companies looking to reach women — whether as consumers, entrepreneurs, employees, or advocates — have an unprecedented opportunity through social media to engage them. For women, social media presents abundant opportunities to lead, effect change, innovate, and build relationships across sectors, locally, nationally, and globally.” says,  Jessica Faye Carter , who is an award-winning author and columnist.

I want to help you shine, get noticed, be relevant and be the Superstar you are!

It is no longer a Mans world, as stated before, it is OUR turn.  Together we can do this and with the support of each other, anything is possible!

For me, it was doing what I have come to love!  Talk on Twitter, tweet about women’s issues, promote my Blog!  And now I want to share what I have learned with you.  How you can be number 1, in your state, in the top 10 on Twitter Grader, why you ask?  Because in doing so, gets you noticed!  No longer do you have to be a celebrity to have people listen to what you have to say.

Contact me @CiaoBella50 or @JessicaNorthey,  FingerCandy, Media, and let us make you the Superstar you are!

Kisses Ladies, and Cheers to us!

Hope everyone had a fun Valentines Day!  This was my first year since I was 13, without my very own Valentine.  It was a little strange, but made it through unscathed!  I spent most of the day in my pajamas watching movies, Twittered a bit and took long naps.

Getting over an Ex is definitely a struggle and on days like Valentines Day, it’s magnified!  But, I was strong, I made it through.

Just a little update about what’s been going on in my life… I’ve started working again.  The two year self imposed sabbatical was long enough.  Back to the real world.  My life has changed so drastically in the last two years, it’s unbelievable.  Sometimes I feel as though I’m walking around in a state of shock!  It may be a coping mechanism, I’m not sure, but none the less, it works!  Ha….

I’ve also partnered up with @JessicaNorthey on Twitter and have jumped in headfirst, with Finger Candy, Media.  So very excited about it, and hope to make that a career.

Still so in love with my Blog, it’s my baby.  I feed it everyday, lol, and watch it grow!  I thank all of you so much who support me here, it means the world to me.  I hope to keep you entertained and coming back for more!

Love you guys, Hugs and Kisses………..

Soon, yes soon, we’ll have our chance,
To embrace each other in a lovers dance.
A dance which I’ll take your hand and show,
The love you’ve yet to know.

And yes, we’ll know it with that kiss,
The first taste of tender bliss.
The hug and warm embrace will say it all,
The fear and doubts we’ve had will fall

From my lips to yours, we’re in  total  abyss,
With that FIRST  sweet tender kiss.

To be continued…..