Christian Louboutin Canon 140

Ruched metallic silk chiffon peep toe bootie with ruffled instep and back zip.

With the velvet stool, crystal chandelier and perfectly organized shoe closet all that is missing are those Louboutins!

I finished my closets, now just waiting for the cooler weather, I found so many cute sweaters I had forgotten about and now can’t wait to wear them.

Finally able to relax a bit after the holiday.   My weekend was crazy busy, mostly with fun stemming from my birthday.    Lovely dinners with family and friends, gifts I totally didn’t deserve, but I accepted gracefully non the less.  : )

Hope your holiday was special in some way!

Bella XoX

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?

The Winners Are

Francis A and Miki

Enjoy your

Thank you to all whom entered!  We will be doing another giveaway in two weeks, so watch for it and don’t forget to enter!

Bella

XoX

Start saving up as well, around $3500

SHEARLING FUNNEL NECK AVIATOR JACKET

pics via Fashion Gone Rogue

I have mirror tables in my living room and bedroom and these are perfect.  I am also going to drape mine with PEARLS, for an added touch of femininity.

These mirrors can be found at any dollar store.. Total Price  $5.00

scrape the stickers off with a razor squeegee. trying to peel them off will only end in tears and pill popping.

lay your base, mirror side down and hold one of the mirrored pieces up to the edge of the base.

once you’re sure everything is even and level run a bead of hot glue along the seam where the edges meet.

wait patiently for the glue to dry before moving onto the next piece of mirror. this is exactly when the bottom of your foot will feel like it needs to be scratched.

continue lining up and gluing the bottom and side edges of the mirrored pieces. my glue gun broke mid-craft so mine is messy.

done! if you think you’re going to see inside the boxes, remove the round felt pads on the bottom of each square.

Have Fun !!!  Bella XoX

via Fabulous DIY’S The Art of Doing Stuff

Laurens new fall 2010 line is available at Kohls and the prices are so affordable, most are under $50.00.

Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.   Coco Chanel

Bella XoX

Fabulous pump for fall !!

Casadei Women’s 3509 Triple Platform Pump in Steel Raso on Amazon.com, $328.15

Hello Luvs,    somewhat of a dramatic weekend for me.  So many life decisions swirling in my head,  the lessons over my lifetime, have forced me to start making better decisions.

For the majority of my life I’ve been married, I’ve had a support system in place and always have  had the focus and determination needed to make such decisions.  Now making them on my own, is somewhat overwhelming.  Not having a partner in life, is my weakest point of moving forward.

I am learning day to day to be strong, to be independent and realizing that life without a man is possible.   So many times I look back at my choices I’ve made and have regret, but today, is the DAY, I move forward!

Opening my heart to new possibilities and letting go of my past, not forgetting, just letting go.  And for me, that’s a big step, one that took much to long to arrive at.

FOCUS on the future and to quit looking in the rear view mirror in my new motto.  And as I continue on this personal journey, I hope to give you the same desires to be your best, your most beautiful and continue to inspire with BEAUTY.  Afterall, without hope, without our dreams, what do we really have?

Lovely fashions and dreamy pictures always inspire me, and on your darkest days, know you are not alone in this world.

Bella

XoX

Note:  Hahaha, just notice the links name, quite ironic I think!!!!

pics via {TheSlightlyObessesiveBride}

This summer-y watermelon cocktail from Sunset Magazine sounds just delicious!  So simple, yet so festive…..here’s the how-to:

Whirl chunks of watermelon in a food processor until blended, then strain. Rub the rim of a martini glass with a cut lemon wedge, then dip rim in a shallow plate of sugar. Pour 3 tbsp. watermelon juice, 2 tbsp. brandy, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, and 2 tbsp. Cointreau into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake thoroughly, then strain into glass. Garnish with watermelon wedges.  YUM, right?!

This chop salad caught my eye for a couple of reasons: 1) it just looks so darn pretty!  I love the presentation!  2) the fresh ingredients used are sure to be tasty and 3) I love that it is a full meal, but only one dish (less to clean up, less to prepare!).

~~~~~~~~

Enjoying the last few weekends of summer, the lovely times spent with friends and family.  When I found this yummy summer cocktail, I wanted to share it with you.  Watermelon season is almost over, so we’re just in time.

Last Friday I spent the day at the Spa, oh how I wish it were today!  Holding back from making the call to repeat the day today!  : )

What are your plan this weekend?  I’d love to know!!!

Hoping your weekend is FABULOUS, remember the beautiful you everytime you look in the mirror.

Bella XoX

party pics via ThePartyDress

Two $25.00  gift certificate from FROWNIES

I was estactic when I first found these, because I am one of those rare people who  is allergic to Botox.  I tried it about 10 years ago, and became severely ill.

So you can imagine when I saw a natural way, I knew I had to try them.

You can postpone the signs of aging… NATURALLY

FROWNIES beauty treatments include products that reduce wrinkles while you sleep and natural biologically active antioxidant treatments for the skin. The right antioxidants for the skin and wrinkle treatment products can help you reduce wrinkles and preserve your beauty.

Raquel Welch, a beautiful 69 year old Hollywood star, was interviewed by Valerie Bertinelli on the Joy Behar show. Raquel Welch said that she uses Frownies to keep the elevens between the eyes under control. What other stars use Frownies and we just don’t know? They were after all called “Hollywood’s Beauty Secret”.

One more star lets the secret out. Today we all assume they use Botox if there are no lines but many women won’t touch it and others just have not learned about Frownies.

Joy Behar Show-March 31, 2010

The View is an American talk show broadcast on American Broadcasting Company as part of ABC Daytime. The View created by Barbara Walters and Bill Geddie, features a panel of women as co-hosts. Frownies were seen on the View when Eve Pearl, View Crew Makeup Artist and make-up artist for Sex In the City brought Frownies anti-aging patch on the show. Eve said: ” Frownies are Hollywood’s biggest secret. It’s kind of like the natural Botox…You wet it, use the adhesive, and you stick it on those little areas where you have frowns…And basically when you sleep with this, it rejuvenates the muscles in your skin, and it gets rid of those lines…You do it while you’re vacuuming, when you’re sleeping…They do work, they really work.” -Eve Pearl, View Crew Makeup Artist. – The View on ABC, October 22, 2004

Contest Rules:

Two $ 25.00 gift certificate will be given out,to two   randomly selected  followers of my Blog.

1.  You must follow my Blog to be elegible.

2.  You must tweet this giveaway.

3.  You must follow TheFrownies on Twitter

4.  You may enter as many times as you wish… just keep Retweeting or posting to Facebook, and please leave me a comment, so I can keep track of your entries.

Winner will be announced September 1, 2010, one week from today!

If this is succesful, we will be doing similar giveaways with Frownies on a regular basis!

Good Luck

Bella XoX