Lots to discuss today! First, know that the latest travel restriction information can now be found in Diva Says.

Secondly, fashion! Oh fashionistas, ‘Tis the season to be chic! SF Fashion Week has closed, and now we move to NYC’s Fashion Week from September 8-15, with its spring ‘07 Ready-to-Wear collections. Who wouldn’t be ready to wear hot designers like Vivienne and Diane, Thom and Ralph, and some favorite Project Runway designers? 

And speaking of Europe, here’s the crazy news: I seem to have been struck down with an ear infection and I don’t think I’ll be able to fly this weekend, so my Transylvanian dreams might be shattered! Of course I’ll meet the girls in Italy the following week, but I may have to sever this ghoulish leg from my itinerary. Don’t you just hate that?

Things I’ve learned as I’ve lurched through my birthday month is never to plan five back to back parties for yourself. I am not 22 anymore, you know, and I must throw in le towel! Oh, I overdid it. I partied too much, and on top of the extreme festivities was an extreme loss in my life, so I found myself jetting home to San Antonio to wish a dear friend a final farewell.

Then from death I had to spring back to life and continue the frenetic birthday party pace. It was insane! And now I’m paying the price for my elations and devestations. You can read more about my birthday mishaps here.

So older, wiser, and definitely sicker, I face September with a little prayer in my heart: oh life, relax and settle down. Find equilibrium and allow me my jaunt to Rome and Amalfi, then another petite passage to Tulsa for Rosh Hashanah, and finally, an unvoracious voyage back to Texas to check in on my friend whose mother passed on. You can read more about this formidably fabulous woman in this blog, my Ode to an Ailing Friend.

Life, death. Birth, celebration. With visions of Transylvanian-born immortality now on hold, a show I recently watched about the cosmos helped put things into perspective. Even stars are mortal. Stars die, and worlds die. And even the Universe doesn’t live forever. It’s not about whether the end will come, it’s about how you go out: let us all be supernovas.

…and speaking of death, anyone confused about Apple Sony battery recalls, you know, the ones that can spontaneously combust or something? Check out this link for help: https://support07.apple.com/index.html.  

     Cari Borja and Colleen Quen:

On Saturday, September 16th, you’ll find me and my posse of fabulous Divas at the Fresh Faces Fashion Show in San Francisco. Here is the details, if you can to join us. 

The Regency Center
1300 Van Ness @ Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA

7:00 - 8:00pm: VIP Reception
8:30 - 9:30pm: Fashion Show
9:30pm - Midnight: Post Party & Accessories Reception

Doors open for:
VIP @ 7:00pm
General Admission @ 7:45pm

*On the Decks: DJ Fouzia (VIP Reception), Dirty Hertz (Post Party)

Gen Art San Francisco invites you to our 3rd annual Fresh Faces in Fashion Show in the Grand Ballroom of the Regency Center. The show reflects the state of the emerging designer world, providing 6 cutting-edge designers the opportunity to show their looks on a 60 foot runway for an audience of 1,000. A Post-Party will take place in the Sutter Room of the Regency Center directly following the show, showcasing installations by 3 accessories designers.

The VIP Reception for Fresh Faces in Fashion will take place during the hour prior to the runway show and is open to Associate Producer members, members of the press and fashion industry members.

Participating Designers:

Womenswear / Menswear:
Bacca da Silva
Black Horn
gr.dano
The 615 Project
Verriéres & Sako

Accessories:
Rebecca Ciccio (handbags)
tessapoppy design (jewelry)
Tracy Matthews Designs (jewelry)

** Don’t Miss the Return of San Francisco’s Hottest & Biggest Fall Fashion Event!

** To see photos from last year’s event, click here.

Beverages provided by: Johnnie Walker, Ciroc Vodka, Beck’s Premier Light, BAWLS Guaranexx and POP Champagne

Hey - anyone else out there a mileage hog like me? I LOVE earning miles. I have always been motivated by incentives. And I think I am good at earning them. I think alot of people are. It’s the spending of those hard earned miles that I fuss with. So far this year I have spent my United miiles fairly well.

Til December for only 15K I can go anywhere within 750 miles of SF for $5. (usually 25K)  Santa Barbara? $5. Boise? $5. Vegas? YES $5!

I like this discounted mileage traveling. Though - I have to keep in mind - I am not earning miles for those flights. Just knocking off sizeable chunks from the total! Eroding international redemption power.

Recently United added a feauture to booking award travel tools - showcasing the flights they have plenty of award seats available on. I can tell you that in September - flying out of Denver offers the most choices, followed by Washington DC. I think this tool is in it’s early infancy as I was able to research plenty of availablity out of SFO.

I use to hop around all kinds of sites that collected mile offers into one place. But I have lost track of those sites. And, really, there is only so much time I can spend in front of a computer!

Nothing is better than good food, wine, and conversation. On Friday, my husband and I were invited to join a few fashion luminaries for a private lunch on the lush grounds of Peju winery in Napa Valley with Lisa Peju. The lunch was out of this world. Chef Max created one of the finest meals I have eaten this side of Tuscany. We dined on an organic arugula salad with goat’s cheese, blue potatoes roasted in fresh olive oil, summer squash, grilled salmon, and beef that was lovingly roasted in old Cabernet barrels. Dessert was fresh peach tartlets and more cheese. 

This was a heavenly meal where all the stars line up and everything was perfect. The food, wine, and conversation. Colleen Quen was there, my favorite couture designer, who took the day off after her jaw-dropping show at San Francisco Fashion Week. Her work, just like Max’s is brilliant and thoughtful. Everything in balance, everything prepared beautifully. If you have the chance to dine on Max’s food – please do. Cruise up past Napa, and head to Rutherford. The Peju family is delightful and their story is heartwarming. (www.peju.com) And if you have a soiree that commands a dramatic gown that fits you like a glove – visit Colleen (http://www.colleenquencouture.com)

My case of Peju wine is on it’s way to my home. I can’t wait to uncork one of those fine bottles and pretend I am back in heaven.

Historic Glen Cove Mansion Hotel Introduces “The Great Gatsby” Package!
This bit of pr news caught my eye. How imaginative to head to Long Island and float thru the hotel grounds in filmy dresses and shiny shoes. 

"Long Island Gold Coast Mansion Recalls Elegance of the Roaring 20s! Glen Cove Mansion Hotel, the landmark Georgian estate located on Long Island’s historic Gold Coast and once the country home of the renowned Pratt family (Standard Oil), is drawing on its legendary heritage by introducing “The Great Gatsby” package.

The moment guests of The Great Gatsby package drive through the estate’s gates, they will find themselves transported to an elegant era. From the quarter mile drive to the mansion from Dosoris Lane (the same Dosoris Lane made famous in Audrey Hepburn’s Sabrina), and the 55 acres of groomed lawns and gardens, to the original architectural appointments — including a majestic baronial double staircase — and breathtaking Long Island Sound vistas, Glen Cove Mansion is the Gilded Age and the Roaring Twenties wrapped up in one magnificent estate.

The mansion even offers the original Pratt family swimming pool, which is still dressed in its early 20th Century splendor. If guests squint, they might catch a glimpse of Jay Gatsby peering from the mansion’s French balconies above the pool or discover Old Sport coming through the pool gates. At Glen Cove Mansion, so much of the past remains that it’s possible to conjure up the Roaring Twenties pool parties of that bygone era, complete with sequined flapper dresses, a live band, and everyone dancing the Charleston. Just sit at the pool at twilight and imagine … Afterward, top off the evening in the Manor House Pub, situated in the original third floor billiards room with commanding views of the North Shore, Morgan’s Island (formerly JP Morgan’s private escape) and Long Island Sound beyond. One can almost see Morgan’s yacht, the Corsair, through the mist, moored in the Sound, as it so frequently was at the turn-of-the-last-century.

And there’s more … included in the package is a copy of the classic, The Great Gatsby, and "The Trail of Gatsby." This detailed map highlights the trails of the Gold Coast as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. Guests will discover that East Egg and West Egg are really Great Neck and Manhasset Neck. The map also contains features on the many mansions of the Pratt Family and a special inclusion on The Webb Institute (a former Pratt family mansion), which was featured in Batman Forever as "Wayne Manor.”

The Glen Cove Mansion Great Gatsby package also includes overnight accommodations for two; a sumptuous breakfast buffet the next morning prepared by the mansion’s award-winning chefs; a $50 mansion gift certificate for use in the Garden Room Restaurant or the Manor House Pub; two hours of bicycling around Long Island’s historic Gold Coast, including trail maps to the beach, area attractions and several other mansions. Also included are two hours of tennis rentals and court time at the estate (after all, Gatsby loved tennis), a welcome amenity, and the pièce de résistance — a miniature of Jay Gatsby’s famed roadster! The Great Gatsby package is $375 per couple per night. Guests wishing to extend their stay an additional night can do so for half price until December 30, 2006.

We think Jay Gatsby would approve.

For more information and to make reservations, call 516-674-2940 or visit www.glencovemansion.com.

The award-winning Glen Cove Mansion Hotel is situated on 55 secluded and landscaped acres on Long Island’s historic Gold Coast, 30 minutes from New York City, JFK International and LaGuardia Airports. The spacious Georgian-style mansion features stunning vistas of Long Island Sound and was once part of a prestigious collection of gracious country estates. Today the elegant property features 196 richly appointed guestrooms, including four suites, the Garden Room Restaurant with magnificent views of the terraces, the large and comfortable Manor House Pub, private dining rooms ideal for social and corporate occasions, as well as vast outdoor reception areas overlooking the mansion’s Gilded Age gardens. The property offers 25,000 square feet of event space, accommodating from 10 to 280 guests, and concierge services. Wireless Internet access is available throughout. Also provided are complete fitness and recreational facilities, including a sauna, steam and massage rooms, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, garden swimming pool, racquetball courts, bowling alley, lighted tennis courts, jogging trail and a sports field. Golf is available nearby. The Glen Cove Mansion Hotel is masterfully designed to integrate gracious accommodations, superb cuisine and attentive service with contemporary comforts and the latest technology. For more information on the Glen Cove Mansion Hotel, visit www.glencovemansion.com."

Does everyone know about the Ecology Center? I didn’t until my sister told me about it. Apparently you can call and ask them any kind of question and they will inform you about the most environmentally favorable way to do it.

My question was about water. You hear these things: tap water has lead and chlorine. Bottled water is problematic because the plastic may possibly leach into the water. What’s a girl to drink? This has been a burning issue in my world lately, because even my little Brita pitcher is suspect because again, alleged leaching plastic. Which may or may not lead to cancer. 

So I called the Ecology Center to talk about water. In California, they add not chlorine but chloramine to water, which is something I need to keep in mind when looking at water purification labels to see what they block.

Too, I was made aware that my state, California, has a health department which issues certificates to certain companies that they feel amply purify water.

Much more informed, I found a company called Multi-Pure which my state has certified. They make stainless steel under-the-sink or counter models that purify your drinking water, reducing lead and chloramine by use of carbon blockers, which the Ecology Center recommends. (*Mind you I haven’t tried the product myself so I can’t recommend it, but it seems to match my checklist…)

Too, the Ecology Center likes these kinds of models because you aren’t constantly using up filters and bottles and pitchers and other plastics. Recycling them is good, but not having to use them or support their production is better.

As soon as I get back from Transylvania, I will look into getting a good water purifier. That is, if I haven’t started drinking blood…

I just watched Spike Lee’s special “When the Levees Broke.” Do I live in America – the most powerful country in the world - or a freaking third-world armpit of a place?!?! I am so embarrassed by the way our government has handled this tragic event that happened almost a YEAR AGO! People have been dying from health-related issues in greater numbers because they don’t have any healthcare, now that the hospitals are gone and so are all their records. They are still finding bodies and insurance agencies are refusing to pay out on policies that have been active for years and years. One 80-year-old man has been paying All-State for 50 years and he got a check for just over $600. He lost EVERYTHING. I had no idea it was so bad. I have been so focused on the Middle East bullshit that I took my eyes and heart off New Orleans.

Basically, FEMA is a 4-letter F word and the president has been rowing up the river “de Nile” for the past 12 months. What the hell! I just read an AP report today that says, and I quote verbatim:

“Wednesday, August 23, 2006 (Washington):

The Marine Corps will soon begin ordering thousands of its troops back to active duty to fill a shortage of volunteers for Iraq and Afghanistan. Up to 2,500 Marines will be brought back at a time, and there is no cap on the total number who may be forced back into service as the military helps fight the war on terror. The number of troops in Iraq has climbed back to 138,000, the prevailing number for much of last year. Escalating violence in Baghdad has led military leaders to increase the US presence there. The Army, meanwhile, has issued orders recalling about 10,000 soldiers so far, but many of those may be granted exemptions. (AP)”

DO WE NEED TO BREAK OUT IN A CIVIL WAR IN NEW ORLEANS TO GET THE PRESIDENT’S ATTENTION? SUICIDE BOMBERS? EXPLOSIVES? WHAT WILL IT TAKE??

WAIT! Those troops could be in New Orleans helping our civilians, our people, our family members, our friends, our Americans. I am not ever going to tell you how I feel about the war in Iraq, or the money we have wasted there (when we could be fixing Louisiana and educating our children) I am so disgusted by the whole mess. I am embarrassed to be an American right now. So, I challenge all of us to do something. Register to vote, read the news, find out how your congressmen and Senators stand on important issues and make sure you know where you stand in all this. Remember Divas, knowledge is power!

If you know of reputable service providers that are assisting Katrina victims, please post here.

SPECIAL ONE DAY OFFER From the publisher of Fork Me, Spoon Me the sensual cookbook Life of Reiley, the publisher of Fork Me, Spoon Me has extended a special offer to food lovers‚ like you, but you must act this Thursday!

Order Fork Me, Spoon Me: the sensual cookbook this Thursday 8/24, from Amazon.com, and receive a FREE GIFT from the publisher: your choice of either Amy Reiley’s Pocket Gourmet or Amy Reiley’s Pocket Vineyard, the first comprehensive food and wine programs for PDA‚s, a $19.95 value. Just send your online email receipt as proof of purchase to Life of Reiley at info@lifeofreiley.com. (note: your contact information will remain private. Life of Reiley will not use/abuse or sell the information of promotion participants).

About Fork Me, Spoon Me the sensual cookbook: Whether you’re looking for love or just looking to fuel a little lust, Fork Me, Spoon Me the sensual cookbook will lead you by the hand down the road to romance or if you prefer, simply help you get down and dirty. Even if you can’t boil water, with this hot little page-turner at your side, you can still get it on.

Hot Honey Nuts — Vanilla-Scented Sea Bass — Moist Mango Meatloaf — Ginger Mojitos — Persian Love Cake - Persion Love Cale?

Written by Master of Gastronomy Amy Reiley, the leading American authority on sensual foods, Fork Me, Spoon Me explores the world’s most potent aphrodisiacs for steaming up the kitchen or bedroom or whatever room you feel like a little spooning.

"Whether it was the food or the fact that we ate too much of it, we both got the urge to take off our pants," Marie Claire magazine, Aug. 2006

HURRY! Don‚t miss out on your free gift! Offer expires August 25, 12:01am

With Stephanie, our editorial empress, you never know what to expect. And this was never truer than at her birthday brunch yesterday. “Oh, just a lovely brunch with my closest friends” turned into an over-the-top Grecian love fest perfectly accessorized with a life-size ice sculpture of David (which was equipped with a fountain that poured out lemon drops – yup, you guessed it!) and scantily-clad men donned in loincloths and feather fans. Did I mention that they fed the guests grapes?

All her guests showed up dressed in togas and the champagne never ended (as it should be!) I have to say, it was the best birthday party I went to! Brava Stephanie – thanks for a great day and happy birthday my dear! I love you

Reading books is so much easier than writing them. And, I am an insatiable reader. When I was young, my parents had a stack of Reader’s Digest hard cover books, you know, the ones with different vintage covers on each volume. When I was not using them for Barbie’s bed, I was looking up new words. My aunt Rosie jokes about how when I was 3 years old I came up to her and told her, “I am going back to my territory now.” In other words, I was going home.

I read at night while soaking in the tub and right before surrendering to sleep. Some nights I can’t sleep because I’m reading. For example, two nights ago I stayed up until 2 am, just so I could finish “The Great Gatsby.”  Oh, that F. Scott Fitzgerald has a poetic way with words. The latest book I’ve read is one of the best ever. It’s “Eat, Pray, Love.” By Elizabeth Gilbert. The book was a gift from my publisher. They (the ubiquitous Penguin Books and their darling imprints) also published Elizabeth’s book. So, when I was in New York last time, my editor gave me a stack of books and said, “Fair thee well!”

The only thing is, I’m not a big fan of female narratives. So, I did not plan on reading it. They kinda drive me crazy. I don’t like being in the mind of a woman with issues. God knows I’ve got enough of my own, so why would I want to dive into someone else’s? I hate watching the evening news too – it creates that same type of angst in me. For example, I read that book, “Fat Girl” because I really wanted to understand how someone could get obese. I’m too vain to get fat - which is just as unhealthly! But, by the time I finished “Fat Girl” I wanted a cream puff, a plate of pasta, and a knife so I could stab myself. Oh, the author just died.

Back to my all-time favorite book right now. So, I was flying to the Dominican Republic and I needed something to read, so I took her book with me. What a great companion! “Eat, Pray, Love” is a fabulous narrative about a woman who decides to divorce her husband and take a year off to travel the world. Sounds trite, doesn’t it? Well, let me tell you, it is filled with glorious tales of her travels, wonderful characters she meets on her way, and the lessons she learns when she seeks to find her truth. Brilliant!! She should be the Tango Diva poster child!

So, if you are in an emotional rough patch, or trying to figure out if you should dump the dead weight (husband or beau), or if you want a great read – pick up her book! And if you buy it from amazon.com, buy a new copy please! Us authors don’t get paid for used copies. Thanks!