MBT's high-tech Ari

MBTs: Walking shoes and workouts

Ideally, I’d be at the gym every morning. But that’s not going to happen. I can barely get enough time to take a shower. I got a pair of MBT Ari’s. these shoe make you use your core muscles just by wearing them. They have a patented structure that make you use your bum, tummy, and leg muscles to keep balanced and moving. Just walking is a workout. I can throw on my MBTs, head to the grocery store and by the time I’m back home I can feel the burn in my lower body. It is truly amazing.

Graco Pack and Play

Graco Pack and Play: Traveling Bed and Playpen

We live in a small apartment in San Francisco, so we don’t have room for a beautiful crib with matching furniture. What we have is the Graco Pack and Play and it is a lifesaver. My baby sleeps in it at night and she plays in it during the day. Then, we I send her off to grandma’s house, the system easily breaks down into a carry bag. It comes with a rod where you can hang toys and mobiles as well, which is great for little curious minds.

Orbit Baby Strollers

Orbit Baby: Stroller and Car Seat in One

This stroller is not only a stroller, it’s its own verb. I can Orbit with my baby, not just walk. The stroller seat is also a car seat that snaps into an orbit base in the car. The Orbit system offers a bassinet on a rocker – which my baby slept in for the first 4 months. The bassinet clips into the stroller base as well. So, with a few pieces from Orbit, you have a stroller, car seat, and bassinet. For you fashionistas, you will be happy to know that the stroll comes in a variety of hip colors.

Lululemon

Lululemon: Workout to a Night Out

OK, I spend my day nursing, burping, and keeping a new human alive while juggling client calls and writing. I can’t fit into any of my pre-pregnancy clothes and I want something that feels sexy, but still lets me move with my not-so-hot body. Lululemon has some great clothes that firm and lift while looking tres chic. Kinda like body Spanx but way sexier. Some of the pants are reversible, so I can wear them a few days in a row! What is great about many of their designs is that I can throw on one of their darling sweaters over an outfit along with a cute pair of flats and I am good to go.

Netflix mobile

Netflix Mobile: Breaking the Breastfeeding Boredom

I’ve had Netflix for years. I enjoy getting movies in the mail and having movie night. Well, then I started breastfeeding and I was bored out of my skull. I can’t just stare at my beautiful baby for 45 minutes straight 8 times a day. So, I downloaded Netflix onto my iPhone. Now, I can put in my earplugs (a must) and watch movies to my heart’s content. Now, breastfeeding is not boring at all, actually I look forward to it!

These are a few items that have made my life much easier and have helped me be the best mom I can be. No, I’m not supermom, and I need all the help that I can get. I’m not too sure what I would do without these few treasured items, luckily I don’t need to find out!

DAY 2 – Letting go. What I learned today was that we cause so much stress by expecting others to changes to be what we want. We try to put square pegs in round holes and the truth is – we can’t change others. We can only change ourselves. Once we realize this truth we can LET GO of others and FOCUS on living our best lives. Accepting the fact that people have different values is key. If those values don’t meet yours, then perhaps it is time to step up and start creating the life YOU WANT….

“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
- William Ernest Henley

DAY 3 – Listen to your body. You talk to your body, sometimes negative things like, “I’m fat.” Your body listens and confirms what you say. So, be aware of your thoughts. What is great is that your body talks to you too. Every thing from gut feelings, sickness, headaches, and jitters is our body’s way of “talking.” What we need to do is listen. Take a moment in the morning and ask, “My beautiful body, what do you need today?” And listen. You might get thoughts like, “Rest, water, touch, or exercise.” If you’re about to do something that you’re not sure you really want to do. ASK! Your body will answer with a definitive YES or NO. Simple, yet powerful.

DAY 4 – Five Regrets of the Dying. We heard a story about a women who worked in hospice care for years and she listened to hundreds of people who were about to die. The regrets were always the same:

1. “I wish that I had the courage to live the life that I wanted.”
2. “I wish that I did not work so hard.”
3. “I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.”
4. “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.”
5. “I wish I let myself be happy.”

Personally, I suffer from “letting myself be happy.” When I wake up, the first thing I think is not, “WOW another beautiful day!” My tasks and responsibilities hit me in the face and, if anyone ‘offended’ me the day before, I remember that too. I don’t want to be that way anymore. So, my commitment is to BE HAPPY when I get home. Life is pretty amazing and we are all blessed. Thanks for reading – I love you!

Day 5 – Live in the NOW. They have a saying her at OHI: “What time is it?” And the answer is “NOW.” There is nothing but the NOW. We get stuck in our heads, feeling regret about the past and getting worried about the future. But they don’t exist. In my life I struggle with staying in the NOW, I am always running off to some dark corner of my past or racing to a worrisome place in the future. One of the ways they teach us to stay in the NOW is to connect with our breath. 3 minutes without breathing and we die, so our breath is a powerful tool to use to get us back into our bodies and in the present moment. When you find yourself getting caught up in a negative past/future loop, stop and take 3 deep, conscience breaths and ask yourself, “What time is it?” The time is NOW.

DAY 6 – Celebrate Small Successes. Kyle Ruppe is here to change his life. On January 3, he was diagnosed with ALS: Lou Gehrig’s disease. This 29 year old is FILLED with joy and love. His smile lights up the room. He is here with his friend Chris who is his biggest fan (besides me!). Kyle saw Chris making his bed and asked him why he did that every morning. Chris said, “Because I like to celebrate small successes. When I make the bed I feel like I accomplished something, it’s a great way to start the day.” What a life-changing moment for me. Yes, it is time for us to take time and celebrate, no matter how small the accomplishment. I went back to my room and made my bed, and did a little dance to celebrate my success.

DAY 7 – I feel so connected to myself now. This week has given me an opportunity to rest, heal and learn. I am so grateful for this time. Now, it’s time to go home and implement what I have learned. My intention is give everyone I meet some joy, hope or inspiration. That’s it!

In 2003, Patti and I went to Peru, where we drank pisco sours and thought about what a website for solo women travelers would look like. It was during those exciting moments that TangoDiva.com was born.

Talking about birth, 7 months ago I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. That’s why you haven’t seen much of me. Honestly, I had no idea how hard motherhood was going to be. Now, I have such an appreciation for mothers around the world.

My promise to you, Divas, is to get back on board. I still believe that through travel we become better women. And it is my goal to help foster travel – be it solo or with your mama.

Please let me know what you want to see at TangoDiva this year. When we started this network, our goal was always to give back and support our members. That has not changed. I’m just a bit busier with my baby diva. She already has a passport and has been to Mexico. I plan on showing her the world, so she can have a passionate appreciation for culture, countries, and others.

Keep in touch! You can reach me at teresa (at) tangodiva (dot) com.

Passionately and faithfully,

Teresa

WIN – WIN!

So, on Saturday, October 22, our Divas are doing it again. If you live in Northern California I encourage you to head to San Rafael to score some amazing designer pieces for a fraction of the cost.

DETAILS:
Saturday, October 22nd
9 am – 3 pm
The Real Real Warehouse
3095 Kerner Blvd. Suite M
San Rafael, CA
Phone: 415-455-9300

I wish I could be there, I’ll be in Mexico writing a piece about family travel. Oh, by the way, I had a baby girl on May 30th this year. Crazy, I know. But I will always FLY SOLO when I can.

Let the Divas at The Real Real know that Tango Diva sent you!

Clink on the image to get driving directions!

WIN – WIN!

So, on Saturday, October 22, our Divas are doing it again. If you live in Northern California I encourage you to head to San Rafael to score some amazing designer pieces for a fraction of the cost.

DETAILS:
Saturday, October 22nd
9 am – 3 pm
The Real Real Warehouse
3095 Kerner Blvd. Suite M
San Rafael, CA
Phone: 415-455-9300

Let the Divas at The Real Real know that Tango Diva sent you!

Clink on the image to get driving directions!

·      Zinc Details: showcasing a home living vignette and serving KOKOMO wine
·      Jurlique: raffling a basket worth $200 and giving complimentary samples
·      Gallery of Jewels: serving wine and raffling $100 worth of jewelery
·      DOSA: delicious bites and Spice Route cocktails
·      Kiehl’s: samples, skin consultations, and hors d’oeuvres by La Med
·      Renaissance Salon: complimentary product demos and styling
·      Eileen Fisher: serving refreshments and a drawing
·      Salon Yuni: serving bites and a $10 gift certificate
·      BoConcept: showcasing a home living vignette and serving Terra Savia Organic wines and hors d’oeuvres
·      Design Within Reach: showcasing a home living vignette and serving wine from Verge Syrah
·      Fraiche: offering yogurt tastings
·      Paolo shoes: serving wine and champagne
·      Limu: putting on a Peter Cohen trunk show and serving canapés and Gloria Ferrer champagne
·      Heidi Says Shoes: serving pizza and wine from Dino’s and raffling a $75 gift certificate
·      Timeless Treasures: offering a 10% discount
·      Betsey Johnson: offering a 10% discount and serving champagne
·      Hi Ho Silver: serving wine and hosting a $100 raffle
·      The Shade Store: serving refreshments and wine, raffling $500 worth of goods, and offering free samples, catalogs, and tote bags
·      Benefit Cosmetics: hosting a raffle for a private beauty bash for 10 women
·      Toujours: serving refreshments, raffling a $75 gift certificate, and putting on a fashion show celebrating 25 years!
·      Crossroads Trading: raffling a $25 gift certificate
·      Black Fleece: raffling a Thom Browne bag designed exlusively for Black Fleece
 
As if that wasn’t freakin, spankin awesome enough, wineries will be pouring at the different shops as well.
 
Notably, Terra Savia, made by Jim Milone at Sanel Valley Vineyards, will be pouring their delicious, organic wines. Jim is a wino after my own heart. “Producing organic wines is better for the small piece of the planet that we get to take care of,” he said. “Well-made wine in general is a pretty natural and healthy beverage.” Good for the planet AND my body? Count me in…
 
VERGE Winery will be serving Syrah from a similar vein of vineyard, one which is organic and bio-dynamic. Keeping it local, Gloria Ferrer will be pouring champagne made just 40 miles north of our own fabulous city.  

TASTE OF FILLMORE
Saturday, October 15th
3 pm – 6 pm
Fillmore Street – between Jackson and Post
$20
BUY TICKETS HERE

San Francisco divas get ready. It’s theater season again. The American Conservatory Theater (ACT) will be opening their season this month with a revamped version of George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s, Once in a Lifetime. ACT Director Mark Rucker directs the comedy, which was first performed in 1930 as commentary on transitioning technology in the film industry. The plot chronicles the misadventures of three crooks who seize the opportunity presented by the new “talkie” films of the 1920s to con Hollywood’s elite. In keeping with its theme of evolving technology, the play incorporates new media in the form of innovative digital backdrops and film clips from the era.

I’ll be attending the premiere, so check back for a review. Or just go see if for yourself, September 22 to October 16 2011. Tickets can be purchased here.

San Francisco’s gentlemen will be two shades hipper next week, after the third annual, Styling the Modern Man (STMM) event.

STMM will be held Thursday, September 15, from 6 to 11 PM at the Bently Reserve. Hosts include Robert Fountain, David Mast, Doug Dalton, Peter Crane, Frank Alizaga, John Barnhill Jr., and Shaun Saunders.

There will be a group of Tango Divas there, so please join us for the fun.

Divas will receive a complimentary massage, facial, skin analysis, and style sessions. As they enjoy the amenities they will be served tasty bites and have access to the open bar. Rockwall Wine Company will be providing the wine and champagne. Blue Angel Vodka, Pisco Punch, and Root will be providing cocktails.

Divas, Joy Nordenstrom, founder of Joy of Romance, Inc., will be presenting from 7 to 8 PM about the dynamics of romance and the perks of being a gentleman or lady. Levi’s will be hosting Geek Chic Lounge from 8 to 9 PM. There will be a fashion presentation from 9 to 9:30.

Those Divas spring for the VIP ticket will have access to a private chef, oysters on the half shell, caviar, champagne, cocktails, cigars, private grooming and pampering lounge, and a VIP Gift Bag. The VIP lounge will be open from 6 to 8 PM.

Scrumptious oysters and caviar will be provided by Hog Island Oysters and Tsars Nicoulai Caviar.

Tickets can be purchased at for $40. VIP tickets can be purchased for $100. Student tickets are available with a valid ID for $20.

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

Have you ended up with a designer frock that you only wore once or a handbag you never use and would like to sell? I have. But the issue is figuring out where and how to sell it. Two glorious Divas have created to solution for that by starting The Real Real.

And in true Diva style they made the process super easy: All you have to do is mail in your designer goods and the team at The Real Real will do all the work for you. No need to embarrass yourself at consignment stores or try to sell it online yourself. Why bother, let someone else do all the work for you!

Special Limited Time Offer

All Divas who consign will receive 70% of the sales price for life when consigning with The Real Real by September 30, 2011. Typical consignment stores pay only 30-50% of the sales price and you have to schlep your goods over to them and wait. Darling, you have better things to do with you time, like book your trip to Paris Fashion Week.

Shipping is Free

The Real Real offers free pick-up for ten or more items in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and Dallas. Shipping is free if you live outside of these areas.

Call The Real Real toll-free today at: (855) 435-5893 (9am-5pm PT, M-F) if you have questions.

Or email them at: stylist@therealreal.com

Not a member of The RealReal? Join here.

Barbara Richmond was devastated when she lost her only son John to AIDS. When her life-long friend Peggy Ermet lost her only son, Doug, to the same nasty battle, the two women decided to turn their grief into action by establishing the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation (REAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which raises money for local AIDS organizations through annual entertainment events.

This year’s annual event, Help is on the Way Gala XVII: Gotta Sing Gotta Dance, was Northern California’s largest AIDS benefit concert. It took place August 21 at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco and included a Live and Silent Auctions, Pre-Show Receptions, and an After-Party with the cast, in addition to the performance.

VIP guests mingled before the show on the terrace overlooking San Francisco City Hall and enjoyed scrumptious treats, which were donated by Aidell’s Sausages, Harris’ Steakhouse, Grand Café, Blue Mermaid Chowderhouse/Café Pescatore, Jasper’s, and Urban Tavern. Guests were not left thirsty—a healthy supply of libations was donated by Ketel One Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, and Wente, Charnu, and Layer Cake Wineries.

Donations were still being totaled at the time of publication, but REAF estimated that the event, which donated 100% of ticket sales to beneficiaries, raised about $70,000. That money will be distributed to Bay Area AIDS service agencies, Aguilas, Shanti, STOP AIDS Project, and the YouthAware program at New Conservatory Theatre Center to support HIV education and prevention services.

The performance featured cast members from Broadway, TV, film, dance, and recording industries, including Academy Award-winning singer and actress Shirley Jones, Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga, Broadway stars Patrick Cassidy, Sean McDermott, Lisa Vroman, David Burnham, Carole Cook, television’s Gloria Loring and Thea Gill. In attendance were Jan Wahl, Brian Boitano, Joanne Jordan, Ron Hummel, Andrew Freeman, Beth Schnitzer, and Raghu Shivaram. Help is on the Way has been supported by long-time sponsors Charles Schwab, Wells Fargo, as well as more recently, AAA and American Airlines.

REAF director Ken Henderson explained that this event has a message which goes beyond raising money. REAF hopes that through these events they will be able to convey the message that the fight against AIDS is an on-going battle. Agencies are still struggling to provide services to the thousands of people depending on them.

REAF’s next performance will be titled, Help is on the Way for the Holidays X, and will be December 5 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. For more information about REAF, or to donate CLICK HERE.