Women rule; boys drool! Check out these divinely daring Divas:

Lorraine Massey, Devachan Salon & Departure Lounge, NYC

“Once upon a curl, a curly-haired teen in England began working in a hair salon. Lorraine Massey quickly became addicted to care of the hair and proceeded to take her scissors around the world…During her travels, Lorraine realized that curls existed everywhere—and so did curl care confusion!

“Armed with this rich experience and a unique perspective on curl types, curl challenges and curl solutions, Lorraine opened the Devachan Salon and Departure Lounge in the trendy Soho neighborhood of New York. The salon became a sanctuary where clients could develop a pro-curl attitude…and celebrate their curls. ‘It’s liberating when you learn to love your natural curls and not work against them,’ says Lorraine. With tens of thousands of enthusiastic clients as curly-girl devotees, Lorraine and a talented CURL-fessional team developed a complete collection of products for the curly lifestyle: DevaCurl.”

*Devachan-trained professionals might be available in your area, like Madusalon owner Marie in San Francisco! See? Women entrepreneurs beget MORE women entrepreneurs!

Playful Chef; Playful Life!

Lisa Ligon has created a Playful Life for fabulous Playful Chefs of all ages! “You want your kids to appreciate good food and form healthy, life-long eating habits. Your kids want to play with their favorite grown-ups. Playful Chef encourages children, and the adults who love them, to roll up their sleeves and engage in fun cooking adventures together.

What can a 3-year-old do in a kitchen? A lot. We’ve designed Playful Chef Kits for 3-11 year-olds to help you tap into your kids’ eagerness to help and to learn from an early age. We’ll outfit you with the nutritional know-how, tools of the trade, and fun food facts you’ll need to get your little one cooking! ”

*Available at retailers and in catalogs across the country!

Haute Jeweler LIZASonia!

Custom-made and haute pieces from Liza Sonia jewelry and accessories for men and women! “LIZASonia’s design philosophy is simple: Start with the best quality materials, listen to its simplest design, then add elements of surprise.

“Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Liza always embraced art. Liza’s passion shows in every piece. She can look at a person or even hear him or her described, and pick out exactly the right design and color he or she would cherish. Highly intuitive, she uses this skill to design from within the materials. Picking up a rare stone, she adds, “I look at a stone and it tells me what it wants to be. The design is hidden, to be discovered along with its owner.”

*Check her out online as well as in Montclair Village Shopping Center, or contact her to make a personal appointment at her private studio in San Francisco!

Spark’s Black and Pink Ball

Celebrate women the world over at Spark’s Third Annual Black and Pink Ball on Friday night, September 12 in San Francisco! Empower more women around the world with your generous participation in this unforgettable night.

All you have to do to save the world is party with us! Proceeds benefit two incredible global women’s causes: The Center for Young Women’s Development in San Francisco and the first legal aid clinic in Chad. Both of these projects provide training in violence prevention and civic participation, which have improved the lives of thousands of women and young girls here in San Francisco and abroad in Chad.

Tickets available online NOW!
Spark’s Third Annual Black & Pink Ball!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Mezzanine
444 Jessie Street, San Francisco
VIP Reception and Lounge: 7 - 9 PM
Gala: 9 PM - 1 AM
Tickets: Members $85, Nonmembers $120,
VIP Members $150, VIP Nonmembers $175
Website: www.sparksf.org.

MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND LAUNCHES‘THE GREEN TEAM’

Forget the ‘A team’, the new ‘Green Team’ at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been equipped with the power to save more than the good guys! The award-winning Indian Ocean resort has implemented a new ‘we care’ course to ensure all team members are equipped withthe environmental awareness to safeguard the future of the Maldives.

Set in a picturesque corner of the Maldives, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island combines three distinct resort experiences on two islands, linked by a bridge and surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and lagoon. Accommodation includes 50 of the most luxurious Water Villas in the country, 79 exotic Beach Villas and 21 fabulous Spa Water Villas – the ultimate in pure indulgence.

Since its inception, the Green Team has introduced measures including the sale of used ink cartridges to a Refill company on behalf of a nominated charity and the ‘Earth Hour’, a monthly exercise that invites all guests and staff to turn off all lights and appliances within the entire resort. The team will also soon unveil a green website, which outlines the resort’s commitment to eco-initiatives. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island takes significant steps to both reduce its
environmental impact and help preserve the natural surroundings. The resort separates and recycles all waste where possible; uses biodegradable cleaning products across all departments; generates all hot water from solar power and runs a wastewater and desalination plant to produce water for the irrigation of the island.

A training course teaches staff the facts, figures and possible impact of Global Warming on their surroundings as well updating them on the reasoning behind the existing environmental measures implemented by the resort. On completion of the course, staff members become part of the Green Team, working together to suggest and initiate further positive changes in the resort.

To cut down on food miles, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island grows the majority of its organic fruits and vegetables on nearby Mandhoo Island, also home to a local Maldivian community whose school is sponsored by the resort. The resort’s Dive team also participate in regular beach and under-water clean up missions and are currently sponsoring an important Whale Shark Study, which aims to learn more about the vulnerable species in order to protect and enhance understanding of their conservation.

For further information on Conrad Hotels & Resorts please visit ConradHotels.com.

What’s the deal with end-of-summer sales in July? As far as I’m concerned, until Labor Day rolls around, summer is still in full swing, which means we still have time to strut our stuff by the sea or by the pool in this season’s hottest bikinis.

My latest obsession in swimwear is with So Low’s new Tie Dye Bikini. I have loved this company’s fabulously comfortable rollover yoga pants for years (they are the ultimate figure-flattering pants that come in wide range of colors and styles- perfect for long flights), and now they have swimwear that is equally chic and well tailored.

I tried this bikini out for a weekend and discovered that it not only fits in the right places, but it also makes a fashionable splash with its unique tie dye pattern. The fabric is breathable and stretchy but thick enough to conceal any lumps and bumps that you don’t want making an appearance at the beach. I chose the sunny yellow/red pattern, which perfectly complemented my July tan, but the blue/green combo (shown above, right, on hipster celeb Vanessa Minnillo), also suits most complexions.

With such a quintessentially summery pattern, the only accessories this suit requires are sunkissed skin, a smile, and a pair of simple shades. The result? Instant, ultimate beach goddess.

To call this a typical restaurant opening would be like saying American Idol is just a talent show. Both are phenomenon’s that defy description. American Idol garners more votes than a presidential election, and I can’t recall being this excited about a meal since my first dinner at Chez Panisse, 25 years ago.

I was visiting Seattle recently and heard a faint vague whisper about some new restaurant happening. After hours of research trying to track down the place, and ten-pain in the butt-emails, voice mails and phone calls later, I scored a reservation on opening night at The Corson Building, a food based community center space—saaaay what?

Short History: Chef/owner Matthew Dillon had been getting rave reviews from his teacup-sized restaurant Sitka & Spruce, (another bad name and bad location — this one’s located in some strip mall) for which he’d been honored as one of Food and Wine magazine’s 10 Best New Chefs of 2007.
On another note, a few years ago, Dillon had discovered a dilapidated century-old building, that used to belong to an Italian ornamental stoneworker, in Seattle’s funky Georgetown neighborhood, and fell in love with the place. Located right under a freeway ramp and next to the train tracks, and directly under flying airplanes, it was hardly the best site for a restaurant. Undaunted, Dillon and his partner spent the next four years renovating the building, planting an herb and veggie garden, making chicken coops, caring for his bees, etc. to create The Corson Building-a culinary community gathering place that will feature exciting events, benefits, culinary classes, and open-to-the-publicdinners.

But for now, all you need to know is that you need to do everything in your power to land a dinner reservation…and there are some rules to follow:

1. The space is only open a few nights of the week for dinner, so check their website immediately for available dates. YOU MUST MAKE A RESERVATION!
2. There is only one seating per evening, and the pace is a leisure one, so plan accordingly, but strolling around the grounds between courses is encouraged.
3. Dining is family style so you’ll probably make some new friends by the end of the evening.
4. Dinner is prix-fixe, $110 w/wine and $80 w/o.
For our opening night dinner we began with Champagne, oysters, and home grown radishes wrapped with paper-thin cured ham (Dillon had butchered and cured the meat himself.) To the best of my recollection it was followed by course after course of garden-fresh salads-one with salmon and the other with tongue, a meltingly-tender slow-cooked halibut on mashed potatoes, leg of lamb with Greek yogurt, smoky paprika chicken w/ pita and fava bean relish; carrot, bitter greens and garbanzo bean, a local cheese plate with rhubarb compote and anise flavored ice cream with roasted dates and strawberries.

My verdict: Every single morsel that crossed my lips was sheer unadulterated perfection!

The Corson Building
5609 Corson Ave, Seattle
(206) 762-3330

Houseboats have come a long way since their heyday in the 60s. Tango Diva founder Patti recalled a vacation she took a year ago on a houseboat in scenic Lake Powell, Arizona. She describes a lazy afternoon spent lounging in the boat’s jacuzzi, sipping champagne, “plunging down the waterslide from the second-level deck as the sun slips behind the cliffs and the first stars begin to appear. It’s heaven and it’s effortless. This ain’t your Aunt Annie’s houseboat.”

Patti is right. Houseboats these days are sleek, stylish, and an ideal way to take advantage of both land and sea, and now is the perfect time to head for Lake Powell and see for yourself!

Lake Powell is located in northern Arizona and extends upward to southern Utah. An easy 2-hour drive from the Grand Canyon, it joins the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Famous for its many secluded coves and dramatic red rock formations, the water levels at Lake Powell are reaching a 20-year high right now, and previously off-limits areas are now open to boats, allowing visitors to see new sights and explore untouched territory.

If that isn’t enough of a reason to go, Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas just announced that you can rent a 46-foot Voyager houseboat for 3 days for only $1195. This is a savings of over $500! They also offer small watercraft rentals, such as jet skis and power boats.

Valid for travel Aug. 15 to Oct. 15, this houseboat package can accommodate up to 12 people- perfect for a group of friends or family trip.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas, or call 888-669-2704 and request promo code tzhb40.

One of the most common travel inconveniences is having to buy another suitcase or duffel while on vacation so that you can schlep all your newfound, exotic goodies home. And nobody wants to bring an extra, empty suitcase with them in the first place. The solution? The convertible key chain Kiva bags.

Tango Diva tested these sleek, colorful bags that condense into its own pouch that can fit in the palm of your hand and can be clipped onto a key chain. The bags expand into roomy totes, duffels, backpacks, or “sling packs.”

With a variety of colors, including classic black, red, blue, and green, as well as several floral designs, these extremely lightweight and stylish bags won’t add any weight to your luggage until you fill them up with souvenirs.

These bags are also an eco-friendly way to lug groceries, use for shopping, and as a gym bag.

Manly Mixed Marial Arts (MMA) cage fighting; a woman running the operations! Tracy Farrington took care o’ me at Full Contact Promotions Presents the Gladiator Challenge Summer Showdown last Friday night. Till then, I was an MMA virgin!!

She is the highest ranking woman in MMA operations, and what would have happened if Pamela Anderson and Don King had a love child. She’s the ultimate threat here—a blonde bombshell with serious promotions and operations instincts running around to the constant bark of her walkie-talkie.

Divas, I was sittin’ pretty cage-side in a gym full of 3000 fans. (And heeeellll yeah, I had locker room access! More on that later!) Was the audience a scary mixture of rabid men who might otherwise be found at a Monster Truck Show? Why, no!

A graceful good number (25%) were women all dressed up like it was opening night on the Vegas strip somewheres. And there were the color-coordinated gym members representing different fighters. So a group of hot chicks might be flanked by men in green bandannas representing a Jiu–Jitsu gym, say.

Each fight was 3 rounds, and lovely Ring Girls pranced the perimeter of the cage to let you know which round it was, which was helpful because most gaping, gawking guys would have been hard-pressed to come up with numbers as the lithe ladies passed them.

So if you don’t know, MMA is like super tricked out gloves-be-gone boxing. The fighters can hit, kick, and wrestle on the ground in a fatal tangle of torsos and limbs. They can kick higher than any Rockette, and their art is no where more apparent than when they are pinned on the ground. This is when they have to outwit the man on top and topple him with deft maneuvering. Or tap out. Which means throw in the towel. All while the guy on top is pummeling their ears and head. Ouch.

I saw men pick each other up and throw ‘em down, throw ‘em up against the cage, and one gladiator even lifted another high off the ground upside down. Dude! The main event was the tenth and final fight—favorite Kurt Osiander vs. Nate Moore. Moore was more as he knocked Osiander out in six seconds flat!

Whew. But you know what? At the end of every match, the men hug each other. You heard me. Awwww… I think because it’s so much about tactical skill and pitting knowledge against training, a match ultimately with themselves. Not so much about kicking ass. Although that happens too.

For a few of the fighters, this was their first pro match. How exciting! Er, the information as well as the locker room interviews that yielded it! Gabi Solorio is 19 and he won his first fight against fire fighter Justin Hoglund. The whole audience just about lost its mind as hundreds of them were supporting Hoglund. But the house didn’t fall, though tensions were sky high (security rocked.)

And though he lost, Jaime Rodriguez has a winning story—when he walked into his training gym, he weighed 300 pounds. And now he’s a hard-core professional MMA fighter. The sport changed his life!

The good news is that Tracy’s buddy, Ryan Bastianelli, won his fight. It was amazing to watch! Ryan, a head shorter than his opponent, kicked ass with his lower center of gravity. There was no way for Gigo Jara to knock him to the ground!

The guys towards the beginning of the night weren’t the sculpted gods you might expect from a Gladiator Challenge, but they were still formidable. I certainly wouldn’t want to be caged with ‘em! And by the end of the night, it was rippling abs adorned with fierce tattoos melting over taut sinews. Mmmm…

Yeah, there was blood. There was knock-down-drag-out fighting. And no headgear, helmets, gloves or even shoes and shirts! They don’t wear boxing gloves, those pillows for pansies. MMA boys wear what look like biking gloves. That’s it. Just a thin layer between knuckles and pain.

Too, there were tons of officials, and even a WOMAN JUDGE, Susan Thomas-Gitlin of the CA State Athletic Commission! It was a very classy, organized, serious operation. This was no backroom fight club. Though that’s what it felt like—it felt like I was at an underground thang, an undiscovered adventure, yet totally officiated and very safe.

So the next time you’re looking for something new to do, why not grab the girls or impress your male friends or man and head to the next MMA fight in your area! It’s definitely a great night out!

And if it’s a Gladiator Challenge presented by Full Contact Promotions, it extra rocks with a woman’s touch!

Please, ask me what I’m up to this illustrious morning. I’ll tell you–trying to get a replacement Dell computer. Ask me why? Cuz the new one I just bought broke. It was a total hard drive failure… the SECOND one I’ve had in as many Dell computers as I’ve had. That’s two for you English majors.

I get on the phone with technical support, and travel virtually all over the world– India, Philippines… what a travel Diva! They all tell me that I am speaking to the wrong person and need to be transferred. They all, without exception, HANG UP ON ME!

Unbelievable. Now I try to do this thang online. Funny how my old, ancient computer can’t handle all their flashy graphics. It takes forever to load Hell.com, oh, I mean Dell, and when I finally get the privilege of entering my service tag (god forbid one does anything with Dell without a query for numerical information ten minutes long), it tells me, and I quote:

“Our records indicate that your service tag belongs to a system that was purchased outside the United States.”

Excuse me? I live in California!

I’m still on hold right now, their heavy-on-the-xylophone wait music pounding into my brain…

Lord, saints preserve us– they just hung up on me AGAIN trying to transfer me to a supervisor… I’m SO gonna get you, SUCKA!

Get ‘Carried’ away this Fall during New York Fashion Week with “Labels and Love,” an exclusive, all-girls fashion weekend in Manhattan, produced by The Last Single Girl in the World, sponsored by Tango Diva.

Join Jerusha Stewart,author of “The Single Girl’s Manifesta” and Wendy Merrill, author of “Falling Into Manholes,” as they guide you through the ultimate destination for glamor and romance.

Bring your friend, sister, mother, or daughter and enjoy a memorable weekend including:

• The Official Sex and The City Tour
• Front seats at a “Couture Fashion Week” runway show
• A backstage pass at the runway show
• An elite singles mixer
• A private cocktail party
• Lux goodies, including a Manhattan Insider Map

Book the fashion package now!

Visit Tango Diva’s Calendar of Cool for more information.

LOL and dancin’ your booty - that’s what the audience will do as Mama Mia hits theaters this weekend! I laughed out loud, sang along, and even tear’ed up somewhere along the line. How does ABBA pluck our heartstrings decade after decade!

I was delighted during the opening scenes as much as I was for Muriel’s Wedding in 1994! And I coveted the colorful summery fabrics flowing everywhere! (One day we will be able to order the items we love in every scene while the titles are running). Speaking of titles - do not leave as they start to roll - some of my hardest laughs were in the extra scenes.

Now Pierce Brosnan- his singing is a hard sell, but he is so handsome - you forgive him.
Meryl Streeps solo “The Winner Takes It All” is just beautiful for all of us who have been brokenhearted and survived. Her best friend sidekicks are silly and supportive, backed up by the soundtrack, it all takes you back (if you were born yet) to your best buddies and the hilarious times you shared.

Can’t afford Europe this summer? Hit the Greek Isles for the nite with the girls and soak in the sun drenched scenes of this classic loving spirited hit!