As our nation reflects on our founding forefathers and the struggles they went through to bring us this great nation… I’ll be sittin’ pretty poolside in my new retro, sailor-inspired swimsuit from Unique Vintage.

Happy 4th of July from Tango Diva.

Ahoy!

Suffering from a case of acute Gossip-Girl-on-Hiatus blues? I know I am. Picking up where Sex in the City left off, Gossip Girl is without a doubt the show to watch for fashionistas and trendsetters. Here at Tango Diva HQ we’re already fans of On Location Tours, that’s why we I was soooo excited to learn about their new Gossip Girl bus tour.

Live a day in the life of Serena, Blair, Chuck, Dan, Vanessa, and Nate on this three hour guided bus tour that goes to more than 30 locations that were used in filming the hit TV series.  Find out behind the scenes information and little known facts about the cast and crew of Gossip Girl from local New York City actors and actresses who are the guides on this exciting tour.

• Visit the hotel, home to the Bass and Van der Woodsen families, where so many of the scenes from Gossip Girl take place.
• Be “spotted” by that most ubiquitous blogger at the Constance Billard School for Girls/St. Jude School for Boys.
• See the lavish Fifth Avenue building that Blair Waldorf calls home.
• Shop at Henri Bendel where Blair and Serena shop.
• Sample a treat from the Humphrey’s favorite bakery.
• Pass by the movie theater where Serena stood Dan up for their date.

The tour costs $38 per person and runs on Fridays and Sundays at noon. Tours depart from a convenient midtown Manhattan location. Private tours are available at any time.  Advance purchase is required, as tours usually sell out. Tickets can be purchased online at www.screentours.com or by calling Zerve at (212) 209-3370.

On Location Tours, Inc. is the world leader in TV and Movie tours.  Based in New York City, On Location Tours also operates tours of Sex and the City Hotspots, Sopranos Sites, New York TV and Movie Sites, Washington DC TV and Movie Sites, and Central Park Movie Sites.  

Hard Rock International celebrates an American legend with the launch of Hard Rock’s Born in the U.S.A. merchandise, honoring the 25th anniversary of the release of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s Born in the U.S.A. studio album. Proceeds from Hard Rock’s exclusive Born in the U.S.A. 25th Anniversary merchandise will benefit WHY and the organization’s Artists Against Hunger & Poverty Program.  WHY is a nonprofit organization that strives to fight against hunger and poverty in America and around the world.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the album release, Hard Rock’s Born in the U.S.A. apparel and accessories will be sold at select Hard Rock properties worldwide, including Cafes, Hotels, Casinos and on www.hardrock.com

Selections from the collection include:

Hard Rock’s Born in the U.S.A. pin features the iconic artwork from the Born in the U.S.A. album, shot by world-renowned celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, molded into the shape of a guitar. ($12)

Hard Rock’s Born in the U.S.A. women’s t-shirt features the Born in the U.S.A. album artwork on the front of a navy blue, crew neck, jersey t-shirt with a Hard Rock logo on the back. ($26)

Hard Rock’s Born in the U.S.A. distressed, red baseball hat features an embroidered navy Hard Rock logo above the bill with the words “Born in the U.S.A.” embroidered in white along the back. ($22)

With every item purchased, consumers will receive a limited-edition Born in the U.S.A. collectable button.

Meet Sean, hhe is the golf pro at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino.

The boom of fireworks, red and blue streamers scattered on the grounds of parade routes, the sizzle of burgers at backyard barbecues – these are the familiar sights and sounds of the 4th of July and they are right around the corner. However, if you want a change of scenery for Independence Day weekend, while saving your money for the festivities, Hostelworld.com has compiled a list of hostels with great 4th of July travel deals in the historic cities of New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Boston that will help you unleash your inner Patriot without breaking the bank.

Tone on Lex, New York
Situated in a quiet neighborhood on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Tone on Lex is blocks away from everything the Big Apple has to offer on the 4th of July: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island, Brooklyn’s Independence Day Parade, a free performance by Sonic Youth in Battery Park or the Pre-Fireworks Presidential Walking Tour in Greenwich Village. When night falls, tilt your head to the sky and watch the spectacular Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. If you need a break from the festivities and you’re craving culture, take a walk down Museum Mile which includes The Metropolitan Museum, The Solomon Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum and The International Center of Photography.
Rates start at $22 per night.

Apple Hostel, Philadelphia
Follow in the footsteps of great Americans: Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, William Penn and of course, ROCKY. No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a quick run up the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky’s signature leap in the air. Once that is out of the way, make your way to the Apple Hostel. Tucked away on South Bank St, Apple Hostel keeps you close to the celebrations but away from the raucous crowds. Guests are a short walk to Independence Hall where the Welcome America Festival takes place, featuring an array of performances from musicians to acrobats. From there, enjoy the nationwide bell-ringing Let Freedom Ring celebration, and watch the 4th of July parade before the fireworks back at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Other special events include a 4th of July exhibit at the National Constitution Center and a celebration at City Tavern, a replica of a popular hot spot of our founding fathers.
Rates start at $27.65 per night.

William Penn House, Washington D.C.
Show off your red, white, and blue spirit in the nation’s capital while staying at the William Penn House. The hostel is within walking distance to the Capitol and the Metro, D.C.’s subway. On the big day, traverse the National Mall for the Washington D.C. Independence Day Parade to see impressive floats, marching bands, and military personnel. Afterwards, head to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, for musical performances, cooking demonstrations, storytelling and more. Finally, get a great view for the fireworks and enjoy A Capitol Fourth Concert featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and multiple pop artists on the West Lawn.
Rates start at $29.90 per night.

H.I. Boston, Boston
Where better to celebrate the 4th of July than the city known for the birth of the revolution. Greeted with a free gift and a Boston city map, H.I. Boston hostel immediately prepares you for the festivities on the 4th of July. Boston Harborfest, a week long celebration, offers delights for the whole family with parades, historic tours, delicious food and more. H.I. Boston also offers discount tickets to the New England Aquarium where harbor seals are planned to give a special show on the 4th. For the grand finale of events, enjoy the famous nationally broadcast Boston fireworks orchestrated by the Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell where hundreds gather and line the streets.
Rates start at $29.89.

It’s no secret that Barcelona is one fashionable town. However during one of my many trips to Barcelona, I stumbled upon an art studio and craft store tucked-away in the Born district selling handmade knits, totes, jewelry and more. My favorite designs came from the creative duo behind Sirena con Jersey, or Mermaid with Sweater for you non-Hispanophones.

As their name suggest, they specialize in hand-knit sweaters. But just in time for Summer, they have launched their first T-shirt—an adorable marmot sleeping on a log! Cheap too at 21€ /$29

Check ‘em out at www.sirenaconjersey.com

Starting July 1st, The Signature at MGM Grand is celebrating its 3rd birthday by dishing out special rates to guests who book the “Signature Celebration” Package. The deal is valid through August 31, and anyone who celebrates their birthday during the booking window will receive a complimentary upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. Here’s the full scoop:

“Signature Celebration” Package - The Signature at MGM Grand, Las Vegas

• Rates beginning at $129 per night for a junior suite

• $100 beverage credit redeemable at Studio 54, Tabú, WET REPUBLIC, or at The Signature or MGM Grand pools
• Complimentary upgrade to a one-bedroom suite for guests whose birthdays occur through August 31, 2009
• To book: Call The Signature at MGM Grand at (877) 727-0007 and mention booking code “BIRTHDAY”
• Package valid July 1-August 31, 2009.  Two-night minimum stay required. Suite upgrade based on availability and cannot be guaranteed. Photo ID required at check-in as proof of eligibility. Beverage credit redeemable at participating locations only; admission fees may apply.
  

Looking for some money, honey? Well, then this is the event you should attend if you live in Northern California.I won’t be there because I’ll be speaking at University of San Francisco. But my intern Melissa will be there. Introduce yourself! Here’s the details:

This premier event will bring together the Bay Area’s most talented minds to:
· Foster a collaborative atmosphere between women and the angel community
· Confront the critical issues facing women entrepreneurs and investors today
· Drive the recovery of the California economy
· Build businesses and invest in thought out ventures
· Explore compelling investment opportunities

In addition to a networking reception, attendees will hear brief presentations and a panel discussion regarding the larger role women investors and entrepreneurs need to play in the California economy. More than ever, the angel community is eager to attract women investors. Women investors are considered a largely untapped market that is critical to “financial and mentoring support for new companies.”

REGISTRATION
Please register at http://summersolstice.eventbrite.com $25 by June 26, $40 thereafter.

PANELISTS AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Summer Solstice will feature a unique panel of business women who will discuss a myriad of issues confronting the entrepreneurial community today. The panel itself will be comprised of notable members and entrepreneurs from the Keiretsu Forum and Women’s Initiative.

AGENDA
5:30-6:30pm Registration, Networking, and Booth Exhibitors
6:45-6:50pm Welcome and Opening Remarks
6:50-7:10pm Keynote Speakers: Bank of America’s Amanda Wallis
Rashmi Sinha, Co-Founder and CEO of SlideShare
7:10-8:00pm Panel Discussion

Panelists and Keynote Speaker Bios
Julie Castro Abrams is a national leader in microfinance and women’s issues. She has been CEO of Women’s Initiative since 2001, following a non-profit career that spanned 20 years in Chicago. She led the transition of Women’s Initiative from a founder-led organization to a rapidly growing non-profit that has expanded throughout the Bay Area and increased the number of women trained and receiving microloans tenfold.

Greta Mowry is an active investor member of the San Francisco Keiretsu Forum chapter and a co-Chair of the Keiretsu Forum WISE (Women Investing in and Supporting Entrepreneurs) Committee. Mowry has close to 20 years of experience working with companies to identify and develop significant new sources of revenue. She began her career working in marketing strategy and new product development for several Fortune 500 companies, including Procter & Gamble, H.J. Heinz and Gap Inc. In 2000, she launched the growth strategy firm, Verge, and has since worked with both Fortune 500 companies and start-ups in the consumer products, financial services, online services, and retail sectors.

Rachel Sheinbein is a Senior Associate at CMEA Capital with the Energy and Materials team. Before CMEA, she was a consultant for start-ups in the areas of bio-plastics, solar and water treatment. For 9 years prior to consulting, Sheinbein worked in several positions at Intel Corporation — as a Chemical Engineer for industrial liquid waste systems, a Program Manager for Environmental Health & Safety, a Purchasing Analyst, and a Strategic Product Manager in the Information Technology group. Sheinbein is an active angel investor, focusing on clean technology, and co-chairs the Keiretsu Forum’s WISE (Women Investing in and Supporting Entrepreneurs) group. In addition, Rachel volunteers in various roles for California Clean Tech Open - a business plan competition that encourages the development of clean technology companies.

Rashmi Sinha is co-founder and CEO for SlideShare, the world’s largest community for sharing presentations and documents. SlideShare is growing rapidly (more than 18 million monthly uniques) letting everyone from marketers, conference speakers and academicians share presentations and connect with others. Rashmi has a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from Brown University and did research on search engines and recommender systems at UC Berkeley. She is a frequent speaker at conferences such as Web 2.0 Expo and Future of Web Apps. She writes a blog at rashmisinha.com about running a startup.

Amanda Wallis is the Managing Director, Market Executive for the Northern California and Nevada Regions of U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. Wallis is a member of Bank of America’s San Francisco Leadership Team, comprised of the company’s top executives in the market. The team manages the bank’s ongoing relationships with local community leaders and organizations and makes decisions about how to use Bank of America’s resources to support the San Francisco community. With more than 30 years of financial services experience, Wallis joined U.S. Trust from American Express in London where she served as executive director, and Europe, Middle East, Africa Region Head of the American Express Private Bank. In that role she led a region with seven international locations. Prior to her role at American Express, Wallis spent over 10 years at the legacy Private Bank of Bank of America. During this period Wallis served in several leadership roles in San Francisco and London. In 2007 she was named one of the “20 Most Influential Women in European Wealth Management” by Global Investor Magazine.

After a week-long, action-packed birthday celebration in Santa Barbara,we decided that the best possible icing on the cake would be to finish the trip off with a final stop at the famed Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. As soon as you enter, you’ll understand how this glam resort walked away with the Triple A, 5 Diamond Award three years in a row. If you’ve never been, put it at the top of your to-do list. If you have been, you’ll be looking for any feeb excuse for a return visit to savor the relaxed luxury that this dramatically landscaped 220 acre golf and spa resort provides.

Farm-fresh and Fabulous

Our fave eating experience was dining al fresco at Maravilla, the resort’s signature restaurant. Check out Executive Chef Jamie West’s new 2 acre herb garden, which he uses to create “cuisine that is inspired by the bounty and driven by the season, with global influence”. It also is the perfect vantage point for The Pink Moment, (made all the better while enjoying a glass of champers) when the bells chime to announce the last rays of light have hit the mountain peaks, creating a becoming blush.

Warm Vibe

The 308 rooms and sumptuous suites are beautifully appointed in a Spanish colonial-style with dark-wood furnishings and colorful accents. Most rooms offer private balconies or patios, (perfect for a little breakfast while watching golfers tee-off at the championship 18-hole course) working fireplaces, plasma flat-screen televisions, and high-speed Internet. But what really separates the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa from other lavish resorts is the exceptional service provided by everyone your path crosses. From the hard-working gardeners to the concierge, the whole staff is “on it” in the warmest way possible. (We loved the cute tongue-in-cheek retro candies at the reception desk- and no one raised an eye-brow when I stuffed my pockets with them.)

Spa Ojai Excels

Ojai Valley Inn and Spa is a special place where you can actually feel your cares and woes simply ooze away. Of course, a visit to the full-service Spa Ojai for a Skin Dream Relaxation Wrap, Sun Lover’s Facial or Bindi Sugar Body Glow won’t hurt matters. Every morning we did something physical, either a power walk around the immaculate grounds, a gym work-out, or a yoga /pilates class, so we felt no guilt lounging around the pool all afternoon. We had talked about signing up for one of their rock-climbing expeditions, but talk was as far as we got.

Artist’s Cottage and Apothecary

Veronica Cole, the gracious PR manager strongly urged us not to miss the terrific activities offered at the charming Artist’s Cottage and Apothecary. We signed up for the Essential Oil Custom Blending Class and joined two other girlfriends, also celebrating a birthday, to sniff and smell, mix and match, laugh and learn, all under the holistic tutelage of the remarkable Renata Collins, until we each created a mini- flask of our own personalized fragrance. It was possibly the best birthday present ever.
With total modesty, I announced my “Exotic Eastern Madness” with its seductive hints of blood orange and myrrh, to be the winning scent. Renata also offers creative art sessions, such as making a Personal Mandala, a unique life journaling experience, and a new precious metal clay class- all perfect for girlfriend getaways.

Added Value:
The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa’s most exclusive accommodation is Casa Elar, an exqusite 10,400 sq. ft. villa, which could be the cover shot for an “Incredibly Rich and Famous” show. For trust fund bambino’s, girlfriends on a splurge, or friends and family looking to celebrate and connect, this fully staffed, Italian-styled villa offers such complete privacy and superlative service that even Paris Hilton wouldn’t find anything to complain about. In my next life, I’m moving in.