Happy 2010 Darlings!!!

Hello Darlings, Hello!

I am so sorry for not having posted for so long, but my Dears, the Holidays have been a very busy time for me.

I'm getting together a list of reading materials for all of you to help start your Diva year right financially speaking of course.

I'm still having my "Ladies Who Lunch" weekly meetings in the City and now once or twice a month on Sundays we have our get-togethers at my home, not everyone can attend so it's sort of a rotation, if one of our Lunch Ladies cannot meet on Thursdays they try for the Sunday get togethers.

And we have a lot to share.

So over the next few days or at least by the end of this week I hope to have several postings up for you to read, one of course will be "How I Spent My Holidays" (Sorry Darlings, remember I am vain).

And one or two will be about the financial information.

Even though the weather and rain has been rough, the feeling so far is optimistic among people. With the attitude of being leaner and meaner they intend to plough through 2010 with determination.

Of course for those out of work, it is desperation, and with the stupidity of the EDD not sending out those claim forms for those out of work, it makes it harder for all.

Tax Time is coming up, so do refer to my earlier Posting on what to keep for your tax information.

And again this month make it your Goal to get Organized with your financial papers and your work and home situation. I'm not talking New Year's Resolutions, I'm talking Goals and stick to it.

So refer to my earlier postings and follow though on it.

Must Go Darlings, I have to get to my "Office" this morning

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Happy New Years Darlings!!! 2009

Happy New Years to all my Darling Divas and Divas in Training,

Isn’t it good to get rid of 2008?

Well really Darlings, one should really take the experiences of 2008 and use them as a learning lesson. It is really Reality knocking on one’s door.

Take all those financial fiascos’s and see what you could do to prevent it from happening to you. All those Home Loans that were nothing but disasters, the housing market bubble popping, all those companies whose worth was nothing more than paper.

This is where learning finance and investing can really be the best thing that a Diva can have in her financial arsenal.

Now I was fortunate, my Father always said that you can’t go wrong in investing in durable goods, even if they are slow growth, my U.S. Steel Stocks always a steady but unremarkable performer has held solid for me. Of course that is just one example, but remember when one invests in something, there is always a “domino effect”, what affects one will always affect another.

So here is a quick recommendation, look at the 2008 back issues of these magazines, Money, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the Kiplinger Report, Fortune, Forbes, Barron’s and others, and see what they recommended and compare it to what recommendations performed well, that will give you an idea of where to invest.

Right now there are things that can be picked up for a low cost. Hetty Green, the “Witch of Wall Street” always said “Buy cheap, sell dear” meaning buy low, sell high. I’d say the same thing too, but I also say that it’s important to look at the steady income stocks as well, see how their performance was during the crisis.

Now Darlings I’m still putting together my “report” on my “Business Ladies Who Lunch” Pot Luck and there is a lot to assimilate. But I will have it up in the next few days.

Now for my personal update:

As you all know, if you have been following my blog, my plans were to go to my brothers house in San Francisco for the Christmas holidays and I did, it was so good to see everyone, my nieces and nephews and their children, my other brother Roger and his wife. We also received phone calls from other far flung members of the family.

It was a wonderful time, very much like last year only more people. Roger and Diana are going to be staying in a hotel for a week or two (now that is expensive but they’ve been planning it) and are looking at Pied a Terre’s to buy, they are looking at 1000 Van Ness, it’s right on the Geary line and it has parking. He told me that just a few years ago the small condos were going for a million dollars each now he can pick and choose for a song.

There are others but the fact that it’s close to a major bus line is the attractiveness to them, they just want something that’s “basic”.

We all went to Midnight Mass and of course it was only standing room, now in a time of crisis people are coming together even more so.

And Lois, Diana and I had such a delicious time at that wonderful Spa that Lois calls her own.

Princess and Smokey got along very well, Princess even bossed Smokey who is a much bigger dog but he took it all in stride, it was so precious to see the two of them sleeping together, my little Diva Darling all curled up next to Smokey’s ample body. And Smokey is doing so well, Lois said the poor dear adjusted very well to being with them.
The elderly man who was Smokey’s pervious owner has seen him several times now but they got word that he’s beginning to have kidney problems and has been to dialysis, so they were going to go up before New Years to have him see Smokey again, they do not hold out much hope that he will see spring.

Tom, with Smokey’s owners’ wishes, has made all the funeral arrangements, and has made sure that his estate will cover the medical costs. The land that the man owned will go to the estate and be used to pay for all the medical expenses, but Tom has pre-paid all the funeral costs. He said it’s the least he can do, Smokey has been such a treasure and so devoted especially to Lois.

Lois showed me the preliminary drawings for their “cabin” that is going to be built on their property, she was able to get copies of the plans for the cabin that was at Incline Village and from there, she and her architect have been able to come up with a design that will incorporate the Ponderosa plus their needs.

She told me that she was able to locate a company that re-builds old fashion cooking stoves, so she is looking at one that is a combination of gas burners and oven with wood burning features so that if their gas/propane gets low she can still cook on the wood burning part and she also wanted it to have a hot water reservoir even though they will be installing a hot water system that will be hot water on demand, much like mine only larger for when the family visits.

And she was able to find refrigerators and freezers that look like pantries to install in the kitchen, and a place that makes the old fashioned stone sinks.

They figure it will take two to three years to build it properly; they don’t want to rush it, and their have to look at everything first to make sure about codes.

But Lois is so excited about this “adventure”.
We had fun at the Christmas sales, although exhausting, again I found some wonderful bargains, and I especially hit the perfume counters. Juanita asked me if I could purchase a perfume or cologne set of J’Adore for her daughter Constance, which I did find.

But all the Prêt porter clothing was just so unremarkable, except for some selections by Ralph Lauren, that was very interesting and I can see that they will remain in style for some time. But Lois and I had to laugh at the silliness of most of the shoe styles, the heels were so high who could or would walk in them. I have beautiful shoes and stylish too but I make sure that they are comfortable.

But again all too soon it ended and I and my Diva Darling came home. Which was good really, I had time to catch up on my mail, had the maid service come in for a good “fluff and dust” Then once again I and Kevin whisked ourselves off to the Hornet last night for the New Year’s Party, so lovely and so romantic.

But this morning I surprisingly got up early, showered and dressed and made coffee, Kevin is getting dressed now as I type, we are going out for breakfast, do a little “cheap” shopping--- It’s at Target and Rasputins, then a light lunch and we will go and pick up my Diva Darling at Betty’s house, but I will be staying at Betty’s and Bill’s house for dinner and they will bring Princess and I home, Kevin unfortunately must catch an evening flight to (and here I am jealous) Hawaii. Because Obama may make his White house home away from the White House in Hawaii, there appears to be some investments that may develop out there and Kevin wants to investigate it.

Then on Monday, back into the real life, I’ll be meeting Wallace for Lunch next Monday in the City, we’ll be talking about the financial course that I must plan on for durability. Then putting together my records for my tax preparer, Tax time my Dear Diva’s waits for no one, and it pays to get the jump on things quickly, why should the Government make anymore interest on your money.

Oh and here is a suggestion, but you really should talk it over with your professional Tax preparer or CPA and I’m not talking about H and R Block either. One item that was suggested by one of my Business ladies is to look at how much is being taken out of your income for income tax, put in a form with your job so that most of that comes to you, but DO NOT SPEND IT, put that money that would go to your Federal and State income tax into your own savings account or something that will give you a good return and you get the interest not the Federal or State governments, then just pay them what would have been taken out for your income tax, why should they make interest on your money.

But if you are not prepared to do that, then file early and get your refund early so it can make interest for you.

Now I must go Darlings, Kevin is waiting and looking so handsome in a Daniel Craig sort of way, well he does have at least a “4 pack”.

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.

Happy New Years Darlings!!!

Happy New Year Darlings,

This fabulous Diva had a magnificent time with dear Kevin, welcoming in the New Year on the U.S.S. Hornet, dancing to wonderful old time swing music. Kevin looked wonderful in his Lieutenants Uniform, (it was his fathers but he fit into it perfectly) and I in my 1940’s evening gown, a softly glowing pale lemon yellow, with gold shoes and period rhinestone clips and a white fox fur stole.

I had just been so busy on New Year’s Eve Day. I made calls to Molly Maids to come and do a sprucing up and dust and fluff the Thursday after New Years, didn’t want Juanita to have to do much when she returned, and then I called Betsy to see if she could “baby-sit” little Princess. Betsy said she didn’t mind at all, she and Bill make it a point to not go out on New Years Eve, just too dangerous driving, unless you’re planning to stay at a Hotel where a party is being held.

And that is a little mini-lesson I want to give to all you Diva’s---if you and yours plan to go out for New Years, see if you can do it as a group, and either have a designated driver or plan on reserving Hotel Rooms where you’ve made your New Year’s reservations.

I know of several people who plan a New Years Vacation as a Romantic get-away, such as a major Resort, there are many places one can choose from, just check the internet, but be sure to make your reservations well in advance and if you are concerned about break-ins get a very reliable house-sitter.

In my case I did not have to have that worry except for Princess, so a quick run to Betsy’s house with all of Princess’s little things, the bed and squeaky mouse, her food and dishes. I did tell Betsy to not be concerned if Princess didn’t eat her food, she just might mope a bit, but once Princess saw Jezebel, Betsy’s kitten well they started playing and we just knew everything would be fine.

And then off to this wonderful hair stylist that I know, she’s retired but she keeps a full salon in her home that she has fully functional for certain clients. She specializes in the hair styles from the 40’s and 50’s, but she doesn’t take everyone, even she likes to rest. Her granddaughter has her cosmetology license but is learning from her grandmother how to do these cuts and styles and will be offering it as part of her own services. As soon as she is set up I’ll put her address up here so all you Deco lovers can avail yourself of her services. She knows it’s a good thing to specialize.

So a quick bite to eat, and then to get ready, I played all the swing favorites to get me into the mood, a spray of Channel, and I was ready.

Kevin was very prompt and a gentleman, he presented me with a corsage of gardenias’ and they are hard to come by this time of the year. I could not believe the car that he was driving, a 1930’s Ford convertible, of course the top was up, don’t want to get a chill. And the heating system worked very well.

We had a wonderful time; I saw a number of old friends of ours, so we had a wonderful time catching up with each other lives. I also exchanged calling cards with my new address on it and what evenings and days I would be available.

Now Darlings another little Diva lesson, at the turn of the 1900’s calling cards were a fashionable item to have and among the gentry a necessity, there was even a form of etiquette about leaving calling cards, which I do wish was practiced again these days.

But also what ladies would do would also list on their cards what days and hours they would be at home to receive visitors. Since many of my friends are retired, to be able to list my “at home” times is very helpful. And I almost always will have visitors during those times.

But with you young Diva’s you would most likely have two calling cards, one for business and one for home. If you’re company allows you to print your own business card and you want to let a prospective client know that you are an aggressive go-getter, print your card on shocking pink stock, this way the client will quickly find your card and it will let you stand out in a crowd of cards.

For your at home cards it can be more subtle, but only you will know how much information you wish to give out on your home card, and now a-days it’s almost impossible to let anyone know when you would be available for visitors because many hard working Diva’s bring their work home with them.

But do use the web to look up calling card etiquette you may find it useful. Encourage your friends and co-workers to take up the habit, it’s so much nicer and more organized than writing your phone number on a paper napkin----unless it’s someone you really don’t want to know.

The food was very good, catered by Aroma Restaurant. I had the Grilled Salmon with the Lime Sauce and Kevin, being the meat eater that he is, had the Medallions of Beef with the onion mushroom sauce. I decided to stay with the shrimp Caesar Salad and so did Kevin, well Darlings a man must eat, the Roasted mixed vegetables and the Rice Piaf were also good, although I thought the rice might have been a little dry. But it was finished off nicely with the Mango & Raspberry Mousse, but Kevin being a man had to have the Chocolate Mousse, which I stole a taste from.

And the Music was just wonderful and so very upbeat with an Andrews Sisters tribute that was very well done

I was glad I had my fur and scarf as we watched the fireworks from San Francisco from the fan tail of the ship, it was chilly and breezy, but it was wonderful to be snuggled in Kevins’ arms.

Ahh but after the clock strikes 12 and the balloons or fireworks have come down or gone up, one last slow dance and then it was time to call it a night. Even the most wonderful things must come to an end.

Of course I didn’t call it a night all alone---and Kevin was so romantic.

Of course Diva’s you just don’t have the time to remove the make up, so be prepared for smears on the pillows (I recommend inexpensive white ones), and plan to get up before he awakes so you can freshen up and not have raccoon eyes in the morning.

Another thing, if you have a coffee maker on a timer, the smell of fresh brewed coffee is much better than a noisy alarum.

I had my Gardenia floating in water in a crystal bowl on the coffee table, a reminder of the wonderful night we had, Kevin was wise enough to bring a overnight bag with a change of clothing in the trunk of his car, Juanita took her car with her when she went to visit her family, so it was no problem to park Kevin’s car in the garage.

And so we freshened up and went out for New Year’s breakfast, picked up Princess, took a lovely drive and then all too soon it was time to come home, with some more coffee to fortify himself, I sent him off.

But I felt restless Darlings, I just didn’t know why, so I took Princess for a walk, the neighborhood is safe enough and it was early enough.

We walked down towards the beach, not a difficult walk for me, but I knew Princess would need to be carried home. I found myself looking out towards the Bay, looking at the lights of San Francisco twinkling, thinking what will the New Year hold for me? What adventures will I have? New friends to make?

I picked Princess up and snuggled her under my fur coat (mink darlings and all in black with a matching fur beret type hat), then I heard some young people walking up, they had a baby in a stroller and taking a evening walk, we smiled and said ‘hello’ and then the young father sort of stopped and looked at me again, I asked him if there was anything wrong and he said “no, no it’s just that your remind me of Marlene Dietrich” I knew with the soft light it would increase the resemblance so I simply said in my most sultry voice “I have been told many times of the resemblance Darling. Thank you”

We all smiled, I turned to walk home and with little Princess curled up just under my chin, I found myself singing aloud in my best La Marlene voice ~~~~

“Falling in Love Again,
never wanted to,
what’s a girl to do,
can’t help it.

Love’s always been my game,
Play it as I may,
I was born that way,
Can’t help it.

Men flock around me like moths
around a flame,
and if their wings burn,
I know I’m not to blame.

Falling in Love again,
never wanted to,
what’s a girl to do,
Can’t help it.”

And found myself smiling all the way home.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Last minute Christmas thoughts and ideas

Well Darlings,

Christmas is almost here. The last few gifts are wrapped and boxed and ready to go.

Juanita has joined her daughter and son-in-law and already she’s called me so happy that she forgot that my Spanish is limited. But her brother and sister and their families that she has not seen in over 5 years have arrived, her daughter’s house is over flowing she is just sooo happy and I am happy for her.

For myself well in about an hour I am having some friends over for drinks and little munchies, all very pot luck, already I have the radio playing Christmas music. Koit is such a wonderful station.

Yesterday Bill, Irma, Kevin and I went to Dunsmuir house for the last of the holiday tours, I just love it, so Victorian Christmassy, then we had an early Dinner at this restaurant that none of us have tired before but we heard it was good, Jojo’s in Piedmont, divinely well worth the excellent marks it’s been receiving.

All right Darlings I’ll tell you what we had; now I have to confess I’ve always had a good appetite so I can still burn off the calories, but I do exercise as well—don’t want to be flabby.

It has been so chilly that we all started off with the Butternut squash soup. I had the grilled tuna and Irma had the scallops in a clan and bacon stew. The men as men do had the flat iron steak, of course we all had to sample what the other was having, and darlings, do make reservations. They are on the web so you will have an idea of their menu and prices. For dessert I had the sorbet, and Irma dived into the pear and vanilla profiterole, the men had the cheese selection and stole bits of our desserts.

For drinks the men had beer, and Irma and I had the Chablis. Delightful.

Then we drove around and looked at the Christmas lights in the areas’ that have been marked as Christmas lanes’ with Koit playing on the radio. Everyone was doing that so a great deal of attention had to be paid to on the pedestrians. We finished at Bill and Irma’s home for coffee and cookies what a lovely evening, then Kevin took me home and then….. Well Darlings that would be telling.

And I treasure Juanita so; she had everything ready in the Refrigerator with instructions for me how to heat everything. Well we did do a trade off----I helped her wrap her grandchildren’s presents , so much ribbon and paper and we were laughing because we knew the children would just rip it all off and poor little Princess she got so excited that she started running around the house with scraps of Christmas wrap in her mouth and just growling.

But now the house is lighted with candles, and decorations in red, green and gold, the smells of cinnamon and vanilla and hot cider flow through the house, it’s sort of a house warming as well, because many of my friends have not seen it yet, so this will be an experience for them.

Now for my little Diva lesson, Darlings if you want to throw a party, you can get wonderful platters from your Deli section at your supermarket, or at Cost Co. and all kinds of paper goods as well there. For beverages, Beverages and More has an excellent selection and I recommend inexpensive wine glasses, if it breaks you don’t cry, and you can store it until the next time---restaurant supplies houses offer them. And always make sure that your home has a dishwasher---it’s such a life saver.

And even better have it pot luck with a white elephant gift exchange, things in good shape one doesn’t want or even silly things that one sees can be exchanged at this little game. For the last 4 years a strange looking plastic statue has been circulating around among us, I wonder who will get it this year. Everyone comes up with an unusual way to disguise it.

Tomorrow Constance and her oldest Daughter will come by to help with the clean up and putting away of things, but I don’t want to keep her away from her family too long, so with the three of us it should go quickly. Constance offered because I’m giving her mother a nice long holiday vacation with pay, it’s only fair. Darlings remember, if you have staff that do well for you, treat them well, they can be life savers.

Then Princess and I go off to my brothers in San Francisco, I’ll be staying at his home for the next few days, We’ll be going to Mid-night Mass and a late snack, and then the children and grandchildren (my nieces and nephews) will invade for Christmas Day dinner, then to recover my sister-in-law and I are going to pamper ourselves at this Spa that she’s discovered for the next few days after Christmas and we may see if there is any special sales we can find at Saks or Tiffany’s.

And then on to New Years!! Kevin wants to dress up 1940’s and dance the evening away on the U.S.S. Hornet he’s bought the Admirals seating tickets and the buffet dinner reservations---who am I so say ‘no’.

Romance Darlings, Romance!!

Must go my guests will be here any minute.

Until Anon Darlings, Merry Christmas and Many More.