Chick Lit Perfect for the Beach!

There's nothing better to pass the time on a long flight or lazy lounging on the beach than a great book! Check out these picks for a literary adventure!

Stephanie Plum Series (start with One for the Money) by Janet Evanovich. Please take my word for this series, you won't be disappointed! Women of all ages will love the comedy and adventure of Stephanie Plum, fearless female bounty hunter. Hurry and get up to speed - Number 14, Fearless Fourteen will be out June 17!

Murder, Mayhem & a fine man by Claudia Mair Burney - now if the title alone doesn't grab you, how about this review? "Claudia Mair Burney does a great job of blending mystery, romance, humor, and Christian truth to create a story that is hard to put down. I laughed out loud and I teared up, but I never stopped turning the pages. I'm ready for the next book." -- Angela Benson, author of The Amen Sisters

Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner Loved this one! A humorous, touching story of Candice, a plus size woman, who discovers her Ex's feelings of dating/sleeping with a "larger woman" (her) via his new magazine column "Good in Bed". A perfect addition to your carry-on bag!

Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner

The sequel to Good in Bed is here!

"Weiner's follow-up to Good in Bed is, in a word, fantastic. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, you'll cry as you follow Cannie and her now nearly teenage daughter, Joy. Told through alternating first-person narratives, Weiner's tale gives mothers and daughters alike a treat to devour."-- Romantic Times

Casanegra: A Tennyson Hardwick Novel by Blair Underwood

I admit, I was skeptical at first - I mean, I know Blair is fine but can he write as good as he looks?? I wasn't disappointed - this murder mystery with a hip hop setting is a definite page turner! Teamed with sci-fiction greats Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes, Blair shows his talents expands beyond acting. The next in the series comes out in the fall!

New inspiration for your next Getaway?

The newest issue of Girlfriend Getaway magazine is on the shelves and perfect as usual. From the same minds as Budget Travel, the Girlfriend version offers fab trip ideas, spa how-to, as well as beauty tips and much more! If you haven’t read an issue before, it’s sure to become your travel bible – the articles are extremely intriguing and the tips and products featured are amazing!

Pick up your own copy and check out the following hot articles:
- Diva Las Vegas: packing for a sizzling time in Vegas
- Planning a Great Long Weekend
- How to Plan a Bachelorette Party
- Hosting a Cooking Party (perfect for a Girl's Night that won't break the bank)

Many of the articles are featured online, but for me, there's nothing like curling up with a good magazine and "dog-earring" all of the best pages ;)

Don’t take my word for it! Grab your own copy at your local bookstore or order online at Girlfriend Getaway's website.

Happy reading!

Cabos or Bust!

Part of the fun of going away with girlfriends is the anticipation – anticipation of relaxing, endless laughter and inside jokes btwn friends. This year is sure to be no different. The Divas will take Los Cabos by storm in just over a month. Our getaways have no rules, except for everyone to come with an open, pleasant mind ready to par-tay! Because we often have “newbies” that join the group, I plan a few package “excursions” to get everyone involved and as a way for us to bond/get to know each other.

In addition to the fabulous spa and yoga sessions that the InterContential Presidente Los Cabos Resort offers, the Presidente Concierge staff has been great in suggesting fabulous ideas for our group. So far on the agenda:

VIP Diva Welcome Reception. What better way to hop off the plane with personalized service and cocktails! Welcome to Cabos!

Los Cabos Encounter Tour. Enjoy the Jesuit mission of San Jose del Cabo, the Square, Municipal Palace, Old Houses, Shopping Area, Tourist Corridor, Golf Courses, the best beaches, the best resorts, Blown glass factory, the best bars in Cabo San Lucas, areas of purchases, restaurants, etc. Stops later on to go up to a glass bottom boat to the marine wolves, rock formations, the famous arch at the end of the peninsula, Lover’s Beach, colony of pelicans…. Etc.

ATV’s Sand Dune Adventure. I truly believe this will be a trip favorite! Read one of the comments posted by a fellow TripAdvisor member!

“This was a BLAST! Even my mother and father-in-law kept up! The 3-hour tour on the beach and through the sand dunes was so much fun; we went twice and bought the shirt! WARNING: Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, 'cause you even find sand in your underwear. Also, cover your camera with a towel, even in a backpack; it got dirty. We framed our group pictures that we took at some of the scenic spots--make sure you take one. This was everyone's favorite part of the vacation!”

Other than our planned excursions, the “PLAN” is to relax, forget about our worries we left behind the States, eat without restrictions and party!

More fun details to follow!

La Diva Loca Tees

Long time no "see"! I haven't fallen off the face of the earth and sadly, I haven't been to any sunny Caribbean locations since my last post :( What I have been doing is putting together the launch of the fabulous La Diva Loca tees!

Now you know everything the Divas do is done with fabulous flair! I’ve created awesome tees with our traveling Divas in mind. Each tee is generously sized for a woman’s fit – high quality cotton tee, with a custom Swarovski crystal design. There are no cheesy screenprints here! (Crystal design shown on Black tee)

Join the Diva movement and order one for yourself! T-shirt styles are available in Black or White Short Sleeve V-Neck (Sizes XS to 2X) OR Pink or Caribbean Blue Tanks (S to XL). Smoking hot!

Each tee sells for $32 plus flat shipping of $5.

Click to purchase via PayPal:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick&business=shanelevans%40gmail%2ecom&undefined_quantity=1&item_name=La%20Diva%20Loca%20Tee&amount=32%2e00&shipping=5%2e00&page_style=PayPal&no_shipping=2&return=http%3a%2f%2flivingladivaloca%2eblogspot%2ecom&no_note=1¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dBuyNowBF&charset=UTF%2d8

NYC and Sex & The City

Spring is always a great time to plan a quick weekend getaway to New York! I love the hustle of the city, culture and numerous options for entertainment - perfect for a Mom-Daughter or BFF getaway!

2 full days is all you need for packing in a Broadway show, power shopping and a little rest. One other NY "Must" is the Sex and The City tour, hosted by On Location Tours. Even if you aren't a SATC fan, you're bound to become one after this tour! One of the best NY tours that I've done, for $42, the tour includes stops at the SATC "hotspots", such as The Pleasure Chest (where Charlotte bought her rabbit), Carrie's apartment, and other cool locations. The bus tour also shows hilariously funny clips from the show - Well worth the 42 bucks! I did this tour last year with my Mom and Aunt D - Aunt D had never seen the show before the tour and immediately became a fan!

Mark your calendars for the special May 30th tour package, which includes a ticket to the screening of the Sex and The City movie and fabulous after party. Tickets go on sale on April 28 and can be purchased @ Screentours.com

Low Cost Mini-Breaks

One thing I know about men, is that they ALWAYS make time for themselves. Whether it’s signing up a basketball league, scheduling monthly golf rounds or watching the game with friends, men never seem too “busy” to make time for themselves. Women on the other hand (at least most that I know), make up a zillion excuses why we “can’t” make time for ourselves…kids, job demands, budget tight, etc, etc, etc.

Now, with gas prices hitting records highs (since when is $3.09/gallon at Costco considered cheap gas???) and airfare prices hitting the roof, going on a simple roadtrip or weekend getaway may be too costly. Here are a few ideas for getting your Queen Bee time in, without breaking the bank:

1. Book a night or two in your own city’s downtown area. Check out the ultra-trendy, Kimpton Hotel chain. Definitely created to make the everyday traveler feel like a VIP, each hotel has a variety of themed suites and packages, perfect for a fabulous night out with friends! Check out Chicago’s Hotel Allegro’s Rock Star Suite and settle in for a swank night of fun and gossip with your diva friends. Or book one of their specialty packages, such as the Celebrity Hedonist which includes the following:

Imagine a little celebrity of your own. Be a star and paint the town red with this package:
~ Accommodations in a Premier King Guest Room
~ Pre-party, top shelf, cocktail hour in your sparkling, newly renovated guestroom
~ Get VIP access to the hottest clubs—no long lines, no cover charges
~ Option for a late checkout—feel free to sleep in the next morning
~ Day After kit that includes bottled water, a baseball cap and an eye-cooling mask
~ Hosted evening wine reception in our lobby living room
~ Needs to be booked three days prior to arrival
*Must contact the concierge for pre-party set-up and night club choices

DC’s Hotel Helix also offers various getaway packages, such as the Dive into Divadom, which includes a personal shopper, limo service, champagne and other fun extras!

2. Hail a cab and book a Nail Taxi party. Nail Taxi, a mobile nail boutique, brings the nail salon to you! What could be better than relaxing in your own basement-turned salon or hotel suite, with cocktails/mocktails, while getting a superb manicure and pedicure!?

3. Shop indoors – Simple and fun. Hunt down your friendly Mary Kay, Passion Parties or Body Shop at Home consultant for night in of SHOPPING! A new trend that’s hitting the streets of DC and LA, AccessSoiree parties bring hip handbags and accessories to you and your girlfriends, while you shop in the comfort of your home. Hello!

Stay tuned for more budget-friendly escapes that will keep you calm and connected, without maxing out your plastic! More cool ideas - post them in the comments section! ;)

Source

La Diva Loca 2008 - It's not too late!

Still dreaming of sun? It's not too late to join the Divas in Los Cabos! If interested, hurry and let me know, as airfares are continuing to creep up ;)



The Divas are at it again! Mark your calendars - stash some cash and grab your passports– The Divas are headed to Los Cabos, Mexico and you don’t want to miss out!

Thursday, June 26 through Sunday, June 29

**Average package price $1,015**

Call for pricing from your departure city.

Package includes roundtrip airfare to Los Cabos airport, 3 nights hotel at deluxe all-inclusive resort, roundtrip transportation between Los Cabos airport and hotel and PLENTY of DIVA-style freebies!

What is “Living La DIVA Loca”?
Living La DIVA Loca is the ultimate diva getaway! We’ve gathered fabulous women like you to join us in Los Cabos, Mexico for a weekend packed full of fun and excitement. The only rule is to come with a pleasant attitude ready to PAR-TAY!

What are the dates of the trip?
Thursday, June 26 through Sunday, June 29 - Your exact flight times depend on the city that you are traveling from and will be included in your trip itinerary. We’ve done our best to ensure that you have a full day on Thursday to kick off your vacation!

What does the package price include?
Your package price includes roundtrip airfare to San Jose del Cabo airport, 3 nights/4 days at the all-inclusive Intercontinental Presidente Los Cabos resort, all resort meals and beverage service (including premium alcohol), airport transfers, hotel taxes and gratuity. You’ll also receive other freebies and surprises along the way!

Say no more – I’m convinced! What’s the next step?
Simply start stashing your cash and email Shanel Evans for a Travel Profile! Shanel can be reached at shanelevans@gmail.com or (866) 293-5116 x0