The Show Must Go On

I can't tell you how indispensable a bidet is. I have them in all my homes. They are terrific for hand-washing items, and you don't have to occupy your sink while soaking your baby clothes or lingerie. I never put swimsuits or delicates in the washer. Then there is the obvious reason! Last but not least, I find it fantastic for tightening and refreshing the face when jet lagged, tired, or hungover. Beats the old Preparation H trick! I have a lot of tips at my old age. Believe me!

The Sherlock "cape caper" cracks me up. First, I don't particularly like the look on either girl! There, I said it! One of Charles Caleb Colton's most famous quotes. . ."Imitation is the sincerest [form] of flattery" he said this is because it is not based on art. So it must be sincere. People are not necessarily aware they are doing it. I always try to emulate those I admire. Pamela Harriman, Coco Chanel, Wallis Simpson, Jean Harlow, Diana Vreeland. I look to role models to get through tough times and to reach my own lofty goals. I was quoted recently saying I will be bigger than Bethenny. You have to dream. If you know how to visualize or meditate you can go far in life. Tension is building for sure between Carole and Lu Lu. One would think the royals would be of like minds, but as the onion peels we see another story. Carole and the one uppers!? I thought this was expanding on conversation? Things in common? Heather and Ramona have the same conflict. Is this just what happens when there is an under current of mistrust? I have to admit I felt Carole's pain and was trying to help her as a new friend in the group to feel understood. She can feel eclipsed, like I do, because she is tiny. Lu Lu can bellow above us with those lungs of hers, and towering height, but she doesn't mean to slight anyone. Even I forget in a selfish moment and complain to Lu. Doesn't matter! She pop poos me as being silly which is true, and she let me vent without holding it against me. BECAUSE we trust each other and realize neither of us are perfect.

I picked the Empire Room out of three places I had in mind because of the five year anniversary gift being wood or silver and because it is operated by Hospitality Holdings the group behind the upscale world bar at Trump World Tower and I knew i could trust them. Also the Empire State Building is iconic and you want a place at will be there years from now.

Cocktail lounge covered! Now for the food! My catering partner Steve Carl just happens to be a partner of Donald Trump. Small world! I consulted many years ago on transforming the old Trader Vics in he basement of the Plaza Hotel when he bought it. I also went to his wedding to Marla Maples. Maybe we will work together again?

I'm in London planning the menus with my director Laura Wootton back home. I have highlighted Ramona's wines at many of my Sonja in the City events and past charities, and she is one of the most generous people I know, so she's in. It's a win win. Sonja in the City manages to pull off another event. The food, servers, the rest of the alcohol, and a floral arrangement the size of the moon!

Aviva wanted a seated dinner. But it didn't work so we changed it to passed petite entrées. That's how we roll! You must be flexible. Ramona and Heather were fighting so they obviously didn't see the people in the background chomping down on the scrumptious food!

I guess this is to create drama? I still managed to arrange croquet in London and my PR contact through Dallas/Monica set us up with fantastic locals in London. So a lot goes on besides packing!!

The food looks great early on when they show it. I couldn't believe it when the sonnet Cara wrote called "Away From You" turned into the Cara Quici production! She couldn't do the song I requested and didn't come to the 4:30 pm rehearsal So the show must go on.

Well, she may have been too much for the uptown crowd! There wasn't an unpeeled eye in the room. I can tell you, if you were there, people really did enjoy the performance once they got over the shock! The lyrics to the song I chose were written for Reid and Aviva, and it was an unplugged rendition or unproduced, natural version. With Aviva afraid to go anywhere without Reid it was a touching song. Cara is from Corpus Christi, Texas, and has been singing since four years old in her church choir. She is a rising International star and very talented. I was pleased to have her donate her time and love. Let's face it though it was a big break and she got a little carried away!

Well it made for good drama!

All I can say is I wish you had seen the performance at the Social Life party. It was a much better match. Goodness gracious.

It was a wonderful party all in all, other than the blooper entertainment move!

We are on the first floor. I rarely go to a party where the alarm doesn't go off. Usually because I start the fireplace and forget to open the flue! My date is circling around, trying to get a moment with me. I'm laughing because I know Heather can handle herself and I know likes having a ball. Ramona seems to be up to the usual. I can't change that!

In London when we all come in the restaurant I asked Lu to let me and petite Carole walk in first, but she goes to the front, naturally, once again. She really is oblivious to my hang up. I think she is so used to being a standout, that she wants to make sure she is "on form" at all times and in charge.

I thought Lu's ears were burning because the tall girl syndrome was wearing on us girls and we discussed it. When she got back from the bathroom Carole joshed her on the one-upping. I got into the walking in thing. Truly Lu doesn't realize it.

What we say in the beauty salon stays? Ha! I love that.

I think the Countess thing is more important to Lu because she did live the life of a Countess, where Carole ready didn't. Her husband never talked about living the life of royalty. This comes out at the beauty salon. They really didn't travel the same circles. Lu runs in the jet set and Razy runs the intellectual, artsy group set.

Oh gawd I can see next week gets even worse. See you then.

(Read on for the party menu, and the lyrics to Cara's song)

Aviva's Anniversary Party

Petite Entrées
Passed

Truffled Wild Mushroom Risotto Torte
with roasted tomatoes and red onion compote

Shrimp Madras
with basmati rice

Roast Long Island Duck
on a bed of wild rice with pecan, cranberries and butternut squash with raspberry sauce

Dessert
Passed

A Taste of Vermont Cobbler Station
Apple Cobbler, Peach Cobbler, Blueberry Cobbler and Bread Pudding
with vanilla ice cream and homemade fresh whipped cream

LYRICS TO CARA QUICI'S
"AWAY FROM YOU"

Time is runnin in the opposite way to you
I'm tryin to catch it
And pull it right back in view
And what we're missing when we're not together
You know it's still there right up in the air
It's bitter sweet cause it only reminds you
What you feel for me

Is the night too long
Does your heart beat slow
Every time I'm away from you
Does your love burn hot
And your skin turn cold
Every time I'm away from you

Every time that I'm away from you
Every time that I'm away from you

Now are ya ready
Kiss me all night like I wanna be
Ooo baby I need ya body right here with me
And what we're missing when we're not together
You know it's still there right up in the air
It's bitter sweet cause it only reminds you
What you feel for me

Is the night too long
Does your heart beat slow
Every time I'm away from you
Does your love burn hot
And your skin turn cold
Every time I'm away from you

Every time that I'm away from you
Every time that I'm away from you

Sign up for my newsletter where I share recipes, decorating tips, flower arrangements, beauty and fashion advice, celebrity guest bloggers and travel ideas. Luxury and elegance can be affordable, and I think a MUST!

My website blog
My Youtube
My Twitter for everyday thoughts with viewers, friends
"Like" my Facebook for notifications, giveaways, and #RHONY buzz.