We’ve been hard at work enhancing our packaging and product and can’t wait to share it with you!

Let us know what you think..and watch for more!

Sweet Divina has just returned from the spa and feels totally rejuvenated!

Well, maybe it took a bit more than a few spa treatments to get these results!

I felt it was time for an update. I love Divina but I’ve wanted her to evolve into a bit more of a glamorous look.

As you know, I went to Fashion Design school in New York. When I first came up with the Diva concept, I thought the fashion illustration look would be too unapproachable.

I drew the Diva head in the style I had developed from my years at school. When it came to the rest, I worked with an artist to create a more casual, free-spirited Diva.

As it turns out, I was always itching to glam her up.

Last summer I met up with my friend Patrick from F.I.T. (Fashion Institute of Technology), who I hadn’t seen in 20 years. After filling each other in on our lives, we shared our work. When I showed him the Diva, he asked, why didn’t you draw the body? She needs to be more Va-Va-Va-Voom! He was right. All my design school exuberance came back and I knew I had to do something.

So, I sat down and drew the new Diva. My skills were a bit rusty and it took several tries, but I finally came up with a new Diva that I think is savvy, sexy and full of savoir FLARE! I know it’s “faire” –but I’m trying to make a point.

I love her and really feel like she suits the brand. Thanks for the push Patrick!

There will be some more changes in the coming months….but just like Divina, it will be the same – only better!

If you’d like to see the before and after….

Ancient cultures believed chocolate to be “the food of the gods,” which certainly makes it good enough for La Dolce Diva!

With that said….trumpets blare: GOURMET MALT BALLS ARE BACK!

Before you even ask…YES- They are completely edible!

Deliciously, delightfully, delectably edible!

We have 2 scrumptious gourmet flavors for you to choose from:

Cappuccino: A white chocolate lover? This crunchy malt center is drenched with layers of cappuccino-infused white chocolate.

Mint Chocolate: Like milk chocolate? A crunchy malt center is lavishly covered with layers of peppermint-infused milk chocolate.

For that PERFECT gift, you may personalize these fabulous confections with a choice of 6 special occasions and a deserving Diva’s name.

These Dolce Delights are the perfect gift for any occasion.. What a great hostess gift for the holidays. A great addition to a box of La Dolce Diva’s extravagant Bath & Body products. Think ahead for Valentine’s Day!

Whatever the Occasion, these Gourmet Malt Balls will make it even more special. Trust us. After all, at La DOLCE Diva, Chocolate is our middle name!

Want to order now….click here.

I’m in the planning stages of some exciting changes at La Dolce Diva.

To get me started, I’d love your input! Could you spare a few moments to answer 10 questions?

It’s completely anonymous.

I may have a few more surveys in the coming weeks – stay tuned.

You’re opinion matters! You may see the very changes you suggest in the near future.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE SURVEY

Thanks again for taking the time!

La Dolce Diva, Inc.

Life’s a bath, Soak it up!

With our Gift-Able packaging, fabulous fragrances and Diva style…sometimes our quality product is overlooked.

We are not just a pretty face, our Bath & Body line contains quality ingredients which we are striving to improve everyday.

One of our favorite ingredients is Shea Butter.

1. Shea Butter, also known as karite butter, is a cream-colored fatty substance made from the nuts of karite nut trees (also called Mangifolia trees) that grow in the savannah regions of West and Central Africa.
2. Shea tress are not cultivated, they only grow in the wild.
3. The shea tree produces its first fruit (which resemble large plums) when it is about 20 years old and reaches its full production when the tree is about 45 years old. It produces nuts for up to 200 years after reaching maturity.
4. The natural fat extracted from the seed of the shea tree by crushing and boiling.
5. In most parts of West Africa, destruction of the shea tree is prohibited because this little nut provides a valuable source of food, medicine, and income for the population.
6. An acclaimed natural butter, Shea butter is widely used in high-end cosmetics and beauty products as a moisturizer and emollient.
7. Shea butter is sometimes referred to as “women’s gold” in Africa, because so many women are employed in the production of shea butter.
8. Shea butter is a particularly effective moisturizer because contains so many fatty acids, which are needed to retain skin moisture and elasticity.
9. Shea butter’s soft, butter-like texture melts readily into the skin without an oily residue.
10. Shea butter is also used in cooking and can be used as a substitute for cocoa butter.

La Dolce Diva has always gotten rave reviews about our Luxurious Shea Body Butter, Shea Soap and Lip Butter, which all contain shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii).

Don’t let our fancy packaging fool you, our ingredients are just as nice!

Like  Momma always told us; Beauty is Skin Deep. Isn’t it nice to know that La Dolce Diva has brains too?

La Dolce Diva has jumped into the new Millennium and created a FaceBook Fan Page!

Didn’t you notice that little “F” icon on the left- yes, that one. You click it and go to our Fan Page and Click “I want to Become a Fan!” And then – well, you’re part of out select club!

If you’re new to the idea of FaceBook, this is the perfect place for you to get your feet wet. Check out our Fan Page to see how FaceBook works – in general.

You can view it without becoming a member of FaceBook- but you can’t touch.

If you want to take part and become a Fan- you’ll have to open your own (free) account. It’s pretty easy – even my Mom did it on her own. I know she won’t mind me telling you that I’m the one in charge of her IT needs, so this was a huge step!

Why would you want to join La Dolce Diva’s Fan Page? Let me give 7 Indulgent Reasons why you should:

1. JOY: You get to have more interaction with me (lucky you)  & “meet” people like yourself- fabulous and fun!
2. EMPOWERMENT: You don’t have to wait for me to bring up a topic or discussion – you can bring it up yourself.
3. INSTANT GRATIFICATION: You can post your thoughts or ideas about our brand, products or other related interests.
4. VOYEURISM: You can enjoy the social connection without the pressure of taking part- but you won’t be able to help yourself!
5. INSIDER: Be privy to special announcements that I may not necessarily mention on my blog.
6. FUN: Be a part of the Social Network Movement with little or no effort. The kids will think your cool.
7. COMFORT: You don’t have to get dressed up to participate (I’m in p.j.’s right now with a glass of wine and a kitten curled up in my lap- could you do that at a bar? I mean a normal bar?)

So what’s stopping you? No subscription fees. No exchange of emails or personal information. No obligation.

Jump into the New Millennium and JOIN US! -I hope to see you there! Click Here to Jump To La Dolce Diva’s Fan Page and see what it’s all about!

Pronounce Venezia, Ve·ne·zia (va-netzia):

As we sail along to our final Bella Divina destination, we arrive in the City of the Waters,  Venice. When arriving in Venice, you may feel like you are back in time. Indeed, you are seeing the “City of Bridges” just as it was centuries ago. Without streets and cars to place you in a modern era, you are left with the gentle waters, bobbing gondolas and winding walkways. Oh sure, a motor boat or vaporetto (water taxi) may throw you off every now and then, but for the most part, Venice has an timeless elegance that is unmatched.

Aside from the city itself, Venice is perhaps most well known for it’s Carnival and artisan glass. As with most ceremonies and festivals, Carnival started because of a religious holiday. In this case, in celebration of the day before lint. A far more elite Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, if you will. It is said to have started in 1296 and continued as an official celebration (having turned into a celebration  of the pride of Venice and it’s culture), through the Renaissance and into 1791, when the republic fell due to the Austrian occupation.

Until about 1979, Carnival was celebrated mainly by children, similar to Halloween, with costumes and parties. Funny, isn’t it, how an event and it’s costumes are so synonymous with Venice, yet really, up until about 20  years ago, it was something we only knew from books and movies.

Why did Carnival resume, you ask? Well, as someone once said, “It takes a village to raise a child” and apparently, the teenagers of Venice, who we normally would imagine to be sophisticated and erudite, skilled in gastronomy and fine manners, were becoming, how you say, rowdy. The celebration was so successful, it continued, and, horror, tourists began to arrive, and arrive, and arrive. If there is one thing Venetians really just tolerate, it’s tourists. And yet, it is essential to the city’s financial well-being.

Another factor that brings tourists to Venice, is the aforementioned Venetian Glass. The actual authentic glass blowing facilities are not on the island of Venice. In 1291, glassblowers were moved and confined to Murano , due to the risk of fire. Murano glass chandeliers, mirrors, beads, et al, became famous throughout Europe. Because of the financial boon and reputation this prized skill brought to the city, the glassblowing process was a highly guarded secret. Both the trade and the secret were so valuable that, although the glassblowers rose to prominent social status and mingled with the elite, they were officially not allowed to leave Venice.

With Murano maintaining a monopoly on superior glass for centuries and continually inventing exquisite technique and technologies, that are still used today, the Venetian glassblowers were a highly sought after commodity throughout Europe. In fact, The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles was crafted by Venetian artisans. The glassblowers themselves were anxious to expand and take advantage of the demand. Some of the craftsmen took the risk, and quality glassblowing spread throughout Europe and beyond. And yet, Murano and Venice still have the most historical and famous glass brand in the world.

But what has all this got to do with flowers? And the fragrances of Bella Divina? Well, as you can tell, Venice is not exactly know for her gardens. So, how would I associate a flower with this magical city?

Venice was first regarded by the Romans as a fishing lagoon. The 118 islands that make up Venice, evolved into a major port city and became a leader in the commerce of exotic spices, silks and grain. This is where Marco Polo sails into the picture (sorry, couldn’t resist). Before he became a well-know summertime pool game, Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant. His claim to fame, however, is his 24 year sailing expedition to Asia. He embarked on these travels with his father and uncle, when Marco was just 17. You can imagine all the treasures he returned with. One such treasure was the Wong-shi flower. A rare flower similar to a gardenia. It was valued in the Orient and Venice as a “love potion”. Yes, you may well fall for it’s deep, rich, not too-sweet, exotic floral fragrance. We have tried to recreate the essence of this flower in our Venezia fragrance. Let us know if it cast it’s spell.

Allow me to leave you with my favorite memory of Venice. My sister and I were racing for the boat to Murano, thinking we were going to miss it. Trying to catch our breath and buying a ticket, the agent smiled and said…”You are in Venice, leave time behind.” That was over 10 years ago. I think of it at least one a week.

Can’t decide which fabulous Bella Divina product to try in our Venezia fragrance? No worries, pick up a sampler. It contains our foaming body wash, silky lotion, lush lip balm and aromatic candle, all  packaged in a gift or travel ready pack..with our signature diamond charm, of course!

Pronounce Roma, Ro·ma (ro-mah):

The third city on our Bella Divina fragrance tour is Roma, the capital city of Italy.  Indeed, one of the most fascinating places on the planet. Chock-full of history and myth. What’s not to love?

Like most of the famous cities of Italy, there is so much to tell about Rome. There are stacks of books written about the city, it’s people, the food, the mythology, the Roman Empire, architecture, religion and on and on. It can be overwhelming.

My best advice about getting to know Rome is to soak it up! She is one magnificent open-air museum. Imperial, Classical, Renaissance, Baroque and Modern periods are all present in the art and architecture. All this is mixed in with cell phones, ipods, traffic, open air markets,  luxury shops, huge local population and tourists on the streets. To put it in Diva terms, Rome is one-stop-shopping for the Past, Present and Future. She lives up to her name as the Eternal City.

The majesty, scale and tactile history of Rome is phenomenal. There are so many historical landmarks throughout the city and have become part of modern day. You will even find yourself succumbing t o the normalcy of saying “Turn right at the Trevi Fountain“, ” My favorite gelato is near Vatican City“,  ” …just before you get to the Forum“, “Meet you at the Pantheon.”

Your head will be spinning with the names of the Caesars (there were twelve), popes and artists that helped to make the city what it is. At times you will stop in your tracks in awe at the sheer magnitude and scope of Rome itself and the impact on the world.

And then, you will feel Rome’s magic. It is the home of La Dolce Vita, after all. She will not let you go without giving you a taste of the  sweet life. You just have to be willing…

Just when you can’t take another step….respite in a park, a piazza or a garden…a rose garden will come into view. One of the most beautiful and famous rose gardens in the world, the Roseto Communale,  sits atop one of Rome’s seven hills, the Aventine. Between the Palatine and Capitoline hills lies the Roman Forum, once the center of Roman life, therefore, the center of the world. The hillsides were terraced with fountains and gardens. Rose gardens, in particular, were a favored place to spend an afternoon. At one time,  there were over two thousand public rose gardens in Rome.

Rose petals lined the streets upon ceremonial returns of Julius Caesar and the arrival of Cleopatra. During the Renaissance, the rose came to mean love and lovers. At the same time, devotion to the Rosary (Catholic prayer beads) was popularized. Rosary translates into “rose garden.” The prayer said for each bead is a rose offered up to  Our Lady of the Rosary, Mary, Mother of God. Also, since this time, one of the most cherished tokens of reverence that the Catholic church bestows is a Golden Rose.

Roses have long been a classic and luxurious ingredients in baths, perfumes, cosmetics and decor. There was  no question that it and it’s fabulous aroma should be honored by representing the most classic and luxurious crown jewel cities of Europe in our Bella Divina collection.

Although the romance and magic or Rome is hard to see past, it is a city with a fierce, turbulent and often brutal history. It started with the founding of the city by the mythological Romulus and Remus, sons of the God of War, Mars and a formally Vestal Virgin, Rhea Silvia. I won’t go into all the background, but don’t you just love a city that’s history is based on mythology? Anyway, in order for the 2 boys not to be killed by a jealous relative, they were placed in a basket on the banks of the Tiber River. The river flooded and carried the twins downstream. The river deity, Tiberinus, brought the children up the Palatine Hill where they were nursed by a wolf, Lupa- in latin. The she-wolf nursing 2 small children is the mythological symbol of Rome today. You will see the reference throughout the city. Later, the boys fought over who be the founder of the new city, obviously, Romulus won. Roma was born.

The next time someone asks if you were raised by wolves, don’t take it as an insult, such a child founded one of the greatest cities in the world.

We hope you enjoy the essence of Italy:
Roma Collection:
Body Lotion, Body Wash, Body Butter, Body Polish, Lip Care, Bath Milk, Gifts and Travels sets and more.

Pronounce Palermo, Pa·ler·mo (puh-lair-moh):

The second city in our Bella Divina collection is Palermo, as in Sicily. Yes, Sicily. Although, I am sure you could technically say Palermo, Italy, I am not sure the Sicilians would like it too much. Sicilians are Sicilians first and then Italians. With their long and turbulent history, it is the one identity they have been able to cling to. Having been controlled by the Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, Islamic, Spanish and Greeks, it is now part of the a Republic of Italy. However, they retain and fiercely guard their own culture.

With Palermo as it’s capital city, the island of Sicily is rich in agriculture, architecture and cuisine. Sicily has such a long history of producing fine wines and noted cuisines that it is nicknamed God’s Kitchen. Perhaps the most delectable favor they have bestowed on the rest of us non-Sicilians is the cannoli – as in “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.” Cannoli is plural for cannolo, but who cares, you can’t eat just one!

One of the most unrecognized, yet most ubiquitous Sicilian contributions is the Sweet Pea flower. This lovely little discovery was made by a Francisco Cupani, a botanist and believed to be a Franciscan monk. First recorded as a new plant in Sicily in 1695, it is not certain if it was found in the monastery’s botanical garden that he managed or  in the surrounding countryside. The seeds were sent to a botanist in England, cultivated and popularized in English gardens.

Noted for their soft, butterfly-like petals, sweet fragrance and array of colors, the original Sicilian varietal, as well as many others that were discovered soon after, quickly became a gardener’s favorite throughout Europe and North America.

The Sweet Pea or Lathyrus Odoratus  means “blissful pleasure.” The literal translation is Lathyros “pea” or “pulse” and the Latin word for “fragrant,” odaratus. Fragrant Pulse.

Known as The Queen of Annuals, it will give you the royal treatment!

We hope you enjoy the essence of Italy:
Palermo Collection:
Body Lotion, Body Wash, Body Butter, Body Polish, Lip Care, Bath Milk, Gifts and Travels sets and more.

Pronounce Firenze, Fi·renze (fē ren′dze):

Our Bella Divina collection is inspired by the flowers of Italy. We have chosen four of the most popular regions or cities of Italy that range from the canals of Venice to the cliffs of Palermo. Surely, you will find a destination that suits your Diva senses and sensibilities.

On each label there is un po’ (a little bit) about the flower and how it is significant to the city.

Let’s start with Firenze.

Wow. There is so much I want to share. I shall restrain myself, otherwise, this will be one long stream-of-consciousness post that no one could follow.

Firenze is tha capital of Tuscany. Firenze means Florence in Italian; Florentia in Latin. By both definitions, Firenze means flourish. Flourish, it did.

Florence is recognized as the cradle of the Renaissance. The area of Florence has produced such notables as Dante, Michaelangelo, Da Vinci and Brunelleschi and Galileo, to mention a few.

There is also one ruling family that dominates Florentine and Italian history, the Medicis. There is one woman that is a stand out in the Medici family history, Caterina de’ Medici. She married King Henri of France and bore 10 children, 3 to become Kings of France. Upon her marriage to the french King, she left Florence and brought with her many  artists, poets, dancers, a personal Italian chef and even her own perfumer, Rene de Florentin. Yes, the French can trace their great perfume industry back to the Italians and one item of clothing: Scented Gloves.

Although Catherine was not considered beautiful, she was known to have beautiful hands, of which, she was very proud. She kept them soft by wearing opera gloves. Aside from masking the curing process, the scented gloves also served the purpose of having something nice to smell as your hand covered your nose when crossing the less than sanitary streets of Paris.

Due to the tanning process, leather, in general, did not smell too good. So, they needed perfuming. In fact, today, the smell of leather isn’t actual leather at all. It  is the re-odorized smell we have come to identify as “leather.” Rene was the first perfumer to open up shop in Paris and soon everyone was flocking to his door for perfumes and scented goods.

The most popular fragrance was  woodbine, a fragrant honeysuckle flower; everyone in Florence wore it. Elegantly trumpet-shaped and sweet smelling, especially at night, the honeysuckle blossom was both common and special – like some of the most precious things in life, a spring day, good friends, the perfect glass of vino….a honeysuckle-scented breeze.

We hope you enjoy the essence of Italy: Firenze Collection:
Body Lotion, Body Wash, Body Butter, Body Polish, Lip Care, Bath Milk,
Gifts and Travels sets.