I had been looking forward to the Hollywood Florida 45th Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner held last Saturday, February 23, 2008 for a while now!

Being a woman who likes to be prepared for such events, I had everything planned out. I had the dress, the jewelry, a hair appointment , an appointment with a great makeup artist with MAC Cosmetics at Macy's in the Broward Mall, and an appointment for spray tanning, since my fear of skin cancer outweighs my willingness to tan naturally any more.

Friday, I started putting my plan into action. I went to a salon that shall remain nameless and got spray tanned. Although I looked a bit orange, the operator assured me that after showering the next day I would look fabulous.

The next morning arrived, and my son looked at me in horror and said “ Mommy you are orange!” This was not music to a mother's ears. In all fairness, I have to say that only my feet and hands were (and are) orange … which is why you will only see me in boots until I can again wear sandals without scaring small children!

I went on with my plan, having my makeup done, and shocking the wonderful but perplexed cosmetologist when I asked her to also put makeup on my legs and feet to help lessen the neon affect.

She did a fabulous job and I was able to go to the event without raising an eyebrow (or at least, anyone who noticed was kind enough to not shriek in horror as my son had done).

The event, as always, was fabulous. It was such fun to see everyone and to watch Hollywood 's citizens receive awards, watch new board members get sworn in and enjoy all of the evening's festivities. I was very proud to be a resident of such a great city, and so delighted that the event was once again held at the Hollywood Westin Diplomat at Hollywood Beach, a venue not to be missed.

It is now Wednesday night and my hands and feet are still orange (much to the dismay of both myself and my shocked manicurist). There is an old saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions; this may not be hell, but it sure is funny!

Anyone looking for a great hairdresser, makeup artist or manicurist, please give me a ring; and if you have someone who can do a spray tan without turning me into a pumpkin I would love to hear from you!

Call me at 954-862-2631, or you can contact me via my website, www.homeinsouthflorida.com, where you'll find news on other interesting local events, helpful hints and tips, or you can see what your home is worth, or even find your dream home!