No longer does Ladies’ Night mean the same ho-hum music and watered-down cosmos. On July 31, Trader Vic’s at Hotel Valley Ho introduced a new and improved Ladies’ Night, with an all around exotic, Brazilian theme. Each week this Polynesian hot spot hosts Wild Wahine Thursdays, where three-piece band Caji & Salome perform songs you won’t hear anywhere else. Caji, whose full name is Carlos Eduardo Andrade Santos (whew, what a mouthful), plays the guitar while singing about his life growing up in Bahia. Munch on the fun and unique appetizer specials while ordering up 2-for-1 Flor de Cana Rum drinks. Or, if you’re really determined, surprise a friend by ordering the two of you a Tiki Bowl to share–it is a two-person cocktail, after all. www.hotelvalleyho.com.

Bath and body shop, LATHER, has attracted fans far and wide including Oprah and Jennifer Lopez, so it’s no surprise their products are to die for. Now the shop is doing more than redefining modern skin care–they are helping families and children in need. This Friday, the Scottsdale location at Kierland Commons will be collecting customer donations all day long to go toward Homeward Bound, a charity benefiting families and children affected by homelessness and domestic violence. Anyone who donates to the cause will receive a 15 percent discount off their LATHER purchase. As well as the all-day discount, LATHER will host a cocktail reception from 4 to 8 pm. To RSVP to the evening cocktail event, contact LATHER at 480.483.6633. www.lather.com.

Feel like a little indulgence without the extravagant price tag? This Thursday, fork over only $25 at theever-charming Sweet O Wine & Chocolate Lounge for a mix of perfectly paired wines and chocolates. Once a month, this chic sweet spot located in Glendale’s Westgate City Center hosts wine & chocolate pairings–this month’s will be hosted by chocolatier Pierrick Dubreil and Quail Distributing. If Thursday doesn’t mesh well with your schedule, make sure you stop by for an evening out. The adorable and stylish lounge also serves up irresistible appetizers and meals like the Traditional Bruschetta, Margarita Panini and Warm Goat Cheese Salad. Washing it down with a signature Hot Choc-o-tail? Perfection! www.sweetolounge.com or 623.877.3898 for reservations.

Let’s face it, Arizona folk are passionate about their Phoenix Suns–but what is a great basketball team without great dancers? Luckily, Phoenix doesn’t have that problem. The 2008-09 Suns Dancers were revealed Wednesday night after the airing of ”Making of the Suns Dancers” on KUTP My45. This year, the voting process proved to be slightly different. In true reality-show fashion, fans were able to vote online for their favorite dancer, which accounted for 25 percent and helped the finalists be narrowed down from 32 to 16 dancers. This year’s squad looks better than ever; check out www.suns.com for more info on each of the girls.

Remember a couple months ago, when we broke the good news that adorably eclectic Phoenix boutique Olive Annie was reopening? Well, if you have not yet made time to pop in and rummage through their one-of-a-kind treasures, make it a priority this Friday. Until Aug. 29, Olive Annie will be open 6 to 9 pm every Friday offering you a sweet 20 percent off discount. Even sweeter? The pink champagne and cupcakes you’ll down while shopping the racks and swaying to the sounds of local music. Making a night of it? Olive recommends starting your evening off at Lisa G Wine Bar. Perfect for some post-work, pre-weekend girl time! www.oliveannie.typepad.com.

If your weekends are jam-packed with drinks and dining around the Scottsdale area, your not alone; but it may be time for a visit to downtown Phoenix. No longer a ghost town at dark, in the past few years the area has had an amazing increase in restaurant and nightlife business. One man responsible for this revival is Johnny Chu, who created Asian restaurant Fate and outdoor martini bar Next Door (which is, in fact, next door to Fate). Although downtown Phoenix remains primarily a business venue, since the opening of Fate, more restaurants and bars have been popping up in the area. Next up for Chu? Asian Tapas and Saki Bar Sens, which will open early September and will be located on First Street. www.sensake.com.

Suddenly playing fetch with your pooch seems so old school. Gone are the days when owners left their furry friends at home during their weekly yoga sessions. Now your pup can enjoy his own zen session, as dog yoga, or “doga”, has turned into a trend sweeping cities around the country like New York and Los Angeles. It was only a matter of time before Scottsdale caught on as well. Oh My Dog Boutique has been open less than six months, but already they are becoming known as the hippest dog salon and shop in Scottsdale. The boutique includes a “Doggie Bar” with treats for your pet, a “Doggie Java” vitamin drink, a pet-size runway, four-star grooming and the most adorable doggie clothing you’ve ever seen.

Oh My Dog Boutique will be hosting a free doga event this Tuesday at 6 pm, complete with herbal iced teas provided by The Foodbar. Don’t miss this truly relaxing and entertaining event! www.ohmydogboutique.com.

Margaritas make the perfect summer refresher. This Friday, gather some friends and head on over to the Cafe Carumba after work to start your weekend off with a little top-notch tequila and lime. Take in the funky-chic, Southwestern vibe while sitting up at the cafe’s ever-popular Margarita Bar. Happy hour begins at 4 pm and lasts until 7. However, make sure you come with an appetite because this restaurant’s happy hour is not only about great drink specials– Friday’s appeal also includes Tapas for 2. You can choose any of the chef’s special Southwest Small Plates to accompany your drink, or mix and match any special or regular plates for $20. With it’s central location (one block east of Scottsdale Road on Indian School), it’s eclectic and laid-back vibe, as well as their fun summer atmosphere and specials, there’s no reason not to stop in this weekend! www.cafecarumba.com.

Here in the state where the sun rarely ceases to shine, comfortable flip flops are a must-have. After becoming increasingly popular over the past year, Fit Flops, which claim to tone your legs and tush while you wear them, have officially become a world-wide summer hit. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Oprah promoted the shoe as one of her “Favorite Things for Summer”, and that Pamela Anderson has been spotted numerous times wearing her pair. The UK-based company claims that Fit Flops utilize “micro-wobbleboard technology”, creating a workout for your muscles when you walk, which in turn works as a toning exercise. 

Despite some controversy (a 20/20 news segment gave mixed reviews), Fit Flops’ success is undeniable. As for an incentive to give in to the hot trend, this summer, if you are seen wearing a pair of the red Fit Flops by a company insider, you will win a certificate for a free pair. Also, be sure to check out the season’s newest style: the Aurelia, which is a spin on the ever-stylish gladiator sandle. www.thefitflop.com for retailer information.

As if you needed a reason to indulge in the uberadorable, ultratasty Sprinkles Cupcakes, we’ll give you one more. From today through Wednesday, Sprinkles Cupcakes will be donating 100 percent of the proceeds from its pink-heart-topped vanilla cupcakes to support the efforts of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. And should you need further motivation, remember that Sprinkles’ cupcakes are free of preservatives, trans fats and artificial flavors—a tasty bonus! www.sprinklescupcakes.com