Dear Sapphire: One of my closest friends is approaching a “milestone” birthday. About four days before her birthday, her new husband called and asked me to invite three people to a celebration he is planning for her. He didn’t ask me whom he should invite, but specifically named the three people he wanted to be there. Here’s the thing… I’m not sure how close my friend is to the people he mentioned, and I’m sure there are other people with whom she is closer who he’s leaving out.

Fall is the season of change, and within the season, September is the entrance of emerging fashion trends. The month of September is also widely regarded in the fashion industry as the most celebrated month of the year for designers as well as trendsetters across the globe. The season brings a variety of styles over a span of decades. from the 50’s inspired polka dots to the 70’s slinky styles, here’s a mini shopping guide to some of fall’s hottest trends.

Spanish cava, the sparkling wine of the Penedes region of Spain, is a refreshing sip that pairs really well with salty and fried tapas. Add a chilled dry sherry to the lineup, too. (Watch out, though; the alcohol in sherry can sneak up on you in a hurry!) Seafood tapas are terrific with a crisp cold Albarino from the cool-climate Spanish region of Rias Baixis. You’ll also want to pour a reserva Rioja–a classic Spanish wine made primarily from Tempranillo grapes.

The ability to network is a crucial skill any start-up entrepreneur must have. It is a skill that is necessary to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with other business people and potential clients and/or customers. I mean, how else will you meet the clients and contacts necessary to grow your business? The sole purpose of networking is to, through one way or another, increase business revenue. This can be by developing a new relationship with a new client, or in learning a new business skill. The trick with networking is to be proactive.

It’s important to understand that you are not a perfect human being. You will make mistakes, say things you wish you hadn’t, and will find yourself in embarrassing situations. We tend to dread these moments in life, but we really should learn to appreciate them. The next time you notice your fly is down, instead of wondering how long it’s been that way and if anyone noticed, begin to laugh. Laugh and appreciate this humbling experience. They only happen every once and a blue moon, so enjoy it.

This morning while walking out to the car with my boys, we felt the tell-tale signs of autumn coming around the corner. We couldn’t help but become excited at the prospect of putting on a sweater before the leaving the house. And what child can’t resist a tall pile of leaves waiting to be pounced on? In my reverie my thoughts also began to wander towards the effects of cold weather – chill, cold/flu, flu shots, cod liver oil the blues, vitamins, etc. Let’s talk about that.