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Martini Break!


Raspberry Lemonade Mojito Martini

It’s so funny where you find inspiration. Each week, I try to give you Divas a new martini recipe. Earlier this week, one of my Twitter followers asked me where I get ideas for my recipes. I told her that these ideas come from everywhere…a conversation with a friend; a college memory; chocolate withdrawal (See The Choco Latte Martini). This week’s recipe was inspired by a beverage I had a Cosi during lunch yesterday. It was a Raspberry Mojito Lemonade, and it was absolutely fantastic! It was non-alcoholic of course, as I did have to go back to work. But it got me to thinking of a new twist on the classic mojito. Just like that, the Raspberry Lemonade Mojito Martini was born! (Try saying it three times fast!) I hope you like it!

Ingredients
3 Mint Leaves
3 oz Light Rum
2 oz Raspberry Lemonade
1 oz Lime Juice
1 Teaspoon of Sugar
Ice
Lemon Wedges for Garnish

Recipe
1. In a martini shaker, muddle mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice for about 2 minutes.
2. Add Rum and Raspberry Lemonade (Simply Lemonade is Awesome!). Shake!
3. Strain mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a Lemon.

There it is! A new recipe created from random inspiration…story of my life! Enjoy! And drink responsibly!

Spring Fever!


 

Welcome to Spring Divas! This is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and the thought of the treacherous Winter we just endured is slowly fading into the background. As with every season change, there are certain things Professional Divas must do in order to ensure fabulousness through Spring and heading into Summer…some professional…some personal…but all important. As the self-proclaimed voice of Professional Divas (at least in my head and on this blog), I have compiled a few of my thoughts on how we can strut into Spring with a new attitude. Please feel free to comment on those things I neglect to include. After all, us Divas must share to preserve Divadom! 


Dust of the SPF! – I was a little hesitant about this one, as I did not want to send the message that moisturizer with SPF is only appropriate when the temperature rises. In fact, the best dermatologists recommend that women, and men, where SPF year-round to protect against a variety of skin problems, including wrinkles and certain skin cancers. I hope that this will serve as a reminder that that using moisturizer with SPF is especially important as the sun gets hotter. So, please dust of your moisturizer, or check out some new ones at your drug store or department store counter. And remember to use it throughout the year, and not just when the warm weather hits.


Pedicure, Pedicure, Pedicure! – Divas, there is nothing more anti-sexy and unprofessional than donning beautiful peep toe pumps with ugly feet…there, I said it! Again, we should all take care of our feet year-round; but when the warm weather hits, and the peep toes and sandals come out, we must preserve our Divadom from head to toe. This means smooth heels, polished toes….I know I do not need to elaborate any further. You know what to do!

Mind the Office Dress Code – It is not unusual in many work places to have a dress code especially for warmer weather. Although the dress code may permit more lax work apparel during the warmer months, be mindful not to push the envelope too far. How do you know when you’ve gone too far? As a rule of thumb, if your first thought is that your outfit may be inappropriate, change! After all, we ARE professionals and we should always BE professional…even in the Spring!

Groom Appropriately – Bare legs. Sleeveless shirts and dresses. Shave and/or wax appropriately. Thanks in advance!

Add Some Color! – Nothing makes me feel better in the Spring than wearing bright colors. Oranges, pinks, yellows…they all scream SPRING! There are so many different ways to add color to your work attire. Try adding a bright yellow shirt and matching shoes with a classic black suit. Or maybe add some colorful bangles or a necklace to your outfit. You can even do and tangerine colored cardigan with everyday work slacks. Or even a nice colorful hue of nail polish. However you choose to do it, DO IT!



Nude Peep-Toe Pumps – No explanation needed…they work on so many different levels it’s scary! Just get a pair and thank me later. (Stay tuned for Professional Diva Must Haves……)

Try the Fruit! – Spring and Summer fruits are ready to make their appearance. In the spirit of health and wellness, I encourage you to try fruit that are in season during the Spring (and Summer), including cherries, pineapples, strawberries, citrus fruits, mangos, plums, and watermelon. Mmmmmm…..so much inspiration for martini recipes…stay tuned Divas!

Sports Break! – Here are a few tidbits regarding Spring and sports, just in case it comes up during a networking event:
        - NBA Basketball is in its second half of the season, leading to the playoffs and finals in June. (Go Knicks!)
        - The MLB baseball season begins on March 31st. (Go Yankees!)
        - NCAA Basketball is still hot!

That’s all I got for now. Again, please feel free to add more…your fellow Divas will thank you. Happy Spring!

Martini Break!


Martini Break - The Tiramisu Martini

Well, it has been a little over two weeks since the beginning of Lent.* This year, I decided to give up my biggest temptation: sweets! Now let me clarify what I consider “sweets.” To me, sweets are comprised of cookies, cakes, and candy…the three things that have always managed to ruin my diet. Can you imagine how anxious I felt when I went out to lunch this week with a colleague, and had to pass on the homemade tiramisu? My heart sank, and I walked out of the restaurant dessert-less! While my waistline is forever grateful for my sacrifice, my sweet tooth was aching. I immediately turned to my beloved Martini Chronicles to lament over my lack of sweets; as such, my fellow Professional Divas will benefit from yet another one of my life experiences. In honor of the dessert that got away, I present to you the Tiramisu Martini. Oh yes! This is one for the record books! Absolutely delicious, decadent, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Now, due to the use of chocolate, I cannot indulge in this recipe until late April…but you can! So do it!

Ingredients
2 oz of Your Favorite Rum
½ oz Irish Cream (Bailey’s)
½ oz Coffee Liqueur
½ oz Chocolate Liqueur
½ oz Vanilla Liqueur
Chocolate Syrup (For Garnish)
Dark Chocolate Shavings (For Garnish)
Ice

Recipe
- Drizzle chocolate syrup along the insides of a martini glass and chill for at least 1 hour.
- In a shaker, combine ice, rum, Irish cream, and the liqueurs. Shake!
- Strain mixture into chilled martini glass.
- Sprinkle dark chocolate shaving on top of mixture for garnish.

Now…grab some vanilla wafers and enjoy your Tiramisu Martini. Let me know what you think! Drink Responsibly!

*For more information on Lent, click here!

Stress and the Professional Woman


I have a confession to make. We’ve known each other for a while, so I feel like I can be honest with my fellow Divas. One of the primary reasons I decided to start the Martini Chronicles was to relieve stress. There, I said it! The truth is that being a professional and dealing with the everyday ups and downs of Corporate America usually brings unintended and unwanted stress. Not good! Stress can have negative effects on your physical, emotional, and mental health. For example, chronic stress can trigger headaches, chest pain, and elevated blood pressure. Additionally, stress can be attributed to insomnia and alcohol/substance abuse, as well as physical aches and pains. For professional women of child-bearing age, like me, stress can also be a contributing factor in infertility.

Needless to say, it is imperative that professional women find ways to avoid and relieve the daily stress we encounter, both at home and in the work place. In the spirit of sharing, as always, I wanted to share some of the ways I have chosen to deal with stress (as well as some that I intend to try). My hope is that at least one of these stress-relievers will help you. If you have other suggestions, please share!


1. Write It Out! – Starting the Martini Chronicles has been so therapeutic! The practice of writing my feelings down on paper has allowed me to express, in words, those things that bother me, or worry me, or stress me. Also, because I am determined to share the most current and accurate information with my readers and followers, the Chronicles have forced me to research some of these bothersome issues and learn more about them (i.e. stress). All in all, writing has given me an outlet to express myself and relieve some stress. Try it!

2. Walk It Out! – Right outside my house, there is a huge park…complete with walking trails, a track, an ice skating rink, a pond, and ducks! Moreover, this park is absolutely beautiful in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. During these times, I strap up my beloved dog and my trusty iPod, and I go walking in the park. There’s something relaxing about nature that relieves my stress; that and the tunes playing on my iPod. Strangely, I get my best ideas when I’m walking in the park…like the idea for this post!

3. Work It Out! – It is a scientific fact that exercising releases endorphins, which triggers feeling of happiness and well being. Happiness is a great way to relieve stress! And you’d be really happy when you fit into a smaller dress size as a result of all the exercise. Remember, any type of exercise will do…running, walking, cycling, dancing, weight lifting, etc.


4. Soak It Out! – Grab your favorite bubble bath, pour it in warm, running bath water, get in the bath, and…that’s it! Do nothing! Just sit in a warm bubble bath, and relax away your stress. Want to bump it up a notch? Before getting in the bath, light a few scented candles, dim the lights, and turn on some soothing music. Don’t forget your eye mask and a towel to rest your head on while soaking.

5. Yoga It Out! – Sign up for a yoga class. I haven’t done so yet, but I’m thinking about it! My fellow Divas who have taken yoga rave about its relaxation and meditative properties. They all have said that doing yoga 2 to 3 times a week have improved their flexibility, and have also managed to help them clear their heads. Perfect! I think it’s worth a try!

6. Drive It Out! – Sometimes, a nice long drive may help to relieve stress. Now I’m not talking about driving during rush hour in New York City traffic; take a drive outside of a major city on a country or back road with the windows open (weather permitting). Pop in your favorite CD, or listen to the sound of the wind whipping through your hair. Either way, relax and drive your stress away. Remember to abide by the speed limit and all traffic laws (the lawyer in me made me say it).

When all is said and done, you have to take care of yourself. If you are all stressed out and mentally and emotionally frazzled, you are no good to yourself or others. I now recognize the importance of distressing….so I’m working on it. I’ll let you know how it goes!

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Martini Break! (St. Patty's Day Edition)


Martini Break - Green Apple Martini

Greetings Divas! And Happy St. Patrick’s Day! In honor of the holiday, I thought that I’d present a classic martini that so happens to be green: the Green Apple Martini. In the spirit of a true Professional Diva, however, I have put my own little spin on this recipe. Why not! I’m hoping this martini will serve as a sexy alternative for those of you who are not a fan of beer (like myself). You can still indulge in the festivities of St. Patty’s Day while sipping on a tasty martini. Enjoy!




Ingredients
3 oz of Apple-Flavored Vodka
2 oz of Sour Apple Schnapps
2 oz White Cranberry Juice
Cocktail Sugar (Dyed Green With Food Coloring)
Ice

Recipe
- In a shaker, combine ice, vodka, apple schnapps, and cranberry juice. Shake!
- Lace the rim of a chilled martini glass with green cocktail sugar.
- Strain mixture into waiting martini glass.

There you go! A perfect St. Patty’s Cocktail for a well-deserving Diva.



Drink Responsibly!
 
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