Professional Divas Must Have...

Toodledo

Greetings Divas! Here we are at the beginning of a new work week...I’ll wait for the collective sigh! If you are anything like me, you cherish Sunday afternoons. Not just because there's a Real Housewives of Atlanta marathon on Bravo, but it is a time to plan and prepare for the upcoming week. I find that taking a few minutes to plan and prepare for the week helps me to be more efficient and productive during the week. As I stated in my previous post, “Preparation Is Key,” I take the time to plan what I will do each day at work, as well as what I will do before and after work. In doing so, I prioritize the things I need to accomplish, the things I want to accomplish, and any “extracurricular” activities I plan to get into during the week. Sounds a little neurotic? That may be true, but it helps me to maintain my sanity!

Over the past year, I have been using Toodledo to help me get my life in order. What its Toodledo you ask? Well, Toodledo is an online task and note manager that helps to improve your overall productivity. It allows you to enter, prioritize, and categorize your various to-do lists in an easy to use, online format. You can assign start dates and due dates to tasks, and use audible pop-up alarms for tasks with approaching due dates. Toodledo also allows you to create folders to categorize your tasks. There is even a feature that lets you create notes. It is the perfect tool for Professional Divas with a lot on their proverbial plates. Still with me?

Another great thing about Toodledo is that its basic version is free! And it’s not the kind of free that doesn’t allow you to take advantage of all of its great features. In case you’re interested, there is a Pro version ($14.95 per year) and a Pro Plus version ($29.95 per year). These advance versions allow you to create subtasks for project management.  They also allow you to use a scheduler, which allows you to specify how much time you have available to work and makes suggestions as to those tasks that can be completed in that amount of time. These versions are a little bit too fancy for me, but it can really be useful to other professionals depending on their current needs.

iPad App

iPod App

Just so you know, there’s and app for this! There is an excellent Toodledo app for the iPhone and the iPad, and there is a compatible app for Android phones. The apps sync seamlessly with the online program, and are perfect for adding tasks on the go.  And for those of you who use another to-do-list application, such as Outlook, Toodledo allows you to quickly and painlessly import your tasks.

In sum, I am so in love with Toodledo and the way it helps me organize and plan my hectic life. I seriously have folders for work items, home items, blog items, etc. I am almost positive that Toodledo can help you get your mind right! For more information on Toodledo, check out Toodledo.com. In the spirit of sharing….!

Have a great week Divas! And don’t forget to work and play hard!

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Martini Thursday!!!

White Peach Cosmotini

Have any of you ever been so busy that you forget which day it is? Well, this phenomenon has once again happened to me…I totally thought it was Wednesday! I honestly made it all the way to 3 o’clock this afternoon before it dawned on me that it was in fact Thursday. I am so grateful that I have a few more hours left today to bring you all another martini recipe for your collection. This week…the White Peach Cosmotini! This is one of those recipes that I experimented with a while back, and it ended up being a huge success! If you are a fan of Cosmopolitans, try this refreshing twist on the classic favorite. So without further adieu, and just in time for the weekend, I present to you the White Peach Cosmotini!

Ingredients

2 oz of Your Favorite Vodka

1 oz of Peach Schnapps

1 oz of Cranberry Juice

½ oz of Triple Sec

¼ oz of Rose’s Lime Juice

Lime Wedge (For Garnish)

Recipe

1. In a shaker, combine Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice, Triple Sec, and Lime Juice. Shake!

2. Strain mixture into a chilled martini glass.

3. Garnish with a Lime Wedge.

I hope that you all enjoy the White Peach Cosmotini. If not, you’ll let me know I’m sure! Have a great weekend. And Drink Responsibly!

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Chronicle Quickie...Business Card Holder Basics!!!

Greetings Divas! We all know the importance of having our business cards accessible at all times…you never know when and where you are going to meet a new contact. I know I’m not the only one who has found herself fumbling through my purse or work bag looking for a business card to hand to someone. And if your purse or work bag is anything like mine, then you know how embarrassing it is to have a potential contact waiting for you to get your act together. I’ve been there, done that, and starred in the straight-to-DVD movie.

Thanks to the awkwardness of these experiences, I’ve invested in a business card holder…several actually, as I like to mix them up a bit. Now, you all know that the Professional Diva is all about being functionally fabulous, so an average business card holder is not my thing. There are, however, certain characteristics that I look for in a holder. In the spirit of sharing, here are a few of those characteristics:

Sturdy – My business card holder must be sturdy, and made of a material that protects my cards from tattering. My business card is a reflection of me, and it is quite anti-sexy to present a raggedy card to a potential contact. I suggest scoring a holder that is made of some sought of metallic material, or of a firm leather material. It should also have some sought of clasp so that it doesn’t come open when I throw it in my purse. Optimum card protection is key!

Compact – My business card holder must be compact, and small enough to fit in the palm of my hand. In essence, it should be small enough to fit in my “club purse”…and we know how small those can be! Anything bigger can be awkward, and I never want to look like the lady that came to the networking event for the sole purpose of handing out her business cards.  

Two-Sided – My business card holder ideally should have two sides: one side for my business cards, and one side for the business cards I’ve collected. It’s not a necessity, but it is a real practical way to keep things organized.

Personable – Lastly, my business card holder must be personable. My suggestion to holder seekers id to engrave it…or find one in your favorite color…or by your favorite designer…or get one that is reflective of your business. It may seem like a waste of time to search for a business card holder that reflects your personality, but I honestly think that one’s holder should be an everyday accessory …like a watch or a pair of earrings! And as with every accessory it should be stylish, so find a great one!

That’s all I have for now! Do any of you have a stylish and practical business card holder? If so, send me a picture so that I can use it in a special post I have coming up shortly (theprodiva@gmail.com). Thanks!

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Incoporating Spring 2012 Trends Into My Career Wardrobe!!!

Greetings Divas! As we ascend upon another work week, I find myself going through various magazines that I have neglected to read over the last month or so. I was super excited to see that my Spring issue of InStyle Magazine had arrived, and I immediately began pouring through the pages to see what wonderfulness I could find. Instant inspiration! Rifling through the magazine reminded me of several of the Spring 2012 trends that I am loving. Specifically, I’m loving how many of these trends can be incorporated into my every day work apparel. Check out my take on a few of these trends, and how I am incorporating these items into my work style.

 Funky Trench Coats – You all know I believe that every Professional Diva should have a trench coat in their closet….it’s a professional wardrobe staple! Once you’ve gotten your basic trench, try mixing it up a bit. Try a funky pattern, a bright color, or an unusual cut. I love the new Spring trenches, and I can totally see myself wearing one to the office….over my suit of course! The pictured version is from Burberry's Spring line.

Bright Bottoms – Orange dress pants. Fuchsia pencil skirts. Yellow capris. All three of these items are hot for the Spring. But how do you incorporate such bright colors into office wear? Pair them with neutral tones! Or, you can be bold and engage in a little color-blocking. Finally, add in some nude pumps...always a great accessory to pull a look together!

 Envelope Bags – Big and flat…those are the two words I would use to describe envelope bags. I love them! Partly because many of these bags are big enough to hold my iPad. But mainly because they are really stylish and can hold a lot stuff. These bags come in a variety of different sizes, and are Happy Hour-friendly!

Full-Bottomed Dresses – Move over sheath…there another type of dress that has been invading my closet! I am loving full-bottomed dresses! These dresses are sleek and comfortable, and the perfect for curvy girls like me! I like to pair my full-bottomed dresses with a belt (skinny or wide depending on the style), and super high heels!

Vibrant Blazers – Nothing livens up a neutral palette like a vibrant blazer, and the new Spring blazers are hot! Vibrant colors and patterns can add a lot of oomph to an otherwise typical outfit. I like wearing a bright blazer with tan or black slacks, or a solid dress.

Black and White Sheath Dresses – If it were possible, I think I would personally thank the genius who thought of the sheath dress. They are essentially my go-to work dresses, as I have so many different varieties. Recently I have found myself purchasing a number of black and white sheath dresses. Although they share the same color palette, the different patterns and designs really make these dresses unique in their own way. I usually pair them with a bright pump, and I go!

Yellow and Royal Blue Pumps – Now, I won’t pretend to be the all-knowing fashionista type, but I’m loving how yellow or royal blue pumps compliment my black and white sheaths. It’s an absolutely gorgeous combination! And even if you’re not feeling the combo, you can never go wrong with a pair of yellow or royal blue pumps. They are both great ways to jazz up dark-colored pants suit. Or a solid sheath or wrap dress…the possibilities are endless! Kind of!

Bright Nail Color – I have never been a big fan of do-it-yourself nail polish…mainly because I don’t have a steady hand and I usually end up making a mess. Lately I’ve been singing a different tune…these new Spring shades are so cute! They are bright and glossy, and sometimes sparkly…what girl doesn’t like sparkly things? Add the fact that many of my Pinterest and bloggy friends have been posting pictures of pretty nail designs, and it’s really making me rethink my nail polish embargo. Needless to say, I will be making a trip to the nail salon very soon!

So now it’s your turn. What trends are you loving for the office?

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Martini Thursday!!!

Pink Grapefruit Martini

Greetings Divas and Gents! Would you mind if I took a brief moment to say that my readers and fellow Professional Divas are the best! Hands down! It is no secret that I adore my loyal followers and readers. The Martini Chronicles has come a long way, and I am so grateful for all of the support I have received from so many. This week's martini recipe comes courtesy of one of my most fabulous supporters. This Pink Grapefruit Martini recipe is the brainchild of my bloggy friend Donna, who is the author and mastermind behind wonderfully delicious blog Just One Donna. If you've never checked out her site, you are seriously doing yourself a great disservice...seriously!

Recently, Donna tweeted me about a pink grapefruit martini she enjoyed at a restaurant. She suggested that I post a recipe. Of course I thought it was a great idea! Donna then sent me a recipe that she put together for me to try, and it was awesome! As such, it is my pleasure to share with you all the Pink Grapefruit Martini!

Ingredients

2 oz of Vodka

2 oz of Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice

½ oz of Cointreau

Juice of ½ a lime

½ Teaspoon of Splenda

Ice

Lime Wedge (For Garnish)

Recipe

1. In a shaker, combine Vodka, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, Cointreau, Lime Juice, Splenda, and Ice. Shake!

2. Strain mixture into a chilled martini glass.

3. Garnish with Lime Wedge.

Once again, I would like to thank Donna for this delicious Pink Grapefruit Martini. Make sure you check out her blog, Just One Donna, for great recipes, drinks, and excellent tips for the home and family. Enjoy you martini! And Drink Responsibly!

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