Future Diva on Deck!!!

Greetings Divas and Gents! This may be surprising to some of you, but I love hearing what my readers think of this blog, and brainstorming about different ways to keep the content fresh and exciting for current and potential readers. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Lydia, one of my long-time readers and subscribers, regarding the potential direction of the content of the Chronicles.  One of Lydia's critiques was that there was too little of ME. Specifically, she noted that I did not share enough information about myself and my personal experiences. She believed that sharing more of myself with my readers would help others feel more connected to the blog's content and, by extension, more connected to ME. I mulled over this critique, and I realized that Lydia was right! After all, I cannot expect my readers to be open and honest with me if I am not willing to share more about myself with them. I get it...and I'm on it!

In the spirit of sharing more of ME with you, I want to share some exciting news! It turns out that the Stud and I are expecting our first child in a few months! And would you believe that it's a little Diva! Needless to say, we are super excited and anxious about our future. I am also excited about all the new blog material that I will have when I am faced with the task of balancing my professional life with motherhood. I promise you all that I plan to continue blogging profusely about the joys, trials, and tribulations of the professional woman, but new insight is always welcomed. I am hoping that you all will stay with me along the way.

So...what do I need from you? Links! I need links to your favorite working mommy blogs. One of my favorites is My Life: The Chronicles of Pookah's Mom, mainly because Rose's Daughter shares her real life experiences of being a mom and a professional. I love Lipgloss & Binky and The Musings of Me for the same reason. If you have any more blogs or sites like these that you love, send me the link! I need to do some research!

Also, I am currently not able to sample my own martini recipes...any volunteers!? If so, shoot me an email at theprodiva@gmail.com, and let me know if you are interested in testing a recipe.

Finally, I ask for all of your positive thoughts and prayers over the next few months...I'm sure we will need all of them! Thanks for allowing me to share a little bit of myself with you. And expect to learn much more about the Professional Diva in the future!

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Evolution Of Mom Dancing (w/ Jimmy Fallon & Michelle Obama)

Greetings! I couldn't help but to post this video...it is absolutely hysterical! Yet another reason why I adore First Lady Michelle Obama. And Jimmy Fallon's kind of awesome, too! Enjoy!

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My Top 5 Favorite Moments of the 2013 Grammys Were...

Last night I tuned into the Grammy Awards for the third year in a row. While I am usually pretty satisfied with the Grammys, this year's broadcast was a tad boring. There were several occasions when I flirted with the idea of changing the channel, or turning the television off altogether...yep, I was that bored. But I stuck with it! Mainly because I had already planned to share my favorite moments of this year's Grammys with you. And when it comes to my opinion, you know I'm all about sharing! In that spirit, my to 5 favorite moments of the 2013 Grammys were:

Photo Credit: Larry Busacca/WireImage

5. When American Idol Showed Us All Why It Is the Premier Singing Competition - No one can deny that American Idol has consistently turned out major superstars. Jennifer Hudson..Jordin Sparks...Clay Aiken...and two of the most successful contestants, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Last night, both Kelly and Carrie demonstrated how they each beat out hundreds of thousands of aspiring singers to emerge as the American Idol. Both performances were amazing! Both of these women have beautiful and powerful voices, and last night, they SANG! Undeniable talent...Simon would be proud!

Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/WireImage

4. When Justin Timberlake Put On His Suit and Tie - I have no problem admitting that I was seriously bored with the Grammys until Justin Timberlake performed. I really like his new song, and I loved the energy he brought to the stage. And when my boy Jay-Z emerged from the audience and walked on the stage, the dope factor tripled. I also thoroughly enjoyed the band...especially the pianist who played like a Baptist church organist! By the way, where I can I get a copy of the second song JT sang? You know I love a good falsetto!

3.  When Jay-Z Said What We Were All Thinking - Quick question: Who in the hell left the gate open and let TheDream attend the Grammys wearing his play clothes? Apparently TheDream has no friends, because friends don't let friends come to an event like the Grammys looking like...a mess. But leave it to my boy Jay-Z to keep it real and say what everyone was thinking. "I want to thank the swap meet for his hat!" Yesssssss Mr. Carter! Please stand on that stage with your fresh tuxedo and, in the words of JT, show TheDream a few things!

Photo Credit: Wire Images

2. When the Thigh Walked on Stage Attached to J.Lo - We all know that Jennifer Lopez is no stranger to the red carpet. And we all know that J. Lo is famous for consistently shutting down said carpet. Well, Jenny From the Block did not disappoint last night! J. Lo donned an Anthony Vaccarello number that was cut to show her entire right leg...this dress instantly gave me life! And I wasn't the only one (cut to Drake and Jay-Z drooling)! And just in case you weren't paying attention, J. Lo made sure everyone knew that she was abiding by the Grammy dress code...while showcasing that thigh dress.

And.............

Photo Credit: Getty Images

1. When the Purple One Blessed Us With His Presence - This was by far my favorite moment of the Grammys. Did you all see how he sauntered onto the stage like only Prince can?! No one is as cool as this guy! Honestly, I can't even remember which award he was handing out...it doesn't even matter. Because Prince was in the building! Yessssss!

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Quick Meals For a Busy Diva...Pineapple Teriyaki Salmon!

Photo Credit: Randy Mayor

Well, over the past month or so, I've noticed that I have been eating way too many meals outside of my home. I'm talking breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And I really can't use the excuse that I've been too busy at work to prepare meals. After all, I'm always busy at work...but I also have several recipes in my arsenal that I can prepare fairly quickly. So this week, I've decided to "check myself," and make a greater effort to cook more. And since I am always in a sharing mood, I decided to share the following recipe for Pineapple Teriyaki Salmon that I came across last year. Of course, this recipe is courtesy of my favorite food magazine/website, Cooking Light. This is a dish that I have prepared many times at home, mainly because it tastes delicious and I can prepare it quickly. It's also pretty healthy, which is always a plus. So, check out this recipe for Pineapple Teriyaki Salmon, a be sure to let me know how you like it. Enjoy!

 

Ingredients (Yields 4)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

1 (6-ounce) can pineapple juice

1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

2 teaspoons canola oil

4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (about 1 inch thick)

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Grated orange rind (optional)

Recipe

- Combine first 4 ingredients and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan over high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until reduced to 1/4 cup (about 15 minutes). Set aside.

- Preheat oven to 400°.

- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle both sides of salmon with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper. 

- Add fish to pan; cook 3 minutes. 

- Turn fish over and place in oven; bake at 400° for 3 minutes. 

- Remove from oven; brush 1 tablespoon sauce over each fillet. Return to oven, and cook 1 minute or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. 

- Sprinkle with orange rind, if desired.

How many of you are frequent home cooks? About how long do you typically spend preparing your meals?

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NY&Co. Has Nail Color...And Lip Gloss!

Greetings Divas! As some of you may know, New York & Company is one of my favorite places to shop for high-quality, affordable business attire and accessories. So imagine my surprise when I ventured into the store last weekend and saw a display full of nail color and lip gloss. Now, ordinarily I am not one to purchase cosmetics in a clothing store that is not affiliated with a department store, but I was curious. The next day, I went back to NY&Co and purchased a couple of nail colors (they were 2 for $10), and a lip gloss...and I was impressed with all three items! 

The nail polish applied smoothly and the color was rich, which is something I really enjoy in my nail color. I was also impressed at the color selection...there were plenty of colors that were appropriate in a professional environment. Unfortunately, I was in a "trying it out" mood and I'm horrible at polishing my own nails, so I didn't keep the polish on long enough to see if it chipped easily. I will, however, take the polish to my nail salon for a mani and pedi to see how it holds up...we shall see! With a $5 price tag, I do encourage you nail colornistas to check them out.

And now to the lip gloss...love it! Not too sticky...not too shiny...totally office appropriate. The glosses were 2 for $12, and it was worth the purchase. My only complaint is that there were only 3 available shades to choose from...I'm hoping they get more really soon!

So, would you try these nail colors or lip glosses? If you do (or if you have), please share with the class! Have a great week Divas!

 

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