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The Best Skin Care Tips Ever! So I've Been Told!



Greetings Divas! In business, one's appearance is key. It is important to always put your best face forward when networking, meeting with current or potential clients, or making presentations. As such, it is important to take care of your skin and make sure that your outward appearance is not a distraction from your talent. Over the years, I have learned of many different ways to care for my skin with the hope of maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance. In the spirit of sharing (as always!), I have compiled a list of the best skin care tips that I've gathered from my fellow Professional Divas. Check them out and be sure to add any additional tips in the comments section.


Remove Your Makeup Before Bed - I must confess, I have not been a girl scout when it comes to removing my makeup before bed. I have woken up plenty of mornings with makeup on my pillows after making the conscious decision to not wash my face the evening before. As I get older, however, I realize that my laziness is unacceptable...especially when my skin is at stake. So what have I done to improve my habits? I began purchasing makeup remover cleaning wipes. It's a quick and easy way to remove my makeup before bed when I'm feeling too lazy to do a traditional wash.


Moisturize - I am far from a dermatologist, but I know how itchy and tight my skin feels after showering. I find that the best way to combat this feeling is to moisturize. I usually go for a fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer with SPF....which leads right into my next tip...


Use SPF...Every Day - SPF is not just for when the sun is hot. In fact, the best dermatologists recommend that women, and men, wear SPF year-round to protect against a variety of skin problems, including wrinkles and certain skin cancers. My daily moisturizer has an SPF of 15, which helps to protect my skin throughout the year.





Reduce Stress - We've discussed this before, haven't we? Stress can be a contributing factor for a variety of different health ailments, including skin issues. While stress can be a regular part of a Professional Diva's life, finding ways to reduce and/or eliminate stress can be beneficial to your health...and your skin. Looking for some stress-reducing tips? Check out my past posts: Stress and the Professional Woman, and 6 Easy Ways to Eliminate Stress That You Probably Haven't Thought Of.

Drink Lots of Water - As human being, our bodies are composed primarily of water. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps to keep us hydrated, which in turn can help keep our skin moisturized by hydrating skin cells. In other words, drink lots of water for better-looking and better-feeling skin.






Eat Well - I've always been told that what you put inside of your body will inevitably show up on the outside. In other words, our diets can dictate what pops up on skin. Simply put, eating healthy food (including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can help ensure that your skin looks healthy and vibrant.


Keep Your Makeup Fresh - This is something that I have discussed on the Chronicles on several occasions. Outdated and dirty makeup can have devastating effects on your skin. As such, I like to take an inventory of the items in my makeup bag and purge those products that have expired. The most important thing is to know the shelf life of your favorite items. Check out my post, Fall Makeup Inventory, to learn more.



Have a great week!

 

New York and Company's 2013 Spring @Work Collection Is Here!

Greetings Divas! It appears that Spring is taking its time showing up, but New York and Company is not waiting for the warm weather. Nope! NY&Co. recently released its 2013 Spring @Work Collection...and it is gorgeous! Many of you know that NY&Co. is one of my favorite stores for high-quality, affordable, work clothing. Its pieces are chic, well-made, and office- appropriate. The 2013 Spring @Work Collection is no exception. Now, I am a little jealous that I will not be able to partake in these beautiful pieces this Spring, but I know that many of you can...and will! So check out my favorite pieces from NY&Co.'s 2013 Spring @Work Collection. Enjoy!

I love a tailored, bright suit for the Spring!
- The 7th Avenue Sateen Jacket - $69.95
- Two-Pocket, Abstract Print Blouse - $20.00
- The 7th Avenue Sateen Boot Cut Pant - $46.95
 
 You all know how I feel about sheath dresses!
- The 7th Avenue Colorblock Sheath Dress - $64.95

Great combination! I like how the colored pant makes the black and white top pop!
- Baroque-print Peplum Jacket - $79.95
- The Crosby Street Slim Leg Sateen Ankle Pant - $46.95
- Faux-Patent Belt -$16.06

Another sheath...with a skinny belt to snatch the waist!
- The 7th Avenue Paisley Sheath Dress - $64.95

All kinds of cute!
- Floral Cascade-Print Sheath Dress - $64.95

 A cute option for casual Fridays!
- Lace Shirtdress with Pleated Full Skirt - $69.95

A peplum dress in a bright hue...love it!
- City Knit Peplum Sheath Dress - $64.95

Great business casual look!
The Madison Striped Button Front Stretch Shirt - $20.00
Pleat-Neck Belted Sweater - $29.00
The 7th Avenue Gabardine Triple Side-Pleat Skirt - $42.95

I love the blouse!
Blouson Paisley Blouse - $42.95
The 7th Avenue Sateen Pastel Triple Side-Pleat Skirt - $42.95

All of these looks, and more, can be found on the New York & Company website. And, they always have great coupons! Have a great week!


All photos courtesy of the NY&Co website.
 

Hot App Alert...Hotel Tonight!


So...a couple of months ago, a good friend of mine called and told me he had just landed at Newark Airport. It was about 9 o'clock in the morning, and he couldn't check into his hotel until noon. When I asked him which hotel he needed me to take him to, he replied "I don't know yet." Huh? I was confused and needed answers. He then told me about a great smartphone app, Hotel Tonight. Here's how it works...

Hotel Tonight is an app that provides last-minute deals on unsold hotel rooms at high-rated hotels...at up to 70% off! So, if you decided to take a last minute trip somewhere, you can use the Hotel Tonight app to find a hotel in that city at the last minute for a pretty sweet price. Now I know you may be thinking "what kind of hotel...a raggedy one?" I thought the same thing until I checked out the app. For example, at the present time Hotel Tonight has deals in New York City at the following hotels: the Paramount Hotel Times Square ($189), the Algonquin Hotel ($209), and the Casablanca Hotel ($219), each of which are top-rated establishments. Not too shabby, huh? You can see deals like this in cites across the country and abroad. But there is a catch...


Hotel Tonight requires that you wait until noon to see the deals in the city in which you are looking for a hotel, hence the reason my friend had to wait until noon to see where he was staying. The other catch is that you cannot guarantee a particular type of room, so you may have to settle for a Queen size room instead of a King. In any event, Hotel Tonight is a great app for frequent and last-minute travelers, including the business traveler. And if you've ever been stuck in an unfamiliar city due to a cancelled flight, Hotel Tonight can prove to be extremely valuable.

I haven't had a chance to use the app for myself, but I know quite a few folks who think that Hotel Tonight is a lifesaver...and it is my pleasure to share this hot app with you! For more information on Hotel Tonight, check out their website. 

Have any of you heard of the Hotel Tonight app? If so, how do you like it? Has it been as useful as I think it is? Let us know!




SpaFinder Wellness Week 2013!


Divas and Gents, it's that time of year again! Wellness Week 2013 begins in just one week! For those of you who don't know, Wellness Week is your chance to improve the way you look and feel with exclusive spa treatments and wellness offerings at discounted prices (some 50% off!). You can choose from a variety of services, including massages, private training, laser hair removal, and teeth whitening. Also, Wellness Week is a great opportunity for you to take a step back and evaluate how you are taking care of yourself; sought of a health check for your body. Wellness Week will take place at hundreds of spas, yoga, Pilates and fitness studios and wellness centers across the country.

Are you game? Wellness Week will run from March 11 - March 17, 2013, so check out the SpaFinder Wellness Week website and search for a participating spa in your area. Also, be sure to take the Wellness Week Pledge:

1. Change your breakfast;
2. Choose to move;
3. Hydrate;
4. Connect with nature;
5. Make sleep a priority;
6. Embrace the power of touch; and
7. Give yourself the gift of silence. 

We work hard every day, and a little pampering at half the price is definitely welcomed. Oh...if you head over to the website now, there's an offer for a $25 Wellness Week Bonus card. In the spirit of sharing....!!!

Have a great week!


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!


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!





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!



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?


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!
 

What Are You Doing With Your Tax Refund?

It's that time of year again! Break out your W2s and all of your receipts, because tax season is here. Now is the time when many of us are scrambling to complete our taxes, mainly because there is a pot of gold with a refund check in it at the end of the rainbow. So, what are you going to do with your tax refund? Since I am known to get all up in your business, I have a few suggestions! Take them, or leave them, but I'm giving them! Enjoy!

1. Save or Invest It - Saving your refund is probably the simplest thing you can do. Maybe you're saving for a wedding...or a new baby...a new home...or a vacation. In any event, your tax refund may be a good place for you to start. If investing is your thing, it may be a good idea to meet with a financial planner who can highlight favorable investment options.

2. Reduce Your Credit Card Debt - So, you overdid it during the holidays and maxed out your credit cards. Or maybe you encountered an emergency and needed to use your credit cards to get through a tough time. The truth is that credit card debt is a reality in many of our lives. In order to alleviate the agony of making monthly credit card payments, use your tax refund to pay off, or pay down, your balances. Your credit score will thank you!

3. Make an Extra Student Loan Payment - I am well aware of the fact that my mere mention of a student loan payment makes you want to gag. But think about this: if done every year, using your tax refund to make an extra student loan payment could dramatically reduce your payoff time. Did I get your attention?

4. Invest in Bettering Yourself - As professionals, our careers are our bread and butter.  Many of us are so invested in our careers that we strive every day to be the best at what we do. Why not spend some of your tax refund to make yourself a better professional?  You can use your tax refund to take a continuing education class, or enroll in an education program that will help you advance to a higher position, or be better in your current position. Upward mobility is always a good thing!

5. Give to Charity - Do you have a charity that is near and dear to your heart? If so, why not make a donation to the charity in your name. You would be contributing to a great cause, and you could possibly write off your donation on next year’s taxes. Double win!

Okay, I'm done sticking my nose in your business! Whatever you choose to do with your tax refund, spend it wisely...it only comes around once a year!


 
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