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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!

Sephora Trend Report: Spring 2011

6 Things I Loved About This Year's Grammy Awards

For the first time in a long time, I watched the Grammy Awards! I honestly thought the program as a whole was quite boring, but there were some bright spots. In the spirit of sharing, here are 6 things that I absolutely loved about this year’s Grammy Awards. Please feel free to add you own. Enjoy!



6. Mick Jagger Does the Grammy’s – How is it possible that the legendary Mick Jagger has never performed at the Grammy’s? The Rolling Stones’ front man took the stage last night…and he rocked it! His performance was high energy, and he seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself. On another note, I will be a happy woman if I have half the stamina as Mick when I’m 67. Work Mick!



5. Esperanza Spalding Wins Best New Artist - How many times have you watched the Grammy’s, and found yourself immersed in disappointment when your favorite artist failed to win the award? Welcome to the world of Justin Bieber fans everywhere! Esperanza Spalding, the singer and jazz bassist won the Grammy for Best New Artist, upsetting the favorite Justin Bieber. Let me be clear that this was not one of my favorite moments because Justin Bieber lost. This was one of my favorite moments because an extraordinarily talent artist, who may not be all that popular, celebrated a well deserved victory. This time, the Academy got it right!


4. Cee-lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Performance – I don’t know about you, but I was glued to the television trying to take it all in. It was all so colorful and festive. And also creative! Who knew that the Muppets had so much soul! Aside from the party that was going on on-stage, Cee-lo and Gwyneth complemented each other wonderfully! They had an unexpected chemistry that made the “kick ‘em to the curb” lyrics come to life. There was only one other thing about this performance that made me jump even higher for joy (see #3)…



3. Gwyneth Paltrow’s Shoes – I had an instant shoegasm! Gwyneth donned the Christian Louboutin multi-colored stiletto booties from the Spring 2011 Collection…..I won’t comment any further. The shoes can speak for themselves!



2. Bruno Mars, Janelle Monae, and B.O.B.  Share Their Multiple Talents – One word describes this performance: AMAZING! This was, in my opinion, the best performance of the evening. Three stellar artist sharing one stage, and sharing a multiple of talents. B.O.B.’s rendition of his hit “Nothin On You” was melodic and somewhat soothing. Bruno Mars seemed to channel Sam Cooke in his version of “Grenade.” I love the eccentricity of his voice. Finally, Janelle Monae, one of the most gifted artists out there, brought the house down with “Cold War.” It was epic! And imagine my surprise to see Bruno playing the drums and B.O.B. strumming the guitar during Janelle’s performance. I was astounded by the level of talent displayed on that stage. If you haven’t already done so, please support these artists. You won’t regret it! 




1. Lady Gaga arrives in an egg! - I am still laughing out loud! How creative of her! No one has ever done it. So congratulations to Lady Gaga for being innovative and thinking outside of the proverbial box!

Martini Break! (Snow Day Edition)


Martini Break - The Snowdaytini

I don’t know about you Divas, but I have grown quite tired of the nasty weather that has plagued us this winter. Every other day, there’s another snowstorm…I’m sick of it! And I’m sure you ladies are sick of it too.  But never fret! I have another fabulous martini recipe that is sure to warm you up! Well…kind of. Although the weekend has not yet rolled around, I wanted to give you all something to try on your impending snow day…it’s the least I can do. Just so you know, this recipe requires that you have a blender and a sweater to keep you toasty while you sip. Without further adieu, I present to you…….the Snowdaytini!
 



Ingredients
2 oz of Baileys® Irish Cream
2 oz of Vanilla Flavored Vodka
1 oz of Milk
2 Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream
Caramel (for garnish)
Cinnamon Sticks (for garnish)

Recipe
- Coat the inside of a martini glass with swirls of caramel, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- In a blender, combine Bailey’s®, vodka, milk, and ice cream. Blend until smooth.
- Pour mixture into chilled martini glass, and insert cinnamon stick for garnish.

 I hope this martini makes for a delicious snow day! Enjoy and drink responsibly!
 
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