Super Mom for September - Dr. Keli Koran-Luchey

Super Mom of the Month

SEPTEMBER

Dr. Keli Koran-Luchey

 

Meet our Super Mom of the Month Keli Koran-Luchey.  Keli is a HS School Counselor by day and a Life Coach as well as a Super Mom.  When we asked Keli what made her a Super Mom she said, “While juggling many "capes", I am most proud and work the hardest at being the mother of a ten year old son. As a divorced, single mother, David James (also known as DJ; also known as Deejer) is the light of my world and the wind that keeps me "flying in my cape".

As all us Super Moms know there are certain things we just can’t live without.  Keli is no different and her no deal breaker is having God in her life.  She also lives by the philosophy of wanting to be the CHANGE she wants to see in the world and believes that who much is given much is required.   She knows this oh so well by owning her own nationwide company Lucid Pathways, LLC where she provides personal counseling to those of all ages.

Not only does Keli fly around in her super cape taking care of Deejer but she holds some significant educational hardware.  She has 2 BAs, 2 Masters and a Ph.D!  But as all us Super Moms know sometimes even the women with the cape can fall short on her daily grind.  Once Keli left her son at school because she misread the school calendar and missed a ½ day BUT to the rescue came her terrific parents that she says she couldn’t do without.  Hey, we all have one of those Mom Moments for sure!

For 2013 she has a goal to start writing her book and she’s been reading some interesting reads too.  She recommends Skirts in the Boardroom by Marshawn Evans and Mrs. Right by Tony Gaskins.  How on earth does she fit it all in?  One way she says is by not sweating the small stuff and picking and choosing her battles.  Can you say woosah – that’s some great advice!

Keli’s typical day reads much like many Super Moms but when she told us about how much multi-tasking rolls into her normal daily plan we were impressed.  This Delta commits to her son, work, hustle and wraps it all up by taking time for of herself by sipping on her favorite cocktail that she likes to call the Raspberry Zing.  You’ll have to tune into this week’s show for the recipe.   Did we also mention that she co-host a local show in NY called “Chatting 4 Purpose” on 1080 AM?  Ah yeah, she’s definitely deserving of being honored our Super Mom for September, we are grateful to give this title to her and must tell DJ that he is one lucky kid.  Fly on Super Mom Fly on!

Super Moms link up and follow each other.  You can follow Keli on Twitter @lucidpathways and on Facebook at Lucid Pathways         

Superstar moment

I promised myself that in 2012 I would think outside of the box and pursue every dream envisioned.  This led me to host 2 overnight retreats and take my Women’s Empowerment Series “Sisters Circle” on the road.

Think you are a Super Mom or want to nominate someone that is?  Email us at cocktailsandconversation.divas@gmail.com and share your/their story. 

 

 

Today's Cocktail | Virgin Grapefruit Mojito

Contrary to popular belief, grapefruit isn't just for breakfast anymore.  This mocktail is just the perfect drink to serve at your next soiree or during a lazy Sunday brunch with friends.


Ingredients:

• 1/4 ruby or pink grapefruit, cut into small chunks and seeds removed
• 2 tbs. agave syrup or honey
• 12 fresh mint leaves, torn roughly
• 1/2 cup pink grapefruit soda or flavored mineral water, 
• Additional mint sprigs for garnish

Directions:

Place the grapefruit pieces, agave and mint in a cocktail shaker.  Using a muddler, smash the fruit until the juice is released.  Add one cup of ice to the shaker with 1/2 cup of soda; shake well until mixture is well combined.  Strain mixture into two rocks glasses, adding more ice if desired.  Top off with additional soda, stir and garnish with mint sprigs.  Serve and enjoy!

Cheers!

Life of a Super Mom | I can soooo relate

The other day, my PIC  (partner in crime) and show co-host Robin posted this link with the note "you're gonna love this" and boy was she right.  As a mom of 3, I can't count the number of times that I have had to clean up spaghetti, SpaghettiOs,  mac and cheese, chocolate syrup (and the list goes on and on) that my lovely children spilled, smeared and flung during lunch and dinner.

Anyone remember this lovely mess my wonderful then 2 year old made for me???

Chocolate syrup anyone???

So I'm pretty sure you can imagine my delight as I watch Jae Tracie's rendition of Gotye's song Somebody That I Used To Know.   Even little Miss Chocolate Syrup got a kick out of it and requested SpaghettiOs for lunch today.  Ummmm not today sweetie....you're having a nice turkey sandwich and apple slices.  (who does she think she's foolin????)

Hope you get a kick out of this as much as I did!

Cocktail Of The Week | Amaretto-Cranberry Kiss

Ingredients

Photo by Kana Okada epicurious.com

• 2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
• 1 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup amaretto
• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Ice cubes
• Clementines, peeled, separated into segments

 Directions

Mix the cranberry juice, vodka, amaretto, and orange juice in pitcher. Cover and chill until ready to serve. 

To make 2 drinks, fill cocktail shaker with ice cubes and add in 1 cup of the cocktail  mixture. Shake vigorously and strain into 2 Martini glasses.  Garnish each cocktail with a clementine segment. 

Enjoy!

**Recipe from Epicurious.com

StyleDIVA Fashion Clink

Hey Divas! Hope everyone is having a Stylish September. Erika and I decided to do a Look for Less challenge as part of our Vlog series and thought I'd give you a sneak peak at one of the looks. It's inspired from a Polyvore set for a Fall look but I had to throw in some CaliSwag and Pink It Out! Enjoy and look for the Vlog series soon.

Look For Less Video


Cool or what?  If you don't have an Animoto account get one today!  I love this quick easy way to make videos that look ultra professional!

Send us your Looks For Less, don't let us have all the fun.

With Style,




StyleDIVA

Reality Recap - BBW LA

It's been some time since we've talked reality TV but with this season of Basketball Wives LA we figured this was a good place to start.

All of the cast members from last year have returned with the exception of Imani with a new one, Brooke which we like to call Body by Fisher- the donkey booty on that one would make Phaedra proud.  So anyhoo we'll have to admit that this season is a little dry.  I mean we know Jackie was going to get married AGAIN albeit with a different twist (theme is Gay Pride) and that Draya would be swinging on a pole (but we didn't think Gloria would be her girl crush) and that dear sweet Malaysia would just be clueless (did she really invite Kooky Jackie over to Gloria's house?!?!)  but the drama has been lack luster better yet dare we say snooze worthy.  Maybe we all are living too much reality TV and it's becoming just a part of the mainstream and no longer shocking.  ZOINKS! Could it be?  Don't get us wrong we don't necessarily want folks jumping off of tables or slinging wine bottles across the room but do something - give us a reason to watch Gloria, LaGo, Jackie and crew.  Seeing you meet at every hot eatery in LA is not making me want to tune in no matter what potential NBA baller could be lurking in the background (well maybe Iguodala - StyleDIVA sidebar).  But we'll tune in because you never know when we'll get that "What The" said in our best LaGo voice, moment to keep us entertained.  Cue theme music......

Cocktail Of The Week | Hot Apple Toddy

Today marks the first day of autumn and although it certainly doesn't feel like it here in the ATL, I know that the cooler temperatures are coming soon. So to kick off one of my most favorite seasons, our cocktail of the week is going to be a warm one.

Hot Apply Toddy

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. whiskey or apple brandy
• 1 tsp sugar
• hot apple cider
• lemon wedge for garnish
• cinnamon stick for garnish
• 2-3 whole cloves for garnish

Directions:

Coat the bottom of an Irish coffee glass with honey.  Add the whiskey or apple brandy.  Next add to it the hot apple cider and stir well.  Garnish your drink with the lemon, cinnamon stick and cloves.

Enjoy!

Image Source: cocktails.about.com via Erika on Pinterest

The Dirty Martini

Usher got next on this season of The Voice.  He's replacing Cee-Lo Green and The Divas think this might just be a pretty good choice.  He will also be joined by Latin pop sensation Shakira (replacing Christina Aguilera)  Aguilera and Green are taking a season off to tour and such!




So Tamar Braxton went in on Nicki Minaj's wig (ahhh mirror check Tamar).  Although she did admit that she's had a bad weave or two (possible 80, but who's counting) she just can't get with the, and we quote "That is an atrocity. Okay, ain't nobody got time for that. Neon hair?"  But she said nothing about the atrocity of that outfit????

Our Sitcho A@# Down Award goes to...........

This one kinda blew us away.  Wyclef says that Lauren Hill told him he was the father of her son Zion which turned out to be untrue.  Zion's father is Rohan Marley.  Wyclef shares this tidbit in his new autobiography "Purpose" AND states that this lie eventually broke up the group.  And YES Wyclef said he was VERY married during the time he was singing and such with Lauren.  Best to get it off your chest we guess!





And with that the Dirty Martini has been stirred. See ya next week for more Giggles and Such!

Michelle Obama comes to PopSugar to answer ?s

That's right, First Lady Michelle Obama is answering your questions on PopSugar.  I know I want to send her a few.  Have a political question you want to get off of your chest?  Well here's your chance.  Take a look at the video and follow the steps below for a chance to get your question answered by The FLOTUS.

There are three ways to participate:
1. You can leave your questions in the comments here on PopSugar.com
2. You can tweet using the hashtag #POPSUGAR2012
3. You can leave the questions in the post on our PopSugar Facebook page

Michelle Obama Reader Questions on Pop Sugar Video





With Style,



StyleDIVA

Cocktail Of The Week | Plum-Blueberry Spritzer

·         5 cups water

·         1 cup fresh ripe blueberries

·         3 ripe black plums, pitted and cut into eighths

·         8 fresh or dried bay leaves, plus extra for garnish

·         1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

·         8 cups cold club soda, for serving

1.       Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the blueberries, plums, 8 bay leaves and sugar, cover and boil over high heat, stirring, until the juice is reduced to about 3 cups and the plums are tender, about 20 minutes. Strain the mixture though a fine sieve, pressing lightly with a spatula to extract the juice; reserve the bay leaves. Return the juice to the pan, add the reserved bay leaves and simmer over moderate heat until reduced to 2 cups, about 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaves; let the syrup cool.

2.       For each drink, gently whisk 1/4 cup of the plum-blueberry syrup into 1 cup of cold club soda, pour into a glass, garnish with a bay leaf and serve.

Tip: This fruit syrup can be made in advance and refrigerated for 1 week.

Variation - Pour 2 tablespoons of the berry syrup into a Champagne flute and top with Champagne.

Recipe from Food and Wine

StyleDIVA's Fashion Clink

Well if this doesn't say StyleDIVA = Fashion I don't know what does.  If you are in the LA area please join me for Red Carpet interviews at this event:

To get tickets visit this LINK:  Haute Curves LA Fashion Week tickets

With Style,



StyleDIVA

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 10

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 9

Dirty Martini

Ahhhh, NeNe what are you doing with Greg Lekes?  Seems like these two can't get away from each other.  Just stay with him girl, it's hard to find a man out here!





Watch out for Gabby Douglas.  Not only is she sporting Olympic Gold, getting endorsements and hanging dancing with A. Keys at the VMA's BUT now she's got a book deal.  Yes, Gabby will have a book out by Christmas, a memoir - at 16!  I think The Divas definately could get in on this book deal situation!



Per TMZ.com Chad isn't giving up nor is he signing divorce paperwork.  Along with his new Evelyn tattoo he is giving it all he's got to save his marriage and his boo.  But according to a recent People Mag interview with Ev is stating, "He ain't about this life" no mo!  Keep it movin Chad, there's a perfect Mrs. out there for you.  #Truth



The DIVAS

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 8

StyleDIVA's Fashion Clink

Fall is here and Fashion is at the top of my list this week for some reason.  I think it has something to do with New York Fashion Week or as us Tweeters on Tweeter say #NYFW.  This week I started following lots of fashionistas on Facebook and got ALL inspired with some of their looks!  I mean these DIVAS are really working it, and you know my Plus Sized Barbie self just can't wait to hit the mall in search of some of these FAB looks.  Check out what I found below.

With Style.

StyleDIVA

My favorite Style Bloggers of Color is Blitz and Glam's Tamara.  Here she is posing at Blogher12.  Visit her site for all things football and fashion and tune into the show on 9/22 to hear about her upcoming events!




Is she rocking this dress or what?  Find this look and MORE on Facebook at StylePantry.




These looks are from Girl with Curves blogger Tanesha (you can find her on Facebook at: Girl with Curves)  

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 7

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 6

Today's video was inspired by the September 2012 of O Magazine where they did a mini interview with actress Leslie Mann.  During the interview they asked her a series of questions about some of the "best" times/experiences in her life.  We hope through this video you will get to know us a little better.  We hope you enjoy!

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 5

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 4

Are you FitSugar?

I've fallen in love with FitSugar, this incredible fitness website covers everything dealing with fitness.  Erika and I have fallen in love with fitness this year not because we are crazy health nuts but because just basically...we were tired of seeing that image of someone in the mirror that we didn't recognize.  She wasn't bad looking but she had some bulges, some extra thangs in places where they just seriously didn't belong and maybe even some dare we say....cellulite....clutch the pearls.  So we are on a quest.  Not a skinny quest but a quest none the less.  So both of us have started running - no not marathons but running to burn all the years of overindulging and underexercising.

I found this great "beginner" workout for new runners that helped me get rid of that burning in my shins.  Who knew by increasing the incline you wouldn't feel like someone is behind you whipping your shins with a flogger (thanks Anastasia 50 Shades of Grey for that word reference).  Well check out the article and if you are just getting into running try the tips, you know we love to chat it up so comments here are appreciated.  Maybe you are a pro at this and you could give us even more tips so that box below is for comments from you - YES you get to be the STAR on our blog!  Yes we're awesome we know - JUST LEAVE A COMMENT!  Okay we think you get the point.  Happy running!

With Style,


StyleDIVA

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 3

It's Labor Day!  Here is just a little peek on what we were up to for the holiday.

What did you do to celebrate the last holiday of the summer?  Leave us a comment and let us know.  Or better yet, leave us a video response on our YouTube channel.

Tune in tomorrow to see what happened on Day 4.

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 2

Well today is the 2nd day of September which means that it's day 2 of Vlogtember.  Let's see what Erika and Robin are up to...do you think Robin finally got the camera angle right????  LOL!

Let's take a look and see....

Happy Labor Day

The Divas are wishing you a great Labor Day Holiday.  Enjoy your BBQ and send some over to us!  :)

                                                    

Vlogtember 2012 - Day 1

I am a HUGE fan of YouTube and for the month of August many of the regular vlogers were doing this thing called "Vlogust" where they would post one video a day for the entire month.  Well this got the little wheels turning and I thought it would be pretty cool if Robin and I did the same thing only for the month of September...giving you a sneak peek inside the lives of the dynamic duo that is Cocktails & Conversation.  So make yourself a yummy cocktail, sit back and enjoy the videos!

Don't forget to tune in tomorrow for Vlogtember Day 2!

#Hotness – Fab Subscription Services We Love

What girl (or grown woman) doesn’t love trying new products and well playing in make-up?  What would you do if I told you that for as little as $10 a month you can get 4-5 full-size or sample size products delivered right to your door?  Does the sound of that make your stomach flutter like it did mine?  If your first response was ‘Where do I sign up?’ then this #Hotness post is just for you! 

My two favorite monthly subscription services are MyGlam and Birchbox. 

Each month subscribers of MyGlam will receive a beautiful Glam Bag filled with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products to try; delivered right to your door…all for, get this…$10/month. (Doing the happy dance)  In addition to the monthly products that you will receive, subscribers can also watch the MyGlam YouTube channel to find out how to use the products and are encouraged to try new looks.  Now I will be the first to admit that the good people over at MyGlam are targeting a much younger demographic (18 – 25 year old) because some of the video themes and demos are a bit young (back to school make-up anyone?) however the products found in their monthly bags (which are the cutest things) are for all women no matter how old you are. Yes, 40+ year old mother of 3, you too can be a MyGlam bag subscriber!  I have been a subscriber (and yes, I am a 40+ year old mother of 3) since April and I will be the first to tell you that I have yet to be disappointed. 

Here is a look inside my August Glam Bag:

Products included:

Circus by Andrea Choice | Nail polish

Eclos | Anti-aging face serum

Eclos | Anti-aging regenerative cream

Salty | mineral eye shadow

Clean Skin | Roll-on oil

 MyGlam | Glam gloss

For more information on MyGlam or to subscribe visit them here.

Another subscription service that I get, that I absolutely love is Birchbox.  Birchbox is a smart, streamlined, and fun way to discover high-end beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products. Co-founders Hayley Barna and Katia Beauchamp both Harvard schoolmates created Birchbox to help consumers cut through the clutter of the retail world to find products that really work for them.  (Thank you ladies!)  For just $10/month, you will receive a selection of samples that they have tried both from well-known brands to emerging gems.  Each month you can expect to receive products ranging from skincare to make-up as well as fun non-beauty extras.  Birchbox also launched their men’s subscription service delivering top-tier grooming products in addition to lifestyle accessories ranging from hip socks to tech accessories. 

Here is a peek inside what was in my August Birchbox:

August 2012 Birchbox

Products included:

Shick |  Hydro Silk Razor

Juicy Couture | Viva la Juicy La Fleur perfume

Show Stoppers | Designer Fashion Tape

Stila | Stay All Day HD beauty balm, foundation & concealer

For more information on Birchbox or to subscribe visit them here.

It’s time to dump that make-up you’ve been wearing since high school/college and try something new. The best thing about both these subscription services is that you can cancel at any time!  So why not try something new and sign up for one or both today? 

It’s time to let your inner DIVA shine!