Dirty Martini | Week in Review

Celeb 411

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Tyler Perry (smh) is being sued by a man professing that Tyler's new movie "Temptation" is his story.  William Jones is claiming that he gave the script to someone at Harpo Studios that said she would get it into Tyler's hands.  Now doesn't he know that Oprah had a disclaimer that if you don't deal with her directly you are taking matters into your own hands?  Well the suit is asking for Jones to receive proper crediting for the movie as well as unspecified damages and other relief.  Okay sir we all have written a script or two that Tyler has "stolen" for a movie (side eye).  Keep it movin!

Reality Recap

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The Housewife of OC is getting a new husband!  Yep Gretchen Rossi has asked her beau Slade to marry her.  Yes she proposed!  Gretchen is being quoted as saying, "I'm in love with the man and I needed to take the plunge."  Don't worry all you Vickie was right fans...Slade followed up with his own ring for Gretchen and we'll have to say it's a real knock out!  Congrats love-bugs!

Style DIVA Adventures

It was a roller skating kind of week over may way in Sunny California.  Being that it was National Volunteer Appreciation Week I had events planned all week for my adult and junior volunteers.  It was great fun but also tiring.  Add on top of that a lavish employee service award Red Carpet celebration and BAM this DIVA needed some R&R this weekend that she never got.  That's because I had to hike it down to Santa Barbara for the Hyundai Epic Play Date.  You can read more about that on our blog here.  Don't feel sorry for this girl, she loves every minute of it.  Cheers till next week!

Cocktail Erika’s Cocktail of the Week

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Strawberry Basil Margaritas 

Makes 1 pitcher, or about 8 servings

Ingredients

1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate
10 strawberries (or 12 if you're using smaller ones from the farmer's market or your backyard.)
8 basil leaves
2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila (gold or silver)

Mixing Instructions

Empty the limeade concentrate into a pitcher. Add 2 1/2 cans of water and 1 1/2 (18 ounces, or 2 1/4 cups) cans of tequila (or a bit less, if you don't want your drinks to be quite as strong).

Hull the strawberries, slice lengthwise, and add to the pitcher. Crumple the basil a little in your hands (this will help the basil flavor release into the drink) and add it to the pitcher, too. Place the pitcher, covered, in the fridge overnight, or for at least four hours.

When you remove the pitcher from the fridge, your margaritas will be a lovely pale pink color. Now all you have to do is serve them and wait for the compliments to pour in.

Enjoy!

Cocktail Erika

Miss the Show?????

Chatting it up with Chilltown TV animator Leesa Dean was loads for our first show in the series titled "Turn Your Hobby Into A Hustle".  We learned a lot from Leesa's stick to your guns attitude and know that many of our listeners will appreciate her message.  Grab your cocktail and click the play button and enjoy the show!

Listen to internet radio with Cocktails n Convo Divas on Blog Talk Radio

                                     

And don’t forget…

Follow us at @CocktailsnConvo and our hash-tag #CnCradio on Twitter to get the latest deets on our shows.  You can also keep up with our everyday crazy lives by following us on Instagram at @cocktail_erika and @cncstyledyva. 

Until then…

Smooches!



Tequila Talk Tuesday

 

Inside the Shark Tank....

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This show is what makes and breaks someone searching for their dream of getting their business off the ground.  The Sharks can be particular tough though and one of our favorite hottie Sharks Mark Cuba drops this bit of knowledge for future contestants,

"We romanticize entrepreneurship so much that people don't do the work...."

He calls those people WANTEPRENEURS!

Which one are you an Entrepreneur or a Wantepreneur?  Do the work don't dream about it!

Epic Play Date by Hyundai

What a treat of a day to participate in Hyundai’s Epic Play Date this past Saturday on Dos Pubelos Ranch.  The weather was perfect and even though I had two of the oldest play daters (11 and 13) we all had a blast. 

As with any play date the food is key and the great people of Federated Media and Hyundai fed us well.  Breakfast, snacks, BBQ Lunch and anything that ends with Red Velvet ice cream with sprinkles is monumental in my book.

But the epicness didn’t stop there.  Building and shooting paper rockets in the air had to be one of the most challenging and fun parts of the day.  I of course in all of my single momminess didn’t want to admit that I knew absolutely NOTHING about building a rocket so I took cue from my male peers and together we built the HUNT 2.0.  Thanks for the help guys!  Wait don’t think I left the kids out.  They were on photo detail and happy to not have to figure out the rocket ship.  I did let them take over when it was time for blast off however because hey I couldn’t have all the fun.  That’s when the 13 year old realized that it was pretty cool being on a play date with his mom and baby sis. 

Shooting up space rockets came in handy when we had to play a game of Epic Volleyball.  You say you’ve never played before?  Well just go get the biggest beach ball you’ve ever seen and a beach towel and hoist it over a Vball net to your opponent.  Sounds challenging right?  Well luckily my new Instagram pal @hismrshermr sent in her daughter and hubby to match my daughter and I.  We fared well but in the end I had to sit out and let one of the err campers play with Talia.  #EpicFail.  Trust me it’s harder than it sounds people.

Not one to leave out the 13 year old in our excitement we enrolled him as our model for the 1000 Things to do with Tin Foil challenge.  I had no idea tin foil had more uses than wrapping up leftovers that you’d never eat again.  We learned a lot!  Did you know you can turn yourself into a tin foil Viking with a little duct tape, streamer and tons of imagination?  Mighty Kyle was prepared for the battle of the whip cream beard and was the last to compete on his team ensuring the victory to win what else but a tin foil Viking trophy.  Check it out in the vid below.   #EpicScore!

Since we had a pretty long drive back we had to leave the play date a little early but not before retreating to the ever so FAB outdoor facilities.  Yep, not an outdoorsy girl and so I was really afraid that the bathrooms were going to be my biggest nightmare.  But nuhhuh…can you say GLAMPING? [insert dream sequence music here]  I was so amazed I made my son go in the men’s side to make sure it was just as nice.  He confirmed that it was.  #EpicRightOn!

What a great time but I don’t think I mentioned one of the coolest parts…..the Hyundai Santa Fe.  It’s a dream on wheels.  Posh interior with all the buttons you could ask for, sleek design, saves on gas mileage and priced right.   Jim the representative ROCKED!  He told us about all the bells and

whistles and gave us a demo of all the extra trunk space and leg room.  A plus for the 13 year old that travels in the back seat as we go all across California for basketball tournaments.  #JustPlainOleEpic

Thanks for inviting us for a play date, it’s been a while but it’s like riding a bike or shall I say driving a Santa Fe by Hyundai. 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Make Mine A Double Monday

Need to relax a little?  Time to unwind?  No need to spend tons of money on a massage at the spa when you can DIY for pennies or less.   Take a note from the Divas and give this tip a try to achieve TOTAL RELAXATION!

• Warm up with a hot bath to loosen muscles.
• Stretch.  Tilt your head from one side to the other, slowly.
• Breathe deeply before applying any pressure then slowly inhale.
• After your bath lie on a foam roller to massage your back, quads and calves.  You can purchase one at Target for $30.
• Try racquetballs or tennis balls for your feet and back.
• Give yourself a hug.  Reaching over your opposite shoulder gently squeeze your muscles from the top of your arm all the way to the wrist.
• Take your fingertips and make small circles at the base of your head, moving down to your shoulders.
• To sleep better, squeeze the back of your neck slightly with one hand then move it up to where the base of the head meets the top of the neck.

AHHHHHHHHHHH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You Are So Beautiful To Me...Can't You See

You ARE beautiful, just the way you are and that is exactly the point Dove successfully drives home in their new ad Dove Real Beauty Sketches.  I would have to say that this is one of the most original and touching experiments to come from the company's Campaign for Real Beauty.  In this video Dove mission is to empower women to appreciate their inherent beauty, while driving home the point too that sometimes we judge ourselves too harshly.  It's sad that we as women (me included) are oftentimes too critical of ourselves; instead on focusing on things that we LOVE about ourselves and our bodies, we focus on those things that we don't like and want to improve.

In this social experiment, Dove explores how women view their own beauty in contrast to what others see.  It's quite eye opening.

So take a look at the video and then let us know what you think.  And while you do that, I'm going to stand in the mirror and celebrate all the little things I LOVE about myself instead of focusing on the things that I don't.  Feel free to do the same after you've watched the video.  I promise you, you'll be glad you did!

Throwback Thursday | New Year New You - Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone in 2013

Our theme for 2013 is “A New Year, A New You”.  Sounds good doesn't it?  In our quest to live a full, rich and authentic life it’s sometimes necessary for us to step outside of our comfort zone.  We know it’s something that we “need” to do in order to get where we want to go, but making that first step can be terrifying especially if it means doing that you’re just not comfortable with.  Back in January we had an opportunity to sit down and chat with our friend, journal artist and life coach, JonettaMoyo who offered great tips and suggestions on how to create goals that will stretch you beyond your comfort zone.

So grab a pen, paper and your favorite beverage and sit back, relax and enjoy!

Listen to internet radio with Cocktails n Convo Divas on Blog Talk Radio

Tequila Talk Tuesday

It’s Tuesday and that means it’s time for our thought provoking question for the day.  Okay well our questions may not always be “thought provoking” but you can best believe they do go great with Tequila!

Today it’s all about keeping the passion alive!  So today we’re asking, “What kind of words do you share with your significant other (yea we’re talking about your boo) to keep the passion going? 

Let’s try to keep this PG people.  J

Share your “special words” in the comments section below.  Double shot anyone???

Make Mine a Double Monday

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

-       Dr. Seuss

 

Today we’re talking about keeping the love and passion alive in your relationship.  Come on let’s be honest, being in a relationship is work.  But when done, it can be the most rewarding work you will ever do because the payoff is great!  So to help you keep that love fire burning we offer you these tips.

To help you keep the passion going in your relationship we suggest you:

Play YOUR song(s) – When he/she is driving you nuts, take a moment to recall your favorite couple memories and why you fell for them.

Take an adventure – Now this doesn’t have to be something expensive (Paris anyone???) try something simple (and not as expensive as Paris) like trying a new cuisine to stay connected. (Yes, we’re talking about that new hip restaurant you read about in the paper.)

Hold hands – Awww, it doesn’t get better that that, right? Nonsexual contact bonds you so be sure to touch often.

So there you go Lovebirds!  Now go out and light that love fire!

Dirty Martini | Week in Review

Celeb 411

It seems like when it rains, it pours and well for Lauryn Hill this week must have felt like a thunder storm.  It was recently reported that the singer-actor is set for sentencing on April 22nd for of all things tax evasion where she faces a maximum of one year in prison and $100,000 in fines for each count.  To make matters even worse, now according to TMZ, Ms. Hills's South Orange, NJ landlord has filed an eviction lawsuit in response to the singer failing to pay rent last month.  According to court documents Hill, has been renting the mansion since 2009.

Looks like she'll be moving from a big house to THE big house.

This is one of the StyleDIVAs favorite Hollywood couples.  I met the Bentley's a little over a year ago and they were simply adorable.  The Divas are so excited about Baby Fonzworth who is coming really soon per the picture posted by TheYBF.com.  

Sending our congratulations and  we want the excluesive Fonzworth!

Reality Recap

Part two of the RHOA reunion aired this past Sunday and the ladies are still at it.  NeNe and Phaedra finally revealed why there is tension between the two – Phaedra is dirty.  According to NeNe, Phaedra went behind NeNe’s back and talked to NeNe’s half-sisters to try and dig up dirt on her.  NeNe told Ms. Parks, “I don’t have a dirty should like that.”  And in true Phaedra fashion, she tried to offer up some half-hearted explanation of how she knew NeNe’s sisters from their days in Athens, GA but if you ask me, she had GUILTY written all over her face.  She did apologize after the fact ( and that was weak too) and NeNe said she forgave her but wouldn't forget.  I guess we’ll just have to wait for Season 6 to see if they have truly set aside their differences.  But don’t hold your breath. 

Also making an appearance was Kim “Don’t Be Tardy” Zolciak Biermann and are you ready for this…she came without her wig!!!  She actually looked really nice and much younger than she has in previous seasons.  Seems as if all that long, fake hair does nothing but make Kim look old.  Even Andy Cohen couldn't believe she was actually wigless as he asked if he could “touch” her hair.  Kim stated that she was there to clear the air on some of the things that happened during this season and why she ultimately left the show.  The ladies talked about all of the excuses she gave prior to her abrupt departure from the show.  According to Kim, she didn’t regret her decision for leaving because putting her family first was more important than the show.

Kandi and Kim got into it over who said they were going to name their son Kash first.  Now I thought this was funny seeing that Kandi is mad at Kim for naming her son Kash when Kandi isn’t even pregnant, hell she ain’t even married yet!   

The show ended Andy asking NeNe and Kim if they will ever be friends again and the ladies hugging.  Now we already knew that they had worked things out, but it was good to see it in person.  Part three of the reunion airs this Sunday and it looks like they are saving the BEST for last.  The Kenya, Phaedra, Apollo love/hate triangle looks intense and I can’t wait to see them get to the bottom of all those alleged “text messages”.   

Take a peek at what we can expect to see on Sunday….

Oooooo weee bay-bee it’s going to be good.  So pop some popcorn and grab your cocktail because it’s going to be a good show!

Cocktail Erika’s Cocktail of the Week

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Orange Fromo (Frozen Mimosa)

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

1 cup orange juice

2 cups champagne (brut, extra dry, or prosecco)

¾ cup orange sherbet

Orange zest

Mixing Instructions

Pour orange juice in a standard ice cube tray and freeze.   Once the orange juice is frozen add cubes, champagne, and sherbet to blender.  Allow the champagne bubbles to settle.  Blend ingredients together.  Pour mixture into chilled champagne flutes and garnish with some orange zest.

Make it a Mocktail

For a nonalcoholic version simply substitute the champagne with your favorite sparkling white grape juice.

Enjoy!

Style DIVA Adventures

Curvy Trend of the Week.  Did someone say Red Carpet?  Yes it's time to hit that carpet and rock the hottest curvy outfit.  I think this little number would hit the SPOT!  For $42.00 I can even get a few accessories. 

Don't forget to tell them that the Cocktails & Conversation Divas sent you!

Miss the Show?????

Today we chatted with our financial BFF Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche as she share with us what she's been up to (did you know she is the New Financial Education Expert for City National Bank?  Go girl!!!) and in celebration of Financial Literacy month (we never knew it existed) she has created the B Money Challenge to help us all get out of financial debt.  Holla!!!  If you missed the live show, don't worry you know we've got you covered!

Simply click on the play button below and enjoy!

Listen to internet radio with Cocktails n Convo Divas on Blog Talk Radio

And don’t forget…

Follow us at @CocktailsnConvo and our hash-tag #CnCradio on Twitter to get the latest deets on our shows.  You can also keep up with our everyday crazy lives by following us on Instagram at @cocktail_erika and @cncstyledyva. 

Until then…

Smooches!

Unsolicited Advice

Aaaaannnnnddddd we are back with more Unsolicited Advice.  Tackling all the problems of the world one question and cocktail at a time.  Much thanks to Chic and Curvy boutique for sponsoring this new segment.  Now just click on that play arrow and check out what Robin and Erika have to tell the next unsuspecting victim needy soul that needs some help in the LUV department.

 

 

Make sure you check back often for more Unsolicited Advice!  We just love giving it out straight, no chaser!

 

 

Cheers!

 

 



Dirty Martini | Ain't Nothing Like a Good Ol' Dance-Off

Now who wants to dance against Shabba Do and Ozone???

Remember back in the mid 80's when life was simple and kids solved their issues with nothing other than a good old dance-off?  Ahh those were the days.....

Nine-year-old Quevenzhane Wallis, the breakout star of the hit movie "Beasts of the Southern Wild," can add another title to her already impressive career..dance-off champion. Yes, you heard me correctly, I said in addition to being an good actress she also packs a move on the dance floor.

Okay girls don't hurt 'em!

At the MTV Movie Awards Party, Quvenzhane battled 8-year-old Rachael Meiselas (the daughter of entertainment lawyer Kenny Meiselas and publicist Beth Katz Meiselas).  Quavenzhane scored first with a nice spin and the infamous breakin chest pump and wait, the girls tied when Rachael shut it down by doing the splits.


All in all the girls looked like they had a good time and the guests at the party enjoyed the show.  If we're being fair, both girls did an amazing job so I'm going to call this a tie!

Throwback Thursday | GIRL CRUSH with Jodie Patterson

Hosting a weekly radio show has provided us with the opportunity to meet some amazing people doing some creative and amazing things.

Back in February we had the opportunity to chat with Erika's "girl crush" Jodie Patterson, owner of Georgia by Jodie Patterson and the visionary behind the popular YouTube video GIRL CRUSH.  During this intimate conversation you will get to know what motivated her to start a beauty company, find out more about her popular GIRL CRUSH project and also discover how she is able to manage it all; wife, mother, and business woman.

We know that after listening to this show, you're going to love Jodie as much as we do!

So mix your favorite cocktail, find a comfy spot and enjoy the conversation.

Listen to internet radio with Cocktails n Convo Divas on Blog Talk Radio

Tequila Talk Tuesday

It's Tuesday and that means it's time for our thought provoking question for the day.  Okay well our questions may not always be "thought provoking" but you can best believe they do go great with Tequila!

So today's question is...

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When it's time for you to relax, which do you chose:

1. Spending time at the spa (facial and hot stone message please)
2. Exercise ("Let's get physical")
3. Reading a good book (50 Shades perhaps???)
4. Listening to music (Michael Buble anyone???)

Sooooo tell us, how do you unwind after a long hard day/week/month?  Share your tips in the comment section below.  And while you're at it, here's a shot of Tequila for you!

The Dirty Martini Week in Review

Celeb 411

She is rich…as in very rich biotch!  Looks like NeNe wasn’t lying when she told then fellow cast-mate Sheree Whitfield during Season 4 of RHOA that she was cashing Trump size checks. As in Donald Trump!  

Bloop!

It has been reported that BRAVO has ordered Season 6 of the popular RHOA earlier this month and the network was smart enough to offer NeNe (Ms. Leakes if you’re nasty) a supersized paycheck in the amount of $1 million dollars, for at least another year.   A source told Radar Online, “NeNe is the one viewers watch.  She knows that, BRAVO knows that and that is why they gave her a raise.”  Now we all know that NeNe doesn’t need to come back on RHOA thanks to her regular spots on Glee and The New Normal (Ryan Murphy can you hook a Diva up to???) she’s well aware that Housewives is her “bread and butter”.  So for all you NeNe haters and naysayers cash that!  Bloop!

 Reality Recap

Part one of the Real Housewives reunion aired this past Sunday and all I have is two words for you Kenya

Moore.  During the first part of the three part reunion series we see Kenya More (Miss America ooops U.S.A) throw some major shade towards Phaedra Parks and what started out as a battle over who had the best bootie has now grown into a full-fledged war.

Kenya’s latest claim – that Phaedra was totally irrelevant prior to the former Miss USA joining the Housewives cast this season. In other words what Kenya was saying is that the only reason people know who Phaedra is now is because of the ongoing feud between her and the former Miss USA.

  Hummmmm, okay Kenya, whatever!  

Even host Andy Cohn raised an eyebrow at Keny’s comment, pointing out that people have been talking about Ms. Donkey Booty for a while now. 

So tell us do you agree Andy that Phaedra made herself known long before Ms. Gone with the Wind Fabulous joined the cast.  Or as our beloved Evelyn Lozada from Basketball Wives would say was she a “non-mother f#$!^n factor” until Kenya came along?

Don’t forget to tune in for the RHOA Reunion part 2 Sunday, April 14^th at 8/7c on BRAVO.  Check your local listing for times and channel information.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect to see next…

Cocktail Erika’s Cocktail of the Week

White Sangria

Ingredients*

½ cup peach schnapps

½ cup cognac

¼ cup sugar

2 green apples cut into cubes

4 oranges, sliced into rounds

2 mangos, peeled and sliced

4 bottles of dry white wine chilled

1 liter of ginger ale, chilled

Mixing Instructions

In a large pitcher, add all of the fruit, peach schnapps, cognac and sugar and mix well.  Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.  When you are ready to serve add the wine and ginger ale to the mixture.  Serve the sangria in a wine glass over ice garnished with an orange slice or any other fresh piece of citrus. 

Enjoy!

Miss the Show?????

Today we had the pleasure of chatting with author Sherry Burton Ways about her new book Feel Good Spaces and how you can create a space that feeds your body, mind and spirit.  Sherry explained what a “feel good space” was, how to design a space that touches the five senses and the importance of selecting the right color(s) in your space.  Did you miss the show?  If you did don’t worry because we've got you covered.  Just hit the play button below, sit back and enjoy!  Why not sip on the a cold glass of white sangria while you’re listening?

Listen to internet radio with Cocktails n Convo Divas on Blog Talk Radio

And don’t forget…

Follow us at @CocktailsnConvo and our hash-tag #CnCradio on Twitter to get the latest deets on our shows.  You can also keep up with our everyday crazy lives by following us on Instagram at @cocktail_erika and @cncstyledyva. 

Until then…

Smooches!