Vlog | Shaken not Stirred - A peek inside the lives of the Cocktails and Conversation Divas

We are super excited about a "new" project that we've got shaking in our cocktail shaker!  Starting June 1st and for the entire month, we will give you a little peek insides our lives as we build out radio show/blogging empire. (Move over Oprah, here comes Erika and Robin!).

Here is a little peek as what you can expect over the next month...



Hope you'll join us!

What do you say? | Does race still matter in 2013?

So the other day while surfing the Internet, I came across this cute Cheerios commercial on YouTube that made me smile.  That is until I started reading some of the comments left by other viewers.  Now first I must applaud General Mills the makers of the cereal for creating a commercial that shows an interracial family because we don't see that all too often on TV, in commercial form or otherwise.  But what I don't get is how images of an interracial couple can still cause such a stir in 2013.  Have we as a society not made any strides when it comes to race and race relations?

So take a a look at the commercial for yourself and tell me what if anything did General Mills do wrong by making this commercial?  I think it's cute and I like it but am I in the minority?


 Let's continue this conversation in the comments section below.  Does race still matter in 2013?  What do you think?

Let’s talk

Erika

Hello Gorgeous!

We invite you to join us for the month of June as we sit down and have an in-depth conversation on beauty and what it means to be beautiful today in our "new" series Hello Gorgeous.  Over the next 5 weeks, we will sit down and talk to women at different ages and find out what it means to be "beautiful" today and explore how their definition of beauty has changed over the years.  We'll also take a look at how  society defines beauty on TV and in magazines and discuss whether their imaging are on point or are still miles apart from how "real" women look at and define beauty.

We're having "real" talk about "real" issues that are affecting women today and we hope that you will join us on this important topic.

How do you define beauty?  Has your definition on what it means to be beautiful changed as you've gotten older?  Share with us your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.

Dirty Martini | Week in Review

Celeb 411
Shouts out to NBA Baller Kevin Durant of the OKC Thunder for donating 1 million dollars, with help from NIKE, to those affected by the horrific tornadoes.  It was also great to hear that the National Basketball Association matched the donation.  Instead of Goin Fishing after their playoff loss this celeb is using his vacation wisely.  #CelebsGiving is always a reason to Raise Your Glass.  Still praying for all affected. 

Photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports

Reality Recap

Photo courtesy of www.YBF.com

The new reality series "Pastors of LA" is linking these two together.  Many will know LisaRaye but may not be as familiar with Bishop Noel Jones (also brother of Grace Jones).  Reports are surfacing that the two are involved and are playing out their relationship on the show.  Jones commented on the show that maybe Ms. LisaRaye wasn't Godly enough for him to which she matched with that maybe he wasn't worldly enough for her.  ZOINKS!  We are sure this is going to be one show we won't want to miss.  Check Oxygen for listings. 

Style Diva Adventures

This week was one of the greatest rappers that ever lived birthday.  Yep Big, Biggie Smalls, NOTORIOUS Big or Big Poppa would have been 41.  I found these videos created by David Catalano of a suburban family living the lyrics of one of Bigs greatest hits The NOTORIOUS B.I.G.  Take a click and let me know if it brings back some memories....

Cocktail Erika’s Cocktail of the Week

Watermelon-Plum Sangria

Ingredients

1/2 seedless baby watermelon

2 red plums--halved, pitted and sliced into wedges

2 golden plums--halves, pitted and sliced into wedges

1 pint blackberries

2 bottles  rose wine, chilled

4 ounces elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germain

Mixing Instructions

Using a melon baller, scoop balls out of the watermelon; place in a 1/2-gal. pitcher with any juices left in the melon. Add the plums and blackberries.  Pour in the wine and liqueur; stir. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.

Miss the Show?????

On this show we did something something a little different, instead of having another fabulous guest we are switching it up a bit and giving you an inside peek at the women behind Cocktails and Conversation. In this episode we share with you why we do what we do every Saturday morning, what motivates us, and much more.  Think of it like a Diva-fied version of Inside the Actors Studio with James Lipton only it’s Erika  and Robin.

Listen to internet radio with Cocktails n Convo Divas on BlogTalkRadio

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!

Curvy Trend of The Week - The Fatkini

It's the Fatkini heard round the world and this curvy girl is loving it!  Truth be told I've always worn a bikini, plus size or not.  I just love the way they look on my curves and so you can image the happiness when I saw the HUGE Yahoo! blog from Gabi Fresh Gregg on her new swimsuit line for Swimsuits For All. 

Gabi is showing us that size 2 is just not for bikini's anymore or is that bikini's aren't just for size 2 any more.  Hmmm....  The Galaxy bikini (that's sold out mind you) is one hot number, just take a peek below.  Priced at $68 (YES) this suit just flew off the shelves as soon as Gabi posed for this photo op leaving many disappointed.  I wish I knew one of the lucky girls that got one.  Gregg said, "There's definitely a momentum building for body acceptance and lots of online support for women of all body types these days."  Her plan is to inspire women to take the plunge into the world of the "fatkini". 

Shouts out to this plus size blogger for flashing her curves in fashion's hottest new trend.  I'm Raising My Glass to You!

Picture courtesy of Yahoo.com

Be sure to check back Monday for Make Mine A Double Monday for our latest installment of swimsuit suggestions.

Diva out,

Tequila Talk Tuesday

Now if you've listened to the show before, chances are you've heard Robin and I talk about how we're on a quest to bring 'sexy back".  That's right, we're trying to cut the crap out of our diets (say goodbye to carbs and sugar) and include more fruits and vegetables (helloooooooo broccoli) in a effort to live a more healthy and active lifestyle.  But what we have found is that no matter how hard we try, we still find that the needle on the scale is moving ever so slowly to the left.  Which has us thinking could it be our metabolism that's getting in the way of our progress???

We all know what as we age (we're not 18 anymore you know) our good old friend metabolism starts to slow down to almost a crawl and well that's not a good thing.  If you are in the same boat as Robin and I, all is not lost.  There are some simple things that we can all start doing today to rev up our dear friend metabolism so we can finally shed those unwanted pounds and get back to our former sexy self.

Here is what we found...

Drink Green Tea 
Try to stay away from sodas, alcohol and calorie packed beverages.  Not only will they leave you feeling bloated and tired, they are a major saboteur when it comes to losing weight.  Drinking brewed green tea is an effective way to speed up metabolism thanks to one of it's ingredients EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate).  EGCG is an ingredient known to speed up metabolism and by drinking just 3 cups of green tea a day can increase a person's metabolism by up to 10 percent.

Can I interest you in some green tea???

Power Up with Protein (peanut butter anyone?)
Protein has a high thermic effect which means that your will burn more calories t digest it.  Can we all scream...SCORE?!?!?!?  So grab a spoonful of your favorite brand (Jiffy anyone) and enjoy!






Listen to Your Mother and Don't Skip Breakfast!
You're mom was right when she told you that breakfast was the most important meal of the day.  Did you

know that breakfast is good for your health?  Not only is it a nice way to start the day, research suggests it's actually good for your brain and bodily health.  A 2003 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that people who skipped breakfast was 4 1/2 times more likely to be obese than those who make time for a morning meal.  So start your day off right with a good breakfast and get that metabolism started for the day!  Pass me the Raisin Bran please!


Watch Out for Dehydration - it kills the metabolic rate

Just remember these words..."water does the body good!"  Oh and let's not forget the other healthy drinks that are available to keep you hydrated.  A dehydrated body will slow its metabolism and increase hunger and sluggishness.  So the next time you're feeling a little thirsty, grab that Big Gulp and fill it with a little H2o!







Now we all know Rome wasn't built in a day and the same is true when trying to rev up your metabolism.  Try making small simple changes say just doing on thing a week and see if you notice a change in how your feel.  We are going to take our own advice and give them a try to.  So be sure to check back and see how we're doing.

Good luck!

Make Mine A Double Monday

This installment of our swimsuit ready MMADM is for BUSTY ladies.  If you have a little more on the top than the bottom try a suit with a flippy skirt, it helps balance the fuller chest.  To avoid side boob (as I call it) look for suits with high straps and a halter neckline, like the ones featured below.

Items 1, 3 and 4 can be purchased at swinsale.com and item 2 from venusswim.com

It's also National SwimSuit Confidence Week so get out there and strut your stuff!

Dirty Martini | Week in Review

Celeb 411

Mr. & Mrs. Carter are expecting baby number #2!  Yes, you read that right, power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce will be giving Blu Ivy a little brother or sister soon.  The rumors start flying that Lady B was with child when earlier this month she walked the red carpet at the Met Gala wearing a custom-made Givenchy gown that strategically concealed her stomach making it difficult to tell if she was sporting a mini baby bump. Now that the rumors are laid to rest and it's been confirmed that she is indeed pregnant, I'm sure the next things people will speculate is whether it's another girl or a little J.  Either way we just want to wish Lady B and Jay all the best on their growing family.

Reality Recap
Summer is upon us and what that really means is a lot of reality TV (yipee!!!!).  Two of the shows that these
Divas will be watching are Bravo's Real Housewives of New Jersey which is scheduled to air on June 2nd at 8/7c.  Your favorite New Jersey girls are back right were they left off last season, at odds with each other.  However this season they are on a mission for redemption in an effort to pick up the pieces of their broken relationships.  We will also see the ladies shifting through the rubble after being hard hit bu Hurricane Sandy.






Also on Bravo Chef Roble & Co will be returning as well.  The season 2  premiere is scheduled to air on June 5th at 10/9c. Now that Roble has established his catering company, season 2 will follow his business as it continues to grow.  This season proves to be celebrity packed as we see the cutie pie chef work with such A-listers as John Legend, NBA start Tyson Chandler and our home girl Phaedra Parks from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Cocktail Erika’s Cocktail of the Week

Black Crush

 Ingredients

3 blackberries

6 mint leaves

1/2 oz. simple syrup

1 1/2 oz. Absolut Raspberri

1 oz. sour mix 

Club Soda

Mixing Instructions

Muddle the blackberries, mint and simple syrup in a shaker.  Add vodka, sour mix and ice and shake until  ingredients are mixed well.  Strain into a glass and top off with a splash of club soda.

Enjoy!

Miss the Show?????

With summer right around the corner it's time to plan some fun in the sun not only for you and the family but also for you and your girls, yes, that's right we're taking about planning a girl's trip with your favorite BFFs.  Today our resident travel aficionado Patina Rivers was back in the studio with us giving the 411 on how we can plan the perfect girl's only getaway!  Miss the show?  Don't worry we've got you covered.  Just click the play button below to hear today's show.

Listen to internet radio with Cocktails n Convo Divas on BlogTalkRadio

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!

We love you just the way you are!

Well it looks like our friend Rajdulari has a hit on her hands with her new single "Natural".  In this song she reminds us all that we are just fine the way we are: big, tall, curvy, thin, long hair or short, natural or perm. That we are all 'fly' in our natural state.  I think this should be the official woman's national anthem reminding us all to love ourselves just the way we are!

Can you guess what we'll be rocking to this weekend?


 

Throwback Thursday | Summertime Makeup with Brandalyn Fultom

Okay ladies the summer is fast approaching and you know what that means...not only do we need to make sure that our manis and pedis are on point (no chipped polish here) but we also need to make sure that the makeup is right and tight.  So this Throwback Thursday show is just for you!

In this segment we sat down and chatted with Brandalyn Fulton, a Detroit native (big ups to the "D") who now resides in the Big Apple providing wig and makeup services for your favorite Broadway shows.  Brandalyn schooled us on some of the items that every woman MUST have in her make-up bag as well as providing us with tips on how me can have flawless skin with some of her skincare tips.

So grab your cocktail, get comfy and enjoy the show!

Listen to internet radio with Cocktails n Convo Divas on BlogTalkRadio

American Idol | And then there were two

American Finalist Candice Glover (left) and Kree Harrison (right)

Well it all came down to the top two performers on American Idol last night.  Candice Glover and Kree Harrison.  Three songs and by later today we will know who will walk away with the title of American Idol for 2013.

Now before I go any further, I must admit that I have not watch one minute of American Idol this season.  Nope...not one.  So I can't tell you who out of the two I think will walk away with the title, that is until I looked at my Facebook feed which was flooded with comments about this young lady Candice Glover.

With posts like:

I had to see first hand what all the hoopla was all about and boy was a pleasantly surprised when I experienced first hand the Candice Glover effect.  This girl can sang!  If you don't believe me then check her out for yourself.

Here is one of the songs she performed last night So tonight we'll find out who America has voted for and win or lose I'm sure this won't be the last time we see or hear from Miss Candice!  What do you think?  Who are you rooting for?  Let us know in the comments section below.

#Hotness - Music | Kelly Roland Airs her 'Dirty Laundry' with this HOT new single!

Abusive ex-boyfriend, watching your BFF's career take off while yours fizzles and on top of that the two of you aren't even talking.  That is what Kelly (Ms. Rowland if you're nasty) is talking about in her HOT new single 'Dirty Laundry' from her forthcoming album Talk A Good Game. 

Now I will be the first to admit that I am not a huge Kelly Rowland fan but if this single is any indication of what we can expect to hear on the rest of the album, well...I may have to consider purchasing it.  This single is raw and real and I'm sure we can all relate to some if not all of what she is saying (can I get an AMEN up in here???).   But don't just go by my word, take a listen and let me know what you think in the comments section below.  Is this a 'hit" or a 'miss"?

Photo A Week Cocktail and Conversation Style

This week's theme is what else but COCKTAILS.  Send us your pics of your favorite cocktail, enjoying a cocktail at dinner or you mixing it up at your own in home bar.  You can always check out Erika and Robin's picture on InstaGram @cocktail_erika and @cncstyledyva.

Happy drinking and picture taking........

Dirty Martini | Week In Review

Celeb 411

Couldn't they have told him to watch the pole!  DANG

Celeb 411 - We can't get enough of Kimye and apparently neither can the Papi.  Poor Kanye was caught on tape running into a pole while house hunting (again) with Kim K.  Ouch!  Then of course there was the Night At the Museum...we mean MET where that tragedy of a dress worn by Kim was just....just TRAGIC.  Yes we've talked about her maternity wear with Kristyn Burtt recently but she is just not listening to us!  Luckily she won't be stuffing herself into regular clothes much longer as baby Kimye should be arriving soon.


We just have to mention once again how much we love Chelle O as our girl Patrice Washington calls her.  Just loving her, with one handsome Prince Harry, in this look by Prabal Gurung (did you know they sell this label at Target?).  As always she is looking ever so lovely at the Mother's Day White House Tea.  Gon girl!!!

Reality Recap

Evelyn Lozado and her daughter Shaniece hit up the cover of Rolling Out Magazine.  In this special Mother's Day edition they talk about their very close relationship.  Evelyn reveals how she leaned on Shaniece after the domestic abuse situation with her now ex-husband Chad Johnson.  Shaniece said that was her proudest moment of her mother when she left that situation.  Congrats on the cover ladies!

StyleDIVA Adventures

StyleDIVA Adventure:  It's Curvy Trend of The Week time and this week I'm sharing with you the latest in cute curvy denim looks.  The ladies behind the brand ZMJ Denim  are gearing up to take the show on the road to FFFWeek in NYC and need some support.  Check out their campaign on Kickstarter to support them as they get ready for one of the biggest plus size fashion shows of the year.  

Cocktail Erika’s Cocktail of the Week

Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:
4 oz. orange juice
2 oz tequila
1/2 oz. grenadine
orange slice for garnish
maraschino cherry for garnish

Mixing Instructions:
Pour the tequila and the orange juice into a highball glass with ice cubes.  Stir until ingredients are combined well.  Next slowly pour the grenadine around the inside edge of the glass.  The grenadine will sink and then slowly rise to mix with the other ingredients naturally.  Then garnish with the orange slice and cherry.

Enjoy!

Miss the Show?????

Did you catch the show?  We always got you so don't worry because you'll need this fabulous advice from Sister Save-A-Lot about Frugal Living.  Get Yo Life and Yo Stockpile together!

Listen to internet radio with Cocktails n Convo Divas on BlogTalkRadio

And don’t forget…

Follow us on Instagram at @cocktail_erika and @cncstyledyva to see what exciting things we're up to during the week.


Cheers,

Follow us on Instagram at @cocktail_erika and @cncstyledyva

Make Mine a Double Monday

70% of Americans would rather go to the dentist then sport a swimsuit.  Not really an alarming fact but what if The Divas gave you some great tips to Do You during swimsuit season?  Yep the next few MMADMs is dedicated to getting you swimsuit ready for your shape.  This week is dedicated to the Curvy Girl.  Plus sized options have come a long way.  Check out these Beauties for the Beach!

 

As you can see there are suits for the Curvy Diva in each of you!  Don't forget your suntan spray honey!

Photo a Week Cocktail Style

Yes, everyone is becoming a camera phone photographer and so why shouldn't we add Cocktails and Conversation into the mix.  You've participated in all of the other Photo A Day Challenges but ours comes with a little twist...of lemon that is.  Yep that's right we are doing the Photo A Week every Wednesday here on our blog with a Cocktail theme.  Here's today's challenge word:

Now go to our Twitter (@cocktailsnconvo), Facebook (www.facebook.com/cocktailsandconversation) or Instagram accounts (@cncstyledyva and @cocktail_erika) and post a picture of a party you recently attended!  Put the hashtag #CnCPhotoAWeek so we can be sure to get your picture!  Ready.....Set......Go  You have until next Wednesday to post your pic for this week.


The Divas

Tequila Talk Tuesday

Find your Money Mantra

To move forward with your financial path, it's important to strengthen your confidence.  One sure fire way to do this is to create a mantra that you repeat and post.  Here's an example of one we found.

"I am young, powerful and successful.  I make at least $10,000 a month."

Maybe not an ounce of that is true for you but it's okay to dream in your mantra.  Make it a vision statement for what you really want! 

"I have more than enough to supply for my needs and those of others.  I will be a lender not a borrower.  I am a money magnet."  - StyleDIVA

How's that for a VISION?  Go ahead give it a try and put your mantra in the comments section below!  Most importantly once you create it be sure to repeat at least 3 times a day until it becomes your reality.

Source

Make Mine a Double Monday

Source

Do you have a sweet tooth like us?  Well here's something that can satisfy that craving AND a check on your list for having a fruit for the day.

Strawberries and dip

Microwave 3 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate, 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon butter until just melted, about 1 minute.  Whisk 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 tablespoon brandy (DOUBLE LIKE).  Serve strawberries with the chocolate sauce, sour cream and turbinado sugar for dipping. 


Sounds great doesn't it?  And since it's Make Mine a Double Monday we'll be sure to double up on the brandy wink:wink!

*Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine

Throwback Thursday | Chatting with the cast of Big Rich Atlanta

Brie, Kahdijiha and Sharlinda

In 2013 our motto is simple, go big or go home and well I would have to say that we did it BIG when we had 3 of the ladies from Style Network's newest hit Big Rich Atlanta on the show.  Joining us in the studio for some virtual cocktails and juicy conversation were Sharlinda Parker, KahdijihaRowe and Sabrina 'Brie' Rowe.  These southern belle’s shared with us their experience on being on a reality show, yes, we're talking about the good, bad and ugly.  Talk about an hour full on fun and GREAT gossip.

So grab your cocktail, find a comfy spot and enjoy the show, 

Big Rich Atlanta style!

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

#Hotness - Wedding Edition

June is the most popular month for weddings and we always want you to have some of the most stylish ideas for your big day.  Look at this first 1.....

Is he the cutest or WHAT?  Yes!  Take this piece of original advice and add this touch to your ceremony.  Here's a DIY tip:  You can use any size board and paint it with chalkboard paint yourself!







Now ladies I'm always one to wear a heel even to the grocery store.  But on that very special day you just simply get a little tired and not to mention all your ladies in waiting and your mom.  Wouldn't it be nice to sport these little cute lace sox after the cake has been cut and bouquet has been tossed?






What a fabulous way too exit your night time reception!!!  Sparklers will make your pictures POP, trust me you won't be sorry.











The wonderful keepsake idea in having your guest sign in using these rocks instead of a traditional guest book.  You can use these at your office, in your home or garden and have a wonderful reminder of that oh so special moment in time.  Pure genius!!









One of the biggest task in wedding planning is the dreaded seating chart.  Well this little simplistic idea that I found on Pintrest will save you much headache and hassle. 

Of course hiring a planner is always best but in these times of limited funds a girl has got to be creative.







Always remember you can contact our good friend over at WedIt.Com  to handle getting your wedding memories on video too.  It's a nice personal service that you can share with family and friends.

Have a blast planning,

StyleDIVA