Throwback Thursday

It's been a minute since we've been on here but we are BAAACCCKKK!  Hope you are enjoying your summer and plenty of cocktails.  Since we are talking cocktails here's a throwback Thursday salute to summer!  Enjoy.

Ruby Red Tequila Cocktail

 

 

Ingredients

 

                             8 ounces of tequila

                             3 cups ruby red grapefruit juice

                             4 teaspoons of fresh lime juice

 

For easy mixing combine all ingredients in a pitcher and mix well.  Divide into 4 cocktails glasses, serve and enjoy.

 

Recipe and photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

 

 

 

See you on Saturday,

 

 

 

The DIVAs



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........

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

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!

The Dirty Martini Week In Review

Celeb 411

Picture courtesy of TheYBF

Alright who knew that actress Melinda Williams (Soul Food) had gotten divorced from her 2nd husband DJ D-Nice?  Well it passed right by these Divas.  Now the DJ is remarried to Global Hue VP Kelli Coleman and they have the cutest daughter for reals!  Sorry to hear about the break up but black love is still going strong.







Reality TV Recap
The Sisterhood hit TVs across the nation and The Divas have a difference of opinion on this reality show.  One thumbs up and one thumbs down!  The show follows the lives of 5 First Ladies of the Church that live in Atlanta.  Cocktail Erika wasn't impressed...did you hear her on the show this morning?  The StyleDIVA found it interesting and will tune in next week to see what these First Ladies have in store.  Somebody pass the church fan!




StyleDIVA Adventures
It has been a wonderful week for #TeamCurvy.  I was really honored to meet some FABULOUS models and interview the creator of Full Figured Fashion Week #FFFWeek, Gwen DeVoe!  And guess what?  They might just be coming to a city near YOU!  So click the link and find out what it takes to walk the runway for Full Figured Fashion Week in NYC.

Cocktail Erika's - Cocktail of  the Week
I'm always one to look for a new HAUTE cocktail and what could be hotter than fire?  Yep flaming cocktails are all the rage.  Try this real simple one and wow your girlfriends at the next cocktail shindig!

Caribbean Smoked Torch Fire Cocktail

Ingredients
1 oz. Brandy
3/4 oz. Melon Liqueur
3/4 oz. Raspberry Liqueur
3/4 oz. Coconut Rum
1/2 oz. Dark Rum
1/2 oz. over-proof/151 Rum
1 oz. Cranberry Juice
1 oz. Orange Juice
1 oz. Pineapple Juice

Mixing Instructions
Pour all the ingredients except the over-proof rum into a cocktail shaker, add 4 cubes of ice and shake vigorously. Pour over-proof rum into a snifter glass and ignite. Slowly tilt the snifter glass and rotate until the flame goes out. Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker into the snifter. If this is done correctly, an aromatic cloud should temporary appear.

Did you catch today's show with Songstress Rajdulari?  If you didn't, don't worry we've got you covered. Just click the play button below!

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

Also don't forget to follow our hash-tag #CnC2013NewU on Twitter for updates on all our New Year New You shows!  You can keep up with our crazy everyday life and adventures on Instagram by following us at @cncstyledyva and @cocktail_erika.

Cocktails while dieting

Erika and I have been so busy working out that there hasn't been much time for cocktails. But this weekend I need, wait scratch that, I want to be a big girl and swig on my favorite drink -- a margarita. So imagine my joy when I found this PIN of 10 cocktails under 150 calories by Spark People. Cheers to the freakin weekend!!!

Source: dailyspark.com via Morgan on Pinterest

With Style,

StyleDIVA

Cocktail of the Day | Pink Squirrel

Source: tablespoon.com via Erika on Pinterest

Pink Squirrel Cocktail

Ingredients

·         1 part  crème  de almond

·         1 part crème de cacao

·         2 parts vanilla ice cream

                                                                                            

Directions

Add all the ingredients to a blender, process until mixture is smooth.  Pour into a martini glass and garnish with either a cherry or strawberry and serve.

Get to know | Girl Meets Glass

We love talking Reality TV and recently met someone that loves it just as much as we do.  Tanisha Townsend of Girl Meets Glass joins us this Saturday for Reality Recap and more.  But you can get to know her before the show with these 5 questions:

1.   What is your favorite wine and what region is it from?

For the summer, I'm loving roses from France.  I can serve them with a slight chill and they go with everything. 

2.  Paper cups or Champagne Flute?

Champage flutes at home, red solo cups at the cookout, LOL!

3.  Do you have a make up bag in your purse?  If so what color is it?

I do, it's red and brown.

4.  Who's sexier Idris Elba or Michael Ealy?

This is a tough one because they are both HOT!  But that accent...Idris Elba.

5.  What reality star would you outshine?

 Not sure if I could outshine any of the stars of my shows like BBW or RHOA because I'm so reserved with my personal life, but I definitely think I could shine on Around the World in 80 plates. Oooh, or I could be The next Bachelorette!!

There you have it, we think the only time we'd watch The Bachelorette would be if Tanisha was on it!  Join us 8AM EST #blogtalkradio for fun and cocktails with The Divas and Girl Meets Glass. 

Cocktail of the Day | Sorbert on the Rocks

Which of our favorite ROHA would love this drink?  We are thinking it's a Phaedra special with her being the ULTRA Southern Belle.  Because everybody knows.....  Just don't tell her mama she's serving them!  After that African Safari we are sure she could enjoy flamboyantly offering these to her BFF's while they dish about all the drama that happened and we're sure is yet to come.  Wait maybe these would be served better by the resident Housewife Hottie Andy Cohen during the Reunion show.  Either way the Belles will be certain to enjoy and so will you and yours.

For this drink you will need sorbet or ice cream glasses with a salt rim.  Add lime sorbet and pour your favorite brand of Tequila over top (about half way, as shown in the picture) and enjoy this pleasurable sweet and salty mix.

5 Questions | The Martini Diva

Again we have a double guests show this week but let us take some time to introduce you to our Girlfriend in Cocktails...The Martini Diva with our popular 5 Questions.

1.  Cocktails seem to inspire you.  What else inspires you?

When it comes to my martini recipes just about anything can inspire me. Food in general inspires me and I've done many martinis based on cooking recipes like my Gazpacho Martini or Fruit Salad Martini.  I have a whole page of cocktail recipes devoted to Dessert Martinis like my Peach Melba Martini and my Strawberry Shortcake Martini! 

 Current events and holidays can inspire me!  I have a Tax Free Martini and a recipe created specifically for the wedding of Prince William. I have a whole page of Holiday Martinis with several for the major holidays like Halloween, Christmas and Valentine's Day and specific ones for those commemorative or special holidays like National Parfait Day or National Pickle Day and, of course, I have a Wedding Martini and an Anniversary Martini as well as a Divorce Martini!

2.  Did you design the art for your new ebook?

Yes, as a professional graphic designer by profession, I design all of the artwork for all of my books - not just my e-books.  The books themselves are for sale on Amazon under The Martini Diva and you can buy both on my Books page at The Martini Diva.com.  I also design all my martini recipe cards which can be downloaded for free on my website or can be purchased as postcards you can mail at The Martini Diva Boutique.

3.  Who would you love to sit down and have cocktails with, besides The Divas?

I think it would be great fun to have Alexander the Great because he was quite handsome and it's said he knew how to party, Albert Einstein and Mark Twain would be wonderful because both had a lovely sense of humor.  I'd like to have one of the Greek Philosophers as a guest because it's always good to have at least one pontificator at your party to raise the level of conversation (maybe Diogenes because he and Alexander were contemporaries).

 I'd have to invite Julius Caesar just for the gossip on Ancient Rome and to ask him if he really did say "Et Tu, Brute" and then I'd have to invite Cleopatra and Mark Antony because a romantic triangle always adds some spice to a party!  Then maybe Attila the Hun because it's good to have at least one bad boy in attendance and he'd make a good bouncer.

Then I'd like to add a little Golden Age of Hollywood to the mix with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Shirley MacLaine, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, Jack Lemmon, Elizabeth Taylor and Bette Davis.  Finally I think it would round out a nice blend of people with a few of today's celebrities including Cher, just to see what she'd wear and Pierce Brosnan because I think he's gorgeous.

4.  If you could serve Patti Stringer, the Millionaire MatchMaker a drink what would it be?

Patti Stringer would have to be served my Too Many Frogs Martini - if you've kissed too many frogs you probably need a matchmaker and one who sets you up with millionaires is a good choice!

5.  Favorite snack to have with a cocktail?

I think bruschetta is always nice with cocktails.  You can get as creative with bruschetta as you can with your cocktails and always have a nice pairing.  I also like popcorn because it's a healthy snack and you can dress it up to complement your martini flavors as well. 

And you guys thought we chatted alot, that's some cocktail party she's planning!  The Martini Diva will be sharing her favorite Valentine Cocktail with you this Saturday 8AM on the hottest show on BlogTalk.  We'll also have Chef Amadeus in the studio prepping you for a smoochalicious Valentine's dinner.

Cocktail of the Day | The Flirtini

Love is in the air and with Valentine’s Day just a few weeks away, the Cocktails and Conversation Divas want to help you put a little spice in your love life.  Play coy with your lova and serve him/her this cocktail after a long day at work; add a delicious home cooked meal (or one prepared by your favorite restaurant) and we can almost guarantee you that you will be thanked for your efforts later.

Cocktail of the Day | Raspberry Chocolate Kiss

With Valentine's Day right around the corner the Divas want to make sure that you are ready and what better way to spend the day then by sipping cocktails with the person you love.  Today's cocktail surely won't disappoint...

Cocktail of the Day | The Dirty Martini

25 Days of Christmas | Day 19

25 Days of Christmas | Day 19

  Source: marthastewart.com via Erika on Pinterest

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or thawed frozen cranberries

1 cup pure maple syrup

2 cups dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir

1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar

1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped

Thin strips of zest from 1/2 lemon

2 teaspoons pink peppercorns, crushed

Pinch of coarse salt

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 cups seltzer

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put cranberries into a large, high-sided skillet; set aside. Bring syrup, wine, brown sugar, vanilla bean and seeds, lemon zest, peppercorns, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, whisking occasionally.
2. Pour over cranberries. Cover tightly with foil, and bake until cranberries are soft but have not burst, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a bowl; cover with 1 cup cooking liquid. Let cool completely.
3. Bring 1/2 cup cooking liquid and the granulated sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, whisking until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to low; simmer until liquid has reduced and barely coats the back of a spoon, about 6 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve into a medium bowl; let cool completely. Syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use, up to 3 days.
4. Reserve 40 cranberries. Puree remaining cranberries and liquid in a blender. 
5. To serve, place 10 reserved cranberries on each of 4 decorative skewers. Pour 1/4 cup puree and 1/4 cup syrup into each of four 12-ounce glasses; stir to combine. Add skewers, and fill glasses with ice. Top with seltzer, and serve.