Modern Diva

Finding your right size

2009-04-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas!

So sometimes when we are between department stores sizes or we are not sure what style dress would be the most flattering on us, we ask our girlfriends for help. Sometimes though, we are thinking about this at 10:30 pm the day before we need this new outfit.
This is how I discovered a great website.

www.myshape.com

This is a detailed website that you put your measurements into and it tells you what your body shape is, what designs will be flattering, and based on your personal style, help you shop for the clothes you want in your perfect size!
So try it out, its free!!

Frenemies

2009-03-25T01:49:00.001-07:00

Here's your weekly comic, all!! I didn't color it because I wanted to try something new. :] Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Don't forget to get your passport

2009-03-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Divas!

Soon, when you want to travel out of the Unites States, you will have to have your passport. Don't wait till the last minute, get yours now before the rush.
They have a great passport card that you can get also. It's like your drivers license, so you can keep it in your purse for those quick excursions for Canada and Mexico. I added a link for you to get all the information. Many post offices have an easy way to do your paperwork & get your pictures, you just need to make an appointment. I'm getting mine for a great cruise to Mexico!
Cruises are you best value trips right now, prices are lower than they have been in years. Check out a cruise near you...
Divas need vacations too!!

http://www.uspassport123.com/passports.asp

Wine Tasting in M.D. Fashion!

2009-03-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Today I bring you the first segment of D'Vine Wines and Virtual Tastings. All the wines I will be sharing with you are special because they are enjoyable, affordable and wont leave you feeling hung-over financial. I will be going to places like Costco, Trader Joe's and other local wine stores to find and share wines that taste like a second mortgage but at a cost all of us can afford to enjoy! We've all seen wines with high rating only to later learn that you had to forgo groceries for a month just to enjoy it's experience.....BUT since the wine industry has been affected by the current economy there are great opportunities to experience numerous great wines at reasonable prices!

In true wine tasting fashion, I will be tasting and writing about no more then five wines at a time. This is to make sure the palate is not over stimulated in each virtual tasting. The important thing is to enjoy the experience without bankrupting your wallet!

ENJOY!!!

Juan Gil 2006 Juan Gil

Robert Parker-91 Points

Spain is one of my favorite value regions for wine in the world! This amazing red from the Spanish importer Jorge Ordonez that is 100% pure Monastrell (Mourvedre) is a great example why. It demonstrates what is so amazing about the region of Jumilla. BIG, BOLD, Jammy fruit, expressive aromas and full bodied complexity (these are all attributes that I love in wines). The color is an inky violet. The nose is an intense floral, spice and red berry aromas all which offer striking pungency and clarity! The sweet red fruit on the palate, which is dusted by sexy oak spices and finishes off the taste with a suave gingerbread quality. All of this reminds me of a Southern Rhone wine! This wine is a TRUE Modern Diva find!!! Find this affordable luxury at Whole Foods or other local wine stores costing between $11-$14.

Twin Creeks 2004 Interlude Cabernet Sauvignon

Some People buy wines strictly on liking the label. Well if you are one of them you got lucky!!! Not only is the label an art work in itself but the the wine is a great choice and a great value! This Cabernet Sauvignon is bright, bold and full-bodied, but smooth on the finish. The dark color is enhanced by aromas of pepper and spice. The primary flavors are of black current, blackberries, cherries and the again the kick of pepper. This Cabernet Sauvignon I feel represents a wine that tastes like it costs more then you actually paid! Its such a great deal it can be enjoyed as your everyday pleasure! It's a great wine to enhance roast meats, most cheeses and of course CHOCOLATE!!!! A Napa Valley wine steal at only $11-14.

Sextant 2007 Wheelhouse Zinfandel

If Zins are your SINS, then look no further then for some excellent values from Central California. When you pour this wine in a glass feel how this wine is sumptuous and inviting. The 2007 Sextant Wheelhouse Zin summons a range of fruit characteristics that are underscored by supple tannins. To begin, a touch of cherries flow into hints of dark chocolate which roll into soft notes of raspberries only to be overtaken by a flavorful bite of red plums. Like the turn of a wheel, the structure is circular and the finish lingers with lasting momentum! Another great value at $14-$17.

Maipe 2008 Malbec

Robert Parker-90 Points

Argentina is another great region for valued wines. I love the complexity that a great Malbec can bring to the table. The 2008 Malbec by Maipe is a glass-coating purple color with a striking perfume of violets, black cherry and black raspberry. Exhibiting a surprising complexity for its price category, this wine has gobs of fruit and savory flavors and excellent depth and length. It is an outstanding wine value for enjoying at your next BBQ or just to enjoy a relaxing evening. At only $6-$9 its cheaper then a night out at the movies! Date Night Tip: For all us Penny Pinching Divas...open a bottle of this and order a movie off the T.V....all for under $15!!!

Cheers,
D'Vine

The Ultimate Blog Party (UBP)!!!

2009-03-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

Calling all Women and Moms! Come join the fun with the Ultimate Blog Party from March 20-27th! The Ultimate Blog Party is all about building online friendships, discovering great new blogs/websites and is the perfect event to build your network and have some serious blogging fun, all without stepping away from your machine :) Last year, the Ultimate Blog Party 2008 had over 1500 bloggers participating and the UBP 2008 related pages had over 72,000 page views, with the actual UBP 2008 party receiving over 20,000 page views. This is a fabulous opportunity to introduce your blog to the masses and to find new blogs for your blogrolls!

This year they made sure to invite everyone to the party! So they are using Facebook and Twitter to promote the UBP ‘09. Just imagine all the friends and followers who could find YOUR blog! So make sure to invite your Facebook friends and Twitter followers! There will even be prized for them!!! When using Twitter make sure to use hashtag #ubp09.

It’s simple to join the fun and lots of ways to get involved! You can simply read the UBP post, publish your own party post on your blog and/or sign one or all of the Mr. Linky link at the end of the party's page!

Here are the rules (Please Visit the UBP for all the details!):

Read and comment on UBP 2009 post to be entered in the draw for PRIZES.
If you have a blog, write a party post on your site, include a UBP 09 Button and tell us which prizes you want if you win.
Add your blog URL and/or your Facebook link and/or your twitter link to the appropriate Mr. Linky.
Visit tons of blogs, Facebook pages and follow new twitter friends from the Mr. Linkies. (To be eligible for prizes, we ask that you visit and comment on at least 20 blogs.)

So Modern Diva Nation pull up your chair, enjoy a cocktail, maybe a sweet or two :) and enjoy the blogosphere!!!

VGNO First Day of Spring Party!

2009-03-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

Check out Ann's blog tonight and join the fun!!
http://annagain66.blogspot.com/

As always sign up...check out the giveaway and then go blog hopping!

But First a Cocktail from Ann @ Ann Again...and again. This week's drink is a delicious penny pinching beverage! Perfect for all us Divas needing a fabulous beverage to end a long week but don't want to break the bank!

MAIDEN'S BLUSH
Ingredients:
*Light, sweet red wine
*Seltzer
*Lemonade

~Serve in goblets, and for a bit of spring flair, serve with the rose petals floating on the top. (Can easily be made alcohol free)

Have Fun at VGNO and good luck in the giveaway!!!

Your Daily Eat Green Tip!

2009-03-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Don't Open that Door!!! Every time you peek in the oven it loses 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit! This tip courtesy of THE BON APPETIT, take it or leave it :)

Eating Chowder without the GUILT!!!

2009-03-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hearty chowders are always a crowd pleaser and taste great! But usually they are loaded with whole milk and pack on the calories! So instead try this hearty, healthy RAW (to keep this soup in its raw form don't heat it above a temperature of 104-115 degrees Fahrenheit) alternative! This soup will surely fill up even the hungriest of divas without packing on the pounds!

Cleansing Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

4 cups corn off the cob (about 4to 5 large ears)
2 cups almond milk
1 avocado
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp finely mined onion
Celtic Sea Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

Instructions:

Setting aside about 1/4 cup corn, sprouts and bell pepper blend the rest of the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
Plate the mixture and top with a sprinkling of reserved corn kernels, sprouts and/or diced red pepper bits as desired.

What Modern Diva is All About

2009-03-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

All of us at Modern Diva would like to thank all of our followers for the great support of our blog so far!!! We also wanted to let all of our followers know what we are all about!

Modern Diva is a blog spot dedicated to motivating today's modern woman with articles and posts in tune with the true diva lifestyle.To enhance the rare and outstanding talent of today's modern diva, we provide articles and posts that include profiles and interviews with motivational women, along with today's timely topics such as woman's health and fitness, wine and food reviews, latest happenings around town and more! All that today's Modern Diva could desire! Join us in the "Diva Revolution" by celebrating the modern YOU and transform the average into a contemporary distinguished diva!

If you know anyone who might be interested in our blog please forward it on to a friend so she too can join the "Diva Revolution"!!!

Next Generation Cooking Class

2009-03-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love going out to grab a cocktail and some dinner with the girlfriends? But those cocktails, appetizers and dinners can add up quick! Instead of a costly night out grab all your M.D. friends and plan a girls-night-in and host a virtual cooking class! Macy's and Tyler Florence have teamed up together to offer a free 12-part series of podcasts featuring some of his favorite recipes! The podcasts are short (only about 4 minutes long), perfect after a few drinks :) and each one has the recipe in printable form!

Planning your Virtual Cooking Class

Visit the website and print out the coordinating recipe for the podcast you want to show that night.
Send out an Evite or call the girls and tell them what ingredients they are required to bring
Plan a great cocktail to serve before the class. My personal favorite: The Cucumber Mojito (saw it; tried it; from Top Chef season 5..I just loved Jeff!!)
After the much needed cocktail (especially if its been a long week!), gossip and chit chat play the podcast and start cooking!!!

Hosting a virtual cooking class will allow you and your girlfriends to have some great personal time and wont leave everyone's pocketbook waiting till next payday!!!! So all you Modern Divas go forth and create!!

Peggy Gorman Tells Us Who Inspires Her!

2009-03-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Our first inspirational story on health and fitness is in!

Peggy Gorman shares her secrets:

"I find myself looking to different blogs to get inspired. I don't know anyone personally so reading about how different people are losing weight allow me to check out a diet. I really like the WII Fit Families and feel they are losing weight correctly and make it fun. Two other other great places to get inspired are Momlogic ans i-diet and fitness. These sites are fantastic places to learn about issues dealing with diets, meals and the environment. I am so glad I found these sites because they all inspire me! I find myself following these awesome sites because I can read and "talk" to moms, woman and men about real life, real stories and learn their how to's."

"During this economic crunch I don't have the extra money to spend to get the latest and greatest information. With these sites I can now get the much needed information, share my weight loss stories, get tips, win fabulous prizes and having the the real winner be ME when I look in the mirror. I owe all this to the wonderful women and men of the sites mentioned above :)"

THANKS PEGGY!!! I HOPE THIS POST HAS INSPIRED ALL THE MODERN DIVAS LOOKING FOR A WAY TO KICK START THEIR HEALTHY GOALS FOR 2009 AND BEYOND!

Phone Today, Gone Tomorrow

2009-03-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Here's your weekly comic! :] Sort of a continuation from last week. Happy Wednesday. :3

Virtual GNO (Girls Night Out) - And A Giveaway!

2009-03-06T21:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this cool blog : http://annagain66.blogspot.com/

Sign up...check out the giveaway and then go blog hopping!

But First a Cocktail from Ann @ Ann Again...and again

Absolut Summertime Recipe

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz Citrus Vodka
1/2 oz Sprite
1 slice Lemon
3 oz Soda Water
3/4 oz Sweet and Sour Mix

Directions
Add all ingredients except lemon to shaker filled with ice. Cover and shake vigorously. Strain contents into ice filled collins glass. Garnish with lemon.

Have Fun at VGNO and good luck in the giveaway!!!

Who Inspires You?

2009-03-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

In honor of National Nutrition Month® we have a challenge for all of our Divas. Tell us about someone who has inspired you to make healthy changes in your life and why. Please respond to our Gmail account at mdiva3@gmail.com. Don't be shy, share your motivational hero with your sister Divas (PHOTOS ENCOURAGED!). Over the coming weeks we will highlight your stories of these Divine Divas on our blog to help give everyone an inspirational boost!

Healthy Lifestyle Suggestion!

2009-03-05T17:13:00.001-08:00

Something I did for myself today that felt really good!

A healthy lifestyle isn't just about nutrition or exercise, it's about feeling good about yourself, projecting the positive. I want to share with you something that I did today that has me smiling and feeling good about myself.

It actually started last night with an Internet search for an old friend. I found him or rather where he was working, without too difficult a search, living on the other side of the country. I sent a generic email under the "contact us" section of his employer, with just a request that they forward my email address to this individual. And, with an amazing display of customer service, this company actually did forward my email and he contacted me! I hadn't listed my maiden name, wondered if he would know who I was, and amazingly he did. We talked today, shared where we were with our lives some 30 years since we first met, reminisced, for over 2 hours.

My point is that contacting an old friend, being able to talk about ourselves with someone who doesn't know our day-in/day-out drudgery, hearing ourselves focus on the positives with our lives is a great morale booster. It helped me appreciate all the wonderful things in my life. I reaffirmed how proud I was of my daughters, how much I loved my husband and appreciated my life.

Reconnect with someone from your past, find an old friend, tell them the best parts of your life today and you'll feel better after. Whatever your age this suggestion applies. If you're under 25 connect with someone from those 'awkward' teenage years and you'll realize how far you've grown, if you're over 50 reconnecting with high school or college forgotten friends helps us remember the 'tingle' of youth!

Sharing is good for the soul!

Tell Me Something I Don't Already Know!

2009-03-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

In honor of Nutrition Month, I offer this tidbit of trivia:

The word Gymnasium is derived from the Greek word γυμνάσιον (gymnasion) meaning 'place to be naked' and was used in ancient Greece to designate a locality for the education of young men including physical education which was customarily performed naked as well as bathing and studies. For the Greeks, physical education was considered as important as cognitive learning. Most Greek gymnasia had libraries that could be utilized after relaxing in the baths.

Thank god for Nike and Adidas designing fashionable and comfortable workout gear. I don't think I'd enjoy being 'au natural' at my local 24 Hour Fitness!

March Celebrates Nutrition

2009-03-05T10:59:00.001-08:00

The number one New Year's resolution is to get healthy, whether it's eating right or getting to the gym to drop those extra pounds. Chances are, at sometime in your life, you have made a New Year's resolution pertaining to your health and fitness and chances are you broke it. Did you know more then 40% of people say they don't keep their resolution more then 60 days? Well here we are just past 60 days into the new year and how many of us have remained consistent with our goals?

March presents the perfect opportunity to stay on track with National Nutrition Month®, sponsored by the American Dietetic Association. As Modern Divas we want to help champion this cause for our followers! Our goal this month is to provide daily postings that will rejuvenate your resolutions and help keep your health on track! Let's beat the odds! Day 60 and beyond will not signify the end of our goals.

We believe in a healthy lifestyle, not a 'diet'. We want all our Diva's to feel comfortable and sexy in their own skin, whatever is the healthy size and shape for YOU; not the latest "perfect" body the entertainment industry deems desirable. What exactly is a size ZERO anyway?

Let's make some time to really take a look at your health and think about your eating habits and lifestyle. Where can you potentially make healthy changes, that will enable you to reach your goals for not only this year but a lifetime. Chances are that as a woman you will at some time in your life find yourself not only taking care of you, but being a primary caregiver for others, be it a husband, significant others, a child or a even a parent. And chances are, that as a woman, you will put yourself second or last on the list of people to take care of! Let's start the habit of keeping ourselves healthy first - remember a healthy woman creates a healthy home.

So we leave our Diva's with this question for today:
What is one healthy habit or change that you have adopted (whether it be just in the past 2 months, today, yesterday, or from years past) that helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Inspire others with your little piece of habit!

Flushed

2009-03-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

Here's your second comic! Don't tell me that this hasn't happened to you. ;) Happy Wednesday, all!

Give me yours and I'll give you mine!

2009-03-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

This morning I finally had an hour to just relax before heading off to class. While enjoying my breakfast and a cup of coffee (Jen and coffee...NO WAY! LOL) I turned on the Today Show to check in with the world around me. With the economy running around like a chicken with its head cut off, news stations are flooding its audiences with helpful ways to save. The Today Show was no exception and had a really interesting segment with Farnoosh Torabi from thestreet.com reporting about the hottest trend that's re-inventing itself throughout America.

Trading/Swapping/Bartering has been around for centuries and is a popular form of business in other countries but here in the U.S. that was never the case (yes I know back in the day it was...when we were still traveling west and riding the Oregon Trail). But that is all changing. Farnoosh goes on to tell audience members that bartering is making a comeback and is becoming the hottest/trendiest way to save money!

Here is the list of websites Farnoosh gave to the audience.....

Craigslist - I know, I know we have all heard of this site but did you know that it has seen an increase of 100% in its bartering posts since Janauary '09.

U-Exchange - This site is excellent for trading cars, homes, renovations and even vacation spots. This site has become so popular that it has seen an increase of 172% in viewing and posting traffic.

FavorPals - This site is geared towards trading services. Here you can find people with all kinds of services just waiting to be traded in the U.S, Canada, the U.K. and France!

SwapTree - This site offers a place where people can trades books, CDs, DVDs and video games. This is a great site for families and especially ones with children (or for wives with husbands that are geeky gamers).

Farnoosh also emphaised to be specific when posting your bartering needs or wants, to make sure to keep records (specifically drafting up a simple contract to protect yourself) and to always file with the IRS.

So Modern Diva's go forth and enjoy a world without money!

Tell Me Something I Don't Already Know!

2009-03-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

A true Modern Diva should always have some interesting bits of trivia that you can share in conversation! Here's today's bit:

This tantalizing bit of trivia was told to me by my husband during dinner tonight. I thought it was worth sharing. This info was found today on USA Today. (and who says reading the paper isn't still worthwhile!)

Today, March 3, 2009, aka 03/03/09, is considered "square root day".

Square Root Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on days when both the day of the month and the month are the square root of the last two digits of the year. For example, the last Square Root Day was March 3, 2009 (3/3/09), and the next Square Root Day will be April 4, 2016 (4/4/16). The final Square Root Day of the century will occur on September 9, 2081. Square Root Days fall upon the same nine dates each century. The exceptions during this millennium are during the 21st century with the 10/10/2100 day and 22nd century with the 11/11/2121 and 12/12/2144 days also being the Square Root Days.

Ron Gordon, a Redwood City, California high school teacher, created the first Square Root Day for September 9, 1981 (9/9/81). Gordon remains the holiday's publicist, sending news releases to world media outlets. Gordon's daughter set up a Facebook group where people can share how they were celebrating the day. One suggested way of celebrating the holiday is by eating square radishes, or other root vegetables cut into shapes with square cross sections (thus creating a "square root").

In lieu of the square vegetable celebration style, I am sharing this info with our followers. Go forth and be square!

Scrumptious Low Fat Dessert!

2009-03-03T11:28:00.001-08:00

OK cooking fans I've conquered one of my small hurdles by finally publishing a post. One of my personal passions is cooking yet I've been hesitating on submitting a post, constantly critical of my content, assuming the 'recipe' wasn't that unique or interesting. Well, I'm taking a leap today and just going for it and what better way to start a task than with dessert! I promise more challenging main course entrees in the future but for today and for my first blogging attempt (yes, at 51 I'm still at 'virgin' with regards to blogging) I submit for your review a yummy sweet treat.
My husband is a dessert fanatic, loves his sweets at night, especially ice cream and sorbet. While I, on the other hand, try to avoid extra sugar, chocolate and envy the extra calories he can consume! I will also admit that I'm more attracted to cakes and cookies! It's a challenge to come up with ideas that don't make me feel like I just negated my day of responsible eating and exercise. A girlfriend recently passed on to me this recipe. She'd enjoyed the cake while at an 80th birthday party for a friend of her mother. Could it be that even 50 years ago good ol' Betty Crocker was health conscious?

Love dessert but hate the calories? Here's a tasty, low fat, low carb, easy to make dessert.

Ingredients:

1 box of Angel food cake mix
1 20 oz can crushed pineapples, packed in natural juice

Preheat over to 350
Use a 10" x 4" tube pan - do not use a smaller bundt pan or cake will rise over sides and make quite a mess in the oven.
Alternate to tube pan: use 3 small loaf pans - these pans are ideal for having multiple cakes that you can then freeze to have on hand for easy desserts later!

Combine Angel food cake mix and 1 can of crushed pineapples.
Mix with hand blender about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes at medium speed. Batter will be light and fluffy.

Pour into tube pan, place in center of pre-heated oven. Bake about 32-35 minutes depending on your oven. Cake should spring back when touched, toothpick inserted in cake should come out clean. Let cool then remove from pan.

Top a slice of cake with fresh berries (a mixture of sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries is great!) or sliced bananas and drizzle with a spoonful of non-fat yogurt - be adventurous on the yogurt flavor! Don't have fresh berries on hand, use frozen, take them out while you mix and bake the cake! Or, throw the berries with a bit of yogurt into a blender and pulse to make a delicious topping. Then, fix a nice cup of herbal tea and sit back and enjoy a slice of deliciousness without the guilt.

Life's Hurdles

2009-03-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning after a fitful night of sleep with one of my life's hurdles directly in front of me. I say a "hurdle" because those are what I call my life lessons, or as my father would say "the things in life that give you character". As I look at this hurdle in front of me, I can't help but think of what my fellow Diva blogger just wrote about in Coffee Cup Wisdom. Her thoughts of where we want to be have me thinking and even digging just a little deeper. What does it really mean to be a modern diva? Sure we talk about great gifts, wonderful recipes (soon to come), fun girl nights and even the thoughts that make us wonder where we are in life & how did we get here. But what about when you run into one of your life's hurdles? What do you think about then? How did I get here...what could I have done to prevent this...and the ultimate question of now what??
But there is another part of being a modern diva that sometimes we don't even think about. That is... how we handle our life's hurdles. Friends and family make us feel better or tell us the truth that maybe we don't want to hear. They lend us some "helpful" advice or even just let us vent out our frustration. In being a modern diva, we have to remember that all our past hurdles become a bridge to our future. The bridge needed to help us over the hurdles that are in front of us. As I walk toward my hurdle, I think about all the hurdles I have already overcome...wow! When I walked toward some of those hurdles, I thought that I would never get past them...I thought I was stuck there. But I did...and here I am...a little more experienced, with a little more character and a reminder that its just a hurdle, I can get over this one too.

At this time, all across the world, Modern Divas are being presented with hurdles, whether it be financial, emotional, or physical. So DIVA...reach for your inner strentgh and remember its just a hurdle.

Coffee Cup Wisdom

2009-02-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

Wisdom is a funny thing, well fickle I think is a better term. Wouldn't it be nice if every morning wisdom left you a little note! Nothing to fancy just something taped to the refrigerator door that leaves you with that feeling that you are just a little bit smarter, or a little bit more in tuned with the world around you, something to give you that "AH-HA" feeling! Unfortunately that's not the way Wisdom likes to work. Wisdom is never consistent in where you will find it, kinda like that lost sock from the dryer that likes to appear randomly. Sometimes it shows up in a great book, or from a parent or child and as much as we don't like to admit it, it even likes to show up in our favorite TV shows. But tonight Wisdom decided to appear to me in a less then likely location.......Here's my story.......

Its 7:30 pm, I'm seated in the second row, leaning against the wall of my Spanish 201 class. Instead of paying attention I'm daydreaming (do you call it daydreaming at night?) of the fabulous weekend I'm going to have while sipping on my double shot latte from Starbuck's. Yes, I know having a double shot latte is insane at 7:30 pm but the caffeine is the only thing that makes learning at 7:30 at night enjoyable! Soon I become saddened because my heavenly drink has come to an end, but to my surprise I see the words "The way I see it" on the side of my cup. Thrilled that I don't have to start paying attention just yet I eagerly remove the cardboard cup holder and begin to read the wisdom of quote #26!....Here's what it said.......

"Failure's hard, but success is far more dangerous. If you're successful at the wrong things, the mix of praise and money and opportunity can lock you in forever."--Po Bronson

This quote really hit home for me. Personally, I'm going to be graduating in May with a B.S. in Business Management and I'm TERRIFIED! Not only because the economy is teetering on the edge of a deep dark cliff and I may have to take a $10 an hour job with a degree, but more because we all dream of being successful at something we love. Time flies and before you know it you may be successful but at what cost? Did you lose your way? Did you forget who you were? Are you no longer the happy person you once were? It just made me realize that when people ask me what I want to do, I should have a real answer not just an "I don't know." I should really know what I want to do so I am successful at all the right stuff and never the wrong!

So my message to all of you in Blogger Land....take a moment and look at your life and make sure that what you are doing is whats right and not whats right, right now! Because even success can be negative and that will follow you or "lock" you in forever! Take it or leave it, but today wisdom came to ME on a coffee cup!

First Comic!

2009-02-25T20:03:00.000-08:00

Hello, fellow divas! This is your comic artist for Modern Diva, presenting my first comic! Hope you enjoy!

Here's the URL for those who cant read the text: here.

Its Official-I Need Rehab or a Good Sedative!

2009-02-24T23:26:00.000-08:00

Its roughly 11:30 pm on a Tuesday night, my husband has been asleep for hours as well as my 3 furry, four legged kids! But while everyone else is dreaming of sugar plum fairies I continue to get carpal tunnel in my left wrist (yeah weird, not sure why its not in both wrists!) because I am completely addicted to everything that deals with social networking!! Or maybe its the double shot latte I had at 6:30 pm...hmmm could be!

Regardless of why I'm still awake I knew if I tried to go to sleep I would just lie in bed listening to my dog and husband snore while my mind raced with wonderful blog posts ideas.

"Well Jen why don't you get up and type all these great post" you M.D. Followers ask!

And I reply, "Like I didn't already think of that Silly! See for the past 2 weeks I jump out of bed running to the computer to type up my excellent post ideas but instead meet my good old friend Mr. Writer's Block (not sure why he is always bothering me, doesnt he have a depressed, double personality suffering writer to bother?). So tonight I decided to just let my hyperactive mind take control and write about NOTHING!!! Maybe just letting my thoughts and emotions out will help to allow the other creative thoughts flow better...I shall see!"

OK OK thats enough crazy caffine induced rant for the night...maybe now my mind will go into "Hibernation Mode". If it works I'm for sure doing a rant post every night!!

Goodnight M.D. Nation and hopefully you are sleeping better then I!

Who Needs Foundation When You Got This...

2009-02-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

SHEER FOCUS TINTED MOISTURIZER by SMASHBOX

I recently came across this product during my husbands birthday getaway. While my husband was getting a massage (a special treat from me) I walked over to Nordstrom (Horton Plaza, San Diego) to get my make-up done for our evening out downtown. I walked around desperately trying not to make eye contact with any of the girls who looked like they just left center stage at the circus or had a second job as a street walker, all I wanted was someone who looked normal but with all the right features played up. That's when I spotted Yazmin, her makeup was perfect! I walked over to her and asked if she had time to help me look fabulous and luckily she said yes! We went over to the Smashbox counter where she sat me down and then went to work. Not being completely out of the loop with make-up I was familiar with Smashbox, in the past I had purchased some of their eye shadows but I had never really used/liked foundations in general so when Yazmin used their Sheer Focus Tinted M oisturizer I was thoroughly excited! It was lightweight, oil-free, had a UVA/UVB SPF 15 and I couldn't even tell I was wearing anything. My skin tone was flawless and it left my skin with a wonderful healthy glow. I absolutely love this product and to top it off my make-up looked amazing all night!!!

Price: $30 but a little goes a LONG WAY soo less is more!

I give it Top Diva Honors-

Below is the Finished Product!

Happy Birthday To A True Modern Diva!

2009-02-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

Today my little sister turned 22! This is the first year that I have not been with Megan on her birthday. So to honor this special day I decided to write a special birthday blog for her!

Two years ago she moved to Seattle to finish college, I knew once she left she would probably never come back. She was always the one to spread her wings and fly! Its incredible to see how much Megan has evolved into the women she is now and how creative and strong she has become. She is truly a Modern Diva! She is a full time student, has a full time job, is in the process of planning her wedding and in the mist of it all still manages to create an assortment of delicious baked goods (mainly for her man since he has a a crazy sweet tooth) and whip out a few sewing, photography or any other creative project. OH...and she is even making her own wedding invitations...if that is not a Modern Diva I don't know what is! I am truly proud to be her sister!

Happy Birthday Little Sis!
I love you so much and miss you everyday!

Perfectly Pampered at Home

2009-02-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

In today's economy it can be nearly impossible to give oneself a day at the spa. So instead of forgoing groceries, plan a spa party at home with all of your girlfriends! Creating spa treatments is as easy as opening up your refrigerator door!

To Plan your Modern Diva Spa Party:

-Send out a free Evite to all of your girlfriends

-Give each friend a spa treatment recipe to bring and share with one another (wash, scrub, masks, eye treatments,)

-Make a large batch of homemade foot soak (this can be done the day before) and just re-heat on the stove 10 minutes before the party is scheduled to begin

-Set the "Spa Mood" with candles, relaxing music, wine or champagne and an assortment of fruit and cheeses (or ask the girls to bring their favorite "spa" treat)

-If you are feeling extra creative ask each friend to chose a guest and create a goody bag for them (that way the expense is shared among all the guests)! These can include: scented tea lights, bath teas, small jars of homemade body scrubs, and recipe cards of the featured treatments from each guest at the party!

Suggested Order of Events:

***First and foremost, when enjoying your Modern Diva spa party remember that YOU need time too and don't feel guilty about indulging for a few hours! If you don't pamper yourself, who will?

-As guests arrive have them help themselves to appetizers and drinks a soak their tired achy feet in a warm foot soak.

-Next pamper the skin with a gentle face wash. A good choice and gentle enough for all skin types is the Sweet and Sour Cleaner.

-After skin is cleansed, prime it for a mask with some gentle exfoliation from a Sugar-and Spice Scrub or a Citrus Scrubbing Grains. Scrub face with either mixture for about 2-3 minutes then rinse and pat dry. *NOTE: The Sugar and Spice Scrub is excellent for all skin types while the Citrus Scrubbing Grains is a bit more invigorating and may not be suitable for sensitive skin.

-Now the skin is ready to receive a relaxing, rejuvenating mask. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes then rinse and pat dry. *NOTE: If you used the Citrus Scrubbing Grains be careful using the Exfoliating Tomato Lemon Mask, it may be to much exfoliation and cause irritation.

-Last but not least make sure to pamper those tired eyes with a soothing eye mask for about 5 to 10 minutes and then follow with an oil free moisturizer on the face (this can be your normal daily moisturizer)!

HAPPY PAMPERING!!!!

Fast, Affordable Valentine's Day Gift

2009-02-10T22:37:00.000-08:00

We all know Valentine's Day can become costly and not to mention make it difficult to fit into our pants the next day! Instead of packing on the calories, purchasing overly priced roses or buying that ridiculously large stuffed animal do yourself and the gift receiver(s) a favor and create a budget saving/fat free/calorie free goody bag for your best friend, significant other, parent or child! All the products were purchased at Michaels from the $1 and $2 dollar bins. Everything below was $1 except for the tea lights which were $2, bringing the total cost of the gift to just $7!! I went with a wine theme because many of my girlfriends enjoy wine but if your gift receiver(s) does not, Michaels and other craft or discount stores will often have little gifts between $1-$5.

Below are photos of everything I put in my Valentine's Day goody bag and a picture of the final product! Just remember get creative and think about what the receiver(s) enjoys! This will guarantee that the person receiving this heart felt gift will really enjoy it!

Sheer Wine Bag, Cute Coasters, Paper Napkins

Wine Bottle Cork, Tea Lights, Wine Charms

The Final Product!!!