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Be Awesome...Be Fabulous...Be You

Coupon Saving Tips

In this crazy economy, every Working Diva has to watch her pennies closely. Just like when we wait for a sale to get the shoes we have been dying for...we must have the same mentality when it comes to shopping for our groceries. I had a neighbor that was able to save $60 dollars a month buy using coupons. I'm not a coupon clipper superstar, but with these tips from the free e-book, “Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half” from CouponMom.com, we can get on the right track. Read.Enjoy.Share!

1. Know Your Top 10 Grocery Items.What do you consume the most? For example, growing up our household always had milk, eggs, and bread on the shopping list. Make a list of the items you regularly consume. If you track just the prices of these specific items you can reap major savings. Make a list of your “top 10″. Then compare the prices, apples-to-apples and week-to-week, in the stores you shop.

2. Does Your Store “Double Coupon”?Common sense says that the store brand is generally less expensive than the name brand. But, if your store doubles coupons a name brand item can end up costing less than the store brand. The secret is to track your top 10 items so you know first when the price is the lowest and second, if/when a coupon will be doubled.

3. How Is “Buy One, Get One Free” Calculated?Ask your store manager how the “buy one, get one free” is calculated. Does one item ring up full price and the second item free? Or are both items rung in at half price? If the latter you can legitimately use two coupons for the purchase, thus saving more!

4. Can Coupons Be Electronically Delivered to Your Loyalty Card?Some stores will automatically add coupons to your loyalty card so there is no need to cut them out of the paper, or remember to bring them with you! You can find out by going to the website of your favorite grocery store. If you use Upromise to save for college or pay off your student loans you can also link coupons electronically to your debit card.

5. Will the Store Email You Coupons or Weekly Circulars?If you subscribe to several grocery “weeklies” you can quickly see who has the best prices for your Top 10 items. Sometimes stores will email you coupons you can print at home, too. Keep all your coupons in an organized folder.

6. Can You Join Specific Programs Like “Pet Care”?Some stores will provide coupons for different shopper demographics. For example, new mothers can sometimes get emails for discounts on baby care items. Pet owners can get discounts based on the pets in a household.

7. Does Your Store Accept Competitors Coupons?If so, it makes it a lot easier to choose which store to patronize. Choose the one with the best deals for you.

8. Are There Additional Loyalty Card Perks?Will you get a money-off coupon if you spend a certain amount at their store? If so, know the threshold and factor that into your shopping decisions.

9. Can You Use Both “Store Coupons” and “Manufacturer’s Coupons” on the Same Item?Some grocery stores allow you to double up. If so, you can use the coupon issued for the store AND a manufacturer’s coupon and double your savings. Buy when an item is already reduced and you’ve got greater savings.

10. Are There Coupon Limits for the Same Order?Some stores impose a coupon limit for each visit. No problem. Just send your kid, friend, spouse, or partner through another line with the other items to take advantage of deep discounts. Consider splitting large bounties with the person who helped you buy at a discount.Is that all? Hardly. There’s a reason some coupon clippers are self-described “fanatics”. Even casual coupon use can save you some money if you’re buying something you regularly use. Meet One of Our Very Own Coupon-a-holics.

Plan the Perfect Girl's Night Out

Need to exhale with your girls? Rally your best sister-friends and plan an event of pure entertainment, bliss or both. Below we have created a few gatherings that will get you and your girls motivated.

Spa Day: What Working Divas doesn't enjoy a day of pampering. (We do) Find a local spa that is budget friendly. Plus, it doesn't hurt to ask for a group discount when you book your services. When picking your treatments, keep it simple and select a pedicure and a massage or facial. Therefore, everyone has a little escape before the chatter fest begins.

Sister Stay-cation: Everyone has a living room. So, why not make good use of it with your girls. For one thing, it's free and has a cozy couch. Plus, there are no time limits, you know you and the girls can get to talking. Create a relaxing atmosphere by adding some throw pillows and some 80's music on your stero...opps...ipod. Pick out a signature cocktail or wine and have it chilled before hand. Do you have a sister friend that can cook up some wings or something else you love? Start to organize the evening by emailing everyone to select the date and the dish they would like to bring. (if they can) Create theme...movie night, music night, book club night, the creativity is endless. You'll all have an evening to remember just like the ladies of "Waiting to Exhale." And by all means...if your friends have a little too many cocktails, pull out the blankets. Have fun ladies!!

Sister Brunch: Try a nice restaurant in your area with a great atmosphere. There is nothing like great decor and wonderful customer service to make your event sizzle. To prepare, get a copy of the menu before hand to ensure everyone finds something on the menu they will enjoy. There is nothing like arriving at an event and you can't find anything on the menu you like. Plus, it doesn't hurt to know the cost before hand. Keep it light and fun.

Little Ones Play-date: In case there is a sister-friend that is unable get a baby sister, include the kids. Now this is not your traditional sister-friend get together, but it is a way everyone can take part in some sisterly fun. Find a local park that is in a convinent location. Create different activities for you and the kids. Read stories, have a kid's theater, play kick-ball, hopscotch, jump rope, or double-dutch with your children and re-live your childhood. You will have a blast...trust us.

We be Clubbin’: Let your hair down and meet at a trendy night club and party the night-a-way with good music, good drinks and great friends. Let the DJ know you are having a girls-night-out and have him play a song all of you love and dance like a rock star! Tip: "Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige or "Let the Beat Hit'em by Lisa Lisa.

The Ultimate: A Sister-friends Getaway. If getting far away isn't an option. Research hotels in your area to indulge in three days of total bliss. Don’t plan much. The focus of this get together is relaxation and rejuvation. Enjoy each other's company by the pool, take in the spa or other hotel activities. Your goal: Fun with the girls and being recharged for your upcoming work week.

Run Way to Real Way

Want to know the best looks for your body type? Check here to find the perfect wardrobe. Then Work it!

One Day Financial Makeover

Do you start your morning with a grande-one equal-soy-chai latte'? I know I use too until money starting getting tight and I need to take an assessment of my spending. Before you join your co-workings for lunch or you stop by your favorite store to window shop...which turns into you actually buying something. Take a look at Real Simple Magazine's Money-Saving Secrets from the Pros. Then as your financial light bulb goes off in your head...find ways to cut costs and start saving up to 5,000 a year, that 25,000 in five years! That's a down payment on a home, car, your MBA or your little one's college funds. When you saving your money...you can change your life.

9:00 a.m. Research your next purchase.If your dishwasher is close to kaput or your printer is running low on ink, do your purchasing homework now. "Waiting until the last minute means paying full price," cautions Neale Godfrey, author of Money Still Doesn't Grow on Trees ($16, amazon.com). Go to dealcatcher.com or pricegrabber.com, two on-line marketplaces that offer coupons, rebates, and price comparisons on everything from ink-jet cartridges to DVD players to dishwashers. Type in the kind of item you're looking for, then compare deals from outlets like amazon.com, Overstock.com, and BestBuy.com. Or try dealtime.com or bizrate.com, which also offer free price comparisons. All these sites provide reader reviews, which can alert you to the strengths and weaknesses of a given product.
Average savings: From $10 for print cartridges to $50 for a dishwasher (over buying them at a local stationery or department store).

9:30 a.m. Take a bite out of grocery costs.The average family of four spends about $450 a month on food, according to the Food Marketing Institute, a supermarket trade association. To economize, join a warehouse club like BJ's Wholesale Club (bjs.com; $45 annual fee), Costco (costco.com; $50), or Sam's Club (samsclub.com; $40). Visit each club's website to determine which has the best location and product mix for you, then join online. The clubs can be 20 to 50 percent cheaper than regular grocery stores when it comes to products like condiments, coffee, bottled water, and canned beans and vegetables (they're also, hands-down, the best place to shop for appliances, trash bags, aspirin, and best-selling books, among other things). One RS tester found she could save $75 to $100 a year by purchasing bottled water from Costco rather than the local Stop & Shop. (A bonus: Sam's and Costco sell calling cards that charge just 3 1/2 cents a minute on long-distance calls.) But don't neglect your supermarket entirely―it will have better deals on items like produce, chips, and cookies.
Average annual savings: $1,850 (based on the average bill for a family of four at 35 percent savings, minus the average club membership).

10:00 a.m. Cut heating and utility costs.The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average family spends $1,400 a year on energy bills. This past season, prices soared up to 45 percent, partly due to increased demand. To lower your bill, surf over to energy.gov, the U.S. Department of Energy's website. Go to Information for Consumers and click on "Your Home." You'll find the Home Energy Saver, a handy energy-audit tool. By entering information about your house―the year it was built, the number of windows, the type of heating system - you'll generate tips for improving its energy efficiency. The more specific you are, the more detailed the advice. You won't have time to fix all these things now, but you can print out a list and follow up this weekend. For example, investing just $33 to $100 in a programmable thermostat―which you can set to lower your home's temperature at night and raise it in the morning―can slice 5 to 30 percent off your heating and cooling costs, according to the Department of Energy.
Average annual savings: $1,000 if you live in an extreme climate, like Vermont; $450 if you live in a milder one, like San Francisco.

11:00 a.m. Scrutinize your wireless, long-distance, and Internet bills.If the cost of staying connected makes you want to become a hermit, scout for better rates at lowermybills.com or billsaver.com, free comparison-shopping sites. LowerMyBills.com allows you to search 18 categories of services, including long-distance carriers and Internet access. When you find a rate you like, call the provider directly. (Both sites conduct background checks on companies listed.) RS testers saved, on average, $150 a year on long distance, $100 on cellular service, and $80 a year on Internet access. Savings vary, based on location and whether you want to go with a brand name. For instance, one tester reduced her monthly Internet-access fee from $24 to $10 by switching from AOL to a local service.
Average annual savings: Up to $80 a year on Internet service, $150 on long distance, and as much as $100 on cell-phone bills.

Noon. Convert coins to cash, get a library card, and swap your gift cards.After a lunch break, get ready to take a walk or a drive. Gather up all your spare change and go to one of the free or cheap change-counting machines that are available in many grocery stores and banks (for a nationwide listing, visit theunderstory.com). One tester turned up $143, which she then put into an interest-bearing savings account. While you're out, sign up for a library card. Borrowing hardcover books instead of buying them can save even the casual reader, who buys an average of four hardcover books a year, about $70. Once you're back, hunt down any unused gift cards you have and go to swapagift.com. For a $4 listing fee, you can buy, sell, or trade your unused cards for those of merchants you prefer.
Average annual savings: Library card, $70. Found money, varies by household. Gift cards, $25 to $50 (assuming you would otherwise have let the cards languish in your desk drawer).

1:30 p.m. Liberate yourself from video- and DVD-rental late fees.You checked out The Remains of the Day at Blockbuster on a Thursday and plugged it into your DVD player, as planned, on Friday night. But just as Emma Thompson came on the screen, the phone rang...and you never saw the remains of the movie. The next thing you knew, a week had gone by, you'd forgotten all about the movie, and the late fee was more than the cost of a new DVD. If this sounds familiar, don't feel bad; you're in good (if late) company. A recent report by Decisive Analytics, a market-research firm, found that 20 percent of movie renters pay, on average, $7.60 in late fees for every tardy rental. So take three minutes―literally―and sign up at Netflix (netflix.com). Then take five minutes more to browse through their listings and create a rental queue. For $17 a month (the cost of renting four new releases at Blockbuster), you can rent as many DVDs as you want, keeping three out at a time for as long as you want. When you return one, the company will send you the next one from your queue. Each movie arrives in a prepaid envelope, which you reuse to return the DVD. And you'll never pay a late fee again.
Average annual savings: Depending on your lateness record, up to $280 a year (based on rental costs and late fees for the average of 60 rentals a year, with half of those returned late).

1:45 p.m. Analyze your attendance at the gym, the theater, and art museums.Let's face it: Sometimes your ambitions don't mesh with reality. You buy a pricey membership, then hardly use it. Take the gym. In a three-year study, economists at the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University combed through 8,000 gym-membership records in the Boston area and found that about 80 percent of the members with a monthly contract were paying significantly more than they would have if they had gone on a pay-per-use basis. That's because the members had overestimated their gym usage and went fewer than five times a month, on average―far less than they had initially projected. The result: An average user paid $17 per workout, even when a $10 pay-per-use option existed. And that added up. Members were losing on average $700 over the life of their monthly or annual gym contracts. One RS tester realized she hadn't been to her local Y in more than a year and was wasting $87 a month ($1,044 a year) in membership fees. She found she could pay $10 a visit and canceled the plan.
Conversely, you may be overpaying for single visits to the local zoo, art museum, or aquarium if you go frequently and don't have a membership. For instance, another RS tester, who lives in Philadelphia, found it would cost her family of four $56 to visit the zoo, plus $7 for parking. But for just $79, her family could buy a membership and enjoy unlimited visits and free parking for a year.
Average annual savings: $700.

2:00 p.m. Donate to charity.Rummage through your closets and bookshelves for clothing and household items you can donate. "Have a two-year rule," suggests Michelle Singletary, a Washington Post columnist and the author of 7 Money Mantras for a Richer Life ($30, amazon.com). "If you haven't worn or used it in the last two years, give it away." Even a sum as nominal as $150 worth of goods can reduce your taxes by about $42, if you itemize your deductions and are in the 28 percent tax bracket. (If you're in the 15 percent tax bracket or lower, this may not be worth your trouble. You can find your tax bracket at irs.gov; search for "tax rate.") Try to do this at least twice a year, and remember to get a receipt from the charity.
Average annual savings: $84 (if you're in the 28 percent bracket and make two $150 donations a year).

Introducing: Money Mondays

Does your financial house need a little boost? Our new channel: Money Mondays will help you with money-savings tips every fabulously frugal Working Diva needs in her life. From balancing your own budget to cutting everyday costs we are committed to giving you the tools that would make even Suze Orman proud. So start saving your pennies and check in with us every Monday.

The Restraining Order - Chapter One

Introducing "The Restraining Order," a short story by my good friend, author and Working Diva contributor, Tazz. Have a cup of tea and enjoy each installment.

Michelle was an incredible looking woman whose beauty was only surpassed by her kindness and intelligence. What bothers me most about Michelle is that she has never quite lived up to her potential. She works in the front office of a cheap, poorly run apartment complex.

Michelle, like most young women has had horrible luck with men. Take Charles for example. He's a barber who spends his time between cutting hair and cutting down a forest of unsuspecting women, who have no chance of resisting his charms.

Charles has been with Michelle on and off, for 7 1/2 years and wouldn't know commitment if it came up and bit him on the ass. Michelle, feeling the itch from her spinster clock ticking, wanted to be married. Moreover she wanted (in her mind, needed) to be married to Charles.

The marriage talk basically ran Charles away for about 2 years. In that time, Michelle met Xavier, a handsome, charming man with goals, dreams and the means to pursue them. To Michelle, Charles was Mr. Right, but Xavier was Mr. right now.

After a long Saturday filled with walks, movies and lovemaking, Michelle and Xavier were relaxing in bed at Michelle's apartment. Thirsty, Michelle went to the kitchen to grab a bottle of spring water, when the doorbell rang. Hurriedly, she grabbed her silk robe and slipped it on. On the other side of the door was Charles. Before Michelle could say anything, Xavier came into the living room to see who was at the door.

Charles was a man with a purpose. Totally ignoring Xavier, he walks into the living room. kisses Michelle on the lips and tells her the four words that she wanted to hear 2 years ago. "I want you back."

Bachelor's Melissa Speaks Out

This season of the Bachelor has been one big roller coaster ride. First Melissa then Molly... what was this guy thinking! This is the kind of thing that makes a girl go all Jazmine Sullivan and "Break his Windows!!!"

Today Melissa Rycroft appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show and talked about the ordeal for the first time about how Jason really hurt her and how she felt when she found out he was dating Molly.

Rycroft says "it was pretty immediate" after the finale that Mesnick realized he didn't want to be with her.

"Once we got back, we both kind of sat in the real world, and we were talking about how [our relationship] was different," she says. "He kind of gave up, and I couldn't understand why at the time. Now I do - because I think there was someone else involved."

"And that is where my feelings of betrayal came in," she goes on. "I knew on the night After the Final Rose [aired], I wasn't getting dumped. We had already ended the relationship and that was mutual."

"I repeatedly asked him, 'Is Molly involved in anything?' And when they moved up the taping of After the Final Rose, I was going, 'Why did we move the taping up? What's going on?'"
"I asked Jason, 'Am I going to be blind-sided by anything? Is there anything you want to tell me?' And he said, 'No, gosh no.' And the second I went out on that stage, he goes, 'P.S. it is Molly.' And I went, 'Bastard!'"

Even though Mesnick initially denied he was dating Malaney, Rycroft says she had a feeling.
"Being a girl, you get that feeling," she says. "Anybody that's been cheated on, you know. And being a woman, I got that feeling, because he just backed away from me, and I knew he had contacted her."

"There had been at least one contact that I knew about, where he was 'checking on her,' and so it was just in the back of my mind. I would just casually ask, 'Are you talking to her? Have you talked to her? Tell me, just be honest."

"He kept saying no," Rycroft adds.

Rycroft says she and Mesnick exchanged e-mails "right after we filmed After the Final Rose."
"I instigated it ... and wish I hadn't," she says. "I felt like I needed to apologize for getting that angry with him, but at the same time, I said, 'I hope you know why I got that mad.' We weren't talking at that point, so it was my way off saying, 'This is my closure ... Don't reply back.'"
Asked if she could ever be friends with Mesnick or Malaney, Rycroft says, "No."

"Jason and Molly don't quite have the characteristics of [people] I would want to be friends with," she says. "On a level, they both did betray me. I understand it was a break-up, and I'm not mad about that. We all get broken up with, but to be lied to...."


Rycroft says she is moving on and is even dating a new guy named Ty (though she declined to reveal any more details).


"Because of the privacy and everything going on, we haven't really been able to explore a new relationship, but now that everything is over, I'm so excited," she says. "I've known him for two years and kind of done the dating on-and-off. He has been my biggest rock and supporter throughout this whole process. He's become my best friend."

Five Job Seeking Mistakes

A great resume and a strong skill-set can get you the interview. But make one of these mistakes during your interview can cost you the job. Watch.learn.apply!
(source: yahoo abc )

Refresh a Room with a Mini-Garden

Get a jump start on spring and give your room a floral view. Set up a mini-flower garden on a windowsill, counter or breakfast bar. Bringing the outside in boosts your mood. Collect your favorite herbs in small pots and put fresh cut flowers in a vase. And there you have it…instant-bliss!

Almost Fabulous

The things we women go through to look good. I’m sitting in my stylist's chair getting a much needed transformation. Girl, give me the works: wash, color, cut, and locks! It’s my birthday weekend and I want to look fabulous. Plus, I want to look good for any potential job interviews next week.

What is it about coming to the salon and getting pampered? Honestly, my favorite part is getting my hair washed. All the past drama and stress streams from my hair into the wash bowl; it’s uplifting. And then the scalp massage during the conditioning treatment; it feels like new ideas and creativity are being worked and molded into my system. AHHH, a fresh start!

As I pan across the salon I’m wondering what has brought the other women here for a mane make-over and mental nip and tuck. We come here not only to look fabulous but to feel fabulous. This is the one place we can let our hair down –literately-- and be ourselves. We talk about it all…work, family, relationships, and the latest sales at the mall. One sister many speak out on a situation all of us are going through and we all come together with a solution, group therapy any one? Or sometimes, we come to relax and not talk or think about anything at all. Whatever the reason, these moments with our sister-friends and or brother-friends are priceless.

When I need to refresh my look and mind, Lisa’s chair is my solitude. I love chatting with the ladies as Lisa’s magical hands transforms my look. And from the moment she turns the chair around to the mirror and I see the renewed me…the pick me up is instant. I’m thinking…I should have done this weeks ago.

I’ve gone from Almost Fabulous to Totally Fabulous in two hours flat. Happy Birthday to me!

If you are in the South Florida area, check out Lisa Cummings at Salon Ménage in Pembroke Pines.

About

About: The Working Divas Blog
The Working Divas Blog was spawned from a spa contest I developed for my radio show in Baltimore that has blossomed in to a lifestyle of women that want to live a fabulous life while keeping everything in perspective. It’s Desperate Housewives-meets-Sex in the City-meets-Living Single. Yes, I’m a mixture of all these women…aren’t we all.

What is a Working Diva? A Superwoman; multi-tasking goddess; Go-getter; trendsetter, Problem solving guru; A Woman with the outstanding talent to juggle life, work and family and still look fabulous. Yes, I’m talking about you. So join!!!

Fellas, we haven’t forgotten about you. Every Working Diva needs a Working Don. There is a special place for you my brother in the “For the Fellas” section.

About: Karen Vaughn
An award winning broadcaster, Karen Vaughn is an advocate for helping women stay fabulous while juggling life and work. The originator of the Working Diva, Karen empowers women to put themselves first and enjoy the “bliss” that life has to offer.

She became consumed with work life balance after she and her husband experienced the joy of their first child. “Women have to find ways to manage daily demands and still achieve happiness in their lives,” says Karen.

Karen has worked in major markets including, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, and Miami, FL. Her distinct personal approach and vibrant personality makes her one of the most recognized talents in the nation. She was named on R&R Magazine’s “Women on the Rise” Top Ten list.

Karen, a graduate of Temple University, is deeply committed to using her platform to inform, entertain and inspire. Whether she is facilitating book club discussions, involved with community organizations like the March of Dimes, and the Sister To Sister Foundation, reporting entertainment news, conducting in-depth interviews with her casual conversation style, writing her “FEEL GOOD” column, speaking on self-empowerment, hosting Girls-Night-Out events for today’s women or giving advice on how to go green - Karen continues to empower her audience.

Karen Vaughn is currently writing her first books “Working Divas: from an 80’s Fly Girl to a Millennium Woman” and “Mommy Me Time Momments.”

Valentine's Day Dishes: Recap

When we put together out "Valentine's Day Delicious Dishes," we didn't know we were going to have such a huge response. So, we have enlisted the culinary expertise of Chef Mark Watkins: Catering by Mark "at your Service" to create tasty simple meals for all Working Divas(TM). Mark believes in a health lifestyle and has created the "Change" menu which promotes healthy, hearty, lite meals your entire family will enjoy. Look out for the launch of the Working Divas(TM) "Change" demonstrations. Where Mark will show you first hand how to make the meal of the month. Bon Appétit!

Back on the Radio

After a two month break, I'm back on the radio in Charleston, SC at Star 99.7. Thanks to the entire staff at Star 99.7 and the listeners for the warm welcome. "The Working Divas' Happy Hour" airs every weeknight from 7pm-10pm. Check it out via the Internet at http://www.star997.com/. It's the perfect blend of music, girl chat. Connect 24/7 here at the Working Divas Blog. Join me when you can.

It's All About the LOVE!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!!!

Working Divas…relax, relate, and release today. It’s a day of love and lounging. Whether you are in love with your boo or yourself. Embrace the love within. Love ya!

Valentine's Day Dishes: Roasted Chicken with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (4-pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces (giblets, neck and backbone reserved for another use)
1/2 cup low-salt chicken broth
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions
Whisk the vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in small bowl to blend. Combine the vinaigrette and chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag; seal the bag and toss to coat. Refrigerate, turning the chicken pieces occasionally, for at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Remove chicken from the bag and arrange the chicken pieces on a large greased baking dish. Roast until the chicken is just cooked through, about 1 hour. If your chicken browns too quickly, cover it with foil for the remaining cooking time. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Place the baking dish on a burner over medium-low heat. Whisk the chicken broth into the pan drippings, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the baking sheet with a wooden spoon and mixing them into the broth and pan drippings. Drizzle the pan drippings over the chicken. Sprinkle the lemon zest and parsley over the chicken, and serve. (source: foodnetwork.com Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis)

Valentines Day Dish: Lobster Parfaits

1 1/2 cups chopped onions
3/4 cup chopped carrots
3/4 cups chopped celery
4 cloves garlic, smashed
3 bay leaves
1 cup distilled white vinegar
3 lemons, quartered and juiced
3/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 (1 1/4-pound) lobsters
8 cups mache or a chiffonade of mixed greens
Cilantro-Avocado Dressing, recipe follows
1 1/2 cups halved teardrop tomatoes
1 1/2 cups diced hearts of palm
1 1/2 cups orange segments, white pith removed
Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish


Directions
Set a 6-quart stockpot with 1-gallon of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, vinegar, lemons and juice, salt and cayenne pepper. Bring the pot to a boil and allow to cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Place the lobster into the water and cook until red and cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Immediately immerse in ice water to halt the cooking. Once the lobsters have cooled, remove from the water and set aside.

Use a chef's knife to crack the shell of the lobsters and remove the tail meat and claw meat. Chop the lobster into 1/2-inch pieces, and set aside. Place a sixth of the greens into each of 6 large chilled martini glasses. Drizzle a little of the dressing over the greens. Place 1/4 cup of the tomatoes in each of the glasses, as well as 1/4 cup of the hearts of palm, 1/4 cup orange segments and a sixth of the chopped lobster. Drizzle more of the dressing over the parfait and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately.

Cilantro-Avocado Dressing:
1 ripe avocado, diced
2/3 cup mayonnaise, preferably homemade
1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves, blanched and drained
1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 lime, zested
1 to 2 limes, juiced (4 to 5 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon green hot sauce, or to taste
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth.

Yield: about 2 cups

Cook's Note: Any leftover avocado dressing makes a great dip for chips or veggies!
(source: The Food Network: Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse)

First Lady graces the cover of Vogue

Our favorite Working Diva, First Lady Michelle Obama, is the cover girl for the March issue of Vogue Magazine. Looking elegant in another Jason Wu design, Michelle is radiant. Shot just before her husband's historical inauguration; Michelle talks about being a wife, mother and the new First Lady.

The eight-page spread shows off Michelle's fearless fashion. Being the trendsetter, she selected all her out-fits for the shoot herself. Sounds like a true Working Divas...doesn't it! When asked about her style she says, “First and foremost, I wear what I love. That’s what women have to focus on: what makes them happy and what makes them feel comfortable and beautiful. If I can have any impact, I want women to feel good about themselves and have fun with fashion.” (virtual hi-five) We here you Michelle!

Our Mom-in-Chief is an inspiration to us all. The March issue of Vogue hits news stands Tuesday. Take a sneak peak of the story. Check a a few more photos below.

Valentine's Day Dish: Red Velvet Cup Cakes

CUPCAKES
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons red gel paste food coloring (see Cook's note)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
Red, pink and white miniature nonpareils, for sprinkling

Meringue Icing
5 large egg whites
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
Pinch fine salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 to 3 drops pure almond extract
Equipment: Standard 12 (1/2 cup) muffin tin

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the muffin tin with pink or white cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt.

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Occasionally turn off mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Reduce the speed to low, add the eggs, 1 at a time, and mix until incorporated after each addition. Add the food coloring and vanilla and mix well.

With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream in 3 additions, beginning and ending with the flour, waiting until each addition is well incorporated before adding the next. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and soda, and once fizzing has stopped, add to the batter and mix well.

Divide the batter evenly in the tin, filling each liner about 3/4 full. Bake until cupcakes are set and spring back when touched, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

For meringue icing: Bring a few inches of water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan large enough to hold a standing mixer bowl above the water. Whisk the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt together in the bowl until combined. Set the bowl over the simmering water and whisk constantly until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture is smooth and hot to the touch, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat at medium-high speed until meringue is cool and holds a soft peak, 4 to 5 minutes. With the speed on low, add the vanilla and almond extracts; increase speed to medium and continue whisking until mixture is glossy and holds a stiff peak, 1 to 2 minutes more.

To decorate: Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread about 1/2 cup meringue over each cupcake and sprinkle with nonpareils. Cupcakes are best served the day they are made.

Cook's Note: If you're unable to find gel food coloring, add drops of liquid food coloring until the desired shade of red is achieved. (source: The Food Network)