For whom the wedding bell tolls

In her book Why Smart Men Marry Smart Women, Dr. Christine Whelan reveals findings from a study she conducted to help bust myths about successful career women and marriage. Among some of her conclusions were that forty-five percent of high-achievers participate in online dating which, Dr. Whelan notes, is a great way to meet people and get to know them efficiently.

Click here to read some other highlights from her book or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:
http://www.oprah.com/article/money/career/jchatzky_20061206

Bright Breakfast

We're total kitchenware addicts and we're loving our latest finds for not only being functional, but for adding funky flair to our home too! We're digging the easy-to-use BODUM® Brazil French Press 8-Cup Coffee Maker for manually brewing a perfect-tasting coffee. We also couldn't resist matching up the French Press with the groovy-looking BODUM® BISTRO Toaster. Made of stainless steel with a rubberized coloured finish, this two-slice toaster has variable browning and temperature settings as well as adjustable-width toasting slots and a removable crumb-tray. With both items available in eight different colours, breakfast time has become an extra bright highlight to our mornings!

$24.95 CAD for Brazil French Press 8-Cup Coffee Maker

$99 CAD for BISTRO Toaster
Items sold separately at cookworks.ca; available in eight colours (red, pink, purple, green, brown, white, black, or grey).

Heal the World - Michael Jackson

In spite of all the controversy surrounding him, Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009) was undeniably a musical genius. Today we'd like to honour the King of Pop whose music has been incredibly influential to an entire generation.

Take a moment to listen to the soulful and beautiful words from Heal the World, Jackson's biggest hit single from his eighth studio album Dangerous:

Rest in peace, Michael, you are surely in a better place now.

Ina Garten's Fresh Whiskey Sours

We are adoring fans of the cheerful Ina Garten aka the Barefoot Contessa, chef and host of a Food Network show by the same nickname. We've taken a particular liking to her whiskey sour recipe which we think is a perfect after-work cocktail. So gather your career gal pals together after 5 and enjoy one today!

Ina Garten's Fresh Whiskey Sours

Prep Time: 5 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 cocktails

Ingredients
3/4 cup whiskey (recommended: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (4 limes)
2/3 cup sugar syrup*
Ice cubes
Maraschino cherries

Directions
Combine the whiskey, lemon juice, lime juice, and syrup. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and pour in the drink mix 2/3 full. Shake for 15 seconds and pour into glasses. Add a maraschino cherry and serve ice cold.

*Note: To make the sugar syrup, bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a boil, and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Chill before using.

Wow 'em from Day 1

Wondering how to make those all-important first impressions when starting a new job? Here's some great advice from Career Counsellor and U.S. News Contributing Editor Marty Nemko:

Solutions to common money dilemmas

We recently read 11 Money-Etiquette Issues, Solved by Teri Cettina and we found Cettina’s advice about how to unstuck ourselves from sticky financial situations like splitting the bill, contributing to group gifts, and lending money to friends to be quite helpful.

If you find yourself in similar money predicaments and need ways to remedy the problem, click here to read Cettina’s article or copy and paste this link into your web browser:
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/etiquette/11-money-etiquette-issues-solved-10000001660067/index.html

Want more from Cettina? Click here to check out her Family Money Blog where she provides tips on how to save money, wisely spend it, and more!

Fancy Footwork

On their website, Swiss Masai calls their invention the "anti-shoe". We prefer to call it "the shoe that kicks our butt"--in the best way imaginable! Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) Shoes by Swiss Masai have had some serious thought and engineering put into them. Unlike ordinary shoes, MBTs are designed to distribute pressure equally across and along the whole foot. We gave them a try and from the moment we slipped these "anti-shoes" on, we were amazed by how differently and more effectively we were walking. With each step we take in our MBTs, we feel certain our posture has improved and we've even noticed less stress on our joints and muscles. There are four categories of style (sports, casual, sandals, and professional) and over 50 different womens' designs to choose from, so we're positive there's one to suit every gal's taste. And here's another bonus--now on days when we don't make it to the gym, we don't feel quite as guilty thanks to footwear that gives us an awesome workout!

Click here for a demo of how MBTs work and their benefits!

$275 (Chapa Heather design); To find your nearest retailer, visit www.swissmasai.ca

NB: MBT shoes are regarded as a therapeutic training tool, and have recently received a Medical Device Establishment License #3579. Check to see if MBTs qualify for coverage under your employer's extended health and/or medical benefits package.

Butterfly Kisses - Westlife

It's Father's Day this Sunday which means it's a day to celebrate and thank your papa for helping you become the strong and intelligent woman you are! Here's Westlife's cover of Bob Carlisle's Butterfly Kisses for all career gals who have cherished memories of being daddy's little girl.

Be sure to give your dad butterfly kisses (and real kisses too) this Sunday! Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Christine Cushing's Apricot Bellini

Christine Cushing is a Canadian career gal who we admire for making a mighty fine living for herself using her fabulous culinary skills. We recently discovered this delightful nectar-based cocktail recipe of hers and knew it was just the drink we needed after a long day at the office.

Christine Cushing's Apricot Bellini

Ingredients:
1 oz apricot nectar (30 ml)
Prosecco, to taste

Directions:
Pour apricot nectar into a champagne flute. Top with Prosecco.


Casting call alert! Cushing is currently working on development of a new show called "Fearless in the Kitchen". Want to be on her show? Click here for casting call info. To download the application form, click here!

Sorority of compassion

June is convocation season and who better to offer the grads of today and leaders of tomorrow with inspirational and empowering words than the preeminent Oprah Winfrey? In fact, even us career gals can learn a thing or two from this moving speech. Check out this 4-minute video of highlights from Winfrey's Commencement Address to the Class of 2008 at the 117th Stanford University Commencement on June 15, 2008:


Want more? View the entire 30-minute commencement speech here:

Business travel ease

In Eight business travel tips for smart women by Marybeth Bond, the travel expert and author offers practical advice such as "sleep smart" and "pack lightly". These time-tested tips are sure to come in handy for any career gal with a job that requires her to travel.

Click here to read Bond's five other travel tips or copy and paste this link into your web browser:
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/travel/essentials/health/articles/0,,563212_565967,00.html

We're definitely advocates of sleeping smart while travelling, which is why we're never without our EcoTools Bamboo Sleep Mask. Made of super soft bamboo fibres, we place the earth-friendly mask over our lids to ensure we get the proper amount of shut-eye while thousand of feet in the air. And even when we're in a hotel room or in our bed at home, this trusty eye mask is just what's needed for a good night's sleep.

$3.99 USD; To find a retailer, visit parispresents.com

Comfortable in Our Own Skin

The winter days that expose our skin to harsh weather elements are behind us (for now!), but it's still important to keep our skin moisturized in the warmer months--especially since we'll soon be showing off our tans! Part of our year-round daily beauty regimen is applying Curel® Continuous Comfort Fragrance-Free Lotion to ensure our skin stays soft and silky smooth no matter the season. We just lather on this luxurious lotion, slip into a short sleeve top, flowy skirt and our favourite pair of sandals and we're ready to soak in the sunshine. Our tanned skin will certainly feel as good as it looks!

$11.99 for 380 mL; $3.49 for 100 mL at Shoppers Drug Mart & other major drug stores

Straight Up - Paula Abdul

Here's a blast from the past and some advice for your love life. Paula Abdul demands that her man to tell it to her "Straight Up" and CCGs everywhere would be wise to do the same with their significant others.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Dirty laundry, pristine wine

Though most of us may not be lucky enough to take in the picturesque views of Okanagan Valley daily, we can certainly bring a piece (or, rather, a bottle) of it home with us! In beautiful Summerland, B.C. lies the gorgeous and cheeky-named Dirty Laundry Vineyard, producer of the voluptuous 2008 Gewurztraminer - Madam's Vines. The white wine's intense flavours and aromas of lavender and lychee (yum!) easily seduces our taste buds. Strong flavoured cheeses, seafood or simply "sitting back and relaxing on a warm summer day" are all vintner recommendations of what goes well with this delightful wine. Cheers!

$19.99 at dirtylaundry.ca

Giving back because we can

We sometimes think we don't have it all, but in reality, we CCGs are truly more fortunate than most others in this world. Which is why it's important for us to give back to our community--both locally and abroad. Microfinancing is a relatively new concept that essentially involves the "haves" of the world assisting the "have-nots". Learn more about the concept by viewing this video on Kiva, which is arguably the world's current leading microlending institution:

Visit the official Kiva website at www.kiva.org for more info about microlending.

Protect your identity

Thousands of Canadians are victims of identity theft every year, but you don't have to be one of them! We read the informative and helpful Simple Strategies to Avoid Privacy Leaks by Adam Bluestein in which the author outlines how various everyday scenarios such as opening a new credit card account, using your work computer for personal matters, and even making a phone call can put your private information at risk of exposure. Though some parts of the article pertain specifically to U.S. citizens and laws, there is still a wealth of practical advice that Canadian Career Gals would be wise to take to ensure they protect their identity.

Click here to read Bluestein's article or copy and paste this link into your web browser:
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/stop-identity-theft-10000001103431/

Choose cheese!

Hmmm... what shall we have to satisfy our afternoon munchies at work? We've discovered the most pleasurable snack to curb our cravings! The oh-so-yummy Cheesestraws are just the savoury treat we like to nibble on before the clock strikes five. Handmade by Toronto-based specialty food company All The Best Fine Foods, the cheesestraws come in three delectable flavours: Herbed Chevre & Walnut, Sesame & Cheddar and our favourite, Lemon Cracked Pepper Reggiano. Keep a box of these crunchy, gourmet sticks stashed in your desk drawer--though we're willing to bet they won't last long in there! Makes for a fabulous party snack too.

$7.99; To find a retailer near you, go to allthebestfinefoods.com/wholesale.html

Get On Your Feet - Gloria Estefan

Oh, Gloria, you're so wise. Estefan imparted some helpful advice 20 years ago in one of her many hit songs from the 80s:

"I think it's true that we've all been through some nasty weather...gotta keep looking on to tomorrow, there's so much in life that's meant for you...get on your feet!"

Enjoy the beautiful weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Bob Blumer's Chocolate Martini

You really can't go wrong with chocolate and vodka, can you? Wind down to the end of the work week by sipping this sweet treat created by Bob Blumer (aka The Surreal Gourmet)!

Chocolate Martini
Yield: 4

Ingredients:
6 oz vodka
3 x clear crème de cacao
1 tsp Cointreau, or triple sec (This adds an extra dimension, but just omit it if you have none on hand.)

Directions:
Fill a martini shaker or a large glass with ice. Add all ingredients and shake or stir. Strain into chilled martini glasses.

Garnish: An unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss or a single Rolo (or any small chocolate candy).

Wrist relief

Which one of us CCG office dwellers doesn't sometimes have wrist pains from typing away at her keyboard for 40 plus hours each week? Check out this great video in which Esther Ekhart, yoga instructor and creator of online yoga resource Yogatic! offers a few exercises to help loosen up those sore wrists.

Rule of 72

We recently stumbled upon Brad Ferris' blog Triaging My Way To Financial Success and are greatly impressed by the wisdom Ferris imparts about personal finances. Described as "a source for value & dividend investing and business fundamentals", the London, Ontario resident has created an interesting blog and invaluable resource for working gals across the country to get their financial house in order.

We particularly enjoyed his post on the importance for investors to realize the power of compound interest on returns (originally posted on July 3, 2007). As Ferris explains, the “Rule of 72” is a simple answer to the question of “how soon will my investment double?”.

Click here to read Ferris' entire post or copy and paste this link into your web browser:
http://www.nurseb911.com/2007/07/rule-of-72.html

Sex and the Rainy City

Oh, how we loathe getting drenched on during a downpour. We're not fans of rainy days but the adorable Sex And The City Umbrella certainly brightens things up for us! Cute, colourful cartoons of open-toed stilettos, designer handbags and books emblazoned with "Sex And The City" are imprinted onto pastel pink fabric, making this the ultimate girly rain gear. A must-have for lovers of SATC!

$19.99 USD at The HBO Store (1100 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY) or shop online at store.hbo.com