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