This is the 3rd of a 3-part vodcast series done with Mr. Martini (BehindTheBarShow.com). The first was in celebration of the Kentucky Derby - we made a mint julep and discussed Da Horses. The second took the bourbon from the julep to create an Old Fashioned, and discussed “old fashioned” subjects such as etiquette, manners, language, listening, and having a signature cocktail without being branded High Maintenance.

In this vodcast, we take the mint from the julep and create a Mojito, and as the Mojito reminds us of travel (Cuba might open up any time now!), we discuss:

*  How Sandy packed in 15 minutes for a 3 week honeymoon;

*  Picking and packing in a “base” color, intelligently;

*  Getting around every woman’s Achilles heel (as it were) - Shoes!

*  Things to leave in your suitcase, including one Secret Weapon to amaze your James;

*  Covering issues such as plants, lights, kids, pets, mail, newspapers and the like so you’re ready to take off when an adventure presents itself;

*  Handling lotions, potions, makeup and jewelry on a trip; and

*  Much more!

In a few minutes, we hope we can get you from “Oh Honey, No!” when those tickets to Paris show up unexpectedly, to “Honey, Let’s Go!”

Let me know what you think - either give me a ring on my Listener Feedback line 206.350.3537, leave a Comment here, or email to sandy[at]beabondgirl[dot]com.

 

 Mojitos and Travel Tips - How to Get Out of Dodge in 15 Minutes for a 3 Week Holiday! (64 MB): Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

First and foremost, you gotta check out this website:

Quick, Say Something Nice!

It’s just too much fun, and the quotes are good for a smile. You can even add your own!

My publisher came up with Valentine’s Cards that go with the book—and the fabulous Sallie Goetsch is re-designing my BeABondGirl.com website, and has posted them right here on this blog.

Have a great one! And be sure to pamper yourself, and (if you have one) your James!

Soli.

It’s February! The perfect month to start coaxing out your inner Bond Grrl. It’s cold and rainy outside as I write this, and instead of getting cabin fever, I have taken my own advice from Chapter One of fEmpowerment. I’ve started making room in my life physically, for the blossoming that I know will come to my life in Spring!

As any grrl knows, February contains St. Valentine’s Day. If you have a James in your life, how about putting a few chocolate hearts in his coat pocket before he leaves for work, or sending him a few steamy texts? And who says that St. Valentine’s need only be celebrated on the 14th? What about making this St. Valentine’s month? It’s certainly a lot easier to get a date at a restaurant, hire a babysitter, and even buy cards and roses if you and your James decide that you will celebrate on a different day. Why let an arbitrary date stress you out? Being a Bond Grrl is all about Balance and eliminating unnecessary stress when you can.

If you don’t have a James in your life, no pouting! If you want one, he will come – when you’re truly ready. Is your house clean? Is your schedule ready to accommodate him? On Valentine’s, buy some yummy bubble bath, a small bottle of champagne or your favorite fizzy drink, a treat, and some wonderful flowers for the bathroom. Let your mind drift with the bubbles, and have delicious dreams about that James that’s just about to enter your life. Remember – no negatives, and no pouting! You get what you think about…

If you have a grrlfriend who is lamenting Valentine’s, now’s the time to pick up a copy of fEmpowerment for her. One of my clients said that she loved giving the book to grrlfriends, because it contains advice that she is too “politically close” to render herself. As she has been changing her life for the better, she can point to her own successes and the book, and urge her grrlfriends to do the same, without “preaching” to them. I love that!

I hope you’ve enjoyed the new podcasts. We will be opening up new Mastermind coaching groups soon – stay tuned!

Over New Year’s Eve, we have a big bonfire and invite everyone we know to come and throw in lists or representations of things they want out of their life in the new year. Then, after midnight, everyone throws in lists or representations of what they want IN their life, for 2008. One of the gals came with a new tradition — she had a big round “cracker bread” (BIG), and she had everyone say what they thought the “representation” of the roundness meant. Unity — the world — etc. Then, everyone grabs a piece of the edge, and then on the count of 3 everyone breaks their piece off for the New Year.

There were about 8 of us when we did this — and everyone broke the cracker off — when I was bending mine, it cracked off the ENTIRE cracker except what was in everyone else’s hand! Yes, the WHOLE thing. I started laughing, and the gal said she had never seen THAT happen before. I of course held it over my head and said….2008, “O” stands for “Oprah”!

Have a grand new year, all of you!