Tag Archives: martinis

Friday Forecast: Friends!

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by Malena Lott

We pay so much attention to the weather, letting it dictate not only our wardrobe choice, but literally steering the direction of our lives. I’d like to propose a different sort of forecast – one that calls for friends, rain, snow, sleet or shine! Because let’s face it – we don’t spend NEARLY enough time with our friends and friends = happiness.

My theme for 2010 is relationships and that includes spending more time with my girlfriends. It doesn’t just “happen”. You have to schedule it. So far I’ve already lunched, martini’ed and muffined with several girlfriends and thanks to Book End Babes I get to meet new friends offline as well as at our real-life book club meetings.

This weekend – no, how does now work for you? – pick up the phone or text a girlfriend and MAKE SOLID PLANS to get together. None of this – >we’ll get together soon – and then months past and you *still* haven’t gotten together. Don’t let life pass you by and let your friendships slip away.

You both deserve more than that. Give me a shout. I’d love to hear what you have planned with your girlfriends!

xo,
Malena

Who wants a Wine-a-Rita?

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BookEndBabesLOGOI’ve been drinking wine for a few years now and martinis for nearly ten, so to just find out about wine-a-ritas makes me feel like the girl not invited to the cool kids club. For this week’s Wine Wednesday, we’re offering up the wine-a-rita recipe. Sure, it will be nice when the weather is warmer, but would cooler weather stop us from trying a great drink? NOT!

Winearitas!
Fill blender with ice, 2 parts margarita mix, 3 parts Chardonnay.
Blend together; serve in a wine glass with a straw.

Really, how cute would that be at your HoLITday party or next gathering? LOVE IT!

Grow Your Book Club Part 1

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(pictured L to R: Tiffany, Lori and Malena, members of Chapter 1, BEbabes)

DSCN0080I know. Starting a book club and asking people to join is akin to asking someone to be your friend. Awwwkwaaard. In this 4 part series, we’ll discuss ways to grow your book club, beginning with THE ASK.

Take 1:
YOU: (sheepish) Hey, I’m starting up a book club and thought you might want in on it.

THEM: “What’s involved?” they ask in a tone that sounds like you just ask them to join your pyramid scheme.

“Um, reading.”

“Reading, like, a book? I haven’t read a book in…years.”

Oh, boy. Ship is sinking, and not Titanic-slow, either.

“Yes, a book. It’s a book club. We’ll all read a book and then come together and discuss it.”

“Discuss a…book. I don’t know. With my schedule….”

And…scene. #askFAIL

Take 2, a different approach

YOU: (smiling, as if you just won the lottery or something) Hey, I’m getting some girls together for a book party. I’m making my favorite martinis and some gals are bringing their best appetizers.

THEM: (intrigued beyond belief, after all, you just said (free) martinis and (free) food) What do I need to do?

” Just read a book. Any book you like, then come to the party and we’ll discuss it. I’ll send you a site with some recommended reads and if you pick one of those, awesome. But if not, read something else and then come share.”

With a devilish glint in her eye, “I’d love an excuse to get out of the house for a night. And I’ve been meaning to take up reading again. I love to read, I just never make the time anymore.”

“It will definitely keep you motivated! Besides, we miss you and it’ll be fun, I promise. Can I mark you down for your amazing guac?”

“Absolutely!”

Now, the difference in Take 1 and Take 2 is about confidence, tone and approach. Some women will say yes to a book club even if you said your first selection was WAR AND PEACE. Others, well, they may be afraid that the selections will feel like homework. So let them no upfront how you’ll be selecting the books, how often you’ll meet, where and what you’re expecting of them.

Remember to ask twice as many as you think will be there. You want enough to feel like a “party”, at least five or so. For my first book party on October 1st, I invited 25 and 13 were able to make it. ALL OF THEM are in the book club, but they had other obligations and illnesses that night. Very typical, especially if your members are moms of active children. Or active civic moms in general. I probably asked another 10 or so who declined the invite into Book End Babes.

If you’d like to start up a chapter of Book End Babes in your area, just e-mail Malena at bookendbabes at me dot com and we’ll get you set up with bookmarks, index cards and the next three queenBs to host a chapter will also get a cute tote and free book!