Epix and Madonna celebrate the World Premiere of “Madonna: The MDNA Tour” on Epix by inviting you to audition for a chance to work out with the queen herself! A select group will be put through the paces as the iconic artist performs her real-life training routine she relied on to prepare for her recent MDNA Tour which makes its World Premiere on Epix June 22 at 8pm EDT.

Led by Madonna’s lead trainer, Nicole Winhoffer, and a team of fitness experts from Madonna’s signature Hard Candy Fitness gyms, the very people who keep Madonna in such finely-tuned athletic shape, an open call will be held on Wednesday, June 19 at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City.  Anyone can enter; but only 500 will be invited to audition.  Hopeful participants can register online at http://www.epixhd.com/MDNAworkout beginning Wednesday, June 12, through Sunday, June 16 at 12noon EDT. Chosen participants will audition for the Hard Candy Fitness team, who will whittle the group down to the top 50.  This group will perform for Winhoffer for a chance to earn one of the coveted spots in the final group. On Thursday, June 20, the select 30 fitness and dance enthusiasts who remain will learn Madonna’s exclusive dance-inspired “Addicted to Sweat” training routine, that she used to get MDNA ready, and later that day perform it with Madonna herself.

Capturing one of the most spectacular and controversial extravaganzas of 2012, Madonna: the MDNA Tour, will premiere on June 22 at 8 pm EDT on EPIX. The documentary, an intimate and in-depth look at the life and work of this iconic artist and a backstage view of the highest grossing concert tour of 2012, will feature the electrifying performances of several of her biggest hits, highlighting her seven-member band, a spectacular troop of 27 dancers, and state-of-the-art visuals and sound.

Do you have what it takes to dance with Madonna? Now’s your chance to find out!

-Fabiana Santana

“One woman legitimately cried,” Ansel said on Twitter, adding “it is not OK to flip off our baristas because we are out of Cronuts.”

Recently, he advised that fans should get on line early. “There were 150 people outside the door today by 8am.”

Need your cronut fix without the hassle of a line? Cronut scalpers have taken to Craigslist to sell them on the black market -  for up to eight times their original retail price.

Come on, people! It’s a fried croissant! Sure, they’re delicious but in a world where Pinterest reigns supreme, surely we can figure out how to give these a go on our own? So, while Ansel is busy frying up cronuts for Jerry Seinfeld (he pre-ordered, FYI), we’ve got some recipes you can try at home.

Salted Caramel Crescent Doughnuts

Doughnuts made with crescent dough are light, flaky and incredibly tasty!

• Prep Time 10 min
• Total Time 20 min

Ingredients

• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 1 snack-size container (4 oz) vanilla pudding
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher (coarse) salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Milk
• Additional caramel sauce, if desired

Directions

1. In deep fryer or 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat to 350°F.
2. Separate crescent dough into 4 rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. Stack 2 rectangles on top of one another. Fold in half widthwise to make tall stack. Repeat with remaining 2 rectangles.
3. To make 2 doughnuts, use 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut 1 round from each stack; use 1/2-inch biscuit cutter to cut small hole in center of each round. Reroll remaining dough to cut third doughnut.
4. Fry doughnuts in hot oil 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until deep golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Cool 5 minutes.
5. Carefully split doughnuts in half. Place pudding in decorating bag fitted with tip, and pipe some of the pudding onto bottom half of each doughnut. Top each with some of the caramel sauce; sprinkle with salt. Cover each with top of doughnut.
6. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and enough milk for spreading consistency. Spread on tops of doughnuts. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce.

Expert Tips

Add food color to the powdered sugar glaze for a fun and colorful doughnut topper.

Cut doughnut holes out of dough scraps with 1/2-inch biscuit cutter.

S’mores Crescent Doughnuts

Enjoy the classic flavor of s’mores with these flaky doughnuts made with Pillsbury® crescent dinner rolls.

• Prep Time 10 min
• Total Time 20 min

Ingredients

• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 1/3 cup marshmallow creme
• 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons graham cracker crumbs

Directions

1. In deep fryer or 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium heat to 350°F.
2. Separate crescent dough into 4 rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. Stack 2 rectangles on top of one another. Fold in half widthwise to make tall stack. Repeat with remaining 2 rectangles.
3. To make 2 doughnuts, use 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut 1 round from each stack; use 1/2-inch biscuit cutter to cut small hole in center of each round. Reroll remaining dough to cut third doughnut.
4. Fry doughnuts in hot oil 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until deep golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Cool 5 minutes.
5. Carefully split doughnuts in half. Place marshmallow creme in resealable food-storage plastic bag. Cut 1/2 inch off one corner of bag; pipe marshmallow creme onto bottom half of each doughnut. Cover each with top of doughnut. Spread melted chocolate on top of each doughnut. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.

Expert Tips

For easier piping of the marshmallow creme, spray the inside of the bag with cooking spray before putting the marshmallow creme in the bag.

Seduction and intrigue are rampant on the campaign trail when a political campaign adviser discovers that Washington’s power broker elite have embroiled his presidential candidate in a plot involving an act of terrorism on US soil…

SYNOPSIS

Democratic political campaign consultant Ben Brinker can’t remember the last time he was excited by a candidate’s vision. He feels he’s lost his way, both emotionally and professionally. Worst yet, his show-me-the-money policy seems to have finally caught up with him. Two of his recent clients have been disgraced in one way or another: a senator is caught in lurid sex scandal, and a congressman is indicted in a kickback scandal. In no time at all the political pundits are calling Ben a “candidate cooler.” Now Ben is desperate for any campaign gig he can get.

As luck would have it, Andrew Harris Mansfield, the charismatic junior senator from North Carolina  and former Marine pilot, asks Ben if he wants to run his soon-to-be-announced campaign for president.

Little does Ben know what’s in store for Andrew, or their country–

Nor does he realize that the key to saving both have been placed in his hands.

EXCERPT

The care and feeding of Andrew Mansfield’s most generous campaign donors was well underway by the time Ben got to the Fairmont on that drizzly New Year’s Eve. Dinner was served promptly, the Tattingers flowed freely, and the up-tempo tunes emanating from the ten-piece orchestra on the Colonnade Room’s center stage lured a constant wave of the senator’s well-heeled guests onto the dance floor, so few if any of them minded the long wait to be endured prior to partaking in their prime objective: a few fleeting but memorable moments with Mansfield, in which he shook their hands and intoned a heartfelt thanks to them for ponying up $2,500-per-person for a plate of the Fairmont’s renowned Shenandoah Valley grilled rib eye of bison, the proceeds of which would go to the Mansfield Presidential Exploratory Committee fund.

As requested, Ben, tuxedoed and manure-free, arrived punctually at eleven o’clock. Waiting for him at the ballroom’s double-door entry was Sukie Carmichael, Mansfield’s aide-de-camp, a slight spinsterish woman with an unruly red mane. He followed her lead as she wove around banquet tables and partying revelers.

They ended up in front of a door that was hidden behind a few potted ferns. In the small anteroom on the other side of it were two men. Immediately Ben recognized the eldest as Preston Alcott III– the managing partner at Corcoran Adams Webster and Alcott, the oldest, most revered law firm in Washington. Besides being a celebrated lawyer, Alcott served as gatekeeper to the country’s aristocracy. The sway he held over statesmen, monarchs, even dictators the world over was legendary.

The esteemed attorney was in his mid-seventies but could easily pass for a much younger man–ramrod straight and broad shouldered as he was. Even seated, Ben could tell he was a tall man. His eyes were piercingly bright, and befitting his role of patrician, his hair was full and white.

Ben had done his research. He knew that Alcott was also the executor of Abigail Vandergalen Mansfield’s trust, not to mention the blind trusts of the current POTUS and his wife, Edward and Elinor Barksdale, and the estates of an impressive percentage of the Forbes 400. No doubt Alcott was there to ensure that Abby’s very expensive investment in her husband’s political career would pay off in the largest and most important dividend of all: executive power. 

Alcott’s presence there was proof that Ben wouldn’t be handed the job carte blanche.

Fuck it. I need to score this gig—and a win—to prove I’m back in the game, thought Ben. Even if that means kissing Alcott’s ass.

So it’s show time. . . .

As Sukie made the introductions all around, Ben shook Alcott’s hand and gave a reverential bow. “It’s an honor, Mr. Alcott.”
“Ah, the kingmaker.” As Alcott’s eyes cursorily swept over him, Ben held his gaze.

“No sir. That would be your title, not mine.”

Alcott’s slight nod indicated his grudging approval at the response, but Ben was fully aware that the real grilling hadn’t even started.

The man standing with Alcott chuckled nervously. Still his handshake, two-handed and firm, made up for his obvious apprehension in the presence of Alcott. “Paul Twist. I’m Andy’s finance chair.”

Ben recognized the name. “Also a partner at Cochran Adams. And Andy’s best friend. You guys roomed together in law school, right? It’s a pleasure to meet you, too.”

Andy’s buddy’s nodded genially. “Your track record is a thing of wonder, Mr. Brinker. But you’ve yet to manage a presidential campaign, am I right?” 

“Yes. That is, not until now. In that regard, the senator and I are both underdogs going into this thing.”What, did you think I wasn’t going to point out that your boy doesn’t have his own party’s blessing? Fat chance. “We both know the deciding factors differ every four years. But one thing doesn’t change: The candidate who wins is the one who has the ability to embody the message the public wants to hear, to get that message out to the media, and to respond immediately to any bullshit that the other side might toss our way.  As my track record shows, it’s what I bring to the table.”

“That’s all well and good. It’s too bad it didn’t work for Calder.” Alcott’s smile said it all: You lose.

Upon hearing the congressman’s name, Ben gave an involuntary wince. “As long as you can assure me that Senator Mansfield’s, er, skeletons aren’t anywhere near as fertile, I’ll take your candidate all the way to the White House—”

Andy Mansfield’s hearty laugh roared through the anteroom. Ben looked up to find the senator standing in the doorway. He had his arm around a woman of slight build and medium height, with long pale hair, pulled back severely from her anxious face and twisted into a chignon. Ben recognized her immediately: Abigail Vandergalen. She was, perhaps, eight years younger than her husband. Her black gown, a sequined sheath that she wore under a cropped lace jacket, was obviously expensive, but its elegance was undermined by the slump of her shoulders and her pensive grimace. Her squared-off pumps didn’t help, either.

In fact, if Ben had to choose one thing that stood out about Abigail Vandergalen Mansfield, he’d say not a thing–except for her eyes, which were deep set, and as blue and sparkling as rough-cut sapphires. At least, from what he could tell in the few seconds in which they actually met his before her innate shyness forced her to turn away again.

Unfortunately her small thick-framed glasses did nothing to enhance them. Damn shame she has so little charisma. We’ll have to get her into media training yesterday to keep that from hurting Mansfield on the campaign trail—

Andy nodded at all three men, but it was Ben whom he slapped on the back. “These two will swear up one side and down the other that I’m holier than a saint.”

“And they should know, I presume.”

“There is only one person who knows me better. I’d like to introduce you to Abby.”

Ben gave her his patented thousand-watt smile. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Mansfield.”

“Call me Abby, please. And I hope you’ll allow me to call you Ben.” This time when she looked up at him, her eyes didn’t waiver. In fact they seemed to look right through him. “You’ll have to excuse us for being tardy, Mr. Brinker. I was still on the dance floor when you arrived.”

“And giving an earful to some very earnest young man from the Auto Alliance. He was naive enough to insist that Detroit is doing all it can to cut emissions.” Andy gave his wife’s arm a squeeze. “You see, reducing our country’s petroleum consumption is a pet peeve of my wife’s.”

“To the point where she insisted that I divest her portfolio of any and all oil company stocks, and buy into clean energy start-ups instead.” Alcott’s disapproval was evidenced by the disdain in his voice. “One’s personal ideology shouldn’t impinge on one’s investment strategy.”

“I’ve always appreciated your concern over my financial matters, Preston. You know that.” Abby’s tone was soft, but firm. “But I refuse to support industries that are the problem, not the solution. Don’t you agree, Mr. Brinker?”

“Personally, my philosophy is ‘whatever floats your boat.’ Heck, I know people who choose their stocks the way others pick horses at the racetrack: because they like the name. It’s all a game of chance, right?” He shrugged. “Now if you’re asking my professional opinion, I’d say your instincts—be those personal or political—are ingenious. In fact, if a list of your green investments were to be ‘accidentally’ leaked to a few of the right reporters, they’d be duly impressed that you put your money where your mouth is. And what they’d write would sway a lot of independents and undecideds, not to mention any Dems looking to come our way.”

“But we don’t just ‘dabble in stocks.’ For the past six years in a row, my husband has been voted the greenest Republican in the Senate. We’re making inroads in convincing our party that being green isn’t just environmentally smart–it’s also fiscally responsible. Some of the country’s greenest business visionaries have stepped up and offered their support. They’re excited that Andy is making the greening of America a national mandate. If we’re going to—well, to put it somewhat indelicately, quit sucking on the ‘tit’ of foreign oil–we have stop cold turkey.”

Ben nodded, impressed. “You’re right, Abby. That message coming from a Republican candidate is big news.”

Andy smiled. “You now see, Brinker, why I’ve come to realize that Abby’s instincts are always right on the mark. In fact, it’s why you’re here tonight.”

“How so?”

“It was Abby who suggested that I approach you to run my campaign in the first place.”

Noting the quizzical look on Ben’s face, Abby turned away shyly. Andy, on the other hand, smiled at Ben’s obvious disbelief. “Even before we ran into each other, she said—and she’s correct—that crossing Talbot would be political suicide for any of our party’s favored campaign advisors, so we should find the best Democratic consultant; someone who knows how that party thinks—and how to strategize against our frontrunner. And someone who wouldn’t be afraid to take the gloves off, when the time came. As always, she called it. So I guess Calder’s implosion was my good fortune. And yours.” He gave Ben a knowing grin. “Which is why I’m hoping you’ve passed Preston’s inquisition.”

“Times will be a lot tougher, Andrew, if this boondoggle of yours doesn’t pay off.” Alcott took a sip of his drink. “Six hundred million is a lot of money to bet on a longshot. And if you lose, so does Abby, since it’s her money that will be the initial seed capital for your campaign. As you can imagine, the thought of that makes me very uncomfortable.”

“But he won’t lose.” By the way Abby said it Ben could tell that she wasn’t being naive, but just stating the facts as she saw them. “Certainly Vice President Talbot has his supporters. In the past, they’ve funded him fully—and have prospered, along with him, based on a failing energy policy. However the rest of us are ready for new leadership, both in the party and in the White House. With your help, Ben, that will be Andy.”

 So the mouse isn’t afraid to roar. Interesting.

“As you can see, Preston, Abby is one hundred percent behind backing my campaign—and behind Ben, too. And as always, she has the last word.” Andy’s point was made: Game over.

At that, Alcott gave a resigned shrug. Paul, on the other hand, tried to hide his smirk.

Knowing he’d trumped any argument to the contrary, Andy turned to Ben. “So what do you say? Are you in?”

Hmmm, thought Ben, Now let me get this straight: I get to redeem myself with a candidate who is a seasoned politician from a large swing state, and whose wife has a trust fund that rivals Iceland’s gross domestic product. To top it off, he’s as pure as driven snow . . .

Hell yeah, where else would I be?

Not that he had to say that out loud. His smile said it all.

Andy shook his hand. “Great! You’ll make a great wingman. We have a few minutes before I jump onstage to ring in the New Year. Let’s compare notes on New Hampshire —”

*** 

She was nicely naughty, a raven-haired sylph with a sleek chin-length bob and a come-hither beauty mark on the left side of her luscious lips. One dainty foot, encased in a high-heeled diamond studded ruby slipper, was propped high on the rung of the bar stool next to her, unleashing her leg—long, strong, lean, and slim at the ankle—from the skin-tight red velvet gown sliced high on her thigh.

There was nothing Ben wanted more than to play her Prince Charming.

Hell, why not? It was just a few minutes before midnight. His timing was perfect.

He had zoned out somewhere in the middle of Andy’s speech. There were only so many ways a politician can inspire his constituency, and Ben had heard them all before. In a long career he would hear them all again.

So instead he searched out the nearest bar. Time to celebrate his resurrection.

There was one in the back of the ballroom, but the line was too long. The second one, in the hotel lobby, right outside the ballroom’s open door, was empty—

Except for Little Red Ride Me Hard.

Of course at that point he just presumed she’d live up to that fantasy. Still, he’d be willing to bet on it. The giveaway was what he saw on the spot where her backless gown came to a vee at the base of her spine:

A tattoo of a broken heart.

Perfect. He liked his women heartbroken. That keeps it simple. She wouldn’t expect it to go  beyond tonight.

Particularly on New Year’s Eve, when no one wants to go home alone.

He wondered if he’d still be able to make out his candidate’s punch lines from the barstool beside Red Velvet. The senator’s jokes seemed to be going over big with the crowd, if the waves of laughter emanating from the room were any indication.

Yeah, no problem, he thought. Mansfield was coming in loud and clear . . .

If Ben cared to listen at all.

A sleek blade of her hair sliced her milky shoulders as she threw back her head and nudged a last lethargic drop from her martini glass.

“The lady will have another. And a scotch, neat, for me.” He skirted a twenty toward the bartender.

“Do I look that easy?” Red Velvet pretended to pout but couldn’t hold it together. Her full-throated laugh was an outright dare.

Easy? Heck, yeah.

And for some reason, she looked familiar, too. But he couldn’t quite place it. Something about the slant of her cheek. Or maybe he had once lost himself in the deep mossy depths of those luminous eyes peeking out under those brow-grazing bangs . . .

No, if he had met Red Velvet before, he would have certainly remembered. He shook his head. “If you want my opinion, I’d say you look thirsty.” He slid onto the bar chair next to her. “Besides, who wants to drink alone on New Year’s Eve?”

“Who says I’m alone?”

Ben made the grand gesture of craning his neck around her then shrugged. “Unless you’re dating the Invisible Man, I’m your best bet.”

This time her smile was a bit forced. “Yeah, that’s my guy. Invisible. But you’ll still have to convince me that you’re the better man.”

“Don’t doubt that I can.”

“I won’t. Not in a million years——” she murmured, drinking him in. As she casually took the object of his affection—that beautiful leg—and crossed it over its perfect match, he felt his cock harden—“but you’ll have to try hard, just the same.”

That was when he kissed her.

It stunned her. He could tell by the tiny gasp she gave. He barely heard it though, because just then the crowd began the countdown to midnight—

58 . . .57 . . .56 . . .

He could hear Mansfield’s voice booming above it all: “Ah, here we go! And wouldn’t you know it, I’ve lost my wife! Abigail? Abby? Come on up here, honey, don’t be shy—”

That was when Ben’s red velvet dream bit his lip then licked the wound so lovingly, so passionately.

That for a moment there, he almost forgot to breathe. . . .

© 2013 Josie Brown. All rights reserved. This work is protected under copyright laws and reproduction is strictly prohibited. Permission to reproduce the material in any manner or medium must be secured from the Author.

THE CANDIDATE

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June 15, 2013!

Enter THE CANDIDATE’S Contest
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 (Ends Midnight, November 19, 2013)

Juicy Salsa Burger Recipe

Recipe by Mario Batali for Hellmann’s.
Mario takes a classic burger and kicks it up, Batali-style.

Serves: 8      Prep time: 15 min      Cook time: 10 min

Ingredients

Directions

1. Mix Chuck, Hellmann’s, grated onion, worcestershire and chili powder (if using) together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Make patties.
3. Grill to desired temperature.
4. Top with salsa and serve on buns

The Original Potato Salad Recipe

Recipe courtesy of Hellmann’s
Ingredients

• 2 lbs. potatoes (5 to 6 medium), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
• 1 cup Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Cover potatoes with water in 4-quart saucepot; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
2. Combine Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, sugar and pepper in large bowl. Add potatoes, celery, onion and eggs and toss gently. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Crunchy Drumsticks Recipe

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine

Directions

1. Mix 1 tablespoon lemon zest and the lemon juice in a large bowl. Add 1 cup water and the sugar and whisk to dissolve, then whisk in the buttermilk. Pierce the drumsticks several times with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Toss in the marinade, cover and refrigerate 4 hours, or overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bring the chicken to room temperature. Put the panko, thyme, the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon zest, the cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste in a large resealable plastic bag and shake to mix. Put the mayonnaise in a bowl. Set a rack on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
3. Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, dip in the mayonnaise, then drop into the bag and shake to coat; transfer to the rack.
4. Mist the chicken with cooking spray. Bake until golden, about 35 minutes; flip and bake until browned and crisp, 35 to 40 more minutes. Cool completely, then pack in an airtight container.

Mixed Grilled Vegetables Recipe

Recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart, Everyday Food, July/August 2006

“It’s all about maintaining deliciousness, it’s all about maintaining juiciness, and it’s all about making sure your family is really happy,” he explained at a cooking demo. The chef, who cooks at home with his wife and two sons three days a week, is a big fan of bringing kids into the kitchen. “My sons will eat anything we eat because we never make it a big deal. We’re like, ‘hey, pass the parsnips!’”

“Once your kid has touched a parsnip, peeled it, helped sautée it, you can bet he will want to eat it.”  The key, he says, is not to make food a mystery. “Make it accessible. Don’t make the fact that there is something green on their plate that they have never eaten before a big deal.”

Ingredients like Hellmann’s should help the home cook out, since the iconic mayo and dressing has been a household staple for a century now. As part of its rich its rich history of feeding America’s families during some of their greatest moments, Hellmann’s is helping provide one million meals to Feeding America this year to help the fight against hunger nationwide. This charity effort is one of the reasons Mario was so excited to join the brand in celebrating.

“My restaurant and food business has grown faster and spread more widely than I ever imagined. Sharing with people is really important to me and is now much of the focus of the next decade of my work.” Hunger relief and good nutrition is the first building block. He started the Mario Batali Foundation to help children realize their full potential and also to distribute food to those who need it. With Hellmann’s, he hopes to continue to support the work of the Food Bank for New York.

As part of the celebration of  Hellmann’s^® 100th birthday, Mario Batali has made over classic Hellmann’s^® recipes, and in true Mario form, he wants you to help out. As part of the celebration, Mario is inviting home cooks to remake some of his recipes in the Create A Recipe With Mario contest.  Each co-created dish with the “Hellmann’s Making Over the Best” app on Facebook acts as an entry to the contest. Add as many as three unique ingredients to his revamped recipes and you could be entered for a chance to sit at Mario’s larger-than-life “Blue Ribbon Table” –the World’s Longest Picnic Table, in New York City. table at the end of the summer.  Mario will help pick his three favorite recipes. Then everyone votes for a winner. The more recipes you create, the more chances you have to be in the top three.

Think you have what it takes to cook like Mario? Here are some starter recipes to get you going.

Orange Chicken Pasta Salad with Green Olives and Raisins Recipe

Category: Main Dish

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. bow-tie Pasta
• 1 lb. Chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1/2 onion, sliced into half moons (we will use red onion in demo)
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 cup Hellmann’s Olive Oil Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup orange juice (or more to taste) (in demo MB will zest and juice – recipe will just say OJ)
• 3/4 cup Green olives, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to the package instructions, set aside to cool.
2. Add oil, diced chicken breast, onions and raisins to a hot pan, cook until chicken is cooked through and onions are softened. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl combine: Hellmann’s and Orange Juice to create a dressing
4. Add cooled pasta, chicken, raisins and onions to Hellmann’s Dressing and toss to coat.

Mario Batali’s Favorite Parm Chicken Recipe

Category: Main Dish

Ingredients

• ½ cup Hellmann’s Olive Oil Mayonnaise
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/4 lbs.)
• 4 teaspoon Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated mozzarella
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. Combine Hellmann’s Olive Oil Mayonnaise with cheese in medium bowl. Mix salt and pepper and basil together.
3. Season chicken pieces with basil mixture and then place seasoned chicken pieces in the bowl and stir gently to coat well. Arrange chicken on baking sheet and sprinkle top with bread crumbs.
4. Bake 15 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Heat the marinara in a small sauce pan. Sprinkle the chicken pieces very lightly and evenly with mozzarella and put back in oven for 5 minutes till cheese is melted and bubbling.
5. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side. Makes 4 portions.

One of the biggest mistakes woman make dressing for a first date is dressing way too revealing. You want to be classic, simple, but still unique, and being comfortable and dressing for the occasion is key. Don’t wear anything that shows too much skin.

If you’re wearing a shorter skirt or dress, than wear a more conservative top. If you’re wearing a plunging neckline, or showing any cleavage, then make sure your bottom half is covered appropriately. It’s ok to showcase your best assets, just not all together at once and especially on a first date. Save the tight mini dresses and short shorts for after, when you really know each other. Keep him wondering exactly what the “goods” are underneath.

Please ladies even if you’re a “brand name dropper,” nothing turns a man off more than when a woman boasts or brags about spending $1,000.00 on Christian Louboutin pumps. This is sure to be the last date if you do.

Don’t choose the first date to try out a new trend or pretend like you just studied the latest edition of Vogue, and try wearing something costume-like. Keep it simple, and wearing a pretty feminine dress, just above the knee, is a perfect first date option. If you both agree on jeans prior to your first date, choose a dark, clean wash and avoid wearing rips, holes and abrasions. Low waisted is fine as long as your underwear is not showing!

Dress for the Occasion. If your first date is going to be outdoors or involving a sport activity, be sure to dress for that accordingly. Don’t wear a sequined dress to go hiking, or yoga pants just because you’re only meeting for coffee. Make sure you still make an effort, and don’t ever throw on sweats that have been lying around. If you don’t have something super casual, or perhaps you’re on a budget, many discount department stores have great choices, and very affordable options. Don’t over-dress and don’t under-dress. Find what styles and silhouettes flatter your body type and go from there. Some better department stores offer personal stylists that can assist and help you with finding the perfect outfit for your date.

No matter what you wear there is one very important rule I tell everyone and that is that Confidence is the ultimate accessory. There are no clothes that can take the place of that. So go ahead and let your inner self shine through, have fun and I always say quite simply, “Life is too short to wear a bad outfit”!

Written exclusively for SingleMindedWomen.com by wardrobe stylist Christie Maruka of www.fashionfixnj.com.  Christie can be reached at (732) 233-3129

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Because so much of Alaska is only available by air or by water, we have our own Ferry System up here. It’s called the Alaska Marine Highway System. These state run ferries travel all over the state. But for you lower 48 folks, the most common cruise for you is going to be getting on the Ferry in Bellingham, Washington, and heading up Alaska’s famed inside passage. You can also choose to take the fancy (and more expensive) traditional cruise liners like Holland America or Princess. They all go up the coast here showing tourists a taste of Alaska. There are tons of options, but I personally prefer the Alaska Marine Highway option.

Why travel via the Alaska Marine Highway System?

1. Cost. The Alaska Marine Highway is state run and less expensive.
2. Local. I like supporting the local Alaskan economy over those big cruises. Also because it’s for locals, you can do a lot of things. Travel solo on foot, bring the family along or the family truckster or RV. Cars, motor homes, motorcycles and bikes are all allowed on the ferry. So if you want a surf and turf option with your own vehicle – the highway system can do that.
3. Options. The Alaska Marine Highway is made for locals. So you can pitch a tent on the back of the boat, sleep inside in the recliner chairs, or rent a cabin berth. Your choice and the costs vary accordingly. But if you’re traveling on a budget or with a family, the Marine Highway system has you covered.

Click each photo to see a larger image.

When I came north to Alaska last fall, we staying in Bellingham, Washington the night before getting on the Columbia, one of the Alaska Marine Highway’s transport ships. We slowly cruised up Alaska’s inside passage from Bellingham, to Ketchikan, then Wrangell, St. Petersburg, Juneau and Haines. A word of caution. Because the Alaska Marine Highway system is for locals, some of the port times are early! Like 5am early. Pay attention to the route ahead of time and choose if you want to get on and off at any ports on the way up for a day or two ahead of time. You can unload yourself (and your vehicle) for a few nights at any port, then reload and head further up the inside passage. When you plan your trip, I can tell you from personal experience the folks answering the phones for the Highway System are the friendliest and most helpful customer service agents I’ve ever encountered. Ask them if you have questions –they’re there to help you!

Also, the Alaska Marine Highway System is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary this year. And as such, they’re giving away $500 travel voucher “Golden Tickets” every month. Enter now and if you win, that could be $500 off your trip when you go! You can do so at their website: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/.

I can tell you that traveling up the inside passage of Alaska is spectacular. It is like a magical world of pristine waters, silence and beauty. Truly the most tranquil and majestic scenery I have encountered anywhere in the world. It’s one of my absolute favorite options for seeing Alaska.

Jill Brown is an Anchorage, Alaska based writer and blogger. She earned her Bachelors in Humanities and Sociology from USU and is the founder of “The Duchess Guide” a website dedicated to sharing the ups and downs of life in Alaska. For more on The Duchess Guide or Jill visit: http://theduchessguide.com/

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eShakti offers custom clothes for women that can be made to fit by size (0-36W), measurement and style. Surprisingly affordable, dresses run from $30-$120, tops and skirts from $30-$90, and jackets from $45-$130. You get to tailor any item to your specific taste, whether it’s a hemline, neckline or sleeve length, to ensure a flattering fit and custom-made look. Who knew custom made clothing could be so affordable. They even made bridesmaid dresses starting at $40 that you would actually want to wear after the wedding.

Here are some of my favorites:

SingleMindedWomen.com Resources

• eShakti.com
• Turquoise Elizabeth dress
• Contrast floral eyelet skirt
• Virginia Bridesmaid dress

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At the core of this novel was a 25 year old woman named, Olive Watson; who seemed to be living the perfect life.  Her love life, family life, and work life were all going well until 2011, when everything fell apart within the confines of that one year. All of these drastic turns were taking a toll on Olive’s heart of hearts.

In 2011, Olive’s father had passed away, her mother was marrying another man that Olive did not deem worthy.  She also managed to lose both her best friend, Kerrigan; and the love of her life, Phil Russell.  For good!

But, when she woke up on January 1^st, 2012 she noticed that something very strange had occurred.  Every indication pointed to the fact that it was January 1^st, 2011; again!  Olive took some time trying to make sense of how this could have happened.  It all seemed too far-fetched for her to comprehend that she was about to repeat the year.  Was she in a dream? Had the past year even occurred?  So many questions engulfed her.

Finally, that very first confusing day she spoke with her Mother’s neighborhood friend, Sherry Witan at her families annual New Year’s Day brunch, and everything came to light.  Apparently, Sherry had Repeated quite a few years herself.  They spoke only briefly, but Olive understood that this repeating of 2011 was her chance to change things that steered her life in a direction that she was not proud of or completely at peace with; let alone content.

Andrea’s writing flowed so effortlessly with a theory that seems truly outlandish; I mean how could we have a chance to repeat a year in our lifetime?  I was very enthralled with the ease of the Andrea’s writing; the ebb and flow of her story-telling was mesmerizing.  I read the book in a very quick two days, because I could not put it down.

Each character brings such meaning to the Olive’s life, each choice even more so.  She had the possibility to change each decision she made in 2011.  But, how could she go about doing that, without dealing with the moral consequences!  Would there be any?  Could every outcome be exactly how she wanted it to be?  Was she that strong and powerful?

Sherry Witan is a very strong character in this book, yet weaves in and out just enough to remind you that Olive is not alone in this “Repeat Year” process.  Sherry and Olive create a bond that was grounded on having their repeat year in common; but, soon finds it is even more than that.

Olive was so alive on each page!  As the reader, I was truly engulfed by how much any slight choice, decision and action could change the outcome of Olive’s year.  It made me consider some of the choices I had made in the past.  Would I want a “Repeat year”?

You will walk away from this novel with a clear understanding that each moment in our lives can truly change our path.  But, the question is, how does it change Olive’s life?

Buy The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen today!

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The Golden Bellini Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 part Courvoisier® Gold
• 1 part DeKuyper® Peachtree Schnapps
• 1 part Champagne

Directions:

Shake the Courvoisier and Peachtree with ice and strain into a chilled flute, then top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Mom prefers a day that is full of diamonds and Rosé? Then Courvosier Rosé is for her. Courvoisier Rosé is a flirty, fun and refreshing cognac drink. A smooth blend of cognac and premium French red wine grapes, it can be enjoyed sipped neat, on the rocks, chilled or in a cocktail. With refreshing notes of blackberry, black currant and a touch of cherry, this versatile drink makes a great gift for the mom who likes to mix it up with crisp, refreshing cocktails.

Belle Rosé Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 part Courvoisier® Rosé
• 2 parts Orange Juice
• ½ part Lemon Lime Soda
• Raspberry garnish

Directions:

Combine Courvoisier Rosé and orange juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coup glass. Top with lemon lime soda and raspberry garnish.

Mom more of the Bloody Mary type? Skinny Girl has a light and refreshing recipe that’s perfect for the purist in her.

Skinnygirl Bloody Mary Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Skinnygirl Cucumber vodka
• 2 parts low sodium tomato juice
• Splash of fresh lemon juice
• Squeeze of fresh lime juice
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
• Dash of hot sauce
• Sprinkle of celery salt

Directions:
Garnish with lime, cucumber and celery stalk.

Lady Like Lime Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 part Skinnygirl White Cherry Vodka
• 3 parts sparkling water
• 2 squirts of fresh lime juice
• Splash cherry juice
• Alternative: use lime flavored sparkling water

Directions:
Pour vodka, cherry juice and sparkling water over ice and stir. Squirt with lime. Garnish with a cherry and a lime wheel.

Royal Cherry Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 part Skinnygirl White Cherry Vodka
• 2 parts champagne
• Frozen cherry

Directions:
Pour champagne into flute and top with vodka. Garnish with one frozen cherry.

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