You Are Invited, Washington DC!!!
Saturday, April 25, NOON - 2pm at Firefly inside Hotel Madera

Preggatini Party™ and Book Signing – L.A.

There is so much to learn when writing a book. Writing the book proposal, finding the right literary agent, teaming with the best publisher for your project… and then actually writing the manuscript are all important things to navigate. But, the real challenge is what to do once that book is a living breathing entitiy. (ok, it doesn’t breathe, but its my baby nonetheless) But then the question arises, its finally here, now what?

Well, in the land of The Liquid Muse, getting that little bundle of paper and ink into my hot little hands only meant one thing… promote, promote, promote! I did my first book signing at the Sutter Home Winery tasting room in Napa. That was so cool, and even some people who had seen my appearance on KRON 4, TV in San Francisco drove up to get an autographed book. How amazing is that?!

My next book signing took place in Los Angeles, and there was no better place to hold such a party than at my favorite bar store in the whole wide world, Bar Keeper. Joe and Anna Keeper were incredibly generous and gave me the run of the place, and even came in to open it up on their day off. Talk about friendship and support.

I admit that I was a little nervous when I first announced my book signing party. Some people had warned me not to get my hopes up for a big turn out, so I wouldn’t be disappointed. I sent out the emails, and nervously hoped that I could wrangle at least 20 friends to come. Low-and-behold, by the time I had over 80 RSVP’s I was thrilled, excited – and immediately quadrupled my drink and appetizer plans.

The whole of Bar Keeper was packed! I moved to L.A. in 1993, and I was truly touched to see so many friends and colleagues from the last 16 years coming in to clink (nonalcoholic) glasses, pick up copies of my book, and show their general support. Talk about a warm-and-fuzzy feeling.

Tray passed hors d’oeuvres and Sparkling Pomegranate Snowflake Preggatinis™ circulated around the room, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Laughter, chatting, mingling and happiness filled the store and the back patio, as I sent a prayer of gratitude for the good fortune to have such wonderful people in my life.

It is important to keep learning more about my business, and writing, and promoting my little projects – but the most important thing I keep learning through this process is that I am a truly lucky person to have such wonderful people who are there to celebrate the little triumphs. Cheers to you all!

Event Photo Credit: Paul Cantillon

Preggatinis(TM) is now available on Kindle

Take your Preggatini Bar with you when you're away from home with the new Kindle edition!

Preggatinis(TM) Coverage in US Weekly - March 16 issue!

TV Host Victoria Recano's Preggatini Party!

I was honored to serve Preggatinis(TM) at Victoria Recano's fancy schmancy Hollywood baby shower at Ketchup, organized by the Hot Moms Club, last Saturday. Not only is Victoria a lovely and glowing mom-to-be but she loved the drinks. (Yay!)

In this photo she is toasting the cameras with the Yankee Doodle Candy mocktail. This drink has freshly juiced pineapple (I juiced them that morning!) as well as mango juice, a squeeze of lime and Fre(R) alcohol-removed sparkling wine. A swirl of grenadine gives the drink a layered effect... and in case you're wondering... the glass is rimmed with Pop Rocks(R) candy, which snap, crackle and pop with every sip.

Other Preggatinis(TM) Victoria loved were the Kingston Krush made with ONE coconut water and acai juice (found in the CelebriBaby chapter of the book) and the Preggie Provence featuring a homemade lavender syrup, organic lemonade and DRY lavender soda.

Guests were also treated to single serving sized samples of ONE coconut water in their goodie bags as well as a copy of "Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-Be" and a jigger from The Liquid Muse. I'm including all three recipes here so you can make your baby shower a Preggatini Party(TM) too!

Kingston Krush (Martini Glass)
As featured in “Preggatinis: Mixology for the mom-to-be” by Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, The Liquid Muse
2 1/2 ounces ONE coconut water
1 1/2 ounces ONE açai juice
1/4 ounce lime juice
3/4 ounce red fruit simple syrup
1/2 teaspoon coconut flakes

Rim glass with coconut flakes. Pour all liquid ingredients into a mixing glass, shake with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass. Sprinkle with coconut flakes.

Yankee Doodle Candy Cocktail (champagne flute)
1 package pop rocks
1 1/2 ounces mango juice
1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/4 ounce grenadine
1 ounce Fre® Alcohol-Removed Brut sparkling wine

Rim the champagne flute with pop rocks. Set aside. Pour juices into an ice-filled cocktail shaker, shake vigorously, then gently strain into the champagne flute. Slowly add the Fre Brut so it doesn’t fizz up over the rim of the glass. Last, slowly pour in the grenadine, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the glass, creating a layered effect.

Preggie Provençe (Rocks or Wine Glass)
As featured in “Preggatinis: Mixology for the mom-to-be” by Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, The Liquid Muse
2-3 white grapes, halved
3/4 ounce homemade lavender-rosemary syrup
1/2 ounce lemon juice
2 ounces lemonade
1 1/2 ounces DRY Soda® Lavender
1 lemon wheel
1 sprig of rosemary

Muddle cut grapes in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add lemon juice, lemonade and lavender-rosemary syrup then shake well, with ice. Strain into an ice filled glass. Top with lavender soda and garnish with a lemon wheel and sprig of rosemary.

©2008. All recipes are property of Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, of The Liquid Muse, LLC. They may not be printed, sold, or otherwise used without written permission from Natalie Bovis-Nelsen.

Valentine's Day Preggatini: The Love Triangle

You may never have considered celebrating Valentine’s Day as a threesome, until now. “You + me + baby makes three” gives a whole new interpretation to a love triangle.

1 1/2 ounces white cranberry juice
3/4 ounce strawberry flavored syrup
3 ounces Fre(R) alcohol-removed sparkling wine
2-3 drops Fee’s grapefruit bitters* (optional)
heart-shaped lollipop

Pour white cranberry juice, strawberry syrup and bitters into a champagne flute. Top with alcohol-removed sparkling wine (or club soda). Garnish with a heart-shaped lollipop.

The Family Man(R) Guides Men Toward Preggatinis(TM)!

Gregory Keer aka: The Family Man invited me to share some Valentine's Day advice with dads-to-be. I was excited to give his readers some pointers on "tending" to their wives needs' in the name of romance... Every preggie party girl needs her own Preggatini-tender, after all.

If your guy could use a few pointers, get him to sign up for the Family Man newsletter. After all, even the best of men can use a little friendly advice from time to time.

Preggatinis... Under Examination

If you like to stay on top of the food scene in Los Angeles, you surely take a peek at LA Food Examiner, penned by columnist Dee Long. She covers all sorts of insider tips from around our fair city, and today she decided to include a review of Preggatinis! Read below to find out her thoughts:

LA Food Examiner: Preggatinis offers healthy refreshment for expectant moms

Posted using ShareThis

Are You Multi-Functional?

Vital Action Performance Water burst on the scene late last summer touting itself as a multi-functional beverage. Equipped with herbal-based supplements such to boost Energy (Panax ginseng), Stamina (Arginine), Immunity (Echinacea) and Recovery (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine), it also claims to have 100% of recommended daily intake of B3, B5, B6, B12, otherwise known as the “feel good” vitamins.

VAPW comes in a rainbow of fruit flavors (cherry, tropical, strawberry, etc.) and has only 45 calories per serving. Although bright, not-so-natural colors aren’t usually my first choice, this vitamin-enhanced water actually tastes pretty good. It is not sweet or tart but rather refreshing and lightly flavored making it a good take-along for hikes, the gym, road trips, picnics or pack lunches, or any combination thereof… keeping you functioning at optimum level.

On the GoGo

It is costing me $12.95 to write this blog post. But, the novelty of blogging from 38,000 feet on an American Airlines flight between NYC and LA is worth it. (We're currently somewhere over upstate New York.)

Sure, in- flight internet is probably not a surprise to some. I first saw the GoGo In-Flight Internet stands in airports about 5 or 6 months ago. I picked up a flyer and thought "Gee, I'll have to blog about that sometime." And, as these things go, time slips by... I get backed up on work... and the topic gets buried in my "to blog" folder.

However, today, I am compelled to finally take the plunge, sign on to GoGo and tell you all about it! Here are my pros and cons:

Pros:

• Quick & easy enrollment
• Although I'm loathe to pay for internet, particularly at a fancy hotel or sitting in an airline seat that cost several hundred dollars, the $12.95 price tag to have Internet access all the way across the U.S. airspace doesn't seem out of line.
• I can use this time to catch up on emails without other distractions

Cons:

• Being on trapped on an airplane is a wonderful excuse to "disconnect" from the world for a while. I'm forced to "step away from the compter," watch a movie, read a book or write something in a Word document, rather than get caught in the usual whirlwind of nonstop email conversations on as many as 5 topics at once. (I call it my "technological schitzophrenia.") Having Go-Go at my fingertips, I am consciously aware that I CAN catch up on emails, am 'contactable,' and am once again glued to my computer.
• While I can retrieve my messages from my mail application, I am not able to connect to my inbox on Yahoo.
  

I believe that GoGo is not yet available on all airlines, but it is on my U.S. carrier of choice, American... so now a travel day doesn't have to cost me precious 'business time' and I am relieved to know that I won't have to work double-time to catch up on all the correspondence I missed while en route to or from a far-flung destination. Not to mention, that being a member of the 'mile high club' now has an additional meaning. Have YOU GoGo'd? C'mon, join the club of uninterrupted global connection.

But, a word to the wise, I will be watching the online movie and enjoying my $6 mini bottle of Pinot Grigio for the next couple of hours. So, if Idon't get back to you right away, you'll have to catch me on the ground. Once in a while, I need to step of the Merry GoGo Round.

Snag Snazzy New Real Estate (Cheap!)

If you've visited TheLiquidMuse.com lately, you may have noticed something new...

Yep, I'm referring to those flashing banner ads for Fre Alcohol-Removed wine in the left column, and Cherry Heering snuggled right beneath their Cocktail of the Week feature. (Previous features on the new Cocktail of the Week have included Cabana Cachaca, Boca Loca and Pinky Vodka.)

And, given today's economic climate, you'll be getting a steal of a deal. Just have your people call my people and we'll tawk...

Preggatinis Bounces onto The Bump!

What an awesome surprise!! A friend forwarded me the link to a wonderful Preggatini review on TheBump.com - a major pregnancy website (as you preggie party girls already know). Here's what they have to say:

What we're reading: Preggatinis

Now that you're pregnant, you'll have to say sayonara to a lot of things...your waistline, the sight of your feet, and yes, the occasional libation (sorry). While we can't help you with the side-effects of your growing belly, we can help you out with that apple martini craving you've been having. In Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-Be, author Natalie Bovis-Nelsen will help you create all your favorite drinks (and even some new ones) sans the alcohol... Read more here.

Preggie Provençe(C) Satisfies Reviewer - Try It Yourself!

When you throw a party, you spend time making drinks you hope your guests will love. When you write a drink book, you are really crossing your fingers! So, today's post on about.com hailing the Preggie Provence nonalcohlic cocktail from my book "Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be" made my day! See why they liked it ... and here's the recipe for you to try!

Preggie Provençe

• 5-6 rosemary leaves
• 3-4 white grapes, halved
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/4 tsp fresh lavender flower petals
• 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel
• 2 oz lemonade
• 3 oz DRY Soda Co. Lavender soda
• 1 lemon wheel
• 1 sprig rosemary

1. Muddle rosemary leaves with the cut grapes, simple syrup, lavender flower petals, and grated lemon peel in the bottom of a mixing glass.
2. Add lemonade, then shake well with ice.
3. Strain into a cocktail glass.
4. Top with lavender soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of rosemary.

Counting Down the Days...

Maybe you can relate to actress Erinn Hayes if you are currently "with child!"

While visiting the Ferrari Sparkling Wine gifting suite prior to this past weekend's Golden Globes, she jokingly held up this bottle of Ferrari sparkling wine and looks forward to toasting her new baby with a glass of bubbly...

Catch Erinn every Monday night in the hilarious sitcom "Worst Week" ... in which she plays a pregnant lady. Would you call that "type casting?"

Organica? Totally!

Most people start out gung-ho with their New Year’s resolutions. Work out more. Eat healthily. Drink less alcohol. Blah, blah, blah. Luckily, a few new beverage products help make that a little easier.

Since the release of “Preggatinis,” my book offering nonalcoholic cocktail alternatives for pregnant women and other non-boozers, I’ve had more liquor-free products submitted to The Liquid Muse Blog. And, I have to admit that it’s a nice change of pace. For one thing, I can ‘get to work’ first thing in the morning and sample the new beverages without feeling like I have to pull down the shades. (Swiging bourbon – even for professional purposes – before my morning coffee could raise a few eyebrows among my neighbors.)

Totally Organica ™ calls itself “a line of organically infused beverages…with zero sugars, carbs, calories, sodium or artificial flavorings, sweeteners or color.” Essentially, its flavored sparkling water dressed up in colorful packaging and spruced up with organic essences such as lemon lime, cranberry, berry, green apple, raspberry, pomegranate, melon and mint.

I am particularly enjoying them because one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to (surprise) shape up, and that means cutting my calorie intake. But, I am cocktail and wine lover, and have gotten into the habit of having a little tipple after dinner while watching TV or relaxing with the hubby. So, now when I’ve hit my caloric max for the day, a champagne flute filled with Totally Organica is a tasty treat, which won’t undo my butt-busting workouts, when I actually make it to the gym.

So, if you’re looking to work a little more water into your daily routine, cut down on ‘the sauce,’ and ‘go organic,’ this might be something for you to try. At least for the first few weeks of the year. And, if you fall off the wagon by March, feel free to come ‘round to my place for 9 am happy hour…

Preggatinis Book Signing, January 18!

Consider yourself invited to my first LA Preggatini book signing at Bar Keeper in Silverlake, next Sunday, Jan. 18 from 6-8 pm.

Sample Preggatinis(TM), munch on appetizers, mingle with other nonalcoholic cocktail lovers. (OK, there will be some spiked ones, too...)

Everyone is welcome - even under 21!

Come one, come all. xo

ONE Delicious & Healthy Drink

Every once in a while, even the most ardent cocktail lover reaches for a thirst quenching, healthy, nonalcoholic beverage. Water is great but can be a bit, well, dull. Ice tea is fine but kind of blah. Sodas don’t hold much interest to a more refined adult palate. What to do?

Why not pack an 11-ounce single serving of Coconut Water in your gym bag? Or add a carton of Cashew Juice to your lunch? Perhaps, some antioxidant-rich Açai Juice, or a little sip of Coffee Berry will tickle your fancy? Each of these is available to you from ONE beverages, a healthful alternative for the thirsty-yet- environmentally-conscious consumer.

ONE was started in 2005, and has a lot of things going for it. Besides intriguing (and tasty) pre-packaged drinks, ONE supports the Brazil Foundation (committed to preserving the Rain Forest) and Healthy Child Healthy World (dedicated to protecting children from harmful environmental exposures).

Additionally, ONE has an eye toward renewability and conserving fossil fuels by packaging the drinks in paperboard, whose wood fibers (accounting for about 70% of the Tetra Pak carton) come from responsibly managed forests. (Each tree cut down for use is replaced with a new one.) And, of course, they are recyclable.

I was especially excited to try the Coconut Water and Açai Juice as one of the recipes in my new book “Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be” calls for them. This Preggatini™comes from the section on CelebriBaby Preggatinis®:

Kingston Krush
(© 2008 Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, excerpted from “Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be,” Globe Pequot Press)

Ska/pop star and designer diva Gwen Stefani and her hunky hubby Gavin Rossdale rock more than the music studio, as proven by their expanding family. With baby Zuma stealing the spotlight, this drink was created in honor of big brother Kingston, one of the coolest little kiddos in the public eye.

3 ounces coconut water (or 2 ounces coconut milk)
2 ounces açaí juice (or pomegranate juice)
1/2 ounce ginger-infused simple syrup
1/4 ounce lime juice
1/2 teaspoon coconut flakes

Pour all liquid ingredients into a mixing glass, shake with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass. Sprinkle with coconut flakes.

"Preggatinis" Takes A Ride On American Airlines...

If you're flying on American Airlines for your holiday travel, you can take home three holiday Preggatinis(TM) featured in Haley Shapley's article in American Way Magazine for your festivities!

A Toast To the New Mom by Kate Pancero

This article ran in Chicago Parent Magazine in April 2008:

Celebrating the impending birth of your baby is nothing short of amazing. But when it comes time to decide what you have in your hand to toast at your baby shower, you do not want to be stuck with a glass of apple juice.

Having your own non-alcoholic cocktail has the potential to make your event even more special. Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, creator of The Liquid Muse, www.theliquidmuse.com, and Preggatinis blogs, www.preggatinis.blogspot.com, has been creating plenty of non-alcoholic cocktails for moms-to-be and their friends.

"I think pregnant ladies get offered cider and sparkling water, what they give to kids, (at baby showers)," says Bovis-Nelsen. "If they are women like me who like to go and have a good time with cocktails in pretty colors in pretty glasses, there is no reason to give that up."

The self-proclaimed Liquid Muse, who creates cocktails for Sutter Home’s line of alcohol-removed beverages called Fre, www.frewines.com, approaches her cocktail creations as chefs would a new dish, using fresh ingredients to design what she calls a "truly balanced cocktail." She also creates her own simple syrup, something even the busiest mom-to-be can do.

Bovis-Nelsen created the Chicago Baby Bellini exclusively for Chicago Baby (see the recipe below) and can create one for you, too. By e-mailing the Liquid Muse herself, Natalie@theliquidmuse.com, you can have your own recipe created to your tastes and desires. There are several packages to choose from, starting at $500. Price varies on the number of coasters you order, which are great additions to birth announcements.

If you’re looking for more mommy-friendly cocktails, visit her blogs and keep a look out for her book, Preggatinis, which will hit bookshelves at the end of the year.

C h i c a g o B a b y B e l l i n i

2 o u n c e s p e a c h n e c t a r
1/2 o u n c e g i n g e r - i n f u s e d s i m p l e s y r u p
F r e A l c o h o l - R e m o v e d B r u t S p a r k l i n g W i n e

P o u r p e a c h n e c t a r a n d g i n g e r - i n f u s e d s i m p l e s y r u p i n t o a c h i l l e d c h a m p a g n e f l u t e . T o p w i t h a l c o h o l - r e m o v e d s p a r k l i n g w i n e ( o r c l u b s o d a ) . G a r n i s h w i t h a s l i c e o f f r e s h p e a c h o n a c o c k t a i l s k e w e r .

G i n g e r - i n f u s e d s i m p l e s y r u p: B r i n g o n e c u p o f w h i t e g r a n u l a t e d s u g a r , 1/2 c u p o f w a t e r a n d a 1 ” p i e c e o f p e e l e d g i n g e r t o a b o i l i n a s m a l l s a u c e p a n , s t i r r i n g c o n s t a n t l y . S i m m e r f i v e m i n u t e s o n l o w - h e a t . C o o l a n d r e f r i g e r a t e .

Parenting.com recommends Preggatinis...

Got another great recommendation on Parenting.com's gift guide!!

About.com reviews "Preggatinis"

When I read Colleen Graham's review of Preggatinis on about.com, I held my breath... and was so relieved and thrilled when she liked it. (To echo Sally Field "She really liked it!") Woo-hoo, thank you about.com!

Guide Review - Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-to-Be

Virgin cocktails do not have to be boring and the preconception of many women when they are pregnant is that the fun of drinking has to stop. Yes, you shouldn't be drinking your favorite Cosmopolitan, but that doesn't mean you can't have one of The Liquid Muse's Cosmoms. That is where the beauty lies in Preggatinis: Bovis-Nelsen has given life to the mocktail so that even when you cannot drink alcohol you can still have a drink that makes you feel like the adult you are.

There is not one of the recipes in Preggatinis that is not enjoyable and for Bovis-Nelsen to share her original drinks with us in such an enlightening fashion is excellent. Beyond just being a list of drinks, these drinks have a purpose. From the ginger-laden drinks for quieting morning sickness to "drinks" like the Funky Monkey that cure the ice cream and pickle craving, through light beer and wine cocktails to slowly reintroduce alcohol to your system and a few trimming tinis for shedding those extra pounds - all of the steps are covered.

My other favorite aspect of Preggatinis are the "De-Virginize for Dad" tips - because the pregnancy trip does not just affect the ladies. Throughout the book there are options for the sympathetic father who wants a slightly stiffer drink without making his wife feel left out. That is a win-win situation for the whole family and a great concept for keeping everyone happy.

So, ladies, your social life does not have to end when you get pregnant, you can still have fun and enjoy fine drinks. I would highly recommend Preggatinis for any family with a new addition on the way - it's fun, it's enjoyable and it's filled with great ideas. Not to mention that I now have the perfect gift for every one of my friends when they make the "big" announcement.

DIY Nonalcoholic Cocktails for the Holidays!

Watch my appearance on Good Morning New Orleans to pick up some nonalcoholic cocktail tips for your holiday entertaining!!

Princess Leia - Preggatini Halloween Contest Winner!

The mother of this adorable mini Princess Leia wins a copy of "Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be" for cutest costume. She even made it herself!

Congratulations, Your Inter-Galactic Highness!

For the Hockey Moms voting Obama...

This video is just too hilarious not to share. (It's almost Tina Fey good.)

Powell's Books Carries Preggatinis!

If you are in the Portland, Oregon area, and are looking for the perfect gift for a preggie friend this Christmas, head over to one of Powell's Books several locations:

1005 W Burnside
Portland, OR 97209

3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.
Beaverton, OR 97005

3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214

7000 NE Airport Way, Suite 2250
Portland OR 97218

Thanks, Powell's for bringing "Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be" to the thirsty mamas of the great Northwest!

Mom To Be Depot

If you haven't checked out the Mom To Be Depot, its about time you did, hip mamas!

Lauri Harrison, who also blogs at Working Mother magazine, features all kind of cool stuff on the Mom To Be Depot Blog (even my upcoming Preggatinis book - thank you, Lauri!)

Some of Mom To Be Depot's blog also has articles such as "Trick or Treat for Children with Disabilities," and the website has sections dedicated to "Must-Have's," "Experts," "Household," "Health," and "Beauty."

This Depot is one stop shopping for the Mom To Be!

Live from New York… It’s Archie Arnett!

Congrats to Amy Poehler! Our favorite “Weekend Update” gal on Saturday Night Live gave birth to a baby boy, Archie, Saturday night. She and husband Will Arnett welcomed the 8 pound, 1 ounce fellow this past Saturday night. (How terribly appropriate.)

You may remember that just last week, Poehler delivered a hilarious rap performance roasting GOP Vice-President hopeful Sarah Palin. I wonder how many women can give that kind of high-energy performance – even when not mere days away from delivering a baby?!



Only bummer for us – Baby Mama is leaving the show. I guess I’ll have to turn to exclusively to Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report for my news, now. Too bad they don't sing.

Belli to Belly

As a woman blooms into pregnancy, everyone around notices her how beautiful she is becoming… glowing, radiant and happy. Her hormones are in full drive and she has probably never “sparkled” more than during these nine months. However, those same hormones can affect her complexion (pregnancy acne, anyone?) not to mention a belly-full-of-baby can leave a few souvenirs in the form of stretch marks, once it shrinks back down to its normal size.

Belli lotions, creams and serums are designed to hydrate and protect the delicate skin on a mom-to-be’s body, face and expanding belly. Created by Annette Rubin, who has 17 years previous experience working with Estee Lauder and Clinique, and her husband Jason Rubin, M.D,, a family practitioner, Belli products take a conscious step toward enhancing maternal beauty.

Chemicals found in some lotions can seep through the skin and affect a growing fetus. The Belli line undergoes teratology screening which identifies ingredients thought to be risky for a woman to put on her skin during pregnancy. The whole family of products encompasses Belli Pregnancy, Belli Motherhood and its newest line Belli Baby are made with mom-and-baby safe ingredients… and they smell delicious!

The “Acne Clearing Facial Wash” is made with lactic acid, green tea and soothing cucumber. The “Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator” with green tea, ginseng and peppermint oil smoothes pregnant and non-pregnant skin. The “Elasticity Body Oil” helps skin hydrate and stretch to avoid stretch marks and getting your partner to rub “Foot Relief Cream” into your swollen tootsies is like a mini spa day.

(Plus, you'll be in good company... I hear celebs such as Rebecca Romijn have already discovered Belli at fancy L.A. baby boutiques such as Petit Tresor.

The Belli line is a luscious addition to your “pregnancy wish list” because although beauty is only skin deep, keeping that skin healthy with safer products will make you feel more blissful and beautiful from the outside, in.

Zuma Rossdale has arrived!

Stefani's first born son, Kingston, has a little bro named Zuma - and man, the internet is a-blaze with speculation as to why the baby was named that. Well, it seems pretty obvious to me, a fellow So-Cal girl, that the gorgeous stretch of Malibu shore called Zuma Beach could easily serve as inspiration. Duh!

Toast little Zuma with a drink created in honor of his big brother. The Kingston Krush is featured in the CelebriBaby Preggatini chapter in my book!

The Liquid Muse Presents Lipton PureLeaf!

I was honored and excited when the folks from Lipton chose me to be one of their presenters at the 2008 Celebrity Food Show in Anaheim, California. I was in good company with MattBites and Oishii Eats who also did tea presentations, and write mouth-watering food blogs for you hungry Southern California residents...

The Lipton PureLeaf line features four tasty flavors: Green Tea with Honey, White Tea with Tangerine, Black Tea with Lemon and Black Tea with Raspberry and regular unsweetened tea. I like them all but Green Tea with Honey and White Tea with Tangerine were my favorites both on their own and mixed in nonalcoholic cocktails (aka: The Liquid Muse Virgin Mixology)

Still, the most exciting thing about doing this drink demo was meeting some of you Sipsters! You may recall the contest I ran for the funniest, thirstiest, most compelling reason YOU wanted the tickets. Here are the winners, and I think you’ll agree that they deserved to join in the fun!

Who could resist Christine Chang’s email, proving that flattery truly does get you everywhere. (Well, into my drink demos, anyway):

“I think I should win because I am your biggest and longest lurking fan of your a-musing blog!! I love reading your fabolous posts and hopefully meeting you too!! I would realllyyyy love to win this!!”

Matt Robold (aka: RumDood) won for being the thirstiest rum-lover in So-Cal (after that bike ride, who wouldn’t be?):

“I'm the obvious choice because I could ride my bike out to the convention center, allowing me to build up a hefty appetite for both food and refreshing, frosty beverages!”

And, Erin Williams won for the email which most pulled at my heart-strings. I was happy to meet the bff's in person:

My favorite friend in LA is the awesome gal who makes super fun, heartfelt, personalized cakes for everyone's birthdays and events - as her gift. Each cake gets more impressive and gets lots of "ooohs and aaahs." For example, my favorite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the singer, Anthony Kiedis is my "pretend boyfriend" (Yes... I'm 12). She made me a Chili Peppers themed cake for my last birthday and even made a little Anthony out of fondant. Cutest thing ever!

Although we were both recently laid off from our jobs, we both love food and drink… I mentioned the event to her and could actually feel her excitement when she realized that Ace of Cakes will be there. I offered to buy tickets because I know how much she would enjoy this event, but she won't let me spend the money on such a 'frivolous thing' when the rent needs to be paid.

I would love to be able to take her to see her cake hero and to get the chance to sample all kinds of fun foods and drinks... and still be able to pay the rent.