The Conversation
Wednesday might be hump day, but this Thursday trumps all ‘cuz it’s (drumroll please) National Martini Day! Let’s give thanks to the cocktail gods for giving us an excuse to sip on some mean martinis mid-week by throwing an impromptu martini mixer, shall we?
1. Keep Calm and Martini On Print ($15): This print says it all. Hang it up in your party space to remind everyone to martini on all night long!
2. Gatsby Cocktail Shaker ($30): This sleek shaker with its art deco rings will bring the glamour of the Gatsby era to your martini-day gathering. If only Leo was included in the packaging… sigh…
3. Thurston Bar Tool Set ($49): Every home bar needs a solid set of bar tools. This set from Pottery Barn includes a jigger, strainer, bar spoon, bar knife and an opener.
4. Stainless Steel Cocktail Picks, Set of 6 ($30): A good cocktail pick is a party must, especially for a cocktail-themed shindig. These simple yet sophisticated stainless steel picks from Williams-Sonoma are a timeless addition to your home bars and bar carts.
5. Martini Glasses, Set of 4 ($29): These classic and elegant martini glasses from Birch Lane are a staple for every ‘tini-loving household.
6. Coasters ($45): Feelin’ a little retro? Throw down these graphic coasters to gain some serious style points and prevent those obnoxious drink rings from staining your wood tables.
7. Rose Pomegranate Martini: For a tart take on the vodka martini, try this rose pomegranate blend, finished off with a rose petal garnish. (via A Beautiful Mess)
8. Sex and the City: Want to turn this martini get together into a viewing party? Pop in your Sex and the City DVDs for a mini-marathon! After all, no one does martinis as fabulously as Carrie and the gang. (Photo)
9. Mad Men: If by some slim chance Sex and the City is not your cup of tea (or gin), throw on some Mad Men for scenes filled with Robert Sterling sipping his famous vodka martinis. (Photo)
10. Extra Dirty Martini: Do you love your martinis extra (and we mean EXTRA) dirty? Try out this concoction, complete with olives rolled in chili flakes! (via How Sweet It is)
11. Martini Cookies: Feeling extra creative? Whip up these martini + olives cookies, and wow your guests with those fondant skills. (via Joy Served Warm)
12. Herbal Martinis ($20): Have a guest who prefers a mock-tail instead? Stock up on these herbal blends from Altar for delicious virgin martinis. Bonus: These yummy tonics also make incredible mixers if you want to add a splash of your favorite spirit after all.
13. DIY Rainbow Picks: Add some color to your cocktails with these bright (and fringed!) cocktail picks. (via Studio DIY)
14. French Pear Martini: If fruity bevs are more your speed, this French pear martini is the way to go. This light and refreshing ‘tini is made with elderflower liqueur, pear vodka and a splash of bubbly. (via Style Me Pretty)
15. Martini Glass Cupcakes: Fill your extra martini glasses with mini cupcakes and marshmallows for a sweet and sassy treat. (via Hostess With the Mostess)
How are you celebrating National Martini Day this year? Tell us about it in the comment below!
A Bay Area native, Sam currently lives in Philadelphia and is loving the city of brotherly love. If she isn’t working, trying a new restaurant or window shopping on Walnut Street, she’s probably at home binging on Pinterest, making a mess in the kitchen (aka cooking) or trying to read three books at once.
More From Cocktails
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
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