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About themodeljournalist

Sports journalist who is happy that Kevin Durant finally got his first ring.

Hey Ms. Bartender

Bartending is one of those trades that looks simple but, it is a whole lot more than just slanging drinks and collecting a tip. Since I’ve been going through a bit of a transition lately, I decided to go to the Professional Bartending School in Arlington, Virginia. I have to say, it was a great experience and they are fully committed to making all their students amazing, KNOWLEDGEABLE bartenders.

I walked into the Professional Bartending School one Friday and signed up that afternoon. The first thing I saw was a student conducting her speed test. It was awesome, and slightly intimidating, to see her move so quickly behind the bar and she ended up with an amazing time! The convincing factor was the amazing testimonies I received from the students who were around. Some were practicing, others were waiting for the next class to start but, they all said they were learning so much and having more fun than they imagined. To hear first hand how great current and former students felt the program was really helped convince me that the Professional Bartending School was for me.

I learned to make a variety classic cocktails and a variety of drinks that I didn’t even know existed. Once we completed the lecture part of class, we were able to practice and perfect making each and every drink. Once you complete the course, you have to take a written test and a speed test. I have photographic memory so, I wasn’t too worried about studying for the written test but, as the speed test got closer and closer, I got nervous. Although I practiced every day and studied as much as possible, I couldn’t shake the nerves. I took the written test to calm myself down and it worked! I did well on the speed test and even did it in a faster time than I had even hoped for!

If you or someone you know is considering bartending school or just want some more information, check out their website or feel free to contact me.

Oscar De la Renta: A Fashion Icon Gone

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

A fashion icon. A fashion legend. According to an article on cnn.com, often described as the “sultan of suave,” Oscar De La Renta died Monday, October 20, 2014, at age 82. He dressed Hollywood stars, multiple American first ladies including, most recently, Michelle Obama and, Amal Alamuddin, who wore an Oscar de la Renta- designed wedding gown when she married George Clooney.

He was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and was the only male of seven children. He studied abstract art at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid and discovered his passion was fashion. Early on in his career, he was blessed to work at an apprenticeship with Cristobal Balenciaga and the legendary couture house of Lanvin in France. By the mid-1960s, he was in New York City working for Elizabeth Arden couture and in 1965, he launched his own label.

De la Renta is known for creating beautiful eveningwear, exquisite embroidery work and rich colors. A few notable gowns include the pink feathered dress worn by Sarah Jessica Parker to the 2000 Emmy Awards when she was nominated for her role in “Sex in the City,” a navy silk dress Oprah Winfrey wore at the 2010 Met Ball and my favorite, a fiery red, floral embroidered gown Tina Fey wore to the 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

De la Renta leaves behind his second wife and a son.

*I do not own the rights to the photo featured in this post*

Cruz Injured in Week 6; Eagles head coach visits him in the hospital

On October 12, 2014, the New York Giants traveled to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. The Giants suffered a major loss on the scoreboard, not scoring one single point.

Another loss the Giants suffered was an injury to one of their top receivers, Victor Cruz. If you were watching the game, it was hard for your heart not to break a little seeing the outstanding Cruz being carted off the field, sobbing. What is mind boggling is how the injury happened, which is still somewhat of a mystery. Cruz attempted to make a catch in the end zone but, he wasn’t tackled, he didn’t twist his knee but, he came down and was grabbing his knee. Later on in the game, we found out that he suffered a patellar tendon injury. A patellar tendon injury is a very rare injury, according to philly.com, a 2011 study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine indicted that only 21 isolated patellar tendon ruptures occurred between 1994-2004. The study did show some promising news for Cruz, apparently 80% of those injured return to play in the NFL.

The next day, Philadelphia Eagles head coach, Chip Kelly, visited the injured Victor Cruz at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia before he was moved to a hospital in Manhattan. Needless to say, the visit touched Cruz, “It was amazing, overwhelming almost, to see how many people reached out,” Cruz said, according to an article on nj.com.

Cruz underwent surgery and will be sidelined for 4-8 months.

‘Scandal’ Inspired Clothing Collection

ABC’s hit show, Scandal, is known for exciting drama, crazy plot twists and now, a clothing line inspired by one of the show’s main characters, Olivia Pope.

As a HUGE fan of the show and especially a fan of Olivia Pope’s outfits, I was ecstatic to find out about the collaboration between star, Kerry Washington, the show’s costume designer, Lyn Paolo and The Limited’s main designer, Elliot Staples.

According to the ET Online fashion page, the 42- piece collection includes Olivia Pope staples such as neutral color palette and mixture of classic blouses, chic coats and tailored pants.

Check out the collection here!