Blog

In honor of International Women's Day, we sat down with a few girls from the New York City chapter of Girls, Inc., a national nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold and teaches them how to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Elliya, Mona, and Tiara share which women from history inspire them and the impact that they believe their generation can have on the world. Tell us, who are your "sheroes?" 

–Video by Nicolena Basso

In this economy, having the “perfect career” seems like an impossible goal. We often feel so relieved to have a paycheck of any size that we put off finding a job that is both more profitable and more stimulating. But here’s the truth: you can overcome those obstacles – real or imaginary – to reach the goals you have set for yourself. 

Think of yourself as a success. Everything begins in your own head; you are what you believe yourself to be. If you feel that you aren’t good enough to ask for a promotion or apply for something new, your own personal “fight for advancement” is over – you are out of the game. Having an open mind means that you are also open to the idea that you have value and worth, and that your contributions can and will mean something to a different company or industry. 

Face your demons. To achieve your career goals you need to deal with them one way or another. While you may be able to work around your demons– whether they are people or your own limited ideas of your capabilities – sometimes you will have to deal with them head on. For example, a boss that is attempting to hold you back. Asses your situation and determine how to work around these obstacles – if your boss has passed you over for several promotions, foster a relationship with a sponsor within the company who can advocate for you the next time a position opens up. 

Succeed despite the odds. You may tell yourself that in this job market your application will never stand out from the crowd, but through persistence and determination you can make a real impact. And when you combine both of these qualities with problem solving, you have a real winning combination. Employers, recruiters, and prospective clients take notice of those who tackle issues that arise. 

–Dr. Madeline Lewis, Career Coach

Some days we forget the unique talents that we have and the power we possess to make a difference in this world. But here's your wake up call: you have what it takes to succeed. Sometimes you may get scared and want to hold yourself back, but don't. Don't let the negative voices – within yourself and from others – break your stride. You have important work to do. 

–Video by Nicolena Basso

Tonight, 10x10 will present Girl Rising, an exciting documentary that has attracted Hollywood’s power women. Actors like Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway and others are participating in the narration of the film. The New York City premier is at The Paris Theatre tonight.

Intel, one of the sponsors of the project, has been working to educate girls worldwide in many different ways. Their role in the documentary has presented a new model for corporate funding, Shelly Esque, VP and Global Director of Corporate Affairs, shared with me, leveraging resources and relationships beyond money. For example, clips of the film were shown at the World Economic Forum and generated important discussions.

Roz Hudnell, Intel’s Chief Diversity Office, has been spearheading innovative programs for youth around the globe. She is a woman with passion and a mission to make a difference. And Roz does!

10x10 is a social action campaign to educate girls and create change worldwide. Visit their site to find a screening of Girl Rising in your area.

As I cleaned up the kitchen in my small New York City apartment last weekend, I absent-mindedly grabbed the browning bananas on my countertop with the intention of finally tossing them out. But just then, an idea came to me: banana bread. I loved my mother’s recipe growing up, but I wanted to try something new. Inspired by the no-fail combination of bananas, peanut butter, and Nutella, I decided to make a few tweaks to this classic staple. 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Makes 1 loaf

2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 TBSP all spice
3 medium bananas, mashed
1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup buttermilk (or 1/3 TBSP lemon juice combined with 2% milk)
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed walnuts

-Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Grease an 8x4 loaf pan then line with parchment paper.
-In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and all spice. Set aside.
-In a separate large bowl, whisk together bananas, peanut butter, both types of sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined.
-Lightly dust the chocolate chips with flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf. Then gently stir them into the batter.
-Transfer the batter to the loaf pan, smoothing the top into an even layer. Sprinkle the crushed walnuts over the surface of the loaf.
-Bake the loaf for about 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooled bread should be wrapped in plastic wrap and eaten within five days. 

Can't get enough sweets? Check out our recipes for pumpkin muffins and a caramel apple pecan pie.

–Lindsay Putnam

Being over-worked will impact your decision-making process, hinder your creativity, and become a roadblock to a fulfilling life outside of the workplace. Whether you stick it out at your current job or find a new one, here are some things to take into consideration when managing your stress load. 

Find the right fit. Is your career sending you down the road to a full-fledged burnout? If your job has no “light at the end of the tunnel” in terms of reduced stress, you must stop and reassess. Sit down and evaluate what you do with your time and when. Are there ways to reorganize your work tasks so that you have more personal time? If not, the pressure of your current job could derail your long term professional goals as well as wreak havoc on your personal life. You may need to find work that allows you to explore your creativity to make your time both in and out of the office more satisfying. 

Give yourself a break. We all know we should do this, but are you giving yourself time to decompress? Make it a priority to walk away from work and not think about it for a while. Turn off your cell phone, avoid your emails, and relax. No matter how motivated you are to excel at your job, if you don’t take a break your performance will ultimately suffer – as well as your personal relationships that need nurturing. Giving yourself time off to do something that’s fun can recharge your batteries, so when you return to work you’ll approach tasks with more energy. 

–Dr. Madeline Lewis, Career Coach

It’s invigorating to meet an empowered leader like Shari Arison. She is at the helm of several companies, and is always looking to make a difference. International Good Deeds Day, taking place this year on March 10, was her simple idea that today has a worldwide impact. Here are the highlights from a recent interview I had with Shari.

Helene: What gave you the impulse to start Good Deeds Day?

Shari: I’ve always thought about how I can create positive change. One day I thought of this idea, it was so simple – everyone can do a good deed. People think you need a lot of money or a position in order to give, but that is not necessary. A smile that brightens someone’s day is a good deed. Helping a lady cross the street or even just buying a coworker a cup of coffee to make them happy — these are good deeds, small acts of kindness. It’s taken off because everyone connects to it. 

We started seven years ago in Israel, with 7,000 people. It grows every year; last year it was 250,000 people and this year 370,000 people have signed up thus far. People hear about it around the world. We started GoodNet.org as a “gateway to doing good,” where individuals and organizations showcase how they are doing good – whether it’s for the environment, volunteering, philanthropy, etc. 

More and more people have asked to join in. In Washington, there are 3,000 people going out to do good deeds. In New York we are doing a kick-off event in Times Square on March 9. This year in Uganda they will be planting fruit trees to grow fruit for the community; in the Ukraine there are 5,000 students who are going to visit hospitals, senior citizens, and the needy.

Helene: Let's discuss the workplace because you’re such a terrific leader. Working women want to have greater influence – what will help them do that? 

Shari: I always say that women have insight and intuition; we need to take our unique qualities into the workplace – don’t try to be men, be the women that we are, with our values, caring, and compassion. That’s what I’ve done in all of my businesses – I’ve put my focus on values and in the long run it works. 

Helene: What is true power? 

Shari: I think true power is inner power. When people are connected to themselves and they are authentic, that resonates with others.

Helene: How do we quiet the negative voices that don’t allow us to step up?

Shari: It’s work. It’s a matter of recognizing them, whether they are in our own selves or in our surroundings. Acknowledge them, and then let them go. Focus on the good – what you want to see in the world, what you want to see in yourself, and what kind of person you want to be.

For more information on how you can get involved in International Good Deeds Day, go to GoodNet.org. 

February flew right by, and now Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis is onboard as our career coach for the month of March! This career strategist, author, and speaker knows how to make women stand out in the business world. Read her philosophy and her impressive credentials below, and check back for her weekly posts throughout the month. 

Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis is President/CEO of the Deline Institute for Professional Development. Her workshops and seminars have been presented throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. Lewis has a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership, and she has been certified by The Professional Woman Network (as a Diversity Trainer with special emphasis in Women Issues) and the Genesis International Coaching Institute (as a Career Coach).

Dr. Lewis’ knowledge of business and professionalism is supported by 21 years of experience in the military and over 20 years of experience as a civilian in federal and city government. Dr. Lewis is an Adjunct Professor with the University of Phoenix and Davenport University. She served on the Board of Directors for the Justice Federal Credit Union for three years and currently serves on the International Advisory Board of the Professional Woman Network.

Strategically located in one of the most politically disciplined geographic locations in the nation, Dr. Lewis uses her experience in training and education to benefit local affiliations through federal, state and local agencies. Additionally, she is an active member of numerous national groups, including the Federally Employed Women, the African American Federal Executives Association, the National Association of Female Executives and the Professional Woman’s International Advisory Board.

Her many accolades include a governor’s citation from former Maryland Governor William Shaffer (for service during Desert Storm), three Attorney General’s Volunteer Service Awards, and a Director’s Award for Outstanding Foreign Counterintelligence Investigation from the FBI. Dr. Lewis was also nominated for the Office Depot 2007 Business Woman of the Year Award. She is one of the WE Magazine 2009 Hall of Fame Honorees and a 2009 Stevie Award Finalist for Women in Business.

She has been quoted by others in several articles, some of which have been syndicated and published on AOL and Yahoo. Her voice has been recorded in business journals, magazines, newspapers, college websites, and blogs. She has also been spotlighted on the radio and in magazines such as: Ebony, Balance Health, Black Health Magazine, National Association of Female Executives (NAFE), and Radio One Talk Show: A Woman’s Journey to Success.

Dr. Lewis is the author of Finding Your Best Inside: Becoming the Person You Were Meant to Be and Playing from the Blue Tee: Women in the Federal Government. She co-authored Rising to the Top: A Guide to Success, Overcoming the Superwoman Syndrome, You’re On Stage: Image, Etiquette, Branding & Style, and A Woman’s Journey to Wellness: Mind, Body & Spirit.

–Madeline Lewis, Career Coach

What do you say when someone asks you, “What do you do for work?” Would your answer tell them that you are proud of what you do? Would it tell that you feel you do significant and meaningful work? We live in a status-driven culture where titles, positions, and levels of authority are a big deal to most of us. The end result is too few of us have a healthy “attitude” about the work we do. 

I recently did a keynote speech for one hundred librarians. I asked them, “What do you say when someone asks you what you do for a living?” The room was silent – maybe because they were all librarians, or maybe because they didn’t think their work was anything to write home about. It turned out that most of them didn’t think their work was all that impressive. They were clearly lacking in attitude. Why is that?

Why do we think certain jobs and titles – doctor, CEO, firefighter, astronaut, Oscar-winning actress – are a really big deal, but we lack the confidence in our jobs and titles? Shouldn’t we all have healthy attitude about the work that we do?

It’s time to get some attitude! I told the librarians, “When someone asks you what you do for a living, tell them, ‘I change lives!’” They looked at me like I was just trying to flatter them, so I told them a story. When I was eleven years old I read two books that changed my life – one on Amelia Earhart, the other on Helen Keller. 

What did I learn? I learned how important it was to have attitude – to believe in yourself, to get out of your comfort zone, to keep learning, and to never underestimate yourself or what you are capable of. I learned to be proud of myself and be proud of what I did – even if others weren’t impressed. I learned to tell myself that my work had attitude. 

What about you? Does the story you tell yourself about the work that you do inspire you? If not, change your story! There isn’t a job that isn’t significant and meaningful. I’m sure you would agree, but if not, think about what Helen Keller said: “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” I don’t know about you, but I think Helen Keller had the right attitude – and it’s time we got some of our own. 

–Alan Allard, Career Coach

If you’ve scheduled a summer or fall wedding, chances are you’re swamped with fittings and tastings. But when it comes to the cake, nothing but the best will suffice. Who is the expert on this iconic dessert? Ron Ben-Israel, world renowned pastry chef and founder of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes. 

Ron’s creations have graced the pages of New York Magazine, Modern Bride, Martha Stewart Weddings and more. He also currently stars as the host of the Food Network’s Sweet Genius and is the Visiting Master Pastry Instructor at the International Culinary Center. Here, he shares the latest trends in wedding cake. 

Knowledgeable brides. Thanks to social media, gone are the days where wedding plans started with a blank slate. “There’s a new phenomenon in the industry because of Pinterest,” Ron says. “Brides arrive iPads in hand, with hundreds of wedding cakes preselected.” For Ron, the challenge is sifting through those photos to find the best style and making the creation his own. 

The return to BIG. Weddings became smaller in recent years due to the recession. But as the country continues to recover, Ron has seen a return to the “huge” weddings popular before the economic downturn. “This summer, we will see more tent weddings in the Hamptons and large gatherings at grand hotels.” As expected with bigger weddings, guests will see over-the-top cakes and fuller bridal gowns. 

Bold colors. Forget about all-white cakes this year. “Last season, cakes started incorporating black trims. This year, we have all-black cakes with white trim. They are very dramatic, and very significant.” Deep purples and bright greens are also popular colors for spring weddings. Ron recommends bringing paint swatches with colors similar to bridesmaids’ dresses, floral arrangements, or table settings for further inspiration. 

Detailed textures. “When I first started designing wedding cakes, the only icing textures were basketweave and seashells.” Now, the leading trend is to incorporate the texture of the wedding gown onto the surface of the cake. Lace, taffeta, and silk can all be replicated in the cake – in an entirely edible fashion. “Every piece of our cakes is edible – including our handmade sugar flowers.” 

Invigorating flavors. Ron has a slew of new recipes for brides-to-be, including a fragrant spice cake, Mexican hot chocolate, and Nutella. He is also putting a new twist on the classics, with thyme-infused vanilla buttercream and carrot cake laced with cayenne pepper for a little extra kick. And be on the lookout for unique flavors at traditional ceremonies. “I recently created a basil and green tea cake for a Japanese wedding, and a rosewater and pistachio piece for a Mediterranean-inspired celebration.”

–Lindsay Putnam

We all want to know how to deal with the things we hope will never happen to us – like losing a job, facing a serious healthy crisis, or dealing with the end of a relationship. Or perhaps it’s depression that never seems to go away or anxiety that comes out of the blue. We wish they would just go away, but of course, life has different plans. We have two options: we can let our circumstances crush us, or we can transcend them. If you opt for the second choice, here are three things you need to know. 

You’re not as alone as you think. When you’re knocked down and feel you can’t get up, look around and see the love that surrounds you. You have people who care about you and want to be there for you. Now is the time to let them in and draw on their strength, love, and courage. You might feel like toughing it out – don’t. Instead, take a deep breath and be strong enough to embrace the help that is there. Never let a day go by that you don’t express your gratitude for those important to you – one day, you may really need them. 

What’s happening isn’t as bad as you think. I’m not saying it’s not challenging, I’m saying that we have a tendency to make what is difficult doubly-difficult. Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, often said that in the middle of difficulties, we engage in what he called “Catastrophizing” or “Awfulizing” a bad situation or event. At the risk of sounding insensitive, sometimes we need to be reminded that we’re not the first person to go through what we’re experiencing. Acknowleding that doesn’t take our problems away – but it does give us the perspective we need to transcend them. We can look at those who have risen above the situation and say, “This is bad, but if they got through this, maybe it’s not as bad as I thought.”

You’re stronger than you think. In my former work as a psychotherapist, I have worked with clients going through the worst of life – things I won’t mention here. What I discovered is that we are more powerful and capable than we imagine – and often, we don’t know that until we have to. One of my favorite quotes is from the French Nobel Prize winner, journalist, and philosopher, Albert Camus: “In the depth of winter, I finally realized there was in me an invincible summer.” I have found that to be true in my own life, and I bet you can relate. We are more than we think, stronger than we realize, and we’re more powerful than we can imagine. Not some of us, but all of us. 

–Alan Allard, Career Coach

Women's History Month kicks off this Friday on March 1, and we are gearing up for a very busy month! We must remember the women who have paved the way, but also know that it is our strengths and our actions that will continue to improve gender equality for future generations. Sit back and enjoy these insightful quotes from female leaders, past and present. And be on the lookout throughout March for our latest television program, "In Her Power", airing at different times throughout the month nationwide on public television on select stations. 

–Video by Nicolena Basso

Five years ago I was working out with my personal trainer at the time, Valerie, when I asked, “Why do you think so few people stick with their exercise programs?” I will never forget her answer: “Because they try to do too much, get discouraged, and throw in the towel.” I think Valerie is spot on. It doesn’t explain everything about why we fall short of reaching our goals – but it sure explains a lot. 

It also brings us to our fourth key to positive change, “We have to be patient until we find what works, and then be patient as we make mistakes, refine what we are doing, and then go at it again.” That’s easier said than done; in reality, when it comes to getting what we want, we want two things:

We want change now, not later. We want to lose ten pounds in one week, get promoted this quarter, or be happier right this minute. 

We want change to be easy, not hard. We don’t want it to be ridiculously easy, but easy enough so we don’t have to get too uncomfortable. 

The problem is that change and progress take time and effort. We forget about the challenges we will face along the way and we forget that changes takes time – more than what we usually think. So we get impatient and decide, “It’s just not possible,” or “It’s not that important to me.” The truth is, it is possible and it is important – we’re just not patient enough to hang in there until we see results. 

The next time you are feeling discouraged about the progress you’ve made, ask yourself, “If I gave this a little more time and a little more effort, what might happen then?” You might be surprised!

–Alan Allard, Career Coach

Anxiety is an emotion most of us know all too well. That sudden burst of fear, of uncertainty, of confusion – it can come and go or linger for days. We asked members of our community to share how they soothe anxious emotions in the workplace; take a few notes and you'll know what to do the next time panic takes hold. 

Tara Burd: Walk more slowly (outside if possible), breathe and complete your exhale, and smile/be kind to a coworker. 

Casey Reed: Calm, deep, controlled breaths with my eyes closed. In a quiet space. 

Nichola Petts: Taking a break. Taking a walk. Having a non-work related, easy conversation with someone to get your mind fixated on something else. Deep breaths. Guided meditation. If that doesn't help, maybe it's time to find a new job. 

Dawn Anne D'Entremont Stanyon: I agree with Nichola. You need to step away. Do some breathing. Move your body. Give yourself time to gain perspective. And then get in there and kick butt. 

Danna Al-Mutawa: Go to work half an hour early to plan out for the day and get all settled, have quiet peace of mind before the biz day gets crazy bizzy. 

Do you have a tried and tested way to relieve your anxious feelings? Share it with us below, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter to take part in future conversations. 

The Big Apple is known for its rushed lifestyle and grand living, but it’s hard not to think of the colorful theatre scene as well. On any given day you can please every taste – from popular musicals to serious dramas. But have you given thought to the people who make that all possible?

Fresh out of college in Cleveland, Ohio, musical theatre major Erin Craig was instantly pulled to the allure of New York City. “I wanted to become a Broadway star,” she remembers fondly. Her first year in the city was spent running from audition to audition, but as time passed she realized that performing was not her true calling. “My personality just didn’t fit with what it takes to be a top-level performer.” 

Though acting was not her niche, Erin’s love for theatre never faded. Determined to stay in the business, she landed a job at the National Artist Management Group with hopes of becoming a theatre producer. While there, she worked with associate producer Alicia Parker, who would become one of Erin’s beloved mentors, along with general managers Nancy Gibbs and Charlotte Wilcox. 

“I learned as I did the work,” Erin says of jumping in feet-first to a new career. “I got to watch and do, and I realized I belonged on the business side. I instinctually had the skills I needed, I am a good organizer and enjoy ‘big picture’ thinking.” 

As she got more experience under her belt, Erin decided to take the leap and start a company of her own. Her career brings much joy to her life, so she fittingly named her new business “La Vie Productions.” 

Today La Vie produces a variety of works, from plays to films. “I love working with people, and I love seeing their dreams come to fruition.” Soon, she will make her Broadway debut as lead producer on the upcoming play, “Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting.” 

For Erin, pursuing acting lead her to find her passion working behind the scenes. What advice does she have for others who may feel stuck in their career? “The most important thing you can do is trust yourself. If you don’t feel that something is working, try other things. You never know what might happen.”

Read the stories of more female entrepreneurs, including Alex Bernadotte of Beyond 12, Yael Alkalay of Red Flower, and Maya Kalman of Swank Productions. 

–Lindsay Putnam

On Monday and Wednesday, we looked at the first two keys to individual or organizational change. Today we will look at the third key: “We have to actually think differently – and we have to do something different.” That might seem easy, but if it were, it would be commonplace – and it’s not. Why? Because we – as individuals or organizations – are creatures of habit and comfort, both of which protect the status quo. 

The bottom line is if we want something to change, we have to: 

Change how we think. Albert Einstein was right when he said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” If we keep thinking of leadership as being something that comes from the top of the corporate ladder, we’ll continue to miss out on the genius and passion that is within everyone. If we keep thinking we need more money to be happier, we’ll go after what makes us more money while ignoring our ability to be happier now. 

Change what we do. Einstein was right again when he said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” We all want to be fit and healthy, have jobs we love, enjoy close relationships, and be happier. Companies want top talent, larger sales, and higher profit margins. We can have all of these things – but only if we change what we’ve been doing to get them. We cannot stick to our normal routines and expect these gifts to present themselves to us. 

Remember, the third key to change is “We have to actually think differently – and we have to do something different.” Something has to change to create change – and that something always involves altering our thinking and our behaviors. 

–Alan Allard, Career Coach

Today is "Love Your Pet Day," a day to celebrate all of the joy that animals can bring into our lives. For many, their furry companions are more than a pet – they are their best friends. These faithful animals bring joy on the saddest of days and make us smile when nothing else can. So we asked the WomenWorking community: "What do you love the most about your pet?"

Web Editor Lindsay Putnam's cat helps herself to some water from the sink. Her family took her in off of the streets in Maine, and over time she has blossomed into a playful little thing!

Robin Faye Bronstein: Unconditional love...they love you just the way you are. 

Entrepreneur Secrets: They know when I'm feeling bad and sad. My dog even licks my tears away! Awesome creature. 

Teajai M Kimsey: My animals all have such unique, funny personalities

Amelia Ortega: My cockapoo used to drop his stuffed piglet on my head to wake me up in the morning so I would play with him. And he used to howl in tune when I played my recorder. 

Alyson Miller-Greenfield: They are models of unconditional love and immediate forgiveness!

Tara Shea: No matter what kind of day you are having, the smile they can instantly bring to your face!

Be sure to visit us on Facebook and Twitter, and share your own favorite pet stories below!

On Monday we looked at the first of our four keys to individual or organizational change. Today, we’re going to focus on the second key: “Be congruent about what we want.” Have your beliefs – conscious and subconscious – and your behaviors lined up and heading in the same direction.

The Problem: Just because we say we want something doesn’t mean we don’t have conflicts about it. For instance, you may want to lose weight, but you may also want to keep eating your favorite foods. Or you may say you want a better job, but then fail to do what it takes to earn it. We say we want change, but we also want to stay comfortable.

How does a lack of congruency affect the work environment? How about the manager who says he wants to develop his own team, but then refuses to hand anything off? Last week I met with the CEO of a company who chastised his team members for not filling an open position within the company. But they weren’t the problem – he was. He says he wants to hire the right person, but he won’t delegate the decision.

The solution: We have to be honest with ourselves about the conflicts we have going on inside ourselves or inside the company culture. It’s fine to say “I want to get promoted,” but then you have to admit that you feel insecure about the new responsibilities that come with the promotion. If we can put our finger on the fact that we want two things that are in conflict, at least we’re dealing with the facts. Honesty paves the way for change; lack of honesty stops change before it even has a chance.

Uncover your inner conflicts and be honest with yourself about what you really want. You may say, “I thought I wanted to find a better job, but now I see that I have been under so much stress that I don’t have the energy to focus on that. After looking at my priorities, it’s more important for me to focus on my family for the next six months, and then I can consider making a job change.” Being honest with yourself about competing priorities allows you to make a decision you can be congruent with – and that goes a long way in bringing about positive change.

–Alan Allard, Career Coach

Inviting friends over to your place? If so, skip the store-bought veggie dips and cookie platters and treat your guests to a home cooked specialty. The best way to hit the spot in any crowd? Bruschetta – from the traditional to the obscure. We turned this trio of satisfying appetizers into a full-blown meal with homemade bread – be sure to pick up several fresh baguettes at your local bakery. 

Traditional Tomato Bruschetta

1 package cherry tomatoes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp balsamic vinegar 
8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

-Halve the cherry tomatoes and place in a serving bowl. Add the minced garlic cloves, evoo, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

White Bean and Olive Bruschetta

1 1/2 cups canned white beans 
3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
6 TBSP olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

-Place beans in a large saucepan on medium heat. Mix in the chopped tomatoes, chopped olives, olive oil, minced garlic cloves, and chopped basil leaves. Stir for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture starts to warm. Remove from heat. Serve at room temperature. 

Roasted Pepper and Bacon Bruschetta

3 medium red bell peppers
6 strips bacon, cooked and finely chopped
1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 TBSP red wine vinegar
8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Kosher salt

-Prepare your broiler for cooking. Place the peppers under direct heat, rotating every 3-5 minutes until blackened and blistering all over, 12-15 minutes total. Place the peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand for 15 minutes. Remove the peppers from the bowl and peel and discard the blackened skins. Discard the top and seeds, and finely chop the pepper. 
-Transfer chopped peppers to a medium-sized serving bowl. Combine with bacon, olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped basil, and season with salt. Serve at room temperature. 

Presentation: Slice your baguettes into thin pieces. Lay them on a baking sheet, brush with a light coating of olive oil, and pop them in the oven for a minute or two until golden brown. Arrange bread on a platter alongside the three bruschettas, and let your guests help themselves. Add a small bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese nearby to add to the mix. 

–Lindsay Putnam

Think you could balance the pressure of being a full-time student and a professional rock climber? Sasha DiGiulian, first-year student at Columbia University and world ranking leader in female outdoor sport climbing does it every day. The 20-year-old picked up the sport at her brother's birthday party in 1999, and has been blazing the trail for female rock climbing ever since. When not studying for her creative writing and business majors or hitting the gym, Sasha also serves as an athlete representative for the International Federation for Sport Climbing and is pushing to get rock climbing included in the 2020 Olympic Games. Watch as she shares the difficulties of balancing college and climbing, and how she copes with the stress of both.

Inspired by Sasha's athleticism? Read our interviews with other female athletes, including Olympic gold-medalist Kayla Harrison, sprinter Carmelita Jeter, and freeskier Grete Eliassen.

–Video by Nicolena Basso