Preggatinis(TM)

Things move quickly in the cocktail fast lane—but slow to a crawl when pregnancy kicks in. Right? Wrong! Even when sporting a "baby bump," modern moms can stay in the social swing of things with Preggatinis, featuring lip-smacking, liquorless libations designed by master mixologist Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, aka "The Liquid Muse." Within these pages are 75 original Preggatini recipes highlighting fresh juices, herbs, and garnishes as well as ideas for Preggatini Parties—a modern spin on the humdrum baby shower. Organized by pregnancy stages and symptoms, this lavishly illustrated, pocket-sized, virtually intoxicating guide also offers quotes from famous moms and sidebars about pregnancy and health and such options as "De-virginize for Dad"—making these drinks applicable to all. Includes a recipe exclusively provided by Celebrity Chef Michel Richard, recipient of the 2007 Outstanding Chef James Beard award, author of Happy in the Kitchen, and owner of the legendary Citronelle restaurant in Washington, DC.

When it comes to knowing what to drink (and how and why) Natalie Bovis-Nelsen is your personal guide through Cocktail Land. The daughter of European immigrants (French and English) and spending summers with family in France, alcoholic drinks were healthily integrated into Natalie's world-view, growing up. A little sip of champagne on holidays or a panaché (half beer, half lemonade) is a normal part of life for a young adult, in Europe. The integration of spirits and wine into everyday life occasions (often whipped up behind a full-sized bar in the family home) seemed as natural to her as, well, Apple Pie Martinis. Natalie has also had a lifelong affair with the written word, and wrote her first poem at seven years old. As creator and editor of TheLiquidMuse.com, (website, blog, cocktail consultation, classes and an online show) Natalie brings two passions together by writing about cocktails and spirits from around the world. Her website receives approximately 8,000 unique hits a month, with approximately 2,000 subscribers to her LA-specific "cocktail of the week" feature. Stephanie is also a regular contributer to Where magazine (monthly spirits column on travel buzz page). Her work has gained so much recognition that she is referred to by the media as "master mixologist to celebrities" by other writers, "renown Cocktail Expert by E! Online, and the "Cocktail Goddess to the Rich and Famous" by her peers. The November 2007 issue of Pregnancy Magazine features four pages of Natalie's non-alcoholic cocktail recipes, (and has already expressed a desire to feature her Preggatini (TM) book). When not talking about cocktails on radio and television; judging cocktail competitions for liquor companies, worldwide; or teaching cocktail classes across the nation (heavily attended by women), Natalie develops The Liquid Muse Signature Cocktails for major brand launches, and private and corporate special events. She has also been hired to create drinks for book parties for "The Three Martini Playdate" -- including Preggatinis(TM). The Liquid Muse concocted gambling mogul-cum-billionaire Calvin Ayre's own Signature Cocktail named "Billion-Ayre's Bet", which received a lot of attention in the media. E! Online featured Natalie's non-alcoholic cocktail "Pop Princess on Parole," created in honor of Lindsay Lohan's 21st birthday. And Natalie's customized cocktail recipes helped launch Trump Vodka's new website and the worldwide roll-out of Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé (owned by Tattinger Champagne). Natalie's customized cocktail recipes have also been featured at the Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Playboy Mansion; bodog.com's Kentucky Derby promotion; M.A.G.I.C. in Las Vegas; fundraisers for Planned Parenthood and the Great American Condom Campaign; weddings, birthdays, baby showers and product promotions. Natalie's national, regional and online magazine articles often include her original cocktail recipes and have appeared in: Every Day With Rachael Ray, (November '06), Pregnancy Magazine featuring four non-alcoholic Preggatinis(TM) (November '07) and her internationally syndicated monthly "Cocktail Corner" on the Travel Buzz page in Where Magazine, which appears across the US, Europe and, soon, Asia (prints over a million pages per month). She also contributes to: Daily Candy, Captiol File, Northern Virginia Magazine, The Tasting Panel,Real Talk LA, Valley Life Magazine, Metro Mix.com, mediabistro.com, and was recently hired by National Geographic Traveler / Personal Explorer to write six walking tours of Los Angeles, drawing from her travel, pop-culture and lifestyle expertise. The Liquid Muse Blog has enjoyed a strong readership since its launch in April 2006, and has been recommended in the Washington Post Express (April '06), DC Modern Luxury (November '06) and Marie Claire Magazine (December '06). When in need of a quote or recipe, the Washington Post and USA Today have called on The Liquid Muse. In November 2007, DC Modern Luxury featured Natalie again, only this time as a "Look Who's Talking" subject, in their "decadence" issue. Los Angeles-based radio personality, Carolyn Fox (KHZ) invited Natalie to inform listeners about Mardi Gras and Carnival cocktails and Hang Over Cures. (Feb. '07), Revolution Health tapped her expertise on low-calorie cocktails (April '07) and TheFamilyGroove.com interviewed Natalie regarding healthier cocktails for the holidays(Nov. '07). Additionally, the publishers of both Rachael Ray's new book and of Food and Wine Magazine's Cocktail Book have requested The Liquid Muse cocktails. Natalie's passion for pop culture has also landed her on the small screen, covering the Golden Globe and Emmy Awards ('05 and '06) for Alhurra Television, broadcast live across the Middle East. And, her coverage of the spirits industry and cocktail trends result in her strongly branded presence as The Liquid Muse with liquor companies, event planners and cocktail enthusiasts the world over who turn to her for collaboration and / or guidance. The author has also signed on to be Sutter Home Winery's media spokesperson for both "regular" wine and "alcohol-removed" wine, called Fre, which provides numerous live and television appearances and opportunities to mention the book. With a background in PR and Event Planning, Natalie has made a career from successfully promoting brands. The Liquid Muse is a recognized entity in the world of spirits coverage, and she looks forward to using her promotional skills.