GAL APPROVED! Nicki’s Fierce Film Wardrobe; Body Shop Glow!

By Maureen Martin | April 25, 2014 | Gal Approved

SEE. Quick plot synopsis of The Other Woman: Husband cheats on his wife. She discovers that he has not one, but two mistresses, and the trio bands together to teach him a lesson. We couldn’t take our eyes off Nicki Minaj, who makes her film debut starring as Lydia, Cameron Diaz‘s sassy secretary. Our reviewer says, “She’s hilarious. She gives sage relationship advice, and she’s strong and funny. And her wardrobe is fierce — the best in the film!” We’re sure Nicki in a strong cat eye, her signature blonde wig and a fitted pencil skirt that shows off her best assets, is worth the ticket alone! Opening nationwide this Friday.

TREAT. The DivaGals love spending time at The Body Shop. We were recently invited to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 at their flagship NYC story on Broadway to get the scoop on their no. one worldwide bestseller, Nutriganics Drops of Youth. This intoxicating serum is a youth-enhancing concentrate for smoother-looking and glowing skin, and it’s certified organic and natural, which we adore. Want to snag your own bottle? Visit thebodyshop.com.

READ. Feel like your life is in a rut? We’ve all been there. But there is a way to breakthrough, according to author Bob Sullivan. His book,┬áGetting Unstuck: Break Free of the Plateau Effect [Kindle Edition] (along with┬áco-author Hugh Thompson), is coming out in paperback next week. We chatted with Bob while indulging in sweet treats at Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York City. He actually bases why we get stuck on mathematics — which we found fascinating.┬á The biggest plateau he’s unearthed may surprise you: it’s perfectionism. “People have always been afraid to make mistakes and mess up, and now when you make one, it’s on Facebook an hour later,” Bob explained. But you have to give up on the notion of always achieving it. “You have to take risks. That’s the only way you acquire new skills and break out,” Bob declared. “Obviously if you only do things you already know, you’re not going to grow anymore.” Sound advice to us. Go buy a copy today!

COOK. Here is one of our favorite recipes from the Manischewitz Annual cooking competition,┬áHalibut Couscous with Pan-Tossed Tomato, Chickpea, and Oregano, created by┬áNaylet LaRochelle of Miami. We love the combination of seafood and couscous.┬á

1 2/3 cup ┬á Manischewitz┬« All Natural Ready to Serve Vegetable Broth, plus 1/2 cup (from two 14 oz. cans or one 32 oz. can), divided

6 tbsp.┬á extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling if desired

1 (5.7 oz) box Manischewitz┬« Tomato and Spinach Couscous

1/3 cup Manischewitz┬« Chunky Vegetable Couscous Sauce

1 tsp.┬á smoked paprika

1 pint grape tomatoes, rinsed, patted dry with paper towel

1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, well drained

1 1/2 tbsp. chopped oregano, plus a few sprigs for garnish

4 (6 oz.)┬á skinless halibut fillets, cut about 1-inch thick

Kosher salt, to taste and┬áBlack pepper, to taste

1. In a medium saucepan, over medium high heat, combine 1 2/3 cup vegetable broth and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bring to a slow boil. Stir in couscous and cover saucepan.┬á Remove from heat and allow to stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork; cover to keep warm. Set aside.

2.In a small bowl, whisk together couscous sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and smoked paprika. Set aside.

3.In large, nonstick skillet, over medium high heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 cup vegetable broth. Add tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and release their juices. Add chickpeas to skillet; season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, until most of liquid has evaporated and sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons oregano; cook about 1 minute.┬á Transfer to covered plate.

4.In the same skillet, over medium high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season halibut with kosher salt to taste. Place halibut in skillet. Cook, until golden brown on bottom side, about 2 minutes. Flip, brush top of halibut fillets with about half of smoked paprika sauce. Cook, until golden brown on the bottom side.┬á Flip again, brush with remaining smoked paprika sauce. Continue to cook until fish is opaque in center and flakes easily with a fork.

5.Spoon couscous onto a large serving platter. Top with halibut fillets, drizzling with any remaining sauce in skillet. Spoon tomato-chickpea-oregano mixture to one side of couscous. If desired, drizzle lightly with olive oil and garnish with oregano sprigs.

Photo: 20th Century Fox, Manischewitz.com