A Little Break and a Blog Revamp!

Well everyone, I owe you an apology. It's been a long absence, and I am not really sure why. I really enjoy this little hobby of mine, but for some reason I just haven't been feeling it the past few weeks. 

Because everything's better with a puppy picture right?
Photo Credit: Google Images/www.dailymail.co.uk

But that doesn't mean this is the end. I think it's time for a revamp! I have been brainstorming the next-best thing. So stay tuned.. And if you have any ideas or inspiration - comment below and help a girl out! 

Thanks for the love and support! 

Favorites on Friday - Movie, Coffee Shop, Pup!

                             

~Mona Lisa Smile~

-Somehow I missed this gem of a movie from over a decade ago. But thank goodness for Netflix. Rotten Tomatoes wasn't the kindest as far as reviews go.. but I would give it at least an 90% (I'm not the harshest of judges). It's a period piece set back in the 1950s with a girl-power message, and an awesome cast!

~The Filling Station

-The cafe/coffee shop near my house that I cannot get enough of. I When I am home now, it's only for a day or two max. Unfortunately, most of the time it's pointless to go to the grocery store. And when you live on the road, eating out isn't exactly appealing. So I found the perfect compromise.. a fantastic coffee shop close to my house that has a menu of reasonable, healthy choices. Yummy tuna wrap yesterday and a kale, mango salad today - yum!

~Sophie Pup~

                    

-Introducing, Sophie - the newest little member of my family. My mom picked up the little pup yesterday afternoon and I can't get enough of the fluff ball. 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: There's More to Life

Professional Tip Tuesday

Along with my degree in college, I received a Certificate in Philanthropy and Fundraising. I have a special place in my heart for philanthropic organizations. People put so much time, energy, and passion into something they care about.. what's not to like about that?

So I got the certificate, did some volunteering, and was involved in all sorts of organizations on campus. Unfortunately, that whole sentence you just read was in past tense. Since graduating, the extent of my community involvement is limited.

On a Volunteer Spring Break - Helping at a Wild Cat Refuge in Arkasas with a friend from my trip!

6 Ways to Find a Charity that You are Passionate About - Levo.com

When I saw this article pop up on Levo League today, it reminded me just how beneficial it is to be involved. If you can spare the time, a little philanthropic work can add so much to your life. Especially when the 8-5 grind can feel a little dull. 

But why get involved?

You are busy. I am busy. But finding that organization you want to be a part of can open so many doors. Here are my top 3 reasons to commit to an organization...

- Good for the soul-

This one is the obvious one. Volunteering can be kind of like working out. It can be hard to 'make' yourself do it, but you usually don't regret it once you get going. You end up feeling more energized and satisfied after you give back a little time. 

- Be more passionate-

Remember why I said I liked philanthropic organizations above? People who are volunteering love what they do. If you find an organization you can get behind, maybe you will discover some secret well of passion you didn't even know existed. Organizations are doing cool things every day to make a difference. It can be pretty empowering to be a part of that. And who knows, maybe you'll find something that really changes your path!

-The people- 

How do people make new friends and build a network? Common interests. If you become a part of an organization you are excited about, chances are you will meet other people that are just as excited. Being involved is one of the best ways to network. Who knows what opportunities could come out of it!

Where to begin..

So if you are ready to commit, idealist.org and volunteermatch.org are two great websites that let you search your community opportunities you are interested in. It definitely doesn't hurt to see what's out there! 

So what organizations have you been involved with in the past? Any advice? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - KC and 1 YEAR!

Favorites on Friday

                               

~KC Weekend~

-I am HOME. This will be my first weekend in KC since May! I am so excited to see friends, sleep in my own bed, and feel like a normal person. I had a blast with all of my fun plans in June, but there is something special about a weekend with absolutely no plans. And to top things off, my normally delayed Thursday night flight actually got in at a decent hour last night! So I am feeling well rested, and ready for the weekend's festivities.

~Not one, but TWO extra closets!~

-My 6+ weeks of closets have been stored in my suitcase I keep checked at the Double Tree. I affectionately refer to it as 'my rolling closet'. BUT now that I am home for the weekend, my outfit possibilities are endless. Not only do I actually have access to my full REAL closet, but I also have my roommate's clothes to choose from as well. More exciting: I ACTUALLY LIVE WITH MY ROOMMATE FOR THE WEEKEND!

~365 since that First Day of being a working girl~

See the recap of my first week here!

-I started this full-time gig exactly a year ago! While there are lots of ups and downs with an entry level job, I am incredibly grateful for this year. I have met some great people, mastered things that I never thought I'd learn, and stayed in a hotel more times than I had before in my life (89 nights and counting). Who knows what will happen in the next few years.. But this has definitely been a great start!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: Healthy Hotel Habits

Professional Tip Tuesday
Remember my post back in February? Well I have come a long way since the desperate days of a Cup of Noodles and coffee stirrer chopsticks. It took me 6 months but I am getting into a groove of weekly groceries to stock my mini-fridge.

So while I am no expert yet, I wanted to share a few of my go-to groceries for breakfast, lunch, and dinners. These food ideas make it a little easier to stay healthy if you are living the frequent travel life. Here are the tricks of the trade:

First of all, commit.
- Commit to going to the grocery store if you are going to be staying in your hotel all week.
- Commit to buying the good stuff. Lots of veggies and foods that will keep you full.
- Commit to getting some supplies to make hotel-living and 'cooking a whole lot easier - Tupperware, dish soap, and a sponge can open a world of opportunities.

The foods.
- Think in terms of meals. What can you easily eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

• Breakfast - My hotel offers breakfast, so I am covered there. But if you are looking for an easy, healthy breakfast option, there are lots of good go-tos. 
• Try: Oatmeal, cereal, and maybe some fruit.
• Lunch - Packing a lunch isn't as difficult as you would think. Especially with that handy Tuperware!
• Try: Bagged chopped salads, peanut butter sandwiches, or a tuna wrap (sorry if you don't like tuna!). Pack some veggies or fruit on the side and you are set.
• Dinner - I usually keep it pretty simple for dinner. But keeping it simple actually makes it easier to stick to the healthy foods. 
• Try: Blackbean burgers (from the freezer aisle - not too bad!), steamable vegetables, avacado, and cottage cheese. ..I rotate between the veggies and cottage cheese to keep it interesting :)

                               

The extra effort.

- Water, water, water. I am a constant water drinker. I always have a water bottle with me. My newest thing is drinking bottle of water when I get up, before every meal, and during every meal. This is an easy way to slow down the snacking and feel more energetic throughout the day.

So what are your tips for staying healthy? Any other dinner ideas that I can add to my rotation? Comment below! 

Favorites on Friday - Running.. in my Favorites?!

Favorites on Friday

This week was as good as could be.. getting back into the groove of things after vacation is never fun. But here are a few of my favorites from the week! 

~Mud Run - 8 week to 5k~

-In preparation for the LoziLu Mud Run at the end of August, it was time to start the training. I am not a runner, but this all-girls mud run just looks like a blast! I started their training plan (outlined here) this week and have been loving it. It's just the motivation a person needs after alllll the good food I ate on vacation :) 

~The Fault in Our Stars~

-This one makes the list, but involved a lot of tears. This book was as vacation read for me last week and I really enjoyed it. It's clever and fun to read. But a story about two kids with cancer can only be so happy. So I went to see the movie this week knowing that I wouldn't make it through without at least a few tears. Let me tell you, I sobbed for the second half of the movie. 

~Favorite Place in the World~

-Back in San Fran and happy, happy, happy. We're doing San Francisco once again. I love this city and can't wait to do some more exploring! I will definitely be revisiting a few of my favs this weekend too - I can't leave SF without breakfast at Dottie's and fresh veggies from the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market!

What are your weekend plans? Comment below!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: Conference Call in Real Life

Hello, hello! I am happily working remote from a beautiful cabin in Wisconsin. I couldn't really afford to take the whole week off for vacation, so I decided to opt for two days where my 'office' consists of a deck looking onto a lovely lake.

My view on Monday from the 'office'

On the subject of working remote..
A lot of businesses today rely on being able to collaborate with the client, even when they cannot be in the same city (let alone the same conference room). There's no replacing the value of an in-person meeting. But business folk are making due with conference calls to meet with our managers, project teams, and clients.

But conference calls can be challenging. The average call is filled with awkward pauses, technical difficulties, and trouble focusing. Check out Conference Call in Real Life. It hilariously demonstrates the struggles that go into these virtual meetings.

So what's the trick to making a conference call as successful as possible?
1. Join early. 
- It just makes sense to try and be on for the whole meeting. It's no fun to try and catch up if you miss a portion of the call. And let's face it.. it's already hard enough to focus on a conference call. Besides, do you really want to be the beep interrupting the conversation 5 minutes into the call?

2. Can you hear me now?
- Try and find a good spot to take the call from. A good internet connection or cell service can make all the difference. It could be a total waste of everyone's time if there's a poor connection.

3. Tell 'em who. 
- Especially when on a call with people we don't talk very much, how often do you just know their voices? If you have something to contribute try and always start with "Hi this is _____." and then your idea.

4. Most importantly - Mute.
- This is a big one. Talk to anyone and one of the most annoying things that can happen on the conference call is a lot of unnecessary background noise. Don't be the one that forgot to mute their line.

What are your tips for communicating over conference calls? Comment below.

Favorites on Friday - Vacation, All I Ever Wanted!

Favorites on Friday

I made it through the week! Sorry for the delayed post.. Today has been go-go-go. I flew back home bright and early for a short day in the office. After not even 6 hours in Kansas City, it was back to the airport. But at least this time it was for a personal trip and not for work! Vacation is here - and it can't get much better than that. So here are some of my favorites from this week!

~A Freaking Fun Week Ahead~

-With this crew, there are sure to be lots of laughs, games, great food, and freaking fun. Britt's family kindly invited me along for their lovely vacation once again. I am so excited to spend some quality time relaxing and enjoying good company this week. 

~The Best Mexican Food in SLC~

-The 45 minutes wait was totally worth it. When you finally get a seat at the Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, they treat you like an extra special guest - bringing out samples of their famous dishes and joking with you like you are an old friend. So if you are ever in Salt Lake City, go check it out! ..just don't go when you are absolutely starving. From what I hear, there is always a long line wrapping around the small building.

~Even though I'm not quite 29...~

-When I clicked on What I Know Now at 29, I thought 'Ah, just another list'. Don't get me wrong. The '..x number of things I learned from y..' articles always draw me in. They are usually pretty standard, but just entertaining enough to keep me going back for more. This particular article by Serena Dyer had a few gems in there that I couldn't help but share. 7, 8, and 9 were spot on. 

Do you have any big plans for the week of the 4th? Comment below!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: Is being on vacation 24/7 a job? How to avoid burnout.

Professional Tip Tuesday
4 days. 4 days until my first real vacation since I started working last July. Britt and I are heading to a lake in Wisconsin with his family - and I cannot wait to spend some quality time with some of my favorite people!

Between that, and an awesome weekend in Virginia Beach with my family.. it is almost impossible to get back into the workweek. I have been living for the weekends lately, and the weekdays are just dragging on.

Soaking up the beach life in Virginia last weekend.

Burnout is a real thing.
The Mayo Clinic describes it as, "a special type of job stress — a state of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion combined with doubts about your competence and the value of your work."

That is the opposite of what I want to be feeling right now. Okay. So that's a little dramatic for my current state of mind. But as a 20-something trying to figure out my passions in life, it's easy to get a little stressed about an entry-level job.

So needless to say, I read 5 Ways to Stop Getting Completely Burnout at Work at just the right time.All of these tips are great reminders to give yourself a little break and celebrate small accomplishments to get yourself back in the grove.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Focus on a single task.
• Although as a female I am very proud of my ability to multitask - forget trying to to do it on days you are feeling a little down. Plug in your headphones, listen to some motivating music, and power through.. one thing at a time.
• And while you are at it, start with the small things.
• Make a list of a few things you want to get done in a day. Tackle the easiest items first. It will make you feel so much better about the day just by being able to cross a few things off the list!
• When all else fails, get away from it all. 
• The article takes this one a little far, saying it's time to call it quits. But really even taking a few days to yourself can do the trick. Turn off your work phone, don't check your email, and just get away from it all. 

What are your tips for avoiding burnout? How do you help yourself feel rejuvenated and ready for the workweek? Comment below! 

Favorites On Friday - East Coast Adventures

Favorites on Friday

This weekend's adventure? Virginia Beach, Virginia. We switched up our typical West coast adventures and headed East! I flew in from my second home of Salt Lake City and Britt flew in from Kansas City. After a lot of stressful delays for both of us, we miraculously both made it late last night at 4AM. So now, just a few hours left of the workday before we can go and enjoy the beautiful beachfront! 

~Oceanfront Workday~

We left the beachfront balcony for a little work with a side of fries.

-A workday isn't half bad with the sound of the ocean waves right outside. ..Or at least that's how the day started. Britt and I were working away on the balcony of the oceanfront hotel my parents are staying in when the internet dropped. So we had to make a quick move our only other option - a McDonald's across the street. The atmosphere here isn't nearly as nice, but it will do the trick while we finish up a few things!

~Return to Neptune~

If you ever find yourself at Virginia Beach, head to
31st and Atlantic to see massive King Neptune guarding the sea.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia RadioFan

-This beach has to be one of my favorite spots. My uncle moved out here a few years ago and every trip has been such a blast. The beach and boardwalk are something to remember. So we're back at it.. ready to be beach bums and stroll the boardwalk!

~Pantene's #ShineStrong Series~

"Not Sorry" from the Pantene #ShineStrong series.

-I can't say I use their products, but Pantene's girl power ads are killing it recently. I saw this one a while back on Facebook. My new favorite is the one you see above that was posted on HuffPost Women - "Reminding women to stop saying sorry when they didn't do anything wrong." Check it out and feel empowered.

So as I write this from a noisy Micky D's Cafe, I am realizing it's definitely my most random makeshift workplace.. What's yours? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: Goal-Setting for the Millennial Mind

Professional Tip Tuesday
Why is goal-setting so scary? My very first annual review is coming up soon, and along with that - we have to set our 'annual imperatives'. Oh boy, am I struggling with this daunting task. Thinking about goals for too long could scare anyone.. at least a little.

But the 'millennial mindset' makes it even harder to form that 'What's next?' question into (the very intimidating) SMART goals. Our generation has constantly been told that we can do anything - so no wonder it's difficult to put all of those possibilities into a just a few goals!

So how can you set goals in your first year of the real world?
I have learned so much in my first year as a working gal. But a year doesn't make me a seasoned vet. I still have so much to learn - and all of it has to do with setting goals.

My ultimate career goal.
Access Dubuque asked what my dream job was at a college career fair. 

So when Goal-Setting has you down...
Think about what you are good at, and what you have done well.
     - If you think about what you have succeeded at in your job, it might help you figure out what you enjoy about your job. This gives you a great place to start. Personally, I want to work towards a goal that lets me do the things I like to do!

Think about things you are getting good at.
      - The tasks that you are just starting to master are great for goal-setting. It's something you are already excited about - so set a goal around it, and use it to your advantage!

Think about what your company wants.
     - Look at your company's mission statement and goals. Use these as inspiration and drop some buzzwords into your goals. This will help you to develop goals that align with what your company needs!

Something to remember: Writing a goal isn't the same as committing yourself to a career path. This has been a scary exercise for me because I don't know what my 'next steps' are yet. But just by keeping these tips in mind, along with making small and attainable goals - I am able to see this as a 'one step at a time' sort of thing. Most importantly - there's still plenty of time to use that millennial mind and do 100 different things :)

What are your tips for writing career goals? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - Summer Vacation Weekends!

Favorites on Friday

This month is full of mini-vacations. Since there aren't any 'summer breaks' in the real-world, I am taking advantage of the weekends and packing in as many things as I can. With all of these good weekend plans, the work week isn't all that bad :)

~Cali Adventures pt. 3~

-I just can't get enough of sunny California. Britt and I hit as many fun spots as we could last weekend in Southern California. We lost a little money at the Santa Anita Racetrack, stopped by the Rose Bowl Stadium, hung out on the Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade, and hiked a beautiful trail in Thousand Oaks, California.

BUT by far, one of the most notable parts of the weekend was our trip to Diddy Riese Cookies. It's a cookie shop right off UCLA's campus. I would highly recommend checking it out if you ever make it to LA. The line was out the door and down the block, but as soon as you taste one of their cookie and ice cream sundaes, you'll know why!

~Burlington Steamboat Days~

Throwback picture on the left of me at SBD back in the day. Apparently I was into crop-tops before they were cool.

-I am especially excited for this weekend - family, friends, and festival foods! Steamboat Days is a week of concerts and a carnival along the river in Burlington, Iowa. I have been going since I was a little girl. Last year, my friends came with back with me for the festivities and we had a blast! I have been counting down to this year's event!

What are your favorites from this week? Any big plans for the weekend? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: Mastering Email Etiquette

Professional Tip Tuesday
If I were to tell you my skills, I would not include efficient emailer to the list. And email communication can be a very important part of the workday. Most of the time I do alright. But I am always over-thinking: How can I make this professional, but friendly? How can I make this clear and concise, without being short and rude?

Especially as a female, email etiquette can be tricky. Part of our value in the workplace is our compassionate communication style. But how can we balance that with effective emailing?

This article, 10 Rules of Email Etiquette Every Woman Should Follow, offers all sorts of good advice for keeping our communication in check.

My favorite tips are 5 and 6 - two things I always struggle with. Thank yous and apologies.. I am always apt to throw a few of those in an email just for good measure! During my first pass at proofreading an email, I'll find 2-3 "Thanks!" scattered throughout the message for no reason whatsoever.

These tips are a great way to make your emails effective, while still letting your personality come through :)

What are your tips for composing a good email? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - A Bloggiversary!

The Optimistically Anna Favorite of all Favorites on Friday

~A Year Later~

Like my Facebook page here!

-One whole year and 70 posts later! Blogging definitely keeps me entertained - and gives me a excuse to 'nerd out' over fun career tips :) I have had a blast keeping up with this blog and hearing from readers! 

To celebrate this week's Favorite, here are the most-read posts from the past year!

A shout out to my friends that helped inspire this blog - 
"To The Friends that Make You Stronger"

One of the first, true working girl PTT's -
"First Day Do's"

Britt's hilarious guest post! Who agrees it's about time for an encore?
"Water Cooler Sports Talk". 

San Francisco Favorites - 
"Greetings from San Fran!"

My makeshift chopsticks... hah! - 
"Save Money and Eat Healthy"

Thanks for all of your support along the way.. that's what makes it fun!!

Have a great weekend! 

 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Tuesday Stuff

Hi guys, how are you? Remember me.. I am the girl that used to consistently post on this site. Sorry I kinda fell off the blogging-sphere this past week. I was home in Kansas City for a whopping 10 days - the longest I have slept in my own bed since January! And it will probably be that way for a while. As of yesterday, I flew back to Salt Lake City and won't be home again until mid-July.

The Highlights
So with this 40+ day stint ahead, I spent the past week laying low and packing in as many normal life things as possible. I have never appreciated things like grocery shopping more!

Lots of time with friends and lounging by the pool!

The week couldn't have started off more perfect - my best friend visited for Memorial Day Weekend! After weeks of hotel rooms and coworkers, there was nothing better than time with the people that know you best. We even fit in some pool time with a side of some delicious margaritas :)

Got a little crazy in the kitchen.

Like I said, I had a little too much fun at the grocery store. I loaded up on fresh foods and prepared for lots of cooking. It was great to actually use my kitchen - I made myself breakfast, packed a fresh lunch, and experimented with tasty new dinner foods. Britt and I got adventurous with homemade black bean burgers and tabbouleh! We used a super simple recipe and... it was (surprisingly) a success!!

Visited a few KC favorites.

It wouldn't have been a week at home without visiting a few of my favorite establishments in Kansas City.. and even checking out a few new places! I went to a movie (or two) at the Dine-In Alamo Draft House movie theater. Enjoyed a delicious Sangria at The Drop. Tried out the cutest Italian restaurant, Cupinis, for some amazing cuisine. And finally made it down to the jazz district in KC for some great live music and good food.

Feeling refreshed. So after a great week of being around friends and sleeping in my own bed - I am ready for more hotel rooms, work, and travel. This month is going to be a little chaotic, but I have lots of good summer plans to look forward to!

So onto the Tuesday stuff.. 

After an update like that, it's hard to get down to business - but I do want to share a little Professional Tip Tuesday good stuff. Someone special shared this awesome article with me and I have to pass it along: 10 Life Lessons to Excel in Your Thirties.

Everything  Mark Manson mentions in this article is valuable and makes you think. I loved every part of it! My (current) favorite is number 8 - "Nobody (still) knows what they're doing, get used to it". 

As I approach my year in the working world, my mind has been racing with the "What's next?" sort of questions. The author points out that this is pretty typical for people at every age. We are constantly meeting new people, reading about the 'next big thing', and exposed to jobs we never knew was possible. So it totally makes sense that our minds are always wandering!

I get a new big idea everyday! I think about career possibilities within my company, graduate school, what would make me happy.. oh, it never ends. Like he notes in the article, no one knows what's next. But it's exciting stuff. There are so many things out there in the world to daydream about!

So what 'life lessons' are you learning along the way? And back to the fun stuff, how was your Memorial Day weekend? Comment below!

PTT: Post Grad Thoughts

Professional Tip Tuesday

Dear Recent Grads, 

How are you feeling? Graduation weekend went by like a blur. And now here you are, in the 'real world'. It probably doesn't feel much different right now.. other than this sinking feeling in your stomach that things are about to change. 

But you have that diploma, and the world at your feet. There are so many things ahead of you as begin your post-grad journey. So, inspired by this roller-coaster of a year, I wanted to pass along this article - 10 Life Tips for New Graduates.

I survived the first post grad challenge - Embarrassing baby pictures at the graduation party.

I love the last tip the author mentions, "Enjoy this time of uncertainty." I am constantly embracing this in my post-grad years. There will be times of doubt, but it's all about figuring out what your passion is and growing along the way. Whether a full time job or grad school is in your future, here's to an exciting ride! 

Cheers, class of 2014! 

What's your biggest piece of advice for new graduates? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - A YEAR?

Favorites on Friday

This was an extra long week. We had to do a couple of demos from 5-8pm 3 days this week so I am especially ready for the weekend!! Here are a few of favorites that helped get me through the 52 hour week.

                               

~We'll be in our Cap and Gowns~

Those 4 years would not have been the same without my Real Friends.

-One year since I walked across the stage WITHOUT tripping!! This is a bittersweet 'Favorite' -I am happy to be an alum of my beloved University but it was also very surreal. Anyway, congrats to the Class of 2014! Go Hawks!

~Anything Dogs~

Does it get any cuter?

-I love anything that features a few cute pups. So this Buzzfeed article is my new go-to for whenever I need a reason to smile. I have already looked at The 100 Most Important Dog Photos of All Time 3 times since last night.

~SLC Adventures~

-Laura is on her way to Salt Lake City! I am looking forward to a weekend of checking out the Salt Lake City summer sites with the roomie. It is supposed to be beautiful weather here. So I think we're going to pretend to be outdoorsy and do a little hiking. Don't worry.. I looked up 'family friendly hikes'. I figured that's the best bet for my first trek up in the Utah mountains.

Any tips for a first time hiker? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: Mother Knows Best

Professional Tip Tuesday
With Mother's Day just behind us, I have been thinking about all I have learned from my beautiful mother. Her bright spirit guides me every day and has made a huge impact on my accomplishments. Those lessons from Mom will take you far both personally, and professionally.

So this weeks Professional Tip Tuesday is an ode to my dear mother. Especially starting this new part of my life, the following traits have been a great addition to the workplace.

Mom, thanks for teaching me to smile. 
I don't think my mom ever stops smiling. Moms are good at that. No matter what's going on, they always seem to find something to smile about. This has been a great thing for me in the professional world. People appreciate happy people! A friendly smile will immediately make someone feel more comfortable.

My mom and I grinning from ear to ear when we met Dolly Parton at a Nashville truck stop.

Mom, thanks for  teaching me empathy.
This is big, and a huge add on to the smiling thing. It doesn't matter who you are talking to - strangers, acquaintances, or friends - making someone feel like you care about them in the moment is something special. After watching my charismatic mama all these years, I could strike up a conversation with a shoe. And you had better believe that shoe will get my undivided attention!

Mom, thanks for teaching me to get excited. 
Enthusiasm is one of the best qualities my mom could have passed down to me. Her dynamic personality is contagious. When she is excited, everyone is excited. This has been an awesome trait for my professional life so far. People feed off that energy in the workplace, so showing just the slightest bit of happiness can make you much more enjoyable to be around.

My mom has taught me some pretty cool stuff throughout the years. But sometimes you don't realize some of the most special characteristics until you are older. So thanks, mama, for all you do. I see more of your traits in me everyday.

And sending lots of love to all the moms out there. Where would we all be without you? 

P.S. We didn't really meet Dolly Parton. That was a cardboard cutout.. did I fool you? :)

What have you learned from your mom over the years? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - Never Too Old for Dress Up!

Favorites on Friday

I had a really busy work week and it went super quick. So this week's Favorites on Fridays is mainly from last weekend. BUT the weekends are where most the fun is anyway, right? 

                               

~Fitz & the Tantrums~

-A summer favorite are the summer concerts in Kansas City's Power & Light District. On Saturday, my friends and I went down to P&L for the Fitz and the Tantrums show (click the link for one of my favorite songs right now!). It was only a $5 admission and the weather was perfect! Power & Light has a lot of free concerts during the summer - so I am excited to enjoy some good music there this summer.

~Death at the Doo Wop~

-Britt and I went (and accidentally participated) in the Grimprov Murder Mystery Dinner last Sunday. The theme was 50s prom and we are a little too good at themes (A.K.A we were the most dressed up people there). And this particular Murder Mystery Dinner involved heavy audience participation. So I think when Britt and I walked in looking all snazzy, we were the perfect targets. I even got a part in the show and had to do a dramatic death scene in front of everyone!! Britt won 'Best Dressed' for his baby blue suit. The night was a success!

~The Baby Blue Suit~

-Britt's baby blue has gotten a lot of use over the years, and deserves some recognition all on it's own! Winning 'Best Dressed' at the Murder Mystery Dinner was an easy feat for this piece of apparel. The suit just seems to work for every theme. Britt's brother snagged it originally from a second hand store and 'passed it on' to Britt. One of my favorites is the 80s theme party pictured above!

What's your favorite dress up theme? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: Real Friends

Professional Tip Tuesday
In almost every experience I have had, my work friends have become my best friends (see my ode to my O-Team friends here). From my high school days working at the movie theater, to my job with Iowa Orientation - I always end up wondering: How did that friendship happen?

Remember my Ode to my O-Team friends?

Let me tell you, I am a fairly bubbly and energetic person. I love meeting new people. And I thrive around my close friends. But put me in a room full of acquaintances, and sometimes I would prefer to curl up in the corner.

I just get so awkward and shy around those 'inbetweeners'. I hate fake conversations (i.e. the weather). And that's what you have to do with acquaintances. My problem is that I'm always worried about asking the right questions without feeling too nosy or overbearing.

How do you seal the deal on the move from acquaintances to friends?

That's the stage I am going through with my a lot of people on my project team. I really like them - but I just haven't figured out how to create a real friendship with them yet. So when I saw this article on Huffpost Women, I thought it offered some great ideas!

Here are the highlights of how to become more comfortable with acquaintances!
1. Be brave. 
- Asking questions isn't so bad. People like to tell you about themselves. It isn't offensive to ask them about more extensive topics than the weather.. at least that's what I am figuring out slow but sure! This is how you get to the good stuff - the stuff that truly creates a bond.

2. Potential friendships aren't as fragile as you think.
- This is something that's really hard for me. The minute I do something 'wrong' - I get 10x more awkward. It's the worst cycle. But the truth is, one thing can't ruin a potential friendship. Like the author says, a sincere apology can make all the difference!

3. Be yourself.
This last one, the most cliche, can be the most important for me. If I think back to those times when my acquaintances do become friendships - it's the moment that we can let go and completely be ourselves. Like the article said, don't try too hard to impress. People like real people.

My 'Real Friends'

My Orientation friends became my 'real friends' because of the kinds of efforts outline in that article. Work is a great way to bring people together - you all have a big thing in common. While getting to that next phase isn't easy.. it is definitely worth it. Those close friends in the workplace can make a huge difference!

How do you make that extra effort with acquaintances? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - Happy Hiking!

Favorites on Friday
Happy, happy, happy Friday! Cheers to the weekend - here are a few things that made my week!

                               

~Hollywood Hiking~

-One of the highlights of last weekend in LA was hiking up by the Hollywood sign. On our last day in Cali, we took the trails up by the Hollywood sign. It was perfect weather and the most beautiful view. It seemed pretty crazy to be on such a serene hiking trail in the midst of a big city. 

~A Summer Savory Salad~

-As I've mentioned in previous post about my desperate food measures while traveling, it's not easy to eat healthy when you're living out of a suitcase! So this week I ventured out to this cute little cafe and got the most delicious salad. This strawberry and avocado salad was so tasty! And I felt much better about myself after this as opposed to that cup of noodles I had a few months ago.. :)

~A Little SLC Pampering~

-Pretty nails and a mini-confidence boost! I wish I hadn't start this - but I have an occasional habit of getting my nails done in Salt Lake City. It's a new thing for me. Luckily I found a really reasonable little salon. The gel style nail polish just lasts so long - it's my new favorite thing. And this might sound silly (especially to any gentleman readers!) but it's actually a major confidence booster to have well-maintained nails. Especially when you are pointing at a computer screen all day!!

Do you have a favorite hiking spot? What are your typical airport thoughts? Comment below! 

Have a great weekend - and enjoy some of that warm spring weather!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: My Personal Money Mint

Professional Tip Tuesday

A few weeks ago, I mentioned an article I found on Mint.com about credit cards in a post. That same day I went ahead and signed up for a Mint account. Why hadn't I ever signed up for it before?

Mint offers personal tracking for all of your bank accounts, credit cards, and bills. Basically your whole financial life can flow right into your 'Mint'.

This awesome website makes it easy to keep tabs on all of your finances. After you sign up, you can categorize your spending and 'trend' your expenses. With that, it allows you to make a budget and track your transactions all in one place.

The initial set up is easy! I've been periodically logging into my account and playing around a bit to start to get a feel for it. But I still have a lot to figure out on Mint. You can see below the Mint Goals page that I started looking at tonight!

The other really cool feature I am loving is the Weekly Financial Summary. Mint sends out an overview every week that includes a snapshot of your accounts and overview of your budget!

So if you are interested, I included a short video below that explains a little more of what Mint can do. This is a quick clip that gives you a little better idea of how beneficial Mint can be for personal finances!

How do you keep tabs on your money? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - Why Not? Weekend Adventures

Favorites on Friday

A weekend of 'Why Not?'  I am writing from California once again. This little weekend trip was planned less than a week ago and I couldn't be happier about how it's working out!

~Sparkling Summer Wine~

It's also just a really pretty drink.

-Fun outdoor festivities with friends. Last Saturday, some friends and I enjoyed the nice weather with some yard games and summer drinks. One of my new favorites is a refreshing White Wine Spritzer! It is so easy and tastes delicious on a warm spring day. Click on the link above for the recipe - but all it takes is a pitcher, Sprite or 7-Up, frozen fruit, and a bottle of white wine. Mix and enjoy!

~SLC Salon~

There are trees in the salon - it was meant to be.

-I found the perfect little salon in downtown Salt Lake City that's just my style. The last thing I want to do when I am in Kansas City is waste time getting a haircut when I could be spending it with friends. I really lucked out with Array Salon!! It's the perfect spot, just a few blocks from my hotel. My stylist was incredibly easy to talk to and gave me some great ideas of things to do while I am out in Salt Lake City. 

~Cali Adventures Continued~

Not a bad way to start the day.

-It took some quick planning to make a second California weekend happen! Britt just found out last Thursday that he had to be in LA for work this week - so we had to take advantage and check out the area! This trip is especially exciting because I have family in Santa Barbara. After we finish work today, we're going to head that way and catch a funky concert with my uncle!

Do you have any go-to summertime drinks? SoCal suggestions?  Comment below!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

Favorites on Friday - Southwest Comedians

Favorites on Friday The adventures I have had the last few weekends have been fun.. but I am excited to finally get a few days at home!! I don't even think it's possible to fit all the KC activities that I want to do in one weekend - but I am going to try :) ~The Annual MBC (Again)~ -This one makes the list two weeks in a row. It was the perfect weekend with all of the best people. Not only did I have a blast spending time with my family - but really all of the moms that attend have become my family. Such a happy weekend! ~Southwest Comedians~ -A little in-flight fun. I love flight attendants with a sense of humor. And I have had quite a few on Southwest recently. By the end of their safety instructions the whole plane is cracking up. So when I saw this video going around Facebook, I had to share! This particular flight was even going to SLC - I wish I could have been on that flight! ~Happy, Happy, Happy, Spring Happy Hour~ -Perfect weather, good friends, and a great patio. One of my favorite parts of spring weather is a good patio with friends. I got overly excited and sent out an invite for happy hour almost 3 weeks ago since I knew I would actually be in KC. So we're checking out a new place, not far from my apartment, with an awesome patio. I'll keep you updated on how it is! Have you had any flight attendants that add a little fun to your flight? What are your weekend plans? Comment below! And for past Favorites on Friday, click here!