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!
-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.
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.
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.orgare 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!
-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~
-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!
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!
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!
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.
