Second Look

Bitten

2009-08-23T17:30:00.011-04:00

I've been bitten, once again, by the design bug. Rather than explain away, I think I need to just post some of the pieces that I'm coveting right now. As I dream about a future home, these are some looks I love:

First, impractical but amazing from Pieces in Atlanta:

This would look beautiful bedside:

Something glamorous to work by:

A pop of color:

I read today that Coco Chanel hung all her necklaces from a bust. Fabulous.

Stepping away from this dream-like design utopia, one of my favorite inspirational blogs is called Elements of Style. The author's bedroom (located in Boston) looks like this:

Though it's not exactly the look I would be going for, her general style fits so well with mine. The only thing I don't love about this particular room are the two prints above the bed. But she does an amazing job of mixing modern and traditional, splashing in color with neutrals, and she isn't afraid to take chances.

Another new find by both my sisters is Nadeau, self-proclaimed "furniture with a soul." Now this is something I can get into. Easier on the wallet, but some of the pieces really have some personality. Each location has slightly different pieces, so I hope to get to the Atlanta store soon to check out some of the goodies for myself.

The Journey

2009-08-20T12:55:00.004-04:00

I know. I've been MIA. Honestly, I haven't been inspired to write anything here. Hubby and I have been in a back-and-forth battle with ourselves this summer, mostly about our future(s). Where will we go from here? Hubby has been searching for the perfect job for months. We've been patient, but we have also been unable to live in the moment. Do you know what I mean? We have been so focused on what the future will hold that we have neglected our lives here and now. It's tiring.

That's why I love my blogs. The people I follow bring me inspiration when I'm down and when I feel like I have nothing to say or contribute. I've already told you about Christine Mason Miller. Today it is her beautiful wallpaper and her message that "The important parts of every journey are the moments we stay still."

Who brings you inspiration?

Dancing...

2009-07-23T22:04:00.005-04:00

Many of you know that I grew up dancing, and here are two reasons why I still love it today:

1. When performed well, a dance has the ability to become a shared experience that goes deeper than words. This performance from Wednesday night's "So You Think You Can Dance" was one of the most moving I've ever seen.

(Dedicated to those touched by breast cancer).

2. Can you think of a better way to celebrate marrying the person you love? I love this processional:

I hope to see more of this... you know who you are! (P.S. I'm happy to choreograph...)

Patience and Practice

2009-07-10T21:51:00.004-04:00

You may remember that last summer I took a few classes in calligraphy. High aspirations, right? Well, more than a few months later, I've put it to practice. What do you think? Should I keep it up?

Summertime Meals

2009-07-06T13:57:00.013-04:00

Most of you know that hubby and I love cooking together, so I wanted to share some of our latest culinary adventures with you. Summer is one of the best times to try new recipes and new tastes. We love visiting the Dekalb Co. Farmers Market in Atlanta for their fresh fruits and veggies.

First we made a yummy spinach pesto-stuffed salmon, then we had sister over for pork tenderloin with mango salsa and blackberry syrup (the only part that didn't turn out was the "syrup," which was more of a crunchy burnt crisp).

Hubby made my fave cherry pie:

When I decided that I wanted to try and make some chicken salad, I looked no further than the lovely Southern ladies of Vestavia Hills.

I started with some fresh grapes and celery and roasted chicken breasts.

Add fresh tomatoes and it's a good summertime lunch!

By request, hubby also made his famous lasagna for a second time. Perfect, again!

Reel Review: Shouting Fire

2009-06-25T23:00:00.006-04:00

Tonight I went to the screening of the upcoming HBO documentary Shouting Fire: Stories from the Edge of Free Speech. Held at Atlanta's Woodruff Arts Center, the screening was a combined event put on by HBO, PRSA of Georgia and the Atlanta Press Club. Who better to talk about free speech than those who write and tell stories every day?

The documentary was eye-opening and frustrating, poetic and inspiring. The struggle for freedom of speech today is just as much of a struggle as it was during each major social movement in America's history. The case studies that were highlighted in this film really brought to light the question, "Does America even have true freedom of speech?" Or, is that freedom only reserved for certain groups? The film will stretch your own thoughts about free speech, so I encourage you to watch the premiere this coming Monday, June 29 at 9 p.m./8C on HBO.

Please watch the film and share your thoughts here. For now, I'll leave you with some quotes from the film that struck me:

"Defending free speech equals defending the speech of people you hate."
"If it comes at a price, it is not free." - Ward Churchill

One Love

2009-06-17T16:08:00.003-04:00

I'm loving Playing for Change more and more as I learn about the movement. Here's their rendition of "One Love," featuring my favorite, Keb' Mo. This song is special to me, as our honeymoon was in Jamaica!

Reflections on Color

2009-06-09T16:48:00.011-04:00

I really want these curtains. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about decorating our apartment, and I've basically settled on the following color combination, which I uploaded using Behr's Color Smart Lab:

It might not be perfect, but at least it gives me an idea on how to work with our dark sofa, black furniture and add some of the yellows I'm loving now! It's still hard to imagine spending much money on decor while we still live in an apartment - with each new apartment, you never know if everything will mesh as well. However, I do think it is important to have a vision of what you want before you ever begin shopping, to avoid impulse purchases. My hope is to have one fabulous piece in each room - whether a piece of art or a great piece of furniture - and mix together old favorites, new staples and great finds from local markets and antique stores.

Anyway, that's my plan. For now, just the curtains, please.

Mansion Dreams and an Anniversary

2009-06-02T23:31:00.007-04:00

Hubby surprised me with a fabulous first anniversary gift - a "staycation" at one of Atlanta's newest hotels, The Mansion on Peachtree in Buckhead. I was thrilled to have a night "away," but the hotel was beyond expectation. The service spectacular, to the point where hubby and I felt like we were actually VIP guests, not local newlyweds! (We even think we saw a celeb/athlete/musician leaving the hotel the next morning!) Beyond service, the hotel itself was gorgeous. The architecture and decor were modern but comfortable - with serious taste. I wish I had taken my own camera, but for now, the Web site photos will have to do:

We also did manage to remember our wedding cake, which had been stored in the freezer since May 17 of last year. The white chocolate shavings still tasted great, but the cake itself? Let's just say I hope we can get another one soon!

With a glass of champagne, we toasted the year behind us and the year ahead. Can't wait to see what adventures Year 2 will hold...

Artist Admiration

2009-05-14T12:04:00.004-04:00

One artist and writer that I truly admire is Christine Mason Miller, a self-proclaimed "artist*writer*explorer" who gives me regular inspiration! I hope that one day I can have the level of self-awareness and creativity that Christine has. Her desktop wallpapers are one of my favorite ways to stay focused - I highly suggest downloading them. Her book, Ordinary Sparkling Moments, would be a wonderful gift for a special occasion.

Read about her 100 books project - there are no words. I love it.

Two of my dreams in life are to design and create stationary, and to open an Etsy shop. She has done both! She even has created a YouTube video - this is true "mixed media."

Today's Inspiration

2009-05-12T14:25:00.000-04:00

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Maya Angelou

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

2009-05-07T14:53:00.004-04:00

Over the past month, I've been through some struggles. Hubby and I are both in job transition, without a clear path. However, I've been amazed at the amount of support that we have received from friends and family.

April was a very tough month, but despite the setbacks, here are some things that I accomplished:
1. Kicked off a freelance career in public relations and secured a full 40-hour workload within 3 weeks.
2. Became more financially responsible by asking for a lower APR on my credit card, consolidating the financial institutions I work with to take advantage of package deals and setting up reminders so that no bill is left unpaid.
3. Reconnected with some old friends.
4. Took control of my health by actually visiting the doctor (and dentist).
5. Decided to get in even better shape by setting a goal to run my first 5K.
6. Bonded with sisters with an amazing trip to Austin!

What a great exercise to look back at the past month of your life and actually write out your accomplishments. On days when you feel down, this exercise will certainly help you back on your feet.

Speaking of #5, yes, hubby and I decided to run in our first race ever! Though it is just a 5k, neither of us has ever entered a race, so this is just the first step we are taking in our new healthy life together. We decided to run Atlanta's Finest 5K Race, which benefits the Atlanta Police Foundation. With those police men and women running with us, we will probably be more motivated than ever!
Here is to a motivational May. Feel free to share more ideas below on how to support friends during hard times, and how to stay motivated when you need it most. As always, I think a hand-written note is always a great way to share your support.

Monday Inspiration - Stand by Me

2009-05-04T11:44:00.002-04:00

An inspiring video about friendship to start your week. Dedicated to all of my girls. You know who you are. Enjoy!

Unexpected Friday Fun

2009-05-01T14:15:00.005-04:00

Sometimes, when you are feeling down, it is the unexpected surprises and thoughtfulness of others that mean the most.

A good friend, who knew that hubby and I have been under some stress and uncertainty lately on the job front, gave us free tickets to the Braves game tonight. She knew that we needed a break to have a little fun. I can think of nothing better than pulling for the Braves with a cold beer in hand on this humid spring evening. It won't fix our job situation, but it will give us a few hours to relax. Most of all, I can think of nothing better than an unexpected surprise from a true friend.

Do you have a friend who has been unexpectedly thoughtful lately? Pass it on. Have a great idea for a friend that needs some extra love? Leave your ideas below.

Image courtesy of ArielBravy.com

Summer Reading

2009-04-29T12:46:00.004-04:00

Several people I know have expressed a renewed interest in reading. Is it because it is almost summer? Here are a few books that have been suggested to me recently. I'm hoping to get through all of them within the next month, and I'll happily give you a review!

"The Middle Place" by Kelly Corrigan

"The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion

"Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

All images courtesy of Amazon.com

Just as Sweet

2009-04-22T13:07:00.003-04:00

Have you tried the new Trop50 orange juice from Tropicana? I would never do a product review on this blog unless it was something that I was very passionate about, and this orange juice, surprisingly, is worth it. Hubby and I made fresh squeezed orange juice from about 20 oranges a few weeks ago for a brunch, and it was delicious (obviously). A few days later, I found a coupon to try Tropicana's new Trop50, with 50% less sugar. Since I've quickly become a sucker for coupons, I decided to try it. And I'm so glad I did. It tastes so much closer to that fresh squeezed taste than any other orange juice out there. Beware that it is rather tart (less sugar), but tastes so fresh. Let me know if you have tried it, and what you think!

Image courtesy of PRnewswire.

PS. If you work for Tropicana, feel free to send along lots of coupons. ;-)

Reel Rewind: I Love You, Man

2009-04-15T19:21:00.009-04:00

After hearing a few good reviews from a few good friends, and realizing that I really needed to laugh, last weekend I went to see I Love You, Man. While this film by director John Hamburg (who also directed Along Came Polly, another comedy favorite) doesn't really warrant an official review, I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want to leave it out. This is one of those films that is better when seen in a theater with an audience to laugh with you. Hubby and I agreed that the film can best be described as a "chick flick" for guys. Paul Rudd and Jason Segel play into their characters so perfectly, it is as if the parts were written specifically for these two actors. Unlike most recent comedies that use over-the-top and shocking tactics to make people laugh, I Love You, Man didn't stoop so low. The humor is universal but didn't make me cringe.

Movies like this bring up a good point about the value of the movie-watching experience. While it is easy to be frustrated when someone next to you is eating popcorn too loudly, there is something to be said for watching a movie in a room full of other people that are laughing out loud along with you. For a couple of hours, audience members put aside any differences and enjoy a universal emotional experience. While it is always nice to enjoy a film from the comfort of your couch without distraction, there is something very cool about watching a film in a large group, feeding off of the energy in the room, and letting out a huge laugh along with this audience of strangers.

Guest Post on "Teaching PR"

2009-04-06T11:26:00.004-04:00

I recently wrote a post for a blog written by one of my former professors at UGA, Karen Russell. Her blog, Teaching PR, is written for her current and previous students as well as fellow industry professors. The post offers my own advice for students on scoring an internship at a PR agency. Enjoy the read!

Grady alum guest post: Scoring an Internship Interview
During April, I'm featuring guest posts from Grady College alumni. First up: Lelia Howze King, a 2006 Grady grad, who knows a thing or two about internships. Not only did she win the 2006 MS&L Atlanta internship challenge, but she reviewed applications for subsequent challenges. Here's her post:

A reputable internship is the best foot in the door to agency life – it gives you a chance to prove yourself to some top PR pros, who will often become your best resource for recommendations for entry-level work. But how do you score an invitation to interview with an agency? As someone who has reviewed many internship applications for agency internships (and been an intern myself!), I would like to share with you a little secret: It is easy to tell within a few seconds of reviewing an application whether or not someone is going to be a star intern. How do you make sure you stand out from the crowd?

1. Unique Position – As PR professionals, we constantly think about how to best position our clients with the audiences that care about them. It is no different for internship applicants. The applicants who clearly put thought into how to position themselves – almost as if they thought of themselves as a “brand” – are memorable. Think about what qualities or experiences make you unique, and what you bring to the table that others don’t. Are you an expert in something other than PR, such as fundraising or sports? Do you have a dual degree in art history? There really is no formula that decides who gets an internship and who doesn’t, so just be yourself! We want to work with people that we think we can learn from and who will come to the table with new ideas and a fresh perspective.

2. Audience Aware – As mentioned, stand-out applicants make it obvious that they have thought about their audience when filling out applications. Who are you speaking to in this application? The answers that you provide need to be relevant in some way to the job that you want. While it is great to know that you would love to work for Chanel, Jennifer Aniston or the Atlanta Braves, that type of work is not necessarily what the agency does. With a little research, you can easily demonstrate where you think you could fit in at a company, which makes it easier for employees to envision working with you as well. Keep it professional – no need to reveal extremely personal information!

3. Social Media Status – It takes more than saying that you have knowledge about social media – we want to see what you are doing online! A few applicants really demonstrate how they are using social media tools to their advantage. When we found these applicants on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn (if you don’t know that potential employers do check these sites, here is your reality check), they demonstrated their expertise not only in using those tools, but also in how to promote themselves and their “brands” online. How did they do it? They were easy to find online, and used the sites to post news stories of interest, write insightful blog postings, and demonstrate their Web skills. Think of social media as a huge addition to your application – where there are no rules and no barriers.

4. Solid Writing – It’s very basic. Read over your application, have at least two friends read it over, and your mom, and maybe an unbiased classmate. Incorrect spelling and grammar misuse make you look sloppy! It’s the easiest thing you can to make yourself look good. Please don’t rely on spell check. We work in communications, and all of us write communications materials daily. Even e-mails need to be professional.

Reel Rewind: Twilight (Better luck next time)

2009-04-02T17:31:00.004-04:00

As an admitted fan of the Twilight series, I decided that I had to see the movie. Bad idea. I'm actually more embarrassed now than I was before that I have read the books. I can't believe I paid money for something that looked like it was made for a 4:00 a.m. debut on UPN or the Sci Fi Channel. Not the epic love story that I was hoping for. Making a movie based on a book is usually supposed to boost book sales, no?

I still can't get over how bad the makeup was. The acting wasn't much better, although I expect that from a teen-centric film. And the effects? Unbelievably bad. The emotions that make the book worth reading were completely absent in the film. Hubby said he thought he was watching an old episode of Dawson's Creek. I wouldn't even give it that much credit.

I'm actually glad that the second movie, New Moon, will have a different director. It is hard to expect much more from Chris Weitz, but I do. He wrote and directed The Golden Compass and About a Boy, so I hope he can do something magical with New Moon. Magic is what it will take to turn this series around.

Wild Things

2009-03-26T10:49:00.001-04:00

This was one of my favorite books as a child. Looks interesting. Do you think you will see this movie?

Balance

2009-03-11T14:40:00.010-04:00

Hubby and I went on a retreat a few chilly weekends ago with a group of young adults from his church. We spent the weekend at a cozy lake house on Lake Hartwell in north Georgia, enjoying good food and good conversation. The theme of our weekend retreat was balance - examining our unbalanced lives and brainstorming ways to live life with a better (slower) rhythm.

I've been thinking often since the retreat of our many friends and family members who are suffering right now with job loss and unemployment problems and the stresses that those situations incur. While I grieve with those who are suffering, I also encourage all of us to seize this time as an opportunity, and not as an obsession. Instead of worrying day and night about finding a job "just to get by" or working 24/7 to keep a miserable job, why not spend some of that time taking small steps to pursuing your dream? Why not take a chance and open your own business? Why not spend a full day outside in the middle of the week? Why not take a trip to catch up with loved ones?

Time is a gift and should not be wasted. Use it wisely - sometimes the simple pleasures in life are the most meaningful.

I remember a song that I used to listen to in high school that reminded me of the beauty of each season - why all of the different time periods in our lives are perfect exactly as they are - Nichole Nordeman's "Every Season." While I haven't listened to any of her music in years, this song still speaks to me in times when I'm feeling lost.

Do you have loved ones that are suffering? In what ways can we inspire them to take advantage of the time they have?

Image courtesy of the amazing Altmix Photography.

Coming Soon

2009-03-04T17:10:00.008-05:00

Hubby is very excited about this weekend's movie release of Watchmen. He finished reading the old school comic book a few weeks back, so the timing couldn't be more perfect. I have to admit, it looks pretty good. And the concept - who is watching the watchmen? - is an intriguing question about checks and balances that retains quite a bit of relevance today.

Personally, I'm excited about Public Enemies. The trailer was just released today. Who can resist Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and last year's Oscar-winning Best Actress Marion Cotillard in a tommy-gun era mobster drama? Still not sure about those accents, but we can all expect lots of action from director Michael Mann. Alas, I will be waiting awhile - the film will be released this summer.

First, Bale will appear in Terminator: Salvation, which I'm not very excited about. Just as a side note.

In hiding

2009-03-03T10:12:00.003-05:00

Thank you for letting me hide a little during these past few weeks. I don't have any excuses for my lack of blogging, I just stepped away for a little while. I am back now, and have much to comment about. But for now, please accept my apologies for leaving you.

Photo courtesy of Corbis.

Friday Fun

2009-02-06T16:15:00.003-05:00

I am obsessed with any publicity stunt that involves group dancing. See example from T-Mobile below. This actually happened just 2 weeks ago. I would love for some of my clients to do this.

Also, for some reason I'm totally coveting this tee from J.Crew.

Happy Friday!

Frugal Distractions

2009-02-03T12:19:00.012-05:00

Recently, hubby and I have taken a step back and re-evaluated our entertainment expenses and budget. Undoubtedly, we realized that most of our entertainment money was spent eating out. Not only do we love to meet up with friends and share a meal on the weekends, but we also enjoyed some weeknight splurges as well.

This year, we have decided to cut back and have some fun together by learning how to cook. Since hubby has some extra time on his hands, he has taken the initiative and already tried his hand at some wonderful recipes (pictured below). Not only do we have more fun cooking together than we do eating out, but we also have a nice meal and usually some leftovers. In this time of frugal decision-making, learning to cook at home is one choice that is actually fun. As you will see below, I certainly don't feel like I'm making any sacrifices!

Stuffed chicken parmesan with spinach salad

Bow tie pasta with asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and Boursin cheese

Roasted chicken and vegetables for two

Grilled chicken with roasted red pepper salsa

Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for tailgating

Next time you make plans to eat out with a group of friends, consider cooking together to save money and share a different experience.

Hubby chose most of these recipes from the "Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook," which was given to us as a wedding gift. Authors are Mary Corpening Barber and her sister, Sara Corpening Whiteford. The book is available at Bed Bath & Beyond. For those of us who have no idea about the world of cooking, this book outlines the most basic terms and instructions in a way that is easy to understand and implement.

In addition to venturing out into the world of gourmet cooking on our own, hubby and I have also taken on an additional adventure: Cooking Class! As a Christmas gift, my parents signed us up for 4 cooking classes at Ursula's Cooking School in Atlanta. We have just completed our second class, and all I will say is I couldn't be more excited for our next two classes - Full review to come. Stay tuned!