Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Apologies
To all my followers and frequent readers, I am very sorry for the lack in posting. I just so happened to land an AMAZING job as a Social Media Specialist, and needless to say my busy pants have been in full effect. The bad news is, I don't think I will be updating this blog much more. The good news is, I should have a new blog coming in the future featuring a new theme (if you guess social media based, there's a 99.9% chance you're correct!) I'll keep everyone posted as my ideas develop, but for now, I leave with this last post and a huge THANK YOU to all who have actively kept up with my blog. It was so great having an outlet to release all of my (what I felt to be brilliant) ideas to balance the many tasks in life. Don't worry, this girl is far from done writing (I did double major in Creative Writing, after all.) Again, thank you, and look for my new blog in the near future! :)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
LA Fitness: Review
Something you forget about in all the excitement of College Graduation is the fact that you will no longer have access to a gym covered by your tuition. This was a huge shock for me, especially considering that UCF is one of the best university gyms that exists. So, when I began having withdrawals from the fabulous abs classes and wonderful cardio machines, I decided it was time to look for another gym. For me, there were several qualities driving my decision but the most important were price, classes, and customer service. I looked into gyms online and practically eliminated every single gym except for LA Fitness just because they didn't offer the amount of group exercise classes I was looking for. So, with my research complete, I used a friend's guest pass and attended for the first time last Tuesday. After getting a membership and being there for a week now, this is my review.
PRICE
As I mentioned before, price was a huge deciding factor for me. Although LA Fitness is not the cheapest, I believed it was the best bang for my buck. Here's why:
- Clubs Everywhere You Go. There are tons and tons of LA Fitnesses everywhere, and they just bought out Family Lifestyle Fitness and Bally Fitness, adding even more clubs to their already impressive database. When you sign up, you have the option to opt in for the "multi-club" option which means you can go to ANY LA Fitness anywhere. This is so great for vacation, working out right after work, unexpected moves, and so much more.
- Enrollment Fees. At first, the enrollment fees made my heart stop, but they will work with you. When they saw my reaction, they pulled out all these specials that they had going on and we found one that worked perfectly for me. They have many different options, but the one I was able to get was a $25 enrollment fee, plus I had to pay first and last month up front (which was $29.99 per month.) So after $90 up front I was set to go.
- No Cancellation Fees or Contracts. I hate when I have to committ to something for long periods of time, and I hate it even more if it costs money to cancel. Luckily, LA Fitness avoids both of these. I can cancel anytime I want and I've already paid for the last month so once I decide to cancel I'll have absolutely no fees.
- Overall Low Montly Price. Depending on what enrollment fee you decide to pay, you can get your monthly cost as low as $19.99 per month. You can even get it cheaper if you sign up during one of their crazy specials (like $10 to join and $10 per month.) You have to really watch for that, but overall you can get a great low monthly price any day you walk in there. I was used to not budgeting for a gym membership at all with access to the UCF gym so price was huge for me. At $29.99 per month, that's only $1 a day. I can handle that!
EQUIPMENT/GROUP EXERCISE/FACILITY
I didn't find any other gyms that compared to LA Fitness when it came to group exercise, but in my opinion some of their equipment needs improvement. Here's why:
- Variety of Classes. LA Fitness offers many different classes, and it's different at every club. They offer everything from Zumba and Kickboxing to Cycling and Yoga. At my club they even have Aqua Arobics in the pool. This was really what hooked me to LA Fitness. I'm big on group exercise, and not only do they offer a lot of different classes, but they're great classes to attend. So far I have attended both Cycling and Zumba and this week I'm attending Body Works Plus Abs and Zumba again. Both times I went I was dripping by the end, which is my favorite part about group exercise - no room for the weak in there! :)
- Good Equipment. I rate their cardio and strength training equipment as "good" rather than "excellent" because in my opinion they could be better. This could be just because I was used to the UCF gym that was just upgraded with brand new amazing machines, but hey, call me spoiled, that's what I expected. Anyway, the equipment works, it's in good shape, it just isn't the newest on the market. However, I did overhear a few employees talking about an upcoming shipment of new machines when I was on the ellyptical the other day, so maybe it will change! Of course, every club differs - there are plenty of LA Fitnesses that have better equipment. However, my overall assessment is still just "good," although the variety of classes makes up what little the equipment lacks in my eyes.
- Great Facility. Overall, the entire facility is great. They have a pool, hot tub, sauna, full locker room with showers and bathrooms, racketball courts, and a basketball/volleyball court. These are just extra amenities that make this gym even more appealing for me.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
I work for Publix and Cox Media Group, so I know the importance of customer service. Because I know how to provide excellent customer service, I expect it from places where I spend my money. LA Fitness has good customer service, but it could be better. Here's why:
- Eager and Helpful. Every employee I've encountered there has been eager to help me. Whether I needed to find where the scale was or needed help with a machine, they are readily available and easily accessible. This was a big plus for me.
- Sometimes Pushy. This was the only thing that kind of peeved me. For the past week, I have been stopped about three times on my way in from the guy who signed me up asking if I had any friends that wanted guest passes and insisting that I sign up for my free trainer session. I gave them names no problem and I did get signed up for the session, I just wish they would have let me do it at my own pace. It wasn't annoying, just a little too pushy for my taste.
- Great trainers. I went for my free trainer session, and although it's a little too pricey for me, it was a great session. They really help you evaluate your goals and they put into perspective where you are and how much work it will take to get where you want to be. The actual physical session only lasted twenty minutes and I was DYING by the end. I'm still sore, such a great work out, and I learned a lot of new workouts. Again, they were a little pushy at the end of the session about getting me to sign up for additional sessions THAT DAY, but I insisted it wasn't in my budget at the time and they seemed understanding.
OVERALL
Overall, LA Fitness is a great gym. It definitely has room for improvements, but it's perfect for what I need. They have excellent classes, great customer service, and a nice variety of equipment and amenities. I would definitely recommend this gym to anyone interested in adopting a healthy lifestyle. If you would like a free guest pass to check out the LA Fitness near you, send me an email and I'll get you started!
What do you think? Have you been to LA Fitness or other gyms that were exceptional or the complete opposite? Leave your feedback below! :)
PRICE
As I mentioned before, price was a huge deciding factor for me. Although LA Fitness is not the cheapest, I believed it was the best bang for my buck. Here's why:
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| This is my main LA Fitness club in Oviedo, FL |
- Enrollment Fees. At first, the enrollment fees made my heart stop, but they will work with you. When they saw my reaction, they pulled out all these specials that they had going on and we found one that worked perfectly for me. They have many different options, but the one I was able to get was a $25 enrollment fee, plus I had to pay first and last month up front (which was $29.99 per month.) So after $90 up front I was set to go.
- No Cancellation Fees or Contracts. I hate when I have to committ to something for long periods of time, and I hate it even more if it costs money to cancel. Luckily, LA Fitness avoids both of these. I can cancel anytime I want and I've already paid for the last month so once I decide to cancel I'll have absolutely no fees.
- Overall Low Montly Price. Depending on what enrollment fee you decide to pay, you can get your monthly cost as low as $19.99 per month. You can even get it cheaper if you sign up during one of their crazy specials (like $10 to join and $10 per month.) You have to really watch for that, but overall you can get a great low monthly price any day you walk in there. I was used to not budgeting for a gym membership at all with access to the UCF gym so price was huge for me. At $29.99 per month, that's only $1 a day. I can handle that!
EQUIPMENT/GROUP EXERCISE/FACILITY
I didn't find any other gyms that compared to LA Fitness when it came to group exercise, but in my opinion some of their equipment needs improvement. Here's why:
- Good Equipment. I rate their cardio and strength training equipment as "good" rather than "excellent" because in my opinion they could be better. This could be just because I was used to the UCF gym that was just upgraded with brand new amazing machines, but hey, call me spoiled, that's what I expected. Anyway, the equipment works, it's in good shape, it just isn't the newest on the market. However, I did overhear a few employees talking about an upcoming shipment of new machines when I was on the ellyptical the other day, so maybe it will change! Of course, every club differs - there are plenty of LA Fitnesses that have better equipment. However, my overall assessment is still just "good," although the variety of classes makes up what little the equipment lacks in my eyes.
- Great Facility. Overall, the entire facility is great. They have a pool, hot tub, sauna, full locker room with showers and bathrooms, racketball courts, and a basketball/volleyball court. These are just extra amenities that make this gym even more appealing for me.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
I work for Publix and Cox Media Group, so I know the importance of customer service. Because I know how to provide excellent customer service, I expect it from places where I spend my money. LA Fitness has good customer service, but it could be better. Here's why:
- Eager and Helpful. Every employee I've encountered there has been eager to help me. Whether I needed to find where the scale was or needed help with a machine, they are readily available and easily accessible. This was a big plus for me.
- Sometimes Pushy. This was the only thing that kind of peeved me. For the past week, I have been stopped about three times on my way in from the guy who signed me up asking if I had any friends that wanted guest passes and insisting that I sign up for my free trainer session. I gave them names no problem and I did get signed up for the session, I just wish they would have let me do it at my own pace. It wasn't annoying, just a little too pushy for my taste.
OVERALL
Overall, LA Fitness is a great gym. It definitely has room for improvements, but it's perfect for what I need. They have excellent classes, great customer service, and a nice variety of equipment and amenities. I would definitely recommend this gym to anyone interested in adopting a healthy lifestyle. If you would like a free guest pass to check out the LA Fitness near you, send me an email and I'll get you started!
What do you think? Have you been to LA Fitness or other gyms that were exceptional or the complete opposite? Leave your feedback below! :)
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| Looking pretty when I leave the gym is not my goal - looking like I worked my butt off is! |
Monday, July 9, 2012
Breaking the Pattern: Spicing Up Your Social Life
Trust me, I get it - YOU'RE TIRED. You work, you have classes, you have to wash your hair, whatever. We often get so caught up in our day to day business that we forget to take some time to enjoy life. Probably our biggest offense is opting for a night in with the couch and a good movie instead of heading out with some friends. One problem I've been running into lately is not only am I too tired, but with everything I'm saving for I can't find the extra cash to go out every week. So, I started doing a little research, and here are some unconventional social activities that can break that pattern of becoming a couch potato after work without breaking the bank. So, grab your best friend or your current infatuation and try something new today - trust me, TiVO will fill you in on what you missed, later. :)
- Go for a bike ride.
- Pick one of your favorite crafty pins on Pinterest and actually do it! Think about it, how many things to you pin on Pinterest each month? Now, how many of those things have you actually tried? Pick your favorite craft and go with your friends to Michaels to pick out the supplies. You'll have a night full of activities for relatively cheap - and you have more time to talk and catch up!
- Pick a random Groupon and go. Groupon has great deals every day for fun things around your town that you probably haven't tried yet. So, instead of heading out for Happy Hour on Friday, pick a random Groupon and try something new! The worst thing that could happen is you hate it, and if that's the case - at least you can laugh about it!
- Go for a drive. Yes I know, gas isn't exactly cheap. But if you've already got a few gallons in your tank, grab your significant other, your iPod, and a small cooler of drinks and snacks and head out for a drive. You can talk, share music, and let the wind blow through your hair. It's great for destressing and you can even open your eyes to stuff to do in your town that you never knew about.
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| So cute, love cooking with my man! |
- Make a 4 course meal. Now, I'm not saying you have to gain five pounds and make some crazy italian buffet, but try making a 4 course meal that isn't that bad health wise. Try searching through the recipes on skinnytaste.com. Gina has great recipes for every course, and cooking in a kitchen with your best friend can be just down right hilarious, and if you have your boo with you, you can even make it romantic. ;)
- Clean up your resume. I know, right? How NOT FUN does that sound? But if you have a friend with you to review your resume, you'll be able to see what sound stupid and if it even grabs their attention long enough to get past the first line. If you're a recent college grad or just on the job hunt, this can be a fun activity. Add some wine if you'd like, just be careful - you are sending this to prospective employers, after all ;)
- Shop at a farmer's market. It might not sound like your thing, but there really is something about fresh fruit and vegetables. And that's not all you'll find there, most of the time there is even handmade jewelry, clothing, and crafts at farmer's markets. Grab your best friend and twenty dollars and you'll have a morning or afternoon full of laughter and great deals.
These are just a few ideas - I think my next venture will be paddle boarding (I mean come on, how fun does that sound?!) Which will you try? Leave a comment with your ideas for unconventional social outings below! :)
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Rain, Rain, Go Away
The first symptom: Always Sleepy
1. Avoid the couch. This is my go-to place after a tiring day at work, but I knew that going straight to it would just make me want to sleep more. So, instead, I opted for doing the things I needed to get done that usually get done on the weekend (i.e. laundry, painting my nails, working on bill issues, etc.) After the productive stuff was done, I got out of the house instead of sitting around watching the television. I felt like this simple decision of avoiding the couch made me feel less tired on Monday night and Tuesday, as well.
2. Dress up. My job requires a business casual dress code, but usually on rainy days I find myself throwing on my glasses and avoiding my contacts, reaching for the comfiest outfit I have, and throwing my hair in a bun (which is exactly what I did on Monday.) So, on Tuesday, I decided to get dressed up. I really do think this helped because I didn't feel as comfortable like I would in my "relax" clothes, and it took an extra effort in the morning so I couldn't hit snooze as much and I had more time to wake up. Also, I felt like I looked great, which made me feel great. I definitely recommend this trick.
3. Opt for natural energy. I'm a sucker for coffee on a sleepy day just like most of America, but we all know that coffee has a lot of negative side effects. So this time, I decided to go for 5-Hour Energy because I've learned in the past that it's made up of vitamins more than caffiene. I didn't think this would help much honestly, but it ended up being the best decision I made out of them all. I really felt like the energy lasted all day and I never felt the dreaded "crash." If 5-Hour isn't your thing, try taking B-12 vitamins or eating power bars.
4. Keep busy. There are always times at work when I have nothing to do and those are the times when my sleepiness really creeps up on me. This time around, I finally listened to all those studies that say getting up and walking around is a great way to keep from getting tired. Now, I can't really move around all that much at my job, so instead I challenged my brain to stay awake by playing mind games. I tried sudoku, crosswords, and even reading a challenging text. Given, I know these aren't the most entertaining form of alertness, but you can manipulate this to something that does interest you. Anything that makes you THINK as opposed to just sitting and watching something happen (like a video on YouTube) will help you keep awake and alert.
The second symptom: Lack of Optimism.
For whatever reason, rainy days also make it more difficult for me to smile. I hate that because I'm always a very positive person, so when I don't have that smile plastered on my face, everyone assumes something is wrong with me. The last thing I want at work is people thinking I have something going on that's interfering, so I knew that I needed to make a big adjustment there. Here's what worked for me.
1. Wake up with music. I normally just roll out of bed at the sound of the alarm clock and get ready completely in silence, especially since most of the time my roommates are still sleeping. However, I heard from a girl in my office that she turned on music first thing in the morning and she said it always had an effect on her mood (depending on what music she played.) So I figured it was worth a try. On Tuesday morning as soon as I woke up, I turned 8 Tracks on my phone and set it in the bathroom while I got ready. I searched for mixes with the taglines of "happy" or "fun." Not only was I singing and dancing around as I got ready, but I literally found that even though I walked outside to a downpour and terrible driving conditions, that smile was already in place. I definitely recommend this!
2. Avoid irritation. I noticed on Monday that most of my optimism was affected by normal, everyday occurrences that I was getting annoyed with. For instance, I deal with listeners every day, but I noticed that the rain made me less friendly and more grumpy. So, on Tuesday, I made sure to put forth the extra effort to be friendly and chatty, and I found it to actually be a great release from the rainy weather outside. I also made sure to have my smile on no matter what, even if I was annoyed. Just smiling helps lift your mood - after all, who can really be pessimistic with a huge smile on their face?3. Lie about your day. I don't normally advocate lying, in fact I never have before, but this one is a little white lie that can help you big time. While at work or school, you probably get asked all the time "How are you?" "How's it going?" or "How is your day?" Well, on a rainy day you could probably retort with "Crappy" "Rainy" "I'm tired" "I can't wait til Friday" or "Who cares." Instead, I decided to tell everyone that I was having a fantastic, wonderful, great day. Surprisingly, this helped raise my mood because then people wanted to talk to me and their smiles were contagious. In addition, the more I said it, the more my brain started to believe it. I kid you not, I literally wasn't lying by about three o' clock. By then, it was the truth!
Final symptom: Unwavering Yearning to be in Bed
What is it about the rain that makes us want to cuddle up in bed and lose ourselves in Lifetime movies? I'm not sure if this was a problem before television existed, but either way, I was determined to shake this yearning. Here's what I tried that seemed to help.
1. Think active. I think one of the reasons I always want to be in bed when it's raining is because there's not much else to do and it seems like a valid excuse. So, on Tuesday and Wednesday I occupied my time with thinking about the stuff I COULD do. I completely avoided thinking about getting into bed and cat napping between episodes of Army Wives and thought about how I could work on a new decoration for my room that I found on Pinterest (inside crafts are perfect for rainy weather.) I also worked on bookmarking recipes I wanted to try and as I said before, I ended up getting out of the house with some friends on Tuesday and Wednesday nights both. I think this is one of those "mind over matter" cases where as long as you don't think about the bed, you won't want it as much.
2. Research. This sounds so rediculous and I even find it difficult to explain, but if you ever feel like you can't wait to get home and go to sleep, do some research on how much time you spend sleeping in your life. I'm telling you, it will change your mind. Have you ever woken up from a nap and thought "Wow, what a waste of my day?" I find myself thinking that from time to time, especially when I sleep in past ten on the weekends. Anyway, doing some research on how much sleep you actually need, how much the average person gets, and how much of your life you lose to sleep might just open your eyes to a new perspective. On Wednesday when I felt the same yearning to just relax in bed, I found myself researching new things to try and I found all the facts about sleeping. This might have been the best motivation to stay out of that bed that I found!
Overall, I found that avoiding the sleepiness that comes with a rainy day is a very difficult task. All of these tricks helped me, but I'll be honest, I was still very thankful to see the sun out today! Next time you're feeling the rainy blues, hopefully this will help. Tell me how you get through a rainy day by commenting below!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A Little Me Time: 3 Day Weekends
Something I rarely get around to thinking about, let alone posting about, is "me time." Let's be honest, when there are a million and three other things to get done, who has time to think, "What do I want to do?" Well, the truth is, we should be asking ourselves this question more often. Trust me, I get it, I'm the worst at taking my own advice - but if you take no time for yourself, you'll eventually burn yourself out and everything in your life from your performance at work to your social life will dwindle. With Memorial Day coming up this weekend, I figured it would be a perfect time to talk about what to do with a three day weekend. We don't get them very often, but when you have the chance to enjoy three days off from work, take advantage of it and do something for YOU.
Here are some ideas of how to make your weekend about you. Now, don't be put off too soon - I did throw in some proactive, productive items as well as selfish ones. Sometimes taking a weekend for yourself doesn't necessarily mean sitting on the couch and vegging out all weekend. It can also be a great time to organize your closet or something of that sort - even though it's "work," it's probably something you've been wanting to do for a while that will make you happy when it's done. In any case, I hope you find some of these suggestions helpful, and that you enjoy and make the most of your Memorial Day Weekend!
1. Take a bubble bath.
2. Work on the garden.
3. Buy your favorite candy and eat it while you watch a movie you've been dying to see.
4. Plan something fun with the kids or your significant other.
5. Have a girls/guys night.
6. Host a game night at your place and invite friends over.
7. Go to someone else's cookout (that way you can skip the clean up!)
8. Read that book you've been wanting to read.
9. Start the home improvement project you've been thinking about.
10. Call a long distance friend to catch up.
11. Surprise your family with a spontaneous trip to visit them.
12. Go a complete day without even turning on your cell phone or computer (If you're shaking your head in refusal, just take a moment to imagine what it would be like... you're relaxed already, aren't you?)
13. Try something new with a friend or significant other, like fishing or sewing.
14. Indulge in your guilty pleasures, whether it be jamming out to BSB or eating fried oreos.
15. Find a swanky beach bar or someplace by a body of water and have evening drinks with good friends
16. Go outside and enjoy yourself - play a sport, lay by the pool, plan a picnic - anything that gets you out in the sun and not inside (where you probably spend most of the week, anyway.)
17. Do something romantic - the work week lacks romance 98% of the time.
18. If you're just getting started in your career and there are things you need to get done (updating your LinkedIn profile, emailing your resume out to important networks, etc.) go ahead and get those done or at least started. You probably don't think about it during the work week, and if you want to get further in your career, you'll need that extra push.
19. Free your mind with a massage or some other self pampering treat. You can find great deals on spa services by signing up for Groupon or Living Social.
20. Eat at a resturaunt you've never tried before and let the waiter/waitress pick your food. You probably have a pretty controlled work week, let something be completely out of your control and just enjoy the end result.
21. Spend some quality time with your pet (if you don't have a pet, check out a pet store or pet adoption center. You don't have to buy, but animals are great at relieving stress and making you smile.)
22. Go shopping. Yes, guys, even you. Shopping when you're not looking for something specific is usually a relaxing experience that can lead to happy, guilt free purchases.
23. Fly a kite.
24. Get a pedicure (nothing like a foot massage!)
25. My last suggestion? Do WHATEVER you feel like for AT LEAST half a day on your three day weekend. Even if you have a ton to do and it doesn't do anything but rot your brain, take some time to enjoy whatever it is you enjoy most.
There you go, hopefully this will help you get started. What do you plan to do for the three day weekend? Let me know below!
Happy Memorial Day!
Here are some ideas of how to make your weekend about you. Now, don't be put off too soon - I did throw in some proactive, productive items as well as selfish ones. Sometimes taking a weekend for yourself doesn't necessarily mean sitting on the couch and vegging out all weekend. It can also be a great time to organize your closet or something of that sort - even though it's "work," it's probably something you've been wanting to do for a while that will make you happy when it's done. In any case, I hope you find some of these suggestions helpful, and that you enjoy and make the most of your Memorial Day Weekend!
1. Take a bubble bath.
2. Work on the garden.
4. Plan something fun with the kids or your significant other.
5. Have a girls/guys night.
6. Host a game night at your place and invite friends over.
7. Go to someone else's cookout (that way you can skip the clean up!)
8. Read that book you've been wanting to read.
9. Start the home improvement project you've been thinking about.
10. Call a long distance friend to catch up.
11. Surprise your family with a spontaneous trip to visit them.
12. Go a complete day without even turning on your cell phone or computer (If you're shaking your head in refusal, just take a moment to imagine what it would be like... you're relaxed already, aren't you?)
14. Indulge in your guilty pleasures, whether it be jamming out to BSB or eating fried oreos.
15. Find a swanky beach bar or someplace by a body of water and have evening drinks with good friends
16. Go outside and enjoy yourself - play a sport, lay by the pool, plan a picnic - anything that gets you out in the sun and not inside (where you probably spend most of the week, anyway.)
17. Do something romantic - the work week lacks romance 98% of the time.
18. If you're just getting started in your career and there are things you need to get done (updating your LinkedIn profile, emailing your resume out to important networks, etc.) go ahead and get those done or at least started. You probably don't think about it during the work week, and if you want to get further in your career, you'll need that extra push.
19. Free your mind with a massage or some other self pampering treat. You can find great deals on spa services by signing up for Groupon or Living Social.
21. Spend some quality time with your pet (if you don't have a pet, check out a pet store or pet adoption center. You don't have to buy, but animals are great at relieving stress and making you smile.)
22. Go shopping. Yes, guys, even you. Shopping when you're not looking for something specific is usually a relaxing experience that can lead to happy, guilt free purchases.
23. Fly a kite.
24. Get a pedicure (nothing like a foot massage!)
25. My last suggestion? Do WHATEVER you feel like for AT LEAST half a day on your three day weekend. Even if you have a ton to do and it doesn't do anything but rot your brain, take some time to enjoy whatever it is you enjoy most.
There you go, hopefully this will help you get started. What do you plan to do for the three day weekend? Let me know below!
Happy Memorial Day!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Rookie of the Year
Well, it finally happened - I landed a full time job. The awesome thing about that is that I can work one job instead of three, the crazy thing is that I'm still just as busy! In the spirit of transitioning, I thought it would be a great topic to blog about going from the expert to the rookie. Leaving one job to transition into another isn't easy, and it's critical to make a first impression that leaves a good taste in your coworkers mouths. Whether you are sweeping floors or designing online media, every job counts - and every job is there for a reason. Take your new "rookie" position seriously, and you can find yourself fitting in quicker than you know. In fact, you might find that the top of that latter you're on is closer than you think! Here are some ways you can stand out when you're the newbie, and possibly land you the title of...
1) Observe first, make changes later. All of us want to make a great impression when we first get to a new position. A lot of the times, we want to look at the way something is done and find a new, better way to do it. This is GREAT, and probably one of the reasons you got hired. However, it's important to observe your surroundings and get comfortable with what happens before you try to make changes, espcially if you're managing other people. There are a couple reason for this: one, people are accustomed to how things are done, and if the "new guy/girl" is trying to change everything in the first week, it might leave a sour taste in their mouths; two, you don't know how things work yet. You may THINK you know a better solution to the way something is done, but then you go to change it and find all the reasons for why it was done the way it was before. Just take a moment to observe your surroundings before jumping in head first.
3) Be enthusiastic. Like I said before, your new job may not be your dream job, but even if you are just filing all day, make sure that filing cabinet is in the best shape it's ever been in. The person who hired you probably did so because you convinced them in your interview that you were the best candidate for the job. Well, now is your time to prove it. You said you would be the best Taco server ever, then you better do your best to fufill that promise. A lot can be said for the first few weeks you're at a job, and usually by the end of week three, your employer has made up their mind about you. Be enthusiastic about your job, no matter what it is, and do it to the best of your ability.4) Get to know your coworkers. You're not the only one going through changes. If you're new on the job, it's probably because you took the place of someone else. It could have been someone everyone hated, but it also could have been someone that everybody loved. Whatever the case, get to know your coworkers and let them know you're someone who can be trusted to do your work effectively and on time. Don't be afraid to get to know them on a personal level, too. After all, who knows how long you'll be working together - if they ask you to go to happy hour after work, go ahead!
6) Take notes. You're learning a new job, so asking questions is expected. However, if you have to keep asking the same thing over and over, it's likely to get annoying to those around you. So, take notes so that you can refer back to them before asking questions. For instance, if you're being taught how to log something into an excel sheet, take note of where the information is recorded from, where it's saved on the computer, what days it's updated on, etc. Little things like not being overly needy make a great impression on new employers.
7) Above all else, be YOURSELF. Don't try to impress your employer or new coworkers by acting like someone you're not. If your boss loves golf and you've never played, that's FINE. Don't try to tell them you play every weekend to fit in, because most likely you'll get invited to play in the future and be caught in the lie. Plus, you don't want to look like you're trying to be impressive. Just observe the crowd, throw in your own thoughts when you feel it's appropriate, and before you know it, you'll be part of the group, too. Don't be too anxious to fit in, it will happen with time.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when transitioning to a new job. What's something you always do/avoid when you're new on the job?
Comment below! Andddd Happy Friday! :)
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Busy Times
I'm so sorry to all my followers for the lack of postings lately. With graduation and every event surrounding it, I have been extremely busy (nothing new, right?) I was just promoted at work and I can FINALLY narrow my three jobs down to one. I'm hoping to get this crazy life under control soon so I can come back with more helpful postings! Until then, take care, followers!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
I'm DONE!
I can't believe it, but I am actually DONE with college! This is just a little proof that hard work really does pay off. It's been a crazy four years full of stress, but also full of amazing times with friends. I guess this will be a new chapter in my blog as I transition into "big girl" world and learn the ups, downs, and stresses of my twenties! I've been interviewing at a few places trying to get my foot in the door somewhere. I really hope someone will take a chance on me. Why is it such a catch 22 with getting a job? It's like trying to get credit - they want you to have experience to hire you but you can't get experience without getting hired. I believe, however, that someone will value the hard work I've put in so far and will see that I'm worth taking a chance on.
Okay, college grads, let's hear it. What was it like for you when you first left? How did you face the "real" world afterward? Do you have any advice for how to balance life after college?
I'm so excited for this new chapter in my life, and excited to bring my followers along with me!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
EAS Carb Control Protein Shakes - REVIEW
In our busy lives, it's so difficult to keep on track with our nutritional goals. I know that in the past, I have barely had time for breakfast AT ALL, let alone a healthy one. When I got on this low carb kick back in February, I really wanted to find a fast breakfast that aligned with my new healthy lifestyle. For a while, I was waking up earlier than usual to make turkey bacon and eggs (which is still a scrumptious breakfast lol.) However, on the mornings when I was just too tired or already had to wake up super early, this breakfast idea didn't pan out as well and I was usually left grabbing a high carb protein bar or having no breakfast at all. My breakfast life changed when my boss at College of Sciences introduced me to this amazing product: EAS Carb Control Protein Shakes.These shakes are literally AWESOME. I promise, if you are looking for a yummy, quick breakfast that will not only fit into your busy life but will also keep you FULL for the morning - this is your drink!
There is so much to love about this product. First of all, let's talk taste. How many times have you tried a quick breakfast drink only to have to hold your nose every time you try to take a drink? I know I've tried a few that I couldn't stomach, but luckily EAS has great taste down. The shakes come in a variety of flavors including chocolate fudge, dark chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, caramel latte, and more. My personal favorite is the chocolate fudge - it reminds me of chocolate milk as a kid :) So, as far as taste and variety goes, this product is awesome.
Now let's talk nutrition. As you all know, this low carb/high protein kick I'm on is what drives most of my food selections. This product is perfect for that because it has (wait for it) 17 GRAMS of protein and only 3 net carbs! I know, amazing right? This product fits perfectly into my diet and the best part? It keeps me FULL. I never have to worry about getting the mid morning hunger pains because the protein satisfies me all morning.
Okay, so we have a great tasting shake with a variety of flavors that's great for you, could it get any better? YES. Because along with being super convenient, it's also super affordable! The average 4 pack at Publix runs around $5.00 (that's only $1.25 each!) This is a great alternative for other breakfast options, especially if you're hitting up the drive through and paying about $5.00 for one meal.
Overall, this product is just AWESOME. It's great for breakfast, mid-afternoon snack, or right before a great work out. Trust me, if you're searching for a convenient, great tasting, healthy breakfast - this should be your next purchase!
Ryan is Home!
I know I don't usually post little slices of my life, but my amazing husband is HOME! His last day in the Army was April 3rd and he has been home for almost a full week now. I can't explain the feeling of having him home and knowing we can be together every day. :) Hope all of you are having a great week too!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Balancing Finances
As we get caught up in our day to day lives, we often forget that most everything we do in a day costs money. For instance, there's the gas and tolls to drive to work, the money we used for lunch that day, and of course the car payment for the car we drove and cell phone payment for the phone we used. Then, we get home, and there's the bills that accumulate there, too. So how are we supposed to keep up with all the bills when we're already so incredibly busy? It's very similar to how we balance everything else in our lives, but we definitely have to make finances a priority.
First of all, make sure you write down your expenses each month. It's a lot like scheduling in everything you have to do in your planner. The reason for this is so you don't forget anything, which is very easy to do - especially if you're a very busy person. For instance, there was one month where I completely forgot about my car insurance payment because I was overwhelmed with tests, papers, and on top of that I was working a 50 hour work week. Luckily, I was signed up for automatic withdrawal so it just took it from my account and thankfully I had just been paid so I had the money in there. However, this could have been a really bad situation if I wasn't enrolled in automatic withdrawal or, even worse, if they tried to withdraw and overdrew my bank account. So make sure to write down what you have to pay and when either on a calendar in your house or right in your planner where you know you'll be looking every day.
If you do have a bill you forgot about, don't freak out. Most of them have grace periods, so call customer service and explain what happened. If worse comes to worse (for example, the electricity gets turned off,) just pay your bill as soon as you can and remember to write it down for next month. If it's one or two times, it is usually understandable - just don't make a habit of it.
In addition to writing down all your payments, don't forget to keep track of your bank account somehow. Now, I know a lot of us depend on online banking (myself included,) but a backup tracker is essential. One of the reasons is because pending transactions can sometimes show up wrong on online banking systems. For example, you might get $40.00 in gas but it shows up as $1.00 until it completely goes through. This can definitely get you into trouble. Another reason to have a backup way to track your purchases is that sometimes places will charge you twice and sometimes the charge won't even show up until days after you've made the purchase - so you're not even thinking about it. Yes, online banking is great for double checking everything is going through correctly, but don't let it be your only version of tracking your purchases.
If you're anything like me, you probably work a lot but also have a lot of bills that the money goes to. If that's the case, make sure you take into consideration any days you miss at work. For instance, if you're sick for a couple days, remember that you might have to go a few nights without going out because you'll need to use the money you'll be getting for bills. It's important to keep track of how much income you have coming in as opposed to what's going out.
In addition, don't lean too much on credit cards. Remember that the purpose of them is to build your credit and use strategically or in emergencies. The last thing you want to do is depend on it like a crutch and then find yourself trying to catch up on an ever increasing credit card bill. This will only add to the stress I'm sure you already have with a busy lifestyle. Credit cards are great - just be wary.
Don't let finances bring you down. Unfortunately, money is a huge source of stress for many if not all of us. Instead of letting it drive you crazy, remember to only focus on what you can control. In other words, work on getting the hours you need to pay your bills and pay off your credit cards and loans with whatever you can afford. Don't freak out if it's not all paid off at the end of the month, you're not alone in that. Just make sure to sacrifice what you need to in order to reach your financial goals next month. I can't even count how many times I've had to give up going out or doing something I really wanted to get caught up financially. It's not easy and you'll be upset, but it'll be worth it when you no longer have debt hanging over your head. Just remember to not let it get you down and opt for less expensive activities to get you through (like crafting or watching movies on TV.)
In all actuality, it really depends on the person on how to balance out your finances. Try these steps and see if that helps you get things under control. Remember that, sadly, finances have to take a huge priority in our lives. Therefore, do what you have to do in order to set them straight. If you're having more trouble than what's discussed here, consider calling your billing companies and trying to work out a different payment plan or see a financial advisor. Hopefully you're just having a little trouble finding time to balance and this will help you out! Remember, you can't do everything (we're not superman, after all!) But you can handle a lot more than you think. So take a deep breath and tackle your finances for next month!
First of all, make sure you write down your expenses each month. It's a lot like scheduling in everything you have to do in your planner. The reason for this is so you don't forget anything, which is very easy to do - especially if you're a very busy person. For instance, there was one month where I completely forgot about my car insurance payment because I was overwhelmed with tests, papers, and on top of that I was working a 50 hour work week. Luckily, I was signed up for automatic withdrawal so it just took it from my account and thankfully I had just been paid so I had the money in there. However, this could have been a really bad situation if I wasn't enrolled in automatic withdrawal or, even worse, if they tried to withdraw and overdrew my bank account. So make sure to write down what you have to pay and when either on a calendar in your house or right in your planner where you know you'll be looking every day.
If you do have a bill you forgot about, don't freak out. Most of them have grace periods, so call customer service and explain what happened. If worse comes to worse (for example, the electricity gets turned off,) just pay your bill as soon as you can and remember to write it down for next month. If it's one or two times, it is usually understandable - just don't make a habit of it.
If you're anything like me, you probably work a lot but also have a lot of bills that the money goes to. If that's the case, make sure you take into consideration any days you miss at work. For instance, if you're sick for a couple days, remember that you might have to go a few nights without going out because you'll need to use the money you'll be getting for bills. It's important to keep track of how much income you have coming in as opposed to what's going out.
In addition, don't lean too much on credit cards. Remember that the purpose of them is to build your credit and use strategically or in emergencies. The last thing you want to do is depend on it like a crutch and then find yourself trying to catch up on an ever increasing credit card bill. This will only add to the stress I'm sure you already have with a busy lifestyle. Credit cards are great - just be wary.Don't let finances bring you down. Unfortunately, money is a huge source of stress for many if not all of us. Instead of letting it drive you crazy, remember to only focus on what you can control. In other words, work on getting the hours you need to pay your bills and pay off your credit cards and loans with whatever you can afford. Don't freak out if it's not all paid off at the end of the month, you're not alone in that. Just make sure to sacrifice what you need to in order to reach your financial goals next month. I can't even count how many times I've had to give up going out or doing something I really wanted to get caught up financially. It's not easy and you'll be upset, but it'll be worth it when you no longer have debt hanging over your head. Just remember to not let it get you down and opt for less expensive activities to get you through (like crafting or watching movies on TV.)
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| Not all of us have this luxury lol |
In all actuality, it really depends on the person on how to balance out your finances. Try these steps and see if that helps you get things under control. Remember that, sadly, finances have to take a huge priority in our lives. Therefore, do what you have to do in order to set them straight. If you're having more trouble than what's discussed here, consider calling your billing companies and trying to work out a different payment plan or see a financial advisor. Hopefully you're just having a little trouble finding time to balance and this will help you out! Remember, you can't do everything (we're not superman, after all!) But you can handle a lot more than you think. So take a deep breath and tackle your finances for next month!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Just A Little Fast Dinner - McCormick Chicken & Carrots
Do you have an hour to cook dinner? No? Well how about ten minutes to prepare it and stick it in the oven, then can you come back and get it 45 minutes later? If you can, you have to check out this delicious and easy recipe.
Pick up some boneless chicken cutlets (Publix is my preference.) Check out the spices aisle, and over by where the shake and bake stuff is you can find McCormick Bag n' Season packets. Pick up the one for chicken (I use original, but there's a spicier version, too.) Don't forget veggies (I love using baby carrots, but you can also pick up some broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, etc.)
Take the bag out of the packet and place it in a 13x9 inch pan. Put the oven on 350 to preheat. Take your chicken and season it with the packet seasoning (both sides.) Place chicken in the bag and fill it with the veggies you want. Use remaining seasoning to sprinkle over the veggies and chicken. Loosely tie the bag up with the little black tie that comes with the pack and poke 4-6 small holes in the top of the bag.
Bake for 45-60 minutes (depending on how many veggies you have.) It's that easy! This is one of my favorite fast recipes, and it tastes great as leftovers. Oh, and did I mention this whole meal costs about $6.00?! Yummy, fast, AND affordable? Count me in!
P.S. This is a total carb friendly meal :)
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| Don't you just love my fancy dinner ware? ;) |
Catching Up
Why is it that falling behind on tasks is so easy to do, but catching up is virtually impossible? This has happened to me many times throughout my academic and professional career, and when I fall behind I usually turn straight to freak out mode. However, I've learned a lot through my experiences and I've learned that falling behind isn't fun, but it's not impossible to overcome.
The first thing I recommend doing when you fall behind is to just take a deep breath and realize that you're going to have a rough week (month, year) until you can get caught up. It's not going to be easy, and it's going to test your patience. Just realize that whatever the reason was, you fell behind and now you have to deal with it. Then, grab your handy dandy planner or favorite to-do list pad, and start listing everything that needs to get done and the due date. This will help you organize your craziness and figure out what to focus on.
Something to remember when you fall behind is that you're not alone. There are so many people who fall behind on what they have to do, in fact, most likely your boss or professor has to do the same catching up that you do. However, this doesn't mean run to whoever is in charge and complain about your life to get an extension. In my opinion, extensions are rarely ever given - and if you ask for one, that person's perception of you will change drastically. Don't put yourself in that situation. Instead, take control and take responsibility for what's going on. It's time to get things done, not try to make them go away.
Remember to prioritize. If you have something due tomorrow, obviously that has to take precedence, even if the item that's due next week is a larger project that requires a lot of time. Prioritizing also goes for what you do with your day. Maybe you do yoga with the girls every Monday or you have an event for a social organization on Thursday. As hard as it is, you have to choose what is more important - going to that party, or getting that report on your boss's desk. I've seen it so many times in college where my close friends have denied their responsibilities because they would rather go out and have fun. The unfortunate truth is that with academics this can often lead to academic probation or disqualification, and with work, this often leads to disciplinary action, less hours, or worse: termination.
It's just like handling stress, in a way. Put one foot in front of the other and take one step at a time. Crossing things off your list should help you feel a little better, but catching up is a little different than having a regular busy week. If you fell behind, that could mean that you're trying to do three weeks' work in one. The key is to realize that you should focus on what's attainable and what isn't. Spread your time out wisely and don't freak out over what you can't control. If you spend your energy worrying about that assignment that was due last night that you completely forgot about, that's less energy you'll have to focus on that report due on Friday that you can actually do. Sometimes, things happen - focus on what can be changed, not on the past.
Even though you've fallen behind, it's important to focus on what you need to do in the next couple of weeks, too, so that you don't fall even farther behind. I've had it happen to me so many times - I get to the end of "hell week" and get caught up, or so I think, only to look at my planner for the next week and realize I'm now behind on those tasks. So, even if you only do a little work on things for the upcoming weeks, make sure you don't ignore them completely.
Remember to take time for yourself. It's hard to schedule it in, especially if you're catching up on multiple things, but it's important to not add excessive stress to your already overloaded schedule. Take a few minutes to do something you enjoy, even if it's not to the fullest extent. For instance, if you're missing your daily workouts but don't have time to hit the gym, take 10-15 minutes to stretch. Doing this will release those endorphins you're craving but won't make you sweaty enough to need to take a shower. Stretching also clears your head for a while because you have to focus on your breathing and your reach.
Overall, falling behind can be a disaster. Most of us stress out until we're caught back up, but just remember to take it one step at a time and realize that complaining about it won't make it go away. Find your inner strength and power through your to-do list and before you know it, Saturday will be here greeting you with open arms.
The first thing I recommend doing when you fall behind is to just take a deep breath and realize that you're going to have a rough week (month, year) until you can get caught up. It's not going to be easy, and it's going to test your patience. Just realize that whatever the reason was, you fell behind and now you have to deal with it. Then, grab your handy dandy planner or favorite to-do list pad, and start listing everything that needs to get done and the due date. This will help you organize your craziness and figure out what to focus on.
Something to remember when you fall behind is that you're not alone. There are so many people who fall behind on what they have to do, in fact, most likely your boss or professor has to do the same catching up that you do. However, this doesn't mean run to whoever is in charge and complain about your life to get an extension. In my opinion, extensions are rarely ever given - and if you ask for one, that person's perception of you will change drastically. Don't put yourself in that situation. Instead, take control and take responsibility for what's going on. It's time to get things done, not try to make them go away.
Remember to prioritize. If you have something due tomorrow, obviously that has to take precedence, even if the item that's due next week is a larger project that requires a lot of time. Prioritizing also goes for what you do with your day. Maybe you do yoga with the girls every Monday or you have an event for a social organization on Thursday. As hard as it is, you have to choose what is more important - going to that party, or getting that report on your boss's desk. I've seen it so many times in college where my close friends have denied their responsibilities because they would rather go out and have fun. The unfortunate truth is that with academics this can often lead to academic probation or disqualification, and with work, this often leads to disciplinary action, less hours, or worse: termination.
It's just like handling stress, in a way. Put one foot in front of the other and take one step at a time. Crossing things off your list should help you feel a little better, but catching up is a little different than having a regular busy week. If you fell behind, that could mean that you're trying to do three weeks' work in one. The key is to realize that you should focus on what's attainable and what isn't. Spread your time out wisely and don't freak out over what you can't control. If you spend your energy worrying about that assignment that was due last night that you completely forgot about, that's less energy you'll have to focus on that report due on Friday that you can actually do. Sometimes, things happen - focus on what can be changed, not on the past.
Even though you've fallen behind, it's important to focus on what you need to do in the next couple of weeks, too, so that you don't fall even farther behind. I've had it happen to me so many times - I get to the end of "hell week" and get caught up, or so I think, only to look at my planner for the next week and realize I'm now behind on those tasks. So, even if you only do a little work on things for the upcoming weeks, make sure you don't ignore them completely.
Remember to take time for yourself. It's hard to schedule it in, especially if you're catching up on multiple things, but it's important to not add excessive stress to your already overloaded schedule. Take a few minutes to do something you enjoy, even if it's not to the fullest extent. For instance, if you're missing your daily workouts but don't have time to hit the gym, take 10-15 minutes to stretch. Doing this will release those endorphins you're craving but won't make you sweaty enough to need to take a shower. Stretching also clears your head for a while because you have to focus on your breathing and your reach.
Overall, falling behind can be a disaster. Most of us stress out until we're caught back up, but just remember to take it one step at a time and realize that complaining about it won't make it go away. Find your inner strength and power through your to-do list and before you know it, Saturday will be here greeting you with open arms.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Key West Adventures
For the most part, my blog posts have been mostly about tips on how to balance out a particular part of life. However, every now and then, I get a little selfish, and that's exactly what I did this week.
This week was spring break for my university, and since it's my last one, some of my sorority sisters and I decided to go to Key West. Now, I have lived in Florida for about 8 years now, but I have never made it out to the Keys. Let me just say, it's like living in an entirely different world down there! I had an amazing time with some of my best friends and it was honestly an adventure I'll never forget. So, I know it's a little out of the ordinary for my blog, but if you're ever in Key West, here are some things you MUST do!
1. Get a drink at Fat Tuesday's. Now, I made a visit to New Orleans for Mardi Gras a couple weeks ago, but the Fat Tuesday's there is surprisingly not as fun as the one in Key West. In my opinion, Fat Tuesday's is the best place on Duval to go for a GREAT tasting drink that does the trick, and if it's around this time of the year, it's likely to be the hottest spot on the street. My personal favorite: 190 Octane, but feel free to try whatever sounds good to you. :)
2. Go to Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration. Key West is one of the most beautiful places to watch the sun dip down into the water, and Mallory Square makes it a blast. They have fun street performance shows as well as street art you can buy. The crowd is usually a big one, and the sunset never disappoints. In fact, the day we went it was actually cloudy, but the sun still managed to peak out for a little while and the celebration made it just as great as I expected. My personal favorite: check out the guy who looks like Captain Jack Sparrow, you'll see him stumbling around talking to himself, so funny!
3. Visit the Southern Most Point. One of the most unique things about being in Key West is knowing that you can't go any further south in the USA. When you're down there, pull up your iPhone maps app and you'll feel surreal. Looking around and realizing you're completely surrounded by water and only a mere 90 miles from Cuba gives the key an out-of-this-world feeling. It's a must to document it with the Southern Most Point statue. My personal favorite: Check out the house right next door to the marker, it's the southern most house in the USA!
4. Venture up to the top of the La Concha hotel on Duval. You can go inside through the Starbucks below and take the elevator to the top floor. There's a full service bar up there, as well as an incredible view of the entire island. Truly a breathtaking sight, and it's free! :) My personal favorite: check out the view of the cruise ships, it's a majestic sight.
5. Eat at The Conch Republic. This is a great restaurant that boasts some of Key West's finest sea food. Now, I don't actually like sea food, but their chicken was great! Honestly, the best part is their amazing mojitos - definitely worth a try! My personal favorite: Happy hour is from 4-7 at the bar! :)
6. Visit Dante's. Dante's is an outdoor bar a few blocks from Duval that has a pool right in the middle of it. The best part? You can lounge by the pool or even be in it and have your drinks delivered. It's a great hot spot and so much fun. My personal favorite: If you get there early enough or catch it at the right time, you can call dips on the floating beer pong table in the pool. :P
7. Check out Smather's Beach. This is the only little stretch of beach on the key that isn't private, and it's a lot of fun. If you go around Spring Break time, don't be surprised to find it swamped with drunken college kids. However, get there early enough and you can enjoy some peaceful hours, and from what my cab driver told me, it's usually not as crazy and is the number one beach to go to on the key. My personal favorite: Smather's Beach food stands - you can get two hot dogs or two tacos, fries, and a drink for 5 bucks! Hey, not bad for beach food in the Keys ;)
8. Hit up the mile 0 marker. It's crazy to think that you're at mile 0 in a state, let alone mile 0 in the entire US. You can find this marker not too far from Duval. It's a must see and a great photo opp. My personal favorite: walk there, because there is no close parking! :)
9. Make a trip to Hogs Breath. This little bar is located right off of Duval, and they are a fun spot to check out. When we were there, there was live music and the bar was full of fun people. My personal favorite: You have to try the key lime shooters! It's like key lime pie in a shot glass with a kick ;)
10. Drink some fresh coconut water. This is a pretty standard treat for an island, but it's something you have to try. They pull our a coconut and drill a hole in it for a straw. It's a different taste, but a fun experience! My personal favorite: Check out the guys who sell it out of their truck near the Southern Most Point, so nice and tasty!
11. Go to Rick's between 8 and 11 at night. They run a drink special there that for $10 cover, you get a cup and have free drinks until 11. The best part is that there are multiple bars within Rick's, so you don't have to stick with the same drink the entire time. My personal favorite: Check out the frozen daiquiri bar on the second floor - yummy stuff!
12. And finally, if you dare, go to the Garden of Eden. This rooftop bar is clothing optional, which means you're bound to see some interesting sights. I would suggest going at a busy time, like during Spring Break or a popular part of the summer. Sometimes it's only a few people naked, maybe just a couple who are topless, but you might end up there on a night where the roof is packed. At any rate, it's a fun time and something you don't see every day. My personal favorite: Check out the guy who does body painting in the corner of the bar. If you want to get a little naked but don't want it to show, he's great at illusions!
There you have it. If you're ever in Key West, these are the top things I think should be on your must do list. Overall, I've learned one thing about Key West: You can never leave as the same person you were when you arrived! :)
This week was spring break for my university, and since it's my last one, some of my sorority sisters and I decided to go to Key West. Now, I have lived in Florida for about 8 years now, but I have never made it out to the Keys. Let me just say, it's like living in an entirely different world down there! I had an amazing time with some of my best friends and it was honestly an adventure I'll never forget. So, I know it's a little out of the ordinary for my blog, but if you're ever in Key West, here are some things you MUST do!
1. Get a drink at Fat Tuesday's. Now, I made a visit to New Orleans for Mardi Gras a couple weeks ago, but the Fat Tuesday's there is surprisingly not as fun as the one in Key West. In my opinion, Fat Tuesday's is the best place on Duval to go for a GREAT tasting drink that does the trick, and if it's around this time of the year, it's likely to be the hottest spot on the street. My personal favorite: 190 Octane, but feel free to try whatever sounds good to you. :)
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| Fat Tuesday's Drink and Ray Bans, what more do you need? |
2. Go to Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration. Key West is one of the most beautiful places to watch the sun dip down into the water, and Mallory Square makes it a blast. They have fun street performance shows as well as street art you can buy. The crowd is usually a big one, and the sunset never disappoints. In fact, the day we went it was actually cloudy, but the sun still managed to peak out for a little while and the celebration made it just as great as I expected. My personal favorite: check out the guy who looks like Captain Jack Sparrow, you'll see him stumbling around talking to himself, so funny!
3. Visit the Southern Most Point. One of the most unique things about being in Key West is knowing that you can't go any further south in the USA. When you're down there, pull up your iPhone maps app and you'll feel surreal. Looking around and realizing you're completely surrounded by water and only a mere 90 miles from Cuba gives the key an out-of-this-world feeling. It's a must to document it with the Southern Most Point statue. My personal favorite: Check out the house right next door to the marker, it's the southern most house in the USA!
4. Venture up to the top of the La Concha hotel on Duval. You can go inside through the Starbucks below and take the elevator to the top floor. There's a full service bar up there, as well as an incredible view of the entire island. Truly a breathtaking sight, and it's free! :) My personal favorite: check out the view of the cruise ships, it's a majestic sight.
5. Eat at The Conch Republic. This is a great restaurant that boasts some of Key West's finest sea food. Now, I don't actually like sea food, but their chicken was great! Honestly, the best part is their amazing mojitos - definitely worth a try! My personal favorite: Happy hour is from 4-7 at the bar! :)
6. Visit Dante's. Dante's is an outdoor bar a few blocks from Duval that has a pool right in the middle of it. The best part? You can lounge by the pool or even be in it and have your drinks delivered. It's a great hot spot and so much fun. My personal favorite: If you get there early enough or catch it at the right time, you can call dips on the floating beer pong table in the pool. :P
7. Check out Smather's Beach. This is the only little stretch of beach on the key that isn't private, and it's a lot of fun. If you go around Spring Break time, don't be surprised to find it swamped with drunken college kids. However, get there early enough and you can enjoy some peaceful hours, and from what my cab driver told me, it's usually not as crazy and is the number one beach to go to on the key. My personal favorite: Smather's Beach food stands - you can get two hot dogs or two tacos, fries, and a drink for 5 bucks! Hey, not bad for beach food in the Keys ;)
8. Hit up the mile 0 marker. It's crazy to think that you're at mile 0 in a state, let alone mile 0 in the entire US. You can find this marker not too far from Duval. It's a must see and a great photo opp. My personal favorite: walk there, because there is no close parking! :)
9. Make a trip to Hogs Breath. This little bar is located right off of Duval, and they are a fun spot to check out. When we were there, there was live music and the bar was full of fun people. My personal favorite: You have to try the key lime shooters! It's like key lime pie in a shot glass with a kick ;)
10. Drink some fresh coconut water. This is a pretty standard treat for an island, but it's something you have to try. They pull our a coconut and drill a hole in it for a straw. It's a different taste, but a fun experience! My personal favorite: Check out the guys who sell it out of their truck near the Southern Most Point, so nice and tasty!
11. Go to Rick's between 8 and 11 at night. They run a drink special there that for $10 cover, you get a cup and have free drinks until 11. The best part is that there are multiple bars within Rick's, so you don't have to stick with the same drink the entire time. My personal favorite: Check out the frozen daiquiri bar on the second floor - yummy stuff!
12. And finally, if you dare, go to the Garden of Eden. This rooftop bar is clothing optional, which means you're bound to see some interesting sights. I would suggest going at a busy time, like during Spring Break or a popular part of the summer. Sometimes it's only a few people naked, maybe just a couple who are topless, but you might end up there on a night where the roof is packed. At any rate, it's a fun time and something you don't see every day. My personal favorite: Check out the guy who does body painting in the corner of the bar. If you want to get a little naked but don't want it to show, he's great at illusions!
There you have it. If you're ever in Key West, these are the top things I think should be on your must do list. Overall, I've learned one thing about Key West: You can never leave as the same person you were when you arrived! :)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Group Projects - "Do's and Don't's"
I'll keep this one short and sweet. Being an advertising/public relations major, I've had to work in so many group settings I can't even remember them all. Whether you have to do it for school, work, or in an extra curricular activity, working on a group project usually proves to be tricky. It's difficult to have a good experience, but here are some simple "do's and don't's" to keep in mind.
DO gather contact information for easy communication. Be the person to step up when the group is first formed and get a list of everyone's first and last names, emails, and phone numbers. You can use their first and last name to find them on Facebook and create a group for easy conversation and sharing, and you can also put everyone's email and phone number on the page so the entire group has it.
DO create an account with Box.com or a similar site. Sites like this let you create a file, invite people to share and contribute to it, and upload and download files. This is GREAT for group projects where everyone is going to be doing their own individual tasks. Instead of them having to email everyone and worrying about how long it will take, they just upload it to the box and the entire group can view it and can even download it and make changes if needed.
DON'T sit back and not speak up. Not only will you not get your voice heard, but you'll be viewed as the person who doesn't do anything. Whether you really care or not, speak up and make sure your group knows you're invested in the project. Even if it's something as simple as what color font to use for the project cover, make sure you let them know you have an opinion and that you are part of the group.
DO your share of the work. Volunteer for the things you're good at (i.e. maybe you love to write so you offer to write all the copy, or maybe you're into research so you volunteer for that.) Most of the time, you're working on the group project for someone higher up, and your group members have access to that person. The last thing you want is them saying you didn't help on the project. If you're uncomfortable with the subject, just pick something you're good at and play on your strengths. You have to realize that you are going to have to do work - just because it's a group project doesn't mean you get to slack.
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| Don't let this ^ be your train of thought. |
DON'T be that guy (or girl.) You know what I'm talking about, the one that takes complete control over the entire project and says they'll do everything and not to worry about it. It's easy to try to be a control freak, but the whole purpose of a group project is to experiment with working with other people. In the "real world," telling your colleagues that you'll do everything on a project isn't going to fly. Do your share and maybe a little more if you feel like someone else in the group is slacking, but be careful when you're dancing on that line. And with that...
DO trust your group members. Like I mentioned before, a lot is invested in a group project, so it's easy to try to take control so that everything gets done the way you want it to. This defeats the purpose of a group project, and the truth is if you overload yourself doing an entire group's work, your final project won't turn out as good as the other groups you're up against who actually shared the load. Three ideas are better than one, and it takes more than one person to put together a successful project.
DON'T complain about your group members. You don't get to choose who you work with in the real world, therefore complaining about your group members in school and trying to get them to change isn't going to teach you anything. Instead, take the challenge and figure out how to utilize the person you're not a fan of. Maybe they are really annoying but they are great at public speaking. Make sure to give them important speaking parts and make them feel like you care about them rather than telling them to shove off every time they speak.
And finally, DO give credit where credit is due, both to yourself and your group members. If there is any type of evaluation at the end, make it as detailed as you can. You want the people who did a great job to get great rewards, and those who weren't so great to get what they deserve as well. Now, that doesn't mean rip someone apart. Keep it classy, but be honest. In the end, these evaluations will help you, too.
So there are a few tid bits from Mrs. Busy Pants about group projects. Now let me have it, what do you guys think is great advice for working in a group project?
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