Create your free personal digital monogram

Have you seen this from Mark & Graham?  I love it!
Free personal digital monogram from Mark & Graham.

They send your finished monograms right to your email instantly. You can download and use anyway you'd like.  This is perfect for email and blog signatures.  Here are three samples I created.

Jewelry Storage Options

As statement jewelry has become more popular I found my collection to be overflowing across my dresser.  I saw the jewelry cabinet on the top left in a Pottery Barn mailer and just loved it.  The only thing is I wish they had a free-standing option that can be moved easily.
All of the cabinets shown have pre-designed organizers inside, perfect for storing jewelry.  Some even have lock and key options.  How do you organize your jewelry?

Jewelry Storage Options by eporter-217 featuring a wooden jewellery box

Pottery Barn jewellery box / Jewellery box / Home decor / Wooden jewellery box / Antique Black Adjustable Full-Length Cheval Mirror & Jewelry Wardrobe

My top 10 essentials

My everyday essentials by eporter-217 featuring gold earrings

Burt s Bees lip treatment This goes with me every where I go.  I have it in my car, purse and several coat pockets.  Burt's Bees is the best!
Goody hair pin Bobby pins are my go to for humid or windy Florida days.
Gold earrings Simon got me these earrings last year and they are my go to set. (my set is without the center diamond)
Pandora sterling silver jewelry My first Pandora items came from my in-laws.  This bracelet is especially cherished because Simon's Dad passed away just five months after I received this as a Christmas present.
Michael Kors watch MK watches are my fave style.  I got this one in the spring when it came out.  It's perfect for those that like to mix white gold and yellow gold.
Danielle Stevens Jewelry monogrammed bangle bracelet I saw this in People's monthly style magazine and ordered it.  It's a couple years old but has held up remarkably well and I wear it daily.
 Kate spade wallet I have had my KS wallet for many years and it's still like new.  These are worth the investment.
 Christian Dior mascara I love this mascara.  On humid days, I layer with an inexpensive waterproof mascara.
Apple Store My iphone is with me every where I go.  I rely on it for my calendar, my emails, as a camera and of course calls and texting.
essie Nail Color - Mamba If you are looking for a perfect neutral polish to wear every day, this is it!  I finish with OPI top coat. 

Career Talk: Resume References

If you are on a hunt for a new job, employers will first judge you based on your resume.  Your references are a key ingredient in your resume.  I recommend providing references when you send in your resume.  If you opt against that, I would bring them with me to the interview.  Make it easier for the employer to consider bringing you onto the team.  

First, who do you add as a reference?  Former employers are an obvious choice.  This includes supervisors and colleagues.  If you are part of a professional or trade organization and are known by business associates there, they would be a suitable choice. 

Avoid family members.  Friends would be okay in my opinion, but only as a last resort.  You are looking for individuals that can confirm specific skills that will be used in the job you are in pursuit for. 

How should you format references on your resume?  I found this graphic which shows a simple but effective format.  Remember, if these are coming in on a second sheet of paper remember to label your personal information at the top of the page, consistent with your resume.  You don't want your references to get lost in a stack and be unidentifiable.  

      

Extra points:  I recently hired for a position and the candidate that got the job not only had references that gave great feedback to verify skills but had online reviews on her personal LinkedIn profile.  While this wasn't a deciding factor for offering employment, it certainly made her stand out above the rest.  

Speaking of LinkedIn, if you have personal information online, keep it updated.  I can tell you with certainty that employers are looking online to see what they can find out about you.  

Tell the truth:  This speaks for itself.  Major employers will do a thorough background check and verify your resume information.  Don't stretch the truth.  Credentials are important.  Personal skills and characteristics are more important.

Above and beyond:  Looking for a modern way to wow employers.  Check this out.  A QR code (quick response) with a video testimonial of a reference.  

Have job search questions?  Send them my way.  I have interviewed more than 100 candidates and seen hundreds of resumes.  Happy Job Hunting!

Read about {Business Casual Interview Outfits}

Not getting call backs? Here are {5 Reasons they won't hire you}

Around the house wishlist

Spring fever has finally kicked in.  I am in the mood to complete a couple projects I have had on my list.  I bought a really pretty square mirror for my foyer but haven't found a table to complete the look.  Here are a few modern entry tables I found that would work.

I have a small linen closet sized area that would make a perfect wet bar area.  We'd only have enough room for one cabinet for storage and an upper cabinet for display but I think it'd really spruce up the room.

Last but not least, I have had a tile back splash on my mind for a while but haven't made much progress finding the look I want.  I like the simplistic look of the white subway style tile but our kitchen cabinets are raised-panel so they lean more towards traditional versus contemporary.  I think of the the more decorative designs would be a better fit.

What projects are you dreaming of?

Around the house wishlist by eporter-217 featuring distressed furniture

Preparing for Thanksgiving guests

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away.  I look forward to this holiday as it's the one that the most family members get together on each year.  If you are having guests over, here are a few things you can start working on to keep the holiday calm.

1. If you are having overnight guests, here are some tips for the perfect guest room from Annie at http://homeofmalones.blogspot.com.  You can get linens washed this week and have everything ready ahead of time.  This will definitely save you time the week your guests arrive.

2.  If your guests will have special needs like gate codes or house keys, get those ready this week as well.  If your guests will encounter any tolls on their way to and from your home, be sure to let them know so they can carry cash.  I like to get a local map and mark points of interest like shopping centers, drugstores, restaurants, departments stores and of course the beach.  If your guests have a car, they may get the urge to get out and explore the area you live in.

3.  My mother-in-law has Celiac Disease so I have become more aware of special dietary needs my guests might have. Often times, guests try not to inconvenience their host and will be agreeable with selections you make.  I have found it easier to give a couple options and ask for their input.  This will make the conversation a little easier to approach.  If your guests are sensitive to foods with gluten, Whole Foods has a section on their website where you can learn more about Gluten Free foods and recipes.  

Here are a few of my favorite appetizers, perfect for visiting guests:  {5-minute cherry cheesecake dip}, {Baked brie with toasted pecans} and this {veggie salsa} is good to snack on for several days.

4.  Get festive! Start the holiday spirit with some home decor.  Get some {fall decor ideas here}.

5.  Lastly, plan your cleaning schedule.  I {found this checklist} that made the thought of cleaning my entire house seem a little easier to accomplish.  

One last tip: don't forget to take a deep breath and have fun.  A happy house is better than a clean house. Enjoy the holidays and remember to take a few moments and be thankful of what you have and the times you are able to spend together.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Glittery, Shimmering Holiday Party Dresses

My favorite time of the year is here.  Time for festive parties and lots of fun.  I found some cute dresses perfect for any party from now through New Year's Eve.  For those chilly nights, these can all easily have tights added along with pretty heels and you are ready to party.
All you need to add are big stud earrings, a charged-up phone (so you can take lots of pictures) and a teasing comb and you are party-ready.
What's your favorite party style?

Glittery, Shimmering Holiday Party Dresses by eporter-217 featuring an embellished cocktail dress

Wednesday Wishlist: Accessories

This week we will finally have a couple cool days and I am ready for more!  Gray bags are so trendy right now and I found this great one from Michael Kors, it's the perfect winter shade.  I love scarves, especially chunky knit ones like these and what better way to accessorize than stack, stack, stack.  These bracelets would be perfect for stacking or worn by themselves.  Lastly, these adorable initial earrings are too cute not to wish for.
What are you wishing for?

Wednesday Wishlist: Accessories by eporter-217 featuring letter jewelry

5 tips for great decorating

At work, one of my duties is decorating model homes.  Since I started with Adams Homes, I have decorated lots and lots of models.  These five tips work for any decorating style.

Tip #1: Hanging pictures
This is one of the most impactful decorating decisions.  I would lean towards neutral artwork and not too "themed" specific.  Specific decor is hard to add to down the road.  Once you have our artwork, hang so that the middle of the picture is at about eye level.  Also work with the proportion of the wall.  If it's wide, horizontal artwork will be the most appealing.  Ususally, people tend towards hanging too high.  Drop it down so that it's closer to eye level across the middle.  There are a few exceptions, a two-story space for instance.  You will need much larger scale art and there is the potential you will hang at a higher level.

Tip #2: Always accessorize in an odd number
Whether you are stacking books, arranging candles or a combination of the two, an odd number of accessories is more appealing than an even number.  Sets of three usually work best.

  

Tip #3: Buy window coverings at least 97" tall
This is one of my favorite decorating techniques.  When you make the move to buyer taller window coverings, your room will look like the ceilings are soaring.  It's nearly impossible to find drapers taller than 84" in most stores but IKEA has them really reasonably priced and a variety of sizes.  Most wall heights for the average home are 8' tall.  This is perfect.  Take those drapes and rods all the way to the top and you are at the perfect height.

Tip #4: Neutral is better
When I first moved out, I was so excited I bought many items in bold colors.  That was short lived.  I was bored with them in months and didn't have the budget to redecorate my entire home. Lesson learned. Neutral is best.  You can always be bold using paint, rugs and accent pillows, rather than a blue or red couch, or even worse, counter tops.

Tip #5: Pick one focal point in the family room
Whenever possible, avoid having multiple focal points.  If you have a fireplace, try to hang the TV above it. Generally speaking, one focal point is best for any room.  This picture I found online, demonstrates this perfectly.  

What are some of your favorite decorating tips?

Favorite denim of the moment

Did I just find a perfectly fitting off-the-rack pair of jeans? Yes!
These Ann Taylor LOFT jeans hold their shape ALL DAY, have a dark rinse for a lean look and have just a touch of distress.  They also happen to be the perfect length.  I am not normally a denim fan since my legs are bigger than my waist and it's hard for me to find a good fit but these are my current faves!
Which brand carries your best fitting jeans?

Distress Denim Favorite by eporter-217 featuring destroyed jeans

My favorite gift ideas from Mark and Graham

Did you get the new mailer from Mark and Graham?  It's filled with the cutest gift ideas.  Although I could buy nearly everything in the mailer, here are some of my favorites.

I'd love to hear what you have your eye on this holiday season!

Travel laundry bag (I have two from Pottery Barn and get lots of use from them on trips)

Acrylic trays   -   Initial earrings   -   Rustic leather card case   -   Table runner

Love bangle   -   Quilted stockings

Back from Texas

I had a w-h-i-r-l-wind of a weekend.  Saturday morning we had a soccer game.  Our girls team has. progressed so much and we ended with a victory.  We were so excited that we went over to treat ourselves for some ice cream at Dairy Queen.

After DQ I went straight to the go-kart track, changed clothes and started practice.  I saw on the news that several areas were getting rain on Saturday and as soon as I got to the track it started to lightly rain.  We ran off and on for the next couple of hours but I wasn't able to get much racing in before I had to leave.
I left the track at 4:30, headed home, grabbed a shower and left just before 5:30 to head to the airport.

Everything was so smooth considering I had a busy day.  I got lucky at the counter and was offered a free upgrade to first-class and it worked out perfect.  I got through security in less than 10 minutes, made it on the plane and landed in Texas in just a couple hours.  I flew into Dallas Fort Worth and we stayed at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine.  It was beautiful.  I got in about 10:00 and met up with with my friends from work that were on the trip.  Luckily, we gained in hour going to central time and another hour with the time change.
We woke up and met downstairs Sunday morning at 8:15 and took a bus to the Texas Motor Speedway. We were treated to a full-day at the racetrack with tours of the areas the teams are and a meet and greet with a driver, Jeff Burton.  We did a lot of walking around and have a lot of fun.
We left the track, came back to the hotel and grabbed some dinner before I went up to my room for the night.

Monday morning came really early and I had to be downstairs to head to the airport at 4:30 am. What was I thinking asking for a morning flight out?  Bad idea!
I landed before 10:00am and made it to my office before lunch.  I am off and running to another busy week.
Have a great week friends. :)


 

Holiday shopping safety tips

Over these next couple months the malls will be packed with shoppers.  I do most of my clothing shopping online these days but Christmas shopping is still a reason to get out and about and hit the shops.  With daylight saving time ending, it will be dark much earlier and female shoppers need to be extra cautious.  I wanted to share a few ideas to keep you safe this holiday season.

The first step is getting ready for a shopping day.  I recommend a crossbody bag.  Not only is it more comfortable, it lowers your risk for being targeted for someone to run up and grab your purse from your shoulder.  {Check out a few of my fave crossbody bags here}   

My next tip is to valet park, whenever possible.  Not only are you safer by valet parking, your gifts stored inside your car are too. Most places average $5-$10 plus a few dollars tip.  You will save time avoiding the dreaded drive up and down every aisle and lower your risk as an easy target for thieves.

After hitting the stores, make a habit of keeping your shopping bags in the trunk, locked up.  Thieves will always go for the easy target and if there are no gifts or valuables in sight, they will likely skip right past your car.

My last tip is one of the best pieces of advice I got from my parents and it has become a habit.  Always, always, always get your keys in your hand before going outside.  This inlcudes grocery shopping, quick stops at the drug store, leaving work and anytime you are walking out to your car.  Take a few seconds at the cash register or at the door before you step outside to locate your car keys and get them ready.  Don't wait until you are outside to fumble through your bag to locate them.  Happy shopping my friends!

Trick-or-Treat - My costume pick

Halloween was so much fun this year.  Many people in my office dressed up and I got home from work just in time to go trick-or-treating with my nieces.
I ended up going with the flower pot idea and got lots of compliments.  It was really easy to make and was lightweight.  I bought the plastic flower pot from a home improvement store and my husband cut the bottom out so I could stand in it.  I bought $10 worth of flowers from the dollar store and duck-taped them inside the pot.  We cut a couple holes in the pot and used rope to make handles so I could walk around easily.  I wrapped those in leaves to disguise the rope.  
I had so many people stop me throughout the day and night and asked to snap a picture. I loved seeing everyone's costumes and had so much fun with the kids.    

My co-workers had some great costumes.  We had Melissa G in an inflatable flamingo, Krista was Wonder Woman, Melissa D was Flo from Progressive and Clay was Duck Dynasty.  Clay and I went out on our jobsites and passed out candy.  Our trade partners loved the treats.

My nieces were Little Mermaid, sweet skeleton and Payton was a cavegirl mixed with a zebra.