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