Saturday, April 26, 2014

Short & Sweet - Adventures in Charlotte

This week has definitely been an adventure!  I attended a seminar for work in Charlotte, NC and enjoyed every bit of it.  I love attending seminars and conferences - the presenters always seem to be the knowledge-keepers of your field and relate issues you may be having to real-world solutions.  One thing the presenter said that caught my attention was to make sure you're doing something that you enjoy and making the most of any difficult situation that comes your way.  She pointed out that if you plant poison, you will always get poison.  Her point was that if you focus on the bad in every situation, you won't be happy.  Your career is going to consume a lot of your time - make sure it's something that you enjoy and feel like you make a difference doing.


At night, I had the opportunity to dine at restaurants we don't have in Blacksburg.  From P.F. Chang's to The Cheesecake Factory, I dined like a queen!  I also had the opportunity to have dinner with Chris' sister, who lives just an hour away from Charlotte.  It was nice to get out of my hotel room for dinner one evening and catch up with her.

After spending an hour at the Apple store, I have now learned that my iPad (which I've only had for a little over a year), is completely shot.  Dunzo!  You know it's a really bad case when the Genius at the Apple store said in his six years of working there, he's only seen this happen two or three other times.  Anyone out there an Apple under-cover Genius and want a free iPad?  It's certainly not doing me any good keeping it...I guess it could serve as a nice-sized paper weight.


Friday, April 18, 2014

Short & Sweet - Spring is Here!

Each morning as I roll out of bed, I can hear the birds chirping on the trees outside my window.  I make it to the window and pull the curtains back...flowers are blooming and the sun is shining.  Spring is finally here!


Time for bright colors, cute dresses, sandals, pedicures, and vacations.  Two of my favorite colors to wear in the spring and summer are teal and purple.  They always tend to "make my skin glow" whether I'm at the beach or walking around downtown.  Thanks to Polyvore, I created two outfits I love, along with accessories for each. What are your favorite colors to wear once the weather becomes 75 degrees, sunny, and beautiful?



1. Dress: Window Shopping Spree Dress by ModCloth
    Earrings: Secret Garden Studs in Flo Coral/Clear by Kate Spade

2. Dress: Skipping Through the Lilacs Dress by ModCloth
    Earrings: Secret Garden Studs in Giverny Blue by Kate Spade

Bracelet: Finishing Touch Bangle Bracelet by Kate Spade
Sandals: Miller Sandal by Tory Burch



Friday, April 11, 2014

Short & Sweet - Sunrise, Starbucks, & States

In my Short & Sweet post last week, I challenged myself to wake up at 6:15 each morning this week and enjoy the sunrise, a nutritious breakfast, and take my time getting ready.  For 5 straight days now, I've done just that.  I can honestly say that waking up early, having breakfast at home, and taking my time to get ready have truly had an impact on my outlook for the day and my productivity level.  I've noticed how much more attentive I've been at work, I've felt less stressed and rushed to get things done, and I've had a more productive workout in the afternoon as well.  Hopefully I can keep this new routine up as the weeks go on.


Ah...the power of Starbucks.  Whether it's a frappuccino to start your day off right or a latte to keep you going till 5:00, Starbucks is definitely a pick-me-up.  If you frequent Starbucks, I would highly suggest you sign up for Starbucks Rewards.  I usually get a weekly email that ranges from a free breakfast sandwich to 25% off a drink.  Who doesn't love free Starbucks?!?


The Virginia state canvas is officially complete!  It took a bit of tweaking from my original plan, but I must say that it looks amazing!  Can't wait to finish Tennessee and Connecticut to complete the gallery wall.


Friday, April 4, 2014

Short & Sweet - Morning Routine

What does your morning routine look like?

Mine seems to resemble something like a whirlwind that never stops.  Usually I get in the shower around 6:45, even though my alarm is consistently set for 6:30.  That leaves me right around an hour to get primped and ready.  An hour may seem reasonable, but when you change your outfit 3+ times each morning, you start to run a little tight on time.


You always see in movies how peaceful and relaxing mornings can be for people when they're sipping on coffee while reading the paper and watching the news.  At what age does this morning routine kick in?  I've been out of college for 4 years now - isn't it time that I started waking up a little earlier and enjoying the morning before I go to work?  Maybe a relaxing morning would lead to a better outlook on the day and more positivity!

I'm making it my goal next week to wake up at 6:15 and have an extra 30 minutes each morning to just enjoy the peacefulness at home before the rush at work begins.

Wouldn't it be nice to wake up and enjoy the sunrise every morning?