Spring Fashion

With Spring approaching (or in the rest of the country's case with Spring already here), adding some brightness into your wardrobe is a must.  Here are some ways I have found to stretch my wardrobe with a small budget by adding a few versatile pieces.

Must #1: A white cardigan to brighten up all of your winter-toned tanks and tees.

Must #2: A bright spring dress.  Let's be honest!  We're all so sick of throwing on those winter jeans.

Must #3:  Bright-colored tanks.  If you can't put away those black wraps and cardigans without losing half your wardrobe, spice them up with some bright colors underneath, or pair these with your winter skinnies for an easy evening look.

Must #4:  Skinny Jeans in a colorful wash.  Spring is the perfect time to play with colors so go bold!

Must #5:  Loafers.  Let your feet recuperate after boot season.  They deserve it!

Kitchen Gadgets

I got a new can opener that cuts from the side but one thing called for another because then nothing drained well out of the can.  So I found this tuna press and I use it almost daily for all sorts of things.  You can put it on top of a bowl and squeeze citrus into it to avoid any seeds.  Best $3 I've spent in a long time.  The bright green is my adorable new timer.  I think I can no longer say my apartment is "accidentally" retro because I have become a part of the problem.

Beacause I didn't have time to blog..

I planned on doing a Valentine's day post to brag about my awesome sweetie but got all wrapped up in everything else, so this is a little late.  I got this robe for my sister and then couldn't stop talking about it so Daniel got it for me for Valentine's.  I went right out to Anthropologie to get this adorable hook so it has it's own place in the bathroom.  I love this robe!  I'll wear it even if it's only for ten seconds to walk from bathroom to bedroom.

I got Daniel this tie.  Doesn't it say HOTEL GENERAL MANAGER?  I think so.

Becoming a Brand

I have been thinking a lot about how I am about to be shoved out of academia-land and into that Fire Swamp called the job hunt (hold the R.O.U.S's please) and I'm not going to lie...it terrifies me.  But somewhere underneath the noise in my mind, I had an idea.  Now hear me out, this is going to sound like your worst nightmare corporate robot idea (plus--it's in no way original), but I am convinced that there is a correlation between success and building a successful personal brand.

Here's how my brain-child was conceived.  Project Runway Allstars has been one of the worst shows I have ever seen on television which is ironic because the original Project Runway is one of my all time favorites.  But here's where Allstars goes wrong.  3 words: Fake Heidi Klum.  I don't even know her full name, Angela something, and I don't care.  I could have forgiven her for not being Heidi if she had just one quality that sold her as a personal brand.  She is by far the most dry television host I have ever seen.  She fails to sell herself, whereas Heidi makes you believe that Project Runway is the best show ever.

In Allstars defense, Isaac Mizrahi, Georgina Chapman and Joanna Coles are awesome as judges and mentors.  All three of them are very successful at selling their own personal brand.

Lastly, there is one designer on the show that I don't think is going anywhere and that's because he fails again and again to show any personality or integrity.  He doesn't seem to know who he is...(I may have to eat my words if he wins tomorrow, but then I'll just be watching to see if he can make anything out of his win.  I highly doubt it.)

Okay, enough about the Runway.  I have gotten a lot out of observing this twist on my favorite show and it has taught me a valuable lesson.  For the next month, I am not going to look at another job posting.  I am going to create my brand.  I want to interview well and part of that is successfully communicating my personal brand to potential employers.

An Update on Our Life

Today is a big deal.  The grocery store behind our apartment that has been under construction for 10 months is having their grand opening.  It is fabulous, and big, and I am so happy that I finally get to stop fighting for a parking spot at the grocery store a mile away.  I heard the construction noise all the way up until 10pm last night, but now it's finally over.

This week is finals week and I am in my usual avoidance stage.  It is so daunting to try to remember everything you read or heard in the last 10 weeks.  I'm giving myself another hour before I dive into my books.

We have started up our crazy travel weekends again, but it is such a blessing to get to be with our family.  Last weekend was spent getting our hopes up that Daniel's brother's team would take the National title for college basketball.  They came in second in a devastating loss by only 3 points, but we had the time of our lives in Virginia.  (Plus, it was 80 degrees there!)  Next weekend we'll go to Hanford to spend time with family.

These are my nieces in their sweet flower dresses and the wedding shoes I bought yesterday.  Don't the girls look so precious!?  Next week I take my dress in for alterations and soon we'll start shopping for groomsman ties and Daniel's suit.

Happy Spring!  It's not here in Portland yet but I know it's coming!  Last year I remember a lot of rainy days during spring quarter but we'll make it through.