My So-Called Freelance Life

currently reading

This book is great for any young professional but it is especially helpful in this period of my life.
Being a 23-year-old on the brink of graduating, there are a few routes I can choose: corporate, boutique firm, agency or self-employed. I never really took the last option seriously because, well, I have absolutely no idea what I am doing. What I like about this book is that the author, Michelle Goodman, explains that you don't HAVE to know what you are doing... you just gotta be good at faking it!
A lot of life is trial and error so I like that her perspective is from someone in my own age group who gave up her cubicle for pajamas and work in bed. Goodman explains the stresses and triumphs of living a freelance life and she really makes us think whether or not we are truly happy in our 9-5 (or 5-9) job. There are, of course, positives and negatives but the book is a great read and I recommend it for anyone at a crossroad... but then again, when are we NOT at a crossroad in life?

Go on now, and live your so-called freelance life!
Sarah

Beauty Bar

Bumble and Bumble Blondish Hair Powder (also comes in other hair colors) // Too Faced La Creme Lip Color // Perfekt Lash Protection Gel // Benefit Brows A-Go-Go // Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm SPF 20 // Urban Decay Naked2 Color Pallet

Makeup is fun but I am not exactly the best at it. I try to stick to the natural look when it comes to my face and then leave the rest of the creativity to my wardrobe. These are all of my essentials when it comes to achieving my look! I am OBSESSED with the Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo because it has saved my life on so many occasions (especially when I hit the snooze button too many times to shower). If you are not going to cake on the makeup and have layers of eye shadow then it is vital to have some good quality products to show off your own beauty. It's worth the money and will have you looking refreshed everyday (even if you spent the previous night partaking in a few happy hours)!

Go on now, and show off that beauty!

Sarah

Say It With Me Now...

Wa-nel-o /wuh-neel-oh/ (noun): the best thing I have seen in a long time. Ladies and gents I am happy to introduce you to Wanelo! This site is like Pinterest taken to another level. You can save things that you really love OR you can buy them right away. You don't need to click through 10 different pins and 5 different boards to find where it originally came from, the image won't take you to a blog post, and you won't have to Google search "black leopard flats" any more! Wanelo shares awesomely cute products on their website and you can buy them directly! They are so well priced and fashionable that it's hard not to want the entire site. I welcome you to your new addiction. YOU'RE WELCOME!

Here are a few of the purchases I have recently saved bought:

I thought this adorable knit sweater was perfect for Fall!

Had to have this string of lights for my patio!

And, of course, I love the daisies!

And the list just keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger! Go on now, and make yourself a Wanelo account!

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

Sarah

The Giving Keys

I love any brand with a cause. I liked TOMS when they first came out (their shoes were WAY more expensive back then), I absolutely love Krochet Kids, I wear Warby Parker glasses, and I give Pura Vida bracelets away as gifts almost every holiday season. I like the idea of being a conscious consumer and a brand that gives back is a brand worth spending money on. I recently found The Giving Keys through an Instagram picture. It wasn't the adorable key and inspirational word printed on it that caught my eye, it was the story that came with it. The whole idea around The Giving Keys is paying it forward. Buy a key with whatever inspiration you need at that moment (mine says, "fearless"), wear it to your hearts desire and then some. BUT when you find someone in your life that needs the key, you must give it to them then share your story with The Giving Keys on their site to inspire others. How amazing is that? The stories are really amazing to read and you start to realize that the small act of handing someone a key becomes something so much bigger. Bravo, The Giving Keys, bravo!

I love my "fearless" key because I am at a point in my life where everything is changing and I just need to go for my dreams. I put my key necklace next to the vintage Eiffel Tower necklace my mom got me when I decided to study in Paris. I carried that necklace all the way to the Eiffel Tower with me and it still serves as an inspiration to never be afraid to take risks. I will carry my "fearless" necklace with me everyday until I find someone I think needs it more than me. I can't wait for that moment.

Go on now, and live.
Sarah

Networking

 image via

I have recently been attending a few networking events in the Bay Area. I enjoy going to these things for a few reasons:

1. I love meeting new people! It is so interested to hear about what they do for work and what they enjoy doing outside of work.
2. There is always that one guy who gets a little too drunk and says something inappropriate.
3. I like surrounding myself with smart and professional people. You never know what you will learn from a short conversation with a stranger.

 I don't really go to these things to sell myself like a used car. I really just like meeting people. That being said, don't pass up on communicating interest if you find someone that you think would be a great resource in finding a new job, better job, etc. I have always said that as an intern or new grad it is vital that you come prepared. Carry business cards, put yourself together (look professional) and EAT BEFORE so you don't turn into my #2 reason I love going to networking events.

On a side note, I didn't take my own advice at the recent event I went to as I forgot my business cards at home... tisk tisk, Sarah!

There are three golden rules that every new grad should abide by when attending a networking event. Those rules are:

1. Don't interrupt people! Don't walk up to two people in deep conversation and introduce yourself. Don't interrupt someone talking just to talk about yourself. Just be polite, LISTEN and then speak.
2. Don't introduce yourself improperly. This is part of my "come prepared" thing. You need to be prepared to introduce who you are, what you do and what you are looking to do in a quick and concise manner. This is not a sales pitch, this is a way of explaining yourself properly to people who matter.
3. Enjoy an adult beverage but don't get drunk. 

Other than that just be yourself and I am sure everyone will love you. If they don't, move on to the next person.

Go on now, and network!
Sarah

And your votes are in...

I mean what can I say? I wanted to be patriotic! After strolling the streets in my American flag boxers, I made my way to the polls and cast my vote for president. This is the second election I have taken part in and I think there is something to be said for actually going in and voting. I'm sure at some point I will starting doing the mail-in ballot but for now I enjoy marking my vote and getting my sticker.

I don't like talking about politics. I have thrown that topic in the basket with religion because I don't enjoy arguing with people. BUT! I will say I was not surprised by the results and Obama being reelected. Being a public relations major, I tend to look at marketing, communications and especially campaigns a little different than the average person. Bravo, Barack Obama! He has had some of the best political campaigns I have seen thus far (granted I am only 22). His whole concept of "change you can believe in" and "moving forward" was so inspiring that the slogans in themselves made people want to vote for him. These are some clever politicians and campaign coordinators.

A lot of young people were all over social media sites tweeting and posting their thoughts and opinions. I really hope that those same people made the effort to go out and make an educated vote. I will be interested to see the results of this election and how many young people voted. It is such an important part of our country's history and something that people should not take advantage of. In fact, I am so serious about it that I told my boyfriend that I could not date someone who is not a registered voter, so once he decided I was worth dating long-term he registered and voted in his first presidential election this year! Proud girlfriend!

Go on now, and live! Happy hump day, by the way!
Sarah

#InstaHoax

Who doesn't want a free flight?! Recently there have been thousands of pictures uploaded to Instagram using handles like @Delta_Giveaways, @JetBlue_Giveaways and @Southwest_Giveaways which promise a free flight to the first 5,000 or so people to shoutout. Having spent a good part of the last 4 years using and learning about social media, I instantly knew these were fake. It has been proven, however, that a lot of people apparently did not think it was fake. These things always interest me because I like watching how certain brands handle situations like this. So let's go down the list here...

JetBlue was the first to respond as they went directly to their Twitter feed to notify their customers. It was easy for them because they don't even have an Instagram account (why, I wonder).

Delta followed their lead but they didn't post anything directly... they simply responded on Twitter. Any response is better than no response but they should have been on top of it.

Next was Southwest (my personal favorite for cheap flights and hilarious staff commentary)! They posted news on their homepage and tweeted about the hoax.

Then there was United. As usual they just didn't show up. They posted nothing and didn't seem to be bothered by the hoax. I have never really been a fan of them, anyway.

I think the biggest takeaway for public relations students and professionals is that when you do not respond to these situations the consumer mind will wander. Give them a response and an explanation and you won't have to worry about different scenarios being made up about your company. Bravo, Southwest & JetBlue!

Go on now, and watch out for those sneaky hackers!
Sarah

Social Sandy

Being from the East Coast my heart goes out to those affected by Sandy. She is a disgusting little hurricane out to ruin anything in her path. There have been companies who have been using Sandy as a marketing ploy recently and I have one thing to say to you: SHAME ON YOU!

And the companies who claim to be sending funds to the hurricane relief or 50% of purchases will go to the Red Cross, we all know where that other 50% is going. I just don't think it is in good taste to use such a devastating natural disaster as a way to market your brand. Have we no manners?

I stumbled upon an article showcasing a few companies in specific who had some seriously bad public relations flops this last week in their attempt to use Sandy. As we have all seen, Sandy is NOT one to be reckoned with. Let's go down the list here...

Tisk, tisk, Urban Outfitters. I dislike you for multiple reasons but we'll just talk about this one I am adding to my list. "This storm blows!" Wow! Most likely one of the more insensitive marketing ploys I have seen. I am pretty sure those millions who are without power, food or medicine know how much it blows. Maybe an overpriced sweater will help them!

Oh, American Apparel! I liked this one a lot! "In case you're bored during the storm." WHAT? I highly doubt people are bored... they are trying to survive.

Why, Gap, WHY?! I loved you so much! What went through your mind when you were thinking of doing this? "It's been a while since we've poked fun at a natural disaster! Let's check into New York and while we're at it let's find a clever way to get our name in there." Not amused, Gap.

WalMart sent out a hurricane relief team and donated products to the relief project but I still dislike them so they get no sympathy or brownie points from this girl.

I understand the idea of riding the wave of a popular story to further market your brand but not when this wave is caused by a natural disaster. People want brands that are human and we as humans should sympathize with people not exploit them. Any young public relations, communications or marketing graduate about to enter the professional world, be smarter than these people. Learn from their mistakes so you don't have to deal with the crisis their public relations teams are dealing with now. I can safely say I have lost respect for these brands and any others who are doing this. It's lazy, selfish and just plain rude.

Go on now, and donate the money your were going to spend on that sweater to the Red Cross here.
Sarah

Ready, Steady, GO!

Bright colors, weird (and BIG) jewelry, headbands and scarves are just my things. I have always worn them and will always continue to wear them because there is nothing I dislike more than a boring outfit. This fall season I have been digging the jewel-colored tones and long skirts... forget you, mini, I'm all about the midi these days! Here are my faves as of late:

Red pants, spiked flats & leopard print!  I mean, why not?!

Mustard yellow is my favorite color these days and what outfit is complete without coffee?

And my absolute FAVORITE?! Gold and green were just meant for each other.

I ask you to broaden your wardrobe and wear some fun colors this fall. It's sure to brighten up your gloomy days!

Go on now, and do a little shopping!

Sarah

The World in 1 Minute

I came across these three videos made by Rick Mereki, Tim White and Andrew Lees. They traveled to 11 countries in just 44 days and this is what they came up with. These videos ended up being probably the best travel videos I have ever watched... and they are only 1 minute long! Take a look:


Makes you want to travel the world and eat a ton of food, right?!

Go on now, and live! This was your inspiration :)
Sarah