Monogram Madness and Weekend in Atlanta

This weekend seven members from the UNC Charlotte chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America attended the Real World Conference in Atlanta hosted by the Georgia chapter of PRSA. Thursday night a mixer was held at the Renaissance Hotel and offered students an opportunity to meet the professionals who would be speaking at the conference the next day.

The conference offered three breakout sessions with professionals detailing different aspects of public relations. A keynote luncheon and networking opportunity was held from 12:00 - 1:40 p.m. Following the luncheon was a resume critique and career fair. #RW2014 was the hashtag for the event, so check out photos and tweets from the conference using that hashtag!

Since I was already in Atlanta for the conference, I decided to stay for the weekend and visit family and friends who live in Atlanta. Friday after the conference, Katherine and I went to Barnes and Noble beside our hotel. It was one of the biggest Barnes and Noble's I have ever seen. 

Katherine is attending the public relations London seminar this summer so we searched for books and maps on London. Then, we walked around and looked at all the neat things. I've heard a lot of great things about the book Lean In which offers women inspiration and insight on how to achieve their goals. No matter what field you work in, reading is essential and key to success. So find a book that interests you and read it, then read more. Read. read. read. 

We also found a parody to the Dr. Seuss book, Are you my mother? It's pretty funny and would make a great gag gift. 

After shopping at Barnes and Noble, I had some time to waste until I met some friends for dinner downtown. I headed to Lenox Square which may have been a mistake on my part. I had three hours until dinner so I thought I would just walk around, have a snack and things didn't exactly work out that way. My first mistake was discovering C. Wonder. I have browsed through their website several times but never bought anything. Some of the things I loved about C. Wonder was there's an online/in-store monogram shop, they have several items featuring dachshunds and the bright and trendy clothing. 

The fitting rooms were covered in an dog print wallpaper which included dachshunds. There was an dog section where they sold dog beds, collars, bowls, sweaters and several other really cute pet items. All of their winter clothing was 50% off and some of the spring line was already 30% off. So if you get a chance, go check out their website! C. Wonder is definitely one of my new favorite stores.

After the C. Wonder experience, I walked around for a while until I stumbled upon the Henri Bendel store. This will be my future go-to place for gift-giving ideas for girls. They have amazing candles which smell great and there are so many scents to  choose from. Henri Bendel has tech cases and cute accessories. For gifts under $100, they have great bangles that any girl would love. Hendi Bendel bags and wallet are also chic and classic. Below are two of my favorite petite bangles by Henri Bendel. 

I still had time to spare so what better place to go than Forever 21. Forever 21 has great deals on socks. Typically $1.50 a pair and they have cute designs. Since it's still winter and spring is approaching, I wear boots very often. Cute socks are the perfect addition to boots. These are the socks I really liked and ended up purchasing; lots of red and black! 

I met one of my good friends from middle school (I went to middle school and freshman year in Atlanta). Stephanie and I reconnected in Wilmington, where my parents live and where she was interning a couple years ago. We keep in touch and I absolutely adore her. We met at Del Friscos in Atlanta and she brought her roommate and one of her good friends from college. We had wine and appetizers and caught up. If you're in town, visit your friends. That is essential to maintaing a good friendship. 

I spent the rest of the weekend with my sister, brother-in-law, and sweet baby nieces. Saturday, we had a girls date and went to the Mall of Georgia. For dinner, we had a date at Longhorn. Longhorn has the best seasonal salads and the $29.99 for two deal they have going on currently is pretty amazing. 

Sunday, I met my best friend from Atlanta for lunch. Since my family has moved SO much, it can be difficult keeping up with friends from all of the places we have lived but I do my best. Kelly has been one of my best friends since middle school. We were unable to give the Christmas gifts we got each other until this Sunday, kinda late BUT it's the thought that counts and Kelly's gift was awesome. She gave me an adorable dachshund ornament, which I loved but my favorite part was the Diamond Candle. 

I rushed home to light this candle. Inside is a ring that can be worth anywhere from $10 to $5,000. You have to burn the candle until you reach the area marked with a gold circle. The ring is wrapped inside of the wax. I have been burning mine all morning and have yet to reach the ring but I am really excited. What a cool idea and what a great gift. Thank you Kelly. 

Hunter came to Atlanta with me and spent time with my sister and nieces while I was at the conference. He had a great time and is the best travel buddy. Here are some pictures from our drive to and from Atlanta. 

Hunter celebrated six months of life Sunday and I am so thankful he is mine. Puppies are such a sweet blessing and I wouldn't change a single thing about him. English Cream Dachshunds ARE the cutest puppies in the world. 

And since it's Monogram Monday, here are the monogrammed things I picked up from Mud Pie Monograms last week. I am really into chambray and denim right now so it may be a trending topic on here! 

Finally, the solution for chapped lips has arrived and is sold at Bath & Body Works. 

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Love is a state of mind.

2014 Winter Olympics. 

The 2014 Winter Olympics hosted in Sochi, Russia will continue until February 23rd. The United States is currently tied with the Netherlands with a leading total of 20 medals. Russia has 19 medals, Norway has 18 and Canada is in fifth place with 17 medals. Although, there is plenty of time for those numbers to change. 

Sochi 2014 Olympics

How do you represent your country during the olympics?

Dogeared jewelry is handcrafted in the U.S.A. My favorite line of necklaces, love is a state of mind, are 18 inches long, gold or silver dipped and feature each of the states. The U.S.A., love is a state of mind, necklace is how I show my American pride, especially during the winter olympics. It has a petite design and matches everything. If you want one, you better order it quick. They already stopped selling them on the dogeared website, but you can see find them on a variety of other sites. 

About Dogeared.

In 1991, against the backdrop of the sun, sand and surf of Southern California, Dogeared was born.  The originator of “word” jewelry, Dogeared’s founder Marcia Maizel-Clarke recognized the need for jewelry that speaks and believed that jewelry could be both beautiful and meaningful.  The style is modern and versatile, inspired by California’s free spirited, natural beauty. Designs range from subtle classics to eclectic, unexpected statements, all designed in the spirit of love, kindness, and consciousness. Each piece is infused with positive energy and made to order in our Southern California studio. Dogeared’s unique, custom jewels regularly appear on the hottest celebs, in fashion and lifestyle publications, in movies, on television, and on the red carpet.

A core component of Dogeared’s mission has always been to put positive, peaceful and loving energy into the world…by handcrafting everything locally, employing sustainable business practices wherever possible and partnering with non-profit organizations who share a vision of a better world. 

In 2011, Dogeared became a certified B-Corporation – joining a community of companies dedicated to creating a better way to do business to be the best for the world and “B the change.”  The goal of B-Corporations is to redefine success in business by providing equality of opportunity, a healthy environment, strong communities and work with dignity and purpose.

The packaging is made of recycled paper. The necklace is made in the United States. Fast and free shipping is offered. If you have yet to order or see their products, you definitely should. 

What to expect. 

Tuesday's are my busiest day of the week. Tomorrow I will be preparing for a trip to Atlanta where I will be attending the Public Relations Society of America Real World Conference on Thursday and Friday. The attire is business professional and as usual I could not find anything to wear. When in doubt. go to LOFT. All things Ann Taylor LOFT are appropriate and classy. Their business-wear is prefect for conferences and they have great jewelry to pair with their outfits. I am hoping to still post throughout this crazy week and update on the conference, my trip to Atlanta, and a few other random, exciting things. 

And... Hunter will be coming to Atlanta, too! 

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Monogram Monday and Denim Do's and Don'ts

Last week, Charlotte shut down from Tuesday night until Friday morning due to the snow. This past weekend was Valentine's weekend, so there was a lot of dining out and gift giving going on. Sunday was a day of rest and preparing for a busy week at school and today is my favorite day of the week (besides Wednesday). It's finally MONOGRAM MONDAY!

Denim is a constantly changing trend and it is important to let go of those not-so-popular styles you may still be holding onto.  Very light denim is out of style. Approach it with caution and please don't confuse light fade with white because white denim will not be going out of style any time soon. Denim should never be worn with running shoes or any type of exercise shoes. You do not exercise in denim, so women - especially moms -  do not wear running shoes with denim. Guys it is a little more acceptable for you to wear running shoes with denim but still just don't, have a little style.

Boots and denim.

If you're going to tuck your jeans inside of your boots, make sure they are skinny jeans. Stuffing any type of denim other than skinny is a nightmare. It looks horrible. If you do not own skinny jeans, buy a pair ASAP to wear with boots in the fall and winter.

Leggings and "jeggings."

Leggings should never be see through. They should never have holes. They should never suffocate your body. Leggings should fit comfortably and your shirt, tunic, jacket, or sweater should be long enough to cover your butt. When leggings are worn properly, they can be stylish as well as comfortable.

Black Denim.

Black denim is awesome. It is stylish. It is a staple piece you need in your closet. I recommend a skinny pair. It pairs well with boots. It matches every thing. Black makes you look skinnier. Winning. Winning. Winning. My favorite black denim is made by Lucky Brand, True Religion, Lauren Conrad for Kohls, Seven and Citizens of Humanity. 

White Denim.

White denim is just as awesome as black  denim. It is also stylish and another staple piece you should have in your closet. White denim, originally, should only be worn from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Although, this style rule is changing and people are now wearing white denim in all seasons. It looks great with Lilly Pulitzer and just about every style and color. White denim works in any and every cut. Skinny is my favorite but boot is just as great as well as flare and cropped.

Denim shorts.

Spring is coming so I'm going to get into denim shorts. Denim shorts are never okay for men. That style has come and gone a very long time ago. So guys, please dispose of your "jorts." Girls, denim shorts, are another staple piece for the spring and summer. They are my favorite type of short. Denim shorts match everything. The length of denim shorts is something to take note of. Denim shorts should never be shorter than 3 inches. 3 and 5 inches are the normal lengths at most stores, including J Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, Gap, Old Navy, and Ralph Lauren. Keep it classy. Black denim shorts, white denim shorts and faded denim shorts are all acceptable.

Monogram Denim.

Finally. Happy Monogram Monday. Monogrammed denim is my favorite. When I monogram denim, I like to match the stitching already on the jean. It closes the pocket when you monogram it, but I never use the pockets anyways. That is what purses are for. For adults, neutral colors are best or strictly matching the existing stitching. Below are two of my favorite monogrammed jeans.

Monogrammed denim for kids is more fun. You can do bright colors and fun fonts. For my nieces, I love to do hot pink stitching. 

Denim Brands. 

True Religion, Lucky Brand, 7 For All Mankind, Lilly Pulitzer, Citizens of Humanity, Paige, Miss Me, Joe's, Target, Gap, Levi, and Jessica Simpson are my favorite brands for denim. Be willing to try new brands. I like to have a variety of brands in a variety of fades and cuts. But typically I go for skinny jeans with a dark fade. My current favorite brand is True Religion. Saks has great deals at their outlet stores on True Religion. They are usually 40% off with an extra $20 off $100 at check-out. True Religion stores and on-line also have great sales throughout the year.

Recap.

Own a great pair of black denim and white denim. Find a pair of skinny jeans that you love and take good care of them. Wear skinny jeans with boots. Never wear see-through leggings and when you do wear leggings, wear long enough shirts with them. Don't wear mom jeans. Find a jean that fits and steer clear of light faded denim. Happy Monday. Enjoy your week ahead of you! 

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 Hunter hates Mondays.

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Each year on February 14^th, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special 'valentine.' The day of romance we call Valentine’s Day is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the 5^th century, but has origins in the Roman holiday Lupercalia," according to History.com. 

Today marks the special celebration of Valentine's Day which is celebrated differently by each person or couple. Whether or not you celebrate this day of love, it's an excuse to dress up nice and go out to a fancy dinner. 

Starbucks is promoting a deal for today from 2 pm - 5 pm. Buy one latte and get the second free. So take your Valentine for a carmel macchiato and you'll get the second drink free. 

Open Table has made it easy to make reservations online, see what restaurants have reservations open, explore various menus, and see what's new in your area. The best part about Open Table is if you forgot to make a reservation for tonight, you can do so from your phone, iPad or computer. You don't even have to make a phone call. Not only is it convenient, but its practical. Today on Open Table you can see which restaurants are rated the best, what restaurants are new, who has available seating and what the weekly specials are. There are also promotions posted for Valentine's Day.

For last minute gifts, be practical. Huge teddy bears are not good gifts and what are you supposed to do with them after Valentine's Day. Flowers, Godiva chocolate or strawberries, massages, and jewelry are always safe gifts for Valentine's Day. Although, thinking outside the box and getting your special someone exactly what they're been wanting or needing is a great idea. If you have run out of gift ideas or are on a budget, get a nice card and write a nice note. 

Most importantly, spend time with the ones you love today and show your significant other, friends and family you love and care about them. 

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Business Cards in the Winter Wonderland

It is currently 33 degrees and snowing in Charlotte. On Wednesday, the city sent out an official state of emergency. So while posting in a winter wonderland, I wanted to share the importance of business cards. But first here are a few pictures from yesterday:

Back to business - business cards are simple, easy, and necessary. Professional networking is important. Whether you have a job now and you're looking for something different or you're searching for your first job... you need business cards. Personal branding is key to success.

Before creating business cards, you should create a LinkedIn page. LinkedIn is a professional networking website for people in professional occupations. It is mainly used for professional networking. LinkedIn allows you to share your education, work experience, and skills. Resumes can also be attached to LinkedIn accounts.

After creating and perfecting your LinkedIn page, choose where to design and order business cards. Vista Print offers 250 business cards for $10. Zazzle is where I ordered my Lilly Pulitzer first impression themed business cards. Zazzle typically offers 15% off and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. My Zazzle business cards arrived in the mail a couple days after ordering them, which is great if you need them quickly! Below are some monogrammed examples of business cards I liked.

My other favorite place to order business cards is Tiny Prints. They offer unique business cards, everything from folded cards, monogrammed cards, photo cards and simple cards. There are also plenty of other places to order business cards online.

You should include in your business cards:

1. Your full name
2. Your professional title or what you're studying
3. Your full address
4. A phone number where you can be reached at all times
5. Your e-mail address
6. Link to your website
7. Link to your LinkedIn account
8. If your social networks are relevant and professional, also include them

Most importantly, carry your business cards with you. You never know when you're going to meet your future boss or meet someone who can link you to your dream job. Also, dress to impress. Approach all people you meet as if they are your future employer. Be professional and don't post things on your social networks you wouldn't want your boss to see or read. Network. Network. Network.

RetailMeNot

The Deal of the Century. 

RetailMeNot is THE way to save money when shopping online. Shopping online, especially for gifts, is for the most part, quick and easy. I do not purchase anything until I have searched RetailMeNot and made sure whether or not a coupon was available. Almost always, there is a coupon!

So for those who are not familiar with this website, I highly recommend you try it out. The site not only offers coupons and discounts for online shopping but also in-store as well. It is easy to navigate and why not check. Who doesn't like saving money? Plus, the more you save, the more you can spend. 

Discounts for 50,000+ stores are available. Currently, the site is promoting discounts for Valentine's Day, every thing from flowers, spa trips, and chocolates. This goes for guys, too. The site offers all sorts of deals.

So my challenge for you is... Next time you're shopping online, before you check-out, check RetailMeNot and see if there is a coupon available. 

Good luck. 

Living Ubiquitously

Love the life you live. 

u·biq·ui·tous

adjective

1. 1.

   present, appearing, or found everywhere.
   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Today marks the first blog post written by me. This blog is crucial for those who love shopping, fashion, monograms, dachshunds and all things bright pink. With a love for shopping - sales, deals, steals and promos - are always on my calendar. Sharing those things will not only be beneficial but exciting. Monogramming is becoming more and more popular and this will be a place for me to share all of my monogram do's and don'ts. Prepare yourself to explore a more detailed view of  my ubiquitously world. And if there's something you want me to post about, let me know. There will be posts, most likely on Wednesday's, of my precious puppy - Hunter Charles Knight. xx