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.
