My Favorite Scents
*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
It's possible that I have a perfume obsession. I rarely, if ever, leave the house without spritzing myself with one my my favorite scents - and if I leave without putting any perfume on, it's okay because I always keep a tiny bottle of Pacifica perfume in my car for this type of *emergency*. Because this (for whatever reason) is such a big deal to me, I figured it wouldn't hurt to share some of my favorite scents with you (whoever you are). I usually like typically "girly" scents that would probably be categorized as light or sweet, like Bamboo, that I just snagged from Fragrance Outlet (and came in a really adorable box, always a plus). My all-time favorites are from Jo Malone - she makes gorgeous, natural scents that can be layered with each other to make something perfectly unique to your taste. I learned this from my Grannymac, who passed away when I was a sophomore in college. She loved to take me to Nordstrom and visit the Jo Malone counter, where she would pick up her favorite scent (Vanilla and Anise) and let me pick out a few samples for myself. It's one of my fondest memories, and something I love to look back on when I'm shopping for myself or others. Perfume can be a wonderful evocation of special times and memories, and having a "signature scent" is a cool concept.
Friday, July 15, 2016
1. It isn't all about grades anymore. Focus on creating a well-rounded resume that highlights your achievements both in and out of the classroom.
2. Be patient. This is a process. Don't beat yourself up when you don't get the position - focus on what you can improve on and how this experience ultimately (even if it's in, like, ten years) will help you land the ~dream job~.
3. Do your research. Make sure you know what you're applying for and what the company or organization is all about. See #5...
5. Ask questions. If you did some research on the company, you may be wondering about its' history or previous growth. Are there opportunities for promotion? How would you describe the workplace culture? What would a typical day in this role look like? Check this Pinterest board for more ideas, or if you want to be let in on a lesser-known tip, check out this post.
Yes, You Can: Get a Big-Girl Job
Happy Wednesday, and happy job-hunting to all you recent college graduates out there! If you've been keeping up with The PDX Belle lately, you may be aware that I've returned to Portland (PDX) and am on the hunt for a "real" job - or as I like to call it, a "big-girl job". Anyway, this has been quite a ride for me - I've had a number of interviews both in-person and over the phone as well as on Skype. I've had some weird emails from recruiters, a few profiles on online job boards, and a few major letdowns. If you're also navigating these uncharted waters, this post is for you. I've come up with some resources for us from other bloggers who have been in the same boat - read on and let me know if you have any helpful tips yourself!
1. It isn't all about grades anymore. Focus on creating a well-rounded resume that highlights your achievements both in and out of the classroom.
"If a hiring manager is reviewing two resumes and one candidate has a 4.0 GPA and very little job experience or extracurricular activities, and the second candidate has a 3.5 but was in several leadership positions in different organizations during their time in college, who do you think is the more attractive candidate?" -5 Career Myths You Can Stop Stressing About, The Young Hopeful
2. Be patient. This is a process. Don't beat yourself up when you don't get the position - focus on what you can improve on and how this experience ultimately (even if it's in, like, ten years) will help you land the ~dream job~.
3. Do your research. Make sure you know what you're applying for and what the company or organization is all about. See #5...
"Especially you comm. people… when a website says “PR Assistant” what they really mean is “Entry Sales Position/Telemarketer for Verizon Fios.” Do your research before applying." -Pro Tip Interview Hacks, Ampersand4. Dress to impress... Kind of. Practice walking around in your interview outfit, sitting down, crossing and uncrossing your legs, see if it shows sweat, and make sure it's nice and conservative. Need some tips? Check out this post on Berry Trendy for an example of a professional look, as well as suggestions on how to build a grown-up wardrobe.
5. Ask questions. If you did some research on the company, you may be wondering about its' history or previous growth. Are there opportunities for promotion? How would you describe the workplace culture? What would a typical day in this role look like? Check this Pinterest board for more ideas, or if you want to be let in on a lesser-known tip, check out this post.
Ready to ace the interview?
Comment below and let me know about your job search - trials, tribulations, and successes!
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Two Portland-Area Hikes You NEED to Try
Helloooo readers if there are any of you today - I'm currently back in Portland trying frantically to find a job and stay sane while living at home. The ways I'm staying sane? Redecorating my dad's house (see how I mentioned a bit of a family structure shift here - we're all still recovering a bit), spending as much time as possible outside, and doing everything I can to take advantage of PDX while I'm here, because who knows where the next few months/years will take me!
Like I said, I've been trying to get outside as much as possible. For me, that means doing something I've grown up with - walking trails in and around the Columbia Gorge, Portland area (hi, Forest Park), or the Cascades/Mt. Hood. I joke with my dad that you can tell if a person is from Portland based on their approach to hiking - if they won't shut up about it and have it on their Bumble bio, they're probably from California.
Here's my first fave --
McNeil Point
Yes, it's actually called McNeil Point - for years I thought my dad was joking with me because that's our last name.
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult - it's nearly 10 miles round trip on sort of a lasso type loop, and there's a part toward the end (when you're almost to the little hut at the top) when you're legit scrambling straight up loose rocks. That's kinda hard when you're out of shape like me.
- Perks: The view of Mt. Hood is insane. Once you get to the top, it feels like you could just about walk right onto the side of it. The wildflower fields throughout the whole hike are gorgeous at the right time of year, too.
Catherine Creek
There are actually a ton of trails in this area - it's right across the Hood River bridge in the Columbia Gorge. Stop at White Salmon or Hood River on your way home for a beer!
- Difficulty: This is a multi-pronged answer due to Catherine Creek's multiple trails. There's an ADA accessible paved trail across the road from the trailhead I usually go to, and it still offers a gorgeous view of the Columbia River Gorge (obviously very easy, good for all ages and abilities). There's also a short 2-mile loop that I've been doing with my family as long as I can remember, and that's easy as well. Beyond these trails, there are networks that lead as far up the ridge as you choose to go - it's great for exploring but can get a little bit steep and rocky as the views get better.
- Perks: My dad always says that when it' cloudy in Portland, it'll be sunny near Hood River. And generally, he's right about that - it's rare to hike Catherine Creek on a cloudy day, which is awesome because the view of the Gorge to the east and of Mt. Hood to the west are phenomenal, and the meadows and wildflowers are pretty as well.
about me
