Executive Assistant to the Good Life

Laid off and feeling lost?

Has the economy caught up to your job? Are you having a harder time finding a new job than you expected? You don't have to feel alone, you are among millions of people just like you.

So now you're wondering...what do I do? I've sent my resume, emailed everyone, called, showed up to all my interviews and did everything I can do and still nothing. Unfortunately, you are dealing with all of this as the holiday season is quickly approaching. Not only are you dealing with the exhausting task of finding a job in a dried out, empty barrel of hopelessness filled with only McDonald's applications and work at home scams. But you now have to figure out how to stay above water and how to enter the season of giving with nothing to give.

WHAT TO DO??

First, I'm going to need you to take a deep breath. While these are normal and valid feelings, they're just not healthy. I can't have you wallowing in this despair; I need you to be positive. While you can't make the dream job that will pay you the salary you deserve appear out of thin air (and if you can please email me immediately!), you can do many things to try and keep positive and proactive in the mean time. Planning well and adjusting to the current situation while maintaining a good attitude are important steps, and taking those steps are actually fairly easy.

I have three out-of-the-box ideas that may or may not help in your situation. The important thing to focus on is coming up with new ideas and different ways to address the issue. Once you start with one or two ideas, bounce them of a bff or a creative family member to keep the ideas flowing

1. Have your resume professionally written
This is a good investment in my opinion. Having a well-written, professional resume can help you stand out in a stack of competition. A better resume can also aid towards negotiations of a better salary. A cheaper approach would be to research what professionally written resumes look like and adjust your accourdingly.

2. Create an online resume
Build a free website that focuses on your accomplishments. Write a bio about yourself and your goals, create a gallery of pictures that show you in a positive and professional light, and have your friends and ex-coworkers write testimonials or comments about your character and work ethic. You can even blog about your field of work.

3. Volunteer
There is no better way to increase your self-worth than to do good for those in need. You will be rebuilding your self-esteem as well as meeting wonderful, caring people who can be good contacts or references for you in the future.

I have had to except intro-level job offers that pay a fraction for the amount of work I was producing, but sometimes you have to make those sacrifices. Remember, you will not be in that position forever. There will be a better job down the road and it is much easier to get a better job when you already have a job.

The most important thing to remember is to set yourself up for success. Imagine where you want to be, who you want to be, and work backwards. When you have a set goal in mind, its easier to keep on the path that leads you there.

GOOD LUCK!!

Read More 1 Comment | Posted by Carrie Nicole |

DIY Earring Display

I've been getting frustrated lately because I keep coming across earrings I could have worn with an outfit I just had on the day before. We resently got some material to re screen the windows, and I just purchased a frame that broke on the way home, so I decided to combine the two!

Materials:
Screen
Adhesive (epoxy, glue gun, etc)
Frame
Scissors
Toothpicks
Permanant marker
Mat/Towel

~Lay down a mat or towel you don't mind ruining

~Take the glass out of the frams and place on screen

~Outline with permanant marker

~Make sure the screens fits without bowing out before you glue them

~Apply adhesive and place in screens

~Use toothpicks to press down

Let dry and hang your earrings in style!

Read More 0 comments | Posted by Carrie Nicole |

You had me at Meatball Sub

Its getting around the time when it should be getting a bit cooler, so I decided to make some warm tasty meatball subs for dinner. They turned out Amazing and were raved about...I almost thought I was going to get flowers or presents for the meal, so I wanted to share my little recipe.

1 Pound ground beef
1 Egg
1/2 Cup of breadcrumbs
1 Tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
1 Clove minced garlic
Oregano, parsley, rosemary, salt and pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
Provolone cheese slices
Marinara sauce
**I also like to add a 1/4 cup of minced onion

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix together by hand.
Form a meatball by rolling it in your palm. I like to poke a hole to the center and put in some grated Provolone. It adds a nice cheesy surprise to every bite.

***Remember to clean your hands before and after handling meat.

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan.
Put in the meatballs and cook at medium heat until they become brown. Make sure not to burn the meat. (160 degrees internally)
Place the cooked meatballs in paper towels to drain off excess oil.
Add to the marinara sauce and cook on Med-Low heat for 8-10 mins
Spoon meatballs and sauce onto fresh sub bread(Walmart's bakery has them 4 for a$1) adding a couple slices of provolone cheese on top
Bake in the oven at 350 until the cheese is melted

Enjoy!

Read More 0 comments | Posted by Carrie Nicole |

3 Easy Steps to being Clean and Better Organized

When it comes to keeping you in order in the office, I'm the right woman for the job. I spend every day making sure everyone else is organized, up to speed with their clients, and on top of their appointments. But after sitting in traffic and running errands, I get home and just want to soak my feet and zone out for the evening. Unfortunately, I know firsthand what happens when you let a few things slip, then a few more, and then BAM...you are overwhelmed with a sink full of dishes, baskets full of dirty clothes, and your house looks like a dusty warzone (or at least that’s what it can feel like). So let’s tackle it quickly so you can spend your weekends relaxing instead of cleaning.

If your free time only involves about a half hour after you get home or you’re one of those early risers, this will work for you. I’ll even go ahead and tell you the trick for coming home and cleaning: as much as you want to sit down as soon as you walk in the door, don’t. Keep running on the energy you still have, it will make your relaxing time so much more enjoyable.

****Remember, it’s going to look messier before it looks clean.

What you will need:
1. About 30 mins, depending how quickly you work
2. All-purpose cleaner
3. A garbage bag
4. An empty box

Step One: (10 minutes)
This is the easiest step and the bases for the rest...trash and clutter.
Take everything out of or off the counters, drawers, and shelves and place them on the floor. Toss out old or unnecessary items (ladies, please throw away old makeup and lotions). I don't imagine you're living in some trash heap, but you will be surprised at the little things that are put aside and forgotten. Now start wiping everything down. The best approach that I've found is from top to bottom. A really great product is Green Works All-Purpose Cleaner. It’s a bit pricey, so if you're on a budget try an affordable, store brand all-purpose cleaner (most of them have the exact same ingredients).

Step Two: (10 minutes)
Put everything back in its place. Start with the items that already have a specific purpose or place, and then work on the iffy items. Take your empty box(es) and mark them Donation. You don't have to go crazy and get rid of everything, just don't be afraid to let go of some things. Remember that everything you put in the box will go to an individual or family that can't afford much of anything, and it will be appreciated.

**Tip: Make a note of your organizational needs for online suggestions and bargain hunting.

Step Three: (10 minutes)
This is where you complete the clean look you’re going for. Make the bed, fluff the pillows, fold blankets and anything else that can be straightened up. One of the best ways to finish a room is by vacuuming. It is one of my favorite chores. Not only do I feel like I am getting a really laid back workout (flex those muscles!), but since I save it until the end I get the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction because I know I’m finished with chores for the day.

TA DAAAA!!! In about 30 minutes, you're that much closer to being better organized! Tomorrow, move into another room and start over. Happy cleaning!

Read More 0 comments | Posted by Carrie Nicole |

Welcome back Customer Service! Part 1

Now that the big corporations have gotten yet another hint of how not to do business, it's looking like some good can come out of all this. Greedy companies that have survived their own corruption may not last much longer. The days of a hard working companies who's priority is making their customers happy are making a come back.

It's not about just being pleasant to a customer during their purchase and that's the end. It's about the feeling that someone actually cares about you getting a quality product and/or service that fits your lifestyle and budget. When I walk into any place of business, I don't want to wonder how bad I'm getting screwed. Companies forget how everything got started...word of mouth. There was no internet, no blogs, review forums, youtube videos, nothing to tell you a product or company was good other than your friends, neighbor, cousin, co workers, or sweet ol' Aunt Maude. Companies didn't put out less than quality products because it would destroy their reputation, which was everything back then.

Now I'm seeing more and more companies offering customer service like it use to be. Everyone is stretching their dollar as far as it will go. I don't care how much money you make, you've seen the impact on your bank account, your home's value and investments. Companies going above and beyond are flourishing in these tough times.

I can't do everything online, so when I'm out running errands, a girl has to eat (on a budget). I really only eat fast food every once in awhile, and my favorite place, Chick-fil-A. Their employees are always happy and helpful, each store is kept very clean, their food delicious and cooked right, my order is done in good time and to my specifics, and they even have fresh flowers on the tables. I can't even tell you the last time a really nice restaurant has lived up to all of those standards.

Car companies are starting to offer more affordable prices (HA! I knew the price got even lower than the "sale" price). From offering "family discounts", where you pay the same price as the owner's sister would, to better warranty. Hyundai is offering $1.49 gas for a year, a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, and Assurance (you lose your job, you can walk away from a loan or lease and it won't impact your credit). Some car companies will even make your payments for you for up to 6 months while you get back on your feet.
***Take a look at BusinessWeek's top 50 "Customer Service Elite"

I think the less tolerant we are of a business that doesn't have their customer in mind, the more we will see better care. Don't let a company get away with bad employees, unclean space, bad customer service, or unnecessary prices. Now that we have all the tools to find out the real details on a company, we shouldn't put up with greed and bad attitudes any longer. We're not dollar signs, we're hard working people. We deserve only the companies who acknowledge that.

Read More 1 Comment | Posted by Carrie Nicole |

So you want luxurious hair?

Dry, brittle, or dull hair
Chances are, you have thick and most likely long hair.

The first step you need to take is change your diet (see previous blog entry). No matter what you put on your hair, it grows from your scalp and needs the proper nutrition to be healthy...just like you. Cut out the fast food burgers. Have one every once in awhile. You'll see a huge difference before you even try the second and third step. Try working more salmon into your diet (not fish burgers). If you are not a huge fan of salmon, try getting more dark leafy greens, nuts, chicken, eggs and whole grains in your diet.

Second step, you got to stop blow drying and straightening so often. Each strand of hair is very thin and made of dead protein, it can only take so much. So go to the salon, or nearest TGIF (try a cosmetology school if you're really on a budget) and get at least an inch taken off, and wear your hair in a cute up do for a couple of days out of the week. Don't worry so much about your roots, you have to take care of your ends, that is the most vulnerable area and the first place your hair starts to show damage.

*Tip: Spray some leave in condition when you put it up for an all day softener.

Which leads me to the third step. Deep condition and use hot oil treatments frequently. Everyone loves a day at the spa, and your hair will appreciate it as well. These things can be inexpensive and you can also go the homemade way (try using EVOO!). You also want to use products designed for your hair type. My favorite picks are Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo and Herbal Essences Hydralicious. They have worked wonders on my hair and those who have tried them.

*Tip: Leave in the conditioner for 5 minutes every time you wash

Oily hair
Actually its not your hair that's oily, its your scalp. And just so you know, there is nothing wrong with your scalp. Usually those who complain to have oily hair, have straight, and sometimes thin hair.

The best thing to do is to wash your hair with a good shampoo for your hair type, I recommend Garnier Fructis Balanced Care or Herbal Essences Drama Clean Twice if you didn't get a sudsy lather the first time, that's how you can tell its really oily. Really massage your scalp and leave the shampoo in for 5 minute . Try using a cottonball soaked witch hazel on your roots that get oily the quickest after you shower, its a natural astringent to balance the oil and it will also stimulate your follicles.

*Tip: Most people will tell you to skip conditioning, I would advise that you only condition the ends and as far up as your ears.

If you have to be somewhere in a hurry and don't have time to take a shower, get some inexpensive powder (try dollar store) and brush on to the visibly oily roots with a face brush. The power will absorb the oil and make it look less shiny. Just start slow, you don't want to look like you have a powder wig on :)

*Tip: Lessen the amount you touch your scalp to eliminate any additional oils from your fingers.

I welcome any other advice you think would be helpful or questions you might have.

Read More 2 comments | Posted by Carrie Nicole |

My healthy eating advice

So yesterday I overheard some snippy comments and got some dirty looks from a coworker about what I was eating for lunch. I am 5'8" and 125lbs, curvy, toned, and everyone thinks that I look fit because I was "born lucky". Yes, everyone in my family is pretty much the same. Most of which is because we were taught how to eat right and make appropriate lifestyle choices. Now, I might have been asking for these comments by eating 3 slices of pizza with the works, but who's to say?

First and foremost, I would like to clear up that I cannot eat anything I'd like and never gain a pound. This is completely untrue and physically impossible. Now after my lovely co worker's initial "You're sooo lucky you don't have to work so hard at dieting like the rest of the world." comment, I started to wonder if people actually think that being fit is no work at all (excluding troubled women with eating disorders). I quickly defended myself by explaining that I do, in fact, have to work hard and diet. Everyone does, I just think the definition has changed through the years.

Diet: Pronunciation:\ˈdī-ət\ Function:noun
a: food and drink regularly provided or consumed b: habitual nourishment c: the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason d: a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight.

I eat well. I never starve myself, and truth is I eat more than most people because I eat 3 healthy meals and 2 small snacks a day. Imagine your metabolism is like a camp fire, if you throw a bunch of huge logs on it, the fire dies down a significant amount and takes a while to build back up. But say you put smaller logs and kindling on more frequently, the fire can burn at a more continuous and efficient rate. I know that I can have 3 slices of delicious pizza because a) it’s my cheat day, b)I walked an extra mile at 5am, c)I had a very healthy and well-balanced breakfast, followed by a fulfilling snack of my pick of superfoods (there are several of these lists, with only slight variations), and d) I have a simple salad planned for dinner.

My advice to women is:
1. Go to your physician and find out your trouble areas. Do you have a slow metabolism? Is it a thyroid issue? These are important things to learn about your body and once you know, you can work with it instead of against it.
2. Learn about healthy eating and try out some new recipes. It doesn't have to be about rice cakes and bland food; health food can be extremely delicious.
3. Fat free and sugar free can be worse for you. Check out what has balanced out what is missing. Typically if it is fat free it has more sugar, and if it is sugar-free it has more fat. Also, low sugar usually means it contains a sugar substitute.
4. Get moving! You HAVE to work out, but you don't have to kill yourself doing it. The most important things about exercise is:

a. increase your heart rate
b. build muscle (muscle burns more calories than fat)
c. start slow, build up, then cool down
d. push yourself, if you can to 2 more reps, do 4

5. Don't take the easy way. Yes it's hard work, but if you want it bad enough it will be worth it. And remember ladies, you can treat yourself. It’s not called cheating, I swear. It’s all about creating balance and being happy. If you do well, you should get a reward. I nice dinner out, or a favorite home cooked meal is perfect. Just don't eat a whole cake or anything :)

Read More 1 Comment | Posted by Carrie Nicole |

Beginning Slow

Life is so fast paced these days, and seems to be getting faster by the minute. Sometimes we get caught up in the whirlwind and when we finally get a chance to step back, we realize we've become lost and feel overwhelmed at trying to catch back up. That's where I come in. I enjoy sharing organization tips, healthy eating and living tips, relationship advice, manners, and helping with obtaining happiness with what you have been given.

I, in no way, claim to have it all figured out. My life isn't perfectly put together, and anyone who makes it appear so, or suggests they have it all figured out...is just plain looney tunes. I do, however, have a lot of experience in learning all things the hard way. My mother will tell you that is the only way I learn, and shes right (as usual). So, I am dedicating this blog to anyone who finds my advice helpful.

Read More 0 comments | Posted by Carrie Nicole |

About

I enjoy living the "Good Life". I consider that to be a well rounded, happy life that is organized, healthy, fun, relaxing, and full of art, love and adventure.

Assistant to the Good Life

Laid off and feeling lost?

DIY Earring Display

You had me at Meatball Sub

3 Easy Steps to being Clean and Better Organized

Welcome back Customer Service! Part 1

So you want luxurious hair?

My healthy eating advice

Beginning Slow

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