Monday, May 27, 2013

Happy Memorial Day!

Although I wish I could have been on the lake or by the pool like most of you, I was still remembering all of those who have sacrificed so much for us and our country. I think it's important that we appreciate them year round, so here are a few (and super adorable) ways that you can! 

I found this picture on my Tumblr, and I love it so much! It's currently my Facebook & Twitter cover photo. 


I love these tanks from Kiss My Southern Sass and Shop Lauren James. They are perfect for showing your 'merica pride by the pool or running around town. 


This is currently my favorite scarf in my closet. I've already worn it about three times! It is light, so you can still wear in during summer cookouts or on a date night. Even better, it comes from my favorite store ever (Fiore Boutique). I'm not biased or anything ;)

Sunnies: Nordstrom.

Did you all have a great Memorial Day? I had a great time at work today with my awesome co-workers and On the Boarder for lunch! To top the day off, The Bachelorette is on tonight! I'm thinking of doing a few posts on this season...hmmm...stay tuned. 


Saturday, May 25, 2013

What I Wore: PR Study Tour

Hello!

For the past two weeks I was apart of KSU's PR Study Tour. During this time my classmates and I learned the ins and outs of agency life, internship advice, and what some of the leading PR agencies look for when finding new team members. It was an amazing experience and I gained a great amount of information and insight in PR. 

Part of the class requirement was to dress professionally. I love getting dressed up, and I wanted to take this opportunity to make new outfits that are both business appropriate and show off my personality. 
1. Top- Michael Kors (thrifted, similar style here). Skirt- H&M
2. Top- Old Navy. Skirt- The Limited.
3. Jacket- Entourage. Top- Francesca's. Skirt- H&M.
4. Top- Michael Kors (thrifted, similar style here). Skirt- The Limited. Necklace- J Crew

Surprisingly enough, everything I'm wearing I bought on sale! I had a great two weeks "playing dress up," and I will hopefully be dressing like this everyday after I graduate. Do you have a favorite place you like to shop for your professional wardrobe? 




Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Porter Novelli

A warm and welcoming environment, friendly smiles, and an office with a view. What more could you ask for in a PR agency? I wasn't sure what Porter Novelli was going to be like, but after I stepped off the elevator I could sense the dedication and commitment that the agency provides. 
Porter Novelli's main goal as a PR agency is to transform the opinions, beliefs, and behaviors of those who matter most to their clients. They offer expertise in cause marketing, B2B, internal communications, media relations, media training, and many more. 


The one area that interested me the most was their real-time reputation specialty. This service provides clients with round-the-clock monitoring of the issues most important to them. During the tour we were able to visit the radar room, where the monitoring specialists were working on things like real-time tacking and mitigation, issues monitoring, and trend analysis. 
The Atlanta office of Porter Novelli was gracious and willing to answer all of our questions. I loved seeing and hearing their success stories in the PR world. They are a growing agency with with 90 offices worldwide. You can follow their Twitter to keep up with the latest ongoings here

Have you ever considered working at an agency that focuses on topics such as healthcare and real-time reputation management? 



Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sleeping Beauty

Hello!

I am often complemented on how great my skin looks. I always love hearing this because I love taking care of my skin. I think it's extremely important to treat and care for your skin every. single. day. 

Since I am asked frequently what I use on my face I thought I would share my nightly bedtime skin routine! 
Before starting I always wash my hands well and remove my contacts. Clean hands are crucial for a clean face.

1: I start by wiping my face with L'oreal's Ideal Clean makeup remover wipes. I do this even if I didn't wear makeup for the day. 

2: I then take my middle finger and ring finger (the two cleanest fingers on your hands) and use some of Jarrow's coconut oil. Starting at the bottom of my neck I make upward, circular motions until I've covered my entire face. 

After I've covered myself in coco, I take a few cotton balls and gently remove the extra dirt/makeup. 

3: For the grand finale I use one of my absolute favorite products, Mario Badescu's Enzyme Cleansing Gel. This is an amazing moisturizer. I feel so fresh and clean after applying it on my face. 

Using the same technic with my fingers I do upward, circular motions on my face. Remember, a little goes a long way.

I love all of the products listed above. They help my skin breathe and glow. 

Do you have any favorite products you use before bed? I would love to hear what makes you feel like Sleeping Beauty! 


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Nonna's Cookies


When I was growing up my family had the same Sunday routine: church, lunch at Nanny and Poppy's, food comas, and dinner/night swims at Nonna and Nonno's house. We had the privilege of swimming everyday of the year living in Naples. 

One thing that I took for granted was the AMAZING food that was prepared every Sunday by my talented grandmothers. It was southern cooking for lunch, and delizioso italian for dinner. The other night I was seriously craving my Nonna's sugar cookies she would often make for dessert. So, embracing my sweet-tooth, I made a batch. I have to say, I was very impressed by the way the turned out! 

Here's what you'll need: 

For the cookies: 
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon anise extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
3 cups flour
3 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg

For the glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
Milk (measure depending on how thick you want the glaze)
SPRINKLES! :)

Here's what you'll do: 
Pre-heat oven to 350 F
Beat together butter and sugar until creamy
Stir in anise and lemon
Add dry ingredients - blend together
Add eggs - blend
Form dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet
Bake for 


Cool, Glaze, Sprinkle, Enjoy!

What are your favorite Sunday memories or traditions? Please feel free to comment below!




Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Andy Cohen's Got the 411


“There is no power like a Real Housewives fan with a mobile phone in their hand.”- Lisa Hsia


From go-go dancer to now top Bravo executive, Andy Cohen has been able to take TV and turn it into a completely different experience for viewers. With apps, tweets, and wall posts you can now be the social butterfly you have always dreamed of without having to leave your couch (or putting on pants).



As hashtags and usernames have become a major part of our world, they are also now a major factor in television, especially Bravo.  Thanks to the obsession of social media and the addictive reality TV shows on Bravo, social TV has become a category of its own.

Second screen has been an explosion in the past years for the company. Bravo was the first television network to develop a co-viewing companion app in 2010. The network is the perfect fit for a second screen experience, because the fans really care and they have been willing to to develop with the television programs and technology.
 
Play Live is Bravo’s way of letting viewers watch a show and participate in real-time with your friends and other fans around the world. It helps that Bravo’s programming already has an organic sense of interaction, which makes it easier to generate users. 

Viewers are given a URL on the screen, where they can instantaneously start interacting with the TV screen on the other device(s) they are using. Play Live features a call-to-action on the television screen, asking viewers poll questions such as “Which housewife had the best style in tonight’s episode?” Once fans give their input, they will be able to see the results after the next commercial break or at the end of the show.


Bravo has been able to generate large numbers in participation by the easiness of it all. Play Live is not an app that one has to wait to download, it is not set up like text messages where one has to remember codes, it is putting the URL in one time on your device and having it saved as a bookmark for later easy access.



Bravo has created a trend in social television that many other networks and companies can adopt. They have welcomed the new age of social media and technology with open arms, and embrace the uniqueness of their viewers. In public relations, knowing your audience and knowing what they want is the key to success. The key points that other television networks can take away are:
  • Viewer Interactions: Watch What Happens Live has a major advantage in bringing in viewers because it is the only broadcasted live program on late night. Cohen generates the questions from the viewers as they come in, making it an exciting and unpredictable experience for both the viewers and those filming the show. Users who submit questions are now the viewers, because they want to see if they will be mentioned on the show.
  • Social for the Soul: Cohen takes Bravo beyond WWHL and reunion episodes. He is very active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, etc. He gives fans and users a look behind the camera where they are able to see first hand the going-ons of the network and his sexy selfies. 
  • Embracing the Second Screen: No one watches television anymore without a second screen. Bravo makes it almost impossible to not participate in their shows with a second screen. Viewers can vote in polls, play the drinking games, tweet in questions, and so on. Bravo is coming at their viewers in every moment during the programs, giving them the attention they desire from their favorite Bravolebrities. 




Have you ever engaged in second screening with Bravo or another network? Do you find watching a reunion episode or an awards show more enjoyable with Twitter open? I encourage all of you to watch an episode of WWHL and experience the vivaciousness of Andy. Once you watch one, you'll be a regular viewer!