Sweet Lemon Magazine [issue no.2] by Sweet Lemon Media

the sweet lemon magazine team

C a r ly A . H e i t l i n g e r , E d i t o r - i n - C h i e f C a r l y i s a q u i r k y, T y p e A w o r k a h o l i c w i t h a passion for all things prep. Her closet is filled with collared shirts and ballet flats. She always has a stash of Band-Aids and multiple flavor s of lip balm tucked into her handbag. She wouldn’t be caught dead without her pearls on and thinks you should live your dreams. follow her on twitter: @collegeprepster

pa r i s r o u z a t i , C r e a t i v e

D i r e c t o r

Paris is a char ming souther n girl. She’s a b o o k w o r m , l a m e j o ke c o n n o i s s e u r, a n d W h o l e Fo o d s - o h o l i c . S h e h a s a n u n r i v a l e d arg yle sock collection and can’t go a day w i t h o u t e a t i n g i c e c r e a m . I f Vo g u e a n d The Economist had a love child, it would be Paris. She’s always there to make you laugh and smile, and believes in spreading love ever ywhere she goes. f o l l o w h e r o n t w i tt e r : @ pa r i s r o u z at i

Melissa noucas, E d i t o r i a l

S t y l i s t

Melissa is a per petual hostess, shopaholi c , a n d s t a t i o n e r y l o v e r. S h e h a s a k n a c k for purchasing too many striped shirts and wishes peony season was year-round. She goes weak in the knees for old Hollywood glamour (if she could, she’d host a Great Gatsby-style lawn party ever y day), but still enjoys the little luxuries of city living like taxi rides and coffee dates. f o l l o w h e r o n t w i tt e r : @ m n o u c

a lette r from t h e cre ative direc t or A s

I e n t e r into each New Year, I look back on the chapter I just closed behind me. I think of all my accomplishments, failures, dreams, friends I made, friends I lost... and like many of you, I take out my notepad, and start writing a list of things I want to improve on, dreams I want to make a reality, and bad habits I want to shed. Last year, I had two resolutions. Give up drinking Diet Coke. Give up drinking coffee. Now, these may not be the most intricate or spiritual decisions, but, they did in a way shape my year. I can gladly say, I haven’t had a Diet Coke since 2010, but, the coffee thing didn’t last more than two long mouth watering weeks. Why you may ask? Well, being a full-time student can seem like a full-time job to us all. That was not enough for me. I relaunched my website, TheCampusStyle. com and decided to try out a little pilot issue of a new digital magazine (the pages you’re reading now), with the help of two lovely ladies I call my sisters, Carly Heitlinger & Melissa Noucas. So, next to my MacBook with endless emails, class notes, homework, and unread textbooks stood my coffee cup – all year long. After the chaotic process of creating the pilot issue (where we had to pretty much teach ourselves everything), we decided to define Sweet Lemon’s mission, and so, our story began. Sweet Lemon is a magazine for the 20-something woman we call: the “Jane of all trades.” We want to be a platform for visionary women to show the world their talents in writing, the arts, culture, business, and networking. Our contributors are given a chance to harness the skills and experience needed to jump start their careers, while providing fellow savants with alluring stories used to cultivate their lifestyle: mind, body, and soul. We’re not just a magazine – we are a place where women across the globe can connect, find mentors, build confidence, and strive for excellence. I’d like to dedicate this New Beginnings Issue to the most inspiring professor I’ve come across whose teachings served as the backbone of Sweet Lemon Magazine’s mission statement. Thank you Ms. Gail Evans, for everything. I didn’t wake up in January thinking I’d be launching a magazine, but that’s the beauty of the new year. There are things in life you want to improve on, and opportunities you never thought would exist that come knocking on your door. The question is, what will you do this new year... when life gives you lemons? “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Mark Twain Cheers to the New Year, from my coffee cup to yours! xoxo,

Paris Rouzati

www.thecampusstyle.com @parisrouzati 3

jan+feb 2012 ::

issue no.2 interns & contributors

hanna howard

ally lopez

lauren vanderbroek

copy editor @suburbantparty

copy editor @allylopez

assistant editorial stylist @lauren_rae_vb

Caroline Ariail

ZoĂŤ BjĂśrnson

Aubrey Cox

Editorial Intern @carolinemerritt

Editorial Intern @kzoeb

Editorial Intern

Liza Macyzk

Lily Pollard

Vett Vandiver

Editorial Intern @legallybronzed

Editorial Intern @LilyPollard

Editorial Intern @vettt14

Kirsten Ankrom

Julianna Ashley

Janelle Driscoll

Carleton English

contributing author @KikiAnkrom

contributing author @juliannaashley

contributing author @janelledriscoll

contributing author @CarletonEnglish

Emma Fried

Leila Geramian

Lauren Gonzalez

Filomena Grossi

contributing author @emmacfried

contributing author

contributing author @Lauren_Alexa

contributing author

@figrossi

Molly Hess

Alexandra Lemley

Mary McLeod

Sarah Solomon

contributing author @gollymissmolly3

contributing author @alexlemley

contributing author @famousflower

contributing author @urbanJAP

jan+feb 2012

#shoparound 8. We’re Sweet On 10. Be Mine, Valentine 12. Resolution Keepers

14. All That Glitters

your complete guide to issue no.2

16. Polished & Pretty 17. On the Agenda

no. 22

18. Sock Hop 19. Mark Your Calendar

#puckerup 22. Q & A with Amber Venz 40. Lessons from the Vintage Genie 43. Discovering Swank Heights

no. 50

50. A Natural Beauty

#sweetheart 52. A Single Girl’s Guide to Valentine’s Day 54. My Valentine’s Date with Ryan Gosling 55. Relationship Equality:

Do you benefit as much as him?

57. Happiest Girls are the Prettiest Girls 59. The Modern College Woman: Too busy for

the average man

#lemonaid

no. 62

60. Balance in Spaces 62. Farm Fresh Dinner for Two

#zestyliving 64. Home Sweet Home 70. Get Lost in the City Lights 74. Freshman Year of Real Life 75. The Turkish Delight 78. 5 Steps to Put Your Money Where It Matters . . . To You 81. Getting In: A how-to on making the most of

your internship

no. 64

83. Soundtrack to my Life

#highlight

84. Carlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mini Guide to Living Your Dreams 94. The Female Facade 104. Southern & City

116. Our Fresh Picks

no. 94

no. 116 7

we ’ re sweet on F r o m ATLANTA t o P H ILADELP H IA , C H A M PAGNE t o SODA , C ARLY, PARIS & M ELISSA spill what they’re loving in 20 12

{carly} W H O: E d i t o r i n C h i e f W H ERE : D . C . W H AT : D K M A c c e s s o ries Bracelet / J . C r ew Swea t e r / Ur b a n O u t f i t t e r s Fox M i t t en s / E a s t l a n d L o a fe r s / To r y Burch Coin Purse

WHO: Creative Director W H ERE : A t l a n t a W H AT : C h l o ĂŠ E a u d e Perfum / Nikon 1 Camera / Hermes H Enamel B r a c e l e t / To r y B u r c h Riding Boot / Wildfox Sweater Dress

{melissa} WHO: Editorial Stylist W H ERE : P h i l a d e l p h i a W H AT : M a d e w e l l S i l k

To p / M a r c b y Marc Jacobs S c a r f / ASOS C a t E y e S u n glasses / Deborah Lippmann Po l i sh / Ka t e S p a d e H a n d b a g

be mine, valentine curated by paris

Topshop Sleeveless Skater Dress, Chanel No. 5 Perfume, Christian Louboutin Pump, Kate Spade Stationery, Archie Grand Notebook, Deborah Lippmann Polish, Miu Miu Feather Collar, DVF Ear Buds, Kate Spade Hinge Bangle, Wildfox Sparkle Heart Sweater, J.Crew Double Bow Clutch, Marc By Marc Jacobs Velvet Mouse Slippers, YSL Arty Ring, ASOS Bowler Bag, Comme de Garcons Sneakers, Paper Source Valentine Fortune Cookie Kit, “Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes” 10

resolution keepers curated by melissa

organize your office, your finances, your thoughts in style

Pink Le Pen, Russell + Hazel People & Places Set, Minted Personalized Notebook, Medical Doc Organizer, Page Flags, Knock Knock Money Receiptables, Knock Knock Mouse Pad website to check out : mint . com 12

new year, a healthier & happier you

Athleta Yoga Tights, Nike Running Shoes, Aromatherapy Associates Room Fragrance, Skinny Bitch Book, Perricone MD Health & Weight Managment Dietary Supplements, Stella McCartney for Adidas Gym Bag, Kate Spade Journal, Teavana MateVana Tea websites to check out : livestrong . com / womenshealthmag . com 13

all that glitters curated by paris

Kate Spade Multi Tone Clutch, Juicy Couture Bejeweled Shoelace Bracelet, J.Crew Glitter iPhone Case, J.Crew Sequin-Striped Knit Sweater, Tory Burch Glitter Ballet Flat, Urban Decay Eye Shadow, Topshop Capelet, Anya Hindmarch Clutch, French Connection Skirt, NARS Glitter Pencil, Kate Spade Charm Heels, Henri Bendel Harry Bangle, French Connection Sequin Shorts, ChloĂŠ Ballerina Flats, ASOS Pave Earrings, Deborah Lippmann Polish 14

polished & pretty curated by paris

NARS Versailles, Butter London Queen Vic, Butter London Wallis, Essie Bobbing for Baubles, Illamasqua Phallic, Deborah Lippmann Stairway to Heaven, Essie Bangle Jangle, Deborah Lippmann Marquee Moon, Julep Nails Stella, NARS Arabesque, Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slippers 16

on the agenda curated by carly

FranklinCovey Weekly Notebook, Kate Spade Desk Top Spiral, Moleskine Planner, Erin Condren Year Round Notebook, The Non-Planner Datebook, Sarah Pinto Weekly Planner, Fossil Alpine Travel Agenda 17

sock hop curated b y c a r l y, paris & melissa

Madewell Over-the-Knee Socks, Happy Socks Striped Socks, Hunter Boot Welly Sock, Topshop Heart Trim Knit Socks, Topshop Leopard Socks, J.Crew Camp Socks

dates in early 2012 noteworthy ::

mark your calendar

jan uary 15. National Strawberry Ice Cream Day 16. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 17. Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday 21. Hugging Day 24. Compliment Day 25. Opposite Day 29. Oprah’s Birthday

f e bruary 1 . Lauren Conrad’s Birthday [ we love The Beauty Department ] 2. Groundhog Day 3. Rosa Parks’ Birthday 6-10. International Friendship Week 10. Umbrella Day 14. Valentine’s Day 15. Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday 17. Paris’ Birthday 20. President’s Day 29. Leap Day

2011-12 Winter Collection //

100% organic cotton tees that benefit those who make them. Each shirt purchased, provides 74 minutes of employment to three groups of people and allows them to better the lives of themselves, their families and their communities.

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with

amber venz

Amber Venz is a glamorous Dallas girl, and the most stylish go-getter on the block. She’s an entrepreneur, jewelry designer, avid blogger, and stylist! When we think we can’t have it all, Amber proves to us that you definitely can have it all, and look fabulous doing it. She used her education, creativity, and ambition (and sleep deprivation) to create her empire. Get a glimpse of her life, her motivation, and yes, her closet! Do I sense the next Tory Burch coming along? – Paris Rouzati // @parisrouzati 23

Where did you grow up and where have you lived? How did those places influence your style? I grew up in Dallas - Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a Texas girl through and through. Everything is bigger and glitzier in Dallas, which certainly influenced my style. That said, I dress for the girls, not the guys, which is almost unheard of in the South. Who is your style icon? I have a few style icons: Kate Bosworth & Miroslava Duma at the moment. 24

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

we, as bloggers, are

keeping the masses shopping by creating a desire for products (You are welcome, retailers.)â&#x20AC;?

Where did you go to school and what did you study? How did that help you with what you're doing now? I graduated from SMU in '08 and I studied Corporate Communications & Public Affairs. I had outstanding, practicing professors in that program and I use the communication skills that they taught me on a daily basis. I learned about garnering press, dealing with the press, presenting a product, and just general writing skills; those skills are something that every business person needs to have. In my current position, I talk with bloggers and advertisers all day and I need those skill sets for both groups of people. I write press releases for our products, create presentations for our advertisers, and communicate a large amount of information to bloggers (a group of people with a particularly short attention span). I credit SMU for providing me with that skill set. 27

What’s your must have handbag and shoe? My must have shoe is a high heeled black gladiator bootie. I found the perfect pair at Zara last year and they are my yearround go-to shoe. That said, I have always wanted a pair of black Givenchy gladiators- there is a pair that they do every year with just a few slight updates each time and this year’s version just went on sale at Barneys - looks like this might be my year to jump in! My Proenza Schouler PS1 bag is with me all the time - it goes with everything and it looks better the more worn it gets. It was definitely an investment piece but when you consider the cost per wear, it was a steal. I love that I can wear those gladiator booties and the PS1 with grey skinny jeans, a T-shirt, and a messy pony tail and look like a million bucks. I can take those same accessories with a Wang dress to fashion week. How did you get into blogging? What’s the message/ purpose of VENZedits? About two years ago my boyfriend (still dating!) and I took a trip to Miami. While we were there we did a little shopping and I made the comment that I wished I could share my finds with someone and Baxter 28

(the boy) suggested that I start a blog. He has the business brain so we sat down and outlined a business plan for said blog and I drafted the logo. In April 2010, three months later, VENZedits was born. VENZedits is my personal fashion diary and I write it as if I am talking to one of my personal shopping clients- I tell them what they should buy, what I bought, when to invest, where to get the deal, and how to style the look. Basically, I took my styling/ personal shopping business online. Tell us about your jewelry line. How did you get started? What are your favorite materials to use? Who do you draw inspiration from? Are you still doing it? Everything that I do, creatively, stems from a need. I began creating jewelry during high school when I found a pair of expensive earrings that I wanted at a local high-end boutique. I did not ask my parents to buy them for me (I knew the answer was, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No.â&#x20AC;?) so I bought a set of jewelry tools and some wire and created my first knock-off. I use that term loosely because whatever I wanted during that time of my life, I made. I saw a picture of Jennifer Love Hewitt in a Marilyn Monroe style white Prada dress that I wanted and my grandmother and I made the dress- the first design of 13 (to date) in my personal collection. This need-based creativity has become a theme in my life. To answer more questions about the jewelry- yes I am still doing it. Kind of. I create a small one of a kind collection each season and sell it to local stores as well as online at AmberVenz.com. Jewelry comes easy for me and is more of a stress-reliever than a bane of my existence. I think I will always make jewelrythe collections are just becoming a little smaller and more specialized, which I think is much cooler. Tell us about rewardStyle? Who is it for? What made you start it? rewardStyle is an online monetization tool for top tier fashion bloggers. To 30

everything

â&#x20AC;&#x153; that I do, creatively, stems from a need.â&#x20AC;?

give you a brief summary, we provide fashion, beauty, and lifestyle bloggers with relevant product links for whatever products they have decided to talk about, feature, or wear. These links allow bloggers to get paid online the same way personal shoppers do offline. My background is in personal shopping and if I took a client into a boutique, I would get a commission on whatever that client purchased. This is the concept we have taken online. Bloggers are working as personal shoppers by styling and suggesting products and we, as bloggers, are keeping the masses shopping by creating a desire for products. (You are welcome, retailers.)

surround

â&#x20AC;&#x153; yourself with a good team: people you like, want to be friends with and that are more talented than you.â&#x20AC;? 34

Everything about rewardStyle is performance based; we allow bloggers to get paid exactly what they are worth to these brands and retailers. How do you juggle a blog, a company, and a jewelry line? I don’t really have a life. Seriously. I work full-life (kind of like full-time but it is 24 hours a day) but I enjoy everything about what I do and I am proud of what I and my team have built. My dad always taught my brother and I to work hard when you are young so you can have fun when you are old. I know that all of this hard work will pay off. What was it like being on Bravo’s Most Eligible Dallas? What was your role? Working with Most Eligible Dallas was a new experience for me- I had no idea how much work went into capturing reality. I dressed one of the characters, Courtney Kerr, for several months of filming. Courtney loves fashion and she trusted me when I pushed her to wear a turban or a body-harness so it was so much fun to work with her. I met a lot of new friends and learned so much through the process; I am grateful for the experience. What’s your best advice for young entrepreneurs? Put in the time. Work on all sides of the business you want to be in before you decide to go out on your own. I have worked on all sides of fashion: (a) STYLING: I interned with a stylist in LA, (b) WHOLESALE/ DESIGN: worked as a fit model for Thakoon in NY, (c) RETAIL: worked at a local boutique for five years, (d) OWNER: and finally I launched my own jewelry line, (e) FASHION BLOGGER: then I blogged about it for two years. Each part of that education prepared me for the next step. Surround yourself with a good team: people you like, want to be friends with, and that are more talented than you. Do what you love but consider the sustainability. When life gives you lemons ... Make a Long Island Iced Tea! 36

read amberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog: www.VENZedits.com tWeet her: @VENZedits shop her jewelry collection: www.ambervenz.com check out rewardstyle: www.rewardstyle.com 37

Lessons Vintage Genie from the

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always said that if I stumbled upon a genie and he wanted to grant me three

wishes, that I would ask for the ability to sing and the ability to play piano or maybe guitar, or some other instrument that would make people think I am actually way cooler than I am. I never really knew, though, what the third wish would be until recently: the ability to shop for vintage clothing with a little expertise.

by Mary McLeod

I’m sort of a stylish person and people usually assume that I’d be equally as skilled at vintage shopping as I am at shopping sales, but I absolutely am not. I get overwhelmed as soon as I walk into a vintage store, lost in the mountains of polyester, wool, orange, floral patterns, and just the sheer amount of clothing. After years of yearning to be a vintage goddess like Zooey Deschanel, I finally decided to consult a professional in order to make my dream come true. Athens is about as trendy as you can get in Georgia, so I was in the right place to find the right help. Agora is the coolest vintage store in Athens right now, in my opinion, and Airee Hong Edwards, the sweet owner, was more than willing to shed some light on how to shop vintage like a professional. Edwards graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fabric design from the University of Georgia and her flare for the fabulous shows in her store and in the way she presents herself. A self-proclaimed “queen of vintage,” a title she has rightly earned, Edwards had some amazing advice for me. She could talk all day about vintage, art, and antiques so I condensed her recommendations down to a few key pieces of advice. When shopping vintage, “look for pieces that make you feel good when you put them on. If a piece does not build up your confidence and make you feel good, then do not buy it.” Don’t purchase something simply because it’s vintage and vintage is supposed to be cool. If you don’t love yourself in the piece, you won’t wear it and you definitely won’t be confident in it if you do.

dime on anything. Airee says to ensure you’re getting the best quality item you can, since you’re not buying from the original retailer, diligently inspect the item by checking seams on clothing and be especially wary of tears or holes. The same goes for jewelry; be sure the piece is stamped appropriately if the seller is claiming that it’s a precious metal. It helps to build a working knowledge of design, manufacturers, and styles. “The best deals are always had by those most able to recognize a quality find that is bargain-priced.” Thrifting for clothing can be quite overwhelming, especially if you’re used to buying all new. When you’re looking for a vintage piece, you have to find the one piece that you love, because every piece is original and there will most likely only be one of them in one size. As a vintage rookie, you should start out with simple purchases, like a neat piece of jewelry. Don’t jump in if you’re anxious about your purchases, ease your way into it. “Celebrate the fact that what you are buying is unique and most likely will not appear on anyone else. Vintage shopping is the best way to create a signature style and along with that, it’s the most environmentally friendly way to shop. Now, it’s time to go out and search for original and quality pieces that enhance your personality and make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Tweet Mary: @famousflower www.wherethecutethingsare.com Photo by

There are a lot of stores that call themselves “vintage” or “antique” retailers, but there are also a lot of people out there looking to make a 40

Katherine Ingui

Discovering swank heights @kzoeb by Zoë Björnson

New Orleans isn’t e xactly well known for its fashion - but not for long! J u l e y L e , the fashionista behind Swank Heights is one of the g reat fashion blogger s from New Orleans who is pushing NOLA fashion to new limits. Juley’s blog celebr ates the women who love fashion, but don’t take it too seriously and enjoy delving into a delicious plate of shrimp creole when the time is right! From daily outfit posts to her daily adventures in the Big Easy, Swank Heights chronicles the life of a fashion lover living in New Orleans.

Where did you grow up and where have you lived? I grew up in the little town of Houma, La., which is right on the Gulf of Mexico and 45 minutes south of New Orleans. I lived in Chicago for several months following Hurricane Katrina and have also stayed in Phoenix and New York City for short spurts of time.

What is your favorite part of New Orleans? The city’s culture, from food to music, is the most appealing thing to me and I think to most people who visit us. Our love for food was here long before the foodie bandwagon began and people are brought up to treat others with southern hospitality, something that is rare in bigger metropolitan cities. New Orleans reminds me of a little European city in so many ways and it is very easy to fall in love with it!

Do your surroundings influence your style? Definitely! Traveling and exploring different countries’ street style online have always served as inspiration but I think living in a city where fashion isn’t everyone’s priority has made me more curious and experimental in refining my own personal style. I find southern attire very charming and classic so I think that’s reflected in my wardrobe as well.

How do you think that fashion in New Orleans is different from the rest of the United States? In bigger cities, you’ll often see trends circulating quickly through seasons but I think that New Orleanians stay true to a lax and easy fashion sense. Thank goodness we don’t take fashion too seriously.

What are the top three things that influence your style? My mood, the weather, and what’s in my closet!

How would you describe your style? Simple, classic, and quirky or a New Orleans version of Parisian chic.

What type of fashions/styles are you more attracted to? When I see someone who owns his/her look and I can honestly say, “Wow that look is so her” then I am easily inspired by that. It is always obvious when someone is confused and is simply playing into trends.

Where did you go to school and what did you study? I graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a concentration in Finance. 42

H o w w o u l d y o u d e s c r i b e y o u r s t y l e ? “ S i m p l e , c l a s s i c q u i r k y o r a N e w O r l e a n s v e r s i o n o f P a r i s i a n c h i c .”

a n d

Business has always been in my blood because my parents are entrepreneurs, and I chose finance because the curriculum was equally challenging and interesting.

When did your interest in fashion begin?

My interest in fashion was truly sparked when I lived in Chicago. The city’s street style was inspiring and I knew I had to take advantage of the shopping there and figure out what my personal style was. Before Chicago, I think I was really confused with how I represented myself. Trying to fit into the whole college all-American Abercrombie & Fitch look just wasn’t me. Chicago helped me realize that.

What initially sparked your interest in fashion? My cousins, who are designers in New York, deserve all the credit. Even at a young age, we’d stay up until six in the morning talking about our dreams and they’ve always dreamt about careers in fashion. Fast forward 15 years and they are making big moves in the Big Apple and I’m lucky enough to support them through it!

Tell us a little bit about your past and current professions. Do they allow you to experiment with your style?

As I mentioned earlier, I have a degree in finance but I was also very active with campus organizations at Loyola. This led to Teach for America recruiting me into their service so I taught at a low-income school in New Orleans from 2009 to 2011. Being a teacher wasn’t very glamorous so I often turned to blogging as my creative outlet, documenting my food and style adventures during any free time I had. As of right now I’m working at Saks Fifth Avenue as a sales and styling consultant which has been balls of fun! I am surrounded by Chanel and Prada and get to help clients build a wardrobe or find the perfect handbag to add to their collection. After the holiday season, I’ll be moving to Nashville, Tenn., to start a new career as a software analyst while simultaneously working on my own start-up company. 44

Give us a l itt l e t aste of w hat k i nd f it you wou l d we ar [ for w i nter ] .

out-

“Opening Ceremony khaki shorts that I’ve worn a trillion times”

While I’m all over the place, I’m so lucky to be able to gain different skills with each role. I have a really short attention span so I wouldn’t have it any other way!

And how about a few of your favorite pieces ever?

When did you start Swank Heights?

August of 2008 during a finance internship, learning from a great mentor in beautiful Petoskey, Mo.

A Doo.ri draped blouse I got for a tenth of the price. Opening Ceremony khaki shorts that I’ve worn a trillion times because they go with everything, and a vintage inspired ring my boyfriend gave me last Christmas – it was the first piece of jewelry I’ve received in our 7+ years together and he did well!

What inspired you to start Swank Heights?

Clearly you have a fab wardrobe, where are your top five favorite places to shop?

I was already such a fan of Karla’s Closet and Fashion Toast so after being named Chictopia. com’s December 2008 Fashion Icon, I decided to go full force with my own blog especially since there weren’t any New Orleans-based blogs!

Is blogging a hobby for you, or full time? If you do consider it more of a hobby, would you want to make it full time if possible?

Zara, Club Monaco, J.Crew, Forever 21, and vintage/consignment shops

What styling tips would you give us for the winter?

Find fun ways to layer with textures but always keep in mind your body frame.

What’s the best piece of fashion advice you have ever received?

As of right now, it’s just a hobby that has presented amazing opportunities and has also helped me developed great relationships with people I would’ve never been able to otherwise. I would love to be able to blog full-time but I definitely think that’s wishful thinking! I’m just grateful people are interested in what I have to deliver.

My main mantra in fashion is ‘Style is utilizing simple pieces in a unique, consistent, defining way.’ And if you aren’t comfortable, it’ll show.

Who are your fashion icons?

Go pick some strawberries and make strawberry lemonade to brighten up or accompany your meal! Sometimes the simplest twist will add excitement to the everyday, ordinary things.

Olivia Palermo for mixing high/low brands, Rachel Bilson for casual cool looks, and of course the Olsen twins because they never, ever look boring.

Those are some icons, for sure. Who is your all time favorite designer?

Prada – for always producing classic, understated chic, quality designs.

Classic. Do you draw inspiration from other bloggers? If so, who? Absolutely! My favorites are Karla’s Closet, Atlantic-Pacific, 9to5chic, and StyleScrapbook.

What three pieces are on your wish list right now? Prada bag + black pointy toe pumps + black leather pants.

What would you say to all the beautiful young women of Sweet Lemon? ‘Do YOU, in the most effortless way possible!’

When life gives you lemons...

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

Thank you all for reading and supporting my blog!

So, what’s next for you?

I’ll continue fulfilling promotions with different brands and local New Orleans companies as well as random food and style excursions to document my move to Nashville. You can expect a ‘New Orleans takes on Nashville’ twist in the coming new year!

See what Juley is up to:

twitter: @juleytl facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/

Swank-Heights/218753011510345 bl og: www.swankheights.net 47

A Natural Beauty

5 Natural beauty recipes to keep you looking your best by Caroline Ariail // Tweet her @carolinemerritt

Clear, radiant skin? Check. Perfectly soft hands? Check. Shiny, healthy hair? Check. If only it were this easy. With these natural beauty recipes, it is! Every girl has her favorite tried and true beauty products. Whether that conditioner is a drugstore bargain or that face scrub a department store splurge, you know it works consistently and is right for you. However, sometimes the favorites fall a little short, particularly in certain circumstances – a stressful class can create havoc on your normally clear face or maybe it’s the dry winter air causing your skin to resemble a scaly creature. On the other hand, maybe nothing is wrong except that you’re a little bored with your normal beauty routine this winter. Of course, trying out multiple new products can be a little pricey and time consuming. The answer for a beauty routine that is effective and fresh: creating your own natural beauty products! While whipping up a hand scrub with ingredients from the kitchen may seem a little odd at first, rest assured that homemade beauty products are easy to create and extra gentle on your body as there are no harsh chemicals. So grab a couple of girlfriends to assist you in making these recipes, create a relaxing environment and voila, it’s a DIY spa – affordable and tons of fun!

{ Lemon-aid Hand Scrub } Our beloved fruit, the lemon, is compatible in a variety of natural beauty recipes! This one utilizes the antioxidants found in lemon zest to help brighten and refresh the skin.

1) Zest 1 lemon and combine the zest with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon coconut oil for a delicious-smelling hand exfoliant.

2) Massage over your hands for about 5 minutes, then rinse. 48

{ Cucumber Body Scrub } No spa is complete without cucumber slices for puffy, tired eyes. But cucumber is also effective and refreshing as a body scrub.

1) Peel and grate one cucumber. 2) Add 1 cup of buttermilk and ½ cup of sea salts to grated cucumber. 3) Massage onto skin in a warm shower and rinse thoroughly.

{ Egg Hair Treatment } While this recipe is not glamorous, shiny hair will make up for a little eggy mess.

{ Tea Toner } Green tea is the perfect beverage to serve at your spa. The calming drink contains natural antioxidant and skin-clearing propertieswhether you drink it, or use it as a toner!

1) Brew 1 cup of tea and combine with ¼ cup of witch hazel (available at most drug stores) and the juice of ½ of a grapefruit. 2) Apply to face with a cotton ball. 3) To avoid drying your skin, follow this with an application of your daily moisturizer.

1) Beat an egg with a splash of milk and apply to hair. 2) Leave treatment on hair for approximately 5-10 minutes, then rinse well.

{ Yogurt-Honey Face Mask } The yogurt is hydrating and the honey has natural antibacterial properties so it’s the perfect solution to winter skin that could use a little tender loving care.

1) Combine 1 tablespoon plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon honey in a small bowl. 2) Apply to face and let rest for 1-2 minutes. 3) Rinse and pat dry.

A to

by Sarah Solomon 50

Audrey Hepburn once said that happy

looking girls are the prettiest. I disagree, the sullen looking ones are models.

Valentine’s Day

can be a rough holiday. Whether you’re in a new relationship and don’t know where you stand with the other person or are just alone and incredibly bitter — this article is for the girls celebrating the holiday non-traditionally. In the event that you’re the only one of your friends without a V-day date, don’t despair. This means you can orchestrate an extravagant Valentine’s meal at home to celebrate your biggest fan — yourself. Put on your pearls, pop open the largest bottle of bubbly you can find, and let the magic begin.

Dinner for One

Hors d’oeuvres : To put yourself in the mood for the long and bumpy night ahead I suggest half to three quarters of the aforementioned bottle, accompanied by an ample amount of brie and Carr’s crackers. Lay a sliver of brie on top of each Carr, and tastefully arrange them in an art deco pattern on a vintage silver serving platter. Dim the lights, put on some Beethoven — and gorge yourself until faced with nothing but your solitary reflection in the empty platter. That’s your signal to finish the bottle and move on to the main course.

Main Course: This is when you’re allowed to let your culinary skills really shine — and

can switch to the hard liquor. Pour yourself a generous gin and tonic and grab a handful of Brussels sprouts from the fridge. Carefully chop off the ends and make an x at the bottom of each stem, then throw them in the microwave in a bowl of water for four minutes or until tender. Let them cool for several minutes, then begin to enjoy your ten-calories-a-pop sprout chock-full of antioxidants and selfloathing. Liberally pour yourself more G&T’s, and toast to never repeating this fresh hell ever again.

Dessert: Treat yourself to an amaretto on the rocks and fish around in your fridge until you find that bottle of whipped cream you keep hidden for these types of emergencies. Spend the next several hours drunkenly Facebooking your ex’s, while comforting yourself with the knowledge that their new flames are just watered down versions of yourself (read: less crazy). After you’ve exhausted your options, your alcohol and your sanity, it’s time to curl up in the fetal position and pass out on your couch. At the end of the night, take pride in knowing this was simply a celebration of refusing to settle for some random schmuck. Spend a well-deserved night with your body pillow, and dream of all the possibilities that February 15th has in store for you. Go get ‘em slugger.

@urbanJAP // www.sarah-sol.com 51

My Valentine’s Date With Ryan Gosling

An {unfortunately} fictional tale by Lily Pollard // @LilyPollard

So, it’s Valentine’s Day and I think I’ve been taking it very well so far. I’ve mocked only twice the amount of couples I usually do and I’ve only cried once. Okay seven times, but it’s not my fault they’ve been showing that ASPCA commercial far more today than they usually do… and the fact that when I dragged myself to Walgreens they were out of my Cherry Garcia. If that’s not a reasonable excuse to lose control of your emotions, I don’t know what is. Instead, I settled for some pint of chocolate hell with a semi-clever name and returned to my car to begin eating it there in an almost trance-like state. Ten minutes later, my ears were horrified by the dreadful noise of a spoon scraping against an empty carton. I was more miserable than I had been all day. At least my jealous rage kept me from eating my regular meals. All I was left with was a shirt bedazzled with bits of brownie. It was time to drive home. I dolefully walked through my door to my apartment and plopped onto the couch. I kissed my remote control and prayed for something good to be on. I scrolled through what looked like a standard line up of reality television until I hit the jackpot. “Crazy, Stupid, Love” was on HBO, “The Notebook” was on Lifetime, and “Blue Valentine” was on Showtime. It also turned out that “Water For Elephants” was on, but I decided to blow R. Patz off. My man for the night was my dream date: Ryan Gosling. His confident yet sensitive demeanor instantly brought a smile to my face. I sat up tightly bound in my blanket giggling every time he did something sexy. In my mind he was next to me telling me that I looked much more beautiful in my ratty pajamas and that he couldn’t have asked for a better girl to spend this night with, and I’d believe it. He would pour me a glass of pinot noir and give me a foot rub while telling me that my weird little toe was the cutest thing he’d ever seen. He’d go to the kitchen and ask me about my day while making a batch of cookies using his mother’s recipe while simultaneously looking like the epitome of a man. Oh Mr. Gosling, you have me bewitched, body and soul. I woke up to my surprise without Ryan (much different than the vivid dreams I was having moments before) on the couch where the night took place, with my arm hanging off the edge into a box of Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies. I peered around the living room to see the coffee table with a bottle of wine I killed reflecting the light from the midday sun into my eyes. Behind that was none other than a repeat of “Water For Elephants” on the TV where I sensed Robert Pattinson taking out his disappointment in me. I gave him a sympathetic nod for not making him my date, but I can say I have no regrets. 52

relationship equality:

do you him?

benefit as much as

‘Tis the season for desperation! For the single lady, the nights feel colder, your bed feels empty and lovey dovey movies suddenly make you feel genuinely nauseous. Cue relationships and proposals– winter has arrived! There’s something about the holiday season, from Christmas parties and dinners, New Year’s Eve, nobody wants to be alone. So what do we do? We search for that guy, one to keep us warm at night, and have their arm around us at a dinner party. And if we can’t find the perfect guy, or at least one who is close, we do what we do best: settle. We settle or fake it to avoid being alone. We settle for that guy who only calls after midnight and only to come over; we settle for that guy who we really only see as a friend. Fear has eaten our sanity. You throw that feeling in the back of your mind and at the same time you’re wondering why that feeling is there to begin with. I agree 100 percent that it feels fantastic knowing you have someone, but when you know they’re not the right one, believe me when I say that amazing high doesn’t last forever. This isn’t a gravity free world. You will eventually come back down to Earth – to reality. And with that I advise you, find someone who makes it easy. Someone who benefits you as much as you benefit them. It’s a waste of time to be with someone to whom you give so much – from knowledge to experience and then receive nothing in return.

b y julianna ashle y 53

@juliannaashle y

If you are questioning a relationship, ask yourself:

are you giving more than you’re g etting? You find yourself sacrificing way more than he is. You will

are you lear ning an ything? Have you learned anything new, about yourself or in

always go the extra mile, but if

general? Or do you feel like

the situation were in reverse,

you were better off before

forget it!

than you are now?

how does he react to your actions? If you make a poor decision, does it bother him at all? Or is

Do you find you’re more stressed and exhausted,

it of no concern to him?

do you see a chang e in yourself ?

emotionally and physically?

do you find yourself making excuses for him? Justifying all of his actions, quickly defending everything he does?

If this is you, please exit this relationship immediately. You don’t have to run and make it dramatic, but know this situation isn’t a good one for you. Relationships are never easy, but it really shouldn’t be this hard. Happiness isn’t stress and panic. If someone truly cares for you, that would be the last state they’d be okay seeing you in. Equality in a relationship is possible, and both sides deserve it. No one deserves to settle, the outcome is not worth it. If it feels good it probably is, and if it doesn’t, it’s not. 54

happiest girls

are the

Prettiest Girls by Filomena Grossi There he is, right in front of you: the one that is always on your mind. He starts to approach you and even before he says “hello,” the butterflies in your stomach have caused you to become so tongue-tied that you make the most obscure sound…um, what language was that? You sit there embarrassed as he walks away. The next day you see him with a tall blonde, and you immediately begin to compare yourself to her. You start bit by bit analyzing every aspect of this girl to the point where you can’t even look at yourself in the mirror. Sweetheart, that is your first mistake, stop right there! When things go wrong, or when that boy who you are head over heels for doesn’t notice you (so you think), the first instinct is to think it has to do with how you look. You start to criticize yourself from head to toe; from the way your hair looks, to the way you dress, and sometimes you even begin to question your own personal interests. I am not here to talk to you about relationships with the one who you love, I

am here to tell you about the most important relationship, and that is the one with yourself. That girl who you were comparing yourself with isn’t better than you, she just has the confidence that you need to have yourself. We all have that idea that if we looked a certain way then our life would be that much better. Do you notice how you set goals for yourself, whether it is “I’m going to lose 10 pounds before summer” or the typical, “I need a change, therefore new hair color!”? Did you actually lose those 10 pounds? And are you even happy with that new hair color? The answer is probably not, if anything you binged harder on those carbs and that new hair color is fading so quick that now it’s in that awkward state where you’re not even sure if it is blonde, gold, orange, or mustard. This is because you’re not doing these things for you; you’re doing them because you think in the end you will be happier. 55

Have you ever thought, “I just want to be happy”? Well, what’s stopping you? You have the power to be anything you want to be. We all have moments where we think that life looks like it will never get better, but you have to be ready to stop dwelling on the past, and move forward in the future. Live for the moment! Go out with your best girlfriends, I personally find that laughing is my favorite remedy! Do you ever remember events in your head and just begin to giggle, and that giggle turns into the biggest smile, and then all you can do is smile? I’m going to tell you a little secret: That smile on your face is contagious, and will spread to others around you. Audrey Hepburn put it in the best words, “I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day…” The first thing you have to do is eliminate that negative “perfect” image, because what makes you beautiful is the simple fact that you are not perfect (a little hint, no one is perfect). Stop striving for goals that you think will make you happy and start doing things that actually make you happy. Surround yourself with those people who are positive influences in your life. If someone is bringing you down and constantly making you feel horrible about yourself then it is time to let them go, no one should make you feel bad about yourself. Remember what you deserve and that those people who make you feel bad do not fit in your life. Negativity out, positivity in!

Whether it is dancing, writing, singing, hanging out with friends/family, music, baking or even traveling, do the things that you like to do. What makes you stand out from everyone else are the things you are interested in. Focus on the things you are passionate about, because passion leads to success. If you are not passionate about something then the odds of excelling are limited, and why limit yourself when you have the ability to be the very best! Start doing things for yourself, because the things you want to do will make you happy in the end. And happiest girls are the prettiest girls. Have confidence in yourself and wear that smile because nothing is prettier than a girl who believes in herself. That smile is prettier, and holds more value than any piece of jewelry or clothing. Materiality only goes so far; it is how you feel and what you believe that makes you beautiful. Go out and wear that smile, I promise it’ll never go out of style!

TWEET HER: @figrossi Illustrations by

Erica Mogentale & Lauren VanderBroek

What are the things that you like to do? 56

The Modern College Woman: Too Busy for the Average Man by Vett Vandiver // @vettt14

“So, do you have a boyfriend yet?” This is the question I get asked at every family function, a couple of times a week at my job, and sometimes by my own parents. I always answer with an aggressive “no.” Not aggressive because I’m upset about being single, or because I hear the same question so often, but because it’s frustrating to be questioned and judged by people who do not understand the struggle that many of today’s college women are facing. We have become the top leaders on our campuses– we’re independent, profitable, busy, and can no longer settle for just any kind of man. It has to be intimidating for the average man to approach this new breed of college women. We are too busy to go out and meet potential beaus, and if we do have some free time, we would rather spend it catching up on sleep or our favorite TV series. Sharena Taylor, 20, said, “My days are consumed with school and sports, and I don’t have the leisure time to meet new people or build a real relationship. And, the average man won’t do. I need someone with some substance.” Are we being too picky and unreasonable by not settling down with the men who are bold enough to show interest? Or, would that only be a waste of the time that we don’t have? It’s a complicated issue. And although it may not be solved, anytime soon, there is hope for us. And I am here to give some words of encouragement. First of all: Don’t settle. Settling for sub-par

guys, treatment, attention, and relationships is detrimental and will only make you unhappy in the long run. Every great woman deserves a great man. That is all. Next, remember that despite how things may appear, there are still amazing men in the world. And, some of these amazing men do indeed want to find a life partner who is just as driven and ambitious as they are. Also, remain open-minded when it comes to finding a love interest. Be willing to give men who are qualified to be in a relationship with you a chance, even if they may not have immediately sparked your interest. The best ones aren’t always the ones who everyone talks about. Get to know the men who are in your social circle or extracurricular activities who you may have categorized as “just a friend” after the first meeting. Finally, make time in your ridiculous schedule for socializing with the opposite sex. “I’m at a crazy point in my life where I need a real man who understands my busy lifestyle,” said Ariane Callender, 22. Even if this scheduled social time just means dressing up and going out to a club with your girls for an hour to see what kind of men are currently out there...do it! We want to be found, but don’t always want to put ourselves out there. You’ll be happy to be spending some time socializing, even if you don’t get hit on or hand out your number that night. Making an effort, but staying true to yourself and your personal aspirations is the key to possibly changing your relationship status in this decade. Continue to be ambitious in all aspects of life. When life gives you lemons, be willing to try a new flavor of lemonade. I’ve been taking my own advice recently, and have been quite pleased with the results! 57

BALANCE

spaces

by Leila Geramian Illustration by Lauren VanderBroek

Oh, New York

. Its subways are jam packed with countless people squeezing together, huddled together, and anxious to arrive at some other destination. This is the reality of my weekday mornings—and any time of the day, really. Who are we kidding? This is New York and as I move through the hours of my day, speeding from one place to the other, my heart and soul beg me to just make the moment matter—to not let the days go on without my awareness that each one truly existed to begin with. Awareness, I’ve learned, is the tool that centers us in the Now. It makes the moments matter by giving each one value. Each experience should be cherished. Each moment, appreciated. It’s important, I think, to do what it takes to stretch out the m o m e n t s, by letting the space between them b r e a t h e so that we actually sense the happenings of our lives. We sense by tasting, touching, loving and feeling whatever it is we’re experiencing deeply, wholly.

We sense by letting life in.

wellrounded, healthy life experience.

The space between the moments gives birth to a sense of inner peace. It notifies drama that it has been uninvited and washes away what’s unnecessary, leaving room only for what is authentic and true and oh so very…necessary. Stillness offers us a moment to think before we act. It permits us to take a step back before we react. We do a great service to ourselves and others if we take that one moment to stop doing. There is always that moment between someone’s drama and your response, for example, that tells you to rise above it and that very moment– that space–allows you to do better if you’re aware enough to let it. We know better but we don’t necessarily do better because we are too quick to react, too quick to let our egos do the leading.

Whether or not you’re trying to find a space to fit in on a crowded New York City subway car, trying to find a way to love yourself and somebody else with ease and balance, or sitting at home idle trying to discover what move to make next in your life—it begins with you. Give yourself the space to just breathe and to put some spaces between the rapid, often meaningless, thoughts that come and go. Meditate. Be still. Find your own way to relax. Take a step back to make your day count for something. And then, after you take care of yourself (even if it’s for 20 minutes, even if it’s just for five), go back to your studies, go back to your work, resume the conversation with your lover, all with a clearer mindset that permits you to tackle what your day throws at you…with a little more grace and patience.

Spaces create balance—that tells us when to do and when not to do—of when to speak and when to cultivate the magic of silence. Infiltrating your moments with spaces to breathe helps you cultivate the art of living with purpose. Those spaces and moments for mental silence help us evolve into better students, better workers, better friends, better lovers, and better, more patient and more compassionate human beings. The art and practice of silence make our actions more productive. We won’t just do to do–we’ll do in an effort to create meaning and when we utilize our words, especially in conflict, we won’t just speak to speak—we’ll speak to make a difference. We’re always seeking balance—even if we don’t know it. Nobody aims to live in extremes; nobody wishes to not have the most perfect life experience possible. There is often, however, for some if not all of us, that inner struggle, of trying to allocate time between work and play—between our friends and our lovers, our family and our own alone time. Too much of anything we love can turn into an addiction; addictions to our work, our romantic partners, our hobbies, our egos, and we have to be aware enough not to let that happen. When we live our life in extremes, our quality of life suffers because too much of one thing deprives us of all the other really great things. Balance is the foundation to a

You do have the time to get all those things done, and you do have the time to be good to yourself. You simply must take the time to cleanse the palate that is your life. Rejuvenation clears out the clutter and makes room for the next moment, the next chapter and the next best thing without neglecting the beauty of the current moment. Taking the time to put spaces in your life to be still, to be with yourself, builds self-esteem and connects you to something deeper. It’s deeper because it exists through and through the depths of your own soul. It’s your own soul and that means nothing outside of you could ever define it and consequently, never threaten to weaken or break it. These are your life moments—you owe it to yourself to let the moments bring you peace—to leave a little window open between them for light to shine through, because that light will brighten up your life with balance and love. We should make an effort to breathe life in, before the speed at which it moves overwhelms and forsakes us. The reality is, no matter where we live or what we are doing, life travels quickly for us all–and sometimes, we forget to just breathe between those rapid waves in the sea called Life and simply... enjoy. 59

Farm Fresh Dinner for Two Menu Chicken with Tomatoes Roasted Asparagus Apple Cranberry Salad Serves two.

Total Time: 35 min Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Attending college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania means that accessing farm fresh ingredients is as simple as a drive downtown to Central Market, the country’s oldest continuously operating farmer’s market. The market’s warehouse is cool in itself: an old brick building tucked off the busy road at an intersection of cobblestone walkways. Inside, farmers and foodies alike bustle about, toting recyclable bags full of seasonal fruits, veggies, local meat, and Amish-made house wares. When I find myself with a bit of extra time, I love to cook dinner with the local food from Market. Not only is the food inexpensive, it’s healthier and stays longer in my fridge than food from the grocery store. On this particular trip, I stocked up on fresh, seasonal veggies and fruit — and even set aside a few dollars for two popular Amish whoopie pies! Cooking dinner is definitely more labor intensive than heating up a cup of Ramen noodles on a study break but is well worth the trouble for the seasonal flavors and the appetizing aromas that fill your kitchen. Your roommates and your stomach will thank you. (And don’t worry if you don’t have a local farmer’s market, you can find these ingredients in a grocery store, too!) by Molly Hess @GollyMissMolly3 Illustrations by Lauren VanderBroek

Apple Cranberry Salad 4 cups baby spinach 2 apples, Honeycrisp 1 bundle of shallots, about 5 medium-size shoots, chopped ½ cup dried cranberries, or chopped dried cherries, or mixture of both ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Chicken with Tomatoes 1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in half, lengthwise 1 small package of cherry tomatoes (about 40), cut in half lengthwise

1.Thinly slice each apple. 2.Toss with chopped shallots, crumbled feta

cheese, dried cranberries and baby spinach. Drizzle with dressing (I used oil and vinegar).

5 cloves ofgarlic, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 for chicken and 1 for tomatoes 1 tablespoon butter ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1.Cut the chicken breast in half

horizontally and

pat the chicken dry.

2.Place the chicken in a sauce pan with 2 table-

spoons of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

3.Cook chicken until it is fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

4.Add the Parmesan cheese on top of

the chicken and continue cooking a few minutes longer, until the cheese is melted

Roasted Asparagus 1 bundle of asparagus, about 20 pieces 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper

1.Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 2.Place asparagus on a foil-lined baking sheet

and drizzle withextra-virgin olive oil and salt and pepper.

3.Cook for 20-25 minutes, until fork tender.

HOME m ho

e sw

How to throw a simple, but stunning housewarming party ( on a budget! )

styling by

Melissa Noucas Lauren VanderBroek

photos by

Charles Rumford

recipes compiled by Lauren VanderBroek

invitation design Melissa Noucas 62

The Details

When planning an event, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in the details. We chose to go with a cozy/book theme, and incorporated fun accents like stacked books and book cover post cards for guests to leave little notes on.

The Photobooth

Get your housewarming party off to the right start with an improptu photo booth. As the host, volunteer to take the snapshots of your guests. You can set up a backdrop using garlands or props, or keep it simple with a plain background. A couple of empty picture frames work well as props, but you could also use : + chalkboards + conversation signs + silly sunglasses + moustacheson-a-stick + masquerade masks + fun hats

For our casual photobooth, we gathered our favorite books, vintage finds, and world souvenirs and displayed them on a built-in bookshelf. This would also be a great place to display all those trophies youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won over the years {wink}. Or, um, the trophies you found at a garage sale. 64

The Invites Whether you send an e-vite or choose to use snail mail, the invitations set the tone for your event. We went with a design of our own and printed it on heavy kraft brown card stock. To download our postcard invitation for free, click here.

iz f key s i wh e h t

Preparation 1. Pour the whiskey, lemon juice, zest, and sugar into a cocktail shaker with ice. 2. Shake well. 3. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

Ingredients 2 oz blended whiskey 1 oz lemon juice 1/2 tsp superfine sugar 4 oz club soda (unsweetened) 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

4. Fill with the soda. 5. Stir well.

The Nosh + The Set Up

{Soft preztels + spicy mustard}

Use your existing pieces of furniture in unexpected ways to add interest. This old metal filing cabinet became a great hightop table after we touched it up with some chalkboard paint and an old door we found on the street. We used a vintage cigar case and wooden soda crate to dispay our tasty treats. Add in a DIY garland {ours is made with crochet trim from the craft store and scraps of fabric and paper, but you could also pick one up on Etsy.com} and voil책 you have a great display.

{Assorted cheeses with sliced baguette}

{Sea salt caramels} 66

Soft Pretzels

Sea Salt Caramels

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water 1 tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 package active dry yeast 4 1/2 cups flour 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Vegetable oil, for pan 5 cups water 1/3 cup baking soda 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water Sea salt

Vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1 cup heavy cream 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions Combine the water, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam. Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. Set aside. Bring the 5 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan. In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled work surface and divide into 16 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 12-inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan. Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Return to the pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk mixture and sprinkle with the sea salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe adapted from Alton Brown

Directions Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly brush the paper with the vegetable oil. In a small pot, bring the cream, butter, and one teaspoon of the sea salt to a simmer, over medium heat. Do not let it boil. Once it has reached a simmer, turn off the heat, and set it aside. In a deep saucepan, combine the water, corn syrup, and sugar. Over medium-high heat, stir only until the sugar has dissolved. Then allow the mixture to boil, without stirring, until the mixture is a warm, golden brown. Watch very carefully, as the caramel can burn quickly toward the end. (It can be helpful to use a wooden spoon and drip some of the caramel onto a white plate to gauge the exact color). When the sugar mixture is done, immediately remove it from the heat and slowly* add the cream mixture to the sugar mixture. Be careful because it will bubble up violently. Stir in the vanilla. Return the mixture to the heat and cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 248 degrees (firm ball), about 10 minutes. Pour the caramel into the prepared pan. (Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t scrape the pot). Refrigerate for a few hours, until firm. Remove the caramel from the refrigerator and allow it to come close to room temperature. Pry the caramel from the pan. On a cutting board, cut the square in half. Using parchment paper, roll each piece of caramel into a tight 8- to 10-inch log. Sprinkle the logs with sea salt. Cut each log into 3/4-inch or 1-inch pieces. Individually wrap each caramel in glassine or parchment paper, twisting the ends. Store in the refrigerator or in an air-tight container. * Though you should slowly add the cream mixture, also do this immediately, as the sugar mixture will continue to cook, and burn(!) if you hesitate.

Recipe via judicialpeach.com 67

GETLost in the City Lights by Alexandra Lemley : : @AlexLemley Photography by Bailey Michael

I couldn’t wait to graduate college. All those years of

$1 pitcher nights at the local bar and shopping Target’s clearance rack, destiny was finally calling for top of the line Riesling and the newly released Kate Spade bag. I just had to get the job in the city then, oh then, I would trump any and all Charlotte York wannabes out there. If they could just hand me that diploma. Well they did. And I moved to the city. Row house, job in public relations– the stage set for my now sensational life. Except, loneliness hit me like a ton of bricks. As a sorority girl and highly involved college student, I was accustomed to thirty friends and a chaotic daily planner but I loved it. This new, grown-up reality saw me going to work 9-5 and knowing all of two people in the entire city. I’d see girls sitting outside of restaurants drinking pretty drinks and laughing in groups and my heart ached as if I were peering through a snow globe at a distant memory. I’d sit around, thinking this city wasn’t for me, I needed to find another one. Maybe I should just move back in with my parents? I thought I hadn’t a friend to my name, they had all moved on to cooler friends in cooler cities with cooler jobs. Long sob story short, after two months, I started getting tired of my self pity (as well as my mother telling me over and over “only boring people are bored”) and decided to throw myself out there. Here’s a few ideas for you disappointed city dwellers that I tried and put me back in the swing of social things. 69

Sign-up for a club

I, for one, joined any club my high school offered. We’re talking Latin and Beta clubs, even the Green Thumbs club, I wanted to be a part of something. Adult life proves things haven’t changed much. I joined a book club I found through Twitter, went to some informative Junior League meetings, and contacted my sorority’s local alumnae chapter. It’s amazing how quickly you can connect with people with similar interests if you just sign-up!

Drinks with the locals

I found two bar and grill joints near my house that I really enjoyed upon first moving to the metropolis. With my roommates, we kept frequenting those spots and became friends with the waiters and bartenders. While most were men and I wasn’t about to have slumber parties and divulge my innermost secrets to them, it was nice having someone know your face and name and be excited to see you in a strange, big city.

Run, stretch, jump

I’m not an athlete. I avoided the wellness center on my college campus like the plague and was a notorious bench warmer on my high school softball team. But I picked up real quick that most twenty-somethings are active; always running in the park or hauling a yoga mat, I swear. Drat. So I found a LivingSocial deal for the local yoga studio- which I ended up loving (except for the one time I accidentally went to the advanced hot yoga session). Another way to meet people is through a gym membership and attending the same classes every week where you’re bound to bump into the same people. A lot of cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. host social sports clubs year round where you can participate in kick ball, flag football, even broomball! And neighboring bars provide happy hours for the social sports club members.

Apparently, it is OK to fraternize with coworkers

My cardinal rule of being a professional meant never hanging out with my coworkers after hours. However, my coworkers became my friends. Why ignore that readily available social circle? I recommend testing the waters first and not acting a fool as soon as you sign your new hire contract but about eight months into my job I found happy hours and shopping trips with the girls that I worked with to be a great stress reliever which helped me enjoy my job even more.

Reconnect through social media

I’m from a teeny town in the country and most of my high school classmates are married with children, thus, I didn’t think anyone would be less than a four hour drive away. But one day, I searched for Facebook friends living in my city and found three girls I graduated with mere blocks from me! Being the generation of instant connections, utilize your social medias to reconnect with long, lost friends, allowing them to be a part of your new life. 70

It’s a big adventure you’re taking yourself

on. A professional, fast-paced life can consume you and you can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of it all. It’s critical not to lose sight of the most important reason you came to the city and chose this career- it was your dream and it was supposed to make you happy. And that can only be attained by minding and surrounding yourself with people that support you and make you feel loved. As my girl Audrey Hepburn once preached, “People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”

{ And that includes yourself. }

Cheers ladies, conquer the world. 71

Freshman Year of Real Life

In the past seven months,

I have been a web marketing and social media intern, a tv extra, a dog sitter, a GMAT taker, a payer of bills, and a happy go-lucky girl at that. Those of us transitioning to life on this large campus, or the so-called “real world” need to enjoy our Holden Caulfield-like age of innocence (without the resistance to growing up of course). Like college freshmen we’re learning and experiencing new things. Some of us are getting our first taste of corporate America, donning fancy suits and networking with clients over lunch. Others are setting off on enriching trips around the world, and some have been struck by economic misfortune and have not been able to find that college degree-worthy job right after graduation. At times, there will be rough patches but grab a cupcake, put on a smile (because you’re never fully dressed without one), and know that this is all part of life’s journey. My route to making it in the real world may just be one step short of a nervous breakdown. The peaks and the pits took me on a whirlwind rollercoaster. My first high of the roller coaster was finding an internship soon after graduating. I thought this internship would launch me into the real world. I had feelings of independence, even making a decent starting salary. However, like any hill of a rollercoaster, you have to come down. The real world was at my fingertips, yet just out of reach. At the end of the internship, I was stuck in la la land trying to find a job. I thought it would be relatively simple to find one given my experiences and because I graduated from an A+ university, but after applying to many companies and various positions, I’ve been shackled to the unfortunate ‘no reply.’ C’est la vie. What has helped me the most in understanding the pits of this crazy freshman year has been learning to not be ashamed of being jobless. You must see the positive in all circumstances. I recently re-watched “Eat Pray Love” and one line caught my attention: “Ruin is the road to recovery.” While I don’t think that I have reached complete ruin, I do feel like Liz Gilbert, searching for something more than the life I am currently living. But this recognition has set me on the path to recovery and discovery. Perhaps the job that will make me unbelievably happy is right around the corner but for now I just have not found it. Maybe one day I will be working in fashion in my favorite city, Paris, or perhaps I will be working for a non-profit in Asia. Who knows? For now, I’ve come to understand that it’s not about how much you’re earning compared to your friend in consulting nor is it about how many chic events you get to go to compared to your friend working in PR. It’s about finding that special job that you will love and enjoy. As freshmen in college, we were youngins still figuring out in what we wanted to major, who our close friends would be, and in what activities we wanted to be involved. As freshmen in real life, we are discovering if our career path really makes us happy, how to stay friends with people even when they have moved to different cities, and how to deal when your idea of what life outside of college is supposed to be does not turn out to be reality. So to those young and talented yet slightly lost individuals like myself, you are not alone. Together, let’s find what makes us happy, live healthy lives and be excited for what the future holds.

xoxo,

Kiki

Kristen Ankrom :: @KikiAnkrom

Turkish Delight the

by Aubrey Cox

ith history from the Byzantine Empire, influence from the Ottoman era, and the country’s progressive present, Istanbul is a city not to be missed. The ancient cobblestone streets of modern day Istanbul are filled with a unique Eurasian flair that is soaked in history, beauty, shopping, and sites.

of thousands of tourists who visit daily, as you take in the impressive architecture of the Mosque. The grand mosque also boasts enormous blue domes that contrast the rich red carpet. However, the most eye catching aspect of the Blue Mosque remains the tiled walls that illuminate the mosque with a blue hue.

Walking through the tree-lined streets, merchants greet you in every imaginable language while they try to guess yours. They offer you Turkish Coffee, a distinct and acquired taste, to introduce you to their culture and, of course, their merchandise. As one of the oldest inhabited cities, and the unique place where Asia meets Europe, the city has been built by the past. You cannot visit Istanbul without embracing its role in the formation of our modern civilization. And by doing this, you’ll see some of the world’s most important and most beautiful places.

After visiting these two breathtaking sites, you’ll want to rest. Walk two blocks off the main square where you’ll find cozy cafes that offer Turkish Kebabs and Nargile (Hookah). Many of these restaurants have outdoor seating where you can people watch while sitting atop large floor pillows. Don’t forget to finish your meal by indulging in a famous Turkish delight dessert.

As you wander through the streets of Old Istanbul, on the European side of the city, take time to stop in the stores. There you’ll find some of the world’s best carpets, street art, ceramics, lanterns, and tapestries. Make your way toward the city center and into the Church of Wisdom, better known as the Aya Sofia. Here you will find the crown jewel of the Roman Empire. Completed in A.D. 537, it is like nothing you’ve seen in the United States or Western Europe. Chandeliers hang from a massive dome in the center of the church, leaving you mesmerized and later sore from the gawking. Directly across the square from the Aya Sofia is Istanbul’s famous Blue Mosque. You’ll hardly notice the aroma of feet, due to the tens

Once you’re refueled, make your way over the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. Here you’ll see exhibits on the nomadic tribes of Turkey, the art of Islam including ancient Korans and scrolls, and antique carpets. The museum also offers ever-changing temporary international exhibits. Spend a full day wandering through the gardens and rooms of the Topkapi Palace. Visit the Harem, the Palace’s most popular attraction, and the mind-blowing Treasury which houses the incredible jewels and jewelry of past sultans. Invaluable rubies, diamonds and emeralds litter the walls, leaving you astonished and very envious of the previous royalty. After a long and hard day of enjoying Istanbul by foot, enjoy a traditional Turkish bath, or Hamam. You’ll lie on a warm marble bed while 74

your personal attendant pours piping hot water over your entire body. Next he’ll lather and exfoliate your skin with traditional soaps, and steam your every inch. You’ll leave the Hamam looking radiant and refreshed. You’ll want to save a full day for the Grand Bazaar. With thousands of booths to choose from, you can’t tackle the shopping challenge in a few hours. You’ll find clothes, lanterns, trinkets, jewelry, pillow cases, carpets, t-shirts, food, shoes, knock-offs, leather goods, and anything else you could possibly ever think of. Be sure to find the antique section of the Bazaar: There you’ll find truly unique trinkets and amazing antique jewelry. If you have an extra weekend, or a few free days, take a Pegasus flight (www.flypgs.com) to the beach town of Bodrum. Hugging the Aegean coast line, and looking directly onto Greece, Bodrum is known as Turkey’s French Riviera. The small town has an amazing Crusader’s Castle; which was built in 1437 and is home to the world’s largest Underwater Archaeology Museum. Enter Castle of St. Peter and explore its garden and towers while learning about the artifacts from ancient sunken warships. The night life in Bodrum is water front and lively. There is even a catamaran night club that sails out into the Aegean until the sun comes up and the beats die down. Beaching and scuba diving are also great activities if you are one to tire of wandering through charming cobblestone streets and dining at waterfront cafes.

Packing List:

+ Comfortable walking shoes + A scarf to cover your hair in the Mosques + A swimsuit for the Turkish Bath + Maxi Dress or Pants for Modesty + Camera (with extra memory) 75

{ 5 steps }

To Putting Your Money Where it Matters . . to You When it comes to building a personal financial plan, there is no shortage of free information available. Most financial advice involves using various ratios to track what percentage of personal income goes to expenditures. These methods are important and I will outline some best practices below but the first part of any successful financial plan involves identifying your personal goals and values. Identifying the life you wish to lead will inform many of the the more quantitative decisions you make.

What Do You Value? Imagine youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re entering the world with a blank financial slate. Briefly ignore your current job, bills, and debts. What does a successful life look like to you? Do you dream of a city life? What are your hobbies? Do you wish to travel? What are your other passions? Family and friends? Community involvement? Now come back to earth. Are you currently living the life you imagine? Are there tweaks you can make to achieve this life? This approach may seem a little esoteric for building a financial plan but you will later see how being honest about your wants will help you take control of your financial life. I found

this approach to be particularly helpful as I was graduating college. While there are certainly some indicators of socio-economic levels in college, college campuses are largely a homogeneous atmosphere. Students attend the same classes, live in the same dorms, and generally attend the same restaurants and bars. Briefly after college I started to see economic stratification among my peers. To put it bluntly, the business and engineering students tended to out-earn the humanities and social science students . . . sometimes in multiples. In April we all enjoyed $2 beer night at McFaddenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but in June we were in different apartments: Some of us had one bedroom apartments in high rise buildings and some of us squeezed roommates into basement studios. 76

Whichever boat you fit into, it is important to stay true to your goals. It is easy to want to keep up with the proverbial Joneses and it is okay to have fun but if you’re financially stretching yourself to do it, find other areas to cut back. If you dream of a life of frequent travel, how important is it to have a luxe apartment you never sleep in or can you have roommates or live with family? If you live in a metro area, do you need a car or is Zipcar enough? You deserve to live the life you want but doing so also involves making tough choices.

What Can You Afford? Now with our feet planted firmly on the ground with our goals in mind, it is time to draw out your budget and start using the aforementioned ratios. Most people’s single biggest expense is their housing. The generally accepted practice is that no more than 28% of your gross (before tax) monthly income should go to your mortgage or rent and that total monthly debt payments (car, student loans) should never exceed 36% of your gross monthly income. The table shows what an appropriate monthly budget would look like for a single person earning $50,000 a year.

of expenses in liquid assets. Planned savings takes two forms, the first is setting 5-10% of your paycheck aside to a savings account. The second method is putting money in a retirement plan. I will delve more into the nuances of retirement plans in future articles but the short rule is: If your company offers a retirement plan - PARTICIPATE! If your employer does not offer a retirement plan, set funds aside in a Traditional or Roth IRA. Now about the 3-6 months of monthly expenses. Many people I work with see this as an unrealistic goal. If you’re just starting out on your own an easy way to accumulate this savings is to live with family members for the first few months of your first job. You may feel like you’re lacking independence by doing this for a few months but provided you have an understanding family, the temporary lack of independence is a small price to pay for future financial security For those of you who have been on your own for awhile who feel that accumulating this nest

Savings Is An Expense? You may have noticed that savings was lurking in the budget I provided as a monthly expense. Many of us treat savings as a lucky occurrence when there is money left in our checking account at the end of the month. A strong financial plan actually plans for savings and a great financial plan holds 3-6 months 77

egg is impossible, re-evaluate some of your expenses and get creative. To accomplish this goal, I recently deposited my birthday check into a bank that was unlinked to my other accounts. I made small deposits to that account during every paycheck and deposited any unexpected cash flows (rebates, bonuses, gifts, etc.) into that account. It was amazing to see how quickly I was able to save my first of three months! Another way is to evaluate your living situation, can you have a roommate? Do your own cooking for a month? Swear off cabs? Sell your old iPod on Craigslist? Find extra work? The little inflows may not seem like much but by depositing into a bank that is unlinked to your other accounts, you will be surprised how quickly the savings add up! (Bonus points if you find a bank that provides cash rebates for new clients!)

What Is a Responsible Use of Credit? This section will be short because the advice is simple and can be taken from a 2007 Saturday Night Live skit that featured Steve Martin and Amy Poehler, “Don’t Buy Stuff You Can’t Afford.” Another rule of thumb is, if you will be paying off the debt longer than you will be using the item or experience, then you should not put it on your card. Credit cards should be used sparingly to build a solid credit history and to cover necessary expenses in a pinch. The ideal use to establish history is to pay one monthly bill on your credit card and then pay off the card. In the real world though, things happen and we do not always have cash on hand to cover the expense. Again, the appropriate expenses are car repairs, medical expenses, an emergency flight home or similar occurrences. If you ever find yourself digging yourself in a credit hole, make timely payments that exceed

the minimum payment and pay it off as soon as possible. Bankrate.com offers calculators that can help you figure out how much you need to contribute each month to pay off a debt in whatever time frame you wish.

How Do You Know If You’re Staying on Track? What good is a plan if you have no way of measuring your success? For some people, this may mean customizing a spreadsheet to track expenses. Fortunately there are free online tools that can track your expenses for you. My personal favorite is mint.com as it not only tracks your accounts but it also allows you to create a budget online as well as set financial goals. I am also a fan of the website feedthepig. org as it provides instruction, tips and forums for a variety of personal financial issues. Your financial plan may change but it will always be yours and proper planning can help you reach all of your goals whether they be financial or personal. Best wishes to you all and I wish you the best of luck!

Carleton English is a Client Associate with a wealth management firm in Seattle, WA. In addition to serving high net worth clients, she also leads financial literacy seminars for teens and young adults. She is currently serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Seattle. When she’s not poring over spreadsheets and watching the Dow Jones, Carleton enjoys tango dancing, classic movies, and finding good food. Carleton is a graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. Feel free to ask her any financial questions: Twitter: @carletonenglish

Getting In A How- T o on m a k i ng t h e m o s t o f you r i n t e rn s h i p

by J a n e l l e D r i s co l l : : @ J a n e l l e D r i s co l l

I t ’ s no s e c re t –

times are still tough, and the hunt for jobs continues to be a long one. Internships are more valuable than ever at this time not only because of the experience they provide but also because of the networks they create and doors they can possibly open for future endeavors. I’ve been there myself; I’ve had several internships; some were great, others not so great. I’ve done everything from walking the boss’s dog to working one-on-one with some of the company’s top clients. Luckily, I found my way because of those experiences and currently am working in the magazine industry and have a job that I love. Now I have my own interns and being on the other side has been an eye-opening experience to say the least. Internships are great ways to learn about office etiquette and employers understand that many interns who walk in our door have yet to be in an office setting. That said, I’m still shocked when an intern arrives late without an explanation, or when they come in wearing something that’s more suitable for a Saturday night than a Wednesday morning. Things like this are always noted and will pop up when an employer is thinking of potential candidates for a position. Your time with the company is valuable, and there are ways to ensuring that your name is at the top of the list.

T i m i ng i s ev e ry t h i ng

Simply put, be punctual. From showing up to the interview 10 minutes early, to making the deadlines of the projects you’re working on, to notifying your supervisor that you can’t make it in on a certain date, all of these things affect those you work with. Your supervisors are most likely working on deadlines, and it helps if you know what those are and are respectful of them as well. Timing truly is everything in the workplace.

D o you r ho m ewor k

Know the company that you are working for before you go in for the interview. Learn who their top competitors are, who their top clients are, and the history of the company. One of the questions I ask candidates is “why do you want to work here,” and I appreciate a more in-depth answer than “I really like magazines.” Employers want to know that you are sincerely interested in their company, and that you’ve done your homework on what they are about. Read the most current issue! A $5 magazine could be the best investment you’ve ever made!

LEAVE T H E SO C IAL NET WOR K AT HO M E

Unless you work at Twitter or Facebook headquarters, or it’s your responsibility to update the social network sites of your company, you should not be on these sites during the workday. You’re not helping the company by stalking friends on Facebook, and the way you spend your spare time will be noted. On a similar note, clean up/lock down your Facebook profile. As employers, we do our fair-share of digging for dirt, and want to know who is joining our team; Facebook is a huge help in figuring that out.

NET WOR K ING

The rumors are true – it comes down to who you know. That said, put in the extra effort to expand your own network. Sign up for LinkedIn and when you meet someone new ask what they do and where they are from. All of these things could lead you to a new connection that could help you land a job. When you do network and are arranging meetings, be sure that it is convenient for the individual you are meeting with. You need something from them, so it’s important that you go to where they are.

H ELPING OUT W IT H C HORES

There may be times where your supervisor does not have a project to hand you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still help out. Whether it’s helping to keep the office organized, or asking other staff if they need assistance with their projects, taking initiative on your own will make you stand out amongst your intern peers.

d re s s t o i m p re s s

Make no mistake, there is no industry where the fashion dos and don’ts of the workplace don’t apply. Often times we will ask our interns to make deliveries to our clients or accompany us on meetings with them. You represent the company as well, and it is important to take your business fashion seriously so that you are taken seriously.

Th e m o s t i m p orta n t t h i ng

to remember during your internship is that this is for your benefit. Ask questions, take notes, network, and make sure you get the most out of the experience. You have the ability to make your own opportunities, and internships are great stepping-stones to help you get there.

S o u n dtra c k T o M y L if e :

{inspired} PLAYLISTS to fit your

EVERY MOOD

Ever wish your life had a personal, built-in soundtrack that synched perfectly with your every emotion? Me too! While I love Pandora for finding new jams, sometimes I just want to listen to my old faves. Feeling inspired? Get started with my mini playlists to match (almost) every mood.

by Liza Mazyck // @legallybronzed

{ for when you need some cardio }

Tonight, Tonight - Hot Chelle Rae When Love Takes Over - David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland Hot-n-Fun - NERD feat. Nelly Furtado The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani

{ for when you need a good cry } This Time – John Legend Someone Like You – Adele My Love – Sia Keep Breathing – Ingrid Michaelson

{ for when you’re getting ready to go out with the girls } Say You’ll Be There – Spice Girls Perfect Day – Hoku Pretty Girl Rock – Keri Hilson Domino – Jessie J Love Story – Taylor Swift

{ for when you’re feeling lovey-dovey } Teenage Dream – Katy Perry Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs Marry You – Bruno Mars Million Dollar Bill – Whitney Houston

carlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mini Guide Living Your Dreams to

by Carly A. Heitlinger Photography by Stacy Heitlinger Styling by Andrea Smith Assistant: J. Michael Vargas

For years I have worn a gold cuff bracelet around my left wrist. The bracelet is in-

scribed with the words: Live Your Dreams. Although it remains a permanent addition to my daily stack, it is not a fashion statement. Instead, I wear it as a constant reminder to be better, to do more, and to live my dreams. I receive hundreds of questions every week through emails, tweets, messages, and comments. One of the questions that I am asked most frequently is how I do what I do. It’s always a challenge for me to incorporate as many of my personal habits in the answer as possible. I will summarize my tips and advice in this Mini Guide to Living Your Dreams.

Why not YOU? One summer during college I was home over break, shopping with my mom, when I ran into a friend from high school. I had not seen her in a while so we stood in the middle of a department store and caught each other (and our mothers) up. I was extremely interested in what she was planning on doing after college. (And not, for the record, in a competitive way. She is one of those girls who’s super nice and always up to something cool.) She mentioned offhand that she was somewhat interested in working for a specific television network. She quickly added that the entry internships were very competitive so she was not going to apply. Wait a minute... What?

I asked her, “Why wouldn’t they choose you?” I swear, it was like the thought that they might actually choose her had never crossed her mind. But my friend is not alone. Girls email me all the time asking if they should apply for this internship or that position. I think the fear of not “winning” pushes young women into thinking that they are better off not applying. Unless you are trying to be the next cast member of “Jersey Shore,” you will always be better off applying. Too many girls look at the outcomes of applying as black and white. You either get the job or you don’t get the job. Right? Wrong. Someone could read your application and think you are perfect for another job. The employer may hold on to your contact information in case a more fit position opens up in the future. You could go through ten rounds of interviews and get to practice the (extremely intimidating) process of answering tough questions. So many different outcomes and you are always better off than if you had never taken the chance to begin with.

Set the bar. Picture an athlete who is about to pole jump. The athlete is definitely staring at that bar and envisioning herself maneuvering her body over that bar. Unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of knowing just where that bar is. Each individual has a different standard associated with quality of work. For some, it is doing the bare minimum. For others, it is the moon. 84

Where is your bar? Instead of comparing yourself to what others are doing, set your own bar. Examine your past work. You may want to look at old essays that have long been turned in and graded. Talk with an old employer and ask how she thought you performed. After this process (and self-examination and reflection is always a process) figure out where you currently stand and where you would like to improve. During the two semesters of my junior year at Georgetown, I received pretty good grades. Realistically, they were the grades that I could achieve at that level of academia. During the summer, however, I sat 85

Living Your Dreams is more than just setting and reaching a goal. It is living the life that you want to live and doing what you want to do. It starts with you. Use the wisdom and guidance of others, but look to yourself as you are the guide of your own ship. I personally still struggle with balancing my own personal goals with the expectations of others. At least once a week I step back and make sure I am living and loving my life. Who knows where I will end up in three months, three years, or three decades? What I do know is that I am living my dreams right now. 89

down with old papers and made a game plan for getting even better grades during my senior year. I set my bar, my new standard. First semester went extremely well. Near perfect. Of course, now I am readjusting the bar and aiming higher. Words of caution, do not set your bar blindly. Honestly evaluate yourself and your current standing. Do you have lots of room for improvement or are you already doing your best and need just a tiny stretch to do more?

Sacrifice & Balance Sacrifice and balance go hand in hand. I cannot discuss what sacrifice is without mentioning balance. I cannot encourage a balanced life without suggesting sacrifice. Sacrifice has a horribly negative connotation. The trick to sacrifice though is that you only cut out the unnecessary. The definition of unnecessary is always shifting and altering, so be aware of that! For example, let’s look at sleep. A three hour nap in the middle of the day is unnecessary. Sleeping properly at night is necessary. Follow? You have exactly 24 hours each day to use. What are you going to do with them? Watching back to back episodes of “Toddlers & Tiaras” is probably not a good way to make the most of your day. I always start my week with two lists. The first, and most imperative, a list of things that I

absolutely must do. This includes classes, meetings, assignments, blog posts, articles, etc. The second list is comprised of what I would like to do if I have the time. For example, getting coffee with a friend, watching a television show, or that three hour nap. I organize my days with the important tasks and if there is room, I may add a fun thing or two. My imperative list always gets completed. In the three and a half years that I have been at Georgetown, my wish list has never been more than half-way completed. On the flip side, there is a such thing as too much sacrifice. When you are unable to sleep because you have too many projects to complete, you know you have a problem. Sacrifice too much and you end up hurting yourself. Your quality of work goes down, your health is risked and you miss out on LIFE! Balance, in this case, does not necessarily mean perfect equilibrium between two things. You may (and should) have to spend more time working on homework than you do watching Netflix. Make sure that you take time to decompress so you are rejuvenated and can accomplish your goals.

Follow Carly’s daily excursions on her blog, College Prep! www.thecollegeprepster,com twitter: @collegeprepster 90

the

by Lauren Alexa Gonzalez photography by Zac Thompson

Models: Mary Claire Dillard, Madeline Connin and Julie Fazekas 92

She has coifed blond hair, teased and styled, so not even gale force winds could move one hair out of place. Her poised face is freshly powdered and her lips form a peachy pink frame around her bright white teeth and the occasional cigarette. Her slim figure dons a fullskirted plaid shirtdress, and she modestly has only the top button undone. Pearl stud earrings and a matching necklace are the finishing touches. She resembles a Barbie doll. At first glance, Betty Draper, the character played by actress January Jones in the AMC television show “Mad Men,” spookily resembles the plastic Mattel toy so many little girls grow up with. However, upon closer inspection, Draper lacks one thing that Barbie wouldn’t be caught dead without: a smile. Since the premiere of “Mad Men” in 2007, other television shows set in the 1960s have emerged such as ABC’s “Pan Am.” Perhaps the reason the 1960s is still a popular muse today is not only about the stylish looks, glamour and intrigue, but the psyche, as well. “I think that women used to be able to just

be women,” said Claire Camp, a 19-year-old advertising major at the University of Florida. “Now, at work, women need to feel like they’re men. “More women than not want to be a housewife, but now it’s less becoming to admit that you want to be one,” said Camp. “‘All you want to be a house mom?’ ‘Ugh.’ That’s looked down upon today. I know in New York, anyways, it was in my office.” This past summer Camp interned for Organic, Inc., an advertising agency based out of New York City. Camp noted that she relates to the parts of the show that have to do with advertising, but also relates to the parts that have to 93

do with the working woman. A main character of the show, Peggy Olson, played by Elisabeth Moss, is an ambitious working woman who moves up the corporate ladder from secretary to copy writer. Olson is constantly depicted as less beautiful than the other secretaries, especially compared to Joan Harris, the voluptuous redheaded office manager played by Christina Hendricks, through back handed comments by male coworkers. “I think that there’s something very special about that decade in that women got to be women,” said Camp. “Everyone wants to be Joan. Joan has this confident elegance about her. She is who she is and we love her for that. No one wants to be Peggy, even though we feel like Peggy sometimes. I feel like Peggy is the modern woman and Joan is the ideal woman.” Louise Newman, associate professor of history at UF, has taught undergraduate and graduate courses on women’s history since the 1980s. She believes that the show “Mad Men” accurately depicts life, work, and male-female relationships in the 1960s. She urges her students to watch the show, and will occasionally draw lessons from it. “It’s a remarkably accurate depiction of what that industry was like and what that time period was like,” said Newman. “There were very few women, and that program gets it right. The isolation and unhappiness of the women is very well documented.” Newman said that while some women could choose to work, others were expected to, depending on class and race. No matter, there was a need for feeling important for women, both in the home and in the office. The unhappiness stemmed from men treating women as if they weren’t as important as men.

“‘Mad Men’ doesn’t romanticize the 1960s,” Newman said. “The booze and alcohol at lunch is all true, and wives were trophy wives. You needed to look beautiful on your husband’s arm.” Newman said that this trophy wife status was for the “privileged elite” at the time. “The cultural ideal of womanhood is to become a housewife and mother,” said Newman. “Work is often something that takes away from motherhood.” When women did decide to pursue careers, generally they were secretaries, maids, school teachers and stewardesses, she said. According to Newman, the women who did work, faced the challenge of being taken seriously in the office, especially if they were considered good looking. Sexual harassment was another issue for some working women. “Stewardesses were seen as sex objects,” said Newman. “They had very specific height and weight requirements. Most people who flew were businessmen, so it’s female stewardesses who address the male cliental. There was a lot of sexual harassment. Now, it might look like flirting and while women were good at deflecting unwanted sexual advances, that doesn’t mean it was welcome.” True to life, in an episode of the television show “Pan Am,” a show set in the 1960s about a Pan Am flight crew, a stewardess is cornered by a male passenger who tries to make advances on her. All two shows shed a glaring light on the real struggles women faced while working. The sexual harassment and not being taken seriously are issues that have not been resolved yet, said Newman. 94

Mad Men’s Betty Draper, Peggy Olson & Joan Holloway Photo courtesy of AMC

“I’ve only seen ‘Mad Men,’ but I can say it’s a very honest show and the conflict and struggles aren’t diminished,” she said. “Where else do you really get to see that kind of struggle, that unfortunately isn’t over yet? That is to say the struggles women face when they enter into the professional world. Part of the reason ‘Mad Men’ is so popular is because it is depicting a set of interactions that aren’t fun to us, but are very real situations. “I think there’s a nostalgia for this glamours period in U.S. history in which women were appreciated for their beauty, and unabashedly so,” said Newman. “Like the job requirements for stewardess and secretaries, corporations hired

receptions on the basis of looks. “‘Mad Men’ gets it really right, that part of the reason Peggy Olson is taken seriously is that she’s not viewed as very attractive,” said Newman. “In the 1960s world, they couldn’t bring together brains and beauty. “It’s tapping into ongoing professional problems,” she said. “Even though it’s set in the 1960s, the dynamics the show explores are not resolved. I think that is what entices its modern audience. It’s not so much because we want to learn about the 1960s–although it’s very true in depiction–it’s the resonance that the show has on today’s women.” 95

Appearances and gender are still a factor in today’s society. Social norms have slightly shifted and some attitudes have changed, but some people still have difficulty seeing past looks. “A friend of mine, who is a political science major, is also one of the smartest people I know,” said Camp. “The other day, she told me that her professor told her that if she wanted to be taken seriously she’d have to dye her naturally blonde hair to brown. He said even though she’s smart, her looks would overshadow her. I personally don’t think that looks should matter so much.” “Looks play a part with just about anything, like getting a job, anything,” said Ilan Shrira, social psychologist at UF. “If someone is fitting a particular stereotype they might be more or less accepted. Certain women who are very attractive weren’t given certain opportunities because they didn’t fit people’s stereotype about what a women like that would do.” “The images we have of the 50s and 60s are very shallow, we’re not gonna have a great idea of what it was like,” said Shrira. “Everything was at a higher degree of conformity then. You do your obligation to fill your role, and for the 50s housewives it was to put on a happy face. We know now that lots of 50s housewives were addicted to drugs and not doing much all day, they were very heavily medicated.” “Divorce was much more stigmatized then,” said Shrira. “Lots of things aren’t as stigmatized today, but things were more more hidden back then. When things are highly stigmatized, and hidden you can have less intimacy and more shame. “It makes it interesting because it’s not consistent with your initial image of the stereotype 96

of the time, the images we grew up with about the era,” he said. “ With the show ‘Leave it to Beaver,’ you get that cookie cutter image of what it was like, and obviously its just not real.” Shrira said it the reason women like these show could be the result of various factors. Some reasons could be as simple as a good plot line, but others more complex. No matter the reasons, there’s no doubt that the Norman Rockwell family portrait the 60s have portrayed in the past has turned into more of a chaotic and dark Jackson Pollock abstract piece. “It’s such a human tendency to idealize the past, whether we’re idealizing the 50s or the family values,” said Shrira. “People say it would be great to have a simple life. They think the past is much better. In the abstract, people do this every generation, but it’s just sort of false and not true. So I think when we’re shown just how bad or brutish life was, it’s surprising.” As the housewife her mother bred her to be, Betty Draper claimed the need to identify with something more than just being a pretty face during a therapy session.

Photo courtesy of AMC

“Peggy is the modern woman, Joan is the ideal woman.”

“She wanted me to be beautiful so I could find a man,” she said. “There’s nothing wrong with that. But then what? Just sit and smoke and let it go ‘til you’re in a box?” Issues and thoughts of the 1960s, brought to light by Draper and the other female characters of “Mad Men” and “Pan Am,” have yet to be resolved. “Are you a Jackie or a Marilyn?” The question is still asked today, decades after women began to categorize themselves as either similar to the siren movie star or the classy president’s wife. 98

Photo courtesy of AMC

“Stewardesses were seen as sex objects ... They had very specific height and weight requirements.”

Photo courtesy of ABC

These leading ladies still influence women today, but with the progressive idea that it’s socially acceptable to answer with “both.”

Talk to Lauren on Twitter: @Lauren_Alexa 100

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by emma claire fried

:: @ e m m a c f r i e d

p h oto g r a p h y b y m a d i s o n h o o d 102

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105

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112

sh o p

the collection

www . s o u t h e r na n d c i t y . c o m 113

our fresh picks for Issue no. 2 RECIPE CARDS Rifle Paper Co.

VF PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE Rodale Press BEADED TREASURE NECKLACE St*Erasmus

SUEDE COSMETIC POUCH Tracy Tanner

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A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE Macmillan Publishers

TREE NOTEBOOK roughdrAftbooks by e bond GLOBE-TROTTER速 SUITCASE J.Crew

POLKA DOT GLOVES Anthropologie 115

“ She saw every ending as a new beginning. ” We’re so glad you joined us for Issue No.2! Until next time, #whenlifegivesyoulemons ... say hello!

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