Wednesday Funnies

It's Wednesday! Yay! Half-way through the week. In case you need a little pick-me-up, here are some totally unrelated/slightly unprofessional links I'm loving right now. Just couldn't keep 'em to myself!

One // If you know me, you know that food is my everything. No shame there, whatsoever. If you feel the same way (and I know so many of my friends do!), check out this incredibly hilarious Buzzfeed article, "25 Signs Dieting Just Isn't For You." Numbers 10, 14, 15 (hello, this post was all about vacation-eating!), 16 and 22 especially resonate with me. Nom, nom!

FOX / Via postgradnej.tumblr.com

Two // Continuing with the food theme (again, no shame here), "Chicago's Year in Fat: Our 10 Favorite Fatty Foods From 2013." Word to the wise, don't look at the calorie count underneath the pictures. It will definitely kill your buzz. Regardless, how I have lived without trying a Chocolate Pretzel/Nutella Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwich or Mac Attack Burger? All ten of these foods are on my must-try list now!

Three // So much truth in this Thrillist post, "18 Things You Have to Explain to Out-Of-Towners About Chicago." I always feel like I have to explain that yes, there are indeed beaches in Chicago. And yes, the lake is very big. They don't call 'em the Great Lakes for nothing! One thing to add to the list: Chicago is not called the Windy City because of the weather. It's because of the crazy politics, people!

Four // If you have been counting down the days until February 27 just like I have, you have to take this Buzzfeed quiz to find out "Which 'Scandal' Character Are You?" I'm conflicted on the accuracy of Buzzfeed quizzes, but regardless, I had to take this one! I got Olivia Pope, which I was obviously excited about (you know how much I'm obsessed!). Although I might be slightly guilty of trying to rig the results to get that response. Now let me just put my white hat back on...

Five // My roommate, Carmen, showed me this Buzzfeed post, "15 Olympic Sports Any Twentysomething Could Totally Win," the other day and I was literally cracking up about every one of them. Although I am kind of glad the Games are over this year, I would be totally willing to train for the next four years if speed hating, speed stalking or Netflix half marathon were sports. 

AMC / Via humorinrecovery.tumblr.com

Happy Wednesday! Have you stumbled on any funny Buzzfeed articles? Share 'em!

Extra, Extra, Read All About It

If you have ever interviewed for a position in public relations, you have likely been in this situation. Your interview is going really well (hopefully!) and you've knocked any question about your previous work experience out of the park and even fielded the dreaded "So tell me about yourself..." question with ease (hint: check out #12 for tips on how to nail this question). Then the interviewer asks, "Tell me about a recent campaign that you admired." Cue the deer-in-headlights look.

It is easy to let this question stump you. But it is even easier to deliver a thoughtful response that shows you know what's going on in the industry. If you can sail past this question, employers know you are interested in the career path you've chosen and that you will be able to stay abreast of client news when you (knock on wood!) get the job.

There are some awesome resources to help you stay current on what's going on in the PR world. Whether you want to learn about a particular agency or just read about new social media trends, I rounded up some of my favorite PR-related news outlets. Check these daily, or just read their tweets, and you will be able to rock any interview.

One // Ragan.com is my first stop for PR news and industry trends. I subscribe to their daily email newsletter that compiles all the latest articles and is sent to your inbox. I like to skim the headlines every day and if I see something that is interesting, I'll read the whole article. This is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about the communications industry. Plus, the articles are easy to read and concise.

Two // If tech and social are more your thing, check out Mashable. You can subscribe to their daily newsletter too and get the most current news sent directly to you. I signed up for their "Mashable Velocity Alerts" that send articles that are about to trend online straight to your inbox, which is super helpful when big news breaks.

Three // I'm particularly interested in working in a public relations agency, so it's important I stay current with what's going on in the agency world. If this is your interest to, I recommend following the Holmes Report. This is a great tool to learn about a new business opportunity an agency won or to hear about an award an agency received.

Four // If you think that advertising might be for you, check out Ad Age. From marketing to advertising to digital, this is a wonderful resource for learning about what's going on outside of public relations. Great information about campaigns and social news here as well.

Five // For those interested in corporate communications, Bulldog Reporter is an excellent resource. You can sign up for their "Daily 'Dog" service that sends top headlines straight to your inbox as well. They also offer webinars on topics ranging from travel PR to strategies to create viral videos.

Six // PR Week and Media Bistro are other great tools to learn more about PR.

Seven // Shameless self-promotion here. Follow @iuPRSSA on Twitter or "like" Indiana University PRSSA on Facebook for your daily dose of PR news. Our Director of Communications, Cassie, is killing it on social media! She posts awesome articles and videos on a wide range of topics and industries.

Bonus tip: If you see an article you like online, tweet about it or post it on Facebook. When employers check you out on social media (trust me, they will!), this shows them that you actively seek out the news and want to share it. Add your thoughtful two cents on the article and employers will know you have an opinion and stay up-to-date on the news, two important qualities for a potential new hire.

What are some of your favorite sources of PR-related news? I'm especially dying for some 

new PR blogs to follow!

Burst of Spring

I am in desperate need of a break from this dreary, cold weather. We just got more snow over the weekend. And. I. Am. So. Over. It! This week's forecast has a day in the 50s, so I am beyond excited! I might even break out one of my maxi dresses just to celebrate. It's the little things, right?!

With my sights set on warmer weather, I have been browsing online for graduation dresses. It's so scary that it's finally that time! It definitely feels like I just got here and was picking out my first day of school outfit freshman year. While I am dreading actually leaving Bloomington, I've got to admit that it's been fun to look at bright, spring dresses lately.

Below are my top four choices, but I need YOUR help to decide which one is best. I love fit and flare styles, so I started there. Coincidentally they all involve lace, which is a tad out of character for me, but I'm just really feeling it this season. I want a dress in a bright color but that I can also wear to work over the summer. With this in mind, I would love your thoughts on the following options. Can't wait to hear what you all think!

One // I've got to admit, this is one of my favorites from the start. I love the royal purpley-blue color, and the lace detailing is feminine without being granny. The length is perfect and I could see this dress worn with a blazer thrown over it for the office. // Ivy & Blu

Two // This poppy (they call it geranium) color is just perfect for spring. I had to include the back view so you could see the cute cut-out that is flirty without being too revealing. I love that this dress has sleeves, which makes it automatically work appropriate. // Plenty by Tracy Reese

Three // You are probably getting sick of the lace already, but I just couldn't stop. Plus, you know pink is one of my favorite colors. Not sure if this dress is too "garden party" or matronly for what I'm going for, though. // Eliza J

Four // The navy is a bit darker than I was hoping for, but I really love the pretty halter detailing and the scalloped hem. The dress might not be the best for the office, but the modern shape and fit would make it perfect for graduation. // Eliza J

Which dress is your favorite? I need your help!

Wanderlust

I'm not sure whether it's the time of year (read: I'm sick of snow) or just the fact that school is starting to pile up, but lately I've been really jonesing for a vacation. I'm not usually a huge beach fan. The sand gets everywhere, I burn really easily and I get bored just lying there. But for some reason, a beach sounds particularly good right now. Especially if there's a cabana boy to bring me frozen cocktails. But I digress. One of the beaches I'm dying to go back to and others that I can't wait to visit:

One // Hawaii

Junior year of high school, I traveled with some of my best friends to Honolulu for a band trip. It was seriously one of the best weeks of my life filled with laughter, beautiful sunsets and amazing memories. I cannot wait to go back one day and soak up that Hawaiian sunshine again.

Sunset from Waikiki Beach

View from the top of Diamond Head

From left, my friends Kristin, Katie, me and Julianne before we went snorkeling

Two // Los Angeles

One of my best friends from high school, Arianna, lives in Los Angeles and I visited her briefly (aka for about an hour) last summer before I left for my Contiki trip. I really want to go back and just lie on the beach for days. And squeeze in some shopping, of course!

Malibu (source)

Three // New Zealand

New Zealand was never on my list until I met so many Kiwis on my Contiki trip this summer! Now it's pretty close to the top. From the gorgeous beaches to the lush landscape, there seems to be so much to see there. Can't wait to show NZ some love and visit ASAP!

Piha Beach, Auckland (source)

Four // Australia

The Land Down Under is also high on my list after meeting so many amazing Australians this summer. I was surprised that many of them live incredibly close to the beach and it made me tremendously jealous. Although that proximity would probably make getting work done even more difficult! I'm especially jealous that it is summer down there right now. 

Adelaide (source)

Five // Greece

To be honest, Greece is always the country that is at the top of my list to visit. I love Greek food, the beaches are gorgeous and the architecture is just beautiful. I want to save this one for a special trip but when I make it, I know it will be so worth the wait. That blue water? Breath-taking!

Zakynthos (source)

Mikonos (source)

If you could go on a vacation, where would you go?

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

I have a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day. I love being able to eat copious amounts of chocolate without judgment. On the other hand, I'm not the biggest fan of being reminded that I'm single. Regardless, Valentine's Day is a great reminder to share your love with others. Plus, considering pink is one of my favorite colors, it's fun to be able to wear it head to toe with no shame. Whether you need a gift for one of your best girlfriends, your mom or just want to treat yourself, below are some festive ideas that even cupid would approve.

One // For when you just need to smell a little bit special. Plus, this rose-colored bottle will look adorably chic on your vanity. // See by Chloe

Two // Show your couch a little "love" with this sweet pillow. // Levtex

Three // These dainty flats are the perfect accompaniment to any outfit. Even better? The blush color elongates your legs so you will look tall, tall, tall. // ModCloth

Four // This infinity scarf is covered in a fun rose-petal pattern which just might be the perfect substitute to an actual bouquet of roses. // Front Row Society

Five // What's more Valentine's than hearts and glitter? Answer: absolutely nothing! // Wildfox

Six // Show your best gal pal how much you care with a cute snapshot of the two of you. We are each other's true soulmates anyways, right? // ModCloth

Seven // This is the perfect dress for a fun Valentine's date. Nothing is cuter and shows your confidence more than a little red dress. // Francesca's

Eight // Everyone "hearts" their iPhone. Show your technology how much you care this Valentine's Day. // Francesca's

Nine // This structured bag is the perfect crossbody. Plus the coral color will look great for spring. // Coach

Ten // A pop of pink for your watch? Yes please! // Michael Kors

Eleven // Finish off an outfit with an adorable pair of simple studs in a peach shade. // BaubleBar

Do you have any exciting plans for Valentine's Day?

Wear-to-Work Boots

Hands down, my favorite winter trend are boots. They are especially great to wear to work with tights or when the weather gets warmer, with bare legs. They look cute with skirts or dresses or even under slacks. Whether they are casual, (like the fun buckles on #6) dressy (I'm looking at you, #5) or super functional (right, #3?), boots are the perfect staple in any work wardrobe. Just make sure you keep them clean - white salt marks aren't very professional - and pick styles that are sleek. Now your biggest decision is brown or black. Lucky for you I rounded up three of each.

Brown // 1 // 2 // 3 

Black // 4 // 5 // 6

What are your favorite boots to wear to work?

January Favorites

These posts are easily becoming my absolute favorite to write. I love reflecting on the month and remembering my favorite things. It's always interesting to see what stood out the most and I can't wait to look back on these posts to see what my favorites were at a particular point in time. Without further ado, let's kick off 2014 with my favorites from January.

Casual // I never thought that I would long for the day when I only have to wear one pair of pants. But here I am. It has been freezing lately which in my book definitely necessitates leggings under jeans. Seriously these things keep you so warm! Plus, they are great to work out in. But really, who is working out in this weather anyways? // Underarmour Leggings

Fun // It's Juan-uary! This is definitely my guilty pleasure and my roommate, Carmen, and I have a standing date Monday night at 8 p.m. to watch together. I'm still not convinced whether I like Juan as the Bachelor, but regardless, the ensuing drama (not to mention the tears!) keeps me coming back each week. // The Bachelor

Beauty // This is super boring, but has really been a necessity this month. My hands and face have been super dry in January, and no surprise there because the winter wind really zaps everything of moisture. I don't think I need fancy face cream, so I've just been using Cetaphil, and it does the trick just fine! I slather it on a couple of minutes before I put on my BB cream and powder (usually when I am doing my eye make-up) so that it dries enough that I'm not greasy. // Cetaphil

Professional // I know I've blogged about these shoes before because they really are the perfect flat. I already have them in red, but they are just so comfy and simple that I had to invest in a black pair. Because I have huge feet, I couldn't find them at Nordstrom but then snagged them at the Sam Edelman store in SoHo a couple weeks ago. The store was amazing and I was so happy they had them in my size. Plus I felt a little bit like Carrie Bradshaw buying shoes in New York City. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?! // Sam Edelman Felicia Flat

Wildcard // These are seriously delicious! I discovered them at the little convenience store on campus and they have easily become my favorite breakfast. The combination of cocoa roasted almonds, granola, mini marshmallows and honey-roasted peanuts is the perfect sweet treat in the morning. And they are easy to toss in your bag to eat on the run. Also, because they have almonds in them I can convince myself that they are a tad bit healthy, right? // Emerald S'mores Nut Mix

PR Advice // One of the most stressful parts of applying for internships and jobs is compiling your portfolio. I never know what to include and I'm constantly paranoid that there is a grammar or spelling mistake in there that I inevitably missed. If you are putting together your portfolio, check out these tips to make sure that your work shines! // PR portfolios: Putting your best work forward in the new year

Book // So being back at school has really put a damper on my reading time. This month I'm including a favorite that I really want to read. People have raved about this book and I really want to give it a try when I get a chance. I know they're turning it into a movie soon and I want to make sure that I read the book first. If anyone has read this one already, let me know what you think! // The Book Thief

What things got you through January?