Hot Accessories: Use 'em or Lose 'em

Hot Accessories
1. OPI Nail Polish – used at most salons because of its stay tough attitude (will last through the washing of the dirtiest dishes).
2. Garnier Fructis leave in conditioner – my hair is a frizzy, hot mess when it’s humid out… unless I’m using this.
3. Jergens Gradual Tan facial moisturizer – approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation and gives you a lovely glow.
4. Neutrogena Deep Clean Relaxing Nightly Cleanser – Delish lavender scent and leaves your skin feeling fresh before you hit the hay.
5. Neutrogena Anti-Oxidant Cleanser – It’s never too early to prevent wrinkles!
6. Elastic headbands – Great for exercising and although they stay tight, they’re not tight enough to leave you with a headache.
7. Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate body wash – Looove this scent.
8. Crest White Strips – Work very well, especially in comparison to Listerine Whitening Strips, no offense!
9. Garnier Fructis Body Boost shampoo/conditioner – Love the smell and leaves your hair feeling fuller.
10. C.O. Bigelow Rose Petal lip balm – Can be used on dry lips, knuckles, elbows, etc. AND smells like rose petals!

Hot Haves - Hot Pants (etc.)

Oh, poop. Only been a couple weeks and I already missed a Sunday posting of Hot Haves. Please forgive this busy, busy girl.

1. Victoria’s Secret sports bra – Very sturdy, complete with an adjustable clasp! Even great for bigger puppies.
2. Hard Wear fleece headband – Super warm and is shaped to cover the ears without slippage.
3. Minnetonka moccasins – Mine are pink, but they sell them in several other colors too! Very comfy and durable… I’ve had mine for 2+ years and they’re still in mint condition.
4. Old Navy yoga pants – Great for a pair of long gams. I have 3 pairs…
5. The North Face "Momentum" jacket – Great weight, perfect for runners!
6. Anne Klein black flats – They go with everything. Literally everything.
7. Dresses from Forever21 – Yeah, this is very general. But I have worn their clothes to the ground, and they are of great quality, at a reasonable price!
8. Victoria’s Secret Long Janes – Wow, so cute… with a hint of holiday coziness.
9. Joe’s Jeans – I didn’t know how to describe them, so I’ll just say that your new nickname will be “Hot Ass.” *Splurge*
10. Ralph Lauren basic black pumps – These shoes are not yet in my possession, but they are def on my wish list and I’ve worn them around the store enough to call them mind. Delicious. *Splurge*

So, there you have it. Great ideas of closet additions. Enjoy.

Why I love Moosejaw.

I would have to say my top 5 pet peeves list as:
1. Bad drivers with big cars.
2. Mean/rude people.
3. 1-800 numbers
4. Hearing noises but not knowing the source.
5. Insincere conversations (i.e. “We should hang out soon!”)

That’s why I was so surprised that my #3 didn’t put me over the edge last Tuesday. You see, I ordered a package from Moosejaw on October 10th. I waited a few weeks and it didn’t come. “What the *expletive*!?” I thought to myself. So on Monday night I went over the shipping information again and found that I had listed the wrong address (2644, not 2264). Next came the blushing and mental head slap… then I decided I’d call the next day to figure out where the package had gone.

I called a branch of the (*ahem*) shipping company (not Moosejaw) and someone told me that I needed to call their 1-800 number. So, I called the shipping company’s number and was at a standstill when I needed to enter my tracking number. I pressed “0” (hoping to speak to a real person). After a few times of calling them, I looked up the Moosejaw number. Crap, another 1-800 number! But it wasn’t a recording when I picked up – ALAS! It was a real person! It took, literally, about 5 minutes to figure out the details, the shipment was resent, and I received the package two days later.

So, what is the point of all of this? Moosejaw tries for a customer service program that is out of this world – and they achieve this. With all of this switching to electronic communication, it is important for companies to give customers access to a real person. That voice to voice communication goes a long way. I *heart* Moosejaw.

Hot Haves - Hot Links: Link it or leave it.

1. www.poorlittlerichgirl.com – Haute couture at a not so haute price.
2. www.myopenbar.com – Happy hours in a variety of time zones.
3. www.emptywallet.org – Cheap/free (mostly artsy) things to do in Chicago.
4. www.yelp.com – City hot spots with ratings and comments.
5. www.delicious.com – Find top rated restaurants, products, etc.
6. www.moosejaw.com – The North Face, Patagonia, etc. all at a low, low price.
7. www.galsguide.com - Area info for 20s/30s somethings in Chicago, San Francisco, DC, NYC, Boston, Pittsburgh, Northwest Indiana, Detroit, Milwaukee, San Diego, Minneapolis, & Indianapolis!
8. www.fitnessmagazine.com - You can sign up and keep your workout progress for free! Just one thing among SEVERAL tips, options, etc.
9. www.theonion.com - If you're in the need for a good (dry) laugh!
10. Going with #9, www.thedailyblank.com - "Chicago's Finest Satire"

True Life: I love social media.

I, like any other person my age, became interested in social media when I began college. Facebook was still new (and closed to those not attending college) and it seemed like a great way to stay connected. Especially since I was (and have been since Freshman year at NIU) four hours away from all of my good friends. Look at me now, giving a presentation on how social media can be useful for a business or organization. I think the reason I like social media so much is that I find it absolutely fascinating how one can market his or her business (or self) on the internet.

During my current internship with Literacy Chicago, I’ve studied more tricks and uses of social media – specifically Facebook and Twitter – and believe it is extremely beneficial for a company or organization to use social media. The presentation I gave at Literacy Chicago is a very simple presentation on the basics of social media and how these sites (Facebook and Twitter) can help a business or organization grow. Of course, the presentation is specifically for Literacy Chicago, but if you would like a copy, you can email me at vemccoy.blogspot@gmail.com.

Hmm… beginning to wonder if Kate is right and that I should look into freelancing...

The Multi-blogger.

Hey friends! Just thought I'd give you a heads up on my new blog (in addition to, not in the place of, this one). It's http://theprhopeful.blogspot.com I'm moving my Resume project there, and I'll be discussing PR trends, etc. I'm doing so to avoid any confusion as to where this blog is going (PR, yoga, nutrition, etc?). So be sure to check it out and have a nice night!

The New Sunday Thang - Hot Minute Hot Haves

1. Super Chill Seltzer water – lime flavored. A delish way of getting in those H2O ounces, and no aspartame (as found in some flavored waters and diet colas).
2. Cherry Flavored Carmex – the smooth Carmex feel without the petroleum taste.
3. Dark Chocolate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – a tad different from the original, but you don’t feel as guilty about eating the chocolate.
4. Saucony running shoes – SUPER comfy and have great traction for running outside.
5. The North Face Denali jacket – durable and much warmer than it looks – great for the Windy City.
6. Spinach & Feta omelets – I know, it’s not a purchasable item, but I still love it.
7. Gaiam yoga mats – went to yoga 2x this week and I couldn’t have done it without them.
8. Special K snack bars – Chocolately Pretzel – a salty and sweet in one… delish.
9. Diet Coke – classic tasty.
10. Bath & Body Works Anti-bacterial Foam hand wash – delicious scents & keeps away the flu.