Whether happily employed, miserably employed or anxiously trying to just be employed, happily or not, it is always best to be prepared. Staying current on the latest job search tools, advice and tips is essential to making sure you are ready to take the next step in your career. Or, perhaps, stay put after comparing a current gig to what else is out there!
Professionals in their mid-twenties are facing tough decisions related to their careers. It is a transitional time; some have been at companies for more than five years while others (such as myself) have bounced around between 2-3 positions in 5 years. After five years or so in the workforce, it seems normal to question whether our role is setting us up for the brightest future possible; whether we are learning everything we can from our responsibilities; whether we are challenged enough in our current position; whether our true potential is being reached; whether we are being paid accordingly for our skills. The queries are endless and always slowly eating away at our thoughts, but we aren’t job seekers – call us job questioners.
We’re questioning, so we aren’t sure whether or not it is time to make a leap into a new career. In order to make a qualified decision, we have to educate ourselves. But how can a job “questioner” get a better idea of what is out there without outing themselves to their colleagues or bosses?
Enter JobPoacher, a unique site that let’s you enter in your information, making it public to recruiters, but anonymous to anyone viewing it. Crazy, right? The site asks the user for his/her current title, salary and location; then asks for the user’s desired title, compensation, location and email address. Using a craigslist-like function, the email address is made anonymous and all information is posted for recruiters! Voila – now your info is out there for the world to see, but nobody will know it’s you! Consider yourself an informed job questioner!
Why not turn the job search process around and make people come after you? You know you’re worth it!
I have been planning (and attending) events for a while here in the District and without a doubt have a few favorite venues. As I mentioned, there are several defining criteria for a venue. With regards to size, here are two of my absolute favorite DC venues for very, very large events (more than 500):
The Mellon Auditorium
This hidden gem is located off of Constitution Avenue features romantic, classical architecture complete with marble and columns. The auditorium is colossal and the building can seem intimidating from the outside, but the detailed structure and open floor plan provide a beautiful blank canvas. The building was constructed in 1934, so there are some issues that are familiar to older venues (most events will require additional power voltage, all A/V will have to be outsourced; the third floor balcony seating is not usable and in pretty shabby condition) but despite all of that the venue is a perfect choice for a large-scale event, social event.
The National Building Museum
This is my absolute favorite large-scale venue in DC. Just walking into the building takes your breath away! This is another traditional event space – after all, this is DC – featuring marble and columns. The architectural designs make the space feel less expansive than the Mellon Auditorium, but it still is an extremely large space. The neutral but warm color palate is favorable for all color schemes and the location is great for Metro-ers and city dwellers. There are a few smaller scale event spaces within the venue, but the Great Hall is by far the most impressive selection. To do it right at this venue, you will need more lighting and decorations than some other venues, but if you have the budget for a large event and venue – don’t miss seeing this option!
A few weeks ago, I posted about Washingtonian Bride and Groom’s Unveiled Event on January 22nd at the Mandarin Oriental. Having gone to my fair share of wedding planning events and perused plenty of wedding mags, I’ve seen enough to the know that Washingtonian Bride and Groom is a cut above the rest. And, by the looks of the vendor booth pictures they recently released, boy was I right!
How absolutely stunning is this booth from Amaryllis Designs? If you are dreaming of a rustic theme, here is your inspiration – and your florist!
Amaryllis' booth at Washingtonian's 2012 Unveiled Bridal Showcase. Photos courtesy of Holland Photo Arts.
Does your dream wedding exit involve a vintage car? How about a 1933 white Rolls Royce from Linder & Associates?
Linder & Associates booth at Washingtonian's Unveiled event. Photos courtesy of Holland Photo Arts.
Searching for more of a modern decor for your wedding day? Multiflor is right up your alley with these orchid lamp centerpieces.
Multiflor's original orchid centerpieces - Photos courtesy of Holland Photo Arts.
Every girl dreams of Vera! Vera Wang, that is! The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel has a gorgeous selection which they had on display at their booth. Vera has something for every bride with gowns ranging from traditional white and ivory, to non-traditional blush, champagne, caramel and even black!
gorgeous dresses from The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel - Photo Courtesy of Holland Photo Arts
Searching for a great party favor idea? Candy buffets have been a big hit since they arrived on the scene a few years ago. Show off you and your sweethearts’ style with your favorite candies and sugary treats in your wedding colors. Ridgewells catering set up a gorgeous, and yummy, spread!
Ridgewells candy buffet at Unveiled - photo courtesy of Holland Photo Arts.
Your invitations set the stage for your wedding. Check out all of the latest and greatest trends from the Dandelion Patch. They have such a wide range of invitation lines to choose from that you can find anything you want; and plenty of things you didn’t even know you wanted! They had some options on display at their booth:
Dandelion Patch shows off some of their invitations at Unveiled 2012 - Photo courtesy of Holland Photo Arts
Spend a few minutes clicking through Washingtonian Bride and Groom’s entire slideshow from the event to see more. All of the gorgeous pics from the event were shot by Holland Photo Arts, a couple based out of Charlottesville, VA. Who better than a happily married couple to document your love story? They call themselves “love junkies” – really, see how adorable they are on the “Meet A&B” section of their website.
I know you are drooling with anticipation! Find your inspiration – and start gearing up for Unveiled 2013!
What a game, right? Talk about the longest minute of your life – I wonder what Tom Brady is thinking right now. At least he has Gisele to wipe away his tears! Can’t win them all, my man!
At our respective places of viewing, I’m sure we all noticed the Superbowl spreads. Football is synonymous with many things; beer, wings, burgers, nachos, insert any fried food here. When throwing a superbowl party, guests expect great football, great friends and, of course, great food!
I was fortunate enough to attend a party this evening that did not disappoint. The menu consisted of hoagies, finger foods, chips, salsa, taco dip, buffalo chicken dip and, my personal favorite, some old school dirt. The dessert kind, not the garden kind. Want some more yummy superbowl party suggestions? You’re in luck – I’ve posted some ideas below that will leave your guests – and your bank account – full and happy! Check them out!
Chips and queso are always a hit! Check out this recipe from Food.com.Buffalo Chicken Wings courtesy of Food Network's Alton BrownMeatballs and bbq sauce? Why not?
A good old fashioned hoagie can feed tons! You can be creative with your fixins' so guests can make custom sandwichesA Superbowl isn't complete without chili. Do double duty with this menu item and throw it over some tortilla chips, add cheese and some fixins, bake for 10 minutes and you've got yourself some nachos!Beer is always a must, but surprise guests with a signature drink!
Just a few ideas courtesy of Food Network, Food.com and Martha Stewart. Add in some storebought items like salsa, assorted chips, hummus, and a veggie platter and you are no longer in danger of throwing a boring bash!
Well, maybe they are after all! The latest web creation out of my alma mater, University of Maryland, allows students to post their deepest, darkest secrets for all the world to see. Why the HECK would you do that? Because it is all ANONYMOUS thanks to TerpSecret, brought to you by University of Maryland sophomore, Sarah Tincher.
We all have secrets we carry with us. Some are harmless…”Of course I didn’t finish that entire bottle of wine all by myself…,” and some are so scandalous or controversial that they weigh on us. But, by nature, we aren’t allowed to share them. Sometimes we break down and tell someone, but then are faced with the pending judgement of our secret.
To avoid that judgement, post your secret(s) on TerpSecret – “Pour your heart out. Or just talk shit. Whatever works.” Creator Sarah writes on her site that she is “trying to bring together the UMD community, and give everyone a private, judgment-free place to vent.” She is responsible with her site, too. Offering an entire page on the blog encouraging posters to get help if they are struggling with depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide or any related issue. She even offers suggestions on places to get help.
I personally think any forum in which people can share their thoughts, feelings and emotions without the backlash of potential judgement or unwelcome opinions is refreshing. We are living in a world where we share everything from what we ate for breakfast to our daily exercise routines. We overshare the trivial things and tend to gloss over the serious stuff for fear of facing criticism. Encouraging each other to share the stuff that really matters, whether anonymously or not, allows us to connect with one another on another level.
In an effort to save some cash, I didn’t shop the entire month of January. Ok, this isn’t entirely true…I did purchase a dress at Nordstrom Rack for a friends wedding. BUT it was only $20 and a necessity – you wouldn’t have me go to a wedding without a dress would you? I didn’t think so. Plus, when you compare this one measly purchase to my typical monthly shopping bill, well, let’s just say I’m saving a small fortune.
Yes, it has crossed my mind that I might have a small, but manageable addiction to shopping. Hi everyone, my name is Kerry, I am addicted to shopping. There, we’ve got that overwith. So, back to the original point of this post, after being deprived for a month, here comes February teasing me with not one, but TWO warehouse sales in the DC-metro area! Yes – TWO!
If you don’t blow your entire paycheck at the Alexandria Warehouse sale, then you can add yourself to the waitlist for GiltCity’s Gilt Groupe Warehouse Sale at Long View Gallery. On Saturday February 11, you can peruse “be racks stocked with dresses, blouses, suit jackets, denim, cardigans and polos for men, women and children. For your home, think bedding, blankets and decorative accessories. And, of course, you can expect hundreds of top brands, from both lesser-known designers and veritable fashion houses.” Always the pioneer of luxury on a budget, Gilt’s Warehouse sale will also treat shoppers to mini manicures, blow outs and cocktails while you browse.
I thought I acted quickly, attempting to buy tickets within just a few hours but, to my horror, the event was sold out! However, ye of little faith, I added myself to the waitlist and am now the proud owner of TWO tickets! I consider myself blessed by the shopping gods. However, don’t get too disheartened! You can still add yourself to the waitlist here. The full day pass is sold out, so you’ll have to choose a time of arrival (12pm, 2pm, 4pm). What are you waiting for? Hurry up and get on the list! Hopefully, I’ll see you there!
For those of you who have been deprived of the experience that is the Old Luckett’s Store, let me give you a little crash course. A little over an hour from DC, Luckett’s is home to endless rooms of antiques, junk-tiques and new creations inspired by old ones. You pull up to an old Victorian-style house with a wrap-around porch strewn with dressers, buffets, lamps, chests, desks and all other kinds of unique finds. Once inside of the store, you’re faced with rooms of furniture, accessories, decorations – even jewelry and clothes.
Don’t you just die over this script sofa?
As you might expect, Luckett’s is a time warp. You walk in and lose yourself in row, after row, after row of antiques. You find yourself wondering where that enormous china cabinet could fit in your studio apartment, when you could ever wear those lace evening gloves from the 1950s – and who they might have belonged to? Antique pieces are always full of stories, but Luckett’s also makes these pieces original. They feature pieces that have been brightened up with a coat of varying pastel. Old windows are turned into wall art. Doors are converted to coffee tables. All of the pieces are unique, creative and interesting; they are not for the Ethan Allen shopper.
Even the lighting options are unique
Why am I telling you about this little hidden treasure now?
This weekend they are hosting their one and only Annual Groundhog Sale February 3, 4 and 5 from 10 am to 5 pm each day. If you haven’t been to Luckett’s, it is the perfect time for an inaugural visit – you’ll undoubtedly find something that makes your heart skip a beat with a price tag that won’t make your head spin. Check out their blog for regular updates on the store, merchandise and even decorating tips!
I came across a really interesting read on Inc.com on “How to Be Happy at Work.” I think the majority of my friends are in the throws of their quarter life crisis, questioning the career they’ve chosen, the people they are dating (or not dating), whether they should go back to school or make a big move, how much money they should be saving…the decisions to question are endless. We are all placing some kind of pressure on ourselves to have “figured it out,” whatever the “it” might be.
Lately, I’ve often found myself so caught up in focusing on the fact that I am not where I think I should be professionally that I forget to stop and consider what it is I really want. This article challenges you to consider your “rules” for happiness and unhappiness. Once you take the time to truly think about factors that impact your happiness, you may realize that you are being unrealistic. Create a new set of parameters to define your happiness – or misery – and you just might surprise yourself!
It is always a good idea to think!
Of course, these “rules” apply outside of the workplace, too. Take a comprehensive look at your life; what makes you happy currently and what gets you down? Why? It is important to stop and contemplate every once in awhile. After all, if you don’t examine where you’ve been and how you got to where you are today, how can you ever know the way forward?
Everyone loves a good date night. I love one even more when the hubby calls me at work and says be home by 6:30 because we have reservations. I love one even more when I am having a terrible day and now, all of a sudden, have something wonderful to look forward to!
Said fabulous hubby made reservations at Market Tavern in Clarendon. It had piqued our curiosity for awhile, as we were huge fans of Harry’s Tap Room and wondered why on earth it disappeared. Market Tavern’s menu is reminiscent of Harry’s, in fact, many of the dishes are the same, so needless to say we had to see if it lived up to its former inhabitant.
The Chophouse portion of Market Tavern is located upstairs. Picture from Arlnow.com.
It pains me to say that Market Tavern just didn’t make the cut. I really wanted to love this place and put it on reserve for special occasions and/or a treat when family comes into town. However, the food was mediocre, along with the service which is not something you expect from a restaurant with the price tag of this bill.
I’ll start at the beginning…we arrived and were promptly escorted upstairs to The Chophouse section of the restaurant. The downstairs is The Tavern and has a separate menu, but you can order off of either one in either section. We were greeted fairly quickly but the server didn’t return with our drinks for a good 5 minutes and we were only one of 4 tables in the entire upstairs dining room. Then, after he dropped off the drinks, we waited another 10 minutes before he came back to take our order. I’d understand if it was a busy night, but there were 3 servers upstairs and again, only four tables! Service was off to a rocky start, but let’s get on to the important part – the food!
We ordered a Caesar salad, lobster bisque, Chophouse paella and the twin filets, oscar style with crab meat and Bearnaise. Are you salivating yet? We were! The salad was fine, but the lobster bisque was pure perfection – decadently smooth with large, buttery chunks of lobster. Couple this with the “bread bar” which has 4 different types of fresh, homemade bread and various types of accompanying butter, and the first course was looking promising!
A serving of paella on the left, along with a filet and asparagus.
On to the entrees! The Chophouse Paella, flavorful, robust with a hint of smokiness, certainly didn’t disappoint with a fair amount of shrimp, mussels, chorizo and chicken. The dish was cooked well, which can be hard to do with paella. I wish we’d stopped at the paella. The twin filets with crab meat came out of the kitchen looking the part of a flawlessly cooked dish. The server set it down on the table and as I grabbed my fork and knife I could hardly wait to cut myself a bite of this tender filet, smothered in lump crab meat, drizzled with Bearnaise and garnished with bright green asparagus spears. I took that bite…and it was cold. Not lukewarm, not maybe it cooled off on the walk over here, not maybe we waited a bit too long to cut into it (because I couldn’t hardly wait a second) – just plain, flat out cold. Disappointing – yes. Still potential to taste deliciousness after we sent it back with server – yes.
But no, we received our filets about 2 minutes later. They had clearly been thrown into a microwave as the same bite I had taken was missing from the filet. People – you went to culinary school, not me, but even I know you don’t put steak in a microwave or even reheat it. You cook a new piece of meat. Sure, this is a lot to ask, but it isn’t a lot to ask to have your food brought out warm and freshly cooked.
After waiting for a manager for another 10 minutes, we explained the situation, were offered a new dish, politely declined and waited for the bill. I have to give credit where credit is due. The manager was very accommodating and understanding, apologized and sent over two complimentary desserts which were impressive. The server also apologized and was quick to ask if his service was an issue when we requested the manager, I always appreciate directness and a willingness to take accountability.
All in all, not a great experience. The other dishes we had, as well as the manager’s quick correction of the issue did make me willing to try it again – maybe in a few months when things are running a bit more smoothly. However, I’d steer clear or maybe try The Tavern for the time being!
Men and fashion is kind of like going to the dentist. Things either go really well and you leave with a perfectly bright white smile; or they go horribly wrong and you’re left facing a root canal.
However, whether the wardrobe of the man in your life needs just a routine cleaning or some major surgery, you should have him check out Trunk Club.
Trunk Club: there should be a better way for men to find great clothes
This ingenious company has found a way around the major deterrents which keep men from embracing some wardrobe rejuvenation. Trunk Club does everything for their clients. The man in question just simply has to fill out a profile, either online or on the phone, to help the expert stylists understand a bit more about his likes and dislikes. Then Trunk Club packs a literal trunk full of clothes for him and mails it to his house. He chooses what he wants and sends the rest back in said trunk with a pre-paid FedEx label.
It really can’t get easier or more fail-proof than this, ladies! Before you start asking, what’s the catch, here is some more info:
Members only pay for the clothes they keep
There is no membership fee
Wardrobe selection is classified as upscale casual wear; think jeans, chinos, shirts, sweaters, etc. – no suits!
Prices range from $70 (for shirts) to $250 (for pants and denim)
Trunk Club buys clothes wholesale and then charges retail prices, the same you’d find at the Nordstroms of the world, which is how they make their money
….allowing the service and shipping to remain entirely free of cost
Like the sound of it? Buy your man (whether it’s your significant other, dad, uncle, brother – any man in your life!) a gift card for him to try it out for himself!
