Week #4: Keeping it Real

This past weekend, while doing some shopping in Richmond, I found a cute little book at Francesca's Collections that detailed personalities by birth date. I know these things are entirely just for fun but it was cool to see if they were even the least bit accurate. Here's mine:

In our Social Media class, we are discussing how letting your personality shine through can help you achieve success online. I believe this is also key in offline interactions. I must admit that this is something I struggle with. 

In January 2008, I had the opportunity to study International PR in London. Our first class was held at Porter Novelli and was lead by the firm's Principal at the time. We were asked to pitch an idea for student funding and present it to our class. She then critiqued each person's group and their presentation styles. The #1 piece of advice she had was to "have fun and be yourself." She explained that when people, particularly students are asked to give presentations, there is a tendency for them to become tense and let their nerves dominate them. They got hung up on delivering a "perfect pitch" and lose their innocence and personality. I try to remember her advice in my professional interactions, online and offline, but acting on it can be a challenge.

In Scott Rosenberg's Say Everything, a piece of advice from veteran bloggers is "Be real!" Rosenberg says "To blog, they say, is to present the truth about your life of the world as you see it." I think that's the beauty in blogging, the fact that you can essentially make it your own. True to my personality description (above), I am careful, exacting and capable in the handling of details but can also drive myself nuts by sometimes getting hung up on the small stuff. 

Just like Heather Armstrong in Say Everything, I too was excited knowing I could choose the design for my blog, the name and the content without having to meet a "client's" demands. I was my own client. My persona won't be blatantly displayed through my blog but I do feel that readers will see a glimpse of who I am through my blogging topics. It's kind of like when a friend says "I saw this top at the store and it is so you" or "You would love this song. Reminds me of something you would listen to!" Remember in the movie Blind Side when Sean described Michael as "an onion, you have to peel him back one layer at a time?" Well, I think this is the case with me. For example, I have found that I write differently than I speak and have been cautious about my entries, knowing they are visible to the world. Just like the onion metaphor, I think I'll become more comfortable with being myself as my blog progresses and won't be afraid to just keep it real.

Week #3: It's all in your mind.

Remember in elementary school when our parents and teachers would say things like "You can do anything you put your mind to" or "Be the best you can be?" It seemed cheesy at the time, maybe even a little robotic but as I have gotten older, I have begun to see the true depth behind these words. I remember being so nit picky (even for a first grader) and how I would go through 10 sheets of paper before I was satisfied with the way I wrote my name. 

Fast forward to my first semester as a freshman in college. It was my first huge assignment, where I pulled an all nighter struggling to put together a portfolio of about eight 5-page essays. That night, in the middle of finishing up my third one, my computer crashed. I spent about an hour having a panic attack and the rest of the night typing my life away. Granted it was my first semester and I had 3 1/2 years ahead of me to learn how not to procrastinate, I vowed to myself to never allow that kind of stress on myself again. What happened to the nit picky first grader that always had to have her name perfect? Life happened. 

As we move through the hustle and bustle of life and get caught up in the daily "grind," whether it's work, school or both, it can be difficult at times to stay organized, to prioritize and even take a breather. It's as annoying as when people say things like "Live for the moment!" or "Stop and smell the roses." You know these are things you should do but it's easier said than done. I have found that even being a dedicated worker or student sometimes isn't enough and that you need to find a passion(s) or a hobby.

Learning to adopt this kind of mentality is where my passion for self development came from. The mind is a powerful thing. If you're calm, it's all in your mind and if you're nervous or scared, it's all in your mind. Only you have control over your thoughts. Though I am a self proclaimed quote/tip junkie, there is one blog that has influenced me greatly and it's Zen Habits. The author and creator Leo Babauta doesn't claim to be an expert or doctor. He is a normal guy-- a husband and father of 5. By making small changes in his life, he has achieved fairly large rewards including the ability to quit smoking, write a novel, eliminate debt and simplify his life. It's humble people like Leo and their inspiring stories that continue to motivate me to make the most in life and with what I have. Another website that has helped me is Real Simple, which features articles on lifestyle, health, food, beauty and fashion. 

Speaking of fashion, I love to distract myself on The Coveteur, a blog that allows viewers to browse the closets of various style forecasters and learn about their start into the industry. I also visit Cupcakes and Cashmere, The Glamourai and 9 to 5 Chic for my daily fashion fix. I especially enjoy the use of visuals and how they illuminate as well as complement the creativity of the authors.

Lastly, when I need the extra motivation or need to relax, the one thing that never fails is music. Though my taste is eclectic, I always find myself going back to hip hop and r&b. One of my favorite artists is Drake, who also happens to have a blog called Octobers Very Own. Like the blogs mentioned above, he too documents his experiences with visuals. He is an excellent lyricist and has proven to be one of the most versatile hip hop artists, even remaking Goapele's classic "Closer." You can find his version here. This particular song always reminds me of the mantras that were instilled as a kid, encouraging me to put my mind toward greater things and be the best I can be.

Prettie Treat

Once every couple weeks, after a long work week, I like to treat myself. They don't have to be the priciest treats either. Everyone likes to save a little cash when they shop and I'm a huge fan of finding high end designs at affordable prices. While you may need a little patience to shop at these stores (go on a day you have a little more time!) like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx or Marshalls, it can be a lot of fun browsing and it's even better when you've struck gold and found a great steal.

I found these beauties by Vince Camuto at Nordstrom rack. They are called the "Prettie flats," off white cracked leather combined with a coiled metal and gemstone adornment. I can't wait for Spring to arrive so I can break them in! The final price after a markdown? $39. 90 -- amazing steal. Check out his full collection here!  

Week #2- Inspired

As mentioned in my very first post, I have toyed with the idea of blogging for some time now. I consider my “inspirations” to be eclectic, relying very little on one person or thing and rather discovering bits and pieces in random places.  Whether it’s in photographs, street art,  a beautifully crafted ensemble or a motivational speech,  it’s because of this variance, I found it difficult to focus on just one topic and instead created a “lifestyle” blog.

Let’s start with the word lifestyle. It is defined as a way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group. Fortunately, the internet has created a space for individuals to express their ideas and engage. In Cluetrain Manifesto, Levine et al (2009) says “To call it a ‘platform’ belies its hospitality. What happens on the Net is more than commerce, more than content, more than push and pull and clicks and traffic and e-anything. The Net is a real place where people can go to learn, to talk to each other, and do business together. It is a bazaar where customers look for wares, vendors spread goods for display, and people gather around topics that interest them. It is a conversation.”

Gold Rushed will be a compilation of my daily inspirations and personal passions, be it self development or fashion. My ardor with fashion started at a very young age. It was more to me than clothing but more as a means of self expression. As I’ve gotten older, it has extended to a passion for style and aesthetic, having an admiration for creative pieces from creative minds.

I anticipate Gold Rushed being an avenue in which those sharing the same passions as me can express their ideas and inspire each other. Choosing the “lifestyle” route verses concentrating on one topic will hopefully encourage a diverse group of followers and will allow for richer discussions. As said in Cluetrain Manifesto, it’s time to “start talking.” It’s fun and exciting to be inspired but what good is it if you don’t share it?  

DC Restaurant Week

I was pretty excited to catch the end of DC Restaurant Week. Locals go nuts during this week over scoring three-course lunches for $20.11 and three-course dinners for $35.11 at some of the city's top restaurants. My friend Issara recommended Oya Restaurant and Lounge for me and Steven's date night. We were definitely in for a treat. 

The ambiance was impeccable and the decor was absolutely striking. The space was adorned with white marble, baroque prints, a 12 ft fireplace in the main dining room,  a crocodile skin bar, 20 ft long waterfall and crystal chandeliers. The Asian fusion menu which consisted of sushi, small plates (garden, land and sea) and full entrees was equally impressive. We both decided to try the prix fixe menu, starting off with spicy tuna rolls and calamari, roasted chicken and grilled beef sirloin and finishing off with banana bread and butter pudding (a must try!)

Grilled Beef Sirloin

To top it off, the service was great and the staff was very friendly. It seemed like the ideal Valentine's Day spot (guys, take note!) or catching up with friends over cocktails. Also, notice how I said I caught the end of Restaurant Week-- that Saturday was completely booked for the day even when calling at lunch time, so book early! Easily one of my new favorites. 

http://www.oyadc.com/

Must Read

Excellent speech, excellent words to live by... 

Bridging The Gap Speech by Colin Powell

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are... Friends who don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those who don't increase you will eventually decrease you. Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.

With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad. Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends.

Yes... do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above. "In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our friends." "Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them." "If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude."

Response Post #1: My Lucky Charm

On Jenna Gilson's blog My Grey Obsession, she talks about her many adventures with her furry friend Janie. In her previous post, she tells us about Greytalk, a prime information source for Greyhound owners. In addition to being a great companion, Greyhounds also happen to be couch potatoes! I couldn't help but write about my furry obsession, my 6 year old Pekingese Ching Ching. Pekingese are known to be proud, confident and over protective. But, there is also one interesting characteristic that makes him even more lovable... he brings me luck. Let me explain.

You can call me gullible but when it comes to lucky charms, I'm all over it. I have collected them over the years, whether it's the Hamsa or Evil Eye, elephants, four leaf clovers or horseshoes. But even with my growing collection, I have found that my luckiest charm happens to be Ching. 

Ching was given to my aunt when he was a year old by a family friend. She, having the same obsession with good luck charms willingly accepted him as her own. Though he was in a nice home, my aunt was a very busy person, especially being a nurse.  My family often took turns watching over him but he lacked having a consistent caretaker and the constant attention that he so deserved. I only saw Ching when I visited my aunt or at family parties and while I thought he was adorable, he also seemed withdrawn.

We celebrated Easter '09 at my aunts. I had been wanting to get a dog ever since I had my own place, so I asked if I could take Ching for a week as a "trial." Though he had literally peed on every inch of the apartment and tried to bite my boyfriend on numerous occasions, I couldn't imagine giving him back to my aunt. She let me keep him and the rest is history. 

The Pekingese were the favored pet of the Chinese Royalty and were often referred to as the "Lion Dog." They were said to bring good fortune to their owners. Since Steven and I have had him, we've had a series of milestones-- graduation, landing great jobs, travels and my admittance into Georgetown and while I'd like to think that hard work has certainly granted these opportunities, I can't help but think that our little furry friend has played a big part. Did I forget to mention that my aunt won a Fantasy Football poll the first day she got him? Lol. Over the year and a half that we've had him, he has turned into a lovable, comical and very protective pup. Not to mention, an excellent cuddler. My friends make fun of me because I've spoiled him rotten but with the luck he's brought me and that cute pudgy face, could you blame me?