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Showing posts with label Madeleine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Madeleine. Show all posts

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Heat Wave! 5 Cute & Easy Summer Hairstyles


With summer right around the corner, so are those pesky heat waves. While long, luxurious hair can be a blessing at times, it can also be a huge burden during those scorching or humid summer days. Even if you have shorter hair, these styles will help keep your hair pulled off of your face so you can be as carefree as possible this summer! 




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  • The sock bun
    • This is such a sleek way to pull your hair out of your face. It takes only a few seconds and looks beautifully polished
  • Fishtail braid
    • The fishtail braid is a twist on the classic braid that’s perfect for unruly summer hair.
  • Messy top knot
    • This is a classic. Take two seconds to pull your hair on the top of your head into a chic yet messy top knot.
  • Beachy waves
    • Let the heat do all the work! Let your hair air-dry after spraying texturizing spray in it for some beach-worthy waves.
  • Miley-worthy double buns!
    • Rock Miley’s signature double top knots for a playful, easy hair style! 



Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Study Session Survival Guide


It’s finals season once again…our favorite (not!). Between the tons of group projects and research papers, you also have to start studying for those huge exams. Summer seems so close, yet so, so far away. Everyone is familiar with the long study sessions spent at the library or locked away in your room where it just feels endless. Have no fear, we’ve compiled a list of some essentials to keep you on-track, focused, and efficient!
  • Water, water, water
    • Whatever you do, do not dehydrate your system with soda or energy drinks. Hydrate your system and notice elevated energy and heightened focus. 
  • Self-control apps
    • If you have a Mac, you can use SelfControl to block out certain websites while you are studying. There are other applications similar for PCs and mobile phones as well!
  • Healthy snacks
    • Don’t stock up on junk food for finals (even though we know, it’s tempting!). Put some carrot sticks and ranch dressing in a Tupperware or grab an apple the next time you’re running out the door for a study session. Sometimes you need to munch on something to keep yourself focused and awake, so you might as well make it a healthy snack!
  • Good tunes
    • While songs with familiar lyrics or even words in general can be distracting, there are tons of amazing playlists with instrumental music that can help you stay on-track. Check out 8tracks.com for hundreds of instrumental playlists tailored specifically for studying. 
  • A study buddy
    • Sometimes studying with a friend can be extremely distracting, so you have to have an understanding that you’re both there to get down to business. Try explaining a concept you’re learning to them or have them quiz you on important concepts. Saying things out loud will help you process better and having a determined buddy will hold you accountable when you start to slack off. 

Even if you’re pulling an all-nighter (although we advise not to do that), be sure to take frequent breaks. For every thirty minutes you work uninterrupted, you should take a 5-10 minute break. Resting your mind will allow you to get back to work re-focused and energized. 



Thursday, April 17, 2014

10 Ways to Nail An Interview


It’s already spring which means it’s time to start that summer job hunt if you haven’t already. One key aspect that will make-or-break your search will be the interview. Most likely, if you’re lucky enough, you will land one of these bad boys and they can be pretty intimidating. But have no fear! Here are ten ways you can nail your interview:

1. Arrive early. This means you need to be walking into the office, café, wherever the interview is, at the very least ten minutes early. Be sure to factor in traffic and parking! If you’ve never been there before, do a test drive the week leading up to the interview. Look up directions and know where you’re going ahead of time so you won’t get lost.


2. Dress to impress. You can never be overdressed for an interview. Always lean towards the more formal side unless the interviewer has specified otherwise. You can never go wrong with some straight-leg slacks, clean blazer, white blouse, and maybe a statement necklace for a little fun pop of personality. Stay away from cotton, denim, wild prints, sleeveless tops, loads of makeup, and cleavage. 


3. Have your resumé printed and in a folder. This is something people commonly overlook. Just because you applied for the job and got called back for an interview does not mean that they have your resumé printed and on hand. This way, when talking about your accomplishments or experience, you can easily point to them on your resumé. The folder will keep the page flat, clean, and free from wrinkles. It’s best for the interviewer to hang onto the resumé after the interview, but sometimes they don’t have a bag or anything to hold your resumé in. The folder provides them with that. 

4. Do your research ahead of time. Know the company’s mission statement, understand the specific requirements of the position you applied for, and know the interviewer’s background and position at the company. 


5. Shake their hand. Okay, this may sound silly, but when you first meet your interviewer, make eye contact, shake their hand firmly, and smile. This will prove your confidence and professionalism. First impressions are vital in an interview. They may not extend their hand first, but don’t be discouraged. Stand up, look them in the eye, and reach your hand out.


6. Ask questions. Interviewers love to ask, “So, do you have any questions for me?” Sure, you may not really have any questions, but you should have a couple in your back pocket for times like these. Ask about the company culture, the interviewer’s position in the company, what they’re looking for in a new hire, etc. This will show your interest in the company and the job. Don’t ask questions that could be answered by a Google search though!


7. Have specific examples ready. When you’re talking about your skills and qualities as an employee, be ready with a few concrete examples that support your statement. If you claim to be a problem solver, provide a specific example of a time you came up with a solution to an issue. Without evidence, it’s just empty words.


8. Avoid rambling. Don’t lose track of time when you’re talking. Yes, the interviewer is ultimately there to hear about you. However, they’re not there to hear a monologue. Avoid bragging about yourself for too long. Say everything with purpose and keep it concise. 


9. Email them immediately after. Send them an email within five hours of finishing the interview. Thank them by name and reiterate why you want the position. This should be a total of five sentences tops. 


10. Send a handwritten note the next day. Yep, you are thanking them twice. Sending a handwritten note takes much more time and thought. It will genuinely set you apart from your competition!



Friday, February 14, 2014

No-Bake Cookie Dough Truffle Balls


Yay, it's Valentine’s Day! For some, that means receiving flowers and lovey-dovey notes. For me, this day usually involves copious amounts of candy, chocolate, and sappy rom-coms. I stumbled across the absolute perfect Valentine’s Day treat: no-bake cookie dough truffle balls. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Now, I’ve always been the one that asks to lick the spoon when my mom bakes cookies. I know there’s the risk of salmonella, but I just can’t resist the temptation of delicious, creamy, cookie dough. Luckily, these little marvelous truffle balls are egg-free, so I promise they are safe to eat! I’m not a good cook, so the best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy and fast. Coat them with white chocolate with pink food dye or just pink colored candy to fit the Valentine’s Day theme (or just stick to plain ol’ chocolate because….it’s chocolate). 

I mainly used the recipe from Food Network’s website as my guide – tweaking it just a little bit.

Ingredients

1/2 cup softened butter
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 (14oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (I didn’t have any mini ones when I made this, so I used regular sized chips)
(optional) 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 bag of Ghirardelli chocolate chips
1 bag of Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses

Instructions

Mix butter and brown sugar in a large bowl on medium. When creamy, add vanilla. When thoroughly integrated, gradually add flour and milk – alternating between the two. Mix on medium. Finally, add chocolate chips (and walnuts if desired). With a melon baller or spoon, scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on wax paper. Put them into the fridge to chill for 1.5 hours. After 1.5 hours, place candy for coating into a microwave safe bowl and heat until fully melted. Every 30 seconds, stir. Roll the balls into the melted candy and then place back on wax paper. Let them sit in the fridge for 1 hour or until candy coating has hardened.

***Tip: After the balls have chilled in the fridge and before dipping them into the melted candy, roll them in your palms to make them perfect balls.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Rock Your “Fanicure” for Super Bowl Sunday

It’s that time of the year again where football fans across the U.S. lose their minds – Super Bowl Sunday. Whether you know the name of every player or just watch for the commercials, show your spirit by decking out your nails in your team’s colors! Broncos fans, you get to rock bright oranges and deep blues. Seahawks fanatics, show your pride with neon kelly green and shades of blue. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some of It Girl, Madeleine's picks for the best Super Bowl nail polishes:

Broncos' Polishes (left to right)

Seahawks' Polishes

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Make The Most Of Dreaming Big This 2014 (Madeleine)


The New Year is the best time to set new goals! Most people have difficulty following through with their goals, but one great way to stay on track is to create a “dream board.” Even Oprah swears by it! Essentially, a dream board is a collection of pictures, words, and phrases that will inspire you and remind you daily of your objectives! I was shocked that only a few short months after creating one for myself, I had accomplished over half of the goals I set. Images are so powerful and it’s a great feeling to use them in such a positive way!

Want to make your own dream board? Follow the steps below!

  1. Set your goals – Do you want to land a job or internship? Improve your health or fitness? Learn a new language? Want to save money for that Michael Kors bag you’ve been crushing on forever? Make your goals specific and realistic – don’t try to lose 20 pounds in a month, you’ll drive yourself crazy! 
  2. Find compelling images – use magazines, Google images, favorite celebrities,       inspirational quotes, etc.
  3. Make a cute collage including all of the pictures you find on a big poster board.
  4. Hang it somewhere you look everyday – think subliminal messaging!
  5. Go conquer the world!
 It can be overwhelming to decide which goals to focus on. Here are some of the ones I chose for my dream board: 
  • Take more pictures with a REAL camera and print them out
  • Write more letters
  • Read five books
  • Save $1,000
  • Work out at least 4 times a week
  • Get three A’s spring semester
  • Drink more green smoothies
  • Give more compliments

It’s so simple and rewarding. You’ll be thanking yourself for the daily reminder – it will motivate you to actively work towards your goals. Once you’ve accomplished all of them, save the board as a memento and start a new one!  

More digitally inclined? Check out Oprah’s online dream board creator: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/O-Dream-Board-Envision-Your-Best-LifeTM

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