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When it comes to decorating, art can be the hardest (and most fun!) thing to pick for your space. There are so many types of art, and each piece serves as a little insight into the mind of the owner and makes the work feel personal.

If you are looking to find a piece of art for your home, it is important that you ask yourself a few questions before buying:

Question One: Is it Original? There is plenty of art in the world, but not all of it is very original. Artists borrow and share ideas and concepts, but a true artist also wants to find their own voice. When you pick a piece for your space, try to buy something that is a little different from anything else you’ve seen, otherwise, why not just buy a cheap print?

Question Two: Does it Fit the Room? Just because you like a painting doesn’t mean that it is a good fit for your wall. If your space is very contemporary, a classical piece might appear strange in the same way that a modern piece might look odd in a contemporary room. Look to your furniture and walls for color inspiration when you are art hunting, and remember that patterns and themes in art can bring out similar colors and patterns in the room around you.

Question Three: Does it Represent Me? All art is different, just as all people are different, therefore you should pick art that reflects you in some way. Art lasts for a long time, so find work that makes you happy and that will make you smile for years to come.

We are in an age of increased internet use, and the online world is booming. Millions of people use the internet to check their schedules, emails, bank accounts, make purchases and to engage with others. With online growth comes the increased risks associated with oversharing and failing to protect private information.

We’ve all seen the repercussions of unsafe internet usage in the news. The data-mining firm Cambridge Analytical recently came under fire for its misuse of 50 million Facebook users’ data mined from those who agreed to the terms of an online personality test. Thousands of people have dealt with cases of their private photos or information being spread on the internet by a third party. And, the number of online hackers and scammers is only rising.

So how can you protect yourself while still participating in the digital world? Here are a few important points to remember:

1. Make a password and make it good. Having a password on your technology, important documents, or various web accounts may seem like a hassle, but it’s essential for your protection. If you lose your phone or laptop without a password, anyone who picks it up can get in and access your information. Creating a password makes accessing your personal information much harder.
2. Read the fine print. Resist the urge to accept whatever agreement pops up on your computer when trying to access an application or site. Reading the fine print is important for understanding with who and where your data could be shared. You may find that the dangers of accessing that page outweigh the positives of using the product. If so, decline and go elsewhere for your online needs.
3. Avoid scams. If you get a call, text, or email saying that there is a problem with an important account of yours, and if you are asked to share your social security or bank account information to fix it, be sure to check the validity of that statement with a verifiable source. Instances of imposters pretending to be account managers are common, and their ability to convince anxious users to quickly turn over their personal information makes them incredibly dangerous.
4. Use trusted sites. If a website is safe to use, it will usually say so at the bottom of the page in some form. It is important to only access pages that are considered trustworthy, as some sites can be vehicles for computer bugs, viruses or hackers.

 

Interviews can be intimidating, no matter who you are. Consider these tips next time you’re prepping for a big interview, and let me know if you have other interview tips for success!

1. Bring a printed resume. Despite being an incredibly important resource for the interviewer, many interviewees forget or do not think to bring a printed copy of their resume to their interviews. Even if you have already emailed them a copy, be sure to print and bring with you a clean copy of your resume, as this shows the interviewer that you are prepared and capable of anticipating the needs of those around you.
2. Make eye contact. Maintaining an appropriate amount of eye contact with the person who interviews you is important because it signals that you are present and focused.
3. Don’t fidget. Toying with your hair or clothes is a nervous tick that many people bring to their interviews. These actions often have the adverse effect of making you look nervous or insecure, and therefore it is important to be aware of what you are doing with your hands.
4. Be polite.  It seems obvious to say that you should be on your best behavior during an interview, but it is worth reemphasizing. Thank your interviewer, and anyone else you spoke to, for their time, use a professional tone and be sure to dress appropriately for your meetings.
5. Ask questions. Nothing shows a potential employer that you are interested in them better than having questions ready for your interview. Asking intelligent questions displays your smarts while also showing that you’ve done your research and have genuine interest in the work.

I hope that these tips bring you great success in your job hunting!

 

 

If you have been reading my blog, you probably know by now how much I love animals. Animals of all kinds are fabulous, but dogs have a special place in my heart. As much as dogs make an excellent household pet, they can provide comfort and joy in a more official capacity as a therapy dog. Different than service dogs, which help individuals perform tasks they cannot do for themselves because of a disability, therapy dogs travel to facilities such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, and schools to provide comfort, companionship and relieve stress.

News of the positive effects of therapy dogs is spreading: especially in health care. Some hospitals have even implemented therapy dog programs as part of their patient experience initiatives. Benefits of interacting with a therapy dog include: lower blood pressure, improved cardiovascular health, the release of calming endorphins (oxytocin) and more. A therapy dog can be trained to do anything from comforting an older individual in a nursing home, to aiding a college student in relieving stress during final exams, to cheering up a child in a hospital wing.

If you’re interested in registering your dog as a therapy dog, or just want to learn more about the benefits of therapy dogs, visit the American Kennel Club for more information!

To the relief of parents and physicians across the country, flu season seems to be coming to an end.  And just in time, because allergy season is here!

Allergies can be described most basically as the immune system reacting to a substance or substances it doesn’t recognize by making you feel unwell. Wheezing and shortness of breath are two of the most common allergy symptoms.

Some individuals suffer from seasonal allergies, or allergies that are strongly affected by the shifts in pollen and other environmental conditions accompanying seasons changing. Seasonal allergies begin to cause problems for many people in the spring in the form of watery, red or itchy eyes and sneezing. Other common allergies are animal, drug and food allergies, all of which cause the body to negatively react to stimuli exposure.

If you have seasonal allergies that are beginning to bother you as we head into spring, try taking over-the-counter allergy medication prior to spending a lot of time outdoors. Hydrating and eating healthy are also important for helping your body to fight off any sickness or symptoms. No matter who you are, suffering from allergies is no fun. Above all, the best way to better your allergies is to get an understanding of what triggers them and to avoid that trigger when at all possible.

Aromatherapy is an age-old treatment that helps sooth the body and mind and can be incorporated into your daily life in a variety of ways.

Here’s a few ways to add these relaxing scents to your day:

1. Candles. Most people like the smell of candles, but don’t realize the level of relaxation they provide. Freshly scented candles are a great way to add zen to your workspace or your home.
2. Oils. With so many ways to use essential oils, they’re a great way for someone to learn more about aromatherapy! Water them down with coconut oil, and some cam be applied to the skin like perfume. Added to steam, they can bring an extra level of relaxation. The uses are endless, and the little bottles are highly concentrated and long lasting.
3. Massage. If you enjoy getting a massage now and then to relax, look for an aromatherapy massage the next time you go. It’s all the usual rejuvenation of a massage with the bonus of scents for further relaxation.
4. Diffuser. Diffusers are easy to use, and a great way to bring pure, essential oil aromatherapy to your home. Just add water to your diffuser, a few drops of your favorite oils, and turn it on! The diffused aromatherapy oils will soon make you and your house feel peaceful. Try lavender oil if you want to relax and peppermint oil if you’re looking for a boost!
5. Jewelry. For those who like the idea of using essential oils, but aren’t sure you want to apply it to your skin, aromatherapy jewelry is the perfect solution. Jewelry of all shapes, colors, and sizes is made to hold the scent of essential oils, allowing you to enjoy your aromatherapy in style.

As busy as we all might be, it’s important to slow down and reflect on all we have to be grateful for. Giving back in ways big and small is a great way to get involved in your community and improve the lives of those around you.

Here are a few fun ways to create positive change in your community:

1. Feed the hungry. In every town or city, regardless of where you live, there are people struggling with food insecurity. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen or food bank or organize a food drive to help provide meals for those in need.
2. Plant a garden. To provide more locally-grown vegetables and fruits, as well as to assist in neighborhood beautification, many people are starting community gardens in their neighborhoods. Try out your green thumb and make some flower beds for people around you to enjoy. You can even invite friends to join in the fun.
3. Tutor a student. For those who like to work one-on-one with others, tutoring a student in a subject you excel at is a great way to advance someone’s education. Remember: knowledge is a gift!
4. Join a philanthropic organization. There are so many incredible philanthropic organizations and groups focused on every topic from building houses for the homeless, to helping women in times of need or crisis. Pick a topic you are passionate about and see what opportunities there are to join in with like-minded individuals to enact positive change.
5. Fill a need. If you have noticed a need within your neighborhood or community that you don’t see being met, take initiative and start a committee or volunteer group to take on the problem. Philanthropic work is often most effective when it is creative.

I’d love to hear about how you choose to get involved in your community!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traveling, as you probably know by now, is something I am incredibly passionate about. In my travels, I have seen various countries, cultures, and foods that have expanded my love for the world around me.

 

It may not seem it, but traveling is an art. Here are some tips to consider before your next adventure:

Save up. Traveling is most enjoyable when you aren’t overly stressed about financing it. That’s why it is a good idea to start saving as soon as you realize you might want to explore- not just for your plane ticket, transit, and lodging expenses, but also for eating local foods at good restaurants, trying a fun activity, souvenirs, and emergency situations.

Plan Ahead. Getting prepped for your trip involves making some decisions ahead of time. If you want to visit famous attractions wherever you are going, it is a good idea to buy tickets in advance. Booking your lodging before you head out is also a must and saves you from stressing about where you’ll rest your head when you arrive. Doing housekeeping tasks like this before the trip will keep you from worrying about anything but enjoying your stay when you arrive at your destination.

Pack Light. When you travel, you don’t want to bring a bunch of baggage with you. Having too many bags or items to travel with is a hassle and leaves you with lots to carry back and forth from the airport.

Spend Smart. There are plenty of things you can do to save a dime when traveling. For starters, don’t settle on the first hotel you find. Explore Airbnb options, hostels, and hotel deals before you sign up for anything. And, avoid taking expensive cabs by using public transportation like buses, trains, or subways.

Have Fun! Seeing another part of the world is a gift. Whether your exploring another city or another country, be sure to take photos, eat good food, try fun activities, and have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you spend at least eight hours a day in an office, you understand the difficulty of making your work stations feel comfortable. Without any personal touches, offices can feel sterile and dull and lack the personality or you-ness needed to make the space your own. Here are a few things that can make your office feel more like home:

A comfortable chair. A comfortable chair may seem like a small detail, but when you spend all day at your desk it becomes an essential part of your office. An uncomfortable chair can be distracting, and potentially bad for your health. It’s important that you get a work chair that makes you feel physically at ease so you can focus on something besides your back pain.

Have your necessities. When stocking your desk, be sure that you have not only the supplies you need for your work, but also for staying in place all day. Items like lotion, lip balm, tissues, gum, and cough drops are good things to have on hand during your busy day.

Personalize your workspace. Photos of friends, family, and pets can make your space feel more like your own, while fun posters or table decorations can add flare and color to a dull desk.

Good lighting. Having sterile lighting can make it hard to focus on work in the same way that having too little light can. For this reason, bring a lamp that illuminates what you are working on while also providing your desk with a happy, warm glow to work under.

 

Spring has sprung! And with it comes the need to awaken from the daze of the cold and dark of winter and enjoy some time with friends. Here are a few fun ideas for your spring celebrations with family and friends:

 

1. Bon Fire. Nothing is better on a cool spring night than a bonfire, some s’mores supplies, and good company.
2. Garden Party. Got a green thumb? Show off your skills by having some friends for afternoon cocktails in your garden.
3. Wine and Dine. If you don’t have the outdoor space to enjoy a spring night, try having company over for a bite and a bottle of wine at your apartment. Cheers to spring!
4. March Madness Bash. March Madness is here, so why not have a basketball-themed celebration of chips, dip, and game-watching?
5. Game Night. There is no better way to spark some friendly competition between friends than board game night.