How to be Jane Quimby

     Inspiration. We all have it in every department in our lives: career, fashion, creativity… the list goes on. For me, one character in particular has been the inspiration for my internship, and that is Jane Quimby, the star of ABC Family’s show Jane by Design. The show is about Jane, a high school student who has landed a job working as the executive’s assistant of a major design company in New York. She balances her homework and job while managing to go on dates and design her own wardrobe! She does it all, and somehow she manages to impress her boss and the others around her. 

     So every day, as I get ready for work, ride the train to the CNN Center, and walk into my office, I think: How can I be Jane Quimby? I have a lot of thoughts on my mind: is my outfit fashionable, yet appropriate for work? What am I doing tonight and this weekend to ensure I keep a social life? What are the tasks that I need to get done for school in the fall? Am I making the most of this internship? And most importantly, how can I impress my boss? Before my internship, I re-watched the whole first season of Jane by Design, and during the past few weeks, I’ve taken mental notes on what I’ve observed at my job. Between the two, I think I have some of the answers. I don’t have them all, but I have a few tips on how to be Jane Quimby and impress your boss.

1. Dress the part. Looking like success will put you in the mindset of success. It will give you the confidence to start your day strong.
2. Have a warm smile for everyone. Make sure to speak to everyone you come across. Everyone in the elevator, in line for coffee, or working on the building maintenance has a story and something to teach you. It’s up to you to be inviting and learn from them.
3. Make friends with your fellow interns. Although you’re in the same space as your internship comrades, they see and are assigned to different tasks. Share your experiences and get to know one another, and you could possibly tag along on a cool project that they have lined up.
4. Say YES. Be open to whatever tasks your boss has for you. They’ve assigned you to it for a reason. No matter how small or boring the task may seem, it’s important and you could learn from it.
5. Stay organized and take notes. That way, you won’t forget all the details of a meeting or project that you are working on, and your boss will know that you are engaged and paying attention.
6. Put your best foot forward. Make sure everything you present to your boss is… well, presentable. Keep it clean and organized.
7. Often check in with your boss. Keep your boss updated on your projects and meetings and ask him or her how you are performing.
8. Talk to your boss about your interests. You are not a robot. Don’t spill the details about your upcoming date this weekend, but talk about your favorite TV shows and career goals.
9. Ask questions and learn! Pretty self-explanatory. Nearly everyone is open to answering a ton of your questions. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question, and the point of an internship is to learn.
10. Have fun! Be sure to meet up and hang out with your friends on the evenings and weekends. It will keep you sane.

I hope these tips help! Jane might not exactly be your career inspiration, but I think we all could learn a thing or two from Ms. Quimby. So take my advice and remember to learn and have fun with your internship!

By the way, I found a fun little article on HerCampus, and I thought it would be fun to share with you summer interns.  

Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@_blanchedubois), Twitter, Bloglovin, and Lookbook! 

Wednesday Wishlist: Books

     Hey, guys. Today, I'm starting a new segment called Wednesday Wishlist. Like everyone else, I have an extensive list of materialistic wants and desires, and the world of consumerism makes it harder everyday. On my cell phone, I have multiple notes labeled "College Wishlisht," "Fall Fashion Wishlist," "CVS Shopping List," and many more. Sometimes the "wants" can get overwheming, but this segment should help me straighten things out a little better. Who knows? Maybe some of the things on my lists can transfer over to yours... (sorry.)     As far as books are concerned, I have over 150 in my bedroom. What can I say? I'm a reader. But as I'm transitioning from high school to college, it's time to throw out my old fictional books about ghosts and obtain some books that's going to help shape my interests into potential careers.

1. "Seduced By Success: 8 Critical Thinking Errors That Cause Smart People To Do Dumb Things (Volume 1)" by Jeanette Mary Magdalene
2. "Style" by Lauren Conrad
3. "The Little Dictionary of Fashion" by Christian Dior
4. "Cupcakes and Cashmere: A Guide for Defining Your Style, Reinventing Your Space, and Entertaining with Ease" by Emily Schuman
5. "Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro" by Bobbi Brown
6. "Photojournalism" by Arthur Rothstein
7. "Getting from College to Career: Your Essential Guide to Succeeding in the Real World" by Lindsey Pollack
8. "The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945 (The Liberation Trilogy)" by Rick Atkinson

     To be fair, who knows if somewhere down the line, I suddenly want to become a ghost hunter? But from what I've observed over the years, I've put down the mystery novels and picked up the mascara and camera. I just think it's time to say "Sayonara!" to the paramormal phenomena.

     Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@_blanchedubois), Twitter, Bloglovin, and Lookbook! 

Weekend Recap 6/21 - 6/23

     First, let me start by saying that this weekend has been one of the best ones of my life. It was relaxing, inspiring, invigorating, and magical.  

      On Friday aka Summer Solstice aka the longest day of the year... After work, I hung out with my friend Sammi. We ended up getting Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and shopping at Urban Outfitters and Buffalo Exchange. I got some really cool pieces that were on sale, so I'm excited to wear them! I was able to score three ear cuffs, two headbands, two shirts, and a floral skirt! The purchases really started the weekend on a high note. 
     After going shopping, we went back to Sammi's house to watch a bit of Netflix. I introduced her to one of my favorite shows, 6Teen, a cartoon about six teens who live it up in their town's mall. Between watching the gang and eating cheese pizza, I also played around with the new Instagram Video. You can check them out on my IG! @_blanchedubois
     Later that night, my friend and I went to the park. It was quite lovely. 
     On Saturday... I did even more shopping and went terribly past my budget. There was no frugal saving, either. I bought a dress for work, another skirt and shirt, two basic camis in black and white, and some much needed sandal wedges. 
     Later, my best friend Kennedy and I went to the Lyftd LYFE fashion show. It was pretty amazing. As my first show (of many more to come), it felt surreal. During the whole ordeal, I imagined myself as some big time fashion mogul. I enjoy pretending, haha. It didn't help that I was on the second row for the majority of the show, and then eventually moved to the first. The fashion was inspiring, the models looked great, and the entertainment was pretty cool, too(: 
    On Sunday... Well, Kennedy and I were still really pumped from the fashion show, so we had a little photo shoot of our own. Check out the pictures. As you may notice, we have a tendency to smile during shoots. (By the way, I'm wearing a cuff, a shirt, and the heels from this weekends' shopping spree.) 

     Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin, and Lookbook! 

Weekend Recap 6/14 - 6/16

     This weekend was the bees' knees! The whole time, I was running around from event to event. Just like I told my father last night, I can't remember more than two hours this weekend in which I sat down to take a breather (exluding sleep, of course.)

      On Friday... After work, my mom invited me to see Man of Steel. Woot woot! I love going to the movies-- especially to see a film on opening night. This version of Superman's story was well played. The cast was sensational, the graphics were remarkable, and the plot was original! Major props goes out to casting directors Kristy Carlson and Lora Kennedy who assigned every character perfectly and to the creative team for kick-ass visuals. I must say that at times, it did get a little too long and dragged out for me, and I usually love two-and-a-half-hour movies. I fought to look past the slow scenes, though, because the longer the film played, the longer I got to see Henry Cavill's beautiful, chiseled face and adorable mannerisms.

     On Saturday... I participated in the Olympics! Well, not the actual Olympics, but the Posse Olympics at Centennial Park. At this event, students from a number of colleges met and had a little friendly competition in kickball and other field games. I wasn't expecting to have so much fun and see so many friendly, familiar faces. I had a blast. I am so excited for college.
     That night, I went to Candler Park's free Midsummer Music Fest to see Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero's. Before Saturday, the only song by them I could name was "Home," but it was one of my favorites. Now, I have a few others including "Janglin" and "Mayla."
     It was beautiful how everything just fell into place. I rode the train alone to somewhere I've never traveled before, followed a large group of people who looked like they were going to the festival, and by chance, ran into the people I was supposed to meet up with. It was hard to get in contact with them at first because the concert had already started, the music was loud. and they had spotty service. But with some weird twist of direction, I was led right to where I needed to be. Twice.
     After the concert, we watched a lady twirl fire outside of her house. And when I finally got home, a friend gave me a ton of free clothes!
     The day as a whole was really spectacular. I saw a lot of people that I hadn't in a long time. ♥
     On Sunday... I went to see Man of Steel... again. This time, I went with my sweetie. The movie was still great the second time.
    

A queen's message to girls

     Sent from the CNN App for Android A queen's message to girls      http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/11/world/girl-rising-jordan-queen/index.html

Pretty Little Liars Season 4 Premiere!

     Last night was the fourth season premiere for one of my favorite shows, Pretty Little Liars, and I am so excited to have it back. I've practically been going through a PLL withdrawl for months, but the media has made it more managable by enabling my addiction with exclusive interviews, fashion reports, and season premiere teasers.
     As the short three quaters of an hour played on the television set last night, I was left on the edge of my seat feeling confused, concerned, and cautious--all typical Pretty Little Liars feelings. 
     I can't wait to see how this season continues. I'm ready for a new season of spying, backstabbing, and fashion inspiration. I'm so happy to have my four liars back! They look awesome in this promo.

Disclaimer: I do not own the above photo.

Reawakening

     Hey everyone,
     First off, I must say Wilkommen and Guten Tag! I know it's been a long time since I've posted, but with end-of-course tests, graduations, and getting settled into new jobs out of the way, I'm finally turning a new leaf. That's right. Senior year of high school is over and with it comes the next phase and the beginning of the rest of my life: college.
     These past few months have been a whirlwind of emotions: anxiety, frustration, fear, and discomfort yet love, warmth, hope, excitement, and anticipation. There are only a handful of weeks left for me to be in my hometown of Atlanta, and then I'll whisk away for what might be forever. I want nothing but to tread lightly, slow time, and savor every second of this summer. It's been so great. I have an outstanding, dream internship, and I've been able to hang out and spend time with friends and family almost every day. The most beautiful part about it is that every day, I've been touched and inspired.
     Like a newborn who has opened her eyes for the first time, I feel like I'm finally seeing the world. I've been blissful in meeting and networking with new people who could advance my career as a journalist, uncovering meaningful and inspirational material online, and discovering how great it feels to shed off baggage and feel like a new person.
     I never want to forget this feeling.
     Although I don't want to speed through this summer, I am ready to face it head on. My creative juices are flowing. Get ready for great reads.

Weekend Recap 3/15 - 3/17

     This weekend has been amazing! 
     Friday night, I invited my sisters to come with me to my school's lacrosse game. It was such a joy spending quality time with my loved ones and cheering on our team! Sunday was spent relaxing with my buddies and getting a lot of homework done. Sunday night blues. 
     Saturday night, my friend Karestiah (featured here) and I had the honor of interviewing the stars of the Sundance Channel show Rectify on the red carpet. The actors and actresses were so humble and down to earth. The show--created by Ray McKinnon--follows Daniel Holden after he is released from a rural Georgian prison after 19 years. The story follows Holden, his family, and the community as Holden readjusts to life outside of the prison walls.

Here I am with the beautiful and sweet Abigail Spencer, a star of The Great and Powerful Oz and Cowboys and Aliens! During our conversation, she beamed as she talked about the show's message of the importance of giving and receiving love. 

     This experience was very monumental in my journalism career. Never before have I interviewed actual celebrities--especially on the red carpet. This is a great credential to have, and I thank the stars that I was given this opportunity! I believe that there will be more opportunities to come, and I cannot wait for the next chance. Until then, I will bask in the glory of this one. 
     I'll be sure to continue to watch the show as it premieres on the Sundance Channel. 

Dynamics II

     This past Saturday, my friend Ashli and I went to Little Five Points for Rag-O-Rama's  $1 sale, and I found some really great items! Later that night, I attended a clothing swap/album release party. Again, it was a very dynamic day in which I met new people and saw things that inspired me. 

Party pictures courtesy of Ronnie Perez