The Perks of Working at Home

I've recently began a new job (with an old company) that has some interesting perks -- or at least what I think are perks. The one I wanted to dive into now being the perk of working from home.

As a 24-year old, closet bum dresser, you can see where the appeal lay when I heard I would be working from home. Up to this point, I've only had the typical office setting, Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 5: 30 pm (although 5:30 many times turned into 6 and 6:30). As I hinted, sweatpants and oversized tshirts are my ideal wardrobe. I would be okay wearing that 90% of my life. My previous office settings have been fairly casual with jeans the norm and shorts accepted. Still, I felt that I had to look semi-presentable around other humans.

Not. Any. More.

It's been one week of working from home, and I'm expected to work from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. The past Friday, I woke up at 7:57 am and still made it to work on time and by work I mean my laptop that was 10 feet away. An added plus is that on my fifteen minute breaks I can take a shower or do the dishes or finish up that Netflix episode. A homebody girl's dream come true.

Also, I can eat lunch while working, and then on my hour break run to the gym or the grocery or shopping - mostly shopping. It makes for quite the productive day!

But is it all fun and games?

I'm not sure I can quite answer that yet. My only concern is that I'll lose total touch with humanity. My favorite past time is laying in my bed, so I'm not the type of person that needs 24/7 human interaction. But still the office life does give me a reason to speak to other humans (instead of just speaking to my cat). I am required to go into the office once a month, but that's negligent.

We'll see how this work from home thing pans out. I may lose what little is left of my mind. Stay tuned.

Hazing: Why the NFL is basically a fraternity

In case you didn't already know, the National Football league is pretty much a fraternity for post-grads. Okay, post-grad isn't exactly accurate as many aren't technically graduates. But you get the idea.

This whole Incognito in Miami thing comes out, and everyone is acting surprised. Hello, these are overpaid men who are use to getting what they want, when they want. Don't get me wrong. I love the NFL. I'm glued to my TV Thursday nights, Sundays, and Monday nights. But didn't we all assume that the NFL was one big fraternity? I sure did.

Just call them Nu Fi Lamda.

Twitter's New Login Screen

In case you missed it, Twitter just quietly launched their new login screen. I never really did understand the old log in screen which featured a large image of a random place that they irregularly updated. The new login page features the Twitter blue users are accustom to, a simple mobile display (since we all use Twitter from our smartphones anyway!), and a register form.

Twitter announced their upcoming IPO. This may be a precursor to that. In related news, did you hear about Instagram's upcoming ad  platform that is scheduled to roll out in the not so distant future? Ads are everywhere, y'all!

What do you think of the new Twitter layout?

But I Can't Stop Hating LeBron James

Okay, I get it. I am one of the millions that just can't seem to let go of my hatred for LBJ (the basketball player, not the former president for clarification). I pulled for the Spurs, not because I'm a Tony Parker fan but because I'm an anti-Heat fan. Who did I want to win the NBA championship? Anyone but the Heat.

The day after LeBron's second ring, so much "stop hating LeBron" content is littering the Internet. And you know what I say to that? No, I will not stop my ill feelings towards him.

Sure, I do think he's working on his image. I mean the commercials his picking to be in are really trying to paint him as a nice guy. I'm not buying it.

Why you ask? What grown man has a "coming out" party when he joins a basketball team? LeBron does. A spectacle that will forever keep him labeled in my "Douchey" category. Sure, Dwayne and Bosh were a part of it, I'm not their biggest fans either. How can a grown man go up on a stage in a televised event just because he switched NBA teams? I mean come on people, that's ridiculous. Am-I-right?!

So to all you LeBron lovers, you live your life and I'll live mine. But don't tell me to stop hating on LeBron. Because that's just impossible.

Etsy: Mardi Gras Wreath

I know Super Bowl Sunday has yet to pass, but I'm already excited for the Mardi Gras season! What better way to celebrate Super Gras than in New Orleans, a two week fun fest!

I've recently dabbled in some crafting and have begun to sell my Mardi Gras wreaths on Etsy. Wether you're in the area or want to celebrate from afar, check it out. Great price for your Fat Tuesday decorations!

What are you Mardi Gras plans? 

Conversation Snippet

Blog section that I will post when I find a part of an overhead conversation interesting, humorous, strange, etc. It's been quite some time since my last one.

Where: bar
Between: a guy chatting up a girl

Conversation snippet:


Guy: "I do dirty things with dirty people."

Blogger note: There's no way this pick up line worked. I hope. 

Conversation Snippet

Blog section that I will post when I find a part of an overhead conversation interesting, humorous, strange, etc. It's been quite some time since my last one.

Where: Oak Street, New Orleans
Between: a man and his posse

Conversation snippet:


Man: "You didn't know? All New Orleans street names are pronounced as if you're uneducated and half drunk."

Reality TV Shows: Buckwild

Sometimes I even judge myself for the caliber of television shows that I watch. I am a reality junkie who enjoys mindless hours of Real Housewives and Jersey Shore. These days, I've graduated from MTV and indulge mostly in Bravo. Yet, last night I slipped into the horrible abyss that is "Buckwild".

I wasn't planning on this to happen. I was watching NCIS and all of a sudden clicked down a channel to MTV. What was on? I'm still not even sure what it was, but Buckwild was the name. The first couple of minutes had to be scripted, badly scripted at that. And MTV plans on this show filling the Jersey Shore hole?

Didn't catch it? Here's a recap: underaged West Virginia kids who do stereotypical redneck things.

Some Buckwild quotes:

• "Muddin'" 
• "Justin Beaver" 
• "I don't even have to drive into the city to get my flirt on."

I'm sorry West Virginia that this show is associated with you. I'm just thankful it didn't take place in Louisiana. Dodged that bullet. I'm predicting this will be cut after one season (if it makes it that far).

Happy Holidays from a Working Girl

Working on the Friday before a holiday week is torture in the most inhumane way. Only way to survive is to plug in the Lady Gaga Pandora station and try not to stare longingly at the clock.

If you're at work right now here's a list of things you're probably doing to make it to 5 o'clock

1. Social media - as if you don't do that everyday
2. Participating in an office-wide gif e-mail battle. You know the e-mails that never end due to people posting random/funny gifs they find. 
3. Going to bathroom or getting water. That wastes a good couple of minutes. 
4. Refreshing your mail and getting nothing new. Duh! Everyone else is already on the holiday break. 
5. Thinking about the alcohol you will consume once the bell tolls 5. 

As a fellow working girl, have a very pc Happy Holidays!

Gift Giving Guide for Guys

So here we are. The holiday season is in fully swing, and the credit cards are swiping right along. I dread present selection for the holidays. Why you ask? Because boys are impossible to buy for. Their presents are boring, and I get tired of always giving my boyfriend a shirt. Practical and predictable. Where's the fun in that?

Here's a quick cheat sheet of ideas I've garnered for my own needs. I am sharing with all those lost and confused females that aimlessly wander up and down the aisles of Academy in search of something.

• Video games ($50) - While some are a little pricey, I know my boyfriend becomes gaming-obsessed during his free time. Don't know what game the guy in your life would like? They really do have a game for everything. Sports, fantasy, war. Call of Duty and Assassins Creed are two very popular options. 
• Cologne ($50-$55) - This present is a little riskier. It's hard to guess fragrance for guys, and I've come to learn that all men are extremely particular. Yet, if you feel confident, go for it! Not to mention you'll benefit from it also. Soak in the musky aroma. 
• Ball Caps ($15) - Every guy could use a ball cap. Think it's a little generic? You can always get it customized by a shop at your local mall or online!
• Beer Brewing (varies) - For men of legal drinking age, what better gift than beer. Not only is it probably one of his favorite past times, but he'll feel important since he's the one in control of his brew. I purchased the Beer Machine in the past, and it really works great!
• Sporting tickets (varies) - Whether to a minor league baseball game or an NBA game, sporting events are a great gift idea. Not to mention, if you get two, you'll get to go! Look at it as a different way to spend some time together.

Well that's the list to get your idea train started. Let me know if you have any great ideas! I'm always looking for new guy presents. Why can't they just be easy and like nail polish?

Eve of Thanksgiving

'Twas the eve of Thanksgiving when all through the work place, employees stared at the clock putting on quite a sad face. Come on five o'clock they beg and they wish. I'm ready for Thanksgiving day and a nice turkey dish.

Oh two glorious days off appeared right ahead. They all planned on spending it nestled in bed. With mama in the kitchen and the men by the TV, football drowns out the sound of the pee-wees.

Just make it to five, just the end of the day. That thing called work is really getting in the way. Oh, here I go pretending to labor. It all will be worth it, Thanksgiving break savior.

But It's Mid-November

The local radio station has officially started playing 24 hours of Christmas music as of Sunday, November 18.

But it's Mid-November.

Poor Thanksgiving is the red-headed stepchild of holidays.

5 Most Ridiculous Perfume Ads

Although, yes I'm an advertising professional, even I can admit when the ads out there get a little bit wonky. A genre that tends to get real ridiculous, real fast? Perfume. Sure there's the normal scantily clad beautiful woman with a bottle, but some go above and beyond.

Which ones you ask? Read on, I say.

• Moschino Glamour Perfume

Obviously this glamour perfume makes your lips curl into a kissy face as you wonder why you were born a female, pretending a strand of your hair is a french mustache. Spray some more on me!

• Lady GaGa Fame

I'll preface this by saying I am a die hard LGG fan, but yet this ad seems a bit much. What woman wants men climbing all over her? Isn't one enough? Not to mention who knows the last time they washed their hands.

• Siren by Paris Hilton

Wow, just wow. The only thing worse than Paris Hilton is the Ariel-esque Paris Hilton. Strangely, I think she has more clothes on in this ad than she normally does in real life.

• Gucci by Gucci

Nothing makes we want to buy a bottle of perfume quite like a 35 pound bottle. Bigger isn't always better. And judging from the look on the models face, perfume may cause depression.

• Someday by Justin Bieber 

Oh the bieber-fever. As if his masculinity wasn't already in question, he then releases a ladies perfume line and a nail polish line.

Have any that you think should have made the list? Let me know!

Fantasy Football Problems: A Follow Up

Sure, people can argue the negative side of social media in today’s world. It takes over our lives, we cut down our sentences to 140 characters, and some become delusional about their relationships with celebrities—although the verified Lady GaGa does follow me so therefore it is not a delusion.  In the next few paragraphs I will inform the public of one example of good that resulted from the wonderful outlet known as Twitter. Twitter helped me win my fantasy football game.

Let me set the scene. It’s Sunday better known as Gameday. My star wide-receiver, Roddy White, is questionable to play, and Yahoo! informs me it will be a “game time decision”. Game time decision! How is a girl supposed to set up her line up? As luck would have it, he is playing the late game, so I have to make my benching decisions immediately. As I sit there, chomping on my nails and browsing through my other wide receiver options, I realize that this Roddy White circus could make or break my outcome of the week. I mean I am playing against Drew Brees and AJ Green, so every point I can get matters!

That is when it dawned on me. I quickly opened a new tab and Googled “Roddy White twitter”. I was led directly to his page, and the answer to my dilemma was typed in front of me. It seemed as if he was tweeting right to me.

Fantasy owners I’m playing Monday. In 33 characters, I was able to make an educated decision. Had this scenario occurred in a pre-social media world, I would not have been able to access this piece of insider information. Social media allows us to connect to people and events in real time and in ways that were previously impossible. Needless to say, this piece of information led to a victory.

Oh The Places You'll Go (But Really the People You'll See)

Last night, at an hour much past my preferred slumber time, I got in the car and trekked out to the airport to pick up the younger sibling. This brings me to my first question. Why are airports never located near the city that they service? They are always on the outskirts at the absolute most inconvenient location. Yet, away I drove, minutes upon minutes until I at last arrived.

On said trip to the airport, the adventurers were my parents and I later joined by my sister once her plane finally arrived. Now, our airport is not very large, and everything on the inside was closed by the time we got there. Here I was thinking the trip would be unexciting and bland. Boy was I wrong. I forgot about the people you see in an airport.

Right outside of an airport gate is the mixing pot of society. The characters range from people waiting for their loved ones, traveling professionals, and mish mosh of others.

The first character was a middle-aged black man who was nonchalantly reading the newspaper. I assumed him to be waiting for his wife to arrive, but who can really be sure? His person seemed irrelevant until a construction worker walked past the man and suddenly you hear "Grrr. Yip, yip, yip. Grrr." Upon further inspection, I notice that a miniature schnauzer-esque dog was perched in his lap. All two pounds of the animal about to lurch at the passing constructionite. Crazy dog people.

Another woman I saw was an elderly Asian lady standing shy of five feet tall. She had on bedazzled tennis shoes, white pants, hot pink stretchy top, and pearled cat glasses straight out of the 70s. She looked fabulous, and I loved every second of it.

The last character worth mentioning was a young, professional white woman who got off the same plane as my sister. She donned a color block dress, four inch stilettos and worked her Louis Vuitton bag down the exit ramp as though we were all here for her fashion show.

It makes me realize that you should always make a statement with your style. You never know who's noticing.

When to Post a Blog

Have you ever wondered when is the best time to post a blog? The best day? Well first, it depends what you are looking for. Social interaction, pageviews or unique viewers all pique on different days and times. The first step is determine what you're after.

Here's a quick list for all you bloggers out there. Hope you find it helpful and may your blogging be ever successful!

• Blogs posted on Mondays get the most traffic. But if it's shares you're after, those are best on Thursdays!
• Blogs see the most traffic around 10 am CST. So make sure you get up early to pen those thoughts!
• If it's comments you're after, try posting on Sundays as historically that day sees the most. 

The post I read had many more statistics, but these are few nitty, gritty details. Main takeaway, publish early and throughout the week. This will help your blogging to get the most reach and interaction. In my time blogging, I have definitely noticed the trend of early morning posting results in more views.

Happy blogging!

Source: http://socialfresh.com/best-time-of-day-to-blog/

Conversation Snippet

Blog section that I will post when I find a part of an overhead conversation interesting, humorous, strange, etc.

Where: a local coffee spot
Between: the cashier and customer

Conversation snippet:


Cashier: "Wouldn't that be cool if that was my job. Official greeter... just like at Walmart."

10 Movies I Feel I Should See

Seeing Google's Doodle for Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland today has inspired me to contemplate movies I should see that I never have. The movies that almost everyone has seen, but somehow I missed. Many of these I have good intentions always saying, "I really am going to watch that movie one day", but then I never do.

In no particular order:

1.  Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland
2. Pretty Woman
3. Saving Private Ryan
4. The Big Lebowski
5. Forrest Gump
6. The Godfather
7. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
8. Moulin Rouge
9. Mamma Mia
10. Old Yeller

I am determined to watch these in the next year, and I will keep you updated on my progress!

Conversation Snippet

Blog section that I will post when I find a part of an overhead conversation interesting, humorous, strange, etc.

Where: Subway Eat Fresh
Between: two local university students

Conversation snippet:
Boy 1: "You know what they say. Rice is great if you're hungry and want to eat 2,000 of something."
Girl 1: "What about M&Ms?"

Conversation Snippet

Blog section that I will post when I find a part of an overhead conversation interesting, humorous, strange, etc.

Where: stairs at the bookstore
Between: a man and his presumed wife

Conversation snippet:
Man: "...officially like the way these shoes sound."