Motivational Mondays: Beat the Heat

Happy Monday, everyone! Today's post is something I'm sure everyone can relate to: how to beat the summertime laziness! Don't lie- it happens to everyone.

It's summer. The sun is out, all of your friends are headed to the beach, and (if you're like me) you are cooped up in a freezing-cold office. If this doesn't sound brutal already, you also can't seem to concentrate on anything for more than 5 minutes. I don't know what it is about this season, but I feel like its the hardest one to stay focused. Maybe its the weather, maybe the relaxed nature... but I digress.

It's hard being a working guy/girl in the summer. Sometimes it feels like you have been in the office for hours while your friends are out doing something super fun. It is hard, but us worker bees have to stick together! Here are my tips for beating that summertime sadness:

I have been JAMMIN' to Lana like crazy lately. 

Tip #1: EAT.
This seems random, but depriving yourself of food either on purpose ("dieting") or accidentally (running out of the house in the morning without breakfast, snacks, etc.) will ultimately make you crabbier as the day goes on. You'll be more irritable, and physically unable to retain energy and be productive. Eat now and be healthy- way better than that bikini body, IMO.

Tip #2: Make a playlist.
Have some songs that get you pumped up and make you feel good about yourself. This can be anything- I listen to the worst pop music I can find but it does the job for me. I'll do a workday playlist post soon.

Tip #3: Channel Nike and JUST FREAKING DO IT.
I know this one is easier said than done. However, productivity is how the world goes around. If you have to do something, do it now. I promise you'll be a lot less stressed if you do your tasks as they come instead of letting them pile up.

Word.

Tip #4: Have a go-to plan for when you feel yourself powering down. 

Whether you start to feel physically exhausted or emotionally exhausted (fight with a friend, bad day of work, etc.) make sure you have a remedy to help pep yourself up, and fast. There is nothing worse than feeling knocked down, but what is worse is if you stay down. Going to people and venting/blowing off steam is great too, but I am a huge believer that if you cannot comfort yourself, you really aren't doing yourself much good in the long run. It can be anything- working out, going to dinner by yourself, watching your favorite movie, or going to an animal shelter. My personal feel-good remedy:

A guilty pleasure movie (its awful but I am obsessed with the movie Bride Wars) + Takeout food + chocolate + Pepsi. 

Works every time. Also, don't be afraid to use this self-comforting time to really reflect and let it all out the way you need to. Write, punch things, sob. Whatever you need to do to truly get over it and bounce back. 

Tip#5 : Keep your eye on the prize.

The most important tip I can give you. While you are working your 9 to 5 job(s), doing whatever you are doing, please don't forget why you are there. Whether its to pay for school, that new car, that big move to NYC in a year, or to pay your bills, keep yourself motivated by the life you choose to lead. Dream big, work hard, and when you finally reach that goal you won't even remember the bad days or early mornings. You'll just remember that you did it, and you can do anything you put your mind to. 

I hope this helped, or at least gave you that Monday morning pep talk we all need sometimes. Do you have any fun tips? Please share! Comment or tweet me at @LBDPR. 

Stay focused. Stay fierce.

xxx

The Only Post I Will Ever Write About Amanda Bynes

\It might seem a bit shallow that I'm choosing to write about Amanda Bynes when there are so many more important things to comment on. However, there is SO much hooplah regarding her current state, I thought I would add my two cents, be done with it, and let it be.

Quick summary about Amanda: She kind of disappeared for a while after Easy A, and did not resurface until a DUI and the release of the mugshot, in which she had purple hair. Sad, but unfortunately DUI's are not rare anymore in Hollywood. Flash forward to earlier this year- she is posting awkward selfies on Twitter, insulting everyone from Lance Bass to Rhianna by calling them ugly, and wearing bizarre outfits. She then got arrested recently for throwing a bong out of her window, and declared that she is suing InTouch magazine for an article they wrote about her downfall, and NYPD for touching her vag during her arrest (she declared both on Twitter, naturally.) She shaved half her head and has been photographed in court wearing a terrible, terrible blond wig.

Here's my thing with this: She claims to have fired everyone (publicist, assistant, anyone who works for her) and cut ties with family. But something about this does not add up. She is seriously everywhere at the wrong time- where she can be seen/photographed. Everyone seems to think she is on drugs and has a mental illness- while both could be true, I think there is something else going on here. Which leads me to believe...

It's all a set-up.

Joaquin Phoenix had a similar phase. Actually, an identical phase. In 2008, he announced that he was retiring from acting and starting a rap career. He went around to news outlets and said bizarre things, did weird stuff with his hair as well, and was basically everywhere for a period of time acting weird as hell.

Turns out, he was starring in a Casey Affleck- directed documentary called I'm Still Here, which was about the  media, consumer, and celebrity relationship. A "mockumentary," as some called it, because all of the events were staged. Fake. Done to show the social issue of the celebrity, and the media's need for the celebrity, and the consumer's need for the media. Brilliant, in my opinion. The movie tanked and was not received extremely well, and nobody knew why Joaquin wanted to do it at all- he is an Oscar-nominated, Grammy-winning actor. But whatever, he carried on with his life.

In 2010, Amanda Bynes announced that she was retiring from acting and starting a rap career. I mean, come on.

All of these outbursts, fights, selfies, all of it seems wrong. Yes, Amanda was a child star and they usually don't have the best endings, but Amanda was one that people actually referred to as an exception. She hasn't made any strides into "serious" films- she's done a lot of fun, cute, PG-13 films that do not really showcase her acting ability. Nothing serious.

This might be her transition as a serious actress. She might be using this whole experience as material for a new project/documentary showcasing firsthand the strange, dependent relationship the media has with a fallen celebrity. How the media takes advantage of that. How the consumer responds, and feeds off of it, and then will complain about the media overkill within a month. It could be an in-depth look at peoples' obsession with celebrities, and then a "joke's on you, but take a look at your life" moment. It's a cycle- maybe Amanda is trying to expose it and is simply doing a better job than Joaquin did.

......or she could just be insane and simply have a selfie addiction....and drug addiction(s)....and insulting innocent people addiction.....


Let's hope for the documentary! I think it would be awesome to see, and if this really is a project, it'll be the role of her career. I mean, she is doing a damn good job.

What do you think? Is she for real? Is it all a hoax? Shall we bring in the dancing lobsters?

xxx

Movin' On Up

Happy Monday, everyone! Today's post is about my latest struggle- MOVING.

I recently moved apartments (my new one is literally right down the street from my old one) and while the process should have been easy enough, I struggled....quite a bit. Through my move, I realized I might be a hoarder. :|

I am finally completely moved in to my new place, and while this should be a relief I still have another major task to do- decorate! I honestly hate interior decorating. I can look and admire a well-decorated room, but I personally do not think I have an eye for it myself. My taste in everything pretty much is very minimalistic with a few splashes of color. I tried this look in my last bedroom and it came off more as an insane asylum.

The first thing I find daunting about interior design is the color scheme. When I commit to a color palette, I want to actually stick to it. However, how do you go about picking a color?!!??! I'm also extremely indecisive about this type of thing- colors, what I'm going to wear, what to do with my hair, etc. I just think picking a color to base your living space off of is a major decision.... I hope I'm not the only one who feels the struggle. 

 I did get inspiration from a little cafe I visited when I was in Saint Petersburg. It was called Shastia (spelled in Cyrillic.... so I hope that is the translation!) and it is probably one of my favorite places ever. The name in Cyrillic is счастье Cafe- meaning "happiness". I am waiting to get my memory card back but will post pictures ASAP- in the meantime, here are some I found on Google:

 It was a mint green and off-white color palette with delicate detailing on everything from the menu to the silverware. The walls were decorated with small chalkboard with inspirational quotes on them. I LOVE this idea- as soon as I walked in I felt extremely relaxed, which I think would be a good feeling to incorporate and come home to.


I'm really loving a mint/turquoise accent color, but I am over off-white. After visiting Peter the Great's Summer palace in Saint Petersburg as well, I fell in love with a new color combination- turquoise/baby blue and GOLD! I originally wanted to make my living room very gold/bronze/bohemian. However, its not so easy finding all gold, all bronze everything. I wish I could share the pictures from the castle, but photos were not allowed! :( The blue walls with the gold detailing were to die for. Look at these other rooms!

I am LOVING this. As for the styling, I have a lot of vintage pieces (the perks of parents owning an antique shop in the 90's) so I can fit those in with the newer turquoise pieces.


.....I still hate interior design. But I do think I've decided on my color palette! BABY STEPS.


Do you have any helpful tips/websites/inspiration? I would love to hear your advice!


xxx

COULD IT BE?!?!?! I AM BACK!!!!!!

HELLO BEAUTIFUL PR DOLLS!

I am back! Before I launch into my list of reasons as to why I have been MIA since Valentine's Day I would just like to say that I have missed this blog SO much! However, it got a bit lost in the shuffle of school life. I completed my junior year of college, was elected President of my fraternity for the upcoming year, moved from one apartment to another, got a dog, and went to Russia. Oh and work and school and all that jazz. I vowed to return to my beloved blog as soon as I had a second to catch my breath, so here I am!


Though I haven't been writing for a while, I've been thinking about what direction I want this blog to go. I want it to remain very focused on building a PR career, but I also want to feature other interests of mine: art, music, fashion, personal opinion tirades, and photos of my experiences (like Russia) and what I learn along the way. In a way, a blog is like a diary, and I want to document more aspects of my life on here.


If you have any suggestions or anything you'd like to see, comment/tweet them to me at @LBDPR. I'd love to hear from you!


For now, in the spirit of branching out, I'll share some of the books on my summer reading list! I am not ashamed to say it: I do not read nearly as much as I should. So here's what is on my list:


1) Syrup by Maxx Barry

Shame on me, I did not even know about this novel until I saw the trailer for the movie. :|
The movie looks alright (thought Amber Heard looks AMAZING) but it got me very interested in the novel about marketing, image, and consumerism. I definitely am staying far away from the movie until I finish the novel, which I'm hoping it is as sharp and witty as it sounds.




2) Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

I've heard nothing but fabulous things about this book. I'm a sucker for advice from a successful, accomplished woman (who is on Fortune's list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business!) inspiring women to stand up and actually lead in a world dominated by men. I think this will be a great read, and hope that some men out there pick it up as well!




3)  Lolita by Vladimir Nabakov

For some INSANE reason, I have never gotten around to reading Lolita yet! It's basically about a professor who becomes sexually attracted to his 12 year-old stepdaughter, who he calls "Lolita." Sounds icky, but the novel is highly praised for its writing style, and the word Lolita (which we hear today, thanks Lana Del Rey) became pop culture vernacular. 


4) The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick 

Not going to lie- I was not the biggest fan of the movie. However, I'm willing to give the book a whirl. Nancy Pearl from NPR said it was one of the best Summer reads!


5) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 

This book is about a girl named Hazel who is in the final chapter of her life after suffering from cancer for three years. However, after a twist in the plot arrives on day..... 
that's all I know. I'm trying to avoid spoilers. But this book will make me weepy. 



Are any of these on your list? What are you reading this summer? Let me know!


xxx

I Love You, PR

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, PR DOLLS!

I've missed you all! Between school, projects, sickness (awful!), and extracurriculars, I've been a busy bee. However, distance makes the heart grow fonder and I have returned to you, my beloved blog.

But not really. <3

I've always liked Valentine's Day. Regardless of who I'm spending it with, it's a holiday based on expressing your love in the boldest, fanciest, most special ways. Of course, you should love whoever/whatever all 365 days of the year (let's hope) but this day is an excuse to spice things up and profess your love to the world!

So today, I am professing my love for my career, my life, my heart and soul: PR.
I know I'm not alone in saying this (my fellow PR girls can vouch for me on this) but job requires every  ounce of your being. Your mind, your body, your soul. But it also involves your heart, your dreams, your goals, what makes you who you are, and everything in between. But why commit your life to a job that takes so much time, all of the TLC, and so much effort? Because you love it. Just like any relationship, the one between you are your job is a work-in-progress. The only thing that keeps you sane is knowing you love what you do, and through it all, it loves you right back. But, why PR? Why do you love PR?

This question comes from the theme of yesterday's #PRCafe on Twitter (I HIGHLY recommend participating, or at least looking in- it is FABULOUS and is the perfect boost of confidence and inspiration) hosted by Ideal Publicity LLC (@IdealPublicity) on Wednesdays at noon. 

Though I was in class and couldn't participate, here's my answer: I love PR because it challenges me and forces me to improve my skills on a daily basis. I love the feeling I get when I help a client/cause/organization get recognition and get one step closer to achieving a goal. I love using my voice to promote something I believe in. I love meeting people, hearing stories, and sharing the messages. I love the phone calls, emails, pitches, press releases, to-do lists that never end, and bottomless coffee cups. I love knowing that there is a career that is perfect for me and what I bring to the world. Basically, I love what I do. 

So, if you couldn't tell already, I love PR. But I want to know why YOU love it too! Follow @LBDPR and say it loud and proud: 

Happy Valentine's Day, lovers!

xxx

Power ColoR

Happy Tuesday, lovelies! Today's post is more on the fashion side, but I will show you how you can use this tip to start building your brand! This post is all about your power color!
I am a huge believer in dressing up for the job you want, not the one you have (if you haven't noticed from previous posts.) That being said, I also believe that everyone has that color that makes them feel powerful when they're wearing it- basically a color confidence booster. I came across this article on Bit Rebels (Read it here!) about the meaning of colors, which piqued my interest. I do have to agree with the article- the colors you wear do reflect your personality to an extent.

Your signature color can also be a tool you can use to start building your brand. Branding is essentially how you are identified, right? So if you find yourself at a standstill when trying to create your personal brand, start with a color that reflects your personality and go from there!

What is your Power coloR?

xxx

#Inspiration

Happy Thursday, loves! Just a baby blog post for you all, but something to think about.

You can be the most talented person in the world and a complete master of your craft, but what does one do with those skills without inspiration? 

Keeping yourself inspired, whether through your favorite quotes, pictures, art, music, little things you do- will be your saving grace. PR is a crazy field with content curveballs and changes which you will have to adapt to at the drop of a hat. Otherwise, you'll get lost in the PR shuffle. Keeping yourself inspired will keep you centered and driven, and will also feed your mind and help you come up with better, fresher ideas.

Look into new areas to gain inspiration! Ask your friends or people who you think have different interests then you, and then take what you need from their suggestions.

I personally have been loving Ai WeiWei this week. He's a Chinese artist/political activist who currently has some amazing work at the Hirshhorn in DC that I have been DYING to go to. Expect a blog post about him alone after I go- some of his ideas are extremely relevant to PR, IMO. Also be sure to check out his documentary "Ai WeiWei: Never Sorry" on Netflix. So good.

What is inspiring you this week? Your favorite song? Poet? Artist? Comment or tweet me at @LBDPR- share the love. :)


xxx