Hello, Chique Streeters. A majority of our columns for quite some time have been about fashion, business and young entrepreneurs.

Well, now we are dipping into another favorite topic: FOOD.

Let’s be honest: Food is an amazing thing. People dream about it. Cook it. Taste it. Play with it. People go on raw diets, carb-less diets, protein diets – you name it, I’m sure it’s out there – (ok, ok, maybe I just do all of the things listed above. But, let’s face it. Society is obsessed with food.)

As of late, Chique St. decided to tap into a raw foods based diet for the Spring and Summer. What better way to take advantage of the beautiful weather than to shop at your local produce markets picking up the best, fresh fruits and veggies? Hello, vitamins! Hello to feeling invigorated with better energy levels and foods packed of cancer and disease fighting elements!

So, Chique St. is first in line to say we’re all about health, but after one too many salads, clementines, apples, celery and kale, we were craving something different. So, we cut ourselves a break (for one morning) and decided, what better way to enjoy your morning than homemade pancakes?

Not only do they taste better than pre-made boxed pancakes, they are cheaper and fresher. Consider this your Sunday morning treat this week and please try it out!

Old Fashioned, Traditional, Homemade Pancakes:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 cup milk ( I added more for a better consistency )
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional:

For more flavor, add a tsp. of Vanilla or fresh berries/bananas and blend in the batter.

Cook on medium heat, flipping at the first sign of bubbles popping on the surface of your pancake.

Voila! Absolutely scrumptious.

On the run? Save some of the extra batter, or double the recipe and store in an old bottle (reuse old, washed out ketchup bottles) in the fridge. Next time around, squeeze onto your griddle (mess free) and go!

Cheers to taking a break from your healthy regimen and allowing yourself to indulge a little!

( Kudos and credit to:  http://mywoodenspoon.com/old-fashioned-homemade-pancakes-recipe-basics/ for a fabulous recipe idea ).

Let’s face it. There are not enough hours in the day to perfect our makeup, ensemble and hair.

Is it one of those days when you can’t get your hair the way you want it? Are you running late to work without time to wash, dry and style ? Do you have the hair bummer blues? Bummer.

Be bummed no more. Chique St. did some research to find out how you can beat the tangled, mangled locks.

1. No time to wash, dry & style? Braid it. Whether you have choppy layers or all the same length, a braid works wonders for an on-the-go day to work, meetings or evening out. Add bobby pins to pin back where needed, or decorative pins for flair. If your hair is washed and you’re simply looking to style, purchase a texturizing cream and hairspray to help accompany your look. Add volume to the crown by throwing your hair over your head, coating with hair spray at roots and scrunching upward. Texturize where necessary, and braid it to the side.

2. Curl It!

Hair responds and curls best when it’s been unwashed for about a day ( due to the oils produced on your scalp ). On the run? Take a one-inch barrel curler, heat it up and separate hair into several sections ( Chique usually goes for 5-6 sections ). While curling, spritz hair with hairspray. Leave curls untouched until you’ve completed each section. Once finished, throw your head over, letting curls hang toward the floor. Spritz a generous amount of hairspray onto your fingertips and work into the roots of the top of your head and work your way down, slightly separating curls. Throw your head back up, and do small touchups to define where your hair is parted and tame frizz.

Add a nutrient shine serum, such as Rusk’s Coral Therapy Marine Nutrient Shine Spray, to the end of your locks ( do not spray on crown of head as it creates a greasy look ).

3. There is a reason that the beanie was created, other than to keep your head warm.

For all those who wonder whether or not it’s acceptable to wear a beanie during the warmer months, the answer is absolutely YES. Come Summer, you may want to retire your beanie, but for now, sport away. Beanies are great for rush styles when you only have a few moments to spare and need to look polished or trendy quickly!

Chique recommends beanies that allow your head and hair to breathe. Often, Editor, Jesse Jordan, can be seen sporting her black beanie around NYC. Fashionable yet inexpensive, Forever 21 Provided this black wonder for only $4.00.

Find a similar style here (click on pic below to be taken to link!):

Not only is the Editor wearing it, but the trend has spread to runways! Kudos to cute beanies, quick hairstyles and trends!

Today, Chique St. Review’s editor, Jesse Jordan (moi, thank you kindly), made this post on Facebook ( via: www.facebook.com/flashrelations ).

“I am inspired by all of the amazing women out there in the world who are striving to become successful, yet remain in tune to what it means to support others, lend a hand and simply be a good person. Kudos to you. You know who you are. You have taught me that working your way to the top (wherever that may be) does not have to necessarily be a vicious struggle, but rather, self-exploration and a beautiful journey.” ~ Jesse Jordan

After posting, a warm, pleasant feeling filled me from head-to-toe. As you all know and can relate to, what we say often has a much deeper meaning behind it. Hence the phrase that my Dad, Ronnie Jordan, has reiterated to me throughout my life, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.” Well, I meant what I said, and I said what I meant! There are some AMAZING women out there in the world! So much so, that I actually became overjoyed at the fact that I know so many. What better way to begin connecting young entrepreneurs and supporting their successes then to give them as many KUDOS as we possibly can!? I work hard. You work hard. They work hard. Let’s all just sit in a circle for a moment and pat one another on the back ( Come on now. We’re all friends here. ).

I’ve met women along my business journey thus far who have tried to knock me down. I’ve met women who have inspired me. I’ve met strangers that have held out their hand. I have looked up to role models such as Oprah Winfrey, Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart (“It’s a good thing.” ). I have failed. I have succeeded. I have learned more from struggle and failing than I have from any other lessons in life. I have listened and followed advice. Those same words of advice that I have followed have led me to places where I find myself in unfamiliar territory. Some people, woman or not, step on heads to get to the top. They fight. They roar. They scream. They stab. They pound their chests. Some people, woman or not, find that getting to the top is a struggle, but choose to not become someone who they do not want to be. Think hard: Who are you? Who do you want to become? What would or what ARE you doing to get to the “top?”

I find, in business and in personal life, there are many routes we can travel down. “There are many roads but only one.” We learn as we go, but there is something looming over us. Oh, wait. Hello, conscious. How are you?

We make many decisions in this lifetime, each rendering a consequence. We contemplate. We assess. We push forward. We accept. We bite the bullet. We keep moving. We do whatever we think we have to do whether it’s for survival, the greater good, morality, ethics or principles that are instilled within us that govern our day-to-day lives. We learn, we trip, we fall, we get back up, we climb, we slip, we keep. on. trucking.

To me, it always goes back to the same thing: Your conscious. One of the largest struggles that I’ve endured thus far along my business journey(s) is “What is the RIGHT thing to do?” I’ve found, as difficult as some situations may be, you can gather all of the advice and pearls of wisdom in the world, but no one ( and I mean NO ONE ) will know better than you. I’ve found that the trick in learning to follow my conscious was with me all along…What is it?

Ears. Thank you, EARS. Listening (whether that be audio, visual, touch, smell – any of your senses or all the above) is the most vital part of your being. When you begin to learn to listen to yourself, you truly learn to embrace not only how you feel, or what is right, but your surroundings. How to listen? Well, that’s difficult to thoroughly explain as we are all different. However, I personally found myself dismissing certain FEELINGS inside of me, pushing them down. Way, WAY down. Well, what goes down must come up. We question why we keep experiencing certain situations or thoughts, but yet, all along, is it because they are unresolved? Is it us? Human emotions are a part of our daily lives. We FEEL them for a reason. Listen and listen well.

That being said, there are a few key entrepreneurs who I have tuned into, who I feel the strong urge to not only strongly recommend as far as their services, but as well-rounded, brilliant people.

CONNECT WITH:

1: Samantha Parvin: Copywriter, Director of Traffic and Public Relations @ Doppler Studios ( ATL, GA ), Owner/Founder of www.samparvin.com & http://730club.com/.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/samantha.parvin?ref=ts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/samparvin

Website: http://samparvin.com

Email: samparvin@gmail.com

2: Victoria Santa Ana: Founder of YUMI Nutritional Styling, Stylist and Counselor

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=67601204&ref=ts#!/profile.php?v=wall&ref=ts&id=67601204

Twitter: N/A

Website: http://www.yumibites.com

Email: vsantaana@gmail.com

3: Teri Miyahira: PR Consultant: Publicity for lifestyle clients, including dining, hospitality and entertainment

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/terimiyahira?ref=ts#!/terimiyahira?v=wall&ref=ts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/terimiyahira

Website: http://terimiyahira.com/dayjob/

Email: Contact Teri here @: http://terimiyahira.com/qs/

Cheers to these women and the many others out there doing a fabulous job! Like what you read and see?! Tune in for more @:

Chique St. Review on Facebook ( BECOME A FAN! )

Chique St. Review

Chique St. on Twitter ( Follow Us! )

Connect with the Editor: Jesse Jordan ( FACEBOOK )

Connect with the Editor: Jesse Jordan ( TWITTER )

As Spring rapidly approaches, we rip apart our wardrobes in search for the perfect outfit. Sure, sundresses are fab in late Spring. Snazzy open-toe sandals are great in Summer. But, what the heck to wear when it’s 60 degrees during the day and 35 degrees during the night?

Truth is, if you’ve experienced as much snow as I’ve experienced this past Winter, you’re about ready to rip off your clothes and go bask in the sunshine. This Spring in my book? It’s all about dressing light and dressing in layers.

Layers are an excellent route to go for not only style, but comfort. As we slowly creep into warmer weather, heavier layers have great appeal. Anything from pairing sweatshirts and blazers with skinny jeans and flats to longer length tank tops, long sleeves and cardigans with leggings and flats will do. If you live in NYC ( like moi ), or a metropolitan area, you know how much of a nuisance carrying around a heavy coat can be. The appeal with layering up!? Peel them off as you go!

Tight, grey blazers are the first must. Finding a quality, inexpensive blazer can be somewhat of a tedious process. Make sure that your blazer fits snug under your breasts, fitting slightly tighter in your upper arms and coming down in length to about your wrists. I prefer the length overall to come down slightly past my hip bones, hugging my body  opposed to hanging loose.

During the cooler months, pair your blazer with a hooded sweatshirt underneath for more casual, sporty events, or go the crisp route with a collared shirt or turtleneck. Personally, I prefer to compliment my blazer with flowing layers. First, find your base. A tight, longer length tank top will set the tone. Black, grey and brown are always obvious options, but for flair, choose a base with more “pop.”

Spring is all about expression, so bright pinks, stripes, oranges and yellows will work just fine. Next, add your second base. This depends on what style you’re going for. A slightly longer, loose fit cardigan can work well here, or perhaps a looser fitting, long sleeve shirt that tails out in the back, or is longer in length from the front ( I will provide examples below ). Have no fear mixing it up! The blazer is the main hub, and will pull together your ensemble. Next, add your accessories. I recommend linen scarves which offer “chique” style, and polish off any outfit. If you’ve chosen simpler to basic patterns for your clothes, go with a patterned scarf. Add your blazer, and voila! Oh, woops. We don’t want you walking around pantsless…we’ll get to that.

If you feel comfortable sporting a pair of tight, black leggings, this is a great way to walk into Spring. Skinny jeans are also another Chique fav. Pop on a pair of light ballet flats, add a larger sized boho bag, and now you’re really set!

See below to find some of our Chique Picks for you to consider during your Spring fashion adventures…more to come soon in Part 2!

For more fabulous finds, please visit:

www.urbanoutfitters.com

www.forever21.com

First, allow me to place emphasis on one particular topic: Internships.

As we grow, we learn the vital steps to becoming a professional. In the past, internships were strongly recommended and commended. Now, they are 110% absolutely, positively NECESSARY and required. Do NOT graduate without one. I can most certainly vouch for this and I already had one under my belt. Any others that can vouch?

Welcome to 2010!!! The economy sucks. Pay cuts are a constant. Getting a job can be a nightmare. Buckle up tight and get ready for the ride, or prepare to crash and burn.

Find this a tad dramatic? Not in the least. Graduate schools are overflowing with applications as students face the brutal reality of securing an occupation. School doesn’t sound so bad now, huh? Well, what if I were to tell you, that we could turn this around and fight? Put on your game face. It’s go time.

High Schoolers, Undergrads, Graduates. If I could ever provide any last words of wisdom, it would be the following:

1: APPLY TO AND COMPLETE AS MANY INTERNSHIPS AS YOU CAN! There are hundreds of thousands of companies seeking interns. Get the experience while you can, before your bills begin rolling in the door. Internships do not only provide invaluable experience, but serve as an excellent resume builder and set of references. Internships allow you to build your skill set while networking with professionals in your desired field. Take these golden opportunities to get your head straight.

Pointers:

1. Make your voice heard on social media platforms. Use active language. Use visuals. Use links. Provide useful information. Have a passion for your field? Create a group or fan page on Facebook and use this as your hub. Make updates daily, stay engaged and interactive. And, for Pete’s sake, would yah PLEASE get on Twitter? No excuses. Learn the drill. The Dalai Lama did: http://mashable.com/2010/02/22/dalai-lama-twitter/.

Link for FB Fan Page Advice: http://mashable.com/2009/03/30/successful-facebook-fan-page/

Click on the Social Media Widgets/Buttons above to get started and sign-up (or, to tweet this article ).

2. Blog, blog, blog. Blog until you can’t blog anymore. Writing is essential no matter where you go. Blog about your experiences. Blog about your internship. Blog about your job. Blog about your dog. Point is, the more you write, the better you become. The more you write, the more people will notice. Just keep your thoughts on your X-BF/GF to yourself. Not cute. Not professional. Keep it clean and crisp.

One evening, after night class in undergraduate college, I approached my writing professor who wrote for the Post and Courier in Charleston, SC. I asked him, “What can I do to become more well known? How did you break into the field?” His answer? “Get a blog and start there.” Turns out, the son of a gun was right. You’d be amazed how impressive a blog or website comes across for a prospective company. Give yourself leverage. Build yourself. Create yourself. And just when you think you’re running out of creative juices? Create yourself all over again. There is ALWAYS something to write about. If you have writer’s block, take a walk, relax and tune in to your senses. Sounds corny, I know. The more open we remain in general, the more data and information comes our way, supplying us with the tidbits we need to create pieces of genius. For example, “Marley and Me.” Brilliant, emotional movie about the relationship and bond between families and their pets. Create angles. Pull from what you know, and research what you don’t know.

Use Technorati and other websites to help you learn from the best: http://technorati.com/blogs/top100

2. POLISH UP! Shine your shoes. Iron your pants. Get it together. You never know who you are going to meet and when you are going to meet them. Younger years are all about experience and development. The brain isn’t fully developed until around age 25. That means, soak it all up while you can! Surround yourself with brilliant, intelligent people. Network. Drink a little less ( your liver will thank you ), chug a little more (WATER) and push yourself to go to the gym. Start taking care of your body and mind. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Don’t become a hypochondriac, become aware. Learn how to breath correctly, cope with stress and manage your time (and budget). That means saying Tata to the Prada bag and HELLO business cards. Choose to make the right investments.

3. CREATE A GOALS LIST. Give yourself a time frame, and list your top ten goals. Actively be thinking from day-to-day how you can achieve these. Be realistic, but don’t feel intimidated. We are what we make of ourselves and if you want something, do NOT listen to the people who tell you that you can’t have it. GO GET IT. It’s easy to be manipulated, swayed and tempted. Find your balance, stay true to your morals, ethics and principles and do the best you can. Find one or two people that you TRULY admire and respect. They can be CEO’s of top companies, Bill Gates, Oprah – whoever -. Point being, everyone starts from somewhere. We build ourselves from the ground up. Use these inspirational models to inspire you as you place one foot in front of the next. No success will EVER come easy. And if it does? I guarantee you may not appreciate it as much.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Always stand up for yourself. Always stay prim, proper and polished (OK, not ALWAYS, but do the best you can ). Learn more about yourself and what it is that you WANT in this life. Then, full speed ahead, tackle obstacle after obstacle, and GO GET IT.

It’s safe for us all to relate to one concept: “We don’t know what we know until we know it.” How could we possibly know what we don’t know? It is honest and commendable to admit when you don’t know something, and even better, often, when you state that you’re willing to learn.

I learned this advice through a man who interviewed me years ago and an old professor, and will live on to repeat their pearls of wisdom.

That being said, step up to the plate and get ready to bat. It’s business time.

Young entrepreneurs, recent college graduates, interviewees, listen up! Feeling overwhelmed? Has the economy got you down? Are you stuck feeling intimidated and overwhelmed by the competition? Let’s take a few practice swings, shall we? ( I know I sound like a commercial, but I can’t help myself. I’m in marketing and advertising. )

Before you step up to the plate, you always need to warm up. Right? Here is your warm-up:

1: Get yourself in gear: If you want to be treated like a professional in the professional world, you need to act like one. That’s right. Leave the horrible drunken Facebook pictures in the past and chop, CHOP! No one cares about how you danced on the bar last Saturday. Well, some may, but that’s a different story.

Step one: Update your resume. Tweak it. Add to it. Spice it up with active language. If you want to become known in the world, time to MARKET yourself.

I had the pleasure recently of coming across an old friend, who took a look at my resume and threw me a few pointers. Surround yourself with brilliant people, and you too, will become brilliant. We learn from those that reach out their hands along our journey. Never think you know all that you CAN know. Always remain open to change and critique. It fortifies you. It’s fortified me.

Step two: Facebook, Twitter, Digg and various other social media platforms are MORE than a way to socialize with friends. These are TOOLS. Use them! As active users continue to grow within these platforms, you should take full advantage of contributing your expertise and knowledge. Write a blog? Tweet it. Digg it. FB Share. Buzz it (sounds like the game “bop it!” [Twist it! Pull it! Spin it!]). Take advantage of learning from the internet. You have the resources you need available at your finger tips. No excuses. PLAY BALL!

Step three: Dress the part. A prospective lawyer does not walk into an interview wearing crocks and Columbia gear ( no offense to the gear, I love both ). A prospective lawyer walks in the door strong, wearing a button down shirt ( solid color ), suit and tie with polished black shoes. If you want to play the part, learn the part and act accordingly. Need some guidance? Google is your best friend. Get to work.

Step four: Know your value and have some confidence for crying out loud! Interviewers are more than people with a set of questions. They KNOW, like animal instinct, what you can bring to the game. Take yourself seriously, in a serious (but not overly serious) kind of way. Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. If a company has called you in for an interview or meeting, they have already considered you as a potential candidate for the position/opportunity available. Now, paint a picture for them. Why are you a good match? Do your research about the company and know your skill set well. What can you offer? What can you bring to the table? Shake their hand firm, look them in the eyes, keep your shoulders relaxed and back and breath easy. Never be over anxious, always listen.

For some, interview prep is an essential process. I’m talking everything from soup to nuts. Groom yourself. Treat yourself well. Vitamins, water, yoga, gym, pedi/mani, hair, tanning – whatever it is that makes you feel spiffy -.

The key? Find or talk with a mentor. Someone you trust who can lend you pointers and possibly practice with you. Always use Standpoint Theory as a guide to help you better understand what questions your potential employer(s) may ask you. Research interview questions online. Here is a great link for potential/current Social Media Marketers: http://www.socialmediaheadhunter.com/2008/03/social-media-qu.html.

2: Follow-up and Don’t Put All of Your Eggs in One basket. You think you might really want it. In fact, you know you really want it. The position is great. The firm in wonderful. Well, that may be the case, but in a perfect world, we know there are two ways it can go. You either get it, or you don’t. Be smart. Make a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C. Network as much as you can, and always be sure to follow up.

Step 1: Following up: There has never been a better time than now to polish your interview/meeting skills. Written thank you letters and emails are crucial. They show that you are serious, committed and professional. They show that you are determined, polished and experienced. Invest some money into thank you letters or professional cards with your letterhead. Always keep your correspondence brief and concise. Always pull from the highlights in your meeting. Did you notice a particular angle that will come in handy when addressing this person? Is there something mentionable from your conversation that you can incorporate in your letter? Hook ‘em.

Step 2: Stash your eggs in multiple baskets. One basket holds them, but does you absolutely no good if you trip and they all break. Safe guard yourself and always be proactive. Create backup plans, send out applications on a daily basis and line up your schedule with some quality options. If you find you are having difficulty getting hits? Reassess. Is what you’re doing not working? Time to switch it up. Rewrite your cover letter. Redo your resume. Pack some punch and keep trying until you get what you need and want. Why stand still when you can move forward?

- – Use these suggestions as starting points or reminders. I can vouch for these because I know what I know because I…well, let’s just say, I’ve been there before. I’ve learned from various company CEO’s and professionals along the way, and each lesson has become leverage and knowledge for me to embrace and use along my path to success.

Don’t get down for what you don’t know. Get down if you don’t push yourself to learn it. The world is here for the taking. Take it, or leave it.

Seattle, Seattle, Seattle. Rainy, cloudy, sometimes ( not often ) Sunny.

(Pop on the Jam while you read!)

No matter where you are traveling, weather is unreliable. Therefore, we must think ahead and strategically plan our “get ups.” So, what’s the occasion? Traveling for business? Traveling for pleasure? Beat out the weather system and get your gear down to a science, folks. Otherwise, plan on last minute grabs when you arrive at your destination. I always feel, better to have some staples ( with a few extra perks thrown in ) to get the job done and dress to impress ( while feeling polished from head-to-toe ).

The List of Essentials:

1. Cute umbrella – And, yes. I have in mind the umbrella Carrie Bradshaw used in Sex and the City. A little over the top? Go for it. Make a statement. It’s an accessory, not a funeral style, black umbrella.
2. Cute rain boots/waterproof knee-length, 3/4 leg boots – Nothing says “bleh” more than soggy, smelly socks from a day in the rain. Let’s skip that part and buy ourselves a pair of rain boots, shall we?
3. Plaid is very in – very warm, very cute – long sleeve, longer (below hips) plaid shirt is must
4. Snug beanie hat ( optional ) – Forever 21 is the ultimate go-to
5. Skinny jeans ( a MUST ) – Do yourself a solid, and don’t walk out the door without them – If you do, head straight to Forever 21 where you can buy them for as little as $12! – Your wallet will thank you, and then you will want to thank me because they are the most fabulous, inexpensive find!
6. Several pairs of leggings – perhaps a pair of knee high leg warmers to accompany boots – Black leggings are a must! Full length ( opposed to capri ) preferred.
7. Lighter ( not heavy duty ) scarves ( linen ) – Urban Outfitters carries an assortment of fabulous finds.
8. Rain coat ( lighter ones that wrap around and tie with buttons are always very “chique” )
9. Long sweaters to go over leggings ( so, wear those snazzy black leggings with a long sweater, and then cinch under breasts with a wide belt – add knee length boots and scarf ) – Here’s a trick/tip: If you can’t find a longer style sweater, buy a sweater you enjoy in a larger size, or take a look at Maternity Wear – I kid you not, where there is a will, there IS a way .
10. Pair of cute ballerina shoes to wear with skinny jeans for days when its not raining
11. A casual dress than can be worn with leggings or tights and can be spruced up if worn a second day with a long cardigan, boots and belt ( around waistline )
12. A fancier dress for an evening out
13. One pair of heels ( that don’t kill you because let’s face it: frolicking around bombed without your shoes on is not going to fly anywhere at anytime )
14. One red lipstick ( makes your teeth look whiter )
15. One headband ( great for a day when you don’t want to wash your locks or are heading to the gym or out for a hike )

Priorities: Black leggings, longer sweaters, ballerina shoes, knee length (black) boots, skinny jeans, long cardigan ( can pair with any kind of tank top be it tight or loose fitting), wide belt ( vintage brown preferred ).

So what good would it be if I gave you all of the above, and didn’t compliment the fashion tidbits with some links where you can actually FIND the items?

Click on the pics below fellow fashionista and shop away!

Xo,

Chique St.

Please refer to:

www.flashrelations.com for more information.

Cheers,

Chique St.

So, you want to create your own business. You have a great company name, catchy slogan and fabulous company logo. What’s the next step for an entrepreneur?

Creating a Facebook page. That’s right! Brand it. Brand yourself. It’s great to create buzz about a company, but where are you directing traffic? Do you have a website? A blog? Twitter account? Facebook page? Myspace page? Digg account? Delicious? The list goes on…

So, where to begin? Take a breath, let’s take a step back…WAY back, and ask a few questions:

1) The basics: Who are you? What is your company? What and who do you represent? One of the most commonly overlooked questions when starting a company and moving forward is addressing and targeting YOUR audience. Who are you trying to appeal to? What do you have to offer?

2) Show and Tell: Paint a picture for your customers. Explain. Elaborate and help them draw their own conclusions about your products and services.

3) Blog It: If you are starting your own business, odds are, that you have a lot to say about your market and area of interest. Start a personal or company blog and link it back to your website. Better yet, if your funds are low, use your blog AS your company website. WordPress, my favorite, offers a variety of custom options. You can design and customize with little to no experience. More advanced? Fully customize for low-cost by using CSS.

Blogs are essential in today’s world. It’s no longer enough to just be “in the game.” In order to be in it to win it, you have to be savvy and sharp. Watch and read the news. Stay up to date! In social media marketing? Mashable should be your GOD ( http://mashable.com ). Go on Twitter and research other people in your field of interest. Learn and converse. I have learned some of my best marketing tactics from those around me in the virtual world– you can, too.

In order to have a successful blog, post a picture of yourself. Personalize it. List your contact information. Let people know you are there to help. Are you offering products? Post photos and videos. Are you offering services? list your services. Bullet point. Be concise & efficient.

One of your highest priorities when engaging with the net is to create a landing page that is HIGHLY INTERACTIVE and aesthetically appealing. Have a high bounce rate? Try engaging with your audience more. Be interactive and post NEW, fresh content. “Out with the old, in with the new.”

A helpful tool, once you create a blog or website, is to track and monitor your progress with a dashboard. Google Analytics is very helpful, especially when it comes to weekly or monthly reports for yourself AND clients. Let’s face it, clients want numbers.

These are great starting points. Once you master, it is then time to move forward with adding events, bookmarking sites, graphics, widgets and more!

Stay Tuned to “Social Media, Facebook & Blogs: Stay on Top of Your BUZZ, Part 2″ — Coming Next Week!

First impression means everything. That’s why we all freak out about what to wear to our job interviews. As of late, it’s safe to say that women and men have been further confused by watching reality shows on television where young professionals are shown wearing bright colors, high heels and loads of jewelry to their media interviews. Doesn’t that go against everything we were taught? Black heels. Black skirt. Blouse with Cardigan. Stockings. B.O.R.I.N.G.

Time to wake up! Welcome to year 2009, folks. Furthermore, welcome to the recession where I’m pretty sure that aged 1950′s outfits might not score you a job. It’s great to be classic, but the key here is comfort in your own skin. If classic is your thing, go for it. If not, why not mix it up? Just make sure you’re not wearing something creepy like black lipstick. Great to be yourself, but we don’t need to scare anyone off!

So what to wear? I’ve heard it all. Don’t wear too much make-up because you will look like you’re over compensating. Don’t wear 3 in. high heels because men are intimidated. Don’t pull your hair back tightly because it makes you look “stuck up.” If you’ve been searching the internet for information about what to wear to an interview, you know what I’m talking about. KICK. THIS. TO. THE. CURB!

Ladies. Gentlemen. You are going to a media/PR/Marketing interview. Spice it up! I’m not talking about throwing on your pink feather boa that you bought for the talent show when you were in fifth grade, I’m merely stating that elegance doesn’t have to be in black and white anymore.

Prime example. I’ll be honest. I recently attended an interview wear I wore a cream skirt with a white tucked in tank. I paired this outfit with cream high heels and a brown bag. I was so uncomfortable and I felt my radiance and confidence plummet. What we wear can effect how we feel. That’s why I need you to follow these savvy, helpful tips to ace your interview:

1) Prepare the night before. It’s not just the outfit. It’s the whole package. Start with your body.

2) Take a bath and relax. Exfoliate (If you don’t have a scrub, use a little sugar with some soap or body wash). Lotion up. Paint your nails and your toenails (Why? It’s not like they are going to see your toenails anyway? WRONG. Feeling good from head to toe boosts our confidence levels).

3) Hydrate. Boost your metabolic processes and immune system with green tea, and follow with loads of water. Take your vitamins.

4) Get a healthy glow/bronze. Chique recommends using a bronzing/instant tan lotion, like L’oreal. Using spray tanners with bronzer are effective, but darken and clog pores.

5) Have Crest Whitening Strips? Use them. Floss. The works.

6) Part of being confident is your diet. Eat a healthy meal that won’t make you feel bloated. Cut out grease and salt. Try sautéing kale with some fresh garlic and pepper, roasting some veggies on the side and adding a small portion of brown rice. Add some fresh fruit, like grapefruit for the ultimate cleanse and boost.

7) Outfit time. Pick your outfit out at least the day before your interview. Research your company! Where is your interview? A city? What will the weather be like? (Check out www.weather.com and find the weather for the day of your interview). Is your company more conservative? Is it more youthful and casual?  We always recommend pairing classics with modern fashion. You don’t want to distract, but emphasize your best features.

Try a solid color (Black/Cream/Grey) pencil skirt. Try this one: ( http://www.forever21.com )

Or, If you don’t want to do the skirt thang, try this approach:

Try pairing this grey dress with a pair of solid color tights (grey/black) and adding a thick belt around the upper waist under breasts. Keep away from shiny, elaborate belts and go for leather or simplistic:

To add a little flair, adjust belt so the buckle isn’t directly in the middle of your waist, rather situated closer to your side drawing attention to your shape.

As far as shoes, well, that all depends on the outfit. A little heel boosts femininity, so try at least a one in. heel. If you’re sticking to solid colors, probably not the best idea to wear those cute, yellow Ralph Lauren heels you scored. Your interviewee will be staring at your feet. Which is just plain strange. If you’re having difficulty, Nine West black stilettos always do the trick. Find them cheaper online, or try Marshalls and other discount stores to score a more budget-savvy deal.

Note: Open toe is generally not the best idea (unless it’s Summer–Best case scenario, or you’re wearing solid color black tights).

How to further accessorize?  If this interview is more geared toward fashion, then try some dangly necklaces. Pairing longer necklaces with some long wavy hair always scores big. If it’s more conservative, opt for a pair of rockin’ pearls or studs. Longer earrings might distract and take away from your gorgeous face.

What about a jacket? Blazer? Depending on the season, it’s always a safe bet to wear something over your dress or outfit to cover up until you feel out the scene. Longer jackets are always stunning, or there is the option of wearing a blazer. To add more punch to either, cinch with a belt and pop on a scarf.

8) Make sure your outfit is clean, ironed and assembled the evening before. Put together your purse. Mints? Check. Resume? Check. Lipstick/Gloss? Check. Mini-mirror for a teeth/face check? CHECK. CHECK. And…CHECK!

9) Side tips: Find what relaxes you before your interview. Load your iPod up with a playlist and jam out. How do you feel? Polished? Confident? Radiant? Make sure to smile and offer a firm handshake.

Remember, even IF you’re desperate, remain cool and calm. Tell them WHO you are and what you can offer them. Be honest. Be real. Be firm. You’re a potential asset to their company and that is the reason why they picked you to be there.

Best of luck to all those who are in the process of interviewing! Be sure to share your thoughts or tips! Or, better yet, let us know how YOUR interview went!

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Cheers. xx.