Friday Favorites

It's my birthday!! Today I am 24 years old!! :) Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

1. A Million Reasons To Work For A Startup. (advicefromatwentysomething.com)
2. 3 Ways to Learn From Your Career Mistakes. (levo.com)
3. How To Be The New Girl (or Guy). (thecollegeprepster.com)
4. Everything You Need for an Epic Super Bowl Party. (bonappetit.com)

"If you fell down yesterday, stand up today." - H. G. Wells

5 Delicious Snacks for Super Bowl Sunday

Yesterday we talked about what to wear on Super Bowl Sunday, so today we are talking food! No good Super Bowl gathering is complete without some snazzy snacks, so here are my top 5 Super Bowl Sunday snack ideas!

Football Bites (With Summer Sausage, Cheddar and Bacon)

via Gimme Some Oven

Roasted Cauliflower and Aged White Cheddar Dip

via Closet Cooking

Mini Taco Bowl Bites

via Cincy Shopper

Pretzel Slider Buns with Caraway Seeds

via Honestly Yum

Peanut Butter Football Dip

via Crazy for Crust

What are some of your go-to snacks for watching a football game?

"The people who influence you are the people who believe in you." - Henry Drummond

What to Wear On Super Bowl Sunday

As some of you may know, the Super Bowl is this weekend!! I am a massive football fan, so you might guess that I am a bit excited for this weekend. I will be watching the game from my house (hopefully one day I will be able to attend the Super Bowl!), but some of you may be going to your friends houses to watch the big game and you might be wondering what to wear.

If you support a team, I say go all out and show your team spirit! If you are more of a neutral viewer, where neutral colors and show off your girly side!

What will you be wearing on Super Bowl Sunday? Which team are you rooting for?

"Winners never quit and quitters never win." - Vince Lombardi

Camping and Mud Runs on The Bachelor

It’s Bachelor Recap Tuesday! I will spare you the snarky intro comments and get straight into what went down on last night’s episode of The Bachelor.

Group Date – Eight of the women were treated to a lovely day at the lake that included jumping in the water naked, a game of Red Rover and Kelsey being totally annoyed with the whole situation. Chris on the other hand was loving all the women in their bikinis and clearly enjoying himself. The date didn’t end with a day of frolicking at the lake though, they got to camp in tents too! To make a long story short, everyone got drunk, Ashley S. was still acting as crazy as ever, MacKenzie thought there were aliens, Ashley I. snuck into Chris’ tent to tell him she was “inexperienced” and then proceeded to make out with him and Kaitlyn had the best commentary ever on all of the events! See you didn’t even have to watch the episode!!

via The Bachelor Instagram

While the ladies were camping, Chris’ three sisters came to the house to decide who was going to go on the one-on-one date this week. They questioned each of the girls separately and in the end they chose Jade to go on a Cinderella-inspired date.

One-On-One – Jade was pampered and transformed into a true Disney princess and was whisked away to her awaiting prince at the ball! How sweet and romantic! I really think Jade is a front-runner. She seems very quiet and could possibly be Chris’ type, but who knows what he is actually looking for. At the end of the night Jade got the rose and got to waltz with her Prince Farming in front of a live orchestra.

via The Bachelor Instagram

Group Date – The six remaining women were whisked off to San Francisco (in white wedding dresses) to compete in a mud run. The winner got to spend the rest of the evening with Chris, while the remaining women got to go home in typical Bachelor fashion. Jillian being the man-beast that she is smoked through the course and won some alone time with her man. Unfortunately for her she wouldn’t shut up about her training and fitness competitions and random questions to let Chris get a word in. She blamed it on the nerves, but thank gosh The Bachelor finally made a sound decision and didn’t just kiss her and give her a rose…he actually sent her home! I’m so proud of you Chris.

via The Bachelor Facebook Page

Rose Ceremony – I honestly think that most of the girls in the house are a little off their rockers. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I really am starting to wonder. Basically the whole cocktail party we had to hear about Ashley I. being a virgin and she wanted to make sure Chris knew. I’m sorry but why is this such an important story line…really who cares that you’re a virgin! She needs to be more like Becca (who is also a virgin) and learn to keep her mouth shut and act like a lady. Can you tell I’m not a fan of Ashley I. In the end, Chris sent home Ashley S. (it’s about darn time), Nikki and Juelia.

What were your thoughts on last night’s episode? Be sure to stay tuned next week for another Bachelor Recap Tuesday!

"Love takes up where knowledge leaves off." - Thomas Aquinas

Career Spotlight: Jessica Levine of Eye Touch Photography

I’m excited to bring to you my first career spotlight on Kindly With K. Jessica Levine of Eye Touch Photography is a professional freelance photographer based in Orange County, CA specializing in business and family photography. She might also just be one of my closest friends! :) While her home base is in CA, she is available for on location shoots worldwide. Jessica’s passion is to create and provide her clients with images that will last a lifetime.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a full-time Accountant at an amazing interior design firm here in Orange County. My passion and what I do in my spare time is photography because I get to share lives most enjoyable moments through images. When I’m not at my job or on location for a photo shoot, I enjoy traveling and experiencing all that the world has to offer.

How long have you been a photographer?
I have been actively pursuing photography for a little over three years.

What inspires you as a photographer? 
My biggest inspiration is being able to capture a person’s special moments at a specific moment in time during their lives. That's what photography is all about!

How do you get an idea to create a photo?
It is all about location. I like to do my research before even arriving at the shoot. Once I am on location I immediately see what I want and am able to direct my models to perfectly fit the situation.

What is your go-to lens?
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G. This lens is really great for any setting because it allows you to focus on the object with a fast aperture. It is also great for low-light performance allowing you to get blurred backgrounds.

To contact Jessica and book your next photo shoot, please visit EyeTouchPhotography.com!

"If you are afraid of being lonely, don't try to be right." - Jules Renard

Friday Favorites

TGIF! Can't wait to share some new things that I am working on for Kindly With K. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

1. So, What Do You Want To Do With Your Life? (advicefromatwentysomething.com)
2. 26 Lessons I Learned While 26. (maxiemccoy.com)
3. How-To: 3 Tips for Rocking Media Relations. (thatworkinggirl.com)
4. How To Outsource Your Life. (joannagoddard.blogspot.com)
5. 10 Things Young PR Pros Must Stop Doing. (prdaily.com)

"A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside." - Denis Waitley

5 DIY Jewelry Displays

I may or may not spend way to many hours on Pinterest looking for my next big DIY project, but the one good thing that does come out of my countless hours on the site is that the inspiration never runs out. I am constantly looking for new and creative ways to store my jewelry because I have so much of it. Here are my top 5 favorite DIY jewelry displays!

via The Elli Blog

via Dear Life, We Need To Talk

via i heart organizing

via Lemonade Makin" Mama

via Homey Oh My

Have you ever made a DIY jewelry holder?

"The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge." - Bertrand Russell

What's In My Bag?

I like to carry large purses! It's nothing against all the mini totes that are all the rage, it's just that I have never been a fan. That being said just because I carry a large purse does not mean I like to haul around a load of bricks. Not only is that not good for my back, it is down right annoying carrying a heavy handbag!

I try to keep just the essentials in my daily bag (which just so happens to be the Street Level Reversible Tote from Nordstrom at the moment)! With carrying a larger purse things tend to get lost at the bottom, so to remedy that situation, I use my TOMS For Target clutch to stow away all of my tiny items including my Band-Aids, lip gloss and hand lotion!

My Kate Spade wallet is one of my faves that I carry with me everywhere! And of course I can't forget my new iPhone 6 and the ever present Minimergency® Kits by Pinch Provisions®...it contains everything that I could possibly need and more!


What do you keep in your bag?

"All good things which exist are the fruits of originality." - John Stuart Mill

Jimmy Kimmel Crashes The Bachelor

It’s that time of week again…Bachelor Recap Tuesday!! As much as I hate to say it I am not enjoying this season of the show. The girls are annoying and Chris…well I can’t quite put my finger on it, but he hasn’t impressed me. Oh well I’m still watching so I guess I should stop complaining.

This week the dates were planned and crashed by Jimmy Kimmel. His presence entirely made this episode. If you weren’t able to watch last night (or even if you did), here is the quick version of what happened. All opinions are my own ;)

via The Bachelor Twitter Page

One-On-One – Chris chose Kaitlyn to go on a date and they were in for a surprise because Jimmy sent them to Costco with a massive list. I quite liked this date because it was very real life. What couple doesn’t go to Costco? After shopping they go back to Chris’ place and cook dinner for Jimmy and I think my cheeks were hurting from laughing so much at the comments Jimmy was making. It was a very down to earth date and in the end Kaitlyn got a rose. I think she will be around for a while, but I don’t think he will pick her in the end.

Group Date – This date had The Bachelor and Jimmy Kimmel written all over it. The girls had to basically go through a farm obstacle course which included shucking corn, milking a goat and catching a pig. Carly won the obstacle course and got to spend some extra time with Chris, but it was at the cocktail part of the date where things got interesting. I have made up my mind that since Chris doesn’t get to kiss very many women in Iowa, he is going to take advantage of the situation and kiss all the women on the show. I think it’s a bit trashy, but to each his own. Anywho, the one girl that stuck to her morals and who hasn’t kissed Chris – Becca – got the rose on the group date!

via The Bachelor Facebook Page

One-On-One – I am calling it right now…Chris gives his final rose to Whitney. The two of them went wine tasting in Malibu and she decided that she wanted to crash a wedding that was happening on the property. During their whole date I had a genuine smile on my face. The way he looks at her and the chemistry they have is all very real and I haven’t seen him like that with any of the other girls. Chris gives Whitney the rose at the end of the evening and like I said before my money is on Whitney receiving the final rose and maybe even a proposal at the end of this!

via The Bachelor Twitter Page

Pool Party – Jimmy decided that instead of a cocktail party they would have a pool party before the rose ceremony. I have three words for the party…drama, drama, drama. All of the antics of the girls are not even worth nothing because that is how ridiculous they were all acting. If you want to see for yourself, feel free to watch the episode. In the end, Amber, Tracy, and Trina were sent home without a rose. And if you’re wondering, yes the crazy chic is still there!!! :)

What did you think of this week’s episode? Do you have any front runners for the final rose?

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." - Emily Bronte

Splurge vs. Save

To say that I like a good deal is an understatement. I have always learned that having a good sense of style does not mean you have to break the bank. Once a month, I will bring to you the latest style finds for less, starting this month with my all-time favorite bag. 

This Street Level Reversible Vegan Leather Tote was introduced to me by Hallie of corals + cognacs and I knew I had to have it! I wear it almost every single day and it is the most versatile purse I have ever owned. That may be the fact that it is reversible, so technically it is two purses in one! But that is beside the point...

Why spend $168 at Madewell for The Transport Tote, when you can get a two for one deal at Nordstrom with the $48 Street Level Tote. The choice is easy!!

Madewell | Street Level

Do you like to find good deals on fashion? Or do you buy pieces regardless of the price?

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." - Audrey Hepburn

Friday Favorites

TGIF! Hope everyone has a nice and relaxing weekend! :)

1. Learn the 7 Secrets for Building Unstoppable Confidence. (inc.com)
2. 2015 Checklist: Career Edition. (levo.com)
3. 52 Places To Go in 2015. (nytimes.com)
4. A Teenager’s View on Social Media. (medium.com)
5. Planning A Trip With A Group. (sothentheysay.com)

"Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it." - Lou Holtz

25 Ways To Close Your Emails

Recently I came across this article on PR Daily and it really resonated with me because as a PR professional I send hundreds of emails. Signing emails can be tricky because you always want to be polite, but does that mean you have to be formal as well? In my personal opinion the way you sign your email shows me a little bit of your personality. Long story short...next time you send an email think about what your sign-off says about you!

Here are 25 phrases to try:

1. All the best
2. Best wishes
3. Cheers
4. Cordially
5. Enjoy your weekend
6. Good luck
7. Have a good one
8. Have a great day
9. Hope this helps
10. I thank you for your time
11. Keep up the good work
12. Looking forward to your reply
13. Regards
14. Stay tuned
15. Tag. You're it
16. Take care
17. Thanks
18. Thanks for your help
19. Thank you for your quick response
20. Until next time
21. Very truly yours
22. Wishing you continued success
23. With appreciation
24. With many thanks
25. Your friend

What are some of your favorite email sign-offs?

"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." - John D. Rockefeller

The Bachelor Goes On His First Dates

Did you watch last night’s episode of The Bachelor? If you didn’t, I have to admit that you didn’t miss very much. I must confess…I am not a fan of Prince Farming. Will it keep me from watching this season…probably not, but I am definitely not invested in Chris finding “the one.” I can’t figure out if he is just overly nice or if he just doesn’t have a personality that is made for TV. Whatever it is I don’t think that he is captivating the Bachelor audience. But that is just my opinion…don’t hate me if you love Farmer Chris!

Now on to what happened last night!

First Group Date – It wouldn’t be The Bachelor if you didn’t have a pool party and so that’s what they did. Chicken fights were included. And if it couldn’t get any tackier, the producers made the girls walk in their bikinis on the streets of Los Angeles to a good old fashioned tractor race! I mean come on, tractor races are totally normal on the streets of LA and for a first date, right? Remind me why I watch this show again…

via The Bachelor Facebook Page

Ashley I. (the I’m more of a Kardashian girl) wins the tractor race, but Mackenzie gets the one-on-one date at the end of the day. If you follow me on Twitter you know that I am shocked that he has kept Mackenzie around. I am sure that she is a sweet girl, but I think that she is too young for Chris and way to immature. My case in point... “Do you believe in aliens?” or “I like guys with big noses.” End of story. Yet she still gets a rose at the end of the night.

One-On-One – The first one-on-one date of the season goes to Megan. Wait isn’t she the girl that snuck into Chris’ place with Jillian while she was drunk and was running her head into the walls? Yup, that’s the one! And she was so wasted that she thought that she was just getting a little love note from Chris, not a date card. I tell you the girls on this season are something else!

via The Bachelor Twitter Page (@BachelorABC)

Anywho, she sobers up and off they go on their date to the Grand Canyon. Flying over the Grand Canyon has been added to my list of dreams because of this date…the views look absolutely amazing! She seems like a nice girl and opens up to Chris about her father’s tragic passing and guess what…he kisses her and then gives her the rose! No surprise there.

Second Group Date – Eleven girls are whisked off to some spooky Zombie land where they have to face their attackers with paint ball guns. Totally normal date night activity! All I have to say is Ashley S. is bonkers. Something is clearly not right with the poor girl and yet Chris acts like she is completely normal. I really think he is just trying to be nice or he is just plain stupid if he can’t see that she is off her rocker!

Chris gets to spend time with some of the girls individually and he kisses them all. But Britt (his first impression rose) got a special note that said she got free kisses. Britt is the only girl that I think he truly has chemistry with at this point. In the end, Kaitlyn (girl who break dances and is from Canada) got the rose for the date.

Rose Ceremony – Let the fun begin. We had drunk Jordan, Ashley I. revealing she’s a virgin (and never had a boyfriend!) while Mackenzie tells her that being a virgin is a total advantage because guys totally love to take your virginity and Jillian slipping and falling because she thought Chris called her name when really he called Juelia! That’s about it!

Drunk Jordan via The Bachelor Facebook Page

Here are the ladies that received roses last night Amber, Ashley I., Ashley S., Becca, Britt, Carly, Jade, Jillian, Juelia, Kaitlyn, Kelsey, Mackenzie, Megan, Nikki, Samantha, Tracy, Trina, and Whitney. And yes the crazy Ashley S. got a rose! I am beginning to think he likes the crazy ones!

What were your impressions of Chris and the ladies on their first dates? Are you a fan of Prince Farming?

"Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness." - Zhuangzi