Positioning Yourself for a Promotion

Who doesn't want a promotion?! Unless you've reached your career goal, and your comfortable where you are professionally - a promotion probably doesn't sound too bad.

I just started reading a book given to me by a fellow colleague. The book is called: "Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn't and Why: 10 Things You'd Better Do If You Want To Get Ahead." Although I just started reading it, I can truly say this book has some gems. Some of the content is common sense, while other parts are thought provoking and challenges you to change current practices in order to position yourself  for "the next level."

Regardless of your current work situation, if you're a motivated and determined individual - you will find the contents in this book helpful. So as I make my way through the chapters I'll share bits and pieces with you...in hopes that you'll get something out of it to!

Chapter 1: Timing is as Important as Performance or Talent

"...Have a nose for change, place yourself in front of that change, [be] ready to capitalize on it & contribute to the organization's response to that change."  

"There are plenty of employees who make great soldiers implementing someone else's plans.

But the people who advance quickly bring ideas & can create plans."

"The biggest mistake employees make is to think that promotions are based on past

performance. It's not about what you've already done - but what you can do next!"

Think about it: Are you avoiding learning something that you need to know to make it to the next level?

xoxo 

Char

What's on Your Christmas List?

In the search to find the perfect gifts for family and friends, I usually stumble on a lot of few things I'd like for myself. Before I knew it, I had created my very own Christmas wishlist. Here are some of my favorite things...

Gucci Guilty: Women's Fragrance

House of Harlow Natalia Leopard Boots

Rockett St. George

Zara Metallic Blazer

Etsy

Deen + Gray - Bows & Baubles

xoxo
Char

Niner Nation!

Live in the moment!

Deck the Halls!

Heyyy! Your girl is back in action! I finally received my new laptop and I've been smiling ever since! What's even better is that the holiday season is in full swing. I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of food, family and friends. It's safe to say I ate my weight in food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and now I'm steady trying to run it off!

But now, it's time for Christmas, and that means it's time to decorate!!!! Decorating for the holidays can get costly, so here are a few affordable ways to bring some holiday cheer into the home without breaking the bank!

First up, is this neutral snowball wreath by the ladies over at Two Junk Chix.  I especially love this because it's different from the usual garland wreaths you see everyday, and it seems fairly easy to make. Click on the link above for more information and how to make your own.

Two Junk Chix

Want to hang ornaments but don't have a tree? Try hanging them from the ceiling (with ribbon or invisible string) at various levels. Home Goods has a great array of ornaments - or you can just make your own...Design Sponge has a great tutorial.

Southern Living via Apartment Therapy

I usually like to have some kind of decorations on my table. My table isn't that big, so I need something that's small but still screams "It's Christmas!!!"  Good Housekeeping's idea of spray painting pinecones is the perfect idea. These... will be on my table. 

Fine Cones from Good Housekeeping

Happy decorating!

- Char

Just...My...Luck...

Hey Everyone,

So recently, after two months of ownership, my laptop decided it didn't want to work anymore and consequently crashed (more like died) over the weekend.

I've lost EVERYTHING! I'm talking music, pictures, TONS of notes, research and school work. So yea, I'm devastated. I took it to the GeekSquad at Best Buy and they said there was nothing they could do.

My computer has been shipped back to the manufacturer and I should be getting a new one in 2-3 weeks...which is basically forever. Since I don't have a reliable computer around, I won't be blogging until my new laptop arrives. Sucks. Till then... xoxo - Char

In Search for the Perfect Pair

Levi's Curve ID

Why is it so hard to find the "perfect" pair of jeans? I mean, I'm seriously starting to think that "the perfect jean" is actually a myth. They either fit too tight, have a gap in the back, give you a pancake butt, show your crack when you sit or just all together look a mess!

I must admit, once upon a time I did find a nice pair of jeans. I found them years ago at Armani Exchange and bought 3 pairs. I still have two, but they're on their way out. You're probably thinking, "Well, Char just go back and buy them again." No can do. Why? because they've traded my tried and true "plain" jean style for ones that look like they were bedazzled by a 5th grader and splashed with a bucket of bleach. No bueno.

Jeans for days...

So, my boyfriend and I headed to San Francisco -  he had suggested I try Levi's jeans because they started something called "Your Curve ID". Basically, someone measures you and suggests an appropriate "Curve ID" (Slight Curve, Demi Curve, Bold Curve or Supreme Curve)

based on your measurements. 

I took the Curve ID quiz online and found my ID to be "Demi Curve," which matched my measurements done in-store by an associate. Only problem...the Demi jeans didn't fit…

Nothing Fit...

I proceeded to try on the Bold and Supreme Curve jeans. The Bold was too tight in the hip/thighs and the Supreme was too loose. I tried various sizes in each category with no luck. Apparently, Levi's doesn't carry the "Charlene Curve."

Although the customer services was amazing, trying on over 10 pairs of jeans will exhaust anyone. So, the search continues…

Trials Come to Make Us Stronger!

At my job we have a big red "easy" button sitting on the receptionist desk, like the ones from the Staples commercials. When you push the button it says "That was easy!" As you might have guessed, that button doesn't get pushed very often. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it's collecting dust... because most of the tests we face every day, don't warrant a press of the "Easy button."

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." ~Mother Teresa

Last week's Daily Word talked about how trials are the common threads that unite us all, mainly because we all go through them. I believe these tests serve many purposes that usually amount to making us stronger and wiser individuals. Naturally, it's usually hard to understand this while were in midst of a situation; but, if we stick it out and take the time to reflect on the experience in an objective way, we'll usually realize that we are most likely better for it!

Excerpt from the Daily Word: "Trials"

1. Trials come in various categories: They're physical, emotional, financial, and relational; it's not a one-size fits-all deal. Some are shocking and some are dawn out; some play out in public and some take place in you own private hell. Some are do to you own, or other people's mistakes, while others have nothing whatsoever to do with human shortcomings.

2. Trials test our faith: They bring us back to basics and remind us where our priorities should lie and what we truly believe. Trials force us back to the bedrock of faith upon which our foundation rests.

3. Trials mature us: When we're suffering there's a tendency to try to look for the quick way out. Don't do that. Trials are designed to make us "complete" By letting them do their work, you end up stronger!

"Sometimes I think my life would make a great TV movie. It even has the part where they say, "Stand by. We are experiencing temporary difficulties." ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

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