As most of you know, I launched my first ever arts summer camp in Charleston, SC! With the love and support of family, friends, community and even strangers–my dreams became a reality.
What have we done so far?
Summer camp is only 6 days long, but it’s been nothing short of amazing. During week 1, we painted portraits, recited mantras, wrote in our journals and recorded a song. Super casual.
What’s next for A.C.E Summer Camp?
The kids are heading back to school in less than a month. I’d like to help them start the year off with something, even if it’s a few words of motivation. After that, I’d like to host an arts related event in the fall, and get the ball rolling for an arts after school program. This week we’re learning a dance to our song, visiting an art gallery and shooting a music video. Again, super casual.
What I’ve learned so far?
Regardless of how ready you think you are, be prepared for the unexpected.
Get ready. Stay ready.
Don’t underestimate the power of strangers.
I received donations from people who have no idea who I was. Although I’m grateful for any donation, it’s humbling to come across people who truly believe in me.
A little bit of support goes a long way.
Regardless if it was a ReTweet or Facebook status like, the support of my community meant the world to me. A.C.E Summer Camp would’ve happened regardless, but the feeling of having a squad behind me gives me so much life!
I can’t pretend like there weren’t a few bumps in the road, but what’s a good success story with one one or two? Needless to say, I’m ready to finish week 2 with a bang. Hopefully the kids will walk away with as many lessons as the adults will.
Did you ever attend an arts summer camp? What was it like for you?
As you may know by know, I have strong thoughts on fictional characters: fictional crushes, fictional deaths that crushed me, and favorite couples. While I’ve shared my love for Pacey and Mr. Darcy, I’ve yet to share the TV boyfriends I loathe, but also have at some point liked.
TV Boyfriends We (Love to) Hate
Logan Huntzberger, Gilmore Girls
To be fair, I actually liked Logan on the show and the damn reunion ruined him for me. So Logan turns up engaged and still hooking up with Rory. I mean yes, he treated Rory well and I loved that outing with the Life and Death Brigade, but at the end of the day, no one likes a cheater. C’mon man! Also, Logan seriously gives me Mr. Big vibes. (P.S. Keep scrolling)
Lucious Lyon, Empire
Lucious has put Cookie through everything…including jail time. He is a terrible father. He loves them certainly, but good goodness. I’m still not over him putting Jamal in a trash can for wearing heels. As much as I kind of want Cookie and Lucious together, I know he’s bad news bears and will only do something else unforgivable. His problem is that he carries his hate, greed, and desire for power like a badge of honor. Over the course of the show, he has moments where he seems to temporarily let that go, but he picks it up again. Hopefully, the new Lucious fresh from a coma will be different.
Fitz is domineering, arrogant, and child-like. Let’s talk about how they got together. Fitz seduced Olivia during the campaign despite her trying to be professional. That’s called sexual harassment people. As an employer you should not do that. Also, I guess I missed the obvious, he cheated on Mellie (and other women) to be with her. Thankfully, the upcoming seventh season is the final and I wouldn’t be upset if the chopper Fitz is on blows up on the way to Vermont.
Mr. Big – Sex and the City
I can hear some of the complaints now, but I don’t care. I was never and will never be a fan of Mr. Big. Before I even mention that time he was a runaway groom, let’s talk about how utterly disappointed I am in him as a match for Carrie. As if it isn’t very obvious- I am very much still #TeamAiden. I’ll take him, Pete, and his lovely handcrafted furniture any day.
Mr. Big cheated on Natasha with Carrie. And we all know the saying: Once a cheater, always a cheater. There were definitely commitment issues on both sides, but Mr. Big was the worst. He basically only wanted Carrie when he couldn’t have her. The minute she would move on, he would suddenly come back into the picture. I’d like to also casually mention he had not one, but two failed marriages. Bruh, it might be you.
One of the biggest pro-Big arguments I hear is that Aiden didn’t give Carrie butterflies. Well and this is more than just a comment about fictional relationships:
Did you ever stop to think those “butterflies” you’re feeling is just anxiety generated by an unreliable guy?
The other pro-Big sentiment: but he changed in the end. That’s all that matters. Let’s be real, he didn’t change which is why we have two SATC movies where their relationship is rocky and not some storybook ending.
Who are some of the TV boyfriends you love to hate or just hate? Leave a comment below!
My Saturdays usually consist of a 3-hour long Litty Lunch with my work family. Our go-to meal includes Mexican food or sandwiches, and a few cocktails. This time I took a different route by visiting a local brewery, Charles Towne Fermentory and The Castejons. What’s a Best Life Summer without trying new things?
Saturday Snacks at Charles Towne Fermentory
I’m not a beer expert, so I typically order a PBR or Miller High Life when necessary (don’t judge). The Dutchman’s Breeches Belgian Strong Dark Ale was a pleasant surprise to my taste buds. Oak aged on fruit and 9.5% ABV–um yes please!
Now let’s talk about this delicious champinones I had: garlic sautéed mushrooms, with goat cheese and crostini. I’m a sucker for cheese in general, but goat cheese gives me so much life. Mushrooms and bread are also on the “things I love” list. I can’t get too addicted to having this snack at Charles Towne Fermentory, because it’s a pop-up kitchen. The menu changes on a daily basis.
If you’re ever in Charleston, drop on by Charles Town Fermentory! Tell them Ace sent ya! What snacks and drinks do you like to enjoy on a Saturday?
I was recently asked to review a the résumé of a recent grad. I am not a HR specialist, but upon quick glance there were a few items I noticed that could be removed from his résumé, which made me think about putting it all together in a blog post.
1. Objective Statement
Ultimately, your objective is to get hired. Usually people use this section to tell the company what they are looking for in a position. Here’s the thing ladies and gents that company’s main concern isn’t what you a looking for. Also, you are taking up precious space on your résumé with an objective statement. I have heard that an executive summary or personal profile can replace the objective statement. However, I say use your cover letter to talk about yourself.
2. Passive Language
If you are updating your résumé, Google action verbs for résumé first. You want to always use action verbs when describing what you accomplished at your previous job. Now with that being said don’t just drop a bunch of fancy action verbs all over the document. Using non-conversational words doesn’t make you look smart. It makes you look like someone who spends too much time in a thesaurus.
3. A Photo
I’ve seen some creatives include photos so I don’t think this necessarily a hard no. However, there are other ways you can get employers to view your picture without having to add your photo to your résumé. Consider including the URL of your LinkedIn profile. Although, unless you’re an actor, the employer shouldn’t be judging you based on your looks.
4. A Bunch of Short-Lived or Unrelated Jobs
Your résumé is not an autobiography of every job you’ve held in life. Include the relevant ones and delete everything else. You don’t want your résumé looking disjointed. Also, employers are not interested in achievements or abilities that are not applicable to the job. Think about if you’re applying for a public relations job and all of experience is in the healthcare. One exception, is to, if possible, highlight transferable skills.
5. Really Obvious Skills
The last time I updated my résumé this was the first thing I removed. Look – proficiency in Microsoft Word and basically all of the Microsoft Office suite is kind of expected. Substitute these basic skills with less common skills or more technical skills that will make you stand out from other applicants.
6. References available upon request
You don’t need a line that states the obvious and takes up valuable real estate for the accomplishments you really want to highlight on your résumé! Like are you going to refuse to give references if they ask? The answer is no. Employers today expect you to offer references when requested, which is typically during the latter part of the interview process.
7. Personal Social Media Accounts
If you take nothing from this post. Remember this: keep it professional, people! Don’t give that hiring manager a reason to dig into your personal life. The red solo cup picture as your Instagram profile pic may not be the best idea, but don’t go broadcasting it on your résumé. At most include your LinkedIn profile and leave everything else.
Let’s chat! What has worked for you when creating and/or updating your résumé? Leave a comment below.
Although motivational Instagram quotes have supplied a fair share of my eye rolls, I love a good word meant to inspire. Whether or not it’s lyrics from a Broadway musical, speeches from my idols or an everyday saying–we all need a little motivation.
9 Quotes To Instantly Inspire You
“Feel every moment with love, because every moment you are building your legacy.” – Oprah Winfrey
“You have no idea what your legacy will be. Your legacy is what you do every day. Your legacy is every life you’ve touched, every person whose life was either moved or not. It’s every person you’ve harmed or helped. That’s your legacy.” – Maya Angelou
“After a while you learn that even sunshine burns, if you get too much. So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. And you learn that you really can endure; you really are strong; you really do have worth.” – Veronica A. Shoffstall
“There’s nothing wrong with being driven. And there’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first to reach your goals. The other stuff still happens.” – Shonda Rhimes
“I may not live to see our glory, but I will gladly join the fight. And when our children tell our story, they’ll tell the story of tonight.” – Hamilton The Musical, The Story of Tonight
“Knowing is better than wondering, waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beats the hell out of never trying.”– Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy
“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you have for sure.”– Oprah Winfrey
“You can’t heal what you don’t reveal.”– Jay-Z. 4:44 (Also known as the album I haven’t heard yet, but I’ve seen every quote and think-piece on social media.)
“Everything is fine.”– Me, everyday.
What quotes inspire you? Comment below or tweet me @PalmsInATL!
You’ll need some summer anthems while you’re living your best life this summer. So while the temperature is rising and you’re sipping your rosé (or frosé) you can blast these songs or check out our other playlists.
Summer Anthems – #AllSummer17
Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean, Migos – Slide
Drake – Passionfruit
DJ Khaled, Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne – I’m The One
Kendrick Lamar ft. Rihanna – Loyalty
SZA ft. Travis Scott – Love Galore
French Montana ft. Swae Lee- Unforgettable
Zedd ft. Alessia Cara – Stay
2 Chainz ft. Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz & Jhene Aiko – It’s a Vibe
Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne – No Frauds
DJ Khaled, Rihanna, Bryson Tiller – Wild Thoughts
Jidenna – Bambi
Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, & Justin Bieber, – Despacito (Remix)
Sean Paul – No Lie
Lorde – Greene Light
Major Lazer Ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR & Nicki Minaj – Run Up
Firfth Harmony ft. Gucci Mane – Down
HAIM – Want you Back
Bruno Mars – Chunky
Bruno Mars – That’s What I Like
Let’s keep the playlist going! What are your summer anthems? Leave a comment below.
