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Confidence Boost for the Dreaded Interview

I had an interview last month.
I hate interviews.

I think you’re either great at them, or you’re not. And I’m not, but I try to fake my level of comfort as much as I can. Where in reality, I just want to sink into my seat, slide out the door and make a run for it.

Maybe because with most of the jobs I’ve landed, the interviews were more casual so there wasn’t too much pressure. Plus, it was for serving banquets and catering – my chinchilla can hold a plate. Then I got in to background/extra work for film and television. There’s no interview with bg agencies. You just need to be available when they call. Which is any time of day. My first movie was Total Recall and I was an arm’s length from Colin Farrell. We made eye contact. No one believes me, but it happened. And it was magical.
*sigh*…
What was I talking about?
Oh, right. Interviews.

That basis of an interview is to be able to sell yourself. Verbally. Which is hard for me because I don’t like talking about myself to new people. I’m more of a listener than a talker. So one thing I like to prep is the ‘tell me about yourself’ or ‘why do you want to work here’ questions because those are a given you’ll be asked. Everything else I try to wing and sound confident with my answers. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. And when it doesn’t, I eat chocolate. Chocolate understands. It’s the best consoler of all time. Even better when it invites ice cream to join the pity party.

When I don’t land jobs I just have to remind myself not to take it personally. Which is very hard to do sometimes. It straight up sucks being turned down. Especially if it’s something you really, really want and think you’d learn a lot and excel in. Though, it is kind of like a casting call. They’re looking for someone that fits their certain requirements and I can’t hate on that if I’m not it. I can cry about it, sure. Though I give myself 24-48hrs to sulk… and maybe hate a little… then tell myself to grow a pair and move on.

Then there are the other moments where I’m super stubborn – maybe even stupid – and apply and interview with the same company four different times over a couple of years in hopes the next interview will be different. True story. The last time I landed a call back for a second interview and was super excited until the owner told me in front of his partner, 2 employees and 3 other candidates that I wasn’t getting the job and should register for their 8 week, $8000 class. Thanks.
Needless to say, I stopped applying.

One thing I make sure to do, no matter how I’m feeling, is look my best. Even if I’m nervous, I like to wear things that make me feel comfortable and confident. Because let’s face it – when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, your mindset is more positive. And other people can definitely sense that.

So find your confidence boost. Accessories are my thing, so I make sure I’m wearing something that makes me feel like a billion bucks – because being a millionaire nowadays is overrated.
My showstopper necklace from Forever 21 is one of my favourite pieces I purchased in the last year. Some may find it tacky or loud, but it makes me feel bad and boujee when I wear it. In a good way.

I wore this to my last interview. And this was probably the most important interview I’ve had to date. It’s something I’ve been prepping for and patiently waiting over the past year. For a real full time job. That’s creative. With salary. Like adults have. Apparently, that’s still a real thing. Who knew?

So wish me luck! And I’ll keep you posted.

xo
Stephanie

Update: I did not get the job and I am currently in my Totoro onesie eating Boomchickapop because I ran out of chocolate and ice cream, but tomorrow’s a new day. On to the next venture!

February 21, 2017
FAB FINDS Feat. Fabulips

As much as I love a white blanket of snow, Old Man Winter can definitely be a jerk sometimes. So if there’s one thing I hate about the winter, it’s how harsh the cold weather can be on my skin. Especially my lips. It seriously takes a toll where sometimes lip balm just won’t cut it.
I constantly find myself biting my lips or picking at the skin. Which is annoying when I’m dying to test out all my new lippies I got over the holidays! Plus, I get nervous wearing any colour to work because I feel so paranoid that people can see all the cracks and lines when I’m speaking to them. Come an hour later, I’ve rubbed off all my lipstick. Which then makes me sad because I feel like I’ve wasted my makeup. Then I’m back to my basic lip balm and the whole cycle continues again.

That’s why this season I promised myself I’d try an actual lip scrub.
I love rummaging through the beauty section at Winners, checking out all the different products. I start with my hands full, but usually never end up buying anything because I’m trying to force myself to finish what I have in my cupboards at home. So as I was browsing for Christmas presents this past season, I was super excited to find Fabulips, Sugar Lip Scrub by Bliss. I felt it was one of those ‘ask and you shall receive‘ moments… I wish that worked on others things I ask for in life… but I digress!

So I decided to give it a try. I purchased it at $12.99, when it retails for $22 at Sephora (which I just checked now and it’s out of stock online – so I feel better about buying it). After opening the box, off the top I am in love with the scent. It has this sort of nutty, citrus smell – which I know reading that back sounds gross, but I promise it’s delicious. If it was a candle I would totally buy. And of course, the ingredients state it contains citrus, almonds and bits of walnuts.

The first time I used it, I was a little underwhelmed when I started scrubbing a fingertip’s worth on my lips. It felt very smooth, so I questioned the whole exfoliant/scrub aspect of it. It literally felt like I was putting on lip balm in circular motions. I didn’t want to go into it disappointedly, so I continued to follow the instructions which the next step was ‘rub off with a warm cloth’. And tah-dah! My lips felt super smooth.
Like smoo-ooth!
I was happily surprised.

Apologies for underestimating you Fabulips.

I have used it a few times now and each time it does leave my lips feeling super smooth and smelling delicious. On my worst chapped days though, I find it doesn’t completely take off all the dead skin as I end up doing most of that rubbing off with the warm cloth. Though, as I mentioned before, the texture of the scrub isn’t rough like a typical face exfoliant. It’s very gentle. Most likely because your lips are more sensitive than the skin on your face.

My overall impression? I am pretty happy with the product and the results. I would definitely buy it again. However, it is my first time using a lip scrub, so I would like to try a couple of different ones just to compare before I personally pay the retail price (only because I got it for a deal).

Maybe I’ll save it for a Sephora gift card purchase as I still have many a cards to use.

Sending you extra smooth kisses!

xo
Stephanie

February 11, 2017
Chihuly Magical

Red Reeds on Logs, 2016.

Everyone says art is very subjective. Two people can stand side by side, looking at the same piece, yet experience completely different emotions. They can form very different opinions from one another based on their personal reactions and thoughts. For example, some love the Mona Lisa and all the history and mystery behind her smile. While others, just look at her and the only thing they gather is that she has no eyebrows and ain’t even that pretty.

I do enjoy art and respect artists. I’m not a critic in the sense that I overanalyze or try to discover hidden meanings behind pieces. I don’t necessarily need to know what was in the artist’s head at the time. That’s for them to know. Sometimes I just like to look at art. Just because.

I was browsing Instagram when I took that survey where it asked me the types of ads I’d prefer to see. The ad for Chihuly kept popping up as an option and I was like, wtf is a Chihuly? A few google images later, I came across Persian Ceiling, saw it was in town and knew I wanted to experience that in person. Showcased at the Royal Ontario Museum, I was lucky enough to catch it on its last day.

Dale Chihuly (according to Wiki) is a glass sculptor from America. He learned the art of blowing glass, but after some injuries, due to a car and surfing accident, he was no longer able to hold the glass blowing pipe. And so he stepped back and became more of a choreographer and director, as he describes.

Here are a few pictures from my visit. I won’t dive in with descriptions and opinions. You can form your own. Enjoy!

Float Boat, 2014.

Blue and Purple Boat, 2006.

Laguna Torcello, 2012.

Laguna Torcello, 2012.

Icicle Towers, 2015.

Sapphire Neon Tumbleweeds, 2016.

Persian Trellis, 2016.

Persian Trellis, 2016.

Persian Ceiling, 2012.

Persian Ceiling, 2012.

I was happy I could see Chihuly’s work in person. Some of his pieces, like Icicle Towers, stand floor to ceiling and are so intricately woven into each other it was amazing to see up close. They were all strong and solidly built, but so delicate in the fact they were made of glass. One push and it could all smash into a million pieces – I wonder if that’s ever happened? Because that would suck to clean!
My favourites were Sapphire Neon Tumbleweeds and Persian Ceiling. The blue in Sapphire was so electric and the nice thing about Persian Ceiling was that they placed pillows and cushions on the floor so you could lay back and admire the glass above your head. Just like you would lay back in the grass and stare at the clouds. So mesmerizing.

All in all I had a nice time at the ROM. The only issue I had about my visit was the $5 can of coconut water my boyfriend made me buy in the cafeteria. Five dollars!? My grilled cheese sandwich was only $3.50. So $5 is a bit extreme for me, but they didn’t have sparkling water. He’s bougie like that.

Anywho, some of Chihuly’s sculptures are in public places, like in train stations or hotels. So if you ever get a chance to see one, I highly recommend stopping to take a moment. If not for the hard work and artistry that goes into his pieces, then simply for the beauty.

xo
Stephanie

January 29, 2017
La La Land

I’m pretty sure I was a Cali girl in a past life.
It’s a place for dreamers and it’s always been a dream of mine to move there.

People say, when you go there you either love it or you hate it. I’ve been to LA a few times now, and I love it. Each time a little more. Maybe it’s the sun, but there’s definitely something in the air.

My father is a realist. He’s not in to all the glitz and glam of Hollywood. Doesn’t impress him, but it makes my eyes light up. He’d always say it’s not our lifestyle, but why can’t it be? I’ve always dreamed of red carpets and attending award shows, as I’m sure a lot of you have. There’s nothing wrong with that. And there’s nothing wrong with dreaming. Your dreams make you. If you don’t dream, then what do you really strive for?

Last night I saw La La Land starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. I love musicals. Though, going into this movie I wasn’t sure what to think of the idea of a new style take on classic Hollywood. Must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Note: may contain spoilers

The beginning was a little slow for me, and I honestly thought I was going to hate it. I really didn’t want to, so I tried to keep an open mind.
Until, I Ran.
That was my turning point. From then on, the story picked up and it was exactly what I was hoping it would be. And then… the ending happened. Not gonna lie, it made me mad. I admire the reality of it and that they gave us a sort of optional ending to imagine, but it still upset me. (I don’t want to divulge into detail, if you haven’t seen the movie, but I recommend it for you old school movie buffs).

After leaving the theatre, it got me thinking. Thinking of my dreams and what I hope to accomplish. Not just in my life, but this year alone. I’m trying to conquer 2017 with the attitude of, you never know unless you try.
Because seriously, you never know the outcome, unless you try. And if you don’t like the outcome, try and try again.

xo
Stephanie

January 15, 2017
Fur vs. Faux

When it comes to fashion, I am sometimes faced with the biggest moral dilemma.
Fur vs. faux.

It’s a constant debate in the fashion industry. I am a huge animal lover so I’m totally against animal cruelty, but I also love luxury. And fur is luxurious. Perhaps it’s the makings of media brainwashing taking its toll on me, but fur has always been a representation of status. From royalty to socialites to celebrity, there’s just something about it.

Which brings me to one of my biggest shopping regrets to date. And I am reminded and think about my loss every Fall/Winter season, but I stick by my decision.

I have this habit of trying on things that I think look weird or gaudy or, in my opinion, just flat out ugly. It makes for a great laugh or fun surprise, because sometimes you’ll fall in love with something you never thought you’d like.
So a few years ago I was in a Benetton/Sisley store and tried on this fur vest. It was super Jlo. Something I thought I’d never wear because it was too extravagant for my closet, but I tried it on and *sigh* Fell. Hard.
It was soft. It was full. It was browns and whites and tans. The colour transitions were impeccable. It was gorgeous. And it was on sale for only $99. So it was a steal. And I did not buy it. And I still shed a little tear thinking about it.
And the reason I regret it is because years later I am yet to find something that could match it and make me forget I ever walked into that store.

I recently bought this cute pink faux vest from Guess when they had a sale on outerwear. It’s a light pastel colour with this tie up detailing. I do really like it, but it just reminds me of what I could have had.

No faux vest has come close to the quality, style, shape or price of that Sisley vest. It was the one that got away. And I just have to live with that because at the time I just couldn’t do it. It would have ate at my conscience so long as I had my little fur balls at home.

Cookie aka Baby

I had two chinchillas at the time and they were in my head as I debated in store for a good half hour. My Stinky would have pissed on it, while Baby would have just looked at me in disappointment. So I just couldn’t.

*Unfortunately, Smelly is no longer with me. Now, excuse me while I go cry for 10min.

So I respect vegans. Whether it’s a health choice or just strictly because of their love for animals. It’s a lifestyle and choice that takes a lot of dedication. I admire those who live it. Maybe one day I’ll have the will power to do so too, but until then I’ll continue to sob and hunt for my vest.

xo
Stephanie

Poopie aka Stinky aka Smelly aka Smelly cat ❤

January 14, 2017
Less Is More

I have been itching to travel.

It’s been a few years since I’ve been some place new. Last I was on a plane I was headed to Vegas and LA just over a year ago.. As much as I love trips to Cali, I’m in need of some fresh and inspiring scenery.

I blame my parents. They gave me the travel bug. And I’m pretty sure once you catch it, it’s not curable. My family has always been one to go on trips because my dad’s family lives in Italy. He’s the only one that moved abroad. So, every few years we’d go and visit and tour the country. It’s a gorgeous country. I’ve been privileged to experience it. Some may even call me spoiled because of it, but I don’t think so. It’s a second home.

I remember staying at my nonna’s with a friend when I was 17. It was our first time travelling without our parents. My cousins were there and we were arguing over who would do the dishes. I said my friend would do it, and my cousin said no, because she’s a guest. So I said, “well I’m a guest too!” and he said, “no. You live here.”
For some reason that was very comforting to hear.

It’s a totally different lifestyle in Europe. Way more relaxed and a less stressful. Maybe I think this way because I haven’t stayed for more than a month at a time, but the people seem to be more laid back and free spirited.
And I’m in need of a refreshment.
Less wifi, more history. Less PVR, more art. Less worrying about work, more exploring different cultures. Less worrying about weight, more eating delicious food. Mmmm gelato.

Tivoli, Italy

My boyfriend has this tradition on New Year’s Eve, where you pack a bag with your important belongings and at the stroke of midnight you run out the doors and go as far as you can. It’s supposed to signify many travels ahead for the new year.

So come on 2017. Let’s go explore.

xo
Stephanie

January 13, 2017
Happy New Year 2017!

Welcoming 2017 with my first post of the year!
Actually…
First post ever!

So I’ve decided to start a blog. It only took…*counting modestly* … 8 years to finally start one. Clearly, I was in no rush. Totes a lie.
Clearly, I was a procrastinator.
I was afraid.
Afraid that it would suck.
Afraid that no one would read it.
Afraid that people would make fun of me for starting one when blogs weren’t popular. Now, afraid that people will make fun of me since blogs are popular and career starters and that I’m just jumping on the bandwagon.
But you know what? F*ck. That.

I’ve always liked writing. It’s an outlet for my thoughts. And since I’m a quiet person, this is a better form of communication for me. Plus, I’m a visual person too. I like art. I like taking pictures. I like painting. I like creating.
So why not create?

The year’s end usually calls for some reflection. And at the end of a sucky 2016, I’ve noticed that I haven’t been focusing on who’s really important here, and that’s me. I need to pay more attention to myself and not ignore my voice. I’m always one to give others advice and encouragement, but in turn, I never listen to my own words. If I can inspire some sort of epiphany in others, well I should do so for myself too.

So, what is my blog going to be about? I haven’t exactly figured that out just yet, but I thought just starting was a good place to start. I’ll find my voice along the way.

In the meantime, you’re welcome to come along on my journey with me.
xo
Stephanie

January 13, 2017