Job Security

You want Job Security in today's crazy ass job market. Read here.

Things I Want

You know that saying, nothing haunts us like the things we didn't buy.
Well everything haunts me and I will never buy it.
I can't bring myself to spend $400 on boots, I have friends that do, but I tend to buy things that are less expensive because 1. I can't really afford it and 2. I can't really afford it.

So instead I will dream, and want and stare and maybe borrow a friends, but I will never buy.
And here are some of the items I lust after....maybe one day if I ever get a raise....

Recipes

As a working mom, I find that if I prep for the meal ahead of time I have much better luck getting dinner made without spending so much time in the kitchen.
I wanted to share some of the recipes I have been loving and using a lot lately. The hubs approves too and the little one will eat almost anything but is favoring potatoes and veggies lately, which is awesome!

Here are my go-tos.

The Bomb Bakers

The Bomb Bakers These potatoes turn out so well every time! I love them and my family so much so that they eat the skin! Seriously the best!

Yellow Squash 

Yellow Squash This Recipe is so easy and relish even my little boy loves it!

Chicken Tacos


Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos A huge fan these days of the slow cooker, these are prefect to come home to at the end of a long day.

Peach Cobbler

Easy Peach Cobbler Seriously if you have not had this, make it tonight, its a crowd pleaser! I have talked about being a mother and how I suck at that. Now let's talk about how much I suck at being a wife. Lately I just feel like I am failing. Completely and utterly failing. I can't seem to get anything done. The house is a mess, the laundry is piling up, I spend my day taking care of my son as much as I can because I feel like he needs me more than my husband.

Vacation

I know people go on vacations still, I see their posts constantly on Facebook and Instagram.
I on the other hand, have no idea what is actually like to take a vacation anymore.
From having a toddler to working my life away, I have yet to sit down and plan anything.
Well that is, until today!
I am so excited. We are planning a road trip! Well sorta kinda. We are leaving baby boy in Jacksonville Florida with family and we are headed down to the Keys! Five days no baby and lots of sun and sea and drinks, please pour me another drink.
So I need suggestions on where to stop on the way, where we can't miss for food and what cocktails I won't want to leave without drinking. Live music, great bars and seafood dinners. I am so very excited. And of course, the hubs wants to go fishing. I recently came across this blog and immediately thought, I need to be in the Keys right now. Great suggestions but since we have a few more days, I need some more info.Send me anything and everything you got on having a great time in the Keys! oliviagilberts@gmail.com

Interview Attire

Interview Attire

Every once in awhile in my office we get to conduct interviews on recent college grads.

This is seriously the highlight of my month when it happens. I get all giddy and just smile for days beforehand. Why you ask? Well these dumbass kids walk in here looking like they just stepped out of a fucking carnival or night club and I can't wait to see it! 

Society has told these young kids it's okay to have tattoos, nose rings and half shaven heads. Facebook let's them know its okay to express themselves with pink hair and long fake fingernails. Girls think that dark lipstick and drawn on eyebrows makes their features stand out. Yes girls, please feel free to do all of that, but please, tone it down for a damn interview! 

No one wants to see the snake wrapped around your ankle or the fake tan you plastered on the night before. We don't care what your kids names are or that they are tattooed on your wrists. Your hair is really nice, that long flowing hair, but please pull it out of your face in a bun so that you aren't constantly running your hands through it. Don't wear blue nail polish, just don't. Don't wear colored tights or bright neon shoes. When you walk into an interview and you look like that, no one is going to take you seriously. And we won't give you the job. You can express yourself however you want once you leave the office, but your first impression will last forever. All that money spent on college and can't get a job? Maybe you should look in the mirror. 

Need some help deciding on clothing? Read here. 

The Young Professional

Career Ownership

When I started working for Corporate America I was 22. I was still in my last year of college and needed a job to help pay for my new apartment so I started on the lowest level possible. It was awful looking back now, I did it, I worked hard and moved up pretty fast, but I could have done a few things differently. I could have had a better relationship with my boss, which would have worked out better for me now. I could have lived by the company motto, but I didn't believe in it, still don't. I also could have dressed better, probably could still do that now!
That old saying, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Girl, it is so true.
Clothes transform you, make you a different person, make you ore likable and as much as we don't want to admit it, people do judge you according to it.
At 22 I didn't care that much because after work my good clothes came out to go to dinners I couldn't afford and bar hoping. And those clothes were definitely not office appropriate. I have changed my ways, and now being a mom I struggle with comfort vs style.
Heels can make a huge difference in your outfit, though I prefer a smart wedge or flat.
Looking back, I would have invested in nicer pieces that lasted me up till now, but I still have a hard time spending $500 on a jacket.
I have listed some alternatives below. Some items I will be purchasing, in my price range and very mom appropriate.

Sweet Summer Time

It's summertime, which means Maxi's all day everyday!

Changing Careers

I have often thought about a career change, but then I remember I am in the my thirties and that might not make sense. Have I lost my mind? Why would I want to start over?

Regardless of any of that, I know there are several reasons I shouldn't do it and several things I should consider.

Read more here.....

Quit Your Day Job

Sounds great right? No more 9 to 5, no more setting the alarm clock, but finally getting up to do what you have wanted to do for so long. Your dream. What you were born for. What you want to be working for instead of working for someone else. Living your dream instead of someone elses dream.
Want to do it? Here are some ways to show you how.

Toxic Work Environment

"Leaders can get confused between being demanding and being inappropriate in how they handle someone," Shea tells Knowledge@Wharton. "I can put a lot of pressure on you to perform well, but there is a place where this is no longer putting pressure on you, this is about hating you, or undercutting you, or diminishing your control." Read More Here!