tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17179828541588345312024-03-13T13:23:46.119-07:00Eastside ChicMusings of on love,life, career and the pretty things in between...Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-20079477423521166282014-02-01T15:52:00.000-08:002014-05-26T23:29:44.291-07:00New Ventures Hi there, If you are here it most likely means you read my pieces on Forbes or The Muse. This blog was good to me. However, I am staring over beginning on June 1st, 2014! I am launching my new blog.<a href="http://www.herethereandnow.squarespace.com/http/wwwpinterestcom/pin/171488698285752182/" target="_blank"> "Here, There and Now" </a><br />
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This blog was only the beginning and sometimes we need a new beginning.<br />
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See you on the Eastside!<br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
Betsy AimeeBetsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-27151958095143384802014-01-01T00:20:00.000-08:002014-05-26T23:43:48.009-07:00New Year, New Life <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2013 was for the books. I had a baby, turned 30, got laid off and had some extreme highs and lows too.However, I didn't write. I just didn't. <br />
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This year I am challenging myself to write something everyday. Hopefully I can publish everyday but if not I bought myself a cute journal for when the days get hectic. Except now, I am not going to worry about who is reading my blog, or where i'm going to get published. I'm going to do it because I love to do it. Oh and because i'm too neurotic not to write out my thoughts. This is really a public service to my loved ones.<br />
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One of the challenges of writing is coming up with fresh ideas and topics that are accessible to a wide audience. I will keep it simple today and stick to listing my new year resolutions.<br />
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1) Write Everyday<br />
2) Get a Job-Yeah, this one is high priority for obvious reasons<br />
3) Spend More Time Outside- Time I enjoy that California sunshine more often, also I want my child to appreciate the planet.<br />
4) Try Something New Everyday- New foods, new places, new experiences.<br />
5) Make My House Into a Home- Have a great space, I should take advantage<br />
6) Stop Capitalizing Words That Don't Need to be Capitalized- See above for examples.<br />
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What are your resolutions? See you soon!<br />
xo<br />
Betsy Aimee<br />
<br />
<br />Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-7101527755934444282013-08-01T22:42:00.003-07:002013-08-02T12:13:21.506-07:00Pregnancy Tips from an Unlikely Mommy to Be<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-EQ6ixQ684/Ufs8iGLpZ0I/AAAAAAAAAos/A9htGP21t5o/s1600/20weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-EQ6ixQ684/Ufs8iGLpZ0I/AAAAAAAAAos/A9htGP21t5o/s400/20weeks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am at 20 weeks. Aka- before people started asking me if i'm having twins</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pregnancy, it is the best of
times it is the worst of times. You are creating life! That is absolutely
amazing, Congratulations! But then it is also a complete out of body
experience. Your body is betraying you, doing weird things, not functioning in
the same way it has since you can remember. If you are a control freak like me you
are not dealing </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">well with this part. I am in my 8</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> month of
pregnancy. I cannot even begin to describe the roller-coaster of emotions I
have been through. Of course if you know me or have read this blog before you are
not surprised that I have A LOT of feelings on the matter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Here’s the quick back story, I
fell in love; we moved in and got pregnant in about the same amount of time it
takes some people to choose a home to buy. Like all great things in life it was
totally not in my grand plan but in our defense we had known each other for 10
years and it was just right. However, this means I most definitely wasn’t “trying”
to get pregnant for a long time, and I had not been doing massive amounts of
research or prepping my body either. This means that as soon as I got pregnant
I realized that I didn’t have a vague idea of what I was getting into. Sure, I
work with a lot of women, sure I have a lot of women in my family but there’s
just some things I feel no one told me or things that you can’t possibly be
prepared for.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Here’s how it’s gone for me so
far...</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSDKx6cazVU/Ufs8aY_2slI/AAAAAAAAAoc/MQrfnZ-uQTQ/s1600/babyphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dSDKx6cazVU/Ufs8aY_2slI/AAAAAAAAAoc/MQrfnZ-uQTQ/s400/babyphoto.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First ultrasound photo at 13 weeks. Cute frame was a requirement. Notice it is gender neutral</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>First Trimester- OMG! You’re pregnant-OMFG! WTF! Etc.</b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took me a few days to recover from the
shock. I didn’t think I was pregnant so I decided to take a test right before a
3 hour meeting just so I could relax and move on with my day. I sat in the
meeting in disbelief for the next 3 hours. I can’t keep secrets so I immediately
told a bunch of people. I chose not to make a public announcement till I was
about 14 weeks.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">It takes days/weeks
for the shock to wear off. However, there isn’t much time or energy to devote
to this because as soon as you go from a state of disbelief to being super
excited, anxious and delighted at the thought of your newborn wearing the
cutest outfit you could get your internet shopping savvy hands on you are hit
with a flood of hormones that will change your life as you know it….</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HCG- aka, the
pregnancy hormone will soon disrupt your life. Someone said it was like a hangover
that never goes away or like that day right before you get sick and feel icky.
Except, this day just repeats for weeks like in the movie, Groundhog Day and
you are in haze wondering why on earth no one ever told you what this really
felt like. I’m sure this isn’t the case for all women. But I was nauseated for
weeks, I couldn’t stay awake. I would go
to work, go to sleep and do internet research on being pregnant and baby care
oh and of course baby items. I kept pushing my body to do its normal thing, but
it wouldn’t. I would lose my shit constantly as a result of how exhausted I
was. I had fever like chills at night, which made sleeping even harder. I later
found out this symptom is a result of the hormones that begin pumping through
your body in these first weeks of pregnancy. The internet is filled with
marvelous details such as this. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the middle of
feeling like crap you have to choose a doctor. Choose wisely, I hated mine. I didn’t
listen to my first instincts who told me we weren’t a fit. I think she hated me
too, she was like a bossy grandmother and I was the rebellious granddaughter. During
this time you will be inundated with information about anything that could be
wrong and you will hear the names of potential birth defects constantly until
they are running through your head at weird times of the day. It is freaking scary and you just want to
think about the baby and how you will love it like crazy and here they are scaring
you. You need a doctor you are compatible with during these scary times, if it </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">doesn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> work, just switch. My doctor made me feel like I was asking too many questions
and challenging her caregiver authority. Don’t worry about looking like a crazy
person, you’re pregnant it’s allowed. I ended up having a meltdown in her office
when I was 30 weeks where I basically told her she sucked. Then I probably
looked like a crazy. Whoops, my bad.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But
even in the darkest days I was excited. Just as I began to think I couldn’t take any more of the nausea, food
aversions, and sensitivity to familiar smells it went away. I have a theory
that there must be some memory loss that occurs after pregnancy otherwise women
wouldn’t get pregnant again just to avoid the first trimester symptoms.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some
essentials to make it through this trimester</span></span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Information
Sites/Books/Apps-</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Get the Baby Center
App, and sign up for the What to Expect When You’re Expecting emails. They will
fill your need for information and will give you something to read when you can’t
sleep because you are up wondering how you will first give birth to human life,
and then take care of it without messing up. What to Expect When You’re
Expecting the book wasn’t my favorite, I found the format weird, and I hate how
it assumes everyone is heterosexual and married.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Crackers </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">-for when you can’t eat anything else, I know there
are nutritional considerations to keep in mind. But if the only thing you can
keep down is a bowl of cup o’ noodles don’t beat yourself up. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ice chips-</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Will help calm the stomach when you can’t eat
anything else and you will need to find a beverage to ease your stomach. For me it was
ice chips and ginger ale.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Belly Band-</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">This will help when your clothes start to feel snug, this
band will extend the life of your wardrobe. Prices vary but Target ones will do
you just fine, my dear. Trust me you don't want to blow the budget as there are many more expenses ahead.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Oil or some
product to put on your belly.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> It
will get itchy when your skin starts to stretch and it may get uncomfortable. I bought Burt’s Bees, Mama Bee
Body Oil. It smells pretty and doesn’t break the bank.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">A partner who is
willing to put up with you.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> One night I was
having the fever like chills I mentioned above and just couldn’t deal anymore.
My BD rubbed my back and held me till I fell asleep without me even asking him
too. So sweet, if I were him I would have run for the hills a long time ago.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Friends who will
listen to you complain.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> My closest
friends don’t have kids, I’m sure it isn’t easy to see your friend transform
into a person who only talks about nausea and babies. They have hung in there.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Other moms</span></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. You need people who will assure you that you will get through these few weeks.</span></span></span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4DLiSbSfUs/UftBamRYwTI/AAAAAAAAAo8/S7EJ5MKOJYc/s1600/Announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4DLiSbSfUs/UftBamRYwTI/AAAAAAAAAo8/S7EJ5MKOJYc/s400/Announcement.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby announcement we sent out electronically</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</ol>
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second Trimester- I/You can do this!</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 2<sup>nd</sup>
trimester was so much easier and some days I didn’t even feel pregnant and I
had a cute little bump that was a physical manifestation of the life growing
inside me. Also I could eat again, I was still a bit fatigued but in no way as
much as the first trimester.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Also
this is when you get to find out if you’re having a boy or a girl! We found out
it was a boy, Baby Daddy (BD) got (</span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">secretly</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">) teary eyed I’m sure. I had a feeling all
along it was a boy so I just said, ‘” I told you so!” I still can’t believe it;
I’m going to have a little man. My cup runneth over. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
still wore heels but towards the end I started losing my balance and started feeling
like I couldn’t get off the couch. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> I
could still wear most of my clothes, with the use of a belly band.</span></span><br />
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things you should do this trimester:</span></span></b></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sign up for your Classes</b>- hospital tour, maternity classes,
baby care classes. They fill up quickly and I found myself scrambling to get
everything scheduled. Your hospital probably offers some but there are private
classes that you can choose to invest in as well. If you know you want a hypnobirth or want to use a doula you should look into that right way to find the right classes and the right person to work with. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Choose Your Baby Gear</b>- it is definitely overwhelming.
You will soon become immersed in a world of swaddlers, co-sleepers and all
these other objects that once seemed like things women living on other planets
needed because you were too busy at happy hour. I remember going to Babies r’
Us with my older sister the stay at home mom and I took one look at all the
crap they sell and thought, there’s no way babies need this and get me out of
here I am bored. Clearly, I had a lot of research to do on this front. In order to get acquainted with
the baby gear, I looked at prego bloggers who were stylish as I figured they would know about all the cool baby gear. I like Veronika Blushing and she
frequently links to other moms. Scary Mommy is funny too! I looked at what they bought, I looked at
registries my friends put together to compare and contrast prices, best
products etc. Mine is on Babies r’ Us and it took extensive research and
planning. I like to shop so I will admit this part was fun for me. There’s a
ton of info you don’t have to start from scratch. I did the registry not
necessarily because I think everyone is going to buy it all for me but because
it was a way to keep inventory of what I want/need.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DYHzM2PWK8/Ufs7-pQwpYI/AAAAAAAAAoU/n4B7P1eukhg/s1600/Diaper+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DYHzM2PWK8/Ufs7-pQwpYI/AAAAAAAAAoU/n4B7P1eukhg/s400/Diaper+Bag.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">essential Kate Spade diaper bag</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnZtiQCP6Fw/Ufs8fyu-1LI/AAAAAAAAAok/JaNTr1PvLH4/s1600/Babygift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnZtiQCP6Fw/Ufs8fyu-1LI/AAAAAAAAAok/JaNTr1PvLH4/s320/Babygift.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">First Baby Boy Gift! True story, didn't know what these were. They are tipee cups! To avoid from having your baby boy pee on you. Yes, it's a whole new world.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Invest in Pillows-</b> I’m cheap about random things,
pillows being one these things. But don’t try to save on this end. You will
need pillows to find comfort for your growing belly. Pillows between your legs
help, extra pillows on your back will help get you comfortable. When all else fails
you have something to throw at the wall when you are in your third trimester
and you cannot sleep in any position.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Read some baby books-</b> I didn’t read a ton but I read a
few that caught my attention. Raising Bebe was an interesting read, Healthy
Sleep Habits, Happy Child has good information on how to get your baby to sleep
etc. and what do if you get a fussy baby. Frankly it is very overwhelming but
you have to figure out how to take care of the baby eventually. Still need to
check out Happiest Baby on the Block as I hear it has great techniques. See
above where I recommend you to sign up for baby care classes this trimester. The classes help put it all together for you.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Research
and Make Some Decisions-</b> I don’t subscribe to theory that you need to figure
this all out ASAP. But you have to put some thoughts into certain things such
as: will you breastfeed? What type of birth do you want? You are entitled to
change your mind about this but think about it and read up on everything as it
will help inform what’s on your registry, what type of child birth classes you
take etc. For me some of these things were instinctual. I knew I wanted to
breastfeed and I knew I wanted to plan to have the least amount of
interventions during childbirth (let’s see how that goes!) Talk to your partner
about all this. I am not the kind of person to reach out for help, I realize
that needs to change. Talk to other moms, read the message boards if you need
to. This is not the time to turn inward.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Just make a to-do list</b>- start to tackle it one at a
time. Trust me when your third trimester comes you will not be up for furniture
moving to accommodate for the baby. What, you don’t know where your baby will
sleep? Think about it now.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Stay
Tuned for Updates on my 3</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">rd</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> Trimester! Yay! </span>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-3021124092739470502013-06-26T18:56:00.001-07:002014-05-26T23:28:40.896-07:00Lessons from The Turbulent, Roaring 20’s <br />
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Part 1 (The Early
20’s)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
few days ago I turned 30. I cannot even believe it. Where did the time go? If
you want to know how old 30 is, look at all these </span><span lang="ES-US"><a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/49431/30-things-turning-30-year"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ff7aa4; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">other things</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that are turning
30 this year. In a recent </span><span lang="ES-US"><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/meg_jay_why_30_is_not_the_new_20.html."><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ff7aa4; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">TED talk</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Meg Jay, author
of “The Defining Decade” stated that our 30’s are not our 20’s and that we all
need to stop thinking our lives are an episode of <i>GIRLS</i> and get our lives together. I happen to like GIRLS and I
think that even if we have it together in one area, very rarely do we it all
have together in every area at the same time. Even know, I feel like I’m always
working on some area of my life or adjusting to a new change. However, in my
early 20’s, I did think I had to “have it all together” and the anxiety over
having it all, made me rush into the milestones of adulthood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
hindsight, my 20’s were all about the growing pains of becoming an independent
individual. Most of us leave our teen years carrying a lot of baggage, and the
expectations of our well intentioned parents. At some point it’s hard to
distinguish between what we want for ourselves and what others want for us. After
high school, we are thrust into adulthood after choosing a college and then pressured
to choose a major that will allegedly determine what we do with rest of our
life. After college we have to at least
pretend to have our life together. Because no one wants to end up the poster
child for one of those articles that talks about how Millennials all suck and
are never going to do anything worthwhile with their lives except build an
impressive stock of Instagram photos. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
are lots of things to navigate in your 20’s and I could have used a survival
guide. Here’s a few truth’s that I learned after surviving this roaring and
turbulent decade that might help you get through these times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1) <b>You
Will Make Mistakes-</b> Even the best of you will mess up and that is a
beautiful thing as this is the only way you will grow as a person. This is how
you will know that certain things are not acceptable to you and most
importantly after thriving and surviving your mistakes you will know that you
can wither any storm that comes your way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2) <b>Your
Life May Not Go According to Plan-</b> Accept that the things you want
now will change and that even if you achieve the perfect job, relationship,
life, you may find that it’s not as great as you thought it would be and that
its time to move on to other things. The sooner you let go of “the plan”
the sooner you can figure out who you really are and where you want to go next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4) <b>You Will
Need a Support System-</b> Believe me that YOU WILL NOT MAKE IT OUT ALIVE
without a support system. Friendships are challenging, because your friends
know all your issues and frankly they are probably tired of hearing about them
and your inability to deal with them. That's normal but it doesn't mean they
don't love and appreciate you. Friendships evolve and go through different
phases that is just life, get used to it, it will be good practice for your
late 20’s when all of your friends meet their “soulmates”, have babies/dog
babies , move away for graduate school or a fabulous job. But true friends will
always find a way to stay in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5) <b>Deal
with your Issues Now ( Ignore this at your Own Peril)</b>- I read </span><span lang="ES-US"><a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/2013/31-great-quotes-about-being-in-your-20s/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ff7aa4; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">this quote</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in </span><span lang="ES-US"><a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/2013/31-great-quotes-about-being-in-your-20s/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ff7aa4; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Thought Catalog</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> about your 20’s
that rang very true:<i> “In your twenties, if you have any amount of
complexity in your childhood, or any trauma that you haven’t dealt with, it
comes out. “</i>Every awkward </span><span lang="ES-US"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maureen-ryan/mad-men-recap-favors_b_3413544.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #ff7aa4; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Sally Draper moment</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in which you
realized your parents were human and every unresolved instance of lost
innocence comes crashing down on you. Just remember that being confused about all
that is normal and having unresolved issues is too. It’s important you
recognize whatever “your” issues are and you start working on them now.
At the age of 20, I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and it took me very
long to not feel ashamed about that and to start finding ways to manage the
feelings that overcame me rather than try to pretend they didn’t exist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6) <b>Enjoy Your
Body-</b> Enjoy your body in your early 20’s, because sometime after age
25 you will notice a decline. Getting drunk won’t seem as fun when your
hangovers last 48 hours. I will never forget the first under eye wrinkle I saw
at the age of 27 under the fluorescent lighting at Forever 21. Please do
enjoy and also take care of your body now. (Also can someone tell me at what
age it becomes unacceptable to even walk into Forever 21? My friends and I
can’t seem to come to an agreement on this issue.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7) <b>Keep Your
Financial House in Order</b>- One day you are just a kid and all of a sudden
you’re in college and there’s these things called FAFSA and they are asking you
to decide what kind of loans to take out. Meanwhile, depending on how you were
raised you don’t even know your social security number. This is the time to
start educating yourself on these issues, it is also a good time to learn how
to make a budget and stick to it. After graduation the car my dad had purchased
for me broke down suddenly and I learned very quickly that with my credit score
I didn’t really qualify for a loan that didn’t come with a very high interest
rate. I hope you make better decisions than I did. Look at sites like
mint.com and learnvest.com that help you make a budget and teach you about
personal finance issues like how to build a good credit score.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8) <b>A
Word on Romance-</b> Yikes, I could write a book on all the things I did
wrong in this department. From infidelity, to chasing the wrong boys, to
holding on to the ones I didn’t like for my own selfish needs- I pretty much
covered a lot of territory in a short amount of time. It’s hard to capture any
“advice” because we all learn and evolve differently on these matters.
Here’s what I can tell you, when we are young we fail to consider that the
things we thought we wanted are not the things we need to feel content. We are
too young to know that things that at first were non-issues can become deal
breakers. Worse, we don’t realize when we are in relationships that don’t suit
us and we ignore that inner voice that tells us that something is not
right. I don’t consider any of the things I did mistakes, but rather that
it took guts to let go of people who weren’t right for me so that we could both
seek a better match. Every person that touches our life leaves us with a
lesson. Maybe we don't see that lesson at first but eventually we see the gift
they left us with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And Finally:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t
feel pressured to figure it all out in your 20’s because life doesn’t end after
29. Embrace the turbulent and
transformative nature of your 20’s. Sometimes we want to things to look a certain
way or work out in a way that makes life less messy, this way we don't have to
keep searching and we don't have to deal with the inner turmoil lurking inside
us. Allow yourself to feel the pangs of the uncertain; these feelings let
you know that you’re alive. Those feelings of uncertainty never fade and
if they do it means you are being too safe and that is no way for any of us to
live. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 13.65pt;">Xoxo,</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Betsy Aimee <o:p></o:p></div>
Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-81338858408676329112013-06-11T23:14:00.001-07:002013-06-11T23:14:19.622-07:00Lessons from an Absent Blogger<br />
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I started my blog in
August of 2011 after years of thinking about it and making up lame excuses
like,“oh well I should really learn HTML before I can start this.” One night I
decided I was going to do it and I did. I was on anti-depressants then so I
think it was easier for me to focus on things.Then when I finally
started, I couldn't stop. I took a few
writing courses and realized that although at heart I always felt like a writer
who just hadn't gotten around to writing. I had some successes and I was even
published on Forbes Magazine! Well the online version, but still that was quite
a feat for someone who had only been writing a few months.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then my old demons
reared their ugly head. You see I am
incredibly inconsistent with things. Once I have gotten into the habit of
something it takes about a day of not doing it for me to just abandon the habit
all together. While this means I am not a particularly good addict, it also
means I am a horrible blogger. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then my life got a
little murky and confusing and rather than have to explain to all of my readers
(I mean all 5 of you) what was going on with my life it was easier for me to
retreat into a sea of excuses. Some of
these ranged from the delusional, “Well I will never be as witty as Mindy
Kaling so what is the point?” to the more rational such as, “well you need to
engage readers often so you probably already lost them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Alas I have spent the
last few months pitching a few stories every so often to websites that refuse
to publish me. (You know who you are!)
Okay I only did that twice but you get my point. I have a bunch of
unfinished, garbled products living in my computer and in my brain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However, it is getting
really crowded in my head so here I am today.
Last time I wrote and published on my blog it was August of 2012. Here’s
what I have learned since: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I Write to
Stay Sane Not for Other People</span></b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Writing
for me was more of a therapeutic activity, because “like OMG, I have SO MANY
feelings”. Also there was finally a way
to channel all the personal information I am constantly putting out there, I’m
sure my friends were relieved that they no longer had to read my lengthy texts
because alas I had moved on to a bigger audience. When I stopped blogging it
was like an accumulation of thought and ideas started to block rational
thinking. Everything was overanalyzed in my head, in actual time and eventually
I would sit and write something and feel better but then I felt unproductive
because I hadn't published it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Perfect is
the Enemy of the Good</span></b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
have written about this before but please indulge me. Writing is an art form so
you are never really done with a piece; it’s more like you publish a draft. I
consistently tell myself pieces need to be perfect to be published. In the meantime, I stopped writing all
together because I stress myself out over the process. You just have to keep doing it and not get
discouraged <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>3) Writing is
Essential When You Are Going Through Major Life Transitions</b></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Last
year I was I afraid to write about a major life transition and the feelings that led me to
it so instead I would write about clothes, or Cinco De Mayo. The whole time I
was avoiding the issue even with my therapist, and I kept thinking about my
writing instructor who said we should write about whatever scares us the
most. Then somehow through that whole mess
I got incredibly lucky and fell in love. To make a very long and complicated
story short, we moved in together, now I am pregnant. Then I really
knew I was way behind on my blogging and so then it became harder to start
writing again. I really wish I wouldn't have stopped. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As
you can imagine that was all grand and I was too busy living these things to
tell you about it, but now I feel like I missed so many opportunities to
capture the very raw emotions that came with all of these transitions. Don’t worry I captured some of them but
mostly for my personal reflection. Now I
want to blog all about it but I keep thinking that too much has happened and
that people will have absolutely no idea what I am talking about. I hope I just caught you up! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></b> <b>Once
you stop y<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">ou
Realize that Maybe you did Touch a Few People</span></b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once
I stopped blogging I hoped that no one would notice. My friends commented on it but they are my
safety zone so I wasn't particularly ashamed. Then I ran into a work
acquaintance and she said, “I really hope you continue to write, because you do
it so beautifully.” I was shocked by the response and then a few weeks later I
received an email from someone who read a piece I had written months before
asking me for advice. What?! It was the
first time I realized people who aren't in my inner circle actually read what I write. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s Never
Too Late to Do What You Want</span></b></div>
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You
know what? I decided that today was the day I was going to start again. Is there something you have been avoiding? What is holding you back,
is it your own neurosis? Mine, holds me
back all the time. But the beauty of life is that every day is a new
opportunity to work towards the life you want. This is day 1 for me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>xoxo,</o:p></div>
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<o:p>Betsy Aimee </o:p></div>
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Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-90775065584134228272012-08-26T10:00:00.000-07:002012-08-26T10:00:33.871-07:00Stop Getting in the Way of Your Own Happiness <div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
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Source: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62604476/as-seen-on-modern-family-city-of" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">etsy.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lovealamode/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Rachel</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I have made big changes to my life these past few months that have brought me back to a place where I can marvel over what each day will bring and lately I look to the future with wide eyed wonder. This whole summer I have seen the beauty of my City of Angels with fresh eyes and have a new found appreciation for the people who wander its streets every day. Every face has a story and every street has been witness to a kiss, a tear or an embrace that has marked some one's existence. Life can be mundane and routine and it is moments such as these that make us who we are and if we are lucky they transform us and bring us closer to becoming the people we were meant to be. If we are too busy worrying about the superfluous nuisances of life we will cease to exist in the moment and before long we will stop appreciating the beauty that is all around us. <br />
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I am saying this to myself because I have difficulties enjoying the moment. It has always felt like living in the moment was a dangerous way to exist after all it was planning for the future that helped me survive the insanity that followed my parents divorce and the instability of my teens and early 20's. I always looked to a brighter future when things weren't great because at times it felt like it was the only way to get through the uncertainty of life. The problem is that I became stuck there in a mindset that can only look to the future, and while hope is definitely what sustained me in difficult time it also made me unable to enjoy the present. I know im not the only one that suffers from this mentality, it plagues many of us. I call it the glass half empty problem, It goes something like this- "when I have that degree I will be happy," "when I buy that new gadget I will be happy," "when I get that promotion I will be happy." It took me a long time to accept that this is my life, LIKE RIGHT NOW! It's not starting tomorrow or when I lose 20 pounds. <br />
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Here are my tips to discovering bits of hapiness everyday: <br />
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1) <strong>Talk to Strangers-</strong> I know it goes against everything we were told when we were kids. But trust me every person you encounter has a story to tell, I just met a girl who visited Cancun and fell in love with the people and the place. She wasn't unhappy with her life here in the U.S but she had stopped enjoying herself and was in "the safety zone" with her job and in everything else. She saved up some many and moved to Cancun within a few months of visiting. She told me how in her new life everyday is an adventure and she feels more alive than she had in a long time. She took a leap of faith that inspired me to make sure that I find something to be amazed by everyday even within the boundaries of my hometown. On the plus side she also fell in love with a local four months after arriving there! People want to share their story you just have to ask them about it and you will be surprised at what you can learn from them and how it can inspire your own life. On the flip side, people want to hear what you have to say too, when is the last time you spoke to a new person? Made a new friend or even re-connected with an old one? <br />
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2) <strong>Look Around You</strong>- Yeah, that means look away from your phone and up at the sky, a tree, a sunset whatever. It sounds stupid but once you start to think about it you realize how we hardly every do that. I think I went years without appreciating the peacefulness of a summer night. Even in the grand city that is LA we can find bits of nature that help us connect with the part of our humanity that can get lost in the urban jungle. I sat on a swing set in a park a few weeks ago and looked up at the trees and the few stars that the pollution allows to come through and had the most amazing time sitting there contemplating where I have been and for the first time ever appreciating not having a flow chart to map where i'm going next. <br />
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3) <strong>See the World Through the Eyes of Another</strong>- If you're as lucky as I am you already have special people in your life that can help you appreciate things that you may not notice on your own. It can be music, it can be a piece of art, or even a funny commercial. Observe the passions of others and you may find beauty in unexpected places. I was in West Hollywood recently and caught a glimpse of this magnficient mural by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepard_Fairey">Shepard Fairey</a>.<br />
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You've seen his work as he is the creative force behind the now widely know Barack Obama "HOPE" poster. but then thanks to the person I was with I actually went up close and actually took a moment to appreciate it and noticed the slight imperfections that made the piece authentic and I couldn't help but admire the countless hours that are put into a piece of this magnitude. My ephiphany for that moment was that even the most beautiful things have slight flaws that dont necessarily make them any less amazing but they do make them unique. <br />
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4) <strong>Find "Your Thing"-</strong> Writing has helped me see the world through different eyes and to look within to answer the questions that at first I thought would be answered by external sources. When I first started writing I was overly concerned with my audience and my writing had to have a purpose and my lack of posts this summer is a testament to said insecurity. I now realize that writing for me is much more selfish pursuit as it allows me to make sense of my thoughts and actions. I have since started journaling much more often and writing down thoughts or a even a music lyric that touches me in a particular way. We aren't all writers but we all have "our outlet." I encourage you to find yours and it will change your life. <br />
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Lets all stop waiting for our lives to begin and stop getting in the way of our own hapiness. I am trying something new lately, I am letting my heart lead the way. <br />
Wish me Luck! <br />
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xoxo<br />
Betsy Aimee <br />
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<br />Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-19503389838721644432012-05-25T09:19:00.001-07:002012-05-25T09:19:37.810-07:00Eastside Career Chic in The Daily Muse: Is Your Hair in Between Washes? No Problem!<br />
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We all have those days when our hair just won’t do what it’s supposed to. Or when we’re so busy meeting deadlines (and, let’s be honest, friends for happy hour) that spending an hour shampooing and blow drying in the morning just isn’t going to happen.</div>
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Truth is, we could all use some tips on how to deal with a bad hair day that don’t involve hiding out in a cubicle. So we turned to YouTube’s best beauty vloggers for some inspiration, and found seven styles that’ll spruce up your look and let you <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/style/morning-mayhem-how-to-finally-get-out-the-door-on-time/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(226, 226, 226); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #48a9c8; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Morning Mayhem: How to (Finally!) Get Out the Door on Time">get out the door</a> with plenty of time to still grab a latte. But be warned: They’re so awesome, you may want to wear them on good hair days, too!</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. The Simple Updo</strong></h3>
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This everyday updo, courtesy of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/wendyslookbook?feature=results_main" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(226, 226, 226); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #48a9c8; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wendy’s Lookbook</a>, requires only a few hair clips and a few minutes! It works best on medium-long, fine hair that hasn’t been washed in a few days—the oils in your hair will give the style more texture, and that “I look cute but didn’t try too hard” look.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Perfect for:</strong> Those mornings when you hit the snooze button one too many times.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What You Need:</strong> A hairbrush, 2 hair clips, a few bobby pins, and 2 elastic hair bands.</div>
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Read the rest of this article at <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/style/20361/">The Daily Muse</a></div>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-63417748002634966802012-05-11T01:59:00.001-07:002012-05-12T09:11:07.538-07:00Movie Review: What We Can Learn From Girl in Progress<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.latinabloggersconnect.com/">Latina Bloggers Connect</a> I received an invitation to attend a screening of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1817676/">“Girl in Progress.”</a> It had been a long time since I was so moved by a film and so immediately invested in the characters. The story demonstrates the complex nature of mother/daughter relationships but it also demonstrates how our relationships with family, friends and ourselves are constantly evolving. Eva Mendez and Sierra Ramirez gave life to beautifully written characters under the direction of Patricia Riggen. As a Latina I cannot help but feel incredibly proud of this movie, but the message it leaves the audience with transcends ethnic boundaries.</div>
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The movie focuses on a young girl and her desire to separate from her mother by eliciting her “coming of age” experience. I promised this post would contain no spoilers so I won’t delve into too many details! By the end both of the women in the film have made progress, but just like in real life, things aren’t perfect.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Looking back, I relate to the naïve precociousness of the daughter in the film. I once thought that life transitions could be uncomplicated and that the ties that bind us to those we love could be easily broken. I thought that my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_of_age">“coming of age</a>” would bring an end to the confusion, messiness and uncertainty of life. I now know that even when we have experienced our “coming of age” and have transitioned out of our adolescence we never stop learning and we never stop growing. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This movie allowed the main characters to be flawed, vulnerable and even unlikeable at times which is a rarity these days. A lot of us struggle to achieve a false ideal of womanhood because we are afraid of the imperfections, and flaws lurking just underneath the polished exteriors we work so hard to maintain. I know many times I held my own mother to a very high standard and even now constantly berate myself for all of the things that I am not. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Living up to our own false expectations of what life should look like is sometimes the hardest thing to let go of. When we realize that we are never really complete, that there is never an end to our growth perhaps we will start to appreciate the beauty of being women in progress. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I for one know that I will always be a woman in progress. Watch the movie and you may have an epiphany of your very own. Take your mom, your sister or your best friend, you won’t regret it. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Betsy Aimee</span></div>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-79037495483135774992012-05-05T14:11:00.000-07:002012-05-05T14:27:30.349-07:00Cinco De Mayo Special: Being Mexican is AwesomeToday is Cinco de Mayo and based on the promos and paraphernalia at Party City you would think that Mexican culture is all about Coronas, mustaches and sombreros. Well yes, those are elements of the culture. But there is definitely more to it than that! As a first generation Mexican-American (well technically i'm half as my mother is Guatemalan) I never felt the need to learn about my culture as it was all around me, in fact I spent a good part of my life trying to escape the elements of my culture I disliked or didn't identify with.Now that I am older I have learned to appreciate my Mexican side a lot more. Here are some reasons why Mexican women are awesome:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1) History of Strong Women-</span></b> I really reject the notion that Mexican women are submissive and bow their heads to their men. Thus I had to search for different role models of what being a Mexican woman was all about and thanks to my mother I discovered Frida Kahlo.<br />
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<b>Frida Kahlo: </b></div>
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Frida sufferred a terrible accident at a young age that could have destroyed her spirit but her will to live, love and succeed was stronger than the pain she lived with as a result of the accident. She managed to seduce and marry Diego Rivera, a man who could have easily overpowered her physically and professionally. Even after his infidelities, Frida stayed true to herself and got even (watch the movie or read this book to know more), she wasn't afraid to live on her own terms, have controversial beliefs and be sexually liberated at a time when most women didn't dare to. While she loved Diego in the end her she got the last laugh as she eclipsed her famous husband and has become the most well-known and revered Mexican artist. LOVE HER!</div>
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<b>Maria Felix: </b></div>
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The biggest star of Mexico's Golden Age of Cinema, Mari Felix, was the Mexican Liz Taylor. She married 4 times, and always personified a strong, indomitable women on film and in real life. She also happened to be incredibly beautiful and proud of her Yaki Indian ancestry. She also wore Christian Dior and was featured in best dresses lists throughout the world<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div>
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Her personality and spirit are demonstrated in this quote: </div>
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"I cannot complain about men. I have had tons of them and they have treated me fabulously well. But sometimes I had to hurt them to keep them from subjugating me.<em style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2) </b></span></span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Fearless Fashion Sense</b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">-</span></b></span><span style="text-align: center;">Have you ever watched a Latin award show? Mexican women are not afraid to flaunt their curves and bring on the color and the bling. </span><span style="text-align: center;">Look at Friday Kahlo and Maria Felix (above) does it look like they were afraid to accessorize? </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><span style="text-align: center;">Here's one of my favorite Mexican actresses, Jacqueline Bracamontes in Oscar De La Renta. She's the epitome of refinement on every occasion and she has the most amazing hair. It's also always great to see a red carper filled with with women that are not primarily thin, blondes. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What do I wear on Cinco de Mayo?</span></b> Now that you know why Mexican women are awesome. Here's a Cinco de Mayo Outfit for you to flaunt out on the town tonight! Notice the bold color in every piece and the statement necklace. The point is to incorporate elements of the colors associated with the Mexican flag, not to actually look like a flag. Of course these pieces are versatile enough to be worn after tonight too. All of these items can be found at Forever21.com<br />
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So let's not forget that I was born and raised in the U.S and like any real American I will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo tonight with a shot of Tequila. Being bi-cultural provides you with SO many drinking opportunities. How do you observe the day? What are your favorite things about Mexican women? </div>
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Feliz Cinco de Mayo! </div>
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xoxo</div>
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Betsy Aimee </div>
<br />Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-16071914146311070672012-04-28T00:00:00.000-07:002012-04-28T15:44:20.112-07:00Peplum is for Everyone!When I first saw the peplum trend I did not think it could be for me, as extra attention to my hip area does not favor my body type. But I changed my mind about the trend when I realized that peplum accentuates my waist too! Then I saw that one of my favorite bloggers Tanesha from <a href="http://girlwithcurves.tumblr.com/post/20167325485/black-white">Girl with Curves</a> rocked it and looked absolutely beautiful! I have since been looking for my next peplum top. Here are my favorites as of lately, all for under 100 dollars...<br />
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These can be worn with denim jeans (extra points if they are colorful jeans), your favorite pencil skirt, or shorts in the Summer months! Throw a belt on for extra emphasis on the waistline. It's flirty,feminine and an easy way to incorporate trends into your Spring/Summer wardrobe. <br />
What trends are you afraid to try? <br />
Happy Weekend!<br />
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Betsy Aimee</div>
<br />Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-11261353179737910282012-04-27T09:22:00.001-07:002012-04-27T21:42:15.039-07:00Eastside Career Chic in The Daily Muse: How to Deal with Depression at Work<i style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171488698281218098/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="523" src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/21251429461838296_YlddiU30_c.jpg" width="452" /></a></i><br />
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<i>Read <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;">my newest post for <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/author/betsy-aimee/" style="color: #ff7aa4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Daily Muse</a> a publication for smart young professional women</span></i></div>
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A few months ago, I told you how a <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=quarter+life+crisis+book&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7GGHP_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=11820505094459054071&sa=X&ei=2_EsTvGeObTTiAKznrCwAg&ved=0CC0Q8wIwAg" style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom: rgb(226,226,226) 1px solid; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #48a9c8; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">quarter-life</a> crisis catapulted me into a severe depression, and <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/health/my-story-what-i-learned-from-depression/" style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom: rgb(226,226,226) 1px solid; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #48a9c8; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="My Story: What I Learned from Depression">my story of recovering</a>. The response I received from that piece since tells me that I’m not alone in this plight, and that many of us have experienced a similar personal crisis. And a recent article on<em style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2012/04/02/how-gen-y-and-millennials-can-avoid-the-pitfalls-of-burnout/" style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom: rgb(226,226,226) 1px solid; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #48a9c8; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Forbes</a></em> confirmed that more millennials are suffering from depression, <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/health/dealing-with-anxiety-whats-normal-and-whats-not/" style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom: rgb(226,226,226) 1px solid; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #48a9c8; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Dealing With Anxiety: What’s Normal and What’s Not">anxiety</a>, or some other form of mood disorder than ever before.</div>
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One of the hardest parts of my ordeal was that, in the midst of it all, I still had to be a functional adult and stay on top of my job responsibilities. And while there are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1568387903/?tag=brazecaree-20" style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom: rgb(226,226,226) 1px solid; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #48a9c8; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">many great books online</a> about how to deal with depression or anxiety at work, I also want to share some suggestions based on my own experience for making it through—and even thriving.</div>
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Follow the <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/career/depression-at-work/">link</a> for tips! </div>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-64095457248532250712012-04-26T20:46:00.003-07:002012-04-26T22:20:16.549-07:00Eastside Career Chic in Office A La Mode<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On a daily basis how many negative thoughts about your body go through your mind? Are there any types of clothes you are afraid to wear?<br />
See my curvy girl confession in Office A La Mode:<br />
Follow the <a href="http://officealamode.blogspot.com/2012/04/curvy-girl-confession.html">link</a> for moreBetsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-64193780666655668362012-04-24T00:15:00.000-07:002012-04-24T12:50:33.220-07:00How to Put Your Best Self ForwardWelcome to my newly re-designed blog. I am so excited that my friend was willing to help my blog put its best face forward! I love her. Sometimes we know that something is great but intuitively we know that it could be even better.In life and in blogging there is always room for improvement. Thus now that my friend took care of the blog I have dedicated these past few weeks to reflect on life and rid my mind of clutter to put my best self forward. Here's how you can do it too!<br />
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<b>1) Search the Internet for Answers: </b><br />
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<b>Source: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/275431/desk-projects/@center/277001/diy-decorating#/265859" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">marthastewart.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/lizbethreyes/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Lizbeth</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/about-penelope-trunk/">Penelope Trunk</a> saved my life, I found her through HuffPo and we have been in a relationship ever since.She doesn't know it, but she planted the seed for this blog and my journey as a writer, influenced my last salary negotiation and has played a role in my marriage. She shares intimate details of her life and inspired me to share <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-feminine-mystique.html">my own story</a> without fear of judgment.<br />
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Her advice led me to discover other quarter-life crisis self-help gurus like Alexandra Robbins who wrote a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Your-Quarterlife-Crisis-Twentysomethings/dp/039953038X">book</a> on how to survive and conquer your quarter-life crisis. These books gave me hope in some difficult moments and so did Penelope. Finding Penelope Trunk on the internet changed my life. If you are strategic you too can find life altering sites on the internet! It''s very silly advice but it's also very easy to do.<br />
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<b>2) Shake Things Up:</b><br />
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You cannot keep doing the same thing and expect different outcomes. I know this because I have tried it and trust me it FAILS every time. When I was depressed, sulking around at home and complaining about my life did not make things better. What made it better was seeing a therapist, getting a dog and doing a series of other things that did not just occur as I slept in till 2pm on a weekend. If you feel lost you will need to make an effort to find whatever it is you're looking for, a new job, a new relationship, a new apartment, etc.<br />
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You can start small, for example in the past few weeks I cut inches off my hair, and tried to change my hair color. I didn't say you had to go crazy here, baby steps are fine. I also decided to spruce up my social life by attending events I would normally not attend because i'm too tired, too busy or too lazy to attend. I attended the FAWN <a href="http://www.youtube.com/fawn?feature=etp-gs-fwn-00">You Tube channel launch</a> and a<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1817676/"> movie screening</a> for Girl in Progress (which you really should see) At the second event I even networked and asked someone to meet me for coffee! Step out of your comfort zone, you may meet people or get a cool gift bag filled with fun make-up!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDlV1cAqsos/T5ZMNsXggkI/AAAAAAAAAc0/K-938dopi0U/s1600/Fawn+Blog+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDlV1cAqsos/T5ZMNsXggkI/AAAAAAAAAc0/K-938dopi0U/s400/Fawn+Blog+.jpg" width="293" /></a><i>Here I am shaking things up at the You Tube channel launch with my shorter hair, and hot pink pants (an unusual wardrobe choice and yet another way I was shaking things up) See I have proof that I am taking my own advice! </i><br />
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<b>3) Focus on the Positive: </b></div>
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I was in the middle of March Madness (the work kind not the basketball kind) and I noticed a crazy increase in my blog's traffic. I then realized the<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2012/03/19/6-ways-to-be-a-great-boss-to-your-intern/"> Forbes.com</a> had picked up my latest article for<a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/author/betsy-aimee/"> The Daily Muse</a>!! Here was my advice on <a href="http://forbes.com/">Forbes.com</a>. One year ago, I wasn't even writing and now here I am on a major site that was accomplishment HUGE for me. It also proves that searching the internet for answers and shaking things up really does make a difference when you're lost. I started this blog to shake things up and challenge myself and I did it by searching for cool bloggers on the internet. I have encountered so many amazing people and really discovered a whole new side of myself, the writer. I usually look at past blog posts and focus on typos or how things could have been phrased differently. I am now trying to focus on this small victory and using it as motivation to keep writing. (Just found several typos here too, Ugh) </div>
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<b>4) Don't Worry About Feeling Lost:</b><br />
These past few weeks have been crazy and I have been reflecting a lot about what I want for this blog and for my career. Whenever this happens I usually turn to the Patron Saint for L<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarter-life_crisis">ost 20 Somethings</a>, <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/about-penelope-trunk/">Penelope Trunk</a>. She writes eloquently about being lost and urges readers to embrace being lost because personal growth looks a lot like <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/11/15/stop-worrying-that-your-twentysomething-is-lost/">being lost</a>. I have felt lost so many times I am now in the running for a lost 20-something medal of honor for personal growth, and it is VERY frustrating but I try to remember this little nugget of advice I found on my new obsession <a href="http://pinterest.com/betsyaimee/">Pinterest</a>.<br />
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Source: <a href="http://coolmemories.tumblr.com/post/4981421692/life-begins-at-the-end-of-your-comfort-zone" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">coolmemories.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/betsyaimee/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Betsy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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So go ahead and embrace the discomfort of being lost and put your best self forward!<br />
How are you shaking things up this spring? When was the last time you felt lost and what did you do about it?<br />
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<b>xoxo</b><br />
<b>Betsy Aimee</b>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-43301509156801818902012-03-22T00:03:00.001-07:002012-03-22T00:03:48.054-07:00Tips to Stay Afloat When You Are Overwhelmed<div>
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Source: <a href="http://adoseofgumption.tumblr.com/post/4444623388" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">adoseofgumption.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sasws/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Allison @</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I really wanted to name this post, "What do to When you Feel like you are About to Lose your Sh*t" but I thought that might elicit the wrong response. Without going into too much detail I will say that I am very busy (in a good way) at work, dealing with family issues and trying to adjust to new financial realities and have been feeling overwhelmed with life.<br />
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Whenever I am stressed my patterns of self-destructive behavior start to kick-in and for now they are manifesting themselves in the form of extreme hunger that results in over-eating (usually fast-food) and an extreme desire to hit the mall (or the internet) and do some impulse shopping. </div>
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Indulging these behaviors is fun but then the hangover ie-guilt that comes after is too much to bear. Therefore I have decided that it is time for some new ways to manage stress, here's what I have so far: </div>
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1)<b> Do Things for Others:</b> My friend ran the L.A Marathon on Sunday and my other friend and I decided to go cheer her on. The day before I did something completely out of character and offered to make some encouraging posters for my friend (the runner). Normally, I would not have offered to do this because of my lackluster artistic abilities but I was so stressed that coloring seemed like a great escape. I found myself enjoying the task and it felt great to cheer on my friend while she accomplished such a feat. The old adage "tis better to give than to receive" has some truth to it. </div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93619316/retro-inspirational-quote-giclee-art" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">etsy.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/delmyrivera/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Delmy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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2) <b>This is Not the Time to Feel Guilty for What You Aren't Doing:</b> We all have those things we have on the back burner, you know doing our taxes, cleaning our attic etc. For me, it's starting an exercise plan. Every week/day that I don't do it, I feel guilty over it. I decided that with all of the million things I need to do. I need to be ok with not being able to accomplish all of my goals and being proud of myself for keeping up with other things like blogging etc. </div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/2012/02/on-coexistence.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">alreadypretty.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/chrisem/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Christine</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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3)<b> No Matter How Crazy Life Gets, Leave Some Time for Yourself: </b>It's easy to forget about ourselves when we are taking care of everything and everyone else, but you will not last very long if you don't take some time to decompress. I take a few minutes every night to read a book, a magazine or watch re-runs on TV Land or find pretty pictures on<a href="http://pinterest.com/betsyaimee/" target="_blank"> Pinterest </a>for my blog posts. This also helps me sleep as I clear my mind of all the craziness from the day. Do whatever you enjoy. Another friend told me that her exercise time is precious because it allows her to unplug and not be bothered by anyone. Also this is probably not the best time to forget to go to <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2012/02/self-help-for-skeptics.html" target="_blank">therapy</a>. :)<br />
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4) <b>Keep Calm: </b>Don't lose your sh*t, because if you do then you will spend all of next cleaning up the mess you made this week because you pissed everyone off. Just keep calm and be like Kate Middleton: classy, poised and of course, well dressed.</div>
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Source: <a href="http://definingclassy.tumblr.com/post/14114448455" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">definingclassy.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/gracelauren9/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Grace</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I am still working on this list, but I want to know, how do you deal with stress? How do you keep it together during stressful times? </div>
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<br /></div>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-62212650232277104242012-03-15T00:00:00.000-07:002012-03-15T00:00:03.327-07:00Eastside Career Chic in The Daily Muse: How to Be a Great Intern Boss<br />
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<i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/217509856973206888/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://media-cdn0.pinterest.com/upload/80994493268062635_onTFbjga_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></i></div>
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<i>Source: <a href="http://www.writeclickscrapbook.com/write_click_scrapbook/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">writeclickscrapbook.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kathyrogers/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Kathy</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></i></div>
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<i>Hello Everyone,</i><br />
<i>I wanted to share with you my newest post for <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/author/betsy-aimee/" target="_blank">The Daily Muse</a> a publication for smart young professional women. I began my career as an intern so I know first hand how these experiences can make or break the first stages of our professional lives. In this article I share what I have learned about being a good intern manager, it hasn't always been smooth sailing but it has definitely been one of the most rewarding things I have done thus far... </i><br />
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Looking back on my early career, I realize that many of the skills
that have helped me stay employed in the “real world” didn’t come from
what I learned in lectures, but from <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/job-search/why-to-think-twice-about-bypassing-unpaid-internships-2/" title="Why to Think Twice About Bypassing Unpaid Internships">the internships I pursued</a>
while I was a student. I was lucky to have great intern supervisors
that allowed me to learn (sometimes through trial and error), believed
in my potential, and gave me hands-on experience that’s helped me
succeed.<br />
So, now that I have my own interns to manage, I try to provide them
with an experience that’s just as great as the ones I had. And I
appreciate now more than ever that a great experience doesn’t just
happen. If you’re a <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/career/first-time-manager-how-to-fast-track-your-education/" title="First-Time Manager? How to Fast-Track Your Education">first-time intern manager</a>, read on for tips on how you can help your interns be successful (and develop your own leadership skills at the same time!).<br />
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<strong>1. </strong><strong>Prepare</strong></h3>
Before your intern sets foot in the door, think through what,
exactly, her job will entail, and what duties you’ll have her take on.
Create a job description and develop a work plan that outlines her
responsibilities and goals for the duration of the internship. Sure, it
might be more convenient to just have her do whatever comes up (or start
cleaning up that spreadsheet you’ve been avoiding), but creating a
structured plan is important for several reasons. You’ll make sure that
you’re providing your intern with work experience that’s actually
valuable, you’ll make sure you’re using her time well, and you’ll give
her a guide to reference through the internship—plus you’ll have a clear
set of standards for <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/career/5-steps-to-giving-good-feedback/" title="5 Steps to Giving Good Feedback">evaluating her performance</a>.<br />
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Read the rest of this article at <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/career/6-ways-to-be-a-great-boss-to-your-intern/" target="_blank">The Daily Muse</a>.Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-51925221143436524312012-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:002012-03-14T00:26:22.827-07:00CGBT-Out of Town!I told you that I identified my<a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2012/01/whats-your-style-formula-mine-is-cbgt.html" target="_blank"> style formula</a> as CGBT! Classic, Girly, Bold, Trendy.<br />
This month I will be making several day trips for business and thus I need to put my style skills to good use and avoid the impulse to throw on the first thing I see when I get up at 5am to catch a 7am flight! A lot of these trips are only for the day so I will be up very early to catch a flight and then come home in the evening after meetings etc.. These are super long days but it doesn't mean a gal should throw style out the window. I will be participating in meetings that require a more conservative look than what I wear day-to-day and I am planning accordingly. Here's what I am coveting for my upcoming travels and some things I have already purchased. I mean when you are buying things you "need" for work it's okay to splurge right?<br />
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If you're reading this you should really be subscribed to my blog (via email on the sidebar) or follow me on <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3433361/eastside-career-chic?claim=fdk3n2nmg85" target="_blank">Blog Lovin</a> .<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Classic:</span></b></div>
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My BFF got me into Kate Spade back in that day and one of my first major purchases was a Kate Spade wallet. It cost me 125.00 (which in hindsight was way TOO much for a working class college student to pay for a wallet) it was bright red and even back then I loved the timeless look of Kate Spade's items. I recently re-discovered my love for Kate Spade and just made a new addition to my collection. I got mine on Super, Duper Non-Refundable sale, but here's a <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1138&bih=519&tbm=isch&tbnid=bgcqJU2UzPPERM:&imgrefurl=http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-gold-coast-elizabeth-quilted-leather-shoulder-bag/3179432&docid=ooseRoUYjpm2TM&imgurl=http://g-lvl3.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Large/8/_6450948.jpg&w=350&h=537&ei=ij9gT9GBFYz9iQK9i-2-BA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=233&vpy=133&dur=2087&hovh=278&hovw=181&tx=110&ty=176&sig=108870227145319340162&page=3&tbnh=153&tbnw=100&start=38&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:38" target="_blank">similar one</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9I2Swd9kT8/T2BCe754zfI/AAAAAAAAAW0/NaCVpGsxGq8/s1600/AAAADGkqsccAAAAAAZN--w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9I2Swd9kT8/T2BCe754zfI/AAAAAAAAAW0/NaCVpGsxGq8/s1600/AAAADGkqsccAAAAAAZN--w.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Girly:</span></b></div>
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How cute are these shoes! When im doing all day meetings and traveling through airports most of my regular heels just won't do! I need something to get me through the day comfortable and stylish. I think these may do the trick and are still fun and interesting. Get them<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/seychelles-mixed-emotions-pump/3278892?origin=category&resultback=2763" target="_blank"> HERE! </a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlGezn34Uv8/T2BDm4-aTII/AAAAAAAAAW8/IxQfaDaX2QI/s1600/_6796838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlGezn34Uv8/T2BDm4-aTII/AAAAAAAAAW8/IxQfaDaX2QI/s400/_6796838.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bold: </span></b></div>
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The color and knotted bow makes this classic silhouette fresh. Also reminds me a little of my favorite princess, <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2011/07/welcome-why-should-you-read-this-blog.html" target="_blank">Kate Middleton</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wvvkRm3uvA/T2A72gNhC3I/AAAAAAAAAWk/AxEzvs6PBnA/s1600/kate_front_coral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wvvkRm3uvA/T2A72gNhC3I/AAAAAAAAAWk/AxEzvs6PBnA/s400/kate_front_coral.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
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Celeb Boutique. Get it <a href="http://celebboutique.com/kate-coral-twist-front-capsleeve-stretch-crepe-pencil-dress-en.html" target="_blank">HERE!</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Trendy:</span></b></div>
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Remember I <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2012/02/cgbt-monday.html" target="_blank">told you</a> I wanted House Harlow cat eye sunglasses? Well after purchasing my lovely purse I decided that getting the glasses was just no longer an option if I wanted to stay within budget. Thus, I settled for these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oversized-Fashion-Designer-Inspired-Sunglasses/dp/B005P1FIJ2/ref=cm_cmu_up_add_glance" target="_blank">copy cats</a> I found on Amazon. These will be in my new purse when I travel and will serve me well when i'm walking through airports before <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2012/01/sunday-dreariness-beauty-routine.html" target="_blank">applying concealer</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jeuVvZcKQgM/T2A-ilC7ATI/AAAAAAAAAWs/Co12VBzIWpo/s1600/SP11-21_INSET2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jeuVvZcKQgM/T2A-ilC7ATI/AAAAAAAAAWs/Co12VBzIWpo/s400/SP11-21_INSET2.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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How do you travel in style? Leave me a comment and let me know. </div>
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xoxo,</div>
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Betsy Aimee </div>
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<br />Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-2892873826463059282012-03-10T18:02:00.001-08:002012-03-10T18:02:57.442-08:00Happy Weekend!<br />
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Source: <a href="http://anamublog.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/happy-friday-29/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">anamublog.wordpress.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/shopsweetthings/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jeanne / Shop Sweet Things </a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I am spending more time on <a href="http://pinterest.com/betsyaimee/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> lately and i'm sure they rest of you are too. I find that this is a place I can go to on rough days and look at beautiful things. It has also become a place where I encounter cool photos for blog posts like the one above and I also find it a great source for outfit inspiration. It's like scrap booking for the 21t Century!<br />
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Be my buddy on Pinterest, by clicking <a href="http://pinterest.com/betsyaimee/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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I hope you are enjoying the weekend and that you are making all of your ideas happen :)<br />
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xoxo<br />
Betsy Aimee<br />
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<br />Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-29527417081217300362012-03-07T22:50:00.002-08:002012-03-07T23:09:42.941-08:00Challenges for Millennial Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtNSIT-7LdY/T1hZHQ0oGiI/AAAAAAAAAWM/V_rSDKS-drM/s1600/blogforiwd.new2_.logo_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtNSIT-7LdY/T1hZHQ0oGiI/AAAAAAAAAWM/V_rSDKS-drM/s320/blogforiwd.new2_.logo_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">This is a special post in honor of the </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">Third Annual Blog for International Women’s Day, a day where bloggers, writers, and humanitarian organizations are asked to write about issues facing women and girls.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/">International Women’s
Day</a> provides us with a great opportunity to celebrate the many things the
women who came before us accomplished. But it is also a time to ponder on the
many things we have yet to do.. Our world has seen very dramatic changes
in the past 50 years and millennial women have reaped the benefits of the
revolutions that occurred in the 60’s and 70’s. Yet we don’t have to go very
far but to see that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Y">millennial</a>
women still have much ground to cover on the domestic and international fronts:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US">A Fair Work Place</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi_8yyBLy9g/T1hVWfccK1I/AAAAAAAAAV8/q-1U7TAVnr0/s1600/mom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi_8yyBLy9g/T1hVWfccK1I/AAAAAAAAAV8/q-1U7TAVnr0/s1600/mom.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US">· </span><span lang="EN-US">I’m sure you know that the
United States is one of the few industrialized nations that </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/04/maternity-leave-laws-forbes-woman-wellbeing-pregnancy.html"><span lang="EN-US">doesn’t provide Universal Paid Maternity Leave</span></a><span lang="EN-US">. This is only one of the many issues that affect women’s role in the
workplace and is indicative of pay inequities that still exist in our country. Clearly we are still <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-are-you-working-towards.html">struggling
to integrate women</a> with children into the workforce in an equitable way.
Meanwhile, the stay-at home mommies and the work mommies are still struggling
to find common ground. I hope millennial women figure out how we can all join
forces so that women stop feeling like they have to choose one path over the
other. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US">· </span><span lang="EN-US">I’m also still alarmed at
the pay inequities that exist among men and women and how this </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/03/women-recession-recovery_n_992111.html"><span lang="EN-US">recession has disproportionately affected women</span></a><span lang="EN-US">. While it is great that more of us are taking on Graduate and
Professional degrees during times of economic uncertainty it is unfair that we
will be compensated differently once we enter the workforce. We have heard the
numbers:</span> </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.yourtango.com/2012140891/how-are-women-faring-2012-womens-rights-report-card">Women
earn 77-85</a> (studies take into account certain factors to come up with the
higher number) cents to every dollar a Man makes. If you are a woman of color
this number is lower (Yay, for me). As if we needed more proof the most recent
census revealed that </span><a href="http://www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/p70-129.pdf" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US">women
earn less</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> per month than men at EVERY degree level. We could go into details as to the why’s and
the hows of this but either way it is something we need to examine further in
the next few decades.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Slut Shaming (See next point) </b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bGCM3lqi0g/T1hUuIg9p2I/AAAAAAAAAV0/Ytp0SpteAD0/s1600/MjAxMi0zZWU4YTc5NjIyYTEyMGI5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bGCM3lqi0g/T1hUuIg9p2I/AAAAAAAAAV0/Ytp0SpteAD0/s320/MjAxMi0zZWU4YTc5NjIyYTEyMGI5.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Access to Basic Health Care</b> <br />If you haven’t noticed it seems that health services that have played a big role in women’s lives, such as birth control, are still considered quite controversial. Just last week Rush Limbaugh caused an up roar when he declared that the Georgetown Student that testified in Congress about the importance of having access to birth control, was a “slut” and that her and all of the other Feminazi’s that want to government to pay for birth control should have to upload videos of the themselves having sex. Then a few weeks back Mr. Foster Friess (sp?) <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57379586-503544/foster-friess-in-my-day-women-used-bayer-aspirin-for-contraceptives/">explained to renowned journalist Andrea Mitchell</a> that in his day women would “put a Bayer aspiring between their legs for birth control” aka- Close your legs! Mr. Freeze was on television discussing his support for Presidential nominee, Rick Santoroum who was quoted as saying that<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN7WfIZh690&feature=player_embedded"> “birth control is harmful to society.”</a> Geez. <br /><br />This is a challenge for millennial women because the way these things play out in our country is very indicative or where women stand in contemporary society. I know our mom’s and grandmothers tell us that “we just don’t know what it was like in the old days” and you know what? Thanks to all of their efforts we don’t, but we still have our own battles to fight. I can’t help but wonder if these political discussions would play out differently if Congress was 83% female, instead 83% male. Hmmm…This reminds me of my next point <br /><br /><b>Breaking the Glass Ceiling/s and/or denying there is still a Glass Ceiling to Break</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/10344274113604574/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="562" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/10344274113604574_Gg3QMjou_c.jpg" width="375" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Source: <a href="http://www.janluijk.nl/content/food" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">janluijk.nl</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/catheriner/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Catherine</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b>Sometimes I feel like I’m living in parallel universes, on the one hand there is world declaring “the end of men” and telling me how men are falling behind on educational attainment. Yet on the other hand I see a world where I can only think a few female CEO’s and I see that many of the organizations that hold the power in our society are still very male dominated. This brings us into a larger discussion about whether or not women are failing to achieve seats of power because they don’t really want to be there, what Sheryl Sandberg called “the ambition gap” in her now famous (well famous among my colleagues) <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-are-you-working-towards.html">TED Talk</a>. Others may argue that there are indeed true barriers to access. If such barriers exist are they institutional barriers? Or is it that women were not raised to have the characteristics needed to succeed in high level positions? I wish I had the answer to these questions. If I did there wouldn’t have been a need to list it as a challenge for millennial women. I will probably be wondering about this one for the rest of my life. This brings me to my next thought… <br /><br /><b>First World Problems</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CK0qDJ2eBPo/T1hV_o_ccaI/AAAAAAAAAWE/qjALJI2S--o/s1600/Bachelet_Quote_v2_English1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CK0qDJ2eBPo/T1hV_o_ccaI/AAAAAAAAAWE/qjALJI2S--o/s400/Bachelet_Quote_v2_English1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I use the phrase “first world problems” when I am discussing a problem that can only happen in the life of someone who has their basic needs fully met. It’s also a reminder to myself that for a majority of women around the world, not having been selected to serve on a Board of Directors is a superfluous issue that does not compare to losing a child because you are unable to provide food or shelter, or because you are living in a place being ravaged by a war that was most likely started by men. (Sorry sometimes I make generalizations) <br />How will we continue to advance the rights of women and girls around the world to ensure that they are no longer casualties of famine, war and of the decisions made by those around them? <a href="http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/directorate/executive-director/">Michelle Bachelet</a> is one example of a bad-ass woman who is working to ensure that the next generation of women has a better chance at life. While it is important to work to advance ourselves, we must also remember our sisters around the world who could use our help and deserve a chance to pursue their own dreams and aspirations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ok so now that you are riled up let’s look at some organizations that are already working hard to solve these issues: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.togetherthere.org/take-action/participate/get-the-facts.aspx">To Get HER There</a>- Learn more about the issues affecting women and girls affect all of us and how we can develop the next generation of women leaders! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.womensmediacenter.com/">Women’s Media Center</a>- Changing the public discourse on issues pertaining to women and girls </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/directorate/executive-director/">United Nations for Women-</a> Learn more about how to help women around the world </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.2020wob.com/">20 20 Campaign</a>- <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2012/02/facebook-dilemma.html">Wrote about them before</a>. Great organization working to increase diversity in our country’s board rooms. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/">Planned Parenthood Action Center</a>- Don’t just get angry at Rush Limbaugh, Get Involved!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What do you think are the biggest challenges for Millennial women? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Together we can make a difference! <br />Happy Women’s Day! <br />xoxo <br />Betsy Aimee </span><br />
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<br /></div>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-87615926358165841032012-02-27T23:19:00.000-08:002012-02-27T23:22:27.190-08:00CGBT Monday!OMG! So Classic-Girly-Bold-Trendy Friday will now appear on random days of the week. Just trying to stay above water here.<br />
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I hope to soon add<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1138&bih=519&tbm=isch&tbnid=X1dI3eI7ogxWvM:&imgrefurl=http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/house-of-harlow-1960-chelsea-sunglasses-in-black-4&docid=QMNbbEG4gPvb7M&imgurl=http://cn1.kaboodle.com/img/c/0/0/127/7/AAAADLNnoX0AAAAAASd4jg/house-of-harlow-1960-chelsea-sunglasses-in-black-4.jpg%253Fv%253D1296782864000&w=338&h=500&ei=QX1MT-vaMqeUiAL47ZioDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=596&vpy=119&dur=78&hovh=273&hovw=184&tx=96&ty=151&sig=108870227145319340162&page=1&tbnh=157&tbnw=126&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0" target="_blank"> these sunnies</a> or <a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=4016&cid=4016&vid=1&pid=343185&scid=343185002" target="_blank">maybe these</a> to my collection. I have been wanting Cat Eye sunglasses for about a year but I delayed the purchase in favor of buying a classic pair of Chanel's that had been my teenage dream!<br />
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Here goes what I have been crushing on (under 100 dollars) that is. :)
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<b>Classic:</b></div>
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Year ago I would have thought only a soccer mom would wear this but the Chambray and shape of this jacket make this classic new again.</div>
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Get in on<a href="http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70486&vid=1&pid=214946&scid=214946002" target="_blank"> Piperlime</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4vVdWwaDOw/T0x-fNoJwPI/AAAAAAAAAVg/lV7z4Q3PpWc/s1600/chambray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4vVdWwaDOw/T0x-fNoJwPI/AAAAAAAAAVg/lV7z4Q3PpWc/s200/chambray.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Girly: </b></div>
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Love the color of this skirt and the shape. Enuf said. </div>
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Get it <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=btms_skirts&ProductID=2000019592&VariantID=" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqmuq6bFdSc/T0x8wfR4cMI/AAAAAAAAAVY/ZUWLoJaaemc/s1600/00019592-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqmuq6bFdSc/T0x8wfR4cMI/AAAAAAAAAVY/ZUWLoJaaemc/s320/00019592-02.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<b>Bold:</b></div>
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By now you must have realized that shoes is where I have very few fears, but after purchasing a pair of painful heels a few weeks ago. I had shoe pain PTSD. Thus I saw these and thought, "those look like they may hurt" but alas it doesnt hurt to look and admire over the internet. Sigh</div>
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Check them out at <a href="http://www.ninewest.com/Fastlife/9255887,default,pd.html?variantSizeClass=&variantColor=JJG03SY&cgid=2915395&prefn1=catalog-id&prefv1=ninewest-catalog" target="_blank">Nine West</a>! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYJb41Dj-gA/T0x8tcsbXUI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/2Fhu5RxA1PE/s1600/PG.79931544.JJG03SY.PZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYJb41Dj-gA/T0x8tcsbXUI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/2Fhu5RxA1PE/s320/PG.79931544.JJG03SY.PZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Trendy:</b></div>
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Mint Green/Pistachio Green is everywhere, I gave in to this one from <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=72298&vid=1&pid=898518&scid=898518012" target="_blank">Old Navy</a>. It had pleats. So adorable</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFPwGITzt1Q/T0x8qQ8kyvI/AAAAAAAAAVI/vnUtx1-UEJs/s1600/womens-pleated-chiffon-tops-green-print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFPwGITzt1Q/T0x8qQ8kyvI/AAAAAAAAAVI/vnUtx1-UEJs/s1600/womens-pleated-chiffon-tops-green-print.jpg" /></a></div>
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What are you crushing on this week? </div>
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Talk to you soon.</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Betsy </div>
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<br />Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-63082750929099241402012-02-22T21:37:00.000-08:002012-02-22T21:45:35.406-08:00The Power of ManyEastside Career Chic in <a href="http://officealamode.blogspot.com/2012/02/nostalgia.html" target="_blank">Office A La Mode</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4rf11c5m3L0/T0XOVqtKzkI/AAAAAAAAAUU/hEA7h0ys3VI/s1600/IMG_2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4rf11c5m3L0/T0XOVqtKzkI/AAAAAAAAAUU/hEA7h0ys3VI/s640/IMG_2131.JPG" width="387" /></a></div>
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I have some exciting news to share! These past few days have just been great as I was fortunate enough to contribute to one of my favorites sites, <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/author/betsy-aimee/" target="_blank">The Daily Muse</a> not <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/health/my-story-what-i-learned-from-depression/" target="_blank">once</a> but<a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/style/8-workplace-style-bloggers-we-love/" target="_blank"> twice</a>! After that I was asked to contribute to another site I love that focuses on <a href="http://newlatina.net/" target="_blank">Empowering Latinas</a>-New Latina. For someone who a few months ago just dreamed of being a writer this is a HUGE accomplishment. I titled this post the power of many because so many of you have emailed me or mentioned that you have read my blog posts. Others of you have given me helpful feedback and assured me that this blog is a good idea. I thank you for everything! <br />
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I am also happy to report that my colleagues and I started a blog a few weeks ago and it has just been oodles of fun! After months of complimenting each others outfits we decided to start putting it out there for the world to see. We realized that we love our fashion bloggers but we just cannot imagine posting outfits on a daily basis like they do and besides our blog will have something for everyone as our styles and body types vary. I will be posting outfits in <a href="http://officealamode.blogspot.com/2012/02/nostalgia.html" target="_blank">Office A La Mod</a>e every Tuesday. Here goes our contribution to the fashion blogging world. </div>
I can't wait to see where this goes.<br />
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Welcome to Office A La Mode! Click <a href="http://officealamode.blogspot.com/2012/02/nostalgia.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see more.<br />
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xoxo<br />
Betsy AimeBetsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-42100243988028547352012-02-22T11:37:00.000-08:002012-02-22T11:39:37.942-08:00Eastside Career Chic: In the Daily Muse-Bloggers I LOVE!<br />
Last week, the Glitterati of the fashion world traveled to New York City for the most important time of the year: Fashion Week! It’s hard not to love the extravaganza that the week brings, but truth is, most of us can’t come close to affording those designer labels. Let alone show up to our weekly staff meetings wearing looks straight from the runway!<br />
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Luckily, we have fashion bloggers—the talented, creative, and super-stylish women that help us adapt high-fashion looks to something appropriate for the cubicle lifestyle (including our very own corporate attire experts, Cubicle Chic!). Get out of your black slacks and a button-up rut and get some workday inspiration with this list of our favorite office-appropriate fashion bloggers:<br />
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Read the rest of this article by visiting:<br />
<a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/style/8-workplace-style-bloggers-we-love/" target="_blank">The Daily Muse </a><br />
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<br />Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-30542753669113844212012-02-17T22:29:00.000-08:002012-02-29T22:45:44.323-08:00My Feminine Mystique...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhk8NkeuHRc/Tz9FDbqoQNI/AAAAAAAAATo/Fb3e_XXCprQ/s1600/wife_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zhk8NkeuHRc/Tz9FDbqoQNI/AAAAAAAAATo/Fb3e_XXCprQ/s400/wife_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One afternoon, I sat in my living room and looked around at my
belongings. There was the large cabinet that held souvenirs from my
adventures working on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. There was
my book collection (organized by size and color), the college degree I
had <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/education/your-guide-to-graduating-early-and-staying-sane-too/" title="Your Guide to Graduating Early—and Staying Sane, Too">worked so hard to obtain</a>, and a display of carefully selected photos with my friends and loved ones.<br />
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But as I stared at all these objects, the symbols that represented
the life I had created for myself, I sobbed inconsolably. From the
corner of my eye, I could see a hardcover copy of Betty Friedan’s <i>The Feminine Mystique</i>.
I recalled Friedan’s writing about the unhappiness that plagued
middle-class women of the 1950s and 60s. I never thought I would relate
to these women, who, on the surface seemed content, yet upon closer
inspection, were miserable. Friedan called it “the problem which has no
name.”<br />
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I knew I had a problem, but unlike the one Friedan wrote about, mine did have a name: depression.<br />
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Read this article in its entirety by visiting <a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/health/my-story-what-i-learned-from-depression/" target="_blank">The Daily Muse </a>
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</script>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-53705868770278824902012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:002012-02-16T20:25:59.971-08:00Self Help for Skeptics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US">I have recently started seeing a new therapist/life coach. Yes, she’s expensive. Yes, she’s worth it! This week we were discussing my shopping addiction which is exemplified on several blog posts, <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2012/01/invest-in-yourself-just-make-sure.html" target="_blank">like this one</a>. We were talking about the giddy feelings I get when I buy myself something pretty, and she said that maybe I should create a<a href="http://www.franklincovey.com/msb/" target="_blank"> personal mission statement</a> and that I should reference it before I purchase something to make sure it fits into what I want in life. Personal mission statement? Yeah that’s for nerds and optimists. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">That made recall a training I did a few years ago where I went through a <a href="http://lifeentrepreneurs.com/exercises.php">series of exercises</a> that led me to create a mission statement but back then I secretly scoffed at the idea as it sounded like something people who take themselves seriously would do and I am not that kind of gal. I reviewed the mission statement I wrote on that day and clearly much has changed in the past 2 years. Not only</span> this time rather than being skeptical I was kind of excited about developing a mission statement, probably because I have now embraced my inner self-help nerd. </div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I started doing research and I was relieved that others have already written eloquently on the subject! Classy Career Girl,</span><span lang="EN-US"> Anna Runyan explains that her <a href="http://www.classycareergirl.com/2012/02/do-you-have-a-personal-mission-statement/">mission statement</a> helps her keep track of what she wants to achieve with her blog. She's awesome and I loved <a href="http://shop.holstee.com/pages/about#the-holstee-manifesto" target="_blank">this mission statement she shared</a> so much that I featured the image on my blog (see above) Your personal mission statement then will help you keep track of what you want in life. I started working on my own mission statement and relating it back to what my therapist said, that I should make it a tool to keep in the back of mind whenever i’m making small or large decisions. I love writing about myself in 3<sup>rd</sup> person! Here goes my first attempt:</span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">To live without fear, pursue my passions, embrace my personal style, achieve the ideal work-life balance, meet my spiritual and health needs, while creating financial stability that will alleviate stress in my middle age.</span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Here’s what I found out about myself in this short exercise:</span></div>
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<li>Financial stability- Is important –NOW, I used to pride myself on not caring about money, I have realized that money gives you options and I want more time to do all the things I cannot afford to do now like travel and shower my family and friends with nice gifts. Oh and boring stuff like retirement. </li>
<li>Personal Style-I should ask myself next time I buy a pair of shoes if they are indeed helping me embrace personal style or just a momentary desire that will only hinder my ability to meet my other goals.</li>
<li>Work-Life Balance- I never thought this was an issue until I realized that working 10 hour days is no way to enjoy life.</li>
<li>Spiritual and Health Needs-Again things I didn’t care about at 21, F*ck i’m old.</li>
<li>Pursuing my Passions- This blog is one step in that direction. Never thoughts writing would be a hobby. I had to have a breakdown (see work-life balance or lack thereof) to finally start looking for a creative outlet. </li>
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Clearly I have changed my mind on the personal mission statement. However, I am still on the trajectory to embrace other useful tools that are meant to help map out the road to achieving the lives we want to lead. Check out <a href="http://lifeentrepreneurs.com/assessment.php">this book</a> for more exercises to help guide you and this great quote from said book: <br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><i>"Some people don't just live: they <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">lead</span> a life. They don't sit around waiting for a lucky break. They create opportunities. They go after their dreams and bring them to life…</i>.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Why does this matter? Because we only live once silly. So do like the ill-fated lovers on the Titanic, and <a href="http://www.moviefanatic.com/quotes/movies/titanic/">make each day count</a>! </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">What’s your personal statement? Try to write one, I promise it's easy and you may learn something about yourself! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">If you liked this post PLEASE comment, subscribe or follow me on (the) twitter @betsyaimee.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">XOXO</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Betsy Aimee. </span></div>
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<br /></div>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-32254602373904650012012-02-11T00:48:00.000-08:002012-02-29T22:45:18.919-08:00CGBT Friday/Saturday<br />
There has been inspiration OVERLOAD this week with NYFW and IFB (Ind. Fashion Blogger) Conference. The internets have buzzing with all the looks and some of my favorite bloggers have been reporting from the scene of it all in NYC. On week like this I am constantly discovering new blogs that I love and that is by far one of the best things that has occurred since I started my own blogging adventure.<br />
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<b>Here are my favorite CGBT (Classic +Girly+Bold+Trendy) pieces. These are all under 100.00 (Ok, almost all of them) and would make for one fabulous wear-to-work outfit! I am so excited that I came up with this formula as it is truly helping get dressed every morning. Have you figured out your style formula yet? </b></div>
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Classic:</div>
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I got my March issue of Lucky Magazine which included a feature titled: <a href="http://www.luckymag.com/blogs/luckyrightnow/2012/02/I-Love-My-White-Blazer#slide=1" target="_blank">I Love My White Blazer</a>. The white blazer was styled in a variety of ways and it really is an almost timeless piece that I had been overlooking. You can get a bargain blazer for only 25.00 bucks! from Forever 21 (Get it<a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=outerwear_career_blazer&ProductID=2015035991&VariantID=" target="_blank"> HERE)</a>. However, I will advocate for spending a little extra to get a great fit. This one is from <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Tailored-Blazer-With-Power-Shoulders/ws9ih/?iid=1703266&cid=2641&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=White&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1UYWlsb3JlZC1CbGF6ZXItV2l0aC1Qb3dlci1TaG91bGRlcnMvUHJvZC8." target="_blank">Asos.com,</a> priced just over 100.00 and has "power shoulders"-Sounds like something any gal could use at the office. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eV5QWpisYpo/TzYkiENGArI/AAAAAAAAASo/SwSbF5q-glQ/s1600/white+blazer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eV5QWpisYpo/TzYkiENGArI/AAAAAAAAASo/SwSbF5q-glQ/s400/white+blazer+2.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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Girly: </div>
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This old navy dress has adorable polka dots and ultra girly sleeves. Get it <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=77950&vid=1&pid=111655&scid=111655002" target="_blank">HERE</a> for under 40.00 dollars Swoon.. Jessica Quirk from What I Wore styled this with <a href="http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/post/17030847786/vintage-modern-polka-dot-dress" target="_blank">leopard pumps</a> and pulled off a "quirky" yet fabulous look! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJE5bk-4ooM/TzYcGPAHu-I/AAAAAAAAASI/bZ-G5ofMGjw/s1600/Old+Navy+Polka+Dots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJE5bk-4ooM/TzYcGPAHu-I/AAAAAAAAASI/bZ-G5ofMGjw/s640/Old+Navy+Polka+Dots.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Bold:</div>
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I am definitely a fan of making a statement with jewelry. Arden B has beautiful party-like jewelry that doesnt break the bank. I own this in white/silver! This is a great statement piece for under 50 bucks. Get it <a href="http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=138&subCategoryId=151&productId=49547" target="_blank">HERE</a>. If you really want to go crazy maybe you could layer them with a few smaller pieces like <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_necklace&ProductID=1000038329&VariantID=" target="_blank">this one</a> and <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_necklace&ProductID=1000037030&VariantID=" target="_blank">this one</a>. I just discovered <a href="http://thewondergirl.com/" target="_blank">Wonder Girl</a> and the creative mind behind it, Tara and I just love the way she wears necklaces and will definitely look to her for inspiration in the near future! She just did a feature on <a href="http://theglitterguide.com/" target="_blank">The Glitter Guide</a> on <a href="http://theglitterguide.com/2012/01/26/how-to-layer-necklaces/" target="_blank">how to layer necklaces</a>, she just piles it on and isn't afraid to be bold. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wbIPBOsRyng/TzYl-CF3cCI/AAAAAAAAASw/69Nbj8mED4s/s1600/Ice+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wbIPBOsRyng/TzYl-CF3cCI/AAAAAAAAASw/69Nbj8mED4s/s400/Ice+Necklace.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Trendy: </div>
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Love me some Coral Shoes. These platform pumps are from Target for the bargain price of 29.99(Get them <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Women-s-Mossimo-Pemota-Chunky-Heel-Pump-Coral/-/A-13693084#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage" target="_blank">HERE</a>). I loved these so much I ordered them for myself. </div>
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These Payless wedges are just attention getters (Get them <a href="http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?catId=cat10088&subCatId=cat10243&skuId=093356060&productId=71134&lotId=093356&category=&catdisplayName=Womens" target="_blank">HERE</a>) and are perfect for Spring.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk_LRCWObG0/TzYduGTSMVI/AAAAAAAAASQ/5Eismbb40es/s1600/Coral+Pumps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk_LRCWObG0/TzYduGTSMVI/AAAAAAAAASQ/5Eismbb40es/s200/Coral+Pumps.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fI9qLL9JY7g/TzYdwVZd1zI/AAAAAAAAASY/Wbxlm6VUYvE/s1600/Coral+Wedges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fI9qLL9JY7g/TzYdwVZd1zI/AAAAAAAAASY/Wbxlm6VUYvE/s200/Coral+Wedges.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I can't wait to see what lovely things I find next week.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by! </div>
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What are you loving this week? </div>
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</script>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1717982854158834531.post-46486318730656228802012-02-06T23:52:00.000-08:002012-02-06T23:53:49.852-08:00The Facebook Dilemma<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeA48hTN900/TzDXz2gU3FI/AAAAAAAAAR4/ChgMZ-44gZc/s1600/35_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeA48hTN900/TzDXz2gU3FI/AAAAAAAAAR4/ChgMZ-44gZc/s400/35_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Career blogs and sites were buzzing last week with the announcement that
Facebook was going public. The technical
term for this that you may have heard is IPO, which stands for initial public
offering. In the official documents that were submitted to the </span><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1326801/000119312512034517/d287954ds1.htm"><span lang="EN-US">U.S Securities and Exchange
Commission</span></a><span lang="EN-US"> Facebook
reports that it has 1.7 Billion likes and comments every day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I don’t
think we need scientific data to prove to us that a large majority of these
users are women and that it is women who are commenting, liking and uploading
photos over 250 million photos on the site every day. I am not trying to stereotype but it’s mostly
my female friends that are constantly updating me on their whereabouts, and
showing me photos of their weekend adventures. Luckily, I am not making this up and a </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/23/women-use-social-media-more_n_978498.html"><span lang="EN-US">recent study</span></a><span lang="EN-US"> revealed </span><span lang="EN">women have an average of 55% more wall posts than
men.</span>This means then
that a significant portion of the Facebook’s revenue comes from advertising
targeted for women. <br />
<br />
However, when it
came time to select the Board of Directors somehow women were not selected to
serve. The story became even bigger because Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg has
frequently spoken about the need for more female representation on Boards and
in high powered executive positions, she delivered one of the best <a href="http://fabcareerchic.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-are-you-working-towards.html" target="_blank">Ted Talks of 2011, which I wrote about last year, where she described the “ambition gap” </a>which according to her is
preventing many women from breaking the remaining glass ceilings. So without a doubt one wonders what kind of a
role she played in selecting the board of directors and if she had no role in
the process, we wonder if she called out her 27 year old boss Mark Zuckerberg
for the major oversight. One wonders if
they looked around and couldn’t think of anyone. Odd since according to recent
data presented in a recent <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-02/no-women-on-facebook-board-shows-white-male-influence.html">Bloomberg
News article</a>, only 11.3 of boards in America are exclusively male. This
same article also cited a recent survey which states that diverse boards result
in more profitable companies.</div>
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<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Read the whole
article here: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-02/no-women-on-facebook-board-shows-white-male-influence.html">No
Women on Facebook Board Shows White Male Influence</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">This is yet
another example of women’s purchasing power being ignored and yet another
example of women not doing anything about it. Of course, in a perfect world we
would all de-activate our bookfaces in protest. But even as I have that
revolutionary thought I wonder if this matters to women? </span>Do we really need
women on boards to represent us? What would the world look like if women were
equally represented on board? Is there an ambition gap or are there legitimate
barriers preventing women from reaching the top? I will let you all make up your own minds</div>
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<span lang="EN">A new campaign
called, <b>20% By 2020</b> hopes to rally
women from across the country with the goal of </span><span lang="EN-US">increasing the percentage of women on U.S.
company boards to 20% or greater by the year 2020. They wrote <a href="http://www.2020wob.com/blog/dear-mark-zuckerberg">Mr. Zuckerberg a letter</a>
last week in response to their board’s lack of diversity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Here’s my favorite
phrase:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">“Maybe your board thinks that because women are
so busy socializing on Facebook they're too busy to achieve the necessary
credentials for board service.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The feminist nerd in
me was fascinated by this organization and their cool site which gives
information on why corporate boards matter to all of us and how we can help
ensure diverse representation. Check it out! <a href="http://www.2020wob.com/">http://www.2020wob.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">I think the fact that
we are even noticing that absence of women is a step in the right direction. Now
let’s figure out how to get women and racial minorities on board with boards! Get it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Happy Monday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Xoxo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Betsy Aimee</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Betsy Aimeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09450144694261711915noreply@blogger.com0