4 Best Ways to Land a Summer Internship


The process of landing your first entry level job seems like a never ending process. In order to get the job you must go to school, have prior experience, and be willing to try new things. So how exactly does all this happen? Internships are really an amazing thing and will benefit you when it comes time to seek employment.

But landing an internship is not an easy process either! Getting an internship, just like a job, can seem like nothing more than falling into a deep black hole. Here are 4 of the best ways to land a summer internship (or any internship really) that will put you 2 steps ahead of the rest.

1. Relationships: Relationships, both virtual and face-to-face, are the most important thing when applying for an internship. Having someone who can merely just put in a good word for you and get your name out into the mix can reap you so many benefits. Do not be afraid to get to know new people! Contacts are the key to success.

2. World Wide Web: Use the web! The web is a never ending resource. Websites like internships.com, internmatch.com and LinkedIN are some of the top job and internship sites available today, and they have the ability to Link you to thousands of postings throughout the world in seconds. No matter what you do, don't settle! Apply to as many internships and job postings as you possibly can. Apply until your fingers detach from your body. You never know what you can find, and what you will be offered. Take a chance.

3. Study: Study your prospective employer. Knowing what the company does and what your position may entail are key to any interview for an internship. Open up the company's website, the job description as well as your resume and cover letter before every interview. You don't want to get asked a question that you don't know the answer too.

4. Clothing: Dress to impress. First impressions really do make all the difference in the world. Showing up to a job interview in sneakers and jeans, no matter what it is, is a no-no in itself. Dig out the suit and tie or skirt and nice blouse. You are what you wear, remember that.

GOOD LUCK.

Interns wanted

Avocado Crazy


Avocados are my favorite new food. I can't help but eat one every single day, they are just that good. With the holidays here, I was looking to make something a little different and creative for my family's holiday party. I found the perfect Avocado dessert recipes. I know what you're thinking, Avocado and dessert just don't mix! But, these recipes really are the perfect combination. I have been cooking for days to try and find my favorite recipe to share with my family. Enjoy.

Hass Avocado Chocolate Mousse - The avocado not only adds to the richness of the mousse flavor but adds a little healthier kick.  The recipe can be found by clicking the link above.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Hass Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Avocado Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes with Honey Avocado Frosting - This one is my personal favorite. These cupcakes are not only soft and sweet but leave you wanting more. The combination of honey in the frosting with the avocado will make your mouth water. This one is perfect for a holiday party. Just add some crushed peppermint on top!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Avocado Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes with Honey Avocado Frosting

Avocado Cold Delicacy au Chestnut Cream Recipe - This is the perfect dip for fruits or cookies during the holiday season! I tried this dip with graham crackers and it tasted wonderful, but go ahead and mix it up.

Prep Time: 1:15 min

Avocado Cold delicacy au chestnut cream recipe

Hopefully I have got your cooking gears turning. You can find more avocado recipes that are not just holiday desserts at  http://www.avocadocentral.com/avocado-recipes. Happy holidays!

Shoppers Holiday


The Saturday following Thanksgiving is a new and upcoming shopping holiday.

This holiday is known as Small Business Saturday and is much like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. This year Small Business Saturday occurred on the same day as Black Friday. November 26th, the day after Thanksgiving.

2010 was the first year Small Business Saturday was celebrated.

This year was a bigger hit than the last. Facebook achieved over 2.6 million likes compared to last year’s 1.2 million on their Small Business Saturday Facebook page.

The goal of Small Business Saturday is to bring local businesses more attention.

A small consignment shop, known as Xchange for Change, located in CT, participated in Small Business Saturday. This was done by offering 20% off of all inventories, free gift wrapping, and a friendly atmosphere. The store owner, Diane Bohmiller, said that Small Business Saturday really does help her store.

It's love at first shop.

By attracting people to small businesses on Small Business Saturday it leaves the hope that the customers will return and fall in love with the store. Small Business Saturday brings new customers into small local stores and puts local businesses in the conversation about places to shop; it’s proven useful for businesses owners.

Businesses all over the US participated in this shopping holiday.

Small Business Saturday is the perfect way to shop for the holidays. It not only benefits the consumer but the store owners. Even though Small Business Saturday has past this year, it is good to keep in mind the small local businesses in your area. It doesn’t have to be a shopping holiday to go out and enjoy them. Maybe Small Business Saturday will be an even bigger hit when it rolls around again in 2012.

Small Business Saturday

Blizzard Ready!


Winter is creeping up on us. Here is a list of my top 5 winter must haves that will keep you looking cute, warm and cozy when the snow hits! Remember don't force yourself to wear something that isn't comfortable to you just because a fashion icon is wearing it. Be you.

1. Having a pair of snow boots allows you to brave the storm on any occasion.

American Eagle plaid boots
Plaid Buckle Boots, American Eagle, $49.99

2. Long winter jackets allow you to stay extra warm. Buying a simple color like black, grey or white allows you to wear your jacket no matter what. I don't know about you but I cant afford to have a coat for every day of the week! Buy something that you can mix and match with any outfit.

American Eagle puffer jacket
Long Puffer Coat, American Eagle, $129.50

3. Skinny Jeans are another winter must have. Simply because they make things so much easier! It is so hard to tuck bell bottoms into a pair of boots. Skinny jeans or jeggings make getting ready less of a hassle.

Delias jeggings
Olivia Low-Rise Jegging, delias.com, $39.50

4. We cant forget about keeping your head warm. If your head isn't warm, the rest of your body won't be either! You might as well wear something cute if you must.

Modcloth Hat to Believe in Cherry
Hat To Believe In Cherry, Modcloth, $27.99

5. Last but not least we have the gloves. Personally, I find it hard to drive with gloves on but without them my fingers freeze! Convertible gloves are the perfect solution.

Modcloth Flag Football Gloves in Red
Flag Football Gloves In Red, Modcloth, $31.99

Dressing Up Your Cell


Cell phones have become the new accessory.

An outfit is never complete without the right necklace, or the perfect watch. Lately the same has become true for cell phones. Take a look around your office or your school. How many cell phones do you see, and how many of those cell phones have cases with bright colors or cool new hanging charms? There are so many different options when it comes to dressing up your cell.

Cell phone accessory 

The hit new cell phone accessory.

Have you ever found yourself out on the town carrying your purse only for the sole purpose of storing your cell phone? Problem solved! Check out showstopper for an alternative to that big clunky purse. Showstopper has created the perfect little wristlet that is so small and so creative that it may even be mistaken for part of your outfit. As stated on showstopper.com,” Keen to avoid the old cliché of dancing around her handbag, she also discovered that keeping valuables in her boyfriend’s pocket was never a safe solution either.”  This new market of cell phone holders as an accessory is the perfect way to dress up an otherwise awkward to hold onto cell phone when enjoying a night out on the town or even a relaxing day at the park.

Showstopper - cell phone accessory

There’s even variety!

Showstopper offers many different colors, textures, and designs, so that you are able to match your new accessory to your outfit no matter what the occasion. Currently showstopper has been designing for adult males and females but is in the process of creating a line for both kids and surfers. Check out Showstopper.com to start dressing up your cell phone today!

Showstopper cell phone accessory

 
Rebecca Wilkie
Fashion Babbler
Rebecca is a student at the University of Hartford, studying Communications. She loves to travel, and believes that traveling while you are young and experiencing the world is one of the most important things to do. Rebecca is currently working towards a career in public relations and advertising. She enjoys writing about hidden secrets, and things that people may never have known about before! Follow her @beck_wilkie.
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