Happy Birthday Derek Jeter!!!

Ok, before you think I'm crazy, I should let you know Derek Jeter is my all time favorite athlete.  Sure I think he is one of the sexiest men alive but I respect him as a person as well.  I have loved Jeter ever since I was little and have read everything that has ever been written about him.  One of my all time favorite books was Jeter's book "The Life You Imagine."  In it he details his childhood and the life lessons he learned from his parents.  One can't help but realize that Derek Jeter's parents deserve an award because they raised their boy the right way.

So happy 38th Birthday to the Captain of the greatest sports team in the world!!!! 

Puppy

Ok, before anyone gets too excited, no I did not get a puppy.  I have a lovely, but old, cat named Tinks who would drop dead if I brought home another animal, let alone a little puppy.

This is Tinks, she's approximately 18 years old.  We don't know for certain because she was a stray cat that we "found" and always looked like a kitten, so we just assume she's about 18.

But back to puppies, my friend Amy was finally able to bring her French Bulldog, Pierre, home!!!!!  First off, Pierre may be the cutest dog I've ever seen.  He is a ball of energy when he isn't sleeping.  I never realized how much work a puppy was because I've only ever had a cat.  Cats are a lot easier to train because they use a litter box and don't require much supervision. Puppies on the other hand need to be house broken, which is easier said then done.  Aside from potty training, dogs need to eat often, sleep even more, and chew on everything.  With that being said once I get my own apartment I still want to get my own puppy (maybe even a cute little french bulldog like Pierre!!!!)

I will upload more pictures eventually...

Things I Want to Accomplish This Summer

Every year I set out to accomplish a "Summer Bucket List."  It never happens, but I always make them with good intentions however this year is different because I seriously want to accomplish these things.

With out further ado, here's my "Summer 2012 Bucket List"

1. FIND A JOB- Ideally I would like a full time job that provides me with vacation days, full benefits, and a salary.
2. Try new foods- I'm an extremely (let me stress that EXTREMELY) picky eater.  I don't eat red meat or fish.  I will only eat chicken and turkey.  I realize that my diet is not the best it can be and I need to change that but I'm afraid to because I hate trying new foods.  Hopefully, by the end of summer I will have discovered new healthy foods that I can enjoy.
3. READ- I love to read so this summer I want to read as many books as possible.  I've held off from reading "Fifty Shades of Grey" but I think I may give into the hype and see what it's all about.
4. Go on an adventure- I love where I live but there are so many places in NEW JERSEY that I've never been too.  Hopefully, I can explore and learn more about the greatest state in the country!
5. Make a major change in my life- whether it's  a new job, a new hair cut, or a new outlook on life, I want to change something.  My life is so scripted that I would like to just once live on the edge.

Well here you have it... these are just a few of the rings I want to accomplish this summer.  If I don't post for a few days it's safe to assume I've become preoccupied with trying to accomplish my list.

I hope everyone has an amazing summer and accomplishes something that is on their summer bucket list as well!

Maxi Dresses All Day Everyday!!!!

Ok so maxi dresses are not a new trend but I absolutely have been loving wearing them recently.  For the days that I'm feeling extremely lazy and don't want to think about putting together an outfit I find myself reaching for my maxi dresses.  I've put myself on a ban from buying maxi dresses because I've bought maybe 4 in the last week (I'm obsessed, I know).  I just find them so comfortable and stylish.  My mom thinks I'm crazy because I will literally justify buying a maxi dress no matter how many I have.

Some of my favorite's I've bought from Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and Marshalls (which surprisingly has a great selection of Calvin Klein ones):

 I'm actually wearing one just like this in a beautiful emerald green color that I got at Urban Outfitters for $5 (this one is from Nordstroms and I'm thinking I may need to swing by and pick it up).

Maxi dresses are great for every body shape.  You don't have to be 6 ft tall to rock a great one either.  The trick is finding the right style of maxi dress for your body type!  I'm not the tallest person out there but I've found maxi dresses that are the perfect length for me and if it's too long put on some great wedges.

I also think I may need to buy this one from Urban Outfitters too, then I won't buy another one for at least two weeks.

 

Life.......

Life can be so challenging sometimes.  Today, I had my yearly review with one of my managers at the retail store I work at.  The company I work for decided upon completing our reviews we are required to answer a few short questions.  What kinds of questions you ask?  Completely pointless questions that do not relate to my job.  I was asked "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" REALLY... this question is haunting my life.  My response was, "uhh not here."  The next question asked me to rate my satisfaction with my job from a scale of 1-10.  I asked if I could give negative numbers and my manager seemed less than thrilled (I found it hilarious).  I don't understand why people expect me to have a plan for my life 5 years from now... I don't even know what I'm going to be doing next week?

These question have got me thinking?  What are my career goals and aspirations?  Do I want to stay in retail or do I want to move on and explore the world?  Now is the perfect time in my life to just pick up and move for a career opportunity.  Sure, it will be completely scary not living by my family but is it worth it to have a successful career?

Hopefully, I'll have exciting news soon!!!!!!

Tori

The Importance of Networking

Hello All!!

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days but I'm trying to work out a schedule for when I'm going to post (and what I should post about).  I'm thinking 3 times a week (it could be more but 3 is the number I'm going to promise weekly).

As you can see by this blogs title I'm going to be talking about how important it is to network.
When you're searching for a job, sometimes the only way you can secure an interview is by asking your personal connections for a recommendation or simply the opportunity to get your foot in the door.  A piece of advice I've gotten over and over again is "to reach out to your family, friends, and acquaintances and ask them if they know anyone in your field?"  This might not lead to a job but if you ask someone you're close to for that persons email address or phone number that's a major step.  After reaching out you can setup a meeting where you can talk about the field with your new connection.  Don't be afraid to ask if it's ok if you keep in contact with them and occasionally ask for advice.  Obviously, when you meet with this person you'll have to do your best to impress them.  Once you impress them (which I'm sure you will) they could recommend you to other companies who may have a job or may call you down the line with a possible position.

Case in point, the other day my supervisor from my internship called me with a possible lead for a position I may be interested in.  She had taken the liberty to talk with that person and give them an informal review of my work.  She then contacted me and mentioned how she thought I would be perfect for this position.  Fingers crossed this could be the end to my job search!!!!!  But it's such a sweet gesture when someone thinks of you first for a position and wants to see you get a job.

It's extremely important that with every person you meet you make a good impression and hope that they will remember you!


Tori

PLEASE.... give me a chance

Ok recent grads, how many of you are frustrated that you simply can't find a job?  I think the problem isn't that there aren't jobs out there, there are tons, just not enough for recent grads.  I really would like to use my degree (Communications) for a job and not just work in retail, like I'm doing now.  Every job that I've seen somewhat interested in applying to requires some amount of prior experience.  Umm... how am I going to get any experience when no one will give me a chance.  It's actually really discouraging that no one wants to give people a chance?  Don't they remember that someone gave them a chance too.

I'm hoping that I'm not the only one who is completely lost in this job hunting process.  I've become so desperate (really I could use all the advice I could get) I bought a self-help book.  I actually recently bought a book from Target that is a guide for college students about all the things you don't learn about in college.  I haven't actually read it yet, but I plan to write a review of it once I'm done with it.

It's a scary world out there and let's hope this book helps me become more comfortable with growing up, because as of right now I'm terrified.

All the best!

Tori

Closet Remodel and Organization Tips

*Disclaimer- I am no expert (I'm not a member of The Amanda's or an interior decorator) but I am someone who has a shopping addiction and needed to make room in my closet for all of my clothes.

I wouldn't classify my closet as tiny but I will say that there was a lot of wasted space in there.  My closet initially had one wire rack hanging straight across.  Sure, it provided ample space but not enough for a shopping addict like myself.  The picture below shows my closet after I raised the rack up.

As you can see in the picture there was a lot of wasted space in my closet.  To make the most of the closet I decided to add another wire rack about half way down the wall which spans 3/4 of the wall.  I didn't want the rack to go the whole distance because I needed to leave some space for dresses and gowns.

I wanted to initially place my shirts on the top rack and the pants on the bottom but I really wanted to utilize the second shelf as storage so I needed to switch my original plan (which wasn't really a big deal).  I took this picture to see what I liked better.

As I was cleaning my closet out I realized I had way too many shoes and needed to add some sort of shoe organizer.  I couldn't add a door shoe rack because my doors are accordion style but I did have an empty wall that was not being used.  I added some tracks, shelves and brackets to make a shoe rack.

Here is the view of my almost finished closet.  I still need to play around with where things are going but overall I am happy with the design of the closet.  After I took this picture I moved my blazers from the bottom rack to the top one.  I also hung all of my cardigans which you can see in the last picture. I bought baskets from The Christmas Tree Store and Marshalls/Home Goods.  Unfortunately, with stores such as Home Goods once you find something you like, chances are you will not find a match.  If you can see in the picture below I have a black weaved basket that has a chevron fabric lining in it.  I simply love this basket and wanted to buy a few more but I could not find any that matched this one anywhere.  So I just picked ones that matched the color scheme in my room.  

The finished bottom rack!

Some tips and tricks for your closet remodel:

1. No space is too small.  You need to make your closet work for you.  I would love to have a walk in closet but I simply don't have the room for that but I feel like I added enough storage space.

2. Double hang your jeans.  Jeans are thick and often take up a lot of room.  If you hang two pairs of jeans on a hanger it reduces the amount space you are taking up.

3.  Color coordinate and hang like items together.  I decided to hang solid tank tops, printed tanks, solid shirts, printed shirts, solid blouses, printed blouses, solid cardigans, printed cardigans, and work dresses.  The top rack is skirts, casual pants (khakis), jeans, dress capris, dress pants, and blazers.  Then in the right hand corner I have maxi dresses, sun dresses, and formal dresses.

4. Buy the same hangers.  It makes you closet just look put together.  I obviously have not cared this out but I intend to switch all my hangers over to the ones I have my pants on. 

5. Buy little bins to keep miscellaneous items in like belts, small accessories, extra hangers, etc.

Remodeling your closet it is a great opportunity to purge your closet of things you simply don't wear.  Take this opportunity to donate your clothing that you haven't worn in 3 months to a local shelter.  Your closet will thank you and you will feel better because you'll be organized and you will be helping those in need.

All the best!

Tori

Neon everything

Hey fashion lovers!

So I know neon colors have been gracing the covers of Vogue, InStyle, and every red carpet event but I felt the need to profess my love for all things neon.  It all started a few months ago when I stumbled upon a gorgeous pair of neon pink khakis from the gap. (The picture doesn't do it justice, think highlighter pink).

 

If you can still get them (I know my gap only had 1 pair left) I would recommend getting them.  The fit is fantastic and they role up into capri's or down into pants.  If you don't like neon they make them in nearly every color so you're bound to find one that you like.  I actually have these in 3 other colors (royal blue, khaki, and recently picked up a pair in navy blue).

Now if you're looking for something a little more summery I would recommend J.Crew's 5" chinos.  Today I purchased the neon orange because I think with a tan they will look AH-MAZING!!! I love the versatility of them and wear them with tanks or a summery blouse.  I also have these in the neon pink, although it's a little darker then my neon pink pants from the gap, which is how I justified getting two neon pink items in my wardrobe.

Sure some people think this neon trend is only a passing trend and they may be right but a little color  in your wardrobe brightens everything up.  Neon clothing items are available at all price levels.  I've seen neon pink shorts from Target and seen even pricier pieces in Nordstrom.  

Wear your neon with a tan or with your favorite top.  My new favorite purchase is these neon dip-dyed shorts from the Gap.

Tori

FLORIDA 2012

Greetings from sunny NJ, I’m finally back home!!!!

These last couple of weeks have been very eventful for me.  I had finals, graduation, had to move out of my apartment/move back home, job hunted and went to FLORIDA for two weeks which leads me to the theme of this post. 

I’ve just come back from spending 2 weeks in the Orlando area.  I absolutely love all things Disney and love going back to the parks because it makes me appreciate all the hard work that went into making these AH-MAZING attractions.  I was a little disappointed that two of my favorite rides were closed for refurbishment (Test Track and Big Thunder Mountain) but my other favorite rides did not disappoint!!! My absolute favorite ride Expedition Everest never ceases to amaze me and if I could I would go on it over and over again!  Another favorite is Tower of Terror, which I actually didn’t even go on until last year which is embarrassing because I love roller coasters and thrill rides but anything having to do with elevators scares the crap out of me.  With my irrational fear set aside I rode Tower of Terror maybe 15 times and wish I rode it more. 

But the real highlight of my trip was getting the opportunity to do the Around the World at Epcot Segway Tour.  I’ve ridden a segway once before and loved it.  My parents knew how much I enjoyed the experience in DC that they asked me if I wanted to do it again in Florida.  Of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity so me and my mother decided to take the tour.  The tour is about 2 hours long, with the first hour being devoted to learning about the segway and learning how to ride it.  The second hour is lead by a Disney Guest Relations cast member around all the different countries at Epcot.  Our first hour of training was lead by Mike, who was probably one of the funniest teachers I’ve ever met.  He taught us the ins and outs of the segway and taught us how to maneuver ramps, hills, and the pesky maintenance workers at Epcot, who will not move their hoses to avoid you. 

After the training was over, Conor, the Guest Relations tour guide lead us to International Drive and explained how Mr. Walt Disney came up with the idea of Epcot.  After admiring the World Showcase from International Drive we traveled to China where we learned all about the Foo Dog and the significance of them in Chinese culture.

After stopping at China we made our way over to Germany where we learned that this area was one of Walt’s favorite vacation destinations.  After Germany we headed over to my favorite place, Italy and learned all about the various restaurants which represent Rome, Tuscany,and Naples.  We also learned about Piazza San Marco and the tower that has 5 bells.  Word to the wise, never walk between the two pillars because when the 5th bell is ringing (it sounds like jingle bells) it means a public hanging is going to be taking place and the Italians use to walk the victim in between the pillars.  Our tour guide told us to always enter from the left or right of the pillars.

 

Finally our tour commenced at Morocco, which is a new favorite place of mine.  Morocco is the only part of the world showcase that is actually funded by the country it represents.  The president of Morocco flew artist and designers to Epcot to help make it as authentic as possible, and boy did it pay off.  The design work is impeccable (but not perfect and with out flaws because the only one who can create perfection is Allah)!

Although the Segway tour is a bit pricey it really is a great experience and I learned to appreciate the World Showcase at Epcot that much more.  I will be posting some videos and pictures after this and expelling them a bit more!

The was by far one of my favorite Florida trips!

Interviews

My Grandmother gave me a little booklet with the 101 Toughest Interview Questions.  I took it and never looked at it but now as I realize that in 65 days I will be graduating, I figured I would take a look at them and post which ones I think are the hardest.  Oh and by no means am I some career expert, I’m just some college student who has learned some of these lessons through trial and error.

1. The worst question in my opinion is “So, tell me a little about yourself?”

Such an easy questions right? WRONG, this is such a loaded question.  This is one of the questions I have always had a hard time with because I find that I go on and on about myself because I don’t know what I  should say and what I shouldn’t.  During my phone interview the other day I struggled with selling myself in 20 minutes (an impossible task, in my opinion).  I think my problem with this question stems from the the fact that I think it may be the most important question anyone could ask.  This is where your interviewers gets to know you, the real you!

2. What are some of your biggest weaknesses as an employee and what do you plan to do to correct them?

I think this question is difficult because you need to walk the line of being extremely honest but still have your best salesperson hat on.  You really can’t say “Oh, I’m never on time” because no one is going to want to hire you.  You need to decide if you’re going to list a “positive flaw” such as I’m a control freak or I’m obsessive.  You need to feel out the situation and see what would be the best answer for your interviewer and your situation.

3. “Would you consider yourself more team-orientated or an individual worker?”

This wasn’t one of the questions from the booklet but it was one I found extremely difficult to answer.  I was asked this very recently and struggled with my answer.  I find myself in the middle of this situation.  I knew my interviewer wanted a direct answer so I chose one, but I did the cowardly or possibly smart thing of mentioning that it didn’t mean that I wasn’t able to work in either situation.  I wanted to be as honest as possible but I knew there was a certain answer the interviewers was looking for.

When interviewing we must all remember to be ourselves.  The more comfortable we are the better we’ll do.  You need to be comfortable with where you work and the people you work with.  If you don’t get a good vibe during the interview, chances are it’s not the place for you.  Hopefully, I will get more practice while interviewing and I can share my knowledge with you all!

A Little Bit About Myself

1. I was born on Christmas… some may say I’m JC reincarnated but you can decide that!

2. I have a cat named Tinks.  Well her real name is Princess but we’ve called her: Princess Black Uggs, Beautiful Gorgeous, Evil Shadow, Boo Boo Kitty, Bopits, Stoopid Kitty, LaLa, Tinks da Stinks.  I’m sure there are more but right now that’s all I can think of.

3. I am obsessed with all things Missoni and Chevron print

4.  I love DISNEY WORLD! Honestly, I could go there every year and love it.

5. I love roller coasters… Even though at times I’m scarred I have to go on them.

6. I hate elevators.  I have a fear of dying in one.  Last year, i thought it would be smart to go on Tower of Terror to get over my fear of elevators, needless to say I still am afraid of them, but I did enjoy the ride! Just went on it again and loved loved loved it.

7. I love all things Tinkerbell.  I think it may have to do with the fact that I named my cat Tinks but not after Tinkerbell.  She got sprayed by a skunk once so we all just started calling her Tinks da stinks.

8. I love owls and turtles.  I love turtles because my Grandmother who passed away last year loved them.  As a way to honor her I try to buy anything I can find with a turtle on it.  I love owls because last May there was an owl in my neighbors tree.  I named him Earle, but I couldn’t tell you if he was a girl or a guy.  So i decided he was a cross dressing female owl.

9. I never been out west.  The farthest west I’ve traveled is probably Pennsylvania but I’ve done most of the East coast aside from the North East.

10.  I love living in Jersey, specifically the Jersey Shore.  It’s not as trashy as MTV’s Jersey Shore makes it seems but in the summer the “Benny’s” make it unbearable.

11.  My all time favorite movies include: Robinhood Men in Tights, Pretty Woman, and Dirty Dancing.

12.  I’ve recently discovered All Time Low, and have been obsessed with them ever since.  My favorite songs of theirs are: Therapy, Remembering Sunday, and Stay Awake (Acoustic). 

13. I’m obsessed with Reality TV.  Dance Moms and Toddlers and Tiaras make me laugh.  I can’t believe there are crazy parents out there.  Mackenzie is my favorite from T&T. Duck Dynasty is a new favorite

14.  I’m obsessed with OPI nail polish.  My favorite colors include: Mad as a Hatter, Lincoln Park After Dark, Teenage Dream, and Designer…de better!  But it all depends on my mood what color I want.

15. I’m not very organized except for when it comes to my schoolwork and work.  I take my grades very seriously and strive to make sure that I always produce my best effort.

16.  I’ve recently become obsessed with the game Fruit Ninja (I know I'm late on this bang wagon)… I could play it for hours.

17.  I work in retail and although I appreciate the experience I’ve realized that I never want to work in retail again.  It’s not for me but it does make realize how very few people stop to acknowledge the person who’s ringing them up.  A simple “thanks” and “how are you doing” really does go a long way.

18. I want to adopt a greyhound when I’m older and multiple cats.  I absolutely love animals and think because my parents won’t let me have multiple animals that I want to have so many animals.

19. I don’t really like to play sports but I LOVE THE NEW YORK YANKEES and watching sports on TV!!!! I am a religious follower of the Yankees.  I grew up watching and rooting for the Core Four (Jeter, Rivera, Posada, and Pettitte) and I’m sad that their careers are coming to an end. If I had to rank my top 5 current players they would be: 1. Jeter 2. Sabathia 3. Cano 4. Swisher 5. Teixeria

20. I hate flying but I have a strange desire to travel the world.  I just want to experience different cultures and help out where  I can.

21. I’m afraid to grow up.  With growing up comes new responsibilities that I’m not sure I’m ready for. 

22.  I’m starting to look for jobs for after I graduate and that scares the crap out of me but if I don’t want to work in retail I need to get on top of sending out my resumes!

Tori

When I Grow Up...

I want to be…. I don’t know.  I think I want to work in either public relations or event planning.  Currently, I’m interning at a non-profit organization that I love.  I have a personal interest in the organization because they’ve helped my family out in the past.  There’s nothing better than working at a place that helps people everyday.  I want to work somewhere where what I do means something to someone.  Non-profits do just that.  I use to think I wanted to work for a non-profit that worked with animals, and although that isn’t completely out of the picture, I think where I am is exactly where I want to be.  It’s strange because I could see myself working with this company after I graduate. 

As you may have realized with my other posts, there’s always something that triggers these posts about my life journey.  I go to a college that’s pretty competitive and most students know what they’re doing with their lives by the time they start their junior year.  Clearly, I wasn’t one of those students.  I wanted to dabble here and there and hopefully fall into my dream position.  Today I went to the movies to see Breaking Dawn Part 1 with a friend from high school.  (Just in case your wondering, the movie wasn’t that bad, but by no means are any of the actors going to win an Oscar anytime soon).  I was asking her what her plans are for the future, half expecting her to already have a job lined up.  Well, she was just as dumbfounded as I have been and did not have even the slightest clue as to what she wants to do after college.  I was a little excited to hear that I’m not the only person who has no idea what the future holds.  Hopefully by the time my graduation roles around I’ll have a better idea (and dare I say it, a J-O-B! (fingers crossed)!!!!)

“I’ve heard that it’s possible to grow up - I’ve just never met anyone who’s actually done it. Without parents to defy, we break the rules we make for ourselves. We throw tantrums when things don’t go our way, we whisper secrets with our best friends in the dark, we look for comfort where we can find it, and we hope - against all logic, against all experience. Like children, we never give up hope…” Meredith Grey (Grey’s Anatomy)

All the best!
Tori

*** after re-reading this I can't help but laugh because I was so optimistic

Welcome to The World According to Tori

Hello Blogger!!!

My name is Tori, and I've decided to move my blog from another website over here.  I am a recent graduate who is looking (unsuccessfully) for a job!  My blog was originally created to chronicle my journey from a senior in college to a hopefully employed graduate.  Unfortunately, life doesn't seem to follow the plan that we set in our minds and dreams because my blog is continuing.  With this blog I hope that my journey can help someone out there in the bloggersphere.

I plan on using this blog to update you on my journey to finding a full-time job, all things fashion, sports (and by that I mean my love for the New York Yankees), and anything else that I feel like sharing.  I'm looking forward to sharing my life with you and hope you enjoy reading this blog.

*FYI, my first couple of blogs are going to be be past posts from my other blog, just to catch everyone up with my life!

All the best!
Tori