#PrayForPensacola

The past 24 hours have been full of trials & tribulations for my home, Pensacola, FL, and the surrounding areas. What was predicted as severe thunderstorms equating to 4 – 6 inches of rained turned out to be a devastating flood resulting in over 20 inches of rain. Many families watched their possessions float by in their homes and their entire streets be washed away. Others, like myself, were extremely fortunate to have had no damage from the downpour, but my heart breaks for those who must now start from scratch. Many people do not have flood insurance and are looking for help.

Below are some photos from the aftermath of this terrible storm:

 

This is in the neighborhood Aragon Court. The waters overtook many homes. All of these families will have to rebuild & restore.

This house is off of Bayou Blvd. A giant sinkhole was formed from the many waves of water coming towards them.

This car floated down the street. The only thing keeping it stable today is the bus sign anchored in the tire.

This is what remains of part of our famous drive, Scenic Highway. Cars actually fell off this road during the storm.

This is only a small selection of photos from the storm. Pensacola must now rebuild & restore our city. I do feel absolutely proud to live in Pensacola, FL. From the moment the rain stopped, strangers were helping one another by pulling cars out of mud, providing shelter and more. When the going gets tough, we stick together. I ask all of you reading this to please #PrayForPensacola and the surrounding areas. Please help us spread the word by using the hashtag — #PrayForPensacola.

Many people are without any sense of hope right now and the more prayers, the better. Donations can be made to the American Red Cross here — Make sure that you designate the donation to “Disaster Relief.” In this time of recovery, anything will help.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts & prayers. You are appreciated by the entire city of Pensacola, FL.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

social media detox

Do you ever get that feeling of being overwhelmed by all of the social media?

Lately it seems as though I have noticed more and more how unhealthy it can be and how it can put a damper on relationships. I mean think about it — this friend vents about how upset they are about work while this friend announces an engagement and then this friend gets pissy at you because of something you commented on. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram —  YOU NAME IT! They are all taken too personally and should not define friendships. It’s really sad actually.

This past week, I shut myself off from the world. I deleted all of my social media apps on my phone and refused to get on until the weekend. This small step was so therapeutic. I found myself not caring about little unimportant things and focusing more on what is important to me. When I did finally sign onto Facebook, nothing was that interesting and it only solidified my new habit I am taking on.

Don’t get me wrong though . . . I do post 1-2 times during the weekend on Facebook/Instagram, but I always make sure that my posts are either a nice looking picture with a friend or something positive and uplifting. I enjoy spreading the good news and in my faith, that is what we are supposed to do. Some may disagree & dislike my posts, but I’m okay with that. Your social media platforms are for YOU and sharing what is important to YOU.

I challenge all of you to shut yourself off from social media during the week and see how much happier you are . . . if I am wrong, feel free to let me know! If you do get the urge to post, I challenge you to make it positive & enjoyable to others. I have had countless amounts of people say how much they appreciate my uplifting messages & spreading of good news.

Sometimes, it’s just what that friend needed to hear and that makes me happy!

motivational quotes for dreaded mondays

Guess what?! It’s Monday again . . . and I am definitely feeling it today. I’m not sure why, but Mondays seriously have the worst effect on my mood and want to do anything. I mean really though, it’s just another day of the week right?! WRONG! It’s a dreadful day of the week where I am still recovering from my relaxing weekend and my mind has been left on my pillow at home.

MONDAYS SUCK!! Don’t you agree?! So I got to thinking about this with passion and figured I had to change this outlook or I might not make it to 5 pm. Pinterest was my go-to for motivational quotes that make you want to conquer the world. It’s amazing what 15 minutes on Pinterest will do to you!

Below I have put some of my all-time favorite quotes to help you get motivated:

          

               

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

“Never, never, never give up.” – Winston Churchill

Just remember, you are one hour closer to happy hour!! GO YOU!!

 

fashion friday: trends for Spring 2014

I don’t know about all of you, but I am BEYOND READY for Spring weather. The bright colors, bare toes, flowers & sunshine . . . I need it in my life, as well as, the fashion trends that are coming with it. Last spring we saw lots of cutouts, lace and stripes. This year, it’s even better!

Below is what you and your wallet can look forward to in Spring 2014 —

• PRETTY PASTELS – This is by far my favorite. Pastels are so complimentary to anyone’s skin tone and also give a nice touch of purity to any outfit.
• WIDE-LEG TROUSERS – Bell bottoms making a comeback?! Close. This spring you can look forward to chic wide-legged trousers in linen and prints to wisp you away.
• TEA-LENGTH SKIRTS – Oh, I just adore!! Tea-length skirts are longer skirts that can be paired with a crop top or tucked-in blouse. Twirl away ladies!!
• CROPPED & BOMBER JACKETS – Look for cropped & collarless jackets to hit the stores soon. They will also have lots of prints to choose from. Also, the infamous bomber jacket will be making the scene. Pair either of these jackets with a nice pair of shorts or capris and call it a day.
• GLADIATORS – I think gladiator sandals will always be trending. Many runway models have been paired with these. Especially, knee-high gladiators.

Spring 2014 is going to be one for the books. You mean I get to wear pastels & gladiators?! I’m already super anxious!

Get your pocketbooks ready ladies & happy Spring shopping!

P.S. – I think tax-refunds come out this time of year for a reason. Go reward yourself for all of your hard work!!

fashion friday: just in case

We’ve all had this moment in our lives . . . that moment when we finally decide to clean out the closets on get rid of some things. Spring cleaning came early for me this year. I’m usually one to put off organizing until I just can’t bare it anymore, but for some odd reason unbeknownst to me, I felt the motivation.

While going through my hideous clothes from high school (yes, the hoarding was that bad), I kept telling myself “Oh, I will keep this just in case” and in some cases that was a smart idea. In others, I really needed to let go of that concert tee that would never fit me again or those jeans with lots of memories that I couldn’t fit a thigh in anymore. You know this has happened to you. Don’t lie!

I finally disciplined myself into only keeping things I “needed” and in this case they were classic pieces. A word to the wise, when it comes down to purging the closet, only keep items that are basic/classic in color and virtually timeless. For example, NEVER get ride of a little black dress or blazer. Those pieces will forever be trending and you will regret that decision to throw away later.

In the midst of my cleaning, I found this precious light rain coat in the picture above. It’s actually what I am wearing today and I am so happy I kept it. You know, it is truly amazing what you can find when you organize!!

One last thing, please please please don’t just throw away your clothes. DONATE! There are so many less fortunate people your age and even younger that would kill for those clothes. It’s a win-win situation for you both!!

P.S. — It might have taken me 2 whole days to go through my dressing room. Whoops!! Oh and feel free to follow me on Instagram @theprprincesss 😉

Good luck dolls & happy cleaning!

last minute meeting frenzy

Meetings can be stressful enough, but what if it was LAST MINUTE?! I’ve never personally had this happen to me, but I can only imagine. For this topic, I looked to my fellow PR tweeple. Yes, that’s slang for twitter people!

I gave each of them this scenario: “You have been told about a last-minute meeting, how do you prepare & what do you bring?”

@kayla_hollatz: Well, I like to bring many post it notes so I can jot down quick notes!

@BeckuhBeck: To prepare, I would look over any notes or work that is relevant to what we’ll be covering in the meeting. If I had time, I’d try to do a quick chat with anyone else involved. I would bring with me a notepad = pens or my laptop, so I can jot down important information.

@OliviaAdamsPR: I would first find out the purpose of the meeting and know the basics. I’d want to obtain the agenda, know the location, and find out who needs to attend. I’d also create a checklist to help organize my thoughts for the meeting. Checklists can help ensure all of the bases are covered and reduces panic. Finally, I’d make sure to breathe and keep a positive attitude. As long as you have composure and poise, any last minute meeting can run smoothly!

I think they pretty much summed it up for me! Whether it be a last minute project or meeting, keep calm, brainstorm and go prepared with lots of post-it notes & pens. Special thanks to my PR dolls for helping me out with this post. Folks, go ahead & click their name to follow them on Twitter. You won’t regret it!

happy thanksgiving

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

Oprah said it perfectly. Today, I woke up on this beautiful & chilly day in my home, Pensacola, FL, with a lot to be thankful for. I have a roof over my head, shoes on my feet, family down the street & lots of food to eat! Life could not be better. 

I hope you & your loved ones have a happy & safe Thanksgiving. Please, don’t forget about those less fortunate during this holiday season. Since working in nonprofit PR, I have found that it is our job to lend a helping hand & make this world a better place. The smallest act can make the biggest difference. Believe that.

P.S. Now, what would a holiday be without a precious pug photo?! My obsession continues! Sorry, not sorry.

fashion friday: “Suit & Tie”

JT has indeed said it best my friends! Although this pop sensation sings a mean tune, he also preaches words to live by. A collared shirt & slacks can go a long way in the world of PR. Professionalism is not only something that should be taught in the classroom, but it is something that is imperative to the success of your organization. We are not just writing our success story, but we are also writing our organization’s. In PR, we are the face of our organization. We are looked at on a daily basis; whether that be in the office writing a press release or in front of the camera making a statement. In return, one must always be PREPARED & PROFESSIONAL.

Lately, I have often found myself questioning the judgment of PR professionals and their choices on daily work attire. From flip-flops to tasteless skirts, I have seen it all! Ladies, my mama always told me and it’s a saying that I still live by today . . . “If you wouldn’t wear it to church, then don’t wear it at all.” Below, I have outlined various essentials that every woman should have in their closet:

1. Black slacks — I have not gone a single week where I did not thank Jesus for my black slacks.

2. Flats — I understand the need to have Kardashian high-heels, but there is no way in hell that you can be that productive in 6-inch stilettos. Be practical & save the hooker heels for a night out with the girls. (and no, flip-flops are not flats)

3. Cardigans — Cardigans will be your best friend in the work place. Not only is almost every office place cold, but all of those cute sleeveless tops that you have for summer can still be worn WITH A CARDIGAN! Bare shoulders are a NO NO ladies, no matter how hot it may be outside.

4. Skirts & Dresses — Please, make sure that they are the appropriate length & cover up the goodies. You know what I mean. No one wants to see your moon when you bend over!

5. Groom — Yeah, ain’t nobody got time for that . . . you better make time. Shave your legs, brush your teeth, and style your hair! Bed head, in fact, is not sexy on anyone but Jennifer Anniston. Keep dreaming!

This should give you a general overview on the expectations of professional attire . . . BUT WAIT! Men, you aren’t getting away unscathed. You, as well, have expectations to meet in the work force. Take a minute and check out my PR friend & style expert’s blog on insightful info to men’s attire at GlamAndFab.wordpress.com & tweet him @PRGuySy.

P.S. Lint brushes are a gift from God!