Evann Clingan

Friday Fancies: Bonfire

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The ladies of Friday Fancies are preparing for a bonfire across the blogosphere today, complete with s'mores and a Thermos of hot chocolate. I love this virtual idea, as it can be difficult to host an actual bonfire in Manhattan. For the occasion, I selected a Joules Harkaway Striped Sweatshirt, paired with J.Crew Pixie Pants. When I studied abroad in London my sophomore year of college, I discovered Joules while exploring Harrods. They have the most adorable sweatshirt options with buttons at the collar and ties at the waist. However, this pair of Tory Burch Jess Riding Boots is still on my wish list. I'm in need of a new pair of brown boots and will be searching for a pair on Black Friday. Finally, if the hot chocolate wasn't enough to keep my hands warm, I've selected a pair of fingerless gloves. I wish this was actually the way I'd be spending my Friday night!

Thoughts on Instagram's Online Profiles

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Does the above screenshot look familiar to you? It's Instagram. No, really. On Monday, Instagram started to roll out online profiles. Now, you can easily browse photos without using a third-party website like Followgram. This change was very likely a result of Instagram being acquired by Facebook. While you may not have yours loaded yet, it's only a matter of time before the entire community lives outside the mobile app. I'm not sure what to think of the development. See some of my pros and cons below:

What I Like

The slideshow collage is visually appealing and fits well with the Facebook banner design.
The thumbnail layout is very clean and shows the number of comments and likes on rollover.
Photos are each labeled with a date and grouped by months. No more of that 178 days ago confusion.
Clicking on a photo enlarges it without compromising quality. Great for saving photos to your computer.
You can easily edit your user profile in a window much larger than a smartphone screen.

What I Don't Like

I prefer the photos living only inside the mobile app and being used to compliment tweets and other posts.
You cannot click on the Following or Follower counts (even on your own profile) to find other user profiles.
It's alarmingly easy to accidentally report a user by clicking on their username. I almost reported myself.
As you scroll down, sometimes images automatically load, while other times you have to click a button to load more.
There is no search box to find other user profiles. You would have to know their username and edit the page's URL.

The jury is still out for me on whether it was necessary for Instagram to create these online profiles, but Facebook must be feeling the heat since it was rumored that Twitter would add a photo filtering option. In either case, it's nice to have an official Instagram feed to link to from my blog. What do you think of the new profiles? Is yours loaded yet?

Vote as you please, but please vote.

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Image via Hunter Langston Designs

I don't particularly care who you're voting for. To be honest, I don't love politics. However, I care that Americans are educating themselves about the candidates and realizing their privilege of casting a vote for the next U.S. President today. We're making history, so take the time to stand in line and be part of it.

The following is my favorite election interactive infographic from New York Times. It gives a clear picture of the 512 different ways a candidate could be elected president today. Follow along.

Sunday Reading, by french bulldogs

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 15:00:00 +0000

After the destruction that Hurricane Sandy caused in the New York City area over the last week, I decided to take a weekend trip to New Jersey. I know, Jersey was also affected, but I'm visiting an area that fared well. While it was a week of temporary inconveniences (i.e. no power, cable, Internet, hot water, or subway), I'm still grateful for my health and safety. That's all that matters in the end, right? To wind down from a weather-filled week, enjoy some of my favorite reads, brought to you by a few adorable French bulldogs. I could have used one of these little guys to keep me company in a dark apartment this week.

Also, Happy Birthday, Dad! Love you and wish I could be spending the day with you. xo

Image via dailyfrenchie.tumblr.com

Other Blogs

I have been lusting after the clear dry erase paint Yasmine featured.
Brittney Ann shared the highlights of attending the Drybar opening in DC.
This photography Jenni posted encompasses everything I love about fall.
Project Gadabout is saying hello to November with a list of quirky holidays.
Looking for the perfect pair of booties? Melissa's Short List has you covered.

This Blog

I reviewed the Erin Condren Life Planner and convinced some skeptics to purchase one.
I highlighted a gorgeous Matthew Williamson dress for the 100th edition of Friday Fancies.
I shared some tips for how to keep busy during the hurricane...or on any rainy day.

Image source unknown

Printable November 2012 Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Download November 2012 Calendar

I'm that person at work who, on the first day of every month, says "I can't believe it's already..." because 2012 seems to be flying by. The Rockefeller Center skating rink recently opened, and the trees surrounding Radio City are being wrapped in white lights. I wish everything would slow down a little bit. November is the perfect month to enjoy the cooling weather, spend time with family and friends, and give thanks for all the little things. To help you organize your month, enjoy a free printable November 2012 calendar. Mine is already pinned to the bulletin board above my desk at work.

After the Storm & Happy Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:30:00 +0000

While I walked to work today, I can't remember the last time I was this grateful to have electricity, Internet, and warm food. As the storm picked up on Monday night, water rushed onto the shores of Manhattan, wind whipped debris through the streets, and my utilities were slowly cut off. One by one, the electricity, hot water, cable, and Internet disappeared. Late in the evening, a very large transformer exploded near my apartment, which didn't help the lower half of Manhattan. However, some people are entirely without water. The below picture, taken by Michael Cinquino, a photographer from Brooklyn, shows the split between those who were and were not affected. While this is a temporary inconvenience with no known timeline as to when utilities will be restored, I'm feeling grateful that my situation is not worse. With the massive devastation in New York City and the surrounding area, I couldn't be more thankful for the countless individuals who are piecing everything back together as I write this.

Photo by Michael Cinqunio

With all of the chaos over the past few days, I forgot that today was Halloween. My two-year-old self would like to wish you all a Happy Halloween, filled with hot cider, creative costumes, and tons of candy. I had wanted to pass out candy to trick or treaters today, but that likely won't happen. I'll have to enjoy some candy myself to celebrate. Please excuse my Hurricane Sandy hair...

10 Ways to Make the Most of Sandy

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Today, I am working from my couch, as the subway system closed last night and weather is expected to take a turn for the worse. Right now, there is only light rain and wind outside. If you'd like realtime updates of the weather in the city, I highly suggest this New York Times feed with haunting (but gorgeous) views from the 51st floor of the Times Building. If you're in need of a good laugh, check out Thought Catalogue's Hurricane Sandy Liveblog. As long as most of the East Coast is stuck inside, here are 10 other ways I suggest making the most of Sandy:

Don't change out of your pajamas or take off your glasses. This is your chance to grab a cozy throw and cuddle up on the couch. No one will judge because they're doing the same.
Turn on the TV and watch the poor news anchors almost get blown away by the storm, as well as the crazy people who live at the beach and insist that they're not evacuating.
Since most Starbucks in the city are closed (Dunkin is celebrating), make yourself a warm drink and pour it into a bright, pattered mug. Coffee, tea, cider, etc. Consider adding a dash of liquor.
Use the storm as an excuse to eat a bunch of delicious "nonperishable food." This should include chips, cookies, popcorn, macaroni and cheese, and Halloween candy.
Make sure you download a new book and charge your Kindle. As long as the battery lasts, this is a great time to catch up on your reading. I am planning to finally start Gone Girl.
Actually clean your room, not the fake kind of cleaning where you "organize" everything into piles on all available surfaces. Dusting and vacuuming earn bonus points.
Organize your virtual world, as well. Last night, I answered all unread emails and cleaned up all files saved to my desktop. It's the little things that make life seem more orderly.
Check in with friends and family to say hello and make sure they're safe. For the most part, everyone on the East Coast is stuck inside. While we still have power, call someone or set up a Skype date.
Learn how to play a new card game. My roommate and I plan to pull out the cards if/once the power does go out. Cards by candlelight sounds like a few hours of fun, right?
While it might look like a ~~great idea~~, don't try to go outside once the weather actually starts. This Felix Rey umbrella might be cute, but you're asking to get blown away.

Felix Rey Umbrella / Warby Parker Glasses / Amazon Kindle / J.Crew Pajamas / Jonathan Adler Mug / Gilt Home Throw

Hurricane Sandy

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:00:00 +0000

I feel like I'm having déjà vu from Hurricane Irene. As Hurricane Sandy approaches New York City, Zone A (high risk of flooding) is being evacuated and the subway system is being shut down. Thankfully, I'm in Zone C. People are rushing to buy flashlights, candles, nonperishable food, bottled water, and alcohol (haha). All of this buildup happened at the end of last summer, but Irene was worse in the suburbs than in the city. Because of that semi-false alarm and last night's Halloween celebrations, I don't think New Yorkers are taking Sandy as seriously.

Still, while the rain hasn't started yet, many people are planning to work from home tomorrow or not at all. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to working from my couch, as long as we don't lose power or Internet. In all seriousness, everyone on the East Coast be safe.

If you're in NYC, follow Mayor Bloomberg's office on Twitter for updates.

Pink Hunter Boots

Friday Fancies: 100

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Today is my first time participating in Long Distance Loving's Friday Fancies linkup. Each week, AV sends an email to challenge readers to create a dream outfit to fit a specific theme. This week marks the 100th Friday Fancies linkup, so the challenge was to choose the perfect party outfit. I definitely ran with the idea of it being a dream outfit and selected a Matthew Williamson Liquid Sequin Dress. My accessories include David Yurman Cable Wrap, Blue Topaz Earrings and Christan Louboutin Rolando nude pumps. This look deserves a bottomless flute of champagne and great company. Congratulations on 100 weeks of fashion, AV!

Share Your Passion

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 21:30:00 +0000

I've been connecting the dots lately in terms of figuring out what I'm truly passionate about and what inspires that passion. If you've been keeping up with my blog, it's very obvious that I'm passionate about research, design, social media, and education (and cupcakes). Thanks to the PR agency I work for, Sweet Lemon Magazine, She's the First, and The White House Project, I've been blessed with many opportunities to marry those passions. That process of challenging myself to use my skills and share my passion in as many areas of my life as possible has helped me live a more meaningful life over the past few months.

But enough about me. I also mentioned that I've recently figured out what inspires my passion. To put it simply, it's other people who aren't afraid to share theirs. I hear a lot of people talking about how to "find your passion" or "follow your passion." Yes, those were the first two steps to creating the meaningful life I've been living. However, I think a lot of people are past steps one and two but are experiencing barriers to actually sharing their passion with others. Are you afraid someone will judge you? Do you think you're "too cool" to gush about what you love? Do you not feel like you have enough authority to hold a conversation about what makes you tick? To be fair, I used to be hesitant about broadcasting my thoughts and feelings to others. I hesitated for months before starting a blog, but here I am. Everyone has their own barriers, but I wish people would find a way to get past them. If you're one of those people, I'm listening. I don't care if you love to run marathons, talk about football, design handbags, write poetry, or travel the world. I want to hear about your passion in your words, because my passion for life comes from your passion for yours. In fact, maybe people in general should be added to my list of passions. Is that too weird?

Very seriously, I think one of the most attractive and relatable qualities a person can have is not being afraid to talk about, write about, tweet about, or even paint a mural of exactly what they love. The more I surround myself with passionate people, the more I want to fill in the gaps of my life with more people like them. No matter what your passion is, it usually translates itself into a skill set that can be used to help, to teach, or to inspire. Sit down and make a list, whether it's one big thing or a thousand small ones. Think about what fascinates you, motivates you, or makes you geek out. Then, go find someone who doesn't know what you love, and start communicating. In my opinion, the world isn't filled with enough passion. Imagine if it were. I'm waiting, so start talking.

Molly's Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Prior to last weekend, I had been told by multiple New Yorkers that I needed to visit Molly's. When I get recommendations for cupcake shops, I usually file them in that Sweets to Remember drawer of my brain and go about my business. However, as I was enjoying an afternoon at Washington Square Park on Saturday, it occurred to me that Molly's was a short walk away. To everyone who has recommended these cupcakes to me, you were right. I love them. First, some background. Molly's, which originated in Chicago, was named for the founder's third-grade teacher, who always baked cupcakes for her students' birthdays. Those cupcakes must have made a huge impact, as Molly's now gives a portion of its profits to benefit schools in the community. Obviously, I am all about any organization that supports education. If you add cupcakes to the equation, I'm instantly sold. In fact, She's the First had its second birthday party at Molly's! Aside from the great cause, the cupcakes are delicious. Many of them have fillings, which is unique. I tried a pumpkin spice mini and a regular butterscotch caramel. Both delicious, but I'm a sucker for anything pumpkin. Molly's also allows you to build your own cupcake (see image below), including cake, frosting, and toppings. If you choose a pre-made flavor, they also offer a Sprinkle Bar because, if you're like me, you enjoy a little extra pizzazz when it comes to your sweets. While I'm quick to name my tried-and-true favorite cupcakeries in the city, Molly's quickly made its way to the top of the list.

What Experts Say

"The death of the cupcake has been predicted for some time now, but that hasn't stopped Chicago-based confectionery Molly's Cupcakes from setting up shop in town. It even had the gall to open only a few blocks down from Magnolia Bakery, that temple of cupcakerie and other awfulness. And good thing it did, because its mini frosted cakes are far superior. The extensive roster offers flavors ranging from Nutella-peanut butter to blueberry cheesecake to classic vanilla, plus Molly's even offers a build-your-own option, should you want, say, red velvet cake topped with vegan chocolate icing and gummy bears. Best of all: no middle-aged women on self-guided Sex and the City tours." -Village Voice

What I Think

Get Social: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram
Location: 228 Bleecker Street (Map it)
Favorite Flavor: So far, it has to be pumpkin spice
Bite Count: Two for minis / Five for regulars
Price: $1 for minis / $2 for regulars / $3.75 for center-filled
Also Offering: Cookies, bars, pies, cheesecakes, homemade ice cream
Overall Score: 9/10 -- When I took the paper off, they fell apart a bit
Nearby Must-Eat: Grab dinner at The Meatball Shop

Erin Condren Life Planner Review

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Last Friday, I received my personalized Erin Condren Life Planner in the mail and could not have been more excited. I've previously mentioned that I love stationery and fun office supplies the way that some women love shoes. Since college, having a planner has proved to be incredibly important to organize all facets of my life in one place. Each year at Elon, I got a new Lilly Pulitzer planner. Every girl had one. While they were great for college years, I was ready for a more professional option. Erin Condren was it.

When I opened the purple and orange swirled box, I first found a free gift of personalized leopard stickers. How awesome is that?! I wasn't expecting any free gifts. I plan to use them on packages and to seal envelopes. Beneath the free stickers was my fabulous Life Planner. Erin Condren offers dozens of cover designs. Designs can personalized with your name and uploaded photos. I chose to keep it simple with my name in script over colorful stripes. The cover is flexible but laminated in a way that makes it durable (as are the monthly tabs). The planner itself is held together with an aluminum coil binding. It also includes a plastic bookmark that clips to the binding, for easy opening to the current week.

I flipped to the back of the planner first. Inside the plastic, zipped pouch are even more personalized stickers and gift tags. So convenient for labeling on the go. Next to the plastic pouch are 2013 and 2014 calendars for reference. The opposite side of those calendars is a Keep it Together folder, which holds my custom stickers. I added a $5 sheet of custom stickers to my order because I couldn't pass up the chance to stick uploaded Instagram photos throughout my planner.

Next, are 240 colored, rectangular stickers. They can be labeled and placed on specific days to mark special occasions. Some are already printed with labels like Pay Day! Party! Wedding! The bright colors easily draw my eye to important dates.

Between the stickers and actual calendar pages, the planner also includes a page to record important contact information, as well as lined and blank pages for notes. I love the way that the body of the planner is laid out. Each month starts with a full calendar page, including an inspirational quote and space to write monthly goals and to-do lists. The way each day is laid out makes so much sense. There are boxes for morning, day, and night. Lilly simply includes six or seven lines for writing, with even less space for Saturday and Sunday. The Erin Condren format helps me think of my day in three, logical parts. It also includes equal space for every day of the week, and the colorful labels perfectly fit the width of each date. On the left side of the page, there is more space for weekly goals and to-do lists. Finally, I love that Erin Condren allows you to choose a 12-month or 15-month calendar length starting at any month, so you don't end up wasting a month and can order at any time of year.

Finally, the very front of the planner includes a full special dates calendar to view birthdays and other occasions all in one place. While it was double the price of a Lilly planner, I think the Life Planner is more than worth it. You can get $5 off right now with the 2012OFF coupon code. Erin Condren also offers notebooks, deskpads, labels, stationery, tech accessories, and much more.

Sunday Reading, by rainbow sprinkles

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I've taken my own advice about how to recover from a burnout this week. After staying in to tie up loose ends and finish some writing for Sweet Lemon Magazine on Friday night, I enjoyed a day of solo brunching, shopping, and relaxing yesterday. Everyone deserves that sometimes. I'm feeling more like myself than I have in a week or so. Hope you had a great weekend, as well. Enjoy catching up on some of my favorite reads from the past two weeks, brought to you by treats covered in rainbow sprinkles.

Image via How Sweet Eats

Other Blogs

I took notes about how to start a wine club, according to Heather's tips.

Carly introduced me to the lovely Christine Hassler in her Book Club post.

I swooned over Grace's review of Caitlin Wilson's colorful textiles.

Joy showed off pictures from her recent trip and book signing in Manhattan.

I learned some new Instagram tips from Kate's roundup of links.

This Blog

My interactive map of New York City fall recommendations was featured in Twin Strip Magazine.
I attended She's the First's Campus Leadership Summit to celebrate International Day of the Girl.
Alex featured me as her Girl Crush on her blog on Friday. She's too sweet.

Image via Bakers Royale

Girl Crushing on Me

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:15:00 +0000

I was extremely flattered when Alex, a fellow Sweet Lemon Magazine blogger, emailed me about a week ago to ask if I'd like to be featured in an installment of her Girl Crush column. How sweet is that?! The post went live today, so head over to Alex's blog to read my answers to some open-ended questions that she had me answer for the feature. You are guaranteed to learn a few things about me that you don't already know.

Click here to go to my Girl Crush post on Alex's blog.

Simplifying with Songza

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Aside from the basic Twitter/Facebook/Instagram trifecta, I only have about five other apps on my iPhone. When I see a friend scroll through a few pages to find the app they're looking for, I'm reminded that I probably don't benefit from all of my iPhone's capabilities. However, when someone tells me about an app that can make my life a little bit easier, I take notice. The lovely Allie introduced me to Songza at a recent TWHP workshop. I downloaded and used the app for the first time on Tuesday. It simplifies music selection and makes my workout more enjoyable. Keep reading to learn why.

Songza is not just another music app. It tells me that I can "Listen to Music Curated by Music Experts." What does that mean? When you enter the (free) app, it recognizes the time of day and asks you what you're doing. Are you in the mood for cheerful pop music on the way to work? Sure. Do you want to dance around your room while getting ready to go out at night? Got you covered. You can also search by genre, activity, mood, decade, culture, etc. Once your music starts playing, you'll notice that aside from a small image across the bottom, there are no ads. You can skip songs, replay the ones you like, and not worry about Songza wondering if you're "still there." Everything about it is convenient.

Songza is most useful for me during a workout. It pairs well with my Nike Running app (also free). As Nike is timing me, keeping track of my pace, and mapping my journey, Songza is almost reading my mind with a workout playlist. I always forget to create a new playlist on my iPhone before a run and don't like listening to the same songs over and over, so this is perfect. I don't have to think about it. All I have to do is enter time, activity, mood, and I'm set.

What are some of your favorite apps that make your life a little bit easier? Help me add to my collection!

Recover From a Burnout

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Confession: As I was truly enjoying the International Day of the Girl celebration at the end of last week, I experienced a total burnout. I had worked the weekend before and was pushing myself to excel as an employee, volunteer, blogger, and friend for two weeks straight. As I was pushing myself to please everyone else, I stopped taking care of myself. I'm sure you've experienced this, too. By the end of last week, I was tired, irritable, and not fun to be around. I was burnt out.

As a New Yorker, I'm surrounded by Type-A overachievers who sacrifice sleep and live on coffee to succeed, so burnout isn't unusual. Still, burnout isn't exclusive to New Yorkers. It happens to 20-somethings everywhere. I started reading 20 Something Manifesto, by Christine Hassler, two nights ago and stumbled across a quote that I think really sums up my last two weeks:

"Being told 'You can do and be anything you want'
has become more of a pressure cooker of expectations
than a motivational quote."

I made a conscious effort to hit the reset button and start taking care of myself again this week. The following list isn't groundbreaking or exhaustive in terms of how to recover from a burnout, but these are tips that are easy to forget. They're some of the things I let slide first when my world turns upside down.

Unplug -- This is hard for me. I'm one of those people who always has my iPhone close at hand. In fact, I can sense something's missing when I accidentally leave my phone at home. However, unplugging refers to more than your phone. Get away from any device with a power switch. Give your eyes a break from staring at a screen. Being constantly connected is exhausting.

Hydrate -- On a busy work day, I'm quickly moving from project to meeting to client call and forget to fill my water cup. I know I should be drinking about eight glasses per day, but I struggle to do that on a less busy day. When I am busy, I catch myself feeling drowsy and immediately realize that I'm getting dehydrated. Keep a water bottle or cup at your desk and keep refilling it.

Sleep -- I've already admitted that my sleep schedule is crazy. (I'm really baring all my bad habits, huh?) It's especially crazy when I'm staying up late to cross tasks off my to-do list. Eight is also a magic number when it comes to sleep. I know I should be getting about eight hours of sleep per night. I get about six. However, since Sunday, I've been benefitting from an extra hour per night.

Prioritize -- It may be impossible to completely clear your to-do list, but you should prioritize it. Maybe a task can be pushed to tomorrow or next week, which will free up time to relax today. Rather than thinking about all you have to do, write down each task. Cross each one off as you complete it. Also, make it a habit to say no to one request each day. It's difficult but worth it.

Exercise -- It's easy to let this one go when you're tired. If you plan to run the morning after a stressful day, you might snooze your alarm. If you've had a long day at work, you probably want to crash on the couch at night. Don't do it. Go to a yoga class, for a run, or on a walk through the park. You'll feel better after you do. Exercising also gives you a chance to unplug.

Read -- As I said, I started reading 20 Something Manifesto this week. I try to read on the subway to and from work, as well as before I go to sleep at night. The book includes personal stories from 20-somethings, followed by insights and suggestions from Hassler. Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, start now. Reading gets you out of your own world for a bit.

Unplug / Hydrate / Sleep / Prioritize / Exercise / Read

Happy First Birthday, SLM

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Today is Sweet Lemon Magazine's first birthday! A huge congratulations to Carly, Paris, and Melissa for all of their hard work over the last year. Each bi-monthly issue has been more successful than the last. Being part of the SLM team has been a great experience. The team is filled with unique and creative girls from all over the country that I've loved to get to know via social media and e-mail. Still, I was able to meet Carly and Abby last week for dinner here in New York City. We talked for hours, ordered ice cream sundaes, and even crammed into a tiny photo booth.

I've shared Issue No.5 and No.6 on my blog. We're currently working on No.7. I've been given a very special assignment, which I'm eager to share next month. However, I also write a weekly post for SLM's The Zesty Digest blog. It's like a daily fix of the online magazine. If you've missed my posts, see some of my favorites below:

Tips for having a successful first annual review at work.

Printable Post-it Notes to help keep you organized.

Do it yourself fabric strip garland that hangs above my bed.

What it feels like to be a redhead, especially in Manhattan.

STF Campus Leadership Summit

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:00:00 +0000

It's difficult to put into words how grateful I am to have been part of She's the First's celebration of the International Day of the Girl, including its Campus Leadership Summit. As promised, this post will recap the VIP-filled reception on Thursday night and the sessions at AOL headquarters on Friday with campus leaders.

After work on Thursday, I headed to Wix Lounge to help set up for the reception. We decorated, laid out food and drink, and eventually started to welcome our guests. It was my first chance to meet the campus leaders. This group of almost 40 girls are quintessential examples of the way I see my generation--digitally savvy, globally aware, quick to connect, and ready to give. The room was also filled with VIPs such as CEO of Patriarch Partners Lynn Tilton, Fashion Designer Nanette Lepore, Publisher of Seventeen Jayne Jamison, and Actress Monique Coleman. The bulk of the reception was a presentation during which Lynn, Monique, Seventeen Cover Girl Lindsay Brown, and Founder and CEO of STF Tammy Tibbetts addressed the room to reiterate the importance of supporting girls' education by sharing their personal stories. Campus leaders also presented proposals addressed to the United Nations to spark education reform in developing countries. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. During the reception, I learned some very exciting news about STF. Keep watching. Even bigger things are coming later this year.

I was also fortunate to have an extra vacation day, so I could spend Friday with the campus leaders. The first stop was Washington Square park, where we held a photo shoot. The girls were asked to wear university gear, so we could see the extent of the STF reach (from Massachusetts, to Tennessee, to Wisconsin, to California). Rather than use personal images to share the events of the day, I've pulled tweets to illustrate the experience. After all, STF is based on the idea of social media for social change.

Once we arrived at AOL's headquarters, the girls spent the morning sharing The Good, The Bad, and The Cupcakes--key learnings from fundraisers they completed over the last year. It was inspiring to hear how their efforts paid off and how many girls they were ultimately able to sponsor. They also wrote letters to the future presidents of their chapters, which we will hand out at next year's Campus Leadership Summit. This was an idea borrowed from Hannah Brencher's non-profit More Love Letters.

After lunch, we were joined by a panel of media superstars, including Senior Community Editor at Huffington Post Annemarie Dooling, Founder of the The Daily Muse Katheryn Minshew, Channel One News Anchor Shelby Holliday, and Actress Josie Loren. Tammy moderated the discussion, which included topics such as how to get your cause to trend on campus, how to get important people or organizations to notice your posts, how to avoid "empty content," and how to maximize the use of photos and video. Here are some of my and Lily's favorite tips:

We ended the day with a tour of the AOL and Huffington Post offices. They're both very modern with open floor plans, glass walls, and tons of curated art. Some employee perks include free beverage coolers, ping pong tables, book loaning shelves, and a nap room. My favorite part was probably seeing the new Huffington Post newsroom, including a glass dry erase board on the wall announcing upcoming guests ranging from Ne-Yo to Michelle Obama.

While it was a busy vacation day, I wouldn't have had it any other way. The STF volunteers have been planning this celebration since July and are so pleased with the outcome. Now, back to planning the Cupcake Campaign, which launches next month.

Sole Society Black Booties

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Last night's She's the First reception for the International Day of the Girl was absolutely inspiring. I was reminded, once again, how talented, giving, and supportive the STF volunteers truly are. You'll have to check back this weekend for a full update on the event, but it will definitely be worth it with powerful women such as Lynn Tilton, Nanette Lepore, Jayne Jamison, and Monique Coleman in attendance. Today, I am listening to speakers from AOL, MTV, The DailyMuse, and Huffington Post with STF campus leaders. Key learnings and many pictures to be shared on Sunday.

For now, I needed to share my new favorite shoe website, Sole Society, courtesy of Lauren. The company's mission is to deliver trendy shoes at affordable prices by cutting the retailer out of the shopping equation. They also have great social media integration...and offer free shipping. Once I saw Sole Society's collection of black booties, I was officially sold. During the fall and winter, these are my go-to shoes to pair with tights or skinny jeans for both work and evening. I will likely be purchasing the second pair below. For a limited time, Sole Society is offering $20 off your first order.

1. Lyssa 2. Leylani 3. Aster 4. Helena

International Day of the Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow and Friday have the potential to be two of the most inspiring days of my life. I could not be more excited to meet the leaders from She's the First campus chapters all over the country for a conference in celebration of the United Nations' first-ever International Day of the Girl.

"The Day of the Girl is about highlighting, celebrating, discussing, and advancing girls lives and opportunities across the globe. When girls come together to talk about what really matters to us, we can teach other people–grownups, boys, girls all across the world–a new way of thinking about issues like gender stereotypes, discrimination, and opportunity. October 11 is not just a day but a movement. 10.11.12 is bigger than one issue, one organization, or even one country."

So, why just a day for girls? These stats from the International Day of the Girl website make it very clear:

ILLITERACY – By 2015, females will make up 64% of the world’s (adult) population who cannot read.

SCHOOL DROPOUT – Only 30% of girls in the world are enrolled in secondary school. In America, the dropout rate is worse for boys but one in four girls does not finish high school, and the dropout rate is even higher for minorities.

FORCED MARRIAGE – One in seven girls in developing countries is married off before age 15.

VIOLENCE – In the US more than half (54%) of all rapes of females happen before age 18. One in 5 high school girls has been physically or sexually abused by a dating partner. Worldwide children as young as age 11 are forced to work as prostitutes. Some estimates have as many as 1.2 million children being trafficked every year.

BODY IMAGE – More than half (54%) of 3rd-5th grade girls worry about their appearance and 37% worry about their weight. More than half (57%) of music videos feature a female portrayed exclusively as a decorative, sexual object.

I'll be tuning in to the She's the First Assembly Broadcast tomorrow morning before work. You won't want to miss this powerful lineup: first female speaker of the NYC City Council Christine Quinn, Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen Ann Shoket, Actresses Monique Coleman and Josie Loren, Seventeen Pretty Amazing cover girl Lindsay Brown, and Founder/President of She's the First Tammy Tibbetts. The campus chapter leaders will spend the day meeting inspiring women, drafting proposals to the UN, and exploring the city. In the evening, I'll be joining the group for a reception with even more inspiring women.

On Friday, I decided to take a vacation day from work to join the leaders for the second day of the conference. You'll have to check out my recap later this week to see who I meet and what I learn along the way.

View International Day of the Girl Events in a larger map.

Super Women

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:30:00 +0000

Today at work, I attended the first installment of my agency's Real Women Fostering Women's Leadership series, which are panels moderated by our CEO of North America Barri Rafferty. The panelists were three female leaders from client brands. Barri led a discussion about how women can strive to keep balance in their lives, including topics such as how to avoid guilt when your life is unbalanced, how female leaders maintain stamina, how to compartmentalize your day, and how to prioritize your calendar. The panelists shared valuable insight on each topic that was applicable to women of all ages.

Barri started the hour-long session by reading the definition of Superwoman that Selena Rezvani gives in her book The Next Generation of Women Leaders. The excerpt touches on the pressures that women face to be the best wife, mother, employee, leader, and individual all at once. She must make time for family life and work life, maintain her physical health and appearance, volunteer for the community, and have hobbies. This seems unrealistic, right? The following quote is Executive Vice President of Omnicom Group Janet Riccio's response to that definition. It's stuck with me all day.

Twin Stripe Magazine Issue 4

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:30:00 +0000

About a month ago, I was thrilled to connect with Alison and Katie of Twin Stripe Magazine about contributing to their fourth online issue. These ladies are both Elon iMedia graduates, which is a year-long interactive media masters program. As Elon students, Alison and Katie realized their common interests in design, styling, and decor. After writing a research paper on interactivity in online websites, TSM was born. The first three issues of the magazine have included recipes, party styling, gift guides, playlists, beer recommendations, and more. I am especially drawn to the vivid photography and fun layouts for each feature.

Issue 4 is TSM's Fall issue. As my contribution, I decided to write a description of my perfect fall Saturday in the city, complete with brunch, to-sees, and dinner with drinks. The feature includes Instagram pictures of each recommendation, which is how I often capture my daily adventures in the city. The snapshots have been linked to an awesome interactive map, so you can get an idea of where each location is in Manhattan. I encourage you to grab your favorite seasonal drink (latte, cider, beer, whatever) and curl up on the couch to enjoy this issue. See my feature and some of my other favorites from Issue 4 below.

Sunday Reading, by the layered chambray

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Happy first Sunday of October! While I'm spending the day working, I'd typically be found reading at the park or exploring a new part of the city on a Sunday. As the weather has grown colder, I've been getting creative with layering my outfits. Today's Sunday Reading is brought to you by the layered chambray. Enjoy the demin, feathers, leather, while catching up on some of my favorite posts that you may have missed.

Image via Atlantic-Pacific

Other Blogs

Couldn't be more excited to follow the changes in Hanna's life. Hello...Southern Proper?!

Lilly shared the video version of the coveted coffee table book Paris vs. New York.

You will be craving Jessica's caramel apple grilled cheese after you see the pictures.

Can you guess my favorite Disney Princess? Katelyn used her as color palette inspiration.

I'll need this list of Top 5 Cupcake Shops when I travel to D.C. over the next few months.

Image via Song of Style

This Blog

I learned to actually differentiate and talk about types of wine at Wine Riot.

As an obsessive list maker, I shared a free printable weekly to-do list.

I attended my second workshop with The White House Project and my first Twitter chat.

Image via Oh Joy!

@NYCPRGirls Twitter Chat

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:00:00 +0000

It has been on my to-do list for quite awhile to participate in a Twitter chat. I recap client chats for work, but I've never participated in one. If you're unfamiliar with Twitter chats, they are organized discussions that are hosted/moderated on a specific topic and encourage all participants to include a specific hashtag in their tweets, so all conversation is collected in the same feed.

When I saw that @nycprgirls would be hosting an hour-long chat last night, I jumped at the chance. For two years, A & M have been writing about life in the PR industry and in New York City. Both of those topics clearly relate to my life, making their blog one of my daily reads. During the chat, A & M answered questions from college students and current professionals, and participants chatted with one another. Twitter parties are great because they offer advice from diverse perspectives in real time. If you're interested in participating in a PR or social media chat, see this list. I couldn't help but share some of my favorite advice from last night:

@evannclingan: How do you suggest developing your management skills as you transition from entry-level to a more mature role? #prchat
@nycprgirls: Always work at the level above you. Become indispensable to your teams #PRchat

@nycprgirls: Work hard. Play fair. Do what you love! RT @CameronSmead: @nycprgirls What is the best PR advice you've ever received? #PRchat

@nycprgirls: It's not all glamorous. No Samantha Jones here. RT @PR_Couture: What's the biggest misconception you experience as @nycprgirls? #prchat

@nycprgirls: Look at @Guestofaguest, Urban Daddy, etc. Socialize! RT @cassiedulworth: How do you get invited/know about PR events? @nycprgirls #prchat

@nycprgirls: 2-3 internships...close to 2 years. Need the experience! RT @city_girlxo: #PRchat How many years of interning before able to land a job?

@nycprgirls: @PRDaily @PRCouture @AdWeek @mediabistro RT @itsvee001: @nycprgirls What are your favorite websites to read daily regarded PR?

@nycprgirls: Meeting people, living in the city and yes, the swag! RT @smode19: @nycprgirls What are the best perks to being a PR like you? #PRchat

@nycprgirls: PC for work, Mac for personal RT @nycprgirls Mac or PC? #prchat

@nycprgirls: :) Great blog by the way! RT @evannclingan: This is fabulous! Can we hold a chat monthly or bi-monthly? #prchat

The White House Project on Self Leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Evann) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I'd like to start off by saying that I've realized how refreshing it is to be surrounded by people who choose to take the time to improve their life. Yes, life is busy. People are used to making excuses about why they only have time to focus on other people...and on other stuff. I find that being around people who choose not to make that excuse motivates me to be a better me. Last night, I attended my second workshop with The White House Project, Go Lead: How to Build an Effective Game Plan to Ignite Your Leadership. Like the Personal Branding workshop, this session was led by the fabulous Erica Dhawan but was held at the TWHP office near Penn Station.

First, we were reminded that leadership is all about a mindset, not a position. Erica was very clear in saying that self leadership is about making your habits intentional, so you will have the best chance of meeting your goals. She used this Aristotle quote to reiterate that point: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."

I'm about to share one of my worst habits with you: Staying up too late. Might not sound so horrible, but I let myself make excuses for losing sleep, which sometimes acts as a negative domino effect. I end up fighting myself on waking up for a morning run, staying focused all day, and enjoying the evening after work. This is my "to work on" habit that will hopefully act as a keystone to other positive habits.

Erica explained that a game plan for self leadership 1) is not a to-do list, and 2) should be thought of in tiers.

Understand what you want to contribute to (and how you want to benefit from) the world.

Consider what high level priorities fall under that mission statement.

List the tasks you will accomplish to meet those high level priorities.

My Example:

I want to inspire and be inspired by young, passionate people who aren't afraid to share their story. Connecting with them will enable me to be constantly learning.

Become more deeply involved in networks of young people in New York City.

Join the She's the First Dream Team in the next month.

Attend a conference or event at least bi-weekly (then share them on my blog!).

Research additional organizations that fit my interests.

Write one statement about what you want to contribute to and how you want to benefit from the world. Support that with three to four high level priorities. Plan how to meet those priorities with two to three action steps each. Overwhelming? It is, but you're benefitting yourself just by taking the time to think about it. Having a game plan makes your choices more intentional. As you think, make sure your game plan is Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Timely. SMART.

Aside from being overwhelming, self leadership can be scary. Erica led a group discussion about how to reframe fear, so you'll be able to move toward your goals. Change the language you use. Consider the worst that could happen. Think of fear as a feeling of excitement. Surround yourself with cheerleaders. Understand that everyone has hesitations, so stop hiding behind excuses.

Speaking of excuses, I'd like to leave you with my favorite Erica quote from the session (pictured above): "Manage your energy, not your time." Think about what that means in your life and adjust accordingly. I plan to follow up with a future post about the actions I'm taking to manage my game plan and to keep tabs on my progress.