How to de-stress not distress!

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on April 24, 2013

Like many of you, I am currently struggling through “crunch time” by finishing up all assignments coming due in the next two weeks and preparing for the dreaded finals week.  Though I’ve been busy, I have somehow managed to stay up to date with my social life, blogging, my internship and school – though definitely not in that order.  While I may be keeping my head just above water, so to speak, I am definitely feeling the pressure as my junior year comes to a close.  Today, I felt like talking about a few things to do if you are trying to de-stress (not distress) yourself.  Keep reading for some easy ways to calm down in a hectic time.

1.  Remove yourself  –  This is my go to plan when I am feeling stressed, whether it be about school, my internship, or the numerous other things going on in my life!  Sometimes the best way to calm down is to simply remove yourself from the situation for awhile – whether that be physically or mentally.  If work is stressing you out, try to get away from your desk for a few minutes and gather your thoughts.  Sometimes just getting away from that computer screen and phone for 5 minutes can do the trick!

2.  Disconnect  – If you are stressed over a disagreement with a friend, family member, co-worker, etc. try not to text, call, Facebook, etc. etc. with that person for awhile.  Things are often misunderstood or difficult to interpret when using electronic communication.  Instead, try to take some alone time to clear your head of whatever problem is going on.  Those people will be there in a few hours, the next day, or next week, so just take the time to calm down and approach the system when you are more level headed.

3.  Enjoy yourself  –  When things in life get stressful, sometimes the best medicine is to go out and have some fun.  Doing something you enjoy allows you to take a little time to yourself, relax and have fun.  Having fun will definitely cheer you up and make you more willing to get back to the daily grind.  Go home and put on your comfy pjs, channel surf and update your Pinterest with the latest fabulous looks.  Do something that makes you happy when you want to blow off some steam.

4.  Value the hard times  –  While nobody likes to feel stressed, sometimes this is not such a bad thing.  Often we learn the most from difficult situations.  You just need to remember that the best things in life are worth working for.  So while that project might be stressing you out, in the long run, you may just be happy you powered through it.

What do you do when you are feeling stressed?  Do you have any go-to plans for when you need a break from your hectic life?  Leave a comment and let me know!

 

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My Interview with the Fabulous Lindsay Buchanan

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on April 18, 2013

Today, I have the privilege of sharing my interview with one of my friends from high school, Lindsay Buchanan.  I have known Lindsay since we were just 14, and am proud to still know such a bright individual.  Lindsay is currently completing her junior year at Howard University in Washington D.C.  She serves as the publicity chair as well as the president-elect for the D. Parke Gibson PRSSA chapter at Howard.  In addition, she has had numerous internships, which makes her a wealth of information for those of you on the job hunt.  Lindsay has a great blog called “Southern Belle Stylista” which I definitely advise you to go check out when you get a spare moment!

1.  So, what sparked your interest in PR?

Originally, I entered college as a political science major with the intention of going to medical school. I was completely bored with it after taking my first intro class. I wanted to do something where I could use my writing and cognitive reasoning skills to solve problems and communicate important information to publics.  I switched to the School of Communications in order to follow that interest.

2. Have you had any internships in the PR world?

Yes, I have. I started my PR career with an as an outreach intern on the Bill White for Texas gubernatorial campaign where I created media lists, logged donor funds, drafted fundraising letters, and planned statewide events. I continued my foray into political PR as a communications fellow for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Capitol Hill last summer. There, I composed press releases, media advisories and op-eds; organized and staffed press conferences, celebrity events and national radio and television interviews; and created and managed content for the Member’s social networking sites and website. During my time on The Hill, I single-handedly increased Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s Facebook and Twitter fans by 300 and 500 users respectively. This summer, I’m interning with MSL in their Washington office as a part of their competitive Summer Insiders program. I’m excited to learn more about agency life.

3. What has been your biggest challenge and your biggest reward in your internship?

I think that my all of the challenges I’ve encountered in my PR work have actually turned out to be my biggest rewards. A lot of times in communications internships, you’re kind of thrown into the fire and expected to learn quickly, think on your feet, and come up with strong ideas without much instruction. When you don’t receive, it can be challenging, but also an opportunity to show your worth. I’ve learned that you should try to figure it out on your own first, but don’t waste time. If you’re really stuck, ask questions. There’s nothing worse than doing something wrong and frustrating your boss because you didn’t inquire enough. Because I’ve been in enough fast-paced PR environments, I take direction extremely well, am industrious, and always ask questions. I have been able to grow from my experiences and create remarkable work as a result of just having to “figure things out” on my own. It’s under the roughest circumstances that the best work gets created.

4. Do you have any tips for other students on the job hunt?

About two to three months before you begin applying to jobs, keep an Excel spreadsheet full of agencies, non-profits, or companies that you want to work for. Use LinkedIn to network with people at those companies, and . Always stay current with PR news and news in the area of PR you want to go into; you never know when an interviewer will ask you your opinion on a news reference. Before you walk into a job fair or an interview, always research two to four of an agency or company’s past PR campaigns so that you can ask questions about specific work. This always impresses interviewers.

5. As you know, my blog is about etiquette relating to technology and social media. How does proper etiquette play into your daily life at your internship?

It’s just important to remember that in this increasingly digital age, you are never alone. You have to be appropriate and professional at all times, but show personality. If you simply must be more “colorful” on social media, create a private account. Make sure that your pictures aren’t revealing, your language isn’t crass, and that your messaging is consistent throughout your social media sites. Your brand is important; protect it! Make sure you’re not over-sharing about work on social media, especially if your job includes dealing with public figures. I know people who have been fired from internships for posting unfavorably about a boss or a client online. You have to think before you tweet; recognize that there’s a good chance that a coworker might see your post. A mistake on Facebook or Twitter could put you at risk of not receiving the job or internship you want. If you wouldn’t want your grandma or your boss to see what you just wrote, don’t press “send!”

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Grad school, career path, etc.?

In five years, after graduating law school, I would like to be living in New York or Washington, D.C. opening my own PR firm specializing in beauty, fashion and lifestyle branding. I also want to open my own boutique on the side. I also hope to be still blogging (www.southernbellestylista.com).

7. Tell me a little about your position on Howard’s chapter of PRSSA.

As publicity chair, I upkeep the chapter’s social media sites, create graphics and announcements for each PRSSA event, and liaise with our student newspaper to promote events. Next year as president, I hope to expand our chapter’s influence to a more national audience. I want to show the organization that Howard University’s Public Relations department is an incredible force in our discipline.

8. Would you advise other budding PR professionals to join their university’s PRSSA chapter? If so, why?

Over the past two years, PRSSA has completely changed my life. By participating in chapter events, I have received information that helped me secure internships and excel in my classes, I’ve been able to network with professionals all over the country, and even learned how to produce agency-level work in the chapter’s student run firm. I’ve learned more in meetings and workshops in PRSSA than I have in some of my classes. Without PRSSA, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I believe that it can do the same for anyone.

9. Have you met any noteworthy people through your PR work?

Yes! Last year on Capitol Hill I met a lot of celebrities and politicians. My favorite people to meet were Congressman John Lewis, Speaker John Boehner, Sen. John McCain, actress Niecy Nash, Houston Texan Glover Quin, and megachurch pastor Joel Osteen. I’ve also met lots of PR legends of the past two years because of my involvement in PRSSA. I got to meet Rob Flaherty at Ketchum’s D.C. office and Richard Edelman during a lecture at Howard. Those were both really amazing experiences.

10. Any last advice to the readers?

Read everything you can get your hands on, memorize your “elevator pitch,” keep up with news and industry trends, and find your niche in PR so you can promote it heavily in your personal brand.

 

She’s pretty impressive, huh?  If you have any questions for Lindsay or myself, feel free to leave them below.  Don’t forget to check out Lindsay’s must-read blog!

P.S.  Like this throw back picture?  I think we were 15 here haha

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Are you bragging on Facebook?

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on April 16, 2013

Do you ever open your Facebook just to find about a million self taken pictures, “selfies,” of one of your friends on your newsfeed?  Why do people feel the need to post pictures of themselves at the gym?  Furthermore, when did it become acceptable to have an entire album devoted to pictures you’ve taken of papers or tests on which you have received an A?  All of these things are a no-nos in my book, but sometimes it seems like I’m the only one!  Interested in finding out whether some things you may be doing on social media are bragging or friendly sharing?  If so, keep reading.

When I was younger, my mom would advise me to be private and not to boast or brag, as it was assuredly very rude.  Didn’t everyone’s mother tell them the same thing?  Well, apparently not.  It seems that our society is too wrapped up in image and how people view them.  It is impossible to be absolutely perfect, but it seems that many people try to showcase what they see as a perfect image on Facebook.  However, my advice is that this is not the perfect image, and there are people out there who think many of the commonalities on Facebook are quite rude!  Below I have compiled a list of some common potential picture indiscretions I’ve seen on Facebook and my verdict as to what is bragging and what is just sharing.

1.  Selfies  –  I’ve mentioned in one of my previous posts that I am not a fan of these types of pictures.  The occasional picture of yourself is totally acceptable, but it is NOT ok to have picture after picture you have taken yourself.  You just look vain and self absorbed.  If almost all of your profile pictures are self taken, possibly in a mirror, or in the car, then you should possibly reconsider what you are putting out there.  Once in awhile this type of picture is ok because maybe there was great lighting or your hair looked particularly luscious that day.  On a regular basis though, try to showcase yourself in a more interesting way than just a selfie in your bathroom mirror.

2.  Pictures at the gym  –  Unless you are a fitness instructor trying to market your skill set on Facebook, this is not ok.  Aren’t you supposed to be working out, not showcasing your latest hot pink VS sports bra and leopard yoga pants?  If you are looking good while at the gym, you probably aren’t doing it right.  I get that people are trying to be motivational by showing their before and after pictures on Facebook where they later have a 6 pack or a rock hard butt…but people, come on.  When people look at these pictures they aren’t saying “Wow, how motivational!” they are saying “Wow, why are they uploading so many pictures of themselves NOT actually working out?”

3.  Pictures of good grades  –  No, no, no…just no.  This is never ok.  I absolutely cannot think of a time when this is acceptable.  Call your parents if you want congratulations on your that A you received on a paper.  This is definitely bragging, not just friendly sharing.  It is great that you worked hard and achieved a high score, but it isn’t appropriate to run around telling people.

What do you think when you see these type of pictures?  Do you agree or disagree with my thoughts?  Leave a comment below and let me know!

**PREVIEW**    Next blog post will be my interview with Lindsay Buchanan, current junior at Howard University, and budding PR professional.  Make sure to check back next week to hear what she has to say!

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How to get an internship

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on April 8, 2013

In the busy job search season it is absolutely vital to have a go-to plan on how to score your dream internship…or at least one to fulfill your college credit or get your foot in the door, so to speak.  Below I have compiled an attack plan on how to take control in your job hunt process!

1.  Prepare your resume  –  This is possibly one of the most important steps in getting your internship.  Your resume is the place that allows you to stand out in the crowd of other applicants.  Some essential areas to list out are your past education, prior job experience and any awards or important reference points that would make you attractive to a company.

2.  Cover letter  –  If you are sending in an application or applying online, it is always a plus to send in a cover letter with your resume.  On most online applications it is optional, but it always best to impress in these situations and submit one.  Make sure to say why you were happy to find the position you are applying for, 3 key reasons why you are the perfect applicant, and if there is a specific time that would be most convenient to interview.

3.  Outfit  –  After you score that dream internship interview, you just have to figure out your outfit.  I always decide what I will be wearing 2 days in advance and do a test drive by trying on the whole outfit as I would go to the interview.  This gives me piece of mind that everything is clean, fitting right and appropriate for the interview.  The day of the interview you will already be nervous, so it is a great idea to plan in advance and eliminate the added stress of trying to put together a fabulous “please hire me” outfit with only 20 minutes to spare.

4.  Interview  –  The next step is to go on your interview and show the employer how perfect you are for the job.  Bring 2 extra resumes with you incase you need to reference it in your interview.  For some great addvice on how to “overcome interview jitters,” come check out one of my favorite blogs NYC PR Girls, and read their great article http://nycprgirls.com/overcome-interview-jitters/.

5.  Cursory e-mail  –  After scheduling an interview, it is always very appropriate to confirm the meeting, especially if you scheduled the interview far in advance.  In addition, it is always polite to do a follow up e-mail after an interview.  Keep it short and sweet and just thank the person for their time, re-send your contact information, and mention that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

6.  Relax  –  At this point, there is nothing to do but kick back and relax.  You just have to wait and see whether you were the perfect match for the job.

If you follow these steps, you will be able to better plan for everything you need to do in order to land your dream job!  What did you do to land your dream job?  Do you have any stories from this experience?  Share your thoughts and leave a comment below!

 

 

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Etiquette When Visiting Family

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on March 31, 2013

Happy Easter, everyone!  This year, I went to visit some of my family that lives in New Orleans.  I love getting the opportunity to visit my family, as I don’t get to see them very often.  But…as I’m sure you know, you can’t live with them and you can’t live without them.  After a few days of family bonding, it is easy to get cranky with your loved ones.  Below I have compiled a few easy ways to keep your cool when your favorite family member starts working your nerves.  Come check ’em out and make sure to leave me a comment below!

1.  Try to keep that family gossip to a minimum!  Everybody likes gossip, but nobody likes the gossiper.  It is easy to tell one family member the dirt on someone else when they are getting on your last nerve.  Just remember that you may only get a few chances a year to see these people.  You don’t want them to remember that all you did was talk about them while you were in town!

2.  Make sure to be as tidy as possible when visiting family, especially if you are staying at their house.  Some people like to keep their house very orderly, while some people are more relaxed.  My advice is to err on the side of caution in this realm, as you don’t want to be known as the messy houseguest!  Some good things to do to impress your family are:  make the bed each morning, put away your clothes from the night before, and keep your belongings in one area.

3.  If you are visiting over a holiday and there will be a home cooked meal, you should definitely remember to offer a helping hand.  It is a lot of work to shop for groceries and cook for many people, not to mention the clean up effort after the meal.  Offer to bring a dish or purchase a dessert at the store.  If that isn’t possible, then make sure to assist in clearing the table and washing the dishes.  This is a definite way to make a good impression, especially if you might be visiting the family of your significant other!

4. Stay off those electronic devices!  I know they are so lovely and especially tempting as an escape from awkward family interrogation sessions, but just forget them!  You are visiting family to spend time with them, not to catch up on the latest celebrity gossip or your e-mails.  Take a little time for some much needed R&R and enjoy that special family time!

Family is great to be around, but it is easy to get aggitated after several full days of family love!  What do you do to keep the peace when you are visiting family?  Leave me a comment and let me know your tips and tricks for a happy visit to family!

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Things to Consider Before Your First Day at a New Job

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on March 25, 2013

A few weeks ago I went on an interview for a potential summer internship.  Though the interview was slightly daunting, I am proud to say that I got the job!  If you want some great tips on what to do in an interview go check out NYC PR Girls’ article http://nycprgirls.com/how-to-stand-out-in-an-interview/.

Over Spring Break, I did training everyday at the office, so I would be prepared for the job to begin in the summer.  This is my first official 9-5 type of job, so I must admit that I was a bit nervous on the first day.  I found that everyone was actually very welcoming and eager to help me get settled into the office.  Though I felt as prepared as I could be on the first day of work, there were some things I wish I would have thought about before leaving for work.  Below you will find a list I compiled of things to consider before your first day at a new job.

1.  What is the dress code at the office?  For an interview or your first big day, it is always best to go overdressed than underdressed.  Layering is a great option for ladies.  If you wear a dress and a blazer, you can always take the blazer off if the atmosphere feels more laid back.  I must say that I love heels, but after a long day at the office, especially if you have to walk around, your little feetsies will be tired.  I suggest bringing a ballet flat in a neautral color if you think your fabulous high heels will not be tolerable through the whole day.  It is not acceptable to be walking around without shoes at any point, no matter how much your feet hurt!

2.  Lunch plans?  It is hard to tell whether you will be somewhat expected to eat in the office cafeteria or to go out to lunch with coworkers.  On my first day, I brought a sandwich and put it in the fridge.  I figured that if I ended up going out with my new office friends I would just eat the sandwich for dinner.  It is better to bring a small something to eat, just in case everyone eats at the office.

3.  Plans for later that night?  While I am definitely an early riser, and someone who certainly wakes up unexplainably chipper in the mornings, by Thursday morning I am not thrilled about waking up early to get ready for work.  By Friday, I am hitting the snooze button at least 5 times!  Nonetheless, we must still go to the office, tired and all.  Consider why you are so tired in the morning.  Are you getting enough sleep at night?  You might enjoy staying up and watching a late night movie, or going to get a few drinks with friends the night before work, but you might not agree with that decision in the morning.  Though we aren’t kids anymore, it is a good idea to have a set bedtime to make sure you get enough hours of sleep to be on the ball at work the next day.  Nobody likes that grumpy morning person in the office!

What are some things that you wish you knew before starting your job?  Are there any tips you can give a budding professional?  General thoughts or comments?  Leave them below!  🙂

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A guy in a coffee shop

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on March 4, 2013

Alright, so I am writing this week’s post about something I saw today that I found totally ridiculous.  I was standing in line at a local coffee shop when I saw the offender.  What was his offense, you ask?  Well, while deciding what he wanted he continued to text on his phone, not once looking up at the barista ringing up his order.  Not only that, but as he walked by a group of people to the left of him, he stumbled right into them, unaware of his immediate surroundings because he was SO wrapped up in his phone.  Don’t even bother asking if he apologized to the people he ran into, because he definitely did not.  As you know, I am against using your phone too much when you are out in social settings, but now I’m beginning to question their use in public at all!  If you are unable to make eye contact like a normal human being, or cannot walk properly when using your phone, then you are probably a candidate to cease using it so much.  Aside from just looking foolish, there is an etiquette issue with using your phone so much that you are neglecting normal human interaction.  The guy in the coffee shop was rude because he didn’t make eye contact with the barista, something that should just be common courtesy when ordering in an establishment.  In addition, he bumped into a nearby group of people, not even bothering to apologize or excuse himself.  Have we become so wrapped up in the world on our phones that we are losing touch with the real world?  Sometimes I feel like the last person on earth, but I do not have a smart phone.  I can’t believe I even admitted that!  For the most part, I really like that I don’t have the latest in phone technology because it keeps life a little more simplistic, and makes it easier just to focus on the people I’m with, rather than the latest status update or profile picture.  Maybe the fact that I don’t have a smart phone allows me to notice the general habits as it seems like most people around have the newest, fanciest phones around.  Whatever it is, though, I challenge you to make an attempt to put away your phones not just with friends or family at dinner, but when you are doing everyday tasks too.  Sometimes you just need to do away with the distractions, and just enjoy all of the details in your day.

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Etiquette on the Job Hunt

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on February 25, 2013

In this busy job hunting season, I have come across some expected etiquette in the process of looking for an internship.  Here I have some of my thoughts and suggestions on some good etiquette in the job hunt.

After submitting your highly professional resume and dazzling cover letter, expect response in about the next three weeks if the company is interested.  In my own job search, I have found that companies will generally call you to discuss a possible interview.  On these phone calls, the person calling is trying to get a quick sense of who you are, and why you deserve an interview for the position.  Make sure to use good manners and to be clear.  It is very exciting to get a phone call about a potential interview, so make sure to try to focus on the phone call in your excited daze.  Answer all questions to the best of your ability, and don’t be shy in getting the information you need before you interview.  If you feel comfortable enough, this is a great time to make sure that a job position will fulfill all of your requirements – pay, credit for school, type of work, etc.  If not, then make sure to ask all of those questions on the actual interview.

For the actual interview, make sure to dress professionally.  Like they always say, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.  This is the time to dress professionally, which doesn’t mean wearing your latest tight black club dress with a blazer and tights.  Think more Ann Taylor esque, and try to dress more on the conservative side.  If you can, bring an extra copy of your resume, in case you want to reference something during the interview.  It is a great idea to highlight something in your discussion to get them to remember you from the crowd of other applicants.  After you charm the interviewer with your vast knowledge and dazzling personality, they will likely tell you that they will let you know whether or not you were selected for the position.  Politely thank the person who interviewed you, and don’t forget to shake his or her hand!

Once you get back home, go to your computer and send the person who interviewed you a quick e-mail thanking them for their time and that you are looking forward to speaking with them again soon.  This is not just a great way to not let an interviewer forget you, but a way to show your wonderful manners.  If you did everything right, you will hopefully hear back that you were chosen, as you were of course the best and most well mannered applicant for the position.  Good job you!

If you have a spare moment, go check out my new favorite blog called NYC PR Girls.  Their article found at:  http://nycprgirls.com/how-to-practice-interviewing-efficiently/#comment-5756 has some tips on how to make a great impression on that important job interview. Make sure to leave me a comment below and let me know about your job hunting experience and if you have any exciting new job leads. Look forward to hearing from you!

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What is too personal to post on Facebook?

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on February 18, 2013

Like many people, I must admit that I am an active Facebook user.  Yet, there are many times when it seems like some people are sharing too many personal details.  I post a status here or there and upload a select few pictures, but for the post part I keep my personal life personal.  I cannot tell you how many times I click the login button of Facebook and am suddenly bombarded by slightly passive aggressive statuses, and countless “selfies” (self-taken pictures, for you not-so-hip readers).  So what is too personal to post online?

Obviously, it is not a smart idea to post your phone number or address on your Facebook page.  If you did not know that then momentarily stop reading and go address that situation!  But, what about “checking in” or even all of those self taken pictures that have become so popular – are these types of things too personal to be posted online?  Below I have created a short list of some of the most common scenarios I have seen online, and my advice on what is too much to post.

1.  Self-taken pictures – What can I say on this matter?  I am personally just not a fan, however I think they can be acceptable in certain circumstances.  If there is a great scene going on behind you and you want to snap a picture of yourself in the setting, there is nothing wrong with that.  Get a new haircut?  It is still acceptable to show it off.  It is the 101 pictures you posted last week of yourself at the gym, in your car at a stop light, in your bathroom mirror, or at a bar that are not only incessant, but just plain innappropriate.  Limit the amount of pictures you take of yourself, as you don’t want to come off a little photo obsessed and a tad vain.

2.  Checking in – A good way to let people know where you are, or a potential safety risk?  It seems to me that posting every location you venture to is just a bad idea.  I suppose if you have good privacy settings on your account you are ok, however if not, then you don’t really know who is looking at your whereabouts online.  Aside from that, don’t you think it seems a little unnecessary to let the whole world know where you are at every moment?  My advice is to only check in when you are at a special event, so as to not hog your Facebook friends’ newsfeed, and stay a little mysterious.

3.  Posting a status – My rule of thumb is to keep it casual, yet still proper.  Some things that are absolutely off limits?  No angry break up statuses, no innapropriate hacked posts, and nothing with profanity.  Basically, don’t post anything that your grandma would be offended reading, or something that would make your future boss raise an eyebrow.

4.  Posting pictures – Essentially this is the same concept as the advice I gave above.  However, there are scenarios that provide a sort of gray area, which need to be clarified.  For the most part, I would say that posting a picture of yourself in a bikini is not the best idea.  While not really that offensive to me, some people do take offense to this and find it innappropriate or unprofessional.  Don’t post anything that could be misconstrued as something else, such as a picture with at a party with a red solo cup, when you are underaged.

5.  Your relationship status – It is totally fine to acknowledge your significant other by your relationship on Facebook.  However, when you have an argument, you should reconsider before taking your relationship off of your page in a frenzied rage.  Instead of making that rash judgment that allows all of your Facebook friends know you just had an argument with your significant other, wait out of respect to everyone online, and for your relationship.

So, now you have my advice on a few key mistakes some people make on Facebook by sharing too much information.  Leave me a comment to let me know similar situations you have encountered online, or just to put in your two cents!

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MissJenFabulous vs. Rachel Whitehurst – a beauty showdown!

by Anne Marie Hollonds Posted on February 9, 2013

As an avid Youtube subscriber, I have my go-to beauty gurus to give me tips and tricks on hair, makeup, clothes and many other important things!  By far, my two favorite beauty gurus are MissJenFABULOUS and Rachel Whitehurst, though the two couldn’t be anymore different if they tried.  MissJenFABULOUS, who I will refer to as MSJ, is a very feminine, sugar sweet vlogger with most of her Youtube channel focused on makeup and nail tutorials.  Rachel Whitehurst walks a little more on the wild side, with not only beauty related videos, but also rants and reviews with a whole lot of cursing.

I have first featured a video Everyday Makeup Routine ♥ Start to Finish from MissJenFABULOUS, demonstrating her amazing skills in the beauty world.  This blonde beauty has influenced many of my makeup purchases, and inspired me to spend countless hours attempting unique nail designs.  MSJ has a sweet personality, with videos that could appeal to many types of girls.

Now, onto the more edgy beauty guru, Rachel Whitehurst.  I have provided a link to one of her videos where she discusses the way she maintains her red hair, though I had to edit the title of her video for this blog.  Check her video out here:  How I dye and maintain my red hair.  What can I say about Rachel?  She is a very talented, gorgeous beauty guru, but there is just one problem…her potty mouth!  Her Youtube channel headline states that she does “beauty with sass,” and all I can say is that’s for sure!  She is far more edgy, not holding back her emotions or censoring herself.

Though these two beauty gurus are very different, both are wildly talented.  From a beauty standpoint, I have these two gurus tied.  From a viewer friendly and etiquette standpoint…well, that’s another story.  I have not seen one video from MSJ in which she uses profanity, therefore making her a lot more viewer friendly than Rachel Whitehurst.  I would have no problem showing my grandma or a young girl I was babysitting one of MSJ’s videos as she always keeps it PG.  Rachel, on the other hand, could make a sailor blush!  Rachel Whitehurst is absolutely gorgeous, skilled, and for better or worse, bluntly honest.  She is inspirational to girls more on the curvy side, and really shows that you can become successful by being your true self.  However, as much as I love you Rachel, I have to analyze this from an etiquette standpoint, too.  It is one thing to be yourself and drop a few curse words in the privacy of your house or with a few friends, but putting that on the internet is bound to be noticed by thousands, if not millions of people.  While Rachel is equally talented to MSJ, I absolutely could not show her videos to just anyone, making her far less viewer friendly.  It seems that all of her profanity is unnecessary, in fact, I think it takes away from the quality of her videos.  You probably wouldn’t curse in front of your parents, on a job interview, or on a first date.  Why?  It just isn’t polite, and many times people will get a bad first impression.  I try to make my rule of thumb to never say anything on the internet that I couldn’t show my parents and especially to a future employer.

In short, this week’s lesson is – No cursing on the internet!  Leave that for when you stub a toe or run into your ex boyfriend after having one two many drinks.  I challenge you to find a different way to be edgy, as really anybody can curse.  So, what do you think?  Which beauty guru do you prefer?  Does the use of profanity have anything to do with your choice?  Leave me a comment and let me know what you thought!

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