Browsing Category: Life

Easy Job Search Apps

easy-job-search-apps

When I graduated from college back in 2004 (whoa.), it seemed like the process to look for a job was…very interesting,for a lack of better words. You either were one of those few people who secured your first job before graduation by kicking ass (working hard) and taking names(networking) at your internship and/or pounded the pavement at the very few online and on-campus job boards looking for anything that could pay you enough to not have to move back home.

However, the job search market has changed drastically in the 10+ years since I had to endure my search for my first “real” job. Truth be told, the ability to search for jobs has rapidly developed since I found my current job 4 years ago. Now, you can search, find, apply, and even secure a new job with a few swipes off your cell phone. Yes, your next job is pretty much in your pocket…right now.

Currently, I’m passively looking for a new job. So, job search apps have become some of my favorite apps to click on multiple times a day. I check in frequently throughout the day, because they are constantly updating and adding new jobs.

So, if you currently or thinking about looking for a new job, check out these 3 easy job seeker apps that I use everyday.

Indeed – The Indeed app is just like Indeed.com with it being very easy to search and apply for jobs. Plus, you can see others reviews of working for each company. It’s always nice to know what you’re potentially getting yourself into.

LinkedIn Job Search – I love the LinkedIn app, because it’s perfectly condensed version of the LinkedIn website. However, the ability to search jobs from it was always a little more confusing than it should be and I guess they realized it,too, because they recently released a LinkedIn Job Search app that it purely used for searching and apply for jobs without all the streaming posts. You can search, apply, and even track jobs you’ve applied for or looking to apply. Plus, if you already have the LinkedIn app on your phone, the job search app will automatically sign and sync up with it once it’s been downloaded.

Glassdoor – Another app that’s quick for instant job searches. However, like the Glassdoor website, the app let’s you view and compare similiar jobs and salary.

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Easy Plants for a Busy Life

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I love having plants in my house, because they are an inexpensive way to brighten and add some color to my neutral theme decor. Plus, the addition of plants have many other benefits, including purifying the air and reducing stress.

However, like with any living thing (which plants are), they can be pretty needy. Do they have enough water? How often do they need water? Are they in an area that gets enough sunlight, but not too much sun? See? So needy! Still, they are great to have and luckily there are plants that are perfect for those of us who like to look at and enjoy the presence of plants, but not do much to keep them alive and thriving. Pretty much me in every mandatory gym class I had to ever take in my life.

So, if you want to add more plants to your life, but are just too busy or lazy (that’s okay!) to deal with the constant neediness of a plant, check out these suggestions for low-maintenance plants that you can add to your home now.

Sansevieria_trifasciata_Laurentii

One of my favorites plants is the sansevieria, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue. They can flourish in dark or sunny spots and need minimal water. Fool’s proof and very retro looking.

Aspidistra elatior pot

Looking for a plant that can stay indoors or outdoors? You should check out an aspidistra elatior, also known as a castiron plant. It requires low light and low water.

aglaonema

Aglaonema, also known as ‘Silver Queen’ or Chinese evergreen, can grow to be big and full foliage.  Also, they can grow to have hints or full on red leaves, which I love.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

If you are looking for a plant that gets tall, and I do mean tall. Check out the fiddle leaf tree, which can get up to 15 ft tall and 5 ft wide. It’s definitely the center of attraction for any room.

succulents

If there is a such thing as an “it” plant of the moment, then it’s definitely succulent plants. They come in various varieties and only request a sunny spot and an occasional sprinkle of water, which is me in the spring. Not only are they visually interesting, but they will last for years with little attention from you. Perfect.

Do you have any recommendations of easy plants for a busy life? Please share. The more the merrier…and easier.

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Creative Ideas for Exposed Brick Walls

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I’ve always loved the look of exposed bricks in a home. For the most part, exposed brick walls can make a space feel very industrial and masculine. However, there are more than few ways to have exposed brick walls in your home without your space feeling cold and “manly”

Check out these creative suggestions to give you ideas on how to warm and inviting rooms with the ideas for exposed brick walls.

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The original painted signage on this brick wall gives a great idea to add stencil and painted lettering on your wall.exposed-brick-bright-wall-contrast

The contrasting bright turquoise wall and graphic black and white chevron print rug is fun pairing.exposed-brick-wall-gallery-wall

Painting a brick wall a warm neutral color and hanging large black and white photos in a gallery style can help tone down the abrasiveness of brick walls.

exposed-brick-wall-heavy-white-paint

Thick white paint adds a bright and muted feel without taking away the texture of the EBW.Exposed-Brick-Walls-big-colorful-painting

A large bright painting is an easy contrast to the brown bricks.exposed-brick-walls-floor-to-ceiling-window-hieadboard

Floor to ceiling windows and a high cream headboard blends the decor with the EWB.

Exposed-Brick-Walls-large-shelving

Chipping white painted brick walls has added a contrasting feel thanks to the chipping being mainly from the cracks and mortar.

Exposed-Brick-Walls-muted-color-palette

This whitewashed effect is very soft and calming to this minimalist room.exposed-brick-wall-soft-girly-tassels

Add a fun and girly vibe with gold and pink tassels on the wall and natural and soft color decor.

Exposed-Brick-Walls-whitewash-bricks-lush-greens

Stainless steel appliances paired with brass decor and lush green foliage is very chic.

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S’MORES…than meets the eye

smores-and-milk

You’re very welcomed for that dorky play on words for the title, but it is very fitting for this story I’m about to tell.

Last week, I found out some very disturbing news. My sister has never had a S’more. Seriously. In her 20+ years on this earth, the closest thing she has come to a s’more pop tarts, which is completely unacceptable. So, I mad it my mini mission to find some recipes to try that play on the classic flavor and fun of s’mores without to much work. S’more should be made with ease and consumed to please.

So, here are new s’more recipes to add to your life.

smores_dip

I’m going to seriously regret coming across this S’more Dip recipe from Bakeaholic Mama , because it’s so easy to make and will lead me to whip this up at any moment. S’mores dip at 11pm? Possibly.

smores_pizza

A S’mores pizza Heather’s French Press  is something that needs to stay a thing, because it’s genius. Graham cracker crust covered with melted milk chocolate, and sprinkled with marshmallows. Perfection. Added bonus for this recipe, just like with any other pizza, you can add other toppings. I’m wonder how I can incorporate a hint of mint. Hmm.

Smores-Pie

Want to up the ante with a S’more pie? Then check out this recipe from Tasty Kitchen. It looks so gooey and decadent.

Do you know another s’more recipe worth trying? Let me know below or @StainedCouture on all social media platforms.

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WEEKLY GOALS #1: Move, Work, Create

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Although the year is half way wrapped up, I feel like I’m running out of time to complete some things that I meant to tackle this year. Therefore, this weekend, while partaking in BBQ hopping, annoyance of loud fireworks/gunshots (maybe?) and napping, I decided that I needed to do a better at holding myself accountable. I wanted to start sharing my goals for the week. I’m not sure if I plan to share my weekly goals on just Instagram and Twitter or on here, too. We’ll see. In the meantime, here are my goals I would like to complete this week.

  1. GO TO THE GYM AT LEAST 3X – I need to start going back to the gym for 2 reasons: Health and Wealth. I need to get back on track with improving my healthy, because the older you get the slower your metabolism. I’m not getting any younger and it’s not like my metabolism was already fast. Also, I need to starting going back to the gym, because I’m paying for it and they automatically withdraw that $25 promptly from my account…ever month. So, I’m not too keen on wasting $25 a month, especially with gas increasing, again. Do you know how many trips to Starbucks that can pay? More than I need. *insert shame face*
  2. COMPLETE eBOOK DRAFT – So….I’m working on my first eBook. I’ve been freelancing with authors for the past few months in editing and designing their eBooks and promotional material to the point that my book has fallen way to the waist side. So, I’m going to take a break from the freelancing for a minute refocus and tend to “my garden” for it to flourish. Plus, I really need to remove the outline of the book via post-its that’s currently stuck on the wall over my bed. *insert 2 shame faces*
  3. CREATE 3 BACKUP POSTS – I used to have a full chamber of backup blog posts ready to pull and post at the drop of a busy and/or uninspired day. However, I’ve only been able to generate 1-2 a week, which a huge drop from my peak of 5-6 a week. I will admit, back then at my highest peak, I was more concerned about the quantity of content rather than the quality. However, I know what I can do and 3 back-up posts is small change. *insert smiling face with sunglasses*
  4. PRODUCT LINE PROTOTYPE(S) – Yes, I’m in the very beginning stages of creating a product line, but I’m so excited and knee deep in materials and receipts from craft and fabric stores. However, I’m very excited to finally get this ball rolling after years of wanting to do this. Since I’m one of those people that doesn’t like to count their chickens before they hatch or jinx themselves, just know I never aim to disappoint and the line will very reflective of the tone of vibe of Stained Couture. *insert winking face*

Fingers crossed to getting these done by next weekend.

Do you have any goals you would like to complete this week? If so, share them below. I’m always about that share and care together life.

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