How to Make A Great First Impression

First impressions are so important in so many aspects in life--work being a big one. So you nail the interview, get the job, and now what? You're still the "new" guy or girl at the company, so you feel like you need to prove yourself. Well, what a better way to do that then to create a great first impression on everyone you meet--clients, co-workers, superiors, everyone. 

Here are some easy tips:

Use the person’s name! If you’re bad at remembering, associate the persons name with something…another person you know, similar word, something you like. Believe me—this makes a difference.

Be yourself on a good day. You want to show that you are a real person with a personality, sense of humor, creative side. It it’s an interview, if you’re at your best you will sell yourself! I’ve had many opportunities because I made a little funny in the cover letter or introduction.

Be humble. Don’t take all the credit. Something go wrong? Admit you were as much to blame as your colleagues. Don’t “care too much.” Everyone makes mistakes. It’s better to realize, admit learn and apply than to deny!

Be genuinely interested. This means eye contact, body language and listening! Often times we get so wrapped up in trying to “show ourselves off” that we don’t listen to the question and in result, we answer wrong. This automatically leads the person to believe you aren’t interested.

Dress to impress. You always want to dress for the job you are trying to get. Even if you're in an entry level position, start dressing like you're the boss and people will be able to envision you there.

Smile. Possibly the best and easiest way to impress someone. Everyone likes a girl (or guy) with a great smile!

Bookworm V

Lawrenceville

I guess this is kind of like a "Part II" to my post about the Strip District. If you keep on driving down Penn Avenue and veer to the left, you'll find yourself on Butler Street and in a little part of the city called Lawrenceville. This area is definitely on the rise and always has new restaurants and boutiques. It's a pretty "hip" area with tons of character. Every time I walk or drive down the street, I always tell myself that I MUST come here more often--but somehow that thought always gets pushed to the back of my brain/to-do list. Well, as I was again hanging up posters, I decided to take some time to really take in the area--the beautiful flowers, the fun shops, the smell of delicious food--it was all surrounding me just begging me to stay, but duty calls and I needed to continue with my "work" instead. If you check out my Visit Pittsburgh tab you'll notice that some of my favorite places are located in Lawrenceville, my absolute favorite being Wildcard. I am a paper and stationary freak, so this is like heaven to me. So, next time you're looking for something to do--head to "LoLa" in the late afternoon, do some shopping, stay for dinner, catch a show and have some drinks. You'll be happy that you did!

Pretty wrapping paper at Wildcard.

Ahhh heaven.

PS. Go visit one of my favorite blogs, Bleubird Vintage, and check out her wedding video. It's perfect!

The Strip District

I always tell anyone who is visiting Pittsburgh to find room in their schedule to visit the Strip District. It's this little part of town right next to the city that is filled with tons of culture, good food and interesting people. Saturday mornings are the best, but really any day you're there the stores are open and vendors are set up. I always prefer Saturdays because the Public Market is open and there are always more vendors along the street. It is more crowded, but if you want the full experience that's the time to go! I've been busy hanging posters for our Summer Concert Series, and when I walked through the Strip I couldn't help but take some pictures... and stop for some olives, goat cheese & fresh flowers!

Tune Tuesday

So a big chunk of my job is working with local and national artists.

This guy, James Vincent McMorrow, is amazing.

He is from Ireland and is flying all the way out here to perform on

Sunday, July 15 at Hartwood Acres as part of our 2012 Summer Concert Series.

I'm pretty bummed because we have two events that night and I think I'll have to work the other one

(it's in the Great Hall at Heinz Field, so it's not too bad).

This is one of his biggest songs, "We Don't Eat." Enjoy!

PS. If you're in the Pittsburgh area, here is a listing of all of our summer concerts: http://www.alleghenycounty.us/summer/index.aspx.

Lots of cool acts--Joan Osborne, Eden's Edge, Delta Spirit, Lucinda Williams,

Toad the Wet Sprocket, Trombone Shorty and more. And they're all FREE!

How To Make Your Day Better



Today has just been one of those days. As always, Pittsburgh weather likes to surprise us and make it sunny and warm one day, then there are days like today, a little chilly and rain, rain and more rain. My office is freezing and all I can think about is tonight's season finale of Gossip Girl--Blair and Chuck paleaseee make something happen this episode. I'm sick of Dan Humphrey. So as I'm sitting here moping at my desk, I started to think, how in the world can I make this day better? First thought was to get my butt up, go for a walk down the street and get myself a nice hot green tea. And that's exactly what I did. Here are some other ways I like to motiviate myself to smile when I'm having a bad day:

If it's early in the morning, step out and go get some breakfast. I usually eat some breakfast at home, but there are days when I wake up and just know it's going to be one of those days. So I get to work a bit earlier and treat myself to a toasted bagel with veggie cream cheese.

Go out to eat on a day you packed your lunch.

Take a walk during your lunch break. I always try to walk during some part of my day--I'll either skip the shuttle and walk in the morning or on my way home, but if I'm feeling a little groggy a mid-day walk is usually the cure!

Get a hot coffee or tea and indulge, savor and relax--even it it's just for 10 minutes.

Turn on some music. Pandora used to be my bff here at work, but when my computer was updated, I was no longer able to access the site. So I browsed around and settled on I Heart Radio--it's amazing how less stressed I am when I have music playing in the background.

Drink lots of water--this makes you feel refreshed!

Take 15 minutes out of your day and call that one person you've been meaning to call for weeks. I have lots of friends who moved away from Pittsburgh, so catching up and hearing their voice always makes me smile!

Read the news! You really should be doing this anyway, and in many fields it's a daily requirement. But for me, about an hour or so into my day, I'll take a little break and browse Yahoo for the latest stories.

Tidy up your office once a week. I designated Friday as my cleaning day. That way I leave for the weekend with a clean office and come back Monday with a clean office! Plus the smell of my lemon cleaner brightens up the feel of the office.

So there you have it. Happy Monday!



Veggie Pizza

I made "Veggie Pizza" over the weekend to take to my cousin's 1st Holy Communion. As always, it's a big hit. This is my mom's recipe, but I usually take over and make it. It's pretty simple and standard, but for some reason I always end up liking this recipe the best! I've tried veggie pizza with an Italian dressing mix and it just doesn't taste the same. Here's what to do:

Ingredients

2 tubes of crescent rolls

2-cups cheese (I usually use cheddar or mozzarella)

1-cup Hellman's mayonnaise

1/4-cup sour cream

2-8 oz cream cheese

1-ranch dressing mix

1 green pepper

1 red pepper

Fresh broccohli

Fresh cauliflower (I try to by the pre-chopped mixed bag)

Spray a tray with cooking spray, then use your fingers to spread out the crescent roll dough. I always use both of the tubes--you'll find that it might seem like you have some left over, but use it to fill in the thin parts. This doesn't have to look pretty--it will be covered with veggies! Follow the directons on the cresent roll tube for the baking time and temperature.

While the dough is baking, use this time to cut up all your veggies!

Take your dough out of the oven--make sure it is completely cool before you start putting on the toppings--the heat will cause the sauce to get runny.

For the "sauce" part--beat the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo and ranch dressing packet until the mixture is pretty smooth. Be sure to taste, sometimes I add a more of something if the taste isn't right.

Once the dough is cooled, spread the sauce across the dough.

Sprinkle on your veggies and the cheese!

I made two pizza's on Sunday--one with mozzarella and one with cheddar cheese!

Simple as that!