displaced

Saturday was graduation. Sunday was move out. Now Monday is here, in all her latte-laden glory, and I can't help but feel a little displaced. All the "essentials" are still buried deep in my little CR-V, I'm wearing my mom's pajamas, and it is highly probable that I haven't showered since I became an alumni. I could share pictures from the amazing weekend (if my computer wasn't buried deep in boxes) or I could post the guilt-frees I would have posted Friday if Blogger had not been down (if I had actually written them) or I could post something witty and inspirational about the world being my oyster (but not everyone shares an affinity for shellfish) So instead, I will borrow a bathing suit from my little sister and go lay by the pool, until I decide what to do with the rest of my life, or until I get thirsty, whatever comes first. And tomorrow? Back on the blog wagon. Happy Monday, chickens. 

[if you don't have a pool surrounded by confederate jasmine to lounge by, I really do sympathize.]

well, here goes...

I’m not going to say I am in the worst mood ever, but this little peanut is not happy. Today had the makings of being a really great day. That is until it was hijacked by the worst project ever and the group from hell. Now I’m fully aware that a potential future employer could someday read this and say, “Hmm… homegirl doesn’t play well with others...” but here goes… I hate group work. I don’t hate working with others. I love working with people who share my drive, dedication, and determination (and if they share my appreciation for alliteration that's an added bonus.) People who are passionate about what they do and committed to putting forth their absolute best, bring it on. But this…. Is just unacceptable.

AND THEN… Sarah Hyland (aka La’Sarah) is on campus. Right now. And I had plans to go see her. Which fell through. So instead I microwaved Japanese leftovers (which is never as good as the day before) and watched YouTube videos of Sarah Hyland. Consider this you official invitation to the pity party. Just click play:

As of late...

I have been flying by the seat of my pants, living out of a suitcase with reckless abandon for nearly 2 weeks now. Oh, and loving every minute of it. This is what this week looked like…

[Wednesday I got to represent QH2O at the Sysco Food Show in Raleigh. We were able to talk to so many great restaurants and some great partnerships came out of it! Very exciting. Also exciting, feeling moderately legit and almost adult. Traveling for work, staying in my own hotel room, this girl is grown.]

[And if all this adult behavior wasn't enough, I picked up my cap and gown. This girl is graduated. Well... almost.]

[but evidently, I still have to do schoolwork. I know, right? Throw in a random midnight panic crazed frenzy to put together something for a group project because group member x dropped the ball. This girl was not happy, but c'est la vie.]

and not pictured: an art studio open house, wild blueberry wheat ale (what?! a beer that is actually palatable?), my Kentucky Wildcats beating Ohio State, another trip to Raleigh (because 32 hours in the car these past 2 weeks just wasn't enough), and a fun Friday night with friends.

Gosh, with all this over-sharing the details of my personal life, I might as well get a Twitter. :)

Eat Fresh

Do you know what the largest restaurant chain in the world is?

If you guessed McDonald’s (like I did) you’re wrong.

This past year Subway climbed to the top of the fast-food-chain, knocking out the reigning heavyweight champion (McDonald’s) who has held the title since the 1970s.

How did they do it? According to this article by Kim Peterson, they beat McDonald’s at their own game, spending heavily on advertising and using the same franchisee model. Entrepreneur magazine identified 6 key strategies that catapulted Subway to the top. 

 1. Tell a great story.

We have been talking about the role of narrative in my IMC class and Subway’s Jared Fogle is a prime example.  People can identify with his story and are inspired by his significant weight loss (while on "the Subway diet") and continued achievement with the completion of a marathon.

2.      2. In touch with trends.

At the time of the economic downturn, America wanted value. In response, Subway launched their “$5 footlong” campaign and prospered at a time when most businesses struggled.

3. Use a flexible brand.

Originally Subway was known for quick sandwiches, but over time the demand for healthy food increased. In response, Subway reemerged as a wholesome alternative to greasy, fried food (hence “Eat fresh”). 

4. Creative locations.

From courthouses to college campuses, (oddly enough, one opened up just yesterday in UNCW's student union), airports, and even the Pentagon, franchises are popping up everywhere. Also, Subway had an advantage over their competitors because they could get into places like hospitals where their unhealthy counterparts were denied prime real estate.

5. Customer engagement.

One word: Customization. Subway pioneered the concept of fast food that is made to order right in front of the customer, thus raising the bar for the industry. They took Burger King’s slogan, “Have it your way,” to a whole new level.

6. Great franchisor-franchisee relations.

No matter how successful your advertising strategies may be, a fragmented internal structure will lead to failure. If you do not maintain strong relationships within your corporation and with your stakeholders your company will not grow. 


Sorry for nerding out, but it is just incredible to me that communication is such a powerful tool. And did I mention how much I love my major?

do work.

I have a desk in my bedroom, but between the natural oak finish, the uncomfortable chair, and the limited space I often prefer to work in the kitchen or the living room. This seat at our bar is known as "Caitlin's spot" and my lap top typically resides there.

[working... facestalking... same thing]

Even when I was home for the holidays, I often chose to set up shop right in the middle of my parents' busy kitchen. Proof?

[working away at my little perch]

[I don't know about you, but I can always count on my dad to zoom in for a close-up of my greasy hair]

I guess I just feel more motivated and inspired when I am surrounded by the people I love. I'm really working on jazzing up my desk area so it is a little more conducive to studying, etc. 


Do you have a defined work space? 

Listening to...

I have been living in denial. For the past week and a half my roommates and I have been living la vida Navidad. 

(Can you guess who is who?)

Anyways... evidently the rest of the world has been in study mode. Hardcore. 

So, while I was baking cookies, Christmas shopping online, taking long lunches that involve tiramisu, trimming the tree, spiking the egg nog, etc. everyone else was hitting the books. 

That means today is all business. At least until tomorrow at 4 when Intercultural Communication and Political Systems of Africa are donezo and I am finished with exams, not to mention my major and my minor. Say whaaa? 

Here's some wintry study music in case you're in the same boat as me on this blustery day. Happy listening! 

P.S. As for the Christmas elves? Jordan is the naked one (duh) I'm the one with the cute tush and sexy boots (again, duhh) and Brit is the blondie. 

Images via weheartit. 

Sparkle-icious + the market (continued)

This afternoon while I was driving I realized that I left our the "+ the market" portion of this morning's post. True Life: I'm a crack in the head.

Anyways... In my personal finance class we each had to pick a stock at the beginning of the semester, and the person who's stock increased/grew/whatever the most (obviously I haven't learned much...) was the winner. Well.... I picked Ebay.

And I din't win. I was in the top 10 though. Starbuck was in the top 10 as well. (Why didn't I pick Starbucks?!) But the winner picked...

I was moderately pissed because I think I single-handedly made her win with my OPI addiction.

That's all.

And we're off...

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms." 

-Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) in You've Got Mail

I cannot believe it's my last first day of school. If you're starting school today too, well wishes and newly-sharpened pencils to you!

(Photo via here)

How lucky I am...

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." -Annie (The Movie)

Tomorrow is the day. I will be packing up the rest of my belongings and heading to my second home. Isn't it funny that home is still home and school is still my second home, even though I have an apartment with a 12 month lease and I spend 9 months of the year down there? Don't get me wrong, I love school and am so excited to see my friends and my "family" (or roommates) down there, but leaving is always sad.

Here are a few things I will miss...

Gooood coffee. Duhhh... but we've talked about this before.

This place. Yep. Cape Carteret Aquatic and Wellness Center. Marta's spin class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Kick-boxing with Kelli on Wednesdays. And more than anything, my mom's kick butt boot camp on Friday mornings. Not only will I miss the classes, but also all of the truly dedicated women who attend regularly and could kick my butt at ANYTHING. Even though most of them are nearly twice my age and have kids. Talk about inspiring.  

This little pup. And Jack and Scout, too.

These crazy kids. It is such a blessing to get to spend a few months of the year watching these kids grow up! My sister is becoming such a beautiful, mature woman. She is smart and sophisticated and I know she is going to do great things. And CJ is absolutely wide open. He drives me crazy half the time, but he is so determined (slash hardheaded) but also one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people I have ever known. He has been my beach buddy, my gym partner, and also a top-notch DJ in the car. Fortunately, I have Julian down in Wilmington with me, so I can call him whenever I need an emergency sushi date!

These people (i.e. the reason I get a lump in my throat and my eyes start to burn when I even think about leaving). Slow mornings drinking coffee, delicious dinners, and countless hours of talking and laughing. My dad always has the best advice (and he can make the best chocolate chip cookies). My mom is my best friend, and I hope to someday be half the person she is today. 

Because let's face it- I don't even remember HOW to watch regular tv.

My drive to work. Isn't it lovely? My dad always says "Never take your drive to work for granted." (I told you he has good advice!) So all summer, despite the heat, the traffic, and the crazy tourists, I tried to remind myself that I am so fortunate to be able to drive over that bridge every day.

And afternoon naps in this hammock, overlooking the White Oak River. So peaceful.

Of course there's also about a million other things, but this post is getting long enough. Bottom line: I am so blessed. 

Emerald Isle, thanks for another great summer. And you better brace yourself for Labor Day Weekend!

Back to School?

Isn't it funny how the balmy breezes of July can barely whisper a salty goodbye before August is here in all her back-to-school glory? I still have sand in my hair from days spent at the beach, and now I'm supposed to pick out school supplies?

This weekend was "tax-free weekend" in North Carolina, meaning the 7% was lifted on all back to school essentials (yes, clothing is included in that.) I have no interest in even thinking about notebooks and pens for at least another week and a half, but I did start itching to buy some fall wardrobe essentials.

Last night while my youngest brother stocked up on paper, pencils, and an entire spectrum of folders at Target, I picked up these necessities:

Shawl Sweater- Brown Heather

And of course, a pair of dark skinny jeans that will tuck into boots perfectly (That is, when temperatures finally start dropping in, say, November?) 

There's something about an oxford that makes me feel so ivy league, so as soon as fall is on the horizon I start craving them. Here's a few loves from J. Crew:

And why stop with just an oxford? This blazer would be so cute over top of any of these shirts:

And I love this bag for lugging books around. It has the same classic design as my Longchamp bag, but it isn't so cliche. 

One last thing. I'm taking my senior capstone this semester, and I will be required to wear business casual/professional for certain classes. Wouldn't this be lovely with black trousers and a pretty grey jacket? Or vice versa?