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Lost & Found

Today, I am at home, patiently waiting to know whether I will or will not be called into work. I frequently have checked my social media, waiting for some type of exciting update that requires a call to action from me, yet again, just more baby photos from college friends.

I am starting to realize how truly lost I have been for the last couple of months, years even. Even at times while I was forging down a path holding several titles such as nurse, Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialist, daughter, colleague, chair of this and that… I was even more lost then. I recognize now that I was simply falling into those roles, without questioning the nature of their expectations or whether I agreed with them or not. I simply and mindlessly did what others expected of me, never putting priority on what I wanted or how filling those roles would even truly make me happy. If it made others happy, I did it. Life was simpler.

Admitting to being lost surprisingly feels like a relief. I feel like by meeting myself and seeing where I really am in life, gives me the urgency to begin to find my way forward. Now I have a starting point which is much more exciting than being on a loop of hating myself for not being where I “think” I should be or where society expects me to be at this stage in my life.

I guess this is all to say, there is truly magic in beginning. I have never been more authentically present and ready for my journey ahead, now that I know it’s time to start.

Cheers to you, my fellow wanderers ❤

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How I Paid-Off $7,400.00 of Debt, in less than 3 Months.

👆🏻 Actual screen-shot of my total Credit Card debt owed, as of Sept. 24th, 2018.

Yep.

Saving is similar to losing weight. So many say they want to do it but only a handful have the grit to make and stick with the necessary changes to shed the fat.

With diets– you can try the pills, the fads, and other quick-fix methods, but most of these will leave you eating a doughnut in the closet ashamed. Both you and I both know, the only time you’re really going to cut that fat is through frickin’ sweat and tears– moments of weakness and strength, persevering through the hard times with only faith that there’s a better life on the other side.

I use this analogy because saving money is the same thing! Sure, I would love to win the lottery and take the diet-pill equivalent to suddenly become rich without really trying. I have had so many moments where instead of shamefully eating a doughnut in my closet I am hugging all of the treasures I splurged on at the Loft. Know what these two concepts have in common? Both include indulgence.

That sinfully delicious word.

To indulge, you are making an in the moment decision without ration or regard to whether it ultimately serves your long-term goals or not. It smells good. It feels good. For that split moment or two, there is no better euphoria than scoring on that brand new Yeti cooler or Ugg’s that are half price.

If you have found yourself in a debt-dulgent vortex, you have come to the right place. For me, “work-hard, play-hard” was more like, “work-hard, spend-hard”; I felt like because I was putting in so many labor some hours as a bedside nurse, I deserved a few (albeit expensive) “feel-good” moments. Until, I overdrew my bank account over $400.00 and had to ask my FATHER. FOR CASH. As an employed, graduate degree holding, married, 28 year old — this was the tipping point for me.

I pulled out my credit cards and chopped them up. No longer, could I afford to live a life of luxury, that didn’t even belong to me. It belonged to Chase.

September 24th, 2018 is the date I faced my debt demons. Starting with a total balance of $9,877.40 owed, on December 21st, 2018 my new balance was: $2,114.95.

On that day, the only way I can describe the way I felt is like, I went from being a passenger, watching slow but inevitable car crash — feeling totally helpless to the situation; to suddenly being the driver of the car, taking control of the steering wheel and turning that car around, right before the collision.

My experience has been captured on Instagram through my daily stories and weekly posts every Monday at 9 a.m. CST, sharing tips and the progress of my debt.

In honor of our new year, here are 19 simple steps for you, in a FREE, downloadable work-sheet!

👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

gritrich and out of debt

👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻

The suggestions listed in the guide can be implemented a few different ways:

Sequentially, all at once. 👈🏻 This is how I tackled it. I spent 2-3 hours one day, and totally committed to figuring out and doing this system!
Day by day! 👈🏻 Take each step, one day at a time. Lets say you start on Feb. 1st and complete step #1. Feb. 2nd, step #2, and so-on.
Choose a few favorite steps and find your own debt-saving style!

Though I am NOT a professional in Finance, and do not guarantee you financial freedom, I REALLY hope this insight to my journey, helps you along the way. My intention in creating this, is to at least get your wheels turning about your finances, and if you see a collision in the future, to take control and turn THAT CAR AROUND.

Please write in the comments below with any questions and feedback you have!

xoxo

Andi

Personal Files: Running Tips and Inspiration ❤️

Ello!

I wanted to share my experience from challenging myself to run once a day, regardless of the distance or speed, for 30 consistent days.

Running has and always will be, one of my dearest companions. I found it during high school, in the midst of a horrible heart break, when a friend asked me to join cross country. I had only been a dancer before this so I thought I had stamina already, let’s just kick it up a notch.

Holy sh*t.

I literally could not finish the first mile!

I stopped, dramatically threw myself on the ground, and told everyone I couldn’t. They nodded and said “okay” and continued to run. They clearly knew I was fine, which I was, but it also taught me to keep going when my mind was screaming at me I was too weak. This is when I knew I found something I could continue to grow from for a lifetime.

Since then, little by little, I’ve continuously added more mileage to my strolls.

I’ve ran the New York City Marathon twice, in 2015 and 2016 with 8 half marathons behind those. After the 2016 marathon I swore running off and devoted my life to workouts I had never known. Weight lifting, circuits, you name it, I tried. I tell you this, because here I am again, after experiencing other workouts galore, feeling the need to come back to my roots and just run.

Before the 30 days, my journey entries (I do a small one every night) are a little sad. Lacking enthusiasm and consistently writing how about tired I am.

However, looking back, I started running at the beginning of August and the tune has changed quite a lot.

8/29 👇🏻

I don’t know what running specifically does for me, but it seems to be the only activity that when done consistently, opens new doors for growth. I’m not saying all of these moments in my life are specifically connected to running but I have noticed a pattern between my level of satisfaction with life increasing, the more consistently I run.

In the 12 years I’ve been a “runner” here are my biggest tips to get the most out of your jogs {despite your level of experience}:

You don’t always need to know your “why” when you start a run. I often times find it during. Whether it’s finally figuring out the perfect comeback I couldn’t say in the moment or to simply declutter the chatter in my head, at the end of a run I have not once ever felt “well what was the point of that?”. Though there is always one theme I always acknowledge before I set- off. Every time I begin a run, my goal is to always “enjoy”. The sights, the sounds, the fact that I’m purging nasty toxins built up, I make a concerted effort to enjoy every part.

2. Take the freaking pressure off of yourself. YOU are the one deciding the fate of this journey. Not your friend who can run a 7 minute mile or has just completed her 8th triathlon. You shouldn’t compare your journey to others in life but definitely do not do it while running. This is YOUR time.

3. Smile. I’m serious. Even if you’re in pain every step, smiling is your body’s most natural anesthesia.

4. Don’t let anyone else dictate your path. Not your speed, distance, calories burned, etc. just go.

5. Relax your jaw, loosen the tension in your shoulders. Posture is seriously so important– I’m learning this NOW after so many injuries. Just do it.

6. Force yourself to run SLOWER. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and a place for speed, but listen to what’s telling you to go faster. Is it your ego? That voice that is looking at the girls tread next to you competing? If so, slow that treadmill down and start to listen to YOUR voice. The one that started this run to clear your head and have a healthy sweat. Aren’t you doing both, regardless if you “beat” this girl or not? Focus on that.

7. Stretch afterward. Pardon my language, but f*ck stretching beforehand. I mean, it’s fine but so many studies have shown there is no benefit to stretching cold muscles. If anything, best practice, you run at least half a mile– warm up, stretch, do your long run, cold down, stretch again. I skip that beginning portion if it’s a long steady run, then save the stretching for afterwards. Think about all of those muscle fibers you just tore (in a good way) and if you don’t stretch them out afterwards, they heal together short and thick. By stretching, you elongate your muscles and allow them to heal in a much less inflamed manner.

8. Choose a mantra to repeat throughout your jog; my word is “smooth“. It’ll help you keep the big picture in sight.

9. If your thoughts get too heavy, sing jingle bells. I’m serious. It’s what all of the greats do, I hear.

Those are all my tips. Take them with a grain of salt and remember I’m just some chick giving you unsolicited advice that has a running hobby.

Thanks for reading, and, yes, the 30 days of run is still going strong, making it now… 83ish days!

Stay groovy, friendos!

Andi

The Pony-O Reviewed! ⭐️

acs_0217

Yo!

This month, I had quite the time trying out the Insta-Famous Pony-O hair tie!

My friend Kate slid into my DM’s one day requesting that I try this brand new device that seemed to quite literally reinvent the wheel, for long hair.

Given it’s relatively cheap price, for what it claims to do, I was intrigued. $19.95 for 2 “Pony-O” hair ties promised to give you a fuller and perkier pony all while preserving your locks and never giving them a crease.

I ordered the “Ginger” colored original tie and it definitely matched my hair well! 👇🏻

acs_0222

The learning curve for this little guy isn’t too steep, but it is definitely a different approach to putting your hair in a pony. The band is not stretchy, whatsoever. Instead of wrapping it multiple times around your hair to secure it, you flatten the moldable band and then bend the sides down to form a circle.

acs_0223

After a month of experimenting, here is what I found!

The Good:

It definitely did make my pony PERKY!
The learning process was easy!
It gave my pony a much more refined look; something about the width of the band, it matching my hair perfectly, all while giving me more volume, made me feel like I meant BUSINESS! This is in lieu of my somewhat sad, limp, pony that normally exists after a hard day at work. I actually wore this several times to work, and will continue to, because something about it says “I put just a little more effort into styling today!”
Definitely no headaches! Seemed to distribute the weight of my hair a little better than the average pony.

acs_0218

The Not-So-Good

My hair, by nature, is slippery, fine, and full. I do not know if it was because of the nature of my hair, or the hair tie itself. Though it gave me a fuller, perkier, effect initially, I found it sliding out of my hair after around 30 minutes of styling. This lead me to inevitably take it out because I got so frustrated. Literally, almost every time I wore it, except once… I was very intoxicated.
One day, I tried to do one of the suggested styles that comes with them! <see below>

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The only issue is that, ow! After an hour in my hair, somehow, the band became tangled and was almost impossible to get out. Having that said, even though it hurt, it did look cute and I will probably try it again… regardless of it’s impact on my hair’s health. b/c that’s who I am. #fashion.
The price. I know, I know. I said it was a bargain before but with it constantly slipping out of my hair, not living up to the hype to give me a secure pony, and leaving it with a crease every time, $19.95 plus shipping is a lot.
Last but not least, it was somewhat easy for me to slide my hair through, but, lets be honest; a person with fine, straight, full hair is not necessarily the one looking for an alternative to hold their mane. If you have coarse, thick, even thin, or curly hair, I really do not know how you would slip it through the grippy and un-stretchy texture of the tie.

acs_0221

DUN DUH DUN!

glamorgrit’s rating for the Pony-O:

⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 ⭐️’s

To give you some context, 3 stars means I feel indifferent about this little guy.

I don’t really know what to think. It didn’t personally offend me but if I lost it in a wind storm, life would go on. Having that said, for me, I feel I could commit to this contraption for a solid 2 days out of the month but the other 28, or 29 depending, I need something that is going to keep my hair intact. Though the hype is huge and I really wanted to love it, something in my heart kept saying, “where the f*ck is a rubber band” that could really keep my pony in place.

I hope this helps you on the quest for the perfect mop tamer, but unfortunately for me, it doesn’t stop here.

Thank you for stopping by!

xoxo,

Andi

Super Bounce Serum by Glossier Reviewed! ⭐️

Super Bounce

Parched?

same.

With my acne prone skin constantly being clogged by pollution, make-up, even allergens, never have I ever, found a serum that hasn’t made me break out. Let alone, given me a little hydration.

until now.

Ladies and gentlemen…

SUPER BOUNCE!

I know, I know. I have been talking a lot about Glossier as of late, but how will you know what to buy unless I review it ALL for you?! This is for you, people.

After trying so many serums ranging from the $80.00 Sunday Riley UFO to the $47 Bobbi Brown Oil and Pore Control potion, I was officially fed up with the hype around these thieves robbing my wallet and breaking my heart.

Until now.

Recently, I have been super into Hyaluronic Acid and it’s healing properties. After loving everything I’ve tried already from Glossier, I thought I’d give the Super Bounce Serum a go.

Chalked full of Vitamin B5 and it’s hypoallergenic base, I could not believe my eyes when my face immediately plumped up when I put it on, right after a wash.

With this baby being only $28 a pop, mama is sold. The price is right. The bottle is gorg. And my face has never looked so DEWWY! I have been applying it every night, before my lotion, and have seen serious results.

My apologies for no before and after pictures, but this shows you what little faith I had that this would actually work!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 ⭐️’s

for YOU

Super Bounce

I am not saying this is a cure-all, for your acne, scarring (emotional and physical), or even dry skin. But, I do, seriously think it can help. This is the ONLY serum that has truly hydrated my skin, without fail. I am so impressed and in love that I think I may just go put some on right now.

xoxo,

Andi

The Ionic Hair Brush! ⭐️

just going to jump right in here.

Considering the fact that I cannot find a brand for said hair brush, I should have seen this as a red flag. I was up too late on Instagram, a friend <S/O to Miss Marka!> tagged me in a post, and an impulsive shopper… other than these I have no other justification as for why I gave this bad boy a go.

It’s supposed to straighten your hair and de-frizz it but it did neither and it doesn’t have a handle so it kept flying across the room and I don’t know if I’ve ever been more upset.

👉🏻It was $40.

👉🏾It showed up almost three weeks after ordering.

👉🏼I felt personally attacked when it required a AAA battery and it was NOT included.

To give you some back story… I don’t have a picture of me using it, because, well, it wasn’t worth photographing. THERE, I said it. I always told myself I wouldn’t be emotional about these reviews but here I am… ashamed and lying naked on the floor.

This picture was taken from here and was the exact color I had.

I feel like the questionable manicure on the hand model holding the hair brush says it all. We are both exhausted, broke, and the one time that we treat ourselves it ends up being so far on the other end of what was advertised that it makes us question ourselves (and our choices) all together.

No stars.

Just.

I can’t.

I g2g.

Glossier Pop-Up, Chicago, Review ⭐️

In a time, when values have shifted from permanent investments to temporary life decisions i.e. renting your dress, purse, house, and even phones, I have been a huge skeptic of this “pop-up” store craze.

I was even MORE skeptical of this brand, Glossier, which had been circulating my Instagram for the past year. Any advertisement that portrays an Emily Rajajkowski look-alike teaching me how effortless this eye brow enhancer can make me look like said, Emily dopple-ganger, count me OUT. Lets be real, no amount of mascara or “Boy Brow” will give me that a**; just over here being honest and incredibly insecure. I digress.

When I heard they were coming to Chicago, for a limited amount of time, I thought “oh great. another opportunity for me to either be debilitated with FOMO, shamelessly scrolling and secretly envying all of the swag, OR, a chance for me to wait in a very long line while possibly having a panic attack in the midst of buying lipgloss because everything has Coconut and why the f*ck AM I HERE?”. 😬 Ranting again…

I had two girlfriends visit me in Chi this weekend and they are some of the most courageous and hilarious people I know. When I mentioned it was here, they were immediately in and half-way through ordering the Uber. I was nervous but followed suite. We saw the line and I said, “You guys! This is crazy. Lets go get mani-pedi’s and maybe circle back? Or not? ha? ha?” “Yeah, no, lets get in line!”. Okey doke, there I was, about to enter this world of blush pink that I was conflicted between excited and creeped out by the fact NONE of the workers seemed to have any make-up on and were all glowing like angels!

It was our turn in line and my stomach began to flutter. I was EXTREMELY excited by this point because even though the line was almost the entire length of the alley it was down, we only stood there for 15 minutes! Just long enough for me investigate each product I was interested in for any traces of coconut! Guess what, only ONE of them I wasn’t able to buy! GIVE ME THAT KOOL-AID! MAMA. IS. THIRSTY.

Upon entering, it was a little crowded because of the narrow space, however, they only let in a certain amount of people which creates a fun, functional, non-stressful atmosphere!

Women, girls, toddlers (not really but omg have you seen 16 years old lately?! As Hillary would say, EX-SQUEEZE ME?! Ranting. Got it.) were all swirling the shop enhancing their skin, brows, lips, and cuticles with these products of trend and ease. I nervously approached the counter for the Zit Stick and nervously yet failing to cover my enthusiasm, I chuckled at the salesgirl saying, “I have adult acne!”. She smiled and said, “ME TOO” pointing to the blemish on her chin. She stated this device, with the cool, metal-ball roller will shrink your zit in hours and before she could finish and pulled out my credit card.

The cool thing about this store is that you get to try, EVERYTHING, you have seen advertised online. At the end, each of the cuties of the pink jumpsuits will check you out with their iPads, you wait for your order to be made (about 3 minutes) and they give you your bag, and you’re off!

I had SUCH a blast, and even booped my pink jump suite soul mate, Gabriella. I HIGHLY recommend checking out this store if you know of their brand or are looking for make-up that is highly effectively, minimally hurtful, simple and trust worthy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s for YOU, Glossier Pop-Up!

We had a blast, and know you will too, regardless if you have the courage on your own or some crazy friends that’ll drag you there, quietly, against your will.

And yes, I bought the “Boy Brow”.

The Bagnet Unveiled ⭐️

To ‘grammers and general shoppers alike, the Bagnet is a product on the market that has them all scratching their chins. This is a device that has been designed to easily attach to your favorite purse [via a spring clasp] preferably one you do not want to set on the floor, and magnetically adhere to any metal surface while holding up your bag thus keeping it clean.

Here is the video that sold me!

“Does this magnet actually work?”

“There is no way it can hold MY purse!”

These are just a few comments I received from friends after ordering said bag holding magnet.

I am here to tell you this product, is gold, baby. Solid. Gold.

The moment I was sold: my purse contained 2 outfits, a full liter of water inside a metal container, keys, wallet, and A BOTTLE OF WINE. My husband and I were out to dinner and this baby was packed to the brim. Refusing to ask for a third chair and have Louis be, once again, third wheeling date night, I cautiously reached under the wooden table and found it was indeed being held up by a metal stand.

I grabbed the Bagnet, and AH-HA, my moment of truth. It firmly clasped to the tables base and DID NOT BUDGE!

I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to shout in the middle of the restaurant… scream it from the roof tops! Instead, I settled for a small dance of victory in my seat while my husband watched in confusion.

I have used this device every time I bring my purse outside of the house! In fact, I am so obsessed I bought another for my work bag.

If you’re anything like me and wondering, how much weight this baby can hold? Taken directly from their website, here is the answer:

The weight Bagnet holds depends on the object you’re hanging it on. For instance, if you were to try it on your refrigerator it would hold very little weight – just a pound or two (or not at all if it’s stainless steel). If you use it on commercial grade metal such as bar stools, table bases, restaurant chairs, etc, it holds anywhere from 8 to 10 pounds. It also depends on if the metal is flat or curved, textured or smooth. This is why we recommend trying it for yourself in multiple environments and situations.

Available in so many chic adorable color combos. they also have mini Bagnets , kids styles, luxury, and a special sport design without any leather.

I currently have: the Sophie and the Katie and love them both equally.

For under $25.00 a pop, I cannot believe what a game changer the Bagnet is! If you’re looking for an awesome gift for a loved one, or maybe for you, I HIGHLY recommend this product!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hands down, this is my favorite product I have tried, yet.

Personal Files: How to Avoid Wedding Season Burn Out! 🎊

Once upon a time, 3 years ago, this gentlemen and I had the incredible opportunity of being invited to 13 weddings in ONE summer!

Though we only made it to 11 (there are only so many weekends in a summer, people!) it was a combination of joy, insanity, and extreme fatigue.

Now, having been through a wedding of our own, there are SO many things we learned and now know how to: escape wedding season burn out!

Here is a list of the best tips I learned on how to: save money, preserve your sanity and also, possibly, your own relationship.

Tip #1: THREE WORDS. RENT THE RUNWAY. that entire summer I invested in TWO staple dresses and the rest, I somehow managed to not break the bank AND avoid any fashion faux pas’s by this amazing site. They send you two sizes, they are always on time, and just trust me when I say, the more expensive dresses on that site are not necessarily better. They normally send the dresses within one or two days of your event, but as I have used this for many years now, I have NEVER experienced a late delivery or any disappointment with my rentals. Just because you’re attending someone else’s big day, doesn’t mean you can’t use this time as an excuse to try new crazy styles, without fear of them congesting your closet forever!

Tip #2: Buy wedding cards in bulk, baby.

Plain and simple… buy some bulk adorable cards, fill them out IMMEDIATELY, after you buy them, regardless of how far off the wedding is. One of the more stressful moments during a big event is realizing you don’t have a card or shooting your self in the foot by not filling them out in time and scrambling for words at the last minute. My rule of thumb is, if I know I’m attending or not, my amigos get a card, no excuses. People love great cards, and it literally takes 2 minutes to fill out! Be proactive now, feel empowered and on top of your sh*t later.

Here are some of my favorites!

Rifle Paper Champagne “Cheers!”

Rifle Paper “Just Married”

Cute Card Organizer!

Tip #3: SPLITWISE!

If you have a date for the wedding, especially if it’s a friend or loved one (if it’s someone else, I could see this being useful too, no judgement, people) you need to download this app. Between buying wedding gifts, prices for gas, snacks, cash bar, or what have you, this sneaky app. splits up all of your costs evenly while connecting to your multiple payment options (Venmo, Cash, Etc.) and at the end of your trip divvies up who owes what, and allows you to send it right then and there through your app. of choice! It’s a life saver and it’s 2018 so please, throw away that pen and paper (and TEXAS Instruments calculator, Jesus).

Tip #4: Share your Google Calendar with your date!

If you have a whole bunch of events coming up, with all of the details to remember, it’s important to stay on the same page as your partner/guest to avoid mucho confusion and frustration.

Tip #5: Book a dry bar appointment for either the morning of the big day or the night before!

With blow out bars being huge in the US right now, make it a point to treat yourself immediately before the event if you’re able, to elevate your mood and have confidence knowing you’re putting your best foot forward for (someone else’s) big day!

Tip #6: WHITE STRIPS!

Since prom in high school, I always make it a habit to bring a few Crest white strips with me before big events (weddings or not!). Not only does it make you feel super confident smiling and enjoying every moment of the day, but it makes you feel a litttle bit better about drinking that Cabernet and Espresso throughout the night! Again, best foot forward = beautiful pictures despite how exhausted you may feel!

Tip #7: Spirunlina and Chlorella = Never have a hangover again!

Late nights, bites, dancing, and shots… you are bound to wake up the next day tempted to down that entire bottle of Advil. First of all, DO NOT. Second of all, let me introduce you to the mighty powers of Organic Burst. Four tablets of their incredible Chlorella (increases oxygen and vitality of your cells and improves overall organ function) and now I take another four, of their Spirulina! Spirulina helps curbs cravings, increases focus, and aids in energy levels! I swear by these homeopathic regimens, start taking them daily now and see what magic happens for you!

Tip #8: Buy a gallon of water (if you’re driving) and bring an old school water bottle!

Instead of waking up, drinking the tap or worse… drinking the hotel’s $3.00 Evian *gasp* do you and your honey a favor by grabbing a gallon of delicious filtered water at the gas station or whatever, to keep hydrated all weekend without spending an absurd amount on fluids! Extra points: grab snacks and Alcohol in bulk from Costco or Aldi instead of going to the bars to pregame or eat, to throw an old school hotel party before the reception (or after! If that’s your bag, baby).

I hope these tips help you as much as they’ve helped us from putting an end to smoking credit cards and major headaches (literally and figuratively). Remember *by putting your best foot forward and taking care of YOU first, doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you fully able to enjoy you loved ones biggest day of their life and support them, by both of you living to your greatest potential. ♥️

Personal Files: Land the job!

Hi friends!

I have been told in the past I am exceptional at interviews [humble brag or just brag? prolly just bragging.]. Last week, I somehow managed to land the job of my dreams, and the interview was a major part of the process. Several hours and being grilled by panels on clinical and personal levels, it can be so hard not to crack under pressure. Without further ado,

Here is my guide to getting your dream job:

If you feel something in your heart while reading the description, go for it.This is so important. I have recently made the conscious decision to live my life with my heart. This means that I listen to it, and make choices based on what instinctively feels right. When it comes to your career, people tend to do the opposite. More money, more power, more flexibility, making choices only based on what looks good on paper… be weary of your ego friends. If you choose a job to feed it, you will live your life a slave to inflating it.

Make your resume for YOU.Don’t make it based off of your friends, your colleagues (unless you particularly love their style), or competition. I know that sounds silly, but it will stand out the most if you create it with your own personal style in mind. I am a nurse and recently threw out my boring old white template. If you’re looking for some out of the box inspo. check out my resume!

Make a mission statement.This is amazing advice that seriously applies to your life. If you are currently not sure how to listen to your heart or maybe feel disconnected to it; making a mission statement will open up the flood gates to living your life with intention. I have two right now, and I alter them as I need. I created mine after having a particularly significant meeting with our Chief Nursing Officer, crying in the back of an Uber because I finally realized what I wanted for my life. It was easy, and it was my truth:

“as a nurse and as a human, caring for others is my calling”.

Whether you choose to wear your truth on your resume, cover letter, or even just drop it in an interview (HIGHLY recommend), you are #1. guaranteed to stand out. #2. you are making decisions based off of what you know you were put on Earth to do.

Make it personal. Before every interview I’ve ever had, the night before or a few days leading up to it, I will whip out my legal pad, and write down every reason why I am applying for this job. Next, and I think the biggest key to my success, is I relive and write down examples of times in the past that made me stand out as a leader, memories that make me so damn proud to be a nurse, times when I was a team player and an innovative thinker. I literally write out where I was, what happened during the scenario, and how I felt afterwards and during. By writing these down and feeling all those feels, I keep these examples in the forefront of my brain that gives me an entirely different level of confidence. While prepping for an interview, a lot of people go through questions on Google (which I do too, of course), but if you create a solid list of examples of times that made you a badass and are actual moments that may have inspired you to get the job, you will answer these questions in a totally different and enlightened way. A way the exudes passion, authenticity, and truth.

Next on that legal pad, write down REAL questions, you are curious about for the job.My personal favorites for managers interviewing you: “what does your personal definition of success look like in this job? Whether it be success for you or for your employees, what is your marker?” This gives you insight to what they are looking for and if you two are using the same measuring stick at the end of the day. If they’re all about making money as success but you’re interested in saving the world, you may want to end the interview there. Also, don’t forget to ask what their expectations of you would be by the end of the day, and the end of your first year there. You want to know what you’re signing up for!

Remember, the ball is in your court. Interviews are scary because you want everyone to like you (at least for most of us), but seriously ask yourself, “do I like them?”. I once met with my therapist (if you’re shocked I have one, go home) before an interview and I asked “I know the answers they want to hear, but there’s a part of me that is struggling to just say those with fake confidence like I’m sure everyone else is, or should I tell them my truth, even though it may not be what they want?”. Her advice was simple “speak from the heart. You can never go wrong and if the interviewer doesn’t agree, the job wasn’t meant for you and trust me, you won’t want it.”. That advice put me in the top ranks for a job that I was EXTREMELY unqualified for (like, they asked for 2-5 years experience and I had one… barely, and to be a certified nurse, nope, and to have been currently enrolled in graduate school, definitely not). I was only considered because my manager had told me, that I had the best interview he had ever been apart of.

*yes, that is and was still the best compliment I have EVER received, this guy was a BOSS (figuratively and literally, no I’m not sorry for that)*.

Lastly, dress like a motherf*cking boss, okay.Buy the dress you can’t afford, the briefcase you can’t stop thinking about, the shoes that are calling your name. Treat yourself beforehand to an item that may seem superficial and unreasonable to others, but will bring your power during your interview. For me, that was this Ted Baker shirt. My rationale: if I couldn’t afford it when I bought it, I would be able to after I got the job.

I hope any of this advice helps if you’re in a spot where you feel like that dream job you want is a reach. Above all else, believe in yourself. You are too damn good to fail, I promise.

Also, send a Thank You e-mail, card, WHATEVER. Just be grateful you got this opportunity and show them that.

xoxo,

Andi