Weekend Reads: Pixar, Lady Gaga & Wanderlust

When I saw that Lady Gaga quote, I thought, damn! That's a dose of angry real talk! The truth is though, she's right. It's an interesting thing to consider balancing love (or the pursuit of it) and your career - whatever your level of ambition or drive. I think about this stuff a lot, especially lately, because this year I've done nothing but invest in my career. It's been rewarding, frustrating, inspiring...the whole gamut of positives and negatives...and I really wouldn't have it any other way.

Are you practically Snow White? Then you need these apps that tell you just how much time you should be in the sun.

Who's looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday? This girl! And now I have a list of movies to watch online, so I may just stay in bed all day!

Nail polish on-the-go! I wish Metro would allow helpful kiosks in major hubs!

Newsletters seem to be making a serious comeback! These tips are interesting, but Alexis Madrigal's point about a newsletter audience v a Facebook audience was most intriguing. Should I be turning this list into a newsletter instead of a blog post? Hmm.

I did a bunch of work so clearly now I can surf the net for two hours! Right? Wrong.

Dogs get jealous, too! Duh.

Want to foster a creative environment at work? This is how Pixar does it.

Trendy restaurant menus are...so formulaic. (Also, the vegetarian part is SO true!)

I have major wanderlust this year. My brain has headed to every exotic locale at least twice! This list of magazines that are great for travelers isn't helping me any. (I must admit, the best/worst thing I've done all year is subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler.)

A radio show host once asked Lauren Conrad what her favorite position was and she had the best answer ever. Mic.com asked 23 women what their favorite position was. Mine? Senior Advisor.

Ira Glass' Lifehacker "How I Work" column is getting a lot of buzz. I suspect it's because the man is a) a total beast and b) does almost everything either in the cloud or without the clunky equipment one would assume he'd use.

My iTunes is solidly stuck on songs that came out in the 90s and it's making my morning commute so much more pleasurable! Here's some Fugees for you - have a great weekend, friends! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPlb9HoOCxs]

Music video by The Fugees performing Fu-Gee-La. (C) 1996 Sony BMG Music Entertainment

Photo credit: Alejandra Owens (me!)

Weekend Reads: Unplugging, 35 Things We Learned This Week & Bad Ass Women

You guys, I'm heading to the beach for a few days! It's basically all I've wanted for months now and all I've been thinking about all week! Of course, how much I unplug and just enjoy it is always a struggle. This little guide on how to unplug was the best advice I've read on the subject. Mostly because it didn't tell me to just "not check email" and "enjoy being present" or make me feel guilty for being super dedicated to work. I can't wait to look at the horizon, listen to the waves crashing and grill some food. Doesn't that sound nice? I think so!

“Congratulations on taking your age to the next level. I wanted to optimize this yearly touchpoint to encourage a paradigm shift in how you approach life going forward by enclosing a copy of The Likeability Factor.” Take your good wishes to the...next level.

The Day I Left My Son In The Car. A heartbreaking read of a whole other variety. Make the time for it.

30 things I've learned. #11, sadly, is so true.

Marvel comics made some huge announcements this week! Thor is a woman and Captain America is black!

"I have been in relationships where a man has disrespected me, and I don't need to be friends with that man anymore. I don't want to be the one going, 'I'm cool, because I'm friends with all my exes.' There's a reason why you're called an ex. I crossed you off my list. Moving on. You cross a line, you need to know that you're going to walk this earth knowing that there's an individual who has no respect for you." Zoe Saldana is such a bad ass.

I'm thinking of updating all my social media bios. This little guide is leading my way.

5 business lessonsCindy Gallop learned from starting a porn* site. (*it's not a porn site) (Don't let the sexiness dissuade you - read read read it!)

"The most important advice I would still give — and it may seem crazy because I did lose this job I really loved — you have to be an authentic person." Jill Abramson is also such a bad ass!

The next time someone complains about Buzzfeed being shameless clickbait of zero substance say this: “BuzzFeed headlines pay off particularly well because they actually make fairly small promises and then overdeliver." Then tell them the real problem with click bait.

Kara Swisher is the gal who brings you all that juicy news about Yahoo! and Google and Marissa Mayer and Sergey Brin. This New York Magazine profile of her is a fabulous look at the woman is both feared and the person you want to tell everything to.

Tim Howard, star of the US Men's National Team at the World Cup is hot hot hot on the cover of Ad Week!

Talk about songs I've had on repeat lately...this Nico & Vinz song, Am I Wrong, is playing all. The. Time. I think it's the song of summer 2014, but we all know I can be a questionable judge of music. Have a great weekend, friends!

Watch the music video for the hit single "Am I Wrong" by Nico & Vinz. Download & Listen: iTunes: http://smarturl.it/AmIWrongNV Spotify: http://smarturl.it/amiwrongspty WiMP:http://smarturl.it/amiwrongwmp LINKS Official Website: http://www.nicoandvinz.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nicoandvinz Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nicoandvinz Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nicoandvinz Music video by Nico & Vinz performing Am I Wrong.

Photo Source: Danielle Laporte

Weekend Reads: Sexy Presidents, Niagara Falls & Touching Our Friends

I had quite a fun, and slightly over-booked, week! Great dinners with friends, I was a guest in Carol's Georgetown class about personal branding and I get to see an old college buddy I haven't seen since we were actually in college! Not bad, but I'm looking forward to a restful weekend for sure.

Our Instagram life vs. real life.

Hey can I pick your brain? Now that you have the meeting, don't screw it up!

Man vs. Food. And I don't mean the show...would you rather have a Ryan Gosling...or a grilled cheese!

At one point in time the Army actually stopped Niagara Falls. Almost like a cartoon! Bloop! Just stopped a giant waterfall!

Dear Confident Women, There's are guys out there who love how confident you are!

I LOVE Dead Poet's Society! Josh Charles takes us back in time and reminisces about the making of the movie, the guys' relationships and more.

Are you a touchy person? Or do you prefer a lot of personal space? I can be huggy/touchy so I thought this study about how often we touch our friends was neat!

Warren G. Harding...you sexy beast!

Erling and Emmett, two peas in a pod. Never mind they're separated by three generations and 86 years.

Aspen Ideas Festival is all done and wrapped up - but you can check out the transcripts (and sometimes audio)!

You're probably doing these 9 things at work that are terrible for  your productivity. (I know I am!)

Lucy Flores: abandoned as a child, former gang member, lawyer and...politician. Is she the candidate Democrats have been craving?

Then there's 8 more things you shouldn't be doing! (Geesh, this list is getting long!)

Okay, here's 8 things you should be doing at work!

Newsletters seem to be back on the rise - here's a few that you might actually enjoy. (I'll add an endorsement for The Skimm!)

I have World Cup fever so this genius video of what it would be like to live like a soccer player had me in stitches.

Getting flack for using social media at work? Give this a read and share it with your boss!

Hip hop + art = Fly Art. I bought it.

Do you ever invest your money in a company? Ahem, Kickstarter counts. Here's the one question you should be asking before you fill in your credit card info.

How a meat-centric chef-turned-butcher is changing DC's appreciation for all things meat.

I was on a hunt for new music to listen (and finding nada!) when I just went back to the classics. I've been re-rocking out to The Miseducation of Lauren Hill all week and it has put me in the best mood! Have a great weekend, lovahs!

Music video by Lauryn Hill performing Doo Wop (That Thing). (C) 1998 Ruffhouse Records LP

Photo source: Her New Tribe

Weekend Reads: Pop Covers, Coffee Tasting & Goal Lists

This week flew by thanks to a cross-country tip, a day-long layover and massive productivity at work this week! The great thing about this week was that I'm finally starting to feel like I have a handle on things. Maybe it was my trip home that helped me reset things and get a little perspective, but I'm (finally!) feeling a little lighter in life and more optimistic. I plan on riding this wave, too. All the way to Virginia wineries this weekend!

I still have no plans to hit the beach this summer (tear) but these books will be good for pool reading too.

Why dad's who do household chores raise more ambitious daughters! (Do that laundry guys! It's for your kids!)

What a delightful way to do a goals list.

What happens when a champion barista tastes grocery store coffee?

Resistance is futile. Summer is here. Just build your own gin & tonic bar now and save yourself some time later.

With all the open discussion about gender issues in the news lately, here's a practical guide for the men in our lives for participating in a constructive way.

"I just had sex and I'm about to eat nachos. This THE GREATEST moment of my life!!" (Can't wait to see this movie!)

The anonymous sharing app, Secret, has turned into a digital burn book for the DC gays. After being burned by the app myself, I highly recommend not downloading it. Also, nothing good can come from airing your mental dirty laundry like that.

Reading Cosmo and Maxim shapes our relationship with sexual consent...you'll be surprised.

"Yes. I've decided to age." - Tom Ford, on getting "old" in the fashion industry.

I'm not exactly a music aficionado but the Chela "Zero" EP Minimix would be perfect for a summer evening grilling party. These Rihanna covers are great for a dinner party! And last but not least John Mayer's take on "XO" by Beyonce would make the perfect soundtrack for Sunday morning coffee and magazine reading!

Have a wonderful weekend! I've had Haim on repeat for a week now (mostly because I feel like their new album could be the soundtrack for Romancing the Stone!) so I hope you like 'em too...

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TffpkE2GU4]

Weekend Reads: Caftans, West Wing & Boss Ladies

I need this 3-day weekend so badly you guys. Mostly for the sleep...also for the lazy. I don't even care that I'm not at the beach or off on a fun trip. Waking up in my own bed, sipping on coffee and watching some bad, bad TV sounds so delicious! I have a high-rise stack of magazines to dive into while I'm up on my roof deck soaking up some sun, too. Work: off! Weekend: on!!!

Even the Pope doesn't like Facebook!

How to get your body caftan ready for summer. "Crumbs? Let them fall where they may, swaddled in your caftan."

Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize! It's my number one soft skill at work and so few people know how to do it well.

I'm a new manager and found Ann Friedman's managerial advice pretty interesting. New or not, it's worth taking a look.

Speaking of Ann Friedman, she's my internet girl crush for sure. Great writer, funny and (mostly) talks about stuff relevant to my (feminist) interests.

If you love the West Wing, you'll love this homage to Seventeen People.

Silly: a dog raised by cats has cat-like tendencies.

It's most definitely fun to work in social media, but here's some things you should know before you get all dreamy eyed.

If you could give career advice to your younger self, what would you say? These journalists have great advice, regardless of career.

It's commencement season! Here's the best of the best commencement speeches, new and old.

I love everything about Anna Holmes' response to a reporter asking about how she got her new gig: "Felix didn’t hire me. I’m going to be Felix’s boss." That's how ya do it ladies, that's how ya do it! 

"What is the source of your power? And, what is the source of your joy?" A thoughtful piece on Jill Abramson's untimely ousting at the New York Times. 

A walking food tour of the Lower East Side with Ruth Riechl?! I'd pay good money for that experience!

Why they never drink wine on Mad Men. Who knew!?

Meetings suck! Learn how to run one like a boss!

When women succeed and break through the glass ceiling, they end up on the glass cliff. (Jesus it just never gets easier does it?)

Relevant to probably no one but me, Pitbull's World Cup song sucks. How sad, Mr. 305. How sad indeed.

Whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you're having fun and relaxing! Here's a little Paolo Nutini to get you in the mood... [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIQ2Rxh1k9Y?list=PLG-6sLnL75vZBdPUj_URGz9NstmwU4lZ3]

Weekend Reads: Ant Hills, Literary Insights & Overrated Movies

What happens when I don't do the weekend reads one week? Apparently I amass a ridiculous amount of links for you guys! While I was busy jetting to Nashville, New York and back I religiously sent links back to my Instapaper to share with you guys. Hopefully you enjoy them all!

Why all babies love peekaboo.

What was your first big girl purchase? A bag? Fancy shoes? For me it was my diamond hoop earrings. Diamonds are fun, but the fact that I could afford a splurge on something that seemed reserved for adults was just delicious!

A new documentary follows young, American wine makers. I've spent time in the tasting room of Cartograph Wines in Healdsburg, CA and am excited to hear more about their story.

10 life lessons to excel at. (Um, great list but usually easier said than done.)

Amy Schumer's speech on confidence really made the rounds, but it's worth looking at more closely. Don't discount her experience as a fluke or just a one-off. It's more universal than you may realize.

How do food critics decide what to order when they're reviewing a restaurant? Or, a guide to being the best order-er at your table!

Fire ants make beautifully complex nests. These guys pour molten aluminum into them and basically turn the little buggers' home into art.

How to perfectly pet select species of animals. (Including a unicorn. Not including a dragon...how does Daenerys do it?!)

Humans Of New York takes on the Met Gala...makes the rich & famous only slightly more...human.

Thanks for all your lovely life & love advice, but did you ever stop to consider the lens through which you're giving it out?

Did Kerouac, Updike and Rand intend for all the symbolism that we now overanalyze and write high school papers about?

Revisited: America's tenuous and sometimes embarrassing relationship with Mexico - through the eyes of Anthony Bourdain.

Who's hitting the tattoo parlor these days? Not who you think.

Fail harder, they say. But 11 entrepreneurs share how they bounced back from their failures.

I was completely intrigued by one geek guy's take on why men in the tech industry can be so misogynistic - and what they can do to fix it.

Rap music today more a synthesized collection of groans and YEAAHs than it is an exhibit of complex lyricism. But a few rappers seem to excel in this regard.

5 phrases that can improve every relationship in your life.

Would you ever go a month without buying anything that you didn't absolutely need? I've definitely been thinking about how I spend my money lately and this struck a chord with me.

The most overrated (and underrated) movies of all time.

A whole class of students chose a famous author to write to. Only Kurt Vonnegut wrote back!

Let's optimize the campaign for synergistic KPI achievement!! The origins of those annoying office buzzwords. (Complete with a quiz that tells you just how annoying you are.)

Tavi Gevinson. What the heck, chica! I didn't think like this when I was her age at all!

TO DO: My dearest friend Jonah is riding from San Fran to Los Angeles this summer to raise awareness and funds for ending HIV/AIDS. Proceeds benefit two amazing organizations working to end AIDS and help those who have it live long and fruitful lives. Consider donating to support his ride?

I'm such an Ellie Goulding fan girl. The weekend jam is the song she did for the tweeny/young adult movie, Divergent. I've had it on repeat for weeks without shame...well, maybe a little shame. Have a great weekend guys!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrNTOo4KH8c]

Photo: Me! (Alejandra Owens)

Weekend Reads: DJ Khaled, Balloons & Wine

When my alarm went off at 6am I laughed. I was having a dream about my boss' boss just as I was waking up and thought, TGIF indeed. Things I'm looking forward to this weekend include: pasta dinners, farmers markets with friends and at least one luxurious afternoon nap.  Then it's off to the races with a full week of travel and jetting around! I'm already looking forward to being back in my own bed next Friday. In case you're curious about the quote above, it's from one of my favorite workout songs (I'm not saying it's actually good music, folks) "Out Here Grindin' by DJ Khaled. It's just one of those silly little lines that pumps me up in the middle of a difficult day so I thought I'd share!

A weather app that keeps it real, ladies. It just tells you if you're facing frizz or not.

I just...miss you.

I love rosé, which is so hot hot hot now! "As you search your favorite retailer’s shelves for this year’s rosés, remember: This is not your mother’s white zinfandel."

They say looking at Facebook too much makes us sad - but now you can pin point the unhappiest of your friends with this Time tool.

It didn't invent the Web, but it largely built the damn thing. Generation X gave you Google and Twitter and blogging; Run DMC and Radiohead and Nirvana and Notorious B.I.G. Not that it gets any credit.

This hotel looks so quaint and beautiful. A respite from the madness of New York City.

What a woman is worth - in Silicon Valley - and why she's undervalued.

What does it look like to release 1.5 million balloons into the air? Well, here you go.

Get smart, wine drinkers! Some wine myths you need to know were busted.

5 tips to help you conquer your work email (most tips are Outlook specific).

How to tell when someone is lying.

The Time 100 list is out - with a record 41 women on the list.

Looking to make a business case for a new project at work? Or maybe you need a kick ass plan to get everyone on the same page about a huge project you're managing. This simple strategic plan template will make you look SO good at work!

The ultimate relationship milestone - moving for love - reexamined.

Have a wonderful weekend, lovahs! Indulge in this Spring sun that we're finally getting!

Weekend Reads: Monday Edition

So, here's some #realtalk for you guys. I'm in NYC for work last week, having dinner with my dearest friend Lindsay when I start telling her a story. The weekend prior, I was at brunch with a handsome gent when he asked me, "So what else do you have going on?" Such a simple question, right? Totally normal, too. But lately, that simple question is causing me a lot of anxiety.

Most conversations, even with friends, go something like this: "How are you?" "Good!" "What's been up?" "Oh man, I've been working a lot lately! You?" "I'm good too! What else do you have going on?" And then...nada. I scramble for the smallest nugget of a something I've done in the last week that didn't involve email or social media jargon. I don't have anything else I've been up to lately! I work! It's not even that I'm pulling 16 hours days so much as I'm giving a lot of my mental and emotional energy to my work right now. I have a new role, new challenges, new opportunities, a million ideas, not much time - and all of that comes with some mental and emotional weight. By the time I get home I have enough energy to pour a glass of wine and watch a few episodes of Suits or Hart Of Dixie (don't judge me, judgers!!!) and that's it!

Except, that's not it. After I practically burst into tears at Otto over a plate of asparagus I explained to Linds that I feel so boring right now! I felt bad for that poor gent who must (MUST!!! So dramatic.) think I am the least interesting person in the world! Because Linds is an awesome friend she assured me I am not boring and I am interesting and I do have other things going on, they're just not as big as they were a couple months ago - and that rest/relaxation time is important.

I agree with her, but I also decided getting out and doing different things might help a bit. So two days ago I went to Awesome Con! If you're not familiar with the world of cons, the trailer for the Comic Con documentary will give you an idea. It was exactly what I needed - a good mix of fun, new experiences and plenty of fodder for storytelling over future brunches and drinks. Now I just need someone to ask me "So, what else do you have going on?" (PS - Do you guys ever feel this way? I think I just got into a rut...now it's time to pull myself out of it!)

Would you apply for the world's toughest job...and got a surprise!

20 delightful facts about the Golden Girls.

In 100 quintillion years, Earth will die and plunge into the sun. Apparently.

Chomping at the bit for a little taste of Game of Thrones (book version)? This nugget from World of Ice and Fire on G.R.R. Martin's site should make you feel better.

I dare you to look at these 60 photos and not fill up with all kinds of emotions.

"We go elsewhere because we are looking for another self." Marriages and affairs...not what you normally think. 

It's really unfortunate what Woodford Reserve is saying about the wold of female bourbon drinkers in their ads. I love the brown, and I don't care if my man can build a bookshelf and I certainly don't seek to be tolerated.

Kansas had a serious drag scene in the 60s! Sashay...away...

"You don’t just have to be the woman who does everything; you now have to SHOW that you are. Welcome to the new résumé." Boom!

Hunter Thompson's writing schedule. Or should I say, "writing" schedule.

Kate Middleton photobombs people just like the rest of us!

7 things really persuasive people do.

Hopefully you all have a great week ahead of you - I'm looking forward to trying a few new (and different) things this week to mix it up a bit. Wish me luck, lovahs! And...pardon the slightly gnarly concept of the music video for Greenback Boogie...it's a great song (the theme for Suits!).

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slgj96aXgQk]

Weekend Reads: Ugly Cry, OKCupid & Small Talk

I over programmed myself this week and there wasn't nearly enough rest and cooking at home and sleep. This weekend, I can only hope I manage to get healthy (huge) doses of all three. Oh, and working out. I've been talking to friends a lot lately about working out, healthy living and body image. We all go through these cycles of being really hard on ourselves, maybe even making a concerted effort to change our wine-drinking, block-of-cheese-eating ways. And while I think it's good to strive for a healthier, less stressed out life, we have to be careful about being too hard on ourselves about how we look. I've come to this conclusion (again) that this body of mine will never be model perfect, and that's okay. I do want a healthier life and a healthier me - it just won't be coming at the expense of delicious bottles of rosé shared with friends over bowls of silky pasta! Anatomy of the ugly cry. Bonus.

Networking can be hard. Especially when you're reaching out to someone you barely know - or you want something from them but you know you have nothing to give in return. This Medium article feels cringe-worthy but having received a few emails like the examples, I really appreciate people who understand how busy I am! And that's not just ubiquitous, snotty "busy." I mean 50-60 hours a week doing my job busy!

Holy moly the ocean is deep. Just looking at this graphic stressed me out a little!

The geography of small talk.

A scary vulnerability was found in the whole world wide web this week! (I don't even know what that means!!!) But you need to change some passwords to protect your information. So get on that.

The secret NYC cab trick that will save you time! Road warriors will love this!

The OkCupid Trends Blog seems to be back in action!

I'm a new subscriber to Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Goodness, is it gorgeous! Every issues doles out a heavy dose of wanderlust and makes me want to travel just so I can shop! Check out their Pinterest page for some inspiration.

How the great artists managed their time. Some of them straight up flipped normal schedules on their heads!

Age discrimination is for white guys too now! Thanks Silicon Valley.

An easy chart to help you plan your summer trip to Westeros!

These notes from kids are hilarious - I wish it would rain tacos too, kid.

I hope everyone is ready to enjoy the weekend! I'm so excited about Spring, I had to bust out this oldie but goodie from Mariah and ODB! Have a good one, lovahs!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6v_AiUK5mk]

Weekend Reads: Sci-Fi, Spring & Super Taskers

It's time for some spring cleaning whether spring actually wants to come along or not. Everything from my baseboards to my computer need a little refresh. Design Love Fest has a great series called Dress Your Tech (sample above) with beautiful backgrounds for your desktop and your iPhones. I highly recommend checking in regularly for pretty wallpapers to freshen up a space you stare at all day anyway. Anyway, I'm going to spend my weekend buying furniture, reading a stack of magazines I've let sit around for far too long and experiment with making bread for the first time! Wish me luck...I have an irrational fear of yeast.

A highly addictive game for when you need to kill some time or want to flex your brain.

The women who run Hollywood - and their slacker husbands.

Familiar with the trippy sci-fi movie Dune? Well there's a version that was never made and it influenced every major sci-fi film we know and love today.

Can you do two or more things at once perfectly? You might be the elusive supertasker.

5 tips for interacting with people you admire on twitter. Minimize the awkward and start a meaningful conversation IRL!

The best PR advice you've never heard. (Honestly, if you're trying to build a brand - at work or for yourself - thinking through these things strategically is super important.)

The Pope has hired a Japanese tech firm to digitize the entire Vatican library. Slow claps for the Pontiff.

Nate Silver had to a build an entire staff for the new 538 and was, apparently, obsessive about hiring.

If you haven't watched The Cove, a documentary about the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan, you should. Newsweek now reports that the community that herds dolphins to their tragic death has no intention of stopping - and are using tradition as their reason.

White blazers for Spring! Spring. Hahahahahahaha.

Have a wonderful weekend, lovahs. For those of you in warmer weather - I'm jealous. Send DC some of your sun, please! I don't understand a single word of French but I really love Carla Bruni's voice and music in general. Plus, it's great cooking and chilling out music for the weekend!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzKgjDO1CdQ]

Photo credit: Design Love Fest, Dress Your Tech series.

Weekend Reads: Deep Questions, PechaKucha & Photobombs

This question came from Elizabeth Gilbert's Facebook page earlier this week. She's at TED 2014 in Canada and posed the question to attendees - and man did it get me thinking! I tweeted it and it's gone gang busters on retweets so I thought I'd bring it over here to the blog. I've always thought about achievement and my life goals in terms of adding things - never taking things away. But it totally makes sense. I've always said - you can have it all, just not at the same time. So at any given time in my life, what am I willing to give up? Still mulling over it, but then the real kicker is...will I have the balls to do it?

Walking meetings and taking short walks during the work day are becoming more and more popular. Instead of looking at a walk around the block as a break, maybe you should look at it as critical thinking time.

Raise your hand if you hate Power Point presentations! *raises hand* This short, concise and high energy way of presenting ideas has me totally intrigued.

Rappers love to mention food in their songs. Here's every food mentioned by Rick Ross, ever. (Bonus: Notorious Big loved to rap about food, too.)

Taco trucks and LA go together like peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. My friend's photo essay of the scene captures the people who run the business and the people who eat the business.

TED 2014 is underway and the speeches and presentations coming out of it are already mind blowing. Astronaut Chris Hadfield shared what he learned from his experience of going blind while on a space walk. (WTF OMG GOING BLIND IN SPACE?!?!)

Don Draper's creative advice. (Ouch!)

How many times have you heard leaders talk about a time they seriously f#*&ed up? Well it's time to break the taboos around failure and this podcast aims to do just that.

January Jones is gorgeous yes, but she's maintained an air of mystery around her celebrity persona that makes even the tiniest peak into her mind engaging and interesting. Her Violet Grey spread/interview is well worth the read.

This dachshund really wants his toy shark in his crate with him.

I love that my friends and I have reached a stage in our careers where even our side hustles are getting tons of awesome attention. My friend Lindsay started Perfectly Noted years ago, leveraging her killer writing skills to help brides and grooms craft their perfect vows - and now the Today Show (!!!) is featuring her! Go Linds! 

Jimmy Fallon and Jon Hamm photobomb people at the top of 30 Rock.

An abandoned outdoor movie theatre in the Desert of Sinai. Super creepy and post-apocalyptic.

Penelope Trunk, per usual, totally challenges the way we approach work and our careers in this post about not letting yourself become outdated at work. You might not like the way she says things at times, but you can't disagree that staying sharp in your career is critical to long term success. 

Font Men. A whole documentary about guys who make fonts. Trust me, more interesting than you think it is.

A zoom-in/zoom-out look at the universe a la Cosmos. So you can feed your fix between episodes!

Have a wonderful weekend, lovahs! Here's some Duffy to get you grooving...

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JT2_S8_v8Y]

Photo credit: Alejandra Owens (me!)

Weekend Reads: Sick Girl Edition

Hi friends! I'm sick with a mean lil' cold after a bunch of travel and SXSW-ing. No reads for the weekend but here's an awesome parody of the First Kiss video with puppies and kittens! Have a wonderful weekend, lovahs! [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaGAkU_K_EY]

Weekend Reads: Business Baby, Soundboardt & Space!

I always notice that two things make a house or space more cozy: plants (any living green thing) and dogs. A three hour brainstorm earlier this week was made so much lovelier by Nina, a ginormous Great Dane who had no qualms about putting her nose right next to my face, even if I was eating a breakfast sandwich. It got me jonesing for my puppies back home who I get to see in very short order. I have a bunch of travel coming up - criss crossing across the country and working my way back slowly - to much warmer weather than what we have here in DC. I. Can't. Wait! The reads are a little business heavy this week since I'm kind of obsessed with the topic of leadership right now...but I promise, there's fun stuff too...

"Work life balance is achievable right after world peace!" I started following this blog on leadership at the recommendation of a friend. It's awesome - add it to your Feedly/bookmarks/Digg Reader now!

This poor woman has a total meltdown when a herd of tumbleweeds crosses the highway she's driving. It's hilarious! (Don't worry, no one gets hurt.)

Business Baby is my new favorite meme.

Feel like you've failed lately? Reframe it one of these five ways to help get over the hump.

Can't wait to listen to this Ted talk on the secret sauce of incredible leaders.

Soundboardt. For the Beyonce fans out there.

The team that saved Healthcare.gov and a behind the scenes look into the technical trauma room.

How to identify bad career advice. (And lordy is there a lot out there!)

How to stop giving a fuck what people think of  you. A hard lesson to learn and one that I tackled this week.

5 tips for busy people who want to read more. (#1 is sooooo me! Stacks of unread books laying around...just taunting me.)

This adorable 4 year old loves playing dress up with nothing more than construction paper, tape and glue.

Space! OoooOOOOOooooOOOoOOOO!

10 beauty bloggers share their favorite products - and they were all new to me!

The job skill no one ever tells you to develop.

Why are so many comedians so screwed up? The Dark Psychology of Being A Good Comedian.

Dads matter - how to bring them back into the family.

A great interview with Greg Marsh of One Fine Stay.

When The New York Times mentioned Chelsea Handler as a parenthetical she broke it down for both the author and the audience - women will not be mere afterthoughts when their accomplishments demand otherwise.

Apparently we're totally messing up our body's natural caffeination schedule.

Alright lovahs, weekend...full steam ahead! I'll leave you with my girl crush Ellie Goulding singing a childhood favorite, Rhythm Of The Night in a smoky, downbeat reinterpretation. 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjoOAJE7aqE?list=PL1CA6335E0D3699B6]

Photo credit: Alejandra Owens (me!)

Weekend Reads: Pasta Divas, Amtrak & Kate Upton

Ch-ch-ch-changes! Work has been a whirlwind of exciting and interesting changes at all levels and all fronts. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of change I constantly try to remind myself that all this change means opportunities for learning are abound. I've been turning to my mentors a lot lately for advice (and comfort) folks like Jill, Cecelia, Tammy and John are keeping me centered and focused. (If you don't know or follow these folks, put 'em on your lists now!) Friends are keeping me smiling and eating deliciously. This week's reads are a little thin since I've been busy this week, but here's what caught my eye when I was taking breaks!

Science amazes me. They finally figured out where that doughnut-shaped rock came from on Mars.

How far does your salary go in other cities? Depressing. All around depressing.

14 tools for better images (including infographics, quotes and more)

Do you have a coffee bucket list? Apparently you should have these 26 things on it.

Are you a writer? Maybe you should look into Amtrak's writerr's residence.

A neighborhood in DC known for having a lot of bars and restaurants neighbors Gallaudet University, a deaf and hard of hearing school. How they're responding to their community's unique needs is both very cool and heartening.

Pasta divas of Puglia, Italy.

How creativity works. For me it's all about a mind at rest that gets to wander.

This Creators Call podcast with Callie Schweitzer is a must-listen if you're in the business of communicating or storytelling.

What did all those breweries do during Prohibition?

A behind the scenes look at Kate Upton's zero gravity shoot for Sports Illustrated had me cheering her on. Someone on set keeps going, "Go Kate! That's amazing! You look awesome! YES! DO THAT AGAIN!" What can I say, I'm a sucker for a great cheerleader.

The sex lives of our founding fathers...gross...I don't wanna think about that!

Looking forward to reading danah boyd's thoughts on policing teenagers on the internet.

No children. No regrets.

I have no plans this weekend other than cooking and baking for a friend who's a new mom. I love how creating food for others can be so comforting and brings me some zen. This week's jam is an oldie from Blu Cantrell - have a wonderful weekend, lovahs!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMOKlXfXn50]

Weekend Reads: Will You Brie Mine?

Oh man I love pun-y cards! In fact, I love them so much I've got a blog post full of em for next week. I can't wait...hopefully you like it too. Well, lovahs, I hope you are all have a wonderful weekend, ooey gooey Valentine's style or not. I'm read for a weekend of binge watching House of Cards on my new TV and Roku from my bed. To say I am excited is perhaps an understatement.

10 things everyone over the age of 30 should have in their home. 

I love this piece on getting out of your own way. Every once and awhile I catch myself saying no to myself a lot. It's unnecessary and ridiculous!

Being a parent is hard. My friend Cecelia's first Medium post on the topic is great. My fave line: "And I thought, 'At least she’ll tell her therapist she loved me.'"

What is love? (Baby don't hurt me.)

Michael Sam's coming out is sparking a much needed conversation about openly gay players in the world of professional sports. This Texas sports anchor's speech on the matter is spot. Freakin'. On.

A very cool interactive map that shows all the changes and infrastructure built in Sochi to make the winter games happen.

Facing tough times at work? Design*Sponge's Biz Lady series has 6 fabulous pieces of advice for overcoming work hurdles.

A yoga and writing retreat with Ann Friedman (one of my fave journos right now) could fit the bill for a fall vacay!

Blah, blah people hate House of Cards. I love it! I love it in the way you can only love totally hatable characters.

An ode to carbs. Be still, my heart! I love the warm, cozy embrace of pasta carbonara too!

Various authors quoted on fashion. My fave from Simon Doonan: “Every designer needs an iconic look. If the South Park boys cannot make a recognizable cartoon of you, then you need to up the ante. You need a signature flourish, non?”

Um, yeah, why are so many farmers committing suicide?  

Can't wait to read: Women, work and the art of gender judo.

Blah, blah a bunch of people told me the gender wage gap is a myth that's been debunked when I shared this earlier this year. Don't wanna hear it, still made me laugh.

I can't imagine why women would want to turn down casual sex if men are calling them sluts afterward. (Oh and dudes aren't even trying to be good in bed.)

This little penguin likes science!

I'm closing out the week with a little Latin flavor, so here's some Ozomotli for your orejas (ears).

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKCOvXDgST8] Photo source: The Indigo Bunting for Paperless Post.

Weekend Reads: Girl Scout Cookies, CVS Gifts & Snow Days

Who's ready for Friday? This girl! It was a long but exciting week. So many new projects at work and so much ground to be covered - I'm overwhelmed and excited all at the same time. I spoke to an awesome group of women who are members of Washington Women In Public Relations about communications and social media in the nonprofit world and presented social media best practices on a Bulldog Reporter webinar. Now that the week is done I'm looking forward to a day trip out to Frederick, Maryland and some QT with my book and my bed. What are you guys up to this weekend?

How much snow does it take to cancel school across the country? Being from southern Arizona, I can confirm, less than an inch calls for a snow day in Tucson!

I've received some pretty bad gifts from men, including trinkets from CVS.

For all you folks working in the digital world, this list of disruptive trends to watch is awesome.

Would you ever have your hot chocolate read? I totally would!

Some guy in DC wants to map the world of Game of Thrones to a map of the District. I kinda want to go help.

They say if you're not failing, you're not trying new things. Here's a tale of one man's fail.

The Heartbreaking History of Divorce.

Before you get all jealous of someone's life based on their pretty Instagram feeds alone, read this.

Comics (or graphic novels, if you prefer) meet the food world!

Okay, I'm posting this article about Dylan Farrow but not because it's about Woody Allen and Dylan Farrow. Ann Friedman tells a quick anecdote about a secret code she and her friends use to warn each other about ill-intentioned people they come across in their professional lives. I think it's sad and telling that they even have language to describe this type of person and encounter, but even more sad and telling that almost every woman I know has something similar. Here it is:

I used to have a very elaborate inside joke with a few other women in media. It was called "The Island," and the narrative went like this: All of the editors we know to be sexual harassers or professional bullies are on a plane together, probably headed to an “ideas festival” or “un-conference,” when the plane goes down on a small island. There, they are forced to live out the rest of their days with only each other to harass. In their absence, the rest of us go on to remake the media industry into a creative, forward-thinking, gender-equitable paradise. Fin.

It was funny to picture this scenario, but also sort of a sad coping mechanism. We knew these men were too professionally powerful to really be held accountable for their behavior. "The Island" became a code for telling each other who was a good guy and who was a bad guy — which upper-masthead men actually wanted to mentor us, and which ones just wanted the thrill of having a cocktail with an attractive younger woman under the guise of professionalism: “Is he on 'The Island' or not?” Or, “Watch out, that guy’s totally on 'The Island.'”

If you're a podcast fan like me (or wanna dive into the very cool world of podcasts) check out Radiotopia.

The perfect food & drink pairing: Girl Scout cookies and beer!

I've been so busy and overwhelmed with work that this video of a toddler discovering rain for the first time made me slow down and chill the hell out!

Why do people always ask women what their favorite position is in the midst of a legitimate interview? Lauren Conrad has the best response I've heard yet. 

PACs...Super PACs...or the least influential PACs in the country. See! Not all PACs are bad.

They say the key to staying sane in a leadership position is delegation. I thought this blog post on how to delegate took a more purposeful approach at what can feel like a mundane, haphazard offloading of tasks. 

I can't get enough of Avicii...I know, don't judge me! Have a wonderful weekend, lovahs!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cp6mKbRTQY]

Photo Source: fiveless via Deviant Art.

Weekend Reads: To-Do List & Nevermind Edition

I'm gonna be honest with you guys - I barely read anything on the internet this week because I was so busy. Every morning when I logged into my work calendar it looked more like a game of tetris than a day where a gal could get some shit done. Any breaks I did have were spent slouching in my chair staring at my computer screen trying to think of at least one small task I could get done in my rare 30 min break from meetings. So! I'm gonna share a few links that are hanging out in my Instapaper and my to-do list for the weekend. The weekend to-do list is one of my favorite posts Anna does at Door Sixteen because it made me realize I'm not the only overly ambitious person when it comes to weekend plans. Here I go:

1. Order paint samples so I can test them in my bedroom.
2. Order my new bed. Finally. I mean, I've wanted it since last year.
3. Order these knobs and these knobs for my bedroom dresser.
4. Order a cow hide for the bedroom rug. (I'm working on completing my bedroom, in case you're seeing a theme here.)
5. Re-measure the dimensions for a media unit a friend is building for me!
6. Laundry.
7. Clean the apartment.
8. Pay bills. (ugh)
9. Clean up my twitter lists - digital-life cleaning has been a theme the last couple weekends. Almost as satisfying as washing dishes.
10. Sleep. Like a boss.
11. See my friends.

It's not an unachievable list, but when you're laying there, becoming one with your couch, the last thing you want to do is bust out the ol' credit card and start droppin cash. Ah well. It'll feel so good to get it all done.

Here's what I'll be reading this weekend - in addition to finishing off the last 200 pages of A Dance with Dragons, the fifth book of the A Song of Ice and Fire (aka Game of Thrones) series. I will cry when I'm done, but I have a stack of new books to nurse me through it.

Want to know more about Sgt. Cory Rambsburg, the soldier President Obama introduced us to at the State of the Union?

POTUS is working on changing the way we eat.

Who is Cathy McMorris Rodgers? (aka the woman who delivered the Republican response to SOTU)

I am just fascinated by the Ezra Klein/Vox story.

Ever heard of Michelle Smith? Hardly anyone has, but she's the woman who #GSD at the Fed.

The secret to motivating anyone you work with.

23 resources for cheap or free travel. (Calgon, take me away.)

Photo: Me! (Alejandra Owens)

Weekend Reads: Gay Euphemisms, Jelly Belly & Mispronounced Words

Tired?  Check. Sore? Check. (Damn this whole working out thing.) It was a long but very productive week on this end. I'm hoping for a long and unproductive weekend! As I type this I'm already running late for my day so I'll just get to the hustle - our links...

A peek into Anthoy and Ottavia Bourdain's life - work out schedule, eating habits and laundry - it's funny & interesting.

Gender equality in restaurant kitchens.

Commonly mispronounced food words and how to say them!

My friend Nikki wrote a lovely piece about loving yourself and making yourself happy - never waiting for someone else to do it.

The New York Times gay euphemism generator.

Jelly Belly announced a new flavor this week: beer! Here's a few jelly belly recipes to play with until you get your hands on it!

There's a new "S" word men are using to insult women. Wait, but did you catch it?

A great series of reads - "The Toughest Scene I Wrote" from some of the biggest movies of the past year!

Aerie, the loungewear and lingerie company, announced they would no longer use super models and retouch their ads! This writer asks, "Why can’t we just not obsess about bodies?" Valid.

Kate Middleton is just as awkward as the rest of us! No, really!

The six things that make a story go viral. (We're so predictable, people!)

Got "attend conferences" on your professional development plan this year? Consider these tips your gospel.

Johnny Stimson, you are my jam. That is all, lovahs.

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/130589430" params="color=ff6600" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]

Photo: Karen Buckle

Weekend Reads: Mean Tweets, Jenna Lyons & Food Fraud

2014, what's your deal? Do you need a xanax? A hot bath with some bubbles and a glass of wine maybe? Chill the hell out, man! The first couple weeks of this year have been jam packed at work. Plenty of social stuff too, but by the time I get home I'm too tired to even muster a phone call home to remind my parents I'm still alive! This three-day weekend is going to be a great mini break. Maybe I can get some work done and get back on track? Or maybe I'll just sleep a ton and that'll be all I accomplish. Either way it's a win!

Jimmy Kimmel has celebrities read mean tweets to them, but what about politicians? Claire McCaskill's twitter "fan" had some choice words about her.

Are you Type A? I am most definitely Type A.

For the guys out there: a helpful chart to get you out of the dreaded friend zone!

#Humblebrag: AARP launched Lean In Circles this week! I'm very proud of my company embracing the Lean In and women's empowerment movement. But now that we (women at large) have leaned in...now what?

The woman behind Feminist Ryan Gosling.

When being single isn't a problem to be solved.

Four questions everyone should ask themselves (and they are not touchy feely).

The restaurant industry and parents went at it again this week. An 8 month old baby had the pleasure of dining at Alinea...with disastrous effects.

Are you really eating four different kinds of oysters?

Restaurants spend a lot of money on old and reclaimed decor.

Shit gets real when it comes to the truffle industry. And I'm not talking about chocolates.

Books! Books! Books! Books to read before their movie version hits theaters. Books to read about inspiring food stories!

Online dating sucks. It sucks even more for women...as one dude found out.

How to powerful and likable...a study in Jenna Lyons.

Have a great (long) weekend, lovahs! You'll find me in my bed, reading or sleeping...like, a lot of sleeping.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-KhJmh074A&w=560&h=315]

Photo Credit: Society 6, K Is For Black

Weekend Reads: Women, The Internet & Dating

It was my first real week back at work and it was a doozy. If this is any indication of how 2014 plans on going, I'll be girding my loins. I won't waste any more time here though, there's a lot to go over this week...

Traveling abroad can be hilarious sometimes. My friend Rivka's recount of her trips to Florence and Paris made me laugh. The recipe for fig cookies is a bonus.

I generally regard myself as terrible in the grammar department, but I scored a 100% on this quiz! My reward should be some of Rivka's fig cookies.

Fan of the game Cards Against Humanity? I present: Ladies Against Humanity.

Penelope Trunk, per usual, drops some stark honesty in her assessment of women who say they don't want to work. (Spoiler: she thinks it's great. At least they're being honest.) But what's more interesting to me is the call for honesty from women who DO want to work AND have children...

Someone has strong feelings about photo-taking naysayers.

This comedian's response to a (racist) heckler was pitch perfect.

Working in the digital space? Webb Media Group's trend report is a must read.

Dating. Dating in DC. Ugh. I've been talking a lot about this subject with friends lately, but this article from a men's/dating coach really brought it home. Guys, if you're doing that whole "we'll go out, but it's not really a date...it's like...to figure out if I want to take her on a date" thing...this is for you. Or maybe dating just isn't for you.

The Dogist. (Like The Sartorialist but with 100% more puppy dog looks.)

What if T-Rex was released in New York City? How much people would he need to eat a day to survive?

I live in a city so obsessed with the damn weather we have a whole blog dedicated to it. Alternatively, we don't even handle nice weather graciously. My friend Chris Shott's piece: Dog Dazed: The District Grapples With Ordinary Weather was spot on.

I'd be played by Kate Beckinsale in an action romance movie! You?

Big topic in the news this month: anxiety. Kat Kinsman of CNN penned this (somewhat anxiety inducing) recount of her search for joy while living with anxiety. One of my favorite lifestyle/design bloggers, Bri Emory, wrote this piece on living with a much more mild case of anxiety, paired with insecurity. I think I'll have more on this topic later but I'm not sure how much I'd like to share and/or jump on the talking-about-our-anxiety bandwagon.

Would you like to see creativity thrive at your company? Hire three women.

If one of your resolutions is to branch out and read more this year, try this oldie-but-goodie round up of great magazines as a starting point.

Another big topic on the web so far this year: the hell that is the ven diagram of where the internet meets women. Amanda Hess wrote this fabulous piece on why women aren't welcome on the internet. Many people wrote their own spin off articles but this one from Atlantic writer Conor Friedersdorf was especially poignant.

On a lighter note: you know how there's different ways to dress for different body shapes? Now we have a make up guide for different shaped eyes! 

All 107 men of Sex and the City. Ranked. (Just for John Slattery! He needs a higher rank!!)

Phew! That was a long one, lovahs! It's a rainy, gross mess outside here today and I'm looking forward to a couch-bound weekend! Whatever you do, have a wonderful time! Here's a head-bopping happy jam to get it started:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekPBOVgGRSA&w=560&h=315]