{Ask Away Friday} With Heather from @TheFrillofLife

Happy 2014, beautiful people!  I’m so excited to kick off my first Ask Away Friday of 2014 with Heather from The Frill of Life.  She writes about reasons to smile in everyday life, which I love.  She’s a full-time working momma, a Christian, and she watches Grey’s Anatomy.  So clearly, we were destined to be great friends!  Check her out and follow along – her blog is like an open book her love, life, and relationships.  One of my favorites was her open letter to her 5-year-old son, Bryson.

Ask Away Friday HeatherHere’s what she asked me this week and here are my answers:

I’m in Purchasing. Most people say “Oh wow! You get to shop for a living; how exciting!” But the reality is that the main part of my job is data entry and inventory control. I know you were in Social Media. Wow! You got to play on Facebook and Twitter all day. So what’s the reality?

I moved on from my role in Social Media almost 2 years ago.  At that time, the reality of being a community engagement manager was that it was customer service on steroids. It was worse than a traditional customer service call center because the world could see all the complaints.  Just look at any major retailer’s Facebook page and you’ll see for yourself.  Plus, Social Media is on 24/7 and my management made me respond within the hour so I felt like I was working ’round the clock.  Unless you are representing a brand that everyone loves like Disney or Starbucks, it’s really not all that glamorous.  Sorry, no sugar coating here!  Here are some other tips I had on becoming a social media professional.

I know you just turned 30 again recently, and I’m turning 30 in March. Anything I should know? Tips, warnings, do’s and don’ts?

I’m loving it so far!  Personally, I feel a lot more comfortable and confident with myself than I did in my 20s.  My advice to you would be that 30 is a good age to let go of unrealistic goals that you might have had as a teen or in your 20s.  For me, I finally came to the conclusion that I’m not going to get my masters degree anytime soon. It’s not holding me back from advancing my career, and it’s very expensive and time-consuming. With 2 small kids and a full-time job (and this lil’ blog…hehehe), it doesn’t make sense for me to pursue this goal right now. And that’s okay.  Once I let go of that goal, it felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

Also, 30 is not too late to pursue a new goal.  When I turned 30, I realized that I really wanted to have a closer relationship with God.  Sure, I was raised in the Catholic Church and baptized as a baby.  Before I turned 31, I made the personal decision to get baptized again and reaffirm my relationship and dedication to God.  Boy, that felt really good!

I have seen some of your creativity come alive (which is awesome), and I know it makes you feel alive when you create (felt like I was reading my own words there). What’s your favorite tool to create with?

Hot glue gun!  Badass.  Well, that’s about the only gun I would ever use so it kinda makes me feel like a badass.  I recently fired it up to create the DIY photo booth props and to repair this red faux leather storage chest:

photo

Back in May you disclosed that your favorite social media was Facebook. With the new algorithm changes and pay for reach policies, does it remain in your #1 spot?

Pinterest is now my #1 spot.  I works both ways for me – it drives a lot of traffic to my blog, and it allows me to get inspired and discover cool DIY and craft blogs out there.  You can follow me on Pinterest here, if you’re not already.  LOL #shamelessplug

So, fellow #PSLGansta, what’s your favorite Starbucks flavor now that the seasonal flavors are gone?

I’ll have a grande upside-down caramel macchiato with whip, please!

The Vine video of Zavier dancing was totes adorbs! What’s your go-to jam when you wanna shake your groove thing?

Kanye West’s “Good Life.”  It reminds me of our wedding when we were introduced to our friends and family as husband and wife at the reception.  We were so happy, and anytime I hear that song I just wanna dance.

01-01-DVD1

I watched a video about the snow in Chicago on Sunday and everyone seemed to be thrilled about the snow. There were people leisurely walking around holding hands, runners were keeping to their schedules, and parents romping through the snow with their kiddos. How are you dealing with the snow?

Last week during the “polar vortex” I stayed indoors with the kids for four days straight.  My hubs went to the grocery store before the temps plummeted and we stocked up on food. We just stayed in our pjs, took 3+ hour naps, and I cooked up a storm.  I loved it. My life is so hectic with work and a jam-packed social calendar that a few days to just spend time with A&Z and soak it in was like heaven for me.

The only hard part was taking Coconut out for a walk.  It takes at least 15 minutes to put on his coat and puppy boots and for me to bundle up.  He has no idea where to use the bathroom because his favorite grassy areas are covered in snow.  Eventually, he figures it out and as soon as he’s done with his business I scoop him and run towards the house and out of the cold.

photo (48)

Unfortunately my boys in Red choked during their playoff game last Saturday. Are you or were you rooting for anyone in the playoffs?

Da Bears!  Wait, they didn’t make it into the playoffs.  No football for me, but I am looking forward Bruno Mars performing at the Super Bowl!

What’s under your bed? Bonus points for a picture…

Snot rags and hair ties.  Sorry, no picture.  Not sorry, it’s gross!  Hair ties  because they fall out of my hair in the middle of the night.  Snot rags because I have a runny nose 365 days a year so my used tissues fall underneath the bed.  Eww.  Please don’t stop being my friend and reading my blog!

Actually, “Snot Rags and Hair Ties” would sound like a catchy blog name.  What do you think:

snot rags and hair ties

Recently there was an Amtrak train stuck in the snow with 500 passengers aboard (heading to Chi-town, actually). If you were stuck on a train overnight, name three celebrities you’d like to be stuck with!

Oprah because she would teach me something about life, business, or spirituality…she seems to know it all!  Bruno Mars because he would serenade me through the night.  And Bear Gryllis because if sh!t went down and we had to go into full survival mode, he would keep us alive.

Bonus:Answer a question that you asked me.  I love the Bonus!  Here’s one I asked you:  I’m so over this cold and frigid Arctic Blast we are going through here in the midwest!  Let’s think warm thoughts.  What’s your favorite summer memory? 

This was my favorite summer memory:  Arielle and Zavier squealing with laughter and running through the sprinklers:

Sprinkler 03

…during our first summer in our very own home…IMG_3113 While the afternoon sun shaded by the massive weeping willow in our backyard…

Zemanta Related Posts Thumbnail
…and time stood still during this simple, beautiful childhood fun.

IMG_3105
Come back, summer.  Please come back!  How I miss you so….

Thanks so much, Heather, for swapping questions with me on my first #AskAwayFriday of 2014!! I had a blast!

You can also check out her answers to my questions here.  She also hosts a great monthly round-up linky party and as an awesome Busy Girl Blogger series.

xoxo // gracielle.

 

 

Comments

  1. Oh my goodness! Have you framed some of those summer pictures of A & Z? So cute! It makes me excited about having #2. I hadn’t realized you were a social media professional at one point. Sounds really tough. So glad you don’t have to worry about doing that anymore! It seems that as people get older they get comfy but some get insecure about not being so young anymore and don’t want you to know their real age. I honestly don’t really want to care about that. With age comes wisdom, experience and more contentment. I’m loving my age right now. I’m 27. I think as I grow and learn and spend more time with these awesome guys and my new baby, I will think each year every year is better than the last 🙂 Since I married my heart and then had JR, I’ve been right!
    Brittnei recently posted…Feature Friday- Week 5My Profile

    • We really do get better with age! I’m so excited for you to have two. At first it’s just a crapload of more work, but when they start really playing with each other and making each other laugh it’s so amazing!

  2. I realized that we met via #askawayfriday and I’m so glad we did! A and Z look adorable playing in the sprinkler! We have a 2nd story apartment without much yard access, but seeing those photos make me REALLY want to move to a spot with a yard!
    NJ @ A Cookie Before Dinner recently posted…#AskAwayFriday with Sarah From Small Town Iowa FamilyMy Profile

    • We really lucked out with the yard! It feels like a million years ago when we were just sitting out there during the warm summer days. Right now it’s covered in snow. Waaaaah! 2 more weeks and it’s me n you on #AAF! Woot!

  3. I love the last photo. Total summer, childhood joy. Also, I’m a huge Pumpkin Spice Latte girl and they just introduced the Caramel Flan latte/frapp. I had gift cards so I’ve already had two this week. It’s good!
    Tamara recently posted…When Co-Authors Team Up!My Profile

    • Thanks for the heads up on the Caramel Flan latte, Tamara! I just had one yesterday and I think…this might be my new fave! But don’t tell the CM, I might come back to it every now and then.

  4. Okay where do I start I have so much to say…LOL!

    How pretty is your Wedding Picture!!!

    I love your tips on being a Social Media Professional…I was thinking of when I go back into the working world of going into something like that! I will be going back to read the tips to make sure I know the ends and outs of the business!

    Bruno Mars is AMAZING!!! My husband hipped me to him…sometimes he plays it in the ground but overall I LOVE his CD!!! Catchy and I would love for him to serenade me!!! LOL!!

    Im so glad to get out the house! OMG we got hit hard here in Cleveland with the polar vortex! We stocked up on food then the pipes froze so the second day we had to get out of our house and go over my inlaws then over my parents house! Grrr…so I am just getting back to being in my own space! It didnt bother Emma…but now stuff is everywhere!!! LOL!!
    Carissa recently posted…#AskAwayFriday with MrsTee from MrsTeeLoveLifeLaughterMy Profile

    • Thanks so much, Carissa! Did you get hit with the frozen rain/ice storm yesterday? OMG This weather is a nightmare!!! Let me know if you have any questions about social media. I was on the community engagement management end of things, which was why it was so customer service intensive. There’s also strategy, marketing planning, creative, and all sorts of other fun stuff in there. My parents went to the Bruno Mars concert and said it was really good. I’d love to see him live one day, even if it’s not in a stranded Amtrak train. LOL Thanks for stopping by and stay warm!

  5. I love your “get stuck with” celebrities!! I’d agree with Oprah! I’d never have thought about Bear Gryllis but your reasoning is sound! He’s a great choice. I’d switch out Bruno Mars out for Alexander Skarsgard. He can’t sing, but I don’t care.
    I love your take on what it’s like in your 30s! Guess what…your 40s are even better! (except for your knees. Your knees are definitely at their best in their 20s and 30s! –Lisa

    • I had to look up Alexander Skarsgard and my eyeballs popped out of my head and my pupils turned into hearts and it made that sound, “AAAAROOOGAAAAHHH!” like in the cartoons. Hottie! I’ve heard really good things about my 40s so I’m looking forward to it. Thanks, Lisa!

  6. I agree with Lisa, your 40s are even better!!
    I love your answer to what’s under your bed – totally made me smile!
    And, I’m with you – summer needs to be here all the time!!!
    Kim recently posted…A Week of Ups and DownsMy Profile

  7. The summer photos are beautiful! I love re-living the classic childhood memories with my children. The pure joy on their faces brings that feeling back to me.
    Herchel S recently posted…I did not sign up to be your short order cook!My Profile

    • Thanks, Herchel! I got more smiles out of them that afternoon than when I took them to one of the local amusement parks. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things!

  8. I love your honesty about being a social media professional. Sometimes people think other jobs are glamorous but there’s always some sort of junk tied to everything.

    Yes, please, some warm weather. St. Louis is killing me this year. I’ve been sick all week after shoveling snow.

    Someone is rushing to buy that dot com right now!
    Carla recently posted…1/11/14: The SkinnyMy Profile

    • So first we had snow, then the polar vortex, and yesterday we had freezing rain/ice storm! I hope you guys didn’t get it as bad down in St. Louis. I’m so ready for warm weather!

  9. Oh goodness, did you have to mention Caramel Macchiato with Whip Cream?? Now I think I’m having a craving.
    Oh, and your kids are the most adorable little things ever!! Thanks for linking up this week!!! 🙂
    The Bold Fab Mom recently posted…Send A Picture With Your Health Goal & Enter To Win $100My Profile

    • Thank you so much, Amber! Have you tried the caramel flan latte yet? Tamara like Camara gave me a tip on that and it’s ssssooooo good. I might just have a new favorite!

  10. I love Oprah too! I think it would be amazing to get stuck anywhere with Oprah.
    I love watching OWN.
    Sonya K recently posted…Old Navy Coupon $10 Off of $50 Purchase In-store OnlyMy Profile

  11. Hey… you know what, that Snot Rags & Hair Ties thing is a good blog name haha! What is an upside-down caramel macchiato? My default drink is a caramel macchiato, so i’m curious what the upside down one entails…
    Roaen recently posted…Some Semblance of a Routine? I’ll Take It!My Profile

    • NERD ALERT: I used to work at a coffee shop so this is why I know this….Usually with espresso drinks like lattes and mochas, they usually put the espresso on the bottom, so when they add the steamed milk it mixes nicely. However, when the baristas prepare a caramel macchiato, they pour the milk and then add the espresso shots to the top. That’s why the first couple sips are strong if you ever noticed. So I ask for it upside down so that the milk and espresso mix as they prepare it and it’s yummy through and through!

  12. Seriously had fun reading your answers. Love your wedding photo above, you’re so pretty and happy, both of you looked really happy! 🙂 The kids’ photos are also a hit, they’re so adorable together. I agree with you in terms of letting go of unrealistic goals, the more we age, we get wiser each day. I also have plans of pursuing a Masters degree and I don’t know yet how to start, I’ll have to check whether it’s really possible for me, maybe not this year. Hehe
    Rea recently posted…Money MattersMy Profile

    • Thanks, Rea! DO IT – if it makes sense (a) financially, (b) given your time constraints, and (c) if it’ll really get you to where you want to be in your career. All those things were false for me, so it was a “no go.” But that doesn’t mean that it might change for me sometime down the road. Good luck with your decision!

  13. I totally had to LOL at the Snot Rags and Hair Ties! I would never let anyone see under my bed, I have a little weenie dog that seems to drag every little “treasure” that she finds under there…scary! LOL! I have been perfectly content to be in hibernation during this obscene cold weather! Come on spring! LOL! Have a great week, Gracielle!
    Stacey Gannett (This Momma’s Ramblings) recently posted…This Momma’s Meandering Mondays 29!My Profile

  14. Those summer pics are so cute! Those are such carefree days, aren’t they?!! It’s nice to hear you talk about the realities of social media. I think a lot of people think that it’s a lot easier than it actually is.
    Michelle recently posted…2 Good Reasons to Include the Date in Your URLMy Profile

    • Thanks, Michelle! I do love social media as a blogger and even as a gal who simply likes to keep in touch with friends and family around the world. It’s a totally different and super competitive ballgame when it comes to social media as a professional.

  15. I tend to find similar things under my bed as well. In fact, I seldom look under there but when I do I usually find several scrunchies that have disappeared.
    Christy Garrett @ Uplifting Families recently posted…Blogger Opportunities – $500 Cash Giveaway (3 Winners)My Profile

Trackbacks

  1. […] on the Busy Girl Blogger Series.  She’s the awesomeness that I paired up with previously on Ask Away Friday.  Head on over to check out my first guest post EVER as I wrote about my 5 favorite apps for […]

Speak Your Mind

*

CommentLuv badge

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.