:Imagine a catalog. We girls love to shop, each of us can admit to indulging in a catalog every now and then, right? Now image this: a catalog of men. Included is each man's photo, his interests, his education level, his occupation and a little blurb that makes his grammar skills and lifestyle choices somewhat obvious.
This, ladies is online dating. I know, I know. The number one complaint I hear from women is this: But there are so many creeps out there who could be lying. I challenge you to ask any of your friends who have met a man in a bar, club or party if they've ever encountered a man who lied about himself when they first met. He may have ënhanced his education or casually called himself the chief investment banker when he in reality was the teller at Bank of America.
The concerns that women have with online dating are the same concerns that appear when we have dating encounters out in the city. What I personally enjoy about online dating are what I call the three "wiggle room rules". They are the three aspects of online dating that make it a little easier than being ambushed at the bar and asked what youre drinking:
1. If a man who you have absolutely no interest in tries to talk to you, you DON'T have to respond. Unlike in real life situations where you have to make up some lie about how you're already taken or in your 7th year of physicians training and just much to busy to date. You simply look at the message, check out his profile, laugh hysterically at the fact that he actually thought he had a chance and keep it moving. No awkward dodging conversations are to be had.
2. Dating can be kinda sticky. Often you meet someone through a mutual friend and if you and that particular person dont vibe too well after the first date things can get awkward with you and the "middle man"who set you two up. With online dating? You can have a STRONG cut you off game if you don't end up liking the person you aren't feeling. No need to worry about running into them at your best friends promotion dinner next weekend because they literally have been cast back into the 'out of no where land' that they came from.
3. How many times have you seen a guy across the room that you really like. But it just so happens that when he FINALLY glances your way you're laughing obnoxiously at something your best friend said with a chili cheese fry hanging our of your mouth? Seriously, first impressions aren't always as gracious as you need them to be and often are absolutely no reflection of the classy, accomplished lady that you really are. With online dating you're able to create a profile that reflects the best of you and if you have the courage you can add a thing or two of the things that aren't so great to let the men who are glancing know that yes you are in fact a real person. Its not too different from when you go to a party and your hair is perfect, your clothes are brand spankin' new and somehow when the guy who works on wall street t approaches, you've suddenly developed a stellar vocabulary. We all want to be able to set a great first impression. Online dating makes that a tad bit easier since there is no greasy food or uncomfortably tight dresses included.
So, have I convinced you? What are your experiences good and bad with dating online? I'd love to hear! Share your story here on the blog or chat with me via Facebook or IG! Cant wait to 'hear about it!
January 26, 2015
January 23, 2015
Girls in technology and the unexpected allure of the "hack-a-thon"
Hello tech world!
So, there has been this revolution going on inside of this little heart of mine. A tech revolution. I know, I'm just as shocked as you are seeing that I have had about as much interest in technology as I've had in how to build a log cabin by hand (which is an astoundingly miniscule amount).
But as with all things, a change has come about and I am the newest member of this buzzing community. I got introduced to this whole thing by my beau (I'll refer to him as "S" here on out). He works for a major tech company and oozes this industry from his pores (in the absolute cutest way possible of course!)
Anywho, he had told me about a hack-a-thon. Yes, a hack-a-thon. Stick with me here, guys, I know the look on your face. I expressed the same type of confusion, disbelief and sheer uninterest in what, for all I knew was an undercover Star Wars convention.
But alas! I listened with the kindness of a sweet girlfriend and found the concept to be rather......interesting!
So it goes like this: Participants in the hack-a-thon form teams that they will be working with throughout the 24 hour event. They are given a wifi connection, space to work, extension cords for excessive laptop juicing, meals, energy drinks for excessive personal charging and a theme in which they have to work with.
During this 24 techy shut-in the hackers get to work, designing an application that pertains in some way to the theme presented. This could range anywhere from a solution for the water crisis to making life easier for high school student athletes.
Its essentially a big ól creativity party full of thinkers, designers and doers who are ready to put their skills to the test to compete against others in their field of interest. In the end each group presents their created application and judges pick a final winner and often award prizes. $10,000 anyone?
So after S told me about his participation in one I was astounded. Aside from the whole "I'm totally not interested in computer programming"part this sounded like a really good time and an excellent opportunity for those who ARE interested in the tech world.
I did a little research and by research I mean I got utterly obsessive about the tech industry in a very very short amount of time. Reading blogs, peeking through magazines, watching interviews with prominent people in the industry, researching the best start ups, the best products, EVERYTHING. And I kinda got a few heart strings involved.
The gender gap in the STEM and tech industry, although better than before, is still pretty big. There simply aren't enough women with interest and involvement in this ridiculously innovative world. I created this lovely little infographic with a few facts to get you in the know incase you weren't already:
Luckily there are awesome organizations such as GIRLS WHO CODE and THE ANITA BORG INSTITUTE that 'were created exclusively for the advancement of women in technology.
SO....as usual I got an idea....a passion project I wanted to work on:
I wanted to produce and host a hackathon exclusively for high school girl. One that will fuel their interest in the field of technology and allow them to showcase their exceptional creativity and skills in coding. But I wanted this to also be an opportunity where the big hearts of these girls can be showcased as well. The theme for their creations would then be focused on women's advancement as well. I wanted these girls to use their smarts to build something that will support the skills and advancement of other women around the globe.
What do ya think? Something you think the young girls in your life might want to be a part of?
Keep an eye out as this passion project grows and be sure to take a peek at our website HERE as we continue to develop the programming and event details! If you'd like to be a part of this event in any capacity please feel free to shoot me an email!
Cheers to women in technology and the awesome places they're heading in this world!
So, there has been this revolution going on inside of this little heart of mine. A tech revolution. I know, I'm just as shocked as you are seeing that I have had about as much interest in technology as I've had in how to build a log cabin by hand (which is an astoundingly miniscule amount).
But as with all things, a change has come about and I am the newest member of this buzzing community. I got introduced to this whole thing by my beau (I'll refer to him as "S" here on out). He works for a major tech company and oozes this industry from his pores (in the absolute cutest way possible of course!)
Anywho, he had told me about a hack-a-thon. Yes, a hack-a-thon. Stick with me here, guys, I know the look on your face. I expressed the same type of confusion, disbelief and sheer uninterest in what, for all I knew was an undercover Star Wars convention.
But alas! I listened with the kindness of a sweet girlfriend and found the concept to be rather......interesting!
So it goes like this: Participants in the hack-a-thon form teams that they will be working with throughout the 24 hour event. They are given a wifi connection, space to work, extension cords for excessive laptop juicing, meals, energy drinks for excessive personal charging and a theme in which they have to work with.
During this 24 techy shut-in the hackers get to work, designing an application that pertains in some way to the theme presented. This could range anywhere from a solution for the water crisis to making life easier for high school student athletes.
Its essentially a big ól creativity party full of thinkers, designers and doers who are ready to put their skills to the test to compete against others in their field of interest. In the end each group presents their created application and judges pick a final winner and often award prizes. $10,000 anyone?
So after S told me about his participation in one I was astounded. Aside from the whole "I'm totally not interested in computer programming"part this sounded like a really good time and an excellent opportunity for those who ARE interested in the tech world.
I did a little research and by research I mean I got utterly obsessive about the tech industry in a very very short amount of time. Reading blogs, peeking through magazines, watching interviews with prominent people in the industry, researching the best start ups, the best products, EVERYTHING. And I kinda got a few heart strings involved.
The gender gap in the STEM and tech industry, although better than before, is still pretty big. There simply aren't enough women with interest and involvement in this ridiculously innovative world. I created this lovely little infographic with a few facts to get you in the know incase you weren't already:
Luckily there are awesome organizations such as GIRLS WHO CODE and THE ANITA BORG INSTITUTE that 'were created exclusively for the advancement of women in technology.
SO....as usual I got an idea....a passion project I wanted to work on:
I wanted to produce and host a hackathon exclusively for high school girl. One that will fuel their interest in the field of technology and allow them to showcase their exceptional creativity and skills in coding. But I wanted this to also be an opportunity where the big hearts of these girls can be showcased as well. The theme for their creations would then be focused on women's advancement as well. I wanted these girls to use their smarts to build something that will support the skills and advancement of other women around the globe.
Well friends. Im excited to introduce:
IGNITE: The only 24 hour coding event just for girls with interest in STEM. IGNITE is an opportunity for participants to showcase their interest, skills and coding creativity to address some of our world's most pressing social issues. Our goal is to ignite female interest in development and power their possibility of changing the world.
What do ya think? Something you think the young girls in your life might want to be a part of?
Keep an eye out as this passion project grows and be sure to take a peek at our website HERE as we continue to develop the programming and event details! If you'd like to be a part of this event in any capacity please feel free to shoot me an email!
Cheers to women in technology and the awesome places they're heading in this world!
January 15, 2015
The Sweetness of Simplicity
I've always said, I just want to fill my life with good people, who give off good energy, to enjoy good food, good wine, good music, good literature, good conversation, good views, good writing. Id love to indulge in time spent on the water, in the mountains, in parks and in beautiful homes.
I love the simplicity of those things. By simple I'm not implying a lack of income or a limit of resources. By simplicity I mean stepping away from the complex expectations of society. I don't want to have any sense of "Keeping Up With The Joneses'" I want to focus on only those things that my heart yearns for, jumps at. The previously listed aspects of life are what I have come to find give me a full heart.
I really enjoy the raw and rustic feeling that the nature gives me. The wooden tables, the rose metal cups, the wool knitted blankets. It all gives me a feeling of purity and connectedness and grounding. Being in the mountains or by ocean I just breathe better. I'm able to take more in, to appreciate, to love.
Eating food from the earth has made a significant impact on things for me as well. For me there is something extremely special in knowing that I am consuming something that the sunshine itself has fueled the growth for. Mixes of plants, herbs, spices, and oils combining into a beautiful meal to share with people you love is something really beautiful and that I really take the time to appreciate.
There are just some things that I never really put value on. Clothes, shoes, makeup, jewelry. Those things never really appealed to me the way travel, learning, great meals and literature have. As far back as I can remember I would use any gifted money to purchase books, a new coffee mug, and art class or a plane ticket.
I appreciate all of the souls I've come across that feel the same way. These are the friends I've made and the strangers I've spoken to that see through the same "rose colored glasses" that I do, and I cherish those connections. The vibes can be felt across the room and usually ends up in a silent smile with complete understanding.
I was reminded by a sweet friend of mine about the "busy-ness" that our culture has become addicted to. The way that we feel like a saturated schedule equals accomplishment or success. We miss out on the simple beauty of having time on our hands. I'm trying to be more conscious that down time doesn't have to be boring and that just the simplicity of sitting on the couch can feed your soul as well!
I'm sending my love and light to others who are searching for the simplicity in this life. The kind of living that seeks the joy and miracles in the simple and often overlooked aspects of our day to day. May we maintain and fulfill this craving! Cheers!
I love the simplicity of those things. By simple I'm not implying a lack of income or a limit of resources. By simplicity I mean stepping away from the complex expectations of society. I don't want to have any sense of "Keeping Up With The Joneses'" I want to focus on only those things that my heart yearns for, jumps at. The previously listed aspects of life are what I have come to find give me a full heart.
I really enjoy the raw and rustic feeling that the nature gives me. The wooden tables, the rose metal cups, the wool knitted blankets. It all gives me a feeling of purity and connectedness and grounding. Being in the mountains or by ocean I just breathe better. I'm able to take more in, to appreciate, to love.
Eating food from the earth has made a significant impact on things for me as well. For me there is something extremely special in knowing that I am consuming something that the sunshine itself has fueled the growth for. Mixes of plants, herbs, spices, and oils combining into a beautiful meal to share with people you love is something really beautiful and that I really take the time to appreciate.
There are just some things that I never really put value on. Clothes, shoes, makeup, jewelry. Those things never really appealed to me the way travel, learning, great meals and literature have. As far back as I can remember I would use any gifted money to purchase books, a new coffee mug, and art class or a plane ticket.
I appreciate all of the souls I've come across that feel the same way. These are the friends I've made and the strangers I've spoken to that see through the same "rose colored glasses" that I do, and I cherish those connections. The vibes can be felt across the room and usually ends up in a silent smile with complete understanding.
I was reminded by a sweet friend of mine about the "busy-ness" that our culture has become addicted to. The way that we feel like a saturated schedule equals accomplishment or success. We miss out on the simple beauty of having time on our hands. I'm trying to be more conscious that down time doesn't have to be boring and that just the simplicity of sitting on the couch can feed your soul as well!
I'm sending my love and light to others who are searching for the simplicity in this life. The kind of living that seeks the joy and miracles in the simple and often overlooked aspects of our day to day. May we maintain and fulfill this craving! Cheers!