Fan Friday | GO BLOCK YOURSELF

I had every intention of posting this on Friday, but things got a little crazy and I ended up dealing with a mini- crisis at work. Oh, yeah, I work now (sorta). I guess you could say I have two jobs (mom totally counts as a job), three if you count blogging. Back to my new job. I am working for a small, but growing, screen printing company in NC. Small = we only have 5 people on staff. Because of the lack of personnel, I am wearing more than one hat in the company. Right now, I am playing the part of Social Media Marketer, Designer, and Sales Representative. Good news is that I can do all this from the comfort of my own home while my kiddos are napping / sleeping.  Now that you have the back story, here's my contribution to #FanFriday. I have been wanting to write something for Sarah's Fan Friday forever, but I haven't ever had anything sporty enough to write about. Yeah, I'm lame-o. Now that I have one thing to write about though, I have about 100 other ideas to write about for #FanFriday. Funny how that happens. Anywho, we have a meeting every Monday at work and one of the guys mentioned something funny that happened in a football game last month. I'll just let you watch what happened below: Hilarious, right? I watched it like 12 times and could not believe that it was real. I mean, I know we all have bad days and all, but how can you not realize that you are trying to block your own teammate?! Craziness! Since I do work at a screen printing company now, I made a little something that you could wear to the next Gator's game (if you're a Georgia Southern fan, that is).

What do you think? #GOBLOCKYOURSELF is totally going to be a thing now. No? Okay, fine. The video is still pretty funny. Happy Fan Saturday, y'all! Linking up with Sarah from Venus Trapped in Mars for #FanFriday!

The Multitasking Momma

1. The insane ability to pick any object up with your feet.
2. Negotiating with terrorist toddlers under highly intense situations.
3. Knowing every single word to 100 kid songs and being able to sing them all at a moments notice.
4. Speaking of singing… Ability to turn any request into a song.
5. Ability to survive a week with ONE 3 minute shower and very little sleep.
6. Extremely good hearing.
7. Ability to creatively disguise vegetables in toddler meals.
8. Bilingual and most parents can also claim to be trilingual with most toys now offering a Spanish option. What? Toddlerease totally counts as a language.
9. Master scheduler! Even if your little one has not joined any activities or isn't "on a schedule", you are still responsible for daily naps + feedings on top of feeding yourself + shopping + cleaning etc.
10. The power to persuade… without a doubt, moms have mastered the power of persuasion. How else do you think a mom goes to the store without buying every toy in sight?!

How to Use LinkedIn

I just joined LinkedIn… Help! I don't know the a whole lot about using LinkedIn. It is kind of intimidating and it will probably be weeks before I post something on the site, but I am feeling a little more comfortable after reading about 2 dozen or so articles on the do's and don'ts of using LinkedIn.

Here are the top ten takeaways from all of the articles I read:

1. Don't treat LinkedIn like Facebook or Twitter. This site is all about business, so please no pictures of you partying the night away or status updates about your upcoming weekend shenanigans.
2. Have a Profile Picture. Personally, I don't mind if you don't have a picture up. Just don't expect me to add you if I have no clue who you are or how I know you.
3. Personalize Connection Requests. This goes along with #2. You shouldn't treat LinkedIn like a popularity contest. The people with the most connections does not benefit the most, this is about building quality business relationships. Start the relationship off right by telling the person specifically why you are connecting with them.
4. No SPAM. This should not have to be explained.
5. Once is Enough. Posting something business related about once a day is enough, please don't post something every hour (see #1).

Like I said, I am new to LinkedIn and I have much to learn about the ins and outs of using this site. I will continue to share everything I learn, but it might take a while.

If you have any other tips or unwritten rules that I need to know, please share! Then, maybe I'll feel a little more confident about using LinkedIn.

Top Ten Tuesday | How to Get a Job

Did you miss me last week? I'm sure most of you have lives of your own and barely noticed that I didn't post anything last week. Regardless, I'm back! Hello again blogworld. :)  Lack of sleep (see here and here) is a major part of why I was absent, but I also snuck away from the keyboard to reclaim part of my sanity…  
... I maybe went and got myself a job. 
It sounds crazy that reclaiming my sanity equals getting a job, but any stay at home momma will agree that taking care of your own kiddos all day every day can make you, well, crazy. I'll talk more about this job thing in a few weeks. For now, I'll leave you with my Top Ten things to do when preparing for your 1st interview in 3 years.

1. Refresh your resumé. I don't mean just adding new information or updating your address. Redo the entire thing and adapt the wording / skills to each specific job to which you are applying. It takes some extra time, but your efforts will be well rewarded with this tip.
2. Dress to Impress. My grandmother is one funny lady and often says things unfiltered, but her advice usually comes with a little bit of truth behind it. One thing she taught me is that it's always better to be overdressed for any occasion! God really doesn't care if you wear jeans to church on Sunday, but there I am trying to find my church clothes in the closet each Sunday. The same goes for an interview. Sure, working for the local grocery store does not require a suit, but you should dress up anyway and maybe they'll think you're there for an executive position instead. :)
3. Research the Company. As soon as you find a job that you think you'll like, start researching! Know everything about the company. Not just to prepare for the interview, but also to find out if you think you'll really enjoy working there. 
4. Know your Product. Every job contains some sort of sales aspect. Find out what 'product' you will be selling and get to know it. It could be actual sales of a tangible item or maybe you'll be selling an idea (think motivational speaker). Whatever it is - make sure you know the product / market / competitors. 
5. Be Prepared to Sell Yourself. You will most definitely get asked the question 'Why should we hire you?' in some form. So, answer that question before the interview and make them want to hire you on the spot. 
6. Bring Samples of your Work. Not every job requires you to show your past work, but bring something anyway (if you have work to show). Even if you don't think it is relevant, there might be an opportunity to show off your work and wiggle your way into your dream job. 
7. Write out Your Answers. This goes along with number 5. Research questions that the interviewer might ask and then write out your answers. Going over the potential questions and your answers before the interview can help you remember what to say in all the nervousness of your actual interview. 
8. Ask Questions. While you're researching the company and job position, write down any questions you have. If you draw a blank during the interview, you can always pull out your notebook to remind yourself of what you wanted answered before taking the job. 
9. Get Excited! That's right. Appearing excited about the position you are applying for can really benefit you during an interview. You should be genuinely excited and show it by maybe presenting some big ideas that you would bring to the position. It will show that you are passionate and eager to start working for the company. 
10. Follow Up. Send a thank you note or email the next day. Emails are completely acceptable in today's techy world, but it couldn't hurt to drop a note in the mail along with your email. 

Good luck job hunters! :)

Linking up with Emily from Manhattan Emily for Top Ten Tuesdays today. 

Just a Quick Note...

A print from my Etsy shop was mentioned on the blog Two Birds Boutique today!   I am beyond thrilled that they found my little shop interesting enough to feature on their blog.  The two lovely ladies who write the blog also featured a few other amazing Etsy sellers who are offering up a portion of their profits to benefit the families affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy.  Go check them out here.

AND if you love fashion, a look through the Two Birds Boutique is not a bad idea.  These two fashonistas are lovers of nice things and great deals - the best of both worlds!  I took a quick look around their blog and I am already in love with their style.  I find it hard to mix vintage & new or even just wear multiple prints, but these ladies are magicians when it comes to pulling an outfit together.  I could definitely learn a thing or two... or ten from reading this blog!

Crafting for Cause

I have lots to update and talk about, but nothing has really felt right to post since the tragedy in Connecticut.  My prayers go out to all of the families affected by this horrible event.

Lindsay from The Life Muse has come up with a lovely way for fellow Etsy sellers to help those affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting.  This week, several Etsy shops will be donating a portion of their sales to 'United Way of Western Connecticut', the official relief fund of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Kimchi & Sweet Tea will be donating 100% of profits this week to help out.  You can find a list of other Etsy sellers willing to donate their proceeds here.

I may have to become a Duke fan

If you grew up in North Carolina, you were most likely born into an allegiance to Carolina (UNC-CH) or Duke.  I was born into the former of the two.  I know all of the catchy Carolina cheers and I have been taught over the years to lovingly hate all things Duke.  I even have an innate aversion to the Duke blue color.  Carolina blue is just much more pleasing to the eye. :)

Well, I am slowly losing my steadfast loyalty to Carolina.  After moving to Durham, I was adamant that I would never become a Duke fan and I would certainly never let my child wear anything associated with that awful school!

I am now eating those words.  While I haven't quite given into the Duke blue color, having a few pieces of clothing with the Duke name on them isn't such a bad thing now.

Part of the reason that I am slowly being pulled over to 'the dark side' (dark blue, that is) is the way Duke has treated not only John during his fellowship, but also our family.  His boss and coworkers could not have been nicer, but that is to be expected of any southern town.  It's the people John works with on a daily basis plus the amazing attitude towards family at Duke that has blown me away.

Let me back track a little to when John was still in graduate school and I was pregnant with little miss E...  graduate school was tough cookies and John spent very long hours / weekends / holidays in the lab under a demanding boss.  He was also traveling for interviews with more than a few not-so-nice sounding bosses.  One interviewer was even a little dismissive when he found out that John was married and made it known that he was not too happy with the fact that we were expecting our first child either.  Basically, most people expected John to live and breath science with no family to distract from his research.

Then, he met his amazing boss from Duke!  I was invited along for a second interview dinner and met this sweet man and his beautiful wife.  We had so much in common and talked about things other than science (a welcomed change).  Our daughters (her's was now grown with a child of her own) even had the same due date.  I was in love with the people at Duke and what I thought would be a great work environment for John.  Of course, the fact that this school just so happened to be in our home state didn't hurt either.

Fast forward to February 2011... John had just started working for Duke and Ellington was born.  John had only planned to take a day or so off from work because he had just started. When he showed up at Duke shortly after we brought Elli home, they told him to go home to be with his new baby and were a little shocked to see him back at work so soon.  We were so grateful for the unexpected time off he had to enjoy little E.

Our first few months interacting with people at Duke was incredible, but I was not ready to cheer for Duke yet.  I had just met a few people that John worked with and, although everyone was very sweet, I didn't think that their attitude of friendliness had anything to do with the school as a whole... I was wrong.

Esther (my sister-in-law) with her boyfriend (Brian) and E at this year's Duke football game :)

Duke won me over with the school's pro-family attitude.  A free family football game and dinner for all Duke staff once a year (with fireworks), regular family events within each department throughout the year, amazing health benefits, normal work hours for John (no holidays or crazy late-night hours required)... just to name a few.  I am sure that there are hundreds of other family friendly offers from Duke that I have yet to discover.  

Ellington & John watching the fireworks

So, Go Duke?  Maybe.  Check back next year and I will probably be wearing a Duke blue shirt with my face painted for the next game.  Now, who knows some catchy Duke cheers to teach Ellington?

UPDATE:  John just got back from a seminar for postdoctoral fellows at Duke and they actually advised the postdocs to get a maid for their wife (or husband) to make up for working longer hours once they were hired as faculty!  What?!  Loving Duke more and more...  what other school would give such great advice to their employees?

Isn't that Print-eresting

Some of you may have already noticed the new addition to the right side of your screen and others may have seen a few new pins on the Kimchi & Sweet Tea pinterest board, but for those of you who are scratching your heads trying to figure this out...  I have opened an etsy shop!

I have always loved design and art and I recently got the itch to do something a little creative.  Since the hubby can't really stand my half-finished messy projects spread out on the dining room table, designing prints on the computer was the best option to get creative.

It all started with this print inspired by my previous employers and dear friends...

They are big Star Wars fans (they are going to be so disappointed if they ever read this, but I have still never seen the movies).  The first time I heard this phrase was while working for them on May 4th.  Now, I can't wait for May 4th to come around every year, so I can repeat this phrase to someone.  I know I'm a little nerdy, but I love it!

This print was inspired by a sweet friend who was having some difficulties with her pregnancy (nothing major) and she asked some friends to send prayers her way.  I created this to hang around the house to remind me to pray for her when I passed by it.  My intention was to create a little prayer reminder that was only known to me... like an anonymous prayer post-it note, but prettier.

And this print is my latest creation...

I have always loved this song (Somewhere Over the Rainbow), but this image popped in my head last night while singing my daughter to sleep and I just had to get in down on paper.  I was going for a vintage look.  What do you think?

So, do a little window shopping today and visit my Etsy Shop.  If you have any request / suggestions / critiques, I am eager to hear from you!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Y'all!

Getting Ready to P-A-R-T-Y!

Everything is set up for the party on Wednesday! I am thrilled to host my very first Tupperware party in Durham. Hopefully, this will be one of many many more to come. If you live in my neighborhood, bring all of your friends and family to the party to meet us!

Can't wait to see everyone! :)

In my search to be a stay-at-home / work-at-home mom, I have now entered into the world of direct sales. I have started a Tupperware business and a new blog :) Check out my new blog, DeclutterizeYourHome.blogspot.com and buy some Tupperware if you need it!

Somebody Stole My Website!

Okay, not really. I just did not act quick enough to snatch up the domain name, so I am in search of a new name for this little blog. While I'm at it, I'm also trying to figure out where I want this blog to go. Do I want to lean towards a 'mommy blog' with fashion & home decor sprinkled in or do I want to add another 'DIY home decor' blog to the web, but with a focus on organized spaces?

Help me out here... what do my readers want to see (all 10 of you)?

I was playing around with different names while feeding little 'e' and this is what I came up with:

Please leave a comment with any ideas/thoughts/suggestions or email me QuinnONealYi@gmail.com .

Working at Home - Part 2

My quest to work at home has started yet again. This time, I am really determined and excited about the opportunity to earn some extra money while I raise my daughter at home. The plan is to sell Tupperware online and have Tupperware parties at night, after my husband gets home to take care of the little one. Anyone want to throw a party?

Tupperware is a great company and sells incredible products! You can check out the products, purchase items, or make a party request by searching my website my.tupperware.com/quinnyi . Feel free to leave a comment or ask about the opportunity to earn money and free Tupperware by becoming a Tupperware Consultant.

Happy Tuesday :)

Introducing Dr. Yi

I can begin to describe how proud I am of John for graduating. Getting your PhD at 26 is no easy task. We made the trip down to Birmingham for the last time to watch John walk across the stage at UAB. It was really touching to see his parents tear up as they saw their son achieve everything that they had hoped he would achieve when they moved to America 20 years ago.

I am still amazed by my husband and his family every day. They moved here with nothing and have managed to start 2 businesses and raise 2 amazing children. They are living the American dream.

PS. John has decided that he will not answer me unless I call him Dr. Yi from now on... I guess he deserves to be called Dr. Yi (for at least a few days).

We are moving to...

DURHAM! Yes, that means that John will be working for Carolina's long time rival. :( Fortunately, that also means that we will be super close to family and friends!

I cannot even begin to describe how excited I am about this move. So, I'll just say "YAY!!!"

A New Home for Little Eggi

After a trial run, I have decided to hold off on the LittleEggi.com website. Until I get things up and running again, I have started LittleEggi.blogspot.com and a store on etsy Etsy.com/shop/LittleEggi. Please check out the blog for updates on the progress and check out Litte Eggi's new etsy store to check out all of the cute bloomers for sale.

If all goes well, Little Eggi's website will be up and running in no time. :) If you have any suggestions / comments / criticisms please feel free to email me at LittleEggiCS@gmail.com. I would really appreciate the feedback!

Working at Home, Hopefully

I have been trying to figure out how I can bring in some extra income while I am at home with the baby in February. I've been thinking about writing online for a few different sites, but none of them pay particularly well. Until I actually take the leap and go for it, I have been asking everyone for advice. Fortunately, I got great advice about Examiner.com from an old Myers Park Mustang - Katy Orell. She is a great writer and is trying to make here mark in California right now. Please check out her examiner.com articles.

Any work-at-home parents have any advice or suggestions for a soon to be mom?

I'm keeping my figers crossed!

I can't begin to explain how excited I am about the possibility of moving back to North Carolina. I am trying hard to contain my excitement because this is really not my decision to make. Let me back up a little...

John is set to graduate in December and has started interviewing at various places. Last week he went to Charlottesville, VA to interview with UVA. Today, he just got back from Durham, NC. Even though he would be working for UNC's archenemy - Duke, I would love love love to live in Durham.

Aside from the lower cost of living/ familiarity of the area/ and still living in the south, we would be super close to family! I just don't see a downside... well, other than the Duke thing. All will be well though because I will represent Carolina every chance I get. There will be no Duke blue in this Carolina girl's closet!

Plus, there's a chance that my little one will be born in the same hospital where I was born 26 years ago.

I am trying not to influence John's decision too much. After all, our next move is all about jump starting his career in the science world. He still has visits with Chicago, MIT, and NIH. Until all of this is over I am keeping my fingers crossed and daydreaming to the tune of a certain sweet James Taylor song.

Headed to Charlottesville?

John just got back from a fantastic interview with UVA. He loved the lab and the relaxed atmosphere. This lab would definitely be a big change from what he is used to in Birmingham. No more weekend working or working through holidays would mean more time spent at home or taking a trip back to see family. I know that he would enjoy this lab immensely and I would definitely feel at home in Charlottesville. Will Virginia be our next home state?

Next up is an interview with Duke. All you North Carolinians... pray that he likes it. Don't worry, I will always be a Carolina fan. :)

Boston Bound?

After returning home from his conference in Boston, John has not stopped talking about how great city life would be. He loves Boston and has 2 good friends who live there. The only complaint that he had about the city was that all of the houses and other buildings were 'old'. By old, he means most buildings have that old architecture and historic look that I would love. For some odd reason, John loves the brand new cookie-cutter development look that I could live without.

Will Boston be our next stop for a few years? I could compromise and try to survive the harsh winters in exchange for an 'old' house. :) We will have to wait until John completes all of his interviews in September.

My Quest to Find a Job

After many weeks of job searching, I think I have found my dream job! I am usually pretty hush hush about exciting opportunities in my life because I don't want to get my hopes up or jinx myself. However, I really really want this job and I want everyone to know it. I think that this is the most excited I have ever been about a job opportunity.

Last week I had almost given up and excepted the fact that I would have to get a job at a daycare or at the mall. By chance, I searched the internet one last time and put in a few resumes for positions that looked interesting. I got a call back to interview for the Activities Director in the assisted living wing of Danberry (a retirement village).

The interview went extremely well! The position involves planning activities (art, music, community outreach, weekly outings) for the residents at Danberry. I LOVE talking with people and listening to the stories of their past. Sitting on the porch and listening to my Papa tell stories was one of my favorite things to do in Charlotte! I also LOVE planning activities (especially art projects). Ask Kristen... that was one of my favorite things to do during church child care! I would be PERFECT for this job!

I should know whether or not I get the position by next week. Pray for me! I know that God will lead me in the right direction (and hopefully it is to be the Activities Director at Danberry)!