DIY: iPad Kitchen Display

 

A couple of weeks ago, I began to notice how dirty my iPad and smart cover were. I immediately blamed it on the fact that I use online recipes most of the time. For awhile, I was extremely interested in collecting cookbooks, but that quickly faded when I realized I could store all of my favorite recipes in one place. While I found myself scraping off frosting (probably from Christmas) and trying to remove cinnamon that had permanently embedded itself into my smart cover, I decided it was time that my iPad have a proper home in the kitchen. I used this tutorial, and it proved to be remarkably easy for a beginner in woodwork, like myself. I used a dark walnut stain by Minwax, and I was very pleased with the outcome. Enjoy!

What You'll Need (all found at Home Depot):

(1) 12" x 10" x 1" wood piece
(1) 2" x 10" x 1" wood piece
(1) 2" x 10" x 3/8" wood piece
Wood glue
Foam brush
Minwax Wood Stain (in dark walnut)
Cloth

I would recommend letting the stand dry (on its back) overnight after gluing. For the stain, apply two coats and let it sit for 5-15 minutes. Once you have reached your desired color, wipe off any remaining stain that is still on the surface. Let the stand dry for eight hours before using or gifting.

OMLC: White Chocolate Mocha Cookies

Here we are, another month complete in our cookie mission. It's hard to believe that six months have already past, but I wouldn't trade the phone calls, tweets, text messages, Facebook posts or videos for anything. Lately, the platoon has been pushing back a bit by claiming that I do too much, but how can one box of treats a month ever be enough? One day, these men and women will be officers in the United States Marine Corps. They, along with the other branches of our armed forces, are the ones that keep us safe at night and protect our freedom. In the grand scheme of things, what I do, is simply not enough for what they will do for me and you. I came across this recipe for White Chocolate Mocha cookies and when I asked if they approved, their response was, "Errrmagerd!" They taste just as good as they sound, beware. 

God Bless America! x

Key Lime Squares

Over the last two days, I have been trying to adjust back to my normal work schedule. There is just something so unappealing about sitting in my office all day when I could be outside lounging in the sun. Instead of rocking on the front porch of our beach house at night, I have resorted to catching up on television shows and getting on a stricter running schedule. So not ideal, right? This was my first official vacation (more than two days) that I've taken since I started working, and I wish it could have lasted just a few days longer. In order to cushion my post-vacation depression, I used this recipe to make Key Lime Squares. They are the perfect combination of sweet and tart and instantly put me back into a "beach bum" state of mind. Since I always get an itch to make things look pretty, as well as taste good, I added a slice of lime as a garnish. Keep cool until ready to serve and top with a bit of whip cream or, if you're like me, vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! x

 

Leaning In

From an early age, I was labeled as "intimidating," and it has seemed to stick with me to this day. Both in high school and as an undergraduate student, I held myself to a pretty high standard. I have excelled in everything, both academically, socially and in work environments, but with that success, I noticed that my "like-ability" seemed to falter a bit.

Throughout high school I had worked in a management position, so when I transitioned into a new job after moving to Gainesville, it didn't take long for me to rise to the top. What my mother always used to tell me rings true, "Cream always rises." I had been at the company for less than six months, so when others caught wind of my new promotion, they didn't exactly take to the "new girl," or so I felt. It wasn't until they all got to know me that the "intimidation" factor wore off. In my social life, I have heard before that, at first glance, I come off the same way. I consider myself a very nice and approachable person, maybe a little uptight at times, but very open.

The Ladies in Reading (Virtual) Book Club is comprised of a number of my closest friends that all served in some leadership capacity at the University of Florida. We struggled for a few months to find the time and book in order to get our book club off the ground. Juggling over 13 schedules and coordinating Google Hangout isn't as easy as it sounds, but Sheryl Sandberg was able to bring us all together. As women in college we fought together, for big and small, for things on and off campus. Today, as some of us finish graduate school and enter the workforce, we have created a support system of encouragement. I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of friends who are constantly pushing me to strive towards greatness, both at work and in life.

As undergraduate students, we experienced the very basis on which this book was written. We were constantly having to prove why we were the best candidates. Once I was in a leadership position, I sometimes felt like I wasn't taken seriously or that I was coming on "too strong." Why is it that women in leadership roles are portrayed in a negative light, when men in the exact same position, with the exact same values, are viewed in a positive light? If you haven't had the opportunity to read Sheryl Sandberg's #1 Best Seller, "Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead," then I strongly encourage that you do. Both men and women alike. I wasn't entirely surprised after reading the book, but it did open my eyes on how women should view themselves as workers, wives and mothers. I learned what it mean to truly "lean in."

Our book club, Ladies in Reading, was fortunate enough to be highlighted in an article about our newly formed Lean In Circle by Womentics and writer Megan Blevins. To read further on how we, as millennials, responded to Sandberg's word, click here. 

Family Getaway

I am officially back from our family getaway to Isle of Palms, located just outside of Charleston. This was the second time that we have vacationed there, and I think it is safe to say that we have found our "spot". Getting the entire family together can be a bit tough - we had the task of coordinating six different work schedules and finding more than four days that worked for everyone. Fortunately, everything worked out this year, but it definitely went by too fast. 

The Weather Channel was totally off with the forecast, and we were able to enjoy three full days of beach time. Isle of Palms is rather quaint and lacks the touristy vibe that most beaches have. Although our vacation fell on a weekend, it was relatively quiet and extremely enjoyable. I can officially announce that after all the complaining I've done about my tan, I am finally at an approprite "summer shade." 

While on vacation, I also ran my first 5K. I will admit that it wasn't easy getting me out of bed at 6:30 a.m. on the first day of vacation.... or getting me to the starting line. After weeks of training, I found myself doubting my ability to run and complete 3.1 miles in a race environment. But, in the end, I pushed myself, and I made it. 

We ate in most of vacation in order to maximize our beach time, but on Sunday night we went into Charleston to celebrate Mother's Day. This is the first time, in a long time, that we have all been together to celebrate my wonderful Mom (and now my sister, who is a mother of two.) Charleston may very well be my favorite city in the Southeast - if I was given the opportunity to move there, I wouldn't think twice. The city is amazingly intricate and full of history at every corner.

 

We didn't spend a ton of time exploring the city since we have been there twice before, but I was able to capture a few photos while we waited for a table at Fleet Landing. As I climbed the steps of the United States Custom House, my niece insisted in being in the picture with me - my favorite picture from our trip.

Since we are only together a couple of times of year, we always make an effort to take family photos. Both my niece and nephew are at the age where smiling on command isn't always an easy task, so we did the best we could. Notice the hot pink shoes that she "had" to wear for the photos - I think she gets it from me. 

I am back at work today, and I keep thinking to myself, "Which is worse? No vacation at all or the first day back?" 

Happy Wednesday!

Butterscotch Pot de Creme

The week before vacation always seems to drag, so halfway through the week, I was craving something especially sweet. I decided to use this recipe (and butterscotch recipe here) to make Butterscotch Pot de Creme. I have to admit that things don't always go as planned, but I have learned to adapt to every situation. My ramekins are a bit larger than average so it took close to an hour and a half to bake thoroughly - rather than 40 minutes. This didn't allow for enough natural light, so I had to wake up extra early to get these shots - needless to say, I was on a sugar high for the rest of the day. 

We are headed to Charleston and Sullivan's Island until Tuesday, so I will be abiding by vacation rules and completely disconnecting. My regular posting schedule will resume on Wednesday, but until then, make sure to follow along on Instagram (@RachelFackender). I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! x

The Roundtable: Carrie from Cole Couture

I am so excited to be introducing another new series called The Roundtable. As previously mentioned here, this series is comprised of women who have experiences overcoming their own personal and professional challenges. Each story is different, and my hope is that by bringing these women together an environment of encouragement and guidance are shared. This feature will take place on the first Monday of each month, and I encourage you to leave feedback and to submit additional questions that you would like to see answered in upcoming profiles.

The Roundtable's first profile is Carrie from Cole Couture. Cole Couture is located in sunny Tallahassee, Florida (my hometown,) and I have had the unique opportunity to watch Carrie grow CC from the ground up. I remember the very first time that I set foot inside her boutique, and several years later, it is still my go-to for all things fashionable. Cole Couture carries a variety of brands including Michael Stars, Judith March, Michael Kors and Free People. Carrie is a wonderful friend and she is extremely gracious to offer her time as our first Roundtable profile. I hope you take away something from her own journey and that it encourages you to never settle.

Q: When did you realize you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
 

A: From playing store clerk, to running lemonade stands, and eventually trunk shows and pop-up shop (accessory) stands, I suppose I always had the innate desire to become an entrepreneur.  Ultimately, it was while I was working closely in a local boutique with a wonderful owner during my summer breaks from teaching that I decided to explore it further. Fashion and retail are two things that I am naturally drawn to, but it wasn't until 2005 that I fully dove into this adventure. 
 

Q: How did you pursue your passion after college?
 

A: I was blessed when the opportunity presented itself, and I purchased a tiny store operating out of a small house just up the road from our current location here in Tallahassee. I took my passion for denim, lace and everything in between and created Cole Couture, my over sized closet and home away from home. 

Q: What makes Cole Couture different from other local businesses?
 

A: Our store fits a special niche in the retail industry. We have chosen to love and get to know each one of our shoppers as we believe that is what makes a delightful shopping experience. Our space is both colorfully empowering and fun to play dress up in!  Our days work is not complete when a sale is made, but when we see someone dance in front of the mirror. 
 

Q: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since becoming an entrepreneur?
 

B: The biggest thing I have learned is that it's not enough to just have passion for a portion of the business. You simply can not ignore the "not so glamorous" part of the business, such as finance, accounting, human resources, etc. Many people have great ideas, but it's important to plan and operate in a manor that will consistently generate a profit to keep things going.

Q: Cole Couture is constantly evolving – the big question is, how much do you sleep?
 

A: I am fortunate to have a great staff that allows me to accomplish most of my work during “normal” hours. Everyday is a little different - some nights I sleep and others I have late night dates with my Mac ;) There are always things to be done, so I work hard at allotting for personal time and rest. In the end, it allows me to be more efficient.

Q: How do I start my journey toward starting a business? I’m willing to work hard, but I don’t have the money.
 

A: I would suggest using an approach similar to mine:

1.) Find a business similar to the one you wish to start and work there until you get your bearings. I encourage you to choose wisely so that you can learn from someone who is successful and will provide you with the training and insight you will need.

2.) Make sure to make it a journey and grow from each success and each failure.

Funding your business can come in a number of ways: I started small, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world! I cherish every moment of that time of growth, with minimal investment.

Q: What is your advice to other female entrepreneurs?
 

A: Three simple things:

1.) Follow your dreams.

2.) Be sure to plan well, and to always be willing to adapt to change.

3.) Always surround yourself with people who have strengths in your areas of weakness or greatest need. 

Q: What are your words to live by?
 

A: "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

(All photos by: Gabriel Hanway)