A Weekend of Southern Hospitality

Last weekend, I had a miniature adventure to Nashville, Tn. crossing another item off my "Train Ride Across America" bucket list. I attended the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) Regional Conference hosted by Belmont University. The theme of the weekend was "Southern Hospitality," and it was a weekend filled with "Southern Hospitality."

It was such a great trip because I got to see a new city, learn from professionals and visit it with my Aunt Pam, who is a PR professor at Belmont University. I met some of her students and colleagues while networking with fabulous PR people from all over the Midwest.

I drove to Nashville with one other girl in my Chapter, Katie Brady. We had a great road trip filled with ghetto rest stops, winding county roads and rickety old bridges. Eight-hour drives are the best way to get to know someone new.

There were over 100 students, who got to hear from top-notch professionals like Julie Davis of Cracker Barrell, Tressa Robbins of Burrelles-Luce, Gary McCormick of HGTV, Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment and Bonnaroo, Brandi Boatner of IBM, and more. I learned valuable information about public relations strategies and finding that first job.

Belmont did a great job hosting the event too. Everything had a Southern flare, even down to mason jars to hold our drinks at dinnertime.

Nashville was such a fun city to visit as well. Everyone was so nice, and I got to check out some fun little shops at the village. (more coffee reviews to come!) I always love experiences like this where I get to meet new people, reunite with old friends and learn more about my profession.

I am such a nerd.

Stay tuned for more reviews of all the little shops I visited!

-Coffeegirl

Pin It

There is No "X" in eSpresso

Even though I am no longer a professional barista, I will always share tips from behind the bar.

Do you want to know one of a barista's biggest pet peeves?

Saying:

"Can I have some eXpresso?"

 It is a very common mistake,

so do not feel bad if you have done it before.

Somewhere in the English language, 

we started pronouncing "s" like an "x"

in the word espresso.

Who knows where this tradition originated?

But I am here to tell you that:

I adore this print by "Dear Coffee, I Love You."

In fact, I love everything this group is doing.

There blog is filled with awesome coffee info,

and their Twitter feed is entertaining.

So, go check those guys out!

And remember to say eSpresso the next time you are at the counter!

-Coffeegirl

Pin It

The Help

First of all, I want to explain my silence.

I was in a car accident two weeks ago.

I am fine, but my car went to great junkyard in the sky,

and finally, three weeks later, I have wheels again.

And life is starting to return to normal.

You may recall my list of "2012 Dreams."

One was to read more,

and I am happy to report I have finished my first book of 2012:

The Help by Katherine Stockett.

I personally adored the book,

but I love anything about the Civil Rights Movement,

even fiction inspired by the movement.

The general plot is that a young, aspiring writer, Miss Skeeter, moves back to Jackson, Mississippi, after graduating from Ole Miss. She applies for a job at Harper & Row that she is not qualified for in any way. One editor admires her blind self-confidence and gives her an opportunity to write one book. After pitching many droll ideas, she suggests interviewing some maids around town to tell their story of what it is like working for white people. 

And the adventure begins...

The books is filled with

racism

hate

bitterness

injustice

friendship

class systems

love

family

courage

and

hope

Picture found here.

I have seen many criticisms of this book/movie because it was written by a white woman about a white woman "saving" black women from her racist neighbors. While I understand this critique of the book and I giggle slightly at the satirical poster above, I do not believe that was the heart of the author in any shape or form.

I choose to believe this book is more than

white vs. black.

It is about unlikely women coming together to do something good and creating a beautiful friendship in the process.

My favorite line from the book is this:

"We are just two people. Not that much separates us. 

Not nearly as much as I thought."

From official website

I believe everyone needs to learn that lesson, even today.

Friendship can come in the most unlikely packages.

Keep your heart open always

and have courage to do the right thing every day.

We are all just people after all.

What did you think about the book/movie?

-Coffeegirl

Pin It

Barista Wardrobe Problems

Today is my last official day getting paid to make coffee for other people.

a.k.a. being a barista

In honor of that fact, I thought I would share with you some issues that are common among baristas.

First, the barista wardrobe is a challenge. My two former roommates used to poke fun at me and my other former roommate because we both could wear up to three outfits a day.

We were both baristas.

Here is the thing. You want to look nice to get tips and so people take you seriously as a coffee professional, but there are so many little stain monsters lurking around every corner of a coffee shop waiting to pounce on your precious clothes.

I am especially known for my stain magnetism whether it be bleach, espresso or black ink for stamping sleeves. If there is a mess to be had, odds are it will find me and my favorite cardigan.

So what ends up happening to us serious baristas that have lives outside of the coffee shop is that we begin to accumulate a mini wardrobe for each section of our lives. I have shirts, jeans and cardigans that I only where to make coffee in. Clothes that are cute, but I am not emotionally attached to at all because in one moment, they could be stained forever! Also, there is a certain "look" a barista is supposed to have including flannel shirts, vintage screen tees, poet hats and cardigans.

After my shift is over, I smell like espresso and dish water, and I want to change usually into clothes that make me feel pretty. Hence the beginning of the ever ending "Barista Wardrobe Problem" cycle.

Even though I am sad to be leaving the coffee industry for now, I am looking forward to giving away my flannel shirts. :)

-Coffeegirl

Pin It

2012 Dreams

It's a new year!

And I have a new look.

I hope you like it.

I don't normally make New Year's Resolutions, mostly because no one keeps them. However, there are some dreams I want to commit to this year, and this blog post is my way to keep myself accountable.

I need to read more books.

I have started The Help, and I am excited to make myself read for fun again.

I am open to any book suggestions!

It is so easy to have a caffeine iv, grabbing coffee to go any chance possible.

I want to start enjoying my daily joe more in a ceramic mug.

It is good for the soul.

I work in child care at Balance Fitness Studio, which gives me a free membership that I do not take advantage of enough. This semester, my classes allow me to take three a week, but I am going to promise myself two a week.

Life without roommates means less spontaneous socializing.

I want to be more intentional about being with friends.

I started today by making chocolate muffins!

There is just something about baking that makes you feel warm inside.

As I am about to embark on my career as a PR professional, I need to practice, practice, practice. I need to look for every excuse to write and hone in my writing skills.

Listening is important,

whether it be listening to your loved ones or your heart.

Taking time to stop and truly listen is something I want to get better at.

Do you have any resolutions or book suggestions? :)

-Coffeegirl

Pin It