Fave Five June 2020

June 2020 brought all types of goodies for home and hair into my life. My favorite has to be the Secura Electric wine opener mostly because of the story behind it. One of my good friends was over one night for wine and made a joke about my manual wine bottle opener. A few days later I received an Amazon package with the the fancy light up version! What can I say, my friends are just as extra as I am!

All products are linked below and you can watch my June Fave Five video for a more in depth description and review of each item.

In Love, Peace, and Style,

Lonnie

#1 Amazon Prime Whole Foods Delivery | Link

#2 Wild Growth Oil | Link

#3 Secura Electric Wine Opener | Link

#4 Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Wipes | Link

#5 Target Wooden Boxes With Drawers (similar) | Link

The 5 Resumé Mistakes to Avoid

Over the past ten years I have reviewed hundreds of resumes as a professional career coach in higher education and as a consultant to private clients. During my many resume reviews I often come across common mistakes that job seekers make on this key document. Below I have compiled a list of the top 5 common resume mistakes.

Resume Length

According to Glassdoor.com “the average recruiter or hiring manager spends 6 seconds reading a resume.” In the United States the recommended length for a resume is one page. Many resume writers think that the longer the resume the more impressive it is but that is not necessarily the case. Resumes are summaries of your work and education experience that offer a snapshot of who you are professionally and being that it will be reviewed within a few seconds it’s important to keep it concise and at one page in length.

Vague job descriptions

The job description portion of your resume is arguably the most important section because it is where you describe your past work experiences. When writing job descriptions it is important to be clear and descriptive, making sure to include your technical job responsibilities as well as measurable ways that you made an impact on the role. Start each description with with action words and quantify numerical stats as much as possible to illustrate the positive results of the impact you had on the role.

Example of a Well Written Resume Job Description:

Office Manager, Dedicated Law Firm | June 2019 - May 2020

• Managed office services including mail operations, customer engagement, and electronic legal document processing in a fast-paced corporate law firm with 60+ employees

• Established a historical reference for the office by outlining procedures for protection, retention, record disposal, retrieval and staff transfers

• Increased the efficiency of contract development procedures by 22% by transitioning physical documents into digital format

Image: TheBalanceCareers,com | I do not own the rights to this image

Summary vs Objective

n my opinion objectives are outdated and should not be included on your resume.If you choose to add a summary or objective to your resume be sure to know the difference between the two. Summaries can be useful especially for mid-level career changers and those with a substantial amount of work experience in a particular field. On the other hand, resume summary statements are not always ideal for job seekers with little experience or notable gaps in their resume. Often times job seekers use the terms summary and objective interchangeably which is a huge mistake as the two are similar but not the same.

Objectives are 2-3 sentence heading statements that describes your career goals for the specific job you are applying for

Summary is a brief paragraph summarizing the job seeker work history and serves as a preview for the hiring manager before reviewing the rest of the resume

Spelling, grammar and inconsistent formatting

Hiring managers and recruiters tend to be highly critical of resume spelling, grammar and formatting. When designing your resume, be sure to keep the format the same within each section. This includes things like style choices such as bolding certain words, the format of the date and your use of bullet points and indentations. Keep the formatting consistent throughout the resume and always triple check spelling yourself and have it proofread by someone else before sending. Book document review services.

Using the same resumé to apply for multiple jobs

Each job that you apply for is different therefore your resumé should not be treated as a one sized fits all document. Each time that you apply for a different job you should tailor your resume to show how you are the best fit for that specific opportunity. This may include, taking certain experiences off, rewording or reordering job descriptions and changing the order of resume sections. Always keep a main copy of your resumé ready so that you can alter it when needed.

If you are in need of resume help , consider my professional document review service.

Fave Five May 2020

Another month has passed so that means it is time for me to share my favorites from last month. May brought me functional products for hair, home and health! Check them out and I have linked product details below for your reference!

In Love, Peace, and Style,

Lonnie

AHA Sparkling Water

AHA is so refreshing and the best part is that is sodium, calorie, and artificial flavor free but rich with flavor.

Over The Sink Roll Up Dish Rack

This dish rack shelf gadget is so helpful because it saves space by using the typically un-useable area over the sink . It can be used to dry dishes or as a flat surface to help extend your useable counter space.

Bamboo Cutting Board

I am slicing and dicing in style with my new cutting board. It is just as much of an essential kitchen tool as it is an aestheticly appealing kitchen accent

What The Hemp~Deep Moisture Mask by Oyin Handmade

I am using this product as I write this..lol That should let you know how much I love the deep moisture that I receive from it. If you have natural hair, try this today!

Continuous Mist Spray Bottle

This bottle is a game changer due to the control and continuous fine mist that you are able to get from it. This spray bottle is great for adding water or homemade concoctions to your hair as well as for home fragrance sprays.

My "Coming In” Story

I will never forget that sunny day in San Francisco, the year was 2011.  I was living in San Francisco in order to complete a summer internship which means I had a lot of time to think and reflect.There I layed in my small dorm room where I came to the realization that I was romantically attracted to men. That realization wasn’t exactly new but the difference this time was that I actually put it into words and that  I started to own it. That day in 2011 was the result of many years of discomfort that I always walked around with. I walked around with this feeling like something was off center. That day in 2011 was the end of my wandering thoughts about what was wrong and the beginning of a long journey of coming into who I truly was and embracing myself, forgiving myself, and moving forward. 

I have never really liked the concept of “coming out” because it promotes this idea that in order to be comfortable in who you are that  all of  people around you deserve to know about your sexual identity and preference.  When any of us decide to share something private about ourselves with the  people in our lives we are not coming out, instead we are inviting others in. For me, instead of feeling the pressure to reveal something I see  this exchange as an invitation that the recipient can accept or decline.

 I wish that I had arrived at the concept of  “coming in” a bit earlier than the age of 26. Sharing something as personal as your sexual preference really needs the support of the community. Unfortunately many people don't have a supportive community surrounding them to help to support them during some of life’s most difficult times.

Another level of “coming in” involves abandoning the idea that other people have the right to your story. You get to share your truth with whomever you feel most comfortable.

Prior to coming out I observed examples of other coming out storys of friends in my network. With thos examples I was that  they experienced negative feedback and rejection from their friend group. In teh case of another friend who came out I leaned that they felt left behind and abandoned by the  friend group that they had prior to them coming out. Watching these  coming out stories unfold helped me to identify a few things:

1. Before I came out, I had to get so comfortable with my truth that even the potential hurt of rejection from the closest people around me would not send me back spiraling down into the feelings of pain and rejection I had experienced leading up to my own acceptance

2. I decided to only share my coming out with those whose opinions and support masttered. I knew that I was going to come out gradually and that I was going to prioritize who I shared it with based on how close they were to me and how safe I felt

3. I wanted to do the individual work and healing beforeI came out (or at least start the process) before I shared it with others; especially because Iknew that many of the people in my immediate circle at the time were most likely not going to understand or accept me

With all of that information inside of my head I aegan to do the work and untangle and unlearn and get comfortable with this newly realized truth.

Once I got more comfortable I began to come out of the closest people to me.

What I did wrong was hoping that coming out to people around me would somehow solve all of my problems, apprehensions and confusion about being a gay man and  I thought that their external aapproval was the key to my internal acceptance. But I was wrong. Coming out is all about everyone else an coming in is about the individual owning their truth. Since then I have taken responsibility for my own truth and I have been able to create a life that is joyous, healthy and sustainable.

For those of you who may be struggling with their sexuality or if you know someone who is struggling with coming out as queer i have indulded some resources below:

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning young people under 25. Learn more: www.thetrevorproject.org

• TrevorLifeline

  • Phone: 1-866-488-7386

  • Hours: Available 24/7

  • Cost: Free

CDC LGBTQ Youth Resources

Gladd LGBTQ Resource List

Lonnie’s Fave Five April 2020

Hey Ya’ll,

Below are my Fave Five items from April 2020! Check out the video below for more information and feel free to reach out to me with any questions!

In Love, Peace, and Style,

Lonnie

#1 Beet Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing by Little Salad Bar ( link )

This salad dressing was a pleasant surprise from a recent trip to Aldi. The flavor is rich and tangy due to the cold pressed beet juice and the beautiful color is a bonus. I am loving how this is brightening up my summer salads!

#2 Bright Cellars Wine Subscription ( link }

You now what is better than enjoying a glass of delicious glass of wine at home? Having it delivered straight to you door! Bright Cellars is a monthly wine subscription service that does just that. Each month you receive 6 bottles that are curated based on your wine quiz results and preferences. The quiz asks you questions that help to give you the perfect monthly box. Your wine comes in a well-packed box and inside there is a card that features some general wine serving and storage tips. Each month you can rate the wines to mix it up or keep it the same for the next month. My favorite part about this experience was that it pushed me out of my wine comfort zone because the variety of wines offered are from vineyards that I am unfamiliar with and may not have picked up in my local wine store of the wines I received in my first box my fave was the Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvigon Rosé which is the definition of Summer. If you are interested in trying bright cellars use my referral link to receive $45 off your first box!

#3 Oatly Oatmilk ( link )

All the other nut milks should be shook because this Oatmilk is so creamy and so delicious. The flavor is neutral and the consistency is rich so it is really good with drinks or cereal and you can bake with it and so much more. Basically you should try it especially if you are new to non-dairy milks

#4 My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream ( link )

this ice cream is so unique and so delicious. Imagine creamy ice cream wrapped in a pillowy dough! Imagine no more, cus that is what My/Mo is! Try it and let me know your thoughts!

#5 Goya 100% Coconut Water ( link )

I love to use coconut water in my smoothies, savory dishes and cocktails! I love this one specifically because it is 1005 coconut water and typically is offered as a lower price point than its competitors.

Three Ways To Say Thanks That They’ll Remember

As a child my mom taught me to say “Thank You” after someone did something kind ( especially after I was given a gift). As an adult, a simple thank you has not lost its power. Showing gratitude to others makes you feel good but also shows them that you appreciate them. There are so many ways to say thank you and I realize that it can be challenging to find the perfect way to express your appreciation to someone. Let’s cover three effective ways to say thank you that are intentional and memorable.

LEARN THE RECIPIENTS LOVE LANGUAGE

Expressing gratitude is not a one size fits all venture. One tool that I have found effective when planning a thank you is The 5 Love Languages Quiz. If you have never heard of it, the 5 Love Languages were developed by Dr. Gary Chapman and they categorize the 5 unique ways that make people feel the most loved. Most people tend to show love and gratitude based on their love language but the problem with that is that the way you receive love may not be the same way the person best receives it. If you are not aware fo their love language your acts of love may get lost in translation! Knowing the love language of the person receiving your “thank you” makes your gesture more thoughtful and meaningful. The Love Languages are broken up into 5 categories:

• Words Of Affirmation

• Gifts

• Acts Of Service

• Quality Time

• Physical Touch

You can learn what your top love languages are by taking this quiz. Once you determine what the person's top love languages are you can begin to plan how to best show gratitude to them. For example, if their top love language is Words Of Affirmation you may want to write them a letter or verbally shower them with words of gratitude. You can also get creative an

GIVE THOUGHTFUL + PERSONALIZED GIFTS

I received this “L” Container as a gift. It is a great example of a personalized gift that made me feel special and appreciated.

Most people respond well to gifts that they can tell had a lot of thought put into them. One way to make sure that your gift is memorable is to make sure that it reflects the personality of the person receiving it. To find out what they like, listen closely to the little things that they mention during casual conversations and consider their style, hobbies, and favorite things. Examples include monogrammed bags or engraved jewelry and for a more low key option…get them a slice of their favorite cake their favorite bakery.

Personalization gives you the chance to infuse their personality and identity into the gift. As an example, a received this ceramic container (pictured above) with the letter L on it as a Christmas gift last year. The personalized touch let me know that the person was thinking of me and considering my style which this gift reflected effortlessly. If you are having a hard time choosing a personalized gift then ask yourself questions such as What do they Like?, What have they been mentioning that they wanted?, and What do they need? Sites like Vista Print and Things Remembered have all sorts of customized gifts from coffee mugs and t-shirts to engraved liquor flasks and photo frames which make giving a personalized gift so easy.

WRITE THEM A HAND WRITTEN NOTE

Square Collage Graduation Thank You Card from Basic Invite

Remember when we had Pen Pals? Remember the excitement of opening an envelope to read a note from someone and how impactful that was?In my opinion, putting pen to paper to say thank you is one of the most traditional yet most slept on ways to say thank you. In a digital world where texting and social media make up the majority of how we communicate, taking the extra time to send a hand-written message is an unexpected and appreciated gesture.

I adore this Hello Modern Business Stationery by Basic Invite. I was able to customize the card with my contact info so that my customers can stay I touch.

When I want to get extra fancy and really make an impression I send thank you cards . Thank you cards are a classy way to show your appreciation to someone. I customize my thank you cards online using Basic Invite which is a site that allows you to create truly custom cards and invites for every occasion. You can create everything from unique college graduation announcements, to wedding invitations, custom stationary (like thank you cards and more.

CLEARLY CREATIVE

How stunning is this translucent graduation announcement? Basic Invite makes it easy to think out of the box with invites and stationary because everything is totally customizable so you could easily use this template to create a thank you note!

If you are interested in trying out Basic Invite be sure to check them out or follow them on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter. Basic Invite made it super easy for me to create thank you cards and stationery that fit my modern yet classic aesthetic. Stationary is a great gift especially if the person you have in mind has a business or enjoys stationary. Not only is sending someone a hand-written thank you note thoughtful, it is a small gesture that makes a huge statement that will leave an everlasting positive impression.

Last but not least remember that you do not have to save gestures of gratitude for special occasions. Let your loved ones know that you are grateful for them often, especially in the times that we are currently in. I hope that these three tips helped you to brainstorm new ways to say “ thank you” to the people you care for. I want to hear from you! Let me know your favorite way to show gratitude in the comments below. Speaking of gratitude, thank you for your support!

I leave you in Love, Peace, and Style,

Lonnie