How to Land Your Kick-Butt Dream Job: Episode 2

Last Thursday was the first episode of the new series on the blog How to Land Your Kick Butt Dream Job with Cait Weingartner, voice behind Pretty & Fun. The idea all started when I was reading interviews on the web of successful business women, but I had so many other questions besides the 5-6 questions they answered. I wanted to dig deeper and discover the steps they took that lead them to their successful careers. There's the saying that if you have a question there's probably others out there with the same one so I decided to make a blog series out of it! When I reached out to Cait and told her my blog series idea she thought it was great! 

Thank you again Cait for putting in the time to answer some questions with your busy schedule and new job! If you missed last week's episode about college and Cait's experiences check it out here. 


Name: Cait Weingartner

Age: 25

Job Title: Digital Strategist, 360i

Blog name/year started: Pretty & Fun, 2011

Tell us about your 2 internship experiences and who they were with.
During college I did two internships and then freelanced for one company until after graduation. My two internships were with Success Communications Group, working within their Public Relations team and All American Games, supporting PR and social media for the company’s training camps and events. While at All American Games I noticed a huge void in social media for the company (whose target was mostly teenage football players and parents) and launched social channels for all of their brands, then worked to manage and provide ongoing support as a freelancer.


What was the process of landing each internship? How did you find each?
My college’s career services department was very helpful as far as internships go – I had a general idea of what I wanted to focus on (Public Relations) and was able to set up interviews for both internships through my college. 

How do you think your internship experiences played a role in landing a job right out of college?
My internships gave me a lot of really valuable outside of the classroom experience that served as the focus of my resume at graduation. Being able to speak to real client work that I had done and having a feel for the agency world provided me with real-world examples that I could reference during interviews beyond courses I had taken.

What was the biggest lesson you learned during your internships?
Be a self-starter. I quickly realized during my first internship that “down time” was a complete waste of time. My managers were busy themselves and didn’t have time to be continuously monitoring my activities and progress on tasks – creating little side projects for myself and going beyond the initial task during any free time showed initiative and got me started with thinking strategically. Don’t be afraid to speak up and offer suggestions or weigh in on assignments and the work you’re doing. You’re there to add value, not just follow directions.

As always, come back next week for episode 3 discussing interviews and what employees are looking for. 

Image via Refinery29

Wednesday Wish List 8.1 (kind of)

Might be the first time since starting my Wednesday Wish List series that I'm struggling to come up with items to share with you. Mostly because I am trying to save a little money and online shopping (and browsing) makes that reallll difficult. Or it could be that everything I do have on my list is a bit over my budget and therefore not necessarily something I want to post. What's the fun in posting items if you can't buy them yourself? Still working on finding a killer sale for a Lo & Sons camera bag. Anyone willing to sell theirs? Pretty please :)

With installation for my apartment makeover scheduled to start in less than 2 weeks, all I can think about are finding the finishing touches. Naturally, that's all I want to blog about too. Are you dying of suspense yet? 

This week I'm having a little trouble deciding on pillow shams. I already have my sheets and my comforter, but I still need a couple pillow covers. I've narrowed it down to 4 so I need your help in making the final decision. My comforter is all white and sheets have a grey print. I like a little mixing and matching so it doesn't look too perfect. 

All of the options are from Zara Home and on major sale. I can't decide if I should go with a print to spice things up or something a little more subtle since I love the all white bedding look. Thoughts?

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22

When I look for inspiration while decorating my apartment, I usually turn to Pinterest. That's a no brainer. But with so much content in one place, it can be hard to find exactly what you're looking for without wasting lots of time. I'm guilty of browsing Pinterest and putting off homework, giving myself one more hour. It's amazing how quick an hour goes by, and I still don't have that paper written. So when I come across a few pinners I particularly like, I remember them so I know exactly where to look for ideas on my next project. 

Caitlin Wilson Textiles is one of my favorites to reference. She likes lots of pink, gold, and pretty prints mixed throughout. Emily Henderson has spent her fair share of time on Pinterest and she has the boards to prove it. The DIY board has projects the average person could do and My Style Pinboard will have you swooning. Another great source I keep going back to is Amber Interiors for her rustic style.

Who are some of your favorite pinners? Since today is the big 22, I've shared some festive inspirations with you all :)

Fun fact: I actually share my birthday with my twin sister, Audrey! Yes, we're identical.

All images via Emily Henderson's Party Party Party

What I Bought in July

July is always a fun month. Full of grilling, sunbathing, and hot weather. Oh, and awesome sales. With fall approaching, it's the perfect time to stock up on summer wear as stores make room for fall's new arrivals. I managed to scoop up some great deals that I already can't stop wearing. Every single item happened to be on major sale! Think half off and more. 

You probably saw me post these cow print shorts on Instagram. They are easily my most comfortable (and favorite) pair of shorts and have already seen many days of wear. So easy to throw on in the hot weather. Palm print has been all the rage this summer and I have to admit I am mildly obsessed. The instant I saw this blazer I had to get my hands on it. Only to find the $230 pirce tag...With a little determination and luck, I happened to come across it online while a major sale was going on and ended up paying $57! Boom. 

Have a great weekend friends! I'm spending mine on the lake and a rodeo tonight.

Ripped crops from Zara // Sandals from Target // Striped scarf from Zara // Cow print shorts from Zara // Gold spike bracelet from Target // Palm print blazer from Juicy Couture // White tee from Zara

How To Land Your Kick-Butt Dream Job: Episode 1

With 2 semesters left of college, I already feel the pressure to land a great job and build a successful career. There are countless articles and blog posts on the web interviewing successful businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and creatives all flaunting their fabulous careers. Sure, they are helpful in answering some questions in the industry and giving us a taste for what it takes to succeed, but the interviews don't go into detail about searching for jobs, internships, or the interviewing process. Sometimes I'm left feeling overwhelmed. So many questions about how to accomplish what they did. Of course, I have goals and dreams just like anyone else. We read about women and their careers and want to be just as successful. Now that graduation creeps closer and closer I feel as if I am not completely prepared and equipped with the knowledge and tools I need to set me apart from the competition and accomplish what they have.  So many questions and only a few answers.

That's when I decided to create a blog series that was meant to answer a few of those questions and go into more detail about college preparation, internships, the interviewing process, and blogging. When I started thinking about who I could turn to for answers, Cait Weingartner, the author of Pretty & Fun instantly popped in my mind. The first time I came across Cait was her home feature on The Everygirl.  She had a sense of realness, authenticity, and the ultimate gallery wall. Her closet isn't packed full of designer labels nor is she mad about it. Cait is a girl I can relate to -- and she already has a great career going. 

Without further ado, welcome Cait as she's with us the next 4 weeks answering some questions! 


Name: Cait Weingartner

Age: 25

Job Title: Digital Strategist, 360i

Blog name/year started: Pretty & Fun, 2011

Where did you go to college and what was your area of study? I went to a
small liberal arts college in New Jersey called Centenary College – I had gone
away as a freshman and it just did not work out for a number of reasons. I came
home for Christmas and decided that I’d rather commute and live at home. I
majored in Communications with an emphasis in Print Journalism and initially
focused on Public Relations.

Did you participate in activities or clubs throughout school to help build
your resume? What were they? As a commuter I didn’t spend a ton of time
on campus but I rode on my college’s equestrian team and freelanced for the
school’s newspaper.

How important is involvement through school in helping build experience
to land your dream job? Networking is always important, whether it’s on or off
campus. I don’t think being a social butterfly or involved in a ton of clubs/activities
is necessarily required but it’s about making the most of each experience and
then applying what you’ve learned, whether it’s leadership or creativity, to the
real world.

Is there anything you wish you had done differently during school? 
Personally I wish I would have transferred to a large school – the network that is
associated with a large university is incredible and looking back I wish I had that
today.

Thank you Cait for taking the time to answer some questions! Next Thursday we are discussing everything about internships. If you have any questions for me regarding internships (I'm on my 3rd internship this summer), tweet @amandarisius and I will answer them in next week's episode.  

Image via The Everygirl, photography by Stoffer Photography 

Wednesday Wish List 7.5

Can you believe it's already the last day of July? Doesn't every summer seem to go even quicker than the year before? Though I'm sad to see summer soon come to an end, August is my birthday month so I still have a reason to celebrate! I will also be going on my first vacation in over a year so I am counting down the days. Much. Needed.

Kain Dress Dresses that are nice enough I can play up with pretty jewelry and heels or play down with sandals are winners in my book. The dark red color is just icing on the cake. // Pocket Tee Can never have enough tees. This one from Anthropologie is perfectly comfy and slouchy. Not to mention I have my birthday gift from Anthropologie of 15% of everything. Nothing like doing a little shopping for my birthday. // Love That Red lipstick by Revlon. Lately I've been playing around with bright lipsticks. Lipstick hasn't always been my thing but I'm having fun with reds and bright pinks. It really changes your entire look. Mary over at M.A.S. Fashion said this one by Revlon called "Love That Red" is her go-to. // White Skort Spotted all over the blogosphere, this skirt has definitely proved to be incredibly versatile. I've seen it worn with everything from a grey tee and statement necklace to a button up and heels. I like the more casual look and would wear it with a tee and my Converse. // Felicia Flat With fall approaching it's almost time to break out the flats and retire the sandals. I like these neutral cow print ones by Sam Edelman which I would wear with everything. Animal print might be my favorite neutral. 

Tomorrow I have an exciting series starting here on the blog so be sure to check back! It's been in the works for a month or so and I'm so pumped to finally share it with you guys! 

Can't Get Enough

I'm having so much fun selecting designs for my apartment makeover. Like it is all I think about, but in a good way. My move is coming up in August and I plan to reveal the finished product in early September once I get everything situated! Get excited. I have always loved interior design ever since I was a kid. I remember looking at the JCPenny big catalog we received in the mail and picking out the items I'd want for my future home, everything from bedding to mailboxes. Over time my love for interior design has only grown, but my style has come a long way from the JCPenny catalog. In fact, just over the past couple months I've noticed my style evolving. Remember in my early blogging days when I was obsessed with pastel pink?  Well, I have come a long ways since my pastel obsession. Style is constantly changing based on your surroundings, your feelings, inspiration. All of which makes the decorating process an ongoing thing. 

My inspiration right now? This. I'm so happy I discovered Emily Henderson and her blog. Pushing limits in design is important and I think she does just that. 

Emily Henderson's living room

Bri Emery's living room, designed by Emily Henderson

I mean can we just take a second to take in these masterpieces.

Instead of just saying "I like this", I want to point out the details that really make these rooms so perfect.

1. The rug. It's from West Elm and it's used in both spaces. It's texture and neutral color play up the space just enough to make it interesting. I loved it so much I bought my own (cheaper) version of the rug for my apartment. More on that in my apartment reveal :)
2. Midcentury furniture. Notice the coffee table and sofa in each living room. The peg legs are what make it midcentury.
3. Unique use of accessories. One of my favorite accessories in the entire collection are the arrows on the mantel in the second image. The simplicity of taking something that was not initially designed for decoration and making it work is completely cool.
4. Pops of color. Different forms of color are found throughout both living rooms, yet it doesn't feel overdone. The turquoise couch for example. She ties it in completely with wall art, lamps, pillows and the key, a neutral rug. 
5. Personality. I don't know about you, but every time I see a room straight from a catalog I cringe a little. Everyone has their own taste, but a room doesn't feel like yours unless it has pieces that make it yours. Fun accessories and a little mixing with furniture helps create that finished, not too perfect look with your own touch.

Happy Friday!

All images via and via