Showing posts with label submissions. Show all posts

// 3 Hacks To Make Your Home Smell Nicer

Everyone wants their home to smell nice, but they don’t always have this. Instead, it could end up smelling much worse than they’d want it to. That could be despite how much time and effort you put into cleaning it.

You’ll need to know how to make your home smell nicer to actually get there. While that seems like it could be impossible, it’s far from it. By using a few quick and easy hacks, it’s much easier than you could expect.

With a little effort, you’ll have no problem getting there.

How To Make Your Home Smell Nicer: 3 Top Hacks

1. Get A Neutralizer

Neutralizers do exactly what you expect them to. They neutralize the smells in your home. You can find more than a few of these on the market, such as a cannabis odor neutralizer, that make a significant impact on how your home smells.

It’s simply a matter of getting one and putting it in the right place. Once you do, you’ll have fewer smells to worry about.

2. Check The Garbage Disposal

If you have a garbage disposal in your sink, it could be one of the main causes for a smell in your home. It’s worth giving it a check to make sure there’s nothing lurking beneath the surface that could be causing this.

When there’s a smell coming out of it, there are a few ways you can get rid of it. One of the more notable is squeezing some scented dish soap down it, briefly running some water through it, and then turning the garbage disposal on.

You can even try grinding up some lemon or lime and running it through the garbage disposal with a lot of water.

3. Simmer Fruit On The Stove

Fruit can have a great smell, and there are more than a few of these you could find appealing. If you’ve even been eating a specific fruit and thought it smelled nice, it could be worth using them to make your home smell nicer. Citrus can be one of the better-recommended options for this.

By simmering this on the stove with some water, you’ll make the kitchen smell nicer, and the scent will carry through the rest of the house. Adding some herbs, such as mint and lavender, can improve the effect.

It only takes a few minutes to do this, and it’ll make more of an impression than you’d think.

How To Make Your Home Smell Nicer: Wrapping Up

If you don’t know how to make your home smell nicer, you could end up in a never-ending cycle of cleaning and trying to improve the smell. You don’t have to take this approach, however. As recommended as regular cleaning is, it’s far from the only thing you can do.

Instead, using a few specific hacks can be better recommended. Simmering fruit on the stove, getting a neutralizer, and checking the garbage disposal can all be quick and easy options to take. As well as not taking much time and effort, they’ll make more of an impact than you could think.

Your home will end up smelling much better in no time.

// The Road To Recovery After A Car Accident

The Road to Recovery After a Car Accident

Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and if you've been hurt in one or witnessed someone else hurt in one, there's no avoiding the recovery process, whether you're dealing with physical pain or emotional trauma. While it might seem tough to keep going at first, the tips below will help you through it and allow you to recover and get back to your life as soon as possible.

Unsplash - CC0 License

Keep Moving

A car accident can leave you in a state of shock, both physically and emotionally. Even if you haven't been seriously injured in an accident, it doesn't mean your body won't experience the aftermath of the collision. Physically, you should focus on keeping your body moving in the days following the event. This will help the pain of the impact from affecting you for too long. Knees, hips and back are all prone to experiencing pain after a collision, so do stretches or gentle yoga every day as a preventative measure. Even if it's hard, try some mobility exercises daily. It can be helpful to visit a chiropractor, even if you have no serious injury.

Unsplash - CC0 License

Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

In most car accidents, at least one person is hurt. According to statistics, 95% of all car accidents result in injury. While you may be experiencing pain and other symptoms related to your accident, it's important not to suffer alone. If you suffer from chronic pain as a result of your injuries (physical and/or psychological), seek out help from health professionals. The pain doesn't necessarily stop after the injury has been treated.

Additionally, for long-last treatments, it is worth considering whether you are entitled to financial support. Indeed, if you are not at fault, the legal system can provide unique support. Experts such as Sinklaw firms are familiar with medical bill stress for people involved in an accident. Every lawyer's priority is to address their clients' problems. Sinklaw's motto: talk to our personal injury lawyers if you have been in an accident that wasn't your fault is more than a marketing tagline. It can be the solution you need to receive prolonged care for your physical and emotional pain.

Find A Supportive Network Of People To Talk To

Find yourself someone you can confide in and communicate with openly. This can be a close friend or family member, an anonymous support group (like many on Facebook or even your blog readers), or even an organization that specializes in helping people through their pain. You need not be alone when going through trauma, and it's often helpful to talk out your feelings, fears, and anxieties about what's happened. Keeping these bottled up inside you can increase your emotional distress and even lead to chronic pain. Did you know that even a minor car accident can lead to PTSD symptoms for passengers and drivers alike? So, you have every right to take time to process the situation with people who are here for you.

The road to emotional and physical recovery after an accident is not straightforward. The first thing you need to do when you're in pain is to be kind to yourself. Beating yourself up will only make things worse, so instead of blaming yourself for your slow recovery, think about what you can do to help yourself. One way you can do that is by listening to your body and mind. The less you push yourself and let yourself rest and heal, the better you will recover over time.

// Preparing Yourself For a Fitness Competition

Are you considering preparing yourself for a fitness competition? If so, you will want to read this blog post! It will discuss both the mental and physical aspects of competition prep and also talk about what you need to do in order to be mentally and physically ready for your big day. So, whether you're just starting to think about competing or are already in the midst of your prep, this post is for you!

1) Get your mindset right;

The first step to preparing for a fitness competition is to get your mindset right. This means getting rid of any negative thoughts or self-doubt that you may have about your ability to succeed. Remember, you are capable of anything you set your mind to! So, believe in yourself and know that you can do this.

In addition, it is also important to have a positive attitude towards the competition itself. This means treating it as an opportunity to showcase your hard work and dedication rather than something to be anxious about. Remember, you are prepared, and you will do great!

2) Set realistic goals;

When you are preparing for a fitness competition, it is important to set realistic goals. This means clearly understanding what you want to achieve and being realistic about your chances of success. If you set your sights too high, you may end up feeling disappointed if you don't reach your goal. On the other hand, if you set your goals too low, you may not be motivated to put in the necessary work.

Find a balance between setting ambitious yet achievable goals. This will help to keep you motivated throughout your training and prep!

3) Get your body ready;

Of course, preparing for a fitness competition also requires getting your body physically ready. This means ensuring you are in peak condition and have put in the time and effort to train properly. If you have any concerns about your physical readiness, be sure to speak with your coach or a medical professional.

It's important to make sure that you are eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest. Both of these things will help to ensure that you are physically prepared for the competition.

4) Get your paperwork in order;

If you plan on competing, it is important to ensure that all of your paperwork is in order well in advance. This includes things like your membership to the organization hosting the event and any other necessary documents. You can avoid any last-minute stress by getting everything squared away ahead of time.

Don't leave your admin to the last minute - get everything organized well in advance so that you can focus on your training and preparation!

Via Pexels

5) Train, train, train!

Of course, one of the most important parts of preparing for a fitness competition is to make sure that you are adequately trained. This means putting in the time and effort to prepare your body for the event. Be sure to speak with your coach about an appropriate training plan.

Remember, you need to be physically and mentally prepared for the competition. So, remember to focus on your mental preparation as well!

6) Get organized;

Now that you know what you want to achieve, it's time to get organized. This means creating a plan of action and sticking to it. First, ensure you know exactly what you need to do each day, week, and month to reach your goals. And then, make sure you stick to that plan! This will help keep you on track and motivated throughout your prep.

7) Stay hydrated and eat clean;

Another important part of preparing for a fitness competition is to make sure that you are staying hydrated and eating clean. This means drinking plenty of water and eating healthy, nutritious foods. It is also important to avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. All of these things can interfere with your training and preparation.

So, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating clean foods in the weeks leading up to the competition. This will help to ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared for the event!

8) Get plenty of rest;

Finally, remember to get plenty of rest. This is crucial for both your mental and physical health. Make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night and taking time to relax daily. This will help you stay focused and energized throughout your prep.

9) Get the necessary supplements in;

In order to perform at your best, it is important to make sure you are getting the proper nutrients. This means taking supplements that will help fill any gaps in your diet. Some of the most important supplements for fitness competitors include protein powder, BCAA's, Creatine, glutamine and Try Steel.

In conclusion, there are many things to consider when preparing for a fitness competition. Make sure you have a clear goal, get your body ready, get your paperwork in order, train properly, and stay hydrated and well-rested. By following these tips, you can be sure that you are adequately prepared for the event!

// The Best Things To Do After A Car Accident

The Best Things To Do After A Car Accident

Cars are wonderful things. They give us freedom, they make life easier, and – for some, at least – they are fun to drive and even just to look at. The problem is that they can also be dangerous, not just for the driver, but for passengers, other road users, and pedestrians. The more we drive, the easier it is to forget that this is the case because we get through another journey unscathed. Even near misses don’t faze many people.

Sadly, for all kinds of reasons, accidents can and will happen. Sometimes this means minor injuries and some inconvenience, and sometimes it is much more serious. No matter what the situation, however, there are some important things to do after a car accident; read on to find out what they are.

Photo by Alessia Marzotto

Go To The Doctor

As we said, some car accidents are very minor, and perhaps you weren’t even in the car at the time – sometimes accidents happen to parked cars. If that is the case, it’s certainly not a requirement to see your doctor for a check-up. However, if you were in the car, even if it was only a small tap, it could be worth getting checked out.

The human body is a delicate thing, and although sometimes we don’t realize it, it can be damaged in a number of ways. It’s better to check to make sure all is well than to assume nothing is wrong and hurt yourself more in the process.

Call Your Insurance Company

In all the potential confusion and upset that a car accident can bring about, it’s easy to forget what you should or should not be doing. However, it’s crucial never to forget about calling your insurance company to let them know what has happened. You need to do this even if the accident was your fault, as the other party involved will want to claim for damages and injury, and they will do so through your insurers.

You’ll need to explain exactly what happened, as far as you can work out, at least, as sometimes it’s not altogether clear. You’ll also need to pass along the contact details of the other driver or pedestrian, as well as the make and model of all the vehicles involved. It’s a good idea to take photos as this will make things easier down the line.

Seek Legal Counsel

In some cases, blame isn’t easy to work out, or there are other factors in play that mean you have to seek additional compensation. Perhaps the accident meant you lost money due to not being able to work, or perhaps there are large medical bills to pay.

In this case, even if you have insurance (which you must, as it’s a legal requirement), it’s a good idea to seek legal counsel. If you decide to pursue compensation after car accident, it could mean that your personal injury attorney is able to get you the money you need to put your life back on track. This could be very important, especially if you are struggling in terms of your finances or your health.

// Rad Gal, Rad Gig + Baggage Submissions

Hey friends! Happy Friday! We've been snowed/iced into our house ALL week and I'm going a wee bit stir crazy! I guess it's not all bad though... I've been crazy productive on the work front since Mike has been home. He went back to school yesterday and I'm trying to keep the momentum going.

On my list of things to get done was creating a submission guideline page for both my Rad Gal, Rad Gig and Baggage features! I know I haven't shared any of those in a while... Sorry! It's been crazy over here haha It's my hope that by having all of the information readily available, I'll be able to get posts up quicker as I won't have to email back and forth dozens of times! Saves both of us loads of typing haha! Of course I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the features, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need to!

I'd love to share your rad job/hobby/talent and what's in your bag, so feel free to submit your story if you'd like. :)

RAD GAL, RAD GIG SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

BAGGAGE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

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PS; Apparently I've missed a couple of submissions in my inbox over the past several months?! If you've submitted your post for consideration and never heard back, I apologize! Get back in touch with me because I likely cleared it out when I went on a crazy "Clear out the junk folder!" spree... without looking! Whoops!

// BAGGAGE: v.2 - Lesley's Bag

Details (clockwise from top left): Target gold mini pouch to hold Photojojo iPhone lenses // Target wallet // Roots bag (limited edition color no longer available, similar here) // Apple earbuds // Target sunglasses // iPhone 5 with Speck iPhone case and gold heart sticker // Lots of lip balms and glosses (this isn't even close to all of them actually living in my purse) // Listerine PocketPack // Etsy pencil case and art supplies // Smith's Rosebud Salve (my favorite!) // And Sophie the Giraffe. (Because, babies - mine included - LOVE Sophie)

Hello there! I'm Lesley Myrick - collage artist, interior designer, and new mom. Between a full time job, owning a freelance business, and taking care of my little dude, I'm on the go a lot and need a great versatile bag for all my stuff and things. It's gotta be stylish enough for work, but casual enough that I can throw a burp cloth in there, you know?

I love this shoulder bag from Roots - it feels put-together but not too fancy. Plus, ALL THE POCKETS. I call that a win.

Lesley's Bag Essentials

Lip gloss - I'm completely addicted. At any given time there are usually about 5 balms, glosses, and salves living in the front pocket of my purse. A girl needs variety!

Apple headphones - I commute about 2 hours per day for work, so I like to use that time wisely by catching up with friends and family on the phone. I call my mom, who lives about 2500 miles away, almost every weekday morning.

iPhone - I can share photos on Instagram AND run my Etsy shop AND check my baby monitor with this thing. I think a smartphone is one of the most valuable tools for a business owner and mom.

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BAGGAGE is a new feature on The Clueless Girl's Guide where I invite folks to share the contents of their bags. We all like a little sneak peek at what others are carrying around, right? If you'd like to share what you tote around in your purse/backpack/makeup bag, feel free to get in touch! I'd love to have you!

// Rad Gal, Rad Gig: NIU Sousaphone Player

Hello! My name is Brooke and I blog at You’re In Brookelynn. I am a college senior at Northern Illinois University, where I study psychology and dance performance. Oh, and I also play the sousaphone in the NIU marching band.

A sousaphone is essentially a marching tuba. If you’re wondering why an extremely short girl (I’m only 5 feet tall!) chose to play an instrument that weighs almost 50 pounds and is about as tall as I am, you wouldn’t be the only one! I started playing tuba 6 years ago, when my high school marching band needed a tuba player and I got bored of my original instrument, the flute. Although transitioning from playing the flute to playing the tuba may seem extreme, it was actually surprisingly easy. And, it was surprisingly fun!

The beginning of the marching season starts at the beginning of the fall semester with a weeklong ‘band camp.’ Yes, there really is such a thing as band camp, and it’s one of the most important parts of the season! While many people think that marching band is just for nerds, it’s actually an extremely athletic activity. We spend our 11 hour days at camp learning marching basics, show music, and our pre-game and halftime drill.

The rest of the season is spent cheering on our NIU Huskies at football games! Performing at football games is one of the best things about being in the marching band. We parade around the stadium and perform for tailgaters before kickoff, and play in the stands throughout the whole game. While we take music and marching very seriously, cheering on our team from the stands is where we get to let loose and have fun! We perform cheers, dances, and popular songs to pump up the team and entertain the (usually drunk) football fans. We also perform pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows at every game. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun!

How to get started

At most colleges, anyone can join the marching band! All you have to do is be able to play an instrument and want to join! Keep in mind that some college’s marching bands may require an audition to join, but not all. At NIU, you don’t have to audition to join, but you do have to audition for a spot on the field. But, it’s not usually as bad as you would think!

Joining the marching band was one of the best things I could have done in my college career. I met so many new people who helped me break out of my shell and enjoy college. Plus, I learned a lot about college football and have started to enjoy watching it! There’s no better way to spend a crisp fall day!

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Rad Gal, Rad Gig is a new feature on The Clueless Girl's Guide where I invite really neat gals to share their really cool stories. Whether your gig is a full-time job or just a hobby, I want to hear from you! If you think you'd be perfect for Rad Gal, Rad Gig, feel free to get in touch or view the information on the Submissions page! Just submit a short description of what you do and why you think it's rad!

// Rad Gal, Rad Gig: Candle Maker

Hello! I'm Kelley, and I'm a candle maker from the coal region of Pennsylvania. While I've absolutely grown to love the candle industry, I will admit, they weren't the spark to light my fire -- owning a business was.

I'm not the type of person who ever liked having a boss. I've always been a go-getter and a really hard worker, but I've found that in each of my jobs, I felt the urge to climb the employment ladder as high as possible, perfecting their processes, tweaking their methods for better results, and working harder than my position ever required. Even though promotions had happened, I began to realize that while I could more than likely get quite high on each company's ladder, I'd never be at the very top. That was a problem.

Candelles was originally created in February of 2013, but we were using wooden wicks instead of our current cotton wicks, and to put it simply, they were a flop. The wicks wouldn't stay lit, which made the candles useless. After many refunds and so much loss, Candelles reluctantly shut down soon after. At that time, I didn't have any plans on starting back up. I was embarrassed and a little hopeless.

I couldn't help it though. I continued to fall in love with the small business community, through both Instagram and Etsy. I quietly sought inspiration and motivation through many shops that I had witnessed growing wildly online. I took the time to find business role models, like Little Hip Squeaks or Freshly Picked, and tried to figure out how they ran their business and what made them so incredible.

With the loss of an incredibly important person in my life happening only a few months later, I was luckily able to have some life changing conversations with them that really made me change my perspective on things. I couldn't just sit by and let the months pass and just hope everything would fall into place. I had to work for it, and sometimes that meant swallowing my pride, and keep pushing through. I realized at this point that starting a business is really just a never-ending obstacle that requires the constant taking of risks and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and in order to be successful, I needed to learn to love that.

So, I learned to love it. I swallowed my pride and reopened Candelles in November of 2013 and, since Fall is the best season for candles, we started growing so quickly. We were very hopeful and even though we spent many nights up really late making sure all our orders were packed on time, slowly learned how to balance a full-time job and a growing business, and had some (see also: many) road bumps along the way, I wouldn't change a thing.

I'm no super woman though. CJ, our head candle maker (and lucky for me, my hubby), handles almost all of our candle production and quality control. While I focus on curating and blending each of our essential oils to bring a rolling variety of seasonal scents, as well as handle all of our collaborations and designs, CJ is constantly on the hunt to perfect each and every one of our hand-poured candles. This helped tremendously, because as we began to grow rather quickly, I didn't have to worry about hiring on another set of hands to help complete our tasks. Instead, I already had someone extremely dedicated to Candelles' success and more than ready to dive in and help.

Without a doubt, our customers are what made me fall in love with candles. Starting out, my main perk to making candles was to not have to buy my own anymore. But realizing how much our customers fall in love with our scents, and our candles being what they light to relax and unwind after a long day, or to brighten and cozy up their homes, it really makes you appreciate your craft so much more.

If I could give any words of encouragement to those who want to run a business themselves, you just need to go for it, but at the same time, start slow. Research your craft and the basics to running a small business before you dive right in. Don't compare yourself to bigger businesses and focus on keeping yourself afloat and moving forward successfully. Find community and support. I have met some of the most amazing people since opening Candelles, whether they also be other small business owners, retail shop owners who sell our candles, or even bloggers. There are so many wonderful, beautiful people out there who want you to succeed as badly as you do, who can give you priceless advice, and will cheer you on every step of the way. The small business community is a beautiful thing that I am honored to be a part of. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Owning a business requires that you wear many hats, and many hats require so much knowledge. You will constantly be learning, and you have learn right away that you don't already know everything.

PS; Get 15% off anything in the Candelles shop with the coupon code: RADGAL15

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// BAGGAGE: v.1 - Mike's Backpack

I'm a sucker for "What's in my bag" posts because I'm a naturally nosy person. I love seeing what people find important enough to carry around with them on a daily basis. I thought a fun new feature for the blog would be a "What's in my bag" feature that y'all could participate in! I didn't want it to be limited to just purses though, because that's pretty boring. I want to see what you have in your laptop bag, diaper bag, makeup bag, whatever! What do you consider an essential when traveling or going to school? I think the contents of someone's bag can tell a whole lot about them. Our first feature is Mike and his school bag!

Everlane backpack (c/o) // pharmacology + med/surg books // iPhone 5c // pen light // bandage scissors // student nurse ID // jolly rancher candies // flash cards // stethescope // Acer Iconica Tab 8 tablet (c/o Intel Tablets) // Vitapens highlighters // various pens // Denik notebook

Hey, I’m Mike. I’m a nursing student by day, and a father, business co-owner, wannabe musician by night. My backpack is a staple throughout my week. As I start my clinical rotations it will see less day to day use but will still be with me on classroom days, and will still be home to my always important study tools. Important because there is always studying. Always.

My backpack is made by Everlane. I really like it because the thick canvas it’s made from can definitely take a beating which is important since I often sling my bag into the bed of my truck before heading out in the mornings. Aside from durability I also love the look of the bag. I think it’s a bit more stylish than a typical Jansport or whatever. It fits the “super smart nursing student that plays guitar on the tailgate of his truck between classes” look I’m going for.

MIKE'S BACKPACK ESSENTIALS

Flash Cards - No nursing student's backpack would be complete without flash cards. They are one of the most effective ways to study for me. The combination of writing the cards, reading them and saying them out loud with Kaelah really drives in the information.

Stethoscope - I mean what could be more important for a nurse than a stethoscope? It’s one of the most valuable tools for assessing a patient, and let’s be honest, nothing feels more nursey than tossing a stethoscope around your neck.

Tablet - I love carrying our Acer tablet (c/o Intel Tablets) in my backpack. It’s really convenient for studying on the go since all of my text books are available in PDF format online. It’s also great for looking up new terminology I may come across really quickly. Probably the most useful thing about the tablet is the apps available for studying or for quick reference. There's an app called Epocrates that is my favorite. You can find any drug information you need. Don’t know how much Fluconazole to give your pediatric patient? The answer is just a click away.

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#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel. This could include the Intel Corporation providing us w/
content, product, access or other forms of payment. (Acer table c/o Intel - no other compensation was provided)

// Rad Gal, Rad Gig: Teaching Artist

Hi! I'm Caro, a Chicago-based teaching artist who blogs at Like the Syrup.

In case you’re not familiar with the role of a teaching artist, it’s just that: an artist who teaches. They’re usually practicing creatives first and teachers second, but many of them go on to get formal credentials. The day-to-day schedule varies but most of us are employed full-time at one organization or work on a freelance basis at several.

I became a teaching artist by chance. I went to art school, graduated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Art, and landed at an ad agency after graduation. The short version is that it was a horrible experience. I quit without a plan B and found myself doing freelance design work to pay the bills. I did a little bit of everything but I wasn’t enjoying it and it felt like I was wasting time.

Then a mentor told me something that I still think about all the time. She said, "Nothing’s a waste. At the end, you know one more thing you don't want to do and that's just as valuable." It was a light bulb moment for me. I continued to take on odd jobs and freelance projects but started looking at each one as a process of elimination.

I ultimately realized that what I wanted was a creative job that allowed me to give back. Another thing I learned about myself is that I prize flexibility over stability, and that I don’t want to do the same thing every day. When I came across an open teaching artist position, it seemed like a perfect fit!

The Chicago Public Library has a program called YOUmedia that puts creative spaces in the library specifically for teenagers. Students can kick back, check out laptops and other professional-grade equipment, and attend free workshops on everything from music production to graphic design. There’s even a little recording studio at one of the branches!

I worked with YOUmedia part-time, Monday-Thursday from 2:00-8:00pm. I taught one hour-long workshop each day but I spent the rest of my time just hanging out with students in the space. I'd work on lesson plans while they worked on homework and we’d chat about their friends, families, or whatever TV show they were watching that week. Every day was different, whether it was helping a student use GoogleDrive or getting my ass kicked at Mario Kart. I lost count of how many prom dresses I looked at that spring!

My position at YOUmedia lasted seven months (the length of a grant that paid my salary). In that time, I taught six-week units on self-publication, graphic design, and creative writing. I also did some one-off workshops to help students create resumes and work on their college applications. Not only was it a great job, it helped me find the path I’m on now.

Chicago has a large number of nonprofits working with underserved youth, most of which employ teaching artists or volunteers in a similar capacity. We’re basically one big extended family, which makes it easy for us to share best practices, collaborate, and connect each other to opportunities. That sense of community is a big reason I love what I do so much.

These days, teaching is about 25% of my work. The rest of my time is spent on the other side of the classroom. I own a small business that works with colleges, community organizations, and bloggers to develop online classes. It’s a dream job that I never would’ve discovered without being a teaching artist!

How to Get Started

All you really need to become a teaching artist is a portfolio that showcases your craft and some teaching experience. An art degree or teaching accreditation definitely helps but isn’t required for most positions.

What is required is a lot of flexibility, patience, and the ability to make things work in less than ideal circumstances. Sometimes your lesson plan just doesn’t work and you have to adapt it on the fly. You’ll likely be working outside the standard 9-5 and may or may not have benefits.

If that doesn’t deter you, I recommend starting as a volunteer. It’s a great way to get experience! I got my job at YOUmedia because the interviewers liked my web development background (hard to find among teaching artists) and that I had planned my own workshops as a volunteer with Girls Rock! Chicago.

Nonprofits like Girls Rock and 826 have chapters all over the country and are powered by volunteers. So are libraries! You can also check out Idealist to find local organizations looking for specific help. It’s important to find an organization that’s doing work you’re passionate about.

I also recommend asking a teaching artist if you can assist them—especially if they teach at multiple places! Many of the people that have assisted me have gone on to do their own thing and I regularly recommend them when I have to turn down a gig.

If you’d like to chat more about teaching artistry, or just be buds, you can find me at Like the Syrup and as @carolinesyrup on Twitter or Instagram. Thanks for letting me share!

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// Rad Gal, Rad Gig: Pinup Model

Hi my name is Katty, I blog at Chronicles of a Sweet Tooth, and I am a pinup model. I don’t let the description define my whole identity, but it is a large part of who I am. I have been modeling in the vintage/retro/tattoo realm for 4 years and I swear each year bigger and better things happen.

If you are not familiar with the “pinup” genre, please, let me introduce you to the most magical part of my life. Most people a familiar with Marilyn Monroe, Bettie Page, Jean Harlow. These women kind of paved the way for modern “pinup models”. The name originated from images of women being pinned up to barracks, walls, tents, etc during war time by soldiers, and it has translated to an art form for modern day, vintage loving models.

I kind of stumbled into this art a few years ago by shear happenstance. I have always loved vintage clothing and aesthetics, so naturally I shop at stores that make those types of clothing available. I was introduced to a local photographer that specialized in pinup photography, and after shooting with them, found myself published in some international magazines such as Retro Lovely, Skin and Ink and AtomicBombshells Magazine. I was blown away by the response I got, and decided that if people liked seeing this images enough, then perhaps it is something I should look into.

I have formed a lot of great bonds with wonderful vintage and reproduction clothing companies along the way and have been privileged enough to model for Sourpuss Clothing and have a weekly feature for Steady Clothing.

Along with all the amazing opportunities that I have been given, there are sometimes a few haters out there that make it hard along the way. First, since I am heavily tattooed, I get a lot of flack for not being a vintage “purist” meaning that I don’t look exactly like a woman straight out of the 1940’s or 50’s. To me, I don’t let it get me down, because obviously this is not 1945. I get the ability to live my life with retro glamour, but all the liberties of being a woman of the new millennium, and that means covering my body in the artwork I choose. My body, my life. Second, I am a woman that has curves. This can be appreciated and it can be slammed. The great part of being a curvy build is retro styled dress it tailored for curvy, hourglass figures. Yay! But in the same breath, being a model means you are putting your body, your self, out there for judgement. Even though I think society is gaining by leaps and bounds, the acceptance of body positivity, there are still people that will comment that I am too big to be a model, or that I am plus sized. Again, technically by my measurements I don’t wear plus sized clothing, but to the model standards I actually am plus sized. It is something I just have to let roll off my back, because I am comfortable in my own skin, and I am not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.

How to get into pinup modeling

If you think you would be interested in getting into pinup or alternative modeling the best advice I can give is start out small. Start to contact a photographer, that is local to you, and book a session. The key to this, or something you need to know, is you are going to have to spend some money up front, to pay for sessions, wardrobe, hair, makeup, etc to get your portfolio started. Once you have built a solid portfolio, you will have the ability to approach modeling agencies, or start working for trade, or even start getting paid as a working model.

This is not an industry for everyone. You do have to be self motivated, creative, and develop a thick skin! I do encourage you to start looking up models that you think have a good esthetic, or images that you get inspiration from and perhaps send them a message for guidance! Getting a mentor is a great plan, and will help you navigate, sometimes unchartered territory.

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// Rad Gal, Rad Gig: European Au Pair

Hi! I'm Alex and I blog over at Her Wonderful Adventure. I have been many things in my life: foster kid, ghost story enthusiast, and teacher -- but one of the coolest things I can say about myself is that I spent a year abroad in Sweden as an au pair.

What an au pair actually does can vary from country to country and household to household. The sky is usually the limit on where you decide to go, but the basic idea is the same; to help a family with their children and home, usually including teaching the children conversational English. The term 'nanny' isn't quite accurate; actually the word 'au pair' is loosely translated as 'equal' meaning that the worker is treated as family and not a servant or housekeeper. Some au pairs just skip the paperwork and work under the table, others go through agencies. I used a web service called Au Pair World. (It's free!)

I got the idea in my head while in a really bad spot in my life -- crumbling relationship, unhappy with my pointless job, taken over by wanderlust. I saw some agency posting on Craigslist for an au pair and I was like, "What the heck is that? Travel overseas?" I researched and ran across the site, made a profile, and started contacting families. It only took a few months before I found my perfect match (no seriously, we skyped and there were fireworks!) and right around Christmas, I made my way to beautiful Sweden for the winter. I chose Sweden because I've visited before and had friends there, as well as being a little obsessed with the language and culture. It's the land of the Vikings, of course!!

To be perfectly frank, the first month was ran on pure adrenaline and nerves. I had never quite been a family member before, only the awkward foster kid, and I was unfamiliar with how families worked. I did have a ton of experience with kids though, so I just ignored the terrifying feeling of being totally lost, and focused on the wonderful boys I au paired for. They taught me Swedish relatively quickly, and their adorable broken English is probably one of my favorite things on earth! After the two month mark things started feeling normal. We were closer than ever. The family and I went on outings, spent time sightseeing and showing me the culture, and having lots of 'fika' over delicious coffee while discussing the differences in our countries. They were disgusted by things like cool-whip and flavored coffee creamer, and I was horrified at the lack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cashiers who would bag groceries for me!

The snow began to melt and the days began to get long (REALLY long...sunset at midnight, sunrise at 3am) and before I knew it this life was normal! Riding the subway to get around, speaking Swedish to store cashiers, taking my shoes off as soon as I entered the house and lots and lots of fika. A sweet sidenote that I feel I should mention here is that I met my current boyfriend, Henri, shortly after moving to Sweden. I had no intention of falling in love with a dark-haired Scandinavian hunk, but it happened. He became a part of our little family as well. My friends and my boyfriend and my au pair family all took me on amazing adventures: overnight cruises to Finland and Estonia, a long train ride to the arctic circle, the Stockholm archipelago where we had our typical Swedish summer house.

I was changed so much by Sweden and its culture and people. The authentic friendships I built, and the genuine family I have over there will never leave the deepest part of my soul. I actually recently wrote some of the ways Swedish culture itself changed me, but I will say this--no matter where you go as an au pair, you will grow and thrive immensely. Of course part of that comes from just being away from home which is important for everyone seeking to learn more about themselves. Another part of it comes from the courage it takes to just plop down in a foreign land where nobody speaks your language or knows the truth about your home. It's isolating, and being isolated is a great learning experience. And of course the job itself, caring for and looking after children, is so rewarding, exhausting, and exhilarating there are no words for it!

How to get started

If you'd like to get started on the road to adventure and finding your own overseas family, I personally recommend Au Pair World, just from my own experience. You can also google local Au Pair agencies, just make sure you do your research on them and if possible interview some au pairs for suggestions and advice. If you do find a family, always make sure you Skype with them first, and prepare a list of questions (What will my pay be? What chores would you like me to do? What hours would you anticipate me working? Can you detail an 'average' day in the household?) Pick a country you'd like to visit and search for au pair families in that country!

The people who are searching for au pairs need someone who is comfortable with kids, comfortable with cohabiting in their home, ready and willing to possibly learn a new language and teach each other their own unique culture. And good au pairs are people who are creative, adventurous, and want something a lot more unique than just a nanny job or a babysitting night every so often.

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