10 Random Things You May Not Know About Elle

I was asked to do a facts post about myself so here it goes. Hope you all enjoy and keep the requests coming. 

10 Random facts:

1. I do not drink cow's milk. I can eat food cooked with milk, but other than that... vanilla soy milk for me.

2. I have a phobia of seeing toothpaste anywhere else other than my mouth. If I have to clean it up off the sink, I have to close my eyes and hold my breath. And if I get it on my hand, I have to wash them with soap.

3. I am a mutt! Italian, Jamaican, and Indian runs in my blood. My sperm donor's side is definitely a walking melting pot.

4. Hence fact 3... Me and my father do not have a good relationship. Never have and probably never will. I have come to accepted that.

5. I have 2 daughters. My first I named after my late mother Marie Antoinette. Which the movie coincidentally came out the same year I gave birth to her. Meant to be huh?

6. I cry when I tinkle! Weird? And a tad TMI but hey... you asked for it! Lol

7. I was a victim of rape as a child. I hope to help other's one day on this topic.

8. I use to be a tom boy growing up and beating up on the kids in the neighborhood was my specialty!

9. I have a total of 16 piercings and would like more.

10. I HAVE to sleep on the left side of the bed. The right side is the enemy.

I would love to hear you guys random facts! Whether you have a blog or not... leave them in the comments below.

~Elle

A Job Interview??

Am I the only one that gets nervous right before an interview? Let me tell you, I hear the word INTERVIEW and I am a split second from passing out and hoping someone will catch me! It is such a nerve wrecking situation for me. But nonetheless in this day and time I am happy to have had one. No interview =  no job! I have been working for myself the last year doing freelance modeling and makeup. While this can be a lucrative scenario, I sometimes miss having the stability of an on the clock job. Not to mention paying out of pocket for good health insurance for a family of 4 is reason enough to hop onto an employers health plan! So the hunt begins and I have become one of the crabs in the barrel fighting to the top for that one position to create that stability I long for.

I began to think as I'm getting all "Beautified"... I wonder what others do to keep their nerves down when they are going on an interview? And why is it so dang nerve wrecking! I mean it's not like the interviewer is a part of the CIA and I'm about to be interrogated on top secret information. Why do I fall to pieces at the thought of going on an interview?

So I thought to compile a few tips that will possibly help you like they did for myself yesterday. I found myself repeating a few of these tips to myself to keep me positive and calm before stepping foot into the office with the big round table and penetrating eyes with no hint of a smile. I mean seriously... do interviewers have to stare you down like that?? Creepy!

1. Remind yourself that the interviewer is only HUMAN like yourself. They are not above you and are only doing their job. They once sat on your side of the equation.

2. Give yourself a pep talk. In this case it's ok to actually talk to yourself! Just make sure no one's around to hear. Speak positive affirmations such as, "I am worthy of this job", "I am successful in whatever I do", or "I believe in myself and I will make other's believe in me too".

3. Be personable. No matter how well you may be capable of doing a job, no one wants to hire a sauerkraut who may give issues for the company later. Smile and show genuine emotion.

4. Know the company or brand. I have never been on an interview where they have not asked me, "SOoooo, why do you want to work for this company?" Surprise them by actually giving them background about the company. Take note if they help out in the community or if they sponsor any nonprofit organizations.

5. Practice. Think of some of the common questions asked on an interview and think of how you will answer them. Remember to stay positive and upbeat even if the question may be begging for negativity. For example they may ask, "What is your weakness?".

6. Remember to maintain eye contact. Not being able to look them in the eyes while speaking may tell the interviewer that you are uncertain. Looking them in the eyes as you speak tells them you mean what you say and you are speaking with confidence.

7. Know that after the interview is over you will be ok. You will get up from the table and leave with the same two legs you walked in on. Even if you don't snatch this job up, it was practice for the next opportunity and you tried your best!

So these are a few of the things that helped me. What do you do before or during an interview?

~Elle

Welcome to My World

I often sit and wonder where my position in this world is. What is my purpose? Am I changing? If so, is it for the better? Or maybe for the worst? Why did yesterday I love this shade of lipstick, but today it's just a tad too pink? Why was reality T.V. my way of ending my night a week ago... yet today it's a sign of pure ignorance where everyones name is "Bitch". I no longer care what "Keisha" is doing to the next and how her man's pockets are supporting her lifestyle that I have nothing to do with.

Today I may want to talk about how my hair floats in the wind and what products gave me that curly head you loved in my youtube video. Tomorrow I may want to chat about why the HELL this lady in front of me is in the express line with a shopping cart full of merchandise when all I want is a bottle of wine! 

Whatever the topic and whatever the mood... this is my world. Documenting my growth and my tears. I just hope you guys have the eyes and ears to take it in. Join me?

~Elle