Day 6: Game Day!

Delay in posting today due to my morning garage sale, Leanna's soccer game, and my MUCH needed nap! Today is day 6 and I was faced with the challenge of making my dress casual for the soccer field! I have to say today was the first day I REALLY just wanted to throw my jeans on...but I resisted to stay on coarse!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Each day I am finding more items that I can use to make the dress different, and every day I am more and more thankful for what I have. I am so grateful for what this project is teaching me!

Day 6:
Black dress
Floral top, Francessca's in West Palm Beach
Pink flower belt, J. Crew
Grey leggings, Target
Black flats, Converse
Denim jacket, Lucky

Day 5: Bit O' Chill

How pleasantly surprising it was to wake up to a chill in the air! I was hoping to be able to bring out the tights soon! My client, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, http://imperialsymphony.org/ is presenting the Pops by the Lake concert tonight. This poses an extra creative challenge for the dress! Wear it twice, differently in one day! I will have to post a picture later of what I come up with!

Today's Creation:
Black Dress
Tracy Reese top, Last Call STEAL! http://www.lastcall.com/
Purple tights, Ross
Seychelles black leather booties, Last Call as well!
Black Belt, Target
Black Hat, Marshalls
My Grandmothers vintage mother of pearl necklace
Sophia Cluster Ring, Stella & Dot

Day 4: Black & White!

This morning did not go as planned! I had to hurry and get dressed to avoid remaining in my running clothes all day! That is just how determined I am with this project! Today's theme is black & white! I threw in a few pops of color to cheer me up on this dreary day! Now, off to write two social media plans for two different clients! Cheers!

Day 4:
Black Dress
White Kenar top, Marshall's steal!
La coco gold necklace paired with coral boca necklace, Stella & Dot. www.stelladot.com/cathyhayes
Bronze Boutique 9 sandals, Marshall's clearance rack find!
Leopard print Betsy Johnson bag-a gift from my sweet friend Trish!
Mustard hat: Greenflea Flea Market, NYC (The BEST street market ever!!)

Day 3, Early Morning Wake Up Call

I woke up early this morning, 2:30 a.m. to be exact. I couldn't stop thinking of all of the tasks that I have not yet completed. A scripture popped into my head, and I feel led to share it. Revelation 21:5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

I am analyzing this verse, and realizing the true comfort in it. No matter what busyness I am overwhelmed with here on earth, I find peace the in the fact that HE is making everything new. That is eternal, THAT is what matters! So many times my focus is derailed and this small scripture spoke very loud to me this morning. When I am tired and weary...He reminds me that he is in control of my future, not me! I am so thankful that he renews me, in so many ways!

As silly as it sounds, I thought about how this verse relates to the dress project! Each day I'm faced with the task of making it new! :) I was pleasantly surprised that even my own husband didn't realize that I had put a top over the black dress yesterday. He thought it was a skirt! Tells you how much he was paying attention to the point of this project when I filled him in on Monday! Ha Ha!

Day 3:
Black Dress
Pink sequin top, Free People, From one of my other favorite boutiques, m. marie, http://web.me.com/meghangullen/m.marie/
Garden Party Necklace, Stella & Dot http://www.stelladot.com/sites/cathyhayes
Silver & Gold twist cocktail ring, David Yurman
Nine West tweed shoes, with Betsy Johnson pink fishnet socks
Coral Kate Spade mini tote

The first picture is of me prepping to "run" back for the pose before the camera went off!! A funny sight indeed!

Day 2

It's day 2 and this is still FUN! Here's what's on the style menu for today:

Black Dress!
Floral Top: Glam, from one of my FAV Boutiques, Hattie's Branches! www.hattiesbranches.com
(Purchased prior to spending freeze, I promise!)
Shoes: Bobbi Blue bone satin w/ gray ruffles, LOVE this line, check it out! http://www.bobbiblu.com/
Grey Leather Tote: Villager, a Ross steal a few months ago!
Accessories: Vintage Cluster Ring and Jasmine Filigree Earrings, Stella & Dot. www.stelladot.com/cathyhayes

Day 1: My 30 Day Dress Project

It Couldn't Be Done, Edgar Guest

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
on his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.

My 5th grade teacher taught this poem to us, and although I only shared the beginning, you get the point I am sure! :) So today, November 1, 2010, I begin my 30 Day Dress Project! Inspired by some sweet friends in my MOPS group, I decided to take on the challenge! I so enjoyed watching them post pictures of their October 30 Day Dress Projects, that it inspired me to jump on board! I have a bit of a shopping issue, so I thought this project would teach me several things:

1. To use what I have and NOT buy more, (for 30 days).
2. To be thankful for a closet full of clothes and accessories.
3. To be creative with what I have to create different looks!

So for those of you that know me and my shopping habits, I am sure you are thinking it couldn't be done. But as you will see over the next 30 days....I am tackling this project!

The Dress: Black Sheath, Mossimo for Target: $29.99

The Misson: You may wash it as much as you want (usually done at night or in the morning while you're wearing your pjs. [hand washing it at night and hanging so that it's dry by morning is the most green & simple option])

You may wear accessories. we encourage you to get creative with simplicity! feel free to incorporate cardigans, leggings, scarves, belts, jewelry, etc.

Exceptions:: work uniforms, workout clothes, bathing suits, etc. (we don't want you to lose your job, stop working out, or miss out on a beach trip!)

Wear the dress as much as you can. get comfortable wearing it and allow yourself to be challenged by finding beauty & awe in the mundane act of wearing the same dress every day.

Day One: black dress, vintage gold lariat necklace (Rae's Retro), leopard cocktail ring (Betsy Johnson), leopard heels (Guess), Bronze Michael Kors Tote.

Give to Receive!

Not to go Jerry McGuire on you, but I guess you could call this somewhat of a mission statement, you know...the things we think and do not say. :)

I was writing an article the other day, pro-bono of coarse, and I started questioning the work I felt I was giving away. I started numbering the organizations that I give my time to, and analyzing the time that I was spending on each. I was overwhelmed and I am ashamed to admit, a bit frustrated. Being completely honest with you, I was actually questioning why I was giving away so much work when it hit me...I had lost perspective.

I then started to tally the clients, associates and friends that I had met while giving back and it was made clear to me that we simply must give to receive. In this world, everyone wants something for nothing. But what about the company that gives knowing full well that they may wait years before receiving? That's who I want to hire, and that is the philosophy that I want Crescendo to emulate. It's not always about collecting the high monthly retainer, its about retaining the client by customizing packages that are affordable for all budgets and providing service that produces results. Our clients are our biggest advocates and the last thing I want mine to say is, "They sent me and invoice and that's all I got!"

Actions speak louder than words, and what better way to prove this than to put your company into action...regardless of the pay off!

Shoes, Jeans & Service

What is is about the red bottoms on a pair of Christian Louboutins that makes my heart flutter? Is it the fact that I know they cost $800.00? Or is it the fact that the shoe is handcrafted, flawless and wearable at the same time? What about the $300.00 pair of designer jeans? Is it the design on the pockets or is the quality of the denim and way they fit just right? Honestly...I think it is a little of both.

After all- we want to feel fabulous. But we don't want to be suckers either! I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for. In fashion, and in business. You may hesitate a bit to drop a quarter of your paycheck on a ridiculously expensive pair of jeans or shoes, but if you knew you would get miles out of them and that they would be your go to pair for any event...wouldn't that ease your conscious?

Dependability, the kind that you don't even have to think about. That's what REAL service is! I love knowing that when I put on that great fitting pair of jeans, I am going to look my best and I don't even have to think about it! I know that they aren't going to stretch out by the end of the day, I can wear them with my heels or my Keds, and wash after wash...they will still be the same length! That is the type of service that we strive to provide to our clients! They are paying for service, and excellent service they should receive, no matter what it takes! Value...it's worth paying for!

Hayes Communications is going Crescendo!

After many months...and much thought, Crescendo-Public Relations Turned Up was born! We are very excited about our new look, but most of all the new venture! In life many adjustments have to be made. I made a huge adjustment three years ago with the birth of my 3rd child, followed a little too soon (for me...hee hee) by the fourth! Hayes Communications was put on the back burner so that I would have time for diapers, bottles, and bath times. This Fall the little ones will be going to preschool which opens up some time for me to work again! I thought what better way to make my comeback than with a new look and new energy! I am excited about this launch and look forward to where it will take me.

Being a full time mom has taught me so much. This season of my life has been trying and precious at the same time. I know there are situations that I could handle better, but I am doing my best and hanging on. Perfection is not an option in this game! Prayer is key! I am thankful for the opportunity to work again, and thankful for my family, the real reason I get out of bed everyday!

Splash page is up! www.prturnedup.com

Summer Time...Or Lack There Of!

Summer is in full swing and I am not going to sugar coat this for you. Working at home with with four kids out of school is INSANE. I have had to take many "time outs" and deep breaths. In between entertaining the kids full time, I have come up with a few suggestions that may be helpful to other "work at home" moms!

1. Pray
Before your feet hit the floor and as you stand on them during the day, PRAY! I need to be better at this, as all of my strength comes from HIM. Continually pray that God will open doors for you to do what you love, and love what you do. Pray that He will give your life balance and provide the strength that you need to handle your family first and then your work!

1. Call For HELP!
Don't try to do it all alone. Babysitters are expensive, I get that! So pull in your best resources, your friends! Trust me, they want a break as much as you do! Work out a trade day. Take their kids one day and the next day they can take yours! It works wonderfully! If your kids are like mine, having friends over keeps them busy and you have one less activity to plan!

2. Be Realistic!
Rome wasn't built in a day. You may not be able to finish your work projects in a day either! Plan accordingly, make sure to communicate your summer time constraints to your clients. Give yourself some cushion for your deadlines so that you can allow for kid-tastrophies!

3. Prioritize!
Boring but necessary! Make a list, check it twice-evaluate what can wait and what can not! Plan out your calendar in advance making sure that there is always some uninterrupted time with the kids each week. They need some play days where mom is not on the phone or the computer. This is called balance!

4. Relax!
Don't get worked up and frustrated when things don't go as planned. It isn't worth it to have a Mommy meltdown in front of the kids! This gets everyone upset and then you are much less productive!!! Be okay with crazy!! Until the kids get older, it just IS! Stop and take breathers, nap when you can and be proud of yourself for juggling the most important role you will ever take on...the role of mom!!!

The Park

We had a blast at the park today! What fun it is to take a break from reality and just have family time for the week! Ice cream and slides, sand and sun. I can't say that I have ever had a better time than what I am having right now!

The Things I Love

I have been visiting the same time share resort since I was five years old. This is year 30 at the Driftwood in Vero Beach. I love it here. I love seeing the same families that I grew up with. I love to see how much their families grow and change each year when we return. Long naps, game nights, and balcony visits are what make this week my favorite vacation each year. Trips up and down the steps to rinse out salty eyes, juice boxes and candy bars in the cooler! It's not until I get here, that I realize just how much this place means to me. I am so happy that I can share this sweet spot with my children. These are the memories that matter!

Social Media Revolution

Love this! Think it says it all!!!
http://ht.ly/1Im7W

Fashion Passion

The Fall Into Fashion Lakeland team was honored to help promote the Neiman Marcus Fashion Show at the Polk Museum of Art on April 21, 2010. Partnering with the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, the Polk Museum of Art provided the ideal atmosphere for fashion and fun! We enjoyed watching the models on the outdoor patio covered by white tents and chandeliers. The art, waterfall and outdoor lounge area set the mood for this super exclusive event! Music was provided by the band 10th Consession and was a fabulous compliment to the evening! We look forward to this being an annual event!

Happy Easter!

We had a great time on Spring Break and Easter! What a great family time! We spent time shopping, going out to lunch, taking bike rides and then topped the week off with a trip to Busch Gardens, where I have learned that I am too old to ride roller coasters! It was a sad reminder! Everyone is growing and changing! Kyle has shot up like 4 inches and is almost as tall as me when I don't have heals on :) Kennedy is a bit sassy and Kade is answering everything with "no!" Dora and Mickey are favorites and life is happy!

Social Networking Without Wasting Time!

This is a GREAT article on using Twitter effectively. As a Public Relations person, sometimes I get overwhelmed and somewhat sidetracked when trying to stay up to date with social networking. It can be exhausting! This article gives great tips on how to use Twitter in a manageable way while continuing to achieve maximum results! http://howtogetfocused.com/chapters/twitter-is-dead/

Study Shows Facebook Fans Become Valuable Customers

Check out this link! I thought that this was a fantastic article with proof of the power of social networking. As exhausting and never ending as it is...it is worth it!

http://ow.ly/16KCka

"Not So" Superwoman, But Darn Near Close!

So today I swam a mile at 5:30am, came home and made a real breakfast for my family, made 4 loaves of Classy Sudz, put together an auction package, brainstormed the tag line for my new creative company, changed diapers and wiped noses, washed, folded and put away the laundry, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher, AND still made an amazing chicken orzo and cornbread muffins for dinner. This is the life of the housewife reborn!

Hayes Communications has some amazing events coming soon! One being the announcement of my merger with a new partner. Details to come. Right now we are working on promoting some spring development seminars for local businesses focusing on how to effectively use the power of social networking. Depending on how these go, we will be providing another series over the Summer. In the Fall we will be holding our first annual Fashion Show, an elite experience for sceptical Lakeland residents. I can't wait to knock their socks off with this premier event featuring all of Lakeland's best kept secrets!!!

So stay tuned, as there is more to come from this "not so" Superwoman!

The Power of PR!

Saw this article and found it very interesting! I think in this economy businesses need growth, but they need to do so in a budget conscious way! Using PR, if done correctly, can be more effective and easier on the budget! There are a ton of creative ways to communicate your message without spending one half of what a major advertising campaign would cost! Further more..public relations efforts have proven to be more effective in increasing brand recognition and reputation!

Here is the link which focuses on franchises, but the tips are good for any business!

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Using-the-Power-of-Public-allbiz-2879283011.html?x=0&.v=1

How is PR Changing?

I came across this post on Twitter! Check it out! http://blog.journalistics.com/2010/how-is-pr-changing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JournalisticsBlog+%28Journalistics+Blog%29