The Beginning of the End: 5 Questions That Need to be Answered in Mad Men's Last Season

As Jon Hamm told Diane Sawyer in an interview this week, tonight only marks the beginning of the end for Mad Men, not the end of the end. There's still plenty of time to get the answers to those lingering questions that Mad Men creator, Matthew Weiner, is so good at keeping buried. We all have our list of things that make you go hmmm when it comes to this show, so I wanted to share mine with you as a little refresher to preface tonight's season premiere.

1. What happened to Peggy and Pete's baby, and will the child make an appearance?
As soon as the attraction between Peggy and Pete became obvious, I was hooked on this pairing. There is something so evil yet charming about the character of Pete Campbell that a viewer can't help but root for him. I also loved the innocence of Peggy's character at this time in the show. She was out on her own and determined to climb the corporate ladder. What I don't think she realized though, is what power will do to a man's ego and conscience. Seriously though, where is their spawn? To see a mixture of these two characters in a child would be priceless. I'm still holding out hope for this story line.

2. Will Roger and Joan end up together?
Ahhh Roger and Joan- Joan may be the only woman that Roger has ever really loved! Through his first wife to his young wife, Joan was always a stable person in his life. When Joan's husband left her with her baby, it was Roger that helped her pick up the pieces. I would be almost shocked to not see these two end up together, but stranger things have happened.

Reminds me of Don Draper @ a photo shoot

3. Will Don's real identity as Dick Whitman be exposed to everyone?
To this day on the show, only a handful of people know of Don's real identity. This story line surely will be explored even more through the last season of the show. Will everyone find out? Will the truth set Don free or cause him to spiral even more downward? Perhaps this forces Don to kill himself (conspiracy theory I allude to in question 5). There are still so many unanswered details when it comes to Don (Dick), that I feel this may be the backbone to the end unfolding.

4. Who is Bob Benson?
For real, who the $%&@ is Bob Benson?  After Pete had Duck Phillips investigate Bob last season, we find out his whole resume is smoke and mirrors. Then there was the Spanish aide that he recommended Pete hire to take care of his mother, when soon after, Pete's mother ends up dead. Lastly, was Bob hitting on Pete a calculated move, or is Bob really gay? I'm dying to know if there is a deep-seeded connection of Bob to someone in this series, or if he is just a poor man's Don Draper trying to get ahead.
                                                
5. Does the opening sequence of the show foreshadow the show ending with Don committing suicide?
I have had this question in my brain since the end of season 2. Now that this show has evolved, I'm only convinced more that this could be a strong possibility the final episode. If that's the case, serious props for creativity and great story development.

I hope everyone is as excited as I am for the start of this show again. Being in public relations and marketing myself, it's  refreshing to watch a show depict our industry as it was decades ago.

The Basics of Online Personal Branding: Five Simple Ways to Make Yourself Known

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, a corporate executive, or an entrepreneur, an online presence in today’s digital world is a must. Often, when perusing through my Twitter newsfeed, I see women making very candid and opinionated comments, sometimes as a personal attack on another. What these women do not realize is that their immature behavior casts them in a negative light when it comes to their online persona. With this being said, it’s very important for women to know how simple it is to create a strong and positive brand for themselves on the internet.

 

Here are five basic things to think about when forming your identity in our digital age:

 

1. Identify your biggest strength and focus on that.

Use celebrities as an example. They hone in on their best skill (singing, acting, dancing, business) and focus on being the best at it. They focus on being great at one skill, instead of knowing a little about a lot of things. This is the same principle you should use when forming your presence on the web. Your “skill” can range from an expertise, to a hobby, to personal interests you have in common with others (ex: TV shows, music).

 

2. Think about what makes you stand out from the crowd- why should people remember you?

Make people remember you for your knowledge, skills, and similar background, not how well you trash talk or how opinionated you are in conversations. There is such a thing as bad attention, and the internet is not the place to broadcast biased thoughts. Now more than ever, negative online behavior can effect a situation when you least expect it.

3. Establish a presence on social media with the correct audiences- Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram.

Below is the difference between audiences on social networks. Some people mass post content on all their social media profiles. This is not a good practice because each audience is very different. One universal rule is to always act with respect. You are putting your brand out for the world to see- be mindful of that.

Facebook- social friendships, family connections, and re-connecting with people from the past. People also follow businesses and news outlets.

LinkedIn- a strictly professional network- most people keep their connections on this site to business colleagues, businesses they admire, and people who they wish to connect with professionally.

Twitter- follow important topics, people, and have conversations that are important and relevant to things that interest you.

Instagram- share your life with friends through photos. Many TV shows and celebrities have accounts you can follow and comment on as well.

4. It’s all in the content you create!

Create content on a regular basis to ensure that your brand stays fresh and relevant. A personal blog or website, in addition to your social media profiles, helps people get a sense for who you really are and what you are trying to accomplish.

5. Create change- lead change, be innovative and make significant contributions to your industry.

Network, mentor, public speak, and do pro bono work. These things only make you, as a brand, stronger. For the stay-at-home moms out there, mom bloggers have proved to be some of the most influential women on the internet by just writing about products that they like and dislike.

You have the power to decide who you want to be online, and if you follow these steps, you’ll be remembered for your knowledge, contributions and influence.

The Jingle Punks Hipster Orchestra- Bringing Classical Music to a New Generation

Happy Saturday all!

So, just to preface this next post, I'll tell you that I'm a huge Justin Timberlake fan going back to his N'Sync days, and this past week while at work I made the best music discovery on Pandora Radio. Justin Timberlake's music sometimes isn't that workplace appropriate, along with other contemporary music, but the songs you know are the ones that tend to give you energy and get you in the zone at work. Have no fear, because The Jingle Punks Hipster Orchestra is here!

The Hipster Orchestra was formed in 2011 by Jared Gudstadt, the CEO of Jingle Punks Music, the New York-based music and licensing company. The purpose was to arrange both indie and pop contemporary hits as well as classics for a string-based chamber group. This group has covered artists such as The Strokes, The Black Keys, Nirvana and Justin Timberlake. Perhaps, one of their more popular Youtube videos, was the compilation of Jay Z and Beyonce songs they made for Blue Ivy right after she was born.

Hipster Orchestra is a string-based chamber group.

If you want to check this group out, they have made appearances at Soho House and Rockwood Music Hall in New York, Schuba's in Chicago, Soho House in Los Angeles, and at Voodoo Fest in my home town of New Orleans. They have also gained media attention through outlets such as The Huffington Post and made appearances on Late Night with Carson Daly.

The song that this group covered that caught my attention was Mirrors by Justin Timberlake. It ranks up there with my favorite songs of his, and to me it's one that I always thought would sound amazing arranged with an orchestra. From the first note of The Hipster Orchestra's cover, I got chills because they sound amazing and relevant. This group is a breath of fresh air in an age of music where, in some cases, autotune overtakes actually real musical talent. I consider The Hipster Orchestra a great music discovery. I'll leave you some links of two of their songs and how to find them on the web. Have a great weeekend!

Jingle Punks Hipster Orchestra
Website: www.hipsterorchestra.com
Twitter: @hipsterorchestr
Facebook: search Jingle Punks Hipster Orchestra

Mirrors
http://youtu.be/G2rcQkZ-sBs

Blue Ivy Lullaby
http://youtu.be/NeYX7kaYsQM

Class it Up this Spring: 4 Exercise Classes to Get You Bathing Suit Ready!

Happy Saturday to you all!

The weather is finally starting to heat up here in Louisiana, which puts my mind in gear to get in shape. If you're anything like me, I always stay in an exercise routine longer if I have a class to go to at a certain time and day during the week. In addition, I think the camaraderie you feel with others in the class is a real motivator to keep you coming back. With this being said, I wanted to share details about four exercise classes that I feel are great to incorporate into a routine in order to get a banging body for summer.

1. Hot yoga  - According to mayoclinic.org, hot yoga is a high-intensity form of yoga performed in a studio that is heated to 105 F (40 C) and has a humidity of 40 percent. Another name for hot yoga is Bikram. Bikram yoga is a 90-minute program that consists of a series of 26 postures. The postures require lengthy, forceful and well-controlled contractions of all major muscle groups. The demanding nature of the poses and the heat are designed to raise your heart rate and tire your muscles. Because of its intensity and potential to cause heat-related illness, hot yoga isn't for everyone. Be sure you check with your doctor before trying hot yoga if you have any health concerns. For those that watch Dancing with the Stars, the female pro dancers swear by this type of yoga.

2. Pilates - Pilates.com describes this workout as an innovative and safe system of mind-body exercise using a floor mat or a variety of equipment. It evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates and can dramatically transform the way your body looks, feels and performs. Pilates builds strength without excess bulk, capable of creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. It is a safe, sensible exercise system that will help you look and feel your very best. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates also improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain. I've taken Pilates before and the great thing about this class is that everyone really does the moves at a level that is comfortable for that person. Pilates can be altered so anyone can benefit from the class. Jennifer Aniston is one of the many celebs that are loyal to Pilates.

3. Zumba - Founded in 2001, zumba.com states that Zumba Fitness is a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance-fitness sensation! Zumba® exercise classes are " fitness-parties " that blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, for a total-body workout that feels like a celebration. We offer different types of Zumba classes, plus DVD workouts, original music collections, apparel and footwear, video games, interactive Fitness-Concert™ events, a quarterly lifestyle magazine and more. I have taken many Zumba classes and, to me, the key to loving this workout is to find an instructor you mesh with. There are different instructors who teach in different ways, but ultimately it's all about having fun. Comedian and actress, Sherri Shepherd, incorporates Zumba classes into her weekly workouts.

4. Barre - Barreonline.com says a barre workout is set to upbeat music (to keep you motivated), and lasts 60-minutes, starting with a warm-up and sequence of upper-body exercises using light free weights, push-ups and plank.  The bicep, tricep, shoulder, chest and back muscles are targeted here. Then, the workout moves into a series of ballet barre or floor exercises that focus on the thighs – which we then stretch. The seat series follows, using the ballet barre or floor. We finish off the seat with more stretching. It’s onto abs after that, followed by more stretching and some back extensions. We wrap up the class with our fun “back dancing” and our final stretch. I have never taken this before, but I was in ballet class for 10 years growing up and I still have leg muscles to show for it today. Kelly Ripa and Natalie Portman are among the celebrities who use barre as a workout.

Hope these classes help you spice up your workout routine and get you on track for a bathing suit body!

Bridget

Psst.. Here's a Celebrity Skin Care Secret!

Hello again,
As I was thinking about what my next blog post would be for this week, I went and got some coffee, then went to start getting ready for work. The first thing I did was pick up my Clairsonic Mia 2 face brush, and at that point I new I had to share information on this beauty secret with you that tons of celebrities are using today.

I first heard about the Clairsonic brush from Courtney Kerr ( Bravo celebrity) on Twitter. She runs a very successful fashion blog and when someone asked her how she keeps her skin so flawless she replied "Clairsonic brush, you'll thank me." I've come to trust her opinion on things, fashion and beauty included, so I decided to buy a Mia 2and try this little secret out for myself.

The Clairsonic Face Brushes use patented sonic technology to cleanse pores of environmental toxins, makeup, and bacteria without abrasion or harsh chemicals. According to Clairsonic, these brushes remove greater than 6x more makeup and increase skin absorption, making skin more receptive to skin care ingredients. Skin looks and feels more hydrated and users will see a reduction in dry skin patches, oily areas, and blemishes. Lastly, pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles appear smaller.

These brushes are waterproof, rechargeable, and have many brush heads to choose from, such as: deep pore, sensitive, acne, normal, delicate, and body brush. In doing some research, I found that Courtney is not the only celebrity that uses Clairsonic brushes, others include: Hilary Scott (Lady Antebellum); Nikki Reed (Twilight); Natalie Coughlin (Olympic swimmer); Yvette Nicole Brown (Community); Ashley Greene (Twilight); Courteney Cox (Cougar Town and Friends); and Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries).

The Verdict: After just two washes with my brush, I noticed the normal dry patch in my t-zone had vanished! Also, my skin looked freshly exfoliated and the natural moisture of my skin was brought to the surface, giving me a more youthful look. I bought my Mia 2 for $125, but that's a small price to pay if I don't have to get facials regularly because of this brush. All in all, well worth the money! Seriously go get one now- and don't forget to register your product online. You will automatically receive a $25 coupon on your next $50 purchase from the web site.

Clairsonic brushes are available at stores such as Ulta, Sephoria, Dillard's and Macy's. Also, you can purchase all Clairsonic products online at www.clairsonic.com.

Until next time!

Bridget

My Top 10 Twitter Topics This Week

Hola!
Particularly this week, a lot of Twitter topics have gotten my attention. With it being award and premiere season, it seems like there are an array of hot topics in pop culture right now. I'd like to dedicate this blog to my Top 10 Twitter Topics this week.

1. Lupito Nyong'o has a boyfriend... and it's not Jared Leto.
Hearts break around the world now that everyone knows "Japito" is not happening. Lupito has reportedly been dating rapper K'naan since September of last year.

2. Dancing with the Stars finally returns on Monday, March 17
Mark your calendars and set your DVRs- the joy of glitter and spray tans come back to our television in 2 short days! Tune in Monday on ABC at 7 p.m.

3. When will the Biebs be stopped?!
Anyone else disgusted by Justin Bieber's deposition video posted online? Why isn't he in rehab while being watched 24/7? And where is his mother?!

4. Kenya Moore and Brandi Glanville on Celebrity Apprentice?!
With two weeks to go until the premiere, TMZ is reporting that Kenya and Brandi have joined the cast of Celebrity Apprentice. Keep in mind, these ladies aren't particularly fond of each other.

5. Scandal fans: #whogotshot?!
Rejection can make a person act out in crazy ways, but I never thought I would see Jake Ballard (Scott Foley) actually shoot someone. Our good guy on Scandal has gone bad. Can Olivia clean this up?

Top 10 Twitter Topics

6. I'm 31 years old and still love The Muppets
I, for one, am very excited about the new Muppets movie out on March 21 and am getting a kick out of all the publicity for it.

7. Scarlett Johansson is now just a pregnant freak of nature.
Did you guys see her in that black and white outfit she wore to the Hollywood premiere of " Captain America: The Winter Soldier?" We all knew she was breathtaking before she was pregnant, but is it possible she's more gorgeous with a baby bump? I think so.

8. What was The Bachelor Juan Pablo thinking?
Juan Pablo actually expressed to Clare that he enjoyed hooking up with her but didn't know her.Even though I'm sure many guys have had his same thought, it doesn't mean you should verbalize it.  Helloo? Anyone up there? Moving on...

9. This week, Drew Brees had his eighth anniversary with the Saints.
Drew Brees has done so much for the city of New Orleans and, as a NOLA native, I can only say THANK YOU!

10. How many Bravolebrities have books out?!
If anyone has a list they could share, I would love to see it! Honestly, I love Carole Radziwill's writing style and admire her career a lot. I've also read Brandi's books and plan on buying Jenni Pulos' book

Hope this caught you up on your guilty pleasures for the week!

Bridget

Accessorize Like a Celebrity Without Breaking the Bank: Say Hello to Stella & Dot!

Hi all!

When it comes to jewelry, do you find that you have champagne taste but are on a beer budget? Have no fear, because celebrity favorite Stella & Dot makes jewelry that's affordable for the average woman's lifestyle. With spring knocking at our door, I know that I'm looking for a few bright pieces to update my jewelry collection, and since hearing about Stella & Dot, they are my go-to for quality pieces at an affordable price.

My Stella & Dot collection

If you haven't heard of this brand yet, make it a point to visit www.stelladot.com very soon! This jewelry is only available online or through representatives that host trunk shows. Personally, I learned about this collection through a friend's trunk show. You can find out more information on hosting a trunk show, and search for a representative in your area, under the trunk show tab on the home page.

Once you become familiar with this brand, you will notice the multitude of celebrities that wear this jewelry on a daily basis. To list a few names, I'll give you the most worn necklace, earrings and bracelet chosen by celebrities these days:

• Renegade cluster bracelet- Carrie Underwood, Sofia Vergara, Katy Perry, Shay Mitchell, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Katharine McPhee, Katrina Bowden and Giuliana Rancic
• Rebel pendant- Selena Gomez, Olivia Munn, Amy Poehler, Emily VanCamp, Melissa Rycroft, Julianne Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, Kelly Clarkson and Tiffani Thiessen
• Serenity stone drop earrings- Stacy Kiebler, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Katherine Heigl, Jennie Garth, Julianne Hough and Jessica Szohr

Hope everyone falls in love with Stella & Dot! On a side note, they also offer accessories like scarves and clutches. Go have some fun on the web site and prepare to take your jewelry collection up a few notches.

Bridget