CasaSugar

Do You Celebrate Secretary's Day?

Diana Nguyen — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:00:06 PDT

Happy Secretary's Day, or, to be more PC, Administrative Professionals' Day! Whether you're the corporate exec or the small-business owner, today's the day to honor the backbone of your operations. Where would you be without your morning cup of joe, organized daily schedule, or human phone call screener? In fact, these days secretaries, or administrative assistants, go above and beyond the call of the filing cabinet and not only maintain your work life but, oftentimes, offer support in personal matters as well. A bouquet of flowers or a nice intimate lunch is a nice gesture to show your gratitude.

And for all you secretaries out there: how do you want to be appreciated on your day? Will you be disappointed if your boss forgets or doesn't acknowledge your work accomplishments today? Chime in below in the comments!

Found It! Sex and the City 2 Wallpaper and Secretary

CasaSugar — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 07:00:00 PDT

I just posted my sneak peek of the set décor from Sex and the City 2 on Monday, and already the questions are flooding in about where to pick up the film's fabulous furnishings. Of course, there will be many more as we get a closer look at the flim, but I thought I'd respond to the first few of you who have already written in. Check out this slideshow to get the details on the décor!

Roundup: Secretary Service

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:00:00 PST

Secretary desks are a bit uncommon these days, but that doesn't mean they're any less useful. If your home is more bijou than sprawling, a secretary is a smart, slim, dual-purpose item that you should definitely consider. It serves both as storage and as a desk, and offers tabletop space. If office work isn't in your plans, you can use a secretary as a bar, too!

Here are a few of my favorite secretaries out there in the great wide world right now:

Secretary & Chair - Sold Out	Anne Secretary - Sold Out
"Bright Sky" Secretary - $2,799.00	Horchow Avocado Secretary - Sold Out
John-Richard Collection Ladies' Secretary - Sold Out	Horchow 'Slate' Asian Secretary - Sold Out
Alve Secretary - Sold Out	Eastman Secretary - Sold Out
Holloway Secretary Desk - Sold Out

Source

Before and After: A Stylish Secretary

CasaSugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:00:43 PST

I just came across interior designer Eddie Ross's makeover of a beautiful secretary he found at a New Jersey consignment shop, and I couldn't help but share it with you. The Chippendale style of the desk with its graphic grille and shapely top facade is very elegant, but the reddish mahogany veneer was very dated. So, Ross decided to make it over with a fresh coat of his favorite paint, Farrow & Ball's All White, and a mirror fit for behind the grille. To see the transformation,

read more.
I'm really impressed with this project. The mirror gives it a contemporary polish and the white paint makes it youthful and not so stuffy. Head over to Eddie Ross to hear the steps he took to transform this wonderful secretary.
Source

Love It or Hate It? Martin the Mule Secretary Desk

CasaSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:12 PST

French company Ibride recently gave a sneak preview of this new design, Martin, a contemporary mule-shaped secretary, at the Maison & Objet trade show in Paris. Not only does Martin's body serve as convenient storage for books and papers, but it incorporates lighting and Ethernet cords into the design, using them as a "reins" for the mule. I find it hilarious and whimsical, but obviously it's not for everyone, or every home.
Source

What's Buzzworthy: Embarrassing Movies to Watch With Parents

BuzzSugar — Sat, 19 May 2007 11:45:05 PDT

Last week I invited you all to Buzzworthy the movies you've watched with your parents (or grandparents, or in-laws) that just made you cringe, slump down in your seat, or pretend to yawn, stretch and call it a night. There were some great Buzzworthied DVDs, as well as many comments about embarrassing movie experiences. Check out some of the titles bookmarked by Buzz readers, and then a few "highlights" (if you can call them that!) from the comments section of last week's Buzzworthy challenge.

Wedding Crashers
Selected by gruaig_rua, among other commenters. gruaig_rua says, "The scene where Isla Fisher's character goes under the dinner table......cringe!!!"

Secretary
I couldn't agree more with this selection from Fab_Kitty, who writes "I love this movie, but can't think of any flick more embarrassing to watch with older family members. Be sure Grammy knows this movie isn't about a sweet Doris Day-type heroine!"

More embarrassment if you

read more Borat As Mainly Obsessed says, this movie needs no explanation. It's simply NSFWWP (Not Suitable For Watching With Parents).
Eyes Wide Shut Linda McP has this to say about her pick, "Definitely a Kubrick study-in-humanity film and definitely one that is difficult to watch with anyone...especially Mom and Dad! Keep your eyes wide OPEN and be sure you are watching with someone with whom you can have a philosophical discussion about the merits of the film afterwards."
Now for some classic stories from the comments section: From shy_baby: "A couple of months ago I went to the Jamie Foxx concert with my boyfriend and his parents. Talk about UNCOMFORTABLE, Jamie was so explicit with his jokes and his songs were pretty much all about sex. And to top it off he had very scantily clad dancers popping and dropping like strippers. I would have enjoyed the concert if I wasn't so concerned about how my bf's parents were feeling, LOL." From swwonder: "Not a movie but Sex and the City. Oh and I watched the south park movie with my uncle, if you've seen it and heard the first song you'll get the discomfort." From Carebear144: "I made the mistake of watching Jarhead with my parents, and the scene where Jake Gyllenhaal is dancing around with only a Santa hat covering him up was excruciating. Also, I watched Monster's Ball with my parents, and the sex scene between Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thorton is uncomfortable enough on its own, but it was unbearable with my parents in the room!" From spacebear: "Meet the Fockers was so difficult to watch! Each time I laughed I thought my mom was looking at me like "how does she know that?" and the same was going on vice versa! Unfaithful was SO uncomfortable. We didn't talk about it and when we got home my sister asked how the movie was and my mom just answered 'it was a lot of humping'" From sigmaration: "I once watched American Beauty with my parents... and the sex scene between Carlolyn and the real estate guy was bad enough... but then the phone rang in the middle, my mom paused the DVD, RIGHT DURING THAT SCENE.... so we all stared uncomfortably at a still shot Annette Benning with her legs splayed in the air while she was gettin' it from the real estate guy. For like 20 minutes. It was a nightmare."

Sexism, Stereotypes, and the Super Bowl: Recent Ads That Sexualize Women

Anna Monette Roberts — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:05:00 PST

Sex sells - especially for Super Bowl ads - and year after year, major companies try to get away with the raciest, steamiest ads possible, often at the expense of women. Cars, food, technology - it doesn't matter what the product is; these ads throw in a hot, skin-baring woman for distraction and buzz. Ahead of the big game tomorrow, let's look back at some of the most scandalous ads in the last few years. And maybe one day we'll see more Super Bowl ads that show women some respect.

Skechers: "Kim Kardashian For Shape-Ups"

Kim teases her trainer by telling him he's "the best she's ever had, but it's not working out," and she prefers her Shape-Up Skechers over him. This 2011 ad is confusing and mismarketed, because it's eye candy for men, yet targeting women. Plus, no woman in her right mind would pass up that smokin' trainer for a pair of sneakers.

Click here to check out more sexualized Super Bowl ads.

A Picture For Every Year of Hillary Clinton's National Service

Annie Scudder — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:05:53 PST

"I think after 20 years, and it will be 20 years, of being on the high wire of American politics and all of the challenges that come with that, it would be probably a good idea to just find out how tired I am," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told State Department employees yesterday. Hillary has been on the national stage for two decades, as a presidential candidate's wife, first lady, senator from New York, presidential candidate herself, and now as secretary of state.

Although she didn't attain her goal of becoming the first woman elected president in the US, Hillary Clinton has blazed trails for women. Hillary was active in policy making during her time as first lady, and now as secretary of state she champions the rights of women around the world. When she does eventually step down, which she says she'll do once President Obama nominates a replacement, many Americans will likely miss her presence, as nearly two-thirds of Americans have a favorable opinion of Hillary today. Until she does retreat back into private life, let's look back at a picture for each year of Hillary Clinton's national service.

Link Time: First Look at Marni For H&M, Why Kate Moss Will Never Be on Twitter, and More

FabSugar — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:00:40 PST

Get a first look at the Marni for H&M campaign - Fashionista
Kate Moss reveals why you'll never find her on Twitter - Styleite
Modeling for Chanel made Alice Dellal "feel like a lady" - The Cut
The Simpsons get styled: see them as Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour, and more - The Daily Beast
Forever 21 releases its Exclusive Designs lookbook - The Budget Fashionista
High-heeled loafers for the sexy secretary in you - Stylelist
A couture newcomer with sex appeal to spare - Style.com
Which of Cameron Diaz's Couture Fashion Week looks was your fave? - Red Carpet Fashion Awards
The fashion risk you'll be glad you took - Real Simple
The worst looks from Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks - Yahoo Shine
The Row makes a big business move - HuffPo Style
Mixing snakeskin is still big for Spring - Purse Blog

Reader Asks: Should I List My Current Job?

Savvy Community — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:20:53 PST

This reader wants to know if she should list her current job since she hasn't been there long. For more career questions, check out the Ask Savvy community group.

I was working as a legal assistant for five years, but due to lack of raises and a cut of hours I was forced to look for employment. I have bills and rent to pay.

The new job is a paralegal position, which I minored in college. I hate my new job. The people are rude. The hours are terrible and my boss yells at me and everyone else for everything. It's unlike anything I expected and I have responsibilities that aren't even considered in my job description!

My friend works for the state and has told me about a position that has opened up for a legal secretary; the pay is actually MORE than my paralegal job now and it's 10 minutes away from my house. My friend is a head supervisor and said she is going to try her best to get me in. Since the job was not posted on any public sites, I feel like I have a good chance of getting an interview.

Problem is, should I list my old job? Should I not? I don't want them to think I'm jumping from job to job. Help!

Ask anything budget-, etiquette-, or planning-related - well, almost anything - by posting your questions in the Ask Savvy group, and I'll find the right expert to help you out.