What is your personality type?

There is a good chance that at one or more times in your life, probably in school, perhaps in the workplace, someone made you take a personality test. For me, the first time I recall taking one of these personality tests was in college. My results included four letters that meant absolutely nothing to me and a few corresponding career recommendations. Thinking nothing of it, I went on my merry way.

Fast forward a few years and I am in the workplace. Once again I am introduced to this same personality test. This time someone actually explains what it is, what my results mean, and how it can be used.

The personality test I am referring to is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

According to Wikipedia, the MBTI preferences indicate the differences in people based on the following:

• How they focus their attention or get their energy (extraversion or introversion)
• How they perceive or take in information (sensing or intuition)
• How they prefer to make decisions (thinking or feeling)
• How they orient themselves to the external world (judgment or perception)

The more I learn about MBTI and my type, the more I am fascinated. I am an ENFJ, and the description of my type could not be more accurate. 

ENFJs account for about 2–5% of the population. ENFJs understand and care about people, and have a special talent for bringing out the best in others. ENFJ's main interest in life is giving love, support, encouragement, and a good time to others. They make things happen for people, and get their best personal satisfaction from this. They take note of what is being done and what needs doing, offering their assistance wherever necessary. They are natural cheerleaders.

ENFJs enjoy organizing group activities and tend to take their commitments seriously. They are reliable and do not like to disappoint others. As team players and leaders, they have a gift for rallying their team, focusing on each member's strengths. They are loyal and they expect loyalty. They carry conversations well, finding common ground with all they speak to. They tend to find the correct and gracious way to respond in any given situation, no matter how tense or uncomfortable it is.

More so than any other type, ENFJs have excellent people skills.

ENFJ: President Ronald Reagan

ENFJ: Oprah Winfrey

What is your personality type? Find out here.

Vineyard Vines Atlanta Store

Vineyard Vines is opening a store at Lenox next month (August 2012). Additionally, with the recent openings of Lilly Pulitzer at Phipps, and Sperry Top-Sider at Perimeter, there is evidence of a growing demand for preppy retailers in the Atlanta market.

Up until now, this blog has concentrated solely on style for females. This post seems like the perfect opportunity to work in a little something for the gentlemen. It is no secret that I favor a preppy style for men. This is sometimes referred to as classic, all-American, or clean-cut.

No matter what you want to call it, Vineyard Vines does it well. Gentlemen, take note.

Whale Shirt

Sandy Point Tucker Shirt

Clubhouse Shorts

Jersey 1/4 Zip

Fish Hook Belt

Love At First Shoe: Diana E. Kelly

"I love your shoes!"

I inevitably hear this phrase each time I leave the house in a pair of Diana E. Kelly shoes, which is pretty often. Strangers go out of their way to compliment them. I have had countless elevator conversations with random people about the brand, usually ending with me writing the website on whatever piece of scrap paper they can find at the moment. Each time this happens, a sense of pride comes over me. I am simply thrilled to share the work of my very talented friend.

I still remember sitting on the living room floor in the Kelly family home and looking at the newly delivered samples with Diana. It has been an honor and a privilege to see one of my very dearest friends attain such success.

Vegas for Diana's First Expo - FN Platform
August 2010

Now, let’s get to the good stuff, the shoes.

There is a reason women flock to these shoes. They are simply stunning. The styles can easily be taken from day to night, and transcend generations. Women are known for sacrificing comfort for beauty, especially when it comes to shoes. Designed with the help of a podiatrist, you finally don’t have to pick one or the other. I can comfortably wear my 4 inch Elizabeth Heel all day at work, and well into the evening.

Here are a few of my personal favorites for Summer.

Champagne Elizabeth Heel, Circle Brooch

Coral Monica Wedge, Starfish Brooch

Fuchsia Satin Maria Flat, Pearl Brooch

Platinum Clementine, Coral Seahorse Brooch

For these beautiful styles and many more, please visit http://www.dianaekelly.com/.

Tervis Snob

I have been a Tervis Snob for as long as I can remember. My parents received a set of 4 nautical Tervis Tumblers as a wedding gift in 1982, and as time went on, the collection continued to grow. Their cabinet is now filled with all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors.

My collection is much more uniform. I prefer the 16 oz. classic design (clear with only the single patch). They line up so nicely in my kitchen cabinet.

Growing up in the Sarasota area, I fully acknowledge that I may seem a bit biased toward the product since that’s where they are manufactured (Venice, FL). I assure you, bias aside, these cups are worth every penny.

Reasons to love Tervis Tumblers:

1. They do not sweat. Those of us with coaster anxiety surely appreciate this.
2. They have a lifetime warranty. If they ever break or start collecting condensation, just send in the broken cups and they’ll ship you new ones. Considering my parents still have the original nautical set from 1982, I would say they hold up well.
3. They can be used for hot and cold liquids. 
4. They are dishwasher safe. Who would use anything that isn't?
5. They have lids and straws that fit so you can take your Tervis anywhere.
6. They have more design options than you could imagine. You can customize your tumbler and make it your own. 
7. Not only are the tumblers great for you, they also make wonderful gifts.

a perfectly patriotic party

I love all holidays, but July 4th holds a special place in my heart. Get out your stars and stripes. Plan everything in red, white, and blue. Here are some spirited recipes for your very own Patriotic Party.

Source: punchbowl.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: 5minutesformom.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: bloomdesignsonline.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: partycity.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: lisastorms.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: challengedairy.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: goodhousekeeping.com via Amy on Pinterest

Mind Your Manners

Etiquette isn’t just for the fancy dinner table. Etiquette goes far beyond formal dining and affects our work, home and social life. Proper etiquette governs our behavior – from our public demeanor to our style of dress, from the way we hold a fork to the way we thank our hostess.

By brushing up on your manners and etiquette, you will always feel confident in knowing that you are well-behaved. You will always know how to act appropriately and politely in each and every situation you find yourself in.

Life is a bowl of cherries – as long as you know what to do with the pits. – Kate Spade

..Perfect Books for a Brief Etiquette Review..

 

 

For a more complete guide, I suggest Emily Post or Amy Vanderbilt.

Lessons in Philanthropy

A young boy and an old man were walking along a beach. As they walked, the boy picked up each starfish he passed and threw them back into the sea. Confused, the old man asked him why.

"If I left them here," the boy said, "they would dry up and die. I am saving their lives."

"But the beach goes on for miles and there are millions of starfish," the old man said. "How can what you're doing make any difference?"

The boy looked at the starfish in his hand, threw it into the ocean, and answered, "It makes a difference to this one." 

--- President George Bush