Birthday Recap

Although its been 2 months since my birthday, I just got all the pictures from my Mom's fancy camera and thought I would share. Since my birthday is over summer break and all my friends were spending their summers in various locations, I celebrated my 21st birthday at my Rivah house.

Girls hanging on the dock!

Ready to tube!

Sweet lifevest photo op!

Soaking up the sun!

CRABS!

It was a great time and I am so grateful so many of my friends were able to make the trip out to the Rivah (aka middle of nowhere). Can't wait to be reunited so soon with them!

Lead a Colorful Life

Moving On

My 12-week stint as an intern is over and I am back to being a college student.

I moved out of Richmond back to Maryland this weekend for a short few days at home before I head back to one of my favorite places Blacksburg! I have a lot to do in the next few days including unpacking, repacking, doctors appointments and various errands to get ready for my Senior year.

But of course, that has not stopped me from shopping at all! I grabbed these at Banana Republic before I left Richmond and my favorite Short Pump mall!

And speaking of the mall, they had a "Christmas in July" day a few weeks ago and I had to take the opportunity to snap a pic with summer Santa!

Now I am ready to back to school shop, I am hoping to have time to hit the outlets before I head back to school!

Mexican Recipes

My favorite food category is Mexican by far. I could eat some chips, salsa, fajitas, margs any day of the week! But Mexican always tastes better in a restuarant (and NO I don't mean Taco Bell, gross!). Whether its a cheap hole in the wall, a college town favorite - El Rod's, or a nicer chain, Richmond's Plaza Azteca, I am always down for some Mexican.

But sometimes I just want some mexican at home. So to satisfy my cravings without breaking the bank I make these!

Homemade Gaucamole

My absolute favorite! Take 4 avocados, 1 large tomato, 1 onion and cut them up into a large bowl. Add lemon/lime juice and salt to season!

Fajitas

Such an easy dinner. I use Old El Paso's spice mixes, usually fajita, and make chicken with sliced onion and peppers according to the packet's instructions. Wrap it up with some homemade gauc, sour cream and cheese and your good to go.

Tortilla Espanola

While this is a Spanish dish, I absolutely loved this "omelete" type dish while in Spain and had to share! I am dieing to try this recipe from the Food Network!

What are your favorite Mexican dishes?

Intern Finale Update

So I have been busy, busy, busy! Over the past few days, I have barely had time to sit down and relaz for more than a few minutes, let alone watch tv or go on the computer!

Wednesday, Thursday, and Firday were Intern Finale! Altria pulled out all the stops for us interns!

Wednesday I had a half day of work. A few intern friends went out to lunch before heading to the Omni Hotel in downtown Richmond where we would be staying for the next few days. We had a great "Welcome" kickoff followed by a trip to Dave & Busters filled with food and games!

Thursday we visited the Richmond facilities, including a Manufacturing Center tour, where we learned about the different operating companies under Altria Group. In the afternoon we headed to Kings Dominion, where we conquered the rollercoasters, eat the famous Richmond Buzz and Ned's, and line danced.

Friday we stayed at the hotel and heard from some important people as well as had a few question and answer sessions. We also found out our prize! We get to choose from a Kindle, Kyros Tablet, Beats Headphones, or IPod Nano! I am leaning towards a Kindle but am not sure yet, does anyone have any suggestions!

Rant

I know there are a lot of haters out there.

Yes, I work for a tobacco company. Yes, I am honestly proud to work for this company.

As my internship comes to an end, interning for Altria has been one of the best experiences of my life. I learned not only about the industry and the working world but about myself and self-growth. Altria has opened so many doors that other companies and internships would not have provided me. I can say I worked for a Fortune 200 company with one of the most recognized brands in the world, and that is pretty rare.

Many people have extremely negative connotations about the tobacco industry. Yes, we know tobacco is not good for you, but when is last time you saw a tobacco company marketing for new customers, or customers at all? As one of the most regulated industries (if not the most), Altria goes out of their way to be responsible and align with society.

I hope all those haters realize that I am not out there promoting smoking or tobacco use by interning here, but I am gaining life long experiences and friends.

Summer Reading Catch-Up

I just finished "The Help" and I can't wait to see the movie! I hope they do as stellar a job as the book. But it is definetly a must-read and I enjoyed the realistic vibe that the book lead, in the end not everything will work our perfectly.

Now I am onto Kim Gruenenfelder's "There's Cake in My Future." I read her previous two books and they are perfect chick lit reads! So far so good, and its written similar to the help, in the narrative of 3 friends.

I also bought another book by my favorite author Sophie Kinsella aka Madeline Wickman that I am sure I will finish in no time! "Cocktails for Three" is about three friends who work for a magazine and meet once a month at a bar to discuss their scandalous lives, can't wait!

As an intern gift I am most likely getting the new Kindle 3G. Does anyone have any suggestions for books to get on the Kindle or any Kindle advice in general?? I would love to know!