Happy birthday to me – 25 and still learning as I go!

So, it has been a while. Life has been hectic, and I let my blog slide…shame on me! But a lot has changed in the last month or so, and I am learning a lot.

I am currently about half way through my field placement. It’s nice to be getting some hands on, practical experience. I have been writing stories, designing templates and managing an internal online publication…right up my alley!

I already have a job lined up for when I am done: a seven week contract with Niagara’s War of 1812 Legacy Council. A lot of exciting things are happening with the online presence of the Council and I am excited to be a part of it. I am also excited to venture back to good old Niagara for the summer. What could be better than combing my love of Communications with my love of Niagara?!

Things with mangia cake are awesome! With adorable business cards printed and quickly depleting Amanda has been busier than ever. You can also now find her on Facebook and Twitter! I recently helped her (aka stood on the side lines as she worked her magic) and received an appreciation for what she does. It’s not easy, it’s pretty amazing, and she puts her all into it – blood, sweat and tears! Thanks for all the positive feedback and support we have both received since launching the website. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.

The FAB four - Jules, Amanda, Laura and I at dinner

On a scarier note, I celebrated my 25^th birthday last week! I had a perfect birthday weekend at home with friends and family.  My mom keeps reminding me that I am a quarter of a century old. This makes me evaluate my life and realize that I am on the right path both personally and professionally. I have the most amazing home, friends and family a girl could ask for.  I am glad I made the move to Toronto and explored the exciting field of Corporate Communications and Public Relations. I don’t know exactly where it will take me or where I will end up. All I know is, I am excited for the challenges that lay ahead.

Online communications can be fun with friends…and mangia cakes!

Recently, as part of a Client Project class, I had the opportunity to work with one of the most creative, passionate, thoughtful people I know – my good friend Amanda Rietveld. For what seems like forever, Amanda has been making the loveliest and unique cakes for many specials days – family functions, birthdays, weddings and more! Through word of mouth her baking projects grew and before we all knew it she was taking orders.

The need to make her talents official struck me over the head after a conversation with another good friend. After little convincing we were soon making a business card and website to spread the word about the emerging home-based business, mangia cake by amanda. Using a soft colour scheme of yellow, pink and brown along with girly details, music and text all aspects of mangia cake became a reflection of the homemade, personalized service.

With the help of our host bludomain we were able to create a unique and cheeky website aligned with the business card and overall business image. I was forced to ask questions like: “What is the call to action?” and “is it user-friendly?” Keywords were placed on each page. Lists were made, words were bolded. Not only did the site have to look good and make sense, but it had to work from a communications standpoint – I was actually applying all the things I’ve been learning in school.

Now that the company image has been established, and the business card and website created, Amanda is entering the world of social media. She is currently writing a blog, with plans to expand to other medians such as Facebook and Twitter.

As I launch into an internship based on online, web communications I know this experience will help me in many ways. Most of all, I am happy to have helped share the special talents of an amazing friend and client.