Jen A. Miller Consulting

Author: Jen A. Miller

How to Take the Perfect Vacation Pics

6 Tips to Capture Your Picture Perfect Vacation

When I sat down to create my vision board at the start of the year, “Be More Creative” was one of the goals that topped my list of 2014 resolutions. For me, part of accomplishing this goal meant becoming more familiar with the DSLR camera I’d purchased. Fortunately, the year has afforded plenty of reason to flex my newly forming photography muscles. The most recent of which was the trip to Cannes and Vienna from which I’ve just returned.

In the days leading up to the trip I kept my “DSLRs for Dummy” book by my bedside to brush up on my beginner photographer skills. Then, camera in hand as we jet set across Europe, I set out to capture the perfect vacation pics. Though I still have a great deal to learn, I’ve picked up a few basic skills from which any camera-happy single girl could benefit.

Whether you’ve got a vacation of your own coming up or would simply like to pick up a few new tricks, here are 6 tips to help you capture your favorite days in the most memorable of ways.

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August 21, 2014
How to Say “Hello”

Best practices for meeting Mr. Right Now

PHOTO: Celebration of Women.

There I was just a-walkin’ down the street singin’ do-wah diddy… I locked eyes with a cute stranger for a full 45 seconds then continued on my merry way without looking back. A simple “hello” in that situation would’ve sufficed to save myself 24 hours of shoulda coulda woulda. I’m a firm believer in things working out as they should, so there is no real loss here… only a lesson in taking a chance when the opportunity presents itself.

It’s tough enough to put yourself out there in a social situation. What more when you’re in a public place that isn’t natural for opening up to conversation? As with most things, practice makes perfect. Especially if you aren’t one to strike up a conversation with just anyone, start small.
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August 19, 2014
The Timeline Project

A New Tool To Help You Reach Your Goals

“Whatever you want to be or be a part of, you know that leaving it to luck, to chance, to fate, probably isn’t going to get you there. You’ll need to plan and focus and work really hard. That’s where The Timeline Project™ comes in to help. It’s all about capturing your dreams, zooming them into focus, prioritizing and making them actually happen. It’s an online tool that’s part journal, part mood board, part info-rich resource. And it’s all yours to play with, get inspired, update, and share as often as you want.”

I hadn’t planned to post about The Timeline Project this week. Actually, the truth is quite the opposite. Until just a few days ago I had never even heard of it. Like many things that are simply meant to be, The Timeline Project inexplicably fell into my path. During my daily ritual of browsing through my favorite blogs, I came across a headline announcing the arrival of this newly formed platform for millennial women. Needless to I was intrigued enough to read more.

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August 15, 2014
Career Lessons From On-Screen Leading Ladies

7 lessons in building a career from favorite on-screen characters

We are encouraged at an early age to declare what we want to be when we grow up. Some of us followed that path through college: we picked a corresponding major and a post-graduate career goal. If you were a liberal arts major, chances are you ended up doing something you had no idea you could or wanted to do. I am a big supporter of self-discovery as long as you are progressing with direction. In an era when young people average 2 years at a company, many are unsure of what’s next. Whether or not you’re at that crossroads, these 7 on-screen characters inspire career lessons that may push you to take your next step.

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August 14, 2014
In It For the Long Haul | A Reflection on a Long-Term Relationship

6 lessons in a 6-year long-term relationship from Angelo Ignacio, our first male contributor

PHOTO: Angelo Ignacio.

This year I celebrate six wonderful years with my girlfriend. Leezel and I are now often the longest running couple among our friends, but we continue to learn new things about each other and what it takes to keep building this love fortress that we have invested in over time.

In reflecting about our relationship thus far, I immediately thought of sharing some of the past years’ biggest learnings. In the advent of sites like BuzzFeed and Thought Catalog, I read some pretty corny articles that have attempted to portray the beauty of relationships. While some of it is true, I find most of them so one-sided; they never talk about the hardships that are absolutely imminent. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that love takes work, not dreams. This woman has been worth every bit of it.

In the spirit of a young love still eager to learn, here are six important truths I’ve discovered about playing for the long run. They are very real to me and may take a second or even third read to wrap your head around. I’ve come to understand that these ideals are what have elevated Zel and me in the game of hearts. I hope you’ll take something from what has taken me 6 years to find and accept. (more…)

August 13, 2014