It's a....boy!

Keep Up the Good Work...

Here's a guest post from the dear old hubby...thanks hon!
Here are 18 ways to make sure you get that job and keep that job:

1. Take a break. Take a week's break between jobs to clear your head. At the very least, get a good night's sleep before your first day so you'll be at your best.

2. Check your interview notes. Recall the names and titles of everyone you met and interviewed with so you will be able to greet them and pronounce their names correctly.

3. Study up. Collect back issues of the company's newsletters, annual reports and press clippings. Check out your competitors' literature, too, to get a better handle on the "big picture."

4. Work full days. Know where and when to report on day one. Get there 30 minutes early and leave when or after most of your co-workers do. Notice people's schedules and work habits, so that you'll know the optimal times and means to connect with others.

5. Project positive energy. Look and act as if you're happy to be joining the team.

6. Look good. All eyes are on you, so pay attention to your grooming. Dress tastefully and slightly above dress code.

7. Keep a journal. Write down procedures, names of key people and contact numbers, so that you'll look like a quick study.

8. Be flexible. Expect and embrace the inevitable challenges of your position. A flexible attitude will decrease stress for you and others.

9. Show appreciation. Be kind and appreciative to everyone who helps you learn the ropes.

10. Listen 80 percent; Talk 20 percent. Resist offering opinions or assessments -- that road is full of land mines. You'll get more respect by listening and absorbing what your co-workers have to teach rather than by showing off how much you know.

11. Get to know your boss. Observe your boss' personality and work style, and tailor your interactions to his or her preferences.

12. Clarify expectations. Make sure you and your boss are on the same page. Find out:


What priorities and issues need to be immediately addressed.


How often and in what format you should provide project updates.


How your performance will be evaluated.

13. Connect with colleagues. Get to know as many people as you can especially your teammates and those with whom you will work regularly. Establish the foundation for a relationship, and trust and information will follow.

14. Identify key players. Find out who the decision-makers, influence's, stars and up-and-comers are. Notice the traits they have in common and try to emulate them.

15. Uncover hidden agendas. Identify any political forces at work. While you want to avoid getting involved in politically charged situations, it's helpful to be aware of undercurrents.

16. Take initiative. As you finish assignments and are ready to handle a bigger workload, ask for more. Pick projects that have support from upper management and buy-in from your staff.

17. Don't make major changes. Even if your interviewer told you the company was looking for fresh ideas, proceed carefully. Show respect for those who have invested energy in a project or system before trying to change it. There may be obstacles you aren't aware of. Ask why things are done the way they are and seek feedback from people whose support you need. Applaud what is being done right and frame changes as enhancements.

18. Be a team player. Don't engage in gossip. Always make your boss look good. Share credit with your workmates.

So, if you want to keep your job...and maybe get a promotion...follow these tips closely...and have a strictly stylish day!

MAN DAY: A Fab Bag for a Man

Max Benjamin Mini Cigar Bag

Okay, I'm still fully ripe with pregnancy, so HAPPY MAN DAY! I was hoping that I wouldn't have a post today, but this baby will not bend to my mind control and make an entry into this world....

My hubby found a great gift that he wants for his birthday this upcoming Monday...whether he'll get it or not is another question...
He found this handy dandy cigar bag online a few days ago and even though he doesn't smoke a lick, he just has to have it! This cigar bag by Max Benjamin holds a bevy of man accessories for you to enjoy. Here's the creator's take on how the bag was born:

Last year I vacationed on a small private and somewhat secluded island in the Grenadines called Mustique. Of all my travels, this was by far the most tranquil and relaxing. There was no place to be, and no schedule required.

There was nothing but time to enjoy the breathtaking views, the smell of the ocean and the warmth of the sun (A great setting to sit down and enjoy a good smoke and a vintage whisky).

I love my scotch and cigars and I have learned that it isn't always easy to bring them with you. If you don't take them, you might not have a hell of a lot of choices of what you can drink or smoke. Which was unfortunately the case on this vacation. Don't get me wrong; I am somewhat resourceful and managed with the help of some of the local folks, to get my hands on some decent Cubans and some palatable whisky. It was then I realized I needed one case to hold those necessities.

I wanted to make a small portable case that would carry my good whisky and my cigars anywhere I went easily. Most importantly, it had to be made well, be extremely functional and most importantly, fashionable.

My Signature bag boasts a classic masculine feel with high quality studded leather, vintage-style hardware and three-pocket design. Three compartments (each large enough to hold a bottle of spirits or other accessories) divide its interior. Choose my MaxWare Cigar Bar accessories (comes with a cedar lined humidor, insulated container and 4 acrylic glasses) and turn your Signature Bag into a Mini Cigar Bar! There is nothing like it on the market (yet), and its available to you right here!

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In other words, you can hide all of your nice and naughty things in this fab bag....LOL! The line even has a mini-sommelier kit for you wine connoisseurs. Lucky you!

Send this post to all the folks in your life who you should expect a gift from and strongly encourage them to bless your life with this bag....

Have a strictly stylish day!

Strictly Fab Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to ME!! Today is a special day...so I get to take the day off...and study...LOL! Have a great day and see you on Wednesday. I am due to have baby #3 on this coming Saturday, but if you don't see a post on Wednesday, my little bundle of joy has arrived. ;0)

Hare is my before pic--taken at my baby shower this past Saturday....

No, that is not my hand, but one of my BFFs. This is a group pic, but you know how women get picky about posting pics online....LOL! Check back in a few months for a post pic--minus some hips, gut, and spreading nose....

Have a strictly stylish day!

Strictly Fab Look of the Day: Kate Hudson

The 70s are coming back in full force...as being evidenced by some disco era outfits recently seen on celebs. Check out Kate Hudson in Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Louboutin platforms below:

found on Instyle

Looking a lot like mommy (Goldie Hawn), hunh?

What do YOU think? Haute or not?

more at twiigs.com...

MAN DAY: Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all those fab Dads out there! Today, this post is meant for you to forward...to all those in your life who you hope to get a gift from this Sunday. Lemme know if it works...
Strictly Fab Father's Day Gift Ideas


Get him a new manbag. This one, the EOLE 50 from Louis Vuitton, is deluxe to die for...for about $2000K. If you want to downsize just a wee bit, most of your major department stores and remix stores (think TJ Maxx, Burlington's, Marshall's) have some designer duds at budget prices.

How about some smell goods for dear old Dad? The 3 top selling fragrances this year are John Varvatos, HM by Hanae Mori, and L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme (I know you've never heard of that one...). For a complete top ten listing, check out About.com: Men's Fashion and Grooming.



If none of the above fits the special Dad in your life (hmmm, wonder why?), you can always try the old fail-proof gift of tix to his favorite sporting event--golf, baseball, arena football, basketball, competitive gymnastics....whateva his fatherly heart desires.

I hope these ideas are helpful...and have a strictly fab day!