Intern Affairs

Hello, loves!

Today was a lovely day, as it was my last day of classes AND the last day of my internship!  This was my first internship ever, and it was an incredible experience.  I learned a lot from it, so I’ve compiled a short list of tips for present and future interns!

1. Ask for Help

This pill was initially a bit hard to swallow.  I think our generation is so driven that we often see asking for help as a sign of weakness, but really it’s a huge strength!  It shows that you are interested in learning and accept the fact that you don’t know everything — two traits that are attractive to employers and colleagues!

2. Go the Extra Mile

When you’re an intern, you get a lot thrown at you at once, and sometimes it’s hard to juggle everything.  This can make it difficult to put forth extra effort, as you can feel burned out halfway through the day.  But I promise, going the extra mile every once in a while makes a big difference, and your supervisors (who you may need for letters of rec in the future!) will notice for sure.

3. Take Notes

This is probably the most important thing I took away from my internship.  While working, I wrote EVERYTHING down.  To-do lists, contact information, drafts for emails and website copy, you name it.  While physical notes are a must, take mental ones as well.  Observe people in the office, and notice who has got their stuff together.  Take notes from the most successful people in the office, and learn from their example.  After all, you’re hoping to get a job like theirs in the future!

4. End on a High Note

Internships are not forever.  Work your hardest towards the end of your internship, and make your last day your best day.  Sincerely thank your supervisor(s) with your words and a thank you note, and leave a good lasting impression.  You never know what opportunities the company will have to offer in the future!

I hope these tips are helpful for anyone who currently is or would like to be an intern!  After all, you’ve gotta do a few coffee runs before you get to be the CEO, right?

XOXO,

Brenna

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Four For You!

Hello, loves!

I’m back today with the second round of Four For You!  I have found myself reaching for these items nonstop throughout the past week, and I simply can’t get enough of them.

1. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Perfume

I have had this perfume for just a little while now, and the honeymoon phase is still going strong!  This scent is a blend of violet, sandalwood, & vanilla (according to the description on sephora.com!) and is truly magical.  Above all, it’s mature and classic, which is exactly what I want in a signature scent!

2. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner

I am VERY picky about eyeliner, and even when I try new ones out, I somehow always find my way back to Maybelline.  This ink pen is super user-friendly, and lasts so long without smudging!  Perfect for a sophisticated, everyday cat eye.

3. Cake Batter ChapStick

While I tend to gravitate towards minty lip balms, there’s something about this (limited edition!) flavor that I’ve just been loving.  I’ll admit, this was a total impulse buy at the checkout line in Target, but I have absolutely no regrets!

4. Mint Swarovski Alex and Ani Bracelet

I seriously adore this bracelet!  It’s delicate and gorgeous, and as far as I’m concerned, you can’t go wrong with this minty-blue color.  I will definitely be donning this bangle a lot during spring and summer!

So there you are — four for you, Brenn Coco, you go, Brenn Coco!

XOXO,

Brenna

Tip Slip!

Hello, loves!

I don’t know about you, but this Monday had me crazy stressed!  I have so much going on right now that I was starting to feel seriously overwhelmed.

These typical Monday vibes inspired me to compile a list of tips for tricking yourself into feeling like you’ve got your life in order!  Because let’s face it, sometimes we don’t have it all together (and that’s totally okay!).  But no matter how disorganized I feel, there are certain things I can do to make myself feel like I can handle whatever comes my way.  Those things are:

1. Drinking a Cup of Tea

I am 100% a coffee person — I’m all about a classic black cup of caffeinated delight.  But there’s something about a cup of tea that clears my mind and soothes me…it’s almost therapeutic!  Drinking tea just makes me feel more put together and way less stressed, so I’ll down a cup whenever I’m feeling frazzled.

2. Reading

Whether it’s a chapter in a novel or an article linked on the New York Times Twitter account, reading something makes me feel more energized mentally.  Absorbing any information makes me feel more productive, which can turn my stress into serious focus!

3. Painting my Nails Light Pink

Random alert!  I know this sounds crazy, but whenever I feel like my life is in shambles, I paint my nails a classic shade of light pink (my go-to is Essie’s Mademoiselle!).  It makes me feel so polished and orderly, and like I’ve really got everything in order (even when I don’t).

4. Lighting a Candle

At the risk of being random once again, I’m a firm believer in the power of scented candles.  Seriously, lighting a candle is a quick way to clear my head and instantly feel less stressed.  Bonus points if the candle is scented with a stress reliever, like eucalyptus!

5. Giving Myself a Facial

Now, I’m definitely not an expert on skincare, so I’m not talking a full-on salon-worthy facial.  I’m talking about one of those 3-minute masks you buy at the drugstore for $1.99.  Doing a facial mask strips away a lot of tension for me and makes me feel fresh and renewed!

6. Going to Bed Early

Sometimes, the best fix for my overwhelming stress is to just call it a day.  Even if I haven’t completed everything on my to-do list for the day, I know that my mental health and well-being is more important than any ounce of work.  Going to bed early allows me to wake up feeling totally energized, and ready to tackle the next day with major motivation and tenacity!

So, there you go — my tips for conquering even the worst cases of the Mondays!  I hope these help you when you’re feeling stressed and inspire you to kick a little Monday booty!

XOXO,

Brenna

The F Word

Hello, loves!

Today I wanna talk about the F word…FINALS!

That’s right…finals are coming up and I am slowly but surely getting ready to conquer them.  There are a few things I always do at the end of the semester to prep for taking my exams, and I figured I’d share those with you.  So, here are my top tips to ensure smooth sailing for finals week!

1. Go Grocery Shopping

This may seem a bit random, but I find it’s always a good idea to stock up on food for the week before your finals begin.  The last thing you need is to get hangry while studying and be stuck without your fave snacks.  Don’t forget to grab coffee as well!

2. Get Organized

Personally, I can’t focus on schoolwork if my apartment is messy — it just stresses me out too much!  So, I always make sure to clean my room (and do laundry!) before I start my study sesh.  A clean room = a clear mind, which makes studying go a lot more smoothly!

3. Write It Out

I’m a very visual person, so for me, it helps to write out a schedule in my planner of when my exams are, and when I plan to study for them.  That way, I don’t forget or mix up any dates, and I can stay on track with my review sessions!

4. Don’t Overdo It

While I of course want to do well on my exams, I am constantly reminding myself (and my friends) that “it’s only one test.”  Prepare yourself, yes, but also take time to unwind and relax.  Personally, I like to watch a movie or do my nails to give my mind a break, then get back to work!

I hope these tips help you survive your final exams!  Remember, these too shall pass, and one final exam will not make or break your future.  Study hard, but try not to go overboard.  You can do this!

XOXO,

Brenna

Tre Songs

Hello, loves!

Today, it is my pleasure to introduce to you another Brenn Coco feature…Tre Songs!

Basically, I’m going to choose three songs that are so rad, I simply just have to share them with you.  Sound good?  Here we go!

1. “Forrest Gump” by Frank Ocean

Ever since Frank Ocean announced a new album coming this summer (!!!!) I’ve been re-listening to Channel Orange to get me pumped.  This song is just plain easy to listen to, and as far as I’m concerned, my man Frankie can do no wrong.

2. “Portugal” by Walk the Moon

I saw Walk the Moon in concert earlier this month and they were amazing!  This song is my favorite off their latest album and I just can’t get enough of it.

3. “Super Love” by Dani Im

This is my jam.  For real, if I’m having a not-so-great day or if I’m just feeling down, this song can make everything better.  Yes, I do dance to it alone in my room — how could anyone not?!

I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do!

XOXO,

Brenna

Four For You!

Hello, loves!  Here is the first feature of Brenn Coco…drumroll, please!

Four For You will (hopefully!) be a weekly feature where I select four items of any sort that I’m super into at the moment.

So, without further ado, here are Four For You! (yay for accidental rhymes)

1. Essie’s “Borrowed & Blue” Nail Color

I picked up this nail color at the Lilly for Target pop-up shop in Bryant Park last week and I am officially obsessed!  It’s the perfect light blue that I’ve been searching for.  If you’re looking to get your hands on this polish (or rather, get this polish on your hands!) don’t wait — it’s limited edition!

2. Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub

Okay, so I know I’m fashionably late to this party.  But seriously, I’m not at all surprised this is a holy grail item for so many people!  This scrub is super effective, lasts a really long time, and tastes so yummy.  My only regret is that I waited so long to try it!

3.  Kate Spade “Brenna” Sunglasses

Alright, so I may be a bit biased on these based on the name alone.  But I was so hyped when my sister surprised me with these as a gift — thanks, Melissa!  As with all things from my girl Kate, they’re playful and fun, and perfect for spring!

4. Maybelline’s ColorSensational Lip Color in Petal Pink

I actually got this product unknowingly.  I had ordered some jewelry from Baublebar during their Rebel Bloom collab with Maybelline and was sent this lipstick as a free gift!  Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised (who wouldn’t love a free lipstick?).  Truthfully, I probably never would’ve picked this out in stores, so I’m so so happy Maybelline picked it for me!

And there you have it…four for you, Brenn Coco, you go, Brenn Coco!

XOXO,

Brenna

LET’S GO BACK…

…back to the beginning.

Hilary Duff throwbacks aside, welcome to Brenn Coco!  Here is where I will be hosting a little party for the things I love.

So please, drop by once in a while for your daily dose of what’s good. I promise I’ll make it worth your while.

And with that, I’ll leave the rest to my good friend, A Fine Frenzy.

XOXO,

Brenna