Skip to content

615-294-1886

d@clairemontcommunications.com

Clairemont Communications

Clairemont Communications

  • About Us
  • Awards
  • Blog
  • Our Work
  • Services
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Awards
  • Blog
  • Our Work
  • Services
  • Contact Us

Tag: work-life balance

Making Our Own Summer Fun

Making Our Own Summer Fun

August 10, 2020January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Inspirational, The Clairemont Teamfamily, fun, moving, Public Relations, summer, team, work-life balance

What has your favorite PR team been up to this summer, you ask? Here’s how we’ve been spending our warm days while working from home!

Tracy Lathan

The Lathans are moving! I’m not sure if moving during COVID is perfect timing or the worst idea ever, but nonetheless we are packing up! Much of our summer has been filled with house projects, sorting, packing and making a few more memories. While we are excited about this next chapter, we are also sad to say goodbye to the house where we raised our babies. Here’s to a new adventure! 

Dana Phelps

Photo scavenger hunts have helped me keep my sanity this summer! They get me out of my house, and instead of thinking about the alarming headlines while I’m walking, my brain is occupied with what I’m going to photograph. Sometimes I engage a group of friends via text and ask each person to name an item for the scavenger hunt. One day that meant that I took pictures of an ant, a bee and berries, and spent a lot of time trying to find a lily pad that was nowhere to be seen on my walk! However, my default is flowers. I love flowers. Thank goodness Raleigh offers months of different blooms so that when all else fails, I can always lace up my sneakers and head out to find flowers that I haven’t yet photographed. 

Anna Beth Adcock

This may not sound like too much fun, but I’ve spent almost every day this summer running! While the heat during a North Carolina summer is no joke, running has been a great way for me to clear my mind, listen to my favorite songs (Taylor Swift just came out with a new album), and catch up on the latest podcasts. Sometimes, I can even convince a friend or two to join me on a socially distanced jog! In addition to running, I have enjoyed one of my favorite foods (avocado toast) with one of my favorite people, my sister, several times over the course of the summer.

Cherith Andes

This summer, my sister and her family jaunted down to North Carolina to visit my parents. We scrapped our traditional vacation travel plans and instead concocted our own theme park in the suburbs of Raleigh. In addition to a gigantic inflatable water slide (12 hours of wet, splooshy adventures), we rented an at-home cotton candy machine for all-you-can-eat North Carolina State Fair goodness. 

Kelli Fletcher

This summer has been all about family for me. My sister, who is expecting her first baby, left NYC with her family to come to Emerald Isle and stay for three months. We visited them multiple times, and I got to watch her belly grow – something I thought was going to be impossible when the pandemic hit in March. She’s back in NYC now, and I don’t know when I’ll see them again/meet the baby. But the memories we made during this summer, which we all thought was surely canceled, will carry me through until that day.

Hungry for more? Eat up a few inspirational ideas from the Clairemont team.

By Clairemont intern, Anna Beth Adcock, a rising senior at NC State.

Read More
Time Management in the Time of COVID-19

Time Management in the Time of COVID-19

July 29, 2020January 31, 2023 Tracy LathanBlog, Public Relations, The Clairemont TeamOrganizational Skills, Professional Developement, Public Relations, time management, work-life balance

For someone who used to frequent no fewer than four grocery stores per week, I have really been missing running errands and wandering around Whole Foods reading labels and drinking a latte.

But one of the many things the COVID-19 shutdown has taught me is that maybe I had it all wrong.

Before the coronavirus outbreak, I considered myself to be quite skilled in time management. After all, I manage my PR career, the running of our household and schedules for two very busy kids, as well as various volunteer positions at school, church, etc. Several friends raved about ordering groceries online, but I quickly dismissed the idea because, quite frankly, I am very particular about my produce.

Fast forward six months, and let me tell you, this self-proclaimed germaphobe has mastered the art of managing almost all my interactions via online orders.

Queen of Curbside

It hit me last week when I was running a few “errands” with the kids in tow. Our first stop was Benjamin Moore to pick up the paint samples I ordered and paid for over the phone earlier that morning. The nice gentleman walked them right out to the car.

Next up was Seaboard Wine for our biweekly call-ahead order. Then we headed to curbside pickup at The Container Store. We are moving this week, and not even a global pandemic was going to get between me and the mecca of organization. Then we swung through Harris Teeter and Target to grab our online orders. We pulled in and popped the hatch, and just like that, we are stocked for the week. (Who am I kidding? At the rate these people are eating, it will be gone in three days tops.)

Our last stop, or so I thought, was NoFo to grab dinner from the prepared foods section. I called in the order while we were in the car, and a staff member walked it right out to us. Even though we had never left the air-conditioned Suburban during our outing, the kids proclaimed they were hot and needed some ice cream. Kilwins to the rescue! I called in the order, and within minutes we pulled up to the door and were greeted with two ice cream cones at the curb.

The New Normal?

Wondering where I am headed with all this? In less than one hour, I accomplished what would have taken closer to four or five hours if I would have had to park, shop, wait in line to check out and drag two kids through seven stores.

It got me thinking about time management and how we can be more efficient. Has the way we shop been forever changed, even after COVID-19 is behind us?

Don’t get me wrong, when all this is over, you will definitely find me back at Whole Foods or wandering aimlessly around HomeGoods from time to time, but I will certainly be more intentional about how I schedule my errands. And I anticipate retailers will see that this level of customer service will need to be integrated into their ongoing business models. There is not a great deal we can control these days, but how we spend our time is certainly one of them.

I am curious to know if I am alone in this new world of online ordering. Has anyone else been embracing the convenience of call-ahead ordering during the pandemic? Head over to our Facebook Page and tell us what you think!

Read More
OOO: Why Time Off Is Time Well Spent

OOO: Why Time Off Is Time Well Spent

July 17, 2019January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, Travelbloggers, travel, vacation, work-life balance

Whether traveling or not, vacations are healthy. However, for many, it can be hard to step away from the desk. In fact, almost half of working Americans don’t use their entire vacation time, despite significant benefits for both work productivity and well-being. Read on to learn why vacations can be a necessary refresh — both personally and professionally — and discover a list of travel experts who will make the “where to go” and “what to plan” aspects of vacation a total breeze.

#selfcare

If nothing else, take a vacation for your health! A solid break has been known to boost your energy reserves while calming your mind. Vacations can also reduce stress and anxiety by removing you from environments that you may associate with these two things. In addition to relieving physical aches and promoting better sleep, easing stress has significant benefits for cardiovascular health. The famous Framingham Heart Study found that men who didn’t take vacations were 30 percent more likely to have heart attacks, and women were 50 percent more likely. These statistics held even after researchers took into account other health factors, including smoking and income. Similarly, in studies conducted in European countries, a correlation has been found between higher life expectancy and vacation time.

#workgoals

Vacations are also good for your career – it’s true! Studies have found that workers who take more vacation time consistently receive better end-of-year performance reviews. In an internal survey, the firm Ernst & Young found that for each additional ten hours of vacation time an employee took, their end-of-year performance improved by eight percent. Perhaps this is because vacations improve productivity — upon return, people are refreshed, re-focused and thus, more efficient. Not to mention that preparing to be out of the office encourages you to improve your workflow and waste less time. In an interview with ABC news, psychologist Francine Lederer said: “most people have better life perspective and are more motivated to achieve their goals after a vacation, even if it is a 24-hour time-out.” The restorative effects of vacations calm and clear the mind, leaving one rejuvenated and better able to think of creative ideas and smart solutions.

Feeling validated and inspired to travel but need some guidance? We’ve rounded up three inspiring travel bloggers that can get you motivated:

#travelinspo

View more on Instagram

1.The Blonde Abroad

From her gorgeous photography on Instagram to her beautifully designed website, Kiersten’s blog has resources organized by trip type, destination, photography and more. High-profile features in publications including Vogue, Travel + Leisure, and The New York Times make her an official authority on the subject.

View more on Instagram

2. The Budget Minded Traveler

Jackie’s blog is the ultimate resource for anyone with a mind for thrift. Check out her website to discover a wealth of practical information on everything from getting a passport and travel insurance to scheduling flights and using travel apps. Her guides highlight cheap and free things to do in specific cities, and she even has a resource section that compiles all her tips into a succinct yet comprehensive travel “blueprint.” Want more than visual content? Check out her podcast JUMP with Traveling Jackie.

View more on Instagram

3. The Blog Abroad

“Life is short. See the world. Spread Joy.” This advice headlines the Blog Abroad website and sets the tone for the rest of Gloria’s fearless, motivational content. Her funny, engaging voice translates into honest and refreshingly opinionated content that inspires females all over to get out and travel— even if alone!

No matter where you are in your career, make sure to prioritize relaxation and time-off this summer. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you! Need a few more reasons to take a break? Check out additional benefits to taking a break here. Want to know where we’re heading this summer? Follow us!

Piper Anderson is recent graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill.

Read More
Why Are We Afraid to Lean In?

Why Are We Afraid to Lean In?

August 24, 2016January 31, 2023 Tracy LathanBlog, Professional Development, The Clairemont TeamFacebook, Lean In, professional development, work-life balance

While I recognize that I might be a little late to the game, I choose to read Lean In by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg for my Clairemont book review selection. It’s a book I’ve wanted to read since it first was published in 2013, but seeing as I have two young children, here we are three years later.

Since the book has been out for some time, I was familiar with a few of the criticisms prior to reading Lean In, such as, “It’s easy to lean in and do it all when you have a lot of money.” But since the percentage of women in C-suite leadership positions is disproportionately low, I was interested to hear from Sandberg about her experience climbing the corporate ladder, especially in the male-dominated tech industry.

What I discovered is that,while she has held some very powerful positions throughout her career, Sandberg was also trying to juggle being a good mom, wife, friend and employee just like the rest of us. I thought Sandberg shared some insightful observations in this book. Here are a few that really resonated with me:

Don’t be afraid to speak up and take risks.

“We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in,” Sandberg writes in the book.

That was one of the most powerful lines in the book for me and something I have seen time and time again throughout my career. By nature, women are people pleasers. We don’t like to brag or call attention to our accomplishments. I know it’s a generalization, but men don’t seem to have the same problem accepting compliments for their successes.

And when offered a new role or the opportunity to take on a new project, women often hesitate – worried that we don’t have the right skill set – and suggest that someone else would be a better fit for the job.

The key takeaway here for me was that we should not be afraid to throw our name in the ring more often and be comfortable just saying thank you when approached with a “job well-done.”

Visualize your career as a jungle gym, not a ladder.

Being a working mom who has taken steps backwards and sideways in my career to balance work and family, this analogy really hit home with me. It made me realize there are many different ways to get to the top, and they are not all in a straight line.

“Ladders are limiting,” Sandberg writes. “Jungle gyms offer more creative exploration. There are many ways to get to the top of a jungle gym. The ability to forge a unique path with occasional dips, detours and even dead ends presents a better chance for fulfillment.”

You really can’t do it all…and that’s ok!

Gone are the days of trying to do it all…at least all at the same time. The reality is that when woman try to juggle career, children and relationships, inevitably one of those things suffers. We can do it all, but maybe just not all at the same time. And that’s ok! What we do need is a really good partner or support team to make it all work. Sandberg urges women to make their partners real partners instead of trying to do it all themselves. And if you are a single mom, surround yourself with a strong network to help.

The sad twist to her story is that in the book she talked so much about the importance of having a strong partner, and how her husband Dave Goldberg played a huge role in her career success. As you are probably aware, her husband died suddenly on a family vacation in May 2015. In May of 2016, she delivered the UC Berkley commencement address. During this address, she shared some very personal and very good advice with the new graduates.

“It is the greatest irony of my life that losing my husband helped me find deeper gratitude— gratitude for the kindness of my friends, the love of my family, the laughter of my children. My hope for you is that you can find that gratitude—not just on the good days, like today, but on the hard ones, when you will really need it.”

Want to read more Clairemont book reviews? Check them out here!

Read More
Oh Momma Monday: McGavock Edwards

Oh Momma Monday: McGavock Edwards

March 7, 2016January 31, 2023 Tracy LathanBlog, Oh Momma Monday, Public Relationsmotherhood, Public Relations, work-life balance

McGavock Edwards, strategic communications director at Eckel & Vaughan, is a seasoned PR practitioner with years of experience juggling work, family and travel schedules. I had the pleasure of working with her for more than a decade and was able to see firsthand how well she balanced a demanding career and family time. I recently caught up with McGavock and she shared  a few of her secrets to success, as well as some of her favorite Raleigh hotspots.

What is your occupation?

Strategic communications director at Eckel & Vaughan, a strategic communications agency located in Raleigh, NC.

What about the field of PR excites you the most?

It’s funny, really. I’m a gal who loves structure, routine and order. But, my favorite thing about PR? A day is never the same. Whether it’s learning about a new challenge begging for effective communication principles, studying the ever-changing communication landscape, or the questions that arise when a field changes so often, the ebb and flow of PR thrills me. Everyday. All day.

How has your career/professional life changed since becoming a mom?

When I first became a working mom, it was tough. I yearned for that perfect work-life balance. I always felt like I was cheating someone. Work suffered if I was focused on my child. And, I felt guilty being at work instead of at home. But, now that I have a few years under my belt, wisdom (and peace) have settled in. There is no such thing as work-life balance—at least not with a 50-50- split. Life is messy. Being a working mom is messy. It’s a struggle, but it’s also wonderful to be able to feel fulfilled in all aspects of my life. The key for me? Be as present and focused on the person or task in front of me for as long as it takes, and let any guilt roll off my back. Everyone and everything gets the best from me. Well, for the most part.McGavock 3

Any tips for juggling work and motherhood?

Don’t let guilt consume you; it’s a waste of energy. Find an employer who appreciates the value you bring, not only the hours you put in. Keep to-do lists and check them often. And, keep your calendar up-to-date and with you at all times.


Most important thing motherhood has taught you…

Focus on the moment you’re in. Once you have a child, life does truly fly by.

What do you enjoy doing when you have down time?

I’ve always liked to read, but lately I’m lucky to get through one Vanity Fair article, much less a whole book. Recently, I’ve indulged in the adult coloring fad. I know – so “basic” of me. But, I’ve found that after day of words, colors soothe my soul.

What are your favorite Raleigh hotspots?Mcgavock 2

For Your Convenience is a fave to stop by during lunch when I need a gift or a treat for myself. I love Salt + Lime for dinner with the girls. Uniquities in North Hills is my go-to for a cute new top. Millbrook Tennis Center is where I take my aggression out (on a little yellow ball).


What are three of your “faves” right now?

1) The Blackberry Smash from Salt + Lime in North Raleigh is delish. It’s not on the menu anymore, so it requires the right bartender and some sweet talk.

2) My favorite TV show is Scandal. It’s dramatic, current and smart.

3) Postmates and Amazon Prime save so much time!

To read about other inspiring mommas like McGavock, check out our previous Oh Momma Monday posts.

Read More

Posts navigation

Older posts

Categories

  • APR
  • Awards
  • Blog
  • Case Studies
  • Clairemont Client News
  • Copy Cat
  • Counselors Academy
  • Entry-Level PR Job
  • Fashion
  • Free Advice
  • Furniture PR
  • Hiring a PR Firm
  • In Our Community
  • Inspirational
  • Internal Communications
  • Marketing
  • Oh Momma Monday
  • On the Record
  • Our Work
  • Owning a Business
  • Photo of the Week
  • PR People
  • Professional Development
  • Public Relations
  • Raleigh PR Agency
  • Real Estate PR
  • Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR
  • Social Media + Influencer Engagement
  • Starting a business
  • Sustainability
  • The Clairemont Team
  • Travel
  • Trends
  • Wonderfully Random

clairemontcommunications

SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc (client) today, and rumor has it that @blah2voila has already been hamming it up with Dell! We know you want a selfie with Dell to post on Pigstagram, too!
We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of P We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of Public Relations Consultants Group, allowing us to offer clients expertise and support across the country! Clairemont founder, Dana Phelps aka @blah2voila, recently attended the PRCG conference in Oklahoma City.
2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Comm 2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Communications! Visit our blog for the full 2022 year in review!
As communications professionals, we wear a variety As communications professionals, we wear a variety of hats to meet our clients’ needs.
 
We’re writers, social media managers, photographers, marketers, editors, content creators- the list goes on and on.
 
Check out our recent blog post to learn what @olivia.noles , account coordinator here at Clairemont, does on a weekly and monthly basis.
#communicationsagency #communicationsmajor #pragencylife #pragency #raleighpr
This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voi This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voila , will be speaking at the 2022 @nc_prsa Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference! Phelps is a repeat presenter at this annual conference, and this year she is leading a session called Growing from Communication Technician to Strategic Counselor during which she will share three of her coined concepts: knowcasting, morecasting and collabolighthing. Visit our blog for the link to register for the conference!
@clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative g @clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative go together like the bacon and eggs! And speaking of bacon and eggs, have you been to @therainbowluncheonette yet? YUM!
Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc, a master-planned community just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, will welcome @parksideraleigh, a Raleigh-favorite restaurant known for its fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, to the community!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Parkside.
“What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we “What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we get this question often, we have a series on our blog where we dive into our recent projects to give you a look at what a PR Agency really does.
 
For example, a statewide resource for small businesses recently hired Clairemont to devise an executive visibility campaign to help position the organization and its director as the leading small business resource in North Carolina.
 
Head to our blog to read what exactly an executive visibility campaign entails and to learn more about our services!
So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let us tell you about our new favorite @drink321coffee ! If you are in Raleigh, go see Paul, the other Paul, Emma  or whichever smiling faces are working today. We LOVE this place and the coffee! ❤️❤️❤️
Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest mas Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest master-planned communities in the Triangle, closed on its first age-eligible rental community plan, Arden at Wendell Falls, that will offer 140 open-concept units and exclusive onsite amenities!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Arden at Wendell Falls.
Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by client @vitaviteraleigh for good snacks and great wine!🍷 Both locations are open normal hours Friday-Sunday and closed on Monday.
You never know who might be hanging out at The Cla You never know who might be hanging out at The Clairemont House. Thanks to @yellowdogcreative for helping save this buddy. Notice that we speak lizard. Or skink. Or gecko or whatever he is. Or maybe it’s the extra caffeine before our client presentation.
Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh
Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting?
Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street South @raleighwineshop ! @blah2voila was there today representing Clairemont at the grand opening festivities and enjoying the @grandchamphospitality sandwich pop up. Yum! 🍷🥪
It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers ar It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers are needed more than ever! Many organizations with scarce resources rely on volunteers and would not exist without them. Visit our recent blog post to read about the organizations Clairemont has supported and how you can make a difference in your community!
Authenticity is trending, and research shows that Authenticity is trending, and research shows that consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view user-generated content as authentic. Read our recent blog post to learn about UGC, how it can benefit your brand and how to use it in your marketing strategy.
From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 has left an impact on every sector of life, including marketing. Read our blog on marketing in a post-COVID world to learn how things have changed and how that should impact your business strategy.
We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned eight awards, five gold🥇and three silver🥈, at this year's Sir Walter Raleigh Awards hosted by the Raleigh Public Relations Society!🎉 We are beyond grateful to work with so many amazing partners, clients and industry friends!
This spring, Ali de la Vega is joining the Clairem This spring, Ali de la Vega is joining the Clairemont team as an intern! Ali is a Junior at NC State who prides herself in being a daughter and a Christian as well as an amateur athlete, overachiever and older sister. Learn more about her background and how she found a love for PR on our website!
Load More Follow on Instagram
Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: realy-store by inverstheme.
Cleantalk Pixel