tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67751358051933692892024-03-18T21:25:43.017-07:00VB Intern BlogVera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-50581123756211317342011-08-12T11:12:00.000-07:002011-08-12T12:41:19.541-07:00This is it ... My last day.<div align="left">There is only one way to describe today ... bittersweet. After 12 weeks as an intern at <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>, today is my last and final day, and next week I will be moving back to <a href="http://www.butler.edu/">Butler University</a>. I am definitely not ready to leave, but I am pretty excited to go back to Butler to see all of my friends and professors ... I’m not going to lie. As a way to bid adieu, I’ve decided to close out my summer as the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=communities">intern blogger</a> with a Top 10 list of the things that I will miss most about my internship. Here we go:</div>
<br /><ul><li><div align="left">The HR Cave & all of <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/08/human-resources-arguably-best.html">HR</a> - Unlike other departments at <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/very-vera-first-day.html">Production Road</a>, HR has an entire room all to ourselves known as the HR Cave. While I'm sure it would be fun to work anywhere at Vera Bradley, I am definitely partial to our room. We don't have many traditional cubicles, which makes it seem more collaborative and conducive to discussion of various topics (from the most recent episode of <a href="http://www.history.com/shows/swamp-people">Swamp People</a> to things that actually pertain to work). And because we're in our own space, we also don't bother everyone else at Production with out chit chatting throughout the day.</div></li>
<br /><li><div align="left">The receptionists (specifically Kathleen) - Vera Bradley hands down has <em>the</em> most cheerful and sweetest receptionists that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Every day they do everything that they can to be helpful and kind to every person they meet, which just makes work that much more fun. My personal favorite has to be Kathleen, the receptionist at Production Road, simply because I get to walk past her several times a day, sometimes on official business, and somtimes just to visit her candy dish (the Tootsie Rolls are my faves).</div></li>
<br /><li><div align="left">The Cat Lamp - In the restroom closest to my desk, there is a cat lamp on a small side table, for decorative purposes. I love its uniqueness, and I just might have to find one for my sorority house as well ...</div></li></ul>
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640035524758181698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVp6ic7WjjS7vllmiohKGDRc6ryNMyg2uO5jLv07SawWLg4XtLsb1XLY_CP4dWhTMXyjrRbfU9ieow9lWc4mz9X51DNLVJVR0IIeIj6peACs068zHBZje9vqiBqASb0ROXDU78qatfjw/s400/P8123380.JPG" />
<br /><ul><li><a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/07/college-life-vs-vera-bradley-life.html">Friday breakfast </a>at Production Road – Every Friday, breakfast is provided for us here at Production Road. Sometimes it’s fancy – like Belgian waffles and whipped topping and sometimes it’s basic like cereal and bananas – no matter what it ends up being, I always love getting ready for work on Fridays knowing that there is food waiting on me at work. Today, we had muffins and fruit, a simple yet solid last Friday breakfast (I had a Blueberry muffin and an apple, it was delish).</li>
<br /><li>My email signature – I remember when I first accepted my internship, and I got my first email from Jill (one of the intern program coordinators). I loved the signature so much and thought it was so pretty that I forwarded the email to my sister, and I did the same thing when I got my very own on my first day, since it made me feel like an official part of the Vera Bradley team. I think it’s safe to say that I get excited very easily.</li>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiqM64kYY-9uPifpROnMyz7iDigHU3JvFtaBBBdNa3LuwzDlYGbg5xiEGZWH-oM0udWoEE92opXs4z_ualgd8eXYdQaJVNF9QX0esFQ0UmtS1JxN5HJMp9Y5kWTVJRbFgulwW0H8__lE/s1600/emails.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 207px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640036770230230098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiqM64kYY-9uPifpROnMyz7iDigHU3JvFtaBBBdNa3LuwzDlYGbg5xiEGZWH-oM0udWoEE92opXs4z_ualgd8eXYdQaJVNF9QX0esFQ0UmtS1JxN5HJMp9Y5kWTVJRbFgulwW0H8__lE/s400/emails.PNG" /></a>
<br /><li>The other interns – No offense to the other intern groups from the past, but I think we are the best group that Vera Bradley has ever had. Not only did we all come together and bond like no other group has before with our <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/07/all-american-intern-dinner.html">intern dinners</a> and <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vb-intern-life.html">outings</a>, we all also did rather amazing things this summer (like coming up with a more efficient way to sew the toggles onto bags at <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-feel-like-sewing-superstar.html">ACR</a>, revamping the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/custserv/custserv.jsp">Customer Service</a> training manual, and developing a plan for some new and exciting events for the <a href="http://www.verabradley.org/">Foundation</a>). A few days ago we had our final presentations in front of all of the mentors, the Executive Team, and the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=aboutus">co-founders</a> Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, and it was unbelievable to see how much we all learned and accomplished during just 12 short weeks this summer. </li></ul>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHPE8NE3iMPh0uZZvwdgKXkmrV-rAuXfi5XuAi4e2_b1nheYIw0PPQc6ZV3NdpDx2dGEZJ11aIsB0fYhzlNJcEz_mEd6n2Nld2K9pJvjvBAoU3ruVq-EZTTnXieta2ckPdFWeKe82Z3o/s1600/2874.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640037219158021954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHPE8NE3iMPh0uZZvwdgKXkmrV-rAuXfi5XuAi4e2_b1nheYIw0PPQc6ZV3NdpDx2dGEZJ11aIsB0fYhzlNJcEz_mEd6n2Nld2K9pJvjvBAoU3ruVq-EZTTnXieta2ckPdFWeKe82Z3o/s400/2874.jpg" /></a>
<br />My summer internship experience at Vera Bradley has been more amazing than I could have ever imagined, and I truly wish that today didn’t have to be my final day here. If you think that a summer full of learning, having fun, and being surrounded by the most <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a> <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Handbags/641/pc/638.uts">bags</a>, <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Office/644/pc/638.uts">stationery</a>, and <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Accessories/645/pc/638.uts">accessories</a> humanly possible is something that you would be interested in, then definitely consider next summer’s internship program. While we won’t know what departments will be having interns until next spring (usually in late February), once the positions are <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=careers">posted online</a> you can apply, and who knows, you might be a part of next year’s intern class!
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<br />A Big Thanks Goes Out To:
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<br /><li>Everyone at <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a> – The best part about working here is being surrounded by so many amazing people, so thanks for being so welcoming and great, all day, every day!</li>
<br /><li>Copywriters Courtney and Ana – I’m so fortunate to have had the chance to work with two fabulous ladies. I’ve learned so much from both of you, thanks for everything!</li>
<br /><li>Everyone in <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/08/human-resources-arguably-best.html">Vera Bradley HR</a> – I couldn’t have asked for a better department to work with, thank you all for being so much fun and so helpful. I’ll be back to visit sometime (<a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=outletsale">Outlet Sale</a>, possibly?) but until then we have to stay in touch!</li>
<br /><li>And lastly, you! To all of the readers and fans of <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/">Behind the Seams</a> – Thank you for all being so supportive, and for coming back to read each blog post! Thank you each for making this experience so much fun and worthwhile, I’ve loved every minute of it!</li></ul>
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<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKDoWjTGJK8OEfSpjRUE3KSiygNXw1JN2yK91Lj3nBMYoLrkKb4b7XMxWP0CoDhDE5kMFbJWi5TN-jrhcAsUezceyifUhOjs4AIY2KZeCdD3Nrd5DeZ0v0ib_h6agAQrjaOB3LEjD_UY/s1600/Interns_08-03-11_02.tiff"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640038179562447154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKDoWjTGJK8OEfSpjRUE3KSiygNXw1JN2yK91Lj3nBMYoLrkKb4b7XMxWP0CoDhDE5kMFbJWi5TN-jrhcAsUezceyifUhOjs4AIY2KZeCdD3Nrd5DeZ0v0ib_h6agAQrjaOB3LEjD_UY/s400/Interns_08-03-11_02.tiff" /><p align="center"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The 2011 Vera Bradley Interns</span>
<br /></p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-44173017982043559892011-08-11T12:44:00.001-07:002011-08-11T13:27:01.832-07:00Human Resources: Arguably the BEST department at Vera Bradley<p>Today is my next-to-last day at <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>, and I am definitely not ready to leave. This is for several reasons, but mainly, I just love the people that I work with in HR entirely too much. Since we have four buildings in <a href="http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/">Fort Wayne</a>, and everyone in HR works in different buildings, I don’t get to see everyone every day, or even every week, but I have enjoyed every minute that I have had with each of them. Here are just a few of my favorite memories of my amazing summer here in HR ...
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<br /><strong>Celebrating</strong>
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<br />On Jill’s (one of the Recruiting Specialists) birthday, we decided to celebrate by decorating her desk … and the area above and around it. She was actually on vacation at the time, so the decorations were our response to not being able to party with her on her big day. She came back the following week to this beautiful and very festive scene ...</p>
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<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhlJZQodGCf5v6S0aD0lrvZYwyQMP0aEQzFCuC7f9WGsWilYjU_WX_mKTom2fl3UJbvctiTbVnp2ufzMLxcdnUwy4pdYleYAzx8YhhP2apFgLb86rNc2UnH92B9oo4PeZK4ECXMOJu6I/s1600/P7153190.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639687555842514146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhlJZQodGCf5v6S0aD0lrvZYwyQMP0aEQzFCuC7f9WGsWilYjU_WX_mKTom2fl3UJbvctiTbVnp2ufzMLxcdnUwy4pdYleYAzx8YhhP2apFgLb86rNc2UnH92B9oo4PeZK4ECXMOJu6I/s400/P7153190.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Jill’s desk – all ready for her birthday.</a>... </span>
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<br /><p><strong>Traveling</strong>
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<br />Only about a month into my internship, I had the opportunity to travel to a <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-store-opening.html">store opening </a>– Vera Bradley at <a href="http://www.beachwoodplace.com/">Beachwood Place </a>– in <a href="http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/Home">Cleveland, OH</a> with Ryan and Amy, two of my co-workers at <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/very-vera-first-day.html">Production Road</a>. Not only was this really exciting because it was my first “business trip,” I also really enjoyed getting to travel with Ryan and Amy as we explored northern Ohio for the day. I’m sure they enjoyed our trip as well; during the eight hours of driving I told them all about my family’s farm and my days of showing cattle, so they learned a lot!</p>
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<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIlDE5RfQZwR3DDk6Gl_UUBwW-s2zdwhKKL3-hAYOnbn6_kssJtbAfBmpqdl1nq1GBpIKc0ofaYngnIj7l2aKPZM9M6NT0PiOPjZo16z0CfAq2imbiI_yQnujjjXbnERwCS6jSlDi65k/s1600/cleveland.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639687310563293922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIlDE5RfQZwR3DDk6Gl_UUBwW-s2zdwhKKL3-hAYOnbn6_kssJtbAfBmpqdl1nq1GBpIKc0ofaYngnIj7l2aKPZM9M6NT0PiOPjZo16z0CfAq2imbiI_yQnujjjXbnERwCS6jSlDi65k/s400/cleveland.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Ryan, Amy and I enjoying the beautiful new <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/custserv/store_content.jsp?pageName=VeraBradleyStores">store</a>. </span>
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<br /><p>Just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel with Amy, Ryan, and my mentor, Becky, to a recruiting fair in <a href="http://visitindy.com/">Indianapolis</a>. This gave me the chance to see another side of the recruiting world, and it also allowed me to introduce the others to my favorite Indianapolis original cupcakes. It came just at the right time, because I was starting to have withdrawals from Indianapolis and <a href="http://www.butler.edu/">Butler</a>, my second home. We went to <a href="http://www.cafepatachou.com/">Patachou on the Park</a> for brunch before the fair began (one of Amy, Ryan and I’s favorites), and we stopped for the famous <a href="http://www.theflyingcupcakebakery.com/">Flying Cupcakes</a> afterwards to reward ourselves for all of the recruiting that we did that day. It is safe to say that the day was a definite delicious success!</p>
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<br /><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639687077808198418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7y7sCpRELCk96k2yxNI0UE5363pa_8FkHbKNx9UUlY0R8zTpuOMQPaTQSEgdLhL2vCUcI0jby7s_Oa4CSXPbr4W71PHyMSgV1QFGc5KynzaUQ72Oa4sSogHxbEA4kVa3XNlQLZhJZWA/s400/P7193200.JPG" /><p align="center"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Our table at the recruiting fair complete with all things <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails.</a>... </span></p>
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<br /><p><strong>Gathering</strong>
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<br />One thing that I have learned about HR is that we love to get together for lunches, whether it is for someone’s birthday, to welcome someone to the team, or just because. So, in honor of my last few days at <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>, everyone met at <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/very-vera-first-day.html">Production Road</a> for lunch today. It was so nice just to get to see and talk to most of the team again before I leave, and of course I loved having <a href="http://www.jimmyjohns.com/">Jimmy John’s</a> for lunch as well! (I now officially feel like a college student again!)</p>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWbyRbL4PVrWV8dm89vwfQuOHZtAoXixC1dFwWeSFfF2vg3YEdVayMKE1Zm82GhWIRd6XK0KvQN99dVigkzOIUdU1Fix0fugLy9gOdpzPLFf_1_V4MBxnyCVIAGRUvQltaFSRVVWeGgo/s1600/P8113377.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639686717580591186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWbyRbL4PVrWV8dm89vwfQuOHZtAoXixC1dFwWeSFfF2vg3YEdVayMKE1Zm82GhWIRd6XK0KvQN99dVigkzOIUdU1Fix0fugLy9gOdpzPLFf_1_V4MBxnyCVIAGRUvQltaFSRVVWeGgo/s400/P8113377.JPG" /><p align="center"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Everyone from HR that was able to come to my farewell lunch … I’ll miss them all!</a>... </span></p>
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<br /><p>Being an intern in HR this summer has really opened my eyes to so many things that will be useful in my future. From understanding the ins and outs of the hiring process to seeing how this company functions on a daily basis, I really can’t wait to tackle my senior year and my next steps – finding a real job after graduation. Most of all, all of my fabulous co-workers in HR have shown me the importance of enjoying going to work every day, and they have made my summer internship more amazing than I ever could have imagined. Now that I think about it, do I really need to finish college, or can I just stay here forever?</p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-79488760280573521782011-08-10T13:29:00.000-07:002011-08-10T13:52:04.886-07:00Vera Bradley Intern Success Stories<div align="left">Here at <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>, there are quite a few employees who actually started out as interns, like me. They are now working in departments ranging from IT to Visual Merchandising to Indirect Sales, and some even interned in a completely different area. One of my goals before I end my summer as a <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vb-intern-life.html">Vera Bradley Intern</a> and the Intern Blogger has been to talk to two of these now full-time employees about their transition from one position to the other to see what their time at Vera Bradley has been like. I went straight to Caitlin and Samantha, two lovely ladies who were interns just <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=31">last summer</a> – I figured their intern days would be most fresh in their minds.
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<br /><strong>Meet Caitlin –</strong> Last year’s Product Development Intern turned Product Development Process Assistant
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_iW7jYNVvHeXcpwZL0K2gnzsyWxm3SebpcmeO8617i8qMPu3JZJvZiVq9EmM5YyvvBVGuNj5C0o8GXeLVGa2Pops5EK4Wgpa7RcdY8PwT0cIEzZkJtMAbtwFIsQRk-QOqJVEmUn-G2Y/s1600/3473_jpg.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639330121392493362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_iW7jYNVvHeXcpwZL0K2gnzsyWxm3SebpcmeO8617i8qMPu3JZJvZiVq9EmM5YyvvBVGuNj5C0o8GXeLVGa2Pops5EK4Wgpa7RcdY8PwT0cIEzZkJtMAbtwFIsQRk-QOqJVEmUn-G2Y/s400/3473_jpg.jpg" /></a>
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<br />“I joined the Vera Bradley Product Development Team as their summer intern in June of 2010. My main responsibility was to assist in the implementation and adoption of the company’s new Product Line Management (PLM) system called Flex PLM. Other Product Development tasks I was exposed to during my internship included: creating trend and concept boards, participating in seasonal calendar meetings, assisting the Technical Design team in updating specifications and merchandising product for key PLM Meetings. At the conclusion of my internship, I returned to the <a href="http://www.fitnyc.edu/">Fashion Institute of Technology</a> in New York, where I as studying Advertising and Marketing Communications to complete my last semester of school, and in December of 2010, prior to graduating, I was asked to join the Vera Bradley family as a Product Development Process Assistant. Now, my main objective is to provide operational support to the Product Development team in all non-creative processes. The biggest challenge in the transition from my internship to a full-time position has been learning to work with such a creative bunch! (I actually worked with Liz from <a href="http://insidestitch.com/category/liz-on-location/">Liz on Location</a>!) I am a very left-brain thinker and the Design Team really challenges me to constantly be thinking of new, innovative ways to assist them in their day-to-day roles. I can’t say enough positive things about the Vera Bradley Internship Program. My internship experience exceeded all of my expectations and truly has set me up for success by connecting me with so many great people. Vera Bradley is an amazing company and I am honored to say I am a part of such a wonderful organization.”
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<br /><strong>Meet Samantha –</strong> Last year’s Merchandise Management Intern turned Merchandise Planner
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIxRjMR9eEzjgN-4nPguDJ70h_dtpwvgZgPatKOQDzPO0qeM25_CyYwvNc1Heyai_oxrqAU4Zd_Qznafb-rMGw7PN4rL5ev-dCGHBisigy1fQ6smAZipARBpYc8nmA1rcgE9tFwvHyww/s1600/3456_jpg.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639328085703994738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIxRjMR9eEzjgN-4nPguDJ70h_dtpwvgZgPatKOQDzPO0qeM25_CyYwvNc1Heyai_oxrqAU4Zd_Qznafb-rMGw7PN4rL5ev-dCGHBisigy1fQ6smAZipARBpYc8nmA1rcgE9tFwvHyww/s400/3456_jpg.jpg" /></a>
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<br />“I started as a Vera Bradley intern in May 2010, right after I graduated from <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=bowling+green+state+university&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=&oe=">Bowling Green State University</a> where I majored in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development. I was the Merchandise Management intern for the summer and had an array of job responsibilities that included working with all the cross-functional departments discussing sales demand, future assortments, pricing and product life cycles, along with conducting research and making recommendations for ideal assortments. Upon the completion of my internship, I interviewed and was hired on (full time) to be a Merchandise Planner. I was so excited to join the team, whom I have grown to love, on a permanent basis! Overall, the transition from an intern to a full-time employee has been very smooth, as I was already accustomed to a majority of my job responsibilities. The main difference between the internship and my full-time role has been the gain in responsibilities and expectations to become more of a leader. Both of these differences have helped me grow as a young professional, and I am so grateful for that. Lastly, I am truly so lucky to be a part of the Vera Bradley team. I could not have picked a more perfect job to start my career off with, and it all started with my internship.”
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<br />As I think about going into my senior year of school, which will then lead into the land of the unknown in regards to where I will be living and working, it is so nice to hear about how these two ladies ended up staying at Vera Bradley. It just comforts me and makes me wonder… where will all of this year’s interns end up a year from now, or a couple years down the road? No matter where we may go, I do know that we will never forget this amazing summer that we spent together at Vera Bradley, and that we will always stay in touch. (Even though it won’t be the same without our Vera Bradley email addresses!)
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<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639329734428865442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqQpy_ptcpcYJ0AMIR_KDfuqZit-KYKseaiPoz2QYwb4t4Hn9Xpfit8GXs_PlNAmg7_lvwv2wuprXUMhd2I4u85gWHDEBl5s98IC-apgdVTYNja4fNM0UIa3zKMFmQ_xJFhG9q0Hbe2I/s400/2874.jpg" />
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<br /><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">All of us together – looking so professional.</span></p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-74425261295882702722011-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-09T08:28:24.300-07:00Grand TravelingThis summer, even though I have been technically been living and working in Fort Wayne, I have been so busy with other commitments at home or at <a href="http://www.butler.edu/">Butler</a> that I have done an awful lot of traveling as well. Throughout the summer I have been on eight mini trips including visiting friends at <a href="http://www.butler.edu/">Butler</a>, traveling to the <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-store-opening.html">new store opening in Cleveland</a>, going to <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/08/vera-bradley-wedding-must-haves.html">my sister’s wedding</a>, and even attending a national convention in <a href="http://www.visitmusiccity.com/indexfull.php">Nashville, TN</a>. With all of this driving I have been doing, I have also had to do an awful lot of packing. Normally I do not enjoy picking out my clothes ahead of time or making sure that I have everything that I could possibly need, but being able to put to use all of my <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a> has actually made this tedious task enjoyable. I have a couple of <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Large-Duffel/154786/defaultColor/Viva+la+Vera/p/154786.uts?fromSearch=1">Large Duffels</a> (in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Poppy-Fields/737/pc/639.uts">Poppy Fields</a> and <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Caffe-Latte/654/pc/639.uts">Caffè Latte</a>), a <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Vera/154766/defaultColor/Plum+Petals/p/154766.uts?fromSearch=1">Vera</a> (in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Pinwheel-Pink/672/pc/639.uts">Pinwheel Pink</a>) and a <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=garment+bag">Garment Bag</a> (in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Cupcakes-Green/669/pc/639.uts">Cupcakes Green</a>) that have come in handy this summer, however, my new favorite bag to travel with is my <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=grand+traveler">Grand Traveler</a> in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a>. Now that I am a Vera Bradley packing pro, I kept track of how I put all of my things together as I prepared for my Nashville trip to share a few tips with all of you!
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<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638837026436284562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbW6KhyphenhyphenYCOM7NpEXgSDF2St-9to7V6C9y_ecU5q29NcfsnpLU-L2EfiI65-JnMhe92a_eahqEFI-76MFXUuLMILZV2836ctdWc0SmfreqS950VOPir5mF_B_UrpKCLH_hpwRrLGY9O6o/s400/P8023310.JPG" /><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">My </span><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=grand+traveler"><em>Grand Traveler</em></a><em> and everything I placed inside – an </em><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/All-Wrapped-Up/1001218/defaultColor/Boysenberry/p/1001218.uts?fromSearch=1"><em>All Wrapped Up</em></a><em> in </em><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Boysenberry/799/pc/639.uts"><em>Boysenberry</em></a><em>, a </em><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Mini-Hanging-Organizer/1001156/defaultColor/Happy+Snails/p/1001156.uts?fromSearch=1"><em>Mini-Hanging Organizer</em></a><em> in </em><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts"><em>Happy Snails</em></a><em>, 3 </em><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=curling+iron+cover"><em>Curling Iron Covers</em></a><em>, a </em><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Travel-Cosmetic/154768/defaultColor/Twirly+Birds+Pink/p/154768.uts?fromSearch=1"><em>Travel Cosmetic</em></a><em> in </em><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts"><em>Happy Snails</em></a><em> and a </em><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=ditty+bag"><em>Ditty Bag</em></a><em> in </em><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Caffe-Latte/654/pc/639.uts"><em>Caffè Latte</em></a><em>.</em>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5wI6M-tZnt_bbJ-hxrFwrj8o4YUFpM3WDP3lNklS2UN1TH9IIolK3jVBKtSIz5g-Z5q2Jn4wYvZoxb9sTcBFsf0OdDfaU5io0sYDodEdmePJt6nWD_h7B-YLt1HGhdBNuajVxfsknRw/s1600/P8023313.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638855385207349330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5wI6M-tZnt_bbJ-hxrFwrj8o4YUFpM3WDP3lNklS2UN1TH9IIolK3jVBKtSIz5g-Z5q2Jn4wYvZoxb9sTcBFsf0OdDfaU5io0sYDodEdmePJt6nWD_h7B-YLt1HGhdBNuajVxfsknRw/s400/P8023313.JPG" /></a><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">My <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=curling+iron">Curling Iron Covers</a> are quite possibly my favorite travel items, especially since I have them in one of the newest patterns (<a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a>) and a couple of <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=retiredcolors">classics</a> (Peacock and Mesa Red)!</span></a>
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<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638837509673036162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa6gGbOQR9bxtqNS5kPUu9NSgQet49iCC7ga6pVOFJKQejvUq_GBGadFsDVHO_iSjm8aYLY20Qs6ZyyB15DJGlSvh7fYooQLMfwGDiWhv9xiUfUjX1gQ6M1BejrGfNSngPGqqLsu51eI/s400/P8023314.JPG" /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Previously, I used two different makeup bags to organize my makeup and brushes, which was confusing and made it easy to lose things. Since I got my <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Travel Cosmetic</a> in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a>, I have been able to keep everything in the same place tucked into the very convenient pockets on the inside. </span></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmOtSNmIYzE0cqz5XcMgcf5YYZp3D-GhlOQ8OwEf17z-gM9vzMmSj9PhfjwMie-3tpQ7C3C-bPYENJCAI2db1E1JAAu9cE1i4ALOkfHTTb86uj2GAp6hN2A_1qUR7EsuEDlJ2DNh6G2M/s1600/hanging+organizer.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638855681121645458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmOtSNmIYzE0cqz5XcMgcf5YYZp3D-GhlOQ8OwEf17z-gM9vzMmSj9PhfjwMie-3tpQ7C3C-bPYENJCAI2db1E1JAAu9cE1i4ALOkfHTTb86uj2GAp6hN2A_1qUR7EsuEDlJ2DNh6G2M/s400/hanging+organizer.PNG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Mini-Hanging-Organizer/1001156/defaultColor/Happy+Snails/p/1001156.uts?fromSearch=1">Mini-Hanging Organizer</a> in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a> is the perfect size for holding my hair accessories and contacts, while still being small and compact.</span></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPvirnBHQenJAywfy3PO68kl3wQtvpLTKmQig5A3j9VEdkkTv3zh7nTk9FHoGVEZxJUJKWQQaCHipiN623fm9U7qPaYs4keGXOMSJjmW3in9HTBqkctrzFjTG0zDamu_mJHG8I14-x0w/s1600/P8033326.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638837204952968370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPvirnBHQenJAywfy3PO68kl3wQtvpLTKmQig5A3j9VEdkkTv3zh7nTk9FHoGVEZxJUJKWQQaCHipiN623fm9U7qPaYs4keGXOMSJjmW3in9HTBqkctrzFjTG0zDamu_mJHG8I14-x0w/s400/P8033326.JPG" /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">My <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=grand+traveler">Grand Traveler</a> and <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Tote/154817/defaultColor/Lemon+Parfait/p/154817.uts?fromSearch=1">Tote</a> (both in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a>) all packed and ready to make the trip to the <a href="http://www.visitmusiccity.com/indexfull.php">Music City</a>! </span></a>
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<br /><p>Even though I will always love my <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Large-Duffel/154786/defaultColor/Viva+la+Vera/p/154786.uts?fromSearch=1">Large Duffels</a> and other bags, I do believe that my <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=grand+traveler">Grand Traveler</a> will be my new go-to bag for awhile. Not only is it in my new favorite color (<a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a>), I also love that it has one long strap that makes it easy to wear crossbody style, plus a trolley sleeve that lets it sit conveniently on top of your rolling luggage. For my next trip, however, I will definitely be enlisting the help of all of my <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>. I will be moving all of my things from <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-new-home-sweet-home.html">my apartment</a> in <a href="http://www.visitfortwayne.com/">Fort Wayne</a> to my sorority house at </a><a href="http://www.butler.edu/">Butler</a>, and then going home to enjoy my last few days of freedom before I begin my senior year. What happened to the summer, and why is it time for school to start already? </p></a>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-72382938291270541882011-08-03T11:03:00.000-07:002011-08-03T21:40:00.493-07:00Everyone has a Vera Bradley story to shareThroughout my summer as an intern with <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>, I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet quite a few dedicated Vera Bradley fans. At <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/08/vera-bradley-wedding-must-haves.html">my sister’s wedding</a>, I bonded with a few ladies over the gorgeous new <a href="http://insidestitch.com/2011/07/07/fall-is-here/">fall colors</a>, and at the <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-store-opening.html">store opening</a> in Cleveland at <a href="http://www.beachwoodplace.com/">Beachwood Place Mall</a>, some families shared their <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=outletsale">Outlet Sale</a> stories with me. It seems that everywhere I go, I meet someone who has some connection to the brand, which has made for some very fun conversations. Many of the women whom I have met have shared their special memories or significance associated with their Vera Bradley, whether they carried the bag with them to work every day, or they received it as a birthday <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/section/Gift-Ideas/731.uts">gift</a>. To them, their Vera Bradley is more than a cotton-quilted bag in a fun, colorful <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/section/Color/639.uts">print</a>, it is representative of a cherished memory.<br /><br />As I have been reflecting on my amazing summer here at Vera Bradley, I have started thinking about my own Vera Bradley story. I was first introduced to the brand when I went to college. Everyone, and I mean everyone, at <a href="http://www.butler.edu/">Butler University</a> carries Vera Bradley, which makes for a very colorful campus! It is so popular that they even sell it at our campus bookstore (making it even easier for us to always have something in one of the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Whats-New/786/pc/638.uts">newest prints</a>). I started off small, buying just a <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=zip+id+case&x=0&y=0">Zip ID Case</a> and <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Wristlet/154814/defaultColor/Folkloric/p/154814.uts?fromSearch=1">Wristlet</a> in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=retiredcolors">Kensington</a>. Before I knew it, I was hooked. Next up … a Messenger Bag in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Blue-Rhapsody/699/pc/639.uts">Blue Rhapsody</a>. I’ve carried it almost daily ever since, and it has been the perfect bag to take to class and to the library—it fits my laptop, binders and books. My collection has continued to grow, with <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Large-Duffel/154786/defaultColor/Viva+la+Vera/p/154786.uts?fromSearch=1">Large Duffels</a>, a <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Vera/154766/defaultColor/Plum+Petals/p/154766.uts?fromSearch=1">Vera</a>, a few <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Tote/154817/defaultColor/Lemon+Parfait/p/154817.uts?fromSearch=1">Totes</a>, and my newest favorite, the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Clutch-Wallet/154812/defaultColor/English+Meadow/p/154812.uts?fromSearch=1">Clutch Wallet</a>. I’m sure that having an <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html">internship</a> here at Vera Bradley has nothing to do with how many new things I have gotten in the last few months …<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ3DBHr2O7tPPpOEVJwXkttjOUUlFa_j9AHknwRqBonYrFWL9u1xAwJqURwgVcgG8n9mWxAf7TbHtqpL-NlRJseu1ejBEA8prgYWyvhkCmjuyqH_MoD7xEf4u2BvJ-trmSXSC3PiEcoQ/s1600/P8033321.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636692204243442178" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZ3DBHr2O7tPPpOEVJwXkttjOUUlFa_j9AHknwRqBonYrFWL9u1xAwJqURwgVcgG8n9mWxAf7TbHtqpL-NlRJseu1ejBEA8prgYWyvhkCmjuyqH_MoD7xEf4u2BvJ-trmSXSC3PiEcoQ/s400/P8033321.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This bag will always hold a special place in my heart ... and in my closet. </span><br /><br /><p>What’s your Vera Bradley story? Or what was your very first bag? Comment and share with us!</p></div>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-50168800708670828022011-08-02T11:35:00.000-07:002011-08-02T12:26:33.519-07:00Vera Bradley Wedding Must-HavesThis wedding season has been extra special and busy for me - my sister married her sweetheart just a week and a half ago. (Happy One Week Anniversary Natalie and John!) As her Maid of Honor, I’ve become an expert in extremely helpful <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a> items necessary for the big day.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Tote/154817/defaultColor/Lemon+Parfait/p/154817.uts?fromSearch=1">Tote</a> –</strong> My Tote in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a> was the perfect bag to carry all of the essential Maid of Honor items. From the marriage license (that we lost the morning of the wedding, since it wasn’t in my bag), to the rings, a sewing kit and makeup to touch up right before the walk down the aisle, my tote held everything that I needed, and best of all—it matched the wedding theme colors of navy and light green.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWOv8uHB0bEWvdx85epVHw9H-grYcAKFNpWvpWPMp0l8pnwIliXur_Jj8bZKgSZVGgsL8qbtBHJT2C9aGUcCnUv4Z7lQDJPGXyO11UbDCay3SBZxWoPIE7JcqFxExINMk6sQxTOvtoWw/s1600/10449111.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636335130325053794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWOv8uHB0bEWvdx85epVHw9H-grYcAKFNpWvpWPMp0l8pnwIliXur_Jj8bZKgSZVGgsL8qbtBHJT2C9aGUcCnUv4Z7lQDJPGXyO11UbDCay3SBZxWoPIE7JcqFxExINMk6sQxTOvtoWw/s400/10449111.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Hanging-Organizer/1000947/defaultColor/Plum+Petals/p/1000947.uts?fromSearch=1">Hanging Organizer</a></strong> – The night before the wedding, all of the bridesmaids stayed with Natalie in her room at the hotel where we were having the reception, so we didn’t have much room to spare while getting ready in the morning. Natalie’s Hanging Organizer in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Purple-Punch/660/pc/639.uts">Purple Punch</a> and my Mini-Hanging Organizer in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a> saved us room, and made for easy access to makeup, hair supplies, and anything else we might need while hurrying to get ready!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMp-hD0Py168290h7ZBarH4N2f-mBKm0pH77msyTHjH6YMDqrWhYa6skk6WFjOKrg0X81HTe95AA-SDoxuBSKuVWNl30IQp6DhytZ-hXC-sreU3sFzqlYLzK6VEBUnoxBxd0VRixjVIg/s1600/11026023-V2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636339056590741922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMp-hD0Py168290h7ZBarH4N2f-mBKm0pH77msyTHjH6YMDqrWhYa6skk6WFjOKrg0X81HTe95AA-SDoxuBSKuVWNl30IQp6DhytZ-hXC-sreU3sFzqlYLzK6VEBUnoxBxd0VRixjVIg/s400/11026023-V2.jpg" /></a><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Hanging Organizer.</span><br /><br /></p><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=mini+hanging"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636335333927890834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLQP91b86XfeLGUToYcHmmHqLxyBFzI6RcS65f5o4Qd8-rlkGIa4j6MiGVgrOUFEhZ-S0yEC78k5JKE1Xkhew0KaBfXrStE9Pdvs0ieCjye4qVlI-IabKS1HObTg103PHWh-IDjV8D-M/s400/11496111-V2.jpg" /><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Mini Hanging Organizer.</span><br /></p></a><br /><br /><p><strong><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Umbrella/1001155/defaultColor/Blue+Lagoon/p/1001155.uts?fromSearch=1">Umbrella</a></strong> – On Natalie’s big day, the forecast called for rain, even though it had been sunny and hot all week long. Just in case, however, we were ready for anything that came our way with Umbrellas, my favorite of which was in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/English-Meadow/803/pc/639.uts">English Meadow</a>.</p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBADS1wAMUpyUzft3SOWG3C0X1lp5oDWC51lNxFqLFIXt2n0sry_Bbyd_mYN8dQ4bRkUvumYcfLn6y3giGW3cfAf5RJKajgF2OeH9FuuZEmtnZg4N5AZjFtj64u8VfFrMWSmMTiMG1oWM/s1600/11495103-V2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636335438020168162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBADS1wAMUpyUzft3SOWG3C0X1lp5oDWC51lNxFqLFIXt2n0sry_Bbyd_mYN8dQ4bRkUvumYcfLn6y3giGW3cfAf5RJKajgF2OeH9FuuZEmtnZg4N5AZjFtj64u8VfFrMWSmMTiMG1oWM/s400/11495103-V2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Large-Duffel/154786/defaultColor/Viva+la+Vera/p/154786.uts?fromSearch=1">Large Duffel</a></strong> – Not only was the Large Duffel one of my bags of choice for the wedding weekend (mine is in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Poppy-Fields/737/pc/639.uts">Poppy Fields</a>), it is also what my sister packed all of her things in for her Honeymoon (hers is in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Blue-Rhapsody/699/pc/639.uts">Blue Rhapsody</a>). One bag, so many great uses!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlQgMhAUne6-I7w4ntbmITKU9BaZiHzfE5RI-08I5yT-TO1X2AozllNtEYOXe052gVGf11JvFxui1LHSCkFxCTfYkaoojLoVelz2-fEOrftakh2ZII2VzSjDdrbA-4fi_RLgzpZ1sD3k/s1600/10139032.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636335539548694034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlQgMhAUne6-I7w4ntbmITKU9BaZiHzfE5RI-08I5yT-TO1X2AozllNtEYOXe052gVGf11JvFxui1LHSCkFxCTfYkaoojLoVelz2-fEOrftakh2ZII2VzSjDdrbA-4fi_RLgzpZ1sD3k/s400/10139032.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Mini-Notebook-with-Pocket/154865/defaultColor/Watercolor/p/154865.uts?fromSearch=1">Mini Notebook with Pocket</a></strong> – This little notebook (in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/English-Meadow/803/pc/639.uts">English Meadow</a>) was our saving grace for the weekend of the wedding. We used it while jotting down reminders to ourselves for the reception and ceremony, and for keeping track of all of Natalie and John’s gifts while they were opening them the next day. And best of all, it fit perfectly in my <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Tote/154817/defaultColor/Lemon+Parfait/p/154817.uts?fromSearch=1">Tote</a>, along with all of the other Maid of Honor necessities.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk35jMsuwVtORMpyWN8ws9vN7ECIo9cKSHmIvnzIBsgttBhTRzsSXK794M5aW-iLjbka_mrMCO2tSJwrRxC3X7KkSTPqU_127lafQCM8EEGC-uy6a_P9Jd-sxv4jjTeK-qZQ0dcW2WS5o/s1600/10598103.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636335891463500642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk35jMsuwVtORMpyWN8ws9vN7ECIo9cKSHmIvnzIBsgttBhTRzsSXK794M5aW-iLjbka_mrMCO2tSJwrRxC3X7KkSTPqU_127lafQCM8EEGC-uy6a_P9Jd-sxv4jjTeK-qZQ0dcW2WS5o/s400/10598103.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=grand+traveler">Grand Traveler</a></strong> – For the weekend, I packed both a <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Large-Duffel/154786/defaultColor/Viva+la+Vera/p/154786.uts?fromSearch=1">Large Duffel</a> and a Grand Traveler, since I had so many different outfits and things to carry. When it was time to go to the wedding itself, I put all of my things in my Grand Traveler (in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy-Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a>), and I ended up being so glad that I did! The long strap was perfect for carrying the bag crossbody style when I had my hands completely full of flowers, dresses … and my other Vera Bradley bags!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeZuLck7qx-UT_8_an7XZE70MWotpLQiw1vVFE4NjRvmvp1__qZdDS-HDuqm-8pPoomwF2pgHAwl3rlN3qb1C57gCcxc4sWF8PBX_ax_AYjvxdm2bjIojPgj4gCyT8dQXOei4kryxXH4/s1600/11889111.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636335651555261874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeZuLck7qx-UT_8_an7XZE70MWotpLQiw1vVFE4NjRvmvp1__qZdDS-HDuqm-8pPoomwF2pgHAwl3rlN3qb1C57gCcxc4sWF8PBX_ax_AYjvxdm2bjIojPgj4gCyT8dQXOei4kryxXH4/s400/11889111.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Natalie also gave Vera Bradley <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Take-Note-Cube/1001009/defaultColor/Watercolor/p/1001009.uts?fromSearch=1">Note Cubes</a> and <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Gel-Pens/1001442/defaultColor/Fall+2011/p/1001442.uts?fromSearch=1">Gel Pens</a> in the new fall <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/section/Color/639.uts">colors</a> to anyone who helped at the wedding and reception, and those of us who helped organize and plan her bridal shower received the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/All-Wrapped-Up/1001218/defaultColor/Boysenberry/p/1001218.uts?fromSearch=1">All Wrapped Up</a> in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Boysenberry/799/pc/639.uts">Boysenberry</a>. As you can see, Vera Bradley helped make Natalie’s wedding a successful and very colorful affair!<br /></p><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAP170gg-xao1tu2gguA9pEyDm5yx61OncHBCfUw_CtkwuNfY8mWkCrpncj4Wxg4qFB4G4hNqITJF1fzjzQh4H0wxRuwU7fcdVNVJlHDHj7Xz7-Gh-b9q2YF1XlSacRQOUVqXpYlOwqcA/s1600/225674_10150711418250332_802725331_19641623_7939198_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636334269156191746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAP170gg-xao1tu2gguA9pEyDm5yx61OncHBCfUw_CtkwuNfY8mWkCrpncj4Wxg4qFB4G4hNqITJF1fzjzQh4H0wxRuwU7fcdVNVJlHDHj7Xz7-Gh-b9q2YF1XlSacRQOUVqXpYlOwqcA/s400/225674_10150711418250332_802725331_19641623_7939198_n.jpg" /></p></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAP170gg-xao1tu2gguA9pEyDm5yx61OncHBCfUw_CtkwuNfY8mWkCrpncj4Wxg4qFB4G4hNqITJF1fzjzQh4H0wxRuwU7fcdVNVJlHDHj7Xz7-Gh-b9q2YF1XlSacRQOUVqXpYlOwqcA/s1600/225674_10150711418250332_802725331_19641623_7939198_n.jpg"><p align="center"></a></p><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The entire wedding party.</span> </p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-82412154441893310492011-08-01T07:19:00.000-07:002011-08-01T11:34:26.382-07:00I feel like a Sewing Superstar ...Last week, the interns took a trip to <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vera-bradley-101.html">Adams Center Road</a>, our manufacturing facility, and we learned all about the manufacturing processes for our products. I have really enjoyed all our other intern programs so far, however, this one is my favorite one yet. This is because not only did we learn about things like lean manufacturing, 5S and product flow (my Operations Management professor would be so proud that I put my knowledge to use), we also had the opportunity to do some hands-on learning, by sewing our very own <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Coin-Purse/154784/defaultColor/Lemon+Parfait/p/154784.uts?fromSearch=1">Coin Purse</a>. I’m not the most experienced sewer (or experienced at all), but I still would like to think that I did a pretty decent job on my own coin purse…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNY79A4WAR90tzJOB-EwYdeUFopIDvagFdq30mUiEJD5OJ83d0PEXRcA7m5iGqJZn4F8cDUxI0jeLoOfZ6lqWCfabrbmsIss0znjEwJfBaR2Dkn6PktRANoJsNPpE0s7sjX4zf91ZilA/s1600/IMG00129-20110721-0945.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635892918310005458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNY79A4WAR90tzJOB-EwYdeUFopIDvagFdq30mUiEJD5OJ83d0PEXRcA7m5iGqJZn4F8cDUxI0jeLoOfZ6lqWCfabrbmsIss0znjEwJfBaR2Dkn6PktRANoJsNPpE0s7sjX4zf91ZilA/s400/IMG00129-20110721-0945.jpg"/><p align="center"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Me, sewing the zipper onto the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Coin-Purse/154784/defaultColor/Lemon+Parfait/p/154784.uts?fromSearch=1">Coin Purse</a>.</span></p><br /><br /><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Coin-Purse/154784/defaultColor/Lemon+Parfait/p/154784.uts?fromSearch=1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635893232848179218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aSv5ApTGdHme2qELJbJ8c464Obg5XC_nTylLZcOMLv-OU-py939Yu9MnoOTV3ysTbFEDZNfTTscxQavIK_I3sFGxebWrSPwG952pDdnzpltZVSvHhhnqfpYeqaHJCT7cEoMFkpFnKzM/s400/2011-07-21_10-12-51_324.jpg"/><p align="center"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The finished product … a <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Riviera-Blue/675/pc/639.uts">Riviera Blue</a> <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Coin-Purse/154784/defaultColor/Lemon+Parfait/p/154784.uts?fromSearch=1">Coin Purse</a>.</span></p><br /><br /><p>Since we are not all experienced sewers, like my roommate Kelley (she was a fashion design major in school), this little project was rather challenging for most of us. We fortunately had someone with us to help us along every step of the way, because the process of completing each individual step is extremely detail-oriented, down to having parts measured to the 1/16th of an inch. Everyone tried their very best,, and in the end we had made 18 Coin Purses, some of which were high quality, and some that might not meet the quality standards that all of our products have to meet (don’t worry interns, I won’t call you out if this was you). Mine was pretty close to perfect, with only a few minor errors, so I’m sure that if I had the chance to do it again, I could make it absolutely flawless.</p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdO2AU5Ezvk5LcGedS0p3fTcGueBGuOAswcRAaeapClfp9ttxSx45t_ld5KUy1Uxnu1Up7XaSAuS1BZ61OvJhabyNkEGUKdVBZ-PmPGlhfGHIKs6nwgM5EHLwVPJUT4i_Cxk_W_il36k/s1600/2011-07-21_10-27-54_413.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635893137676488066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdO2AU5Ezvk5LcGedS0p3fTcGueBGuOAswcRAaeapClfp9ttxSx45t_ld5KUy1Uxnu1Up7XaSAuS1BZ61OvJhabyNkEGUKdVBZ-PmPGlhfGHIKs6nwgM5EHLwVPJUT4i_Cxk_W_il36k/s400/2011-07-21_10-27-54_413.jpg"/><p align="center"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Alicia, one of the intern coordinators, also had the chance to make a Coin Purse!</span></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2QVJD8QBvghpIdn0sCMPyF3tgMQWiccWO9y8Otr4a5DsO-zCGwqrwLuOuQ5P7880F6O2GQ7hsUkWWylnKvwIq3UTeXSz0YG8YBRo6T5pDxB6clZ6g-R8h7UQMJgg9ZhdIFfdExVtzaw/s1600/2011-07-21_10-34-11_360.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635893026101246418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2QVJD8QBvghpIdn0sCMPyF3tgMQWiccWO9y8Otr4a5DsO-zCGwqrwLuOuQ5P7880F6O2GQ7hsUkWWylnKvwIq3UTeXSz0YG8YBRo6T5pDxB6clZ6g-R8h7UQMJgg9ZhdIFfdExVtzaw/s400/2011-07-21_10-34-11_360.jpg"/><p align="center"></a><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">A few of the male interns showing off their own sewing skills.</span></p><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTJUPGaFNviSNmkXJdQo2g8wBbDqsjoDpxToIfwtQubOPywTAgUDTLfcqXJRn4OIeXCY-a5D6qV9EugA-wuGszVUq3nHTrYeVz0_DUOvpGfS-dfmLHR8Qsk1c8yyf-g8RSSsvvvPyGWs/s1600/P7213201.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635892818241437490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTJUPGaFNviSNmkXJdQo2g8wBbDqsjoDpxToIfwtQubOPywTAgUDTLfcqXJRn4OIeXCY-a5D6qV9EugA-wuGszVUq3nHTrYeVz0_DUOvpGfS-dfmLHR8Qsk1c8yyf-g8RSSsvvvPyGWs/s400/P7213201.JPG"/><p align="center"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">All of the <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vb-intern-life.html">interns</a> with our Coin Purses.</span></p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-82602498746024113462011-07-29T08:14:00.000-07:002011-07-29T08:53:10.505-07:00How I Landed My Dream Internship at Vera BradleyIt seems that everywhere I go these days, I find myself bragging about my fabulous summer internship at <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>. The question everyone seems to have, whether it’s my friends at <a href="http://www.butler.edu/">Butler</a>, my family or new acquaintances, is, “How did you get that job?” So, here are five helpful tips from Human Resources to help you land a wonderful internship or position at Vera Bradley, or anywhere really!<br /><ul><br /><li>Research the internship program. Since you are reading my blog, you are already initiating this process! Our blogs (<a href="http://insidestitch.com/">Inside Stitch</a> and <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/">Behind the Seams</a>) give some great information about the program. Research is such an important step, because not every internship program is made the same, so you need to know what kind of opportunities you will have. In the case of Vera Bradley, you are getting yourself into the best summer internship imaginable … but I’ll admit I’m slightly biased. My research also meant asking <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2010/05/summer-of-vera-bradley-love.html">Libby</a> (the <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=31">2010 Vera Bradley intern blogger</a>) every question I could think of! (She was so sweet and helpful, of course!)</li><br /><li>Research the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=aboutus">company</a> and the position. You want to be as knowledgeable going into the interview stage. By knowing what the job will entail, it will be much easier for you to apply your own skills and knowledge to that position. Also, it always looks good when you know what is happening in the industry, or what <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Whats-New/786/pc/638.uts">new products</a> the company is introducing.</li><br /><li>Dress for success. Make sure that you are comfortable yet professional, and keep in mind that it is always better to be dressier than casual. Also, remember that the better you feel about yourself, the better you will do in your interview! (I even dressed up for my phone interview with Vera Bradley).</li><br /><li>Take the interview seriously. This also goes for how you act before and after the interview, from scheduling, to being prepared and bringing extra resumes, and following up with a “Thank You” email or note.</li><br /><li>Be yourself! By being true to yourself, you will be doing a favor to both you and the company. They want to make sure that you will fit in with the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=culture">company culture</a>, and you should as well, because you don’t want to be somewhere that you won’t be happy in the long run.</li></ul><br /><br />By doing all of these things, who knows, you might be one of Vera Bradley’s next <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vb-intern-life.html">interns</a>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVUShNeZ5InNxGf9U5sX56Q8YZs0BCUskEH257V5OQfLwIdjdC9LZ7GB4l2fVCqDO8oVEj5xYwTYEyIqSKUV2QX7axLEPMgErUotqKaxJ67-6qu3ma8ZEIn45gCh8PudBSp88p9HjpbY/s1600/interns.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634793650054041746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVUShNeZ5InNxGf9U5sX56Q8YZs0BCUskEH257V5OQfLwIdjdC9LZ7GB4l2fVCqDO8oVEj5xYwTYEyIqSKUV2QX7axLEPMgErUotqKaxJ67-6qu3ma8ZEIn45gCh8PudBSp88p9HjpbY/s400/interns.PNG" /><p align="center"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The 2011 Vera Bradley interns.</span></p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-20524348872257110052011-07-27T11:23:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:29:46.812-07:00College Life vs. Vera Bradley Life<div align="left">No matter what I do, I can’t escape the thought that I only have three weeks left here at <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>, and then I go back to school. It is so bittersweet, because I love working here and living in <a href="http://www.visitfortwayne.com/">Fort Wayne</a>, but I am definitely looking forward to returning to <a href="http://www.butler.edu/">Butler</a> for my senior year and reuniting with my sorority sisters (shout out to the <a href="https://www.alphaphi.org/Home">Alpha Phis</a>!). As the time to transition grows nearer, I can’t help but draw some comparisons ...</div><br /><ul><li><div align="left">At Vera Bradley, I'm at work every day by 8:30 am. At Butler, my earliest class is at 11 am. Factor in driving time and the time it takes to get ready for work compared to how long it takes to get ready for class (cute outfit vs. sweats), and I'm looking at 3 extra hours of sleep come fall.</div></li><br /><li><div align="left">At Vera Bradley, I have no homework, which is a beautiful thing. At Butler, I have lots of homework that I tend to work on until the wee hours of the morning, which is not a very beautiful thing (and negates the above bullet point).</div></li><br /><li><div align="left">At Vera Bradley, I am surrounded by beautiful <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Handbags/641/pc/638.uts">bags</a>, <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/section/Color/639.uts">prints</a>, and adorable <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Office/644/pc/638.uts">office supplies</a> all day every day. At Butler, I am surrounded by my own Vera Bradley collection (that has increased in size dramatically this summer), books, more books and not-so-cute office supplies.</div></li><br /><li><div align="left">At Vera Bradley, I love talking with my co-workers all day long, because they are tons of fun. At Butler, I love talking with my roommates all day long, because they are tons of fun. (I guess some things aren't so different!</div></li><br /><li><div align="left">At Vera Bradley, I love Fridays because they are nice enough to provide breakfast for us, and we never know what we are going to have, whether it's breakfast burritos, waffles or something as simple as granola bars. At Butler, the cook at my sorority house makes us breakfast every morning, but you have to wake up early enough to eat it (a rather difficult task for me - refer to the first bullet point).<br /></div></li></ul><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633744015333688642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwBj3-udxgLzbQ9ReaMxcT2oFVhcb2yf8tGlD6RI6QPL1UyDQKPxtxBrY1mcdP_INBqaBBSmp5weW5ilwpBK-j0bmwCXCbgLBC-qD-bUdVTPaRszf4wHayVhTDW97yJRtfsuiNuKJBUs/s400/P7013139.JPG" /><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">I’m going to miss all of the little <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a> special touches, like these <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Call-Me-Coral/749/pc/639.uts">Call Me Coral</a> <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Napkin/154789/defaultColor/Deco+Daisy/p/154789.uts?fromSearch=1">Napkins</a>... </span><br /><br /><p>I could go on and on about the things I’ll miss about working here, but since I still have three weeks left, I am just going to spend my time enjoying every moment. And since free time is pretty hard to come by during the school year, I am going to do everything possible to appreciate my free nights and weekends … and all of the fun things that I get to do with that free time, like going to the <a href="http://www.threeriversfestival.org/">Three Rivers Festival </a>with my roommate, Kelley! </p><br /><p><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEzHIZ-nqP4YiK3LZRKh-qkkXD4qKN3O3SFfCmk767oKebslx4xA3dc2gSEiudWE0nhrAOWfeOURrc7MxJPIa2bwCsmpEkJNlGj8r8edtrnumrZVkfsXKb5B9zCYllihHgOz59Ay053g/s1600/P7093154.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633744428150749842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEzHIZ-nqP4YiK3LZRKh-qkkXD4qKN3O3SFfCmk767oKebslx4xA3dc2gSEiudWE0nhrAOWfeOURrc7MxJPIa2bwCsmpEkJNlGj8r8edtrnumrZVkfsXKb5B9zCYllihHgOz59Ay053g/s400/P7093154.JPG" /></p><p align="center"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Downtown <a href="http://www.visitfortwayne.com/">Fort Wayne </a>during Three Rivers was so colorful! </span></p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-56533721199745920222011-07-26T09:52:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:30:19.411-07:00Surfing the Web ... It's all in a day's work.My main project for the summer is basically the dream of any soon-to-be job-seeking college student (like myself). I am working with Human Resources to research and develop a social media strategy for recruiting, observing what kind of cool new methods other companies are implementing. The best part of this job is that my research consists of looking at company websites, <a href="http://twitter.com/">twitter</a> accounts, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a> profiles, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">facebook</a> pages and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> accounts all day long. Lately, I’ve been too busy to keep up with my research, but now that our <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-i-love-being-intern-at-vera-bradley.html">presentations</a> are going to be here oh so soon (exactly two weeks from now) I have to make time so I can be fully prepared to explain what’s going on in the exciting world of recruitment.<br /><br />Here is a little peek of what I’ve been working on …<br /><br /><strong>twitter</strong> – Lots of companies are using their twitter feeds to publicize job openings in addition to sharing information about their culture or their employees, so I follow anyone and everyone from our main competitors to companies like <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/StarbucksJobs">Starbucks</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/google">Google</a>. One thing I’ve learned: Recruiters love to tweet … all the time.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wiho6r5_XmPamXwCNRscsXFw8oIaKvKtVlzApsEklsdhmiRl-5uvu_qWZHlE8W4DA20nxRkAEOw2eT_InAHhQvX-K7zHc7qlRiXLLHgOGEKJOYUAtyunW0lRW6htjrZoQwyanxz8pPs/s1600/twitter.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633645791546594258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wiho6r5_XmPamXwCNRscsXFw8oIaKvKtVlzApsEklsdhmiRl-5uvu_qWZHlE8W4DA20nxRkAEOw2eT_InAHhQvX-K7zHc7qlRiXLLHgOGEKJOYUAtyunW0lRW6htjrZoQwyanxz8pPs/s400/twitter.PNG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">So many tweets, so little time ... </span><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>YouTube</strong> – Some companies are using YouTube to promote their company culture and the organization by posting videos of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/zappos#p/a">company events</a> and employee profiles showcasing what they <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/TargetCareers">love about their jobs</a>. (How cool is that?!)<br /><br />Since I’m a marketing major, all of this research is showing me how many different ways social media can be used for one company. Also, I will begin looking for my first post-grad job rather soon, and I’m learning how to be as thorough as possible when preparing for an interview. Most people long for the time to invest in this kind of research, and I’m lucky enough to have it be my job!<br /><br />I couldn’t end this post without a shameless plug for Vera’s company culture or our open jobs … so check out the official Vera Bradley blog, <a href="http://insidestitch.com/">Inside Stitch</a>, for some fabulous posts about <a href="http://insidestitch.com/category/come-by-the-office/">life at Vera Bradley</a>, and be sure to stop by our <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=careers">Careers page</a> to see what <a href="https://performancemanager4.successfactors.com/career?company=verabradley">openings</a> we have at our home office and in our retail stores! </p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-63927965447431068662011-07-20T10:56:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:30:32.985-07:00My Back-to-School Wish ListSince my first day at Vera Bradley, I have been forming a mental <a href="https://www.verabradley.com/user/login.jsp?dest=%2Fuser%2Fwishlist.jsp">Wish List </a>with all the things I would like before I go back to <a href="http://www.butler.edu/">Butler</a> in the fall. Quite a few items have been added to this list in my frequent trips to our <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/custserv/store_content.jsp?pageName=veraBradleyStores">Signature store </a>at <a href="http://www.jeffersonshopping.com/">Jefferson Pointe</a>, and since the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Whats-New/786/pc/638.uts">new items </a>for Fall 2011 were released. Right now, however, it’s pretty solid. Care to take a peek?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnKNzggXE8PjRsYCyYkdcNyK-MikLwVb2uM1jZIDjyBel-P6pDiuLhZYB3Crnw9mSNK_9ZPQcsMKdKLYcsxAoHTSJ35kJmSqL7gYzYj1Dw6wrKsybb4usnDcEId2SmpX5493yKovnkpg/s1600/Capture.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631457391680787650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnKNzggXE8PjRsYCyYkdcNyK-MikLwVb2uM1jZIDjyBel-P6pDiuLhZYB3Crnw9mSNK_9ZPQcsMKdKLYcsxAoHTSJ35kJmSqL7gYzYj1Dw6wrKsybb4usnDcEId2SmpX5493yKovnkpg/s400/Capture.PNG" /></a><br /><ol><br /><li><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Umbrella/1001155/defaultColor/Blue+Lagoon/p/1001155.uts?fromSearch=1">Umbrella</a> in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy%20Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a>- I can't wait to walk around campus on rainy days with this cheery print, and splash in puddles with matching red rain boots (that I have yet to purchase).</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/2012-Agenda/1001439/defaultColor/Mocha+Rouge/p/1001439.uts?fromSearch=1">2012 Agenda </a>in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Plum%20Petals/713/pc/639.uts">Plum Petals</a>– This will be my third Vera Bradley planner, and I can’t wait to start mapping out my schedule in it! </li><br /><li><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=saddle+up">Saddle Up </a>in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Twirly%20Birds%20Navy/758/pc/639.uts">Twirly Birds Navy </a>- I love crossbody bags, and this one is just big enough to carry my <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/2012-Agenda/1001439/defaultColor/Mocha+Rouge/p/1001439.uts?fromSearch=1">Agenda</a>, water bottle and anything else with me as I’m running around campus. I chose <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Twirly%20Birds%20Navy/758/pc/639.uts">Twirly Birds Navy</a> so I can show off my Bulldog pride at every football and basketball game with my Vera Bradley! </li><br /><li><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Under-Cover-Laptop-Skin/1001064/defaultColor/Very+Berry+Paisley/p/1001064.uts?fromSearch=1">Under Cover Laptop Skin </a>in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy%20Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a>– As if I don’t have enough Vera Bradley already, I obviously need to wrap my laptop in it. Hey, technology can be cute, too! </li><br /><li><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Laptop-Sleeve/1001153/defaultColor/Plum+Petals/p/1001153.uts?fromSearch=1">Laptop Sleeve </a>in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Twirly%20Birds%20Navy/758/pc/639.uts">Twirly Birds Navy </a>– I have been hoping for one of these for months to match my main school bags, which are <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy%20Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a> and <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Blue-Rhapsody/699/pc/639.uts">Blue Rhapsody</a>, respectfully. </li><br /><li><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Zip-ID-Case/154781/defaultColor/Deco+Daisy/p/154781.uts?fromSearch=1">Zip ID Case </a>in … – Each year I get a new ID case when I start school (it is my tradition), and this year I can’t decide which color I want. My instinct is <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Happy%20Snails/707/pc/639.uts">Happy Snails</a>, but part of me wants to branch out and get it in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Safari%20Sunset/708/pc/639.uts">Safari Sunset</a>. Oh the dilemma! </li><br /><li><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Ribbon-Board/154839/defaultColor/Baroque/p/154839.uts?fromSearch=1">Ribbon Board </a>in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Lemon-Parfait/801/pc/639.uts">Lemon Parfait </a>– Almost everyone at Vera Bradley has a ribbon board at their desk, and I think that it would look great in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Lemon-Parfait/801/pc/639.uts">Lemon Parfait </a>in my room at school, or at my desk until my internship is over! </li></ol><br /><br /><p>What is on your back-to-school Wish List? We would love to hear about what you’re taking to campus! (I might even have to borrow your ideas.) </p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-74783767681210828962011-07-15T11:46:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:30:44.759-07:00A Potluck Dinner ... Intern Style<p>This week, our <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/07/all-american-intern-dinner.html">intern dinner </a>was a huge success! We chose a Potluck theme and asked everyone to bring their favorite dish. We made it even more interesting by making it a competition (with the prize being a feature on Behind the Seams, of course). I wish we would have done this sooner, since it shaped up to be one of the best dinners I’ve had in awhile. Since we are, let’s face it, a bunch of college kids, we decided not to put the stipulation on the contest that it had to be homemade, hence the watermelon, or prepared by anyone specific, which led to a few entries by interns’ Moms.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0gcy0mIL5ytPtgJnfAu6wZ8xXTSqnVnvLg9iAH6TpfSYafhmqc94oyiS9EiKUHqfUSq1-zOI67Z3Njd_T9h-OZknoT-VcVWL3E53D7mDAPpuBylyR2aOj8SQUtOROeoKdHdMnhdXay0/s1600/71AC98AF-91ED-D5F8-0E13-7B86189FE616wallpaper.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629562839566747842" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0gcy0mIL5ytPtgJnfAu6wZ8xXTSqnVnvLg9iAH6TpfSYafhmqc94oyiS9EiKUHqfUSq1-zOI67Z3Njd_T9h-OZknoT-VcVWL3E53D7mDAPpuBylyR2aOj8SQUtOROeoKdHdMnhdXay0/s320/71AC98AF-91ED-D5F8-0E13-7B86189FE616wallpaper.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The entries, including ice cream cake, meatball sandwiches and fettuccine alfredo.</span><br /><br /></p><p>My dish for the evening – a <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/a-triumph/">Make-Your-Own Macaroni and Cheese Bar </a>– was actually inspired by one of my favorite bloggers, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">The Pioneer Woman</a>. I’ll admit it … I used a box to make the Mac n’ Cheese and used different toppings than she did, but it was still delicious.<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ERXStJ85DVICS39GlmReWw_xvbJoXUfM9GumpNmh3low6s00bsGkOdQfQ2c-wNrO5upE334hHAlKwd645ciECSH1535K4nrunjTnSTG78ICU2KAedOTo_jAhtBQimT3N97VbW-eTfhc/s1600/P7113173.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629563166308728754" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ERXStJ85DVICS39GlmReWw_xvbJoXUfM9GumpNmh3low6s00bsGkOdQfQ2c-wNrO5upE334hHAlKwd645ciECSH1535K4nrunjTnSTG78ICU2KAedOTo_jAhtBQimT3N97VbW-eTfhc/s320/P7113173.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">My Make-Your-Own Macaroni and Cheese Bar with tomatoes, green onions and extra cheese toppings.</span><br /><br /></p><p>The day after our get-together, I had all of the interns who attended vote on their favorite dish. And the winner was … Abby, the E-Commerce intern (who you might recognize from our <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=communities">Communities page</a>)! She made some delicious Black Bean Salsa that changed my life (and everyone else’s, I’m sure), and she was kind enough to share the recipe, so you all can try some too! </p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0ciU7cvcHdI8i8kt_DUKK7NCcrHhPYzWndrww8k6MP7jnPa7nqBDPWZpZB-Xh25U_8AtSbDHUagwOWVV-dpK48S7obj01qbEQ6cwIYsWAzyARpXPlBn1vEN6Jm3LmwPBIC_pkWlRmV8/s1600/P7113166.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629563377746566818" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0ciU7cvcHdI8i8kt_DUKK7NCcrHhPYzWndrww8k6MP7jnPa7nqBDPWZpZB-Xh25U_8AtSbDHUagwOWVV-dpK48S7obj01qbEQ6cwIYsWAzyARpXPlBn1vEN6Jm3LmwPBIC_pkWlRmV8/s320/P7113166.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Abby’s Black Bean Salsa</span><br /></p><ul><br /><li>1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced</li><br /><li>1/2 cup diced red onion</li><br /><li>1 clove garlic, peeled and minced</li><br /><li>1 teaspoon chopped cilantro</li><br /><li>1/4 cup olive oil</li><br /><li>4 tablespoons red wine vinegar</li><br /><li>Juice of 1/2 lime</li><br /><li>1 can black beans, drained and rinsed</li><br /><li>1 can corn, drained</li><br /><li>Salt and pepper, to taste</li><br /><li>Tortilla chips, to serve</li></ul><br /><ol><br /><li>In a large bowl, combine the bell peppers, onion, corn, black beans, garlic and cilantro.</li><br /><li>Whisk olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, salt and pepper.</li><br /><li>Toss and serve with chips.</li></ol><br /><br /><p>I’m already planning to make this fabulous dish for a family get-together we are having the weekend of my sister’s wedding! It is the perfect complement to a hot summer day, and it tastes great either with chips … or even without, so give it a try! </p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-12572288587493176972011-07-14T12:15:00.000-07:002011-07-14T12:32:37.106-07:00Happiness is Contagious at Vera BradleyAt <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>, there’s always something fun going on. This is, in large part, thanks to our Happy Committee, a group of people from across the different functional areas within the company who work together to plan activities that bring employees together. Since we span <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vera-bradley-101.html">four different corporate buildings</a> in <a href="http://www.visitfortwayne.com/">Fort Wayne</a>, the Happy Committee really does help add to our company culture, and exemplify several of our <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=culture">core values</a>.<br /><br />All of these events, several each month, are non-work related. A few weeks ago, we were surprised with ice cream sandwiches, followed by a drawing in each building for items from the new <a href="http://insidestitch.com/2011/07/07/fall-is-here/">Fall collection</a>. I have to admit, my favorite was definitely the ice cream. Not only were they my favorite ice cream sandwiches (<a href="http://www.skinnycow.com/">Skinny Cow</a>), but it also came right before Fourth of July weekend. Who doesn’t like to kick off a long weekend with a sweet treat?<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRouK4yEyO1KFgGgMlud_vfYas83lbWdkV81MdhrlOhQ1mX7bwcwRVHlPAv2_dYq-WhAifhDsiIrdkujwtmwtSDulRSRovStSfGQ8kfBpn3Q7Eq6j-e8fua_ISES-7vSnMU-Y7pKqaAVY/s1600/DSCN0676.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629289614905991506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRouK4yEyO1KFgGgMlud_vfYas83lbWdkV81MdhrlOhQ1mX7bwcwRVHlPAv2_dYq-WhAifhDsiIrdkujwtmwtSDulRSRovStSfGQ8kfBpn3Q7Eq6j-e8fua_ISES-7vSnMU-Y7pKqaAVY/s320/DSCN0676.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Happy Committee member Amanda (pictured second from the left), with Human Resources’ Angela (pictured far left), Ryan and Jill.</span><br /><br /><br /><p>Even though I did not attend the recent Happy Committee golf outing, four other interns did, and had a great time, despite winning the “Slowest Team” award. Held at the beginning of the summer, it was a great chance for them to meet more people. After they (finally) finished playing, the committee hosted a barbecue dinner with prizes, like <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/product/Tote/154817/defaultColor/Hello+Dahlia/p/154817.uts?fromSearch=1">Tote bags</a>!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlZ4SRxP3WdSk7P9Cqk8fnnt-PV4tEisaa3Yx3WK-Og8EBx7nPF-79cMzfwQA-d9KnVU-T7hENisG1zCGzuwr87L-lZ4r8HQ7iC8H-StbrJT2bHCiuXnSqIlgIIfAqz9AnB5kaH1aYkA/s1600/DSCN1452.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629290327801407074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlZ4SRxP3WdSk7P9Cqk8fnnt-PV4tEisaa3Yx3WK-Og8EBx7nPF-79cMzfwQA-d9KnVU-T7hENisG1zCGzuwr87L-lZ4r8HQ7iC8H-StbrJT2bHCiuXnSqIlgIIfAqz9AnB5kaH1aYkA/s320/DSCN1452.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Michael, Kelley, Shelby and Taylor representing the interns at the golf outing.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBKn4JGoo3aBQRx4XlK2-Qj8EvZ-GVvbUOSOHMWyqNTsyEke4QjGGtR8pNZxyKK8M_92qyzfWLzx_l8S94oLlgiMKqpqW2DlhRQJXXRaOwxpTrfeRp-rXxkk4CfqcEad-wRry_EKL8Ww/s1600/DSCN1453.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629290661285269042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBKn4JGoo3aBQRx4XlK2-Qj8EvZ-GVvbUOSOHMWyqNTsyEke4QjGGtR8pNZxyKK8M_92qyzfWLzx_l8S94oLlgiMKqpqW2DlhRQJXXRaOwxpTrfeRp-rXxkk4CfqcEad-wRry_EKL8Ww/s320/DSCN1453.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Striking a pose.</span><br /></p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-79874959222880905882011-07-11T14:09:00.000-07:002011-07-11T14:23:49.500-07:00Why I Love Being an Intern at Vera BradleyEach week, the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley </a>interns have the opportunity to meet with and learn from representatives from the various areas of the company. While I’ve enjoyed all of the presentations, the last two have definitely been my favorites.<br /><br />Last week, we had <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2010/06/vip-intern-lunch.html">lunch</a> with our Co-founders, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, two of the most classy and driven ladies that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Even though we’ve all heard the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=aboutus">Vera Bradley story</a> countless times, we asked that they tell us their own account of it, since they were the ones building this company from the ground up. It’s clear they have been so successful because they are first and foremost friends. They began their company by hiring more friends and eventually ended up with this amazing company <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=culture">culture</a>.<br /><br />A few weeks ago we had my favorite presentation yet, at the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/custserv/store_content.jsp?pageName=veraBradleyStores">Vera Bradley Store</a> at <a href="http://www.jeffersonshopping.com/index.cfm">Jefferson Pointe</a> in <a href="http://www.visitfortwayne.com/">Fort Wayne</a>. I am a frequent visitor, so I loved having an excuse to be there during work hours. Not only was it interesting to hear about how they create the customer experience, but we also got to shop around when it was all done (talk about a great day at the office)!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC-J0c0qcNvW4mw6gWWwfaDClPZXZtjV5cx1VOHPFI03dwO48rAXIEcSyXbbJsCDVVUcd1xkNw1a6SIerPCjm-pvASy-J_3Zxb-bgoun3qdGks-zUoPvm0Y6WIHWAUidVHvieoujH2Qc/s1600/DSCN0665.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628205556616513858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC-J0c0qcNvW4mw6gWWwfaDClPZXZtjV5cx1VOHPFI03dwO48rAXIEcSyXbbJsCDVVUcd1xkNw1a6SIerPCjm-pvASy-J_3Zxb-bgoun3qdGks-zUoPvm0Y6WIHWAUidVHvieoujH2Qc/s320/DSCN0665.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">All of the interns, the Assistant Store Manager Julie (pictured second from the right), and the Store Manager Debora (pictured far right).</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSagqfDLm7XK4wI8EcGSix_XWkhcDNe_TLHp8et1Wzu7Yl7UK9ru0AARETDwTF1urKYhpNOktvbdkjiT7wX8oW_YOmePnA6jAjlBG7KssUg8dKKatA-HSafvw84X_JX1iS_hQtxeCxZo/s1600/DSCN0666.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628205710956962626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSagqfDLm7XK4wI8EcGSix_XWkhcDNe_TLHp8et1Wzu7Yl7UK9ru0AARETDwTF1urKYhpNOktvbdkjiT7wX8oW_YOmePnA6jAjlBG7KssUg8dKKatA-HSafvw84X_JX1iS_hQtxeCxZo/s320/DSCN0666.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Debora, explaining the visual merchandising aspects of the store.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTku5oQdU1ryV-MjnDRtI4f4oasED6T7Uoj7EY6q505_62bZZ3k1H4Vo7T9GW5AZ_B7OdRjRxhzRc-KR5abIoJ8krdX1SmsU-seLGnsYnkiGsNen_J2H2qxGgTTTJCw9rsZWnZW8jKAs/s1600/DSCN0668.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628205845686647874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTku5oQdU1ryV-MjnDRtI4f4oasED6T7Uoj7EY6q505_62bZZ3k1H4Vo7T9GW5AZ_B7OdRjRxhzRc-KR5abIoJ8krdX1SmsU-seLGnsYnkiGsNen_J2H2qxGgTTTJCw9rsZWnZW8jKAs/s320/DSCN0668.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">We had the chance to ask questions, so I had her explain <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Whats-New/786/pc/638.uts">new product releases</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_0xLAX-sUZu4xuISBsKCOJC86ghpLbbijRcHAdXzlfX66oHfPx_3HnjnyiWdRZYjkdubwW96ezQ4rq2Y_7RoUZ6F5bk-2T4lfY4r5Qmsw_2sdyjN9F__7KBqI3jljZ4ZY96_HiQRV-g/s1600/DSCN0671.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628205972918819538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_0xLAX-sUZu4xuISBsKCOJC86ghpLbbijRcHAdXzlfX66oHfPx_3HnjnyiWdRZYjkdubwW96ezQ4rq2Y_7RoUZ6F5bk-2T4lfY4r5Qmsw_2sdyjN9F__7KBqI3jljZ4ZY96_HiQRV-g/s320/DSCN0671.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">It was a great day at Jefferson Pointe for all of us (note the beautiful bags)!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTSiI_AmY7fyubQl-2QJoSMq3DUelUmq94jBKZpEoC3kQ9tVGxOPHP68HYnxExn7ieVv3wQKlzUyC9BmAlhRLpjilHOD2rHE4qgLYE0I4ZwSgX5rASX7WL5rnKRLzNA7_6Gd4sRRMi6c/s1600/DSCN0674.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628206155629602418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTSiI_AmY7fyubQl-2QJoSMq3DUelUmq94jBKZpEoC3kQ9tVGxOPHP68HYnxExn7ieVv3wQKlzUyC9BmAlhRLpjilHOD2rHE4qgLYE0I4ZwSgX5rASX7WL5rnKRLzNA7_6Gd4sRRMi6c/s320/DSCN0674.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">As we were leaving, the Vera Bradley truck was arriving. I wonder what beautiful things are in there ...</span><br /><br /><br /><p>Thinking back to all of the presentations we have had, I realize my summer at Vera Bradley is more than halfway over. We only have three weeks of these presentations left, and then we give our own presentations about our summer projects. The group we will be presenting to includes the entire Human Resources team, Barb and Pat, the Executive Team and all of the mentors. It’s going to be a full house! It feels so bittersweet to be thinking of going back to school already, because I’m definitely missing all of my friends at Butler, but I’m not ready to leave my internship yet. It’s been entirely too much fun!</p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-74741232157451816752011-07-08T10:45:00.000-07:002011-07-12T11:18:49.140-07:00Living in Fort Wayne and Loving Every Minute!Since moving to Fort Wayne almost two months ago, I've been having a great time finding my way around the city. I've been enjoying the "Hoosier hospitality" you hear so much about, and venturing out with college friends from the area and other <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/search/label/Interns">interns</a>. We've crammed in quite a bit of the city in a very short time.<br /><br />On one of my first weekends in Fort Wayne, there was an art exhibit opening at <a href="http://www.artlinkfw.com/">ArtLink Contemporary Art Gallery</a> including a piece by my sorority sister, Haley. As a unique twist, everything on display was related to <a href="http://www.sharpie.com/enUS/Pages/HomePage.aspx">Sharpies</a>! There were paintings of Sharpies, paintings created with Sharpies, and my personal favorite, shoes decorated using Sharpies (Haley's exhibit). It was so inspiring.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZc_ShWSuO5_94Wt5RjO_Axd16_wh7aAAznK0Iq6xkepsU6WFLxQ6F1qNYPvjfn2FkxB9xAboZjGtEmK9MWmaJEnou18vDKYz3EIArG2aD6El83x_uj4duWG3lmo6tW6ATwQ5m5Mxa02w/s1600/2011-06-03_18-26-58_941.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZc_ShWSuO5_94Wt5RjO_Axd16_wh7aAAznK0Iq6xkepsU6WFLxQ6F1qNYPvjfn2FkxB9xAboZjGtEmK9MWmaJEnou18vDKYz3EIArG2aD6El83x_uj4duWG3lmo6tW6ATwQ5m5Mxa02w/s320/2011-06-03_18-26-58_941.jpg" width="239" height="320" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Haley and her shoes – what a work of art!</span><br /></p><br /><p>Going to <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t584">TinCaps</a> games has become almost a weekly tradition for my roommate, Kelley, and me. In fact, this week we have already been to one game, and we are planning another tonight! We love getting together with the other interns and spending evenings at <a href="http://parkviewfield.com/">Parkview Field</a>, where we can just relax and enjoy the beautiful summer nights. It takes me back to my days as the varsity baseball stats keeper in high school. Only now, I can make trips to the concession stand whenever I want!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBLwwbBC2O6jZKUhpJ-iOJD2t3Pjt0NnNmJ2kSCVVUFh1nTRlFmBEYme05uRC6QEkWwf7hgItUBb9n2xk7wXFQ0pmT1wsa_pCFXpa2ara3SloT13JyJrJVQ8YeAHpRHQNRSH5z758bK0/s1600/2011-07-05_20-25-57_736%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBLwwbBC2O6jZKUhpJ-iOJD2t3Pjt0NnNmJ2kSCVVUFh1nTRlFmBEYme05uRC6QEkWwf7hgItUBb9n2xk7wXFQ0pmT1wsa_pCFXpa2ara3SloT13JyJrJVQ8YeAHpRHQNRSH5z758bK0/s320/2011-07-05_20-25-57_736%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" height="239" /></a><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What a beautiful night for baseball!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3R6VwKHYD_svtbaw3eit0f63o9KPY0PetRs_Nlfca9xrFdybn3X1cJ0bZ5O4NASEV32zMiPS9gzUa9DC-VEa8LtCj_p1Y0GVRVGbFfyCUoZAPITtkjRGQLON9chZd7BD7GecJFGOHdA/s1600/P7073142.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3R6VwKHYD_svtbaw3eit0f63o9KPY0PetRs_Nlfca9xrFdybn3X1cJ0bZ5O4NASEV32zMiPS9gzUa9DC-VEa8LtCj_p1Y0GVRVGbFfyCUoZAPITtkjRGQLON9chZd7BD7GecJFGOHdA/s320/P7073142.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Vera Bradley interns, all hanging out at the TinCaps game!</span><br /></p><br /><p>This weekend is one of my first weekends here with no plans, and I can't wait to see what we end up doing. My to-do list includes visiting <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/148/1583237/restaurant/YO-YO-Yogurt-On-Your-Own-Fort-Wayne">Yo-Yos</a> (a frozen yogurt hotspot), <a href="http://www.debrand.com/">DeBrands Chocolates</a> and <a href="http://www.cookiecottage.com/">Cookie Cottage</a> - all <a href="http://www.visitfortwayne.com/">Fort Wayne</a> originals, and all so delicious!</p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-48258777067014517742011-07-07T11:38:00.000-07:002011-07-07T11:39:56.899-07:00An All-American Intern DinnerEvery week, my roommate Kelley and I host a dinner for all of the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a> <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vb-intern-life.html">interns</a>. To make the evenings festive, we always designate a theme. So far we've covered Taco Night, Lasanga Night and, this last week, we celebrated the Fourth of July a few days early with a traditional American cookout (if it is still considered a cookout when everything is prepared on a <a href="http://www.georgeforemancooking.com/">George Foreman grill</a> ... inside). Our spread was rather impressive, with baked beans, fruit, pesto burgers and more. Everyone pitches in with a covered dish, which makes for variety and phenomenal leftovers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvSJebC0eXL_4tWbICqTZvPKprAfaMFtWHV-kXCRpMfiiKnCMrejJiHbcU0C_ikFArXiNFpfd4NkbycCdSjKDL_Yr7OQ2Qy5Df4jNhIFbFOnnncvciUhMG6aBlA3vHbrfA401MW4xl_E/s1600/IMG_1845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvSJebC0eXL_4tWbICqTZvPKprAfaMFtWHV-kXCRpMfiiKnCMrejJiHbcU0C_ikFArXiNFpfd4NkbycCdSjKDL_Yr7OQ2Qy5Df4jNhIFbFOnnncvciUhMG6aBlA3vHbrfA401MW4xl_E/s320/IMG_1845.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Michael, the Continuous Improvement intern, showing off his skills in the kitchen making macaroni and cheese.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoinPxE1hSRkOmlVE6hVr4zGFhWAMLkTczNFeSXgsNLGEmjlybKtYEACEmy3GGmn41zs6aVkEdKahrs-_AQU0PjEonnvL7iXAaT5v6nYiSaGQShdgcKbAlJRq7Jc2qMG8IFer2sEZ7AJ8/s1600/IMG_1851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoinPxE1hSRkOmlVE6hVr4zGFhWAMLkTczNFeSXgsNLGEmjlybKtYEACEmy3GGmn41zs6aVkEdKahrs-_AQU0PjEonnvL7iXAaT5v6nYiSaGQShdgcKbAlJRq7Jc2qMG8IFer2sEZ7AJ8/s320/IMG_1851.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kelley and I - the hostesses!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">There are 17 summer interns, and at one time, we had 15 people in <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-new-home-sweet-home.html">our apartment</a>. While the space is plenty for just Kelley and me, it can get a little tight with so many guests. This issue, and the fresh air, certainly make our deck the most desirable destination.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_6_bpUtJpzc70JH2haCbV0kWIr5NYTjBYsdzSzLlFvnpcZZVZeN4dKees6ZkkC08wm5QAMcJjqrAUE7f6C9zcisVixkeUq2bS8ZZPC6fFHQU8S6Jphb4hNCwVCWzvuCr97VOJqsofls/s1600/IMG_1868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_6_bpUtJpzc70JH2haCbV0kWIr5NYTjBYsdzSzLlFvnpcZZVZeN4dKees6ZkkC08wm5QAMcJjqrAUE7f6C9zcisVixkeUq2bS8ZZPC6fFHQU8S6Jphb4hNCwVCWzvuCr97VOJqsofls/s320/IMG_1868.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Michael, enjoying his hamburger and our comfortable Adirondack chairs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> After dinner the group lingers until someone remembers we all have to get up early for work in the morning. The time just goes so quickly; watching YouTube videos (which leads to countless inside jokes), talking about our departments and playing games. Last week, we played <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Play-Spoons-(Card-Game)">Spoons</a> (though we substituted corks for the spoons, for safety and convenience purposes). The game became pretty intense. I guess this batch of interns is competitive!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEHjfv8r0P0tnzpGtPuW4CrNxZbuBsgQV1ZUwQGwbUFmTaBb5T4U2Y0lcQCUMIt1AU_aDKVgJgGWRAQvnd0wXdAWAkIs3AtFLXBTpAkYwLIduTCtVoxD4b6dOih6CASwAMiTiGcJhPkQ/s1600/IMG_1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEHjfv8r0P0tnzpGtPuW4CrNxZbuBsgQV1ZUwQGwbUFmTaBb5T4U2Y0lcQCUMIt1AU_aDKVgJgGWRAQvnd0wXdAWAkIs3AtFLXBTpAkYwLIduTCtVoxD4b6dOih6CASwAMiTiGcJhPkQ/s320/IMG_1874.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Everyone listening intently to the rules of Spoons.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BfbhPvrogB7saYbR3QOYClXJ_sHcgv6kuERt8g_LuFAetcjljm6D7_-fEGffjcxwbQUuXJjpC348TT3IwA_7sYwamOl7cjQoQaErxR_cpEj1Nlg6uDRHLseWDPK9OTf119CC_hbRiYU/s1600/IMG_1876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BfbhPvrogB7saYbR3QOYClXJ_sHcgv6kuERt8g_LuFAetcjljm6D7_-fEGffjcxwbQUuXJjpC348TT3IwA_7sYwamOl7cjQoQaErxR_cpEj1Nlg6uDRHLseWDPK9OTf119CC_hbRiYU/s320/IMG_1876.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The calm before an intense round.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This new tradition has turned into the perfect way for us to bond outside of work and get to know the interns that work in other buildings or departments. Next up ... Appetizer Night or Chinese. My stomach is growling just thinking about it!Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-33583679740022927772011-07-01T12:23:00.000-07:002011-07-11T08:59:46.353-07:00It's all about the details ...If you feel like your <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/custserv/store_content.jsp?pageName=veraBradleyStores">Vera Bradley Store</a> is unique, that's because it really is! They still carry the same products, of course, but the wallpaper, furniture, and other details are all especially coordinated to match the personality and character of the region in which it is located. I was able to see this last week when I attended the <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-store-opening.html">Beachwood Place store opening</a> in Cleveland. Our Visual Merchandising team put together, as always, an outstanding display!<br /><br />One tradition is the presence of an <a href="http://irayeager.com/">Ira Yeager</a> painting behind the checkout counter. It all started when Co-founder Barbara Bradley Baekgaard lent one of the paintings from her personal collection to the Fort Wayne store at <a href="http://www.jeffersonshopping.com/">Jefferson Pointe</a>. Ever since, the paintings have been a staple for each location's decor, and they are each hand selected by Barb and Anne, the Senior Visual Merchandising Creative Director.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-yuhlLEy_il9heWs66r4iF_leXPwWZeeetwZ-mM6d55uIiogAwR3X0xlZDz1vuz7_bnAAuLnQDgSUnT2bGYKpTigIG-j5dryqqXqFzKsyf9MF_04EiIGjOlHvP6wWrTsmMxRwljFrgE/s1600/P6243124.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624468098499918306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-yuhlLEy_il9heWs66r4iF_leXPwWZeeetwZ-mM6d55uIiogAwR3X0xlZDz1vuz7_bnAAuLnQDgSUnT2bGYKpTigIG-j5dryqqXqFzKsyf9MF_04EiIGjOlHvP6wWrTsmMxRwljFrgE/s320/P6243124.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Ira Yeager at Beachwood ... absolutely gorgeous!</span><br /><br /><p>Each Vera Bradley Store is also designed to look like someone's home, hence the comfy furniture, beautiful light fixtures and foyer. I found myself surprised by how effortless it all looked in person, especially knowing each store has it's own personality. The hope is that guests will walk in, feel comfortable and have a great experience.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZuYY6S9aMQTOEGj9SocXIkfZ8xxGDwYK7GEC-aw_LSveexZMovB-ZTksn01J12TwxCq-yIxskWQ-E9_G1eaLX_xlbradgO38YGu0-B1tpQfghy_7C3s-nlHDhALTS0xEMRHKeuSDVak/s1600/P6243101.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624467960902154626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZuYY6S9aMQTOEGj9SocXIkfZ8xxGDwYK7GEC-aw_LSveexZMovB-ZTksn01J12TwxCq-yIxskWQ-E9_G1eaLX_xlbradgO38YGu0-B1tpQfghy_7C3s-nlHDhALTS0xEMRHKeuSDVak/s320/P6243101.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This ottoman is my absolute favorite piece in the store, hands down.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyauKU9jzQ9Mf_C_cMfvSA7z8Wl3DVDVr33OznZWnOv7Qt-j2eahG19a5ZYmYDjJQwX30qO_07is9se8KosUYXnk0FYOLf3VIbWvXt138Kv4VzX0RLyBpkVmNrKwXHB98phhhoWresc7M/s1600/P6243102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624467862607472290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyauKU9jzQ9Mf_C_cMfvSA7z8Wl3DVDVr33OznZWnOv7Qt-j2eahG19a5ZYmYDjJQwX30qO_07is9se8KosUYXnk0FYOLf3VIbWvXt138Kv4VzX0RLyBpkVmNrKwXHB98phhhoWresc7M/s320/P6243102.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This loveseat is perfect for husbands to relax on as their wives shop around ...</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6vuj6Po6Hbw3tghjLHgBfenBaCpX4bz4oQxn1t_dbgPpm3gi0-HMAhtEYMF1ECTt2zvXSi8pXueYsHJ_Whq-CJI32VPTK8jHYCLN81HYadgDPf-FIL6JSTc879LX0oT6DYZTkYcc2tI/s1600/P6243106.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624467757165722562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6vuj6Po6Hbw3tghjLHgBfenBaCpX4bz4oQxn1t_dbgPpm3gi0-HMAhtEYMF1ECTt2zvXSi8pXueYsHJ_Whq-CJI32VPTK8jHYCLN81HYadgDPf-FIL6JSTc879LX0oT6DYZTkYcc2tI/s320/P6243106.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">What a beautiful vanity, and I love the flowered wallpaper - such a nice touch!</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS8ge63H5yVCaVhOoNcz0pNtFRTQODGGTz4bDxwqpwpXyeBWbnAhcL49VCxYHVeRglZlnPJjM0o-VFzxY4gpU7wsPT8Oh1XEQH_DheIc3YMq24_5KElk4saGV6R5XodS510kd0ceOrX8/s1600/P6243120.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624467639030662034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS8ge63H5yVCaVhOoNcz0pNtFRTQODGGTz4bDxwqpwpXyeBWbnAhcL49VCxYHVeRglZlnPJjM0o-VFzxY4gpU7wsPT8Oh1XEQH_DheIc3YMq24_5KElk4saGV6R5XodS510kd0ceOrX8/s320/P6243120.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The foyer, complete with red doors and a chandelier.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3FPPnrq_CoWsezowK7OGhgRhF5eMN_1bzMIczSXpodlO5MMHPCD7LBupEQ4cBezIfKINBh_iB0-vKHl5Oi3IoC1cEyeQNS91_Y8ctW3BIfLXSLWwnSYaHAz652c0cJH2Y1cXthih5oA/s1600/P6233078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624467458330199682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3FPPnrq_CoWsezowK7OGhgRhF5eMN_1bzMIczSXpodlO5MMHPCD7LBupEQ4cBezIfKINBh_iB0-vKHl5Oi3IoC1cEyeQNS91_Y8ctW3BIfLXSLWwnSYaHAz652c0cJH2Y1cXthih5oA/s320/P6233078.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This stack of books and bunny lamp are in the middle of a display of <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/section/Color/639.uts">Boysenberry</a> bags, but they make it look just like it all belongs in someone's home!</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI6u7CRvsWe5UCQoSYtV4bVAKsgmKt3bApqRAmdnCwLMh3NMf8CIJqOeYk8NPM0ussx6VuVd0WJc3wFAlnjnI0KOO-tL8ccC1y9Jr3bKhhrjgO4jcEPPueXKf5cXKw1onkP-WxcJcfrs/s1600/P6233092.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624467239430627794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI6u7CRvsWe5UCQoSYtV4bVAKsgmKt3bApqRAmdnCwLMh3NMf8CIJqOeYk8NPM0ussx6VuVd0WJc3wFAlnjnI0KOO-tL8ccC1y9Jr3bKhhrjgO4jcEPPueXKf5cXKw1onkP-WxcJcfrs/s320/P6233092.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The coffered ceiling, crown molding, and chandelier look amazing altogether ...</span><br /><br /><p>A hidden treasure that you can always find at Vera Bradley Stores is a beautiful restroom. I'm used to our impeccably decorated bathrooms in the Fort Wayne offices, but this was something I was pleasantly surprised by when I went to the Beachwood store, because I didn't expect it to be this cheery and adorable.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG2sznvq2BH31QbziL1vaoZ4j1v3ebVGd2jeRJ06nCa8UaSREHWj2IzExVWJh4YxZFmZBaPeG3MUsqO1krXh6sRcgKuesmVv24tuECNmKZHNxYHtaVzbJ6XDfc1eWd2MC_kMpXSey4PE/s1600/P6233088.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624467140099663346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG2sznvq2BH31QbziL1vaoZ4j1v3ebVGd2jeRJ06nCa8UaSREHWj2IzExVWJh4YxZFmZBaPeG3MUsqO1krXh6sRcgKuesmVv24tuECNmKZHNxYHtaVzbJ6XDfc1eWd2MC_kMpXSey4PE/s320/P6233088.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYTFbluRzeqXaMLLA8fTN4izhyc3rTOxBgbHM_YizMRj7SttGc2eHtE0MEdeZbea-44nmuONSk2DYqHkC1FKFlhETdcyoSN9oMHAQ51ZM3xf7X1FcKCFLjPK8AZJMFD-pGtB9HezBBLE/s1600/P6233086.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624467033980786082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYTFbluRzeqXaMLLA8fTN4izhyc3rTOxBgbHM_YizMRj7SttGc2eHtE0MEdeZbea-44nmuONSk2DYqHkC1FKFlhETdcyoSN9oMHAQ51ZM3xf7X1FcKCFLjPK8AZJMFD-pGtB9HezBBLE/s320/P6233086.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This lamp is just too cute for words ...</span><br /></p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-59041471752718176342011-06-30T09:53:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:31:44.298-07:00New Store Opening!Last week, I was lucky enough to attend a new <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/custserv/store_content.jsp?pageName=VeraBradleyStores">Vera Bradley Store</a> opening in Ohio, at <a href="http://www.beachwoodplace.com/">Beachwood Place Mall</a>. Joined by two of my co-workers from Human Resources, Ryan and Amy, I was thrilled to finally be attending one of these events. For months, I've read all of the <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/verabradley">tweets</a> about each new store, wishing I lived closer. While in Cleveland, we attended the Friends and Family event and the Grand Opening.<br /><br /><strong>Day 1: Friends and Family</strong><br /><br /><p>We were greeted by this adorable <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Boysenberry/799/pc/639.uts">Boysenberry</a> sign (pictured below), a helpful guide to the new location. We were beyond excited, considering this was the first store opening for each of us.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRU1LLQK_nIjYOhgSrUNl-TqCe6mhnS3cdPAHaqhvgqFLXvjZoZqD-nKVRis52XQENnv4o2CN-xPY6AJG0Yr3DHJkoyrlDuwzR8YdzQR2-AcFC7UIQdWh4agJydLu5B4ZJE4yrFpdmyQ/s1600/2011-06-24_11-56-24_328.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623997244475406770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRU1LLQK_nIjYOhgSrUNl-TqCe6mhnS3cdPAHaqhvgqFLXvjZoZqD-nKVRis52XQENnv4o2CN-xPY6AJG0Yr3DHJkoyrlDuwzR8YdzQR2-AcFC7UIQdWh4agJydLu5B4ZJE4yrFpdmyQ/s320/2011-06-24_11-56-24_328.jpg" /></a><br /><p>Whatever expectations we had were completely blown away by how busy the store was when we arrived. The lines of people waiting to checkout and to get in were evidence of the amazing job the team did setting up the new location. Everything looked beautiful!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqND7PGRKAs5Uut_w2dnmHtQCXiLf0wEwmveSPMVVY-7qD5aMt_NSMpMpzRAMlW8r4JB4ZssMOKiH-HbTIIY-kwvJAG9gzcAIabFEGEKH2nKzeygLLJqOqFrtwGhPOnxzksi_GvHMvhqs/s1600/P6233068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623997163380216434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqND7PGRKAs5Uut_w2dnmHtQCXiLf0wEwmveSPMVVY-7qD5aMt_NSMpMpzRAMlW8r4JB4ZssMOKiH-HbTIIY-kwvJAG9gzcAIabFEGEKH2nKzeygLLJqOqFrtwGhPOnxzksi_GvHMvhqs/s320/P6233068.JPG" /> </a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">There were so many dedicated Vera Bradley fans that came out for the first night, they didn't even mind waiting in the checkout line!</span><br /><br /><p>Though the evening was titled "Friends and Family Night," everyone was welcome to come in. There were loyal Vera Bradley fans carrying classic prints like <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=retiredcolors">Medallion</a>, little girls with their moms holding their <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=caitlyn">Caitlyns</a> and even some ladies who were visiting a Vera Bradley Store for the very first time. Guests and fans new and old snacked on <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Boysenberry/799/pc/639.uts">Boysenberry</a> cupcakes almost too beautiful to bite and sipped from <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/section/Color/639.uts">Viva la Vera</a> water bottles.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfQAtUH489FsAsavDqmdN0n2j5iL0eJ9IsLk9PBAsYO4cZFedGqgOozCo0iTPBgz0o1Sk0wqzbAijtsXH43oCJr8jYLJEjXSpQldR-afuctKvBuAHmW8C5bMg2_VBxKPRM4LcYYFdtd4/s1600/P6243107.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623997053192679778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfQAtUH489FsAsavDqmdN0n2j5iL0eJ9IsLk9PBAsYO4cZFedGqgOozCo0iTPBgz0o1Sk0wqzbAijtsXH43oCJr8jYLJEjXSpQldR-afuctKvBuAHmW8C5bMg2_VBxKPRM4LcYYFdtd4/s320/P6243107.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The delicious <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/section/Color/639.uts">Boysenberry</a> cupcakes from the <a href="http://whiteflowercake.com/wp/">White Flower Cake Shoppe</a>.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwoTH01ZIESJwRAN5pwf41SUgQ6F0qlJUTeZo6KpMQZ5M7OEe5d1qwfpKB7d1-AMtqnqL7vSbvYb9H00dHtK17TxZwAL_zIp_MoqK4_M3qvxXePkZ9Jt8ox47OF37_HQmMDZWbb8xDiI/s1600/P6233082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623996791131445362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwoTH01ZIESJwRAN5pwf41SUgQ6F0qlJUTeZo6KpMQZ5M7OEe5d1qwfpKB7d1-AMtqnqL7vSbvYb9H00dHtK17TxZwAL_zIp_MoqK4_M3qvxXePkZ9Jt8ox47OF37_HQmMDZWbb8xDiI/s320/P6233082.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">These little bottles of water were so cute, some people kept theirs as a keepsake!</span><br /><br /><p>The evening turned out to be the biggest store opening in Vera Bradley history, and I loved being a part of it.<br /><br /><strong>Day 2: Grand Opening</strong><br /><br />The official opening was the next morning, so we arrived early to help with last-minute preparations, and to attend the ribbon cutting. The team had restocked the shelves and made sure everything looked absolutely perfect before the doors opened.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7TibrTTQGvi4LH7vKf0ZjnHvCIgHca9f_OMUgJzyHJo2ghQ412SAbHPZVQk3bTbZWbtNiIzb8ClFzhMyo4oTKWNf4VnunGVI_H2S6rEUEI7VFq9W3qJZLlrj7_TV1ahSnbrMke4TaG4/s1600/2011-06-24_10-49-10_558.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623996599699393698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7TibrTTQGvi4LH7vKf0ZjnHvCIgHca9f_OMUgJzyHJo2ghQ412SAbHPZVQk3bTbZWbtNiIzb8ClFzhMyo4oTKWNf4VnunGVI_H2S6rEUEI7VFq9W3qJZLlrj7_TV1ahSnbrMke4TaG4/s320/2011-06-24_10-49-10_558.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TamN_9vclUWPq70SXdW9eRlmXdW4nflikzNWOl6ufibHSVDu3S6hV1PZohQL6xuvXq-ENC9p1UIWP_KXpQoh51E8EfeZERVqim-wh6haAS_U2ZTxL5HQmPilGJ1K-XUPSMSTiQVzVHU/s1600/P6243097.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623996538887445362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TamN_9vclUWPq70SXdW9eRlmXdW4nflikzNWOl6ufibHSVDu3S6hV1PZohQL6xuvXq-ENC9p1UIWP_KXpQoh51E8EfeZERVqim-wh6haAS_U2ZTxL5HQmPilGJ1K-XUPSMSTiQVzVHU/s320/P6243097.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Oh, the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/section/Color/639.uts">colors</a> ...</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQNDWCchTiM3jPLKocBiFTdLco1JJvRcE3ErRg8tfFoX7mNziU99FjlKonHpyJr65JJ9Fi-D_24HLw7qWbCnucda_ru-0sqP_YDoVv0v5ZCWAM8FAh9JOtK8bniYdcDH_Ok6NDAo72NE/s1600/P6243099.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623996472407626882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQNDWCchTiM3jPLKocBiFTdLco1JJvRcE3ErRg8tfFoX7mNziU99FjlKonHpyJr65JJ9Fi-D_24HLw7qWbCnucda_ru-0sqP_YDoVv0v5ZCWAM8FAh9JOtK8bniYdcDH_Ok6NDAo72NE/s320/P6243099.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">I was constantly making my own <a href="https://www.verabradley.com/user/login.jsp?dest=%2Fuser%2Fwishlist.jsp">Wish List </a>in my head as I walked around the store ...</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3jY4oLDtYk9_fyvdiuT6jxZLWfI4EhpCZzxVaMODb0xPn0BHBc-pdvcqdnr-yn5Wc706fPOoRqB_4mSViHsm5zYzGIreJwCHM5p_Pimi68OxzhLyf3vEX8NoiRHVKsU2ChQe8me2ac0/s1600/P6243118.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623995984936854226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3jY4oLDtYk9_fyvdiuT6jxZLWfI4EhpCZzxVaMODb0xPn0BHBc-pdvcqdnr-yn5Wc706fPOoRqB_4mSViHsm5zYzGIreJwCHM5p_Pimi68OxzhLyf3vEX8NoiRHVKsU2ChQe8me2ac0/s320/P6243118.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This was my favorite product display - I just love <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Lemon%20Parfait/801/pc/639.uts">Lemon Parfait</a>!</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstNZ_URGy9Rhh-swyoJu4RRCIB4twl2lmLiOAHAdkHx7cwd1rvHj37MtHVQxJ1o9hcrfhm-SshKPm4q-YTk7IHoS6XMBCi_zsxvDaMi4BY7YTVyQMYm8Zsy1ucig2j5K38Yk7MeZ206U/s1600/P6243126.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623995903851396466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstNZ_URGy9Rhh-swyoJu4RRCIB4twl2lmLiOAHAdkHx7cwd1rvHj37MtHVQxJ1o9hcrfhm-SshKPm4q-YTk7IHoS6XMBCi_zsxvDaMi4BY7YTVyQMYm8Zsy1ucig2j5K38Yk7MeZ206U/s320/P6243126.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Arvin, the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, had the honor of being the one to perform the ribbon cutting, and posing for all the pictures beforehand.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMYfN8cGo1e15rk0HzMA88J4jl6cfhSayhUhGv6HYic5fpmgTcUPLDCAhSaeZDv6mBHSK_JpY5VsTyQJBpvzSGlDopTKSWHJ8mZKuduJHCmC7jaitt5Ur5YTIxnUV_Qvg6dIENOToVx0/s1600/P6243128.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623995833218217218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMYfN8cGo1e15rk0HzMA88J4jl6cfhSayhUhGv6HYic5fpmgTcUPLDCAhSaeZDv6mBHSK_JpY5VsTyQJBpvzSGlDopTKSWHJ8mZKuduJHCmC7jaitt5Ur5YTIxnUV_Qvg6dIENOToVx0/s320/P6243128.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The beautiful staff members before the opening.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId6rIoU5k-SIr00OGivzNlazPjTom9Sk1VV7jOpw3lUpYMlqnfAOgMDAHEu-LUPPUJ0eQGDWP6Y9Yf6shPJIqXGW8uRZVmMd6KDLnb9t98DcO9o2PAJRzMk5btvRSgq4uuRovIDFk_lU/s1600/P6243130.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623995747721742498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId6rIoU5k-SIr00OGivzNlazPjTom9Sk1VV7jOpw3lUpYMlqnfAOgMDAHEu-LUPPUJ0eQGDWP6Y9Yf6shPJIqXGW8uRZVmMd6KDLnb9t98DcO9o2PAJRzMk5btvRSgq4uuRovIDFk_lU/s320/P6243130.JPG" /></p></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId6rIoU5k-SIr00OGivzNlazPjTom9Sk1VV7jOpw3lUpYMlqnfAOgMDAHEu-LUPPUJ0eQGDWP6Y9Yf6shPJIqXGW8uRZVmMd6KDLnb9t98DcO9o2PAJRzMk5btvRSgq4uuRovIDFk_lU/s1600/P6243130.JPG"><p align="center"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId6rIoU5k-SIr00OGivzNlazPjTom9Sk1VV7jOpw3lUpYMlqnfAOgMDAHEu-LUPPUJ0eQGDWP6Y9Yf6shPJIqXGW8uRZVmMd6KDLnb9t98DcO9o2PAJRzMk5btvRSgq4uuRovIDFk_lU/s1600/P6243130.JPG"></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Arvin, announcing the 43rd Vera Bradley retail store, in Beachwood Place Mall.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5MO3jVqlAhEVkn67Ce0j26eHrQLnC4xABmdajWFBvMkHenbRjkAN0b05TvZiJq35IvwhbYcvkiaL5dEDCGLhzd_lVW5UHnONoYEcQJL0W6knOmtlxWbwVS7Zu94OV26VmWy7e0GWmhM/s1600/2011-06-24_09-54-49_25.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623995643441491698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5MO3jVqlAhEVkn67Ce0j26eHrQLnC4xABmdajWFBvMkHenbRjkAN0b05TvZiJq35IvwhbYcvkiaL5dEDCGLhzd_lVW5UHnONoYEcQJL0W6knOmtlxWbwVS7Zu94OV26VmWy7e0GWmhM/s320/2011-06-24_09-54-49_25.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">These are the dedicated Vera Bradley fans that got to enter the store first, after waiting in line.</span><br /><br /><p>Once the ribbon was cut, the store was officially open and it was time to shop. We helped customers find the right bag and color, which I thought was so much fun! First, the back room is amazing. Just imagine ... every bag in every pattern. Second, I loved getting to hear the customers' stories. Whether they were waxing poetic and reminiscing about patterns, reliving a trip they made to the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=outletsale">Outlet Sale</a> or rehashing how they were introduced to our products, everyone had something special to share.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMxV7TNeoRB86oyUgW_HsZmHrs756BbAHjd37Q62v7Gbz-SKKnn8-x1LPV6swMWXznoaNb8MtFH-zrjsBXYt8p87Y_A9OZ1k8DmpkEQwzHTh-G6vw2FcT-K-0lPD50X_zNdxifoCB3Ls/s1600/2011-06-24_10-39-45_515.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623995519731020658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMxV7TNeoRB86oyUgW_HsZmHrs756BbAHjd37Q62v7Gbz-SKKnn8-x1LPV6swMWXznoaNb8MtFH-zrjsBXYt8p87Y_A9OZ1k8DmpkEQwzHTh-G6vw2FcT-K-0lPD50X_zNdxifoCB3Ls/s320/2011-06-24_10-39-45_515.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Just shopping away!</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KU-KJM3Lwh1eg_6fleWykZv8LN7H8EsTnWEDVgcn5x_OnGEmBPI4PTgscJ3daopA5cZzwGHbkE5hRUfVhO_DkPLrcPvMShgFbsCbruvlGpu79ShNY7NiyOR6Yk3M_7GU5FBIloLhHWI/s1600/2011-06-24_10-40-04_711.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623995431904724562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KU-KJM3Lwh1eg_6fleWykZv8LN7H8EsTnWEDVgcn5x_OnGEmBPI4PTgscJ3daopA5cZzwGHbkE5hRUfVhO_DkPLrcPvMShgFbsCbruvlGpu79ShNY7NiyOR6Yk3M_7GU5FBIloLhHWI/s320/2011-06-24_10-40-04_711.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Checking out some of the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=city+look">City Look</a> products.</span><br /><br /><p>Before we knew it, it was time to head back to Fort Wayne. It is safe to say that our trip to Cleveland was a success, and such a good time! I loved seeing how the retail side of the business functions. As an avid shopper, seeing the details of a store opening from behind the scenes was a great insight into how a company creates a great customer experience.</p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-26972679588242506862011-06-23T09:34:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:32:07.344-07:00My New Home Sweet HomeSince I am not a <a href="http://www.visitfortwayne.com/">Fort Wayne</a> resident, I was grateful when the Human Resources department provided me with several suggestions for affordable, safe housing options in the area. After some careful deliberation, I chose an apartment on the city's north side. It came fully furnished (which my Dad appreciated), and ended up being beautiful (which my Mom and I appreciated).<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lUtmLfv8HH2lSZGpxUuug55Zf5gAneHBehAEg19-uE5Tw4RUbBmKxMh9W81hci2DhH9wiFuJkmqgSBhqfHBV1Z69Mk1epM8S6_JCIw7YLqGKfOnlD2preKGfu-F8MaT-k7JDSUFk7Zk/s1600/P6233062.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621408619844179474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lUtmLfv8HH2lSZGpxUuug55Zf5gAneHBehAEg19-uE5Tw4RUbBmKxMh9W81hci2DhH9wiFuJkmqgSBhqfHBV1Z69Mk1epM8S6_JCIw7YLqGKfOnlD2preKGfu-F8MaT-k7JDSUFk7Zk/s320/P6233062.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">My <a href="http://www.thereserveapts.com/j/s/i/iFrame.jsp?p_usid=&p_poid=HIKDP1666F&p_pgid=23">apartment complex</a>.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsm5cuwBQkTzM93fU8kxLD_9Z-CGzvWBx-GtozJ5tTyyZw7RkDT4XAHLDthJaY3c0YNWQzhgHgbKRGHogtmo3wJM9GleKUsWVqZviUhkedHQ8aRnugHoZWX92lrFbwkUDjcohp8kHLev0/s1600/P6163056.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621408267442885874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsm5cuwBQkTzM93fU8kxLD_9Z-CGzvWBx-GtozJ5tTyyZw7RkDT4XAHLDthJaY3c0YNWQzhgHgbKRGHogtmo3wJM9GleKUsWVqZviUhkedHQ8aRnugHoZWX92lrFbwkUDjcohp8kHLev0/s320/P6163056.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Our living room, with some one-of-a-kind artwork painted by my very talented Grandma Estelyn.</span><br /><br /><p>HR also paired me up with another intern, Kelley, for a roommate. Kelley is the Product Development intern, so she gets to design beautiful bags every day. I'm used to living with 75 other girls in my sorority house during the school year, so I am extremely grateful to have someone to come home to after work. Since move-in day, we've had the time of our lives decorating our space with hand-crafted decor, hosting weekly <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vb-intern-life.html">intern</a> dinners, and exploring the city together. I have to say that I think this is a match made in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a> heaven!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh84pJ8dRweXjBkf7jJvJyp-E8kTqNSL5hQpej41kbf0mFFqPJgrAay82YSWPuFIFrA5SNMm9lAlcTFaR2i80mm1Wb-0Is9ieTyXELxbZi8gqnvQyzMQvBB7QtH6TwWrjFAwKsz1sOM-M/s1600/P6143031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621408168796364946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh84pJ8dRweXjBkf7jJvJyp-E8kTqNSL5hQpej41kbf0mFFqPJgrAay82YSWPuFIFrA5SNMm9lAlcTFaR2i80mm1Wb-0Is9ieTyXELxbZi8gqnvQyzMQvBB7QtH6TwWrjFAwKsz1sOM-M/s320/P6143031.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">My roommate, Kelley, and I at a <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t584">TinCaps</a> game.</span></p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-21435445280587481042011-06-22T11:05:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:33:07.794-07:00A Truly Vera CelebrationThe finale of the <a href="http://verabradley.org/classic">Vera Bradley Classic</a> is the celebratory dinner at <a href="http://www.sycamorehillsgolfclub.com/">Sycamore Hills Golf Club</a> following the <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/weekend-of-golf-tennis-and-plenty-of.html">Golf Tournament</a>. With a silent auction, delicious meal and other exciting events, it's one of the best tickets in town for supporting the <a href="http://verabradley.org/">Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer</a>.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEknO_85oN3jcmZTZu29ra9JnLLnBlvFw48ndzKOoi4LBnSbL84wkDYgDtM17Rt3wlJlv5y4ogiv1fETO33Cp-A6gShEQJdTVlubK0WzSz9eYFXA6gOpVIra-P4Ae789xy1qff5qnvIvQ/s1600/IMG_0518.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621039726913260802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEknO_85oN3jcmZTZu29ra9JnLLnBlvFw48ndzKOoi4LBnSbL84wkDYgDtM17Rt3wlJlv5y4ogiv1fETO33Cp-A6gShEQJdTVlubK0WzSz9eYFXA6gOpVIra-P4Ae789xy1qff5qnvIvQ/s320/IMG_0518.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Exclusive Vera Bradley tennis bags, crafted each year strictly for the Classic.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HNIEJhFbkzAsCo3EonHnxq6KYTyuGnlr4PkjbXodGebhH4zzlsA0JD3PnhcxzCg05LeKek6PQbcRYrHWmz6s8pi9PENVFfwIxIxKAVEJ9Zs0KOOnHH56xJZoAnZev5phwiq0C0LyXH8/s1600/IMG_0515.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621039600508798450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HNIEJhFbkzAsCo3EonHnxq6KYTyuGnlr4PkjbXodGebhH4zzlsA0JD3PnhcxzCg05LeKek6PQbcRYrHWmz6s8pi9PENVFfwIxIxKAVEJ9Zs0KOOnHH56xJZoAnZev5phwiq0C0LyXH8/s320/IMG_0515.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Vera Bradley bike; one of the most sought-after items, and so adorable!</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP2qhYDexEIbDKMLkDEgulnSKp_RX4vUN-OKx0P03k81OAdblwcxaPFrKB8w5fHHrdxtF1BtjxL5OX__7h3-E1mg8vCSoI40FrTBAgmVEa2Z4O-XwgfflU-RgNkmD2nPqd_-UzdCB3vo/s1600/Dinner_010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621039181906766930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP2qhYDexEIbDKMLkDEgulnSKp_RX4vUN-OKx0P03k81OAdblwcxaPFrKB8w5fHHrdxtF1BtjxL5OX__7h3-E1mg8vCSoI40FrTBAgmVEa2Z4O-XwgfflU-RgNkmD2nPqd_-UzdCB3vo/s320/Dinner_010.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This Viva la Vera chair would be a beautiful addition to the decor in my apartment.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3AMj0vIAeKj9ALzb5Pf3P5kVVDCczNWPR4HJBBzSZ5fBbZpELtsAUuxInSoMc8nBL2dkuKlNeNgdCiL_6EwvSV1-VeyS6-VfYiQ3sMF-uaGxGGlvU6qm6JAReMdlMX4U7QpP5O209ZI/s1600/lady.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621039021313048514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3AMj0vIAeKj9ALzb5Pf3P5kVVDCczNWPR4HJBBzSZ5fBbZpELtsAUuxInSoMc8nBL2dkuKlNeNgdCiL_6EwvSV1-VeyS6-VfYiQ3sMF-uaGxGGlvU6qm6JAReMdlMX4U7QpP5O209ZI/s320/lady.PNG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This year the Classic went techie. All auction bidding was done through an online system.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHLCc8KJbhWuR4h3M9Umc1tgVJjq59GISdFiBS3NnyE1z6FDBcbNFJOby2_QT6WsP8u5tmmuuczincqbnsYzaUFvyDXD42-bv9SvfePZEnEH3pdFW5gbOoWah_8ZWGQ46ePpLNwxuQVs/s1600/Dinner_053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621037575706364178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHLCc8KJbhWuR4h3M9Umc1tgVJjq59GISdFiBS3NnyE1z6FDBcbNFJOby2_QT6WsP8u5tmmuuczincqbnsYzaUFvyDXD42-bv9SvfePZEnEH3pdFW5gbOoWah_8ZWGQ46ePpLNwxuQVs/s320/Dinner_053.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">One of my jobs for the evening was to teach guests how to use the online bidding system.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwqXUn9frv7lhuHHq9ybKLBj-t1m9mePiRMszikv-GLhEgrgpGUj9Y_WjCE1X6JLuVS8P6ofu0F1qmqDcz5OcuxAMgoGfU22Fm5KtxENqAGYl_reqpztIKnjHR8VLyhDPV9-ej16saIY/s1600/IMG_0576.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621037315958916738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwqXUn9frv7lhuHHq9ybKLBj-t1m9mePiRMszikv-GLhEgrgpGUj9Y_WjCE1X6JLuVS8P6ofu0F1qmqDcz5OcuxAMgoGfU22Fm5KtxENqAGYl_reqpztIKnjHR8VLyhDPV9-ej16saIY/s320/IMG_0576.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The tent decorations were beautiful. Lots of pink, of course!</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_QvsQKpRauEEXHgLeqsPEdwGRWWSAPf5mEtbbkBWmMaMJ6HQVpnPyghwo-VnnwGQeDtG9R5pg74xfuRHKkZYDWqwtSFzc_z2qbPHMV8Ov5XxTH_oLxuEi1bZmTXi2dQfqT61POsgRig/s1600/flowers.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621037014130654082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_QvsQKpRauEEXHgLeqsPEdwGRWWSAPf5mEtbbkBWmMaMJ6HQVpnPyghwo-VnnwGQeDtG9R5pg74xfuRHKkZYDWqwtSFzc_z2qbPHMV8Ov5XxTH_oLxuEi1bZmTXi2dQfqT61POsgRig/s320/flowers.PNG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The beautiful centerpieces looked so elegant that evening (and on my desk the following morning).</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGnMcq_glBB6SpjwDbLzk11Q5UkFiwbARvEg3uzrKCFbQrwUAnjG9Jf5z9A09GuH3zv9bVjBEMSdmT7JIsN81igOVAY4wQt5_n7io8sYoBcV989SCmAzCcI_nCPXgoYPtvJBFWD0mmPE/s1600/IMG_0488.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGWOwBpuL0hufYwwwx4IbYm-RSRuGoyLpuEffnKgjXhaue265BS3Umqa1XN5AX46TGUdutTSPXCG8THU59CcqKmqJHFSyPeuiHkgBJQCaiA9QNbiZ_z3QU9ynJo9JjyKLJiKs1o0PFN4/s1600/barb+%2526+pat.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621036072853078530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGWOwBpuL0hufYwwwx4IbYm-RSRuGoyLpuEffnKgjXhaue265BS3Umqa1XN5AX46TGUdutTSPXCG8THU59CcqKmqJHFSyPeuiHkgBJQCaiA9QNbiZ_z3QU9ynJo9JjyKLJiKs1o0PFN4/s320/barb+%2526+pat.PNG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Vera Bradley's fearless leaders, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their support.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2qJx3tGG8BhydM7LWTuU7rLPDmvEpcfLG2v1rW9n_HXyWumkSkH2bvE8DRCNxNosiV75a4H4kT9yfMpA5tsjtuwehtEvA_k7ZcpbrGJyhOWsLT2ZLRVtdMk3dwxPsmk0lEN7_em6qPs/s1600/Dinner_060.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621034981578429458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2qJx3tGG8BhydM7LWTuU7rLPDmvEpcfLG2v1rW9n_HXyWumkSkH2bvE8DRCNxNosiV75a4H4kT9yfMpA5tsjtuwehtEvA_k7ZcpbrGJyhOWsLT2ZLRVtdMk3dwxPsmk0lEN7_em6qPs/s320/Dinner_060.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Executive Director for the Vera Bradley Foundation, Catherine Hill, spoke about the advancements in research.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQtEMEpCHlAwhhSs3JBy_J0CxG4KVvQzt2aWoiMU_qHxjR5QP1UW9S_OGfI1xkVPy75ZMFcTn1f2TDQ5btgPKvg5Ep_MBSV-akxiuFg6RaM8UdPGMK02U8djgrLkiwyaH1X0VDO6atGk/s1600/Dinner_081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621034820851774210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQtEMEpCHlAwhhSs3JBy_J0CxG4KVvQzt2aWoiMU_qHxjR5QP1UW9S_OGfI1xkVPy75ZMFcTn1f2TDQ5btgPKvg5Ep_MBSV-akxiuFg6RaM8UdPGMK02U8djgrLkiwyaH1X0VDO6atGk/s320/Dinner_081.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The tent was filled with 1,000 people, all supporting the cause.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLPv2-YWGksvFClu_wKRVA4JFfdwPacDdXM0XLViscwUqEqWVji8JuOM33be2wEXuPfXOipmQ5H7PfvnnF8w0cWjDYKIklfIQSeclmSquT4QkV0fOTciRiX9Wa-u1N_WPFZvXygoNmBs/s1600/dinner+photo.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621034530186667234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLPv2-YWGksvFClu_wKRVA4JFfdwPacDdXM0XLViscwUqEqWVji8JuOM33be2wEXuPfXOipmQ5H7PfvnnF8w0cWjDYKIklfIQSeclmSquT4QkV0fOTciRiX9Wa-u1N_WPFZvXygoNmBs/s320/dinner+photo.PNG" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">A flash mob capped the evening and announced the grand total the 2011 Classic raised.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjCYqt62HE9QScL-I3ikgVYt7WJzVXZWEaKCfMCQaQZi8GfGEssvvGFX9zQaVNN1uYECSD_gXdKv86DKjBj1xA9vunMX52ymRBES1n8pF5CXsmlEJSR7ZM9YnGCq2fZpZESqDLiGnmXY/s1600/Dinner_113.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621030004082383458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjCYqt62HE9QScL-I3ikgVYt7WJzVXZWEaKCfMCQaQZi8GfGEssvvGFX9zQaVNN1uYECSD_gXdKv86DKjBj1xA9vunMX52ymRBES1n8pF5CXsmlEJSR7ZM9YnGCq2fZpZESqDLiGnmXY/s320/Dinner_113.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><p>This year, our annual golf and tennis event raised an amazing $945, 185 for breast cancer research! Each year the Foundation surpasses their goal and the amount that was raised the year before, so just imagine what they will be able to do in the future!</p><br />This weekend was the result of lots of hard work and dedication from so many. It was about the cause and making strides toward change, but, for me, it was also an indescribable way to mark my first official weekend as a temporary Fort Wayne resident.Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-81185629158316837972011-06-21T11:55:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:32:50.354-07:00A Weekend of Golf, Tennis, and Plenty of PinkEvery June, the <a href="http://verabradley.org/">Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer</a> holds the <a href="http://verabradley.org/classic">Vera Bradley Classic</a>, a 4-day event with tennis, golf and celebration dinners, all coated in pink. I volunteered with Foundation <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vb-intern-life.html">intern</a>, Michelle, who was kind enough to work on this post with me.<br /><br /><strong>Tennis Tournament</strong><br /><br />Stephanie:<br />On Saturday, 68 teams (136 women) competed for Vera Bradley bragging rights at <a href="http://www.wildwoodracquetclub.com/">Wildwood Racquet Club</a> in Fort Wayne. This was my first experience with the Classic, and everyone was so welcoming and sweet. Of course, when you are surrounded by adorable <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Color/Twirly-Birds-Pink/757/pc/639.uts">Twirly Birds Pink</a> decorations, you can't help but have a great time. I sold merchandise and handed out gifts to the participants (<a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Sunglasses/743/pc/638.uts">sunglasses</a> and <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Totes/642/pc/638.uts">Totes</a> in Twirly Birds Pink), so I was a pretty popular girl that day.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH5_DmxGRIq_OY2LKcf2Gr3SxqZD4Z8oFH1vIuyHh7E6PCRcq8tt3cpL7T4ulVuDxcPS4Yhc_VL8iUMr216xlSCYT6XORdYjY_TNkrVYL-X03Fh8XqU5NcFw_JQfzolF738ku0CRXTo0/s1600/Tennis_007.jpg"></a><strong><br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH5_DmxGRIq_OY2LKcf2Gr3SxqZD4Z8oFH1vIuyHh7E6PCRcq8tt3cpL7T4ulVuDxcPS4Yhc_VL8iUMr216xlSCYT6XORdYjY_TNkrVYL-X03Fh8XqU5NcFw_JQfzolF738ku0CRXTo0/s1600/Tennis_007.jpg"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620661177218880866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH5_DmxGRIq_OY2LKcf2Gr3SxqZD4Z8oFH1vIuyHh7E6PCRcq8tt3cpL7T4ulVuDxcPS4Yhc_VL8iUMr216xlSCYT6XORdYjY_TNkrVYL-X03Fh8XqU5NcFw_JQfzolF738ku0CRXTo0/s320/Tennis_007.jpg" /></strong></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Some of the participants watching an exhibition match.</span><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYjICSz39oVqLDN5vgxSeBrlyJPW77gWYHsQvASq3n2NJ2BbwrU7gbUzlmfYMjrj5t_uS3SyJlXfblgCWUALiLMgL46bZob3QIJCwDLncNBeo-vILA2XSNV-Ygu3pKaKgfoT2B9Xswrk/s1600/Tennis_040.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620661101731542210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYjICSz39oVqLDN5vgxSeBrlyJPW77gWYHsQvASq3n2NJ2BbwrU7gbUzlmfYMjrj5t_uS3SyJlXfblgCWUALiLMgL46bZob3QIJCwDLncNBeo-vILA2XSNV-Ygu3pKaKgfoT2B9Xswrk/s320/Tennis_040.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Jill Nichols, the EVP of Philanthropy and Community Relations, showing off her tennis skills.</span><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIVg-O6htycLM5G9TiAsePhDiuZtPZlls2z8Zcv31eNF62tP8thCxuY3oGq7XU3a3ZUnjacg7vjKnb7_l9JD7rmmEVNCGhl3abOEaCZ6xtLnelqAIq4c4O1GQA9nGWqk6FtGZ2Ubqa0E/s1600/J_Fuhrmann+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620661022297104914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIVg-O6htycLM5G9TiAsePhDiuZtPZlls2z8Zcv31eNF62tP8thCxuY3oGq7XU3a3ZUnjacg7vjKnb7_l9JD7rmmEVNCGhl3abOEaCZ6xtLnelqAIq4c4O1GQA9nGWqk6FtGZ2Ubqa0E/s320/J_Fuhrmann+1.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">One of the teams, rocking their new Vera Bradley <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=miller">Miller Bags</a> and <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Sunglasses/743/pc/638.uts">sunglasses</a>.</span><br /><p><strong>Golf Tournament</strong></p><br />Michelle:<br />With Monday came the biggest part of Classic weekend ... golf day! With 113 teams (452 golfers) spread across three tournaments at two courses, we definitely had a lot to orchestrate. The 9-hole tournament was held at <a href="http://ftwaynecc.org/">Fort Wayne Country Club</a>, and the 18-hole tournament took place at <a href="http://www.sycamorehillsgolfclub.com/">Sycamore Hills Golf Club</a>. Fortunately, we had beautiful weather, amazing participants and a ton of cheerful volunteers.<br /><br />The day started bright and early around 6 am with one of my favorite activities: Driving around on a golf cart and "Vera-ifying" every hole. I had to hurry so I could make it back to the registration table in time to see all the golfers arriving in their fabulous outfits (arguably the best part of the Classic). It seems when it comes to the Classic, cute outfits are top priority for most, while the ability to golf in said cute outfits is much lower on the list of concerns.<br /><br />After a few well wishes, all the golfers were off to their start holes, and I believe it can be said with some confidence, a good time was had by all!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RfU1uTJSDCJDKJglyGk92Pyl6YCkfiqNFLtmfIej2R0YCeY4JbFyEIYuA1KwVU6LfbGOAdnCyrTja1bDEYiOzqYQ7G72Kz2CFDuROX1z8_9rkxuyc0Wz44RJ3moPNCx8AqwAaNoleBE/s1600/SYC_95.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620660925379293458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RfU1uTJSDCJDKJglyGk92Pyl6YCkfiqNFLtmfIej2R0YCeY4JbFyEIYuA1KwVU6LfbGOAdnCyrTja1bDEYiOzqYQ7G72Kz2CFDuROX1z8_9rkxuyc0Wz44RJ3moPNCx8AqwAaNoleBE/s320/SYC_95.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">A participant looking far more professional than I could ever hope to. Note the pink ribbons!</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK11Yw6OOPKQm5P5QQsrzgpfGGWm2o0q7p4UzIXZtJWzxCug_-HeTe6cRXoL3wtdNJAjd0Tkd77qVUn7sMzt-YmPP5qWI-jwxBVsDdsPw_-i31Ggt3oMJMCNSa2VXMHdOLmbbTGcO2_8/s1600/IMG_0331.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620660810016591634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxK11Yw6OOPKQm5P5QQsrzgpfGGWm2o0q7p4UzIXZtJWzxCug_-HeTe6cRXoL3wtdNJAjd0Tkd77qVUn7sMzt-YmPP5qWI-jwxBVsDdsPw_-i31Ggt3oMJMCNSa2VXMHdOLmbbTGcO2_8/s320/IMG_0331.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Just a few of our amazing volunteers working the registration table at Fort Wayne Country Club.</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4VC1BJ_cehQDsaY3GGWUf4o21wSMYgAq4oApJPAHfRfF_kJxi52jGWXW9i4mev7Bd-FAMN6f336MttKbRdaYd457HHMIUghRyn9E8dUMfzeA5iZfFiyllMPS3PnCq6qQj7GRvrZ9EqA/s1600/C_McComb.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620660717445840370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4VC1BJ_cehQDsaY3GGWUf4o21wSMYgAq4oApJPAHfRfF_kJxi52jGWXW9i4mev7Bd-FAMN6f336MttKbRdaYd457HHMIUghRyn9E8dUMfzeA5iZfFiyllMPS3PnCq6qQj7GRvrZ9EqA/s320/C_McComb.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The winners of the most important part of the Classic, the Best Dressed competition!</span><br /></p>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-15688423051144029862011-06-20T09:26:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:32:34.556-07:00Vera Bradley 101For the last three days, the other <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/vb-intern-life.html">interns</a> and I have been busy with New Hire Orientation, hosted each month by our Training Department. We met members of the various departments and visited the four Fort Wayne buildings. I never thought I would say that I loved touring a factory or that I enjoyed a presentation about IT, but this week I definitely did.<br /><br />We started the week off at our Industrial Road office, where departments like Finance, Customer Service, and Direct and Indirect Sales are located. In addition to the tour and presentations, we also had the opportunity to observe some of the Customer Service representatives, whose product knowledge and dedication to the brand is so inspiring!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwnxBTHlB5pan5w_cbe6QuygLtnEQhzxEDrqJSLN39BxT1Pwul85z8DhCSpyMxkcmQDTe6WwbLlEBa7GLoFkUJi5fYm7p9zT6OUDvdcIAB1DFID5kYSwiAg5ShSLIg3Ien26zxSPfYB8/s1600/Industrial%252520Road.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 365px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620293516887988418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwnxBTHlB5pan5w_cbe6QuygLtnEQhzxEDrqJSLN39BxT1Pwul85z8DhCSpyMxkcmQDTe6WwbLlEBa7GLoFkUJi5fYm7p9zT6OUDvdcIAB1DFID5kYSwiAg5ShSLIg3Ien26zxSPfYB8/s320/Industrial%252520Road.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Industrial Road</span><br /><br /><p>Our next stop was Adams Center Road (ACR), where manufacturing takes place. We watched the team there quilt fabric, cut pieces for the bags, and sew and assemble the bags, which completely amazed me. Each of the bags coming from ACR is sewn by hand. Talk about talent.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz7j1i_fp_yJd_8ZH_Q8CH-Fg8iN8ORavHJwNJSaCTkNOo-MYYlOeKvPSKS_hss_ysyU1NkpwiEmEk6bDkMRqq1RvIkvCJAajqD9eIVK7i1xDvJOc-8Ss9dNUOt1As4OzCa-wBr2-cIA/s1600/Adams%252520Center%252520Road.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620293464803405218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz7j1i_fp_yJd_8ZH_Q8CH-Fg8iN8ORavHJwNJSaCTkNOo-MYYlOeKvPSKS_hss_ysyU1NkpwiEmEk6bDkMRqq1RvIkvCJAajqD9eIVK7i1xDvJOc-8Ss9dNUOt1As4OzCa-wBr2-cIA/s320/Adams%252520Center%252520Road.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">It was a dream come true for me to see the huge bolts of fabric in all of my favorite colors. My mind was racing with ideas for things I could craft and make with them; the options are endless!</span><br /><br /><p>Next up, we traveled to <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2011/06/very-vera-first-day.html">Production Road</a>, where I spend most of my time. Even though I am somewhat familiar with the departments here (Product Development, the <a href="http://verabradley.org/">Foundation</a>, Marketing, and Visual Merchandising), I loved getting a more in depth look at what they do from the people who know best. The highlight by far was touring Product Development, where the magic happens. Thinking about how each pattern, bag, and collection is created from scratch in this building, where I work every day, reminds me that I truly hit the internship jackpot.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8RuPiVVJdd6PbAn0FJZEmAqF4v8tDFTxv5SIWsA8m9wtt-dF9hQlyXn0_v8wJaD9_NLYgj2-RZZB6uoP6bEETDve83UN2pjAHhAHRBbFWWr8bv4GxYEK72iMBD6lAArnwPypPpG3thw/s1600/Production%252520Road.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620293379974125330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8RuPiVVJdd6PbAn0FJZEmAqF4v8tDFTxv5SIWsA8m9wtt-dF9hQlyXn0_v8wJaD9_NLYgj2-RZZB6uoP6bEETDve83UN2pjAHhAHRBbFWWr8bv4GxYEK72iMBD6lAArnwPypPpG3thw/s320/Production%252520Road.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Production Road</span><br /><br /><p>Last but certainly not least, we visited Stonebridge, the distribution facility. This is where they store product, fill <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">online orders</a> and distribute merchandise to retailers. All of their systems are so efficient, and seeing how dedicated the company is to quality control and customer experience really reinforces the <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=culture">eight core values</a>, and how they're applied each and every day.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoZwcS6yUtEQyqC7qURZVAhjD8guy6ckf9RXXViKDFey8RE3OB3KdyJA5LSntqRbrQIzM3ohwV71uzd3HlcJmevgBHylSEpl24GAwwcJ0AF4NSDjXBG9KoT1vohzuddo85PkFQjT5xHE/s1600/Stonebridge.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620293197696028610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoZwcS6yUtEQyqC7qURZVAhjD8guy6ckf9RXXViKDFey8RE3OB3KdyJA5LSntqRbrQIzM3ohwV71uzd3HlcJmevgBHylSEpl24GAwwcJ0AF4NSDjXBG9KoT1vohzuddo85PkFQjT5xHE/s320/Stonebridge.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Stonebridge</span><br /><br /><p>Unfortunately, there is one location that we did not get to visit ... Vera Bradley's New York office. While I'm sure they would love to take every new hire to The Big Apple to see their product development office, it just isn't possible. But hey, a girl can dream, right?<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAcM80Y61fvYZcZ7CY-BpFwDtN7J2mLNNa_P1bDR6i4B59glCUgBKCo_mN8rnKIJuBMJvC4x_8DQpfv7xw6ZPTs6U7NHsN6GvYCtnvEefVTHn7Jm1g75wcJTaHxEheRJfC2rKEfQNL-U/s1600/ViewFromOurWindow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620293102712236738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAcM80Y61fvYZcZ7CY-BpFwDtN7J2mLNNa_P1bDR6i4B59glCUgBKCo_mN8rnKIJuBMJvC4x_8DQpfv7xw6ZPTs6U7NHsN6GvYCtnvEefVTHn7Jm1g75wcJTaHxEheRJfC2rKEfQNL-U/s320/ViewFromOurWindow.jpg" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The view from the New York office - 5th Avenue and Central Park!</span><br /><br /><div></div>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-79527622816375397222011-06-14T11:09:00.001-07:002011-06-14T13:19:58.864-07:00The VB Intern Life<div align="left">I'm quickly learning that <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley's </a>Intern Program consists of much more than just providing future professionals the opportunity to work in various functional areas of the company. In addition to our work, we have each been delegated a summer project, which we review with our fellow interns when we meet periodically, and that we will give presentations about at the end of the summer.<br /><br />To broaden our knowledge and enhance our presentations, representatives from each area come to teach us about their roles in the company's overall mission. By the end of the summer, we should have a deep understanding of how Vera Bradley functions as a whole. Two weeks ago, we heard from Jeff Blade, Vera Bradley's CFO (and a fellow Butler Bulldog), about the Initial Public Offering, and how that has impacted the company so far. Last week, we met Melissa Schenkel and Susan Doctor from Marketing, for a rundown on branding and the use of <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=asseenin">media</a> outlets for promotion.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvgZ0bmzw-BWFWjB37fJ3jsxX8utQhxldbHougqYgi7IV6onRReM03prQJn3OzWURGxB6e9R5irDEmFGJGKyyO0kWkDMIXaWZZLjuh4VlupHUg03ACtZLT8HeSXE35RAYMK1c9WK1nWY/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618143912648283634" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvgZ0bmzw-BWFWjB37fJ3jsxX8utQhxldbHougqYgi7IV6onRReM03prQJn3OzWURGxB6e9R5irDEmFGJGKyyO0kWkDMIXaWZZLjuh4VlupHUg03ACtZLT8HeSXE35RAYMK1c9WK1nWY/s320/018.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Almost all of the interns – and yes, we did separate ourselves into groups of boys and girls.</span> </p>Every summer the<a href="http://www.fwchamber.org/cwt/external/wcpages/index.aspx"> Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce </a>also has a program called <a href="http://www.fwchamber.org/cwt/external/wcpages/chamber/graduate_retention.aspx">Live, Learn, and Intern</a>. Designed to encourage young professionals to explore the city, this program gives people like me entertaining options in a place I don't know very well (since I'm not from the area). Best of all, it's free! So this week we went bowling at Indiana Tech, and as always, the Vera interns had a fabulous time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbCQL2K9fr478LifFz63xaqAwqQd0Ac2ORav0GVibUXqW-F4_QUGtPezX4NmLX6bF6PQetJzkxCtcV9LwRdU8pydhsoslyS0TMuGt1dcmaa9geciCqtmx55DMAPa0wCVnQvDdzCFiLuE/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618145819494696898" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbCQL2K9fr478LifFz63xaqAwqQd0Ac2ORav0GVibUXqW-F4_QUGtPezX4NmLX6bF6PQetJzkxCtcV9LwRdU8pydhsoslyS0TMuGt1dcmaa9geciCqtmx55DMAPa0wCVnQvDdzCFiLuE/s320/001.JPG" border="0" /> </a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Taking a break from the bowling action.</span><br /></div><p>We also gathered for a casual, get-to-know-each-other dinner, which was definitely a success. We talked about work, our projects, our hometowns and, of course, the products we've been seeing that we'd love to have, and the <a href="http://verabradley.org/classic">previous weekend's events </a>for the <a href="http://verabradley.org/">Foundation</a>! Next up? There has been talk of a possible trip to Cedar Point, some TinCaps games and a lot of just hanging out at my apartment with my roommate (a fellow Vera intern). I'll be sure to share our adventures on Behind the Seams! </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjEe7MwC_1MAUwFNodHv7abP47ARfp2MQRqtpXbzmK-GimJlRoplf5Zb3P8uNUIRJsMZ5yi9x5BpiY4mVCcgJSE_uSnyp8cTVTpQ8v3cS4-RJbonjXWIh4968syKB2OFNoRVKv8WtBdI/s1600/257741_2155914695248_1167870003_32648612_2990434_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618149646571436290" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjEe7MwC_1MAUwFNodHv7abP47ARfp2MQRqtpXbzmK-GimJlRoplf5Zb3P8uNUIRJsMZ5yi9x5BpiY4mVCcgJSE_uSnyp8cTVTpQ8v3cS4-RJbonjXWIh4968syKB2OFNoRVKv8WtBdI/s320/257741_2155914695248_1167870003_32648612_2990434_o.jpg" border="0" /> </a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Dinner at Flat Top Grill.</span></div>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-23428982903993213712011-06-08T13:05:00.000-07:002011-06-14T13:21:30.310-07:00A Very Vera First Day<div align="left">On my first day at <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>, I went to our Industrial Road office to begin orientation. Not all of the interns started on the same day, so there were only about six or seven of us (there are 15 now). We learned about the internship program, <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=culture">the company</a> and received a tour of the building. I then made the short drive over to the building in which I will be spending most of my time, the office on Production Road.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNsOPWxF6OtPz8BzN3dRfLpmsXYxszwmF1EOEGgQXjBSqFTwTOxJ5pjh3SjT-AvS1lA88vHSOabcKBbg0yRHrzwHynYI9yhpDE3WgWMtQMnGQOA32Gd34YJfU0wgPtE3Gs2_utFiBztg/s320/024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto -45px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616304362448478322" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNsOPWxF6OtPz8BzN3dRfLpmsXYxszwmF1EOEGgQXjBSqFTwTOxJ5pjh3SjT-AvS1lA88vHSOabcKBbg0yRHrzwHynYI9yhpDE3WgWMtQMnGQOA32Gd34YJfU0wgPtE3Gs2_utFiBztg/s320/024.JPG" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><br />Production Road Office<br /></span></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div>When I walked in the front door, I completely fell in love. From the shelves of new and old products to the adorable seating area, everything around me was so "Vera". Production Road is actually Vera Bradley's original office, where all operations were once housed, including Product Development, Manufacturing, Distribution, and all Business Operations.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAgVp59shWhQ8vlIe8_yg-kROmoEEqcpzbUijJk6pY6FFPMFcIfy0LSTt3lH5pMf9x8e10qSyxPz1lbHZ99pc2f3HPGS0VfChxoQS4LWoLlb3N3GjiCvZMePWp3O1huorG3gEgtb5U78/s320/027.JPG"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto -45px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616304362448478322" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAgVp59shWhQ8vlIe8_yg-kROmoEEqcpzbUijJk6pY6FFPMFcIfy0LSTt3lH5pMf9x8e10qSyxPz1lbHZ99pc2f3HPGS0VfChxoQS4LWoLlb3N3GjiCvZMePWp3O1huorG3gEgtb5U78/s320/027.JPG" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><br />This just looks so inviting!<br /></span></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-yyILNH3Ws4D4uBkUmstrhmhrWOKqhB_RsSnwG830FCVGfGYiG3O50nPF_-WU5K6b4d0YAddVtiiYGn1b62UzG_554CJYUKQNtyWoZOLOXLEhHIROHoMc8O8CpKqAiac9FfIdNxkGnc/s320/032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto -45px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616304362448478322" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-yyILNH3Ws4D4uBkUmstrhmhrWOKqhB_RsSnwG830FCVGfGYiG3O50nPF_-WU5K6b4d0YAddVtiiYGn1b62UzG_554CJYUKQNtyWoZOLOXLEhHIROHoMc8O8CpKqAiac9FfIdNxkGnc/s320/032.JPG" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><br />I love that I get to see this ... every day.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div>At Production, I was finally able to make it to the Human Resources area (affectionately known as the HR Cave). I met everyone on our team and started to get settled into my desk. As the day went on, I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't just a one day deal, but I really get to work at this amazing company all summer long.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V_rKtB0JgWuixgpwuV_bjFje8sPXKx2qDYsd375NvMe7AfS9nZKI11uf1E2UdZ5wLeevHfTPOO0VmeAzYOMvAInWNW0Xv_XKuQ1i5OMhlHD_WR_-67epyJ-H_tfBlPXZn0wEQ8Hi_i0/s1600/P6093022.JPG"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto -45px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616304362448478322" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V_rKtB0JgWuixgpwuV_bjFje8sPXKx2qDYsd375NvMe7AfS9nZKI11uf1E2UdZ5wLeevHfTPOO0VmeAzYOMvAInWNW0Xv_XKuQ1i5OMhlHD_WR_-67epyJ-H_tfBlPXZn0wEQ8Hi_i0/s320/P6093022.JPG" border="0" /><br /></a><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><br />My desk - Complete with photos of friends and family, and some Vera too!</span></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div>Now, two weeks later, it is starting to truly sink in, and thankfully I don't feel like someone is going to tap me on the shoulder and tell me that it is time for me to leave. The next step will be finding the willpower to overcome my constant desire to buy every <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=bag">bag</a>, <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Accessories/645/pc/638.uts">accessory</a> or cute <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=stationery">stationery</a> item I see. Wish me luck with this one ... I'll need it!<div align="left"><p></p></div>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6775135805193369289.post-42207447005913518612011-06-07T11:35:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:35:18.150-07:00The Beginning of Something Very Colorful<div align="left">Hi! I am Stephanie, and I am currently in week two of my dream internship at <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/">Vera Bradley</a>. I am working in <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/content/content.jsp?pageName=careers">Human Resources</a> for the summer, and the beginning of my time here has been spent learning about this amazing company, getting to know my coworkers, and adjusting to my new surroundings and schedule.</div><br />To help us get acquainted, here is some more information about me ...<br /><br /><div align="left">This fall I will be a senior at Butler, where I am a Marketing major with a Communication Studies minor. I am a true Indiana girl at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">heart</span>, since I grew up on a farm in southern Indiana and then transplanted myself to Indianapolis for college a few years ago, and now I am living in <a href="http://www.visitfortwayne.com/">Fort Wayne</a> for the summer. Usually, my summer is spent lounging by the pool, going to small-town festivals and showing cattle, but this one will be slightly different ... and I couldn't be any happier! I also love crafting, being social, and of course blogging!</div><br />If you followed Behind the Seams last summer, you probably remember <a href="http://verabradleyintern.blogspot.com/2010/05/summer-of-vera-bradley-love.html">Libby</a>, who just graduated from Butler (Congrats, Libby!). Since ours is such a small school, I actually know Libby and read all of her posts. Before I finished my junior year and she moved on to the next chapter of her life, we met up so she could give me some tips for my summer as the intern blogger.<br /><br /><div align="left">Libby's Blog Survival Guide:<br /></div><ol><li>Carry a camera everywhere. You never know when a Kodak moment could pop up. My fellow interns came to realize that if I was around, whatever we were doing was going to be on the blog!</li><br /><li>Think outside the office. The magic happens inside the Vera Bradley offices, but there is more to the company than <a href="http://www.verabradley.com/category/Category/Handbags/641/pc/638.uts">handbags</a>. I had tons of fun at the <a href="http://verabradley.org/classic">Vera Bradley Classic</a> and being in a Fort Wayne parade. It's a great way to meet new people and share the amazing company culture. </li><br /><li>Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether you're brainstorming ideas, proofreading or gathering feedback, learn from the talented people around you! The Web team was awesome and provided me with many entertaining photo opportunities!</li><br /><li>Last but not least ... Be yourself! Last summer, readers got a true peek at my life, from my work desk down to my favorite shoes!</li></ol><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615551435558278162" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnRgOONR_mLHgTrMTlTqGL9Z98k7RdcGVrgA3YwJTfhSsp-LCbfH4KloM6t1-81II72mkgTIHSM2f0jyr7ImrDhQUYJXpi_5HCHF9Zv-hlFEjE4G6gHqE2ooQtmjS1EV17BisE8pHqxo/s400/STP61262_bbbb%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" />Libby and I at the Bulldog - A famous Butler landmark!<br /></div>Vera Bradley Internhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11421315971268102188noreply@blogger.com2