#MagLife
National Boss Day
Finding a new job is sometimes easier said than done. You have to research potential employers, practice interview skills, and make a lasting impression. This week we have some pointers to help you to find, land, and keep the job. Also, be sure to earn some brownie points with your boss on October 16th -- It’s National Boss’s Day! Getting your boss a gift is an unexpected way to show them that you appreciate all they do. Research, Resume, and Resilience The first step to finding a new job is researching potential employers. Start by using an established job-search website. Narrow down your search by industry and region. Once you find a position that interests you, look up the company’s website or any reviews that might be posted about the business. Getting to know the company’s history, philanthropy, and reputation might help you choose which job will be the best fit. You can also use the company’s information in the interview to show that you have made an effort to get to know them. Make sure you have a genuine and professional cover letter to accompany your resume (don’t just copy and paste a cover letter from a web-search template). Your resume should be thorough but concise, easy to read, and shouldn’t take up more than one page. There are some creative and unique resume templates out there, but be sure to match your resume style to the style of the company. For example, a graphic design company might like to see geometric shapes, colors, bar charts, and clip art. However, an accounting firm would probably prefer to see a traditional resume. After you’ve sent in your cover letter and resume, follow up with a phone call. If possible, get the contact information of the specific person that is hiring. Following up your resume with a polite phone call shows initiative that might give you an edge over other applicants. Be prepared to answer some basic questions regarding your interest in the job and your work experience. If the company is nearby, you might also consider stopping in for a face-to-face visit with the hiring manager. A face-to-face visit will show the employer that you are dedicated and ambitious. It also gives them a chance to see how you present yourself and make a first impression. Make sure to be dressed for success and interview-ready when you stop in. Most importantly: the interview. Once you’ve landed an interview, confirm the day, date, time, and name of the person you’ll be interviewing with. Go over the company’s information again, review your resume, get a good night’s sleep, and eat a hearty breakfast. Dress professionally and portray a clean, tidy appearance. Show up at least 15 minutes early in case you have trouble finding parking or the location of the office space. When talking with the hiring manager, be yourself! Over-rehearsed interview answers are easy to spot and awkward. Most of the time the interviewer wants to see your personality come through, regardless of your experience. It’s also a great idea to have two or three company-specific questions prepared for the interviewer. You are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. Smile, offer a firm handshake, and say thank you. If the interviewer doesn’t contact you when they say they will, follow up with a phone call. Being prepared, genuine, and resilient will make a great impression on the employer that is right for you. Of course, once you get the job, you’ll have to continue displaying positive qualities and pursuing excellence each day. Boss’s Day Often times bosses, managers, supervisors, etc. do work behind the scenes that goes unnoticed. They maintain relationships with clients, analyze and develop best practices, and overall ensure that the operation keeps running smoothly. Show your boss on October 16th that their dedication is appreciated with their very own Maglite -- the gift that keeps on giving! The Mini Maglite Pro LED Pocket/Purse Flashlight makes a great, classy addition to any boss’s desk or briefcase.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although cancer is a topic that we usually don’t like to talk about, most of us know at least one person that has had some form of it. Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and how to support those that are either going through treatment or are currently in recovery. Signs and Symptoms A monthly breast self-exam is an important part of your healthcare routine. However, sometimes breast cancer doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms. If you’re over 40, get a mammogram annually to catch lumps or abnormalities that aren’t obvious. According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following changes in your breasts could be a symptom of breast cancer: swelling, skin irritation, dimpling, inverted nipples, pain, redness, scaliness, discharge, thickening, and lumps. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean cancer, but if you notice any changes in your breasts be sure to make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible. Be Present but Non-Intrusive Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. With an increase in breast cancer awareness and funding for research, survival rates are steadily increasing. Still, receiving a diagnosis can be devastating. Besides considering the survival rate, women (and men) have to think about how their bodies will change and how it will affect their daily activities and personal and professional relationships -- among countless other things. As family members, friends, and coworkers of those affected by breast cancer, we should do our best to learn how to be understanding through this difficult time. We’ve compiled some pointers on how to be supportive below, but realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Be available to listen without feeling the need to give advice. Talking about emotions can be hard, so try to be comforting. Sometimes just having a conversation can help them sort through their thoughts and make decisions. It might also help to be light-hearted to help them keep their spirits up and feeling normal. Like the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. Offer to help with specific tasks like washing the dishes, going grocery shopping, or walking the dog. If you accompany them at their next doctor appointment, take notes and remind them of any questions they may have had. This process can be overwhelming, so the little things go a long way. Be present but non-intrusive. Everyday is different when going through treatment, so extend an open-ended invitation. They may not feel like eating or seeing anyone some days, so bringing over food or showing up unexpectedly can add unnecessary stress. Call and leave a voicemail or send a text message to let them know that you’re available whenever they are feeling up to it. Support the NBCF Maglite is a proud partner of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The NBCF’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need. Maglite donates partial proceeds from the sales of five limited edition flashlights to the NBCF. Get one for yourself or as a gift!
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National Boyfriend Day
They give you their jacket when you’re cold. They get rid of spiders and other creepy crawlies. They hold your purse when you go to the fitting room. Ladies, October 3rd is National Boyfriend Day! Whether he’s a bookworm or an adrenaline junkie, we’ll help you plan the perfect #maglife adventure for you and your man. Not-Your-Usual Date Night Show your beau how much he means to you this National Boyfriend Day by thinking of something to do that’s not your usual dinner-and-a-movie date night. Coffee houses and restaurants often have weekly performances where you two can get a drink and dessert, listen to some live music, and enjoy each other’s company with quiet conversation. There are also many Paint Night locations around town, where an artist guides you through painting your own masterpiece while you sip on a drink. You could also take a stroll through your local art museum, attend a sporting event, or have a picnic in the park. If your boyfriend enjoys a little more thrill, escape rooms are a fun way to get the adrenaline pumping and learn how to work together in a situation you’d (probably) never be in otherwise. You could take him skydiving, deep-sea fishing, go-kart racing, or bike riding. Pick an activity that you know he would like. Usually boyfriends cater to the desires of the girlfriend, so this is your opportunity to reciprocate. Whatever activity you choose, make sure to plan in advance. Since October 3rd is a Thursday and you both most likely have to work, you may want to plan your excursion for the weekend. Events are likely to be sold-out and reservations booked if you wait until the last minute. Get Him Something Special Boyfriends can sometimes be the hardest person to shop for, no matter how long you’ve been together. If you want to get your boyfriend a gift to commemorate National Boyfriend Day, consider getting him something he can enjoy with you -- like concert or movie tickets, tickets to a baseball game, or a gift card to a restaurant. Some boyfriends will appreciate a little help in the wardrobe department with a new button-up shirt, a new wallet or belt, or a fresh pair of shoes. You can also make your man a sentimental gift like a homemade card with a heartfelt message, a customized playlist, or a framed photo of the two of you together. Maglite flashlights make a great practical gift, with flashlights for everyday use, emergency and outdoor use, and professional use. The ML300L 4D LED Flashlight can run up to 18 days on eco mode and has a beam throw of 5 football fields. This flashlight makes the perfect companion to your boyfriend’s car or toolbox. The Mag-Tac LED CR123 Flashlight is a remarkable, rugged tactical flashlight with three modes, a detachable pocket clip, and three classy colors. This flashlight is for the boyfriend that loves the #maglife adventure and needs a durable lighting tool. Maglite flashlights makes the best unexpected gift because they have an iconic style and are built to last a lifetime.
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Fall Into Self-Improvement
September is Self-Improvement Month! Self-improvement can mean something different to everyone. It can be physical fitness, mental health, or simply #selfcare. Here you’ll find some ideas to kick-start the fall season in a positive way. Can you believe September 23rd is already the first day of fall? Get ready for breezy days, colorful leaves, and (finally) a break from the summer sun. Take it One Day at a Time What does self-improvement mean to you? Remember that everyone’s path to improvement looks different, so don’t evaluate yourself based on someone else’s standards. Start by thinking about an area of your life that you would like to change. It could be eating and exercise habits, your career, your education, the way you think about yourself, etc. The first step is becoming aware of the opportunity. Then, set a timeline with realistic and achievable goals. Want to pay off debt? Calculate your total debt and divide it by how many months you’d like to pay it off in (for example, twelve, twenty-four, or thirty-six months). You’ll get an idea of how much you can really afford to set aside for debt-payoff each month and then start chipping away at it. Want to improve your professional image? Consult a wardrobe stylist that cares about your career, image, and budget as much as you do. Once you learn what to look for, invest in new pieces each month for a year until you build a wardrobe that helps you feel empowered and confident in the workplace. The most important thing is to keep the process positive! Don’t be too hard on yourself if you stumble or backtrack along the way. Take pride in the small, daily victories and keep pressing forward on your self-improvement journey. Enjoy Friends, Family, and Foliage Ah, Fall! It’s all about pumpkin spice, sweaters, foliage, and the start of the holiday season! It has finally cooled down from summer and it’s now the ideal weather for taking long strolls through the neighborhood with family and friends. Don’t forget to bring along the Maglite ML150LR(X) Rechargeable LED flashlight. It will keep you safe with a beam throw of 5 football fields and up to 79 hours of usable light. It’s also the perfect household flashlight because it recharges to 80% in only half an hour. The best part? No more scrambling to find batteries in the junk drawer! Fall is also a great time to get ahead of holiday shopping. Take advantage of end-of-season sales and start checking people off your list. Don’t wait until the last minute, because no one needs that kind of stress! Check out Maglite’s best sellers for some great deals on iconic gifts for your loved ones. Take Care Take some time this week to think about self care. You’ve conquered back to school this month, so before all the hustle and bustle of the holidays takes over, be sure to take a moment to relax and unwind. Try a face mask and a bath bomb, go on a jog through the trails, or listen to some music with a glass of wine. You deserve it!
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Wife Appreciation Day
Did you know that Wife Appreciation Day was a thing? We’re pretty sure your wife knows, so don’t get caught without a gift on September 15th. Whether she is traditional and romantic or spunky and adventurous, there are many ways to show your sweetheart just how much she means to you this weekend. Here are some suggestions for how to figure out what she might like, and some activities you can plan to make a great impression! What’s Her Love Language? If you’re not sure how to express your appreciation for your wife, start by thinking about what her love language is. The five love languages are: receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, and physical touch. If her love language is receiving gifts, a personalized pendant necklace or bouquet of flowers might make her feel special. For quality time, simply finding a babysitter for a quiet dinner or taking a stroll on the beach might show her that you truly care. Words of affirmation can be shared by leaving love notes around the house, sending texts throughout the day, or doing something that might be outside your comfort zone -- like writing a poem! If your wife values acts of service, try completing some chores around the house, detailing her car, or making her breakfast in bed. Physical touch can be expressed by simply holding her hand in the car or giving her warm embraces throughout the day. Sometimes small gestures can have a big impact on whether or not your wife feels loved, heard, and appreciated. Think Outside the Heart-Shaped-Candy-Box To make your wife’s day extra special, surprise her by doing something out of the norm. Plan a weekend staycation at your wife’s favorite resort and book a couple’s spa. Some spas have packages that include chocolate covered strawberries and champagne -- yum! Get up before dawn and make your way to a nearby hike. You’ll get some exercise in and beat the heat. Maybe even pack a picnic and relax at a scenic vantage point. Road trips are always a fun way to feel like you’re going on an adventure, even if you don’t go very far. Take a drive up the coast to a restaurant she’s always wanted to try, or plan a camping trip and spend the night under the stars. The Perfect Accessory Whether you choose to appreciate your wife with a grand gesture or a simple act of kindness, don’t forget the perfect accessory -- her very own Maglite! In fact, get her our new City Life Kit. It comes with a Mini Maglite Pro LED pocket / purse flashlight and a Solitaire LED key chain flashlight - all in 9 stunning colors! The Mini Maglite Pro LED fits in her purse and it’s also a must-have for the glove compartment for roadside emergencies. The Solitaire LED Key Chain Flashlight is super convenient to have on hand instead of wasting your phone battery using it as a light. Its beam throw is half a football field and lasts for two hours on just one AAA battery. It’s pretty, petite, and powerful! Why let Wife Appreciation Day stop at one day? Let your wife know she’s appreciated all month long with an iconic Maglite and some #maglife adventures. Be sure to snap a photo of you and your honey celebrating with your Maglites and text MAGSWAG to 88333 for a chance to win a trip for two to explore southern California’s beautiful beach cities in July 2020. Check out contest details here.
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Gary Fishbone: A 9/11 Story
Watch this incredible story of Gary Fishbone, a New Jersey man who helped lead a group of people to safety, out of the World Trade Center, during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York using a Mini Maglite flashlight. Gary is the first to be honored with the Maglite Civilian Hero Award. Here is his story:
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Service and Remembrance
September 11th is Patriot Day and Service and Remembrance Day -- a day that we will never forget. One can only hope to help turn a day of tragedy into a day of charity, unity, and patriotism. On this day we are called to volunteer to serve our communities and our country in honor of 9/11’s first-responders, victims and survivors, and those that defend our freedom daily. Here are some ways that you can get involved on local and national levels. Inspire Unity There are many organizations dedicated to giving back in honor of #911day. Browse the internet to see how you can get involved and help make a positive impact on your local community and your country. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) also encourages families, churches, classrooms, and other community organizations to plan a service project. They help supply tools and resources to make your idea for an activity become a reality. You can arrange a blanket and toiletry drive to aid those without homes, or organize a jog-a-thon to raise money for a 9/11 foundation. Even small acts of kindness can have a big impact and recall the sense of unity that followed 9/11. Have your friends and family help write out thank you cards to policemen and firemen and then drop them off at different stations with some homemade treats. Assemble notes and care packages for those serving in the military. When our nation comes together, it truly inspires a feeling of patriotism and gratitude. Remember to be thankful for policemen, firefighters, EMTs, and other public safety personnel that work tirelessly to protect us on a daily basis. Give Back Giving something back to your community through simple acts of service is an honorable and selfless way to show kindness. We don’t have to wait for Service and Remembrance Day to think about volunteering and helping others. There is a need for volunteer service all the time, in endless capacities, and just about everywhere! Whether it be photographing at a fall harvest festival, distributing food at a local meal center, mentoring or tutoring children, hosting a food drive, handing out water to marathon runners -- the list goes on and on! There are countless ways to utilize your talents, skills, and interests for the benefit others. Freely giving our time and resources makes our communities and nation a better place, and in turn helps make ourselves better people too. Proud to be American 9/11 day is now the nation’s largest day of charitable service. It’s a day that embodies America -- the land of the free and the home of the brave. Proud to be American? Maglite is proud to manufacture its flashlights in an American factory by American workers since 1979, and has the perfect flashlight for you: the Flag-lite! The iconic Maglite is decorated with the USA’s stars and stripes. Available in the Maglite 3D Full Size LED and the Mini Maglite Pocket Size LED, this flashlight is truly a piece of Americana. Use your Flag-lite this 9/11 as you volunteer, or gift one to a first-responder. Maglite is here to serve you as you serve your country!
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From Summertime To School Time
With summer ending and back-to-school in full effect, the work/home balance and hectic schedule may need some getting used to this first week of September. There’s back-to-school night, sports games, family dinners, etc. -- all while making sure you and your loved ones feel happy and healthy. Here are some #maglife tips that might just help make the transition from a carefree summer to a busy school year a little easier. Your plans at-a-glance It might seem a little obvious, but planning ahead is a great way to begin to tackle the chaos this fall. With so many responsibilities and commitments these days, the mental file cabinet isn’t always enough to keep track of everything. Utilizing a family calendar can help take away the stress of remembering dentist appointments, parent/teacher conferences, piano recitals, and which-kid-needs-to-be-where-at-what-time. Wall calendars are helpful because all members of the family can see what’s happening at a glance and can add to it as things come up. Try using different colored pens for different kids, or convenient multi-colored sticky notes that you can move around as plans change. You can also utilize your phone calendar to make sure you and your family are in sync. Set reminder alerts and color coordinate tasks in the calendar app and your week will feel streamlined in no time! What’s for dinner? Sometimes deciding what to eat can be the most stressful part of the day. Try planning out meals for work and home so that you and your family will be well-nourished and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Meal prepping takes some work up front, but having a meal ready to go helps to make sure that you don’t skip a meal when the day gets hectic. You can also make a grocery list of fresh food, grab-n-go snacks, and frozen favorites. Make a list for two weeks and then alternate throughout the months so that mealtime doesn’t get monotonous. Taking the guesswork out of shopping will help create healthier eating habits as well. Instead of snacking on junk food or stopping by the drive-thru, you’ll have a fridge and pantry that’s well stocked to take on the week! Hit the reset button One thing that often falls by the wayside during stressful weeks is exercise. Exercising is refreshing for the mind, body, and soul. Be sure to take a few minutes out of the day to unwind. Take a couple laps around the block, go for a swim, or play catch in the yard. Getting some fresh air will help you press the reset button on your day and reconnect with your family. You can even do some exercises at your desk at work to get the blood flowing when that two o’clock feeling sets in. Maybe try something new -- yoga, running, cycling, crossfit, jiu jitsu -- sometimes finding a new passion can help kickstart your energy levels and ease your stress. Lust for life No matter what the beginning of this school year brings your way, the Maglite Complete Home Bundle has got you and your family covered! Bring the ML300L 4D LED flashlight along for walking to the car after late night soccer games. The Mini Maglite Pro LED flashlight is perfect for taking a twilight stroll through the park. The Solitaire LED flashlight is made for your keychain and will come in handy as a quick light in any situation. However you choose to relieve your stress this week, remember to live the #maglife way -- with a lust for life and adventure!
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Tips for Hurricane Season
Stay safe this hurricane season with Maglite flashlights! Get prepared with our top tips for storm readiness. Have an exit plan. Do you know your evacuation routes? Do you have a place that you know you can go to in the worst case scenario? A quick search of "evacuation routes" will give you the exact info you need for your local area. Know exactly which way to go and where you're going way before anything can possibly happen. Have plenty of non-perishable foods and water. You can never have too much non-perishable foods or water when preparing for major storms like a hurricane, especially when you live in an area that is prone to getting major storms and hurricanes (even earthquakes). Peanut butter, nuts, trail mix, power bars, canned meat and canned vegetables. The key thing is to stockpile items that pack the most calories and nutrition. Plenty of water, but a portable water filtration device may prove to be very useful. Have a light source and plenty of batteries. It's usually the last thing you think about, but lighting is an extremely important thing when it comes to emergencies. Yes, we're in the age of cell phones with its own light. But, that light also drains your phone battery, which you will need for communications and GPS. You need a dependable, long-running flashlight. We highly suggest getting the Maglite ML300L 4D LED Full Size Flashlight, which can run for more than two weeks nonstop on just 4 D-cell batteries. Or, get our Complete Home Bundle, which includes the ML300L 4D as well as the Mini Maglite Pro LED pocket/purse flashlight and the Solitiare LED key chain flashlight. Order now so there's plenty of time for the flashlights to get to you! Stay safe when preparing your home. Whether you're boarding up the windows or on the roof cleaning out the drains, be careful! Don't injure yourself in preparation for a storm or hurricane. Be safe! We cannot stress that enough. We've heard so many incredible stories from our customers over the years and have seen many heroic deeds by both citizens and first responders. All of those customers expressing to us how critical the Maglite flashlight was to their survival in those extremely difficult days during and after the major storms and hurricanes. So we understand and take very seriously the threat of major storms and hurricanes. Here at Maglite, we wish you and your family safety this hurricane season.
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