Struggling with What to Get Your Boss on Her Birthday?
We've got options.
photo credit: Doran Poma/ Haute Beauty Guide
The newest line of designer greeting cards from Papyrus and Judith Leiber Couture will meet your needs for multiple upcoming holidays.
Judith Leiber Couture is a name synonymous with elegance, style and sophistication. For more than fifty years, the brand’s incomparable evening bags and crystal minaudières have been recognized worldwide for their meticulous attention to detail and flawless hand-craftsmanship. Frankly, you can’t take your eyes off of them. The same can be said for Papyrus greeting cards, which have made a mark in the industry as the premium, handcrafted greeting cards people give for the most cherished and special occasions.
As part of their Designer Collaboration Series, Papyrus and Judith Leiber Couture have teamed up to develop a beautiful collection of one-of-a-kind greeting card designs inspired by the signature crystal-encrusted evening bags Judith Leiber Couture is known for. Luckily you don’t need a six-figure salary to own a piece of gem-encursted art; if a gorgeous Judith Leiber Couture bag isn’t currently in the cards for you (pun intended), there is definitely a piece in Papyrus’ line that will catch your designer-loving eye.
The line includes an assortment of 15 greeting cards for a variety of occasions, including everyday, birthday and wedding. Also,a large selection of blank cards allows you to customize your message for a number of different occasions, like certain career milestones or personal accomplishments.
Here are our card choices for a variety of occasions that call for a fabulous card sending moment!
IT’S THE BOSS’ BDAY
People often wonder, do I buy my boss a birthday present? Do I not? How do I know how much money to spend? Our response: you can never go wrong with a thoughtful card. In this case, we love both the cake slice or the koi fish designs. (We can already hear the koi/coy puns rolling off your tongue.)
A FRIEND’S RAISE
Celebrating the success of others is paramount to your own success. So, when your best gal pal tells you she came out on top from her salary negotiations, be ready to shower her with warm wishes and congratulations. Tell your friend that they are the unicorn of their company with the unicorn card. If this card doesn't bring out your inner dreamer, we don’t know what will.
A MAJOR MOVE
Is someone in your life taking a leap and heading to the Big Apple to deep dive into the next wave of their career? Reward them for their bravery and conviction with a perfect see-you-later card. And obviously, the meticulously embellished New York card is perfect for this. Not only will this show your encouragement for the big move, but the sparkly design and 1,500 gems also make it frame-worthy keepsake they can keep forever.
LITTLE SIS IS GROWING UP
Graduating from college has so many emotions attached to it; it’s liberating, exhilarating and flat-out terrifying all at the same time. Show your little sis some support by writing her a warm note in the hot air balloon card like, “On to the next adventure, and on your way up”. We think it perfectly captures this moment in her life she can reflect upon for years to come.
These are cards are a ton of fun, but they certainly don’t skimp on the sentimentality either. They feel elegant, but entirely appropriate for all of your celebratory needs. The Papyrus X Judith Leiber Couture collection is now available online at papyrusonline.com. The collection is also launching in select retailers, with nationwide availability coming in October.
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8 Working Moms Share Some Real Talk This Mother's Day
The juggle is real.
photo credit: Pexels
To all you working moms out there we salute you. There is no harder job. And this Mother’s Day we hope you feel inspired by these 8 amazing women. They are founders and CEOs, women of Wall Street and champions for change. But above all, they are mom.
KATIA BEAUCHAMP, CEO & cofounder, Birchbox
Becoming a mom has made me better at time management, delegating and prioritizing. It has truly allowed me to identify my priorities and give me a mental break from always thinking about the business. Before I had children, it was hard to really turn my brain off from work. Now as a mom, I understand how important those mental breaks are in helping me bring a refreshed perspective and approach to my work. It is hard to achieve this ideal notion of "balance," but my approach is to recognize that there will be times when one aspect of your life needs more from you. Overall my goal is two-fold: be present in the place I need to prioritize (work, family, friends and me); be nice to myself. — on balancing a huge career while being a mother to twins (and pregnant)
"Becoming a mom has made me better at time management, delegating and prioritizing."
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YASMINE DELWARI JOHNSON, co-founder, Alliance of Moms
"A man may work from sun to sun, but a woman's work is never done." My grandmother who had 12 kids said this over and over. I cannot tell you how many times I hear Nanny's voice and these words in my head. — on the best piece of advice she’s ever received.
JULES LEYSER, co-founder, Alliance of Moms
Society's narrative that women can have it all is creating an enormous amount of pressure and stress. I am definitely a feminist and never more so than right now but I think its fine for women to do it all just not necessarily all at the same time. Its pretty impossible to be a full time working mom who looks like she's ready to shoot a magazine cover on a daily basis as well as be able to debate the nuances of the refugee crisis in Syria. But that's what held up to us as the model for female success. I would like for the conversation to be more about self care rather than competing in some social media race for who can get the most followers. — on changing the conversation for women
SARA FOSTER, producer, writer & actress
I don't raise my daughters with the mind set of having to fight for their empowerment. Maybe that isn't smart, but I raise them with the idea that it's already in them. It's there, so no need to fight for it. Honestly, we have vaginas. We have all the power. -- on the power within
MELISSA GRILLO ARUZ, VP of Platform, Forerunner Ventures
"Stop pretending like you aren’t important.” I think every little girl should grow up with this one as it is something that many young girls struggle with especially during their early adult years. — on the best piece of advice she’s ever received
REBECCA MINKOFF, founder, Rebecca Minkoff
Some days I do, but other times of course I don't. It's impossible to strike the perfect balance every day. I think a lot of it is trial and error and more than anything about trusting yourself. Knowing when to step in and knowing when it's okay to step back. — on whether or not she feels like “supermom”
JENNI KAYNE, founder, Jenni Kayne
After I had my second child, I really struggled for that first year. It was really challenging to balance having to kids and running the business. — on a time in her life she found incredibly challenging
SALLIE KRAWCHECK, CEO, Ellevest
Right after I had my daughter, I cried to my mother that I couldn't do my job and be a mother to two little ones. She brushed off my tears and said (in a pretty brusque way), "Of course you can. You're just going to be really tired for awhile." She was right. — on the best piece of advice she’s ever received
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The Top Career Concerns New Grads Have During Their Job Search
It's almost time to toss those caps.
photo credit: Pexels
Written by: Meredith Lepore
Here comes the class of 2017. Graduation ceremonies are already in full swing which means many members of the class of 2017 have (hopefully) already started their job searches. As much as college prepares you for many things, we know that there are a lot of knowledge holes actually when it comes to entering the real world and specifically the job market. New grads naturally have a lot of questions. Staffing firm Robert Half found some of the top concerns on the class of 2017's mind and provided some great tips.
Question #1: I don't meet all of the requirements listed in the job description – should I apply anyway?
This is a question you will often have throughout your career. Robert Half says if you meet three-quarters of the requirements, apply for the job. Job descriptions often depict a perfect candidate that doesn't really exist.
Question #2: I have a great internship. How can I approach the firm about parlaying this into a full-time role?
Robert Half says have that talk with your manager sooner rather than later. You need to convey that you would really like to stay and even suggest how you can play a role in the future but be flexible as to what the entry-level position may look like. If your manager doesn't have the budget to hire you, ask for referrals to other departments that might.
Question #3: The career I'm interested in has nothing to do with my major. How do I start my search?
Quite a common one. The strategy is to talk to everyone possible: Professors, parents, older siblings of friends, grads from your college from the previous year. Also research local firms online to see if they hire new grads. Build a Levo profile (here!) and join professional groups in your field of interest.
Question #4: I can't get a job without experience, yet I can't get experience without a job. What should I do?
The great chicken before the egg conundrum that all new grads face. Robert Half says be sure to highlight the experiences you do have, especially ones that show your soft skills and customer service abilities. This can be anything from restaurant and retail jobs, to volunteer work, internships and student activities like being on the newspaper. This shows you can balance.
Question #5: The well-known firm I want to work for just turned me down. Should I keep trying to get in there?
Definitely follow up with the hiring manager but don't only consider the biggest brands and well known firms. Be open.
Question #6: The salary for my first job offer seems low. Do I have any leverage to negotiate?
Always #Ask4More but do be aware of the market rates for an entry level role. Do your research. Check out The 2017 Robert Half Salary Guides.
The original version of this article appeared on Levo.
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This Shocking Detail Is Going to Change the Way You Use Instagram
The social times are a-chh-h-anging.
photo credit: Becki Smith/ Smith House Photography
Photos came first and then Instagram changed the entire game. On a monthly basis Instagram is used by 700M plus people worldwide. And it's not only influencers. Brands have totally revamped their marketing strategies and rely on the social platform to grow their businesses. That’s huge. And it’s not going away.
At Create & Cultivate NYC, we chatted Claudine Cazian, Lila King, Lauren Wirtzer-Seawood, and Virginia Nam, all of whom work in different verticals at the social platform, about how to do it right and drive impact in a meaningful way.
It may come as a surprise that the concept of "get your grid right," is shifting. No doubt, people love pretty pics, but Cazian, Head of Entertainment Partnerships at Instagram, says that old way of thinking of the 'gram is wrong. (Don't stress, yet.)
Social is changing. The way we use social is changing. And you should assume that your strategy should shift as the platform does.
1. RIGHT NOW, FOCUS on MAKING STORIES YOUR NO. 1
You may be surprised to hear that right now it’s more about your Insta Stories, and the “Explore” section, over the actual “feed experience.”
In the last year since Instagram added Stories, it has added 100 million global users to the platform. That means, those 100 million user have never known IG without Stories. It's a vital part of how they do social-- and it's where you should be focusing your efforts as well.
As to how? Cazian says 5-8 great stories per day is a solid number and will help grow your following.
"5-8 great Instagram Stories per day will help grow your following."
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If you’re working a big event, Virginia Nam, who works on the fashion partnerships team with Eva Chen, says that you should “front load the best content.” People don't love seeing a million tiny dashes, but if the first 5-8 stories are compelling it will draw them in to watch the rest. If you're posting so-so content as you go, you're more likely to lose their attention.
When it comes to creating compelling Story content, Lila King, who leads global news and publisher partnerships, suggests using different formats (i.e. a still, followed by a video, followed by some Boomerangs) and mixing it up is key! Throw in some front-facing (#selfies) with some rear-facing camera action. People want to see the behind-the-scenes. And even though "news" isn't typically associated with selfies, King says people love to see "the human factor."
2. YOUR ENGAGEMENT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR GRID
This might be hard to hear, but when it comes to engagement and content, Instagram is “mobile first.” So while we’ve been working hard to “get our grids right,” Instagram is all about “real-time” in-the-moment pics. All four women agreed that pretty, neat, "mosaic patterns," etc., are not what's driving new followers to your page. And four out of four said that making it pretty is currently the wrong strategy. "It's engagement over grid, every time," said Cazian.
At the conference, panel moderator Arianna Schioldager asked the crowd, “How many of you don't post videos because you are scared of how messy it makes your feed?” A sea of hands raised. “GET OVER IT!” called out Cabizan. “It’s a huge opportunity you are missing.”
Most people are using Instagram via their feed, which means you have to hook them while they are scrolling.
3. THINK ABOUT THE EXPLORE PAGE & THEN STOCK THOSE SHELVES
When you think IG, your first thought should be how people consume social. To see it in real time, take a trip over to Instagram’s Explore page and look at how the content is displayed.
Since “Stories” are the first thing in the “Explore” section, followed by “Video” (which is super attention-grabbing), then followed by "Photos," you need to make sure you keep your “shelves” stocked with content.
If you aren’t creating content for all three mediums, you are missing out on exposure opportunities at every turn, shared Lauren Wirtzer-Seawood, Head of Music Partnerships.
4. SHOULD YOU TURN YOUR PROFILE INTO A BIZ?
Are you a brand or a person? Or are you a little of both? If your goal is to grow your following and you have a business, it seems obvious that you should have a business profile. But some things are too big to see.
Some bloggers and influencers have been reluctant to do this. They want to remain authentic to their audience. They don’t want to feel like they’ve ‘sold out.’ But it’s possible that you’re selling yourself short.
Business profiles have hidden benefits. You can access your Insights, have people contact you, and sponsor a post every now and then.
5. ACCOUNTS WHO ARE USING THE NEW FEATURES WELL
Virginia Nam highligted Philip Lim as a fashion brand using the carousel feature the right way. She specifically references this post, as a one that really got it right. It shows a final product and the behind-the-scenes content people crave.
Lila King shared that the The NY Times does a great job with their IG Stories content.
Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis.
How are you using Instagram's new features to grow? Share in the comments below!
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We're Pretty Sure This Is the Easiest Way to Calm Presentation Jitters
Get you some zen at the office.
Kiara LeBlanc, Saje Natural Wellness VP and Creative Director, knows it can be a challenge to stay on top of your personal wellness amidst a hectic day on the job. When she needs a reboot, she reaches for essential oil blends to help shift her mind and body into a greater state of wellness whenever she needs it, wherever she finds herself.
Whether you are running from meeting to meeting, or jumping from conference call to boardroom presentation, here are three wellness tips Kiara recommends for maintaining your well-being at work.
BREATHE DEEP & CALM THE PRESENTATION JITTERS
“You’ve got five minutes until the big meeting – you’re feeling the stress, but you want to shine. I reach for a balancing blend of geranium, roman chamomile and orange to help me get in the zone in mere seconds with the help of a Saje Breath.”
How to do a Saje Breath
- Pick your favorite essential oil blend (we recommend Stress Release) and roll onto the palm of your hand
- Rub both hands together to activate the essential oils
- Cup your hands over nose and mouth and take a deep breath
- Hold your breath for a count of three, then release slowly
- Repeat as often as you like (and definitely before you deliver a big presentation)
GET OVER THE 3PM SLUMP WITH A MIST
“Instead of reaching for your second almond milk latté, recharge with uplifting peppermint, bright lemon and stress-reducing rosemary. Carve out a moment for yourself by spritzing Energy Revitalizing Mist and pick your energy back up, the natural way.”
Any time you need a pick-me-up, mist three pumps of Energy into the air above your head, close your eyes and breathe deep.
DIFFUSE CALM IN A HIGH-TRAFFIC OFFICE SPACE
You’ve got an end-of-day deadline and it feels like someone has plunked your desk down on the subway platform during rush hour. Keep an Ultrasonic Diffuser (we love the sleek aromaOm) by your desk and create a natural sanctuary, no matter how busy your office is. Our Brainstorm Diffuser Blend was formulated to help you get back on track when your attention starts to fade. Myrtle and clary sage are powerful essential oils for bringing balance and calmness to the mind.
“Diffusing essential oils is my escape to nature. Depending on the blend I choose I can create the experience I am craving. They act as a fast, natural way to tune out the buzz of my surroundings and that never ending to do list and to connect back to nature.”
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3 Influencers Share Why It's Vital to Celebrate Success
A pat on the back. A round of applause. A glass of bubbly...
photo credit: Becki Smith/Smith House Photography
Celebrate good times. Come on! But, for real, come on! It's all too easy to get caught up in the one and done mentality, especially with startup life. Most of the time we're thinking, 'on to the next!' and that's what this environment decrees, but we also need to be patting ourselves on the back from time to time. (Or every day, your call.)
It's vital to celebrate your accomplishments. From raises to title upgrades to knocking a presentation out of the park, a sense of pride and happiness in our work is what propels us forward. We find motivation in joy. And it's something that Framebridge knows a lot about.
At their #CreateCultivateNYC popup, the company known for simplifying the custom framing process (legit providing a bridge between the frame and the framer), celebrated the wins of speakers by framing personal mementos and displaying them in their booth (see above).
We checked in with three of the conference speakers to find out why they think we should honor these special moments, and in true boss fashion, each had their own take on what that means.
photo credit: Tory Williams
"It’s important to celebrate the momentous milestones because in such a fast-paced, competitive, and evolving industry, it’s easy to lose track of why and how you are where you are. It’s definitely nice to take a moment to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in and acknowledge the people that have helped you accomplish that." -- Arielle Noa Charnas, @SomethingNavy
"It’s easy to lose track of why and how you are where you are."
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photo credit: Tory Williams
"In a startup environment, it’s easy to blow through small achievements without realizing them because you’re already on to the next thing. But, the bigger we get, the more we realize how meaningful it is to set way fewer, way more aggressive goals and celebrate hard when you hit or beat them. It makes you better—it’s a part of growing up as a business!"-- Tessa Wolf, Creative Director @Framebridge
"Set way fewer, way more aggressive goals and celebrate hard."
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photo credit: Tory Williams
"I'm a 'now what?' girl by nature. As I hit a particular goal, I'm already moving on to setting the next one. Instead, making a conscious effort to celebrate my success gives me a confidence boost to propel myself above and beyond my next goal." -- Carly Heitlinger, @TheCollegePrepster
"Making a conscious effort to celebrate my success gives me a confidence boost."
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What are you proud of and want to celebrate? Share in the comments below!
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Why Gloria Steinem Told the Audience at Create & Cultivate NYC "We are woke."
The icon is unstoppable.
Photo by Tory Williams
On Saturday evening, to a crowd of hundreds of empowered women (and a few dudes) feminist icon Gloria Steinem took the Create & Cultivate stage. Over the next 40 minutes, Steinem, in conversation with fellow famous feminist Amy Richards, chatted everything from The Golden Rule to aging to finding your path, and why now, even in what she called the face of a disastrous Trump presidency, she considers herself a forever "hope-a-colic."
Read through for our favorite takeaways from the woman who shaped the women's movement.
1. YOU CAN BE ADDICTED TO THE GOOD STUFF.
The 83-year-old icon, who started her career writing under a man's name, told the C&C audience that she's a "hope-a-holic."
"I hope we're beginning to approach the end of one structure and the beginning of another," she said in regards to the Trump administration. Adding, "When it's no longer universally human, it's political." Therein lies the motivational rub to get moving and get political.
2. AGE AIN'T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER.
When an audience member stood up to ask the trailblazer what she would tell her 15-year-old self, Steinem laughed and said that though age changes, the person inside does not. "You can't live in future," she shared. "Hello, you can only live in the present. We only have our five senses in the present."
Adding, “Here's the secret of age: You’re still the same person, but after you hit 50 or 60, you’re free like you were when you were a little girl." Joking, "Except now you have money, and your own apartment.”
3. NO ONE IS TRULY ALONE.
As a woman with a self-actualized career, Steinem never married, never had children, but surrounded herself with a sea of motivated women (including Amy Richards, who shared the stage with Steinem and worked with her on the Viceland series "Woman").
"Being an organizer is being an entrepreneur of social change," Steinem said. "But the more you tell your story, your dreams, and your entrepreneurial hopes, the more you will see that you're not alone in either your striving or your doubts. You will be better able to move forward by sharing."
4. WOMEN NEED TO REVERSE THE GOLDEN RULE.
Though she said that men need to follow The Golden Rule (treat others as you wish to be treated), Steinem said that women need to do the opposite. "We need to treat ourselves the way we would treat other people," she told the millennial audience. It's that simple. Be kind to yourself.
Photo by Becki Smith
5. SHE'S FOUND THE GOOD IN THE FACE OF THE CURRENT ADMIN.
Steinem might have dubbed the current administration "a disaster," but she also said the sitting President is "a big-time consciousness raiser." (How's that for a hope-a-holic?) Bringing up the historical Women's March on Washington, Steinem said, "It was the first protest led by women that was joined by men." She also urged the women in the audience to, "Be honest. Speak the truth."
6. SPEAKING OF MEN, SHE'S NOT DISCOUNTING THEM FROM THE CONVO. (But she does want to change it for them.)
Steinem might have called the masculine experience a "prison" and "bonkers," but she also said that it is vital that we show males "the path to empathy." Noting that feminism benefits all people.
"They’re not supposed to show emotion or admit failure. It’s crazy and it shortens your life." She continued, "Show the ways in which it [feminism] is good for men. It lengthens their lives." She also said we need to "humanize the masculine role which is killing men. It’s not about asking for sacrifice, it’s about showing compassion. It is possible to go forward in a different way, and I think we are."
7. SHE CALLED UPON EVERYONE TO FIND THE COMMON THREAD IN OUR HUMAN EXPERIENCE.
The "patriarchal, hierarchical, bullshit," as Steinem calls it, has only been around for about 500 years. The social activist, who often cites indigenous cultures in her talks spoke of a time when, "People were linked. They were not ranked. Women controlled their own bodies. Languages didn’t have he and she. People were people. There was not a concept of ownership."
Arianna Schioldager is Editor-in-Chief at Create & Cultivate. You can follow her @ariannawrotethis.
For more #CreateCultivateNYC recaps, check back this week. We'll be posting our favorite advice from the conference.
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The 5 Keys to Conquering Your Credit
Do you know how healthy your finances are?
Sponsored ad by Chase Slate®
How would you answer these questions: “Do you have healthy finances?” “Do you often spend more than you make every month and dip into your savings?” “Do you know where the BULK of your income is going?”
Chances are good you said “yes,” to the first question, “maybe” to the second, and “no” to the last. Everyone wants to think that they are doing well (or at least OK) financially, but we also innately avoid looking at the nitty gritty dollar details. The ones that make us do a double take and realize, maybe our finances aren’t actually that healthy. The cost of living is high (!!) and that can be hard to stomach.
So, what’s a modern working millennial woman to do? Rip off your blinders and look. According to Brittney Castro, Certified Financial Planner™ and Chase Financial Education Ambassador, it’s the only way for you to secure your future and status as a financially wise woman.
“As a Certified Financial Planner™,” Castro shares, “I talk to modern millennial women all the time, and I think it’s important to recognize that women in this age group have a diverse mix of financial goals, from paying off student loans, to increasing their income, to improving their credit, to saving for a down payment on a house.”
What you do with your money today drastically impacts your future. If you’re wondering where to begin, read through Brittney’s five keys to conquering your credit and achieving financial health below. Then, check her out at #CreateCultivateNYC this May where she’ll be speaking on a panel on behalf of Chase Slate.
MAKE A MONEY DATE WITH YOURSELF
You make regular dates to check in with friends and family. See how they’re doing and what’s going on in their lives. The same concept can (and should) be applied to your finances. If you don’t know where your money is going, there’s a good chance you’re not doing the best at saving.
So, make a date. Put it in your calendar and don’t flake!
Brittney suggests this plan of action:
- Schedule a specific time, once a week, to review and plan your budget. This can empower you to keep tabs on your spending habits.
- During your money date, plan for upcoming expenses, such as birthday gifts or special outings, and adjust your budget accordingly.
PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME
“Another simple but powerful way to improve your financial health – pay all your bills on time,” says Brittney.
“Payment history is the most important factor when it comes to calculating your credit score (generally 35 percent of the score),” she says.
Building credit is an important part of financial health. There are many big steps (ahem, buying a home) that aren’t possible without good credit. Even if you think you’re going to be renting forever (get financially savvy and you won’t!) you need to take the steps right now to secure your future.
According to Brittney, “The credit information that a lender requests could mean the difference between paying huge interest fees and potentially securing the deals we want.”
The gist? “Set up payment reminders or enroll in automatic payments so you’ll never forget,” says Brittney.
USE THE TOOLS THAT ARE READILY AVAILABLE TO YOU
The internet actually wants you to succeed. It’s true! The information superhighway is literally an information SUPERHIGHWAY that charts ALL OF YOUR SPENDING. You don’t have to balance a checkbook or tally up receipts. It’s all there waiting for you to explore.
Brittney says, “Take advantage of tools that empower you to make savvy financial decisions and manage your credit and finances with confidence.” Whether you’re using your smartphone or your laptop, there are numerous services and apps that want you to succeed!
“For example,” says Brittney, “The Chase Slate Credit Dashboard gives cardmembers access to their FICO® Score and a graphical analysis of their 12-month score history.”
Knowing your credit score helps you assess where you stand and how close or far you are from achieving your goals and creating the life you want.
GO ONE STEP FURTHER BY CHECKING YOUR CREDIT REPORT
In addition to monitoring your credit score, checking your credit report is essential to making smart financial decisions.
“Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com to get a free, in-depth overview of your credit history,” says Brittney. “Review the report closely for any errors – late payments or amounts owed that are incorrectly listed – and immediately remedy with the credit bureau.”
And if you think checking your credit report might negatively impact your score – think again! When a lender makes an inquiry – a request for your credit report information – there is a small impact on your credit score. However, these so-called “hard inquiries," which can happen when you apply for new credit or a loan, begin to fade in impact after the first 12 months and drop off your credit report completely after two years.
WHEN IN DOUBT, USE THE 50-30-20 RULE
What’s that? Brittney explains, “Using this rule – 50 percent of what you earn (net income after taxes) is allocated to living expenses, 30 percent is spent on nonessentials (like eating out and shopping) and the remaining 20 percent goes to your savings account. This approach is easy to implement, and can be adjusted to your personal money priorities.”
While we tend to notice the big expenses (as they make the biggest immediate dent in our savings), it’s often the little ones that get us in the end. Every time you order takeout, press BUY on the pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing, or opt for a morning latte at your local coffee shop instead of making coffee at home, you’re spending money that could easily be put in your savings, or go toward paying your bills.
Let’s think about the coffee example for just a second (and actually do the math). If you buy a latte every morning at $4/cup, seven days a week, 365 days per year, that’s over $1,400.00 dollars in lattes (!). The cost of pressed juice is even higher.
Use the 50-30-20 rule to determine exactly how much of your income you can safely allocate to these types of non-essentials. Then, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re making steady progress toward your financial goals.
Have other financial questions? If you’re heading to NYC, write them down and be ready to ask Brittney during the Q&A when she joins us on “Just Do It: A Real World Guide to Channeling Your Entrepreneurial Spirit” on behalf of Chase Slate.
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Ask the Expert: Pro Beauty Tips for Looking Polished at AM Meetings
And every other work-related beauty question you've ever had. (We asked.)
photo credit: Spring
Look, most of us don’t have time to get ‘the world is my runway’ ready in the am. There are meetings to take, deals to close, coffee to grab, errands to run… the list goes on. But we know that looking the part, helps fuel your confidence. So how does one put their best face forward when they have so little time and so much to do?
Enter: The Expert. We got the scoop from Laura Mercier’s very own Benjamin Ruiz, LM’s Director of Global Creative Artistry, on how to feel put together while not spending a full two hours in front of the mirror (ain’t nobody got time for that).
So here you are! Your 6 need to know beauty questions answered. (Insert prayer hands here.)
Q: I want to look amazing for an early pitch/investor meeting/interview. What are my go-tos for looking polished, but professional. Amazing, but not over-the-top. How do I achieve this?
Benjamin Ruiz: Focus on your skin and creating a natural look that will look and feel pulled together. Make the skin a priority by selecting either a foundation or Tinted Moisturizer that best complements your skin tone and use it to even out the complexion, rather than adding heavy coverage. The goal is to ensure that your skin looks like skin. If you have any redness or problem areas, apply a concealer, like Secret Camouflage, to conceal these concerns.
To ensure your makeup stays flawless, set your makeup with a translucent powder to lock in your complexion products. Try using a velour puff to press-and-roll the powder onto your face, ensuring contact with the foundation for longevity. For cheeks, select colors that are fresh and resemble good health, like a soft peach, rose or even a neutral brown. Apply to the apples of the cheeks and pull the color outwards, fading as your move to the center of the year. Keep your eyes polished and elegant with a long-wearing eye color, like Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour, which are incredibly quick to use, lasts all day and give a beautiful look with very little effort. Simply swipe them on the eyelid at the last line and blend upwards towards the crease with your fingertips. As you move towards the crease, begin to fade out. Use a contrasting or deeper shade to smudge a soft liner look at the last line for contrast and definition, finishing the eye with mascara. For lips, select a shade that is easy to maintain since you may not have the luxury to touch up during the meeting. Select a color that complements your skin tone and brightens your teeth; you can never go wrong with a shade that is similar or slightly deeper than your natural lip color.
"For lips: Select a color that complements your skin tone and brightens your teeth."
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Q: Are there products I can incorporate into my nighttime routine that will help me in the AM?
BR: The rule of thumb is don’t skip skincare – you don’t have to have a complicated routine but have a routine nonetheless! Commit to removing your makeup every night with a makeup remover and use a moisturizer. These two steps will make your skin thank you and reward you in the morning.
Q: I have been pulling all-nighters getting ready for this presentation, but I want to put my best face forward. How do I best disguise dark circles?
BR: Before concealing, make sure the eye area is well hydrated with an eye cream or serum. When concealing, select a shade that matches your skin tone. Apply a very small amount of concealer with a brush only to the areas of darkness and work in light layers until you’re confident you have the right coverage. Set it and lock it in by applying a light set of powder.
Q: For women who don’t ‘do’ makeup. How can they achieve a very simple, but fresh face in the am that doesn’t require a lot of time?
BR: Keep it simple and use your fingertips to apply everything. Focus your time on the features you want to accentuate, from glowing skin or using natural soft tones for the eyes, lips and cheeks. Start by applying a tinted moisturizer to gently even out the skin. Now, add a cream cheek color to the center of the apple of your cheeks, melting it into the tinted moisturizer, making sure to soften the edges and set entire face with power. Keep eyes and lips simple, you just want to gently enhancing these areas. With fingertips, apply a small amount of eyeshadow to the center of your eyelid at lash line and blend up, it should immediately fade into skin tone as it moves up the eyelid with less intensity. Finish the lips with a lip stain or gloss. For a longer lasting lip, line lips with a lip pencil and fill in and top with your favorite stain, balm or gloss.
Q: If I only have time for three products-- what are my go-tos?
BR: If you're in a pinch for time and need to get out the door quick, use these three products to create a complete look: foundation, lipstick and mascara. Apply foundation with fingertips where needed to even out skin and then come back with a light tapping motion to add extra coverage for spots and under eyes. This works fairly well when time for concealer isn't possible. Next, use a lipstick in a flattering color for you skin to the apple of the cheeks. Finish the look with mascara and since you won't be using a liner, wiggle the mascara wand to the base of the lashes to help define lash line, do the same to the bottom if you wear mascara there. With these three products you can have a fast and rather complete look in record time!
Q: I have meetings that are going to last ALL day. How do I make sure I look as bright-faced in the PM as I did in my AM meeting?
BR: I cannot stress enough how important a foundation primer is to your overall makeup. It creates a smooth, even surface for applying foundation to help your makeup last longer and stay color-true. If you’re able to refresh your makeup, touch up with a finishing powder that adds subtle luminosity, like Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder, gently dusting all over the face. Add a bit of highlighting concealer under the eyes to brighten the face.
Have other questions? Add them in the comments below!
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A Savvy President Shares Her Rebranding Secrets
How Michelle Newbery turned a small lighting website into a high-end furnishings destination.
Company president Michelle Newbery, who leads the team at online home furnishings retailer The Mine (née ATGStores.com), is fast becoming a recognizable player in a very competitive market niche. In the fast-paced world of interior design, where bright ideas often burn out as fast as they’re born, The Mine’s star is on the rise.
And, thanks to this experience and many others, Newbery’s got some amazing tips on how to navigate the executive arena.
She joined the company in December, 2011, as its chief financial officer, and is now spearheading the biggest rebrand in the company’s history as its president. Along the way, she’s also refining the corporate mission and establishing the importance of social responsibility through the company’s philanthropy program, which focuses on community giving and environmental stewardship.
Read her four tips on how to stake your claim in the business world.
POLITE PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
Just because you get a “no” doesn’t mean it will stay a “no.” And, turning things around doesn’t require being overly aggressive. For me, polite persistence has paid off. I was told ‘”no” when I expressed an interest in being president at The Mine. I had to ask more than once, and I’m so very glad I did. We often have a tendency to stop when we hit a wall rather than trying to find a way around it – or over it.
BE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE
Make sure your team knows who you are and how they can reach you. At The Mine, I meet with each new team member after they settle into their new role to ensure they know who I am and where they can find me. I think the best way to let people know you care is to ask them how they’re doing, and doing that almost always results in great insight into what a person needs to be happy and excel. Everyone feels better when they’re assured they’re part of a great team and that management is ready to help.
FOCUS ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS VS. COMPLETING TASKS
How you get things done is just as important as what gets done. I’ve heard people say, “I don’t care how it gets done – just get it done.” But, how well does that set the stage for the next task, or improve the work environment? I find that encouraging teamwork and being aware of others’ needs results in better efficiency and quality.
“How you get things done is just as important as what gets done.”
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Our team does an amazing job of going above and beyond when working together as well as with our partners. In the e-commerce space, we move fast and there is no time for egos or attitudes. I absolutely love it when I hear, “Your team was so easy to work with.”
PLAY THE LONG GAME
Put as much thought into your long-term future as you do your daily tasks. Before you commit to something today, make sure it’s aligned to what you want to accomplish tomorrow; in your work, your career and your life. I moved to Seattle five years ago and it was very intimidating in the short term, but it allowed me to immerse myself in the e-commerce space and take advantage of amazing opportunities I would’ve missed had I not made the leap.
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A Crippling Disease Won't Stop This Harvard MBA & Mom
Because Fridays are made to inspire.
Samantha with son Rocky. photo credit: Taryn Kent
In 2014, I was a couple years fresh off a Harvard Business School MBA program, feeling pretty proud of myself as a 26 year old CFO for a large marketing and web development company in San Diego. I worked 55+ hours a week and loved every second of it. Most of the time. OK, some of the time. Once I found out I was pregnant in October 2015, I decided to venture off on my own and launch my business coaching company, Little Petunia Consulting. I knew there was no way I would be able to handle the work stress, a new baby, and my own health.
See, in addition to being a mama and a boss lady, I also struggle daily with a chronic disease known as Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a rare vestibular disorder that showers you with fun symptoms such as —
vertigo (attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours)
loss of hearing
tinnitus
loss of balance
migraines with aura (blackout blindness in my case)
nausea, vomiting, and sweating caused by severe vertigo
chronic fatigue
I had to learn really early on in this new phase of my life what my limitations were and how to cope so I wouldn’t lose my shit. It’s taken 9 months, but I feel like I finally have a healthy balance down thanks to some serious tricks and discipline.
I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF
The most important thing I had to learn in this new balancing act was taking care of myself first, so that I could take care of my baby, my clients and everything else afterward. I’ve learned to take a lot of precautions in order to maintain the flow. This means —
No hour long trips to Target just for fun (the fluorescents trigger my attacks)
Drinking a ton of water and resting my body more often than most
Saying “no” when it doesn’t suit my schedule or will overwork me
Disconnecting from screens in order to reset my vestibular system
Another huge precaution I take in order to maintain a healthy balance is by setting some serious boundaries and sticking with them. This means my designated work hours are my work hours, and that work life doesn’t trickle into my time with my kiddo.
"Work life doesn’t trickle into my time with my kiddo."
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Having everything mush together leads to more stress, which leads to more Meniere’s attacks. Boundaries are key.
I CULTIVATE & MAINTAIN AN IDEAL CLIENT BASE
One of the things I love about working with creatives is they tend to not follow the rigid 9-5 rules. They like to meet in coffee shops, and if there are times when my husband or my mom can’t watch the baby, there is noone more excited to hold him while we get down to business. Clearly defining my ideal client has been huge for the success of my business and allows me to work with like minded people who appreciate this season in my life.
I'M ORGANIZED TO A "T"
You guys, I live and die by Asana. I create documented processes for everything — client workflows, intake assessments, onboarding, you name it. I plug each tasks into Asana and assign myself deliverables and due dates. I always have a landscape view of what my week looks like so I can manage my time effectively and adjust as needed.
This also goes for my baby. I use apps to track feedings, diapers, sleep cycles, etc. I know every movement this kiddo makes. I can’t tell you how many times I cross-reference my Asana with my baby apps to get shit done. “Hmm, OK it has been 2 hours and 10 minutes since the last feed which means I have approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to get this client proposal done”. It’s life saving.
I KEEP MY BABY CLOSE
The biggest factor in maintaining work-mama-health balance? Babywearing. I wrap this kid up in a ring sling and get my shit done. Because, as most mothers will tell you, the time you really need to get stuff done is the exact time your child refuses to be put down. Babywearing for the win, forever.
Becoming a mama was the greatest life change that has ever happened to me. It allowed me to step back, reevaluate my priorities, and cultivate a career that I truly love. Balancing motherhood, my career, and my life with a chronic disease has been far from easy, but I’m grateful for finding tools and techniques that work for me and allow me to cultivate my best life yet.
Want to know more about Samantha Welker and her co? Head over to Little Petunia Consulting and follow the boss mom on Instagram here.
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You'll Feel Like Freakin' Superwoman If You Do This Tomorrow AM
Katrina Bowden shares her kickass 30 minute morning routine.
photo credit: Ben Jorgensen
By: Katrina Bowden
It’s a struggle to fit working out into a busy life. Between career, family, friends, social life...fitness often falls off the list of things to do. I get it! We are all super busy.
But think twice before letting this happen...
Working out has so many benefits beyond the physical ones we know of (hello: abs and a nice bum!). Fitness has major benefits for your mental and emotional well being...so if your life is moving a mile a minute, taking time to work up a sweat can help calm that whirlwind into something more like a nice breeze.
Your workout is YOU time. And no matter how busy life gets, you need to make time for YOU. Always! Most people struggle to make fitness a priority. If you choose to make your health and wellness a priority, you'll be making huge strides in balancing out your mental, emotional, and physical states.
"No matter how busy life gets, you need to make time for YOU."
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My favorite time to workout is first thing in the morning for a few different reasons. First, it gets me going and starts my day on a positive, healthy note. (It also doesn't hurt that it gets it out of the way so you don't have to think about it again for the whole day!) A morning sweat sesh has incredible benefits that impact your body and mind that will carry you through your busy day ahead. Those benefits are:
STRESS RELEASE
Starting your day by getting out some aggression and pent up stress? Yes please! Working up a sweat is a huge stress reliever, so getting that done in the morning will set you up for an easier, less stressed day.
CREATE A STATE OF CALM
Imagine feeling completely zen upon arrival to work or client meetings. Amazing right? Working out first thing can put you in a calmer state of mind, which in turn helps you think more rationally and productively through the day.
KICKASS SUPER WOMAN MENTALITY
Completing a sweat session can make you feel invincible, like a total badass babe who can take on anything. And you are! That feeling carries you into your day with confidence. Having confidence is huge when you are hustling day after day to advance your career. Confidence is attractive and respected in all fields.
ENERGY BOOST
When you finish a killer workout, or even just a balancing one (think yoga!) your endorphins will be running high and your blood will be pumping, making you feel truly alive. Exercise gives you a natural high that lasts for hours after you finish. Even when you are tired/not in the mood- I bet that once you get going, you'll feel energized and ready for anything.
SET YOURSELF UP FOR A HEALTHIER DAY AHEAD
Studies have shown that people who work out first thing, tend to make healthier choices throughout the day. I find this to be SO true for me! On days when I work out, I am all protein and green juice for the win...which in turn keeps my metabolism revved and my body functioning properly all day. You may also decide to take the stairs instead of the elevator or walk to your meeting instead of driving or taking a cab- these small decisions can make a huge impact on your mental, physical, and emotional well being. Healthier and happier you!
Now that I have you thoroughly convinced about morning workouts, let's discuss how to fit it in! I am a big class girl- I love working out with other people because I find it motivating and inspiring. BUT when I am working on set or on location somewhere I have to come up with different ways to workout. And those workouts have to be time efficient. When I am shooting, I love running first thing in the morning. I'll do 3-5 miles and it takes me about 25-45 minutes, then I jump in the shower, get dressed and go. It's fast and effective.
You don't need to go to an hour class to get in a good workout. And if you despise running (give it another shot please!!) you can totally get in a killer workout at home with nothing more than a mat or carpeted floor. Here is a go-to do anywhere workout I LOVE to use when I am working or traveling.
It starts with a light warm up, because you always need to get your body mobilized before starting. Next you do two 5 minute rounds of certain movements, with rest in between the two rounds. THEN, you do a chipper, which means you chip away at the movements listed, trying to get through all of them as quickly as you can. Time yourself to track progress!
This whole workout, start to finish is about 30 minutes flat. Push yourself during the whole thing because if you're only going for 30 minutes, you better make those 30 minutes worth it!
THE WARM UP
Warm up, for 5 minutes: cycle through these movements without rest, paying special attention to any areas that feel tight.
3 walk outs (get those hips and hamstrings moving!)
20 jumping jacks
5 burpees
10 air squats
ROUND ONE:
1 minute burpees
1 minute push-ups (on your knees to modify)
1 minute reverse lunges, alternating legs
1 minute V-ups or bicycles to modify
1 minute curtesy lunges, alternating legs
Rest one minute
ROUND TWO (get that sweat going)
1 minute jump squats
1 minute push-ups
1 minute reverse lunges, alternating legs
1 minute V-ups or bicycles to modify
1 minute curtesy lunges, alternating legs
Rest 2 minutes. Get ready for the Chipper!
THE CHIPPER
Chipper: This should be done as fast as you can go. Take little rests when you need it, but try to go hard!
60 Alternating leg reverse lunges (30 each leg)
50 Air squats (get low ladies!)
40 V-ups or sit ups
30 Burpees (chest to the floor)
20 Pushups
10 Jump Squats
If you are feeling super strong - go through the chipper again starting from 10 jump squats and working your way back up the list. Extra points if you beat your first time!
COOL DOWN
Feel powerful yet?!
Finish with some light stretches to cool down for 3-5 minutes. I recommend these:
Toe touches
Quad stretch
Figure four booty stretches lying on your back.
Katrina Bowden is an actress living and working in New York City with a passion for health and fitness. Her lifestyle blog FitKat by Katrina Bowden combines health and fitness, with a sprinkle of fashion, travel, beauty-- and lots in between.
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The One Design Hurdle That’s Got 66% of Millennials Down
Big City dwellers, this one’s for you.
photo by @taylorsterling
As active participants of social media, we are frequently bombarded with images of perfect-looking homes that feel so far out of reach. Perfect herringbone hardwood floors, custom fireplaces, antique crown molding, it’s all beautifully overwhelming because we want what we can’t have.
With roughly one-third of millennials certified home-owners, renting is an unavoidable epidemic that most of us are dealing with (or suffering through… well, at least we’re in this together).
One of the biggest woes about renting is the inability to make any drastic design decisions. Whether it’s updating appliances, new light fixtures, or the biggest of them all….. carpet *gasp*. We dislike carpet just as much as the next renter, but sometimes we’re stuck with it. And what do bosses like us do when we’re stuck? We work through it, because we’re bad ass like that.
To help you tackle this major design woe, we tapped three “cool-girl” interior designers for their tips on how to design around that dingy carpet (without compromising your style).
Meet The Designers
Claire Zinnecker, of Claire Zinnecker Design, a boutique interior design group based in Austin, TX.
Kirsten Grove, the leading lady behind Simply Grove, a creative outlet turned full-time interior design business.
Ginny MacDonald, a designer and stylist, based in LA (though, she hails originally from England) whose extensive work can be seen here.
photo by @FromTheGroundUp
LESSON ONE: Rugs are Your Friend
CZ: Layering the space with a bright patterned area rug will take away from your carpet woes. The color and texture draws the attention to it and pulls together the space. You won't even notice the carpet.
KG: When you are using throw rugs on carpet, try layering them to create a textured look that will take away from the first layer of carpet. You can play off of the color of the carpet by incorporating it in the colors of the rug.
GM: If the carpet has a crazy pattern to it then go for something solid and tonal that works with the colours in the carpet. If the carpet is light and neutral then you have the option to overlay something bright and colourful or go with something more tonal (i.e if you have cream carpet, you could overlay a sisal or jute in a slightly darker tone, this would also give more texture). Not all rugs work on top of carpet though. Low pile rugs don't sit well on top of thicker pile carpet and end up moving around so try to use a rug and a carpet with the same pile thickness and it should stay snug. You could also use a rug pad or carpet tape to make it stick even better.
photo by @simplygrove
LESSON TWO: Pull Focus To The Walls
CZ: Distract with paint. Adding paint as an accent wall or even a pop of color on the ceiling can change the feel of the entire space. It creates a fun distraction and gives your space personality.
KG: Carpet can easily disappear when you focus on other aspects of the room. Creating a gallery wall with a variety of colors and textures can force the eye up instead of down.
GM: As well as adding a rug to your space you could also paint the walls in a brighter tone so that it helps to detract away from the carpet. A lot of rentals are painted in the contractors fave "swiss coffee" but painting it in a white or neutral grey will help a space feel more fresh and happy.
photo by @chrislovesjulia
LESSON THREE: Add Surrounding Textures
CZ: Bringing in textures through rugs, blankets, natural wood, etc. makes your home feel cozy and fresh. The carpet will practically disappear when you liven it up with a variety of textures.
GM: Layer accent furniture on top of the carpet like fun colourful poufs, baskets for extra blankets and planters. This not only hides the hideous rug but also brings some life, texture and layering to a room.
Are there other design roadblocks you are experiencing as a renter? Let us know in the comments below!
An Honest Look At Working Moms and Postpartum Depression
Spoiler: It's not easy.
I had a relatively normal pregnancy. There were certain complications, but when b-day arrived and push came to shove, I pushed and shoved and wailed for my own mama, who along with my daughter’s father, Chris, held my hand through a 36-hour, hell-on-earth labor. Pitocin went in like a lion, and my baby came out like a lamb, a tad purple and smashed, but perfect nonetheless with rose-bud lips, violet-blue eyes, only ten toes, and a birthday three-hours shy of the day her father and I met.
Fast-forward: we were a unit, dodging debris and diaper explosions with grace and confidence, and even in the face of the holy f-caboose that attaches itself to the newborn baby train, when we swerved, we never went off the road. In fact, I went back to work when my daughter was just 6 weeks old, and I thought, "I've got this." I danced at my desk my first day back. "Ohhhh, I've goottttt this."
Except I didn't.
The first night the postpartum beast showed its rotten teeth I called Chris' mom at 12:30am. Chris was out of town working, as he often was, when my body jolted awake sweating and shaking.
“I know it’s late,” I cried to his mom over the phone, “but something is wrong and I’m too scared to be alone with the baby.” She rushed over and spent the night with me, petting my back until I fell asleep. “You’re OK,” she whispered in the dark. “You’re OK.”
Except I wasn’t.
Despite the signs I refused to accept that my problems were psychological. “It’s my hormones readjusting, high blood sugar (I'm T1 Diabetic), my kidneys, neuropathy, a tooth infection,” I justified. It was only when the dentist, little mirror in hand, made clear that, “There aren’t even any cavities,” did I finally break down and ring my OB-GYN to convey the following:
“I’m scared and shaky all the time, dizzy, terrified to be alone with B, and,” this was the kicker, “I think there is a ghost in the laundry room.” Rauschenberg’s ghost actually, who I thought I could keep locked up by placing the laundry basket in front of the room’s doors. Some crazy lady shit.
“Why do you keep doing that?” Chris asked one night after catching me in my ritual.
“You don’t want to know,” was all I said. “Rauschenberg in the laundry room,” sounds like a good novel, but not necessarily a sangfroid sentiment.
I felt no relief having unloaded my secrets to a professional. Nor did I feel relief when she rattled off the following, “postpartum depression,” “panic,” “normal,” “number to a psychiatrist,” without a single non-lexical vocable in her voice. I jotted the number down, curled up on the floor of my daughter’s nursery and sobbed, “But I’m not depressed.”
When I shared the diagnosis with Chris, he had the same response: “But you’re not depressed.”
To the outside world, I wasn't. I was working. I was taking care of my baby. I was handling my business. Except I was also, sobbing in the bathroom late at night and at work. Hiding from a ghost artist.
So HOW did I work? Looking back, I don't know. I really don't. It was the worst year of my life.
I do however, have the following advice:
Recognize when you do not in fact, "got this."
For countless women, heading back to work, PPD or not, is not an option. We need to make money. And for some of us, certainly myself, we want to be able to handle life the exact same way as we did before.
The problem is, postpartum depression grinds slow, but it grinds fine, and when you're dealing with it in the middle of your work grind, the symptoms can be hard to recognize. PPD isn't just tears and baby blues. Shit can hit the fan when you least expect it-- like a panic attack in the middle of the biggest meeting of your life. (Yep.)
Get help.
I'm a little bit Type A. Or a lotta bit, depending on the day you catch me, and at one point I really, truly thought I could do this on my own. Acknowledging the issue is the first step, seeing someone is the second. You don't need to do this alone. Even if you feel like you can't share with anyone in your office, that's what the professionals are for. No one at work knew I had PPD (until now).
Sometimes being smart and independent means knowing when to ask for help.
Figure out if you're protected by the ADA.
In hindsight, not telling my boss was def not the most intelligent move, and my pride could have cost me my job. If you work for a company of 15 or more, PPD is protected under the American Disabilities Act. A law enacted by the government in 1990, it provides civil right protections to individuals with disabilities. You need a doctor to diagnose you and you'll need to tell your boss.
In most case, your employer is not bound by the law if they don't know about the disability. And like any good lawyer will tell you: put it in writing.
Use your vacation and sick days.
I hoarded my vacation days, with the idea that I was stockpiling them for some impressive European vacation I was never, ever going to take. But there were days I was completely useless at work. Nauseous, anxious, tired; the sound of email in my inbox could send me into a dark rabbit hole.
Use the days. You can picnic in Paris some other year.
Delegate your work load.
If you're in the position to not take on extra work, don't. You can prove that you are an invaluable asset to the company by getting better, and kicking ass when you're back to your normal self (it will happen). Taking on too much work in the midst of PPD and doing a half-assed job is only going to make you look worse. And then you'll feel worse. And then... so many tears.
Remember, there is always someone out there who has been through it and thrived. Even though that first year was hell-- I'm still here, better than ever.
The 4 Best Ways to Cope with a Panic Attack at Work
No, you're not having a heart attack.
Claire, a new graduate, recently scored her dream job: a junior editor at her favorite fashion magazine. Claire dreamed of this position ever since she flipped through glossy magazines as a teen. Claire spent every summer in college interning for the chance to be considered for this position and her hard work finally paid off! Everything was perfect......perfect until the third day on the job. It was early morning, Claire walked into her first round table meeting, prompt, with a large latte in hand. Eventually, Claire’s new colleagues started piling into the room, including the Editor-in-Chief. As they took their seats and the meeting started, a strong feeling came over Claire. She started feeling as though something was terribly wrong! Within seconds Claire felt short of breath (literally gasping for breath), her heart was racing, and sweat was running down her newly purchased blouse. What was happening? As Claire sat in her seat she thought: Am I having a heart attack? Am I going to die? Everyone is starting at me!
For all of you who have endured a similar episode likely know far too well what Claire experienced (it’s hard to forget if it happened to you). A panic attack occurs abruptly and often spontaneously ‘out of the blue’ as an intense feeling of fear and discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes. If that wasn’t enough, some of the following symptoms also occur simultaneously: chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, nausea, dizzy, tingling and fear of losing control or “going crazy.”
Unfortunately, because such episodes occur ‘out of the blue,’ nowhere is off-limits; including your place of work. Panic attacks are gruesome, but can be even trickier to navigate while on the job. Below are 4 ways to cope when your body is hell-bent against cooperating with you!
"HOLY CRAP, I THINK I JUST HAD A HEART ATTACK?"
“Holy crap, I think I just had a heart attack?”
“Holy crap, I think I just had a heart attack?”
Due to the fact that these symptoms mimic many medical emergencies, it is not uncommon for those suffering to feel like they might be having a heart attack or dying. Often, those who endure their first panic attack will visit their local Emergency Room (ER) in order to get checked out….. and wouldn’t we all if we thought we just had a heart attack? Ask your family doctor for a pamphlet at your next appointment and educate yourself on what an attack looks like. Understanding panic is the first step in coping. Although such attacks can be incredibly uncomfortable, panic attacks are short lived and will come to an end.
“WELL HELLO PANIC. I CAN'T SAY IT IS NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN."
Just when you thought that was over (as you hoped it was a one time occurrence), panic has decided to visit once again. Panic may have returned without an invite, but this time you are prepared and ready! Now that you know what your body is experiencing as a result of education (as per above), it is time for the next step: Acknowledgment. Like with all uninvited guests, it is polite to acknowledge any ‘unwanted’ presence. You can give your panic a name to minimize its impact.
"You can give your panic a name to minimize its impact."
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"MAY I EXCUSE MYSELF PLEASE?"
It is one thing to experience an attack in the comforts of your own home, but it is another to have a panic attack at the office. Many people suffer in silence for fear of being seen as ‘weak’ or ‘not cut out’ for the job. Although it is often expected that you leave your private life outside of the office, it can be helpful to let your boss and colleagues know when personal challenges may impact the job (do this carefully, and only reveal details you think are pertinent to your job). Giving your boss a heads-up makes it that much easier to leave a meeting abruptly. Making others aware prior to the next attack is not only helpful for lowering your distress level, but you may get a few helpful tips from others…..as it is highly likely others in the office are faced with a similar challenge.
"PANIC, YOU ARE NOW INTERFERING! GAME OVER!"
What is the different between having a panic attack and having a panic disorder? Panic attacks become a disorder when there is a significant and persistent amount of time (greater than one month) worrying about having another attack or possible consequences of an attack. Additionally, those who fear another attack often engage in significant maladaptive behavioral changes related to an attack (ex: absentee from work) as a way of coping with the fear. If you find yourself persistently worrying about another attack, so much that you avoid things that remind you of previous attacks, it’s time to seek help!
Blare June is a lifestyle blogger from Halifax, Nova Scotia. What makes Blare June's blog unique is that in addition to fashion she writes about mental illness, empowerment, and overall wellness. When Blare June isn't blogging, she is working as a physician specializing in psychiatry in Halifax. You can find Blare June online atwww.blarejune.com or on Instagram: @blarejune.
How These 3 Working Moms Are Handling This Crazy Stat
Kids are so dang expensive.
photo by Could I Have That?
In case you haven't heard Beyoncé is pregnant with twins. What you might not know is that in Jay Z's and Beyoncé’s prenup it states that she gets a cool 5 million for every baby she bears that’s his. Do the math babes. That means Queen B is carrying around 10 million dollars in her uterus. Which is, unfortunately, more $$$ than most of us will see in a lifetime.
Also another unfortunate fact: CNN recently revealed that raising a child to age 18 will costs $233,610-- pre-college. So what is a working mom to do? We checked in with three of our favorite working moms to get their life tips and tricks on saving money, even with baby at home.
Angela Sutherland, investment executive and co-founder of the new organic children's food delivery service Yumi, has two kids and three great tips for saving money-- especially as it relates to your TAXES. If you already filed your taxes this year, take her advice and make this a priority in 2018.
First, she says, "Depending on which state you're in you can actually buy pre-paid tuition, locking in the current rate of tuition, which is actual an amazing deal given the rate of inflation. The only downside is you have to decide early (very early!) which college your kid will go to, however, if you have a very strong state school it could be a great way to save." For those legacy families, look into this.
Second, she shares, "Be a lifetime learner! Few people know that you can claim up to $2k in tax credit every year for the classes you take. That's not $2k off of your taxable income like other deductions, that's actually a straight credit off your calculated taxes owed." And finally, says the mom and business owner, "There's a tax credit that's called the Dependent Care Credit- of which few people take advantage. But you can get up to $3k per child of tax deductions when you use a nanny or someone who cares for your children if you work."
Mom-to-be and writer Jane Helpern shared this practical advice: "Drive a Prius. Bring your lunch to work. And swap your Equinox membership for the YMCA which offers free childcare. Don't have a pool because they cost a lot to heat and don't be afraid to send your kids to daycare."
Postpartum doula Stephanie Matthias takes a slightly more holistic approach to the numbers game. "If you count your rent and gas, everything that costs money," the single mom of two explains, "summer camp, classes, buying birthday presents for kids in the class, or the fact that they want to go a vending machine at school because their friends do, it adds up." But she has some positive ideas on how to flip the script.
For one, "Enlisting family to help with childcare is huge, if it's possible," she shares. "I've chosen to have the kind of career where I work freelance, where I make my own hours. I'm not only doing what I want to be doing, but it's also really conducive to motherhood. I've made very strategic career decisions in order to accommodate being a mother."
She also shares, "I've never been a good budgeter. I'm not a frugal person. Even when I was working four jobs living in a $1000 dollar one-room apartment on the East Side (of Los Angeles), I would still go to Whole Foods and buy water. I used to think of money in terms of scarcity, in terms of what I could and couldn't afford. Now I think about money in terms of what kind of life I want to have. Do I want a life of experiences? What kind of life do I want for my kids? And what do I want to teach them about money? This approach has helped me spend less. It's almost like eliminating sugar. How I want to feel longterm is analogous to what I want my life to look like longterm. This reworking has completely changed the way I think about money. The money that I make during the time that I'm working, that's time that I'm spending away from of my kids. That makes the money more valuable to me and makes me more mindful of what I'm spending on. That money better be going toward stuff that makes our lives great. I'm not gonna work all these hours and spend money on shoes." Half of the time she says she doesn't get home until after her youngest in already in bed and there's an element of mom guilt that kicks in. The voice that says, "I didn't spend the day with you, I'm gonna get you something."
Matthias continues, "It's easy for working moms to feel like, 'I'm gone and I'm making x amount of money, so I can afford these really cute toys and it will make them happy.'" Not true she insists. "All your kids want is quality time with you. The more hours I work, the more money I make, the more that voice kicks in. That's when we do things to placate our kids. That's a massive waste of money. Every fifteen dollar tiara and thirty dollar ballet skirt, that all adds up. That's money you could put into their college fund."
She adds, "From a super practical standpoint, I am super strategic about where I do my food shopping. I want everything to be super high quality, but it's not always practical to only shop at Erewhon. I joined Thrive online. It's an online grocery store that doesn't sell produce. But instead has all of the snacks that go in lunches, etc. Everything is super discounted."
Extra credit pro tip: Babies grow and they grow fast. You're replacing their clothes every couple of months and many of them are barley worn. If you plan on having more than one, buy gender-neutral items so the next child can wear the hand-me-downs. And for new moms who are nesting (that innate desire to get ready for baby) don't be fooled by the marketing world. Babies don't need their own everrrrything-- from body wash to detergent to hair brushes. Don't nest yourself out of a nest egg.
Have more money saving tips? Share below!
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This One Job Hunt Tactic Is No Longer Working
So why is everyone still doing it?
According to a 2015 study done by the National Federation of Independent Business, 48% of small businesses report there are few or no qualified applicants for the positions they are trying to fill. This suggests that many people apply for jobs they aren’t qualified for, which gives hiring managers the idea that qualified candidates aren’t out there.
Studies show that global IQ scores have risen by an average of 20 points since 1950, implying that there should be qualified candidates out there, so why are so many people still struggling to land a job? The answer lies within the job application tactics being used.
The incorrect job hunting tactic that candidates often use
Often people employ the “spray and pray” tactic when applying for a job. This term has become common among recruiters when describing a candidate that applies to tens or hundreds of positions in the hopes that someone will bite. On average, each corporate job opening attracts 250 resumes. This means that your resume has to be outstanding in order to stand out from the crowd. When using the spray and pray tactic, resumes usually don’t hold the specified requirements or keywords, causing them to get turned down immediately. When you don’t customize your resume to each job, it’s clear that you’re using the spray and pray tactic, and this doesn’t bode well for your reputation.
"Your resume has to be outstanding in order to stand out from the crowd."
Tweet this.
Why this tactic doesn’t work well
On top of the fact that your resume is among hundreds of others in the application pool when you apply online, there’s another internal issue which makes it hard to secure a job. Scott Uhrig at Agile.Careers explained that, “Roughly 80% of jobs are never posted–probably closer to 90% for more senior jobs. The competition for posted jobs is insane…the best jobs are almost never posted.” If a job isn’t posted, you’re going to have a pretty hard time applying for it online.
What job tactics you should be using instead
The Beatles had it right when they sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” GlassDoor estimates that being referred by someone at the company boosts your chance of successfully landing a job as high as nearly 7%.
Don’t have any direct contacts in your industry? Use your LinkedIn profile to leverage who you know and increase your professional network. You never know who will be able to connect you with someone who can help you develop your career. At the very least, use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters. Research also finds that staffing agency referrals increase your chance of a successful job placement by more than 5%, and in-person referrals — such as meeting a company representative at a job fair and giving them a resume — increase it by about 4%.
Why these tactics work
Referrals generally produce a better hire, and statistics suggest that referrals lower the company turnover rate. 46% of referral hires stay over 1 year, 45% over 2 years and 47% over 3 years. Amy Segelin, president of the executive communications recruiting firm Chaloner, explains how the best (and most unexpected) hires happen: “Out-of-the-box hires rarely happen through LinkedIn applications. They happen when someone influential meets a really interesting person and says, ‘Let’s create a position for you.’” Why? Because it’s much easier to establish a connection and show your personality in person. While you can highlight what you’ll bring to the table and the skills you have, it’s almost impossible to show how well you’ll fit in with the company culture or how well you’ll get along with other employees on your resume alone.
______________
We live in an age where you can apply to hundreds of jobs with the click of a button, but just because it’s possible, (and easy) it doesn’t make it the best tactic to use when job hunting. Why this job tactic isn’t working is because when you apply via online application, you’re one of hundreds of applicants, which makes it hard to give off a lasting impression. Instead, focus on leveraging your network, asking for internal referrals, and using your contacts to get your resume in front of the right person. And when in doubt, remember that quality of your application will always serve you better than the quantity of applications you’re submitting.
A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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All the Things Pregnant and Working Mothers Are Doing Wrong
They don't want you to be right.
Photo credit: Pexels
Written by: Jane Helpern
Women! If you think they're bad, just wait until they deign to bring a tiny, helpless human into the world and then attempt to receive meager compensation from their employer for it. Whether it's a basic survival tactic like drinking water or a more complicated endeavor such as carrying on a career, they deserve to be exiled. Or worse. Here, a list of 54 things pregnant women and working moms are doing all wrong.
Taking maternity leave
Returning to work too quickly
Eating licorice
Staying home
Def working
Def staying home
Eating fish
Owning cats
Being stressed
Being young
Being old
Def being old
Def being young
Being single
Drinking coffee
Earning more than their husband
Using hairspray
Traveling to Mexico
Consuming a single drop of alcohol
Working overtime
Working 32 hrs a week or more
Wearing heels
Wearing Spanx
Drinking Diet Coke
Going to Subway
Being in a heatwave
Being Chrissy Teigen
Eating cereal
Eating organic
Having a night nurse
Exposure to secondhand smoke prior to conception
Wearing makeup
Not enough salad
Being Kim Kardashian
Having heartburn.
Jane Helpern is a freelance writer, copywriter, and founder of Jane Says Agency. She enjoys helping brands find their voice, writing about fashion and feminism, and walking-at-an-incline-with-wine™
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Why You Should Stop Being Polite & Talk About Your Salary
We got 15 badass ladies to share their salaries.
photo credit: Pexels.
MONEY TALKS AND SO SHOULD YOU.
Today is Equal Pay Day. You know this. We know this.
Women earn on average just 80 cents to every dollar earned by white men. The gender wage gap is more severe for women of color: African-American women and Hispanic women, for example, earn just 63 cents and 54 cents to every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men, respectively.
According to the National Partnership for Women & Families, the national median annual pay for a woman in a full-time, year-round job is $40,742, while men earn $51,212 . Overall, women are paid 80 cents for every dollar paid to men. This lowers in management roles, where women are paid 76 cents to every dollar paid to men.
Don't freak. There is some light at the end of this money tunnel.
Here’s where we are at.
There are some rad trends happening in the workplace. Women are starting businesses at rapid rates.
They are doing it with less than men. They feel like they can accomplish more, with fewer resources. (pound.)
They are employing nearly 8 million people and generated $1.5 trillion in sales as of 2015.
And we are organizing and speaking up.
As women, we make up more than half of this country’s population (50.6%). We’re getting a larger share of college degrees, we’re doing WORK (In 2013, over half of managerial and professional occupations in the U.S. [52.2%] were held by women), and we’re birthing 100% of our children.
Give yourself a fn pat on the back.
Here’s where we're not.
In spite of recent gains (and ungains, which is a word for today) millennial women still report that it’s a man’s world. Isn’t that strange? We have made significant gains and have opportunities our mothers and grandmothers only dreamed of, but most of us still hold the same opinion that they did over 30 year ago: 55% say that society favors men over women. Can we get a collective groan?
"Millennial women still report that it's a man's world. Isn't that strange?"
Tweet this.
We see this happen every day. If there are male and female co-founders, people always assume the woman is the creative and the male is the CEO.
The Pew Research Center has also found that: Analysis of government economic data suggests that most young female workers start their careers at near parity with men in wages. However, the analysis found, women struggle to keep pace with men on this measure as they begin to juggle work and family life. That means we need better laws in place for paid family leave. We need laws that protect working mothers. The National Partnership for Women & Families reported that the wage gap is larger for mothers than for women overall. Compounding this issue is that mothers are currently the breadwinners in half of families with children under 18.
That means family leave laws need to be at the top of the list of items we’re fighting for (see below for more on this).
According to the National Partnership for Women and Families if the annual gender wage gap were eliminated, on average, a working woman in the United States would have enough money for approximately:
- Fifteen more months of child care;
- 2 additional years of tuition and fees for a four-year public university, or the full cost of tuition and fees for a two-year community college;
- Seventy-eight more weeks of food for her family (1.5 years’ worth);
- Seven more months of mortgage and utilities payments;
- Eleven more months of rent; or
- Up to 8.7 additional years of birth control.
"When wages are equal, everyone will win."
Tweet this.
We cannot hammer this home hard enough: when wages are equal, everyone will win.
What we can do about it.
Let's make finance the new F word. The only reason money is dirty is because it carries more germs than a household toilet. Gross—we know. But what we’re talking about is pretty gross too. Recently comedian Natasha Leggero shared with us that she and other female comedians share what they make with each other. “To make sure we’re not getting ripped off.” The more you share, the more you can ask for. And remember, the only ones who benefit from hush-hush salary talk are the employers.
According to a press release from the National Partnership you can call your representatives about the following legislation:
“Members of Congress are expected to reintroduce the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would help break harmful patterns of pay discrimination and establish stronger workplace protections for women. National Partnership experts say the bill would help close the wage gap, along with policies like the Healthy Families Act, which would guarantee paid sick days; the Family And Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which would create a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program; and measures that would increase the minimum wage and strengthen pregnant worker protections.”
We can also TALK. SHARE. AND ENCOURAGE OTHER WOMEN TO DO THE SAME. Because until they raise our wages, we should raise a little hell.
So we talked with 15 women who shared what they’re making with us. And we're encouraging you to do the same. Let's call it the 15 for Equality rule. Make it a priority to share your salary with 15 women with the hope that the more we openly talk about making money, the faster the wage gap shrinks.
- Talent Manager, New York, 26, 75k
- Wedding Photographer, 35, Florida, 35k
- Creative Director, Los Angeles, 33, 98k
- PR Assistant, Los Angeles, 31, 47k
- Senior Partner Law Firm, Los Angeles, 55, $950/hour
- Marketing Director, Los Angeles, 32, 90k
- Head of Sales at Boutique Fashion Brand, Los Angeles, 31, 80k
- RTW Designer, Los Angeles, 34, 80k
- Director Digital Content, New York, 35, 160k
- Project Manager, Los Angeles, 27, 50k
- Designer, Philadelphia, 30, 97k-112k, depending on bonuses
- Special Events Manager, Los Angeles, 33, 75k
- Junior Designer at Architecture Firm, Los Angeles, 35, 70k. (This salary was noted as high, and the employee said she actually makes 5k more than her husband who hold the same position at a different architecture firm.)
- SF Ballet Starting Corps, San Francisco, 22, 40k. (This salary was also noted as high in comparison to other professional ballerinas. “They [SF Ballet] have a budget of 45 million dollars. The same goes for NYC Ballet, which has an annual budget of about 64 million dollars. The average salary for a corps dancer is closer to 30k.”
- Assistant Project Manager, Los Angeles, 25, 42k
Feel like sharing? What are you doing today to fight for equal pay?
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Do You Want Just More? RSVP Here for a Panel with our Hawaii Posse
We're popping up again!
GUESS WHAT? the gang's getting back together!
Last month thanks to the creative brains at Richer Poorer we headed to Honolulu on a entrepreneur adventure with five other amazing founders: Jen Gotch, founder and CCO of Bando, Bobby Kim, co-founder of The Hundreds and JENNIFER, Jeni Britton Bauer, founder and CCO of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Iva Pawling, co-founder and CEO of Richer Poorer, and Ellen Bennett, founder and CEO of Hedley and Bennett.
And now we're bringing everything we learned in Hawaii back home. (Like the idea of entrepreneurs sharing assets). Full details below.
Our Founder and Editorial Director are joining the "Just More" panel, hosted by Richer Poorer, on what it really, truly (we're gonna dish all the details and regret it in the morning) means to be the founder of a business. The late nights. The juicy stuff. Yes, there will be some cocktails too.
ALL DETAILS BELOW
WHEN: Monday, April 17th, 2017
WHERE: Hedley & Bennett HQ
3864 S. Santa Fe Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058
Map it here. Don't stress. There is ample street parking.
TIME: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Join us for cocktails and convo starting at 6:30pm. Panel will begin at 7:00, last 45-minutes, and then we will open up to audience Q&A. Bring your questions! Feel free to stick around after to say hi, meet the speakers, and soak in the boss vibes.