Spend the Night: C & C Has a Guest Bedroom You'll Want to Stay In
Seinfeld Apartment has nothing on Create & Cultivate's guest bedroom.
It's not every office that has a guest bedroom. Sure, some offices have break rooms and play areas. Like the Google office-- which insists that its employees having fun at work. But office dynamics have changed. Gone are the days (or so we hope for you) of drab little cubicles.
"We want the office to feel comfortable," says Jaclyn Johnson, Founder and CEO (and tenant of a pretty boss office herself). "We have so many people coming in and out from out of town, some who crash here, others who need a brief respite, and it's wonderful that they can wake up here, feel inspired, and walk downstairs and have morning coffee with the crew."
It's a logic that follows the flow of Create & Cultivate's mission: to be an inclusive, enterprising, and empowering space for all, especially those trail blazing female entrepreneurs.
To make this space a reality, Veronica Valencia of The Design Hunters opted for a blend of smaller LA-based companies.
"It's not the most standard," says Veronica, "to be asked to design a bedroom in an office, but that's the magic of Create & Cultivate. There's nothing standard about it."
Accounts Director Hope Evans says, "It's like having a sense of familiarity in your office. So when we work long hours and burn the midnight oil-- even if we aren't napping-- it still feels like home. And C & C is like family, so it make sense."
Companies like Fragments Identity, heralded by 28+ year design veteran Tammy Price, Venice-based luxury bedding co. Parachute Home, Framebridge, and Artfully Walls, deck out the space.
Veronica says, "We wanted the guest room to feel cool and calm. You can never go wrong with white bedding.... especially in a concrete loft. It really brightened up such an industrial space! The white bedding, and mix of bold art work and rustic side tables, worked well together and gave off such good Cali vibes. Perfect for out of town guests!"
Click through the above photos to take a little tour and check out some of the products used below.
Fragments Identity: Mali Indigo Blues Pillow, Black and White Natural Mud Cloth Pillow, and throw.
Parachute Home: Percale Venice Set.
Framebridge & Artfully Walls: Veronica teamed up the two again in the guest bedroom. Watery Bliss in Irvine Slim White Custom Frame.
Photos courtesy of Ala Cortez.
An Office Fit for a Boss: Peep Inside C & C Founder's Creative Digs
An exclusive look inside Jaclyn Johnson's LA office.
When Jaclyn Johnson, CEO and Founder of Create & Cultivate and (No Subject) moved the office HQ to Atwater Village, she turned to Veronica Valencia of The Design Hunters to really make the space pop.
As the former Lead Designer / Art Director for ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Veronica knows how to make spaces feel like "home." Something she says, that is extremely important, even in an office. "As a boss you want your office to feel professional, that's a given, but you also want it to feel like an inviting, creative space. One where ideas can grow, where employees and visitors want to stop by." To really make the space come alive, Veronica turned to CB2, Artfully Walls, and Framebridge --as well as some amazing palm leaf wallpaper from Anewall. "When designing her space, finding that WOW wallpaper was a must," she says. "I'm usually not a fan of accent walls but in this case it was perfect. I wanted something that was powerful, rich and inspiring. Your office environment is so important, especially when you are a creative. It could be that little push to an even better day!"
The result is an office fit for a creative like Jackie. "Good ideas inspire," says Veronica, "but good spaces, bring the ideas."
Moreover, when you spend as much time at work Jackie does (no such this as a 9-5 when you're in charge), the space has to be somewhere you're happy to call a second home. Click through the above gallery for some serious #officeinspo, and check out the below links to deck your office out in style.
Welcoming Front Entry Accents: CB2 Marble-Rose Gold Pedestal Table & CB2 Braided Fringe Wall Hanging
Storing Important Things: CB2 Suspend Media Console
The Boss Desk: CB2 Aqua Virgo Dining Table
The Boss Sits: CB2 Tayabas Can Side Chair with Black Cushion
The Guests Sit: CB2 Roadhouse Leather Chairs
Says Veronica: "When selecting CB2 furniture, I actually chose dining and living room furniture. Office furniture can sometimes be a little blah, and I wanted the space to feel more homey and welcoming. Jackie's desk is a dining room table, her guest chairs are dining room chairs and her office storage is a media console with a marble top."
Wall Storage: CB2 Revere Wall Mounted Magazine Storage
Art 'n Stuff: Framebridge Irvine Slim Custom Frame & Woman in Boat from Artfully Walls
Says Veronica: "The cherry on the cake was the lady boss oversized print above the console. When selecting all of the artwork for C & C, I wanted the art work to have meaning. It's amazing how much C & C has become such a trailblazer for women and I wanted the art to represent that. To capture those feelings, I chose portraits and paintings of different women."
The Great Bitch Conundrum of 2015
Cheers, bitch.
Let’s talk about the capital B word. Not boss— a word we use a lot around the Create & Cultivate office (because *high-five us* we meet a ton of Boss Women on the daily). We’re talking Bitch, a word that yes, means lady dog, but also one that has been used as a term of derision since the 15th century. Phrases like “son of a bitch,” were meant to chide promiscuous women. An 1811 dictionary refers to the word as "the most offensive appellation that can be given to an English woman.” conundrum
Fast-forward to the 1920s, when women gained the right to vote. During the time period of 1915-1930 the use of the word in print almost doubled— when men were all, let’s get rid of this Susan B(itch) Anthony.
Then came the second wave of feminism, where women like attorney Jo Freeman, who authored the book, The Bitch Manifesto in 1968, made a solid attempt to co-opt the word. In her book Freeman writes: “A woman should be proud to declare she is a Bitch, because Bitch is Beautiful.” During this period it looked like the term was ready to be shaped into something new. It had all the potential to align itself with feminist goals. In a way, this happened.
Since the 1970s women have steadily fought to reclaim the word, to shift its power. Think: Head Bitch in Charge, Boss Bitch, Bitch Media, Betches, books like, Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women, on and on. (The word usage in print is at an all-time high.) Such reclamations turn negative words into positive affirmations. They create unity amongst marginalized groups while diminishing the power of the oppressor.
If we call ourselves bitches, it becomes ours.
Or does it?
For many, the social dynamics and gender politics of the word are still confusing. Can a man call a woman a bitch? What about when a woman calls a man a bitch? Can a woman call another woman a bitch? And what about when people call Hilary Clinton a bitch? In 2013, in a series of tweets, Kanye West asked the following question: "I usually never tweet questions but I struggle with this so here goes... Is the word BITCH acceptable?” Followed up by: “Is it ok to use bitch as long as we put BAD in front of it? Like you a BAD BITCH.”
"If we call ourselves bitches, it becomes ours."
Tweet this.
This is where we have to consider intent. The problem lies in how how the word is used and by whom. The problem is in the nuance.
As Cynthia Bailey from the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" explained, “In this group we use the term bitch as a term of endearment and also in a disrespectful way.” And that’s the gist of it. Context matters. Intonation matters. I can be a boss ass bitch. I can reclaim the word for me. But the most important word in that thought is not bitch, but "me." I can make a conscious decision for bitch to mean something different. I can own my bitch. But don't think for one moment that if someone else makes that decision for me, we're not going to have more than some bitchy words.
C+C Holiday Gift Guide Nº 4: The Mommy Maven
Mom is #1 obviously. Not only do they work around the clock taking care of business and locking in deals, but they also come back home to pick up their second shift because a mom's job is never done. So what do you get your mom (or mommy friend) that is worthy of only the best? We've narrowed the list down for you with some of our favorites.
Mom is #1 obviously. Not only do they work around the clock taking care of business and locking in deals, but they also come back home to pick up their second shift because a mom's job is never done. So what do you get your mom (or mommy friend) that is worthy of only the best? We've narrowed the list down for you with some of our favorites.
1. Mophie Power Station, $74.95. She's always on the run and has to keep track of business and the kids. She'll be charged up anywhere not only on her phone, but any tablet and USB devices too.
2. Cap Toe Slipper, $39. Perfect for when she's ready to kick off her shoes after a long day and slip into these babies.
3. Fossil Journal Multi Pack, $10. Let her start off the year fresh with new notebooks for the office or home.
4. Chromecast, $35. Feed her need for some R&R with a Chromecast so she can go from watching her favorite Netflix shows from her phone or tablet to her TV.
5. Troi Ollivierre Lipstick, $28. Who said lipstick wasn't the perfect gift?
6. House of Lafayette Johnny Fedora, $350. So she's a hat enthusiast too - get her a hat that she'll die to have in her collection.
7. Tria Age-Defying Laser, $495. She knows the secrets to keeping her youthful glow, so she'll love putting this in her list of secrets.
8. Sugar Paper Black Stripe Thank You Notes, $30. With a new year coming up, she might need to stock up on thank you notes for important meetings for next year. These are just the perfect fit for her.
9. Grow Gorgeous Hair Serum, $35. When she starts getting even more compliments about her gorgeous hair than she does now, she'll be thanking you in the long run.
10. Nespresso Vertuoline Coffee and Espresso Maker, $140. Let her ditch having to run down to the coffee shop before work, and have her enjoy her own espresso at home without the rush.
11. Alexander Wang Prisma Skeltal Backpack. $1050. Every minimalist mom's dream come true in a backpack. You can't go wrong with leather, and she'll love how lightweight it is too.
12. Alfred Coffee Blend, $21. If Espresso is not much of her thing, she'll love this if she still enjoys a good cup of coffee.
13. Madewell Joni Boot, $210. If you've overheard her say "I'm dying to look for the perfect bootie," this is the boot she meant.
C+C Holiday Gift Guide Nº 3: The Wellness Babe
A healthy lifestyle isn't just a fad to her. The Wellness Babe in your life lives it through and through, so gift her something useful and fashionable this holiday season.
1. My Mira Fit, $169. A fitness bracelet that also serves as a piece of jewelry. It will track her lifestyle without interrupting her fashion.
2. Farmers' Market Basket Small Square, $14. Crafted in stoneware in the same shape of farmers' market berry containers, perfect for storing her morning fruit for smoothies.
3. David Kirsch Wellness Energy Bubbles, $39.99. The healthiest and non-sugary way to give her body an energy boost.
4. Alo Moto Legging, $110. Leggings that fit into her lifestyle, she can go from mat to meeting or running about town.
5. Yogitoes Skidless Mat-Size Yoga Towel, $59.70. For super-sweaty workouts, this mat towel keeps her from slipping and sliding.
6. Eyeko Sport Proof Mascara, $25. For beautiful eyelashes the day and night long, this smudge proof, waterproof, and sweat proof mascara can keep up with her lifestyle.
7. Be Biotin Capsules, $32. She can't squat her way to better hair and nails. but biotin capsules are super-potent to keep both looking great,and can be taken every day.
8. Pointe Studio Grip Socks, $12. From barre to pilates, ballet and yoga, these grip socks with compression arch support will keep her in-step in class.
9. Keep Not Settling The Everygirl Mug , $15. She doesn't do anything halfway. Not her workouts and not her morning coffee.
10. In Transit Muscle Therapy, $22.99. For her tired muscles after an early spin class, this is pain relief that she can bring on-the-go.
11. Frends Mother of Pearl Headphone Caps, $50. To dress up daily headphones, mother of pearl makes that jog on the treadmill a little fancier.
12. Adidas by Stella McCartney Track Pant, $77. A comfortable and stylish choice for running a mile, or running errands afterward.
C+C Holiday Gift Guide Nº 2: The Multitasker
She's here, there, everywhere, and we've got the perfect gift ideas for the multitasking maven.
She's on the phone and computer at the same time. She's making breakfast and answering emails. Doing two things at once is a breeze for the multitasker. When she really excels is juggling three or more hustles. Spinning plates? She's got this. So you should get her something special this holiday season that gives her a little luxury.
1. PORTER Subscription. $30/year. For all her down time-- not that she has any, or for catching up on the plane, a PORTER subscription from luxe e-commerce retailer Net-a-Porter, gives her 6 issues and access to the mag's digital edition, so she can access it where ever the day takes her.
2. Gold Black Pearl Hydrogel Eye Mask, $60, For sneaking little moments of luxury, this eye mask brightens skin, reduces fine lines, and diminishes under eye circles. Wear it for 20 minutes while writing emails at night.
3. Rockins Super Skinny Flora Silk Scarf, $145. Forget skinny jeans, a skinny silk scarf is where it's at. Perfect for taking an outfit from day to night, because you know she doesn't have time to go home and change.
4. Bag-all Shoe Bag Organizers, $38. Made for travelers, but also made for alpha females who keep a second wardrobe in their trunk (or bag seat, or oversized bag stashed under their desk). These shoe bags will keep her favorite pairs safe and un-scuffed.
5. Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment, $15.00. Sleep isn't big on her to-do list, so an eye cream that can be used day or night, that improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines is at the top of her Christmas wish list.
6. Moment Wide Lens. $99. Turning her smart phone into a camera, this lens takes beautiful shots that she can easily mount. Even if her eyes turn blurry from stress, this lens keeps everything in focus.
7. Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit for J. Crew, $18. Perfect in a pinch this little kit will take of any on-the-go need. From hair spray for those crazy fly away days to clear nail polish for fixing snags in stockings, she'll always look primed and put together.
8. New MacBook in Rose Gold, Starting at $1299. She'll be an unstoppable and stylish machine with the newest tech from Apple that keeps pace with her world.
9. Mac Eye Shadow X 9 Palette, $40. Forget individual shadows. What she needs is a multitasking palette that's just as adept at making all work as she does.
10. S'Well Bottle in White Gold, $42. The bottle that is on everyone's Xmas list, and for good reason. It keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. A full day deserves a bottle that can keep up.
11. Russell and Hazel Signature Solid Binder, $14. If she needs to stay organized, help her do it in style. These eco-friendly, chic binders are solid in style and
12. Furbish Studio Hustle Bangle, $28. It's the perfect little stocking stuffer that lets her know that you know how hard she hustles.
Motivation Monday: Links We Love to Start the Week
Donut ask us about the weekend.
Monday! It's here again. If you're having a hard time getting started, we've got you covered. From Willow Smith dropping a secret album a la Queen B to history making elections in Saudi Arabia, here are the links we love to start your work week right.
FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT
Japanese women are fighting for the right to keep their surnames after marriage. For over a century, married couples in Japan have been legally obligated to have one surname. 96% of the time it's women taking the man's last name. 5 women are suing the government to change this.
NAME DROP IT
Willow Smith, daughter of Jada and Will, sister of Jaden, dropped an album on the 11th only making subtle (or not so subtle?) references to it on Twitter. She's named it Ardipithecus. As for the explanation of the name, Willow says: “Ardipithecus Ramidus is the scientific name of the first hominid bones found on earth...I wanted to name my musical compilation after it because, while I was making these songs I was in such a transitional state." Which, great name for an album, but when we were 15, we were thinking about what we were gonna wear to winter formal. (Prince also dropped a surprise album. Guess it's a thing now?)
GRAB A TISSUE, AND SOME POPCORN
Transparent, Season 1, pushed TV boundaries. It made us laugh, cry, and open our hearts just a little bit more. Apparently Season 2 is the "best TV show of this year." Maybe it's time to get thee to Amazon and do some binge-holiday-watching.
HEY TRUMP, LET'S TALK IMMIGRATION
HelloGiggles is talking the power of art. They're chatting about street artist Banksy's newest work surrounding Steve Jobs and immigration (hot on the heels of Trump's hellish immigration proposals). Check it out and then be sure to check out our DTLA office tour with the HelloGiggles crew.
SAUDI WOMEN MAKE HISTORY
For the first time in history, Saudi women were allowed to both vote and run in council elections. 1,000 women ran, so far 5 have won seats. Long overdue and EPIC.
HAVE A COKE AND A SMILE
And because we all deserve a laugh as we head into long days and nights filled with family: The Best Comedy Moments of 2015.
C+C Holiday Gift Guide Nº 1: Ride or Fly Girl
You know the lady in your life who is always hopping in the car for a weekend getaway, or grabbing the next flight out of town for a early am meeting? She plays hard, works harder, and is maybe the hardest person to shop for-- she's been around the world and knows what she likes. Don't worry. We've got you (and her) covered.
You know the lady in your life who is always hopping in the car for a weekend getaway, or grabbing the next flight out of town for a early am meeting? She plays hard, works harder, and is maybe the hardest person to shop for-- she's been around the world and knows what she likes. Don't worry. We've got you (and her) covered.
1. Olio Lusso Kaleidoscope Collection, Choose from a range of luxurious Olio Lusso products wrapped in vivid cello.
2. Molami Headphones $100, When you're always on-the-go, listening to music and zoning out is a must.
3. The Away Carry-On with Limited Edition Gift Book Set $225, Possibly, the best-looking carry-on on the market.
4. Yes to Grapefruit Rejuvenating Facial Wipes $5.99, Skin will be soft and bright, even after enduring stale airplane air.
5. Lou & Grey SignatureSoft Pants $59.50, For red eyes, or cozy travel days, a drawstring pant is the most stylish plane/car wear.
6. Parachute x Clare Vivier Travel Kit $199, 100% Merino Wool, bold colors, and a carrying case that doubles as a pillow cover? That's fly.
7. This is Ground Mod Tablet 2, $299, To hold all electronic travel needs, give the most wonderful gift of organization.
8. Ray Ban Round Metal Frames $175, Round frames a la the 1960s make it possible to look rad, even on four hours of sleep.
9. Superga Classic Sneakers $65, These sneakers are made for a brisk speed walk through the terminal.
10. Kate Spade Passport Holder $78, For work jaunts out of the country, the hazy floral holder is a chic and easy way to spot a passport.
11. 3.1 Philip Lim 31 Hour Bag $798, Splurge on a purse that's the ideal travel companion for quick out of town overnights.
The Future Is Female, But THIS IS NOT So Great
It's probably pretty clear that Create & Cultivate is all about empowering other women. Which is why the slogan, "The Future is Female," is something we can get behind (and wear proudly on a shirt). However the controversy that erupted this week between LA brand Otherwild and British model Cara Delevingne over the slogan is divisive, and took on more than a life of its own.
Apparently, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. By another woman.
It's probably pretty clear that Create & Cultivate is all about empowering other women. Which is why the slogan, "The Future is Female," is something we can get behind (and wear proudly on a shirt).
According to a recent New York Times article, "The original 'The Future Is Female' T-shirt design was made for Labyris Books, the first women’s bookstore in New York City. The photographer Liza Cowan took a picture of Alix Dobkin, her girlfriend at the time, wearing it in 1975."
Of the shirt, Cowan told the paper, “It’s taken on a life of its own. I don’t know what to make of it. But I think the slogan is great, I love that women are wearing it. It’s kind of a call to arms, and it’s a statement of fact.”
However the controversy that erupted this week between LA brand Otherwild and British model Cara Delevingne over the slogan is divisive, and took on more than a life of its own.
Apparently, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. By another woman. (Insert unhappy emoji here.)
OTHERWILD vs. DELEVINGNE
Rachel Berks, who heads up LA-based design label, Otherwild, has made the following claim: "Otherwild used @lizacowan's image of Alix Dobkin in the shirt (1975) with permission, as originally seen on Kelly Rakowski's @h_e_r_s_t_o_r_y. Otherwild's redesign and reissue of the FIF tees and buttons is protected under copyright law, which mandates that any reproduction of an existing known public work must be altered at least 20% from the original."
Here's where it gets tricky.
Delevingne took to her Instagram account to share the following with her 23.4 million followers: “THE FUTURE IS FEMALE. A lot of you have been asking for one of these – so I decided to put them up for sale, with proceeds going to Girl Up!” The shot is of Delevingne, plus her model friend in sweatshirts that look identical to what's being sold on Otherwild.
The result was a very public, very catty fight. It wasn't pretty or forward-looking. Berks reposted Delevingne’s photo, calling her a “celezbian,” which has since been deleted.
In fact, posts and comments from both parties have been wiped.
In regards to Delevingne, Berks took to Instagram again, writing: "Delevingne's choice to lift and manufacture Otherwild's design, claiming it as her own to sell with an undisclosed charitable offering, is indefensible. Her actions ironically counter the very message of the slogan 'The Future Is Female', and it's confounding that she would do this to a small queer feminist-owned business after purchasing the product from us just a few weeks ago."
On their site Otherwild states that they believe, "in an inclusive, expanded and fluid notion of gender expression, identities and feminisms." This apparently doesn't include celezbians.
Let's call this opportunity miffed, missed, and mishandled.
It's hypocritical to espouse inclusion but go for blood the moment you feel wronged.
Tweet this.
WINNERS vs. LOSERS
Let's look at who loses here. One, women. It's not great when such a positive message gets undermined and overshadowed by controversy. There are ways to handle what you feel to be professional screw-ups, and then, there are public temper tantrums. (Insert second unhappy emoji.)
Moreover it is yet to be seen what consequences the negative press will have-- on both the proliferation of the message as well as the giving component. Otherwild donates 25% of profits to Planned Parenthood. Delevingne promised, "proceeds from every shirt sold support Girl Up's campaign to promote the health, safety, and education of girls in developing countries."
Who wins? Hopefully what the argument has caused is the desire for more young women to learn about the history of the slogan.
LET'S GET RID OF THE vs. & EXAMINE OUR CHOICES, TOGETHER
The bummer is what was missed. Sure, stand up for yourself personally and professionally. On her side, Delevingne should have contacted Berks first. She should have credited Berks in her original Instragram post (which has been edited to thank Otherwild). Berks, however angry, should not have posted such a hot-headed response. Don't text angry. Don't Instagram angry. Don't go to bed angry. Tips for life, ladies.
This was a perfect opportunity for women to come together. Neither of these women own the slogan.
Instead of unity we got a schism. Instead of a "call to arms" we called names. It's hypocritical to espouse inclusion but go for blood the moment you feel wronged.
To her credit, Berks has admitted that her initial post was "reactionary." Delevingne has yet to comment beyond Instagram. In conversation with Think Progress, Berks said: "I hope that she does the right thing. I don’t have high hopes that she will." Which sounds like she's still pretty angry, and more interested in being "right," than being unified.
In the future, that is perhaps, female, let's work with each other-- because one thing is for sure: The Future Is Not vs.
The Season's Most Wanted Bags According to BagSnob
Tina Craig of BagSnob (now Snob Essentials) knows bags. And with everyone making holiday lists and plans to get out of town, we asked her about the season's must-have bags and what you should be carrying when you head to the airport.
Don't worry, not everything will cost you December's rent.
5 BAG HIT LIST
I am having a serious Loewe moment. I’ll wear anything J.W. Anderson creates! Available on My Theresa and at Nordstrom for $2,450.
Also having a love affair with Coach, thanks to Stuart Vevers and his reinvention of the brand. The Surrey bag says it all: Wanted. At Coach for $605.
3Derek Lam’s 10 Crosby Mini Prince Bucket Bag
This swingy bag will be swinging from my arm all season long. It’s the perfect mix of bohemian ease and urban chic; the result is a piece that’s impossibly cool, much like Derek himself.
I’m obsessed with Nikki Erwin’s graphic backpacks! Laidback, nonchalant, and effortless: her brand Donatienne illustrates the very definition of LA style. At Donatienne for $595.
Victoria Beckham City Victoria Canvas and Leather Tote
Few women exude sexy sophistication as well as Victoria Beckham. I’ll wear just about anything she tells me to, just in hopes of capturing a bit of her breed of glam for myself. On NET-A-PORTER for $2,120.
BAG SPLURGE
Matching Chanel Mosaic Paneled Flap Bag and Pencil Skirt
As decadent and striking as can be, Chanel’s intricate mosaic motif in a coordinating pair is a must for the season.
BAG SAVE
Elizabeth and James Croc-Embossed Cynnie Sling Backpack
Elizabeth and James is a favorite of mine. Their croc-effect Cynnie bag eerily resembles the real thing without the hefty price tag of a legit exotic.
BEST BAG FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL
Our Gisele tote will take you from plane to fun effortlessly! The large pockets hold everything from passports and boarding passes to the iPhone 6+. It’s super-roomy for stashing a sweater or scarf and a pair of flats, yet the size is not overwhelming. It comes with removable shoulder strap for those hands-free days when you need to balance your Frappacino while texting your BFF the latest gossip. At Snob Essentials for $128.
LBD OF THE BAG WORLD
Chanel Classic Flap
A bag that needs no introduction speaks for itself. There is truly no bag more timeless, aside from perhaps the enduring Hermès Birkin, than the quilted Chanel Flap, and it’s definitely the most versatile of all.
Links We Love: What Everyone Is Talking About This AM
Monday is here! But don't let that get you down. We've rounded up some good reads that will make for a few laughs and good chatter around the water cooler.
Ryan Gosling hosted SNL for the first time in his entire career. He laughed as much as The Notebook made you cry. Vulture recapped the whole spiel. This is first on the list, because, well, it's Ryan Gosling.
In case you missed the news, Facebook mogul Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla gave birth to a baby girl, Max. With the announcement of their little bundle of joy came the pledge that the family would donate 99% of their Facebook shares, currently valued at over 45 billion dollars to charity over the course of their lifetimes. But Forbes breaks down what kind of tax break that might mean.
Carrie Fisher of Princess Leia fame said that talking about her weight loss for the almost here Star War: The Force Awakens is "a stupid conversation." After 40 years in the spotlight, her press tour for the movie just might be the best thing ever.
A bit of controversy has sprung up between British model Cara Delevingne and brand Otherwild, a Los Angeles-based, queer female owned company. Delevingne posted a photo wearing a sweatshirt with the slogan "The Future is Female." What followed was a bit of nasty fight. Here's hoping that the female future looks a little different than this.
Texas politician Wendy Davis (of 13 hour filibuster fame) talks about why she hates losing for Lenny Letter. Spoiler: just as you've always suspected, the things worth fighting for are always the hardest.
For a little #MondayMotivation. Did you know that Bea Arthur of Golden Girls fame was one of the first female marines? Now you do. Now take go take your Monday by the cojones.
Holiday Giving with ShopStyle's First Ever Charity Blogger Drive
'Tis the season for giving, and ShopStyle, the fashion search engine and e-commerce site, is hosting their first blogger drive.
'Tis the season for giving, and ShopStyle, the fashion search engine and e-commerce site, is hosting their first blogger drive.
The way it works is simple. On December 8th, bloggers who have signed up will publish a blog post featuring photos of them in a "power outfit." In the blog post, they tell their readers about what they wear to feel confident, and then share a story about the people who have helped empower them.
Bloggers make a promise to donate 10% of sales from the 8th-9th to Dress for Success, and ShopStyle will match 100%!
Every participant will be featured on the landing page and ShopStyle will link directly to each blog.
When we asked Eugenia Chien, Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships at POPSUGAR (ShopStyle's parent company) why Dress for Success was the perfect fit, she said, "Working with bloggers everyday, ShopStyle sees that the blogger community is a tight knit group of women who have empowered one another along the way. Dress for Success has helped so many women achieve economic independence through a supportive network and providing women with style that makes them feel confident. That's the same kind of support and inspiration we see in our blogger community."
Dress for Success is a non-profit organization that provides new interview clothing, confidence boots, and career development to low-income women in over 75 cities worldwide.
Spread the word about ShopStyle's first ever Blogger Drive that partners with Dress for Success.
Tweet this.
Bloggers who have already signed up include: Gal Meets Glam, 9 to 5 Chic, and The Skinny Confidential. Sign up now and join the other women who are spreading fashionable Christmas cheer!
'Tis the Season of the Best Booty Ever: 12 Days of Fitmas
The holidays. They are about love, cheer, good tidings, and a whole lot of eating. Chances are the cookies, toffee, and eggnog have already made their way into your office fridge. So we asked Health and Fitness Expert and creator of Love, Sweat & Fitness, Katie Dunlop, to make sure we don't pack on the pounds during these winter months, because why wait for the new year, when you can look your best now?
The holidays. They are about love, cheer, good tidings, and a whole lot of eating. Chances are the cookies, toffee, and eggnog have already made their way into your office fridge. So we asked Health and Fitness Expert and creator of Love, Sweat & Fitness, Katie Dunlop, to make sure we don't pack on the pounds during these winter months, because why wait for the new year, when you can look your best now?
The 12 Days of Fitmas Challenge.
Before you get started here are a few tips I know will help you make it through this:
Warm-Up: Before you start any workout it’s important to get some active stretching in to warm up your muscles and help prevent injury.
Stretch After: Take 5-10 minutes after each workout to slowly stretch the muscles used during your exercise.
Plan Ahead: If you don’t schedule your workouts into your day like any other appointment, it’s easy to let them slip through the cracks. If you’re short on time, break it up. Workouts don’t have to be full one-hour sessions. Fit it into your day in whatever way you can!
Day One: Cardio
We’re getting things started with cardio to get your body ready to work. This is a great way to evaluate how hard you can push it over the next 12 days and kick things off with some serious calorie burn. Hit the treadmill or take it outside for 30 minutes of steady state cardio. You want to get your heart rate up, but only so high that you can maintain smooth breathing. Fast walking or a light jog is perfect! Don’t forget to be drinking plenty of water during and after your workout as needed!
Day Two: Arms + Abs
I love pairing these two workouts together because you can really burn out those smaller muscle groups and make some serious change. Even though you’re bundling up for the holidays, I know everyone still wants toned arms. Grab a set of dumbbells (Try 5-10lb weights) and do my Tank Top Arms Workout first. Then, get ready to rock those Brittany Spears Abs ,Circa 1999, with this Strong Sculpted Abs Routine. Keep that core engaged and spine nice and long the entire time to ensure correct posture.
Day Three: Booty + Legs
Today it’s all about that bass ☺ You’re going to focus on lifting and tightening your back side with some of my favorite variations of squats and lunges! Do this Lower Body Circuit first and if you want a little more fun, check out this great Squat Challenge to really burn it up!
Day Four: Cardio + Abs
Today we’re back at it, but this time I want you to really push it. You are only going to be doing 15 minutes of cardio, but it’s interval style. You will go as fast and as hard as you can for 30 seconds, then rest or walk for 30 seconds. This can be done on a treadmill at a level 2 incline or outside. Once you’ve completed the 15 rounds, take a 2 minute break and then hit my Bikini Abs Ladder. Don’t forget to stretch after!
Day Five: Active Rest Day
Okay, you’ve just worked that booty off for 4 days straight! It’s time to take a break and let your muscles recover. Use today to do some yoga, stretching or go for a long relaxing walk. You want to keep the muscles moving to release tension, but also give them a little down time. Try this Yoga Flow.
Day Six: Love Handles + Thighs
These might be the two areas I hear women complain about the most so today we are going to crush them! Although nutrition plays a big role in fat loss here, there are tons of great exercises you can do to tone it up. Today you’ll do my favorite Barre Bootcamp Workout that really works into these pesky spots.
Day Seven: Cardio
Now that you’ve spent some more time working on individual muscle groups, it’s time to turn up the cardio again! Take a 28-35min of steady state cardio or do some intervals for even more of a calorie burn. You can alternate between walking for 2 minutes, jogging for 4 minutes and sprinting for 1 minute.
Day Eight: Back, Biceps+ Shoulders
I know most women get nervous about bulking up in these areas, but I promise it takes some serious effort for that to happen. These exercises will help you create long lean muscles with beautiful definition! Keep your posture tall and core engaged throughout the entire workout.
Day Nine: Total Body Burn
Today’s workout is going to be a mix of cardio and strength training for the entire body! With these 6 easy moves you will feel everything working to tone and tighten up. The best part is, you don’t need any equipment to rock my Six To Slim Workout!
Day 10: Active Rest Day
Phew! You made it to another rest day! Awesome work ladies! Take some time today to reflect on the last ten days and all the amazing things you’re body has accomplished. You only have two more days of the challenge so stretch, rest and get ready to rock it tomorrow!
Day 11: Abs + Cardio
And we’re back! Today’s workout is AWESOME for this holiday season! My Muffin Top Melter will do just that…melt away those love handles! Finish the day off with the Fat Burning Cardio HIIT Workout and some serious stretching.
Day 12: Booty + Abs
Yes! You did it! We’re going to finish strong with an Abs + Booty Barre Bootcamp Workout and quick 5 min Abs Workout! Remember to keep your pelvic tucked and core engaged throughout the exercises to protect your lower back. Focus on long posture from your tailbone through the crown of your head.
Now go ahead… give yourself a high five and maybe a little cheers to your hot holiday self!
Katie Dunlop, CPT is a health and fitness expert. After her own 45lb weight-loss transformation, Katie created Love Sweat & Fitness to inspire women to live fit, healthy, and most importantly, balanced lives. She believes you have to love what you’re doing or you won’t keep doing it. Her goal is to provide fun and effective workouts women will love at any fitness level and with little to no equipment needed.
Hello. It's Me. The Holiday Playlist You've Always Wanted
All we want for Christmas is this playlist.
If "All I Want for Christmas" came on your Sonos the moment you took your last bite of Thanksgiving turkey, you will flip for the holiday playlist from our friends at VNYL.
VNYL is a a vinyl record membership club that adds three new records to your collection every month. (Which, if you're looking for the perfect gift for the music lover in your life, you've found it.) They make it really easy. You create a profile, choose your monthly vibe, and then wait for your hand-picked music to arrive.
So turn up the volume. Kick off your shoes. And dance to this curated holiday playlist from the music aficionados at VNYL.
The Zeitguide Almanac: 16 Things You Need to Know
The aim of the ZEITGUIDE is to "help you think beyond your industry and find ways to connect with others." Which is what Create & Cultivate is all about-- helping women connect with others outside their own circles. These connections are vital to building relationships and achieving your dreams.
Grossman & Partners scours this massive world of ideas for the ones that matter. Because as the guide states, "content shock is upon us."
So what's going on? What's getting better? Where are we headed?
1. Tech startup culture has inspired many legacy companies to adopt their principles and methodologies. Companies in legacy industries are trying to disrupt themselves before external disruption arrives. They are calling this “startupification.”
2. "'Lean startup methodology' is an approach to iterating products while avoiding bureaucratic drag on speed." This means that companies that used to release products every five years, are now releasing products annually.
3. Companies are looking to “new architectures” to "increase the flow of information and learning inside and through their walls." Bosses are moving their desks into the center of everything. Spaces are being reimagined because collaboration is in. In a big way. Lone wolf. And businesses are being built around "effective collaboration."
4. Don't say a liberal arts education is no longer vital. Even with the focus on tech in Silicon Valley "a survey of 318 CEOs by the Association of American Colleges and Universities found that 74% would recommend a liberal arts education to prepare young people for the 21st century economy." Crack a book.
5. E-commerce is huge. There's not denying that. But "fashion designer Steven Alan told [Zeitguide], it’s the physical contact with products and real people that often seals the deal. 'The in-store experience offers the unparalleled ability to actually touch products and experience the 3-D vision of a brand.'”
6. Our phones never leave our sides. But mobile is actually dragging down e-commerce and online sales overall. To point: half of marketing emails never get opened on smartphones. As a result businesses are trying to find new innovate ways to drive sales on smart phones. One way to do this is to incorporate social into shopping and "buy it now" buttons so retailers can sell directly through apps.
7. What mobile is working on is innovation in the ad sphere. "Banner ads and highlighted links don’t work on a 4-inch phone screen the way they did for years on a computer." One idea is to offer rewards to consumers instead of bombarding them with ads. "Other creative approaches fuse video and social media."
8. Fashion houses are teaming up "with tech companies to make wearables less geek, more chic...After all, this is a $700 million industry we are talking about that’s estimated to reach $1.4 billion by 2016."
"Unplugging is becoming essential to well-being and maintaining focus."
Twitter.
9. The fashion world is making moves to become more sustainable and responsible. A major question both shoppers and retailers are asking themselves, "can we let go of that 'take, make, and waste' mentality and adopt one reflecting a more circular economy: 'take, make, and reuse?'"
10. "Google Trends showed an interest in content marketing, doubling from January 2013 to October 2014." And "content marketing has ballooned into a $44 billion industry."
11. It's been shown that the efforts from brands to create social change, engenders loyalty with consumers. "Traditionally ads have been a way to open consumers’ wallets but now they’re a way to engage values and interests as well." Think: Victoria Secret featuring transgender model Carmen Carrera in runway shows and ads.
12. "Unplugging is becoming essential to well-being and maintaining focus."
13. There is a lot of debate around GMOs. Over warning labels and prepackaged foods. People are increasingly worried about the foods they put in their body. But there is no debate around the stat that, "In 2050, there will be 9 billion people on our planet, and the U.N. projects we’ll need to grow 70% more food than we do today to feed them." A friend of the Zeitguide put it this way: “'GMOs or people starve.'”
14. "Sales of 'gluten-free' products are estimated to exceed $15 billion by 2016." And yet as "The New Yorker reported in its annual food issue, America’s obsession with a gluten-free diet has, so far, no basis in science."
15. There are almost 1,500 different kinds of Drones on the market. Which means they are going to potentially touch every industry. Brands are busy brainstorming what they can do.
16. Americans may not realize yet just how climate change is going to affect their lives. But "62% of Americans finally agree that climate change is not a thing of fiction."
Bottoms Up to a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!
You can't go wrong with wine for the holidays, but I like to kick it up a notch with a seasonal Winter Sangria. The elusive Blood Orange is only in season for a short window during the winter, so it's the perfect flavor for a holiday cocktail.
For this Thanksgiving, I'm combining the idea of mulled wine with a sangria for a festive Cranberry & Blood Orange punch. This can be served warm from the pot or chilled over ice.
Mulled Wine Punch
by Rachel Mae Furman of Smoke & Honey
Ingredients:
2 Cups Water
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Cranberry Juice
3 Cinnamon Sticks
3 Anise Pods
3 Cloves
4 Blood Oranges (3 Juiced, 1 Sliced)
1 Lemon (Sliced)
15-20 Cranberries
1 Cup Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur (or Cointreau)
2 Bottles Pinot Noir
2 8oz Bottles Club Soda
Directions:
In a pot, bring all ingredients except the liqueur and wine to a gentle boil. Stir until the sugar has dissolved then remove from heat and let the flavors marinate while it cools.
Serve Warm as a Mulled Wine:
Pour in the wine and liqueur, keeping the mixture warm but not hot (as you wouldn't want the alcohol to evaporate!) Serve right from the pot into mugs. Garnish with a fresh slice of citrus and a cinnamon stick.
Serve as a Chilled Punch:
In a half-gallon mason jar, pour in the two bottles of wine, the orange liqueur and the mulled syrup mixture until full. Chill in the refrigerator overnight, then serve in a punch bowl with ice, topped with two 8oz bottles of club soda. Garnish with fresh sliced citrus and cinnamon sticks.
* Makes approximately 20-25 servings. Can half or double recipe as needed.
Motivate Your Monday: 10 Tweets to Start the Week Right
Let's talk turkey. It's Thanksgiving week, which means airport lines, pumpkin pie, and feeling awkward during catch-ups with old friends and the uncle you haven't seen in 10 years.
So, to kick the week off and bring you a bit of #MondayMotivation we're bringing you 10 Tweets we love-- some to make you laugh and inspire, and others to give you something to talk about when you run out of convo starters between bites of stuffing.
Let's talk turkey. It's Thanksgiving week, which means airport lines, pumpkin pie, and feeling awkward during catch-ups with old friends and the uncle you haven't seen in 10 years.
So, to kick the week off and bring you a bit of #MondayMotivation we've rounded up 10 Tweets we love-- some to make you laugh and feel inspired, and others to give you something to talk about when you run out of convo starters between bites of stuffing.
Binge-watching > binge-eating turkey. But take a note from @equivocarly and turn autoplay off.
Getting what you're worth is always worth it via: @ForbesWoman. But you need to ask.
In case you missed the #WomenofHollywood article in the New York Times about the pay gap in Tinsel Town. Angelica Huston slays. (As does the article.)
Mae Whitman on harem pants.
Jenny Slate (@jennyslate) on the delights of getting up after falling down.
If you're feeling timid, remember that when women forge their own path. It's usually pays off via @JessWeiner.
@NancyJoSales pens an open letter to Tinder CEO for Vanity Fair. Why are female journalists continuously attacked for doing their jobs?
When dreams are realized, @taffyakner shows us HOW GOOD it can feel. That's some real motivation.
@AmberTozer has the best advice for those creeping negative thoughts.
And if you find yourself stressing out on Thursday, take this piece of advice from @ch000ch.
Dallas: How to spend the perfect Sunday
If there’s one city that puts the oomph in Sunday Funday, it’s Dallas. Forget lazy days that help you recover from the weekend and properly prepare for the Monday ahead – Dallas uses Sunday as a kickoff (literally) to the rest of the week. Dallasites take their Sundays seriously. They’re celebrations. They’re connection. They’re very little work and a whole lot of fun. Everything really is bigger in Texas, including the magic of a Sunday well spent.
If there’s one city that puts the oomph in Sunday Funday, it’s Dallas. Forget lazy days that help you recover from the weekend and properly prepare for the Monday ahead – Dallas uses Sunday as a kickoff (literally) to the rest of the week. Dallasites take their Sundays seriously. They’re celebrations. They’re connection. They’re very little work and a whole lot of fun. Everything really is bigger in Texas, including the magic of a Sunday well spent.
When you walk around the city, particularly the energetic area of Uptown, you’ll notice killer street style from the women and men—hello Southern chic. You’ll hear business deals brokered over lunch, Texans rock on with those they can toast a marg with. And prepare yourself for sharing plenty of smiles and hand waves with strangers—Southern hospitality is a very real thing.
As a girl who was raised just north of Dallas and who spent the beginning of my career living in Dallas’ hottest young neighborhood, Uptown, I catch myself reminiscing on the buzzing Sunday energy. If you only have one free day in Dallas, make it this perfect Sunday (perhaps post Create + Cultivate Dallas in January!)
MORNING
Get your tired booty up and head to Exhale Spa for a yoga class that will speak to your bumping Missy Elliott soul. The Hip Hop Flow will get you moving through that weekend hangover and put a pep in your step. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a massage post-class, either. It’s the perfect place to pamper yourself.
After class, meet your gal pal for the best coffee in Dallas at Pearl Cup. Whether you opt for their signature Pearl Cup blend that shines with cinnamon and cocoa or head for a full on almond-milk latte, coffee snobs won’t be disappointed.
With the coffee in your system, it’s time to head to everyone’s favorite meal: Sunday brunch. You can go home and sussy up or head there in your workout clothes. It doesn’t matter as long as your bring the southern smile and energy that shows you’re jazzed. The best spot for a killer brunch is Breadwinners Cafe on Mckinney Ave. Whether you’re brunching with four or 14 of your closest Dallas friends – get in the mimosa spirit and prepare to have a good time.
AFTERNOON
Afternoons in Dallas are known as the time after brunch but before football. It’s your time to do whatever it is you want.
Is that shopping? Try cute boutiques like y&i, Haven, or Krimson and Klover for the intimate, curated experience. If you want the everything is bigger in TX experience, head to NorthPark Center for everything from luxury designer brands to affordable fashion. They have it all. If you make it there and hyperventilate from the insane crowds, Quatro Leches Cake at La Duni will fix that.
If your perfect afternoon involves some true Dallas history lessons, you can’t go wrong visiting the JFK Museum. It’s riveting. Make sure and get the guided audio tour.
Want more food and a little activity? Company Cafe will make you feel like you’re in some sort of foodie heaven plus it’s a perfect place to pop open your computer and work on next week’s blog post. Try the location on Katy Trail so you can people watch all of the runners, walkers and bikers or go for a beautiful stroll yourself. Katy Trail is a nature haven groomed through the middle of the concrete jungle.
Sunday evenings are for the Dallas Cowboys. This isn’t about being a sports lover, it’s a Dallas lifestyle.
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EVENING
Sunday evenings are for the Dallas Cowboys. This isn’t about being a sports lover, it’s a Dallas lifestyle. So whether your favorite team is one of Dallas’ biggest rivals or whether you couldn’t tell the difference between a football and a basketball, get yourself in on the football action.
If you want to stay in the city, you can literally head into any restaurant to get a sense of the football fun. Three Sheets or Katy Trail Ice House will have you right smack dab in the football frenzy. If you really want to get crazy (and have your life changed) get a cheap “standing room only” ticket to Cowboy Stadium if the game is home. You’ll never look at Dallas the same way again.
BUT, if you detest the idea of immersing yourself in the Dallas Cowboys experience OR if the cowboys are done with their season by the time you get into town, head to Javier’s with your sweetheart for mexican food that will change your life and margaritas that will make you never want to leave.
You’ll love Sundays in Dallas. It just may be the best weekend you’ve ever had.
Maxie McCoy is the energy designer of Maxie, where she shares soul wisdom on the digital video series #maxie and her weekly writings. Maxie offers soul sessions, workshops, one-on-one coaching, and words of wisdom you really shouldn't miss. If you want your spiritual and emotional IQ shooting to the stars, follow along at maxiemccoy.com.
It's In The Details: 12 Stylish Must Have Office Essentials
The past few weeks I have been head over heels in love with designing the new Create + Cultivate Studio. It's a stunning, bright three-story loft, equipped with open office space, a bathroom that can hold board meetings and a rooftop I can't wait to install.
The goal to designing office spaces is to find pieces that are both timeless and appealing to look at, all while being 100% functional. The worst is when you spend money on a "trendy" office supply and it really only ends up collecting dust.
The C + C ladies attract the vivacious, outgoing, talented and most stylish women in the business. I'm talking to YOU! I mean, who isn't inspired by their colorful Instagram feed? So, in the hunt for the most perfect furniture and office supplies, I pulled together a list of the 12 stylish office must-haves. All of these pieces are bound to step your work game up.... and the kicker - all are under $99.
The new C+C studio will be, how I like to sum it up..."OMG EYE CANDY EVERYWHERE!". I've broken down key elements to help you achieve a unique, successful office vibe, similar to the one we are currently working our magic on.
Veronica Valencia is the creative force behind The Design Hunters. As an interior designer and floral stylist, Veronica has been able to transform spaces into beautiful works of art, as well as feature her work as Lead Designer/Art Director for design makeover shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Follow Veronica on The Design Hunters blog and follow her on Instagram @TheDesignHunters.
Real Mom, Real Talk: Work Life Balance is a Myth
It’s the million-dollar question for every working mom. How do you balance your job and your family? It’s a valid question and worth discussing if for no other reason than it’s reassuring to hear that other working moms struggle with this too. My opinions on this topic are quite strong and I’m happy to share with you exactly what I’ve said at numerous business panels over the last eight years: Work life balance is a myth.
It’s the million-dollar question for every working mom. How do you balance your job and your family? It’s a valid question and worth discussing if for no other reason than it’s reassuring to hear that other working moms struggle with this too. My opinions on this topic are quite strong and I’m happy to share with you exactly what I’ve said at numerous business panels over the last eight years: Work life balance is a myth.
More than that, it’s a hurtful myth because I don’t think anyone actually achieves it and yet we feel positive that other women somehow have. So when we feel off-balance and we’re struggling to keep all our balls in the air, we assume it’s just because we haven’t figured out work / life balance. It becomes one more thing you’re failing at as a mom beyond forgetting it was weird and wacky hair day at school and buying the wrong kind of yogurt. Ugh! I detest anything that makes women feel unworthy or less than, so allow me to debunk this ridiculous myth.
Work/life balance… it’s description implies that those two things live in harmony, perfectly divided up on the scale of your life. My work and home life have never, ever been balanced evenly on any level. Even when I was a seventeen-year-old sandwich maker at the Substation in my hometown… even then there were days when a big project at school meant that I couldn’t work as many hours. Or accepting a lucrative Saturday shift (ripe with tip money) meant that I couldn’t hang out with my friends. Work and personal life will always battle each other for supremacy, because both require your full attention to be successful. It’s doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong, it’s just how life works.
Work and personal life will always battle each other for supremacy, because both require your full attention to be successful.
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Sometimes my boys have school activities or doctor’s appointments and I have to leave work to be present for those. Likewise there are days when we have a big photo shoot at Chic or I have to travel for business, which means missing a couple of evenings at home. The scale is never balanced; it’s an ever-moving thing that constantly shifts back and forth based on what requires my attention that day. I think that’s real for most of us moms and the only way we’re going to get past this mythology that some people have it all figured out is to start being honest about what our lives and priorities really look like. Here, I’ll go first…
My Self – In my early days as a mom and entrepreneur I wasn’t a priority at all. I would run myself ragged taking care of everyone else and never once worried about how it all might affect me. This was a disaster. I got really sick at least once a year. I was always stressed out. I was always struggling with my weight. It was a mess. Then someone pointed out that I couldn’t take care of anyone properly if I didn’t first take care of myself. My health and well-being is now my biggest priority. I get eight hours of sleep every night… yes, eight. Not six or even seven, eight full hours. I eat well, I drink water by the bucket load, I haven’t let Diet Coke touch my lips in over two years. Yes, I’m still addicted to coffee, but we can’t win ‘em all.
I don’t think the goal is ever to be balanced ladies, I think the goal is to be centered.
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I took up running and schedule my time so I get in at least twelve miles a week. I carve out several hours a week for prayer, church and volunteer work because my faith is extremely important to me. I don’t think the goal is ever to be balanced ladies, I think the goal is to be centered. If I prioritize myself and make sure I’m grounded and centered then everything else runs smoothly… even when it’s running at a hundred miles an hour!
My Marriage – I’m sure that many parents would naturally list their children as their first priority, but my marriage will always be the most important relationship in my life. Dave and I have a weekly date night and we take an annual vacation—wait for it—without our children. When we’re at home we’re playing interference with three little boys so it’s essential that we get to hang out with each other and act like real live adults. Because we’re both so supportive of each other’s careers it can be really easy to start to neglect our relationship, which has happened numerous times over the years. So rather than risk slipping into somewhere unhealthy, we’ve agreed to make each other our first priority.
My Kids – I have three little boys; Jackson (8) Sawyer (7) and Ford (3) so even when I’m not at work, I’m always on the go. I take all three boys to school every day unless I’m traveling. I leave work by five to relieve the nanny and then it’s dinner, baths, books, bedtime, etc. Now that I’ve painted that picture I will back up and tell you about the first two years of running my company. I worked like a maniac. I was often in the office by eight in the morning, which means I was never able to do school drop off. I got snarky notes from moms at school about missing field trips and bake sales and I cried myself to sleep about them more nights than I can count. Nobody ever sent snarky notes to my husband for having to work during a field trip— but that’s a diatribe for another time. Most evenings I got home around 7pm which means I missed dinner. It was a really difficult time, but that kind of workload is also part of being an entrepreneur and running a startup. Some people will argue that I lost valuable time with my kids, and I won't disagree. I’ve since scaled back my time at work in order to present for those moments I missed for two years. But what I will say is, those three little boys have watched their mom build a company from the ground up. They’ve seen first-hand the power of hard work and dedication and for being that example to them, I’m proud.
My Work – I wont pretend that there weren’t times where work didn’t take up most of my attention. I also wont pretend that those weren’t the times that were hardest on my marriage, my health and my ability to be the kind of mom I want to be. Now that I’m more established in my career, I’m better able to get my work done during office hours. Also three years in means I have the help of my incredible assistant and staff, so it doesn’t all fall on my shoulders. Of course there are times when work gets hectic, but I push to make sure my family gets make-up time if I’m away. Remember, it’s a scale that slides back and forth. Some seasons of your life will require more attention in one area than another, and that’s ok. Give yourself some grace because, “this too shall pass.”
Rachel Hollis is the founder of the popular lifestyle blog The Chic Site and Los Angeles-based event-planning firm, Chic Events. At 27, she was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the “Top 30 Entrepreneurs under 30.” Hollis is also the author of the Amazon Bestselling women’s fiction series, “The Girls” published by Lake Union Publishing.