Matte Matters: The Four Times This Moisturizer Will Save Your Face
Day to night and everything in between.
How much time do you spend getting ready in the AM? An hour? Five minutes? Whether you clock 60 seconds or 60 minutes in front of your bathroom mirror, every on-the-go working woman could use something to keep her skin fresh from day to date. Or day to drinks with a potential client. Or when she’s simply in a rush, because that’s the world we live in.
Like we always do, we’ve got a simple solution.
And we’ve rounded up four totally normal day-to-day situations where Origins new deliciously hydrating Original Skin Matte Moisturizer will save you.
#1 Your alarm fails to go off.
It happens to the best of us. You set your AM alarm for plenty of prep time before a big meeting. But something happens (whether you hit snooze, or phone dies, or simply tech fails you) and you wake up with stressful serious time crunch. All you need to do is splash a little water on your face, brush your teeth, and smooth on this unique moisturizer for skin that looks as good naked as it does glam’d up.
It’s an innovative pink water cream that hydrates while absorbing excess oil in a flash.
And flash-forward, you’re on your way, miraculously on time, and looking like a fresh-faced babe.
#2 You’ve got drinks after work with a potential client, but are heading straight from a meeting.
Given that the moisturizer is matte and helps prime for makeup, it’s perfect for situations like this. First, it moisturizes your face during the day, which means it’s ready for you to throw on some makeup before your meet up.
You don’t have to worry about getting oily during the day because of the pink water cream.
#3 You’ve stayed up super late working on a presentation, but don’t want to look tired when you present.
You’re in luck. The matte’s main ingredients are exactly what your skin needs. You’ve done the work prep, so let them do your face prep.
Canadian Willowherb: found in Northern Canadian prairies, helps delete dullness and restore skin’s ideal glow.
Pink Rock Rose: grown in the Mediterranean and traditionally used in herbal medicine, helps to keep skin looking healthy and glowing with its calming and soothing capabilities.
Persian Silk Tree: native to SouthEast Asia, is known to have stress-relieving properties and is called the Tree of Happiness because of its calming herbal properties.
#4 You have a date. But a boss who is not about you leaving the office early. (Like most bosses, let’s be real.)
Enough said. Not only does the matte moisturizer easily take you from day to night, but if you are thinking of getting up close and personal, the Willowherb and Pink Rock Rose act as an instant glow-booster that brightens skin and shrinks pores.
So get close. Get personal. And feel great about your skin.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Your Next Great Trip Is a Microadventure
Adventure awaits.
Article by Anna Meyer. Your Next Great Trip Is a Microadventure originally appeared on Shine, a free daily text to help you thrive.
As our car winds through the Kansas country, I watch as paved roads turn to gravel and buildings grow far and few between. I play a John Denver album over the speakers as my boyfriend and I make our way to Iatan, Missouri. It’s a town that you’ve most likely never heard of, unless you’re one of the 41 people that live there.
But this small town became my travel destination this week. It was only an hour drive from home, and it just so happened to be in the path of totality for Monday’s total solar eclipse.
We traveled in a caravan with friends, and we all shared the same excitement about the eclipse outing—a once-in-a-lifetime event coincidentally happening right near us. The trip was a way to detach from our everyday routines and go exploring. The best part? All it cost us was a fourth of a tank of gas and an afternoon away. It was truly the perfect microadventure.
Say Yes to New Microadventures
The word “adventure” tends to be associated with thousand-dollar plane tickets or a week-long trip to the hottest new destination. The truth: That's not always doable. Taking time off—whether paid or unpaid—isn't an option for many, and neither is a significant "travel fund." Thankfully, “adventures” come in all sizes—including micro.
Microadventures are short, simple, and cheap or free trips to somewhere or something new. And these mini explorations pack the same mental benefits as pricey adventures.
Research shows that traveling to new places—even if it’s just a short trip—can increase our well-being. One study showed that traveling helps us get out of our comfort zone, which can strengthen how emotionally open we are to changes as well as lead to greater emotional stability in our day-to-day lives. Other studies have also shown that travel can give us a creative boost and help relieve stress.
Microadventures are short, simple, and cheap or free trips to somewhere or something new.
We’d all like to receive the benefits of vacation, and we can make it more accessible by finding adventures around us. Here are four tips to help you plan the ultimate microadventure, like my jaunt to see the eclipse:
1. Plan in Advance
Though there's something to be said for spontaneous trips, planning a small outing or upcoming activity gives us something to look forward—and that can boost our mood.
A Cornell University study showed that “people derive more happiness from the anticipation of experiential purchases,” aka experiences, rather than physical goods. People also are happiest when they’re anticipating an upcoming trip, according to a study from the University of Surrey.
Tap into these benefits by planning your microadventure in advance, as you would a bigger adventure. One example: If you’re planning a picnic with friends in a nearby park, share recipe ideas with each other before choosing what to prepare for the big day.
2. Don’t Rule Out Your Hometown
Make a microadventure in your hometown by simply traveling somewhere you haven’t been before. Think like a tourist and check out nearby attractions you’ve yet to see. You can visit the Trip Advisor page for your town and check out the "Things to Do" tab to get ideas. If you’re without a car, try taking public transportation to a new stop and explore the area.
Make a microadventure in your hometown by simply traveling somewhere you haven’t been before.
If you can’t leave the house, don’t fret: Real Simple offers some ideas around staycations. Bring a vacation to you by cooking a traditional meal from a different region of the world. Or, create your own Netflix "film festival" with your dream line-up.
3. Tune In to the Present
Another benefit of a micro-adventure: It can briefly take us away from our day-to-day stressors, giving our minds a chance to reset. Seeing new people and places and having new experiences can shake us out of our typical routine.
If possible, try to distance yourself from normal stressors when you're on your microadventure. It might be as easy as putting your phone on airplane mode.
Disconnecting made my eclipse adventure even more special. As we drove north from our homes in Lawrence, Kansas, away from all the traffic and noise, the white cell service dots disappeared from my smart phone’s screen, one by one, until I had no data connection available. Spotify couldn’t reach my phone anymore, and the John Denver tunes paused, making me listen to nothing but our wheels crunch over the gravel.
Other than that, there was silence. My email inbox wasn’t pinging, I couldn’t read the latest political news, and I had escaped the smartphone loop that’s one of my personal biggest stressors. It felt amazing.
4. Get Your Friends On Board
Adventures can help strengthen your relationships with loved ones. Vacations are a way “to improve communications within a relationship, reduce the possibility of divorce, strengthen lifelong family bonds, and increase a sense of well-being in adults and children,” according to research out of Texas A&M University. And when we take in something new and awe-inspiring with others, studies show it can make us feel closer and more connected.
Take advantage of these benefits by inviting family and friends to come along on your microadventure.
I’ll never forget watching the solar eclipse with my friends: As we waited for the eclipse to start, we kicked soccer balls alongside corn fields and river marshes as rain sprinkled from the sky. We laughed at our ridiculous solar glasses and passed around a leopard-print hat to top it off for a complete look.
As the moon moved in front of the sun and the entire sky turned dark a bit past 1 p.m., my friends and I stood next to each other and looked up in awe. The phenomenon had flocks of birds flying around in an apocalyptic manner. It was a truly amazing scene.
When it was over, we all piled back into our cars and drove back home. Our microadventure wasn’t hard to make happen, but I returned home feeling just as relieved and recharged as I have after other "big" trips. I never would’ve thought that traveling to a tiny Missouri town would turn into one of my favorite summer adventures.
About Shine:
Shine is a free daily text message experience that makes it easier to live a more intentional life. Each weekday morning, Shine sends curated content and actionable tips across confidence, daily happiness, mental health and productivity. Why? Because we all need a little help to get through the day—and Shine’s got your back. To sign up, text “SHINE” to 759-85 or go to www.shinetext.com to learn more.
Follow Shine on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: @ShineText
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
We’re Sharing Our Best Advice: How to Keep Calm During Stressful Situations.
Presentations can be the pits. Especially if you stink at it.
Picture this: you’ve got the biggest presentation of your career. Or your career icon has agreed to a meeting and you get to pitch them your big idea. What?! (Yes, it happens. See: Whitney Wolfe meeting Tim Cook last week.) OR maybe it’s the first time you’re going to stand up in front of your colleagues at your new job.
No matter your professional stage, nerves happen. And when nerves happen, so does sweat (stress sweat actually smells worse than exercise or heat sweat!). Since your pits should be the last thing on your mind during stressful situations, we’re rounding up the best ways to keep your cool, your calm, and your armpits fresh.
MEMORIZE TO FORGET
One of the best pieces of advice we ever received was to memorize the info so you can forget the script. If that sounds like conflicting advice, you’re not wrong. But it still works.
Here’s the gist: know your info inside and out. No matter what, you need to prepare and then prepare again. But you should know the info so well, that you can go OFF script. It’s info so deeply embedded in your brain that you don’t have to think about it. That way, when someone interrupts or asks you a question, you’re not knocked off your A-game.
DON’T BE LATE, BUT DON’T BE TOO EARLY
Time is a double-edge sword. If you’re rushing about and running late, you’re going to start the moment on a stressful note. However, if you show up too early, you might spend that time twiddling your thumbs and stressing over last-minute details.
Give yourself a 15-minute buffer. It’s just the right amount of time. Not too late, not too early— but rather, the right amount of time to chat with co-worker, hit the bathroom for a last minute mirror pep talk, and walk into the room with your shoulders back and held high.
EXERCISE THE MORNING OF
Fast Company reports that, “the positive stress of exercise prepares cells and structures and pathways within the brain so that they’re more equipped to handle stress in other forms.” Hit up an AM yoga class, dance it out, or pound the pavement with some new Taylor Swift in your headphones.
When you release serotonin, you boost both your confidence and happiness, which will fill you with those positive vibes you want pre-presentation. Jogging > jitters. Remember that.
But don’t sweat it out, without doing this first:
SPRAY-N-GO
Secret has been keeping women calm in stressful situations for 60 years. The first antiperspirant brand designed specifically for women, Secret has been on the forefront of women’s lives, leading with innovation designed to provide superior odor and wetness protection. Their new Invisible Spray has four scent offerings with proprietary sweat-activated technology to keep you feeling fresh. It also offers patented Fade Resistant Scent Technology to combat nose-blindness.
Perfect for an on-the-go application that allows hustling entrepreneurs to freshen up with ease, no matter the circumstance. It may be invisible, but your confidence will be on full display.
So in this case: Spray it before you say it. Your presentation will thank you.
This post was sponsored by Secret Deodorant.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
C&C Classifieds No 53: Tory Burch, Snapchat, TOMS & More
Take your seat at the table.
If you Snap anyway why not get paid?
On this week's Create & Cultivate Classifieds, dig into offerings from some of the brands you already know and love.
Go ahead, and make them part of your resume already.
Hello Alice - San Francisco, CA
Snapchat - New York, NY
TOMS - Los Angeles, CA
Wagstaff Worldwide - Los Angeles, CA
Tory Burch - New York, NY
WANT MORE? SIGN UP FOR OUR FULL LIST OF CLASSIFIEDS HERE.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Talk to You: The Benefits of Talking to Yourself in Third Person
Flower crown optional.
The official name of someone who refers to herself in third person is an illeist. Most famous illeists are men. The Rock. Bob Dole. Elmo. Which is definitely cute. Case in point: Little kids do it all the time. “Andy wants a cookie.” “Maya wants to watch TV.” And little kids, as some of you know, are the best negotiators. They win all the time.
So why don’t women do it? Ellen Degeneres makes a pretty hilarious a case against illeism here.
But there is a difference between talking to yourself in third person in FRONT of other people (which, granted, is super annoying) and talking to yourself about yourself.
In fact, it can help you gain a psychological edge. Here’s how:
IT CAN RELIEVE STRESS
During difficult situations, talking to yourself in third person can actually help calm you down.
According to a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, talking about yourself to yourself is a way to make that internal monologue useful.
The study explains, “Although people frequently engage in such ‘self-talk,’ recent findings indicate that the language they use to refer to the self when they engage in this process influences self-control. Specifically, using one’s own name to refer to the self during introspection, rather than the first-person pronoun ‘I,’ increases peoples’ ability to control their thoughts, feelings, and behavior under stress.”
Check out the science of it all here.
SELF-DISTANCING CAN BE USEFUL WHEN YOU’RE IN A TRICKY WORK SITCH
Let’s say you’re about to explode on your co-worker. You’re stuck in your office and you have no one to talk to. The psychological strategy called “self-distancing” is known to help us better control our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Instead of lashing out and doing damage to your career, you take a step back, and therefore hopefully, a step forward.
Getting frustrated in the workplace is incredibly common. Reports have found that only 16 percent of workers feel connected and engaged. Low engagement leads to high frustration and workplace unhappiness.
"Talking to yourself in third person as the verbal equivalent of taking a walk."
Tweet this.
Think of talking to yourself in third person as the verbal equivalent of taking a walk, when a walk around the block isn’t possible.
REDUCED ANXIETY=REDUCED ANXIETY. NEED MORE?
Those pep talks you give yourself in the morning? Do it in third person, with either your own name or a pronoun like “you,” “he/she.”
Or do it before you're about to step into a big presentation to calm your jitters. Practice and see what happens to your nerves when you make the switch.
Think:
"I can do this. I know this material and I'm ready to go in and show them."
vs.
"You can do this. You know this material and you're ready to go in and show them."
In the third person example you become your best friend. The person who is there to cheer you on. When you can't believe in yourself, let third person you do it for you. And it's not only the Rock and Bob Dole who've practiced this art. Famous male athletes do it all the time. And while we don't suggest taking it as far as LeBron James (another famoua illeist) or Pele ("Nobody did what Pele did. Being champion of the world at 17 years old, won three World Cups, scored more than 1,208 goals - only him!" said Pele of Pele. "Then until now, nobody did this... to me, Pele is the best.") there is something to be said of the confidence this takes.
We are typically better at pumping up others and relieving their anxiety. So ladies, let's agree, it's not just for men and puppets. It's time we turn the pump up third person self-talk on ourselves.
Arianna would love for this to happen.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Links From Our Group Chat: Quest for World Domination TSwfit vs. Amazon
The world is prickly AF lately.
If you read it, but don't send it to a co-worker, did it happen?
This is what we dug into at the office last week.
One of our favorites and sweetest bloggers around has a new clothing line perfect for petite girls. Find out who.
Tswift isn’t the only one making a come back.
But did you know you wanted 45 thinking pieces on Taylor Swift and her reputation? The NY Times took this all a little too seriously.
Why the person firing you is prob having a terrible time too.
Put my thing down flip it and reverse it. We see you Kendrick.
It's Amazon's world now. The rest of us are just living in it.
On a serious note-- our thoughts go out to everyone in Texas to keep safe and dry.
What are you reading this weekend? Share in the comments.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
C&C Classifieds No 53: NPR, Of A Kind, Athleta & more
Come and get your job.
This week on C&C Classifieds we have listings from your fave public broadcast station and a company that loves emerging fashion designers.
Sounds like there's something for everyone.
NPR
Of A Kind - New York, NY
Athleta - San Francisco, CA
Glam Glow - Los Angeles, CA
You're Not Following This One Rule & It's Costing You the Job
Nobody likes an overacheiver.
photo credit: The Jungalow
You have a great resume and you’ve applied to multiple jobs, but haven’t gotten a response. What’s the problem? It might be that you’re not following this one simple rule. You might not be following the directions on the job application. It sounds so obvious and so simple, but it’s far easier to mess up than you might think.
Don’t be an overachiever
Career Builder estimates that 44% of millennials ages 25-34 have a side hustle and take on multiple roles at once. You might be one of those who constantly strives to do more and put your best foot forward, but this is not the place to do it. When a job application asks for a specific set of documents or portfolio pieces, provide exactly what is asked and nothing more.
It sounds tempting to go above and beyond what is asked of you, but what this really does is create more work for those on the other end. With an average of 250 applicants per job application, (one Google recruiter estimated that the company receives around three million resumes annually) recruiters and hiring managers already have enough information to sift through. Adding just one more document or piece of information exponentially adds to their workload, which won’t necessarily work in your favor. Instead of including additional information or sample work, try to include the most pertinent information that effectively highlights your achievements in the least amount of space.
Provide the right information
If the job application asks you to discuss a specific detail or why you would be great at a specific role, make sure that you actually discuss that information. It’s easy to get side tracked and talk about other details or qualifications, but it’s crucial to follow the directions and include the information specifically noted in the job description.
For instance, if a job description asks you to show how you will help the company build on industry trends and lead the team in customer satisfaction, highlight your achievements that reflect your ability to do this. Discuss times when you used innovative tactics to excel in customer service. The more specific and relatable information you can provide, the better.
For best results, create SOAR stories that directly relate to the information or qualifications requested in the job description. This will help you get noticed, and will also help prepare you for a potential interview.
Read everything thoroughly
"We are continuously anticipating what we will see, hear or feel next," Dr. Lars Muckli, a researcher at the University of Glasgow's Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology told Phys.org. This is why it’s so easy to miss something crucial when reading a job description. We often anticipate and make assumptions about what is being asked of us instead of actually looking at the text. Every single job application is different, and it’s important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to your resume. Make sure you read the job description and application thoroughly and make note of specific requirements, requests, or directions.
Highlighting key words or phrases throughout the job description is a great way to ensure that you’re including exactly what is being asked of you, and it will also help you create a more customized resume. By noting the specifics of the job description, you will be able to integrate these into your resume and cover letter to create a more effective and searchable document.
____________
It’s easy to feel like more is better, but when it comes to applying for jobs, it’s not. If you’re not following the directions and reading the specifications of the job application, you may be costing yourself the role. Do your homework, send in exactly what is asked of you, and create a concise document that highlights exactly how amazing you are. It’s better to give one example of a time you achieved greatness, than to drone on about multiple vague experiences.
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.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Our Six Dream Podcasts & Their Hosts
Can someone make these?
It's been a hell of a Monday. We mean, the sun straight disappeared and people got emotional. So we dreamed up a few things that we want to listen to this week.
Can someone make these, thanks.
1. Sit Down Tony Robbins: Women explain that willpower is a privilege and it’s time for TR to sit TF down.
Ideal hosts: Issa Rae & Yvonne Orji
2. Momsplaining: Where moms explain new tech to people. Mom does it anyway, might as well put her on the podcast.
Hosts: Your mom, sometimes your dad, additional commentary from Amy Poehler
3. Blue Crush hosted by Blue Ivy.
No explanation need. Maybe she just dances.
4. Secret Service Secrets: Where secret service staff reveal everything you've ever wanted to know. They've got the best hiding spots, they know where the Pres is at all times, and they have secret offices where there are no trash cans outside. So many questions. Sidebar: where are all the female Secret Service agents?
Ideal host: Marjorie Palmiotti from Veep.
5. 2 Dope Queens
Oh, wait. That already exists.
6. Leave It to Beavers: Women take care of everything. All the time. This is where we talk about it and take over men's jobs.
Ideal hosts: All women. Any women.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
What to Expect at Create & Cultivate Seattle
It's a full day. We got you.
We are so excited to get the Seattle party started! There are so many great things coming your way, but before we get any closer we wanted to give you a sneak peek of what to expect on the big day so you can start building out your plan right now!
ALL DAY FUN
First things first, you should be receiving your badge and box of goodies in the mail over the next week or so! Your box will have your mentor power hour selections & your badge with lanyard. If you don't receive your items, you'll be able to pick them up at registration the morning of the conference!
POP-UP MARKET
At every C&C Conference, we have a roster of incredible brands that set up shop to give our attendees amazing and unique experiences. From professional headshots to clothing shops to PUPPIES (yes, puppies… OK one puppy), there's a little something for everyone. Here are the incredible things you can expect to see at the market in Seattle.
WeddingWire
If you’re looking for an IG moment, look no further. What's one of the biggest trends in weddings right now? Custom confetti! Visit WeddingWire's confetti bar to create and customize your own personal bag of confetti to bring home with you and learn more about how WeddingWire has spent the last ten years paving the way for couples to more easily plan their weddings online.
The Mine
Want to pet a puppy? Stop by The Mine booth to meet their mascot, Finn the Pekingese, snap the perfect polaroid next to their floral wall and enter to win a $500 basket of home décor goodies! Did we mention the puppy??
SOREL
The SOREL woman is bold and confident stop by our booth to see Fall and Springs that are just like you, ready for anything and willing to defy whatever comes your way.
Richer Poorer
Ever been curious about how to style your basics? Look no further than basic brand Richer Poorer booth who will have a styling station on hand. Tees, tanks, and totally awesome. Plus, they will be live chain-stitching from their booth, which means you can get anything you want on a tee.
Blue Sky
Planning ahead should be part of your business model. So take your #CreateCultivateSEA notebook, provided by Blue Sky, over to their booth and see what else they have in store to help you on your way.
Stella and Dot
If you’re ever in doubt, put an accessory on it. And stop by the Stella and Dot booth where they’ll be gifting $100 in product credit to attendees that sign-up for their affiliate network. PLUS, they’ll be waiving the $199 sign-up fee and gifting $350 in product credit if you sign up as a Stylist! Oh wait, there’s more. They will also have a first look opportunity at their product (cutest tops ever) and the opportunity to see their new style sharing app. Too much good stuff. Don’t miss out.
Noosa
Bloody good yoghurt is their tagline and they aren’t kidding. With product offerings for every taste bud you’ll be sure to satisfy any craving at their booth.
Brahmin
For stop in your tracks handbags head to Brahmin’s booth to peep their latest fall styles. They release hundreds of styles every season, so there’s something for everyone to love.
La Croix
Always one to make their booth sparkle, be sure to pop by La Croix for a highly ‘grammable moment. They also go above and beyond so you don’t want to miss out!
Inked
Head to the Inked booth to Craft the Story with Ali Edwards + Inked Brands. Edwards says that over a decade ago, she began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January – a word to focus on, meditate on, and reflect upon as she goes about her daily life. During the break Ali invites you to come choose yours.
Shopstyle
Need a little R&R? It’s a long day and Shopstyle has your back. They are hosting a Recharge & Relax area where all C&C attendees can swing by to revive themselves throughout the day. With a luxe instagrammable lounge to hang out in and charge your phone, the option to get pampered while getting a foot or hand massage, drink a juice shot or wellness beverage, or connect with their team, there are plenty of fun activities planned at the ShopStyle lounge!
Simon G
Want a piercing? Simon G. Jewelry is offering lucky attendees the chance to receive a free ear piercing with one of their beautiful 14k Yellow Gold Pyramid Earrings, designed exclusively for Create & Cultivate and valued at $220. To get your ear pierced and receive a free Simon G. stud, all you have to do is stop by their booth, post a picture of the booth or trying on jewelry prior to your appointment and tag @simongjewelry #simongsparkles. To reserve your spot, please email (Elizabeth@simongjewelry.com ) to schedule your appointment at Create & Cultivate Seattle.
Burrow
Look, we know you love a good sofa. Grab a friend. Have a sit. And gram their Burrow’s booth to win one of their adorable and comfy sofas.
GoDaddy
If you don’t have a professional headshot, do you even exist? JK. It’s not something most of us think about, but there are many times a professional headshot will come in handy. For instance, if you ever plan on speaking on a panel… you’ll need a headshot that does you justice. Stop by the GoDaddy booth and snap a perfect pic. (C&C #protip: stop by the Beauty lounge first for a little pre-pic touchup.)
Express
Have a full closet and nothing to wear… to work? Stop by the onsite Express airstream and check out the latest from their “wear to work” collection.
BEAUTY BUZZ at the BEAUTY LOUNGE
We also always have a beauty lounge on site where our attendees are able to get glammed up, from makeup to hair to skincare we got your covered.
Nordstrom Beauty
When you look your best, you feel your best! Nordstrom Beauty will have stylists onsite all day to do touchups and discuss products. Want to know what products work best for you? Don’t be shy! Ask a professional!
Secret
Secret was the first antiperspirant brand designed specifically for women, and for the past 60 years, Secret has been on the forefront of women’s lives, leading with innovation designed to provide superior odor and wetness protection. Secret’s activation will introduce guests to the new Invisible Spray. The product’s lively scent experience and the on-the-go application experience allows hustling entrepreneurs to freshen up with ease, no matter the circumstance.
The Glam App
Get glam!! No booking necessary. The Cara Santana founded app will be offering all day HAIR & MAKEUP touchups.
#NOM
START THE DAY OFF RIGHT WITH BREAKFAST & YOGA
Get Fed
Chow down and prep for the full day with goodies from Noosa Yogurt and Purely Elizabeth Granola. We’ll have granola and yogurt bowls, muffins, and YES of course: coffee. Grab a cup from the Satellite cold brew coffee bar.
Get Set
LIVESTRONG wants to start your day off on the right foot and the right mindset. So they are bringing yoga influencer @EliseJoanFitness to C&C Seattle to help guide you with intention setting, meditation and gentle stretches for your day. This will take place on the lawn between the main stage and pop-up market between 8:45-9:15am
Go get 'em.
BREAKING DOWN THE **VIP PERKS**
You will be going all day long so the break is a great time to catch up and dive into all the amazing programming our partners have going on. Some are RSVP only so be sure to grab your spot!
WorkWorkWorkWorkTwerk with Sonja Rasula *RSVP REQUIRED*
Calling all VIPS to join Sonja Rasula for a unique 30-minute break-out session that will have you cheering and dancing as you learn new tools for success, get to know your neighbors, and rediscover your superpowers. Sonja's popular, and definitely unconventional, talks are enlightening, fun and super satisfying. Taking place at the Main Stage YOU MUST RSVP below!
You will receive a confirmation email if you have secured a spot!
Molly Moon’s Scoops
If you’re inclined to indulge a bit, Seattle’s famous Molly Moon Ice Cream will be scooped from the Molly Moon Trike during break from 4:20 - 5:20p. Location: VIP lounge only.
Trophy Cupcakes Nibbles
Grab a sweet treat in the VIP lounge. Create, cultivate, and cupcake. We wouldn’t want it any other way.
The Glam App
Want to get a mini mani? The Glam App is offering all our VIP attendees the option to get a mani at their nail station in the VIP lounge only. Happening all day!
LIVESTRONG, Live Better *RSVP REQUIRED*
LIVESTRONG is offering is a free 30-minute consultation with nutritionists ($100-$200 value each) for 30 VIP participants who sign up in advance. The company is bringing 2 nutritionists with them and will give personalized consultations to VIP attendees who sign up in advance and track 3 days of their eating. Location: the LIVESTRONG booth!
Attendees can choose their primary goal from the following list:
- Overall health
- Healthy skin, hair and nails
- Weight Loss
- Weight maintenance
- Increase energy
- Build muscle
- Athletic training & endurance
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS RSVP ONLY FOR THE FIRST 30 SIGNUPS -- RSVP BELOW!
You will receive a confirmation email if you have secured a spot!
**We will need to send an email in advance to the first 30 VIP sign ups. You will need to download and log up to 3 days of food in the MyPlate app.
***Sign ups for waitlist will be available as well, but hopeful waitlisters will also need to log their food for at least a day in the MyPlate app.
HAPPY HOUR
After a long day of awesomeness, take a break and celebrate the day with Express . And because you've earned it, it's time to raise a cocktail! Kick-off Happy Hour with a delicious Crown Royal cocktail, or if wine or champagne is more your speed, they’ll have that too!
#PROTIPS
Don't leave this at home! Things you should bring to C&C:
Bring a schedule of all the things you want to hit up day-of, it’s a day filled to the brim with activities so coming with a game plan is a clutch move.
In the spirit of good networking, pack extra business cards. You want to be able to hand them out throughout the day. Don't shortchange yourself.
The bulk of the Seattle conference will take place outside so we recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecast while prepping your look. Attendee attire varies but we'd describe it as fashionable business wear with an emphasis on fun! No matter what you plan to wear, it will be a long day so prioritize comfort (especially when it comes to shoes!). We'll be packing a light jacket just in case!
Keep an eye out for your attendee welcome box that should be coming in the mail any day now! We are so excited for you to receive, make sure to share it on social with us using #CreateCultivateSEA!
Gift Bags
We know you want them! Gift bags are only available at the end of the night and will be handed out in exchange for your badge. If you have to jet early you will be forfeiting your right to come back in but we doubt you'll want to do that ;)
Where To Park
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
How a Burning Man Honeymoon Led This Founder to Change Her Biz Model
Total eclipse of the plan.
Like many new couples, after Portland-based event rental company Something Borrowed founder Lane Bigsby married the love of her life, they went on a honeymoon. But instead of heading to a tropical destination or on a romance-and-baguette-filled trip to Paris, the freshly wedded duo headed to the Black Rock Desert of Nevada.
Yes, that's right. They went to Burning Man, honeymooning at the mecca of anti-capitalism. But Bigsby came home with a renewed idea for her biz.
So, we caught up with the founder to chat humble beginnings, what she notices when she first walks into a room, and why sustainability will always be a part of her biz.
What inspired the beginnings of Something Borrowed?
When I was planning my wedding, I noticed there was a lack of decor that was unique and less traditional. I scoured the area trying to find exactly what I needed for our small wedding, and after failed attempts to find anything I could rent, I ended up sourcing vintage and reclaimed items. I had thought of the idea of starting a rental business, but kept going back and forth with myself as I had just started a corporate job that I thought was going to be "the one" (aka my career job). After our Burning Man honeymoon, I came back with a much clearer sense of what it is I wanted to do with my life and working for corporate America just didn't feel as authentic and meaningful as it once did.
How did you being to compile your stock? Did it start with one piece? Multiple?
Our hand-curated collection started off small, with the left over wedding items from my own wedding (vintage china plates, rustic wood crates, antique mason jars, etc.). It felt like such a huge leap to branch off into furnishings and upholstered seating, which I did about nine months later. But, I quickly saw the demand for the few furniture pieces we had and I knew that was the direction to take the business, especially considering there was no one else doing what we did at the time.
Was sustainability always part of the Something Borrowed story and what inspired that route?
Sustainability has always been at the core of Something Borrowed. After moving to Portland from a five year stint in Phoenix, I wanted to educate myself with local recycling regulations. Phoenix left me feeling very wasteful and I knew I had to make personal changes. Being raised in a very rural part of Alaska where we literally "lived off the land", instilled in me how much we can get by with so little. I went through a 6-week training program with the City of Portland, and later became a certified Master Recycler. My own wedding produced less than one small grocery bag of waste as my rule was that anything we needed for our wedding was to be easily recyclable, reusable, and repurposed, such as my wedding dress which was made from old dresses and fabric scraps. Sustainability is not only part of my personal beliefs, but one of our core values and has earned us a Gold Certification with the City.
No matter what way you swing it, events produce a lot of waste. There's a lot of one-time usage. But you create beautiful environments AND care about the environment. What are some easy switches we can make when throwing an event?
Whenever possible, work with vendors who make sustainability a priority. Such as caterers or florists who source from local, organic farms. In fact, you can ditch the flowers all together and instead opt for longer lasting potted plants, which still help bring an event to life but are not ditched after one use. Instead of paper signage, opt for something cooler such as acrylic or treated wood which can be written on and reused many times. When you're looking to source, look to your local community first, versus buying into the temptation of a big box store who may have items trucked or shipped in from out of the country.
"When you're looking to source, look to your local community first."
Tweet this.
What are some ways you encourage your customers to be more eco-conscious?
We always try to offer suggestions on ways our clients can repurpose or use what they already have. We work with a lot of clients for their wedding and one tip we recommend is to reuse floral from your ceremony and incorporate it into your reception. Also, instead of using throw-away items such as plates and cutlery, opt for durable dishware. If cost is an issue, opt for basic place settings which are less expensive, but dress up your table with cool, colorful glassware or table linens that can help pull your look together so that it's cohesive.
Portland and the PNW are definitely a city leading this charge of sustainable. What is it about being in Portland that has inspired you to be even better?
We are surrounded by nature... the coast to the West and mountains to the East. One of the countries largest urban forest sits directly across the river from our warehouse and we want to do what we can to preserve its natural beauty. The City makes it easy to be as green as possible, offering programs and services to residents and businesses wanting to do their part, but who may not know where to start.
What are a few secret tricks of the trade for creating a beautiful and memorable event?
Excite the senses! You must not only create a visibly pleasing space with decor and lighting, but don't forget about the music, drinks, food and scents. Also, put effort into the theme of your event as this will spark the interest of your guests. It allows them the opportunity to step out of the ordinary and mundane, and into the extraordinary.
What is the most important part of an event?
The atmosphere you create for your guests. Orchestrate an environment that will WOW your guests, leaving them talking well after the party has ended. This might be curated decor that speak to and enhance your brand, interactive activities giving guests something to do, or creating swoon-worthy scenes that are so picture-perfect, you can't help but want to snap a photo to share with others which in turn creates buzz for your next event.
What is your favorite part of an event?
I love seeing how a blank slate can be transformed into a beautifully stylish space. You put in the hard work, plan for months, hand select your vendors and then to see it all come together is priceless!
When you walk into someone else’s event what is the first thing you tend to notice?
I tend to notice the details first. Does the scene fit with the brand or message of the event? Are there cool aspects that you may not have seen yet? People crave the unique and interesting and when I see this, I know the organizers put a lot of effort into truly understanding who their guests are and what vibe they want to create.
Photo credit: Something Borrowed Site
MORE FROM BLOG
The 1 Question That Helps Me Combat Negative Thinking
Be kind to yourself today.
The 1 Question That Helps Me Combat Negative Thinking, originally appeared on Shine, a free daily text to help you thrive.
I like to think I'm an unofficial expert on negative thinking. It's not unusual for me to start and finish the day ruminating on something that could go wrong—but most likely won't. And I typically take my lunch with a side of worry, too.
I'm far from alone in experiencing negative thoughts: The average person has 60,000 thoughts per day, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Of those thoughts: 95 percent repeat each day, and, on average, 80 percent of repeated thoughts are negative.
I've tried numerous tactics to cut the negativity, including but not limited to: Shouting "STOP" in my head when a negative thought appears, softly singing "Oops!…I Did It Again" to drown out the thoughts (thanks, BritBrit!), writing down all my negative thoughts to see my irrational thinking, and meditating.
Today, thanks to a variety of tactics and professional help, I've learned to better manage my anxiety. But that doesn't mean I'm "negative thought-free." I'm still human—so I'm always on the lookout for new strategies to check my negativity. Recently, I found an easy trick that's helped. It doesn't involve a 10-minute meditation or setting aside time to journal—all it involves is asking yourself one simple question: "Is this useful?"
You control which thoughts matter
I learned about this mindfulness hack from popular self-help blogger Eric Barker, who runs the blog Barking Up the Wrong Tree. In a recent post about emotional strength, Barker explains that we can't control which thoughts "bounce around" in our mind. What we can control: the thoughts we focus on. "You’re the thing that decides which thoughts are useful and should be taken seriously," he writes. And he shared a perfect analogy to better explain this:
"You’re not your brain; you’re the CEO of your brain. You can’t control everything that goes on in 'Mind, Inc.' But you can decide which projects get funded with your attention and action." - Eric Barker
Ask yourself: 'Is this useful?'
So, how do you decide which "projects" get funded? Barker says to ask yourself, "Is this useful?" It's a tactic Barker learned from Joseph Goldstein, a Buddhist mindfulness expert. It's designed to help you assess if a thought is serving you or others—or if it's just irrational.
"If the worry is reasonable, do something about it," Barker writes. "If it’s irrational or out of your control, recognize that. Neuroscience shows that merely making a decision like this can reduce worry and anxiety."
This past week, I decided to put the strategy to the test. When negative thoughts (unsurprisingly) popped into my head, I challenged them with a peaceful, "Is this useful?" Pausing to ask that question did a few things: First, it forced me to climb out of my thoughts and see them from a new perspective. I became CEO of Haley's Mind, Inc. My mission: To make sure thoughts bettered the company. Adopting that point of view made me more curious than concerned about what went on in my head.
"Make your thoughts work for you, not against you."
Tweet this.
Second, asking "Is this useful?" made me more intentional when I challenged my thoughts. Unlike desperately shouting at my thoughts to "STOP", I calmly faced them head-on and assessed them. I quickly decided if the thoughts served me, and I let those that didn't fall to the wayside.
I started viewing my thoughts like a Tinder scenario: I swiped left for those that didn't prove beneficial to me, and right for those that I could actually act on. I was making my thoughts work for me, not against me—and it felt good.
Take back your power
I'm definitely sticking with the "Is this useful?" tactic—and I'd recommend people with negative thoughts give it a try. But one thing I've learned as a "negative thought expert": What works for one person might not work for everyone. Mindfulness, journaling, a classic early 2000s jam—there are lots of ways to combat negative thinking. It's all about what works best for you.
However you manage your Mind, Inc., just know that you are in charge. And any unfriendly "employees"—a.k.a. negative thoughts—are yours to dismiss.
About Shine:
Shine is a free daily text message experience that makes it easier to live a more intentional life. Each weekday morning, Shine sends curated content and actionable tips across confidence, daily happiness, mental health and productivity. Why? Because we all need a little help to get through the day—and Shine’s got your back. To sign up, text “SHINE” to 759-85 or go to www.shinetext.com to learn more.
Follow Shine on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: @ShineText
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Meet the Latinas in STEM Inspiring the Next Generation
These 5 MIT grads took matters into their own hands.
Jazlyn Carvajal, Diana Albarrán Chicas, Cecilia Fernández, Kimberly Gonzales, Joanna Gonzalez, Desiree Lassiter, Maribel Mendoza, and Nidia Trejo make up the Latinas in STEM Board of Directors, an organization founded by 5 MIT alumnae looking to formalize the service work they were doing in their respective communities.
The founders of the organization are all first generation American women who have been the first in their families to attend college. They have careers in industry with a long track record of community service. The current board consists of professional Latina women who are interested in providing Latinas with mentorship, resources, and access to careers in STEM.
The stats around women in STEM aren’t great. And the barriers to entry for women of color are compounded. A lack of role models, lagging outreach, and overall limited parental awareness, leads to dismal numbers. So you’ve heard.
But with organizations like Latinas in STEM, founded in 2013, there is hope. And not only on the horizon.
Their goals include: inspiring young women to consider STEM careers, increasing the number of Latina women pursuing STEM careers, and creating a network that enables women in STEM to survive. Their programs include K-12 student and parent outreach, college student support, and professional development that enables their network to grow and reach more students.
It’s vital work that serves the community and world.
More from the Board of Directors below.
What is the most important step you took to get here?
The most important step was starting a dialogue among friends about the need in our communities and our desires to help our communities in a more formal matter. It was a simple Facebook group message sent among friends that eventually led to the formal organization of Latinas in STEM.
What are some challenges you’ve encountered along the way?
There have been many challenges for us as a group. To begin, the group is currently completely volunteer run, meaning that we all have day jobs as STEM professionals. As such, one of the challenges has been carving sufficient time to help our organization progress along the way. Luckily, we have had a lot of support from our networks and other organizations who have similar goals.
What keeps you going?
Knowing that we can encourage Latinas whose shoes we were once in -- to do well in math and science subjects, get good grades to enter college, and follow a career path of their dreams.
Who are the people you consider your mentors or influences and why?
Our first mentors and influences for many of us were our families. We have all had various mentors throughout our careers including each other.
What is the best piece of "real talk" advice you've received?
Stay humble. Know that your career path and your goals may change over time, but stay true to yourself along the way.
What is your favorite life advice?
One of the greatest things we can have as women is education. Our knowledge and opinions are valuable to share with the world to help make it better.
Is there a time in your lives when you've thought, 'I can't do this anymore?'
We’ve all overcome a lot of adversity in our lives. We move forward and make opportunities by being proactive.
What’s next? What are the five year goals?
Next, we plan to expand the organization, and hire full-time administrators to help us continue the work that we are doing. As we mentioned, currently we are 100% volunteer run, but we want to expand our work by reaching out to more people nationwide. We need more woman power, and so we hope to formalize the group even more.
What is a habit or routine you swear by?
Share your big goals with others- it makes you accountable and also may open new doors.
"Share your big goals with others- it makes you accountable."
Tweet this.
How have your relationships to your careers changed in the last five years?
Embracing the idea that mentoring the next generation of STEM experts outside of our individual, professional work is an important part of our career journeys.
How have your personal relationships changed in the last five years?
We encourage one another to embrace failures and share these stories with our Latina members. It’s important for our members to know about our successes as Latinas in STEM, and it is equally important to tell our stories of roadblocks and lessons learned. Although it can be difficult to think back on difficult situations, our stories can be what inspires our members to continue pursuing and thriving in STEM fields.
What does female empowerment mean to you?
It means supporting and mentoring one another to achieve our goals. It means being critical of each other in a way that helps build other women up, and not tear them down. It means helping other women achieve their dreams.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Exclusive Giveaway: Your Last Minute Chance to Head to Create & Cultivate Seattle
Plus networking tips when you get there!
If you’ve ever wondered how it’s possible to walk into a room of strangers and nail networking, we’ve got you covered. We do it all the time at conferences! Walking up to strangers can be intimating but we’ve got some tips on how to make it work. And look, sometimes it is painfully awkward. But channel your inner Issa Rae and let it get a little bit awkward, it might make the interaction all the more memorable.
Nail down your pitch.
When you’re in a room with 500 other women, be it at the conference or even at our Express happy hour before our keynote speakers, you’re going to have to nail that pitch! Know what you’re all about. So make it concise and straight to the point. No beating around the bush and no overtly selling yourself. BS tends to reek in a crowded environment.
Don’t give out your cards, swap ‘em
Why give when you can trade? You should always make sure to swap when you can. Sometimes the old “I don’t have any cards on me” is true, sometimes it’s false. It’s easy to read if someone wants to continue the relationship, but being a little bit forward in this situation can’t hurt. If the other people doesn’t have a card, offer to send a text or email right there. Even though some people cringe a bit when you say, “I’ll send you an email right now,” it’s the best way to get into someone’s inbox. At that point, you’ve done your work.
Practice, practice, practice.
It makes perfect.
If you’re feeling antsy thinking about what you should say to start a conversation with someone, practice with your friends and see how you can nail down the starting a conversation with a stranger. From the approach, to how you introduce yourself, to what you talk about, make sure you can simulate the an entire conversation with a stranger via your friend. Come in ready with a game plan and see that networking anxiety go away.
Don’t be an attention seeker.
Engage with a crowd, but you don't need to be the center of attention. It’s easy to fall into the hole of talking about yourself and letting people know about all the things you do in a networking setting. But take a look back and think about the last person who wouldn’t stop rambling about themselves.
Exactly. Don’t be that person.
Wear it and work it.
Wear your confidence and work your outfit. If you’re not feeling up to hot stuff because you’re heading to an event after a long day at the office, throw on a statement earring and a little lipgloss (both goodies Express is giving away to C&C Seattle attendees in the gift bag!) and walk through the front door with a smile.
And most importantly.... Show UP!
Maybe the hardest part of networking is finding the right opportunities & showing up! Easier said than done when you’re slammed with work… That’s why Express is sending one lucky winner + a boss friend to Create & Cultivate Seattle! As the official Happy Hour sponsor, they’re not only hooking you up with tickets, travel + stay, but also the wardrobe to keep you looking fly while you work your new connections.
WIN #CREATECULTIVATESEA TIX on the @Express Insgram Post HERE
Here's how to enter:
1. Follow @Express and @CreateCultivate on Insta.
2. Tag a woman who inspires you in the comments of this instagram post.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. SWEEPSTAKES BEGINS AT 10:00 AM ET ON AUGUST 18, 2017 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM ET ON AUGUST 20, 2017. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF U.S., PUERTO RICO, 18+, VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. SEE OFFICIAL RULES: http://bit.ly/2fNUQZs
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
A Day in the Life: From Auto Designer to Sustainable Fashion Boss
Designer Vicki von Holzhausen grew up next to the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, a school she calls, "one of the best for design." In high school she attended their industrial design classes where she discovered a love for the automotive. "Cars," von Holzhausen says, "are basically the most intricate and impactful products one can design so I immediately gravitated to them." She ended up attending Art Center College, in CA as well as on their European campus, where she was exposed to the German automakers which lead to an award-winning career at Mercedes in Germany.
Though it's not a world inhabited professionally by many women, von Holzhausen says, "the interesting part is that 85% of car purchasing decisions are made by women so there should be more women in it. I think it's a matter of exposing female design students." She's thankful she was exposed at a young age. She's also married to Tesla chief designer Franz von Holzhausen, who certainly knows a thing or three about sustainability.
But as of 2015, the designer made the full time switch from automotive design to handbag designer with the launch of her sustainable Malibu-based von Holzhausen bags and accessories-- product set apart as a result of her time in auto design. As a lifelong career fan of German industrial designer, Dieter Rams, the founder explains that she still abides by many of his design principles. "The ones that resonate with me the most are that good design should be honest, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly. My goal was to build a brand based on the principle that I believed in: a future-minded approach, timeless style, and sustainability."
"Good design should be honest, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly."
Tweet this.
With her eponymously named von Holzhausen line she mixes old world techniques with new, both of which she says, "play a role in our sustainable approach." For instance, the brand uses an innovative substitute for leather they call "Technik-Leather," which greatly improves the waste factor. "Since Technik-Leather is created in rolls, unlike cow hides," she shares, "there are no irregular edges, allowing our patterns to lay side by side with little waste between each piece. Our traditional approach has to do with using local talent here in Los Angeles to create our bags and accessories. We also finish all the details by hand since that's the best way to ensure the highest quality. We paint all the edges of each bag by hand which looks amazing and helps ensure longevity."
We caught up with the founder to find out what a day in the life of a sustainable designer looks like, what time she calls it quits, and what she learned from her design school all-nighters.
6:30am – 7am
I wake up early to check any urgent emails and spend about ½ hour going through my daily to do list from the day before. I try and get a workout in on my good days. My quick version is an app called SWORKIT and I do the 20minute core work out. My long version is a H.I.T. class at my local gym, but I can only squeeze those in on days when I have a light morning schedule.
I get a coffee in during my work out. Preference is a black Blue Bottle pour over.
7:30 – 8:30am
Shower & dress. If I’m visiting the factory where I produce the collection, I usually wear my typical uniform like a pair of slouchy jeans and a silky button down shirt or tank and some easy slides. If I’m working at my desk, I usually wear something like a jumpsuit or tank dress with one of our new belts to make it look more put together.
Around 9am
I spend at least 1 hour with emails and figuring out the day. I eat breakfast either at my desk or on my way out the door.
I always try to be flexible when unexpected requests get thrown my way and I’m used to switching up my routine all the time. As a young business, one of the advantages is that we can move quickly without too many issues, so flexibility is a huge benefit.
10am – 11 am
I run errands and try to get to the factory by 11am. We usually review samples in progress 1st and then talk about our weekly production volume and orders in progress.
This can take as little time as ½ hour to as much time as 2 hours depending on the designs we’re working on.
Some days, I meet with other members of my team who work remotely either in the downtown LA Arts District or back on the west side of LA. Those meeting usually revolve around creative direction for photo shoots and marketing strategy.
Other days, I have lunch or coffee dates that revolve around making connections to other entrepreneurs. I’ve learned a great deal from meeting other women who work about the process of building a business.
3pm – 5pm
I’m back at my desk around 3pm to handle any new issues that rise up. Then I try to spend at least a few hours before the end of the day organizing my team for the next few days. I attempt to stay a few steps ahead of everyone so we can meet all upcoming deadlines having to do with things like new product launches, photo shoot production, and website design. There is also an endless amount of paperwork that goes with running a business so I spend a few hours in that department as well.
Most days, I spend at least another hour on various calls during the afternoon since I’m more often than not, sitting at my desk.
6pm
If I have no dinner plans, I take an early dinner with my family and spend time with them until about 9pm.
10pm
I spend at least 1 more hour later in the evening on creative work. It’s a habit I developed as a young designer in school and later in the auto industry when I spent countless all-nighters finishing projects. It’s the time of day with the least amount of interruptions so I take advantage of it.
Images courtesy of von Holzhausen.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
C&C Classifieds No 52: Mattel, Sweetgreen, Billion Dollar Boy & More
Find your 9-5.
What do you know about hump day? Around here we call it J-O-B day because it's the day of the week we bring you CLASSIFIEDS!
If you're sitting at home wondering what to do before the next Game of Thrones, we have an idea. Create a throne of your own by applying to one of these awesome jobs below.
Billion, Dollar, Boy - NY, NY
Sweetgreen - NYC/LA
The Good Beginning - Remote/LA
Kristin Ess - Los Angeles, CA
Mattel - El Segundo, CA
Don't Miss This! Seattle-Based The Mine Shares Local Favorites
Everything is 'grammable.
Create & Cultivate is heading to Seattle for our final conference of the year. So we checked in with Seattle-based company, The Mine, to get the scoop on their must-pop-by places. Their goods are featured in multiple spots around the Emerald city, so they would know.
If you are visiting for the conference, check out these local favorites and look around for the #minefinds!
MATTHEWS WINERY
Location: 16116 140th Pl NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
photo credit: Matthews Winery Instagram
You might say coffee, but we say first stop, wine tasting! One of our favorite Seattle-area wineries to visit in the afternoon is Matthews in Woodinville. As a family-owned winery, their wine comes from the far away vines of Bordeaux and local Washington grapes. There isn’t an occasion Matthews can’t cater to with their wide range of venues and wine.
Not only is the wine delectable, but the rustic atmosphere makes you want to stay all day. We’re not sure if it’s the twinkly chandelier, wood barrels, or the classic bar stools, but we’re obsessed with the quaint, romantic ambience of this Woodinville winery. We love the simple elegance that the dark-stained wood gives throughout the space! The design consequently matches Matthews chic wine bottle and organic charcuterie plate.
After you are done wine tasting, make sure to properly store your purchased bottles in one of these handy racks. Open daily for tastings, we highly recommend taking the 20 minute drive to Woodinville from Seattle for a visit!
THE LONDON PLANE & LITTLE LONDON PLANE
Location: 300 & 322 Occidental Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98104
Photo credit: The London Plane Instagram
Refuel after wine tasting at a charming dinner spot steps away from downtown Seattle! A local favorite, The London Plane features not only a rustic, modern-country cafe, but a specialty-foods grocery, bakery, and florist all in one stylish space. Who knew convenience could be so stylish?
Just around the corner, The Little London Plane differs in size and purpose. Mostly used for events, the quaint eatery hosts private gatherings featuring in-house catering. Both venues feature sustainably sourced food inspired by European traditions while retaining the Pacific Northwest’s identity.
It’s no surprise that these airy modern spaces inspire visitors again and again. Our favorite pieces from The London Plane are the wishbone dining chairs, branch-inspired chandelier, gold pendant light, and mini candles. Whether you’re meeting friends for a quiet dinner or studying for your next exam, The London Plane is the perfect place for any kind of intimate gathering. The versatility of purpose is reflected in the relaxed-yet-refined design, courtesy of The Mine. Wandering into either of these dining spots will give you a local taste of Seattle and rustic design inspo destined to leave a lasting impression.
MOLLY MOON’S ICE CREAM
Locations: Wallingford | U-Village | Capitol Hill | Redmond | Madrona | Columbia City| Queen Anne | 19th/Mercer
Photo credit: Molly Moon’s website and Instagram
Make sure to leave some room for ice cream! The last stop you have to check out is Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream. Molly Moon’s is a Seattle must go-to stop, known for its local Pacific Northwest sourced ingredients and community engagement. The company was founded by Molly Moon Neitzel herself; a powerful supporter of worker’s and women’s rights!
All eight shops carry Molly moon's signature plus seasonal flavors and freshly made waffle cones that can’t be found anywhere else! (My top three favorite has to be Earl Grey, ‘Scout’ Mint, and Honey Lavender).
Molly Moon’s is known for their adorably designed, clean, crisp shops. When you head into Molly Moon’s, you are greeted by an overwhelming aroma of fresh waffle cones, beautiful baby powder blue and white, with rustic cherry red, brown, and black accents that highlight the colorful modern vibes. It the perfect place to take an Instagram-worthy photo. Even their furniture are aesthetically appealing! See for yourself while enjoying that perfect scoop of ice cream on their industrial styled adjustable stools, sky blue cafe side chairs, white glossy dining table, or their white marble dining table. (You can even find these beautiful products on our site to create that perfect baby blue aesthetically appealing design).
If you want to take more Instagram-worthy photos, head over to Molly Moon’s headquarters to take pictures at their studio. Maybe you’ll see some of iconic office chairs in their headquarters or even in Molly Moon’s office!
While you’re in Seattle, do your own exploring and discover other local favorites. If you snap a shot of any of these places and post on your Instagram, be sure to tag @createcultivate and @shopthemine. Have fun!
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
A New Diamond Trend Is Taking Over (& Unexpected Perks Come with It)
Mom, more oval-bling please.
“Let's face it, every person getting married wants something unique to them...not something they see coming and going,” says Brooke Brinkman, Vice President, Marketing & Communication at Simon G. The fine jewelry brand has been around for over three decades, witnessed alllll of the diamond trends, and really pride themselves on combining old world design with modern tech to create stunning and unique looks. So why wouldn’t we look to them when pouring over diamond pics and options?
The good news: you can follow trends and still be unique. And there is a new trend on the rise. “While we’ve seen round diamonds take center stage as the most popular choice for engagement rings for years,” the exec shares, “we are so stoked to see oval diamonds increasing in demand.”
The bling boss knows what she’s talking about. According to Rare Carat, "Ovals are the breakout star of 2017, rising 40% in just six months.” This isn’t surprising to Simon G., which offers an array of engagement rings to suit every bride’s desire.
“The oval diamond is a classic shape with royal roots, but offers many benefits for the person who wants something a bit different, but not too trendy. At the end of the day you want to enjoy your ring for years to come, so trendy is good, but not if it doesn't allow your ring to be timeless,” says Brinkman. Adding, ‘Oval diamonds are the current trend, but they also provide the bonus of longevity. i.e. they’re not just an “of-the-moment” piece.
Oval diamonds have a few other bonuses as well. “Oval diamonds carry most of their weight on the surface, so compared to their round counterpart of the same size, an oval diamond will appear larger. Another perk with choosing this on trend cut is that because of their shape, Oval diamonds can give the effect of an elongated finger. Lastly, and maybe the most important plus, is that Oval diamonds are cut the same way as a round diamond, so you won’t sacrifice on sparkle and they shouldn’t cost much more --- any trend that doesn’t sacrifice shine or budget, count us in!”
Shop a few of the best options for this new trend from Simon G.’s collections. And then if you like it, go ahead, put a ring on it.
From the Delicate Collection, this engagement set features an oval center diamond.
A .18 ct oval center diamond in a halo is the focus of this darling set of rings, while .37 ctw of pave set diamonds are the final perfecting touch.
From the Passion Collection, this stunning option has a classic style setting features a double halo design built for an oval center stone. It contains .40 ctw of side diamonds.
Also from the Passion Collection, this is a classic halo design engagement ring made for an oval center stone contains .45 ctw of white diamonds.
Would rock an oval rock? Let us know in the comments below!
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Hey, I Support You... But No
2 nope queens.
Nope Heart Patch by These Are Things
In biz, as in life, we all get by with a little help from our friends. But every successful entrepreneur will tell you it’s important to say no. Nope, nope, nopeity, nope, as you will. To lay down your business law, especially when you don't want to. In fact, it’s most important to say no when you really don’t want to--like when it's a friend you want to support, but can't. You know when this happens. Your gut will check you where your brain can’t.
From rejected requests to straight up ignores, we’re outlining the four ways you can say no to people you know. (We recommend some over others.)
#1 The Ghost
Saying no can be really uncomfortable. Really, really, running to the bathroom after street meat uncomfortable. Especially when it’s a friend or someone you want to continue to work with. For example, if you have a graphic designer friend/acquaintance who wants an in with some of your clients, but you don't really dig their work, you might keep pushing the request to the bottom of the barrel.
But it's not smart to put yourself in verbal handcuffs or friend jail. Don't ghost. DON'T DO IT. It's the opposite of burning a bridge; it's the refusal to build one at all.
Sometimes you think it’s easier to ignore it and if and when you run into them simply say, “oh no, it must have gone to my trash.” But that response is garbage and everyone knows it’s a lie. Ghosting makes things more uncomfortable and rude than they need to be. If It's a friend you want to keep we suggest #4.
However if you need help finding the words we suggest #3 below.
#2 The Hard No
Curt and to the point, you’ve likely been on the receiving end of this kind of ‘no.’ It can come off as dismissive and aggressive, especially as we’ve gotten rather accustomed to exclamation points. If you’re sending a cold email, it’s more likely you'll get a rather chilly response.
If you want to go this route, we suggest adding in some brief (and likewise to the point) common courtesy. Something like: “I appreciate the opportunity, but this offer is not in line with my brand.” You don’t have to dress it up in lipstick and xx’s, but you also don’t want to slam the email door in someone’s face. It’s never necessary— especially since every contact is a contact worth saving. (It’s one thing you should hoard.) (Unless it’s your psycho ex. Delete that shit.)
Responding to an ask email in a strong, not perfunctory, manner doesn't have to be rude.
“Every contact is a contact worth saving. It’s one thing you should hoard.”
However we always suggest trying your hand at #3.
#3 The Polite Pass
We like to think this is the preferred method of ‘no,’ for most business people. They are emails that take into consideration (meaning: they read) what you had to say and offer a short, but polite pass. Often they read something like: “Thanks so much for thinking of xx for this opportunity, but given her current schedule we won’t be able to make this work. Please keep her in mind for future opportunities.”
Sometimes they even go into a little more detail. You'll get feedback from someone that will help push your work forward. Try putting a "constructive no," into practice. Most people will appreciate the honesty.
For example, when someone sends C&C a pitch that has not been tailored to our content (even if it's someone I know), I'll write back explaining why this kind of pitch doesn't work and how they can adjust and change it. Sometimes it's glaringly obvious why it doesn't work (it's a dude founder that does nothing in the female space) and sometimes it's less obvious.
#4 The Elaborate Explanation
You're not writing a letter home to your grandma. You don't need the whole backstory. If it's a business contact you don't know that well, it's not appropriate.
If it's a no that you're worried is going to damage a friendship, you need to skip the writing part all together and do it in person. Or at the very least, on the phone. Tone matters and no matter how many x's and o's you stick on the bottom of your email, something will be misconstrued and poof! you're in a friend fight. Give them the respect to do it in person.
Have you had to say no to a friend? How did you deal?
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Real Talk: Is Being a Freelance Writer Worth It?
Get on that Monday grind.
photo credit: We the People
Freelance writing is not all cool, calm, and collecting checks. Like other "for hire" industries there is plenty of freedom (work from anywhere) and lots of uncertainty (when's the next job coming..??). And yet, despite the unknown of the paycheck, many millennials opt to freelance over full time work. Freelancing has steadily been on the rise.
BUT is it worth it?
Caroline Tell is a New York-based writer who recently chatted with Hey Mama about the ups and downs of the trade. As an editorial consultant and regular contributor to The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, The Cut, and The Observer, she has successfully turned a love of words into a career she loves.
"Freelancing is not about two hour lunches and shoe shopping," Tell writes on Hey Mama. "Certain aspects of freelancing are challenging – namely that I lack a financial safety net and I don’t have a magazine or newspaper to rely on as my 'brand,' so to speak. My name and my work is entirely my own. I’m also constantly at the mercy of my editors, and however much I earn is directly correlated to how much I work. But these very challenges are what make the job rewarding. I pick and choose my work. I’m not boxed in by one specific 'beat,' but I write stories that inspire me across a range of topics. As I grow older, my interests have grown more diverse, and writing about new experiences has been very exciting."
On whether you should take the l leap or not, Tell writes:
"Here are a few questions to ask yourself. Do you have a way of getting health insurance? Do you have any clients you can work with while you get set up? Are you prepared to make more money at certain times, or do you need the same level of income each month? Can you be disciplined enough to self-start and manage your schedule? If you answered 'No' to any of these questions, it’s not a deal breaker, but it’s worth doing the exercise."
Knowing what to charge is another struggle. Says the writer,
"Some publications have set rates. At times you can negotiate your rate if you have a nice relationship with an editor. A successful friend once told me that payment will always balance out. So you may take a job where you’re vastly underpaid, and then turn around and take a well-paying gig for zero effort. Also some opportunities may not pay well but are great for your career. You can’t put a price tag on a widely-read platform that will get your name out, or on the chance to write your dream story."
And of course, every freelancers' struggle: Tell explains how to effectively pitch,
"You just do. And it’s the rule of numbers – the more you pitch, the more you work. So pitch pitch pitch! I still pitch like crazy. 99 percent of my stories come from my head, which is actually very gratifying. So take a walk, scroll through your Instagram feed, go on vacation. Keep those antennas up and stay inspired. And use your own life as inspiration! I certainly do. Tweet at editors, Google their email addresses, hit them up on Linkedin. And don’t get disappointed when you hear No. I pitched The New York Times 10 story ideas before my first one was approved. And follow up. And do your research. Google whether or not the story has been covered elsewhere. Check out the kinds of stories your dream publication covers, and tailor your pitch accordingly."
Are you a freelance writer? What are you tricks of the trade?
You can read the original, full version of this piece here on Hey Mama.