Conscious Strategies LLC

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  • How to Spot a Recruiter Scam

    Has a “recruiter scammed you”? The first time it happened to me, it took me a few shakes of the head to realize and spot the recruiter scam in the nick of time.

    Luckily, I wisened up after the first event, and I’m here to share my tips for spotting a recruiter scam before you send your bank information to their nonexistent HR department.

    Now, not all recruiters are robots enlisted to scam you. But in this tight job market, we may unwittingly fall prey to scammers scouting the internet for information they can use against us.

    Six red flags that may indicate a recruiter scam

    #1 The initial exchange comes out of the blue

    Hello, you’ve won the lottery. All you have to do is…Just kidding. Whenever I get an email from a company I can’t remember applying to (and I keep a file to double-check my memory), I think, “Hmm, maybe this is a recruiter scam.”

    Also, the bot will often say “hi, hello, or dear” without using your full name. See how the initial email was so impersonal? The person said “Hi”, not “Hi Rana”.

    #2 And the line about scheduling the interview?

    Even if you can bypass that with curiosity, you could wonder why I must email them back to access the calendar. Hmm. It seems unprofessional. What do you think? I think it is a fishing expedition to see if you reply. And you may, so read on.

    #3 Not super professional on any level

    It IS curious that I have to email them when I can’t even remember who the firm is. Doubt lurks in my mind like a mugger following you to your car. If you’re in doubt, it may mean you have had way more professional teams and HR people reach out to you. You’re comparing those experiences with the current sketchy one, thinking “not very professional, would I enjoy working for that company in the first place?”

    #4 Suspicious format, font, and pre-job briefing

    I’ve been in marketing for over 10 years and have never heard of a pre-job briefing. Interview preparation materials – yes. Also, the font looked different. And why did Lily not have a signature? Even contractors typically take on a domain signature. So many little weird things in a normally civilized email with a consistent font and format.

    #5 Verify before trust

    Assuming you aren’t convinced. Or, you researched the company and await their email team to respond to your inquiry. Because yes, you do have to reach out by phone, over LinkedIn, or through the company’s contact portal to see if this is a legitimate interview offer.

    On the last PDF page of the so-called Job Briefing Guide, there is a big red flag If you run into difficulties setting up Teams. You wouldn’t omit the period and capitalize the “I”. This kind of typo should alert you. Also, HR people send Teams links from verified platforms. You shouldn’t be typing in a person’s name. See #6 for more.

    #6 Over the edge red flag

    Hiring managers would take the domain name of the company they work for. I’d like to point out how this scammer had an Outlook account. And what does that code mean?

    I suspected this was a scam because it is the second of its kind to land in my inbox. I’ve received them by phone, but those are different. This type sends collateral to lure you in and when you’re looking for a job you might be tempted to follow every lead.

    Don’t be weak, the right opportunity will present itself. Follow up, check it out, believe in you. Otherwise, you are part of a growing number of already having a hard time earning a living folks who’ve just given out some very private information. Established companies with legit HR departments send you correspondence through a portal, typically.

    Here’s what AI has to say about recruiter scams:

    Yes, recruiter scams are happening and are on the rise. Scammers increasingly target job seekers online, often impersonating legitimate recruiters or companies to gain personal or financial information. These scams can take various forms, including fake job offers, requests for upfront payments, and phishing attempts. 

  • How to make a yoga space at home 

    Setting up a yoga space that meets your needs

    I once studied with a teacher from India who said “every room can be a yoga room”. What he meant was that space is a luxury so don’t let not having a separate room for yoga keep you from practicing. Making room for yoga practice can help you cultivate peace and keep your body limber.

    Making a yoga space at home, it’s ideal to be further away from smells, sounds, and people. But that might be a luxury for you so do your best to simply have room for a yoga mat. You can round up a few blankets and cushions or invest in yoga props.

    Using yoga props to create room for your yoga

    Here are a few items that keep your practice safe and your postures purposeful. The links go to my Amazon store and I’m only linking brands I use. If you can only invest in one item, make it as good quality yoga mat as possible.

    Yoga mat 

    A yoga mat is the most important yoga prop to buy. It transforms a floor to a practice space by ensuring you don’t slide around. Go to town with any color or style you like but make sure to buy good quality. It’s called a sticky mat after all and skimping can mean slipping and that can injure you. Look for words such as “durable”, and “non-slip grip” and make sure to check customer reviews. The tread on a yoga mat can wear out also, so consider that when you make a purchase. 

    I have a few Manduka mats that are pricey but trustworthy and durable too. The tall ones are also great for me because I can count on room to stretch out. 

    Manduka EKO Yoga Mat

    Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

    If you take your yoga mat with you to a studio, you can also look for “lite”, “light-weight”, “travel”, or “easy-to-carry” mats which may be thinner (1.5 to 4mm)  than the regular ones. 

    Manduka Pro Lite Yoga Mat

    Manduka X Yoga Mat – Easy to Carry

    Manduka EKO Lite Yoga Mat

    Manduka EKO Superlite Yoga Mat

    Pro tip: Clean your yoga mat frequently. You can DIY a yoga mat cleaner using a spray bottle filled with water, tea tree oil and rubbing alcohol. Or, splurge on a cleaner and be done with it.

    Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh

    Yoga strap

    When I travel, I always bring a yoga strap (yoga belt). Look for a D-ring or square buckle as opposed to the cinch style which can sometimes feel less adjustable. There are 6, 8, and 10 foot straps. I am tall and like the longer variations which are also more versatile than a too-short strap. Cotton is gentler than cord.

    Hugger Mugger D-Ring Cotton Yoga Strap

    Manduka Unfold Yoga Strap

    Blankets

    While you can use towels and household items, yoga blankets and especially the ones with fringed ends are very commonly used props. You can fold them to sit on, roll them to lie down on, and stack them up to simulate a bolster. At least one but some asanas (postures) use 2, 3, 4 etc. I’m tall for example, and sit on at least 3, while also using one under my ankles. Cotton Mexican ones are pretty common but wool is also pretty sturdy.

    Benevolence LA Authentic Hand Woven Mexican Blankets

    Manduka Yoga Wool Blanket

    Halfmoon Cotton Yoga Blanket

    Yoga blocks

    Many types of yoga blocks exist. Some are thin, some are thick and you’ll also find them made of various products. Foam blocks are lightweight. Cork and wood are heavier and often more sturdy.  I only trust the heavier versions and prefer cork and foam to wood based on years of using them. I recommend you buy 2 of one type – I actually own 6 cork and 2 thick foam. Since the cork ones chip, I may eventually get some blocks made of wood. Look for “non-slip” and at 9”Wide.

    Manduka Yoga Cork Block

    Manduka Recycled Foam 

    Hatha Yoga Walnut Wood Yoga Block 

    Gaiam Yoga Blocks 

    Bolsters and cushions

    Yoga bolsters and meditation cushions are wonderful additions to any yoga prop collection. You can use them for many restorative poses and for sitting quietly. My preference is oblong / rectangular and I own two (now) the same as well as several cushions. If you have a blanket stack, you can get one to start. It’s ideal to get one with washable covers.

    Manduka Yoga Rectangle Bolster Pillow 

    Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster

    Hugger Mugger Zafu Meditation Cushion

    Gaiam Yoga Bolster Rectangular

    Gaiam Zafu Yoga Cushion

    Yoga chair

    You can do a whole practice using a yoga chair or pull it out to make certain postures more accessible. Metal folding yoga chairs are typically backless and I often fold up a very thin yoga mat on top which adds a layer of softness. You can build up the height with bolsters or blankets for some restorative posture variations. Chairs often make it easier to hold postures with the right alignment for your body so I love using them. Sub a folding chair but it’s not always the same.

    Iyengar Yoga Chair – Backless 

    Metal Yoga Chair

    Backless Yoga Chair Prop

    Yoga Auxiliary Chair With Lumbar Back Support

    After you’ve set up your yoga space

    You can keep your yoga props visible or in a closet. This part is up to you. I like the ritual of taking my mat out and putting it away.

    Even a short breathing practice can turn a frown upside down. Learn natural breathing easily on track 5 of the Yoga Mind CD. Or, contact me to schedule a class on Zoom.

    Thank you for shopping. I do receive a small commission on each sale.

  • Defining your personal style: The foundation of your brand image

    Your personal style is a basic building block of your brand image. It reflects your personality, values, and the message you want to convey to your audience. Defining your personal style involves getting to know what makes you feel your most confident and put together. And, deciding how you want to be perceived by others. 

    Is your personal style on social media boosting or busting your brand’s vibe?

    Remember that as a small business owner, you are the face of your brand – whatever that is. You may be a pilates teacher who at 60 is starting to teach. Or, a person who has an idea and wants to bring that to market. The people you want to reach (your audience) sees you and makes a decision if they want to buy, learn, or subscribe. 

    Rana Waxman dressed in a pink blazer and white top sits at her desk accompanied by her cute brown dog.
    Personal style and brand style should convey authenticity and consistency.

    CASE STUDY “A”

    “A” is a personal coach. She frequently posts selfies and is always in different attire. In one photo, A called out a stylist friend thanking them for the Valentino dress she was posing in. It was a lovely dress and A looked uber gorgeous. There are some selfies and photos of A in lovely camisoles and dresses which I feel detract from a professional vibe. Others show her reading, meditating, and smelling flowers. 

    Since A is all over social media, a potential client might assume that A is a wealthy coach with high rates, and plenty of free time. The pretty selfies are more suitable for a private account because coaches aren’t there to sell their beauty. Lastly, talking to A you find she’s very professional, hardworking, experienced, and has affordable rates. 

    Conclusion: It’s possible to enhance your value proposition with personal style and the opposite is also true. [Your value prop is the “why” a customer should believe you, buy your product, or service.] And by the way, you don’t have to follow trends, have a ton of money, be a certain age or body type.

    Check out these examples to see what I mean.

    https://www.instagram.com/sivanskitchen/ (dresses in T shirts, always looks organized and clean to showcase her recipes which makes you want to try them).

    https://www.instagram.com/bakedbymelissa always wears tie dye and says “I love you, bye” – it conveys a down to earth vibe and is relatable.

    Both https://www.instagram.com/nililotan/ (her brand – unapologetically luxurious and exclusive – be like me) and https://www.instagram.com/de_rococo/ (let’s be stylish gals together) do a great job using their platforms to showcase their style-brand.

    5 questions to ask yourself to enhance your brand through style 

    Used wisely, social media can help you build your community and engage with others. It can also be a tool for sales, subscriptions, and better organic website traffic.

    Here are 5 questions to ask yourself to determine if your personal style (visible on social) is enhancing or undermining your brand image.

    1. Calling out someone you admire is great. Does it tie into your brand (services)?
    2. Mentioning brand names is fine. Do you do that consistently and for a specific reason?
    3. Showing your facets can work. Will your audience think you are a show off?
    4. People form opinions by what they see and hear. Are you sending the “right message”.
    5. Yes to dressing for success. But is the dress the message? It could be.

    Bottom line – a strategy helps.

    Simple ways to define your personal style so it aligns with your brand image

    Aliza Licht – On Brand

    “you have to tell your story in the way you want it reported”

    Defining your personal style is an ongoing process. It may evolve over time as you grow and start self-reflecting. Embrace this evolution and use it as an opportunity to refine and elevate your brand image. 

    Do some research. Check out different fashion sources for inspiration. Scan social media, check out magazines and fashion influencers. See what other brand owners in your industry wear. It’s just an idea gathering time. We can always look at what you have and make outfits, or identify capsule wardrobe items that will sustain you for awhile.

    Tip: Take your measurements so you can learn how to dress for your body shape (and buy the right size). Sloppy appearance could convey a sloppy work style and you don’t want that. Goes for any industry from personal trainer to CEO.

    Make time for a closet clean out. Find the items that make you feel confident and creative. Make piles with clothes that bring you down or don’t fit. Notice if there are colors, silhouettes, textures or types of clothes that don’t feel right at this time. For instance, I used to love mauve but when I wear it I think it makes me look tired. 

    Tip: Note any emotions that come up as you do this exercise. These pants make me feel___ or gee, I always fidget with the buttons when I wear that top. Discomfort shows up like a chocolate ice cream stain on white pants (speaking from experience here).

    Think about the message you want to communicate. I am a purpose-driven professional so I often wear clothes by brands that give back. I’ll often buy from smaller companies, led by individuals who value their clients – as I do. While creative, I’m also practical and prefer classics – especially good quality items that are on sale. Many of my friends like quantity but I find quality gives me more satisfaction. 

    Tip: Write down words that describe your personality, values, and brand story. 

    CASE STUDY “B”

    On Instagram, I follow “B”, a female founder who posts dressed in sweatshirts. She’s a mentor and speaker too but doesn’t wear her hoodies to do that. She gives off an approachable, hardworking, vibe. When B posts pictures of her speaking engagements, she’s wearing jeans and a blazer or some type of office casual outfit. She comes across as a busy professional/mom/entrepreneur who gets her look together when it’s necessary and is otherwise dressed like a friend who is as laid back as anyone once work is done. She is very consistent and does a good job at the formula: personal style = brand style. If you posted in sweatshirts, what message would it send?

    Conclusion: It isn’t about following fashion trends, it’s about messaging. Steve https://www.instagram.com/packleaderdogs/ nails it – always in his t-shirt and always talks about dog psychology. You remember him. The only thing I would tell him is – instead of using Instagram as a blog which doesn’t help people find your website and book you – write a blog and share your blog on social media so you get more traction.

    Next steps – authenticity and consistency

    Your personal style is a powerful tool. It’s a reflection of your unique identity and a direct channel to your audience. Let your authentic self shine through!

    Need help unlocking your personal style? I specialize in mindfulness and stress reduction techniques that can guide you towards a genuine expression of yourself. When you dress appropriately and from that authentic self, you can build a consistent brand image – and that builds trust. Stay tuned for more about consistency and thanks for reading. You can also download my free E-book to get started.

    Defining your personal style to elevate your brand image (1)Download

  • Juicers: A study in finding the best, top, or cheapest.

    Follow my story about researching juicers. See how I used the research to cut down the noise of “finding the best”, top, or cheapest juicer. Learn how I made my decision to choose the right juicer for my life.

    Researching based on the query: “what are the best juicers”

    Surprised to find so many surveys about the best juicers of 2024. Here are several of the higher ranking publications as of June 2, 2024. Read what juicers they gave highest marks to and why.

    Food and Wine

    The 8 Best Cold Press Juicers of 2024, Tested & Reviewed. Ok, Food and Wine chose a top juicer in unique categories and called it their “top picks.” What I liked about their review was the run through of juicer categories:

    • Citrus
    • Centrifugal
    • Coldpress

    Knowledge is power: Identify what type of juicer you’re looking for. Then, understand what testing criteria they used to pick. Which brands made the cut? Omega, Hurom, Ninja, Nama J1…

    Food Network

    5 Best Juicers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed. Food Network didn’t review as many juicers as Food and Wine. What I liked was their article has a longer section on how they tested. The lens felt practical vs. kitchen space focused. Which brands made the cut? Nutribullet, Hamilton Beach, Omega and 3 Brevilles.

    Epicurious

    The 3 Best Juicers, Tested and Reviewed (2024). Third on the list is Epicurious who found 3 best juicers after testing 18. What I liked is they did a full review of each juicer which included what type it is, specs, ease of cleaning, etc. The downside was it read a bit scattered (albeit conscientious) for me. Which brands made the cut? Nama J2, Ninja, and Breville.

    CNET

    The 3 Best Juicers of 2024, Tested by CNET Editors. Who made the cut? Hamilton Beach, Breville, and Oster. I like that the article cuts to the chase at the top of the page – their top 3 juicers are linked there. The downside is I’m too afraid to scroll and hit one of their advertisements by mistake. That is, unfortunately, a great way to pick up malicious code.

    Good Housekeeping

    7 Best Juicers, Tested & Reviewed by Experts. I fast forwarded over Amazon’s listing to this one from Good Housekeeping. Who made the cut? Breville, Hamilton Beach, Breville, Nutribullet. What I like is that the number 7 draws me more than 3, 5, 8, or 10. They get to their evaluation criteria later. Similar to Food and Wine, the article provides some information about what type of juicers they tested. Centrifugal and masticating. Masticating is another term for ‘coldpress’.

    Buyer’s Guide

    Best Juicers 2024. This site was unfamiliar to me so I checked it out. Who made the cut? Amumu, Breville, and Ninja. I want to say something positive up front but I could not find the brand, Amumu. That discredits them for me. Maybe the side articles are better.

    6 review sites and which one is the best juicer for 2024?

    Interesting exercise! After reading the articles, I narrowed it down to a short list of some of the leading juicer performers from the common pool. Defined my budget. Thought about how easy to clean the model is. And which ones took whole, unpeeled fruit.

    My number one choice which was a masticating juicer was out of my budget. The runner up is a cold press juicer that made most of these lists for best in something. So I am feeling eager to try it. As the articles point out, making your own juice is cost effective and fresh. Plus, you know if the fruits and vegetables were first washed. That is really important to me. I wash produce in vinegar water before storing and eating.

    The best juicer for me (today)

    I’m not trying to sell anything here so I am not revealing which juicer I bought. And to that point, it really shouldn’t matter what I chose. The lesson is to read reviews and learn

    • What type of product you need.
    • The amount of money you are willing to spend.
    • About any flaws products have (like noisy motors, or a part that breaks).
    • Whether the brand has a reputation of good customer care.
    • What testing criteria matter to you.
    • How much space (in this case a juicer) will take on the counter.

    Which juicer would you choose? Are you a purist celery juicer? An orange juicer? Or a pink lady apple-ginger-lemon kind of juicer?

    Read another article I wrote called Small Kitchens: The New Kitchen on the Block. And let me know if you need help writing well researched articles. Get in touch.

  • Reading recommendations

    Book 1: On Brand, Aliza Licht.

    About branding, image, style, and basic good business practices.

    I like to keep learning and am currently reading On Brand by Aliza Licht. She shares her insights about coming across with a consistent and clear brand voice. It inspired me to clean up my website and LinkedIn profile ASAP, if just to keep it fresh and cohesive. The only thing that is good stale is Challah. It makes great breadcrumbs and french toast.

    It’s always wise to refresh your content. Check in to see what is useful, outdated, or classically awesome.

    Book 2: Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking, by Michael Solomonov.

    About recipes, some from the restaurant Zahav located in Philadelphia.

    My husband, while not Jewish, enjoys Friday night dinner, Shabbat. Challah is one of the Ashkenazi Jewish traditions. Known for its braided shape, the bread has simple ingredients: eggs, white flower, water, yeast, sugar and salt. The word “challah” in Hebrew means ‘type of loaf or cake’ and one that is spacious or airy). Next time mine will be more airy, but it was still delicious – one of the recipes from Zahav cookbook that I’m constantly using.

    Book 3: The Source, by Dr. Tara Swart.

    About neuroscience and laws of attraction.

    The third book I am reading is The Source: The Secrets of the Universe, the Science of the Brain. It was recommended by a new friend who came into my life recently. The book was written by Dr. Tara Swart, and promises to have some interesting reflections. In the very first paragraph, Dr. Swart draws me in with,

    “Life-changing opportunities pass us by every day. “

    Book recommendations by Rana

    Book four: Bodies and Souls, by Isabel Vincent.

    About Jewish women forced into prostitution in the second half of the 19th century.

    My mother gave me this book in paperback and it is one I’m slowly getting through. It isn’t so much a slow read as tough subject: the tragic plight of three Jewish women forced into prostitution in the Americas. This is the first book by Isabel Vincent that I’m reading and it checks the box of “learning something new”. I’m certain a (true) story with words and phrases like “heart-wrenching sobs”, “white slavery”, and “pit of the stomach” will be memorable.

    Bye for now!

  • Support: A 360 Look

    Today’s lesson, borrowed from puppy class is all about support. What does the word conjure up for you and why? A wooden beam, a hug, someone who listens to you, helps with the laundry, lends you money, doesn’t judge – there are no wrong answers.

    The word support lends itself for many meanings. You could feel supported emotionally, physically, mentally, at work, rest, or play. In my humble view, support is a chameleon that changes color depending on the situation.

    How do you feel when supported? I feel validated and more relaxed in some way. Like sleeping in a comfy bed and being able to let go. When supported at work, I also feel creative and productive.

    Support 101

    My Chief Compassion Officer Shows Support

    Yesterday’s class was about setting aside a safe place for Koda where she knows to stay and chill. Dylan used a raised platform with treats, getting each dog to go up, stay up, and come when called. The biggest dog, Chase (a super cutie) was the most timid and was too afraid.

    Koda of course, acted like the Chief Compassion Officer (CCO) she is. She bogarted the lesson with Chase by hopping up and waiting for him. He became less afraid and started to go up on his own, sitting by her and naturally, getting lots of Koda kisses.

    Chief Compassion Officer reporting for duty.

    Her supportive move was a very sensitive one and it got me thinking. Support can be very selfless and powerful. It is also a skill that we can learn to master. Cheers as we learn together.

    Support sometimes means just being there…

    Need a little puppy love? Follow @Kodahazwax

  • Reflections on Disengaging

    Me and the Dood: Learning to leave it

    My main mini squeeze Koda teaches me a lot about disengaging. In yoga speak, we call it Pratyahara. That’s another way of describing an ability to turn inwards and away from distractions perceived by all our senses. Not by sleeping though, so don’t get excited that you’ve nailed the skill…

    (“withdrawal”)…the ability to “switch off” and produce a state of extreme inward-mindedness at will

    The Shambala Encyclopedia of Yoga – Georg Feuerstein, PH.D.

    If you’re having a hard time visualizing such Zen, you can think of it another way. A turtle pulling head and limbs in. A puppy napping under a tight space. It’s the type of concentration that takes some discipline because you’re inviting focus and quiet despite incoming stimulus. You may notice the various tugs at your awareness, but you remain steady.

    Yeah, I know. Sign me up.

    Anyway, today’s lesson unfolded as I watched Koda learn from her trainer, Dylan. We’re in puppy 3 classes and he was teaching the command “leave it”. She’s a rockstar pupil…

    Learning to Leave It

    When you tell your (city vs suburb) dog to leave it, he said, you’re speaking to a blanket emotion. The dog might want to chew on garbage in the street, a dead mouse, a discarded heroin needle, or just pull to meet another dog.

    Disengaging with distractions to live from a deeper place

    The leaving it analogy strikes me as an important lesson. I can only speak for myself, but I feel way less reactive and drawn into the soap opera of life when I can disengage. Leave it so speak. It makes me live from a deeper place. That said, it isn’t about checking out, rather touching base with a quiet and uncluttered (head) space. If you meditate, that’s the idea…

    Live from a deeper place

    Does Koda leave it? She does but not without unyielding practice. Me? I can leave it too, but not without unyielding practice. Need a little reward? Follow @KodaHazWax for some smiles and let us know how it goes.

  • The Art of the Thank You: Grati-dood

    Koda is teaching me a lot about gratitude and the art of the thank you. Even though she can’t speak human, her idea of saying thank you is usually to lick an eye, ear, hand or calf.

    There’s a sweetness to doing something that makes your puppy happy. It truly makes me feel good to receive her grateful affection. I know also when she growls at me that she’s pissed off, so trust me, the dood can communicate.

    Expressing gratitude

    Thank you For…

    I recently did two nice deeds for different humans who I barely know and did not receive a TY, thank you, thanks or #muchappreciated. This got me thinking about the words and why they matter to me.

    In my own upbringing, my mother always insisted on a thank you call and or thank you note. “I’m calling to say thank you for” or, “thanks so much for your thoughtful…”. The idea of thanking for a gift, gesture or good wish was intrinsic. Yet even the simplest words could express this. The lack of a thank you was bad manners and let’s just say, Mom did not go for this attitude at all.

    I don’t do kind deeds to get a thank you in return, don’t get me wrong. My operating system runs on friendliness and the hope of attracting positive, supportive energy and then, to pay it forward. Manners are also behaviors I’ve learned, and I know not everyone has this type of input.

    On paying forward, today I asked someone in Center City if she could pull up so I could park behind her. She did, and I thanked her so much.

    After my brief errand, I got the chance to say thanks again. We exchanged stories about men, big cars, small parking spaces and both smiled. I took this encounter as a reward. In my mind, this young lady did me a HUGE service and I wanted her to know. I also wanted the Universe to know that none of this went unnoticed.

    On exchanging smiles. A smile conveys lots of things, including gratitude. The effect of smiling on the body is a release of endorphins which counter act stress. The smile/thankyou combo is like a big yummy sandwich that is filling and has ingredients that drip down your cheek.

    A smile conveys gratitude and happiness

    How Gratitude Helps

    Moments like the ones I’m referring to don’t change anything per se. But they do add meaning to nurture my heart and soul. It’s the same kind of healing I get by giving the pup a belly rub and having her lick my face for five minutes afterword.

    These experiences help me manage stress as well. The gratitude behind a thank you in any form also nurtures my health and wellbeing. As a result, I’d go as far as saying that learning the art of the thank you invites joy. Try it for yourself and let us know.

    Need a dose of happy? Follow @KodaHazWax

     

     

  • Blogging Basics: lounge out loud

    Today I am lounging out loud and telling it straight from reality which is a staple of blogging. I thought I would write one with you today in case you are thinking of starting a blog or hiring me to manage your blog.

    What is a blog and how does it work?

    A good blog is conversational while also be either informative (well researched) or pure opinion. It should also convey who you are and be clear about what you’re selling. I’m not selling Koda but am a writer for hire. Koda is being my muse today, as you can tell by her classical lounge pose.

    Lounging out loud

    You may not know it, but the word blog is the child of “weblog”. The first weblogs were just that: web logs. Logs meaning you could use it the way you might a diary – only hardly private.

    You can use a blog for marketing purposes or to make money. Making money from a blog often means running Ads on it or directly linking to a product you sell. Today I’m using mine to teach and basically, lounge out loud which is basically, blogging with a purpose.

    Why Blogging is Important

    Blogging has at least 3 things going for it. The first is that it can be very engaging. You’ll have content to share on social media that people can interact with and give them a reason to visit your site.

    Second, you can update a blog on a regular basis. This helps keep a website fresh for SEO, and along with it, stronger. Each new blog allows you to curate linking experiences for the reader to keep their interest.

    Shaggy dog story
    Use your blog to express your voice but not to tell a shaggy dog story

    Third, a blog can help an audience learn about you or your business. You know now, for instance, that I enjoy lounging with my puppy. I can also tell you I typically blog on my laptop but prefer to write for clients from my desktop.

    How do I start writing a blog?

    If you decide to write your own blog, set up a platform with an easy interface. I use WordPress. I’ve written for clients who use other platforms such as SquareSpace.

    Once you have the platform up and running, strategize on what kinds of posts you want to share. I’ve narrowed down my categories over time to include work stuff (writing), puppy stuff (reflections) and local stuff (interactions).

    I hope this gives you a basic idea of how to start writing your own blog. If you find it overly time consuming, I can help you write a blog that speaks to your audience. Feel free to contact me.

  • Generation Covid-19 Puppy: Me and the Dood

    Koda is from the COVID-19 puppy generation. Like baby boomers and GEN X,Y,Z, there are definitely COVID-19 puppies. Whether it was the actual lockdown experience in Philadelphia or a chain of events during the pandemic that nurtured her purchase, I’m not entirely sure.

    Koda at 10 weeks

    During the pandemic, my sister-in-law got a beautiful dog named Maisy. Once we were able to travel (that was scary, even with a mask), we visited them to meet our furry niece. She licked Josepf’s ear (that’s the hubs) and melted our hearts.

    Maisy and Uncle Popsicle

    When we got home, J started to reminisce about his Labrador Retrievers and how he trained them. The thought of a big dog, their shedding, my allergies, and full-time career didn’t make me feel that warm and fuzz

    However, I started to send him cute puppy pics on Instagram thinking it would be a pathetic substitute. Well, no. He told me he felt hurt because he really, really, really, wants a dog. Hmm, would I have to compromise?

    At that point, with offices closed, J didn’t have the 1.5-hour times 2 commute. He was home more although we both worked longer hours. So, I thought, well ok, let me see.

    The Decision: Do I Get a Generation Covid-19 Puppy?

    It seemed like everyone on my row had a Generation Covid-29 puppy. But I am my own person, not a follower of trends. That said, my marriage was calling and I had to answer.

    I suggested a very small breed that wouldn’t set off my allergies. That had a gentle and loving DNA. And was smart slash trainable.

    J did not believe me, so he insisted I go on the ‘net and make him a list of 10 dogs I would want.  I said, ok, and we researched to narrow down potential breeds first.  In the end, I found a lot more than 10 possible puppies.

    Whittling the list down, we found an Amish breeder in Lancaster, PA.

    Sold

    It was important, J said, to meet the puppy first. So, we did. We drove down and met Koda, then what, 3 pounds? She was tied to the hip with their eldest daughter, which I thought a reflection on loyalty and a loving temperament.

    When she trounced over her litter mates, I knew she had a playful and independent side too.

    We brought Koda home mid-December 2020. I’ve heard a lot of people say they couldn’t socialize their dog during COVID, but that is not my case.

    I bought a sling that I could carry her around in and exposed her to the sounds of sirens, the L, construction. She sniffed other dogs, the air and snow, made friends of all sizes, ages and cultures. Oh, and she went to school.

    Happy graduation day!

    Life with pup: Us and the Dood

    We both find it very grounding and special to have dog kisses during the day. I’ll sometimes ask J if he needs a puppy break to alleviate some stress. He loves it, getting to laugh at various points in his corporate da

    Now 16.2 pounds, this rambunctious, adorable, and delicious little doggie sleeps under my desk at my feet. She reminds me there is softness in the midst of trying times and if you find that, you are very lucky.

    Hats off to the dog parents of Covid-19 puppies!

    Are you the dog mom or dad of a Generation Covid-19 Puppy? Follow us @KodaHazWax to keep in touch. We love to #livelocal and are happy to share dog tips or learn new tricks.

    Living local with the pup