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 Check in to see what is useful, outdated, or classically awesome.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 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.
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.
Hi peeps, for those who know me, working from home is nothing new. I’ve been doing this full time for many years. That said, hubs is now also WFH (not to be confused with WTF ?) and he’s full time too.
All said, this means I need a new tactical plan. As he has a Philly boy booming voice and I require SILENCE.. Oh well. So I thought I would share some tips that I use to make my work from home life productive.
Tribute to Female Entrepreneurs Working from Home
Set boundaries
I love the news and staying current with family events. But constant updates when I’m trying to form a sentence, not so much. So I had to go into lock down mode. Seriously, I started to lock my office door because LOCK = Knock. Also, I used a sweet voice and said “I’d love to listen with my full attention…after my work day.”
If any of this is helpful, great. If not, the point is to find places where your working from home day is seeping energy. Then, create firm boundaries that respect your privacy, two foot bubble and work day.
Hydrate
For me the word ‘hydrate’ has many meanings. On one hand, I have to remind myself to drink water, as maybe you do. And on the other, I think of staying fluid. We are living in challenging times and I think, have to go with the flow a bit.
So instead of missing things, my mind is allowing every day to be unique. I’m also moisturizing if you truly want to know because my hands are getting dry from all the washing.
Dress for success
Ok, this is one you might fight me on and if so, let’s agree to disagree. My preference is to shower, get dressed and yes, put on lipstick and greet the work day. I don’t necessarily dress up but clothes are clean and I never thought of working from home as an excuse to stay in pjs.
Hubs has teased me on this point and thinks its ridiculoso when he sees me in a silk blouse. Listen, right now the dry cleaners is closed so I’m in washables, but I feel better and focused when I dress for the day. That always means being comfortable and putting an effort into staying professional. Your call on how to do this in your world.
Mission control
I just got a second monitor and good ear phones and it has made a lot of difference. Don’t know why I didn’t do this before, but now with new contracts, seems like a smart plan.
You don’t have to go full tech all the way as maybe offices will be back open soon. Maybe not.. My point is that in choosing to make a real home office, I’ve made the space into one. Maybe there is something you can do to create a productive work environment too.
Add zen
I don’t usually light a candle during the day, but I was jonesing for some aromatherapy. Lit my lavender candle and it actually made me feel more creative. Most likely I had that on the “it’s not for the work day” list.
In fact, working from home can be very stressful. Some days I forget to eat, or even stand up for hours. Not good. I think taking a moment to breathe, walk, and add some zen is a side benefit of being at home, safe. So stay calm with your own tricks and work on.
This was a weekend of walking in Philly. We went to Wissahickon and Manyunk.
They remind me of my old neighborhood in Montreal. Living in an urban part of Philadelphia now, I felt like I was in the countryside. A lovely treat. Walking always connects and attunes me to a happy place. So, it is no surprise I miss my walks in Montreal.
But as you may notice I have a philosophy of living local. And, this means exploring options for joy in my community.
We did not head out planning a photo op of fall foliage. But this year FYI the foliage is noticeably absent.
The trees, it seems, have weathered such shifts in temperature. It looks as if this made the leaves fall off rather than change color. But still majestic, Mother N radiates her transcendent nonverbal beauty. Says Waldo Emerson, “Nature is a discipline of the understanding in intellectual truth.” For me, walking is a a great way to rebalance and get in touch with my creativity. I encourage you to find some peace today wherever your #livelocal is.
In Montreal we kiss on both cheeks and say bonjour-hi. In Philly everyone says “I’ve got a guy” or “I’ve got a girl”, “my guy over at…”
I think pretty much everyone has a person they go to for something. It’s another neighborhood-centric flavor of Philly.
It Montréal I had that too but was more apt to call them by name or description (hairdresser, butcher etc).
I like when I frequent a place to establish a respectful relationship. Especially if I meet someone honest, service minded. This motivates loyalty. Loyalty is great for brand building. It’s also a really desirable quality in a friend.
One day I got a package from the CEO of Rag and Bone. He sent me a box of their perfumes. I spray them in the air and let the smell cascade on me. Heavenly in most cases.
At any rate, the next time I passed the store, I went into see my guy Scot. I saw his fingerprints on the gift. True enough the sales staff was asked to submit their favorite client and Scot chose me.
I asked why and he said he likes when I come in. I sometimes go in to say hi, and not always to shop, just look and feel (the clothes).We have a brief hug and catch up, then get to business.
But I am loyal to him and all the sales staff know it. It’s a trusted interaction which is a good kind to have on all levels – personal and professional. Yes, I sometimes hear about upcoming sales too. Win win.
If you want to live local you try to find interesting things to do without necessarily spending a lot. Walking is one simple pleasure. I wanted to forest bathe and on a budget we planned to go to Wissahickon.
Instead we stretched our legs with a morning walk in Manayunk. Hubs grew up in Roxborough but hadn’t been to the Towpath in awhile. Reminds me a bit of the Lachine Canal in Montreal. Has some lovely views and easy to walk on though not the widest trail I’ve been on.
Saw 7 turtles which was a first for both of us. On way home we got some hugs in with hubs’ family and picked out a cafe we want to check out next time.
Hit the spot in terms of getting away and living local. Enjoy
Friday morning AKA trash day is probably not the day to take a morning walk through Fishtown, but I do it anyway.
If you’re a walker – I am – there’s definitely an obstacle course feeling going on. We ended up going towards Sugar House Casino. The Penn Treaty Park area is a well kept secret.
Not anymore ha ha. Oh well.
You get a view of the Ben Franklin Bridge and if you pretend you aren’t facing Camden and just look at the sun dazzled water and ducks it transports.
On the return home you get a clear as day view of the Philadelphia skyline. That’s the picture up above.
The walk back also includes a coffee with hubs and today we hit Frankford ave. Stay tuned for the deets and live local
I scored a 50% off Seedy Grains (by Lost Bread Co.) at Riverwards today. They also had these jumbo blackberries. After unpacking the ingredients I did some work and forgot to eat breakfast. But somewhere around 11 AM a wave of inspiration hit me. Here it is. Simple stuff – bread, organic almond butter and homemade blackberry jam.
Homemade Blackberry Jam #Livelocal
I drizzled a little honey on top to take away from the sourness of the berries. Perfect and satisfying. It got me thinking how overlooked simplicity can be. Yet there’s an appeal that something is so accessible isn’t there? It’s good to be able to source things and put them together in a meaningful way. I think that is why I love to write.
It’s the season when I do what I call plant hopping. This is where I visit as many local shops and plant outlets as possible. I’ve never had an outdoor patch of green before, so I usually use my green thumb indoors. As a result of being a first time home owner, imagine my excitement at trying my hand as a landscape artist (#not). I’m not sure I would call myself a plant whisperer, but I do enjoy communicating with mine. I feel they are able to tell you something to cue you on how they like where they are.One of My Favorite Walks in Montreal
Plant Whispering
This can be in the lilt of an upturned leaf. Or the budding of new branches. A blossoming. I’m perfectly fine in this pot even though I’m overcrowded (my jade). The sun is way too strong, you’re killing me – I’m brown not green already. Things like that.
Vrksa means a tree. In this posture, the whole body extends upwards like a tree.YOGA A GEM FOR WOMEN – Geeta Iyengar
I’m curious to spot these things. I think the deeper meaning and sensitivity is refreshing. The world is getting hard and harsh. Or maybe that’s because I’ve overheard too many El conversations.They really like the east-facing window in Spring and Summer Anyway, I think plants help me create a feeling of sanctuary. Haven is so important, however you find it. Imagine if every single person on the planet tapped into the energy of nurturing. All at once.One of my favorite walks in Philly- Schuykill River Trail Dogwood Spotting At any rate, when I left my plants in Montreal to come to the states, it was a challenging good-bye. Since moving to the U.S, I’ve kept a few growing but noticed that my NJ plants didn’t transfer well to Philly. I guess they missed the certain kind of light.
But Philly is filled with plant stores so I’ve made plant hopping a ritual. It’s that haven thing again. I think they help to bring me home. So, if that sounds like you, I’ve tried out several stores here. This is my take on them, and I am not getting paid for this review.
A few options for plant-s- hopping
First, I want to give an honorable mention to Trader Joes (please open one up in Fishtown/NoLibs). I transplanted a $4.99 mini rose and it is growing like I never imagined. Plus, you’ll often get a good pot out of it even if the plant dies which does happen.
Definitely a plant boutique. There’s a leather couch, you just want to sit on. Friendly staff and if you buy a pot, they’ll earth you plant in it. But, not cheap. I like their idea of a rewards card but they should reward you for each item. In my opinion.meet Clusia from Stump, she’s got zazzz
First time visit here this year. It is hard to park but staff is friendly and helpful. For instance, I got good advice about which earth mix to use. Bit too pricy for pots but nice for a house plant on the smaller side. Not cheap. Said earth mote cost effective at Loews. I asked about their green wall installation – it is $$$$ but hey, there’s always the power ball.
Not a boutique, more like a plant supermarket. They definitely have garden supplies, parking, soil and selection. Plus, you can drive there, load a basket and there’s no extra fuss. Meaning they aren’t trying to be cool, trendy or local. Good selection of jade plants, hanging plants, etc. etc.Live from Loews Garden CenterRittenhouse Square
This is definitely an outing for Saturday morning. Lively and crowded. You get to soak up the vibe in Rittenhouse Square, including the Dogwoods. A bit sales oriented so I don’t ask for advice, no potting service, and not cheap. But, you come away having enjoyed yourself and you can definitely score some great finds to re-pot yourself.
This place is a maze and I keep wishing Cafe La Maude took reservations so I could get to both in one visit. But parking is a challenge. Some of my plants are doing well, others no. They seem more at the cuttings stage as opposed to brought in from the greenhouse (Stump). They did pot my plants for me since I bought the container. I like going and also wish I could afford their great knick knacks but no.My money tree and friendGreensgrow
If you live in Fishtown or Northern Liberties, this place is worth going to. There’s another location in West Philly but I found it too out of the way. We go here for some summer plants and a few garden things because I believe in supporting local businesses. I’m one too.
I am reminded of this because I taught my first restorative yoga class in Philadelphia. It’s a subbing role as I take care of Jodi’s students at Practice Yoga – like I was their aunt.
Yoga and the Art of Business
Neither yoga nor writing is new for me. Memorabilia suggests I wrote (illustrated early) as a youngster. This morphed into other creative writing projects. Back when hand written essays were a thing. Also, because I always wrote in a journal, getting thoughts on a page was – if not easy – then comfortable.
I became a professional writer during this journey. It’s a lot like teaching – you have to convey a message to your student in a way s/he will understand it. Sounds like “marketing to a target audience” to me.
Using Yogic Principles in Business
Many equate yoga with its physical aspect. Twist no shout. But it is actually a philosophical system with broader connotations. Let’s take a look.
Community (sangha)
Talking to a millennial the other day about community. She says today, community is inconvenient. Relationships take time and consistency and people are too busy for it. Hmm.
How do you build community?
“the sangha of, or community, of yoga teachers and students that forms around studios and and other places people practice, provides the kind of social support which scientific evidence suggests benefits health.”[1]
I argue that social media needs to generate shares, not likes. To build that kind of support, you’ve got to actually have someone to track the account and engage. To create and support community. Yes, it takes effort, skill and money. Your community is valuable though. Try and expand it. Understand and help it.
Helpful sells
Friendliness (ahimsa)
Building a community takes a certain friendliness. Friendliness of course, keeps our hearts open. Kindness, friendliness, non-violence and thoughtful consideration of all things is a yogic concept. It is part of a behavior pattern (one of the 5 Yamas) called Ahimsa. In business, friendliness is the basis of customer care. Even Google is going all “helpful” on us if you don’t believe me. See above “was this page helpful?”
At least I do not spend money in stores where the staff is snobby or blows me off. As a business owner, I would never hire anyone to represent me that way either. What are your thoughts?
Drip Marketing – all about nurturing clients and community
See – “Emma noted that nurtured leads make 47% larger purchases”.
Teacher – pupil (learn)
Yoga has taught me to keep learning. To listen for positive guidance and teach what I know. When I started to teach yoga in 1997, I was a voracious reader of yoga books. Remember highlighters and all that paper!? In them, most teachers told their story and how it filtered into their practice.
The knowers who have seen the Truth will instruct you in wisdom.[2]
How do you listen to your students, audience, team?
In business we do the same – keep on trend, read and study. Yet to do this well, it helps to know (and listen to) your audience. What are they asking? How can you answer the questions while staying authentic?
As a professional writer (yoga therapist), I like to know who that audience (student) is so that I can structure the content to reach them. Much like how I would teach a private yoga therapy session. Are you in tune with your audience? Are you limiting that audience for a reason? Does your content convert? Mine does (I am told).
Sattya – Truthfulness
As a writer, I have two distinct boundaries. One to stay clear of writing untruths. I will research and inquire before throwing something ‘out there’.
The other is I will not write someone’s term paper, thesis or dissertation. It feels deceptive. Yes, there are sites which offer this service.
As a teacher, I only teach what I have experienced. For this reason, I have tried to learn from excellent mentors. And, to extract the lesson from teachers I do not agree with. We can only ever have our own voice, even when we are not re-inventing the wheel. Don’t copy what you don’t understand.
I like what the character Jackson Maine said in A Star is Born (2018). “Just tell them what you want to say.” Be truthful in your message. Having integrity is preferable too but let’s leave that one aside. Use an authentic voice. Strive for this in business to build your community.
Jackson Maine: Look, talent comes everywhere, but having something to say and a way to say it so that people listen to it, that’s a whole other bag. And unless you get out and you try to do it, you’ll never know. That’s just the truth. And there’s one reason we’re supposed to be here is to say something so people want to hear. So you got to grab it, and you don’t apologize, and you don’t worry about why they’re listening, or how long they’re going to be listening for, you just tell them what you want to say. Don’t you understand what I’m trying to tell you? Ally: Yeah, I do. I don’t like it, but I understand it. Jackson Maine: Oh, I think you like it a little bit.[3]
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