I'm a little behind on my posts. It's been a busy couple of weeks. This one kind of made priority though....
As an avid music fan, I like nearly all kinds of music so when I had an opportunity to go see a new artist play, I was all about it. On Tuesday the 24th, I was given the opportunity to see Gord Bamford play. Gord is a Canadian artist that has been winning awards like crazy in his country and is doing concert dates here now too. So here are my thoughts on my night out....
First off, Gord is an incredible artist. He's incredibly talented, has a fantastic stage presence and makes the atmosphere at his shows very fun and inviting. Several of his songs became quick favorites for me. His band is incredible as well.....very talented and great stage presence. I was very, very impressed. I'd definitely go to another Gord Bamford show.
The venue, the PACE Center in Parker, was a great venue. It was clean, well laid out and the staff was very polite and helpful. I don't think there was a bad seat in the house and the seating provided ample leg space and drink holders. My favorite feature is that I was allowed to get a drink and bring it with me to enjoy the show. Parking was also great.
In closing....check out Gord Bamford's music on Youtube and see what you think. I'm a new fan and you might end up a fan too.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Ethics and such
I'm kind of passionate when it comes to business ethics. I have a tendency to be a bit over-zealous, to some extent. While I am all about the understanding that business is business, I do believe that there are certain approaches and standards that make a business TRULY about the consumer and not about being a jerk. I stand by the viewpoint that it is perfectly fine if you're a douchebag in your business but be honest about it. Be up front that you're a douchebag and it'll all even out. Sometimes that's what people want...no nonsense. Here are some of my business do's and don'ts (and no, I'm not an expert, just a mama with an opinion).
Loyalty I think this is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves. Don't jump ship to save 3% of what you're spending if a business has loyally been good to you. I'm sorry but you get what you pay for and if you jump ship to save $5, you're likely going to end up unhappy and guess what....that corporation you switched to isn't going to care about your happiness. They care about money. If someone you've religiously used for charity events for their services gives you a fair price on something, TAKE IT! Don't jump ship to get it free or lower priced elsewhere because guess what...you're going to end up unhappy and it's not gonna matter to the new person whether or not you're unhappy. There are a lot of people that want to suck at the corporate teat and the fact is that loyalty goes a long way both to the customers (giving them a fair price and a great service/product) and to the business person.
Profits...Don't be selfish Yes, you might be able to sell that outfit you made for $50 but unless you spent a ridiculous amount making it, you shouldn't be marking up the prices ridiculously just because you can. I hear it said constantly with photography that you need to figure in the time it takes to edit which is DEFINITELY true. With that being said, there are a whole lot of selfish photographers out there that just want to make more than it's worth. I'm a big believer when it comes to family photography that you are creating people's memories and they have the right to own them at reasonable prices. I can't STAND jerks that overcharge for products and services.
Honesty Don't make all your ideas into tiny print. Be up front. If you're building tables and someone orders a custom order oak table and another orders custom order cedar, there will obviously be a price difference in material. Don't put it in the tiny print that everyone pays the same amount just because. Don't tell them that they can have the table at a certain price but only if they buy four chairs at regular price. Don't mark up your prices just to have a sale so they LOOK lower! Honesty goes a long way and people know when they're being messed with.
and finally....
Recommendations As a consumer, the best thing you can do, particularly for small businesses and individuals, is to recommend them so that they can get more customers. True honest business people will see it as a reason to give you an even better deal next time. They will also see it as a way to keep their prices down. I'd much rather do 50 $75-sessions than 3 $150-sessions.
In short, this concept is simple, don't be a douche!
Loyalty I think this is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves. Don't jump ship to save 3% of what you're spending if a business has loyally been good to you. I'm sorry but you get what you pay for and if you jump ship to save $5, you're likely going to end up unhappy and guess what....that corporation you switched to isn't going to care about your happiness. They care about money. If someone you've religiously used for charity events for their services gives you a fair price on something, TAKE IT! Don't jump ship to get it free or lower priced elsewhere because guess what...you're going to end up unhappy and it's not gonna matter to the new person whether or not you're unhappy. There are a lot of people that want to suck at the corporate teat and the fact is that loyalty goes a long way both to the customers (giving them a fair price and a great service/product) and to the business person.
Profits...Don't be selfish Yes, you might be able to sell that outfit you made for $50 but unless you spent a ridiculous amount making it, you shouldn't be marking up the prices ridiculously just because you can. I hear it said constantly with photography that you need to figure in the time it takes to edit which is DEFINITELY true. With that being said, there are a whole lot of selfish photographers out there that just want to make more than it's worth. I'm a big believer when it comes to family photography that you are creating people's memories and they have the right to own them at reasonable prices. I can't STAND jerks that overcharge for products and services.
Honesty Don't make all your ideas into tiny print. Be up front. If you're building tables and someone orders a custom order oak table and another orders custom order cedar, there will obviously be a price difference in material. Don't put it in the tiny print that everyone pays the same amount just because. Don't tell them that they can have the table at a certain price but only if they buy four chairs at regular price. Don't mark up your prices just to have a sale so they LOOK lower! Honesty goes a long way and people know when they're being messed with.
and finally....
Recommendations As a consumer, the best thing you can do, particularly for small businesses and individuals, is to recommend them so that they can get more customers. True honest business people will see it as a reason to give you an even better deal next time. They will also see it as a way to keep their prices down. I'd much rather do 50 $75-sessions than 3 $150-sessions.
In short, this concept is simple, don't be a douche!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
What they DON'T tell you about pregnancy
Everyone LOVES to tell you all of the wonderful things about being pregnant. I was not one of those magically delighted, glowing women. I hated being pregnant. I hated it from beginning to end. I loved the baby from the minute I knew but I absolutely HATED being pregnant. Go ahead...judge me. Here are some of the crap pregnant women often have to deal with....
Hemorrhoids Yup, I said it. They pop up during pregnancy and they pop up during labor. You don't always get them but if you do...yeah, it's not pleasant. Apologies to the pregos that don't wanna hear it. It's a real possibility. Brace yourself.
"Oh my Gawd, you're HUGE!" As if you didn't know. Yes you're huge, you're pregnant. That's your job.
Eating for two isn't considered the norm anymore Sorry ladies. You don't get the free ride that women in the past have gotten. It's now highly publicized that you should increase your calorie count but not double it. My opinion? Eat like a pregnant woman and tell the doctor to shove it (with the exception being eating to an unhealthy level).
Every celebrity on the planet that is pregnant at the same time will make you feel like a blimp There is so much focus on "keeping fit" during pregnancy that pregnant women are under enormous pressure to stay a certain weight or keep up a certain routine.
You will throw up like a college freshman at his first kegger Not everyone gets morning sickness but I was sick for months upon months......all day long......well past the first trimester.
Your boobs will be fabulous! They're never better than when you're pregnant (unless you have a boob job done). They will be big and full and wonderful.----but they're gonna go away so enjoy them now.
Congratulations! You've become the home of a volcano in your throat Acid reflux is TERRIBLE when you're pregnant, especially in the last trimester when everything is getting squeezed. Ugh!
You'll cry at tissue commercials Yes ladies, even unemotional women get emotional, some more than others. I always say that IN GENERAL (not always) pregnancies with girls mean you're more emotional while pregnancy with boys makes you mean.
For most of your pregnancy, you'll feel like you pulled an all-nighter You'll be exhausted and I don't just mean a little sleepy. I mean you'll feel like you haven't slept in weeks.
Glucose tests = Gag fest That orange liquid they make you drink....gag! So gross (Ask if you can sub jelly beans instead. I hated the orange liquid and told them I'd refuse the test if they didn't let me sub something in....I subbed in jelly beans)
Everyone will tell you their labor story Every woman on the planet will feel a tie to you and want you know just how painful their labor was....because you aren't anxious enough.
People will regularly invade your personal space bubble Perfect strangers will touch your stomach and feel like it's their right. It's a fact. People don't care.
and finally.....
You WILL be ostracized for admitting that you're miserable, especially by those who have suffered losses I personally have had more than one miscarriage and I get the concept of why it cuts so deep to women who have fertility issues but be prepared...people will give you crap for admitting that you're miserable. My opinion? You are still a person and shouldn't worry so much about people's opinions...if you're tired or sick, say so.
While the outcome of pregnancy is fantastic, the pregnancy itself is not a blast (at least it wasn't for me). Enjoy the moments that you can (especially the second trimester) and remember it'll all be over soon. And PLEASE don't hate me when you're at the end of your pregnancy saying, "God, I just want her to come OUT already!?!" and I look a you and say, "She'll come when she's ready."
Hemorrhoids Yup, I said it. They pop up during pregnancy and they pop up during labor. You don't always get them but if you do...yeah, it's not pleasant. Apologies to the pregos that don't wanna hear it. It's a real possibility. Brace yourself.
"Oh my Gawd, you're HUGE!" As if you didn't know. Yes you're huge, you're pregnant. That's your job.
Eating for two isn't considered the norm anymore Sorry ladies. You don't get the free ride that women in the past have gotten. It's now highly publicized that you should increase your calorie count but not double it. My opinion? Eat like a pregnant woman and tell the doctor to shove it (with the exception being eating to an unhealthy level).
Every celebrity on the planet that is pregnant at the same time will make you feel like a blimp There is so much focus on "keeping fit" during pregnancy that pregnant women are under enormous pressure to stay a certain weight or keep up a certain routine.
You will throw up like a college freshman at his first kegger Not everyone gets morning sickness but I was sick for months upon months......all day long......well past the first trimester.
Your boobs will be fabulous! They're never better than when you're pregnant (unless you have a boob job done). They will be big and full and wonderful.----but they're gonna go away so enjoy them now.
Congratulations! You've become the home of a volcano in your throat Acid reflux is TERRIBLE when you're pregnant, especially in the last trimester when everything is getting squeezed. Ugh!
You'll cry at tissue commercials Yes ladies, even unemotional women get emotional, some more than others. I always say that IN GENERAL (not always) pregnancies with girls mean you're more emotional while pregnancy with boys makes you mean.
For most of your pregnancy, you'll feel like you pulled an all-nighter You'll be exhausted and I don't just mean a little sleepy. I mean you'll feel like you haven't slept in weeks.
Glucose tests = Gag fest That orange liquid they make you drink....gag! So gross (Ask if you can sub jelly beans instead. I hated the orange liquid and told them I'd refuse the test if they didn't let me sub something in....I subbed in jelly beans)
Everyone will tell you their labor story Every woman on the planet will feel a tie to you and want you know just how painful their labor was....because you aren't anxious enough.
People will regularly invade your personal space bubble Perfect strangers will touch your stomach and feel like it's their right. It's a fact. People don't care.
and finally.....
You WILL be ostracized for admitting that you're miserable, especially by those who have suffered losses I personally have had more than one miscarriage and I get the concept of why it cuts so deep to women who have fertility issues but be prepared...people will give you crap for admitting that you're miserable. My opinion? You are still a person and shouldn't worry so much about people's opinions...if you're tired or sick, say so.
While the outcome of pregnancy is fantastic, the pregnancy itself is not a blast (at least it wasn't for me). Enjoy the moments that you can (especially the second trimester) and remember it'll all be over soon. And PLEASE don't hate me when you're at the end of your pregnancy saying, "God, I just want her to come OUT already!?!" and I look a you and say, "She'll come when she's ready."
Monday, June 16, 2014
How People Behave
Forgive the gap in timing but I took the weekend off to celebrate Father's Day and to relax with the family; something that needed to get done.
Amongst other things, I'm pondering how big of a role different factors play in how a person behaves. I have always been a big believer that what you name your child (and whether or not they use a nickname or how the nickname is spelled) make a huge difference in how they behave. I have a tendency to believe that people live up to their names. I honestly believe this goes back to Biblical times. Think how much thought people put into names back then and how their names were factors in how they were treated and how they behaved. This theory is solely based on my personal experiences and I get a lot of eye rolls over it but it's true.
I also believe that environment affects how people behave. This seems to be an obvious factor, though I believe that some factors are bigger than others. Yes, whether or not they're raised by a single parent can be a factor but I honestly believe that the bigger part of that factor is how the single parent behaves. If the parent plays the victim and constantly gripes about their life, of course the child will adapt that same attitude. If the parent constantly rides them, of course they develop an attitude of perfectionism. Environment is certainly a big factor.
I believe that experiences affect how people behave. Again, this is a given.
I believe that when you are born affects how you behave. This applies in a couple of ways. First of all, birth order makes a BIG determination in some of your personality traits. Secondly, I honestly believe that your astrological sign is a big factor. I believe that MOST people live wholeheartedly up to their astrological signs whether they want to admit it or not. Some fight it because they see it negatively but the reality is that embracing it and learning to develop healthy ways to deal with your quirks is far more important than denying them.
Finally, I believe that circumstance affects how a person behaves. If they're in the midst of a trial, they are going to behave in a certain manner. If they're experiencing a highly successful period, it's another.
While none of this is truly proven scientific fact, it's definitely something to consider when dealing with people. Research these factors and you can find effective ways to deal with them.
Amongst other things, I'm pondering how big of a role different factors play in how a person behaves. I have always been a big believer that what you name your child (and whether or not they use a nickname or how the nickname is spelled) make a huge difference in how they behave. I have a tendency to believe that people live up to their names. I honestly believe this goes back to Biblical times. Think how much thought people put into names back then and how their names were factors in how they were treated and how they behaved. This theory is solely based on my personal experiences and I get a lot of eye rolls over it but it's true.
I also believe that environment affects how people behave. This seems to be an obvious factor, though I believe that some factors are bigger than others. Yes, whether or not they're raised by a single parent can be a factor but I honestly believe that the bigger part of that factor is how the single parent behaves. If the parent plays the victim and constantly gripes about their life, of course the child will adapt that same attitude. If the parent constantly rides them, of course they develop an attitude of perfectionism. Environment is certainly a big factor.
I believe that experiences affect how people behave. Again, this is a given.
I believe that when you are born affects how you behave. This applies in a couple of ways. First of all, birth order makes a BIG determination in some of your personality traits. Secondly, I honestly believe that your astrological sign is a big factor. I believe that MOST people live wholeheartedly up to their astrological signs whether they want to admit it or not. Some fight it because they see it negatively but the reality is that embracing it and learning to develop healthy ways to deal with your quirks is far more important than denying them.
Finally, I believe that circumstance affects how a person behaves. If they're in the midst of a trial, they are going to behave in a certain manner. If they're experiencing a highly successful period, it's another.
While none of this is truly proven scientific fact, it's definitely something to consider when dealing with people. Research these factors and you can find effective ways to deal with them.
Friday, June 13, 2014
It's Not Selfish To Have "Me" Time
I was recently given a whole lot of crap for saying that I take "me time" every morning. I actually get up early so I can shower and then sit and sip coffee and read the news uninterrupted. When someone wakes up, I will tell them that this is "Mommy time" so they can read quietly for a half hour. (Obviously this are exceptions to every rule). I was told that this is selfish and that "once you're a mom, you give that up."
Here is where my problem lies with this theory....
A well balanced life makes all of the difference. Yes, as a parent it is ALWAYS about your kids. Kids are the priority and making certain that they are cared for and nurtured IS the most important thing you can do for them. I scarcely ever buy things for myself. I scarcely ever take time from them...THEY are my priority and that's how it should be.
With that being said, children will benefit the most from a healthy parent. That means that the parent gets time to themselves to regroup. It means that if it's a two parent household (of whatever variety), the parents get time as a couple. There is nothing selfish or wrong about taking a half hour to yourself. There's nothing selfish or wrong about getting a babysitter and spending a few hours or a day to yourself. You are not a bad parent for being human. Human beings need time to recharge. Everyone does it differently but it needs to be done and it's all about balance.
Parents, take time to chill.
To the parents who are criticizing (seems to be more prevalent in moms than dads), take a look at your own life. Instead of focusing on the finger pointing at someone else, look at the other four pointing back at you. Instead of picking each other apart, let's find a way to support each other despite our differences in approach. The ultimate goal is the outcome of productive, happy people going out into our world! Let's focus on THAT!
Here is where my problem lies with this theory....
A well balanced life makes all of the difference. Yes, as a parent it is ALWAYS about your kids. Kids are the priority and making certain that they are cared for and nurtured IS the most important thing you can do for them. I scarcely ever buy things for myself. I scarcely ever take time from them...THEY are my priority and that's how it should be.
With that being said, children will benefit the most from a healthy parent. That means that the parent gets time to themselves to regroup. It means that if it's a two parent household (of whatever variety), the parents get time as a couple. There is nothing selfish or wrong about taking a half hour to yourself. There's nothing selfish or wrong about getting a babysitter and spending a few hours or a day to yourself. You are not a bad parent for being human. Human beings need time to recharge. Everyone does it differently but it needs to be done and it's all about balance.
Parents, take time to chill.
To the parents who are criticizing (seems to be more prevalent in moms than dads), take a look at your own life. Instead of focusing on the finger pointing at someone else, look at the other four pointing back at you. Instead of picking each other apart, let's find a way to support each other despite our differences in approach. The ultimate goal is the outcome of productive, happy people going out into our world! Let's focus on THAT!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Three Post Thursday....Post 3--The Value of Emergency Prep
I am, by no means, a conspiracy theorist but anyone that looks at the world today can tell that some big time craziness is going on. From natural disasters that seem to be more prevalent (whether they are or not) to governments gone crazy to school shootings and so on and so forth. I'm slowly but surely really getting an understanding of how important it is to prep for emergencies. You can't prep for everything but you can prepare yourself for some things. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing....
Secret Passwords with Your Kids There are a lot of crazy people out there who prey on small children. One of the best things you can do for your kids is be honest with them about the dangers that are out there. Encourage them to buddy up (never walk alone) and ALWAYS be aware of what's going on. Educate them on some of the ways that predators sneak up on them. Protect them from the dangers of the internet. Above and beyond that, though, you can do take a great measure to help them be safer: create a password. My kids and I have a password that no one else on the planet would ever even dream of. They know that if someone tells them that I'm in an emergency situation and need someone to get them, they are to ask for that password. In fact, they know that if anyone says I told them ANYTHING, they are to check for the password. If someone tries to tell them something and doesn't know it, they won't even give them the time of day. In fact, they've been told to run if anyone even attempts it!
Stock up on batteries, flashlights, candles, etc In the case of natural disaster, power outage, etc, it's always handy to have plenty of batteries, flashlights, candles, and so on already on hand. You don't want to be the person whose electricity goes out and you have nothing. If you can afford a generator, this is also beneficial.
Prep a backpack Have a bag that you can grab quickly in an emergency for your family. If you have to get out of your house quickly (fire, etc), it might make the difference if you have the ability to grab this bag.
Have some staples in your pantry Again, if there is a power outage or some reason you can't get out (snowstorm, flood, etc), it's beneficial to have some non-perishable food in your pantry to help you get by.
Have an emergency plan with your family. If there's a fire, does your family know where to meet up when they get out of the house. If there's an emergency while the kids are at school, do your spouse and children know where to meet you. If there's an emergency they're at a friend's house, do they know how to reach you or where to meet you. It's always beneficial to prepare as best as possible.
Run drills It sounds cheesy but one of the best things you can do for your kids is run drills with them. Let them pop out screens or climb down ladders to prep them for fires. Show them how to get down low to the ground and feel doors ahead of time. If there's another type of emergency, prep them on how to grab their shoes quickly and get out the door.
There are a million other emergency prep ideas. You can google or read up on the Red Cross website or other governmental agencies to get some ideas on how to best prepare your family for emergencies.
Secret Passwords with Your Kids There are a lot of crazy people out there who prey on small children. One of the best things you can do for your kids is be honest with them about the dangers that are out there. Encourage them to buddy up (never walk alone) and ALWAYS be aware of what's going on. Educate them on some of the ways that predators sneak up on them. Protect them from the dangers of the internet. Above and beyond that, though, you can do take a great measure to help them be safer: create a password. My kids and I have a password that no one else on the planet would ever even dream of. They know that if someone tells them that I'm in an emergency situation and need someone to get them, they are to ask for that password. In fact, they know that if anyone says I told them ANYTHING, they are to check for the password. If someone tries to tell them something and doesn't know it, they won't even give them the time of day. In fact, they've been told to run if anyone even attempts it!
Stock up on batteries, flashlights, candles, etc In the case of natural disaster, power outage, etc, it's always handy to have plenty of batteries, flashlights, candles, and so on already on hand. You don't want to be the person whose electricity goes out and you have nothing. If you can afford a generator, this is also beneficial.
Prep a backpack Have a bag that you can grab quickly in an emergency for your family. If you have to get out of your house quickly (fire, etc), it might make the difference if you have the ability to grab this bag.
Have some staples in your pantry Again, if there is a power outage or some reason you can't get out (snowstorm, flood, etc), it's beneficial to have some non-perishable food in your pantry to help you get by.
Have an emergency plan with your family. If there's a fire, does your family know where to meet up when they get out of the house. If there's an emergency while the kids are at school, do your spouse and children know where to meet you. If there's an emergency they're at a friend's house, do they know how to reach you or where to meet you. It's always beneficial to prepare as best as possible.
Run drills It sounds cheesy but one of the best things you can do for your kids is run drills with them. Let them pop out screens or climb down ladders to prep them for fires. Show them how to get down low to the ground and feel doors ahead of time. If there's another type of emergency, prep them on how to grab their shoes quickly and get out the door.
There are a million other emergency prep ideas. You can google or read up on the Red Cross website or other governmental agencies to get some ideas on how to best prepare your family for emergencies.
Review of Loreal Ever Pure Shampoo
I don't often do product reviews but I feel compelled to share this. I am normally a buyer of whatever brand of shampoo and conditioner I have a coupon for. I'm not a very high maintenance woman and, quite frankly, I think that most shampoos and conditioners are pretty well the same.
I went out on a limb and purchased Loreal Ever Pure Shampoo. It boasts preserving your color longer and my theory was that if my color lasted longer with this shampoo, I'd avoid having to color as often (yes, I color...I have pop-up gray hairs and I'm not quite ready to be gray yet). In essence, I attempted to experiment as to whether or not spending a little extra money on shampoo would save me money in the long run.
At around $6-7/bottle, this was no cheap shampoo. I can normally purchase Herbal Essence or Garnier Nutrisse with a coupon for $2-$2.50/bottle and the bottles are bigger (or seem that way, maybe). I purchased the bottle that seemed the best for my hair type and color, said a little prayer for spending so much on shampoo and took it home.
My experiment was based on a 8 week period. I didn't change my hair care habits in terms of how often I shampoo (every other day since my hair is exceptionally dry except at the scalp). I didn't change my habits of time of day I shower, how much sun my hair is exposed to, or exercise habits so as to keep the experiment as fair as possible to outside elements. I didn't use other brands of products and I had colored my hair right before starting these products.
At the end of 8 weeks, I can honestly say this: it's not worth the money, in my opinion. My hair color didn't last any longer or look any more vibrant. If anything, my hair was MORE frizzy and I didn't feel like the conditioner coated my hair well and protected it. On top of that, it smelled like Comet bathtub cleaner. Not a perk for someone who is obsessed with being smooth and smelling nice.
My advice? Purchase the cheaper shampoo and do natural hair masks with avocado (or whatever natural mask works for you) in between.
I went out on a limb and purchased Loreal Ever Pure Shampoo. It boasts preserving your color longer and my theory was that if my color lasted longer with this shampoo, I'd avoid having to color as often (yes, I color...I have pop-up gray hairs and I'm not quite ready to be gray yet). In essence, I attempted to experiment as to whether or not spending a little extra money on shampoo would save me money in the long run.
At around $6-7/bottle, this was no cheap shampoo. I can normally purchase Herbal Essence or Garnier Nutrisse with a coupon for $2-$2.50/bottle and the bottles are bigger (or seem that way, maybe). I purchased the bottle that seemed the best for my hair type and color, said a little prayer for spending so much on shampoo and took it home.
My experiment was based on a 8 week period. I didn't change my hair care habits in terms of how often I shampoo (every other day since my hair is exceptionally dry except at the scalp). I didn't change my habits of time of day I shower, how much sun my hair is exposed to, or exercise habits so as to keep the experiment as fair as possible to outside elements. I didn't use other brands of products and I had colored my hair right before starting these products.
At the end of 8 weeks, I can honestly say this: it's not worth the money, in my opinion. My hair color didn't last any longer or look any more vibrant. If anything, my hair was MORE frizzy and I didn't feel like the conditioner coated my hair well and protected it. On top of that, it smelled like Comet bathtub cleaner. Not a perk for someone who is obsessed with being smooth and smelling nice.
My advice? Purchase the cheaper shampoo and do natural hair masks with avocado (or whatever natural mask works for you) in between.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)