 |
|
 |
With the Spring temperatures rising this weekend is the perfect time to head to Toronto’s Harbourfront and enjoy all it has to offer! Start off by taking a stroll along the waterfront path. You will pass by all the boats, parks, restaurant patios, and see these great deck bridges that were opened last year.
After you’ve built up an appetite from your walk go to one of the great restaurants for lunch. Il Fornello is a favourite, and they have a large patio right on the water with a great menu and decent wine list too. The Watermark pub is also a good choice for a pub lunch and draught beer. If you’re more in the mood for sushi head to Ichiban Sushi or Oyshi Sushi, both have great menus at reasonable prices.
The Habroufront Second Cup patio is the best in the city!
If dining out is not your thing perhaps a coffee is in order. The Second Cup at Harbourfront has the best patio in the whole city! It’s right on the water, and you can see all the boats coming and going and just sit staring down at the water. This patio gets full sun from approx 10am-3pm, so keep that in mind.
If you are more loyal to Starbucks there is one across the street. Although it doesn’t have the patio of the Second Cup it does have great people watching. If there are no spots on the patio you can also sit next door at the waterfall and watch everyone from there!
If you are a dog lover there is a great dog centre right by Ichiban Sushi and just off the crazy wave bridges. You can bring your pooch and play away for hours at a time!
For art lovers and culture mavens the Harbourfront Centre has cool art shows on a regular basis, and also live theatre which is really popular.
On the ferry to the Toronto Islands
Ready to see more? Consider taking the ferry over to the Islands – here’s a post on what you can do there.
However you chose to spend your Easter long weekend make sure you take some time out, relax and enjoy one of the great things your city has to offer. Get out there and start living!
|
|
|
The good folks over at Saks have selected four super trends for Spring 2010.
1. Florals and Stripes
2. Button Up Shirts
3. Denim
4. Spring Shorts
We love the idea of florals and stripes…but the rest is kind of meh. What do you think?
Are these Spring fashions a hit or miss?
|
|
|
This week has been a bit of a whirlwind of charitable events – it’s pretty tiring but so great to get out, meet new people, and help raise money for great causes!
make new connections at fundraising events
Last night, along with other great bloggers like Lisa and Wendy who run The Hip and Urban Girls Guide, Ali and Alex from Chickadvisor, and Sandy from Reinventing Sandy B we attended the TwestivalTO event which raised an amazing $20,000 for concern. You can check out The Hip and Urban Girls Guide coverage of the event here.
On Wednesday night there was also a super cool fundraiser at O Noir restaurant – where you dine in the dark which helped raise money for Angels in the Night – a charity that raises money to help the homeless.
Not only do these events help raise money for great causes, but they are also good for you! They provide an excellent networking opportunity, a chance to meet new people, and you never know – you might make a business connection, make a new best friend, or get a new date.
charitable events are a great way to meet new people
If you find it hard to meet new people or talk to strangers, it’s almost like trying to meet guys – here are some great tips on how to talk to guys that you can also use to meet new people or network at events. To make sure you actually go up and introduce yourself to strangers set a goal for how many new people you are going to meet – say 3 for your first time. Look around at people that are alone, that look interesting, or that look like someone you would like to get to know better. It’s easier than you think and could be the start of something great in your life!
Photo Credit: altru world and #twestivalTO on Flikr
|
|
|
Inside all of us there is a super duper successful person. Whether you want to be the president of your own company, the best mother in the world or a Nobel prize winner almost every single one of us has a secret dream of doing something amazing.
What’s your dream?
And more importantly, what are you doing about it?
One quick way to keep yourself on the path to success is to set regular goals and resolutions for yourself. Take five minutes and come up with your Spring Success Resolution! Choose something that is challenging, but not intimidatingly huge. Instead of starting out with a resolution like make 1 million dollars in May, make it bite sized, and perhaps set your resolution to meeting one potential client for coffee each week. New business equals more money, so you will be on the way to your goals, but you won’t be crushed if you don’t make 1 million!
If you think you can handle a few resolutions why not make monthly goals – here’s an example to follow, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes and look over your plan at the end of the month to see what went wrong and how you can fix it for the next month.
So goal away, and start on your own path for massive success!
Good Luck!
|
|
|
Spring is a time of change, renewed energy, and best of all wonderful fashion after months of drab and dark winter clothes!
To help you out we’ve made a list of what you need for the new season and how much you should spend to get it. But be warned, this is not your typical list – this doesn’t show a list of over priced and super trendy one season only fashions. These shopping essentials are meant to last for seasons and be reasonably priced – helping you look great, and invest in items that you can get maximum wear out of!
Neutral Coloured Heels With Fun Details – approx $150
These are a good staple because they can go with pretty much anything, can last several seasons and are super versatile for work and for fun. These also go really well with the military inspired clothes that are popular now, in case you want to mix some trendy items in your wardrobe. Shoes pictured are Micheal Kors Spring 2009 collection – that are still very wearable this season!
Open Toe Black Heels – approx $150
Every girl needs a pair of black heels! These are also super versatile but can also easily show fading and general wear and tear. So make sure you take good care of them, or replace them regularly. BCBG always has an excellent collection of basics and super fun black heels.
Fun Summer Sandals – approx $100
Since the other pair of shoes are basics, splash out and have some fun with your summer sandals. Buy ones that can work at the office or at the park and don’t be afraid to choose ones that are slightly trendy and will be worn out after one season. Summer shoes normally cannot endure longer than one year – so be prepared to replace these next year. Shoes pictured above are from NineWest.
White pants – approx $100
Nothing says spring like white pants. Yes, they may be hard to keep clean, but they look great coupled with bright shirts and the neutral coloured heels. Throw on some fun accessories and you have an outfit that looks amazing and can repeated almost once a week! Jacob is a great source for basics like white pants. You an usually score pants on sale from $50 up to $100.
3 Colourful Shirts With Fun Details – approx $100 each
Lighten up! Enjoy all spring has to offer with brightly coloured shirts, fun patterns and cool cuts. Not only will these fun shirts make you feel springy these three shirts can be mixed with pants, cute skirts, or shorts and are a great addition to your regular rotation of spring clothes. Femme de Carriere is always a great source for fabulous shirts with fun colours and very flattering cuts. Sometimes they can be really pricey, so watch out for when they have sales (very regularly) and you can score the same great shirt for $$$’s off.
An Everyday Dress – approx $125
Now that you don’t need to cover up as much enjoy the ease that a spring dresses offers. You don’t have to worry about what tights to wear or if it’s warm enough outside to wear it. Just put it on! Add either of the three shoes above, pile on the accessories and enjoy! Easy peasy! Club Monaco is a good source for dresses, and Jacob also has some great and inexpensive basics.
|
|
|
One of the luxuries of being a girl is all the pamering – hair appointments, shopping trips, manicures, pedicures and all sorts of other lovely things that make us feel super special.
But does it have to cost a fortune? Can you go for the cheaper option but still get great value?
This week we’re testing out nail bars. Is there a difference between the fancy spa and cheap nail bar? At the average fancy spa a manicure will cost $40, but at the inexpensive nail bar it’s about $15. Once you add a tip you are looking at $45 vs. $18. Is it worth it?
for manicures expensive does not mean better
Recently we tested out Elmwood Spa to see if it was worth the price difference. The facilities at the spa are lovely – there is a wonderful change room, water treatments that make you feel so relaxed, and flavoured water and apples everywhere. But, when it came time to get the manicure we were ushered down into the basement – and seated in a room with 20 other women cramped in little chairs getting manicures and pedicures. It was anything but glamourous! Trying to keep an open mind we chatted with the manicure ladies and people watched the other patrons.
The manicurist trimmed our cuticles, shaped our nails and painted away using the Elmline products – a brand specific to this spa. The trimming and shaping were ok, although not as thorough as expected, but the nail varnish was awful! It was streaky, clumpy and just would not even out. And we were paying $45 for this! We asked the manicurist to remove the polish and start again with a recognized brand – OPI. This polish went on much better, smoother and didn’t look like dollar store varnish. When we were done with the treatment and it was time to pay the friendly receptionist asked how we liked the manicure. It was time to be honest – “It was the worst manicure we’ve ever had”. We were told the manager would call to see how they could make it better, but they never did.
Over at the inexpensive nail bar we had a manicures and pedicures. As expected the place was busy, loud and crowded and the manicurist didn’t have the same gentle approach as at Elmwood spa, but the results were fantastic! Our nails were trimmed well, our cuticles never looked better and the polish was applied perfectly. Some naysayers avoid cheaper nail bars saying they are unhygienic – but all you have to do is use some common sense (i.e. if there are used needles on the floor it’s probably not a clean place) and if it makes you more comfortable just ask for any tools used on you to be sanitized with alcohol.
So if you are looking for a great manicure the cheap nail bar is a better bet. It may not be as relaxing as the spa, but you will have great looking nails, and you’ll have saved yourself a few bucks!
|
|
|
When Donald Trump utters the words “Your Fired”, it makes for must-see t.v., but when your boss says, “We no longer require your services”, it’s a whole different ball game. This is exactly the situation Heena found herself in five months ago.
But what now?
Since her last post Heena has secured a great job in a company that’s just perfect for her. Here’s the story on what it’s like to go back to work after a few months out of the work force.
Starting a new job after being out of the workforce for a period of time can be quite daunting. Much like your first day at a new school, you face the same anxieties as a sixth grader – ‘what do I wear, am I smart enough and the all important – will people like me?’
On my first day on the job, I admit I took special care to look my best – professional but not overly stuffy, choosing my outfit the night before and setting the alarm clock a half hour early to ensure I had enough time to have breakfast and the necessary jolt of caffeine.
Trekking to the subway in the morning I felt as though I was in a time warp – as if I had not been out of work for a period of months. It seems funny that when you are looking for work you feel as though the rest of the world is moving on without you. But as soon as I heard the familiar subway chimes and squeezed onto the overflowing car, I knew that the old adage “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” couldn’t have been truer.
As I made my way to my new office I felt a nervous flutter in my stomach and started to sweat under my tweed jacket and wool skirt. I took a few deep breaths and made sure my hands weren’t clammy for the round of introductions and handshakes that were sure to follow.
As I stepped off the elevator, I felt like a little girl, excited by the prospect of something new and filled with the desire to fit in….
Two months later, I can safely say that I am really enjoying my job. As with all things new, there was a learning curve and you’ve got to accept that it will take some time before you reach the top. The more important thing, in my view, is building a solid foundation of professional relationships to navigate the curve and make it easier to climb.
Of course, you will have to prove yourself in the initial period with both your hard and soft skills. This stage is crucial in your career, as this is when you will build your reputation. The following are a few tips on how to successfully navigate the pitfalls of the corporate jungle.
- Always act in a professional manner, whether in one-to-one interactions, over e-mail or the telephone;
- Don’t get involved with office politics – it is important to be aware of them but do not engage in them;
- Be cordial and friendly with co-workers but don’t over share – boundaries are important in working relationships;
- Make sure you understand expectations early on – you don’t want to be surprised when you fail to meet them;
- Exercise a high degree of honesty and integrity in everything you do – take responsibilities for failures and live up to commitments;
- Understand the corporate culture – view on coffee breaks, jean Friday’s, involvement in team social activities etc.
Work is a very curious thing, while we all need to work to support ourselves, in many cases, a large part of our self worth is derived from what we do. If you don’t like what you’re doing and you don’t enjoy the people you work with, it may be time for a change. While the grass may not always be greener, you’ll never know if you don’t dare to look.
|
|
|
Like most career girls, there comes a time in life when you step back and take inventory or your life, health and everything else.
For too many women when their career takes off their health and wellbeing suffers. Suffer no more – it’s time to put some balance in your life and get healthy!
1. Find Balance Between Work and Life. Set aside work free times when you are enjoying your friends, family and relaxing.
2. Get Some Exercise Everyday. Instead of meeting up with your friends for dinner have exercise dates. Make sure you spend a minimum of 30 minutes being active everyday.
3. Avoid Regular Restaurant Meals. The amount of salt and fat in your food will creep up on you slowly. Restaurant meals should be treats, not daily occurences.
4. Think Before You Drink. Many beverages are hidden calorie bombs – read labels and make sure you know what you are drinking. If you are thirsty water is your best choice. If you want a treat proceed with caution before sabotaging your diet.
5. Enjoy Your Down Time. Reduce stress and remind yourself of the simple pleasures in life – relax and unwind in your favourite healthy way.
6. Prioritize Your Life. Too often we spend most of our time responding to the latest crisis instead of living consciously. Step back, remind yourself what’s most important, and plan accordingly. Make sure you are spending the majority of your time with things that matter to you most.
7. Enjoy The Fruits of Your Labour! You have worked hard to get to this point in your life, and there’s no point in continuing if you can’t enjoy it. Stop thinking about what you don’t have, and embrace all the great things you do have. Don’t sweat the small stuff…it really doesn’t matter. You’ve worked too hard to have a lost button or cancelled plan ruin your day. Start Enjoying!
|
|
|
Lisa Ng is a woman that goes after what she wants. She’s never worked in a corporate office, she owns her own DJ company, Hello DJ, and she’s not afraid to take risks. But how did she do it and what’s it like?
How did you start working for yourself?
I launched my DJ company, hello DJ! in June 2005 while working towards my Honours BA in Political Science and Cinema Studies at The University of Toronto. It started out as a way to pay for school and by the time I graduated, the business became so successful that I was able to work for myself full-time. I found a niche being a hip, fun, non-cheesy female wedding DJ in a male-dominated market. Finding a niche is the most important thing you can do when launching a business. How can you differentiate yourself from what is already out there?
What were you most worried about when you started your own company?
That no one would actually take a chance on a new company like mine and book me for their wedding or event. It did help that we charged a very reasonable amount of money when we were first starting out to reward the clients that were willing to book with us. We delivered an amazing performance and from there word-of-mouth spread, we were slowly able to raise our rates and gain more clients. Today, we are one of the top wedding DJs in Toronto. My advice is to be the best that you can be and the money will follow.
What’s your typical day like?
I am a night-owl because I usually work until 2 or 3 in the morning when I DJ on weekends. It’s really hard to get back on a ‘regular’ schedule during the week. I usually get up at around 10 AM, eat breakfast then check my iPhone to make sure no one has an urgent need. I relax until about noon when the majority of my emails have come in and take 30-60 minutes to knock them all out of the park so I can move on with my day. I will listen to new music, go to the gym, work on my blog, hang out with friends, network with entrepreneurs and simply live my life. Since I give up so much time on the weekends, it’s really important to claim back what I can during the week. I will check my email throughout the day to set-up consultations and respond to new inquiries. I try to only sit down to answer emails again at 4 PM and 10 PM. I don’t want this to dominate my life, so I try to work as efficiently as possible.
What’s your favourite thing about working for yourself?
The lifestyle! I never had a ‘real’ corporate 9-5/40 hour a week job post-university. I am really grateful for this and enjoy being my own boss. You can also be picky about when you want to work and can take as many vacation days as you want during the year, as long as you are still making decent money. If it’s sunny outside, I’d like to take the day to find a great patio or go for a walk. Life is all about balance, make sure you work to live and don’t simply live to work. But when you are working, make sure you are busting your ass 150% to do the best possible job you can. Mediocrity never got paid well and does not translate into good word of mouth or more business.
What’s the thing you enjoy least about having your own company?
Well, if anything does go funny for whatever reason – you are ultimately the person who has to answer. I answer to my clients only and I try to make sure I only work with great people!
What advice would you have for women that wanted to start their own company?
Crunch the numbers, make an excel spreadsheet and make sure that your venture is profitable and will not just be a glorified hobby that will leave you poor and stressed out. What kind of money does your competition make? How saturated is the market? Could your partner or family support you financially while you are in start-up mode over the next year? Don’t be afraid, but be realistic. I come with tons of ideas everyday, but not all of them good or necessarily profitable.
What are the most influential books that you have read to help get you started or keep you on track?
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
How to Get Rich: One of the World’s Greatest Entrepreneurs Shares His Secrets
Don’t be afraid to pick up a couple of the top business books out there and educate yourself! Ask your network what some of the most influential books are and start from there.
–
Lisa Ng is a freelance writer and DJ based out of Toronto, ON – Canada. When she isn’t DJ-ing at a non-cheesy wedding, Lisa is scoping out the best urban eats and fun travel spots on her lifestyle blog, The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide.
|
|
|
Did you ever dream of being your own boss? Imagine waking up when you want, not having to take orders from others, and having the freedom to work exactly how you want. Want to take a long lunch on Wednesday, shop for groceries on Monday afternoon, or build your work schedule around your family or other commitments?
It’s a dream many women hold in the back of their minds. A “one day” or “if only” kind of a dream.
But what’s holding you back? Why don’t you just do it?
And before you can list ten reasons why you can’t, or won’t, or shouldn’t just stop yourself right there!
Cashmereclutch.com is a blog about women getting what they want out of life. It’s all about living your dreams, whether that’s finding true love, learning to cook, or starting your own company. You absolutely, 100% can have the dream life you’ve imaged. But, you actually have to do something to make it happen! It doesn’t just happen on its own. And the longer you think about it without taking any action the more impossible it seems. So stop making excuses and listen up!
In the next few weeks cashmereclutch.com is going to feature fabulous women that have carved out a life of their own. They own their own companies, they live their own lives…and most importantly they pursue their own dreams.
And, just to let you in on a little secret…I’m also in the same boat. Recently I took a big risk and started my own company. I always knew that I had the entrepreneurial spirit, and that corporate life was not my thing, but starting your own company is a daunting task! All the worries and fears and little voices of doubt creep in, and you have to keep on telling yourself that you can do it. But, it’s soooooo amazing. I work from home, figure out my own hours, and have the freedom and flexibility that I’ve always craved and never been able to get in cubicle life.
These features on fabulous women that live life on their terms is for all the girls that have a dream, and too many voices of doubt clouding their visions.
Tomorrow is our first enterprenher – Lisa Ng of helloDJ who started her own DJ company five years ago. Make sure you come back and find out how she started, how her life has changed, and why she would never go back to corporate life.
