Monday, July 22, 2013

Little Red's 365 Day Photo Challenge- A Framework

Little Red's 365 Day Photo Challenge- A Framework

Since I was working most of the day, I came up with "frame" (glasses) + "work" (blogging) and (+ a mug of my favourite hot chocolate) and there we have it- Day 4 Completed, 361 Days To Go!

Little Red's 365 Day Blog Post Challenge #4- A song that makes me cry and why

The song?


"Paradise" by Coldplay.


Why?


1. The last word my mum ever texted me (and we texted a lot, well I texted her a lot) was the word "paradise". I was complaining about how many more kilometers we had to drive home to Melbourne from Sydney. The number was 276 approximately. Her last "words" to me were "Chin up, last stretch and back to paradise". It really was a kind of paradise with her in my life, a pillar of support, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a mum to hug and a woman and mother to inspire me. Then she died suddenly and that was it. Paradise spoiled. I'll miss her for the rest of my days.


2. Coldplay is my favourite band of all time. They were also one of my dad's favourite bands. I inherited (so thankfully) his passion for music. Not a day goes by where I don't listen to them. Dad would really have loved this song and I can picture him tapping his foot from the stalls, watching them live and pretending to not really be that interested (even though inside, his ears are in musical heaven)


3. Why do I cry? Because my son always wants to listen to this song and sometimes, I just can't bear to, even though it's one of my all-time favourites (and with a collection of over 75,000 pieces of music in my possession, it's a great achievement by Coldplay if I do say so myself). Sometimes I don't feel like breaking down. When I'm happy, I love listening to Paradise. When I'm on the edge, nope. Can't cope. The tears don't stop. The first time I listened to this song after my mum died was only two weeks ago. She died in April. It took me that long to hear the word "paradise" again and luckily enough, I hadn't by chance heard it on the radio in that time. As I listened to the song in my kitchen in the dark of night, I grabbed my tiny daughter, held her close and danced with her cheek to cheek. I quietly sobbed the words to her and she drifted off to sleep. I was lonely for the first time, even though I wasn't alone.


"Paradise" reminds me of both my angel parents (RIP) in a significant, life-changing way. Songs play one of the most important roles in my life, they remind of people I've met, people I've loved, people I've lost, places I've been, memories I've made and times in my life when my moods and emotions were at different ends of the spectrum. Most importantly, songs remind me of how far I've come in my life and what I have to be thankful for.


Watch and listen here


paradise


(Image courtesy of imgfave.com )

Little Red's Head to Toe Web Suggestions- Best Websites for the Wellbeing of Women in Small Business

Some of you may or may not know that I'm not just a copy writer, I'm a Registered Nurse who works in a busy Melbourne Metropolitan Hospital on one of their most acute units. I wanted to incorporate this part of my working life into writing so have spent a lot of time making a list of my favourite charities, organisations, products and sites that may be useful to women and mums in small business. And as you will see, they've been organised from head to toe, the way we assess our patients! I hope you get as much out of these resources as I do.

Brain:

The Butterfly Foundation- a charity which focuses on supporting people in the community with eating disorders. In 2014, the Butterfly Foundation are running "Climb for Butterfly"- a group climb of Mt Kilimanjaro to fundraise for the Foundation, what an unbelievable idea! You can donate to this charity here or call  1800 ED HOPE if you or anyone you are close to may be in need of such support

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Beyond Blue - a foundation aimed at assisting Australians who suffer from anxiety and or depression. Their website is a wonderful resource and you can donate to this worthy foundation here

Alzheimer's Australia- an organization close to my heart (my grandfather had dementia when he passed away). We are all getting older and we all should be learning about the benefits of keeping our brains active! I'm sure those of you who are running your own businesses, on top of possibly working as the glue that keeps your family together, will have no trouble in this area. The Your Brain Matters Program is something we all should have a good read of. If you are needing assistance with a family member who may in the early stages of Alzheimer's or dementia or need more information in general, contact 1800 100 500 (National Dementia Hotline)- the support they provide to families is priceless

Ladies Night In- the mobile pamper party people! what more could a small business owner and or busy mum want?! They can be found on Twitter and Facebook- this kind of service will definitely help you relax and unwind with your friends and family

Face:

Blissfully Bare- my local Skin and Body Clinic provide seamless spray tans and the most relaxing Hot Stone Massages! Find them here on Facebook and here on Twitter. Stefanie also writes her own blog- check it out.

Eyes:

Vision 2020 Australia- an organisation who is working towards "eliminating avoidable vision loss and blindness by 2020"- get behind this cause.

Centre for Eye Research Australia- one of my favourite Research Teams, coming from a Biomed Engineering background- they are looking to boost funding into research into bionic eyes.They are affiliated with the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and are focused on improving the eye health of all Australians

Ears:

Office of Hearing Services- another organization who has assisted another family member of mine. Call 131 797 if you are experiencing issues with your hearing or if you require information for a friend or family member

Chill Out Music: if music helps you while you work, find something that is soothing and soulful! Here are my Top 5 Chill Out Albums

Hed Kandi- Winter Chill

Chillout: A Nettwerk Escape (Various Artists)

Enya- The Very Best of Enya (Cheesy, but I love her)

Anything by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, in particular Wedding Day at Troldhaugen (Tal-Hain Samnon's version is my favourite interpretation- so joyful!)

Mouth:

Five Awesome Places to Grab a Bite in Melbourne

Curious Goose on Sydney Road, Brunswick

George Street Cafe in East Melbourne

The East Pantry in East Keilor

Pope Joan on Nicholson Street, Brunswick East

Auction Rooms, North Melbourne

Neck/Shoulders:

Chiropractors Australia- enough said!

Breasts:

We all have them so we need to look after them.

Breast Cancer Network Australia- Some of the most angelic, expert Oncology Nurses (Breast Care Nurses) work tirelessly to support women in our community who are battling Breast Cancer- you only have to look back on the Tour De Crawf to realize how precious any type of donation is to this most important foundation. Considering that almost 1 in 3 of us women will be struck by this type of cancer is frightening but with the ongoing work of BCNA, these women will be supported and loved!

How to Perform a Self-Examination

Here is a basic way to learn how to self-examine, courtesy of Women's and Breast Imaging in Cottesloe, Western Australia. Only 17% of women in the Western World perform these exams. Imagine how many cases of malignancy go undetected until late stages. Do it once a month or more often! And don't be afraid to get checked out, no one will ever think you are foolish.

Reproductive:

The Cancer Council of Victoria recommend all women under the age of 70 to have a Pap Smear every two years. If you've ever received an abnormal result, you should be tested more frequently, at the discretion of your GP and specialist

Arms/Hands:

We all love a manicure to brighten up our day and the "tools of our trades"

My favourite nail bars include Jet Nail Bar in the middle of Brunswick and my new favourite Nail Artist who shows her fabulous work on Facebook is Nicole of Biosculpture Nails by Nicole


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(Beautiful Bridal Nails courtesy of Mt Isa Natural Beauty http://www.mtisanaturalbeauty.com/)

Legs/Toes/Feet:

Melbourne Walks offer some wonderful information about the best walks to undertake in Melbourne and surrounds- gotta keep your blood flowing and your muscles toned! Nothing better than a great walk to release that mental tension. My favourite short walks with my kids include: Albert Park Lake (the venue for the RSPCA Million Paws Walk in Melbourne! One of my favourite events in Melbourne every year), Herring Island and Como House, You Yangs Regional Park, St Kilda to the Station Pier, Brimbank Park and Sugarloaf Reservoir. I'd really recommend that you put some of these strolls on your bucket list- get those hearts pumping ladies and gents! Feel alive!

Bones:

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(Image courtesy of  http://evolutionbioc334.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/funny-bone-from-evolutionary.html)

There is nothing more important as we grow older to maintain our vitamin and mineral intake, in particular Calcium, Vitamin D and Magnesium for bone health and Fish Oil for Joint Health. The Australian Bone Density Testing Centre in Toorak is one such facility who can keep track of your bone health as you grow older (and wiser). Speak to your GP at your next check up about the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals (from food/drinks/supplements) to make sure your bone health is at its optimum-  it is FACT that 1 in 2 women over the age of 60 are affected in some way by osteoporosis, a condition in which your bone tissue becomes fragile and brittle, increasing your risk of fractures as you age. For more information, head to Osteoporosis Australia

Hair:

We all like a great blow wave, new stylish cut or to read magazines/check out the Web for the latest styles on trend. Even just having someone wash my hair at my local salon is AH-MAY-ZING, since I rarely get the chance to have even 20 minutes without a child clinging to me. Personally, I'm over the Ombre and hair chalking looks (always seemed to think Ombre resembled extensive regrowth, but that's just old-fashioned me I guess). I check out Harpers Bazaar for gorgeous locks and think that they are right in saying the low knot and Bun will be back for Spring 2013- they'll never be a risk when it comes to beautiful, easy do's for busy women.

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(My beautiful Mum and I on my Wedding Day- I loved my hair, big thanks to Jess at Elegance Hairdressing )

Skin:

I cannot stress the importance of regular skin checks highly enough, especially if you are a bit lax in the sunscreen application department through our hot summers. Whether you are white as snow, or that tanned beauty we are all jealous of, we are all at risk of melanoma, one of the most deadly forms of cancer. Nothing freaks me out more. If you notice a new spot, or an old one starts to change, it's best to get it looked at for your own peace of mind. Check out SunSmart Victoria for the most up to date information on checking your skin, sunscreen and our summer sun tips. Do not EVER feel silly for getting a tiny spot checked, it could save your life.

And one last skin tip- even when you are so busy you think you don't have a minute to even sneeze, try to drink up to 8 glasses of fresh water each day to keep your skin and body hydrated. You'll look beautiful and feel great. How do I remember to drink enough water? I leave water bottles in the spots around my house I visit the most and take one fresh bottle in my car each trip.

Heart:

Even after telling you to perform breast self-examinations, get regular Pap Smears, mind your Mental Health and check your supple skin, the most important thing I can tell you is to be most mindful of your heart. After losing my beautiful mother suddenly to a heart attack in April, I think it is more important than ever to book into that CPR refresher or learn CPR for the first time. And do it now, don't delay. Just remember that if you end up in a situation where you need to perform CPR on someone, doing SOMETHING is better than doing nothing so go easy on yourself when it's all said and done. There are many first aid providers in every capital city. For Melbournites, I recommend CPR First Aid. It is the most valuable skill you will possess in your life. I also recommend taking a look at the Heart Foundation of Australia's Website- be aware of the signs of a heart attack. If you notice changes to your exercise tolerance, breathlessness, palpitations, chest pain etc, don't ever hesitate to get to your GP, nearest emergency department or to call 000. Whether it turns out to be something sinister or not, you've done the right thing and got yourself or your loved one checked out. Look out for the Heart Foundation's Mums United, Big Heart Appeal and the Go Red for Women Campaign. Donate whatever you can afford- heart disease is the number one killer of women in our country. The site is full of exercise and healthy eating tip, as well as information on cardiac rehabilitation for those with significant cardiac histories. Whether heart problems are in your family or not, just check out those little niggles that may arise. Never feel silly in doing so!

Lungs:

I am a Non-Smoking Guru. Cannot stand the stuff. Possibly because myself and now my 4.5 year old son are severe asthmatics. If you need help to quit smoking, I recommend Quit Victoria which can provide helpful information in your journey to quit smoking. Why not try a 30 day challenge? or extend it to 50 days? For every day that you stop smoking, the damage to your lungs is slowly reversing. There are so many reasons to quit, you can do it!

quit

 

(Image courtesy of http://www.samuelsontalbot.com.au/quit/index.html)

 

So there's my Head to Toe Round Up for Women in Business. I hope I've reminded you of that check up your really need to get on to, that manicure you probably should go out and get to pamper yourself or that walk you've been meaning to go on on your lunch break.

Our bodies are so complex, we only get one so we should do our best to look after them!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Little Red's 365 Day Blog Challenge - Day 3 - The Reason Why I Am Here

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I'll start by defining "here" as the following:

1. on this earth

2. on this blog, writing every day

3. in my dining room

 

At thirty-one years of age, I'm not sure whether I am supposed to know why I have been put on this earth by this point in my life. But I do know a few things. I know that I'm not going anywhere anytime soon so should probably make the most of every day and of every opportunity. It's so clichéd and repeated day after day in professional pieces I read and journals I look into, but really, it's couldn't be more important to do this. I am now not just here to take care of myself and achieve goals for myself. I have two children that need me (and a husband that may, or may not, need me around!) so I can't just up and leave. I think we might not all have a purpose as such, I think we all fulfill certain roles in other people's lives and their every day business. Not always on purpose either, the paths we take in life can change every day so our role here depends on the choices we make. But I know every choice we make leads us to right now. And we just need to suck it up! If we are in a bad place, make a good choice. Now that I'm here, I'll have fun, keep trying my best in everything I set out to do and love my family and friends. Can't do much more than that.

Why do I write every day? Because my husband doesn't always want to hear me speak. Jokes aside, writing really does help me wind down. I can be creative in the activities I do with my kids and can try to read as much as I can but nothing helps ease a bad day more than writing. And writing anything. Something silly, something factual, a bit of reflection, a slice of persuasion. It all helps. Part of my journey in life I guess. And the best thing is, I don't have to do it for anyone but me. I love the fact that I can write at any time of the day and about anything. It's better than a nana nap most days. My outlook on life often changes and my likes and dislikes most definitely change every day. My schedule changes from day-to-day. I dream each day. My kids learn different skills each day and our meals are different every day. I have a tendency to meet a new person at least every day and network with a whole bunch of clever business people on a daily business. So I'm really not sure how I CAN'T write every day! So much to draw upon!

 

Why am I in my dining room? Because the sun is shining down on me through the window, I can keep an eye on the squidlets from here and I'm within arms reach of a hot cuppa and all my "tools"- laptop, pen, paper. Easy!

LEJ

 

Little Red's 365 Day Blog Post Challenge - Day 2 - True or False?

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Are baby walkers banned in Canada, but legal in the US?

Have Bangladesh banned the plastic bag?

Do Denmark have an approved list of baby names?

Is everything to do with tobacco (other than smoking it) illegal in Bhutan?\

Do LA hotels prohibit the peeling of oranges in their rooms?

Would it be acceptable for me to fall asleep in a cheese factory in South Dakota in the US?

If I'm in Saudi Arabia on Valentines Day (Feb 14th), am I permitted to buy or sell anything red?

Please confirm or deny, I won't sleep tonight without the truth being told :)

LEJ

Thursday, July 18, 2013

365 Day Blog Post Challenge- Day 1

hopes, dreams, and plans for the next 365 days with a picture of yourself

My hopes for the next 365 days include: a smooth start back into my part time job, to enjoy our upcoming holiday (the first for our new daughter), to grow my small business, to read at least 2 books a month, to spend as much time as I can making memories for my two little ones, to not cry (too much) when my boy starts school and to make it an easy transition for him, the same goes for when my daughter starts in day care!

 

My dreams for the next 365 days include: see above!

 

My plans for the next 365 days include: work hard at growing Little Red Writing Solutions, to save save save like never before, to put up a front fence, to start AND finish our front garden, to learn a new language (I'm thinking French!), to enjoy watching my little ones grow and learn new things every day!

 

A photo of me (my smiling eyes, watching my daughter trying to crawl)

 

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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Little Red's Guest Book- Interview with Jenifar Hathaway (Director of JLH Bookkeeping)

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LRWS: Tell me about your business, what you do for your clients, your target market and your long-term business goals.

Jenifar: Small business bookkeeping, in particular, to help business mums set up their bookkeeping, training and development for their own business bookkeeping need. Long term, I would like to have a great team of mum bookkeepers helping other mums achieve their business goals.

LRWS: What do you enjoy about being a small business owner?

Jenifar: Freedom and not working for someone who doesn’t appreciate my work.

LRWS: Why did you chose to become a bookkeeper?

Jenifar: I am an Accountant, so bookkeeping was the easiest option to stay at home with my kids.

LRWS: Why did you choose Facebook as a marketing platform for your business?

Jenifar: I am familiar with Facebook and have found I get the greatest reach of information to people through my business page (and networking)

LRWS: Who and or what inspires you in your life?

Jenifar: My family

LRWS: How do you treat yourself after a tough week of work?

Jenifar: By doing more work

LRWS: What is the defining moment of your career so far?

Jenifar: Being featured in the local newspapers, four times!

LRWS: What are your strengths as a business woman?

Jenifar: Honesty and integrity

LRWS: What is the best piece of advice for someone who wants to start their own business?

Jenifar: Think before you jump and do your research…on everything!

LRWS: Where do you see yourself in five years time? In ten years time?

Jenifar: In five years time, I see myself back at work full-time as an Accountant (CPA) and running my bookkeeping business along side.

LRWS: What catches your eye when it comes to small businesses and their products/services? What makes you chose their products or service?

Jenifar: Being unique and professional.

LRWS: Describe yourself in five words

Jenifar: Honest, Funny, Loving, Trustworthy, logical.

LRWS: Describe your small business in five words

Jenifar: efficient, valuable, flexible, resourceful, innovative

LRWS: What famous words do you live by?

Jenifar: Live like there is no tomorrow

LRWS: Name one food you have promised yourself never to eat again

Jenifar: Asparagus....ewwwwwww!

LRWS: Do you have any current promotions/give aways etc for your current or prospective clients?

Jenifar: No, in the making.

LRWS: Why should small business owners choose JLH Bookkeeping?

Jenifar: We provide flexible, reliable bookkeeping by an Accountant.

LRWS: Any upcoming business-related events that you are presenting at or attending in your local community?

Jenifar: Motivating Mum Xero Workshop Oct 25

LRWS: Extrovert or Introvert? Fruit or Vegetable? Cocktail or Wine?

Jenifar: Extrovert, Fruit, Wine.

LRWS: Can you recommend any online communities that new small business owners should join in on?

Jenifar: Business Mums should join Motivating Mum

 

Thank you for your time Jenifar!

If any of you would like any more information from Jenifar on the JLH Bookkeeping Services or for any inquiries into Motivating Mum Business Clubs, please contact Jenifar via the following:

For JLH Bookkeeping https://www.jlhbookkeeping.com.au

For Motivating Mum Information email Jenifar via jenifar.lilydale@motivatingmum.com

 

The next webisode of Little Red's Guest Book will feature Tracy Speight from Warratahstree- stay tuned!

LEJ