Make Love Not War

When we’re married, we sometimes forget the old adage of making love and not war. A couple I know uses this phrase to help defuse bad situations between them. In fact whenever they begin to have a disagreement, argument or debate – they say this to themselves either internally or out loud to each other. I sat down with them recently to ask them a few questions and they agreed to answer them. Question: What is the phrase that you both use whenever you are disagreeing? Answer:: Make love, not war. My grandparents used to say that whenever my dad … Continue reading

Classy Scrapper Magazine Interview (3)

This is part three of a three-part interview with Ashley Smith, the creator of a new scrapbooking magazine, Classy Scrapper Magazine. Here is the final part of the interview. What has the response been like toward your idea for a new magazine? VERY POSITIVE! I’ve been blown away by the show of support by the online community and by my friends and family. What has been the biggest challenge in getting this magazine started? Relaying my ideas and “vision” to our graphic designer. I thought I could explain something once and he would automatically know what I meant, but we … Continue reading

Classy Scrapper Magazine Interview (2)

Here is part two of the interview I conducted with Ashley Smith, the creator of the new scrapbooking magazine, Classy Scrapper Magazine. How will Classy Scrapper Magazine be different from other scrapbooking magazines? Classy Scrapper Magazine’s main emphasis is the reader’s ability to use the publication as a practical tool, ideas that an “everyday” scrapbooker could accomplish both economically and timely. In addition, some editorial content will include ideas that are a step above, for those scrappers who want to work at a more advanced level. Classy Scrapper Magazine is proud to offer an editorial staff with solid publishing background … Continue reading

Tips For Competing Against Younger Job Seekers

If you are thinking about changing careers or maybe starting a new one a bit later in life than most, don’t despair. You can compete with anyone of any age if you have the right skills and attitude. Job-hunting, like so many things in life, requires some strategy. Here are a few thoughts on the subject. Everyone must compete with a more youthful everything and everyone as the clock ticks away on all of us, robbing our time and efforts on earth. Job-hunting is a very competitive endeavor, no matter how old you are. Keep yourself mentally prepared to compete … Continue reading

The Job Interview and Uncomfortable Questions

One sticky moment in any interview situation is when the potential employer looks at you and asks about those five years in between your last two jobs. Unless you spent them in Folsom Prison (and even if you did), the best approach is to be honest but not necessarily tell all there is to tell. If this seems a contradiction in terms, allow me to assure you it isn’t. The art of side-step walks a very thin line to be sure, but it is a line nevertheless. You have to tell the truth; there’s no way out. So what to … Continue reading

An Interview With Think Inside The Box Owners (3)

….continued from part one and part two Part three of the interview I conducted with both of them: How do you promote or market your product? Erin and Julie: Ads in scrapbooking and craft magazines, online newsletters, consumer shows, trade shows, and most importantly, word of mouth. Our customers are our best marketing tool. What are some of the funny things that have happened since you launched? Our first letter that we sent to a magazine editor – we agonized over EVERY single word, editing and re-editing for at least 12 hours! Chances are, this 2-page masterpiece wasn’t even read! … Continue reading

An Interview With Think Inside The Box Owners (2)

….continued from part one The interview I conducted with both of them: I love the concept behind the name of your company. I think that it is perfect for a scrapbooking company. Can you tell us how you came up with the cute name “Think Inside The Box”? Erin: We spent endless hours on our company name…In the end Julie came up with the slogan “think inside the box”. Instead of using it as a slogan, we chose to make it our official company name…and we have trademark approval from the National Trademark Office! How do you gain inspiration for … Continue reading

An Interview with Think Inside The Box Owners (1)

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Erin and Julie from Think Inside the Box, the creators of the wonderful, amazing stadium organizer. I absolutely love mine, and was both eager and curious to learn how they came up with the idea and how they got involved in their business opportunity. Here is the interview I conducted with both of them: How did you get started in the scrapbooking industry? Erin: We were frustrated with the lack of organization and storage products for our vast sticker collections and our tools. We wanted to create a multi-functional box that would be … Continue reading

Five Ways to Turn Off Potential Employers

Do yourself and the interviewer a favor, and don’t waste your time or theirs. Avoid these things if you want to make a good impression. Name Dropping The hiring officer does not want to hear how you attended high school with a girl that dated her boss’s grandson. It is generally not a good idea to try to throw names around. If an executive of the company specifically referred you for the position, ask that person for a letter of recommendation instead of dropping his or her name. Acting Too Familiar You do not have a personal relationship with the … Continue reading

My Teenage Wedding Experience

Please meet Anna White, married at 17 for five years until her 22nd birthday; Anna offers some insights to her experience. Now at age 30 and on her second marriage, Anna’s seen both sides. HL: Thank you for agreeing to talk to me today. Tell us a little bit about yourself. AW: Well, I’m celebrating my 30th birthday this October and just celebrated my fourth anniversary on my second marriage. I have a beautiful 12 year old girl and a wonderful 2 year old. HL: You got married when you were 17 the first time. Why did you and your … Continue reading