#the fashion industry (etc) then you’re not seeing the big picture. and you’ll likely never WANT to see .. | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

arianajbb · 3 years

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FIC RECS - 2

💕 stay by @you-are-my-sanctuary

A road trip to Arizona goes wrong when you catch the attention of a familiar looking dark haired man with steely blue eyes.

💕 Tell Him, Not Me by @zsiopao

here y/n l/n lands a role in a new television series that will put her relationship to the test.

💕Stalker by @you-are-my-sanctuary

In which Bucky has a crush on the new PR manager and is being an adorable stalker.

💕 What Could’ve Been by @you-are-my-sanctuary

Steve stays in the past when returning the stones, leaving you behind and erasing everything you two were to each other. Decades pass and he wonders if he made the right decision. Especially since the memories of you still lingers in his mind years after.

💕 Let Your Spirit Fly by @starlightcrystalline

At the end of a long week, all you want is to get home. Fate has other ideas.

💕 painted with bruises by @harryspet

In which Bucky kidnaps you in order to get close to his enemy, Steve, but realizes that Steve isn’t the hero he used to be.

💕 Wolf, Partner, Gloves... by @revengingbarnes

HYDRA’s words make Bucky go into Winter Soldier mode. Then he meets you, and you make for him words that will bring him back to normal.

💕 Sleeping With A Friend by @wkemeup

You wake up in Bucky’s bed after a night you’re certain will only break your heart.

💕 An Unpredictable Reunion by @head-always-up-in-a-dreamworld

💕 American Boy by @quarantined-with-bucky

Request: So basically buckyxreader where she is a super successful businesswomen and awfully confident but when she’s with bucky she feels insecure as many women want him and she’s insecure of nat. Based on “American Boy” by little mix where bucky is her american boy and the other girl in the song is nat. So like angst with a happy ending (maybe smut if you’re comfortable idk idk).

💕 Uptown Girl by @brooklyns-boys

You’re a spoiled, shallow party girl who enjoys pushing any button you can find. When your parents put their foot down, giving you the choice between marrying a suitor of their choosing, or being cut off from your money, you’ll have to decide between luxury and the only person who’s ever given a damn about you.

💕 pictures of girls by @subtlebucky

you’re prepared for a fun-filled weekend with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. instead, you get a weekend with the guy who sort of rejected you and a camera. what could go wrong?

💕 don’t forget to sing by @sunmoonandbucky

You meet someone new in the most unlikely of ways during the quarantine in New York City. An alley is six feet apart, right?

💕 bloody by @buckycuddlebuddy

he looked feral; his eyes black, face contorted in something devilish, lips blood red and shiny and the smirk on his face was promising more than he already had given.

💕 Home by @softlybarnes

Bucky comes home from his second tour overseas, after a long time away from the reader.

💕 Kiss Me Better by @blissfullylostinarabbithole

Bucky has your heart, but he seems to despise you. Loki comes up with a plan to make him realize just what he’s missing.

💕 x by @blissfullylostinarabbithole

Bucky receiving his first piece of fan-mail.

💕 My Roommate’s Boyfriend by @angstysebfan

Your roommate’s boyfriend and you do not get along. You don’t even know why anymore. When your roommate has to move unexpectedly across the country, you both begrudgingly drive her car to her new home. Adventure, angst, and secrets come alive.

💕 life with tiny and beefy by @wiensrsoldier

💕 Safe Place To Land by @sunlightdances

You and Bucky are both standing up for Steve and Peggy’s wedding. Checking in at the hotel for the weekend, you’re horrified to realize there’s been a problem. A big problem.

💕 A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes by @green-eyeddragonfanfiction

Female!Reader is an Omega. Alphas and Omegas are rare, and Reader’s been able to avoid alphas through sheer force of will and luck in equal parts.

💕 we’re up all night to get lucky by @nsfwsebbie

Your soldier comes home after his prevailing victory.

💕 Jealousy Looks Good On You by @tinymalscoffee

You go to your favorite coffee shop after your date from the morning before never shows up.

💕 x by @sinner-as-saint

uni!seb having a thing for boobies.

💕 Everything by @mariessecretfantasies

💕 Stardust And Starfish by @i-am-a-closet-fanfic-fiend

“Hey we kissed once in kindergarten but I haven’t seen you since and I couldn’t remember why you were so familiar.”

💕 The Flaw Of Belief by @winterdaybreak

Y/N and Bucky fight over who can be more spiteful, who hates who more. Neither really mean it, but Bucky might just win.

💕 dear... whoever by @whistlingwillows

a mandated series of long and short diary entries from the new head of R&D for Stark Industries.

💕 starring role by @baezen

in which Hollywood’s former hottest movie star faces his biggest challenge yet – proving that he’s still worth the starring role

💕 Mr. and Mrs. Barnes by @cherrypickertheory

You and your husband, Bucky, live a normal life in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Or you did, that is, until you both realize that the other is a spy.

💕 kitten by @buckycuddlebuddy

“you know,” bucky started, voice low and raspy. “i think i have spoiled you too much lately.”

💕 Summer Days by @sleepypanda27

You meet a handsome stranger at the beach.

💕 Power Over Me by @sinner-as-saint

CEO James Buchanan Barnes is a dominant. And he’s spent the last 5 years searching for his perfect submissive. Then one night, he finds you. He thinks everything will fall perfectly into place now; but he thought wrong. Turns out your unfortunate past which still haunts you to this day, and some of his enemies are, well, connected. Things go wrong. And your bond with your dom is tested in many ways…

💕 Bucky & the Beast by @thejamesoldier

💕 House Pride by @delusionalwriterr

After encountering Bucky during a Quidditch game, both of you grow attached to each other. But is the attraction enough to overcome the disapproval of your brother, Tony, and the messy past between your families?

💕 Meet Me In The Hallway by @yikeswtfmate

Y/N and Bucky have hated each other since they were children and now they’re forced to live together, whether they like it or not.

💕 Postcards by @sebbytrash

Takes place after Civil War. Bucky is your best friend but of course you’re in love with him. He goes off to travel the world and rediscover himself, sending you Postcards along the way, whilst you struggle with your feelings.

💕 x by @moteldwelling

(this isn’t a fic but it’s amazing omg)

💕 Helpless by @prongsies

Sirius loved you. Loved you enough to let you go. Loved you enough to selflessly step back, allowing you to love someone he knows could give you the love you deserved - even if it hurts.

💕 What Is, And What Should Never Be by @whoisbxcky

You wake up one morning to find yourself in an alternate reality, in which the Avengers never came to be, and your friends are living perfect civilian lives. However, things are not all they appear to be, and you find yourself facing the worst fear you never knew you had.

💕 Impaled by @revengingbarnes

You’ve been pining after Bucky for months. A compromising situation during a mission brings you a lot closer to him than you expected.

💕 Helpless For You by @sgtjbuccky

A blind date has lead you and Bucky to the fourth date. Each one proving that you’ve got it bad more than prior and it doesn’t quite matter what will happen - you will keep on falling for that handsome devil and you don’t even mind.

💕 Flowers by @bucky-the-thigh-slayer

Love can take a while, but the right love is always worth time, and some old fashioned gestures.

💕 The (not naked) pin-up calendar by @bitsandbobsandstuff

When you ask for a favor, Bucky (very) grudgingly agrees. What can you do to thank him? Return the favor, of course.

💕 Rogue Angel by @harryspet

Bucky tasks himself with deprogramming you, a former hydra soldier. Will he be able to show he cares for you as his Daddy or will your training stop you from seeing the truth.

💕 Saving The Day by @jbbmoved

On your way back home, you are being followed by a couple of creeps. When your eyes fall on the most impressive and handsome Avengers, you don’t think twice and find yourself a fake boyfriend and savior.

💕 Hidden Lagoons and Seashells by @after-avenging-hours

💕 my heart, my angel by @paintedface

valentine’s day candy grams basically show how popular you are in the school, so you expect to get none, however, one, extremely sweet one, turns up on your desk. except you have no clue who it’s from.

💕 Like Silver Glass by @thejamesoldier

Out of all the things you have seen so far in your life – a colorful plethora of alien species, artificial intelligence, an imaginative array of mutants and their abilities, cyborgs, superhumans, assassins, geniuses, etc. – merpeople fell actually pretty low on your ‘Shocking Things That Exist’ list.

💕 Holiday Heist by @avengerofyourheart

When the art gallery you manage is robbed on Christmas Eve, you suspect the handsome stranger who flirted with you earlier in the day, but instead of involving the authorities, you take matters into your own hands with surprising consequences.

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coriyos103 · 4 years

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Architectural Design Creating Guidance For Pupils

Educating yourself to recognizing what editorial print modeling realistically "looks" like in a high fashion magazine could be the first faltering step to understanding the variations of the several types of editorial modeling and how it's different from another more common forms of "commercial" print modeling work. Editorial work in a magazine is just a huge "jump-start" for a fashion model's career. It's the knowledge many strive for. Call Girls in Karachi

"Editorial" print modeling refers to "magazine experience" for the model in which a "story" is being told without words, but rather by photographic pictures (or categories of pictures) of the model in a high fashion magazine. This type of print modeling carries a very "prestigious" landmark on a model's career. Its'work includes the existing fashion and beauty trends of society by showcasing designers, make-up, hairstyles, skincare, etc. as told and expressed via a pictorial story. Editorial modeling may even tell a story about every one of the different facets of people's lifestyles. If you choose up any high-end fashion magazine you'll find numerous types of editorial print work.

Some editorials in magazines are thought so prestigious because they set the standards and trends for the existing and "near future" of the marketplace that the pictorial story is being told about. Refer back again to those magazines which can be from months, years, as well as decades ago. Somehow, the editorial pictures you could find from that time frame have now been a area of the history of fashion, beauty, or lifestyle as represented by that magazine's staff.

Who thinks of the concepts of editorial stories in those elite high fashion magazines? You will find teams of people throughout the world who work for the many high-end magazines that have their input. These individuals write and create their concepts of what styles, models, designers, and trends are "IN" for just about any unknown given amount of time. That makes them a very important part of the modeling industry. When glancing through those magazines you ought to note that the "editorial" is not an advertising for just about any "specific" company, when you see one specific product being advertised having its'logo, then it's an ad...that's something different called a commercial print advertisement. If it "looks" editorial, but you see the organization name in large print...it is intended to tell a story for that company's image of what they want to sell to the consumer. Top end fashion and beauty clients can place some creative, multi-page print ads into magazines which could mimic an editorial spread. The biggest difference is the rate that the model gets paid for carrying out a commercial, fashion ad for a high end client versus an editorial fashion spread for a magazine.

For the purposes of editorial modeling, pay close attention to how expressive, awkward, dramatic, artistic, and creative the poses of the model are versus the more refined poses you would see in a catalogue that emphasizes selling the clothes as #1. Remember, the editorial model promotes the story and concept via editorial pictures in magazines where the main emphasis is on the story or trends. In the magazine's editorial (pictorial) spread you will see some sort of mention of names of designers and the price of garments and/or accessories which are being featured, but it's not meant to behave as a passionate advertisement.

These magazine spreads get a lot of attention. Surprisingly, even although editorial model is just a strong statement in the "story", it is only unfortunate for the model that this really is NOT a higher paying job (maybe only some hundred dollars). This can be among the only drawbacks to be an editorial model in the beginning. If you want the money probably the most (if you haven't saved enough money to last you through this phase), this income doesn't go very far in paying the high bills that go along with living and working in the "big city ".Most would expect models appearing in a famous high fashion magazine to be compensated well with money, but they are not because it's not a settled advertisement with a client. It is a special feature created and presented by the magazine.

Apparently, from the fashion industry's view, it's the "prestigious" experience that has plenty of value to the model, so models have accepted this reality (whether or not it is fair). All things considered, once the magazine hires a design for an editorial spread they are hired to execute their service as a type representing the magazine's concept and creative story...it's a booking. It's not really a tax write-off for the model. The potential tear sheet may (or may not) bring more prestige and work for the model because truly it's not guaranteed no real matter what anyone tries to offer as grounds to work for such less money. The magazines do play this kind of major role in the modeling and fashion industry that it is a tough argument on the model's behalf. The magazines rather monopolize with this fact, of course, so they will always find another model trying to find their big break who will accept their terms. Could those famous fashion magazines afford to cover their featured editorial models more income? Only they know.

Remember this fact; most people are replaceable in the modeling industry. It is a harsh fact, yes. The best goal would be to work and to adapt and soon you decide that you do not want to model anymore (before the industry decides you're done). It doesn't quite work like that because trends change, models age, and new-faced models pop-up all around the place. There are more reasons, needless to say, but the truth that there will be someone else to displace any model is why magazines do have that power to pay suprisingly low for his or her editorial placements.

Eventually, on the very positive side, it would appear that the knowledge of editorial print modeling does result in more income and prestige due to the increased exposure, tear sheets, and the demand for future bookings from clients who do pay more cash (and that is pleasing). The editorial model is really a standard of what the "beauty and fashion" message is for that moment in time, so everyone wants them. When an editorial story features that model, they're literally given a seal of approval as representing who and what's IN. So, moving forward from the fact it's not only a little "high paying" job can lead the open-minded model to keep their business mind open, too. Think about the MANY, MANY "pros" to the model from the editorial experience. This part of their career rarely happens to a large percentage of aspiring models, so the #1 "pro" is that they're super-fortunate to even come in and get tear sheets from a high fashion magazine.

One job leads to another quickly when the models start doing editorials, but remember this stage may not last very long. Benefit from the adventure and any perks because they only don't happen for most models within their careers. You will find so many individuals all over the world who dream the exact same dream to be a famous model and their fantasy never gets fulfilled as to the they expected. So, when the elite opportunity arrives you need to be alert to how fortunate perhaps you are considered in the eyes of other models that may not need "walked in your shoes ".

For just about any given amount of reasons, modeling is not necessarily a highly successful occupation even for the talented person. The work is not always glamorous, either, even although the finished product in a publication or couture fashion show may appear that way. On a positive note, models can be exposed to some small and huge perks, too. Perks are based on what you may each consider above and beyond that which you actually earn in money being an extra bonus that's not measured on your own income tax statement (such as meeting celebrities, attending parties, etc). Your booking rate can increase with the more you become in demand, too. When a style sometimes appears doing editorial spreads in numerous magazines...they are becoming in demand! Even although the "editorial" rate is low, this popularity branches out into a variety of other alternatives for the model's career which makes them very, very busy as a professional, working model.

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praphit · 5 years

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The End: (Spoiler Free!)

I promise! NO SPOILERS! Though, I must say, if you're trying to avoid spoilers, you're currently doing a terrible job of it.

Plus, you havent seen it yet? What's wrong with you?! Quit fooling around with me and go now!

But, I digress.

"Part of the journey is the end"

We never want anything good to end. We never want anything to end badly.

I would say that this movie is about how we journey more so than how we end, but I'll get to that later.

Let's start off by paying homage to the beginning:

RDJ (Tony Stark)

- This dude had fallen off the map (at the time) - he had fallen off the wagon, the wall, the chain, the train, the mountain... if one could fall off of it, he was doing so , but Marvel put their confidence in him. No one knew how successful this whole thing was going to be. Not only were they trying to sell us a previously precarious actor, but a character who's a self-centered asshole... who profited off of war.

But, BOOM, Iron Man showed us that being an asshole could look good and make a lot of money.

CAPT AMERICA

- played by Chris Evans who had already failed as a superhero.

But, more than that, just look at Capt

He looks ridiculous. He's corny. A lil self-righteous. And who fights with a frickin shield? He was a military man, so he has access to all kinds of weapons (not to mention all that I'm sure Tony Stark would make for him), but nope! - he says "Gimme me a shield; that's all I need!" In fact, that's a lil cocky now that I think about it. Plus, they had just showed us that being rich asshole was the way to go, now this (the opposite)?

BUT, America is short on solid leadership. We're crying out for someone to consistently believe in; not perfection, but someone who's at least all in. Marvel gave us that in Capt. Over time, we grew to love this man. Not to mention, that beard he rocked,

and the ass of America (you’ll get that later).

Idk about y'all, but I'd follow Capt anywhere. If Chris Evans were to dress up like Capt America, and recruit people for a war (any war), I'd legit go! He IS Captain America to me.

SCARJO as Black Widow... how do I put this?

In the beginning, she was simply a pair of boobs in tight black.

Now, I don't mean that's actualy what she was, but that's how many saw her. Black Widow carried with her the power to be objectified, and not just by men. I can remember when there were rumors that women in the industry were jealous of Scarjo, saying she's only getting quality roles cuz she's a pretty face.

She proved the doubters wrong though. She is and has been a great actress! Black Widow is seen now with the respect that she has always deserved. Honestly, if I can't have Capt lead me, my second choice is Widow.

We can go on and on, right??

HULK - we had two Hulk failures before Mark Ruffalo, but he has played him perfectly, and they finally got the Hulk right.

Hawkeye...

Well, I kinda feel like his superpower is being lame, so that's ok :) There's one in every group. And can we all agree that bow and arrows as a main weapon is just stupid? Dude, there are people shooting guns at you! You've gotta take the time to pick out the correct arrow, aim, and... you know what?? never mind. He's Black Widow's boy, so he's alright with me. And it adds to my point that no one knew this would work.

And who knew that Chris Hemsworth would end up being their comedy anchor??

I never thought the Thor movies would work. I never thought that The Avengers movie would work (no way they could make all of the characters work together in a movie), but I have never been so wrong:)

We've laughed with them and cried with them, and were brought to the end by Thanos' snap with them.

I can still remember what the theatre felt like after leaving "Infinity War" - people felt lost, confused, and kinda angry Not me of course, I was that jerk rooting for Thanos:) In "Infinity War" we got to see Thanos' side of the war. He doesn't see himself as a villain. I agree with his philosophy of balance.

Now, I would never choose him over The Avengers. I feel like the Avengers would make good bosses. They'd have bonuses, allow for a union (maybe), and definitely have pizza parties. Thanos might appreciate my loyalty and sacrifice me (literally) for higher production in the same breath.

One might say "Why not use the stones to create more resources?" I'd reply "But, then we don't learn anything."

The team definitely learned some hard lessons here. But, that brings us to this part of the journey "The End" -

Who do you blame? Do we just look at Thanos as the villain? Do we go with "Shit Happens"? A will of a higher power? Or are the Avengers culpable in anyway? It's all up for debate.

Anyway,

I break down this movie into four acts -

1 - ? (something I won't share:) 2 - Dealing with loss 3 - Hope 4 - Action (most of it is saved for the end - this is mainly a drama)

FIRST, the act I won't be talking about. Instead... many had theories and wishes going into this film, allow me to share some of mine.

I was hoping for a revelation that Thanos has been Stan Lee the whole time.

He rips off his mask in Mission Impossible fashion. We find out that he did the snap to get rid of characters that he really didn't care for. The Avengers respect Stan so much that they don't try to fight him, instead they simply move on. In doing so, Tony and Capt America realize their love for one another. Tony decides he'd rather marry Capt over Potts (his current fiance). This makes Potts furious and she storms off.

They have a big wedding with a shawarma reception. The ants from Ant Man perform at the wedding.

Meanwhile, Potts teams up with Thanos aka Stan Lee, they gather all of characters forgotten in each series:

Natalie Portman, Jennifer Connelly (not her fault that old Hulk movie sucked), Terrance Howard... so on and so forth.

Stan Lee, Potts, and the scorned attack The Avengers, and there's an epic battle to bg music by Drake.

PERFECTION RIGHT?!! I'm not saying that any of that happens, but I'm not saying that it doesn't.

2nd Act - Loss

Like I said, this is mainly a drama. They do a really good job (as always) at pulling out the humanity in these characters. All of the team are dealing with loss. Some remain strong on the outside, some move on, some move on poorly, some become self-destructive, etc.

The humanity in that is something we can all relate to. Loss is something that we all continue to experience and learn how to cope with every day. They're painting this real picture with a comic book series. Crazy, right??

Big help from great actors though.

RDJ always brings it; no surprise there. But, for me, Chris Evans and Scarjo shine the brightest as far as bringing the drama. Seriously, when Scarjo cries we cry.

Act 3 is about hope.

... even if that hope may be false. Again the humanity brought out in the characters here is what makes it work. Hope is an interesting thing - Some deny it, some embrace it, some don't want it, some twist it, etc.

And again the acting and writing in this area is superb. I include the writing as well, cuz they know how to blend in humor with all of this tragedy. Chris Hemsworth is the man here! He is the rock of comedy in this movie. And I can't say enough about Mark Ruffalo - in fact I've knighted him as one of my dads. He's perfect for the role, but don't you also just want to play catch with him?

I just want to go to a ball game with Mark Ruffalo; am I alone in that? - probably:)

Lastly, we have act 4 - ACTION

And while this is mostly a drama, they make up for it at the end. Now, Marvel has that formula, and they stick to it here. They find everyone they can (who's still alive), CG them up to the max, and toss them in the ring. - And I don't say this in a bad way. Sometimes, the big CG ending in these types of movies ends up being a lil overwhleming or not well thought out, but not here - the writing and the choreography and the CG continue to hold up through the end.

The funny thing about all of the people that they throw in is some of them you probably won't even remember. Some of them don't have any lines - you just see them fighting in the background. Some people only show up to stand there in silence (what an easy day of work).

Everything leading up to a fitting poetic end.

Grade: A

The end was dope, but it's all about the journey, baby! We don't have too much control over when or how the story is going to end. You never know what could happen: sickness, drivers who simultaneously text, aliens (honestly, that's how I wanna go... battling aliens), our doppelgangers eliminating us and stealing our identities (a growing concern for most), ghosts...

I came across this pic while looking for ghosts

- THAT is a sexy ass ghost. Cheer up, fellah, I think she digs you! If ghost start killing people by means of paranormal sexiness, perhaps I'd sign up. If only we got to decide how we go.

But, no one talks about the end of our lives, people reflect on the life journeyed - unless you die in some hilarious manner

Some of us will be like Iron Man - starting out an asshole, but becoming a hero.

Some like Groot - your life gets blown up and you get to start fresh

Some will become something a bit mutated due to the sins of others

Some will get tagged on to the adventures of others cuz they shine so brightly :)

Still others will start lame, get lamer, and die lame :)

Hell of a movie. It's been a hell of a journey. Thanks, Avengers peeps!

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alisalaforest01-blog · 5 years

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archatlas · 6 years

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Hii, I'm graduating soon from high school and am planning on studying architecture. Is there any words of advice, or perhaps something I should be careful about? Anything really; how was it for you when you started everything? I love your blog btw!

Thanks!

Here are some words of advice for incoming architecture students originally published in ArchDaily that I consider very complete.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

School is what you make of it, so give it your best.

Ask Questions: You will (most likely) never be in this type of learning environment and be surrounded by this many intellectuals again, so make the most of it.

Teach yourself: Even though you’ll be learning from your teachers and fellow students, it’s important to teach yourself the things that aren’t always included in the curriculum. The internet is home to a beautiful, magnificent, constantly-updated treasure trove of tutorials.

Organize & catalog your research: In the digital age, information can be excessive and overwhelming. Taking the time to organize your research not only refines your results, but helps develop your taste and can serve as a tool in the future.

Travel: Nothing can compare to experiencing a city or building in person - and it will look good on your resume.

Read all that you can: Use your school’s library to comb through journals and books. Follow your favorite site’s RSS feeds.

Don’t be afraid to question your teachers: It can be tempting to gain favor with your tutors by doing everything they say, but there are many ways to approach architecture and becoming a clone of someone else isn’t always the best way. You’ll produce more interesting and individual architecture by learning from your teachers, but also questioning them occasionally.

Persevere: Frustration will be part of your everyday life when studying architecture. Each year will test your resolve to continue in the profession, but if you love the work, keep mind of the big picture.

Be Patient: Listening to an arrogant colleague or professor might be hard work, but there is always something to learn – even if it’s just what not to do.

Create freely: Schools are there to open our minds. Don’t let others close it. Often you will not find reasons for some architectural decisions you make. Just believe in your will. You have just five years of total experimental freedom.

Go to class: Though this may seem like a no-brainer, often Architecture students skip lectures to work on studio projects. Not only are you depriving yourself of a break from studio and a well-rounded education, it’s the worst form of disrespect to your professors who have spent time preparing their lectures.

Stay busy: Though downtime is rare, find a measurable and resolvable problem to work at when you have it. Enter competitions or try solving problems in your immediate environment, like making your studio more environmentally friendly.

STAY SANE AND HEALTHY

Architecture school can be strenuous, but you’ll be far more effective as a fully functioning student than as an overworked zombie.

Don’t be competitive: School is about learning, not about “one-upping” your classmates. The mindset of comparing your work to others in a creative field is not only nonsensical, but dangerous.

Get some sleep: There’s nothing romantic or cool about slaving away all night at a project. With proper time management and hard work, all-nighters can be avoided. Sometimes, you might find that it’s unavoidable, but try not to make a habit of it.

Join a soccer/frisbee/croquet/dance/etc team: Exercise and time away from studio does a body good. Dodgeball, anyone?

Purchase wisely: Some universities will ask you to show up with pencils, pens, set squares, charcoals, watercolors, and hundreds of dollars’ worth of books. Architecture is one of the most expensive degrees as it is - so when you’re starting out, it’s best to wait and see what you’ll actually use.

Enjoy every new project: Every project should be a long moment of joy and fun. Change the mentality of differentiating work and vacations – Architecture must be both the greatest love and challenge in your life.

Stay energized: Eat full meals at proper times whenever possible. When it isn’t, make sure to keep healthy snacks available - a tin of almonds and cashews or a crate of clementines can save your life.

Cook for yourself: Pack lunch and dinner if you can - it doesn’t take much longer to cook a little extra. Around deadlines, preparing in advance can save you money and give you extra time in studio.

Make friends: The importance of a support system, and the simple company of others cannot be understated. Don’t fall into the trap of the lonely genius; you could miss out on lifelong friendships and possibly business partners.

BE A GOOD STUDIO NEIGHBOR

These are people you’ll be working with for 4-5 years so leave a good impression!

Respect others: Unless you’ve been given explicit permission, don’t touch other people’s models and don’t rifle through the stuff on their desk. It sounds like common sense, but sometimes curiosity can get the best of you.

Respect the space: Keep studio a place for work. Architecture school can be fun, and it’s easy to get side tracked by good friends after many long working hours. However, keep the fun – especially if it’s loud, to other parts of the school where people aren’t trying to do their work. Take calls outside and listen to music on your headphones.

Keep spare clothes/deodorant in your studio locker: There’s no real replacement for a shower, but your colleagues will thank you for your consideration.

A tin of mints goes a long way: They can help with everything from long nights to coffee breath to networking.

Make it clear when you want to work: Nothing says, “do not disturb” like a hoodie and headphones.

PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE

Not only will this help you have an easier time after you graduate, you’ll learn more about the profession and do better in school.

Build your network: Your classmates are your greatest resource for collaboration. What better time to reach out than when the consequences are the least severe they’ll ever be?

Keep your options open: School is an opportunity for trial and error. Architectural education is a multi-faceted one, often touted as the last true Liberal Arts degree. Many graduates go onto multi-disciplinary practices – fashion, graphic design, industrial design and publication are just a few options.

Build: Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity or get involved with programs that give you hands on experience. A set of drawings on a piece of paper will never teach you the beauty of a perfectly laid brick wall or the elegance of a wood connection. More and more schools are embracing design/building studios, where you will have the opportunity to learn more about how to actually build. If you have the chance, take one of those studios!

Learn to write: Writing is an invaluable skill in architecture that’s closely rooted to the successful communication of design ideas. Write. Edit. Repeat. Better articulation often results in a clearer design process and you’ll develop a better appreciation for what to say during reviews and crits by practicing in writing.

Stay humble: The greatest trap of architecture school is to believe that you are better than others. Recognize that you will always be a student, constantly learning. You are here to provide a service for others – not greedily guard your ideas and look down your nose at those who don’t understand “good design.”

#Dear ARCHy #Architecture

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wineanddinosaur · 3 years

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Next Round: Knotfest Beer Pit Is Bringing Heavy Metal and Craft Beer Together

On this episode of “Next Round,” host Adam Teeter and VinePair’s senior editor Cat Wolinski chat with Adam Zuniga, advanced cicerone and creator of Knotfest Beer Pit. Knotfest Beer Pit is a direct-to-consumer beer subscription club inspired by heavy metal culture. Zuniga explains why, for him, heavy metal and craft beer are synonymous.

Zuniga also explains the month-to-month box that Knotfest Beer Pi customers receive. Each box contains eight beers from four state-of-the-art breweries around the United States. Finally, Zuniga details the creation of his show “The Six Most Metal Breweries,” an award-winning series that showcases the crossover between craft beer and heavy metal music.

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Adam Teeter: From Brooklyn, New York, I’m Adam Teeter, and this is a VinePair “Next Round” conversation. We are bringing these conversations between our regular podcast episodes to give a better picture of what’s been going on in the alcohol beverage community. Today, I’m really excited to be joined by Adam Zuniga, advanced cicerone and the creator of the Knotfest Beer Pit. Adam, thanks so much for joining me.

Adam Zuniga: Adam, thank you for having me. It’s always good to know another Adam.

A: Yes, always. Also, we have a special guest, which is beer lover, senior editor at VinePair, and all-around beer cheerleader Cat Wolinski. I mean, you crashed my interview.

C: I did. Is this weird? I’m here. I’m here on a “Next Round” episode, breaking the rules.

A: We’re going to co-interview Adam, which I’m pretty excited about. Adam, can you chat with us a little bit about what Knotfest Beer Pit is?

Z: Absolutely. The Knotfest Beer Pit is a direct-to-consumer beer subscription club that is sent monthly. It is meant to represent the highest-quality craft beers on the market, as well as the most metal craft beers available on the market and a collection that you won’t find anywhere else paired together.

A: So what do you mean by the most metal?

Z: Well, it’s an interesting question you ask. My background is often working in craft beer sales and in marketing. In doing so, I found a way to incorporate a lot of my own personal interests into it, which of course includes heavy metal. The more I look for it, the more you will find brewers in any given brewery, whether they’re a declared metal brewery or not, have a background, a love, and a passion for hard rock, heavy music, or heavy metal that helps them get through the day and influences their work. When I say metal beer, I believe they’re bringing the same ethic and the same attitude to their beer as if they play in a band, as if it’s their own passion product, as if it expresses their own DIY ethic. That quality, first and foremost, is what translates into the beer. Yes, it can be big, boozy, and aggressive, but it can be lighter, fashionable, and intended for a show and day drinking. They can bring the aesthetic into the label art, into the name, their recipe development, and thought process. To me, all those things represent a metal beer, and I’m trying to bring them all into the Knotfest Beer Pit, into this box people receive monthly in such a way that you’ll never have available anywhere else. All at one time, all in one place.

A: Wow, that’s really awesome. Had you ever attempted a subscription service like this before? Did you know anything about what this was going to take going in? What was your plan to launch a beer subscription service?

Z: One of the few positives after a year of negative, obviously craft beer, as has every industry, been struck hard on account of Covid and during the pandemic over a year now. As a result, people had to get crafty. Breweries had to get even more crafty. We’ve seen a lot of traditional distribution laws not fail, but at least become more lax during the pandemic while breweries figure out how to reach the consumer directly. It’s been much the same for artists, bands, and musicians because they’re not able to tour. They’re not able to perform live right now. In this case, 5B Artists + Media, who represents Slipknot and a variety of heavy bands on their roster, was trying to see how they could continue to reach their fans even though artists can’t play live right now? I had originally met them at Kings County Brewers Collective when they were collaborating on a beer for another one of their bands called Behemoth, and you never know how these little things are going to come back, so it really just circled around. They were looking to get more invested in the beer business to find out how to monetize their artists when live music is not happening. They approached me with the idea of a direct-to-consumer beer club. It was the perfect storm because we’re living in a state right now where there is nothing more important than direct-to-consumer. They said, “We want to work with you, we want you to lead this project. You select the beers, you work with the breweries. We’ll try to incorporate our bands and our branding, and it’ll be the perfect storm.”

A: Nice. How many breweries are taking part in the club and how many bands?

Z: As of right now, each box, month-to-month, is going to include four different breweries, and you get two beers from each brewery. One box, eight beers, and four breweries. In each box, I’m going to try to include at least a nod to some of the band beers that have come before or the longest-standing band beers out there. In this month, for instance, we have a Belching Beaver Phantom Bride IPA included, and that’s a collaboration with Deftones, who is one of 5B’s artists. In addition to that, we have Morbid Hour black pilsner, which is my beer made in collaboration with Kings County Brewers Collective and St. Vitus Bar, which we shot a pilot episode for and released as the first episode for a series called “The Six Most Metal Breweries.” Then, we also include Gashadokuro Double IPA and then WayFinder Hell. That’s from Wayfinding Beer in Portland, Ore. Every month, it’ll be at least four different breweries from four different states, and then we’ll try to have one band beer involved.

A: OK, so all the beer is coming to you first in New York, etc. and then you’re boxing them out, and selling them? Are they coming individually from the different breweries? Obviously, you have a brewery from Portland, here from Brooklyn, one from Virginia, one from Oceanside, Calif. How’s this all working?

Z: It’s a vast network. I am currently based in California, and 5B Artists + Media is based in both California and New York. I am working with all the breweries to arrange a one-time drop and temporary distribution to the state of New Jersey, believe it or not, unless they’re already distributed there. They ship their beer to New Jersey and it’s received by a large retailer called Roselle Park Wines and Spirits, who also ships all Slipknot Whiskey nationally. When you really dig into this, it’s unbelievable that traditionally, it has been easier to mail-order wine or whiskey than it has beer. I don’t know the full extent of the reasoning behind that. As I said, thankfully, those laws are starting to change a little bit, or at least people are turning a blind eye during Covid. I get all these breweries to ship their beer to New Jersey for just a one-time, nonexclusive, temporary drop. From there, it is shipped to about 30 states by Roselle Park Wines and Spirits. Those 30 states are eventually going to grow to hopefully 40, possibly 50. There’s a couple outliers, the blue states, you know who you are. Then, we might start shipping internationally to a couple of additional countries as well.

A: Cool. How are you getting the word out about this, and how has it been so far?

Z: So far, so good. Anything that starts small inevitably has to grow. That is the nature of life and music and beer. Primarily, the word has been through knotfestbeerpit.com. We are promoting it on social media. That’s also why I reached out to Cat, because originally with VinePair when we did the collaboration with Morbid Hour, with KCBC and St. Vitus Bar. VinePair was thankfully one of the publications out there that’s big enough to explore a world that is potentially off the beaten track or morbid as craft beer and heavy metal. I really appreciate VinePair for that. I reached out to you if there was any interest. It’s a great thing, Cat, because on the beer side of things, a lot of people want to say, “Metal is too gimmicky, it’s quirky, it’s not serious enough, craft beer still wants to be taken very seriously.” On the metal side, people might want to say, “Well, craft beer is not metal enough. It’s too niche and specific with the strain of metal breweries out there.” I love it when someone like VinePair will explore this world and acknowledge it.

C: Totally, I love covering those cross-sections of the beer world and the other worlds surrounding it like a Venn diagram. Metal is obviously one of them, beer has always been a part of the metal lifestyle and shows. I think it makes sense to approach that from a branding perspective, too. I have a question about the service itself. I am often asked for recommendations for beer subscription services or gifts, and I don’t usually have any recommendations that I can feel really good about. Can you tell us how Knotfest Beer Pit is different and why it’s worth the subscription compared to others in considering the price point as well?

Z: First of all, it’s month-to-month, so there is no required commitment. You can go as you want to go. Month-to-month, take it or leave it, you can choose. In addition to that, the beers are chosen by me. They’re curated by an advanced cicerone. A lot of thought and effort goes into the beers you’ll be drinking every month. There is no dud, as I said, quality first. To me, the idea of metal represents quality. So you have a beer subscription club that you can choose month-to-month. It’s guaranteed to be the highest quality, curated by an advanced cicerone. Then, of course, with a unique point of view, when you have an agency behind it, like 5B Artists + Media, it’s the seal and stamp of approval that these beers represent our artists. These beers represent the heaviest, most metal beers on the market. If you take all that combined, no commitment, highest quality, and most metal attitude and aesthetic that you will not find anywhere else. I haven’t seen anyone else out there doing something even remotely similar yet.

C: That is true. Most of the subscription services that have existed over the last few decades are either distributor-run, or you’re getting the dusty things off the shelves that weren’t selling so well. I do have another question about the freshness. Obviously, these are all quality beers, but if they’re coming from around the country and then New Jersey and then back out to wherever they’re being sent around the country or even internationally, how can we know — something like a black lager or any lager will survive decently overseas — but if it’s something like the Adroit Theory EBK, which is, I think, 8 percent Imperial IPA. it’s chock full of all sorts of different hopped varieties. How are you guaranteeing that it can be enjoyed fresh?

Z: Yeah, absolutely. I’m putting a lot of thought and effort into freshness because, as you said, I want every box to include at least one, if not two lagers. As we know, lagers are more prone to survive shipping. They’re more prone to stay fresh longer because they’re not highly hopped. I think every box is going to include at least one to two lagers, specifically with freshness in mind. Also, when it comes to imperial territory with stouts, as there will always be a bigger beer that they can only improve with age, even something like oxidation might bring out more wanted flavors. If it does have a little bit of time to when it reaches the consumer, it’ll still be a valued experience, highest quality, and great taste. With IPAs, I have to pay very, very special attention to them because, as you know, they’re the most volatile and the most perishable. What we are going to do moving forward is make sure that IPAs, in any given box, are only canned and shipped at the very end of the month prior to that box. This is the first box that just went out, and it was shipped at the very end of March. What I’m going to try to do going forward, for example, for the April box that’s coming, the IPA was just canned literally the last week of March for the April box. Then, we’re going to keep pushing forward to get that April box out, maybe mid-month instead of the end of the month. The bottom line is the absolute goal is to make sure that an IPA will be canned within 30 days of being received by Roselle Park and shipped out to consumers. Then it will be consumed most definitely within 60 days of reaching the consumer. That will go for all beers, not just IPA. We are really trying to make sure when this is rolling perfectly out to market, that no beer in there will have more than 90 days on it at the absolute most. I would say that is a reasonable representation of freshness from any brewery, as long as conditions are kept under control.

A: Right now on the site, the subscription is $50 a box. Will the prices change, or are you trying to keep it $50 every month? How does that work?

Z: If anything, we’d love to get the prices down a little bit. As I said, it’s still a work in progress and we are figuring that out right now. It’s important to emphasize that you’re getting eight beers total, two of the same beer from each brewery. When you write down costs, you can tell me what’s going on in New York City right now. If you were to order eight beers from any of the breweries doing a direct-to-home delivery, what does that amount to with tax and delivery fee included? I don’t know if $50 is relatively in the ballpark, but I can tell you definitely just from having ordered from beer subscription services in the past, that’s not outlandish, given the cost of shipping and all things considered. Then, we’re going to reevaluate after three or four months and decide if we want to include more beers. Do we want to include fewer beers? Ultimately, how does that take the price down or add further value?

A: Very cool.

C: I was going to say that $50 might seem a lot for eight beers, but it’s also important to consider that you’re getting things that you probably don’t have access to, considering that they’re coming through this crazy distribution setup that you have going. Of course, I can get KCBC in Brooklyn, but I don’t think I can ever get Wayfinder, Adroit Theory, or even Belching Beaver. That’s pretty rare around here, so I think it’s cool to be able to try these beers that you’re aware of but don’t get to drink too often.

Z: It’s very true. You’re supporting craft breweries around the country that still, traditionally, have limited distribution. As I said, this collection won’t be available in any one place, anywhere else, any time soon.

A: I think it’s very cool because I like the idea that this is a subscription club, but it’s based on a theme. Usually, I think people are wary of subscription clubs because then does it become the beer they got the best deal on this month? How does that work? I think it’s cool because it’s like, “No these are breweries that all share an ethos.” I think that’s super, super dope.

Z: Yeah, for sure. No, there is an ethos and an ethic guiding the selection of every beer that goes into this box.

C: If you check out The Six Most Metal Breweries, any of the interviews, Adam knows all these people, and you’ve been the most connected with all these breweries.

Z: Yeah, not to play favorites, but a lot of the breweries included in this box are really like best friends throughout the country and among this industry. It’s great to be able to continue working with them in this way while we still are on lockdown, and while the country is still partially shut down. Everyone is getting crafty. It’s just a way of, as I said, continuing to communicate this message of craft beer and heavy metal across the nation.

A: I dig it because I was not super aware of craft beer and heavy metal. I’m not going to lie. I always thought it was craft beer and jam bands. So I’m glad to have been informed. Cat has kept me in the know and told me that there are some metal people.

C: I mean, I wrote that story like three years ago.

A: Grateful Dead, people. This is cool. Adam, how do people sign up?

Z: OK, so, Adam, first of all, I’m just going to say that I am firmly committed to taking some of the “hippie” out of craft beer. You are right. There is this stigma and there are a lot of people working on my side of the industry that is definitely like hippies following Phish around the country. There is that image ever since the Sierra Nevada cobbled together their first brewhouse, but we’re taking it back.

C: There’s room for all music lovers in the craft beer world.

Z: That is ultimately what is most important, Cat. You are absolutely correct. OK, how do people sign up? They go to knotfestbeerpit.com. That is the single best source. You can go to the knotfest.com and there’s also a link to the beer pit. You can follow @knotfest on social. You can follow SixMostMetalBreweries on social. We both regularly push and plug this just to draw attention to it and get more people involved.

A: Amazing. Well, Adam, this has been really awesome to chat with you. Keep doing what you’re doing. I think it’s really, really cool. And Cat, thanks for joining me on this one.

C: Yeah, thanks for letting me in, guys. Adam and Adam.

Z: Cat and Adam, I am so thankful for the moment. Really appreciate you supporting craft beer and heavy music. Thank you.

Thanks so much for listening to the “VinePair Podcast.” If you love this show as much as we love making it, then please leave a rating or review on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever it is you get your podcasts. It really helps everyone else discover the show.

Now for the credits. VinePair is produced and recorded in New York City and in Seattle, Wash., by myself and Zach Geballe, who does all the editing and loves to get the credit. Also, I would love to give a special shout-out to my VinePair cofounder Josh Malin for helping make all this possible and also to Keith Beavers, VinePair’s tasting director, who is additionally a producer on the show. I also want to, of course, thank every other member of the VinePair team who is instrumental in all of the ideas that go into making the show every week. Thanks so much for listening, and we’ll see you again.

Ed. note: This episode has been edited for length and clarity.

The article Next Round: Knotfest Beer Pit Is Bringing Heavy Metal and Craft Beer Together appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/knotfest-beer-pit-heavy-metal/

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johnboothus · 3 years

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Next Round: Knotfest Beer Pit Is Bringing Heavy Metal and Craft Beer Together

Listen Online

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Listen on Spotify

Or Check out the Conversation Here

Adam Zuniga: Adam, thank you for having me. It’s always good to know another Adam.

A: Yes, always. Also, we have a special guest, which is beer lover, senior editor at VinePair, and all-around beer cheerleader Cat Wolinski. I mean, you crashed my interview.

C: I did. Is this weird? I’m here. I’m here on a “Next Round” episode, breaking the rules.

A: We’re going to co-interview Adam, which I’m pretty excited about. Adam, can you chat with us a little bit about what Knotfest Beer Pit is?

A: So what do you mean by the most metal?

A: Nice. How many breweries are taking part in the club and how many bands?

A: Cool. How are you getting the word out about this, and how has it been so far?

A: Right now on the site, the subscription is $50 a box. Will the prices change, or are you trying to keep it $50 every month? How does that work?

A: Very cool.

Z: Yeah, for sure. No, there is an ethos and an ethic guiding the selection of every beer that goes into this box.

C: If you check out The Six Most Metal Breweries, any of the interviews, Adam knows all these people, and you’ve been the most connected with all these breweries.

C: I mean, I wrote that story like three years ago.

A: Grateful Dead, people. This is cool. Adam, how do people sign up?

C: There’s room for all music lovers in the craft beer world.

A: Amazing. Well, Adam, this has been really awesome to chat with you. Keep doing what you’re doing. I think it’s really, really cool. And Cat, thanks for joining me on this one.

C: Yeah, thanks for letting me in, guys. Adam and Adam.

Z: Cat and Adam, I am so thankful for the moment. Really appreciate you supporting craft beer and heavy music. Thank you.

Ed. note: This episode has been edited for length and clarity.

The article Next Round: Knotfest Beer Pit Is Bringing Heavy Metal and Craft Beer Together appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/knotfest-beer-pit-heavy-metal/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/next-round-knotfest-beer-pit-is-bringing-heavy-metal-and-craft-beer-together

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instantdeerlover · 4 years

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We’d Like To See More Diversity In The Wedding Industry, Wouldn’t You added to Google Docs

We’d Like To See More Diversity In The Wedding Industry, Wouldn’t You

Wedding diversity is something we’ve always championed and celebrated here at Bridal Musings because, bizarrely, it’s something we just don’t see in mainstream wedding media often enough. And that makes us sad, not to mention frustrated.

Thankfully there are some wonderful publications taking leaps and bounds in this space. More on them, and one particularly inspiring blog editor, in our second post in this series. But first I (Elizabeth) wanted to take this opportunity to briefly share my perspective on this issue with you all.

Photo by Anushe Low Photography via Bridal Musings

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

About a week after Zee and I got engaged, back in August 2010, I excitedly stocked up on wedding magazines from my local WHSmith. Flicking through them, the first thing I thought was “Wow, there are a lot of wedding dress ads.” (Ha!) My second thought was “Why is nearly every couple featured and every model in every shoot and every advertisement white?”

It wasn’t just the issue of ethnicity, there were no Asian or Jewish weddings, no gay civil ceremonies (the UK hadn’t legalised gay marriage by that point), no models bigger than a size 10, no people with disabilities…the list goes on. It just wasn’t representative of the diversity of modern Britain.

As an early years teacher at a multicultural school (and having grown up in a multicultural part of London) perhaps I was more acutely aware of this issue. An important part of my job was to foster a learning environment where every child felt special and included – to create a space where diversity was actively celebrated.

Photo by Z Media via Bridal Musings

Needless to say, I was shocked and disappointed by what I saw, and more notably, what I didn’t see, in those wedding magazines. Especially when I came to realise that the issue wasn’t restricted to magazines. It seemed that the UK and US wedding industry, in general, was geared towards (and only really visually representing) a small subset of brides and couples – mainly white, slim, heterosexual and western. It was as if I’d stepped back in time. The images and content used in magazines and on wedding blogs and websites (especially dress designers websites and ad campaigns) didn’t seem to reflect the variety of modern couples and brides.

To me, it seemed like even fashion magazines, and catwalks, which are notoriously unrepresentative of a variety of women and body types, appeared to be doing a better job of providing diverse imagery and content.

So why hadn’t the mainstream wedding industry got its act together yet?

Photo by Phil Chester via Bridal Musings

A Quiet Mission

As a result, when I started Bridal Musings, I was on a mission to feature a diverse variety of couples from all walks of life, cultures and backgrounds and their beautiful weddings. As well as shoots and content that appealed to a wide variety of readers. But it was a quiet, personal, don’t-rock-the-boat-so-as-not-to-offend-anyone, kind of mission. One that I didn’t really talk about on the blog (apart from in my submission guidelines) and a goal that turned out to be much, much harder than I thought to actually achieve.

So here I am finally discussing wedding diversity (and the lack of it) after four years. I’ve written and re-written a version of this post many times since I started Bridal Musings in 2011 but I never actually hit ‘publish’. I wasn’t sure I was the right person to talk about this issue or that I had the right words to explain myself.

I’m still not sure that I do and, thankfully, things have come a long way in the last four years but we’re not there yet by any means. This lack of representation is something I feel incredibly passionate about, as does Bridal Musing’s Editor Claire, so we thought it was high time we wrote about it.

Photo by Peterson Design and Photography via Bridal Musings

Everyone Is Welcome Here

At the very heart of Bridal Musings is our commitment to being an inclusive wedding blog.

What that means, dear reader, is that no matter where in the world you are based, whatever your culture, nationality, sex, race, religion, clothing size, abilities, socio-economic background (read: ‘wedding budget’), sexual orientation, whether you’re planning a ballroom or a backyard wedding (or anything in between!) we want you to feel welcome and, where possible, represented on our blog.

After all, weddings are about celebrating love and love comes in a wonderful variety of beautiful colours, shapes and sizes.

(Also, we’re kind of greedy and want to feature all the beautiful weddings from all around the world all the time!)

But unfortunately, the reality is that the majority of submissions we receive are not representative of all the many and varied couples we are writing to and for. So, we can’t help but worry that, despite actively trying to be more inclusive, inadvertently, we could also be part of the problem.

Photo by Ashley Ludaescher Photography via Bridal Musings

Marriage Equality

We understand this is a controversial issue and a sensitive topic for many due to a myriad of cultural and religious reasons too complicated to cover in one blog post but we feel we need to be open and honest about our stance on it, just so that you know what to expect on Bridal Musings. While we respect everybody’s right to their own opinions and beliefs, we are pro marriage equality.

Fittingly, today is the same-sex marriage referendum in Ireland, which Claire has flown back from London to her hometown of Dublin especially to vote ‘yes’ for. How awesome is that?

Here’s what Claire said when I asked her to share why it was important to her to return home and vote:

Love is love. Everyone should be free to marry the person that they love and it shouldn’t really be something that even needs to be voted for. That said, it’s an exciting time in Ireland, and I’m hoping with all my might that the whole country gets behind our same sex couples and votes yes. I can’t wait to welcome lots more Irish brides or grooms-to-be to the blog!

And I couldn’t agree more.

Photo by J. Shipley Photography via Bridal Musings

In the first four years of Bridal Musings, we only received a total of five gay weddings and civil ceremony submissions. Five. Out of almost 1000 real wedding submissions! And, out of those five submissions (each beautiful in their own way) we only actually featured two of them on the blog because the photography or style of the other celebrations wasn’t in line with our submission guidelines. (While that number has increased in the five years since this article published, we still don’t receive nearly as many as we would love!)

And, I hope it goes without saying, but, just in case, we will never feature a wedding or shoot simply because it fills some sort of diversity quota! We only share weddings, celebrations, shoots and content that make our hearts skip a beat, and, most importantly that we believe our readers will find inspiring and helpful.

Gay couples and gay-friendly photographers and wedding vendors, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear your perspective on how we can make Bridal Musings more welcoming to the LGBT community so we can start receiving more gorgeous gay submissions!

Send Us Your Diverse Submissions!

Speaking of submissions…

We do our best to hunt down gorgeous and varied weddings to feature but, truth be told, we just don’t have the man-power, or the time to search through hundreds of photographer’s blogs/FB pages/Twitter streams/Instagram feeds etc. (Our inboxes and ‘to do’ lists make us want to cry a little bit on a daily basis!) Which means we rely on talented photographers, videographers and couples, to share their beautifully diverse big days with us.

Beca Companioni Photography via Bridal Musings

Please don’t think we’re complaining, or making excuses, we’re just letting you know our current situation. Like any blog or business, Bridal Musings is most definitely a work in progress and, of course, we’ll continue to work on this area. We think this is an important issue so we are keen to actively showcase more diversity on these pretty pages.

But to do that effectively, we need your help!

So if you are reading this thinking, “Hmmmm…that reminds me, I recently photographed, filmed (or had!) a wedding that was chic, stylish, creative or utterly beautiful, and just so happens to feature a rather cool couple that could very well inspire other couples looking for a little more diversity in their wedding inspiration” then please do get in touch.

And, if this post has resonated with you, or you’d like to share your perspective on this issue, please do leave a comment below. We’d really, really love to hear from you!

And if you’d like to read more from our series of posts on the matter we spoke to the woman who inspired us to be brave and finally write about this topic, the wonderful Nova of Nu Bride (and since have chatted more with Nova about incorporating culture in your wedding day!). Plus, in our third and final post, we introduce lots of brilliant niche blogs representing all kinds of couples that you’ll want to add to your bookmarks!

via Bridal Musings https://bridalmusings.com/76690/diversity-in-the-wedding-industry/ Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://trello.com/userhuongsen

Created June 5, 2020 at 02:17AM /huong sen View Google Doc Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xa6sRugRZk4MDSyctcqusGYBv1lXYkrF

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accuhunt · 4 years

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Sustainable Living Ideas to Embrace as we Emerge Into a New “Normal”.

In the midst of a pandemic, all roads seem to point towards a more sustainable lifestyle. My tips to embrace easy sustainable living ideas.

The past 50+ days of lockdown living have been an emotional roller coaster.

I’ve felt a deep longing to be in the midst of nature. The forests, the mountains, the sea, I’ve craved them all. This longing made me realize that I never fully appreciated the freedom (and privilege) to experience the incredible beauty of our world. It equally made me dwell on my environmental footprint as an inhabitant of a shared planet.

In the midst of a pandemic linked to deforestation, biodiversity loss and intensive animal farming, the future seems to point towards a life that is more sustainable, compassionate and mindful.

But will decreasing our individual footprint make any difference in the big picture? We only need to look at the past for inspiration. Many social and political transformations came about as a result of mass movements that began with individual awareness and personal choices. The more invested we become in sustainable living as individuals, the more likely we are to drive change as a society.

For those of us not directly affected by the on-going crisis, this slowdown can be a chance to make small but lasting changes towards a sustainable way of life. So behold, some sustainable living ideas to experiment with, at home and on the road:

In this post:

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS MINIMALISM

How I ended up living out of 2 bags

Why minimalism

Tips for minimalist sustainable living

Books / documentaries about minimalism

SEGREGATE, COMPOST, REDUCE AND RECYCLE YOUR WASTE

How to segregate and compost waste

Tips for low waste sustainable living

Ideas for plastic free sustainable living

SWITCH TO A MENSTRUAL CUP

Why a menstrual cup enables sustainable living

Tips to use a menstrual cup

Advantages of a menstrual cup in pursuit of an enviromentally friendly lifestyle

Recommended brands of menstrual cups

CREATIVELY REUSE AND UPCYCLE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

Why make reusing and recycling part of your sustainable living plan

How to reuse and recycle during the lockdown

EMBRACE A COMPASSION-DRIVE VEGAN LIFESTYLE

Why go vegan (or consume less animal products for sustainable living)

How to turn vegan at your own pace

Books / documentaries to inspire a vegan sustainable lifestyle

GROW YOUR OWN MICROGREENS AND OTHER FOOD

The joy of growing your own food

Practical tips to grow produce at home

CATCH UP ON THE HEALTH OF THE PLANET

Have you committed to any sustainable living ideas during the lockdown? What do you plan to try?

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS MINIMALISM

Sustainable lifestyle ideas | Living out of 2 bags since 2013.

I know Marie Kondo is all the rage these days, but minimalism isn’t a new trend. It’s simply the idea of consuming mindfully. Owning less, buying less, having fewer material attachments.

In fact, most people in India and elsewhere lived minimalist lives before the days of television and social media. Before marketing, ads and influencers started telling us that we want more than we need.

How I ended up living out of 2 bags

Back in 2013, when I was contemplating a life of long term travel, I had cupboards, drawers and bags full of things I didn’t really need.

So I spent a few days taking stock of everything I owned. I gave away most of my clothes, shoes, books, appliances and assorted possessions to anyone who could use them. Gradually I gave up the apartment itself, and have been living out of two bags since.

Why minimalism

Over the years, it’s felt mentally liberating to shed the weight of my material attachments. I know now, that my contentment has nothing to do with trips to a shopping mall or the latest fashion trend.

Harmless though it seems, fast fashion is one of the most polluting industries on the planet. So I’ve pledged that whenever I acquire something new, it will be recycled or upcycled, support a local cause and/or be environmentally sustainable.

PIN me!

Tips for minimalist sustainable living

Think about how much you really need: Use this time at home to re-evaluate what you really need. Perhaps you’re comfortable with a few sets of clothes and shoes. Perhaps your office regime demands more. Perhaps you’re too attached to some books but can consider swapping others, or donating them to a library. You could lay out all your things, and objectively assess what you must keep and what can go.

Start slow: It’s great to be excited about some big sustainable living changes, but slow down a bit. We’d do more harm than good by getting rid of things we think we don’t need, only to buy them again later. In my case, while downsizing my possessions, I stored some backup stuff in the boot of a friend’s car. A while later, when he had to sell that car, I rummaged through it again to find a couple of essentials I’d been missing. You could similarly store some things to reconsider after a few months.

Notice the inner changes: As you embark on a sustainable lifestyle journey to buy and own less, notice how your needs and wants change internally. Personally, I feel a lot less attached to what I still own and rarely ever crave material things. It’s pretty amazing.

Books / documentaries about minimalism

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things: Made by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus – the two guys who essentially made ‘minimalism’ a mainstream idea circa 2016. This America-centered documentary explores the American dream and materialism in western societies – but is pretty relevant to urban Indian lives.

The True Cost: A documentary about the true cost of fast fashion and why we need to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

Essential Zen Habits – Mastering the art of change, briefly: Essential Zen habits by Micronesian writer, runner and vegan Leo Bautata, on the art of embracing change, has been on my wishlist for a while.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: As someone who hasn’t really had a ‘home’ in a long time, I don’t exactly relate to Japanese author and much-loved organizing consultant Marie Kondo. But I know a few whose lives her book has changed!

Also read: How I Fit All My Life Possessions in Two Bags as I Travel the World.

SEGREGATE, COMPOST, REDUCE AND RECYCLE YOUR WASTE

Sustainable living ideas | Compost your waste. Photo by Gabriel Jimenez on Unsplash.

A few years ago, I visited a state-of-the-art waste management plant in Goa. At the conveyor belt, I saw workers sorting out recyclables from all kinds of waste. Curry covered boxes, plastic in all forms, rotting vegetables, tattered clothes, umbrellas, muck covered toys, even rotting carcasses! It is sickening that a fellow human should have to dig through all our waste just because we refuse to segregate it.

Since this is a semi-private waste plant, workers are given protective coats, gloves, a face mask and health insurance. But most ragpickers and informal waste workers (in India and other developing countries) have access to none of this.

Visiting that plant and meeting workers who once lived off the public dumping ground made me realize that the least we can do to adopt a sustainable lifestyle is to deal with our waste more mindfully.

I now consciously look for Airbnbs / homestays that segregate and compost their waste. As far as possible, I try to reduce my waste by avoiding things that come in single-use plastic, thereby reducing my junk food intake. And no matter where in the world I am, I keep my eyes and ears peeled for recycling spots to give my recyclable waste.

While in Cape Town, I decided to experiment with a month of being zero waste on the road – not easy but not impossible. I’ll be writing about that zero waste sustainable living challenge soon.

How to segregate and compost waste

The conversation about waste seldom makes it to our living rooms. No wonder, my folks put up so much resistance against the simple act of segregating waste. But now that I’m locked down with them, they’ve finally relented!

The process is really simple. All you need to do is use two bins instead of one. All wet waste (food waste, soiled plain paper and anything biodegradable) goes into one. All dry waste into another.

For the wet waste, dig a pit in your backyard if you have one. Discard the wet waste in it once or twice a day, and cover with an equal amount of dry leaves.

If you live in an apartment, get yourself an Eco Bin, which allows easy and hygienic disposal of wet waste. In a few weeks, you’ll have compost to grow your own vegetables! See this comprehensive pit composting guide if you have a backyard or these indoor composting options.

The dry waste should ideally be sent to a recycling facility. Figure out if there’s a collection service or center in your vicinity. If not, perhaps you could arrange for community collection, to be sent to the nearest facility every week or month. Alternatively, discuss with your local ragpickers what they are able to salvage and try to find solutions to the remaining waste.

Tips for low waste sustainable living

Assess all your waste and find creative solutions: Consciously keeping track of all your dry waste for a few days can be eye-opening. Then it’s time to find creative ways of reducing it. Can you refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle or find alternatives to it? It’s how I switched from shower gel and shampoo bottles to bars, started making my own snacks and began sourcing plastic-free energy bars made on order.

Get your house members on board: If you share your space with family or friends, it’s important to get their buy-in atleast for segregation if not a sustainable lifestyle entirely. Involving my folks in the ideation process (what to use to collect wet waste etc) helped. To ensure that the waste isn’t mixed up, I created a “dry waste” sign next to the regular dustbin as a reminder.

Consider a community garden for collective composting: While in Cape Town, we lived in a studio with a small balcony. Since we weren’t staying long enough, it didn’t feel worthwhile investing in an eco bin to make compost. So I got in touch with a community garden nearby, who were happy for us to drop off our wet waste every couple of days to be composted. If we had stayed long enough, we would’ve bought our produce there. Win-win!

Ideas for plastic free sustainable living

Buy produce directly from farmers: Many towns and cities around the world have farmers markets, where farmers directly sell their produce without plastic packaging. Sharan’s organic farmer markets in Mumbai every Sunday, Dehradun’s Wednesday organic market, Cape Town’s weekend markets and Thailand’s Thursday stalls are just some of the places I’ve bought my produce in the past few years! It ensures a fair price to farmers and fresh organic produce that I can carry in my own cloth bags.

Shop at zero waste stores / supermarkets that sell produce in bulk: Pretty much everything we consume – from lentils to nuts to detergent – comes in plastic packaging. While in Cape Town, I was delighted to find two zero waste stores, so I could buy essential grains, legumes etc in my own jars or bags. In Georgia, the Carrefour store sold everything from pasta to rice in bulk. In India, Chennai, Gurgaon and Goa have organic zero waste stores, while some kirana stores still sell in bulk.

Make your own plastic-free alternatives: Instead of unhealthy store-bought snacks, I’ve been trying to make namkeens with mixed seeds and easy raw chocolate brownies at home. Instead of sugary store-bought beverages, I drink fresh juice and make my own iced tea. A sustainable lifestyle should ideally be healthier too.

Reuse plastic creatively: Many people grow plants in discarded plastic bottles. Eco bricks – pet bottles densely packed with single-use plastic – are all the rage now and can ultimately be used to erect sturdy structures.

Also read: Plastic Free Living: 5 Steps to Embrace Single-Use Plastic Alternatives

SWITCH TO A MENSTRUAL CUP

Sustainable lifestyle ideas | In love with my menstrual cup.

I have to confess that the idea of inserting a menstrual cup in my vagina felt so scary that even after I bought one, I shied away from trying it for three whole months!

For the uninitiated, a menstrual cup is an eco friendly alternative to pads and tampons. The cups is made of health grade silicon, and inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Now that I’ve been using one for over a year, I can tell you it’s hygienic, safe and super comfortable!

The best time to experiment with a menstrual cup is when you’re staying home and have easy access to a comfortable bathroom – i.e. this lockdown!

Why a menstrual cup enables sustainable living

My conviction to switch to a menstrual cup came while volunteering on a remote island in Cuba. I was surprised to spot single-use plastic on the seabed that wasn’t even available on the island! Those stunning corals and marine life were co-existing with plastic bags, shampoo bottles, straws and what not.

I had switched to “biodegradable pads” by that time, but further research revealed that they degrade only when discarded and composted separately. I couldn’t do that on the road, nor could I live with myself for sending 10-15 plastic pads to the landfill or ocean every month.

Tips to use a menstrual cup

Sterilize the cup: Basically just put it in boiling water before and after your period each month. That ensures any bacteria on the surface is killed.

Try different folds and positions to insert it: It took me a few periods to figure out how to get the cup in. I watched Youtube videos, read extensively about our inner structure and experimented with a bunch of different folds and positions. When I finally figured it out, I realized it doesn’t hurt. AT ALL!

Use your pelvic muscles to remove it: I worried myself silly thinking of how I’d remove it when I finally managed to get it in. The relieving part is that it can’t get lost inside I learnt to use my pelvic muscles and breath to push it down a bit, then squeeze it between my fingers and pull it out.

Advantages of a menstrual cup in pursuit of an enviromentally friendly lifestyle

An eco-friendly alternative: A menstrual cup can be used for upto 10 years with care – easily saving 1800+ single-use pads as trash. Definitely a worthwhile alternative for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Easy to use and clean once you figure it out: The only other zero waste menstrual product is a cloth pad. It works like a regular pad, but needs to be washed after every use, which can be a pain. On the other hand, after the initial mental and physical challenges of figuring out a menstrual cup, it is super easy to use, maintain and carry.

Physical activities are easier with a menstrual cup: I find it way easier to hike, swim, do yoga and other physical activities while wearing my cup. My biggest fear is that I’ll forget it’s inside!

A long term investment: Considering that a menstrual cup can be used for a good few years, it works out way cheaper than pads in the long run. Both financially and environmentally.

Recommended brands of menstrual cups

I love my Lena Cup (bought on Amazon US while travelling in that part of the world) and absolutely recommend it.

My cup-verted friends recommend the SheCup, Cupvert Cup, Boondh Cup and Rustic Art Cup in India. I highly recommend buying cloth pads as a backup for low flow days. There are several options on Amazon India and Amazon US. A set of 4 suffices for me.

Also read: My Detailed Guide on How to Use a Menstrual Cup, With All Your Questions Answered

CREATIVELY REUSE AND UPCYCLE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

Sustainable lifestyle ideas | Learning to make upcycled handmade paper in Kerala.

I’ve often found it hard to focus during this lockdown, with all the negativity and indefiniteness playing on my mind. But perhaps it’s the perfect time to unleash our creative spirit to do things it’s otherwise hard to find time for.

In February this year, I met small-scale entrepreneurs across Kerala who benefit indirectly from tourism through vocational jobs. I learnt how to upcycle old newspapers into artisan handmade paper. A sweet couple demonstrated how they recycle used candle wax to make creative candle designs. A tea planter turned tailor has been making cloth bags from old clothes so people can stop using single-use plastic bags.

In South Africa, I learnt how to make trendy wallets from used tetra boxes! In Myanmar, I met a women’s collective who upcycle used coffee and other plastic packets into cool bookmarks and lamp shades.

On my closed women-only Facebook group, one creative soul bought discarded wood from a ragpicker to make a sofa. Another made a hip bookshelf with old drawers!

Why make reusing and recycling part of your sustainable living plan

I sometimes read about people making a move towards slow fashion and a plastic-free sustainable lifestyle by buying new “minimalism-friendly” things as they discard everything else.

And I get it, it’s tempting to buy that multi-purpose scarf thing on Instagram that can be worn 10 different ways. Or to throw out all plastic jars and buy a new set of glass jars to feel good about ourselves.

But here’s the thing. Sustainability and minimalism are pointless pursuits if we’re creating all this trash, or craving the next trendy minimal wear. We need to use what we’ve already got – for the maximum amount of time we can.

How to reuse and recycle during the lockdown

Limited access to non-essentials during the lockdown is the perfect opportunity to get creative. Google has tons of DIY ideas for whatever you need and how to make it based on what you already have at home.

After a long hiatus, I feel ready to acquire a new dress. So I’m trying to remodel my current one into a skirt, and upcycle one of my mom’s old sarees into a dress. We’ll see how the experiment goes

In the next few weeks, my notebook will run out of pages, so I’m going to try making handmade paper. It’ll be hard to replenish my shampoo and conditioner bars, so I’ll try to make a version at home. Many of my friends are making their own cloth masks and sanitizers. The sustainable living possibilities are endless!

Also read: 15 Responsible Travel Tips for Authentic, Meaningful Experiences on the Road

EMBRACE A COMPASSION-DRIVEN VEGAN LIFESTYLE

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A post shared by Shivya Nath (@shivya) on Jan 27, 2020 at 8:30pm PST

Have you been wondering how the hell life went from being business as usual to this scary, bizarre lockdown situation?

Scientists pretty much agree that the source of the COVID-19 outbreak was a wet market in Wuhan, China. Hens, fish, snakes, birds, porcupines, pangolin, even wolf pups are sold there – to be cooked and eaten. The virus likely came from bats, and was possibly transmitted by a snake, pangolin or chicken, into humans (pangolin is the prime suspect). That makes it a zoonotic disease, one that spread from animals to humans. Similarly Ebola, SARS, bird flu, nipah etc are all infectious outbreaks that began in bats, but spread to humans through hunting, pig farms, poultry farms and animal markets. Deforestation, biodiversity loss and closer interaction with wild animals helped create the perfect breeding grounds.

There’s been a rise in the spread of infectious diseases in the last 50 years. Our population has grown. But also we have more livestock since 1960 than the last 10,000 years of domestication combined! As we use more animals – for trade, farming, food etc – we increase the probability of cross-species transmission of infectious diseases. Dr Gauden Galea, WHO Representative, China, said in an interview with CNN: “As long as people eat meat, there is going to be some risk of infection.” It’s not yet well understood how exactly zoonotic diseases work, but I guess it’s pretty clear that they are rooted in the abuse and misuse of animals and their habitats.⠀⁣⁣ ⠀⁣⁣ So perhaps this lockdown is a good time to find our inner compassion to stop abusing animals and nature, and reduce the danger to our own lives?

Why go vegan (or consume less animal products for sustainable living)

The animal suffering: Being vegan is simply a pledge to stop exploiting animals – to the greatest extent possible. ⁣⁣⁣That means not using animals for their meat, eggs, milk etc. Not separating them from their babies or castrating them. Not buying products made of leather, silk, wool and down feather. Not using toiletries and cosmetics tested on animals. Not supporting zoos, not riding animals, not using them to carry our loads. Not supporting the pet industry. ⁣⁣If it involves an animal, first google to see what it entails.

The environmental impact of animal based food: A whopping one-third of the world’s freshwater is currently used to produce animal foods, including meat and dairy. Nearly 80% of all agricultural land is used for livestock. 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions – and 12% of those in India – are attributed to raising animals for food (in comparison, flying contributes 2% of global emissions). Without meat and dairy consumption, global farmland use could be reduced by more than 75% – an area equivalent to the U.S., China, the European Union and Australia combined – and still feed the world! Sustainable living? I think so.

The health benefits of plant-based food: Vegan diets haven’t been studied long, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that meat and milk are associated with cholesterol, heart disease and blood pressure. I’ve met people of various age groups in India, Iran and Germany who’ve reversed diabetes, thyroid and other health conditions by switching to a whole foods plant based lifestyle.

How to turn vegan at your own pace

Research and work out your motivation: Considering that food is an integral part of our daily life, experimenting with being vegan – even for the duration of the lockdown – is a choice that will stare you in the face everyday. So the first step should be to read articles and books, and watch documentaries and videos to firm up your motivation. I even did some primary research by living with small-scale cattle farmers in the Himalayas and visiting free-range dairy farms, sheep rearing facilities, animal rescue sanctuaries and horse riding estates. I’ve learnt to ask tough questions and gathered some shocking answers.

Transition at your own pace and look online for alternative recipes: Depending on how sustainable lifestyle changes work for you, you might want to take it slow or do it overnight. Maybe start with a firm decision to not buy anything that contains animal products – including groceries and cosmetics. Maybe start with cooking one vegan meal a day. If you feel the need for vegan alternatives to milk, butter, cheese etc, a simple google search will reveal a ton of easy recipes.

Figure out how to get your nutrition on a vegan diet: This lockdown is a good time to embrace vegan food that is also local, seasonal and healthy. Most basic Indian food can easily be veganized without ghee, paneer, butter etc. Leafy greens, seasonal veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, lentils, chickpeas, beans etc are ready available. Start with this guide by the NHS to figure out nutritional needs. Note that most people – vegan or not – are deficient in Vitamin B12 and D3, so consider supplements.

Books / documentaries to inspire a vegan sustainable lifestyle

Animal intimacies: Written by anthropologist Radhika Govindarajan, Animal Intimacies is a book about farming and mountain life in Uttarakhand. Written from the social perspective of small scale farmers but an insight into the life of domesticated hill animals as well. I found myself tearing up reading it.

For a moment of taste: An in-depth expose of what happens to animals commonly used for meat, eggs and dairy foods in India, written by investigative researcher Poorva Joshipura. I just ordered my copy.

Why we love dogs, eat pigs and wear cows: A book by social psychologist Melanie Joy on the psychology of eating meat.

Earthlings: An intimate look at how humans have used animals for economic gains. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix. Earthlings might be hard to watch, but if you feel like turning it off, remember that we’re literally paying to make it happen.

Cowspiracy: The first documentary to introduce the environmental impact of animal-based food to a mass audience. Must watch if you’re interested in pursuing a sustainable lifestyle.

Also read: 11 Tips to Ease Your Transition Into a Vegan Lifestyle

How to Travel as a Vegan and Find Delicious Food Anywhere in the World

GROW YOUR OWN MICROGREENS AND OTHER FOOD

Sustainable living ideas | My microgreens start to sprout.

Nothing’s given me as much joy in this lockdown as growing my own microgreens! We’ve all likely sampled microgreens – those little plants with a couple of leaves that often appear with a starter or dish at a cafe or restaurant.

But I was first introduced to their amazing nutritional content at The Sunshine Food Co in Cape Town. The owner Elisha fell in love with farming microgreens, and now offers the most badass vegan activated charcoal burgers I’ve ever had.

So I read up, watched a couple of videos and drew inspiration from Instagram to experiment with growing my own. In reused takeaway containers filled with soil, I sowed mustard, urad dal and basil seeds. And was amazed that with little effort, they grew beautifully in a couple of weeks! I added them to my smoothies and sandwiches.

I then managed to get okra, bitter gourd and black eyed pea (lobia) seeds from an organic farmer, though those will take a while to grow.

The joy of growing your own food

This lockdown has left many of us craving to reconnect with earth, and growing our own food is a therapeutic way of doing that. It also allows us to be more self-sustainable in an uncertain future.

Besides, it’s rather reassuring to consume something home-grown, that you know hasn’t been infiltrated with chemical fertilizers or pesticides. And I can swear it teaches us to value the hardwork of our farmers enough to never negotiate for their produce again!

Practical tips to grow produce at home

Know that we can grow stuff no matter where we live: Whether we have a backyard garden, a rooftop or just a window, it’s possibly to grow atleast some of our own food. Grow herbs in the garden, transform a terrace into an urban rooftop farm or try soil-less farming with hydroponics.

Microgreens are the easiest and quickest to grow: Even though I’ve spent time living at / near organic farms and learnt a lot in theory, I never end up staying long enough to see the seeds reach the table. That’s part of the reason I love microgreens. They’re easy to grow, adaptable to most weather conditions and packed with nutrition. But most importantly, they can be harvested within 2-3 weeks!

Keep it organic: My folks, like many others, thought ‘organic’ is a myth. But since I’m here a while, I started getting produce delivered from local organic farmers. Everything from desi tomatoes to peaches to lemons taste so much more flavorful that even my folks are noticing the difference. As you grow things, keep it simple – natural, pesticide free and chemical free. You’re sure to grow into this sustainable lifestyle and notice the difference in taste.

Also read: How to Indulge Your Wanderlust at Home

CATCH UP ON THE HEALTH OF THE PLANET

Sustainable lifestyle ideas | Thinking of better times, in Mauritius.

I know these are overwhelming, unprecedented times. I have good days and bad each week. I feel angry, helpless, sad, guilty and a whole other gamut of emotions.

But this is also a time of introspection. A chance to learn more about this genius planet of ours without stepping out. An opportunity to chase a deeper understanding of the relationship of our species with nature, man-animal conflict, climate change, social justice, animal rights and impactful ways to pursue a sustainable lifestyle.

Unlike pandemics of the past, we’re lucky to have virtual access to the world through Netflix, zoom, webinars, lives, kindle and other technology.

Perhaps the greatest favor we can do ourselves is to treat this “great pause” as a chance to unlearn, rethink and realign our lives. In a way that is personally gratifying but also reduces our impact on the natural world around us.

Also read: Inspiring Women I Met in Bhutan – and What Happiness Means to Them

Have you committed to any sustainable living ideas during the lockdown? What do you plan to try?

I’m now accepting guest posts on my blog on responsible travel and sustainable living. If you’d like to contribute a story, please see my guidelines here.

If you’re a sustainability-minded rebel struggling with your life choices, join my closed women-only Facebook group.

Pin these ideas for a sustainable lifestyle.

The post Sustainable Living Ideas to Embrace as we Emerge Into a New “Normal”. appeared first on The Shooting Star.

Sustainable Living Ideas to Embrace as we Emerge Into a New “Normal”. published first on https://airriflelab.tumblr.com

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bollywoodpapa · 4 years

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These plus size beauties proves that Flab Is Fabulous!

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These plus size beauties proves that Flab Is Fabulous!

Their are many actresses who are plus size. But in spite of that, they prove that Flab Is Fabulous. They hold the guts to appreciate themselves for what they are and how they are. You will be shocked to know that these ladies are among the most talented TV actresses of India and are famous for their roles and acting skills in the county and beyond. Just have a look at these plus size beauties proves that Flab Is Fabulous!

1. Bharti Singh

The laughter queen Bharti Singh is one of the famous comedians we have. She is plus size and often seen makes fun of her weight during her acts. Bharti is a big fan of herself. She even considers her weight to be a blessing. In one of her interviews, she said: “My weight has been constant for a long time. I go for a full-body check-up every six months. I’ve never had any weight issues. Main jab paida hui thi, tab hi overweight bachha thi. Plus, being a Punjabi, I’m fond of eating. I have no plans of losing weight. In fact, my weight is my biggest blessing today.”

2. Rytasha Rathore

Rytasha Rathore is a popular Television and Theatre actor, based in Mumbai. She is best known for her role as Badho in the show Badho Bahu and her comedic sketches on social media called Kaarnamey. She is plus size and proud of her body, but it took her some time to accept her body. In one of her interviews, she said “It took me a long time to accept my body and be fine with it. Of course from a health point of view, I know I should lose weight but purely as an esthetic thing I know I am damn cute, sexy and beautiful. I think after studying acting things changed for me. It made me feel I will always be amazing no matter what and I shouldn’t listen to other people,”

3. Anjali Anand

Anjali Anand is an Indian actress. She has taken a place in the hearts of viewers with her brilliant acting skills. She came into limelight with the role of Shikha in Voot’s web series “UNTAG”, presented by Moto Z. This gorgeous girl is currently essaying the female lead in Star Plus show “Dhai Kilo Prem”. She is also one of the most famous plus-size models of India. Anjali loves herself, she said, “It’s time for this country to change its perception about people who are different. I proudly say I am not part of the crowd, I am six feet tall, my shoulders are a mile broad and I love how I look. I am A Model. You put a tag of plus size, curvy girl, etc. on me, doesn’t change the fact that I’m doing my job because that’s what I came here to do. Demeaning the way I look is only going to make this society a smaller person which they already are if they’re standing next to me.”

4. Delnaaz Irani

Delnaaz Irani is an Indian actress who is popular in the television industry. She is plus size and proud of her bod. She once said that “From walking for Shaina NC to a recent ramp walk for a plus-size fashion brand, I’ve done it all with confidence. When people look at me I want them to see a strong confident fat woman who is doing all the things that they sort of associate with thin women. Yes, I am a plus size and I can walk the ramp. I am a plus size and I can rock almost all the fashion trends.”

5. Vahbbiz Dorabjee

Vahbiz Dorabjee is an Indian model and a popular television actress. She came into limelight for playing the role of Panchi Dobrial (Birdy) in the popular series Pyaar Ki Yeh Ek Kahani. She was last seen in the series Bahu Hamari Rajni_Kant on Life Ok. She once said that “Individuality and having your own identity is very important.”

6. Akshaya Naik

Akshaya is an Indian TV actress who is popularly known for playing the role of Ananya in the very popular show of Star Plus, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata hai. She is a trained dancer and active on social media too. Akshaya once said “We, as women, need to get out of this entire nutshell of being PERFECT! Unfortunately, PERFECT has always been portrayed to be fair, slim, wearing fully covered clothes, well-mannered and obedient. Well, we need to overcome this. As long as you love yourself, you are PERFECT and noone has the right to destroy your self-confidence to be WHO YOU ARE. Thin, fat, fair, dark, tall, short – you are BEAUTIFUL. I dedicate this picture to all those who have made fun of my chubbiness since childhood and especially in my college days. Who said, “You’ll burst if you eat a grain more because you’re bloating like a BALLOON.” GO AHEAD, and say more. You have given me more courage to accept myself and love my body. Be the QUEEN of your life and let no one conquer you. PS: Flaunt your curves with all the grace.”

7. Chandani Bhagwanani

Chandni Bhagwanani is an Indian television actress who is mainly recognized for her role of Amita in Sony TV’s serial Amita Ka Amit. Although Chandani has lost 12 kgs now, she was once a plus-size actress who was appreciated by people for her acting and bubbly smile. Talking about her weight, she said “I have been part of the television industry since I was young and I know how it works. Television actresses who play lead roles are beautiful and slim, whereas I am a little plump. But I wanted to do a show that has a not so slim girl like me in the lead. My show is about a slightly overweight girl’s wishes to have a man of her dreams and I am not required to wear western outfits.”

8. Pushtiie Shakti

Pushtiie Shakti is an Indian actress best known as playing the lead role of Mahi Talwar in the comedy series Mahi Way on Sony TV. Pushtiie is one of the most loved plus size TV actresses. In one of her interviews, Pushtiie said: “I have to agree that there was a time when I thought – haye main toh bahut moti hoon (oh! I am very fat). When I was doing theatre, many people would come to me and say you’re so pretty but I wish you’d lose some weight. That irked me. Then I thought- But this is who I am! Why can’t you like me this way?”

#Celebrities

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dorothydelgadillo · 5 years

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What Does Google’s Visual Search Push Mean for You?

We all know of the amazing voice assistants created by Amazon and Google, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and let’s not forget, Siri.

As astounding as these products are, there seems to be an up-and-coming shift in the search realm.

Visual search is carving out its own space, especially amongst investors, retailers, everyday consumers, and most importantly, Google.

One might ask, “What is visual search?”

Well, it’s similar to how most of us would find things before the digital age -- with our eyes.

Visual search enables users to discover products on their mobile devices using cameras or browse their favorite social or lifestyle sites.

With about 60% of total online searches happening on mobile devices, it’s no surprise that visual search is making a strong push, especially with cameras readily available.

If you think about it, how quick are we to pull out our phones to capture real-time moments to display on our Instagram stories? How often are we searching for a video tutorial on “how to” do a task via YouTube?

Also, how much more often do people prefer to communicate via tools like facetime and Zoom versus just hearing the other person’s voice?

Visuals provide a more personal connection that is wholeheartedly being embraced.

Visual search is entering more and more mobile shopping environments to allow people to find products online similar to those they might find in the real world.

Simply snap a photo and push it through an app or to a platform and you’ll be presented with many (hopefully relevant) search results.

Here are just a few companies taking advantage of visual search:

Forever 21

Wayfair

Target

Home Depot

As you can see, there really are no boundaries as to which industries can take advantage of a visual search tool.

Now, as far as actual visual search platforms go, I’d like to mention some of the heavy hitters in the game, thus far:

Google Lens

There's no way the traditional Internet search leader wouldn't be on board with visual searching. In fact, the search giant has recently been making a stronger visual search push even on desktop, revamping image SEO.

That aside, there’s Google Lens. Users can take a picture of an item or upload an existing one with it, and have relevant information delivered by Google.

Currently, Google Lens can:

Search menu items, add events to your calendar, get directions, call a number, translate words, copy & paste, and more.

Explore nearby locations: relay information about popular landmarks, find ratings, hours, etc.

Identify animals and plants

Bing Visual Search

With so many companies turning the smartphone camera into a discovery tool, Microsoft had no choice but to follow suit. Bing’s visual search tool is very similar to Google Lens. You upload a pic of the desired object and allow Bing to provide suggestions for similar items to the one in the photo, along with locations that sell it.

Bing Visual Search has these capabilities:

Find items and/or similar items: Clothes, furniture, and other products

Analyze and work with text: copy/paste, recognize/manage phone numbers and emails, visit websites, get directions, and solve math problems

Identify plants and animals

Pinterest Lens

This popular platform for social media has its own visual search tool, Lens, embedded in the Pinterest App.

Lens is a point-and-shoot discovery tool that evaluates and interprets images (specifically from smartphones) to find related Pins and ideas. Once these related Pins and ideas are found on Pinterest, they are then suggested to the user.

Pinterest Lens is available on iOS and Android and aims to inspire you on the basis of photos taken in your device or saved.

While it isn't almost as feature-rich as Google Lens or Bing Visual Search, it links visual search to Pinterest's world — which is unique and useful on its own.

Snapchat Camera Search

Now, Snapchat has its own visual search functionality built into the app thanks to a partnership with Amazon.

What began in early 2018 as a rumor has evolved into a full-fledged, Amazon-powered feature that gives Snapchat more eCommerce flair.

With this feature, users can point to an object or barcode, press and hold the item, and Camera Search scans the item and delivers Amazon cards directly linked to the item and/or relevant results.

Amazon Camera Search

Amazon's visual search was originally limited to Flow, a standalone tool that Amazon developed and powered. However, this tech wasn’t alone for too long, as Amazon quickly integrated this into its mobile app.

Amazon's visual search rendition, currently dubbed Camera Search, adds a little more functionality to an already phenomenal shopping platform.

Amazon is on top of this trend from scanning barcodes, all the way to recognizing and suggesting items to AR.

eBay Image Search

eBay Image Search allows users to use the in-app camera and/or existing photos to search for products. The tool returns listings that are close or visually similar to each other.

How Can Advertisers Stay Ahead of the Shift and Be Successful?

It’s apparent that visual progress is revolutionizing how users engage with digital channels and product discovery is a real-life example of this change.

To be successful, retailers need to be aware of how they need to change their cross-channel content such as product information, availability, store directions, reviews, and more.

Here are a couple of tips to help with that success:

1. Take advantage of sitemaps and inject images

It is important that images are clearly displayed and free of clutter, making it easier for visual applications to process them. Optimize on-site images for the ideal size, the ideal type of file, and choose titles and alt text carefully.

Adding images to a sitemap is simple but be aware of these common mistakes when adding images to your website.

2. Optimize on-site copy

Following a visual search tool that leads searchers to your site, they will start consuming your content to see if it meets their needs.

That's why on-site copy remains important.

For conversions to occur, is ideal to incorporate copy that is detailed and engaging, satisfies the needs of searchers, contains rich keywords, and aligns with the visuals on the page.

Ultimately, keyword search engines are still written in text for processing and finding related images.

3. Implement image search into your website

Data shows that only 8% of retailers currently have built image search into their web inventory.

This means that very few retailers have a visual search tool in place that produces search results based on their available products. By integrating a visual search tool onto your website, you’ll be able to access those consumers who are deviating from the text-based search and are adopting visual searches.

4. (I’m sure you all saw this coming) Advertise on Pinterest!

Can you guess who’s a leader in the visual search field?

If you guessed Pinterest, you’re correct! Pinterest is a big player in this realm and has contracts with some global brands to feature its visual search technology in their apps and websites!

With Pinterest being a primarily visually-stimulating platform, it’s no surprise that they are leading the march with the uprise of visual search. Pinterest’s visual search doesn’t just identify what something is, it shows you how it can fit into your life - from ways to style an outfit to how to decorate your first home.

So, if that’s doesn’t tell you how huge this visual search ordeal is becoming, then I can only wish you the best of luck!

The huge market impact of Pinterest and its well-developed visual search capabilities makes it a smart bet for the future.

To take that a little deeper, when evaluating whether or not it’s worth the investment to optimize for Pinterest’s visual search platform, take into account its top ten Lens search categories:

Travel

Fashion

Home décor

Vehicles

Art

Beauty

Food

Products

Outfits

Animals

Consider advertising your products alongside similar items for maximum impact if it is a good fit for your target audience. If you need help on getting started, check out this great resource on creating a successful roadmap to increasing engagement on Pinterest!

So, What Does the Future Look like for Visual Search?

While visual search technology is still in its infancy, it promises a lot to marketers for the future.

Planning for this growing market is a must for brands that want to remain visible.

As far as the future of visual search versus text-based, I personally don’t believe it will surpass text-based search (at least not anytime soon), but they will work together.

Here are some notable supporters who support that claim:

“I don’t foresee visual search replacing text-based searches altogether anytime soon. But it certainly opens up a ton of opportunities, mainly for fashion and home decor brands – it’s certainly safe to assume that the future of visual search will be retail-dominated.”

Search Engine Journal

“That’s why voice and visual will never be the default search experience: they build on the others strength and weaknesses. Combined with good-old text search, you have every possibility to search the way you want!”

Yoast

All in all, even though visual search is not expected to replace search queries and text-based searching completely in the near future, it will inevitably disrupt the SEO industry in a big way in the years ahead.

Visual search definitely opens up a multitude of opportunities for, but not limited to, home-decor and fashion brands.

Here are a few tips that can help your brand to start capitalizing on this rising visual search world:

Include image sitemaps

Make image URLs keyword rich

Add very detailed product descriptions and alt-text

So why not get ahead of the curve while you can?

from Web Developers World https://www.impactbnd.com/blog/what-does-googles-visual-search-push-mean-for-you

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lindyhunt · 6 years

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We Talk to Elizabeth Peyton-Jones About Keeping Models Safe From Industry Abuse

The glamorous world of jet setting models, global runway shows and picture-perfect Instagrams can inspire jealousy in just about anyone. But Elizabeth Peyton-Jones wants us to understand that behind these illusions, there can be harsh realities. Modelling isn’t always glamorous and in an industry teeming with the young and vulnerable, it’s important to provide protection. Peyton-Jones created the Responsible Trust for Models three years ago to kickstart the journey towards building these safety nets. We got a chance to chat with the activist–in town to speak at Toronto Fashion Week–about the organization’s journey so far.

Call to action, link in our bio to sign our manifesto☝🏻 #CareerWithoutFear

A post shared by Responsible Trust for Models (@models_trust) on Jul 8, 2018 at 12:08pm PDT

With the Responsible Trust for Models, you want to provide a safety net against abuse. What types of abuse are you talking about?

When I started this three years ago, people didn’t really talk about abuse in the industry. You know, models were seen as very, very lucky. It was like, ‘What do they have to worry about? They’re beautiful, they’re meeting fun people, they’re travelling the world, they get paid a fortune…’ But actually, when I looked into it, what I found was that there was abuse in very subtle ways—which end up actually not being that subtle. They don’t get paid on time, so you get what’s called debt poverty. They could also say, ‘Go and sleep with that person’ or ‘Go hang out with that crowd’. They could push drugs or encourage you to go ahead and drink, even if you’re just 15. From the abuse of power, which we’re now seeing with Weinstein and the #TimesUp movement, to sexual abuse and harassment, there’s some pretty nasty stuff.

This type of work is obviously super important, but why is it important to you specifically?

Because nobody was doing it. It was not a conversation. When I did research and brought my findings to people they said, ‘Yeah, yeah, but they’re very beautiful. Why do you have to worry about them?’ Yes, they’re beautiful kids. Yes, they’re wearing beautiful clothes. But actually, underneath those clothes they may not have eaten for a week, they may not have any money, they may be in debt poverty and they may be enduring sexual abuse. Debt bondage is the definition of modern slavery, so in every sense these children need protecting. Worse still, they are huge influencers, so they’re influencing a generation of children their age who then think that this is normal behaviour. That’s why I became a sort of champion of it, because I thought, my goodness, this is the next generation and we have to be careful.

Talk to me about the Gold Standard Certification, what does it represent?

So the Gold Standard Certification is for modeling agencies. It’s actually quite a complex industry, the way it’s set up, but in general terms, you follow the money and the brands are responsible. The brands are the ones employing the models. And then the middleman is the modeling agency. So the people that need to be made transparent are the modeling agencies because they look after models on a daily basis and they’re easily audited.

So the way my standard works is that we create a certification, a code of conduct, over modeling agencies so that everyone knows what good behaviour looks like. It’s a little bit like an organic stamp on food or a free trade system. When you’re a model and you look at an agency, you’ll know that that agency is going to take care of you. You know, they’re not going to make you go nude at a minutes notice, they’re going to pay you on time, when you’re traveling to Japan they will accompany you and ensure that you’re taken care of at the other end. And then the brands can say that when they’re sourcing their models for Prada or Balenciaga or even Zara, they can go to this agency and know that the model they have employed will be taken care of. Because if they collapse on the catwalk due to dehydration, that’s very bad corporate social responsibility.

What would you say is the biggest thing that needs to change in the fashion industry today?

I think that the transparency needs to change. It’s been very closed and it’s been allowed to function without spotlight, which is why abuse has happened. That’s why I think the standard is good because it’s audited twice a year and audited independently, so I’m a neutral body. I think that once that changes, a lot of other things will change. It’s like a domino effect.

“By the time these kids are 16, they’re so desperate to do the job that they’ll pretty much do anything. And we’ve really got to question, why are people so fascinated by 16-year olds? 18-year olds are perfectly old enough and they’re already selling 30-year old clothes. It’s crazy in every sense.” – Elizabeth Peyton-Jones

You’ve talked a lot about age and how the models coming up in this industry are really just kids. Would you suggest age limits placed on the industry?

Yes, I mean this is an industry discussion. I think 16 is too young to be asked to walk into an adult environment and be responsible for contracting and influencing and sound biting. And you know, a 16 year old has sometimes been scouted at 12. When they’re scouted an agency will say, ‘Oh, you’re beautiful. We’ll keep an eye on you until you’re 16.’ So you get these 13, 14 years olds trying to up their Instagram, posting nude shots, wearing loads of makeup, going out late, trying to look sexy on social media and they’re not completing their childhood. You shouldn’t have all of those responsibilities when you’re that young and you certainly shouldn’t be thinking about your body image and being rated at that age. By the time these kids are 16, they’re so desperate to do the job that they’ll pretty much do anything. And we’ve really got to question, why are people so fascinated by 16-year olds? 18-year olds are perfectly old enough and they’re already selling 30-year old clothes. It’s crazy in every sense.

Do you think the industry has gotten better or worse over the past few years?

I think the fact that abuse still happens means that it’s not good and I think that if it’s not good, it doesn’t matter if it’s improved. It hasn’t improved enough. Social media has changed everything. We might have improved in one area but another area has completely opened up to allow abuse. So now we have human trafficking and sex trafficking and the industry is becoming a lure for people to traffic. Anyone can become a modeling agent. Anybody in a mall, in a café, on the street can say, ‘Come with me, I’ll make you famous, you’re beautiful’ and before you know it you’re in the back of a van being sold for sex. Is it the fault of the industry? No. But can the industry help do something about it? Absolutely. They can safe guard their part of that problem and right now they’re not doing that.

You’re still a young organization, but what have the past couple of years looked like? Has it been difficult to get agencies etc. to participate or has there been a lot of support right off the back?

Yeah, it’s been very hard. Nobody likes to be shone a light on, especially because they feel they’re going to be blamed or shamed. There has been layers of conversation. It starts off with people immediately thinking they’ve done something wrong. But it’s like, when you give to an animal charity, you’re not doing that because you abuse animals, you do it because you want to safe guard it. Eventually, modeling agencies realize that there’s an issue in the industry and that if there is a standard there, they can make themselves transparent and be the good guys, so they quite like that. Those are the kind of conversations we’ve been having. As you can imagine, they’re quite long because there’s a lot of people involved: models, modeling agencies, brands, publishers, advertisers, retailers. So the system is a big one.

I’m sure you heard about the recent comments Kendall Jenner made. She said, “I was never one of those girls who would do like 30 shows a season or whatever the f*ck those girls do.” There was a lot of backlash and a lot of models saying that they don’t have a choice but to walk 60 or 70 shows a season to pay their bills. Do you have any thoughts on that?

That’s exactly my point about modern slavery and debt bondage. These kids get into these jobs and just keep working and working and working. So yes, if you’re Kendall Jenner and you have background, you know… you’re a young girl and you’re privileged and you’ve got into this job and are now what is considered to be the standard model. But actually, what this shows very clearly is that yes, the lure of fashion modeling is so intense, but it’s luring in people who have nothing and who want a better life. And yet, you’ll see that the models who really make it are those that have background, have money and have influence already. And the ones that come from poverty? Very few survive. You think modeling is going to be a level playing field that gives the poorest of the poor an opportunity, but in fact, it’s an elitist type of profession and it makes the poor poorer. Not only that, but it can get them involved with mental health issues, abuse, prostitution and all of the other really nasty things that you don’t want children from any country to get into.

missing you @riccardotisci17

A post shared by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on Dec 21, 2017 at 12:28pm PST

Yeah it’s like everyone thinking Kendall Jenner is the rule, but she’s actually the exception.

Oh, absolutely the exception.

So you’re here in the city to talk about your organization at Toronto Fashion Week.

Yes. It’s about engaging the audience in a conversation that may initially be a bit uncomfortable, but it’s about bringing awareness to a situation that needs it. A lot of the people in the audience will have children who are probably aspiring to be models–and it’s okay to want to be that–but right now we have an issue in the industry. So let’s deal with it and make it better so that if they do pursue it, there’s a safety net. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to take all the glamour out of it, I mean I love fashion, but it’s just not as glamorous as we think.

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9point81mpers-2-blog-blog · 6 years

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A calendar year of life-changing habits

I like to begin the year with some New Year’s Resolutions and whilst I very often veer off track quite quickly and crumple into a pile of guilt, I’ve learnt over the years that it’s not the quantity of my resolutions, but the quality, that counts. I need to make resolutions that resonate with me, become part of my day, my community. This year I’ve decided to incorporate one new habit at a time into my life. Despite being one rather fallible individual, I am extremely passionate about small change leading to big impact and here I’m setting out twelve life-changing habits that I believe are possible to make throughout the course of one calendar year. The order is not extremely important as each habit holds power on its own. The important thing is to adopt each habit fully and unconditionally before moving onto the next. You need to love each habit, make it work for you and only then will you start to see just how tangible and powerful these small changes can be.

***

January – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (and compost?!)

An easy (but addictive) habit to start off with – recycling. Start now if you don’t already. Make reduce, reuse, recycle your life motto. Get a recycling container that’s bigger than your waste bin. Check the packaging of the things you buy. Check your local recycling. Locate recycling points in your area and loop them in to shopping trips to save time and energy. You’ll quickly become that colleague in the office that polices the rubbish bins for plastic bottles. Many councils also offer a food waste stream, which is used to generate green energy or you can compost the waste at home.

February – Reduce Meat and Dairy Intake

We don’t really need as much meat and dairy as the world (or our stomachs) tell us. If going vegan is one step too far (my husband is nodding), try meat-free-Mondays or skip dairy for a few weeks each year. It’s good for you and for the planet. With more and more veggie options available out there, you won’t be lacking choice, flavour and nutrients.

March – Shop Cruelty-Free

Whilst we’re on the topic of animals, my next step was to go cruelty-free and leather-free. It’s easy to reduce our meat and dairy intake to prevent animal suffering without considering the bigger picture. Leather is not a by-product of the meat industry. And just because bunnies don’t wash up or brush their teeth doesn’t mean our kitchen and bathroom cupboards are necessarily cruelty-free. Although I was extremely shocked by the number of products in my house that did not sport the leaping bunny logo or claim to be free from animal testing, it only took a couple of swaps and a bit of googling to restock my cosmetics and cleaning equipment. And shopping cruelty-free doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank with outrageously priced hipster products hand-crafted in someone’s yurt. Since animal testing is actually illegal in the UK, many supermarkets’ own brands will be cruelty-free (hello Tesco) and there are some great low-cost cosmetics out there like Superdrug’s own range, BWC and Sainsbury’s Purify. Some personal favourites include Ecover, Lush, The Body Shop, Faith in Nature and Original Source.

April – Grow Your Own Veggies

Spring is the time to start planting, or so I’ve heard. Unfortunately, I’ve never had much luck with growing anything (indoors or outdoors) but I’m keen to make 2018 the year I successfully nurture something edible. A good friend of mine recently purchased an allotment and now has tomatoes and courgettes for all eternity. Other possible options include local farmer’s markets or organic alternatives.

May – Buy Fair-Trade (Food)

There are some foods, however, that we cannot grow in our backyard or indoor greenhouse. One thing that strikes me again and again in this ever-more-globalised world is that I (really) have no idea where my food comes from. Although I reluctantly have to put a proportionate amount of trust in my supermarkets, there are a few choices that I know will definitely benefit those who grow and pack the food I buy. After being introduced to STOP THE TRAFFIK many years ago, I’ve learnt a well-kept secret of the industry that the foods most susceptible to child slavery are chocolate, bananas, tea and coffee. If you only make one swap to Fairtrade this month, make it count. Sure it may cost a few pennies more, but it’s more than worth it when you know that your cupboard basics are not fuelling the international slave trade.

June – Buy Fair-Trade (Clothing)

I’m sure we are all well aware (or “blissfully ignorant”) that sweat shops and child labour are still very much present in today’s clothing industry. And thanks to the increasing demand for fast fashion and cheap clothes, this trend isn’t declining any time soon. Although there are many brands that are fair-trade and sweatshop free, my main advice is to start in charity shops for the wardrobe basics and put pressure on big brands to change their production practices. Ethical consumer provides an excellent visual guide to shopping.

July – Cut Out Non-Recyclable Plastic

We’re already half-way through the year and I feel we’ve made some big changes to our buying habits. It also makes us more mindful of our connection to those around us and how each small choice can have a global impact. This month is the most challenging habit yet: cutting out non-recyclable plastics. My husband and I took on this “fast” from single-use plastics for Lent and it was the longest 46 days of my entire life. I was prepared for having to cut out crisps and biscuits and ready meals etc. But I was not ready for the extra time spent checking all of the packets of spinach in four different supermarkets until I found one that was recyclable (after two weeks of searching!). And with all good intentions of making our own bread and pasta, it’s incredible to think how much of the grub, gadgets and gifts we buy is coated with metres upon metres of non-recyclable plastic – plastic that will stay on this planet for the rest of eternity (or add to global warming during incineration). After the initial trauma of not being able to pick up a quick coffee and sandwich on the go and having to plan and prepare every single meal in advance, we settled into a rhythm of buying all of our fruit and veg loose (much to the cashiers dismay), stocking up on frozen goods in cardboard packaging and going without cheese for a couple of weeks. My top tips would be:

- Bio-degradable cling-film made from plants

- Bamboo tooth-brushes (some are better than others!)

- OraCare toothpaste (cruelty-free and in partnership with TerraCycle)

- Join a local zero-waste Facebook group for daily tips and encouragement

August – Reduce Single-Use Recyclable Packaging

Now we’ve cut our waste right down and we’re recycling the majority of packaging and composting food-waste, it’s time to reduce the amount of single-use products we buy. Time to purchase that pretty Ecoffee Cup (and get discounts on hot drinks out!), make use of re-fill facilities and buy in bulk where possible.

My husband and I recently visited U-Weigh in Hythe, a beautiful and typically English town on the Kent coast. Here you can bring you own containers and fill them up with pasta, rice, lentils, sultanas, popping corn, nuts, seeds, flour… you name it, they’ve got it – loose and in bulk. The owner laughed when I asked how long they’d been there. “Thirty years!” he said, although back then the shop served a very different purpose: mainly offering basic everyday products locally and at a reasonable price. Now they have a new kind of clientele: the zero-waste generation. Shops like this, as well as Ethos in Maidstone that offer refills of washing and cleaning liquids are the start (or rather the return) of a waste-not-want-not attitude to consumerism. And it’s up to us to support the movement.

September – Cut out Palm Oil

I wasn’t really aware that non-sustainable palm oil was still creeping into a large number of food products and cosmetics sold in the UK. A French friend of mine mentioned to me recently that she hasn’t eaten Nutella for years as her stand against palm oil – a French person abstaining from Nutella?! She must have good reason. It struck me that I always looked for the words in bold on packaging, checked for the little vegan symbol and then headed straight to the recycling possibilities; I completely glossed over this little ingredient. Nevertheless, after a quick bit of research I discovered that the palm oil industry is linked to major issues such as deforestation, habitat degradation, climate change, animal cruelty and indigenous rights abuses. Huge areas of rainforest are cleared to make way for palm oil production, land which could then remain infertile for years. There are, however many happy alternatives such as rapeseed oil and sustainable palm oil – just check for the RSPO label. After another round of packaging checking and research, I began to famliarise myself with products to avoid and the alternatives. Spoiler alert – you’re probably going to have to get a new favourite biscuit!

October – Speak up and get writing

By now I’m feeling a lot more aware about the ingredients of the products that I buy and the food that I eat. However, I can’t avoid the occasional snack on the go or an emergency purchase when we run out of toilet roll. It helps to remember that some changes are outside of my control. For bigger changes such as urging cafes to stop offering plastic straws and cutlery, asking councils to provide better recycling facilities or encouraging snack companies to re-think their packaging, we’re going to have to get writing, tweeting and petitioning. This year I’ve got a new found respect for Twitter and the ability to hold corporations to account publically and force them to respond regarding the ethos of their products, the recyclability of the packaging and the traceability of the ingredients. I’m sure my local MP is fed up of the emails I send but until we have Tetrapack recycling facilities in this borough I will not stop! This month I’m encouraging you to contact your MP or local council, sign a petition for an issue close to your heart and write to your favourite snack company and push for change.

November – Switch to Ecotricity

A nice easy one for the end of the year as we head back into the cold season. Switch to Ecotricity. The only UK supplier of 100% green electricity from renewable energy sources and 100% frack-free green gas. Although their customer service leaves a lot to be desired, the switch was quick and easy and they even gave us a free £25 Luch voucher – what’s not to love?

December – Start Volunteering

Finally, we’ve reached December. Christmas is coming, we’re feeling great about our life choices and the new habits we’ve incorporated into our lives. Now it’s time to give something back. Use those spare hours on a weekday evening to help at a local homeless shelter. Research active charities in your local area. Find something you’re passionate about and invest time and money into something worthwhile that gets you out of that work, gym, sleep repeat cycle. Helping others has been proven to fight depression, improve confidence and self-esteem and build community. Doing good does you good.

***

Let’s support each other on our calendar years of life-changing habits. Comment, share and encourage.

#ethical eco vegan fairtrade volunteer recyle

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dyersupplier · 6 years

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Industry Insider: Building a Visual Voice for your Brand

Originally written by Hannah Thiessen, who has given us permission to reprint this article in its entirety here.

It is never too late or too early in your business' process or development to change, enhance or define your style. I also want to stress that although you are the dyer, and probably are the center of your business, and your taste comes from what you love, your brand does not have to be identical to your personal taste at all times - it needs to have a more refined, defined voice than that. I personally fluctuate drastically from loving bright, brilliantly colored things to soft neutrals, to moody backdrops. For years, I struggled with developing any kind of visual style because I felt like my personal style was all over the place. It is not disingenuous to your customer to choose a voice for your brand and stick to it. It is OK to have a strong brand identity that changes slowly over time, rather than try and incorporate all of your favorite things into one visual voice.

Determine your visual voice through branding words

The first thing that I do for any new client is ask for 5 - 10 visual 'direction' words that help me determine what we're aiming for as a voice. For instance - if your dye style is all about soft, semi-neutral tones, gentle colors, natural dyes, you should be pursuing a very different photographic voice than another dyer who is all about ultra-bright, neon acid-dye colors.

The first company's words might be: gentle, soothing, calming, natural, neutral, soft

While the second company's words might be: energetic, exciting, fun, wild, optimistic, edgy

(I try to get everyone to stay away from words like influential or inspirational - these words can mean anything to any particular person.)

Build a guide board on Pinterest

After you have your 'brand words', it's time to take to Pinterest! I made this board to share with you this morning: Sample Brand Board - Warm & Bright

As you can see, this pretend brand's theme is Warm & Bright. If I had defined this brand with words, I would have chosen words like: handmade, happy, cheery, glowing, saturated color, clarity, warmth, familiar, home

Then, I went through my Pinterest Inspirations board and looked for images that conveyed this. The first image I came across was a very happy picture with a house, and I decided that this would be a great focus point for the brand. I love the strength of color, the pop of bright red against a sort of dusty blue, and the clear, crisp photography, so these are the guidelines I used to select the other images on the board. You'll notice that although the first few images have a very holiday feel (probably due to my current post-Christmas, early New Year vibes), the board eventually morphed into something that was more about saturated, rich color.

From here, I take photos that fully embody what I want for the brand and pull them into a grid-building program. While I use Adobe Illustrator most often, I love to recommend Big Huge Labs' Mosaic Maker - a free program that makes beautiful collages for you. All you have to do is create an account and save the images to your computer, then you can use them in collages. Since these are for personal use only -- and are frequently not seen by anyone other than the brand partner and myself -- I feel that it is ok to use the images in this way. For the purpose of this blog post, I'm sharing my image collage below, with attributions that I could find through Pinterest.

Catherine Gratwicke Photography ; The Purl Bee ; Bryan Gardner Photography ; Saskia Wilson / Fashion Gone Rogue ; Annie Larson ; Unknown Handbag ; Brit & Co ; Paper & Stitch

As I collected eight images that best represented this brand to me, I noticed a few things:

Images that showcased bright colors on an equally saturated background felt 'fresher' to me than using only simple ones on a white background. They felt more editorial than traditional product photography. I would probably use both, but in different ways, for the brand photography.

I frequently pinned images that had the elements in clusters or in linear arrangements, which might be good to use later as direction for styling on social media features or advertisements

I loved when similarly colored elements were grouped together on a background that echoed that color. We very rarely see this in yarn photography, so if this was a real brand, I would probably look at the yarn and see if I could draw some visual parallels and look for props and backdrops that would give me this effect.

Determine your brand's photography rules & restrictions.

All of the images I had chosen for the board had one thing in color: really strong, saturated color. This means that it's likely in the post-processing (the part where you load your images into Lightroom or Photoshop, or when you're editing them on your phone), that the contrast and saturation have likely been enhanced, and that the whites are balanced to appear as clean and crisp as possible.

For any product, this presents a unique challenge. No dyer wants to misrepresent the color they've dyed by doing too much editing on their photos, but sometimes, a photo turns out a bit darker, less crisp, or clear than the brand photography guide would want us to follow. I'm going to tell you something - it's OK to edit your image a little bit.

Selling yarn is a lot like selling food: if you set up a meal at home and take a photo without any fancy lighting or post-processing, it's going to look less appetizing than a photo from a cookbook, and it has nothing to do with the tastiness of your chicken pot pie. This isn't just because magazines and bloggers have better cameras -- it's also due to post processing.

Turning up the lights and brights, editing your saturation, and making the yarn more visually stunning isn't lying to the customer, as long as the yarn looks that good in person when they receive it. The problem lies in turning things up too much. Do as much as you can with the photography setup to achieve the right results, but don't be afraid to pop it into a photo editor for final tweaks. That's the difference between a professional-looking photo and an amateur one. Don't feel guilty about stepping up to the proverbial 'plate' and doing some styling -- as evidenced by these Ravelry photos of all the exact same yarn, your customers will expect some variation from this professional photo of the same skein, taken by Hedgehog Fibres:

Stick to it, but allow for gradual change.

I think the most challenging aspect of developing a brand voice is maintaining that voice. If I developed this brand and didn't choose to match my tags, wrapping, packaging, font choices, and dye style to these principles, why am I using it in the first place? Building a strong starting point and then sticking to it throughout all of my business platforms -- Instagram, Facebook, Ravelry, my blog, etc. -- is essential to change an idea into an identity. Remember that your customer might only see one of your images every week. You want every image to be as close to representing your brand as possible.

With a product-based brand, it's important to try and maintain visual consistency for best results. If you feel that you want to include photos of your behind-the-scenes, try and stage or post-process them to match your brand's visual identity. Don't include photos taken late at night (unless you have a lightbox setup and that style of photography is your goal). Don't include anything grainy or sub-par. Put the time in to be selective -- it will make a difference!

As artists, you also have to allow yourself room for growth and change. If, as the seasons change, you find yourself moving away from your initial visual direction, see how you can draw parallels to the work you're doing now versus the work you began with. Be willing to slowly transition your visual style. Keep building onto your Pinterest board, and consider revising your mosaic every six months. Development is a healthy part of any business that is succeeding, so don't resist it -- just guide it visually so that your customers don't feel a sharp cutoff or disconnect from who you 'were' to who you are.

Independent dyers can join us for more photography, branding, and visual voice discussion this month in the Dyer Supplier Facebook Group!

#branding #brandbuilding #visualvoice #indiedyer #indieyarn #indiebusiness #moodboard

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dorothydelgadillo · 6 years

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How to Easily Up Skill and Make More Money

If you’re on the job market, you know you need to make your resume stand out. But beyond your years of work experience, what if there were some extra skills you could easily add to your resume that would increase not just your hireability, but also set you up for a higher starting salary? Time is precious and it might seem impossible, but it’s actually completely doable with minimal upfront investment (I’m not talking about going back for another degree here).

So, where should you even begin? To answer this question, I picked the brains of HR and recruiting professionals to learn what kind of skills make a difference to employers—and how much of salary bump you can expect from each.

Coding Languages

Right off the bat, there are the usual suspects—HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress make a solid foundation for coding languages, and a great example of where up skilling can come into play. Being fluent in these languages maximizes your flexibility, and can provide a compelling case to employers to start you at a higher rate or salary—regardless of industry.

Xavier Parkhouse-Parker, Co-Founder and Director at digital recruiting firm PLATO Intelligence, says that if an applicant can stack a high level of HTML coding knowledge on top of the specialized role they’re applying for, it’s possible to aim for a 25 percent starting pay bump when negotiating a salary. Jonathan Lau, Founder and CEO of coding school directory SwitchUp, adds that SwitchUp’s 2016 job outcome survey for coding bootcamp graduates found that 63 percent of graduates reported increases in salaries after completing a bootcamp program. (Among those graduates, the average gain was $22,700.) With these kind of numbers in mind, it’s clear that adding some coding know-how to your toolkit is a wise investment in your career future, whether or not you’re specifically interested in developer roles—since having programming skills means you can work in virtually any field.

Go Open-Source

Beyond HTML, CSS, and WordPress, Elizabeth Becker, Client Partner and Tech Recruiter at the software recruiting company PROTECH, suggests going open-source. What does that mean? Open-source software is computer software whose source code (the code that makes it work) is open to the public and the software itself is free to use. Examples of open-source software include web browsers like Firefox, operating systems like Linux, and content management systems like WordPress. Because of its collaborative and free-to-use model, Becker says that an increasing number of employers are adopting open-source software platforms, which means an increased demand for tech professionals with open-source skills. The open-source model also means there’s nothing preventing you from picking up these skills on your own—open-source software is free, and is often just a few clicks away via your web browser.

Becker cites knowledge of AngularJS—an open-source JavaScript-based framework (collection of common JavaScript functions) developed by Google—as an example of an in-demand open-source skill to have. “[Even] being able to include a completed training course on AngularJS on your resume [can] validate your skills, especially if you don’t yet have job-related experience with it,” Becker says. “I often see highly skilled open-source professionals being able to command 10-15 percent higher salaries than other professionals without open-source experience.”

It’s not a bad idea to start taking a look at what open-source software you’re already using and spending some time getting a better understanding of how it works—in the case of Becker’s example of AngularJS, you can dive deeper with resources like the AngularJS Google Group, AngularJS questions at Stack Overflow, and W3Schools’ AngularJS Tutorial.

Search Engine Marketing

Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is the practice of using techniques like Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Keyword Research (more on these below) to increase a website’s visibility on search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. According to Steve Pritchard, HR Consultant at mobile phone provider giffgaf, it’s also a skill that can fire up your resume and lead directly to more money when negotiating for a job. “Knowledge of how to get a business’ website to appear higher in Google rankings…is a…skill that every business should be keen to capitalize on. The return on investment [is] well worth [a bump in] salary,” Pritchard says. How much of a bump? Pritchard estimates that applicants with a track record of a couple successful SEM campaigns could increase their salaries by as much as 15 percent.

Whether you’re learning web development, breaking into digital marketing, or working as a digital designer, two of SEO’s main building blocks—SEM and Keyword Research—are skills you can (and should!) start experimenting with on your own. Not only can those skills lead to the kind of salary increase Pritchard describes, but SEO is invaluable in promoting your own brand and presence online: Knowing how to maximize your projects’ searchability is crucial for standing out from the pack.

Start by reading through Google’s own SEO Guidelines, which should give you a jumping-off point for the next time you’re reworking your personal or business website. You can incorporate some SEO best practices easy with small tweaks like creating user-friendly URLs to make a website more searchable (for instance, “www.yourkillerwebsite.com/tips-for-up skilling” instead of “www.yourkillerwebsite.com/qs?/3600”) and integrating responsive/mobile-friendly design (Google uses mobile-friendliness as part of its site ranking system). Next, dive into online resources like Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO, and Webmaster World (an online forum for SEO talk).

Researching web search keywords that can drive traffic to your site or project is another crucial element of SEM—by getting a handle on the keyword demand for your website you’ll not only get a better idea of what keywords to incorporate in your site’s searchable text and content, you’ll also piece together a picture of what your site’s potential visitors are looking for. You can try using a tool like Google AdWords Planner (a free program that requires an AdWords account, but doesn’t require you to actually create an ad) to research information on the volume of searches your keywords produce and decide which ones should be used prominently on your site.

As you read about, practice, and get a handle on these SEM skills, you’ll eventually be able to add SEM literacy to your resume, and—regardless of whether you’re looking to work as a web designer or a web developer—boost your value to potential clients and employers.

Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word (No, Seriously.)

With so much emphasis on advanced coding and design skills, it’s easy to overlook basic, old-fashioned computer know-how. While having these skills might seem like a no-brainer, Dawn D. Boyer, Ph.D. and CEO at Boyer Consulting, says otherwise.

“I can’t tell you how many high school students in their first year of college taking my IT courses have never opened an Excel spreadsheet,” Boyer says. For Boyer, this creates a disconnect when it comes to the practical reality of making things more efficient and easier in the working world. Similarly, Boyer says that database management is another overlooked computing skill that goes a long way in business.

According Boyer, Microsoft Word is the most important office software program to learn, followed by Excel. “Everyone has to write something in their work,” Boyer says, “and if you have the ability to use Word paragraph and tabs formatting, as well as spell check, grammar and punctuation check, you are halfway to being more proficient in the software than about 80 percent of the competition for a job. [You’d be surprised] how many…Ph.D. students can’t format a document for margins, paragraph indents, and tabs, or even insert a table, [yet] are out on the job market.” As for Excel, Boyer says that vital functions to have a handle on are vertical lookup—a function used to lookup and retrieve data from specific columns in a table—and knowing how to create formulas—expressions that calculate the value of a spreadsheet cell.

If you’re feeling particularly lost when trying to find your way around routine office software, consider taking an online class to get yourself up to speed. Excel, Access, Powerpoint, and Word might not be as exotic as Ruby on Rails, but they’re a solid bump up in well-rounded resume skills. Boyer says that it’s difficult to cite specific salary increases due to the amount of other factors involved (education, years of experience, overall skill set, etc,), but to think of these extra skills as a vital way to get yourself to the head of the application process.

Human Resources and Leadership Experience

HR skills give you an excellent chance at getting employers to pay more, says Georgene Huang, CEO and Co-Founder at Fairygodboss, from hiring to leading teams.

According to Huang, management experience is a crucial skill to leverage on a resume. The larger and more diverse teams you’ve managed, the higher the chance you have at commanding extra pay. Whether it’s heading a team of developers, or managing a team of sous chefs, the same basic principles of leadership apply.

Specific experience with hiring, firing, and navigating difficult situations (company pivots, large scale business model changes, or moving from old business systems to building new ones) also builds a strong case for a higher starting salary. Again, think back and think big—it might feel like you don’t have this kind of experience, but when you start to drill down you might be surprised at what’s applicable. That time you chaired your kids’ school’s PTO board, helped overhaul the yearly fundraising programs, and participated in revamping the music program? It counts!

Finally, Huang says that abilities that demonstrate leadership like communication and presentation skills can go a long way in upping your value. And if you’re petrified by the thought of public speaking—don’t panic! Try some mock presentations with family and friends—and if you feel like you still need some work in the public speaking department, think about taking a quick speech class at your local community college or business school. In Huang’s experience, the kind of leadership, decision making, and communication skills she’s described can result in a 20-30 percent higher starting salary than applicants unable to demonstrate those skills.

Speaking a Second Language

Nora Leary, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing and Business Development at marketing firm Launchway Media, says that—due to her work with an international internship company—she’s always looking into the economic impacts of spoken language skills. She cited studies covered by The Economist that demonstrate knowing a second spoken language correlates to about 2 percent more in annual income—which may not sound like much, until you start to crunch the numbers. The Economist extrapolates that even a 2 percent bump on a $45,000 a year salary can lead to as much as an extra $67,000 over the course of a 40-year working career, if you were to set aside your language bump in savings and figure in compound interest.

If you’re looking to learn a second language, try classes at your local college, online classes, or even apps like Duolingo.

Show Me the Money

So you’re an SEM wizard, you’re strapped with a Rolodex of open-source certifications, you have an Excel tattoo, management skills are oozing from your pores, and you just spent the morning coding a Riverdale fan website. How exactly do you put this all together and communicate it to employers, short of an embarrassing, “show me the money” meltdown?

“A resume is the most important vessel in a job search,” says Brianna Rooney, Founder and Lead Technical Recruiter at tech recruiting firm Techees. “[That] or a thorough LinkedIn.” Rooney warns that an employer will be spending mere seconds looking at your resume, so it’s critical you get straight to the point. List your background and skills explicitly and efficiently without a lot of filler. Remember, there’s no way for potential employer to know you have these skills unless you tell therm. In Rooney’s experience, a qualified resume combined with an array of bonus skills can tack on as much as $20,000-$40,000 more to a starting salary. “That is,” Rooney says, “if you interview well.”

So there you have it—a robust skillset presented in a crisp, comprehensive resume can be your ticket not only to landing a job, but landing it at above entry-level pay. And while there’s no magic combination of skills that guarantees a dream salary, it’s clear from talking to these pros that having an array of versatile skills above and beyond the bare minimum—whether it’s a combination of coding tools or speaking Mandarin—goes a long way towards improving your chances for a salary that truly reflects all your hard work.

from Web Developers World https://skillcrush.com/2017/12/04/how-to-easily-up-skill-and-make-more-money/

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