What Women Talk About: Recipes, Perfume, And Decorating

There are so many different kinds of women out there, but I would say a majority of women like to talk about recipes, perfume, and decorating. Women are more in tuned with the needs of the home, and recipes and decorating both have to do with preparation of the home. Women are also very interested in beauty, so perfume is one of the hot topics spoken amongst women.

Women like to share recipes with each other. If they are getting bored of their own cooking, they will ask for a new recipe from a friend. A woman may also be interested in watching the Food Network channel on television. On this channel she can get recipes and it is easy to follow since the chef is making it all right in front of you on the television screen. You can also find many recipes on different websites on the internet. Some great recipes can be found on the internet, and also of course in recipe books.

Another topic spoken among women is perfume. Women like to feel beautiful and want to feel attractive to their husbands or prospective husbands. One type of perfume that will attract the opposite gender is Bvlgari perfume. Bvlgari perfume is unique among the world of perfume because it started out as a jewelry company. Today Bvlgari makes perfume that is both elegant and luxurious. The bottles are also works of art in themselves. You can find perfumes by Bvlgari such as Omnia Chrystalline, which has a very unique shaped bottle.

Finally, the last topic women most often talk about is decorating. Women like to keep their home in order, and they are also interested in fashion and style. I would say most women like to keep a clean and organized home. If you want to be artistic in your own home, decorating is a way to use that artistic ability. Some women may be more interested in decorating their bedroom, while others may think it is more fun to decorate their living room and kitchen. You can get good decorating ideas in many interior fashion magazines such as Interior Design, Dwell, and Elle.

Women have so many interests and talents just in the domestic world. However, women are also very interested and talented in areas beyond the home. Cooking and fashion seem to be a big interest among women, although some men may have interest in these areas as well.

One thing women like to talk about is perfume. A great perfume for women is bvlgari perfume, which is uniquely elegant and luxurious.

View the original article here

Smart Women and The Art of Self-Promotion

One of the questions I'm frequently asked by women entrepreneurs is, "When I meet someone who is a potential referral source and/or ideal client, how do I mention my business without feeling pushy?" Great question! Being able to communicate your marketing message with confidence is key to attracting more clients, increasing your income and becoming known for your expertise.

The idea of "self-promotion" or "selling" leaves some women feeling like they are bragging, being pushy or not considerate of others. It can create anxiety and fear which in turn keeps you stuck and unable to reach your business goals. Women are nurturers by nature and the thought of putting their needs in front of someone else's may feel unnatural.

I understand the feeling (I've experienced it too), however if you are determined to achieve your business goals, it's essential you communicate your message about what you have to offer and how you help people. Do so often and to as many people as possible (otherwise, you will remain the best kept secret in town which in this case, won't serve you). People are super busy and can't read your mind so it's up to you to take on the responsibility of creating interest in how you support people with your product or service.

When I have an opportunity to share how I support women entrepreneurs, I use the R&R approach (Relationship + Results). It feels both authentic and comfortable for me and I think it will for you, too.

Cultivate a Relationship - Whether I meet someone at a networking event, through social media or through a mutual friend, my first desire is to build a relationship and discover how I can be of service. I'm truly interested in people and enjoy learning about others. My goal is to find a common ground with people and if I can offer some advice or perspective on their current situation, I'll share it with them right away. This is a good time to showcase your expertise and also show the other person you are genuinely listening to them.
Share Results - When it's your turn to share more about who you are and what you do (if you've truly shown an interest in the other person, this happens organically) share the results you've had with your clients through telling stories. Storytelling is engaging. People will lean in and listen intently to what you have to say. Rather than talking about the name of your company and the services you offer, concentrate on someone you've worked with that had award-winning results. Talk about where this person was when they first began to work with you and the benefits or transformation they received after working with you.

This approach takes away the "heavy" feeling of self-promotion that women sometimes experience. It has a feminine feel to it. Women create relationships better than anyone I know and sharing the results others have had when they work with you eliminates anxiety.

I invite you to get out of the office today and try the R&R approach. It's simple, easy and feels authentic to women entrepreneurs.

*****

© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000's of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you're ready take your your coaching business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report, FREE MP3 now at Smart Women Smart Solutions Coaching.

View the original article here

Smart Women and Their Relationship With Money

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend the day strategizing with a group of smart women entrepreneurs from different parts of the world. It was an energizing day focused on topics such as effective marketing, clear messaging to attract your ideal client, time management and money.

At one point, women were expressing the challenges they face in getting everything accomplished each day including running a business, managing a family, and hopefully time to squeeze in a little self-care.

I shared with the group that when I'm in the office, I ask myself three questions to help me stay focused and directed on making money in my business:

1. Where is the potential for new business?

2. Are my private clients and groups experiencing award-winning results?

3. Have I reached out to my referral sources this week?

Discovering new business opportunities, creating award-winning client results and focusing on my relationships with referral sources are the very best ways to build a successful company for the long-term.

I noticed one woman in the group had a rather strange look on her face and at the break, I went up to her and asked if everything was OK. Her response? "I've never heard a woman speak so freely about making money. It's liberating for me. I love this idea!"

As I travel around the country and meet women from different parts of the globe, this idea that money should not be discussed is universal. I had one woman tell me that she was raised with a belief that "Money is evil." Money is not evil. What you do with the money is what matters.

This opened the door to a freeing, thought-provoking, conversation about why women need to overcome their fear of making money or having money. If your business is not making the money you desire, could it be possible it's due to the relationship you have with money? If your business is barely "surviving" instead of "thriving" I invite you to think about creative ways you can embrace what a positive cash flow could do not only for you but the world.

To ensure that your Big Idea comes to fruition and achieves growth year after year, it's essential that you make money in your business. I'd like to share some ideas about why women and money go together and energize your thinking about why it's key to stay focused on making money:

1. Contributing to the well-being of yourself and your family - It's an empowering feeling to know that your business contributes to taking care of those you love and care about. It builds confidence, self-esteem and instills the idea in your family that you are an equal partner in every area.

2. Contributing to the economy - I'm thrilled to be able to have a small team of women support me in my business and I can help them achieve their goal of working from home. I'm adding value to the flexibility and freedom in their lives.

3. Giving back - I hear from so many women the reason they started their business is because they want to give back to the charities and organizations they feel so strongly about. This has been an emotional driver for me. My desire to give back has continued to grow over the last 3 years and my dream has finally come true. This year, Smart Women Smart Solutions® is now able to make a donation to several non-profits that support women and girls worldwide from coaching programs purchased by women entrepreneurs.

I'm going to invite you to start the process of creating a consistent, positive cash flow so you can use the money to take care of what's important to you. Stop saying, "When I have the money, I will..." and start saying, "Now that my business is experiencing a positive cash flow, I will..."

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000's of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you're ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

View the original article here

Three of the Best-Dressed Women of the World

The International Best Dressed List is considered as the highest honor for all those who are into men's and women's fashion. This citation was founded by American fashion public relations great Eleanor Lambert in 1940. Since then, male and female style icons from various cultures and professions have been inducted into the list. They have all displayed impeccable elegance in not just their outfits, but in their overall appeal every time they appear in public.

Some of the women in this list contributed distinctive styles that have become classics. Among these inductees are Jackie Kennedy-Onassis, Josie Natori, and Audrey Hepburn.

Jackie Kennedy-Onassis, now often called in the media as Jackie O, became an instant fashion symbol as soon as her late husband, John F. Kennedy, became president of the United States of America. With outfits made by renowned fashion designer Oleg Cassini, she wore dresses that dictated the trend in ladies' wear in various countries. Many women idolized her and wanted to be like her. Among her most famous outfits were the fawn coat she wore to her husband's Inauguration Day and her gown in the Inaugural gala. When you say "the Jackie O look," people automatically think of a suit consisting of a mid-knee skirt, a jacket with a notch collar, and three-quarter sleeves. It's completed with low-heeled pumps and a pillbox hat.

Josie Natori can truly be considered as a woman of fashion. She doesn't only dress great, but she also makes a great line of women's clothing. She's a Filipina fashion designer and the CEO of The Natori Company, which produces some of the world's finest high-end lingerie, sleepwear, loungewear, and underwear. Her collection, which is sold in upscale department stores in the US and other countries, is a favorite among celebrities. She is known for her simple, sleek silhouettes and bold accessories. A splash of color against a background of black is her signature look. She's also ventured into perfumes, towels, and eyewear recently.

Actress Audrey Hepburn, an inductee in the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame, is definitely one of the best-dressed women to grace the screen. In fact, the dresses she wore in two of her movies made such a huge impact that they became classic silhouettes for women with discriminating tastes in fashion. The bateau neck from the dresses she wore in Sabrina (1954) is now also known as the Sabrina neckline. Aside from this, her elegant black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) has been imitated by many and was sold for thousands of dollars in one of the auctions at Christie's.

Dressing up requires creativity and common sense. This is why you shouldn't be surprised that the people named in the International Best Dressed List are people who not only look good, but also contribute styles that have become an inspiration to many.

Read about other best dressed women in the world on the Mama Mia website. This site is your source of news and features on pop culture, politics, food, motherhood, fashion, and many more.

View the original article here

How to Choose a Pair of Shoes for Women

Imagine a woman preparing to go out on a fine Sunday morning. She spends a lot of time in front of the mirror, putting on makeup and choosing the best dress to match her lipstick. Suddenly, she realized that she does not have the right pair of shoes to match her current attire. This is without a doubt, a woman's worst nightmare. That is why a woman is usually very particular about her footwear.

In general, 9 out of 10 men cannot understand why a woman needs so many pairs of shoes. So naturally, we expect women to be experts in choosing shoes. But do you know that for most women, choosing the right shoes is not always an easy task? The fact that there are so many choices to choose from doesn't make it any easier.

If you are a woman who is currently facing such a dilemma, here are some suggestions for you.

First of all, don't always go for the latest and most fashionable design. Cost aside, they may not necessarily look good on you. Every woman is different. Shoes that look good on Susan may not necessary be suitable for you.

Also, comfort should be the number one consideration when it comes to choosing your footwear. The wrong choice can result in discomfort or even injuries to the ankle.

It is not always easy to make a decision on colour. If you are not sure which colour to choose, you can always go with black. Black colour shoes are suitable for both formal and informal events.

You should also take your height and the length of your legs into consideration when selecting a pair of shoes. For example, high heels shoes can help to make the legs looking longer. This is perfect for women with shorter legs. On the other hand, women who are already tall should probably avoid shoes with high heels.

Seasonal changes can also be an important consideration before buying your footwear. This is especially true if you are living in countries with four seasons such as Europe or the United States. You will probably need at least 4 pairs, one for each season.

One question some women may have is 'where to buy the best shoes'. Well, this is probably the last thing you need to worry about. Nowadays, it is actually possible to buy shoes online. With so many websites that are selling shoes online, there is a large variety of shoes for you to choose from. You will also be able to find attractive deals and even discount if you spend more time to do your research online.

Buying shoes online is extremely convenient. Make sure you choose a pair of shoes that match your maxi skirt perfectly.

View the original article here

How Do Women Avoid Breaking Down In Front Of Others?

You've all done it at some point in your life. Perhaps it was that comment made by a superior at work, or at the board meeting; or perhaps it was just your being too tired or ragged to have control over holding back those tears. It was your worst moment in your life, including your cracking voice; and the more you tried to stop, the worst it got.

As a woman you are an emotional breed that embodies the extremes of caring and crying at any time of the day. However, at work you try to be professional and to not only fit in with the executive males; but also, impress your clients or customers. You are the one that wants to make change, break the glass ceiling, and achieve the respect of your business partners. Indeed, as a bright woman, you absolutely know how to increase profits and streamline systems.

However, you don't know how to control your emotional "mistiming." As a Speech and Drama Coach, I am often asked "How can I control my voice when my emotion takes over?" So, here are three key strategies that have worked for my clients to allow you to be master of your emotional voices, so you will not break down at the wrong time.

Key #1 Consciously Breathe:

Taking deep breaths will calm you immediately, if you breathe with the diaphragm. The diaphragm is just below the rib cage and you can feel its presence if you place your hand on your sides, or lower back, or stomach areas. It is not belly breathing; but encompasses your entire rotund lower cavity as it inflates like a balloon when you take in a breath. As you speak it is pushing the air out, or letting the air out of the balloon, expelled through your mouth.

Why is it important to use this natural breathing process that you did as a baby; but for many of you have lost this technique? It's because any shallow breathing focussed solely in the upper chest and shoulder or neck area is less powerful. Shallow or clavicle breathing increases when we are stressed and escalates to produce panic attacks. The more you breathe incorrectly and quickly; the more anxious you become.

Having control of your breathing is accomplished by practising diaphragmatic exercises, after you have relaxed your mind and body tension. One example is to lie on the floor with your hand or book on your upper stomach, breathe in for a count of three so the book rises; hold your breath for a count of three; then slowly let your breath out for a count of four or five. Repeat this exercise a few times using your mind to focus and relax yourself as you do it. Now, the technique is to transfer this breathing style while you are standing, perhaps at work in a vulnerable situation. Set your mind to immediately take three deep diaphragmatic breaths. You will experience sudden calmness and patience. You will be in control.

Key #2 Focus Your Tone:

When you are tense or anxious, your voice pitch rises to make you sound nervous or on edge. You can control lowering your pitch level so your tone does not sound timid, weak, or fearful by following your three deep breaths with a definite pause. Then tell your inner voice or mind the message, for example, to: "lower my tone as if I'm an executive in charge politely giving directions to some stranger to the front door." This puts you in charge of sounding calm and authoritative to the other person without falling apart. The trick is to keep your mind focussed on the outcome of your message and not on how you feel at that moment. Later, when you have left the situation behind you, you can let it all out to your compassionate listener at home. Practise this with a partner in a role-playing situation of arguing your point of view on some topic. Then you will be ready to implement your new strategy when it suddenly jumps at you.

Key #3 Slow Your Pace:

Your immediate reaction in confrontational situations is to get your word in there at all costs. This also leads to speaking too quickly, along with your pitch rising, and results in your efforts being weakened. The strategy here is to follow up your lower tone of voice by deliberately slowing your speech. Initially you may think you speak too slowly, but with practise you will find what speed is just right for you, so your feelings are not creeping into your conversation. This is a great tactic to give the impression that you are an expert deeply considering what has been said; so, that your next words are emotionally free, and handled by you to leave the situation without crying.

These three strategies work together as a team and will support your skill of overpowering your emotional side that makes you look vulnerable. Crying and caring are emotions that you need as a way to release your fears, sadness, and tension; or to show compassion. It is this quality as a woman that makes you a better leader and person. By having the control on your breathing, tone of your voice, and pace of delivery you will not break down suddenly; but you will show confidence and feel confident. Your voice is an amazing tool to leverage and empower your strengths and emotions. Use your voice to avoid breaking down unnecessarily.

Written by Brenda C. Smith

Did you find this article helpful? Brenda C. Smith is a personal Speech and Drama coach who helps professionals with oral presentations and communication training. Go now to http://voicepowertraining.com/. to advance your career and enhance your voice for your success with our online training courses, self-help books, and personal coaching. Brenda is the author of "Ten Steps to Unlocking Your Voice" Please contact her for personal presentation and performance coaching.

View the original article here

Women Empowerment Can Shrink The Gap of Gender Diversity

The society we live in is male dominated in the majority of the aspects. The gendered attitude with our unconscious bias sustains the homogeneity and shuts the door towards diversity. There is a necessity for strong leadership which will challenge the status quo and drive in the much required change. Gender diversity is prominent in business fields making it more mandatory to retain women in higher positions. Change is the keyword and right thing to do at present moment. Businesses need to change their corporate cultures to accommodate more talented women in their domains.

There are compelling reasons to achieve gender equality with women leaders rated higher in male leadership qualities and an overall leadership effectiveness negating stereotype about female leadership qualities. In a recent study by leadership development consultancy it is found that women scored better than their male counterparts in leadership qualities like taking initiatives and motivating for results. They were fared outstanding even in leadership competencies. In addition women leaders scored higher in overall leadership effectiveness then their male equivalents when rated by their colleagues, bosses and other companions.

Such surveys tend to confirm the belief and prove as direct evidence that women must be provided with opportunities of leadership but these surveys also confirms that the leadership of male preponderance exists. Women in workplace require working twice as hard in order to reach the position they deserve and the leadership role they aim at. This lack of security poses as a barrier for women who aspire to work as a leader in future. This gender diversity is crucial in fetching more women into leadership positions. Gender gap remains an enigma for women in workplaces. Combined with gender inequality it creates complex hurdles for women to overcome.

Change will emerge if companies make way for gender equality a mandatory component of their business plans. They need to address the gender biased attitudes that are persistent in male dominated industries. Other factors integral for change are accountability and assessment of the results. It is not just a HR issue to provide women with equal opportunities but it is fundamental to the overall industry. The reputation building of an organization to work as a good place for diversified groups must be inclusive of creating equal place for women. The recruitment becomes easier task with recruitment of talent from present day's diverse hiring pool.

Women's markets are considered as key to most industries as women are the significant decision makers, consumers and potential customers. The retail decisions are influenced to a great extent by women. Today the women owned businesses are expanding at tremendous rate in the world economy. Creating an inclusive culture with strong leadership will drive in the change and align the gender inequality. Gender diversity can pave the way for gender equality and benefit all. Businesses can achieve superior business outcomes added to consumer satisfaction, retention ability and productivity. Companies can strive for staffing together the core employees with inclination of creating prospects for women.

Sonal Nair: I am freelance Content Writer, SEO. I enjoy writing on varied topics. I like poetry creation. I' m interested in art, dance and Haiku. I like to sketch in charcoal, oil pastels and paint with watercolors. I love to cook. I care about women's empowerment, literacy, domestic violence, child labor and children's wellness.

View the original article here

Women Need to Love Themselves MORE

PLASTIC SURGERY: It should come as no surprise that many women tend to have low self-esteem, especially young women.  They want to get work done just to feel wanted/accepted. Now, we're not persecuting those who go under the knife.  We promote plastic surgery to an extent, and feel women should get cosmetic work done if only it makes them happy, not because someone wants them to do it.  For instance, I have a friend who got her breasts done because her boyfriend wanted her to have bigger boobs, now she's miserable with her extremely large breasts for her small frame, but she did it to make him happy.  Bad move.  This is now something she has to live with whether he stays or he goes.  You should always do what makes you happy.  If it is something you want, go for it, but don't do it for somebody else.  I cannot stress enough how the most important person in a relationship is YOU.  You should do what makes you happy and if you don't have an understanding partner then maybe it is time to reevaluate your relationship.  Many women are so naturally beautiful they don't even see it.  If you want to go for change, all you may need is something as simple as a new haircut, hair color, wardrobe or a bit of makeup for a shocking transformation.  No need to call a local plastic surgeon.  Celebrities and models are what many women idolize, and this is another reason why women get surgery done not realizing many celebs are highly Photoshopped and far from perfect.  I even dare say that many of you are probably even more beautiful than many stars on TV.
DATING LOSERS: If you've ever dated a player, hold your hands up high I'm raising both of mine.  Life is a learning lesson, and we should make these lessons as fun and painless as possible.  It's great to have a good time and enjoy yourself.  What's not great is staying with a player who treats you like a game.  Games are for little boys.  And every woman deserves a real person who is mature enough to value a woman's worth.  That's where us women go wrong.  The player needs someone to play with.  If you drop out of the game, he is going to have to play solo or look for a bimbo who will put up with it.  You are not that bimbo.  If a man/woman can't treat you as the gem you truly are, you don't need that person in your life. Most of the time players are just insecure individuals who need to play with other people to boost their low self-esteem.  Don't be a pawn or allow yourself to be used to alter someone's ego.  If you're looking to have a great time, then by all means, have FUN.  But if you're not, value yourself, know what you want, be aware of what you deserve and keep on moving.  Women have so much to offer, the world is filled with many wonderful and beautiful people. Don't settle for crumbs when you can have the whole pie, which leads us to our next topic...
SETTLING: I see it all the time, women married 15-30  years (sometimes even less time) and they stay with a partner for all of the wrong reasons. Either because you feel comfortable with them, you are doing it for the kids, it has been so many years you don't think you can find anyone better, economic situation, etc.  There should be a law that nothing or no one should stop you from being happy.  I have an older friend who was married 25 years.  She was in a toxic relationship.  This man gave her mental, physical and verbal abuse.  She said she has taken it for so long  it became second nature to her, and at her age she was afraid to leave, or find someone else that she feared could be even worse  than her husband.  I'm no psychologist  (God knows I look at people's clothes instead of their problems), but I wasn't going to judge her way of thinking, she only could express what she knows.  However, I knew I didn't need a PhD in Psychology to let her know she needed someone better. I persuaded her, assisted her and she finally divorced this man. It has been 5 years since.  She converted into Christianity, met a great Christian man, and at 54 years old she has remarried, but now to this wonderful person who I'm sure isn't perfect, but he treats her with the respect she deserves.  She wasted 25 years of her life, she did not need to waste another 25.  She didn't have to settle, and I'm glad she didn't.  You have to take risks if you want to be safe. Moral of the story is don't be afraid to walkout of an engagement, marriage, or a relationship if it doesn't feel right to you. Forget the consequences.  Your happiness is worth everything. If you're not happy you can't make anyone else happy, including your family.  And that's unfair to them.  Your loved ones would rather see you in pure bliss alone then miserable with someone you don't want to be with.
SELLING THEMSELVES SHORT: Live life to your own standards. Don't live up to anyone's expectations. Many women don't see what they've got to offer and they allow other people's perception of them bring them down. I know many women who allow other people to demean them, and it's usually other women who are JEALOUS of them.  Only you can make yourself feel that way.  Never feel less smarter, prepared or attractive than anyone else.  My mother always told me, "Remember, you are NOT better than anyone, but DON'T forget, no one is better than you." And I love her for that.  Every person has something beautiful to offer don't let anyone tell you different.  Many people will try to put you down, so they could elevate themselves.  Never question your abilities.  You are the most special person ever and you deserve nothing less than the best.  We've all got something wonderful to contribute, don't second guess it. When one door closes, in any angle of your life, it is because a better one will open up and trust me, what may seem to be the end of the world, will turn out  to be the beginning of a wonderful journey.

LIVE how you want, SAY what you want, DO what you want *as long as you don't hurt nobody, including yourself*!

View the original article here