Gals' Guide

A Tip for On The Go: Carry A Pocket Size Hand Sanitizer

Working with sick patients,I need to make sure my hands are as germ free as possible. Sometimes we can be so busy at work that we can not possibly think that each time we touch something we need to run to the restroom to wash our hands to prevent us from getting sick.

Here is a tip: buy yourself a pocket size hand sanitizer.  They are only 99 cents and are really convenient. In fact, using a hand sanitizer is even MORE effective in the prevention of spreading germs than washing hands with just simple soap and water.

Think about how many times someone touched that doorknob at work or hand held that money you are working with on a daily basis-ick!

Putting in the Extra Hours When It's Nice Out Pursuing Your Passion Takes Hard Work

I often get asked, 'Do you sleep'? I also get asked, 'What motivates you?' On a sunny Saturday spring day in Chicago, I thought I'd answer these questions for you.

First, I do sleep. I get 6-7 hours a day and am up at 7 (including weekends), no matter what time I go to bed the night before. Back when I was working in corporate America, I'd be up at 6. I do watch TV, but do this moreso to rest my eyes. Even reading a book burns my eyes sometimes.

What motivates me? A whole heckuva lot, but the most important thing that motivates me is the wish to create my own path when it comes to work, family and enjoying life. What motivates you?

Apple Store Saves the DayMy iPhone Died..Then I Got a New One

Ladies, service is always King. Thanks to Chad at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue for saving me this week. I was at a tech conference, my iPhone broke and I needed it for the rest of my day. From the time I entered the store and left, I had a replacement iPhone in 30 minutes, tops. Thanks, Chad!

How to Prepare for Last-Minute FuneralsA Lesson From a Gal That Lost Her Grandma

Funerals are always last-minute. You are never prepared for one. They happen at the busiest, catastrophic times, and you begin to use trite phrases like, “when it rains it pours,” or “death come in threes,” before the funeral even starts. That’s just the way funerals are. And, life does not stop because your Grandma had a heart attack, and while you wish that your worries would go away just to get through this one week, you can bet that this one week, those thorns will sting in your side harder. Why? Perhaps there really is a lot to worry about. Perhaps you are being considered for that promotion, or your rent is up and you don’t know where to move next, to take the plunge in LA, or to end or begin a relationship. Or, perhaps it is just that the reflection of Grandma’s life, the matriarch of your family, has made you realize, ‘what the heck am I doing with my life?’

 

One of The BEST Workouts You Can Do? Jump Rope.

What? How can a piece of rope and something we did as little tykes give you such a good workout. It does.

Jumping rope is less intense on your knees, gets the heart rate going and is a full body workout - including those arms. When I incorporate jumping rope in my workout, I alternate weights with 2-3 minute intervals of jumping. My gym time goes by fast and I can a pretty intense, fast, efficient workout at the same time.

I keep slipping sometimes I start singing those old songs we sang as kids. Oh well, my fellow gym mates will need to relax and endure it...because deep down I know they are singing it, too!

Have Your Own Business? Tell Me About It

If you run your own boutique, design studio, babysitting service or salon, let me know. You never know, you may get more clients and/or business just from telling the world you exist:).

I'm off to a Tech Cocktail conference today and speaking on a women's panel. Topic: Understanding  your audience. Sittercity will be there, too.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday Mom! The Main Woman Behind Gals' Guide

I am who I am because of my parents and that story begins with one half of my parental units - my mom.

Let me tell you a little story about my mom, Kosta, in honor of her 52nd birthday.

My mom's family came to the States from Macedonia in 1965, she was nine years old. They didn't speak any English and got the bulk of their wardrobe from The Salvation Army. My mom still remembers the laughing and hissing from her classmates in Detroit - her socks didn't match, but she was happy she had socks.  Life continued at school where the rest of my family got used to living in the States and thankful for things their little village in Macedonia didn't have - my mom once took gum out of some cow dung on the street to chew it. Her family was so poor that chewing gum was a treat.

A Tale of Two Wine Glasses Your Glass Contributes to the Experience

I bought a slew of wine glasses at Cost Plus World Market some years ago. 6 glasses for a whopping $9.99.  I was on a tight budget and these glasses came in handy many times when I had parties.  I still have these glasses, but I'm about to give them a way. Why?

I married a man who's a wine junkie and he taught me a few things and, of course, that means I have to tell you what I learned:).