Lifestyle
By: Ann Begler
I’m not sure anything brings Halloween closer to us than ghosts. We see them everywhere. Hanging from our neighbor’s trees, flat cut outs taped to the inside of school windows. Sheets with eye- holes blowing from flag poles in yards along the block. Ghosts standing on sticks in someone’s garden. Suddenly, ghosts surround us, reminding us that we can’t be totally sure that the people we see and talk with every day are the only people who are creeping into our lives.
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By: Jill Mazza
Most of us have tried something new, loved it and then asked ourselves why we had not done it sooner. Sometimes the answer to that question is that we simply were not ready to accept a new way of thinking, feeling or doing into our lives until now. Recently, I integrated some holistic health practices into my lifestyle. The themes of balance, flexibility, readiness and acceptance emerged.
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By: Kimberly Thomas
As kids, my friends and I loved the Steelers – and Pittsburgh. We heard seemingly larger-than-life stories about this “The City of Champions” and that mythical era during the 1970s as the Steelers (as well as Pirates and Pitt Panthers) all won championships. And then in the early-90s, the Pittsburgh Penguins won Stanley Cups. As a kid in Pittsburgh, our sports legacy is hard to miss.
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By: Lexi Smith
Have you ever experienced a time when you just didn’t feel like you belonged? Perhaps you were hanging out with a group that was talking around you, and you weren’t being included in the conversation. Or, you were in a meeting at work and ideas you tried to share were met with criticism that left you feeling small and insignificant. These experiences can zap us of energy – and, if unaddressed, can pull down our self-worth.
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By: Beth Schmidt
NBC’s coverage of the 2012 Olympics continues to get very low marks among social media, water cooler conversation, and people yelling at TV sets. They’ve even earned their own hashtag, #NBCFail, on Twitter.
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By: Jill Mazza
It is said that those who do not learn to manage anger effectively will be controlled by it. Anger is a normal emotion that we all experience at times. When felt strongly, anger can be termed a passion. Communication style and personality dictate how anger is expressed. Let’s think about anger as passionate, emotional energy that can serve to inform rather than control us when we choose to use it productively.
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Each summer, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust hosts Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh – an all-inclusive fundraiser featuring three levels of live music, DJ’s, wine tasting and beer school sessions, psychic readings, dance lessons, performances, art, cocktails, noshes and more! This year’s event will be held on Friday, July 13 following the Trust’s Gallery Crawl with a travel-inspired theme not to be missed.
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By: Beth Schmidt
Buy at least two because you’re going to want to share this one, but you’re not going to want to give away your copy. It’s a uniquely hilarious book of charming-but-twisted paintings depicting zombies……
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By: Deena Blumenfeld RYT, RPYT, LCCE
In part 1, we looked at labor positions, coping techniques, fact vs. fiction, private sessions, local resources and best practices. Here we’ll find 6 more reasons to take an Independent Childbirth Preparation Class.
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By: Deena Blumenfeld RYT, RPYT, LCCE
In this modern age of information, it would appear that an old school, bring two pillows with you childbirth preparation class is unnecessary. There are books, movies, a ton of information on the internet and yes, there’s even an app for that. Let’s look at what you can get in a good class that you can’t get anywhere else.
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By: Lexi Smith
I’m not good at grieving … brooding, yes – but not grieving. Right
now, however, life is forcing me to address the grieving process. My
great aunt is 96 years old and a tough old lady.
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By: Beth Schmidt
My commute is about an hour on a good day. After a few years of that type of commute, you get tired of every type of music (even your own mix tapes) and every variation of morning show antics. You get tired of people arguing, whether it’s know-it-all sports talk or 2 minutes of politics followed by 58 minutes of commercials. Twice a day, day after day, whatever button you push, radio gets redundant.
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By: Beth Schmidt
After a debilitating four-day, 50-plus-hour week and a yet another teeth-grinding commute from North to South, my week ended on a high note.
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By: Jill Mazza
In any economy, employment is a blessing. Still when delivering corporate training seminars, I meet many people who are dissatisfied with and burnt out by their jobs. This is not being ungrateful – it’s being human.
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By: Beth Schmidt
So. I had a package (item valued at about $100) coming in (on a Friday) that I then needed to ship from East Coast to West Coast overnight for Saturday delivery. To use Fed Ex or UPS, the cost of shipping would be more than the package’s value. A lot more. So I thought I’d double-check at the Post Office.
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By: Christina Damiano
Companies should look at the current business processes or problems that they are already solving and use Twitter as just another medium to do so. Likewise, companies wanting to measure the return on investment (ROI) of their Twitter strategy should look at how they measure all of their other desired business objectives. In other words, Twitter is just another tool for business owners to use to grow their company and be successful.
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By: Ann L. Begler
I don’t profess, in any way, to be a theologian. Still, as Passover and Easter are close by, I find myself thinking about conflict within the context of these holidays.
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By: Beth Schmidt
Email from my bank: You have a new bill from Macy’s.
Odd. I haven’t used my Macy’s card in about a year. But I check. And, yep, instead of my beautiful zero balance, there’s a charge for 50 bucks with the description “Hotline.” The bill also includes a “Have a question about your bill? Call Macy’s Customer Service!” So I do.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
February is associated with expressions of love. Recall the lyrics from The Hollies, “Just one look…that’s all it took.” If it were that simple to make the right connection..
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
February has MMI focusing on watching and using the right body language to communicate. We are all brilliant women with compelling ideas to contribute to our organizations and businesses. Using the right body language today may be the best way you can better yourself in business and lead yourself in a better 2012.
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By: Carrie Oakley
With such busy schedules, it’s a miracle that professional women find time to also take care of the home and family, but we do it! Taking care of ourselves, however, often comes at the bottom of the “to-do” list; if it even shows on the list at all. Although you may not have the time to work out every day or cook healthy meals, there a few, quick things you should try to do every day for better health and well-being.
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By :Jill Mazza
My most recent fortune cookie message read, ‘Keep your feet on the ground and thoughts at lofty heights.’ This struck me as a useful reminder to not settle in relationships.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
You Deserve to Be Better in 2012.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
Boost yourself professionally and personally by practicing our Top 12 Best Behavior Mannerisms. Each month, MMI will discuss a topic that can lead you to becoming a better person (nobody’s perfect).
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By: Jill Mazza
New Year plans are filled with resolutions about what we ARE going to do in 2012. How about planning for what we ARE NOT going to do based on a quick review of past regrets?
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By: Lexi Smith
As Christmas winds down, and the new year starts, so do my resolutions. I really enjoy the process of thinking about and writing down hopes and dreams for the year.
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By: Beth Schmidt
So, this morning, I’m sitting still in rush hour traffic. I’m in the left lane.
The right lane is (of course) moving. However, a guy in the right lane just stops next to me and honks. I look over, he’s waving and smiling.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
The holidays have arrived and whenever three or more are gathered together, its best to be as polite as you know how…Ahhhhaaa—the know how—How many of us do not know how to do the polite thing at a party. Surprisingly, many of us just have forgotten the importance of party protocol. TO help all of our Bizchicks get through the parties without having to make that “I am sorry” phone call the next day—here are some tips we can all practice to perfection.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
Once upon a time families would gather around a table and enjoy their time together by sharing food and facts of each other’s days. Today our family mealtime is turning into everyone tuning into his or her favorite Media toy. Mother, May I would like to promote the importance of sharing a meal and doing so with appropriate Table Manners. We put together the top inquiries on proper table manners. Please read and share your knowledge as you dine with others this holiday season.
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By: Lexi Smith
We all have traditions that we hold dear – and, as the holidays approach, we’re likely thinking about them. Some we want to keep for ever. Some we wish we never started. And some we’d like to start anew. One tradition that I think I’ll toss this year is worrying . . . about everything.
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By: Julie Ann Sullivan
Listening is an aspect of your life that you do instinctively. You have been listening since you were born, so this ability has become second nature. In some respects that is good, because without thinking you are aware of your surroundings.
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By: Lexi Smith
Can we ever really heal completely after a difficult break up? I don’t have a lot of experience with this – but I don’t think so. We are forever changed from being in relationship – whether that relationship is your best girl friend, a co-worker, your mother, or your partner. People affect us. When they leave our lives – for whatever reason – the loss is real.
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By: Lexi Smith
My go-to girl for all things hip and tranquil – Kimberly Wilson – is hosting her final tranquilista lifestyle e-course. This 7 week course focuses on ways to shape your world with spirituality, aspirations, do-gooding, creativity, style, and entrepreneurship – all from her latest book: Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play.
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By: Lexi Smith
Last week my friend Vanessa posted on Facebook about taking risks. She is excited about a new chapter in her life and all of the promises the future holds. I wanted that spark of energy!! I wanted to double plus LIKE her status!! And then I thought about my own life. “Am I a risk taker?”
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
“Bullwinkle”…really? Are you referencing the cartoon moose of the 70’s, or are you trying not to use the unprofessional words that could affect your career?
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By: Lexi Smith
Fall is truly my favorite time of the year. Even though the leaves are falling and we are prepping for the cold of winter, I feel like it’s a new beginning. Farmer’s Markets are full of pumpkins and squash, mums, and apple cider. The colors are all so vibrant! It’s also my favorite time of year to entertain.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
It is no surprise that nowadays dating is more confusing than even 10 years ago. The informal condition of our society and the infiltration of technology have been game changers. Here are a few tips to navigate through today’s dating game.
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By: Lexi Smith
It’s mid-September, and I’m still wearing white! Seriously – the pants I have on right now were all that I had clean and pressed . . . (just back from the dry cleaner and ready to be stored), which says a lot about the state of my growing laundry piles. I’m just not getting it together fast enough to keep up with the changing seasons!
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By: Christine Olson
Now that you have cleaned out your closet, you can begin to consider what gaps to fill depending on your lifestyle. First, consider your preferences and needs:
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
After the handshakes and business cards have been exchanged, here are some MMI ways to make yourself stand above and apart from competitors.
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By: Christine Olson
Do you have a closet full of clothes but:
Feel you have nothing to wear?
Feel as though you never have the right outfit for the occasion?
As a result are you buying new for every occasion?
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
“If you can’t say anything nice …”
But SHOULD you?
What could be the consequences?
What should we do?
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By: Jill Mazza
There is a classic relationship dynamic common among many women in my personal and professional circles. It’s a Meltdown Diva paired with a Flatliner. Opposites DO attract. This dyad is challenging – and potentially one of life’s most enriching experiences – if the couple is willing to look into the relationship mirror, learn from, and grow with each other. Tough stuff.
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By: Chelsey Hennemuth
We all look forward to those one or two (or maybe more) weeks of, what we like to call, paid-time off—you know, vacation! We head for warm weather and sandy beaches, a relaxing mountain resort, or travel abroad to sightsee. Vacation is a time to relax, not think about real life, and just take a break. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, of course. We all need a break occasionally. But did you ever consider a getaway that is not only good for yourself, but for others too?
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
Summertime sports, a national pastime… Whether it’s heading to a major league baseball game or to your 10 year olds soccer match, sportsmanship manners should be practiced particularly in the heat of the moment. As recent as June of this year the NCAA and The Big 12 kicked off new rules concerning unsportsmanlike conduct. This goes for on and off the playing field.
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By: Lexi Smith
Wikipedia defines a guilty pleasure as something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. Often, the “guilt” involved is simply fear of others discovering one’s lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes, rather than actual moral guilt. Fashion, music, and food (especially unhealthier foods high in sugar and/or fat) can be examples of guilty pleasures. Case in point, my friend just posted on Facebook that it’s Happy Ice Cream Day – and his particular guilty pleasure is Haagen Das.
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By: Christine Olson
Trunk shows have been around for a long time. Originally, affluent women were the target market. In recent years, this direct sales business has expanded and increased in popularity. For many women, it is the smart way to shop.
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By: Chelsey Hennemuth
Over the years, I have come to learn that I need to set my alarm clock fifteen minutes earlier than needed, just so I have that extra bit of time to figure out what to wear to work in the morning. By the time I am ready to go, I will have five outfits strewn across my room and I will be walking out the door in the sixth one. Perhaps, it is due to my being indecisive. However, I believe it is mostly because I am a woman.
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By: Lexi Smith
I just bought a house and now I have lots of rooms to fill and less money to spend. To stay budget conscious while decorating, I’m engaging my creative genius and going green with consignment stores – and my new favorite past time – the yard sale. And, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to pass along in my quest to find the best stuff for the least amount of money.
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By: Lexi Smith
Last week, I attended a Biz Chicks lunch with guest speaker Christina Damiano, former and founding executive director of the Diversity Business Resource Center in Pittsburgh. She provided insights on how to run, manage, and sustain your woman-owned business.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
Men NOT behaving badly… hmmm is there such a species? In the wake of Arnold, Sheen and Weinergate scandals, you have to wonder where all the good men have gone? “Boys may be boys, but it’s time for men to start acting like men.”
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By: Kirstin Kennedy
The Washington Post reports that, as of last Father’s Day, stay-at-home dad’s made up 2.7 percent of the United States’ stay-at-home parents. The same article divulged that the percentage has more than tripled since 2000. Men all across the country are choosing to be the primary caregiver to their children for a variety of reasons.
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By: Emily Bush & Beth Slagle
While the words “I do” immediately conjure up images of traditional white wedding dresses, flowery wedding cakes and budget busting catered events, we have evolved into a society where tradition is not always the norm.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
June… The unofficial season of gift exchange: weddings, bridal showers, housewarmings, graduations, baptisms, barbeques, bar and bat mitzvahs…and birthdays! Being gracious is not optional when receiving a gift.
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By: Cathy Bednar
So you say you’re a Leo—what does that really mean? It means that you are confident, dignified, strong-willed, generous, warm, loyal, romantic, playful, creative, self-expressive, entertaining, dramatic, high-spirited, and a leader; but you can also be egocentric, arrogant, status-conscious, overpowering, dominating, condescending, flirtatious, childish, melodramatic, ostentatious, center stage, proud, and self-involved.
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By: Julie Ann Sullivan
I awoke this morning thankful to see another day.
If we take the time, we all can think of things to be thankful for, but do we?
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By: Kirstin Kennedy
I, like most of the connected world, am obsessed with my Smart Phone. It is my alarm clock, my note pad, my music player, and, of course, my communication device. Smart Phones by their very nature are practical because they keep us constantly connected to business, clients, friends and family.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
Commencement Courtesies… Begin your celebration with the proper behavior. Be sure that you are invited to the ceremony and the celebration. Generally, there are only an allotted number of tickets available for the convocational ceremony—Even if you think you are the BFF of the graduate, be sure to ask.
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By: Debbie Constantin
The purpose of this article is to help you evaluate how your thought processes effect your golf game. It has been said that golf is twenty percent talent and eighty percent course management. How do you manage your thoughts and emotions when you play golf? Thinking in a limitless way is very important to your success both on and off the golf course. Below are examples of limitless and limited thinking. Which one are you?
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
Mother knows best… Isn’t it funny as adults we can still hear our Mother’s or Grandmother’s or favorite Aunt’s voice go off in our head with the little mannerly advice they taught us as children.
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By: Lexi Smith
The last two weeks my to-do list has overwhelmed me. I’m in the process of buying a house and moving – and if that’s not enough stress right there – I am under deadlines at work that are nearly impossible to meet. This weekend, it seemed like everything was snowballing out of control – until I remembered the very vital activity of breathing.
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By: Lexi Smith
I woke up yesterday to my husband coming into the bedroom saying – “Turn on the news! They killed Osama Bin Laden last night!” “Who did what?” I said reaching for the remote and resentful that I was denied my second round with the snooze alarm. The news set my day in motion with the first thought being – “Why are so many Americans cheering about the death of this man?” Have we lost our collective, civilized minds?
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
As we head into the travel season, here are a few manageable manners to make flying the friendly skies a more peaceful and pleasant experience.
-Be prepared…
-Bin there, but don’t do that…
-Be mindful of your space…
-Snacking, stinking and spilling oh my…
-PG13 – Kids on board…
-Smile and Listen…
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By: Lexi Smith
Last week the weather was so beautiful and I was inspired to change out winter clothes for spring and summer. So, now you know who to blame for the unpleasant change in temperatures and the non-stop rain we have currently. I sincerely apologize. At least I didn’t put in my screens – which would have prompted snow. In the meantime, as the weather continues to be unpredictable, I’m struggling to find clothes that can take me from a chilly morning through temperature increases in the afternoon, and dramatic drops by evening. Here are some thoughts…
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By: Jill Mazza, MABC, CPC
Certified Professional Coach
In this challenging economy, many of my coaching clients are in career transition and looking for new positions across different industries. As we work together to prepare for interviews, job fairs, and networking events, clients increasingly realize the value of making great first impressions. Many of our communication coaching programs include the development of a professional introduction. A strong introduction – the story we tell about ourselves – is an essential aspect of any professional portfolio and can open doors to new relationships and opportunities in life and at work.
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By: Lexi Smith, Lorri Lankiewicz, and Jill Mazza
The other day a colleague got credit for having a great idea – an idea I had presented to lukewarm response several months earlier. Sound familiar? I could just feel myself boiling over with anger and frustration. Later that night, I tearfully shared this information with my husband – stammering – among other things, “It’s just not fair!” Being denied recognition I thought I deserved left me feeling – in a word – unworthy.
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By:Cathy Davin
It’s late March and we chicks are ecstatic about the arrival of warm weather! Soon it will be time to enjoy dining, relaxing and entertaining outdoors. So, let’s make our patios, porches and sunrooms the place to be this season! Here are some ideas that may help you get started.
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By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco
“He loves me, he loves me not”… Do manners matter when it comes to the loves in your lives?
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By: Holly Lynn Nye
As a kid, it was always enforced in my household to use my assets to the best of my ability. My father is famous for saying things like that. “Six in one, half dozen in another.” “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” and so on…
So when visiting the narrow alleyways of Amsterdam’s Red Light District, I pondered this “use of assets.” Now I’m not here to give my opinion about whether prostitution should be legalized everywhere or even if I agree with it. I’m here for the facts. I’m here to see how this kind of life works for the women who choose it, just as working at the bank or as a doctor or dancer works for you.
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By: Lexi Smith
My husband and I went on a grocery run this morning. It was a dreary, snowy day and I wanted to get home. We quickly ran through the store getting what we needed and headed for the check out line. When we got up to the register, the cashier never acknowledged us. She scanned our items and threw them down to the bagger. My husband tried to engage her by saying “Good morning.” She ignored him. I rescued my bread from being crushed by the cans of soup forcibly being tossed in its direction.
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By: Cynthia Cavendish-Carey
There are days in our lives when we feel like that little black cloud is hanging over our heads and just won’t dissipate no matter what we do. Girls, this is what we call a bad day.
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By: Lexi Smith
What will we be seeing off the runway this fall – and who will you be wearing?
I use Fashion Week to help me be stylish and cost conscious about building my wardrobe.
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By: Gina Mazza
You may have heard the caveat, “Be careful of the company you keep.” This bit of advice may have more than just casual merit.
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By: Lexi Smith
Last week I attended a high profile event for professional women. As I watched the crowd engage, I wondered about the art of networking.
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By: Lexi Smith
Have you ever accidentally dropped your phone into water? Perhaps you watched helplessly as it fell into a puddle while you attempted walking and texting? Or it did a nose dive into the sink while you multi-tasked a conference call and washing dishes?
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By: Holly Nye
As a child, I felt that place was my “Neverland.” No experience whatsoever contributed to this idea. I just felt like NYC was where I wanted to be. Little did I know, life had different plans for me …
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By: Bernadette Smith, Fifth Third Private Bank
For those who have changed jobs in the past few years – either once or several times – you probably have several different company sponsored retirement plans (401(k), 403(b)) or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) from your career changes.
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By: Heather Arnet
As a feminist with six nieces (all under 12 years in age), and the mom of an eight-year old, like many of you I am well aware that many girls still want princess-related presents come birthday and holiday time (thanks in large part to the Disney empire).
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