Artist Spotlight: Aimee Sicuro

In This Boat Together by Aimee Sicuro

What better way to wrap up a long day than by enjoying the whimsical illustrations and paintings of Aimee Sicuro? I love her imagination and the beautiful use of subtle color and simple forms. All of the photos displayed were found on Aimee's website, aimeesicuro.com; so if you like what you see here be sure to check out the rest of her work.  You can also support this fantastic artist and acquire a print of your very own by shopping her Etsy site here. 

Ego Trip by Aimee Sicuro

In Tandem by Aimee Sicuro

Union's Bliss by Aimee Sicuro

 

Video: Lost Generation

My good friend Julie shared this video with me and I loved the message so much I wanted to share it with you. After spending a great deal of energy searching job postings today and feeling increasingly discouraged about the employment front, this video gave me just the gentle reminder about priorities I needed. 

Specialization or Diversification?

Assembly line photo found here

I often find myself lamenting the pressures of specialization. The social structures we have created, and indeed the capitalistic society we live in, reward specialization of tasks and skills.  After all – it was specialization that made Smith’s Wealth of Nations such a hit and sent the industrial revolution into overdrive with assembly line processes. However, I hate to think that I am only of worth to my country or economy if I possess high levels of specialization in one limited skill set. It makes for an unbalanced individual and certainly does not mesh with my personal goal of embodying a renaissance woman. 

But today I began to question my own grim view of specialization. As I strolled the aisles of my local mega-grocer, where I could fill my cart with baby formula, cut roses, imported stuffed green olives, reading glasses, rat poison, and even a firearm (should the poison not do the trick I suppose), I began to yearn for more specialization. Thinking back to my time abroad in Athens, Greece, I remember the small, specialized shops and have yet to find stores in the US that offer the same high quality goods.  For example, a short walk would take you past the baker, the pharmacy, the outdoor produce market, the sweet shop, and the paper store. Because each shop was so specialized, you could be certain that every minute of work went into perfecting the specific, if not somewhat limited, line of goods offered. The result? A far cry from the stiff baguettes, bruised tomatoes, waxy chocolates, and generic stationary filling our “one stop shops”. 

While there are some convincing arguments for diversification (it is convenient to find such a breadth of product offerings in one location and may provide a company with increased financial stability), there are also many downsides. Think about the mediocre dining at one of many Asian fusion restaurants. In theory, you can sit down to a dinner of Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai items that satisfy whatever your appetite calls for that evening. In reality, you wind up eating an okay-at-best-meal in which no one cuisine is prepared to its full potential. When one institution attempts to excel at offering such an extensive product line, one, and more frequently all, of the goods produced will suffer.

Maybe specialization is not so bad after all. 

 

 

Lazy Sunday: Garden Hopping

No lazy Sunday for this blogger.  After a wonderful weekend visiting family in North Carolina (trip highlights include ample Wii-ing, an introduction to the strangely fantastic world of letterboxing, and the best taco bar this side of delicious), I spent my Sunday at the airport.  For most people the act of traveling elicits stress and anxiety, but for me the experience is purely enjoyable.  I relish the chance to read an entire book in one go while being surrounded by flocks of bustling people with such diverse pasts and reasons for traveling.  However, if I were to have a Lazy Sunday this week, I think some international garden hopping would be in order. 

France: Monet's Gardens at Giverny

Photo by Ted Drake via About.com

Photo via Giverny.org

England: Garden at Sissinghurst Castle

Photo by McCurdy & Co. via Brits at Their Best

Photo by Zie via Garden Hopping

The Netherlands: Keukenhof Gardens

Photo by Linda Garrison via About.com

Photo found at Examiner.com

Valuable Investments: Sleep

Photo via Geoparent

Today's valuable investment needs no explanation: sleep.  We all know it's important, that getting enough sleep is imperative to good decision making and cognitive function, and that skipping out on our zzzzs takes a major toll on our physical health, our mental health, and, quite frankly, how enjoyable we are to be around.  But of course, when you are only halfway through tomorrow's report and your mind is racing with anxiety, short-term pressures seem to supersede the long-term benefits of eight solid hours of quality shut eye.  

So tonight, go ahead and let yourself unwind.  Turn off the TV and the computer and let your eyes adjust to the dimming evening light. This will signal to your brain that it is night time and your internal chemicals can sufficiently prepare your body for a period of rejuvenation. Spend some time making a mental list (or perhaps a physical list, whatever is more relaxing to you) of the things you are grateful for, and notice how this practice helps to melt away stress and slow your mind's chatter. Finally, visualize a soothing scene as you drift into the first stages of sleep. By allowing your body and mind to fully relax and prepare for sleep before jumping into bed, you can achieve more restful sleep and make the most from your time under the covers.  

Valuable Investments: Quality Wardrobe Staples 2

Here are two completely different takes (created by yours truly) on investing in a quality dress and purse. By following the guidelines in yesterday's post, you can stretch these two staple items throughout every season with style.

Valuable Investments: Quality Wardrobe Staples

Photo via Superstock

No matter who you are, what your occupation, or the size of your income, there is one investment that is always worth spending the money on: quality wardrobe staples. There is no better way to outfit yourself for success than by owning a few, quality staple items that will last for years to come. A sale at your local Forever 21 (or similarly inexpensive, fad-driven clothing depot) may seem like the perfect opportunity to stock up on a number of pieces (5 tops for $35, no way!). It’s typically not until the first wash sparks unraveling seams and shrinking shirtsleeves that the buyer’s remorse starts to creep into our psyche. 

A more refined approach to purchasing new articles of clothing will save you the frustration of ill-fitting outfits and, in the long run, decrease the cost per wear of an item. However, a blouse that is expensive or carries a designer label is not inherently a quality staple. Stick to the following criteria when shopping for key wardrobe pieces, such a neutral suit, basic dresses, or fitted trousers, to ensure that you are making a wise investment.

1. Must be a team player

When shopping for staples, take time to think about how many outfits you can create from the new purchase. If you can easily come up with a number of outfits based on clothing you already own, it may be a keeper. However, if you think you have found a great piece but it can only pair with one or two other items you currently own – put the hanger back and walk away. A true staple will work with lots of other items you already own. If a seemingly “perfect” skirt, for example, does not go with the shoes and tops you already have – then this item is not a staple for you. Remember, each investment piece needs to be a team player with the clothing and accessories you already have. 

2. Countless years of experience

When selecting new wardrobe staples, opt for classic silhouettes and time-tested statements over the latest runway inspirations. Wardrobe staples are items you will come back to again and again for moons yet. The last thing you want to do is choose investment pieces that are the latest craze: chances are you will no longer wear the item once the fad has passed and if you do you run the risk of dating yourself. Instead, look for pieces that embody a timeless elegance. 

3. Comfortable speaking in public

While choosing neutral staples that transition easily from one season to the next is important, remember that your staples can have a voice too! You do not have to submit to dull pieces just because they seem practical. Instead, search for staples that flatter your figure and have a touch of your own personal flair. Just because so many people choose a black suit as their go-to piece for important meetings or interviews does not mean you have to do the same. I personally look terrible in black and there is nothing more stifling to me than dress pants. Instead, I prefer dresses in softer neutrals, such as brown or grey, which can be topped with a properly fitted jacket. The benefit of doing something different is two-fold. For one, your look will stand out as a breath of fresh air and serve as a testament to your unique character. Secondly, the confidence that comes from wearing items you are comfortable in will be apparent to those around you.

4. Compensation will be commensurate

Do not be too price-focused when searching for key wardrobe staples. Look first for high quality pieces that fit the above criteria before considering the immediate cost. When purchasing wardrobe staples you are making an investment that will continue to return dividends for hundreds of wears to come. In most cases, paying more for a piece that is tailored to perfection and wears with grace is a sign of a quality product. Be prepared to save, and spend, selectively. 

Stop by tomorrow to see some photo inspiration of quality wardrobe staples and get some ideas for how to transition your own staple pieces through all four seasons!