The Self-Care Sunday Essentials To Try Today
Treat yourself.
This post is in partnership with BIC® Soleil® Balance® razors.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a wave of self-care enthusiasts on social media contributing to the #SelfcareSunday movement. Whether it’s in the form of avocado toast, a special facial, a drive down PCH with the windows down, self-care can take place in so many different forms.
BIC® Soleil® Balance® razor knows the importance of taking those me-time moments – even if it’s just a fresh, smooth shave and a soak in the tub. In a recent survey, BIC® Soleil® razors found that 88% of women shave for themselves, not anyone else. Talk about self-care!
“I’m always striving to be my best self, so I knew I wanted to work on a campaign that encouraged other women to embrace their best selves too, even if it’s doing something as simple as shaving. I'm always wearing dresses in the summer months and even in the winter, I really like to be clean shaven for those winter workouts as I’m prepping for summer clothes. Just throwing on cozy sweatpants feels better with smooth legs, you know? ‘Why I Shave’ is all about embracing the tools to help us all feel more comfortable and confident in our own skin,” said Jessica Sturdy of Bows and Sequins.
So what does it really mean? We should each take some time to define self-care for ourselves, because who else really knows better than you what your body and mind need in order to be 100%?
Here at C&C, our brains are working overtime every day and when we finally get some time to ourselves, we love to join in on the self-care Sunday fun - because what is better than taking some me-time? Read below to hear how our team defines self-care and what we do to recharge.
How the C&C Team Defines Self-Care
A perfect self-care Sunday for me involves some Pinot Noir, a bubble bath, smooth, shaved legs and re-runs of my favorite show. After a long week of work and tons of Insta-notifications, nothing feels better than chilling in bed after a good soak with smooth legs and a great glass of wine.- Tyeal, Marketing Coordinator
Getting yourself a hotel robe is everything! Along with some eucalyptus scents for your room to unwind.- Andrea, Digital Editor
Lavender bubble bath with lots of candles, putting on comfy PJs - cause what's better than soft sweatpants on freshly shaved legs. Add in my pup and it’s a perfect night.- Natty, Graphic Designer
I live for my Sundays at home. Cleaning house, cuddling cats + prepping my mind for the week is mandatory + everyone in my life knows that. I try to plan out outfits for the week + note any out-of-office events, dinners or work events that are coming up.- Heather, Marketing Director
We wanted to hear what our Create & Cultivate community defines self-care too, so we asked the creative and ambitious ladies in our Facebook group for their perfect self-care day and here’s what they had to say:
Alberthe K. B.: My self-care takes usually 1 of 3 forms—I love to get long walks in around my neighborhood at the start of the day, away from my daughter & husband so I can collect my thoughts & go into the day with more ease... I like to end my day with some music or an audiobook while having tea or wine (some days call for a lil alcohol lol) to decompress... and the third isn’t daily, but more of a weekly & it’s taking time to do a face mask & caffeine body scrub after a long bath, all followed by sinking into the sofa with my shows that I’m either catching up on or rewatching
Aleia W.: Self-care for me has turned into making my own self-care products - massage oil candles, body oils, and bath salts and settling in for a long bath using all the products until I get wrinkly. And then it's time for a little journaling (and if Sunday) filling out my planner with the upcoming events for the week!
Taylor M.: For me, self-care is all about listening to yourself and responding in the most loving way possible. It looks different depending on the day. Most Sunday nights, I stop looking at my phone and computer and take a warm bath with a good book before bed. It helps me transition from weekend to work week with ease.
Rosie C.: For me, a true self-care Sunday includes a lot of things, but most importantly, cooking. It has become essential to cook during my self-care days because it reminds me that when I approach food as a means to nourish and fuel my body, and when I remind myself that my body always has a need to nourished and fueled, I have a healthier relationship not only with food but with my outlook on the capabilities of my mind, body and spirit.
BIC® Soleil® Balance® razor invites you to take some me-time this Sunday. What do you do for a perfect self-care Sunday? Let us know in the comments!
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Bring On the Weekend: 3 Cocktails Recipes We Love!
Feet up, glasses up!
Jessica Bornder Photography
Create & Cultivate conferences are such an adrenaline rush that we almost forget that we end up putting in between 70-80 hours of work! That feeling tends to fade a week later which is why we're sharing three tasty Crown Royal cocktail recipes for all the ladies out there that need to kickback and unwind this weekend. Drink up the deliciousness, below!
TGIF, ladies!
WHISKY GAL
Crown Royal Deluxe
Simple Syrup
Lime
Muddled blueberries
Served on ice
Meagan Shuptar
This post is brought to you by our Create & Cultivate Chicago partner, Crown Royal.
Do you have a favorite unwind cocktail? Share the name & recipe below!
The Healthy Drink You Should Be Sipping At Your Desk
For a healthy gut and clear mind.
Just like all of you, we know how important office snacks are. In the midst of emails, calls, meetings, and being busy overall, we need something to refuel us and help us power through the day. That 3 pm slump? Yup. That’s not fun for anyone.
And because we love to always throw some logic your way. Here are some facts about taking a break in the middle of your workday to enjoy a little something extra after being at your desk all day.
Snacks bring teams together! A quick snack break can encourage bonding among colleagues.
You and your team will be more focused and productive for the rest of the day.
Breaks are essential for mental clarity, and sipping on a healthy beverage is never a bad idea.
Having healthy snacks available makes employees feel valued and appreciated.
Healthier options can decrease the amount of sick days team members take.
We’ve been highlighting some of our favorite snack options here at C&C, and the team is already a big fan of Health-Ade kombucha and sip on them almost daily.
“Because not all kombucha is created equal.”
What if we told you that your midday pick-me-up can also help your gut and overall health as you sit at your desk? Well, you better believe us. A lot of us gravitate towards snacks that sound great but aren’t always necessarily great for us. That’s where our favorite bubbly beverage comes in to add some fizz, a little bit of sweetness, and a dose of healthy probiotics all around.
Detoxification, energy enhancement, and an immune system boost are just a few benefits of the bubbly probiotic tea. Our healthy snack of the moment is Health-Ade kombucha, which creates some of the best-tasting kombuchas around, with fun, refreshing flavors and Instagrammable packaging to match.
So, why is it so good? Well, Health-Ade brews their kombucha 100% the old-fashioned way, in small 2.5-gallon glass jars to prevent plastic and metal leaching. And those quirky, delicious flavors such as Jalapeño-Kiwi-Cucumber? They’re always flavored with fresh ingredients, including cold-pressed juice from organic produce. Our guts are already happier just thinking about it.
As a team, we’re all about convenience and Health-Ade has made an effort to make employees everywhere happier and healthier with the in-office “kegs”. That’s right, you can easily have kombucha on tap and grab some whenever you’re in the mood for a glass.
For those regular kombucha sippers out there, this is great news because it removes having to purchase your own bottles from the equation! Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with some new flavors that weren’t already on your radar.
Not sure how to get it? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered in that department as well. If you’re interested in getting Health-Ade on tap for you and your coworkers, get in contact with their team to coordinate further.
Happy sipping!
What’s your favorite healthy snack to have at work? Let us know in the comments below!
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Jennifer Hudson's Best Quotes from C&C Chicago 2018
The Chicago native dropped some knowledge.
You've seen her on your TVs, the big screen, heard her albums, her judge's seat on The Voice, and if you were at C&C Chicago this past Saturday, you heard her keynote conversation there. Jennifer Hudson is a multi-faceted powerhouse and we had no doubt that she'd have some killer knowledge to share with our audience. In one big room full of entrepreneurial, creative, badass women, J.Hud ignited the fire in our bellies with her real-talk advice on business, personal growth, and more. Ahead, her best quotes from the night.
“If it’s not worth working hard for, it’s not worth it at all.”
“I don’t do a single thing for money. Everything I do is because I love it.”
“There’s no set formula for success. Success to me is what you love and what YOU value.”
“You can have all the talent in the world, but you need to have a business sense too.”
“If you don’t like something, just change it! You have the power to do that.”
“I always say: I can show you, better than I can tell you.”
“I want my legacy to be for people to see me as a human being and see my heart.”
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How This Tool Changed The Way We Do Business at Create & Cultivate
Collaboration at its best.
Photo Credit: Jessica Bordner Photography & Smithhouse Photography
Here at C&C, we believe that teamwork makes the dream work. Behind every successful brand and company is a hardworking, collaborative team helping make all of the magic happen. As a small team for an exponentially-growing business, we’re tiny but mighty and are always looking for new tools to help us work more efficiently. Email is great and all, but once conversations are going in 500 different directions it’s so easy to lose track of what’s to be done. Communication is key, but we all know what it’s like to have our minds going in circles at work and like we need to take a breather.
ENTER: Microsoft Teams. Our gamechanger. Our northern star. Our hub for everything.
Pulling off a conference the scale of Create & Cultivate Chicago is no easy feat for a team of 10. It’s 70 speakers, 1,5000 attendees, and 50+ brands, vendors and partners. Plus, our content game needs to be on point. As you can imagine, we’re pulled in a lot of different directions and all have different tasks and duties when planning such a large event. Whether it’s production to-dos, editorial assignments, or social media content planning, using Microsoft Teams has helped us move forward in a simpler, more efficient direction.
So, how exactly did we get the job done to create the magic that was C&C Chicago? We’re laying that all out for you along with how it can help your own business, and how the tool has helped change the way we work going forward.
Photo Credit: Smithhouse Photography
Onboarding
We obviously had our own way of doing things, so we tapped Microsoft Teams experts to get us started using the new platform. A Microsoft Teams trainer came in to help the team with everything from getting an account to demonstrating the different ways we can use it across departments and throughout the workday.
One of the things our team was happiest to learn is how simple Teams makes office communication. Through its chat system, we can ask as many questions as we’d like, give direction or get feedback from our colleagues. Seriously, who has time for getting up and walking over to anyone’s desk all day long? We were sold.
The overall reaction was an ecstatic group of women, who were more than excited to get stuff done in an easier, faster way. Some comments at the kickoff meeting and demo include, but are not limited to:
Create & Cultivate: A New Hope (For you Star Wars nerds)
Guys, work is lit
I feel like life will never be the same
It’s like the freshman year, senior year meme but for to-do lists
Besides the immediate onslaught of .gifs that were shared, it was obvious that project management & processes would become instantly easier using Teams because of the ability to assign tasks, track their progress, and confirm completion. For a team that loves to be efficient, we geeked out about it pretty hard. We even tapped our teams for the tips and implementation tips that we should include in this blog post!
Oh, and we can’t forget to mention that Teams can be used on desktop and mobile, so if you’re ever on-the-go, you can still leverage their amazing mobile app to do your work along the way. It also shifts our on-the-go group texts into organized work-related conversations.
You can sign up to try teams for yourself and also try an interactive demo for the platform to get a firsthand experience on how Teams really works. Check it out here.
Pro-tip: Respond to your manager with Michael B. Jordan gifs for an always enhanced work experience.
Process Change
As mentioned above, we were the most excited about having more streamlined communication. Rather than sending individual emails or messages to team members, we’re now able to create different Teams within the hub that included chat conversations, organized to-do lists and central hub for all moving documents.
Identify Your Teams
For example, we created conversations for each team when planning for Chicago. The first thing we did was agree which teams needed to be made and under those umbrella Teams, what conversations needed to be had. For us, we separated the Chicago Team into our different projects in order to discuss and follow-up on different areas of the event and the status of things: Production, Talent, Digital marketing, Graphics, Social and Editorial. Each Team has a General tab where all members can provide blanket updates or team brainstorms! As you can see, we also have Teams for future events and general team conversations to use moving forward. A lot of them follow the same outline so once you have a skeleton of what you need, you can always duplicate for new projects.
Optimize & Organize Your Teams
Once you identify the Team theme and projects/conversations within that team, we set a Teams transfer date. This was important for us because it allowed each team to think through what existing documents, files, and conversations needed to be transferred into Teams in order for this to improve our workflow. We agreed that we should start fresh on the first of the month. During the transition time, each group met and walked through the different apps and tools available through the Microsoft Teams hub (hint: it’s a lot!) and what would be the most beneficial for each group. We also incorporated documents that we were already using and pulled all important pieces into one central place.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best tools found in Teams that small business owners can leverage.
Planner: This tool allows you to create different ‘boards’ for your employees. These boards act as project management tools in order to keep track of what’s been done and what hasn’t. They can be split into different categories such as not complete, in progress, completed, etc.
One Note: It’s exactly what it sounds like--a note-taking tool. What makes it so efficient is that you can use it right in the Teams app, rather than having to open any separate tabs and making it difficult to focus on more than one thing at a time. We like to use OneNote during our meetings to jot down anything important.
Smartsheet: Let’s face it, we all use more sheets than expected. This comes in handy for tracking and updating any important lists, budgets, sponsor obligations, and more.
Who: This one is mostly for the managers of your biz. You can search for any of your employees based on what they’re working on, who they’re working with, and more.
If you’re a content creator, we *HIGHLY* recommend creating a digital Team where you can leverage the Planner App to implement your content calendars, graphic design assignments, and review meetings into Teams to have everything in one place for our team members to always refer to. This streamlining has changed the game for our digital team and helped both managers, coordinators, and designers across the board.
The assignments feature is also very helpful for managers to look over their respective teams, rather than having to constantly follow-up on the status of their tasks. We can add updates, due dates, assign teammates, and create digital checklists for feedback and edits so that there are no missed steps during the feedback and approval process.
We previously found ourselves having too many separate conversations and taking meetings that filled up our workdays and real-talk feedback that would sometimes be lost in conversation. Now we can do all of that using the tool and spend more time working and getting our tasks done on time and even quicker than before.
Photo Credit: Jessica Bordner Photography & Becki Smith of Smithhouse Photography
Tips From Our Team
Because we’ve been using Teams for a ton of different things, we wanted to give you all more insight on how we’re doing so for different aspects throughout our company. Here are some feedback and tips from the different C&C verticals in which we like to use Microsoft Teams.
Production: Our production team is the backbone of all our C&C events, so they need to be in constant communication with both each other and vendors. Teams can be used to gather information on budgets, invite lists, talent updates, and of course the layouts for our events. When heading on-site, the checklist functionality is clutch so nothing gets left behind! Our production team can also brainstorm any ideas for future events and separate them using Teams.
Editorial: Our digital editor relies heavily on a content calendar for strategizing and planning, in connection with our marketing team. Teams allows her to update the status of any co-branded content pieces, deadlines, and future blog posts to go live on our website. If there isn’t time for an editorial meeting, it’s also a great tool for brainstorming and putting together future ideas for the site through the notes tool and of course, chatting with her direct manager. The Planner tool is also a huge part of editorial workflow because it helps us delegate a concept, assigned writer, review, scheduling and completion for each of our posts.
Design: Our graphic designer uses Teams to put together her to-do list for the day, as she designs assets for all of our different outlets. Whether it’s decals for Chicago, Instagram Stories, gifs, newsletter content, and more, she has a lot of things to keep track of. She also uses Teams to chat with her direct manager in regards to any new assignments and daily updates.
Lunch: Sometimes we forget to eat and we all have to have each other's backs to make sure we get fed and are fueled for the day ahead. The lunch team is everyone's favorite team and this way no woman gets left behind.
Fun (duh!): We like to work hard, and that doesn’t mean we don’t play just as hard. Teams helps us plan and get suggestions for any future team outings, dinners, happy hours and more. Whether it’s sharing the hottest gossip or much-needed puppy photo, Teams has us covered in the fun department. You can even make your own memes.
While we wish we could invite you into our little WorkParty, the best thing we can do is tell you that Microsoft Teams helps you work smarter, not harder. For a startup and a small team, this is key because you need to put your time and resources towards the things that really matter!
We encourage you to join us in streamlining the way your team plans and executes different tasks. If you’re interested, Microsoft Teams is free for all to use and a great tool for small businesses all across the board.
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10 Mic Drop Moments from C&C Chicago 2018
Here’s everything you missed.
If you've been following along, then you know we took over House of Vans in Chicago for our C&C conference. The Windy City welcomed us with open arms and Vans provided the perfect space for us to build our beautiful dream conference. We decked out the space with beautiful furnishings courtesy of Deny Designs, and Instagrammable moments thanks to Name Glo, Vince Camuto, Bic Soleil, Volvo, and so many more. The pros at WeWork provided VIP guests with a cozy lounge for networking between panels, Comcast provided an in-depth mentor power hour with some of the fire-hearted women in the game and JC Penney took over our stunning outdoor stage and treated our guests with a music-filled post-conference happy hour to celebrate an unforgettable day.
Throughout the day we heard some killer quotes from our speakers and moderators that deserve some major credit. Ahead, some of the biggest mic-drop moments of the day.
"Full ass EVERYTHING."
- Rachel Tipograff, Founder & CEO MikMak
"I'm not too expensive. You just can't afford me yet."
-Blake Von D, Attorney & Influencer
"The sooner you embrace the messiness in life; the sooner order will show itself."
-Lori Wright, Microsoft
"The only boundaries I have now are the ones I set for myself."
-Marianna Hewitt, Co-founder of Summer Fridays & Founder of Life With Me
"To be an entrepreneur in 2018 you need hustle, passion, and no fear."
-Shay Mitchell, Actress, Producer, & Influencer
"The best advice I've ever received: Feedback is a gift."
-Alli Webb, Co-Founder of Drybar
“If it’s not worth working hard for, it’s not worth it at all.”
-Jennifer Hudson, Singer, Actress, Philanthropist
“People need to learn how to rest, rather than learn how to quit.”
-Ben Silbermann, Co-Founder & CEO of Pinterest
"Know your value, know your worth, and know what you can bring to the table."
-Reesa Lake, Partner & EVP at Digital Brand Architects
“Don’t ever let technology replace the importance of personal relationships.”
-Julia Simon, Chief Legal Officer of Mary Kay
“Figure out what you need to make your life easier. That’s how you run a one-woman show.”
- Maxie McCoy, Author of You're Not Lost & Public Speaker
Thank Yous!
Our guests were able to stay fueled throughout the day thanks to our food and beverage sponsors. Health-Ade kicked off the day with breakfast and of course some kombucha for our guests to sip on as they got settled for the day. Sweetgreen provided a delicious array of salads for lunch, and McDonald's came through with a food truck for a mid-afternoon bite. OUI by Yoplait, RX Bar, and Luna also had snacks prepared for everyone to nibble one. And of course, OLLY had our backs with a variety of vitamins for guests to stay clear-headed and healthy for panels and networking.
It wouldn't be a C&C conference without a fully-stocked bar to enjoy while making your way to through the event. Chandon provided mini-bottles of its summer-themed bubbly, and the Crown Royal team mixed a delicious variety of cocktails. Of course, there were other options such as everyone's favorite La Croix, and Icelandic Glacial water to stay hydrated in the Chi-town heat.
One of our biggest hits was the pop-up market, which featured everything from beauty touch-ups to business pitching opportunities and relaxation. Our guests got to try the buzzy Dyson Super Sonic blow dryer, and both Sexy Hair and Living Proof featured the latest products for both volume and styling. Nordstrom Beauty had so many of its best-selling brands available on-site, and our beauty babes loved it.
The Pinterest team put a twist on their activation with tarot cards for building your future, and Pacifica Beauty emphasized gemstones and healing crystals for boosting girl power. The Microsoft Teams squad also introduced everyone to the collaborative platform that can boost team communication and productivity, while WeddingWire showed all the busy ladies that nuptials don't need to be put on hold if you plan like a boss. Our Chicago ticket-holders also had the opportunity to sit back and relax at Serena & Lily's Lake Michigan-inspired hangout.
Method Home even managed to take over the restrooms with a mix of hand soaps, rainbow bright decor and cell-phone holders in every stall.
Once again, thank you to ALL of our C&C Chicago partners and speakers, we couldn't have made the day so special without all of your hard work and dedication to women in business!
Did you have a favorite quote from the day? Drop it in the comments below!
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The Best Negotiation Tips We Learned at Our Chicago Conference
The Art of Negotiation panel, presented by LUNA spilled all.
Our Chicago conference was a day full of inspiration and career advice from women of all different walks of life. A big topic of the day was negotiation—you know, that one word that makes so many of us cringe. A surprising statistic that the audience learned was that only 30% of women are negotiating. Yes, you read that right.
During our Art of Negotiation panel, presented by LUNA, our speakers discussed the taboo topic both openly and honestly, which is the only way to move that conversation forward. The truth of the matter is that if women aren't freely discussing all things money, then negotiations aren't going to happen and the gender wage gap won't narrow or disappear once and for all.
Today also happens to be Women's Equality Day, so what better time to dish on money and negotiations? The year might be 2018, but the wage gap is prevalent and on our minds more than ever. Women earn 20% less than men do on average, for doing the same job with the same experience. Learning to negotiate and knowing your worth is the first step in closing the gap in order for women to be paid fairly and equally for their work and services.
Earlier this year, LUNA launched its 'Your Worth is Worth Negotiating' initiative to kick off the conversation that a lot of us tend to avoid, and the discussion continued during our conversation this past Saturday in CHI-town. Moderated by Maxie McCoy with an introduction by LUNA's Juliana French-Arnold, speakers Zoë Scharf, Reesa Lake, Blake Von D, and Robin Li fed our audience logic and real-talk advice on what it takes to negotiate effectively and confidently. Ahead are some of the biggest takeaways.
"Know your value, know your worth, and know what you can bring to the table."-Reesa Lake, Partner and Executive Vice President of Digital Brand Architects
Once women are self-aware of their value and worth, they're unstoppable. If you can confidently share your skills, experience, how you've contributed to your company, how you've helped it grow, what you plan on doing next, and more, then you can navigate successfully throughout a negotiation setting. If you don't think that you have what it takes, then that's what is setting you back.
"If my value was zero, you would not have come to me."-Blake Von D, Attorney & Influencer
Sometimes, you just have to lay down the law with anyone who's trying to offer you less than what you're worth. If they feel that you're worth much less than your value, then why should they attempt to work with you in the first place?
"Knowing what other people value companies that are similar to yours is very important."- Robin Li, Vice President of GGV Capital
This can pertain to small business owners, who are looking to market their product or service. On the other hand, this can also work for negotiating a salary and knowing what the standard salary for your field of work. You won't learn the proper value of what you're bringing to the table until you learn what others in the same area of work are valued as or are bringing home as income.
“Think about the potential you have to add and remember that you’re offering this person something that is really beneficial to them.”-Zoë Scharf, Co-founder of Greetabl
A negotiation is just as much about the other person than it is about you. Sure, you can know what you're worth, but they may need to be reminded that you're only here to help them. Have some facts ready about why your services will benefit this person and their business and help them grow even further.
“You have to be willing to hold off and say ‘no’ when you’re negotiating.”-Maxie McCoy, Writer & Public Speaker
A lot of us don't like using the word 'no', and that needs to stop today. Don't let anyone get away with taking advantage of you and your market value. It may be uncomfortable, but be prepared to walk away and reject a deal that doesn't benefit both parties or cater to your own needs.
"I'm not too expensive, you just can't afford me yet."-Blake Von D, Attorney & Influencer
This was the quote that caused a loud cheer from our audience! In the ultimate #facts moment of the panel, Blake said what a lot of us are thinking but never say to anyone on the other side of the table. It's true. If anyone thinks that you're charging too much when you clearly aren't, then they can't afford you. Point. Blank. Period.
Are you part of the 30% of women who negotiate? If so, let us know your own tactics for getting the deal you want. If not, what's stopping you?
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How to Start Your Mornings Off on the Right Foot with One Simple Trick
Plus, a Free Treat for our Chicago Conference Attendees
Dirty Penguin
Having our morning cup of coffee is a pivotal moment for starting our day on the right foot. But a rushed morning just makes the rest of the feel like an avalanche of crazy.
We’re firm believers that you should wake up feeling like your best self in order to kill it at work every day. Rather than rushing to get ready in the AM and running to check your email inbox, make it a point to take some time for you, clear your mind, and get right on track.
Have you ever thought about what you typically do while your coffee is brewing?
While it may not be the longest amount of time, those few minutes can be used for the greater good. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Stumptown Coffee for a list of activities that you can accomplish while brewing your morning cup of Joe to help get your mind right for the workday ahead. Pop some coffee into your drip brewer or French press and try one of the following activities.
Write a List of Affirmations
Jotting down a few positive affirmations is a great form of practicing self-love, and it’s simple enough to do while waiting for your coffee. If you’re in a funk, or just need a better start to your day before work, remind yourself of the things that bring you happiness and that you’re grateful for. Check out some examples targeted towards confidence and success below.
I am so grateful for my life.
I feel happy and enthusiastic about my life
I will be successful in all of my endeavors
I am confident in my future
Make Your Day’s To-Do List
The team here at C&C lives and breathes by to-do lists. Seriously, we use them for everything and don’t know how we would accomplish any of our tasks without them. As you wait for your morning coffee, take a minute to jot down all of your tasks that must be accomplished for that day. You can write down everything from the day’s list of meetings and calls to your own personal assignments and errands. It’s a great idea to use the notes section on your mobile phone during this short amount of time if you don’t have a pen and paper lying around for you to physically write everything down.
List One Thing You’re Grateful for That Day
If you’re not into the idea of executing a full list of positive affirmations, you can always take the time to think of one thing you’re grateful for that day. Believe it or not, this can change every day depending on certain circumstances or events occurring throughout your life. This could be anything as big as your overall health or something as small as the delicious cup of coffee you’re about to drink.
P.S. we have a special offer for all of our C&C Chicago attendees! Stumptown is offering a gift to anyone who’s in Chi-town during the weekend. Swing by their Chicago cafe with your Create & Cultivate conference pass for a FREE cold brew or coffee to enjoy between August 24th - August 26th!
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Chicago
311 N. Morgan Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day
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#CreateCultivateCHI City Guide: Sequins & Stripes
By now, you know that we're super excited to head to the Windy City for #createcultivateCHI! We asked C+C Mentor—and one of our favorite Chi-town bloggers—Liz Adams of Sequins & Stripes, for some must-see spots while we're in town.
Read below for her top spots from dog-watching to pregnancy cravings and catch Liz in person at Create + Cultivate on August 15th. Ah! So soon!
By now, you know that we're super excited to head to the Windy City for #createcultivateCHI! We asked C+C Mentor—and one of our favorite locals—blogger Liz Adams of Sequins & Stripes, for some must-see spots while we're in town.
Read below for her top spots from dog-watching to pregnancy cravings and catch Liz in person at Create + Cultivate on August 15th. Ah! So soon!
Best Saviour for a Sweet Tooth
"Jeni's Ice Cream, Bobtail, and Sprinkles Cupcakes are my favorite spots to curb my sweet tooth!"
Best Street Style Photo-Op
"Chicago is filled with fun street art, skyline views, parks, and cute shops. The Greetings From mural is a perfect photo backdrop."
Best Sunday Shopping
"My favorite shopping spots in Chicago are Oak Street, the shops on Damen Avenue, and the Southport Corridor. Filled with beautiful boutiques, tasty restaurants, and everything in between."
Best Cheat Day Grub
"Two words: Doughnut Vault. My weekend weakness."
Best Long Walk with the Dog
"On most days you'll find me walking our chocolate lab, Webster, throughout Lincoln Park. I love that you get a mix of lakefront, nature trails, and parks all in one."
Best Place for a Coffee Meeting
"I'm always in need of a quick caffeine fix and Heritage Bicycles, La Colombe, Intelligentsia, and Floriole are ideal for a morning meeting or afternoon pick-me-up."
Best Kept Secret
"I don't think many people realize that Chicago sits on the prettiest lakeshore! Our city is lined with beautiful beaches making summer in Chicago the best!"
Follow Liz on Instagram @liz.adams_ for more fun, food, and fashion in Chicago!
Meet the Speaker: Jeff Mahin, Partner at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
When we were selecting panelists for #createcultivateCHI Jeff Mahin stood out as the forward-thinking restaurateur we needed to nab. At 31, he is a chef/partner at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) and the creative force behind Stella Barra Pizzeria (Santa Monica, Hollywood, Chicago, North Bethesda), Summer House Santa Monica (Chicago, North Bethesda), Do-Rite Donuts (Chicago), and M Street Kitchen (Santa Monica). As regulars at Stella Barra in Santa Monica, the C+C staff already loved Jeff's food, and after getting to know the man (and Forbes 30 Under 30 alumna) behind the dishes we knew he'd be the dude to dish (pun intended) about finding a unique voice and vision in the ever-growing Food, Health, & Wellness space.
Get your tickets here to catch Jeff live in conversation at #CreateCultivateCHI
Name Jeff Mahin
Trade Partner/Chef at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Panel The New Disruptors: How to Break Out in Food, Health, & Wellness
Favorite neighborhood in Chicago Before I moved to Los Angeles, I lived in Chicago for years. There are so many diverse neighborhoods and I've lived in many of them, but my favorite would have to be Lincoln Park. It’s the first neighborhood I moved to in Chicago so I have a lot of great memories there. Our restaurants Stella Barra and Summer House Santa Monica are also located there.
Best bar for a nightcap Violet Hour and Three Dots and a Dash. If I am with a bigger group or with friends from out of town, I’d go to Three Dots and a Dash. For a smaller group, or a date with my girlfriend, I’d go to Violet hour.
Your top spot for late night grub Allende Restaurante, a taqueria in Lincoln Park. They have the best al pastor taco I've ever had (even better than anywhere in L.A.) and they stay open until 3 a.m. When I first moved to Chicago and had no money, I would go there after work late at night to get a great meal for pretty cheap. In fact, I still eat there whenever I’m in town. I think it’s fair to say I have eaten at this restaurant more than anywhere else in the city. Lady Maria, who works there, is there every day and always remembers me.
Best Chi-town donut shop Do-Rite Donuts, of course! We have two locations in Chicago. There is a great variety of artisanal flavors like Pistachio Meyer Lemon, Candied Maple Bacon, and Valrhona Chocolate Cake, along with a selection of gluten-free and vegan donuts. But the one I’m most proud of is the most basic: a classic buttermilk old fashioned. We worked on perfecting this donut for a long time. The flavor brings back so many childhood memories.
What do you love most about Chicago? Chicago is a great, big city with amazing architecture. I love the diverse neighborhoods and the sky rises. But what I love most is that it doesn’t really have that big-city mentality. It’s a very warm, welcoming, and clean city.