Bosses take into consideration several factors, and it’s entirely up to us to make ourselves deserving of that promotion. We have to earn it, and we have to present a strong case as to why we deserve it. The woman of today has to create and manage her own career path, and going up the career ladder takes a lot of hard work, in demand skills, discipline, guts and positive energy!

If promotion is at the top of your list of goals at the moment and you’re gearing up to take on bigger responsibilities, take a few minutes for a little self-reflection and answer these questions:

Do you deserve it?

Be brutally honest with yourself and ask: do I deserve a promotion? Before you begin aspiring for one, make sure that you are qualified for the job you are aiming for. Obviously anyone can want a promotion – but a few only deserve it. Re-evaluate your current tasks and responsibilities and review your performance these past few months. How well have you done and how valuable are you to the company?

Can you illustrate why you deserve a promotion?

Sure, it’s easy to say that you’ve been working hard and putting in extra hours. Even your co-workers see that. But do you really know how to get the promotion you deserve? You can certainly make a much better case for a promotion by showing your boss detailed information about your past successes, and how you’ve significantly contributed to the company.

Start keeping a record of everything you do that enhances the company’s bottom line. Take note of your tasks and accomplishments, old and new, and be prepared to present them when the time for a promotion comes.

Do you have a mentor?

Get ahead by getting a mentor! A recent study found majority of the people who get  promoted had a mentoring relationship with someone higher in the company.  There are companies that have formal mentoring programs, but even if your company does not have one, build strong, sincere relationships with people in higher positions in the company. Mentors are a great source of career guidance and information so find someone who’s willing to help you. If you already have one, continue learning and seeking valuable advice. You just might find yourself a step higher up the career ladder soon!

Are you getting ready for a promotion? What steps have you taken to step up your game?

Strictly speaking, you don’t. We all know aging is a natural phenomenon – and no matter how many cosmetics, treatments and even surgeries claim to stop aging, truth is, we can only do so much to minimize it.

As we grow older (and wiser!), our physical appearance changes – our hair thins out and turns grey, our skin loses its elasticity and develops wrinkles, frequent exposure to the sun results to uneven skin tone and sunspots, metabolism is slower and the body is less firm, lips are thinner, and everything else sags! Such is the harsh reality of growing old, and it’s a reality that most women fear to face and embrace.

The good news is, with all the great resources and information available to us busy, working women today, we can arm ourselves with all-natural, chemical-free and effective ways to stay healthy and beautiful – and minimize the signs of aging in the process.

It’s all in the eyes

The first sign of aging usually manifests around the eyes. This is often the first spot where noticeable signs of aging can be seen – wrinkles, crow’s feet, and sagging eyelids. Since our eyes are the central feature of our face, it’s important that they are well-taken cared of. So how do you restore it back to its youthful elasticity?

We understand you may already have a favorite eye cream or eye serum, but one of the best (and cheapest!) concoctions you can whip up at home is a blend of  essential oils — jojoba, rose oil and chamomile.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a super moisturizer! It spreads well, absorbs well, and does not evaporate easily.

Rose oil

We love rose oil. It tones and lifts skin, prevents wrinkles and loss of firmness, and makes scars fade away! Needless to say, it’s perfect for those aging eyes.

Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil is a miracle product that’s great for the sensitive area around our eyes. It’s a great tissue regenerator, and it can calm red, dry, and irritated skin.

Combined together, these oils work up a magic potion that can leave the area around the eyes smooth, toned, moisturized and refreshed. Enjoy!

Anti-Aging Eye Serum

Ingredients:

1 ounce Jojoba oil
5 drops of Rose essential oil
5 drops of Chamomile essential oil

Directions:

1. Combine all the oils in a small bowl.
2. To use, use a dropper to apply a drop to your finger then gently smooth beneath your eyes and the area just beneath the brow bone. Do NOT apply to your eyelids.
3. Store your eye serum in a small glass container.

If you have been managing people for quite sometime now, have you ever thought about how great (or how lousy) a manager you are? What do you think your team members think about you?

Dale Carnegie’s How To Win Friends And Influence People reminds us of one of the basic truths about building authority: What others say about you is more important than what you say about yourself.

Strong people management skills are important in order to win friends without losing your authority. These skills can be learned and sharpened over time, but I also think some people are gifted with an irresistible, natural charm and charisma that draws people to like them. Since not all of us are gifted with that, we obviously need to practice. Every single day at work is an opportunity to do that.

My manager friends always say that it takes a lot of patience, practice and the willingness to truly understand people, and they share the following advice for improving people skills:

Develop a sensitivity to people’s thoughts and feelings, and encourage dialogue.

A grеаt manager knows and feels what people around her are thinking or feeling. Call it women’s intuition or a simple gut-feeling, but whenever you sense something at work – a concern or problem related to work or tension involving team members, take time to ask and talk it over. This shows team members and employees that you care enough to address concerns, and increases your approachability points.

Pay compliments and shοw your appreciation.

There’s a big difference between feeling appreciative of your team, and actually saying or showing them that you do. Being complimented and appreciated makes people feel great, right? So this is a great way to drive your team members. When they’re happy and they feel good about themselves, you can expect them to perform well and enjoy their job.

Don’t forget to say “thanks!”.

The people in your team always either do something for you or with you. Never forget to ѕaу thank you whenever they do something nice fοr уοu, because again, people lοvе being appreciated. One of my good friends, a bank officer, observes that when you develop a habit of thanking employees, they would tend tο want tο please уοu more when they know you appreciate what they do.

Treat team members and employees wіth respect.

I remember an old college professor who spoke about respect during a career talk in our university. He said that more than an impressive resume, power dressing, and self-confidence, what you should take to a company is respect for yourself and respect for others. It was an unforgettable statement, and my manager friends couldn’t agree more. Treating people the way уοu’d lіkе tο bе treated is what every person should live by. Always treating people at work wіth respect, no matter what their stance in life, shows character and is truly admirable.

Delegate fairly and appropriately.

You would want to give everyone the chance to excel, so delegate the right tasks tο thе rіght people. This shows that you truly know your team members’ skills, abilities, and personalities. Moreover, this is a great way to help boost team morale and in effect, the team works together аt іtѕ best.

Sharpen these people skills, and watch yourself and your team reach new new heights. You will not only boost each other’s morale and confidence — your bring success to the business too!

As a leader or manager, do you practice these strategies? What are the other ways you sharpen your people skills at work?

Today we are left on our own to navigate career, home, family, dreams and ambitions. Many of us are still trying to figure out a new ways to explore and tap our potentials, find our passions and make a living doing what we love.

Wouldn’t it be easier if someone could help guide us along the way?

According to CareerWomen, more women are tapping into the expertise and advice of mentors to help them achieve their career goals. By working with a mentor, women have learned how to be great professionals, excellent mothers and wives and good friends. Indeed, women can truly benefit from a mentor who has the knowledge and experience to teach them to become their best in all the roles they have to play, and get ahead.

If you already have a mentor, good for you!  But if you’re thinking of getting one, perhaps you already have someone in mind? Here are some guidelines in looking for one:

Check out local professional women’s organizations (online or in your community) and see if they have any existing mentoring programs.

For example, if you are a female lawyer, your local bar association may know the name of a women’s lawyer group. Find other friends who may also be interested and encourage them to come along and join you.

Tap into your community.

Is there someone you admire for her skills or success? Invite this person to a casual, informal meeting and ask if she is willing to mentor you.

Don’t limit yourself. Prepare a list of possible mentors.

Remember, you need to match your needs to a prospective mentor. Your circle of friends and family is a good starting point in your search. It could be a former professor, someone you have worked with in the past, or someone you look up to in your present work.

Decide on the focus of your mentoring program.

Be clear about your expectations for yourself as well your mentor and communicate this to him or her.

Be open to both male and female mentors.

Our natural tendency is to pick a mentor of the same gender, but since it’s the skills, knowledge and experience you’re going for, it doesn’t really matter.

We all need to find a mentor who will offer advice on career, parenting, business, education or any other life skill. Find your own today and enjoy the benefits of improved personal and professional development.  Don’t get discouraged if your first choice of mentor rejects or ignores your request. They could be dealing with their own issues or may not have the time. The key is that having a mentor is crucial to your long-term success so keep looking until you find one. Good luck!

Do you have a mentor? How did you find him or her and how has mentoring helped you so far?

Women of this generation have their hands full – literally.

Today, we’re busy climbing the corporate ladder, running a business, traveling for a cause, saving the world! It’s amazing how much stuff we juggle.  To some this is admirable, but the truth is, many of us are just beat.

Nowadays, it’s a luxury to be able relax, breathe, and be pampered. And special pampering is what the busy working woman’s hands and feet need!

A working woman’s hands are the most used and abused part of her body. From the time we wake up in the morning to the end of our day, we use our hands to do everything – preparing breakfast, washing the dishes, carrying stuff around, driving the car, typing, etc.  And what about our feet? Wearing high heels to work everyday can take a toll on the heels and soles of our feet, and affect our entire body.

It will not, therefore, come as a surprise that our hands and feet are prone to look worn out, tired, and rough.

Pampering both the hands and the feet should be a part of a working woman’s routine. A weekly exfoliation should be on top of our pampering list, and today, we’ve got an amazing hand and foot exfoliator for you –featuring oatmeal!

Oatmeal benefits the skin

Here’s the thing about oatmeal: its grainy little flakes perform super skin exfoliation! Oatmeal removes dead cells and can even get rid of irritation and redness. After a good oatmeal scrub, your skin will be left soft and glowing! Today’s recipe combines salt and baking soda with oatmeal to make an amazing exfoliating scrub that’s perfect for dry, rough, tired hands and feet.

A good way to start the hand and foot exfoliation activity is to soak your hands and feet in warm soapy water for around 10 minutes to soften it before scrubbing.  Another option is to apply your exfoliating scrub is right after taking a shower, when your skin is still soft. This DIY oatmeal hand and foot exfoliator is wonderful for weekly use! Enjoy!

Oatmeal Hand & Foot Exfoliating Scrub

Ingredients:

2 tsp. oatmeal
2 tbsp. sea salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add 3-5 tbsp. of water to make a paste.
3. Apply the scrub to your hands or feet, rubbing it gently for a minute or two.
4. Rinse and pat dry.

‘Tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes!
~William Wordsworth, “Lines Written in Early Spring,” Lyrical Ballads, 1798

We love giving, sending, and receiving flowers. Their lovely aroma can awaken the senses, and it’s one of the most beautiful things that nature has to offer. They’re so beautiful – it’s hard to imagine the world without them!

But did you know that about 70% of flowers sold in the United States are imported from other countries that observe practices that are harmful to both humans and the environment? Take South America, for example. Over 20% of the pesticides, fungicides, and fumigants are used on flowers grown there. This is done to sustain the flowers’ appearance and shelf life! Worse, the workers who grow and pick these flowers are women and children, and the use of pesticides has caused them to get sick. In Ecuador and Colombia, nearly 60% of flower workers surveyed showed poisoning symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, trembling hands and blurred vision.

Pesticides and other toxic chemicals used on flowers affect the workers’ health by spreading onto their clothes and into their bodies. And this is not just the case in other countries. Did you know that florists who handle non-organic flowers can get sick too? It’s a sad and disturbing fact, and we need to do something about it.

We can’t take the fact that something so beautiful can be so toxic, so we’re all for buying organic flowers. The call to choose and buy organic flowers is louder than ever today, and we’re giving you a list of reasons why it’s one of the best eco decisions you can make:

1. By purchasing flowers from a local organic farm, you can be sure you’re getting them pesticide-free, and at the same time, you’re supporting local farming initiatives. Also, supporting organic flower growers encourages non-organic growers to convert to organic practices. By doing this, we help reduce toxic chemical usage in the world.

2. When you buy locally grown flowers, you avoid transportation pollution from overseas, provide more local jobs and get fresher local produce.

3. According to Care2, organic farmers rely on prevention, and also on growing thriving, pest-resistant plants through healthier soil and environment. So organic flower-growers not only reduce the amount of toxic compounds in the biosphere, they actually improve the environment and promote the sustainability of farmland.

4.  We protect plants and animals. The toxic chemicals used on flower farms can pollute groundwater and the soil. These chemicals become part of the food chain, as when birds eat the sprayed plants!

5.  We avoid polluting our atmosphere. Toxic pesticides and fertilizers sprayed on flower farms end up in the atmosphere through evaporation, travelling to other parts of the globe to fall as rain or snow.

Remember, every flower counts. When we help support the sales of certified organic flowers sellers, this pushes the market to grow more, and encourage flower farms to convert to organic agricultural methods.

Thinking of sending someone a lovely bouquet? Check out Organic Bouquet’s beautiful, fragrant organic flowers today.

Beauty may be timeless but, evidently, our make-up is not.~ TheNatter

It’s quite staggering how much chemicals women absorb from makeup every year. There are over a thousand chemicals used regularly in cosmetics – all of which could be hazardous to every woman’s health and well-being.

If you looked at the ingredients of the products you use on your face daily, do you even know even what they are? A couple of months ago, I read mine and the list looked like something we’d keep under the kitchen sink! Since I didn’t know what those ingredients were, (and was too lazy to look them up), I didn’t know which chemicals to avoid!

Thanks to sites like Cosmetics Database, I was able to check how toxic or acidic my makeup and other beauty products were. You should too, if you use an array of beauty products daily. You can also check out Environmental Working Group (EWG ) to learn what chemicals are in your soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other products. The site provides product rankings of known and probable health hazards associated with ingredients in thousands of products, and includes valuable information on ingredients linked to cancer.

Toss old makeup and clean those brushes

According to the EWG, most makeup and cosmetics and other personal care products sold in the U.S. contain chemicals that have never been assessed for safety, and this is truly a cause for alarm.

We may all be risking our health by exposing ourselves to chemicals in beauty care products, using outdated make-up and even dirty brushes and other accessories!  When was the last time you washed your make-up sponges and brushes?  Dirty accessories are a breeding ground for microorganisms that can cause diseases and surely we wouldn’t that!

We may be eating organic, natural foods to stay healthy, but what we put on our skin is just as important. Just like our food, beauty products should only be good before a certain time.

Take note that what determines the extent of the harm that can be caused are:

• frequency of application; and
• exceeding the shelf-life

Once the expiry date has lapsed, bacteria can infiltrate, causing irritation and infection. It is the build up and accumulation of harmful chemicals that pose a great threat to our health — just imagine putting cancer causing compounds, parabens (hormone disrupters) and even arsenic on your face!

Thankfully, safer products are available in the market today. Organic cosmetics are on the rise, and they are the safest, eco-friendliest alternatives to looking and staying beautiful.  Still, it is important to be vigilant by reading labels and taking the time to check for toxicity. By familiarizing ourselves with the common carcinogens commonly found in cosmetics, we will be able to adapt healthier beauty routines, and be kinder to the environment.

Toss your old, toxic makeup and beauty products and go all natural!

Major turn-off, right? Our nails need as much care as our hands, feet, face and hair, but often times, we think that a manicure or pedicure would do, and frequent nail color application. While this is a form of nail pampering, sometimes, our nails need just a little more than that, especially when they look pale and yellowish.

Yellow fingernails may be caused by a medical condition, but if you smoke or use nail polish regularly, these can be causing your discolored nails. Yellow fingernails aren’t uncommon, but surely you wouldn’t want to be seen in them!

Clean, beautiful nails are a reflection of good hygiene, and we girly-girls have to aim for that natural whitish-pinkish-reddish color for our nails.  Maybe you’re thinking nail creams, balms and polishes (we love them too), but if you’re going for clearer, cleaner and whiter nails, what you really need is a nail whitener.

Strong, healthy nails with Lemon

A high does of Vitamin C is what you need if you are trying to grow healthy, long, strong, white finger nails.  Did you know that lemon in amazing for nails? To get Vitamin C directly into your nails, you can actually squeeze a whole lemon in a bowl of warm water, and dipping your fingers in it!

Today’s recipe uses lemon juice and a whitening toothpaste to whiten your nails. The lemon juice works to remove stains on your nails. It can help whiten and brighten yellow nails, and the toothpaste should help whiten and buff your nail beds. Amazing, right?

After you try this recipe, you can show off clean, pretty nails! Enjoy!

Lemon Juice Nail Whitener

Ingredients:

1 tsp.lemon juice
2 tsp. whitening paste (To create your own whitening paste, mix 1 tsp. baking soda and 1/2 tsp. hydrogen peroxide.)

Directions:

1. Mix the lemon juice and toothpaste to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to your nails and leave on for 5 minutes.
3. Rinse well.

Next week: Pumpkin goodness for your face!

Everyone hits a slump now and then and if you’re experiencing this now, we know it’s no fun at all. It’s a time when feel…directionless. We know, because we have been there, and our friends have been there too. During a slump, you simply don’t have your act together and your energy and positive attitude goes down the drain.

It happens to everyone  — your boss, co-workers and employers, friends, professional athletes, movie stars. You know the drill: you’re having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, find yourself bored or disinterested at work, count the days till the weekend. Heck, you don’t even have energy to come up with great ideas like you used to. These are all signs that you have hit a slump, and have lost inspiration and motivation in your career.

To get back on track, professionals may turn to their coaches, employers and employees get regular training; and self-employed people seek workshops and seminars. If you have already tried any of these, good for you. But if you don’t want to spend for trainings, workshops and seminars, here’s what you can do to battle a career slump:

Reassess.

Know thy self.

Ancient Greek sages have spoken and written about knowing oneself, and it’s perhaps one of the best advices given to mankind.

To push yourself back up from a career slump, sometimes, you need to reacquaint yourself with YOU. Think about your strengths, accomplishments, skills and ambitions. Look back. Recall why and how you got your present job and why it made you happy in the first place. Now look at the present moment. What caused you to dislike your job now or feel unmotivated?

Let go of all your frustrations, regret, disappointments and worries. Instead, explore the things that truly motivate you.

This will help get your career moving in the right direction. If your current job isn’t meeting your goals and ambitions, then knowing what really drives you will give you a better understanding of which direction to head in next.

Readjust your attitude.

Remember, nothing has more impact on career or job search success than your attitude. Ask any career advisor or counselor, personality coach or guru – attitude is everything.

We have heard this many times, but it bears repeating: a negative attitude has a disastrous effect on your well-being and productivity.  It can affect your job security, happiness and yes, even the morale of co-workers, employers, friends and family. You have control over your attitude, and you have the power to change the way you see things. Positivity is definitely the way to go.

This is the simplest, cheapest remedy to your current situation:  tell yourself to look at the bright side. Once you start with a positive attitude and believing in yourself, you will find that the rest will follow.

Reset your goals.

When was the last time you set new goals? (Goals you set at work not included)

Understanding your goals for yourself and how your current job fits into the bigger plan is the key. Setting new goals will move you forward, and your career will follow. Setting new goals doesn’t have to involve big changes such quitting your job and changing careers. It can be as simple as redecorating your office, delegating some tasks to unload yours, scheduling fun team building activities or taking up a new hobby! But, if you know deep in your heart that what you want and need is a career change, then start looking around for potential employers, redoing your resume and seeking referrals.

Whatever goals you have set for yourself, be sure to share this with people who love and support you. Set your sights as high as you like and go for it!

Remember the days before email, mobile phones, and the Internet? Life was so much simpler back then. We love the convenience technology has brought into our lives, but as much as it continues to amaze us, it has contributed to our everyday stresses.

As professional working women, we are prone to burnout and overload, considering all the roles we have to play every single day. We frequently think of all our work projects, responsibilities and yes, even laundry. Yet, in order to enhance productivity and creativity at work, as well as to function better in our home/family life, we know we need to recharge.

Now there are many ways to recharge, and we’re pretty sure you have your own list of favorite things to do to help you get back to work refreshed and motivated.

To us, recharging yourself and your work is about taking time off, having a new perspective, and working smarter.  It is about taking control of technology, (and not the other way around) and saying no to interruptions. Whether we decide to take a short break or a sabbatical, recharging allows us to rethink our present situation and find ways to make it better.

Here’s a list of our 5 favorite (effective!) things to do in order to recharge:

1 – Take a walk.

During those times when you are caught up in a task or find yourself emotionally drained at work, take a walk and clear your head. Let your mind wander and think relaxing thoughts. Think happy thoughts. You know you cannot perform at your best when you are feeling drained or stressed, so a let short walk clear your head then go back to the task with renewed strength and vigor.

2 – Take mini-breaks.

It is very easy to get caught up in work and doing it 7 days a week! Take a 3 or 4 day break every few weeks or months. Go somewhere fun with the family, your girlfriends or by yourself! The latter can be very therapeutic. Be carefree, worry-free and have a good time. We are more productive when we take a least 1 complete days rest, so imagine what a 3-day break can do for you!

3 – Take that long vacation – with girlfriends!

Most of us have at least 2 full weeks off per year from work. Take advantage of this time to schedule a fabulous holiday! Think SATC girls getaway to Abu Dhabi. Do absolutely nothing that is work related! We highly recommend an all-girl getaway, but it doesn’t really matter if you’re taking your honey or your kids with you. Having fun, laughing until your stomach hurts and forgetting responsibilities for a moment will recharge you better than anything!

4 – Enroll in a yoga class.

We love the benefits of big city life, but over time, the daily grind can wear down even the most resilient working woman. Instead of the typical weekend getaway, try a yoga class. A short practice can remove any stress from the day and recharge you! We know, because we’ve attended classes and heavy sweating aside, yoga is amazing for the mind and body!

5 – Indulge in a pampering beauty treatment.

Ah, the relaxing feel of a facial and the amazing comfort of a massage – definitely one of our favorite ways to recharge!  Getting yourself pampered at a salon or spa is truly rewarding. Or, you can try some of our DIY beauty recipes! Treat yourself from time to time to a luxurious beauty treatment — a new hair style or color, a foot scrub or a hot stone massage. Looking and feeling great is a sure fire way to get energized!

Remember, the most important thing is to take time away from work so you can recharge yourself. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do, as long as you take a complete mental break from the stresses of your work life. You’ll find that even a short time away may help you get a different perspective on an issue, increase your productivity, and better your attitude.

So what’s your favorite thing to do to recharge? Leave a comment, or share this post with friends!