My advice is, hang in there and don’t despair. I know, it sounds trite. Thing is, one of the biggest benefits of being knocked off our blocks of self satisfaction and our sense of entitlement is that it nudges us to take a look at our lives and take stock of where we are.  What really make us happy?It’s really not the money. Sure, money brings a certain amount of peace… but who hasn’t found themselves in a place in their life at one time or another where they had all the stuff, only to find that they weren’t really that happy after all? Many of us are actually too busy working to really enjoy life.

Times are tough – take advantage of any “free” time you have now and smile at your neighbour, go out of your way to do something nice for your partner, take a yoga class, lay down on the safa and read a book.  Life is short. Enjoy it while it lasts. Stop worrying about yourself and think about someone else for a little while, you’ll be amazed at how well it works!

One popular guilt induced topic area is the frequency of visits or even simply phone visits to our familes.  Yesterday, I listened to someone tell me that they hardly ever see their parents and they live in the same city! How ridiculous is that.  Modern life, is very busy.

I believe that largely what we “have time and dont’ have time for” is a choice.  If you really want to do something, you build the time into your schedule somehow. In the frenzy to stay afloat and keep up with everything, we do have options, most people forget that.

Even in the acknowledgement of our own self efficacy, this represents a challenge for most people.

I’m sharing this article because it is realistic. If we live 1000s, or 100s or even simply a few miles but are separated by time and space demands from our loved ones; there are ways of listening more attentively to those people that we care about and that may need extra care. Take a look:    http://networkedblogs.com/p13677119



My sister and mother and law during a 'real time' visit.

http://www.quinceflowers.com/

Toronto florist Quince never fails to astound and delight! Friends, family and clients big and small are consistently charmed by the artful arrangements  that they create. I’ve had CEOs call with feedback on the unique arrangements they’ve received.   With Quince, you’re sure to get a contemporary, pared down arrangement with a simplified palette.   It’s no wonder, as owner and founder Rosemary Little discovered her love of all things botanical while a fine art’s grad in England. Mixing exotic blooms with local favourites is most definitely their specialty.

Quince recently launched a program called Blooms for Baycrest which is what I wanted to tell you about. This is where you can gift someone very special a exquisite hand tied bouquet delivered every month for a year in support of Women of Baycrest. Women of Baycrest is a network of accomplished, empowered, conscientious women committed to financially supporting leading-edge scientific research and discovery, focused on Brain health. More than 70 per cent of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s are women. This is not simply because we live longer. It is still a mystery why women suffer from this devastating disease so much more than men. A worthy cause and what a great gift, corporate or personal.

https://www.womenofbaycrest.com/

So, back in the first week of September right after Labour Day when all good shoppers begin to look for winter attire; I purchased a full length parka at Aritzia. The one I chose was by Community , Aritzia’s sister brand.  You might like to know that all of pieces from the Community line are made with a combination of sustainable Hemp and recycled fibres.

Did you know that Hemp is fast growing, biodegradable ( well, duh… it is a plant) and can be grown organically or without pesticides as some varieties of grain are.  Hemp is a natural weed supressor and is harvested sans herbicides, fungicides or pesticides.  Better still, the blending of Hemp with recycled fibres in the Community products; reduces the amount of waste generated in the manufacturing process.

Though they’re manufactured over seas, the brand is Canadian and all samples, fittings  and design takes place in Vancouver.  Visit these websites for more details on Aritzia’s sustainability practices and information on the hemp harvest.

http://www.aritzia.ca/sustainability

http://www.communityclothing.com/

hempnewstv.wordpress.com/.

http://www.hemptrade.ca/index.php

http://www.alternet.org/environment/133055/hemp_is_not_pot

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/auto/plugged-in/article1273587/

My name is April Poppe and I specialize in organization. Everyone needs help sometimes, and I’ve made it my calling to help those starved for time or just plain overwhelmed by the tasks of staying organized in their day to day life.

April Poppe™ offers a unique range of interconnected services geared to help busy people make the most of their time and space.