To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.
— Elliott Erwitt

Technical Mumbo Jumbo

• Camera: Nikon D5000
• Lens: 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
• Tripod: None
• Exposure: 1/3000 sec at f/5.6
• Focal Length: 44 mm
• ISO Speed Rating: 400
• Flash: None
• 1 Exposure
• Location: Upper Bay, NY (on the Staten Island Ferry)
• Hardware: 23″ HP TouchSmart 610-1180qd
• Software: Lightroom 4.3
• Coffee: Au Bon Pain — Hazelnut

But then again, there are very few guarantees in life. And the photography space is very competitive. Estevan Oriol comments:

At first do it as just a hobby make sure it’s what you want to do as a profession. There is a lot of competition out there now. Everyone has a camera and because of the digital era there is — no film cost, no processing charges, so a lot of expenses for budgets were cut.

And Susana Raab is very comfortable with both education and hard work.

The Interview

LBTL: Tell me about your “East Of The River” project?

SR: East of the River is a nascent project about this other side of Washington, DC. In many ways Washington, DC represents the stratification of society into haves and have nots, educated or entitled. In our four tiny quadrants you have some of the richest people in the nation living in close proximity but hidden away from the poorer parts of the city whose demographics rival notoriously impoverished Mississippi.

I’m just giving myself permission to wonder as I wander and see what I find. Using the view camera for the most part to make it a more involved process. There is nothing more to say about it yet. I’m usually halfway into a project before I even realize what it is about.

LBTL: What was your photographic “Aha!” moment? That moment when you knew photography would be a committed relationship?

SR: My eureka moment came while I was studying in grad school in English and I realized that academia for me had very little of the alchemy I would like to employ in my career. At the same time I read Howard Chapnick’s Truth Needs no Ally – about coming up in photojournalism from the 1940s to 1980s- and I realized that photojournalism could incorporate art, communication and social utility – it was this combination I was looking for and wanted to put into my life’s work.

I then started taking photo classes at a local community college to build my skill set, and through those experiences and support garnered myself the resolve I would need to begin pursuing this career.

LBTL: You are a seasoned Latina photographer. Your body of work has been exhibited in the Corcoran Museum of Art, the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in Madrid, the Pingyao Photo Festival and the Noorderlicht Fotofestival in the Netherlands. How did you become such an internationally exhibited photographer?

SR: I think my success has been due to hard-work, but that once indefatigable drive to succeed and to “be known” as it were, is just a
reflection of how little recognition and value I had in my family of origin growing up.

Therefore one of my coping mechanisms developed into this compulsion to have something to say and get it out there, to be heard by an audience that can actually recognize and mediate my work on it’s own without a preconceived idea of how Susana factors into the process.

So I spent a lot of time getting my work out there, submitting to calls, going to portfolio reviews, and for what it is worth – it was a very validating and healthy thing to do – rejections and all. Of course learning how to accept the defeats was also great for me. The thing is that everyone still needs content: museums, photofestivals, galleries – they will always need fresh content. You can provide that if they know the work is there and if you have something that resonates with the deciders.

LBTL: You received your MA in Visual Communications at Ohio University. Do you think that part of your success is because of your MA? Should aspiring Latina photographers also pursue their MA?

SR:I think that all of my success is due to me taking the time out to work on the MA.

To be quite honest, I didn’t know that people chose a school to study with someone. My level of naivete up until this day can be stunning. The whole concept of mentorship was so beyond my experience that I never even thought about that. I chose Ohio for several reasons: it had a good reputation, it had funding, it was in middle America, and it would give me a sabbatical away from my Washington experience, which by this time I was referring to my career as that of “a waitress with a camera.”

I was done with the velvet ropes and illustrating bills through press conferences. I needed more . . . to articulate my voice, the aforementioned need, but I had not learned how to do it with my Washington resume. So that is why I chose Ohio, and yes, having the time and space to do the work that I went there in mind to make (my series Consumed) was instrumental to me in finding my voice and self-confidence as an artist/photographer.

It was an artist residency with boundaries. I am very grateful to my time there and the people of Southeast Ohio. It was in many ways a very nurturing experience.

LBTL: Natalie Franco explains that, “We need to create larger platforms that target Latinas in photography.” What are your thoughts about this “larger platform?”

SR: I’m not sure I am completely simpatico with what I perceive as a movement towards the Balkanization of all ethnic groups into city-states of affirmative action. I agree that women in photography are given less public space in general than our male counterparts. But to say that we need to create larger platforms to target Latinas in photography is a bit of a nebulous statement.

I would say that I myself now come from a privileged position where I have (limited) access to and knowledge of this fine art/documentary world – that exists – that it can become a container for your work – that you can monetize it and make some kind of living from it. Many people have no idea that this paradigm exists. But I also have to say is that I had no idea it existed either when I first got into it.

One does need to give access to everyone the tools to unleash creativity.

That is a game changer and life saver. But I think people will find and make their own platforms and that all art should embrace some aspect of the struggle to produce it. Perhaps I am just more aware of it, but I am noticing a flood of Latino related art calls. I also think that as the Latino numbers become stronger and stronger that the hegemonic forces will begin to skew towards Latinos’ favor. That’s just the nature of culture: a constant struggle between hegemony and the underdog, we will always be negotiating that friction.

Do I think Latina’s need a leg up? I am not sure more than anyone else, and I as a child divorced from my Latina identity am very uncomfortable in even offering my opinion as valid in this line of questioning. It is simply something I can’t answer.

Call To Action

It makes little difference the hardware, software or even connections you have in the photography space. What is of great consequence is education — formal or informal. And most importantly your dedication to constant hard work.

Ane epidemic of tolderance to poor time keeping has broken out

There seems to be an epidemic,  pandemic even,  of tolerance about poor timekeeping   as though being late is always outside our control

Poor timekeeping

I have to confess that in my time I have indeed been guilty of some erratic time keeping. I was very much  ” a one more thing before I go“  type of girl  and a great subscriber to the phrase “fashionably late“.  But then I worked for a manager who would monetize  the communally wasted time whenever any of his team was late for a meeting.   It was actually quite shocking. If we had all been held financially accountable,  our pay cheques would have been significantly lighter.   When I transitioned into sales I had to replace ” better late than never ” with  “never late is better”.  Arriving late isn’t actually a recognised commercially winning strategy.

Running late

I have become acutely aware in recent weeks how erratic general timekeeping seems to have become and how easily  the phrase  “running late “,  has slid into our daily business and social vernacular, including my own. Very often people apologise, (sometimes they don’t), explaining that either they, someone, or something else was “running late“, as though they were a bus service,  entirely passive and had nothing to do with it at all. Clearly there are always unforeseen circumstances. Only recently I scooted into an important meeting with only  minutes to spare,  because a journey scheduled to take ten  minutes,  took  forty five  due to traffic congestion.  But, I wondered, are we all becoming more tolerant of  poor time keeping,  as if  we are communally raising our hands saying ”  I know life is tough for you  – but it’s Ok – I don’t mind waiting here wasting my own time….. I’m a bus too ?”  Whatever happened to William Shakespeare’s “Better three hours too soon, than one minute too late?”

Consequences

A candidate was recently late for an interview. He hadn’t properly checked the company’s address the night before and arrived 15 minutes late,  having been to the wrong building at the designated hour. What should have been a walk in the park (he was the preferred candidate) became an interview nightmare, as his anxiety levels rose and he fluffed even routine questions. A hiring manager similarly kept a candidate waiting so long that she eventually left and then withdrew from the process.

Julie Morgenstern, author of Time Management From the Inside Out,  tells us that the first step is to make promptness a conscious priority,  but also we need to  gain an understanding into why we’re always late.   Poor timekeeping can  be come very expensive,  with downsides both direct with damage to our professional reputations by simply not being there when we were supposed to be but also indirectly and longer term with an implications that we are generally unreliable,  not dependable and/or disorganised. The reasons she maintains tend to fall into two  categories: technical or psychological.

Technical Difficulties

Morgenstern advises establishing patterns by keeping a time log of all tasks and detailing  exactly how much time each task takes. Then factor in a margin for some unforseen contingency time.

Inability to say no Linda Sapadin, PhD, author of Master Your Fears believes there are deeper underlying implications of poor timekeeping,  which are linked to procrastination. Very often many of the difficulties are rooted in lack of confidence and an inability to say no,  or even to tell another person we have another appointment in our diaries.

Are we guilty of running late – like a bus service?

Do you choose to be late? If we are always late by the same amount of time, there could be a number of possibiliteis – but no doubt, it’s about us!  We need to ask ourselves some key questions: Are we

• Rebellious   – not doing what’s expected
• A drama queen/king   – needing an adrenalin rush to get going
• An attention seeker  - which comes with being last through the door and going through the apology ritual.
• Power playing  – I’m more important than you are,  sending a message of disrespect
• An avoider - you don’t want to meet the person, or attend the meeting, so leave it until the very last-minute to arrive.

During a recession when employers are tightening up on time keeping with threats of dismissal after the second or third offence, there are so many challenges in the workplace, it seems crazy not to take responsibility for the things we can control ourselves. It’s also really rude!

So next time instead of saying something “ ran late“, perhaps we should all just be honest and admit to being bad planners,  power players, attention seekers or avoiders.  Then change!

Or is the alternative to opt for carrying on living our lives as buses?

It is a light season for me and my family right now, as I am only coaching one of our kids teams. Although it is only one sport, many weeks we have three days of commitments between practice and games. Not to mention, my kids are involved in more activities than sports.

A mutual love of sports

Homeschooling activities, clubs, church, and the need to have some free time to do whatever they want, can literally take up our entire week. The problem is I love sports. I love the fact my kids love sports. And I love being involved as much as I can with their sports. If I am not careful, I can become out of balance leaning heavily to the youth sports activities of my kids.

Why is this a concern?

Just like most of us sports parents and coaches, playing sports will end at some point for our kids. What happens then? Yes, there are plenty of life lessons to be learned playing sports. Yes, many times you get to spend quality time with your kids during the sporting activities. But when it all stops, will there be a void?

When the ball stops bouncing

My wife and I occasionally discuss our life after our kids leave. As a parent your kids take up a lot of your time, focus, and life! I’ve heard countless stories of marriages failing after the one thing(s) they spent most of their time and energy with is gone. The same is possible with coaching and sports parenting.

When that ball stops bouncing, being kicked, or thrown do you have other things you and your kids spend time with?

What if they quit, well before you intended for them to quit. Will problems in your relationship come as a result?

I am out of balance. How do I get in balance?

As I said before I can easily get out of balance without realizing it. But the more intentional I am about it all, the better I am at remaining in balance. I have noticed a few things which help me keep things in perspective and balance when it comes to family life and sports parenting.

1. Know your why. Why are your kids playing and why have you volunteered to coach? Sometimes we lose site of it all. It can become about bragging rights. It can be about getting the most exposure for your kid. It can become about keeping up with the Jones in your neighborhood or circle. It can be because you got cut from the team as a kid. Know, and check, your reasons for you and your kids involvement. Have the reasons changed, and are they the right reasons?
2. Do other activities provide something similar? If spending time with your kids is your reason, there may be other ways to get this family time. In today’s youth sports world AAU, travel team, and year-round sports can cost a lot in time and money. If you are reading the CoachUp blog then you love sports so much that not many other things do what sports does for you, just like me. That is great. However, make sure your kids are exposed and involved with other things.
3. Plan ahead. Have you considered what will happen when your kids stop playing, or you stop coaching. How will that look? Going back to your why, what do you want to happen as a result of your kids playing sports and you being involved. Maybe that family vacation which gets put off every year due to travel ball, should be a priority. It could be an additional memory builder, the fun activity everyone looks forward to after the ball stops bouncing.
4. Take a break. Rest is necessary in all things. We are encouraged to take a day or two off from work each week. Employers give employees vacation time. Schools have a summer break. Professional athletes have an off season. Make sure you are taking a break from it all. I understand when one sport ends the next is usually beginning with little, if any, time between. However, to balance your family life and avoid burn out for your kids, be intentional about taking breaks.
5. Always have fun. Sports are fun, and should always be fun. Most kids playing youth sports dream of “playing games” for their jobs one day like their sports heroes do. Make sure you are always having fun, and your kids are too. When it stops being fun, it may be time to look at #1 again, and see if it is time to find something else. In addition find various ways to have fun, although I am sure you’ll always lean toward sports and physical activity. Which is a good thing, especially when kept in balance.

Family life will continue

If you are a sports parent either through coaching, or watching your kids sports I encourage you to keep some balance between sports and family life. Be well rounded.

The other activities may also benefit them in sports. No matter what happens to sports, or other activities, your family and the memories will remain.

Question: How do you balance family life, coaching, and your kids sports?

Jackie Bledsoe, Jr. writes a Family Leadership blog at jackiebledsoe.com. He is a sports parent of three, has played sports for over 30 years, including the collegiate level, and coached youth sports for the past eight years. You can connect with him on Facebook and Twitter (@jbledsoejr).

photo credit: Crazybananas via photopin cc

You’ve gotten past Instagramming your daily dinner and taking self-shots that look like they aren’t self-shots. But are you ready to take the next step and go professional? That’s what we’re here to find out. In this article, you’ll be able to learn whether you have what it takes to become a pro photographer.

1.     Have money saved up for your baby steps.

Going pro often means that you’ll have to give up your present job or career. Many professional photographers advise that for those just starting out to save at least a full quarter’s salary before even considering quitting their day job—and that’s just for day-to-day expenses, not for the photography tools that you (should already) have.

Think about whether your spouse or other family members can support you as you begin, though that is a matter of pride. Also you might want to consider securing your financials from a local organization or even the government by way of artistic grants.

A last resort should be asking for a loan from the bank. This route should only be taken if you are absolutely sure that you will have a steady stream of income from your photography in the months to come—it won’t bode well if you’re in debt. Plan your expenses and potential income, and determine whether going pro will be viable.

2.     Study by going the theoretical route.

It’s sad that many aspiring photographers don’t actually know the ins and outs of their cameras, but keep buying more and more. It doesn’t matter if you have the latest lenses, grips, diffusers, and monopods if you have no idea how to use them.

Read the manual for each and every piece of kit you have. Go on photography forums and ask questions. Read technical reviews, and see exactly how the reviewers (who are likely pro photographers themselves) use the gear. Understand that there are technical and aesthetic milestones that you must aim for, and achieve them. Also, try to read the blogs of camera sellers online. Some blogs, like the one that CameraHouse holds, award people for doing technical shots of seemingly mundane things, in which you might further understand the theory in taking photos. Don’t forget to engage people you interact with in their comments section, you might get interesting answers from other experts there too!

3.     Understand the power of interesting backgrounds.

Shallow depth-of-field shots are often easy, convenient tricks to have great photos. As long as you follow the rules of composition, it’s a simple matter of getting a striking shot where up to 90% of the photo is out of focus, and your subject is the only clear thing.

A good technique to supplement this practice is this: have interesting subjects in your out-of-focus areas as well. Even though these people/trees/vehicles/what-have-you aren’t the true subject of your photographs, their being present in the photo adds dynamism to the image, allowing them to complement your in-focus, smiling (in the case of humans) subject. Just make sure that they don’t outshine your subject’s place in the limelight!

4.     Develop the discipline needed for self-employment.

Going out on your own is an overwhelming prospect, especially if you’re coming from the stability of a nine-to-five. It will be tempting to set aside the entire morning for leisurely pursuits, while doing all of your work in the evening.

Make sure that your work ethic remains in place, and devise a schedule that is optimal for your habits. Perhaps two-hour stretches of pure work, interspersed with thirty-minute breaks for meals and other activities, will work for you. For those even more easily distracted, try introducing some pressure which will force you to seek clients and work (maybe there are benefits to getting that bank loan, after all).

5.     Apprentice with established photographers.

Sometimes, operating on your own steam isn’t enough. A great way to get your start in pro photography is to associate yourself with a known firm. That way you’ll have the solid backing of the organization when going to events or showing off your business card. Build up a portfolio and apply for newspapers, magazines, and other prominent media outlets in your area. You’ll also be able to secure contacts for your eventual independent life as a pro photographer.

These are just a handful of tips to help you become a professional photographer. Keep these in mind as you start out, and with enough motivation and discipline, you can work with your camera full-time. Are there other ways on how to become a pro photographer?  Which steps have worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments!

1. Screen the photographer’s portfolio for prior works. Specifically look through the Google Virtual Tours they’ve created. Walk through the tours and check that they make sense. Some tours have the users walk through walls, tables, and objects. This looks bad, and yes there is a visible difference in tours between photographers.
2. Scan their portfolio for solid business photography work. Keep an eye out for images that strengthen the brand and enhance the visibility of the particular business.
3. Look up the photographer’s reviews on Google+ Local or another professional site they may be listed on.
4. Pick up the phone and contact one of the photographer’s past clients to ask for a reference.
5. Keep in mind that the Virtual Tour will be published on Google indefinitely – so have it done right the first time.
6. Hire a photographer that you can and would call upon again for other work. If they shoot video, that’s big bonus.

Your first question may be – What is a Google Trusted Photographer? We’ll get right to that, but I’d like to tell you a little about how I came to know this myself.

I work as an automotive marketing manager, specializing in digital and social media marketing strategy for a large number of North American automobile dealerships. I oversee a fully staffed department and try to keep current on new ways for my clients to reach their customers through the internet with a focus on social media. I place a strong emphasis on mobile ready content.

Over the past year or so a new medium for reaching clients has fallen into my marketing hands – Google Business Photos. If you aren’t familiar, I assure you that it deserves a look for any type of business that has an interior worth showing off. Google Business Photos is basically Google Street View for business interiors. In addition to the Street View style virtual tour, a set of high resolution photographs highlighting the business are also included with the service. Visually it is much sharper than Street View, as the images are much higher quality and the virtual tours created for business locations show greater detail. It also connects the interior Virtual Tour to the nearest Street View point on the map and everything is viewable on smart phones and tablets as wall as desktop computers, of course.

Another difference between Google Business Photos and Google Street View is that the service is not free. It is, however, on-demand. A business owner must request the service and pay a one time fee to what Google calls a “Trusted Photographer”. A Google Trusted Photographer is not employed or paid by Google in any way. They are freelancers who run their own photography business and have been through a training program with Google to be certified as “Trusted Independent Photographers”. The fee covers the service they provide – photographing the business, processing the images, and publishing them on Google. You can view the entire list of the U.S. based photographers here.

As a marketer, I love the on demand nature of the service. Right now if I need a Virtual Tour — I can pick up the phone, call my NY Google Trusted Photographer and ask him to shoot an automobile dealership for me. We schedule, he shoots, and within 2-7 days — PRESTO! — I have one of my clients live on Google like magic. I’ve found that as a marketing/advertising expenditure, it is worth every penny. The virtual tour and photos get published directly on Google’s Servers, they are permanent, and the still photographs I’ve received have been incredible. Additionally, I can embed the tour on multiple pages of my client’s website. I also have contracted with excellent Google Trusted Photographers in Colorado, Texas, and several other areas. All were seasoned pros, and many have been called back to do additional work for us.

Did I say it was worth every penny? It is — but only if you hire the right Google Trusted Photographer.

Here’s the kicker, something I learned early in my experience with the service – who you hire really makes a big difference. At first I figured – hey they’re all certified by Google, they must all provide the same service. Then I called for quotes and received bids ranging from $250 to $1200 for the same job. On the assumption that the service would be the same across the board we went with one of the lower bids, which I later fount was a big mistake. Our virtual tour was crooked, the still images were plain and looked like I took them with my hobby DSLR camera.

The point is that all Google Trusted Photographers are not created equal! They apparently aren’t even held to the same standards. It’s actually no different than hiring a wedding photographer – there are cheap ones and expensive ones, and there’s a reason for the price difference. Considering that the Virtual Tour and still photos will remain live on Google Indefinitely, it is very important to have the job done right the first time.

This realization caused me to do some research. I started looking through some of the photographers websites and portfolios in detail and found an incredible variance in skill level and professionalism. Some seemed to be college kids living at home with their parents, and others were experienced and accomplished photographers that truly know the trade. Some of the websites I saw made me sure that the photographer was brand new to photography and also did a very poor job of setting up his/her own website.

Most of the photographers I mentioned in the story above have no idea that I was the person involved in hiring them, but all of them show solid work not only as Google Trusted Photographers – but also as professional photographers. The upside to hiring a pro photographer is that after the Google Virtual Tour and photos are up and published, I can still call on that photographer when I need images for print advertising, a local billboard, or a sales brochure. I have benefited greatly by having several reliable photographers I can call upon to service my busiest areas.

Google Business Photos is a powerful multimedia advertising and marketing product for the right type of business. When selecting a Google Trusted Photographer to create your virtual tour, it is important to remember that you have only one chance to make things look good – so it pays to hire an accomplished professional. Do not go for the lowest bidder, because you’ll get what you pay for. I have since had our first virtual tour re-photographed by a pro, so in effect I paid twice and wasted time because I was trying to save a few dollars and cut corners.

Check out the virtual tour of this Porsche Dealer in Texas below. Be sure to open the tour in full screen by clicking the icon on the upper right.

View Larger Map

The most powerful asset of any image, if done correctly, is the need for very few words. This is how I feel about this image. So I will now simply shut up. And hope that the lack of my words is not missed.

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Technical Mumbo Jumbo

• Camera: Nikon D5000
• Lens: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8
• Tripod: None
• Exposure: 1/750 sec at f/8.0
• Focal Length: 35 mm
• ISO Speed Rating: 100
• Flash: None
• 1 Exposure
• Location: Upper Bay, NY (on the Staten Island Ferry)
• Hardware: 23″ HP TouchSmart 610-1180qd
• Software: Lightroom 4.3
• Coffee: Au Bon Pain — Hazelnut

You generally think of cityscape photography as casted under a beautiful yellow Sun and blue sky. And so do I. So much so that I focus my moments during blue hour. But each and every once in a while — convention must be challenged. And over the past few days there has been more fog in the early, New York City, morning than usual.

So I decided to capitalize on this moment. It was not easy. On this particular morning it was raining hard. The wind was rather brutal. And the Upper Bay was rough. The Staten Island Ferry was being bounced around like a small boat. And after 30 plus shots — I was only able to walk away with 3 keepers.

This one being the best of the three.

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Technical Mumbo Jumbo

• Camera: Nikon D5000
• Lens: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8
• Tripod: None
• Exposure: 1/250 sec at f/8.0
• Focal Length: 44 mm
• ISO Speed Rating: 500
• Flash: None
• 1 Exposure
• Location: Upper Bay, NY (on the Staten Island Ferry)
• Hardware: 23″ HP TouchSmart 610-1180qd
• Software: Lightroom 4.3
• Coffee: Au Bon Pain — Hazelnut

 Image use granted by Battrick Clark Divorce Solicitors

Who empathises with this sequence of events?  – Finished work after a long day and looking forward to spending time with your 7 year old kid, then you remember the rush-hour traffic, the big wash you still have to put on, tonight’s weekly shop, the broken window, and the evening cooking. Then you’ve got to get on with your follow up emails and calls for work…

 Later on you’re too tired and stressed from work to think up any new games to play, so your kid plonks himself in front of the TV or (preferably) heads off to get on with his homework, or goes off to hassle the other parent.

 It’s ok, I’ve got tomorrow you think, then you remember he’s got swimming club and won’t be around.

I’m sure I’m not unlike other working parents here. This is why I’ve set myself the following guidelines as a general template – missing important time with my kid is no longer an option, and it shouldn’t be for you either.

Get Out of the House – Despite the Weather

Asides from the obvious health benefits of walking and general exercise, getting outside – (even if only for 30 minutes)  means you’re physically removed from any work environment and can’t be distracted. Leave your emails at home and concentrate on the moment.

Chances are also that you (and perhaps your child) have been inside most of the day, so don’t let rain discourage you from exploring your surrounding areas, getting in the car and driving to the nearest park, or simply playing footy in your back garden.

I’ve found that owning a dog is also a great excuse to get the kids outdoors. They might grumble, but chances are they’ll enjoy it. It taps into that innate sense of family activity and cohesion.

Cook with the kids, not for the kids

Image via Kirsten Jennings under Creative Commons License 2.0

If like me you sometimes regret being in the kitchen when you know there’s laughter and activity going on elsewhere in the house, why not get the kids involved as much as you can. Surround this fairly usual and routine task with a bit of childish energy and, hey presto, you’ve got bonding and dinner prep in one.

Cooking with my kids also means I’ve been way more experimental than I would have otherwise been in the kitchen – together, we’ve discovered some of the best loved family recipes.

I also think being in the kitchen is a massively useful thing for the kids to get used to; it gets them away from technology and back to being conversational.

Hopefully they’ll also understand more about where their meals come from, the importance of quality ingredients, and the effort their parents put in on a daily basis on their behalf (insert smiley face here).

Make it enjoyable now so that ten years down the line your child (a student) can get by with more than a cold can of baked beans!

Invite the Little Friends to Tea

Yes, it is one more child to deal with after a potentially stressful day at the office and it leaves you with less 1 on 1 time. But I think inviting a school friend or 2 over is a great opportunity for your kids to focus on play to the exclusion of everything else, important if they only have a couple of hours between school and bedtime.

Watching kids play together is also great fun – is your kid an actor, a joker, a rough-and-tumbler or a builder? In general, I’m just massively keen on getting kids used to the idea of entertaining themselves with their own minds, not just through technology.

Bedtime is the Best Bit

I set certain days to try and get my kids to bed a bit earlier than usual to allow time for bedtime activities. Reading a book is the obvious choice, but if you want to engage the child on a more personal level, you could try creating a story between you based on the events of the past day? (Think tyrannical boss = evil king).

It’s a form of creativity that relies on teamwork and allows your kids to express thoughts they might otherwise find difficult to communicate.

These are my general guidelines but I’m sure there are plenty of others out there. I’m also more than aware that different people have very different family experiences and daily life patterns, whether that’s grappling with the family’s finances, understanding what your divorce solicitors are trying to tell you or just general constant stress.

 It isn’t always easy plain sailing but I do think that setting some family ground rules in your head can work extremely well for keeping the important things in mind.

Who else tries to follow a mental daily or weekly template?

I think that the early morning is the best time to capture images, in New York City. Why? Because it’s the start of a brand new day. And as the Sun rises the sky is gently bathed in these stunning crimsons, lusts, rubies, ambers, golds, carrot oranges and tangerines.

There is even some plum that peppers the sky. But only if you’re paying attention.

The early morning is still sleepy. Recovering from the night before. Movement is also minimal wrapped in a near meditative silence. But if you listen carefully — faintly you can hear the mornings symphony being composed. Each musical composition consists of various elements — blowing wind, rain on a car roof, a boat swaying in the water, a running shower, a cargo ship making its way to the Lower Bay and coffee being poured.

And when the composition of the symphony is complete. And you couple that with a striking sky. What you have left is a stunning performance of sight and sound. But you have to be quick with your camera because the early morning waits for no one.

Technical Mumbo Jumbo

• Camera: Nikon D5000
• Lens: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8
• Tripod: None
• Exposure: 1/90 sec at f/8.0
• Focal Length: 24 mm
• ISO Speed Rating: 100
• Flash: None
• 1 Exposure
• Location: Upper Bay, NY (on the Staten Island Ferry)
• Hardware: 23″ HP TouchSmart 610-1180qd
• Software: Lightroom 4.3
• Coffee: Au Bon Pain — Hazelnut

To help your child get off to camp on a positive note, I have a compiled a quick Do’s and Don’ts list!

DON’T

• Tell your child you will come get him from camp if he is sad and misses home. Dr. Michael Thompson, author of Raising Cain, and his newest book, Homesick and Happy, maintains that when we say that to our children, we are eroding their belief that they can cope. We are also sending a message that the camp cannot handle it. We are hurting their efforts before they even try, not what we want to do.

INSTEAD, DO:

• Tell your child that you believe in them. Make a list of the different things that your child can do if he or she is feeling lonely and homesick. For instance, write a letter home, keep a journal, make a piece of art, talk to a counselor, find a friend, etc. Let them know that it is normal and okay to feel homesick, and lots of other campers feel the same way. The whole camp is ready to help you.

DON’T:

• Try to over-monitor your children. Don’t ask them to jump into photos for the camp’s website, sneak them a cell phone, ask to write you everyday, etc.

INSTEAD, DO:

• Expect to hear very little from your children. A happy camper is a child who becomes immersed in the camping community and therefore, has amazing and new experiences. You child is too busy and happy to be thinking about you, and this is a good thing. Know you have done your job, as a parent, when your child can fully enjoy something like sleep-away camp!

DON’T:

• Think they are going away for too long of a time. The experts recommend at least two weeks for sleep away camp, four weeks is even better!

INSTEAD, DO:

• Acknowledge that, yes, it feels long to you and it is okay for you to miss your children! BUT, most children over nine years of age need to be at a camp for at least two weeks to receive the full benefit of the community spirit. Four weeks is really not too long!

DON’T:

• Think that the sports/ballet/math camp is going to yield any great results unless your child is really excited to go. If your child begged to go to cheerleading camp, then great, but if this was your idea…don’t expect much return, in terms of skill-building.

INSTEAD, DO:

• Simply ask if they had a great time, made friends, etc. Don’t check their skills; just let the experience be their own. And make note for next summer: if your child did not appear to be enthusiastic about her skills camp, you may want to rethink your choices for camp next summer!

Choose a Comfortable Hotel
One traveler’s definition of a comfortable hotel may vary from another’s. The key is to choose a hotel that will align with your needs and priorities on your trip. Consider things like amenities, rooms, and style when making your choice. Is an on-site restaurant an important feature? Perhaps you like to start your day with a bit of exercise, so finding a hotel with a gym would be a top priority. The city’s hotels offer a wide range of amenities for the discerning business traveler. It’s all about choosing which one is right for you.

Plan Your Flights Accordingly
If you have the option of flying into the city a day ahead of your meetings, you should always opt to do so. If you’ve ever experienced jetlag, you will understand why. It is hard to enjoy yourself on a business trip if you are tired. Not to mention that it’s unlikely you will be at your best for meetings if you’re suffering from serious jetlag. So try to fly in a day ahead and allot some time for napping so that you can wake up feeling refreshed and motivated for your business meetings. If you find yourself refreshed and energized, take advantage of the extra time to do a bit of sightseeing.

Make Some Time for Sightseeing
The city has a number of interesting places to see, from museums to castles. In order to make the most of your trip, it’s important to set aside some time for sightseeing. Whether you’re able to take an entire day or just a few hours, there are a few things you don’t want to miss. If you have the time, visit the National Museum of Ireland. The Museum features a variety of interesting artifacts and educational exhibits related to the country’s history. If you are interested in learning more about the island’s history, consider a trip to Dublin Castle. They offer guided tours of the building that appeal to historians and those intrigued by Irish culture. Sightseeing is a must!

Business travel may not be for the faint of heart, but that doesn’t mean trips cannot be pleasant. There are a number of simple ways that you can make the most of your next business trip . Start before your trip by researching  hotels. A comfortable hotel will make a big difference. It’s also a good idea to allot a bit of extra time to adjust to the time zone so you can be energized for your demanding meeting schedule. And it’s crucial to set aside a few hours for sightseeing. The city is rich in Irish history and culture, so it’s definitely worth a look around!

If your child is entrenched in the world of travel sports, then your weekends are not your own and there is a very good chance that your Mother’s Day will be spent in a gym sitting on hard bleachers or outside in a chair on the sidelines.

Between our three kids–two played travel basketball, one played travel softball, and one played travel volleyball–we had a total of 9 consecutive years with weekend sports overload. And on more than one occasion I spent my Mother’s Day watching my daughters and/or my son compete.

As a mother, this can cause an internal dilemma. It’s MY day, my ONE day to be revered, appreciated, and spoiled. And this is how I will spend it? Sitting on hard seats, eating quick meals, and driving long distances?

It’s enough to make any mother pout.

The first time that I was forced to give up my mother’s day, it was for an out-of-town basketball tournament. I remember seeing the schedule and thinking, What? A tournament on Mother’s Day? Hold on just a minute!

At this point, I was faced with a choice.

• Be a martyr and suffer through it. I’m really good at this.
• Refuse to go and spend the day alone. Actually, maybe that’s not such a bad idea….
• Go and enjoy it.

I decided to suck it up and choose option #3. And in the process I learned something.

As a mom of three athletes, one of my greatest joys is to watch my kids play sports. So what better way than to spend my day doing something that I love to do?

What better way to celebrate the fact that I am blessed with three great kids than to go do a really mom thing and support them as they compete?

If your kids are still in the travel sport stage of life, I encourage you, Mom, to look at Mother’s Day tournament weekends as a opportunity to celebrate the blessings of being a mom. There will be plenty of time down the road for them to spoil you and make you cry with cards and presents that express their appreciation for all you’ve sacrificed.

Go and enjoy it. And after you have, please leave a comment below to tell me how your weekend was.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Janis B. Meredith writes a sportsparenting blog, http://jbmthinks.com. She’s been a sports mom for 20 years, and a coach’s wife for 28, and sees life from both sides of the bench. You can also follow her on facebook and twitter.

photo credit: lululemon athletica via photopin cc

The Story

I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy photographing Brooklyn Bridge Park. And just when I think there is nothing left for me to capture — this image calls to me. Where am I specifically? Pier 1 — north of the Brooklyn Bridge. And what is interesting about my time at Brooklyn Bridge Park — is that I have never traveled south of Pier 1. Well, that is not entirely true. Last summer my family and I walked from Pier 6 – Pier 1.

But I think I only took one photograph — and it was not very good :-)

Over the past year Piers 2 – 6 have received a great of work. The City of New York is building-out this part of the Brooklyn shore. Pier 6 now has a huge soccer field. Around Pier 2 there is a public pool. And the remaining piers are being worked on as I write this post. Needless to say when construction is complete this entire section will be a very nice recreational are.

But if you do nothing else but hangout at Brooklyn Bridge Park — you will be very happy you did. But bring family, friends or lovers. The Park is best enjoyed with those you love.

Technical Mumbo Jumbo

• Camera: Nikon D5000
• Lens: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8
• Tripod: None
• Exposure: 1/1000 sec at f/8.0
• Focal Length: 24 mm
• ISO Speed Rating: 100
• Flash: None
• 1 Exposure
• Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY
• Hardware: 23″ HP TouchSmart 610-1180qd
• Software: Lightroom 4.3
• Coffee: Au Bon Pain — Hazelnut

The Story

A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words.
– Ansel Adams

When you are looking through the view finder or monitor. It’s hard — sometimes — to tell if what you have captured is what you see. In your mind. Why? Because in your mind’s eye you have already completed the image.

And it perfectly conveys your emotions. And profoundly connects with your viewer. Unfortunately, and more times than not, your capture conveys none of that. Why? Because. There really is no better answer. You can spend countless hours deliberating the WHY. And while there is some value in that internal discourse.

There is better time spent looking for that image:

• that perfectly conveys your emotions
• and profoundly connects with your viewer

And after hours of searching. You have finally found that capture. You know — the one that perfectly and profoundly embodies your emotions.

Technical Mumbo Jumbo

• Camera: Nikon D5000
• Lens: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8
• Tripod: None
• Exposure: 1/90 sec at f/8.0
• Focal Length: 24 mm
• ISO Speed Rating: 100
• Flash: None
• 1 Exposure
• Location: The Upper New York Bay, New York City (Staten Island Ferry)
• Hardware: 23″ HP TouchSmart 610-1180qd
• Software: Lightroom 4.3
• Coffee: Au Bon Pain — Hazelnut

Ample Recreational Activities

Staying active with enjoyable activities is great for your physical and mental health alike. When you live along the coast, you will enjoy easy access to activities like sunbathing, surfing, swimming, sailing, fishing, kayaking and more. This can help you to improve your health and manage your weight over the years.

Meeting New Friends

It can be difficult to find friends or even a mate who shares the same interests as you, and this is particularly true if you spend all of your time cooped up indoors. With so many outdoor recreational activities available to choose from along the coast, you will spend more time out of the house and enjoying life. By doing so, you are more likely to make great friends who share your same interests, and you may even meet someone special if you don’t already have a significant other.

A Good Night’s Sleep

Coastal air is different than air that is found farther inland. This is because air along the coast is charged with negative ions that allow the body to more easily absorb oxygen. The result is that serotonin levels are more equalized. This can improve your mood and decrease your stress level. It can also help you to sleep more deeply and peacefully at night, and this can have a beneficial effect on your overall level of health and well-being.

The Sun’s Health Effects

Our bodies depend on the sun in a number of ways. When your skin is exposed to sunshine, we naturally produce vitamin D. Vitamin D is responsible for improving the immune system, making bones strong and warding off autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and others. In addition, regular exposure to the sun in moderation can actually reduce inflammation that is common in skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis. While you do want to avoid spending too much time in the sun and use a lotion with UV protection when you are in the sun, ultimately, spending time outdoors and enjoying some sunshine can be great for the body and the soul.

Delicious Seafood

If you are like many people, you understand just how difficult it can be to find fresh seafood away from the coast. You may love to head to seafood restaurants while vacationing at the coast so that you can enjoy the fresh catch of the day. The fish simply tastes better, and it may be more chock full of healthy nutrients than fish that has been processed or that has been frozen before it was prepared. When you live by the coast, you can enjoy fresh seafood at a restaurant or in your own kitchen.

Your Social Status

Because real estate by the coast can cost more than real estate farther inland, many people do subconsciously equate success with those who own coastal real estate. In many areas of your life, you may have to work hard to gain a certain social status and exhibit an aura of being successful. However, you can actually improve your own social status and appear to be more successful in life when you purchase real estate by the sea.

Professional Opportunities

When you own coastal real estate, you actually will be living in close proximity to many successful people. By networking with your friends and neighbors in your new hometown, you may learn about new business opportunities and be invited to participate in a variety of ventures. Your location on the coast can open many doors for you.

Your Family Will Love It

Whether your kids still live at home with you or they have already left the nest, your family will love the idea of living on the coast. Kids who live in the home will love the idea of being within a short walk or drive of their favorite beach activities. Older kids who are already grown will love the fact that visiting their parents also means enjoying easy access to beach activities.

Life on the coast can be absolutely amazing for a number of reasons. When weighing the pros and cons of a coastal real estate purchase, be sure to consider all of these benefits in detail.

Image credit: logos / 123RF Stock Photo

Your work or holiday trip is cancelled because your travel companion, family member etc. falls ill or is injured – it is simply not an option to go ahead with the trip in such a case. It may also be that due to inclement weather, an advisory is issued by the authorities, saying that the destination you were going to visit is not safe for tourists. There may be many work-related issues that pop up suddenly and there is no solution but cancelling the trip: think of situations where you are suddenly required to be at a meeting or seminar in another part of the country, are transferred to a new working location etc. It is also not too difficult, today, to envisage a situation in which a terrorist attack renders travel to your destination impossible.

There may also be other factors that lead to the cancellation of your trip. If the travel agency you planned your trip with goes bankrupt, all holiday plans will have to come to a halt. There may also be an unexpected worker strike which means airline operations could be suspended for some time.

In all of these cases, it is certain that there will be some costs which are described as non-refundable. This means the person to whom you paid is not going to return your money, and you could stand to lose quite a sizeable amount of hard-earned money in this way. Trip cancellation insurance will make sure that this is not the case.

Trip cancellation insurance means that you sign up with a travel insurance company and decide on the coverage you require. In case your trip has to be cancelled, the company will pay you what you spent on pre-paid, non-refundable charges, up to the amount covered.

Keep in mind that there are some situations which are not covered by trip cancellation insurance, even though the trip is cancelled. You can learn more about these by asking your insurance agent for details. There are also plans which cover all circumstances and you can opt for these: it is true that they are more expensive than the simple plans, though. It is a good idea to ask your insurance agent for more details: there are companies which require you to notify them of your plan to cancel the trip two or three days in advance, and you should know the exact period of notice that is required by your chosen insurance company.

Flying off in search of sunshine? If the first thing you see, when you step off the plane at one of the islands two airports, is the national flag of Tenerife – you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d got on the wrong plane!

Scotland and Tenerife share the same national flag but whereas Scotland’s is sky blue and based on St Andrews Cross, the flag of Tenerife is navy blue representing the sea and mountain snow. One thing Tenerife certainly doesn’t share with Scotland is it’s weather – with average temperatures rarely falling below 20 degrees C . It’s year round warm climate has earned it the title ‘island of eternal spring’ and makes it ideal for a break in the sun whenever you’re looking to travel.

5 million tourists visit the island each year. Some choose to stay in one of the 400 hotels – but why not think about booking your own private ‘home from home’ for your holiday base? Visit our site to see a selection of Tenerife villas and apartments and start planning your island escape.

As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife does literally tower above its neighbours with the peaks of it’s dormant volcano Mount Teide rising to 3718m. Pico del Teide is Spain’s tallest peak, surrounded by a moonscape of rock formations and intense volcanic colours – hence the choice of location for the movies shot on the island. It’s fabulous walking territory with breath taking views well worth the effort of the climb. Or for the less energetic take the cable car to the top. If you’re looking for adventure then canyoning, caving, horseriding, para-gliding and mountain biking are all readily available.

Head to the coast for an abundance of watersports – windsurfing, parascending, jetskiing, scuba diving centres and dive clubs. Or enjoy the thrills of one of Tenerife’s 3 waterparks.
Tenerife has grown significantly as a golf destination and offers 9 courses. They offer challenges for the experienced golfer, but are accessible to high handicap players too.

Simply looking to relax and unwind? One of the main appeals of holidays in Tenerife is the many beaches that fringe the island. The natural beaches feature the famous black sand due to past volcanic activity, but there are plenty of man-made beaches with postcard perfect golden sand to discover during your holiday in Tenerife. With 11 beaches awarded Blue Flag status you won’t be short of choice.

And when the sun goes down there’s more choice. Clubbers head to the Veronicas strip in Playa de las Americas with its array of bars and clubs. If you want a more chilled scene, most of the resorts in Tenerife offer beach side bars and quiet restaurants – especially Costa Adeje. Visitors will not be disappointed in the excellent international and local cuisine on offer.

There’s a holiday to suit everyone on ‘The Island of Eternal Spring’.

This Tenerife facts infographic was created by Direct Villas Tenerife.

The Story

New York City is infamous for epic traffic. Why? Well it’s one of the most densely populated counties in the United States — over 1 million people live on this tiny island. And during the day New York City can see nearly 4 million people on the 22.96 square mile island.

And while I have no clue how many cars, trucks, Vespas, bikes and motor cycles are on the NYC streets — it’s enough to test the patience of Buddhist.

Now while the New York City streets are crawling with cars and trucks. The NYC waters ways are rather busy in and of themselves. This was an early morning capture of what seems to be an average morning. This is obviously a sliver of the actual water-traffic. What you don’t see is — to the right of me are more barrages and to the left of me are more ships.

And as crazy as all this may seem to the average person. It appears to be well orchestrated and incident free. Thank god :-)

Technical Mumbo Jumbo

• Camera: Nikon D5000
• Lens: 24-70 f/2.8
• Tripod: None
• Exposure: 1/45 sec at f/8.0
• Focal Length: 32 mm
• ISO Speed Rating: 100
• Flash: None
• 1 Exposure
• Location: The Upper New York Bay, New York City (Staten Island Ferry)
• Hardware: 23″ HP TouchSmart 610-1180qd
• Software: Lightroom 4.3
• Coffee: Au Bon Pain — Hazelnut

Because of work schedules most of us take our city breaks over a weekend. We fly out on a Friday night and return on the Sunday, or Monday if we are lucky. This is not a lot of time to see all that a city has to offer so you need to do some research before you leave.

Check out the internet to find some good restaurants because city breaks have to include a good meal. Try to find somewhere that serves food that is traditional to the city or country that you are visiting. If you are visiting Barcelona you want to eat tapas; in Rome it would have to be pizza or pasta. If you can it might even be worth booking a table in advance as weekends tend to be a very busy time for the best restaurants.

City breaks are also about a bit of culture so make sure that you visit a museum or two. Many museums around the world offer free entrance so this can be a really cost effective way to enjoy a couple of hours.

There is always the urge when you are on city breaks to try and fit everything in. You rush from pillar to post and don’t really notice what you have seen. Rather than seeing a bit of everything, concentrate on what you are interested in and take the time to enjoy it properly.

Another problem with city breaks is that if you aren’t careful you might have too much to drink. You are on holiday and a few lunchtime beers or glasses of wine seem like a great idea. Whilst this is by no means a no no, alcohol does make a lot of us sleepy so drink in moderation and be bright and alert the following morning. That way you will enjoy the trip a lot more.

Finally, most of the world’s finest cities have some great parks that should definitely be on your agenda. New York has Central Park and London has Hyde Park, along with many others. A relaxing few hours in these wonderful spaces can be perfect on a Sunday afternoon. Stroll along the walkways just like a local and leave the busy city behind.

Then get right back to the adventure because you will be going home soon and there is so much to see.

All inclusive package tours are a fantastic invention because everything you need to enjoy your vacation is paid for in the initial cost of the holiday. Most of the drinks and meals at the resort are covered and if you do decide to push the boat out and eat at a different restaurant within the complex the meal cost is usually subsidized. This means that you will significantly reduce the amount of spending money that you usually take on other holidays.

There are some absolutely great destinations where you can enjoy all inclusive package tours, because as the popularity of this type of tour has increased, so has the amount of choice. So wherever you are thinking of travelling to next there are bound to be all inclusive package tours available.

From safaris in Africa to a budget break on the Black Sea in Bulgaria you won’t be left wanting so here are a couple of favorites.

Let’s start with those safaris and Kenya is a popular destination for those that would like to see these fine animals in their natural habitat. The most popular safari package tours tend to be split into two parts; a week on safari and a week on the beach. When you go all inclusive you don’t have to worry about having lots of cash on you to pay for everything. Your meals are provided along with most of your drinks so you can relax and enjoy the experience. When you are travelling around a lot the last thing you need is to be worrying about money.

Then there are the islands of the Maldives. Now these are as perfect as a beach holiday can be; however, if you are not all inclusive they can work out expensive when you are there. You tend to be on one island and cannot go off site to find a cheap local bar or restaurant. You can only eat and drink at the resort and that can make it expensive. Of course if you have traveled by way of all inclusive package tours then you have no need to worry about these things.

So, perhaps, with the all-inclusive option, package tours are not a thing of the past but are in fact the future.

There are so many countries around the world that are great for walking that to do a top ten would be ridiculous so let’s just look at a few of the greats and see what they can offer.

Bulgaria is a small and little known country in the south east of Europe. It recently gained admission to the European Union and has since become far easier to travel around. However, as it is still relatively unheard of, you are in for a real treat. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are cold and can be snowy, but the spring and autumn weather is normally perfect for hiking. There are some fantastic mountain ranges to explore and the countryside is practically untouched. You are likely to see fields being plowed with the help of a horse and shepherds wandering through meadows of wild flowers whilst keeping an eye on their flocks of sheep and goats. In fact many say it is like travelling back 50 years to when times were simpler and, in some ways, much better.

If you are thinking of somewhere a little bit more up market than Bulgaria, then you might want to try Germany. Bulgaria is fantastic but sometimes accommodation can be basic at best. You will find that in Germany this is not a problem and people who choose to take a hiking holiday here can have all the comforts that they require. Most of the top spots offer spa hotels where you can relax after a hard day’s walking and maybe have a massage to sooth your aching bones. If you hike up to the top of Wallberg Mountain during the winter you can even take a sled ride back down the 6.5km track and arrive home in time for supper.

Finally there are few more hospitable people in the world than the Irish and a hiking holiday here is just wonderful. The scenery and countryside is second to none and the nighttime fun is always a joy. Ireland is home to all sorts of vistas and a hiking holiday in the country can offer all sorts of views. One moment you may be looking across craggy rock faces and the next you could be walking by a superbly picturesque river.

These are just three examples of places that are a joy to visit on a hiking holiday and there are many others that are just as good, if not better. The main thing is to get out and try them as a wonderful way to enjoy your time away from work.

Me, age 9, using an old-school tiller in my Grandma’s garden

I’ve had a green thumb ever since I can remember. From elementary to high school, I spent almost every summer on my grandparents’ farm, helping my grandmother with her flower and vegetable gardens. She grew every flower imaginable and had two vegetable gardens that were double that of the square footage of my apartment. This experience has provided me with a solid knowledge of how to grow plants from seed, how to maintain the seedlings and plants, and how to determine what good soil looks and feels like.

Buying bunches of fresh herbs can be expensive. If you live alone, it’s often difficult to use up the herbs before they turn bad, resulting in wasted produce and wasted money. With this in mind, I grow my own herbs.

Having a garden in a city can be challenging, but not impossible. Here’s a tutorial on how to grow beautiful herbs in a small, urban space.

1. Find a window with optimal sunlight.

Having a window that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight is key to growing indoor herbs. This isn’t the end all, be all if you don’t have a window in your living space that has that kind of light. You can also purchase grow lights that fit in windowsills and are fairly attractive, ranging from $40-$60 on Amazon.

2. Gather the Right Materials

Here’s a short list of materials to have on hand:

-Peat seed starter or an empty paper egg carton w/ plastic wrap to cover
-Bag of potting soil (I suggest Fox Farm or Espoma for optimal growth, but Miracle-Gro is okay too).
-Seeds (I’ve bought cilantro, thyme, basil, mint, and epazote).
-Spray bottle

When growing seeds, it’s important to have the right vessel in which to start the seeds. Peat seed starters are great because they’re made from organic materials that can be placed into soil once the seeds turn into seedlings. I also use old egg cartons, because it’s a similar material and costs very little.

3. Get Started

Now that you have the materials, let’s start planting. Place enough soil in the vessel, so it fills almost to the top. Spray the soil with a little water, then set only several seeds in the soil, but not very deep (just deep enough that a little soil covers the seeds). Then spray on top of the soil enough that it’s a little moist.

The second step is to cover the containers with either a clear lid or plastic wrap (if using plastic wrap, only cover the container enough that it will hold in moisture, but not tightly wrapped).

The third step is to place the container in a well-lit window sill or under a grow lamp.

Oregano seeds

4. Check Seeds Daily

Now that the seeds are planted and hopefully germinating, you’ll need to check them on a daily basis. Depending on the seeds you plant, they will grow at different speeds. You’ll need to check that the soil is properly moist, and be sure to turn the seedlings every day so they don’t bend toward sunlight. It should only take a few days for the seeds to sprout, and a few weeks for them to grow into small plants. Once they are at the seedling stage, you can transplant them into larger pots.

Growing seeds indoors can be challenging, but not if you have the right materials and the diligence of maintaining them. I find that growing my own herbs and plants is very rewarding. I can’t wait to have fresh herbs that are within reach of my kitchen to cook with.

Have you started growing your own indoor herbs/plants yet? If you have any tips on indoor gardening, please share them here!

Here are five ways to help your property get noticed online.

1) Video If a picture tells a thousand words, then a video must be worth a million. It almost seems surprising that more estate agents don’t provide video tours of properties online. Taking the audience on a virtual tour of your property, and even the surrounding area will give them a much better view of the property than a handful of photographs ever could.

Youtube and Vimeo are perfect platforms from which to showcase your house, and present the perfect opportunity to draw in potential buyers. Make sure to optimise your video title around specific terms, such as “Three-bedroom property for sale in Stratford”. This will improve the visibility of your video in search engines and and help to ensure it is found by the right audience.

2) Forums / chat rooms Perform some property-related searches in Google to get an idea of where people are going to find information. Join local groups and forums to spread the word about your property, getting as many people interested as you can. The Internet is a free platform from which to broadcast your voice, so make sure you are using it as best you can to get the most visibility for your property.

3) Facebook Facebook is a great place to reach potential buyers in and around your area, and there are several ways to so. Firstly, you could run some adverts, which are relatively easy to manage and require little budget. With the option to target your key demographic, you can be as selective as possible to ensure that your adverts reach the right people. For instance, if renting a small flat near a university you may wish to target students, whereas if you’re trying to sell a large detached property in the countryside, a more mature audience may be more appropriate. Furthermore there are many groups and pages on Facebook which you could join; from local community groups to those dedicated to property buying and selling.

4) Digital particulars When viewing a property, it’s likely you will be given an information pack telling you everything you could possibly want to know about it. Why not put one together for your own property? A collection of pictures, room sizes, recommendations and information about the local community is very helpful for potential buyers. You could then upload this to Slideshare or even make an interactive PDF via Issuu to really bring it to life. Don’t forget to include your contact details!

5) Blog Despite what you may think you don’t need to to be a web guru to create a website. There are many free platforms out there, such as WordPress.com which offer free themes to have you up and running within a matter of minutes. You could use your site to host as much imagery, video content and information relating to your property as you wanted, all free of charge.

If you’re feeling adventurous you could even buy your own domain name – something including your propery’s address such as www.numberstreettown.co.uk would work well – which you could then share online, and even print on a board outside of the property. Many sellers overlook the potential that the internet has to offer when it comes to marketing & selling a property and too often rely on estate agents to do all the work, but with a little time and effort the social web can be a great place to connect with potential buyers.

I know how important it is to stretch your legs and grow your networks. New York is the watering hole for that very purpose and by booking your hotels the smart way by planning and checking all of your options, you can get the most out of your next business trip to the city. As a regular New York business traveler myself, I know my way around the often overwhelming metropolis and have mapped out the best hotels that will make planning your trip easier.

The Best Hotels for NYC Business Travelers

• New York Marriott Marquis: In late 2011, USA TODAY rated Marriott as one of the best hotel chains for business travelers. The quality, the service, and prices were deemed the most consistent, often exceeding expectations. And the New York Marriott Marquis is no different. Located in the hub of NYC, this location puts you next to hundreds of companies, popular meeting spots, convention centers, public transportation and anything else you may need (except for maybe total peace and quiet). Located just a few blocks from Central Park, feel free to escape the hustle and bustle of NYC and relax in the park on your down time. The hotel will also offer discounted tickets to a Broadway show, and of course Marriot’s signature service of Wi-Fi internet (be aware this could cost $16.95 a day), a business center from which you can make copies and ship parcels, a Starbucks and a selection of different restaurants including The View Restaurant and Lounge, the only revolving roof top restaurant in NYC.
• Wyndham Garden Manhattan Chelsea West: Chelsea is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in New York City, due largely to its vast diversity of people. If part of your itinerary involves taking a business meeting inside the Empire State Building, you are in luck. Wyndham Garden is just a ten minute walk, and on the way, you can admire the restaurants, clothing stores, wine bars, and markets – everything you see is completely different from the other in culture, style, and taste. Not only is it close to the famous Chelsea Market, but this high class hotel also considers the welfare of the environment. Most of its utilities are eco-friendly!
• InterContinental New York Barclay: If you want to treat your employees and boost their morale for your business trip, give them the ultimate taste of luxury at the InterContinental NY Barclay. Located in Midtown East, it is just a few minutes away from the Museum of Modern Art, Fifth Avenue shopping, and Park Avenue near Central Park. No matter which window you look out from, you will find something fascinating. If you plan on staying busy during your trip, this hotel offers courier service, fax/copy machines, a business center, and wireless internet. With all the perks they offer, you would never have to leave your room – but I highly recommend you do! Be sure to grab some food at the fabulous Barclay Bar and Grill located inside the building.
• Radisson Martinique on Broadway: If you plan on traveling a lot during your business trip, consider the Radisson Martinique on Broadway. Located near Midtown West, you will be less than ten blocks away from Herald Square, Grand Central Station, Times Square, Bryant Park, and maybe most importantly, Penn Station. Penn Station is a great place to be near if you are traveling – it can take you to nearly any destination you wish, in and out of the city! The Radisson Martinique on Broadway was recently added to the National Historic Hotel Registry, which means that just by staying here, you have witnessed a New York treasure.
• Holliday Inn Express – NYC Madison Square Garden: For those who are on an especially tight budget, but need to stay at a New York Hotel with the best amenities, this is a great selection. Located next to Madison Square Garden and Chelsea Piers, this hotel can offer you a great conference room with print and fax machines, wireless internet, and a small fitness center. You’ll be close to the Jacob Javits Convention Center and in walking distance to Penn Plaza. The location itself is great and can offer you a variety of things to do, like Fifth Avenue shopping and fabulous dining at one of the many hidden restaurants near Madison Square Garden.

Plan Your Schedule

By making a detailed schedule outlining where you need to be and when, you will be able to methodically choose the best hotel to suit your NYC business travel needs. Are you taking meetings in the same place or different places around the city? Do you prefer to walk or take the subway? What hotel amenities are important? Are you on a very tight budget? All of these factors will be put into play when choosing the best hotel. If you like the hotel and know you’ll be staying there frequently, join the hotel’s reward program to reap every possible benefit available!

I know how hard it is to plan a trip, especially to New York City. The best thing about it is that no matter where you stay in the city, you are sure to fall in love. Go and take a bite of the Big Apple!