Typecast

Lots of events in life have certain clothing etiquettes and when it come to women's clothing , there is so much choice.  For instance, turning up to a job interview in a pair of jeans is a big no-no but there are other times like a networking event or even a formal meeting on zoom where etiquettes still exist yet aren't as easily defined. If you want to dress to impress, but don’t want to dress as if you are auditioning for The Apprentice then take a look at these dynamic outfit options. A dynamic outfit is a mix between a business appropriate outfit, and a style conscious one. Here are some ideas on how to create a dynamic outfit: This skater dress is both smart and dynamic due to its interesting white and black contrast. If you feel that it is a little short for a networking event you might consider some black leggings or tights to accompany it. The shoes selected are flats, as you’ll be on your feet a lot, and will need to be pain free, if you want to shine. The...

As technology progresses, interactions between businesses and customers are becoming much more automated. Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic saw an increased number of companies relying on various automated systems for their customer service- e.g., live chat on websites, mobile apps, automated phone calls, etc. But is this a step in the wrong direction? This article will outline the importance of the human voice, ways you can improve your customer service, and discuss why human interactions are important for excelling your company. Human to human interactions lead to clearer responses; it is impossible to form a fully in-depth conversation with an automated system. In a study by CallCare , it was found that nearly four-fifths (78%) of respondents said they prefer to speak to a real person than an automated system when they call customer service lines. Only 11% preferred automated systems, while the same percentage suggested they had no preference. Older age groups took the majority,...

This weekend I earned my 25th credit for volunteering at parkrun UK . During the pandemic, I made a conscious decision to participate in parkrun more when it returned, both as a runner and a volunteer.   Then I broke my foot.   Parkrun returned whilst I was still injured so I rocked up a couple of times to my local spots (Witton parkrun and Hyndburn parkrun) and offered to help out. After a few weeks, the Events Director asked if I'd like to join the team of Run Directors at Witton and I jumped at the chance. What a great opportunity! I now volunteer a minimum of 2 out of 7 weeks on the Run Director rota but I'm always there to lend a hand when I can and when needed. There's plenty of chances to gain a run and volunteer credit on the same day but I also really enjoy static volunteer positions like timekeeping, barcode scanning and marshalling at the top of The Beast (like today!). I love parkrun - it's good for my mental health and well-being. I enjoy seeing everyone...

After I shared my 2022 planner/diary blog post I received some messages about what pens I use, especially from people who were new to considering Tomoe River paper (in the Hobonichi) or wondering why I was raving about 120gms paper (for the Filofax refill). For me, the paper I use has to be responsive to the ink in my pen, so here's a quick overview of the pens I use regularly...   Fountain Pentel JM20  : This is basically a disposable fountain pen with a plastic nib that feels firm on one side and flexible on the other which will generate a thick and thin line, depending on which side you use.  It has black ink, a plastic barrel and a clip on the cap.  I appreciate that this isn't exactly environmentally friendly but I off-set that in other ways, hopefully.  Monteverde Prima Rollerball : I received this to review five years ago  and it quickly became one of my favourite writing implements because of the chunky barrel which is actually unique in its desig...

Around mid-November, I always start thinking about what diary and planning system I'm going to use next year. I have a few tried and tested favourites but there's always something new that piques my interest. For 2022 I did consider returning to a travellers notebook system and seriously looked at the Jibun Techo , however, I am going to be fairly traditional with my choices but will be splitting business and personal. It's always worth remembering that I treat my diaries and planners as a B.O.A.T - my Book Of All Things. It's always to hand and I scribble ideas, reminders, shopping lists and to-do lists down alongside regular notable dates and appointments. It's my portable brain dump. So let's dive in...  Hobonichi Techo (A6) I first used a Hobonichi Techo back in 2015 because I thought the 'page a day' journal style layout would be great for the variation of the bullet journal system I use. However, the blank space gave me a sense of overwhelm so ...

It's that time of the year again and you're either SUPER organised and finished your Christmas shopping in July or you are - like me - panicking about a couple of presents because they are 'at a funny age' (like my granddaughter or 'they don't need anything' (at least one of my sons). So here is my annual gift guide which will hopefully help you find that amazing, inexpensive present that you'd never thought of! (Please do keep an eye on this page because I tend to add to it as I find inspiration) Big Bobble Hats I've been an ambassador for Big Bobble Hats for a couple of years now and have about six of their designs, plus some of their matching buffs.  These are a great stocking filler and I'm sure there's a colour combination to match your outfit, your running club colours or just something hugely fun.  This one here is the one I wear for parkrun because it matches the high-viz jacket I wear when volunteering!   If you use the code TC15 w...

This is the Knife Angel , currently on display in Blackburn, Lancashire. It has taken four years to make and was created by artist, Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire. It stands 27 feet tall and is made from 100,000 seized and surrendered blades.   It has already toured thirteen UK towns and cities, making significant impact to individuals, families and communities. It is much more than just a sculpture as, whilst on display, there are amnesty boxes where knives can be safely deposited, a peace vigil has been held and there are core educational programme for schools and community groups. I've now seen it during the day and at night and it had a different impact on me both times. You can't just wander past it and muse about knife crimes. You have to pause, look closely at the craftsmanship, take into account that some of those blades had been used - or intended to be used - to hurt, maim or kill someone.  If you're in the area, take some ...