A Cup of Shai

"Lead by example." We are always leading, whether we realise it or not. When I say leader, I also mean the everyday leading we do, and not always in just a professional context. I was inspired by yesterday night's The Apprentice, and it got me thinking about qualities I think make a good leader! We lead when we are coaching people. We are leading when we are speaking to people. We are leading when we are interacting with children. Today I've brought to you the following 10 tips: 1. Identify people's Strengths and Weaknesses. Amplify and compliment them on their strengths. This empowers them, builds their confidence, and also establishes a mutual respect between yourself and your team members.  2. Ask them how they learn best. Then use these strategies to help them overcome their weaknesses.  3. Thank people for both the little and big things they do. Often as leaders, we can become so focussed on the 'big' company objectives, that we forg...

Okay, so this was really cool (nerdy to you) because I got to meet a children's author on the 18th of November, at the University of Leicester as part of the Literary Leicester Festival :) Yay :) Writing is my passion and I thought why not go along to this talk? 'Anne Fine' to me reminds me of 'Design a Pram' which my Year 6 teacher read to me when she was pregnant, and we all had to literally Design a Pram for her baby. It was a really weird experience to be back in the same Lecture Theatre 4 years ago. I expected there to be a really lengthy talk about the technicalities of authoring, and the publishing *yawn* before we got to the meaty bits. The bits I'd gone for. Writing tips. However, it was really refreshing. Learning Points. You can copy conversations you've overheard. Be inspired by actual people, but beware not to make the similarities too striking :P Children's books can deal with adult themes. Infer. Infer. And inferrr...

Here at Define Clothing, we provide the following services. ALTERATIONS                                    Did you find t hat t he legwork is not quite fitting? Or the sleeves are longer than expected? Not a problem.  This is a completely hassle-free service, and our seamstress can rework the material into shape within no time. For the purposes of being able to provide you with the best alteration service, p lease do notify us within 7 days of purchasing your piece of clothing.  We will ensure that your clothes are stitched to make the perfect fit for you. This Alteration Service is applicable to clothing purchased in our store, and charges will vary according to the type of service required from us.  We are here to make your clothing fit perfectly for you. After all, you need to be comfortable, and it’s something we pride ourselves on... GIFT WRAPP...

It was really lovely to be back at The Body Shop. But this time as a pampered customer and not an employee with targets to meet! Haha! The atmosphere was really chilled out, and it was a lovely touch to be welcomed with sparkly drinks and nibbles (Why thank you :) ). Games and Gift Season Specials This year's theme was quick to spot because it was bold, bright and striking. COLOoooouuuuR. And lots of it. Colour everywhere! When in previous years, there were classic Christmas prints; delicate trees and gentle snowmen, this was the opposite. It seems The Body Shop, along with their re-branding have also modernised their Christmas jazz. Their Christmas campaign is 'Play for Peace' in collaboration with International Alert, where a small donation is made to countries to re-build play areas for refugee children in war-zone areas. A worthy cause methinks to restore a child's smile :)  All of the gift packaging had strong designs of diagonals, with the ty...

As I open the door, the gentle smell of honeysuckle and dry grass reaches my nose. The long grass sways this way and that...like a beautiful ocean of green and almonds, dancing to the tune of the Summer breeze. My white, cotton dress skims across the flowers, and their heads turn away, blushing. I run my fingers along the tips of the grass, and then it’s like my fingers are feeling for the first time. Soft. Gentle. The rhythmic twittering of birds fills the mauve sky with a lyrical presence. Doves chasing after one another, occasionally kissing the sky with their upwards flocking. The creeping smile lifts my face, my cheeks becoming plentiful with happiness. My almond eyes reflect the passion fruits, the shots of magenta, and the slivers of orange which have decorated the open heavens. Each eyelash of mine has become distinguished, my pupils dilating to see more of the Light of the Truth, my chest overwhelmed with happiness, and peace. As I turn my head, I see the silhou...