The Shoebox Project

By on December 5, 2013 in LEAD CHANGE, Style with Substance, Worthy Causes

The-Shoebox-Project-for-SheIt’s December already.  Sheesh.  How did that happen so fast?

Anyway, I’m checking in today to share news of an inspiring Christmas initiative, and to encourage you to participate.  Just yesterday,  a friend flagged  The Shoebox Project, and I immediately agreed to spread the word.

The Shoebox Project is a nation-wide gift drive for women in need.   Yup.  It’s that simple.  And so easy to do.

Just fill a shoebox with a few lady-like luxuries  - valued around $50 – and wrap it up.  Drop the box off at any of these Ottawa locations before December 13, and over the holidays, volunteers will deliver shoeboxes to women living in shelters.

Launched in 2011 by Caroline Mulroney Lapham and her three sisters-in-law  Jessica, Vanessa and Katy Mulroney, the Shoebox Project began with an email to close friends.  It took off like wildfire, and news traveled word of mouth.

Last year,  2,700 shoeboxes were collected by volunteers in 10 cities, and The Shoebox Project  just keeps gaining steam.  Donors, sponsors, and volunteers are generously lining up to lift the spirits of women over the holiday season, and are on target to distribute 4,000 shoeboxes of good cheer this year.  Sign me up too please!

Simple.  Easy.  Incredibly special.

For drop-off details and a list of suggested filler items, visit www.shoeboxproject.com.

Comments { 0 }

HOW TO SURVIVE THE OTTAWA HOME + DESIGN SHOW

By on September 27, 2013 in Around Town, Homes & Design, LIVE WELL

OTTAWA-HOME-+-DESIGN-SHOWIf you’re 34-64, a working professional (or retired), and own a home, chances are you’ve been to the Ottawa Home + Design Show at least once.  Now in it’s fifth year at the Ernst + Young Centre on Uplands Dr., the show brings together over 200 exhibitors from the design, decor, and home improvement industries. Whether you’re renovating, landscaping, or replacing key systems – the Home + Design Show is your one-stop shop.

It can also be crowded.  And exhausting.  And downright overwhelming.

Roaming aisle after aisle, confronted with too many choices, it doesn’t always feel leisurely.  So, here are a few tips for making it through:

Stop + Talk:  At any trade show, there will be the hyper-aggressive sales types that accost shoppers, relentlessly pitching there wares.  This is inevitable.  In a crowded space, with so much competition, it’s no wonder some try extra hard to stand out.  Most of the time, I wish they would stand down instead.  I prefer to say hello to vendors exuding quiet warmth, friendliness, and just a hint of confidence  - based on knowledge, experience, and expertise.  These are the conversations that eventually turn into relationships.

Approach Methodically:  There is a lot to see, and much of it won’t be relevant to you and your circumstances.  You might not need a new furnace or roof, and be tempted to cut your visit short.  However, try to resist skipping rows. Instead, take a methodical approach – so you don’t miss a thing. I find the newest vendors are in the smallest booths – and often, these are new businesses with interesting, innovative solutions.

Take a Seat:  With 200 or so vendors to take in, you’d think they were the main event.  Except, the Home + Design show also features special programming, including seminar presentations, interactive events, and contests.  Learn from local experts, meet an HGTV celebrity or two, and yes – take seat.  There are plenty of chairs.

Enjoy the Treats:  Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy a few treats.  Many vendor booths include food-related enticements to encourage customers to stop and talk.  Candies, chocolates, and even cookies are shamelessly displayed, so why be shy?  These yummy tidbits are great conversation starters, and yes I confess, sometimes prevent me from walking by…

The Ottawa Home + Design Show runs until 5pm this Sunday, September 29.  For more information, click here.

Comments { 0 }