Personal: A New Venture

A little while ago, I mentioned that I’ve been working on a new venture. I’m ready to share it here, and I would love your honest feedback! Starting something new is definitely a touch scary

Many of you know that I’m a part-time blogger. I am passionate about design, art, style, and the colour white (of course). Beyond this, though, I have always been interested in language learning and teaching. I have a PhD in applied linguistics, and I have been an educator at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels for many, many years. I have most recently completed an MBA degree because of my growing interest in business, and, more specifically, business communication. I’m now ready to take on another project that combines my formal education, work experience, and professional interests. 

I’m starting a business.

Why not, right?

I’m starting a consulting business. As a consultant, I’ll lead workshops for organizations on how to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. These professional development workshops will help help employers and employees refine their communication skills. I cannot even count how many times I hear people (a) complain about the quality of their employees’ communication skills or (b) admit that their own communication skills are weak. I’m here to help!

In my workshops, participants will develop their skills in the areas of report writing, blog writing, email writing, verbal presentations, and more

Here’s a peek at my website, if you’d like to see. I’m happy to take your feedback!

If you know anyone (in Waterloo region, preferably) who may need my services, let me know

Thanks for your support, dear readers!

The Friday Five: Things on My Mind

1.YouTube. This chef was challenged to make a three-course meal in a coffee maker! Such a cool video and the meal looked delicious! (via SwissMiss)

2. Poetry. I read the poem The Opposites Game by Patricia Maisch, and I really liked it. Maybe you will, too. (via Cup of Jo)

3. Life advice. 10 simple steps to help you enjoy daily life. (via Swiss Miss)

4. Music. I love NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. I shared it a few times in the past, including Lizzo, most recently. Today, have a listen to Sting and Shaggy’s concert. Love it.

5. Quiz. How’s your climate change knowledge? Take this quiz to learn about the most effective ways to curb climate change.

Fashion: Polka Dots for Fall

Polka dots are a recurring pattern here on White Cabana. I’ve featured them in fashion and and décor, and I still find them hard to resist. I added this affordable polka dot skirt to my wardrobe this summer, and I just love wearing it!

Now I can’t stop looking around for inspiration on how to style it (year-round!). Here are five pairing options for polka dots.

1.Pair polka dots with colourful shoes.

2. Pair polka dots with more polka dots.

Petar Petrov via Vogue

3. Pair polka dots with sneakers.

Ludlow dress, $197CAD
photo: Angela Datre; via Fashionista

4. Pair polka dots with an oversize sweater.

5. Pair polka dots with a leather jacket.

Art: Katerina Kamprani

Architect Katerina Kamprani designs useless everyday objects in her series The Uncomfortable. Each piece put a smile on my face. The collection made me think about how much thought goes into product design so that the things we use everyday are functional.

As Katerina says on her site, these products are “deliberately designed to annoy you.” True!

All photos from The Uncomfortable series by Katerina Kamprani.