We have our first Style Statement tattoo! Long live Natural Bold!

Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
The Wizard of Oz

Getting Started is the Hardest Part

This post is the first in a regular series I’ll be writing about practical tips for incorporating technology into your business. We’ve got a lot of small business owners and entrepreneurs reading our website, so we thought it would be helpful to reveal some of what goes on behind the curtain.

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how impenetrable tech-related things are for many small businesses, so my intention here is to simplify the overwhelming list of things you could do into lists that you can start with today and see real results from tomorrow.

It also drives me completely crazy to experience first-hand the way that a lot of IT support firms and contractors treat small businesses. From ridiculous hourly rates to recommending unnecessary and expensive services, it often feels like there is an entire industry predicated on keeping entrepreneurs in the dark and feeling trapped by the complexity of technology.

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When asked about gay marriage, Dolly Parton said, “Well, I believe that gay people should have the right to suffer just like the rest of us married folk.”

This weekend my Uncle married his boyfriend. Because we live in a progressive democracy (Oh Canada!), he was able to make his man his legal life partner. Love. Recognized, certified and celebrated!

They’re two classy, practical men. Their vows were some of the most sincere and touching as I’ve ever heard. Mature. Realistic. Heaped with gratitude and appreciation for being well-loved, accepted and challenged to be better together.

My eighty-three old grandmother, who by the way is as Catholic as they come, whispered something to her new son-in-law after the ceremony, and his eyes misted up. We Laportes are masters of wise cracks, but our hearts are sweet.

Jump cut from proud life partnership to Toronto’s Gay Pride Parade. Now, I’ve seen many a pride fest (I live in Vancouver, with the 2nd largest homosexual community in North America, next to San Francisco…and I’ve lived in San Francisco for the matter.) By most social standards, I’d rank “far-to-very-very-far from conservative.” Consensual kink is anyone’s prerogative. Lewd and crude? If its behind closed doors, go for it. I’m pro love, lust, and of course…pro pride. But, for me, the Pride Parade struck me as well, too vulgar.

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Hello Carrie and Danielle,

I literally just finished reading your book Style Statement to discover that I am graceful authentic. Now, I cannot stop repeating it to myself (graceful authentic)-it’s just so me, I want to make copies and put it on my wall. It so adequately describes every aspect of my style, choices in life, personality, demeanor and relationship to others.
When I started reading the book, I was curious and somewhat skeptical. Lately, I have been reading many self help books making an effort to find myself (I am 25 and going through a quarter life crisis quitting my job as a TV producer abruptly to begin TV reporting once again).
So, when I found this book in the bookstore I thought it would be great combining my love of fashion with words. But, it did more than that it helped me find who I conveyed to people and what I cherished within myself.

Thank you,
Yuwa Vosper
Opelousas, LA

Gretchen Rubin had an a-ha moment while riding the bus one day with her daughter. Just like any ol’ day they were heading to elementary school when her daughter burst out with joy about the city scenery. And it struck Gretchen that THIS was life. There was no magical, evolved place to arrive at. Everyday was an opportunity to be happy.

So she gave herself a year to “test-drive every principle, tip, theory, and scientific study” on happiness. And the Happiness Project was born. Her blog is wildly popular (because it’s inspiring and useful. We especially like this Wednesday Tip on cutting down what you buy,) and her book comes out next year!

She interviewed us about our happiness metrics. It made us stop…and smile. You should try these questions on for yourself. This was one of our favourites:

Have you ever been surprised that something you expected would make you very happy, didn’t – or vice versa?

Read our answers, and if it pleases, chime in to the discussion: Happiness interview with Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte.

Happily yours,

Carrie & Danielle