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LB Shakespeare Company to host literature series expressed through American Sign Language
This September, the Long Beach Shakespeare Company (LBSC) will launch a new series showcasing literature and poetry expressed through American Sign Language.
The series, titled ASL Literature Slam, will be offered free of charge on the first Friday of each month, beginning on Sept. 7.
At ASL Literature Slam, audience members– both deaf and hearing– will have the opportunity to witness signed performances of literature, poetry and more. Attendees may also choose to take to the stage during an interactive, open-mic portion of the program.
"American Sign Language is a singularly poetic and dramatic form of visual communication, well-suited to vivid storytelling and evocative self-expression," states a press release from the LBSC this week. "Signers use hands, facial expressions and body movements to convey linguistic information to the eyes of others. The result is a living language rich in humor, emotion and personality. LBSC is pleased to be expanding its outreach to the deaf community."
Three years ago, under the guidance of former artistic director Helen Borgers, the company began providing live ASL interpretations of its popular radio programs.
"ASL Literature Slam takes us to the next level, creating a secure, creative and enlightening space to share and appreciate signed language," states the press release.
Maxwell Bradney, an ASL advocate, professional interpreter and LBSC volunteer, is spearheading the series.
"I'm hoping that our ASL nights will expose more people to creative uses of ASL," he said. "And, in addition, we can raise awareness about LBSC and its continuing efforts to provide communication access to theater for the local deaf community."
Ticket information is available by visiting LBShakespeare.org or calling (562) 997-1494.
Performances will take place at the Richard Goad Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Ave., in Bixby Knolls, during the First Fridays Art Walks on Sept.7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. Doors open at 7pm. Performances are at 8pm, with open seating and no reservations needed.


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Mayor says law allows new Planned Parenthood clinic in Fairview Heights
By RANDY PIERCE, [email protected]
Fairview Heights Mayor Mark T. Kupsky said the city has received numerous calls and comments about the relocation of a Planned Parenthood facility from its former space in a strip center at the southwest corner of Frank Scott Parkway and Illinois Route 159.
In a statement, Kupsky said he and the city were not aware of the planned relocation until broadcast news announcements were made about it in early October, Kupsky explained that the owners of the property, Missouri Plaza LLC, applied for building permits through a construction company called Lubin Enterprises, based in Memphis, Tenn., and operating in several Midwest states.
The permits were for the renovation of an existing medical office located at 317 Salem Place, a much bigger location, along the frontage road running mostly parallel to and north of Interstate 64 between Old Collinsville Road and Illinois Route 159.
That property is currently and has been for many years zoned for medical, dental or hospital services. When applying for a building permit of this type, the mayor explained, the property owner is not required to identify prospective tenants.
The permit review process for such business and construction activity is set up to determine if the project meets all city zoning, building and property maintenance regulations.
The Salem Place site met all the legal requirements for a medically related business so there was no requirement that the city's planning commission, city council, mayor or any other body hold a public hearing on it.
State law, which cannot be overridden by a city in cases like this, allows for services being provided by Planning Parenthood to occur in Illinois as a result of the Reproductive Health Act, Kupsky said. The state itself, rather than the city, regulates and has approval rights for such services.
Kupsky said that Planned Parenthood has followed and is adhering to all of the applicable state laws and local guidelines.
"I certainly understand and appreciate the concerns of our residents and visitors to our city regarding the relocation of this facility within our city," the mayor said.
In the immediate aftermath of the Planned Parenthood announcement, Kupsky contacted City Attorney Garrett Hoerner who responded that his research indicated the Illinois Reproductive Health Act, which was approved by the state legislature earlier this year, "considers abortion to be healthcare" and goes on to state "every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or have an abortion, and to make fundamental decisions about how to exercise that right."
Hoerner's correspondence says that under the act, "The state shall not deny, restrict, interfere with or discriminate against an individual's exercise of the fundamental rights set forth in this act."
The act further defines "state" to include any unit of local government such as Fairview Heights, even if that city, town or village is a home rule municipality which this one became in 1993 after a referendum asking citizens to approve this status passed by a large margin. Home rule units traditionally have more authority to make their own rules regarding certain matters, outside of state control, but this is not the case with the Illinois Reproductive Health Act.
To underscore that lack of control even more, Hoerner pointed out that the act expressly prohibits local governments from regulating an individual's rights in regard to what is authorized by the act.
"Essentially," Hoerner's report to the mayor concluded, "the city must treat Planned Parenthood like any other medical services provider."
Kupsky noted that Planned Parenthood's steps to procure the proper permits for its medical office were all flawless in terms of the city's application process and added, "Based on a review by staff and our city attorney, there does not appear that there is anything the city can do regarding this relocation."
With the services being provided protected by the aforementioned state legislation and the compliance with local permitting requirements, the city cannot supersede state law, Kupsky explained.
The Fairview Heights Police Department has been in contact with multiple groups regarding their rights for peaceful assembly at the location and will work with the state police to ensure the safety of everyone on Salem Drive as a pedestrian or motorist, Kupsky said.
1 Comment
It is very wrong that this facility was being built under false circumstances. Just shows that this is not a wanted medical facility otherwise this would not of been built. I believe in the rights of an unborn child. I hope someday this facility will get shut down like previous ones. Watch the movie Unplanned and read the book. This will change your mind about abortions.

subset: commoncrawl


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After the biopic on Narendra Modi and NaMo TV, now the web series based on PM has come under fire from the Election Commission of India (ECI). Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh has written to the poll panel saying that a web series on Modi available on the Eros Now website was streaming without certification from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
This comes days after the Election Commission deferred the release of PM Narendra Modi, a biopic on the prime minister, until the end of polling. The Lok Sabha elections, which began on April 11, will be held till May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. The film was slated to be released on April 11.
In its order on April 10, the EC had said: "Any biopic material in the nature of biography/hagiography sub-serving the purposes of any political entity or any individual entity connected to it, which is intended to, or which has the potential to disturb the level playing field during the elections, should not be displayed in electronic media during the operation of MCC."
The District Election Officer (East) has also reportedly written to the Delhi CEO asking whether the web series had MCMC certification, and suggested that in the absence of certification, an FIR be lodged against Eros Now.
A senior official at the Delhi CEO's office reportedly said that they have brought to the notice of the ECI that a series on PM Narendra Modi is being screened on the Eros Now platform without MCMC certification. Since it not a Delhi specific matter, the CEO office has asked the ECI to take cognizance of the matter.
The 10-episode web series Modi: Journey of a Common Man, which went online earlier this month, is currently being streamed on Eros Now platforms. Directed by Umesh Shukla of OMG: Oh My God fame, the series features actors Faisal Khan, Ashish Sharma and Mahesh Thakur, who portray Modi at different stages of his life.


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10 Ways To Get Out Of Making Your Kid's Halloween Costume This Year. You're Welcome.
Like most parents I know, I have mixed feelings about Halloween. I love the whole idea of dressing up as someone else, but I'm not the mom who spends months preparing for this holiday. Props to those who do, but it's just not me. Luckily, my kids don't mind if I purchase a ready-made costume and face paints. I may be horrible at making costumes myself, but I'm pretty fantastic at getting out of making my kid's halloween costumes. Sorry not sorry, you guys. It's a gift, really.
This year my kids are having a terrible time trying to figure out what they even want to be. One wants us all to participate by way of some carefully coordinated family-themed outfit, and the other wants to go totally rogue via some complicated costume that would require more of my creativity than I'm capable of providing. Typically the whole "what to wear on Halloween?" question is easily answered, too: I go the store and purchase whatever and voila — done! But lately my 10-year-old daughter has been all about standing out and while I appreciate her creativity and unique sense of style, I am not capable of meeting her expectations. Things like adding a fringe there or sewing some whatever here or creating the perfect artistry via face chalk on her eyelids? Yeah, I can't do that, you guys.
When I was little my mom always bought my costumes or, if we were really short on money, I threw something together based on things we had around the house. She never sewed or patched or glued anything. My partner, on the other hand, always had his costumes hand-sewn by his mom. That's really great and all, but it's totally not something I'd do, or even could do, or would ever want to do. Life's too short to spend time cursing at a pile of fabrics. With that, here are all the ways I get out of making my precious children's Halloween costumes. Target still have a few options available, right?
Buy A Costume
I'm not made of money or anything (and if I were, I'd buy all the conveniences available because, guys, that's the dream), but if I can scrounge together some change to pay for the costumes my kids want me to make, that's exactly what I'm going to do. And I won't feel a single bit guilty because whatever they wear won't end up looking like sh*t.
Beg A Friend To Make A Costume For You
I'm a proud woman, my friends, but I am not above begging if it means someone else will make my children's Halloween costumes for me.
Pretend Halloween Was Cancelled
Look, I already lie to my kids about Santa Clause, so honestly: what's the damn different? Right? I mean, sewing a costume is so much hassle and energy and work for just a couple hours of "fun."
Give Your Kids A Couple Pillow Cases & Wish Them Luck
This is the route my parents took when I was a kid, and while I may have been temporarily embarrassed, I don't think I was forever emotionally scarred.
I mean, I want to be a better parent to my kids so they don't know the struggle of not "having the best" whatever, but, like, can't I just draw some whiskers on my kid and they can go as a cat? Do we really need to get creative with that one, people? When I was a kid I wore a black shirt, a black skirt, drew some whiskers on my face, and I still scored all the candy my heart desired.
Hide Until Halloween Is Over
I think I' going to be "sick" on Halloween this year. Oh, and maybe next year, too. This might be a yearly sickness, you guys.
Tell Your Kids They're Already Wearing Costumes
Everyone wears a mask, kids.
Re-Use Last Year's Costume
Maybe they've outgrown last year's costumes, but I can always squeeze my kids into them if need be, right? I wore costumes a couple years in a row when my parents couldn't afford new ones.
Pay Someone Else To Do It
Again with the money I don't have. I know, I know. But still, sometimes a neighbor with a unique set of skills needs a few extra bucks and my son wants an "authentic" Ninja Turtle shell to complete his ensemble. I'll gladly pay for whatever as long as I don't have to do it myself (which would only end up looking like a lumpy sack of fabric anyway).
Bribe Your Kids
Another thing I'm not above is bribery. "I'll buy you two costumes if I don't have to make them! You can be anything, as long as it's not me putting it together!" I've found that bribery works well, too. So, yeah, you're welcome for the "tip."
It's possible that I've forgotten which day Halloween falls on "this year." I'll remember next year though, I'm sure of it. I'm lucky my kids are still young enough to buy my crap because so far, it's gotten me out of things like this. Yay!
Watch Romper's new video series, Romper's Doula Diaries:
Check out the entire Romper's Doula Diaries series and other videos on Facebook and the Bustle app across Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.


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Friends of mine came back to live in Israel after two years in Canada.
"Why'd you come back?" I asked.
"It was boring there," they said.
Living in Israel is interesting.
Interesting like that Chinese curse 'may you live in interesting times'.
What you'll find in this part of the site are stories I hope will illustrate what life in Israel is like.
Come, have coffee with me :-) Let's start in the White City that truly never sleeps:
Where is Israel?
Here's a drill-down map infographic to answer all your location questions.
Click to see the whole graphic and lot's of Q&A >>
We can go to one of the cafe-kiosks in Tel Aviv, where wifi is free and everyone is working on their amazing new startup -
The Tel Aviv Beach is famous. It is a perfect microcosm of the Israeli experience, and the perfect escape to when we need to relax for an hour:
On the roof of Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv you'll find an entire city-farm.
Take the tour and learn Aquaponics 101 !
Tel Aviv is really made for walking. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy your walk about town:
In the summer, the Pride Parade paints the streets in rainbow colors - Tel Aviv is the most gay friendly city in the world!
Because EVERYBODY wants to be in Tel Aviv, getting around the city requires 'Tushiya' - resourcefulness and creativity. Here are some of the alternative modes of transportation the locals resort to:
Residents of the Negev Desert - the southern half of Israel, sometimes feel that Tel Aviv is a bubble. Tel Avivians tend to think that the Negev is "Far".
Let me tell you, Be'er Sheva is an hour's drive from Tel Aviv. I grew up in the desert, and this is the not-funny side of it:


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1. Facts/Figures
1.1. 29% of GDP & employs 65% in agri-based countries
1.2. employs 1.3 billion small holders
1.3. out of 3 billion rural dwellers, 2.5b in agric (1.5 in smallholder households)
1.4. decline in poverty (from 28--> 22) attributed to falling rural poverty (37-->29)
1.5. more than 80% of the decline in rural poverty is attributable to better conditions in rural areas than to out-migration of the poor
1.6. accounts for 30% of greenhouse gas emission
2. Three rural worlds:
2.1. Agriculture-based countries
2.2. Transforming countries
2.3. Urbanized countries
3. Effective instruments in using agriculture for development:
3.1. Increase access to assets
3.1.1. Land
3.1.2. Water
3.1.3. Human capital
3.2. Make smallholder farming more productive and sustainable
3.2.1. Improve price incentives and increase the quality and quantity of public investment
22.214.171.124. Taxation
126.96.36.199. Trade policy
220.127.116.11. Cash transfer
188.8.131.52. Subsidy - free electricity
3.2.2. Make product markets work better
126.96.36.199. Food staples market
22.214.171.124.1. Reduce transaction costs; investments in infrastructure, promising innovations (commodity exchanges, MIS - rural radio, warehouse receipts, market-based risk mgmt tools)
22.214.171.124.2. How to manage price volatility for politically sensitive food staples
184.108.40.206. Traditional bulk exports
184.108.40.206.1. Ex: cotton,cocoa, etc
18.104.22.168.2. Need to increase productivity of exports
22.214.171.124.3. Need to have fair trade
18.104.22.168.4. Need to improve quality of products
18.104.22.168. High-value markets
126.96.36.199.1. Ex: Supermarket revolution, fish and fish produts, meat, nuts, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, spices, and floriculture
220.127.116.11.2. Now 43% of agrofood exports from dev countries
22.214.171.124.3. The poverty impacts: depends on how the rural pop participates in HVM (as producers or through the labor market)
220.127.116.11.4. To improve:
220.127.116.11.5. To improve (policy):
184.108.40.206. Input markets
126.96.36.199.1. low fertilizer use is one of the major constraints in poor countries
220.127.116.11.2. "market smart" approaches
3.2.3. Improve access to financial services and reduce exposure to uninsured risks
220.127.116.11. Farmers face financial constraints
18.104.22.168.1. Lack of asset ownership to serve as collateral (wealth rationing)
220.127.116.11.2. Reticence to put assets at risk as collateral when they are vital to livelihoods (risk rationing)
184.108.40.206.3. State-banks/public programs are discontinued and void is not filled by numerous institutional innovations
22.214.171.124. Rural finance
18.104.22.168.1. provides access to credit w/o formal collateral
18.104.22.168.2. mostly women
188.8.131.52.3. BUT hasn't reached most agric activities - only for those with high turnovers (such as small livestock, horticulture)
220.127.116.11.4. Range of products has increased
184.108.40.206.5. New ones
184.108.40.206. Managing risks
22.214.171.124.1. risks:
184.108.40.206.2. Approaches to mitigate/manage risks for smallholders
3.2.4. Promote innovation through science and technology
18.104.22.168. R&D data
22.214.171.124.1. developing countries = 1/9 that of dev countries R&D share of agric GDP
220.127.116.11.2. IRR of 43%
220.127.116.11.3. Large increases in India and China - 3x over past 20 years
184.108.40.206. Barriers
188.8.131.52.1. FINANCE: Low investment in R&D
22.214.171.124.2. PUBLIC SYSTEM CAPACITY: Public research org face serious leadership, mgmt, financial constraints that require urgent attention
220.127.116.11.3. ECON-GEO: CHallenge of narrowing the income and productivity gaps between favored and less-favored regions
126.96.36.199.4. PRIVATE INTEREST: Advances in biotech led by private sector with commercial interests, hence do not reach smallholders
220.127.116.11.5. GMO RESTRAINS: Low public investment in biotech and slow progress in regulating possible env and food safety risks have restrained dev of GMOs
18.104.22.168. Positives
18.104.22.168.1. IN higher-value markets, private sector innovate along the value chain; which requires PPP
3.2.5. Make agriculture more sustainable and a provider of env services
188.8.131.52. Agric intensification effects on env:
184.108.40.206.1. reduced biodiversity
22.214.171.124.2. mismanaged irrigation water
22.214.171.124.3. agrochemical pollution
18.104.22.168.4. health costs and deaths from pesticide posioning
126.96.36.199. Livestock revolutions' costs on env:
220.127.116.11.1. spread of disease (avian flu)
22.214.171.124.2. deforestation, soil erosion, desertification and degradation of pastures and watersheds
184.108.40.206. Approaches
188.8.131.52.1. Seek more sustainable prod systems
3.2.6. enhance the performance of producer organizations
188.8.131.52. Importance of collective action:
184.108.40.206.1. reduce transaction costs
220.127.116.11.2. achieve some market power
220.127.116.11.3. increase representation in national and international policy forums
126.96.36.199.4. to achieve competitiveness
22.214.171.124. Data:
220.127.116.11.1. 1982-2002: 8 to 65% Senegal
18.104.22.168.2. Dairy coop in india 12.3m members
188.8.131.52. Barriers
22.214.171.124.1. Legal restrictions
220.127.116.11.2. Low managerial capacity
126.96.36.199.3. Elite capture
22.214.171.124.4. Exclusion of the poor
188.8.131.52.5. Failure to be recognized as full partners by the state
188.8.131.52. Approaches
220.127.116.11.1. Donors and govt can facilitate the right to organize
184.108.40.206.2. Training leaders
22.214.171.124.3. Empowering weaker members
22.214.171.124.4. Providing this assistance w/o creating dependency


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Suzuki Motor, the Japanese automaker has launched the new generation Suzuki Swift hybrid for the Japanese market. The car is available with two variants – Swift Hybrid SG and Swift Hybrid SL. It was speculated that the Maruti Suzuki Swift hybrid could also make its way to Indian market; however, the vehicle is unlikely to come India. Due to GST, the recent hike in tax structure for Hybrid cars will make the new Swift expensive. In the Japanese market the Swift hybrid is priced at 1,660,000 yen (approximately 9.45 lakh). Read More – New Maruti Suzuki Swift Price & Other Details
It is to be noted that the new Swift hybrid is not the new version of the model, which is equipped with mild-hybrid SHVS system. This model is powered by a 91PS 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, which is coupled to a 10 kW Motor Generator unit. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 5-speed AGS (AMT) gearbox. During low load conditions, the system automatically shut off the engine and the car can run in full electric mode for a very limited distance. The hatchback is claimed to return an impressive fuel efficiency of 32kmpl. Read More – New Maruti Swift Vs Old Swift
The new hybrid powertrain is offered on the new generation Swift, which has recently been launched in the Japanese market. This hybrid model has similar features to the existing model, except for the new 'Hybrid' badge on the front wing. The new generation model is based on Suzuki's new generation platform, which makes it lighter and more fuel efficient than the previous model.
Dimensionally, the new Suzuki Swift hybrid is 3,840mm in length, 1695mm in width and 1,500mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,450mm. The Japanese spec Swift hybrid is equipped with AGS selector with blue accent, dedicated hybrid display that has power distribution graphic and paddle shifters. Adding to it, the vehicle also gets Suzuki's dual camera brake support. Also See – New Maruti Swift Design Review
In India, Maruti will launch the standard Swift hatchback in the early 2018. The vehicle is reportedly to be launched at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo in February. It will be powered by the existing 1.2-litre K-Series petrol and 1.3-litre MJD diesel engines. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT unit. The India-spec model is expected to be the most fuel efficient hatchback in India. The diesel model could deliver around 28kmpl of mileage.


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Tagged: Entrepreneurs
20 Things to Work on When Work is Slow
Ebb and flow is a natural part of freelancing. If you're like me, you have a few steady, ongoing clients, and the rest of the work is project-based. It often seems that you'll start a few one-off projects around the same time. You'll complete them in a few weeks or months and realize you've been so busy working that you've failed to pitch or apply to new clients. For a week (or two or three), you'll coast along with your long-term clients in one of those inevitable ebbs.
Having freelanced full-time for over two years, I'm no stranger to the ebbs. In my earlier freelancing days, my initial reaction was to panic, desperately start pitching and applying to any opportunity I could find, and beat myself up for my lack of forethought. It took me a (very) long time to use the inevitable ebbs effectively and allow myself to actually take advantage of the downtime.
Next time you're in between freelance projects, remember that it's the nature of the industry. Don't panic! Set aside time each day to continue your ongoing work and pitch and apply to those clients and projects (and only those clients and projects) that align with your brand and expertise. During your next lull, don't forget to take time to focus your business and yourself. Below are 20 things to work on when work is slow:
10 Ways to Work on Your Business
- Make updates to your portfolio or website
- Catch up on writing case studies for past and current clients
- Gather testimonials from past and current clients
- Make sure your contract and policies are up to date
- Implement something new, like a newsletter, blog, or social channel
- Check in with your long-term clients
- Amp up your social media presence
- Develop a new offering, product, or service
- Brainstorm how to grow your existing clients
- Revisit your business plan and long-term goals
10 Ways to Work on Yourself (and Your Creativity)
- Spend more time outside
- Try something new – learn a new hobby or skill
- Amp up your workout routine
- Read a book
- Spend time with others – try a breakfast, lunch, or coffee date
- Explore your city like a tourist
- Travel to another city
- Do something spontaneous
- Cook dinner, bake something, or try a new recipe
- Get back to you and do what you love
Many of us chose to freelance full-time, yet we forget to embrace that flexibility and power to shape our own schedules. We look at our roommates, partners, or friends, and we tell ourselves we should be working nine to five, Monday through Friday. We must remember why we've taken the road less traveled in our careers: for the opportunity to pave our own way and build unconventional businesses.
Why You Should Always Dress to Impress
As I stepped off the escalator and headed toward the stairs leading down to the subway, I could see the uptown train waiting. I started sprinting, as every good New Yorker does, but as I reached the platform, I could see the train doors were closed. Damn, I thought, just missed it.
I stood there, expecting the train to depart any second, but it didn't. It sat, doors closed, for another couple minutes before it finally took off. I sighed and rolled my eyes in frustration, and I noticed another woman on the platform who had experienced the same misfortune. We both glanced around the station and quickly caught each other's gaze. It's the worst when that happens, I said, and we struck up a conversation.
At first, we commiserated over the occasional annoyances, like this one, that come with relying on public transportation. Another train arrived, and we sat, continuing to chat about the usual things. As the conversation inevitably shifted to work, we began to click. Before we parted ways at the station where we both needed to transfer, we exchanged business cards. This woman is now one of my clients.
Why should you always dress to impress? Because you never know who you're going to meet. As artists, bloggers, entrepreneurs, and the like, we often live in our loungewear and activewear. Full disclosure: there are days when I work in my pajamas and only throw a coat on to run to the bodega up the block. Living in New York City (where the streets are filled with people bringing their fashion a-game) has inspired me to put a little more effort into my appearance before I leave the apartment. Fortunately, on the day of my subway debacle, I happened to have done my hair, thrown on some makeup, and put on "real clothes."
When you work from your home office a majority of the time, it makes sense to only dress for video calls or in-person meetings. Most of the time, the first contact we have with our potential clients is on the web. They see the styled and polished images depicted in our bios and on our contact pages, not the girl in the yoga pants and oversized sweater on the other side of the screen. In our self-employed lives, we can't forget to maintain a certain level of professionalism outside of our online presence. You never know if your next client may be behind you in line at Starbucks.
What you wear says something about you and your brand. Not the designers or trends you sport but how you present yourself. Just like the story you use to introduce yourself, clothing is a medium you can use to portray something about your business. Is your brand bold and colorful or sleek and minimal? Look at your company's aesthetic, imagine how it could be translated into an outfit, and take it into consideration next time you're running errands around town or walking your dog in the park. If you need a little guidance translating your brand's image into your personal style, connect with me. In addition to writing, I happen to do a bit of styling on the side!
Inside Woodbury Lane
Remember that girl from class whose style you adored? At times she was a bit eccentric, but she wore everything with confidence. Something about the way she dressed just worked, and you couldn't go a day without noticing her ensemble. For Katelyn Kosinski, that girl was Willa, a classmate from her college days. Little did Katelyn know that a few short years later "Willa" would become the inspiration behind the name of her business, Woodbury Lane.
"When I searched the name 'Willa' and 'Willa Boutique,' I found it was already taken. So, I played around with 'Willow" and 'Willow Lane' for a while. Realizing that I was hooked on the W and L being together, I landed on the name of my childhood street, Wood Berry Lane, but changed it to make just two words:" Woodbury Lane.
Willa was just the first bold, fashion forward female who inspired Katelyn to create Woodbury Lane.
"Truly my greatest influence has been the entire movement of women who are doing their own thing right now. There's this revolution of girls who are insanely confident and driven, yet totally realistic in their goals… Gone are the days where women can only work for the man."
Long before Katelyn took her first step toward launching Woodbury Lane, she had a clear vision of what drew her to a particular sense of style. The fashion was just one component. The confidence with which a woman wears the fashion and the pride a woman takes in her fashion are the foundation of Woodbury Lane's aesthetic.
"[Woodbury Lane] speaks to the woman who takes pride in her wardrobe. Women who are not looking for 'disposable clothing pieces,' which are all too easy to come by nowadays. 'Disposable clothing pieces' are the ones that are incredibly trendy and poorly made. Woodbury Lane is the opposite – our clothes are of a great quality, and they'll last for more than one season. Most of what we offer are classic basics and subtle trends that don't necessarily scream '2015.'"
Katelyn gave a taste of what Woodbury Lane had to offer with a pop-up gift shop last holiday season, but the boutique officially opened its cyber doors last month with its first spring collection. The current inventory is stocked with a full line of clothing and accessories as well as select home and gift items. While each and every piece has its own unique appeal, Katelyn was quick to share a couple of her favorites.
"The Cream Tapered Pants are amazing because they could truly be worn all year long. They're lightweight enough to wear throughout the summer, but they also look killer in winter thanks to the 'winter neutrals' and 'winter whites' trends that are happening right now. I'm also pretty obsessed (a word I try not to use often) with our Floral Drape Top. It's just the most flattering piece, and the colors are spot on for spring and summer. It's also really versatile because it's slightly cropped, which would look awesome paired with a high-waisted skirt. However, it's not so cropped that you'd be showing belly, so it still pairs well with denim too!"
Katelyn has been a successful blogger for almost two years, but Woodbury Lane is her first small business endeavor. Throughout the entrepreneurial process, she has realized the importance of taking the time to celebrate each and every achievement.
"As a small business owner, I've quickly learned that every endeavor, no matter the size, is exciting! My first sale, a new shipment of merchandise, or even a really nice compliment on the shop feels like a huge accomplishment!"
So, what's next for Woodbury Lane? If you're in the Milwaukee area, don't miss the exclusive launch party on March 22. For the first time, you'll be able to see, touch, and try on the items from Woodbury Lane's first spring collection. Be sure to arrive early! Woodbury Lane has partnered with a number of other local creatives to compile swag bags for the first 30 purchasers. Don't live in the Milwaukee area? Shop Woodbury Lane online 24/7, and follow along with the boutique's latest collections, events, and special offers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Happy shopping!
Photographed by Laurelyn Savannah Photography


text: Ethniki Asfalistiki used as its headquarters in Heraklion, Crete, two privately-owned premises, combined with a tenant. The total area was ~ 280m2 and was built in 1997. In a process of re-evaluating the use of the company's property, it was necessary to abandon the rented and the two remaining to house the branch and a Life Insurance Office. This required a radical renovation, and in this context we drafted the study of space configuration, infrastructure upgrading and the use of more energy-efficient cooling, heating and ventilation methods. We drafted the tender and managed the construction until the completion of the project.


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The holidays are my favorite time of year. I LIVE for Christmas shopping/giving to others. I get a shopping high picking out just the right present. Crafts, cooking, spending time with family, decorating, shopping, trees, Christmas movies – you get the idea. So once Halloween hits, and we move into November, I am in heaven (not that the rest of the year sucks). I've noticed, for a few years now, that it used to take FOREVER for Christmas to get here. FOR-EVER. I couldn't wait to get to Christmas morning. Now it seems like it's too quick. There are about 26 days until Christmas, and I'm only halfway done with my shopping. Join me in the panic…ok, now let's move on.
I am going to enjoy this wonderful holiday season (insert Hallmark stamp and "It's the most…wonderful time…of the year" song) by dwelling in the moment on each of the family holidays, long weekends, traditions, and all that good stuff. Hence the reason this post is a little late, I was too busy dwelling to want to write anything.
My Thanksgiving this year was great. I made it a point to not spend too much time online (possibly a New Years' resolution there), and enjoy the long weekend with no work and a mix of family time and "no kid" time. This year, I have a new home, new family (in-laws, new daughter, daughter-in-law-to-be, Grandson), new husband (SCORE!) and all over, a new outlook on what it means to be happy and thankful.
December 11th will be one year since my life changed course. It was the day I decided life was too short, and it was much more important to enjoy it fully than to worry about what I had, or what I could have, or what I wanted that I was never going to get. It was the day I decided that I had enough and that there is, in fact, a limit to how much crap someone will take before they decide they are done. Words that we should all heed.
During the decision and soon after I had no clue what I was doing, or which way I was going to go. I only knew that I couldn't remain where I was. I depended on my family, and the few friends that remain close to me even across the miles. I am thankful I had the means, soundness of mind, support, and balls to leave.
Had I not left when I did, I would probably still be there, just like I had been for years leading up to that day. I was used to it, surrendered to it. As much as I wanted to leave, and talked about it, and thought about it, I didn't have enough of a desire to believe that there was much more out there. Which brings me to my second thing I'm thankful for this year.
I am thankful that God placed me where he did, when he did. I am thankful for being where I was and having what I had in life, and lacking what I was lacking in life, in order to make me realize now what I was missing. If I did not experience what an unhealthy relationship was, or have to live with the daily struggles of trying make excuses and talk myself out of how bad it was, I would not know now how much of a blessing my life and relationship with my husband is. As messed up as it sounds (because no one should be like him), I am thankful that he-who-shall-not-be-named was the way he was, I learned from it, and I would not be where I am.
This year has been filled with so many new things and great new people. Many learning opportunities, new things to get used to, old thoughts to get past, different ways to do something. All leading me further from where I was and closer to where I know I am supposed to be. I am no longer wondering where I belong, or if this is all life has to offer. If it is, I am content and happy, before I had come to grips with knowing I'd probably never know what happy was, so I might as well just be happy where I was. I don't feel like I have succumb to where I am because there is nothing better out there. I am thankful I have found the better place (and husband).
As I sit here typing, and think of the changes this last year has brought I am most thankful for the ability to recognize all that is good in my life.
There are people that don't know what they have, or don't care until it is too late. I am not one of those people, and for that I am thankful.