Four Minutes with On The Dot: Recent Episodes
Melinda Garvey
WHAT IF? We all want to see women find success by following their passions. Well, what if you started your morning listening to a story about a woman that made education better for teenage girls? Or a story about a woman who made those dumb, boring stock photos more diverse so they included every kind of woman? What if you started every single morning listening to success stories of inspirational women? Four minutes with On The Dot was created by women, for women. We empower our gender by telling the stories of relatable role models, and showing you that you, too, could someday be the founder of a company you truly believe in. If you can’t BE what you SEE just yet, join our movement and let us change your mind. empoweredwomenempowerwomen
Have you felt overwhelmed lately? If you’re trying to build a strong launch for your brand, you might feel the need to stay up to date on social media, read blog posts written by colleagues in your industry, reply to emails as fast as possible and so on. How do you determine which sources are reliable? How do you figure out when to take a break from it all when, as an adult, it’s hard to take breaks because you’re always plugged in? It’s a lot to take in as a grown woman, but imagine what it would be like to be a girl in this tech age.
The post Erin Bried: How to Empower Young Girls Through Magazines appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
“Of course, I got my period today,” my bestie said. It was moving day with her two kiddos and there was no way she was going to find a tampon or pad among the boxes. Have you ever experienced something like this? From navigating pool parties in middle school to first-date surprises in your 20s, it can be such a pain to deal with Aunt Flo. Physical pain and discomfort, along with tampon and pad expenses, can amount to a pretty bad monthly experience. Periods are just one testament to how we girls and women are strong as hell.
The post Molly Hayward: How to Help Women in Need During That Time of the Month appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
A girlfriend of mine was at some swanky bar where, in lieu of a cocktail menu, bartenders would ask you what you like and then concoct the perfect beverage. My girlfriend described her drink preferences, adding, “I don’t like vermouth.” “Oh,” the bartender replied. “I bet you do, but you haven’t had it in the right drink.” She reiterated her aversion but the bartender slipped the fortified wine in anyway. Immediately, she recognized the flavor, confirming her distaste for the stuff. Whenever she recounts this story, we commiserate about how these situations come up all the time. Guys think we don’t know what we like.
The post Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero: Introducing the All-girls Boozy Competition appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When I came across an article about how you don’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to be successful, I was intrigued. You mean I don’t need to fit in a quick 5K before my very healthy breakfast, meditation time and other things I can’t seem to force myself to do? Fantastic! According to the writer of that piece, we all have peak hours, that time frame during which we feel invigorated and eager. To figure out your peak productive time, rate your energy, motivation and focus on a scale from 1 to 10 every hour for a week or more. Discovering what works for you can turn you into a master of your schedule.
The post Sabrina Lloyd: Securing the Key to Success appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Do you remember watching any movies or TV shows about high school? “That’s what it will be like,” you thought. “Maybe I’ll coordinate plaid ensembles with my bestie like in Clueless or be a cool, misunderstood outcast, like in Ghost World.” Everyone has their own experience, full of happy memories and embarrassing moments. Memory researchers say our adolescent years can provide the most vivid memories. So, whether it’s handily winning a debate championship or awkwardly and accidentally slamming your face into an open locker, girlfriend, that memory is here to stay!
The post Lynn McBee: How All-girls Schools Are Changing Education appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I’ve been thinking about money lately. (Thanks, tax season!) While having a whole lot of cash affords us a certain kind of comfort, I think there’s power in the simple process of earning and owning any amount of money. Back in 1771, New York became the first state to require husbands to get their wives’ consent when selling property she brought into the marriage. Russia was ahead of us, as women were given the right to earn and retain their own income nearly two decades prior. Today, don’t focus on the dollars or rubles you don’t have. Instead, relish in that you’ve earned, and spend it on things you’re passionate about.
The post Nancy Pfund: Why You Should Invest in Causes You Care About appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When was the last time you actually listened to a teenager or college student? It’s almost instinctive to ignore those younger than us because we remember what wewere like at that age—and women can be harsh when we personally reflect. When talking to those younger than you, try to avoid phrases like “When I was your age,” “You’ll understand it someday,” and “How old are you?” If a 16-year-old girl from Florida can become a published author and a 12-year-old can be deemed “the next Steve Jobs,” it’s pretty clear age is just a number.
The post Jennifer Sirangelo: How Youth-development Programs Produce Leaders appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
If you are a career gal, whether with entry-level or boss status, add The Power of Habit to your shopping list. It’s totally transformed the way I view not only my career, but also my everyday routines. From scoring touchdowns to reducing conflict in the Middle East, habits dictate everything, y’all. If your business produces high turnover or if you just can’t manage to lose those 10 pounds, it might be caused by the miniscule decisions you unknowingly make. Today, write down your three main stressors and attack them head-on.
The post Sarah Robb O’Hagan: How Good Habits and Training Improve Your Work Life appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Regardless of whether you want to admit it, you’ve bought something because of how it was marketed. If you’re a one-woman business or startup, the idea of hiring a marketing expert or agency might make you shudder. Here’s some real talk for you: It’s OK if you don’t know how to get the word out about your biz. You’ve got better things to do, girlfriend. Getting an expert on board with a specialized skill set will give you an outside perspective, save you time (no need to Google “What is an algorithm?”) and guide you to more customers. Today, scan your budget and set aside at least 2 percent to focus on brand awareness.
The post Katie Martell: How ‘Femvertising’ is Failing Female Consumers appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
We’ve all heard of feng shui, right? You know, the design idea that deters you from placing items in your home all willy-nilly and instead, encourages designing with purpose in an effort to create balance. This concept ranges from easy tasks like clearing clutter to more complex chores like creating an energy map. But have you ever thought about applying the tenets of feng shui to the thing you stare at the most? I’m talking about your computer. Here are a few tips: Get that desktop out of the bedroom. Trash the files that bring bad juju, like pictures of your negative ex or projects that bummed you out. And my favorite tip: Don’t forget to place a note of affirmation front and center at your workstation or as your desktop wallpaper. Happy working!
The post Amanda Gates: Feng Shui Your Way to Balance appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
A certain toddler I know enjoys food like nothing I’ve seen before. Give him a cupcake and he’ll hold it, look at it and really take it all in before his first bite. Then he’ll discuss how delicious said cupcake is. As I wolfed down a spicy-chicken sandwich in the drive-thru lane today, I thought about that little boy, and I was touched by some inspiration. Let’s put the fun and fascination back into our meals. Schedule one leisurely meal—think Sundays at Granny’s house—and choose a recipe, follow each step, have guests set the table, and nibble and chat at your own enjoyable pace.
The post Kerry Diamond and Claudia Wu: Be the Bombe in the Kitchen appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Whether you’re in charge of employees at your startup or simply leading a monthly book club, there’s an invisible task you definitely don’t want to ignore: inspiring others. If the Zumba instructor leads the class with a scowl and drill-sergeant lingo, you’re probably going to switch to a more uplifting class, right? The same idea applies to the workplace. One of the easiest ways to inspire your team is to highlight when something’s going right and when someone’s done something well. For instance, which of the following statements inspires you to try harder? “Why haven’t you completed that project yet?” or “Great progress! Keep it up!”
The post Susan Liu: How to Find Startup Success appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Do you remember your first visible scar? I remember mine, back when I believed my skin would be blemish-free for, like, forever. Why wouldn’t it be? Now that I’m a grown woman, I laugh at my naivety before many tumbles and surgeries and teenage acne. One writer said the best kind of people have scars, while another said they show we’ve healed from some serious wounds, at least externally. Whatever’s got you hiding away today, I’m here to remind you that you’re beautiful and strong and you deserve to be seen!
The post Ciara Donlon: Take Back Your Woman Power appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When my girlfriends and I casually discuss our goals—beyond hitting up dim-sum night, that is—we think big. I’m talking one-big-leap-just-behind-landing-on-the-moon big. That’s kind of what we’ve been taught, right? At 7 years old, we’re asked what we want to be when we grow up. “Administrative assistant” doesn’t quite have the same pizzazz as “rock star,” you know? But before we know it, we’re adults and unsure how we’re not living our best lives and best careers. Do you ever feel like your big goals leave you seeing no light at the end of the tunnel? Today, practice a little micro-progress. Deconstruct a big idea into gumball sizes, starting with something as simple as “turn on the computer.” After all, in order to meet that big goal, you have to start small.
The post Arlan Hamilton: How to Get Unprecedented Access to Funding appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you ever watched a movie in which two people are supposed to be in love but you just don’t buy it? It doesn’t matter if it’s a couple of the biggest celebs in the steamiest of scenes; if they’re not vibing, the film falls flat. Beyond personality tests and gut feelings, you can tell a lot about whether someone is going to fit into your life—or your company—by reading his or her body language. From holding back on facial expressions to giving zero eye contact, nonverbal cues often say it all. Today, correct your posture, quit fidgeting with your jewelry and whatever you do, save your eye rolls for the safety of your own home.
The post Lisa Mitchell: Learn How Your Body Language Can Propel Your Career appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Today’s Woman to Watch has landed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs list—twice—proving you’re never too young to get going on your passion project and make a real difference in the lives of others.That got me thinking about the pressure millennial women feel to decide and act on such passions early on. If your passion project right now is swiping right on Bumble, that’s cool. But if you happen to be someone who has a few innovative ideas, share with your girlfriends just how you figured it out. Explaining the direct or meandering way you got there might just help others get a jump-start.
The post Joséphine Goube: Empowering the Displaced With Technology appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I was sitting on my front porch one evening when my neighbor stopped by while walking her border collie. As we chitchatted, she looked up at the sky and started to identify planets and constellations. “I should get out my telescope,” she said. Since her days as a little girl, she’s loved looking into the infinite above. It got me thinking about how inspiring a glimpse into the heavens can be. You don’t need to know Cassiopeia from Orion to be able to appreciate and even gain some visionary insight from the night sky. The next time you’re feeling stressed about an upcoming work deadline or a mighty high water bill, take a few minutes to gaze at the skies above and feel the insignificance of the problem. Who knows? The moon might just put it all in perspective.
The post Ellen Stofan: How to Encourage Girls to Pursue STEM appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Ladies, we’ve all been there: A dude describes in detail something you already know. When it’s done repeatedly, it’s a way for the guy to feel high and mighty. This has been dubbed “mansplaining,” and we’re so over it. Plenty of us fall silent, unsure how to proceed when Mark the Mainsplainer gets going. The next time he gives you the definition of an entry-level concept, remind him of your educational or work experience. Pivot to another woman in the room for backup—or do as many men would do and simply speak louder.
The post Jenna Lee Babin: Get Unbiased News Created By and for Women appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Reminisce back to…yesterday. What did you eat? Maybe it was an apple or ramen or five Little Debbie Zebra Cakes. If you assume I’m going to ask you to calorie count or make better meal choices, you’re wrong, lady! No judgment or food shaming here! Instead, I want you to think about what you tossed after noshing on your food of choice. They say as much as 40 percent of Americans’ food is wasted, and I believe it. From sandwich crust to expired yogurt, we’re all guilty of chucking plenty in the bin. Today, buy and dish out only what you’ll eat. Your conscience—and your wallet—will rest a little easier.
The post Lauren Bush Lauren: How to Feed the Hungry appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
We talk a lot about the wage gap at On The Dot because, girlfriend, it’s 2018 and it’s still a dang issue. Let’s talk about what you can do when you find out Lazy Larry in your office gets paid more than you for the same position. First, do some research about what your position is worth, including benefits and bonuses, and talk to others in your field about their compensation. Yep, that’s right, I’m giving you permission to talk about the big M word—money. Be sure to practice negotiating before asking for that raise, and most of all, believe you are worth it!
The post Erica Baker: How to Get Equal Pay appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you ever been fired up after seeing someone speak, say at a conference or event? That’s the power of saying something well. In the centuries-old tale Arabian Nights, storyteller Scheherazade avoids execution at the hands of her psycho husband, the king, by spinning engaging tales that end in cliffhangers, thereby enrapturing the king and securing her safety night after night. Talk about an empowered lady! But you don’t have to be Scheherazade or even a TED Talk speaker to impress. The power of storytelling can come in simpler forms. For instance, the next time you’re out with some colleagues, tell a story from your childhood, explain how you landed your job or even how you ended up with that salacious tattoo. They’ll surely be hooked by your storytelling prowess!
The post Bobbie Carlton: Improve Your Public-speaking Game appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Today’s On The Dot is hot off the press, except it hasn’t been surrendered to the inner workings of an offset printing press and no preteen newsboy is shouting, “Read all about it!” from the sidewalk. News and publishing look different from a century ago and even a decade or two ago. While fake news is on the rise and there’s constant breaking news via 24/7 digital media that can be somewhat overwhelming, there are also more opportunities for women’s stories and voices to come through. If you’re a woman dipping your toe into the media biz, consider these tips from successful female journalists: Write what you’re passion about; be accessible; gain experience however you can, even if it’s through unpaid internships and volunteer work; and make it your goal to become a fact-checking pro.
The post Pamela Galloway-Tabb: Excelling as a Woman in Journalism appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
“These curtains are permanent. They are never coming down!” That’s what my partner said while meeting his match with a drill and stubborn hardware. While I find decorating to be one of life’s treats, you may very well care less about the paint on the kitchen wall or the sconces in the bedroom. That’s totally OK, but I guarantee that curating your space mindfully can increase your good vibes. Today, I present a zero-dollar decorating challenge. Look around a room in your home and remove one item that elicits either apathy or disdain. Surround yourself only with things that bring you joy. I bet you’ll be feeling a little lighter in no time!
The post Kate Zaremba: The One Thing You Need to Spruce Up a Room appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
During the weekend, I attended a conference full of educators and innovators. In more than a couple sessions, panelists contended particular careers require lifelong learning. A physician, for example, can’t stick with her 1970s med-school education if she wants to stay relevant and help her patients. This week, get in the learning mindset. (No protractors necessary!) Identify a subject you’d like to know more about then spend some time thinking of the best ways to learn about it—online courses, getting help from a mentor, studying a particular textbook—and set a reasonable deadline for implementing this academic work into your busy life. It might not be as easy as learning your ABCs, but it’s worth it. So, put on your thinking cap, hit the books and embrace your continuing education with an open mind.
The post Daphne Koller: How to Get an Education in Your PJs appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Let’s travel to a place where everything’s bigger. We’re talking about Texas, and particularly about its feisty females. From Latin recording artist Selena to comedienne Carol Burnett, many admirable women from the Lone Star State have found remarkable success. But today, let’s channel the qualities of one especially uncompromising Texan woman: Ann Richards. This former governor of Texas once said she didn’t want her tombstone inscribed with how clean she kept her house but how she opened government to everyone. As you navigate life, be inspired by Ann Richards to brazenly fight for a social cause important to you, all while having a little fun with it. After all, as we’re sure Texas’ beloved former governor would attest, when you’re working to get your point across, a little sassiness never hurts!
The post Marianne Malina: Raise Hell Like a Texas Woman appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I walked into my local doughnut shop and the owner recognized me. You know what that means: I’m a regular. I eat enough doughnuts to be memorable. And I am totally fine with that. When it comes to the various aspects of our lives, whether it’s health or relationships or something else altogether, it’s all a balancing act. Every day, we all divvy up what we have to offer. That means sometimes one of life’s buckets might be a little less full of perfection than the others. And that’s OK. We’re only human. And sometimes it just feels so good to eat that dang doughnut.
The post Alisa Vitti: Take Control Over Your Hormones appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Think back to your first job. Where did you store your stuff while you were working, you know, like your purse and car keys? In my first job, I stuffed my handbag wherever it fit, like on the floor under my desk, but by my third job, I had my very own locker. Looking back, I see that an 8-by-8-inch metal box with a lock actually had an impact. I felt comfortable in that office and could focus solely on my work without anxiety about whether my personal items were secure. If you’re a manager, give some thought to your employees’ space and consider making improvements to their physical environment. This will enhance employees’ job satisfaction and maybe even their productivity.
The post Roshni Shah: Boost Employee Morale and Job Satisfaction appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
As I lay my fifth indoor plant to rest, I am left unsure what happened. Did I water it too much or too little? Did I forget about it for seven days straight? Should I blame my pets or my imperfect nursery or the full moon? Here are some tips I discovered during my melancholic post-plant-death internet search about how to be a better plant lady: Take on only what you can handle (I’m totally guilty of wanting a lush oasis now!), and learn when and how the heck to water each plant. Master caring for basic, virtually no-fail plants first. By adhering to this advice, my thumb may never be green, but maybe I can keep plant funerals to a minimum, and that’s progress, right?
The post Sarah Burrows: Crowdfund to Grow Your Startup appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
It only takes a brief time at a job before you’re faced with a Negative Nelly or a Vexed Victor. She’s that colleague who catches you in the restroom for a five-minute complaint fest. He’s that customer who’s steaming mad about an accidental snafu and is just as unhappy with the solution. Chronic criticizers have a way of seizing their way into our inner dialogue. Today, remind yourself that you can’t always adjust someone’s attitude for the better, but you can offer a compassionate ear for a short while. Just make sure to bolster your boundaries too.
The post Alexi Venneri: Take These Steps to Build Your ROI appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you ever felt like you know your UPS guy better than your own doctor? Many health-care professionals devote as much time as they can to their patients but are often overbooked and overworked. What that means is you’ve got to find your voice and not be afraid to speak up with your doctors, nurses and other health-care workers to ensure your concerns are addressed. When you’re sitting pretty much buck naked in a backless cotton gown, you just want to be done with the whole thing. Instead of rushing through your doctors’ appointments, be an empowered patient. Enter the room with a written list of questions or even a full statement for your doctor. You’ll feel more confident and won’t mince words. If the doctor responds dismissively, reiterate your concerns. Just like that dreaded backless gown, you’ll totally rock it, girl!
The post Anjali Kataria: Become an Empowered Patient appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
My friend’s hubby recently spent a day communicating with her via emojis. That’s right, only emojis. When added to a statement, an emoji can deliver extra sass or sadness or, heck, even sexiness. But if you want to feel like you’re back in first grade learning to read for the first time, try understanding a particularly emoji-laden message. After a while, my friend got the hang of it. The images from her husband created a new kind of language, a visual lingo. It got me thinking about how regardless of where we come from or where we’re headed, there’s no reason why we can’t genuinely communicate with each other, even if it’s with emotional icons rather than words.
The post Mursal Hedayat: Enhance Your Community By Learning a New Language appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
As I stood in line to check out at the grocery story, the cashier asked the pregnant woman in front of me, “Is it a boy or a girl?” “Boy,” she replied. The cashier, a middle-aged man, responded with a chuckle, “Good! Women are taking over the world!” Before a child even enters this crazy, mixed-up existence, so many expectations are thrust upon him or her. While I could spend all day detailing the sexist stereotypes we each face from day one of life, I’ll settle for paraphrasing this sage quote from the always sharp-witted Oprah Winfrey: Excellence is the best deterrent to sexism.
The post Zaniya Lewis: Overcoming Obstacles While Pursuing Your Education appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
One of my friends on social media posted an article about what it’s like to be pregnant while also mothering a toddler. Having experienced this herself, my friend said she could’ve written the article. In the piece, writer Crystal Bowman talks about envying first-time moms, who can nap whenever the urge strikes them, whereas her reality involves dealing with a clingy toddler and being tired as all get-out all the dang time. If you’re struggling with an aspect of parenting, communicate with your other mama friends. Browse some articles written by real-life parents. Seek out help and advice, and commiserate with others experiencing similar parenting challenges.
The post Daisy Wademan Dowling: Achieving Balance as a Working Parent appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you watched the movie or read the book The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? The premise is magical. Four teenage besties spend their first summer apart, but first, they go shopping and come across a pair of jeans that somehow fits all of them. Each girl stays connected to the others by wearing and then shipping the pants off to the next girl. While the idea of finding a pair of jeans that fit perfectly is a dream in and of itself, the true value of the story comes from their sisterhood. It’s a great reminder that no matter where you are or what you’re going through, take time to stay connected to your best friends, your kindred spirits, your tribe.
The post Adrienne Herbert: Get to Know the Keys to Successful Entrepreneurship appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
One time when I was a kid, I stood on a stool in my babysitter’s kitchen while helping her make brownies. This wasn’t my first baking rodeo, OK? I may have only been 7 or 8, but I knew one thing for sure: Those mixer beaters were all mine. As she scraped the bowl, transferring the chocolatey goodness into the pan for baking, I grabbed a beater and stuck my tongue out. Only centimeters away from my mouth, she grabbed it out of my hand and rebuked me. I was fuming! No brownie batter for me? What gives? From then on, I vowed that never again would anyone keep me from devouring such tantalizing—albeit raw—sweet goo, whatever the consequences.
The post Rana Lustyan: Identifying Your Recipe for Success appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
You know when those funny late-night shows have their intrepid reporters hit the streets and ask average people to find a state or country on a map? We all laugh as they typically miss the right location by, like, a lot. But let’s face it: Most of us would likely instantly fail our middle-school geography test these days. Today, we’re talking about Kenya, a country situated on the equator on Africa’s East Coast. Its history is centuries old and Kenya is the source of some of the evidence of our earliest ancestors. While Kenya won independence from Britain in the 1960s and is ethnically diverse, its 48.5 million citizens still face a variety of notable challenges each and every day.
The post Tina Hagen: How to Empower African Girls appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was interviewed by New York magazine in 2017, many readers were flabbergasted by her real-talk candor. She’s been an outspoken female politician, inspiring women and girls to speak up for what they believe is right. To me, she took down the convoluted image of politics, simply stating what it means to be elected to office: “We’re here to help people, and if we’re not helping people, we should go the [bleep] home.” She also empowers voters to employ a simple principle when choosing which politicians to vote for: “If they suck,” she says, vote against them; “if they’re worthy,” vote for them. It doesn’t get any more straightforward than that. Today, we’re pulling a Gillibrand move and suppressing the fear behind politics.
The post Erin Loos Cutraro: How to Become a Politician appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I’ve got a question for you and suggest you take a few moments to mull over your answer: What makes a house a home? Here’s a follow-up question: Has your idea of home changed since you were a kid? When you were younger, maybe getting dropped off by the school bus, popping some Bagel Bites into the microwave and arguing with your brother felt like home. Now, maybe home is more about parking in your very own garage, removing your bra immediately upon entering your house, slipping on some PJs and dancing alone to The Weeknd. Whatever it means to you, it seems like Dorothy’s sentiment from The Wizard of Oz remains true: There’s no place like home.
The post Nora Apsel: Use Tech to Easily Secure a Mortgage appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I’ll be the first to admit that when my good friend announced her pregnancy, I was bummed. There goes our friendship, I thought. No martinis with the mama-to-be for nine months. I bet our post-baby girls’ brunch plans will fizzle because Baby’s sick or doesn’t have a sitter. Her social-media pages will suddenly look like a Buy Buy Baby catalog. Whether the thought of kids brings the word “icky” to mind or you’re one fulfilled mama, we can all agree it takes a dang village to raise a human being. So, today, have a little patience with your pregnant friends as they navigate the most important change in their lives. And it never hurts to offer to be a surrogate martini drinker in the meantime!
The post Lynn Perkins: Find a Trusted Babysitter in Your Community appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Ladies, if you’re a home baker who’s in search of a new profession that feeds your soul while making you some good dough, you might want to consider joining the pastry industry. 2018 is a good year to be a female pastry chef. And here’s some proof to back up that claim: The annual James Beard Awards, generally recognized as the top culinary prize in a variety of food-related categories, nominated five chefs and bakers in the Outstanding Pastry Chef category for 2018 that the James Beard Foundation claims are national standard bearers of excellence—and they’re all women! And that’s no pie in the sky.
The post Angela Garbacz: How to Empower Through Flour appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Were you ever scared of monsters? One serious movie covers this topic: Monsters, Inc. OK, maybe it’s not so serious, but it’s definitely a great flick. The gist is that monsters scare kids and kids scream, and those screams work to power the city. But, of course, there’s a problem with the monsters harnessing children’s screams. Spoiler alert: The monsters are actually scared of the kids. Aside from the movie being adorable and funny, the message has always stuck with me. We’re often afraid of what we don’t know, of who we don’t know: a new job, a new face, a new experience. The secret that everyone tends to forget is that we’re all trying something new, like, all the time. So, I guess the lesson is don’t fight the monsters; befriend them.
The post Candice Romo and Hollie Siglin: How to Conquer Parenthood appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In the film Landline, two sisters navigate life in the 1990s. Back before we all carried a smartphone everywhere, we were bound to landline phones for communication. In the movie, Jenny Slate’s character gets into situations that’ll make you wish landlines still existed, if you’re hoping for a little avoidance from constant connection. But without continual internet access via a smartphone, there was plenty of stuff in the ’90s you may have missed out on, like invites to parties and gossip about who’s dating whom. Today, pull up your browser and search for a fun event you and your friends can check out this month. Put it on your digital calendar and give a thankful nod to our modern ability to stay connected without having to be tethered to a landline.
The post Julia Hartz: A Focus on Company Culture Can Grow Your Biz appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Last night, I slept four measly hours, interrupted by drawn-out periods of thinking about sleep. Thinking isn’t even a strong enough word for it. Longing, pining, heck, even being homesick for zzzs is more like it. We’ve all been there, right? Our alarm buzzes as we’re already wide-eyed and anticipating it. We have to go to work or make an appointment or meet some other obligation. While we hope to make up for it tonight (yeah, right), there’s only one answer for now: caffeine. Lorelai Gilmore of TV show Gilmore Girls famously demanded coffee via an IV, but since that’s yet to be FDA-approved, I guess I’ll just have to pour myself a big old mug of the good stuff!
The post Alyza Bohbot: How to Support Female Coffee Farmers appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Posters on telephone poles, billboards on the highway, commercials during prime time, sponsored social-media stories: These are all forms of marketing, but I’ve begun to notice a little more about what attracts and keeps loyal customers. It isn’t ad placement or celebrity endorsements; it’s authenticity. Millennials, who are quickly becoming the biggest and most powerful consumer group, can sniff out counterfeit realness with one swipe. Whether you’re a one-woman show or part of a billion-dollar brand, remember to stay true to yourself, to your values. Respect your clientele by being honest and treating them as more than a data point on a spreadsheet.
The post Michelle Peluso: Achieve Work/Life Balance, Even in the C-Suite appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Our mission when we launched On The Dot back in 2016 was simple: Provide women with stories of relatable female role models. What we’ve discovered is that such ladies have always been there; it’s just that men’s success stories have often sidelined them. From Brownie Wise, a single mom who turned Tupperware into the home-party gig of the 1950s, to Madam C. J. Walker, an orphan turned hair-care entrepreneur who was the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire, we’ve been surrounded by relatable lady moguls for years. It’s about time we celebrate them every day!
The post Tiffany Pham: Need Entrepreneurial Advice? Ask a Mogul appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Do you ever use a product without realizing you have no clue how it’s made? Take the stuff we read, for instance, like a book. Someone writes it and a publisher puts it on paper and then it’s probably put in a box and shipped somewhere, right? But there’s so much more to it. There are plenty of details in between that are just as essential as the writing itself. Editors weed out the gobbledygook. Designers give the story a visual point of view. Marketers and public-relations experts get the word out to readers and retailers that the book actually exists. Nearly every type of business involves such intricacies and hard work that we often simply don’t consider. Today, I tip my hat to all those ladies working behind the scenes to create and bring to market some of my favorite things.
The post Marika Flatt: How to Become a Media Maven appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Apathy doesn’t create movements. Indifference doesn’t illicit change. When Gandhi and 60,000 Indians marched in protest of British rule in 1930, they weren’t impassive. When, in 1965, 3,200 nonviolent demonstrators marched from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, during the course of five days, they weren’t wavering. And when more than a million people of every generation, background and orientation marched across the United States for gun control in 2018, they weren’t nonchalant. Today, we’re talking about the power of those who stand together in anger and sadness and purpose to make a difference. We’re talking about how much bigger and louder our voices are when they’re in unison.
The post Emma González: Use Your Vote as Your Voice appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When you think of self-care, what comes to mind? Engaging in luxurious spa routines and embracing moments of Zen pop up in my head, along with indulging in copious amounts of green smoothie. But writer Brianna Wiest speaks the not-so-attractive truth: Sometimes self-care means creating a fixed budget or axing a toxic friend. Self-care can be making tough decisions that, in the end, are good for you. Today, show yourself a little love in ways that will improve your long-term wellness.
The post Remi Ishizuka: How to Have a Productive Morning appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Nearly a decade ago, a wonderful photographer shared an eye-opening project called Where Children Sleep. I’ve never forgotten the dozens of images that show the disparity of what kids around the globe call bed. The intention was to elicit more empathy in kids, but even as a grown woman, I find it’s a much-needed reminder that everyone’s experiences are unique. From one Kentucky toddler with dozens of pageant ribbons on display in her princess-like bedroom to a young Nepalese girl who lives in a one-room house near the granite quarry where she works, girls experience life differently but absolutely share the right to be heard and have their stories told.
The post Martice Sutton: Why Travel Will Lead to Your Daughter’s Success appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
While at a social event full of business leaders, a man introduced himself and asked what I did. As I explained, I saw his eyes dart behind me and then glaze over in self-thought. He dismissed me from the get-go based on my job title because he assumed our paths would never cross and I could be of no help to him. Maybe that was true in this instance, but I’ve noticed that oftentimes, when you sit down with someone for a focused conversation, the two of you can find at least a couple ways to connect, either professionally or personally. Today, don’t rebuff the value of a solid 15-minute conversation with someone new.
The post Rana el Kaliouby: Focusing on Diversity Can Make Your Tech Product Better appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When you’re pregnant, you hear plenty of old wives’ tales from friends and neighbors. Carrying high? It’s a girl! Dry skin? It’s a boy! Got mad heartburn? Expect your newborn baby to have a full head of hair. Devouring an ice cream cone a day? Baby must need her calcium. You’ll also realize that when you Google any pregnancy symptom, you will get sucked into a terror-inducing internet-baby-forum spiral. Avoid! Take comfort in the fact that many generations of women before us birthed child after child, all with little to no expertise from those helping out. Today, thankfully, we’ve got a bit more knowledge of how to create life and bring Baby safely into this world.
The post Clemmie Hooper: Preparing for Motherhood; Best Tips for Moms-to-be appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When we’re young girls, we can appreciate a lot about the idea of being a princess. Princesses get to prance around in ball gowns and don’t have to clean their rooms? Sign me up! I’ve always liked the idea of princess perks but never really got into the whole Prince Charming thing. I wanted more stories about how a princess gets to do what she wants. Thankfully, one enterprising girl dad thought the same thing and decided to take action, creating a wonderful action-adventure comic series called Princeless. The main character, a headstrong young princess, isn’t into the usual advantages that come with being a member of royalty, like fancy dinners and lavish dresses, instead exuding the kind of independence and heroism that every girl reading her story can’t get enough of.
The post Rebecca Melsky and Eva St. Clair: How to Empower Your Daughter appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When you’re in a creative industry, you often encounter what I call Discount Dan and Entitled Ethel. These are the people who shamelessly expect you to provide your creative services for next to nothing. A friend of a friend asks an editor to “just look over” his resume (aka for free), a customer asks a designer to create at least six versions of her company logo by this weekend and is appalled at the expedited fee, and so on. From now on, ladies, don’t undervalue your creative work. Demand respect and appropriate payment for your creative endeavors. After all, just because it’s creative work doesn’t mean it doesn’t have real value.
The post Molly Neuman: Know Your Worth; Don’t Undervalue Your Creativity appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In college, I took a course called physics for future presidents. Everyone I told about it laughed, assuming it was some kind of alternative, blow-off class. But it did turn out to answer that age-old question: When am I ever going to use this information? In fact, a section about chemical weapons made me an expert during season 5 of one of my favorite shows, Homeland, and a portion about climate change helped me truly separate facts from politics. Though I’m no Marie Curie, many of those science lessons actually stuck with me, motivating me to further challenge myself throughout my career, proving that keeping an open mind can launch you light years ahead of the competition.
The post Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski: Changing the World as a Woman in STEM appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Here’s a fun piece of trivia for you: In the heyday of cowboys, in the early 1900s, one of the best lassoing and roping cowboys was, well, actually a cowgirl! Her name was Lucille Mulhall, and at just 14, she was so good at cowgirling that she was invited to compete in a Rough Riders rodeo, with Teddy Roosevelt cheering her on, no less. After taking first place, Lucille went on to create her own touring show. While many embraced her, the media wasn’t sure what to call her. While her skills often exceeded those of cowboys, at least one newspaper referred to her as the “lassoer in lingerie,” even though she was quite clothed. This got me thinking that women have even tougher skin when we’re pursuing exactly what we want. This cowgirl just wanted to ride a horse instead of sipping a dainty cup of tea. And despite others’ opinions, she more than proved her mettle. Today, take Lucille’s story as a little inspiration. Rally your inner cowgirl and trot your own way!
The post Gay Gaddis: How to Kick Ass in Business and Life appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Today, I woke up annoyed, or, as the saying goes, “on the wrong side of the bed.” When your alarm sounds in the morning, do you ever just know every little thing will get on your nerves for the next 18 hours? How do you fight the morning doldrums? Some people try to tame their moodiness by thinking positive thoughts, distracting themselves or even having a one-person screaming match into the pillow. Today, in order to shake off my morning blues, I’m treating myself to a fancy coffee-shop mocha and quietly counting down the minutes until bedtime. To each her own, right?
The post Nadia Galloway: How to Launch a Product With No Experience appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Yesterday, I was faced with a dreaded situation: My car wouldn’t start. As my two pints of Häagen-Dazs Sticky Toffee Pudding ice cream proceeded to melt in the backseat, I panicked. With no friends close by, I collected some courage, walked back into the grocery store and asked around for help. It turned out to be no big deal. A friendly fellow shopper jumped at the chance to jump-start my car, and I was driving home 15 minutes later. I’m unsure why I felt so scared to ask a stranger for assistance. I guess I was being needlessly self-conscious. It made me realize others are usually eager to help; we just have to ask. Lesson learned! Today, let’s all put on our big-girl pants when our first instinct says otherwise instead of trying to accomplish every dang challenge alone.
The post Eileen Gittins: Go From Entrepreneur to Boss appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
As I’m chatting with you this morning, I’m sitting in the doctor’s waiting room on a sage-green pleather chair. We’ve all been here, right? We wait patiently for our names to be called, perusing old magazine issues or scrolling through our phones in the meantime. Today, I did something different. I looked around, not at the neutral art on the wall, but at people. Every person who walked in was different than me: a mother with a 10-year-old daughter, a son assisting his elderly father in a walker, a guy who couldn’t stop sighing. I guess today has reminded me that health issues don’t care who you are. We’ve just got to take life one day at a time and do our best to care for ourselves and our loved ones.
The post Crystal Icenhour: Don’t Believe in Failure or Regrets; Get Results appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Actress and activist America Ferrera gave an impassioned speech at the Women’s March last year and has been an outspoken voice of what it’s like to teeter between identities as a Latina American. As she explained her experience as a first-generation American, she urged the crowd to remember that we, the people, make America what it is. Rather than relying on an inclination to hate those who are dissimilar to us, she reminded us we truly are stronger together. Today, whatever your background, whoever you identify as, remember that we women have your back!
The post Kristina Guerrero: How to Stare Down Stereotypes appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In the classic show MTV Cribs, celebs would put on display—you guessed it—their cribs. Many of these home tours involved similar things: seven cars, a lavish pool with a grotto, fancy liquor in the freezer. Many Cribs VIPs would also introduce viewers to their personal shoppers and in-home chefs, and that’s when I would always get jealous. The idea of coming home to groceries in the fridge and a professional cooking up whatever I want truly seems like livin’ large to me. Alas, most of us aren’t born with a silver spoon in our mouths. But maybe that makes us more appreciative of the things and people we do have in our lives.
The post Ooshma Garg: Build a Successful Business From a Simple, Delicious Idea appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
One of my girlfriends recently recalled her time of being pregnant with twins, relating that she had to go to OB appointments on her lunch break so she didn’t tap into her paid time off. On the flip side, another friend just accepted a job that pays her to travel the world and write all about it. We lead different lives and may be at very different stages, but no matter your industry, one thing’s for sure: Women certainly wouldn’t turn down a little increased flexibility in our careers. Here’s to attaining that elusive work/life balance!
The post Anna Auerbach and Annie Dean: Get Tips Here for Work Flexibility appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
One of the issues we like to explore with our featured women involves what makes them feel powerful. Their inspirations vary, but we’ve noticed a few underlying themes. Women who feel powerful often find a sense of ownership in a project or their company, even if their boss micromanages them or their colleagues are manipulative. They are able to embrace that ownership, in part, due to self-regulation. Instead of reacting emotionally, they respond to tough situations in thoughtful, positive ways. So, I’ll ask you, ladies: What makes you feel powerful?
The post Tiffany Shlain: If You’re Seeking Equality, This Will Get You Closer appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
This weekend, I went to a very hip farm-to-table restaurant. The décor was light and bright and Instagram-worthy, for sure. The food held its own too. I mentally gave it five stars, but then I went to the women’s restroom. As I closed the sophisticated reclaimed-wood stall door behind me, claustrophobia hit—literally—in my knees. The space was comically shallow, making a port-a-potty seem like a penthouse. Today, we’re talking about what makes for good design, and I hope more restaurateurs take note that we ladies put significant value on a clean, charming—and spacious—powder room.
The post Alison Cork: Turn Your Home-design Passion into an Empire. Here’s How appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I read a great column in which one entrepreneur shared his thoughts about business school versus real life. In biz school, the concept of competition reigns supreme. But the truth is that competing for better jobs, more money and extra attention limits your thinking. Instead of competing for what’s already created, create something of your own. Regardless of whether you’re in the business world, it’s a good reminder that life isn’t a competitive episode of Survivor. There’s enough opportunity to go around—if you’re willing to seize it or, heck, create a whole new sphere of opportunity yourself.
The post Sheila Ronning: Here’s How to Secure Your Seat at the Boardroom Table appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you ever caught yourself inadvertently saying something sexist against your own sex? That’s right, women can be sexist too, even in minimal ways, like assuming a doctor’s a dude or your mechanic’s a bro. Personally, I eventually noticed I do this very thing. While playing an online video game, every time an opponent got me, I yelled out in frustration with a male pronoun: “He can’t do that!” or “His character is irritating me!” Sure, it’s a little thing, but it speaks to a deeper issue. And I’m working to rewire my mindset about such things. Today, take a little time to notice how you think and speak, and identify whether you’ve got some of these tendencies of your own.
The post Andra Petrosan: Whether You’re Playing a Video Game or Building One, Here’s How to Crush It appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I checked out a TED Talk presented by a woman named Lisa Bu I’ve got to share because I think many of us can relate to her story. Lisa’s parents expected her to pursue a well-paying job, with little care as to its fulfillment. When she emigrated from China as a child, she discovered some wonderful adult advice from a source outside her mom and dad: books. Jane Eyre taught her independence, while Cheaper by the Dozen imparted efficiency. Books became her magic portal to other worlds and a way to connect with people. They provided her with a whole new point of view that impacted her life in a way she never could have imagined. With that, I bestow you with Lisa Bu’s final words from that TED Talk: May books be always with you.
The post Marley Dias: She’s Advocating for #1000BlackGirlBooks appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you ever watched that TV show Bizarre Foods? If you’re looking to shed a few pounds and resist the pantry, one episode will do the trick. The host, a seasoned chef himself, travels the globe discovering unique culinary delights. He happily devours tarantulas in Cambodia and coconut-tree grubs in Peru. There are some eye-opening edibles in English-speaking areas he gobbles up too, like swamp cabbage in Florida and everyone’s favorite Scottish delight, haggis. As they say, you are what you eat, but no matter your opinion of what others chow down on, it’s a great reminder that life is indeed bigger than your bowl of mac and cheese.
The post Daina Trout: She’s the Queen of Kombucha appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Do you think much about how buildings are designed? Yeah, me neither. I’ll notice a lavish veranda or a shabby mezzanine but rarely more than that. I usually see what’s wrong with design. Take, for instance, a winding grocery store that somehow leads me past the cereal aisle three stinkin’ times on my way to the cashier, or the airport at which the journey to Gate A7 for a connecting flight practically requires a train, plane and automobile to reach—in the “generously” allotted 10-minute time frame. Today, let’s all open our eyes a little wider to the beauty and efficiency of the architecture we experience.
The post Grace Kim: She’s Bringing Communities Together appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Friends come in many forms. When you go through a challenging time in your life, you can more easily identify your friendships for what they truly are. Today, we’re talking about real-deal gal pals, like the girlfriend who texts you “Congrats!” at good news and shows up on your doorstep with a bottle of wine and an entire pallet of tissue at bad news. In our busy lives, keeping up with one another can be complicated and, at times, burdensome, but where would we be without our girl allies?
The post Elva Carri: She’s Got Your New Girl Crew appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you heard of the phrase “boy mom”? It’s exactly what it sounds like. While there’s no tried and true way for a boy to be, there are keen differences between boys and girls that find some boy moms seeing things a little differently than girl moms. One of my girlfriends with sons has accepted frequent toot humor. Another hits up Costco on the regular to feed stomachs that don’t quit, while one is on a first-name basis with those at the urgent-care clinic due to frequent playtime injuries. If this sounds like your little boy, we get it! Pour yourself a glass of your finest Costco wine and congratulate yourself for hanging in there.
The post Michelle Houp: She’s a No-sweat Entrepreneur appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Today, we’re talking about fearlessness. Of course, there are varying levels of fearlessness. There’s the you-are-out-of-your-mind level. You know, like when contestants eat an African cave-dwelling spider on reality show Fear Factor just to make it to the next round. Then there’s the everyday stuff that takes just about as much courage, like making a cold story pitch about your business to a magazine, committing to a cross-country move in pursuit of a better job or proudly donning a pair of pleather skinny pants. Whatever your amount of fearlessness, we’ve all got a little in us. It’s part of what makes for memorable experiences and helps us move mountains. Today, do something bold—except maybe stay away from spiders.
The post Tali Gumbiner and Lizzie Wilson: She’s a Fearless Girl appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I recently came across a letter board displaying what has never felt like a truer statement to me: “I don’t need to write that down. I’ll remember it—and other lies I tell myself.” Sound familiar? When it comes to the management of life’s chores, sometimes I swing hard in either direction. I won’t write a single thing down, or I’ll write too much, both of which are problematic. Finding Post-it notes scattered throughout my home and office scribbled with cryptic messages isn’t helpful (but maybe that should be the theme of this summer’s next big horror flick). Today, we’re talking about being organized. While some people expertly manage staying on top of everything, ladies, let’s be real: Most of us are not those people. And that’s OK. But today, let’s try a little organization on for size.
The post Tonya Dalton: She’s Giving You the Power to Be Productive appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
OK, I’ll admit it: My #WomanCrushWednesday is Judge Judy. If I could just have 10 percent of her smart sass, I’d be so happy. If I could have a cut of that $47 million salary, I’d be even happier. From phrases like “I’m the boss, applesauce,” to “Beauty fades. Dumb is forever,” Judge Judy always insists those in her courtroom stay honest and make smart choices. While it’s simple advice, let’s make a note to remember it as we finish out the week. If you know a client is underpaying you, take action. If your online date gives off creep vibes, take action. This is your year, lady.
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In 1996, the World Food Summit declared access to adequate food is a fundamental right of every human being. Its action plan identified four areas in which governments are responsible for ensuring this human right: respect, protection, facilitation and provision. I’m particularly struck by the organization’s inclusion of the word “respect,” and am glad this was considered. The first step to helping someone is acknowledging he or she has value, just like every human being. We all have bellies that need filling, right? Today, pepper a little more respect into your conversations and actions, and remember that regardless of our stations in life, we all deserve a little dignity.
The post Komal Ahmad: She’s Helping Eliminate Hunger appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When I say the word “Morocco,” what comes to mind? Beat author William S. Burroughs wrote his famous novel Naked Lunch in Tangier, Bob Dylan mentioned it in a song and Morocco has a long yet not well-known history of powerful women. Some stereotypes likely pop up when you think about Morocco. If you’re envisioning riding a camel in the desert only to retreat to a Casablanca movie-style setting, you’re not getting the whole picture. This jewel of the ancient world is a pillar of rich culture, cuisine and art, and far more than a “Here’s looking at you, kid” locale. Today, let’s travel to this Kingdom of the West and learn what it’s all about.
The post Maryam Montague: She’s Helping Moroccan Girls Soar appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I desperately want a green thumb. While I don’t have a completely useless thumb, I can’t tell you how many of those so-called “easiest houseplants to maintain” I’ve unwittingly slayed. On Instagram, I see gardeners and growers of lush roses and enchanting succulents, while all I have is my drab, nearly dead cactus. I thought it would be hard to kill. Not for me! But for some reason, I plant the bulbs, water the soil and hope for the best. I guess I’ll just keep trying. After all, with a little persistence, I may stop planting the seeds of doubt and actually get something to grow!
The post Katie Stagliano: She’s Cultivating a Solution to Hunger appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
This year, I casually decided to follow through. Let me explain. I don’t know about you, but I love to take on new DIY projects, filling my shopping basket with new décor. There’s a definite rush when I get a fresh decorating idea. There’s also stress when I don’t invest enough time to actually finish said idea. For instance, I have a curtain rod and curtains that are on their three-month anniversary of living bundled up in my closet. Before I plunk down more hard-earned money on something that’ll be old news, I’ve got to remember that, like any success-minded company, my financial and time investments have to be developed.
The post Yvonne Campos: She’s Steel City’s Angel appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Here’s a story that will let the air out of your tires: Henry Ford—you know, the Ford guy—shook things up by hiring women to work at his Phoenix Mill plant in Michigan in the early 1900s. Pretty cool, right? But here’s the catch: Women’s employment eligibility at Ford was based on their marital status, with Ford only hiring widows and single ladies. Why? He considered the gig to be a temporary one for women because he was adamant that a woman’s real job in life was to “get married, have a home and raise a family.” While Ford did pay his female workers the same as men, it was solely so they could dress attractively and afford to get married.
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Ladies, does it ever seem to you that men are scared of women doing the things they do? For instance, take Lauren Mayberry, the frontwoman of Scottish band Chvrches. While she’s got an undergraduate law degree and a master’s degree in journalism, along with hundreds of thousands of fans, she’s also the recipient of plenty of odious and violent threats. And we all know how difficult it can be to shut out such hatred. I mean, I still remember the slightly hurtful comment a boy made to me in fifth grade! So, today, I applaud all women who brush off the haters and brilliantly triumph over derision and animosity.
The post Reenie Collins: She’s Keeping Musicians Healthy appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
From Friday Night Lights’ Tami Taylor to Vivian Banks of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Linda Belcher of Bob’s Burgers, our favorite TV shows depict mothers of all kinds. I’ve noticed something, though. While TV provides us with real, flawed mom characters to relate to, we still somehow often hold ourselves up to June Cleaver, the quintessential perfect mother. When she isn’t serving up a wholesome dinner, Mrs. Cleaver ices a cake for dessert, arranges lovely floral bouquets and, of course, keeps the family’s suburban Mayfield home exceptionally tidy. If you’re more of a perpetually 15 minutes late, takeout-ordering kind of mom, that’s cool too. Regardless of whether you’re crushing it or simply just taking motherhood one day at a time, you’re doing it, Mama, and that’s definitely something to be proud of.
The post Destiney Green: She’s Your New Mom Crush appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
While we discuss a whole range of topics here at On The Dot, there’s one consistent characteristic that helps women get what they want, whether it’s signing a big client or feeling a sense of work/life balance. It’s confidence. Even as young girls, we’re often not encouraged to build our confidence. That certainly contributes to many girls not pursuing subjects like science and math. It’s also why so many women don’t apply for STEM jobs after college or even ask for a raise. Today, ask a fellow woman or girl for her opinion. Embolden her to feel confident in her response. And most importantly, really listen to what she has to say.
The post Jane Zelikova and Kelly Ramirez: She’s Empowering Women in Science appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In 1967, an ambitious woman named Muriel Siebert purchased a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. She was one woman among nearly 1,400 men who could buy and sell shares directly on the trading floor. The NYSE was so male-dominated, in fact, there wasn’t even a ladies’ room on the trading floor. It took a good two decades more before a women’s restroom was installed near the prestigious Stock Exchange Luncheon Club, an addition spurred by Muriel’s threat to install a porta-potty if her demands weren’t met. Today, we applaud Muriel and all the women who’ve made crunching numbers their life’s work—even when met with some serious gender bias.
The post Trish Costello: She’s Investing in Progress appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
The first time you attend a yoga class, you’re anything but Zen. During my first downward dog, my self-doubt dialogue came on strong. While I hadn’t touched my toes since about sixth grade or so, the guy next to me was a grade A showoff. Every chance he got, he took the advanced route until I couldn’t even tell him apart from an Auntie Anne’s pretzel. Alongside him were women who invested some serious om in designer yoga pants, making me question my decades-old college T-shirt. What I wish I knew then applies both on and off the mat: look straight ahead or look within. Life, like yoga, isn’t a competition.
The post Lauren Ash: She’s Breathing Easy appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When a married couple, one a psychology researcher, the other a genetics researcher, conducted several double-blind studies about flowers, the results were astounding. Participants were presented with one of three gifts—a decorative candle, a fruit basket or a bouquet of flowers—with emotions-lab researchers scrutinizing each recipient’s facial expressions upon receiving the gift. Every single person responded to the gift of flowers with what’s known as a Duchenne smile. That’s psychologist language for a true smile that involves the whole face, a grin with the mouth, eyes and cheeks. So, what’s the moral of this story? Instead of simply stopping to smell the roses, give a blossoming gift that’s sure to lead to a loved one’s true smile.
The post Heidi Berkman: She’s Bringing Joy to Hospice Patients appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
If you walk into any junior-high girls’ bathroom or blow-dry bar, you’re likely to hear something along the lines of “I wish I had her hair.” When it comes to our standards of beauty, the grass is always greener. Curly haired gals envy straight locks and strong-cheekboned chicks envy strong-browed maidens. It’s OK to admit that you really wish you were a few inches taller, or whatever your insecurity might be. But don’t let it consume you. Today, work on acknowledging what other women have to offer without giving in to that tinge of jealousy while also admitting your own envious features. If you can nail it, then you’re definitely a beauty in my book!
The post Aysha Harun: She’s Keeping It Beautiful appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I recently came across a phrase I’m sure I’d heard before, but this time, it really stuck with me: progress over perfection. It’s snappy and simple, yet embodying this idea continues to be a daily struggle. While the word “progress” immediately brings to mind the idea of moving forward, the first dictionary definition is actually an expedition or journey. Isn’t that how life is? We expect a destination, an end goal to everything. That’s what perfection looks like. But, in fact, we’re all just strolling along winding walkways, attempting to figure it all out.
The post Kristen Bellstrom: She’s The Broadsheet appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
On the long list of innovations and products women weren’t permitted to use throughout history, add this gem: Women weren’t supposed to ride bicycles. In the late 19th century, a few gutsy ladies did, however, despite often being labeled unfeminine. As one writer stated in an 1896 editorial, the bicycle was a steed on which women rode into a whole new world. Bikes enabled women to travel free of chaperones and restrictive clothing. Do you know what that meant? Independence. What’s the one thing in your life that gives you the feeling of the wind in your hair and your petticoat left at home as you embrace your freedom? From your own savings account to your first roommate-free apartment, let’s celebrate all those victories, Destiny’s Child style, like the magnificent independent women we are!
The post Amy Charity: She’s on the Ride of Her Life appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Women are more open now than ever before about how they ended up with that bun in the oven. In a prenatal yoga class, one yogi praises her acupuncturist, another extols IVF and another commends her beloved basal thermometer. One even stored her eggs for a future undertaking. As women navigate what’s often a fraught voyage toward conception, it’s vital we talk to each other. By doing so, we not only support a sisterhood, we also work to dispel unhelpful fertility myths, like the idea that eating yams will result in twins or launching into a full-blown handstand after doing the deed is a sure-fire guarantee of conception.
The post Afton Vechery and Carly Leahy: She’s Modernizing Fertility appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In 2016, the senior VP of marketing at Marvel Comics gave an interview claiming that female readership of the brand’s comics and graphic novels is growing. He noted that based on market analysis and info from retailers, nearly half—40 percent—of all Marvel readers are female, and in some markets, that number could be more like 60 percent. He says that’s a dramatic increase from eight years previous, when female readership was at maybe 10 percent, and a big bump from 15 years ago, when female readership was negligible. Women and girls are glued to pages from illustrators and writers who depict the female perspective, like Roxane Gay and Sara Pichelli. I think it’s fair to say our gender can’t get enough of fantastic stories told with pencil, paper and a whole lot of imagination. Whether it’s satirical or educational, in the comics industry, gals are here to stay.
The post Françoise Mouly: She’s ‘Tooning’ Kids In appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Did you know kids are terrible at waiting? You can put on their favorite YouTube video and they freak out when they have to wait through a 30-second ad first. Patience is no virtue for them. But honestly, are grownups any better? I may wait for what seems like forever in line at the pharmacy with an apathetic expression on my face, but inside, I’m yelling, “Come on! Hurry up! What’s taking so long?” Obviously, I still haven’t discovered the secret to instilling personal patience, especially when I’m waiting in line, but today, I’m reminded just how lucky I am to simply have access to a pharmacy at all.
The post Prarthna Desai: She’s Making Global Health Her Mission appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Ladies, what are some of your daily routines? Do they help you succeed in life, or are they simply items to check off your to-do list? Of course, there are plenty of blogs and books filled with the extreme daily rituals of successful people, rituals that can often make us average folks feel diminished. For instance, supposedly, Stephen King writes 2,000 words a day, and Karl Marx visited the British Museum Reading Room from open to close every day—for nearly 30 years! Some CEOs start their day with rigorous exercise or a 4 a.m. wake-up call, whereas the average woman’s daily rituals might include squeezing in an afternoon nap, listening to a podcast during rush hour or basking in a postwork hot shower to rid the day’s stressors. Whatever your daily rituals, today, write them down and question whether they add or negate from what you want out of life.
The post Katerina Schneider: She’s Got Your New Daily Ritual appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Today, I am reminded of that phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.” It’s been one of those days when nothing works out perfectly. It’s not even big stuff. I’m talking about missing the trash can and having to lean over to pick up the crumpled paper, or discovering the coffee jar is empty, a password has been forgotten or that the meeting was at 2, not 3. Some days just ain’t going to improve, and the best you can do is pick up the trash, grab a terrible gas-station latte, apologize about missing the meeting and try again tomorrow.
The post Shelley Clifford Brophy: She’s Programmed for Opportunity appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Whether elitist white dudes like it or not, Latinas have long been making an impact in the political sphere. Take Alicia Dickerson Montemayor. She was the first woman elected to a national office that wasn’t specifically designated for a woman. There were also the Mirabal sisters, who formed a political movement against a Dominican Republic dictator in the 1950s. And Dolores Huerta, a labor leader and political-rights activist, co-founded what would become the United Farm Workers union. The list goes on, and fortunately, the future looks hopeful. Today, let these women’s stories get you fired up to take on what you believe in.
The post Hala Ayala and Elizabeth Guzmán: She’s Making Political History appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Whenever I see a woman with a crisp cat eye or precise red lips, I compliment her. If you wear makeup, you know those are two skills that take mega practice. Trying to even out jet-black eyeliner can quickly escalate into a panda-eyed situation, while overindulging in vivid lipstick can send you into Joker territory. If you’re still figuring out this whole cosmetics thing, don’t worry. No one wakes up with an even hand and a full skill set. Grab a mirror, find yourself a YouTube tutorial and spend an entire Saturday just having fun with makeup.
The post Mary Dillon: She’s Modernizing the Beauty Biz appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When you finish today’s On The Dot, we hope your heart will be filled with a bit more charity. We’re talking about a tough subject—homelessness—but one that’s important to discuss in the hope that we can learn how to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by this all too common plight. There are myriad reasons why someone might find herself or himself without a home at some point in their lives, and you may be surprised by how many of those reasons hit close to home with you. Losing your job or falling behind on student-loan payments—something many of us can relate to—are just a couple examples. Other people become homeless because medical issues resulted in mounting bills, while others simply may not be able to afford the rising cost of housing. Today, put yourself in their shoes. Consider life from their perspective. Let your compassion flow and listen to how you can help.
The post Nancy Fairbank: She’s Advocating for Homeless Youth appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When you wake up, what’s the first thing you do? Check your phone? Turn on a light? Start the coffee maker? Pretty routinely, the beginning of our days involve one thing: electricity. Solar energy has been developed with continual research—and with some skepticism too. You’ve got to think people back in the day weren’t exactly accepting this newfangled thing called electricity with open arms either. I’m sure many scoffed at the idea of charged particles and currents, resolutely stating, “I’ll stick with my candles, thank you very much.” If you’re not so sure about this solar-energy stuff, do some research of your own. Listen and read with an open mind. And remember, if it weren’t for pioneering folks in the energy field, we’d all still be relying on candles to light the way.
The post Alice Min Soo Chun: She’s Lighting Up the World appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Looking back at 2017, Vogue considers it a year in which fashion made profound statements. They’re not talking about superficial styling choices, but clothing that’s worn to say something even when you’re not. From the knitted pink hats worn throughout the U.S. during the Women’s March to quinceañera dresses Mexican-American women donned at the Texas Capitol in dissent of the discriminatory Senate Bill 4, women took a stand in 2017, making some powerful protest fashion statements. Even when you’re not protesting for what you believe in, you make daily choices in how to portray who you are. What do you want to stand for today?
The post Rebecca Lee Funk: She’s Outraged appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
If you’ve browsed the internet in the last decade, you’ve noticed a certain phrase popping up again and again: side hustle. It’s certainly something we talk a lot about at On The Dot. Though hustling has had negative connotations in the past, often referring to a scam or swindle, these days, hustling—and side hustling, in particular—is seen as considerably more positive. Women side hustle to start their passion projects while also maintaining their 9-to-5 jobs. Many of these lady side hustlers cultivate those endeavors into full-time—and lucrative—gigs. Today, think about what your passion project would be. You never know, with a little dedication and elbow grease, it could lead to your dream job!
The post Jaclyn Johnson: She’s Creating and Cultivating for Women appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
We started 2018 with some hopeful global news. For instance, did you know Iceland just became the first country to make it illegal to pay women less than men? Icelandic officials had already agreed to end the gender pay gap by 2022, but with this new law in effect, the gap will close even sooner, as companies and government agencies with at least 25 employees will be held accountable for maintaining equal-pay policies—and fined if they fail. Part of the reason this new law was backed by both political parties is that half of Icelandic lawmakers are women. Today, wherever you are in the world, remember that you deserve equal pay, so fight for it!
The post Cathy Engelbert: She’s Right on the Money appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When I researched female lawyers in pop culture to talk about today, the third search-engine result detailed the “25 hottest,” with the website finding them “guilty of being gorgeous.” Ugh, no! The great thing about being a lawyer in real life is that if you don’t know your job—you know, the law—then you aren’t going to be doing it for very long. And being great at lawyering has absolutely nothing to do with how attractive you are, thank goodness. TV’s Clair Huxtable and Diane Lockhart may make the gig appear effortless, but today, we shout, “All rise!” for the real-life lady lawyers who discern some serious legalese in order to be our voice in the courtroom.
The post Nina Shaw: She’s Championing Change in Hollywood appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When you woke up this morning, what were the first three thoughts that crossed your mind (aside from, “I need more sleep!”)? I’m noticing a pattern with my morning thoughts, and I don’t think I’m alone in this. My mind chaotically ricochets from one task I need to accomplish to the next. I need to Google, “How to clean my ice machine.” Also, that major project is due tomorrow. I wonder if I should dye my hair again? No answers rapidly appear because I’m quickly on to the next question. Today, let’s challenge ourselves to a to-do-list test of sorts. With every to-do-list thought that arises in your mind, cognitively complete the task right away. Check it off your mental scroll and take a moment to notice how much lighter you feel.
The post Angela Duckworth: She’s Gritty appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
A few years ago, a grad student studying the field of management conducted a telling experiment. In a simulation, she had men and women both negotiate for a starting salary. The results were shocking: Women asked for about $7,000 less than the men. But what’s more interesting is that when women negotiated on behalf of a colleague, they asked for more, essentially closing the pay gap. Even though we steadfastly advocate for our colleagues, we ladies have a tough time asking for what we’re personally worth. We’re concerned about our reputation hitting a nosedive if we go into a negotiation swingin’. Instead of panicking about your salary negotiations, ladies, approach the situation like you’re solving any other problem. And think about the other people your salary may be supporting in order to tap into that savvy negotiator within!
The post Elizabeth Gore and Carolyn Rodz: She’s Advocating for Female Entrepreneurs appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you ever worked with someone you just know never shared anything when he was a kid? He could never participate in the relay race on Field Day because he couldn’t bear to let go of the baton. While that’s super annoying in elementary school, in your adult career, it can be downright unbearable to deal with a selfish co-worker. His version of collaboration is telling you you’re doing it all wrong. How infuriating! Today, instead of stooping to that dude’s miserly level and scheming your evil plan for his demise, brainstorm some go-to coping strategies and share those tips with your friendlier colleagues. I’m sure everyone will be grateful for you sharing.
The post Alison Martin-Books: She’s Passing the Torch appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When you think of beer, you probably imagine bars and baseball games. But the sudsy stuff is much more ingrained in our culture than you might think. All the way back in the 5th century, it was mead, a honey-based beer-like beverage, that brought about the term “honeymoon.” Yep, seriously. Calendars revolved around lunar phases then, and during the first moon of a newlyweds’ marriage, the couple would indulge in the luscious honey beer. Sounds like the perfect way to start a lifelong adventure together, right? What interesting stories have you amassed—with or without your better half—from your personal history of sipping a pint—or three?
The post Tanisha Robinson: She’s the Top Brew Dog appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
“Help!” urges my friend’s kindergartner. She hands me a toy with so many components, I’m not sure what to do. Buttons and lights and what I think might be wheels have me stupefied, leaving her impatient and grabbing the gadget from my hands so she can fix the problem herself within minutes. Yeah, so, a 6-year-old is smarter than me. Cool. Once I brush off my damaged ego, I realize I’m actually thrilled. She’s part of a generation that could solve some of the world’s most monumental problems with her remarkable STEM skills.
The post Laura Weidman Powers: She’s Empowering Minorities in Tech appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Do you have a memory of a time when you were super close-minded? Let’s be real: If you’re like most of us, you probably have a dozen of them. There’s nothing funnier than seeing a 10-year-old think so black and white about a subject, all the while knowing she will better understand the shades of gray later on. As we get older, we learn being insular just isn’t cool. You close yourself off to getting to know some really astounding people and gaining some marvelous knowledge. Today, embrace open-mindedness. Give someone new a chance, like that over-the-top server at your favorite lunch spot or your relative known for her questionable social-media opinions.
The post Jen Hatmaker: She’s Crushing Stereotypes With Moxie appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Has anyone ever told you that when you walk into a room, you just shine? Yeah, me neither. But we’ve all known women who do. Maybe it’s just a shimmer or maybe it’s out-and-out Florida-style rays of sunshine. One definition of shine is “to be bright by reflection of light,” and that’s something we can all exemplify. If you feel self-pity or defeat, chances are Debbie Downer from IT will plop down beside you during lunch and make things worse. As hard as it is some days—especially if you can’t avoid the Debbie Downers in your life—shine bright, girlfriend! And by doing so, you might just attract even more positivity.
The post Ashley LeMieux: She’s Brightening the Future for Inner-city Kids appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
If you’re a millennial, when someone calls you—you know, like on the phone—you’re straight up startled. What could they want? Did they accidentally butt dial you? Should you answer? By the time you go through the complicated inner dialogue, voicemail picks up the call for you. But you’ve missed the chance for real, stimulating interaction. If the only phone communication that’s part of your day comes in the form of a tedious conference call, it might be time to reconsider your phone phobia and dial up a friend. It may be awkward at first, but you’ll soon find your rhythm and be thankful you can give those texting thumbs a respite.
The post Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman: She’s Your Podcast Bestie appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
OK, y’all. There’s something I’ve got to take a stance on. It’s controversial. There are many opinions, but let me just tell you now, mine is the right one. Here goes: It’s OK to eat dessert for breakfast. Yep, you heard it here first. I’m a lifelong ice-cream connoisseur and am tired of it getting a bad rap. After all, a couple scoops of ice cream only amount to about 150 calories, which is about the same as your morning latte and about one-third as much as that blueberry muffin you love. Something tells me I’d hit snooze less often if a hot-fudge sundae were waiting for me at the breakfast table. Who’s with me?
The post Jeni Britton Bauer: She’s Got the Scoop on Your Favorite Dessert appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Do you ever get bummed out by social media? A quick search of hashtags I’m interested in results in images of women holding backbreaking yoga poses on the beach and mamas-to-be showing off how they still somehow have abs. Dang if all that doesn’t make me feel inferior. And I’m sure I’m not alone. Today, let’s identify the online triggers that scratch at our self-esteem, and work to eradicate them from our lives. If the crafting Facebook group you joined is stressing you out, leave it. If that productivity blog is giving you an ulcer, delete it. Remember, you have the power to control what media you consume during your leisure time. Choose wisely.
The post Laura Pevehouse: She’s Dell’s Social-media Maven appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
While watching a riveting CNN documentary series about television throughout the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, I was struck with how every generation complained about the same thing. People protested and courtrooms were filled for public hearings and lawsuits about how TV is ruining us all. I can certainly think of more than a handful of idiotic shows that deserve to be cut. But when you get down to it, there’s some good that comes from seeing real women on the small screen, like Queen Elizabeth II’s first televised Christmas speech in 1957, or Michelle Obama’s televised famous words from the 2016 Democratic National Convention, “When they go low, we go high.”
The post Sophia Rossi: She’s Inspiring Smiles and Giggles appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Do you ever have advertising jingles or slogans pop into your head that were popular when you were a kid? Anyone remember the Doublemint Gum jingle? Or the “Where’s the beef?” old lady? How about this one: Plop, plop, fizz, fizz? I can distinctly recall a local commercial for Alaskan Fur that ended with a song simply repeating the business name. I’ve never purchased a fur coat, so I’m not sure how compelling the marketing was, but there’s something to be said for remembering that dang song to this day, right? So, which advertising jingles will you get stuck in your head today?
The post Meredith Ulmer: She’s Got a Deliciously Different Take on Marketing appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
From selfies to memes, there’s a lot of inspiration to be found on Instagram. Some of my favorite folks to follow on Instagram are amazing female pilots who are crushing stereotypes by sharing really cool photos of their work in the aviation industry. From an accomplished 30-something pilot for a Turkish airline to a Boeing 737 Dutch pilot who has more than 33,000 Instagram followers, women are showing off their wings. Today, share a photo of yourself doing something that will bust a stereotype or two.
The post Vernice Armour: She’s a FlyGirl appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you heard of the 48-hour rule? It’s the concept that when you receive constructive criticism or feedback, you take a couple days to absorb it as if it were true. Say your boss suggests you rework part of an already finished project. Your first reaction might involve a little stubbornness and self-pity mixed with some serious complaining to your colleagues at lunch. Instead, sit with it if you can. Time can often be the one thing that helps us see clearly, and it also ensures you put some emotional distance between the feedback and yourself.
The post Shruti Naik: She’s Rockin’ the Science Lab appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
The co-founder of PayPal says a good question to ask yourself when trying to identify your passion is: What do you believe that others disagree with? When you really delve into that query, it forces you to identify the uniqueness of your ideas. After all, such beliefs are often what drive innovators to create some of the world’s most amazing inventions. Other people claim something can’t be done, and then one woman out there with a generations-old spice concoction, for instance, invents a groundbreaking product that prevents food waste and revolutionizes the global food economy. So, my fellow idea ladies, what do you believe? What’s your innovating concept that’s destined to change the world? Be sure to share with us on Twitter @OnTheDotWoman so we can tell your story too.
The post Cynthia de Lorenzi: She’s Leading the Women-owned Revolution appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
For most of us, it’s hard to imagine quickly leaving everything and everyone we know and love behind just for the basic human rights of safety and well-being. That’s the first challenge of many in the life of a refugee. I recently read one touching refugee story that really stuck with me about a 26-year-old girl who made the expensive endeavor to flee war-torn Syria for Greece by herself, while her husband, kids and family chose the less expensive path to Lebanon. Today, I urge you to remember her story and that of the millions of other refugees worldwide fighting for their lives. If you have the ability, please help by volunteering or donating to refugee-focused causes. And show some gratitude for the wonderful people in your own life.
The post Miry Whitehill: She’s Helping Refugee Families appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Do you remember the first time you stayed at a hotel? My first time was when I was just a kid. I recall my first experience with continental breakfast, specifically the unlimited hot-cocoa packets and futuristic waffle machine. I didn’t realize social etiquette required I probably shouldn’t take all the packets they set out in the lobby every day. But come on, who says no to free cocoa? Waking up, plopping the batter in the waffle machine, turning it on and excitedly waiting the three minutes was like a visit to Disneyland for me. While I wouldn’t bat an eye at those things now, I still believe it’s the little things in life that help us rise and shine and be our best selves every day.
The post Liz Lambert: She’s the Highness of Hip Hotels appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Christiane Amanpour, Lisa Ling, Tamron Hall: These are just a few of the women who have made significant contributions to the field of modern journalism. It’s been a tough road for women who want to investigate stories and share them. Way back when women wore petticoats, female journalists were restricted to reporting on society news, and art and theater. Women who wanted to report more had to go undercover. Today, we’re grateful for all those gutsy, newsy gals who dutifully scoured the streets to report on the most important happenings, despite the repercussions.
The post Cristi Hegranes: She’s Hot Off the Presses appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
There’s a social-psychology theory called pluralistic ignorance. Put simply, it’s when the majority of group members believe they think or feel differently than each other. The result? The individuals go along with the status quo, the social norms. For instance, in season one of The Handmaid’s Tale (OTD required viewing), there are dozens of women in red habits and wings silently abiding by their society’s laws. Those who think differently find strength when another finds her voice and shares a dissenting opinion. “Strength in numbers” is more than a phrase; it helps women find the power they thought was lost.
The post Tarana Burke: She’s the Mind Behind the Movement appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Most of us have either seen or been inside a Starbucks coffee shop, with its green, two-tailed mermaid logo displayed on every possible surface, packaged product and paper coffee cup in the vicinity. Since its inception in 1971, the coffee enterprise has expanded beyond Seattle and onto just about every bustling city corner throughout the world. On the cusp of 2018, the billion-dollar company opened its largest store and roastery yet, in Shanghai, China. It features a tea bar with 3-D-printed materials, an in-house bakery and three massive coffee bars in a 30,000-square-foot space, so I’d say a visit is in order. But first, coffee!
The post Rosalind Brewer: She’s Spilling the Coffee Beans appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Here’s a little trivia for you: Name this country. I’ll give you a couple hints. It’s slightly smaller than the state of California and more than 127 million people call it home. It’s also the place where PlayStation and gel pens were invented, and it boasts stunning mountains, parks and beaches, and has a wealth of historical landmarks and a welcoming culture. That’s right, the answer is Japan. Today, we’re talking specifically about Japanese cuisine, just one of the country’s many contributions that enhances our lives. Japan’s tourism slogan is “Endless Discovery,” so let’s delve in and discover a little more about this ancient and spectacular island nation.
The post Niki Nakayama: She’s a Master of Japanese Cuisine appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Every single day, we are faced with bad news. I’m not talking about your favorite MAC lipstick shade being discontinued. I’m talking about wildfires in California, hurricanes in Puerto Rico, earthquakes in Iran. It can seem dang near impossible to find a glimmer of light in a world so fraught with tragedy. But take heart in the stories that give you hope, like the homeless veteran who spent his last 20 bucks on gas to help a stranded female motorist, and the more than 14,000 people who donated $400,000 to that good-hearted man. Today, channel the good stuff.
The post Kelsey Crowe: She’s an Emphatic Empathizer appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Are you an avid runner? If not, think about some reasons you might want to take up the activity. It’s a great way to make friends, helps release stress and may even aid in liberating you from feelings of anger and sadness post-breakup. If you’re feeling some major work-related stressors, pounding the pavement might help clear your head. Oh yeah, and it’s free to run. Plus, there’s that whole getting-healthy-and-staying-in-shape thing. You might not be a runner now and you may never be, but there’s no harm in trying it out and putting your best foot forward in 2018.
The post Shalane Flanagan: She’s Running Down Her Dream appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Think back to history class in grade school. What do you recall? For me, it’s the memory of a specific teacher thoroughly explaining how, throughout history, women weren’t provided equal rights to men. My girlfriends and I were aghast and confused. “What do you mean women couldn’t vote and couldn’t own property? Girls couldn’t play so-called boys’ sports?” I’m appreciative of that teacher for enlightening and emboldening me to continue to fight for the rights of women. And as I think back fondly about all those times I beat some boys at kickball, I always remember just how lucky I am, how lucky we all are.
The post Teresa Younger: She’s a Modern Feminist Voice appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
A while ago, I set up a Google Alert on my computer for the phrase “women in tech.” I am, quite frankly, astounded at the results. Dozens of articles are on the web about this subject matter. More women in tech in the news? Yes, please! But here’s the thing: For every one inspiring story, there are nine about the challenges women in tech face that’ll leave you in a dismal state. I’ve found the best way to really get to know what’s going on in this industry is by connecting with women working in tech directly. For starters, there’s an excellent list of 100 ladies in the tech field you should definitely follow on Twitter, but we want to hear from you too. Who should we follow? Let us know @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter.
The post Simone Giertz: She’s a Robotics Queen appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Today, we’re talking about uniqueness. The first definition of “unique,” according to Merriam-Webster, is simply “being the only one.” I guess back in the day, people were pretty fickle about the word’s usage, often insisting something is either unique or entirely non-noteworthy. Of course, over time, we’ve loosened up a little with regard to that definition, and these days, “unique” means to stand out, to be distinctive. At On The Dot, we’re all about championing women’s uniqueness. After all, who wants to be simple or common or a boring old dime a dozen?
The post Sonja Rasula: She’s Curating a Unique Empire appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
One aspect of what many women find appealing about crafting is the act of using their hands, getting away from the glut of electronics and making something original. From Paint-By-Numbers Kits in the 1950s to velvet paintings in the ’70s and Perler beads in the ’90s, most of us have dabbled in some sort of craft fad or two. The cool thing is that when you make something yourself, it feels more special than your average Target impulse buy. So, whether it’s your bedazzled purse from middle school or your new DIY T-shirt, today, wear it proudly, crafty lady!
The post Midge Blitz: She’s Crafting Wearable Feminism appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Motherhood, though a wonderful experience, also has its drawbacks. Giving birth used to be something to legitimately fear, with as many as 4 percent of women dying during childbirth in the 17th and 18th centuries. If you think that fear has passed, think again. Childbirth is still the sixth most common cause of death for American women between the ages of 20 and 34. I know what you’re thinking: Why do you have to be such a bummer this morning? Knowledge is power, my ladies. If we don’t care about our fellow women’s health outcomes, who will? Think about it this way: Today, you get another opportunity to effect some positive change for other women.
The post Laura Stachel: She’s a Guiding Light in Health Care appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In Toy Story 3, Barbie meets Ken. Sure, he’s good looking, rockin’ six-pack abs and a killer smile, but it’s something else that really catches Barbie’s attention: his closet. From cute cowboy getups to disco-ready outfits, Ken’s got it all. Plus, he ends up being a sweet guy. Ken and Barbie’s shared obsession with their wardrobes aside, they were clearly made for one another. And while Ken’s closet doesn’t exactly cause my heart to flutter, it got me thinking about how important it is to have a real connection with someone. Today, take a few minutes to let those who are important in your life know how you really feel. And you don’t have to be all dolled up when you do!
The post Haneefah Adam: She’s Giving Barbie a Makeover appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I came across a magazine article recently that urged readers to identify their signature fashion style. I posed that question to a male friend, who knowingly described his wardrobe as “comfortable meets lumberjack.” I’ve been wrestling with the idea for days and have yet to identify my own signature style. So, I turned to the experts. One style guru suggested I pick five items from my wardrobe I’d wear every day if no one were keeping track, then ask myself a few questions about each piece, about everything from the color to the silhouette to the fabric. Supposedly, the answers will help me identify my personal style, whether it’s boho chic, vintage French elegant or, more likely, Mama-needs-coffee casual.
The post Katrina Lake: She’s Curating Your Signature Style appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
At a concert I recently attended, the band played several songs about love, both lost and found. One of the musicians talked about playing a particular breakup song she wrote when she was just 19 years old. During the course of the last decade of singing the song, she said she was in awe how connected audience members were to it. The emotions of a breakup, regardless of the details, are something pretty much everyone can connect with. Today, we’re talking about not only surviving but thriving after a breakup. This is your reminder, ladies, that you’re better without your ex!
The post Natasha Adamo: She’s the Expert on Post Male Syndrome appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
What have you learned as a woman coming of age? For me—and this might seem a little corny, but it’s true—it’s to simply be myself. There are plenty of profound reasons to be true to oneself, but when it comes down to it, it’s just plain easier. Pretending to be something you’re not is exhausting. Today, take a few moments to contemplate not how you want the world to see you, but who you really are. Then allow your true self to shine!
The post Kristin Neff: She’s a Self-compassion Sage appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
There’s a word that’s been bugging me lately: normal. If you look at Facebook groups, online forums and the like, you’ll see tons of comments from women asking what others do so they can measure themselves by what’s supposedly “normal.” When you type “Is it normal…?” into Google, you’ll see more than 1.8 billion responses. Defined as “conforming to a standard,” “normal” is a word we should reserve for test results and mathematical equations instead of applying it to our value as humans and women. I say we embrace that wise internet adage: Normal is just a setting on the dryer!
The post Issa Rae: She’s Embracing Awkwardness appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
It’s 2018, and I know what you’re probably thinking about: those dreaded New Year’s resolutions. By now, you’ve seen all the articles suggesting what yours should be, how to stay committed to them or, conversely, how to just plain avoid them entirely because they’re unattainable. I’ve got a different idea. Rather than putting a 365-day time stamp on your resolutions, give yourself a season, as in the season of winter or simply a season of your life, to work toward attaining your aspirations. If your goal is to save more money, spending less might come easily in the first few months of the year. As spring rolls around, that resolution might mean adding a side-hustling job to bring in a little more income, but preparing for that in advance sets you up to succeed. However you approach New Year’s resolutions, remember you’re only human, and forgiving your shortcomings is the first step on the path to resilience.
The post Kayla Itsines: She’s Your New Year’s Resolution appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
There’s a silly joke that’s made the rounds on the internet that I just had to share. A kid sees a floppy disk and says, “Oh, you 3-D printed the ‘save’ icon!” There’s a reason why we all love it. For those who don’t remember, floppy disks were a mainstay until the mid-1990s, before saving data to CDs, the cloud or to a zip drive became all the rage. For a frame of reference, a floppy disk isn’t even big enough to hold one modern-day song. Talk about the worst playlist ever! So, while you might reminisce about the “save” icon of the past, I think we can all agree modern technology beats it any day!
The post Jessica Naziri: She’s Making Geek Chic appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
There are plenty of ways to make a workplace more inclusive. Spoiler alert: Throwing beanbag chairs and a juice bar into the mix isn’t one of them. For women, no matter how many Luna bars you toss our way, we won’t back down from demanding our real needs at work. Equal pay, flexibility, safety and plain old gratitude go a long way. Today, ladies, don’t shy away from telling your employer exactly what changes need to be made to ensure your office is a welcoming place for female employees, clients and visitors.
The post Katie Dill: She’s Lyfting Your User Experience appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When you get home from a long day of listening to your colleague Randy ramble on about how overworked he is, the last thing you probably want to do is whip up a homemade meal. Generations of busy women before us definitely felt this way too. That’s why dining out has long been a welcome option for those who could afford it. But the price of dining out has increased significantly, putting a whole new spin on the phrase “bringing home the bacon.” For instance, did you know that in 1838, a mere quarter would buy you a perfectly cooked steak? In 1912, 50 cents would get you an entire meal at an Italian restaurant in San Francisco—including dessert. And as recently as 1966, for a little more than two bucks, you could sit down to a fully prepared Christmas dinner. Talk about a meal deal!
The post Martha Pincoffs: She’s the Original Grainster appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
If you’re a sports fan, you’re probably not shy about rooting for your favorite MVPs in the game. You always choose them in your fantasy league and ruthlessly defend their honor against naysayers. But what about everyone else who plays a role in ensuring the game goes off without a hitch? From water boys and girls hustling on the sidelines to concession-stand workers to the refs on the field, there’s so much more that goes into a rockin’ game than just the lauded players. Even in Little League, the game relies on patient coaches and encouraging parents offering orange slices and milk cartons. Today, whether you’re rooting for the home team or calling all the shots, take a moment to give a nod to all those folks behind the scenes making sure all the bases are covered.
The post Carla Williams: She’s Ruling College Athletics appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Ladies, do you have a portrait of yourself or your family? I’m not talking selfies here; I mean real paint-on-canvas art depicting your lovely face. Albeit somewhat rare these days for average folks, portraits have quite the storied past. Some of the oldest portraits in existence date back to the year 1,000 A.D., and depict Chinese notables, with plenty of British monarchs and religious and political figureheads gracing the canvas later on. Common people have long been painted as well, from intrepid mothers to inspirational muses. So, what are you waiting for? Track down a skilled portraitist, settle into a perfect pose, then enjoy your portrait as a wonderful remembrance to be celebrated in your family for generations to come.
The post Amy Sherald: She’s a Real Work of Art appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Do you ever feel like in order to make money, you have to actually have money? Take the most basic business: a lemonade stand. You have to shell out funds for the lemonade, cups, signage and the table you use. You even need to have some cash on hand from the get-go, in case a customer needs change. What if you have none of that because—hello—you’re 8 years old? Well, that’s when it comes time to pitch to investors, aka your parents. And while you might feel like you’re making pure profit, you now have shareholders dictating your business strategy! But if that’s what it takes to run your own venture, it’s worth it, right?
The post Sue Siegel: She’s an Innovator appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Happy holidays, y’all! I am super excited to serve up two weeks of Fan Favorites to keep you inspired throughout this crazy holiday season. We’ve shortened On The Dot to just two minutes, as we know you are extra busy this time of year! Today, you will meet Rhonda Vetere again. And let me tell you, the next two minutes will definitely get your blood pumping! In fact, she shared an exclusive update with us at the end of this episode.
The post Two-minute Take Two: Rhonda Vetere, Fan Favorite 2017 appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Happy holidays, y’all! I am super excited to serve up two weeks of Fan Favorites to keep you inspired throughout this crazy holiday season. We’ve shortened On The Dot to just two minutes, as we know you are extra busy this time of year! Today, you will meet Rhonesha Byng again. And let me tell you, the next two minutes will definitely get your blood pumping! In fact, she shared an exclusive update with us at the end of this episode.
The post Two-minute Take Two: Rhonesha Byng, Fan Favorite 2017 appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Happy holidays, y’all! I am super excited to serve up two weeks of Fan Favorites to keep you inspired throughout this crazy holiday season. We’ve shortened On The Dot to just two minutes, as we know you are extra busy this time of year! Today, you will meet Sylvia Acevedo again. And let me tell you, the next two minutes will definitely get your blood pumping! In fact, she shared an exclusive update with us at the end of this episode.
The post Two-minute Take Two: Sylvia Acevedo, Fan Favorite 2017 appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Happy holidays, y’all! I am super excited to serve up two weeks of Fan Favorites to keep you inspired throughout this crazy holiday season. We’ve shortened On The Dot to just two minutes, as we know you are extra busy this time of year! Today, we meet Mikaila Ulmer again. And let me tell you, the next two minutes will definitely get your blood pumping! In fact, she shared an exclusive update with us at the end of this episode.
The post Two-minute Take Two: Mikaila Ulmer, Fan Favorite 2017 appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Happy holidays, y’all! I am super excited to serve up two weeks of Fan Favorites to keep you inspired throughout this crazy holiday season. We’ve shortened On The Dot to just two minutes, as we know you are extra busy this time of year! Today, you will meet Nely Galán again. And let me tell you, the next two minutes will definitely get your blood pumping! In fact, she shared an exclusive update with us at the end of this episode.
The post Two-minute Take Two: Nely Galán, Fan Favorite 2017 appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Happy holidays, y’all! I am super excited to serve up two weeks of Fan Favorites to keep you inspired throughout this crazy holiday season. We’ve shortened On The Dot to just two minutes, as we know you are extra busy this time of year! Today, you will meet Ann Shoket again. And let me tell you, the next two minutes will definitely get your blood pumping! In fact, she shared an exclusive update with us at the end of this episode.
The post Two-minute Take Two: Ann Shoket, Fan Favorite 2017 appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Happy holidays, y’all! I am super excited to serve up two weeks of Fan Favorites to keep you inspired throughout this crazy holiday season. We’ve shortened On The Dot to just two minutes, as we know you are extra busy this time of year! Today, you will meet Jeanna Doyle again. And let me tell you, the next two minutes will definitely get your blood pumping! In fact, she shared an exclusive update with us at the end of this episode.
The post Two-minute Take Two: Jeanna Doyle, Fan Favorite 2017 appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Happy holidays, y’all! I am super excited to serve up two weeks of Fan Favorites to keep you inspired throughout this crazy holiday season. We’ve shortened On The Dot to just two minutes, as we know you are extra busy this time of year! Today, we meet Emily Nunez Cavness and Betsy Nunez again. And let me tell you, the next two minutes will definitely get your blood pumping! In fact, they shared an exclusive update with us at the end of this episode.
The post Two-minute Take Two: Betsy Nunez and Emily Nunez Cavness, Fan Favorite 2017 appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
A lot of the women we feature in On The Dot are hardworking entrepreneurs and moms. We call these gals “mompreneurs” because they relentlessly strive for their goals at both work and home. Every mompreneur has her own little recipe for making it work. Some flip their schedule, taking care of their kiddos during the day and working in the evening. Others are all about locking the office door for uninterrupted work time, or diligently setting aside time each day to solely be with their kids. If there’s one thing all mompreneurs should embrace, it’s ditching the guilt that often comes with juggling parenthood while endeavoring to attain their own career ambitions. Being hard on yourself helps absolutely no one. Instead, embrace some self-love and pat yourself on the back for being one heck of a resourceful multitasker!
The post Jamie Leach: She’s a Mother of Invention appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In middle school, my schoolmate gave a presentation about how we all have something that makes us different. She went around the room, asking each of us to say what our different characteristic was. She pointed to my friend sitting at the front of the class, leaving me second to answer. My friend and I had the same thought: There’s no way I’m answering this honestly. We wanted to blend in, and were desperate to be as “normal” as possible, hiding our differences. Needless to say, the activity flopped pretty quickly. Now I look back and wish we all answered the question with more candor. Maybe doing so would’ve helped us embrace our differences instead of masking them. After all, it’s our differences that make us unique and interesting.
The post McCall Hoyle: She’s Got the Write Stuff appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I have plenty of childhood memories of my mom urging me to get my chores done by telling me to hustle, or my dad noting I did a good job by saying, “Good hustle!” Hustling is good. After all, you can’t gain ground by sleeping through the day. But hustling also implies more is always better, despite the quality of that additional work. I’ve often heard it takes about 10,000 hours of practice to master a new skill, but will spending 10,000 hours learning the violin make you absolutely despise the violin? Today, before you crunch through your lunch hour, race through your inbox and dive into your five-year plan, take a moment to make sure it’s what you really want. Then get to hustlin’!
The post Brianna McKinney: She’s Passionate About the Greater Good appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I recently read an eye-opening piece on the website Medium, in which a successful techie gal shared a startling recurring theme in her life. Several times a month, someone tells her she doesn’t look like an engineer. These naysayers have their odd reasons, like how she doesn’t appear “geeky” enough or is “too into fashion” to be exceptionally smart. All I hear is that they’re threatened and jealous. Maybe you’ve had similar encounters in your career, like when your colleague calls you “cute,” or your manager subtly laughs at you instead of with you. Even though these moments can seem minuscule, often going unrecognized by those around us, we hear them, we feel them and sometimes, we start to believe them. Today, shake off the haters, keep your head up and know this world of women has got your back!
The post Kate Brodock: She’s Closing the Gender Gap in Tech appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
My 2018 New Year’s resolution is simple: take care of my skin. You know, that thing that’s the largest organ in the body? No more questionable temporary tattoos. No more “I’ll wash my face tomorrow.” No more leaving my skin unprotected from pesky mosquitoes or the blazing sun. It’s definitely easier said than done. From face masks that weren’t even close to getting FDA approval to DIY lotion fails, our skin endures a whole heck of a lot. Sure, beauty is only skin-deep, but beyond aesthetic reasons, we’ve got to care for it in earnest if we want to keep some skin in this game of life.
The post Hillary Peterson: She’s Giving Luxury Skin Care a Makeover appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
If you’ve been to a hip new bar or restaurant lately, chances are you’ve seen one particular building material in abundance: wood. From reclaimed-wood tabletops to exposed wood siding, this forest centerpiece is making a comeback in the décor world in a big way. Aside from its natural allure, wood—especially vintage wood—offers stellar benefits, from durability to renewability, not to mention its remarkable beauty. As you grab your morning latte, take a moment to gaze around the coffee shop to admire the splendor of this striking building staple and all the handcrafted wood embellishments and artistic furnishings that make your favorite café so cozy.
The post Nina MacLaughlin: She’s a Hammer-toting Carpentrix appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you ever noticed the most ignorant opinions often come from people who are stuck in the antiquated days of the past? For instance, I’m thinking of guys who think women don’t belong in certain industries and spout off idiotic notions like, “Women shouldn’t go into space! Women can’t code!” I’m saying no more to sexist ideas, no more to outdated, foolish dudes and no more to women being held back from accomplishing whatever we want in life and work!
The post Kimberly Bryant: She’s Increasing Tech Diversity appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
There’s a running joke here at On The Dot that if there’s a way I can slip in some sort of tidbit about cats, I will. Well guess what, ladies? The time is nigh! I’m letting the cat out of the bag! Sometimes these furballs get a bad rap, in my opinion. They’re considered predators by bird enthusiasts and, I’ll admit, maybe they aren’t the friendliest with their feathered colleagues. But like the rest of us, cats are allowed to have frenemies too, right? Despite their hunting proclivities, cats can also become our snuggliest best friends. And all it takes is a kitty softly bumping his head with yours, or a lap-sitting purr fest that lasts an hour or a cute little meow when you walk through the door to make you see why Egyptians worshiped cats as the most sacred of creatures.
The post Hadyn Hilton: She’s a Cool Cat appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
They say attitude is everything, and I’m starting to think they’re right! When we’re facing some of life’s toughest challenges, like divorce, personal illness or the death of a loved one, having a positive attitude is easier said than done. The well-meaning friend who sends you a goofy emoji with the message “Don’t worry; be happy!” is likely to elicit more rage than joy, despite her good intentions. The hard truth is that there are times when our difficult circumstances are here to stay. But there is something we are always in control of: our attitudes.
The post Marie Heron: She’s Offering Hope After MS appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Knitting, sewing and other skills have long been categorized as women’s work. Usually, if something is deemed “a woman’s job,” my rebellious inclination is to shun it entirely. But what if we look at this a little differently, as something that’s empowering for women. These activities provide a way for us to work creatively with our hands, but also connect us with the generations of artistic, yarn-slinging women who came before us. When clicking two knitting needles together, we can reflect on more than a stitch, bringing art to life while celebrating a creative skill that women have been total masters of for centuries.
The post Nicole Snow: She’s Spinning Darn Good Yarn appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Hey, ladies, do you like to snack in front of the TV? Who doesn’t, right? Should you want to amp up your snacking during your next binge-watching excursion, Mashable has you covered, offering up the perfect snacks to pair with today’s hottest TV shows. Here are a few of my favorites: Grab your British crisps and lollies for Game of Thrones so you can self-soothe during the Red Wedding. If The Bachelorette is your jam, tap a box of rosé, and if they’re doing one of those outdoor dates, make sure to include some beef jerky. Feeling cheeky during The Affair? Shake up a martini, shuck some oysters and get your sultry graze on. It’s time for an aphrodisiac snack!
The post Poorvi Patodia: She’s a Chickpea Chick appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When one of my good friends was pregnant with her first child, she was utterly flabbergasted by all the rules. Don’t do this, don’t do that and so on. But what was worse was the condescending manner in which so many people made suggestions. It felt like a lot of talking at her instead of talking with her. Of course, we women can handle a lot. I mean, hello, we do that whole continuing-the-human-race thing pretty dang well. So, maybe we ought to cut each other a little more slack. On behalf of all the mamas-to-be out there, I say err on the respectful side when dishing out parental advice. Listen to what she has to say about her experience. And here’s the important thing: believe her. After all, it’s her experience, not yours.
The post Keri Fosse: She’s Keeping Newborns Cozy appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Ladies, get your spirits up! We’re talking about that golden-hued, barrel-aged, sweet-sipping firewater: whiskey. It’s a boozy beverage that has its roots in 15th century Scotland, but throughout the centuries, whiskey has become a spirited friend to many. For instance, Frank Sinatra was buried with a bottle of his favorite whiskey, and Winston Churchill was claimed to have traveled to South Africa as a war correspondent with 18 bottles of 10-year-old Scotch whisky. But this distilled, dark liquor isn’t just for the boys. Actress Ava Gardner loved it as much if not more than her male co-stars. And Ron Swanson, the beloved mustachioed character on Parks and Recreation, an absolute devotee of the spirit, famously said, “Clear alcohols are for rich women on diets.” Today, let’s toast all the unrepentant whiskey-drankin’ women out there. May your glass always be full!
The post Marsha Milam: She’s in Good Spirits appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When you were a sick kid with a bellyache, did you have a go-to snack or beverage that settled your tummy? Maybe it was 7UP and saltine crackers, or milk and toast. It’s in such moments we realize food can be a comfort, and it even has the power to make us feel better. A late-night drive-thru stop can also be a wake-up call that some foods are anything but a comfort. Today, give your stomach some TLC and skip that one thing you know will make it growl at you, opting instead for some good-for-you comfort food.
The post August Vega: She’s Nuts for This Milk Alternative appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
My friend recently told me, “Only teenagers like horror movies. When we get older, we start to see how scary the real world is.” Isn’t that the truth? I’m going to be honest with y’all. Sometimes I’ve just got to turn off the news, ignore the political mumbo jumbo and take a dang break. If you also need a break from the devastation, fear and aggression often making the rounds in the news these days, that’s OK. But if there’s a time when you can help end a little of the world’s suffering, don’t hesitate. After all, doing a little good for others can definitely warm the heart!
The post MJ Hegar: She’s the Military Hero Taking on Politics appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
From movies like Moonrise Kingdom and Bushwhacked to staking out your riverside spot for a Fourth of July weekend, camping is a recreational activity that many love, and it has been a part of the human experience since, well, I guess before the evolution of houses. If the most you’ve camped involved pitching a tent in your backyard, that’s OK. But you might be surprised at all the wondrous spots throughout the world perfect for a camping adventure. There are the clear waters and scenic views at Boya Lake Provincial Park in Canada, the rugged landscapes of the barely inhabited Isle of Arran in Scotland and the breathtaking skylines of the Appalachian Trail at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Wherever your sleeping bag may lie, wherever you choose to pitch your tent, keep on exploring, ladies!
The post Amanda Campbell: She’s Pitching Her Tent appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I’d like to apologize to all the wiser women in my past I didn’t listen to. Like pretty much every teenager and young professional, I felt like I knew as much as there was to know. I honestly didn’t think it was possible for there to be so much more knowledge that I didn’t possess. But I admit I did learn a lot more things about life, the universe and everything with each passing year, and thus, I became embarrassed of my previous Miss Know-it-all tendencies. Today, let’s give praise where praise is due, to those women who have years of expert experience under their belts and a whole lot of wisdom to share. If we’re lucky, maybe they’ll continue to share it with the rest of us!
The post Carol Seymour: She’s a Wisdom Warrior appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you ever been around a person who is terrible at telling stories? Josie goes on and on and on, finally concluding the story and leaving you wondering what the heck the point was. Wait, so he got you a caramel latte instead of a vanilla latte? You’ve been standing in my office for 15 minutes, and that was it? When you’re the recipient of such mind-numbing commentary, it can be easy to end the conversation quickly. But I’ve got a little challenge for you. Before Josie gets going, tell your story first, no matter how insignificant it is.
The post Shannon Carroll: She’s a Social Storyteller appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I hate junk mail. If I get one more flier from my old Realtor or coupon card for laser-hair removal, I’m going to lose it! I never seem to get a nice thank-you note or a personal letter. In the sci-fi movie Her, the main character works as a writer for a company called Handwritten Greeting Cards. Customers tell him what they want to convey to a loved one, and he writes it in a personal, sentimental way. While it’s a bit unsettling, if it would get me a handwritten letter in the mail, I’d be OK with employing such a service. What would you love to see arrive in your mailbox today?
The post Liz Camden: She’s Your New Subscription Addiction appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When I was returning home from a trip abroad, my suitcase was over the weight limit by about 10 pounds. I was a penny-pinching college student at the time, so, naturally, I took about 10 pounds of clothing out, put it all on right there at the airline service desk and saved the extra cost. Granted, wearing rain boots, three sweaters and a coat didn’t make for a very relaxing travel experience, but it was a quick fix to my dilemma. Everyone has some kind of wild travel story, from terribly delayed flights to celebrity sightings and even appalling behavior from fellow passengers. What’s your story? Share it with us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter.
The post Jen Rubio and Steph Korey: She’s Traveling Smart appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I was recently riding the Denver airport train en route to baggage claim. With almost each stop along the way, the doors would open and passengers would board, and with almost each stop, the doors would close on a startled passenger. The first time it happened, we were all shocked. Then, with each passing stop, someone would pull the frightened boarding passenger in, saving her from the viciously slamming doors, and we’d all shake our heads and laugh. Sometimes I think we all need to be reminded that complete strangers have your back—or in this case—your arm.
The post Polina Raygorodskaya: She’s Wandering appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Brilliant, confident, passionate, courageous: These are just a handful of complimentary words to describe someone. Oftentimes, a word like “pretty” is the go-to adjective when it comes to praising women. We’ve spent our whole lives with that “P” word chipping away at us. It starts when we’re girls and is an ideal that follows us throughout life. I’ll admit I’ve been guilty of this too, calling little girls “cute,” “adorable” or “pretty” before anything else. The truth is girls are brave and curious and creative and strong. Let’s not forget to acknowledge and encourage those attributes in the females around us, no matter their age. Today, let’s hand out positivity beyond pretty.
The post Amanda de Cadenet: She’s Embracing the Messy Life appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When I rented my mermaid costume for Halloween, I asked the shop attendant for a short, colored wig. The perplexed employee responded, “Short hair for a mermaid?” It threw me because I was choosing to dress up as a mythical creature. Can’t that mythical creature have a cute bob? I’m pretty sure a mermaid wouldn’t wear a non-waterproof, gold-sequined corset either. There are plenty of opportunities to go rogue, forgoing long, wavy locks for short, kicking your traditional 9-to-5 gig to the curb or eating cereal for dinner. You’re a woman, dang it, and you can do as you darn well please.
The post Arianna O’Dell: She’s a Digital Nomad appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I recently read a Fast Company article about how to use social media for business. The author concedes these platforms are “noisy” and can be “daunting,” but she also suggests some helpful ways to make it all work. Here are a couple tips on how to bring your biz or your personal brand into the digital limelight: Participate in Twitter chats. Google “Twitter chats” with an area of interest or your industry, and get to tweeting. Participate in Facebook groups to promote your business page. Groups are all the rage now, y’all, and they offer a dedicated digital space where like-minded folks like to chill and support one another. Think of it as Networking 101 brought into the tech age.
The post Karla Friede: She’s Showin’ You the Money appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
We live in a world in which advertising comes in a lot of different forms, but not too many sizes. For instance, a quick scroll through Instagram reveals some cleverly disguised ads, many of which are for clothing and accessories. Your favorite Instagram influencer tells you where to buy her trendy outfit. The picture-perfect Instagram hooks you, sending you to the website to buy said outfit. But they don’t carry anything bigger than a size large, which, by the way, looks like it wouldn’t even fit your pug, Bruno. So, not only do you not end up with the cute outfit you went in search of, you also don’t have any self-esteem for the day. I say no more! Let’s give those size-prejudiced clothing retailers the boot!
The post Polina Veksler and Alexandra Waldman: She’s Making Sure Fashion Comes in All Sizes appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
You’re visibly sweaty. You’re slurping your drink a little too fast. You’re sucking in your stomach so your blazer stays buttoned. Where are you? A networking event, of course! As you make the rounds, introducing yourself to new faces who are already writing you off, you vow to yourself that you’re done with these events. Have you been in this exasperating situation before? Today, we say no more! Unbutton your blazer and cool down. We’re talking about why professional women deserve more than a couple cubes of cheese and a name tag.
The post Gina Bianchini: She’s Building Mighty Networks appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When a friend’s baby and my best little buddy was diagnosed with a lifelong disease that affects one in every million infants, it wasn’t easy to explain to others. Heck, it wasn’t even easy to pronounce! There’s a certain isolation and a heaviness that ensue when friends, even those with the best of intentions, don’t understand or know what to say in response to such scary circumstances. For those of you who have gone through or are currently dealing with some seriously taxing challenges, know you’re not alone. It probably feels daunting to endure a life-altering, draining experience. But, girl, we got you. P.S. There’s nothing wrong with believing in miracles!
The post Nadine Bubeck: She’s a Miracle Mama appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Today, we’re tackling what it means to be a leader. I’m sure words like “hustle” and “the daily grind” come to mind when you think “leader,” and it’s true those are two necessities of career growth. But there are a few other important actions to consider when it comes to being a good leader, like getting a good night’s sleep, praising your colleagues for work well done and being fully present. If you’ve zoned out during a meeting or uncharacteristically snapped at a customer recently, it might be time to invest in some serious R and R this weekend. By Monday, you’ll be clearheaded enough to scope out your next ambitious career move.
The post Rachel Green: She’s a Lady Leader appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In 2010, PBS published a story about what women get out of being in the military. Spoiler alert: It’s all the same stuff men love about their military careers. From an opportunity for higher education to the availability of health care to simply taking pride in their work, military members of both sexes gain a lot mentally and physically from serving our country. But, in truth, the rest of us are the ones who benefit most from their service. Today, we’re saluting women everywhere who are soldiers, veterans, fighters, survivors and courageous role models.
The post Ann Dunwoody: She’s the Army’s First Female Four-star General appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I’m going to be honest with you, ladies: I’m tired. Like, put-the-cereal-in-the-fridge-and-milk-in-the-pantry tired. You know you’re beat when you wake up and immediately do the math for when you can squeeze in a nap. So, I’m going to talk about the one thing that can get me up in the morning. Is it jotting my dreams down in my journal? Nope! Is it a morning run? Heck, no! It’s eating, of course. Grab your coffee or tea, your muffin, your doughnut or your wheat toast. That’s my plan since munching on something delish distracts me from my bedtime countdown. At least, that’s my hope!
The post Raquel Tavares Gunsagar: She’s O-M-Ghee appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In school, we’re required to read many books, some pleasant and some downright dull. Is there a book that stands out in your mind, either one you loved or one you hated? For me, it was the latter. The book was Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth. By all accounts, I should’ve loved it. Pearl advocated for human rights and women’s rights. Heck, she even won the Nobel Prize in Literature. But in school, we spent weeks, even months, analyzing each word—and I was so over it. Today, pick up a book you really want to read, even if it makes your high-school English teacher grimace, or maybe because it would make her grimace!
The post Maris Kreizman: She’s Book-smart appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Let’s conduct a totally unscientific, informal poll: What does the word “brave” mean to you? There are all sorts of levels of bravery. Here are some examples that come to mind: hosting a sleepover for your daughter and a dozen of her squealing girlfriends; a co-worker who remains steadfastly optimistic during bad health; your bestie quitting her job to travel the world. What about those small moments when you feel brave? Like when you chop off your long hair, go to a movie alone, tell an offbeat joke to a barista you just met. Today, let’s celebrate the acts of bravery we achieve and notice every day.
The post Margie Warrell: She’s Not Playing It Safe appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
One of my favorite reality shows is Southern Charm, based in Charleston, South Carolina. One of the featured women, Cameran, is known for telling it like it is. During her first pregnancy, she made a hilarious post on Instagram, PSA-style, addressing her many followers who kept prodding her about her stance on breastfeeding. She started by saying it’s no one’s dang business whether she planned to breastfeed, and concluded with a little tongue-in-cheek statement that if none of the traditional methods worked, she’d happily feed the baby the fast food the little booger had been craving for nine months. Why is it women are often each other’s worst critics? Come on, ladies, don’t we have the patriarchy for that?
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When I first learned exactly what beer was, I’ll admit, I was slightly disgusted. People willingly guzzle yeast that’s been fermented? Yuck! OK, so I eventually learned the error of my ways and am now a happy camper when it comes to swigging down a tasty beer. And as it turns out, plenty of the most scrumptious foods we regularly consume are fermented, from bread to sauerkraut, yogurt and every hipster’s favorite beverage, kombucha. Thanks to alchemy, the act of fermentation works some straight-up magic on food and drinks, and people are nuts for it. The New York Times even published an essay entitled “Fermentation, a Love Story.” Fermented foods are often touted for their immune-system-boosting effects. Does your internal gut need a healthy makeover? Then what are you waiting for? Jump on the train to fermentation station!
The post Mara King and Willow King: She’s Going With Her Gut appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
I don’t think I’m alone when I say I have a complicated relationship with the color pink. We’ve featured some extraordinary women who want nothing to do with the color and it’s female-centric characteristics. But let’s also share a perspective from the other side of the pink aisle. When it comes to the psychology of colors, pink is considered a hopeful hue, representing caring, compassion and love. That’s something I can definitely get behind. To celebrate all the wonderful things this shade stands for, pucker up with some pink lipstick or pour yourself a well-deserved glass of rosé. Today, everything’s coming up rosy!
The post Cindy Whitehead: She’s a Pink Pioneer appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
While cruising in the car with my dad, a familiar song from days past came on the radio. It reminded him of a time years ago, when the radio blasted the very same song as he was cruising down the highway late at night while everyone else in the car was asleep. Then it started to snow, creating a peaceful landscape he’ll always remember. It got me thinking how truly special music can be. It slips into our minds and hearts, and lives forever in that sweet spot. Oftentimes, it’s something we don’t realize resides in us until the magical moment when we hear a certain song and are flooded with memories and emotions. If there’s a song from your past that still gives you goosebumps, today, dig out that old record, crank it up and let the good times roll!
The post Anna Bulbrook: She’s Rockin’ to a Feminist Beat appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
In every boxing video game I’ve ever played, I get totally pummeled. Maybe it’s because I jump right in, using the controller to punch and kick with little to no plan. In the Oscar-winning film Million Dollar Baby, Hilary Swank’s character learns one of the best punches you can deliver involves stepping back. It’s about patience and control. I can’t help but think that’s a great lesson to apply to life too. Maybe saying yes immediately isn’t the right call. Maybe snapping back at someone won’t help you get your point across. Today, whatever battle you’re up against, approach it as if you’re in the ring. Take a breath. Step back. Anticipate. Then pointedly make your move.
The post Alicia Napoleon: She’s Packing a Punch appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Have you ever been stuck in a really long line that seems like it’s never going to move? For me, that’s usually when I’m hit with some serious hunger. In such an instance, the most heroic person near me is the woman who notices my blood-sugar-dropping swoon and offers me a granola bar from her purse, which I unapologetically devour like a mad woman! It reminds me of that Snickers commercial in which a guy transforms into a sassy, weary Betty White on the football field when he’s hungry. We’ve all had those moments. Today, be prepared to tackle your “hangry” inclinations with a tasty snack. Your friends and co-workers will definitely thank you for it.
The post Kristy Lewis: She’s Poppin’ appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
When I lose something, I get completely frustrated, make that exasperated “ugh” sound multiple times and pretty much assume the world is ending. It most often happens when I’m being specifically purposeful about the placement of my belongings. I think, “I’ll put this spare button right here where I’ll never lose it,” or, “I’ll definitely remember I put my keys by the bathroom sink,” but then, of course, when it’s time to find those items, I can’t locate them for the life of me. Maybe it’s time to institute my very own household lost-and-found system!
The post Michele Welsh: She’s Stickin’ It to Kids appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Lately, I’ve been discouraged by all the negativity on the internet. It feels like every social-media post comes with a barrage of cruel responses. Why do we feel so comfortable being combative online? It can be simple to write a nasty comment on a post, but it’s often difficult for some folks to remember that there are real people with real feelings behind that post. Today, if you come across an online tidbit you disagree with, simply move on without fanfare. And when you do encounter something you like, comment positively with a thumbs-up.
The post Alaina Shearer: She’s Connecting Digital Divas appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Oftentimes, people think of success in terms of a salary of six or seven figures. Earning a hefty paycheck has some serious benefits, and those women who are raking it in get major props from me. But it’s also crucial to tell the stories of women who have found their own versions of success. That’s what On The Dot is all about. When we ladyfolk follow our passions—whether it’s as a paleontologist, as a harpist or as a wicked-good snowmobile maestro—we are defining what it means to be successful, on our own terms.
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Have you noticed how some parents are very careful what they say around their infants, even chiding friends who use inappropriate language around Baby? But she’s an infant. She has no idea what anyone’s saying, right? Well, if you’re dropping four-letter words around your baby niece, you may want to think twice. Sure, her main activity might be sucking on her own toes and nodding off, but plenty of baby experts have asserted these little rug rats may actually be actively listening. That’s exciting and kind of terrifying, like having a miniature spy in your own home. Today, for every baby—or seemingly half-witted colleague—you encounter, do your best to be respectful. Maybe your spirited theories about the meaning of life will fall on confused ears, but you never know, you may get a contemplative response in the form of “Goo goo gaga,” or some other such clearly profound retort. It’s worth a shot!
The post Marlene Veloso and Erin McConaghy: She’s Curating Kid Care appeared first on On The Dot Woman.
Let’s start the day off right with some flower power. Whenever I’m having a rough day, I buy myself flowers. The act of picking them out and arranging them totally dissipates any bad mood. Aside from being decorative eye candy, flowers often symbolize something more. For instance, a dahlia denotes dignity and elegance, while the yellow rose symbolizes friendship. The gardenia is a sign of secret love and the pansy says, “You occupy my thoughts.” Who knew nature could be so steamy?
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