the fresh perspective...

The matter of small talk. You know?

When was the last time you had a conversation with a human face? If someone was to ask you a few questions off the cuff, what would your response be? What would you say? What would you ask? When was the last time you had a conversation for the purpose of purely conversing? It is very important that we take the time to talk and to discover new things about each other.

In an time when speaking face to face is almost foreign, let us give ‘small talk’ some serious dap! It’s a great way to pass the time and you might learn a thing or two. Here are a few questions that might make your next human contact meeting quite interesting.

What’s the most unbelievable thing that’s ever happened to you?

Are you reading any good books right now? I’d love some recommendations. How about shows?

Are there any apps on your phone that you can’t live without?

If you could only watch one genre of movies for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Do you have any podcast suggestions for my drive?

Oh, and just because talking is great, let’s not forget about her good friend listening. It makes for a neccessary part of the art of conversation. ;)

That’s the fresh perspective…

Book Club with Olivia

Welcome to the first entry of Olivia’s book club! Here you will find suggestions for great reads, reviews on some past reads & possibly some book bashing. Here we go!

Follow Me Down - Sherri Smith

Written by a Winnipegger, this is a thriller that will lock you in instantly. Every time you think you’ve figured something out, you’ll end up with 3 more questions. Just trust me on this one.

The Girls-Emma Cline

Initially you think this book is about a cult set in the 60’s and that was enough for me to pick it up. But it’s really about a teenage girl navigating her insecurities, trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs. Sometimes you’ll want to shake her but if you’ve ever been a teenage girl, you can definitely empathize with her as well. Easy, quick read.

Happy reading!

-O

The Fresh Perspective...

March is upon us and Marie Kondo Netflix special is fired up and ready to play. The best way to start out a new month - especially when exiting the winter blues - is to PURGE! Take some time this weekend to go through your clothes, knick-knacks & all things that are collecting dust or do not serve you any purpose. If you don’t have time to watch the hottest show right now, let me summarize some tips to get you on the fast track to ultimate organization & peacefulness. (You’re welcome). Disclaimer: I may or may not abide by these rules…

Step 1: Make sure everything has a place

Ok, this I can get behind. Nothing is more frustrating that not being able to find something you just put away the day before. Make sure everything has a place and if you can’t find one, maybe you don’t really need it.

Step 2: Get rid of papers

Makes sense. Papers, like old bills, pile up very quickly, many of which you really don’t need at the end of the day. Pull out the shredder!

Step 3: Don’t pile things - store vertically instead

This will make everything easier to find! Extra ambitious? Colour code as well!

Step 4: Only keep items of clothing that bring you joy

Sure? I mean, I guess most of my crew neck t-shirts don’t really bring me too much joy but I still wear them all the time. I’m not too sure about this rule or how to follow this rule… Just get rid of clothes you don’t wear after 6 months to a year (season permitting of course).

Step 5: Keep small change in your wallet

UMM, I disagree! I recommend throwing your small change into a piggy bank because there will come a time when you have some free time and you get to have the joy of organizing & counting all of your coins and small bills. Then, what to do with that money? Treat yourself! I feel so passionate about this one point because I just had a nice little surprise pay day this past weekend when I decided to count mine ;) Thermea here I come.

Happy “Kondo-ing”!

-the fresh perspective…

The Fresh Perspective...

You wake up, it’s dark. You get off work, it’s dark. If it’s sunny out, it’s dangerously cold. Winnipeg winter’s are challenging in so many ways. When the elements are literally working against you, it can seem inevitable that many of us start to feel the winter blues.

It can feel like such a chore to even leave the house in winter. Between bundling up, warming up your car and the slow, dangerous driving, we spend a lot of extra time getting from point A to point B. This can make it that much harder to leave your home if you don’t absolutely have to. It can feel comforting to just stay home and be cozy with Netflix but after a few months of this, it’s hard not to feel lonely and claustrophobic.

Some things that can help lift your spirits and keep you sane through the rest of the season are:

• Start to pay attention to how many more minutes of sun we are getting each day. We forget that the shortest day is long behind us. It can make you feel more hopeful when you notice that we are getting more daylight already!

• Start a list of things you want to do once the snow starts to melt or we get warmer temperatures. Having something to focus on and look forward to can keep your spirits up.

• Try to do one activity or task that gets you out of your house and PJs to break up your day. It doesn’t have to be anything adventurous. Grab a coffee or visit a friend. It can feel good to get out and accomplish something before you have a lazy evening doing nothing.

It can seem like winter will never end but it always does. If we’re always wishing away half the year, then we can’t complain when summer seems to fly by as well. This is just a part of living where we do. All we can control is our attitude, so try to stay positive and embrace the season!

-the fresh perspective…

Podcasts. Life-changing or not?

Have podcasts changed your life like they have mine? I honestly wonder what my life was like before I had a continuous story playing in my surroundings. I listen to them while I drive, while I clean, while I get ready in the mornings… Has it become an issue? I don’t think so.

If you’re new to the podcast world, get ready. Absolutely any topic is covered by somebody - some considerably better than others. Take your time, find your poison, and grab those headphones. What even is Netflix anymore?

Here’s some of our picks!

1. Sword & Scale. If you’re fan of true crime stories, definitely take some time to check this podcast out. It features a variety of narrated true crime stories intertwined with interviews with criminals, witnesses, victims, authors, 911 call audio, witness testimony, trial audio, & interrogation tapes. Warning: Do not listen before bed or while home alone - The stories are very creepy and very real.

2. Terrible, Thanks for Asking. You know how every day someone asks "how are you?" And even if you’re totally dying inside, you just say "fine," so everyone can go about their day? This show is the opposite of that. Hosted by author Nora McInerny, this is a funny/sad/uncomfortable podcast about talking honestly about our pain, our awkwardness, and being human.

3. Night Vale. A podcast presented as a radio show for the fictional town of Night Vale, reporting on the strange events that occur within it. The series was created in 2012 by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor. If you like a good story time session, this will be your jam.

4. True Crime All The Time. Another crime podcast. What can I say, I have a type. This podcast is put on by a duo, Mike & Gibby. There back and forth banter randomly throughout the episodes always makes me smile, giving a little break from the true crime stories they are telling. Great voices, great story tellers, and seem like genuinely great guys.

5. Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People. One phone call. One hour. No names. No holds barred. That’s the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard. Every week, Chris opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he can’t hang up first, no matter what. From shocking confessions and family secrets to philosophical discussions and shameless self-promotion, anything can and will happen!

These are some top picks to check out. If you’re a podcast listener, comment below with any recommendations! We’re always on the hunt. If anyone else is like me, I binge podcasts episodes like it’s my job.

-SSDGM ;)

The Fresh Perspective...

When was the last time you stepped out of your daily routines and picked up a new skill? Whether it's knitting your first scarf, learning a new language or honing in on your makeup skills. Many people get caught up in their day to day hustle and bustle that we forget to keep things exciting and ever changing! Get inspired! 

There are so many benefits to keeping your brain stimulated and creating new challenges for yourself. Not only will you fight boredom, but you will have a bigger sense of pride. Why not pick up a new skill? Learn a new language, start painting or crafting, learn how to play an instrument... the ideas are limitless.

What's in it for you?

• a sense of accomplishment & pride

• fun

• keep things exciting

• become more interesting

• challenge yourself

• DIY gifts - potentially...depending on how successful ;)

What are some new skills you've taught yourself recently? We're looking for suggestions!

-the fresh perspective…