by Guest contributor | Apr 25, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations
Funny how we can have the same goals month after month, year after year…and yet never feel like we are getting any closer. Or at least we can feel totally frustrated that we can’t achieve something that seems so simple on the face of it.
As leaders (or really busy people), with so much going on in our lives, this overwhelm – and our apparent inability to deal with it well – has become endemic in 21st century western life and is, in itself, often the barrier to moving forward.
Let’s look at what is going on in our brains. The Executive Function in our brain (the pre-frontal cortex – PFC) is the part of our brain that makes us human, that separates us from animals. It is our thinking brain. It would make sense that this is the part of our brain that is used to solve our problems – but in fact, this part of the brain whilst very capable, has many limitations. One limitation is that it can only really work with one complex idea at a time without some loss of processing capacity. As each new idea or aspect of the problem is considered, the brain’s ability to resolve it lessens. The PFC is a linear processor, it has to consider one thing at a time in order to make sense of it.
The part of our brain that holds the real processing power is our Basal Ganglia – or the automated brain. This is where our hardwired neural connections live – our habits – the behaviours and attitudes that our brain has automated due to the attention and repetition we have given them over time. This part of the brain is a non-linear processor and it can connect many ideas at a time in order to solve more complex issues for us.
BUT, the processing that occurs in the Basal Ganglia is non-conscious. In other words we can’t MAKE it work like we can consciously do with the PFC. So how do we make the best use of our brain in order to get what we want, resolve our mental issues, and move forward!
Firstly, there are usually one or all of the following three things that may be preventing your brain from moving forward:
1. You don’t really know what you want (you don’t have clarity around your goals). This sounds so simple, yet can be so difficult to figure out on your own.
2. You don’t know how to get it (you don’t have a well-thought out methodology or strategy). Again, this seems simple, but there are just so many options…..
3. There is something standing in the way (you haven’t figured out the ‘real blockage’). And more often than not, it’s you!
Engaging a coach can really assist. Whether you just need one or two sessions to get the clarity you need to focus, or whether you have developed a number of habitual thinking patterns that are not serving you well (that need to be identified, unravelled and reset), professional coaches are trained to assist you with your thinking, to help you to figure out what is going on and why, and can support you and hold you accountable to making the changes you really want.
What is the value to you of being able to get focused and get moving?
If you think a coaching session or two could assist, we’d love to hear from you to have a chat about what’s possible. Or even better, you may be interested in learning how to do this for yourself, and as a leader or parent – to assist others around you with the clarity of their thinking. Feel free to visit our website to explore some options.
By Michelle Loch.
by Sarah Blinco | Apr 25, 2014 | Career and mindset, Lifestyle
I’ve hit mid thirties, and I could either freak out about it or embrace it. I choose the latter. I believe age is a mindset, and I feel better now within myself than I ever have. I’m happy the way I am, unique as I may be in my views. Turning 35 to me is ok. It’s just the beginning of a new chapter and adventure. If I can help anyone with that attitude, then that’s awesome. I’ve had feedback this year that I’ve helped people. I have been called Ms. Blinco by the younger set I’ve been mentoring – yeah, that makes me feel a little old; being able to positively influence even just one person of any age by sharing a bit of encouragement and wisdom is worth it though.
Reflecting then with a positive spirit, here are some things I’m grateful for today. Can you relate? Happy Birthday to me (and fellow ANZAC Day babies) x
35 Things I am grateful for at 35
- Cooper – my gorg partner in crime of nearly 13 years.
- Harry the cattle dog. Coolest dog ever.
- Not being concerned about turning 35.
- Travel – it’s life changing; it’s adventure and equals real living.
- Meditation and mindfulness practice has changed my life. I can now manage stress and challenges so much better, and I’m much more focussed and passionate about my goals and ideas.
- Being an ‘ideas’ person; it can be annoying at times, but I’ve grown to like this ever-churning mind of mine.
- Being a dog person – dogs bring Cooper and I so much joy, and this passion continues to grow.
- The pleasant surprises that come with discovering who my true and old friends are.
- Being more at peace.
- Understanding everything better than I did when I was 25!
- The Internet – I love it and am able to facilitate my passion for creating media on a wider scale.
- London – yes, you can fall in love with a place, and this city is it for me. My photographer mate, Cara Bendon, describes it as my “spiritual home”, I think she may be right.
- My interesting, generous family and extended family who are constantly doing kind things, as well as teaching me valuable lessons that I’ll take with me always. And, my parents for giving me a good life, and instilling in me that “travel is the best education you can receive”. I took it on board more later in life, but I think the mantra means even more to me because of that.
- Greater spiritual awareness.
- My new Canon EOS – it’s a toy, and I love it!
- Realising it’s ok to never grow out of watching and adoring CW television shows (among other things); I never let go after Dawson’s Creek, The OC, One Tree Hill… nup, bring it on, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Reign…
- Being less afraid to share my opinion.
- I’m happy to have developed the view point where I look on things as opportunities rather than negatives.
- I count myself fortunate that I’ve not lost any close loved ones at this point. I realise it’s a part of life, but I’m still grateful to have all my important peeps around.
- The opportunity to be a life long learner.
- Webinars – I learn so many great things thanks to the good people who produce free training for everything from Yoga to social media. You should get into it if you haven’t done so already!
- Realising that we’re never perfect, but that consistency and practice go a long way towards being the best you can be at whatever you love, be that writing, singing, cooking, parenting and so on.
- I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continuously meet the cool people I meet, whether they stay in my life for a moment or much more; I more often than not can recognise now what people are sent to me for.
- I’m grateful that I have life and career-based experience which enables me to help others in their pursuit of motivation, and better managing social media, media, PR and digital endeavours in their own businesses and life.
- I have realised I really enjoy mentoring those younger than me, and have successfully inspired a number of students already this year. We take for granted how few mentors in life people encounter, and it really makes a difference to students under 23 especially; I know this from personal experience and I’m glad to be in a position to pay it forward.
- I’m thankful for the courage I have to stand by my decisions and pursue what’s right for me even though it may not be what society says I’m ‘meant to be doing’. I’m grateful for the choice I understand is in my power in order to be happy each day.
- I’m grateful Darren Hayes is still writing music and producing other media like podcasts to inspire his long time fans (*waves Darren* – one day, ONE day he will Tweet me; how exciting!).
- I have awesome clients, bosses, ex-bosses, colleagues and former colleagues. I’m so lucky to have learned amazing insights and skills from people I’ve worked with and for.
- I’m grateful for the supporters in my life; there are just a handful of you – you know who you are and I love you. As I grow older I do believe that you can only count your true friends on one hand. I think I’m lucky enough to count them on two, probably no more, but that’s ok.
- Travel blogging and blogging in general. What a joy and an opportunity.
- My travel bucket list – I’m grateful for the destinations I’m about to receive.
- Freedom. Thanks to the ANZACs and everyone else who fights (and has fought) to keep us safe. We really do not have any reason to whine about menial things – have you not looked on the news recently to see what hell some others are born into? I’m grateful to have been born in Australia (and proud to be an Aussie).
- For vision boards and and the power of the written-down goal – how did I not get into this mindset earlier? Better late than never.
- My brother Josh, he is fab and I love our in depth discussions on the paranormal!
- For the nice comments you’ll leave below ;-)
Thanks for reading, Sarah x
PS Have you joined our amazing VIP list yet? Check out the pink box at the top right of this page. It only takes 20 seconds to sign up and the benefits far outweigh the time it takes to submit your name and email.
by Guest contributor | Apr 21, 2014 | Foodie London
Unearthing a hidden food gem can be one of travel’s most rewarding experiences, especially when it’s not at a Michelin-star price. London is well known for its celebrity dining scene but the city is also home to plenty of gourmet delights without the hefty price tag.
Travel website Wotif.com‘s London-based team has unearthed some of London’s best palate-pleasing eateries to suit any taste and all without breaking the bank, and they’ve shared with us here on TLL!
Hidden food gems of London
Fish & Chips
Recently voted the UK’s best Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant at The National Fish & Chip Awards, Poppies Fish & Chips London is a winning London experience! Savour crispy, golden fish and chips whilst soaking up the uber-hip retro atmosphere. Keep an eye out for free live music at their Camden restaurant.
Afternoon Tea
Spoil yourself with afternoon tea fit for a…mad hatter! ‘Tumble down the rabbit hole’ and experience an afternoon tea with a difference at the Sanderson, in Soho. Named ‘the hippest hotel in the world’ by GQ Magazine, it’s no wonder this 5-star hotel has put its own quirky twist on the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea with The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea. With prices from £38 per person, eccentrics can delight in whimsical treats like the ‘strawberries and cream’ home-made marshmallow mushrooms, a ‘tick tock’ Victoria sponge clock and ‘Jelly Wonderland’.
London Pub
Originally part of the Britannia Brewery, The Britannia in Kensington is an elegant pub oozing history and charm. Serving a delicious range of gastro pub fare, including one of the best burgers around, this rub-a-dub (Cockney rhyming slang for pub) is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy traditional food and good beer!
Cheap Eats
London’s street food scene has really taken off in the past few years. Who would have thought that tucked away in the city’s markets, food trucks and laneways was some of the most scrumptious food on offer – and at bargain prices!
If you’re venturing to Borough Markets, be sure to go with a hearty appetite because Hobbs Meat Roast serves up a mouth watering pulled pork roll. Sweet, juicy and delicious; this is the perfect treat to accompany a day of shopping.
Whilst the delicious Yum Bun is moving store in early 2014, keep your eye out for the Yum Bus! Serving award winning Vietnamese buns, both carnivores and vegetarians can rejoice with a range of flavoursome fillings available!
If you’re craving some delicious salty goodness be sure to stop by Brick Lane Beigel Bake, London’s oldest and reportedly best bagel shop. Famous for their salt beef bagels, portions are generous and prices, surprisingly cheap. Open 24 hours, this one is a winner at any time of day.
Coffee
Aussie siblings Nick, Andrew and Laura empathised with the plight of travellers on the hunt for great coffee and opened Taylor Street Baristas to help satisfy caffeine needs with its coffee shops located across London. So start your day with some of the city’s best coffee, paired with a vegemite and cheese English muffins – guaranteed to put a rose on every cheek and a smile on every face!
Café
Hidden down a side street opposite Liverpool Street Station, a neon ‘Sex, Drugs & Bacon Rolls’ sign heralds The Breakfast Club, Spitalfields. The menu is peppered with comfort food and Mexican flavours plus, for late risers, a ‘Late, Late Breakfast’ is available after 5pm. After you’ve polished off your delicious meal, tell the staff you’re ‘here to see The Mayor’ and you will be escorted through to a concealed speakeasy style bar!
The Breakfast Club also has locations in Soho, Angel, Hoxton, Battersea Rise and will be opening a cafe in London Bridge in May (2014).
Food Tour
Google Maps certainly makes it easier to find the foodie hotspots ravenous locals are raving about, but a more enjoyable and hassle-free way to experience London on a plate is on a food tour with an expert! Let your Walk Eat Talk Eat guide lead you on a funny, gastronomic journey through various areas of London. Experience the Great and the Good: Best of British Tourand devour the nation’s most famous foods or treat all of your senses to the vibrant Markets and Meanderings: Camden Tour. All of your food is included; you just need to bring a healthy appetite!
Do you have any London foodie tips to add? We’d love your advice or input – drop us a line in the comments below.
by Guest contributor | Apr 17, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
While eating out today can seem crazy complicated with any number of food ideologies believed to make us healthier, from paleo diets to gluten or sugar free, there’s another food philosophy designed to make us better, more socially responsible people.
Popping up all over the place are non-profit cafes and restaurants are not only serving up great food but giving those in need a hand up. So if you’re keen to feed your soul as well as your body, here are a few of these socially minded hotspots to try out.
The rise of not-for-profit cafes and restaurants
Melbourne’s Feast of Merit: Richmond, VIC
Melbourne-based Feast of Merit opened in Richmond in early March this year. Created by not-for-profit organisation YGAP, the concept was inspired by the festive Indian ritual whereby a wealthy member of the community will liquidate all their assets and throw a feast for their community, unifying them. The menu focuses on supporting local, sustainable and seasonal produce with a Middle Eastern influence.
“All profits generated by Feast of Merit will be channelled into YGAP’s youth education projects in developing communities across Africa, Asia and Australia,” says YGAP CEO Elliot Costello. “We are so proud of our outcomes that with Feast of Merit we are hoping to offer a simple way for people to get involved and support our projects while eating great food and having fun with friends.”
Perth’s 1905 – Coffee on Newcastle: Northbridge, WA
This cafe is managed by Workpower, a not-for-profit enterprise which both trains and employs people with a disability or mental illness, thereby giving them skills and confidence to transition into the open workforce. The regular work also offers employees social opportunities, a sense of achievement and for some, a reason to get out of bed in the mornings.
Housed in a redeveloped heritage-listed building built in 1905 (hence the name), the innovative and funky cafe provides cafe food and coffee in the heart of Northbridge. While the cafe was designed to be commercially viable, the focus is far greater than the bottom line, says Workpower CEO, Lee Broomhall (pictured below).
“1905 – Coffee on Newcastle is a social enterprise. It acts as a launch pad for people with mental health issues or disability, equipping them with new skills and greater confidence so they can further their careers in hospitality,” says Lee.
“The customer feedback is great. They feel like they’re contributing by being there. They’re not only having a coffee or breakfast, they’re helping others too. Our food is pretty simple – wraps, quiches, eggs, pancakes – but it’s cooked to a high standard and reasonably priced, so we’re not just trading on the feel-good factor.”
The 40 seat cafe currently has five staff members working alongside five work experience students with disability from Central Institute, working as baristas, kitchen hands and cooks. The cafe also offers free Wi-Fi, and patrons can browse second-hand books for sale as they eat. Cafe 1905 also does catering for local businesses, who are enthusiastic supporters.
Brisbane’s Bleeding Heart: Brisbane, QLD
Similarly in Brisbane, Bleeding Heart cafe is a ‘profit for purpose’ dining and gallery/event space that contributes all profits into charitable and community projects. The space has been running since 2008 as an initiative of the Wise Foundation which offers support to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals.
By creating a social enterprise hub, Bleeding Heart contributes space, training and funding to a variety of social causes and charities.
About the author
Gwen O’Toole is an accomplished writer focussing on travel, events management and food and wine. She also published a fiction novel while spending the past eight years as a magazine editor and travelling the globe before launching The Ideas Library, a creative services and event management company. She is regularly featured in a variety of travel and leisure publications and blogs.
by Guest contributor | Apr 2, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
There’s certainly a lot of magic in a Hunter Valley romantic getaway, and if you’re in the region in Australia, we’d highly recommend it!
The Hunter Valley offers gorgeous scenery and much indulgence, it’s the perfect weekend away.
Hunter Valley romantic getaway from Sydney
With around 150 top-class wineries matched with numerous restaurants – no wonder it’s a tourist hot-spot.
Located two hours from Sydney, an impromptu trip to Australia’s largest wine region was on the cards just the other weekend, and we were not disappointed.
Hunter Valley romantic getaway: itinerary
11am
Arriving into Pokolbin I didn’t waste any time to get our cellar door hopping on, and the first stop was Kevin Sobels, a family winery with over 150 years of history and tradition.
As you walk along the entrance path there are grapevines blossoming and barrels sitting on the veranda.
Inside has a classic home feel – brightly lit with the sun shining through large church windows.
Awards and family photos line the walls and if you’re lucky you’ll see the resident St Bernard called ‘Archie’ roaming about.
The moment you chat with the team, it’s easy to see their love and dedication for wine-making.
From Merlots, Chardonnays and White Ports, the Sobels have a range of refined and classic wine. My favourite was the Verdelho 2013 – fruity, crisp and great with spicy Asian food.
12pm
Feeling famished, a lunch stop Bistro Molines at Tallavera Grove was in order – got to keep our energy up for our Hunter Valley romantic getaway!
This place took my breath away.
Located on Mount View, it boasts never-ending valley views and does alfresco dining flawlessly. Very romantic!
With its outside hilltop gazebo, you can’t help but feel like you’re in a cute village in France or Tuscany.
The food tops off the whole experience – delicious, tasty and to die for. It takes lunching to a whole new level – from pan-fried quail, stuffed calamari and braised black mussels for entrée to veal wrapped in prosciutto, pork cutlet with parsnip puree and char-grilled spitchcock for main.
It’s a culinary journey I recommend for any rustic French cuisine lover.
3pm
Next stop on the our Hunter Valley romantic getaway ‘vino train’ was Brokenwood and it remains my favourite winery in the Hunter.
Inside is small and cosy and you’re immediately welcomed by the staff who have a witty personality.
Famed for its cricket pitch heritage and its dry table wines of Semillon and Shiraz, Brokenwood not only serves up exquisite wine but great conversation with many laughs.
Here you can experience a range of tours including private room and out of the barrel tastings.
My wine of choice was the 2013 Semillon Hunter Valley – citrus/lemongrass aromas with sweet fruit flavours.
8pm
After a siesta snooze, a trip to Hunter Valley’s finest culinary venue, Circa 1876 restaurant finished off our day escape to the Hunter Valley.
Situated in a stunning cottage dated back to 1876, it’s furnished with antiques and features a cosy lounge area with a fireplace to relax and enjoy a drink before dinner.
The main dining room is beautifully decorated with dim lighting, candle chandeliers and rustic wooden walls and beams.
For a more intimate experience, the restaurant offers three private dining rooms and a dedicated wine room.
Eating here is a memorable (and also expensive) experience serving delicious contemporary dishes matched with an impressive wine list of course.
Hunter Valley Wine and Food festival
A great time to come to the Hunter Valley is in June for Wine and Food month.
Whether for a romantic getaway or trip with friends, it’s a great reason to check out the region, and to experience its unique culture, fine wine and succulent food.
Got any tips of your own on the Hunter Valley? Let us know in the comments
About the author
Danielle Muller (@stuffitgotravel) is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at stuffitgotravelling.com.
by Sarah Blinco | Apr 2, 2014 | Creative travel experiences
Best blogging tips (for business and hobby blogging newbies)
1. If you are writing “how to” type posts, longer and more detailed pieces generally receive more shares because if the piece is good, it becomes a point of reference for anyone interested in the subject matter (so the more detail the better; 800+ words).
2. Posts should be easy to read and neatly laid out. This means utilising H1 and H2 headers (larger text, such as the ‘best blogging tips’ headline above), bolded words and headings, sectioning pieces off as quotes, and using images to add colour and break text apart.
3. If you’re aiming to gather newsletter subscribers, your sign up form should be prominent and at the top of your site. Additionally, you should ask for as little detail as possible, and restrict sign up to simply email address and/or name, not age, location, address, phone. If people have to work too hard to be part of it, you’ll lose them.
4. Learn a little about SEO, so you are familiar with how to choose appropriate key words for your posts, and then include the key word / phrase (minimum four times) in the post and within the URL and H1 or H2 headlines. A resource I enjoy is Jim Stewart’s platform on Stewart Media, and his weekly videos.
5.Compose interesting blog posts which feature useful, helpful information. This works to position you as an expert and authority in your field (whatever it may be), rather than someone who is merely trying to “sell” a product or service. Helping others by sharing valuable information will lead to sales anyway, because through your blog you have the opportunity to garner trust as well as showcase your knowledge.
6. Readers love numbers and lists, so sometimes it is a good idea to present your material in this way, as I’ve done here with these snackable blogging tips.
7. Share and re-share. It is entirely feasible to share your post more than just once. Indeed, if you promote it on Twitter, Facebook or wherever you play on the web, there’s only a certain number of people who will see your update at that one particular point in time. Re-share (scheduling is ideal) your blog posts many times, at different points in the year and at varying times of the day for maximum exposure.
8. Make use of social sharing tools like Facebook scheduling, HootSuite, Viralwoot and Buffer so you may schedule as many posts as you like ahead of time. You could schedule material for social media sharing for a year ahead if you wanted to, and all in one day’s work.
9. Commenting. Ask readers to leave a comment and/or share. The majority of people cruising through your blog and social sites won’t generally understand the social etiquette rule of ‘liking’, ‘commenting’ and ‘sharing’, so ask them to perform the action you desire. This goes for blog activity as well as posts on Facebook etc. Some more advice here.
Then, when people do comment within any of your spaces, make sure you reply – engage in conversation so they know you’re real and interested to speak to them. It’s also manners if they’ve gone to the bother of engaging with you in the first place. Lastly, develop your online community by leaving comments on other sites and blogs. Read more about this here.
Got something to add, or a question to ask? Drop it in the comments below and we’ll reply as swiftly as we can.
