Weekend Roundup

Getting Your Linkedin Profile Picture Right

I met up a few friends the other day over brunch and got talking about our profile pictures on Linkedin. Believe it or not, the profile picture is one of the key components in building a professional relationship. Even before someone scrolls down to the experience and educational qualification, the profile picture is the first thing that comes up. And it's on the top left corner of the page, which I remember from my advertising days that human eye travels from top left corner of the page to the bottom right corner. So by that definition, it's the very first thing one sees.

We use Linkedin for professional networking. Sometimes we seek jobs, sometimes business partnerships as well as sometimes, we are looking to hire. In all these situations it's important that the person looking at us has the right impression.

Let's ask ourselves a question before we begin.

What impression are we trying to form?

A: Well, since it's a professional networking website we would like to come across as someone who is professional, looks confident enough to get things done. At the same time, you are friendly and people like to approach you.

As Sean Koppelman, President of The Talent Magnet says that "What you should portray is that you are a happy, professional person, who is going to bring something positive to the organization!" Click here for his entire video

Here are a few things that you should avoid while taking the picture.

• Do not flinch. You are probably flinching because you are standing under direct sunlight. Which is bad because firstly it makes you flinch and secondly it's going to burn your picture. Stand in shade. It can be in your office, or in front of a wall that has a nice painting or even without a painting. Or some sort of background that's not too busy and distracting. 

• Keep your outfits clean and sober. You may be a party animal, but keep that side of your personality for Facebook. When it comes to Linkedin dress up remembering what the purpose is. Also, industry is important. What is appropriate for a creative advertising professional may not be the right outfit for a finance professional. So check that. Similarly other things like hair, skin, makeup etc.

• When posing for the picture, keep a check on your expressions. You could possibly be laughing or smiling way too much or looking somewhere else. Or have some weird expression. These are a big NO for profile pictures.

• Don't get other people to pose with your for "your" profile picture. Not your kids or family or friends. Nobody but you should be in that picture because people who are looking at you are interested in "you" only. 

• Don't go for fancy hair or makeup. If you look clean and pleasant then you have got it right. 

• Make sure the lighting is right!

And that's it!

Given below are some examples of pictures that you should not!

And here are some examples of profile pics below, that you could try.

Keeping Your Dogs Cool In Summer

The way summer can be tough for us and so is the case with your dogs. Some dogs are furrier than the others and more intense the heat. I have a Labrador and they have a double coat. He does shed a lot in summer but it's still intense for him. So we make sure to follow a few summer checklist so that summer is more fun and less torture for him.

DONT STEP OUT WHEN ITS HOTTEST

It's critical that you don't step out with your dog during the hottest part of the day. The asphalt can burn your pooch's paws. If you have to take him out then look for shade and grass.

PLENTY OF DRINKING WATER

Make sure your dog has access to water. It's important to be able to drink water whenever your dog is thirsty. I use this and it's immensely useful if I have to step out for a little longer. The water keeps filling up in the bowl as Margo drinks it. Sometimes on a very hot day, I even put quite a few ice cubes in the water.

TRY ICE FOR TREAT

Margo has always loved ice cubes. so it goes without saying that that's what I reach out for when I have to treat him for a good behavior or even no behavior and just because I want to. I always make ice cubes for myself with lime and strawberries. Margo sometimes gets the cube with berries as they are good for him and so is the ice!

MAKE A COOL NOOK

We all need to be in the shade when it's incredibly hot. For dogs, the heat follows wherever they go because of their fur. It's important to find a spot for them that is cool. You can either put on the Air conditioner or a fan or a nice shaded cool area.

The Flowy Summer Dress

Outfit Details : Dress - Parker Dominica Dress | Sandals - Steve Madden | Clutch - ZARA | Ring & Earring - NAADZ

Bringing Up A Labrador Retriever

If you have missed 'all' the posts on Margo then let me introduce him to you. He is a year and a month old Labrador Retriever "puppy". Well I still call him a puppy because he still behaves like one.  It still feels like yesterday when we ran downstairs (since we live in a condo) every hour so that he could relieve himself. but that would not be it. He would want to then go out and play. And God forbid, he is spotted by a human looking at him lovingly. Margo would want to move in with him/her. Immediately! So basically we would go for about 11 to 12 rounds of walks during the day and after a while we decided to 'be strong' and remove the water bowl between 11pm & 6am. But thankfully we only had to do that for a week, because Margo had figured to relieve himself outside only! We also figured that he picked up some of the things we taught at just one go.

Thats how we got our first 2 lessons about Labs

1# They are extremely easy to train or rather very quick to become habitable in a human world. We are not excellent with training and thats a disclaimer, but all the little things that I have tried to teach Margo, he has learnt them in one go, just for a treat :)

2# They would eat to their heart's content, or let me say their heart is never content of eating. This makes them extremely trainable and you a cold-hearted person. Because when you have just taken out your box of brownies, your pup will give you the look that will be impossible to say no to. But then you can't as dogs can't eat chocolate. Also, because of obesity, Labs are prone to putting on weight, which in future can be dangerous for them.

They need a lot of exercise as they have extremely high energy. If you have an active lifestyle then they can be an excellent companion. In our case we were lazy, and Margo has made us active and we appreciate that. Its actually nice to get up and go for a walk at 7am! And we walk for about a couple of miles, every single day (no holidays here). Every morning at 6:30 am sharp he will com to the bed and lie in between or on the head, if we are unresponsive and lick us. So here comes the third learning,

3# Find the Lab a friend. You don't really need to do much here. Labs are over-friendly pups and they would find one themselves. All you have to do is to get along with the humans. The reason is, not everyday or everytime would you be able to do this. In fact the 2miles in the morning and the other miles during the day are not going to exhaust the lab. Not for the first couple of years at least. The human energy can't be compared to theirs. So finding a puppy friend is doing justice. The puppy can keep up and play and keep your dog engaged. The humans can always grab a drink or 2 while they do that. Also, do get them Neutered or Spayed as early as possible. Not only is that important for their health but also, you don't want your dog to be unhappy and frustrated.

Also, apart from this, I have found Margo to be much more sensitive and loving than any human being. He is extremely intelligent and feels most acutely. Decision to bring him home was the best ever. There were times and periods when we were both getting adjusted to each other, but I give Margo more credit than myself for having adopted the way he has.

My Day Of Cleansing

I have been experiencing heaviness and water retention in my body off late. I have a tendency for water retention and my lifestyle has not been very healthy in the last few weeks. Too many cocktail brunches late night bar hopping and socializing sort of had taken its toll. Also, we had somehow moved away from our sort of healthy diet to eating greasy food, outside almost everyday. So, I decided to go for cleansing. I had tried Master Cleanse couple of times after being highly recommended by a friend, but I figured that its not for me. I had one lime/maple/cayenne drink in the morning and couldn't do any more. So you can practically call me a neuvo in that territory! But then as I wanted to do it anyways and kept researching for the right program for me and came across BluePrint's Invigorating Cleanse.

My experience has been that of a beginner and I wanted to share my experience starting from the first to the 6th bottle. I have also put down the time as I tried to have them at an interval of 2/2.30 hours

Bottle#1 @ 09:00

A healthy green bottle of Romaine/Celery/Apple/Spinach/Lemon. We do eat salads, but its usually spinach, provided its at home. When we are out we never order salad. So thats something I am going to change now. The drink tasted quite good, though M wasn't a fan but I really liked it. My body felt energized. I am a total caffeine addict. I need my morning and evening cups of strong tea and to an extent that I get a headache if I don't get my evening cup and the absence of morning cup make some cranky. But surprisingly I had passed my usual morning tea time, and I was fine! May be it was the excitement, or genuinely working but something clicked.

Bottle#2 @ 11:00

This one was more fruity with Pineapple/Apple/Mint. Tasted really good. Though food craving had set in by then. I would suddenly come across food channels on youtube or find the cheese in the fridge and had to be really strong to not have it. But then I decided to not be too harsh on myself, so I referred to their cheat sheet and had quarter of an avocado and it felt much better. I kept myself busy with work, but my energy seemed to be dipping. I decided that next time I should do it over a weekend when I don't have such a busy schedule and its much more relaxed or probably a Friday.

Bottle#3 @ 13:00

Again a repeat bottle of Romaine/Celery/Cucumber/Apple/Spinach/Kale/Parsley/Lemon and it didn't taste as well as the first time. It wasn't bad but my food craving was higher. I usually try to stand when I am working, as it keeps lethargy down but I was sitting on a chair by now. I was feeling quite full though. It wasn't that I was hungry, but it was more psychological. I kept looking around for solids.

Bottle#4 @ 15:30

I was feeling quite low by then and this gave me a kick. It was Lemonade/Agave/Cayenne and I suddenly the the surge of energy. It lasted for about an hour, but I had to step out to walk Margo then and I utilized that time to do that. He is an energetic and social puppy and can be quite trying on one's energy level. Once I got back I again gave in to my craving for caffeine and referred to their cheat sheet. It allowed half a cup of coffee, so I boiled water in an espresso cup and added little instant coffee and drank it slowly. Though it didn't make me feel great or very different as I had expected from my trusted cup, but then I satisfied my quench for caffeine.

Bottle#5 @ 18:00

Well, this was the worst. My craving for food was pretty high and the drink had beet! I hate beet! I rallied through it with forced enthusiasm and sat down to sip it slowly but the moment I opened the bottle the liquid spilled over me slightly. So considering it has beet which is a strong coloring agent and the bottle of this particular juice comes so filled I would advice you to open it in a sink. So I started sipping through it and went down the drink with a couple of sips remaining. I put it away and kept staring at the last bit of it. And finally just before I had to drink the last bottle I sipped it all down.

Bottle#6 @ 20:30

This was Cashew Milk/Cashew/Cinnamon/Vanilla and tasted good. Though what would had mentally satisfied it by then would had been a thigh chocolate milkshake with whipped cream and ice cream (extra scoop) but after the long day it felt like a treat! I sipped it up slowly and thought of the taste to be rather nice.

My mind did play tricks with me all throughout. I felt a bit more chillier than I usually do. I was feeling cold! I did feel a bit weak. But today I don't really feel that way, after having had a nice sleep. I had no problem waking up, whereas I usually feel lethargic. No caffeine kick at all. Its a big deal for me. I eventually ended up having tea but much, much later than I usually do. I started my morning quite early feel very fresh. I have no urge to over eating or even eating unhealthy things for that matter. I don't feel bloated as I did earlier and considering I have lost 2lbs today I am assuming it was 2lbs of water retention. So my final verdict is that I really like it and I don't know how frequently I would like to do it, but once a month is for sure if not more.

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My Top 10 Happy List

I have always believed that one should know what makes one really happy. Not that I know 'All' of them, because many of these just passes by and we are so deeply happy that we don't notice the moments. Its only later, with reputation that we understand that this event makes us truly HAPPY!

With a blog named Happy Nook, I have put down 9 things that make me deeply happy, while 10th being the blog itself :)

So here is a list of 9+1 things that makes me truly happy!

1. I like to go for a walk when it drizzles. But on a warm day. And it has to be a drizzle. Now there are too many conditions but it can't be just any day, because its one particular moment of rain that makes me happy!

2. That perfect book. In one word that one 'un-put-downable' book. I have very rarely found one. I get on with books on and off but very few are that way. The last one was 'Girl On The Train - By Paula Hawkins' and I hear there's a movie releasing soon.

3. A red lipstick. There is something uplifting about red lipsticks.

4. I love to lie down under a large tree on a hot day.

5. Roll the window down in a moving car, of course, unless its chilly enough to give a frostbite :)

6. Talking to myself in the mirror. I think its the best way to loudly talk about ideas to someone who won't judge you.

7. Cuddling with M in the morning.

8. Hug Margo and fall off to sleep.

9. My morning cup of tea, before I start my day.

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How To Prepare For Networking Meetups

I have spent my childhood being a shy introvert child. I was a single child and had family around at all times, so once I stepped out of my comfort zone like school and then high school. College & then work and more studying thereafter. In all these situations I interacted with people, great people who helped me along the way to grow with them and with that I learnt to be better prepared for these interactions. I learnt to introduce myself right, and present myself. 

Visiting Card

Visiting cards are the easiest way to introduce yourself. And the information remains with the person all along. I can understand that it can be an investment for someone who is just starting out. But trust me its a worthy investment. Try Vistaprint, as their cards can be inexpensive and designs can be picked up from the website. And if you are a designer then you know the drill.

 Be On Time

Cant stress this enough, but people do like to be respected. If you arrive on a time that everyone has decided or you have agreed to be present somewhere at a particular time, then it means you are someone perfectly capable of keeping your promise. Lets remember, that when someone doesn't know you, he/she is judging you constantly. Your absence makes the same a magnitude of impact as your presence. Also, if you know someone, its just nice and professional to be on time!

 Go Easy On Your Outfit/Look/Makeup

You are a creative individual and are proud of it. And I think thats awesome. However, it may not be the best idea to consider yourself as the canvas. You will meet people like say 'me' with ADD who will not be able you focus on you or anything that you say because of the beautiful peacock green eyeshadow. But thats not why you are there. You are there to introduce yourself, and want people to know the 'you' and partner or collaborate or anything else with you, instead of being impressed by you and look up to you as a goddess. I do think its a personal choice as well, and our eyes and instincts are the best judge. As long as we keep those 2 on, we should be ok. 

Carry Your Work Along

I am a photographer, stylist and a blogger. I have some work which I am really proud of and have compiled them into a pdf. I have downloaded that pdf on my phone, just in case someone wants to see it. And not to mention, just for this kind of eventualities, please keep your phone charged.

Go Easy On The Perfume

Trust me on this one. People are sometimes allergic to certain fragrances. They would avoid you like plague because they don't want to get into a sneezing frenzy the moment they come at a distance of a feet. I am not saying go without perfume, but opt for more subtle fragrances that are not overwhelming. And when you apply add just a little, like here. In which case you may not even have to apply the perfume repeatedly.

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How To Be More Productive

Wake Up Early

This is easier said than done. Especially if you are not a morning person. In my case, I have a dog - Margo who eats at 7 am and needs to go for a walk after that. So once its 7, he comes and literally places himself above our pillows or on the side and starts licking our faces. We never tried to change that habit because its better than any alarm clock in this world!

Now, waking up early is the best. I like to start my day with a walk with M & Margo. A long walk. i get back home and practice some yoga for half an hour. I like to do the bed in the morning and if possible clean the floor as well. It helps me stay positive as I believe that cleaning the home, even if its just the little bit like making the bed it helps eliminate negative energies in the house. Then I get breakfast and get to work. So, if I get up at say 11 I will not be able to do any of this and by the time i have had enough caffeine to get me going half my day is gone. I also need to shoot photos during the day, so day light is critical. 

Make A Joblist & Review

I do not use a lot of paper. I think it is waste of paper to begin with. Though I like nice stationery, I hardly get a lot of them. I do have a weekly planner, but for a more detailed daily plan I prefer virtual stick ons.  While I am grabbing my breakfast and tea in the morning I put down each and every job that I need to do that day, whether work related or personal. And I write them in the order of their priority. I never miss a thing and take a good 20 minutes to write them. Then I start addressing them from the top and address them one by one. I format everything in bold, and once the task is done I unbold that one. It hardly ever happens unless it is a job that would take time that it has not been accomplished.

Take Short Breaks

It is very important to take short breaks. I find it extremely difficult to concentrate if I do not. Also, its not really a healthy practice to stare the computer screen for hours. So I take breaks to sometimes apply some nail polish take out half an hour to read a book. It refreshes my mind and I can get back to work with renewed energy.

Take A Night Bath/Shower

A night time bath relaxes me completely. I usually get into the bath and use that time to also massage a cleansing balm on my face while watching something on the laptop. Then I apply a face pack, which I wash off at the end of my bath and then apply my serum and night cream. I don't do it for more than 30mins but it completely unwinds me. Also, applying moisturizer at the end of the bath gets me going for the entire day the next day. Sometimes when I have the time, I also go through an elaborate skincare routine. For an absolutely relaxed bath check this.

Make Most Of Your Time, Everytime

Even the short breaks that I take during the work are meaningful. If I am reading its a way of self-fulfillment, or applying nail polish then I need to do so for a meeting or a shoot. Its a good way of utilizing the break and not feel guilty about it. 

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Weekly Update : My First Lemon Plant

I always wanted to get a lemon plant and I finally got one. In the Indian tropical climates its quite common to have lemon plants and add lime/ lemon in food. The good thing about them are the aroma. But then neither do I live in a tropical weather nor do I have a backyard. So this is more of an experiment. I got this plant from here, and the reviews said this should work. We'll see, and I will keep you posted on this!

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Tea Rooms : NYC

If you are expecting the high end tea parlor, then this experience is a little different. Its cozy, comfortable and intimate. Its just the place to sit and chat with your girl-friend. I saw a lot of families and group of friends and in fact one of the groups literally sang. Its a happy warm place with good food, enough tea and some happy thoughts to take home. 

Click here for reviews

Bosie tea Parlor was the first tea Parlor that I visited after arriving here. They have an excellent collection of tea and a very chic interior. Its not typically english Tea parlor, its rather French. And if you are planning to visit them or you have already been there but not tried, then their earl great Macarons and Millecrepes are excellent. M swears by the eclair though. We also usually go for their tea service, and their one portion is good enough for 2.

Click here for reviews

They are more Hot Chocolate than tea, however, I have had nice tea there and thats how it found a place on this list. Their deserts are excellent and 'let me warn you -"Massive"! But there is something more to Mariebelle. And thats their chocolates. You must try them if you haven't because they make them in the widest possible variety. They have another little speciality too. The little pictures on these chocolate squares and when you buy them you will get a small card in your box explaining these pictures.

Click here for reviews

A sumptuous english village tea house that you have probably seen in English series like Agathatha Christie's Poirot. Tiny, flexible, warm and mind you...lots and lots of food and tea. You have to go there with an appetite. But I like it. The food is comforting and tasty, while the environment is truly cozy.

Click here fore reviews

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