real entry coming soon!
It's not often I would actually recommend a business book to someone, but I will definitely make an exception for Seth Godin's books. My inner marketing maven is always fascinated by the simple yet brilliant ideas in his books, and his new one - Small is the New Big, is no different.
I first found out about Seth when I joined BzzAgent.com - an online community devoted to word-of-mouth marketing. Word of mouth marketing is a brilliant concept - we all know from experience that it does work. Seth's books show you how to make it work better. Marketing is heading in all sorts of new directions - what used to be adequate 10, even five years ago simply won't cut it now. I believe that marketing is extremely important in today's world. It's equally important to all kinds of businesses - from a multi-billion dollar corporation, to a one-person Etsy shop - promotion is key.
Seth's new book, Small is the New Big is a collection of entries from his blog and some of his Fast Company articles. I've been reading the book excerpts on BzzAgent, and just last night I got my own copy in the mail. I am convinced that this book is a must for anyone who is involved in any kind of business venture, as it is a real eye opener about how the business world (and the real word) works, and what we can do to use it to our advantage.
While many design purists may scoff at Pier1 and their new Loft21 collection, we here at LIS embrace it. Good design comes from many places, and import stores like Pier1 offer many great options for the budget concious among us who don't want to give up style.
This adorable "Eclipse" dinnerwear in classic black and white is modern and stylish. I especially love the bowls - aren't they super cute? Best of all - each piece in this collection is a paltry $4 (currently on sale). Check out the Eclipse collection at the Pier1 website here. Also make sure to check out many other affordable and beautiful things that the store offers. While we always encourage our readers to incest into pieces made by local and independant designers, Pier1 provides a nice starting point to find a lot of great basics at an affordable price.
Part of this blog's purpose is to show that good design and beautiful objects are not just for millionaires. Those of us on a college budget can certainly enjoy lovely design as well. The first example of great, yet affordable design comes from one of my favorite on-line boutiques - Elsewares.
These gorgeous lamps provide a soft romantic glow and light up your pad with a lovely modern botanical print. Made in France by TAÏR MERCIER, these beauties will only set you back $35. At this price, you can afford to get one in every color!
You can buy your very own French Floral Lamp right here, and make sure to check out the rest of the pretty things at Elsewares, many of which are priced to suit our post-college budgets.
The photo above was taken last weekend at the Annual Buffalo Garden Walk. This is the first year I've done the walk, and I can guarantee that it won't be the last. Who knew that an urban area could have so many beautiful gardens tucked away? This is one of the many amazing things about this city.
I should've taken more photos but I was too distracted by all the gorgeous landscaping, water features, herb and vegetable gardens, as well as the super-nice people eager to show off their wonderful work. To say that I was inspired is an understatement. After witnessing what can be done with some land and a handful of seeds, I am obsessing over the idea of starting a garden of my own. Too bad I have to wait until I move in the fall...
Why hello there, how are you?
Allow me to introduce myself - my name is Olga and this is my new blog. I have been keeping a personal journal for years, and now I feel the time has come to succumb to the blog invasion and get one of my own. This blog will prove to be a touch schitzophrenic, as I am intent on blogging many things that are of interest to me. My main focus will be photography, design, music, and my hometown of Buffalo, NY.
Here you will find some of my photos, creative and crafty projects, ideas for affordable design, as well as a few personal musings and other such distractions. Please feel free to explore, and feedback is always appreciated.
