Search Results for: blog the philosophy of design

Sustainable Fashion Designer Stella McCartney

Have you heard of sustainable fashion? Many designers today are using an eco-friendly fashion philosophy – to support environmentalism and social responsibility through their designs. These designers use environmentally friendly materials, make sure that the production of the garments are socially responsible, and also some designers see to it that a portion of the sales go to charity. One such sustainable fashion designer is Stella McCartney, daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney. Stella first began designing outfits at the young age of 12. In only three years, she found herself interning with Christian Lacroix. She studied at the Ravensbourne … Continue reading →

What is a Freegan?

I know what a vegetarian is and I know what a vegan is. I’ve heard of the minimalistic movement and even subscribe to the 100 Things Challenge on Facebook (not that it does me much good). But, until I was watching the 10th season of “Project Runaway” the other day, I had never heard of a freegan. Contestant Fabio Costa (who is originally from Brazil, but now lives in Brooklyn, New York) told another designer that he was a freegan. He explained to that designer that he gets his meals from dumpsters, to which everyone in the room went “Ew!” … Continue reading →

Preschool Primer Part 2 – What Kind Of Preschool Is Right For Your Toddler?

When you are trying to decide which preschool is the best fit for your toddler, keep in mind that not all preschools are created equal. There are multiple types of preschools, each with its own underlying philosophy. Here are a few examples of the different types of preschools that are out there. Montessori preschools have a philosophy that is centered around the interconnectedness of all living things and helping the child to discover his or her unique place in the world. Teachers are called “Guides” and they help each child to learn at his or her own pace. Life skills, … Continue reading →

Must – Have Baby Items

In my last post, I talked about baby products that you don’t need. The logical follow up to such a list is a list of must – have baby items. Like the last list, this one comes with the caveat that all parents have different parenting styles and will therefore find different items useful. Here are the baby products that my family found to be the most useful. Baby slings are amazing. What’s more, they are simple and easy to use. When Dylan was born, I registered for and received a couple of baby slings. My parenting style largely follows … Continue reading →

Bunny Hunt

This is a child hot on the trail of the Easter Bunny. Actually, this is a child, who was instructed to turn her frown upside down, following a pouting-fest which was fueled by the fact that she was not allowed to stay up all night to capture the Easter Bunny. Funny how pictures work. For the past four years my now 7-year-old has desperately tried to snag the Easter Bunny. While other kids her age spend Holy Saturday night with visions of chocolate eggs dancing in their head, my child is designing elaborate traps made from blankets, empty boxes, masking … Continue reading →

Can’t Win for Winning

When it comes to playing games with my young daughter, I am that mom. You know, the one that lets her kid win. Personally, I am not married to the life-isn’t-fair-and-kids-need-to-learn-how-to-lose philosophy of parenting. To my daughter, playing is a means to an end, and that end is winning. To me, winning is subjective. Are you really winning if you crush your 3-year-old in a sprint from the front yard to the back? Are you really teaching your 40-inch preschooler the art of healthy competition if you smoke him at basketball? How damaging is it to throw a match or … Continue reading →

Disney D23 Expo Report

D23 has come and gone, and with it all the latest news of Disney’s upcoming features. As I anticipated, despite not announcing anything about them very far in advance, D23 offered some fantastic sneak peak at the Mouse House’s most anticipated upcoming films. Entertainment Weekly has the scoop on the new films. The Expo was packed with Pixar previews. We got tidbits of what to expect from “Monsters University”: expect Mike and Sully to be a little thinner, less shaggy, and with some orthodontia. The movie focuses on how the two form their friendship. They’ve actually known each other all … Continue reading →

Inspired to Paint

I started painting in college. I originally wanted to do some kind of art major but with my vast and varying interests, I majored in theology and philosophy and I got two minors one in secondary education and the other in art with an emphasis on painting instead. My art minor served me well in not only my personal life but also as a teacher who was required to teach one elective in addition to my content area (I ended up teaching three electives: two sections of painting and drawing and one section of culinary arts). Painting has always been … Continue reading →

Humana Will No Longer Hire Smokers

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As of July 1, 2011, Humana Inc. will not be hiring anyone who uses tobacco products. They have made this decision because they sell health insurance, and are a company that promotes good health. Smoking, or using tobacco products, doesn’t match with that philosophy. This will not affect all Humana offices, due to laws in specific states. Smokers, and users of other forms of tobacco, need not apply to Humana Inc. anymore. The health insurance company will no longer hire anyone who uses cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco or cigars. Everyone who applies for employment at Humana from this point on … Continue reading →

Are You a Scrapbooking Show-Off?

Maybe it’s because I am constantly searching for inspiration, or perhaps I have better things in life to worry about, but I am not the type of person, who gets my undies in a knot, when a fellow scrapper wants to show off her latest and greatest layouts. Last weekend I witnessed an ugly scene at my local scrapbook shop which reinforced my philosophy that a little humility can go a long way. A shop regular was paging through the display albums on the “Theme of the Month” table when two other women waltzed by and started commenting on the … Continue reading →