5 Handmade Eco-Friendly Hamper Baskets You Need in Your Home Right Now
Gathered from nature, and then handwoven in Bangladesh, by Women Artisans, these five baskets are a must-have for eco-friendly lovers!
Meadow Basket
Natural Materials Used: Kaisa Grass and bluish-gray vegetable-dyed Jute Wrapping.
2. Wild Style Hamper
Natural Materials Used: Kaisa Grass and red, blue, white, green, and yellow cotton.
3. Blue Ribbon Bogra Basket
Natural Materials Used: Vegetable-Dyed Kaisa and Palm Leaf Grass.
4. Calm Mood Hamper Basket
Natural Materials Used: Kaisa Grass with Jute and Recycled Plastic accents. Leather Handles.
5. Bright Day Hamper
Natural Materials Used: Recycled Cotton Sari Fabric, wrapped around Kaisa Grass.
*Comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages was founded by Edna Ruth Byner, A wife, and mother from Akron, Ohio. While visiting Puerto Rico with her husband in 1946, Edna met a few women who were struggling to put food on the table for their children. After seeing a handful of pieces of their fine embroidery, Ruth was moved to bring some of them back to her home town to sell.
Edna Ruth Byner began sharing the stories of the Women Makers to her friends and neighbors, explaining how each purchase helps The Women, their Family, and their Community, gain economic independence.
Now Ten Thousand Villages practices Fair Trade with 30 developing Countries!
What I especially like about this Company, is that via video, pictures, blogs, and written stories, you get to see, and hear from the actual Makers. Ten Thousand Villages takes you behind the scenes of every single country that they have partnered with, allowing you to watch the Makers in action.
You will feel like you are truly a part of The Villages!
Fair Trade
Fair trade proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first. It is a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change and economic crisis.
—World Fair Trade Organization
Ten Thousand Villages is the epitome of what fair trade should look like. Their business model is one that a start-up fair trade company would want to readily adopt. Simply put, they first ask the Makers what would be a sufficient amount of pay, then both parties come up with a fair agreement. Next, Ten Thousand Villages pay the Makers FIRST (50% of the agreed price), before products are shipped, to protect Makers from exploitative loans.
I’ve always had a heart for fair trade and indigenous cultures, so this makes me smile!
Support Women Artisans
When women have money, they have a say in the family… and their voice is heard. She gains confidence. Life becomes important for her. And so that’s in the real sense, that’s economic empowerment.” – Meera Bhattarai, CEO and founding member of ACP-Association for Craft Producers in Kathmandu, Nepal.
10 Things I'm Doing Right Now To Prepare For International Living
If you check out my about me page under what to expect from my blog, I stated that I will be sharing my plans for international travel. Around this time last year, while I was writing that, most of my preparations were in my head.
Now, as my living situation, plans for the future, and short and long term goals have changed, I am taking action, and will be relocating within the next few months.
I am a firm believer of planning out as much as you can, doing extensive research, and moving with a specific mission or purpose.
I’m totally against going out on a whim, with very little money, to move anywhere, nationally or internationally. That will not work for me!
I know that even with the most meticulous plans, things can, and will change.
But again, I say if you have back up plans, ( My abcdef and g plans, have never failed me) 9 times out of 10, unexpected mishaps, and expenses can be avoided, or may not set you back as far.
10 Things I’m Doing Right Now To Prepare For International Living
1. Moving to a Less Expensive City and State
Since moving from Northern California while in my 20’s, Houston, Texas has always been my home base. I love it here! But it’s time to go.
Houston, you have been sooo good to me, and I thank you. I will be back to visit, but I must move on for good now.
Yes, I must move on to another city and state, where my expenses will be lower so that I can save more, and have the freedom to move about with fewer restrictions.
In my opinion, this is the best way to cut back on major expenses, while on your way towards traveling the world or moving internationally.
2. Budgeting Every. Single. Penny.
Seriously!
My personal spending is wayyyy out of control! And this is because I have gotten too comfortable….again!
When I looked at how much I could have saved (instead of splurging) just within the past 4 months, I had to put myself on a time out!
While I am proud of myself for keeping up with my personal expenses, as far as writing them down, and keeping receipts-so I at least know where my money is going, I definitely need to get rid of my impulse spending.
I am not only budgeting every single penny for my out of state move, but I also have a budget for my international travels as well.
I know exactly how much I will need to maintain my international lifestyle for 3, 6, and 12 months.
3. Meditation Visualization and Manifestation
Manifestation is speaking and acting as if you already have it.
(Without doubting, because doubting ruins manifestation.)
Throughout the day, I am constantly speaking my travel plans into existence. I am not only speaking of my plans out loud but talking in my head as if it is already so.
I see myself at certain locations, (visualizing) being very specific about the region and area in which I plan to travel and live.
I am constantly looking at pictures, and images of my exact REALITY location!
I don’t want to write, or say dream location, because the word dream sounds so far away, or as if it will never happen.
The video below isn’t in my top 5, because I just discovered Mei-lan a couple of months ago. I listen to this almost every night, and feel as if I am floating.
4. Networking
I was raised in Northern California, and have always been a multi-cultured type gal-constantly hanging out and making friends with people from different countries.
I have more international friends than I do Americans! Lol!
Soooo, I have made some new contacts and friends in the country in which I will be moving to-and I have long-time friends from the countries surrounding areas.
I am still observing certain groups, and location-independent businesses, so that I can connect with the right people, who have my same vibe, mindset, and outlook on life.
5. Research
To be honest, I have been around the people and researching the continent in which I will be visiting, and then moving to for 20 years!
As you already know, the world is constantly changing and will continue to change.
I can never learn too much, so I am still researching different cultures, governments, land, houses, presidents, cost of living, and lifestyles.
On each short trip that I take locally, I always research the cost of living, see what the jobs and businesses are like, and check on the rent and buying prices for apartments and homes.
I especially take note of the disposition of the people, and customer service-are they friendly? Family-oriented? Is this a seemingly happy community?
Other questions I ask myself-
Would this be a good fit for my kids? How would I get around? How much is transportation? Is it best to get around by car, bus, taxi, or uber?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living, relocating, and traveling to my destination country, or a certain side of town, versus living in its surrounding areas/countries?
6. Learning New Languages
How is it that my international friends know the English language so well, but I haven’t even taken the time to consistently learn their language?
So sad!
I should be fluent in many languages! I start off learning, then “get busy” and stop.
Now, I have to learn!
I am making it a habit to learn to read, write, and speak the languages of my friends, every time we meet-up, talk, or text.
7. Explaining The Moving Process To My Children
My kids are troopers! They all adjust to change quite well.
My oldest does not know how serious I am about my long-term destination as of yet. I am waiting to tell them in a special family meeting that I will be holding.
My long term location just got specific last month, and will greatly benefit my older and younger children, grandchildren, and my future grandchildren, whether they choose to stay or visit.
However, I am sure that they will not be too surprised-I have mentioned it to them quite a few times throughout the years.
8. Watching YouTube Videos
I have been getting a lot of great information concerning international travels on YouTube.
For the past 3 months, I have been binge-watching specific videos geared towards my destination.
(I’ve been binge-watching to the point where it is not exactly healthy on my eyes!)
One night, I stayed up until 4 am, watching videos, and taking notes. It was totally worth it!
9. Pinterest Pins
Pinterest is my new obsession!
I am pinning everything that has to do with traveling- from Africa to Asia, USA, Paris, and Island excursions.
While reading a lot of blogs about my future destinations, I take handwritten notes.
I can get pretty caught up on Pinterest too!
But again, I am seriously talking about my future here, so it is well worth the time!
10. Listening To Music From a Specific Country
I am listening to music that is from my reality destination. I’m no stranger to it, but hooked on it now, more than ever!
The rhythms, and languages, always takes me to that place, lifts my mood, and makes me even more excited about my trips!
Listening to music from a specific destination in which you want to live or visit, can be used for manifestation and visualisation too.
Example: I used music to take us back to Houston, Texas while we were living on the Corpus Christi Islands.
One day, I started to feel the energy of the city of Houston really strong. I then began to get flashbacks.
I felt so excited, seeing the faces of old friends, swimming around in my head. I found myself reminiscing about where I used to go, and what I used to do…
While searching online, I discovered that I could live stream both of the Houston radio stations that I used to always listen to. Why did I do this?
It was torture!
I began missing Houston even more. I felt that I was actually there. I said out loud, “I’m ready to go back to Houston!”
While dancing to, and enjoying some familiar tunes, my journey from the first day that I moved to Houston, until I left, was slowly being played before my eyes.
For 3 or 4 consecutive weekends, I listened to two of my favorite radio stations in “H-Town”.
Okay, I thought, I got my little “Houston Fix”. I’m satisfied.
I moved out of that phase, and sort of forgot about it.
A few months later, without even trying, we found ourselves living back in Houston, Texas.
*Sources Of Income
What is my mission for my destination countries? What would I like to accomplish there? Who, what, when, and where do I want to invest? How will I continue to create multiple streams of income overseas?
I feel that it is crucial to keep a list of all of my business skills, trade, and talents that would be of good use in my near future destination countries.
Sacrifice
There are a lot of things that I am willing to sacrifice in order to get to my reality destinations!
Should I just homeschool my kids, and call it a day?
For the past 5 years, I have been in the position where I do not have to work in, or out of the home-or even start new businesses.
But I do anyways, because I feel that would be very unwise of me not to-for I have a greater vision that I just can't sit on, or ignore.
7 Reasons Why Senior Care is The Best Economy Proof Business Ever
It’s true!
And don’t let any one else say “it ain’t so!”
I started my small Senior Care Service in 2008, when the economy crashed.
The thing is, I didn’t even know the economy was plummeting, because I was so busy flourishing!…
And I owe that all to the Senior Care Industry.
My expertise is the Business of Senior Care. I have been doing it for over 10 years.
5 years ago, while helping sick Family Members on the Islands in Corpus Christi, Texas I decided to start building multiple streams of income.
Currently, I am setting myself up to consult large Senior Care Businesses.
If you want to get into this type of economy proof business, the best way to start, is to find 1 Senior Client to serve, and then let that 1 Senior Client lead you from there.
( I say let them lead you from there, because the key to my success in Senior Care, was going above and beyond, so that Clients would continue to refer me, and be my word of mouth marketing team!)
There is power in One!
You can start off by making $1200 a month, working 4 hours a day, with only 1 Senior Client. Most of the time, you will only be helping them with simple day to day tasks.
As an Independent Senior Concierge Service, you can even make 6 figures. Not even a lot of Senior Care employees know this.
I am working on an E-book that will tell you all you need to know, (and then some) about the Business of Senior Care.
UPDATE: I will no longer be publishing an e-book. Read about my updated business plans and services.
Private Independently owned Senior Care Businesses, (meaning no middle man) has a lot of secret incentives that no one really knows about.
Owning an Independent Senior Care Service is easy. Too easy!
This is because you can literally start with little to no skills.
Also, because Senior non-medical assistance is a common sense type service.
It is advisable of course, as in starting any Business, that you do your research, and most importantly, that you have the right type of personality to serve and assist Elders, Seniors, and their Family.
7 Reasons Why Senior Care Is The Best Economy Proof Business Ever
The Demand is Higher Than The Business
Since the early ’90s, there has been a massive demand for Elder and Senior Care.
This is due to the amount of "Baby Boomers” who are living longer, needing non-medical assistance.
(Think…, Concierge/Hospitality Services in the comfort of their home, or place of living.)
Baby Boomers are people who are 65 years and older.
*No one seems to want to get into the Business of Senior Care. Most become Senior Health Care Workers and Nurses.
Senior Health Care Workers are underpaid, so they often do not stay in the field for long, creating enormous turnover rates.
Enormous turnover rates=Huge Demand
Huge Demand=Plenty of (Senior) Clients!
2. Easy Senior Referrals-Word of Mouth
Without back-up Clients, your Business is doomed from the start! This is how most small Independent Senior Concierge Services fail.
The remedy to this is to always provide clients with above and beyond assistance and customer service.
Seniors Loooove to brag about the good service that they are experiencing.
When they start bragging about you, that’s when you will get a steady flow of Senior Clients coming your way…And Fast!
I will talk about this further in my e-book.
Word of mouth marketing is the best marketing because your Customers are bringing your Clients to you!
Winning!
3. Paid Community Service
You get paid to provide services that help the Senior and Elder Community enhance, and improve their everyday life.
4. Flexible Schedule and Hours
Seniors need assistance during different times.
Senior Concierge Services will be around the clock 24/7, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 hours a day, evening, or overnight.
Even some split hours, if and when needed.
Flexible schedules allow you to work with your Clients, choosing the best time for both of you or you can just choose a Client that needs Concierge Services that fit around your Business lifestyle.
I personally love this about Senior Care. I have worked all of the above!
5. You Can Provide Multiple Services Within The Same Business
There are a ton of Senior Care Services that you can offer.
Your Concierge Service can provide all of them, or cater to one type of service.
Some of the most popular types of services you can offer are Transportation, Monitoring, Assistance with everyday living, and Medication reminders.
6. No Age Limit
I have witnessed Senior Care Assistants from 16-80 years old.
I have not experienced any Client displays of age preference in my Business, but while working at a Senior Care Agency, a few may request for someone closer to their age to assist them.
I’ve seen many Seniors become the perfect companion for another Baby Boomer.
As healthy Baby Boomers come into the age of retirement, they may not be ready to stop working!
While many places turn away or lay off older workers, Senior Care has no age limit.
You can almost be sure to have another source of business income in Senior Care as a Baby Boomer.
Pass the Business on to your Children
When you have your own Senior Clients, many will be delighted to see your children!
You can allow your Children to assist you and your Senior Clients with age-appropriate tasks, and write off their salary on your Business tax return.
Winning!
7. Something To Always Fall Back On
While in between Businesses, Jobs, in a career rut, or just need an extra source of income, you need some money, and you need it fast.
Senior Care is the perfect immediate option, and side-hustle.
During your Senior Care Business research, you may decide that you want to work at a Senior Care Agency before you open up your own Service.
Because of the demand, you will most likely get hired right away, providing you have a clean background.
Some Agencies require a Senior Care Certification, but many do not.
At an Agency/Senior Care Service, you can choose your hours, and control how much you want to make, by accepting or declining various Senior Care assignments.
You can also make more money by working at multiple Agencies.
Something to fall back on, ties into the demand
If you go on Craig’s List, Classified Ads, or any online Care Service, you will see how many Seniors and their families really need help!
And that is just the beginning!
There are so many Seniors needing assistance that are not even online.
Be on the look out for potential Clients at the post office, while on your morning stroll, and when grocery shopping.
5 Reasons Why Extended Stay America Has Been Able To Remain Open During Covid-19
During my last stay at Extended Stay America, all of the staff went above and beyond to make sure that I was well accommodated for in every way.
They left such a great impression on me, that I wanted to make them my second home, while traveling within the US.
As I observed their uniqueness, and what set them apart from other extended stay services, I also wanted to start recommending them to those who read and follow my blog.
Extended Stay America has been able to provide a whole new standard in hotel stays by offering long-term, transitional, and emergency stays at discounted rates.
Extended Stay America’s President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Haase, commented,
“I am proud of our Company’s performance during this period of pandemic and economic uncertainty. Thanks to the hard work of our nearly 8,000 employees and our franchisee partners every single Extended Stay America hotel has remained open through the pandemic, we have maintained relatively healthy overall occupancy levels, and we have not been forced to enact any wide-spread furloughs or staff reductions as seen by others in the industry. Our property teams have done a remarkable job keeping their colleagues and our guests safe while continuing to provide an essential service for their communities and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work.”
Mr. Haase continued, “March and April saw the highest RevPAR Index scores for STAY in the Company’s history by a wide margin. We believe that our positive RevPAR performance relative to the industry during this difficult time period demonstrates the resiliency of our extended stay business model and the unique characteristics of our business compared to traditional transient lodging brands. We are also pleased to see improved RevPAR and occupancy trends during the last few weeks compared to earlier in the nationwide response to the virus. We believe the Company is in a strong financial position to navigate through this crisis and well positioned as the economy reopens. Source-GlobeNewswire
Here are 5 reasons why all 634 Extended Stay America Hotels has been able to remain open, without much of a drop in occupancy during COVID-19
They provide special safety training for their employees.
Installed transparent shields at all front desks.
Provides gloves, masks, and other protective equipment to all employees.
Expanded their cleaning and disinfectant practices by making sure that all computers, lobby areas, credit card readers, company vans, handles, elevator buttons, and all other commonly touched items are regularly disinfected.
Provides Guest with more choices as to how Housekeeping cleans their room.
Extended Stay America is set up for temporary housing with full size kitchens, free wi-fi, cable, and suites that are larger than the average size hotel.
Because of their convenient and comfortable amenities, you will always be able to limit your contact with people, by not having to continue to go in and out of your room on a daily.
I am an affiliate of Extended Stay America. This means that if you click on the link above and book a stay, I may receive a commission.
The No. 1 Thing you Must Do Before you Start a Business-Working From Home
The number 1 thing that you must do before you start your business, is to make sure that you have plenty of back up money!
You need back up money, or an extra job that you know you can fall back on, if the “funk hits the fan.”
Why?
When you start working from home, the money may not come right away, and if and when it does, you have to be able to create a steady stream of it.
So that you can concentrate on your new business, and new way of living, without having to worry about if you will have your rent, mortgage payment, and other incoming bills and expenses.
You will first need to wean yourself off of your present job, so that you can set yourself up to work from home, or conduct your business from anywhere in the world.
Always have something to fall back on, even if it's a former job-
and when you leave your former jobs, always try to leave on good terms
The very first time I left my job to start my first business venture in 2007, I did it all wrong. I just hopped up and left😬
As a young adult in college, I always had 2 jobs, so I don't know what was going on in my brain, where I felt like I needed to hop up and leave without a plan.
Not only that, I had a great business idea, and could have even partnered with the company that I left.
While seemingly having everything prepared for my new business, I hated the thought of having to go “bug” strangers. (Cold in person marketing.)
This was before social media! (So duh Tiff, how the heck do you plan on getting clients?? aaaaand you left a great job where you had Seniority!)
My bills started to pile up, and instead of marketing, I gave in, and decided to go back to being an employee!
Luckily for me, I had an excellent reputation with the company that I left.
Although I departed without notice, the owner excepted me back, and even said that he knew that something really deep must have been going on with me…
While the owner and manger welcomed me back to the company, and was very understanding of my situation, (they even admitted that they should have done a better job communicating with me about a few things) I was not able to get my same coveted seniority position.
I learned my lesson about not having a back up plan, and never wanted to make that same mistake again.
2 years later, while working at a Senior Care Agency, I noticed that the independent workers whom I worked closely with, did not have back up clients, or leads, whenever their clients didn’t need as much assistance, or if they sadly passed away.
Independent Care Workers seemed to be constantly stuck when they lost a client.
They were always frantically looking for new Seniors to care for-all while their income declined.
I promised myself that I would NOT be the one to always be desperately and frantically looking for clients.
So before I started my own small Senior Care Service, I weaned myself off of the agency that I was working for, and decided to work under my own business name.
I shortly began making more than enough money in my business with my own clients.
I still kept a close relationship with the agency, and agreed to continue to assist a couple of their clients that I adored, for back up.
I was also fortunate enough to have my first three independent clients, refer me to other Seniors and people with disabilities over and over again, so I did not have to do any marketing!
Having an a, b, c, d, and now, sometimes even an E plan, staying optimistic, and always having an open mind, keeps our family afloat, and confident in uncertain times.
I feel extra confident when I have back up economy proof plans.
We have also learned how to not live beyond our means, use cash for big purchases, and have back up money for emergencies.
Whatever you do, in whatever career or business that you are in, or plan on entering, always…, always, have a back up plan.
Always have multiple streams of income-Never rely on one source.
My 3 Night Stay at Extended Stay America-Little Rock, Arkansas
It has been a few years since I have stayed at an Extended Stay America!
I was so very pleased with their upgraded services, rooms, and perks, that I thought that I would write a review sharing my wonderful 3 night stay experience.
I booked my 3 night stay at Extended Stay America online about 5 days in advance.
I was about to confirm my reservations, and noticed that they had a free rewards program called Extended Perks.
So I signed up, and received 20% off!
2 hours before arrival, I called the front desk to let them know that I would be a little late.
I received an excellent over the phone response, greeting, and service from the representative at the front desk-Anwar.
After I checked in, he gave me a very thorough explanation of everything that I would need to know for my stay.
This information included a grab and go breakfast everyday from 6am-9am, location of the laundry facilities, visitor rules, and a friendly reminder to either extend my stay, or check out on time.
I was almost positive that I was going to be up and out for grab and go breakfast, but I was so comfortable and in “me time” mode, that I didn’t even partake in it!
My Three Night Stay at Extended Stay America-Little Rock, Arkansas
Update: The West Little Rock, Arkansas Extended Stay is no longer at this location.
Book your stay at the new Extended Stay America in Little Rock, Arkansas
My main purpose of coming to Little Rock, Arkansas was to get some “me time” without my younger two kids, and to spend a little time with my older son on his 21st Birthday.
21st Birthday??
(Yes, I know at times I look and act very young! I’ve always had a baby face. My only concern with looking so young, is that when the time comes for my Senior Discounts, they will think that I am lying about my age!)
Extended Stay America did not disappoint!
I booked a Queen Bed Studio Suite.
From the moment I walked in, I felt as if I was in my own small apartment.
Full Size Kitchen with Wall Opening and Breakfast Nook
The kitchen in the room that I stayed in has a full size refrigerator, full size vintage oven and stove, a dishwasher, large sink, microwave, and plenty of large cabinets and drawers.
I love the new quartz stone shower wall!
Rest and Relaxation
Although I have the remote, my time at Extended Stay America really looked like this:
The hotel was basically quiet-most guests kept to themselves, which made my visit peaceful and non intrusive.
*Quiet hours start at around 10:00pm. They have a courtesy sign asking that you respect other guests, by keeping the noise level down after this time.
I like this rule!
The only “alarming”thing is that a very loud emergency alarm went off.
I waited a little while, then called the front desk. I was assured that it was a false alarm, and that they were working on shutting it off.
Moments later, it was taken care of.
I stayed at the end of the 2nd floor, which provided me with a scenic view of Arkansas beautiful tall trees.
I was also able to see a cute little red robin, and wake up to some unfamiliar and unique bird callings!
I got on my laptop for a bit to edit and publish my last blog post!
While tap tap tapping away, I preferred blogging at the breakfast nook area, over the actual spot that they had set up for the computer desk and chairs.
After I finished editing, I climbed back in bed!
🤔They should have a picture above the tv!
Walking Around Extended Stay America Hotel
The only time I left my room was to get something to drink, and to walk my daughters out to their cars, after they came to see me the first 2 nights.
Note: If you need any dishes, pots, or pans, you will need to ask for them at the front desk.
(The last time I stayed at an Extended Stay America, kitchenware was available for guests in and on top of the cabinets.)
Also, there are only 2 treadmills in the gym, and the vending machines are inside of the laundry room, along with plenty of free Arkansas traveling pamphlets.
Leaving Extended Stay America
I received a note on my door which I never would have noticed if housekeeping wouldn't have knocked, along with a courtesy phone call 30 minutes before check out.
So what do I do before I check out?
Checking Out
While at the front desk, upon checking out, housekeeping will go and search the room to make sure that there are no damages.
After a brief wait, she will come back and let the front desk concierge know whether or not the room is in good condition.
If there are no damages incurred, you will get your deposit back.
Note: There is a $100.00 security deposit due upon check in. You can pay cash, and immediately get it back after check out, or charge on your debit or credit card, which may take up to 7 days to get back.
Outside Atmosphere
Extended Stay America West Little Rock is located on a hill with plenty of nature, scenery, and greenery!
Conveniently across the street, there are a few eateries, a gas station, and a Starbucks.
Making a left at this Extended Stay America sign, and another left at the stop light on S. Shackleford Rd, you will go up a steep hill, and run into all of your shopping centers, restaurants, and fast food chains.
S. Shackleford seems to be one of Little Rock’s major streets, and is the perfect cruising strip for first time visitors-You will enjoy the lively day and night scenic environment, well to do neighborhoods and business buildings, along with a glimpse of Little Rock’s houses on the hill.(My favorite!)
More Information about Extended Stay America
*Extended Stay America’s rates constantly change, so be sure to sign up for Extended Perks.
*All rooms are non-smoking.
*Extended Stay America supports cancer patients, and those who are relocating, or waiting to get their house built.
I think it is also a great option for Digital Nomads and Expats.
I can totally see my Location Independent Self working online here!
Source:Cropped from Extended Stay America website.
Feel free to browse other locations, as they are updating and redesigning.
Check out Extended Stay America East Providence, Rhode Island!
Since my departure, I have already received several e-mails offering me discounts, and thanking me for my business.
I love above and beyond customer service!
I miss you already too! I’ll be back!
Next time, I will stay longer.
*Updated June 2024
Welcome Friends! 2020
I would like to take the time to welcome my new blog readers, and say thank you to all who have previously subscribed to my new Lifestyle Blog.
Also, a huge thanks to everyone who has ever liked, followed, and left words of encouragement on my travel and photography Instagram @tiffanytenes, and on my other Instagram account @tenesarmoire, which mainly focuses on reselling.
So how is the new decade treating you so far?
The first week of 2020 has been a whirlwind of sudden shifts and changes for me!
Yup, 2020 is going to be innnnnsane!
I believe that everything you and I have been waiting, hoping, and preparing for is either already here, or on it's way.
But don't beat yourself up if you do not accomplish every single task on your list of 2020 goals.
(Certain goals should be set for long term, instead of short term.)
I am learning that some things are better off to be presented or accomplished at a later time.
The Teahouse Tapioca & Tea China Town Houston, Texas-My New Workstation
Since I have been back from the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas I have been so stuck on Teahouses. Guys! I have found THE PERFECT workspot for me!
I needed to get back into my blogging, traveling, photography, and work from anywhere flow, and The Teahouse Tapioca & Tea was just the perfect spot to do so!
The Tea House Tapioca & Tea opens every day at 10 am and closes on the weekdays and Sundays at 11:00 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, they are open until midnight.
There are several Tea House Tapioca & Tea Shops around Houston, Texas (one staying open until midnight on weekdays, and 1 am on weekends) but I chose to work at the Chinatown location-so if I want to wander off, I most likely will find another great Teahouse!
Also, there are a few Asian restaurants nearby, that stay open until 2 am.
As I walked inside, I immediately knew where I wanted to be seated for the evening! In the big red booth!
Other Work and Seating Areas
Menu
This location does not serve food or pastries, but they have an awesome healthy tea and coffee menu! I wanna try them all!
I decided to have Caramel Cream Tea with glazed banana chips, (the only snack that they had available) It was delish!
Remember my first impression of Green Tropical Bubble Tea, at the historic Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonion, Texas? Well, this experience was totally different. There is a distinct difference between regular Bubble Tea and Cream Bubble Tea!
Working Online
Usually, I blog and edit at home! Big mistake in my world!
Each of my businesses requires a unique environment.
I have asked myself, what is the best way for me to work online?
What environments do I need to be in, so that I can complete certain projects and tasks on time?
I can think of ideas, write out a plan, and even brainstorm, but there are certain things that I cannot complete while at home. Too much distraction!
Some people can get a ton of work done while on an Island. As for me, I should not try to accomplish any heavy tasks on the beach.
I am leaving my home boutique room, headed out to the Teahouse.
I want to get better at time management for each of my businesses, so I have decided to treat my online businesses like I do my Senior Clients; spend a set amount of time with each one, and then, on to the next!
Just like my offline Clients, some businesses need more attention than others, and some are only on call!
The Tea House Tapioca & Tea is not free from noise or music.
There are good distractions that you can actually thrive off of, and bad distractions that will frustrate you, throw your focus off, and keep you from completing certain assignments.
While feeling super productive, I continued to work until it was almost time for The Teahouse to close, and was able to complete the task in which I set out to do.
Book Your Digital Nomad Remote Work Stay Near The Tea House Tapioca & Tea in Houston, Texas
*Updated June 2024
7 Lifelong Business Tips Coming From Your Elders With Love
I was extra fortunate to be able to assist quite a few former businessmen and their wives. Often feeling like a little giddy school girl, holding on to every single word that came from their lips of infinite knowledge and wisdom, they seemed just as excited to share, as I was eager to listen and learn.
Though I have heard these "duh factors" before, it felt so much stronger coming from them!
These lessons and tips reached the depths of me, as my Senior, Elder, and Disabled Clients unknowingly guide my future.
I have permanently tattooed their advice in my world.
7 Lifelong Business Tips Coming from Your Elders..(with love)❤
1. Buy Your Car and Your House Cash
If you can't pay for your car cash, pay it off within 4-6 months instead of 4-6 years.
Since relocating, we took heed to that advice, and turned in our over seven hundred dollar car payments, (a combined total of 2 vehicles) and replaced them with two cash cars.
How would you like to buy a cash home, or make mortgage payments for only a few months or even over a period of 3-5 years, versus 30 years? (Winning!)
2. Your Word Is Your Bond
Back in the day, when there were no business contracts, your word was your bond! As one of my Elder Clients was explaining this to me, I remember asking,
"Then how did you know whether or not someone was being honest or deceitful?"
His reply (with a laugh) was, "Word spread very quickly back then, and when it did, NOBODY would do business with you."
So basically, you and your business were ruined!
3. We Are Your Customers First, and Family Second
Some of my Clients would disagree, but this was spoken to me in terms of moving on, whether it be them or me.
"If your going to study to be a Practitioner, your going to have a problem if you get too attached to your Patients.". Elder Client
I was taught that we as Care Providers were supposed to get attached, but as a business, you can't let that attachment keep you from making the decisions that you need to make.
4. Invest In Stocks and Bond
I was told to not just learn about stocks and bonds, but really understand how to use them.
I'm still learning!
5. Go With Your Gut and Pay For The Type Of Insurance That "You Think" That You May Not Even Need
One of my Senior Clients told me that before he was disabled, he was trying to determine whether disability insurance was worth the extra investment.
"Something kept nagging me to just get it, so I did." ... Then he said, "That's why besides my business investments, I get more income coming in than most people with disabilities".
Some Elder Clients had invested in Long Term Health Insurance and the likes, which afforded them the ability to pay for and make flexible decisions when it came to their care.
6. Leave A Rich Inheritance To Your Children and Grandchildren
This was something that I observed about my Elder Clients. They did not necessarily tell me to do this.
They planned their will very carefully, and while still alive, passed their items on freely to their children, grandchildren, and some great-grandchildren; whether it was nice cars, jewelry, homes, or businesses-
They were not too afraid to talk about and plan for their death-
That's what I want to do for my children!
7. BUILD FROM SCRATCH- and keep building until you have an empire that you can confidently stand tall, look around, smile, and be proud of.
"BOTH OF US DIDN'T HAVE A CAR OR A JOB WHEN WE GOT MARRIED- LOOK WHAT WE HAVE BUILT! EVEN THOUGH SHE'S GONE, WE HAD A GOOD LIFE TOGETHER, AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS.”
I held my hand over my heart as I watched in awe this great man celebrating his wife's LIFE- though it had only been an hour since her passing.
Me? It was the first time that I watched with my very own eyes someone quietly slip away in their sleep...It was calm, it was peaceful, and his smile lit up the whole house as I watched him put his finger on his lips, and his thumb on his chin-
He turned to look at me at what I thought would be a look of sorrow and despair, but his eyes seemed to be dancing with delight!
He was more than comfortable and satisfied at what he and his wife had achieved starting from ZERO!
I listened to the story of high school sweethearts who supported each other for over 50 years-
My head turned every which way as he pointed out large statues and other items that they had shipped back from traveling the world-
And last but not least, somewhere in between, they were able to afford this luxurious house in a neighborhood that seemed like foreign land, compared to their humble beginnings.
*Originally published in 2017
*Updated March 2022
