Classically Chic Life

Four Factors That Will Destroy A Business' Foundation

2012-10-29T12:14:00.001-05:00

Small problems can grow quickly as a company grows. It;s always a very tricky situation for many business owners as they try to grow their company. There are many factors that must be considered as you lead a company and here several that are known to plague even the best of teams.

We see four common pitfalls occur as businesses grow from small to medium and into large businesses. Left unchecked, they can do serious damage.

1. Unclear Vision
One of the most problematic dysfunctions is when the company’s strategic vision and mission is unclear, or constantly changing. Oftentimes, due to high turnover and/or misaligned incentives at the executive level, organizations can become shortsighted. When executives are operating to meet short-term goals, the organization may suffer. Alternatively, the vision might be clear, but if management’s actions do not line up with the stated objectives and mission, employees are highly demotivated due to the mixed signals they are receiving. This will very quickly lead to a frustrated and ineffective team.

2. Poor Leadership
Similar to having an unclear vision, a lack of strategic alignment amongst management can be highly damaging to an organization. If each executive has differing (and possibly conflicting) objectives and insights, investments of time, money, and resources can be counterproductive. Complex strategies are not necessary to running a successful business, but efficient management is essential. Management teams need to organize, plan, align and motivate employees to lead the organization in an effective way. And while it is important for management to align themselves, it is equally important for management to align with the other team members. After all, they are still apart of a larger team.

3. Change-Averse Culture
Employees generally have a desire to feel as though their contributions make a difference and their opinions make a difference; however, many organizations can be viewed as change averse. This can be a result of management teams that view people who disagree with the strategy as a nuisance or not a team player. To avoid this problem, management needs to put their trust in the people they’ve hired and empower them through true ownership.

4. Bureaucracy
Many companies are structured with too many organizational layers, which makes it difficult to get things done. Time is wasted navigating the organizational layers rather than creating results. This leads to attrition of highly motivated employees and decreases productivity.

While we’ve seen these dysfunctions in large organizations, it is critical for growing businesses to recognize these operational warning signs as the company grows. Businesses become dysfunctional over time, so management needs to be proactive in resolving problems as they arise. Take some time to assess the health of your company and adjust accordingly. Don’t let dysfunction creep into your team.

*****article originally posted via INC Magazine***

DIY Monday: Pom Pom Love!

2012-10-08T11:30:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend there was quite a lot of pom-pom making happening. With the bursts of color and unusual ball of fluffiness, pom-poms are now one of the favorite things on the list. Dahlialike pom-poms appear to float in the air; but in reality they are hung from the ceiling with monofilament. Want to ring in the holidays in the pom-pom cheer? Then try the vibrant hanging puffs, pom-pom napkin rings in citrus shades adorn each place setting. Try using any sort of tissue paper you love and you will be sure to be on your way to a grand statement.

you can use them in wedding design...

or just for a social gathering...

or if you'd like to make a chandelier inside...

Easy Bites: Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

2012-09-25T07:48:00.002-05:00

These last few months have been like a fog, with the days flying by and the nights rolling into the mornings in just a blink, it seems. With long work hours, comes cravings for all sorts of weird combinations but there is something that I have absolutely always enjoyed snacking on - a crispy tomato basil salad. I came across this recipe on Savory Sweet Life and I love it. Today, I want to share with you an amazing recipe for your food files.

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad

Recipe type: Side Dish Serves: 4-6

Ingredients
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh “mini” mozzerella pearls
4 tablespoons olive oil
18 basil leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Instructions
Simply add the cherry tomatoes and mozzerella cheese to a medium bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzerella. Add the basil, salt, and pepper, and gently toss all the ingredients.

images via

A Whole New Ball of Candy..and Blog Too!

2012-09-24T09:54:00.001-05:00

A while back, I wrote a blog called the Business of Blogging highlighting why blogging is a business and the steps for ensuring your blog can be structured like any other business. About a week and a half ago, I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the Houston Bloggers Symposium and it was a great event. There are a lot of wonderful bloggers here in Houston with so much to learn from. Well, that made me think - what is the purpose of this blog? To be honest, I haven't been using my own advice and so it feels very hypocritical. After much soul searching (or brain racking, depending on who you ask), I have realized that this blog should be a resource for readers..

A resource for the happenings in Houston (or elsewhere depending on my travels), for helping small business owners and entrepreneurs grow their business through marketing and branding, for sharing stories, recipes, creative DIYs, fashion and paper goods.

A place where you can read about the fun and informative things...

And, my newest hobby, Reviews

Reviews you may ask, what sort of reviews? Well, I found that I love many things and a few of those things are vintage, handmade goods which I am sure there are a lot of vintage aficionados out there. So, every week I will review purchases and goods that I've run across or bought that are vintage and handmade. I'll give you my scoop in hopes that it may be beneficial to you. And who knows, it may just be loads of fun to share. Well, at least I hope so.

until next time..

A Whirlwind of a Week!!

2012-09-22T21:47:00.003-05:00

It's been a whirlwind sort of week. With the launch of the Koby and Kylie Co. line and the announcement of the ModMade Goods pop-up shop, we've been busy bees. In other news, we are redesigning this blog to make it much more informative and interactive to accompany the growth of all my endeavors. I hope you will stay along for the ride.

until next time...

Monday's Quote of the Week!

2012-09-17T08:55:00.001-05:00

until next time...

This and That Wednesday!

2012-09-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

While I have been busy with my head buried in the books, figuratively, New York Fashion Week will literally end in a New York minute and I have yet to get a glimpse of all the great pieces on the runway. Yesterday I spotted a few pieces from the DVF show and loved them. How can you not love Diane von Furstenberg? Council of Fashion Designers of America president and grande dame of New York Fashion Week, she showed her collection on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Center and here are two pieces I adored!

until next time...

I Phone Craziness! It's That Sort of Month!

2012-09-10T10:12:00.002-05:00

Last month was very crazy - I am still reeling from all the happenings! This month, hopefully it will be much better and more sane (who am I kidding, not really). One of the really crushing, life altering experiences that occurred was losing my IPHONE, seriously - I consider that life altering. And, to make matters even better (or worse, depending on how you look at it), I did not have a backup of my contacts and information. Yes, so to my dismay, I was out of luck! On to the bright part of this horrific scenario - I get to window shop for a new iPhone and iPhone case. I can across these and really loved them.

until next time..

Animal Print: There's just something about it!

2012-09-04T09:20:00.002-05:00

It seems that we are heading back (or maybe we've been there and I've just been very clueless) to an animal print world. I have been seeing so much animal/safari print trends that it is unbelievable. And, I must admit, we've been creating a few designs for products lines we carry over at ModMade Goods, and look out for our fall line-up! Prints galore!!

via ASOS

PS. The winner of our blog giveaway is ....... Jalessa B. Jalessa, please send me your emailing address so we can send you your e-certificate.

Statement Pieces: Make It or Break It!

2012-08-30T09:33:00.000-05:00

Statement pieces have been the rave for some time now and they're often worth the investment. While at an event a few days ago, I received quite a few compliments on a statement piece I wore (pictured below) and certainly will consider investing in more solid pieces. Here are a few pieces caught my attention.

until next time...

Happy Tuesday: Quote of the Week

2012-08-28T07:29:00.002-05:00

Generally, there is always a reason for the quotes posted. But mostly, they speak to me based on my mood on that day. Today I was very inspired by this quote and I hope it inspires and speaks to you the same way it did me.

until next time...

Blog Giveaway! Handmade Collection ModMade Goods

2012-08-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

I haven't done a giveaway in a while but I figured it was well overdue. I absolutely connect with this brand because I worked with many artisans to create it. By far one of my most proudest moments. Today's giveaway comes courtesy of ModMade Goods; an online retailer of finely curated handmade in the USA goods and objects.

Today's Giveaway is A $100 Gift Certificate to shop online at ModMade Goods. This certificate is good for shopping the entire collection, which includes jewelry, home goods, spa goods, bags and stationery.

The brands ModMade carries are all solo-preneurs and artisans but they have the unique distinction of being made in USA, including its very own in-house brand. The philosophy is simple; goods that are handcrafted in the USA gives us the best of everything: quality, craftsmanship, stimulation for change, support and uniqueness. Rather than purchasing brands from other countries, ModMade believes in purchasing from artisans close to home. We love brands and ultimately goods that have a story, a meaning, are made with quality and consideration and are still affordable.

The Rules:
TO ENTER: You MUST be a follower of Life Sunnyside Down and you MUST leave a comment about your favorite item on ModMade Goods

EXTRA ENTRIES
1. "Like" ModMade Goods on Facebook
2. Tweet about this giveaway. To make it easy you can tweet this: "Enter the Classically Chic Life Giveaway @modmadegoods #modmadelaunch!"
3. Follow the ModMade Goods Blog
4. Blog or Facebook about this giveaway. Please include the URL in your comment. {4 extra entries}
5. Follow ModMade Goods on Pinterest

Please ALSO leave a comment for each of the extra entries! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE....
Contest open until August 31, 2012. Winner will be chosen at random

until next time...

Great Monday: Lots of Big News! It's Finally Here..

2012-08-20T10:34:00.001-05:00

Over the past few moths, I have been working on many projects, including both client projects and my own. It is sometimes so hard to see the forest for the trees when you are so deep in the jungle, but every once in a while you get a glimpse of the light. Today is one of those days for me - one of my ventures "ModMade Goods" is actually coming to fruition and its all so surreal!

The concept behind ModMade Goods was pretty simple, I wanted to capture everything I loved, put it in one place and share it with everyone. The only caveat was that I wanted it to be 100% handmade in the USA. The idea that we can enjoy so much and have it be made within the USA was very appealing to me, because I think that makes it special and unique!

So, we are less than 24 hours to the site being live and you guys get to see a little more into my world - a world that has felt like years in the making. A world that I have to sometimes step back to see the light but I am very excited.

Feel free to check us out on around the web on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Our Blog, and our site www.modmadegoods.com.

And, I hear that the first 50 shoppers receive a surprise gift with purchase! I hope you guys will love the site!

Until next time!!!

Friday Round Up: Stationery Candy

2012-08-17T09:07:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had an amazing week! I am looking forward to the weekend and maybe getting a few fun things in this weekend - "fingers crossed". I've noticed that there hasn't been much posting on my end for stationery, so today I wanted to wow you guys with stationery candy!

via Oh So Beautiful Paper

until next time...

Style Mix: Interiors and Fashion

2012-08-15T09:39:00.003-05:00

There is no guessing that fashion and interiors are always at play, interchangeably. It is however very striking how so much of our interiors are inspired by the world and especially fashion. One of my favorite past-time reads is now Fashion+Decor and I always love the combinations. Here are a few of my favorites.

Here is a gorgeous, bold Anna Spiro interior with Peter Som's colorfully floral Spring 2012 collection.

Nanette Lepore has been an all time favorite for her whips dresses that combine boho with chic. Here we have a Tilton Fenwick interior mixed with Nanette's Spring collection.

Kate Spade is known through the world and over as the Hampton's, chic - color enthusiast and this combination is truly sporing-chic.

until next time....

Create the Life you Want!

2012-08-13T10:17:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend, I had the best and worst times. With many opportunities comes more work and more risk and the potential for the just the right thing to happen. On the other hand are the possibilities that arise because you are moving too fast or because there are just too many moving parts. And I wouldn't give it up for nothing because there is a certain joy that comes from knowing that you can do anything you set your mind to! So, today remind yourself that:

like you create the other aspects of your life...

until next time...

Foodie Wednesday: A Recipe Worth Having

2012-08-08T10:18:00.000-05:00

So, I rarely do food entries here because I'm already so tempted with food that writing about it just makes me go a little nutty! But today, I whipped up this little sandwich as a great start to my morning since it will be a rather long day today. It was so yummy I had to share and hopefully encourage you to try it too.

Toasted Breakfast Bagel Sandwich
(slightly adapted from Curtis Stone)
The Goods:
4 slices of prosciutto
1/4 cup vinegar
2 large organic eggs
1 tbsp. butter
1 cup fresh arugula
2 bagels, cut in half and toasted
sea salt and cracked pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil to drizzle

Prep:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Line a muffin tin cup with two overlapping prosciutto slices. Place in the oven and bake for 12-15, or until crispy.
While the prosciutto is baking, bring a medium pot of water to a boil and stir in the vinegar. Crack one egg at a time into a small bowl and gentle slide the egg into the water. Repeat with the other egg.
Allow the eggs to cook for about 3 minutes and until the whites are set. The yolk should still be runny. Use a slotted spoon to remove the eggs and set them on a tea towel to drain of excess water. Do the same with the second egg.
Toast the bagel halves and place on a plate. Top with a handful of fresh arugula and the prosciutto cup. Place the poached egg over top and season with sea salt and pepper and drizzle with your best extra-virgin olive oil.

until next time..

Kelly Wearstler Does It Again!

2012-08-07T08:18:00.002-05:00

Lara and Jeff Sanderson did not want to hire a decorator. Yes, the 11,000-square-foot house they'd recently bought on Mercer Island, Washington, was in dire need of total revamping. But their meetings with interior designers left the couple feeling underwhelmed. What they wanted was an artist. So they turned to Kelly Wearstler. And she definitely delivered - this home is very KWID chic and it is amazing. Here are a few of my favorites. To read the entire story, check it out here!

until next time...

Nothing to Fear But Fear Itself!

2012-08-06T09:59:00.003-05:00

I had the great pleasure of meeting several wonderful women last month at a conference and I am inspired by them daily. Here is a quote I thought I would share with you, one that has inspired me and has led to my weekly contract with myself, "During this olympics you can see those that have not taken this moment for granted by introducing fear into their hearts. You can do anything..but if fear is driving your decisions on how you move, you will fall short of success. No one knows that fear exists at your core but you...you must introduce yourself to your greatest self and crush the fear even if it is so small you can barely see it. Even a dot of fear is meant to destroy you and you have been sent to overcome every adversity...even yourself!" (via DaRhonda WIlliams). I must say that sometimes I am guilty of introducing fear into my life and it's often a very hard task to consistently expel fear from your thoughts. This week, my challenge to you (and myself) is "to make this the week that fear takes a back seat to all your potential successes". Let's check back on Monday to see how removing fear changed your accomplishments for the week.

until next time...

Behind the Scenes: With Many More Reveals

2012-08-03T09:42:00.002-05:00

Today will prove to be a really busy day for me and the gang. We get to go behind the scenes with a client shoot including a shoot for one of our own in-house brands. We're feeling very inspired over here - so it's bound to be an exciting shoot for all!

Here are a few of our have behind the scenes shots:

until next time....

Stationery Catalog Completed!

2012-08-02T10:44:00.000-05:00

We have finally finished phase one of our catalog for Koby and Kylie Co. and we are very excited. Here are a few of our favorite designs that made the list! If you'd like to check out the entire catalog, feel free to see it here: 2012 Catalog.

until next time..

Wednesday's Honest Truth!

2012-08-01T10:26:00.000-05:00

While I am most times a very private person, there are moments of pure clarity that allows me to open up to the universe and speak about those things that would normally be left in my head (which at this time is full and overflowing). So this Wednesday I wanted to speak my open truth about being really tough on yourself, allowing your ego to cloud your accomplishments and taking control so you making way for positive affirmations.

I have always been the hardest person on myself for the longest - I am not quite sure why and so I am left with figuring out how to deal with this. But lately, I think it's made me more conscious of the fact that I need to accept my accomplishments, whether small or large, and create my own strides. See sometimes I think that we all get very caught into the illusion of someone else's "apparent" grandeur and we stress ourselves out more to accomplish these things. While in all it's form, your own grandeur becomes just "a thing" and so the ever spiraling feeling of I am not good enough or "what am I doing wrong or not doing?" is always present. This then allows Mr. Ego to step in to declare himself the victor by overdoing, overcompensating, overanalyzing, even though never really feeling that it's still good enough.

So my challenge for myself and for you today is to accept your accomplishments and remember:

until next time..

A Neon Yellow State of Mind!

2012-07-30T10:40:00.002-05:00

So it's no news that neon has been taking over everything. And when I say everything - I really mean everything! Maybe it's the fact that I see neon everywhere why I have grown a certain love for neon, especially yellow! It's no mellow yellow - but I am still really digging the vibrancy of it all!

until next time...

Have a Wonderful-LLY Great Weekend!

2012-07-27T11:07:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone, here's to a wonderfully, relaxing and productive weekend. And in true comrade fashion, don't forget that the Olympics starts tonight! I will be doing a little R&R this weekend, hopefully! This marks the spot!

until next time, enjoy!

Style Files: Olivia Palermo

2012-07-26T12:08:00.003-05:00

Here's the open truth about being a solo-preneur - you have so many irons in the fire, sometimes I swear you would forget to do the normal daily, required routines had it not been for your blackberry. You have to frequently remind yourself to calm down, take it easy, get some sleep, go to the manicurist, take a little time off, eat, mingle with friends, and of course, enjoy a few (whether at really sparse intervals) nicer things in life. One of my great admirations is the style of Olivia Palermo - very down to earth, beautiful, whimsical at times and very ladylike. Here are a few of my favorite inspirations for taking time to smell the roses!

until next time...