Archive for July, 2019

Sometimes we have to work on the insides to make the outside shine

Posted July 30, 2019 By Frank Strona

Last year I wrote about my discovery of Rodan & Field. They offer a line of facial products, traditionally marketed for women, but with a growing male fan base. I use several of the products on a daily (sometimes twice daily) routine and have been overwhelmingly happy with the results.

Being someone who generally isn’t a big fan of lots of steps, I found the simple three-step method worked perfectly for me.

My Fav Rodan & Field Products include

ENHANCEMENTS Active Hydration Serum. This I carry everywhere. First thing I put on after a plane trip or when I am in super drying environments. A little goes a long way and it dries super fast. I put it on either before my moisturizer and sunscreen or as a “touch up” during the day when my face is feeling drawn and dry.

ENHANCEMENTS Micro-Dermabrasion Paste; which I use 1 -2 per week as a scrub before I get into the shower.

ENHANCEMENTS Active Hydration Bright Eye; for a real treat. I use this one less than I should, but when I remember to use it I can see the difference under my eyes

 

Step 1 REDEFINE Daily Cleansing Mask ( When I am not using the Enhancements paste.) This takes only a few minutes to put on and by the time I am ready to shower, it’s dry and ready to wash off. I tend to use this most day and didn’t find it drying and causing any redness. In fact, I found it I actually have fewer issues with my face overall. 

Step 2 REDEFINE Pore Minimizing Toner. Toners were an oddity for me, but I find that a quick swipe after I wash my face, help close the pores and leave my face more read for the moisturizers. Since it comes in the kit, I use it.

Step 3 am REDEFINE Triple Defense Treatment Broad Spectrum SPF 30  is my daily facial conditioning moisturizer and sunscreen. But since I prefer to use a higher spf I actually use this and add a little of my preferred sunscreen about 30 minutes later to ensure I am getting the coverage I want.

Step 3 pm REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream. While counter-intuitive to me initially, Putting the overnight cream on my face actually helps so that in the morning I wake up less dry and puffy.

 

You will notice there weren’t any links on this page initially – but I recently got so many folks asking that I have added them back – if you would like more information on Rodan & Field Products, you can click on the “I don’t have an account” which will bring you right to the full store without you having to  add any details.

Note: So a few folks have already asked about the comment above; the reason for that was that while I do have the ability to make sales as part of the R&F team plan I am on , unless I want to pay a monthly service fee; they dont provide a custom account url. They reserve that for the “pulse” group. But as of July 2019, I paid the monthly plan since so many people responded and it is now linked to my account so that means I do get a few bucks from any orders using these links.

 

 

 

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While on the subject of self-care, wellness and taking a break

Posted July 28, 2019 By Frank Strona

Speaking of Wellness…

A few months back I did a 7-day challenge as a way to introduce myself to the Plexus line, the end result is enough success that I was willing to look into adding some to my daily routine.

They offer a line of supplements that help with those gut critters in your system, that when out of wack have effects on some folks from stress to bloating, gas and poor sleeping. The ones I am personally using now include:

Slim® Hunger Control

Slim® Microbiome Activating

Lean™ Chocolate or Vanilla 

Active™

I initially sampled two of the products they call the “pink” drinks. The first was Plexus Slim® Hunger Control then I went on to try Plexus Slim® Microbiome Activating, which has now become my go-to drink every morning or afternoon.  Both of these fruit-flavored mixes worked over the course of 7-days to help adjust my dairy issues, decrease my late afternoon “drop” and lowered my “snacking”. The big difference between the two is the added fiber in the Hunger Control version.  For an info sheet on Slim Hunger Control visit it here. You will find an infosheet on Microbiome Activating Slim here.

I then went on to add the Plexus Lean™ line as my replacement protein powder. The Lean line is whey-based with 15 grams of whey protein, along with 24 bioavailable vitamins and minerals (including 5-MTHF methylated folate). it comes in a  Chocolate and Vanilla version. I use both of these at times used with both Water or even Iced Coffee to some good results.

 Plexus Active™ is my latest find from the Plexus line. products. Active is a supplement mix of green tea and yerba maté provide healthy energy while l-theanine supports enhanced focus. It also includes natural caffeine sources plus Citrulline Malate and an antioxidant-rich blend of plant extracts like turmeric, blueberry, tart cherry, kale, and more provide nitric oxide support for better daily performance and muscle recovery. For an info sheet on Plexus Active™ Info Sheet here.

For more details on the Plexus lines I use, some of the other products and a link for samples visit the Plexus Samples Page.  If you choose to order a sample through the link, you will receive an email with tips for using the product sample that will be arriving soon. You can find Plexus Worldwide on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

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4 Characteristics of a Cohesive Team

Posted July 25, 2019 By GuestSpot

Many businesses get things done by assigning projects to task-oriented teams. When a group of people work together, they can complete tasks for the good of the company. However, when the team cannot cooperate, project progress comes to a halt. If you take care when preparing a team, you can make sure that they will work together and reach the goals you assign them.

Quality Communication

Jostle asserts that in order for a team to function well, its members must be able to communicate. At the team’s inception, you may want to establish some rules to help this process. This is especially important if your team includes people who are introverted. For example, rather than doing a freeform brainstorming session, you might try going around the room so ideas are voiced one at a time, encouraging the participation of the whole group. It is also important to make certain that every team member sees all project-related emails and texts. 

Personal Introspection

It is easier to be part of a group when you are confident in your own identity. If you are developing a long-term group, you might work with them to understand their personal learning styles, communication styles, and conflict styles. Understanding your own quirks can help you be more understanding of another team member’s perspective. CMOE points out that personal discovery leads to an improved commitment to team goals, agreements, and action plans.

Its about all the parts coming together as one

Complementary Skillsets

Part of assembling a winning team is knowing what each member brings to the table. There are some people who are gifted leaders who can inspire others. There are some people who are happiest working behind the scenes. A wise project manager will gather a team whose personalities and skills complement each other. This kind of matching improves the team because each member feels necessary and important. Recognizing the skills of team members also makes organization easier. You can point to a reason why each name has its place on the organization chart. In order to do this well, you need to lay the groundwork by getting to know the skills and personalities of the people in your workplace.

Shared Mission

It is easier for people to be enthusiastic about a project when they know why they are doing it. If the members of the group have a shared vision and mission, they are more apt to work toward that goal. Especially for large projects or long-term teams, you need to do this work right at the start. If your organization has its own mission statement, you can help the team recognize how their project fits into that larger mission. According to Madison, establishing a broader mission will also help the team break the project into actionable pieces. Each member can see how his or her task is working toward that larger goal.

Working with teams is one of the most effective ways to complete tasks in an organization. However, it can be difficult to cultivate a culture of teamwork. When you carefully develop your teams, you are placing them on the path to achieving their goals.
For teamwork training and workshops, let MentorSF be there for you!

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When we lookback we can see the future

Posted July 2, 2019 By Frank Strona

Many of us agree that diversity is important in the workplace.

However, in the last few years, we have seen a stronger influence to refocus efforts race, ethnicity and gender. I agree we still have huge gaps in these areas increasing inclusive workplace. We must also not forget to include LGBT as part of this plan. While some LGBTQ folks may also identify as communities impacted by lack of inclusion and equity, some aren’t and are being left out of the training equations. Both as allies and participants.

NBC coverage of 2019 Pride NYCThis came across my desk on Sunday as part of the #Pride50 celebrations in New York and SanFrancisco’s own Pride parade.

As we wrap up #Pride month some may find this ABC post “LOOKBACK: What gay life was like in San Francisco in 1976” interesting; uncomfortable and yes even nostalgic.
It captured some aspects of the time dead on. Some insight is dated due to language and access, but it does a good job of illustrating a moment in time and how gay men were seen. Last week I did my own “lookback” and share about my experience with telling the “mean girls” story and life as a non-traditional looking young gay man is my post “Who would have guessed I was a “prequel” which tied in with some of the basis for last summers TEDx Talk.
What is more interesting to me, is how all these years later, with all the success and growth, how some things haven’t changed….

LOOKBACK: What gay life was like in San Francisco in 1976

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