SavvySugar

The Office's "Let's Get Ethical" Episode Tackles Time Theft

SavvySugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:00:50 -0700

In the "Business Ethics" episode of The Office, Holly holds the type of business ethics seminar that could only take place at Dunder Mifflin. She starts the group off on a light note, reminding them that it's wrong to make personal calls during business hours and that spending a half hour at the water cooler is technically time theft, but Michael quickly ups the ante and offers "complete immunity" to anyone who shares their darkest workplace indiscretions.

Michael kicks off the troubling tell-all by admitting he didn't work for five days after discovering YouTube and watched Cookie Monster sings "Chocolate Rain" about 1,000 times. Oscar announces he occasionally takes long lunches. Mindy reveals she downloads pirated music to her work computer. The big HR crisis moment comes when Meredith admits she's been sleeping with a supplier in exchange for discounts and Outback Steakhouse gift certificates for six years.

I can't imagine many of you have ever pulled a Meredith, but I'm giving you full immunity (I promise I don't know your HR director): What would you say is your worst time theft offense at work?

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Girl Scout Sells 17,328 Boxes of Delicious Cookies

SavvySugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:03:41 -0700

Anyone who has ever spent time as a Girl Scout knows what a big deal cookie season is for the troops and also understands that selling 17,328 boxes of cookies is an impressive feat for one girl. Fifteen year-old Jennifer Sharpe sold this many boxes by setting up shop on a street corner with her mother, every day. My first thought: How many badges did she get for selling so many boxes?! Badges are for Brownies, baby - this girl and her troop get to go on a 10-day European vacation! The trip will be paid for with the $21,000 the troop raised in cookie sales.

European vacation aside, this girl is a great example of perseverance and work ethic. How many of us had our parents take boxes of cookies to work and have their hungry colleagues buy out your stash of Peanut Butter Patties? The best part is that Jennifer has grown as a person because of her experience. Her mother said,"It's made her really confident. I remember when she first started selling, she was very shy and quiet and you had to push her out to talk to customers, but now she's right out there, first to the door." I see a savvy businesswoman in the making!

You Asked: Are We Too Different to Make It Work?

DearSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I've been dating this guy that I really like for a few months now and we've fallen quickly in love. I'm 26, he's 31 and this is the first serious relationship for both of us. We have a pretty good relationship for the most part, but when we touch upon sensitive subjects, things can turn a little sour. He loves luxuries (Italian designer clothing, nice restaurants, etc) but I prefer more simple things because I'd like to save money for the future. I want to get a master's degree within the next couple of years and he's stuck in a low paying job and doesn't seem to be doing much about it. I make more than him. He says he wants to find something better, but when I presented him with an opportunity that I heard about, he was more concerned about the transportation to that job than the wonderful opportunity. The job is only 35 minutes away by car and it pays a lot more than what he makes now.

When I was starting out in the working world, I did everything I could to find a good job, even if it meant I had to drive 40 minutes to work. My family did the same. He says he wants something better but that he isn't sure about what he wants to do in the future. I feel like we are on two different levels in our life and I'm starting to wonder if our relationship can work. I've talked to my parents about this and they feel like we are just too different, that we have different morals and that it could never work. I know he loves me and I want to be with him too, but now I'm confused. What do you think? - Mismatched Malorie

To see Dear Sugar's answer read more

Dear Mismatched Malorie,

You've heard of opposites attracting, and while I feel that saying holds true in some cases, I happen to believe it's the similar traits that really make for a long lasting partnership. Money and work ethic are huge subjects that must be discussed before entering into a long term relationship. Since you have such different views on life goals now, and since you're already becoming so irritated by his lack of drive to better his occupation, keep in mind that it could only get worse later down the road. I'm pretty sure you don't want to be a harping, nagging girlfriend and unfortunately, it's not very likely that you'll be able to change him.

One thing to keep in mind is how you react to each other when you do touch upon those sensitive subjects. It's important to have your own beliefs while respecting each others. I would keep getting to know each other better and follow your own feelings about this, not your parents. If you have to really question whether or not you're too different to make it work, chances are the answer is yes, but before you give up, make sure you have all the evidence you need to make the right decision. Good luck.

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Beauty Byte: Gisele Launches Natural Skincare Line

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:30:58 -0700

Gisele Bündchen has sent the beauty blogosphere in to overdrive with the announcement of her new beauty line this week. The supermodel has teamed up with organic skincare brand Sejaa Pure Skincare on a new collection which launched yesterday.

The new collection includes day cream, night cream and a mud treatment (£37-46) – all made with 100 percent natural ingredients. The company posted the news on it's Facebook page.

Sejaa commented that, “(Gisele) was driven by the desire to develop a line of pure and natural skincare. [She] also wanted to create products with as little impact on the environment as possible. Using all-natural ingredients, calming fragrances, thoughtful packaging and recycled paper.”

This isn't the only ethical project Gisele involved with. She's also a UN Goodwill Ambassador and works regularly with the Agua Limpia clean water initiative. Perhaps she was inspired by her ex boyfriend Leonardo Dicaprio who is famous for his eco campaigning.

She isn't the first model to move in to the beauty world either. Kate Moss, of course, has her fragrances and Cindy Crawford also recently teamed up with Guthy Renker on a skincare line Meaningful Beauty.

It makes sense. After all, these models are known for their flawless beauty – it's the best advert ever! (Whether their stunning good looks are attainable for all of us, is another question.) Would you buy a beauty product created by a model?

Breaking News - Paris Has A Poor Work Ethic

PopSugar — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 11:28:54 -0700

Paris seems to have the same work ethic as Ms. Lohan. A co-star from her straight to video film Bottoms Up says, "I don't think there's any talent there. My biggest problem with Paris was that she was always late on the set . . . It became very annoying . . . Everyone gets tired. By the time Paris finally showed up, she was usually coming from a party . . . She never memorized her lines. So now, not only does she show up late, but on top of it she didn't have her lines ready to go. It was a very long day working with Paris."

Is this really shocking news to anyone? More pics of Paris partying and promoting her album so read more

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Emma Watson for People Tree

FabSugarUK — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:01:00 -0800

Today finally sees the launch of Emma Watson's first ever clothing line. The face of Burberry has been working with ethical retailer People Tree to create an eco collection. Here is a first look at the pieces and the look book which stars Ms. Watson. I can't wait to hear what you think of this one!

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Fab Blab: Emma Watson On Her People Tree Line

FabSugarUK — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:30:12 -0800

Emma Watson is the latest in a long line of celebrities to design a clothing line. Emma joins names like Lily Allen, Kate Moss and Madonna, but there is something that makes her line stand out from the crowd.

The Harry Potter actress has been working with ethical retailer People Tree and explained why, “I think young people like me are becoming increasingly aware of the humanitarian issues surrounding fast fashion and want to make good choices but there aren’t many options out there.”

The collection has been described as, "Hollister jersey blended into American Apparel basics, and topped off with humorous slogans". The collaboration launches in late February and will be available from ASOS and People Tree.

The Unstoppable Victoria Beckham

FabSugar — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:57:48 -0800

No burglary heist could slow down Victoria Beckham. The ex-Spice Girl and celebrity designer has proven she's got some serious staying power in the fashion industry, and not only with her highly coveted dress collection. Tomorrow, the self-proclaimed perfectionist will reveal her completely redesigned denim and eyewear collection - which is now under the sole control of Beckham - at Net-A-Porter, along with two short fashion flicks honoring the occasion.

“I plan on still being here in 25 to 30 years' time,” said Beckham. "It's about doing things gradually and building the brand in a strategic way. It's about finding the right time, the right team. With everything that I do, I will only do it after I’ve done all my homework. I really am a perfectionist, and I don't want to rush anything."

That said, Beckham's business has grown tremendously over the past four seasons. Industry sources estimate the designer's dress, denim, and eyewear business will do about $7.5 million in sales next year. Marc Jacobs even touted Beckham for her accomplishments and work ethic, stating, "She is someone who has always wanted to design clothes. She knows the body, she loves it and she’s working her ass off."

Victoria's fresh denim line will retail at $215 to $485; eyewear will range from $349 for acetate Wayfarers to $525 for metal flat-top sunglasses. Super hot. Can you believe she used to be bullied in school? What doesn't break you makes you stronger, right?

To see lots of photos from her new denim and eyewear line, read more.

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Victoria Plans to Stay Fashionable For a Very Long Time

PopSugar — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:00:13 -0800

Victoria Beckham arrived at LAX yesterday to catch a flight out of town following her weekend at home with her sons. She's heading off for her latest trip, possibly to join David in London as he tends to family issues back home. Victoria's also juggling her expanding fashion business, having just released the ad images for her upcoming sunglasses collection. She also just gave a revealing interview about her many lines in advance of her collection launching tomorrow on Net-a-Porter.com. She opened up about her career longevity, her inspiration, and whether or not she has advice for Ungaro's Lindsay Lohan. Here's more:

On sticking around for a long time: “I plan on still being here in 25 to 30 years' time . . . With everything that I do, I will only do it after I've done all my homework. I really am a perfectionist, and I don't want to rush anything. It's not just about putting my name on a product and getting it out there. That's not what is important to me."
On giving advice to fellow designer Lindsay Lohan: "Goodness, I don't think I could give anybody any advice. I'm only in my fourth season. I think there is room for everybody and I always say good luck to everybody. I don't really pay attention too much to what anybody else is doing except for myself. Obviously, I am aware. I'm not being stupid. Everybody is doing their thing and that's cool."
On how her childhood inspires her now: "I've always been driven. I was mentally and physically bullied when I was at school and that gave me a very thick skin. . . . The only reason for me bringing that up is I have always been a fighter . . . I have always had to work very, very hard with everything I do. That is just my work ethic. That's just me. That’s my DNA."

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Work Out: One-on-One Training With Jackie

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:30:35 -0800

I definitely was a fan of Jackie Warner's Bravo show, Work Out. And though I didn't always agree with the drama in her personal life, Warner's workout ethic is inspiring. I was recently given a copy of the fitness DVD, Workout: One-on-One Training With Jackie ($10) and the picture of Warner on the cover was enough to make me drop and give her 20. It's obvious that Warner works hard for her body, and that's enough for me to buy what she's selling.

Warner has designed an intense workout that focuses on upper body, lower body, and core. You can combine the three sections together for a grueling one-hour workout, or just focus on one area for about 20 minutes. Warner is great at talking you through the moves, and there are also modifications for beginners and the more advanced.

To hear more of my thoughts on Workout, read more.

I like my workouts to feel intense but to also fly by, and Warner provides that to a tee. Her workout offers a wide variety of moves with a lot of twists on the classics, and she offers little rest between them. Don't be fooled by how quickly time moves though, this is definitely an intense cross training workout - it combines alternating strength (you'll need hand weights) and cardio exercises. After doing this workout my abs were definitely sore the next day.

I think fans of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred will really appreciate Workout. They both move at the same pace and each trainer has a similar no-nonsense, but encouraging approach. Beginners might benefit from Warner's DVD a bit more though because unlike Michaels, she does a much better job at instructing. This was especially helpful during the exercises where weights are used.

My only beef with the DVD is that there were some segments in which all of her trainers did not participate. Instead of going off camera they sat in the background, which might be a little distracting or uninspiring for viewers. Despite that criticism I definitely recommend this DVD and can attest that my abs were still sore two days later!