Love+Business+Style

Why Your Website Needs More White Space

2012-05-09T00:19:46Z

There is something really beautiful about clean branding + white space.

Think of Apple.com and the way they present their message to the world. It's clutter free and refreshing. I have lost count of the amount of websites I see that need more white space in order to make their brilliant content shine.

People tend to...

Cram as much information and imagery on their site as is humanly possible
Have their sidebars jam-packed full of ads + other noise
Have way too many options on their navigation bar that contribute to overwhelm for the visitor
Not-very-complimentary colour schemes + inconsistent branding
Go excessively overboard with social media buttons and calls to action. The result? Butt ugliness.

Design is an evolutionary process and it's important not to be too much of a perfectionist. However, what I do know is that less is sometimes more in this day and age of shortened attention spans. People want to know where to go, what to do and how to do it within the first few moments of landing on your site. Visual clutter can overload a person's brain. This is why Pinterest has a lot of white space because of the volume of imagery it presents.

This is the Wikipedia definition of 'white space' in terms of the visual arts:

White space should not be considered merely 'blank' space — it is an important element of design which enables the objects in it to exist at all, the balance between positive (or non-white) and the use of negative spaces is key to aesthetic composition.

White spaces allows for clarity of content to step forward into its power. We know that the cluttered environment is symptomatic of the cluttered mind... so what does your website say about you? What do you want it to say?

Here are 5 tips make better use of white space on your site:

1. Use easy to read fonts/type that make good use of the space.

2. Avoid a boxed in template for your website/blog. White space works really well when being seen on tablets/iPads etc. Sites look different on different screens... so it's a good idea to test to see how your website looks on the iPhone/iPad + big/little computers.

3. Don't be afraid to use bold colour, just make sure it's balanced out with the right portions of white space.

4. Break up large chunks of text. Drop caps work really well as mentioned here on ProBlogger. Apparently it can boost readership by 13%. This is why I usually highlight the first sentence of my blog posts.

5. Minimise your social media icons and choose beautiful ones. Check out these amazingly hand-crafted ones here by the talented Jo Klima of August Empress. Also, notice the lovely use of white space on her site design as well.

Happy Site De-Cluttering! Also please share this post with anyone that might need a little hint.

Sarah xo

Love Yourself

2012-05-07T09:03:00Z

These are lilies I bought for myself last night

I was meditating earlier today after crying for most of the morning and feeling exhausted.

Sometimes I just cry for half and hour in a state of complete overwhelm and then I'm back and better than ever ready to deal with pretty much anything. My eyeballs look shinier, my head feels clearer and it's like I've offloaded a whole bunch of unnecessary baggage.

During my 40 minute meditation break, I heard two words loud and clear. And yes, sometimes I do hear voices *laugh*, but it's like internal dialogue from my higher self. The message was 'love yourself'.

Too often we get swept up into the illusion that in order to be successful you have to work at a frantic pace. I'm getting a very strong message that being a workaholic is not loving myself. Being a perfectionist isn't very loving either. I need to go with the flow, let go of control, outsource and trust that everything is happening at the perfect time.

No matter how hard you try to balance things sometimes, there is always an opportunity to bring yourself back to presence and learn to love yourself through the down times. Consistency has been my biggest challenge with self love, but as least I'm aware of it.

Here are some great self-love/grounding resources I love:

Go on, love yourself.

Why I Wish My Children Were At A School Run By The Muppets

2012-05-04T00:07:19Z

The Muppets offered wonderful insight into life, education and leading a vibrant, fun life filled with nonsense.

I had a meeting this morning with the year 5 level co-ordinator and the Tuesday-Friday teacher about the scary Monday teacher that is bullying my 10-year old son Thomas. I wrote about it here. The next step is that they will approach the teacher formally on my behalf to explain the situation.

They said:

Teachers have a certain “style” that never changes
Teachers need to raise their voice to be heard and to assert authority
Teachers need to be tough on kids to prepare them for high-school
Teachers need to “break” certain children down in order for them to grow

I said:

Isn’t education about growing? Surely, a teacher never gets to a point where they know it all?
How is humiliating someone in front of the class classified as a “teaching style”?
Why is it okay to raise your voice to a child?
Why do you need to be “tough” and why does the pathway to high school need to be paved with fear?
Why is “exclusion” acceptable as a “teaching method” and yet it’s listed as one of the highlighted items on the ‘What Is Bullying” poster?

The teacher needs to focus on the worthiness and the empowerment of the child. They have individual needs and yet they are being treated like cattle.

We were bantering back and forth and I could see that they were being diplomatic but I wasn’t getting my point across that my son is not to be treated like this ever again.

I was firm, but open to listening to their perspective. And then I thought I’d drop the game-changer...

“My ex-husband and I had issues of domestic violence. Thomas witnessed most of this and has also experienced quite a tense relationship with his father.”

I had to bust this out because I knew it would create a shift in the pattern.

"He gets frightened of raised voices and any form of aggression. As a toddler he used to try and stand up to his dad when we were fighting."

As I said this, the mood changed and they knew they could appeal to the better judgement of the Monday teacher. Thomas would now be treated with respect because of his history.

Not because he’s a child (worthy of respect) and needs to be treated with sensitivity, but because there is a pre-existing issue.

This information could now be used to highlight to the teacher that Thomas needs to be handled with care.

What about the kids without a history to protect them?

(Side note: Thomas is an amazing child. I might just be saying that because I’m his mother, but he has a very conscious perspective about the domestic violence and is a very well balanced, harmonious, happy 10-year old boy).

I mentally filed the meeting under “bullshit” and knew that the system is flawed and my children would be better off being taught by The Muppets. The Muppets are positive, fun, vibrant, colourful, cheerful and yet educational. If the Australian educational system followed in the footsteps of The Muppets, I think that the minds of these precious children would be moulded in a way that allows them to still have fun when they're grown ups. Everyone takes things too bloody seriously.

Yelling at a room of 10 year olds will not make them adjust easier to the demands of becoming young adults. It just shows them that you resovle conflict or issues with tyranny instead of more Zen methods.

This is what I wanted to say: There is no right/wrong or good/bad...there just is. Shove the 'shoulds' up your bum and educate the children to be filled with creativity, love, fun and vibrancy for as long as you possibly can. Teach them that there are unlimited possibilities in this wonderful Universe. Teach them about always looking for the positive outcome and not expecting things to be hard or difficult.

I left the meeting with the feeling that Thomas will be fine and this woman (the said cranky pants teacher) will go on using her set-in-stone “teaching style” and sensitive children will continue to feel persecuted by her abrupt and not-so-compassionate approach to education.

I believe in manifesting, so I know that everyone in this situation has taken part to create the energetics of this particular lesson. I'm going to give this one the benefit of the doubt and closely monitor what happens now as we move forward.

My mother was right. Don’t let school get in the way of your education.

How To Deal With A Mean School Teacher

2012-05-01T00:19:00Z

Yesterday was interesting.

My son arrived home from school and I could instantly tell that something was wrong. He expressed that he'd been humiliated in front of the class for forgetting his homework book. This has been somewhat of an ongoing issue for a while now and my 10-year old boy isn't usually bothered this easily.

Sean and I asked Thomas some very non-leading questions so we could understand a little better what was going on. The answers were terrifying. I'm not going to list out the exact actions of this woman, but what I will say is that shame, aggression and fear have been used in the name of education. Obviously, this hasn't been a very successful venture for the woman because now the children are slightly frightened to attend school on the day that she teaches the class (she's only in the classroom once a week).

I'm like any mother...if you mess with my kids, my blood starts to boil.

But I can also appreciate the fact I need to take a big deep breath and take a step back. I don't know the story and what's going on behind the scenes. I'm trying to be objective in order to create lasting change that empowers this woman to make different choices.

'The Trunchbull'

This morning I went and spoke to the regular classroom teacher and explained that Thomas is shit-scared of the Monday teacher and how we can resolve the issue. She expressed that she'd have a gentle word with the teacher in question. I was also asked to forward the bullet points of concern that we got Thomas to write out for us.

Teachers are usually amazing. They are responsible for moulding the young minds of our children. We trust them with more than our lives...we trust them with our babies! When you hand your precious ones into a system that is slightly flawed... it's cause for great concern.

I remember when I was a child that there were always teachers that I didn't resonate with. One in particular was a woman who taught at a private school for girls I attended. She was a monster. This lady was just like 'Miss Trunchbull' in the Roald Dahl book, Matilda'Matilda'. I would be humiliated for not understanding certain concepts and I would blush like a beetroot about to explode. My confidence was seriously damaged by this experience, so I can really empathize with what Thomas is going through right now.

I remember that my parents went into the school and kicked up a decent stink about the situation.

The thing is that egos and pride can get all bent out of shape during the sorting out phase of things like this. It's a little scary when you have to create change at the expense of telling someone else what they 'should' or 'shouldn't' do.

The best course of action to take is to pre-frame everything with a sense of understanding and not to bust in there like a bull in a china shop and get all defensive. People react well to compassion and non-emotional tactics to deal with the issues.

I'm not sure how my situation with Thomas will pan out, but I do know that I've done my best to address the issue with love and adequate parental concern.

Has this ever happened to you? If so, how was it dealt with?

You can comment below or we can talk about this on Facebook. I need a virtual hug right now, that's for sure. xo

Kathy Wilson: 5 Things I Love About Meditation

2012-04-26T15:11:00Z

Welcome to the first installment of 5 Things I Love About...(insert topic here).

This week we're featuring Kathy Wilson from DiamondDays.com.au

Kathy Wilson’s website www.mydiamonddays.com is a delicious box of assorted chocolates for your mind. It sends daily, 10-minute meditations from experts around the world to your inbox or phone.

Develop your meditation habit with a free 7-day meditation bootcamp and discover the ongoing benefits to your health, wellbeing and happiness.

5 Things Kathy Loves About Meditation...

#1. Tell me one other thing – anywhere - that can make you happier, healthier and look better (and it's not beer goggles). Seriously, I can’t believe no multinational company has a patent over it yet.

#2. More meditation means less medication (sorry, I know it sounds like a slogan but it’s true) In some studies meditation has outperformed heavy duty pain-killers

#3. In my daughter’s words it: “makes my heart warm”

#4. It is available to everyone no matter no matter your income or your surname

#5. Learning about meditation has allowed me to connect with amazing people around the globe who are helping to heal the world.

We are offering SarahProut.com readers 50% off the monthly subscription price for mydiamonddays.com - not just the first month but for the duration of the membership! Just use the coupon code: sarahprout at the checkout. This is valid for either the monthly or annual subscriptions and includes our extremely popular 7 day "Meditation Bootcamp."

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If you would like to be considered to share your '5 Things You LOVE' about something then please email me: sarah@sarahprout.com and if you know someone that would love to be part of this meditation bootcamp then please share this post! With Love, Sarah xo

Inspired by: Yellow

2012-04-26T06:40:25Z

Lemons to Lemonade by sarahprout featuring kate spade earrings

Yellow is such a happy colour.

I've decided to start curating images and things that I love on Polyvore. I've also just created another blog on Tumblr if you want to follow me there too.

7 Reasons I Love Twitter

2012-04-26T01:45:14Z

I have a confession to make...

Over the last year I haven't been as present on Twitter as I would like to have been. I share my latest posts, pictures and pins but I haven't been actively conversing with people as much as I used to. This completely goes against my beliefs about social media. So in an attempt to redeem myself and light a motivational fire under my bum, I'd like to list out the following 7 reasons why I love Twitter to remind myself that it's a magical land of possibilities.

#1. I found my voice on Twitter

When I signed up for my Twitter account back in 2008 I was just starting out with my business. I was in a not-so-happy marriage situation and starting to feel the momentum of empowerment as I started to connect with so many like-minded kindred spirits. The key was to start talking to people and jump in the conversation.

I went from feeling bored and lonely (no blame here, just observation) to feeling heard and validated. This was a massive step in the right direction for me and my journey starting at just 140 character snippets at a time.

#2. I met my boyfriend on Twitter

Sean lived in Hollywood and I lived in Noosa. He started following me in 2009 and we tweeted (just as friends). This moved to Facebook and then email as our friendship strengthened. A year passed and I was single, he was single and badda-boom-badda-bing! Sean booked a plane ticket to come and visit me for 11 days in May 2010, and as they say...the rest is history. You can read more about it here.

With extremely complimentary business skills we created Älska Publishing which created the bestselling Adventures In Manifesting series. This would never have happened if it wasn't for tweeting with a cute guy on the other side of the planet. Goes to show that you should always take a chance and see where it leads you.

#3. I landed a book contract with Wiley

I was featured in the Australian Financial Review as a 'social media' expert and got a surprise email not long after from a publisher at John Wiley and Sons (the best business publisher in the world). We met for a coffee to discuss the possibility of creating a social media book for entreprneeurs. Originally it was titled: 'Social Media Butterfly' but it was too girly and potentially alienated the male market. After much deliberation, The Power of Influence was created.

#4. I've generated media attention from being on Twitter

I figured out pretty early on that Twitter was a great way to connect with people, especially for business. The media usually come to me which has been really cool. Recently, I was named one of the top 20 Tweeters in Melbourne by the Herald Sun! Not too bad for someone that hasn't been tweeting much lately.

The secret is to be authentic and true in alignment with the brand you have created. The media love strength of character and knowing that you have something vibrant to bring to the table that you whole-heartedly believe in.

#5. Twitter can connect with people all over the planet

Tweets are almost as fast as the speed of light! The beauty of the Twitterverse is that you can be on one side of the world and strike up a conversation with people in a different hemisphere. Currently I have subscribers on my mailing list in over 21 countries. This can all be attributed to Twitter and the extended reach that it offers to broaden your audience depending on the times of day you wish to tweet.

#6. It's instant, fast and informative

In 2009, I was sitting at my desk and felt a rumble. The earth moved! Then I checked on Twitter and #melbourneearthquake was a trending topic. The instant news element of Twitter makes it an excellent resource to know what's going on as it is happening.

#7. Most of my website traffic comes from Twitter

Forget the old days of RSS feeders. Twitter is a great way for people to stay up to date with your latest posts. I make sure that I tweet out links to all of my new blog posts. It's important to keep a good balance of auto-tweets to content, authentic conversations and sincere gratitude for the feedback that people offer you in response to your offerings.

I notice that the more I tweet, the more people get curious about me and my site. However, this isn't just about tweeting out links without any context. That's just plain rudeness.

What do you love about Twitter? Tweet me.

This Is My Wish For You

2012-04-19T11:05:33Z

This is my wish for you...

I want you to inspire people with your story and your wisdom. I want to you be able to look back on your life one day and know that you touched the hearts and minds of thousands (if not millions) of people around the world. I want people to resonate with your story and be moved to tears. I want those tears to instigate profound change, deep understanding and a desire to serve others as the result of being inspired by YOU. Yes you!

I want you to join this cycle of service to empower others. I want you to live your life with unlimited possibilities by stepping up onto a platform such as Adventures In Manifesting to deliver your wisdom to the world.

We have only a few author spaces left in the Adventures In Manifesting series of books. The 'Healing from Within' title is completely SOLD OUT which we are so thrilled about!

'Passion and Purpose' has only 2 spaces left. 'Love and Oneness' only has a few remaining places as well.

If you would like to be involved please send me an email now: sarah@sarahprout.com -- if you feel even the slightest twinge of intuition that this is something you'd love to be involved with, please connect directly.

We have so far attracted the most wonderous group of people to form our author inner circle. Join our soul-family of writers and create some magic for yourself.

We're literally closing the doors to this opportunity within the next day or two.

With Love,

Sarah xo

How Will You Be Remembered?

2012-04-19T10:38:54Z

Today I went to a funeral.

The casket was decorated with the most magnificent orange roses, tinged with red at the edge of each petal.

Bill died at few days ago at age 87. His six beautiful children took turns to do the eulogy and remember his life.

I was sitting next to my own dad, in a church filled with familiar faces I had known since I was a little girl. I was thinking about how one day I might have to deliver a eulogy for a family member, and how tough it could potentially be. Knowing me, I could speak for hours upon hours about how my loved ones have impacted my life and the good times we shared together.

I was sitting there looking up at the way the golden light was peering through the windows of this Toorak-based church. It was a golden glow, like a cocoon of warmth.

And then it hit me…

Who will write a eulogy for me one day? What will they say? Who would come to my funeral? How do I make sure I get pink roses? Who will hug my children and console them? What if I'm there to see the whole thing from another realm? What would I like to be remembered for?

Create awesome memories with your family and friends. Be of service. Inspire others with your wisdom. Live your life with LOVE because one day you’ll be in a box surrounded by people remembering how you lived.

With Love,

Sarah xo

What To Do When Shit Hits The Fan

2012-04-18T08:08:31Z

According to the Urban Dictionary…

The point at which "the shit hits the fan" is the point at which an already unstable situation devolves into utter chaos, often in spite of--or even due to--a higher authority's attempt to control it.”

In life, there are always curve balls hurled in our direction to test us. These are usually lessons administered by our higher selves in order for our souls to grow in some way.

Shit has hit the proverbial fan numerous times in my life and I have always had a standard emotional response.

It’s usually panic, heart-pounding levels of anxiety; severe stomach pangs and thoughts racing at a million miles per hour. And if someone did something really idiotic I might get angry...maybe a tad furious.

I'm making the conscious decision to react to everything with a sense of calm.

I remember my dad once telling me this story of a little boy he knew that hammered nails into his parent's piano. It was against their value system to react with anger.

Calm parental voice: "We don't do that here little Jimmy. Please put down the hammer."

If my child was hammering nails into a piano I would be highly concerned and angry to say the very least!

I used to think the parents in this story were stupid, and now I'm thinking that those people were either very heavily medicated or highly evolved human beings! It makes me wonder where that child is today and if he's still pushing the boundaries in order to get a reaction.

Do our reactions to stressful situations define us? Our strength of character?

Next time everything goes a little haywire in your world try these 3 things as an experiment.

1. Step back and look at things objectively without reacting to the drama of the situation.

2. See the soul of the situation as a lesson. Ask yourself: ‘What can I learn from this? How can I rise above it?'

3. Look for the opportunity to grow. Rather than looking to replicate the negative energy being flung at you, consider cultivating an inner sense of stillness and not adding fuel to the fire.

You’ll be amazed at what happens. Promise.

For what you do to others, you do to yourself.” Eckhart Tolle

SUGGESTED READING: 'Don't Sweat The Small Stuff' by Richard Carlson and 'Stillness Speaks' by Eckhart Tolle.