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New Years – Nostalgic Events

Sunday, December 30th, 2012 | Our Best Advice | Comments Off

Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr on New Years Eve in the movie An Affair To Remember

Like bow-ties and tuxedos, New Years Eve celebrations are best enjoyed with love, glimmer, glamour, and champaign. ISA VIP clients have always set top trends for bringing in fabulous New Years (anywhere, any year). Their songs, fashions, films, and lifestyles, passionately classical yet iconically diverse, and hotly memorialized.

But we cannot drift, or our years blur together in a flash. I’m in ‘stay at home’ with my husband (as we have been for decades) on New Years Eve and Day. Just the two of us quietly appreciating with gratitude (as others might be too) the year gone before. 

Hatshepsut

Many of our clients are VIP high profile. I’m blogging to address their fantastic job offers and opportunities for top expert skilled staff. TIPS to share that both clients and job applicants might find useful. Our Best Advice, is related to our expert services. I know that others try to imitate ISAstaffing. We enjoy sharing our TIPS with everyone. 

Children have that clarity. They also love sharing their best advice!  The brilliant French Chef Vatel comes to view (Vatel wonderfully played by Gerard Depardieu if you love period films), and he wore black daily before white took over kitchen uniforms. Disclosure is that we have clients working at Disney (at all the studios), but this is not a plug (and nobody asks us to). I reference this film because it shows important TIPS every Chef, Event Planner, Organizer, Personal Assistant, Estate Manager, Butler, Valet, Party Staff, and other support staff, should know. 

The story goes that Vatel was responsible for an extravagant banquet for 2,000 people hosted in honor of Louis XIV by Louis, the great Condé in April 1671 at the Château de Chantilly. According to a letter by Madame de Sévigné, “Vatel was so distraught about the lateness of the seafood delivery, and about other mishaps, that he committed suicide by running himself through with a sword. His body was discovered when someone came to tell him of the arrival of the fish.” But Vital had a secret that bears up under all conditions, with his undying passion for learning he taught himself something daily with great appreciation and sensitivity.

The King of Sprezzatura remains our iconic client Cary Grant, in one of the great love stories, An Affair To Remember; sealed with a kiss on New Years Eve. A romantic story reminding that love can come with great anguish (and great fashion) and still triumph. I had the opportunity to meet Cary Grant (even enjoyed a lovely flirtation he initiated) at the private funeral gathering held at Rosalind Russell’s house. I can personally say that not only was Mr. Grant the embodiment of original style and vision (even more pronounced live), he was also a great work of Art. But when he spoke to you, it was as if you’d known him all your life. Laughter came easy and quick.

Rita Levi-Montalcini – biologist and Nobel Prize winner died at 103 today 12-30-12

Which brings me to mention another iconic original who lived until 103 years young in 2012: biologist Rita Levi-Montalcini. She conducted research in defiance of fascist persecution, and emerged from that madness to win a Nobel Prize for assisting to unlock the mystery of the cell. Ms. Levi-Montalcini passed at her home in Italy much revered, inspired, and passing her burning curiosity to younger gens. Female scientists who won’t stop – despite the chronic obstructions against women (as we see tragically continuing worldwide). Her groundbreaking research in face of Nazi invasion (and she was Jewish) that gave her the name “Lady of the Cells”. She said “At 100, I have a mind that is superior – thanks to experience – than when I was 20.” She had to overcome her father’s objections that women should not study, or obtain a degree. Earthlings can be immensely blocky about women (including against those they love). Our homage toast with deep thanks and respect in memory to you Rita.

Sinatra’s indelible ‘ring a ding ding’

We proudly continue our renowned expertise tradition of dedicated staffing for clients with luxury estate household help. Estate Managers and Personal Assistants are busy overseeing parties with the best Top Chefs, preparing exclusive private events held all over the world. They’ve planned a memorable launch of 2013 parties into the wee hours for two days long as all night feasts and breakfasts galore. From beginning to end everything must be perfect. Mishaps might happen and that means best of the best expertise that quickly rises to troubleshoot [always] seamlessly.

Washington stole our thunder of bringing in 2013 with high hopes by arguing a ‘fiscal cliff’. Nobody buys into that alarmist drama. Another original, Frank Sinatra was also a favorite of ISA staffing (see Frank give Cary the honorary Oscars he so deserved). There’s nothing like The Rat Pack banter to remind us of another time, another life, that many still long for. 

Which brings me to nostalgic remembrance of the iconic Ravi Shankar, who spent his life expanding people’s hearts and consciousness through his joyous music. Shankar worked tirelessly for world peace pairing up with famous musicians, and most famously with George Harrison and the Beatles – who brought India’s wisdom teachings to the west in the 1960′s that merged with rock & roll.

And although many believe Rock started in the sixties we need to go earlier. It originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s through early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, jump blues, country, jazz,and gospel music. Although some elements of Rock was also heard in country records of the 1930s, and recorded blues records from the 1920s, it’s little known that Rock & Roll did not get that name until the 1950s.

Alexander Dumas 1855

Send others Our Best Advice news, including that George Harrison and Ravi Shankar were brought to (then) President Gerald Ford in the White House – (another one of our passed clients). Shankar’s remarkable gifts of being a ‘musician’s musician’ was as a genius 16-octave scale composer. Ravi quietly passed this month to the Cosmic Hall of Fame. All of these remarkable people have brought us enlightenment. For those who don’t know his music take a moment to enjoy Ravi Shankar’s I Am Missing You, – played at a rare live performance with George Harrison. 

Which brings me to Alexander Dumas, a wondrous talent of eclectic noble chivalric capacities including The Count of Monte CristoThe Three Musketeers among other literary accolades. Most of you know his work although you might not know his name. You might wish to avail yourself of Dumas contribution to History. Chivalric men and women who are the guardians of life.

Happy New Year 2013 from all of us at ISA!

We share our Gratitude with Love and mixed Sorrow with people who may not be able to celebrate because of personal tragedy. We know that all of us can do better in bringing about a higher humanity, a better humankind. From our TIPS to you we love you all, and wish you a Peaceful Loving Interstellar filled with Blessings of a New Year 2013!

Our Best Advice and Our team loves hearing form you. We have great job offers in household help in the domestic help field, if you have top job experience with top checkable references.

Serving Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills. Holmby Hills, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air, Benedict Canyon, Hancock Park, Laurel Canyon, Los Feliz, Marina Del Rey, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Melrose. Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Woodland Hills, Topanga Canyon, Torrance, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood Hills, Pasadena, San Mareno, Rancho Santa Fe, Palos Verdes, San Diego, Laguna, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Ojai, Orange County, Ventura County, California, New York, East Coast, England, Europe, and  the greater United States…

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Jobs – Stress Relief

Sunday, August 7th, 2011 | Our Best Advice | Comments Off

“TAKE  A BREATH” BREAK

vintage photo - Relaxation

Employment and Stress Relief invariably go together. My favorite relaxation is deep breathing breaks four times a day: early morning, midday, after lunch, and before bed (I do this in bed). ‘Take a deep breath’ may seem cliché, but it’s an ancient technique that anyone who’s done it consistently confirms holds truth when it comes to not only stress relief, but immeasurable Health benefits. Many people still don’t do these, so I’m giving the ABC’s about it and our extended expertise. If you’re doing childcare it’s particularly important to stay relaxed while attentive, and you can teach a child to do breathing exercise.

For an easy one-to-five-minute exercise, sit up in your chair with your feet flat on the floor and hands on top of your knees. Close your eyes and Breathe In and Out, slowly and deeply, concentrating on your lungs as they expand fully in your chest. While shallow breathing causes stress, deep breathing oxygenates your blood, clears your mind, and helps center your body to opening up tension blocks (or research expert health advice and more local TIPS online in your area). Do this one with a colleague at work and they’ll love it too – watch your energy build.

EAR BUDS & MUSIC

Tuck those buds into your ears and cel phone and listen to music. For even five minutes a cello master like Yo-Yo Ma may do the trick (another favorite is Andre Segovia guitar) but if classical isn’t your thing, try listening to ocean or nature sounds or other zen relaxing effects of musical sounds. We do it when getting massages at spas, but don’t think about it when needing to remove a stressful situation out of focus during our day. Taking a break listening to relaxing music generates calm that has a positive effect on our brain and body, lowers blood pressure if the right music (as clinical studies have shown), as well as reduces cortisol, a hormone related to stress and weight gain.

Call A Friend, Therapist, Life Coach

I once heard from a PA we placed on a JOB that one of their favorite ways of staying clear is having a therapist or life coach on call when things get too pressured and they need a five minute mentoring session. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by challenges at hand, do this, or you can also simply take a break to call a friend and talk out your problems. Positive relationships with friends and loved-ones are part of a healthy lifestyle, but there’s no time that this is more useful than when you’re under a lot of stress. A reassuring voice, even for a minute, can put everything in perspective. Don’t tuff it out if it’s an issue that could cost you your job. Reach out. If it’s a JOB in the domestic help field you’re doing and you need to unload and get some expert advise, call our office. We’d love to help, listen, and talk it out.

BE YOUR BEST FRIEND

Be your own best friend every day. Sometimes calling a friend is not an option or you’re sworn to confidentiality and cannot share your issue. For general stress relief simply talking ourselves through it works wonders. And don’t worry about seeming crazy to yourself or even someone else who can hear your “self talk”, talking to a pet, an ant, a bird, works great (Really, try it). Just tell yourself why you’re feeling stressed out, don’t concentrate on blame focus, just what you have to do to complete the task at hand, and most importantly, that everything will be okay. Trust it, your issue will be resolved given time, if not immediately.

SELF CARE INCLUDES EATING RIGHT

Stress and diet are closely related so make sure yours is working for you optimally. Many people are triggered by hidden food allergies they’re unaware of causing anxiety that isn’t attributed to food. I’m consistently seeing people who are stressed out and it’s worn on their body despite their best efforts to hide it. Don’t. Take food and drink and your self care, seriously. Drinking tons of water alone won’t do it. People rely much too much on water to carry them throughout the day. Not enough to do the job.

LAUGH IT OFF

Seriously (drama and comedy are paired Historically), let it wash over you and make light of whatever is troubling you. Laughing works, even if you don’t mean it at first. Remember lying on someone’s stomach and someone else laid on yours and you all started laughing, and pretty soon you’d all be in tears hysterical? Laughing really does change our nervous system into making us happy. If you have access, watch a quick YouTube classic like Monty Python The Ministry of Silly Walks.” Brits are hilarious when they’re being silly, you’ll soon be cracking up (rather than cracking up with tortured worry).

THE ONE MINUTE EXERCISE TRICK

Exercise is fantastic for a quick dose of throwing off nervous energy and you don’t need to be at the gym or training.  Go outside and take a quick short speed walk around the block or run in place, or simply standing do a long stretch during a break at work. This can offer immediate relief in a stressful situation, and you can also always excuse yourself for ten minutes just to goof off. Getting your blood moving releases endorphins and improves your mood fast.

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP

If it’s serious, then get serious help. Don’t just run it by friends or a loved one. Some of the best personal breakthroughs are taught by professionals to give us added skills we may not know about.  If Yoga and other mediative techniques are not doing it, switch to something else. It can be anxiety caused by just doing the same routines. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help even if you’re the expert in your environment and others depend on you knowing. Call or email help@isastaffing.com and we’ll give you the benefit of our expertise. Every day is a good day to learn more about what we don’t know. Keep yourself flexible, and learn.

Our Best Advice has been brought to you by www.ISAstaffing.com a specialty agency in the domestic help field. Visit often for other great ideas, and browse Domestic Staffing Services to see Multiple Job Descriptions.

Serving Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills. Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air, Benedict Canyon, Hancock Park, Laurel Canyon, Los Feliz, Marina Del Rey, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Melrose. Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Woodland Hills, Topanga Canyon, Torrance, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica Hollywood Hills, Pasadena, San Mareno, Santa Barbara, Ojai, Orange County, Ventura County, California, New York, &  the greater United States…


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