Shopping Local – Now is the Time

Shopping local has always been important, but now more than ever, these small businesses need our help. It’s up to us as citizens of Bowling Green, to step and do our part. 

There are so many ways that you can contribute to the continuation of your local businesses. We are offering encouragement to our fellow local companies and doing our part here at Ment to give back to those who have done so much for us. 

WHY

Did you know that shopping local helps fund more money back into your city? 

Reports show that $68 dollars of every $100 spent locally stays in your community. Local businesses tend to purchase from other local businesses, farms and service providers. This means that there is more of a financial return is being made and improving the local tax base. Environmental impacts are also reduced because less transportation, fuel and packaging is needed.  

More jobs opportunities, more choices, unique products with a personal touch, and quality customer service. Local. Is. The. Key. 

HOW

The effects of the COVID-19 and government regulations have forced many businesses to get creative with their practices and adapt to the current situations by creating new ways of offering their services and products. So how are they doing this and how can we help? 

Order out. Many restaurants and food services have closed their doors but are still offering carry out services and/or delivery. Services like DoorDash and GrubHub have seen a huge increase in business and many of these food providers not already on board with delivery, are now partnering with them. Some food organizations are keeping their drive-thru options open and taking extra precautions. 

Online shopping. Those businesses offering products such as clothing or gifts, have switched to online formats where customers can still shop and are pushing their online sales. We’d be fooling ourselves if we said we aren’t going to be at home shopping online so we might as well just embrace it and check-out some styles from our favorite local stores. 

Gift cards and gift certificates have become a popular option for many. For some, this is an additional option, but for others, it may be their only source of income at the moment. Besides, you really can’t go wrong with gift cards! Set aside some of that money that you already know will be going towards that favorite boutique of yours and treat yourself when they open back up. This is also a perfect option for gifting those special people in our lives who may have a birthday or special occasion coming up. 

Make donations. For some of our friends offering services, these times can be especially trying as options may be even more limited. It’s important to show our support and let them know that we haven’t forgotten about them. This may mean sending them a small gift or donation to let them know that you still support them. After all, giving back to them means they will be more inclined to return the favor when circumstances change. 

Word of mouth. If all other options are not possible or your finances won’t allow you to do so, simply spreading the word about your favorite local businesses and letting others know, can go a long way. Leave them a good review, share their social posts, or simply give them a call and check to see how they’re doing. Maybe there are other ways you can help. 

WHO

They are everywhere! You won’t have to look far to figure out where or who to go to during these times. 

Our community partner is just one of the many who are still offering services in their own creative ways. You can place orders from Jules With The Flowers and pre-pay online or over the phone at 502-303-4050. Orders will be delivered by door drop-offs or as Jules calls it “ding dong ditch style,” or by running orders out to your car. Jules Sandlin and her business can be found on social media for additional news and changes. 

Flowers are the perfect way to liven up with all of the doom and gloom that we’ve been feeling lately (and still allow us to do our part in “Going Green”). Most of Jules’ items and products are perishable so it’s especially important that if you’re wanting some fresh florals, to CALL NOW. Remember our friends and family members with birthdays and events that are now cancelled? This is another awesome way to gift them and show your love!

“During this weird time, it is our responsibility to do our part to combat the spread of COVID-19 within our team and to our patrons,” Sandlin said. However, “Flowers and plants sure do liven things up during doomsday,” she also states. 

Community Businesses

We have compiled a list of some of your local businesses that are still open (in one way or another) and some of the options they are offering: 

  • Spencer’s Coffee – Takeout orders only. Delivery and online orders coming soon. E-Gift Cards 10% off $50 or more. 270- 393-7060.
  • Chainey’s Dairy Barn. Curbside and window walk-up service available. Call ahead orders.Buy a $25 Chaney’s gift card for only $20. 270-843-5567.
  • Beet Box. Delivery options still available to Bowling Green/Warren County, Glasgow & Franklin areas. Visit website for additional info. Curbside Pickup available during daily store hours. 270-418-9735. 
  • Zest – Juice for Life.  Pre-order and in-store pickup available. Call ahead, website or social media orders. 270-791-8235. 
  • Bowling Green Backyard Bootcamp. New online fitness classes program. 270-791-5312. 
  • GADS Doughnuts. Delivery and drive-thru options available. 270-842-7155.
  • White Squirrel Brewery. Curbside pickup and delivery options available 4-7 p.m. daily. 15% off all to go orders. 270-904-1573. 
  • Grant’s Farm Produce. Open regular business hours with produce readily available. 270-202-4036. 5960 Louisville Road Bowling Green, KY 42101.
  • Community Farmers Market. Tuesdays 2:00-6:00 pm, and Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Open air markets taking place outside. 
  • Steel Mill & Co.. Revised hours of 9-5 p.m. daily with curbside order pickups available and online shopping with free shipping. 270-904-7970. 

For more details on resources and local operating businesses, check Buy Local Bowling Green for daily updates and business changes or WBKO for a full list of open restaurants. 

Bowling Green is one of the many communities that is fighting during these times, but like many, we are standing strong and showing support for the place that we call home. Now that you’re stalked up on toilet paper, go buy from our local friends and give your community some love! 

/by

Bringing Life Into Your Workspace

, , ,

Social distancing doesn’t include plants am I right?! We love our green friends now more than ever! Whether it’s for the little extra mood boost that they are giving us, the improved air quality and immune system boost or the new home projects we can take on with them, they have become our new favorite thing.

Did we mention it’s officially spring? Unfortunately, some of the joys of our beloved season have taken a backseat to the issues surrounding our current COVID-19 pandemic…but let’s not forget the importance of making the best from our situations. 

And let’s also not forget – creating your ideal work space is key in having an environment that motivates and inspires you. If you are not happy in your workspace, then chances are you are not producing your best work. 

Kicking it back

If we take a look back on that little danish lifestyle term “hygge” and our previous theme from February, we can find that plants are just one of the many ways that you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere (and one that allows you to be more productive). It’s all about finding those little things that bring us joy and comfort – something that has become a must here lately as we could all use a little extra hygge right about now. 

 

All about the Biophilic Design

When it’s hard to get outside – bring the outside in! Don’t just take our word for it, there is an actual term for this practice and one that Ment has 

greatly taken into consideration with the design of our coworking space.

“Biophilia refers to the fact that as human beings, we have an instinctive bond with nature and our natural surroundings.”

The use of Biophilic design has many benefits including enhanced wellbeing and boosts in worker morale. Research shows that flowers generate happiness and reduce stress related depression while also improving memory and concentration. 

 

Health Benefits

There are some crazy cool benefits that can come from plants. Did you know air quality is actually a major problem? Even more so in your own house than in the middle of a city! This is because air pollutants make their way into these places that we call home and many times don’t make their way out. This leads to increased chances of bacteria and viruses…sound familiar? 

Let’s not forget about how big of a role mental health plays in our wellbeing. It is important more so now than ever before that we don’t take this for granted. Simply being around a plant, whether looking at it, smelling it or just working around it can lead to positive effects on the brain, boosting your moods which in turn boosts your immune system and relieves stress. What don’t these little guys do?! 

 

Redecorating time is here

If you’re looking for a way to fill an empty corner or add some color then of course Plants are the perfect way to do that as well. With the extra time on our hands, it could be the perfect opportunity for us to all do some much needed redecorating. Turns out theres even a science behind it. Using the techniques of Feng Shui can move you in the right direction towards using them effectively. 

 

Get creative

You know you’ve been looking at those home projects and wishing you had the chance to do them yourself – chances are you do now. Get creative with nontraditional ways of displaying your florals and greenery such as on carts, benches, shelves, crates, or even a ladder (per my next home project for my own house). Limited on space? Get a little crazy and hang them around! Hanging plants are always a unique and fun way to show off the life of your plants! 

Still wanting to stick with your roots of desk and table plants? No problem – get crafty! The amount of cute and creative plant pots that I have come across recently is enough to make you want to buy a plant anyways. Paint your own and make it your next DIY project – this way you can make sure that your pots and decor match your space in a way that you want them to.

 

 

Get floral

If you thought this was only about green, think again. Flowers are just as important and if not more aesthetic than your ordinary plants. Not to mention, they add an extra pop of color while giving you many of the same benefits that your greenery provides. Many local shops are finding ways to remain active with customers, so contact your local florist to see if there are options for you to get your hands on some florals during this pandemic. 

 

Fake it till you make it

Sometimes, for many reasons such as allergies, workplace restrictions, (or in this case, the unfortunate times of a Coronavirus outbreak) we turn to using man made greenery. This a perfectly acceptable (and honestly smart in my opinion) way to bring the outdoors in without all of the hassle and heartbreak of having to depart from your once full of life peony. With the latest announcement made by Governor Beshear, it’s harder than ever to get out and buy local products, so this may be your best option at the moment. It’s the cost effective gift that keeps giving! 

 

 

Asking our partner

We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask our community partner Jules Sandlin, owner of Jules with the Flowers and current community partner, for her take on this. Sandlin says that using unique things found in nature such as twigs, leaves and even moss can be unique ways to add a personal and natural touch.

“These things just add an extra element of texture and nature and that’s always a good idea.” 

Most important: have fun and create a space that is truly your own! Use this time away to make your work or home environment the best that it can be. No matter the budget or style that you’re going for, there is a design that works for you and we can guarantee that it has some greenery and color with your name on it. 

We simply have to give a shoutout to our partner Jules for the added beauty this month around our offices and for not letting the unfortunate circumstances stand in the way of our partnership. We are thankful to have such an amazing workspace that captures the feels and vibes that we aim for. From the exposed brick and perfectly placed greenery, (all thanks to Sarah Smalling Interiors), to the skylights and windows galore, we have captured the essence of nature in a way that makes us Ment and we hope that you can do the same for your workspace. After all, there’s just something about that natural life that we just can’t get enough of these days!

/by

Tips for How to (Sanely) Work Remotely

, , ,

For some of us, working remotely has already been a thing for years, but for others it’s a whole new concept. Many are now transitioning to a new way of working due to the rise of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the precautions being taken. From major companies, media sources and universities world wide, we are being encouraged to stay home. While freelancers and digital nomads have been practicing social distancing for years, some of us are finding it challenging to be productive within the walls of our homes.

So what can you do to work productively from home? We want to share a few tips that we use in our coworking space that are easily adaptable to you in your home right now.

 

Be Aware

If you’re like us, you’ve probably felt as though you live behind your desk most days. Now it will be even harder for you as you navigate how to divide your home life from your work life. The key is to be aware of where you are doing your work, when you are doing it and how often you are doing it. Keeping this separate from your home life as much as possible will keep you from going stir crazy. 

Going Off the Clock

While it is necessary to be available when needed, it’s also important to make sure we know the importance of being away from our work when we need to as well.  This means fighting that urge to check those work emails when you’re “off the clock.” Studies say this can lead to further work anxiety and we have enough anxiety going on as is. Those emails can wait, because sometimes your sanity cannot. Take care of yourself first so you can do a fantastic job later.

Take Breaks Often

This could be when you break to eat or when you need to just get a breath of fresh air. (Also we would like to point out – please break to eat. Sometimes that is a forgotten necessity.) Eat lunch away from your work spot. Whether this is your at-home desk or your couch, step away from your work while you eat. Trust me, your crumb-less keyboard will thank you and so will your mind. Get outside, exercise in between Zoom meetings or even take your laptop (if you must) to your back porch while the kids plays outside for a change.

Switch It Up

A key factor in getting work done that we focus on is being comfortable and productive. Chances are if you’re working in the same spot day after day, you may lose inspiration or start to feel burnt out. Being told you have to remain at least 6 feet away from others and preferably stay in your home only adds to the feeling of “burnt-out-ness.” Get creative. Set yourself up for success and designate a few work spots for yourself and your spouse. Most importantly, make sure they are not the spots where you relax or spend time “off the clock.” 

Practice Self-Care

Probably most important of all, take care of yourself. This is what all of these tips boil down to. Simple things like taking a shower, creating more than complaining, drinking water, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep and so on… These few simple improvements are what is going to get us through this time. Do it for yourself, your career, your family and your sanity.

 

 

Some could look at this time as another roadblock in the world of business. We choose to look at it as a push in the direction toward restructuring and adapting to modern practices. Coworking has been a leader for years in the societal shift to working remotely. Although the current circumstance is not favorable for many reasons, we are still staying here and being a resource when needed.

Best of luck to you in your work journeys remotely!

/by

Living Sustainably: College Edition

,

In true collaborative coworking fashion, we are handing the keyboard over to WKU sophomore Allison Cook who recently wrote on the topic of living sustainably. We’ve hit on ways you can be greener in your office, in our community and now we are including your (or your child’s) college lifestyle. We hope you enjoy this little blog-collab!

 

 

 

I know what you’re thinking, “So…how does this relate to health and wellness?” It does and it doesn’t. Personally, I take a holistic approach to health (maybe that’s my Anthropological side coming out).

In my opinion, your environment can have an impact on your overall well-being, so you need to do what you can to take care of it!

Also, a major portion of our waste is from food! According to the Food Recovery Network, 1/3 of all food produced is thrown away/wasted. That’s a scary number considering the mass amount of people who are Food Insecure. That could be a whole other blog post, so I digress.

Back to what you can do about it.

Let me just start off by saying that living sustainably is made difficult by our society. At the push of a button, we can have exactly what we want, when we want, with free shipping. We live in a time where quantity trumps quality. I’d argue going against the norm and living a sustainable lifestyle is even harder while in college.

I have seen a shift in our society with the “save the turtles” movement, but I don’t want us to stop there!

It’s not easy, and I miss the mark more often than not, but it’s so worth it. After all, we all have to do our part to lessen our impact on the Earth.

Keep Reusable Silverware in Your Backpack

The first step for me in trying to become more sustainable was to replace items I used and threw out everyday. Plastic silverware being item #1. I found a great deal for a reusable spoon, fork and knife in the camping section of Walmart for only 89 cents! No excuses people. They’re the perfect size to slip into your backpack for those last minute invites to grab dinner on campus.

If you’re interested at all in this post, you may already own a reusable straw. I prefer metal but I’ve seen so many variations and colors to choose from.

Buy a Reusable Starbucks Cup

This was probably everyone’s first step when #savetheturtles started trending, I know it was mine, but it’s a great first step for anyone with a Starbucks addiction trying to be more sustainable. I go to Starbucks on my 8:00 am days for obvious reasons and on Sundays for #selfcaresunday. That’s 2-3 plastic cups/straws being thrown out a week! Buy the reusable cup, skip the straw, and get 10 cents off your drink. Pro-Starbucks tip.

Go Thrifting and Donate Old Clothing

One thing I was most excited about when I was headed off to college, was being so close to the mall. I’ll admit during my first semester I bought things I didn’t need just because I wanted to buy something at the mall. I love shopping, but fast fashion can lead to so much waste. I’m not the expert blogger on this topic, but please google fast fashion and prepare to be blown away. After I did, I realized how much fun thrift shopping can be. Not only is it more budget friendly to college students, but you can find incredibly unique pieces and show off your personal style.

Get Reusable Bowls for Your Dorm Meals

I purchased some amazing, cheap bowls from Target at the beginning of my freshman year of college

Click to continue reading

 

 

For more on all things nutrition and dietetics, visit Allison’s website Dorm Room Dietetics.

 

/by

Putting the “Green” in Bowling Green

, , ,

In our last blog, we talked about how to be a little greener in your workplace, but what about in our community? Little things add up to make a big difference, so never think that you are too small to have an impact!

In Our Community

We could go on for days about the endless ways that you can live more sustainably but we will lead with just a few to get you started:

-Carpooling + Biking. Sharing rides with others for those longer drives or biking for smaller trips to downtown locations are both perfect transportation options when trying to be greener. With local rideshare options in Bowling Green and the carless program at WKU, the options are certainly available. 

-Eating Green. With places like Zest Juice and Beet Box right around the corner, the green (Keto, paleo, cleanse) options are not only endless but supported. Reach out to your local farmers, nutritionists or vegetarian friends and get what you need to eat green.

-Plants and Florals. Bet you didn’t see that coming did you? But really guys, decor is a necessity when it comes to creating your ideal work environment that can inspire and motivate you…so dress it up a little (or a lot). With the ability to purify the air by up removing up to 10 percent of carbon dioxide, you can’t blame us for being green advocates. Local shops such as Jules with the Flowers are doing their part one step at a time.

Jules – the one with ALL the Green

Need to hear it from your local florist herself how important a green lifestyle is? Have at it Jules! 

“Going Green is so important and there are so many ways that people are doing it.” 

While Jules Sandlin admits that she has some work to do in this area, she acknowledges the importance of being green and trying to become more conscious of it in her work practices.

 Jules with the Flowers recycles their paper, cardboard and plastic products by dropping them off at Bowling Green’s local recycling drop-off center. She is also practicing energy efficiency in her everyday life by turning off unnecessary electrical appliances when not in use as well as at her shop. 

With the quick and convenient delivery service offered by Jules WTF, drivers are encouraged to take the shortest and most convenient routes to ensure that not only time and money are saved, but that the customer is happy. 

Other floral related  tips include: reusing your clear vase water on outdoor plants and using plant based cleaners to avoid harmful chemicals. 

Have you heard of the benefits of shopping local?

Turns out it also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Yet another awesome reason to come see Jules with the Flowers and support your community and environment. 

Bowling Green is alive and thriving thanks to our citizens in the community that step up to do their green duties. Do your part to keep the place that you call home the best that it can be.

Before you go: Did we forget to mention that Ment has a plant in just about every corner? Stay tuned for our blog post next week on how to use plants to your full advantage in the workplace. 

 

/by

The Green Dream

, ,

Our favorite color for the month? You guessed it! We’re bringing a whole new definition to the idea of “going green” this month at Ment. 

With our community partner for March being Jules with the Flowers and spring being upon us, we couldn’t think of a better time to talk about this theme. Not to mention, I am super psyched about all of the (punny) floral wordplay that is about to happen. 

So what exactly are we talking about? Going green in every aspect of your life. Yes, this means doing your part in the community to reduce, reuse and recycle, but also means thinking outside of the box and finding ways to incorporate a little more green (literally) into your life. You can do this by decorating with plants and sprucing up your work environment or maybe focusing on healthy eating habits by adding a little more green in your diet. All of these are awesome ways to consider helping yourself stay on track to be a better you. After all, we didn’t set those 3:59s at the beginning of this year for nothing right? 

Ment to be Green

I know what you’re thinking but the coworking world is no exception to the green movement. There are so many ways to be more conscious in the workplace and here are 5 we partake in:

1. Recycling. Did you know that Ment recycles? One of the easiest and most important ways to do your part was just a given for us! We also use Land Shark Shredding, Bowling Green’s leading green and confidential paper shredding company.

2. Coffee. We practically live off of it here so why not try to save on the amount of cups that we are using for this drink that we call our lifeblood. And as if you needed another reason to use your favorite mugs, but we are all about it here! Our cabinets are overflowing with a selection so take your pick or bring in your own. 3. Natural light. No, I promise not to talk about how great it is for photo ops this time, but guys it is a money saver! Research shows that you can cut down energy costs by up to 75% by using natural light. If you don’t need the artificial light don’t use it – simple as that! (But okay I mean the at-work selfies are a plus as well). 4. Going Paperless. We may not be completely paperless here at Ment, but we aren’t far from it. With our website, advertising and outreach efforts being almost solely digital, we don’t find the need to use any more trees than necessary! Not to mention our monthly newsletters are always sent out through email.

5. Lighting. Another simple energy saving practice – using energy efficient light bulbs and simply turning off lights when you leave a room. For businesses like Ment that allow 24 hour access, this can be tricky, but we try to do this as much as possible and make sure that we can educate our members and employees on how to be more conscious of their use. 

Stay tuned to see how your local florist shop (and our latest community partner) is going green in her own life and how you can take advantage of greener practices here in your community.

/by

Going Green with Jules

, ,

Get your green thumbs ready because this month we are going green with Jules! You may know her as “the girl with the flowers,” but we are calling her our “community partner.” 

Who you ask? Jules Sandlin, owner and florist of Jules with the Flowers of course! With spring right around the corner, we couldn’t think of a better local business to partner up with.

A Little About Jules

A WKU Horticulture alumni, Jules now owns and runs her very own florist shop. Sandlin started her career in soil science and never imagined working in floristry or owning her own business. Never wanting to have the “typical” 9-5 desk job, Sandlin says that she enjoys having the freedom to make her own hours and rules. 

“It really is so much fun doing this.” 

When Jules took on floristry as a hobby, she started getting requests from friends and started doing small jobs working from home. Her love for flowers soon turned into a growing business, leading her to win Best in Bowling Green just one year after being in business and opened her own shop late last year. 

Sandlin initially bought her shop with the intention to use it solely as a working studio, however she said people began to come in and she figured she would start selling things after that.

Her Fresh Take on Floral

With the rather traditional style of florist work in Bowling Green, Jules found the need for a fresh take on flowers. She finds that her unique style sets her apart from some of the other local shops. 

“I think that I stay ahead of the trends.” 

Jules spoke on her nontraditional background in floristry and believes that it has given her a creative edge. She enjoys making things that are not only beautiful, but unique and unseen. There is no denying that a Jules with the Flowers piece is one-of-a-kind because she believes that “not everything needs to be done a specific way.” It just may be this creative way of thinking or possibly her undeniable passion for flowers that makes her work so popular in our city. 

According to Jules, staying up to date is THE most important part of what she does. Whether it’s following other florists and media platforms or reading blogs, she is always one step ahead of the game! 

Jules also said that she never thought of herself as an artist although she would always see others’ work and think that it was beautiful. 

“People call me an artist and that’s really cool…I didn’t expect that but there is definitely a lot that goes into it.”

From weddings, proms, birthdays, romance, sympathy or any other special occasion or event, to her signature installation pieces, Jules is the go-to shop for everything fresh and floral! Delivery services are offered in Bowling Green and select surrounding areas and options for add-on gifts such as jewelry, stickers, bath bombs and more are also available. 

What She’s Up To this Month

Jules will be staying busy as she currently has 40 weddings booked this year. We are happy to report she can be found working outside of her usual “beautiful mess” at Ment every Tuesday for the month of March. Stop in to see the floral arrangements she will be bringing to us weekly! 

BEST of all: For every conference room booking we have this month, you will get a FREE floral arrangement done by Jules with the Flowers. So have that meeting you’ve been putting off and have it in style here in Ment. Call or email to book and be sure to visit Jules’ website and social media to show her some love.

As Jules says, “Flowers on everything for everyone!”

/by

The Art of Coworking

, ,

Since starting my internship, I can safely say that Ment Cowork has become a safe haven for me. A place in which I can be myself, express myself and simply “be.” Ment has mastered the art of coworking. Not a thing? We think it should be! 

The ability to bring together people from different backgrounds, companies, walks of life, and work in the same space with the same end goal in mind: to Get stuff done. It takes a special set of skills, that’s for sure. 

How we do it

Maybe it’s the awesome interns we have, the owners that first saw potential in this 130 year-old building, the ever-growing and supportive community in which we sit upon or the amazing members that have set up a “home” here at Ment. 

Not to mention, we have this whole community partner collaboration thing on lock. Didn’t know that we provide event space as well? You do now! Even more so, we are fans of local art and have nothing against housing work here at Ment. Just ask our community partner for this month – Slow as Folk!

Amenities

We know what people want and we’ve got it down to a science. Member perks, discounts, coffee, parking passes and aesthetics – just call us the masters!

We are also super in touch with the concept of hygge here at Ment – something that we believe is an art of it’s own. We have learned to incorporate this feeling and lifestyle practice into our workspace…and the feedback has been nothing short of great!

Success!

We took a chance when we started with an empty floor and created something truly inspiring. Only a few years under our belt and we have become a masterpiece standing tall in the center of downtown Bowling Green. Ment represents so much more than just a space to work, we are an integrative community that advocates for all workplaces and individuals to do what they do best in a place that allows them to reach their potential. 

At Ment, we believe in the importance of art and want to provide an atmosphere where people feel invited to work in. Whether you’re inventing the next code for NASA or creating your latest masterpiece, we support you and all of your endeavors. You are {Ment} for great things! 

Want to know more about our story? Check out our blog on how community manager Hayley knew it was Ment to be. 

/by

Celebrating Art and Self Expression

,

Art comes in all different forms: films, music, paintings, photos, entertainment. The decor in our homes, the furniture we sit on, the clothes we wear – people often forget these can all be called art! Chances are you have incorporated it into your life one way or another. With our community partner being Slow as Folk, let’s take a look at how important art can truly be as a tactic to express ourselves.

From her style to her designs, creator of Slow as Folk, Sarah Gust is a walking showcase for art. Growing up, Gust was not raised in an artistic environment. She was not even made aware of her talents until discovering them for herself in college.

“It just became my main way of expressing myself… It’s what I’ve always done,”

Being a photographer, I can relate to Sarah in that I never thought of myself as an artist. After many years of experience and education, I have developed a whole new sense of respect for those in the field. It is a path in life that allows us to not only capture beautiful moments, but tell stories and express ourselves in the process. This can be said for any medium. We are all artists in some shape or form. From the way you decorate your desk, to how you take notes, to the shirt you choose to put on. (This is probably the individualist in me thinking this.)

Why it’s important:

If we put our thoughts and emotions into a physical form, it allows us to be in control of them. Research shows that art can improve our cognitive and motor capabilities as well as our communication and emotional skills. It can also improve blood flow and promote a healthy mind. So with all of these positives, why not take an active part in it?

How and where you can practice art:

Not sure where to look? Bowling Green is bursting with art! Active workshops and locations that allow you to become your own artist such as Board & Brush, The Paint’n Place and The Pots Place. Want to observe? We have the perfect spots for this as well: Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center(SKyPAC) has multiple theatres, galleries and classes to choose from year round. The Capitol Arts Center, located right in the heart of downtown also offers theatre performances and galleries. The A-Frame is a unique venue featuring local artists’ work, live music and events to the community. Want to be a part of an art networking community? Joining BG Makers may be right up your alley.  

At Ment, we support anything that allows you to express yourself and bring out your potential. Get out in the community or even stop into Ment and get started on those things that get your heart racing and put stars in your eyes. 

/by

How to “Hygge” It

,

Ever try to get work done, but you’re just not comfortable? The lighting is bad, it’s noisy, or maybe that dang desk chair just isn’t cutting it anymore. We’ve all been there and while this is not meant to be a sales pitch, hear me out. We simply want to show you how you can make your work space a little bit more enjoyable – by adding a little hygge to it. 

This concept, and our theme for the month, can help you bring in all the right vibes that you need in a work space. So how do you bring a “feeling” into how you work? By doing little things that make your space more “you.” Whatever it is that lifts up your spirits. 

Lighting

If you’re like me, natural light and windows can significantly change your mood. Sometimes hanging out by the windows in Ment is the perfect motivation for me. An entire room or skylight to soak up those rays might be just what you need. Use the light available to you to set a mood. No, I’m not talking about rose petals and romantic music (although if that is your thing, we are not against it). I’m talking about dimming those office lights or using those lamps that you have and getting your “cozy” on. Candle lovers, I know you guys are listening – this is for you too! 

This is where I add the Disclaimer right, Hayley? *Ment is not responsible for any fires, naps or yoga sessions that may result. 

Move Around

I’m also one of those people that simply cannot always sit behind a desk. Sometimes kicking your shoes off and cuddling up on the couch or just moving out of your typical workspace can get you into a better headspace. I seriously love sitting out in our open coworking space (preferably on the couches or cushioned chairs) with my laptop and books. 

Enjoy the little things 

Things like the smell of fresh roasted coffee in the morning or the smiles that greet you around the office. Sometimes we just need to take a moment to be grateful for those small things in life. When I enter the parking lot for my work days at Ment, I am forever thankful for that little parking pass that allows me to not have to worry about searching for a spot for 20 minutes! Being able to work downtown in such a beautiful building and with such great people is also uplifting for me. Our members? They love knowing that coffee will be waiting for them and that if they want to take advantage of places in the community, their member perks allow them to do that. 

Comfort Items & Decor

When practicing hygge, it’s all about making a space that works for you. Bring in photos of your loved ones. Decorate your space in a way that brings you happiness. Our community partner is helping us with that this month! Maybe bring in some of the outside with plants, real or fake depending on how well of a plant mom (or dad) you are *shamefully looks away*. Essential oil lovers, we know you are already packing them around with you so embrace it! Bring in that diffuser and let the wellness scents fill your office. Cold natured people or employees of a company that simply doesn’t know how to use the thermostat – do not be ashamed. Keep that blanket close to you or even that heater that you’re probably already hiding under your desk. 

Interact

The Danish are also all about genuine relationships. Interact with your colleagues or fellow office mates. Strike up a conversation or simply give a few greetings and smiles here and there. Basically, just practicing encouragement and spreading good vibes can go along way! Our members are all unique and come from totally different backgrounds and businesses. This makes it the perfect place to get to know those within our own little “Ment community.”

Focus on yourself

Don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Practice self-care and make it a part of your daily routine if you’re not already. Again, it’s all about the little things: take some time for you, step outside on your break, reflect on your day or your goals or make yourself a work playlist. I have been really into coffee shop music and just chill sounds that help me to focus without causing distraction. 

Remember: comfort = productivity.

According to the Happiness Research Institute,“…78% of Danish workers value a safe, cosy and casual atmosphere in the office.” 

Maybe we are not so different here in the U.S. We just didn’t know there was a term for it! So grab those blankets, candles, coffee mugs or anything else that brings you joy and pack it in with you. Get comfortable and get it done! If you need a little extra inspiration, we are only an elevator ride up and a day pass away!

For more information and tips to keep “hygging” on, check out some of our other articles on work-life balance, minimalism and loving where you work.

 

/by