Karen Smith
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Articles by Karen Smith
Beyond Resistance - Early harvest tips round the regions - WeedSmart
Resources / Podcasts / Beyond Resistance – Early harvest tips round the regions with Peter Newman and Greg Condon In this episode of Beyond Resistance, we hear from our WeedSmart Extension Agronomists from the Western and Southern regions on steps to take from this point in the season with cool soft spring finish to the winter growing season and points to think about when considering harvest operations and planning the next season of weed control.
Beyond Resistance - Who really decides how you spray - WeedSmart
Tom Wolf pulls back the curtain on the forces driving (and sometimes derailing) new spray technology – and how farmers can cut through the noise to find what will work for them! In this episode of Beyond Resistance, spray technology expert Tom Wolf tackles one of agriculture’s most complex balancing acts – aligning stewardship, technology, and on-farm practicality.
Regional Update - Max Schmelzer - Jimbour Plains, SE Qld - WeedSmart
Resources / Podcasts / Regional Update – Max Schmelzer – Jimbour Plains, SE Qld Our June Regional Update gives us an insight into the Northern cropping region during this time of year, as crops are being harvested and sown simultaneously with the season presenting a few challenges. Hear from UQ graduate, Max Schmelzer as he talks about herbicide resistance and tools in the box working to address the weed seed bank across their family farm.
Regional Update - Jana Freebairn, SA and Greg Condon, sth NSW
Resources / Podcasts / Regional Update – Jana Freebairn, SA and Greg Condon, sth NSW In this episode, we hear from our WeedSmart Extension Agronomists, Jana Freebairn and Greg Condon, updating from their respective Southern and lower Northern growing regions.
Functional Space Savers in Kitchen Design
When it comes to kitchen design, functionality and aesthetics play an important role. To ensure you create a kitchen your client will cherish for years, prioritizing function will guarantee your clients a worthwhile investment. Focusing on functionality includes rethinking traditional solutions, especially when it comes to pantry units and narrow spaces. Above photo: Each drawer of a Blum SPACE TOWER unit can be planned at different heights within the cabinet, ensuring no item is too tall to store.
Gen Xers Ask: ‘Can I Afford to Retire?’
Andrew Shiflett thinks he’ll be financially able to retire, but he’s not sure if he’ll ever be able to take that step mentally. The 51-year-old chemical engineer from Raleigh, N.C., has worked at three companies during his 30-year career, but he’s seen big swings in how organizations — and generations — view retirement. It used to be that you worked, you saved, you retired. Not so much anymore.
Barbie and Gender
By Karen Smith A few thoughts on Barbie and gender (Spoiler alert!) My face was red, blushing with anger and embarrassment. Huge tears formed as I fought back feelings of frustration, and then immediate remorse for my lack of gratitude. It was my birthday party, probably around the age of five or six and someone had given me a Barbie. I already didn’t love pink and this sent me over the edge into an aversion to the color that would last several more decades.
Can you feel it in your bones?
Happy Easter Sunday! I hope you’re finding a nice way to enjoy some downtime today. We are hanging out with our family + having some fun. I’m so excited to see the sun out today because my spring fever is in high gear - which brings me to today’s LIFT. It’s the perfect time to share a little health tip that will help you feel better during this season of change + it’s something you can do very easily today! ** By the way - I am 100% going to be doing this today.
The three of us
It started with one, where most things start. I was born first, and for 20 long months, it was me. My parents always say that our birth stories match our personalities. I came out with one hand in the air, victorious to be first. And for those 20 months, I got to be the only one. Then came my sister with a head full of hair and a leisurely entrance into the world. She's still that way - always taking her time to learn and grow, but when she arrives, the world soaks up her whimsical aura.
How to Lose 10 Pounds before Summer
Look, it has been a rough few years. All of us are carrying around some trauma + our bodies tend to store fat during times of stress. Think of those extra pounds as protection. Survival. How lucky are we to have made it to this point? Seriously. With all that is going on in our world - here we are. You + me. If you have a few extra pounds to lose or you have picked up some not-so-healthy habits in an effort to get through it all, you are not alone.
When the stars align
This week, five planets will align across the night sky. We might even be lucky enough to see it if the clouds can steer clear long enough. That seems to be a big IF these days with what seems like a never-ending winter. As I read about this planetary parade, it got me thinking about that common idiom - when the stars align. That magic moment when all the pieces come together, when everything lines up, when the stars align. Is it luck? Good timing? I actually think it might be something else entirely.
Transitions + Transformations
I don’t know what the weather is like where you are. For us in San Diego, winter continues. It’s been cold, wet + gloomy for quite some time. Something we aren’t used to in these parts. I find myself caught between the urge to ‘spring forth’ + the urge to ‘curl up by the fireplace’. Do you feel that? Is that spring fever? I saw a post on Instagram this week using the analogy of a kitchen clean out to describe her menopause transition.
Thoughts about downsizing
I hate to start with bad news, but if you were here last week, you remember the bald eagle nest. Ya’ll. I was obsessed! I couldn’t wait to see those eggs hatch. The cameras were down for a few days during those storms last week, but once the snow cleared + the cameras were back online, it became clear the two eggs in the nest were never going to hatch. The eagles started spending less + less time in the nest. Eventually, the ravens came + cleared it out. I’m not gonna lie - I mourned. Still am.
Honoring the seasons
We have been having some weather here in San Diego this winter! How about you? This morning, I had to do my six-mile run on the treadmill. I can’t even tell you the last time I ran that kind of distance on a treadmill. I am NOT a fan of running in place - literally or figuratively. Treading water. Running in place. Sitting still. All of these are challenges for me. I much prefer moving forward. Progress. Momentum. We rarely think about the weather here in San Diego.
When worlds collide
I just completed a five-month certification program in Environmental Health. Over the last several years, I have been learning more + more about the ties between health issues, chronic illness + everyday exposures to environmental toxicants. This course allowed me to take a deep dive into the topic of toxins - from the turn of the century to modern-day public policy, potential exposures in our everyday life, epigenetics, toxicology + detoxification protocols.
Two young crafters gifted sewing machines
Quilting is more than just sewing and even more than creating usable art. Since long before my time, quilters have created community. Quilting is about getting together and helping each other, sharing life, cheering one another on through good times and bad. We are all different and we don’t all like the same patterns and designs.
What's VMS?
If you’ve been reading The LIFT for a while, you know about my obsession with menopause. So many things to talk about when it comes to this stage of life from social stigma to health implications to workplace equality. It’s fascinating. But, WOW! Did you happen to catch the 30-second commercial on menopause during the Super Bowl last week? I’ll admit, I’m not much of a football fan, but I do enjoy watching the Super Bowl - especially the commercials + half-time show.
The secret to any long-term relationship
This story won’t make much sense if you didn’t read last week’s LIFT, so you might want to take a quick peek at that before you dive in here. I had a funny exchange with my husband this past week that I had to share. I always send him a copy of The LIFT to read before I publish it. He does a great job of catching typos + any phrases that need editing. His response after reading last week’s post: That last phrase stopped me in my tracks. “Your art moves me.” Wow. I had no idea. Really? He was moved? Art?
With a little love
A few months ago, I was at a local brewery where my husband + I were meeting our ‘kids’ on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Anyone with grown children can attest to the joy you feel on those days when you all get to be together at the same time. It’s such a treat! It was a warm day. The location was close enough that we rode our tandem bike. So, I had on my favorite athletic shorts, t-shirt + tennies. Total casual. Borderline slob.
The robots are coming
I remember reading an article about 10 years ago about these kitchen robots that were close to market. They could slice + dice vegetables + do the dishes. I remember sharing it on my Facebook page + declaring my excitement. (If you had any idea how many vegetables we chop each week at our house, you’d understand why.) I’m still waiting for my kitchen robot. What is taking so long? I keep asking “Robby” our robo-vacuum if he has any inside scoop on that. But, he doesn’t say much.
A beginner's mind
Have you ever accomplished something that you had no business accomplishing? You took on a task that you didn’t know anything about. You started something without any experience or knowledge. You dove into something head-first without even realizing the risk. When someone asks how you did it + you recap the story for them, all you can think is “I didn’t know any better.” The older I get, the more I catch myself in this dance between mastery + innovation. Maybe ‘dance’ is the wrong word.
The problem with consistency
I hear so many people talking about consistency right now. It is widely touted as the key to success. Consistent action. Consistent habits. Consistent behaviors. Consistency is the ultimate goal. We spend the first month of the year trying to change up our routines + get back to consistency - in our workouts, diets, meditation, savings, investments. All the things. We start off with the best intentions. And then, somewhere along the way, we skip a beat + it all falls apart.
It's about time!
So great to be here with you! Thanks for stopping in for a LIFT. We get so busy at the start of the year setting goals + laying out plans that we often forget to stop + celebrate the achievements. Let’s not do that this year. A REALLY BIG THING happened at the end of the year that I did not get to share with you yet because of the timing, but I am not going to let it slip by unnoticed. I have been on a soapbox for the last seven years + it’s time for a little dance up here.
And so it begins...
It’s nice to be here with you! As you know, I took a break in December to enjoy the holidays. It’s one of the busiest times of the year for my business + giving myself that little extra bit of space really allowed me to have some fun doing all of the festive things. We rode our tandem bike around the Hotel del Coronado. We rented a boat + watched the Parade of Lights in San Diego Bay. We enjoyed December nights - complete with fake snow + lots of holiday festivities.
Taking Pause
As promised last week, while The LIFT is on pause for the month of December I wanted to share a few of my favorite issues so far. If you’ve missed out on any of the issues this year, you can use this time to catch up. If you haven’t subscribed yet, do it now so you get the first issue of 2023 delivered right to your inbox.
Time for a little catch up
As promised last week, The LIFT is taking the month of December off. I hope you will use the time to catch up on any issues that you have missed. Below is a list of the most popular posts according to readers. Next week, I’ll send you a few of my personal favorites. And, I would love to hear which post has been your favorite so far. MOST POPULAR AMONG READERS: How to show up for yourself Stirring the gravy Defending privilege Just start.
Stirring the gravy
I have a fun little story to share with you this week, but before I dive in, I just wanted to say THANK YOU! Thank you for being here each week. Thank you for your emails, your comments + all-around support of The LIFT. I love meeting with you here each week as we seek out life’s little lessons + ways to live more mindfully in the midst of what often feels like total chaos. Every year at this time, a family memory comes up at our house.
Why you should LOVE your wrinkles
Before I dive in on this topic of wrinkles…I need to point out that I have some pretty strong feelings about wrinkles, aging + beauty. When it comes to wrinkles, aging + beauty, I love them ALL. I think we as women spend WAY too much time + money trying to get rid of wrinkles. Trying to resist aging. Trying to freeze time - as if beauty can’t exist with age. Ultimately, I feel like this pursuit is a distraction + a way to keep us ‘in our place’. Maybe it’s just capitalism at its best. Create a problem.
No one is coming
Hope you had a great week! It was busy in my neck of the woods. Since my last post, I traveled from San Diego to New York City + back. I feel a little behind with all of the things, but it was great to get away for a few days. Top of my list today is to sit down + vote. Did you fill out your ballot yet? I normally don’t wait until the last minute like this, but - oh well. It is what it is. And, it is NOT too late. So, if you haven’t voted yet, I hope you will join me.
Just start.
I finally did it! I went to a yoga class - something I have been talking about all year, but just couldn’t seem to get started. It was not my first yoga class. Just the first one in a very LONG while. You see, I have a love/hate relationship with yoga. I love it when I’m doing it. I hate getting myself there. Sure, I should just do it myself at home, but that doesn’t work for me. I’ve tried. I would love to make yoga part of my life - especially as I age. I know how good it is for my body + my mind.
How to show up for yourself
Last week, I shared a Facebook memory from 10 years ago that really got me thinking. My husband had posted: You will note this post was from 2012. We had joined a small fitness studio down the street on their opening day August 22, 2007. Five years later, we were still at it. Because the studio logged every class we attended (for billing purposes), we knew exactly how many workouts we had completed. 1,069.
Lasting Effects of ‘Long COVID-19’ - The Old North State Medical Society
by Dr. Karen Smith, The Old North State Medical Society March 16, 2022 When travel restrictions and shelter-in-place orders began closing companies, institutions, and agencies across the country and around the world in 2020, there was no shortage of rumors and anecdotal information about the quick-spreading coronavirus disease.
This App Helps Users Engage in Inner Child Healing Through Creative Problem Solving
With a lack of creativity, people do not have the inspiration to live life to the fullest. From Out of Nothing aims to help people daydream again, encouraging exploration within the ordinary. Through creative problem solving, FOON disrupts users' mental routine and inspires play without judgment.
I have 7 cats - these are the cat litters I use
I never gave much thought to litter box filler when I had just one cat, two cats, or even three. When the clowder increased to five, it was time for a change for two reasons: First, my small house didn’t have room for half a dozen litter boxes, and second, regular clay-based litter no longer sufficed. With trepidation, I switched to “scoopable” litter and reduced the number of litter boxes to just one. Fast forward to today: I now have seven cats. They all use the same litter box.
Shattering Ceilings in the Supply Chain Industry
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Choose to Challenge,” and it instantly struck a chord with me. Because even though creating a gender-equal world can feel like an enormous task, it’s the little things we choose to challenge ourselves with individually that make large ripples. One recent example comes to mind.
Nathalie Joachim: From Juilliard to the Grammys
Nathalie Joachim always loved music. She loved the records by popular Haitian singers like Emerante de Pradines Morse and Emeline Michel that her mom and dad would play around the house when she was growing up in Brooklyn. She loved the Haitian songs her grandma Ipheta taught her when she came to visit the family in America. And she loved the minuets she learned to plink out on the piano when she began taking lessons at age 4.
Daughter of the Deepwood by #HollyBargo
Daughter of the Deepwood Book 2 of the Twin Moons Saga Free This Weekend Only! Lifetime imprisonment for an immortal doesn’t bear consideration. As cold iron burns his skin and dampens his magic, fae captain Falco wrenches power and freedom from the broken body of another prisoner—a witchbreed female—tossed into his cell to make room for a new harvest of criminals. Honor and obligation mandate that he not abandon her.
How Technology Is Changing The Way We Age
Oct 28 2020 How Technology Is Changing The Way We Age By Karen Smith, head of sales and marketing, MePACS. Karen Smith People are living longer and fuller lives thanks to advancements in public health, nutrition, sanitation and medicine in the last 100 years. And now, thanks to innovative technology, there are a number of products available that are allowing people to age at home.
Sea-Fever
After dark I call you up, just to hear the weather report, that the nights are drawing in now, and how much you paid for your latest pair of trousers. You’ll tell me the one about PLUTO, the giant pipeline rolling out under the Channel on a steel drum, how it kept the tanks fed for our boys on the continent, how the ice cream hut along the bay was really a pump in disguise, like those Ruperts that kept the Führer guessing.
The Benefits of Wearable Tech in Healthcare For Seniors
A wristwatch in recent years has become somewhat old-fashioned and particularly with everyone owning a mobile phone, but the best smartwatches have created a resurgence for watches. Not only can a smartwatch tell the time, but it can tell you how many steps you’re taking but also your heart rate.
What the hole in the ozone layer has to do with the Arctic melting
One of the earliest climate model predictions of how human-made climate change would affect our planet showed that the Arctic would warm about two to three times more than the global average. Forty years later, this “Arctic amplification” has been observed firsthand. Record-breaking Arctic warming and the dramatic decline of sea ice are having severe consequences on sensitive ecosystems in the region. But why has the Arctic warmed more than the tropics and the mid-latitudes?
9 US maps show how the secondhand smoke you’re breathing comes from another state
Scientists estimate that each year in the U.S., outdoor air pollution shortens the lives of about 100,000 people by one to two decades. As it turns out, much of this pollution originates not in a person’s own neighborhood, but up to hundreds or even thousands of miles away in neighboring states. And, absent strong federal regulations, there’s very little Americans can do about it.
222 scientists agree: This is the biggest threat to future generations
The bushfires raging across Australia this summer have sharpened the focus on how climate change affects human health. This season bushfires have already claimed more than 30 human lives, and many people have grappled with smoke inhalation and mental health concerns.
He made Facebook more sustainable. Now he's fighting corporations for the climate.
Former Google and Facebook sustainability czar Bill Weihl has launched an effort to pressure corporations like his former employers to step up and do more to fight climate change. The group, ClimateVoice, is made up of students, activists and corporate executives. The launch of ClimateVoice was announced this past weekend at the ClimateCAP conference in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Murder with Cherry Tarts
Review by Kristina A, Reviewer Last updated on 04 Jan 2020 My Recommendation Murder with Cherry Tarts by Karen Rose Smith has Daisy Swanson preparing for her eldest daughter’s wedding in Willow Creek, Pennsylvania. She cannot help but notice that that something seems to be going on with Karina Post, one of her employees at Daisy’s Tea Garden. Since Karina will not open up to Daisy, she is left with only one choice.
Rodarte Designers - Kate & Laura Mulleavy
When it comes to outfitting for the flower season, no one does it better than Rodarte. By Karen Fragala Smith Fit. Price point. Marketability. Licensing. It’s a fashion designer’s magic formula for commercial viability. To be successful at the retail level, a design house needs flattering and wearable garments, reasonable production costs, on-trend seasonal offerings and prolific licensing that includes perfume, sunglasses, handbags and shoes.
Wielding Enoch’s Hammer:
Wielding Enoch’s Hammer: The Absolved By Matthew Binder Steve Whitaker, Literary Correspondent The journalist, polymath and professional pessimist, Peter Hitchens, once cheerfully suggested that in between crisis and catastrophe we might as well have a glass of champagne. And whatever your predilection, there is a refreshingly serviceable truth to his nihilism.
A Modicum of Restraint:
A Modicum of Restraint: Baldwin's Catholic Geese - Keith Hutson Steve Whitaker, Literary Correspondent Keith Hutson doesn’t make concessions to complexity. The cutting edge of his poetry does not reside in the multi-layered or the difficult.
10 Quirky Animal Cozies for the Pet-Loving Mystery Reader
Promoted by Kensington Publishing Pets are a detective's best friend. Updated on 26 Mar 2019 We love our pets, but we'd love them even more if they stopped chewing our iPhone cords and started helping us find items we've misplaced... In the cozy mystery books below, the four-legged heroes and heroines do just that—although they're more likely to uncover a dead body than your missing car keys.
Can We Guess Your Favorite TLC Show?
When it's time to take the family on vacation, where do you want to go?
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