fbpx

Jen A. Miller Consulting

Category: The Single Diaries

  • The Art of REAL Conversation

    The Art of REAL Conversation

    7 Do’s and Don’ts of Conversing with Strangers via The Real Housewives of New York

    PHOTO: Bravo TV.
    PHOTO: Bravo TV.

    I consider myself a fairly good conversationalist, but in the last couple months I’ve met girls who are extremely chat savvy. What struck me was their ability to be natural and to put a complete stranger at ease… it’s that charisma that also makes someone a great interviewee (or interviewer)—both on camera and off. Superb conversationalists don’t try too hard to leave you with a certain impression. They open up enough that you want to find out more. They speak to you in the same voice they use with their close friends. They charm you. I am fascinated by the magnetism, so I turned to The Real Housewives of New York for tips on the art of conversation when meeting someone new.

    (more…)

  • What We Can All Learn About Living from the Regrets of the Dying

    What We Can All Learn About Living from the Regrets of the Dying

    A self-reflection inspired by Bronnie Ware’s Regrets of the Dying

    regrets-of-the-dying

    Last week, my mom shared an article with me from Australian author Bronnie Ware titled Regrets of the Dying written by. Based on the somewhat morbid title, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I clicked through the link. What I found, was a surprisingly insightful reflection on the meaning of life and the path to true happiness. Bronnie’s narrative made me stop and consider the choices I was making in my life. She had me wondering if I would end up the way many of her patients had, full of regrets, or if I was doing things the “right way”.

    I was so inspired and moved by the article that I felt compelled to share it with all of you. I encourage you all to read this repost of her original article and to use it for your own self-reflection. In Bonnie’s words, remember:

    “Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.”

    (more…)
  • 7 Lessons from Orange is the New Black

    7 Lessons from Orange is the New Black

    A Look at the Lessons We’ve Learned from Orange is the New Black

    Lessons from Orange is the New Black
    Today, Netflix releases the much-anticipated second season of their hit comedic drama Orange is the New Black. In a snapshot, the show fictionalizes the real-life tale of Piper Chapman, a white, middle-class woman, sentenced to 15 months in prison for her assisting her ex-girlfriend in international drug trafficking. If you haven’t yet caught season 1, we highly recommend you jump on the bandwagon.

    As much as we love OITNB for its cast of outrageous characters and their snappy one-liners, we’ve also come to appreciate the depth the writers have given to their back stories. We learn what has brought each of these women to prison and watch as their lives and relationships unfold within their new confined realities. With each episode we get to know the characters a little better and grow to understands what motivates their behaviors and actions.

    In getting to know these characters we’ve also recognized that there is a great deal they can teach us about our own choices. Here we take a look at 7 lessons we’ve learned from Orange is the New Black and how they apply to our lives outside the prison walls.

    (more…)

  • Single Girl Budget Wines

    Sarah Walsh reveals six fabulous summer wines under $20

    PHOTO: Catherine Abalos.
    PHOTO: Catherine Abalos.

    When you grow up 20 minutes south of wine country, developing an early taste for grapes is expected. With my father as my guide, I learned that wine taste is very personal and something worth discovering for yourself. After lots of trial and error and finally narrowing down what my palette enjoys, I also discovered the thrill of finding the perfect budget wine. Good wine isn’t necessarily expensive, and inexpensive wine isn’t necessarily bad.

    I’ve compiled a list of very budget-friendly and summer-ready white and rosé wines for you. Everything here is delicious, perfect for parties and gifts, or a solo night in. Best of all, none of the bottles is over $20!

    (more…)

  • Twenty-Seven | What I’ve Learned Thus Far

    Catherine sums up a month of reflection in turning twenty-seven

    turning twenty-seven
    Just a month after my 27th birthday, I already feel like a changed woman. Okay, it helps a lot that I left my job just two weeks prior to my birthday and essentially am living like a college kid on summer vacation… so after five years of a regular 9 to 6 job without a lot of free time to travel and breathe, feeling different was inevitable. Nevertheless, the change of pace prompted a lot of reflection and self-discovery. Here’s what I’ve learned since turning 27.

    (more…)