My new website www.thecolourgirl.com is a work in progress at the moment. I’m off to Auckland to study with professional colour and image consultant Beverly at the Fashion Academy.

You know when you’re in flow when things seem to happen effortlessly. I’d just made the commitment to do the training when a lady approached me and told me how much she loved what I was wearing. I told her what I was planning to do and the next thing I knew not only had she booked an appointment but four of her colleagues had too.

I’ve already practiced on one of my friends. Initially I went over to help her with her wardrobe and colours, but the moment I went to her house it was obvious the house needed a de-clutter too! “How do you feel when you look around your home?” I tactfully asked. “terrible! There’s so much clutter – I just don’t know where to start!” “one room at a time I suggested, and off we went! It was great fun and therapeutic too. I know because I have had a great friend help me too. Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time – there’s no shame in that!

My friend was so thrilled. “Thanks so much for the motivation yesterday. You are amazing. I have never had anyone like you. What you did was so lovely – the combination of actually getting me started on some action within taking over. You have that gorgeous way – it’s a fine balance motivating people and you’ve definitely got it. “

If you would like to book a pre-Christmas image make-over and/or help to de-clutter your home contact me now. I still have a few spaces in my calendar prior to Christmas. My aim is to help you recession proof your life by making change affordable too. Call me now on 04 972 4663 0r Cassandra@cassandragaisford.com It would be such a joy to hear from you

The proof is in the pudding they say! Not exactly sure what that means or where it came from but what I do know is that a book is only as good as the feedback from the people that read it.

I was thrilled to receive this feedback from a lady who has an advance draft (and it really is a draft - wait until everyone get the final version!!)

"WOW, it’s fantastic so far. It’s so easy to read. I really do enjoy the layout. Cheers and thanks for the opportunity." - Wendy.

Fellow visual artist Max Gimblett calls it a "treasure" - that is so lovely and nice validation of all the work I have put into it. And believe you me when I say a lot of hours have gone into creating it.....a lot of passion too. As the author of "Eat, Pray, Love" says in article about writing- "you should write for love not money..because you are called to write not because you are focused on the money."


Here's what others are saying:
"Your new book look really EXCITING and INTERESTING - so well done! I've already printed off, and read the sample chapter - with great enthusiasm. It's full of EXCELLENT material, pitched at a practical level, which will be the key to it's success. the sample chapter, highlighted to me that I had better revisitall of those areas again - so, will buy your book when it is published."- Paul


“Your book looks incredible! Very inspiring.” - Anne Fulton, Registered Occupational Psychologist

“That was fun! Not like work at all!” - Nick


You can download the hot off the press sample - 22 pages in their pre-production glory - or pre-order here:

Are you worried your organisation might trim staff numbers in the wake of the global credit crisis? While you may have reason to worry, with proactive action you can survive and thrive in the wake of this crisis.

First, stay positive. It’s important not to panic. It is true that in the last September quarter unemployment grew by 6.3% and that the numbers of unemployed are expected to rise by about 33, 0 00. But at the same time, The Department of Labour reports that on an annual basis, employment has risen by 21,000, an increase of 1.0%. Unemployment, now at 4.2%, is just 0.2% higher than the 4% level that economists consider "full employment" (supposedly meaning that everyone who wants a job has one).

Still, with the ripple effect of the credit crisis, escalating costs and declining household valuations people are feeling the pinch and consumer spending has declined significantly. Companies like Hewlett Packard are on the verge of announcing big layoffs, and John Key’s national government have their eye on trimming the numbers of Government employees. So you'd be smart to start thinking about recession-proofing your current job - or, failing that - devising a back-up plan if it all turns to custard. Here's how:

1) Think of ways to generate revenues or cut costs. Proactively identify ways to work smarter not harder - either by generating more revenue using existing capacity or by trimming waste. While you may have a brilliant idea that could open up whole new markets for your company, if this idea needs a large financial investment to get started it may be best to shelve it for more prosperous times. Concentrate instead on finding places to pinch pennies, or identifying cheap new sources of revenue. Or both.

2) Be visible. Now is not the time to go on leave. Out of sight out of mind – you may find your position could be axed while you're gone, Even if things have slowed down and the workload isn’t what it used to be now is not the time to cruise in around ten o'clock either. It’s all about perception management – if you look busy chances are the bosses will think they can’t do without you. Make it clear how invaluable you really are by identifying ways to stand out and distinguish yourself. If you're in sales, get your numbers up. Nobody will be laying off star salespeople. Get out from behind your desk and increase your visibility – proactively network and help others achieve their goals with your help whenever possible.

3) Create some Spin. Make sure you're adding value at work by going above and beyond your basic job responsibilities, Be the first to initiate new ideas or to put your hand up for new assignments when asked. Don’t be shy about blowing your own trumpet – make sure your boss knows how you are adding value without being too self-focused.

4) Show how multi-faceted and adaptive you are. Don't get a reputation as someone who is change adverse or who only does what they are told to do. Keep your eyes and ears open and proactively look for opportunities to get involved. Volunteer for value-add tasks, including tasks for which others may be responsible. Be a team player and pitch in wherever you can. Doing your job and doing it well is not enough in these economic times. Be prepared to show how you can go the extra mile.

5) Update your skill set. Future proof your career by staying in tune with marketable skills and experience. What social, economic or technological changes are coming up and how can you be work-ready with the skills, knowledge or training required? This may mean forking out of your own pocket but the reality is companies get rid of people whose skills are obsolete. Take classes, join trade organisations, and prove you're in the know. Consider going back to school, perhaps even by correspondence, to show your employer you're serious about your career and your performance. Ask your way to success by finding out what is most relevant and needed by your current organisation. Future proof your career and ensure a good return on investment by finding out how marketable your new skill set will be outside your organisation.

6) Think and act positive. Attitude counts - a lot. Employers want people who can show resilience and boost morale during tough times. No one likes a whiner. It’s draining and counterproductive. Research shows happy, optimistic workers are less likely to get laid off than people who think and talk negatively and seem to dislike what they do. I have seen so many careers prematurely derailed because of negative attitudes. People seem to think they are bullet proof and neglect the importance of how they interact with others. If you moan about your job or complain about the boss odds are your manager may rationalise that giving you the sack would really be doing you a favor.

7) Network! Network!Network! So many people wait until they’ve lost their job until they start tapping into their networks. Chances are that by the time this happens you’ll be calling out of desperation, needing their help to find work. Increasing your chances of keeping your current job or transitioning reasonably painlessly into a new job following a layoff often depends on how consistently you've contacted - and maybe even helped - lots of people when you didn't need them. Remember it’s not what you know but who you know and how they feel about you. Maintain positive relationships and don’t burn any bridges.

8) Get career fit. Update your CV, start visioning where else you might like to work or what else you might like to do, touch base with recruiters and sign up for electronic job alerts. It doesn’t hurt to keep your eye out for future opportunities and if you're mentally prepared for a move, you'll make a more informed and wiser one than if you wait until you're desperate.

9) Pursue your passion not your pension! Maybe your current position is perfectly "safe." But think about it for a while and you may find yourself wondering: Is "safe" good enough? Maybe it's time to change jobs anyway -- and heed the immortal words of Keith Richards, "I'm gonna leave while it's still fun/ I'm gonna walk before they make me run."

Doing what you love and doing it well is also a cure during economic downturns. There will always be a demand for people who love what they do and who do it well. The key to recession proofing your career and surviving and thriving in the face of uncertainty is knowing how to do what you love and still pay the bills. If you have no idea how to find your passion Happy@Work Job Hunting for Mid-lifers+ will show you how. Follow this link to for free down-loadable preview

10) And finally, cultivate confidence and optimism. Opinions vary re whether we are really headed for a recession. Even the experts can’t agree. Things may not be so bard after all. But many economists agree that pessimistic, recessionary thinking and self-talk can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

As the National Bank economists said in their August 2008 Economic Outlook, “We cannot stress the importance of confidence enough. It’s not a key driver of wealth, but critical for maintaining momentum. Economics and business cycles are as much about human behaviour, the feel-good factor and risk appetites – as well as the laws of supply and demand.... it’s a game of confidence.... the danger is that fear and caution becoming self-fulfilling. Signs of improving confidence is the first critical step.”

I felt very honoured to receive this very humbling foreword from fellow artist and dear friend Max Gimblett today. I hope many fellow mid-lifers will take heart from his sages words of encouragement embedded below.

Of significance: "Persevere with your mid-life, bring into consciousness your childhood dreams, as they will become your living realities":

Here is the foreword for "Happy@work:job hunting for mid-lifers+"
in its entirety:


"Mid-life is a crucial point in the life cycle. Childhood, the warrior, and
power decades are past. Mid-life is an invitation to resolve the complexes
not yet made conscious and move forward into the so happy years of
creativity and health, of full abundance.

Guides are necessary throughout mid-life, this book is a guide. Teachers to
face and touch are guides. Mid-life will not be rushed. Everybody
experiences mid-life. It is a sacred journey, a sacred path, the Way.

I know Cassandra as a fellow spirit and friend. She was with me on the
island of Maui participating in my sumi ink workshops. I have experienced
with her some of her mid-life passages. I trust her, respect her, and
understand that her book is invaluable.

I urge you to utilize this book as an inspirational tool and carry it as a
treasure. Persevere with your mid-life, bring into consciousness your
childhood dreams, as they will become your living realities."

Happy @ Work
Job hunting for mid-lifers+

Published by Tiranui Publishing
New Zealand, 2008
326 pages in paperback

By Cassandra Gaisford

Happy @ Work is an inspirational and practical book for mid-lifers re-assessing their career, whether restructuring their present job, changing direction or deciding to start a business.

It is an interactive self-coaching manual with exercises and questionnaires to fill in and pictures and quotes to motivate the reader. A two-column layout makes it easy to read with boxed exercises and examples breaking up the text. There is a handy summary at the end of each chapter reinforcing important points.

Cassandra Gaisford a Wellington-based coach, author and artist, has applied many of the book’s principles in finding her own fulfilling life-work path.

Beginning with the assumption that the first step necessary in the job-search process is to know yourself through increased self-awareness, the book starts off with tools to help the reader identify their values, skills and passions. It ends with the practical actions required such as CV preparation, interview skills, and setting goals.

In between is information on stress management, tapping into your intuition, boosting confidence and self-esteem and finding a satisfying work-life balance. The reader is also encouraged to tap into their intuition, break free of their narrow view of what is possible and have the courage to face their fears and overcome obstacles which may arise by turning their age into an asset rather than a perceived liability.

Readers will find a comprehensive array of tools to use and apply. Many will like the self-coaching approach and others may be prompted to discuss their findings further with a coach.


Review by:
Marian Kerr, coach and author, Wellington, New Zealand

Good news! Confidence is improving, according to New Zealand's largest financial institutions, The National Bank. Focusing on the positive their August 2008 business outlook commentary noted a net 21 percent, expect worse times over the year ahead, "a welcome bounce from the net 43 percent expecting tougher times last month." I'm sure Barak's win will do wonders for the financial markets.....here's hoping New Zealand benefits from a fresh change too post the election tomorrow

While times are still very tough the key to resilience both financial and personal is to maintain the hope of a better day, their economists say.

"We cannot stress the important of confidence enough. It's not the key driver of wealth, but critical for maintaining momentum. Economics and business cycles are as much about human behaviour, the feel-good factor and risk appetites - as well as the laws of supply and demand."

So if it's all a game of confidence what can you do to increase your optimism when under pressure?
Grow more financial optimism
$ Get a clear picture of what your income and expenses are
$ Prepare a financial plan
$ Work actively to regain financial control - negotiate better deals, look for ways to earn more...do what it takes to increase money coming in and reduce money going out
$ Turn to the experts and get help with your financial wellbeing
$ Prepare a budget - if you want to take control of your finances a disciplined approach is essential:
Here are a few of the many resources available:
National Bank Budget Planner- Visit www.nationalbank.co.nz to download their free financial planner

Family Budgeting services: a community collective that offers FREE advice to families and individuals throughout New Zealand/ Find one nearest you at www.familybudgeting.org.nz or call them on 0508 283438

www.sorted.co.nz: you'll find lots of great information on all aspects of money management on this financial planning website - owned and operated by the retirement commission

Speaking of retirement - yesterday I had the good fortune of meeting Mike McBeth-Thomson. Mike got so bored of retirement he jumped at the chance to meet more people and earn more money. He's now working on contract going door to door offering people like me a way to save money on their gas and power bills. Now here's a chap who's happy@work at 70! Good on Nova Gas for being an enlightened (no pun intended! employer! Mike enthusiastically posed in front of one of my paintings




photo source:

My wonderful friend Max Gimblett has just sent me this tremendous photo. He is truly a man who embraces the happy@work philosophy. He is so happy, as you can see, that Barak Obama has won the presidential election.

I was soooooo excited to see Barak win too! I only wish I had purchased the teeshirt Max got while we were painting in Maui! I was glued to the CNN on the TV yesterday- it was hard to tear myself away to go to my french lessons...but my daughter was nagging at me to go and reminding me how bad my french is! So I recorded the final stages and watched it when I go home. That's great because now I can replay it again and again...it was so very moving..not just the speeches but the crowd scenes too - Jesse Jackson's stunned look on his face and tears in his eyes were especially memorable.

I thought McCain was exceptional in defeat - I especially loved the way he silenced the crowd who boo-ed Barak and reminded people that these troubled times require unity not division.

Barak also possitively admired John McCain - both peoples committed to the UNITED states and to embracing the differences and facilitating dialogue and challenge - the hallmarks of a true democracy. There are lessons to be learned for so many people and countries so divided by negativity, hatred, apathy, selfishness etc...

I have bought all the papers so I have a record of this truly wonderful event...YES WE CAN! I also searched for weblinks to share with you

You can watch this historical moment here


Read Barak's speech
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where any things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive ... who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer"

Read the rest of his speech here

IF you would like to read the draft of Barak Obama's speech click here



John McCain's concessionary speech

Watch it! Click here to see this truly inspirational and gracious concessionary defeat. in my book the fact that he was defeated once and had the courage to give it another shot, and seems to be such a genuinely nice man, makes John McCain a winner too.

Read it! click here to read excerpts from John Mcain's speech

Let's all find ways to come together, to embrace our differences, and to embrace the hope of a better day - for all. Let's also send Barak and his family all our love and support - the road ahead is not going to be an easy one.
Yet as he said:

"let us reaffirm that fundamental truth -- that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can."

Cheers to the power of positive expectancy. I have a strong feeling he will deliver!