This n That

Success Quotes

2009-05-13T16:50:00.003-04:00

Here are some great success quotes for a little "midweek inspiration."

"Success is a state of mind.
If you want success, start thinking
of yourself as a success."
Dr. Joyce Brothers

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore,
is not an act but a habit.
Aristotle

In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia.
Author Unknown

You are never a loser until you quit trying.
Mike Ditka

What To Do When Disaster Strikes

2009-05-12T14:34:00.009-04:00

I got this from the Oprah website and I thought I'd share...

It's some great suggestions and thoughts on what to do when disaster strikes written by Amanda Ripley, the author for the book "The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes- And Why"

(May make you think twice about taking that window seat...)

1. We are almost always our own first responders because official help cannot arrive quickly enough.

2. People think that if you're in a plane crash you're doomed, but between 1983 and 2000, 56 percent of passengers in serious crashes lived. Those who have an aisle seat and read the air safety cards are the most likely to survive.

3. The biggest misconception about catastrophes is that people panic. More often, our reactions slow down, even stop. After the planes hit the World Trade Center, hundreds of workers turned off their computers and cleaned up their desks. The average time before evacuating was six minutes. You have to move—and move quickly.

4. People may be most afraid of terrorists and freak viruses, but fire, floods, and lightning are the disasters to prepare for—to practice for.

5. Do every fire drill. Have the muscle memory of how to do things under extreme stress.

Texting Some Love Your Way

2009-05-12T13:57:00.006-04:00

I found this great site that will send you SMS messages (texts) on whatever topic interests you, whenever you want it to! It's www.4info.com

I always love getting some "random inspiration"... especially when I'm having a tougher than usual day. So, I get the "inspirational quotes" sent to me at 9AM every morning.

You could also get "diet tips" sent to you at around 11 or 12, right before lunch, so you think twice about your lunch choices. You could get daily weather alerts sent to you like an hour before you leave for work, so you make sure you're appropriately dressed...OR, if you're like my husband, and for some reason, you find baseball exciting (haha) you can get a text sent to you with MLB updates (if someone got traded or something)

Another cool thing you can do with this, if you don't necessarily want the daily text, is to use it as a resource. Once you sign up, (which solely involves registering your phone # with them) you can text virtually anything to their # (44636) and get a response. Like, if you are on the road and you need a phone number, text the business name and city to 44636 and they'll text you back with all the information you need. OR you can text them your astrological sign and they'll text you back with your daily horoscope! You can do this for every option (news, living well tips, weather, etc...) Might be kinda fun to do while sitting in a waiting room or something....

If you're so popular that you get too many texts already, than you can disregard this, but if not, I'd highly recommend at least checking it out. There isn't any spam and you don't get anything other than the text that you request. You can also cancel anytime-

FreeRice

2009-05-11T18:23:00.003-04:00

Check out this site: www.freerice.com

It donates 10 grains of rice through the UN World Food Program for answering a vocabulary question correctly! How fun is that? Its like a game, and you get smarter and feed the hungry all at the same time! Check it out!

Text Messaging Shortcuts

2009-05-11T13:38:00.002-04:00

If you like texting (like I do) but you feel like you are in a foreign country with the SMS language that some people can use, check out some of these sites for TMS (Text Messaging Shortcuts):

I found these to be very helpful! (I may even try a few out on some of you...)

At least now, if someone replies to me IHA (I hate abbreviations) or DWB (Don't write back)

I'll prevent myself from getting a reply saying IHU (I hate you) or URSAI (You are such an idiot)

Which would be nice...

What Have You Given Today?

2009-05-11T13:22:00.002-04:00

"As you give so shall you receive"

- St. Francis

Here is a great Q to ask yourself if things are not necessarily going your way:

"What have I given lately?"

Feeling unloved? Have you been loving to others?

Feeling unappreciated? Have you shown appreciation for others?

Feeling like you have no friends? Have you been a friend to others?

The basic philosophy is never wrong... "What you withhold from the world, the world will withhold from you."

So, if you aren't seeing results in a particular situation, whether you choose to be honest with yourself or not, try asking yourself "what am I withholding, or not giving that have created these circumstances for me?" If you think you're giving all you can, you obviously aren't. It is a basic law of the universe, there's no arguing with it...

A great example is in your relationships. I know that when I'm not feeling appreciation from somebody, it's because I'm not showing it. So, when I think that my husband doesn't appreciate me, I ask myself, "when was the last time I HONESTLY showed appreciation for him?" There is ALWAYS something to appreciate, to love, to be thankful for. Find it, focus on it, apply it (from the goodness of your heart, insincerity and doing it for selfish reasons get you nowhere) and I guarantee things will turn around for you :) Happy Monday!

Ebates

2009-05-04T21:29:00.003-04:00

Not sure if you've ever heard of Ebates, but it is a great site if you do a lot of online shopping! It's basically online coupons and rebates that are always available, for over 1000 stores!

The way it works is really easy... You just click to whatever site you plan on ordering from, through the Ebates website (www.ebates.com) and it gives you a percentage back (anywhere from 1%-20%) on each purchase! You don't have to give a credit card or anything!

Definitely worth it to check it out!

Sentimental/Cute Idea

2009-05-03T22:27:00.003-04:00

I save just about every card that was ever given or sent to me... If you are the same way, and you have a lot of sentimental cards or notes laying around, turn them into artwork!

You can either cut up the cards/notes and frame them, photocopy them and frame them, or even make some sort of a collage with them!

Either way, if you group a set together and hang them on the wall, it's a great way to display "personalized artwork" and it also allows you read some of your favorite notes everyday rather than store them away in a box somewhere!

(Ps. It's a great gift for Mothers Day...)

Myers-Briggs

2009-05-03T19:57:00.005-04:00

I officially took the Myers-Briggs Test years and years ago... but I recently took an abbreviated version on my Facebook account! It is, hands down, the best personality test out there as far as the length it goes to, to describe your personality type. It is also very helpful in dealing with others, because if you understand what their personality type is, it helps you to understand why they act they way they do, and also how to better "relate" to them.

The real test is quite lengthy, and costs some moola to take, but here is the best "free online one" that I found:

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm

Here is another site which offers an extensive description on your particular personality type. It covers every aspect of your personality, including your career, relationships, love life, etc...

http://www.personalitypage.com/high-level.html

In case you were curious, I am an ENTJ :) If you take the test, leave a comment and let me know what your type is! (Also let me know how accurate you find it to be)

My type is an ENTJ :)

Swap Your Clothes!

2009-05-03T19:14:00.006-04:00

If you're tired of your closet and looking to spruce it up, try doing a clothing swap!

You can host a "clothing swap party" where you have all your girlfriends (and their cute clothes) over, and you swap them up! Here is a great website for the "how-to" on hosting a party like that:

http://www.lifeorganizers.com/cm_articles/16_organize_a_clothes_swap_189.html

You can swap your clothes online! Here are some great websites to do so:

Have fun!

Personalized Calling "Cards"

2009-05-01T20:02:00.007-04:00

Business cards are no longer just for the "business professionals." You can use business/personalized cards now for a variety of reasons...

You can make cards with your personal info on it (address, phone #, children's names, etc...) and stick it in your childs back pocket when you're out and about. That way, if the child gets lost, they can access the card and know how to get ahold of you.
You can also just use a card w/ your personal info (and/or childrens info) on it to hand out to other mothers/friends. That way they know which child belongs to you, and how to reach you via phone or email.
Looking for a job? A big trend now is the "resume card." A resume card is basically a brief summary of your work history, your specialty, and your contact information. It's a great thing to have on hand if you're in the job hunt and are at networking events, or even just socializing with friends.
You can also use them to promote a specific hobby or talent that you have. Like, if you happen to be great at crafts or cooking, or even babysitting, you could put together a card that allows you to promote that talent!
If you relocate, you can have business cards made up with your new address...
You can make an "allergy/medication" card for your child to carry with them in their backpack/backpocket.
You can make a permanent "gift card" ex/ "A Gift For You... Love, The Smith Family" to use with all of your gifts.

Here are a couple of websites to order your own cards at:

OR you could just go to Kinkos and have some made, or even make them yourself! You can buy the business card paper and print!

Something to Try!?!

2009-04-30T19:45:00.002-04:00

If you're like me and you have a hard time waking up in the morning...

Try popping a "Wake Up On Time Energy Pill." I was just reading about it in a magazine while I was hanging out in a waiting room. It's a pill that you take before you go to bed, so you wake up feeling all revitalized and ready to take on the day! I honestly haven't tried it, but I have to admit that I'd be tempted :) Check it out: http://www.wakeupontime.com/

For My Girlfriends...

2009-04-30T19:31:00.002-04:00

Some of my favorite friendship quotes for some of my favorite friends...

"I no doubt deserved my enemies, but I don't believe I deserved my friends."
- Walt Whitman
"Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't say."
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same."
"A good friend is hard to find, hard to lose, and impossible to forget..."
"How lucky I am to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye to."

A Litte Car Entertainment...

2009-04-29T17:34:00.002-04:00

If you have an ipod, you probably have iTunes set up on your computer...

If you don't, it's really easy to download (Click HERE for the link). Then go to the podcast section, where you'll find a large selection of podcasts. To my knowledge, most of the podcasts are free, and they come in just about any topic that you may have some interest in... so, just download and (if your computer allows it) burn some blank cds to listen to on that fun commute or long car trip!

Lots of Books and No Bookcase?

2009-04-29T17:09:00.004-04:00

Try this decorative and affordable option:

Go to your local hardware store, and pick up some 8" corner braces. You'll need 2 for each stack so plan accordingly...

Then, color coordinate your books (as best as you can) and, using a level, hang your 2 corner braces. Then, stack your color coordinated books on top! It kind of looks like "floating books" or something...

If you have a lot of books, you can do the same thing, covering more wall space... try doing each set of books on different levels or something!

Either way, it can be a decorative and affordable alternative for storing your books!

Sleep Issues?

2009-04-29T16:39:00.004-04:00

Here are a few simple solutions for having less sleep related problems the following day:

Insomnia? Try some natural techniques... For example, did you know that cherries were really high in melatonin? Melatonin is the same hormone created by your body to regulate sleep patterns. Also, try taking a hot bath... that alone will relax you, however if you could put a little "lavender scented" bubble bath in the tub, you'll get some bonus points, as lavender is known to relax you. Also, try sleeping with a lavender scented eye mask, or even a pillow with a lavender scent to it (you can even buy lavender scented "linen sprays") I actually make my own sleep masks and put some flax seed and lavender in them, which definitely does the trick!
Stop the snoring! Try this, stick a tennis ball in a "sewn-in" pocket in the middle of your back. You will then avoid sleeping on your back due to the discomfort, and will wind up on your side, which will stop the noise!
Stiff neck? Try "contrast hydrotherapy" in the shower. Blast hot water on your neck for 20 seconds, then alternate to cold for 10 seconds. Do this 3 times, and when you get out of the shower, your body will send the blood back to your skin, resulting in a dilation of blood vessels (and a looser neck!)
Puffy eyes? Try black tea! It has tannins in it which help "deflate & tighten" those bags under your eyes. Heat up the tea bag (like you're making tea) to activate the tannins, then stick it in the fridge to cool . Then, stick the bags on your eyes for 10 mins. and voila! you've gotten rid of your puffy eyes!
Morning breath? Here's a long lasting solution- Try gargling with acidic lemon juice to kill the bacteria in your mouth, then eat some plain yogurt (a probiotic) which replaces the reeking bacteria and neutralizes your mouth. This lil trick should freshen your breath for about 12-24 hours!

Shadow Box Idea

2009-04-28T10:47:00.004-04:00

Here's a cute idea for some original artwork...

Take a shadow box, you can leave it plain, or decorate the inside however you'd like with decoupage, paint, wallpaper, etc... then place some mini hooks on the back and use them to hold old keys that had some importance to you (ie: old house keys, car keys, even diary keys?)

It's a cute way to display things from the past, and it'll probably also help you clean out your junk drawer!

Food Saver

2009-04-28T10:13:00.003-04:00

So, I got a Food Saver for Christmas this year (I know... so exciting, right?) and I have to tell you, I LOVE it! I use it for everything! I seal up the bags holding bread, chips, cereal, etc.... They stay fresher for so much longer! It's also nice because of its vacuum seal feature. I actually just bought a salmon, and I was able to chop it up into a couple seperate meals, vacuum seal, and freeze them. Now, they'll stay fresh for much longer! You're actually saving money by using this as well, because food doesn't spoil as quickly and also you can buy in bulk, and vacuum seal for a later date!

Here's a link if you want to buy online: http://www.jardenstore.com/index.aspx?bid=0

Type in coupon code (B8FC30A) and receive 30% off. You can also receive free shipping on purchases over $100.

Law of Attraction

2009-04-27T11:41:00.008-04:00

Remember:

"You are a living magnet. Whatever you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts." -Brian Tracy

It's all about the Law of Attraction...

If all you think about is debt, even if it's finding ways to get out of it, you're still focusing on your current state of lack, and your thoughts and actions will continue to surround you in debt. Instead focus on ways to prosper. Remember Mother Theresa would never go to an "Anti-War" rally, rather she would be a huge supporter for a "Pro-Peace" one. There is definitely a difference.

Watch the language you are using in your head, even if you have the best of intentions... Is it "Anti-something?" OR Pro-related?

Nutrition Quiz

2009-04-27T10:05:00.005-04:00

Here's a little "nutrition quiz" to give yourself... Is that "health food" you're eating really healthy for you? Just because it's advertised as healthy, definitely doesn't mean it is. Here are some examples:

Energy Bars: Before you eat them, flip over the label and check out the calorie/sugar count in that bar. Odds are they have just as many calories (if not) than a Snickers bar, so you might as well hit up the candy aisle!
Salads: Don't get me wrong, I love salads and they CAN be really healthy for you, but you just really have to get it right w/r/t the ingredients and the dressing. In many instances, if you're getting a salad with a lot of cheese, nuts, bacon, avocado, etc... and then dumping over it a high fat/high sugar salad dressing, you'd actually be better off going to Mickey D's for a Cheeseburger! Check out this stat from MSN: Panera's Fuji Apple Chicken Salad (580 cal, 30g of fat) VS. McDonalds Double Cheeseburger (440 cal, 23g of fat) YIKES!
Granola: Just flip over the label on boxes of granola and see for yourself. Granola is very high in sugar, fat and calories. Even if it's "low fat," odds are they hiked up the sugar count.
Fruit Juice: This fools a lot of people, even if you think you're drinking "all natural/organic, etc..." Fruit juice is still just as bad as drinking pop, it's essentially "water and sugar." Check out this article from the CBS website: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/11/health/main673229.shtml
Yogurt: Again, look at the label. There are some yogurts that actually are good for you, but even if they say they're "low fat," odds are, there is a ton of sugar in the jams or the flavoring. The best thing to do would be to get a low fat plain yogurt and mix in fresh fruit (or whatever other "items" you like in your yogurt)

Anything in moderation is ok, but odds are, if you're thinking you're "eating healthy" by consuming certain foods, odds are that you aren't treating them as a "fun little treat that you can eat once in a while," you're making them a daily habit.

Example? How many of you are thinking you're being really healthy by eating flavored yogurt with granola and a big tall glass of fruit juice for breakfast, and then saving that energy bar as a mid-day snack before you head to Panera for that salad? Yeah... that's what I thought ;)

Ruminations on Bon Jovi....

2009-04-27T08:25:00.002-04:00

I would not want to be trapped in a dangerous situation with Bon Jovi. “It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not? Right… listen Jon, why don’t you stay here then and I’ll go get some help.”

(Aaron Karo ruminating on one of my first loves, Bon Jovi... had to post)

Happy Monday!

Decorative Wall Decals

2009-04-26T16:53:00.010-04:00

If you're looking for something fun to do with a blank wall, try some cool wall decals! They're great if you're renting and can't paint, if you're looking for affordable artwork, or if you're like me and you just hate hanging pictures!

These are some of my favorite sites for ordering them (that all also have a section for designing your own wall decal):

If you want to try and make your own wall art or decal, I've found some information that suggests using contact paper, and stenciling/cutting your design out of that!

Free Shipping!

2009-04-26T09:08:00.003-04:00

Here's a great website to check with before you order anything online:

www.freeshipping.org

It basically gives you coupon codes to get free shipping at around 1500 stores!

Hungover?

2009-04-25T10:09:00.005-04:00

Here's a couple "natural" hangover cures!

For the nausea, try a technique stemming from acupuncture. Take 2-3 fingers to the underside of your wrist just below the top crease. Just below where the fingers end, use pressure on both arms, and the nausea should disappear within 10-30 seconds. You can also buy products to do this for you, called nausea bands. This is the one that I use: http://www.sea-band.com/UK/uk_seaband.htm
Also, for the nausea, try ginger root! You can try it in a variety of forms, including tea, gum, or even frozen ginger ice chips!
For the headache, try magnesium (200-400 mg). It eases that painful throb. Also helpful to start taking it the night before as tends to work better if you use it to prevent hangovers.
Also, to prevent a hangover, (before you go to bed) try taking a B-50 Complex. Alcohol depletes the B vitamins that your body needs to break down alcohol. So by taking the vitamins, it will help with the metabolism process.

The Mighty Dryer Sheet!

2009-04-23T12:26:00.005-04:00

Dryer sheets are definitely not just for the dryer... Here are some other cool uses for that powerful little sheet:

They repel mosquitos! Stick a dryer sheet on your patio, in your pocket or even in your golf bag!
Eliminate static electricity from your tv and computer screens, and even your clothing!
They dissolve soap scum! Scrub the dryer sheet on your showers & bath tubs!
Collect pet hairs. Rub a dryer sheet on your couch or rug and watch the hairs disappear!
They loosen the grime from your pots & pans, let the sheet soak overnight and watch the gunk wipe away the next morning!
Deodorize your trashcans, or shoes or gym bags (Matt...) Stick a dryer sheet in those stinkers!
Stick a sheet in your suitcase to get rid of the musty smell when you travel!
They also work like a tack cloth, they'll pick up sawdust, and even the dust from your blinds, lampshades, plants, etc...!

So much unrealized potential in those lil guys!