Something to Smile About

An 'Enchanted' Experience

2008-03-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

It seems like most of the movies that are released today cover topics that are serious, dramatic, horrific, or depressing in some way. If you're looking for more light-hearted, upbeat, and positive messages, check out Disney's "Enchanted." It's a feel-good movie that everyone can enjoy and leave the theater feeling happy about yourself and the world in general.

Successful People Who Love Their Jobs

2007-08-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's always refreshing to meet people who love what they do for a living. Their joy for their work carries over into everything they do on the job. My friend, Lisa, is an independent consultant for Longaberger and provided this great information:

I love what I do

I've been with Longaberger since October of 2006!! As a single Mom I needed to find a way to supplement my income which Longaberger has allowed me to do. What started as a fun part-time job for me has turned into an exciting entrepreneurial experience. While I continue to grow my business I have learned a great deal about my strength and leadership as a business woman. I hope to set a positive example for my daughter whom I hope will follow her dreams as I am following mine.

Please visit my site at www.longaberger.com/lisaweiner, I look forward to hearing from you.

Lisa Weiner
Longaberger Independent Home Consultant
lgweiner@verizon.net
301-237-8853

"Weird Al" Concert

2007-07-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed the "Weird Al" Yankovic concert at the Orange County Fair last Friday night. He played many of his old hits as well as some lesser-known songs from his new album, "Straight Outta Lynwood."

One of my favorite Weird Al songs is "Amish Paradise." Of course, the "White and Nerdy" song cracks me up every time I hear it. I love to watch the video and see Donnie Osmond dancing...hilarious! They did such a great job with that song.

The crowd went wild over some of his wardrobe changes. One of the highlights of the show was when Weird Al sang his Star Wars songs while Darth Vader and a bunch of Storm Troopers danced behind him. His keyboardist looked great as Emperor Palpatine.

Weird Al sang and danced on the chairs right in front of where we were sitting during one of his songs. The concert was fun and we look forward to seeing him again when he's performing in town.

New Beginnings

2007-07-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about the prospect of new beginnings. There's something about the first day on a new job or in a new class that makes everyone nervous yet excited about the possibilities. School will be starting again soon. Make sure you take the time to enjoy the new beginnings in your life.

Natural Gardening: Ladybugs Get Rid of Aphids

2007-07-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a natural way to get rid of aphids on your outdoor plants without using any pesticides, consider trying ladybugs. You can buy them at gardening centers and they will eat the aphids on your plants.

Once you buy them, put the container in the refridgerator for 15 minutes right before you take them outside. Only place them outside at night when it is cooler (otherwise, they'll all fly away and won't rid you of your aphid problem!). Place them at the bottom of your plant (this will encourage them to climb and eat the aphids they find along the way).

You can also purchase a Ladybug House which will entice them to stay even longer. Give it a try and let us know how it worked for you!

Disney - Pixar's Ratatouille

2007-07-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

The new movie, Ratatoiulle, by Disney-Pixar is a very good film. Seeing it will definitely bring a smile to your face. It's a story about a cute little rat that doesn't really fit in with his family and has aspirations of being a chef. Of course, he also doesn't quite fit in with the culinary experts and must find a way to pursue his dream. The animation is incredible and the story is very good. I highly recommend it!

Countdown to the New Harry Potter Book

2007-07-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

In just nine days, the new and final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7), will be on store shelves everywhere. We'll finally know how the story ends. I'm excited to read the last installment, but I'm also a little bit sad knowing that this is the very last book. I've enjoyed reading the Harry Potter books over the past ten years and look forward to re-reading the series every few years. The new book will be available at midnight on Saturday, July 21. Enjoy!

Save The Ta-Tas: Breast Cancer Awareness

2007-07-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

My friend recently told me about these "Save the Ta-tas" shirts. She was wearing one and received lots of compliments from strangers. Several women I know are recovering from breast cancer. Sometimes it helps to have a sense of humor about difficult things like this. A portion of the proceeds from the shirts is donated to breast cancer research. See more at www.SavetheTatas.com.

Great Summer Sales Going On Now!

2007-07-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

There are many fabulous summer sales going on at a mall near you right now! I went to the mall yesterday for the first time in months and almost every store had some type of summer blow-out sale. Here are some of the highlights:

The Limited has up to 70% off of original prices and an additional 40% off of the red-lined price! I was able to get an adorable dressy skirt for $5.99 and a cute bikini for just $11.99!

Victoria's Secret has their semi-annual clearance sale going on now. It ends on Monday and so all of the clearance panties (usually marked $3.99 to $12.99) are selling for $1.99...that's right, less than $2 each!

Express is having a big sale as well. Check out the skirts, shorts, and pants hanging on the racks and you'll find good prices ($9.99 to $29.99).

Frederick's of Hollywood is also featuring a big summer sale right now. Shop Frederick's Superstar Sale- Save up to 70% online for the best prices.

With the hot summer days upon us and the tremendous sales going on, it's a great time to hit the mall for some shopping! Enjoy!

Free Gardening Classes & Workshops

2007-07-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

Armstrong Garden Centers are offering free gardening classes and workshops. You can learn about everything from growing citrus and tropical fruit trees to building a gardening pond. These courses last about an hour each and are open to the public.

Upcoming gardening workshops include:

Rose Care for Fall Blooms
Pond Plants 101
Cool Season Kitchen Gardening
Christmas Centerpiece
Fruit Tree Pruning

These events are excellent opportunities to learn something new and to ask the gardening experts any questions you may have. Learn more about garden classes and events near you.

Happy Fourth of July!

2007-07-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow the United States celebrates Independence Day with picnics, barbecues, and fireworks galore. We're going to a concert by a Beach Boys cover band that includes fireworks. We're looking forward to packing our picnic basket and enjoying a leisurely dinner on the lawn while listening to some great music. However you decide to celebreate, enjoy this special day!

Childhood Movies: Guilty Pleasures

2007-06-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Last night my fiance and I watched "Annie." Although the movie was released in 1981, it still resonates with me today. There are some films from our childhood that, even if they were terrible movies, they meant something to us at the time and may still today. Annie is a great film and we enjoyed watching it again. Revisit some of your favorite films from childhood and savor the trip down memory lane.

Freecycle.org

2007-06-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Freecycle.org is a website that enables people to get rid of things they no longer want for free. In essence, you're "recycling" it. When you want to find a new home for something -- whether it's an old chair, a computer, etc. -- you simply send an email offering it to members of the local Freecycle network.

Or, maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself. Simply respond to a member's offer, and you just might get it. After that, it's up to the giver to decide who receives the gift and to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure.

They only have one main rule: Everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages.

Non-profit organizations can also benefit from The Freecycle Network. Post the item or items you want to give away and specify that you wish the gift to go to a nonprofit cause. It's entirely your choice! It's a free cycle of giving.

Free Home Inventory Help

2007-06-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

We all know that we should have a comprehensive list of everything in our homes for insurance purposes. In the unfortunate event of a natural disaster or other emergency in which your home is destroyed, this home inventory makes insurance claims much easier and faster.

One of toughest things about creating a home inventory is knowing where to begin. The Information Insurance Network has a free, downloadable software program that helps guide you room by room into making your own list.

Remember when you are taking inventory to open drawers and cabinets. Your list should be stored in a safe place outside of your home. You can also supplement your list with video of your possessions. In addition, it's a good idea to review your home and/or renter's insurance once a year to make sure that you have adequate coverage for your possessions.

The best peace of mind comes with being prepared. For more information about preparing for disasters, consult your local insurance agent.

My Dad's One-Year Smoke-Free Anniversary

2007-06-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Many Americans suffer from cardiovascular disease. My dad was diagnosed with two forms of the disease last year and has undergone several serious surgeries in the past 12 months. He's made vast improvement and attributes his success to three things:

Quitting smoking
Improving eating habits
Exercise

These lifestyle changes have made a dramatic difference in his energy level, attitude, appearance, physical capabilities, and health in general. His eyesight even improved after he quit smoking! Probably due to the increased blood circulation.

Tomorrow is my dad's one-year smoke-free anniversary and I am so proud of him! That is definitely something to smile about!

Graduation Celebrations

2007-06-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Last night, my fiance and I graduated from a Business Administration program at the University of California, Irvine. After working toward our certificates for a year and a half, we were really excited to complete them. Many colleges and high schools across the nation have had graduation ceremonies over the past month or so. Enjoy the celebrations!

Flat Earth Baked Veggie Crisps

2007-06-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

The new line of fruit- and vegetable-filled chips by Flat Earth has really taken off. In the past few weeks I've seen them everywhere: on television, in magazines, in the coupons in the Sunday newspaper, in grocery stores, and even in Wal-Mart. So, I decided to give them a try.

We bought the Garlic and Herb Field baked veggie crisps and they are delicious! The crunch and texture is like that of potato chips and the flavor is very good. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there's a half serving of vegetables in every ounce. In addition, they are baked and have vitamins A and C. There are 0 grams of trans fats and no preservatives.

You can find them just about anywhere now. They seem a little pricey, but when you consider that you're getting a healthier alternative to potato chips, the few extra cents are worth it. Let us know what you think of them.

Heal Bee Stings with Pennies

2007-06-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

A quick and easy way to take the sting out of a bee sting is to place a penny on the sting for 15 minutes. You can hold it on the site of the sting or simply tape it to your body. The copper in the penny helps neutralize the venom from the sting. I haven't personally been stung in a very long time, but I hear from other people that this really works. Give it a try and let us know what you think.

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all of you fathers out there!

Enjoy your weekend and celebrate your special day. It makes me smile to think of my dad having a nice, relaxing weekend.

Keep Track of Your Cell Phone Minutes

2007-06-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

A new service called Watch My Cell can help you monitor your cell phone minute usage and alert you when you're about to go over your allotted minutes for the month.

How it works: you download a free software program to your computer that tracks and stores your cell phone minute usage on your computer. You can program the number of minutes you have and set your alerts. The program automatically logs into your account every three hours and emails you when you are about to go over. It doesn't use spyware, malware, or adware and will not infect your computer.

Using this free service can save you money if you regularly exceed your allowed minutes on your cell phone plan. Give it a try and let us know what you think.

Summer Vacation

2007-06-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

My fiance and I are going to Virginia this week to visit our families. We hope you have a wonderful week!

Vacation Anticipation

2007-06-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

My fiance and I are getting ready to travel to the East coast to visit family and friends this coming week. We've been planning our trip since February and the anticipation has been building. We're very excited to get to see everyone and are looking forward to our vacation. Pre-vacation anticipation always makes us smile! Where are you going on your next vacation?

Last Day of Class!

2007-05-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

My fiance and I have been taking classes for the past year and a half. We've really enjoyed the challenge and learned a lot over that time. Tonight is our very last class of our program. We're handing in our final project and giving a presentation. It's very exciting to know that all of our hard work has paid off. We're also gaining two evenings (and several hours on weekends) back into our routine. I'm glad that we've accomplished our goal and that we'll now be able to incorporate some extra relaxation into our schedule.

Check Out Books, Movies, and Music for Free

2007-05-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

You can read hundreds of books, watch all the new movies, read the latest magazines, and listen to music for hours and hours without buying anything, having to go to a store, or cluttering up your living space. Your local library is a tremendous resource for free books, movies, and music.

Our library has thousands of books, DVDs, and CDs to choose from and we can check them out for free. Our library even offers electronic audiobooks that you can download onto your computer, a CD, or an MP3 player! This is a great way to enjoy things without actually having to own them. Check out your local library and you'll discover countless educational and entertaining movies, magazines, books, and music all at your fingertips.

Great Customer Service Still Exists

2007-05-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

Every now and then you come across a company that truly delivers on its promise of having excellent customer service. Because it seems so rare (unfortunately), it's something that makes a big difference in our experience with a company.

My fiance and I are planning our wedding and are in the process of interviewing wedding venues, musicians, etc. We're also researching and ordering our invitations, favors, and decorations. We received a postcard from a company called GiveFavors.com and decided to check them out. They didn't have the particular favors we were looking for, so I emailed them to see if they could find them for us.

I was very impressed that not only were they able to find the items, but they also secured us a much better price than we had seen elsewhere online. They have been very quick to respond to my emails and have made our favor shopping a positive experience. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for party favors, wedding favors, or any other event in which you need high-quality items for your guests.

Cheers to Three-Day Weekends!

2007-05-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

Three-day weekends put a smile on everyone's faces. Enjoy the nice break from work and have a great one!

Taking Care of Business

2007-05-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Acknowledge your ability and willingness to manage your life. There are so many things that each of us accomplishes every day for which we don't typically give ourselves credit. Fixing a meal, paying your bills, keeping your home clean, repairing a broken item, scheduling appointments, etc. all take time and energy to orchestrate and achieve. Give yourself a pat on the back for all the things you accomplish in a day!

Great New Magazine – Heart Healthy Living

2007-05-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

I recently found a great new health magazine, Heart Healthy Living. The articles focus on healthy foods, activities, and tips to prevent and recover from different forms of heart disease.

My dad had a quadruple-bypass surgery last year and has made many lifestyle changes since then. Most importantly, he quit smoking (after 30+ years!) and began exercising. This new magazine contains great information for supporting heart patients and their families as they recover.

Heart Healthy Living magazine is published by Better Homes and Gardens and can be found in most bookstores.

Friendly Squirrels in Portland, Oregon

2007-05-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the smallest things, like interacting with animals and nature, can bring a smile to our faces. My fiance recently traveled to Portland, Oregon on a business trip. While he was there, he was befriended by a very curious (and probably hungry) squirrel.

Check out the video of the friendly squirrel in Washington Park.

Share Photos with Friends & Family Online for Free

2007-05-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Give your family and friends something to smile about! The Kodak EasyShare Gallery allows you to upload and share your digital photos with anyone you'd like for FREE. Your friends and family can then watch a slideshow of your photos and order prints of any they'd like.

The best part: Right now through May 30th, Kodak is offering prints for 10 cents apiece (regularly 19 cents each). Check it out!

Funny Product Names

2007-05-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Products sometimes get funny names, especially when translated into other languages (much like the toilet paper in the photo). Engrish.com has hundreds of pictures of products, clothing, foods, signs, and more that will make you laugh.

Take a look whenever you need a quick pick-me-up!

It's Picnic Time!

2007-05-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Warm weather, sunny skies, longer days, and more outdoor activities signal the beginning of summer. Summer is the prime picnic season all around the U.S. We recently purchased lawn tickets to a Summer Concert Festival series. We'll be toting dinner and a bottle of wine in our brand new picnic basket. Can't wait!

Now's the time to pull your picnic basket out and start getting it cleaned up and ready for summer picnic season. If you don't have one, there are a lot of new picnic baskets and picnic backpacks from which to choose.

Here are a few things to look for while you are shopping:

Sturdy handle(s) and basket bottom
Enough space to hold food for your family
A satisfactory warranty and/or guarantee
Durable materials (both inside and out)

Enjoy!

Barnes & Noble Rewards Kids for Reading

2007-05-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

Children in grades 1 through 6 can earn a free book from Barnes & Noble this summer! Encourage the kids in your life to read more with the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program.

Last summer, Barnes & Noble provided 190,000 free books and participants read 2.3 million books! This year, children can join Jack and Annie from Mary Pope Osbourne’s Magic Tree House on their summer adventure as part of their own journey in the Summer Reading program.

Participation is fun and easy for kids to earn free books. All they have to do is read any eight books — library books, books borrowed from friends, etc. — write about their favorite part, and bring a completed Summer Reading in the Magic Tree House Journal tear page to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children can then choose a free book from a list of paperback books.

More information is available online and at your local Barnes & Noble store.

Freshly Cleaned Make-up Brushes

2007-05-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

Did you know that your make-up brushes can retain and spread thousands of types of bacteria every time you use them? The bacteria can clog your pores causing acne...yuck! I read an article in Shape magazine yesterday that illuminated the hazards of using make-up brushes without cleaning them regularly.

After reading about how damaging using dirty make-up brushes can be, I cleaned all of mine this morning. The article recommended washing them by hand using shampoo. I was amazed at how much make-up my brushes had retained (especially since they looked clean to the naked eye). After thoroughly washing and rinsing my brushes, they felt so soft and smelled fresh (particularly my blush brush). Not only do they look and feel much better, but they are also sanitary now.

Now that I've experienced firsthand how big a difference a five-minute cleaning can make, I'm going to wash my make-up brushes once a week. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Graduation: Cap & Gown Season is Upon Us

2007-05-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Accomplishing a goal, however big or small, is always an occasion for celebration. Completing an educational program is the achievement of a significant and important goal. Whether you or someone you know is graduating from high school, college, a master's program, a certification program, or any other educational endeavor; it's wonderful to celebrate this momentous occasion.

All of the hard work that goes into pursuing an academic goal culminates in a graduation ceremony. If you're a friend or family member of a graduate, help them celebrate their success by making the day as memorable and special as you can. If you're the graduate, keep in mind that although these events can sometimes be long and a little dry, remember why you're there and enjoy every minute. You worked really hard to earn the privilege to be there and to be recognized. Celebrate your achievement and savor the special moment. Congratulations!

Warm Weather and Sunny Skies

2007-05-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

Southern California is heating up right now. For the past few days, we've experienced temperatures in the 90's. After having several weeks of almost solid 60's and 70's temperatures, the warm weather is very welcome. It actually feels like summertime here now!

Warm, sunny days are the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the wonderful weather. Do something fun outside today!

New Movie: Spiderman 3

2007-05-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

We just saw the latest Spiderman movie on Friday. It was a lot of fun. We got to see it on an Imax screen which made the experience incredible. You actually feel like you're in the movie because the screen is so large and the audio quality is so high.

The visual effects were great. Venom and the Sandman turned out really well. We were impressed with Topher Grace's performance as Eddie Brock. Tobey Maguire did well as always.

Here's the final trailer for the Spiderman 3 film. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Free Funny E-Cards

2007-05-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Send a fun, cheeky e-card to your friends and family today! Hipster Cards offers a wide assortment of e-cards for every holiday, birthday, and special occasion on your list.

It's quick and easy to send anyone a delightful card directly to their email inbox. You can send it right away or schedule it for delivery in the future. This feature is very convenient for those of us who often have birthdays sneak up on us. Impress your friends and family with a birthday ecard sent right on time...no one has to know that you prearranged it weeks or even months in advance!

These funny e-cards are different from the standard fare you'll find on greeting card websites. Just to let you know, some of the designs may not be appropriate for children. But, they'll be a lot of fun for everyone else!

Getting a Good Night's Sleep

2007-05-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the amount of time you sleep could be the most important predictor of how long you'll live? Even partial sleep deprivation (a few hours missed a week) can have a substantial effect on your health (and happiness). Squeeze in a little extra sleep here and there and you'll experience less anxiety, less fatigue, and a faster metabolism (and maybe even a longer life -- that's something to smile about!).

Top Ten Favorite Family Movies from the 80's

2007-04-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite movies were made in the 80's. Readers of ScribbleKing voted these as the top family movies from that decade.

Many of these are also some of the funniest films from that time and have great soundtracks, too.

Check out the list and see if your favorites are listed.

Back to the Future
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
The Goonies
Ghostbusters
Labyrinth
Gremlins
The Karate Kid
Weird Science
E.T.
The Explorers

Family Vacation Season

2007-04-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Family vacation season is almost upon us. The warmer weather and longer days mean that the majority of Americans take vacations during the summer months. Where will your family be heading?

Family vacations can be fun and relaxing for the whole family. Not sure where to go? Here are some of the top U.S. travel destinations according to HotelsByCity.net:

#1 - Las Vegas, Nevada
#2 - New York City, New York
#3 - Orlando, Florida
#4 - Austin, Texas
#5 - Tucson, Arizona
#6 - New Orleans, Louisiana
#7 - Anaheim, California
#8 - Maui, Hawaii
#9 - Anchorage, Alaska
#10 - Washington, D.C.

Wherever you are going, I hope you have a safe and fun trip!

Free Online Financial Planning Course

2007-04-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Now you can become more financially savvy by taking a free online financial planning class during your spare time!

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) is the first university to offer a completely free financial planning course.

The course includes worksheets and links to financial planning resources and offers a complete online educational experience containing a thorough explanation of financial planning.

Improve your financial planning skills so you can make more money, save more of your income, and invest wisely. By applying what you learn, you can improve your finances...that's enough to make anyone smile!

Weird Al Yankovic

2007-04-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

This guy has been making funny song and video parodies for over 15 years now. He’s brought us classics including “Eat It,” “Like a Surgeon,” “Amish Paradise,” “Fat,” and many more. His latest song, “White and Nerdy,” just cracks me up. Check out the video and see for yourself:

He also puts on a great live show. We’re looking forward to seeing him in concert during the summer.

Family Fun Night

2007-04-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Get together with family and friends at home and make a night out of it. Take a break from the news and radio to do something fun and constructive with the people you care about. You can rent funny movies, watch your favorite television shows, play board games, work puzzles, and any other activity that brings everyone together.

Order a pizza or make dinner together. Make a rule that no negativity is allowed. Get everyone involved and have a great time!

Spring is Here

2007-04-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

We’re fortunate in Southern California to have beautiful weather almost year-round. Even though the temperatures are generally mild, we Californians can still differentiate the seasons.

Spring is exciting for many reasons…the new colorful flowers, the active and vocal bird population, the longer days, and the warmer temperatures are just a few indications that Summer is well on the way.

Free Online Courses from MIT

2007-04-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the well-respected educational and research institution in Cambridge, is offering over 1,500 free online courses. Choose from a wide variety of topics from economics to women's studies to management to foreign languages.

Take these free online courses at your convenience. You can access them from anywhere with a computer and an Internet connection. Work at your own pace and learn something new today!

Dirty Dancing: Back in Theaters after 20 Years

2007-04-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Have the time of your life all over again! The original Dirty Dancing movie is celebrating its 20th Anniversary by returning to the big screen for two nights only - May 1st & 2nd. Can you believe it's already been 20 years since the film was released?!

The original full-length movie will be shown along with exclusive never-before-seen footage and interviews with cast members and filmmakers. Dirty Dancing will be showing in select movie theatres nationwide. Check your local theater listings.

Carpe Diem

2007-04-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

I was deeply saddened to learn about the tragedy that occurred at Virginia Tech earlier today. Several of my friends and family members graduated from Virginia Tech. Having grown up in Virginia only a few hours away from Blacksburg, this one really hits home for me and my family. It's senseless violence like this, combined with the daily onslaught of negativity in the world that reaffirms my belief that we all need to be reminded of the good things in life on a regular basis. By focusing on the positive, we live our lives in such a way that we appreciate the moment.

It's so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day routines and inadvertently take life for granted. The error of our ways becomes obvious when we witness tragic events in which innocent people lose their lives. Suddenly, the little things that sometimes irritate us, seem so inconsequential as we are reminded that it's our friends, family, and loves ones that really matter.

My heart goes out to the Virginia Tech students, parents, faculty, community, and everyone else who is directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy. My hope is that we will all take this opportunity to embrace life and "seize the day." Tell someone you love them today. Do something special for a friend or loved one. Be kind to everyone around you. Ultimately, we never know how much time any of us will be here, but we do know that it is limited. The best thing we can do is to start using that time wisely right now.

A Job Well Done

2007-04-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, my fiance and I dedicated some of our time to working on a project we had for class. We focused on it for several hours and got a lot done. Some people may think that it's a sacrifice to dedicate part of our weekends toward an educational goal, but we feel that every step we take today to improve our future (and move us closer to graduation!) is a step in the right direction. It feels great knowing that we worked hard and accomplished our goal!

Baby Birds Just Hatched

2007-04-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

Each year, we get to see a new family of baby birds grow up on our patio. There was a nest on one of the trestles above our patio when we moved in. At the time, it appeared uninhabited, but we left it there just in case.

Now, every Spring, we watch as another group of birdies are hatched and learn to fly right outside our patio door. Sometimes, the baby birds grow too large for the nest and they end up living on our patio (on the third floor) for a few days before they fly away.

This year, the baby birds hatched just over a week ago and are delightful to hear chirping. Poohbear and Samantha, our indoor-only kitties just love to hear them and watch the parents fly in and out of the nest. It's exciting to see the birds come back each year to start their families again.

Lost in Translation: Ad Slogans Gone Wild

2007-04-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we featured a few good American ad slogans and product names that had funny translations when used in other countries. Today, we showcase a few ad bloopers from other countries that were hilarious when launched in the U.S.

Electrolux, a Scandinavian vacuum manufacturer launched a marketing campaign in the U.S. that used this slogan: "Nothing sucks like an Electrolux."

A Hong Kong dentist advertised: "Teeth extracted by the latest Methodists."

A donkey ride company in Thailand advertised: "Would you like to ride on your own ass?"

A bar in Tokyo advertised: "Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts."

A Budapest zoo sign: "Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty."

A Swiss mountain inn: "Special today - no ice cream."

Even more are available on Engrish.com.

Lost in Translation: When Good Slogans Go Bad

2007-04-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Advertising campaigns cost big bucks and companies put a lot of time and money behind developing the most effective ads. It's funny when companies take a marketing campaign that works in one country and try to directly translate it for another without knowing the language.

Not only are these misguided campaigns ineffective, but some of the mistakes can be hilarious.

Here are a few funny examples of product names and slogans lost in translation:

COORS (alcoholic beverages)
English = "Turn It Loose"
Spanish = "Suffer From Diarrhea"

PERDUE (chicken)
English = "It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken"
Spanish = "It takes a sexually stimulated man to make a chicken affectionate"

CHEVY (automobiles)
English = "Chevy Nova"
Spanish = "Chevy, It Does Not Go"

PEPSI (soft drinks)
English = "Pepsi Brings You Back to Life"
Chinese = "Pepsi Brings Your Ancestors Back from the Grave"

CLAIROL (beauty & health care products)
English = "Mist Stick"
German = "Manure Stick"

KFC (fast-food chicken)
English = "Finger-Lickin' Good"
Chinese = "Eat Your Fingers Off"

SCHWEPPES (beverages)
English = "Schweppes Tonic Water"
Italian = "Schweppes Toilet Water"

Americans aren't the only ones to suffer from ad blunders based on translations. Check back tomorrow to see examples of products introduced in the U.S. from Germany, Scandinavia, and more!

Peanut Butter Jelly Time

2007-04-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a funny video clip (about 30 seconds) from the t.v. show, Family Guy. I hope it makes you smile.

Create Your Own Fun Products with Zazzle

2007-04-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Now you can create your own greeting cards, t-shirts, tote bags, posters, and more with Zazzle. You can even design neckties, aprons, magnets, stickers, and keyrings.

How it Works:
You upload your images and photos and select the product you’d like to create. You design it yourself and can order your own products.

Check out my Zazzle gallery for cool t-shirts, decorative and scenic note cards, fun beach gear, and more!

Feel free to personalize the items in my gallery, or create your own fun stuff!

Discovering a New Favorite Food

2007-04-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

I recently tried kiwi fruit for the first time and found that I love it! I felt even better when I read that it's considered a "super food."

Kiwis are rich in vitamin C, potassium, vitamins A & E, and antioxidants. Kiwi fruits actually contain more vitamin C than oranges! It's health properties can help keep your muscles functioning properly and can help prevent disease and sickness by boosting your immunity.

Not only are they nutritious, but they are also delicious and fun to eat! Sweet and juicy, kiwis are the perfect addition to your breakfast or snacks. Learn more about kiwi fruits and other super foods.

Free Information 411 Calls from Anywhere

2007-04-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

You can now make those 411 calls from anywhere for free! Simply dial 1-800-FREE411 the next time you need an address or phone number. This service is free nationwide directory assistance.

The best part: it’s free from any phone. Of course, you may get charged minutes on your cell phone (like most calls).

Program the number into your cell phone so you won't have to remember it. This service is perfect for those times when you're in the car driving around and can't find a restaurant or parking area. You can call the special number, get the phone number you need to contact your destination and get directions, parking info, etc.

How it Works: 1-800-FREE411 has sponsors pay for the service cost by playing short advertising messages (about 15 seconds) before you get the phone number or address you're asking for.

That makes me smile!

Flirty, Flighty Hummingbirds

2007-04-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

Seeing hummingbirds always makes me smile. These beautiful little birds zip from flower to flower and can visit up to 1,000 flowers in one day! They are generally colorful and lively and you can occasionally even hear them chirp. I marvel at their speed and beauty.

If you'd like to see more hummingbirds in your yard, there are a few things you can do to attract them:

Provide a hummingbird feeder with sugar water (nectar) in your yard

Plant flowers that attract hummingbirds (trumpet-shaped blooms are best)

Provide good nesting materials (such as moss, ferns, eucalyptus trees, etc.)

Babies Eating Watermelon

2007-04-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

Something that makes me smile is watching my nephew eat watermelon and cantaloupe. Babies make the most adorable noises and faces when they're happy...there's no mistaking the joyfulness they're experiencing.

Watch this video of my nephew enjoying some fresh watermelon and see for yourself: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2005255149511201762&hl=en

Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After

2007-04-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

There's something about weddings that makes us hopeful and optimistic for the future, not only for the happy couple, but for everyone. It may be the way we're socialized to think of marriage as the one-stop-shop for happiness, but the truth is, marriage is a lot like money...it just makes you more of what you already are. If your relationship is full of love and laughter before your wedding, chances are good that committing to your loved one will enhance the bond you already share.

After sharing many years of heart-felt love and boisterous laughter, my fiance and I are excited about our 'happily ever after.' We're in the midst of planning our wedding and the festivities associated with that special day. Each activity and party will bring our closest friends and families together to celebrate our commitment to each other. Just thinking about it makes me beam with happiness...today and always.

Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures

2007-03-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Find enjoyment in simple pleasures. Beauty is everywhere, even in our daily activities, if we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate it. Notice all of the colorful blooms opening on the trees, bushes, and gardens you pass everyday during your commute. Take time to really see them and appreciate their beauty. Not only will you enjoy your commute more, but you will also feel better about your day.