May 21, 2012

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10 Great Songs to Keep You Moving!

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Hi everyone! I hope you are having a nice day :)

Today I thought I’d write a post on 10 songs I like to listen while I work out, walk my dogs, or just want to dance!

1) Million Dollar Bill: Whitney Houston

2) Part of Me: Katy Perry

3) Stronger: Kelly Clarkson

4) Daylight: Kelly Rowland and Travis McCoy

5) Love You Like a Love Song: Selena Gomez

6) Barbara Streisand: Duck Sauce

7) Beautiful People: Chris Brown

8) Here We Go: Nsync

9) I Am Woman: Jordin Sparks

10) Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall: Coldplay

Hope you enjoy! :)

 

Filed Under: Inspirational Pieces

How to track down a rude commentor or person leaving mean remarks on your Website

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Tracking down someone who leaves you rude comments turns out to not be that hard.

I had a few comments left for me that were kind of  rude. I wondered why someone would bother with my little website.
My Mom is a computer whiz, so she quickly looked up the IP address from where the remarks came from.
Many people do not realize that when you leave comments or remarks on websites (and many things you do online), your IP is recorded in the files on those websites.
If you want to track an IP, here are two good websites to use:

Whatsmyip.com

Whatsmyipaddresslookup

This IP quickly told us the story of who was leaving these remarks. It is someone I used to be close to (they know who they are), but this person and I just ended up going our separate ways.  Nothing hateful, or dramatic, sometimes life just takes people in different directions. It can be hard when that happens because how do you end something that is not working for you anymore, when you don’t want to hurt the other person but you know the friendship is over? It is so tricky.

It turns out that this person is leaving me comments from their job.

We then looked up old text messages and some other computer stuff, like when they visited this site before and bingo, the anonymous rude remarks are no longer anonymous. So two suggestions, if you want to leave rude remarks on someones website, be sure you are not at work, and next make sure you are using an IP that does not point straight back to you. If they would of done this from home,  a little map pinpointing this person’s IP would of showed me where it came from and I would of also known it was this person.

It is probably better to just sit on that urge to say something nasty to someone online. There is no privacy in cyberspace.

“Taking the high road is usually not the easy one to take or the most popular. The low road seems to offer instant satisfaction. It may seem better for the moment, but if you compromise you principles and your integrity, it will always end up costing you far more in the long run.”

Billy Cox

“If people are trying to bring you down it only confirms that you are above them.”

Filed Under: Inspirational Pieces

Whitney Houston: A True Legend and Inspiration

February 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Hi everyone! It’s been a long time since I posted. I’ve been super busy with school, work, and just life in general! I will try my best to post more often. I felt the need to write about Whitney Houston’s passing because it really affected me this past week.

Last Saturday the legendary singer Whitney Houston died in her hotel bathtub at 3:55pm at the age of 48.  I found out while watching TV and it flashed on the screen. I was shocked. When Micheal Jackson died I expected it because of all of the drug problems and other personal issues he was having. It seemed inevitable that he would die before his time. I felt the same way about Amy Winehouse. When I found out that Whitney Houston died I was truly shocked. I knew she struggled with drugs and had her personal issues but I did not think she would die so soon. It is truly sad and breaks my heart that Whitney Houston has passed.

I cannot say I was a huge fan of Whitney Houston while she was alive. I did not start paying attention to music until I was ten years old and by that time Nysnc, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears were the singers who were popular and on the radio. Whitney was and will always be a huge star but she did not have any recent music out when I started paying attention to music. I do remember finding one of my mom’s old tapes and making up a dance routine to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and performing it for my parents when I was 9. That is , to this day, one of my favorite songs. I loved the Disney television musical, “Cinderella,” where she played the fairy Godmother and Brandy played Cinderella. When I lost my best friend two years ago, “I Will Always Love You” captured exactly what I was feeling at the time and helped me heal. “Nothin’ but Love” always helps me when I feel like people are trying to bring me down.

I am, however, a huge fan of Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys. Anyone who knows me knows I love “my divas” as I call them. I love singers who can belt and who can actually sing. I love the people that don’t need autotune to sound amazing.

Whitney Houston was an inspiration for all of my divas and to singers all around the world. She broke records, broke barriers, and she had one of the most powerful voices I have ever heard in my life. When she died I started discovering other Whitney Houston songs (thank you Youtube and Itunes!) and it made me even more sad. I am very upset that there will be no more new Whitney Houston songs.

Whitney was stunning and had this light in her. When she sang it was like a spiritual experience. She took you on a ride when she sang. I watched several performances of hers and I was in tears. I heard “I Have Nothing” on the radio and even when I got home I stayed in the car to finish the song. The song gave me goosebumps. It is truly tragic that that beautiful light and incredible voice is gone.

Many of her songs had positive messages in the lyrics. “I’ll never change all my colors for you,” (you should never hide yourself or change for anyone), and “When you have friends you’ll find the point when you will exhale,” (When you have friends you will be able to breathe). I will continue to listen to her music and can now say with confidence I am a huge Whitney Houston fan. There are many songs I have discovered and now love such as “Exhale,” “How Will I Know?” and “My Love is Your Love.”

I watched “Waiting to Exhale” with my friend Laura last night on Netflix in honor of Whitney Houston and encourage everyone to watch it even if you are not a Whitney Houston fan. It is a very touching and  thought- provoking movie. Whitney and Angela Basset shine in this film.

Even though Whitney is gone her music will live on forever and I know that generations to come will discover and love her music all over again.

Whitney Houston thank you for sharing your voice with the world. You were a beautiful woman and a powerful singer. You are an inspiration to us all.

Whitney Houston I Will Always Love You. R.I.P.


 

 

 

Filed Under: Inspirational Pieces

Holiday Fun: How to Enjoy the Holidays

December 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hi all!

I hope you are all doing well and not losing your sanity during the holidays! I am FINALLY done with finals and can now fully acknowledge that it is December and do my Christmas shopping.  :)

This is the most wonderful time of the year because I finally get to enjoy it! My finals are over, I have time off of work, and I can RELAX.  I am so excited.

I thought I’d post some tips on how to enjoy the holidays and how to be productive during your time off.

First holiday fun! The holidays can be a VERY stressful time as I have mentioned in my previous post. If you are in college you are normally worrying about finals and getting ready for the holidays. For all of those that work things just seem to get kicked into high gear. There are holiday parties, presentations, secret Santa’s, and award brunches that fill your schedule. If you have kids they have all of their holiday stuff at school. The kids have their parties and presents for their teachers. They might be in plays or Holiday pagents. Everyone normally buys presents for their loved ones. Yes, the Holidays can be VERY stressful.

The holidays can also be a blast. I love just hanging out with my family. It feels so nice to take a moment and stop and enjoy each other.  It’s like everyone is forced to take a time out of their busy lives and to really enjoy their loved ones. Here are some of my tips on how you can enjoy the Holidays :) Enjoy!

1) Watch Elf: The movie Elf is so awesome watching it is it’s own tip. I have seen this movie twenty times and it STILL makes me laugh so hard. Will Ferrel is brilliant in this role and is totally believable. Every time I watch it I notice something new that makes me laugh. I own it on DVD and I would highly recommend going out and buying it. This movie is a Holiday classic and it never gets old.

2) Eat cookies: Cookies are the bomb. Especially chocolate chip cookies. Cookies are a staple for the holidays and everyone should enjoy a cookie or two.

3) Sleep in: Oh my Gosh. Sleeping in is amazing. Everyone usually has at least little time off during the Holidays so I encourage you to sleep in. It is a beautiful thing.

4) Watch a sappy Christmas movie on Lifetime: This tip is more geared towards the ladies but guys can enjoy Lifetime too! The Christmas movies on Lifetime are cheesy, sappy, cheerful, predictable, and I love them. For me the sappier the better. The Christmas movies on Lifetime are like drinking hot chocolate. They just make you feel nice and cozy.

5) Snuggle with your pets: I have five animals, three cats and two dogs, and they are all inside more because it’s cold. They are all extra cuddly this time of year and give me my blanket, some hot Coco, and my dog and I am one happy girl. Pets are the best-give them extra love this time of year.

6) Make decorating an event! Whatever you do to decorate, trimming the tree, decorating the house, or hanging the lights-make it an event. Put on some holiday music and really enjoy it. Holiday decorating doesn’t always have to be a chore. Enjoy it!

7) Enjoy your loved ones: The holidays are really about celebrating the people in our lives. Let’s make sure we take the time to do that. Spend time with your family and friends. Give hugs and thanks and be thankful for your loved ones.

Here are some tips on what to do to be productive during your time off:

1) Clean your house/room: If you have time to do this, this can be a great way to be productive on your time off. Dust, rearrange, organize, and just get your living space into shape!

2) Catch up on laundry: Oh boy, do I need to do this one. I have A LOT of laundry to do. If you have a lot of laundry to do,  just try doing one load a day id you don’t want to spend a marathon day doing it. Or, if you have the desire or time you can just do it in a marathon day.

3) Run any errands you’ve been putting of: Getting the oil changed in the car, any doctor’s appointments, returning items at the store-any thing that hasn’t been time pressing or urgent try to get it done while you have the time.

4) Clean out your desktop, word documents, and email inbox: This is one of those things that we put off because it dosen’t seem to be super important but can make a big difference in overall organization. Now that you have some time try to do this because it can make your life a lot easier.

5) Update your resume: Even if you are in a job or school now updating your resume at least once a year is a great idea. Add any awards you’ve recieved, any diplomas or certificates you earned, and any other jobs or volunteer positions you have had since you last updated your resume. This could be a great time to do this!

I hope you all enjoyed my tips. Have a great holiday!

 

Filed Under: Holiday Fun, Inspirational Pieces Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Not To Lose Your Mind Over the Holidays

November 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hey everyone. I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving!

Some of you might be out shopping right now on Black Friday-I will not be joining you. That volume of aggressive shoppers gives me anxiety. I will pass thank you.

Anyway, now that the holidays are in full swing I thought I’d write a post about how not to lose your mind over the holidays. I have a love-hate relationship with the holidays. Because I’m in college the holidays coincide beautifully with final exams and final papers (can we please start in the beginning of August and end in mid November?-I hate the current arrangement).  So not only do I have the stress of Christmas shopping, I also have the stress of finals as well.


All of the events that happen around the holidays (finals, shopping, and parties to attend) tend to stress me out. This year I am determined not to lose it over the holidays so I’ve been doing research on this very topic and here are some tips I have found that have helped me and could help you too.

1) Take a moment and breathe. This time of year is stressful. Sometimes we just need to step back and take a breather. In the midst of the craziness just remember the world will not end. Presents will be bought and wrapped, finals will be taken, the food will get cooked, and parties will happen. Soon the craziness will pass and there won’t be such a high volume of stress-inducing events.

2) Avoid a financial hangover. At Christmas, people tend to go a little crazy shopping-wise. Make a budget and stick to it. Don’t go crazy buying people stuff. When January comes you’ll regret the overspending. Let people know you can’t go as crazy gift-wise this year if you have been a big giver in previous years. Try making some presents.

People love homemade gifts. I’m making a scrapbook and a twist tie blanket this year. This can be a little less expensive and it is very thoughtful. I made my brother a scrapbook four years ago and he loved it.

3) Shop in the evening. As I mentioned previously lots of people and crowds give me anxiety. With the exception of Black Friday, stores seem to be less crazy around 7/8pm.  If you’re like me and crowds give you anxiety try to avoid shopping in the afternoon or on the weekends-stores will most likely be more crowded.

4) Go shopping with a game-plan. Know exactly what you need and go to the store and get it. Don’t browse or shop for yourself. This is a recipe for overspending. Make a list and stick to it!

5) Remember what the holidays are all about. Even though Christmas stresses me out, I do love Christmas. I love being with my family and friends over the holidays. Remember that being with family and friends are what the holidays are all about. The holidays aren’t about the gifts-celebrating family and friends is what it’s all about. Enjoy being with your friends and family.

6) Listen to your favorite Christmas songs: Christmas songs make me so happy. They just put me in a better mood. I LOVE Mariah Carey’s song “All I Want for Christmas is You.” I also adore “Last Christmas” by Wham. Put on your favorite Christmas tunes and get into the Holiday Spirit!

7) Watch a Christmas movie. I love Christmas movies, especially comedies. They make me feel warm and fuzzy. The cheesier, the better. I LOVE the movie Elf. Watch a cheesy Christmas movie, it’ll make you smile.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas :)

Filed Under: Holiday Fun, Inspirational Pieces Tagged With: , ,

How to be a Great Nanny/Babysitter

November 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hi everyone,

Today I am going to write about how to be a great nanny/babysitter. This is a topic that is very close to my heart, seeing as I have been nannying/babysitting for one family consistently for the last four years. Over the last four years I have grown very close with the three kids I help take care of and their mom who is not only my boss but a dear friend.

Being a regular babysitter or a nanny is a huge responsibility. Someone has trusted you with their child, and this is not a responsibility you should take lightly. Be yourself and have fun but always be cautious and careful.

Here are some tips/tricks that have helped me and I hope they can help you as well.

1) Form a bond with the child/children.

The three kids I babysit are so precious to me. Each child has their own personality and style. I have a special bond with each of them.  Kids are so much fun to talk to and offer a refreshing perspective that we adults need once in a while.

Take the time to really get to know the kids you are watching. Have a conversation with them.  A child might be shy at first but after a while they will be happy to talk to you. Most kids have a lot of things to say. :)

2) Be on time.

This one may seem obvious for all jobs but it really matters when you are a nanny or babysitter. You often will have to take the child(ren) to and from lessons or school and being on time is crucial. Being early is better but being right on time is great. This quality will also make parents trust you more because they see that you are reliable.

3) Have an open line of communication with the parents.

This is so important. You want to be on the same page as important. It’s important that the children know that you and the parent are on the same team. Follow the parents rules unless they say otherwise. If anything happens (an injury or bad behavior), let the parents know so they feel like they are in the know about what’s going on when you are watching their child.

4) Be firm.

Don’t let the kids get away with murder just because you aren’t the parent. When the parents are away you are the one in charge and you need to be an authority figure. Follow through and be consistent with discipline.

5) Have fun.

Kids should love their babysitters/nannies. Be fun! Play games, (most kids love hide and seek), make up secret handshakes (kids love this one) and don’t be afraid to be silly. Kids are so much fun, always make sure you play with them and don’t be afraid to be silly.

Filed Under: Trini's Superstar Employee Toolbox, Work Life Tagged With: ,

Pslovedisney.com and Domestically-challenged.com

November 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hi everyone!

I hope you are having a fantastic weekend. I wanted to let everyone know about two of my websites that I will soon be launching pslovedisney.com and domestically-challenged.com.

Pslovedisney.com: As many of you may know I am absolutely OBSESSED with all things Disney. The land, the world, the merchandise-ALL of it! This website will be devoted to all things Disney. I will discuss Disneyland, Disney World, the Disney Channel, Disney music, Disney movies, Disney merchandise and all other Disney related items.

Domestically-challenged.com: I usually don’t broadcast this to the world but anyone who is related to me or is friends with me knows that I’m not exactly great in the kitchen. Actually I’m horrible in the kitchen. I am 22 years old and have no clue how to cook. The other day my mom started lecturing me about how I don’t know how to cook and how am I going to make it when I’m on my own (those of you who didn’t get the domestic gene probably have had this lecture too) and then she proceeded to help me make a grilled cheese sandwich. I wrote down the instructions exactly so I could do it myself (yes I need directions to make something as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich) and that made a light bulb go off in my head. What if I could start a website to help those that are domestically challenged like myself? I could help people like me!

My mom and I have decided to start a website featuring BASIC recipes (how to fry an egg, how to make a grilled cheese, and the like), directions, and instructional videos for those that are domestically challenged (ie-those that cannot make basic items and are lacking in knowledege when it comes to household related things). We will not only be talking about how to make basic items in the kitchen, we will also be writing about how to throw a great party, how to go shopping for items in the kitchen and in your home, and how to make or put together basic household items. We will talk about grocery shopping on a budget and will talk about many other things that are relevant for the domestically challenged (or just people that want tips and tricks) individual.

I hope you enjoy these two websites! I will let you know when they launch :)

Filed Under: College Life, Frugal Living, Thrifty Living, What's Coming Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Inspiration for Thursday: When You’re Tired, Keep Going

November 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

“You never will be the person you can be if pressure, tension and discipline are taken out of your life.”

Dr. James G. Bilkey

   On Monday I realized I had missed a deadline to turn in an important form to my college records office and FREAKED out.  I was practically hyperventilating.  Luckily the office took my form and everything turned out fine but during my freak out I was so angry at my college and all of academia in general despite the fact that it was my fault I forgot to turn in the form not theirs. I got so fed up and just wanted to tell all the papers, deadlines, and exams to go jump off a cliff.

For the most part I like being in college. Education is an empowering thing. I feel blessed, especially as a young woman, to have the opportunity to go to college and to become educated. However, most would probably agree that the whole process and grind of college does get very tiresome. It can become mentally exhausting to mold your whole life around college.

I think part of the reason I felt frustrated and burnt out is partly because I haven’t had the traditional college experience. The entire time I’ve been in college I’ve been a commuter and have lived at home. I decided to live at home and go to college for three reasons: 1) Finances: I wanted to save money by living at home (a decision my parents fully supported),  2) I am extremely close to my family and the idea of moving away from my family terrified me and 3) I like where I live and never felt the urge to move to an entirely different area like some of my classmates. I live in the Bay Area and love it here and even when I do move out I want to stay in the Bay Area. It’s an extremely diverse, pretty, and cool place to live.

In addition to being a commuter I have also, like many college students, have worked part time the entire time I’ve been in college. That combination has offered it’s own unique set of challenges. There has been so many times I’ve wanted to join a club or go to an event and couldn’t because I’m working. Even though I am glad I don’t live in a tiny dorm, there are times when I wish I could just roll out of bed and walk to class. Making friends when you are a commuter is more of a challenge as well. Luckily the college I go to is chock full of commuters, mothers, and older adult students that are friendly and understand how I feel.

While I was having the freak out I tried to look at the positives and scale back the frustration. I thought about how having a Bachelor’s degree would only enhance my career opportunities and how anything worth having is hard and isn’t always fun. I thought about how college is such a unique and at times very enjoyable experience. College can also be tedious, boring, and requires motivation to keep going.  Whenever, I’m feeling frustrated I look up motivational quotes. Motivational quotes give me that extra oomph to keep going. Recently I found a quote that really struck a cord with me and really helped me overcome my feelings of frustration.

” You never will be the person you can be if pressure, tension and discipline are taken out of your life. ” Dr. James G. Bilkey

I love this quote. It really spoke to me. When you are frustrated and want to quit and you keep going anyway it makes you better. Tension, discipline, and pressure are things that will force you to grow. In college you will come across moments where you want to just quit and you feel burnt out. Remaining committed to your goal and continuing to push yourself will help mold you into a more powerful individual.

Anytime you want to quit something because you are just burnt out or tired of it (like going to college) keep going. It will force you to become better.

Have a great weekend everyone!

 

Filed Under: College Life, Inspirational Pieces Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

The Importance of a Cover Letter

November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I posted about something job related since I changed my blog into a lifestyle blog.

I was looking through old word documents and came across a couple of old cover letters. Many young people don’t know what a cover letter is or what the importance of a cover letter is. A cover letter goes on top of your resume (this is why it’s called a “cover” letter).  A cover letter is an introduction to your resume, and you as a potential job candidate. A cover letter basically says why you are a good match for the potential job you are applying for. A good cover letter can mean your resume actually gets looked at instead of it being tossed aside into the pile.

When you write the cover letter try to avoid writing “To Whom it My Concern,” or “Dear Hiring Manager,” try to write to the actual person who is in charge of your position.

In your cover letter you want to very quickly establish who you are, how you found out about the job opening, and why you are a good fit for the job and for the company. Keep the cover letter to one page and do not go over one page.  Employers will not want to read past one page. Even if a cover letter is not requested submit one anyway. Many employers will  not ask for a cover letter but expect that you will write one. Always write a cover letter-even if the employer didn’t expect it they will be impressed (especially if you are still in high school) that you took the initiative to write one.

Look at the job ad and explain why your experience matches with the company’s needs. If they say they want someone who’s responsible and dependable, discuss how you got employee of the month at a past job or how you  have made the Dean’s List or Honor roll. If they say they want someone with experience in customer service explain how often you dealt with customers successfully at your last job. Everything you say in the cover letter you should back up with actual experience. You can’t talk the talk if you don’t walk the walk.

Explain why you want this job. This may be obvious but do not say you want the job because you need money (even if you do). You can say something like you want to gain experience in the field, or you want to broaden your horizons, you think it would be a valuable learning experience-make it sound like you genuinely want the job and not because you need money.

When you wrap up the letter say you look forward to hearing from the employer.

When you format the letter you should head it with your name and address and on the left hand corner put the date, the employers name, address, and phone number. Use Times New Roman font or some other very clear font that is easy to read. I recommend spacing between paragraphs so the letter is easier to read.

I have included a sample cover letter in this post. Good luck!

Filed Under: Getting a Job, Trini's Superstar Employee Toolbox, Work Life Tagged With: , , ,

Puss in Boots Movie Review

November 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hey everyone this past weekend I went with my mom, younger brother, and friend to see the movie Puss in Boots and in this post I will review the movie.

I loved the first two Shrek movies but stopped following the series because I felt the third one was kind of lame. I loved the character Puss in Boots. How cute are those big eyes? And Antonio Banderas is such a good sport to let his Zorro character be reincarnated by an orange tabby cat.

The movie was in 3D, although I felt it really didn’t need to be in 3D. It would have been just as good without the 3d glasses and there were no effects in the movie that I felt needed the 3D.

The movie takes place before Puss in Boots meets Shrek and it stands on it’s own. I don’t want to give too much away but basically the movie shows you Puss’s childhood and his search for magic beans with his “brother” Humpty Dumpty.

The movie is cute and funny. There are a lot of cat jokes, dancing, and references to other fairy tale stories. (However, the fairy tale references aren’t obnoxious like they are in Shrek 3 and the movies that followed). The storyline is easy to follow and is a great movie for the whole family.

Puss in Boots is a great character and Dreamworks made a good movie in developing a whole movie around the Puss in Boots character. If you enjoyed the first two Shrek movies I would recommend seeing this movie.

 

Filed Under: Movie Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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