Showing posts with label social. Show all posts

On My Mind

Hope everyone is enjoying April so far and the beautiful weather it's brought with it. We saw snow on Tuesday and it was 74 degrees on Wednesday. That's what we have to deal with here this time of year.

I have loofah plants started that are itching to get out in the yard. I can not plant them until the threat of frost is gone. I had read where it takes them a while to sprout so I actually started some in February. They were 2 inches tall in 6 weeks! Afraid they will die sitting in little planter cups, I started a few more seeds the first of March. They are all doing good. I have already thinned them out to only 6 plants. The first ones I started are as high as the window and are trying every way they can to get their little twigs through the cracks. “Sorry guys but those are insulated windows”. 
I plan to get a trellis and plant them sometime in the next two weeks. 


I have a bit of bloggers block so I have been slow at writing any new post lately. I think its because I actually have a lot on my mind right now. I get overwhelmed really easy. I’m trying to learn not too.

We had two friends loose their wives last week. One lost her battle to cancer and one lost her battle with dementia. Both only in their 60’s and both very sweet ladies. I did not know the ladies as much as I knew their husbands as they were more friends of my Husband. Any friend of his is a friend of mine. 

I have written a crochet pattern I am anxious to try. It’s for wash clothes. If they turn out as I expect, they will not be ordinary and quiet funny. I can't wait to see and share the results. 

Then here comes the overwhelming part, It's been on my mind all week on top of other things.
I have a video interview with Nutrisystem this afternoon. It’s to answer a few questions and share my weight loss story. I do not know what it is about me, I can talk to a stranger like I have known them forever. I can act a part if I am told what to say, and I can pose for a photo, but if you put me in front of a camera to speak my own words, I freeze up. I am not a good speaker. I draw a blank. You can put a camera in my face and ask me where I live and I'd forget what to say. Seriously! Then I see others doing so well with speaking from their minds in front of a camera and I get intimidated. I beat myself up over these things. I need to just chill and go with the flow. I think that I "over think" and that's where I mess up.

I have a phobia of public speaking.
I need to just breathe in and breathe out, relax and go for it.
I love sharing my success with everyone and I think the more I do this, the better I will get at it.
Wish me luck..My daddy says I'm just as good as the rest of them. 

Blog Planner

I have been going around and around in my mind about using a blog planner or any planner of that matter. I actually bought a little simple planner to play around with until the end of the year. But dog gone it, my life is just not that busy.



I have no idea what to keep up with. I am not so busy that I can't just sit down after work and come up with something to blog about.

But....

I want to make my blog better ( I say this every year). or better organized. I want to spend more time on it and try and bring in more traffic. I want my blog to grow.

I would consider my blog a "lifestyle" blog I think. I blog about things I do, see, or experience. I try my best to leave politics or news out of it. Because I'm not that educated on either one. I often do reviews and sometimes those have deadlines so It would be nice to keep up with them in a planner. Maybe plan out blog post for the future? Right now my post are usually spur of the moment. I have a tag called "random". seriously.

When I go online to read about blog planning. I only find sites that lead me to professional bloggers that do a lot of marketing, and selling. People that are focused on one topic. They speak too big in vocabulary for me to even understand what they are talking about. I mean, heck, I just learned recently what "monetizing" is. 

I do get ideas of a post sometimes and I will either snap a reminder photo or jot it down in my "notes" app on my phone. Maybe that's enough for me or maybe its not. I like being organized and love to be creative. But I want my planner to be more than a pretty book.

So I'm asking my readers for advice.

Do you use a blog planner? What about a daily planner? Do you carry a little journal around with you all day or do you use a special app on your device? I am curious. I would love to have new ideas ready for the new year that will soon be here.

For my blog friends that “Monetize” I’d also love to know what you use for that. 
I use Adsense but for some reason, The ads have stopped showeing up on my page as of November 1st. I’ve checked all my settings and everything is active with no violations. Been to help and support but with no advice. I’m ready to find other options. 



Add Social Link Buttons on your Blogger

I have found an easy way to add social buttons to my blog. I'm going to try and spell out the way to do it. Its such an easy way of adding buttons to your blogger page without any fancy mapping or html code locating. Its easier than the other way I shared before using a mapping site. I would have probably used the mapping site if my computer was working right at the time, but it worked out in my favor because if it weren't for the fail, I would have not figure this way out.
I still need to do some work on mine. The ones I'm using now were just a first shot at it. Now that I know it works, I plan to make some prettier one soon.

Here goes.

Find some buttons you like. There are many sites where you can download fancy icons or just create your own and save them in your photo file or where ever.

 (example)
  1.  In Blogger, open a new post ( you will not be publishing this, you will just be using it only for this task)
  2.  Now, choose "HTML" (this is so there are no gaps between your icons)
  3.  Click "insert image" and add your images. (make sure you choose each one then click add)
  4.  Now, Choose "Compose"
  5.  On each icon, click once and then click "Link" icon and paste the correct link you want the button to go too. (your face book address, Twitter address, etc...).
  6.  Now that each one is linked, Click again on "HTML' and copy that whole code.
  7.  You can save this now but like I said, do not publish it.
  8.  On blogger, go to "layouts"
  9.  Click on "add a gadget"
  10.  Choose "HTML/JavaScript"
  11.  Paste the code you just copied and, Boom! There you have it.
Hope that was simple enough for ya. 

Social Buttons

I have new social media buttons. I think I'm getting pretty techno now.

I searched around for instructions until finally finding some that looked like English to me. I found some really simple instructions justfordaisy. Go check it out, she walks you through how to add those cute little icons on your blog. She also has links to free icons and a link to the Image map that is so easy to use.

If I can figure it out, you can too. It took me a while but I managed.

First I went to picmonkey.  Using the overlay option, I created me some daisy icons. Then I took all three icons and used pic monkey again to add them as one image. The map link you will find on just for daisy suggest you do this. Once I figured out thats what you need to do, It was easy.

 Fill free to copy and paste the icons I designed for your own use.


 
 
 
I'm pretty tickled that I was able to do this since I'm such a dummy on some of this computer stuff.
 

Twitter Newby

I have recently started actually using my Twitter account that I have had for almost a year now. I still don't really get it. I like the hash tag thing. Not sure I'm using them right but its fun. Using hash tags is like letting you mind speak after the fact.

I have always used facebook and still do but I'm trying to stay away from it unless I use it to post things to my "page".
Its just that its getting really ridiculous with all the pictures, recipes, cartoons, etc...
I remember when you used to actually type a status update from your own words. They should rename Facebook to "see and share". That's all everyone does now.

My biggest peeve on Facebook right now is how everyone is posting recipes so they can share and save on there timeline to go back and look at later. Isn't that what Pinterest is for? I mean, If these people only knew what they were missing. Pinterest is a great thing to save recipes and ideas and even funny stuff. You can share, like, follow friends and even comment on everyones pins.


So, that's why I'm trying to use my Twitter account more. I have actually got a few followers. And that's another thing. If a friend follows you, Its your choice if you want to follow them back without hard feelings. I do not have a twitter account for my blog. Its just a personal account right now at least until I can really figure it out.

What do you use the most for social interactions? Id love to know what you think about the two. I also could use any twitter advise you can give.

But for now, excuse me while I go see what James Purefoy is up to.

Tweet!

In Case of Emergency

Have you  really ever thought about what would happen if something happened? I do. I try to keep those thoughts out of my head but as a mother and wife, I always wonder.

Here is a good tip that most of you may already use but if you don't, it could really come in handy.

Most phones are equipped for "emergency numbers" But here is what I did.

If you are ever in an accident or pass out, etc..The first thing anyone will do is grab your cell phone and go straight to your contacts.

I added a contact called "Emergency #s". You can add an "A" in front of it if you want it to be at the top of the list but I'm pretty sure either way would work.



In my emergency numbers, I edited my number types by simply clicking on the word "home, cell, work, etc" and scrolled down to "custom" and changed the name of them and listed them in the order that can be called if the case need be.

I hope no one ever has to click on the emergency numbers but its good to have them with you.
Also, its a good idea not to lay your phone in your lap or seat in case of an accident, they can be thrown around and hard to find.

Diamonds and Daggers

"Diamonds and Daggers"

That's the name of the semi-formal that my daughter was in charge of for her sorority. Since she is on the formal chair, she was responsible for the whole venue for a semi formal.

This was a big task for her and a new experience.

She needed some help on a decoration that represented the theme of diamonds and daggers. So, my husband put on his creative hat and created the perfect thing. He went to the local craft store for some foam board to cut out some diamonds and found some daggers in some clearance Halloween supplies at the dollar store. He measured, drew up ideas and cut until it was just right.



 
Once finished, he had created a lovely prop for her to use for photos or decorations.


She ended up using it for a center piece on the food table.


With the buses lined up to go and DJ turning on the sound, the night was ready. It all went well even though they ran out of food. You know how those college kids can eat! She should have doubled the food but she was on a limited budget from the sorority.
She took a few pictures for me to share.

Cupcakes from a local bakery
 

The party room entrance.
 

The food table ready for everyone to come.
 
Every one dancing and having a good time. Well, almost everyone.
 
Yay! Between exams, homework, job, and meetings she did a good job getting this together!
 

She now has to plan for a big formal to be held in the spring. She said there was a lot she learned from doing this and a lot of things she will do different with the next one.

GOOD JOB! WE ARE PROUD OF HER! 

Blogoversary!

Wow today its been a year since my first post.
Its been fun. I have made many blogger friends, found new ideas, and have heard some amazing stories from other blogger along the way.

 Here is a look at my first ever post. Its so small, I just copy and pasted it instead of adding the link.

October 20, 2011- Have to start somewhere.
"OK, so I have decided to take a shot at doing a blog. So here it I am. I have no idea where this will take me or how long this will last. It seems like a fun idea and maybe even a stress relief at times. I hope to share some of my thoughts, ideas, and maybe even a recipe or two. I hope you will continue to follow me as I try to make this interesting for me and all who read."
 
I think I've come a long way since this, don't you?
Since I have been blogging. I get a lot of questions from time to time by others.
Here are a few Q and A's Ive been asked.

Q. What made you want to start blogging?
A. I gave up Facebook for a while and wanted to do something else. I had been reading a blog of one of my zumba instructors called "confessions of a former couch potato". This is my blogspiration. I bet she didn't even know that. It was full of fun ideas and recipes so I wanted to do that! I like to share stuff and facebook only gave me a line.

Q. Why do you blog?
A. Its just me to talk about things I do. I like sharing things with others. Its relaxing and good brain exercise. Some read books, I blog. I don't read books.

Q. How did you come up with the name of your blog?
A.  I work 9 to 5 every day and I talk enough about work. So I wanted to make it a point to only blog about things I did away from work. Proof to myself, there are other things to life than just sitting behind a desk all day. It makes blogging more of my getaway.

Q. Where do you find your craft ideas?
A. Ive always been crafty as far back as I can remember, all the way from the first grade. Id rather make something than to read. My teachers even gave me crafts to do to keep me busy. I can easily come up with my own random ideas but I do find some really good ideas from Pinterest or other bloggers.

Q. Do you eat all of that sweet stuff you write about?
A. Yes, most of the time I do, but often I will just have a sample and give the rest away.

Q. Do you take all the photos you share?
A. Yes. The actual photo shots are all mine unless I source it otherwise.

Q. When do you have time to make all those crafts, cook and blog?
A. The crafts I do only take me the most of an hour to accomplish or if its something big, I may work on it a little bit at a time then share it. It takes me longer to come up with the idea to make something that to actually do it. Same with cooking. Quick and easy. And blogging last only as long as it takes to tell it.

So here's to one year and hope to keep this going for several more.
Happy Blogoversary to me!

Note: Did you know you can get a blogoversary widget? Here is the LINK.

Mail from the North Pole

It may be to early to talk about Santa but I just wanted to share this.

The other day I just had to complement a facebook friend on his beautiful singing voice and kind heart. Believe it or not, he goes by Storybook Santa. He is the best Santa around and just happens to spread his love to the children at a department store at a mall in my City. He is well known by everyone (of course). Children line up to tell him everything they want for Christmas. They all have that excited look on there faces as they get to talk with the white bearded, rosy cheek jolly fellow with Mrs. Claus there by his side.

The other day, I go to the mail box and guess what......
There it was.....


A package from yours truly...Official stamp and all.


Included in the package were two CDs, a letter from Mrs. Claus and a picture. I was really excited. I will share the CDs with my Dad who likes Gospel music and I think he will enjoy it.

It makes me happy to know there are good hearted, Christian people still in this world that work hard to spread kindness and bring smiles to everyone they come in contact with. This man does not know me and I dont even know his real name but I can call him a friend and know he and his wife are good people who use themselves as a witness.

Do you believe in Santa? I asked a similar question back in December and then added my thoughts on the subject. You can find it  HERE.

Storybook Santa has a you tube site you can hear him sing HERE. Sound like Elvis to me.
What do you think?

New Art Experience

One day me and my husband visited a new art gallery in our town called arts on main.  It's full of art displays, a gift shop and artists studios. I have always had an interest in art and when this opened up, I knew I had to visit.

I put my name on a mailing list so I could keep up with events and news the gallery had to offer. And guess what, I started getting emails inviting me to attend a MadHatters Paint Party. Its held every Wednesday for anyone to come paint and they supply everything needed to accomplish the "painting of the week".

The first one I attended was on a night that evidently was a busy night for returning partiers because I was the only one there. It was pretty funny but it ended up being a wonderful experience (even though I chose not to paint and wait until the next week.). What I did get to do was probably more exciting to me than actually getting to paint.
There are two fabulous ladies that host the party. They both have an art studio at the gallery one is Rachel Cotton studio and one is Anastasia happy trees studio. Instead of painting, I got to take a more in depth tour of the gallery than the time I went with my husband during the opening. They showed me around at everything it had to offer. It was amazing! I had no idea there was so much talent in my town. I also didn't know there was a really nice gift shop that anyone can purchase everything from jewelry to greeting cards made by the person that will probably be standing right next to you. It was really a treat.

So, the next week I went to the Madhatter paint party and we all drew a Lotus flower.
Every ones painting looked so good. We had a really good time laughing, talking, sipping wine and nibbling cookies all while painting in the presence of two wonderful artist to help make it all happen. I cant wait to try it again soon.
Thanks Anastasia and Rachel!

Socially Awkward

[None of this is proven facts or focused toward any person.. It's all  just my opinion.]

Do you feel socially Awkward? Do you feel like you just don't fit in no matter how hard you try? I know I do.

With Social events such as visiting colleges, Valentines day dances and proms approaching, many young girls and boys will experience this. No matter how friendly you are or how good of a friend you would make to anyone, you just cant seem to be accepted. You feel left out and ignored and just can not get into the "click". You will often find your self talking to someone one minute and all of a sudden standing alone.

Most of this problem is due to the lack of self esteem. You feel as if you can not compete with others. The word is "Intimidated". There is always that one out spoken girl or guy that's loud and bubbly. The one that everyone just seems to love to hang out with but still they never approach you (and you dare to approach them first). Then there is the ones that look like super models in your eyes, the ones that are really cool and fun, they have the cars, the clothes and cool technology and just seem to have it all together and know every thing. Even thought you may have some or all of these qualities, you still cant seem to mingle and if you did mingle, you feel odd and everything you say and do just seems to come out all wrong so therefore, you just keep to yourself and if anyone wants to talk to you, they can come to you . Right?

You need to over come it! No one is better than you. The ones that are out going do not understand why you are standing alone. They have a different personality. If you find yourself in this situation....
  • Do not make yourself look like you don't have friends.
  • Don't look sad or depressed.
  • Don't look bored.
  • If you find yourself alone in a corner, act like you want to be alone while maybe counting guest or fixing something on your outfit, have something in your eye, reapplying your lip stick or fixing your shoe.
  • Smile at everyone that looks at you as if you are glad to see them.
  • Walk around with you head held high (you are one of a kind).
  • Do not snub anyone (remember, we are all the same and you also are no better than anyone else).
  • Walk by others and just pat them on the back and say hey and walk on. This gets you noticed but your not overdoing it. They will just know your nice and available for conversation.
  • You can start a conversation by complementing someones something.
Now that I'm over 40 I still find myself being a social outcast no matter what I do. But at my age I refuse to work so hard to keep a friend or stay in a "click". I found that just being nice to everyone, eventually they will confide in you when all others fail them. I love everyone and choose to be friendly to everyone no matter their background or lifestyle. I am very easily intimidated but I have learned to look at the intimidator in a different way and will often still find them interesting and no different than me. I will now go up to the ones that I see having a problems socializing and will start the conversation and try to make them feel comfortable. Heck, at my age you don't care if you say anything stupid or not. Just make some fun out of it. If I get embarrassed, I laugh it off.

So, all of you out there that just cant seem to make friends or meet everyone else's expectations, Remember, we are all special and beautiful and all you have to be is friendly and caring and if no one wants to have anything to do with you, then its there loss and they are the ones with the problem. If you are not invited to the next get together, Its not because they don't like you, Its because they don't know you. So be patient. So what if your not the sports fanatic at the next Superbowl party, That's just not who you are so defend yourself and be yourself. Yes, just be yourself. You will be suprised at how many people will like you just for that reason. Eventually they will come around.

Am I wrong on this? Am I right? Leave a comment, Id like to know my readers opinions.