Buy caskets at walmart online!!!! He he he
Wow, they are definitely expanding their business!!! lol
Shop now!
Wow, they are definitely expanding their business!!! lol
Shop now!
This is where I blog about anything and everything! From designer bags, fashion, travel, news, Beauty products, such as skin care to cosmetics and everything else I can think about...Yay fun!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The Power of POSITIVE Thinking - 4 steps to HAPPIER YOU
Four steps to a happier you no matter what the challenge.
Positive thinking can be tricky when times are tough. But if you can find a way to be happy, experts say you can cope with even life’s biggest challenges. Whether you’re facing a financial crisis or recovering from a rocky relationship, here’s how to help happiness prevail.
Positive thinking can be tricky when times are tough. But if you can find a way to be happy, experts say you can cope with even life’s biggest challenges. Whether you’re facing a financial crisis or recovering from a rocky relationship, here’s how to help happiness prevail.
1. The power of positive thinking
Letting go of negativity is the first step to overcoming difficult situations. “Your brain’s ability to come up with creative solutions is reduced when you’re in a depressive mood,” says Martha Finney, author of Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After a Job Loss. Finney says each of us has a “mental muscle,” or emotional resilience we can rely on for strength. Just recall the last tough time in your life and remember that you made it through. “You know what it means to prevail because you’ve already done it,” says Finney.
2. Tap in to Happy
No matter how bleak the outlook may be, it is possible to stay positive when times are tough, says Carmel McConnell, author of The Happiness Plan: Simple Steps to a Happier Life. “Ask yourself ‘when and where am I happiest?’ and simply make more room for that in your life,” she says. For instance, if what you love most is listening to music while relaxing in the bath, making time to do that is more important than ever.
3. Money can’t buy happiness
If you’re having a hard time because you’re strapped for cash, McConnell says it’s important to realize that more stuff is not going to make you happy. “Many people worry that, without the ability to flash cash, they’re going to be miserable, she says. “But research shows that we’re never satisfied after purchases and always want more.” So instead of lamenting the fact you can’t afford an iPhone, think about how you don’t actually need money to do the things that make you most happy, like enjoying a potluck dinner with your girlfriends.
4. Spread the joy
One key to happiness is to focus on making other people happy, says McConnell. The best investment for a happier life is building trust and intimacy with your friends and family, she adds. A recent study from Harvard University discovered that happiness spreads through groups of friends quickly and for each joyful friend you have, your level of happiness increases by nine percent.
Source: Yahoo.ca
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Travel Etiquette - When in Rome....
Remember when an Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at George Bush on a recent farewell tour in Iraq? Bush later said that that incident was one of the weirdest of his life. But anyone who understands Middle Eastern culture knew that exposing the sole of the shoe to someone is considered a strong sign of disrespect. It is not a weird incident, just a part of Middle Eastern culture. Unfortunately, too many of us have travelled to a foreign country only to be bamboozled by the strangeness of their customs. It does not have to be that way, as long as travellers understand a culture and display the proper etiquette.
Etiquette is the code of principles, such as respect and honour, in any given society. It is really the manner in which you convey those principles to others that can be a little tricky and may make others feel uncomfortable. Travellers want to experience new cultures and live in the moment, but they should also be careful not to offend the locals. There are many ways to travel the world and still be respectful of every local culture you visit, but most of us do not have the time study cultures extensively. The first thing you can do is pick up a book about the country you are visiting. Most travel books have an etiquette section to give you a brief overview of cultural mores.
Meeting And Greeting
Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, meeting your foreign hosts in the correct manner is crucial to achieving a good first impression. If you are unsure of how a greeting should take place, wait for your host to offer the greeting first.
In Europe, North and South America, a greeting usually consists of a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile. In China and Japan, a handshake will suffice, but your host may bow down to greet you. In the Middle East, your handshake should be gentle and should be accompanied with a smile. Men should not shake a woman's hand unless she initiates the handshake. In relaxed occasions, women may greet each other with a kiss on each cheek.
Dress Code
Many cultures around the world have not yet accepted the idea of women walking around in booty shorts and men walking around topless. Your safest bet is to stick to conservative, comfortable clothing. For business, men should always wear a tailored business suit with a tie. He should be well groomed. In North and South America and in Europe, women can wear a business suit as well. In Middle Eastern and Asian countries, women should opt for a long skirt and long sleeved shirt or blazer. Women in business suits may come off as too aggressive and masculine in many Asian cultures. No matter where the destination, women must always keep makeup to a minimum so as to appear professional.
International Etiquette
Here are some etiquette tips for some of the most visited countries around the world:
Mexico: Keep your hands above the table at all times.
Germany: Use a fork and knife to eat sandwiches, fruits and most other foods.
Austria: Always arrive on time to social engagements.
France: Do not be nosy, as the French value their privacy.
China: Do not click your fingers or whistle in China; it's considered very rude.
Spain: Never be late for a bullfight, but it is okay to be up to 30 minutes late for any other social engagement.
Italy: Never burp in public and try not to yawn in front of others.
Syria: It is a sign of respect to take off your shoes when you enter someone's home.
UK: Always wait for your host to begin eating before you do.
US: If you are offered a second helping of food, accept it.
When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do
Before embarking on your journey or business trip, research your destination country to learn a bit about their culture so that you do not offend the locals. If you are ever in doubt about your behaviour, just do as the locals do.
Remember, just because something is different does not mean it is wrong. Customs, behaviours and religious practices are unique to every culture and should be respected when you are in someone else's home. Differences in culture should not be considered deficiencies; they are just different.
by: zafana zahili
Etiquette is the code of principles, such as respect and honour, in any given society. It is really the manner in which you convey those principles to others that can be a little tricky and may make others feel uncomfortable. Travellers want to experience new cultures and live in the moment, but they should also be careful not to offend the locals. There are many ways to travel the world and still be respectful of every local culture you visit, but most of us do not have the time study cultures extensively. The first thing you can do is pick up a book about the country you are visiting. Most travel books have an etiquette section to give you a brief overview of cultural mores.
Meeting And Greeting
Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, meeting your foreign hosts in the correct manner is crucial to achieving a good first impression. If you are unsure of how a greeting should take place, wait for your host to offer the greeting first.
In Europe, North and South America, a greeting usually consists of a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile. In China and Japan, a handshake will suffice, but your host may bow down to greet you. In the Middle East, your handshake should be gentle and should be accompanied with a smile. Men should not shake a woman's hand unless she initiates the handshake. In relaxed occasions, women may greet each other with a kiss on each cheek.
Dress Code
Many cultures around the world have not yet accepted the idea of women walking around in booty shorts and men walking around topless. Your safest bet is to stick to conservative, comfortable clothing. For business, men should always wear a tailored business suit with a tie. He should be well groomed. In North and South America and in Europe, women can wear a business suit as well. In Middle Eastern and Asian countries, women should opt for a long skirt and long sleeved shirt or blazer. Women in business suits may come off as too aggressive and masculine in many Asian cultures. No matter where the destination, women must always keep makeup to a minimum so as to appear professional.
International Etiquette
Here are some etiquette tips for some of the most visited countries around the world:
Mexico: Keep your hands above the table at all times.
Germany: Use a fork and knife to eat sandwiches, fruits and most other foods.
Austria: Always arrive on time to social engagements.
France: Do not be nosy, as the French value their privacy.
China: Do not click your fingers or whistle in China; it's considered very rude.
Spain: Never be late for a bullfight, but it is okay to be up to 30 minutes late for any other social engagement.
Italy: Never burp in public and try not to yawn in front of others.
Syria: It is a sign of respect to take off your shoes when you enter someone's home.
UK: Always wait for your host to begin eating before you do.
US: If you are offered a second helping of food, accept it.
When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do
Before embarking on your journey or business trip, research your destination country to learn a bit about their culture so that you do not offend the locals. If you are ever in doubt about your behaviour, just do as the locals do.
Remember, just because something is different does not mean it is wrong. Customs, behaviours and religious practices are unique to every culture and should be respected when you are in someone else's home. Differences in culture should not be considered deficiencies; they are just different.
by: zafana zahili
Monday, July 13, 2009
It's Monday, you could die today....
Yet another study has determined that Monday is the worst day of the week for your heart. I don't mean Monday is bad for your heart because that's the day most people tend to break up. In fact, I really have no idea which day of the week people favour as a breaking-up day, although Monday does sound a good bet. What I do mean is that several studies have found that more people die from heart attacks (and strokes) on Monday than on any other day of the week, especially Monday mornings.
In a study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers looked at all deaths in Scotland attributed to cardiac causes between the years 1986 and 1995, of which there were lots because Scotland has one of the world's highest rates of death from heart attack and stroke, most of which is attributed to all that smoking and sitting around and eating badly that is standard fare in the country of kilts and clans.
The researchers not only found that, as expected, the death rate from coronary events was indeed higher in all age groups on Mondays, but that it was particularly elevated in people under the age of 50.
Why? 2 probable reasons. First, there is the cardiac response to all that heavy "binge" drinking that so many younger people indulge in on the weekend, and younger Scots, as they will quickly acknowledge, take a back seat to no one in how hard they party.
Then there's also the Monday morning anticipation - "dread" or "bitterness" are better words, I think - of another week of uninviting and often poorly compensated labour which is probably enough to push the hearts of some high risk people over the edge.
So what can you do with this news? Well, you can, I suppose, tone down your partying on weekends, especially if you are younger and already have some heart disease risks, as so many more younger people tend to have these days. Or you can do what my son did when I told him of these findings early one Sunday morning before I left to do my weekend call-in show. His reply? "These results clearly mean, dad, that you shouldn't start the week until Tuesday afternoon." And then he went back to sleep.
That kid is going to be a scientist one day, I think. Either that or unemployed.
Source: Yahoo
The researchers not only found that, as expected, the death rate from coronary events was indeed higher in all age groups on Mondays, but that it was particularly elevated in people under the age of 50.
Why? 2 probable reasons. First, there is the cardiac response to all that heavy "binge" drinking that so many younger people indulge in on the weekend, and younger Scots, as they will quickly acknowledge, take a back seat to no one in how hard they party.
Then there's also the Monday morning anticipation - "dread" or "bitterness" are better words, I think - of another week of uninviting and often poorly compensated labour which is probably enough to push the hearts of some high risk people over the edge.
So what can you do with this news? Well, you can, I suppose, tone down your partying on weekends, especially if you are younger and already have some heart disease risks, as so many more younger people tend to have these days. Or you can do what my son did when I told him of these findings early one Sunday morning before I left to do my weekend call-in show. His reply? "These results clearly mean, dad, that you shouldn't start the week until Tuesday afternoon." And then he went back to sleep.
That kid is going to be a scientist one day, I think. Either that or unemployed.
Source: Yahoo
Saturday, May 9, 2009
KC and LV in TO
My friend Nadine and I stayed downtown Toronto for a couple of nights to do some shopping, relax and have fun. Got a few pics with a couple of my LV pieces. Enjoy!!!
The famous bathroom shot with my Damier Neverfull MM...lol
Resting with my NF which matches my Coach ballet flats
Another bathroom shot with my Monogram Pochette with an extender
Friday, May 1, 2009
Business Analysis - Recession proof?
As a Business Analyst in Software Development, I was really happy when I saw the article below from yahoo.com, although any job is risky, I guess I can hold on to this hope for now. LOL.
According to Forbes.com, the Top Careers that are recession-proof are the following:
1. Sales Representative
Why? Bringing in new customers and business opportunities is essential to keeping any business alive.
2. Software design and development
They write the software programs we use at home and in the workplace. The U.S. Department of Labour predicts that this professional will continue to grow at a rapid pace through 2016.
3. Nursing
With today's medical advancements and an aging population, health care workers will continue to be in demand.
4. Accounting Executive
As the name suggests, they manage the accounting staff -- who are increasingly important when budgets tighten up.
5. Accounting Staff
This profession continues to grow thanks to tougher accounting and auditing regulations (like Sarbanes Oxley). They're also the go-to people when organizations are looking for ways to cut back.
6. Networking and Systems Administration
They look after the technology side of the business, everything from company websites to networks and emails.
7. Administrative Assistant
It's the high turnover rate that makes this an in-demand position, according toForbes. Administrative assistants may be worth their weight in gold, but many struggle to live on the average salary rate for this role.
8. Business Analysis (Software Development)
There's a wide variety of software out there that can help businesses run more efficiently. These analysts figure out what's best for a company as well as deploy the applications and train staff how to use them.
1. Sales Representative
Why? Bringing in new customers and business opportunities is essential to keeping any business alive.
2. Software design and development
They write the software programs we use at home and in the workplace. The U.S. Department of Labour predicts that this professional will continue to grow at a rapid pace through 2016.
3. Nursing
With today's medical advancements and an aging population, health care workers will continue to be in demand.
4. Accounting Executive
As the name suggests, they manage the accounting staff -- who are increasingly important when budgets tighten up.
5. Accounting Staff
This profession continues to grow thanks to tougher accounting and auditing regulations (like Sarbanes Oxley). They're also the go-to people when organizations are looking for ways to cut back.
6. Networking and Systems Administration
They look after the technology side of the business, everything from company websites to networks and emails.
7. Administrative Assistant
It's the high turnover rate that makes this an in-demand position, according toForbes. Administrative assistants may be worth their weight in gold, but many struggle to live on the average salary rate for this role.
8. Business Analysis (Software Development)
There's a wide variety of software out there that can help businesses run more efficiently. These analysts figure out what's best for a company as well as deploy the applications and train staff how to use them.
9. Business Analysis (Research)What should software accomplish? It's up to these professionals to figure out how applications can suit the needs of users.
10. Finance Staff
As with accounting jobs, the money is tight so people who know how to effectively handle it are in demand.
I hope your job is secure!!! Have a great weekend!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
4 Ways to get control over your career in a difficult economy…
I have a few questions for you. Who has greatest control over the direction of your career, the economy or you? What role do your personal actions play in your career outcomes? This week's podcast is with New York Times best selling author Larry Winget. He is the best selling author of It’s called work for a reason; your success is your own damn fault. I preface my comments with the reality that for some of you, Larry's style may not endear you to him. The truth sometimes hurts! Larry is an author, speaker and known as "The pitbull of self development." He also has a very popular show on A&E called “The Big Spender.”
You see, some people see their success as a result of a booming economy, the product they are working on or the boss they worked for. How many times have you heard, "They were at the right place at the right time.” Their success seemingly was related to external circumstances. Vice versa, some people see their failure as related to globalization, interest rate policy, the market or their boss. Both insights are incorrect. While yes, you may benefit or be negatively impacted by external elements, what role did your actions play in determining the success or failure? How we define success and failure in our career can also be related to our expectations. "I hate what I do for a living. I travel 250 days a year to do my 100 hours. I love my 100 hours, I hate my travel, I have no control over the trips, it is abuse from the time I leave my house till I arrive, however, I love the 100 hours so that is worth the trade." Larry understands that there is a certain reality in our work life and that you have to do a certain amount of grunt work to be successful in anything that you do. The question you should ask: is the rewards/grunt ratio working for you? If you have too high of expectations, you will never see work in a successful way. It will always be failure for you.
What is your success pattern? What is your failure pattern? What are your expectations?
One of the keys is to take responsibility for both your successes and your failures. Larry's key mantra in life is "understand your responsibilities and your rights." When you do this, it brings a true sense of personal control over outcomes. If you feel stuck in your current situation, I am going to suggest it is related to your own inner sense of what role you are playing. When you are clear about what you do well and what you have control over, you can then work on the elements that you have control over and take positive action towards something better. If you feel your success is a result of circumstances, then you are unlikely to want to change those circumstances. You can feel trapped in success and yet not happy. If you feel trapped in failure, then you may become bitter and angry with those around you. Both are not constructive. They are both routed in taking action over the things that you have control over and what you don't have control over?
1. Take ownership of your success and failure.
2. Look at what you do and don't have control over.
3. Take positive action with the things you have control over.
4. Set realistic expectations.
When you do those three things, it will get better. It may take lots of action or a little action but one thing I can guarantee is that it will take action. And either you take action or the market will take action upon you, ie. a layoff or demotion or some other challenging circumstance. It is always better to act than react. "The critical element people leave out to becoming successful is action. Get busy even if you are doing the wrong thing and you will find out sooner", said Larry. People who are successful in their careers take action with the things they have control over and accept the things that are not in their control. There are a lot of books about attitude. I think we need positive action; positive action will change your career and your life. Positive attitude - not necessarily. I would call action "the discipline of intent." Real change only comes when a plan is put into action.
You need to have a positive action more than a positive attitude. You choose. Speaking of positive action, join our FREE TeleWORKshop - Looking for other ideas for what you might do next you’re your talents and passions? Do you need some practical help with your job search? Do you know if you are in the right career? Connect with some new people and get a new perspective on your career by joining our teleworkshop. This complimentary, 1 hour workshop is based on my book, Get the Right Job Right Now!. It's easy to learn simple ways to take control of your career, all from the comfort & convenience of your own desk. Limited to 20 participants. Click to register. Looking to take more control over your career and your life? Book an initial consultation with me. Get started today towards a better future.
Taking action, along the road with you!
BY: Alan Kearns
You see, some people see their success as a result of a booming economy, the product they are working on or the boss they worked for. How many times have you heard, "They were at the right place at the right time.” Their success seemingly was related to external circumstances. Vice versa, some people see their failure as related to globalization, interest rate policy, the market or their boss. Both insights are incorrect. While yes, you may benefit or be negatively impacted by external elements, what role did your actions play in determining the success or failure? How we define success and failure in our career can also be related to our expectations. "I hate what I do for a living. I travel 250 days a year to do my 100 hours. I love my 100 hours, I hate my travel, I have no control over the trips, it is abuse from the time I leave my house till I arrive, however, I love the 100 hours so that is worth the trade." Larry understands that there is a certain reality in our work life and that you have to do a certain amount of grunt work to be successful in anything that you do. The question you should ask: is the rewards/grunt ratio working for you? If you have too high of expectations, you will never see work in a successful way. It will always be failure for you.
What is your success pattern? What is your failure pattern? What are your expectations?
One of the keys is to take responsibility for both your successes and your failures. Larry's key mantra in life is "understand your responsibilities and your rights." When you do this, it brings a true sense of personal control over outcomes. If you feel stuck in your current situation, I am going to suggest it is related to your own inner sense of what role you are playing. When you are clear about what you do well and what you have control over, you can then work on the elements that you have control over and take positive action towards something better. If you feel your success is a result of circumstances, then you are unlikely to want to change those circumstances. You can feel trapped in success and yet not happy. If you feel trapped in failure, then you may become bitter and angry with those around you. Both are not constructive. They are both routed in taking action over the things that you have control over and what you don't have control over?
1. Take ownership of your success and failure.
2. Look at what you do and don't have control over.
3. Take positive action with the things you have control over.
4. Set realistic expectations.
When you do those three things, it will get better. It may take lots of action or a little action but one thing I can guarantee is that it will take action. And either you take action or the market will take action upon you, ie. a layoff or demotion or some other challenging circumstance. It is always better to act than react. "The critical element people leave out to becoming successful is action. Get busy even if you are doing the wrong thing and you will find out sooner", said Larry. People who are successful in their careers take action with the things they have control over and accept the things that are not in their control. There are a lot of books about attitude. I think we need positive action; positive action will change your career and your life. Positive attitude - not necessarily. I would call action "the discipline of intent." Real change only comes when a plan is put into action.
You need to have a positive action more than a positive attitude. You choose. Speaking of positive action, join our FREE TeleWORKshop - Looking for other ideas for what you might do next you’re your talents and passions? Do you need some practical help with your job search? Do you know if you are in the right career? Connect with some new people and get a new perspective on your career by joining our teleworkshop. This complimentary, 1 hour workshop is based on my book, Get the Right Job Right Now!. It's easy to learn simple ways to take control of your career, all from the comfort & convenience of your own desk. Limited to 20 participants. Click to register. Looking to take more control over your career and your life? Book an initial consultation with me. Get started today towards a better future.
Taking action, along the road with you!
BY: Alan Kearns
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Are women better drivers?
The debate rages on, but to be honest the statistics seem to show the same thing every year: that men are more of a liability on the road because they take more risks and have more accidents as a result of aggressive or illegal driving maneuvers.
However, it's not quite as clear cut as that: there are around four million more male drivers than female, each driving about 30 percent more, so it's obvious men will crash more. The key statistic - and the one us men will cling to - is that women have more crashes at junctions and low speed sites - which means that, technically, men have better car control than women.
Unfortunately, the number of men involved in high-speed collisions leading to death or serious injury is significantly higher than women. According to statistics from the World Health Organisation, three times more men are killed on the road than women. Plus, in 2006, 87 per cent of motoring offences were by men, and a massive 96 percent of those convicted of dangerous driving were men, too.
For young people, twice as many under 25 year-old males are killed in road accidents as women - with men in general, but particularly younger ones - less able to exercise self-control, taking more unnecessary risks.
So, men, with Mother's Day coming up this weekend, why not take the opportunity to congratulate the women in your life for being better drivers - all it takes is a little self-control.
By: Mark Nichol
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