the ad that's just too cute

I'm a strange television watcher....mostly because I can get more into the advertisements than the shows themselves.

A supermarket visit in my world, reminds me of the different ads I've seen for different products. And truth be told, my purchase decisions are sometimes actually influenced by the ads for a brand or product....yes yes, I'm one of those people.

The Allstate Mayhem ads, Target's holiday ads and some Superbowl ads and GEICO ads are my usual faves.

When I saw this GEICO ad with the Pillsbury Dough Boy...I giggled like an idiot for a good couple minutes....which was something I needed after a long week.

Check it out!

no giving in

Having a rough week....sigh

My solution?

MUSIC

Reggae to be exact.

Here's one of my favourites from a young reggae act who's been putting in lots of work - Chronixx

Hope it gives a little motivation for a rough week.

how do you know if you've found 'the one'?

Quite a few persons seem to think my boyfriend and I are just the bees-knees (which of course we are lol). Of course with that belief, every now and again I get a question which usually comes in one of two situations:
1. Single girl who is looking for that companion they can grow with and feels that her 'prince charming' isn't coming around...ever
2. Guy (sometimes single...other times in a relationship) who either honestly trust my advice or have some interest in me (more often than not, it's the latter...which while it is flattering, it's also a bit annoying).

What's the question you ask:  

How do you know he's the one?

The last time I was asked this question was by a number of high school students who after seeing my laptop wallpaper (I forgot to make it generic before going into that session) got into a series of questions about my life. I'm a proud and happy wifey, and since my session was to be a relaxed heart to heart with them, I didn't see anything wrong with me sharing even a little bit of relationship advice.
 
On a serious note though; I'm honestly usually a bit taken aback by the question because I really have no amazing fairytale answer to give (which can be quite a bummer for someone who's hoping for it)....but there is that princess part of me that kinda wishes I could formulate a fabulous fairytale answer even just for my own sake.

In answering I tend to look back at where my hunny and I are coming from, how our relationship started out and the journey we've had together so far. I usually smile (at least in my head) when I talk about this stuff, because there is comfort in knowing that we have grown...individually and together, and that there is a love and friendship that we share. 

Then usually after getting out all the cute stuff, there's the follow-up questions:  

1. But don't you ever wish you were still single?

2. Aren't there stuff that he does that bugs you? 

And my responses: 'no not really' to the first question...and 'yea' to the second. 

Unlike some people, I don't find my relationship to be a 'tie down' and that's probably because my boyfriend and I were friends before it got serious. And yes there are some things that he does that kinda annoy me...but I'm pretty darn sure there are stuff I do that annoy him. 

After that experience though I really started looking into this whole idea of 'is he the one.' Not because I don't imagine that there is a future for us together (preferably with the nice wedding, good kids, picket fence etc etc), but more so that I'll be better able to answer the question when asked again (particularly by teens who really are hopeful for a fairytale scenario). 

Then I found this video:

I think honestly that it's a good way to look at the situation (regardless of your religious standpoint). Instead of trying to find the perfectly amazing spouse...be the perfect spouse. And how do you do that? Be the best you that you can be. 

As he mentions in the video, you may be searching far and wide for that perfect person that fits your fairytale standard; but then you walk pass/overlook the real perfect person who you see ever so often. This person may not be a knight on a white horse/the perfect homemaker, but he/she may have all the qualities you need to sync with your qualities, so that together you can help each other realise your full potential both together and individually.

So instead of wondering whether or not you have found 'the one', ask yourself if you've found someone who will help you realise your full potential; just as you will help them realise theirs. 

You'll be surprised to know what you'll find hidden in a relationship you have with a friend/acquaintance. =]

DIY: bye bye broken make-up

After buying the perfect palette and probably using it a couple times, many fab femmes have the same problem where it slips from you, falls to the floor and shatters.

Based on the stories I've heard, more often than not it happens when you're rushing to get ready and have no time to figure out how you'll fix it.

Recently it was just my luck that my pressed powder fell and cracked a bit. So I went on a hunt to find a fixer because in my mind 'this must happen to other women and there must be a way to fix this.'

TADA! The solution was right there on YouTube!

I was so excited for a solution that I forgot to take pics (sorry guys) but I've embedded the video that I used below so you can try it. There are a number of these videos on YouTube with different persons fixing their broken make-up. The methods are the same, but this is the one I thought gave the best up-close and step-by-step solution.

While the problem I had was with my pressed powder, know that it can also work with your eye shadow and blush (I tried it with blush as well...but not the eyeshadow).

So here are my recommendations:

     1. Try to find the 'perfect sizes circle' before you start 

        the process. That way you're sure it will press to fit 

        the circle better and more evenly.

     2. The alcohol they refer to is rubbing alcohol. I don't 

        know if the alcohol for drinking works....I stuck to the 

        script.

     3. Use a bobby pin or something smaller than the knife to 

        help mixing powder and the alcohol. I found it to be a 

        lot less messy. 

     4. Avoid using soft tissue! Hand towel is the best bet. The 

        softer tissues leave little bits behind.

     5. Leave the make-up open for about a day for it to dry 

        completely. It may harden pretty fast but that may not 

        mean it's fully dry underneath.

I hope this saves your broken make-up disaster!

J: Joseph Kony

AlphabetChallenge

I first came across the name Joseph Kony in my second year at university. I was researching for a paper on child care in other parts of the world and interestingly enough, his name came up in my research.

My research took me to a website for a group called 'invisible children' and I watched a video posted there that was done by a group of guys who travelled to Uganda, Africa. They spoke of a rebel group called the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) which is headed by Kony. They mentioned that Kony would abduct children and add them to his army, turning them into child soldiers or sex workers and forcing them to kill and commit various other crimes.

I was shaken....I had heard stories of life in Africa and the varied struggles they face, but with my soft spot for children....that video made it so real. I bookmarked the page online, shared it on my Facebook profile and mentioned it in my presentation for my class paper.

To be honest, my reach pretty much stopped there. In the video they mentioned putting plans in place to stop the rebels, but didn't have a clear direction to get it done.

Days, weeks and months pass....then almost all of a sudden my social networks yesterday were blowing up with #KONY2012, #StopKony and others of the like.

I first checked my bookmarks for the link (yes I keep them saved) and as expected it sent me to the 'Invisible Children' site and I noticed that it was all a buzz with the #KONY2012 and #StopKony posts. After a little searching and reading about the initiative, I saw this video:

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

Watching the new video brought back the feeling I had after watching it the first time....slight depression. The idea that so many children live in fear and that there are children who willingly would prefer death over life....it's sad.

Although I did get a lot of information from the site, I kept researching to see additional info. This is where the madness in my mind began!

First I came across a site that highlighted the fact that the writer believes the US is doing this to make them look good and not because they really do care. The second site spoke about the financial records of Invisible Children Inc and said that they do not donate all/majority of  the money to fundraising. The third site spoke about the fact that it is said that the Invisible Children Inc is overstating the issue in Uganda.

But here's what I think:
        1.   Any issue of abduction, abuse or damaging the life of a child....to me that's a big deal!
        2.   Non-profits do have to pay their business fees like everyone else. They may get tax exempts but there is still money needed to fund overheads, salaries and equipment. 
        3.    While I can agree that 'persons refuse to open their eyes until something is all up in their face' I can't imagine being so against something for a good cause.

I think I can fairly say that many people who are sharing the Invisible Children link and contacts are helping in their own way. Although they do need the funds to help complete projects, there is nothing wrong in doing your part by helping others understand the situation and joining the cause.

Whether or not you believe, these are the lives of children who are innocent and really need help. You may not be able to donate but you can spread the word and help to get the job done.


Watch the video, check out the site, and pass it on.

Remember too that you can be an agent of change...it always is an option! Spark a flame of change in your country by joining a non-profit organization for a cause you believe in.

1 year later....

Feburary 3rd (yesterday) marked exactly one year since I've been working with HYPE Tv as a host.

*yay me*

Currently I host the entertainment news feature - HYPE 411; everyday at 9pm. I've also hosted the weekly review show - Best of HYPE (BOH); and the weekly video top ten countdown - VTX. In addition, In addition to that, I've also host other pre-recorded shows for parties and events like Fun in the Son, Reggae Sumfest and Caribbean Fashion Week.

I'm slowly getting into live broadcasts and so far I've done their live show - Up&Live, a few times. =]

The experience has honestly taught me a lot about television production and media overall. I've gotten the chance to work with an amazing group of people who each have their own individual talents which just make them totally awesome.

I remember my first shoot at the Bob Marley Museum. Dressed in green and black (for Black History and Reggae Month) I was hosting VTX and got a script that kinda blew me away with the amount of information on it. lol

I distinctly remember the producer telling me to relax my face and be more cognizant of my facial expressions (particularly when I thought I messed up). Then of course I was always trying to ensure that 'my better side' was caught by the camera, and that I wasn't speaking too fast.

I think I've grown a lot since then. I'm more aware of my voice and some of the little particulars about it. I think I also better understand my facial expressions and can tweek them to fit a mood I may not even be in. lol But in the world of media I think that's perfectly acceptable....right?

Anywho, I've embedded videos from the HYPE Tv YouTube page showing cuts from two of my recent shows.

HYPE 411 - Feb 1, 2012

HYPE BOH - Dec 23, 2011

Of course what's there isn't all that aired so you'll have to check out www.hypetvjam.com or watch it on the tele to see it all.

Be sure to check out everything on HYPE Tv and to check me out on HYPE 411 every night!

D: dreaming for success

AlphabetChallenge

I think it's fair to say that the average persons has dreams for themselves. Logically one would believe that based on these dreams each individual determines for themselves what it means to be successful.

For me, success is based on whether or not I achieve my dreams. Of course some dreams are basic things that (God's willing) will come in time like a good marriage and a happy family [yes....that is a dream of mine because many persons don't have these things and they really don't come that easy]. I also have other dreams that I know will take a lot of work, dedication and quite possibly take a number of fails; like starting my own educational technology company which I hope will become THE place for educational multimedia in Jamaica [maybe even the Caribbean].

After sharing this life dream with some, I get the response 'wow you want a lot out of life huh.' For me that's usually seen as a means of motivation because yes....I do want a lot out of life and there really is no reason why I can't!

But like I said, it definitely will take a lot of work out of me and there are those times when I see that list of things to do and I become a little distressed at the fact that there is sooooooo much to get done. Usually at that time I look for a song or video that gives me a bit of a mood boost reminding me that I can do it and like Grandma says: the best things in life usually don't come easy.

This past week I found myself in that little rut, and I decided to search for some motivational speech online. I stumbled upon a speech by Arnold Schwarzenegger where he spoke about his six secrets to success. Although I couldn't find where exactly the speech was presented, I made the general assumption that it was at a graduation ceremony in the US (quite possibly California...for obvious reasons).

You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pocket.       -Arnold Schwarzenegger

In a nutshell here are his 6 secrets to success:
          1.  Trust yourself (no matter what anyone else thinks)
          2.  Break the rules (not the law)
          3.  Don't be afraid to fail (you can't always win)
          4.  Don't listen to the naysayers (let them motivate you)
          5.  Work like hell (no pain no gain)
          6.  Give something back (to your community or your country)


But if you're interested in taking in the whole speech, here are the videos (yes sadly it's in 2 parts)

Part 1

Part 2

Of course you know I did try to download them and put them together into one video....but the program I have refused to work with me....so ya.

Well loves I hope it gave you even a little motivation to go for whatever you want in life. For me at this point in my life it did help me get that boost I needed to have me take 2012 by storm!

You can't be paralysed by fear of failure of you will never push yourself. You keep pushing because you believe in yourself and your vision....success will come!        -Arnold Schwarzenegger

about this freedom of speech thing

With everyone talking about PIPA and SOPA I of course had to get my Google on and find out what it's all about.

At first I found a whole lot of stuff I'd have to read and to be honest I wasn't feeling that at all. Luckily, after a little more searching I saw this video and I was glad to see that it gave me a general idea of everything....with very little to read.


PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Of course after watching the video I'm now super curious about this whole thing and would love to have the time to do more research on all this. I'm still a bit confused as to how this whole thing's been happening and I'm first hearing about it over the last few days........like which rock have I been living under?


Anywho, to be honest I can fully understand why persons are a bit tweeked about this. The idea of social media forums being censored so person's can't express themselves freely just seems totally out there for me. That would mean that your Facebook status, tweets, YouTube videos and blog posts would all have 'conditions apply.'


In a nutshell - THAT SUCKS!

So that's that. There is of course more info out there to put you more in the know about everything that's happening.

where do you stand?

A friend sent me this video today and as expected I watched it. After watching it once and not really taking it in, I was moved to watch it again and to take note of what was being said.

I've grown up in a Christian home with some of my family members being very active in their church as pastor, deacon, choir leader and so on. For that reason church and religion was a part of my life.

As I got older and I was 'more able to make my own decisions,' the reigns were loosened and it is now really my own decision to attend church on a Sunday. Over the last few months I have been putting a lot more thought into my religious beliefs and my personal decisions.

While this video isn't what will make me believe more or less, it did open my mind to thinking about some stuff and sparked some questions.

Not saying you have to agree with it, but Christian or not....you should check it out.

in the spirit of elections

I remember a few months ago when I was looking for a video on Youtube to analyze for my Language Development course.

We were to find videos of children at various stages and compare their development to theory and all that jazz. During my search I came upon a few videos that had me totally cracking up. (sadly I couldn't use either of these as they were too short)

Anywho, both videos show 'baby politicians' and to be honest they so cute I haven't paid much attention to what they're saying.

I won't try and decide which baby is like which politician....because that's not what this post is about (for all those who think they need to share that thought).

On a serious note though, I hope that everyone who is going to voice their opinion through a vote will be voting based on issues and not based on personalities, by the plans and policies of current candidates and not by those of retired/deceased politicians. Most of all, I hope that persons vote for Jamaica and what is best for us looking towards the future, instead of holding on to issues, plans and expectations of the past.

I pray that we'll have a free and fair election that is violence free and I'm sure that many other Jamaicans here at home and throughout the diaspora have the same prayer. I hope that during the voting period and for the rest of our election period persons will not be preyed upon because of their political preferences/decision.

Like everybody else, I'll be waiting for the final ballot to be counted and the decision to be made public.

Praying for the best.

some ads to put a smile on your face

I kinda just love cutesie advertisements! Over the last few weeks I've noticed even more ads that are just soo cute and funny! So here's a couple of my favourites!

Target's advertising team are just genius

Walmart had a couple good ones

And of course we couldn't forget Allstate's Mayhem!

 
So that's just a few.....maybe I'll post others soon