Happy New Year!

For 2011, I want to finally start taking better care of myself. Eating better and working out...you know the drill.

What are your resolutions? Have a wonderful end of year celebration and start of 2011!

Hairstyle Tip

Want an update to a plain old ponytail? Try this twist!

All you have to do is put your hair in a ponytail but shimmy the ponytail holder down a bit and use your hands to make a hole in the middle of the ponytail. Then stick the ends of the ponytail through the hole you've made and there's your twist! It is super easy!

I need your help!

I start my new job in a few days and I need some help from YOU! The only downside to my awesome new job is I have about a half an hour drive there and back.

Any suggestions on good driving music or books on tape I can listen to? I'd love some feedback so I can get started on some playlists on my iPod! :)

Winner of the Giveaway!

The winner of the giveaway from Geothermal Genius was selected by a random generator....

And that person is....

Casey from Blonde Bargain Babe! Congrats! :) Shoot me an email with your address so you can get your prize. And definitely let me know if it works!

Bloggers.com pick of the day!

Sorry this is so small!

Just a big THANK YOU to Bloggers.com! I was featured as a pick of the day yesterday! :)

Have a great holiday!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Have a blessed day with family and friends! :)

Dashboard Re-Cap

Remember last Friday I went to see Dashboard Confessional in concert? It was great because it was just Chris Carrabba and his guitar singing old school songs. Did I mention he's gorgeous?


Anyway, after standing for about 2 hours listening to opening acts and just plain waiting, my friend and I were already ready to leave before he even came out. We both worked and stood at work for countless hours so all I wanted was a seat for my tired feet and back! But once he came out, it was great. It is strange how music can bring back so many memories. "Again I Go Unnoticed" perfectly describes a past relationship. And other songs I just remember listening to and thinking about things. All in all, great concert and I was glad to share it with my friend/co-worker!

P.S. Merry Christmas Eve and Happy 2 1/2 year anniversary to my boy! :)

Don't Forget to enter!

Just a reminder...don't forget to enter the giveaway to win a product that helps you save energy and money by telling you how much it costs to power your favorite electronics.

You can enter by commenting here or here!

Pet Update!

Hannah Banana is getting old! :( She will be 12 in April and I hate seeing her get older, but she is still so cute and sweet even when she begs for treats.

Buddy! He's learned to go up on his hind legs when I say "Up!" and he takes treats nice when you say "Be nice!". He's adorably fun! :)

New Giveaway that helps you save ENERGY and MONEY!

If you live on your own, are thinking about it, or just want to be more environmentally friendly, I bet you're always looking for new tools to help lower your costs of living while thinking about saving energy.

Here's a giveaway to one lucky reader! It is a Kill A Watt EZ electricity monitor (MSRP $60) from Geothermal Genius. This tool will tell you what devices cost you to run, so plug it in to your fan, or computer or anything and see what it costs to run that each day/month/year. This will surely help you to remember to unplug your devices when you're not using them to save energy AND money.

So check out Geothermal Genius for more information. You can even calculate your energy usage and how much you would save with one of their other products, geothermal heat pump.

If you want to win this great product, just comment on this entry! Winners will be chosen in one week.

Boots and Music!

I want these boots! I first saw them on CollegeCandy and fell in love. Too bad they are so expensive! But I love the fact that they lace up. Being a size 10 (yes, I have huge feet), Uggs aren't always so awesome. I have to wear them in the winter, but because I have a large shoe size, the makers of boots apparently think I have huge legs too. So I'd love some winter boots that actually fit my legs too!

What do you think about them?

P.S. I'm going to see Dashboard Confessional tonight so here's one of my favorite old school songs of theirs! :)

Let the "Awwws" begin....

One of my favorite gifts I've gotten in the past few years has to be this necklace. It is a very pretty necklace, but the thought behind it is what I remember most. Inside the box was also a note from my boy that went something like this...

"The first heart is mine who loves you, the second is yours that always cares, and the third is ours together that grows stronger all the time."
<3

Quick Graduation Re-cap

Saturday was my graduation! It was a long, long day but a great one. First I went to my ceremony, which let's be honest....those aren't the most exciting things in the world. Especially when I was in the last row to go across the stage! But I felt really relieved when it was over because then it was time to party!

We had lots of good food, good friends and family! I was floating from room to room trying to talk to everyone and I was really glad that everyone showed up. And one pro to graduation in December...it is like an early Christmas! ;) I'm definitely blessed this year.

Then yesterday was a complete blizzard! I kept wishing the snow would stop and it didn't, so I stayed inside and wrote thank you cards.

What a Day!

Hello friends! I'm off to graduate today with a Bachelor's in Journalism! Then celebrating tonight. I am so excited!

I am also grateful and excited to announce I have a job starting in January for a public relations/marketing company. It starts part-time, so I am hoping to spend some of my free time growing this blog and making it even better. :)

If you have any suggestions on topics, design, anything...feel free to email me at lrstewar (@) gmail.com.

The New Facebook: Love it or Hate it?

Facebook has changed again. The night before the re-design launched, Mark Zuckerberg was interviewed on "60 Minutes" talking about the Facebook movie "Social Network" and the new design of our profile pages.

"60 Minutes" also interviewed the infamous Winklevoss twins who sued Zuckerberg for reportedly stealing their idea. Funniest part of that: The Winkesvoss' admitted they have Facebook accounts!

Anyways, how do you like the new design? Personally, I like it. It shares your photos more effectively and I like the top part that gives snippets of where you work, live and your relationships. You can also show people who your family is and more of who you are and what you like to do. My only complaint is that I wish they would increase the font size again. People out there with bad eyesight like me have a hard time reading such small words!

Hero of the Story...

I love Regina Spektor. Her music is beautiful. I love this song because I think it really speaks to us about the downfalls of being human, but reminds us "no one has it all".

Chat with me!

A button made for me by one of my favorite bloggers, Naturally Nina!

Want to chat with me or simply read more of what I'm up to?

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook! I'd love to hear your thoughts on what I should write about, how you like my blog, or simply how you're doing! :)

Get Free Music!

I found a great way to get music for free when I don't have the money to buy from Amazon or iTunes!

Check out Zamzar.com, a free online file converter website where you can download songs from Youtube right to iTunes!

At first I thought it was too good to be true, but then I tried it when I had to download some music for a PowerPoint for my internship and I didn't want to purchase the songs. All you have to do is find the song on Youtube and copy the URL, tell Zamzar what file you want it in, put in your email address and convert. You'll get a link to download in your inbox and it can go right to iTunes, ready to listen.

Tell me, have you ever used this? What is your favorite way to get new music when you're broke?

Happy December: A List!

I pretty much have a love/hate relationship with snow.

I love how beautiful it looks, but I am terrified driving in it and hate going out in the freezing cold.

But this year (and I'll probably regret saying this when it comes, but oh well), I am kind of excited for snow and definitely the Christmas season! In the spirit of being positive, here's a list of things I love about this time of year.

1. I love the pretty snow, sitting inside and watching it fall. My boy looooves snow and I love seeing how excited he gets.

2. Another great thing about snow is sledding and I can't wait to go this year!

3. My downtown area does a great light show and I'm excited to walk around and see all the beautiful lights.

4. Presents of course! Getting them is awesome and giving is a sweet feeling. :) I'm excited I'm almost done shopping and I've wrapped what I bought already.

5. Hot chocolate is my obsession during the cold months! Try putting a candy cane in there (it's delicious!)...

6. Having many excuses to stay inside and watch movies and cuddle with my boy.

7. Listening to Christmas music...I just downloaded the Glee Christmas CD and it is awesome.

8. Everyone is feeling happy and excited for Christmas around this time of year!

9. This year is special because I'll be done with school before Christmas and won't have to worry about going back after break.

10. Last but not least, I watched one of my favorite Christmas movies the other night..."Elf!"

Would you like to sponsor Lauren's Thoughts?

For the holidays, I'm accepting sponsors at a low rate for your blog or etsy shop!

It will be $10 a month or $15 for two months. Send me a button and I'll post it on the side of my blog.

If you want more information or would like to sponsor, email me at lrstewar@gmail.com!

Happy holidays! xoxo

Do you let others affect your mood?

Do you ever notice that your mood is often affected by other people? And the way you feel about things or places are directly connected to the attitudes of the people around you?

I can relate. When I'm around people who constantly complain or say negative things, I feel myself getting that way and becoming more negative and just plain feeling down. But when I'm with people who make me laugh and are always focusing on the positive, I feel myself growing happier with each moment. It is hard that the people around us often affect us so much without us knowing sometimes. That's why I've learned it is so important to surround yourself with positive people and help change the negative people's moods.

I won't say too much but in my current job, I basically have two jobs at two different buildings but within the same company. One place is filled with people I've become friends with and they are all positive and nice to be around. That makes working better even on bad days! But at the other place, I'm surrounded with people who constantly complain about their lives and the job and it leaves me feeling exhausted and angry. It is crazy to me how these two atmospheres are the same company, but SO different!

So focus on the positive and try to surround yourself with others who do the same. While I know at times this is impossible and you can't always choose the people around you, but don't let yourself be brought down. Listen and emphasize with the Negative Nancys in your life but then try to help them see the positive of the situation and make them laugh and change their mood. It may be hard at first, but it is worth it for your own sanity and health!

Coffee, coffee, coffee!

I've never liked coffee, but always wanted to. I get tired so easily and need tons of sleep so I always hoped I would just one day wake up and love coffee. No such luck so I just avoided it. But lately, I've been obsessed with BIGGBY coffee shop and tried a lot of non-coffee drinks. Until recently, that is. I reluctantly tried a sample of Peppermint stick Mocha. Yummm! I love mint and it didn't taste too much like coffee. I've tried it a few times since and I am so glad I finally like a coffee drink.

Any other suggestions for coffee drinks that don't have too much of a coffee taste?

Things I'm Thankful For...

So of course since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I have to do the cliche "What I'm Thankful For" blog post! :) So here's a list...

1. Graduation quickly approaching. I am so happy that I made it through and I will be done with classes and moving on. I'm also very excited for a grad party! :)

2. New opportunities after I graduate!

3. My boy because he is always sweet and there for me and I love him more each day.

4. My friends and family because as I get older, I learned quality over quantity.

5. Blogging! I just love it and all of you. :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

New dress!

New dress for Graduation/Christmas! I'm completely obsessed with dresses that have pockets. :)

Sometimes...

...PostSecret is so true.

My favorite songs/videos right now!

Cool Site: DailyFeats!

How would you like to be rewarded for things you do every day like taking deep breaths or taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work?

Daily Feats is the place to do so. You don't even have to sign up, you can simply log in with your Facebook account and browse "feats". Feats are positive things you do every day and some you do every once in a while. These feats have different point values, based on how hard they are. For example, eating a fruit or veggie is 2 points, while adopting a pet is 10.

You can follow others and check out what feats they're completing and they can do the same for you. When you "check in" that you've done that feat for the day, it gives you points and you can also make a comment about the feat.

The coolest part is that when you rack up enough good deeds or feats, you can get stuff with your points like gift cards to your favorite places like Amazon.com or Starbucks! So what are you waiting for? Go check in the great stuff you do every day and get rewarded for it.

Come be my friend on DailyFeats and see what I'm doing! :)

Wanna post on my blog?!

So as you read on Monday, I am a busy bee! Between getting school work done, job hunting, intern work, my regular part-time job, graduating, etc. I may not be able to blog as much as I'd like to!

So if you want to help me out and contribute a guest post to my blog, that would be awesome! Email me at lrstewar@gmail.com and send something along and I'll be happy to post some guest posts.

Thanks, readers! xoxo

Where this blog is headed...

Graduation is quickly approaching! Crazy! I remember being in high school feeling like it would never end, and now, I'm at the end of my college years.

I actually have an interview this week already for a job, so wish me luck! I'll be nervous of course, but I can't wait to go learn more about the job and see what kind of atmosphere it is.

This blog has been a college-based blog and I am excited to see where it is headed. It will grow as I grow...into a working girl and whatever else I will be! As always, thanks for being here with me on the journey.

Being Independent

The other day I was watching "Made" featuring twins heading into college who wanted to be made into independent sisters. They were so connected they slept in the same bed and felt anxiety any time they were apart.

Let me tell you, that concept is SO weird for me. That's because I'm an only child. My parents have been great and I'm especially close to my mom, but the older I get, the more independent I've become. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Most people I talk to feel too weird to go to a restaurant or a movie alone. I'm cool with it. Especially in times of school when my friends and boyfriend are busy and my parents are at work, I spend a lot of time with just me.

I admit that things are always much more fun with other people but I definitely require time by myself. Sometimes if I am busy and running around with other people, I just crave time alone.

Do you feel something similar? Any other only children out there?

Jim & Pam

Here was our costumes for this Halloween! Like?

Guest Post from BrainTrack.com about Journalism Jobs!

Will There be Jobs for Journalism Majors?

Just like most college students, journalism majors are wondering what's the job outlook for them. The media industry has been going through huge changes as more people are getting their news from the Internet. Yes indeed, the Internet has provided keen competition to traditional newspapers. Many newspapers have either shut down or or are now providing news via their websites. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that competition will be fierce for positions in large metropolitan and national newspapers, magazines and broadcast stations. Probably not a surprise.

Employment Opportunities

A survey taken by the University of Georgia showed that 55% of graduates majoring in journalism obtained jobs in online writing and editing. The BLS states the best opportunities will be with small publications, small local newspapers and broadcast stations and online newspapers and magazines. There may be freelancing opportunities for beginning newspaper reporters, especially with media websites. Some journalist graduates become freelancers and write about topics they have expertise in. Having a niche can be helpful in finding work.

Employment Projections

The BLS has forecasted a six percent decline between 2008 and 2018 for employment of new analysts, reporters and correspondents. On the bright side, advances in technology may lead to more employment growth by opening up areas of work including online and mobile news divisions. The BLS has projected that science journalists will have good job prospects. Also, some reporter positions will be available due to people leaving the profession.

In 2008 there were about 69,000 news analysts, reporters and correspondent jobs. By the way, in 2008 the median annual earnings for reporters and correspondents was $34,850. The median annual earnings for reporters and correspondents working in radio and television broadcasting in 2008 was $37,710.

Other Career Fields for Journalism Majors

What other types of occupations can journalism majors pursue? Journalism graduates have the background to work in related fields such as advertising, marketing, new analysis and research, media relations, communications and public relations.

Many large companies hire journalism majors for their crisis management division. Due to corporate scandals and other bad news corporations need specialists who have the ability to keep rumors from spreading and putting on a friendly face for embattled companies.

Employers' Preferences

Most employers prefer to hire people that have a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communications that also have gained experience at school newspapers or broadcasting stations or via internships with news organizations. While in college and/or after graduating journalism majors can bolster their resume by providing quality articles, for free to websites.

Some large-city newspapers and broadcasting stations prefer to hire reporters who have a degree in a subject-matter specialty such as political science, economics, science or business. Journalism majors may want to take some classes in one of these subjects to bolster their resume.

Journalism graduates can expect tough competition for jobs. The Internet offers a variety of possibilities. Practical experience, even from non-paying positions is vital.

Brian Jenkins writes about topics related to careers and education for BrainTrack.com. He has contributed to the website's sections on careers in writing and reporting.

Happy Halloween and End of 30 Day Challenge!

Day 29/Day 30 are simply about Halloween. Here's my costume idea this year (I'll post pictures later!) and just a wish for you for a sweet and spooky Halloween.

Thanks again to the lovely Laura for providing some ideas for this 30 Day Challenge. You rock!

This year for Halloween, I'm going as Pam Beesly and my boy as Jim Halpert.

Day 28...

Day 28 is a great/fun/interesting article!

Enjoy...100 Things to Do When You're Upset by Gala Darling.

Vote for me and You'll be Awesome!

You can vote up until November 10th. Please vote for me and pass this along to your family and friends if you love my blog. I have a lot of vote catching up to be in the top 20...
Thank you everyone! xoxo

Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Day 27!

Day 27 is my favorite kid's show...currently. I know, I know, 21-year-olds aren't supposed to watch kid's shows. But occasionally I do! I got hooked on my favorite from babysitting. It is the perfect mix of goofiness, cuteness, and good singing. One of the episodes made a goofy comparison to TMZ, which was awesome. I'm talking about...

VICTORIOUS!

Day 26...

Day 26 is all about ANTM! What is that? America's Next Top Model...

It seems it is always on TV these days in marathons and I've been watching a ton. Here are some of my favorite girls from different seasons. For the current cycle, I definitely want Kayla to win! If you watch, who's your choice?

Here are some more of my favorite girls from past seasons...

Please Vote for Me to win a Job!

Help me win a job as a Good Mood Blogger! The more votes, the better chance I have...

Try to vote every day and pass this along if you would! Thank you so much! :)

Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Day 25...

Day 25 is my daily makeup routine...

I use Falsies Mascara right now...I love long lashes!

I love using blush and bronzer together! It creates a nice glow.

I use this kind of foundation every day. My face tends to be dry but get oily looking during the day and I've found this is one of the only foundations that doesn't get too oily.

And of course I love a good lip balm!

Day 23/24!

Day 23/Day 24 goes together. Day 23 = Something I'm excited about and Day 24 = Something I'm nervous for.

Turns out it is the exact same thing. Graduation in TWO MONTHS.

That seems crazy to me! Starting out in elementary school to middle school to high school to college. School has always been the one constant thing in my life when other things change. Even though I was never really excited by school and hate studying, it seems kind of weird to not have to go to school anymore.

But at the same time, it is so exciting! No more group projects, tests, articles, grades, class...yes! Now I'll be entering the scary world of presenting myself and trying to get a job. Wish me luck, please!

Personal Hair Challenge Update!

Here are some different hair styles I've decided to try...

A low ponytail with a pearl clip on the side.

A cute headband.

Two little gray bow clips I got from Forever 21 making a half ponytail.

One of the gray clips on the side of my hair.

Keep posted for more! And as always, send in your tips! :)

Day 22...

Day 22 is other places I've been published!

Check out the links at the top of my blog and this link for way more stories. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Also don't forget to follow me on Facebook & Twitter!

Have you heard...

....about Groupon.com?

I just bought my first one for an amazing 77% off! I can't tell you what it is because it is a birthday gift for my guy (just in case he reads this!) ;) But if you want to see what it was for today, check out Detroit's Groupon.

And here's my referral code! Feel free to use and get extra discounts. There's one for every city! :)

Day 21!

I love day 21 because I am 21! :) Day 21 features my favorite quote...

I have so many so I am going to copy my Facebook quotes which feature a few of my favorites.

Favorite Quotations

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”♥

Where do they go? The things we think and feel, but never say...-Everwood

"What you feel only matters to you. It's what you do to the people you say you love."-The Last Kiss
...
sometimes we need to stop analyzing the past, stop planning the future, stop trying to figure out precisely how we feel, stop deciding with our mind what we want our heart to feel & sometimes we just have to go with... whatever happens, happens.

what's meant to be will ALWAYS find a way.

"if you're dating a hockey player, raise your glass. if not, raise your standards" :)

"life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away."

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength."

"i would rather do nothing all day and be happy than do something i don't love."-what happens in vegas.

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”-Ghandi

"That thing... that moment when you kiss someone and everything around you becomes hazy, and the only thing in focus is you and this person. And you realize that that person is the only person you’re supposed to kiss for the rest of your life. And for one moment you get this amazing gift. And you wanna laugh and you wanna cry, ‘cause you feel so lucky that you’ve found it, and so scared that it’ll go away all at the same time."

Day Nineteen/Day Twenty..

I am combining Nineteen and Twenty because I feel as if this challenge is going on forever! ;)

Here's my favorite childhood TV show and movie. I had a ton but here are the two that stick out the most in my memories...

&

Day Eighteen...

Day eighteen is the last movie I saw in theaters...

It was adorable and funny. I definitely recommend it. :)

The Friendship I Was Searching For

Looking back on this blog, in the midst of all the fun posts, there were always posts here and there about missing something. About feeling lost without a girl best friend in the same city. Sure, I've always had lots of friends but they were either always letting me down, we were too busy to see each other much, away at college, or living in a different city. I'll always cherish my girl friends and I don't want any of them to feel bad by the posts I write craving more girl camaraderie.
So one of the reasons I've been happy lately is because I've found what I've been searching for. A friend who I can talk to about anything, who lives close and is able to hang out a few times a week, who calls me when I'm sick to see if I'm okay, who updates me on her life, who I have fun adventures with, who will drive me over her laptop because I am stressed and need something on it for work, who doesn't like drama and doesn't get annoyed at stupid things just like me, and the list goes on. It is a friend I've known for a few years, but she was one who went away to school and we didn't get to hang out very often. We grew closer over the summer and she decided to stay home this year, splitting her time between home and school. I am so glad she did! I finally have a best friend who is there when I need her. And I am so thankful for that.

I also want to say I am thankful for all my friends. My boyfriend who is my very best friend and ALWAYS there for me. My sister-friend who lives over an hour away but is still like my sister and I cherish all the moments we can spend together. And to all of my other friends who I may not see as often as we both would like, I love you all. Thank you for all the laughs and the hugs and for everything. Thank you even to the ex-friends, those who I grew apart from in the past few years. You've all taught me something in a different way and I still cherish all our good times.

Day Seventeen...

Day Seventeen is something I've created...

Instead of sharing a picture of something I've created, I'll share a story.

The proudest thing I've created is myself and my confidence. Every girl has low self-esteem at times. Every girl feels shy and weird in her own skin sometimes. When I was younger, I was extremely shy and timid and nervous. I still get that way sometimes, but my confidence has really grown. I am more comfortable in different situations and am working hard every day to work past my nervousness and anxiety. I am proud of the woman I am creating and working hard to be...

Share with me your story!

Day Sixteen...

Day Sixteen is a photo you've taken today...

I am going to use this as a chance to update you on my hair challenge and my 30 day blog challenge! Killing two birds with one stone....

I look a bit odd in this photo but here is my hair after I used a waver tool. :)