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.