A Great Role Model For Women!

On this season of “Dancing With The Stars”, they truly saved the best for last on their first episode. Despite being 60-years-old and not a size 2, Alley rocked her first dance and is a force to be reckoned with this season.

Alley tells E! News, “I did work hard, and I’m going to work harder now. I’ve had the taste of an eight, I want a nine.”

Alley has worked hard and is an amazing role model for all women. She’s had her share of weight struggles like most of us but she never lets her spirit fade and is always “in your face” (like us!).

You may remember her first role that really sparked her career, playing Rebecca Howe on “Cheers”. She won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her appearance on the popular show. She’s also appeared in several TV shows as well as many popular movies such as “Shoot to Kill,” “Summer School,” “North and South,” “North and South, Book II,” and “The Hitchhiker.” Alley has also done numerous television guest spots and hosted “Saturday Night Live” twice.

Yet what most people think about when they think of Alley are her weight struggles. She became a Jenny Craig spokesperson in 2005 and lost and kept off 75 lbs., but when she was done in 2007, she ended up putting the weight back on and then some. This is something every woman can relate to. Fluctuations in weight over time are totally normal, due to stress or kids or in Alley’s case, not having to be accountable anymore.

Soon after, Alley decided to shoot a show called “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life,” a docu-series for A&E which chronicles everything in her life from her weight loss to her life as a single mother trying to raise two normal teenagers in the Hollywood spotlight.

Now she’s working hard to win “Dancing With The Stars” and hopes to lose another 30 lbs. She also started an online weight loss program called “Organic Liaison”. This just proves that Alley never gives up and will keep on the quest to better health.

Looking at Alley and watching her do her thing, you’d never guess she was 60-years-old. She exudes confidence, charm, and a hunger for success: something all women can learn from.

To see the original article, check out ASKinyourface.com!

A Learning Experience

So I thought writing for a website I really liked, College Candy, was going to be a great idea. They were looking for someone to take on a month-long challenge and I emailed them saying I'd like to try giving up chocolate for a month. I didn't even think they would respond being a busy and successful website, but they did and I was excited! You may have seen me post about starting this challenge!

I must say this has been an eye opening experience on how important credibility and professionalism are.

For the first article, they posted it up "By: CC Staff" even though they knew my name and I even sent a picture! But, alright fine, I let it go. I asked to have my blog link in there just to show that I wrote it and didn't think it would be a big deal. They never responded and didn't add it, but the article looked great and I was so excited about being published on a popular website that I didn't even care I couldn't eat chocolate!

The second week however, was different. Words were changed and sentences added without asking me. Not a huge deal, but what really miffed me was that it now said "By Lauren *last name*" and it wasn't my name. It was the editor who I send the articles to. Definitely made it look like she wrote it without any credit to me whatsoever.

I was mad. I want to stay professional with everything I do and sent a nice email with my third article asking if I could get some credit because I'd love to use these published articles in a portfolio. A friend pointed out, perhaps this was a mistake since we are both named Lauren? Maybe. Didn't get a response and when the third article was posted it said "By CC Staff" again.

Oooo best part. They added this sentence that made me sound disgusting: "And really, even if I have a few cheats here and there, it’s still way better than what I would normally doing, right? A petite red velvet cake is still a step up from an entire sleeve of Girl Scout cookies….every day." No, I didn't write that and I don't eat an entire sleeve of cookies every day, thanks!

So now I have one more to write. I have to admit that being so aggravated over this, I gave up giving up chocolate. I don't even care anymore since I proved to myself I could do it for a few weeks. So then I was left with a decision: do I even write and send in a last article? In the end with advice from some journalism friends, I decided to send it in.

But I also wanted to write this blog to warn my blog friends about their website and ensure they don't offer to write for them and go through the same experience. It was definitely a learning experience. I realized you're not always going to deal with a professional website, you perhaps won't get the credit you deserve, and you'll get ignored even if you're doing them a favor.

Live & Learn.

My loves!

Getting dry after a bath!

Wearing my cute scarf!

Here are some cute recent pictures of my pets - they're amazing! :)

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Stickers!

Lately, I've been obsessed with all the new nail trends that have been coming out of the blue! I showed you Nail Fraud stickers, OPI Black Shatter nail polish, and China Glaze Crackle nail polish. Now I've tried the new Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail stickers.

I actually tried it a few weeks ago (the cute butterfly design) and I was in a rush and it wasn't sticking properly so I ended up just taking it off. A few friends told me they loved this brand, so I decided to try it again when I had more time! And it worked this time - the cheetah print is adorable.


What do you think? What is your favorite new nail trend/pattern?

Cool Website For Customized Beauty/Fashion Info!

I would definitely not call myself a fan of Tyra Banks. I love watching "American's Next Top Model" but I think Tyra is pretty annoying and I usually fast forward every part where she talks. Oops. Anyway, regardless of how annoying she can be, she just created a pretty cool website!

I saw her promoting it on TV before it was released and decided to bookmark it to check it out when it was live. The premise: customized articles and tips based on YOU. You login and tell the website different facts about you such as your eye color, skin type, hair problems, etc. It is beauty and fashion tailored to you. There are articles, videos, tips, and advice. All in all, a great tool for any girl who loves learning about new beauty and fashion products or who needs some help with skin problems or just wants new information.

It is called TypeF.com and you can check it out from that link! Have you looked at this website before? Let me know your thoughts!

Get Going With Work Out Music!

Lately, I've been trying to exercise more. I don't really want to dish out the money for a gym so I'm using my Wii, Gold Gym's Dance Workout (So fun! I especially love the cardio boxing!), an old Ab Slide, a REALLY old treadmill, and a recumbent bike. I'm not really a runner, so I need good music to get me going...here are some of my favorite songs to run and work out to right now! I'm not normally into weird rap songs, but these really got me going for some reason! Any more suggestions?

Too Many Electronic Screens!

The other day I was working from home. I didn't have much gas in my car and I really had to wait to fill up until I got paid the next day. So unfortunately, I had to stay at home all day. My boyfriend was coming over but not until later that night. That night I realized, I hadn't been away from a glowing screen ALL DAY except perhaps to use the bathroom and shower. I watched TV, I worked on my laptop, I surfed the web, I set up my new Blackberry and played around with it, and I played games on my Wii. Some of it fun; some productive, but all wrecking havoc on my eyes!

Isn't this a problem these days? I'm sure I'm not the only one who realizes I do this. It certainly doesn't help that all my work involves a computer and writing, blogging, and computer work is my passion. I love technology, but some days I just have horrible headaches and eye strain from staring at screens all day and night. I know this isn't good! Certainly it is the most difficult to stay away from in the winter and in the icky weather. There's nothing really to do outside and with the gas prices so high, it is so easy to just stay inside and watch TV or use a laptop all day.

I absolutely cannot wait until Spring and Summer when I can spend more time outside and give my eyes and head a break from all these electronics! Any advice on what to do until then? I know I should be reading more, asking friends to go out for a lunch break or something, and working out not using a TV. It is just so hard to disconnect sometimes - don't you agree?

Need Blackberry Advice!

I totally want this case! So cute...

My phone could get an upgrade recently, so I sprung for a Blackberry Curve! I've already gotten Pandora and Poynt on there, but I'd love to hear what you think. What are some apps I should download?

Any tips or advice on getting the best use out of my Blackberry would be amazing too! Thanks everyone. :)

Donate/Sponsor Apartment 513...It's a win, win, win!

One of my absolute favorite bloggers, Lacey, is doing something totally different right now! She is now accepting sponsors, but instead of using the money for herself, she is donating 100% of the money from sponsorship to Japan Quake and Tsunami Relief efforts through World Vision.

I thought this was a really cool thing so I decided to sponsor her! Check out her blog, Apartment 513 for more details on how to donate/become a sponsor or simply just check out her adorable blog full of great quotes and pretty words and pictures. Also look for a button to my blog on hers soon. I'm so happy to not only donate, but talk to her and make a new blog friend. :)

Try China Glaze Crackle Nail Polish!

You may remember that I did a review of the new OPI Black Shatter nail polish. Well, now I got my hands on China Glaze Crackle nail polish in six colors! I love that it comes in new colors other than black (I didn't use the black this time because you've seen it!). Right now they have pink, a mint color, purple, gray, white, and black. I used a shimmery white underneath that made the whole nail shine.

Compared to OPI, China Glaze is pretty much the same. I noticed the China Glaze was a little clumpier and maybe doesn't work quite as well as OPI, but it is very similar! I'll definitely be using it just because it comes in different colors and allows you to mix and match with other nail polish colors underneath (remember, the bottom nail polish has to be completely dry before you use the crackle top coat!).

Check out these photos of my nails! What do you think? Will you try it?

Happy Birthday Kevin!

Happy 22nd Birthday to my best friend in the whole wide world/loving boyfriend! xoxoxoxo

10 Ways To Increase Your Brain Power NOW!

1. Don’t try to multi-task if you can help it! Scientific studies show that our brains can’t handle it and can only focus on one thing at a time. Anything that requires concentration or is very important, give it your full focus.

2. Exercise your body AND your brain. Play crossword puzzles or Sudoku, practice an instrument, a new skill or language to keep your brain on its toes.

3. Act like a journalist. In journalism school, I was taught to question EVERYTHING. Do the same and become more curious! It will train your brain to think more and not just accept everything as it is.

4. Use both hemispheres of the brain. Figure out which one is your dominant hemisphere. The left side is for more analytical things such as math problems and the right is all about creativity. Which do you think you use more?

5. Learn your sleeping patterns. They say the average person needs around 8 hours to function great during the day, but everyone is different! You might need more or less, so figure out how much sleep you need to be at your best.

6. While studying or learning important information, start pacing. This doesn’t mean you’re nervous, it actually helps your brain! If you are reading a book, start pacing. Movement gets the blood flowing and this helps oxygenate your brain.

7. Now, exercise your body! Exercise has been shown to help memory and brain activity. Exercise now has so many benefits, it hurts you not to start working out!

8. Be social! Staying social active and surrounding yourself with good people has been shown to keep your brain sharp well into old age.

9. Search the web. Going through the Internet and learning will help your brain stay active and keep you interested in the world.

10. Eat dark chocolate! We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: dark chocolate is good for you. It contains Dopamine which aids in learning and memory.

Visit Dumb Little Man to get even more tips for keeping your brain sharp!

Check out ASKinyourface.com for my original article!

March = No Chocolate & Writing About it...

Check out my post on CollegeCandy.com! (And no, that's not a picture of me! Haha!) They have a fabulous website and I am lucky enough to be writing 4 articles for them this month. The unlucky part - I'm giving up chocolate for March to write these! Check 'em out every Saturday this month. :)

Go Green and Save Green!

I'm writing a weekly column on ASK In Your Face called "Greener By the Minute"! Check out my first post...

We are starting a weekly column to bring you tips, advice, the latest news, ideas, and information on "going green" or being more environmentally friendly. We hope it inspires you to take small steps in your life to go organic, recycle more, or do anything that helps our Mother Earth and to encourage your friends and family to do so as well. For our first post we are going to help you "go green" by giving you tips on ways to be environmentally friendly AND save money. Because who doesn't want to save a little dough and feel good about what it is doing for our planet?

1. Clean Greener: Make cleaning products from household items you already have, save money from buying cleaning supplies from the store, and keep the poisonous chemicals out of your home that could hurt you, your children, or your pets. Click here for recipes on how to make effective cleaning products from things you already have around the house, such as baking soda, lemon juice, and water.

2. Visit your local library: Instead of buying books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines, head to your local library and pick up a copy for free. Not only will you save money and get to read or watch new things more often, you will be saving paper and plastics from ending up in the landfill.

3. Use vodka!: Not just for drinking, vodka can be used for soothing toothaches and poison ivy rashes to cleaning clothes and surfaces. Check out more money-saving ways to use vodka here.

4. DIY energy audit: Find a checklist online and do a quick energy audit in your home to see where you're wasting energy and ways to improve your carbon footprint.

5. Change your computer settings: Did you know that 90% of desktop computers are not optimized for energy efficiency? Use the "sleep" or "hibernate" settings every time or turn off your devices when they are not in use. Also, use a surge protector to make sure they turn off all the way.

6. Use rechargeable batteries: It may not seem like much, but recharging your batteries instead of always buying new ones definitely adds money in your pocket. It also cuts down on the batteries that end up in your local landfill.

7. Freecycle!: No, you shouldn't just recycle, but freecycle too! Log on to the world of freecycling, and you can get and unload a huge array of items...all for free! It's simple and fun, and doesn't cost a dime. You can easily get rid of things you never use and get something you might love! Remember, one person's trash might be another person's treasure...

8. Save water: First invest in a eco-friendly water bottle so you can say goodbye to using plastic bottles every day. Then use less hot water around your house: take shorter showers, fix leaky faucets, and put a full water bottle in your toilet tank to save water with every flush. Conserve that H₂O!

9. Start a garden: Gardening will not only save you money on buying the fruits and veggies you love, but will provide the freshest and most delicious organic produce. Ask around your neighborhood for extra seeds or tools they are no longer using and save even more!

10. Go Fuel-Efficient: If you're looking to get a new car, try a hybrid or something more fuel efficient than your SUV. If you're not looking to get a car, something you can do now is to use cruise-control in your own vehicle. This saves gas and is better on your brakes.

For more tips on going green and saving money, check out TheDailyGreen.com.

Check out the original post on ASKinyourface.com.

Cool news!

I'm now a featured blogger on Twenty-Something Bloggers! I believe for the whole month of March. Their website is a great way to connect with other bloggers around the same age...check it out!

My Favorite Advice for You!

I'm always thinking. Always! Sometimes inspiration strikes me to write about something in the car or in the shower. It could be anywhere. I'd love to share with you some of my words of wisdom and things to say to yourself when you feel down in the dumps.

♥Surround yourself with people with good and big hearts and you'll feel yours grow and happiness follow.

♥Everything happens for a reason. Even bad relationships or traumatic events eventually lead to something good.

♥Always trust your instincts and listen to your heart. If you don't and make mistakes, don't beat yourself up. There is always room for change.

♥Do what makes you happy. If someone does not have your best interests in mind, move on.

♥A good attitude is all about gratitude. Basic rules of being human: always say please and thank you and let people know you appreciate them.

♥Know that everyone has moments of loneliness, sadness, weakness, and sickness. The best part of this? It never lasts! Unfortunately great moments pass too, but next time you're feeling low or hurt...just remember that it will go away eventually...

Check out The Daily Leap!

You can now read from me not only here at Lauren's Thoughts, on ASKinyourface.com, but on the Daily Leap! I'll be blogging about post grad topics and I'm very happy to do so. Check out my first post here on being social media savvy as a post grad. Hope you enjoy it!