Watch out! New Website on the Loose!

Hey guys! Hope your week is going well and hope everyone had a great Easter! 

My last blog was a little about the new site StuffDOT.com and as I previously stated I wanted to write a little more in-depth about it so you all know what it is I am talking about. 

I started interning for AOI Marketing in early Jan. and have been loving it! I am helping jump-start a new website called StuffDOT.com. This is a great new site because it rewards users for their recommendations, I have never heard of any other website that does that! Signing up is free and all you do is post different items, products, movies, etc. that you are interested in and have bought or are looking to buy. If someone else buys what you posted, the site makes sure that you are rewarded for your efforts! 

They have teamed up with hundreds of retailers around the U.S. and users are signing up fast. Retailers have agreed to contribute 10% and higher towards rewarding StuffDOT members, and believe me when I say the money adds up! All you need to do is click on the “claim rewards” button when you wish to cash out. Rewards come in forms of your own choosing such as: gift cards to your favorite places, directly to your PayPal account, or donating to 1 of three charities.

The site is still in its beta stage but will soon be in full swing! We are currently working on creating specific StuffDOT pages for colleges. So far we have pages for University of Wisconsin-Stout, University of Minnesota, Iowa State, Winona State, and we are working on more.

I encourage everyone to check it out and see what is trending on StuffDOT! 

Goodbye Shows

It’s that time of year again. School is coming to a fast halt with finals just around the corner, and thank goodness! This girl needs a major break. I’m thinking flying to Fiji, getting the best massage in town while having topless good looking men serve me drinks 😉 Sounds like heaven right? Sadly my bank account disagrees with my dreams. Do you want to know what’s worse? All my shows are coming to the mid-season end as well! 

I wrote a post before about how many shows I watch and how involved I get into them, I was glad to hear that I am not the only one! But now what? This is truly one of the saddest times of the year; having to wait one, two, sometimes even three months until our shows are back on the air. I will tell you one thing though, I will have a lot more free time…which I guess is a good thing. But I have the feeling that I will be going through some major withdrawals. There are a couple shows I know of that are finally coming back this winter that I am super excited for! Pretty Little Liars and their sister show The Lying Game. (I don’t know if any of you watch the show or have kept up with it recently, but Spoiler Alert!!!!) Now that Toby is all A-Team, this should be a very interesting season. All I can think about is poor Spencer though! She does not deserve this betrayal at all. I have many theories about the show…they could take up a completely different post…but I am pretty sure that Aria is head -A. Does anyone else out there agree with me? This post took a different direction than planned ha…woops!

With the absent shows in my life, I guess I could start watching some new ones that I have been very curious about. Homeland is one that I keep hearing rave reviews about, same with Breaking Bad, which I know is on its last season…but better late than never! Anyone seen the new Sherlock Holmes show Elementary? Any good? I guess I have been rambling on for a little too long now about nothing really…just some thoughts I wanted to put out into the world. 

Is anyone else as sad as I am about all these shows coming to an end? Feel free to comment on anything that I mentioned above. 

Over a Decade Later

 

If you grew up in the 90’s, then Boy Meets World was definitely on the top of your TGIF list. BMW is hands down one of the best shows from the 90’s. And what makes it the best is the fact that this show ran for seven years without all the hyped up drama you see on television nowadays. BMW takes you back to when shows didn’t need cheating boyfriends, pregnancy scares, sex, and drugs to get viewers to tune in. It was honest, funny, and real and dealt with practical life issues that we as adolescents came up against everyday. 

This is why I am soooooooo happy to hear that Boy Meets World is coming back into our lives! Well…sorta. The show is getting a revamp and will be called Girl Meets World. The original actors Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel are coming back to reprise their roles as Cory and Topanga. The show will pick up a decade later, from when it ended in 2000, and will follow the life of their 13 year old daughter Riley. Can you say excited much??!

The original creator of the show, Michael Jacobs, is currently working on the sequel series, which gives me even more hope that this could actually be a good idea. When I first heard the rumor that this show was in talks to be made into a sequel, my mind went straight into defensive mode. I thought, “how could they even think about re-doing BMW? It is a cult classic and will in no way compete with the original.” But, after doing some more research and reading about all the ideas the creator has, I am actually looking forward to the pilot episode. Knowing that Michael Jacobs is behind the sequel and that Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel have officially signed on, my mind is a little more at peace. Jacobs wants to take the morals and ideals that were in the first series and transfer them into the sequel. Although I still know that nothing can beat the original, I am looking forward to seeing what Girl Meets World will bring to the table. 

What are your thoughts about this new revamped series? Do you think it’s a good idea? Bad? Share your thoughts and opinions! 

Customer Service

Don’t you just love when when places have excellent customer service? It really makes your day so much better. 

I have dealt with some pretty crappy customer service from places…(cough wal-mart)…that leave you feeling completely un-helped and angry. When you receive poor customer service it can pretty much ruin your day and put you in a bad mood.

An example of excellent customer service is the site Shoedazzle.com. I tried placing an online order yesterday (yay cyber Monday!) and for some odd reason it would not work. I had ordered from them before so naturally I didn’t understand what had gone wrong. I decided to take my problem to Twitter. I tweeted about how the site would not let me place an order, and within a span of a couple minutes one of their representatives tweeted me back offering to look into it. After a few e-mails sent back and forth and one missed call, we were able to connect and talk over what was happening with my account (this all happened today…not during cyber Monday). He was very helpful and helped me place the order over the phone as well as fixed my account information. And even though it wasn’t cyber Monday anymore, he still gave me the deal of the original 40% off! I got off the phone feeling satisfied and happy with the way the company handled the situation. They really do care about their customers!

 

It’s a Classic

I am a huge fan of musicals, I have been ever since I can remember! whether I am seeing Wicked on stage or just sitting at home watching an old musical, I am completely absorbed in it. Old musicals have always held a soft spot in my heart whether its The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific, or The King and I, I can’t get enough of them! But, I have to say that my all time favorite musical is Singin’ in the Rain.

The story is set in 1927 and revolves around Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly), Kathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds), and Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor). It is a musical comedy that takes a lighthearted look into Hollywood, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to talkies. And if you haven’t seen it, it should go on your Must Watch List immediately!! Seriously…stop reading this blog and head on over to your nearest DVD rental place or go to Netflix and watch it. It will become one of your all-time favorites too! The musical numbers are catchy, the dancing looks effortless (when what they do is actually really hard) and the cinematography is beautifully done. Watching Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor during their dance scenes are pure joy. Debbie Reynolds lights up the screen and her voice is impeccable! With all this great chemistry on screen and the amazing dance numbers, its no wonder that this movie has stayed a classic for so long.

Things I’ve Never Heard Of

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Last week I was having lunch with a friend and we were discussing the differences between living in the cities versus living out in the country. She was naming all these activities, and as far as I know she was speaking a whole other language. When I told her I had no idea what she was talking about, she was shocked, which led to a good laugh.

The first activity that she brought up was “mud bogging”. She said those words and my mind went blank. What on earth is mud bogging? I figured it had to do something with mud, so props for me…but the bogging? Completely clueless. For those of you who, like me, have no idea what that is, mud bogging is a form of off-road motorsport where the goal is to drive your vehicle (truck) through a large pit of mud. …I am guessing this is the type of thing you need to actually experience? When hearing her talk about this I realized just how different we have grown up. We really don’t live that far apart, yet our lives and the way we grew up are polar oposite. She thought because I am also from the midwest it would mean that we would both have the same knowledge about various activities. It is very interesting seeing how many differences we have when comparing one another.

Another subject that was brought up was tractor pulling, which I can assume involves pulling tractors. Things people do to entertain themselves just makes me laugh. They would both be interesting to see though!

I know I am not the only one who has never heard of these things, so please give a shout out so I know I’m not the only one!

Shows Shows and More Shows

So…I have done something bad and I feel like I need to come clean. I am officially addicted to four new shows from the 2012-2013 line-up. Now this may not seem like much to some people, but added on to the other shows that I watch (I think I’m close to hitting the 20 mark), its a lot. I am what some people would call a huge television show and movie buff. Shows and movies have always captured my attention more than anything else, which is not good when that something else is school and homework! I do want to work in the entertainment business, so its not like my obsession is going to complete waste. I could probably tell you all the actors in every show, who directed what episode, and all the behind the scenes details…this is how invested I am in what I watch. You may call it sad; I’ll just call it committed 🙂

The shows that I am currently falling in love with are: Arrow, Beauty and the Beast, Nashville, and Guys With Kids. Now before you judge me on any of them…have you watched them? I was curious about the show Arrow when I first heard that they were making it. I remember everyone getting in a little fit because he had apparently had a part in the show Smallville and the thought of the character having his own show was just too much or something (sarcasm included). But I have to say after the first couple of episodes I was hooked! The way the directors and writers have worked together to create this new gritty storyline is nothing but perfection. I was thinking it would be more like Smallville, but surprisingly its reminding me a little of Dexter, which is definitely not a bad thing. Unlike Superman, Oliver (Arrow) does not hesitate when it comes to taking down his enemy. He speaks and acts like he has a moral compass and can feel human emotions but when you look into his eyes there seems to be no reflection of these things. This show literally has me on the edge of my seat!

The next on my watch list is CW’s Beauty and the Beast. Now I have to be honest with you guys, I wasn’t expecting much from this show. Your taking the name of a classic Disney movie and putting it in real time with real people, needless to say people will be skeptical. But I am never one to completely write something off my list without giving it a shot. Even though the first couple episodes started out a little slow, I am glad I kept watching! I was worried I would find the main character Catherine, played by Smallvilles Kristin Kreuk, to be annoying and needy, but I could not have been more wrong! She plays the part perfectly and you can see how good the chemistry is with all the characters on screen. If you like fantasy and sci-fi I would suggest checking it out!

Nashville is far from either Arrow or Beauty and the Beast. I say if you like country music, a brilliant cast, strong storyline, hot guys, hot girls, then this is your show! Glee definitely paved the way for this show and thank God! Before the pilot episode was even over I knew I was going to want more. Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere play their roles so honestly it takes my breath away. And the fact that they are both really talented singers doesn’t hurt! I have already bought their songs on iTunes and have them on repeat. I can see this show up for many awards in the future. If none of this is selling you, its on ABC network and their shows just rock in general. This is the network that brought us Once Upon a Time, Revenge, Modern Family, and so much more. I highly recommend this show!

Last but certainly not least is the new show Guys with Kids. I initially wasn’t going to watch this show because of all the other ones that I am currently committed to, but my roommate was non-stop talking about it. She was begging me for weeks to check it out, so I caved. This has got to be one of the best new comedies on television! I was literally laughing out loud the whole way through. This show doesn’t try to be overly funny or crude or make stupid jokes. It is witty and real, and doesn’t try too hard which makes it even funnier. I am not kidding when I say that I watched 5 episodes straight through because I just wanted to keep the laughs coming. Before you go thinking how much time I wasted, its only a half hour show…which means 24 minutes tops, much shorter than the shows mentioned above. So if you readers don’t take anything else from this post, then take this, watch Guys With Kids!!! You will not regret it!

Anyone else a huge show/movie buff like me? Share your favorite shows and movies! I would love to discover more!!….if I haven’t already stumbled upon it 🙂

Whose ready for Halloween!

I don’t know about any of you, but I absolutely LOVE Halloween. It is my favorite time of year. I love the scary movies, haunted hayrides, haunted houses, playing dress up, carving pumpkins, the whole shabaam! And its the only time of year where you can take pictures with random strangers and have it be acceptable without looking like a major creeper. 

Halloween is when you can let your creativity loose and do/make whatever you want. I usually make two different costumes to wear during the weekend. This year a friend and I went as Sophia Grace and Rosie. If you don’t know who they are then you should most definitely look them up on YouTube! We went all out for them making our own tutus and microphones. Then on Saturday we went as superheroes, again making our capes and headbands/wristbands/belts/shoes. We looked awesome!

I seriously think that half the fun of going out is the process of making your costumes. With each cut or stitch you become more and more excited! Or… maybe its just me and my five year old personality coming out. Does anyone else put as much effort into there costumes as I do? Whatever, I love Halloween and everything that comes along with it. 

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend as much as I did, And I wish you all an early Happy Halloween! 

Life

Hey guys,

So I have been thinking of what to write on here for a few days now, and I just can’t come with anything interesting. My mind is on overload with everything else I have been assigned to do over the past week. Now, I don’t know about any of you, but I am definitely starting to feel the stress this semester. From taking 16-17 credits (I don’t actually remember which one) to schoolwork, and having to go to work 4-5 times a week my mind and body just want to clock out and sleep. And this doesn’t even include other outside stresses and or responsibilities like time being committed to friends and family, clubs in school, etc. 

I honestly don’t know how I get anything done and stay (for the most part) a sane person. Is it this hard for everybody, or just me? I mean, I do like to procrastinate, but no more really than the average person…honestly. Can’t there be some sort of magical pill to take where you become super productive and don’t tire out? That would seriously be fabulous. Actually, that reminds me of that Glee episode, anyone know what I am talking about? I think it was called Vitamin D? Or C? I don’t know, some letter in the alphabet. If you haven’t seen that episode, you should look it up! Its pretty hilarious. 

So as you have noticed, this blog really has no point to it…just the ramblings of an over-stressed, in desperate need of a chill pill, along with a shot of espresso (if I liked coffee) gal. Comment if ya want, and if you want to include anything about me not being the only stressed out person in school…well, that would be stupendous. 

Link

The New “Normal”

This article popped up on my newsfeed while I was on Facebook today…not because I am connected to the New York Times, but because I “liked” the show Awkward. (Which if you haven’t seen I would highly recommend! It’s hilarious) One of the stars of the show is featured in the article which talks about how bigger (I say normal) looking girls are attracting more attention than ever before. 

Larger, or normal looking women are now being portrayed on Television and in movies. They are now getting lead roles on both the small and big screen. And I say it’s about damn time! The “fat” girl no longer has to be the funny sidekick whose character is based on her weight. Comedians are slowly paving the way for “normal” looking women in the entertainment business. And when I say normal I mean the average looking American, not the stick thin girls you see on America’s Next Top Model or the overly obese that you see on some shows/movies. I hope that young girls can look at these women and see them as role models.  There is so much negative emphasis in our society on how a girl/woman should look.

Brace yourselves; I am about to get personal. I won’t bore you with all the gritty details, but ever since I can remember, my mother has dealt with Anorexia/Bulimia. When I was a young girl I had no idea about the disease that she struggled with, so when I saw how thin she was I would see that as normal. To get more confirmation on what a “normal” girl “should” look like, all I would have to do is turn on the television or pop in a movie. I used to view myself as ugly because I did not live up to my mom’s or televisions standards and the unrealistic expectations they put on girls/women’s bodies. Besides for the mom part, I am sure there are thousands of other young girls who must have felt the same way that I did.

And it is for this reason that I am so happy to see society’s views on the average looking girl shift. It is a slow process, but I believe that with this new generation, people will view body images differently. Super thin is no longer sexy or desired and starving yourself is frowned upon. The new “normal” image is making its way into our living room or right in front of us in the theatre seats. I embrace it with open arms and I hope you do too.