Monday, March 28, 2011

101 Reasons Not to be Without Pre-Paid Legal’s Life Events Legal Plan

101 Reasons Not to be Without Pre-Paid Legal’s Life Events Legal Plan: http://www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/vquerns60

1.  You don’t have an up-to-date will.
2.  You don’t understand the difference between a trust and a will.
3.  Family members challenge your parent’s will.
4.  You don’t understand your health insurance plan or the new Medicare Prescription Act.
5.  The IRS selects you for an audit.
6.  Your parents die and leave you executor of their estate.
7.  You are tired of hidden fees at your bank.
8.  You have a retirement savings plan.
9.  You change jobs.
10. You receive a speeding ticket.
11. You are buying or selling your home.
12. Your driver’s license is suspended.
13. Your landlord raises rent in violation of your verbal agreement.
14. Your teenager is accused of shoplifting.
15. You decide to change your name.
16. Your new washing machine doesn’t wash.
17. Creditors threaten to take action against you for your ex-spouse’s debts.
18. A neighbor or school reports you for child abuse.
19. You adopt a child.
20. A friend or neighbor is injured on your property.
21. Your dog bites an elderly passerby.
22. A friend owes you money and files bankruptcy.
23. A stranger calls and demands money or damaging information will be released.
24. Your car is damaged by a hit-and-run driver.
25. You accidentally back over a neighbor’s garbage can.
26. A hairdresser damages your hair with harsh chemicals.
27. Your car is repossessed unjustly.
28. You are subpoenaed.
29. You are called to jury duty.
30. Your long drive off the tee injures another player.
31. You need a lease agreement reviewed.
32. Your son is injured in a football game.
33. A neighbor trips over a rake in your yard.
34. A jeweler sells you defective merchandise.
35. A car dealership gains illegal access to your credit history.
36. You are hit by a bottle at a baseball game.
37. A tenant falls down stairs and sues you.
38. Your dog is poisoned.
39. You are injured when you slip on a wet floor in a public building.
40. Your cattle trample a neighbor’s garden.
41. Your neighbor’s dog barks for hours every night.
42. Your teenager gets a speeding ticket.
43. Your landlord enters your apartment without permission.
44. Your child throws a baseball through a neighbor’s car window.
45. You don’t have a living will or medical power of attorney.
46. Your boat is damaged while in storage.
47. Your landlord refuses to refund your cleaning deposit.
48. You lose an expensive watch in a hotel and the manager denies liability.
49. A speeding car nicks your car bumper because you have parked in the street.
50. A merchant refuses to honor a guarantee.
51. You have an accident driving your friend’s boat.
52. Your spouse claims a right to your earnings.
53. A record club sends merchandise after you cancel your membership.
54. You are refused service at a restaurant.
55. A property manager refuses to rent to you.
56. You are denied credit for no apparent reason.
57. You are fired.
58. The auto repair shop threatens small claims court for money you don’t owe.
59. Your car insurance is cancelled when your teenager is involved in an accident.
60. Your child needs special education in public school.
61. You made a sizable gift to charity.
62. Angry words result in a slander law suit.
63. You need a patent for an invention.
64. You need a copyright for your manuscript.
65. You are wrongly accused of committing a crime.
66. Your right to privacy has been invaded.
67. Your car is vandalized in a parking lot.
68. A postal carrier slips on your unshoveled walk and breaks his or her leg.
69. You have a housekeeper in your home.
70. You are stopped for speeding and a friend is in possession of marijuana.
71. Your teenager wrecks the car and a friend is injured.
72. You care for your elderly parents.
73. You receive social security disability or medicaid.
74. You are cheated by a door-to-door salesman.
75. A repairman charges more than a given estimate.
76. A creditor tries illegal collection tactics.
77. An accident results in a personal injury.
78. You are scheduled to appear in small claims court.
79. Your new house has bad plumbing and a leaky roof.
80. You take a vacation and your “room with a view” is a view of the trash dumpster.
81. A minor is caught breaking into your home.
82. You have a fender bender while driving a friend’s car.
83. You have liability questions in launching a new business.
84. A former employer refuses to pay you your final compensation.
85. Your neighbor’s dog bites your child.
86. You have a property line dispute over a newly installed fence.
87. You’re asked to testify as a witness to a robbery.
88. You need a premarital agreement.
89. You’re buying or selling a car.
90. Your child’s school demands a drug or alcohol test.
91. Your bank sends a foreclosure notice after one house payment is late.
92. A retail store won’t accept the return of defective merchandise.
93. A repairman won’t stand behind his work.
94. A trespasser is caught poaching on your land.
95. You are leasing acreage.
96. You receive a letter from a creditor and it is not your debt.
97. A bank turns you into a credit bureau unjustly.
98. You need advice concerning a divorce.
99. You own your own small business.
100. You can’t make heads or tails out of the new tax forms.
101. Your husband or wife uses physical force against you.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Now is the Time

Now is the time. In these tough economic times, wouldn't it be nice to have a "Plan B" or better yet, a plan to actually prosper? With this opportunity, you may be able to not only survive but thrive in a time when the news of the day revolves around a struggling economy wrought with layoffs and cutbacks.

*Make a meaningful income in a relatively short period of time
*Secure a solid future for your family today
*Offer a product that everyone needs

Give me 15 mins to explain:
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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Tips for Planning a Road Trip

Road trips are a true American pastime. Grab someone you enjoy spending a LOT of time with and hop in the car. With just a little planning, you can have fun and still be spontaneous.

First thing to shop for is a current road atlas. Of course a GPS is good to have, but keep the maps as a backup. You can use Google Maps to plan your route and have a couple alternate routes in mind.

Go shopping for snacks and drinks for the car. Save some food money by eating a complimentary breakfast at your hotel. Plan to stop at a quick, fast-food place for lunch. Save your food money for a nice dinner spot at your destination later that night.

Fill your iPod with good driving music. Look for a few radio phone applications that are available. Also try some books-on-cd for a change of pace from the radio. Make sure your cellphone has internet access. Bring a pre-paid phone card as backup for those remote areas with no cell service.

Estimate gas charges and plan daily food allowance and spending money. If you are on a tight budget, it's important to keep your daily expenses organized and set aside, so you don't run out of money before the trip is over. And keep a credit card free for any emergency car repairs. Get an oil change and other necessary maintenance on the car before leaving. Roadside assistance membership is important too. Make sure your spare tire is in good condition. And don't wait till the last minute to fill up on gas. Keep an eye on your meter and for any road signs that say "last gas station for 30 miles".

Loosely plan your hotel and sight-seeing stops. Research some good tourist spots that are off the beaten path. Depending on traffic, tourist stops and other factors, you may change your hotel locations as the trip progresses. Check with your Facebook network for great tourist stops or even a place to stay. Seems like we have such a widespread network of friends nowadays. You never know if a friend has a friend with a guest room in the town you are passing through.

Be flexible on your trip. Sometimes the best road trip stops are unplanned, like seeing a sign on the side of the highway for the coolest place ever! Go with the flow.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Tips For Staying Motivated

Motivation is an ongoing process that should include every facet of your life. It only takes a little concentrated effort to keep motivated and productive, which can lead to success. There will always be obstacles in reaching our goals and everyone needs a little help maintaining direction.

Have a positive attitude. We are responsible for our own actions and attitudes. When you're around people and things that are uplifting and positive, you feel that way. You have more confidence in yourself, and know you can change whatever needs improving.

Create positive affirmations. The reason for writing goals for your business is the same reason for creating positive affirmations on paper. What you see and hear, your mind will believe. After you've written them down, read them aloud to yourself - and do it every morning. You'll be amazed at what happens. Come up with a set of new affirmations every month. Statements such as, "I'm an important and valuable person," or "I know I'll make good use of my time today." Repeating them out loud everyday at a set time will help reinforce positive actions.

Take time for yourself. Constantly working can make you feel burned out. It's necessary to take time for yourself in order to recharge and keep the creative juices flowing. Take 15 minutes a day to read from a good book. Set aside 2 hours a week to go to a movie or museum. Remind yourself of the reasons why you are working so hard in the first place - to have more time freedom to do what you want.

Keep your "Reason Why" always in view. Put up pictures of your kids close to your computer to remind you of why you are working so hard. Or even the obstacles getting in your way. They should be a reminder of why you don't give up. Don't file your credit card bills away. Keep them hanging in your office as a reminder of your goal to pay them off. If there is someone in your life that isn't supportive, then put up that negative email or picture near your desk. Remember, success is the best revenge.

Check for this and more fun articles posted here.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Journaling - Techniques for Creativity and Self-Improvement

Whether you're a writer looking to free up some creativity or just looking for an outlet for emotions, journaling is an important step toward self-empowerment. Your journal is your new best friend. Use it as often as you wish when you're experiencing gratitude, sadness, joy or success.

When I look back at my earlier journals, I see a lot of complaining, a lot of negative thoughts, and a lot of "I wish...". Don't hold those emotions in. You have to get it out somehow! You will find that your written thoughts will turn into positive words over time.

Gratitude Journal

Something I find very effective in starting a day off great is writing about what I'm grateful for. What's better than starting a day with being thankful for the day ahead? It doesn't take very long to write a few sentences about the positive things. Start every entry with "I'm happy and grateful for...". Be grateful for the amazing partner you have in your life. Be grateful for the wonderful house you live in. Be grateful for the productive workday you intend to have. It's up to you. Create your day.

Morning Pages

I love this journaling technique from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. The key thing is to pick up the journal when you first wake up in the morning, before doing anything. Come out of your sleep-induced coma and start your stream of consciousness writing. Write about your dreams, your plans for the day, whatever has been filling your mind as you slept.

Letters Not Sent

Another useful way to journal is by writing a letter to someone with no intention of sending. It could be a letter to someone who has passed on. Or to someone for whom you still have hurt feelings, that you wish to let go. Writing about the emotions you're feeling is a great cathartic release.

Journaling can help solve problems. If you have a tough decision to make, write down all of the pros and cons to help make the right decision. It's also great to help clarify your goals. Writing down short-term and long-term goals is a great first step toward attaining those goals. If you are clear on what you want, you will be closer to achieving it.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Happiness Today - Easy Ways to Find Joy and Happiness Naturally

There are many ways to bring joy into your life naturally, without spending money on therapy or prescription drugs. Look for ways to be happy through your experiences, instead of material things. Here are a few life changes you can make now to brighten up your days.

Sunshine
Sunshine is the best way to get your daily amount of Vitamin D. A lack of Vitamin D is linked with depression. 15 minutes a day is all it takes. If you live in a cloudy part of the world, a natural sunlamp is effective too.

What are you listening to?
Music is an important part of life. It doesn't matter what genre of music you listen to -- if it makes you happy, you need to make it a part of your daily life. Turn up the volume while you are cleaning the house or listening to the iPod on the way to work. I also like personal development audiobooks. Look in the bookstore in the Self-Help section for authors such as Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay.

Media Overload
Step away from the Blackberry! Set specific times throughout the day to check email. Morning, afternoon and evening works best. Turn off the notifications. How much news do you watch or read on a daily basis? Try going on a news fast. Limit how much news you are exposed to everyday. And one more suggestion:  turn off the computer at least 2 hours before going to sleep.

Meditation
Create an alter as a sanctuary with objects that make you happy. Pictures of loved ones, a souvenir from a fun trip, religious symbols. Meditation takes practice and there is no immediate or calculated result. In my own words, meditation is about sitting down and shutting up. Yes, your first few attempts at silence won't be successful. Your mind will be flurrying with what's for dinner and what you forgot to put on the to-do list. But maybe that's the point. Sit down and listen to the sounds around you. Be present. The more you practice meditation, the more peaceful it will seem. There are many different types of meditation. Find one that works for you and that you feel comfortable with.

Positive People Energy
Who are you spending time with? Limit time with friends or family that consume your energy or give off negative energy. Find friends that inspire you, make you laugh and have positive energy. Make them an important part of your life.

Laughter is the Best Medicine
Now I know this may seem silly, but if you're reading this article, then you need to bring some more silliness into your life. Rent a season of the TV show Will and Grace. Or choose another favorite sitcom. Purchase a couple of DVD sets and pull them out whenever you need a pick-me-up.

Monday, January 3, 2011

5 Steps to Becoming a Professional Actor

So you want to be an Actor? Here are some basic steps to take to become a Professional Actor. With a little hard work and determination, you can turn a hobby into a profession.

Classes

Start out by looking for an Acting Technique class. Even if you think you have natural talent, there is still something to be learned and it's necessary for your resume. Every teacher has their own style, so compare classes and find one that's right for you. Next, find a Scene Study class. You will learn about working with other people, auditioning and creating a character. You will also learn more about what your "type" is. Your personality will help you define your "type" and what role you would be most cast in. Whether you are a leading man type or character type, this will help you find roles to audition for. If you have troubles finding a class right away, check out Book on Acting to start your training.

Audition Preparation

It's a good idea to have a monologue ready, especially for theater auditions. If you are auditioning strictly for film and TV, you won't need one very often, but you never know when an agent will want to see one. Have one comedic and one dramatic monologue memorized and practiced. Cold Reading is another audition skill to work on. There are classes on this technique, but you can also improve your cold reading skills by practicing and auditioning more often.

Headshots

A good headshot is your calling card. You will need one for every audition. Shop around a few headshot photographers to see different styles. Have a dramatic shot and one with a great smile. And try a few different outfits, such as casual, business-casual and professional. Have quality reproductions done at a professional photo studio.

Experience

Once you have pictures and a couple classes down on your resume, you will want to get some experience to add to your resume and also to create a demo reel of your work. Craigslist is great for student film auditions and indie films that won't pay much, but necessary for building experience and a network of contacts in the business. Add each finished project to your resume. Make sure to get a finished copy of your work on CD or DVD in order to create your demo reel. This is helpful in finding an agent and also for getting more work. Online casting websites are used by all the major Casting Directors. Get an account with one or all of these main casting websites - Actors Access, Nowcasting and Casting Networks.

Marketing

Treat the Entertainment Business like any other business. Marketing is very important to an Actor. You are your own Marketing, Sales and Public Relations Department. In addition to submitting for auditions, you must send out regular mailings of your headshot with updates on your career. Keep the Casting Directors and Agents interested and they will call you into their office.

Do your research! Just like any career, training and education is important. There are many great how-to books for the Acting Business at any level. In addition to talent and skill, a long acting career requires patience, determination and faith. Enjoy the journey and stay positive!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Effective List-Making - How to Organize Your Thoughts

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your personal or career workload, the solution may be as simple as organizing your to-do list. Prioritizing your tasks will help you finish on time and simplify your life.

A proper to-do list will save you time and energy. Writing things down will help clear your mind of what needs to be done. Let's face it - there will always be a list of things to do! You can cross one thing off, only to add two more to the list. Focus on making a smarter list, instead of a longer list and you will be surprised with how much more efficient you will be.

To-Do Now/Short-Term Goals
Start with a sectioned notebook for organizing. The first section should be your tasks that need to be done within the next couple days up to the next couple weeks. If the task doesn't need to be done right away, move it to the "To-Do Later" section. If you are still left with a large short-term list, then number each task one through five by priority. Re-order them and go from there.

To-Do Later/Long-Term Goals
This section is for your long-term goals and tasks that don't have a deadline. The best way to tackle a long-term goal is to break it down into smaller tasks. Stuck on a task that seems impossible to finish? Stop thinking of the finished task and focus on the very next step instead. Move that very next step to your short-term list and you are one step closer to finishing that goal!

Planning Your Day
Pick a few things from your To-Do Now list for the next day. Once you get into the habit of planning your to-do list the night before, you will plan the time more efficiently. Whatever doesn't get done that day can be moved to the next day. Don't overwhelm your day with too many tasks, but challenge yourself to get enough done to feel accomplished.

Shopping List
Keep all your shopping needs in one list that's easy to pull out when you go to the store. Make it even more organized by keeping your grocery store needs separate from everything else.

Notes
Everything else that doesn't require an action goes in the notes or miscellaneous section. This section is great for ideas and brainstorming. Keep your thoughts organized and get closer to those goals.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

More Fun Theme Party Ideas

Theme parties are a fun way to spice up your social life. Here are a few more theme ideas for your next party.

Spend a little time preparing to make your theme party a success. Create a photo opportunity - designate an area for theme photographs by hanging a backdrop and have accessories available. Another idea to simplify party planning is to ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert.

Theme Ideas:

60's Mod
  • Decor: Anything retro
  • Dress: Pucci-inspired fun prints, beehive hairdo's, knee-high boots
  • Music: Pop music from the 60's - find a great online radio station with a British Invasion theme
  • Apps: Pigs in a blanket, Chex mix, Jello salad, Deviled eggs
  • Dessert: Ambrosia fruit dessert

Saturday Night Live
  • Decor: Stage area with lights, prop pieces from various sketches
  • Dress: Everyone dresses as their favorite SNL character, past or present
  • Music: Songs from former SNL guests - rock and pop mix
  • Dessert: Sheet cake decorated with well-known SNL characters

Dead Celebrities
  • Decor: Death-related decor, RIP grave markers, shrines, ghosts
  • Dress: Any deceased celebrity - musician, movie star, etc
  • Music: Pick songs from musicians that have passed on
  • Apps: This theme is great for Halloween - keep the food related to the holiday

Speakeasy
  • Fun: Require a password at the door and stage a raid halfway through the party
  • Decor: Art Deco accents and a Blackjack table
  • Dress: Roaring 20's Flapper Dresses and lots of feathers
  • Music: Jazzy tunes
  • Dessert: Chocolate cigars and candy cigarettes

Classic Theme Parties:

Pajama Party
  • Decor: Lots of pillows and have a few board games out
  • Dress: Your favorite pajamas
  • Music: Old-school hip hop playlist - reminiscent of high school days and slumber parties
  • Apps: Keep it easy and fun with pizza and cake

80's Party
  • Decor: Movie and music posters from the 80's
  • Dress: The best part of an 80's party!
  • Music: Online radio station for 80's music
  • Apps: Find some record-shaped bowls for serving food
  • Dessert: Cake shaped like a Rubik's Cube

Luau
  • Decor: Tiki, tiki and more tiki!
  • Dress: Buy a few extra leis and grass skirts
  • Music: Mix some Hawaiian tunes with Caribbean music and anything with steel drums
  • Apps: Fruit salad served in a watermelon, Teriyaki chicken skewers, Coconut shrimp
  • Dessert: Banana bread with Macadamia nuts

Ugly Xmas Sweater Holiday Party
  • Decor: Put your holiday decorations up and have guests help with tree-trimming
  • Dress: Have a contest for the ugliest Xmas sweater
  • Music: Holiday music
  • Dessert: Fruitcake, eggnog and other holiday goodies

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Great Theme Party Ideas

Theme parties are a fun way to spice up your social life. Here are a few theme ideas and tips on how to plan a great party.

Invitation: Start a theme party off right with a well-written invite. Let your guests know what your inspiration is and give suggestions for what to wear. Offer a prize for the best outfit to encourage people to dress up and participate in the theme.

Decor: Google image search is great for decoration ideas. Try a regular party store for some stuff, but get creative! Also check out vintage or Goodwill stores for fun items.

Dress: Halloween shouldn't be the only time we get to dress up! Get your camera ready. Decorate a designated photo spot for guests to take pictures. Have accessories available for those who don't come in costume.

Music Playlist: Thanks to the magic of the internet, we no longer have to play DJ at our own parties. Save time by creating a Pandora online radio station to match the theme of your party. Or check out many other options online for themed playlists. Keep the music light and easy-going when people are first arriving and then turn up the dance beats!

Signature Drink: This is one of the easiest things to tie in the theme of a party. Choose anything relevant to the theme that can be prepared ahead of time and easily served in a pitcher.

Appetizers: Choose options that can be prepared ahead of time to cut down on last-minute party preparation. Not everything served has to be part of the theme - one or two dishes will work.

Dessert: Pick one theme-related dessert, or even just decorations to match the theme on a plain cake.

Theme Ideas:

Cuban
  • Decor: Find vintage travel ads for Cuba
  • Dress: Fun dress you would wear to a salsa club
  • Music: Cuban music artists, such as Desi Arnaz, Celia Cruz and Buena Vista Social Club
  • Apps: Chips and salsa, empanadas, plantains
  • Dessert: Flan, Tres Leches

Playboy Mansion
  • Decor: Lots of pink and lace
  • Dress: Heffner smoking jacket and slippers, feather boas, bunny ears
  • Music: Fun, danceable Top 40 pop/dance music; also Dimitri From Paris' A Night at the Playboy Mansion
  • Dessert: Chocolate-covered strawberries

Mad Men
  • Decor: Anything retro
  • Dress: Find some inspiration from the TV show Mad Men
  • Music: Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and other lounge music from the 50's
  • Apps: Look for recipes in a classic Betty Crocker cookbook published in the 50's
  • Dessert: Something made with jello

Popstar
  • Decor: Pop music posters, teen magazines
  • Dress: Come as your favorite Popstar
  • Music: Top 40 Pop, old and new
  • Dessert: Find a bakery that will decorate a cake using a photo of your favorite pop group

Strawberry Shortcake
  • Decor: Fun strawberry tablecloth and vintage country-style strawberry pictures
  • Dress: Stay simple with just accessories, such as a strawberry pin or an apron for the hostess
  • Apps: Something light since dessert is the focus
  • Dessert: Make-your-own Strawberry Shortcake buffet

Old Hollywood - great to tie in with an Oscar-watching party
  • Decor: Red carpet and lots of gold
  • Dress: Glamour
  • Music: Songs from old movies
  • Apps: Fancy finger food
  • Dessert: Mini tarts

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Party All The Time

I love theme parties. Basically, any reason to have a party is good enough for me. I've attended quite a few theme parties and planned a couple too. So I compiled some recent theme ideas and also asked a few friends and came up with a fun list here. And then I ran out of space in that article, so I came up with even more ideas here. You don't really need a reason to have a party, it's just more fun.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Jewels!

I’m excited about my newest obsession with JEWELS and the launch of my latest endeavor: Stella & Dot!


With the launch of my business comes my very first contest. Submit your email and top 5 Stella & Dot items from your wish list between now and December 15th and you will be entered to win one piece from your wish list under $100! Make sure to browse the site and email me your wish list. Host your own trunk show before Dec 15 and you will get two entries in the contest, as well as free jewelry incentives and discounts. Plan your trunk show in November and get to your holiday shopping list early!

Happy Holiday Season! Looking forward to making you shine with more jewels in your life. =)

~Valerie
valeriequerns@yahoo.com

Layering Bracelets


Thursday, October 28, 2010

The Interwebz International Bank

A lot of people are promoting ways to make money on the internetz.

I have a gift for you - another way to make money on the internetz! But when I have something for you, it's gonna be good. Because I'm not sharing something with you unless I like it. And this is good stuff.

I'd like to introduce you to the fastest and easiest way to make money online.

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Well, you can do it too! Heck, if I can do it, you definitely can.

If you want to make it online, check this out now. It's that important.

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~Quernzy

Monday, October 4, 2010

Essentials for a Home Bar

Home entertaining is easy when you start with a few essentials. Pick out a few of your favorite drink recipes and start mixing!

Furniture
If you don’t already have a bar area built into your home, you can find a mini-bar furniture piece that will work nicely. Make sure it has room for all your bar tools, some glasses and some liquor bottles. You can also find a bar cart with a few shelves that is great for displaying glasses and wine bottles.

Glassware
Start with some basic glassware. Make sure to have wine and martini glasses on hand. I like highball glasses for mixed cocktails. After you get your essentials, it’s also good to have a few beer mugs, champagne flutes and shot glasses in your collection.

Tools
The easiest thing to start a home bar is to buy a bar tool set with a shaker. It should come with all the basics, such as a shaker, strainer, jigger and bottle opener. A corkscrew or other wine bottle opener is necessary. And it’s nice to have a muddler and ice bucket on hand as well. When you start making more complicated drink recipes, you can look into more advanced bar tools and pull out the blender for frozen cocktails.

Stocked Bar
Your liquor collection is really dependent on what you like to drink most. My bar never gets low on vodka, rum, wine and beer. You may also have tequila, whiskey and gin in your basic collection. When you start trying out different drink recipes, add a few liqueurs and champagne to your bar. Orange, pomegranate and coffee liqueurs are delicious in many drinks. I also try to have club soda, cranberry juice and plenty of limes in the fridge. If you are entertaining, it’s good to have regular soda, ginger ale, and a couple different fruit juices available for mixers.

Recipes
Mixed drinks are mostly quick and easy to make. Start with two or three-ingredient recipes. Some basic cocktails include Vodka Soda, Gin and Tonic, Rum and Coke. To step up your bartender skills, learn how to make a great Martini, Cosmopolitan and Margarita. The best part of practicing is the tasting!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

inspiration in my inbox

Great way to start my morning when I get this in my inbox:

From really far out in space, do u know what u look like?

A star.
A super star.

Love u like crazy glue,
The Universe


[I *heart* www.tut.com]

Friday, August 13, 2010

Friday the 13th

In honor of friday the 13th, here are some fun facts.

I think superstitions are kinda funny and mostly a load of crap. But it's funny to see what some people do "just in case," like throwing salt over your shoulder, not walking under ladders, knocking on wood. But then again, I do believe in a whole new set of "superstitions" called Feng Shui. Like I will never keep dried flowers in my house. I tie a red ribbon around the bottom of the toilet. I don't store things behind a door so that it can't open all the way. I don't keep broken dishes. And I won't live in a house w/ a spiral staircase. ...So maybe i'm just as weird....


FRIDAY THE 13TH FACTS...

DID YOU KNOW !?!??
*According to Smithsonian Magazine "fear of the #13 costs American a billion dollars per year in absenteeism, train and plane cancellations, and reduced commerce on the 13th of the month."

*Fear of Friday the 13th dates back to Nordic Mythology. Many of their thirteenth Gods met with violent deaths, such as Loki, the trickster.

*Ancient Romans regarded the number 13 as a symbol of death, destruction and misfortune.

*There were 13 original colonies.

*A witches coven consists of 13 members.

*Tarot Card number 13 is the Death Card, depicting the Grim Reaper (although it is read as transition or change and not literal death).

*Hotels rarely have a room number 13. Usually it is called 12a or 14. Same with floors of buildings and the elevators without a #13 button. Highways sometimes will skip exit 13 altogether also.

*There are 13 steps leading to the gallows.

*13 knots in a hangman's noose.

*13 feet which the guillotine blade falls.

*The driver of Princess Diana hit pillar #13 at Place de l'Alma when she was killed in Paris, France.

*13 people, Christ and his 12 disciples, were in attendance at the last supper. This is where the Christian belief ties in, making Friday a believed unlucky day, as the crucifixion occurred on a Friday.

*Certain ocean liners will be held in dock until after midnight to appease passenger's fears of Friday the 13th.

*British study concluded that even though there were less cars on the road on Friday the 13th (as compared with other Fridays) more accidents were reported.

*Trisadekaphobia is the technical name for fear of Friday the 13th.

*Apollo 13, 1970, the 13th mission launched from pad #39 (13 x 3), mission was aborted, after an explosion occurred in the fuel cell of their service module. The rocket had left launching pad at 13:13 CST and the date was April 13th.

*The US Seal has 13 stars, bars, feathers in the eagle's tail, 13 bars in one claw, 13 olive branches in the other.

*A baker's dozen consists of 13 for a reason! So the story goes - a witch near Albany, NY demanded 13 items every time she came in to a particular bakery, and one day the old baker could not afford her extra biscuit. She sneered some strange words at the man, and he suffered terrible luck from then on, until he brought her another 13 rolls. After that life was once again easy for the baker and word spread around town. The custom is still sometimes practiced today.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Life of a Movie Star

Gloria Swanson
A history lesson by Quernzy on a very cool lady...

Born in 1899, started working in silent films when she was 15! Eventually cast in Cecil B. DeMille pictures, which brought her to superstar status. A ton of movies at Paramount Studios. Starring with Rudolph Valentino, going through husbands along the way. (she's up to 3 by now.) She even dated Joe Kennedy (John F. Kennedy's father).

So late 1920's, she decides to get away from the contracts at Paramount and produces her own film. But her next few were unsuccessful and she goes into semi-retirement.

In 1928, Swanson, teamed with Erich Von Stroheim for "Queen Kelly", a project that would never be completed. Erich Von Stroheim's meticulous attention to detail and endless retakes put the production way behind schedule and Swanson herself finally halted the production. Decades later, the unfinished film was botched together with production stills and photographs and declared a masterpiece by film critics.

She attempts one comeback in 1941. But her major comeback was Sunset Boulevard with DeMille in 1950. it's heralded as the most memorable comeback in film history. Even so, her next few projects were only mildly successful. But she still appeared in a couple films and television through the 1970's.

Now granted, she would take a hiatus for years at a time, but her film career spanned 60 years! Her filmography totals 52 movies. These days, that's not a lot, but she was also a clothing designer, artist, and she founded Essence of Nature Cosmetics. Last count of 7 husbands. She survived the Talkies, was one classy lady and also one of the greatest divas of her time.

A few quotes of hers that I enjoy:

"I have gone through a long apprenticeship. I have gone through enough of being a nobody. I have decided that when I am a star, I will be every inch and every moment the star! Everybody from the studio gateman to the highest executive will know it."-Swanson in 1922.

-Telegram sent to Hollywood from Swanson on her way home from France.
"Arriving with the Marquis tomorrow morning. Stop. Please arrange ovation."

"I always look ahead. I never regret. I have excitement every waking minute."

"I can smell the character of a woman the instant she enters a room, but I have the world's worst judgment of men."

Quotes from "Sunset Boulevard" - of course I have to include these, it's one of my favorite movies (and fav Broadway show, for that matter)

"I am big, it's the pictures that got small."
-Norma (Swanson) to Joe (Holden)

"We didn't need dialogue. We had faces. There just aren't any faces like that anymore. Maybe one. Garbo."
-Norma to Joe

Thursday, July 29, 2010

A Few of My Favorite Quotes

If you have some favorite comments of your own, holler back on the comments.


Nothing in the world is accomplished without passion. ~~ fortune cookie

A wealthy home is one filled with laughter. ~~ fortune cookie

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. ~~ Wayne Dyer

The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~~ Robin Sharma

C is for cookie, that’s good enough for me! ~~ Cookie Monster

Sometimes fish like cheese. Sometimes, some fish like cheese. ~~ Ozzy Osbourne

My faith in the integrity of american advertising is somewhat restored. ~~ Seven Year Itch

He laughed so loud and deep, I shook with it in my heaven. ~~ Lovely Bones

Well, we could grind our enemies into talcum powder with a sledgehammer, but gosh, we did that last night. ~~ Zander, Buffy

People who cease to believe in God or goodness altogether still believe in the devil. I don’t know why. No, I do indeed know why. Evil is always possible. And goodness is eternally difficult. ~~Anne Rice, Blood Canticle

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Passion




love to love

do it anyway
do something you WANT to do

choose your own adventure

go through the world discovering

take risks

cause trouble

be wicked