Saturday
Sunday
Friday
Plan for Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Don't get blind-sided by inflated prices, low stock, inexpensive and good-for-nothing goods, this holiday season. Know what to expect when shopping online and offline. Not every deal is a good one.
Start off your shopping experience with a list that not only states the item that you want to purchase but also how much you saw it priced for at your favorite retail store. Next, go over your list with the money conscious in the family, he or she can help you stay within your budget. Also, if you plan on shopping sooner rather than later (like during Thanksgiving or afterward), be sure that you know for sure whether waiting will benefit you. Take a sneak peek at Black Friday and Cyber Monday circulars in advance. Avoid long lines and crowds since many retailers plan to limit the stock anyway. You might get a better deal online like during Cyber Monday particularly if the item didn't sell so well during the Thanksgiving holiday.
When it comes to shopping for kid's toys, be sure that you shop around, but the best deal you typically will find are on sites that sell used goods. The kiddos don't need new items, just a working ones. As for children's clothes or any clothes for that matter, shopping during off seasons are the best times to get deals like summer clothes after fall has begun. Always comparison shop when seeking appliances and you just might get the better deal if you simply look in your local newspaper or online in the classified ads.
Nicholl McGuire, author and this blog's owner, shares more useful tips that herself and other bargain shoppers use to help save money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. Feel free to get your copy today in print or available as eBook. Below are some of the retailers that carry this short but informative read:
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Createspace
Amazon
Start off your shopping experience with a list that not only states the item that you want to purchase but also how much you saw it priced for at your favorite retail store. Next, go over your list with the money conscious in the family, he or she can help you stay within your budget. Also, if you plan on shopping sooner rather than later (like during Thanksgiving or afterward), be sure that you know for sure whether waiting will benefit you. Take a sneak peek at Black Friday and Cyber Monday circulars in advance. Avoid long lines and crowds since many retailers plan to limit the stock anyway. You might get a better deal online like during Cyber Monday particularly if the item didn't sell so well during the Thanksgiving holiday.
When it comes to shopping for kid's toys, be sure that you shop around, but the best deal you typically will find are on sites that sell used goods. The kiddos don't need new items, just a working ones. As for children's clothes or any clothes for that matter, shopping during off seasons are the best times to get deals like summer clothes after fall has begun. Always comparison shop when seeking appliances and you just might get the better deal if you simply look in your local newspaper or online in the classified ads.
Nicholl McGuire, author and this blog's owner, shares more useful tips that herself and other bargain shoppers use to help save money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. Feel free to get your copy today in print or available as eBook. Below are some of the retailers that carry this short but informative read:
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Createspace
Amazon
Saturday
Sunday
What Else Can I Do on the Internet? Design Your Own Business Logos
When I wrote the book, "What Else Can I Do on the Internet?" by Nicholl McGuire, I thought of a variety of things one could do on the Internet to break dull routines. In the book, I mention creative tasks to do online to enhance one's skills personally and professionally.
The following sites you might find interesting if you ever thought of designing a business logo or some other symbol to help illustrate your brand, vision or something else. The great thing about these sites, they are all FREE to start! Create away!
The following sites you might find interesting if you ever thought of designing a business logo or some other symbol to help illustrate your brand, vision or something else. The great thing about these sites, they are all FREE to start! Create away!
Friday
Tuesday
Monday
HOW TO COLOUR BLOCK | KITCHEN CABINETS UPCYCLE | THE SORRY GIRLS
HOW TO COLOUR BLOCK | KITCHEN CABINETS UPCYCLE | THE SORRY GIRLS: How to organize blog for people who love to home organize, clean up a workspace, organize closet, prepare for guests--enjoy organizing your life!
Tuesday
Saturday
Dull Conversations? Spark Them Up!
Who grows weary of dull conversations? I know I do! So at times I spark them up even with some of the most boring people. Before long they are laughing, engaged, and ready to give out their phone numbers. You see, let's face it we have all been boring to others and vice versa and if we want to enjoy what little years we have on this planet, we have got to add a little sparkle to our meet and greet conversations as well as those we have with loved ones and friends.
What leads to boring conversations? Well when you or the person you are speaking to might talk too long or too much and when you aren't in the mood to speak to one another in the first place. You might have a head or stomachache, still groveling over what someone said or did earlier that day, didn't sleep well the night before, and so on. So out comes nothing worthwhile out of your mouth. The observer/listener is yawning with you, doesn't bother to communicate much back, and excuses his or herself. The next thing you know the individual is fully revived and engaged with someone else. Boring conversation wears many of us out!
Do what you can to be prepared to interact with people even when you don't feel like it. Consider prepping yourself for great conversation beforehand by doing things like:
1) Catch up on interesting current events. Ignore the controversial and political stories unless you know the person very well.
2) Read about your passion or someone else's.
3) Contribute to conversations with visuals if you aren't into talking much such as using what is on your phone to help you with engagement.
4) Compliment people. (Being polite goes along way! One of my sons has consistently got money and invites from strangers just because he compliments, looks and smells good, and has great conversations with people).
5) Avoid complaining much about someone or something, stay positive while giving that person a chance to vent too or uplift you.
6) Keep away from anyone who has a consistent record for taking much from a conversation while contributing very little. Chances are that one is a loyalist to someone and will most likely carry back your private conversations to others you might not want to converse with.
So your mission these upcoming weeks is to take the dull out of online and offline social engagement. It's okay to be the life of the party every now and again without being obnoxious, arrogant or a wall flower :)
Nicholl McGuire
What leads to boring conversations? Well when you or the person you are speaking to might talk too long or too much and when you aren't in the mood to speak to one another in the first place. You might have a head or stomachache, still groveling over what someone said or did earlier that day, didn't sleep well the night before, and so on. So out comes nothing worthwhile out of your mouth. The observer/listener is yawning with you, doesn't bother to communicate much back, and excuses his or herself. The next thing you know the individual is fully revived and engaged with someone else. Boring conversation wears many of us out!
1) Catch up on interesting current events. Ignore the controversial and political stories unless you know the person very well.
2) Read about your passion or someone else's.
3) Contribute to conversations with visuals if you aren't into talking much such as using what is on your phone to help you with engagement.
4) Compliment people. (Being polite goes along way! One of my sons has consistently got money and invites from strangers just because he compliments, looks and smells good, and has great conversations with people).
5) Avoid complaining much about someone or something, stay positive while giving that person a chance to vent too or uplift you.
6) Keep away from anyone who has a consistent record for taking much from a conversation while contributing very little. Chances are that one is a loyalist to someone and will most likely carry back your private conversations to others you might not want to converse with.
So your mission these upcoming weeks is to take the dull out of online and offline social engagement. It's okay to be the life of the party every now and again without being obnoxious, arrogant or a wall flower :)
Nicholl McGuire
Wednesday
When Was the Last time You Found Something Interesting to Try?
Sometimes people are simply bored because they are caught between routine and the laziness, procrastination, fear, worry, or something else to try something new. I mean when was the last time you did something interesting, fun, or exciting by yourself, with someone or a group? If it has been awhile why not make plans to spice up your life a bit?
Life has a way of being boring to many of us at times because we refuse to change, step outside the box a bit. This blog is filled with ideas to stimulate you to get out of the ordinary and do something extraordinary. The thought might start off somewhat dull, but by the time you ponder more about it, the idea can grow into something big! Why not bounce some ideas off a partner or friend?
One of the things that I recently enjoyed the most was roller-skating. I hadn't done that in years. So I visited a skating rink and then came back and skated some more. It was so fun even when I felt I was going to fall a few times. You see, when you get out of that stale routine or your comfort zone, you also feel alive. You feel like you can do some other things too. I made plans to visit one place, Red Rocks in Colorado, and I did just that. I'm not a hiker, but I like walking and exploring my surroundings, so I did it. Once again, I felt so much better and I found my focus on those things that stressed me out for so long went away. Seriously, a single trip took a lot of negative energy away.
So make plans to do something different, new, interesting, or fun and your soul will thank you!
Nicholl McGuire
Life has a way of being boring to many of us at times because we refuse to change, step outside the box a bit. This blog is filled with ideas to stimulate you to get out of the ordinary and do something extraordinary. The thought might start off somewhat dull, but by the time you ponder more about it, the idea can grow into something big! Why not bounce some ideas off a partner or friend?
One of the things that I recently enjoyed the most was roller-skating. I hadn't done that in years. So I visited a skating rink and then came back and skated some more. It was so fun even when I felt I was going to fall a few times. You see, when you get out of that stale routine or your comfort zone, you also feel alive. You feel like you can do some other things too. I made plans to visit one place, Red Rocks in Colorado, and I did just that. I'm not a hiker, but I like walking and exploring my surroundings, so I did it. Once again, I felt so much better and I found my focus on those things that stressed me out for so long went away. Seriously, a single trip took a lot of negative energy away.
So make plans to do something different, new, interesting, or fun and your soul will thank you!
Nicholl McGuire
Tuesday
Being Too Bored will Make You Do the Unthinkable
If you find yourself frequently bored, agitated, and
pessimistic, then you might want to really focus on what you could do to get
out of that mindset. What is lacking in your life? Where do you need fulfillment? Is their an
underlying mental or physical challenge that makes you feel like you want to
run away from everyone and everything you worked hard to connect to?
There was a time when life routines really brought me down.
To someone looking at me from the outside they would have thought my life was
fine. But deep within I was not feeling good about myself. I felt like I could
do more and have more. Yet, some things just wasn’t clicking in the brain that
could help me achieve. I had been overwhelmed with life responsibilities and my
quest for a more fulfilling life was doing nothing more than setting me on a
path to run from issues rather than address them.
We can be so inundated with high energy atmospheres and
routines to the point that when nothing is going on we feel at a loss. We feel
like, “What more is it to life?” Meanwhile those pauses are there for us to
quiet our minds a bit, create plans and act on them. But when there is no plan,
there is no action. So for the bored one, he or she seeks out someone or
something that makes one feel less bored while running from responsibilities.
Recently one of my sons knew of someone who decided to do
something crazy that involved law enforcement and ultimately led to his death.
The individual, a mere 16 years old, could have been at home or elsewhere doing
something productive this summer, but felt like getting mixed up in some deadly
trouble would be more fun. When one doesn’t like his or her home life, can’t
seem to take control of his or her thoughts, and has no supportive network,
then throw boredom into the mix, there will be trouble!
Preoccupy yourself with the things you may or may not have
thought of on this blog or elsewhere. There are a lot of topics that might
inspire you to do something different; therefore, creating positive feelings
you can live with. However, to simply allow yourself or someone else to slip
into a state of boredom to the point of foolishness is not wise. Take a moment
to call someone who might be going through much and put them at ease with a
good story, a fun idea (that won’t cause problems for you or that person), or
simply listen to him or her while providing wise counsel.
Live the kind of life that you and others will be proud!
Monday
Wednesday
Feel Like Living on the Edge?
It doesn't mean kill yourself.
Be responsible.
When people have wild imaginings about doing all sorts of things regardless of possibly injury or even death to themselves or others, it is safe to say they are extremely bored. If you ever feel like doing something super bizarre, crazy, or downright deadly, share your thought with a close friend. Consider seeking medical help if you're thoughts are turning into an obsession,
it could be a pending mental illness or chemical imbalance.
Saturday
What Do You Want To Do With Your Life: Reasons Why We Don’t Get Things Done
Too many people have a lot of responsibilities, while others
have way too much time on their hands.
Both groups have desires to accomplish tasks on personal and
professional “To Do” lists. Some of these “To Do” lists include big goals such
as: Start a business, own property,
visit Africa or build a community center.
Others “To Do” lists may include smaller goals such as: I want to visit a spa, learn Spanish, or make
more money. People may have carried these lists around in their heads
for weeks, maybe even years, but neither has made an attempt to get them done,
why?
There is the husband who works two jobs, coaches a baseball
team, runs errands for elderly parents and makes time for his significant
other. He says he would like to do a lot
of things but simply doesn’t have the time.
Then there is the single mother who is taking care of three children,
working part-time, volunteering for charities and running a business from home. She says that she would like to complete some
tasks, but all cost money she just doesn’t have. When you ask both of them, “What do you want
to do most with your lives?” They may
both answer, “Take a vacation.” Converse
with them a little longer and they may have about ten more things they would
like to do, such as clean house, buy a new wardrobe, get the car repaired, go
to the park, work-out, visit the spa, etc.
Whatever the reason, they have things they may want to get done, but
haven’t made the time to do it, simply because they are too busy.
Then there is the college student who was attending
full-time, but preferred to go part-time.
He has a part-time job and lives with a roommate. He is always looking for the next best party
to attend and has more free time than any of his friends. If you ask him, “What do you want to do most
with your life other than become an
architect? He may say, “Buy a sports car with a convertible top and get my own
place.” He, like the other people above,
would like to get personal goals done, but hasn’t thought anymore about how to achieve them.
Let’s face it we all like to listen to ourselves talk. We like the idea that there are things we
need to do in life, but we may not be driven enough to get them done. Then later in life, we will talk as our
grandparents did, “I should have done that.
I don’t know why I never bothered.”
It’s unfortunate but many people have died with regrets. They never made their dreams reality or they
failed so much at pursuing one goal that they completely ignored other
possibilities that could have sufficed.
What we must do to get things done is to begin to make the
necessary sacrifices in our daily living to get them done. Jobs offer personal time and if yours doesn’t
then take a day off to get what has been bothering you the most completed. Even if you can’t get it all done on that
day, at least make a plan on how you intend to complete the task it may take
days, months or even years, but at least you will be working toward getting it
finished. Too often tasks don’t
get completed, because people are not completely sold on what they have told
themselves they want to do. If
their minds aren’t convinced to begin to make their dream a reality, then they
will hide behind their daily responsibilities.
For example, if your parents were in the hospital ill, some of you would
sacrifice your busy life to be with them.
If you were ill, everything in your life that you were a part of would
have to continue without you, now wouldn’t it?
Sometimes all we have to do is test ourselves on how important are our dreams, tasks or any other plans to us. We do that by examining the personal sacrifices that we are willing to make and begin to make them. This action will determine whether or not we really want to trade a task or give up one thing we like to do in order to complete something we really don't want to do but have to.
Consider this, are we just saying what we want to do just to impress someone or because someone told us we would be good at it and we agreed? People who are serious about making things happen in their lives will make the time to study, invest money, travel, move to their destination, break off a relationship, sell a house, or tell family members “goodbye” when they are serious about answering this question, “What do you want to do with your life?”
Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?
Sometimes all we have to do is test ourselves on how important are our dreams, tasks or any other plans to us. We do that by examining the personal sacrifices that we are willing to make and begin to make them. This action will determine whether or not we really want to trade a task or give up one thing we like to do in order to complete something we really don't want to do but have to.
Consider this, are we just saying what we want to do just to impress someone or because someone told us we would be good at it and we agreed? People who are serious about making things happen in their lives will make the time to study, invest money, travel, move to their destination, break off a relationship, sell a house, or tell family members “goodbye” when they are serious about answering this question, “What do you want to do with your life?”
Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?
Thursday
Bored? Create a Plan to Cut Your Expenses, Make and Save Money
You really don't want to go through the red tape of
bankruptcy; the lawyer fees and the further scarred credit rating. And, if your one to put yourself in the
entrepreneurs' shoes, bankruptcy would hurt your business if everyone filed
because they didn't want the hassle of paying bills. Morally, bankruptcy is the wrong way to go,
but trials and tribulations have caused you to consider this "way
out." Maybe it isn't too late to
avoid bankruptcy and get out of debt in other ways. So here are some examples to assist you with
your financial burdens:
Debt consolidation/debt management programs..
There are many companies who will
assist you with consolidating your debts, but you must be careful there are
some scams out there too. Most of these
companies charge fees and you can no longer use your credit cards when you sign up. Ask someone who has used a consolidation program other
than a credit counseling service what there experience has been like also look up reviews when you have chosen a company. These
programs generally do not stop the interest, thus it takes longer to pay bills
off.
Cut up credit cards, particularly those high interest
ones.
Forget what you heard about keeping one credit card in case
of emergencies. Most people max out the
one credit card they have left; therefore they still need monies in a
crunch. Learn to save money. Discipline yourself to take a portion of
monies from each paycheck and put into a savings account. If you can’t set aside the money, you may
want to consider finding a company that will automatically deduct monies and
put them into a savings account for you.
Avoid payday loans and the pawn shop.
As convenient as they are when you really need money, you also find yourself taking the money you need most to pay off a temporary fix that only leads you down a dead-end path--borrowing more money.
Stop leasing cars, televisions, computers and entertainment
systems.
There has been many news shows that have shown leasing
companies charging more for products than what they are worth. They do this by allowing you to pay a very
low monthly fee to own products such as a living room set. It is more sensible to save for the item that
you need, rather than paying a company monthly and risk being charged
additional fees when you are late. In
some cases, customers have found they don’t need the furniture and will send it
back to the company after paying on it for some time. Now they have wasted money, because the
company will not allow them to take the money they paid for one item and
transfer those payments on something else.
Forget balancing your checkbook.
If you find yourself often bouncing checks, the best way to
begin a new habit is to break an old one.
Don’t bother writing checks (and yes there are those who still do); instead use money orders or pay cash. This way you have the money in hand and will
not have to be concerned with the worry of wondering when someone will cash
your check.
Avoid unnecessary insurance plans.
Are you transitioning a lot between jobs, living
arrangements and have other personal changes?
Then you don’t need to spend money on insurance plans until you are more
stable in your life. Otherwise, you will
find yourself making commitments, then breaking them and eventually losing
money. Get stable in your life
first. Then consider a whole life
insurance plan that you can borrow money from in the future if you are ever in
a financial crisis. If you know you will
be settling down in one location for a period of time, then consider renter’s
insurance only when you financially stable again.
Manage money with finance software, app.
Sometimes people do well when they are in complete control
of their finances. Consider purchasing a
software program that will alert you to when bills are due, assist you with
managing your bills, and help you with savings.
Don't convince your child to go to college if you can't
afford to help him or her.
Too many parents are not able to assist their children with
college expenses and as a result many children are in debt before they graduate
and can’t keep up with the student loans.
Instead, explain to the potential college student that the loan he or
she takes out for school must be paid back.
Be honest with your child about your money troubles, so that they aren’t
anticipating your financial assistance.
If the student plans on studying something such as acting, and the
future salary attained is not the equivalent of what the loan is worth in the
future, he or she may want to consider another career.
Avoid eating out at restaurants.
If you must go out to eat, research which ones are the least
expensive and use coupons whenever possible. Sign up for discount programs that the restaurant offers.
Search for cheaper gasoline service stations.
Pay attention to special rates. Avoid gasoline credit cards--they have very
high interest rates.
Break from the holiday hustle and bustle.
There is no rule that says you have to buy someone something
every year or celebrate a money-draining holiday with family and friends. Take a break from the
holidays and when you are ready to start celebrating again, develop a spending plan. You can set up and account or create an envelop system where you deposit a percentage of money out of each paycheck to go toward gifts, food, décor, travel expenses, etc. Avoid the temptation to buy gifts for people who have
everything, sometimes doing something simple is better such as buying a gift card
and putting money on it. You can
also avoid feeling obligated to buy for family and friends by staying home for
the holidays.
Temporarily disable cable, use alternative services.
Avid movie watchers will want to take out their calculators
on this one if you are spending much on movie theater visits, cable TV or satellite and online movie rentals.
Cancel all membership to music and book clubs.
Make the time to read and listen to what you already have. If you must have a certain artist
or author, shop around for the cheapest price via used book stores online or offline.
Utilize your existing job to increase your wages.
Offer to work additional hours, ask for more
responsibilities, and request to be placed on projects to get your manager’s
attention. When you make efforts like
these, you will put yourself in a position to make more money.
Get a second job part-time, check for additional ways to make money
This will put you on the fast track to achieving your goals
as long as you plan to use the extra money for your intended goals. From cash-back savings programs to online selling, do what you can legally and morally to gain money.
Advice for parents:
Stop buying for your 16 year old!
Tell your child to get a job. Offer to help him or her look for work and go with the child to the location that might be of assistance like a work based learning program for starters. If you stop buying, they will start
working.
Make a plan for your existing finances and unexpected ones before you spend it
Each time you receive money you know what bills are due and
what money you will need to pay for groceries, transportation, childcare,
lunch, etc. With a plan, you will know
exactly how much money you can spend on each responsibility on your list. You will also know how to best curb your
finances in the short term and how to better save in the long term.
Use every opportunity to save money
Coupons, store points, product offers, sales, etc. There are plenty of opportunities to save
money. Use them! When you know you buy a lot of a certain
product each month, then buy it in bulk when it’s on sale. Go to stores that double coupons or provide
bargains to consumers for visiting.
Don’t waste time shopping at stores that rarely have “real” sales. You will know how “real” those sales are when
you comparison-shop. Find similar stores
offering the same items and see how their prices compare with the others.
Brainstorm for more ways to cut expenses, make and save money. You will start to feel better about your situation when you are proactive about changing it. To your success!
Wednesday
How To Know College Isn’t For You - 7 Not-So College Student Types
It seemed like a good idea in the beginning, to attend a
four-year university and major in a career field that will hopefully bring in
some great money one day. However, all
that changed when present struggles called for immediate financial attention
and college, at least for now, would have to be put on the back burner. This is a reality for many recent high school graduates either about to attend college or recently signed up but now have to reconsider.
Students are
wondering where are they going to get the money next semester to attend since parents or guardians are unwilling to help or lack resources. How
are they going to finance their books and what can they do to start paying the
interest on those student loans that are already showing up in their mailboxes before they are even near graduation?
As the walls seem to close in around them, they will have to
reach a decision on whether to continue or to leave. The following information, broken down by
personality type, may help someone out there who is in need of an answer on
whether to stay or go.
The Transfer Student
You have transferred from one institution to another in less
than two years time and you are still unsatisfied with the institution you now
attend. You may have done this because
you felt pressure from those around you to stay in college when you rather
pursue other interests. You will need to
take the time to think real hard whether or not you are attending college for
you or everyone else. Don’t continue to
do something that you know you aren’t passionate about. You may desire to attend a two-year community
college, trade school, or attend college online. Consider how much it is costing you in
student loans, because you aren’t completely satisfied with your decision, once
you know what you want make the move.
You will be ridiculed and criticized for your actions by some family
members and friends, don’t take anything anyone says personally because they
most likely will not be around to help you pay the debt you already accumulated
in your name.
The “I Can’t Decide on a Major” Student
Whether you have been attending college for a short or long
time, you went into college wondering what you would like to study and still
you haven’t reached a decision. You have
changed your major so much that no one really knows what you are doing. Now is the time, to consider taking a semester
off and really taking that time to either decide what you’re passionate about
or find something else to do. If you
have someone else paying for college, it is best not to waste their money but
not having an idea what exactly you want to do with your life. When you are in the position where you have
to pay for your college on your own, you will be amazed at how dedicated you
will be to your major and you will not waste your own money or time jumping
from one major to the next.
The Party Student
You make more time to party then to study. When everyone else is studying, you are
planning for the next party to create, attend or invite someone to. You aren’t really interested in the
education; instead, you are more focus on the overwhelming opportunities to
socialize. Since that is your specialty
why not make some money off of the people you know. Utilize your opportunities to network to grow
a business. Many students have started
businesses in college later they dropped out to pursue their passion. Do the best you can to at least stay in
college long enough to begin a business; however, if you feel you aren’t that
disciplined to even try, why continue to stay?
Leave and get a job until you are ready to settle down.
The Lazy Student
Don’t feel like studying, joining an organization, attending
an event, volunteering or doing anything else other than sleeping, eating and
dating? You will need to evaluate what
your reasons are for attending. Have you
bothered to see what else the college is offering you to motivate you? Go to the student activities office for a
calendar of events, read the student newspaper, and take the time to read the
campus fliers, you will be surprised what is out there to enhance your college
experience. Otherwise, if you don’t you
will find yourself dropping out without giving yourself the chance to take
advantage of opportunity given to you.
The Pregnant Student
You recently found out that you are pregnant. You may have considered that the best thing
for you and your unborn child is to leave.
For some mothers that is not the best choice and you may be one of
them. Although it will take a lot of
dedication and hard work to stay in college through all of your symptoms, you
can do it! Some women are strong-minded
enough to handle schooling and pregnancy.
If you don’t have any health issues, doing exceptionally well and have a
support system around you, think about seriously staying at least until your
water breaks. The last thing you would
want to do is jump ship early and later regret your decision.
The Financially Broke Student
You have done everything to pay for college and have been
attending part-time for a long time just because t was easier to handle the
costs and keep a job. However, the bills
are coming in faster then the money and you are in danger of getting a negative
credit rating, these are sign that you might want to stop going at least
temporary or find some other way to get your career goals accomplished. You may have done everything you possibly could,
applied for grants and scholarships, took put loans, received a paid
internship, asked family for money, got a job, and joined a college work study
and you still keep coming short every semester, it is time to let go. In addition, you may be experiencing hair
loss, fatigue and many other symptoms as a result of all the stress -- nothing
is worth all of this pain and anxiety.
If you can’t resolve your issues and you have a faith, go to God with
your prayers and end the nightmare. Take
the skills that you do have and start looking for a job. Many people have made the equivalent if not
more than college students in various career fields. Why not get out there and start looking
before your friends graduate? You will
at least have your foot in the door before they come out and have more hands-on
experience. Not only that, some
employers don’t want to pay as much to a college student and would rather hire
someone they could train and offer a lesser pay.
The Burned Out Student
You bit off more than you can chew from the day you stepped
on campus your freshman year. You have
always been an overachiever, but now you have come to a place in your life
where you are just not happy. The
burdens you are carrying in your personal and professional life have come
overwhelming. It is time to make a
decision on whether or not you can keep this up. You have more doctors’ visits then anyone you
know and you are becoming very difficult to be around. There are enough signs around you that say,
“This season of your life is over there is something better than this out there
for you!” You will have to seriously
consider if you are still passionate about what you set out to achieve or have
you grown since you were 18 and have decided that maybe you prefer a simpler life,
less career and money driven. There is
nothing wrong with desiring one day to become a wife or husband and to have
children. There are a variety of ways to
become financially stable and seek those interests. Before, you find yourself hospitalized or
diagnosed with something that may cause your body harm due to all the stress,
leave. You can always go back on your
own time, not on the time of others.
Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?
Saturday
Tuesday
Sync Your eBooks Across All Your Devices
When I started writing ebooks, I discovered a host of services available to help writers with a variety of tasks. I discussed some of them in my book What Else Can I Do on the Internet? by Nicholl McGuire but what I also found was an app that helps sync all your ebooks across a variety of devices. You can also add your bookmarks and it keeps track of your reading position. The follow is txtr ebooks available for free and can be downloaded on PC or mobile device. So check it out and also look me up on the app, my nonfiction, helpful guides on family challenges, spirituality and business are available on the site. Click here.
Saturday
Monday
Bible Board Games for People of Faith
Bring some life to a party among the like-minded believers. There are many family friendly games, videos and movies for those who enjoy fellowship with others. Check out the following list below:
Bible Man Board Game - children will enjoy the adventures of Bible man while learning scriptures along their journey. This is a collectible game now since the character is no longer well-known in Christian circles like he once was.
Bible Taboo - the biblical version of the popular game. A lot of positive reviews on this one.
Bibleopoly - players are building churches in this game and running into their share of challenges along the way.
Check out more interesting Christian bible games here.
Bible Man Board Game - children will enjoy the adventures of Bible man while learning scriptures along their journey. This is a collectible game now since the character is no longer well-known in Christian circles like he once was.
Bible Taboo - the biblical version of the popular game. A lot of positive reviews on this one.
Bibleopoly - players are building churches in this game and running into their share of challenges along the way.
Check out more interesting Christian bible games here.
Friday
Monday
What to Do With Photos? book excerpt from What Else Can I Do on the Internet by N. McGuire
What to do with all those photos in boxes, bins, on portable devices, walls, and elsewhere? Well most people share them online. From posting them on social networking pages to inviting contacts to view an online album, there are many ways to share photos. Let's say that someone sent you a photo of a cool event, interesting artwork or a baby, what might you do with it? Most would want to print it out and frame it, but you can do more.
Use quote marks when searching what you want to do with the image (see examples below). The quotes are for highlighting keywords you would use to find the websites that offer the service or product you want. Simply put those in your search engine. Don't forget to add words like: “top” “best” “on sale” to help narrow your options. Include a specific company name if you know of one. For instance, if you don't want to print photos from home, search local drug stores and discount stores that will print your photos and have them ready for pick up within the week.
Join a site that will allow you to print photos on mugs, t-shirts, photo books, tote bags, and more. Use keyword phrases like: “turn photos into...” “print photos on...” “put photos on...”
Find a website that will let you share photos online. You can search “online photo albums.”
Worried about space on your hard drive and other places? Check out storing photos privately using online storage. Keyword “online storage for images.”
Do you have photos of your ancestors? Why not, open an account with Ancestry.com or a similar family history site? Then upload favorite photos for your distant relatives to view. You can scan them or take photos of them with a camera and then connect camera to computer. Search “how to upload photos from digital camera” or “how to upload photos from phone” If you received photos via email or elsewhere search “how to download photos” then include the way you received the photos. For example, search “how to download photos from Facebook”
What about taking photos and displaying them as works of art? There is much “photo editing software” that can take a dull photo and turn it into a master piece!
Learn more about what you can do with your photos by searching “unique ways to use photos.”
So do check out free image hosting, more ways to share your photos easily and fun ways to edit them online or via your portable device. Many people upload their photos to social networking sites and elsewhere. Others create slideshows and share via video services.
Things you can do with your photos online include:
1. Wall posters
2. Banner ads
3. Book covers
4. Icons
5. Apps
6. Video game creations
7. Images in cartoons, short films, and related media
8. Brag books
9. Online and offline photo albums
10. Sell online or share freely on sites that need high quality stock photos and illustrations.
11. Participate in online contests. Baby photograph submissions are often in demand.
12. Display on blogs
13. Use as channel art on a video or social networking page
14. Professional headshots are often used for business profiles
15. Mobile sharing
16. Dating sites
Sometimes people enjoy photography so much that they create entire websites showcasing their many images. Others will open stores and have their images displayed on various items from iPhone covers to games. Since the gaming industry is big business, some websites know how much people love playing video games so they offer features where you can upload photos of yourself, favorite images and more. It is quite fun to see your own face in a character. Simply keyword search "upload your photo games" or "upload photo fun picture game."
When considering a website that caters to photo sharing, check out the reviews of the top 10 sites. You can do this by using the keyword phrase "best photo sharing websites" or "reviews of top 10 photo sharing sites."
Get more useful tips like these in my book, What Else Can I Do on the Internet? by Nicholl McGuire
Have Fun!
Saturday
Pick a New Spot to Read,Text, Use Computer, Ride Bike...
Who says you have to stay home to do the things you enjoy?
by Nicholl McGuire
Thursday
Another Boring Family Invite? Just Say No
So many people make themselves attend events with family members and friends that they rather not go to. How many times were you invited to something that you went to even though your gut told you not to? Once you arrived, you probably said to yourself, "Why did I come?" Don't do that to yourself again. If you don't feel like or want to go don't, but sometimes your feelings will trick you.
When I wrote the book, Should I Go to the Party? by Nicholl McGuire I shared the doubts, fears, and disputes that people experience related to family invites, party attendance, and other things related to gatherings. There will be those times that you will wish you had gone and other times when you wish you would have stayed home. The key to discerning whether an invite is worth an RSVP is if you have some answers to who, what, where, when, and how. Get as much information in advance about an event and you will be better able to determine whether it will be a yawn or a laugh or two.
Check out my short-read, Should I Go to the Party? today. It is one of those books that you won't look at the next event invite in quite the same way. Available in paperback and print.
Nicholl McGuire
Author of other books: Tell Me Mother You're Sorry, When Mothers Cry, What Else Can I Do on the Internet?, Socially Sweet Privately Cruel Abusive Men and many others.
When I wrote the book, Should I Go to the Party? by Nicholl McGuire I shared the doubts, fears, and disputes that people experience related to family invites, party attendance, and other things related to gatherings. There will be those times that you will wish you had gone and other times when you wish you would have stayed home. The key to discerning whether an invite is worth an RSVP is if you have some answers to who, what, where, when, and how. Get as much information in advance about an event and you will be better able to determine whether it will be a yawn or a laugh or two.
Check out my short-read, Should I Go to the Party? today. It is one of those books that you won't look at the next event invite in quite the same way. Available in paperback and print.
Nicholl McGuire
Author of other books: Tell Me Mother You're Sorry, When Mothers Cry, What Else Can I Do on the Internet?, Socially Sweet Privately Cruel Abusive Men and many others.
Thursday
When was the last time you worked on your hobby? Improve It! Painting, Drawing, Photos, and More
Be open to the possibility of enhancing your craft. There are many classes online that will help you do more with your work. Rather than search for general terms related to your interest, be more specific and include names of some people you admire who do what you do.
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| What Else Can I Do on the Internet? by Nicholl McGuire thingstodobored.BlogSpot.com |
Find new sites that allow you to do a number of fun things online. One day I came across an entertaining site for those who enjoy doing creative things with faces. The downloadable link was free and before long I discovered I could do so much with my existing photos. I have also viewed sites where I can create my own stories using animated figures or others someone else has drawn.
On your computer, you most likely have a software program called, "Paint." This program allows you to do a variety of things. You can freely draw, upload photos, artwork and other images and add your creations to them. Take a moment to look at what you already have on your computer and start tapping into your creative genius.
Check out the latest trends in your art genre. After surfing around the net, I noticed an offer to upload some images for sell. Although the requirements were quite specific, I learned at the time what people really wanted to see and kept that in mind before I submitted anything.
Many times I have stumbled on sites that display many unique things people do with their art. Some will offer how-to tutorials while others will take you on a shopping experience to help you obtain needed supplies. I have viewed some artists take the most mundane things and turn them into masterpieces right before my eyes.
If you are curious about what more you can do with your talent, I suggest visiting websites that have the latest books, audio, and visuals. Also, check out forums, online clubs, and other places that you can connect with individuals like yourself. I joined many sites over the years that catered specifically to writers. I also registered with websites that paid me to write, share recordings and photos. To date, I still enjoy watching the latest videos on how to paint specific things to add in my acrylic paintings. Over the years, I have also encouraged my children to watch online videos to help them play musical instruments; learn to draw, complete school work, practice for sports, fix computer issues, and more...
Get more ideas and instructions on how to perform in-depth research on a variety of useful things on the Internet. What Else Can I Do on the Internet? an eBook by Nicholl McGuire Also, available in print here.
Monday
12 Ways to Be at Peace During a Financial Crisis
Back in the good ole’ days, you had money to splurge,
friends came around often and everyone seemed to be happy for you. Yet, one day, something happened to turn your
finances upside down and now all you can do is think of how to get yourself out
of this mess. It seems as if the
financial storm is lasting longer than the financial sunshine, so what do you
do? How do you get past the sadness,
frustration, anger and confusion?
thingstodobored.BlogSpot.com
The following suggestions may help you cope and if you
choose to use them, your storm may not last for long. (As we all know storms don’t last for
always.)
- Put whatever change you have aside from spending money and begin to save. As crazy as it may seem, saving during a financial crisis will provide you with the hope that you need to get out of your situation. Learn how to do more on the Internet to help with your crisis.
- Don’t talk to everyone about your being “broke” or “poor,” this doesn’t help you with keeping a positive attitude.
- Take the time to write down short term and long-term financial goals. Read articles abut the things you hope to accomplish, this way when you do have the money you will be educated enough to make the right decisions.
- Don’t lend money when you know you can’t afford to. As nice as it may seem, it is probably what aided your financial storm. Always think of you first.
- Find everything and anything on sale, use coupons when you can, and most of all avoid impulse buying.
- Stay away from credit cards at this time. Why dig a whole deeper for yourself when you are trying to climb out of it?
- Be sure to define what exactly is a financial emergency, if you have alternatives ways to get to work, why pay for high price gas? If you have leftovers in the refrigerator, then why pay for lunch?
- Walk around your home looking for items you don’t need, whether you sell them or give them away, they will be a blessing to someone and as you know good things will come back to you when you believe.
- Surround your atmosphere with the things that made you successful in your past. Take out your prized moments and display them on the wall. This creates an atmosphere of positive thinking. Then add to your décor the things that you hope to achieve. For example, post a photo of the trip you always wanted to take, the clothes you enjoy buying and maybe list a charity you would like to give to. Once the money comes in, make your dreams a reality.
- Take a break from gift-giving, instead make phone calls or email. You don’t know whose heart you may touch with saying the right words, rather than buying the right gifts.
- In all thy giving, expect to receive. No matter what you have done in the past, present or future, someone will do something nice for you, it may not always be monetarily, but whatever it may be, it will be good for your heart.
- Most of all, if you have a faith, pray that God will provide you with the wisdom to save, invest and obtain money legally and joyfully. Too often people will look at their situation in a negative light and that only attracts more negativity.
Start implementing these tips and your emotions concerning your finances will begin to be at peace!
Happy saving!
Saturday
Free Laptops, Ipads, Phone Scams or Not?
Little does he know, this site is one of many fraudulent
freebie websites, many of which are posted at ripoffreport.com. The consumers on the site report their gifts
were never received. One consumer
stated, “I responded to a popup on my computer offering a free laptop. The
terms to get the laptop required that I register, complete 10 offers from
various companies (2-silver, 2-gold, 6-platinum). Each of the offers that I
subscribed to required a low cost trial or required full cost purchase. I also
referred 2 friends who also referred 2 friends…At first, many of my purchases
were approved so it seemed as if everything was moving along smoothly. When
items that I had paid for and received were not approved, I wrote to the
promotion company through their 'contact us' section…I wrote to them at least 5
times during the 2 months and never received a response…I was not able to get
the laptop even though I fulfilled the participation requirements.”
The determined student clicks on the banner ad and begins a
survey that turns out to be the longest one he has ever filled out in his
life! Almost four hours of pages asking
him to complete offers most of which require a credit card. After hesitating about providing his credit
card information, he grabs his card anyway and when it is all said and done he
has completed over $500 in offers. He
tells himself he won’t need any of the things he has ordered and he will just
send them back once he gets his laptop.
Well, the companies anticipate that is what most consumers
will do, so they make sure their members will make more than one purchase to
fulfill company requirements. Also, the
website he clicked on for the free laptop stated in fine print that he will not
get any credit for his memberships if he cancels before 60 days. Further, the companies have his credit card
information so they will bill him before he has the time to respond. Meanwhile, participating companies have yet
to let the free laptop website know that he has completed offers.
With this chapter of his life closed, he moves on and finds
out that a family member is awaiting a free Ipod and her friend is in the
process of trying to get a digital camera from yet another site. Unfortunately, they didn’t get their free
electronics, but for smaller gift items like infant formula and a $25 gift
card, those items were sent almost immediately…go figure?!
Nicholl McGuire author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?
Friday
Plan Future Shopping Trips - What to Buy March and April
What to Buy in March and April? Book excerpt from Black Friday, Cyber Monday Strategies to Use Year Round by Nicholl McGuire
MARCH
All candy, specifically chocolate, from Valentine's Day is marked down this month. Winter gear and sporting equipment prices are also reduced. Boats and grills are still dropping in price. March is National Frozen Food Month so you will notice an increase of ads for freezer meals. People make home purchases this time of the year so they can get in on the tax credits offered the following month. Luggage is on sale making room for the new designs. You will also see some discounts on lingerie. Other sales include: cable, phones and plans, laptops, airfare tickets for summer travel, laptop sales, cleaning supplies, and home fragrances. Spring cleaning tends to happen toward the end of the month since spring starts at that time; therefore, you will see an increase of coupons and ads on cleaning products. Oh, the memories of Pine Sol growing up!
thingstodobored.BlogSpot.com
APRIL
This month people who are very much into using and promoting earth friendly products are out and about celebrating Earth Day. Church-goers are commemorating Christ dressed in their Sunday best this month, Easter celebrations will be ongoing. So you will find many printed dresses and suits on sale as well as organic, natural and healthy foods and beauty items too. This is also a good month to buy a mattress since there are many ongoing deals. Cookware and other kitchen related goods are on sale. Cleaning supply prices look better. Taking a trip to a thrift store isn't a bad idea either around this time, because many individuals who are spring cleaning are getting rid of Christmas items they didn't need or want. Other items to grab include: cruises, sneakers, and more summer airfare discounts. However, keep in mind, the closer you get to the start of a new season when it comes to booking travel, you don't always save, so start searching months in advance of your departure date.
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| Black Friday, Cyber Monday Strategies to Use Year Round by Nicholl McGuire |
To get the most out of your shopping experiences year round, do check out nonfiction author and shopping expert Nicholl McGuire's book, Black Friday Cyber Monday Strategies to Use Year Round save some time and money, the research has already been done for you! Helpful guide also available in print, see here.
Happy Shopping!
Wednesday
Get Paid to Complete Offers
Looking for a fun way to pass some time each day while making money? Well I site I joined awhile back offers many ways to make additional cash. TreasureTrooper.com and sites like it are easy, entertaining, and helpful to your finances. On this site you will complete the following:
1. Cash offers
2. Cash surveys
3. Cash calls
4. Cash path
5. Cash videos
You can also make purchases with money you have earned on site via the 'Trade Hut.' You can also visit 'My Treasure' and get cash back from internet sites you already shop on. With so many things to do on this site, you will quickly make money.
So check out TreasureTrooper.com and have some fun today!
1. Cash offers
2. Cash surveys
3. Cash calls
4. Cash path
5. Cash videos
You can also make purchases with money you have earned on site via the 'Trade Hut.' You can also visit 'My Treasure' and get cash back from internet sites you already shop on. With so many things to do on this site, you will quickly make money.
So check out TreasureTrooper.com and have some fun today!
Tuesday
Look up the history of holidays...Valentine's Day History - Relationships
Check out more informative videos at NM Enterprise 7, YouTube
Wednesday
17 Useful Ways to Use Mobile Apps to Help with Common Activities
What do you typically do during the day or night? Could an app with some kind of reminder help you with things like: taking medicine, scheduling activities, performing daily tasks, meeting relatives and friends, or participating in errands?
Here is a list of ideas that many people already use mobile and computer apps for:
1. Hair and nail appointments.
2. Reminders such as take birth control, visit doctor, assist others, etc.
3. Keep up with their children’s tasks.
4. Read magazines and other media while they wait for others.
5. Play games.
6. Apartment shop.
7. Find locations.
8. Post information on social media pages.
9. Keep up with celebrities.
10. Write.
11. Create music.
12. Collaborate with staff.
13. Connect with friends.
14. Meet new friends.
15. Date online.
16. Check out photos.
17. Keep up with allowance money given to children.
Get more practical ideas, creative ways and more informative tips on taking your Internet research to a new level today! What Else Can I Do on the Internet? ebook by Nicholl McGuire available here.
Tuesday
Monday
5 Things You Can Do When Bored in a Hospital Waiting Room (Doctor's Office)
Waiting anywhere can be quite boring. So when the time comes that you might have to be that one riding or driving to a waiting room or doctor's office, bring something along to keep you entertained. However, if you forget or couldn't bring your favorite book or electronic, then do the following:
1) Check out the grounds.
2) Grab snacks from vending machine or visit the hospital cafeteria.
3) Walk to nearby shopping district.
4) Comfort those who are upset with light-hearted conversation after they have calmed down.
1) Check out the grounds.
2) Grab snacks from vending machine or visit the hospital cafeteria.
3) Walk to nearby shopping district.
4) Comfort those who are upset with light-hearted conversation after they have calmed down.
5) Watch TV in lobby area.
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Could your body use a workout?
Why not try a new recipe using a new gadget?
If you must watch the game, why not go to it!
Buy a playstation or some other gaming system!