Love Quotes

I love reading quotes that inspire.  Oftentimes it makes me stop to think about what is said, and I feel good when I read them.  Here are some love quotes that inspire me. 

One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love .- Sophocles 

Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.- Vincent van Gogh

A life lived in love will never be dull.- Leo Buscaglia 

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out. 

- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

You can get many more love quotes from Wisdom Quotes at http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/love/index2.html

Have a beautiful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Setting Goals

"People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine." -- Brian Tracy


Have you thought about what your goals are in life?  Had you had a chance to sit down and write them out?  Many of us who feel stuck sometimes are not sure how to go about making some changes in our lives.  I remember back in University in one of my Family Studies courses, I had to complete an assignment about life goals and priorities, and how I was going to go about achieving those goals.  It was a great exercise, and every now and then I reflect on that experience.  I think the time has come again to start reflecting on life goals and this time it may include some reflection on "inner self-fulfillment". 


Please take a moment to hear Brian Tracy's version of how to achieve one goal in 24 hours and see if this could help you get a little more focussed on what is important to you.  Brian Tracy is a best selling author and professional speaker that has helped more than 4 million people achieve their goals.




If your browser doesn't support this, go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iDbs3vh6KM

To learn more about Brian Tracy, go to this link: http://www.briantracy.com/aboutus.aspx?ssid=8e281df8-9983-4ad0-ae33-898ae5684760

Have an awesome day!

~ Angela Gentile

Smile by Uncle Kracker - Music Video

Here is a great song from YouTube.  It's called, "Smile" by Uncle Kracker.  Enjoy.



If you're browser does not support this, please click on this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UcQ5GcckQc
Smile!

~ Angela Gentile

Practice Mindfulness

 

"Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz

Whenever I think of the term, "practicing  mindfulness", I think of washing dishes.  I think of feeling the warm, sudsy water on my hands and I think of how the soapy suds smell and how the dishes feel.  I think about the texture of the dish rag in my hand and the sound of the water running over the dishes as I rinse the soap off of them.  

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, and reflecting on all the sensations and thoughts you have regarding what you are doing at that very moment.  Instead of washing the dishes and thinking about what you have to do after you are done the dishes, mindfulness requires that we don't think about the past events or the future plans.  Mindfulness expects that we are living in that very moment, experiencing it in all it's glory.

I was watching The Oprah Show the other day, and she made a commitment to be fully present during each and every show (it's her last season of her TV program) and to be "with" each and every guest she has on her show.  What she in fact is talking about is mindfulness.  She is going to be mindful in terms of paying close attention to her guests and not letting her thoughts about other things get in the way of her fully experiencing the moment.  I was very impressed when Oprah said that.  I know the importance of being mindful and how much peace and joy it can bring.  

Check out the article called, "Mindfulness Exercises - Everyday Mindfulness Exercises for Stress Relief" to get some more ideas on things you can do to practice mindfulness: http://stress.about.com/od/tensiontamers/a/exercises.htm

Practice being mindful today and see how it feels for you.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Fun Theory

 There is this great website that is an initiative of Volkswagen called, The Fun Theory.  They have taken some common behaviours and turned them around to be more fun.  Here's what they say on the website:

"This site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better." - The Fun Theory

I especially love the Piano Staircase.  They were able to encourage more people to use the stairs instead of the escalator by making the steps make piano key sounds.

Check out The Fun Theory website at http://www.thefuntheory.com/

Have a fun day!

~ Angela Gentile

Music With Online Lyrics

Ever since I was young, I always enjoyed recording the lyrics to songs.  One time, when I was about 11 years old, I got "caught" writing out the lyrics to a song I liked.  The store owner came over to me and said, "If everyone came in here and did what you're doing, the store wouldn't make any money".  I felt so bad.  What I had been doing up to that point was recording songs off the radio onto my cassette player, then writing down the lyrics that way.  Nowadays it's so simple.  Google the song name, with the word "lyrics" after it, and voila, there you go.

Here you will find two YouTube videos I made.  They are "music with online lyrics".  The songs are by Mike Tompkins: Teenage Dream and Just the Way You Are - A Cappella; and Dynamite - A Cappella.  Singing along to songs has become so much easier now, thanks to technology.




If your browser does not support this, go to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WzullHTFg4





If your browser does not support this, go to YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FU7vhQGg7I

Have a wonderful, fun-filled day!

~ Angela Gentile

Dog Tricks Starring Rocky

I love my dog, Rocky.  He is a 5-year-old cockapoo, and he does lots of tricks. We video taped his tricks and made a music video.  My daughter suggested the music - Eye of the Tiger, by Survivor.  We named our dog Rocky, because he has a black eye.  Hope you enjoy our music video.



If your browser doesn't support this, go to YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgI7L1SiZ_4

Have a happy day!

~ Angela Gentile

Reflections of Motherhood

What would mother's tell themselves if they were to go back to the time before their baby was born?  What words of advice would they wish they had known or believed?  Here's a video I found on YouTube that says just that.



If you're browser doesn't support this, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taDqKWWPDAY

I found these words to be so helpful, and true.

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

A Little Piece of Happy

I like to chew gum on occasion, and I have my favourites.  I love Trident gum.  I like the packages that open up to have two layers.  The gum is in a stick form.  I like the Spearmint flavor and I love the Blueberry Pomegranate (Big on Flavour!) the best.  I love the sweet gum when I am craving a dessert and I enjoy the Spearmint when I need to freshen my breath.

The neatest thing is, that when I open up the package, it has a saying on the inside of the package - It says, "a Little Piece of Happy".  

That's exactly what it is to me.

Go to the Trident website to see their happy little site: http://www.tridentgum.com/alittlepieceofhappy/ . There's lots of little happy things there. You'll be pleasantly surprised, I hope.  It may even make you smile.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

How to Get Rich Quick

No, this isn't another "get rich quick" scheme.  What this is though, is a twist on the subject of "rich".  I was thinking about how many people have the dream of getting rich some day, and living the life they've always wanted, hoping to be happier.  Here is my version of "how to get rich, quick".

First, redefine the word, "rich".  The most common definition is related to money.  What I want you to do is think about what all the other aspects of being rich are.  Abundance, freedom, happiness, security.  In the case of food, rich food can be very intense, succulent and over-the-top.  Cheesecake can be very rich sometimes. People can "look" rich, by the things they wear or by the cars they drive.  All this can be a facade.  Rich can also be defined by the quality of life that you live.  Look at the wonderful friends and family you have.  Consider yourself rich in knowledge just by living life, attending classes, or learning on the job and from others.

Second, replace the words (or thoughts) "I want" with "I have".  Look at all the things you have, all the things you own.  Look at your experiences, and the memories you have of your travels.  Be grateful for what you have and for what you have done.  Have what you want, and want what you have.

Third, those who are rich are generous.  Practice generosity with your love, time and money.  Lend a listening ear generously to those who need someone to hear them out.  Did you know that what you give out comes back to you ten-fold?  Generosity spreads.  Pay it forward.  You will be rewarded with the richness of others.

My fourth and last point here is be thankful each and every day that you are alive.  Live each day as if it were your last.  In order to "get rich", it's important to live while you are alive.

It's possible to get rich quick.  Just follow the above steps and you're on your way to a rich life-style.  A rich and rewarding life is yours for the taking, you just have to go for it!



Cheers!

~ Angela Gentile

Dynamite - by Mike Tompkins

Here is another great production by Mike Tompkins.  I love his creativity and energy.

Enjoy!



If your browser does not support this, go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjCLQaTFXx0

Have a dynamite day!

~ Angela Gentile

Laugh USA - Comedy Via Satellite Radio

I have a longer commute to and from work now, so I decided to get XM Satellite Radio installed into my car.  I have a few favourite stations that I listen to.  One is called, XM 151 Laugh USA, Comedy Radio for Everyone.  I get to listen to good, clean humour by Bill Cosby, Seinfeld and many other great comedians.  I find myself laughing out loud at times, or at least I crack a smile or two.  It feels so good to come into work (or arrive home) after listening to something that has made me laugh.  Laughter is the best medicine they say.  There are other great ways to find humour in your life, like TV programs, movies and comedy clubs. 

If you'd like to hear or see more about Laugh USA, please go to www.xmradio.com/laughusa

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

It Feels So Good When I Stop

I want to describe a feeling that I have when I stop doing something that I don't want to be doing anymore.  Call it "relief", "freedom", "joy" or just plain old "happiness".  I experience this feeling when I am finished my work-out at the gym, arrive home at the end of the day, or finish a course that I have taken.  I have felt this feeling most significantly recently when I changed careers.  I am so happy that I am not doing my old job anymore, that I think I would be happy doing anything!

Think of something that you do that does not bring about the most pleasant feelings.  Then think about how it feels when you stop. Awesome!

Have you experienced the "it feels so good when I stop" feeling lately? 

Have a fantastic day!

~ Angela Gentile

America's Funniest Home Videos

I remember watching America's Funniest Home Videos when it started out over 20 years ago.  I enjoyed watching this program every Sunday night. Every once in a while I still find this program on TV. Here is one of my favourite YouTube videos that honors the funny animals that have made us laugh over the years.




Thanks AFV for all the laughs and great entertainment over the years. Go to this link for more information on AFV: http://abc.go.com/shows/americas-funniest-home-videos

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

How to Enhance Your Sense of Humor

Would you like to laugh more?  Some people have a better ability to make jokes, crack a one-liner, or laugh at themselves. Here are 19 Ways to Enhance Your Sense of Humor.

1. Crack a smile.  It's a start to preparing yourself for seeing the bright or light side of things.
2. Watch a comedy. Watch your favourites again.
3. Recall some of your embarrassing moments and share them in a funny way.
4. Laugh off life's little annoyances.
5. Read the comics and cut out the ones that remind you of your own life.
6. Make a family photo album and add funny captions to the pictures.
7. At dinner, share a funny or embarrassing moment of the day.
8. When someone makes you angry, respond with humor.
9. Check out Dave Letterman's Top 10 List Archive.
10. Have a giggling session once a day.
11. Check out the events listings and attend one that's laugh-inducing (circus, comedy clubs, plays).
12. Add at least one humorous item to your to-do list every day and do it.
13. Ask friends to tell you something funny that has happened to them (vs. gossip).
14. Find a humor buddy to share funny things with.
15. Exaggerate and overstate problems.  Exaggeration is a sure way to make things sound funnier.
16. Develop a silly routine to break up a dark mood (use a Swedish accent for example).
17. Develop a "Ha-Ha Bulletin Board" and post funny sayings and other humorous things on it.
18. Experiment with jokes.  Try to tell a new joke every week.
19. Focus humor on yourself.

One that I'd like to add:
20.  Find humorous things on the internet that you can return to for a good laugh. There are videos on YouTube and there are many websites devoted to jokes and funny pictures.

I hope you can think of ways to bring more humor and laughter into your life.  You know what they say, "Humor is the best medicine".  I know I really appreciate being around people that make me laugh.  

For the complete article, go to Reader's Digest:  http://www.rdasia.com/enhance-your-sense-of-humor

Have a fun-filled, humorous day!

~ Angela Gentile

Things That Make You Feel Good

Plain and simple.  What makes you feel good?  I found this web page, called "Things That Make You Feel Good".  It's a list of things that cost little or nothing.  They can make your day.  Things like:

-- A long hot shower or bath


-- Fresh linen on the bed


-- Getting mail


-- Playing with a new puppy or kitten


-- Friends

What makes you feel good?

To get the full list, go to this link: http://iwant.on.ca/ICQ/MakesYouFeelGood.html

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

How to Clean Out Your Closet

I cleaned out my closet the other day. Sometimes, especially when there's a change in the season, or we have a change in our weight (or when both things happen at the same time) we need to go through and sort out what is in our closet. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to do it:

1. Set aside a couple of hours where you can focus on the task at hand.
2. Get some good music that is upbeat and makes you feel good. It also helps you keep up the pace.
3. Start with any shelves you have, and remove all the clothes and put them on your bed.
4. Go through each item. The way to figure out what to do with that item is to determine a) If you've worn it in the last month, and you still like it, keep it. b) If you have not worn it in the last month, try it on. Do you still like the way it looks? Does it fit? Is it in good shape? If so, keep it. If it is not appropriate for the season (ex: white coloured capris in fall) put it away for now. Anything that doesn't fit the criteria of fitting well, or looking good in it donate it or give it away.
5. When you have put away your "keepers", move to the rack(s). Start at the left hand side. Repeat step 4 until all the clothes have been touched.
6. Get your bag/s of clothes to donate and feel good about decluttering and realize that you've accomplished a task that was most likely long-overdue.


IDEAS:
-- As you are going through your items, you can try on things together. You can mix and match and discover new ideas for outfits that you most likely wouldn't have thought of.
-- Make a list of things that you need to purchase/replace as you go.
-- You can organize your clothes by colour, type, and style (casual vs. dressy).  You'll be able to find things faster.
-- If you are in the process of losing weight, try on clothes that you have been saving for that ideal weight. It's encouraging when you find out that some of the clothes fit, or you are at the point where you could start wearing them (but still snug). This is very encouraging!
-- To help keep the closet neat, after you purchase something new, take something out of your closet to give away/donate. When you get something new, get rid of something old.  (This works for books, too!)
-- Hang your clothes with the hangers reversed.  As you use each item, put the clothes back and turn the hanger around.  After a month or two, check to see what clothes haven't been worn, and make a decision to keep or toss them.

Good luck with cleaning out your closet!

~ Angela Gentile

Totally Unique Thoughts - TUT

I found a great website, called TUT's Adventure Club.  I have signed up to receive "Notes from the Universe".  Mike Dooley is the creator and writer of this website, and he believes that Thoughts Become Things - Choose Good Ones!  I find this website and the notes from the universe to be very inspiring and uplifting.  Mike writes in a way that is supportive, creative and unique. 

One of the recent notes I received was this:

People who give, Angela, are given to.
People who care, are cared for.

And people who love... age slower, run faster, jump higher, eat healthier, tend to live in cottages, are as happy with friends as they are alone, climb more trees, skip when they could walk, kiss when they could talk, take the odd Friday off, experience faster manifestations, and are really popular with animals.

Love, baby -
The Universe

If you are interested in the TUT's Adventurers Club, go to this website to learn more: 
http://www.tut.com/theclub/

If you liked this post, you may also like "Life's Greatest Gift" http://onthebrightside-angela.blogspot.com/2010/06/lifes-greatest-gift.html
 
Have a great day!
 
~ Angela Gentile

Want to Be Happier? Here are 10 Things You Should Do

Want to know what scientific research is telling us about happiness?

Here are some of the 10 things that will make us happy:

Savour Everyday Moments

Put Money Low on the List

Make Friends and Treasure Family

Smile, Even When You Don't Feel Like It

I agree with all the things on the list.  Go to this link to see the complete article, "10 Things Science Says Will Make You Happy" on Daily Good:

http://www.dailygood.org/more.php?n=4023


Go to this link to check out more on Daily Good: www.dailygood.org

Have a Happy Day!

~ Angela Gentile

Olive You and the Little Things You Do

Dave Days - "Olive You" feat. Kimmi Smiles 

My daughter shared a music video on YouTube that I really liked.  Dave Days is a teenager, 19 years of age, and he has a YouTube channel with 1.2 million subscribers (including my daughter!).  He's done other songs. This song called, "Olive You" (4:26) is sweet and it made me smile. He sings with Kimmi Smiles, from Australia.  He says they are "just friends".

Check out this video, it's really cute.



If your browser does not support this, please go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtIfld84Ydw

Olive you!

~ Angela Gentile

Undercover Karaoke with Jewel

I found this video on the website called "Funny or Die". I LOVED it! Singer Jewel goes undercover at a Karaoke bar as an "ugly girl" called Karen, and it's so much fun!  I'm still smiling (and I got a few goose bumps, too!).

Check out "Undercover Karaoke with Jewel" (6:48) at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmv1VhrtYRo

For more Funny or Die, go to: http://www.funnyordie.com/

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Positive Thinking

Look out on life with amazement, not shock. The variety, the diversity, the manner of every person, the beauty amidst the drudgery, the contrasts, the opportunities, the heroism in the lives of ordinary people, your gifts, your talents, your friends - even just one friend - is all awesome. Live in awe, and entertain wonder, and you will be knocking on the door of true love. Don't kill it with cynicism or criticism, don't sabotage your life with moaning and complaining. Open the eyes in your head and the eye in your intellect and choose to see the stunning, awesome, diverse beauty of life happening around you right now. Meet it with your heart and you will enrich and be enriched in one single moment.

Author:  Brahma Kumaris, Mt Abu

From:  http://positivequotes.blogspot.com/

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

From Face Paints to Body Paint

"At resorts, body painting is a fun and playful activity. Night clubs use it as entertainment with live body painting shows or UV paint parties. It's used in high fashion and sold as fine art. Advertisers use it as a promotional tool." - Craig Tracy, World-Renowned Body Painter

Body painting has become a very popular form of art.  Models stand for 6-8 hours almost naked while their bodies are painted.  There was a story on CNN that caught my attention.  I remember doing face paints with the kids when they were young.  Now there are competitions for artists who do complete body art!

Check out the CNN article.  There you will see how it's done.  Quite fascinating.  I bet it is even more fascinating in real life! http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/09/02/body.painting.trend/index.html?iref=allsearch

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Living in Balance

I was looking for something in one of my drawers, and I came across a page from one of the page-a-day calendars that I had a while ago.  I kept this page, because at the time it was very meaningful and inspirational to me.  It was a calendar that I had bought for myself, called, "For Women Who Do Too Much".  The quote was asking us to Reevaluate "essential".

When we think about living in balance,
it often does not include spirituality, quiet time, 
healthy time, and rest.  
All too often, it means balancing the tasks that "have" to be done.

I am striving for a balanced life, and I am working hard to incorporate all the things that don't "have" to be done.  These non-essentials are very essential to me now.  Very difficult to do, especially when you are busy raising a family of very young children.  As the children get older, there is more time to look after ourselves.

Have a happy, balanced day!

~ Angela Gentile

Price Scans Wrong - You Get it for Free!

Attention All Canadians!  Did you know about the "Scanning Code of Practice"?  Most major retailers in Canada participate in this "voluntary scanning code".  This is a policy that if the price of the item you are purchasing scans higher than the shelf price or any other advertised price, you get the item for free if it's under $10.  If the item is over $10, you get $10 off!

My friend and I went to London Drugs on the weekend, and she bought a bottle of eco-friendly glass cleaner.  It was on sale (clearly marked on the shelf).  When she took it to the cashier, the price was almost $2.00 higher than the sale price.  I immediately brought it to the cashier's attention that there is a policy about getting the item for free if it scans higher.  She sent us over to Customer Service, and they processed the sale.  My friend got her glass cleaner for free!  This has happened to me before at another store, so it pays to know your prices and to watch as they scan the items through. The only thing is that you have to remember to mention the "Scanning Code of Practice" because not everyone knows about it.  Most of the larger stores like Shopper's, London Drugs, Wal-Mart and Superstore have the Scanning Code of Practice sign displayed in a visible area. 

Scanner price accuracy for consumers is what this is all about.  In order to ensure fair practices, we all need to know our rights in terms of the Scanning Code of Practice.  On the Bright Side, if we notice a scanned price is wrong, we get it for free (or $10 off).

I am not sure if the US, Mexico or other countries have a policy like this.  Check it out.

To get the details from the Competition Bureau of Canada, go to this link: Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code;  http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/01262.html

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

www.AngelaGGentile.com

Love Your Neighbour

On my way home from work yesterday I came across a sign.  This bright yellow sign was posted on the boulevard at a very busy intersection.  It stated in clear and simple terms, "Love Your Neighbour ☺".  It wasn't there yesterday.  It made me think about the message.  I was wondering who put up those signs?  I pondered for a bit and wondered what the city would be like if we all did what the sign instructed us to do.  As I got closer to my own neighbourhood, I spotted another sign, exactly the same.

The message is simple and clear.     Love Your Neighbour☺

Have a wonderful day, neighbour!
 ~ Angela Gentile 

Laughing with Friends

The other night I was invited to a get-together with a bunch of ladies to celebrate a birthday (any excuse to get together).  We laughed a lot, and what we were laughing at were some of the stories people were telling.  There were a few of us that were really good storytellers, and the stories were from real-life experiences.  These "life stories" are fun to share because they are often very unique and the storyteller can embellish the humorous details as they see fit.  

What makes me laugh is the way that the stories are told.  I love to hear about those unexpected situations that we come across in our day-to-day lives that are funny and out-of-the-ordinary.  There are some really funny people out in the world and they add so much joy to our lives.  Some of them don't even realize how much entertainment they provide. 

The good storytellers are those who can bring a smile to your face and entertain you with their words, antics and actions.  My friend's daughter has a gift of being a great storyteller. She told us about some of her experiences of working with the public and the different kinds of customers she comes across and she had us all laughing so hard.  It felt so good to share a laugh with everyone.  My late Uncle used to be a great storyteller, and now his daughter (my cousin) is carrying on the tradition. I think we all know great storytellers and how much they can make us laugh and enjoy each other's company.

Next time you come across a funny, unique situation, please share it with others.  Good storytellers are very entertaining.

Go to this link to find out more about how to be a great storyteller:  http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-become-a-better-storyteller.htm

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile