Saturday, February 25, 2012

Lollipop Moments - Everyday Leadership



This TedX Toronto talk on "Everyday Leadership" makes me think about all those moments when someone said or did something small that impacted me in a significant way. 

Defining moments.  

Those moments are very special to me, and this video inspires me to remember that we are all leaders, and we all have the potential to impact people, unknowingly.

Make it count.  Do the right thing, always. 
  

Click on the arrow above, or go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVCBrkrFrBE&feature=player_embedded#!

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Friday, February 24, 2012

Customer Surveys Can Pay Off

Nowadays, most of the stores we visit have online customer surveys.  If you look on your receipt, you may notice that there is an invitation to enter a customer survey online.  To make your time worthwhile, many of these companies also add chances to win prizes and draws for those who complete the surveys.  A lot of them also have toll-free numbers to call if you don't want to complete the survey online.  Some offer a coupon or discount on a future purchase if you complete the survey.  I have been taking notice of these survey and prize offers and I have been entering these draws.  Here are the draws I have entered so far.

Wal-Mart
"Enter for a chance to win 1 of 3 $1,000 CDN Wal-Mart gift cards.  To enter, please complete a survey about today's store visit at http://survey.walmart.ca/".

This survey was the most time consuming, and it took about 15 minutes.  I was also invited to sign up for Wal-Mart deals via email.  I said "yes", and I know I can always opt out if the emails become too much of a nuisance.

Indigo 
"You could win $1,000 or an iPod!  Complete our survey at http://www.indigofeedback.com/".

This survey took about 6 minutes, and unfortunately I didn't get the instant win iPod. I still have a chance to win the money.

Real Canadian Superstore
"Tell us how we did today!  Monthly chances to win $2,000.  Visit http://www.storeopinion.ca/.".

This survey took about 10 minutes to complete.

Safeway
"How was your shopping experience?  Please share your thoughts online.  http://www.grocerysurvey.net./  Enter to win a $100 Gift Card".

This survey took about 8 minutes.  I have had a few inquiries about the above link not working, so try this: https://survey-feedback.net/safeway/

Shopper's Drug Mart
"Please tell us about the service you received in our store today and you could win 1 of 50 prizes of $1,000 in Gift Cards.  DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES of winning by going online at www.surveysdm.com."

This one took about 10 minutes.

Sport Chek
"Tell us how we did today!  Take a short survey and enter our monthly draw for 1 of 2 $500 Gift Cards! Go to http://www.sportcheksurvey.ca/."

Be careful not to go to www.sportchecksurvey.ca.  This is the wrong address.  This survey took about 6 minutes.

Canadian Tire
"You could instantly win an iPod.  Plus enter for a chance to win $1,000 CASH!  Tell us how we did today by completing our online survey at: http://www.tellcdntire.com/"

The font on the survey was very, very small.  It took about 13 minutes to complete (as I had something to say).  I didn't win the iPod.  But I still have a chance at the $1,000.   It was similar to the Indigo survey.

I understand the need for customer feedback, and the desire a company has to improve their services and image.  It can only benefit us all in the end.  I will continue to enter these draws as time permits.  It would be nice to have a little extra cash in my pocket.  Hopefully I'll be able to edit this post one day to add that I won something.

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Could You Sleep Here?

Full-size image: http://i.imgur.com/BeXeu.jpg   
Found this gem on Reddit.com.  It looks dreamy.  I think I could sleep there.  Would like to try, anyways. Click on the full-size image link, and get a real good feel for what it looks like.  It would make an amazing wallpaper on your computer, too.

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Coffee with a Smile

Source: http://i.imgur.com/0OduK.jpg   

Saw this picture on Reddit.com.  Had to share.  By FerociousImbecile.  

Caption was: This morning ;o)  

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

How to be More Interesting and Less Boring



Get out, do new things.  Do something different.  It will give you something interesting to talk about.

Learn to say "yes" to new experiences from time to time.

A change of scenery may be what you need to ignite some energy.

Find your passion for discovery and choose to live life to the fullest.

Be creative.  Start something new.  

Be less predictable, and become a little more unpredictable.  Be spontaneous. 

Get out of your routine rut.  Jump the curb. 

Think outside the box.

Take a stand on something, and be able to back it up.

Do something silly.  Laugh at yourself.  Laugh with others. 

When people ask you questions, don't answer with just a one or two word answer.  Elaborate, make it into a story if you can.  Don't overdo it though.

Listen to or watch the news.  Form an opinion about it, listen to the opinions of others.

Volunteer for an agency.  That will give you something interesting to talk about.

Go to a restaurant or café that you've never been to before.  Try a different menu item.

Get excited about something. 

Have a cause.  Be passionate about something. Boring people don't have interesting things to say.

Have a party or get together. Invite fun and interesting people. 

Embrace a hobby and get involved with others that share the same passion.

Invite a friend or friends to do something fun or different.

Be positive and uplifting.  Be encouraging.  Show interest in other people's lives.

Say "Yes" to invitations and suggestions to do something with people you like being with.

Be enthusiastic about something.  It can be contagious.

Come "out of your shell" sometimes.  Get others to do the same.

Play more.  Organize a games night.  Do some research on the internet and come up with something fun to do at the next family or friend get-together.

Do a "Happy Dance" when something good happens.

Learn a new skill, or take a course in something cool.

Make the best of whatever situation you are in.  Focus on what is good or positive. 

Meet new people when you are at a party or get-together.  Initiate conversation.

Wear bright, bold colours and prints.  Wear a new style or fashion.  Ladies-try a new lipstick color. Change your hair colour or style.

Compliment others.  Praise them. Smile.  Get them excited about something.

Get out of your comfort zone.  Try to be less serious.  Take risks. Do something strange.

Challenge yourself.  Push your limits.  Add some excitement to your life.

Plan an adventure.  It could be as far away as Hawaii, or as close as the local park.  Share what you learn, see and do with others.  Some people like to live vicariously through others.

Laugh at other people's jokes.

Plan a surprise party.  Or just plan to surprise someone.

Play harmless, practical jokes on people.

Flirt as appropriate.

Be confident in yourself.  Take care of yourself.  People prefer that over an insecure, unkempt person.

Sometimes be a little louder, a little bolder.


Here are some helpful links:

7 tips for being an unequivocally b-o-r-i-n-g friendhttp://www.thefriendshipblog.com/blog/7-tips-being-unequivocally-b-o-r-i-n-g-friend




Have an exciting, interesting day!

Angela Gentile

Monday, February 20, 2012

Glad You Came - Music Video


Here's an upbeat song called Glad You Came (2011), and I found a great lyrics video to it.  I first heard this song on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.  It's by the British-Irish boy band, called The Wanted. The lyrics video was made by "1Dforeveryoung00".



Click on the arrow above, or go to this YouTube video, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cx-IONXyvw

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Spoon Hit Head

Playing practical jokes on people can be lots of fun.  I have seen this prank before on YouTube, and I happened to find this video that made me laugh until I cried.  It's such a simple practical joke, and it makes the guy in the middle look pretty silly.  I feel for him, LOL!



They call this video "spoon hit head", and it can be found at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgIUryRxGM4&feature=lhpa&playnext=1&list=TLHgOM-LrYsvA

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Call Me Maybe - Music Video

Here's a fun, upbeat song called Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen.  She's a Canadian artist, from British Columbia.  On February 14, 2012 it was announced that Justin Bieber and his manager Scooter Braun have signed Carly to their label.

It's a cute video, too.  Eye candy for the ladies.  Funny ending!



Click on the arrow above, or go to this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4N9WiVACqQ

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Friday, February 17, 2012

Together or Separate?




For Valentine's Day, my husband and I went out for dinner at Olive Garden.  I love Italian food, and Olive Garden is one of my favourite Italian restaurants.  We planned to have a later dinner, without the kids (it was Valentine's Day - you know, a date).  When we arrived, we were told we would have a 40-minute wait, so we went to the lounge and had a drink.  I had a strawberry margarita (with a real strawberry), and my husband had a beer.  Within 30 minutes, we were seated in the restaurant.

Our server was a lovely, young lady.  She was prompt, efficient and polite.  She was quite busy and she served our bread sticks, salad, soup and pasta in a friendly, pleasant way.

At the end of our meal, we passed on the dessert, and my husband asked for the bill.

     At that point she asked, "Together or separate?"

"Together", replied my husband without hesitation.

Satisfied with that answer, she smiled, turned and walked away.  At that point, my husband and I looked at each other.  We were both smiling, and feeling quite amused.

For all the 25 years we have been out dining together (married almost 22 years), I don't think we have ever been asked if our bill was to come as one bill or two.  We just had to laugh.  Did it not seem like we were a couple?  Did we look like we were "dating"?  Did we look like "friends" or maybe we looked like we were doing "business" together?  On Valentine's Day?  Or is it just that servers are not to assume that a couple would want one bill?  Maybe women these days insist on paying their own way?  I'm not sure, but it sure came as a surprise.

We will never forget this Valentine's Day date.  The night we were asked if our bills were "together or separate".

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Ways to Inspire

Image Source: http://tinyurl.com/7gxsvtd

I subscribe to the blog called, Marc and Angel Hack Life; Practical Tips for Productive Living, and they have a wide variety of lists that they make that are really good and useful.  The one I got today was called, 18 Ways to Inspire Everyone Around You.  Here is their 18 ways to inspire, in a nutshell:

18 Ways to Inspire Everyone Around You

1.  Be authentic and true to yourself.
2.  Stick with what you love.
3.  Express your enthusiasm.
4.  Excel at what you do.
5.  Focus on building your character.
6.  Care about people.
7.  Challenge people to do their best.
8.  Lead by example.
9.  Articulate what everyone else is thinking.
10.  Make people feel good about themselves.
11.  Help people heal.
12.  Share lessons from your successes and failures.
13.  Keep your cool in tense situations.
14.  Focus on the positive.
15.  Keep your promises and tell the truth.
16.  Listen intently to what others say.
17.  Communicate clearly.
18.  Be faithful to your significant other.

I particularly like #14.  Focus on the positive.  The article goes into more detail on each point.  Here's the link to the complete article:  http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/02/13/18-ways-to-inspire-everyone-around-you/#more-413

Have an awesome, inspiring day!

Angela Gentile

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Go Ahead and Have a Good Laugh



Friends can make you laugh like no one else can.


I have a Facebook account, and I often come across some wonderful photos posted by my family and friends.  This is a picture that captured my heart and made me smile.  It made me think about all the fun times I've had with my friends, and how important it is to laugh.  Thanks Janna for making me smile and remembering how important it is to laugh.
 
Have an awesome day!
 
Angela Gentile

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day - Cute Animal Pics ♥


I was wanting to do something really cute and special for Valentine's Day, so I was searching through Google Images and found some cute animal pics.  Hope they make you smile and warm your heart on this special day of love.  Valentine's Day is traditionally a day when lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, candies, cards and other gifts of affection.

Happy Valentine's Day!





























Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Monday, February 13, 2012

Go with the Flow and be Happy

I saw a private screening of the film, "Happy" (2012) and in it a pyschologist by the name of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi talked about the concept of "Flow".

There is a video on YouTube in which the psychologist describes the concept.



Click on the arrow above, or go to this YouTube link at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjliwSJGDiU&feature=related

A great description of FLOW is described 1:26-3:32.  Flow is "being completely carried away almost like being in a river and the flow of the river takes them on".  Flow happens in Arts, Sports, Music and every time a person is really involved in what they are doing.  They have very focused, and very clear goals.

I know I feel "flow" when I am writing.  It's a creative outlet for me.

When do you feel flow?

Special thanks to Lululemon and Peg City Yoga in Winnipeg for putting on such a great show.  It was fun to be in a room full of happy people, lying on blankets and pillows, eating popcorn and all kinds of candy. Couldn't help but be happy!

The Happy Movie is available online or at Lululemon stores (for about $28).  See the trailer here.

Have a happy day!

Angela Gentile

Sunday, February 12, 2012

The Greatest Love of All


Yesterday I learned of pop star Whitney Houston's untimely death.  At the age of 48 she was found dead in a hotel.  I remember listening to her powerful, sweet, angelic voice growing up and one of her songs that stands out for me is, "The Greatest Love of All" from 1984.

The message of this song is all about self-love.  A great message to us all.

     The greatest love of all
     Is easy to achieve
     Learning to love yourself
     It is the greatest love of all

Watch the lyrics video here:





If you can't click on the arrow above, go to this YouTube link to see the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbp6W4N1N9s

Find your strength in love.


Whitney, may you Rest in Peace.


Angela Gentile

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Domino - Music Video

Jessie J has a fun song and a very colourful video, called "Domino" (2011).  It's a catchy pop tune.  Turn up the volume and shake your booty!

          I'm feeling sexy and free
               Like glitter's raining on me




Click on the arrow above, or go to this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJtB55MaoD0&ob=av3e

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Ways to Say I Love You



I came across this "must read article" called, 742 Ways to Say I Love You.  I admit, I haven't read through all 742 ways, but I am sure there are lots of great ideas.

Watching the sunset together (#29),
PDA - Public Displays of Affection (#36), and
Try to tell your partner often that you love them.  Even if the are right after another (#734).

I really like #496 - Make your woman Queen for an evening.  Spoil her.  

There are lots of ideas, even in the "love" department, if you know what I mean ;-)

Check out the full article here:

http://gamobandolo.blogspot.ca/2011/07/742-ways-to-say-i-love-you-must-read.html

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

(Edited to take out StumbleUpon as this original source doesn't exist.)

Sunday, February 5, 2012

What Have You Been Putting Off Doing?

Here's a funny video on YouTube I came across.  It's about an older man who was offered a Coke.  Very creative advertising.  See what happens.  I am sure it will put a smile on your face.



Click on the arrow above.  Here's the YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbVPblOmBqk

Cheers!
Angela Gentile

Friday, February 3, 2012

Hoarfrost Magic


Hoarfrost and moon at dusk.  
Our city has been decorated with hoarfrost over the last couple of days.  I snapped this picture to get an idea of what it looks like.  The trees and shrubs look so pretty when they are cloaked in white.  I found a poem I'd like to share as well.


Hoarfrost Magic


There is nothing quite as beautiful
As a frozen winter scene
At times with proper moisture
Hoarfrost crystals can be seen

It’s like climbing into another world
As thick ice forms on everything
Nothing else is quite the same
As what these crystals bring

Beauty beyond anything else
Forms on the world around
Gathering up and clustered
Just like a frozen shroud

There’s a stillness in the air
When Hoarfrost crystals form
The quiet world is engulfed
From this beautiful winter storm

So if you are so fortunate
To see the hoarfrost magic
Grab your camera and capture
Nature’s icy antics! 

By Marilyn Lott


Poem source:  http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hoarfrost-magic/

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile