On the Bright Side

Lollipop Moments - Everyday Leadership

2012-02-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

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

Customer Surveys Can Pay Off

2012-02-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

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 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 www.storeopinion.ca.".

This survey took about 10 minutes to complete.

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

This survey took about 8 minutes.

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

Could You Sleep Here?

2012-02-23T06:00:00.007-06:00

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

Coffee with a Smile

2012-02-22T06:00:00.008-06:00

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

How to be More Interesting and Less Boring

2012-02-21T06:00:00.021-06:00

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

How to be more fun: http://www.succeedsocially.com/morefun

How to have an exciting social persona: http://www.theemotionmachine.com/how-to-have-an-exciting-social-persona

Have an exciting, interesting day!

Angela Gentile

Glad You Came - Music Video

2012-02-20T06:00:00.002-06:00

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

Spoon Hit Head

2012-02-19T06:00:00.002-06:00

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

Call Me Maybe - Music Video

2012-02-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

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

Together or Separate?

2012-02-17T06:00:00.005-06:00

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

Ways to Inspire

2012-02-16T07:32:00.001-06:00

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

Go Ahead and Have a Good Laugh

2012-02-15T06:00:00.004-06:00

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

Valentine's Day - Cute Animal Pics ♥

2012-02-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

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

Go with the Flow and be Happy

2012-02-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

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

The Greatest Love of All

2012-02-12T09:23:00.000-06:00

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

Domino - Music Video

2012-02-09T06:00:00.004-06:00

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

Ways to Say I Love You

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Helping you explore new and interesting
things from every corner of the web.

I subscribe to StumbleUpon (www.stumbleupon.com) and they sent me a "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: 742 Ways to say I LOVE YOU - A Must Read

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

What Have You Been Putting Off Doing?

2012-02-05T15:03:00.000-06:00

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

Hoarfrost Magic

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

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

Kettle Corn - A Tasty Treat

2012-01-28T09:58:00.000-06:00

One of my favourite snacks is popcorn. The microwave oven has made it very convenient, and in two minutes you can have a tasty treat. Kids and adults love it. While on vacation in the USA a couple years back, I purchased some microwaveable popcorn, and the flavour was called, "Kettle Corn". Much to my surprise, the popcorn was not only salty, but SWEET! The very first kettle corn I ever tried, was called, "Black Jewel Popcorn", Kettle Corn flavour and it was purchased at Hornbacher's.

The kettle corn flavour is a bit tricky to find. I found some Act II Kettle Corn microwaveable popcorn at Superstore. It's pretty good.

I've also tried the Orville Redenbacher's Kettle Korn in the Pop Up Bowl. It was a bit tricky figuring out how the "pop up bowl" worked, but once we got it, it was an easy, no mess solution to having a tasty snack. The flavour was good, too.

For the history of kettle corn, check out the Wikipedia page, at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kettle_corn.

Try to find some kettle corn and see what you think. It's a great, tasty treat.

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Tell Someone You Love Them

2012-01-26T06:00:00.014-06:00

Myspace Quotes Graphics

We are only given today and never promised tomorrow...

So be sure to tell someone you love them. ♥

For more Love Quotes from Quotes Arcade, go to this link: http://quotesarcade.com/graphics/love/love_quotes_graphics_c1.shtml

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Happy People = Happy World

2012-01-24T06:00:00.003-06:00

World Happy Day - February 11, 2012

I came across this information on "World Happy Day". There is a website devoted to this day, and there is a video as well.

Check out this link, to get to the World Happy Day website: http://www.worldhappyday.com/

I am looking into getting to a screening of the movie, and I have also joined the Facebook page.

Happy - A Documentary Trailer from Wadi Rum Films on Vimeo.

Click on the above to go to the movie tralier.

Let's get happy!

Have an awesome day,

Angela Gentile

Acupuncture Article Archives

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

I was searching my name on Google, and I came across an old article, from 1996 called Chinese Medicine Offers Hope for Infertility and Dysmenorrhea. It's an article I wrote about acupuncture and it appeared in THE AQUARIAN newspaper, Fall 1996 edition. Dr. Yanli Cao, C. M. D. is a Chinese Medicine Doctor, and I went to her when she worked in Winnipeg. Now she works in Toronto. Click on the link below to get to the article. Hard to believe that this article is still being used 16 years later! It's a very personal story about how Chinese medicine and acupuncture helped me with my hormone imbalance and two and a half years of infertility.

http://www.chinesehealthway.com/arti.htm

Chinese medicine is a good option to consider when conventional medicine doesn't seem to be helping. It's a great complementary or alternative therapy that has been around for thousands of years.

It's interesting to see what things we find on the internet when we search our name. Now THE AQUARIAN can be found online, as well.

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Remembering Long Lost Childhood Friends

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Jennifer Wilson and Me, 1982. King City, Ontario

I have been thinking a lot about two of my childhood friends that I lost contact with when I moved from Oak Ridges, Ontario to Fort Frances, Ontario in 1978. My two very best friends at the time were Jennifer Wilson and Robin Craig. I traveled back to see them a couple times after I moved in the early 1980's. I often think of them and wonder how they are doing. I have tried looking for them on Facebook and Google, but when I look up their names, many people with those same names come up on the list so I am discouraged and not sure where to begin.

I went to a webpage called, How to Find a Childhood Friend and I have already exhausted those options. It's been over 30 years since I last saw them, so their names may have changed. Maybe they are now married with different names, maybe they moved. I am not sure where to go from here. I'd like to tell you a little bit about Robin and Jennifer, and maybe, one day, they will search their own name on Google and this post will pop up!

Robin Craig
Late 1970's Early 1980's, Oak Ridges, Ontario

I first met Robin when she babysat my brothers and I. We quickly became very close friends. The fondest memories I have of Robin (who was about 3 years older than me) was that she lived so close (I lived on Maple Grove) and we practically spent every free moment together. She didn't live far, and all I had to do was go down the street a ways and cross over to another short street. In the winter there was a small skating rink really close to her house. I remember looking forward to reading "Jaws" together, which made an exciting time for our sleepovers. We enjoyed recording music on cassette tapes from the radio and writing down the lyrics. We also really loved playing Monopoly together. Robin introduced me to french fries and gravy at the local mall. She made me fall in love with music, and we enjoyed singing and dancing with "The Defranco Family". We loved the song, Heartbeat, It's a Lovebeat. Click here to hear that song - from 1974! She and I both loved making scrapbooks, my favourites were Charlie's Angels and John Travolta.

Jennifer Wilson
Late 1970's Early 1980's Oak Ridges, Ontario.

The greatest thing about Jennifer was that we were the same age and we had the same last name. I remember practicing how we might sign our names, using big swirly "W"s. We used to ride our bikes all around the neighbourhood. She lived across Young Street, near a lake, and she had a nice, big dog. I remember if her dog Riley was outside, and he was supposed to go back in the house, she would call out, "Dad, call Riley" and her dog would run back inside even if her dad wasn't home. Jennifer had a big brother. I had two little brothers. We enjoyed riding our bikes around the neighbourhood on garbage day, looking for treasures.

Robin Craig, August 1982 (Ontario)

I hope that one day I can reconnect with my two childhood friends. They have a special place in my heart and they are like family to me. I'd love to know what they are doing now. I hope they are well and enjoying a happy, healthy life. Is there anyone from your childhood that you wonder about?

(If it so happens that Robin or Jennifer are looking for me, my maiden name is Angela Wilson, and I went to school at Oak Ridges Public School.)

Here's to wonderful childhood memories!

Angela Gentile

"James" - Music Video

2012-01-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

Heard this song for the first time on the SiriusXM Satellite radio station Radio Disney, channel 79, and instantly fell in love with it. It's by Allstar Weekend, called, "James". It's cute, upbeat and fun to dance to. You can see the lyrics here, too.

Click on the arrow above to hear "James", by Allstar Weekend, or go to this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB6ueuLb8Gc

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Hot Date: Couples Massage

2012-01-17T06:00:00.001-06:00

Looking for something nice to do with your partner? Why not consider going for a couples massage? There are many spas that have rooms large enough to provide a massage to two people at the same time.

My husband and I had an Aromatherapy Couples Massage at the Riverstone Spa, at Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was very relaxing and therapeutic.

Riverstone's lounge is very inviting. It is very nature-orientated, and has running water, a fireplace, comfy reclining chairs, and a lot of healthy snacks. They serve tea and fresh water with lemon. The massage tables are very comfy, and they are heated. They have nice soft sheets and big fluffy comforters. It's hard not to get comfy and relaxed on their big, warm tables. The tables are also electric, and maneuver similar to a hospital bed. The tables can be adjusted to take the weight off your lower back, but raising your legs a bit.

We each had a one hour, full-body massage. I chose a "Breathe" aroma and my husband chose "Muscles and Joints". The essential oils contained eucalyptus, which is very earthy and "piney" smelling. At some points, a hot, damp towel is placed on our backs, feet and around our necks. They also use a Japanese Mint Oil on our back which feels really warm (much like Rub A535). A warmed eye pillow was placed over our eyes when we were lying on our backs. The massage ended with a head massage and a warm, damp towel under our necks.

The best part of this is that we can claim it on our Health Insurance (Manitoba Blue Cross). Luckily for us, the $199.00 we spent (in total) is reimbursed 80% by Manitoba Blue Cross.

Ahhh... We both feel rested and rejuvenated. What a nice way to spend time together while looking after ourselves at the same time.

Check out this article from Mayo Clinic on the health benefits of massage: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/massage/SA00082\

You may also like my other post on Massage and Energy Work: http://onthebrightside-angela.blogspot.com/2010/08/massage-therapy-and-energy-work.html#comments

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Nail Art - Water Marbling

2012-01-16T06:00:00.004-06:00

Nail Art - Marbling

Here is a fun way to do your nails. It's called Marbling. Watch this quick tutorial my daughter and I made. It's fun and easy to do. End result is amazing. * Note the Red Solo Cup.

Click on the arrow above, or go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0wOgpZL9vk&list=UUL5AINNxjNRShyCGl1p4lCA&index=1&feature=plcp

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Tea Time with Green Tea

2012-01-15T06:00:00.003-06:00

A cup of green tea

I have found my favourite brand of Green Tea. Green tea has been known to have many health benefits, and I enjoy drinking green tea not only for the flavour, but for the benefits. Here's an article that I found if you are wanting to get more information on the health benefits of green tea: http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm

In this post, I'll show you more about green tea and about my favourite brand. I first learned about this specific brand when I was out for dinner one night at Homer's Restaurant in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I was instantly hooked!

Kirkland Signature 100% Japanese Green Tea

The Green Tea that we buy is purchased at Costco, and it's a Kirkland Signature product, called "Green Tea; Blend of Sencha and Matcha - 100% Japanese Green Tea". You get 100 packages for $15.99 (Cdn), that's 16 cents each.

Green Tea package

Package with matcha on left, tea bag on right

The small packages are really good, because it keeps each tea bag fresh, and inside each package is also a small amount of matcha as well as the green tea bag with a paper "clip" or "holder" attached by a small string. They are easy to keep at work, in your purse, or in your lunch bag. It makes it really easy to give away to friends and family to try, too.

Japanese Green Tea - 100 count (Kirkland Signature)

Steeping

To prepare, put the tea bag in a cup, and add boiling water. Let steep for about 30 seconds, shake it up and down and then remove.

Pouring in matcha

Add the matcha from the package. You may have to work at it a bit, because the matcha has a tendency to want to stay in the bottom of the package. Enjoy!

I also noticed that I have other products in my home that have green tea in them. I have a facial scrub and a lotion. I really like the fragrance from the green tea.

St. Ives Natually Clear Green Tea Scrub

deserving Thyme Green Tea Lotion

I was at the cosmetics counter the other day, and I took a sample of a perfume that had green tea in it. It was called Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden. I really liked the freshness of it.

You may also like my post on Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, Called "Being Happy in Your Own Skin": http://onthebrightside-angela.blogspot.com/2010/12/being-happy-in-your-own-skin.html

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

My Wish for You

2012-01-14T09:47:00.000-06:00

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Imagine Hearing Your Voice for the First Time

2012-01-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

I first learned about this video from Huffington Post. I love happy news stories.

Check out the full article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/30/sara-churman-deaf-woman-_n_989220.html

Amazing what science can do.

Amazing to realize those things most of us take for granted.

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

What's Beautiful?

2012-01-12T08:57:00.000-06:00

Source: http://imgur.com/gallery/AdqVS

Just wanted to send a little love your way. Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

Old Year's Accomplishments...New Year's Goals

2011-12-31T06:00:00.024-06:00

At this time of year, I like to look back on what I have accomplished over the year. I like to reflect on special family events, travel, acquisitions, changes, accomplishments and all things that are positive. I like to take a few moments to "take stock", "count my blessings", and list all the things I am grateful for. I am careful not to take anything for granted.

Looking forward, at the dawning of the new year, I also like to consider those things that I would like to focus on. Improvements, setting goals, personal growth and achievements are all part of my new year's goals. "New Year's Resolutions" is also another name for these goals that are set for the upcoming year.

Gyms are always full of people trying to lose some weight in the early part of the year, so it's important to keep up a healthy, active lifestyle all year long. It takes about three weeks to make a habit, so if you are trying to make a healthy lifestyle change, try to keep it up for at least 21 days. You have a better chance of keeping up with your new goals.

I've heard it said, "It's not what you eat between Christmas and New Year's - It's what you eat between New Year's and Christmas". Sure - it pays to be careful with not overdoing it at holiday time, but it's important to keep that mentality going ALL year long.

There are many kinds of goals and resolutions that can be made at this time of year. One of my goals is related to finances. Another goal is related to writing and completing my book.

Take some time to reflect on your Old Year's Accomplishments, and make some New Year's Goals for yourself.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy new year!

Angela Gentile

Seek Good

2011-12-30T09:30:00.000-06:00

Positive Thinker - Norman Vincent Peale

I found this quote in a book one day when I was in the library. I really like how it explains the "positive thinker". The positive thinker likes to focus on the bright side, and not dwell on the negative.

Seek good.

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

The Duck Song

2011-12-21T06:00:00.002-06:00

Here's a cute and catchy animated music video, fun for the whole family. Simple, adorable, and amusing. Enjoy.

Click on the arrow above to see "The Duck Song". If you are having trouble, go to this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtN1YnoL46Q

"Waddle, waddle, waddle...'Til the very next day."

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Pasta Night

2011-12-20T06:00:00.004-06:00

My husband and son and a friend made some homemade pasta noodles the other night. It's really easy and it's delicious. My husband, being Italian, has a Pasta Machine, and it flattens the dough, and then cuts it into different sizes.

Here's how they did it:

Homemade Pasta (Egg Noodles)

Ingredients (serves 12):

9 eggs

800 grams flour (about 6-1/2 cups)

1 teaspoon salt

Put the flour in a big pile, and hollow out the centre like a big crater. Add the eggs and salt to the centre of the flour pile. Beat eggs and salt with a fork and when mixed well, gradually add the flour from the edges into the centre of the pile until all the flour has been added. Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes until no longer sticky. You may have to dust the surface with more flour as necessary. Form the dough into a ball, and cover with a bowl. Let stand for 1-2 hours at room temperature until it softens.

Cut a slice off the ball of dough, and run it through the pasta machine on the flattening setting. Be sure to dust with flour generously before you put it through the machine. You will end up with long strips of pasta.

Then cut the strips into 8" long pieces. Put through the Pasta Machine on your desired setting (fettuccine or spaghetti for example). Catch it as it comes out and lay it on a tray dusted with flour.

To cook:

Put the noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 5-6 minutes. Goes well with spaghetti sauce or Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Buon Appetito!

Angela Gentile

Mishap on Flight 293

2011-12-16T16:31:00.000-06:00

Photo credit: http://tiny.cc/9vl9f

Mishap on Flight 293

A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport.

After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the Captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, non-stop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and therefore we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax -- OH MY GOD!" Silence followed.

After a few minutes, the Captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm so sorry if I scared you earlier, but while I was talking, the flight attendant brought me a cup of coffee and spilt it in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!"

A passenger in coach said, "That's nothing, he should see the back of mine."

Have an awesome day!

~ Angela Gentile

(P.S. The picture above has nothing to do with the joke - I just liked this picture!)

Old at Love, Young at Heart

2011-12-10T10:29:00.000-06:00

I originally started out wanting to make a video about older men, and I soon realized that there was a common theme of tenderness and playfulness especially when older men are photographed with the women in their lives. I wanted to share this love and admiration with you. Simply adorable, I'd say. Enjoy!

If you are having trouble seeing this, please go to the YouTube link at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-y0kIOFsVI

Have a great day!
~ Angela

Someone Like You - Adele (Mya Roy Cover)

2011-12-01T22:52:00.000-06:00

Here's my latest video from my YouTube channel, On the Bright Side Vlog.

Mya Roy, a dear friend, sent me an audio track of her singing Adele's song, called, "Someone Like You". It was so beautiful, and I enjoyed listening to it so much. I then asked her if I could make a music video with it for YouTube. She agreed!

Most of the pictures are from our travels and I have also added some beautiful pictures from friends who were kind enough to give me permission to use their photos for this video.

Enjoy!

If you are having trouble seeing this video, go to this YouTube link: http://youtu.be/cQeelCLt4ds

Have a great day,

~ Angela Gentile

Look on the Bright Side

2011-11-29T10:33:00.000-06:00

Sunset on South Bay, Ontario. Photo credit: Ken Wilson

Think about some of the good things in life,

like sunshine,

holidays,

feeling loved,

special friendships,

and laughter.

Think about rainbows,

butterflies,

and beautiful sunsets

and feel loved,

cared about,

and accepted.

Remember that in life,

although there is some bad stuff,

good things really do happen, too.

And then smile. ☺

- Maria Mullins

From Drab to Fab - The Panini Press

2011-11-27T12:48:00.000-06:00

On a recent trip to Europe, we enjoyed the foods, especially the panini. Panini are sandwiches that are toasted in a press. Panini are also known as "grilled Italian sandwiches". The best panino I had was in Paris, France. You can take a regular (drab) sandwich, put it in a panini press, and out comes a delicious, toasted panino. Our press is made by Hamilton Beach. There are many different types and we chose one in the medium price-range.

It takes only a few minutes to heat up the panini grill and then you put your sandwich in and tighten the lid so it "presses" and grills the sandwich on both sides at the same time. The ingredients I used to make my panino:

- ham (sliced thinly from the deli)
- cheddar cheese (white, by Balderstone)
- basil pesto of Genova (by Classico)
- sliced sun-dried tomatoes (by President's Choice)
- 9-grain ciabatta bun (cut in half)

I used the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to oil the bread on the outside, both sides. You can also use olive oil.

It only takes about 5-7 minutes to heat up the bun and its contents.

Voila! The grill marks are perfect. The bread becomes crispy, and on the inside, the cheese melts and everything is warm. Serve with soup, salad, or veggies and dip. Or just have it on its own. Clean up is really easy, just wipe off the grill with a damp clean cloth after is has cooled down.

My favourite meat is chicken. You can also add mozzarella, red peppers, spinach, black olives. Anything that you would love on a sandwich. From drab to fab. The possibilities are endless.

Ciao!

~ Angela Gentile

Cute Pet Pic

2011-11-18T07:24:00.000-06:00

I found this adorable picture on Google Images. Thought it was so sweet. Could it be photo-shopped? Maybe, but who cares!

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

What Makes You Beautiful - Music Video

2011-11-16T06:00:00.001-06:00

I heard this song for the first time today on my XM Radio, and I thought it was a nice, uplifting, fun song. Hope you enjoy it! It's called, "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction. Music videos on the beach are always fun to watch.

If you are having trouble viewing this, go to this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJO3ROT-A4E

Have an awesome day!

~ Angela Gentile

Keeping Chivalry Alive

2011-11-13T08:24:00.000-06:00

Photo by Angela Gentile

Something happened to me in a matter of 24 hours that left such an impression on me and made me think a lot about chivalry and how things have changed over the years.

One day, I received a message on my phone from a 77-year-old client of mine. In his message, he told me that he wanted to cancel the request for a meeting with the psychologist. He explained that, “Having talked to you was a great help to me and I think you’re terrific, Angela”. I was impressed by his kind, polite words. The very same day, I assessed another client who was 84-years-old. He had Alzheimer’s type dementia, and his speech was unintelligle. I sensed his gentle nature, and as I was leaving, I held out my hand to shake his, and he gently took my hand in his, and brought it up to his mouth and gave me a light kiss on the back of my hand. I was touched by his kindness. Although he was unable to say thank you, he used this time-honoured gesture to say thanks. As I was leaving the building an elderly man (in his 80’s I guess), was also leaving at the same time. I struck up a light conversation about the weather with him as we were walking out together to the parking lot. As I opened my trunk to put my briefcase into it, I wished him a nice day. He replied, “Nice car”.

What I learned from these three older men, that chivalry is not dead. Chivalry may have been beaten down a bit but the older generation is still going strong.

That very same day, as I was driving home, I was stopped at an intersection, and my window was open slightly. There were two white vans in line to my right, both ready to turn right onto the busy highway. All of a sudden, I heard a gruff male voice, shouting, “What are you waiting for, Asshole?” I looked back to see who was shouting such angry vulgarities, and it was a very unhappy looking middle-aged man. This set me back a bit. After having such positive experiences with the three other men that same day, it made me wonder why is there such a big difference in the way the older men are versus the middle-aged man.

Is it that the older men have lived in a time when women appreciated being treated nicely? When men lived with grace and tolerance? Are the mature men of today that angry? Will these mid-lifers remain angry and intolerant as they age? Where are the social graces? He had no clue who was driving that van. Maybe it was a woman?

What about our sons? Are we raising our sons to be polite? Are we encouraging them to hold doors open for women? Are we having these discussions with our daughters? I think all the rules are changing. Women want equality, but they also want to be treated with respect. I think most of us women secretly like and appreciate chivalrous behaviour from our men. I know I really appreciate it when I make a home visit and the man of the house takes my coat, hangs it up and when I am leaving, actually helps me put it on. That is so sweet. I don’t expect my husband to open the car door for me, but it would be nice. Helping me with my heavy bags is also a very chivalrous kind of gesture, and it’s much appreciated.

Ladies, the next time a man opens a door for you and lets you go first, smile, say “Thank you” and remember that chivalry is not dead, yet. These men may learn to age gracefully and keep chivalry alive, for it is very charming and makes women feel treasured.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Fifty and Fabulous! Book Review

2011-11-12T15:40:00.000-06:00

“Aging in not a choice. It comes uninvited, and as with many

of our body’s tricks and turns, we cannot opt out.”

In her book, “Fifty & Fabulous! The Best Years of a Woman’s Life”, Jacki Scarcello explores the concept, “Women of the Harvest”. She interviewed women with a “light in their eyes” aged 45 to 102 from five countries and found that there were two types of women. There is the type of women who are horrified by aging, and there is the group of women who celebrate each milestone in life, such as menopause.

She calls the second group, Women of the Harvest. “Harvest, as a season, is not an ending but a time to celebrate the yield brought forth from work and care and the simple passage of time”. The Women of the Harvest have a harvest wisdom that they share. This harvest wisdom is a positive, special outlook on life and all the transitions it brings. Scarcello encourages the reader to become a Woman of the Harvest, to embrace and adopt the harvest wisdom way of aging and living. She says the passing of the years brings it’s challenges as well, and the Women of the Harvest can support others with their traits such as compassion, forgiveness, leadership and completeness.

Well worth the read if you are at or approaching 50. Would make a great gift, too.

Available here: http://www.amazon.ca/Fifty-Fabulous-Best-Years-Womans/dp/1906787573/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321133637&sr=1-1

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Remember Those We Lost and Thank Those Who Served

2011-11-11T12:26:00.000-06:00

Italian Poppies

11/11/11
Remember

Photo by Angela Gentile

Good News

2011-10-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am always searching the news for "Good News" stories, and I happened to come across three stories on CNN.com I wanted to share with you. They all have a video attached, so enjoy! Just click on the links to see more.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/25/health/beauty-queen-weightloss/index.html?&hpt=hp_c2

From big and beautiful to slim and trim. An inspiring story of a young woman who changed her lifestyle and became a beauty queen. What a great story about eating healthy and fighting obesity.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/10/25/florida-94-year-old-fights-fire.wpec

A story about Rose, a 94-year-old resident of a retirement home that became a hero by spotting a fire, calling for help, and attempting to put it out. She doesn't look 94 to me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcNoMnKjrY

Halloween lights adorn this house, and are synchronized to the Party Rock Anthem. That's pretty cool.

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Most Beautiful Things

2011-10-28T06:00:00.022-05:00

"Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless;

peacocks and lilies for example." -- John Ruskin

When I was young, my grandparents were caretakers of a large estate (J. A. Mathieu, Fort Frances, Ontario). There was a variety of wildlife that lived on the land, and the most magnificent of all, for me, were the peacocks. Their large size, their magnificent colours, and their shrill call (that sounded like the word "Help!") made quite the impression on me. The brilliant blue colour on their neck feathers was complimented by the blue "eyes" on their large tails. We would hunt the property for these long feathers that had fallen out of the peacocks' tails. We would put them in a vase and display them like flowers. To this day, I still enjoy displaying peacock feathers. I love the colours. In fact, my favourite colour is "peacock blue".

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Photos by Angela Gentile

The Optimist Creed

2011-10-26T06:00:00.024-05:00

Image from: Optimism Affirmations

Promise yourself...

...to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

...to talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

...to make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

...to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

...to think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

...to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

...to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

...to wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.

...to give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

...to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

...to think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.

...to live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

By Christian D. Larson
1912

Have a wonderful, optimistic day!

~ Angela Gentile

Dinner & a Show

2011-10-24T06:00:00.003-05:00

The other night my husband made a reservation for "Dinner and a Show" at Fort Whyte Centre, Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. We had a choice of entres, and the dinner we had was a spinach salad, stuffed pickerel with potatoes and vegetables, and a desert. The "show" was just outside on the deck. We watched the birds come in and land, at sunset. There were a few geese (it is near the end of the season now) and ducks, and there were thousands of gulls. They filled up the sky. It was incredible. Very relaxing way to spend an evening. The meal was very nice, and we lucked out with a cool but mild autumn evening.

From the Buffalo Stone Cafe website: "Savour a delicious three-course meal featuring Manitoba-inspired cuisine and fresh vegetables from our own FortWhyte Farms, prepared by the Buffalo Stone Café. Our lakeside restaurant offers the perfect view of the setting sun and the spectacular nightly descent of thousands of geese on to our lakes.

By reservation only! Call (204) 989-8370

Fee: $40 (includes taxes and gratuities)
Wine and beer service available"

Baby Spinach Salad

with sundried cherries, fresh berries, Bosc pears and Saskatoon berry vinaigrette

served with fresh baked focaccia and grilled flatbread.

Stuffed Pickerel Fillet

served with shrimp, scallops and roasted red pepper mousse.

Dessert

Raspberry cheesecake or chocolate mouse torte.

Thousands of birds filled the sky at sunset.

The beautiful colours of sunset.

A lonesome goose awaits nightfall.

A lonely goose, with thousands of birds in the background.

They fill the water and the sky, while the sun paints the sky

brilliant colours of orange and yellow.

Night is very near. The birds are settling.

What a nice way to spend an evening. The program runs every migration season, middle of September to middle of October, Wednesday to Sunday. The beginning of October is the best time to go if you want to see a lot of geese. For more info, check out this link: http://www.fortwhyte.org/buffalostonecafe.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Six Steps to Kool Hair

2011-10-20T19:02:00.001-05:00

Hair dyed with Kool-Aid

Want to know a very inexpensive way to dye your hair a cool colour? My daughter wanted to try dyeing her hair with Kool-Aid. After a little research on the internet, she was able to successfully colour her hair a deep pink colour. The trend spread like wildfire around her school. She dyed the underside layer only but there are other ways to do it. All you need is one package of Kool-Aid. Here's how we did it.

How to Dye Your Hair with Kool-Aid:*

1. Boil 1.5 cups of water.

2. Add one package of Kool-Aid drink powder mix to the boiling water and stir until dissolved.

3. Transfer the boiling coloured water to a smaller cup.

4. Take a section of hair that you want coloured, and tie back the rest. Very carefully, immerse the hair to be dyed in the cup. BE CAREFUL - IT WILL BE HOT!!

5. Keep the hair in the hot water for 15 minutes. Then rinse hair with very cold water from the tap until the water runs clear. This will close up the cuticle.

6. Blow dry, style and enjoy!

*Cautions and Tips:

Photo from: Little Eden

- The HOT WATER IS DANGEROUS, so use with caution and have an adult present.

- It will stain a plastic cup, so use a ceramic or glass cup.

- Initially, it may stain your clothes or pillow case so maybe use a dark towel to protect your fabrics.

- It will be PERMANENT colour.

- If your hair is light blond, and you use blue, your hair will turn green.

- If your hair is dark blond, you may want to use a brighter colour (like red - Fruit Punch)

- If you hair is very dark, you won't get much of a result.

- You can try dyeing just the tips, or one streak. Get creative!

Have fun!

~ Angela Gentile

Mr. Girl

2011-10-19T06:00:00.011-05:00

Photo from:
http://www.jetwithkids.com/blog/do-we-really-need-to-travel-with-a-stroller

I was browsing in a store the other day, and there were two little kids with their mom shopping in the same area of the store as myself. The kids were sitting in a double stroller (similar to the picture above). I had given them a warm smile, because they looked so cute. They were even giggling at one point. The girl was about 3 years and the boy was about 1. He was holding a sippy cup in his hands. Their mom was looking at some books on a shelf, with her back to the children, and suddenly I heard something hard and plastic fall to the floor, close to my feet. I looked down, and saw that the little boys cup had fallen onto the floor. I turned back to what I was doing, assuming that the mother would pick up the cup.

A few seconds later, I heard in a very small, sweet female voice,

"Mr. Girl, he dropped his cup".

My heart just melted when I heard this faint, polite plea for assistance. I willingly bent down to pick up the cup and returned it to the little boy, smiling at both of the children.

Their Mom noticed what had occurred, and smiled back and said, "Thank you".

That's the first time I have ever been called "Mr. Girl". It was so sweet.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Even Dogs Love Hugs

2011-10-18T07:30:00.001-05:00

Have you had your ♥ hug ♥ today?

Feel free to hug someone you care about, today - and every day. Even my dog loves hugs.

Have an awesome day!

~ Angela Gentile

Forever - A Capella Cover by Mike Tompkins

2011-10-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

Here is another great cover by Mike Tompkins, and all the sounds were made with his mouth. I really like this version of Forever, by Chris Brown. The song is upbeat and fun!

You can check this video out on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvoNfiNo1DA

Have an awesome day!

~ Angela Gentile

Fréya Art and Design - Simple and Sweet.

2011-10-07T06:00:00.014-05:00

I came across this great artwork by Fréya and it's just wonderful. It's simple, optimistic and has a primary, almost childish feel to it. There are a lot of great products - such as prints that can be framed, baby gifts and greeting cards with really nice messages on them. Artist & poet, Fréya Eté creates work with a purity of vision and a forever optimistic view of the world. Her quirky, heart warming and thought provoking pieces are much loved and sought after and held in many public and private collections around the world. (taken from her Etsy profile: http://www.etsy.com/people/FreyaArt?ref=ls_profile)

Check out the Fréya Art and Design website here: http://www.freya-art.com/

I am sure you'll find something you like. Here are a couple more of my favourites:

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

It's A Girl!

2011-10-05T06:00:00.010-05:00

One of the sweetest joys in life is the much anticipated arrival of a new baby.

A new baby has come into my life, and I am overjoyed! My brother and his wife have given birth to a beautiful little baby girl. Although I have a lot of nieces and nephews on my husband's side, I have never had one on my side of the family until now. This baby is different because I am related to her, by blood. Funny how I see a resemblance of myself in her. It is so exciting to have a new family member. I am one proud Auntie and I love her to pieces already (and I haven't even met her yet). I have seen pictures and we have video-chatted on Skype, and I'll get to meet her in person really soon. I went shopping for baby clothes, and it is so much fun picking out little outfits for her. She makes me happy.

Here are some of my favourite baby sayings:

Children reinvent the world for you. - Susan Sarandon

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone

Babies are such a nice way to start people. - Don Herold

A baby will be much more work than you could have ever expected, but it will bring you much more joy than you could have ever imagined. - Angela Gentile

I'll leave you with this - Top 10 Funny Baby Videos on YouTube:

Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWHpcKXt-qQ&feature=related

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

A World of Happiness Through Dance

2011-10-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Dancing is an expression of happiness all over the world. Take a look at this video - it will make you smile!

Find the original post here: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap080722.html

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Life is Good

2011-09-24T06:00:00.004-05:00

Life is good wheel cover

I was sitting in my car one day, and I noticed this wheel cover on the back of a Jeep. It was so bright and cheerful, that it made me wonder what this "Life is good" trademark stood for. I went to the "Life is Good" website, and I was quite impressed with their products and services. Not only do they carry great looking merchandise, their website was full of quick, upbeat sayings like,

The Art of optimism, and

Laughter has no foreign accent.

They even have a Life is Good radio station.

What most impressed me was their "Playmakers" program. This is a program that is dedicated to training caregivers to teach children how to discover joy, although they may have gone through some very difficult times in their lives. Here is a great video that you should check out so that you can see what they are doing, and that Life is Good.

You can click on the arrow above, or to to this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yfd_Kn-SXd0

You can even enter a raffle to win $50 Life is Good online Gift Certificate for subscribing - http://www.lifeisgood.com/customer-service/monday.aspx

Have a great day, and I hope your Life is Good!

~ Angela Gentile

It's Easy To Give

2011-09-23T07:28:00.000-05:00

Tim Horton's Smile Cookie

It's so easy to give these days. I went to Bulk Barn, and they asked if I wanted to donate $1.00 to
Alzheimer's Society.

I said, "Yes".

I went to Shopper's Drug Mart, and they asked if I wanted to donate $2.00 to
Women's Cancer Research.

I said "Yes".

I went to Tim Horton's, and I bought a "Smile Cookie" for $1.00. Proceeds go to the
Children's Hospital Foundation.

Say "Yes".

It's easy to give.

Have a great day!

~Angela Gentile

From Good to Great: 21 Tips for a Great Family Life

2011-09-22T06:00:00.004-05:00

♥ 21 Simple Ways to be a Great Family ♥

I found this list of things we can do to improve our family connection. I found it on beliefnet.com. I think it's a great reminder of all the things we can do as a family to improve, cherish and maintain connections between parents and children. I would recommend sitting down with your family and going through the list and discussing each point. Families provide the foundation of life for our children, and making that foundation healthy and strong is so important for the sake of our kids. I love how grandparents and elders are also included in this list.

What does it take to be a great family, where members love and support each other? Each family has their own unique struggles, but what makes them stronger are the ways in which they overcome burdens and celebrate the joys -- together. Use these 21 tips to bring every member of your family closer.

1. Honor your elders. Our elders have collected a lifetime of experiences, both good and bad. Learn from their mistakes and cherish their wisdom. Show them your gratitude and you will reap the rewards.

2. Engage in constant dialog. Communication is key when it comes to family. Converse often to avoid any mix-ups or family feuds. Talk about topics both big and small. And remember, you don’t always have to agree.

3. Teach young kids early. Establish family dynamics and ground rules while children are young.

4. Have respect for grandparents. Ask them to share their stories and tell your family history to give children a better understanding.

5. Give gifts – both physical and emotional. Surprise a family member with a small gift that makes you think of them, or give the gift of patience or humor.

6. Be honest. When a confrontation is needed, be sure to do it in a respectful, level-headed way.

7. Address bumps in the road. If your family is experiencing tough times, hold a family meeting to clear the air and talk about it.

8. Children have a voice, too. It’s important to remember that grown children are adults with a unique voice, opinion and perspective.

9. Talk about life changes. Big changes ahead? Ask your family for support and the insights they can off¬er from their own experiences.

10. Eat together. Break bread together regularly to foster togetherness and let you catch up on one another’s lives.

11. Appreciate parents. Remember that parents have one of the most difficult jobs out there.

12. Accepting different perspectives. You may never see eye to eye with a member of your family. Accept this and embrace their feedback.

13. Ask one another tough questions. Family members need to rely on one another to probe the hard questions and get down to the important issues in life.

14. Plan activities. Try to schedule events – like family 5K runs, or a coffee shop outing – to ensure that you stay connected.

15. Create something together. Bond by creating something beautiful for your home or yourselves. Try gardening or decorating for a party.

16. Offer supportive words. Even if you don’t agree with a family member, make sure your words are supportive and constructive, never hurtful.

17. Take time for yourself. In order to be a positive, loving member of every family, it’s important that we all take some “me” time.

18. Act as a caregiver. If a parent, child or sibling is in need, offer to care for them.

19. Help out with daily tasks. Even the smallest things, like putting away dishes, show that you are committed to your family’s well-being.

20. Cherish memories. Be sure to keep old photos and home movies on hand so that you can take a walk down memory lane every once in a while.

21. Be a shoulder to lean on. The best thing about families is that they can be a phenomenal support system. Be sure to support, console and encourage family members in good times and bad.

Check out this link for more information: http://responsibility-project.libertymutual.com/infographics/21-simple-ways-to-be-a-great-family#fbid=wzDK1n--aXZ

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

All Night Long - A Capella by Mike Tompkins

2011-09-20T12:44:00.000-05:00

Another great song by Mike Tompkins. I think he is a really talented artist, and he never disappoints. Enjoy!

Click on the arrow above or go to this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImEeVr8EXqc&feature=feedu

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Giveaway - Kushinda! 10,000 Tanzanian Shillings

2011-09-17T13:26:00.001-05:00

We are having a Giveaway Contest! We have a 10,000 Shilling banknote from Tanzania that we would like to give away to someone. All you need to do is let us know what you would do for or with this money, provide your name and email address and the BEST ANSWER WINS! If you are the winner, we will email you and get your mailing address. This money will be mailed to you in early October from Canada. The contest closes on Friday September 30, 2011.

Entry - Free
Open to - World Wide
How to Enter - 1. Click on "Comments" below and let me know how you will use this money or what you would do for it and 2. Provide your name and email address.
Deadline - Friday September 30, 2011

* One entry per person

Good luck! Bahati nzuri!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Brighter Than the Sun - Music Video

2011-09-16T06:00:00.031-05:00

Sweet, upbeat song about love. Colbie Caillat sings, "Brighter Than the Sun" (2011). Enjoy!

Click on the arrow above, or go to this YouTube link on Vevo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU5o6M7S5nQ

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Good Things

2011-09-15T06:00:00.007-05:00

Good things come to those who wait.

Here's a picture of my dog, Rocky. We put some popcorn in front of him, and told him, "Off". He patiently waits until the command, "Take it", is given. We got him to take one at a time. I enhanced this picture using the free photo editing website, Picnik.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Power to Move Others

2011-09-14T06:00:00.004-05:00

Here is an awesome video from the TV program, X Factor. It is a singing audition by a young man, Emmanuel Kelly. I have watched it and have been moved. Here are my thoughts:

BEAUTY in the unexpected.
     STRENGTH to overcome obstacles.
          LOVE of family.
               COURAGE to shine.
                    HOPE for the future.
                         POWER to move others.

Please click on the arrow below to see his moving audition "Imagine".

You can also access this video by going to the YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W86jlvrG54o&feature=player_embedded

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-12T12:52:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about what happened that tragic morning, September 11, 2001. I remember where I was when I received the news. I think about how the world has changed. I think about the families who were left behind. I feel sorry for those who died and suffered.

Ten years later we see a strong, united country. Those horrendous events were re-lived over our televisions as we remembered all who died, survived and mourn. What we did see come of all this was an outpouring of love and support for our fellow human beings. I remember the event like it happened yesterday. The emotions are still there.

Ground Zero Spirit (2001)

Tourist Guy Email Hoax (2001)

Reflect. 2001-2011

Makes me very thankful and appreciate every day I have with my family, friends and loved ones. Makes me hope and wish for an end to war and suffering. Makes me want to focus on the bright side of life.

Peace.

~ Angela Gentile

Remember the Spice Girls?

2011-09-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Emma Bunton, Baby Spice of the Spice Girls

I was listening to some music on Jango, and a song by Emma Bunton came on. Emma was Baby Spice in the Spice Girls band from the 90's. This song, called "What I Am" is a cover of a song from 1988. This song came out on her debut album, A Girl Like Me in 2001 - that's 10 years ago!

Have a listen and a look - I love the colours - blues and greens, and lots of water! Click on the arrow below and enjoy.

You can also go to this YouTube link to see her video, "What I Am": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUaxTq0wDPk

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

What Colour is Your Toilet Paper?

2011-09-09T08:20:00.000-05:00

Colored toilet paper at Monoprix in Paris, France

While in Paris, France (one of the "Fashion Capitals" of the world), we went shopping at a store called Monoprix. We were staying in a little apartment, and we had to buy our own supplies. We were looking for toilet paper and much to my surprise, it came in many colours! I saw black, fuchsia and pink toilet paper. And it wasn't cheap. 5.81 Euro for 6 rolls! It's a well-known fact that Paris is expensive, and this is just one example of how extravagant Parisians can be. Seeing that Paris is the most visited city in the world, I am sure that there are people that buy toilet paper at these prices.

Check out this website on Colored Toilet Paper and Tissue to see what other colours are available. If you have a colour-scheme in your bathroom, you can decorate it up with a splash of your favourite colour.

I actually ended up buying 6 rolls of light pink toilet paper at a middle-of-the road price. We just had to try it. It was just as effective as the plain old white - go figure! Even the toilet paper has to be in high fashion in Paris!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Vino Bianco (White Wine)

2011-09-08T06:00:00.032-05:00

Melini Orvieto, 2009
White Wine from Italy

When I was in Rome, I tried some really nice white wines. When we got back home to Canada, I told my husband that my mission was to find a really nice white wine similar to the one I had when in Rome. One day he went to the MLCC Liquor Mart and came back with a wine called, "Melini Orvieto". It's a medium sweet Italian wine, and it's very affordable at $8.95. It tasted very similar to what was served with my cannelloni dinner in Rome and it was perfect. He said he had spent some time talking to the sales clerk in the store and learned about different white wines. I had tried a "Pinot Grigio" from Italy, but I didn't like it as much. This one was really good.

I enjoy a glass of wine with a meal, or sometimes on its own when I am relaxing. It's also nice to have wine with cheese. Wine is a great choice when socializing with friends and as a gift it is always appreciated.

Salute!

~ Angela Gentile

Ukrainian Perogies

2011-09-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Perogies from Ann's Perogey Palace, Winnipeg

I was craving some Ukrainian perogies the other day, and I knew that there were a couple of places here in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada that sell them. The Ukrainians have a strong presence here in the northern part of the city, so I started calling around. The place that I was told to check out, "Alycia's", was unfortunately closed down. The place I ended up going to was Ann's Perogey Palace, 204-586-7842. I bought 9 dozen potato and cheddar cheese flavour (the most popular) and they were just made fresh that morning. Carol Anne, the store owner, told me that she took over the business from her Baba (Grandmother), Anne. She handed me a "convenience card" she called it. "It's not a business card, because I already have your business. It's a card with our number on it for your convenience. For those days that you want to call ahead so we can put your order aside".

3 dozen perogies, $5.25

She was telling me that in 1969, Nick, the sign painter, told her grandmother Anne, "Take out the 'e' from Anne, and put it into perogy, and they'll never call you Annie again". So that's what she did. Apparently Nick had a bit of a shake in his hands, and after a couple drinks, he had quite the steady hand.

MaryLou is Carol Anne's right hand woman, for the last 15 years. Carol Anne taught her everything she knows, and MaryLou taught her how to make bannock. MaryLou's background is First Nation and Yugoslavian.

There are quite a few items on the menu. Carol Anne told me I should try the meat perogies next time (she was all sold out at 1pm).

She told me if I want to freeze the perogies, make sure that they are good and cold, in the fridge overnight, before they go into the freezer. She said it's a good idea to check in on them when they are freezing, to keep them separated. Says it may take 1.5 hours.

Ann's Perogey Palace Menu
413 Magnus Avenue, Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
204-586-7842

The prices are fair, and we had the perogies that night with homemade Italian sausage and green beans. The perogies were really good. Lightly spiced with a great cheesy taste, practically melted in our mouths. Pre-cooked, all I had to do was put in the microwave with some butter, heat until soft in the middle. If preferred, you can pan fry with onions and bacon. Anne makes a pretty good perogy. Yum!

Perogies with sour cream, homemade Italian sausage
and steamed green beans.

Let Carol Anne know if you read this blog!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Lululemon Manifesto

2011-09-06T06:00:00.006-05:00

Drink FRESH water and as much water as you can. Water flushes unwanted toxins from your body and keeps your brain sharp.

A daily hit of athletic-induced endorphins gives you the power to make better decisions, helps you be at peace with yourself, and offsets stress.

Do one thing a day that scares you.

Listen, listen, listen, and then ask strategic questions.

Write down your short and long-term GOALS four times a year. Two personal, two business and two health goals for the next 1, 5 and 10 years. Goal setting triggers your subconscious computer.

Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle setbacks.

Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself.

That which matters the most should never give way to that which matters the least.

Stress is related to 99% of all illness.

Jealousy works the opposite way you want it to.

The world is changing at such a rapid rate that waiting to implement changes will leave you 2 steps behind. DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW!

Friends are more important than money.

Breathe deeply and appreciate the moment. Living in the moment could be the meaning of life.

Take various vitamins. You never know what small mineral can eliminate the bottleneck to everlasting health.

Don't trust that an old age pension will be sufficient.

Visualize your eventual demise. It can have an amazing effect on how you live for the moment.

The conscious brain can only hold one thought at a time. Choose a positive thought.

Live near the ocean and inhale the pure salt air that flows over the water, Vancouver will do nicely.

Observe a plant before and after watering and relate these benefits to your body and brain.

Practice yoga so you can remain active in physical sports as you age.

Dance, sing, floss and travel.

Children are the orgasm of life. Just like you did not know what an orgasm was before you had one, nature does not let you know how great children are until you have them.

Successful people replace the words 'wish', 'should' and 'try', with 'I will'.

Creativity is maximized when you're living in the moment.

Nature wants us to be mediocre because we have a greater chance to survive and reproduce. Mediocre is as close to the bottom as it is to the top, and will give you a lousy life.

lululemon athletica creates components for people to live longer, healthier and more fun lives. If we can produce products to keep people active and stress-free, we believe the world will become a much better place.

Do not use cleaning chemicals on your kitchen counters. Someone will inevitably make a sandwich on your counter.

SWEAT once a day to regenerate your skin.

Communication is COMPLICATED. We are all raised in a different family with slightly different definitions of every word. An agreement is an agreement only if each party knows the conditions for satisfaction and a time is set for satisfaction to occur.

What we do to the earth we do to ourselves.

The pursuit of happiness is the source of all unhappiness.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Time of My Life (Song)

2011-09-05T06:00:00.006-05:00

I came across this beautiful love song and I just had to share it. It is a song about love that endures time. It's called, "The Time of My Life" (2002), by Mark Schultz. The music and the lyrics are here for your enjoyment.

	Mark Schultz - Time of My Life .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Words and Music by Mark Schultz
From the recording: Song Cinema, Track #9.

He packed his bags when he was just 18
To see a world he thought he'd never seen
But he knew when he met her
That she was the girl
He'd been waiting for

And each night they spent talking on the front porch swing
And like it came straight out of a movie scene
But one night she stepped out as the sun began to set
When she got to the porch she found a letter that read

You're the only girl I'll ever love
And I'd do anything not to give you up
If I could only stop the world
When you're standing by my side
See I'm having the time of my life
Yes, I'm having the time of my life

The months went by it was their wedding day
A church on a hill wedding bells rang away
She looked like a princess
All dressed up in pearls
It was her proudest day

And he stood all alone in a darkened church hallway
He got down on his knees and he started to pray
He thanked the Lord for his family and the perfect bride
But he couldn't hold back what he was feelin' inside
And he said

She's the only girl I'll ever love
And I'd do anything not to give her up
If I could only stop the world
When she's standing by my side
See, I'm having the time of my life
Yes, I'm having the time of my life

Forty years went by and she lived most of God's plan
She stood alone in an attic, wedding dress in her hand
And she held an old letter written so long ago
But she'd never forget it
No matter how old

And as she turned to put the dress away
And pack up the years
He was standing in the doorway
With his eyes full of tears
And he held her

'Cause you're the only girl I'll ever love
And I'd do anything not to give you up
If I could only stop the world
When you're standing by my side
See I'm having the time of my life
Yes, I'm having the time of my life

You can also listen to this song and other great music for free at Grooveshark.

http://grooveshark.com/s/Time+Of+My+Life/zPOlw?src=5

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

If You Ever Need Some Encouragement

2011-09-04T06:00:00.007-05:00

The best ways to keep your spirits up:

Never forget what a treasure you are!

Try to realize how important you are in the eyes of the world.

No matter where you go, hopes and hearts travel beside you...every step of the way.

Even though difficulties come to everyone, it isn't fair when they hang around longer than they should.

But until a new days comes along...

Trust that you'll always be strong enough to see things through.

Remember how much strength and courage you have inside.

You can find all the patience it takes.

You can turn to the times in the past when challenges were met, when you survived, when you were rewarded with success, and when you learned to believe in so much within you.

You have so much going for you, and you're going to see your way through anything that comes along.

Brighter days are going to find a way to shine in your windws and chase away any blues.

Because no one deserves more smiles, success, friendship or love...than you.

- Brian Gill

I found this poem on my 2011 Think Positive Thoughts Every Day Calendar for September. Hope you find it inspiring.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Honest to God Truth

2011-09-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

Today I did something that I've never done before. I had to present a report to a Magistrate at the Law Courts building and I had to Swear an Oath on the Bible. An affidavit is a formal sworn statement of fact signed by the author and witnessed by a taker of oaths. I was asked if I wanted to affirm my document with an oath or if I wanted to swear on a Bible. Being a believer in God, I thought why wouldn't I swear on a Bible? I've heard this is done by people when they are in a legal court case, seen it on TV, so sure, why not.

She told me to take the Bible in my right hand, and place my left hand on top of my documents. She then asked me something to the effect of, "Do you swear that the information you have provided here is true?" and she went on to say some other things that I can't remember right now. As she was reciting this oath, I was starting to question myself, if I could actually say that everything there was the truth or not. In a split second, I did not doubt myself for a moment. Everything I had documented was true to the best of my knowledge. When she stopped talking, I stated, "Yes, I do". With God as my witness, I promise this to be true. Part of me felt like God was within me, and I couldn't knowingly lie to myself/God. The "Kingdom of God Within", isn't that what some people say?

Now I can say I've sworn on a stack of Bibles (well, one at least). It seems like it would be a good tool to use when you are quizzing your kids on what's going on if you want the honest truth. Hey, maybe I'm onto something here.

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Back to School

2011-09-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

This is the time of year when all the students go back to school. New beginnings - new clothes, new teachers, new classmates. Many of us welcome the familiar feeling of routines after a summer of relaxing and having time for vacations and time with family and friends. Change can be hard for some, but change is inevitable in life. Learning how to deal with new situations and new challenges can help us grow both personally and spiritually.

"Back to School" time may mean back to organized sports, back to music lessons, back to a new season of our favourite television shows. Back to learning. It means all our friends are back from vacation.

Back to school in our household is welcomed and we look forward to both the familiar and newness that this time of year brings. Bring it on!

Have a great day.

~ Angela Gentile

What Are You Wearing Today?

2011-08-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

As I was getting dressed today, I was reflecting on how I decide what I am going to wear. As a woman, we have many choices. Skirts, capris, pants, dresses, leggings, shorts, jackets and vests are some of the choices a woman has when she decides what to wear. Sometimes I let the weather be my guide. Is it grey and cloudy? Then I may want to wear something cozy, warm, and comfortable. Sometimes I decide to go against the weather. If it's cold and I am tired of wearing my good old standby black, I may choose to wear a bright colour. Sometimes it's a piece of jewellry that I want to build my wardrobe around. Sometimes it's a pair of shoes with a certain colour or look that I want to enhance. Am I dressing for work or for play? Getting dressed to go out with a friend or out on a date is fun!

It's far too easy to get into a rut and wear the same old, same old. Do you know what I'm saying? Buying a couple of new pieces of clothing or accessories can boost your mood and your wardrobe. Changing of the seasons always excites me, as that means I can start wearing different types of clothes (long pants vs. capris for example). The best part of clothes is I am able to express myself with colour and design and that always is a reflection of my mood.

What are you wearing today? What influenced your choice?

Have a great day, no matter what you decide to wear!

~ Angela Gentile

Pillow Fight!

2011-08-25T07:27:00.000-05:00

I came across this funny clip called Pillow Fight!!!!! on Funny or Die by AKSpartanKiller. Just had to share it with you. Hope you enjoy it!

Click on this link for a laugh: http://www.youtube.com/akspartankiiier#p/a/u/1/UHqPzaUrMDQ

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Duty Free Advice for Canadians

2011-08-23T19:24:00.000-05:00

I recently went on a trip to Europe, and on our way back, each person had to fill out a "Canada Border Services Agency Declaration Card" that indicated how much money was spent. There are limits on what is considered Duty Free, depending on how long you have been away from Canada. Here are the personal exemptions that were indicated on the form that I had to fill out. These limits are very good to know if you don't want to pay extra fees when you purchase goods outside of Canada:

Residents of Canada:

Each resident returning to Canada is entitled to one of the following personal exemptions based on his/her time absent from Canada (include all goods and/or gifts purchased or received abroad):

- 24 hours: $50 Canadian
Not claimable if goods exceed $50. Alcohol and tobacco cannot be claimed.

- 48 hours: $400 Canadian
This includes alcohol and tobacco (see info below).

- 7 days: $750 Canadian
This includes alcohol and tobacco (see info below).

Alcohol and tobacco exemption information:

1.5 L of wine or 1.14 L of liquor or 24 x 355 ml cans or bottles (8.5 L) of beer or ale. (You must be of legal age in the province of importation).

200 cigarettes, 200 tobacco sticks, 50 cigars or cigarillos and 200 grams of manufactured tobacco (Special Duty may apply).

For more details, you can check out this website: http://www.taxfreetravel.com/Canada%20Duty%20Free%20Exemptions

Happy shopping fellow Canadians!

~ Angela Gentile

When in Rome

2011-07-30T05:50:00.003-05:00

Want to watch a funny, cute, romantic comedy that the whole family can watch? "When in Rome"(2010) is a great movie starring handsome Josh Duhamel and cute Kristen Bell that will have you laughing, and believing in magic as well as "real love". Set in Rome (The City of Love) and New York, this adventure will have you smiling, laughing and the music is great, too. I will think about this movie the next time someone throws a coin into a fountain!

Check it out for a good time!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Puppy Love

2011-07-28T05:50:00.001-05:00

This is a picture of my now 6-year-old cockapoo, Rocky when he was 8 weeks old.

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Beautiful Words, Ready to Print

2011-07-26T05:50:00.005-05:00

I stumbled across a great website called, "BeautifulWords.net" (formerly PagesForPrinting.com). You will find some gems amid this American, Christian focussed website as there are many great ready-to-print quotes and other inspirational poems with coloured photographs and illustrations. There are details about what you can do with the .pdf files, such as "put into a 5x7 frame", or use as "bookmarks". Here are a few of my favourites:

http://www.beautifulwords.net/sites/default/files/76_May_today_there_be_peace_within.pdf

http://www.beautifulwords.net/sites/default/files/101_Quote_Bookmarks.pdf

http://www.beautifulwords.net/sites/default/files/FindAHeart.pdf

You can also buy an e-book of more than 100 pages for only 99 cents!

Go to the BeautifulWords.net website and see if there is anything you'd like to print.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Life's Instructions

2011-07-24T05:50:00.009-05:00

Plain and simple.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Happy Road

2011-07-22T05:50:00.009-05:00

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Where is Your Happy Place?

2011-07-20T06:50:00.011-05:00

When we want to kick back, relax, feel joy and be happy, we can escape to our "Happy Place". You may have heard the term used before. This is when we either envision a calm place in our mind, or when we actually go to a physical space. We can be on our own, or with people. We all have a happy place. Do you know where yours is?

If I've had a busy, hectic day, my happy place is usually relaxing with a good book. If it's nice out, the most happy place for me is reading a book outside on my garden swing. Having nature around me, in all its glorious sights and sounds, makes me feel happy.

Where is your happy place?
Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

The Bright Side of Mondays

2011-07-18T09:51:00.000-05:00

Have a great week!

~ Angela Gentile

"Feeling Good" LipDub

2011-07-16T08:50:00.000-05:00

Even Michael Buble thinks these folks are good! Had me smiling the whole time. A group of older adults from the Clark Retirement Community put together a great music video to Buble's song, "Feeling Good". Looks like they are having a great time. I would love to live there one day!

"World's first-ever senior citizen LipDub! Residents from Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids, Michigan team up with Grand Valley State University Film & Video Production students, alumni, and professors to create this sassy video to the jazzy-sweet contemporary crooning of Michael Bublé." (from the YouTube video description)

Click on the arrow above to see the YouTube video, Clark Retirement Community LipDub *OFFICIAL* or go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uZ7-n930zJo

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Polish the Dull Side

2011-07-15T06:50:00.022-05:00

I took this picture of Rainy Lake in Fort Frances, Ontario with the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Can you see the dragonfly near bottom, centre? I used the free online photo editing program called "picnik" to add the frame and text. You can go to this link to see how it's done: www.picnik.com. It's really easy to do.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

I Like You - Music Video

2011-07-13T06:50:00.001-05:00

I was listening to Sirius/XM Satellite Radio Station "The Coffee House - Acoustic Singers and Songwriters" and I heard this acoustic love song, called "I Like You" by SJ. I love it, and I hope you do to. It's so simple, upbeat and enjoyable to listen to. The video is great, too.

Click on the arrow above, or go to this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwqAZCl9QrM

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Dandelion Wishes

2011-07-11T06:50:00.004-05:00

Make a Wish! I went out for a walk in the park the other day, and I came across these HUGE dandelion flowers that had gone to seed. Made me think about how as a kid, I would pick these "fluffy" flowers, make a wish, take a deep breath, and blow the little seeds all over, hoping for my wish to come true.

What would you wish for?

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

A Hug is a Handshake from the Heart

2011-07-09T06:50:00.005-05:00

♥ Hugs

It's wondrous what a hug can do.
A hug can cheer you when you're blue.
A hug can say, "I love you so,"
Or "Gee, I hate to see you go."

A hug is, "Welcome back again,"
And, "Great to see you! Where've you been?"
A hug can smooth a small child's pain,
And bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug! There's just no doubt about it,
We scarcely could survive without it!
A hug delights and warms and charms.
It must be why God gave us arms.

Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers.
And chances are your favorite aunts
Love them more than potted plants.

Kittens crave them. Puppies love them.
Heads of state are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier,
And make your travels so much merrier.

No need to fret about your store of 'em;
The more you give the more there's of 'em;
So stretch those arms without delay,
And Give Someone A Hug Today!!!

Origin not known for sure - it's either Author Unknown or Dean Walley, The Messenger

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Love Me Tender

2011-07-07T07:52:00.000-05:00

Did you know that cuddling may be the key to satisfying long-term relationships?

Check out this study that was done and you'll be convinced that cuddling and hugging are very important factors in boosting satisfaction with your lover. Cuddling May Be Key to Happy Long-Term Relationship: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/07/06/cuddling-may-be-key-to-long-term-happy-relationship.

Cuddling and caressing are important in every intimate relationship, and especially important for middle-aged and older couples.

Try a little tenderness, a caress, a cuddle. It's good for your relationship!

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Remembering Michael Jackson - June 25, 2009

2011-06-24T10:40:00.000-05:00

One of my favourite artists, Mike Tompkins, has shared with us his tribute to Michael Jackson. His version of "Michael Jackson's PYT - Pretty Young Thing" is so upbeat and very creative. Mike makes all his music with just his voice and mouth. Thanks to Mike for such amazing talent.

Click on the arrow above, or go to this link to see Michael Jackson Tribute A Capella Cover P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) - Mike Tompkins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNZXx_O1sWE&feature=digest_fri,7-99:digest

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Heart-Shaped Leaf

2011-06-18T18:00:00.006-05:00

♥ A perfect little heart-shaped leaf, found on a clover plant in the backyard. My son's latest find. ♥

Have a wonderful day!

~ Angela Gentile

Imagine

2011-06-16T18:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a great version of the classic song, "Imagine", that was originally performed by John Lennon. Jack Johnson does a great job. Fresh and meaningful. Have a listen.

Click on the arrow above, or go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHCPfs6EGCA

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Lessons from Geese

2011-06-14T18:00:00.002-05:00

Large group of geese flying in v-formation

Lessons from Geese

Fact 1

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift” for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock has 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson

People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling on the thrust of each other.

Fact 2

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson

If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Fact 3

When the lead bird tires, it rotates back into the formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson

It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each others’ skills, capabilities, and unique arrangement of gifts, talents, or resources.

Fact 4

The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson

We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s heart or core values and to encourage the heart and core values of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

Fact 5

When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation to catch up with the flock.

Lesson

If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we’re strong.

Note: Lessons from Geese was transcribed from a speech given by Angeles Arien at the 1991 Organizational Development Network. It was based on the work of Milton Olson. It circulated to Outward Bound staff throughout the United States.

There is a lot to learn from geese. I think they've got it figured out pretty good.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Wear Sunscreen (The Awesome Speech and Song)

2011-06-12T15:04:00.000-05:00

Click on the following link to see a very nice YouTube video version of "The Sunscreen Song" by Baz Luhrmann: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9t3o5q_SHg It is well done, and I actually had a couple tears in my eyes. Simple, straightforward advice about what's important in life. Beautifully put.

Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.

By Mary Schmich
June 1, 1997.

Have an awesome day!

~ Angela Gentile

Use the Good Dishes

2011-06-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

Royal Albert, Moonlight Roses Tea Set

Use the Good Dishes

Use the good dishes; what are you waiting for?

Putting life on hold, hoping for something more?

I’ll tell you when is good: good is every day.

Look at the millions of people who didn’t wake up today.

I’ll bet they’d trade a day for every one we waste.

Pretend you’ve got a year to live,

Wouldn’t you then make haste?

To tell those close you love them,

And cherish them so much,

Your friends who have been there for you,

All the lives you’ve touched.

Would you notice puffy clouds, hear birds,

And smell the flowers?

Climb a mountain, sing and dance,

Look for rainbows after the showers?

Forgive someone who’s hurt you?

What about the things you’ve done?

Do you need to say I’m sorry to a

Parent, a child or someone

That you meant to spend some time with,

But stuff got in the way?

Oh well, there’s always tomorrow,

Or maybe some other day.

I’ll be happy when – I’ll be happy if

I met the right one,

Or when I’m retired,

Or my mortgage is paid.

Soon I’ll have some fun.

The beauty of life is the journey,

All the day-to-day lessons we learn.

Be grateful for the rough ones,

The pain and the tough ones,

Everyone has their turn.

Each day is a gift;

It’s a present we should be most thankful for.

Open it now! Don’t save it.

We never know what’s in store.

“One of these days” is here now.

Don’t look back with regret.

When you live, laugh, and love,

The good dishes on the

Table of life you have set.

www.elainedembe.com

Reprinted with permission.

~ Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Anti-Joke Humour

2011-06-08T18:00:00.000-05:00

Anti-Jokes (or Anti-Humour) is a type of comedy in which the audience is set up to expect a typical joke setup however the joke ends with such anticlimax that it becomes funny in its own right. The lack of punchline is the punchline. They are considered "groaners". The funniest part of anti-jokes is telling them to people that appear baffled!

The most popular anti-joke of all time is:

Why did the chicken cross the road?

- To get to the other side.

Here are some of my favourite anti-jokes:

What is red and smells like blue paint?
- Red Paint

What is brown and sticky?
- A stick

A dyslexic man walks into a bra.

What did the farmer say who'd lost his tractor?
- Where's my tractor?

What is blue and fluffy?
- Blue fluff

A duck walks into a bar.
- Animal control is promptly called, and the duck is released in a nearby park.

What did the lawyer say to the other lawyer?
- We are both lawyers.

What do you get when you cross a Mexican with an octopus?
- Nothing. Two different species cannot propagate and gene splicing isn't advanced enough to separate the specific traits of an organism.

Why was six afraid of seven?
- It wasn't. Numbers are not sentient and thus incapable of feeling fear.

What's green and has wheels?
- Grass. I was kidding about the wheels.

What do you call a chicken in Antarctica?
- Lost

Two cows are in a field. Suddenly, from behind a bush, a rabbit leaps out and runs away. One cows looks around a bit, eats some grass then wanders off.

Why are black people so good at basketball?
- Because they practice.

Two men were walking along when they came across a set of tracks. The first man said, "Deer tracks!". The second man said, "Rabbit tracks!". While they stood there arguing, the train ran both men over.

How are a plum and a rabbit alike?
- They are both purple, except for the rabbit.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Dance, Love, Sing, Live

2011-06-05T18:00:00.001-05:00

My new wall poster for my work space.

Dance as though no one is watching

Love as though you have never been hurt before

Sing as though no one can hear you

Live as though Heaven is on Earth

I bought this wall poster (it's huge!) to bring to work to hang in my work space. I wanted a cheerful, bright, happy poster to brighten up my day. Gerbera daisies are the fifth most popular flower in the world, and they symbolize innocence, purity, friendship, beauty and of course, cheerfulness! They are big, and bright and you can't help but be happy and cheerful when you see them.

What do you see around you when you work? What do you choose to surround yourself with?

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

My New Happy Shoes

2011-06-03T18:00:00.000-05:00

MAR-206 Soft Pewter

I have purchased a new pair of Alegria shoes. Alegria means "Happiness" in Italian. They are really comfy, and they have a sparkly rhinestone buttlerfly on the side. Their catalog I received with the shoes states the following:

Alegria Shoes is on a mission to offer comfortable, affordable, fashionable styles to put a little "happy" into a busy woman's every step. Our unique Rocker Outsole and Perfect Fit Footbed system deliver full-body benefits all day long.

We believe that our signature mix of bright, happy colors and unique, one-of-a-kind prints provide a color therapy.

They also note We Love Nurses. They apparently get letters all the time from nurses who say they are just so thankful they found Alegria.

Alegria also sells a Donna Clog in Pink Heart print to help raise funds to help with early detection of breast cancer by providing mammograms for those in need. They have partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, www.nbcf.org.

I bought my shoes at Quarks. And I am thinking about getting another pair.

Are you ready to get happy? Check it out: www.alegriashoes.com

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Put Love on the Top of Your List

2011-06-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

Here's a great video that had me smiling, called "LoVE". Very bright, uplifting and funny. Andy Dooley is a great motivator, and he is a very smart man. Put "Love" on the top of your list!

Click on the arrow above, if that doesn't work, go to this link on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfh4CFVeM6o

Have a love-filled day!

~ Angela Gentile

Old Wives' Tales

2011-05-30T18:00:00.005-05:00

Call me gullible.

Do you remember any of those hard to believe "Rules" we had when we were kids? For example, what about the rule that states that we have to wait one hour after we eat before we go swimming, because we may get a cramp and drown? I remember learning that one when I was really young, and I have heard adults say it as well. I looked it up on snopes.com and of course it's not true. This is a old myth that for some reason has made it's way into our popular belief system. I remember being told as a kid if I swallowed my gum it would take seven years to digest, and would give me a tummy ache. I often go to snopes.com when I hear something that sounds too hard to believe. Some of those crazy emails we get warning us about car hijackings and things like that, sent from people that are well-meaning, intelligent and responsible, unknowingly pass around false information. I always set them straight with a link to snopes.com if/when I can. Here are a couple of old wives' tales I wanted to set straight:

1. It's okay to go in the water right after you eat. http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/hourwait.asp

2. Swallowed gum does not take 7 years to digest. It makes it's way through the digestive tract just like all food, except it's relatively unchanged. http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/chewgum.asp

3. The 5-Second Rule: Food that's been on the food for 5 seconds or less is not germ-free. http://www.snopes.com/food/tainted/dropped.asp

4. Touching a toad will not give you warts. http://thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com/tales75.html

5. Thank goodness I don't use butter on burns anymore. I did when I was a kid. That's what we did. And it didn't help one bit. http://thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com/tales43.html

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile