*Scrapbooking- The Greatest Gift*

Whether it's for your own keepsake or for someone special, a scrapbook is the most memorable gift anyone can receive. If you don't want to hold onto a mess of keepsakes, a scrapbook puts all of your memories together. Some people may have trouble deciding where to start, but honestly it doesn't matter. You have a bunch of cuts and decisions and once every thought is organized, it will look amazing. You can get scrapbooks at target, tjmaxx, Marshall's, etc. Once you separate all of the necessary material, you can scrapbook a million things. In the photo above, I did birthday cards. I save everything and feel like the process is soothing to the mind. If you're stressed, this is the best therapy.

*Message to All My Blog Readers*

I never noticed how many people read my posts. Don't get me wrong, the whole purpose of creating a blog was for followers. I never thought I would see 4,336 people reading my blogs. I have supporters all over the country! I can't narrow down one state. Social media amazes me. So, when all my motivation seemed minuscule, you've inspired me to continue. By the way, I've never credited my photos. I've found them all on google images. I'd like to take the opportunity and mention that. Thank you all for your continuous support. Thank you for making me smile and bringing hope to my day! I'm speechless.

(Photo Credits: Google Blogger)

*What to do when you're struggling with your dreams*

As I keep contemplating what to do with my life, the struggles become intense and real. I went to school, I graduated college, I got TEFL certified, and I've officially applied for my educator's certificate. There are so many things I wish to do with my life and the restraints become tighter. I know that I've attempted to do all I can to have my dreams come true. Unfortunately, the barriers become clearer. I apply for jobs that correlate with my career plans every day. I have more than one professional résumé and the tasks are easy, but difficult. Unfortunately, my dreams become clouded with unrealistic job descriptions or I never hear a reply. I've been told to never give up and I won't, but how much can a person take before they break down? Some people don't realize how difficult it truly is. I continue to pursue my goals, but my motivation slowly decreases. I begin to think if this life or lifestyle is my future and it terrifies me. I am far from negative and I want everything I deserve, but it's hard. I continue to follow the path and believe and find the strength to occupy my mind. Currently, I've given up on writing my book, my passion, my inspiration, everything that I want because of recent unfortunate events. I understand that I shouldn't sulk in pity or have pity for myself, but the journey is real. It's the most difficult point of my life. The only person that could help me through this point is myself. At times, I yearn for success, but when I continue to reach disappointment, it takes me to a terrible, empty, place. Everyone wants to grow up and initiate a career. My advice to them is to stay young and enjoy every second. Evaluate your goals and aspirations. Make sure that they're realistic and possible. I know that nothing is impossible, but realism is the best perspective. Never ever give up no matter what happens. It's okay to take a break, but never allow it to take over your goals. Where do you go from here? Where do I go? I never give up and keep trying because that is all I can do. My life will succeed and my purpose on this earth will be meaningful.

*Today, I am Thankful for...*

Today is the 14th day of gratitude. On this day, I am grateful for my parents. They have supported me in everything I do and have encouraged me to pursue a strong education. Seperately, they have both taught me different values and beliefs. If it weren't for them, I would have never been able to achieve any of my dreams. They have both demonstrated the importance of hard work and how it pays off. I am thankful that they never gave up on me and always are there when I need a shoulder to lean on. My parents aren't the most perfect people in the world, but they are mine. I admire them for their strengths and weaknesses and wouldn't change my life in any way. I love them both. Xoxoxox

*Would You Ever Give Up Your Homeland?*

We all have hopes, dreams, and a variety of diverse aspirations. Every individual country is unique and has it's perfections and flaws. As a daughter and granddaughter to Italian immigrants, I am thrilled beyond belief to have been born in a country that they fought so hard to call their own. The United States of America, my homeland, is the best country in the world. Yes, it may be sliding down, but our laws are the strongest that exist on the planet. Every American born citizen is a seed of a land of opportunity. Today, I read that Tina Turner renounced her American Citizenship. That is one of the toughest decisions in the world. How could an individual abandon their rights to the land they were born in? My father and grandparents were forced to choose America when they settled here. In 2013, we have more choices of freedom. I'm sure Turner has her reasons, but it's left me speechless. What would you do? I could never abandon my homeland. I hope many of you feel the same.

*The Fortune Behind the Fortune Cookie*

Well, today I received a fortune cookie much like every time that I enjoy Chinese food. It triggered something in my brain that caused me to ponder about the meaning of the message. How many fortune cookies are opened each day? Probably, a lot. What is the purpose of the message. Well, if you think about it, it's there to make everyone's day a little brighter and maybe it can change a life. Imagine someone who is extremely depressed and opens a cookie that thrusts them to smile. That one little word or saying brightened that persons day. If you're lucky, you may get the same one more than once. What does that mean to you? Fortune cookies don't actually tell the future, but they cause people to ponder about their circumstances. I always love opening a cookie and learning a phrase I may have never known before. So, the next time you see anyone that's depressed, toss them a cookie. You may turn their day upside down. Never hesitate to read the little message. It could brighten your smile!

*Veteran's Day- In Loving Memory*

Today, we recall all of the strong men and women that have fought and continue to fight for our country. Many people have joined the armed forces for a better opportunity, to serve our country, or because they have no other choice. These people go on the front line every day and risk their lives for a better nation. There are no words to express my gratitude to these "normal" individuals, who are in fact, HEROES. Today, is your day and I want to remind you of how much you mean to every person in America! I also remember my grandfather and great grandfather, who fought for their own country, (Italy) alongside America during the World Wars. Their survival was an inspiration to many. Unfortunately, there are people who never return. We have to remember these individuals today and every day. America is my home and place of birth. Sometimes, I take this country for granted because of the severity of our situations. I love and express gratitude to every person who has served this country! God Bless You All today and forever! Express your appreciation! They all deserve it!

*Loyalty & a Healthy Marriage*

First off, marriage is a virtue and not a joke. Many people jump into relationships, get engaged, and end in divorce. They ask themselves how they allowed it to happen in their early twenties. They weren't thinking! The values from previous generations have disappeared. Unfortunately, marriage isn't as serious as it used to be. People marry for all sorts of situations, but many don't revolve around love. Today, on the eighth day of November, I expressed my gratitude and admiration for my grandparents. They were married 57 years this past August. It's unbelievable and may seem impossible to people of today's era. Their marriage was based on family values, virtues, beliefs, and most importantly true love. For 57 years, they never cheated on one another. Many people may believe it's impossible, but it isn't. They were raised in an era where broken things were mended and not thrown away. They worked together to raise three children and communication was an asset. Of course, their marriage has many imperfections, but they've never abandoned each other. They've supported and believed in one another. Their values were instilled in my mind and I can only dream of a marriage as perfect as theirs. They're my role models and should be all of America's as well. When you're in a compromising situation, think about how prior generations resolved the issue. Maybe, it's time to step back, go back to the 50's, 40's, 30's, 20's, etc. and take their advice. Life, love, marriage, health, and happiness are the most valuable assets in any individuals life, if they choose to take them. If you aren't ready, step back and evaluate your decision. Don't destroy your life or anyone else's if you know it can't work. Trust in each other, don't cheat, communicate, communicate, communicate, and most importantly, work together! 

*How to lose 20 pounds in less than a year.*

BEFORE: 

AFTER: 

I know there are many of you who struggle with weight every day. Fortunately, I've never been overweight, but in 2008, I started to feel the effects of my unhealthy eating patterns. I gained 20 pounds and kept on the weight in four months. When I turned 20, I decided it was time to get healthy and keep slim. I started a low carb diet. I began to eat a big breakfast, which consisted of oatmeal, fruit, or a low cal muffin, or an egg white omelet. For lunch, I ate a salad with grilled chicken, steak, or salmon with oil and vinegar sprinkled lightly. At dinner time, I ate chicken, salad, a scoop of brown rice, or a salad with chicken, or a piece of fish. For snacks, I ate almonds, chips, etc., but followed the serving size. When I began my experience as a cocktail server at the Seminole Hardrock Hotel & Casino, I weighed 155 pounds. In less than six months, which included exercising two days a week, I weighed 135 pounds. I went from a size large short in my uniform to a size small. My upper body stayed the same shape, but my belly was flat. Most importantly, I never starved myself! I stayed healthy and ate right. Of course, holidays are cheat days. Once a month won't kill you. I avoided all fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy's. I haven't eaten at any of them in four years. If you want to lose weight, try my way, the healthy way. It requires dedication and a healthy mind frame. In the end, hard work always pays off. I've swayed away from the complete healthy lifestyle, but have maintained an average wait of 140-145 pounds at 5'8. Be happy, don't waste away in misery. Get healthy!

*What are you grateful for?*

As we approach the beginning of the wonderful holiday season, we should look back and remember everything in our lives we are grateful for. I have seen people put daily things that they appreciate for the beginning of November on social media outlets. I have not attempted to do so because I missed the first day. So, I will begin telling you in thirty words and the meaning of each day of November. This month is appropriate because of the lovely Thanksgiving. The first day of November would have to go to my baby cousin, Annabella, who turned six. It would also correlate to her siblings and all of my cousins. I am grateful for all of you. On the second day of November, I would say I'm grateful for all of the experiences that I have gone through. The weak, the strong, the inevitable, etc. You have made me the person I am today and I wouldn't change anything that I've gone through. On the third day of November, I would have to say I'm gracious for my entire family. There are so many of you that have impacted my life in positive ways. You are my role models and I love you. For the fourth day of November, I dedicate it to my boyfriend Joey. It's his birthday and I'm glad that God put him in my path. He's been the most supportive and understanding person in my life. I couldn't imagine my life without him in it. On the fifth day of November, I dedicate it to Joey's family who are all incredible people that have been so influential in my life these past seven years. Today, I am grateful for my tutoring experience. It's amazing to learn from the precious six year old that I teach. I love to see her accomplishments each day! She is great. Tomorrow, I will post my seventh thing. Think about it. It's never to late to post these things or write them on a piece of paper. It will be fun to read them all out on Thanksgiving. Live and enjoy everything you do. Most importantly, appreciate everything around you! It's here today, but tomorrow, you never know! Go get your grateful words in order! :)

*How the Media Influences Our Lives*

Whether it's CBS, ABC, CNN, NBC, FOX, etc., the news media plays a vital role in our lives. In fact, any type of media influences what Americans think about. People come across media articles or live videos that they browse through or ignore. In the United States, the media is agenda setting. Unfortunately, we are only able to see what our government chooses to reveal. Over the years, the media has become more and more influential in our lives. Unfortunately, it has also become more depressing. As a Communications Mass Media major in college, I've learned all of the trick and rules that the media is supposed to follow. As we all know, rules aren't always enforced and people find a way to violate them. The way the news is portrayed to Americans differs from channel to channel. Sometimes things that are vital are ignored by agenda setters and Americans never know unless they dig through the rubbish. The media tends to over play topics when others are more important. For example, a school shooting occurs and it becomes the topic of discussion for the next month. Other shootings are displayed that happen on a daily basis, while a kidnapping may be ignored. Americans are also restricted on items they are "allowed" to view, while other countries reveal them. In my opinion, the media is as corrupt as our government and politicians. Unfortunately, it's also our only source of information. So, we ignore the "sappy" stuff or store it in the back of our brain and listen for articles that benefit us. The circle continues!

*Do you ever look around and wonder?*

Sometimes, I find myself looking around and wondering about the world. I wonder what my life will turn out to be like. I wonder if all of my dreams will come true. I wonder what things are in store for my future. I wonder what decisions and path I will choose and if it will be the best one. I take every chance I get and live every moment. I may not have the happiest life or lifestyle, but I appreciate it. I hope everything fits into place and I can grasp every opportunity, willingly. From this day forward, I vowe to appreciate every single moment that falls across me. I vowe to give everything a chance and to never give up... I will wonder, but I will also succeed. I choose success, not misery!