How-To Write A Perfect Birthday Speech 12:26 AM So you’ve been nominated to give a speech at your spouse’s, best friend’s, or a loved one’s birthday party. Sure, you’re honored to be acknowledged as an important person in their life. That’s why you were asked to give the ever – notable birthday speech. Yet at the same time, you’re panicking and attempting to calm your nerves. What are you going to say? Is it a milestone birthday, such as their 21st, 40th, or 50th? You want it to be attention grabbing and engaging to the party attendees, especially to the guest of honor! You want your speech to be memorable and impressive. You want it to be remembered in the best way! Writing that perfect birthday speech doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Below are some tips to help you write a speech that will captivate your audience, hold the moment, and make it extraordinary! Write a Perfect Birthday Speech Research Find out who will be attending. Is it a family only, or friends only celebration? Will there be professional acquaintances or colleagues of the guest of honor? Will there be any children there? Or will all be in attendance? Is it a formal or informal party? Is it a planned party the guest of honor is informed of, or is it a surprise party? All important details to know. However, regardless of the answers to these questions, the speech should always be kept at an appropriate PG rating. Are you going to be the only one giving a speech? Or will others be speaking as well? Don’t make the speech too long. In this situation, less is always more. Keep it positive and entertaining. Find out how long you are expected to speak (usually under 10 minutes), and if there is anything specific to be mentioned in your speech. Create and Organize the Content of Your Speech If you remember writing a report in elementary or high school, there are three components to include. Those components are the Introduction, the Body, and the Conclusion. In the Introduction, open with an anecdote or a quote to capture your audience’s attention. Thank the person who asked you to make the speech, and the person or people who planned and put together the party. Then, you can also thank the guests for coming to the party and bringing birthday gift baskets, presents, cards or whatever they may have brought for the celebration. Most importantly, include an acknowledgement of the host and commend the guest of honor! In the Body of your speech, you can talk about things like warm memories, and well wishes for the guest of honor. Don’t mention age unless it is a clear milestone birthday. Stick to the main points, and don’t ever bring up any personal issues, or anything the guest of honor may be embarrassed by or uncomfortable with. Also, don’t discuss anything that may be found discerning or offensive to your audience. Keep everything light hearted, positive and motivational. You can add in a quote and a joke, but do it sparingly. One joke and one quote is plenty to work with, and it is proper to cite who or where the quote originated. In the Conclusion of your speech, summarize the main points, say a closing thank you to everyone again, raise a toast, and give a closing tribute to the guest of honor. Use a Template If you are still at an impasse, and are lost for words, there are many templates online to help you compose a great birthday speech. You can research templates for surprise parties, milestone parties, or just about any kind of birthday party the speech may be intended for. If you do use a template, organize the prompts, fill it in with your own unique and original content, and make it your own. Rehearse Your Speech The best thing to help calm the pre-speech jitters, is to rehearse your speech. You can rehearse alone, in front of a mirror, or if you have someone like a family member or friend to practice in front of, that can be even more easing on the nerves. Pay attention to the parts that flow smoothly for you, and the parts that you may struggle. Write a final draft you are comfortable presenting, draw up some cue cards, or enlist someone to assist you through if you get stuck, and again, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! When you are comfortable, confident, and ready to give your speech at the birthday celebration, you’ll know, and it will be great!
Dating 6 Romantic Car Date Night Ideas 12:20 AM 6 Romantic Car Date Night Ideas Tight budget and too busy to go on a fancy date or take a couple's vacation? How about making the most of your time together by going on a romantic car date night?Anywhere can be special and fun when spent with your sweetheart.Check out these six romantic car date night ideas to spice up your relationship.But first...Pre-date night preparationGet your car ready for an enthralling date night.Clean, wax, remove the clutter and ensure everything's working and in good condition.Depending on your destination, bring these car date night essentials for a relaxing and comfortable time.Soft pillows. Fairy lights. Add them to the rear window frame, or surround the sunroof or ceiling for a touch of romance. Treats you both love that are easy to prepare and put away. Or order your favorite takeout. Matching insulated water bottles with hot chocolate, coffee, or smoothies.Drinking water. A fun and romantic playlist.Car Date Night Destination Pick a destination for your date and plan your trip. Check the weather and research the place. How safe is it in the area?What must you bring that's appropriate for the place or the weather?What date night outfits should you wear?What are nearby hotels, hospitals, gas stations, convenience stores, or restaurants just in case you need to be in these places?Now that you know where you're going and what you're bringing, here are six ideas for an epic and romantic date night in your car.1. Glam campingFresh air. A canopy of stars.The sound of a flowing stream or the crashing waves of the ocean.Back seats down. Open windows.Thick duvet cover and cozy pillows.Ahh...Can you imagine it?Your car would be the perfect retreat. Camp in your car, but make it glam for your date night.Bring hot takeout food.Take selfies (or keep your phones away and focus on each other)...While your favorite song plays softly, you stare into each other's eyes and whisper sweet promises...The best glam camping date night in your car ever.2. Mini road tripA short road trip to a historic site or scenic highway. There's something thrilling about getting away with your loved one. A sense of adventure that sends butterflies in your stomach.That shared moment is too precious to forget.No wonder Taylor Swift writes songs about it.What to do on a road trip car date?Play car games. Have a fun carpool karaoke.Take turns asking each other questions.Stop over at beautiful sites for photos and just seize the moment.Enjoy but drive safely. Be protected with car insurance coverage and roadside assistance from a trusted provider like Freeway Car Insurance. 3. Drive-in movie night Wouldn't you like to experience a drive-in movie night with your significant other? There are over 300 drive-ins throughout the United States.Bring flavored popcorn, fizzy drinks, and candies. Watch old movies or new ones on the big screen.Or make your own. Bring your laptop and stream Netflix date night movies in your favorite outdoor space.Make it a surprise; this move will earn you brownie points from your lover.4. Scenic sunset and selfies dateGrab a hot latte and watch the sunset from as high up as you can drive in your hometown. Or find a nice spot with the best view.The comforting smell of coffee. The soft, beautiful splash of colors in the sky no artist alive can ever replicate...The twinkling of the stars slowly peeking on the horizon as the colors change to ink blue, indicating the start of a romantic evening...That's romantic car date night right there.Remember to take lots of selfies because the lighting will be perfect during the golden hour.5. Group Zoom date callWhatever you do in this life, it's not legendary unless your friends are there to see it.That's one of the many heartwarming quotes from How I Met Your Mother.And it's true.Share a part of your evening with your besties. Go on a Zoom call, play online games, or catch up.Ensure your location has a good internet connection, and remember to bring your chargers. 6. StargazingCheck out meteor shower guides and plan your romantic stargazing car date night.Use your portable telescope or observe the sky with your naked eyes. Bring blankets and hot choco to keep you warm.Wait for a falling star and make a wish together.If that's not romantic, I don't know what is.Keep your love alive with an unforgettable date night, looking up at the stars.All gifs from Tenor and GiphyThis post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost.A lot of people have romantic memories in their vehicle - including their first kiss.Make more dreamy, memorable moments with these romantic car date night ideas. Stay in love!Going on a car date night soon? Where's your favorite destination?
Dogs How To Choose The Right Vet Clinic 5:40 PM Cats, dogs, and other pets are cherished members of the family. Making sure they have access to the best possible healthcare is a must for pet owners. Choosing the right vet clinic is not as simple as walking into the nearest one. You need to take the time to research to make sure your pet gets the best care available. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right clinic for your furry friend. How to Choose the Right Vet Clinic for Your Pets 1. Check the priceYour budget is an important factor to consider.Vet clinics offer treatments at different prices.You may think you're saving money at cheap clinics. But if they have a lousy service and ineffective treatment, it can cost you more in the long run.At the same time, just because a clinic is expensive doesn’t mean they are the best. A good example of an affordable vet clinic is Easyvet. They have clinics in different states so check out if they have one near you.2. Range of treatmentsWhen choosing a vet clinic, check the range of treatments they offer.Most clinics cover check-ups, microchipping, neutering/spading, flea and tick treatments, and diagnostics.They also offer medications and vitamins for your pet. Visit or call the clinic to inquire about what services they offer and what is covered by your insurance.3. Consider the locationThe location is an important factor when choosing the right vet clinic. You shouldn’t register with a vet that's miles away from home. This will make for a long and uncomfortable journey for your pet If there's an emergency, you want to get them to the clinic as soon as possible.4. Scrutinize the cleanlinessSee if the clinic is clean and sanitized.Like any medical center, it needs to follow health and safety codes. Has it been cleaned to the highest standards?Your pet deserves the best.5. Read the reviewsAlways check the reviews on their website or on other online forums.Get a better idea of what their services are like from current and former patients (pet parents).Other people's experiences can save your pet's life.Making sure your pet has quality health care is a priority. Use these tips to find the right clinic for you and your pet.
How-To Here’s How You Can Become Your Best Self In 2021 5:18 PM There’s never a better time to wipe the slate clean and start again than at the end of a year. After everything that happened in 2020, that’s especially the case this time around. The last 365 days certainly haven’t been great for many of us, but that just gives us all the more reason to approach 2021 with the determination to be our best selves. If you’re interested in how to put 2020 behind you and make the most of the next year, here are some ideas to consider. Here’s How You Can Become Your Best Self In 2021 Set Worthwhile Goals Most people set themselves goals at the start of the year, such as losing weight, taking up a new hobby, or finishing a passion project. The problem, though, is that these goals are typically less motivated by what people want to do, but rather by what they feel they have to do. It’s no good setting yourself resolutions that you aren’t completely sold on because otherwise, you’ll just end up ditching them before the end of January. Sit down and ask yourself what it is that you really want out of the year, and then focus on your goals for the next 365 days. Speak With A Therapist Too many people view vulnerability and a willingness to seek help as a weakness when it’s actually a sign of strength. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that you’re struggling and allowing others to get you back on your feet. Whether you were having trouble before 2020, or the last year was the cause of it, it may be in your best interests to speak with a therapist. If you’re looking for someone with decades of experience in the Austin area, you’ll find a good match in therapist Dr. Mike Brooks. His client-centric approach to therapy will help you to break through whatever’s holding you back, so you can end 2021 feeling like you’ve conquered some of your demons. Find A Work-Life Balance If it weren’t for our jobs, a lot of people would struggle to pay the bills. However, just because work is an essential part of our lives, that doesn’t mean it should dominate our every waking moment. To be the best version of yourself in the new year, it’s important that you learn to balance your work priorities with your personal ones. You need to remember that relaxing and doing the things that you enjoy are just as important as reaching those deadlines and hitting your targets. If you find it impossible to take a step back from work during your downtime, you may want to consider whether your job is really what’s right for you or not. How can you feel truly fulfilled if you never have any time for yourself? Share Your Gratitude A lot of people went into 2020 believing that it would be the year they finally got everything that they wanted. However, by December, many of them realized just how grateful they were to have all the things that they do in their lives. All those months being locked inside and trying to stay safe during a worldwide health crisis really put a lot of things into perspective. For 2021, one of the best things you can do is hold onto that gratitude and share some of it with the world. Gratitude combats negative emotions, so if you treat every day like it's Thanksgiving, you might find the new year a lot easier to deal with than this last one. Plus, there are probably plenty of people in the same position as you who could probably do with a reason to smile. There are so many ways that you can become your best self, some of which might require more than just a new year to be realized. These are great starting points to consider for the start of 2021, though, and they should help you to find plenty of happiness and fulfillment moving forward.
Listicle Digital Transformation As Standard: 4 Channels Your Organization Should Be Focusing On 5:39 PM Digitally transforming any business is a long and slow-burning process. It cannot be planned in a morning meeting and implemented that afternoon. When the right digital innovations and strategies are put in place throughout your organization, it will change the way you do business, it will also change the working roles of your employees, and crucially, it should create a better customer experience. As a business owner, you want to build a positive reputation and brand recognition, generate more leads, make more sales, and hang onto as many clients as possible, all by spending as little as possible. It's a big task, but transforming your business and bringing in digital changes can open the door to all possibilities. Wondering where to start? There are numerous successful digital transformation examples from industries across the globe for inspiration. From retail giants streamlining their online shopping processes to healthcare facilities enhancing patient experiences through technology, these cases provide valuable insights and lessons for businesses embarking on digital journeys. Let's look at the digital transformation channels your organization should focus on. 1. Digitizing your brand assets As a growing company, a strong connection between your brand and your clients is essential, and the money you spend on developing your brand and company identity is one of your biggest overheads. Keeping your brand well-managed and consistent can stand apart from your competition and attract more customers. Traditional channels would have you handle vast amounts of paperwork, files, and scanned copies of your trade show materials, print and direct mailings, press releases, blogs, sales presentations, etc., making it incredibly difficult to manage and maintain continuity throughout your organization. By utilizing brand management software as part of your digital transformation, your marketing team will benefit from increased organization and continuity in your brand. You'll also continue to excel in brand recognition and build a solid customer base. 2. Social media and digital advertising Traditional marketing channels would have included anything from TV commercials and radio ads to printed media, flyers, and mail campaigns. By embracing a digital transformation, you can save time and get a more significant ROI by switching to social media to specifically target your chosen demographic with photo and video ads and increasing your brand awareness. Other digital channels, such as email marketing, search engine optimization, and PPC ads, can generate leads and, if done well, can transform clicks into sales. You'll benefit from detailed analytics with every campaign to see what's working and what's not, reducing time, energy, and your marketing budget. 3. Ecommerce sites Traditional brick-and-mortar shopfronts were the dream for many business owners, but embracing a digital transformation means you can offer the same experience but online instead. Moving to an E-commerce site instead of a physical store eliminates expensive utility bills and won't hold you back in terms of expansion and growth! 4. And finally, customer service We've all felt the frustration of being placed on hold at a customer help desk. These days, a digitally transformed business uses social media at the forefront of its customer service department. It's faster, yields quicker results, and gives organisations like yours a chance to show their high levels of care and willingness to resolve customer issues. Embracing digital transformation is pivotal for modern businesses to thrive. Utilizing the right channels and drawing inspiration from successful ventures ensures growth, customer satisfaction, and a stronger brand presence in the digital age.Question for You:How has digital transformation reshaped your business, and which of these channels made the most significant impact for you?
Fashion & Style oNecklace Breast Cancer Charm Bracelet Review 9:22 PM oNecklace Breast Cancer Charm Bracelet Review This oNecklace breast cancer charm bracelet review is dedicated to all pink warriors.When you hear the word warrior, what comes to mind? Someone who goes to a battle, right? A person trained for combat. Wounded, bruised, brave. Someone who fights 'til death. Definitely not a damsel in distress. GiphyWhat about pink? Pink is a color associated with femininity. Soft, gentle, sweet, nice, charming.And what if you put them together? Pink warrior. That's what they call breast cancer survivors or fighters. A pink warrior or warrior in pink. That's cute and clever. It's like saying:Don't mistake my gentleness with weakness. I may be sweet but I am strong and I can fight. That pretty much sums up what being a woman is. And as a woman, pink warriors will always have my support. Breast cancer and womenBreast cancer is more prevalent in women than in men. According to US Breast Cancer Statistics, for women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.American Cancer Society stated that about 2,700 men were projected to develop breast cancer compared to 270,000 women. In support of pink warriorsI personally know someone who was a pink warrior. I've also met a few of them about seven years ago.My college friend who's an oncologist helped found St. Luke's Corridor of Hope GC. Every week, they held a small event or fun activity for pink warriors and their families. I'm in awe when I see strength and hope in their smiles, and their eagerness to learn new things during the events. They still exude joy and optimism.The fight with cancer is no joke. Indeed it takes a warrior to face it head-on.oNecklace Breast Cancer Charm Bracelet ReviewI ordered this gorgeous charm bracelet from oNecklace. It has a pink stone, the breast cancer ribbon symbol, and my initial.It's 0.3" thick Sterling silver, with an easily adjustable chain. What I like about my oNecklace breast cancer charm bracelet1. Fast shipping: They sent via DHL which is a wiser choice than the regular post to avoid delays due to this pandemic. I placed my order on the 3rd of November and it arrived on November 17th. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐2. Secure packaging: I super LOVE the black with red ribbon Airmax bubble envelope they used! It's so cute and it's best for gift-giving this holiday season. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐What's inside the air bubble envelope3. Can be personalized: You can add your initials to personalize the bracelet. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐4. Authentic: They sent it with the Certificate of Authenticity. This proves that the metals they use are hallmarked and meet legal standards. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5. Simple and cute design: I'm all for simple and elegant design and this charm bracelet checks all two categories. The easily adjustable chain makes it a breeze to wear and take off. Pink stones make me happy. I noticed that the stone they used here is not as sparkly as the ones in my oNecklace birthstone necklace. But it's still as charming and the tone of pink is as dark as I personally prefer it to be. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Bonus: With your purchase, oNecklace will donate 15% of the proceeds towards cancer research, working together to help find a cure. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Unboxing of oNecklace charm braceletI'm quite sure you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer; a friend who was diagnosed or an office mate whose relative died of it. I lost a friend to breast cancer. This new piece in oNecklace's Pink Ribbon Collection is a thoughtful (and fashionable) way to honor and show our support to the dauntless pink warriors.It's a great reminder that we're in this together. That we can kick cancer's butt. After all, we're not only warriors. We are warriors in pink. 💟💪
Lux Thinking Aloud Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & Julia 9:58 PM I just had my worst breakup and was still picking up the pieces of my shattered self-worth.I turned to blogging to distract myself. Who am I kidding? I wrote my bleeding heart out hoping my ex would read how I felt after he left. So he'd realize what a monster he was.After slaving myself away in a job that sucked the life out of me, I’d come home to a noisy, chaotic house I shared with other OFWs. I'd watch movies until I was too sleepy to think about anything. Until I was too numb to feel anything.Then I found Julie and Julia.Favorite Comfort Movie: Julie & JuliaJulie Powell was a frustrated writer stuck in a job she hated in a house she didn’t like. She lived in a city where dreams were made of but she felt as though her life was a nightmare.Her only escape from reality was cooking. She loves American cook Julia Child so much. She’s her heroine. After her husband suggested she blog about her cooking, her life turned around. The recipes on her blog were from Julia’s cookbook.BloglovinIn a different time, Julia's life in Paris began. She was traveling with her husband who works for the US government. They lived in a gorgeous big house in the City of Light. She's learning the culture, enjoying the savory food and exploring things, trying to find her passion.Primo GifThe movie was about their lives intertwined; their struggles in searching for their purpose, finally finding what they’re good at, the obstacles in pursuing what they love and the imperfections of their personal lives.Aside from these amazing women's journey, I love the gentle forces behind them---their partners. I adore their husbands. Hurting as I was back then, I didn’t swear off love. And every time they show how supportive, loving and encouraging Julie and Julia’s husbands were, I find myself whispering a prayer, “Lord, I want a husband like that.”Julie and Julia became my comfort movie.It gave me hope that someday, I’ll get out of the job I was stuck in. I will find what I truly love to do and earn while doing it.GiphyJulia wrote award winning cookbooks and became a TV personality despite having zero knowledge in cooking at first. Julie’s blog became a hit that her story was turned into a book and a movie.Julie’s story is every blogger’s dream. It was my dream. Maybe not in the same scale. But the thought of getting something out of what I spend most of my time on sounds appealing to me.Fast forward to today, there are brands and clients who trust me to feature them on my blog (THANK YOU!). I get paid for writing and by God's grace, I've found my dream husband. But I'm still a frustrated cook. 😂Julie and Julia’s husbands possessed the traits I was looking for in my ideal life partner. TumblrI saw this movie at a time I NEEDED to know people like them exist. Real people. Not fictional. It was refreshing to see that there are real men who are sweet and supportive but also strong and reliable.If it wasn't for their husbands' encouragement, push and humor, they may not have soared as high as they did. Sometimes, it only takes one person to believe in your dreams and push you to become the best that you could be.GiphyLet me borrow Julie’s words describing Julia as I explain why I love this movie so much:“It saved me. I was drowning and it pulled me out of the ocean.”What's your favorite or comfort movie?Contains affiliate links.
