tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12401023400565325312024-02-18T20:28:44.117-06:00In The Village With Nicki DSharing different perspectives and enlightening the minds of many. :DNicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-88018460703953357712012-09-12T13:32:00.001-05:002012-09-12T13:35:07.248-05:00Fall Buyer Beware: Check those boots!
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There are many reasons to fall in love with fall - weddings, birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, football... but for myself, and I'm sure many of my readers, my favourite thing about the season, are the clothes.
The leaves are changing and as follows, so does your wardrobe. When I think of fall, I think of copper scarves, mustard purses and cognac boots. All of which make me grab for my credit card when seen in stores or online. I thought this year I would try to get ahead of the game by planning my shopping approach. In mid-August, I found a really good deal on slip-on moccasins and a pair of cognac leather ankle boots. In September, I scoured the internet and found a great deal on a double-breasted grey full length pea coat. My approach was a paced one so that my bank account wasn't destroyed in one swipe.
I decided to change my shopping habits so that I could really work on making reasonable purchasing decisions. One by one, I would weigh the pros and cons and think to myself, "Do I really, REALLY, need this?" So many times I would head to the mall with a couple hundred bucks and leave with 3s of everything, shoes, jeans, sweaters, spending way more than I had planned but to me, I was just preparing for fall. I really, REALLY needed that entire new wardrobe, right?
Well lesson learned because in the heat of the moment, I ended up buying a pair of boots that ended up turning into a nightmare. Polyurethane, dreaded Polyurethane. The boots I had spent somewhere around $130 for, were made of Polyurethane and came from China. Good God what had I done? A) they were not worth $130. B) they were not made for Winnipeg winters or even Canadian winters for that matter. The entire boot fell apart after only a few weeks of wear. The sole had come off and there was no way of putting it back on said my shoe doctor. My heart was broken. Needless to say, I somehow managed to convince the manager of the store to give me a refund, well, credit, and bought some accessories in exchange.
I guess my point here is: think twice about what your spending your money on. Don't go to the mall and buy forty low quality items. Spend the money and buy quality. It will last and it will look good.
Let's celebrate by yelling "yay!" to the pea coat jacket I got for $100, regular $325.
Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-85229937234035043742011-04-06T10:49:00.005-05:002011-04-15T12:09:31.696-05:00Saving The Shore - Completed Documentary<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22038986?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=1" width="398" height="224" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br />After many hours on the cold shores of Lake Winnipeg filming, many interviews with very interesting and passionate people and even more hours in a small suite at school editing video, my partner Chase Gouthro and I have completed our documentary, Saving The Shore - A documentary on lake shore rehabilitation. <br /><br />This was a great experience, we met and worked with a bunch of great people and we feel grateful for having the opportunity to raise awareness regarding an important issue.<br /><br />Special thanks to Eddie's Gravel, Bill Lawrie and his wife, and my parents for helping me when my car broke down on the ride out to the country when we only had 20 mins to get to our interview. THANKS! ;)Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-13031787422949939702011-03-24T15:06:00.003-05:002011-03-24T15:16:43.471-05:00My interview with Mexican Conductor, Carlos Miguel Prieto.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFX19nyHHLMSl6ItYydH_XzkY96ffPCOuKfrvB60VPagzWwBRUGmn43l_KKQ3qPQk4napiVC3MzRsHlHZg6InV9E4fNGCykESYzoQjVH3aP3TYqw5P1h4O1AokocxiYIzSzxX8RgrZQWH/s1600/104370_150.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFX19nyHHLMSl6ItYydH_XzkY96ffPCOuKfrvB60VPagzWwBRUGmn43l_KKQ3qPQk4napiVC3MzRsHlHZg6InV9E4fNGCykESYzoQjVH3aP3TYqw5P1h4O1AokocxiYIzSzxX8RgrZQWH/s320/104370_150.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587743001914032114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-_Bnz1RhaIITQVpmZ83QfR-LSE69H_aiOErVI1oo7Vd-gvm_QgOuW4bxQMXqaRaiL-aAEywyTUZqD4wXu5ecT81APKRDNALhNWzyBnjL5KlKTUysiI8RAO7JEdbL3XVt25IACBN1yeXO/s1600/carlos-ac3ddf8a3a83bb9c.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-_Bnz1RhaIITQVpmZ83QfR-LSE69H_aiOErVI1oo7Vd-gvm_QgOuW4bxQMXqaRaiL-aAEywyTUZqD4wXu5ecT81APKRDNALhNWzyBnjL5KlKTUysiI8RAO7JEdbL3XVt25IACBN1yeXO/s320/carlos-ac3ddf8a3a83bb9c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587742801047534386" /></a><br />During my work placement at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO), I got the opportunity to interview Carlos Miguel Prieto, Mexican Conductor and guest conductor for a series of WSO concerts. Prieto is known for being one of the most dynamic young conductors of this decade. <br /><br />The best part about this experience was that the WSO pretty much said to me, "Hey the conductor is going to be here this morning practicing. Here's a camera, get some questions together. You'll be interviewing him in an hour." It was amazing and what was super neat was that WSO Principal Cellist Yuri Hooker was practicing in the other room so at some points you can hear him playing in the background. <br /><br />An opportunity, an experience, I will remember forever. <br /><br />Follow the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/WinnipegSymphony#p/u/3/q4vgRF44KZs">link</a> to hear Carlos talk about how the symphony has evolved and how the experience has changed for audiences over the years.Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-38147506280920592462011-02-28T18:01:00.008-06:002011-03-30T19:23:47.392-05:00Team CCMA: New and Improved<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMyqHqSt4QUv-0JJx0warVclhL7J9zb-zuKE-69UZFtXMIjk_PDkhrJX-i_jt1WbeD5_VEV3NhFbf2qOqkqrYU25EkzSZWty7jQN0e-zaoRGfBFG1vpSbEsbZkEU5FfjoruWq1E5RHW9F/s1600/CCMALogo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMyqHqSt4QUv-0JJx0warVclhL7J9zb-zuKE-69UZFtXMIjk_PDkhrJX-i_jt1WbeD5_VEV3NhFbf2qOqkqrYU25EkzSZWty7jQN0e-zaoRGfBFG1vpSbEsbZkEU5FfjoruWq1E5RHW9F/s320/CCMALogo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590032873776551058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjIl8PEwS-pB6YKzdmfknfLab2SpD52-lD3Z3cm1PrQUrKF0s0kpXzT2O9ci6oPVl_rUXPNbKeNjrwvx7NrBSAYMeaW1qCw_q0aB549-bi6HZhIRb9F7QNlw4k9lQtJ9ERJfx44XpbEKW/s1600/teamCCMA2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjIl8PEwS-pB6YKzdmfknfLab2SpD52-lD3Z3cm1PrQUrKF0s0kpXzT2O9ci6oPVl_rUXPNbKeNjrwvx7NrBSAYMeaW1qCw_q0aB549-bi6HZhIRb9F7QNlw4k9lQtJ9ERJfx44XpbEKW/s320/teamCCMA2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590031665407613570" /></a><br /><br />As the event coordinators for this year's Creative Communication Media Awards, Kristel and I have worked very hard to introduce a couple new things to the awards. We are very excited to be adding Best Blog and the Alumni Award of Achievement to the list of award categories! <br /><br />Our graduating class is very unique in the way that we are some of the first groups of CreComms to bust into the communications industry with an abundance of social media knowledge under our belt. Past graduates were never assigned to write about a certain topic on their blog or to create a Twitter account and because of this, we added the new Best Blog Award. <br /><br />Let's see... what makes a good blog? Well consistency is the first. Posting blogs on a daily, or weekly basis. Interesting or cohesive topics. You don't want to read a blog about nothing and if the blog has a theme, that is even better. Using links, pictures and videos makes blogs more interactive and fun. Many of our classmates use those for their blogs and many are very talented writers. We look forward to the submissions! <br /><br />Another great addition to the 2011 CCMAs is the Creative Communications Alumni Award of Achievement. We chose to add this award to take advantage of the family of CreComms that Creative Communications has made. Many graduates are our mentors, many inspire us and encourage us to work hard to achieve our future goals. By creating this award, we will unite students with graduates and in turn, potential employers with upcoming grads. It's a beautiful thing! We are very excited to have alumnus at the awards this year and we think it will be a great networking opportunity for everyone. <br /><br />We look forward to seeing alumni, family, friends and faculty at the 2011 Creative Communications Media Awards. Tuesday, April 26th at the Millennium Centre, 389 Main Street. Tickets will be on sale at the door or at the Mercantile at RRC's Princess Street Campus. See you all there! Cheers!Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-49720884151651560122011-02-28T16:40:00.004-06:002011-02-28T17:36:34.989-06:00My Vegas Experience<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tO2TBRM13HUCb2asEft_aNnkEXKpILK8IaiVGzaa4BvQ0unBgfsFT-BiLg7gCetdajtBCd_QAHIq9T7dkXGBQvFvxjfD49qIN3W-4guQHtxie56K55I81keerXebIiN56tr-us5e4PV4/s1600/IMG_3605.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tO2TBRM13HUCb2asEft_aNnkEXKpILK8IaiVGzaa4BvQ0unBgfsFT-BiLg7gCetdajtBCd_QAHIq9T7dkXGBQvFvxjfD49qIN3W-4guQHtxie56K55I81keerXebIiN56tr-us5e4PV4/s320/IMG_3605.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578888333806022610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsZZvftHnUvq7Y8dRchuoGNlL_JUdt90RDoXkMUxYDah9wFwfrzjnlHyWHY4XNHBDNpWQjIy6AFZQFcGXZwwN4NaafgfzfaaT2uSN7_hbvlbb_K9RQsmrOD-x17gKv0ugwd_23MAkkY00/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsZZvftHnUvq7Y8dRchuoGNlL_JUdt90RDoXkMUxYDah9wFwfrzjnlHyWHY4XNHBDNpWQjIy6AFZQFcGXZwwN4NaafgfzfaaT2uSN7_hbvlbb_K9RQsmrOD-x17gKv0ugwd_23MAkkY00/s320/IMG_3671.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578888330096729266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxauTs_RYlrSOz9MB0gy-KUUpEk66Mylv9azzOGSdlRHYR9d89d5ar7dKG-nGWuOmnVcJTi3SW1426calrLZWzf0eozG3OQtEDH3RhGA9cN8kIc-3Aabls5zYADGcPTr224QciLVAlZMJ/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxauTs_RYlrSOz9MB0gy-KUUpEk66Mylv9azzOGSdlRHYR9d89d5ar7dKG-nGWuOmnVcJTi3SW1426calrLZWzf0eozG3OQtEDH3RhGA9cN8kIc-3Aabls5zYADGcPTr224QciLVAlZMJ/s320/IMG_3508.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578888326457617442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGf_22heu8fRDetiENa-0SHzTMdc-TBf53-DSImZCQ_MHJNfPl0vPdObmlxTN-pF_jsHMWH0J9csyCnjLM6Krn5H2l6QJy2wwciw1Q-AvKaukZ0Anhp62fWLhjk7Xu3CmgFL8xiJmIDM9/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGf_22heu8fRDetiENa-0SHzTMdc-TBf53-DSImZCQ_MHJNfPl0vPdObmlxTN-pF_jsHMWH0J9csyCnjLM6Krn5H2l6QJy2wwciw1Q-AvKaukZ0Anhp62fWLhjk7Xu3CmgFL8xiJmIDM9/s320/IMG_3440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578888320662864402" /></a><br />Reading Week has come and gone and like many other vacationers, I ventured out of Canada to a warmer get-a-way. I was Vegas bound with the whole fam-damily. It was like National Lampoon all over again. Anything could be better than Winterpeg's -30, anything. Give me plus 5 and I'll be happy. Luckily, it was a nice 14 degrees celsius. I was in the zone.<br /><br />Besides getting bit by a dog on my first full day in Vegas and getting a stomach flu on my way back home, both very laughable, I had a pretty rockin' time. To my surprise, I only got a little drunk, once, and I am grateful for that. For all the site seeing we accomplished and all the food I ate, I couldn't manage to stuff myself anymore. Though I did enjoy a handful of USA's delicious Chilada's. For those who don't know, they are pre-mixed beer and clamato juice. It is a beautiful thing. <br /><br />While on my adventure, I explored for many days. I visited classic Fremont street as recommended by Steve Vogelsang. I gazed at the overhead light show and sucked back cheap beer while watching people zip-line above me and show girls dance around. It was quite the sight to see.<br /><br />Thanks to my old but young boyfriend, I even mustered up the guts to hike to the top of the Stratosphere and go on a ride called, Insanity. Yeah, Insanity. We sat in a two seat thinga-ma-jigger and spun around in circles, 909 feet above Las Vegas. I was glad I did it. I didn't die!<br /><br />We walked up and down the Strip, explored casino after casino and I even rode the public transit and so did my parents. That was kind of weird, just because I don't usually ride public transit with my parents... who does even... While on the Strip I travelled to the top of the "Eiffel Tower" and viewed the plethora of casinos from there. Preeeettty high, but not as high as the Stratosphere. I enjoyed many different meals and drinks. My favourite was cheap wine which I drank right out of the bottle. When in Rome... <br /><br />One day we ventured out to Red Rock Canyon. THAT was amazing. To actually leave the city and see the countryside was breathtaking and almost indescribable. The pictures I took, make no justice for what I actually saw. The mountains so red and rich. The desert so dry, yet green. We visited a ranch house owned by a variety of rich people throughout the 1900's and dined on the front lawn. I bet whoever owned the place throughout the years never thought tourists would be exploring their yard some time later in the future. <br /><br />Besides the good weather, cheap booze and flashy lights, I was happy to leave Vegas. It truly is something that you can only stand for so long. My warm little apartment and the crisp cool air makes me feel good and Winnipeg is my home. <br /><br />Maybe when my PR diploma pays off I'll buy a place there. In the mean time, I'll gladly float around my seasonal apartment pool with my own mix of beer and clam and the calm sound of the river, no ding ding noises or screaming or cheering thanks!<br /><br />Ya if you're wondering, I'm pretending to snowboard in that picture, or I guess surf too.Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-35152524296723997592011-02-11T21:39:00.006-06:002011-02-11T22:16:51.887-06:00Saving the Shore! A Documentary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFp4eQbhkumMUhLuNAHPWukvz1zf10Gw5PlWvTyugOkAOxkoo3fdj0lARRSCp43AFKvCJg25cCYBq-XqQbOnKxbhkSMbH6nIMkuncD4x-8MhMJkikc_rJutPzJACyjke1i6a1FShUc5ng/s1600/photo%25289%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFp4eQbhkumMUhLuNAHPWukvz1zf10Gw5PlWvTyugOkAOxkoo3fdj0lARRSCp43AFKvCJg25cCYBq-XqQbOnKxbhkSMbH6nIMkuncD4x-8MhMJkikc_rJutPzJACyjke1i6a1FShUc5ng/s320/photo%25289%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572652219416903858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIwez4jNfF2WHFluneF-Ji-J66m91uIQ7s3Qao7BvVHRPgWCflfaChKK2dISWHTaxaJEJYQMfy6XDi6sp9R_fEmVh0KxPYpmXquSkNG3f9UfayGKXZoe85sjFRrou_HmzBV8k4VsOEyJw/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIwez4jNfF2WHFluneF-Ji-J66m91uIQ7s3Qao7BvVHRPgWCflfaChKK2dISWHTaxaJEJYQMfy6XDi6sp9R_fEmVh0KxPYpmXquSkNG3f9UfayGKXZoe85sjFRrou_HmzBV8k4VsOEyJw/s320/photo%25287%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572650615150428658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18KrORsDJu5TU4EdufLwLsytGSifBYS_bQgGPBPdzf85ee6Kl9szDPZ-tpqTvXAKqcdY5Jcf3RvFE3BoC4lflIeTdVn5AWErj9zexdE0sApf2J9URNMMPcHL61536oyqrItKRXXKyEtky/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18KrORsDJu5TU4EdufLwLsytGSifBYS_bQgGPBPdzf85ee6Kl9szDPZ-tpqTvXAKqcdY5Jcf3RvFE3BoC4lflIeTdVn5AWErj9zexdE0sApf2J9URNMMPcHL61536oyqrItKRXXKyEtky/s320/photo%25286%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572645034619147554" /></a><br /><br />Today was a great day of filming. My partner, Chase Gouthro, and I, spent the day in beautiful Dunnottar, MB, shooting our main project for Television Documentary class: a documentary on lake shore rehabilitation. <br /><br />We chose to do this project to basically, raise awareness. Many Manitobans don't know much about Lake Winnipeg, many rather, don't know the impact the lake has on the shoreline. <br /><br />If you've ever been to the Interlake, you would know that specific areas along Number 9 Highway are cabin country. Hundreds upon hundreds of cabins line the shores of Lake Winnipeg and in turn, must withstand the force of the waters and the erosion of the land because of it. This is where lake shore rehabilitation comes in. <br /><br />Lake shore rehabilitation is a term used to describe the process of reinforcing the wall of land that meets the shoreline in order to prevent erosion and withstand the force of the water.<br /><br />In our documentary, we follow local gravel company, Eddie's Gravel Supply LTD., as they send their crews of workers to the shores of Lake Winnipeg to help homeowner's save their private property from the forceful waves. <br /><br />Stay tuned for the completed documentary.Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-15051015487880538762011-02-07T12:00:00.007-06:002011-02-07T19:41:56.482-06:00Kitties VS Superbowl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc77P8XOMUR8CObtbsUfpo5-LGrkazo6tgiko_4XmiGQQiFMsVnoaogzo2k7pAVbKZFU1588W7b8rfuJwiaI-fL4gye4SPhezErk7ZCvw3_1eDasnYeU8sT-Kdjg8JrJU-LzMHQxJgrEAC/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc77P8XOMUR8CObtbsUfpo5-LGrkazo6tgiko_4XmiGQQiFMsVnoaogzo2k7pAVbKZFU1588W7b8rfuJwiaI-fL4gye4SPhezErk7ZCvw3_1eDasnYeU8sT-Kdjg8JrJU-LzMHQxJgrEAC/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571126386121309682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiOX5MvoxIx6bav5QXgpuVaztF-FlQb1d1PV8epePYhyphenhyphenmqjeO35Jg8Z-1BycHS9vW72y_mhhfwVMlcjaip_0lynPyHtFYCPabXrEMX4Xg6ZCW1OK3c2edKKMTAEUKd2PSVKX6o92sClZ9/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiOX5MvoxIx6bav5QXgpuVaztF-FlQb1d1PV8epePYhyphenhyphenmqjeO35Jg8Z-1BycHS9vW72y_mhhfwVMlcjaip_0lynPyHtFYCPabXrEMX4Xg6ZCW1OK3c2edKKMTAEUKd2PSVKX6o92sClZ9/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571126383734497682" /></a><br />While everyone was sitting down with their friends to watch the Superbowl game this past Sunday, I was kitty-proofing my apartment. While on my way home from visiting my family in the country, I received a text from a friend, telling me he had to get rid of his kitties because his landlord found out about them. My first response was to consider taking the kitties, then I thought about all the hassles; the cleaning, the potential disasters I could encounter when I come home from school after I let two, 5 month old kittens run around my place all day, and then I had to consider my highly kitty allergic boyfriend and of course, probably an abundance of meowing and messes. <br /><br />Then I considered what could happen if I didn't take the kitties and everything I considered concluded that something bad could potentially happen to them. So I took them. How could I turn my back on these helpless kitties? They deserve a nice, loving family. So I spent my Sunday with two kitties cuddling me. It was priceless. <br /><br />Sometimes life throws random things at you and if you consider your good judgement, your gut will tell you that it is worth it. Karma is karma and it's worth it to be kind! <br /><br />So if anyone would like to adopt these adorably loving kitties, please let me know. As much as I would love to, I can't take care of them forever. <br /><br />Contact me at nickidola@hotmail.comNicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-65170135647784700702011-02-03T10:33:00.004-06:002011-02-03T12:12:06.671-06:00My "Must-have" iPod App!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViNjFkCIo_7wxWz-tZ8i5JenXOGhGqJSrGfaK6YYkJJY0h8WwFJKWNs9U7xmQj-fadDQ2wo2qFmUcD2gxAb0tPViw5-5yV60AdQL-On9tqyrr4vgoa3PyPCbCC1DvlSSHc2OjryzrGZ5R/s1600/dictionary.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViNjFkCIo_7wxWz-tZ8i5JenXOGhGqJSrGfaK6YYkJJY0h8WwFJKWNs9U7xmQj-fadDQ2wo2qFmUcD2gxAb0tPViw5-5yV60AdQL-On9tqyrr4vgoa3PyPCbCC1DvlSSHc2OjryzrGZ5R/s320/dictionary.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569518274872865650" /></a><br />At the beginning of the year, our Public Relations instructor, Melanie, assigned us a topic for our blog, to write about a great app. At the time, I was like, "uhh what's an app?" Yes, I know, I am in PR and am unfamiliar with apps but whatever, I have my reasons.<br /><br />Since that assignment, I felt left out because everyone had some sort of device that had apps! So I twisted my dear mother's arm and convinced her I needed a new iPod, one that I could use to investigate applications. <br /><br />My first app, Texas Hold'em Poker, shh don't tell Janis (my mom). My second, some sort of word scramble game which was so awesome! Totally loved it! Then came, PR Newswire app and Angry Birds and FINALLY my "must-have" most brilliant and greatest app I could find... DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS APP!! <br /><br />If you are in any realm of the communications industry, a thesaurus is a must! Obviously, I was quite pleased to find an app that gave me a thesaurus on hand, all the time. Freakin' Amazing. <br /><br />Now I can tweet, blog, and basically write with more variety and creativity at ALL TIMES! woo hoo!<br /><br />What's your must-have app? Enlighten me!Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-49016885325082967802010-12-10T13:23:00.005-06:002010-12-10T13:57:06.718-06:00The Lake!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRqP7ry4UX0bPTx0kHz_y_B2ZEX3E1vLHvODdrmwcX_NisfZiLHeEbfx1CfihaaVv6SX723OEgallVomoUcicu3hIyEQqeFR1wNNr_txlpaCHyobqfryEgV2EpkOcn2MRkLOmEEo26VfQ/s1600/hill.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRqP7ry4UX0bPTx0kHz_y_B2ZEX3E1vLHvODdrmwcX_NisfZiLHeEbfx1CfihaaVv6SX723OEgallVomoUcicu3hIyEQqeFR1wNNr_txlpaCHyobqfryEgV2EpkOcn2MRkLOmEEo26VfQ/s320/hill.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549144599986850834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr2X2Vpj0QFX2-F_gN2gW31gwU1CWXki9EngJLRvyjRSkLdSXxJ21r2OafFuYIN0XtwIpKGYHUm5M4-45gYvmvNYWiXL4bRcOkegsobr5ILG9haWKVzenlPR9uRCLaKZrXab03oDAEkJw/s1600/walkininforest.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr2X2Vpj0QFX2-F_gN2gW31gwU1CWXki9EngJLRvyjRSkLdSXxJ21r2OafFuYIN0XtwIpKGYHUm5M4-45gYvmvNYWiXL4bRcOkegsobr5ILG9haWKVzenlPR9uRCLaKZrXab03oDAEkJw/s320/walkininforest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549144432430600434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnzpirkjYQwC5_IxTu_nKHzqbX0lOZ_I_-pbx1GaOxTGmW5DaA8gE7_X6-LTfUhdw4-Tk3BKa84gL97DoWIodFlyMyGWtaNO7KEeorzqqZXG47plIGF4mIuN4hfBtZdaZnDMzyfiZTP6X/s1600/creek.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnzpirkjYQwC5_IxTu_nKHzqbX0lOZ_I_-pbx1GaOxTGmW5DaA8gE7_X6-LTfUhdw4-Tk3BKa84gL97DoWIodFlyMyGWtaNO7KEeorzqqZXG47plIGF4mIuN4hfBtZdaZnDMzyfiZTP6X/s320/creek.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549144025948990162" /></a><br /><br />This winter has been so beautiful. So much snow! I had a wonderful opportunity to go out to the Kenora area for a weekend with some great friends. Since it had just snowed, and the roads weren't plowed, we had to move all our luggage by toboggan. We sat around the fire, shared some laughs and relaxed. It was an amazing weekend. The scenery was breathtaking and the weather, perfect. Here are some scenes that I captured. <br /><br />Enjoy!Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-4711496477833991452010-12-03T16:36:00.004-06:002010-12-03T16:52:32.416-06:00The Day of Bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis16t0t-Xudl96Pq5q2keQR9a7A_gt-KdMdFc0KOHwhzkFgJ-1eRRDVYbhSWhUv_H175kfqgRlggeEiksWkGjeIUpoYoe4QfSleqYaJbc3-KNrbW_CkwFXdHs6UlgdxZZ_xqPB-b34H9L/s1600/itbaglc2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis16t0t-Xudl96Pq5q2keQR9a7A_gt-KdMdFc0KOHwhzkFgJ-1eRRDVYbhSWhUv_H175kfqgRlggeEiksWkGjeIUpoYoe4QfSleqYaJbc3-KNrbW_CkwFXdHs6UlgdxZZ_xqPB-b34H9L/s320/itbaglc2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546592428738509954" /></a><br />This week in PR class we discussed the Day of Bag, a must if you are in public relations, event planning or anything really. <br /><br />The Day of Bag consists of a long, long list of random items from static guard to clear nail polish. All these things are a crucial in case you have last minute "uh-ohs" and ends to tie up, literally. So we compiled a list of about 30 items, its reasonable, really. Our teacher, Melanie, a PR extraordinaire has a suite case full of stuff with all her Day of stuff in it. Proof that it is crucial to have.<br /><br />Today I am packing for the lake and need a weekend bag. What things do I need to help me survive at a cabin that is snowed in and hasn't been visited in months? <br /><br />glow sticks,(because they're just fun)<br />matches, <br />toboggans,<br />cards,<br />mitts,<br />lots of socks,<br />slippers even,<br />and kaulbassa, cheese and crackers.<br /><br />Hey it'll do. :)<br /><br />Happy Friday everybody.Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-45362159781766912792010-11-24T14:01:00.004-06:002010-11-25T19:22:07.879-06:00Salvation Army Campaign - Dignity for All<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9VxHCcLc8IErtKrCYn1thnjXEUYY-Ud1ZtxjuYzrhF8iIL-tX2lLAHToESVHNymBmSQfXfVWC0MEM5zizCW6FJ8n-BNdtyKGM-Fz2US-tWELnQhtFlb8YWr3AS3Pq9rpaiDT06sI9QWM/s1600/salvation+army.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9VxHCcLc8IErtKrCYn1thnjXEUYY-Ud1ZtxjuYzrhF8iIL-tX2lLAHToESVHNymBmSQfXfVWC0MEM5zizCW6FJ8n-BNdtyKGM-Fz2US-tWELnQhtFlb8YWr3AS3Pq9rpaiDT06sI9QWM/s320/salvation+army.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543661553181448978" /></a><br />"The Salvation Army believes that human dignity is a fundamental right for all people. This year’s annual Christmas campaign is aimed at raising money to support dozens of social service programs that work to restore hope and dignity for vulnerable individuals during the Christmas season and throughout the year."<br />-Dignity for All campaign description<br />http://www.salvationarmy.ca/2010/11/16/salvation-army-christmas-campaign-promotes-dignity-for-all/<br /><br />Advertising campaigns are very interesting. It is neat to see the approach taken by advertisers to target and connect with their audiences. I always found non-profit advertising very interesting because of the fact that they are asking the audience for something. It is hard to create different kinds of advertising as many organizations use emotional ads with children or personal stories. That is why I found this year's Salvation Army Christmas Campaign very interesting.<br /><br />I love watching T.V. with my friends who aren't in Creative Communications because I get to see their reaction to advertising. I get to see what advertising is interesting or appealing to them. <br /><br />While I was watching television this past weekend the Salvation Army Campaign commercial for Dignity for All came on and it caught my bf's attention. Naturally I said, "Hey that is a great commercial! What a good concept!" and it is a great commercial! It is a different concept, rather not asking for something with a story or anything but showing the audience in a clever way, a way that is different and will catch their attention because it isn't the usual non-profit commercial.<br /><br />Check it out at the link below...<br /><br />---> <a href="http://www.salvationarmy.ca/">Salvation Army Christmas Campaign</a>Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-9664236137556589122010-11-16T10:13:00.003-06:002010-11-16T21:06:59.576-06:00Freelance Business Examples #2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTwjBnaAsUSId6NasHEBWCLy7q2F1U4JeFi5tg7KJo29MTztqDzlKQqXMHfqJqPS3SIdDNEUwL5Z9sNnxHjNLnnV-xA76Jq9H4aWswfG-xvbwzqGEyhWlKqtdIhzxI6VQtbEv_NaCjDvN/s1600/cdcase.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTwjBnaAsUSId6NasHEBWCLy7q2F1U4JeFi5tg7KJo29MTztqDzlKQqXMHfqJqPS3SIdDNEUwL5Z9sNnxHjNLnnV-xA76Jq9H4aWswfG-xvbwzqGEyhWlKqtdIhzxI6VQtbEv_NaCjDvN/s320/cdcase.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540349644565312482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy1rVef-lhq3Gj-8Rb2IPUtboY5Ioq06taP-exO0-s0A_dEgUs1AFDk_FeHH3b0cK1GllYR-UnnvNNVaXB_9TU-PjPDWGzBzQuq0WuUmJb8a0Vj8Wx5mJdkAYPmfLMldv_lXDRnUmbmZB/s1600/businesscard2FINAL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcy1rVef-lhq3Gj-8Rb2IPUtboY5Ioq06taP-exO0-s0A_dEgUs1AFDk_FeHH3b0cK1GllYR-UnnvNNVaXB_9TU-PjPDWGzBzQuq0WuUmJb8a0Vj8Wx5mJdkAYPmfLMldv_lXDRnUmbmZB/s320/businesscard2FINAL.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540349545341327170" /></a><br />School hurts right now. I love school so much, I don't understand why it continues to increase taking personal time from me, it's like a greedy boyfriend. Anyways, that is why I will talk about something else. Design. <br /><br />In our Desktop Publishing class, which I love, we were assigned to make up a fake business, I am assuming Soft Sky Creative is not a real company, hopefully this doesn't come back to bite me in the butt but hey, it's a harmless project people. Anyways, I created Soft Sky Creative. We were assigned to design a logo, business card, letterhead and cd case. <br /><br />Since I am not an especially girlie person, and would rather create documents that are rich in magentas and roses rather than wearing them, I thought I would have some fun. <br /><br />Here are some of the end products.Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-49309602643208508122010-11-12T15:29:00.008-06:002010-11-12T16:34:48.979-06:00Freelance Business Examples #1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2R-ZtkNMPZ-2n-9eSpy6Xgofpa3j2YQiBgZhOQBI0ZDQD8pFH9wm-f09VcyzMXNk6k58GVE9LET6wNW0weTzPad0eYyUpsCXJCAAXTKp0kHe3HKQZVTzB_ZNu8MDds_55fKFQdzYqapE/s1600/NDmgmtCardNobleeds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2R-ZtkNMPZ-2n-9eSpy6Xgofpa3j2YQiBgZhOQBI0ZDQD8pFH9wm-f09VcyzMXNk6k58GVE9LET6wNW0weTzPad0eYyUpsCXJCAAXTKp0kHe3HKQZVTzB_ZNu8MDds_55fKFQdzYqapE/s320/NDmgmtCardNobleeds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538795187744119298" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4bb3wBpO6UsEsQB46uvXuBUFamVGyxVS-bY9YKnGmW0cuB_h5kyXD9XCRpWtaHhSPa8STP-cZNfiz8Lovzl7PbGDICoyn3TNwN5w5s18YTjyZCErVVvjhyphenhypheneKUkoy41ycBvs-dWdnPrli/s1600/NDMgmtPP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4bb3wBpO6UsEsQB46uvXuBUFamVGyxVS-bY9YKnGmW0cuB_h5kyXD9XCRpWtaHhSPa8STP-cZNfiz8Lovzl7PbGDICoyn3TNwN5w5s18YTjyZCErVVvjhyphenhypheneKUkoy41ycBvs-dWdnPrli/s320/NDMgmtPP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538784332391242514" /></a><br />I am currently taking a Freelance Business Management course as an elective this year. I like diving into that side of the spectrum as one day I would like to have my own business. As a project for the class, we were required to create a mock business plan. We had to create a fake business, the name, and what that business did as well as where it was located, finances and so on. <br /><br />I created ND Management. ND Management is a public relations company that provides complete design and marketing services to clients. More specifically, ND Management personally manages or rather, takes care of all your design and communication needs. The business is targeted to small business that need marketing and branding done. As well as rural business that don't advertise or market their services.<br /><br />The cards above are what I designed for ND Management, as if it were a real business. :)Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-90901867200899015252010-11-04T13:48:00.005-05:002010-11-04T14:17:30.883-05:00Now This is a Production Team!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaap9PQTdinbqI7dXQ6HHq-NpjZymwsA9BLHhSakQAdJ54pHWiEiesXxaq4jK20KCk169h0iVBQJFlIViwBBJtl2EpMdnKzSgssts6-HHlXHyeKzHdLkg7lkgskgpV4Dq3iD56dHdscX7/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaap9PQTdinbqI7dXQ6HHq-NpjZymwsA9BLHhSakQAdJ54pHWiEiesXxaq4jK20KCk169h0iVBQJFlIViwBBJtl2EpMdnKzSgssts6-HHlXHyeKzHdLkg7lkgskgpV4Dq3iD56dHdscX7/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535770122781811042" /></a><br />Crecomms produce documentaries, short films, talk shows and so much more, fellow CreComms, imagine organizing this!<br /><br />----> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw">The Ultimate Project</a>Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-69180760799185481802010-10-27T14:11:00.004-05:002010-10-27T14:35:37.982-05:00Halloween Shinanigans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0KDEsP0qD565SkleBF0OlfELq231PHVdqIuxNCDGQcFHULGE0gQ-FypU6-wGzyYI5o8JEX8YoCPf-jKZ8bu_aNflSHY4-NhAG_znOcqmKJFbu6iXVnTHNn4Ew1CMzF8yqSctA-RhDBKw/s1600/photo-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0KDEsP0qD565SkleBF0OlfELq231PHVdqIuxNCDGQcFHULGE0gQ-FypU6-wGzyYI5o8JEX8YoCPf-jKZ8bu_aNflSHY4-NhAG_znOcqmKJFbu6iXVnTHNn4Ew1CMzF8yqSctA-RhDBKw/s320/photo-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532811386392789362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh48JIyGEDhCIqPj3AvUqvKSK4EucAgt1CTwAj1PqbXVySwyDLwXhQPCYCiAaPeGz1pdUvqMHtpP9luVnfGqLZPHJ3uGs6nAz7W07LbaybYw5QnhJaDu5VNvc_PNsuNSwOUKVYk-kPHOr/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh48JIyGEDhCIqPj3AvUqvKSK4EucAgt1CTwAj1PqbXVySwyDLwXhQPCYCiAaPeGz1pdUvqMHtpP9luVnfGqLZPHJ3uGs6nAz7W07LbaybYw5QnhJaDu5VNvc_PNsuNSwOUKVYk-kPHOr/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532811518130650338" /></a><br /><br />Even though I am under the weather this week, I couldn't not carve pumpkins and do the activities I planned so many weeks ago. Halloween only comes once a year people. I started Halloween costume shopping approximately a month ago and just last week, decided what I will be... A zombie prom queen. Brilliant, I know. <br /><br />I also began watching scary movies about a month ago. Lots of wolf movies and vampire movies because I am not a fan of ghosts...<br /><br />I continued the festivities with carving one of two pumpkins. The pictures above show the before and after. Ya I carved the cemetary pumpkin. It is awesome and I still have another to carve and I am excited about it. I even cooked the pumpkin seeds and they turned out sooo good. Delicious.<br /><br />What I did was turn the oven on to 270 or so, greased a baking sheet and washed the seeds, put them on the pan and salted them. Then I put then in for 8 mins, took em out, spun em around, mixed em up, put them in for another 8 minutes, took em out, spun em around and then after that I lost count and put them in til I felt they were deliciously crispy enough. <br /><br />Have fun this year everybody! Happy Halloween!Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-72029365686057255832010-10-21T10:35:00.002-05:002010-10-21T11:14:48.197-05:00Apple. King of Quality.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHudDJKGVsJseRIKVF37CEGjLpZeJ1Ecnhyphenhyphen1u-sYeEbpZejNFL8h51wsGsvnLBlUwGm5VnEYE5Sr9rluOeFPxfWznToUJDTvdW0HGzY0vOm8HigK-Pe6M3l0_fHmC-58fij7Jd_QY4gQS7/s1600/photo_polopark.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHudDJKGVsJseRIKVF37CEGjLpZeJ1Ecnhyphenhyphen1u-sYeEbpZejNFL8h51wsGsvnLBlUwGm5VnEYE5Sr9rluOeFPxfWznToUJDTvdW0HGzY0vOm8HigK-Pe6M3l0_fHmC-58fij7Jd_QY4gQS7/s320/photo_polopark.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530523630945242738" /></a><br /><br />Apple not only provides quality electronical devices that are known world-wide but they also provide quality services. After visiting the Apple store in Polo Park mall this week, I noticed the many characteristics of the store that make it so successful and unique, ultimately making it so much better than every other store in the mall.<br /><br />The following are reasons why it kicks serious butt in the sales department:<br /><br />1. Apple products including various versions of iPods, MacBooks and so on are provided in handfuls as display items that all customers can come in and interact with. People could spend days in there browsing and playing with each item. <br /><br />2. There are a handful of staff on the floor during all store hours to help customers with inquiries. Compared to other stores, Apple probably has 5 more staff out there helping customers and they actually walk around waiting for you.<br /><br />3. You don't have to wait in line and if you do, it takes two minutes, whatever amount of time it takes to swipe a credit or debit card. All staff have their own little electronical devices that they use to scan the item you want. Then once your card is swiped, you follow your Apple helper to a random table in the store and they magically pull out a receipt from under the table, just for you. Its like magic!<br /><br />4. The environment is really clean and simple and not overly crowded unless you go there at 6PM on a weekday or rather, 2 PM on a Saturday or Sunday... but the environment is generally really neat and basic which is nice compared to loud, large box stores like Best Buy where there is only on person in the computer department to help you and the actual roof of the store is really high and you feel like you could get lost in the high stacked aisles.<br /><br />So in conclusion, I believe that in the future, Apple will still be highly successful in customer service and sales. Apple provides quality services and appeal to its audiences of all ages. But we must remember that this all stemmed from a quality product, the Apple computer, or Mac computer that exceeds all other brands of computers because of its unique, reliable and basic system that everyone appreciates, values and wants.Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-47147152712820460152010-10-15T15:11:00.005-05:002010-10-26T08:25:24.930-05:00I Gave In and bought an Ipod Touch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF768A6sC7IOWR8wN5MI4EVI6CCXGb4P0JCPM9PELsHrEnwnarBo6S8UhfnF6DLzIsFLk79Ega-YNYIg4RmHQHQ8rzSOpMK74gM45sZ6yw72kYN8-SgkNu71LgkoiGyz9rcfk3mUh6p8IT/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF768A6sC7IOWR8wN5MI4EVI6CCXGb4P0JCPM9PELsHrEnwnarBo6S8UhfnF6DLzIsFLk79Ega-YNYIg4RmHQHQ8rzSOpMK74gM45sZ6yw72kYN8-SgkNu71LgkoiGyz9rcfk3mUh6p8IT/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532344814005039490" border="0"></a><br />I've always had mixed feelings about iPods. I'll agree, their convenient. Super convenient. Though I can't help to think that I'm deserting my long time companion, the compact disc. That was my main issue in getting an iPod,I didn't want to switch from the shelf holding the collection of CDs that I adore to a coloured thinga mi gigger with lots of "memory." I just like the simplicity of CDs. Anways, the iPod Touch. <br /><br />Three reasons why I got it,<br />1. I ran out of space on my old iPod. Couldn't fit anymore music on it.<br />2. I had no idea what "Apps" are or how they worked and why they existed and frankly, I didn't think they were my thing.<br />3. I am a terrible Blogger and Tweeter. I thought having the iPod with a camera, would help my creativity and productivity in the Social Media sector of my life as I could load videos and photographs and perhaps get excited about loading them onto the internet to show the world.<br /><br />So, in conclusion, this is a personal experiment, to see if the iPod solves the problems I`ve outlined. The picture above, is what I did on Thanksgiving, quadding :)<br />all photos and videos taken from my new iPod<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxk2VkHxy4Vspil6WuoLSGtOsZcCYIJK927I2Vi25YweBqr0PzCl8ZxdspA9-kCTP9omnrL_oSWgrA8AldSYA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-67635700863750261462010-10-08T14:26:00.005-05:002010-10-08T14:43:42.817-05:00My Hobby - Going to the Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-MzqdMTX1oUsnocwnsAGZmpFy-COzyRjhYjIBsHEbRJKGPMxQjoF_y8zfZVSH6UKPdQE_L8Ctng1fG9A8Lc05oA3ggr6wP1GdOFXPuPsOoLfnccbNeKkUxE34I5rTKREd7MyVuYewla3/s1600/IMG_2023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-MzqdMTX1oUsnocwnsAGZmpFy-COzyRjhYjIBsHEbRJKGPMxQjoF_y8zfZVSH6UKPdQE_L8Ctng1fG9A8Lc05oA3ggr6wP1GdOFXPuPsOoLfnccbNeKkUxE34I5rTKREd7MyVuYewla3/s320/IMG_2023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525761084289523618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA3cWKIILmOMflcQKVGR6FAlwDq4lZKfw7fvHuvJr1823TpB6hE0oY4ymhw6_uvKdPd0TtykhOQZnITjN9T5PniuTyygUwLtOTUNoVd0YrZd8OK5YUNonqzB9So_eh6EPO5Cz75CcEjri/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA3cWKIILmOMflcQKVGR6FAlwDq4lZKfw7fvHuvJr1823TpB6hE0oY4ymhw6_uvKdPd0TtykhOQZnITjN9T5PniuTyygUwLtOTUNoVd0YrZd8OK5YUNonqzB9So_eh6EPO5Cz75CcEjri/s320/IMG_2002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525761075728596674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkLQtH5Oy6kG1-md_-nVJd6pZAxqOx_kezmjj3thq8IpBNQpObQFXFPG0Ka-NqUqZh3-tUKqmvPpYo4ux6d8_5tkTjbHU5asMVpWBMUQB_ncicCWg0OktXjiU_bCxxXalNjGpUOWBdvjN/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkLQtH5Oy6kG1-md_-nVJd6pZAxqOx_kezmjj3thq8IpBNQpObQFXFPG0Ka-NqUqZh3-tUKqmvPpYo4ux6d8_5tkTjbHU5asMVpWBMUQB_ncicCWg0OktXjiU_bCxxXalNjGpUOWBdvjN/s320/IMG_1993.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525761069387472514" /></a><br />Many of us have different hobbies. I like reading, writing, music, and cooking but when it is 20 out, I find it hard to stay inside AND we are all lucky it has been plus 25 out this week so I made a point of spending my evenings outside. That is my hobby, not being inside and avoiding being on my computer at all costs!Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-47609727774493874632010-10-01T11:07:00.006-05:002010-10-21T11:17:35.444-05:00Bake Sale MayhemI'm learning a lot of new stuff this semester. My IPP is making me take the things I learned from my time in CreComm and apply them to my daily life in order to accomplish each task. This past week, for the first time ever, I organized a bake sale. Yes, this took effort. Probably more effort for my family who supplied many of the baked goods, but I still had to arrange for a table and gather bakers and social media the crap outta it. <br /><br />Things to keep in mind when arranging a bake sale:<br />1. Target your audience.<br />I targeted all the hungry students tho I kept in mind, they don't have a whole bunch of money.<br />as well I went after random passerbys, they help too!<br />2. Location.<br />We were located right beside the elevator. It was great. We got all the students walking through the Atrium to get to class and all the randoms who were wandering around.<br />3. Define your product<br />We provided an assortment of baked goods, from take home packs to individual cookies.<br />4. Promotions!Make sure to promote everything via Facebook and Twitter, it seems those are the ways kids communicate these days...<br /><br />All in all, I've learned how to successfully organize a bake sale. Now for the CCMAs...Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-69420079991979072192010-09-24T13:55:00.003-05:002010-10-21T11:19:58.229-05:00Yes! Just Asking Does Work!I've learned within the first month of being a student in the Creative Communications program that just asking, does work. I was hesitant in asking for an interview from someone, as well as approaching others for help but after being thrown into the Bomber assignment, the Moose assignment and a couple streeters without ever interviewing for a deadline before, I learned that there was a method to Steve's madness. We, the students would get some guts and automatically, unconsciously adapt to each interview, each situation in which we had to approach someone, for something. Out of our scary experiences, we would become seasoned professionals who can work a crowd and nail an interview.<br /><br />Now, in my second year, I'm back at it, but this time I am approaching companies of all kinds for help with each social my IPP partner and I put on. These events include contacting the world for silent auction prizes, venues, sponsors, volunteers, bands, and attendees (I'm sure I'm missing some other things...). I have a full 6 months ahead of me that includes approaching others for help with my LIFE since school and my IPP is my life now. But, after already dipping my toes into the world of asking, I have been reminded that yes, just asking does work, as you will see when you come to our events and see how fabulously everything came together! <br /><br />Anyways, to first-years who have their first Bomber assignment this week, I give you the advice of putting yourself out there! Talk to everyone! Don't wait until the end of the game to interview, and don't be scared of anyone. You will all naturally grow into knowledgeable, well spoken individuals who can conquer each assignment Vogelsang throws at you. Each mind blowing assignment is a step towards professional you. Remember, we're CreComms, we're here for a reason, because we can handle it all and because we have a need to succeed. <br /><br />And my last point is that even though you may not be a keener going into the program like myself and many of my friends were, you will be a leader of keenness when you graduate, so why not start now.<br /><br />CheersNicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-12794849580194617872010-09-17T13:36:00.007-05:002010-10-21T11:33:29.726-05:00Organic Trade Show - Organic Meadow - Good PR<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqGThVrwBwvhEMABXyMAYgMh_9r-KgKJugN9uevDALQv98Lc7_4bqp8e04y-MA7YKIfieuV23-upR_mGKUYdiGmL4Im79_gapITBmAkNPkI1mpHHYFiQ-pLP55LXEFLn_DSt7sEnTtwEe/s1600/orgm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqGThVrwBwvhEMABXyMAYgMh_9r-KgKJugN9uevDALQv98Lc7_4bqp8e04y-MA7YKIfieuV23-upR_mGKUYdiGmL4Im79_gapITBmAkNPkI1mpHHYFiQ-pLP55LXEFLn_DSt7sEnTtwEe/s320/orgm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530538336489671874" /></a><br />This past weekend I worked at the Organic Trade show that was held at the Convention Centre. It was awesome. I was demoing product for Organic Meadow, a Canadian company based out of Ontario that works with organic farms throughout Manitoba and Ontario to produce certified organic food products such as milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese. <br />Over the past couple years, I've been working for the distributor of these products, selling and promoting these products, and have grown to appreciate the sales aspect of the grocery industry. <br /><br />In public relations class at Red River College we talk about bad PR and good PR and one of my peers, Jasmine gave a great presentation on a company who produces eggs for consumers in the United States. The reason why this company was struggling with bad PR was that fact that it had to recall a massive amount of it's product. The company seemed to deal with this problem in a negative way, not letting the media into it's farms, not giving details to their farming techniques and so on. While in PR class, we are taught to be honest and reveal what is important to the consumer, what makes them trust us.<br /><br />After Jasmine's presentation, I thought of Organic Meadow not because of bad PR but because of how well Organic Meadows showcased the good qualities of it's company. Why I say this is because at the trade show Organic Meadow had a family from one of their local organically certified farms come and spend time there for consumers and potential investors to talk to and ask about their work. Organic Meadow brought the people that help produce their product to the show, to the consumer, so that the consumer could ask whatever they wanted and see exactly who is taking care of the cows that produce the milk that they drink, etc. I thought it was a great PR tool because it really connected the brand with the consumer, plus the family had the two cutest kids ever, and they wore little Organic Meadow shirts, so cute.Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-44902252221326932772010-09-02T18:58:00.003-05:002010-09-10T14:04:23.702-05:00Marker Social Time!It's that time again people!<br />The annual fall bash is back and we want you to join us at the Shannon's Irish Pub Friday, October 15th for some good ole' quality bonding time and by that, we mean, writing on your friends with marker!<br />It is a great way to share some laughs, meet new people and mingle with old friends.<br />We invite everyone, friends, family, and other faculties to join in on the good times.<br /><br />Visit ccmaonline.ca for more updates on when and where you can get your tickets.<br /><br /><a href="http://ccmaonline.ca/events/">Last year's Pics!</a>Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-44832122811415825682010-04-23T11:48:00.001-05:002010-04-23T11:50:10.319-05:00Volcano Pics, pretty amazingAnd so it begins... <br /><br /><a href="http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/04/more_from_eyjafjallajokull.html">Blow your mind volcano pictures</a>Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-56386754095211993302010-04-04T22:15:00.002-05:002010-04-04T22:22:33.451-05:00The Awesomeness of Lite-Brite<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-UX3atqyLo_mH1CYBExyPuJI1eLvMpSr0n4Ukkhv1DQQOgqmBHlzbN19OofQf6RiWLneoCfNn94A_3whnzduLP6bzW3sATVOlA_CzszamIA9CoPK8Z4U_EsGGFi3SGamGLePidEozSbl/s1600/IMG00014.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-UX3atqyLo_mH1CYBExyPuJI1eLvMpSr0n4Ukkhv1DQQOgqmBHlzbN19OofQf6RiWLneoCfNn94A_3whnzduLP6bzW3sATVOlA_CzszamIA9CoPK8Z4U_EsGGFi3SGamGLePidEozSbl/s320/IMG00014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456488581472482418" /></a><br />When was the last time you busted out a classic toy from your childhood?<br />Well as a gift to myself, on my birthday, I unleashed the awesomeness of Lite-Brite into my living room and these were the results, <br />A beach scene complete with boat and palm tree. <br />Excellent.Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240102340056532531.post-35217887428858764992010-03-26T13:17:00.002-05:002010-03-26T13:29:32.257-05:00Quit it NostradamusSo every week I end up watching this terrible show, the Nostradamus Effect. Now I'm sure many people will disagree with my quite opinionated statement but it's true, it is a frightening and in turn, terrible show. <br />I label it terrible because it delivers the horrific news that the world will end, soon. <br />The Nostradamus Effect interprets the many predictions that Nostradamus made centuries ago. I find the predictions are pretty vague and that they can be interpreted in so many different ways, it is crazy. The show is crazy.<br />So recently I saw in the news that a volcano erupted in Iceland, a large and intense volcano. <br />In a previous episode of The Nostradamus Effect, they discussed how the world will start succumbing to natural disasters and bad bad things will happen as a result. <br />With all the earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes erupting, I am scared and the show makes me nervous. <br /><a href="http://www.history.com/shows/nostradamus-effect">Take a gander.</a><br />Also, I love how people are concerned with tourism instead of how the world is consumed with war and natural disasters, check out this article.<br /><a href="http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/tourists-flock-to-iceland-volcano-eruption-20100327-r3f8.html">----></a>Nicki Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08652570581167783891noreply@blogger.com0