It's official, I've converted.

Crucial moment in my tech-savvy life, I finally tossed away my Blackberry Bold (sorry RIM) and got myself a gently used iPhone4 from a friend - how generous?!  I now understand what everyone has been talking about all semester, every single social media app works so much better and is enhanced on the mac software.  Now of course, the day after I set up this new cellular device my mother who has had a geriatric flip phone since I was in high school gets the super new iPhone5!

The typing is a little difficult, and apps and emails don't load automatically which is kind of a pain; however, overall I am pleased.  My greatest feature: SnapChat...what a simple idea that is brilliant.  A picture is worth a thousand words after all so instead of a text send a few second photo to your friends!

I needed to share my pride and now relieved anxiety due to this smartphone transition, but it was impulsive and I am glad my Blackberry is now resting collecting dust in my drawer now because I am an official iPhone fiend!

Oh and yes my mom and I are having a mother-daughter date over break at the Genius Bar to learn!

Happy Texting, and give me some tips!!

Ringing in the Holiday Season!

Haven't blogged in a while...who knew juggling 3 different blogs would be so difficult? With my efforts on other class blogs and even more importantly our campaign my focus has been out of balance.

Anyways...as December 8th, the first night of Hanukkah, approaches I am becoming nostalgic with memories from my childhood past.  8 nights of lighting candles, potato latkes, chocolate gelt, prayers and other songs, and even presents.  

My family's holiday traditions have changed over time from when I was a little girl and would get 8 presents for each night, to now when we just take a family vacation.  Regardless of the traditions, I feel so fortunate for the opportunities the holiday season affords me on a personal and familial level and in a general sense.

Don't know about Hanukkah, spinning Dreidels and all? Here's Wikipedia's Explanation of our Jewish Miracle of a holiday.

The History channel explains this holiday as, "The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means "dedication" in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts"

As a conservative practicing Jew myself, who keeps kosher and all, I love the historical aspects of the holiday; however, it is truly a time for me to reconnect with family and the symbolism of the holiday.  For me the history translates into evoking many emotions for me including: belief in miracles, that things are meant to be, never giving up hope, and holding onto the ones you love.

Ultimately, this year, I want to remember to never take my family for granted.  I want to focus on myself and how I have grown since each past Hanukkah celebrations.  As I am maturing I truly am becoming more and more sentimental and feel so blessed to be able to gather with the friends and family I love and celebrate in ways that are indigenous to my family!

Bottom line? Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, these holidays have a greater meaning than presents and Hallmark cards - it's about faith, love, appreciation, and joy.  Remember those who celebrated with you in the past and cherish those who bask in your happiness with you in the present.

Enjoy your winter breaks whether you're in the sun or the snow! We all need some rest and relaxation, so use this time to give yourself a little TLC!

Happy Holidays...start thinking of your new years resolution too!

xoxo

Fall into Fashion!!

Feeling chilly?  Fall is truly here to stay!  With the disappearance of 80 degree weather I've come to realize my last fall semester at Lehigh is passing me by.  Girls should whip out chunky knit scarves and leather motorcycle boots to be on point with trends for the fall.  Oversized sweaters and jewel tones will return to our closets this season.

As winter approaches and the temperature becomes colder I think about my first semester at Lehigh as a freshman...nervous, new, "fresh".  Comparing that time in my life to being a senior in college I have grown so much in these few years.  Having solid footing at school, yet unsure of my future, these places in my life are not too different in retrospect.  With new seasons coming our way my fellow seniors have many final Lehigh memories to make and their entire future to contemplate.  With the pressure of the "real world" coming upon us we must remain grounded and cherish each moment as a student and continue to learn while we can.  The competition is fierce; however, as trite as it may sound I truly believe each of us has his or her own place waiting for them.  As I will truly miss Lehigh - graduation will be bittersweet because I have come down with a case of "senioritis" and am ready for the next phase of my life, yet Lehigh has afforded me so many wonderful opportunities and important memories I will always miss being a Mountain Hawk.

Check out Glamour Magazine's opinion on the Do's and Dont's of Fall fashion!

Euan Semple....Shall we reflect?

Where to begin??? Entrepreneurship class this week was very exciting!  We got to live tweet with the author of “Organization Don’t Tweet, People Do," Euan Semple.  It was amazing how we were able to communicate with someone who was located in London (across the pond as they say!) and receive responses instantaneously.  Technology is remarkable and it keeps amazing me each and every day.  My first question to Euan, after reading his book was “when was the last time you wrote a hand-written letter?” Euan replied, “years!”  Simply, the world has evolved and has made a movement from physical letters with ink and paper, to completely virtual through the use of the internet.  Bottom line: NO MORE SNAIL MAIL!!! Why send a letter that costs 45 cents and takes days to reach a location, when you can send an email with just a click and be in their mailbox in a matter of seconds?

Euan Semple’s book was very fascinating and I truly agree with everything he said.  There was a message that resonated with me, it was when he said it is not about having a clear mindset of where we are headed or want to go, but to follow the energy.  Allow energy to dictate our path.  This statement is true in my life – vibes and energy dictate whom I surround myself by.  I agree with this statement and the more we force things, the more we try to attain goals, the harder the goals and aspirations become to obtain.  Social media has evolved as our species has evolved.  Euan wrote to Kyle (@kss213) that technology and social media are still “teenagers.”  I completely agree with this.  Technology has yet to reach its potential, and even then I believe technology will always continue to evolve and get better.  In our live tweet session I asked Euan if social media was here to stay and what the next big wave would be, he replied that it is just the beginning!  Euan’s book provoked a lot of thought for me and insight.  Furthermore I am excited as to what our/my future brings!  What will be the next Facebook and Twitter?  New technologies are always developing in our increasingly sophisticated and rapid-paced lifestyles-and it takes an idea of one person, that is innovative and new to change the world and change each of us.  Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs have changed the world.  Who will be the next revolutionary mind? 

Ultimately, I thought the book was very successful in the messages it was trying to convey.  Euan speaks volumes of how we can benefit from technology, and we really can –this is truly relevant in our lives.  We should just think about how amazing it was to be able to speak with someone across the world in London while in a classroom at Lehigh University?!  Our class shouldn’t take these things for granted; we are so fortunate to have these opportunities.  All cultures, industries, civilizations should use technology.   Technology is used as both a teaching tool and also a learning tool.  Everyone benefits from technology and it is important to be able to give technology to those who don’t have it. 

xoxo-

Peace, Love, and Keep Typing (TWEETING) on!

Make The Most of Today.

Skimm this post please!

Recently my sister's fellow graduate from UPenn approached me for some help spreading the word on her website http://www.theskimm.com.  As an avid reader of the Daily Skimm's posts I immediately took on the challenge inviting my sorority and sending out a mass amount of Facebook invitations.  I thought this website was pertinent to the issues brought up in our class not only because it is helpful, innovative, insightful, and youthful but because it encourages entrepreneurship, the use of social media, and allows us to understand how information is spread.  The Skimm feeds me my news in an easy-to-read and efficient fashion.  It brings up the significant issues in our society covering a wide spectrum of newsworthy topics from politics to popular culture.  Furthermore, theSkimm and its emails are perfect for my fast-paced lifestyle.  I get my news on the go and it is already sorted through for me! The Skimm's mission statement says: "theSkimm is the daily newsletter that simplifies the headlines for the educated professional who knows enough to know she needs more.  We do the reading for you and explain it with fresh editorial content, breaking down what you need to know to start the conversation."  These girls are a well-oiled machine and clearly a team to watch.  The dynamic duo have a successful blog: http://theskimm.tumblr.com and I encourage you all to check out their Facebook page!  If you like what you see -and I know that you will- then please sign up immediately and support theSkimm...after all they are fellow budding entrepreneurs!

Don't Hate What You Don't Understand!

Classmate Comparison

Reading my classmates' responses to who they follow on Twitter, I can develop a common pattern to each own's madness.  Seems like everyone begins with following friends and then expands their following network to their interests.  People follow celebrities, news, popular figures, and brands that they feel a connection to.  Kyle Stiefel follows musical artists, venues, and ticketing companies so that he can gain access to pre-sale information for tickets and concert news.  BlizzardDevil follows in her blog, numerous local and global news stations and networks and also follows celebrity accounts such as The Real Housewives of New Jersey.  Emma Diehl in her beautiful blog, follows celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, political campaigns, and local news from her hometown.  Everyone uses Twitter in a personalized way, but we all love and enjoy Twitter.  

What's everyone lookin' at (Twitter)?

I use my Twitter account to follow not only my friends and classmates, but also news feeds, celebrities, public figures, charities, fashion and style (blogs, brands, icons, companies), and music artists and blogs.  Some Twitter accounts I specifically follow include: American Express, Paris Hilton, Lehigh Athletics, classmates, Avicii, Romney, Obama, Bill Clinton.  Twitter is a very versatile social media tool and it enables news to reach a large audience almost instantaneously.  I use my Twitter to become updated in the most current events whether political or popular culture.  Furthermore, I believe that I utilize my Twitter account most successfully in keeping in touch with friends and family.  Ultimately, I use Twitter, both my public and private accounts, to inspire my followers (the masses) with statuses that are meaningful  or poignant to me.     

A Brief Beauty Blog Post...

Trend Watch: look out for shades of burgundy, black, and taupe along with metallics for fall's newest nail colors to be flaunted this season.  SEE: Chanel's color "Vamp", Essie, OPI, and Zoya for inspiration!

My favorite nail trend of the summer: neons and accent nails, don these beauty musts while they still are au courant...

Alice in Wonderland....simply wonderful

Art (music) is the language of the people

I just read Kyle's blog on music and I think his thoughts about music being this universal language is so important.  All forms of art have this worldwide appreciation and understanding.  Going to concerts and other festivals, people of diverse backgrounds join together for one common love.  What's the moral of the story here: art is the universal language of the people.  Generations connect over songs from the past or peers come together over more provocative modern music such as EDM, Dubstep, and Trap - all art forms allow us to connect on an intimate and general level.  Whether I am listening to Seal, Bruce Springstein, Avicii, or Jay-Z - even classical, you connect or are transported to a certain time and place with a diverse group of people, now that is magical.

Take You Higher (Club Mix) - Listen to this youtube clip of one of my favorite songs!

check out some music blogs such as...
Dirty Mexican Lemonade
College-Rehab
Electrohusky
The Cover Lovers

Zoellner and LUAG....take a peek please! (art nerd)

I am biased being that I am an Art History Major, but I have to say these past 2 weeks I have been so thoroughly impressed by Lehigh's art collection.  At your fingertips in Zoellner there are Sisley, Warhol, Vuillard, Signac, and many other incredible artists.  There are changing exhibits in the top floor as well.  Recently, I have been up on the mountain visting the private collection in its entirety - WE HAVE EVERYTHING! Seeing Daubigny and other 19th century masters up close is unbelievable!  Our department has very few majors and we need more students to take an interest and get involved.  Please inquire about taking art history courses as fun electives, go look at the galleries or see if you can have special entrance up at Building J!! We are so fortunate to have these pieces; however, they are basically unknown on campus...so take a look in your spare time - I promise you won't be disappointed!  And if your lucky...like my fellow 7 classmates you can even go to our President's house to see a Picasso, Prendergast, and Glackens piece... let's hope I am not too intimidated!

--> above Alfred Sisley's Pont Moret.....we have the exact same painting from a different view downstairs at Zoellner across from RBC, ask for Ricardo Viera there or speak to Nick Sawicki in CU!

Buddha is even relevant in social media!

What everyone is sharing...

After reading numerous blog posts from other classmates I have realized whether novice or expert we really all are in the same position in our class.  No one knows exactly what to do and is unsure regardless of their standing and experience with social media and networking.

Students are starting to spice up their blogs with their own personal flares.  I love Emily's choice in font.  The use of pictures in blogs is truly inspiring.  I know that on Facebook I always post pictures and music as well for my own pleasure and to share with others!  My fellow classmate, Kimmy has similar ideas to mine.  She believes bloggers need to write with cache and rhythmic tantilizing prose.  She also appreciates the unique features of other students' blogs.  Ally's post how she likes to have fun and "dabble" on Twitter explains exactly how I feel.  Twitter is a personal experience for me where I can crack jokes with friends and explore more subjects.  Conversely, Kyle's blog talks about the importance of censorship on Twitter and even more importantly Facebook.  In addition, he writes about the repercussions and ramifications of your actions on the internet.  Your behavior in cyberspace remains permanent....has anyone ever tried googling themselves?  To me the bottom line is keep your blog fun and interesting but most of all follow the old adage - think before you act (or type/click in our case)!

Twitter vs. Facebook

I have had a Twitter account for over a year now, and I just created a second public account for our class. In comparison, I have been on Facebook since my freshman year of high school if not sooner.  I believe Facebook has become ubiquitous in our society - and acts as the new "myspace" of our generation (strangers can message you now!).  Twitter, on the other hand, is not quite as universal in our society and is still rare.

In my own experience I use Facebook purely for personal use.  I post pictures, write wall posts, comment on friends walls, generally keep in touch only with people I know of.  Conversely, with Twitter I follow celebrities, museums, friends, family, even political figures.  With Twitter I post my personal thoughts of inspiration or amusing quotes with other users.  With Twitter I can start a conversation on one subject/topic simply by using a hashtag.  On Facebook I comment directly and purposefully towards a friend instead of a general audience.  With Twitter I feel I simply post statuses and things I enjoy for those who wish to follow me while Facebook has less privacy and I need to filter myself so that I don't bombard anyone's newsfeed.

Social Media truly has entered every aspect of our society and I believe it is only the beginning.  There are drawbacks to everything - lack of privacy, etc. However it has made globalization in terms of communication occur at an alarming rate (global shrinking phenomenon).  Celebrities now have verified Twitters and Facebook pages, even public officials, and news conglomerates as well.  We are past the age of the internet and have entered the time of social media.  Due to the prevalence of iPads, smartphones, computers, and other devices, social media is accessible basically anywhere and can infiltrate our lives.  Ultimately, social media is at the nexus of our society and we are all waiting for the next innovation to come to fruition.

Change in Management

I believe the change in management can be traced to a post on July 17th.  My primary reason to believe this is due to the announcement of the new website.  A new website can imply an affiliation with a new set of administration (managers).  In conjunction, if you look at previous posts on the page the tone and frequency has changed.  I am not 100% sure though because there is no official announcement.

Increasing Facebook Page Likes

To increase the number of Facebook likes on the Zoellner page can be accomplished in a variety of ways.  There are a plethora of resources on campus.  Personally, I would use members of Greek Life to spread the word.  Making announcements at PanHel and other on-campus organizations would reach a large number of students.  Having advertisements in written mediums such as the Brown and White or local newspapers would also be productive.  The LUAG could post on their website and have various members of the art's staff such as Ricardo Viera make announcements.  School-wide e-mails would reach all students; however, not all members of the Lehigh community check them.  Furthermore, other forms of social media such as Twitter would spread the word about the Facebook page, depending on the amount of "likes" desired. 

Social Media Manager

I do not necessarily believe that a manager of a social media firm has to be 25 years of age or younger.  If a professional is knowledgeable in their field, their age has no effect on their competency.  The argument can be made that the youth in our society have grown up interacting with the newest technology; therefore, they are incredibly tech-savvy and aware in our media-centric society.  Work ethic and knowledge comes with age; however, ultimately the professionals of a younger generation are more comfortable and efficient in utilizing social media.