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WhyDid Wisdom: Behind the Mask

By Kirsten|October 27th, 2011|WhyDid Wisdom|

Like I said, I think people really enjoy holidays like Halloween because it allows them to escape their reality and be someone or something else for a day. Feeling a need to transport yourself from an everyday mundane pencil pushing 9 to 5 for just one night of fun is one thing. However, when you start living your life as a self created character on a day to day basis, it’s time to re-evaluate.

There’s a lot of pressure to present yourself in a certain fashion. Maybe you hang around a fancy pants crew and feel as though you’ve got to keep up with the Joneses. Or maybe you feign an interest in something that your boyfriend enjoys because you want him to like you more. Whatever the case may be, you’ve got to get exhausted eventually, no? Keeping up appearances is not easy… especially when it’s something foreign to you.

Throughout life, we do change. We change based on experiences, age, and circumstances. We are shaped by our environment and we learn new things and meet new people. All of these things are what mold us into who we are. What you can’t forget is that piece of you that’s always been there. Your core. It’s so easy to forget who you and to where you came from with all the noise and garbage out there. Sometimes we want to forget because it’s a painful place or maybe it’s just embarrassing. But why should you be embarrassed of what makes you you? Over the years, I’ve met lots of people from all walks of life. The people I love most are those with interesting stories and imperfect lives. They are the people who acknowledge their faults and… embrace them. It’s endearing to be around someone like that. Even though your backgrounds might not be exactly the same, you form a camaraderie. It’s much easier to be yourself around someone who is being his or herself. That’s what real relationships are made of.

It’s true. You can be whoever you want. Just know that eventually being anyone other than yourself will catch up to (a very exhausted) you. Take a minute and look at yourself in the mirror. Remember the girl who’s behind the mask. See all the things that make you beautiful, perfect or not.

So maybe Halloween is more than just one day a year… After all, we’re all wearing masks, aren’t we?

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via SuccessCreations

Smart is the New Pretty: Let’s Socialize

By Kirsten|October 19th, 2011|Smart Is the New Pretty|

As women, we are known to be very social creatures. So, when the buzz word “social media” started popping up everywhere (and is even now considered a “career”), we thought to ourselves, “Psssh! We’ve been doing this for years.” While there are plenty of folks out there who consider themselves to be gurus, experts and mavens in the venue of Marketing/PR 2.0, most of them haven’t a clue as to what they’re talking about. So, if you’re looking to increase your social presence, it’s probably best not to leave it to the “experts” and start learning yourself! Social Media is constantly changing so you better keep up!

I’d say the guy who really started this craze (or shall we call it obsession) with staying connected is Mr. Zuckerberg. He’s really changed the way people interact… and that’s kinda crazy because he dropped out of college. Which is probably a good thing ’cause student loan debt is out of control. Students took out over $100 BILLION in loans this year alone. [Gawker]
Phew! Glad we sidestpepped that one, Zuck. Really dodged a bullet there. And speaking of Facebook, the number of friends you have on FB may directly link to your brain density. [Mashable]
Hopefully none of those friends are the ones constantly demanding you to “LMS” (like my status). Well, cause that’s just tacky… and annoying.
Oh, you thought that was a funny video? Well, now you can make your own thanks to the integration of WeVideo cloud based video editing platform into YouTube. Yes, you too could be the next Miles Jai. [TechCrunch]
And you should probably look your best for your upcoming video shoot. With Bib + Tuck, you’ll soon be able to hit the “refresh” button on your closet whenever you need by swapping duds with like minded fashionphiles. [Vogue]
Watch your pageviews soar with your new look! Google Analytics is making it even easier to for you to analyze your data with new visualization charts! [Mashable]
If your friends could see you now! Oh wait, they can! LinkedIn’s new “Classmates” feature takes keeping in touch with old pals one step further. [TechCrunch]
The most important thing with all of this crazy technology is to use it carefully and responsibly. It is crazy, scary, creepy what people can do with all the information you are feeding them. (Seriously- try this!!!)
You don’t want this guy posting your pic on Twitter! [NY Post]
Oh, look. A new social site popped up in the midst of my writing this post. Told you it’s tough to keep up. [SF Gate]

Now go fire up your Tumblr, Twitter, and Flickr. It’s time to get social… and while you’re at it, be sure to Tweet, FB, and YouTube with WhyDid.

WhyDid

Smart is the New Pretty: E.T. Phone Home

By Kirsten|October 12th, 2011|Smart Is the New Pretty|

Oh, our cellphones… They sure have come a long way. When’s the last time you left home without it? We basically live our lives on our phones. Whether we’re emailing, texting, Tweeting, or making an actual phone call, we can’t live without them.

If you have a Blackberry (do people still use those?), you might be experiencing some technical difficulties. [Mashable]
So, it’s probably time to switch to the iPhone. 4S reviews are in and they are all good. [Mashable]
If you have Sprint, this is great news as they are selling the iPhone with unlocked MicroSIM. [TechCrunch]
And in case you already live in this century, but opted not to upgrade to the 4S, you can upgrade to iOS5 now. [Mashable]
While you’re at it, your phone could probably use a little makeover. Why not a little plaid for fall? [Nylon]
Some folks still haven’t learned not to do that whole nude photo phone sexting thing. (NSFW) [Huffington Post]
But no worries, there has been some justice in this world. Arrest was made in the ScarJo nudie photo scandal. [Gawker]
Sadly, no justice for the Facebook twins. Time to pay up! [Gawker]

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to take this call.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Life’s Juggling Act

WhyDid Wisdom: Remembering A Legend

By Kirsten|October 6th, 2011|WhyDid Wisdom|

“[Y]ou can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” Steve Jobs

Waking up to another rainy morning, it’s almost as if Silicon Valley is crying over its loss. Whether you are an Apple user or not (who are you?), Steve Jobs is someone who has affected everyone’s life in some way, shape, or form. More than just pretty looking gadgets that make it easier for us to live our lives on the run and chat with our friends, his attitude towards life and innovation is what really captivated me and millions of others.

Sadly, it is unlikely that our generation will see another like Mr. Jobs in our lifetime. I don’t doubt that there are more out there like him though. It was Jobs’ ability to be unafraid to fail that made him truly unique. It doesn’t matter how smart you are or how many great ideas you have if you never put them out there and really go for your dream(s). I think we’ve all been frightened by failure and have given up on big dreams. Rather than doing what we want to do, we do what we think is the mature and responsible thing to do. I understand that, at times, that’s the necessary decision for survival, but that’s no reason to give up on your passion. Our generation has become lazy and scared. We’d rather be reality TV stars than scientists… and that’s just sad. Fame isn’t what changes the world. Making a quick buck isn’t either.

No one has a guaranteed amount of life on this planet. You don’t know what will happen in the next day, the next hour. Stop being afraid. Stop being lazy. It’s okay to fail. Sometimes that’s the only route to success.

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. … Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” Steve Jobs

We all will die. Will you live?

xx,

WhyDid

WhyDid Wisdom: Count Your Pennies

By Kirsten|September 29th, 2011|WhyDid Wisdom|

It’s come to my attention that while a lot of you lovely ladies may have your fingers on the pulse, you don’t seem to have a handle on your wallet. I am, by no means, the next Suze Orman, however, I’ve done a pretty good job managing my finances throughout the years. While we do have access to the Kardashians’ every move courtesy of E!, we do not have access to their bank accounts. So many Americans have been tricked into thinking that they too are uber fab celebrities with unlimited funds and the need to fill their closets full of designer duds. I know plenty of girls living on PR girl paychecks (or with 529 college savings plan) with trust fund style wardrobes. Sure, Sally has a closet full of designer shoes, but she’s also got a mailbox full of credit card bills. And let me tell you, there’s nothing chic about credit card debt. So, rather than suffer the embarrassment of having your AmEx declined at brunch, here are some quick tips on how to keep your balance sheet in the black:

Do not buy things you can’t afford. I know that sounds pretty straight forward and sensical… but it would appear that many of you have no common sense. Try only using a debit card. Give your credit cards a break. There was a time in my life where I put mine in my freezer. Talk about a spending freeze.
Ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” Answer truthfully… 9 times out of 10, the answer will be, “Absolutely not.”
Make a budget. Fire up good ol’ Excel and start tracking your finances (like that food diary you keep). You will be amazed at what you are spending your money on. Did you really spend $200 last month on afdsfadf?
Not good with Excel sheets? Sign up for Mint.com. It will link all your accounts and help you get a handle on your finances. You can even set goals and track progress.
Set up your bank account online so that you can monitor your transactions anytime, anywhere (so long as there’s wifi).
Put away a portion of your paycheck every month. If you set it up to take it out automatically, it will be as if you never even saw that money. I have been doing this for years. I actually don’t even know how to turn it off… and it’s probably for the best.
Do not touch your savings unless it is an absolute emergency. And no, a Balenciaga bag is not an “emergency.”
It’s the little things. Don’t go out as much. Eat in. Don’t buy things online. Sure those panties were only 15 bucks, but when you buy 6 pairs that’s $90!

Sure, these seem pretty obvious, but it never ceases to amaze me how many young ladies have no control over their own finances. Don’t get caught up in retail therapy and land yourself in debtor’s prison.

xx,

WhyDid

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