Finals week is approaching and let’s face it: we’re screwed.

Or at least that’s how we feel. Panic, stress and fear set in as we leave for Thanksgiving break knowing that upon our return, we will be bombarded with essays, tests, and presentations. As much as we dread it, finals week is preparing us for something we will have to deal with as professionals- crunch time. In PR and journalism especially, deadlines are simply part of the job. For this reason, I have compiled some of my most helpful tips for these stressful times.

1. Take things one step at a time. Baby steps. Completion is key, so don’t freeze under the pressure of 1000 tasks. Instead, write a to do list each day, and complete the most pressing tasks first.
2. Positive thinking. You’ve heard the stories of olympians visualizing themselves winning the gold, so do the same with your finals. This form of meditation will calm and relax you and set your sights on a goal. Be your own cheerleader. You can do it!
3. Find an outlet. Fact: no one can study for 20 hours straight. At some point in our college career, we’ve all tried and failed. Instead, allow yourself to take a break to do something you love. Listen to music, take a run, or watch an episode of your favorite show. Reward yourself for all your hard work, because after all, you deserve it.

Facebook is in the beta stages of a new digital assistant “M”, the new interface would be available through Facebook Messenger and its app.

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Facebook is at it again, ladies and gents. Just this Wednesday, the billion dollar company introduced a new news and content app, “Notify.” Wired.com claims that this new invention isn’t just to please Facebook’s users but was created to specifically lure them in even more than before. They’re doing so by enticing you to now come to your phone, not just your Facebook newsfeed on your laptop. Whether it’s a promotional move or not, Facebook is providing its users with some pretty cool new features, especially this newsy app.

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You read that right! The AMA nominees were announced on Snapchat!  Continue reading →

Analytics acts as your company’s personal shopper for data.

The first question every executive asks their marketing team is: What is the impact of our content and engagement?

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As Snapchat increases its popularity with consumers, it is also increasing its popularity with brands. Already, brands such as Burberry and Goldman Sachs have purchased Live Stories that showcase branded content for 24 hours. In this past week, Snapchat has rolled out two new ad units: a promoted channel in Snapchat Discover and a sponsored lens.  Continue reading →

Halloween might be one of the largest recorded holidays on social media. From emoji costumes to the cast of Star Wars, costumes, candy and everything in between for this year’s Halloween celebration was found all over social media platforms, specifically Instagram. Over the weekend, Instagram started its own curated stream of Halloween videos submitted by users. Though they might be late in the game compared to biggest competitors Twitter and Snapchat, Instagram may have just created a revolutionary function for the site’s further development.

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Every year it seems that a new app comes out and takes over our social world. Lately, all the new buzz has been about Twitter’s newly released app called Periscope. Is Periscope about to take over next? What is so great about this new app and how can it help us in the social world? Here you can find out all about the new and upcoming app that is about to have a huge impact. Continue reading →

Not only did the new iOS update bring you 150 new emojis and new fun features, but Apple has launched a new music feature that will give Spotify a run for its users.  Continue reading →

Its that time of the year again. Yup, that is right; Halloween is just around the corner. The only celebration of the year where it is socially acceptable to eat all the candy you desire in the world in one whole night. Snickers, Kit Kats, Reese’s peanut butter cups and any other candy you can imagine. It is also the only night of the year where you can get spooked by witches, ghosts and scary Halloween haunted houses. It is safe to say that Halloween is probably an all time favorite holiday you can spend with all your friends. What’s the one super stressful part about Halloween you ask? COSTUMES! Yes, whether you are trying to find a group costume, couples costume or going solo, it is always difficult to try to figure out what to be. The Google searches always come out as “best Halloween costumes 2015” or “what should I be for Halloween this year?” Nothing ever helps. No matter how many Instagram feeds you go through and accounts you stalk there will never be the right answer as to what costume to pick for Halloween that year. For this year’s 2015 most popular costumes, everybody seems to believe that the winner is the Joker from The Dark Knight. But what about some outfits for you and your squad. What is a whole, big group of girls suppose to dress up as? Here are a few ideas for you and your squad to dress up as this upcoming Halloween. 1. The emotions from the recent animated movie Inside Out 2. The Judges from The Voice 3. All the new Snapchat filters

4. Pizza rats 5. White Walkers from “Game of Thrones” and 6. Pluto Fly-By. These are just a few simple ideas. Check out more at: http://www.refinery29.com/2015/10/95412/group-halloween-friend-costume-ideas#slide-7

I’ll be the first to admit, tidying is not exactly my strong suit. I’ve been known to leave clothes on the floor… every morning, and the bathroom counter is usually cluttered with makeup. But whenever guests come over, I scramble to make everything look neat and presentable. I’ll throw clothes in the closet, put wine under the sink, and swipe products into bathroom drawers. And EVERY TIME I think- there has to be a better way.

Enter The Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo. This book has truly changed my outlook on not only keeping my space clean, but buying habits, and general organization. Kondo is a very successful tidying consultant in Tokyo who helps people clear, arrange, and keep their spaces neat. Since the release of her book, her techniques and outlook have spread like wild fire, being featured everywhere from Wall Street Journal to Psychology Today.

Her steps are as follows: 1) get rid of anything that does not bring joy, 2) organize what you have left 3) keep it that way. There are of course some steps in between, but it is generally easy to follow. What is most inspirational about her book is she lets you visualize your life in a cleaner space. Quotes like “The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.” stick with you long after you read it.

I could go on and on about the changes I’ve made in my life since finishing the novel, but my best advice is to read it for yourself. Your closet, pantry, and cabinets will thank you.

The phrase, “want to take a selfie,” is as normal in daily American culture as drinking coffee every morning. You know you take a lot of photos on your phone, but you’ve probably never tracked just how many. A new study by Intel and Lineage Labs examines exactly how often we snap pics — and how many of those are selfies. Oh boy. Continue reading →

It’s officially been a year since cultural phenomenon Taylor Swift’s pop album 1989 hit the shelves. This means that it’s been about a year since that “James Dean daydream look” has been in your eyes and since you first started “shaking it off.” For Ms. Swift, this record was more than just an album; it changed her persona as an artist and as an icon. So, it’s no wonder she’s been on the cover of Time and Rolling Stone just to name a few since the release. But what makes her better than the next blond singer or even “the biggest popstar in the world,” as vulture.com says? Well, if you don’t think that’s true, then maybe you should take a hint from the queen of pop herself: haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate.

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If you haven’t heard by now…then you are missing out. This past Wednesday, October 21^st, update IOS 9.1 has updated not only our phones, but our lives!!! Yes that’s right, our lives. What has been the one thing everyone has been waiting for and talking about for the new iPhone updates? Emojis. Wednesdays update includes 150 new emojis including tacos, burritos and cheese emojis! Tacos! Everyone has been waiting for the infamous taco emoji but it was a nice surprise to see a burrito one as well. Several other food emojis have also been added, including cheese, popcorn and a hot dog. This is the first time emojis have added this many emojis in a few years. The last update added different skin tones to each emoji face and person but it was to much disappointment in people that no other emojis were added. Many have expected the much yearned for taco emoji for some time now so now that the day has finally arrived many people are very excited. Another popular addition to the emoji family is the unicorn along with several other animal emojis. They have also added the long awaited for middle finger emoji.

Emojis have helped people communicate over text, snap chat and many other forms of social media. The faces and several other characters are an easy way for people to express emotions and personality over non-verbal and non-face to face interactions. While communication and forming full sentences is becoming more and more important in younger generations, emojis are still a fun and silly way to express feelings…especially with the new middle finger emoji!

To see more updates and a list of all the new emojis, check out this website below and see which emojis are your new favorites!

http://blog.emojipedia.org/ios-9-1-emoji-changelog/

Only a week away, kids are getting very, very excited for Halloween. Copious amounts of candy, costumes, and staying up past bedtime? A 10 year old’s dream. Well, now those over the age of 21 have a reason to be excited for Halloween, too. Vivino, an app for wine enthusiasts, pairs the perfect wine with your favorite Halloween Candy. Vivino just released its second annual “Candy and Wine Match Maker” chart that matches 14 of the most popular candies with everything from pinot grigio to merlot.  Continue reading →

The time has come. If you are a devout emoji sender, you just received 150 new gifts. On Wednesday, October 21, Apple rolled out its latest iOS 9.1 updates, and with it came 150 new emojis — including the “rock on” hand symbol and that much desired taco.

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Stars like Kim Kardashian, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and Miley Cyrus are actively posting pink. Followers, young old, near and far can watch as their favorite stars support the think pink movement. People are posting personal stories and hosting events all around the world. But how can you  make a difference with breast cancer? You are only a click away from becoming a part of the breast cancer movement.  Continue reading →

Well, thanks Facebook for officially killing our cynical dreams of dislike buttons and online controversy. It looks like Mark Zuckerberg’s big ‘dislike button’ announcement is more of an emotional roller coaster rather than a simple ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ option. Instead of a single ‘dislike button,’ Facebook is working on multiple ‘Reaction’ buttons through emoji options such as like, love, haha, yay, wow, sad, and angry. But what’s the deal, Mark? Your kingdom has been asking you for a ‘dislike button’ for years and now we get a smiley face? But maybe, just maybe, there’s a plan behind these little ‘Reactions.’

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