Checklist For Being a Better Storyteller

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I tell stories for a living. That’s what compelling TV is all about — great storytelling. I think I get it from my dad — he’s a fabulous storyteller. He’s been known to captivate audiences with his police stories or tales from the “old neighborhood.”

Some people have storytelling in their genes but you can also learn how to get people to listen to your adventures. The skill will help you at cocktail parties and even when putting your kids to bed!

I’m excited about our guest blogger today — she knows all about storytelling and has dedicated a whole website to the subject at MrsP.com. Mrs. P is portrayed by actress Kathy Kinney, who starred as Mimi on “The Drew Carey Show” for nine years.

How to Be a Better Storyteller

by Mrs. P

Whether you’re at home trying to get your child to fall asleep or at an office party telling a story about sitting in a patch of poison ivy on your honeymoon, having good storytelling skills can greatly improve your life. No one ever walks away from a good storyteller. And good storytellers are always invited back to the next party. Here are seven tips to improve your own skills:

1) Start with the ending. In other words, know how your story will end before you begin. Starting a story is like starting a trip, and if you have a map and know your destination, it will be a more satisfying and entertaining journey for both you and your audience. Read more

How Do You Do It All?

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I’m a big Sarah Jessica Parker fan — since the days of Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and that City.” Her latest film, “I Don’t Know How She Does It” tells the story of a working mother who aspires to do it all!

I don’t even have kids yet and I know exactly how her character feels!  Trying to keep it all together at work and at home can leave you overwhelmed and frustrated. But as Sarah Jessica’s character has found — making a to-do list (even if they are in your head) will help you to prioritize and get more done. It will also help to keep you focused and save you time and money.

When you’re running on empty try to remember:

1. It’s OK to not be perfect all the time (this coming from a perfectionist!)

2. Give yourself a break! You are juggling your life, your family’s lives and all your responsibilities at work. Take some time out for yourself to recharge and do whatever you want to do. Even if that means watching the Golden Girls and eating popcorn!

3. Ask for help.  No one will think less of you if you reach out for a little assistance. Two heads are better than one — most of the time.

4. Just say no. Of course you want to help with the bake sale and take the lead on a project at work — but if you can’t do it all, then don’t. It’s OK to say that you can’t pile one more thing onto your plate right now. If that means taking a hiatus from your book club — then so be it!

What’s your secret for juggling your work, family life, hobbies and social lives?

9 Ways to Make Someone Fall in Love With You

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I’ve been out of the dating game for quite a while — but you never forget how to be polite, cute and flirty. Those are traits that you can use your whole life — dating or not. As we near the weekend and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes will be on the lookout for “the one.” Here’s a checklist from Nicholas Boothman, author of “How to Make Someone Fall in Love with You in 90 Minutes of Less.”

Checklist for Successful Dating

by Nicholas Boothman

1. A Fabulous First Impression

We’ve all heard the phrase “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and it’s true. Regardless of whether you meet someone for a casual date through sites like LeoList or you meet someone in a club, first impressions are key! Studies by the Harvard School of Health Sciences and several other notable institutions show that we decide within the first two seconds of meeting people whether we like them or not. Since certain behaviors make people feel comfortable and others put them on guard, you actually have some measure of control over how people react to you in those first brief moments. It might also be worth while having a look at the pheromones that work best, as for men especially, your pheromones attract women in different ways. For example if a woman is ovulating, they might be more sensitive than normal. These are all interesting things it is worth baring in mind. Read more

Checklist For Being A Good Friend

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Some of my favorite people – fictional and non-fictional – are best friends.

  • Oprah and Gayle
  • Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia
  • Lucy and Ethel
  • Ben Affleck and Matt Damon
  • Laverne and Shirley
  • Pooh and Piglet

Some of them are best friends because clever writers fabricated their lives that way but some are the real things. The bond that all of these famous friends have in common is the love they share for their best friends. When we get busy and other things get in our way – it’s easy to become a less-than-fabulous friend. But never fear – I have a checklist on how to be a good friend always. Read more

Guy Fieri’s Game-Watching Party List

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Every night Jay and I watch Guy Fieri’s, “Guy’s Big Bite” on Food Network before we go to bed.  Probably not the best idea — because we are always hungry! But we both love Guy and that’s why I was so thrilled to get this list from him for throwing the perfect football party! He’s the expert in both football and food!

I’m not a football fan — but I am a food fan and football parties are the most fun of all!  Here’s Guy’s list for a fantastic fiesta that will save you time so you can enjoy the game.

5 Tips for an Unbeatable Game-Watching Party

by Guy Fieri

1. Choose the Right Foods – Choose foods that can be prepped beforehand so that it keeps coming throughout the game. Homemade pizzas are always a hit! Ask your local pizzeria for balls of raw pizza dough and you can create your own varieties: vegetable, plain, meat, or even something sweet, like a s’mores pizza with chocolate and marshmallows.

2. Flow – Prevent traffic jams by putting drinks in the garage. Fill three coolers with different categories of beverages: waters, non-alcoholics, and beers. Read more