Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Crazy Nails on Labor Day
Labor Day is a day of relaxation. No one has school or work and the stores are having big sales! I was at the mall today, not because I was getting the newest kicks of the season (30% off of course), but because of an important invitation to enter the Apple Store...I have mentioned my love for Apple on this blog before. But until now, I was just a fan. Now I am an employee.
The title of this post contains the two words, Crazy Nails. Personally, I like to keep my nails painted crazy colors. I asked about dress code and tried my best to breezily throw in colored nails.
*The photo was taken with my iPhone 4. And yes, those are Smile Bands around my wrist.
And boy is the dress code lax! You can work at Apple and have fingers painted however you want... So the crazy nails will keep on coming.
Final Thought: How ironic would it be if a woman went into Labor today. Therefore being in labor ON Labor Day. It obviously happens every year - like right now, a woman 100% in labor.
The title of this post contains the two words, Crazy Nails. Personally, I like to keep my nails painted crazy colors. I asked about dress code and tried my best to breezily throw in colored nails.
*The photo was taken with my iPhone 4. And yes, those are Smile Bands around my wrist.
And boy is the dress code lax! You can work at Apple and have fingers painted however you want... So the crazy nails will keep on coming.
Final Thought: How ironic would it be if a woman went into Labor today. Therefore being in labor ON Labor Day. It obviously happens every year - like right now, a woman 100% in labor.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September 2010
The new month begins, and Saturn is no longer in retrograde. I am no astrologist, however it is supposed to mean that whatever you have been working on since January, is about to make a big step in the right direction. The prediction is correct in the Smile department. I am now in Pepsi Refresh Project...but I have been thinking about that all day, and I am not going to write about it now.
Instead I will write about Coca Cola. I feel like I am cheating on Pepsi, but I have to. Happiness is contagious, and that "contagious" quality is where design meets the market. Coca-Cola's Happiness Machine video is a perfect example of how viral happiness can be. The brand's first viral venture captures what happened when they placed a very special vending machine on a college campus.
Note of the night:
This is Monica's Blog. She graduated with me from NYU, and was a fellow dance major. This girl is one of the all around best people, so it makes sense that her blog would rock! (and have a really cute header image.) To dance class sometimes, she would wear awesome stenciled shirts that she made herself, and I think you should take a look!
Instead I will write about Coca Cola. I feel like I am cheating on Pepsi, but I have to. Happiness is contagious, and that "contagious" quality is where design meets the market. Coca-Cola's Happiness Machine video is a perfect example of how viral happiness can be. The brand's first viral venture captures what happened when they placed a very special vending machine on a college campus.
Note of the night:
This is Monica's Blog. She graduated with me from NYU, and was a fellow dance major. This girl is one of the all around best people, so it makes sense that her blog would rock! (and have a really cute header image.) To dance class sometimes, she would wear awesome stenciled shirts that she made herself, and I think you should take a look!
VOTE HERE
Pepsi Refresh Project! Vote Here Right Now
You can vote once everyday for the next 30 days. Thanks :)
You can vote once everyday for the next 30 days. Thanks :)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
I am in!
I just got the official email, and I am in the Pepsi Refresh Project! Voting begins at 6 AM Eastern Time.
I am not able to access my profile yet, so I do not know exactly how it is going to work. BUT if you search for me, here is how you can find me!
I am competing for a $50,000 grant
In the Arts and Culture Category (Blue)
The title of the post is: Help me take my online Smile Network to the next level :)
Please vote.
I feel like a high schooler running for Class President. If I had to make up a slogan for myself, it would be:
I promise to make this world a better place, by putting a smile on your face!
Vote London Kaye, all the Way! So I can win the Pepsi Refresh Project, what do ya say?!
I am not able to access my profile yet, so I do not know exactly how it is going to work. BUT if you search for me, here is how you can find me!
I am competing for a $50,000 grant
In the Arts and Culture Category (Blue)
The title of the post is: Help me take my online Smile Network to the next level :)
Please vote.
I feel like a high schooler running for Class President. If I had to make up a slogan for myself, it would be:
I promise to make this world a better place, by putting a smile on your face!
Vote London Kaye, all the Way! So I can win the Pepsi Refresh Project, what do ya say?!
My Sister Makes Me Smile
I have to give a shout out to my sister, Chase. She is the wind beneath my wings. This picture is of us, and it was taken just last week. Yep. I am 8 and she is 6.
I want to give a million thank you's to her because she has been the face of the September Shirt of the Month campaign - and boy have we been through a lot of advertising trial and error. Also, Chase is an Alpha Phi and rush week is coming up. I am so thankful that I was able to read up a little bit on the requirements and dress code for the week, because what I learned was mind blowing...Mixing Cobalt Blue and Fuchsia is okay. Although it may seem scary, when done correctly, it can be a striking combination.
Here is a picture and Chase and Joe are wearing great little get ups...Alpha Phi's always look their best.
I hope you have a good night. Tomorrow is a really big day. 2 interviews and a Pepsi Refresh Project. Man, I best be getting a good night sleep. But first, I must do some laundry and hop in the hot tub. I love late night dips in the hot tub.
I want to give a million thank you's to her because she has been the face of the September Shirt of the Month campaign - and boy have we been through a lot of advertising trial and error. Also, Chase is an Alpha Phi and rush week is coming up. I am so thankful that I was able to read up a little bit on the requirements and dress code for the week, because what I learned was mind blowing...Mixing Cobalt Blue and Fuchsia is okay. Although it may seem scary, when done correctly, it can be a striking combination.
Here is a picture and Chase and Joe are wearing great little get ups...Alpha Phi's always look their best.
I hope you have a good night. Tomorrow is a really big day. 2 interviews and a Pepsi Refresh Project. Man, I best be getting a good night sleep. But first, I must do some laundry and hop in the hot tub. I love late night dips in the hot tub.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
SUNDAY FUN-DAY
It is a beautiful Sunday in California, and the last Sunday of August. The sun is out, the people are perky, and the fruit is dry. In 2 days, BIG things happen! I have written about the Pepsi Refresh Project quite a few times on this blog now, and now, finally, the time is ALMOST here. On September 1st, this Smile Project will be competing for one of the ten $50,000 Grants!! How the winners are chosen is not through a panel of judges, but by people in America. Like You! (Unless you are reading this in another country, and in that case, please vote via good vibes.) Everyday for the entire month of September, you can vote. Basically, you will have an email from me in your inbox on Sept. 1st. Please send it to everyone in the world. Yep, everyone in the world.
Yesterday I wrote about Twitter followers, today I am up to 163. Not too shabby. I went from 4 - 163 in less than 24 hours. What up social networking? It is fun to grow an online community, it takes time and patience, but it's a blast sending requests and having people actually accept them. If anyone has any tips on this type of stuff, I am always looking for ideas, so please share. I am trying to tweet things that will make people smile, smile facts, updates about LondonKaye.com, and funny photos. Soon I want to integrate video. I am hoping that I will be able to figure out how to record a video on my iPhone, upload it to youtube, and then post it on Twitter...doing all of this without ever opening a computer. I think the iPhone 4 is that cool. But, I am not sure. As soon as I find out, I will let you know. I am seriously going to try it right now...but first I must find a few funny Twitter pictures to post on this page.
PS - Follow me on Twitter :)
http://twitter.com/MySmileTweets
It took me a little bit of time to decide on my RIGHT NOW tweet, but it was well worth it. If this does not make you smile, you must like Glenn Beck.
http://brucewagner.posterous.com/sorry-bill-id-rather-kiss-my-n
Yesterday I wrote about Twitter followers, today I am up to 163. Not too shabby. I went from 4 - 163 in less than 24 hours. What up social networking? It is fun to grow an online community, it takes time and patience, but it's a blast sending requests and having people actually accept them. If anyone has any tips on this type of stuff, I am always looking for ideas, so please share. I am trying to tweet things that will make people smile, smile facts, updates about LondonKaye.com, and funny photos. Soon I want to integrate video. I am hoping that I will be able to figure out how to record a video on my iPhone, upload it to youtube, and then post it on Twitter...doing all of this without ever opening a computer. I think the iPhone 4 is that cool. But, I am not sure. As soon as I find out, I will let you know. I am seriously going to try it right now...but first I must find a few funny Twitter pictures to post on this page.
PS - Follow me on Twitter :)
http://twitter.com/MySmileTweets
It took me a little bit of time to decide on my RIGHT NOW tweet, but it was well worth it. If this does not make you smile, you must like Glenn Beck.
http://brucewagner.posterous.com/sorry-bill-id-rather-kiss-my-n
Saturday, August 28, 2010
First Look
NO MORE OIL SPILLS!
The first Shirt of the Month will officially launch on September 1st. The video is done, and I think it is way funny! I cannot wait any longer, so check it out.
The first Shirt of the Month will officially launch on September 1st. The video is done, and I think it is way funny! I cannot wait any longer, so check it out.
New Title
I am writing this quickly because I am excited. I just changed the title of my blog, and it has inspired me to write. This blog is now going to track both the progress of www.LondonKaye.com AND things of value that happen in my everyday life. I have now been in CA for some time now, and it has made me realize that life after college is an adjustment, and a time of change. I no longer have an everyday schedule, telling me exactly what to do, all of the time. This things that happen to me daily are always entertaining, so I figure I should begin to include me - London - into my blog.
Today's Thought -
I want to increase the number of people who follow the Smile Project on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MySmileTweets
(I think the name My Smile Tweets is so cute:) I am such a girl sometimes...
The Action's I took to make that happen.
1. Follow tons of people on twitter and hope they follow me back.
2. Post the link to the twitter on Facebook.
3. Write about the twitter in this blog post.
I went from having 4 - 29 followers within about 15 minutes. I am happy about that, BUT I think I can bump that number up. A LOT.
If you have any other ideas let me know! I have written the word "Twitter" in this post so many times that it sounds incredibly inappropriate. I am certain that there is some relation between the inappropriateness of the word "Twitter," and Twitter's popularity.
Today's Thought -
I want to increase the number of people who follow the Smile Project on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MySmileTweets
(I think the name My Smile Tweets is so cute:) I am such a girl sometimes...
The Action's I took to make that happen.
1. Follow tons of people on twitter and hope they follow me back.
2. Post the link to the twitter on Facebook.
3. Write about the twitter in this blog post.
I went from having 4 - 29 followers within about 15 minutes. I am happy about that, BUT I think I can bump that number up. A LOT.
If you have any other ideas let me know! I have written the word "Twitter" in this post so many times that it sounds incredibly inappropriate. I am certain that there is some relation between the inappropriateness of the word "Twitter," and Twitter's popularity.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
New and Good = Good News
I have been hard at work getting the online store up and running. Currently I have smile bands and two kinds of shirts for sale - and they are for the ladies. Click here to go to the Smile Store.
SO, I am adding products for both men and woman and I am very excited about it! Let me explain.
This whole project is about spreading happiness. Spreading your happiness, my happiness, and ultimately the worlds happiness. To do that, I have decided that I will be making a "Shirt of the Month," declaring what makes people smile. "Shirt of the Month," creative name, ay.
But how it works is as follows: Every month you and everyone else who has a computer, will have the opportunity to submit your answer to the question, "What makes you Smile," to www.LondonKaye.com. From there I will choose the top 4 or 5 answers that I receive. I will be considering many things when it comes to the top answers, but most importantly: Creativity.
Once the finalists have been selected, you will be able to vote for your favorite answer right on the home page of the website! Voting is open for 15 days and then the winner is announced. The winner's answer is made into a shirt and if you are the one who submitted the answer selected, you get a free shirt! If not, they are available to purchase for $15.00. Each month the winning shirt will be completely different - none of this boring t-shirt stuff going on.
I have selected an answer for the August 2010 shirt.
The shirts are currently being silk screened, and I would show the design right now, but I want to save it...IT IS THAT AWESOME! Because the answer is relating to the oil spill that finally has ended in the Gulf of Mexico, with every shirt that is purchased, a donation will be made to the National Wildlife Federation. So now we are not only spreading happiness, but we are doing good :)
On Saturday the shirts should be ready and up online. So, stay tuned for the awesome-ness that is about to come! (That's what she said) Also, you will be able to submit your answer for the Shirt of the Month contest from September 1st - September 15th...so put your thinking caps on and start brainstorming!
SO, I am adding products for both men and woman and I am very excited about it! Let me explain.
This whole project is about spreading happiness. Spreading your happiness, my happiness, and ultimately the worlds happiness. To do that, I have decided that I will be making a "Shirt of the Month," declaring what makes people smile. "Shirt of the Month," creative name, ay.
But how it works is as follows: Every month you and everyone else who has a computer, will have the opportunity to submit your answer to the question, "What makes you Smile," to www.LondonKaye.com. From there I will choose the top 4 or 5 answers that I receive. I will be considering many things when it comes to the top answers, but most importantly: Creativity.
Once the finalists have been selected, you will be able to vote for your favorite answer right on the home page of the website! Voting is open for 15 days and then the winner is announced. The winner's answer is made into a shirt and if you are the one who submitted the answer selected, you get a free shirt! If not, they are available to purchase for $15.00. Each month the winning shirt will be completely different - none of this boring t-shirt stuff going on.
I have selected an answer for the August 2010 shirt.
The shirts are currently being silk screened, and I would show the design right now, but I want to save it...IT IS THAT AWESOME! Because the answer is relating to the oil spill that finally has ended in the Gulf of Mexico, with every shirt that is purchased, a donation will be made to the National Wildlife Federation. So now we are not only spreading happiness, but we are doing good :)
On Saturday the shirts should be ready and up online. So, stay tuned for the awesome-ness that is about to come! (That's what she said) Also, you will be able to submit your answer for the Shirt of the Month contest from September 1st - September 15th...so put your thinking caps on and start brainstorming!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Lovin' the music!
Being stuck in traffic in CA is becoming a little too comfortable. My car has no ipod hook up - so 2008 - and therefore I listen to a lot of radio. These are my top picks.
I had never heard this song before yesterday. It just brought a smile to my face. I am a softy when it comes to adorable songs about love.
That is all for now. I am going to make a real post, about something pertinent, later today.
I had never heard this song before yesterday. It just brought a smile to my face. I am a softy when it comes to adorable songs about love.
That is all for now. I am going to make a real post, about something pertinent, later today.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
PEPSI REFRESH SUCCESS!!
So I have officially submitted my application for the Pepsi Refresh Project! At 9:00PM on July 31st in California, it was 12:00AM on August 1st in NYC. I was ready to press submit the moment the clock changed. To make sure that I had the exact right time, I had the official time keeper of the internet counting down the seconds in the other tab of my browser. There was a moment when Pepsi's website freaked out, therefore I freaked out and thought that I had missed my chance again. But before I knew it, there was an email in my inbox saying, CONGRATULATIONS! My proposal will be open for voting on September 1st. Until then, I wait. Great.
In case you have missed it, here is the video that I supplemented my application with. It sounds like this is a college app, but no, it is not.
I am very excited to see how this works out. $50,000 would be amazing. So I will be figuring out ways to promote my idea and get the max amount of votes that I can. If I had a plane and a pilots license, I would draw in the sky, Vote for London! That would be sweet.
In case you have missed it, here is the video that I supplemented my application with. It sounds like this is a college app, but no, it is not.
I am very excited to see how this works out. $50,000 would be amazing. So I will be figuring out ways to promote my idea and get the max amount of votes that I can. If I had a plane and a pilots license, I would draw in the sky, Vote for London! That would be sweet.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Rough Day
It is only the afternoon, however today has been rough.
Series of Events #1
I took a ballet class this morning. It was my 3rd time going this week, and I came prepared with a Smile Shirt to give to a celeb that takes the class. When I walk in, it is not the same teacher, and the celeb, Emmy Rossum, was not there either!! Obviously I did not walk out of the class, I took it, in socks, because my ballet shoes got lost somewhere between NY and London. The teacher was old and was not cool with my sock idea. I was "scolded" and told not to return until I have the proper shoes. I was also given a harsh talking to about the way I dance and how it is too stylized. That was the first series of events.
Series of Events #2
I hit a Lamborghini in a parking lot. It was one of those oober nice ones with the glass case covering the engine. It was backing out and I did not see it. BAD LONDON. The damage: a collection of scratches on the right lower quadrant aka bumper. Because the damage was not too bad, I thought that the owner may be ok? Possibly buff it out himself? I WAS WRONG. He just yelled at me in the middle of a Malibu parking lot. He looked a lot like this.
I knew it was my fault so I held myself together, and just let him do his thing.
This has been my day so far. It started at 7:45AM when I left for ballet and now it is 3:45PM and I am exhausted.
I wonder why things happen this way. I try my best to think positive and do the right thing, but why Mother Nature, why!? Maybe things are not going my way because I am praying to Mother Nature :)
Series of Events #1
I took a ballet class this morning. It was my 3rd time going this week, and I came prepared with a Smile Shirt to give to a celeb that takes the class. When I walk in, it is not the same teacher, and the celeb, Emmy Rossum, was not there either!! Obviously I did not walk out of the class, I took it, in socks, because my ballet shoes got lost somewhere between NY and London. The teacher was old and was not cool with my sock idea. I was "scolded" and told not to return until I have the proper shoes. I was also given a harsh talking to about the way I dance and how it is too stylized. That was the first series of events.
Series of Events #2
I hit a Lamborghini in a parking lot. It was one of those oober nice ones with the glass case covering the engine. It was backing out and I did not see it. BAD LONDON. The damage: a collection of scratches on the right lower quadrant aka bumper. Because the damage was not too bad, I thought that the owner may be ok? Possibly buff it out himself? I WAS WRONG. He just yelled at me in the middle of a Malibu parking lot. He looked a lot like this.
I knew it was my fault so I held myself together, and just let him do his thing.
This has been my day so far. It started at 7:45AM when I left for ballet and now it is 3:45PM and I am exhausted.
I wonder why things happen this way. I try my best to think positive and do the right thing, but why Mother Nature, why!? Maybe things are not going my way because I am praying to Mother Nature :)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Epiphany of 2010
My Smile Project now goes full circle, like a good episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
It all started coming together last week when I met Sandra Day O'Conner. She is currently trying to make teaching the Declaration of Independence a vital part of the education system. She believes everyone in the US should know their rights. Before meeting her, I of course review the D of I, and I soon come to the oh so famous line, "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..." It actually states that we have the right to Pursue Happiness. A light bulb appears above my head. I think -
I am currently executing my constitutional right to pursue happiness.
I like the way it rolls off the tongue. I am pursuing happiness. I would think more people would choose this wonderful opportunity given to all Americans. Is the line overlooked because people are too chicken to pursue their own personal happiness? Or is it because we do not know what our happiness is, therefore making things a bit trickier?
Personally, I have had a difficult time discovering what it is that makes me smile, brings me happiness, and fills me with joy. People ask me all of the time - when I am in spreading smile mode of course - and thus far, I have given the ever so wonderful, yet cheesy answer: What makes me smile is seeing other people smile. Over six months of investigating everything worth smiling in world, and I still had not discovered my true happiness. The happiness that I should be pursuing!!! Until now. I had an epiphany. I think it may have been my first real epiphany.
Epiphany {n} - a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something.
It is so simple, what makes me smile is creating. And to be more specific, creating innovative clothing. It always, without fail, will put a smile on my face!! :) Taking something mundane and turning it into something awesome, is my middle name.
So how does this all tie together?
I am expanding my online store and selling the clothes I make. So far I have successfully made 12 t-shirts! I created my own silk screen...
Then tie-dyed the shirts after I printed the smile logo on them...
I forgot to wear gloves when I washed the shirt out in the sink. I sill have purple hands.
I have already taken them into stores in Santa Monica, and have gotten a great response from store owners. I am making another batch of shirts today with a different design and more vibrant colors. I will be adding the t-shirts to my online store ASAP. ASAP for me is tomorrow. I still must take photos and do a little html updating. www.londonkaye.com
I am now doing what I love, and hopefully will be able to generate an income that allows me to continue to travel and expand my business. With every blog post everything continues to develop and change. I can understand if it all seems up in the air, but I am a water sign, so yeah.
It all started coming together last week when I met Sandra Day O'Conner. She is currently trying to make teaching the Declaration of Independence a vital part of the education system. She believes everyone in the US should know their rights. Before meeting her, I of course review the D of I, and I soon come to the oh so famous line, "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..." It actually states that we have the right to Pursue Happiness. A light bulb appears above my head. I think -
I am currently executing my constitutional right to pursue happiness.
I like the way it rolls off the tongue. I am pursuing happiness. I would think more people would choose this wonderful opportunity given to all Americans. Is the line overlooked because people are too chicken to pursue their own personal happiness? Or is it because we do not know what our happiness is, therefore making things a bit trickier?
Personally, I have had a difficult time discovering what it is that makes me smile, brings me happiness, and fills me with joy. People ask me all of the time - when I am in spreading smile mode of course - and thus far, I have given the ever so wonderful, yet cheesy answer: What makes me smile is seeing other people smile. Over six months of investigating everything worth smiling in world, and I still had not discovered my true happiness. The happiness that I should be pursuing!!! Until now. I had an epiphany. I think it may have been my first real epiphany.
Epiphany {n} - a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something.
It is so simple, what makes me smile is creating. And to be more specific, creating innovative clothing. It always, without fail, will put a smile on my face!! :) Taking something mundane and turning it into something awesome, is my middle name.
So how does this all tie together?
I am expanding my online store and selling the clothes I make. So far I have successfully made 12 t-shirts! I created my own silk screen...
Then tie-dyed the shirts after I printed the smile logo on them...
I forgot to wear gloves when I washed the shirt out in the sink. I sill have purple hands.
I have already taken them into stores in Santa Monica, and have gotten a great response from store owners. I am making another batch of shirts today with a different design and more vibrant colors. I will be adding the t-shirts to my online store ASAP. ASAP for me is tomorrow. I still must take photos and do a little html updating. www.londonkaye.com
I am now doing what I love, and hopefully will be able to generate an income that allows me to continue to travel and expand my business. With every blog post everything continues to develop and change. I can understand if it all seems up in the air, but I am a water sign, so yeah.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Today's Mission: Make a Silk Screen
This is the tutorial I am using to fo-silk screen shirts.
http://community.livejournal.com/craftgrrl/3674467.html
I have read through it now a few times, and I believe that it is going to work. This post is short, but I am just excited to get a move on the silk screen process. This will be clutch if it works!
http://community.livejournal.com/craftgrrl/3674467.html
I have read through it now a few times, and I believe that it is going to work. This post is short, but I am just excited to get a move on the silk screen process. This will be clutch if it works!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
American Apparel Outlet. Downtown, LA
Legalize Immigration is American Apparel's tag line. I went to the warehouse today in Downtown, LA. Right when we arrive there was a swarm of workers flooding out of the front door. I overheard someone saying that there are over 5,000 employees that work there daily. The president of the happening hipster company has gotten press for being an activist when it comes to legalizing immigration. It just makes me wonder how a corporation as large as American Apparel can get away with hiring illegal immigrants. Not saying he does, just stating my observation.
I was at the warehouse today because I am in the process of growing my online store. I will be making up my first batch of t-shirts to sell, and I am hoping things will keep on moving quickly and in the right direction. I got 36 shirts total, and I am going to attempt to make an at home silk screen. At this very moment it seems like my best option. Tomorrow things could change. In addition to my shirt order, I got one white leotard. Something that I have always wanted to dabble in, is leotard design. I know that may sound odd, but odd can be good. The leotard I got today, I will be taking and making into my own personal creation. We will see how it goes. I will make sure to post a picture when it is done.
I was at the warehouse today because I am in the process of growing my online store. I will be making up my first batch of t-shirts to sell, and I am hoping things will keep on moving quickly and in the right direction. I got 36 shirts total, and I am going to attempt to make an at home silk screen. At this very moment it seems like my best option. Tomorrow things could change. In addition to my shirt order, I got one white leotard. Something that I have always wanted to dabble in, is leotard design. I know that may sound odd, but odd can be good. The leotard I got today, I will be taking and making into my own personal creation. We will see how it goes. I will make sure to post a picture when it is done.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
New Happiness is Happening
The man in the video is the first person I interviewed in London, therefore making him the first interview out of America.
I spent time looking for the perfect person to approach for filming. When I finally built up the courage to make the initial introduction I had a rough time. And the fact that he was no easy target made it even more rocky. This dude had sass. But looking back on it, I am glad I had to work to get this interview, it made my skin thicken up pretty quick.
2 things happened during the past week that are worth mentioning!
Number 1: What Makes You Smile got its first celebrity! Drum Roll Please...
Sandra Day O'Conner, the first female Justice of the Supreme Court. She is no Kim Kardashian (that is sarcasm, sometimes I do not know if it reads) but it is pretty cool!
Number 2: There was an article written about The Smile Project! It is on a blog that takes things that happen in NYC and share it with people in Peru. The blog is attached to the number one newspaper - El Comercio
http://blogs.elcomercio.pe/manhattanmental/
You can read the article. If you speak espanol. I used google traslator to read it, but things did not seem 100% right. For one thing, I am not 24, I am 21. I think the google may have taken some creative liberties. Any press is good press, especially international press, so I am thrilled.
Monday, July 19, 2010
A short graphic novel: Smile and say, Random!
I have been in CA for a month now...I thought I would be here for only a few weeks, but because I am not one who plans, shoot, fire, aim, things are working out differently then I had anticipated. I am spending July 2010 soaking up the California sun, and as you may know by now, vending on the Venice Boardwalk. It began a little rocky. It is tough to sell your idea in a hot second. But now that I have some practice, I am making "smiles" of progress...
But before the Venice update, I have made big changes in the website department. It is something that I have wanted to do for a long time, but I always assumed that it took years of learning and studying or lots of moola before you could build your own site. I was wrong. I used a free online service called "Weebly." I takes time. A lot of time. But it was for sure worth it.
See what I am talking about: www.LondonKaye.com
In the online Store, I sell Smile Bands. They are stretchy bands that you can wear around your wrist, as a headband, or in a million different ways. They come in all colors of the rainbow!
And now, back to Venice. Smile Bands are what I have been selling on the boardwalk. And when I say selling, I mean, giving away for free. It did not start that way, but I was not feeling the whole, making people pay idea. That is not what this is about. It is such a blast giving something to people because they shared some happiness. It is a win-win situation when it comes to fun. But when it comes to making a profit, it is not so win-win. BUT, that is alright. I am in the process of growing my online store. It is going to feature some SWEET items, so stay tuned for that one. But back to the beach.
I have learned so much on the Venice Boardwalk. People come in waves. It is crazy how much it helps to have just one person stop and talk to me. They do not even have to participate in the project, just by having someone stand by my table will attract 3, 5, 15 people. People like other people. I have decided to post my top 5 favorite photos from my weekend on the Boardwalk. I took over 400, so picking a top 5 is a challenge. Here are the Cream of the Crop.
#5
#4
#3
#2
#1
It is hard to pick my favorite. But I did. There is one more photo - let's call it, most talented non-finalist. I love everything about it! I am not a Rob Pattinson fan, however, I am a fan of this photo!
To sum it up, I have had a great time spreading happiness on the boardwalk. My next stop is, half way between here and tomorrow. I do not know where I am headed next, but I will figure it out. Until then, I will be continuing to make progress in areas that require a home and not a passport. I sure do miss getting my passport stamped.
One thing that will always make me smile, is getting a new stamp in my passport.
I just came up with that one. There will be a new Dose of Happiness and blog update tomorrow. I am back baby!
www.LondonKaye.com
But before the Venice update, I have made big changes in the website department. It is something that I have wanted to do for a long time, but I always assumed that it took years of learning and studying or lots of moola before you could build your own site. I was wrong. I used a free online service called "Weebly." I takes time. A lot of time. But it was for sure worth it.
See what I am talking about: www.LondonKaye.com
In the online Store, I sell Smile Bands. They are stretchy bands that you can wear around your wrist, as a headband, or in a million different ways. They come in all colors of the rainbow!
And now, back to Venice. Smile Bands are what I have been selling on the boardwalk. And when I say selling, I mean, giving away for free. It did not start that way, but I was not feeling the whole, making people pay idea. That is not what this is about. It is such a blast giving something to people because they shared some happiness. It is a win-win situation when it comes to fun. But when it comes to making a profit, it is not so win-win. BUT, that is alright. I am in the process of growing my online store. It is going to feature some SWEET items, so stay tuned for that one. But back to the beach.
I have learned so much on the Venice Boardwalk. People come in waves. It is crazy how much it helps to have just one person stop and talk to me. They do not even have to participate in the project, just by having someone stand by my table will attract 3, 5, 15 people. People like other people. I have decided to post my top 5 favorite photos from my weekend on the Boardwalk. I took over 400, so picking a top 5 is a challenge. Here are the Cream of the Crop.
#5
#4
#3
#2
#1
It is hard to pick my favorite. But I did. There is one more photo - let's call it, most talented non-finalist. I love everything about it! I am not a Rob Pattinson fan, however, I am a fan of this photo!
To sum it up, I have had a great time spreading happiness on the boardwalk. My next stop is, half way between here and tomorrow. I do not know where I am headed next, but I will figure it out. Until then, I will be continuing to make progress in areas that require a home and not a passport. I sure do miss getting my passport stamped.
One thing that will always make me smile, is getting a new stamp in my passport.
I just came up with that one. There will be a new Dose of Happiness and blog update tomorrow. I am back baby!
www.LondonKaye.com
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Pepsi Refresh Roundup
As I have mentioned a few times on this blog, I have been working on an application for the Pepsi Refresh Project. You could begin submitting applications last night at Midnight Eastern Time, and I had mine ready to go!
It was 9:01 in CA and I pressed submit and boom - a message popped up onto my screen: We are full. You can save your application and enter next month. I found a phone number on the website and called, they were closed. So this morning I woke up and immediately dialed the number again. They told me that it was no computer glitch, but in fact, the Pepsi Refresh Project fills up within the first 30 seconds. Who Knew!?! Not Me.
I put a lot of work into my application because winning a $50,000 grant to continue my Smile Project would be incredible. I have always liked to test my luck, it is fun. So I am going to submit my Pepsi Refresh Project to this blog. You never know who may stumble upon the post...
Here it is - London O'Donnell's Pepsi Refresh Project Application:
July 1, 2010.
Describe your Project Plan -
Smile: I'm positive you'll love this! I am creating an online network that focus' on what makes people smile. I began this project during my senior year at NYU to prove that our generation and the world in general is far more positive than the media portrays. Since my graduation in May, I started traveling the world creating smile videos that show young people everywhere loving life. Now I need your help to keep spreading the happiness. I am going to cities across the USA broadcasting everything there is to smile about. The time is now because the 24/7 mainstream media provides us with an overwhelming amount of American negativity, and I am positive that people are far more happy than we are being led to believe, and perception becomes reality. I am making change by building a network of entertaining people and content that makes people smile! It is time for the next generation to show that we are positive about the future. Just because the stock market is down, doesn't mean we are.
*There is a 1,000 character limit, I used 997.
You can make a video if you so choose...and of course, I choose.
As you can see from the video above, I am in need of better equipment. Which brings me to the budget and the other aspects of the application that I am not posting to the blog.
Pepsi missed out on this one. But you didn't - If you are looking to invest in a winner of an idea - EMAIL ME! SmileSponsor@gmail.com
It was 9:01 in CA and I pressed submit and boom - a message popped up onto my screen: We are full. You can save your application and enter next month. I found a phone number on the website and called, they were closed. So this morning I woke up and immediately dialed the number again. They told me that it was no computer glitch, but in fact, the Pepsi Refresh Project fills up within the first 30 seconds. Who Knew!?! Not Me.
I put a lot of work into my application because winning a $50,000 grant to continue my Smile Project would be incredible. I have always liked to test my luck, it is fun. So I am going to submit my Pepsi Refresh Project to this blog. You never know who may stumble upon the post...
Here it is - London O'Donnell's Pepsi Refresh Project Application:
July 1, 2010.
Describe your Project Plan -
Smile: I'm positive you'll love this! I am creating an online network that focus' on what makes people smile. I began this project during my senior year at NYU to prove that our generation and the world in general is far more positive than the media portrays. Since my graduation in May, I started traveling the world creating smile videos that show young people everywhere loving life. Now I need your help to keep spreading the happiness. I am going to cities across the USA broadcasting everything there is to smile about. The time is now because the 24/7 mainstream media provides us with an overwhelming amount of American negativity, and I am positive that people are far more happy than we are being led to believe, and perception becomes reality. I am making change by building a network of entertaining people and content that makes people smile! It is time for the next generation to show that we are positive about the future. Just because the stock market is down, doesn't mean we are.
*There is a 1,000 character limit, I used 997.
You can make a video if you so choose...and of course, I choose.
As you can see from the video above, I am in need of better equipment. Which brings me to the budget and the other aspects of the application that I am not posting to the blog.
Pepsi missed out on this one. But you didn't - If you are looking to invest in a winner of an idea - EMAIL ME! SmileSponsor@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
10 Smile Facts
1. When someone smiles in is universally known as an expression of happiness which is recognized by almost all cultures.
2. When a person studies laughter they are known as a ‘gelotologist’.
3. There are over 18 different types of smiles that are used in a variety of social situations.
4. A smile uses 26 muscles, a frown uses 62.
5. A smile is one of the most used human facial expressions.
6. Smiling releases endorphins and makes us feel better, even when you fake a smile you can feel better.
7. Women smile more often than men.
8. We are born with the ability to smile, it is not something that we copy. For instance, even blind babies are able to smile.
9. Humans are able to differentiate between a real smile and a fake smile by seeing the difference in a persons eyes when they smile.
10. Newborns tend to have more preference for a person with a smile then a person that is not smiling.
So Smile!
**I submit my idea for the Pepsi Refresh Project tonight at Midnight!
2. When a person studies laughter they are known as a ‘gelotologist’.
3. There are over 18 different types of smiles that are used in a variety of social situations.
4. A smile uses 26 muscles, a frown uses 62.
5. A smile is one of the most used human facial expressions.
6. Smiling releases endorphins and makes us feel better, even when you fake a smile you can feel better.
7. Women smile more often than men.
8. We are born with the ability to smile, it is not something that we copy. For instance, even blind babies are able to smile.
9. Humans are able to differentiate between a real smile and a fake smile by seeing the difference in a persons eyes when they smile.
10. Newborns tend to have more preference for a person with a smile then a person that is not smiling.
So Smile!
**I submit my idea for the Pepsi Refresh Project tonight at Midnight!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunburnt to the MAX
I do not burn easily, so I was a little surprised when I discovered my back being a bright red color yesterday evening. The sunburn is because of the 2 full days that I spent working on the Venice Boardwalk.
My booth is up and running, and things are going really well! It is fun being out there during the day, meeting new people and seeing all of the crazy shenanigans that happen constantly.
People are liking the free portion of the booth - where you can write "what makes you smile" on a white board and then a photo is taken and uploaded to facebook. It is kind of hard to keep this PG-13, or even R, when you're dealing with people on the boardwalk...but I try my best to encourage lighthearted answers. A TON of people begin by writing EDC (it is stands for the Electric Daisy Carnival - you leave there loving colors, and my booth looks like a rainbow and skittles had a baby so it makes sense that it attracts people with that "passion?") Luckily, they usually erase it after thinking about the question a little longer, and in my head I say, "Thank You Child." Here are a few photos from this weekend.
Please note the baby on his shoulders.
The smile bands that I am selling are also getting a good response which is unexpected and awesome! I am wearing the colored bands around my wrist and as a headband - I do not look too happy in this photo, but it shows what I am selling.
I will be back out on the boardwalk staring on Wednesday. I need to get some sort of tent type of cover though to block out the sun. Costco perhaps?
My booth is up and running, and things are going really well! It is fun being out there during the day, meeting new people and seeing all of the crazy shenanigans that happen constantly.
People are liking the free portion of the booth - where you can write "what makes you smile" on a white board and then a photo is taken and uploaded to facebook. It is kind of hard to keep this PG-13, or even R, when you're dealing with people on the boardwalk...but I try my best to encourage lighthearted answers. A TON of people begin by writing EDC (it is stands for the Electric Daisy Carnival - you leave there loving colors, and my booth looks like a rainbow and skittles had a baby so it makes sense that it attracts people with that "passion?") Luckily, they usually erase it after thinking about the question a little longer, and in my head I say, "Thank You Child." Here are a few photos from this weekend.
Please note the baby on his shoulders.
The smile bands that I am selling are also getting a good response which is unexpected and awesome! I am wearing the colored bands around my wrist and as a headband - I do not look too happy in this photo, but it shows what I am selling.
I will be back out on the boardwalk staring on Wednesday. I need to get some sort of tent type of cover though to block out the sun. Costco perhaps?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
iphone 4
I love everything apple. So naturally, this morning I woke up at 4:30AM to get in line at the mac store and get the new iphone 4. I currently own the 1st generation silver back, and it is now time for an UPGRADE.
The people that were waiting in line were techies...business professionals, all worried about having to call in late to work, stating the excuse, "I am in line for a phone."
The line was gadget-ed out. My go to app: Solitaire.
I played more solitaire this morning than I ever have.
I was hoping I would get some good footage for my smile project, but no. People there had a one track mind and were not into the happiness. One guy agreed to participate...
In the end, the line was going to take all day. I had other business to attend to, so I am going to go back sometime soon - like right after I post this.
The people that were waiting in line were techies...business professionals, all worried about having to call in late to work, stating the excuse, "I am in line for a phone."
The line was gadget-ed out. My go to app: Solitaire.
I played more solitaire this morning than I ever have.
I was hoping I would get some good footage for my smile project, but no. People there had a one track mind and were not into the happiness. One guy agreed to participate...
In the end, the line was going to take all day. I had other business to attend to, so I am going to go back sometime soon - like right after I post this.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Two thumbs up!
I saw Toy Story 3 last night because it had a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I could not have been more thrilled with the 3-D spectacular. It did not need to be in 3-D, regular movie style would suffice, but nonetheless, they went there. The pixar short that comes before the actual film is in itself enough to go see Toy Story. It is called Day and Night, and is insanely cool. The story line I give a B+, but the animation and theory and concept behind it all, is what makes it so amazing.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Venice Beach is a melting pot
Yes, Venice Beach is a melting pot. It is literally hot and there is pot. If you have not been, it is a circus-like boardwalk that is filled with performers, artists, vendors, and everything else you can dream up.
I got approved to be able to promote my Smile Project on the boardwalk. Because there are about 300 vendors and 100 spots, they use a lottery system on Tuesday mornings where they pick the winners for the week. Two raffles are done, I entered into both: The first one, and the more desirable win, WEEKEND spots- and I got one. I-42, it is between American Apparel and the Kush Doctor. I say, well done. The second drawing, I did not get chosen for. It is the WEEKDAY spots, but I found out that a lot of people do not go on the weekdays, and as long as I have a permit, it is cool to set up on any empty spot. So that is good news!
I will be asking people on the boardwalk the same simple question, "What is the one thing that will always make you smile?"
And, of course because you have to sell something...I will be selling very simple smile bands. Originally I made one for myself and a few friends on a whim, as non-complain bracelets. It was in an effort to recognize the amount of complaining that we did on a daily basis. It is more than you would think. Every time you catch yourself complaining, you switch your non-complain bracelet to your other arm. It works and I highly recommend it. But back to business. I liked how it looked so I now always wear it, sans complain methodology behind it. They are fast, wearable, colorful, and simple to make. Perfect! I am going to promote them as smile bands and use them with an opposite underlying premise. Whenever you find yourself smiling, you switch the wrist the band is on. I think it will make people recognize all of the happiness that fills their days - that usually goes unnoticed and unappreciated.
Pictures coming soon...
I will also be trying out an interesting promotional tactic. It requires a story, so I hope you enjoy.
When I was in NY last week, I went to a Jordin Sparks concert, yes a Jordin Sparks concert. I knew two of her songs and the tickets were free. She went on two hours late. Who does she think she is, Kelly Clarkson! Nonetheless, there was a silver lining to the concert. Besides for the great company, there was a feisty little booth set up promoting the slogan - "Texting Kills." We held up Mike and Ikes and they snapped a photo. Everyone who stepped one foot into the venue was immediately taken into the booth. After you took the picture, they handed you a card that said the picture would be uploaded onto facebook the next day. Then came the kicker, "You can tag yourself." PEOPLE WENT WILD FOR THIS. Mike and Ikes, Jordin Sparks, and death by texting...thrilling combination, right.
But of course, I am now tagged in my picture from that night.
So I am going to try this out. In addition to recording video, I am going to take pictures of the people that enter my booth. I am going to upload them to Facebook in order to increase the amount of people "liking" the Sponsor a Smile Facebook page. In the photo, people will hold up a white board declaring what makes them smile.
My first official day is Saturday the 26th and that gives me about a week of practice before the busiest weekend of the year on the Venice Boardwalk. It is the 4th of July, Americas B-day, Independence day, Happy Birthday good ol' red white and blue. So I have one week of boardwalk prep, and then it is off to the races...
I got approved to be able to promote my Smile Project on the boardwalk. Because there are about 300 vendors and 100 spots, they use a lottery system on Tuesday mornings where they pick the winners for the week. Two raffles are done, I entered into both: The first one, and the more desirable win, WEEKEND spots- and I got one. I-42, it is between American Apparel and the Kush Doctor. I say, well done. The second drawing, I did not get chosen for. It is the WEEKDAY spots, but I found out that a lot of people do not go on the weekdays, and as long as I have a permit, it is cool to set up on any empty spot. So that is good news!
I will be asking people on the boardwalk the same simple question, "What is the one thing that will always make you smile?"
And, of course because you have to sell something...I will be selling very simple smile bands. Originally I made one for myself and a few friends on a whim, as non-complain bracelets. It was in an effort to recognize the amount of complaining that we did on a daily basis. It is more than you would think. Every time you catch yourself complaining, you switch your non-complain bracelet to your other arm. It works and I highly recommend it. But back to business. I liked how it looked so I now always wear it, sans complain methodology behind it. They are fast, wearable, colorful, and simple to make. Perfect! I am going to promote them as smile bands and use them with an opposite underlying premise. Whenever you find yourself smiling, you switch the wrist the band is on. I think it will make people recognize all of the happiness that fills their days - that usually goes unnoticed and unappreciated.
Pictures coming soon...
I will also be trying out an interesting promotional tactic. It requires a story, so I hope you enjoy.
When I was in NY last week, I went to a Jordin Sparks concert, yes a Jordin Sparks concert. I knew two of her songs and the tickets were free. She went on two hours late. Who does she think she is, Kelly Clarkson! Nonetheless, there was a silver lining to the concert. Besides for the great company, there was a feisty little booth set up promoting the slogan - "Texting Kills." We held up Mike and Ikes and they snapped a photo. Everyone who stepped one foot into the venue was immediately taken into the booth. After you took the picture, they handed you a card that said the picture would be uploaded onto facebook the next day. Then came the kicker, "You can tag yourself." PEOPLE WENT WILD FOR THIS. Mike and Ikes, Jordin Sparks, and death by texting...thrilling combination, right.
But of course, I am now tagged in my picture from that night.
So I am going to try this out. In addition to recording video, I am going to take pictures of the people that enter my booth. I am going to upload them to Facebook in order to increase the amount of people "liking" the Sponsor a Smile Facebook page. In the photo, people will hold up a white board declaring what makes them smile.
My first official day is Saturday the 26th and that gives me about a week of practice before the busiest weekend of the year on the Venice Boardwalk. It is the 4th of July, Americas B-day, Independence day, Happy Birthday good ol' red white and blue. So I have one week of boardwalk prep, and then it is off to the races...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)