As Seen On: IT Training Tips-- "How to Google like a Pro"

I would assume almost everyone reading this knows how to "Google," but can you use Google to search like a Google pro? Today I'm going to share a few googling tips that will change the way you search, optimize what you find, and maximize the usability you get from the content you searched for. You can thank me later, because I'm totally going to save your day.

As Seen On: IT Training Tips-- "3 uses for your old Flash Drives"

It's the dawn of "The Cloud," and you don't want to be stuck behind in the stone age using crazy things called flash drives! But what do you do with all of those memory sticks you have laying around at home? Today I've got some awesome tips for just that!

As Seen On: IT Training Tips-- "How to organize your files"

I’m sure this isn't going to be the most advanced tip you have ever came across, but this new way of organization changed the way I manage my files. Today I’m going to show you how you can Photoshop, paint, PowerPoint, or whatever your favorite software is for creating simple block graphics in order to make your very own custom background.

As Seen On: IT Training Tips-- "QR Codes: A guide for beginners"

I work for IT Training as a Social Media Marketer. Check out this post I did on their blog at ittrainingtips.iu.edu.

As Seen On: IT Training Tips-- "The best way to save your images"

I work for IT Training as a Social Media Marketer. Check out this post I did on their blog at ittrainingtips.iu.edu.

As Seen On: WeAreIU-- "How to turn any room into a productive office"

Hey all!
I have another wonderful post for you :) This little something was written over at WeAreIU.com! I hope you like it, and if you do--don't forget to share this article with your friends.

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Hey Hoosiers!
Now that we're all off on our own getting ourselves up and in action is sometimes hard to do alone. These next couple steps can hopefully get you back in the grove of being productive without your parents nagging over your shoulder. Whether you are in an apartment or stuck at the dorms, these steps can really help anyone get their rear in gear... just in time for finals!

Define your work space

It can be really hard not to just work in your PJs while lounging in bed 24/7. I know I was on the struggle bus my freshman year especially! Defining your workspace just means treating your desk as an office. Even though no one is holding your accountable try setting time frames in which you must be "at work." This helps me make sure I get the proper studying done every day. And if you become an expert at that, bump it up a notch, try defining how you LOOK at your workspace--this will prepare you mentally for a day in the office.

Hang shelves/utilize them wisely

Getting things off your desk means clutter cannot distract you! Everything needs a home in your new defined workspace so hang shelves, utilize plastic organizers, and put everything where it goes. I've hear of people using shoe racks to hold their printers and papers proving you can't be too creative when it comes to organization.

Create a mood board

This means creating a real life Pinterest board--fill your wall by your desk with pictures of things you like, stuff that inspires you, or motivational quotes. Whatever gets you excited to work and pumped to use your desk is best!

Avoid distractions

Facebook, Twitter, Texting, Email! All of these things can jump in the way of you getting an important project done. What I like to do in order to avoid being distracted by these spiraling time wasters is set a time limit/routine and stick to it. For example, if I know a project is going to take two hours I start by spending 5 minutes checking those distractions and making myself at ease (and not feeling like I need to be on them while I work). Then every half hour I check them again for another 5 minutes. Having a set timer is a perfect way to make sure your actual work still gets done without shutting out all social media!

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As seen on: WeAreIU-- "How to stay safe on campus"

Good afternoon--

Check out what I did over on WeAreIU.com. I have been writing for them a little over a year now, and I absolutely love doing so. I enjoy sharing my experiences about college for all current and prospective students to read. If you like this article, don't forget to check out my profile and read everything else that I've written for WeAreIU.

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Hey Hoosiers!

Bloomington is by no means a terrible or scary place to be. It's full of wonderful buildings and too many gorgeous trees. But, everyone should always know how to play it safe and understand what to do in a situation if it goes south. Statistically speaking, 1 out of every 5 women will be sexually assaulted on their campus every year. That's a really scary number to think about. Today I want to talk to you about the Do's and Don'ts to keep you safe on campus.

Do: Always know where you are. IU is a big and winding campus. It's set up beautifully in a way that looks like a park; but often times, if you aren't 100% sure of the campus it can be pretty easy to get lost. Before you head out always know where you are going--bring a map if you aren't absolutely sure and always have your phone charged and in hand in case of an emergency. If there is ever a time that you are lost, scared, or just want a safe and comfortable ride home, contact the IU Safety Escort. This is a service that you have already paid for with your transportation fees, so definitely take advantage of it!

Do: Travel with a friend. Whenever you have the opportunity, go places with someone that you know. What I like to do is check to see if my friends want to come along--if I'm going to the library, maybe they want to come to! Traveling together makes you less of a target and keeps both you and your friend safe! If there is a time when you don't have anyone to walk with take a bus, call a taxi, or walk on well populated and busy streets.

Don't: Be careless. The simplest thing I can ever tell you about being safe on campus is to use common sense. By no means was my intention of the article to scare you, yet these situations happen and everyone needs to be prepared. Always know your surrounds, stay with someone you know, and use you head when out and about on campus. These do's and don'ts can be applied to life anywhere in the world--the only thing you need to remember is don't be careless.

If you want to read even more great tips and tricks about being safe on campus read  We're All Consenting Adults Here and Playing it Safe at IU! And don't forget to follow the entire "Protect IU Crew" on Twitter for some more safety tips!

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As Seen On: The New Blak-- "#DanyellsDownload- the Closet+ app"

Hey guys!

I've been missing you.

Here's another post I wrote over on The New Blak blog. Feel free to read and go check them out.

I have a wonderful rest of your lovely day. MUAH!

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Welcome back to another installment of #DanyellsDownload where I talk about the cool techy things that you need to make your life more healthy, beautiful, and all around great. If you need a refresher on what these posts are about then click here.

If you missed last months post about The Hunt app then you're really missing out. Take a moment and go read it now >>> http://www.thenewblak.com/2014/10/danyellsdownload-hunt.html

Today I am going to be discussing the third app in my 'must have' series, and this one's all about FASHION! If you've been an attentive reader for awhile at The New Blak you will have noticed that us girls realllllyyyy love our fashion. Why not make picking the best super cute outfit just a little more easy... and this app can help.

Closet+ is an amazing app that stores your entire closet online. Take a moment and enter in some clothes, add some super helpful images, and then plan plan plan. I love that you can schedule out your outfits for an entire month if you wanted to! This app is definitely handy.

This app is a perfect companion for someone who is planning to travel as well. Log a suitcase full of your clothes into the app and never have to wonder what you'll wear during your week of vaca again. Closet+ also lets you add different closets like one for summer, fall, and winter--that way you never need to keep your sweaters with your tanks, but at any time you can still know exactly what you have in your plethora of amazing articles.

I can think of a million more reasons why everyone needs this app. Its packed full of so many amazing features that you will always be reaching to open the app on your phone before you even open your closet doors. To read more please check out their site!

Thanks for reading! And tune in next month to hear more from me.

Don't forget to comment, share, and follow me on all of my social media sites.

As Seen On: The New Blak-- "#DanyellsDownload -- Pact"

My lovely critters!

I'm here, don't you fret, but a lot of change has been happening in my life-- I LOVE IT! As always, I ask you to please bear with me.

Here's another post that I wrote over on The New Blak. I hope you like it.

Have a fantabulous evening :D

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Hey guys! And welcome to my first installment of #DanyellsDownload. If you need a refresher on what these types of posts will be about click here.

Last month, there were a couple of techy things I was super in to that I really have to share with you! I've been on a fitness kick, so most of my favs this month really pertain to that.

Oh, and don't forget to leave a comment down below, or reach out to me on twitter, if you have more ideas for what I should review in the next #DanyellsDownload.

The Pact

I have been using this app for only about a month now, but I have to say--it's really got me motivated, and it definitely keeps me accountable. If you're the type of person that needs a reason (other than looking good and being healthy) in order to work out, then this app will be perfect for you, too! Plus, who does't want to make money while working out??

Pact forces you to set the stakes and fork out some cash if you don't make your goals. But don't worry, you choose how much dollar pressure you want and how often you plan on working out. You literally make a pact with this app, and they keep you accountable!

Step 1) Make a pact. Set the amount that you will pay other users if you don't reach your goal.

Step 2) Meet your goals. Use the Pact App to track your progress every week.

Step 3) Reap the benefits! Earn cash by living healthy, paid by others who don't.

You can choose to set a workout pact, a food logging pack, and/or a veggie pact. (Personally, I only choose to track my workouts; however, the more you choose to log then the more you will get paid--and the more you can loose.)

Pact is really simple and easy to use, it motivates me a ton, and gives me a community to lean on if I feel like I need some help with my fitness. If you want to check out more about this app--visit their website!

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Don't forget to leave a comment down below letting me know what techy thing I need to download next!

As Seen On: The New Blak-- "3 Ways to Style a Circle Skirt"

Hello again critters!

The launch of TNB has been amazing, If you haven't checked out the site already, you definitely should >>> click here!

I published this post today, and I really wanted to share it. Oh, and don't forget to watch the video that I've linked for you all near the bottom.

Have a good day :)

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Personally, I love this trend! This type of flowy and free skirt looks perfect on just about every body type, and it can come in tons of colors and patterns! I chose to style this plain black one for you all just to show how many different opportunities this skirt can have. It's definitely a staple piece in my wardrobe.

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Summer Casual

This first outfit is a little more casual. Summer clothes need to be airy and bouncy because they keep you cool and comfortable even in the heat. I chose to throw on a bright and floral cropped tank, then swooped on a light weight denim sleeveless shirt.

 

Business Chic

If you want more of a official and dressy vibe then this skirt can be paired with any sort of button down. For an even more put together look, try wearing a skirt made of a different fabric--cotton is often too chill for an office, but maybe you could rock something heavier like pleather.

Sassy Night

Next up, let's try something for that evening life! When I'm out with friends I want to look super flirty and fun. I chose to pair the circle shirt with a lose-fitting crop top. All of the layers bouncy around perfectly when you're getting your groove on on the dance floor.

Check out our video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-VpYqq4xpk

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Which outfit is your favorite?

As Seen On: WeAreIU.com-- "5 Places to Study (besides the library!)"

Hello again critters!

I'm finally back from a long couple of weeks spent studying (aka cramming) and taking horrendous tests. I really appreciate all of you supporting me through my college journey and respecting my time away from the blog.

Before my study break session began I wrote an article for my school's blog, WeAreIU.com, which was published later that week. Check it out and enjoy!!

If you love this please don't forget to comment, subscribe, and share it all over the web!
I love you all! Peace OUT

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Hey Hoosiers!

As finals approach more people are studying than ever before. Oops, I mean, No.. I'm not cramming for these finals.

Okay, okay, we all are doing it. But, now the library is packed, and no matter how many times you shush the dorms are still too loud!! So where else is there to go on campus?

Luckily, we have one of the most beautiful campuses in America with lots of grassy and shaded areas, plus tons of beautiful building with nice desks and tables to sit and do those readings we should have done weeks ago.

1. Your laundry room.

The soothing noise of the clothes spinning can really get me in the vibe to study and focus. Plus, rarely anyone is wanting to hang out in the basement, so hey, you'll have the whole place to yourself.

2. The informatics building.

Of course, this building isn't open all hours of the day. However, you should still consider it as a viable option. They have wonderful couches with bar tables and stools set up along the walls. All of this is just around the corner to the left.

3. The language learning lab in Ballentine.

Did you know there was another lab in Ballentine? I didn't until a couple weeks ago. No more waiting in line at the packed one on the first floor :) Hardly anyone is ever in the other labs!!

4. The arboretum.

Uh, duh! Just duh. If it's a nice day lay out in the sun and enjoy it!

5. Forest's Tree House computer lab.

This dorm's new revamp left them with some awesome rooms upstairs in what they call the Tree House! Check it out and find the computer lab because I know you will make this your new hang out area. And hey, they have a pool table for when you need to take a break from all that studying.

            P.S. To read more about Forest check out this post!

Good luck on your finals!

As Seen On: WeAreIU.com-- "Five Keys on How to Use What You Learned- Looking back & moving forward"

Hello again critters!

I have been doing posts like mad lately, and I really hope I can keep it up! I just did another post for my blog on WeAreIU.com. Check it out and enjoy :D


And please don't for get to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE on both blogs!!!
I love you all! Peace OUT

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Hey Hoosiers!

Welcome to 2014. It's a new year and a new semester. Now's the time to look back on your past year and remember all the good times and make strides toward preventing future bad ones. Everyone is constantly looking back at their year, but I find that far too often, students forget to look back at their semester. Yes, you remember those crazy parties, or that awesome game that got you up on our feet. But, what can you change to make this semester even better class wise? Were you organized enough? Did you study enough? These and many more are all questions that should go through your head to make this next semester even better!

Today, we will discuss a list of questions that you should ask yourself after every semester in order to make the next one more successful.

1. Did I study enough?

They all say that you should study 3 hours per class hour, and WOWZAH that's a lot. Personally, as much as I try I cannot accomplish that. However, there's still a solution to passing those classes: schedule in that study time. By making it a routine to spend one hour here and one hour there to study can make you turn it into a date, an appointment, and a time in your calendar that you cannot miss. Doing this will surely get you ahead in those classes, organized a bit more, and in a better place in order to pass every class.

2. Was I organized?

Usually as soon as you think of the word organized you know how you stand. If you are unorganized their are plenty of ways to turn that around. My solution? Binders! At the beginning of the semester print out every syllabus (having that online version is not the same) and put them in their own binder with a monthly calendar where you copy every single assignment there as well. Having a visual is always the key for me to staying organized. [Check back again soon for an organization post.]

3. How was my stress level?

Stress can cause so many other issues in your life! So, controlling your stress level is very important. Some tips for managing your stress include:

• getting enough sleep,
• setting limits,
• learning to manage your time, and
• making time for hobbies.

However, finding a solution to your stress is ultimately up to you and your needs.

4. Did I balance my relationships?

As insignificant as this may seem, having external relationships can really help you in college. Learning to take a break from school work to hang with friends can reduce stress, making friends and working out together can make getting healthy fun, and finding friends in your classes can create study groups that are intellectual and entertaining. Too much work and no play makes you a strung out college kid ready to quit. It's easy to get wrapped up in what's going on around you, but keeping those high school relationships and going out of your way to communicate with family makes college more manageable. 

5. Did I maintain my health?

Hit by the freshman fifteen? Why? Think about what you did wrong and what you could have changed. I find that the best way to combat the college weight gain is to schedule in work outs. Jessica Campbell did a wonderful post about the SRSC where she discusses working out at IU. Trust me, it really isn't as hard as it seems. Another way to keep your health under control is to plan your meals--nothing to over the top, but think about what you are going to eat each day before you head out. Doing this will make sure that you consider every option and can give you the incentive to choose the healthy one. Also, don't forget to drink water!


Looking back at each semester can help make you grow as a student and thrive to make each and every moment better. It's important to look back at what you accomplished during the new year, but also looking back at each and every school experience!

As Seen On: WeAreIU.com -- "What's an Informatics Major at IU?"

Hello again critters!

I have been doing posts like mad lately, and I really hope I can keep it up! I just did another post for my blog on WeAreIU.com. Check it out and enjoy :D

And please don't for get to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE on both blogs!!!
I love you all! Peace OUT

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Hey Hoosiers!

I get this question a lot: "what do you mean you are an Informatics major?" And, well, I usually wind up attempting to give a short and sweet answer as quickly as possible; however, in all honesty, an Informatics major is so much!

The major of Informatics is in the School of Informatics and Computing (or SOIC for short). This school consists of many classes that pertain to the majors of Computer Science (B.A. and B.S.*) and Informatics B.S., as well as the option for a few other minors and certificates within this technology based theme. Now, when I say Computer Science most of you may be able to better visualize a definition. Therefore, when comparing Computer Science and Informatics - Computer Science people are the ones who create the software and Informatics people are the ones who apply this software. REMEMBER, this is a very generalized definition. It is used to create a better understanding of what someone with an Informatics major might do; but, it is not all you can do. The worlds of Computer Science and Informatics are very intertwined. Someone who does something with an Informatics degree, might be able to do the same thing with a focus in Computer Science.

One key thing that my advisor told me to remember was this: Computer Science is a lot of math! If you like math, then, by all means, give it a try. She actually recommended that I take the 101 version of both classes and experience what each major is all about. Another thing to note is that Informatics also has something called a cognate. A cognate is like a focus! You can choose a cognate from their list of over 20 options like Psychology, Biology, Journalism, etc.

So, what are my intentions in having an Informatics major? I am an Informatics, B.S. major with a cognate in Psychology and a minor in counseling (and possibly more minors, too). What I want to do with my degree is ever changing - I'm working with technology, so I'll need to be flexible, but some day I might want to be a consultant for big businesses! I could come in and tell them what software would work best for what task, maybe teach them how to promote through social media, organize files and sites, etc. Also, the option of being my own web designer is always right at my door! With a cognate in Psychology, I could work on interfacing and setting up software ergonomics in order to better suit its users. Working with technology can be so broad and ever changing, the options are nearly endless.

If this is the first you've ever heard about Informatics, then don't fret! You are not alone!! Chelsie Kasun just found out too and wrote about it here: My Major Journey: How I Decided What To Study . Oh and don't forget about Amanda Richardson, she loves IU so much she has decided to stay another year... and just for IU's Informatics Major-- Four Reasons the School of Informatics and Computing Should Be On Your Radar ! Check out all of these awesome links, and don't forget to stop by for more information about the best majors and the best college out there!

*B.A. stands for a bachelors of arts, and B.S. stands for a bachelors of science.

As Seen On: WeAreIU.com -- "5 Reasons Why You Don't Need A Car At IU"

Good evening critters!

As most of you know, I am a blogger for WeAreIU.com. Here's a post I just recently did :) ENJOY!

Don't forget:

Please like, comment, subscribe, and share!

I love you all! Peace OUT

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Hey there Hoosiers!

I'm sure all through high school everyone thought they needed a car, and for a lot of you, it was probably an honest necessity; but, please, save your gas, and don't even worry about bringing that thing to college. Now, I understand that this might come as a shock to a lot of you but to convince most I have created a wonderful list of 5 reasons why you don't need a car at Indiana University.

1) Buses

While you're a student at Indiana University you are supplied with an ID that allows you free access to all of the buses. This isn't just all IU buses, but, also, all of the buses around Bloomington. The routes on campus are perfect for getting almost anywhere. Did you know we have one of the best transportation systems in the state? The routes around campus are easy to learn and most buses have a stop on all sides of campus (You can go to this site to see all the routes http://www.iubus.indiana.edu/campus_bus/bus_schedule.html). Also, IU has their wonderful IUMobile app for most smart phones that can show you where the buses are at in real time! The Bloomington buses are really nice, too! Just flash your student ID and all the drivers will let you on. The mall, different apartments, and much more are right on the way when you take a Bloomington bus. Click here to see their bus schedule http://bloomingtontransit.com/maps-and-schedules/.

2) Traffic
Okay, so this seems like a silly reason not to have a car, but traffic in Bloomington is absolutely ridiculous during the school season. Students are always trying to get from place to place as fast as possible, Bloomington citizens are attempting to move along their way and all the other people are stopping traffic as they cross at the cross-walks. Believe me when I say, it's almost always faster to walk somewhere on campus than drive your car. And then, even if you do drive, you still have to find a parking spot...

3) Parking
Bloomington is a beautiful city to be attending school. The town, as well as the campus, is absolutely stunning and that's all because of the airy nature and green landscape surrounding everything. The downfall--we have less parking. Ugly lots don't look good on a beautiful campus so IU has few parking spaces. Even if you find a nice parking spot, you usually need a pass. Passes can be purchased but tend to be expensive AND Indiana University doesn't just hand them out to anyone. There are a limited number of passes available and a limited amount of spots for all those passes to park at. A lot of students that I have talked to are not deterred from bringing their car to campus because of the traffic, but because of the lack of parking available once you have that car down here.

4) Exercise
I know all of you are not in a big hurry to gain the freshman 15 or any weight at all, so one of my major deciding factors into why I did not need to bring a car to IU was the exercise that I would receive if I took the alternate route and walked, biked, skated, scootered, anything! From the southern tip of Forest Dormitory to one of the furthest classes at the Psychology Building, the average person can make it there in about 15-20 minutes when walking, let alone if you rode your bike. Michaella Beatty wrote a wonderful post about navigating around Bloomington that you can read here: Navigating Indiana University Bloomington...WITHOUT A CAR.

5) More Buses
Now the last topic I know you all are wanting me to address is the idea of going home on some of the weekends. For me, that was a huge reason as to why I wanted a car while at college. Home can be hours away for a lot of you, and making your parents drive all the way to Bloomington and then all the way back again can be more of a hassle than it's worth, but please don't worry, I have a solution: Catch a Ride! This company is family owned, and they are here for you almost every other weekend so students can catch a super nice ride home in their nice greyhound-style buses! WOW, right?? Tickets are reasonably priced and they have many stops and routes. Check them out here: http://www.catcharide.com!

There are definitely more positives about not having a car like not paying for gas, not worrying about theft, etc. I hope I can persuade most of you not to worry about a vehicle in Bloomington; your decision not to will make life a lot easier for you and the rest of the IU Bloomington community!