Monday, February 28, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 11

For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!

Nice Girls Challenge Day 11: Follow through

Thought of the day: Way too many of us say we are going to do something without the intention of actually doing it. Nice girls should be consistent with their commitments. If you've made a promise to help a girlfriend move into her new apartment don't bail at the last minute- instead bring her a double shot latte and be willing to help however long she needs. If you have been asked to work late on a specific project at work, don't spend those extra hours on Facebook, put the time in and do what you've been hired to do.

Being a woman of integrity means that we sometimes have to do what we don't want to- even if that means we are the ones that are left with the heavy lifting or are let down more often by B's who don't follow through. Even if someone else may not value your time and disrespects you by wasting it, keep in mind that showing up is all the effort it takes to be a woman of her word.


Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 10

For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!

Nice Girls Challenge Day 10: Donate your time and talents

Thought of the day: Giving is a big part of the nice girl movement, but sometimes giving money isn't a possibility nor is it the best way to support those in need. This week, donate something that means a lot to you. If that means donating your time to a local charity that's wonderful, but it can also mean offering to babysit for a new friend so she can get her nails done, or staying late at work to help a co-worker with a big project.

If you are musically inclined offer to lead worship at your local church. If you are artsy, whip up a set of pottery or paint a canvas for someone who is struggling financially to make their house a home. If you love parties, offer to host a dinner at your house for those who you know can't afford a night out.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 9

For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!

Nice Girls Challenge Day 9: Kick Cliche's to the Curb

Thought of the day: Once cliche that is used far too often by nice girls is "Everything happens for a reason". Now, I am guilty of saying this myself- but sometimes this is just something nice girls say in order to passively let life happen.

For too often nice girls bow out gracefully of the job they really desire & are qualified for, the group they really want to be a member of, or the competition at hand because they believe that "the sun will come out tomorrow" or that" good things come to those who wait".

And yes, both of these cliches may be true, but relying on silly sayings won't help you succeed.
Even if a big B is standing in the way between you and your goals, don't forfeit. Kick cliches to the curb and come up with a nice girl strategy to get yourself in the game!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 8

For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!

Nice Girls Challenge Day 8: Don't Spread Bad News

Thought of the day: It's easy to talk about the bad things that happen in other people's lives as if they are our own. How often do we find ourselves complaining or commenting on something awful that has happened to so-and-so and skip over the good stuff happening in our own lives?

Don't get me wrong, empathy is a badge of the nice girl, but adopting someone's sadness for the subject matter? A big "nice girl" no-no.

I have to admit I do this far more often than I should.


Here's an example: Sadly, my brother's sweet cat Dino passed away yesterday. When I stopped by his house I could tell by his pink eyes that this wasn't an easy day for him. For some reason I felt like it was my duty to share the sad news with the cat lover's in my life. Texting away- I began to tell people about the sad demise of Dino and awaited their "so sorry's" and digital condolences to light up my Palm Pre. And while it was a very sad day, it wasn't my sadness to spread. It wasn't my cat. It wasn't my pink eyes. Instead I should have gone home, hugged my ridiculous fur-ball, Mojo, gave him an extra pinch of catnip and enjoyed being a cat parent a little more that day.

The next time bad news gets to you, don't make it your own- instead look for the silver lining in your own life and enjoy the blessings that you have.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I'm Featured on Divine Caroline's Front Page!


Divine Caroline was listed by Forbes as one of the Top 100 Websites for Women. They picked my newest article about The Top Ten Nice Girls in Hollywood to be featured on the front of their "Play" page.

Scroll down to see the link!

http://www.divinecaroline.com/play

Monday, February 14, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 7

For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!

Nice Girls Challenge Day 7: Love an Enemy (Happy Valentine's Day!)

Thought of the day: Its from the Bible, we've all heard it, "Love your enemies." But I doubt in all of cyberspace today will you find a company advertising their love-day goods by suggesting you buy a dozen roses for the cynical sister in your life. It just doesn't seem to make sense.

Its easy to love those who love us, but what about those that make life just a little less enjoyable?

I challenge you today to love an enemy, a frenemy, or even a stranger. I am not saying you should drop a box of truffles on her doorstep or invest in a pair of diamond earrings. No investment required. I am simply suggesting that you go out of your way to show her a little love. Whether that means bringing her a cup of coffee from the break room, sharing a smile with her or telling her thank you for something you would otherwise skip- go out of your way to show a little niceness to the un-nice.

Promote love today, in an unconventional way.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 6

For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!

Nice Girls Challenge Day 6:

Go on a Gossip Mag Fast

Thought of the day: Believe me, even I have a hard time with this one. If it wasn't for my husband and I needing to watch our budget I think I would pick up a copy of US Weekly every time I check out at the grocery store. I love the fashions, the whose dating or leaving who, and can even get into yet another fabricated article from "sources" who know Lindsay Lohan did or did not steal that $2500 one-of-a-kind necklace.

Regardless, I also know the benefit of going on a fast from these magazines. I haven't bought one in over two months and the cleansing from fictitious news is very refreshing. These mags are full of gossip, half-truths and can even be mean-hearted in nature.

Sure, celebs put themselves in the spotlight, but people making money off of their missteps and their milestones seems to be wrong. Especially when I realize how invasive the images really are that the mags buy off of paparazzi. If someone was stealing snaps of my son every time we tried to go to the park I may also wind up on the cover of the magazine with newly discovered anger issues. Save yourself some dough and pick up a book instead.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 5

For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!

Nice Girls Challenge Day 5:

Be kind to yourself

Thought of the day: Nice girls can tend to be the ones who always put themselves last. And while having the heart of a servant is admirable and needed in a world of takers, we must understand that we need to be kind to ourselves as well- and sometimes we must make ourselves a priority.

This may mean stop obsessing over those few pounds you've put on since college, or to vow to not compare yourself to anyone else for an entire day a week. If you think that sounds easy, try it out! You'd be surprised how much negative energy you thrust on yourself in the wake of comparison. You are your own person, so don't be afraid to hug it out with yourself on a daily basis.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 4

For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!

Nice Girls Challenge Day 4:

Turn off gratuitous TV

Thought of the day: It's almost impossible not to be bombarded by half-naked women on TV. From commercials to raunchy reality, women have been stripping down on Primetime for the mere sake of making a buck. In fact it is such a common occurrence that some of us have become desensitized. However, this week, why not throw yourself some respect points and switch the channel anytime unnecessary nakedness or raciness takes center stage.

Far too often women abuse the power their bodies have to get ahead, and even more often we use our appearances as a way to intimidate each other. So instead, turn off the boob tube...literally.


Thursday, February 3, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 3


For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!

Nice Girls Challenge Day 3:

Get off the gossip train

Thought of the day: The truth about gossip is that in a woman's world its hard to know what the difference between regular conversation and gossip truly is- that's how often the two go hand-in-hand. Gossip is not only hurtful, but it is also the platform by which verbal bullying can begin. Talking about someone's life, struggles, or issues without them present is just bad manners.

The next time that someone begins talking behind the back of another person, the simple question to ask is: "Well have you asked her about it?", or "Interesting. The next time I see her, I will have to ask her what really happened." If you threaten to reveal the truth about gossip, you will be surprised at how quickly you will no longer be involved in hurtful conversations among your peers.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 2

For the next two months, every time I post a Blog/Twitter/Facebook message it will be about one simple way to increase your nice girl power. These will be simple ways to make your corner of the world a better place and to celebrate who you are, a woman who has committed herself to giving nice a good name. Here's today's challenge!-

Nice Girls Rule Challenge Day 2:

Be the bigger person.

Thought of the Day: It seems like something your grandma may have told you to be the bigger person to those mean girls in school, right? And while you may have heard it before, I can assure you that when you apply it to the difficult women you deal with in your life, being the bigger person is what makes nice girls able to adapt to otherwise ugly situations.

So what are a couple of practical ways to do this?

1. Don't be afraid to start off a difficult conversation with "I understand". Most times women who are intimidated are always on the defense. If you give her respect from the get-go, things will be easier to manage.

2. Don't give "attitude" back. It can be hard to keep your cool when being egged on by mean or malicious women. Bite your tongue and keep your head about you. She wants nothing more than to see you say something you shouldn't.