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 23: Spring Clean your Credit Cards
Thought of the day: Debt is a common issue. It seems that whether you've always been good with money, or have struggled keeping the checkbook in balance, all of us owe some money to someone. Whether its a mortgage or a dress from Nordstrom's, we have to be careful when it comes to purchasing anything on a borrowed dime.
So since spring cleaning may be on your mind, why not take that motivation to your wallet? Do you really need a credit card at every retail store you shop at? How many running balances do you have? Can you pay one of them off, all of them, or cancel one that you haven't used in ages? Getting rid of those interest payments and buying things cash will not only alleviate some of that pressure surrounding your bottom line it can also help you to buy the things you need instead of want.
Today's Tip: Try out having a cash jar. Take out a certain amount of budgeted funds for coffee, shopping, groceries, etc. and limit yourself to the cash. Once it runs out, so does your spending. This is a surefire way to make sure you stay within your limits.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 22
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 22: Have a Naked "Face" Day
I love make-up. Trust me, I have been having make-over parties at my house since I was 8-years old, so this challenge isn't some kind of lose-your-sense-of-style and go Plain Jane sermon. However, it is a challenge that I think you will find empowering.
At least once a week, I will go about my day without any make up on. Since I am a SAHWM (Stay-at-home-working-mom), I understand that it may be easier for me now than when I had a 9-5, however it is still good practice. Sometimes make-up can become a mask that we rely on, and if we don't give ourselves a break every now and then from what we think is our uniform, we won't be able to truly love the skin were in.
If you don't want to go completely make-up free, try one day without heavy eye liner, dark lipstick, or eyeshadow. Being a nice girl in a world where "fake" is something to be proud of, believe in the beauty of your natural self and don't be afraid to let it shine.
Nice Girls Challenge Day 22: Have a Naked "Face" Day
I love make-up. Trust me, I have been having make-over parties at my house since I was 8-years old, so this challenge isn't some kind of lose-your-sense-of-style and go Plain Jane sermon. However, it is a challenge that I think you will find empowering.
At least once a week, I will go about my day without any make up on. Since I am a SAHWM (Stay-at-home-working-mom), I understand that it may be easier for me now than when I had a 9-5, however it is still good practice. Sometimes make-up can become a mask that we rely on, and if we don't give ourselves a break every now and then from what we think is our uniform, we won't be able to truly love the skin were in.
If you don't want to go completely make-up free, try one day without heavy eye liner, dark lipstick, or eyeshadow. Being a nice girl in a world where "fake" is something to be proud of, believe in the beauty of your natural self and don't be afraid to let it shine.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 21
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 21: Listen up
Thought of the day: One of the quickest ways to identify a nice girl is by her listening skills. While there will always be those moments where you need to speak up, blow off steam, or simply let your guard down- there will always be more opportunities to listen.
When you truly tune in to someone else and their needs, you open yourself up to having a deeper more meaningful relationship with everyone you meet. The next time you set up a coffee date, take the time to truly listen to what she is saying. Being a good listener is more than being able to sit through a conversation, it means actively listening.
Nice Girls Challenge Day 21: Listen up
Thought of the day: One of the quickest ways to identify a nice girl is by her listening skills. While there will always be those moments where you need to speak up, blow off steam, or simply let your guard down- there will always be more opportunities to listen.
When you truly tune in to someone else and their needs, you open yourself up to having a deeper more meaningful relationship with everyone you meet. The next time you set up a coffee date, take the time to truly listen to what she is saying. Being a good listener is more than being able to sit through a conversation, it means actively listening.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 20
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 20: Learn from your mistakes
Thought of the day: This one is another gut punch for those who are taking this challenge seriously. My book has subject matter in it whose sole purpose is to encourage nice girls everywhere to stay that way, and how to avoid being ensnared by the b!thch's lifestyle. This has led me into the lion's den in more ways than one.
With such moral high ground as my platform, I have been called a hypocrite a time or two. The truth about being a nice girl in a world where mean is queen, is that we won't always get it right. We will say hurtful things, we will do the opposite of what we want to do, and we may even wear the "B" hat for a short time. Thus is the cycle of life.
Things aren't easy, and all we can do is wake up in the morning and recommit to trying to get it right. If you are a nice girl and have been called a hypocrite by a B, consider the fact that you are still in the process of becoming a better person. Like I say in my book, being human means that we are all made with a faulty wiring system- so allow yourself to make mistakes, just be sure you learn from them. And never let a B tell you that you are not a nice girl because you are not perfect.
Nice Girls Challenge Day 20: Learn from your mistakes
Thought of the day: This one is another gut punch for those who are taking this challenge seriously. My book has subject matter in it whose sole purpose is to encourage nice girls everywhere to stay that way, and how to avoid being ensnared by the b!thch's lifestyle. This has led me into the lion's den in more ways than one.
With such moral high ground as my platform, I have been called a hypocrite a time or two. The truth about being a nice girl in a world where mean is queen, is that we won't always get it right. We will say hurtful things, we will do the opposite of what we want to do, and we may even wear the "B" hat for a short time. Thus is the cycle of life.
Things aren't easy, and all we can do is wake up in the morning and recommit to trying to get it right. If you are a nice girl and have been called a hypocrite by a B, consider the fact that you are still in the process of becoming a better person. Like I say in my book, being human means that we are all made with a faulty wiring system- so allow yourself to make mistakes, just be sure you learn from them. And never let a B tell you that you are not a nice girl because you are not perfect.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 18 & 19
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 18 & 19: Take Criticism Well and Be Productive with Your Response
Thoughts of the day:
Today's challenge is two fold, and may take more than a couple of days to implement. In my world, reviews are a part of life. My husband and I just had a conversation about how I don't handle criticism very well- some nice girls handle it much better than I! But, the truth is that constructive criticism is essential to becoming a better writer, worker, friend, and overall person.
First challenge: look for the constructive in the criticism - no matter the source there can always be found a little nugget of self-actualization that you can take away to learn and grow from. Focus on that nugget.
Second challenge: Be productive with criticism. Sometimes honesty can be hurtful, because it strikes a raw nerve within ourselves. But if we are truly honest, we should be able to admit that humility also means that we are teachable- and if you spend your life being open to learning new things and stretching yourself to be better, you will succeed at whatever you are brave enough to try.
Nice Girls Challenge Day 18 & 19: Take Criticism Well and Be Productive with Your Response
Thoughts of the day:
Today's challenge is two fold, and may take more than a couple of days to implement. In my world, reviews are a part of life. My husband and I just had a conversation about how I don't handle criticism very well- some nice girls handle it much better than I! But, the truth is that constructive criticism is essential to becoming a better writer, worker, friend, and overall person.
First challenge: look for the constructive in the criticism - no matter the source there can always be found a little nugget of self-actualization that you can take away to learn and grow from. Focus on that nugget.
Second challenge: Be productive with criticism. Sometimes honesty can be hurtful, because it strikes a raw nerve within ourselves. But if we are truly honest, we should be able to admit that humility also means that we are teachable- and if you spend your life being open to learning new things and stretching yourself to be better, you will succeed at whatever you are brave enough to try.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 17
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 17: Do Your Job Well
Thought of the day: This may seem like an obvious one, but lately I have been dealing with some people who could stand to learn a thing or two about today's challenge (myself included).
No matter if you are working your dream job or dreaming about it at your current job, nice girls need to commit to doing their jobs well-- no matter if they love it or not. When I used to answer phones, I made sure I never let the phone ring more than once, took extremely detailed messages, made sure the message was delivered at the earliest possible time, and then made sure the question was answered in a timely fashion.
Is answering phones hard to do? Uh, no.
Is taking messages a complicated process? Nope.
Is it a humbling profession? Uh, yes.
Even though I knew I was capable of more, I gave all I could, so that some day my efforts would pay off. And they did!
If you are at a job that doesn't challenge you, then challenge yourself. Even if you are gifted in other areas, take whatever corner of the world you find yourself in and make it a better position than when you started there. Whether a CEO or a janitor, take pride in your work.
Nice Girls Challenge Day 17: Do Your Job Well
Thought of the day: This may seem like an obvious one, but lately I have been dealing with some people who could stand to learn a thing or two about today's challenge (myself included).
No matter if you are working your dream job or dreaming about it at your current job, nice girls need to commit to doing their jobs well-- no matter if they love it or not. When I used to answer phones, I made sure I never let the phone ring more than once, took extremely detailed messages, made sure the message was delivered at the earliest possible time, and then made sure the question was answered in a timely fashion.
Is answering phones hard to do? Uh, no.
Is taking messages a complicated process? Nope.
Is it a humbling profession? Uh, yes.
Even though I knew I was capable of more, I gave all I could, so that some day my efforts would pay off. And they did!
If you are at a job that doesn't challenge you, then challenge yourself. Even if you are gifted in other areas, take whatever corner of the world you find yourself in and make it a better position than when you started there. Whether a CEO or a janitor, take pride in your work.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 16
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 16: Get a worthy role model
Thought of the day: Far too many nice girls pine for lifestyle's of the rich and famous. With role models in the media like Kim Kardashian- who has sold her identity like a bumper sticker for another fragrance deal or vows to never pose nude again before taking off her clothes yet again for another photo shoot (o.k., so I did see that episode. I'm guilty too of being sucked into reality TV- I call it "research") it can be hard to decipher between worthy role models in reality and fiction in our own lives.
Today's challenge is to look for some worthy role models- and since reality TV isn't offering us any healthy alternatives, why not look to some of literature's most famous "nice girls"? Read my top 10 list on Vampires and Tofu and Divine Caroline!
Nice Girls Challenge Day 16: Get a worthy role model
Thought of the day: Far too many nice girls pine for lifestyle's of the rich and famous. With role models in the media like Kim Kardashian- who has sold her identity like a bumper sticker for another fragrance deal or vows to never pose nude again before taking off her clothes yet again for another photo shoot (o.k., so I did see that episode. I'm guilty too of being sucked into reality TV- I call it "research") it can be hard to decipher between worthy role models in reality and fiction in our own lives.
Today's challenge is to look for some worthy role models- and since reality TV isn't offering us any healthy alternatives, why not look to some of literature's most famous "nice girls"? Read my top 10 list on Vampires and Tofu and Divine Caroline!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 15
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 15: Clean out your complaint cache
Thought of the day: O.k., so I am writing this one, because I need to hear it. I have been finding myself complaining a lot lately and it is beginning to bug the nice girl inside of me that keeps reminding me that I am practicing big "B" behavior.
So here it goes. What do we really have to complain about?
It is an overdrawn comparison between our lives and third world countries, or the homeless, or the sick and dying- but sometimes we have to make such drastic side-by-side parallels in order to truly see how blessed we are.
I am a new mom and have discovered a little flaw in my personality (o.k., so maybe it is a gaping hole! ha), but I am constantly frustrated. If it isn't that the car won't start, its that the baby is crying and the dishwasher broke. Or that my bank account is looking lean, while I really want to order that adorable hand-knit scarf off Etsy. Let's do a quick break-down of my list of "frustrations".
In all reality- I am lucky I even have a car. I am blessed that I can afford to drive that car and pay for gas. I am lucky that I was able to have a son and that he is healthy and happy and the light of my life. And a dishwasher? I spent my entire college career in a house without one and it was awful. I am so blessed that I have a bank account that is never in the red, even if we get close. I honestly have nothing to complain about!
Cleaning out your complaint cache can reveal that the little things you fume about are really nothing but hot air.
Challenge: Make a little list of your current frustrations and spend some time thinking about how the simple fact that you have those problems makes you a very rich person.
Nice Girls Challenge Day 15: Clean out your complaint cache
Thought of the day: O.k., so I am writing this one, because I need to hear it. I have been finding myself complaining a lot lately and it is beginning to bug the nice girl inside of me that keeps reminding me that I am practicing big "B" behavior.
So here it goes. What do we really have to complain about?
It is an overdrawn comparison between our lives and third world countries, or the homeless, or the sick and dying- but sometimes we have to make such drastic side-by-side parallels in order to truly see how blessed we are.
I am a new mom and have discovered a little flaw in my personality (o.k., so maybe it is a gaping hole! ha), but I am constantly frustrated. If it isn't that the car won't start, its that the baby is crying and the dishwasher broke. Or that my bank account is looking lean, while I really want to order that adorable hand-knit scarf off Etsy. Let's do a quick break-down of my list of "frustrations".
In all reality- I am lucky I even have a car. I am blessed that I can afford to drive that car and pay for gas. I am lucky that I was able to have a son and that he is healthy and happy and the light of my life. And a dishwasher? I spent my entire college career in a house without one and it was awful. I am so blessed that I have a bank account that is never in the red, even if we get close. I honestly have nothing to complain about!
Cleaning out your complaint cache can reveal that the little things you fume about are really nothing but hot air.
Challenge: Make a little list of your current frustrations and spend some time thinking about how the simple fact that you have those problems makes you a very rich person.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 14
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 14: Forgive debts
Thought of the day: Today's challenge isn't an easy one, but it is a lesson we all need to learn.
Over the weekend, Camille a long time friend of mine, told me this ridiculous story about an acquaintance of hers. Camille went to this girl's house for dinner and over casual conversation remembered that she owed her a few dollars. Camille said, "Oh, and I know I still owe you a few dollars. I will be sure to bring in $5 to work, to give you to you on Monday." Instead, of this acquaintance saying, "Great, thank you." She instead said, "Actually, I've done the math. And since I've known you, you owe me a total of $35.25."
Ladies! This is a rule that I have always lived by. If you loan anyone money- a nickel to a fortune- DO NOT EXPECT TO GET IT BACK. If someone, returns your money than that is an added bonus- but when it comes to friend's borrowing money, if you begin to stew over the sum you've lent, you are setting yourself up for a bestie break up.
Give with a joyful heart, and only give what you can afford to not get back.
Nice Girls Challenge Day 14: Forgive debts
Thought of the day: Today's challenge isn't an easy one, but it is a lesson we all need to learn.
Over the weekend, Camille a long time friend of mine, told me this ridiculous story about an acquaintance of hers. Camille went to this girl's house for dinner and over casual conversation remembered that she owed her a few dollars. Camille said, "Oh, and I know I still owe you a few dollars. I will be sure to bring in $5 to work, to give you to you on Monday." Instead, of this acquaintance saying, "Great, thank you." She instead said, "Actually, I've done the math. And since I've known you, you owe me a total of $35.25."
Ladies! This is a rule that I have always lived by. If you loan anyone money- a nickel to a fortune- DO NOT EXPECT TO GET IT BACK. If someone, returns your money than that is an added bonus- but when it comes to friend's borrowing money, if you begin to stew over the sum you've lent, you are setting yourself up for a bestie break up.
Give with a joyful heart, and only give what you can afford to not get back.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 13
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 13: It's Not All About You
Thought of the day: From the moment we are born we see the world through our eyes only. We learn the word "mine!" early on, and much to the chagrin of our parents stomp around yelling it while grabbing at anything within reach. Unfortunately, some of us have never outgrown this stage- and instead have built a life based upon it.
But nice girls discover, as we grow up, that not everything is all about us. There are way too many people in this world to go through life with believing we are entitled to whatever we want.
The beauty about being a nice girl in this world, is that we can be the positive change makers. Instead of taking today, give up something that you've labeled "mine". It can be as small as giving up your morning latte to buy one anonymously for the person behind you or as big as donating your monthly commission to a local charity.
Nice Girls Challenge Day 13: It's Not All About You
Thought of the day: From the moment we are born we see the world through our eyes only. We learn the word "mine!" early on, and much to the chagrin of our parents stomp around yelling it while grabbing at anything within reach. Unfortunately, some of us have never outgrown this stage- and instead have built a life based upon it.
But nice girls discover, as we grow up, that not everything is all about us. There are way too many people in this world to go through life with believing we are entitled to whatever we want.
The beauty about being a nice girl in this world, is that we can be the positive change makers. Instead of taking today, give up something that you've labeled "mine". It can be as small as giving up your morning latte to buy one anonymously for the person behind you or as big as donating your monthly commission to a local charity.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Nice Girls Rule 60-Day Challenge: Day 12
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 12: No Man (0r Woman) is an Island
Thought of the day: No matter where you find yourself on the 'outgoing odometer', nice girls need to realize that you need people to get where you are going and to cheer you on in your experiences.
Some nice girls tend to be shy girls. And even though being "the quiet one" doesn't make you any less poised for success in your life, it can make the journey lonely. If you are shy, reach out to that girl in your office or mommy work-out group and ask for a coffee date or a happy hour drink. Much like guy-girl dating, you have to put yourself out there to create new and lasting friendships.
For the social nice girl, reach out to the girl that most people ignore. I bet you will find a kindred spirit there. Most shy girls are thoughtful and giving, they just don't know how to strike up casual conversations with strangers.
If you are neither here nor there on the shy scale, then don't be stingy with your association. As long as she doesn't proclaim to be a big B, then welcome any and all into your social circle. You never know where a life long friend may be hiding!
Nice Girls Challenge Day 12: No Man (0r Woman) is an Island
Thought of the day: No matter where you find yourself on the 'outgoing odometer', nice girls need to realize that you need people to get where you are going and to cheer you on in your experiences.
Some nice girls tend to be shy girls. And even though being "the quiet one" doesn't make you any less poised for success in your life, it can make the journey lonely. If you are shy, reach out to that girl in your office or mommy work-out group and ask for a coffee date or a happy hour drink. Much like guy-girl dating, you have to put yourself out there to create new and lasting friendships.
For the social nice girl, reach out to the girl that most people ignore. I bet you will find a kindred spirit there. Most shy girls are thoughtful and giving, they just don't know how to strike up casual conversations with strangers.
If you are neither here nor there on the shy scale, then don't be stingy with your association. As long as she doesn't proclaim to be a big B, then welcome any and all into your social circle. You never know where a life long friend may be hiding!
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