Monday Morning Mantra 09/29

Wake up, everyone! It's a beautiful Monday morning and there's lots to be done this week. Here's a mantra that will keep you on your toes:

"There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something." --Henry Ford

Here's to happiness!

Nicole

The Baltimore Book Festival

Yesterday I had a great time at The Baltimore Book Festival. It was a wonderful location with delicious food, and we met some really interesting people. Unfortunately, it rained all day - and when I say "rained," I mean RAINED, POURED, and STORMED! Despite the awful weather, we sold and signed books, talked to people about speaking engagements, and met some really talented authors. I would definitely recommend the event to other authors, folks in the publishing industry, and locals who want to check out great books.

I also have to tell you that I ate a delicious crab melt gyro for lunch at the tent beside us. I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but it was delish! I'll have to track them down!

Special, special, special thanks to Kendria and Meron who braved the wet weather to promote Glori and NicoleInk. Also, a special thanks to everyone who stopped by the tent, including my good friends Kia, Katrina, and Tamika. You guys are great!

Nicole

PS: You can still get a copy of Glori even if you missed the event. Click here!

A Debate Party?

Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? "Debate" and "party" don't normally go together, but all week I've been getting emails that encourage me to attend a presidential debate party in my area. To be honest, I would never have considered this in previous elections. The excitement for a party just wasn't there. But this year, I'm on the edge of my seat to hear Obama and McCain talk about the economy, foreign affairs, and other important issues that affect us each and every day.

Hopefully, the debate will actually take place. At this point, it's still in limbo as McCain doesn't want to participate unless an agreement has been reached in the bail-out situation.

Ugh... If it does, I'll be having my own debate party at the house tonight with my family. Nothing fancy - just sitting on the couch with my favorite blanket and maybe a bowl of popcorn. Get informed about your candidate. Exercising your right to vote is the simplest way to change your world!

Don't miss it: Presidential Debate - 9PM EST

Five Great Inspirational Movies

Many of you know that I've been taking care of my mom for the past few weeks, and I've never watched so many movies in my life! Some have been good, and some have been plain old horrible, but the best ones made me realize that watching a good movie can inspire us in our real-life challenges. Here are five inspirational movies:

1. The Bucket List
2. My Life
3. Remember the Titans
4. The Pursuit of Happyness
5. Lord of the Rings (yes, even Lord of the Rings!)

Let me know if you have any to add to the list!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra 09/22/08

Happy Monday, guys! This quote definitely inspires me to wake up and have a great week! Make it happen!

"The best way to predict the future is to invent it." -- Alan Kaye

Nicole :)

Why It Feels Good to Support the WNBA

A couple weeks ago, Donté and I took Nerissa to a Washington Mystics game. Nerissa has been playing basketball for the past few years, and we wanted her to see where she could take her skills if she really applies herself. Going to her practices and cheering at her games has given me such an appreciation for sports. Watching the Mystics that Friday night gave me a new found appreciation for female athletes!

I sat there realizing that the WNBA is such an accomplishment for all women. It says a lot about our resilience, our power, and our determination. It proves that we have what it takes to perform at the highest levels, just as men do. I remember a time when there was no WNBA. That night, I looked at Nerissa cheering and shouting, and I was thankful that she won't be able to remember a time when there wasn't a WNBA. Sitting behind us, there was a group of women wearing Mystics shirts and holding Mystics cups. They shouted at their favorite players and talked about the season. These were hardcore fans. I thought, I need to go to more of these games!

If you're not that into sports, don't worry, neither am I. I watch the occasional Redskins game with my husband and I like the Washington Wizards. But here's a really good reason to check out your local WNBA team - it will make you feel good. Promise!

Nicole

Handbag Giveaway!

We're always looking for freebies and giveaways that will help you feel, look, and be your very best! How about a FREE, trendy handbag? Handbagplanet.com is giving away some really nice purses to celebrate the launch of their website next month. You could win a cute bag and not pay a dime for it!

Click here to enter!

If you win, send us a picture of you with your prize and we'll post it!

9/11: A Reason To Be Inspired

Every year September 11th reminds us of an unbelievable tragedy. It's one of those moments in history when you can remember exactly where you were when it happened. I was a sophomore in college sitting in my early morning Education class. One of the students was called out of the classroom. When she returned, she was in tears. Those were my first signs of what would be a horrible day for all Americans.

What is so encouraging about the anniversary of 9/11 is that every year we learn more about the survivors and the courageous family and friends of those who didn't make it. Women who have had to say goodbye to their husbands. Children who will never know their mothers. Co-workers whose lives are forever changed by a senseless loss. It inspires me so much because these are just ordinary people who have had to endure and overcome an extraordinary thing.

I thought I'd compile just some of their words to encourage you in whatever challenge you might be facing today:

“Anybody who knew me wanted to reach out and comfort me, so I think part of it is remembering how we comforted each other after that day.” -- Pentagon Memorial Fund manager Jim Laychak on the special tribute

“Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hands.” -- A woman speaking to her husband, Chuck, during a Ground Zero ceremony in New York.

"I try to think about being thankful to be alive, to treat people better, to not get as angry with my kids. I'm not sure yet if I've been successful." -- Michael Otten was an assistant vice president at Mizuho Capital Markets Corp., working on the 80th floor of the SouthTower on Sept. 11, 2001

"I remember talking to one of the firefighters about a lady having trouble getting down from a couple floors above. He said, 'Don't worry, sir. We've got it covered,'" in the most calm and collected voice I ever heard that September morning." -- Don Basco, worked on the 57th floor of the North Tower

Wishing you love and blessings,

Nicole

Michelle Obama Dances on Ellen! Now That's My Kind of First Lady!

Michelle Obama made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show earlier this week and impressed the audience with her dance moves. She put her husband's dancing during his visit last year to shame!

Not only do I love this lady for being such a strong woman in every way, she also knows how to have a good time! If you're not having fun doing what you do, how can you expect anyone else to????

Lance Armstrong Comes Out of Retirement

I was so glad to read that Lance Armstrong is coming out of retirement to try for his 8th Tour de France win. Armstrong inspired us all by winning seven consecutive Tours despite his testicular cancer diagnosis in 1996. His new challenge will be winning the Tour despite his "old age" (by biking standards). He will be 37-years-old next week.

Armstrong's tendency to take the challenges in his life head-on shows that nothing is too big to tackle in our lives. The things we might perceive as our downfall - cancer, old age, tremendous odds - may be the very things we need to take us to the next level. Because of his perseverance, Armstrong has become a voice for more cancer research funding, a major American icon, and a philanthropist through his Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Take notes guys!

Click here to read about Armstrong's comeback.

Palin Teen Pregnancy Controversy

Last Friday, Republican presidential nominee John McCain announced his V.P. pick, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. And over the weekend the buzz of a virtually unknown female vice presidential candidate heightened with the news that her 17-year-old daughter is currently five months pregnant.

Once again, the issue of teenage pregnancy has been thrust into the limelight with another high-profile case. Just as the frenzy over Jamie Lynn Spears had died down, Bristol Palin's saga is just beginning.

On Tuesday, I was contacted by The Baltimore Sun for an article they were doing on the controversy. During the interview, I made three main points:

1. I wasn't altogether shocked by the news that Bristol Palin is expecting. After all, I know first-hand that teen pregnancy is not reserved for a certain group of people, a socio-economic class, or a geographic region. It's far too complex for that. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. From Hollywood to Alaska to Virginia Beach, Va. The sooner we accept this and stop making it "their" problem, the sooner we can really make progress in preventing teenage pregnancy and helping young families get on their feet.

2. Which brings me to my second point. We need more support for pregnant and parenting teens! While many people rally behind prevention efforts, there is so little support or funding for helping young mothers get an education, become financially stable, etc. I'm not sure what we're afraid of. Helping young families will not increase the number of pregnancies in teens. Instead it will break the cycles of poverty and teen pregnancy that plague so many families, and it will help the children of these young mothers. It will give them a better chance in life. How can we not support that?

3. Lastly, I hope that Bristol Palin's decision to marry the father of her child is not being forced upon her. I don't believe that marrying for the sake of a baby is the right decision. I joked with the reporter about what the divorce rate would be if we all married the people we were dating when we were 17. Scary thought, isn't it?! Marriage is such an important and sacred thing. Even when two people love each other to death it requires hard work. Everyone suffers - including the child - in an unhappy union.

Bristol Palin is in a good situation. Fortunately, she will not have to "pull herself up by her bootstraps." She has the support of the Palin family, which means she will fare far better than the majority of young girls who find themselves in this situation. I'm hoping that instead of just talking about teen pregnancy, this situation will prompt us to actually do something. Let's look at it differently and stop treating young mothers like pariahs. Governor Palin has recognized that her daughter can't do this alone. She needs help during this difficult time. Don't all young women deserve the same?

To read The Baltimore Sun article, please click here.

Wishing you love and blessings,

Nicole