Hot Foods for Hot Dates!

Hey guys,

As you know, we've postponed GS Radio shows until September, but I still wanted to share some hot date tips with you (July's theme was supposed to be "Hot! Hot! Hot!").

I stumbled across this article which highlights great date foods. My favorites: fondue, sushi, and strawberries...

Check out the article: http://food.yahoo.com/blog/foxyfestivities/23053/best-foods-to-heat-up-date-night/

I'm getting hungry! :)

Nicole

What Can You Offer a Child?

This week's GS Radio show asks the question, "Are You Ready for Motherhood?"

We thought it was a great topic considering that we celebrate Mother's Day this month and that May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. Also, there are so many women out there who are wondering if it's the "right time" to have a child.

One of the questions I suggested people ask themselves before having a child is, "What Can I Offer?"

I don't mean financially. I mean emotionally and spiritually. Often times when we think of bringing a child into the world, we think of it in terms of what that child can bring into our lives. In other words, how can it enhance our existence? How can it makes us happier? The real question is, how can we enhance their existence? What can we offer this human being in terms of our beliefs, perspective, outlook on the world, etc.?

What we sew into our children will dictate what they put out into the world. So if we offer them them selfishness and anger, then that's all we can expect them to give to others. Think about what dominates your life right now - what are the things you put the most time and energy into? Those are the things you can offer your child.

For those of us who are already mothers and parents, let's remind ourselves of this question every day. Children are sponges. What are our children soaking up?

Nicole

Good Money Advice

Hi guys,

This month on GS Radio we've been focusing on "Surviving the Economic Times." It's been a great topic during a really crazy period. I've been using some of the tips we've talked about like finding fun things to do for free and focusing on untapped sources of income. It's been great!

We were able to give away two great books from Lynette Khalfani-Cox, a money guru: Zero Debt for College Grads and Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom. (We're still giving away the second book! Want to win it? Sign up for The NicoleInk Newsletter by May 1st, and you'll be entered to win!)

And here are some more great words of wisdom on how much of our income we should be saving, spending, and putting toward bills!

- 10% of your income should be going to savings (any surplus should also be going to your savings)

- 30% of your income should be spent on fun stuff (getting your nails done, shopping, going out to eat, etc.)

- 60% of your income should be going toward your fixed bills (mortgage, rent, car note, etc.)

(Advice courtesy of Lynn Richardson author of Living Check to Monday: The Real Deal About Money, Credit & Financial Security)

Nicole

Check Out Our New Podcast!

Hey guys,

I'm so excited to announce that we're finally launching our new weekly show, The Gloriously Simple Guide to Life. It will be a downloadable podcast hosted by me and my good friend and Engagement Manager, Kendria Reynoso. The show is all about SIMPLE and effective ways to improve every area of our lives - finances, health, relationships, etc.

Not only will the show be informative, but it will also be fun, and you'll have a chance to win great give aways! Our first give away is a $100 gift card to any bed & breakfast in the country!

The show also has an online community via our Facebook group page - GS Radio. There you can meet other listeners, submit show ideas, and enter contests. So sign up!

Go to the GS Radio group now to find out how you can win the $100 bed & breakfast gift card!

To find out more about the podcast, go to our website: http://www.nicoleink.com/podcast.php.

Tune in! We want to hear from you!

Nicole