All Teen Moms Aren't From Poor Homes?

The majority of American adults believe that teen mothers are usually from homes that fall below the federal poverty level, but new statistics from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy show that this is incorrect.

Click here to check out the study.

As a former teen mom who came from a two-parent, middle class home, I'm not surprised.

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/16

Okay, so it's more like, Monday "Afternoon" Mantra!

Yesterday the sermon at church was on being thankful for what God has done in our lives, which - when you think about it - is more than we can ever really grasp. It was a jump-start on giving thanks - something we'll be doing next week over sweet potatoes and turkey.

The sermon resonated with me so much that I thought this week's Mantra should be on gratitude and what an important role it should play in our lives:

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, but the parent of all others." -- Cicero

As you approach Thanksgiving, begin to think about the people in your life who are often under-appreciated.

This week, write a thank you letter to someone who deserves your gratitude.

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday? Click here.

Have a great week!

Love,
Nicole

Mondy Morning Mantra - 11/9

Happy Monday!

After loads of travel, it was so nice to have a laid-back weekend with my family and friends. I even managed to squeeze in a trip to the Smithsonian with the girls on Friday.

This week's Mantra reminds us of what maturity is all about:

"A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably". -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Maturity isn't something that we automatically acquire over time. It takes true effort to be the bigger person and it must be a regular exercise.

This week, work on your maturity and see the difference it will make in every area of your life.

Have a great week!

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each week? Click here.

Love,

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/2

Happy Monday guys!

What an awesome weekend. Saturday Nerissa played in her AAU basketball championship game (they lost, but I was so proud of how hard they played!), we took the girls to Harvest Fest for candy and games at a nearby church, Donte and I watched Transformers: Rise of the Fallen (very good by the way) and I spent Sunday with my mom. I love weekends that are jam-packed with good stuff.

This week's Mantra is all about new adventures and what it takes to embark on them.

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." -- Andre Gide

Ever heard of the phrase "When one door closes, another opens"? Well, this quote is even better. Whenever you face a setback, think of it as a new adventure and remember that great discoveries only happen when we step away from the familiar.
This week, don't be afraid to "lose sight of the shore."

Want to receive our Mantras each Monday via email? Click here.

Have a great week!

Nicole

Products that Help You Relax

I was reading this month's Glamour on my way to Tampa last week, and I enjoyed their article on proven products that help you relax. I thought I'd share some of them...

Matrix Biolage Colorcaretherapie Delicate Care Masque - $20, www.biolage.com for salons

C.O. Bigelow Ginger Mentha Lip Shine Shimmer - $7.50 www.bathandbodyworks.com

Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple - $8, www.essie.com

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Fortifying Shampoo - $4 at drugstores

Try them out!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 10/26

Happy Monday all!

I'm looking forward to a very productive week!

I love this week's Mantra because it is a great reminder that anger and pride do nothing for our progress.

"You'll never succeed if you're distracted by anger and pride." -- Danica Patrick

Take some advice from the woman who has finished higher than any other female in the history of the Indianapolis 500 -- don't let anger or pride get in the way of getting what you want. Stay calm and focused on your goal.

This week, don't lose your cool when faced with a challenge.

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each Monday? Click here!

Have a great week!

Love,

Nicole

I Think Therefore I Am

One of the things I talk about in my new book, The Gloriously Simple Guide to Getting What You Want (due out before the end of the year), is the power of our minds. If you don't begin to think and carry yourself as the embodiment of your goals, your goals will be that much more difficult to achieve. If you want to be a reporter, but you don't envision yourself as one because you haven't landed a reporting job yet, then your confidence will be slim-to-none.

Don't wait for someone else or something else to validate you. Carry yourself as the person you want to be. People will see your confidence and they will believe in you. It's contagious.

Nicole