tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13751868319431857302024-11-01T05:19:38.735-04:00 give. inspire. create. connect. Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-16620052863342842212017-08-17T10:17:00.000-04:002017-08-17T10:17:25.039-04:00

Nine years ago this month, we were so poor. I remember, the first cross-word my husband and I had was over rather or not he could by a McDonald's hamburger.  We were joyful newlyweds in our small and cozy, one-bedroom apartment.  We had so many dreams, goals, and plans.  Our heads were in the clouds riding high on our love...until our money ran out.  And then life hit us

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-408439529434753272017-08-05T19:26:00.000-04:002017-08-05T21:34:02.302-04:00

Dear Friend, It's in a moment like this one, when I am so happy our plans didn't work out in the way we hoped. . A few months ago, we decided to minimize our lifestyle, sell our large home, move into an apartment, and invest our  earnings.  We desired to be debt free, live a simpler life, give more, and have more time and money on our hands to create more memories for our sons. .

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-67900637081423757082017-07-21T09:41:00.005-04:002017-07-21T10:57:56.623-04:00

WOOT!! We're celebrating nine years in business because of your awesome support throughout the years!  Please join us for our virtual Customer Appreciation Event! (Click on the picture below) Thank you, Xo Nicole

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-31986122280673744382017-05-09T19:48:00.002-04:002017-05-09T19:48:32.586-04:00

"Success is not defined by the quantity of actions taken, but the quality of actions taken toward accomplishing your goals." Hi there!  Can we start a conversation around the subject of decluttering?  So lately I have been STUCK!  My creativity has been stagnant, my energy has been sapped, and I have been feeling just plain tired!  So much has been going on in my

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-58579321851347050462017-01-20T01:20:00.003-05:002017-01-20T01:32:54.442-05:00

During the year, and especially in January, I focus on my vision and goals for the year.  I take time to revisit my dreams and reshape the ones which are no longer congruent with my vision and purpose.  I have accomplished so much in 2016 by using the following 6 Easy Steps Toward Achieving ANY Goal, and I wish to share them with you: 1.  SHOW GRATITUDE At the

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-62616225313198079312016-10-14T08:49:00.000-04:002016-10-14T09:30:54.955-04:00

The Shift in perspective... when clarity is born of uncertainty when reality becomes defined and the eyes of the soul become clear only then can we see, experience, and acknowledge TRUTH. The Shift is paramount to growth whether it is spiritual, mental, emotional, or physical. For the mind and heart to embrace new beliefs, new ways of thinking, a change in current motives, ideals, and

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-21309789900221361602016-09-30T12:16:00.003-04:002016-09-30T12:19:08.470-04:00

(Photo Credit: Pinterest) Today, I have nothing to say. No profound words of Journaling wisdom. No advice or exciting writing tip. I just want to sit still, be silent, and BREATHE. Today, I have no desire to stare at Facebook to see the latest article on business, the cutest kitty pictures, or my neighbor's luxury vacation. I just want to sit still, be silent, and BREATHE. Today, I have

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-17424753582314657162016-09-21T23:22:00.001-04:002016-09-21T23:36:51.754-04:00

How many times have you worked really hard, where you put all of your strength into a project, situation, effort or another person only to feel unappreciated? The feeling of being unnoticed for your efforts or for your time can be discouraging. A giving person puts her time, emotions, energy, spirit, mind, and body into those she loves or into that for which she is passionate.  

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-90510737726305162412016-09-16T08:39:00.001-04:002016-09-16T08:47:58.209-04:00

(Photo credit: Google) Silence... There is something majestic in the silence of the morning.  The stillness.  The quietness.  The calm repose. The hush in mind & spirit that transcends that of the chaos of the day. A preparation of strength and wisdom is found in this silence. When the mind is still, dreams rise to the surface. When the heart is still, truth

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-57167637575828446542016-06-02T20:47:00.000-04:002016-06-02T20:47:58.134-04:00

This is the best month of the year! I love June so much because of its warmth and beauty. Because nature is in full bloom. Because it is my birthday month!  This month, I am all about celebrating ME, all that's beautiful in my life and in my world. I have a lot to be thankful for.   So many times we can focus on all the negative situations in our lives, but if we choose to

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-10116328204037687312016-05-23T11:36:00.000-04:002016-06-02T21:32:13.442-04:00

I am sitting in the parking lot of my husband's orthopedic doctor's office. He recently sustained a knee injury while playing basketball and has been out of work for a week. I'm sitting here thinking and praying about bills and finances, fighting off the clutches of worry and anxiety. Maternity bills, medical bills, co-pays, pediatric bills, ridiculous insurance...the thoughts race through

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-21707903439974142452016-03-31T07:14:00.000-04:002016-03-31T07:14:28.901-04:00

Dear friends, as of today, I will be unplugging until May 1. Journal Junky will be on vacation status until May 1 as well. I desire to spend more time connecting with myself-with my family, with God...I desire stillness in mind, body, and spirit. As women, we give and give of ourselves, but no one can give from an empty cup. I will take this time to recharge and refuel. It is taking much

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-58510907055875115922016-03-08T19:51:00.001-05:002016-09-16T08:41:51.089-04:00

Imagine being so excited, filled with anticipation and energy! Imagine being elated to actually do something you have always wanted to do-but there's just one little problem... A Poem You've practiced the part Of the awesome host You've prepared a dinner better than most You've cooked You've baked You stayed up so late For this awesome opportunity -this dinner date Your guests, they arrive

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-90871078466895830262016-03-01T00:16:00.000-05:002016-03-01T00:16:12.376-05:00

A large part of our mission here at Journal Junky is to encourage and inspire others to capture and share their stories.  I came across this article that spoke to the importance and the benefits of sharing your story. If we are going to impact the world for the better, we must tell our stories. In fact it's the most important story we can tell. Your story has the power to change

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-75913826691246155792016-02-29T23:58:00.002-05:002016-03-01T00:07:58.586-05:00

moving forward now excited for the future taking one huge leap

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-40831120187563266422016-02-16T09:49:00.001-05:002016-02-16T10:04:19.824-05:00

Morning Journaling Thoughts: Sometimes all you can do is work with what you have. You can spend so much time and energy "perfecting" a skill or ability, when truthfully, all you need is already there within you. Look at your skills, abilities, and talents. Look at your dreams, passions, and desires. Use what you have and GO! DO something great! BEGIN something today! Everything else will

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-12050009755146892062016-02-08T01:17:00.000-05:002016-07-19T18:02:15.285-04:00

I am soooo excited to have finally accomplished the goal of hosting my first Journal Junky Home Party/Gathering! Woohoo! This is how it happened... Last Thanksgiving, I was nuts enough to host a Journal-a-Day giveaway in appreciation to my customers and supporters. If you remember from an earlier post, I was giving away a free journal every single day for 30 days. I went crazy. I think it was

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-62962880193255441672016-02-03T15:00:00.000-05:002016-02-03T15:00:00.251-05:00

These are my goals for the year! 1. To live a quiet & peaceful life (no drama or extra stress) 2. To build & cultivate my personal and business relationships 3. To write more letters (at least one a week) 4. To write everyday, and hone my writing skills 5. To connect with someone special everyday 6. To start a local business woman's networking group 7. To increase my business by leaving

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-82022607385907897392016-02-03T11:09:00.000-05:002016-02-03T12:01:39.698-05:00

It's a new year! A fresh start, a clean slate. For many of us, the new year holds so many hopes and desires. So man y promises, and dreams. We feel motivated to start new things and to accomplish new or existing goals.  Unfortunately, we also fall behind in our new and exciting endeavors within two weeks! I have found that writing my goals down on paper (instead of keeping them in the

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-62032538784221038742015-11-10T10:04:00.001-05:002015-11-10T10:04:44.201-05:00

This morning's thought comes from my brother David Lamar: There may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren’t the way you had hoped they would be. That’s when you have to tell yourself that things will get better. There are times when people disappoint you and let you down. But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments and opinions,

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-21785606848358869592015-11-04T09:23:00.001-05:002015-11-04T09:23:39.154-05:00

I just wanted to share this interesting article today: NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH National Gratitude Month is an annual designation observed in November . Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you.”  Gratitude’s amazing powers have the ability to shift us from focusing on the negative to appreciating what is positive in our lives. Practicing daily gratitude

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-90792066674498683922015-10-31T13:14:00.001-04:002015-10-31T13:19:52.896-04:00

I was inspired to write the SPROUT journal by a fabulous young lady named Gray. Her mom, Jennifer is a customer, whom I reconnected with through Instagram. From her posts of Gray, I fell in love with the little girl.  She just seemed to be so full of energy, so creative, and her smile simply expressed the joy of life! I finally had the awesome opportunity to meet Jennifer

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-1373941013151313602015-10-31T10:09:00.002-04:002015-10-31T10:52:30.674-04:00

Last week I had a random moment. An idea to share Journal Junky with others! I love journaling. I believe in the power of writing to create ideas, to heal, to help one become a better person, to connect with ourselves, to connect with others, for inspiration... So I decided to share my passion with others by starting a 30-day giving campaign. During these 30 days, I plan to give away 30 journals

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-3707429756703538042015-10-28T02:44:00.001-04:002015-10-28T04:02:25.165-04:00

In light of sad news I received yesterday, I needed to journal my thoughts: Life is short. It quickly becomes the essence of memories. Of un-accomplished dreams.  A fleeting breath caught up in the whirlwind of agendas, of ambitions, of moments, of life...until it flows no more. What words are uttered between those fleeting breaths? What if we just have a certain number of breaths

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375186831943185730.post-12216055370414951012015-10-23T11:47:00.000-04:002015-10-23T11:47:25.071-04:00

MY INSPIRATION: This book was inspired by the death of my last maternal grandmother last year. I only inherited her silver and her vintage cookbook. While these things I cherish, I realized that while she told her life stories while she was living, I had no record of them in her death. Both of my dear grandmothers were awesome story tellers, and I wish I would have been able to record them all.

Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11769333503863338151noreply@blogger.com3