I Got 99 Problems But Smiles Ain’t One!

August 30, 2016August 26, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 32 Comments

According to Marilyn Monroe, a smile is the best make up any girl can wear.

I’ve been thinking recently about all the things that make me smile – all the little things that I post weekly about. Smiles are so important to me and I don’t think we do it often enough – at least, I don’t think we do stuff intentionally in order to make ourselves smile.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, nor time consuming – just a small act of self love to bring a smile to your face. Scientifically even a fake smile can do you the world of good. Just taking time to notice the stuff that makes you happier and intentionally including more of it in your every day can increase your happiness.

Every month I challenge myself to do something new – read about my previous challenges here.

This month I am going to SUPERSIZE my Its the little things series and come up with one thing every day that has made me smile.

And I want you to join in too!

Here’s the challenge for you:

I’m challenging all of my readers to experience one thing every day for the month of September that is guaranteed to put a smile on their faces.

Just ONE thing that puts a grin on your face and a giggle in your heart.

Some of my favourite ideas include:

~ finding time to read ~ a beautiful photograph ~ a candlelit bubble bath ~ a new lipstick ~ fresh flowers ~ laughing ~ sending ‘Have a lovely day’ texts ~ a surprise gift ~ anonymous cakes at work ~ hugs ~ a walk in the sunshine ~ finding the perfect quote ~ finishing a project ~ a trip to the library ~ eating my favourite food ~ going the extra mile for someone ~ coffee dates ~ colouring ~ watching old movies ~ starting the day with positive affirmations ~ or exercise ~ my favourite mug ~ doggy snuggles ~ making someone else smile ~ coordinating stationary ~ spending time with loved ones ~ being creative ~

If this feels hard, too foreign or a waste of time. Don’t forget…

It’s so worth a little effort.

And a final thought for you to carry with you today…

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These are all fabulous reasons to make yourself smile. Remember they’re contagious too!

If you want to join in, it starts September 1st.

Link your posts back to this one so that I can share in all your smiles. Place my Cheshire Cat proudly on your blog too.

I’ll be posting daily throughout the month too and if you’re on Twitter, use #itsthelittlethings and let’s start a revolution!

Can’t wait to see how you all get on!

Writing on your blog…is that even allowed?

August 29, 2016August 23, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ Leave a comment

Poets don’t draw. They unravel their handwriting and then tie it up again, but differently.

Jean Cocteau

Thankyou to Adelina from The Living Me for inviting me to take part in this challenge!

I do a challenge each month and although I’d already planned my playlist one, this one caught my eye because how often do you get chance to show your writing on your blog? So, two challenges in one month?

My blog. My rules.

Speaking of rules…here are the rules:

💛 Write your name
💛 Write your blog name
💛 Write your favourite word and its definition
💛 Write something nice
💛 Write the name of your favourite song right now
💛 What you’re writing with?
💛 Write a fun fact about yourself
💛 Write/ draw your favourite emoticon
💛 Write a silly message
💛 Write who you’re inviting

Answers:

Your name: Nicky

Your blog name: the shimmer within her

Favourite word: Beautiful – possessing qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about etc

Something nice: I believe we are all amazing!

My favourite song right now: It’s amazing! By Jem

Writing with: a boring pen!

Fun fact: I love reading teenage fiction!

Favourite emoticon: 🙂

A silly message: May some day you find the peanut to your butter!

I invite:

Sparkle with UC

Bedlam and Daisies

Pretty Charms

I hope you enjoyed something a little different.

I did. It was fun.

Any time you get asked personal questions, you have the opportunity to learn a little more about yourself. I started this blog with a dream of helping others find out who they are and who they’re destined to be. With a little soul searching and reflection I believe everyone can become more confident in the beautiful person they truly are.

So have fun with this!

What have you done lately that you’ve not done before or done simply for the fun of it?

Let me know below 💛

Nicky xo

Monthly Challenge Playlist poetry: #3 The Funky Edition

August 27, 2016September 4, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 4 Comments

This is where I come when I need my spirits lifted, desire a dance party for one or am generally feeling nostalgic.

This playlist is a feel good one, I saved the best ’til last.

If you don’t like what you see here

Now I will tell you what I’ve done for you

Do you have the time?

Can’t stop, addicted to the shindig

It starts with

Come here, baby

It’s just one of those days

Cut my life into pieces

I hate the rain and sunny weather

Until the break of Dawn

Songs

Get the funk out – Extreme

Going Under – Evanescence

Basket Case – Green Day

Can’t Stop – Red Hot Chili Peppers

In the End – Linkin Park

Crazy – Aerosmith

Break Stuff – Limp Bizkit

Last Resort – Papa Roach

Everything About You – Ugly Kid Joe

Original Prankster – The Offspring
I’ve had a blast with this challenge and I’ve enjoyed sharing my eclectic taste in music with you all!

Thanks again to Kristian, who was the inspiration for this post. Read this post and this one if you’re interested in my other playlist poems.

Have you ever created poetry using a random method? Have you ever used music as your inspiration for writing?

As ever, I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts. Let me know below 💋

Monthly Challenge Playlist Poetry #2: Anyone up for a bit of sass?

August 12, 2016September 4, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 2 Comments

Sassy; confident or showing confidence

This is my go-to playlist for when I’m getting ready to go out or need to dance around the kitchen on my own. It’s the one I listen to when I’m generally feeling proud to be a woman!

The Sassy Females Playlist edition

A fire’s gotta burn

They tried to make me go to rehab

I’m in the business of misery

Who made up all the rules?

There’s only two types of people in the world

I suppose I should tell you what this bitch is thinking

Can you keep up?

She got a body like an hourglass

After all you put me through

Please don’t come around talking bout that you love me

Songs

Amen – Halestorm

Rehab – Amy Winehouse

Misery – Paramore

They – Jem

Circus – Britney Spears

Hard Out Here – Lily Allen

Lose My Breath – Destiny’s Child

Bang Bang – Jessie J

Fighter – Christina Aguilera

There you go – Pink

Again, not a bad piece of poetry eh? Totally created by the first line from the first ten songs in a playlist when you hit shuffle. I dunno about you, but I think this poem has more than a little sass to it! And I’m not apologising for having a Britney song in there!

Check out this post about the playlist shuffle game if you fancy a go and want to know how I got started!

What’s your go-to song for when you’re strutting a little sass?

Let me know below…

Have fun!

Monthly Challenge: Creating Poetry From My Playlists

August 4, 2016September 4, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 11 Comments

Looking for inspiration to create poetry – look no further than your iPod!

Seriously!

I thought I’d have a bit of fun with this month’s challenge as it’s the holidays.

I got the idea for the playlist shuffle game from Kristian. If you’ve not played before you basically put an iPod playlist on shuffle and write down the first line of the first ten songs that play to create a poem.

This is my gym playlist so it’s pretty heavy and a little risqué! But it’s actually not a bad poem…