CNN

Had a fun day at the CNN studios doing a lovely interview. Did several radio/magazine interviews and learned more about myself and Rich. I hope I never sound like I have answered the same question a hundred times when I have. Anyway, it was fun day!

Happy Birthday My Sweet Sister

I didn't think my sister turning 18 would effect me as much as it has. It's so crazy to think I was at the hospital holding her and soooo excited to throw it in my brothers face that it was a girl and not a boy. My brother and I said prayers out loud everyday before school. He would pray for a boy and I would pray for a girl. So I felt like I had the direct connect and God was a little closer to me. I won't say how many years....but when you have a younger sister it's hard to connect when your a teen and she is watching Bobby's world. I didn't realize the connection we had till much later on. I remember my sweet sister took it the hardest when I decided to pursue my dreams and move to Nashville at 18 years old. Now today she is 18!!!! wow wow wow. I am in denial.

So my sweet Devin...I love you so much. I love every moment with you. You always make me laugh. I miss our slumber parties. Your so beautiful and have the world ahead of you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

UGH!

I have been so excited about this trip to London and ended up stuck in bed. I actually slept for 16 hours yesterday. I think my body needed rest from jet lag. I am not equipped for time changes. I'm starting to feel better this evening....but everyone else is tuckered out from having fun. Oh the irony. Anyway, that's all.

Makeup tip!

I have had a fantastic makeup artist in this London trip. She has used this "Lucas Papaw ointment" as my base lip balm. It is intended for cuts, burns and chapped skin but it makes a fantastic lip balm.It is made of papaya. It is natural and free of carcinogens unlike other balms which she said can actually cause you to be addicted to putting your lip gloss on!! I sometimes feel I have to constantly reapply even when I already have lipgloss on. So anyway, if you haven't already tried it pick some up.

MTV

I have always wanted to hold the MTV microphone!! We had a great time today. Saw some beautiful sights in London. My feet are killing me. I have a dinner in 2 hours so I am going to take a nap :)

Wow!!!!

Well, I am sitting in my hotel this morning a little overwhelmed. I had such an amazing/exhausting evening last night. Rich and I had the opportunity to perform at "The Hospital" in London. For as long as I can remember I dreamed of the time when I would go to Europe to perform. So it was a bit surreal. The jet lag is the worst I have experienced in my life!!! For some reason I can't seem to sleep this trip. But in the middle of wanting to pass out I have to keep reminding myself how blessed I am.

We had a dinner with many of the international rep's from Warner Bros after the show. It's insane to talk about future trips to Australia, Italy, France, Finland, Spain, and Rich's favorite rep from Amsterdam. :)

I have been doing the music hustle for a while now. I have to say that oddly enough it is a weird transition to not wake up every morning and wonder what your going to do that day to be a step closer to having a label deal. At first I didn't know what to do with myself. The pressure of knowing music was my only option to succeed in life and I didn't have a back up plan kept me on my toes. It is the craziest feeling to take a deep breath and know you have all these amazing people working on your behalf. You never know how it will play out, but you feel at peace knowing your not the only one making calls and plans.

So I am sitting in my hotel chair listening to Robin Thicke's amazing new record...(Side note: check it out! Rich produced on it and I was honored to write on a song with Rich & Robin). I'm having my hair and makeup done for a full day of meetings, photo's & MTV!!!! woah! It's just crazy folks.

Don't ever give up on your dreams. It may not happen in the timing that is perfect for you....but it happens when your ready. I truly believe if you go after something 100% and don't give up, you will see that your work will not go without reward. I dont even have a record out yet. I don't even know what will happen when it does come out. You hope for the best and that people will also enjoy your work. But I must say in all honesty, my biggest fear used to be not having a chance. My dreams were never to be famous and rich. My dreams were to have the opportunity to try. I feel like I can let go now and know whatever happens will happen. I am just blessed to have a shot.

When I sit here I can't help but feel thankful. I think back to sleeping on any open couch, singing at casinos 4 hours a night doing top 40 hits, eating Ramen noodles, living with Mom & Dad again, being told I was a nut and it was time to find a real job and stop wasting time....now I say...Thank God for all of it. It's all in the journey. The appreciation that comes in the subtle affirmations of kind hearts, the undeserving mindset you have when someone takes the time to get you ready, the anticipation and excitement of a future that is unknown and hopeful are all direct results of being in humble circumstances that might embarrass you in the moment and challenge you. But It's only in the fire that you can be refined.

I was challenged this week by my partner in crime (Rich). Oddly enough for as handsome as the guy is he has the greatest advice to give and wisdom above and beyond what I think he even knows he has. We were talking about the idea that because you have worked so hard you feel deserving and entitled to having success. And as much as you feel you have worked for something you should always walk through it with a spirit of humility and grace. Your mind can go to a place where you feel "I deserve this! I worked hard!!" But he reminded me of all of us as a whole. So many people work their whole lives and never get a break. Some people can't find reprieve from difficult circumstances. So having an attitude of appreciation no matter how hard you've worked or what you've sacrificed is the only way to go.

If you have made it through all this rambling, I thank you. I just feel so Thankful this morning.

All my love to everyone.

Nikki

Lip PLumping in London

 

  So, I decided to experiment with a Duty-Free purchase of lip plumper. I was in the NY duty free on my way to London and saw Sovage Instant Lip plumper serum. I have decent sized lips but every girl likes an extra pout. It cost's $25 at duty free. Which I feel they are always slightly overpriced on everything to make up for being tax free. 

Well Rich and I are in London. We were hanging out and I look horrible from jet lag so I asked him to be the guinea pig for the Sovage lip plumper. 

The verdict: It gives a nice tint from pulling  blood to your lip surface. Rich thinks it's plump-tastic. For a few minutes. I wouldn't recommend if you really want drastic change. For a nice shade and short term color its good.

Nikki :)