NICE Site: 88 Ways To Make A Stranger Smile

My friend, Bryan, posted this link on his Facebook page this morning. I love it! Making people (strangers, acquaintances, best friends, WHOEVER!) smile should be something we strive for every day. And like I always say, it doesn't take massive amounts of effort. The simplest things can make a big difference.

88 Ways To Make A Stranger Smile

These are some of my favorites on the list:

10. Send flowers to someone anonymously.
11. Be a courteous driver. Let people merge in front of you.
17. Send letters of appreciation to business owners/managers and other people who support you.
35. Wave to a kid in the car next to you.
48. Stop and buy a drink from a kid’s lemonade stand.
57. Say “Please” and “Thank you.”
69. Acknowledge people for a job well done.
82. If you see a couple taking a self-pic, offer to take the picture for them.
86. Make yourself available and approachable.

Which ones resonate with you? Number 35 reminds me of when I was a kid and how exciting it was when you'd wave at other cars and someone would finally wave back at you. Anything you'd add to the list? I think I'd add "Ask someone who looks lost or is looking at a map if they need directions."

NICE Giveaway: TEDxPhilly

Things are WILD right now! This past weekend I participated in Startup Weekend Philadelphia and had the best time of my life! Short story: I had an idea for an app, pitched it, formed the most incredible team ever who made the thing in a weekend, and took 2nd place! Woot! FYI, it will be launching for realz in a few weeks. :)

In addition to that, I have so many events going on this and next month, that I'm hoping I can make it to the holidays without burning out. But hey, I liked to be busy. One of the things I'm most looking forward to is TEDxPhilly on November 8th (my mom's birthday, holla). I'm making the assumption that most of you are familiar with TED, but if you're not, definitely check out their site. So last year, I went to our local TED event, TEDxPhilly, and it was beyond inspiring! Listening to these motivated, do-gooders discuss their passions was electrifying. And I can't wait to experience it all again! The theme for this year is The City.

And because the TEDxPhilly people are so fantastic and super NICE, they have donated a ticket to the event to give away right here on my blog! Now, I know the majority of you aren't in the Philly area, but if you are, or if you can be on November 8th, then you have the opportunity to win a free registration (normally $100) to the event at the Temple Performing Arts Center.

To enter, and since this is a Philly event, leave a comment telling me "What makes Philly so NICE?" (Don't forget to include your email address.) Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Philly as the 3rd rudest city in America, but I personally think it's pretty awesome! So I want to know what YOU think makes Philly a nice city to live in, work in, or visit.

For me, it's all about the events. You know I like to do as much as possible, and in Philly, there's always something going on. Concerts, lectures, festivals, events like TEDxPhilly. I could do something amazing every day if I wanted to. And I kinda do. :) So get YOUR entries in and I'll draw a random winner next Friday, October 28th. Good luck!

NICE Assignment: Make something for someone

Hi everyone! How's your October going so far? This fall has been one of the busiest ever for me. So many things to see, people to meet up with, events to attend. I really love having a packed schedule, although it can be exhausting. This upcoming weekend I'm participating in Philadelphia Startup Weekend. I'm a little (okay a lot) nervous. I think it's going to be intense. But I'm hoping that by the time it's over, I'll have gained some skills, some friends, and maybe a new project.

The one problem with keeping busy is that I'm slacking on my hobbies. I used to love crafting for hours and hours on end. Still do, but I haven't made anything in a while. My friends and I signed up for a knitting class starting next month, but in the meantime, I'd really like to get back into making crafts. So I think I found the perfect thing.

My friend Eric was awesomely nice and sent me a copy of Quirk Books new release, Microcrafts: Tiny Treasures to Make and Share. I love this so much! First of all, miniature things are infinitely more adorable. And because they're small, they take less time, space, materials, etc. I could totally get into this.

I thought it might be fun to repay Eric's kindness by making some microcrafts for others. And that'll be an encouragement for me to get back into crafting.

Today's Assignment: Make something for someone

Everyone loves a personal gift. Handmade items are the best because it involves so much more than just opening up your wallet. They really mean something because they require time and patience and love. And it's perfect if you don't have much expendable income. Why not surprise someone in your life with a piece of macaroni art, or maybe a sock monkey, or even a card. It doesn't have to be fancy. Try out something new!

As a big fan of bookbinding, I think I want to try my hand at these mini books. How adorable, right??

(photo from Microcrafts)

So what do you think? If you could make something for someone, what would it be and who would it be for?