girlymama

what is beauty? *GIVEAWAY*

*giveaway is now closed. congratulations to comment #34 - stephanie!*

Having two girls that are rapidly growing up, I've been confronted lately with how I can raise them to look beyond outward appearances. Even at the young age of seven, my daughter is becoming aware of her looks: becoming opinionated about her clothes and worrying about her hair, asking me if the outfit she picked out looks cool. It worries me. She wants to cut her hair because "no one has very long hair like me" and worries "Does this match? Is this shirt okay, Mom?" I want to tell her everyday how beautiful she is... but I don't want to have her thinking that is what is most important.

But this is our society. Our daughters are bombarded by artificial beauty - airbrushed, surgically enhanced, dangerously thin people dominate television, movies and magazines. Rather than celebrating differences, we accept a standard of beautiful (that is unrealistic) and mercilessly compare ourselves to it. Does anyone feel they are beautiful enough? Or thin enough? 

I'm not judging - Heaven knows I struggle with this myself and I should be old enough to know better. What can I possibly do for my daughters? The only way I can think to combat this in my daughters is to fill them with Truth.

• I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
• Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Prov 31:30
• Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.  1 Peter 3:3-4

So this is why I loved the newest VeggieTales movie called Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart. Its a fabulous movie that teaches girls  the real value of true beauty and that God loves them just as He made them. The exact message I've been trying to embed into my little ones! I loved this video and so did my little girls. They thought it was so wonderful and they hardly noticed that they were learning such an important lessons.
Honestly, I was practically in tears during this one - it was just such a fabulous message that I want to instill in my little girls. Every little girl should watch this!

Check out the trailer here. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. I cannot recommend this one enough!

VeggieTales is giving one lucky Girlymama reader a copy of Sweetpea Beauty!
Here’s how to enter:
Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment sharing how you encourage the children in your life to see their inner beauty.
Extra Entry #1: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me you subscribed to Girlymama's feed by email or in a reader.
Extra Entry #2:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog or Facebook, or  Tweeting about it.

Contest ends Friday, August 13th. Entries such as "Enter me" or "I want to win" will NOT be counted. Winners will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions. If I don't hear from the winner in 48 hours, I will be choosing a new winner. 

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of Sweetpea Beauty for review purposes. I was not compensated financially for this post.  As always all opinions are mine.

why i decided to buy a nook

Thanks so much for all of your votes this week on my Father's Day gift!! You voted overwhelmingly for an eReader and I agree - I think that was the best choice and I was leaning towards that. I've spent the last week or two researching eReaders and today I finally made a decision and went to Best Buy and bought the Nook.

There were several reasons I chose the Nook over the other eReaders on the market:

• Besides having the biggest bookstore by far (from which you can download wirelessly for free), the Nook has the best access to all kinds of content.
• It can display the EPUB format (so you can read FREE titles from your public library and from Google) as well as PDFs, photos, and MP3 audio files.
• I loved the LCD touchscreen along the bottom because, frankly, I'm a sucker for a touchscreen.
• Not only can you borrow books from the library, but on the Nook you can loan books to friends - legally - which you can't do on the Kindle.
• The Nook has games as well, like chess and Sudoku.
• The Sony Reader is nice, but in order to get the wireless feature you  have to buy the top-of-the-line model.
• The Nook also lets you read the entire eBook library for free, as well as sending you special coupons and discounts, when you're in a Barnes and Noble store. Bonus! We love Barnes and Noble!

I gave it to my husband and he was really surprised! (REALLY surprised!!) I was so excited that I started telling him how awesome the Nook was and why I picked it and he told me that maybe I should go work at Best Buy ;-) We're still loading it up with books and playing with it, but so far its awesome!!! Husband is loving his new gadget (now I just have to sneak it away from him so I can give it a try!)

disclosure: i received a gift card from best buy to buy a fathers day gift for my husband. i was not compensated financially for this post.

blog it forward to fight hunger

**I'm reposting this now that my comments are actually working! Please leave a comment and help us fill local food banks!**

When we look around the world, we are constantly reminded of how lucky we are. No one can argue that we have incredible abundance here in America. It is shocking that, even here, people are going to bed hungry.

In fact, more than 36 million Americans go to bed hungry every night – 12 million of them are children. That is 11% of US households. When I look around my comfortable little suburb of Philadelphia, its hard to imagine. Surely, this isn’t happening not in my neighborhood. I will never forget last year when I saw the guy who bags my groceries waiting in line at a food pantry. I was floored. Floored. This man who I saw every week, who always had a smile for me and my kids, who always offered to help me to my car, needed help. You never know who is in need, who is going to bed hungry.

And, according to Feeding America, nearly 18 million children received free or reduced lunch. How are these children being fed during summer vacation? The holidays aren’t the only time to remember the hungry. Food banks need our support in the summer too! A $1 donation can purchase 10 pounds of food from a food bank.

This month, I’m joining 100 local bloggers and ShopRite Partners In Caring to raise awareness and help fight hunger in our area. ShopRite partners in Caring supports local emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, child care centers, battered women’s shelters, senior programs, drug rehab centers, programs for the mentally and physically disabled, after school programs and other organizations that support those in need in ShopRite communities. Every time a customer purchases products with the ShopRite Partners In Caring shelf tag, they support the brands that support the fight against hunger. At ShopRite, customers are not just filling a grocery bag; they are helping to fill empty bowls for thousands of hungry families in your community.

General Mills and ShopRite will donate one box of cereal to a food bank in ShopRite’s trading area for the first 30 people who comment on this post! Leave a comment and help fight hunger.

perfect promotion for the germ-a-phobes mamas!

Recently the nice folks at Forte Promo sent me an antibacterial pocket spray to test out:
 

What they say about it:

• 0.25oz (8 ml) of our hand sanitizer in a convenient mini-sprayer with clip cap.
• Fits nicely into your pocket, handbag, or tote.
• Available in your choice of 13 cap colors
• Your organization/logo is added to the side.

What I say about it:
Great. Great, great, great!
I've never seen hand sanitizer in a spray form before. While I don't consider myself a huge germ-a-phobe, I am a hugefan of hand sanitizer. HUGE.
Some of you may remember that we took our kids (ages 3 and 4 at the time) to India. We brought lots and LOTS of hand sanitizer and used it constantly. And none of us got sick. Not a single case of "Delhi Belly". Not even a cold. And I was sold on hand sanitizer forever.
When I was in India (and sometimes in gross places in America), I would put some hand sanitizer on a tissue and use it to clean off the table or grocery cart or something. But this spray would be PERFECT for that!! Its a great size, easy to use, smells nice, doesn't leak and is super convenient.
This would be a fabulous promotional item for any organization! I would keep one in my purse constantly. I highly recommend it!

What they say about it:

• 0.25oz (8 ml) of our hand sanitizer in a convenient mini-sprayer with clip cap.
• Fits nicely into your pocket, handbag, or tote.
• Available in your choice of 13 cap colors
• Your organization/logo is added to the side.

What I say about it:
Great. Great, great, great!
I've never seen hand sanitizer in a spray form before. While I don't consider myself a huge germ-a-phobe, I am a hugefan of hand sanitizer. HUGE.
Some of you may remember that we took our kids (ages 3 and 4 at the time) to India. We brought lots and LOTS of hand sanitizer and used it constantly. And none of us got sick. Not a single case of "Delhi Belly". Not even a cold. And I was sold on hand sanitizer forever.
When I was in India (and sometimes in gross places in America), I would put some hand sanitizer on a tissue and use it to clean off the table or grocery cart or something. But this spray would be PERFECT for that!! Its a great size, easy to use, smells nice, doesn't leak and is super convenient.
This would be a fabulous promotional item for any organization! I would keep one in my purse constantly. I highly recommend it!

be a recessionista: part two

If you remember, last week I had the opportunity to take part in a chat with style expert and TV personality Sam Saboura hosted by Clorox 2 called "How to Be a Recessionista: Style Tips for the Season."

My next buring questions to Sam Saboura were:
So I just bought a maxi dress, thinking I was being trendy, but now I'm hearing that the maxidress is the equilivant of the mom jean! Really?
Maxidresses can be very stylish and very versitle. They can be dressed up or down easily. Throw it on over your bathing suit or pair it with sandals and a bold necklace or layer on a jean jacket.
The most important advice he has regarding the maxi dress is to work that neckline! Halters are flattering on most body types. This is the one I bought from Target, in my attempt to be trendy, which is very cute and very affordable ($20):
 
Avoid this style at all costs, which is flattering on almost no one. Even models:
 

Have any suggestions for finding workout clothes that are still cute enough to wear in public?

Sam had a lot of suggestions! Champion's line at Target and Beyond Yoga are two of his favorites. I personally love Old Navy's yoga line and Athleta. I'm always looking for workout clothes that I can wear to the grocery store without being embarrassed. But, I confess to practically living in yoga pants. (I KNOW! Shame!)
Sam says comfortable is a dirty word!!! Remember, even when you're wearing something comfy like workout clothes or a maxi dress or your fav jeans and a white tshirt, you can always be stylish -- add a scarf to a tshirt and jeans or a cool necklace to a tanktop and skirt. Don't use "being comfortable" as an excuse give up your style!

Here's my attempt to style up my usual tshirt and jeans:
Scarf from Forever 21, $5
Non-Black tshirt from Gap, $8

What do you think?
What is your favorite way to add a touch of style to your everyday outfits?

be a recessionista: this seasons hottest trends

This past week, I had the opportunity to take part in a chat with style expert and TV personality Sam Saboura hosted by Clorox 2 called "How to Be a Recessionista: Style Tips for the Season."

So fun!!! I learned so much from him that I just have to share it all with you! So for the next few weeks, I'll be sharing his answers to my burning fashion questions.

First of all, can I just tell you how amazing it was to hear a celebrity stylist telling us to 'not splurge' and head out to our local Target or H&M? Usually, a magazine's definition of "budget" is $100 for a t-shirt - whatever! These were style tips for real women that we could really use!

Sam's number one tip on saving money on fashion? Taking care of what you have is one of the best ways to save money!! Are you like me and you end up buying new white tshirts every season (because yours got stained again) and new black shirts? (because yours are now so faded or -worse- they don't match! Non-matching black! ACK!)
Treat your stains! Spend a few pennies extra to protect your colors with Clorox 2, which fights stains and keeps them from fading and looking old. Wash your jeans inside out in cold water and with Clorox 2 to keep them from fading, then hang them to dry. Don't waste your money replacing what you already have - where's the fun is that?

Anyway, my first question to Sam: What are this seasons hottest trends?

1. bold color: bright peach/coral, reds, greens and ocean colors
Don't go crazy! Limit yourself to wearing two colors at most per outfit, maybe adding a third color with an accessory.
2. ruffles! fun!! you don't have to go all girly-girly: if you're timid, pair them with simple jeans or a fitted blazer or cardigan.
3. lightweight layering Try a long tank with a cardigan and scarf, or a jean jacket over a maxi dress
4. accessories, accessories and accessories! Accessories are an easy, inexpensive way to update your wardrobe. Plus, they're a great way to try trends without overdoing it!

So I did a little interneting and came up with these:

How cute is this cardigan from Old Navy? I love the detailing and the bold color. Adorable over a tank with a skirt or jeans - adding a funky necklace would make it even cuter!!

  

I'm not a real "ruffle-y" kind-a girl, but Kohls has this cute sweater that adds ruffles without feeling too frilly:
or if you're little more daring:

Sam recommends Forever 21 for accessories - and he's right! They have trendy, adorable accessories, most of which are under $10. Look at this adorable necklace for $8:

I could post the 20 other things I loved, but lets save that for another post ;-)
 

What trends are you trying this summer?

picnic with a purpose

This weekend we attended Picnics with a Purpose, sponsored by The Motherhood and Hebrew National. First of all, a HUGE thanks to Jo-Lynne who planned and shopped and organized her tail off for this event! She did a great job! The venue was perfect!
Our picnic collected donations and did service projects for The Home of the Sparrow, an incredible organization who supports moms in need of emergency housing. We had the kids decorate crates to carry the loads and loads of donations we collected and also planted flowers for the residents:
    
There were crafts, face painting (courtesy of mommy-blogger, Elizabeth) which was a HUGE hit with my girls, and, thanks to Hebrew National, there was loads of food. Not only did my kids totally gobble up those yummy hot dogs,  but they also sent Hebrew National t-shirts for the kids. How cute is Colin??? (This is appropiate, seeing as he could eat nothing but Hebrew National hot dogs and be blissfully happy!)
   

  
I had my little helper on my back. He spent most of the picnic either on our backs or eating hot dogs. And chalk. He loves to eat chalk for some reason.
Our kids had a blast at the picnic - and not just because of the hot dogs and face painting! We have a great community of bloggers here in Philly and they have a great group of kids! My girls are already asking if there is going to be another picnic soon!!

 
Colleen, Stephanie, Jo-Lynne, Mel, Whitney, Melissa, Kim, Beth, Shannon, Amy, Sarah, Megan ...I'm sure we missed some people in the picture, but it was great to see everyone again... and super fun to see everyone's kids! We read about each other's children all the time on each other's blogs - how fun to meet them all in person!

You can see many more pictures on the Picnics with a Purpose flickr page.

great gift ideas for the start of summer

My mom has a shop on etsy now called Popham Lane, that I've been meaning to tell you about. But now I just HAVE to, because look what she has added:
Personalized Beach Towels! 
 
You choose the towel color and type of fabric (flowers, ballerinas, puppies...) and for only $15, you have a totally unique gift! Wouldn't these be great for camp or swim lessons?

And - if you're looking for teacher gifts, she has fabric lunch bags - for eco-minded teachers - and check out these cute, cute aprons for $15:
 

And, if you think my quilts are nice, you should see hers. If you're looking for a baby gift or a wedding gift, she's your girl! How beautiful is this quilt?
 

story fort digital childrens books

The nice folks at Story Fort contacted me recently to see if I would be interested in looking at their newest addition to their line of interactive digital books for kids.  Since my kids love books of all kinds and are always asking to play computer - which I'm often conflicted about - a digital book seemed like a great match for us!
We read "What is Bothering Carl?",($15) about a cyclops named Carl whose laid back life is disrupted by a single nuisance. We get to follow along as Carl tries to solve his problem.

Here's that they say about it:

• Story Fort was founded by Andy Hull, a former toy designer at Melissa and Doug.
• Specializing in interactive digital books for kids ages 3+, Story Fort features books designed to engage young readers' imaginations and encourage their sense of learning.
• Books feature a full (optional) audio narration by the author, as well as highlighted phrases to help your child read along and illustrated keywords to build vocabulary.
• Two original songs with animated music videos and a bonus memory game with 3 difficulty levels.

What we say about it:

I was concerned when I got the book and realized it was about a monster. With two little girls, we live in a pink princess land over here, so I wasn't sure that my girls would even be remotely interested in a book about a cyclops. But, they LOVED it.
They read it three or four times, then wanted to play the memory game and watch the music videos. They were both singing along with the music and Ellie - who is 6 - was reading along with the narration. I had to force them to stop playing and go to bed! My kids' only complaint was that there wasn't more. They said they wished there was another story and more games to play.
We've had it on our computer for a few weeks and they have been asking to play "What is Bothering Carl?" more than any other game that we have. (They're even asking for that instead of nickjr.com!)

As a mom, I thought this was a great product. My kids are both learning to read right now, so I'm always on the lookout for products that will help them build vocabulary and practice reading. This is NOT a mindless computer game! Plus, the instructions were so clear, the girls needed no help from me to read the book or play the games, which was wonderful. Some other "preschool" computer games we've tried were much too complicated and left the girls (and mommy) annoyed and frustrated. This is perfectly age appropiate. And it was so cute!  Look at this screen shot:
 
It is bright, colorful and FUN. I highly recommend this if you have a preschooler and are looking for learning tools or computer activities. As a former preschool teacher, I would have loved to have this in my classroom at the computer station!! (This would be great to add to your summer bridge activities!) I'm really looking forward to Story Fort's next book!

You can purchase "What is Bothering Carl?" at www.storyfort.com

can a promotional diaper bag actually be cute? yes it can!!

Recently the nice folks at Forte Promo sent me an adorable diaper bag to test out. Look how cute this is:

What they say about it:

• Large main compartment with zip closure and a large exterior pocket. 
• Includes a colorful changing pad and has several interior compartments.
• Long handle for easy shoulder carrying.
• Your organization/logo is added to the side.

What I say about it:
Remember that ugly free diaper bag they gave you at the hospital or your doctor's office? That you brought home, took out the coupons and immediately threw the bag out?
This is not one of those bags.
This bag is great - large enough to lug around all the necessary baby gear, but it doesn't feel like you're carrying a duffel bag. The interior features tons of compartments for organizing your things and the straps are the perfect length - fits perfectly over your shoulder and they're not so long that your bag drags on the ground when you sling it over the handles of the stroller.
The included changing pad folds and fits perfectly. It is cushy for baby's bum, fully washable and big enough to use with a squirming toddler. 
One thing I really love is that this bag doesn't scream "I'm a diaper bag!" so even when your kids get older, it would still be useful. I'm thinking the fully lined interior would make it perfect for toting along to swimming lessons at the pool this summer!
These bags can be personalized with your organization or business logo printed on the side. Perfect for any organization catering to young moms!! Its so cute that this is one free bag that moms will actually use!